Two influencers were today jailed in an Indonesian immigration centre awaiting deportation from Bali after they recorded themselves defying mandatory mask-wearing by painting face coverings on themselves.

The US-based YouTuber Josh Paler Lin and Russian influencer Leia Se had their passports seized on Friday after they filmed themselves painting a blue surgical mask on Se and entering a supermarket with it.

They applied the make-up after store security initially turned away the maskless Russian but somehow managed to get in with the fake version.

Lin, a Taiwanese passport holder whose YouTube channel specialises in prank videos, and Se, who has over 25,000 Instagram followers, sparked outrage with the stunt with virus cases and deaths climbing in Bali.

Police said it was 'only proper' to deport the pair for breaking Indonesia's Covid-19 laws.

YouTuber Josh Paler Lin and Russian influencer Leia Se (centre) were jailed in an immigration centre awaiting deportation from Bali after they recorded themselves defying mandatory mask-wearing with some imaginative makeup

The US-based YouTuber (back) and Russian influencer (front) were ordered off Indonesia's resort island on Friday after they posted a video showing themselves duping supermarket guards with a painted surgical mask

In the video, Lin expresses surprise that few people seem to notice Se's fake mask.

'Did you notice like no one's actually looking at you?' Lin exclaimed. 'I can't believe it worked!' he said in the video posted two weeks ago.

It has since been taken down from his social media accounts but has been reposted elsewhere.

Although first-time violators of Bali's mask-wearing rule face fines of 1 million rupiah ($70) for foreigners and deportation after a second offence, the police wanted them removed off the island immediately.

'It's only proper to sanction them more severely, not just with a fine but also deportation,' said Bali's civil service police unit head Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi.

'They are not only violating, but deliberately provoking in public to defy health guidelines.'

The pair had shown remorse and apologised through Lin's Instagram video.

'I made this video to entertain people because I'm a content creator and it's my job to entertain people,' Lin said.

'However, I did not realise that what I did could actually bring a lot of negative comments,' he said, advising people to always wear masks and encouraging tourists to return to Bali.

The viral video of Leia Se (left) and Josh Paler Lin (right) has since been taken down from his social media accounts but has been reposted elsewhere

Leia Se (left) and Josh Paler Lin (right) had their passports seized on Friday awaiting deportation from Indonesia over the prank

The social media influencers (front left and front right) later posted a video, appearing alongside their legal team (pictured), to apologise for the prank

Lin is a Taiwanese passport holder whose YouTube channel specialises in prank videos and is followed by 3.4 million fans. Se (pictured) has over 25,000 Instagram followers

Jamaruli Manihuruk, who heads the Bali regional office for the Justice and Human Rights Ministry, said that Lin and Se to be deported as soon as possible after they are tested for COVID-19.

'Foreigners who don't respect the laws and regulations in Indonesia are facing deportation sanctions,' Manihuruk said.

He said Lin and Se will be placed in a detention cell at the immigration office while waiting for their flight.

In January, authorities in Bali deported Sergei Kosenko, a Russian social media celebrity, after he posted a video of himself driving a motorcycle with a female passenger on the back off a pier into the sea.

The stunt was condemned by many Indonesians as reckless and a potentially hazardous to the environment.

Indonesia has been the hardest hit south-east Asian country, with 1.6 million cases of Covid and almost 45,000 coronavirus-related deaths.

Leia Se expressed remorse over the prank in an apology video filmed with lawyers and posted online
YAKUTSK, Russia -- A court hearing has started in Russia's Siberian region of Yakutia to decide on the forced "treatment" in a closed psychiatric institution of a shaman who has been stopped by authorities several times in his attempts to march to Moscow by foot to drive President Vladimir Putin out of the Kremlin.

Aleksandr Gabyshev's sister, Kyaiyylana Zakharova, told RFE/RL that the hearing started on April 30. Gabyshevs lawyer, Olga Timofeyeva, said that the hearing may last several days.

Timofeyeva added that state experts said at the hearing that her client poses an "extreme danger" to society and "needs to be forcibly treated in a specialized hospital under permanent supervision."

About two dozen supporters of Gabyshev gathered in front of the courthouse in the regional capital, Yakutia. They were not allowed to attend the hearing as it is being held behind closed doors.

In March, the court found Gabyshev "mentally unfit" and said he should be placed in a psychiatric clinic. The ruling was challenged by Gabyshev's lawyers and supporters, who say it is an attempt to silence dissent.

In February, police launched a probe against Gabyshev, accusing him of a "violent act against a police officer" when he was forcibly taken from his home to a psychiatric clinic in late January.

Police said at the time that the incident between Gabyshev and a law enforcement officer took place on January 27, less than three weeks after the shaman had announced his plan to resume his trek to the Russian capital to drive Putin out of the Kremlin.

In April, Zakharova told RFE/RL that her brothers health had dramatically deteriorated, most likely, she said, due to unspecified injections he had received while in the psychiatric clinic.

Gabyshev first made headlines in March 2019 when he called Putin "evil" and announced that he had started a march to Moscow to drive the Russian president out of office.

He then walked more than 2,000 kilometers, speaking with hundreds of Russians along the way.

As his notoriety rose, videos of his conversations with people were posted on social media and attracted millions of views.

In July 2019, when Gabyshev reached the city of Chita, he led a 700-strong rally under the slogan "Russia without Putin!"

At the time, Gabyshev said, "God told me that Putin is not human but a demon and has ordered me to drive him out."

His march was halted when he was detained in the region of Buryatia later in September 2019 and placed in psychiatric clinic in Yakutia for several months against his will.

His forced stay in a clinic was equated by many with a Soviet-era practice used to muzzle dissent.

Shamans have served as healers and diviners in Siberia for centuries. During the Soviet era, the mystics were harshly repressed, but in isolated parts of Siberia they are now regaining prominence.
[April 29, 2021] FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Celebrates Small Business Month with Social Media Takeover

CARROLLTON, Texas, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Small Business Month, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. , franchisor of FASTSIGNS, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, is hosting a social media takeover across their brand channels throughout the month of May. With a focus of businesses empowering and supporting each other to come back stronger than ever, posts will highlight the expansive capabilities that FASTSIGNS has by featuring comprehensive projects from several industries including education, healthcare, restaurants and retail, and property management. Last year revealed that the 30.7 million business owners in America can truly make a difference when they support and rally around other local businesses. By working together, small businesses kept communities safe, fed, entertained, engaged and moving forward. One aspect of the Small Business Month mission highlights companies who desire to witness the growth and success of other small businesses. Franchising provides a way for entrepreneurs to invest in themselves and open their own small business, using a proven model and access to unique expertise in the space. As businesses slowly come back, locally owned and operated FASTSIGNS centers have proudly supported and empowered fellow businesses in their communities every day across the country. Catherine Monson, CEO at Propelled Brands and FASTSIGNS International, Inc., and Chair of the International Franchise Association dedicates her time, energy and resources to herald small businesses as she has led not only her own network but other franchise organizations through the uncharted waters of 2020 and 2021. "At FASTSIGNS, we support Small Business Month, because the franchise world is made up of small business owners across the globe who are in business for themselves, but not by themselves," said Catherine Monson. "We recognize the value of each and every one of the business owners we represent--and the IFA represents--and the important role they play in the economic landscape of our country." To learn more about the Small Business Month at FASTSIGNS, visit www.fastsigns.com . About FASTSIGNS FASTSIGNS International, nc. is the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 750 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS centers in 9 countries including the United States and Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, the Dominican Republic and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE). FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive signage and graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, promote their products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touchpoints.



FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500 ranks FASTSIGNS as #44 overall  the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100  for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. In 2021, FASTSIGNS was named one of Franchise Direct's Top 100 Global Franchises and Franchise Gator recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the Top 100 Franchises . In 2020, Entrepreneur magazine named FASTSIGNS a Top Growth Franchise and one of the Top Franchises for Veterans . Additionally, FASTSIGNS was ranked on Franchise Times' annual Top 200+ list and Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS one of its Top Franchises for Second Careers and Top Franchises for Veterans . In 2019, the brand was named to America's Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. Franchise Business Review has also recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the "Best of the Best" for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years, as well as one of its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchises lists in 2019. FASTSIGNS has also received the Canadian Franchise Association Franchisees' Choice for 8 consecutive years. In 2021, Propelled Brands was formed, the corporate umbrella that includes FASTSIGNS, SIGNWAVE in Australia where FASTSIGNS centers operate under the SIGNWAVE brand, and NerdsToGo, an emerging IT services franchise brand acquired in September 2020. With a focus on business-to-business franchises and the people behind those businesses, Propelled Brands will help each franchise confidently navigate forward based on their unique position, momentum and purpose.

Learn more about sign and graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com . Follow the brand on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fastsigns , Twitter @FASTSIGNS or Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS . For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or call 214.346.5679). Contact:

Leah Edwards

FASTSIGNS Corporate Communications

214.346.5792

leah.edwards@fastsigns.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fastsigns-international-inc-celebrates-small-business-month-with-social-media-takeover-301280666.html SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

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(CNN)  The best thing about President Joe Biden is that he's old. And that means he can remember a time before  and not just before the rightward swing of former President Donald Trump or even the centrism of former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

He remembers a time before small-government proponent former President Ronald Reagan, when Democrats stood before the country and said unabashedly that a big and bold government was exactly what the country needed.

And that makes Biden an old fashioned New Deal liberal in all of the best ways.

The number of times that Biden said "jobs" on Wednesday night -- over 40 -- was almost worthy of parody. But in some ways, it was as if he was making up for what's been missing in government for decades. Americans, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, suffered significant job loss. And Biden fully believes that job creation is one of the most basic functions of government.

He also believe green jobs can be a part of the solution. The Green New Deal has appeal not just because of climate change but because of the potential job opportunities it offers. Biden said as much: "For me, when I think climate change, I think jobs."

The last president who pushed solar energy, Jimmy Carter, said Americans were being too self-indulgent and needed to move away from fossil fuels. During the energy crisis of the 1970s, when supply shortages led to skyrocketing gas prices, Carter told Americans this directly: "In a nation that was proud of hard work, strong families, close-knit communities, and our faith in God, too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption."

However, instead of pushing alternative fuels as economic stimulus and job creation, Carter, the moralizing Sunday school teacher and centrist Democrat, was shaming Americans for their consumerist ways. That went over like a ton of bricks.

Still, despite Carter's shortcoming, he and Biden have remained close, and on Thursday, the President even visited him at his home in Georgia. But Biden has also learned from Carter what not to do when selling an idea to the American people.

On Wednesday night, Biden understood that he had to offer -- and provide -- something more palatable. He reached back to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt because he was the president who, like Biden, was unflinchingly a proponent of the little guy.

With one in four Americans out of work, Roosevelt came into office during an incredibly challenging point in US history. In the days after his election, as he was planning for an unprecedented growth of government to rescue the unemployed and transform the nation, Roosevelt confided to Frances Perkins, the first female secretary of labor, "my hope is that I can accomplish something worthwhile for the man at the foot of the ladder."

And, in his 1933 inaugural address, Roosevelt asked for "broad executive powers against the emergency, as great as the power that would be given to me if we were invaded by a foreign foe." The era of big government had arrived.

Fast forward to the 21st century and Obama spent much of his administration talking about growing the country from the "middle out." But, on Wednesday, Biden went one step further -- saying it was not just about helping the middle class, but also about lifting up the poorest. "My fellow Americans, trickle-down economics has never worked. It's time to grow the economy from the bottom up and from the middle out."

In a 1932 radio address, Roosevelt invoked "the forgotten man at the bottom of the economic pyramid." And nearly 90 years later, Biden was reaching for those Americans, too, when he described the over $2 trillion American Jobs Plan as "a blue-collar blueprint to build America."

He didn't spend time talking about the value of going to college and getting middle class jobs. Biden spoke about getting good paying blue-collar jobs. "Nearly 90% of the infrastructure jobs created by the American Jobs Plan do not require a college degree."

What's more, these "good paying jobs" should be protected by the strength of unions. Now there's a throwback. When's the last time a president made a full-throated defense of unions in a speech to a joint session of Congress?

But Biden's been advocating for the little guy since his first year in government -- 1973 -- when the years of postwar boom came to a crashing halt and the energy crisis set in.

Truck drivers, who transported the nation's fuel and food across America, were struggling to pay the soaring gas prices. When they rose up in protest, Biden was with them. Literally. He hopped on a big rig, traveled some several hundred miles from Delaware to Ohio, and said he knew why they felt "angry and frustrated." They has been "left out" and mistreated -- and politicians has an obligation to help them.

And that's what Biden did so brilliantly on Wednesday night. He stood before a hurting nation and said that government has a duty to help. And if Congress -- and the American people -- support his administration's initiatives, "There is nothing ... nothing we can't do."

This story was first published on CNN.com 'Joe Biden is old. Here's why that's a good thing'
New Delhi: The exit poll findings released on Thursday (April 29) don't look very exciting for the Congress, as except in Tamil Nadu, the Congress is unlikely to wrest power in any of the remaining four states/UT that went to the polls.

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said that the exit poll projections for West Bengal are on the expected lines.

Speaking to a news agency, Salman Khurshid said, "The BJP had carried out an expensive and high-decibel campaign in Bengal, using everything at its disposal, but the people there generally believe that despite the shortcomings, the government led by Mamata Banerjee has empowered them for some time."

"Mamata Banerjee would hold her ground -- this was the impression I got when I visited the state," he added.

West Bengal Exit Polls results (Total seats  294):

The battle of Bengal seems to be much closer than other states. While, ABP News - C Voter predicts a win for Mamata Banerjee's TMC, Republic-CNX and India TV-Peoples Pulse show BJP having the edge.

Zee News Maha Exit Poll:

BJP - 144, TMC  132, Congress+  15, Others  1

Republic-CNX:

BJP - 138-148, TMC  128-138, Congress+  11-21, Others  1-3

ABP News  C Voter:

BJP+ - 109-121, TMC  152-164, Congress+  15-25, Others  0

INDIA TV - Peoples Pulse:

BJP+ - 173-192, TMC  64-88, Congress+  7-12, Others  0

TV9 - Pollstrat:

BJP+ - 125-135, TMC  142-152, Congress+  16-26, Others  0

India Today - Axis My India:

BJP+ - 134-160, TMC  130-156, Congress+  0-2, Others  0-1

The exit poll shows that despite losing grounds, the Trinamool will still manage to win 158 seats, 10 more than the magic figure of 148.

The exit poll shows data for 292 seats in West Bengal, as elections in two seats were withheld after the deaths of the candidates.

The exit poll shows that the Left, which had ruled the state for more than three decades, is likely to be reduced to a marginal player, despite having a pre-poll alliance with Congress.

The alliance of Congress, Left and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) of Furfura Sharif`s influential cleric Abbas Siddiqui is projected to win 19 seats, 59 less than what it had won in the last polls.

The exit polls projected a seat range of 152 to 164 for the ruling Trinamool, 109 to 121 for the BJP and 14 to 25 for Congress and its alliance partners.

The exit poll shows that the Trinamool is expected to secure 42.1 per cent votes. In 2016, the party had got 44.9 per cent votes, marking a dip of 2.8 per cent in its vote share in this year`s poll.

The vote share of the BJP, which has emerged as the main challenger to the ruling Trinamool, is expected to witness a huge jump of 29 per cent from 10.2 per cent in 2016 to 39.2 per cent in 2021.

The exit poll shows that the vote share of the Left-Congress combine is expected to see a huge decline of 22.6 per cent from 38.0 per cent in 2016 to 15.4 per cent in 2021.

(with inputs from IANS)

Live TV
When FBI agents knocked on the door of Rudy Giulianis Manhattan apartment just after dawn on April 28, they brought with them search warrants to seize computers and devices like cell phones from the former U.S. attorney and personal lawyer to former President Donald Trump.

Among the things U.S. investigators were looking for, according to multiple news reports: Giulianis communications with powerful Ukrainian tycoons and government officials.

And so again, 21 months after the Ukrainian government was sucked into the vortex of U.S. politics and the first bruising impeachment trial of Trump, Kyiv is again being pulled back in.

Giuliani has not been charged.

But if his legal problems, which he and his attorney have dismissed, were to result in an indictment, many of his interactions with current and former Ukrainian officials would likely be made public, subjecting Ukraines own political world -- and potentially some of its more sordid, corrupt corners -- to new scrutiny.

There are a lot of people here who could give testimony against Giuliani, said Anatoliy Oktysyuk, a political analyst at Democracy House, a Kyiv think tank. A lot of people dealt with him over the years.

In his radio show on April 29, Giuliani was defiant, lashing out at the Manhattan U.S. Attorneys Office, which the former prosecutor -- and later New York City mayor -- used to head decades ago.

What have they done? he said. Nothing, except come after me at 6 oclock in the morning with a piece of nonsense.

A Campaign Against An Ambassador

Giulianis work in Ukraine goes back at least to 2017, when he consulted for the legendary mayor of Kharkiv, Gennadiy Kernes, who died recently after contracting COVID-19. A Ukrainian-Russian real estate developer named Pavel Fuks was instrumental in setting up the deal.

But it was Giulianis work in 2019 that was crucial to the events that were central to Trumps first impeachment and reverberated in the campaign for the 2020 presidential election that the incumbent lost to Joe Biden.

In April 2019, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, was abruptly recalled from Kyiv by the State Department. In later testimony during the impeachment trial and other congressional hearings, it emerged that Giuliani, the presidents personal lawyer, played a key behind-the-scenes role in pushing for Yovanovitchs ouster.

That effort involved two Soviet-born businessmen, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, who were charged by U.S. authorities in October 2019 with violations of U.S. campaign finance laws.

Those allegations include charges that Parnas and Fruman donated to and promised to raise more money to benefit a congressman who was involved in the effort to oust Yovanovitch.

She had been the focus of intense criticism from Trump allies, including Giuliani, who complained that she was hindering efforts to reopen an investigation into Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company that had been under scrutiny by Ukrainian prosecutors.

Among Yovanovitchs actions that allies of Trump had criticized: her refusal to grant a U.S. visa to a Ukrainian chief prosecutor named Viktor Shokin whom Biden, when he was vice president, and other European officials saw as corrupt and ineffectual. Shokin was fired in 2016.

Bidens son Hunter was on Burisma's board of directors at the same time as his father was vice president. He reportedly received $50,000 a month to be a consultant and a member on the board before he left in May 2019.

But Yovanovitch was also the object of ire from other Ukrainian officials and businessman. According to The New York Times and other U.S. news organizations, U.S. prosecutors have explored whether Giulianis efforts also came on behalf of Ukrainian officials.

That would potentially be a violation of the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Neither Parnas nor his lawyer Joseph Bondy responded to text messages seeking comment. Yovanovitch, who left the State Department entirely, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Burisma Again

According to files released by the U.S. House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, Parnas and Fruman were in regular contact with Giuliani and Ukrainian prosecutors in the first half of 2019, about Yovanovitch as well the Burisma case.

In May, one month after Yovanovitch was recalled, Giuliani planned to travel to Kyiv, but then called off the trip after it became public.

The event that sparked Trumps first impeachment came two months later: a July 25, 2019, phone call with Zelenskiy, in which Trump appeared to condition future U.S. aid to Ukraine on Zelenskiy ordering a new investigation into the Bidens. A whistleblower revealed that millions of dollars in congressionally authorized aid was being held up by the Trump White House; the outcry that resulted led to the White House releasing the aid.

In December 2019, the Democrat-led House of Representatives impeached Trump; the Republican-led Senate later acquitted him.

That same month, Giuliani traveled to Ukraine, along with a film crew from the right-wing TV network One America News. During the trip, he met with Andriy Derkach, a member of Ukraines parliament who used to be affiliated with a pro-Russian bloc.

Derkach, whose father was a KGB officer in the Soviet era and then later became the head of Ukraine's intelligence agency in the late 1990s, was hit with financial sanctions by the U.S. Treasury Department in September 2020, saying he "has been an active Russian agent for over a decade, maintaining close connections with the Russian Intelligence Services."

Last month, the U.S. intelligence community released a report on election meddling that said Derkach's actions were likely directed by the Kremlin, possibly by Russian President Vladimir Putin himself. The report also singled out a documentary shown on One American News called The Ukraine Hoax hosted by a Republican operative.

Ukrainian Gas, U.S. Charges

In his December 2019 trip to Kyiv, Giuliani also reportedly met with Dmytro Firtash, a Ukrainian magnate who made billions of dollars in Ukraines notoriously corrupt natural gas industry and who was indicted by U.S. officials in 2013.

He has been fighting extradition from Austria, where he lives. As part of that legal effort, he had hired a Democratic-connected lawyer named Lanny Davis to assist in his defense. Davis registered as a foreign agent under U.S. law.

However, in 2019, Parnas and Fruman, at Giulianis behest, had persuaded Firtash to change lawyers, to a husband-and-wife legal team well known in Republican political circles: Victoria Toensing and Joseph DiGenova. They did not register under U.S. law.

In September 2019, Firtash made a series of wire transfers totaling around $1 million from a Russian bank. The recipient, according to documents filed by U.S. prosecutors, was Lev Parnass wife.

That same month, an affidavit by Shokin, made at Firtashs behest, circulated in some U.S. news media. In it, Shokin claimed that Biden had wanted him fired as a way to protect his son -- but stated he did not have evidence of this, saying only that he assumed that Burisma had been supported by Biden.

The following month, Parnas and Fruman were arrested as they were boarding a Vienna-bound flight at Dulles airport in Washington, D.C.

Parnas later said publicly that Firtash's help in the effort to damage Biden came in exchange for their efforts to prevent his extradition and make his U.S. legal troubles disappear.

"For us to be able to receive information from Firtash, we had to promise Firtash something," Parnas said in a January 2020 interview on NBC TV. "So, for Firtash, it was basically telling him that we knew his case was worthless here and that he's being prosecuted for no reason. And that basically, it could get taken care of."

On the same day that Giulianis home and offices were searched, FBI agents also searched the Washington-area home of Toensing, seizing her cell phone.

Ms. Toensing was informed that she is not a target of the investigation, a spokesperson said in a statement released to the media after the searches. She has always conducted herself and her law practice according to the highest legal and ethical standards.

Firtash later switched lawyers back to Lanny Davis, who in April registered again as a foreign agent under U.S. law.



Davis, and his co-counsel Dan Webb, issued a rare statement to the press on April 30 on behalf of Firtash, saying that he never authorized anyone to be involved any investigation in Ukraine into the Bidens.



Mr. Firtash has said that he was sucked into this internal U.S. fight without his will and desire. He did not provide any dirt-digging efforts, the statement said. Doing so might have helped Mr. Giuliani, he said, but it would not have helped him with his legal problems. Mr. Firtash reiterates that did not have any information, did not collect any information, and did not finance anyone who would collect that information.

Will Criminal Probes Be On Blinkens Agenda?

In May 2020, as the U.S. presidential campaign began to take shape, Derkach held an extraordinary news conference in Kyiv, where he released excerpts of phone calls between Biden and Zelenskiys predecessor, Petro Poroshenko.

The edited recordings, however, did little to bolster Derkachs arguments. Zelenskiy later said that prosecutors opened a criminal inquiry into the origin of the leaked tapes, and Poroshenko himself said they had been fabricated.

The U.S. intelligence community report from March said Derkachs release of the recordings was part of his plan to secure the reelection of former President Trump.

A report by the Republican-led Senate Homeland Security Committee later concluded that Hunter Bidens work for Burisma was problematic, and noted it had alarmed some officials at the U.S. State Department. But the committee provided no evidence that Biden had improperly handled U.S. policy toward Ukraine.

Giulianis legal problems pose a new risks for Zelenskiy, who has studiously tried to avoid getting sucked into the pitched U.S. political battles.

Volodymyr Fesenko, an independent political analyst, told RFE/RL that Zelenskiy has benefited from a warmer approach to Ukraine under the Biden administration. The White House gave strong backing to Zelenskiy in the recent fears over a massive building up of Russian troops on the eastern Ukrainian border.

But Biden was slow to call Zelenskiy after taking office in January -- something Fesenko and others have ascribed to an apparent desire in the White House for Zelenskiy to push for criminal investigations into some of the Ukrainian officials.

Zelenskiy has already started pressuring some of Ukraines oligarchs, include his longtime patron Ihor Kolomoyskiy, who met with Parnas and Fruman in 2019 but concluded they were frauds.

The leaked phone calls that Derkach released was one major area ripe for investigation, Fesenko said, since it involved potentially illegal wiretaps or the distribution of classified information.

Oktysyuk, the analyst at Democracy House, predicted that the subject of Ukraine opening criminal investigations would come up when U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to Kyiv next week.

The Guiliani case could end up being a positive for Zelenskiy and his government, giving him reason to open investigations against Derkach or other tycoons, Oktysyuk said. Its likely to come up during Blinkens visit. I have no doubt about this.
India on Friday reported a net increase of 85,414 in active cases to take its count to 3,170,228. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 16.80 per cent (one in 6). The country is second among the most affected countries by active cases. On Friday, it added 386,452 cases, the most in a day yet, to take its total caseload to 18,762,976. And, with 3,498 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 208,330, or 1.11per cent of total confirmed infections.

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The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office has charged a Northampton couple with a variety of offenses after finding nearly $1 million in drugs and several guns in an apartment in the borough, a news release and court papers say.

A search warrant was served Wednesday morning at 326 E. Eighth St., Apartment 11, by attorney generals office narcotics investigations agents and a Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team, the news release said. More than 21 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, valued at $968,200; 25.5 grams of suspected fentanyl, valued at more than $4,000; several pounds of suspected marijuana, paraphernalia consistent with drug sales, six functionally assembled ghost guns in addition to five rifles, three handguns and $6,668 in cash were recovered, the attorney generals office said. The drugs all drew positive field tests, court papers say.

Ghost gun parts, along with Nazi paraphernalia, were also found, the news release said. A ghost gun is either homemade or is altered to lack a proper serial number.

Tara Gallucci.Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office

The investigation focused on Christopher Weikert, 34, who lived in the apartment with his girlfriend Tara Gallucci, 34, court papers say.

After the warrant was served, Weikert and Gallucci were seen driving by the apartment, the attorney generals office said. The vehicle fled borough police and Weikert eventually got away on foot, court papers say. Galucci was taken into custody near the apartment, authorities said.

Gallucci was arraigned Wednesday afternoon before District Judge Robert Hawke on charges of possession with intent to deliver drugs (four counts), possession of a controlled substance (three counts), possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm when prohibited (14 counts), the attorney generals office said. Gallucci has convictions for kidnaping and aggravated assault out of Middlesex County, New Jersey, and may not possess a firearm, court papers say.

Nearly $1 million in drugs and several guns were recovered April 28, 2021, when the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office and state police served a search warrant in Northampton.Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office

Her bail was set at $1 million and she was housed in Northampton County Prison pending a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled 9 a.m. May 14 in Hawkes courtroom in Lehigh Township, records show.

Weikert, whose burglary conviction out of Lehigh County means he cant have firearms, faces the same charges, records show.

People have the right to feel safe in their homes and in the neighborhoods where they live and work  and gun and drug traffickers erode that basic right, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro said in a news release. These traffickers were also carrying ghost guns, which are quickly becoming the weapon of choice for criminals and fueling the gun violence epidemic. We must continue to get these poisons out of our neighborhoods and off our streets.

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.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) walks during a break in the impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump continues in Washington, U.S (Photo : REUTERS/Joshua Roberts)

U.S. senators said on Thursday they expect to pass a law mandating a major shift in how the military handles cases of sexual assault, after years of thwarted efforts to take prosecution of such cases out of the hands of commanders.



Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat who has championed the policy shift for much of the past decade, led a group of Democrats and Republicans introducing legislation to make prosecution of such crimes the responsibility of independent military prosecutors.



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"This legislation is not partisan and it is not political," said Gillibrand. She first introduced the "Military Justice Improvement Act" in 2013.



The senators noted that the Department of Defense said almost 21,000 service members were sexually assaulted in 2018, despite efforts to end sexual harassment and assault among the troops.



Gillibrand introduced the bill with a group of Democratic and Republican co-sponsors, who said they expected it would become law. "I'm going to predict that by the end of this Congress, we're going to pass this bill, and it's about damn time," Republican Senator Ted Cruz said.



Republican Senator Joni Ernst, a military veteran, became a co-sponsor recently, saying Congress had waited long enough for the Pentagon to change on its own. She said the bill would send an essential message that sexual assault would be punished, even if a local commander is inclined to overlook the issue.



"Once that sexual assault has occurred, you can't go back. You can't change what has happened and you will relive that moment of your life over and over again," said Ernst, an assault survivor.



An independent commission on sexual assault set up by the Pentagon recommended last week that the military take the decision to prosecute cases out of the chain of command. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has not made a decision, as he consults leaders of the military branches.


By Angus Kress Gillespie

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It was the first interstate agency ever created under a clause in the U.S. Constitution that permits compacts between two states with congressional approval. The Port Authoritys area of jurisdiction was called The Port District, a 17-county bi-state region within a 25-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty? Well, you might say, So what? Why should we care about this? Allow me to explain why I think this is important.

The compact between the two states gave the new agency sweeping potential power. It allowed the Port Authority to take on multiple facilities. Typically, in the past, most authorities took on a single project, such as a bridge or a road. The authority would issue bonds, collect revenue, and then pay off the bonds. When everything was paid for, the project would be given to the city or the state, and the authority would quietly go out of existence. This was a new kind of authority, a mega-authority, if you will, that would never go out of business as long as it could keep coming up with new projects.

Over the last 100 years, the Port Authority has built and maintained a remarkable portfolio of projects. Most of us never stop to catalog them. The one that first comes to mind is the Port Authority Bus Terminal because of its name. Most of us just call it the Port Authority. Everyone knows what we are talking about, though one of my elderly aunts always called it The Port of Authority, which kind of makes sense. Suffice it to say, there is a long list of projects that include bridges and tunnels, not to mention airports and seaports. This regional infrastructure is the backbone of our regions economic strength, and it supports many good-paying jobs.

This upbeat assessment stands in marked contrast to the overall state of our nationwide infrastructure. Just last month, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave U.S. airports, roads, waterways, and other systems the grade of C-, a reflection of its dim view of the situation. This organization issues such a report card every four years, based on some 18 categories including bridges, dams, drinking water and hazardous waste. Thomas Smith, the executive director of the group, said, that grade is not something to be particularly proud of. Theres a great need for improvement. The report went on to state that, in order to earn a B grade, the country would have to invest $2.6 trillion over the next decade.

Why is it that were getting such poor report cards every four years? Most Americans agree that we need good bridges, safe drinking water and roads without potholes. Yet, when we look to Washington, there seems to be little progress. Bipartisan consensus is hard to find in Washington. Neither Barack Obama nor Donald Trump had much luck in pushing ambitious infrastructure legislation. Progressives tend to come up with grandiose spending ideas, but then conservatives tend to object if the ideas come with tax increases. The result, year after year, is legislative gridlock.

Studies show that the United States is way behind other well-developed nations in our quality of infrastructure. One such study places the U.S. as 13th in quality behind other countries such as Switzerland, Japan, France and Germany. How can we solve this problem? Perhaps, Washington should look to the example of the Port Authority, which lacks the power of taxation.

Is the Port Authority solution ideal? No, but it might offer a solution for some, but not all, projects. When the Port Authority wants to launch a project, they issue bonds. They build the project, and then they charge user fees in the form of rents or tolls. The money collected is used to pay off the bonds. No one pays a penny in taxes. The only people who pay for the facility are those who use the facility.

Naturally, I hope the Biden infrastructure bill is passed by our divided Congress and signed into law. But, if it does not, the different states may wish to consider setting up their own authorities, modeled on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Angus Kress Gillespie, Ph.D., is a professor of the American Studies Department at Rutgers University.

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Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, discusses some of the contrasts between older ship building technology and newer ship technology in 2017 in Miami.
Jssan Carlos Strover, 20, was barefoot, handcuffed in the front of his body and shackled at the waist when he escaped

A murder suspect on the run from police after escaping from custody has been arrested after a local TV crew spotted him hiding in the bushes while covering the story.

Jsaan Carlos Strover, 20, was barefoot, handcuffed and shackled at the waist while being escorted by two Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia.

He was in the process of being extradited to Arizona from Georgia.

Officials say the two deputies removed Strover's leg restraints to walk him down stairs at a rental car facility and he then powered past them.

After a manhunt, a reporter and photojournalist with WSB-TV said they saw Strover while they were driving down a road near the airport at 11.15pm on Thursday

Reporter Matt Johnson said he and Joe Booker were in their live truck when Strover ran by and into some bushes.

After a manhunt, a reporter and photojournalist with WSB-TV said they saw Strover while they were driving down a road near the airport at 11.15pm on Thursday

Reporter Matt Johnson said he and Joe Booker were in their live truck when Strover ran by and into some bushes

Johnson said police were nearby, so they flagged down an officer and then started filming as the suspect was arrested.

Strover was wanted for murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault in Arizona.

He is wanted in connection with a shooting that left one man dead and another injured at a bar in Phoenix on February 19.

He was arrested by US Marshals in the Atlanta area on April 12 on other charges, but was already wanted in Arizona.

Strover escaped custody while in shackles at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia

He had gotten away from two Maricopa County, Arizona, deputies while they were dropping off a rental car at the airport earlier in the day.

Fulton County, Georgia, Sheriff Patrick Labat told reporters Strover had run away after deputies unshackled his legs so he could walk down stairs.

'They removed the leg restraints to escort him down the steps and at that point he pushed past them,' Labat said.

Dozens of officers from multiple agencies had searched for Strover with dogs and helicopters Thursday.
Photo: The Canadian Press European Commissioner for Europe fit for the Digital Age Margrethe Vestager speaks during a news conference on European project in battery value chain at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels.

European Union regulators are accusing Apple of violating the bloc's antitrust laws, alleging that the company distorts competition for music streaming through rules for its App Store.

The EU's executive Commission said Friday it objected to how Apple applies rules in its App Store to music streaming services competing with its own Apple Music service, saying that it ends up costing consumers more and limiting their choices.

One of the main concerns outlined by the EU centres on Apple's practice of forcing app developers selling digital content to use its in-house payment system, which charges a 30% commission on all subscriptions.

The EU's investigation, which followed up on a complaint from the popular music-streaming service Spotify, found that fees end up being passed on to consumers.

A second EU concern is that Apple prevents developers from telling users about cheaper ways to pay for subscriptions that dont involve going through an app.

Apple rejected the charges, saying it was proud of its role in helping Spotify grow into a music streaming giant. The company also noted that Spotify doesn't pay Apple a commission for most of its subscribers.

Once again, they want all the benefits of the App Store but dont think they should have to pay anything for that, Apple said in a statement. "The Commissions argument on Spotifys behalf is the opposite of fair competition.

The EUs competition commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, said while Spotify had grown despite Apple's rules, smaller music streaming players like Deezer and Soundcloud appeared to be hurt by them.

Our concern is that Apple distorts competition in the music streaming market to the benefit of its own music streaming service, Apple Music," she told reporters in Brussels.

Vestager noted that Apple Music isn't subject to the same rules, which hurts rivals by raising their costs, reducing their profit margins and making them less attractive on the App Store.

Apple has 12 weeks to respond to the EU's objections. Under EU competition law, companies could offer to make changes  Vestager indicated she thought Apple should end the infringement" and not do anything that would have the same effect. Or else, companies could be fined up 10% of their annual revenue for breaches, which in Apple's case could run into billions of euros, since the 27-nation bloc is a trading behemoth of 450 million people.

Ensuring that Apple operates fairly is an urgent task with far-reaching implications," Spotifys head of global affairs and chief Legal Officer Horacio Gutierrez said in a statement.

The European Commissions move "is a critical step toward holding Apple accountable for its anticompetitive behaviour, ensuring meaningful choice for all consumers and a level playing field for app developers, Gutierrez said.
In a reversal of what happened during the Great Recession, sales tax collections soared in South Carolina during the COVID months.

The result: more property tax relief in Charleston County this year.

Property owners will see the payoff when tax bills go out this fall in an amount of an $8 reduction for every $100,000 in value of your home.

Rising sales tax collections were not anticipated by the county's budget planners. The state government was also expecting far less but ended up more than $250 million ahead of projections.

We just figured folks would hunker down and not spend money on things that werent necessities," Deputy County Administrator of Finance Corine Altenhein said.

I think what happened, that we didnt see with the (previous) recession, was that people were shopping online," she said.

That's widely agreed upon. Federal relief money helped prop up consumer spending while many people who didn't suffer job losses saw their incomes increase due to federal checks and a roaring stock market.

The offshoot is that online purchases soared.

And, thanks to a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case South Dakota v. Wayfair, the state has had an easier time collecting taxes owed on online purchases. Previously, taxes owed on some online purchases  those involving businesses with no physical location in the state  were only collected if residents disclosed them on state income tax returns.

In late 2020, the S.C. Department of Revenue reported more than $311 million in taxes from online retail sales were collected during the 12 months that ended Oct. 31. That's nearly five times the amount collected the previous year.

The trend appears to be continuing.

The state's Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office has been increasing revenue forecasts, most recently on April 8, and in announcing that update said "changes in consumer behavior coupled with federal stimulus payment have driven an increase in sales tax revenue."

Sales taxes turn into property tax relief in more than half of the state's counties, including Charleston County, where voters have approved a local option sales tax. Extra sales tax is collected, and is used to reduce property tax bills.

Areas popular with tourists particularly like the concept, because it turns tourists' sales taxes into local property tax relief.

The state collects the money, sends it to the local governments based upon where purchases were made, and those governments use most, or all, of the money to reduce property tax bills.

Charleston County is among governments that use 100 percent of the money for tax relief.

In Charleston County, the local option sales-tax credit will be worth an estimated $88 for every $100,000 of property value this year, an increase of $8 over last year. So someone paying taxes on a $300,000 house would save $24 due to the higher-than-expected sales tax collections.

We actually weathered the pandemic better than expected," County Councilman Dickie Schweers said.

The county does not plan to change its property tax rate this year, so there will be a reduction in the total amount property owners will owe the county.

County property tax bills also include school district and municipal taxes, and several fees, so the bottom-line number will depend on more than the county's tax rate and tax relief.

While sales tax collections are up, some local governments have seen sharp declines in tourism-related taxes and fees, such as hotel taxes and parking garage fees. Taxes on prepared food and drinks have also taken a hit.
 Flash

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin [Photo/fmprc.gov.cn]

No country fits the hat of "coercive diplomacy" better than the United States, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a press briefing when asked to comment on U.S. accusations that China engages in "coercive diplomacy" and "economic and military coercion."

Noting Alexander George, a professor at Stanford University, first put forward in 1971 the concept of "coercive diplomacy" to summarize the U.S. policy toward Laos, Cuba and Vietnam at that time, Wang said the United States has demonstrated to the world what coercive diplomacy is through its actions.

"That is, to achieve its strategic goals through the threat of force, political isolation, economic sanctions and technological blockades," the spokesperson added.

"From the perspective of the threat of force, the classic cases of 'coercive actions' by the United States have caused war and human tragedy," Wang said, adding that the U.S. government is not shy about using the term "coercive diplomacy."

"In terms of political isolation and economic sanctions, the United States has been wielding the 'big stick of sanctions' against Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran and Venezuela for years," Wang said.

The previous U.S. administration provoked a "trade war" with many countries, Wang said, adding that U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan wrote that the previous U.S. administration's policy toward Iran "is all coercion and no diplomacy."

In terms of technological blockades, Wang said the United States, in a bid to retain its monopoly in science and technology, ignores the principles of market competition and international economic and trade rules, abuses national security excuses to arbitrarily suppress high-tech enterprises in other countries, and coerces other countries into taking joint actions.

"Whether France's Alstom, Japan's Toshiba and Toyota, the Soviet Union's aerospace industry, or China's Huawei, all of them are vivid examples," Wang added.

Pointing out that the United States deliberately exerts pressure on China, illegally arrests Chinese citizens, suppresses Chinese enterprises for no reason, wantonly interferes in China's internal affairs and coerces and induces other countries to form an anti-China clique, Wang said China is a victim of "coercive diplomacy," not a perpetrator.

"No matter who engages in 'coercive diplomacy,' we are firmly opposed to it," Wang added.

Noting China follows an independent foreign policy of peace, Wang said aggression and hegemony are never in the genes of the Chinese nation.

He said China follows the path of peaceful development and rejects the claim by some that a stronger China is bound to follow the beaten path to seek hegemony.

"Unlike the United States, we have never threatened other countries by force, never engaged in military alliances, never exported ideology, never stirred up trouble on others' doorsteps, never extended our reach into others' homes, never initiated a trade war, and never attacked other countries' enterprises for no reason," Wang said.

"China will, of course, take reasonable and lawful countermeasures to uphold international fairness and justice when its sovereignty and national dignity are threatened or infringed upon," said the spokesperson.

"We will work with all peace-loving countries to oppose all forms of coercion in the world," Wang added.
Two men have been charged after police say they seized nearly 300 kilograms of methylamphetamine (ice), worth nearly $87 million in a major drug bust in Sydney.

Danny Sua, 28, and Tony Tautua, 40, did not apply for bail when they fronted Penrith Local Court on Friday.

Police charged two men after allegedly seizing $87 million worth of ice Credit:NSW Police

Organised crime detectives arrested Mr Tautua, from Woy Woy, during a vehicle stop at Kingswood, in Sydneys west, about 3.20pm on Thursday.

Police say they found 41 kilograms of ice inside 41 resealable bags, stashed in three large plastic tubs, in a Toyota Hi Ace van.
Paul Rudd transformed into a silver-haired psychiatrist as he filmed the upcoming miniseries, The Shrink Next Door.

The dashing 52-year-old actor was spotted on the Los Angeles set Thursday wearing a suit and face shield.

Paul looked unrecognizable with his distinguished new hairstyle which included a salt and pepper beard.

The doctor is in! Paul Rudd transformed into a silver-haired psychiatrist as he filmed the upcoming miniseries The Shrink Next Door in Los Angeles on Thursday

The Clueless actor was spotted walking down a staircase in black leather shoes with a folded up paper in hand.

Despite rising temperatures in the area, Paul didn't seem to break a sweat in his smart pinstripe suit with smart tie.

The actor warded off the spread of COVID-19 with a face shield, which covered his small spectacles.

Not pictured on the set were Paul's co-stars, Will Ferrell, Kathryn Hahn, and Casey Wilson.

Suits him! Despite rising temperatures in the area, Paul didn't seem to break a sweat in his smart pinstripe suit with smart tie

Cool customer: One of Rudd's most well-known roles came in 1995 as he starred in Clueless alongside Alicia Silverstone

Based on the Wondery podcast of the same name, Will portrays patient Martin 'Marty' Markowitz, while Paul stands in as psychiatrist Dr. Isaac 'Ike' Herschkopf.

Over the course of their relationship, the all-too-charming Ike slowly takes over Marty's life, even moving into Marty's Hamptons home and taking over his family business, according to Deadline.

The series explores how a seemingly normal doctor-patient dynamic can morph into an exploitative relationship filled with manipulation, power grabs, and dysfunction.

Chilling: The series explores how a seemingly normal doctor-patient dynamic can morph into an exploitative relationship filled with manipulation, power grabs, and dysfunction

Casey Wilson will star as Bonnie, the wife of Dr. Herschkopf.

The series reunites Ferrell and Rudd after starring together in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) and the sequel Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013).

Both actors will also executive produce along with Jessica Elbaum and Brittney Segal.

The Big Sick director Michael Showalter is helming the project, with Succession and Veep writer Georgia Pritchett on board as writer, showrunner and executive producer.

The Shrink Next Door is a Civic Center Media production in association with MRC Television.

So far there's no official word on when the series will premiere on Apple TV+.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 30)  An immunization specialist from the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) Philippines on Friday expressed concern over the disruptions on routine and critical immunization services for Filipino children due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the vaccination coverage rate last year may lead to polio and measles outbreaks.

Dr. Carla Ante-Orozco said only 62% of the 95% target population completed the required doses of critical vaccines in 2020. A joint statement from the Department of Health, World Health Organization, UNICEF, and other organizations on April 26 stated that 69% of the target completed their routine shots in 2019.

Lockdowns and redeployment of health personnel to assist in health crisis response reduced parents' and caregivers access to health services, according to her. Issues in access could cause "possible outbreaks of measles and polio," with children living in disadvantaged communities being the most vulnerable, she added.

Health workers are being diverted to support the outbreak response," Ante-Orozco told CNN Philippines' New Day. "This includes, of course, the COVID-19 vaccination, which affected the delivery of routine immunization services especially for children.

The immunization specialist pointed out this was the case around the world.

In some places, children are missing out already on critical vaccines due to community quarantine measures, health facility lockdowns, and of course the fear of mothers and caregivers of COVID-19 infection, she said.

Another contributor to low immunization coverage is vaccine hesitancy, Ante Orozco said. However, even before the controversy on a certain vaccine, there was already a decline in the immunization uptake and services, she said, referring to Dengvaxia.

The Department of Health reported last month 800,000 of the 95% target population in priority regions remained unvaccinated. The agency has repeatedly urged parents and legal guardians to have their kids under 5 years old vaccinated against polio, measles, and rubella, which are free in public health centers.

Global situation

Mass immunization campaigns in other parts of the world are also disrupted by the ongoing pandemic, WHO said early this week.

According to new data, 60 of these lifesaving campaigns are currently postponed in 50 countries, putting around 228 million people - mostly children - at risk for diseases such as measles, yellow fever and polio, it said in a statement. Of the 50 countries, half are in Africa, it added.
Government troops and rebels clashed on Thursday in a region of western Chad, Nigerias neighbour, where the late president Idriss Deby was killed earlier this month, military officials said, as prosecutors interviewed several hundred protesters arrested in recent days.

The fighting in the desert region of Kanem, near Chads border with Niger, pits Libya-based rebels against forces loyal to a new military junta led by Debys son.

Fiercely criticised for authoritarianism and inequality, Deby was seen as a trusty ally by many Western countries including the former colonial power France, especially in the fight against jihadism in the wider Sahel region on the southern fringes of the Sahara desert.

>> Chads Idriss Deby, a longstanding French ally in the troubled Sahel

Fighting is continuing in Kanem  we are going to have to continue to fight, otherwise they will destabilise us, junta spokesman General Azem Bermandoa Agouna told AFP.

The so-called Military Transition Council (CMT) is headed by 37-year-old Mahamat Idriss Deby.

The military said late Thursday that an MI24 helicopter had crashed due to a technical fault but did not specify if there were casualties. The rebels however said they had destroyed it.

For now, the fighting against the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), drawn mainly from the Goran ethnic group, is going on about 300 kilometres (180 miles) north of the capital NDjamena.

The rebels have threatened to march on NDjamena, where a team from the African Union arrived Thursday to assess the situation and examine ways of a speedy return to democratic rule.

The team will stay in Chad for a week.

Security sources, without giving further details, said the Chadian army bombarded FACT positions.

Deby, 68, died on April 19 from wounds he suffered fighting the Libya-based rebels, according to the authorities.

The insurgents had launched an offensive in the northern Tibesti region on April 11 as presidential elections were unfolding.

A career soldier who seized power in 1990 and exercised it ruthlessly for 30 years, Deby died on the day that the electoral commission confirmed he had won a landslide victory, the authorities say.

Hundreds interviewed over protests

FACT is led by Mahamat Mahadi Ali, a veteran insurgent who previously lived in France.

The group vowed to pursue its offensive after a pause for Debys funeral on April 23.

Experts believe FACT has between 1,500 and 2,000 fighters.

The Chadian army claimed on April 19 to have killed 300 rebels and captured 246 others, who were being taken to the capital NDjamena to stand trial.

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Military casualties have not been made public.

The armed forces have recently sent reinforcements to Kanem, security forces said.

On Sunday, the Military Transition Council announced there would be no mediation or negotiation with FACT and called on Niger to help it capture the groups chief.

The CMT took over on April 20, immediately after Debys death was announced, as parliament and government were dissolved.

It has promised an 18-month transition period before free and transparent elections.

France, the former colonial power, initially backed the military transition authorities before calling for the formation of a civilian unity government in the face of protests against the apparent dynastic transfer of power.

>> Challenges ahead for France in navigating Chads post-Deby transition

At least six people died on Tuesday in banned protests against the military council, according to the authorities, while a local NGO reported nine fatalities.

Prosecutors said Thursday that they were interviewing over 700 people arrested at demonstrations on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Dozens of arrested protesters were brought in police vehicles to the capitals high court Thursday from different police stations around the city.

A majority of them have already been through and many have been released, NDjamena prosecutor Youssouf Tom told AFP.

On Monday, the military junta appointed Albert Pahimi Padacke as transitional prime minister. He called for a nationwide effort to speed the return to civilian rule.

(FRANCE 24 is Premium Times syndication partner. We have permission to republish content)
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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.

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TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG

MachineWeb Inc.

AMADA CO. LTD.

Okuma Corp.

DMG MORI CO. LTD.

JTEKT Corp.

General Technology Group Dalian Machine Tool Corp.

KENNAMETAL INC.

Sandvik AB

Colfax Corp.

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Category Management Enablers

Suppliers Selection

Suppliers under Coverage

US Market Insights

Category scope

Appendix

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo says his administration has concluded arrangements to engage the Man O War Nigeria to provide security and surveillance in primary and secondary schools in the state.

The governor made this known on Thursday in Ibadan when he received the National Executives of the Man O War Nigeria who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He decried the recent trend of kidnapping of students, among other security challenges, which he described as worrisome.

He urged the organisation to double its efforts at the grassroots in order to contribute its quota to stem the tide of insecurity in the country.

Man O War, as an organisation, is trying its best.

I can testify to the role Man O War played during the elections that I participated in as governorship candidate in 2015 and 2019; so, I will renew my commitment in Man OWar.

This is a period that Man O War will need to double its efforts and look at programmes at the grassroots level, where we can project more on the issue of citizenship and leadership for our country.

After establishing a regional security network codenamed Amotekun, several south-west states have gone further to take additional security measures to stem the rising insecurity in the region. Osun State, for instance, had decided to construct perimeter fences around all public primary and secondary schools in the state.

Governor Makinde said there had been discussions with the states Commissioner for Education on how to beef up security.

Some of the schools are not properly fenced.

The ministry recently submitted a proposal on fencing and having demarcations for all of the schools, but this idea of deployment of Man O War for security and surveillance is a welcome idea.

We will look at the proposal and we should be engaging either the national or state command team to ensure that this can see the light of day.

 I think it is something that we will do, Mr Makinde said.

He further assured the Man O War that he would resume his sponsorship of the organisation in his personal capacity.

The governor used the occasion to announce the donation of two utility vehicles to the Man OWar Oyo State Command and one to the National Command of the organisation.

Earlier, the Deputy National Commandant of Man O War, Gbenga Adedamola, called for the re-awakening of the culture of joining voluntary organisations like the Man O War among Nigerian youths.

According to him, this will build the spirit of patriotism.

He requested assistance from the governor to make the organisation function better.

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Mr Adedamola stressed that the passion and commitment of the governor for youth development remained commendable. (NAN)
The nearly six-week search for Lisa Hanson, the Albert Lea business owner who defied state COVID-related restrictions at her wine and coffee bar and failed to show up for a bail hearing last month, ended Thursday when she was arrested a short ways across the border in Iowa.

Hanson, who was released late Thursday afternoon from jail after posting $2,000 bail, told the Star Tribune that she still planned to speak Saturday at a previously scheduled "Stand for Liberty" rally at an Albert Lea park.

Asked how she felt about being arrested, she said: "If I had done something wrong, I would have deserved it. I have not done anything wrong. I have followed the law on all accounts."

Hanson added that she planned to sue an unspecified number of people for $100,000 each for keeping her in custody for two hours.

Freeborn County Sheriff Kurt Freitag said that Hanson, 56, had been under surveillance by his deputies and Albert Lea police after they discovered she was staying at an Airbnb she had rented in Clear Lake, Iowa, about 35 miles south of Albert Lea.

Freitag said Clear Lake police arrested her about 3 p.m. Thursday as she was out for a walk along the city's namesake lake. Authorities booked her into the Cerro Gordo County jail in Mason City.

"She should have never taken it to this level," said Freitag.

Hanson faces nine criminal misdemeanor charges for opening her Interchange Wine & Coffee Bistro in downtown Albert Lea in December and January after Gov. Tim Walz ordered restaurants and bars closed to prevent the spread of COVID. She later violated other restrictions when venues were allowed to partly reopen.

Each criminal charge carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. Hanson also faces $9,000 in fines in a civil suit filed against her by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

Hanson denounced Walz and publicly flaunted her defiance during the time her wine bar was open, including at a march and rally in January attended by more than a hundred supporters in Albert Lea. She has since closed the bistro, though she said it was only temporary.

Story continues

When she failed to turn up for a bail hearing on March 10 on the criminal misdemeanor charges, two arrest warrants were issued. Hanson asserted she was not properly notified of the hearings, a claim that was disputed by Freitag and City Attorney Kelly Martinez.

Freitag said that while he was on vacation out of state, he spoke with Hanson by phone and told her she could avoid being arrested by turning herself in and posting bond, or by calling the court and getting a new date. He said she agreed to do one or the other.

When a deputy showed up at her house to take her into custody, she told him that the sheriff had agreed not to arrest her  which the deputy later confirmed with Freitag.

But Hanson told the Star Tribune earlier this month that she had never agreed to turn herself in or set a new court date. Deputies later sent to her house couldn't find her, and she declined to say where she was.

Freitag's decision not to immediately arrest Hanson led to a legal confrontation with City Attorney Martinez, who filed a motion to have the sheriff held in contempt of court.

At a hearing in March, Martinez said Freitag had a duty to arrest Hanson and that he was giving her special treatment. The sheriff responded that he had discretion on whether to arrest her, and reiterated that Hanson had not been truthful with him when she promised to turn herself in or get a new court date.

In her interview with the Star Tribune earlier this month, Hanson set down several conditions that would have to be met before she would turn herself in, and questioned the legitimacy of the arrest warrants. Told what she had said, Freitag said that Hanson was in no position to bargain.

"The warrants were invalid according to Minnesota criminal rules of procedure," Hanson said Thursday, a position that is disputed by Martinez and Freitag as well as Joseph Daly, an emeritus professor of law at Mitchell-Hamline School of Law.

Hanson has gained considerable support on conservative social media sites, both locally and nationally, and is treated by critics of COVID-related lockdowns as something of a hero.

Opinion in Albert Lea appears to be sharply divided between supporters and critics, based on interviews conducted this month by the Star Tribune.

Hanson is scheduled to speak Saturday at an outdoor political rally beginning at 2 p.m. in Fountain Lake Park in Albert Lea, which she has been promoting on her website as a fundraiser.

Others scheduled to speak at the rally include Dr. Scott Jensen, a former state senator from Chaska and a declared Republican candidate for governor in 2022; state Sen. Mark Koran, R-North Branch; state Rep. Erik Mortensen, R-Shakopee; and Jake Duesenberg of Lake Elmo, president of Action 4 Liberty. Jensen, a family doctor, has questioned Walz's response to the pandemic.

Randy Furst  612-673-4224

Twitter: @randyfurst
(Natural News) Mike Lindell, the outspoken conservative owner of MyPillow, announced Monday that his company sued Dominion Voting Systems for $1.6 billion because the voting technology firm has violated his First Amendment-protected rights.

(Article by Luis Miguel republished from TheNewAmerican.com)

MyPillow just sued Dominion for $1.6 billion. This is all about the First Amendment rights to free speech, what they have done to our country, said Lindell during a livestream on the Right Side Broadcasting Network.

This isnt about the money, he added. This is about our First Amendment.

The announcement was a response to Dominions decision to sue Lindell for $1.3 billion earlier this year on grounds that he defamed them by claiming that their technology was used to steal the 2020 presidential election for Joe Biden.

That case, pending in federal court in Washington, will be heard by Judge Carl J. Nichols, a Trump appointee. Lindell filed a motion to dismiss it last week.

Dominion has also launched lawsuits of over a $1 billion each against Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trumps personal lawyer, and against pro-Trump lawyer Sidney Powell.

In announcing his suit, Lindell was joined by lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who argued that Dominion acted as the government due to the power the feds extended to the voting-machine company. Thus, Dominions actions are suppressing the viewpoints of critics, Dershowitz alleged.

We dont suppress. We dont censor, but that is what Dominion is trying to do on behalf of the government, said Dershowitz, who is advising Lindell and his legal team. We are going to be demanding access to their machines, to their codes.

In the suit, Lindell accuses Dominion of engaging in lawfare in order to silence critics who question the workings of their machines.

Dominions purpose is to silence debate; to eliminate any challenge to the 2020 presidential election; and to cancel and destroy anyone who speaks out against Dominions work on behalf of the government in administering the election, reads the 51-page complaint. Dominion is using the legal process as a weapon to suppress free speech.

Stephen Shackelford, a partner at Susman Godfrey LLP serving as Dominions legal counsel, declared that the lawsuit had no merit.

This is a meritless retaliatory lawsuit, filed by MyPillow to try to distract from the harm it caused to Dominion, Shackelford stated.

Lindell explained that he decided to sue because Dominion was harming his employees and company, which has lost business opportunities as a result of the accusations against him.

Ive been canceled individually on just about every platform known to man, he maintained.

Lindell is correct in describing Dominions suit against him as lawfare. Not only the Left, but the Deep State in general, have become adept at using lawsuits (or even the threat of lawsuits) as a weapon for silencing and financially ruining their opponents. Just look at the ordeals through which Trump allies such as Mike Flynn and Roger Stone were put through to take them out of the political fight.

Lindell is also correct in counter-suing. Far too often, the strategy on the Right has been to seek cover and hide ones head under the sand in the face of assault from the Left.

President Trump has said that if someone hits him, he hits back twice as hard. If Republicans as a party had followed that policy over the last decades, the socialist movement in this country wouldnt have the power it currently does.

Even after President Trump displayed the value of fighting back (and the conservative bases desire for such fierceness from its representatives) over the last several years, top Republicans refuse to get it.

Observe the difference between the GOPs reaction to comments made by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) before she was elected to Congress, comments her detractors say were violent, and the reaction by Democrats to Representative Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) comments in recent days in which she encouraged rioters to be more confrontational if police officer Derek Chauvin is acquitted for the death of George Floyd.

Greene was condemned and rebuked by her own partys leadership. Meanwhile, Waters is being rabidly defended by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

The political right can expect to continue ceding ground so long as it holds to its traditional strategy of surrender-and-fold.

However, Lindells counterpunch offers hope that a new generation of conservative public figures are beginning to understand that action, not empty posturing, is the way to win.

Read more at: TheNewAmerican.com and VoteFraud.news
A multi-millionaire Russian tycoon failed to tell a female lawyer she was being made redundant - because he 'didn't want to disturb her' while she was breastfeeding.

Anastasia Tuchkova worked in London as a legal project manager for Russian mobile phone tycoon Timur Artemev, 46, before she became pregnant and went off work on maternity leave.

When she returned to find she no longer had a job, she was told by her multi-millionaire boss that 'he hadn't wanted to spoil her mood so soon after giving birth'.

Ms Tuchkova is now in line for compensation after an employment tribunal ruled she had been unfairly dismissed and had been the victim of discrimination.

During her maternity leave, which began in March 2017, she emailed the company repeatedly asking them if it was ok for her to return in March 2018.

She never received a response and eventually sent an email saying she was 'looking forward to her return' and asked for an update on work done in her absence.

At this point, the tribunal heard, Mr Artemev rushed to arrange a meeting with Ms Tuchkova to tell her that he was not going to put any more money into the UK business and there would not be anything to do when she came back.

Pictured is Anastasia Tuchkova, who won her dismissal case after the lawyer was set to return from maternity leave in 2018 but was let go by her boss

At the tribunal, Mr Artemev admitted he knew that there was unlikely to be a job for Ms Tuchkova when she got back as early as the autumn of 2017.

However, he said he had not told her as he believed 'very strongly' that breastfeeding a child was important. He said he felt he should 'leave her undisturbed'.

He claimed he was concerned that the shock of a prospective redundancy might affect her ability to feed her child and said 'the child was more important than the mother'.

When Ms Tuchkova came back into the office, Mr Artemev told her there was 'no work' and advised her to look for a new job.

A 'shocked' Ms Tuchkova said she wished she had known earlier and asked why she had not been given more time to fine alternative employment.

Mr Artemev told her: 'I really didn't want to spoil your mood when you've just given birth'.

The hearing in London was told the lawyer earned around 40,000 a year at Blackdown Hill Management Ltd.

The business, based in Haslemere, Surrey was in effect set up to help manage the 'work and domestic arrangements' of the 46 year old, the co-founder of Euroset, Russia's biggest mobile phone company.

He and his business partner Yevgeny Chichvarkin, an anti-Putin campaigner who is now living in exile in the UK, sold Euroset to the ANN investment company in 2008 for 765million.

There were a number of meetings between Artemev and Tuchkova to decide if there was any way she could continue to work for the business, which did face financial difficulties, albeit in a reduced capacity.

Multi-millionaire Russian tycoon Timur Artemev, 46, (above) claimed he 'didn't want to disturb' the lawyer as she breastfed her newborn

Eventually, Ms Tuchkova raised a grievance alleging she had been discriminated against and went off on sick leave with work related stress before finally being made redundant in July 2018.

Employment Judge Mary Siddall said that 'although the situation was complicated' by the time Ms Tuchkova was formally told she would have to leave, the reason for her dismissal was genuinely redundancy.

However, she continued: 'We do not accept evidence that Artemev did not wish to disturb or upset Ms Tuchkova while she was on maternity leave and possibly breastfeeding.

'Ms Tuchkova had specifically stated that she wanted to be informed during her leave about other opportunities and company information.

'There was nothing to stop any one from contacting her during her absence.'

He added: 'We conclude that although we accept that at the point the employment was terminated a genuine redundancy situation existed, the process adopted leading up to that point had not been fair.'

The tribunal ruled the claim of unfair dismissal succeeded. The claims of unfavourable treatment because of pregnancy and maternity and sex discrimination, both succeeded in part.

However, the claims of direct sexual discrimination, harassment and unfair dismissal relating to maternity all failed.

A remedy hearing will be held in due course to decide compensation.
REDDING, Calif.  A former Redding Police Corporal has been arrested on two felony cases, according to the Shasta County District Attorneys Office.

The charges come from a 2020 investigation by CHP Investigative Services Unit into Williams involvement with a large-scale marijuana cultivation and distribution operation in Shasta County, the DAs Office said.

CHP: 3 arrested on drug charges, including Redding police officer

Throughout the investigation, authorities said they became aware that Williams had secretly recorded a confidential communication in an unrelated matter.

Authorities said recording a private conversation without the consent of all parties is a crime under California law.

Thursday afternoon, investigators said they arrested Will Williams on two felony cases.

This is a developing story. Action News Now will keep you updated with new information on-air and online.
SKIP DICKSTEIN

SARATOGA SPRINGS After 45 years of owning the Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs and Manchester, Vt., the Morrow family announced Friday they are selling the stores to Clark and Lu French of Manchester.

Chris Morrow began the process of selling the stores last summer in the middle of the pandemic. The pandemic reinforced the idea that now was the right time to move onto other things, Morrow wrote in a statement.
Hundreds of thousands of people in Madagascar are facing a threat of famine, with 80% in certain areas resorting to desperate survival measures.



The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) says the people are eating locusts, raw red cactus fruits or wild leaves to avoid starvation.



It said most of the districts in the country's south were affected, with many of the children at risk of dying.



"We have witnessed heart-breaking scenes of severely malnourished children and starving families," said WFP's Senior Director of Operations Amer Daoudi.



"The scale of the catastrophe is beyond belief. If we don't reverse this crisis, if we don't get food to the people in the south of Madagascar, families will starve and lives will be lost."



The WFP is seeking resources to help feed the affected population, and says the situation is getting worse with food production this year expected to be less than 40% of the normal average in the last five years.



A drought in Madagascar, made worse by high levels of soil erosion, deforestation and unprecedented sandstorms, has laid waste to land available for crops and pasture, the WFP.

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Lucknow, April 30 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked all Ayush practitioners to join the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a virtual interaction with Ayush practitioners, late on Thursday evening, Yogi Adityanath said that they should provide treatment to Covid patients.

Ayush doctors have been asked to coordinate with local administration and the Integrated Command and Control Centre to create awareness and offer treatment.

"There are currently 2.52 lakh people in home isolation and doctors of Ayush, homeopathy and Unani should be given access to them to give them consultation. The Ayush department should distribute kadha in every home," the Chief Minister said.

He further said that a team comprising Ayush, Homeopathy and Unani doctors should be set up in each district and this team should give advice on health to people. They should also be linked with tele-consultation services.

As part of these services, they should tell people about the simple treatment options against Covid-19 which are available to them.

Yogi Adityanath said that in the present time, it was necessary to make people aware of the benefits of Ayush.

"Our ancient health systems are not only affordable but also more useful. We must extend the benefits of these to the most number of people through the monitoring committees which have been set up to keep a watch on those in home isolation and reach out to such persons," he said.

He also emphasized on the role of yoga in making one free of illness and said that Ayush doctors should tell people how their immunity can be boosted.

In 2020, an 'Ayush Kawach' app had been launched by the government.

The Chief Minister said that the app can be used to benefit people now.

"Yoga and prayanam have proven to be beneficial against Covid-19. People should be encouraged to follow these practices in their daily lives," he said.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Mammoet has recently completed transporting around 50 pieces of cargo from Thailand to the Southeast Asian country of Laos for its key Nam Theun 1 Hydropower Project.

This project was awarded to Mammoet by Hansa Meyer and saw both teams jointly execute multiple operations at the same time. Each team displayed their strengths and expertise working together with combined capabilities.

The Nam Theun 1 Hydropower Project will be completed this year and will produce approximately around 650MW of energy.

Prior to execution, the duo worked on detailed engineering, involving teams from Mammoets Thailand and Netherlands locations, as well as Hansa Meyers trusted engineering partner in Laos.

Mammoet said its experience in land transportation and Hansa Meyers close coordination with various government offices ensured the approval of permits crucial for the land transportation to take place.

The transport route involved a 1,100-km land journey from Laem Chabang to Ban Phaeng in Nakhon Phanom Province, and another 1.1km river crossing journey across the Mekong River to a jetty across the border in Laos.

Mammoets conventional trailers in various configurations were used for this transportation, across reinforced bridges, along widened roads, and under escort to ensure traffic was safely managed.

As for the river crossing, both teams had experienced supervisors and operators to ensure high standards were maintained in line with the latest regulations from government authorities, and to meet key project deadlines.

Specifically, for barge engineering, a survey was conducted to measure the water depth accurately before the river roll-on was performed. A ramp was also fabricated for the river crossing, due to low water level.

Mammoet and Hansa Meyer were given special permit by authorities in Thailand to use the Ban Phaeng location for this river transportation. All barge crossings were successfully and safely executed observing Covid-19 prevention measures, said the statement from Mammoet.

The heaviest cargo transported weighed 236 tonnes, while the largest measured 1027cm x 370cm x 383cm, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
On March 21, 2020, the first case of the coronavirus was recorded in Puerto Williams, a small Chilean town that is famed for being the southernmost settlement in the world and which has been home for the past 7,000 years to the Yaghan indigenous people. Two days later, the authorities closed maritime entry points and airspace, limited economic activity to essential business only and ordered a strict lockdown. According to Maritime Studies, one of the leading social sciences and humanities publications in the world, the quarantine measures had the effect of reviving some ancestral cultural practices that had been in danger of disappearing for some time, including traditional artisan work and use of the Yaghan language. The lockdown also strengthened intergenerational links in the community and led children and young people to once again feel identified as indigenous people.

The report documented the way of life of 94 members of the Yaghan community in Puerto Williams during the harshest months of the pandemic. Gustavo Blanco, a professor at the Austral University of Chiles Institute of History and Social Sciences and the lead author of the study, said the lockdown reinforced the relationship between the elders in the community and the newer generations. This renewed bond helped to revive artisanal practices with palm fiber that had been in decline, says Blanco. When you are stuck indoors at home for months, you have the opportunity to get to know aspects of your culture that are being lost and learn how to recover them.

Map of Puerto Williams' location in Chile's Patagonia region.

Maria Luisa Munoz, president of one of the Yaghan associations in Puerto Williams, agrees. During the quarantine we returned a little to the way of life of our ancestors; we rediscovered our relationship with animals, with the natural world and with our roots, she says. I was able to teach my grandchildren the art of basket-making. We went out to gather the reeds and then went home to weave the baskets in the same way our ancestors did.

The recovery of these ancestral artisanal techniques has become a form of employment, which besides protecting the Yaghan peoples cultural legacy has also provided economic resources for families who lost their jobs during the lockdown, many of which relied on the tourism industry. In March 2021, a year after the first case of Covid-19 was diagnosed in Puerto Williams, the Yaghan ran intensive workshops so that more children could perfect their reed-weaving techniques. Over the course of a month, I was able to learn all of the traditional steps from the most experienced mothers and grandmothers, from seeking out the reeds to the preparation of the vegetable fiber with fire, and the use of the baskets to collect shellfish and other seafood, another community leader said in a message published on social media.

Reed baskets weaved by the Yaghan people. Comunidad Yagan

As in the rest of the world, lockdown in Puerto Williams also led to an increase in the use of digital forms of communication and allowed the local community to forge links with other indigenous peoples in Latin America and with the Yaghan diaspora. Through these conversations on Zoom and other platforms a project to recover the Yaghan language was born. Munoz explains that before Spanish colonization, the Yaghan community consisted of around 4,000 people speaking five distinct dialects. Today, only one of these dialects survives and few people are able to speak it. Some of the elders know the language and the pandemic allowed them to teach it to their children and grandchildren. We didnt want it to die out. Thats why were working with a Yaghan linguist who lives in Europe to create an alphabet and a text book that will help us to write in our language and teach it in the schools in our community, says Munoz.

With the same desire to preserve ancestral culture, by the end of 2019 community leaders had compiled the stories and experiences of the Yaghan elders in a book entitled My grandparents told me, which was published with the help of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. The pandemic put a temporary stop to events to promote the book, but with restrictions now being eased the Yaghan are able to start planning more events.

These ways of reviving the Yaghan culture, says Blanco, show that when it seems as if everything has ground to a halt in times of lockdown and social distancing, in reality there are issues that spring up and others that gather pace, leading to new experiences and knowledge. The final paragraph of the Maritime Studies report, which was conducted by a collaboration between the Center for High Latitude Marine Ecosystem Dynamics Research (IDEAL), the Austral University of Chile and the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum in Puerto Williams, reads: If there is any lesson to be had in these hard times, it is that there is no single, linear way of understanding the effects of the virus; as it brings restrictions, threats, and death, it is also ushering in new forms of political action, new ways of communicating, and new stories for the future.

Munoz adds some nuance to the conclusion of the study. Fortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has caused only one fatality within the community, but the life it claimed was that of one of its most beloved leaders. The virus has caused us harm, we would never have wanted it to reach our community and we are all very sad about the death of Martin Gonzalez, an artisan, she says. But we must also look on the bright side of the pandemic. It has given us a way to revive our culture and has fostered acts of cooperation and solidarity.

English version by Rob Train.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D has confirmed that buyers may return to mart rings, while adhering to public guidelines, from May 17.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Cabinet on April 29. Online trading will continue to be facilitated, alongside the return of in-ring buying.

Buyers may attend the sales ring and view stock in pens. However, this must be done by prior appointment with the livestock mart. Buyers who wish to be present at ringside must wear face coverings and adhere to strict 2m social distancing. Marts must also prevent the congregation of members of the public in the mart car park or at entry ways into mart buildings.

Marts must operate according to Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) which have been approved by their Regional Veterinary Office.

It is important to note that cattle throughput from 1st January to 14th March 2021 was at 94% of the comparable period in 2020. Sheep throughput in the same period was at 100% of the comparable period for 2020.

Commenting on the decision, Minister McConalogue stated, Following approval at a meeting of the Cabinet, I am pleased to announce that livestock marts may facilitate in-ring buying from May 17 once it is done in a safe manner and is compliant with all national COVID-19 public health guidelines.

The return of in-ring buying will continue to be augmented by the facilitation of online sales which have worked exceptionally well during this challenging time for all of us. The move to online-only platforms in October has proven to be an excellent way of trading cattle and sheep, with strong throughput, coupled with steady prices over this time. In fact, online sales have been proven to reach a much higher number of farmers and agents than the traditional in-person sales.

The Minister concluded by stating, Most importantly, I know that the move to online-only sales has played a major role in helping to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases for Ireland. I am looking forward to this significant progression towards a blended approach of online and in-ring sales, which will continue into the future. I again commend the work of mart managers and farmers for engaging so meaningfully with all public health guidelines in recent months. Your heroic efforts have helped to ensure the continuity of live trade while, most importantly, keeping our communities safe.
Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks during a news conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington on Nov. 19, 2020. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

Giuliani Disputes Accusation That Led to Raid: I Never, Ever Represented a Foreign National

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is challenging the basis of a federal raid on his home.

Giuliani said Thursday night that the search warrant executed by FBI agents early Wednesday states that he failed to file with the Department of Justice (DOJ) for representing a Ukrainian national or office.

I never represented a Ukrainian national or official before the United States government. Ive declined it several times. Ive had contracts in countries like Ukraine. In the contract is a clause that says I will not engage in lobbying or foreign representation. I dont do it because I felt it would be too compromising, Giuliani, who was former President Donald Trumps personal lawyer, said during an appearance on Fox Newss Tucker Carlson Tonight.

Not registering with the DOJ would violate the Foreign Agent Registration Act.

Giuliani used to represent Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian national who was later charged with campaign finance violations.

FBI agents entered Giulianis home in New York City and seized multiple devices, including laptop computers.

The FBI and Department of Justice have not returned a request for comment. Officials typically do not comment on ongoing investigations.

Giuliani said he has offered to give materials to the government for two years but has been rebuffed.

According to Giulianis attorney, Bob Costello, the former mayor informed federal investigators previously that he would sit down with them and demonstrate that his conduct was lawful.

Giuliani added that the agents were very professional and very gentlemanly but criticized them for not taking hard drives he said were from a laptop that used to belong to President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden.

At the end of the search, when they had taken about, I would say, seven or eight electronic items of mine  they werent taking the three hard drives, which of course, are electronic devices. They just mimic the computer. I said, Well, dont you want these? And they said, What are they? I said, Those are Hunter Bidens hard drives. And they said no, no, no,' Giuliani said.

I said, Are you sure you dont want them? I mean the warrant required them to take it,' he added, describing the agents as failing in their jobs by relying on his word about the drives and for not taking them.

An officer from the New York Police Department places barricades outside the apartment building of Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, personal attorney to former President Donald Trump, in Manhattan, New York City on April 28, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

The evidence that was taken by agents is exculpatory and will prove Trump and Giuliani are innocent, according to the attorney, who accused the Biden administration of making up an allegation against him while ignoring violations of the Foreign Agent Registration Act by the presidents son.

Hunter Biden is under investigation by federal authorities. Its not clear what hes been accused of, though he has said the probe deals with tax issues.

President Biden said earlier Thursday that he did not know of the raid on Giulianis home until after it happened.

I learned about that last night when the rest of the world learned about it. My word. I had no idea this was underway, he said.

Giuliani is the latest figure in Trumps orbit to be probed by the DOJ. Authorities made convictions on former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former adviser Roger Stone, but saw a case against former national security adviser Michael Flynn crumble after a review was conducted.

Trump condemned the raid in an interview with Fox Business, calling it so unfair and such a doubleits like a double standard like I dont think anybodys ever seen before.

Jack Phillips and Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.




Speakers:

Gan Lin, director of the Office of the National Leading Group on the Fight Against IPR Infringement and Counterfeiting, and vice minister of the State Administration for Market Regulation

Tang Zhaozhi, a person in charge of the Copyright Management Division under the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee

Chen Yusong, a person in charge of the Department of Treaty and Law at the Ministry of Commerce

Mao Jinsheng, a person in charge of the Intellectual Property Protection Department of the National Intellectual Property Administration (NIPA)

Chairperson:

Xing Huina, deputy head of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson for the SCIO

Date:

April 26, 2021

Xing Huina:

Friends from the media, good afternoon. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). China has attached great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) and the building of a fine business environment. Today marks the 21st World Intellectual Property Day. We are joined by Ms. Gan Lin, director of the Office of the National Leading Group on the Fight Against IPR Infringement and Counterfeiting, and vice minister of the State Administration for Market Regulation. Ms. Gan will introduce details concerning the Report on the Latest Development of IPR Protection and Business Environment in China (2020), and then answer your questions. Also present at today's press conference are Mr. Tang Zhaozhi, a person in charge of the copyright management division under the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee; Mr. Chen Yusong, a person in charge of the Department of Treaty and Law at the Ministry of Commerce; and Mr. Mao Jinsheng, a person in charge of the Intellectual Property Protection Department of the National Intellectual Property Administration (NIPA).

First, I'll give the floor to Ms. Gan Lin.

Gan Lin:

Friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Today marks the 21st World Intellectual Property Day, and I am delighted to be here to share with you the latest progress concerning China's IPR protection and business environment improvement. On behalf of the Office of the National Leading Group on the Fight Against IPR Infringement and Counterfeiting, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our friends from the media for your consistent attention and great support for our work in protecting IPR, cracking down on IPR infringement and counterfeiting, and improving the business environment.

The year 2020 was indeed extraordinary. In face of the severe setback brought about by the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the deep recession of the global economy, China has coordinated its epidemic prevention and control work with economic and social development, and continuously worked to crack down on IPR infringement and counterfeiting. As a result, China has made solid progress concerning IPR protection, and its business environment, which is based on market principles, governed by law and up to international standards, has been further improved. Today, we released the Report on the Latest Development of IPR Protection and Business Environment in China (2020). It is a comprehensive introduction of the relevant measures being taken by the Chinese government and the positive progress being made. Next, I'll brief you on its main content from four aspects.

The report analyzes new situations and challenges both in China and the rest of the world at present. Globally, due to the impact of the pandemic and other factors, international trade and investment has seen a huge contraction, and the world is experiencing a major economic recession. Protectionism and unilateralism are rising, while sci-tech innovation faces strong headwinds. Domestically, the digital economy is bursting with vitality, and new industry and business models are thriving. Self-reliant innovation is speeding up, meanwhile, more focus has been placed on quality over quantity when it comes to IPR. As the number of market entities continues to steadily grow, new requirements have emerged for improving the business environment in China.
SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, introduced its new 5-micron ELCRES HTV150 dielectric film for high-temperature, high-voltage, professional-grade capacitor applications, such as traction inverters for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles (xEV).

This new film, featuring high-heat performance up to 150 C, surpasses the temperature and voltage capabilities of incumbent products. ELCRES HTV150 film can help support the transition from conventional semiconductors based on silicon (Si) to next-generation, wide-band-gap technologies based on silicon carbide (SiC), improving the efficiency of inverter modules.

Multiple industries, from wind and solar to aerospace and automotive, are looking to adopt high-efficiency, low-loss silicon-carbide semiconductors for inverter modules. Until now, this goal has been hampered by capacitors using lower-temperature films that often fail in high-heat applications without active cooling. Our new ELCRES dielectric film allows customers to leverage silicon carbides increased power capability while operating at temperatures up to 150 C. This innovative film can support significantly improved inverter module operation to help drive higher performance in xEV and other demanding applications. Scott Fisher, business director, ULTEM products and Additives, SABIC

New ELCRES HTV150 dielectric film can support the design of high-voltage, high-temperature DC link power capacitors that can store large amounts of electrical energy for long periods without significant leakage of current or loss of charge. This technology offers potential advantages for capacitor applications, including excellent dielectric and insulative properties, as well as low loss at the high frequencies and high temperatures at which wide-band-gap semiconductors operate.

The new ELCRES HTV150 film offers high reliability that is critical for next-generation xEV. Based on internal testing, the film demonstrated a lifespan of 2,000 hours at 500V and 150 C. Furthermore, it is self-healing in the event of a breakdown caused by excessive voltage.

This combination of high voltage stability at high temperatures, low dielectric loss at high frequency and ability to self-heal to avoid catastrophic failure differentiates ELCRES HTV150 film from traditional capacitor films.

With an operating temperature range of -40 C to 150 C and high voltage performance, ELCRES HTV150 dielectric film is a candidate for demanding applications, such as power capacitors for the latest EV traction inverters and onboard chargers. The film can also be used for power capacitors in mass transportation, renewable energy, aerospace and motor drives and controls.

SABIC is currently collaborating with Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese company that specializes in ultra-thin film extrusion, to produce ELCRES HTV150 film.

SABIC will continue to develop thinner-gauge film to meet requirements for different voltages and higher energy density.
POMPANO BEACH, Fla.M.D. Science Lab, makers of the Swiss Navy brand, and Shots, one of the leading companies in the global adult industry, on Friday announced an exclusive partnership. Beginning in May 2021, Shots will be the exclusive distributor for the M.D. Science Lab family of brands throughout Europe and the United Kingdom.

We are very much looking forward to intensifying this collaboration and extending our relationship. Swiss Navy is the perfect example of how a brand should position itself and how to successfully collaborate with their partners, said Ard Vd Brandhof, Shots purchasing manager. It's an incredibly powerful brand, which has only grown stronger with the additions of new lines like Desire, and we look forward to making Swiss Navy the number one lubricant brand!

The entire team at Shots shares the same positive enthusiasm about this partnership.

"We will give Swiss Navy the high level of service they are accustomed to from Shots, by going from store to store both online and offline. We have employed a dedicated team and we will roll out a special sales and marketing plan for this partnership, to give our full dedicated attention to the customer. We are looking forward to taking this partnership to the next level, said Hein Schouten, sales director for Shots. We have been working with the Swiss Navy team, and in particular Briana, for a long time. Briana and I are a perfect match in terms of sales and marketing strategies. We have the same drive and thoughts about the business, so Swiss Navy and Shots are a perfect combination.

Shots will begin offering Swiss Navy branded products to their extensive distribution network immediately.

Our entire M.D. Science family is so proud of this partnership with Shots, said Briana Watkins, M.D. Science Labs vice president of sales and marketing. I have a longstanding relationship with the team at Shots and when we began to consider this opportunity, we realized it would be incredible for both our companies. Joining forces with Shots is another example of how we continually strive to serve our customers all over the globe, and of course, our customers and their end consumers are always in the forefront of our minds.

Randy Withers, M.D. Science Labs international sales manager, is also looking forward to this partnership, I'm thrilled with this opportunity and am looking to our teams being able to work closely together to expand Swiss Navy throughout Europe. Shots has the same goals and values as Swiss Navy, so I know our international customers will appreciate us joining forces.

Expansion is in the forefront for Swiss Navy having recently enlarging their production facility and increasing manufacturing shifts to keep up with the continued demands of their current products and to prepare for future collections currently in development.

This is one of the biggest contracts with an American supplier in the history of our company to date. The number one reason is, of course, the quality of the product, as no one in the world can put together a more beautiful product than Swiss Navy. Repeated market studies have shown that they are number one in the world and of course, any company that holds that title, needs to be in the Shots line-up, said Oscar Heijnen, founder of Shots. Shots has 26 years of experience in the adult industry, which has taught us that quality is the most important element of success. Shots is number one in distribution and Swiss Navy is number one in their line of products, and 1 and 1 still makes 2! I am very proud of how our Shots crew, led by Hein and Ard, together with the Swiss Navy team, led by Briana and Ralph, have made this collaboration happen. I don't often crack open a bottle of Champagne, but on this occasion, I am very happy to make an exception!"

Both Shots and M.D. Science Lab understand customer commitment and providing the finest service and products. Weve been fortifying our solid distribution network to seamlessly provide Shots with the high volume of Swiss Navy products that we foresee this incredible partnership will bring. This truly is a merger of world-class brands saiid Ralph Albrecht, M.D. Science Labs CEO. Im extremely proud of Briana, Hein, and Ard for creating this unique opportunity and am excited for the future of our partnership.

This partnership will make M.D. Sciences collection of brands available to more international retailers. Customers throughout Europe and the UK are encouraged to reach out to their Shots account managers to learn more about Swiss Navys range of products.

Schouten summed up the partnership perfectly, Swiss Navy is one of the largest lubricant companies in the world and we are very proud to be their exclusive European partner.

To view the latest Swiss Navy product range, please visit swissnavy.com. To learn more about Shots, please visit shots.nl.
THE Department of Public Health Mid-West is urging the people of Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary to exercise extra vigilance over the bank holiday weekend, as it continues to manage new Covid-19 outbreaks associated with social gatherings.

The 14-day incidence rate in the Mid-West region has increased from 103.6 (per 100,000 population) to 125.5 after 483 new Covid-19 cases were recorded in the past two weeks.

Last evening, the incidence rate in Limerick was 122.6 following the reporting of an additional 19 confirmed cases of the disease.

"We are currently managing a large number of outbreaks across a wide range of settings in the region. These include outbreaks in families and extended families, multi-household clusters, workplaces, schools, and community outbreaks," said a spokesperson for Public Health Mid West.

Members of the public are being reminded of the importance of keeping daily infection numbers to a minimum ahead of the phased reopening of services and activities from May 10.

Making an appeal ahead of the weekend, Dr Mai Mannix, Director of Public Health Mid-West, said: The latest easing of restrictions to allow for more outdoor activities has come as a welcome relief to many people who have made so many sacrifices over the past 15 months. However, this means it is even more vital that we follow Public Health guidelines, as an increase in social and outdoor activity increases our exposure to possible infection."

Dr Mannix says while progress has been made, the daily figures remain a concern.

While infection levels are significantly lower than they were at the peak of the third wave, daily cases should ideally be in low single figures in each county, as we had seen for a short period in April. Social gatherings, including birthday parties and organised indoor gatherings, have contributed to a rise in new cases across the Mid-West. Unfortunately, these type of events have led to a disruption in workplaces, school settings, and peoples lives in general, she said.

Members of the public are being asked to avoid high-risk social settings, including indoor gatherings, household visits, and large outdoor gatherings over the weekend. They should also limit the number of social contacts they have, wear a mask when in contact with others and maintain social distance.
On May 9, the current state of alarm that is in place in Spain will expire, meaning that the countrys regions  which are in charge of implementing coronavirus restrictions  will no longer be protected by a legal framework that avoids their measures being challenged in local courts. While the fourth wave of the epidemic in Spain is proving to be under control, for the most part, the regions are counting on having to maintain restrictions after May 9 in order to avoid further spread of the virus. In fact, some have even called on the central government to extend the state of alarm beyond that deadline.

The emergency situation was voted through in the lower house of parliament, the Congress of Deputies, back in October. From May 9, the regions will once again be in charge of the measures they implement, as was the case between mid-June and October of last year, but will not have all of the powers that they currently enjoy.

From one moment to the next, we will go from having everything under control to a complete lack of control Daniel Lopez-Acuna, former director of emergencies at the World Health Organization

The regional governments can use a 1986 public health law as the basis for coronavirus restrictions, as it permits them to adopt the measures that they consider necessary in order to control transmissible diseases. Many legal experts have warned in recent months of the need to reform this law in order to specify exactly which measures the regions can implement without having to receive the approval of the courts, and thus avoid the legal chaos that ensued last summer.

The current state of alarm regulates three main measures that limit fundamental rights: nighttime curfews, perimetral lockdowns and social meetings. According to the government and most of the experts consulted by EL PAIS, the only one of these that will be left without legal backing once the state of alarm expires is the curfew. If a region wanted to keep it in force, they could use the aforementioned 1986 public health law and then wait for the response of the judges.

The coalition government, which is headed up by the Socialist Party (PSOE) and backed by junior partner Unidas Podemos, has repeatedly stated that an extension to the state of alarm will not be necessary, instead counting on the ongoing vaccination drive to ease the pressure of the pandemic and arguing that the existing public health law is sufficient for the regions to implement restrictions without fear of them being struck down by the courts.

Regions such as Catalonia are already preparing alternative plans in order to maintain some of the restrictions on fundamental rights, such as the free circulation of citizens. Experts consulted by EL PAIS, however, warn that a legal limbo could be ahead, while epidemiologists say that a relaxation or suspension of the measures currently in place could see a rebound of the epidemiological curve.

A police checkpoint on the border of the Madrid region and Castilla y Leon last year. Victor Sainz

The latest meeting of the Inter-Territorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS), which brings together the central Health Ministry and the regional healthcare chiefs, did not reach any conclusions on the way forward. The government insists that it is working to avoid having to extend the emergency situation further. We are prepared to deal with the day after the disappearance of the state of alarm, said Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo at the outset of April.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Carolina Darias defended the same position on Thursday at a Health Commission hearing in Congress. Our intention is to work intensely so that the declaration of the state of alarm is no longer necessary, she said. The minister insisted that there are other alternatives and said the possibilities beyond May 9 should be considered.

But the regions dont see things so clearly and each one is taking action. The Basque regional premier, Inigo Urkullu, has called for an extension to the emergency situation, and has been backed by Galicia, Castilla y Leon and Castilla-La Mancha. Catalonia is putting the finishing touches to a public health law that will give legal backing to a nighttime curfew. Asturias and Andalusia are also preparing documents and working guides that will cover the planned restrictions.

With a 14-day cumulative number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants of 230, community transmission of the virus persists in Spain. While there is a huge difference between regions right now  Valencia has 44 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, for example, compared to 516 in the Basque Country  experts insist that there are a number of risk factors that could complicate the progress of the pandemic. May 9 will not bring an end to the high incidence, nor the elevated occupation of [intensive care units], said Daniel Lopez-Acuna, a former director of emergencies at the World Health Organization (WHO). And we are still dealing with the British variant, he added, in reference to the more-contagious strain of the virus that was first identified in England. The Indian strain is on its way and there is still not such high coverage from the vaccines. The epidemiological situation is such that we will have to continue with the measures that limit movement and social interaction.

Im worried that a culture will be created where the limiting of fundamental rights is normal when it should be an exception Federico de Montalvo, president of Spains Bioethics Committee

Before the current six-month state of alarm was approved by the Congress of Deputies, regional governments were taking decisions on restrictions such as limited opening hours for stores and bars, but they would have to turn to the judges to approve a perimetral lockdown or a limit on the number of people at social gatherings. The situation was a confusing one, leading to situations whereby on the same day a court in Barcelona rejected limiting public and private meetings in LHospitalet to fewer than 10 people, while another Judge in Lleida permitted such a restriction in the area of Segria.

Right now were in a deja vu situation that could be avoided, argued Lopez-Acuna. We have a blank check, which is the state of alarm, and it should be extended, because if not, we are going to end up in an even more diverse situation with possible contradictions between regions. From one moment to the next, we will go from having everything under control to a complete lack of control and leave everything up to the decisions of the regions. And that leaves us in a scenario of leaving actions that correspond to the health authorities in the hands of the courts.

On the other side of the argument is the president of Spains Bioethics Committee, Federico de Montalvo. Speaking to EL PAIS several weeks ago, he argued that there are sufficient legal tools in the Spanish system to give coverage to the more restrictive measures needed. Im worried that a culture will be created where the limiting of fundamental rights is normal when it should be an exception, he said at the time. We have the sufficient tools in the legal system to make decisions. What is needed is institutional loyalty and for the requested measures to be properly argued before the judges.

Whatever the case, if scenes from last summer are repeated, with legal battles and delays to measures being implemented, there will be an effect on the epidemiological curve. Using only the measures that the regions can take there will be a lot of places where this isnt enough, and those places will need a solution, argues Alberto Infante, emeritus professor at the National School of Health.

With reporting by Reyes Rincon.

English version by Simon Hunter.
In view of the rising Covid cases in Maharashtra, SpiceHealth has deployed a RT-PCR mobile testing laboratory in Nagpur.

The company has also dispatched 125 'SpiceOxy' ventilators to the city.

According to the company, this initiative was taken on priority due to the personal intervention of Road Transport and Highways, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister, Nitin Gadkari.

Furthermore, SpiceHealth will be supplying oxygen concentrators to Maharashtra government and will soon be setting up mobile testing laboratories in Aurangabad and Nashik.

The company, launched by the promoters of SpiceJet, has been working actively with state governments and hospitals across the country to address the issue of acute shortage of oxygen.

It has imported more than 2,000 oxygen concentrators in the last two weeks for emergency use and distribution across India.

"In addition, we will soon be setting up mobile testing labs in Aurangabad and Nashik. SpiceHealth will also be supplying oxygen concentrators to Maharashtra government and has also dispatched 125 of our 'Made-in-India' SpiceOxy ventilators to Nagpur," SpiceHealth CEO Avani Singh said.

"We are firmly committed to helping our country in these difficult times and are honoured to be a part of various state government efforts towards fighting this pandemic."

SpiceHealth has emerged as the fastest growing diagnostic lab in the country having conducted more than 2 million RT-PCR tests since its launch in November 2020.
Six weeks after facing eviction, the West Ashley restaurant that in 2019 opened as Spanglish Cocina + Bar is back on track, according to those associated with it.

Its going to be what West Ashley is missing, said head chef Mike Fitzhugh, who is overseeing the restaurants transition under new ownership to a different name and theme. Were going to operate it like a big boy restaurant.

Founding owners Lynda and Tomas Prado surrendered their stake in Spanglish on March 16 to a trio of its original angel investors under a deal brokered with the property owner. Amid accusations that they failed to pay suppliers and employees, the couple had already relocated to Greenville to operate a Cuban sandwich counter at a new food hall.

We are doing fantastic in Greenville, Lynda Prado wrote in an email turning down The Post and Couriers request for a phone interview.

Regarding outstanding debts, Prado said no checks bounced during their tenure as owners.

"If any vendor checks bounced or if any payroll checks bounced during this transition, it was out of our control as everything was done without anyone telling us or giving us a chance to settle or change payment methods," she wrote in a follow-up e-mail.

Additionally, Prado said employees always had the items they needed to do their jobs.

"Spanglish operated consistently and never lacked any supplies or products," she said. "Anything that was needed, we supplied."

Describing the past few months as a "disgusting ordeal," Prado said she has chosen to not address the transfer of ownership or incidents leading up to it so as "to not cause any grief."

Lynda and Tomas Prado first entered the Charleston food-and-beverage scene in 2018, when the Miami natives opened a Spanglish stall at Workshop, adding slow-roasted pork and yucca fries to the food courts lineup. The following year, they took over the former Bluerose, which closed after a short run under The Montford Groups control.

We hope we make our families and friends proud, Lynda Prado told The Post and Courier, promising a glimpse into what good food really is.

Spanglish hit a glitch when it wasnt able to obtain a liquor license before opening in September 2019, meaning patrons who wanted a drink with dinner had to visit a gas station next door for beer or wine. Otherwise, the restaurant had an outwardly successful start, collecting early raves from fans of ceviche and empanadas.

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But, according to personal bankruptcy paperwork filed by the Prados on June 30, 2020, the restaurant struggled to turn a profit. It lost $9,496 in December 2019. Then it lost another $4,383 in January 2020.

Limehouse Produce Co., the Charleston areas leading independent food distributor, on Feb. 18, 2020, won a $3,425 judgment against Tomas Prado in state court.

That same month, Spanglish netted nearly $6,000. But the restaurant returned to the red with the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020. The company was approved on May 1, 2020, for $52,162 in Paycheck Protection Program loans to cover payroll expenses.

The Prados itemized $88,088 in debts when they filed their bankruptcy petition, including $6,000 owed to West Elm; $7,306 owed to Crate & Barrel; and $1,445 owed to Macys, along with liabilities stemming from credit card use, car purchases and the case lost to Limehouse.

Fitzhugh, who was hired by Tomas Prado in July, hailed his boss as a talented chef with an impressive resume. Still, he said, It was clear that things werent exactly rosy at Spanglish, citing inventory challenges and employee paychecks that couldnt be counted on to clear.

Backers apparently werent aware of the extent of the financial problems plaguing Spanglish until The Montford Group, which remained the buildings landlord, sued the business in February for unpaid rent. The investors at that point worked out an arrangement to keep the restaurant open with Fitzhugh at the helm; The Montford Group dropped its lawsuit in support of the plan led by locals.

Its refreshing to come in and have this kind of backing, said Fitzhugh, who served as executive chef of RockSalt in Charlottesville, Va., before relocating to Charleston in 2015. He worked at The Establishment before the pandemic, but decided to take a kitchen job closer to home when the Broad Street restaurant closed.

He likened the arrival of new owners to turning a light switch on, adding they have approved new hires and paid back wages to employees out of their personal accounts.

For now, the restaurant still bears the Spanglish name and is offering the standard Spanglish dishes.

But Fitzhugh said his team will slowly be taking the Band-Aid off over the next month as they prepare to unveil their new name and menu. He credited the new owners with giving him the time and resources he needs to test out recipes and other ideas.
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New York, May 1 : The US is imposing restrictions on travel from India starting on Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris has said.

"We have announced that starting Tuesday on the advice of the CDC (Centres for Disease Control, our COVID-19 experts, medical experts and national security advisors -- travel restrictions will come into force for India," she told reporters on Friday.

Harris, who was visiting Cincinnati, said, "There is no question that it (COVID surge in India) is a great tragedy, in terms of the loss of life, and as I have said before, and I will say again, we as a country have made a commitment to the people of India to support them." "And we've made already a commitment in terms of a dollar amount that will go to PPE (personal protective equipment) and a number of other things. But it is tragic. And, you know, my prayers go to the people on the suffering, the blatant suffering that is happening," she added.

President Joe Biden's Spokesperson Jen Psaki said the restrictions were being imposed because "of extraordinarily high COVID-19 caseloads and multiple variants circulating in India." The White House and the CDC did not spell out the restrictions.

But travel restrictions issued by Biden on other countries given an idea of how they may impact India.

Non-US citizens except for US legal immigrants will not be allowed into the US if they have been to the countries under the restrictions in the past 14 days.

The restrictions cover South Africa, China, Iran, Brazil, Ireland, Britain and the 29 countries belonging to the common visa zone known as the Schengen Area.

US citizens and legal residents and their immediate family members are exempt from the restrictions, as also are diplomats, but they are advised to follow precautions.

They are asked to test themselves for COVID-19 between three and five days after arrival.

If those who are vaccinated test positive, they have to isolate themselves for seven days.

Those who are not vaccinated are asked to self-isolate for seven days, regardless of the test results.

At a news conference on Friday before the restriction was announced, White House Coronavirus Response Co-ordinator Jeffrey Zientsin said, "In terms of travel from India, we remain in very close contact with our foreign counterparts and are continuously monitoring the situation." "Our current inbound travel precautions and mandatory testing before travel -- the quarantine for unvaccinated individuals and the retesting during that quarantine period -- those are all in place for all international travel and have been effective," he added.

Last year during the height of the pandemic flights to and from India a" like with most countries a" were banned.

Both countries organised evacuation flights to bring their stranded citizens home.

On Thursday, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said that the Biden Administration was sending COVID relief aid worth $100 million.

Two planeloads of oxygen cylinders, rapid diagnostic tests, and N95 masks to protect frontline workers have already been sent to India.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Bihar Arun Kumar Singh died of COVID on Friday in a private hospital here.

Singh who had tested positive recently was undergoing treatment at Paras hospital where he died Friday, hospital director Dr Ahmad Abdul Hai told PTI.

He was appointed as the after retirement of his predecessor Deepak Kumar on February 28.

A 1985 batch IAS officer, Singh was slated to retire in August end.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid rich tributes to the departed bureaucrat.

The CM got information about his death during a meeting of the state cabinet.

Following this, the cabinet observed one minute silence to pay respect to the chief secretary, according to an official statement.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Admissions offers for New York Citys specialized high schools have been sent out and longstanding trends regarding the racial disparity have persisted, particularly here in the borough.

On Thursday, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) released a breakdown of this years specialized high school admissions offers by race, including offers for Staten Island Technical High School in New Dorp, the boroughs only specialized school.

In total, 281 students received offers to Staten Island Tech, with the vast majority of them, 265 out of 281, or 94%, being white or Asian, according to city data.

Meanwhile, just one Black student and seven Latino students received offers, a trend thats been observed at Staten Island Tech and most of the citys specialized high schools in recent years.

The school also offered admission to one Native American student, one multi-racial student and six students categorized as unknown.

This marks the third straight year in which only one Black student was offered admission to the school, and the third straight year that the number of Latino students offered admission has declined, from 11 in 2019, to eight in 2020 and now to just seven in 2021.

And thats not the only trend that continued with the release of this years data.

For the fifth year in a row, the number of of Asian students offered admission to Staten Island Tech exceeded offers made to white students. Out of the 281 students, a total of 161 Asian students received offers to the freshman class, while 104 white students were accepted.

There were 23,528 students across the city who competed for seats at the citys specialized high schools this year, according to DOE numbers. Citywide, 4,262 students received offers.

Out of those citywide offers, 53.7% went to Asian students, 27.9% went to white students, 5.4% went to Latino students, 5.4% went to students listed with unknown ethnicity, 3.7% went to multiracial students, 3.6% went to Black students and 0.3% went to Native American students.

Specialized high schools are selective public schools that offer an advanced or focused curriculum based on students results on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT).

The citys specialized high schools have faced backlash in recent years, as admissions offers to Black and Latino students have remained low. Some schools, like Staten Island Technical High School, have developed outreach programs with underrepresented middle schools.

City officials, including Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter, have called for the elimination of the SHSAT as a means of diversifying the citys specialized schools.

I know from my 21 years as an educator that far more students could thrive in our Specialized High Schools, if only given the chance. Instead, the continued use of the Specialized High School Admissions Test will produce the same unacceptable results over and over again, and its far past the time for our students to be fairly represented in these schools, Porter said.

The State law that requires the City to administer the exam must be repealed so we can partner with our communities to find a more equitable way forward, and do right by all of our children, the chancellor added.

DISCOVERY PROGRAM

As in previous years, students will receive offers to the Discovery Program later in the spring -- which means the number of students accepted into specialized high schools could increase. The program -- which was expanded in recent years -- aims to increase diversity by offering admission to high-need students who score just below the entrance exam score cutoff if they complete a summer program.

This year, 20% of seats at each specialized high school are reserved for students in the Discovery Program. The DOE anticipates approximately 800 seats in the Discovery program this year, which is the same number as last year, but significantly higher than the 250 seats offered in 2018.

However, the program has historically showed small gains in the number of black and Latino students who were offered admission.
A logo is pictured outside a building of the World Health Organization (WHO) during an executive board meeting on update on the CCP virus outbreak, in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 6, 2020. (Reuters/Denis Balibouse)

WHO Team Investigating Pandemics Origins Must Have Better Access, Officials and Scientists Say

The next phase of the World Health Organization (WHO) investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic must be more scientific and data-driven, a group of scientists wrote in an open letter to the WHO on Friday.

China should not be permitted to veto the team members chosen for the next WHO-led investigation and the team should be granted full access to related data such as medical records and biological samples, signers of the letter wrote.

The letter is authored by various international scientists and academics and co-organized by Jamie Metzl, a WHO advisor and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank.

A WHO-led team released a report in March on the origins of the pandemic, but the team was denied access to important data. The WHOs director-general, the White House, the U.S. State Department and 13 other countries expressed concern that the WHO teams report was compromised.

The WHO team that traveled to Wuhan in January to investigate COVID-19s origins was tasked by World Health Assembly resolution 73.1 with identifying only the zoonotic source of the virus, or its transfer from animals to humans. Instead, it should be given the objective of investigating all possible origins of the pandemic, including from a lab leak, according to the letter.

The WHO team also was not given the mission of performing an investigation, but rather to recommend, help design, and review scientific studies, the letter says. This meant that performing an investigation, let alone a forensic audit of laboratories, was beyond the remit of the joint mission, according to the letter.

Going ahead, the WHO team must be given a different objective: to conduct a full scientific and forensic investigation into all possible origins of COVID-19, be it zoonotic or not, according to the letter.

Additionally, the team should be permitted to do its work with no unnecessary presence of host government non-scientific personnel, the letter says.

NIH Director Francis Collins said Wednesday at a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health that an investigation following on the original WHO investigation is needed.

Officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of State, and six other federal agencies are also planning to make recommendations to the WHO regarding its second inquiry into COVID-19s origins, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

The U.S. is expected to recommend a review of medical records of [Wuhan] laboratory staff, and that international scientists be granted access to pre-2020 strains of the virus from laboratories or patients, a U.S. official told the Journal. The U.S. will also recommend more testing of animals and humans for early evidence of the new coronavirus, the Journal reported.

The next phase of a WHO investigation of the pandemics origins should be mandated to have access to key databases of pathogens and samples, the scientists open letter states.

These databases are essential as they contain data about viruses not yet published, and some of these viruses may be closely related to SARS-CoV-2, the letter says.

The WHO team should be guaranteed access to required raw data (relevant records, samples, project applications, project reports, personnel information, field trip information, relevant emails, laboratory notebooks, etc.) and not solely semi-aggregated data or summaries, the letter says.

Among many other recommendations, the letter says that the Terms of Reference for the initial joint study gave Chinese authorities an effective veto over participation in the international team, thereby compromising its independence.

Instead, the selection process of the members of the team should be made transparent and China should not have veto power, the scientists recommend.

The team should include appropriate experts in related fields and should not include experts with conflicts of interest, according to the scientists. The only U.S. member of the first WHO team, Peter Daszak, works for EcoHealth Alliance, which had received a U.S. grant to do research at the Wuhan lab considered a possible source of the pandemic.

By Eleanor Bartow

From The Daily Caller News Foundation

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
There are probably two or three years worth of bureaucratic approvals that still need to be done, he said. The environmental review has to be updated. The engineering work has to be completed. Then the state has to enter into an agreement with private developers to finance the project.
Guided-missile Frigate Zhaotong (Hull 555)

SANYA, Apr. 30 -- The decommissioning ceremony for the guided-missile frigate Zhaotong (Hull 555) was held at a military port in Sanya on April 26.

Independently designed and built by China, the Zhaotong (Hull 555) was commissioned to the PLA Navy in 1987 and had served for 34 years. After decommissioning, the ship will be handed over to Qingdao for national education.

According to a naval base in the PLA Southern Theater Command, Frigate Zhaotong has performed a series of major training missions, covering a range of more than 230,000 nautical miles. It has experienced the baptism of super typhoons, witnessed the stormy waves of the Indian Ocean, and guarded the Xisha, Nansha Islands.
Wally the walrus had a rude awakening when he was forcibly moved off a lifeboat slipway - with an air horn blast.

An RNLI volunteer tried to budge the huge Arctic walrus when they were called out on a rescue mission on Monday.

One volunteer took a broom to try and shoo the stubborn animal into the water to clear the way - but he refused to move.

Wally the walrus has been seen sunbathing on the slipway in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, regularly over the past month

An RNLI crew member was forced to blast an air horn to encourage Wally to allow the lifeboat to launch in a rescue of two canoeists

Tourists watched on as Wally finally retreated into the water in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, when an airhorn was blasted next to him.

Holidaymaker Martyn Sidwell, of Middlesbrough, said: 'He had been feeding offshore for five consecutive days with no rest, so he was holed up on the lifeboat ramp trying to get some rest.

'Then a shout went out for the lifeboat and the crew started arriving, running into the station. They soon realised, 'we're going to have to move the walrus'.

'Eventually this guy came walking out with a broom, and tried to usher him off the ramp.

'Then the walrus looked at him as if to say, "you're having a laugh". He's the size of a cow. He wouldn't move.

'Then the guy came back with an air-horn. He must have thought, "I've had enough of this noise," and turned into the sea.'

Wandering Wally set up camp on the Welsh coast after travelling from his Arctic home via Ireland.

Martyn said he had gone to the seaside town with his wife especially to see Wally.

He added: 'It was a little bit tinged with sadness - he's a long way from home.

'But he's healthy and putting on weight since he first turned up. Obviously the local razor clams have fed him up quite well.'

After the RNLI crew member repeatedly sounded the horn, Wally took the hint and retreated

The RNLI volunteer had to get closer before the walrus showed any inclination to move

The RSPCA Cymru and Dyfed-Powys Police issued a plea to tourists to keep their distance from Wally.

The walrus is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

An RNLI spokesperson said the lifeboat was responding to an emergency involving two canoeists who got into difficulty between Stackpole and Broadhaven.

The spokesperson said the lifeboat crew have learned that 'making some noise' encourages Wally to leave the slipway allowing the lifeboat to launch.

They added: 'On Monday the walrus needed a bit more convincing to move from the slip.

'Due to the severity of the call-out and the need to keep the RNLI volunteers at a safe distance, a louder noise was made.

'Again, once the lifeboat was on the water, Wally soon returned to his sunbathing spot and carried on with his day.'

The massive mammal finds it easy to clamber up the slipway which is normally unoccupied

The walrus was first seen on the coast of County Kerry in west Ireland on March 15 before making the 450km journey to Pembrokeshire in Wales on March 21.

Walruses are more often seen in the Arctic, and are not usually seen this far south.

Animal welfare groups are monitoring the giant sea creature, which is believed to have travelled across the Atlantic from Greenland on an ice floe.

Cleopatra Browne, of Welsh Marine Life Rescue, visited the walrus when it first arrived in Wales, saying: 'It was about the size of a cow.

'It was a whopper. I've seen them on telly and the news but it was huge.'

Ms Browne watched the walrus from about 40m away and believed it was a young animal as its tusks were 'about 3in long'.
A rocket launches from missile system as part of a ground-based intercontinental ballistic missile test launched from the Plesetsk facility in northwestern Russia on Dec. 9, 2020. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

Biden Must Hold the Line on Nuclear Deterrence

Commentary

If the United States retreats in its nuclear posture during Chinese and Russian nuclear modernization, nuclear war is more likelynot less.

Congressional Democrats have advocated for just that, arguing that the Pentagon budget should be cut, and nuclear weapons production should be shelved. A 2019 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report pegged (pdf) the cost for overall nuclear modernization over a 10-year period at $400 billion.

Congress must continue to identify and eliminate additional military bloat, such as the production of needless and dangerous nuclear weapons, which we should be working to rapidly reducenot expand, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) said on April 13. If our national security was preserved during eight years of the Obama-Biden administration, there should be no reason not to return to those levels of military spending under the new Biden-Harris administration.

Ninety-two of the 218 Democrats in Congress currently belong to this caucus.

Jayapals idealism is divorced from reality and a fast-changing nuclear dynamic, according to a recent Pentagon assessment. The threat of overwhelming force is the only way to secure peace. Appeasement never works.

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, U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) wrote in an April 19 tweet.

Adm. Charles Richard, who oversees STRATCOM, told (pdf) Congress on April 20 that this modernization on the part of China and Russia means we cant let our guard down and presume that the threat of a nuclear exchange remains low.

We must maximize our ability to prevent strategic deterrence failure and find ways to reduce the risk of miscalculation in a crisis, by engaging all elements of national power to effectively communicate our resolve to potential adversaries, Richard said.

Chinas buildup of its nuclear capabilities includes sea-based ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), one of which belonging to the JIN class was commissioned into the Chinese navy in April; development and deployment of its H-20 stealth bomber; and the deployment of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and intermediate range ballistic missiles (IRBMs).

Its development of ICBMs with multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRV) that can deliver nuclear warheads against multiple targets makes China particularly dangerous. The country is the largest nation to be completely outside the constraints of any arms control agreement.

The shallow South China Sea has become a bastion for Chinese SSBN activity. China now currently has five SSBNs in its arsenal with the commissioning of the latest submarine. The Defense Department noted (pdf) in 2016 that the JIN class represents a credible nuclear threat to the United States and its allies. JIN-class boats carry up to 12 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

The Chinese Communist Party-linked Global Times called for China to reach a threshold of 1,000 nuclear warheads last year. That likely will happen in the next decade, Richard wrote in a February article that appeared in Proceedings of the U.S. Naval Institute.

Chinas nuclear weapons stockpile is expected to double (if not triple or quadruple) over the next decade, Richard wrote, calling its No-First Use policy with regard to its nuclear stockpile into question. Acting in a responsible manner is incumbent upon any great power. For China, we must pay attention to PRCs actions more than its stated policies.

China doesnt disclose exactly how many warheads it has in its arsenal, but its believed to have between 200 and 300 warheads.

Russia includes the use of nuclear weapons as part of its land warfare doctrine. It also has upgraded (pdf) its nuclear capabilities with the new Satan 2 ICBM, hypersonic missiles and a rail-mobile ICBM. It also has modernized some of its Cold War-vintage Blackjack intercontinental bombers to deploy nuclear cruise missiles. The Russian navy has deployed several of Russias newest SSBN, the Borei class.

Progressive Caucus members in Congress want the land-based component of Americas nuclear deterrence eliminated. The Biden administration remains committed to nuclear modernization in principle, according to the April preliminary funding request to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) (pdf).

The discretionary request maintains a strong, credible nuclear deterrent for the security of the Nation and U.S. allies. While the Administration is reviewing the U.S. nuclear posture, the discretionary request supports ongoing nuclear modernization programs while ensuring that these efforts are sustainable, the administration said.

Air Force Gen. John Hyten placed the cost of building the next-generation ICBM, called the ground-based strategic deterrent (GBSD), at $61 billion over the next 10 years  $18 billion more than the 2017 cost projection.

I think we need a big debate, now that we are in the majority, about the $100 billion acquisition cost of a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the ground-based strategic deterrent, Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) told Politico in February.

The state of Americas nuclear arsenal is particularly grave. Its youngest weapons were built in the Reagan years and might not work properly. Our Minuteman III ICBMs are ancient and are approaching the point they can no longer be maintained. Silos that house these missiles still use analog technology, and repairs often require airmen to cannibalize from other pieces of equipment.

Cutting the GBSD from the equation sends the message to China and Russia that they would not face an overwhelming nuclear response if they were to use nuclear weapons against the United States or its allies.

The Ohio-class SSBNs that form the backbone of U.S. nuclear deterrence are aging fast, and the replacement Columbia-class SSBNs will not enter service for another decade. It would cost an estimated $86 billion to build 10, according to the CBO (pdf).

The B-21 stealth bomber is expected to enter service in the next decade, replacing B-2s and B-1Bs in the U.S. arsenal. It has an estimated $80 billion price tag for 100 bombers.

If you dont have intercontinental ballistic missiles  you are completely dependent on the submarine leg, Richard told Congress. Ive already told the Secretary of Defense that under those conditions, I would request to re-alert the bombers.

The cost of deterrence is high, but the failure to deter China and Russia would be infinitely higher in terms of lives and economic costs.

John Rossomando is a senior analyst for defense policy at the Center for Security Policy and served as senior analyst for counterterrorism at The Investigative Project on Terrorism for eight years.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.


HomeKit Software Engineer Santa Clara Valley (Cupertino) , California , United States Software and Services Summary

Posted: Apr 27, 2021 Weekly Hours: 40 Role Number: 200233362 The HomeKit team provides the foundation that enables an entire ecosystem of secure and intelligent home connectivity. We are developing technologies and crafting experiences that revolutionize the way people interact with the accessories around them. The team is seeking a hardworking engineer to help build the Home automation platform and take it to the next level. Key Qualifications You are an accomplished coder in C and object-oriented languages, such as C++ or Objective-C

You have a well-founded grasp of computer science fundamentals

You demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of wireless technologies and protocols knowledge is a plus

You have experience shipping real products to customers

You thrive in a collaborative environment

You have excellent communication skills

A real passion for product quality and attention to detail

Ability to work in a rapid development cycle with tight schedules

You are obsessively passionate and inquisitive, and seek to solve everyday problems in innovative ways

Laser-focused on the smallest details that are meaningful to our customers. Description You will develop the framework that enables accessories, iOS devices, and apps to work together to build an amazing product. You will work on different layers of the software stack, from network protocol design and implementation, to developer APIs, to defining the customer experience. You'll be responsible for maintaining and improving existing features and implementing new and innovative ideas for the future. Our goals are simple but the task is large; craft the most amazing home automation experience in the world that our customers will love. WWDC 2018: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2018/231/ Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent experience.


Researchers in the Republic of Korea (South Korea), The Netherlands, and South Africa have demonstrated the potential of the monoclonal antibody CT-P59 as an effective therapeutic for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the South African B.1.351 variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Soo-Young Lee from Celltrion Inc., in Incheon and colleagues, found that although the antibody exhibited reduced antiviral activity against the B.1.351 variant in vitro, it demonstrated potent antiviral activity in ferrets when administered at clinically relevant doses.

A therapeutic dosage of CT-P59 significantly decreased viral load and infectious viral titer in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts of the animals, compared with untreated controls.

Overall, considering that ferrets were administered with clinically relevant doses of CT-P59, it is expected CT-P59 would maintain its efficacy with patients infected with the South African variant, writes the team.

A pre-print version of the research paper is available on the bioRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review.

Morbidity and mortality rates on the rise again

The recent emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants poses further threats to global public health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with morbidity and mortality rates now on the rise again in many countries.

The B.1.1.7 variant that was first identified in the UK and found to contain the N501Y mutation in the viral spike protein has now spread to more than 100 countries.

The spike protein mediates the initial stage of the SARS-CoV-2 infection process by attaching to the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) via its receptor-binding domain (RBD).

In addition to N501Y, the B.1.351 variant of concern that was first identified in South Africa contains eight more mutations in the spike protein, namely, L18F, D80A, D215G, 242-244, K417N, E484K, D614G, and A701V.

Since quickly becoming the dominant SARS-CoV-2 strain in South Africa, B.1.351 has now spread to neighboring nations in Africa, some countries in Europe, and the United States.

Similarly, the P.1 variant that was first detected in Brazil and shares several mutations with B.1.351 has spread to several other countries in South America.

Some vaccines and therapeutics show reduced activity against the variants

Worryingly, studies have shown that some of the vaccines and therapeutics developed to protect against COVID-19 exhibit compromised activity against the new variants compared with the original wild-type virus.

Neutralization assays of serum from vaccinees have shown that two mRNA-based vaccines maintained activity against the UK variant (B.1.1.7) but showed an approximately 10-fold reduction in activity against the South African (B.1.351) variant.

The monoclonal antibody LY-CoV555 has also been shown to maintain activity against the UK variant, but not against B.1.351 since it cannot bind to a triple mutation in (K417N/E484K/N501Y) found in the spike RBD of this strain.

What did the researchers do?

Lee and colleagues have recently developed a monoclonal antibody  CT-P59  that binds to the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD and shows potent in vitro and in vivo activity against the original wild-type virus.

To assess whether CT-P59 is also effective against the UK and South African variants, the team performed both in vitro binding and neutralization assays with live viruses and pseudoviruses and in vivo experiments in ferrets.

The team found that CTP59 showed similar neutralizing activity against the B.1.1.7 variant in vitro as it did against the wild-type virus.

However, compared with the wild-type and UK variant, binding affinity for the RBD triple mutation (K417N/E484K/N501Y) found in B.1.351 was reduced 10-fold.

The monoclonal antibody also showed a 20-fold reduction in neutralization activity against B.1.351 live virus and a 33-fold reduction in the neutralization of B.1.351 pseudotyped viruses.

The team says that, although CT-P59 showed reduced binding and neutralization of B.1.351, the fact that some binding and neutralizing activity was retained prompted them to check whether its efficacy was reduced in a relevant animal model.

What did they find?

Six ferrets challenged with B.1.351 showed significantly reduced levels of viral RNA in nasal and lung samples following a clinically relevant therapeutic dose of 160 mg/kg CT-P59 and a half dose of 80 mg/kg.

In nasal washes, both the 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg dose decreased levels of viral RNA by 2.97 log 10 /mL, compared with control animals, just one day after administration (2 days post-viral challenge).

In the lungs, the level of viral RNA in both treatment groups was also significantly reduced at 2 days post-viral challenge, compared with control animals (1.30 log reduction for the 80 mg/kg dose and 1.57 log for 160 mg/kg).

The infectious viral titer in both nasal washes and the lungs was also significantly decreased in animals treated with CT-P59, compared with controls.

Therapeutic potential for patients with the South African variant

Here, we have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of neutralizing antibody CT-P59 against the B.1.351 variant of SARS-CoV-2, says Lee and colleagues. Overall, although CT-P59 showed reduced in vitro neutralizing activity against the South African variant, sufficient antiviral effect in B.1.351-infected animals was confirmed with a clinical dosage of CT-P59, suggesting that CT-P59 has therapeutic potential for COVID-19 patients infected with the South African variant, concludes the team.

*Important Notice

bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
Chandigarh, April 30 : The Chandigarh Administration in Friday decided to impose weekend curfew in the city, along the lines of nearby townships Mohali and Panchkula.

"There will be weekend corona curfew on Saturday and Sunday in Chandigarh too on similar lines as Mohali and Panchkula," UT Advisor Manoj Parida told the media.

The city is already observing daily curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. to contain the coronavirus spread.
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The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Nigerias secret police, SSS, to invite for questioning, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, over his comment on the worsening insecurity in the country.

There has been a spate of deadly attacks on security agents in Nigerias South-east and South-south which has compounded the security challenges in the regions.

Mr Akpabio said on Thursday the attacks, including several of such incidents in other parts of the country, were politically motivated.

I think most of the problems are politically motivated, he said.

So, we must use our binoculars to be able to look and identify the sponsors of the insecurity we are witnessing in the country, the minister said in Abuja, while on a visit to the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

PDP has now latched on to Mr Akpabios remark, demanding that the minister name people whom he said were behind the insecurity in the country.

The @OfficialPDPNig stressed that there is a self-professed evidence that Senator Akpabio is privy to certain terrorism related information which he must be made to share with the DSS as well as other security agencies, the PDP said in a statement it issued on Friday.

The party statement was published in a series of Twitter posts.

Our partys position is predicated on comments made by Senator Akpabio at the @OfficialAPCNg national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday that the acts of terrorism in our country are politically motivated and that they are the handiwork of infiltrators from neighbouring countries.

It is instructive to state that Senator Akpabios revelation provides more insight into the alleged affiliation of @OfficialAPCNg leaders with terrorist elements, who had reportedly infiltrated our nation after being imported from neighbouring countries by the @OfficialAPCNg, as political mercenaries, to assist it in unleashing violence to rig 2019 general elections, the statement said.

The party called on the SSS and other security agencies to immediately invite Mr Akpabio for questioning so as to expose the politicians in his party that are behind the ugly situation in our country.
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shift5, Inc., an operational technology data and cyber security company, has released an innovative solution for real-time predictive maintenance technology for Department of Defense weapon systems. By integrating a combined hardware and software product, platform owners and operators will gain visibility into their fleet health status to decrease maintenance costs and increase operational readiness.

Department of Defense weapon systems have many costs contributing to their sustainment, with maintenance comprising a major portion of total ownership cost. On one side, maintenance leads to inflated costs and removes vehicles from operations unnecessarily; while on the other side of the spectrum, scaling down maintenance activities to reduce costs could lead to unexpected equipment failure, followed by lengthy triage and repair time. In some cases, these unexpected repairs occur in less than ideal environments with very limited access to platform experts and other maintenance resources.

The DoD's maintenance system operates primarily on time-based or reactive maintenance and is struggling to implement preventive and predictive maintenance technologies. Ultimately, there is a fine balance to achieve when efficiently maintaining fleet operations without increasing costs and down-time for critical missions. System operators and commanders have a need for a comprehensive analysis of their fleets' data in real-time to better predict maintenance requirements. By leveraging high-visibility dashboards and intelligent alerting, users are empowered to perform effective predictive maintenance functions and lower the total ownership cost of their DoD weapon systems.

Unlocking Fleet Data with Shift5

Shift5 provides the Department of Defense and other platform owners the ability to unlock previously unrealized platform data to drive increased readiness and decrease programmatic costs. There is a tremendous amount of weapon system data being generated but there is a lack of solutions on the market to collect and translate this complex data. By utilizing Shift5's solution, commanders and operators remotely gain access to significantly more mechanical data than what is produced today by existing products, with much greater detail and higher usability.

"Existing fleet assets have outdated digital components that limit the ways DoD customers can interact with their fleet data. This results in operators having to perform menial, error-prone tasks to collect information about their fleets. With real-time, full-take data collection, Shift5 improves their predictive maintenance programs to accelerate diagnosis and reduce maintenance resource requirements."

- Josh Lospinoso, CEO of Shift5

The Shift5 product components  Shift5 Intake, Shift5 Engine, and Shift5 Gauge Cluster  can be enhanced and customized to provide data-driven maintenance insights to extend lifetime and operational availability of systems, as well as reduce reliance on manual, in-person, or routine maintenance checks. Shift5 Intake enables full packet data capture from a wide range of standard serial data bus protocols on both legacy systems and new builds, while Shift5 Engine uses standards-based rules and advanced models to detect and alert on anomalies or upcoming maintenance needs. Shift5 Gauge Cluster is the off-platform dashboarding, search, and analytics platform and serves as the user's touchpoint into their data.

We apply our software in a single hardware system to collect data across all onboard systems and report it in real time, with flexible dashboards, intelligent alerting, and tailorable features.

Delivering Cyber Resilience for Operational Technology Systems

Operational Technology (OT) systems that leverage Serial Data Buses (SDB), including major DoD weapon systems, require a holistic cyber security solution . Shift5's single security appliance protects SDB-dependent systems against cyberattacks and enables operators, commanders, maintainers, and incident responders. The Shift5 technology leverages a layered approach, applying deterministic rules and advanced models for continuous monitoring for unauthorized software and firmware configurations, while detecting anomalies and identifying system vulnerabilities. The same continuous monitoring and customizable alerts used for cyber resiliency can be extended to predictive maintenance functions on SDB-dependent critical weapons platforms.

Shift5's cyber security technology:

Allows commanders to gain insights into fleet mechanical and cyber health status to provide a common operating picture and enhance situational awareness. Allows system operators to efficiently conduct mechanical and cyber inspection of systems at scale. Identifies and reports mechanical and cyber anomalies quickly, decreasing downtime of critical assets and enabling the detection of enemy non-kinetic operational preparation of the environment.

About Shift5

Our team has over six decades of combined active-duty military and intelligence community experience assessing the cybersecurity of, and conducting maintenance on, weapon systems, operational technology, and information systems. Shift5 also brings robust defense experience in OT data collection, edge processing, data analysis, weapon system vulnerability analysis, cyber-physical penetration testing, and quick-reaction software and hardware product development.

Learn More about Shift5 for Military

Media Contact:

Nicole Wheeler

Director of Marketing

[email protected]

(610) 246-1185

SOURCE Shift5, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.shift5.io


New Delhi: Amid rising coronavirus cases across the country, Union Home Ministry on Friday (April 30) advised states to undertake oxygen consumption audits in all hospitals including private hospitals. It asked them to go for intensive and local containment measures in districts with a high number of COVID-19 cases to contain the pandemic.

In its observation, the ministry said that Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh are reporting much higher peaks than reported earlier, while other states like Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Odisha not only reporting higher peaks but also high case growth trajectory.

The ministry, however, expressed concern over the case trajectory and states of concern during the period of the last 14 days.

The average daily new Covid-19 cases in the last four weeks has increased in Uttar Pradesh. Delhi has reported the second-highest number of deaths in the country. Rajasthan has registered five times more cases as compared to the last years peak," said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary in Health Ministry.

Addressing a press conference, Lav Agarwal sought everyone's support to manage the situation, adding that "misplaced fear" was also being observed among people and urged them not to stock oxygen cylinders at home.

He said, "We are observing misplaced bravery that corona is nothing, its a scam, we have had enough of coronavirus, I don't need a mask, let's party, there's life beyond worrying over coronavirus. Laxity at any level will impact everyone in the society."

"Then we see misplaced fear that 'I came in contact with a case, I am infected and will surely die', 'I need Remdesivir just in case I get the infection', 'Let's get an oxygen cylinder in advance at home'," Agarwal said, and underlined that fear and panic only aggravates and complicates the agony.

The Joint Secretary said, "Let's not get an oxygen cylinder in advance at home," stressing that citizens need to follow all guidelines, take all precautions, and follow COVID-appropriate behaviour.

"The virus has not gone into fatigue, even if we have. Laxity at any level will impact everyone in society. We need the support of everyone to manage the situation," he added.

Addressing the press conference, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said that in the second wave of the pandemic, the rate of the rise in infection has been rapid which has put immense strain on health infrastructure for some time.

He further observed that "doubling of COVID-19 cases has been rapid. That should ease if turnover time reduces," adding that this time coronavirus infection is spreading in tier two and three cities.

"So, it is important to train doctors about treating this new disease," Dr Guleria said and underlined avoiding misuse of drugs like Remdesivir and tocilizumab. "Systemic oral steroids are not indicated in case of mild disease and may be counter-productive especially if started too early. One should consult doctors before starting it," Dr Guleria added.

(With Agency Inputs)

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FORT WORTH, Texas, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. government and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) submitted an F-35 best and final offer (BAFO) on April 29, 2021, to the Finnish government in support of its competition to replace its current fighter fleet.

The 5th Generation F-35 provides unmatched capabilities, security of supply and industrial opportunities for Finland.

The F-35 offering is a total package that includes F-35A aircraft and a sustainment solution tailored to meet Finnish security of supply requirements to support all operational needs if in a closed border scenario. The BAFO also includes many first-of-a-kind opportunities for Finnish industry to work directly on F-35 production and sustainment.

"The F-35 will provide Finnish industries high technology job opportunities that no other competitor can offer," said Bridget Lauderdale, F-35 Program vice president and general manager. "The production work will continue for more than 20 years, and the F-35 sustainment work will continue into the 2050s. Not only will Finland support its own F-35s, but it will directly support the global fleet of F-35s through the production of major components."

Through indirect industrial participation projects outside of F-35 production, Lockheed Martin will also build partnerships with Finnish companies and academic institutions that offer opportunities focused on developing and advancing security collaborations.

With stealth technology, supersonic speed, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and increased range, the F-35 is the most advanced, survivable and connected aircraft in the world. It is also the most affordable solution for the Finnish Air Force's future fighter fleet as the only 5th Generation fighter at the cost of 4th Generation aircraft.

To date, the F-35 has been selected by 13 nations and operates from 27 bases worldwide, with nine nations operating F-35s on their home soil. More than 630 F-35s are in service today, with more than 1,300 pilots and 10,380 maintainers trained on the aircraft.

For additional information, visit www.f35.com.

About Lockheed MartinHeadquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/f-35-best-and-final-offer-submitted-to-finnish-government-301280909.html

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Mercedes-Benz Korea announced the expansion and relocation of its Jungrang Showroom, as well as opening a service center at the showroom to provide improved accessibility and convenience for customers in the northeastern part of Seoul.





The new Mercedes-Benz exhibition and service center in Jungrang district, northeastern Seoul. Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Korea
The Network of Action Committees for Safe Education in Germany supports the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals (ICFI) and the Socialist Equality Partys (SGP) call for the formation of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). At its latest online meeting on Monday, the Network passed the following resolution with no votes opposed:

The Network of Action Committees for Safe Education supports the ICFIs appeal for the building of an International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. The murderous coronavirus policies pursued by the capitalist class and their governments have led to a catastrophe around the world. Only through independent rank-and-file committees unified internationally can workers coordinate their struggles in various workplaces, industries, and countries against these policies and the corporatist trade unions.

WISAG ground workers on hunger strike at Frankfurt Airport, Terminal 1, 24 February 2021

In Germany, all bourgeois parties, together with the trade unions, are enforcing the profits before lives policy, which has already resulted in over 80,000 deaths. Despite high infection rates, schools are currently being opened in many regions, endangering the younger generation in particular. The only way to put an end to the mass death is the international mobilisation of the working class. We therefore call upon parents, childcare workers, teachers and students to participate in the International May Day Rally and support the building of the International Workers Alliance.

The meeting of the Network of Action Committee for Safe Education was held amid a wave of unsafe school openings across Europe and overshadowed by the dramatic events in India, where the criminal profits before lives policy of the BJP government has led to an horrific rise in infections and deaths. SGP member Katja Selin spoke in her introductory remarks of a shocking situation, with thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of new infections on a daily basis.

While many hospitals no longer have adequate beds or oxygen, bodies in the national capital Delhi are being burned in the street because the citys crematoriums are totally overwhelmed. At the same time, with the so-called double mutant B.1617, a new virus variant has emerged that could possibly be resistant to existing vaccines.

The pandemic, which is a human tragedy for the working class, has been a goldmine for the ruling elites. The billionaires are literally feasting on the deaths of millions of people and increased their wealth by 60 percent last year. In Germany alone, 29 new billionaires have emerged. Masses of people increasingly understand that this catastrophe requires a global response.

The significance of the International Workers Alliance is that it allows the coordination of and pushing ahead with our struggles in the committees worldwide and to fight for a socialist programme in the process.

Only if the oligarchy is expropriated and the struggles against the pandemic, war and social inequality are unified in a fight against the capitalist system will humanity be able to make progress, she concluded.

In a video message, Parti de lEgalite Socialiste (PES) member and WSWS author Will Morrow delivered greetings from the SGPs French sister party to the meeting. He reported from widespread school openings in France and Italy, although more than 300 people are dying in both countries on a daily basis. Referring to the situation across Europe, Morrow stated, The horrifying figure of more than 1 million deaths is the product of the profits before lives policy pursued by the European governments since the outbreak of the pandemic. It is an indictment of European capitalism and the criminality of its ruling class.

The parallel increase in deaths and the wealth of the corporate elite is not coincidental. The wealth of the billionaires is based on the rise of the stock market, which was caused by multi-trillion bailout programmes, as well as the maintenance of nonessential production amid a deadly pandemic. This in turn constantly requires that students remain in their classrooms and workers on the job, even though this means the further spread of the virus and a continuation of mass deaths.

In struggle against this policy, continued Morrow, workers confront an all-party coalition, which is supported by the trade unions and resorts to mobilising the state apparatus and right-wing extremist forces. The threatening growth of fascistic conspiracies in France, Germany, Spain and other countries shows in addition that the turn to dictatorship is being led by the entire capitalist class.

There is no progressive faction of the political establishment. It is up to the working class to intervene as a unified, international and independent force to reject the policies of mass death, militarism and dictatorship. The ICFI is calling for the building of an International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees to offer workers a global platform for a counter-offensive.

The fight for a scientific response to the pandemic muston account of the nature of the virusbe international from the outset. And it must be independent of the trade union apparatus, which has imposed the policies of capitalist governments and serves as an appendage of the corporations. This years May 1st must be made the starting point for a global movement of the working class to combat the pandemic and the capitalist classs drive to dictatorship.

During the discussion that followed, the approximately two dozen participants responded with strong support for the perspective advanced in the speeches.

Max, a social worker from Rostock, referred to a statement by the ICFI which advanced an emergency programme of action for the working class as early as March last year to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. More than a year later, Max continued, the contradictions of world capitalism have sharpened significantly, which is posing workers with revolutionary tasks:

The horrific consequences of the decades-long destruction of the health care and social systems is being made especially clear in the current pandemic. The ruthless profits before lives policy is exposing capitalist mismanagement before the eyes of the people around the world and is showing them how criminally the politicians operate. At the same time, the coronavirus crisis is intensifying geopolitical conflicts and the international threat of war. I therefore think that the unification of the workers committees is really the central task.

A young care worker, Magnus, from Bavaria, who could not participate due to a shift, sent a message that was read out at the meeting:

I think the statement is necessary. Workers in the care sector are also totally unorganised. The residents of care homes for disabled people have been going to work again for a few weeks. The protective measures against the virus are either totally inadequate or are virtually non-existent. With infection numbers in the hundreds, it is extremely dangerous for workers and residents. It is currently only a question of time before further deaths occur. The first infections have already occurred in some departments.

Further participants, including several students, drew a balance sheet of the destruction of the public health care system and the social welfare system and the decades of austerity measures for childcare and schools. Considerable emphasis was placed on the reactionary role played by the trade unions, and their effort to isolate and smother the widespread opposition among workers. The Education and Scholarship Union (GEW) recently advocated for the immediate reopening of schools in the state of Hesse despite increasing infection numbers.

Other speakers recalled the mass strikes by teachers in France, the United States and other countries, and the courageous struggle by airport ground staff at WISAG in Frankfurt, where strikers not only came into conflict with an influential company, but also with the trade unions and all parties in the Hesse state parliament.

At the end of the discussion, it was agreed to distribute the resolution as widely as possible among workers and to build the International Workers Alliance as a new instrument of struggle for the international working class.
Samsung and Apple both expect to take a sales hit this quarter because of the ongoing global chip shortage as the crisis continues to plague the automobile industry, with BMW-owned Mini and Jaguar Land Rover the latest companies to pause production.

A perfect storm of Covid-19, severe weather, factory fires and soaring demand for silicon has resulted in an unprecedented shortage affecting multiple sectors.

As both a manufacturer and consumer of semiconductors, Samsung finds itself in the unique position of rising chip profits from silicon-hungry customers but slumping sales of its own mobile devices as it struggles to stretch its supply across its own devices and orders to its own fabrication plants.

Due to the global semiconductor shortage, we are also experiencing some production disruption around certain set products and displays, said Ben Suh, executive vice-president of investor relations at Samsung.

The South Korean company said it would focus on maximising efficiency of its current capacity and expand output at its Pyeongtaek No.2 line.



The crisis did not prevent Apple from reporting blowout quarterly results this week, with CEO Tim Cook telling investors on Wednesday that Apple had been able to fall back on chip reserves for its iPhones and Macs. However, it anticipates losing $3bn to $4bn in sales in the current quarter as it gets squeezed by chip supply issues.

Qualcomm, one of the worlds biggest suppliers for mobile phone chipsets, this week reported an earnings beat but said its revenues and profits would have been higher if it were not for the semiconductor shortage. Incoming Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon told investors on Wednesday that the chip shortage was going to get better for the US firm at the end of the year.

On Friday Bundesbank chief economist Jens Ulbrich told Reuters that the German central bank expected semiconductor shortages to worsen somewhat in the second quarter.

He added that it could then normalise from the middle of the year. The supply bottlenecks now pose a risk to Germanys economic recovery, economists warned.

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Previously executives from semiconductor companies Intel, Nvidia and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) have said they expect the crisis to run into 2022.

This week BMW-owned Mini became the latest manufacturer to temporarily stop making cars because of difficulties sourcing chips, pausing production for three days at its Oxford, UK factory.

Last week Tata Motors Jaguar Land Rover paused UK production due to the microprocessor shortage.

Automakers have been particularly hard-hit by the chip shortage. After cancelling orders when the pandemic first broke because of slumping sales, car manufacturers found themselves at the back of the queue with semiconductor suppliers, who had redirected manufacturing capacity to the booming consumer electronics market.

The squeeze on semiconductor supply has also affected sales of next-generation games consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X.

The chip shortage is primarily affecting older-generation semiconductors that are more widely used in cars than modern consumer electronics. Todays cars can easily contain more than 100 chips and according to GlobalData Automotive analysts, modern vehicles are as reliant on computer chips as they are on their engines and chassis.

Ford anticipates the chip shortage will have to cut vehicle production by 50% at a cost of $2.5bn in lost sales.

Government and industry respond to semiconductor shortage

In response to the chip shortage, semiconductor suppliers have announced plans to expand capacity. On Friday chipmaking equipment supplier BE Semiconductor said its focus was on ramping production to meet customer delivery dates.

It follows recent announcements of a $20bn investment from Intel and $100bn from TSCM to increase chip-making capacity.

As part of his $2.3tn infrastructure plan Joe Biden has earmarked $50bn for semiconductor research and manufacturing in a bid to increase domestic supply. The manufacturing of physical chips is concentrated in a handful of foundries largely based in Taiwan, South Korea and the US.

The EU is reportedly mulling the creation of a semiconductor alliance between European chip manufacturers to reduce dependency on offshore supply chains, sources told Reuters this week. It could see a leading chipmaker encouraged to build a major fabrication plant within the EU.

However, these investments will not alleviate the current crisis as it will take time to expand fabrication facilities and even longer to build new ones.

There are only so many chips to go round, and with such a limited supply, it may be quite some time until a healthy pipeline is re-established. Fabs are complex, time-intensive operations that require expensive expertise and intellectual property to construct, said Tom Fairbairn, distinguished engineer at enterprise network architecture company Solace.

Extending existing production lines can take months, and ones from scratch can take years and cost billions of dollars. In this case, its going to be quite some time until the crisis has abated.

A Verdict analysis of recently published government figures showed that UK-based carmakers forced to halt or reduce production in recent months have been placing workers on Covid-19 furlough and claiming their wages from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, raising the question of whether their struggles were directly attributable to the pandemic or due to the semiconductor shortage.
SUNBURY, Pa., April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Weis Markets, Inc. (NYSE:WMK) Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan H. Weis today announced the company's plans to invest $135 million in its growth during 2021.

Mr. Weis made the announcement during the company's annual shareholder meeting in Sunbury, PA. He said the company continues to invest in new stores, remodels, fuel centers, information technology upgrades and more than a thousand smaller store improvement projects.

"Already this year, we've opened a new store in Martinsburg, West Virginia and a remodeled store in Gap, Pennsylvania, which was closed for 18 months due to a fire," said Mr. Weis. "We are currently finishing up work on two stores in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, which will open later this spring, and have started work on a new store in Warminster, Pennsylvania, our second in Bucks County."

The Company also plans eight remodels and eight fuel centers in 2021. While all of these projects will begin in 2021, some may not be completed until 2022.

Mr. Weis also spoke about the pandemic's impact.

"We are awed by the efforts of those who work in retail, most especially our Weis associates who took care of our customers during challenging times," said Mr. Weis. "They are among the unsung heroes of the past year."

Mr. Weis also praised the Company's pharmacy team which has vaccinated more than 145,000 people in Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia and New Jersey since late January.

Mr. Weis and the Chief Operating Officer Kurt Schertle also briefed shareholders on the Company's results. In FY 2020, the Company generated $4.1 billion in salesup 16.1 percent while comparable store sales increased 16.4 percent. Net income increased 74.9 percent to $118.9 million.

About Weis Markets

Founded in 1912, Weis Markets, Inc. is a Mid Atlantic food retailer operating 198 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York West Virginia and Virginia. For more information, please visit: WeisMarkets.com or Facebook.com/WeisMarkets.

SOURCE Weis Markets, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.weismarkets.com


Investigators seek for restraining order against lawyer Pavlov

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16:52 30/04/2021

MOSCOW, April 30 (RAPSI)  Investigators on Friday asked the Basmanny District Court of Moscow to impose a restraining order on lawyer Ivan Pavlov charged with disclosure of certain information pertaining to a preliminary investigation, his attorney Yevgeny Smirnov told RAPSI.

Pavlovs case is related to an article published by Vedomosti about journalist Ivan Safronov accused of treason. Investigators believe the attorney gave the newspaper a copy of the decision to bring the journalist to criminal prosecution and told information agencies and Kommersant newspaper about interrogation of a secret witness in Safronovs case.

Under the respective articles of the Russian Criminal Code, the charges brought against the lawyer envisage punishment in the form of compulsory work for up to 480 hours, or correctional labor for up to two years, or detention for up to three months.

On Friday, it became known about a search in Pavlov's house and his arrest.

The arrested lawyer is known for his work for human rights association "Team 29", which provides legal assistance to journalist Ivan Safronov, accused of high treason, and Navalnys foundation (recognized by the Ministry of Justice as a foreign agent); prosecutors seek that it was recognized as an extremist organization.

The Lefortovsky District Court of Moscow on April 30 extended detention of Safronov until July.




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AUSTIN, Texas  Digital Realty Trust Inc. (DLR) on Thursday reported a key measure of profitability in its first quarter. The results beat Wall Street expectations.

The real estate investment trust, based in Austin, Texas, said it had funds from operations of $482 million, or $1.67 per share, in the period.

The average estimate of 10 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for funds from operations of $1.59 per share.

Funds from operations is a closely watched measure in the REIT industry. It takes net income and adds back items such as depreciation and amortization.

The company said it had net income of $372.4 million, or $1.32 per share.

The real estate investment trust posted revenue of $1.09 billion in the period, which also beat Street forecasts. Six analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.05 billion.

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Digital Realty Trust expects full-year funds from operations in the range of $6.50 to $6.55 per share, with revenue in the range of $4.3 billion to $4.4 billion.

The companys shares have risen nearly 7% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Thursday, shares hit $149.04, increasing slightly in the last 12 months.

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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on DLR at https://www.zacks.com/ap/DLR
Anne Douglas, widow of late actor Kirk Douglas, dies at 102 View Photo

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP)  Anne Douglas, the widow of Kirk Douglas and stepmother of Michael Douglas, died Thursday in California. She was 102.

Douglas died at her home in Beverly Hills, according to an obituary provided by spokeswoman Marcia Newberger. No cause of death was given.

Kirk Douglas, the Hollywood legend who starred in Spartacus, Lust for Life and dozens of other films, died in February 2020 at 103.

He married Anne Buydens in 1954 after they met in Paris while he was filming Act of Love and she was doing publicity. They had two sons, Peter, a producer, and Eric, an actor.

I often wonder what would have happened to me if I hadnt married Anne. I might not have survived without her business acumen and her finely-honed instincts, Kirk Douglas once said.

In 2017 the couple published Kirk and Anne: Letters of Love, Laughter, and a Lifetime in Hollywood.

The Douglas Foundation, which Anne and her husband co-founded, has donated millions to a wide range of institutions, from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles to the Motion Picture & Television Fund.

Michael Douglas said his stepmother will always be in our hearts.

She brought out the best in all of us, especially our father. Dad would never have had the career he did without Annes support and partnership, the actor said in a statement.

Kirk Douglas first wife and Michaels mother, Diana Douglas, died in 2015.
Streets LA Awarded California Natural Resources Agency Grant to Plant 250 Trees for Broadway Manchester Project

StreetsLA has been awarded a grant for $713,804 from the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) to be used in planting 250 shade street trees, as part of the Broadway-Manchester Active Transportation Equity Project, located in Council District 8.

The Broadway-Manchester project, which already received a $24.9 million Active Transportation Project grant, encompasses a 2.8-mile corridor of underutilized medians on Manchester Avenue from Vermont Avenue to Broadway and on Broadway from Manchester Avenue to Imperial Highway.

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The medians will be reappropriated into a pedestrian path with cultural and recreational amenities and the street trees will provide much-needed shade, help reduce the urban island effect and improve air and water quality. The project is currently in design.

Restoring the South LA Tree canopy is key to addressing long standing health issues in our community, said Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson. The Broadway Manchester project represents what can happen when Cities work collaboratively with residents to reimagine their neighborhoods with equity at the forefront.

These additional 250 trees will punctuate the investments happening along the Broadway Manchester corridor and contribute to creating a living lung alongside projects like Isla Intersections.

We want to thank the CNRA for providing this important funding to plant 250 trees along these areas of Broadway and Manchester to provide shade and urban cooling, said StreetsLA

Executive Director and General Manager Adel Hagekhalil. This is part of our commitment to equity and to increase tree canopy in the areas of the City that need it most. The CNRA Urban Greening Grant Program provided $28.5 million for 25 projects throughout the state.

The program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment  particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Astroworld rapper Travis Scott turned 29-years-old on Friday.

His ex partner Kylie Jenner was quick to wish the musician from Texas a happy birthday as she shared a collection of photos of Scott with their child Stormi Webster, three.

The Kylie Cosmetics founder was not seen in any of the images as Jenner called her former boyfriend 'Stormi's daddy' while linking to him.

Good daddy: Astroworld rapper Travis Scott turned 29-years-old on Friday. His ex partner Kylie Jenner was quick to wish the musician from Texas a happy birthday as she shared a collection of photos of Scott with their child Stormi Webster, three

She sure knows how to pose: The siren seen outside her Holmby Hills, California estate earlier this week in her evening outfit

The billionaire beauty posted the images to her Instagram Stories.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star split from the hitmaker in October 2019.

Since then they have become 'great' co-parents as they focus is on their daughter Stormi.

A source told People magazine at the time: 'They have split for now and are living apart. Travis moved out a couple of weeks ago and lives at his own house. Stormi will continue to live with Kylie.

At play: The Kylie Cosmetics founder was not seen in any of the images as Jenner called her former boyfriend 'Stormi's daddy' while linking to him

Visiting: The billionaire beauty posted the images to her Instagram Stories. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star split from the hitmaker in October 2019

He is a hands on father: Scott sees Stormi very often; here they were seen at a ranch

'They are both great parents and will co-parent. They don't want their split to affect Stormi too much. As soon as they felt they couldn't figure out their issues, they decided to separate so their disagreements won't affect Stormi.'

It was previously revealed Kylie and Travis were 'taking space apart'.

An insider shared: 'Kylie and Travis aren't officially calling it quits on their relationship, but are taking space apart. It's not a firm split.

Kiss for pap: Stormi, dressed in Burberry, gives her father a kiss on the cheek

'They've been fighting again, but have still seen each other within this last month. They fight over ridiculous things and Kylie can be very skeptical about Travis. Travis has been stressed with dropping new music.

'Travis has been staying at his house in Beverly Hills and Kylie has been allowing him to see Stormi. She would never take that away from him.'

While they were dating Kylie heaped praise on her boyfriend for showing her she can be both 'sexy' and a 'bada** mom' at the same time.

She said: 'You remind me that motherhood and sexuality can coexist, and just because you embrace your sexuality doesn't mean you have loose morals or you're not a good mother.

From Kimmy: Kim Kardashian posted two images to her Instagram Stories of Travis and Stormi as the 40-year-old estranged wife of Kanye West said, 'Happy birthday Travis'

'You can be sexy and still be a bada** mom. We think the same and have the same goals and passions in life. Besides the fact that we have good chemistry, we have a lot of fun together. You're my best friend. Through all the ups and down that every relationship has, we evolve together through them and keep getting stronger.'

Kim Kardashian posted two images to her Instagram Stories of Travis and Stormi as the 40-year-old estranged wife of Kanye West said, 'Happy birthday Travis.'

Naughty Koko: Khloe Kardashian also shared a note for Scott as she posted an image where she was flipping the bird. 'Happy birthday @travisscott !!!!! Gang Gang for life!!!!!!' the star, 36, said

Khloe Kardashian also shared a note for Scott as she posted an image where she was flipping the bird.

'Happy birthday @travisscott !!!!! Gang Gang for life!!!!!!' the star, 36, said.

'I remember I took this photo and I said Im gonna save it and post this on your birthday. Well here we are.... screaming happy birthday to the birthday boy! PS No one talk about my hair. I fell in the pool right before this photo.'

Khloe has still not commented on claims made by model Sydney Chase that she had slept with Tristan Thompson in January and saw him again the day after the birthday party for their daughter True.

Kris Jenner made two posts for Travis

From Kris: Kris Jenner made two posts for Travis. 'Happy Birthday @travisscott!!! I hope you have a magical day filled with love,' shw wrote

Loved up: She also said, 'You are the most amazing daddy and I love watching you with Stormi. Thank you for all of the joy you bring when we are all together! What a blessing!! I love you very much, Mama K'

Hands on: Kris also shared shared several images like this one of Travis holding Stormi

At Kylie's mansion: Later she said, 'Happy Birthday @travisscott !!! You are such an incredible Daddy, Son, Brother, Uncle and friend and I love you very much!!! Have an amazing day'

'Happy Birthday @travisscott!!! I hope you have a magical day filled with love. You are the most amazing daddy and I love watching you with Stormi. Thank you for all of the joy you bring when we are all together! What a blessing!! I love you very much , Mama K,' she wrote as she shared several images.

Later she said, 'Happy Birthday @travisscott !!! You are such an incredible Daddy, Son, Brother, Uncle and friend and I love you very much!!! Have an amazing day.

Also on Friday Scott announced he is bringing back AstroWorld to Houston November 5 and 6 and have expanded it to a two-day event due to overwhelming demand. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 5 at 10AM CT.

Life's a beach: Scott was seen on the shore on Friday, his birthday
Paraguayan Foreign Minister Euclides Acevedo may visit Russia in late 2021 if the epidemiological situation allows, Ambassador in Asuncion Alexander Pisarev told Sputnik on Friday

BUENOS AIRES (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th April, 2021) Paraguayan Foreign Minister Euclides Acevedo may visit Russia in late 2021 if the epidemiological situation allows, Ambassador in Asuncion Alexander Pisarev told Sputnik on Friday.

Acevedo planned to travel to Russia last year, but the pandemic intervened.

"We do not rule out that the visit may take place at the end of the year if the epidemiological situation allows," Pisarev said.

The ambassador added that the two countries were currently working to create an intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation. The relevant document was handed over to Paraguay for review earlier this year, according to Pisarev.
For owner Tracy Longoria, seeing Aussakita Acres Farm in the headlines is nothing new. So when she posted a photo earlier this week to her Manchester farms Facebook account of a visit from actors and Connecticut residents Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, she knew what was coming next.

My phone has been blowing up with everybody going Oh my God! You made it! You made it in the papers, Longoria said. I said, Yea, I get it, I have to go feed animals now!

The same animals that earned her photo over 1,000 likes on Facebook and many more on Instagram also earned her some global news coverage in 2017: her goats. Longoria said when the Manchester farm started to offer goat yoga four years ago, she ended up in a zoning dispute.

The dispute went nationwide, she said. The problem was that the town of Manchester deemed us not zoned to do goat yoga, saying it was recreational and not agritourism.

After receiving a cease and desist order that said goat yoga was not a farm activity, the decision ended up before the zoning board of appeals. Longoria recalled the amazing outpouring of support she received not just from locals, including the state's Hindu community who helped protest, but from those around the state, nation (it was covered by the Wall Street Journal) and world.

It went as far as into Australia and New Zealand, she said. It was crazy. So when we went to the ZBA meeting, we completely and utterly filled the room to the point where there were people standing out in the hallway, people outside, we had picketers screaming Baby goats dont hurt anybody. It was insane; it totally took a life of its own.

Four years later, Longoria finds the popularity of her goats still holds. In fact, even before Bacon and Sedgwick made an appearance at her farm this week, she had already filled her appointments for this weekend just off of a post to her social media channels.

I typically have people text me [for an appointment] and on Sunday before Kevin and Kyra even came out, I put up that my piglet socials were starting and I put up the baby goats for the weekend, she said. I went out that evening and I turned my phone off. I came back and I had 44 texts on my phone.

Aussakita Acres Farm offers baby goat socials, piglet socials and farm tours, in which they allow guests ages 5 and older to go into the pastures for an up-close look at her farm animals. Longoria said the farm is also considering adding a few extra activities this spring, including goat hikes.

More Living Living Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick visit CT farm to pick new...

While this weekend is already filled, guests can book future appointments to Aussakita Acres Farm via text message.
Perfect Sting, the top-ranked horse in the Trot Magazine Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book, took another strong step toward his sophomore season with a 1:52.3 qualifying win on Friday (April 30) at The Meadowlands.

After a decisive, pillar-to-post 1:52.2 effort off the shelf last Saturday, David Miller opted to race Perfect Sting from the pocket in his second qualifier, yielding to Pirate Hanover (Andy McCarthy) through a tepid :57.3 half. The son of champions Always B Miki and Shebestingin made his move at the end of a :27 third split, headed Pirate Hanover at the eighth pole, and won going away by 1-3/4 lengths for trainer Joe Holloway and the partnership of Brittany Farms and Val D'Or Farms.

Top speed honours on the 14-race qualifying program went to Rocknificent, who continued preparations for her upcoming four-year-old campaign with a sizzling 1:50.3 score over Nancy Takter trainees JK First Lady and Peaky Sneaky. The daughter of Captaintreacherous and Rocklamation stalked the Takter tandem comfortably through fast and even sectionals of :27.3, :55.2 and 1:23 before lifting steadily through the home straight and mowing down JK First Lady by three-quarters of a length. Scott Zeron drove for trainer Linda Toscano and the partnership of the Enviro Stables Ltd., South Mountain Stables and Little E LLC.

On the trotting side, 2019 Hambletonian Oaks winner When Dovescry defeated a stacked field  including Hambletonian winners Ramona Hill (fourth) and Forbidden Trade (seventh) and Breeders Crown winner Amigo Volo (eighth)  by way of a pocket ride behind fellow distaffer Refined which led to a 1:56.4 victory. The daughter of Muscle Hill, driven by David Miller for trainer Brett Pelling and owner John Lengacher, drafted comfortably through slow early fractions before winning a duel that lasted the length of the stretch by a scant neck.

Miller also drove Crown winner Lady Chaos, a three-year-old daughter of Cantab Hall, to a 1:57.1 win for Toscano, just collaring divisional rival Pub Crawl by a neck after tracking her throughout.

To view Friday's complete results, click the following link: Friday Results  The Meadowlands (Qualifiers).
The missing 15-year-old daughter of a Newark anti-violence activist was kidnapped and killing after leaving her home in South Carolina, a local sheriff said.

The three-week search for Sanaa Amenhotep ended early Thursday when investigators discovered her body in a wooded area of Lexington County, South Carolina, according to officials.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka called the killing a tragedy and offered his condolences to Sanaas father, Sharif Malik Amenhotep, a member of the citys Brick City Peace Collective.

On behalf of the people of Newark, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Sharif Malik Amenhotep, on the tragic loss of his beautiful and intelligent Black daughter, Sanaa Amenhotep, who was kidnapped and murdered in South Carolina, Baraka said.

Mr. Amenhotep works tirelessly to increase justice and reduce violence in our neighborhoods through our Brick City Peace Collective, helping us to re-imagine public safety and prevent tragedies such as this from taking place in our very own community, the mayor said in a statement. No parent should ever have to bury their child. It is an inexplicable loss that defies imagination.

We hope that the South Carolina authorities can bring the suspects in this case to justice. Our entire city is joining with the Amenhotep family in their grief and pain, Baraka added.

In South Carolina, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott told reporters a juvenile was arrested in Sanaas disappearance while authorities were seeking Treveon Jamar Nelson on a kidnapping warrant in the case. The two have not been charged with her death.

Investigators believe Sanaa initially left her Northeast Columbia home voluntarily April 5 with two acquaintances before she was held against her will, according to authorities.

The sheriff released few details on the circumstances surrounding her kidnapping or how she possibly knew the two suspects. He confirmed the teen was slain, but officials declined to comment on a cause of death ahead of an autopsy scheduled for Friday.

Officials urged anyone with information about Nelsons whereabouts to call authorities.

We need him. He needs to be arrested. I am urging him to turn himself in, Lott said.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN? Treveon Jamar Nelson is wanted for kidnapping in connection with the missing persons case of Sanaa Amenhotep. Anyone with information is asked to submit a tip to Crime Stoppers at https://t.co/vpbEOdqfLS, 888-CRIME-SC, or call 911. pic.twitter.com/EGXeKABfau  Richland County Sheriff's Dept. (@RCSD) April 29, 2021

Officials investigated the case for weeks and quickly began to fear that Sanaa was in danger after she was reported missing, according to the sheriff.

I cant tell you how tragic and sad this case is when we lose a 15-year-old like we lost this one, Lott said at a news conference. I know deputies and police officers are not supposed to get emotionally involved in cases, but there is no way that when we work a case like [this], our people dont get emotionally attached to this case.

Family members, authorities and others in South Carolina and New Jersey shared missing persons posters of Sanaa, and her father flew to Richland County to join the weeks-long search.

She means everything to me, I just truly miss her, Sharif Malik Amenhotep told WIS, a Columbia, S.C., television station, earlier this month.

Lott said Sanaas parents were told of her death Thursday morning.

I told the parents that we would bring her home and weve done that, the sheriff said. Unfortunately we didnt bring her home the way that we all had prayed and wished that we could.

The investigation into her slaying was being led by the sheriffs office in Lexington County, where her body was recovered.

Lexington County sheriffs officials on Twitter confirmed an investigation was underway and there were no immediate arrests. The agency did not immediately release more information.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.
This week, the Bank of Spain presented a report highlighting the impact of Covid and the resulting economic hibernation on the next generation of Spaniards. None of the problems it discusses are new, but they have been exacerbated by the pandemic; and some of the most pressing issues, as the Bank's economic director Oscar Acre pointed out at Tuesday's unveiling, have been around for decades. Will Pedro Sanchez's government attempt unprecedented reform in these areas, thus preventing a second "lost generation" of young Spaniards?

Brussels has also been demanding that Spain implement reform, or at least put forward ideas for reform, in two of the areas to which Acre drew attention - jobs and pensions. Like the Bank, it has also repeatedly stressed the importance of reducing the amount of employees on temporary contracts, a segment of the workforce that's been especially vulnerable over the last year or so. In addition, the Bank's report expresses concerns over the quality of Spanish university education and the low or non-existent incomes of under-30s: as of December last year, 35% of this group had no earnings at all.

Despite a mounting generational crisis, though, there's not much evidence that the Spanish government is tackling these problems, even though doing so would make a lasting difference. Handing round yet another tranche of EU bailout funds is unlikely to have a greater impact, no matter how crusading and misty-eyed Sanchez becomes when discussing the Covid recovery bonanza.

So far, at least publicly, Spain's government seems more excited about digitalisation (one of its absolute favourite words), transforming Sub-Saharan Africa and pumping cash into multi-billion-dollar corporations such as Iberdrola and Telefonica. To fund its hopelessly ambitious "Focus Africa" dream, Spain is asking for even more money from the EU than it's set to receive in the Covid recovery package. Why not a "Focus Spain" plan instead or in addition, committed to improving the opportunities and skills of Spain's neglected next generation?

The underlying difference in approaches is between fostering self-reliance and sustainability rather than dependence, whether on external bodies such as the EU or on an unwieldy welfare state. Improving the lot of Spaniards in their teens, 20s and 30s would prevent or limit the brain-drain of young talent, would inject impetus and strength into the economy and would ultimately reduce the dependence of jobless, unqualified adults on the state - all of which is arguably more constructive than relying on EU emergency funds (and promptly squandering them) every time a crisis hits.

Spain's already seen one "lost generation" as a result of the global economic crisis of 2008-13; unfortunately, it doesn't look like the country's current government is doing much to avoid a second.
SAN ANTONIO, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, CPS Energy took swift action when it learned new facts and actions announced by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT); the utility filed a strengthened, amended lawsuit against ERCOT in Bexar County District Court to protect customers from excessive, illegitimate, and illegal power prices. In addition to the filing of the amended complaint, the Court granted CPS Energy's request for a temporary restraining order, further protecting its customers from ERCOT's latest attempt to pass on unlawful charges.

CPS Energy is a municipally owned utility. Through its owner, the City of San Antonio, the utility acts as an agent for all its customers, who are not in a position to challenge the systemic failures of the state's energy market. The utility does not have stock investors. The money the company makes stays in San Antonio, Texas and ultimately gets reinvested back into operational and service improvements.

"Texas prides itself on being an energy state. To retain that mantle, we need to reform the state's systemic inadequacies that caused the weather crisis, which could result in the most massive wealth transfer in Texas history," said Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio, Texas. "In San Antonio, we are going to exhaust every avenue we have, including through the courts, to ensure the burdens of this crisis are not borne by the people who suffered through it, the residents of Texas."

Strengthened Lawsuit against ERCOT

CPS Energy first filed claims against ERCOT on March 12, 2021 for its lack of oversight, preparedness, and failure to follow its own protocols that resulted in $16 billion in overcharges to market participants and customers. ERCOT has since admitted that it could have corrected the $16 billion error by repricing within 30 days of Winter Storm Uri, but instead allowed the 30-day window for corrections to pass. This choice came despite the Independent Market Monitor for the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)  which oversees ERCOT  twice verifying ERCOT's error. ERCOT has added insult to injury by taking the remarkable step of adding $6 million of undercharges to bills, citing an apparent software glitch during Winter Storm Uri, thereby underscoring that it will subjectively reprice errors when it benefits their organization, but not when it doesn't.

"ERCOT can and should have repriced the $16 billion in overcharges that were charged during a declared disaster. Instead, it has doubled down on former Chair Arthur D'Andrea's promise to Wall Street to not correct the error. ERCOT continues to show its ability and willingness to reprice when it suits ERCOT, but refuses to reprice when it rightfully favors San Antonio and Texas customers," said Paula Gold-Williams, President & CEO of CPS Energy.

Temporary Restraining Order Granted

ERCOT's unprecedented pricing error and its latest string of mismanagement decisions has supercharged energy uncertainty and driven numerous market participants into bankruptcy or out of business. Late in the day on April 27, 2021, ERCOT notified market participants across Texas, including CPS Energy, that it would begin taking posted collateral to cover the charges that other market participants have not paid.

ERCOT's attempts to collect these charges from CPS Energy's customers is an unlawful extension of CPS Energy's credit and is a direct violation of the Texas State Constitution. Per the Constitution, a city-owned utility cannot be asked to unlawfully extend its credit to help settle the debts of other entities, especially in cases where there is no chance of being repaid. CPS Energy also wants to ensure that its customers never have to pay for the defaults of other market participants caused by ERCOT's excessive pricing and acknowledged $16 billion error.

On the afternoon of April 28, 2021, CPS Energy was granted a temporary restraining order. This successful step forward prevents ERCOT from adjusting, extending, or otherwise affecting CPS Energy's credit in preparation for passing on these additional charges until the Court conducts a further hearing on the matter.

"ERCOT's latest unilateral and aggressive move is an attempt to unlawfully force our customers to pay for the insolvency of other market participants, caused by ERCOT's own mistakes," continued Gold-Williams. "Disappointingly, ERCOT continues to inject uncertainty into the market while failing to address its errors, which is contributing to one of the largest illegal transfers of wealth in the history of Texas. To help correct this problem, CPS Energy will continue to work tirelessly to put its customers first."

Additional Information

When available, a copy of the filing can be found on the company's website. CPS Energy will also provide relevant updates, as major developments occur.

Previous updates about how CPS Energy is working to protect customers can be found here:

March 2, 2021 Update

March 5, 2021 Update

March 12, 2021 Update

March 18, 2021 Update

March 23, 2021 Update

CPS Energy and the Texas Electric Market

About CPS Energy

Established in 1860, CPS Energy is the nation's largest public power, natural gas, and electric company, providing safe, reliable, and competitively-priced service to 860,934 electric and 358,495 natural gas customers in San Antonio and portions of seven adjoining counties. Our customers' combined energy bills rank among the lowest of the nation's 20 largest cities  while generating $8 billion in revenue for the City of San Antonio for more than seven decades. As a trusted and strong community partner, we continuously focus on job creation, economic development, and educational investment. True to our People First philosophy, we are powered by our skilled workforce, whose commitment to the community is demonstrated through our employees' volunteerism in giving back to our city and programs aimed at bringing value to our customers. CPS Energy is among the top public power wind energy buyers in the nation and number one in Texas for solar generation.

SOURCE CPS Energy

Related Links

https://www.cpsenergy.com


Russia has barred eight officials from European Union countries from entering the country in retaliation for sanctions imposed on Russian citizens by Brussels -- a move to which the bloc said it "reserves the right" to respond.



The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on April 30 that those banned included European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova, and David Sassoli, the president of the European parliament.



The EU imposed sanctions last month on two Russians accused of persecuting gay and lesbian people in the southern Russian region of Chechnya.

The EU also imposed sanctions on four senior Russian officials close to President Vladimir Putin the same month.

Russia once again criticized the bloc's punitive measures and accused it of fomenting anti-Russian "hysteria."



"The EU continues the policy of illegitimate unilateral sanctions against Russian citizens and organizations," the statement said.



"In March 2021, six Russians were subjected to unlawful EU restrictions. This practice contradicts the UN charter and the basic norms of international law. It is accompanied by anti-Russian hysteria, deliberately spread by the Western media," it said.



Berlin's chief state prosecutor Joerg Raupach is also on the list, an apparent tit-for-tat response to the bloc's decision last month to slap entry bans on high-ranking Russian officials for their role in the jailing of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny.



The other five Europeans on the list are Ivars Abolins, the head of Latvia's national council for electronic media; Maris Baltins, the director of Latvia's state language center; Jacques Maire, a member of the French delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE); Asa Scott, the head of the chemical, biological, radiation, and nuclear safety lab at the Swedish Total Defense Research Institute; and Ilmar Tomusk, the chief of the Language Department of Estonia.



The statement says that the actions of the bloc "leave no doubt that their true goal is to restrain the development of our country at any cost."

In response, the EU called the Russian move "unacceptable" and "entirely groundless" and condemned it "in the strongest possible terms" in a statement on April 30.



"This decision is the latest, striking demonstration of how the Russian Federation has chosen confrontation with the EU instead of agreeing to redress the negative trajectory of our bilateral relations," the statement said.



"The EU reserves the right to take appropriate measures in response to the Russian authorities' decision."

With reporting by AFP and Reuters
A relative of a person who died of COVID-19 mourns at a crematorium in Jammu, India, Friday. AP-Yonhap



Korea could raise the travel alert for India amid a massive spike in COVID-19 cases in the country, the foreign ministry said Friday.



The ministry is considering raising the alert by one notch to "red," recommending Koreans leave India unless there are essential reasons, officials said.



"We are closely watching the situation in India and reviewing measures and what we can do," an official said when asked about the possibility of raising the travel advisory.



The government has only issued the red warning once over coronavirus fears so far  for China's Hubei province where the city of Wuhan, the original epicenter of the disease, is located. The measure was in effect from January to August.



The ministry is also in talks with Indian officials and local air carriers about whether to increase non-regular flights to help South Koreans staying in India to return home, the official said.



Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, the country's two biggest carriers, plan to provide one flight and four flights, respectively, next month to the South Asian country, to bring back Koreans there. India has reported more than 200,000 coronavirus deaths.



Currently, nearly 130 out of about 10,000 Koreans staying in the virus-hit country have contracted COVID-19 so far, but the actual number of infections could be higher as the official count represents those collected by the diplomatic missions, the official said.



Meanwhile, the ministry said 14 medical oxygen generators requested by a Korean residents association in India arrived in New Delhi via a diplomatic pouch.



Another three oxygen generators will be sent to the Chennai and Mumbai areas next week at the request of local Korean residents associations.



(Yonhap)




The first batch of Lao cattle have been exported to China, the Chinese embassy in Laos said on Thursday.

The first batch of live cattle from Laos were shipped on Wednesday, from the quarantine of the foot-and-mouth disease immunization area in Luang Namtha province, some 360 km north of Vientiane capital, to the quarantine of Mengman port in Xishuangbanna of southwestern China's Yunnan Province, and were later slaughtered for exportation to China.

Breakthrough has been made in the trade of live cattle between China and Laos. The officially-launched export of Lao cattle to China is a bilateral agricultural cooperation project.

The first exportation of Lao cattle to China reflects the in-depth development of the China-Laos economic and trade cooperation, the Chinese embassy said in a statement issued on Thursday, adding that the export also helps promote the cooperation in the prevention and control of cross-border animal diseases in the Greater Mekong Subregion and the joint maintenance of bio-security in border areas.

The live cattle trade will steadily advance the building of the China-Laos Economic Corridor and help realize China's dual circulation strategy with the mutual promotion between the internal circulation and the external circulation, the Chinese embassy said.
British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons believes that the dismissal of the management of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine raises questions.

She wrote this on her Twitter account.

"The dismissal of the Naftogaz leadership poses real questions. To convince potential British investors to come to Ukraine, corporate governance in SOEs must become more transparent and independent of political influence," the ambassador said.

The dismissal of the Naftogaz leadership poses real questions. To convince potential  investors to come to , corporate governance in SOEs must become more transparent and independent of political influence #Ukraine  Melinda Simmons (@MelSimmonsFCDO) April 30, 2021

As reported, on April 28, the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed Andriy Kobolyev as CEO of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine and appointed Yuriy Vitrenko to replace him.

The United States expressed deep concern by the Ukrainian governments actions to replace the management of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine, calling it calculated move  using a procedural loophole.

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Elements of a "smart village" have already been installed as examples in the village of Aghali in Zangilan

Officials in Azerbaijan are working to restore the post-war Karabakh region and partner with foreign companies to make that happen. Companies from Turkey, Israel, Italy, and China will deploy their cutting-edge technologies in Azerbaijans liberated territories as part of the governments major reconstruction campaign rolled out earlier this year. Baku will integrate the companies products and solutions into its smart village development concept, Caspian News writes.

Projects for the restoration and reconstruction of the region, which suffered from Armenian vandalism heavily, were kick-started after its liberation from Armenias occupation last year. As a result of the 44-day-long war, the Azerbaijani army liberated over 300 settlements, including five major cities from nearly 30-year-long illegal Armenian occupation. The war ended in a tripartite ceasefire statement signed on November 10. Armenia returned three more districts to Azerbaijans control within its obligations under the agreement.

Azerbaijans government allocated 2.2 billion manats ($1.3 billion) from this year's state budget to restore and reconstruct territories destroyed during almost three decades of occupation.

Last week, President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to mobilize efforts for the speedy development of national smart village and smart city concepts, which will be primarily implemented in the Karabakh region. Improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of services provided in urban and rural areas, utilizing information technology, and ensuring the effective use and management of available resources for these services are mentioned as the top priorities of the hi-tech-based sustainable development plan.

On April 26, President Aliyev laid the foundation stone for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Aghali villages chosen as the first settlements to be restored based on the smart village project. Located in the liberated Zangilan district, Aghali villages will have more than 200 houses, schools, kindergartens, outpatient clinics and e-government centers, and a hydroelectric power plant.

Chinas Huawei will reportedly introduce its AirPON solution in Aghali. The solution can shorten fiber cable deployments from 10 kilometers to 1 kilometer, thus accelerating the network construction and saving costs. At the same time, specialists from Turkey will built an ultra-modern renewable energy facility, known as Archimedes system, in the same village. The facility can generate energy for meeting the villages domestic needs and supplying the surrounding areas.

This device is very fast and works with high productivity, the Turkish companys official told President Aliyev in a video conference on April 26. It does not make any noise and oxygenates the water, which is very useful for fish and vegetation. This system will enable us to get more energy with less power than solar and other alternative energy, i.e., it works 24 hours a day. Also, we will transfer hot water from the system to houses and hotels in the village. This project is not only aimed at generating energy, but also creates conditions for the tourism infrastructure.

Aghali smart village will also have its own hi-tech-based buffalo farm built by the Israeli company within the Buffalo Dairy project. Sensor technology will connect the farm to data analysis software for applying the best solutions for feeding, cattle health, and milking activities. The farms personnel will be able to monitor the overall situation of the animals via sensors. The projects manager from Italy, Giuseppe Rizzoli, said the business idea is to realize a fully equipped buffalo dairy farm to produce high-quality made in Azerbaijan labeled mozzarella, burrata, and other buffalo cheeses in the Karabakh region.

Turkish companies are already involved in building a new highway connecting the cities of Fuzuli and Shusha. In addition, the Azerbaijani Innovation Agency has signed a memorandum of understanding with the leading GOSB techno-park of Turkey to create a joint high technologies park in the region, where cutting-edge research and production of high-tech devices will be realized. The Turkish Ziraat Bank Azerbaijan intends to open a branch in the Azerbaijani city of Shusha.

Italys Ansaldo Energia power engineering company won a contract worth 5 million ($6 million) for providing equipment for four power substations to be built in the Karabakh region. The substations with a capacity of 110 kilowatts each will reportedly be located in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, Gubadli, and Kalbajar districts.
Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has challenged the Ghanaian Times Corporation to pursue aggressive digital transformation in order to be better placed to take advantage of the numerous digital opportunities in the Ghanaian media landscape.



He made the admonishing on Thursday, April 29, 2021, when he paid a working visit to the state publisher as part of a routine tour of state-owned media houses to engage with management and staff amidst ongoing talks to restructure and reposition these media houses in line with the demands of modern times.



So my charge to you is the same charge I gave to your colleagues yesterday that you have to be aggressive in your digital and online streams. Your content may be good but the future will no longer be hardcopy. That is what is making the difference though your concept may be the best.



If you do not take advantage of todays technology and get ahead of the curve in the online and digital streams, you will be overtaken by those who have the leadership in these streams. So I am of the view that you need to chart a new path if you want to remain relevant, he reiterated.



Mindful of the financial and logistical constraints faced by the corporation, the Minister noted that the Ministry of Information is committed to helping it charting this new path by stepping up its budgetary allocation and helping it procure modern equipment that will aid it to redefine its focus.



He however implored management and staff to support the restructuring agenda and work in close ties in helping the corporation realize this agenda. He said government vision of transforming state media houses cannot be achieved if management and staff do not help and contribute their quota towards this vision.



The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Minister-designate for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communication and Member of Parliament for Agona West, Cynthia Morrison, Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafo and other supporting staff of the Ministry of Information.

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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Essential workers and international graduates can apply to become permanent residents starting May 6, 2021.

Canadas new PR streams launch next week Essential workers and international graduates can apply to become permanent residents starting May 6, 2021.

Canadas new PR streams launch next week Essential workers and international graduates can apply to become permanent residents starting May 6, 2021.

Canadas new PR streams launch next week Essential workers and international graduates can apply to become permanent residents starting May 6, 2021. Mohanad Moetaz Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Canadas six new immigration streams for essential workers, international graduates, plus an unlimited number of French speakers are set to launch next week.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the pathways on April 14.

Three of the streams will allow 90,000 essential workers and international graduates to get permanent residency status. The other three streams target French-speaking immigration candidates. Below is a list of the new streams, as well as the maximum number of applications IRCC will accept for each stream.

Do you live in Canada? Apply for PR under these new pathways!

Canada set ambitious immigration targets for 2021, looking to welcome 401,000 new permanent residents. This high target is part of an effort to make up for the lack of new immigrants admitted in 2020, and to support the nations post-pandemic economic recovery.

However, because of the pandemic, the border was closed to non-essential travel in March 2020. Candidates who were approved for permanent residence but are currently residing abroad are not yet allowed to travel to Canada. This has limited the number of new immigrants entering the country.

Canada remains committed to reaching its immigration targets, which is why the immigration department has created these new limited-time streams.

How can workers be eligible?

Health care workers and other essential workers need to have one year of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation within the last three years. Eligible health care occupations (Annex A), as well as other essential occupations (Annex B) can be found here. You can also be eligible if you have the equivalent part-time experience of 1,560 hours.

You must also be currently working for an employer in Canada. This could be in any occupation. Also, you need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 4 or more in English or French.

You also need to be legally living in Canada, and intend to live in any province other than Quebec. You also cannot be deemed inadmissible to Canada for criminal or medical reasons.

How can international graduates be eligible?

International graduates must have graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) no earlier than January 2017. You must have received a credential such as a university degree, a college diploma, a credential from a trade or technical school, or from a Quebec CEGEP.

Also, you must be employed in Canada at the time of application, and have authorization to work through a valid work or study permit. You also need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least 5 in English or French.

In addition, you must be living in Canada legally, and must not be inadmissible to Canada for criminal or medical reasons.

How can French-speakers be eligible?

French speaking workers and international graduates need to meet the same eligibility requirements outlined above, except for the language requirements. Workers must have at least a fluent basic level of French in the four language abilities: listening, speaking, reading and writing. This translates to a Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of at least 4.

International graduates need to have at least an intermediate level of French in the four language abilities, which is an NCLC of at least 5.

Do you live in Canada? Apply for PR under these new pathways!

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
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Deploying Windows 8 on Intel Architecture-based Tablets As more employees look to access enterprise applications and systems via mobile devices, savvy organizations are deploying Windows 8 on tablets. In this white paper, you'll find an overview and a set of best practices for deploying Windows 8 on Intel architecture-based tablets.

Mobile Computing Trends: Insight Into Today's Workforce This exclusive paper takes a look at the latest enterprise mobility trends, focusing on the mobile workforce and what your organization can do to get the most value from your employees.

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Shift Your Business into a Higher Gear with In-Memory Platform In this resource, discover an innovative in-memory database, SAP HANA, which enables you to store, access, and process all of your data - transactional or analytical - without a need for specialized analytics structures. Read on for an overview of SAP HANA, discover the capabilities of this technology, and learn how it can improve your business.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - TransCanna Holdings Inc. (CSE: TCAN) (XETR: TH8) ("TransCanna" or the "Company") subsidiary Lyfted Farms is launching its new line of Lyfted Live Resin Pods today.

'Live Resin', an innovative and relatively new form of cannabis product, has quickly become the 'Holy Grail' for cannabis connoisseurs. Consumed from the cartridge with a vape pen, live resin is valued for its rarity, potency, instant effects, and strong flavor profile.

"When shipments of this type of product land on retail shelves, a cannabis subculture goes viral and these things sell out," said Alan Applonie, General Manager for Lyfted Farms. Live resin terpenes (the cannabis oils that contain distinct smells, tastes, and medicinal properties) more accurately capture plant terpene profiles than any other cannabis product.

"The new Lyfted Live Resin Pods solidify our position on the cutting edge of cannabis culture," said Bob Blink, TransCanna CEO. "They will be among only 5 of its product kind available in California today."

The product's exclusivity lies in the high level of expertise and state-of-the-art processing equipment required to extract the resin from a "living" plant.

To produce the resin, Lyfted Farm's craftsmen take unique living genetic strains proprietary to Lyfted from plant trimmings, and isolate the full-spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes from the trim in small, single batches of pure, potent golden resin that captures nearly the entirety of the organoleptic experience one would have as if smelling and tasting the flower directly.

In addition to their ingenuity, the Live Resin Pods represent a shrewd business move for Lyfted Farms - serving a new product category by utilizing biomass from plant trimmings.

"We have outstripped demand for our unique and highly valued genetic strains, and now with these Pods, we can offer our proprietary genetics in a concentrate form to serve the vape pen market," said Mr. Blink. "The benefits to our shareholders are numerous, including solidifying our brand as a leader in product innovation, filling a demand for vape products created from our unique genetic lineup, and maximizing value by creating a whole new product category from excess trim. Other companies will be looking to replicate this, but we are ahead of the curve."

The inaugural run of 7,000 units of Lyfted Live Resin Pods go out for distribution today, and are expected to land on retail shelves as early as next week, retailing for $35-$55 per unit.

MCTO Update

TransCanna wishes to provide an update with respect to the previously announced management cease trade order (the "MCTO") issued by the British Columbia Securities Commission on March 31, 2021. The MCTO was issued in connection with the delay by the Company in filing its annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related officer certifications for the financial year ended November 30, 2020 (collectively, the "Required Filings") before the prescribed deadline of March 30, 2021.

Due to the delay of the Required Filings, the filing of the Company's interim financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related officer certifications for the quarter ended February 28, 2021 (the "1st Quarter Filings"), which are due to be filed on April 29, 2021, will be delayed.

The Company continues to work closely with its auditor and expects to file the Required Filings on or before May 31, 2021, followed in due course by the 1st Quarter Filings.

The Company is providing this status update in accordance with National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). The Company intends to follow the provisions of the Alternative Information Guidelines set out in NP 12-203, including the issuance of bi-weekly default status reports in the form of news releases. The Company confirms as of the date of this news release that there has been no material change in the information contained in the announcement issued on April 1, 2021, and there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

About TransCanna

TransCanna Holdings Inc. is a California-based, Canadian-listed company building cannabis-focused brands for the California lifestyle, through its wholly-owned California subsidiaries.

TransCanna's wholly-owned subsidiary Lyfted Farms is California's authentic cannabis brand whose pioneering spirit has been continuously providing the finest cannabis flower genetics and cultivation methods since 1984. The Lyfted Farms brand of exclusive cannabis flower is sold at premium retailers throughout the state. With its new cultivation facility in Daly, California, the company is now poised to become one of the largest and most efficient vertically integrated cannabis companies in the California market.

For updated information with respect to our company, please see our filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the CSE at www.thecse.com.

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.transcanna.com or email the Company at info@transcanna.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Bob Blink, CEO

Corporate Communications:

investor@transcanna.com

604-200-8853

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

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A Singapore hospital has locked down four wards after detecting coronavirus cases, authorities said Friday, a rare outbreak in a country that has largely brought the virus under control.

After a partial lockdown and rigorous regime of testing and contact tracing, COVID-19 had almost disappeared in Singapore, with authorities in recent months reporting hardly any local transmission.

But there were 16 infections on Thursdaythe highest daily count since July last yearand another nine on Friday.

Thirteen are linked to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where a Filipino nurse who had been fully vaccinated was the first to develop and report symptoms earlier this week.

Four wards of the hospital, one of Singapore's biggest, have been locked down with movements restricted and dedicated staff deployed to work there, said its chief executive Eugene Soh.

The other locally transmitted cases have been linked to an immigration official working at the airport.

The emergence of new virus clusters is a "worrying trend", Health Minister Gan Kim Yong told reporters at a virtual press conference.

"There is clearly a heightened risk of infection now in the community," he added.

The numbers are very low compared with the rest of the world, but it has raised fears of a resurgence in the tiny city-state, whose economy suffered its worst ever recession last year due to the virus.

There are also concerns a sustained rise in local infections could scupper a quarantine-free travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong, due to begin on May 26 after an earlier failed attempt.

Singapore faced serious outbreaks last year when the virus surged through crowded dormitories housing low-paid foreign workers, infecting tens of thousands.

But by global standards, its outbreak has been mildofficials in the city of 5.7 million have reported about 61,000 cases so far and 30 deaths.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
Before the fall of the communist regime in 1989, May Day celebrations were abused to glorify the communist rule as this historical photo shows. Nowadays, most people prefer to devote themselves to leisure activities. (Source: TASR)

This is the Friday, April 30, 2021 edition of Today in Slovakia. Learn about politics, business, and other notable events of the day in Slovakia in less than five minutes. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription. Thank you.

Check out the Spectacular Slovakia roundup for weekend reading tips

The oldest Slovak love poem is erotic, humorous and short Read more

Publishing details of Sputnik contract may cost Slovakia millions of euros

The violation of the contract's secrecy clause is punishable. There is no specification of which authorities are to check on the vaccine, and the Russian side has the right to withdraw from the contract if payments from Slovakia are delayed.

The Health Ministry published the contract for the Russian Sputnik V vaccine on the evening of Thursday, April 29 after weeks of legal disputes.

The contract, signed by former health minister Marek Krajci (now an OLaNO MP), is basically in violation of Slovak law, according to experts.

Health Minister Vladimir Lengvarsky confirmed on Wednesday that he is not going to approve the use of Sputnik V in Slovakia for now.

Publishing details of Sputnik contract was to be fined with millions of euros Read more

More Covid and vaccination news

As of Monday May 3, a negative test when entering shops, schools, work places and others will not be required in the red and light red tier districts during the day, only during the curfew between 21:00 and 1:00. The rules for entering shops, schools, work places and others in the dark red districts will not change and negative tests will be required.

Wind power stations can be erected in Slovakia after 17 year ban

The current political direction of Slovakia and the technical condition of the national grid are reopening opportunities for the development of renewable energy sources in Slovakia. As a consequence, new wind power plants can be built in Slovakia after a 17 year ban, noted the Slovak Association of the Photovoltaic Industry and Renewable Energy Sources (SAPI).

"In 2003, the first wind power plant in Slovakia was put into operation. Despite the fact that it is still working, it has remained a memento of missed opportunities, said SAPI Director Jan Karaba, as cited in a press release.

Wind power stations can be erected in Slovakia after a 17-year ban Read more

Covid slashed passenger numbers on public transport in Bratislava by two thirds

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit public transport in Bratislava hard. The number of passengers using public transport has decreased by approximately 60 to 70 percent compared to the pre-pandemic period. This decline is reflected in DPBs revenues. With the Bratislava city transport company, Dopravny Podnik Bratislava (DPB) losing 2 million each month in revenues, its total lost revenues since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus have climbed to 25 million.

Bratislava Mayor Matus Vallo said earlier in April that the city council would not allow mass layoffs at DPB or a reduction of routes in Bratislava. The city council, as the sole shareholder of DPB, has promised to settle all its obligations.

Covid slashed passenger numbers on public transport in Bratislava by two thirds Read more

Feature story of today

The reconstruction of one of the capitals most prominent historical sites, the Rusovce manor house, was started in the 1980s but it still has not been completed. The latest attempt triggered in 2018 has failed so far to even complete the procurement process for the selection of a construction contractor, even though it was scheduled to hand over the work to a contractor in February 2020.

Now a group of activists and local councillors have set up a petition The petition calls on the Government Office, as administrator of the estate, to push ahead with restoration plans for the manor, pointing out that any further delays will not only lead to it falling further into disrepair, but also mean a higher price in the future for its ultimate reconstruction.

We walk around the manor house every day and instead of it being the pride of Rusovce, it just continues to fall apart, said Robert Kalmar, one of three people behind the petition.

The manor in Rusovce, on the outskirts of Bratislava, was home to the aristocracy for centuries, the last private owner being Habsburg Princess Stephanie of Belgium, the widow of Crown Prince Rudolf of Habsburg, the son of one of the Habsburg Empires most famous figures, Empress Elisabeth - better known as Sisi.

Related article

Related article Petition launched to get Rusovce manor house reconstruction moving Read more

Gallery of today

Bratislava has launched the extensive monitoring of mosquito hatcheries to enable better administration of the biocide BTI. So far 200 volunteers have joined and the call is still open.

Anniversary

For most Slovaks aged 40 and over, Labour Day is still associated with compulsory attendance at pre-1989 events intended to glorify communist rule. Nowadays, most people prefer to devote themselves to leisure activities, detached from politics even though some politicians still use this day for publicity. May 1 is a public holiday in Slovakia, during which the country marks the anniversary of its accession to the European Union in 2004.

Other news

The appellate court in Nitra has reduced the sentence of some of the accused in the case of the brutal attack against a man in front of the Mariatchi bar in Nitra back in October 2013.

Shops will be closed on Saturday May 1 and May 8 due to national holidays.

The Statistics Office has revised Slovakia's GDP data for 2020, reducing the decline from 5.2 percent to 4.8 percent.

The parliament has discussed the programme manifesto of the Eduard Heger cabinet. The final vote is expected on Monday, May 3.

Top Slovak political representatives will mark the tragic death of General M. R. Stefanik (July 21, 1880-May 4, 1919) on May 3 at Bradlo hill, near Brezova pod Bradlom in the Trencin Region, where he is buried.

Do not miss on Spectator.sk today

Art theft sparked friendship between Czech artist and Norwegian thief Read more

Slovakia: Where the bees buzz and the honey flows Read more

The woman who negotiated additional Pfizer vaccines for Slovakia: In the EU, Sputnik is not taboo Read more

The house in Bratislava where time stops Read more

If you have suggestions as to how this news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has suspended British actor and filmmaker Noel Clarke after a new report detailed allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault and bullying from over 20 women. Clarke, 45, has denied all of the allegations of sexual misconduct.

The British newspaper the Guardian published a report detailing allegations from 20 women who had professional relationships with Clarke. They reportedly accused Clarke of forced kissing, groping, professional misconduct, sexual harassment through unsolicited lewd messages, bullying and secretly filming naked auditions from 2004 to 2019.

In a statement to the Guardian, Clarke denied the allegations. "In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me," Clarke said. "If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations."

Ten women across the television and film industry were quoted by name in the Guardian article, accusing Clarke of intimidation, trying to force unwanted kisses, sending intimate and unwanted photos of himself and using his influence in the film world to pressure women into nude situations, with seven additional women remained anonymous, accusing Clarke of unwanted sexual harassment, contact, or bullying. His lawyers sent the publication a 29-page letter denying all but one allegation, where he agrees he had a "heated discussion" with an anonymous female script supervisor but later apologized.

Clarke and his legal representatives did not immediately respond to CBS News' request for comment.

Clarke is best known for his role as Mickey in the "Doctor Who" series but has worked in recent years on "The Hood" and police dramas "Bulletproof" and "Viewpoint." He was awarded the BAFTA's Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema prize in March.

Story continues

After the Guardian published the story detailing the allegations, BAFTA said they "immediately suspended the award and Noel Clarke's membership of BAFTA until further notice. " In the days following Clarke's award, the charity received emails reporting allegations against Clarke but said they were either anonymous or told through intermediaries, without specific details. BAFTA said this prevented them from taking action.

"Had the victims gone on record as they have with The Guardian, the award would have been suspended immediately. Noel Clarke's counsel received a legal notice to this effect. It was always very clear what our intentions would be," BAFTA's statement said.

Noel Clarke in 2019. / Credit: Paul Treadway / Barcroft Media via Getty

Actor Ashley Walters, who co-starred with Clarke in the British television series "Bulletproof," said he was "in shock and deeply saddened" by the allegations against Clarke.

"I could never condone behavior of this nature neither in nor out of the workplace and whilst Noel has been a friend and colleague for several years, I cannot standby and ignore these allegations," Walters said in a statement Friday.

British actress Michaela Coel, who has been praised for her show "I May Destroy You" and how it tackled mental health and sexual assault, also offered her support to the women who came forward.

"I am here to offer great support for the 20 brave women who have come forward; those who have shared their identities with us, but also those who have preferred to use an alias; the mental hurdles a black woman must overcome to do such a thing as reveal their identity within a narrative of rape abuse or bullying at the hands of someone within our own community can sometimes be too much," Coel said.

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Police reform in the wake of Chauvin verdict
Meister is currently on medical leave from SD75, officials said. Both she and her husband, Kent, who is a teacher at Mundelein High School, told Pioneer Press the support from the community has been humbling and an honor. They both said that despite the difficulties throughout the journey, they have never felt like they are without support.
NEW YORK, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bottom Line's New York Region is celebrating its Tenth Anniversary of facilitating support for thousands of first generation students from low-income backgrounds in gaining resources and access to a college degree. The nonprofit's Virtual Benefit Celebration will be the highlight of this decade of transformation and will take place virtually on May 20, 2021 at 6:00 PM ET. The Presenting Sponsor is Goldman Sachs and Platinum Sponsor is Temasek. Mark and Borbala Cox and John Vaske are the Co-Chairs of the Celebration.

Bottom Line's New York Region

Shauwea Hamilton, Executive Director of Bottom Line's New York Region, remarked, "Through our first decade, we've supported many students in achieving their goal of a college degree. We are delighted to mark this milestone and look ahead to serving even more students in the years to come. I hope everyone who believes in Bottom Line's mission will attend this Celebration with us."

Bottom Line strives for educational equity, opening doors for the many whose potential and drive exceed their opportunity. They partner with underserved students to get into and through college and successfully launch a career. To date, over 1,000 first-generation, Bottom Line students have earned their Bachelor's degrees. This year, the nonprofit serves nearly 3,000 students from all five boroughs, including over 2,400 college students at 21 colleges across the state.

Individual tickets are available from $250-$5000, with various benefits for each level. Corporate virtual sponsorships are available at the $10,000, $25,000, $50,000, $75,000 and $100,000 levels, with exciting benefits ranging from a special gift for all guests, virtual ads in the program, and branded video messages during the event. For more information about ticketing and sponsorships, please contact Joshua Leach at 646-228-8135 or [email protected].

To purchase tickets, please visit: givergy.us/bottomlinenybenefit

ABOUT BOTTOM LINE'S NEW YORK REGION

Bottom Line's New York Region is a part of the national organization, Bottom Line, which was founded in 1997 as a small nonprofit supporting 25 high school seniors in Boston. The organization has grown dramatically over the last 20 years and now serves thousands of students across Massachusetts, New York, and Chicago with the shared goal of all of their students getting into college, graduating, and going far in life. To date, over 1,000 first-generation students have gone on to earn their bachelor's degrees through the program. This year, the nonprofit serves nearly 3,000 students from all five boroughs, including over 2,400 college students at 21 colleges across the state.

Bottom Line is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is nearly 100% privately funded, serving thousands of students through two core programs - College Access and College Success. Bottom Line services are available from regional offices located in Boston, Chicago, and New York City.

CONTACT:

Mia Jones

580-478-7685

[email protected]

SOURCE Bottom Line's New York Region

Related Links

http://www.bottomline.org


JUST IN! Original cast members of the 2007 hit musical Enchanted  Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden and Idina Menzel -l to return to the films sequel titled Disenchanted, with filming set to start this summer.

While the plot is still under wraps, sources have reported that the long-awaited sequel will feature some classic Disney characters, including Snow Whites seven dwarfs. The film is expected to be released in 2022.

The Disney film is also looking for extras to shoot in Ireland this summer, and theres been a huge publicity push to recruit them. You need to be entitled to work in Ireland, and men must be willing to shave beards if required.

The sequel is filming in Dublin between May and August this year. Producers Clocktower Productions are committed to diverse, inclusive casting and are looking for submissions for non-descript roles for all performers regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, disability, race etc.

This sequel has definitely been a LONG time coming, its actually been in development since way back in 2010. Patrick Dempsey revealed to sources that script disagreements are what lead to the sequels extremely slow progression, but it seems its finally here!

The plot is allegedly set 10 years after the first film left off, where a decade into her happily ever after, Giselle questions her happiness  inadvertently turning the lives of those in the real world and Andalasia upside down in the process.

Dempsey also revealed that he will be singing publicly for the first time in Disenchanted, teasing that the lyrics are really fun and the numbers have really great choreography.
The Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia commemorated the mid-way mark of the construction of the Dumat Al Jandal wind farm, the kingdoms first utility-scale wind farm of more than 400MW capacity and the largest in the Middle East.

Vestas, the energy industrys global partner on sustainable energy solutions, is playing a vital role in the project, having installed half of the 99 V150-4.2MW wind turbines for the project.

Located in the Al Jouf province, 900km north of Riyadh, the Dumat Al Jandal wind farm project was awarded to the consortium by the Renewable Energy Project Development Office (Repdo) of the Saudi Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources (MEIM) in 2019.

As per the deal, the Dumat Al Jandal wind farm will supply electricity under a 20-year purchase agreement (PPA) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), a subsidiary of the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), the Saudi power generation and distribution company.

Developed by a consortium led by renewable energy leaders in the region: EDF Renewables and Masdar, the EPC order was awarded to Vestas in 2019.

The scope of work included the supply and installation of 99 V150-4.2MW wind turbines, as well as a 20-year Active Output Management 4000 service agreement for the operation and maintenance of the wind farm.

Vestas was one of the first companies to introduce wind power in the country in 2013. Since then, Vestas has held several training programs and met-mast campaigns in the Kingdom, and is now contributing to Saudi Arabias 16GW by 2030 through the Dumat Al Jandal wind farm.

Once completed and commercially operational in 2022, the wind farm will potentially supply clean electricity to 70,000 Saudi households and will displace 988,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, in support of the kingdoms climate change.

Minister of Energy Abdulaziz Bin Salman along with Prince Faisal bin Nawaf, Governor of Al Jouf Province, Ole E. Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark to Saudi Arabia, Ludovic Pouille, Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia, Bruno Bensasson, Group Senior Executive VP Renewable Energies, and CEO of EDF Renewables and Fawaz Al Muharrami, Acting Executive Director, Clean Energy, Masdar, visited the Dumat Al Jandal construction site to commemorate the installation of the wind turbines by Vestas.

Vestas Mena General Manager Muhamed Bou-Zeid said: "Our ambition as a sustainable energy solutions provider with a technology leadership in wind power is to co-create a renewable energy hub in Saudi Arabia and for the wider Middle East together with other sustainability leaders in the region."

"We believe that the Dumat Al Jandal wind farm is the first step to diversifying not only the energy sector but also the Renewable Energy sector by adding wind power into the energy mix and ultimately creating three times more work opportunities for the local talent. As we strive to complete this project with Quality and Safety as priority, we look forward to accelerating Saudi Arabias clean energy transition and sustainability leadership journey," he added.
Washington [US], April 30 (ANI): In line with President Joe Biden's commitment to support India in its fight against the second wave of the pandemic, an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, the second US Air-force carrier with COVID-19 relief supplies, has departed for India.

The aircraft's left Travis Air Force Base in California for New Delhi on Thursday (local time) as India fights the second wave of which has stressed its healthcare system.

The C-17 Globemaster, carrying oxygen cylinders and test kits, will land at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, according to the US Transportation Command.

On Wednesday, the United States sent the first shipment of the emergency COVID-19 relief material carrying 440 oxygen cylinders and regulators, 960,000 Rapid Diagnostic Tests and 100,000 N95 masks.

"During a global crisis like this, US Transportation Command, powered by the dedicated men and women of the Joint Force, remains ready to leverage its unique capabilities to support our partners and allies," Andre Kok, Public Affairs Planner for the U.S. Transportation Command told ANI.

Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, on Thursday took to Twitter and thanked President Joe Biden for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with India.

"Two US aircrafts with Oxygen equipment & other Covid related supplies landing in India soon. Thank you @POTUS for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with India during this challenging time!," he tweeted.

The US said it would send supplies worth more than USD 100 million to India as part of its commitment to using every resource at its disposal to support India's frontline healthcare workers in their battle against COVID-19.

"Right now, a @usairforce C-5M Super Galaxy and a C-17 Globemaster III are en route to India from @Travis60AMW. They're carrying oxygen cylinders/regulators, rapid diagnostic kits, N95 masks, and pulse oximeters. Thanks to @USAID for the supplies & to all involved in the effort." Secretary of Defense Lyod Austin said on Twitter.

Earlier on April 26, President Biden spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed solidarity with India following the worsening COVID-19 caseload.

President Biden reaffirmed that the US is determined to support India's efforts to contain the pandemic.

According to the Fact Sheet issued by the Biden administration on Wednesday (local time), the US has re-directed its own order of Astra Zeneca manufacturing supplies to India which will allow the country to make over 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine and it will be providing the first tranche of a planned 20,000 treatment courses of the antiviral drug Remdesivir to help treat hospitalized patients.

Under the immediate emergency COVID-19 Assistance, Washington is providing 1700 oxygen concentrators, an initial delivery of 1,100 cylinders, multiple large-scale Oxygen Generation Units to support up to 20 patients each to India.

(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.)
YEREVAN, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS. Both past and present haunt relations between Turkey and Armenia, The Economists editorial board wrote in an article, stating that the two countries dont show any sign of reconciling.

A century ago, Ottoman troops committed an Armenian genocide. A few months ago, Turkey helped Azerbaijan defeat Armenia in a war, the article says.

Noting that despite some Turkish official circles have been talking about a possible new-era in the Armenia-Turkey relations, their actions prove otherwise.

The Economist quoted Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyans earlier interview where he said that the re-opening of the borders with Armenia from the Turkish side would de-escalate tension. He had also noted that Armenia is ready to establish relations with Turkey without preconditions.

Nevertheless, The Economist writes that the actions of Turkey and Azerbaijan prove otherwise.

Turkey and Azerbaijan were not really reassuring. During this victory parade in Azerbaijan, Erdogan praised Enver Pasha, one of the architects of the genocide. Mr. Aliyev recently presided over the opening of a macabre Spoils of War theme park, featuring mannequins of wounded Armenian soldiers with hooked noses and grotesque faces, and neatly tidy helmets of Armenians killed in the war. How to reconcile such displays with Azerbaijans peace offers is a guess. What MM. Erdogan and Aliyev, Armenia looks less like an olive branch and more like the short end of the stick.
If you want to discover some of Melbournes history and also experience the latest addition to the citys hotel scene, a visit to Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is a must.

The hotel is located in what was once Synagogue Lane, and this lanes presence and rich and layered past will truly delight.

The entrance to Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street. Credit:Peter Clarke

Most will question the Little Queen Street address, with even nearby retailers raising eyebrows when asked where the laneway is.

Look for the Moorish/art deco-style sandstone building in Bourke Street, just up from William Street.
NASAs Ingenuity Mars Helicopter (above center to the right) is viewed by one of the hazard cameras aboard the Perseverance rover during the helicopters fourth flight on April 30, 2021. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

After proving powered, controlled flight is possible on the Red Planet, NASA's Mars Ingenuity helicopter has new orders: scout ahead of the Perseverance rover to assist in its search for past signs of microbial life.

The next phase extends the rotocraft's mission beyond the original month-long technology demonstration. Now, the goal is to assess how well flyers can help future exploration of Mars and other worlds.

"We're going to gather information on the operational support capability of the helicopter while Perseverance focuses on its science mission," Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, told reporters Friday.

The type of reconnaissance that Ingenuity performs could one day also prove useful to human missions, by scoping out the best paths for explorers to traverse, and reaching locations that aren't otherwise possible.

The four pound (1.8 kilogram) mini chopper successfully performed the fourth of its five originally planned flights on Friday, "going farther & faster than ever before," NASA tweeted.

The fifth is planned in the coming days, then its mission will be extended, initially by one Martian month.

Whether it continues beyond that will depend on if it's still in good shape and if it's helping, rather than hindering, the rover's goals of collecting soil and rock samples for future lab analysis on Earth.

NASAs Mars Perseverance rover acquired this image of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter (upper right) using its left Mastcam-Z camera. Mastcam-Z is a pair of cameras located high on the rovers mast. This is one still frame from a sequence captured by the camera while taking video. This image was acquired on Apr. 30, 2021 (Sol 69) at the Local Mean Solar Time of 12:33:27. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS

Chief engineer Bob Balaram predicted a limiting factor will be its ability to withstand the frigid Mars nights, where temperatures plunge to -130 degrees Fahrenheit (-90 degrees Celsius).

Ingenuity keeps warm with a solar-powered heater, but it was only designed to last for a month and engineers aren't sure "how many freeze and thaw cycles (it) can go through before something breaks," he said.

NASA initially thought Perseverance would be driving away from the site where it landed at the Jezero Crater on February 18, just north of the planet's equator.

That would have meant the rover leaving Ingenuity behind and moving beyond communications range.

Now though, the agency wants to keep Perseverance in the area for some time after finding a rocky outcrop that they believe contains some of the oldest material on the crater floor.

Credit: NASA

They hope to collect their first sample in July.

Ingenuity's exploits have captured the public's imagination since it made its first flight on April 19, but NASA said this wasn't a factor in its decision to allow the two robots to keep exploring Mars together.

"We really wish to spend a considerable amount of time where we are and so it's sort of a fortuitous alignment," said Perseverance project scientist Ken Farley.

 2021 AFP
The company revised its financial projections, saying it expected a delay in revenue from Covid-19 vaccines, primarily because of the government-requested halt in production.

But Emergent still expected to bring in up to $875 million from its manufacturing contracts this year, much of that from Covid-19 vaccine deals. That would amount to nearly half of what the company projects as a record-high annual revenue approaching $2 billion.

Last year, Emergent struck deals with the federal government, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca worth up to $1.5 billion, and the company has reported receiving hundreds of millions of dollars under those contracts  even though it has not produced a single dose yet deemed usable by United States regulators.

Even as problems mounted at its facility  documented in a series of confidential audits previously reported by The New York Times  the companys stock price soared. Throughout 2020, Emergents founder and chairman, Fuad El-Hibri, cashed in shares and options worth over $42 million, more than he had redeemed in the previous five years combined, a Times investigation found. Mr. Kramer boasted in February that 2020 was the strongest year in our 22-year history.

This month, shareholders sued Emergent, alleging that executives had misled investors by touting the companys ability to manufacture Covid-19 vaccines at the Baltimore plant. The manufacturing problems in Baltimore go beyond the loss of the Johnson & Johnson doses. The Times reported this month that Emergent also had to discard millions of AstraZeneca doses for fear of possible contamination.

So far, no coronavirus vaccines manufactured by Emergent have been put into the arms of Americans. But the Biden administration recently authorized the release of four million AstraZeneca doses to Mexico and Canada. Officials in both countries said the vaccines were administered there only after testing confirmed their safety, and they assured their citizens that the doses were not affected by quality concerns at Emergent.

Earlier this week, with pressure mounting to address the pandemic  including a humanitarian crisis in India  the Biden administration said it also intended to offer other countries access to up to 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by Emergent in Baltimore. But officials said the doses would not be released until regulators determine they are safe.
After an initial honeymoon, security deteriorated. The conflict became politically toxic in Britain, and when the U.S. surged in 2007 London had no appetite to do the same. Instead British commanders arranged a secret deal with Shiite militias, trading prisoner releases for a cessation of attacks on British bases.

This accommodation fell apart in March 2008 when Iraqs prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki, abruptly sent troops south. The British commanding general was on vacation in a ski resort and Maliki publicly snubbed his deputy. U.S. and Iraqi troops went into action while the British, until late in the day, stayed at the airport.

The events in Basra cast a long shadow. Later in Kabul a British officer asked Gen. David Petraeus how long it would take the U.S. to forget what happened there. A generation? he asked. Petraeuss reply was telling. Slightly longer, he said.

The U.S. military, for all its scale and resources, did not win in Iraq or Afghanistan either. But the conflicts damaged British military standing with its most important ally.

What are the central problems of the British Armys experience and performance since 2001?

I see four interlinked areas. First, accountability. Almost every senior British military commander who passed through Iraq and Afghanistan was promoted, no matter how badly things went wrong in the field. Meanwhile, in parallel, Britain implemented a novel system of probes for junior malfeasance on the battlefield, from court cases permitted by the creeping reach of European Human Rights law to massive public inquiries. (Some of these investigations were baseless, but in other cases the army did commit atrocities.)

The key point is that Britain allowed a glut and void situation to develop, with excess accountability low down and none higher up. That created moral hazard and meant top commanders were incentivized to take bad action over no action.

Second, the army needs to overhaul its attitude to learning lessons. While the institution became adept at taking on board low-level tactical experience, over and over again initiatives that aimed to identify what had gone wrong on a broader remit were either suppressed or kept on a problematically close hold. Throughout the Iraq and Afghan conflicts avoiding senior embarrassment ranked higher than a comprehensive post-operational washup.
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By LINDSEY BAHR

AP Film Writer

In the new Tom Clancy adaptation, Without Remorse, Michael B. Jordan is a Navy SEAL about to trade military life for private security when his pregnant wife (Lauren London) is executed in their Washington, D.C., home. It's part of a calculated ambush: The assassins are picking off the men in his unit because of a mishap in Aleppo where the Americans attacked the Russian military instead of Syrians. They were following orders without knowing the full story and soon the Russians are in the U.S. retaliating. Jordan's John Kelly was the target, but he happened to be on the couch with noise canceling headphones and not the bed when they broke into his home.

WITHOUT REMORSE

Director: Stefano Sollima



Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Lauren London



Rating: Amazon



Running time: 109 minutes





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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has relaxed restrictions on New York City bars and restaurants, quickly changing course after mocking Mayor Bill de Blasio's push to 'fully' reopen the city and relax pandemic restrictions.

Cuomo said on Friday that NYC bars and restaurants can expand indoor capacity to 75 percent, up from 50 percent, on May 7. The new limit also applies to hair salons and barber shops.

'New York is making great and steady progress managing COVID and reopening the economy. Following the science and data works,' said Cuomo in a statement.

On Thursday, Cuomo feuded openly with his fellow Democrat de Blasio over reopening, mocking the New York City mayor in a press conference.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has relaxed restrictions on New York City bars and restaurants, quickly changing course after mocking Mayor Bill de Blasio

Diners are seen at a Manhattan earlier this month. Cuomo said on Friday that NYC bars and restaurants can expand indoor capacity to 75 percent, up from 50 percent, on May 7

De Blasio had outlined his reopening plan to have the city operating at full capacity beginning July 1 and confidently proclaimed: 'This is going to be the summer of New York City.'

Asked about the announcement at his own news conference later in the day, Cuomo made his disapproval clear by putting on a whiny voice to mock de Blasio as 'irresponsible'.

'I want it opened up on Monday. I want to open up New York City on Tuesday. I want it open on Wednesday. I want Buffalo opened up on Thursday,' Cuomo said.

De Blasio's press secretary Bill Neidhardt hit back swiftly when approached about Cuomo's comments, telling the New York Post: 'Serial sexual assaulter says what?'

The rebuke was in reference to a string of sexual misconduct allegations leveled against Cuomo in recent months, which de Blasio repeatedly has said should force the governor's removal from office.

Neidhardt also told an NY1 reporter: 'I don't care what a serial sexual harasser and assaulter and someone who covered up the deaths of thousands of people at nursing homes has to say about anything.'

On Thursday, Cuomo mocked de Blasio after the mayor outlined his reopening plan to have the city operating at full capacity beginning July 1

Cuomo insisted that New York City's true reopening date will be decided by the state, which he said is managing the situation 'by the science, by the data'.

The governor said he is 'reluctant' to give a target date, adding: 'I don't want to wait that long  I think we can do it before that.'

The reopening and similar steps around the country reflect increasing optimism as COVID-19 deaths tumble and the ranks of the vaccinated grow - a stark contrast to the worsening disaster in India and Brazil, where cases are out of control and vaccines are scarce.

While the overall number of lives lost to COVID-19 in the U.S. has eclipsed 575,000, deaths have plummeted to an average of about 670 per day from a peak of around 3,400 in mid-January.

Nationally, 39 percent of the adult population has been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 55 percent of adults have received at least one dose, up from 30 percent a month ago.

In New York City, 38 percent of adults are fully vaccinated, and 53 percent have received at least one dose, according to the city's heath department.

Thursday's face-off marked the latest in a long-running feud between Cuomo and de Blasio, who have sparred for months over who has the final say in reopening New York City.

Their feud escalated this spring after de Blasio joined calls for Cuomo to resign over allegations of sexual harassment and claims his administration covered up COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes.

People dine at a restaurant at Hudson Yards on February 12, 2021 in New York City after restaurants first reopened for indoor dining

Cuomo brushed off de Blasio's attacks at Thursday's press conference, saying: 'First, the mayor of New York, I don't know what he's indicative of.

'Ask the people of New York what they think about the mayor of New York City and I'll second their opinion.'

Contrary to Cuomo's assertions, de Blasio said his July 1 goal is easily achievable thanks to high vaccination rates and New Yorkers following guidelines.

'The data and the science are saying out loud, it's time to come back,' de Blasio said at his press conference. 'Now we can see that light at the end of the tunnel.

'It's time to set a goal for a full reopening of New York City. We are ready to bring New York City back fully, all systems go, because you've earned it. We're going to keep working hard everyday to make this city safer and safer.'

Earlier during an appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe he said: 'What we're seeing is that people have gotten vaccinated at extraordinary numbers.'

De Blasio said 100 percent reopening means fully reopening restaurants and bars, stores, shops and small businesses - including hair salons, gyms, stadiums, theaters, and museums.

'We're all going to get to enjoy the city again and people are going to flock here from all over the country,' he said.

De Blasio's announcement comes one day after New York lawmakers lifted Governor Andrew Cuomo's pandemic-era rule that customers must order food when buying alcohol in bars

The mayor told New Yorkers that in order to accomplish the July 1 goal more and more people must continue to get vaccinated.

'We all got a little work to do, but we can get there together' he said at the briefing.

De Blasio said he has not spoken to Cuomo but will work with federal and state officials to meet the July 1 goal.

'The best way to proceed here is to set out the city's vision,' he said on Thursday. 'We're going to work with the federal government, were going to work with the state government but its quite clear its time to set a goal and move on that goal.'

On Wednesday, New York lawmakers lifted Cuomo's pandemic-era rule that customers must order food when buying alcohol in bars as the governor announced plans to roll back other restrictions.

The current midnight closing time for outdoor dining areas of bars and restaurants will now expire on May 17, followed by the indoor curfew on May 31, he announced.

Customers also will be able to sit at bars in New York City from May 3.
Doreen Langham would get out of a car just to dance, with a laugh that could be heard a football field away.

That was how she was remembered on Friday, as loved ones gathered in Jimboomba, south of Brisbane, at a memorial service for the vivacious and caring Brisbane mother.

Doreen Langham and her daughter Tabitha at her wedding.

Ms Langham, 49, died when a fire ripped through her Browns Plains home on February 22.

The body of her former partner, Gary Hely, was also found burned in the townhouse, as police investigated links to domestic violence.
The federal government has held talks with French biotech Valneva about another COVID-19 vaccine product, in a sign Australia is still considering adding options to its arsenal in the fight against the coronavirus.

France-based Valneva is in advanced stages of developing a COVID-19 shot based on traditional methods used for vaccines that fight influenza and polio. The product is an inactivated vaccine made up of a version of the virus that is killed prior to use so that it cannot replicate, but still triggers an immune response.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits the lab of French biotechnology firm Valneva in Livingston, Scotland. Credit:AP

This method is distinct from Pfizers vaccine, which uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology to deliver a genetic blueprint of instructions to fight the virus, and AstraZenecas approach, which is based on modified cold virus. It is also different from the approach being used in the Novavax vaccine product the government has ordered, which uses one element of the virus known as a spike protein made in a lab to provoke an immune response.

Scientists hope that if Valnecas product is successful, it could be more effective in the fight against new COVID-19 variants, as well as acting as a potential booster shot option because its approach may provide a broader immune response than other products on the market.
KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine will impose an entry ban on non-nationals arriving from India, which is battling a surge in coronavirus cases, from May 2, its deputy health minister said on Friday.

Ukraine has reported more than 2 million COVID-19 cases so with 44,085 deaths.

(Reporting by Natalia Zinets, writing by Pavel Polityuk; editing by John Stonestreet)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-01 00:04:14|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese military spokesperson on Friday slammed Japan for its "extremely erroneous and irresponsible step of hyping the so-called 'China threat'," saying China deplores and opposes it.

In response to the 2021 edition of the diplomatic blue book released by Japan on Tuesday, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian said the blue book maliciously attacks and slanders China and grossly interferes in China's internal affairs.

Referring to the part about China's military expenditure and military strength, Wu said that China follows the path of peaceful development, pursues a defensive national defense policy, and maintains openness and transparency regarding its military expenditure and strength.

China's annual defense expenditure has remained below 2 percent of its GDP over the last 30 years, lower than that of the world's major countries and below the global average of 2.6 percent, said Wu.

The spokesperson said China's stance on maritime issues is consistent and clear, and the Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands are an inalienable part of China's territory.

He also warned Japan against interfering in the Taiwan question, which falls within China's internal affairs.

Wu urged Japan to view China and the Chinese military in an objective and rational way, and to make constructive efforts to promote the sound and stable development of bilateral relations. Enditem
YEREVAN.  The Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia reminds Azerbaijan of international requirements. Even if it were not for the eighth point of the November 9 trilateral statement, Azerbaijan would be obliged to return the Armenian POWs. Armenias ombudsman Arman Tatoyan said this during Fridays discussion of the annual report of the Human Rights Defender's Office, at the of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly.

He noted that Azerbaijan initially tried to present these Armenian detainees as terrorists. "Then they changed their policy. Now Baku says they have no terrorists at all; this is a position that clearly contradicts international principles. Regardless of whether it is before November 9, 2020, before or after the [recent Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)] war, we have an open, ongoing military conflict, and this conflict is not over yet. According to international humanitarian law, any person held captive during this period has the status of a prisoner. That is why, under the Geneva Convention, any persecution of a captive person is prohibited. Moreover, it is, in fact, a policy that leads to war crimes," Tatoyan said.

The ombudsman noted that Azerbaijan is constantly referring to paragraph 8 of the November 9 statement of last year, announcing to the international community that it is implementing it. "But it is not their kindness or goodwill, but their duty. (). This is an international requirement, and it would have applied even if that provision were not in the document," Tatoyan stressed.

According to the ombudsman, the international community is now increasing the pressure on this issue, whereas Azerbaijan is politicizing it in order to cause spiritual suffering, especially to the families of the Armenian captives and missing persons.
In Britain, whose army carried out the 1897 raid, steps toward returning the bronzes are being taken by the institutions that hold them, rather than by the government. In March, the Horniman Museum, in London, which owns 49 items from Benin City, published a policy document that said it would consider the possible return of any item in its collection that was taken by force or theft. Days later, the University of Aberdeen in Scotland said it would return a sculpture of an oba, or ruler, of the Kingdom of Benin, which was stolen in the 1897 raid.

Yet some of the countrys largest museums  such as the British Museum, which owns more than 900 of the items, including arguably some of the finest  are regulated by Parliament and cannot permanently return items from their collections without a change in the law. Britains culture ministry did not reply to a request for comment on Friday.

The British Museum is a member of the Benin Dialogue Group, a network of European Museums which has been meeting with Nigerian representatives for more than a decade to discuss what to do about the bronzes. The group is also helping to develop the Edo Museum of West African Art, and to finance and staff archaeological work on the museum site, scheduled to start this fall.

Ehikhamenor likened the British Museums involvement in restitution talks to a McDonalds worker who refuses to make burgers. Their presence there has not led to the kind of conversations we are hearing from other museums in Europe, he said. But he added that he hoped Germanys announcement would change things. If Germany is finding ways to have this conversation with us, I think the British should begin to find a way, he said.
Max Verstappen says he sees "no reason" to look around for another Formula 1 team to race for.

After the Dutchman's 'exit clause' in his ongoing Red Bull contract was revealed, the 23-year-old was linked with a switch to Mercedes.

But with a fully-competitive car for 2021, Verstappen insists: "I can say that I am really comfortable at Red Bull. I see no reason to change.

"Even before I knew that we would build our own engines, I was happy with everything. I hope that our cooperation will continue for a long time."

As for Verstappen's head-to-head title battle with Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton this year, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc knows who he would bet on.

"If I had to bet money on one of them, I'd say Verstappen," he told the Italian newspaper La Stampa.

"Red Bull has made progress and appears to have an edge over Mercedes, and Max certainly has a lot of talent," Leclerc added.

(GMM)
TUPELO, Miss (WTVA) - Starting Friday, the BancorpSouth Arena's parking lot will be filled with classic cars

President of the Blue Suede Cruise, Allen McDaniel said it feels good to host the car show again.

"This is one of our first step in the automotive industry or the automotive group of people of getting back to normal, he said.

Last year, members canceled the event because of social distancing concerns. This time around, hundreds of people from around the nation are expected to attend the car show.

McDaniel said he expects to register about 1,000 automobiles this weekend.

Executive director of Tupelo CVB, Neal McCoy added the car show is a fun event that greatly helps tupelo economically.

"What this means is these people are coming into town. Theyre going to stay in our hotels, theyre going to eat at our restaurants, theyre going to shop here, buy gas here and theyre going to have a great experience, he said.

The car show officially kicks off Friday at 8 am. Organizers said cruisers and visitors are not required to wear masks.
In 1944 Kaufmann married Tasmanian-born Barbara Dyer. Two years later, he was naturalised. Walter Kaufmann wrote with a flavour of Australia, even after he returned to Germany. Credit:Getty Kaufmann had begun to write fiction, in English, while he was still with the army, and by the end of the war was already a published author. In 1944, his short story The Simple Things won him the first of many literary prizes. He joined the Melbourne Realist Writers Group, a group of left-wing authors, and became friends with Frank Hardy and David Martin. Kaufmanns first novel, Voices in the Storm, an account of the anti-fascist resistance and the coming of age of a Jewish boy in Nazi Germany, was published in 1953. He later recalled that he himself sold 2000 copies of the book by hawking it at wharves, mines and other workplaces during 15-minute stop-work meetings. While he continued to write, Kaufmann worked in a wide range of jobs, including as a wedding photographer and a seaman. In 1955, the Seamens Union sent him to the Fifth World Festival of Youth and Students in Warsaw. Rather than returning home, he asked his wife Barbara to join him in communist East Germany. The Kaufmanns briefly returned to Australia, with Walter serving as an assistant attache of the German team competing in the 1956 Olympics, but in 1957, they settled for good on the outskirts of Berlin, and Walter embarked on a career as a professional writer.

Back in Australia, Kaufmann had been a member of the Communist Party, but he later recalled neither wanting nor being able to join East Germanys Socialist Unity Party. One prerequisite would have been taking out GDR citizenship, which he declined to do. Retaining his Australian citizenship meant he could travel the world. And he did: to western Europe, Asia and the Americas, including several times to the United States. As a roving reporter at large, he covered the Cuban revolution and the court case against the American civil rights activist Angela Davis in the early 1970s. His journeying provided him with the material that helped him become arguably East Germanys most widely read travel writer. Albert Meyer and Martin Sanders reminisce about old times during a Dunera Boys reunion at Hay Railway Station in 1990. Jimmy King and Walter Kaufmann in the background. Credit:Fairfax He also wrote short stories, novels and books for children. By the time the Berlin Wall came down, Kaufmann had published 26 books in German and was part of the countrys literary establishment. When all his publishers went out of business after reunification, the 66-year-old Kaufmann began a new career, as a German, rather than an East German, writer. Much of Kaufmanns post-1990 writing is autobiographical. He continued to publish books and articles well into his 90s. His last publication, a review of a book of poems by the East German writer Gisela Steineckert, appeared about a month before his death.

Kaufmann had felt less at home in the GDR than in Australia. But, he told an interviewer, the GDR became my home when it had gone. He reasoned this was because he felt he had been taken care of there, both as a person and as a writer. Voices in the Storm by Walter Kaufmann. For most of his life in East Germany, he wasnt a foreigner only because of his Australian passport. Initially, he even spoke German with an Australian accent. And he continued to write in English. All the books he published in his first 20 years in Germany had to be translated. The way he told the story, he eventually taught himself to write in German when he translated Voices in the Storm. Its German edition, published in 1977, thus became the first book he wrote in German. He recalled it was hard work to turn his English prose into German, but by the end of it, he had graduated from a German writer of English to a writer of German. His German writing retained an Australian touch, though. He privileged unadorned and succinct prose and an uncomplicated syntax. Three of his books were published in English by an East German publisher, but Voices in the Storm remained the only one of his books to be published in Australia. He may have identified as an Australian writer for much of his life, but the Australian reading public didnt warm to him despite his writing frequently about Australian topics, such as the Maralinga atomic tests, and despite much of his autobiographical fiction being set in Australia.
If you would like to know more about the RPM lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland K. Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

The Los Angeles labor law attorneys, at Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC, filed a class action complaint against RPM Juice, Inc. and RPM Foods, Inc. (collectively, "RPM") for allegedly failing to accurately pay employees' wages for all their time worked. The RPM class action lawsuit, Case No. 21STCV14755, is currently pending in the Los Angeles County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the complaint can be read here.

According to the lawsuit, RPM allegedly violated California Labor Code Sections  201, 202, 203, 204, 206.5, 226, 226.7, 246, 510, 512, 558, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 1198, and 2802 by failing to: (1) pay minimum wages; (2) pay overtime wages; (3) provide required meal and rest periods; (4) reimburse employees for required expenses; (5) provide accurate itemized wage statements; and (6) provide sick pay and sick leave balance.

The lawsuit also alleges RPM violated the Private Attorneys General Act ("PAGA"), which gives rise to civil penalties as a result of RPMs conduct. PAGA allows aggrieved employees to file a lawsuit to recover civil penalties on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the State of California for Labor Code violations. An "aggrieved employee" is defined as "any person who was employed by the alleged violator and against whom one or more of the alleged violations was committed." Cal. Lab. Code section 2699(c). PAGA allows aggrieved employees to become deputized as private attorneys general to enforce the Labor Code.

If you would like to know more about the RPM lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland K. Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are labor and employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to fighting for employees who have been wronged by their employers due to unfair employment practices. Contact one of their attorneys today if you need help with workplace issues regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment.

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Princeton Streets Open After Building Collapse

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PRINCETON - Streets in downtown Princeton are open again after a historic building collapsed overnight Thursday.The old Masonic building on West Court Square suffered a partial collapse and bricks fell into two adjacent streets.Officials confirmed that the building was vacant, and no one outside the building was injured by the collapse.Roads around the building were closed so that crews could clear debris from the area, and the rest of the building was knocked down so it would not be a safety hazard in the future.Princeton Fire Chief Brent Francis told the WPKY News Edge the structural integrity of the attached businesses were not affected.

On the Net:
A San Francisco judge on Thursday tentatively ruled that a public defender in an attempted murder case improperly excused potential Asian jurors because of their race.

In a reversal of an earlier decision, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Rita Lin found that of nine Asian potential jurors public defender Max Breecker dismissed during peremptory challenges, three were excused for impermissible reasons.

The case involves domestic violence  prosecutors said the suspect, 38-year-old JoVaughn Timms, shot and injured his girlfriend during an argument in May 2018. The woman named as victim is the case is Asian and Black.

In the jury process, Asian American citizens in our community have a right to participate in this process and to sit as jurors and sit in judgment as anyone else does, Lin said Thursday in court, agreeing with a motion from the District Attorneys Office.

Lin stopped short of declaring a mistrial, and said on Monday she would consider reinstating her earlier decision that the dismissals were race-neutral. The trial had not yet begun opening arguments.

The judge made her ruling based on whats known as a Batson-Wheeler analysis, case law that prevents attorneys from excusing potential jurors purely because they are members of a certain race, gender, religion or ethnicity. Batson-Wheeler challenges are more traditionally used when prosecutors use their peremptory strikes to remove potential Black jurors.

Both Lin and Assistant District Attorney Don Du Bain  who filed the motion  stated that they did not believe Breeckers dismissals were borne out of racial animus against Asian Americans.

But Batson Wheeler, Lin said, exists to protect the (jurors) rights as much as it does to protect the partys right to a representative jury.

So, even if we may be satisfied with the jury that we have, we still have to be conscious of, and I am required by law to protect, the rights of patient American citizens to serve on juries, Lin said.

Timms faces various charges including attempted murder, assault with a firearm, domestic violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

In a statement, San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju said Breecker is a well-respected public defender who has handled thousands of cases and dozens of jury trials.

He and all of our attorneys operate with the highest ethics with the goal of seating a jury that will follow the law and be fair, Raju said.

Raju said the jury that has been selected includes multiple people of Asian descent and represents a fair cross-section of San Francisco.

The judge has offered to reconsider her decision, and we are hopeful that this trial will be able to proceed in a timely manner, Raju said.

In court, Breecker said that his client, who is Black, was disheartened by the idea of tossing a jury as diverse as the one the trial attorneys have already chosen. The current jury includes people who are Black, Asian, Latino and white.

And we and the court is then saying no, we have to do this again, and he is deeply troubled by that, Breecker said. ... He was very upset and he is very concerned that the court will show some bias against him.

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy
Workforce

OMB job satisfaction scores plummeted in 2020

Feds working in the Office of Management and Budget reported last year in the government's annual employee survey that they were unsure of their ability to blow the whistle without fear of reprisal and were distrustful of top agency leadership.

The Office of Personnel Management released results of the 2020 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey on April 26. OPM officials stressed during a press briefing that the results aren't meant to measure employee morale, but instead the organizational climate of agencies. The 2020 survey also saw some changes in content and was administered in the fall, instead of the spring as is custom.

The results can be sifted down to give an agency-by-agency view that shows changes at OMB, which saw a 16 point downslide in the question on job satisfaction, which feds rated at 59 out of 100.

That rating, now sitting at 59, stands out in the office, which since 2016 has had job satisfaction ratings consistently between 73 and 79. The rating diverges from the federal workforce writ large, which saw gains in governmentwide global satisfaction despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The results come after some tumultuous years at the agency. Eighty-eight percent of its workforce was the slated to be reclassified under Schedule F, a new type of job classification created by former President Donald Trump in October 2020. Feds in Schedule F positions wouldn't be covered by traditional civil service protections, making their hiring and firing essentially at will. Biden reversed the executive order shortly after coming into office in January.

The FEVS survey was administered in two, six-week sessions that started on September 14 and 21. The Schedule F executive order was released on Oct. 21, 2020, days before the second survey timeline ended. OMB's list of positions to be reclassified broke in the news in late November.

"Had the news leaked that the administration was trying to convert virtually all of OMB's workforce to Schedule F before this survey was done, I'm sure the scores would've even been worse," said Nick Schwellenbach, a senior investigator at the Project on Government Oversight who pointed out OMB's skid in an April 28 tweet.

"I think it speaks volumes that the numbers were this bad before the proposal to convert OMB's workfare to Schedule F had even come out," Schwellenbach told FCW.

One worry among Democrats and federal employee unions opposed to the order was that removing civil service protections from feds would open the door to increased politicization of the federal workforce.

OMB was also embroiled in the events that became the basis for the first impeachment of Trump when it withheld funds obligated for security assistance to Ukraine in 2019. A career staffer from OMB was a witness for the House's investigation.

About 42% of OMB respondents for FEVS said that they disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement, "I can disclose a suspected violation of any law, rule or regulation without fear of reprisal." Only 40.3% selected either agree or strongly agree, as compared to 68.5% of respondents government-wide.

This is troublesome given OMB's power over how the government spends money and its position in the balance of powers  the office is charged with doling out money within the bounds that Congress specifies, Schwellenbach said.

"The career staff within OMB need to feel empowered to raise concerns when they believe they're being told to violate spending laws," he said.

OMB employees also gave low ratings to questions about their views of agency leadership.

For the question, "in my organization, senior leaders generate high levels of motivation and commitment in the workforce," 64.7% of respondents either chose disagree or strongly disagree. Government-wide, that number was 25.7%.

Almost 40% choose strongly disagree when presented with the statement, "my organization's senior leaders maintain high standards for honesty and integrity," as compared to 8.8% across the government.

About 40%, compared with 7.4% government-wide, also choose strongly disagree when asked if they had "a high level of respect for my organization's senior leaders."

The office was headed by Mick Mulvaney during the first years of the Trump administration before he moved into the White House to work as the acting chief of staff. Russ Vought, Mulvaney's deputy, then served as acting director of the budget office before being confirmed in 2020. He was vocal in his support for Schedule F and OMB's role in leading implementation to the new schedule.

In addition to Schedule F and Ukraine, career staff at OMB were also the target of rhetoric from the Trump officials about the workforce, said Gordon Adams, who worked at OMB in the 1990s and maintains contact with feds at OMB. They were subjected to insinuations "that they were just another part of the fictitious 'deep state' determined to undermine the Trump presidency," Adams said.

"Morale definitely dropped at OMB. The reason is simple: the Trump administration misused the agency and made life difficult for the staff," he said.

About the Author Natalie Alms is a staff writer at FCW covering the federal workforce. She is a recent graduate of Wake Forest University and has written for the Salisbury (N.C.) Post. Connect with Natalie on Twitter at @AlmsNatalie.



OMB did not respond to request for comment. At OMB, 305 employees took the survey, which amounts to almost 80% of those surveyed.
The quarterly security report of the Kaduna State government has revealed that 323 persons were killed and 949 kidnapped by bandits in the last three months across the state.

The routine report covered cases of banditry, kidnapping, cattle-rustling, attacks, and reprisal attacks.

According to the report presented on Friday, the Kaduna North senatorial district recorded the least number of attacks.

Of all the 323 killings in the period under review, 73.07 per cent occurred in the Central Kaduna district, 21.05 in Southern district and 5.88 in the Northern district.

Also, on kidnapping, 82.4 per cent of the 949 cases happened in the Central district while 13.59 per cent occurred in the South and 4 per cent in the North.

Suspects killed

While presenting the report, the commissioner for internal security, Samuel Aruwan, said military ground troops killed 64 bandits in the period while 100 were killed in air raids.

The report also includes the aerial missions conducted over identified bandit hideouts and locations across the state, during which multiple scores of bandits were engaged and neutralised, with their camps destroyed.

Deaths linked to banditry, violent attacks, communal clashes and reprisals in the first quarter total 323 across the State. Of this, 20 were women and 11 were minors.

Out of the 323 citizens killed, 292 were males. 236 of the deaths occurred in Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Igabi, Giwa and Kajuru LGAs.

Birnin Gwari recorded the highest figure of 77 deaths, followed by Chikun with 52, Igabi 45,Giwa 42, Kajuru 20 deaths in the first quarter.

Southern Kaduna Senatorial District had 68 deaths in total, of which 5 were women and two below the age of 18.

Kajuru had 28 deaths, followed by Zangon Kataf with 14 and Kagarko with 12

And the Northern senatorial zone is the least affected with 19 people killed and Zaria has the highest casualty of six.

As earlier highlighted, 64 armed bandits were neutralised during engagements with ground forces.

Multiple scores of bandits were neutralised via about 150 targeted aerial missions conducted by the Niger Airforce. These missions were initiated based on credible intelligence of bandit activity and locations of camps, which were targeted and destroyed.

Several gunrunners have been intercepted and arrested with arms and ammunition recovered in the first quarter. 36 AK47 rifles, 1959 rounds of live ammunition and one rocket propelled grenade were recovered.

Gun-running networks

The commissioner further stated that investigations are ongoing towards dismantling more gun-running networks and blocking arms routes into the state.

He expressed the governments sympathy for individuals and groups who have suffered terrible loss and hardship as a result of violence and insecurity.

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He also reiterated the resolve of the Governor Nasir El-Rufai-led government to intensify efforts towards enduring peace and security across the state.
EBRD and donors help SitatByoot entrepreneur launch custom clothing revolution Makesy

Jordan-based entrepreneur Saeed Omar recently created a unique online fashion app called Makesy. Building on the success of his other business SitatByoot, Makesy allows shoppers to create customisable, made-to-order clothing designs that are manufactured by the existing SitatByoot workforce.

Both companies have benefited from the EBRDs Star Venture programme, funded by the European Union and the Republic of Korea through the EBRDs Small Business Impact Fund.[1]

Founded in Jordan, SitatByoot (a play on the words sit-at in English and home in Arabic) educates and hires artisan garment makers across the country.

The company provides sustainable employment opportunities in the local community, empowering a women-driven workforce, usually from low-income backgrounds, tapping into an otherwise latent labour market.

SitatByoots online academy offers more than 60 courses in Arabic and currently has over 1 million followers on Facebook and 55,000 registered members. The company has trained more than 5,000 women through its workshops and 700 of those have satisfied bespoke orders, creating and posting garments from their homes.

Makesy is a direct spin-off from its sister company: Where SitatByoot is an online and physical vocational training centre, Makesy is an online platform that takes orders from customers directly, and the business is then channelled back to those who have been trained by SitatByoot, says Saeed.

Makesy serves fashion designers, labels and retailers as well as individual consumers, allowing them to custom-make their own garment designs from wherever they are in the world.

The EBRDs Star Venture programme has increased the companys visibility in Europe and North America, and the hope is that Makesys profile and reach will continue to grow now that its mobile-friendly website and iOS and Android apps have launched, allowing the business to penetrate new markets.

The aim is to match the anticipated demand for custom clothing by expanding SitatByoots network of garment makers to include Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Turkey, empowering women across the Arab world and beyond and ensuring a roadmap for the future growth of the inextricably linked companies.

Origins

At 43, Saeed is motivated by the experiences of his upbringing and formative years. His parents worked in tailoring and textile trading and the family grew up in relative prosperity in Saeeds birthplace of Kuwait until they were displaced. The upheaval of their lives, leaving behind successful businesses, was something from which they have never fully recovered, socially or economically.

Saeed overcame many obstacles to reach where he is today, both in his personal and professional life. When building his own company, Saeed learnt that a lot of his first assumptions were wrong, and that reality bites  it is not easy to start a small business in the garment-making industry in the Middle East, especially after a global financial crisis.

Saeed says the idea for SitatByoot originally came from his expanding business needs. He had a small tailors shop producing patterns and wanted to locate as many seamstresses as possible to produce ready-made garments for the business: I wanted to apply economies of scale with a simple supply chain. This quickly led me to realise that we needed to train a workforce to sew, knit, weave, crochet, embroider, braid, bead, lace and more.

Once this initial training was complete, the focus was on quality control and timeliness of production. Makesy was the logical next step.

The future

Inspired by his mother and an ambition to disrupt the unsustainable demand for fast and disposable fashion, Saeed plans to shift towards selling more deliberate, custom-made garments, which are better for the environment and do not contribute to the sweatshop orthodoxy that prevails in the current market. Instead, Saeed champions fair trade and a circular economy, going back to our productive habits, and teaching how to sustain small economies at home and at work.

In response to the refugee crisis, SitatByoot has trained and employed Syrian women refugees. Saeed is working on similar projects and says the goal is to give as many women as possible sustainable work opportunities like this.

An admirable initiative from a worthy entrepreneur.

[1] Other contributors include Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the TaiwanBusiness  EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund and the USA.




FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RHP Properties, the nation's largest private owner and operator of manufactured home communities, has announced the acquisition of 29 manufactured home communities in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan containing more than 4,200 sites, for a purchase price of $184,000,000. This brings the company's total of manufactured home communities to 297 nationwide. The announcement was made by Ross Partrich, CEO, RHP Properties.

"RHP Properties is pleased to announce the purchase of the Heritage Portfolio. We are proud to be preserving affordable housing for more than 4,000 families," said Partrich. "We also plan to improve these communities, including the addition of brand new homes."

The planned improvements include new or enhanced amenities, playgrounds, and roads. The company also plans to bring in brand new homes at affordable prices, where residents can enjoy the privacy of a single family home and all the energy efficient features and design of today's manufactured home.

"We will be making necessary upgrades to ensure these communities are brought up to the RHP Standard," added Partrich. "We look forward to becoming active members of these communities and providing our more than 30 years of stable management and ownership experience to our residents."

With these acquisitions, RHP Properties now owns and operates 297 manufactured home communities totaling 71,184 home sites.

About RHP Properties

Founded in 1988, RHP Properties is the nation's largest privately held owner and operator of manufactured home communities with managed assets of more than $6B, including 297 manufactured home communities nationwide, totaling about 71,184 homes in 28 states. Headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, RHP Properties employs more than 1,000 professionals. For more information visit www.rhp.com.

RHP Properties specializes in, and continues to aggressively seek, acquisitions throughout the United States. Owners of manufactured home communities interested in selling to a highly experienced owner and operator should contact Joshua Mermell, senior vice president of acquisitions at 248-626-0737.

CONTACT:

Glenn Oswald

Christine Snyder

Marx Layne & Company

(248) 855-6777

SOURCE RHP Properties

Related Links

https://www.rhp.com


Azerbaijani attacks were accompanied by cruelties and beheadings. This is stated in the special report of the Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, which he presented at the high-level forum on cooperation in the OSCE security sphere.

The ombudsman stressed that the highest bodies of the Azerbaijani government continue the fascist policy of state-sponsored hatred and enmity, racism and fascism in Azerbaijan.

Tatoyan added that, unfortunately, the international civilized community has not yet properly assessed all these facts.

Arman Tatoyan noted that all the facts recorded in his speech are based on objective and reliable evidence obtained as a result of the fact-finding work of Armenias ombudsman as an independent constitutional institution.

The event organized by the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation was attended by representatives of the OSCE member states, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, and others.
Update: realme Malaysia has officially announced that the realme Buds Q2 is available in Malaysia for RM129. It'll also be available for RM79 on Shopee for a limited time.

If you're looking for a new pair of budget TWS earbuds, you might want to check out an upcoming model from realme. Sources found realme Buds Q2 certified back in December 2020, but the launch took forever for some reason. However, it's now available in some regions.

The company has released the realme Buds Q2 in Pakistan for 5999 PKR (~RM160). As you would expect, this is a new true wireless stereo model that is a successor to the realme Buds Q launched in May 2020. The design hasn't changed at all, which is fine since it's a pretty good design.

It does have improved features like the Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC). However, it isn't the same as ANC and is more like ambient sound for phone calls only. The realme Buds Q2 also has an improved game mode and IPX4 water resistance. As for the tech specs, the new model has a longer-lasting battery life rated at up to 20 hours.

If you want more details, you can check out the product page here. There's no news on when it would launch in Malaysia, but we expect it to be available here eventually so stay tuned to TechNave for updates!
The examination of an ancient Egyptian mummy in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw has revealed the world's first known case of a pregnant embalmed body, Polish researchers said on Thursday.

The discovery that the mummy, previously believed to be a priest, was actually a female, was made in 2016. But analysis of X-ray images uncovered a fetus in the mummy's womb, at around the 26th to 28th week of the pregnancy.

"We were ready to wrap up the project and file the paper for publication," anthropologist and archeologist Marzena Ozarek-Szilke of the University of Warsaw told Polish Press Agency.

"I was having a final look at the X-ray images with my husband Stanislaw, an Egyptologist, when we saw something that is familiar to parents of three in the belly of the dead woman: a small foot." Further details were uncovered after analysis of new radiographs.

Wojciech Ejsmond from the Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures at the Polish Academy of Sciences claimed that literature reviews failed to uncover similar instances. "This means that 'our' mummy is the only one, so far recognized in the world, with a fetus in the womb," he said.

The cause of death of the woman, who died while somewhere between 20 and 30 years old, is unknown. The next step, according to the researchers, is to analyze her blood composition to find any indication of illness or toxins that might have killed her.
Atlanta news crew spots Arizona murder suspect, films arrest View Photo

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. (AP)  A local television news crew spotted an Arizona murder suspect near the Atlanta airport and flagged police, resulting in the man being taken back into custody after a daylong search.

The reporter and photojournalist with WSB-TV said they saw Jsaan Carlos Strover, 20, as they were driving down a road near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport around 11:15 p.m. Thursday.

Reporter Matt Johnson said he and photojournalist Joe Booker were in their live truck when Strover ran by and into some bushes. Johnson said police were nearby, so they flagged down an officer and then started filming as the suspect was arrested.

Strover was wanted for murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault in Arizona. He was arrested by U.S. Marshals in the Atlanta area on April 12 on other charges, but was already wanted in Arizona.

He had gotten away from two Maricopa County, Arizona, deputies while they were dropping off a rental car at the airport earlier in the day.

Fulton County, Georgia, Sheriff Patrick Labat told reporters Strover had run away after deputies unshackled his legs so he could walk down stairs.

They removed the leg restraints to escort him down the steps and at that point he pushed past them, Labat said.

Dozens of officers from multiple agencies had searched for Strover with dogs and helicopters Thursday.
Lady Gaga will play Patrizia Reggiani in Ridley Scotts movie House of Gucci. The infamous ex-wife of Maurizio Gucci, Reggiani served 29 years in prison for her involvement in Guccis assassination. Find out where the real Reggiani is today.

Lady Gaga | Marco Piraccini/Archivio Marco Piraccini/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

Lady Gaga, Adam Driver to star in the House of Gucci movie

Gagas role, Reggiani, married Gucci, the businessman and former head of the fashion house, in the early 70s. The film, starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver, will release Nov. 24, 2021.

Scotts movie will detail Reggiani and Guccis marriage, eventual falling out, and Guccis death. One day, Gucci told Reggiani he was going on a business trip, but he never returned. In reality, Gucci left Reggiani for a younger woman. A lengthy and well-publicized legal battle ensued until the couple finalized their divorce in the early 90s.

After Maurizio Guccis death, Patrizia Reggiani went to prison

An unknown gunman fatally shot Gucci as he entered his office in Milan on Mar. 27, 1995. The Guardian spoke with an eyewitness, who said: Mr. Gucci arrived carrying some magazines and said, good morning. Then I saw a hand. It was a beautiful, clean hand, and it was pointing a gun.

Three shots were fired into Guccis back, followed by a fourth to his head. I thought it was a joke, said the eyewitness. Then the shooter saw me. Two years later, in 1997, Reggiani was arrested for arranging Guccis assassination.

In the upcoming film #HouseOfGucci, Lady Gaga and Adam Driver play Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci whose love story ended in a blaze of jealousy, greed, and, eventually, bullets. https://t.co/uwrwvZT1DK pic.twitter.com/b4tPHzIubN  E! News (@enews) April 12, 2021

RELATED: This Bradley Cooper Moment Made Lady Gaga Go Oh My Goodness

Reggiani supposedly worked with four co-plotters but denied hiring a shooter to have the billionaire killed (via CNN). She was dubbed the Black Widow in prison after admitting to hating her ex-husband and wanting him dead.

Her murder trial began in May 1998. Courts sentenced Reggiani to 29 years in prison. During her sentence, she gained the nickname Vedova Nera  the Black Widow.

Patrizia Reggiani attempted suicide in 2000

According to the aforementioned CNN report, Reggiani tried to hang herself while serving her prison sentence. She just said I wanted to go. Psychologically she is in a terrible state, her mother Silvana Barbieri told the outlet.

Reggiani survived her suicide attempt and only served 18 of her 29 years before being released in 2016. In 2011, she was offered an early release, but the idea of working horrified her. Ive never worked in my life and I dont intend to start now, she told her lawyer at the time.

Where is Patrizia Reggiani today?

According to the 2016 report from The Guardian, Reggiani is currently a design consultant for Bozart, a Milanese costume jewelry firm. Her job is to stay on top of whats trending and test drive the companys creations.

The now 72-year-old has plans to travel when she can legally leave Italy again. In the past, she wanted to work with the Gucci brand, but for obvious reasons, that never happened.

Despite giving up on that dream, the House of Gucci inspiration still thinks fondly of her ex-husband. As she told The Guardian: If I could see Maurizio again I would tell him that I love him because he is the person who has mattered most to me in my life.

Lady Gaga annoyed Patrizia Reggiani

Reggiani is aware of Scotts latest movie, but she hasnt had any involvement in it. Im annoyed by the fact that Lady Gaga is portraying me in the new Ridley Scott film without even having the courtesy or the good sense to come and meet me, Reggiani told Ansa, an Italian national news outlet.

Lady Gaga & Adam Driver | MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP

RELATED: Adam Driver: Minnie Drivers Father Led a Double Life, but She Isnt Related to the House of Gucci Star

Its nothing to do with money because I wont be taking a single cent from the film, Reggiani explained. Its about common sense and respect.

In Reggianis opinion, any good actor should get to know the person theyre meant to play. I think it is not right that I wasnt contacted, she concluded. And I say this with all the sympathy and appreciation that I have for her.
CARLSBAD, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 29, 2021 / OPTEC International, Inc. (OTC PINK:OPTI), a developer of UV and UV-C safety products using related advanced technologies specific to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), and supplier of wholesale Medical PPE today announced the company appointed Rafina Innovations (OTC: VICA) as the exclusive Cyprus distributor for all OPTEC Product lines.

Rafina recently completed the 100% acquisition of C-PHARMA LTD an established medical and pharmaceutical products supplier in the Euro-Asia territories. www.rafina-innovations.com

Rafina's C-PHARMA is a wholesale distribution and pharmaceutical manufacturer of over-the-counter medical prescription products holding multiple licenses for Ocean Going Vessel, medical supplies, and prescriptions, including Cruise Lines, Commercial Cargo vessels and Tankers. The licenses include importing and exporting API Products (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients). C-PHARMA has unique exclusivity licenses from Pharmaceutical manufactures who produce medicines in the Greek territories. The company also provides stringent chemical testing control, logistics and distribution of API products. The importation aspect provides for strict transportation and storage protocols in this field, using advanced data tracking equipment for monitoring the condition of the assets during transportation and observing full regulatory compliance.

OPTEC International, CEO Roger Pawson stated: " We are very happy to have Rafina as an exclusive distributor for the Cypress territory to expand our product lines to this medical/pharmaceutical region and particularly in the Ocean-Going Vessel Shipping sectors. We look forward to further expanding with Rafina in this region".

About Rafina Innovations Inc.

Rafina Innovations is a development capital investment opportunity in the high growth / high margin prosthetics, orthotics, rehabilitation, and diabetes markets. It benefits from a market leading footing from which to expand and seeks to invest in a synergistic business model of Rafina Innovations Clinics and new technology development, with an out-licensing model. The company has a strong pipeline of near-market to research-stage technologies, developed by a team that includes world renowned experts in their field, each committed to the company on an on-going basis.

About C-PHARMA

C-PHARMA is a leading distributor for medical supplies and equipment striving to supply the world with top quality medical and pharmaceutical products. High Standards, Affordable Packages, Private Agreements, premier quality, and support are some of the words that define us, as a Company. www.https://c-pharm.org/

About OPTEC International, Inc.

With Locations in Carlsbad and Vista, California, OPTEC International is a developer and manufacturer of electronic LED, Ultraviolet (UV) & UV-C safety products and related advanced technologies and PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) products. The company's Safe-Scan product line is being launched at a time when HR directors and facilities managers are experiencing extreme concern with respect to keeping environments safe during the global pandemic crisis and the safe reopening of the U.S. economy. For more information, visit: www.optecintl.com

Safe Harbor Statement: Safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Opti, OPTEC or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions, or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. OPTEC International Inc.

OPTEC International, Inc.

Investor Relations Contact:

Andrew Barwicki

516-662-9461 / Andrew@barwicki.com

SOURCE: Optec International, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
HACC, Central Pennsylvanias Community College, will receive $100,000 from the BB&T now Truist Economic Growth Fund at the Lancaster County Community Foundation to support diversity initiatives and an inclusive excellence mentoring program at HACCs Lancaster Campus.

The funds will be administered by the HACC Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1985 to raise funds for HACC, a press release sent out Thursday said.

On April 22, the BB&T now Truist Economic Growth Fund at the Lancaster County Community Foundation named HACC and six other Lancaster-area higher education institutions as recipients of nearly $850,000 in grant investments. One of those was Elizabethtown College.

HACC president and CEO John J. Ski Sygielski said that this generous investment in support of diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives at HACC will benefit students and employees with opportunities to better understand the changing demographics of our service region and will afford those in the Lancaster community to engage with the College in new and meaningful ways through training and education opportunities.

Linnie S. Carter, the vice president of college advancement at HACC and executive director of the HACC Foundation, added: This generous funding exemplifies the many partnerships that HACC has nurtured since its founding in 1964. The Lancaster County Community Foundation has supported the College for many years. Also, the other grant recipients are institutions to which our students transfer and with which HACC partners to provide innovative instruction and services. We are proud to be among the colleges and universities receiving this philanthropic investment.

Alex Brame, Truist Central Pennsylvania regional president, called these investments part of ongoing efforts of The BB&T now Truist Economic Growth Fund at the Lancaster County Community Foundation to support initiatives and projects that foster in-demand thriving wage jobs and our higher education partners in Lancaster County.
U.S. soldiers stand guard on the roof of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara on April 26, 2021, after the the United States closed its Ankara embassy and the consulate in Istanbul and two other cities for citizen and visa services as a precaution for April 26 and April 27. The closure came after Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan on April 26, 2021, denounced U.S. President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide as "groundless" and harmful to bilateral ties. (Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden Finally Acknowledges the Armenian Genocide and Ignores Communist Mass Murder in China and Cambodia

Commentary

Each year on this day, reads an April 24 statement from the Biden White House, we remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring. Readers might wonder who the White House means by we.

Each year Joe Biden was vice president and senator, his statements on the Armenian genocide were hard to find. For their part, presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton were afraid of offending NATO ally Turkey, which denies the Armenian genocide. By contrast, on April 22, 1981, President Ronald Reagan cited, the genocide of the Armenians.

As the Biden White House recalls, beginning on April 24, 1915, with the arrest of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople by Ottoman authorities, one and a half million Armenians were deported, massacred, or marched to their deaths in a campaign of extermination. None of the Ottoman authorities is named, and the statement does not explain why these authorities would conduct a campaign of extermination against the Armenians.

For a thorough account see The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and Americas Response, by Peter Balakian. As the author notes, the Muslim Turks disarmed the Christian Armenians, which made them easy prey. The extermination campaign was thoroughly mechanized, an inspiration to Adolph Hitler. On Aug. 22, 1939, one day before the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Pact, Hitler said, Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?

We honor their story, the Biden White House proclaims. We see that pain. We affirm the history. We do this not to cast blame but to ensure that what happened is never repeated. Actually, it was repeated, and expanded.

Hitler conducted a campaign of extermination against Jews and other enemies of the state. During a campaign debate last year, Biden claimed Hitler invaded Europe, so his knowledge of the Holocaust is open to question. Biden is not an intellectual, author Mark Bowden explained in a 2010 Atlantic profile. He makes few references to books and learned influences in his speeches and autobiography.

Joseph Stalin deployed a terror famine in Ukraine, claiming millions of victims. According to The Black Book of Communism, Mao Zedongs Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution claimed more than 60 million victims. In Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge murdered more than two million people, about 25 percent of the population. See Murder of a Gentle Land: The Untold Story of Communist Genocide in Cambodia.

Ronald Reagans 1981 statement also cited the genocide of the Cambodians, and vowed that the lessons of the Holocaust must never be forgotten. On the other hand, statements from Sen. Joe Biden decrying genocide in Cambodia are hard to trace. The more than 60 million people murdered by Chinas Communist regime did not prevent Sen. Biden from welcoming China into the World Trade Organization, with no accounting for their crimes and no democratic reforms. On that score, Biden was hardly alone.

Biden voted against strong sanctions on communist China as a response to the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. In 1998, the United States again proposed sanctions on China, including visa restrictions, and Biden was part of a group of 10 senators who opposed the measures.

In May 2011, Biden said he believed that protecting fundamental rights and freedoms such as those enshrined in Chinas international commitments as well as in Chinas own constitution is the best way to promote long term stability and prosperityof any society. The U.S. vice president didnt specify the fundamental rights and freedoms in Chinas constitution, and his statement offered no criticism of the Communist regime.

In 2020, on the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, Biden called for recommitting to the universal struggle for human dignity, not for democratic reforms in China. During the 2020 election campaign, Biden described the Chinese regime as not bad folks, and not competition for the United States. In a Feb. 17 interview with CNNs Anderson Cooper, Biden cited Chinas different norms, and has made no attempt to tell the story of the Communist regimes victims.

Who, after all, speaks today of the millions murdered in Communist China? Joe Biden says in effect. This man has not learned the lesson of the Armenian genocide.

Lloyd Billingsley is the author of Yes I Con: United Fakes of America, Barack em Up: A Literary Investigation, Hollywood Party, and other books. His articles have appeared in many publications, including Frontpage Magazine, City Journal, The Wall Street Journal, and American Greatness. Billingsley serves as a policy fellow with the Independent Institute.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Bhopal, April 30 : The Madhya Pradesh government is considering sealing the inter-state borders to curb the spread of the coronavirus infection.

Home Minister Narottam Mishra said during a review meeting on the Covid-19 situation under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, that in accordance with efforts being made to control the infection across 16 districts in the state, the emphasis was being laid on breaking the Covid chain.

He said with the stoppage of bus services along the borders of Uttar Pradesh, measures are being taken to prevent the infection spreading from people travelling along the borders of other states. The process of breaking the chain of infection due to traffic on the borders is paying dividends, hence the plan to seal the inter-state borders.

Mishra said the Chief Minister has assured that the general public will not be inconvenienced.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Lights are on inside a senior care center in Daejeon's Yuseong District on April 29 where 18 hospitalized patients were tested positive COVID-19 earlier that day. Yonhap



South Korea's daily new virus cases remained in the 600s for the second day Friday as the country extended its social distancing measures against the coronavirus amid concerns of another wave of the pandemic.



The country reported 661 more COVID-19 cases, including 642 local infections, raising the total caseload to 122,007, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said.



The latest tally was slightly down from 679 new cases the previous day, after reaching 769 cases on Wednesday on a growing number of untraceable cases.



The country added three more deaths, raising the total to 1,828.



Amid fears over another wave of the pandemic, health authorities decided to maintain the country's social distancing measures and ban on large private gatherings, originally set to expire Sunday, for three more weeks.



Currently, the greater Seoul area, where more than half of the country's 52 million people reside, is under Level 2 social distancing, the third highest in the five-tier scheme, with the rest of the country under Level 1.5.






This scheme for years involved the purported sale of pets to the American public, FBI Special Agent Joseph Ondercin said in an affidavit filed in court. He is with the FBI in Pittsburgh, in its computer intrusion squad.

Stung by puppy love

The imaginary puppies, in fact, were pawns in an international fraud scheme that authorities say has left multiple victims empty-handed. That's despite paying for the dogs as well as for subsequent fake costs fraudsters asserted had been incurred, including for a supposed need to quarantine animals because of coronavirus exposure.

(According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a small number of pet dogs in the U.S. have reportedly been infected with the coronavirus, but there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus to people.)

Other fake issues triggering requests for more money from the victims included a supposed need to buy insurance or to obtain a U.S. Department of Agriculture permit.

5,000-mile journey to justice

Charged in the case is a 28-year-old African student who was living in Romania before being extradited some 5,000 miles to Pittsburgh. He made his first court appearance April 27 and is due back in court May 3.

The defendant, Desmond Fodje Bobga, is a citizen of Cameroon. He was arrested last Dec. 3 in Cluj, Romania, at the request of U.S. officials. His alleged crime spree ran for about two years, ending around June 2020, so some of the puppy sales he and his co-conspirators allegedly conducted predated the pandemic, prosecutors say.

Bobga faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and forging a U.S. Supreme Court seal. Among the fake documents in the case were a puppy's Crate and Vaccine Guarantee document, supposedly issued by the Supreme Court.

Prosecutors have asked that Bobga be detained before trial saying a serious risk exists that defendant will flee."

His public defender, Sarah Levin, said in an email that she will not be making a comment on the case.
Bella Bellini became the fastest three-year-old trotter in North America so far in 2021 with a 1:53.1 win on Thursday afternoon (April 29) at Harrahs Philadelphia.

Dexter Dunn kept the Bar Hopping-Bella Dolce filly in the pocket behind Worthy Of Honor early through fractions of :28.1 and :57.4, then angled her out to challenge the leader nearing the 1:25.3 three-quarters. Bella Bellini cleared to the lead before reaching the homestretch and tacked on her own second successive :27.3 quarter to win comfortably by 5-3/4 lengths over the pacesetter for trainer Nifty Norman and owner David McDuffee.

Bella Bellini's 1:53.1 mile broke a seasonal standard for sophomores which had lasted all of 22 minutes, set in the previous race at Philly, when Mister Boinga caught pacesetting favourite Shinkansen to lower his record to 1:53.4. Tim Tetrick handled the Bar Hopping gelding, now 4-of-9 lifetime, for trainer Jill Roland and owner Bernard OBrien in the richest race of the day, which went for $12,800.

A pair of $11,600 contests for fast-class older performers were also featured on the program. In one, the four-year-old Muscles Yankee mare No Mas Drama remained undefeated through three seasonal starts, with the new Michael Russo trainee leaving no doubt she was the best in a 1:53.2 lifetime mark. Ginnis Stables LLC owns the winner of $258,305.

In the other sub-feature, Only For Justice and Moveoutofmyway K exchanged the lead before Only For Justice grabbed it for good on the backstretch and held off a second challenge from Moveoutofmyway K to win by a length at the end of a 1:55.2 mile. Only For Justice, making his second start after coming from Woodbine Mohawk Park, is trained by Andrew Harris for Ecurie Gaetan Bono Inc.

Harrahs Philadelphia has three cards coming up this racing week: the usual Friday (April 30) card at 12:25 p.m., and then a special live program on Kentucky Derby Day (Saturday, May 1) with the same post time as Sundays (May 2) racing, 12:40 p.m. Program pages for these cards will be available at https://www.phha.org/harrahspps.html.

(PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia)
Former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who served under Donald Trump and resigned in 2018 amid multiple ethics investigations, filed paperwork on Thursday afternoon to run for Montana's soon-to-be-established 2nd Congressional District.

Montana was allotted an additional district as a result of population growth tracked in the 2020 Census. Zinke, a Republican, previously represented Montana's at-large district from 2015 to 2017.

MORE: 1st census numbers released, setting up contentious redistricting cycle

Zinke resigned amid investigations into his use of chartered planes, though the Interior Department's watchdog later said those flights did not break any rules, but some of the costs could have been avoided.

Zinke's use of charter or military planes was first confirmed amid questions about spending on travel for multiple cabinet officials in 2017 when Trump fired former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price after it was reported that he spent more than $1 million on travel, including private flights.

PHOTO: Secretary of the Interior nominee Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., before the start of his confirmation hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Jan. 17, 2017. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images)

The Interior Department's inspector general found that a number of flights on private or military planes taken by Zinke generally followed the relevant rules and were all approved by ethics officials in advance. But the report found that the cost of at least one of the trips, a more than $12,000 flight from Las Vegas to Montana, could have been avoided.

Investigations into Zinke also included a probe into his involvement in a real estate deal with an executive in his hometown and his decision to reject a casino in Connecticut that was sought by two tribes. House Democrats called the actions "giveaways" to the oil and gas industry under Zinke's Interior Department.

MORE: President Trump makes surprise announcement that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke will leave administration

In response to a tweet from Trump announcing his resignation in December 2018, Zinke said on Twitter he couldn't justify the cost of defending himself in a legal battle.

Story continues

"I cannot justify spending thousands of dollars defending myself and my family against false allegations," he said at the time.

After his resignation, Zinke joined a Washington lobbying firm, Turnberry Solutions, to lobby on Capitol Hill.

ABC News' Stephanie Ebbs contributed to this report.

Former Trump official Ryan Zinke files paperwork for congressional seat in Montana originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Alibaba Group Will Announce March Quarter 2021 and Full Fiscal Year 2021 Results on May 13, 2021

Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA and HKEX: 9988, "Alibaba" or "Alibaba Group") today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 before the U.S. market opens on Thursday, May 13, 2021, and will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 7:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (7:30 p.m. Hong Kong Time) the same day.

Details of the conference call are as follows:

International: +65 6713 5330

U.S.: +1 347 549 4094

U.K.: +44 203 713 5084

Hong Kong: +852 3018 8307

China Landline: 800 820 2079

China Mobile (News - Alert) : 400 820 6895

Conference ID: 8598233 (English)

Conference ID: 6767665 (simultaneous interpretation in Chinese, listen only mode)

A live webcast of the earnings conference call can be accessed at https://www.alibabagroup.com/en/ir/earnings. An archived webcast will be available through the same link following the call. A replay of the conference call will be available for one week (dial-in number: +61 2 8199 0299; same conference ID as shown above).







Please visit Alibaba Group's Investor Relations website at https://www.alibabagroup.com/en/ir/home on May 13, 2021 to view the earnings release and accompanying slides prior to the conference call.

About Alibaba Group

Alibaba Group's mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere. The company aims to build the future infrastructure of commerce. It envisions that its customers will meet, work and live at Alibaba, and that it will be a good company that lasts for 102 years.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005193/en/
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) imposed a nominal penalty of Rs3 lakh on Max Life Insurance and Rs5 lakh on IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Co Ltd for violating corporate governance and disclosure rules and violations of provisions of its guidelines on Motor Insurance Service Provider (MISP), respectively.

According to IRDAI, the company did not disclose related party transactions with Analjit Singh group companies such as Max Skill First Ltd.

Max Life did not disclose the details of payments made to the Max Skill First in the half-yearly outsourcing returns filed with the Authority for the financial years 2015-16 and 2016-17 in violation of Clause 11.2 of IRDA Outsourcing Guidelines, 2011, the insurance regulator said.

The regulator had conduced a focused onsite inspection of Max Skill First Limited (Max Skill First), a Max group Company and outsourcing entity, from 3rd May to 8 May 2018. While conducting the same, the inspection team felt a need to inspect transactions between Max Life Insurance Co Ltd and Max Skill First Ltd and accordingly an inspection of such transactions was also carried out. Inspection reports pertaining to Max Life and Max Skill First were forwarded to Max Life and to Max Skill First on 16 July 2018 for which Max Life and Max Skill First submitted responses on 6 August 2018 separately.

Max Life had paid a fixed monthly rate for training services to Max Skill First irrespective of the number of training sessions.

Max Life argued that there was no clarity prior to the issue of outsourcing regulations, 2017 that training activity falls within the definition of outsourcing and that there was no uniform practice across the industry and asserted that the details of related party disclosures in the notes to accounts indicate that the insurer obtained training services in the years 2016-17 and 2015-16 and such disclosure highlights the fact that Max Life had no intentions to conceal nor was there was any ulterior motive in not reporting these under outsourcing returns.

IRDAI also noted it has also been observed that the operational data of count of trainers mentioned in invoice summary for the year 2016-17 was found to be inconsistent with amounts invoiced. Certain individuals were employed as trainers who were neither employees of Max Skill First nor in the list of retainers. All this has been done without ensuring meaningful cost benefit analysis.

IRDAI order said The Life Insurer failed to establish and ensure functioning of adequate systems, policies and procedures during transfer of employees to Max Skill First thereby reviving a loss making Group Company and actively favouring a group company to serve shareholders and finally, award of actively outsourcing the training work to Max Skill First, a Group company and failed to address potential conflicts of interest and compliance with the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 and compliance with the relevant provisions of Outsourcing Guidelines,2011. The Board of Directors, which had common Directors between Max Life and Max Skill First during the financial years 2015-16 and 2016-17, failed to formulate an adequate Policy on Related Party Transactions laying down arms length pricing. There is no evidence to suggest the impact of such transfer of huge chunk of employees and award of outsourcing contracts on the finances of Life Insurer were appropriately evaluated to ensure that the interests of policyholders were not compromised.

IRDAI also imposed a penalty of Rs5 lakh on IFFCO Tokio General Insurance.

IRDAI had conducted an onsite inspection of IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company Ltd from 30th July to 1 August 2018. The inspection report, revealed certain violations of provisions of the MISP guidelines.

The insurer was asked to provide the invoices and underwriting documents of 30 sampled policies. However, only 13 policy documents were provided on the last day of the inspection and that too could not provide required information such as invoice copy, premium receipt.

The insurer submitted that policies are issued at MISP partners location through the insurers portal which has checks and validations in place to ensure that the details filled by the partner such as RTO city/ location, engine number/chassis number, IDV and NCB are in order both for new vehicles and the renewals. Authority to modify/endorse the risk details lies with the operating/underwriting offices. MISP has no authority to modify/edit the vehicle details at the time of renewal.

The insurer further submitted that copies of the invoices are not available in case of motor insurance policies. When the policy is solicited through MISPs, calculation of premium is done by the MISPs based on the master IDV, the insurer does not get invoice for each vehicle in such cases, but for individual customers invoices are collected.

On examining the invoices submitted by the insurer, IRDAI observed, in more than 100 invoices, payments have been made to the motor dealers in the name of data processing charges and other support functions, for the services availed post November, 2017 till 31 March, 2018. The motor dealers mentioned in the invoices were found to be MISPs which were either sponsored by the insurer or other insurance company/insurance intermediary. The nature of such payments was other than the distribution fees.

By making payments which are other than the distribution fee, the insurer is in violation of Guidelines 15 (5) (d) of MISPG. Considering the fact that this violation has taken place about payment of Rs10.62 lakh in one category and possibly for Rs19.14 lakh in another category, the Authority, in exercise of the powers vested under Section 102(b) of the Insurance Act, 1938 imposes a penalty of Rs5 lakh only, the IRDAI order said.

Further, the regulator also directed IFFCO Tokio to ensure in future that any engagement with automotive dealers is strictly in compliance with MISP Guidelines.
Bryce Ruthven was enjoying a night out with the boyson Thursday.

The Married at First Sight star left his girlfriend Melissa Rawson at home as he attended the opening of Old Beijing restaurant in Melbourne.

The 31-year-old was all smiles as he was joined by fellow MAFS stars James Susler, Steve Burley, Jesse Konstantinoff and Nick Furphy.

Out and about: Bryce Ruthven (pictured) was enjoying a night out on his own on Thursday. The Married at First Sight star left his girlfriend Melissa Rawson at home as he attended the opening of Old Beijing restaurant in Melbourne

The reality star looked casually chic in a black corduroy jacket with a dark shirt worn underneath, wearing a pair of black-rimmed reading glasses as he posed for photos.

The former radio announcer added a pair of black jeans, and had his fair neatly spiked up.

Bryce posed up a storm with other guests at the event, and appeared to be enjoying his boys' night out.

Fun: The 31-year-old was all smiles as he was joined by fellow MAFS stars Steve Burley, Jesse Konstantinoff and Nick Furphy

Mates: Bryce also caught up with MAFS co-star James Susler (left)

On his own Instagram, Bryce also shared a photo from the event, posing alongside a media wall.

The Canberra-born reality star captioned the image: 'Out on a school night!'

It comes after news that divisive Married At First Sight couple Bryce and Melissa could be laughing all the way to the bank after signing a deal with podcasting company Podshape earlier this month.

Read up on it: The reality star looked casually chic in a black corduroy jacket with a dark shirt worn underneath, wearing a pair of black-rimmed reading glasses as he posed for photos

While the decision to sign the pair has been controversial, Podshape's CEO Jay Walkerden - a former executive at Nova FM - has said advertisers are lining up to feature on Bryce and Melissa's 10-part series What Happens After.

Bryce's problematic behaviour on Married At First Sight caused plenty of outrage when the show aired on Channel Nine, with some viewers accusing him of gaslighting and manipulating 'wife' Melissa.

Despite this, they agreed to remain a couple at their final vows - which were filmed in December - and they're now living together in Melbourne.
Future Houstonians will look back at this moment and say this is when we failed to learn the lessons from Hurricane Harvey and doomed them to deadly flooding.

Risk-averse public works engineers are rejecting innovative solutions in favor of the same old systems that have failed us over and over again. Politicians who over-promised relief to the most vulnerable communities are struggling to address billion-dollar miscalculations.

Squabbling industrialists and environmentalists, meanwhile, continue to delay the construction of the Ike Dike, which would protect thousands of lives and billions of dollars worth of investments.

As I and so many others feared, our community is forgetting the horror of Hurricane Harvey and failing to keep the promises we made ourselves about rebuilding a more resilient Texas.

TOMLINSONS TAKE: Texas Blackout left scars on businesses, but other disasters lurk ahead

For years now, Ive tracked the work of Accelerate H2O, a water technology accelerator run by Richard Seline. Based in San Antonio, hes worked with communities and start-ups across Texas to develop new ways of tackling weather-related challenges, from flooding to drought.

In Houston and Harris County, though, hes hit one of those bureaucratic Catch-22s that should infuriate everyone in the watershed. Private companies will not use new technology without government approval, and the government will not approve the technology unless the private sector uses it first.

We are not talking about two entrepreneurs in a garage here. These proposals include technology firms like Cisco and Microsoft, insurance companies like Aon, and nonprofits like the Insurance Information Institute and the Nature Conservancy.

Neither are we talking about space-based laser beams evaporating flood water. These companies want to install sensors and remote controls on public and private flood-control facilities to ensure they work together at maximum efficiency no matter where the rain falls, or the water flows.

Many of these technologies are used overseas, and foreign governments are willing to finance demonstration projects to prove their effectiveness. But Seline says he could not find any city or county leaders willing to work with ambassadors from those countries when they visited.

When the opportunity existed to innovate, decision-makers chose to do the least modifications necessary and to pass the future loss-expense to their insurers. And that seems to be a constant theme - slipping back to what is known versus unleashing innovation that has been proven to reduce future losses, Seline said.

Matthew Zeve, deputy executive director at Harris County Flood Control, told my colleague, R.A. Schuetz, his agency is just not interested.

Were very concerned about the additional legal liabilities introduced by one of those systems, Zeve said. Because all it takes is one person to flood They can say its your fault because you didnt operate the system correctly  and then its who is right and who is wrong, and we have enough problems as it is.

While other cities around the world install new technology boosting resilience and save money by making flood control facilities more efficient, Harris County and Houston grant $20 billion to the same old companies to build the same old things theyve always built using designs which in some cases are decades old.

We are fools if we believe the outcome will be any better than in 2017.

Government contractors will keep digging trenches and pouring concrete until the money runs out. And guess who will be left unprotected when it does? The most vulnerable communities with the least wherewithal.

Just ask the folks living along Halls Bayou, as Houston Chronicle reporter Zach Despart did. Hurricane Harvey swamped 11,000 homes along what usually looks like a creek. Residents were thrilled when Harris County announced it would spend $342 million to improve drainage.

But the Harris County Flood Control District miscalculated how much the federal government would match a $2.5 billion flood protection bond by about $1.4 billion. County commissioners plan to divert toll road funds to cover the shortfall, but that money can only be used for road drainage.

TOMLINSONS TAKE: Government insurance for hurricanes and floods going broke

Residents along Halls Bayou and tens of thousands of other low-income residents will have to wait for complete flood protection. Meanwhile, projects along Buffalo Bayou, where some of Houstons wealthiest people live, are fully paid for and well underway.

A generous person would say public works engineers must be conservative and protect the most valuable property. A cynic would say public works officials award contracts to cronies and respond to political pressure.

Either way, Houston and Harris County prove again they are inhospitable to innovators and unwilling to try new things. In 2017, we asked why leaders in the 1970s set us up for disaster when they understood the risks. Future generations will ask the same question about us.

Chris Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and politics.

twitter.com/cltomlinson

chris.tomlinson@chron.com
President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has sent letters of thanks to the leaders of Armenian organizations of the Diaspora, including Chairman of the Central Council of the ARF-D Armenian National Committee, Representative of the Bureau of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun political party Hagop Der-Khatchadourian; President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Berge Setrakian; Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) Van Krikorian and Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, expressing gratitude for their contributions to international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the press office of the President of Armenia reports.

In his letter addressed to Hagop Der-Khatchadourian, Sarkissian particularly emphasized that the ARF-D made its weighty contribution to the adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution by the US Congress in 2019, which was a key milestone in the efforts for recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide.

In the letter addressed to AGBU President Berge Setrakian, President Sarkissian highly appreciated the Unions patriotic and pro-national activities and stated that the AGBU has always supported the implementation of pan-national goals in Armenia, Artsakh and around the world, including the United States of America.

Addressing Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Armenian Assembly of America Van Krikorian and Executive Director of the Armenian Assembly of America Bryan Ardouny, Sarkissian highly appreciated the Assemblys efforts for international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and added that Armenia is grateful to all those who contributed to the restoration of justice with their dedication and through their efforts. He also said the result is always visible when Armenians combine their efforts and turn their vision into a reality.
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AUSTIN, Texas  National Instruments Corp. (NATI) on Thursday reported first-quarter profit of $4.5 million.

On a per-share basis, the Austin, Texas-based company said it had profit of 3 cents. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to 32 cents per share.

The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 31 cents per share.

The maker of scientific measuring equipment and software posted revenue of $335.2 million in the period, which fell short of Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $341.6 million.

For the current quarter ending in July, National Instruments expects its per-share earnings to range from 21 cents to 35 cents.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



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The company said it expects revenue in the range of $304 million to $334 million for the fiscal second quarter. Analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected revenue of $356.4 million.

National Instruments shares have risen 4% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Thursday, shares hit $45.76, a rise of 14% in the last 12 months.

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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on NATI at https://www.zacks.com/ap/NATI
David Hall Dixon faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of use of a handgun in commission of a felony

A Pentagon police officer accused of shooting dead two men he thought were breaking into cars in a Maryland parking lot has been indicted on two counts of murder and one of attempted murder, and also faces charges for pepper-spraying a homeless woman in his apartment building.

David Hall Dixon, 40, killed two men who he believed were breaking into cars at Takoma Overlook Condominiums on New Hampshire Avenue on April 7.

The victims have been identified as Dominique Williams, 32, and 38-year-old James Lionel Johnson.

The men, both believed to have been fleeing the scene in a getaway vehicle during the shooting, were later pronounced dead in hospital.

Dixon has also been indicted on assault counts for an unrelated incident last year in which he allegedly brandished a shotgun and discharged pepper spray at a homeless woman in the lobby of his condominium building.

Bill Brennan, the attorney who is representing Dixon, said he will plead not guilty to the charges.

He added: 'Mr. Dixon has been honorably serving the public for over 20 years including eight years in the military with tours overseas.

'He will vigorously contest these charges.'

Dixon has been placed on administrative leave.

Takoma Park Police Department officers rushed to the condominium parking lot after multiple reports of shots fired.

Dominique Williams (right), 32, and James Lionel Johnson (left), 38, are both believed to have been fleeing the scene in a getaway vehicle during the shooting

Brothers Daniel and Joseph Johnson weep during a vigil for James Johnson and Dominque Williams, who were shot and killed in Takoma Park

Darius Johnson weeps during a vigil for his father James Johnson

They were met at the scene by Dixon, who told them that he had witnessed 'what he thought was a car being broken into.'

Dixon, a Pentagon Force Protection Agency officer who was off-duty at the time, said he confronted the suspected burglars after they failed to follow his instructions.

Williams and Johnson then allegedly went into a car in an attempt to flee the scene, at which point Dixon pulled out his service weapon and opened fire.

Michael Thomas, 36, who was driving the car at the time, took them to Prince Georges Medical Center where they were both pronounced dead.

Takoma Park Police Chief Antonio DeVaul has said that all three men had come to the parking lot to break into cars.

A Pentagon Force Protection Agency officer opened fire in the parking lot of this condominium building in Takoma Park, Maryland, killing two people

Two suspects in a car burglary were pronounced dead from gunshot wounds at Prince George's Hospital

However, he added that Thomas, the survivor, would not be charged.

'They were victims,' DeVaul said. 'All three were victims in this particular case.'

The incident marked the second time in as many weeks that a Pentagon police officer discharged his weapon while off duty.

The disturbing incident came after a member of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency shot and wounded a 16-year-old boy who police said tried to rob him at gunpoint in Southeast Washington, DC, last month.

The Pentagon cop told DC police that he made a failed attempt to wrestle a BB gun out of the teen's hands, and then pulled out his own service weapon and fired a single shot.

The 16-year-old survived and was later charged as a juvenile with assault with intent to commit an armed robbery.
The REDress Project, a renowned movement and exhibit that raises awareness of thousands of Native American women and children who have gone missing or murdered, makes a Connecticut appearance with related events from May 1-9.

The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut and the town of Washington are sponsoring the REDress Project nine-day event. The highlight of the event includes empty red dresses being hung outside in an artistic exhibit as a symbol of those Native American women and girls who have lost their lives or are missing. Many who have been lost are through domestic violence or human trafficking in the U.S. and Canada the past 40 years, organizers say.

Our installment of the REDress Project is a staff-generated project that supports missing Indigenous women, said Chris Combs, the executive director of the Institute for American Indian Studies, a museum and research center. It coincides with our mission here to have people connect with Native American needs and awareness.

According to the Institute for American Indian Studies website, a 2018 study by the Sovereign Body Institute concluded that 4,293 Indigenous women and girls have been reported missing or murdered in the last 40 years in the United States and Canada.

The REDress Project was created in 2011 by Metis artist Jaime Black in Winnipeg, Canada. In several internet reports, Black has stated she chose the color red when a friend told her it was the only color spirits could see. By using red dresses, it represents a calling back of the spirits of the Indigenous women and girls who are missing or murdered. The REDress Project made its first appearance in the United States in March, 2019 at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

Over 100 hundred red dresses have been donated by supporters throughout Connecticut and out of state for the exhibit. IAIS assistant director Paul Wegner and the IAIS staff suggested hosting the REDress Project to Combs about three months ago.

The REDress Project is powerful, it sends a powerful message, Wegner said. We are really grateful for the amount of interest the public has shown in it. We made a public request for red dresses to be donated and the response has been remarkable. We had responses from local residents, people in West Hartford and New Haven and even out of state in Chicopee, Mass. We have over 100 dresses and I received more dresses today (Friday).

The red dresses will be displayed along the museum trails and at Washington Depot to create a visual representation of the missing spirits of the individuals. The REDress Project will also be displayed as a temporary exhibit on the newly developed outdoor installation Red Trail at the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, from May 1-9.

At the museum, staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions, discuss the topic at various age levels, and provide resources. There is no admission fee to the outdoor installation at the Institute for American Indian Studies.

On May 7 at 7 p.m., the IAIS is hosting a virtual discussion about the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and Two Spirits, led by IAIS Education Director Darlene Kascak, a member of the Schaghticoke, Tribal Nation.

For more information, go to the IAIS website at https://www.iaismuseum.org.
(Natural News) When MSN recently reported on a family who ran into legal trouble after selling an alternative health product known as Miracle Mineral Solution, or MMS, they used a headline that falsely claimed the treatment was bleach and spent part of the article warning about how risky it is. They claim it killed seven people, which is tragic, and yet the same outlet doesnt feel the need to tell the public about the thousands of people who are dying at the hands of COVID-19 vaccines.

The article reports on Mark Grenon and his sons, Jonathan, Jordan and Joseph, who sold MMS to customers through their Genesis Church II, even after a court ordered that sales be halted. When Jonathan and Jordan Grenon were arrested in July, federal agents raided their home and found 10,000 pounds of sodium chlorite powder and thousands of bottles of MMS.

Meanwhile, Mark and Joseph Grenon are in Colombia, where they were detained this summer. They are each facing a count of conspiracy to commit fraud along with two counts of criminal contempt. They could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted. When Jonathan and Jordan were arrested, Genesis II Churchs bank accounts were also seized, which means the church cannot access its own funds to use them for their legal defense. The government, of course, has unlimited funds, so this family will likely be fighting a losing battle.

MSNs coverage of this story, which appeared under the headline, Bradenton family may spend life in prison after church sold bleach as COVID-19 cure is misleading and biased. MMS contains chlorine dioxide, which is not, as the MSN headline claims, bleach. The liquid bleach you find on store shelves is usually sodium hypochlorite, but the mainstream media never lets facts get in the way of promoting narratives that support their Big Pharma sponsors.

Chlorine dioxide kills pathogens using oxygen, and the EPA has recognized it as a water treatment solution. Proponents say that it can relieve COVID-19 symptoms such as hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen, by filling the blood with usable oxygen. The FDA maintains that MMS transforms into bleach upon consumption and is therefore dangerous, although its worth noting that MMS is cheap and easy to make and is a direct competitor to the solutions from major pharmaceutical companies whose profits the FDA has always worked to protect. By the way, this is also the same FDA that claims being injected with chemotherapy toxins is safe.

In their coverage, MSN even managed to work in a mention of how President Trump once made comments about the possibility of disinfectant injections helping COVID-19 patients in the early days of the virus; the mainstream media never misses an opportunity to take his words out of context and make him look bad.

The Grenon family reportedly earned more than $1 million selling MMS, which they marketed as a cure for COVID-19 and other medical conditions such as HIV, Alzheimers disease and cancer. The FDA claims that it has received several reports of life-threatening conditions and hospitalizations from people who drank the solution, with at least seven people dying after ingesting it.

MSN happily covers 7 deaths from MMS, but thousands of deaths from COVID-19 vaccines are swept under the rug

All loss of life is tragic, and we do not want to minimize the deaths of these seven individuals in any way. But why is the mainstream media so quick to report on these deaths while continuing to downplay and largely ignore the fact that thousands of people are dying and getting sick from COVID-19 vaccines?

More than 56,000 adverse events have been reported thus far due to the jabs, and its a widely known fact that most adverse events go unreported, so the real number is likely far higher. On top of that, 2,342 deaths and 7,971 serious injuries have been reported since the middle of December alone. Why arent MSN and other mainstream outlets doing more to inform the public about this? The number of people getting COVID-19 vaccines is exponentially greater than the number of people taking MMS, so if MSN really cared about keeping the public informed, they would provide them with accurate information about the damage this vaccine is causing people around the world.

Sources for this article include:

?MSN.com

NaturalNews.com
IQALUIT - A dedicated scientist who loved the North, Markus Dyck spoke his mind and strove to include Inuit in northern research.

Markus Dyck, a polar bear biologist for the Nunavut government, sits outside his tent while doing field work in Cape Sydney, Nunavut in May 2009. A dedicated scientist who loved the North, Dyck died in a helicopter crash near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, on Sunday. Two crew members also died. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Peter Van Coeverden de Groot*MANDATORY CREDIT*

IQALUIT - A dedicated scientist who loved the North, Markus Dyck spoke his mind and strove to include Inuit in northern research.

That's how friends and colleagues are remembering Dyck, a polar bear biologist with the Nunavut government, who died in a helicopter crash near Resolute Bay on Sunday. Two crew members also died.

Harvey Lemelin, a professor at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont., and a close friend of Dyck, said he's still processing the news of his death.

"I was in complete denial. I was hoping they were wrong," he said in an interview.

Dyck, who was in his early 50s, was surveying polar bear populations in Lancaster Sound for the Nunavut government on the day of the crash.

He grew up in Germany and lived in Igloolik, a Nunavut community on a small island in the northwest Baffin region. He moved there in 2012 when he got his dream job as a polar bear biologist.

"He loved Nunavut. And he loved those communities. He was so dedicated to traditional knowledge and to respectful approaches to working with the communities," Lemelin said.

As the Nunavut government's polar bear biologist, Dyck spent years doing field work and collecting samples across the territory.

"He was so dedicated to those bears... I'm not sure I could ever capture how much he loved them," Lemelin said.

Peter Van Coeverden de Groot, a professor who worked with Dyck, also highlighted Dyck's dedication to including Inuit traditional knowledge and sustainable hunting in his northern research.

"He had a desire to be more inclusive, being non-invasive and getting the community involved," said de Groot of Queen's University in Kingston, Ont.

"I think Markus lost the definition between work and life. It was just life. His work was his life."

Dyck had a sharp sense humour and, when surrounded by friends, never held back about how he really felt, de Groot said.

He had an "incredible knack" for being able to fit the f-word into any situation "as a noun, a verb, an adjective, an adverb. But he was perfectly well-mannered when he needed to be."

Lemelin and de Groot agreed it was often hard to tell when Dyck was smiling because of his bushy beard.

"He looks like a curmudgeon, but he's got a twinkle in his eye and a soft spot," de Groot said. "He was the most lovable curmudgeon I know."

"When he smiled when he saw you, you knew it was a genuine smile. There was nothing disingenuous about Markus," Lemelin said.

University of Alberta professor Andrew Derocher, who met Dyck in the early 1990s while they were both working in Churchill, Man., also remembers Dyck's outspoken nature.

"He made his opinions known and wasn't shy about them. But he was willing to listen. He had a wry sense of humour and a slight squint in his eye," Derocher said.

Dyck's death leaves a hole in the polar bear research community. Derocher said Dyck was the go-to person for all polar bear researchers in Canada and internationally.

"He was the link that brought researchers in from around the world," Derocher said. "It's a huge setback for polar bear management in Canada."

"Markus is irreplaceable at this time. Not because he was just the world's most wonderful human being, but he had a set of connections and history that can't be replaced," de Groot said.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating the crash. The cause is still unknown.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2021.
Collectors of all things Star Wars now have another item to add to their list.

The U.S. Postal Service has announced on the Postal Store website that it will issue a new pane of stamps celebrating droids from the film franchise.

Since 1977, when moviegoers were introduced to the galaxy, far, far away, the mechanical characters have been key in many thrilling adventures throughout the Star Wars series.

The Postal Service said the new issue, a pane of 20 stamps, will feature 10 favorite droids, grouped in four rows of five, with each stamp varying in height relative to each droids proportions.

The droids will each be set on a soft focus background reminiscent of memorable adventures, the Postal Service said.

Featured on the first and third rows of the pane, as described by the Postal Service, are:

IG-11, a dangerous bounty hunter turned protective guardian; R2-D2, a brave and gifted astromech (mechanic-navigator), who coupled with C-3PO, routinely saves the galaxy; K-2SO, a glitchy, cynical, semi-obedient droid reprogrammed to assist the rebels; D-O, a tiny character who emulates BB-8. who rescued the excitable droid from long-time neglect, and L3-37, an outspoken astromech-protocol droid.

The Postal Service describes droids featured on the second and fourth rows as:

spherical BB-8, a brilliant childlike astromech and a fan favorite; C-3PO, a worry-prone protocol droid-a diplomat conversant in millions of languages; a gonk droid, a vital walking battery working to provide power to the highly mechanized galaxy; a 2-1B-series medical droid, which tends to the galaxys diverse biologicals; and Chopper (C1-10P), a grumpy old droid and an essential crewmember of The Ghost, a rebel starship.

The USPS said its not only the droids awe-inspiring designs that garner appeal, but even more so their relatability as characters, noting there has never been a fiction film thats portrayed artificial intelligence so developed and varied.

The stamps and pane were designed for the USPS by Greg Breeding and the art director was William Gicker, the announcement said.

When will the stamps be available?

The stamps will be issued on May 4 as Forever stamps, which are always the cost of the current First-Class Mail, one-ounce price. In this case a sheet of 20 would currently cost $11.00 ($0.55 each).

READ MORE:
A dedicated scientist who loved the North, Markus Dyck spoke his mind and strove to include Inuit in northern research.

That's how friends and colleagues are remembering Dyck, a polar bear biologist with the Nunavut government, who died in a helicopter crash near Resolute Bay on Sunday. Two crew members also died.

Harvey Lemelin, a professor at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont., and a close friend of Dyck, said he's still processing the news of his death.

"I was in complete denial. I was hoping they were wrong," he said in an interview.

Dyck, who was in his early 50s, was surveying polar bear populations in Lancaster Sound for the Nunavut government on the day of the crash.

He grew up in Germany and lived in Igloolik, a Nunavut community on a small island in the northwest Baffin region. He moved there in 2012 when he got his dream job as a polar bear biologist.

"He loved Nunavut. And he loved those communities. He was so dedicated to traditional knowledge and to respectful approaches to working with the communities," Lemelin said.

As the Nunavut government's polar bear biologist, Dyck spent years doing field work and collecting samples across the territory.

"He was so dedicated to those bears... I'm not sure I could ever capture how much he loved them," Lemelin said.

Peter Van Coeverden de Groot, a professor who worked with Dyck, also highlighted Dyck's dedication to including Inuit traditional knowledge and sustainable hunting in his northern research.

"He had a desire to me more inclusive, being non-invasive and getting the community involved," said de Groot of Queen's University in Kingston, Ont.

"I think Markus lost the definition between work and life. It was just life. His work was his life."

Dyck had a sharp sense humour and, when surrounded by friends, never held back about how he really felt, de Groot said.

He had an "incredible knack" for being able to fit the f-word into any situation "as a noun, a verb, an adjective, an adverb. But he was perfectly well-mannered when he needed to be."

Lemelin and de Groot agreed it was often hard to tell when Dyck was smiling because of his bushy beard.

"He looks like a curmudgeon, but he's got a twinkle in his eye and a soft spot," de Groot said. "He was the most lovable curmudgeon I know."

"When he smiled when he saw you, you knew it was a genuine smile. There was nothing disingenuous about Markus," Lemelin said.

University of Alberta professor Andrew Derocher, who met Dyck in the early 1990s while they were both working in Churchill, Man., also remembers Dyck's outspoken nature.

"He made his opinions known and wasn't shy about them. But he was willing to listen. He had a wry sense of humour and a slight squint in his eye," Derocher said.

Dyck's death leaves a hole in the polar bear research community. Derocher said Dyck was the go-to person for all polar bear researchers in Canada and internationally.

"He was the link that brought researchers in from around the world," Derocher said. "It's a huge setback for polar bear management in Canada."

"Markus is irreplaceable at this time. Not because he was just the world's most wonderful human being, but he had a set of connections and history that can't be replaced," de Groot said.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating the crash. The cause is still unknown.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2021.
Yves here. While this paper pursues a very important question about norms, I have strong doubts about its conclusions, which is basically that there are clear tipping points and they are durable. For instance, abortion rights are far from settled in the US. The womens liberation movement made the huge tactical error of not getting abortion rights enshrined in legislation, and instead relied on the Supreme Court to hold their win. Richard Nixon made sure that abortion rights meant less than they seemed to by refusing to fund the procedure. And despite the belief that women can get an abortion, that right is increasingly empty as MDs are not learning how to do abortions in med school, Six states have only one clinic, and in 2014, 90% of US counties had no clinic. Moreover, many conservative state make abortions a two-day process by requiring women to hear lectures about how they are killing a fetus and watching videos and then waiting 24 hours after that to have the abortion. How many low or even middling income women can afford to take two days off from work, even before allowing for possible long driving times?

And how about other areas where opposition to the status quo hasnt led to norm change, like gun control and overpriced crappy health care?

By James Andreoni, Professor of Economics, University of California, San Diego; Nikos Nikiforakis, Professor of Economics, New York University in Abu Dhabi; and Simon Siegenthaler, Assistant Professor, School of Management, University of Texas at Dallas. Originally published at VoxEU

Some social norms  the informal rules governing which actions should be rewarded or sanctioned in a particular society  exist for so long that they seem permanent. And yet, historical data document significant instances of sudden social change, such as widespread support for gay rights. This column presents evidence from a large-scale lab experiment designed to predict the tipping point at which such change occurs. The model suggests that effective policy interventions can raise the likelihood of reaching the tipping threshold, thereby promoting a beneficial change in social norms.

Social norms  informal rules about what actions should be rewarded or sanctioned  are ubiquitous in human societies. Some social norms have been around for so long that it is difficult to imagine life without them. And yet, these norms are sometimes replaced in favour of new rules that better reflect the preferences of the members of a society. Two prominent examples involve the abandonment of norms against homosexuality, and norms supporting gender discrimination in the workplace. As can be seen in Figure 1, social change can sometimes be rapid and nearly impossible to anticipate.

Figure 1 This is how fast the US changes its mind

Source: Tribou and Collins (2015)

For norm change to occur, there needs to be a social wave of individuals that moves against the status quo; for instance, against the ban on same-sex marriage and for the normalisation of being gay. If the group that mobilizes is large and visible, the social cost for embracing a new behaviour decreases and eventually reverses. A social tipping point occurs (e.g. Schelling 1978, Bicchieri 2016, Centola et al. 2018). An illustration of such a process is the rapidly increasing number of people in 2013 who signalled their support for same-sex marriage using red equal signs, and later rainbow flags, on their social-media profiles.

Figure 2 As the US Supreme Court took up arguments in key marriage rights cases in 2013, the red equal sign released by the Human Rights Campaign replaced more than 15 million profile pictures on social media platforms in support of same-sex marriage

Historical data clearly documents instances of sudden social change (e.g. Kuran 1991, Jones 2009, Amato et al. 2018). These data, however, do not permit us to identify models that can predict social tipping. This is problematic, as it is difficult to know if social norms accurately reflect societal attitudes at any given point in time, or whether there is a hysteresis which could call for an intervention to stimulate change. Recently, researchers started using experiments in controlled laboratories to study the process of social change (e.g., Centola et al. 2017, Smerdon et al. 2019, Bicchieri et al. 2020). In a new study (Andreon, Nikiforakis and Siegenthaler 2021), we present evidence from a large-scale lab experiment designed to test and empirically validate a widely used theoretical class of model for social tipping: threshold models.

Threshold Models

Threshold models assume that an individuals willingness to deviate from a social norm depends on the proportion of others in the society that previously deviated from it. A society reaches a tipping threshold when the proportion of people deviating from the norm becomes large enough that even individuals who are risk averse, conformist, or have pessimistic expectations about the prospects of change have an incentive to follow suit (e.g. Granovetter 1978, Schelling 1978, Efferson et al. 2020).

Intuitively, the size of the tipping threshold measures the entrenchment of an established norm. The higher the threshold, the more difficult it becomes for a society to abandon a norm. This relation, however, had not been tested, nor is there evidence to identify at what threshold a social norm can persist even at the detriment of most of a societys members.

Using numerical simulations, we show that in such a model there is a critical tipping threshold of 35% of the population, for plausible distributions of risk/conformity preferences and expectations. That is, when the benefits and costs of norm change are such that the tipping threshold falls below the critical threshold of 35%, then the probability of norm abandonment is predicted to be close to 100%, because enough individuals are willing to persist in leading change. In environments where incentives are such that the tipping threshold exceeds 35%, however, the probability of social tipping quickly drops to 0%, because the critical mass for triggering change is unlikely to accrue.

Experiment Design

In Andreoni et al. (2021), we use a threshold model to predict social tipping in 54 experimental societies, each consisting of 20 individuals, and test different policy interventions that could promote norm change. The individuals interact over multiple periods in a social-tipping game with the following incentives:

failing to choose the same behaviour as most others results in a penalty  depending on the treatment, either exogenously fixed or endogenously chosen by the participants  which creates a need for coordination and conformity, and

preferences over alternatives gradually change over time, which creates a need for change.

That is, in the first round everyone prefers alternative A (equilibrium A), but preferences change over time until after a certain point, when nearly all members of a society would prefer change to alternative B (equilibrium B). The process by which preferences change is public knowledge, thus ruling out incorrect beliefs about others preferences as a reason for detrimental norm persistence (e.g. Granovetter 1978, Smerdon et al. 2019). Despite this, reaching a tipping point can be difficult given the pressure to conform and the history of adherence to the old norm, which affects individual expectations.

Persistence of Detrimental Norms

The data from the experiment demonstrates that societies can easily get caught in conformity traps. In particular, the baseline condition TT-43 implements a tipping threshold of 43% for which the model predicts no social tipping. The first panel in Figure 3 depicts behaviour for this condition in the six societies that participated in TT-43. The increasing solid line shows that the proportion of individuals who would prefer to abandon the old norm increased over time (the dashed curve shows the expected proportion). However, the green line with circled markers shows that the proportion of individuals who choose to abandon the norm never exceeded 20%. Hence, societies never reached the tipping threshold (given by the horizontal line at 43%), and norm abandonment did not occur.

Figure 3 Time series of norm abandonment in TT-43 with a tipping threshold of 43% (horizontal line) and for the condition where subjects chose endogenously the pressure to conform and thus the tipping threshold (TT-Endo)

Notes: Norm abandonment is shown as the line with circled markers. The dashed concave curve indicates the theoretically expected fraction of subjects preferring to abandon the norm; the solid increasing line the corresponding realised fraction.

The second panel in Figure 3 shows behaviour in condition TT-Endo, which is identical to TT-43except that subjects could set the tipping threshold themselves by choosing how much others are penalised when failing to conform to the norm. In this condition, we did not impose strong incentives for coordination. Choosing a low penalty would correspond to a high tolerance for norm digressions. Strikingly, subjects set the tipping threshold too high for tipping to occur and five out of six societies failed to achieve a norm change. The reason is threefold:

those who prefer the status quo (e.g. a ban on same-sex marriage) initially choose high penalties for norm deviators

to prevent the costs associated with attempts at transitioning to the new norm, individuals who would prefer change also start to choose high penalties; hence

change fails to occur even when nearly everyone would prefer the new alternative. That is, creating a hostile environment between those seeking change and those favouring conformity can perpetuate the status quo.1

How to Escape the Conformity Trap

Can policy promote beneficial norm change? The model suggests that effective interventions lower the tipping threshold. We examine this possibility in two conditions. Condition TT-30 implements a tipping threshold of 30% by increasing the benefit of change. In the field, this could correspond to an information campaign about the economic gains, health benefits, or scientific advances associated with a norm change. Condition TT-23 implements a tipping threshold of 23% by exogenously lowering the penalty for norm transgressions. In the field, this could correspond to campaigns that promote tolerance towards alternative beliefs and behaviours, or that illuminate the moral certitude of a particular stance. The first two panels in Figure 4 show that these conditions were indeed successful. In eleven out of twelve societies, the fraction of individuals deviating from the established norm increased over time until the tipping threshold was reached, and rapid norm change followed.

We also explored the efficacy of interventions that could affect expectations about change. In condition public awareness, we highlighted that all members of a society would prefer change by providing precise information about the predominant preferences in any given period. In poll, individuals could express their preferred social alternative via a poll that took place when a clear majority preferred abandoning the old norm. The lower two panels in Figure 4 show that, despite a high tipping threshold of 43%, these interventions led to change in ten out of twelve societies. Social tipping can therefore critically depend on a common understanding of and perspective on the benefits from change. For example, choosing marriage equality as the angle for gay rights helped to create more sympathy for gay people, and generated enough momentum in a sufficiently broad demographic to bring about the normalisation of being gay.

Figure 4 Time series of norm abandonment for the conditions with high benefit from change with a tipping threshold of 30% (TT-30), low cost of miscoordination with a tipping threshold of 23% (TT-23), and two conditions designed to affect collective expectations (Public Awareness and Poll)

Conclusion

Our research shows that when social change requires mass coordination, there can be a disjunction between what society really wants (e.g. granting marriage equality) and the outcome (e.g. great social costs for supporting gay rights). The change in social and institutional arrangements will not occur if only relatively few people mobilize. This may happen if people worry about the social costs due to their mobilization  which we show can be high even if a large majority would be in favour of change  or believe that the protests are unlikely to garner broad support.

Social learning is often not enough to promote change. Choices can mask true preferences. Indeed, in one condition, we show that increasing the speed of social feedback (e.g. through new technologies) can prevent rather than promote change.

Two factors consistently helped hasten beneficial change in our study. The first is a common understanding of the benefits from change, which can result from events that attract public attention, opinion polls that aggregate information, or by finding an angle on an issue that appeals to a broad demographic (e.g. marriage equality has proven to be fertile ground for the acceptance of gay rights). The second factor is perseverance. Social tipping in our setting critically depended on a group of leaders who persisted in moving against the established equilibrium, even at great personal cost.

See original post for references
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Interior Ministry yesterday dismissed the criticism of Bahrains rights situation by Spanish MP Maria Gloria Elizo Serrano as unfounded and based on misrepresentation.

In a letter to Spanish Parliament, Serrano has urged to convey their concerns over the rights situation in Bahrain. The move, reported by the Qatari Al Jazeera channel, also cites a recommendation made earlier by the European Parliament, which Bahrain had rejected as having no foundation or basis.

Interior Ministry said that all of these statements and positions, including that by the Spanish MP, use repetitive terms, setting themselves as the guardians of other nations, all while ignoring grave issues of their countries.

The Gulf Cooperation Council had earlier condemned and rejected the resolution issued by the European Parliament as false and containing fallacies based on dishonest sources seeking to harm the human rights reputation of Bahrain.

Following this, GCC Secretary-General Dr Nayef Al Hajraf had also expressed his shock at the European Parliament resolution, which ignored all efforts Bahrain has undertaken and achievements to promote and protect human rights. Bahrain had said it rejects any foreign intervention and guardianship on the countrys people when the matter reflects unfair and suspicious sources.

At that time, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee at the Council of Representatives, MP Mohammed Al-Sisi Al-Buainain, had called on the EP to visit the Kingdom to verify the facts about the human rights situation. In the latest statement, Interior Ministry pointed out that Serrano continues to turn a blind eye on all the efforts in this regard.

The inmates, Interior Ministry said, are serving their terms in the Correction and rehabilitation centres for their role in terrorism and criminal offences.

Those men had also exhausted all their opportunities to appeal the verdict as allowed by the law. Therefore, Bahrain rejects these types of allegations which are a blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom, the statement said. The ministry also said that the world is well aware of the desperate attempts by the Qatari Al Jazeera channel to harm Bahrains achievement in human rights, which even the state of Qatar has not achieved.

The ministry also viewed that these statements are preplanned and aired to serve a personal agenda. This is a coordinated and deliberate attempt to mislead the world and politicise the issue of human rights. The statement further said that it would continue efforts to enforce law and order in the Kingdom and promote human rights in which Bahrain has made many strides. Bahrain, the ministry said, is adhering to promoting the culture of human rights in police works and different walks of life.

Statements like that of Serrano, aired by Al Jazeera channel, against Bahrains right situation and policies, serve only some personal interests and does not represent institutions to which such people belong, Interior Ministry said.
A California wildfire in 2020 that ravaged Northern California was intentionally set, according to officials.

Officials believed that the California wildfire was started to cover up a murder. The fire additionally killed two people.

Solano County sheriff's office and Vacaville police said that the burned body of Priscilla Castro was found near a dam in Solano County, according to an NBC News report.

Meanwhile, two more people were found dead from the same fire in their homes. Douglas Mai, 82, and Leon "James" Bone, 64 were identified to be the victims of the fire.

"Based on an extensive eight-month investigation, we believe Serriteno deliberately set the Markley Fire in an attempt to conceal his crime," Sheriff Tom Ferrara was quoted in a report.

Victor Serriteno was arrested by authorities in September and charged with Castro's murder.

READ MORE: California Wildfire Smoke Causes Drop in Solar Energy Production



The Murder

The suspect had already been accused of killing 32-year-old Castro on Aug. 16, 2020.

He was then arrested and charged with her murder in September and has been imprisoned ever since.

Castro was a resident in Vallejo and disappeared after going to Vacaville for a death with Serriteno, according to a Buzzfeed News report.

"I knew there were ugly people in the world but I never knew they would do something to someone so close to us," Priscilla's sister Jasmine Castro was quoted in a CBS Sacramento report.

Castro had left behind a daughter, 9.

Serriteno is currently facing additional charges of arson and murder for the deaths of Mai and Bone.

The Other Victims

Bone was reported to be visually impaired and lived in a home without running water or electricity, according to an NBC Bay Area report.

Bone's cousin, Daniel Bone, said that he was probably taken by complete surprise.

Bone's cousin said that the victim had lived on the property his entire life and refused to move when his parents died.

Meanwhile, the 82-year-old victim moved to Northern California in 1977 to be closer to nature.

Mai was reported to have served in the Navy and worked as a police officer.

Mai also served as an assistant scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said that the Markley Fire later merged with a series of other fires to form the LNU Lightning Complex, which is considered to be one of the largest wildfires in the state's history.

The other fires were believed to have been started after about 11,000 lightning had struck the northern area, according to an AFP News report.

The fire complex had burned over 363,000 acres across California's famed wine country and burned down almost 1,500 structures.

This also displaced tens of thousands of residents.

Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, said that there is almost no statistic or dimension of the 2020 wildfire in California that was not horrifying, according to an earlier The Guardian report.

Cal Fire reported 10,000 incidents this year, with five of the six largest fires in the state recorded in 2020.

READ NEXT: California Wildfire Burns Through Nearly 2,000 Acres, Firefighters Gain Ground

WATCH: Death toll rises as wildfire spreads through Northern California - from CBC News




Unions are stepping up campaigns to ban companies from firing workers and rehiring them on worse terms after research suggesting strong public support for making the controversial practice illegal.

During the pandemic there have been a number of high-profile disputes about the use of 'fire and rehire' tactics, with unions accusing businesses of 'using the UK's weak employment laws to raid wages and cut terms such as sick pay'.

The controversial practice, which is illegal in countries like Ireland and Spain, is still legal in the UK, but the British public seem to want it banned here too.

Fire and rehire: Hundreds of British Gas staff refused to sign the new contracts and lost their jobs, but many did agree to new terms to keep their jobs. (Pictured: British Gas engineers striking in January this year)

Seven in ten people, or 70 per cent, said that 'fire and rehire' should be made illegal, according to a survey of 1,000 people carried out by Survation on behalf of union Unite.

A similar number, or 68 per cent, of those polled said they disapproved or strongly disapproved of fire and rehire.

Unite's assistant general secretary for legal and politics, Howard Beckett, said: 'It's quite clear that the public is firmly on the side of working people when it comes to the horrific practice of fire and rehire.

'There is no grey area here - they can see that this is an objectionable practice which should be banned.'

'The government has to get on the same page as the voters on this, and fast,' he added, urging the Government to use the Queen's Speech on May 11 to bring forward legislation to ban the practice of firing and rehiring.

Labour MP Kate Osborne has called on the Government to include legislation banning fire and rehire practices in next month's Queen's Speech

This week, Labour MP Kate Osborne led a debate in Parliament, saying fire and rehire tactics are a 'national emergency', and called on the Government to include legislation banning the practice in next month's Queen's Speech.

'The economic uncertainty stemming from the pandemic has provided another opportunity for big business to shift power even further away from workers so it can boost long-term profits for shareholders,' she said.

'These are some of the same companies that have made use of public money through the Government's Job Retention Scheme.'

Over the past year a raft of companies have resorted to 'fire and rehire' tactics.

A report published by the Trades Union Congress in January estimated that 9 per cent of workers had been told to re-apply for jobs on worse terms since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, with higher rates among young and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) workers.

British Gas is one of the most high-profile cases, with the energy supplier handing dismissal notices to around 1,000 engineers who install and repair boilers and heating systems on April 1 and asking them to sign new, worse contracts.

Hundreds of staff refused to sign the new contracts and lost their jobs, but many did agree to new terms to keep their jobs.

Under the new contracts, full-time engineers will be required to work an extra three hours a week, or 40 hours a week in total, and will not be paid a higher rate to work when required on weekends and public holidays.

Heathrow Airport is another company embroiled in an ongoing row with workers over conditions and pay.

Thousands of workers employed by the London airport went on strike last month in a long-running dispute over the company's decision to fire and rehire its entire workforce, cutting pay and reducing conditions, with a new offer being voted on at the moment.

Bus drivers with Go North West demanding the stop of firing and rehiring earlier this month

Engineers at Brush Electrical, a Loughborough-based manufacturer of electrical generators owned by FTSE 100 company Melrose, are currently being balloted for strike action in response to 'fire and rehire' pay cuts of up to 15,000, Unite said last week.

A worker for Brush Electrical said: 'Fire and rehire has allowed my company to tell me to travel unvaccinated across the globe throughout the pandemic, quarantine in extreme conditions overseas and at the end tell me to take a substantial pay cut or walk away with nothing after over 15 years of service.'

Meanwhile, hundreds of bus drivers employed by Go North West, which is part of the Go Ahead Group, went on strike this month after claiming the firm gave them eight days to sign up to new contracts in February.

Unite claims Go North West wants to increase working hours without additional pay, but the company denies using fire and rehire tactics.

Workers at aerospace parts firm SPS Technologies ended their strikes earlier this month after a deal was reached to end fire and rehire threats that would have resulted in its Leicester staff losing up to 3,000 a year, according to Unite.
Advertisement

Each life lost to coronavirus is a tragedy.

And today the Daily Mail launches a campaign to help create a memorial to honour all of them at St Pauls Cathedral. The idea for a spectacular commemorative space has the ringing endorsement of Prince Charles, faith leaders and grieving families. St Pauls is planning a breathtaking new entrance dedicated to those who lost their lives  directly or indirectly  to Covid.

A focus for families and friends from across the UK, the oak portico will be engraved with the words Remember Me. A chapel inside the cathedral will house screens showing a virtual book of remembrance immortalising the names and photographs of lost loved ones.

The memorial is not just for the tragic 127,517  and rising  Britons killed by the virus. Countless others have died from the impact of the pandemic, such as not being able to access cancer treatment. All will be remembered in the new memorial. It is for everyone from all the UK nations and of any faith or none.

The virtual book of remembrance has been up and running since last year. But the portico  the first major addition to the London landmark in 150 years  can be built only when 2.3million is raised, and today the Mail is stepping in to help fundraise for this richly deserving cause.

Prince Charles has given the cathedral his wholehearted backing for the project, declaring in a video message: People of every faith and of none believe that each human being is unique and precious.

This virtual book of remembrance is here to help us remember, not just to recall our loss and sorrow but also to be thankful for everything good that those we have loved brought in to our lives, and all they have given to others. We give thanks for how our lives have been woven together with theirs.

It is free to add a name to the virtual book of remembrance. And the national memorial itself will be free to enter too. Visitors will be able to light candles or sit and contemplate.

Dr David Ison, the Dean of St Pauls, said: It will take the form of a beautiful new inner portico to grace the cathedrals north transept. The cathedral has been for centuries a place where significant national events have been prayed for and remembered. The new Remember Me memorial will honour the lives of those who died as a result of the pandemic in the UK, providing a real and lasting place for remembrance in the coming years.

Leaders from the Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh and other faiths have enthusiastically endorsed the project. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, said the victims may never be forgotten. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called the memorial a focal point for our collective grief, and Zara Mohammed, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: With many across the UK and the world continuing to suffer from Covid-19 it is a fitting tribute to honour and remember those who have lost their lives, but also remember the sacrifices people have made to fight this deadly pandemic.

It is free to add a name to the virtual book of remembrance. And the national memorial itself will be free to enter too. Visitors will be able to light candles or sit and contemplate (stock image)

In doing so we commit to all efforts that will bring this pandemic to an end and that will ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone.

St Pauls hopes to raise the funds by midsummer, so work can be completed in time for the second anniversary of the pandemic next March.

The memorial is being backed by political leaders across the UK too, underlining that this is a memorial for the whole country. The Scottish National Partys Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: This past year has been like no other and for many families it will have been unimaginably difficult.

It is important we continue to pay our respects to those we have lost and support the bereaved. Memorials such as the one planned for St Pauls will allow, in the years to come, spaces that people will be able to visit and cherish to remember their loved ones.

Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said there was a human need for a memorial to the pandemic and added: We wish those working on the St Pauls structure well while we continue to have conversations in Scotland about how we might provide occasions to acknowledge our collective loss and provide more permanent memorials for the people of Scotland.

A tribute to St Paul's to mark year of tragedy: It's stood through centuries as a symbol of resilience and hope. So what better place to honour the Covid dead, writes ROBERT HARDMAN

By Robert Hardman for the Daily Mail

Through so many dark moments, it has been a symbol of defiance and of reassurance. Not just for Londoners, who regard this landmark as part of their identity  but for everyone across the UK.

When we gathered to salute the dead of the 9/11 atrocities in the US or those killed in Afghanistan or the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster, where did we go? We went to St Pauls Cathedral.

And in our darkest hour of all, while the bombs rained down on London as the enemy stood at the gates, it was that historic Daily Mail photograph of St Pauls peering through the smoke, flames and rubble which came to symbolise the hope and determination of a nation.

Which is why the Mail is delighted to support a magnificent new campaign to build the national memorial to all those who have died in the coronavirus pandemic right here, inside this peerless national treasure.

For make no mistake, this is to be a national memorial, one which honours everyone of every faith (and none) from right across the United Kingdom who has died as a result of this pandemic.

At long last, everyone will be able to pay tribute to a loved one  or simply gather their thoughts  in the solemn majesty of one of the most famous and revered buildings in Europe. There can be no more appropriate and dignified setting for a remembrance space which is free and accessible to all.

This is not another engraved slab of stone or a plaque on a wall. It is the most important addition to the cathedral in 150 years, no less; a memorial hallway known as a portico. It will stand on the site of the oak-panelled portico which stood here until a huge bomb reduced it to matchsticks in 1941. Visitors will then pass through it to reach a special part of the cathedral housing St Pauls virtual book of remembrance.

For this is a memorial in every sense  physical, digital, universal. The virtual book of remembrance will be based in the cathedral, displayed on special video screens. But it is also available to everyone everywhere online. Supported wholeheartedly by the Prince of Wales and faith leaders from all our main religions, the book already includes more than 7,000 names and faces.

The cathedral is ready to expand this to include all 127,517 (and rising) British people who have died from Covid. Crucially, it will also embrace those who have died as a result of it, too  those, for example, who may have missed a crucial test or operation during the crisis.

All are welcome, along with a photograph and a message, too. This is a beautiful reminder that, for every bleak Covid statistic, there was a life well-lived by a real person who is greatly missed.

Rooted in this magnificent cathedral setting, this will be the national focal point which the bereaved have long demanded while also ensuring that every single person is remembered individually. At a time when baffling, dystopian rules have cruelly deprived so many people of a chance to honour their dead properly, here is a way in which we can honour them all  in the very same place where we have honoured our greatest national heroes, from Nelson (who resides in the crypt below) to Sir Winston Churchill.

When we gathered to salute the dead of the 9/11 atrocities in the US or those killed in Afghanistan or the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster, where did we go? We went to St Pauls Cathedral (stock image)

It is already a source of comfort for Annette Allen, 60, a teaching assistant from Bournemouth.

She said: After we lost Dad, I felt an overwhelming urge to go out into the street and say to people: My Dads died and he was so much more than a number on the news  he was a person and he had a name.

Her father, Ray Maskell, who was already suffering from vascular dementia, caught Covid and died in his care home last April. Like so many, Annette had to endure the pain of not being able to say her farewells.

This meant I lost him twice without being able to say goodbye: first to dementia and then to Covid. The pain of not being able to comfort Dad in his final moments was incredibly difficult to carry. I needed a way to tell the world he had gone, that he mattered and would be remembered.

Then she heard about the Remember Me virtual book of remembrance. She registered her father but still wanted to do more. She started making yellow heart pin badges and has been selling them in aid of the scheme, raising a staggering 24,000 already.

However, the whole project requires substantial funds. The new portico is, after all, the most significant addition to the cathedral since the 19th Century and, with no visitors for over a year, St Pauls is penniless.

To build it, along with all the infrastructure to operate the enlarged book of remembrance, will cost St Pauls 2.3million. So the Mail is proud to offer its support. We are also, once again  and only after much careful thought  asking for the help of our famously generous readers.

Which is why the Mail is delighted to support a magnificent new campaign to build the national memorial to all those who have died in the coronavirus pandemic right here, inside this peerless national treasure (stock image)

We know we have leaned hard on you over the last year as we have pursued our Mail Force campaigns for personal protective equipment (PPE) for the UKs healthcare workers and, again, to provide vital computers for thousands of vulnerable children.

This campaign is different. Remember Me is the brainchild of St Pauls and its supporters. We believe they need all the help as they try to ease the pain of so many in such an inspirational way. The Mail is, therefore, supporting the scheme wholeheartedly and will send a beautifully-inscribed Remember Me commemorative candle to the first 5,000 people who donate 25 or more to the crowdfunding campaign.

However, we understand that, after such a terrible year, many cupboards are bare. No one has to pay a bean to include a loved one in the book of remembrance; no one will need to pay to visit this memorial when it is built.

The idea was born out of desperation at the start of the pandemic last year. Families all over the country were losing relatives to the virus and, in so many cases, were unable to even say goodbye. The Dean of St Pauls, Dr David Ison, and the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, wanted to provide a way for people to pay their respects and the idea of a virtual book of remembrance was born. Then came the idea of the portico and commemorative space.

Among those they contacted for help was businessman and philanthropist Sir Lloyd Dorfman CBE, the chairman of Princes Trust International.

He was instantly taken with the idea as a national focal point for people of all faiths (he is himself Jewish). Since the cathedral no longer had any income, he met the full costs of getting the project off the ground. That meant, in the first instance, a well-designed website and people to manage it.

The whole thing was up and running within five weeks. Memorials were originally just names and dates, Sir Lloyd pointed out, but today you need to allow people to leave a message and a picture, too. He contacted Clarence House and the Prince of Wales immediately lent his support to the idea.

This is not another engraved slab of stone or a plaque on a wall. It is the most important addition to the cathedral in 150 years, no less; a memorial hallway known as a portico (stock image)

People of every faith and of none believe that each human being is unique and precious, the prince has written in a special message to the cathedral.

This virtual book of remembrance is here to help us remember, not just to recall our loss and sorrow, but also to be thankful for everything good that those we have loved brought in to our lives. The new atrium will not be so much an addition as a restoration of what stood before in the cathedrals north transept. An oak portico, paying homage to St Pauls creator, Sir Christopher Wren, was built in the 19th Century.

It was a hallway which would not only stop gusts of wind blowing straight in from outside but also to create a place to pause, lending a greater sense of reverence and tranquillity within. Then on April 17, 1941, a German bomb came through the ceiling and did terrible damage to this section of the cathedral, only narrowly avoiding the dome itself.

After the war, the cathedral authorities ordered swift repairs, building some new steps up to this entrance but no portico hallway within. That, in turn, led to serious draught problems so the authorities added some unsightly electric sliding doors which remain to this day. They might stop chilly gusts of wind but one suspects Wren would have been appalled.

Now this shop-front look will be replaced by the memorial portico  a wooden atrium made, again, of the finest oak. It will be elliptical and engraved with the words Remember Me in several languages.

Plans show that it will lead through in to a large area known as the Middlesex Chapel. This will be a commemorative space with screens with the virtual book of remembrance.

However, the whole project requires substantial funds. The new portico is, after all, the most significant addition to the cathedral since the 19th Century and, with no visitors for over a year, St Pauls is penniless (stock image)

People can light candles or sit and contemplate. Those who wish to look round the rest of the cathedral  including its famous Whispering Gallery and other great sights  can buy tickets to do so but the Remember Me memorial will be free of charge.

Outside, the new approach to the cathedral  planned before Covid  has already been completed. Instead of the flight of steps, it is now an elegant gently sloping step-free walkway of fluted Portland stone, allowing access to all.

The memorial work cannot begin until the funds have been raised. If the cathedral can find the money by midsummer, then work could be completed in time for the second anniversary of the pandemic next March. It is the target which St Pauls has in mind and this newspaper is determined to help it raise 2.3million in good time.

For the Mail has a proud association with this jewel of British architecture. It was on December 29, 1940, that this papers chief photographer, Herbert Mason, was on fire-watch on the roof of the Daily Mail building just off Fleet Street.

That night brought one of the worst air raids of the Blitz. But Mason was stunned as he looked across to St Pauls and saw it standing strong. The great dome loomed up through the smoke, he recalled. Despite the bombs falling around him, he kept his lens focused on the cathedral.

Flames and clouds of smoke kept obscuring this sight. Then a wind sprang up, Mason recalled. Suddenly the shining cross, dome and towers stood out like a symbol in the inferno. In that moment or two I released my shutter. He had just taken one of the greatest photographs of the 20th century.

He did so because he was transfixed by the power of this building. I felt something similar two years ago when I was the first journalist inside the Cathedral of Notre-Dame after that terrible fire. The blaze threatened to destroy a masterpiece which is not just sacrosanct to Paris but part of the soul of France.

It was an awful sight, with blazing roof work still crashing down and gallant fire crews overhead. But through the smoke and flames, reflected in the gaze of a firemans torch, I saw the cross, still in its place on the altar  still gleaming.

It was an almost ethereal sight, one which rallied the spirits of an entire nation. I keep that image in my phone to this day as a reminder that, come what may, all is not lost.

These wondrous, venerable buildings really do have the power not just to move us but to lift us. It is why there really can be no finer place for the national memorial to all those taken from us by this ghastly virus.

Remember Me it will say at the memorial entrance to St Pauls. And so we shall.

The St Paul's choirboy who lost his grandpa to Covid and a 90-year-old whose twin sister was also a victim are just two heart-rending stories which must never be forgotten

By Rachel Halliwell and Jill Foster for the Daily Mail

The devastating toll of coronavirus has hit so many loving families  and shows why we should do our utmost to honour the victims.

Here we reveal just some of the tragic tales, from the choirboy who lost his grandfather, identical twins cruelly torn apart, a wife whose soulmate was taken away, to a daughter who lost both her parents.

As the Mail launches a campaign for a national memorial in St Pauls Cathedral to remember all those who have died of Covid-19, these are the heartbreaking stories of grieving families now comforted by the thought that their loved ones will never be forgotten.

CHOIRBOY WHO LOST BELOVED GRANDFATHER

Talented Ismael Dosoo, ten, is a chorister at St Pauls. His grandfather Richard, died last March aged 72, five days after he was admitted to hospital suffering from Covid. Richard, from London, was a retired Care Quality Commission inspector for NHS mental health services.

Ismaels mother Joy, 44, also from London, is a secondary school humanities teacher.

She says: My father was the one who encouraged Ismael to try for St Pauls choir as his obvious singing talent grew. Music was my dads great passion, and when Ismael showed a similar love for it  singing especially  he really encouraged him, even taking him to the audition. When we found out Ismael got in, the two of them cried together. It meant the world to them both.

But sadly, dad died just before the special service when Ismael became a full chorister so he never got to see Ismael get his robes  hed been looking forward to that moment so much and for so long.

Talented Ismael Dosoo, ten, (left) is a chorister at St Pauls. His grandfather Richard (right), died last March aged 72, five days after he was admitted to hospital suffering from Covid

Straight after the service ended Ismael burst into tears. He wanted his grandad to have been able to share in that special moment.

I knew dad was poorly, but I never imagined Id lose him just five days later. It still eats away at me that I wasnt able to be with him when he passed and say a proper goodbye.

Dad moved here from Ghana, where his own father was an organist, in the sixties. His records of cathedral choirs played in the background at home throughout my childhood. He loved going to St Pauls and listening to the choir.

Thats why the idea of my father being honoured with a permanent memorial at St Pauls feels so very special to this family. Whenever dad visited the cathedral he would dress up in his smartest clothes and wear his hat  it was always a special occasion for him. Its such a fitting tribute to dad and his great love for that place.

Knowing that he will be remembered forever in St Pauls is the greatest comfort I could ever have hoped for.

PARENTS DIED A FORTNIGHT APART

Devoted Hefin Williams, 80 and wife Valerie, 74, from Warrington died less than a fortnight apart. They leave four children and six grandchildren aged nine to 22.

Daughter Nikki, 46, a neonatal nurse, says: Its so important to us that mum and dad dont just become a number and that people know their names as they lived a good, full life. Weve already put their names in the St Pauls remembrance book online so they will never be forgotten.

Mum and dad still had years ahead of them. Dad had celebrated his 80th in 2019 but they were so full of life and loved by everyone. Dad volunteered at the local hospital and mum had only just retired from her job as a carer. They enjoyed eating out, going to the theatre, dancing. Unbeknown to us, it may have been their downfall, but we have no idea where they picked up the virus.

Devoted Hefin Williams, 80 and wife Valerie, 74, (both pictured) from Warrington died less than a fortnight apart. They leave four children and six grandchildren aged nine to 22

Mum became ill first. She was placed on a ventilator and it broke our hearts that dad was left alone because they did absolutely everything together. But within a week, we had to call 999 for dad too and the last time I saw him was in the ambulance. He died on March 30.

At his funeral on April 9, the funeral cortege drove past Warrington Hospital where he volunteered and hundreds of NHS staff applauded him. We recorded the whole thing, so mum would be able to see it when she woke up.

But the following day, she passed away too. It devastated the whole family. I believe mum and dad were the first couple to die of it but Ive since heard of more and Ive reached out to them to say, Youre not alone. We understand what youre going through.

MY MUM IS NOT JUST A STATISTIC

Former secondary school teaching assistant Pamela Fruhmann, 60, died on April 10 last year at Bournemouth Hospital. Her daughter Olivia, 26, is a housing options support officer and lives in Bournemouth.

Former secondary school teaching assistant Pamela Fruhmann, 60, (pictured) died on April 10 last year at Bournemouth Hospital. Her daughter Olivia, 26, is a housing options support officer and lives in Bournemouth

Olivia says: On the day mum died, there had been 9,875 deaths and my sister remembers thinking, Mum is one of them. I cant believe its been a year since her death. A year since I had to go and say goodbye to mum, with my sister Jessica only able to join us on Facetime as she lives in Vienna and the bo-rders were closed.

A year since the socially distanced funeral of ten people that my sister couldnt attend because she couldnt get to England.

We havent been able to have a celebration of life or spread mums ashes.

Mum had been battling acute myeloid leukaemia but hadnt been in hospital since the previous October when she was admitted to the cancer ward with a sore throat and high temperature. I used to sing to her when I visited and my sister would Facetime. We told her everything would be alright because we didnt want her to know how serious it was.

Its been really hard not being able to have any of the comforts that may have helped our grief. The memorial would help to have somewhere to go so we dont feel alone. Even though we know that sadly so many lives have been lost, seeing the names instead of numbers and grieving not only our mum but all of the others lost is what our community needs.

Also acknowledging the scale of loss, respecting those lost and all of the many families left behind.

MY SOULMATE WAS TAKEN AWAY

Helen Hudson, 54, lost her husband Steve, a 52-year-old tool-maker from Essex, last May after six weeks in hospital fighting for his life.

She says: Steve was my soulmate, my best friend. The shock of sitting with him at the end, saying goodbye to the man Ive been with for 32 years, feels as real now as it did a year ago. He was only 52. We all have to go one day but I never imagined Id lose him when we still had such a long and happy future waiting for us.

Steve died in hospital last May, after fighting to stay with us for six weeks. Not being able to visit through all that time was hard. The nurses were fantastic  they called twice a day and would do video calls so that, even though he was unconscious and on a ventilator, I could see and talk to him and feel a little bit closer.

During the last year Ive had grief counselling but whats really helped me is talking to other people who have also lost loved ones to Covid.

Helen Hudson, 54, (right) lost her husband Steve (left), a 52-year-old tool-maker from Essex, last May after six weeks in hospital fighting for his life

This isnt normal bereavement  theres nothing normal about the way our parents, partners, siblings and children died. Thats why this memorial at St Pauls means so much to me.

It will be a place where our loved ones wont be numbers read out by politicians, but real people who lived good lives and who are deeply missed by those they have left behind.

A day doesnt pass when I dont think of Steve and miss him and wish he was still here with me. In St Pauls, Ill be able to sit with his family and friends and remember and honour him. I think that will give me, and everyone who loved him, some peace.

MY LETTER TO SAY GOODBYE TO DAD

Retired coal miner William Donnelly, from Durham, died in hospital last March, aged 87. His daughter Angela Hanley, 55, also from Durham, is a higher level teaching assistant at a local primary school.

She says: More than a year after dad died in hospital, the pain of not being able to be with him at the end still makes me cry.

All I could do was write him a letter, which his nurse read aloud while holding his hand, telling him how very loved he was and what a wonderful life he gave his family.

After dad died she described to me how he had squeezed her hand while she read it, which must mean he was able to hear my words.

Retired coal miner William Donnelly (left), from Durham, died in hospital last March, aged 87. His daughter Angela Hanley, 55, (right) also from Durham, is a higher level teaching assistant at a local primary school

That letter told of the joy he brought with him whenever he entered a room. It described his incredible sense of humour. It honoured his love and devotion to my mum, who had Alzheimers, who he cared for so selflessly until she died in 2017.

I also wrote about the things he shared with me when I was a child, that went on to mould me into the person Ive become and continue to enrich my life.

Were a family of faith, so to know my father will be part of a permanent memorial in St Pauls Cathedral is very comforting, as Im sure it will be to many grieving families. We didnt get to say goodbye in the way we would normally have been allowed.

St Pauls can become a place where we can find some peace and hopefully closure. Thats something so many of us long for right now.

TORN APART FROM IDENTICAL TWIN

One of Britains oldest Covid victims was Doris Hobday, 96. With her sister, Lilian Cox, the pair from the West Midlands were known as the Tipton Twins. Both twins caught Covid in January. Sadly Doris died on January 5  two days before her invitation for her first Covid vaccination arrived.

Lilian says: Going home from hospital without Doris has been hard but Im taking one day at a time. I know Im not alone. So many people are grieving like me. Thats why Im supporting this wonderful memorial so people like Doris are never forgotten. Doris was the best sister anyone could ask for. I was lucky to have her for all these years but it seems so wrong that she died without me beside her.

When we were in hospital, I asked the nurses to bring her to me so I could make her better. They didnt dare tell me she had died. When my granddaughter broke the news, I wept. Im the mouthy one, always in the right. Doris was the gentle one. You couldnt help loving her.

We came into the world together, we grew up together and did everything together. We lived on the same street after getting married, worked together at a nail-making factory in Birmingham and more recently lived next to one another at sheltered accommodation. We were so healthy we were determined to live until 100 and still go to bingo every week. I want to make sure she is never forgotten.

One of Britains oldest Covid victims was Doris Hobday, 96 (right). With her sister, Lilian Cox (left), the pair from the West Midlands were known as the Tipton Twins. Both twins caught Covid in January. Sadly Doris died on January 5  two days before her invitation for her first Covid vaccination arrived

Now join us... and get this beautiful memorial candle with your 25 donation

What is the plan? To create a memorial in St Pauls Cathedral to those who died as a result of the pandemic, whether direct victims of Covid or those whose medical treatment was disrupted by lockdown restrictions. The memorial will let people of any faith pay their respects to family and friends at a permanent site

What is the plan?

To create a memorial in St Pauls Cathedral to those who died as a result of the pandemic, whether direct victims of Covid or those whose medical treatment was disrupted by lockdown restrictions. The memorial will let people of any faith pay their respects to family and friends at a permanent site.

How will it work?

St Pauls has set up Remember Me  an online book of remembrance. Anyone wishing to remember a loved one can submit, free of charge, the name, photograph and a short message in honour of their loved one at www.rememberme2020.uk

At least four virtual books of remembrance will be installed in the cathedrals Middlesex Chapel. Visitors will be able to light candles or simply sit in contemplation.

Where will it be?

A newly built wooden portico will be set in the north transept of the cathedral, away from the busier main doors. Entrance will be free. It will sit on the site of an earlier hallway which was destroyed by a Luftwaffe bomb in 1941.

Alongside works of non-religious art, the words Remember Me will be written in all the main languages of the UK. Visitors will walk through the portico to reach the remembrance area in the Middlesex Chapel.

How much is needed?

2.3million. Of this, 1.13million is needed to pay for the portico and 670,000 to run the exhibition for two years. Money is needed for the preparatory design work, symbolic artwork and signage. The hope is to open it in March 2022 for the second anniversary of the pandemic. Around 440,000 has already been raised.

Any money raised over the 2.3m required will be used in a variety of ways to help preserve the memorial.

Is it part of Mail Force?

No, the Mail is supporting the St Pauls Cathedral Foundation to raise funds for the memorial.

Where will it be? A newly built wooden portico will be set in the north transept of the cathedral, away from the busier main doors. Entrance will be free. It will sit on the site of an earlier hallway which was destroyed by a Luftwaffe bomb in 1941

Is this the official national memorial?

There are no other current plans for a national memorial. What started as an online St Pauls memorial, backed by the Prince of Wales and all major faith leaders, has now turned into a project for a physical and living memorial inside the cathedral.

How can you donate?

Go to crowdfunder.co.uk/rememberme. You can donate any sum you like but the first 5,000 people to donate online using the special 25 Limited Edition Candle from the Daily Mail button will receive a free Remember Me frankincense scented candle funded by the Mail. By clicking this button, you will have the option of adding a larger sum. Donors using the 50 Reward button will receive a years free membership to St Pauls Cathedral, worth 30. Regrettably, donations made by cheque will not be eligible for the free candle or St Pauls membership.

Make cheques payable to St Pauls Cathedral Foundation and send it to Remember Me, Chapter House, St Pauls Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD. To boost your donation by 25p of Gift Aid for every 1 you donate, please fill in and cut out the form and add this to your envelope.
Businessman Clive Palmer has been ordered to pay $1.5 million to Universal Music after losing a copyright fight over his use of the Twisted Sister anthem Were Not Gonna Take It in a string of political advertisements before the 2019 federal election.

In a judgment on Friday, Federal Court Justice Anna Katzmann said the former federal MP and United Australia Party founder had infringed Universal Musics copyright in the 1984 hit and rejected his claims he had penned his own lyrics and used the melody of an 18th century hymn.

It was ludicrous and fanciful to suggest Mr Palmers song Aussies Not Gonna Cop It was created independently of the Twisted Sister anthem, Justice Katzmann said, and his behaviour in using the song without a licence was high-handed and contemptous.

He gave false evidence, including concocting a story to exculpate himself, she said.
[April 30, 2021] Cross River Deepens Roots in New Jersey with the Opening of New Headquarters in Fort Lee

Cross River Bank ("Cross River"), a technology-focused financial services organization and Banking-as-a-Service ("BaaS") provider based in Fort Lee, today announced the grand opening of its new headquarters at 2115 Linwood Avenue. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, Cross River was joined by New Jersey leaders and elected officials, as well as Cross River board members and investors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005351/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) "We are immensely proud that in calling New Jersey home, Cross River has recognized the wealth of advantages our state has to offer, including one of the most diverse and educated workforces in the country," said Governor Phil Murphy. "Cross River and companies like them are exactly the type of innovative firms that will help bring our state once again to the forefront of the innovation economy." "There is one address in the fintech industry, and that is Cross River. Our new headquarters is emblematic of our growth here in New Jersey, but more importantly, plants the seed of the future for Cross River," said Gilles Gade, Founder, CEO and Chairman of Cross River. "We thank Governor Murphy and the NJEDA for their support and we're thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion with the entire Cross River family, together with our community partners and neighbors who have been right beside us from the very beginning." Cross River merges the forward-thinking offerings of a technology company with the established expertise of a bank, while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance and consumer protection. As a New Jersey state-chartered community bank, Cross River has demonstrated firsthand how the state's structure and support has played an integral role in proelling economic advancement, innovation and increased investment opportunities. Under the leadership of Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) led by Tim Sullivan (News - Alert) , Cross River was awarded a Grow NJ Grant to help purchase a new 70,000-square-foot building in Fort Lee. Since announced in 2019, Cross River has already hired more than 400 team members, nearly doubling its workforce in New Jersey.



"Attracting and supporting the growth of innovative companies that create good-paying jobs for New Jersey workers and support the success of other emerging New Jersey businesses is central to Governor Phil Murphy's plan for a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy," said New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan. "In addition to creating hundreds of new jobs, Cross River is committed to helping entrepreneurs overcome challenges by improving access to capital and offering educational resources that help to prepare them for future opportunities. The NJEDA congratulates Cross River on opening this new office, and we are excited for their continued growth in New Jersey." "Cross River represents the true spirit of the state of New Jersey-innovative, forward-thinking and hyper-community focused," said Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich. "Fort Lee is incredibly excited to continue to be the home for Cross River, and we look forward to the company's continued growth and success here."

Cross River is at the forefront of both banking and technology, powering some of the most successful companies like Affirm, Coinbase, Rocket Loans, Stripe and Upstart. Having opened its doors in Teaneck in June of 2008 with the primary goal of providing access to responsible credit products for businesses and consumers in need, Cross River has flourished in the state as a result of its public-private collaboration and the support of the local legislators and organizations like the NJEDA, Choose New Jersey, the New Jersey-Israel Commission and the New Jersey Bankers Association. "The talent in New Jersey and the region has been one of the key ingredients to our success and growth as a leading fintech company," said David Nachbar, Global Head of People at Cross River. "We have the best and the brightest people, the vast majority of whom live close by, right here in New Jersey." A pillar of the New Jersey community, Cross River has driven innovation and job creation in the state, with a strong focus on giving back. Cross River's substantial impact on the advancement of industry standards and accomplishments as an outstanding corporate citizen has been recognized by both national and local organizations including the American Bankers Association, the Independent Community Bankers of America, NJBIZ, TechUnited:NJ and the Teaneck and Fort Lee Chambers of Commerce. About Cross River Cross River is a fast-growing financial services organization that merges the forward-thinking offerings of a technology company with the established expertise and traditional services of a bank. Since its founding in 2008, Cross River has developed strategic partnerships with leading technology companies, marketplace lenders and payment providers, while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance and consumer protection. Cross River provides a highly secure, API-based banking platform and comprehensive suite of products encompassing lending, payments, risk management and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) offerings to deliver responsible financial solutions that empower businesses and consumers anytime, anywhere. Cross River Bank is a New Jersey state-chartered FDIC insured bank. For more information, please visit Cross River's website at www.crossriver.com or Twitter (News - Alert) @crossriverbank. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005351/en/

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TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The President of the Supreme Council of Health, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, yesterday affirmed the keenness of the government to provide the best health services to the people of the Kingdom.

The government, he said, is striving to improve the quality of health services by meeting the needs of people in all governorates of the Kingdom. He added: This is as directed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Shaikh Mohammed was visiting new and existing health projects aimed at enhancing the services provided to patients.

During a tour of the Khalifa City Health Center project, he said the project aims at satisfying all the health service needs of Khalifa City.

He also visited the Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalid Health Center project and Ahmed Ali Kanoo Health Center. He reviewed the nature of the services provided and proposals to improve the quality of the services.

The self-management initiative, he said, is one of the critical aspects of the National social health insurance programme. Self-management project, he said, envisages creating a primary health system controlled by a board of trustees to provide integrated and sustainable health services meeting the highest standards.

The project aims at enhancing freedom of choice by adopting a holistic approach and providing independence to primary health care. He said the government had conducted a detailed study on the health care services and the integrated strategy approved by the cabinet.

This strategy set the actual vision of the future system, starting from working hours, examination methodology in the central laboratory to the establishment of urgent cases centres, hotline, employment and incentives plan, and financing mechanism, Shaikh Mohammed said.
Venissieux, 30 April 2021

BOOSTHEAT (FR0011814938 / BOOST), a French energy efficiency manufacturer, announces a change in the Company's executive management.

BOOSTHEAT announces the appointment of Eric Lambert as the Company's new Chief Executive Officer effective 18 May 2021 to replace Luc Jacquet, founder, who today tendered his resignation as Chief Executive Officer to the Board of Directors.

After 10 years of growth, it was felt that new management was required in order to ensure the industrial and commercial success of BOOSTHEAT's technological breakthrough in the field of energy efficiency. The Board of Directors and Luc Jacquet accordingly wish to set the Company on a new course led by a Chief Executive officer with compelling industrial experience.

Luc Jacquet will remain in his position until 18 May and will work alongside Eric Lambert during the necessary transition. He will also remain a director of the Company.

Luc Reginster, Chairman of BOOSTHEAT's Board of Directors, said: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Luc Jacquet for having shaped BOOSTHEAT with ambition for 10 years. With conviction, Luc brought technological innovation to the field of energy efficiency in order to offer a practical response to a pressing issue. He built and promoted the development of a new French operator. Today, we are pleased to welcome Eric Lambert as new Chief Executive Officer to meet the industrial and commercial challenges that await the Company. Eric Lambert undoubtedly has the leadership and operational experience essential to the Company's success."

Eric Lambert is aged 53, married and father of three children. During his career, he has been confronted with the challenges of strategic repositioning, innovation management, industrial and commercial development, organizational restructuring and crisis management.

A graduate of Ecole Polytechnique (1988) and Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussees (1993), he built most of his industrial career during 15 years at Renault, directing production sites, managing technological innovation projects and coordinating the launch of new vehicles. In 2009, he became Managing Director of Areva's Aix-les-Bains industrial site, where he took on the challenge of achieving a swift return to profitability. In 2011, he joined Manitou Group's Executive Committee as Rough Terrain Handling Business Unit President & Group Industrial VP. He then took on the general management of Aztec (start-up snow groomer manufacturer) in 2014 before becoming Deputy Managing Director - Chief Operating Officer of Babolat (equipment manufacturer specializing in racket sports) from 2017 until end 2020.

Eric Lambert said: "I am particularly excited to be taking on the general management of BOOSTHEAT. I intend to continue the work accomplished by Luc Jacquet and all employees. The Company is facing major challenges and I am excited at the prospect of taking them on with the teams to lead the Company to the achievement of its objectives. I have taken on many human, technical and economic challenges during my career, and I intend to put my experience at the service of the ecological transition and industrial innovation at BOOSTHEAT. I will present my roadmap for the next steps after an essential phase of analysis and discussion with the teams."

Trading in BOOSTHEAT shares has been suspended until Monday 3 May 2021 before start of trading. The 2020 full year results press release and the associated annual financial report will be released today.

Next release: 2020 full year results, 30 April 2021

For more information on BOOSTHEAT visit

www.boostheat-group.com

ABOUT BOOSTHEAT

Founded in 2011, BOOSTHEAT designs, develops, manufactures and sells high-tech energy efficient and sustainable heating solutions. Fitted with a patented thermal compressor, the new generation BOOSTHEAT boilers offer up to 200% efficiency and can cut energy consumption by up to half. More economical and eco-friendly than existing solutions, BOOSTHEAT boilers immediately generate dramatic reductions in environmental impact.

The Company's mission is to accelerate energy transition through its products by making them affordable to the widest possible spectrum of the population. BOOSTHEAT has its head office and manufacturing plant in Venissieux, near Lyon (historically an HVAC* industrial zone). The Company holds the Entreprise Innovante (Bpifrance) and French Fab labels. The BOOSTHEAT share is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment C (ISIN: FR0011814938).

* Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning

I CONTACTS



ACTUS finance & communication - Anne-Pauline Petureaux

Investor Relations

Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 72 / boostheat@actus.fr

ACTUS finance & communication - Serena Boni

Press Relations

Tel.: +33 (0)4 72 18 04 92 / sboni@actus.fr

BOOSTHEAT - Sabrina Ferre

Tel.: +33 (0)9 82 99 16 13 / sabrina.ferre@boostheat.com

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The commander of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York fired the unit's 1st Brigade Combat Team commander Wednesday following the completion of an investigation into claims of professional misconduct.

Maj. Gen. Brian Mennes relieved Col. J.T. Eldridge "due to a loss in trust in his ability to command after an investigation stemming from allegations of misconduct," according to a news release from Fort Drum.

Fort Drum spokesman Lt. Col. Kamil Sztalkoper would not release details about the charges, but said they were "administrative in nature" and had nothing to do with an equal opportunity complaint, allegations of sexual misconduct or a toxic work environment.

Read Next: Army Eyes Autonomous Robotic Arm to Rapidly Resupply its Futuristic Long-Range Howitzer

Army Times first reported on this story.

Lt. Col. Dwight Towler, commander of the 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st BCT Brigade is assuming command responsibility until a permanent replacement is chosen, according to the release.

Mennes met with 1st BCT soldiers and leaders to explain why Eldridge was relieved and update them on the transition of command, according to the release.

"We have full confidence in our soldiers who are trained and ready to meet any mission," Mennes said in the release. "We hold our leaders accountable for their actions."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Related: Army 1st Cavalry Division Brigade Commander Fired for Allegedly Bullying His Subordinates
CHICAGO, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hillrom (NYSE: HRC) today announced financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended March 31, 2021, and raised its fiscal 2021 guidance.

For the fiscal second quarter, Hillrom reported GAAP earnings of $1.30 per diluted share compared to $0.70 per diluted share in the prior-year period. On an adjusted basis, excluding special items, earnings of $1.73 per diluted share rose 35 percent from $1.28 per diluted share in the prior-year period, and exceeded the company's guidance range of $1.40 to $1.45 per diluted share. Second quarter financial results reflect strong revenue growth, disciplined cost management and continued margin expansion. Adjustments to reported earnings are detailed in the reconciliation schedules provided.

"Broad-based recovery continues to build across our portfolio, resulting in stronger-than-expected financial results for the fiscal second quarter," said John Groetelaars, Hillrom president and CEO. "We are pleased to be raising our financial guidance for the year given improved underlying performance and strong execution against our strategic priorities. Our ongoing transformation strengthens our ability to unlock significant value for patients, caregivers and shareholders as we deliver on our mission."

Fiscal Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

For the fiscal second quarter, worldwide revenue of $762 million increased 5 percent on a reported basis, or 3 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting better-than-expected revenue and continued recovery across all three business segments, as well as expanded demand for critical care products. One-time COVID purchases contributed revenue of approximately $40 million and adjusted earnings of $0.20 per diluted share.

By Reporting Segment:

Patient Support Systems revenue of $398 million increased 4 percent on a reported basis, or 2 percent on a constant currency basis, driven by continued international expansion of med-surg and ICU bed systems, growth in U.S. bed system rentals to support customers in the treatment of COVID-19, and a return to double-digit growth across the company's care communications platforms.

Front Line Care generated revenue of $285 million , an increase of 10 percent on a reported basis and 8 percent on a constant currency basis, driven by strong demand for Welch Allyn patient monitoring equipment and accelerated recovery across key products as physician office visits return to pre-COVID levels. Physician-based products consist of physical assessment tools, diagnostic cardiology monitors, and vision care products including the Welch Allyn RetinaVue 700 Imager used in the screening of diabetic retinopathy.

Surgical Solutions generated revenue of $79 million , representing a decline of 5 percent on a reported basis, or a decline of 9 percent on a constant currency basis. Strong growth of operating room tables, including Integrated Table Motion, was more than offset by the impact of the now-completed exit of the international surgical OEM business and more gradual recovery in projects due to the pandemic.

Recent Highlights:

Supporting Hillrom's financial performance were several key achievements in pursuit of its vision of Advancing Connected Care, transforming its portfolio through innovation, and delivering sustainable value to patients, caregivers and shareholders. Highlights include:

Achieving over $160 million in new product revenue, an increase of 20 percent, and launching a number of innovative products, such as:

 Welch Allyn PanOptic Plus Ophthalmoscope and MacroView Plus Otoscope, the latest digital innovations in physical exam tools that can help clinicians make earlier and more accurate diagnoses of ear and eye conditions. These devices are digital image capture-ready, and allow secure tracking, trending and transfer of images for easy and efficient consultation with specialists.

 Voalte Nurse Call, a new modernized hardware and user interface with faster processing to route alerts to the proper caregiver to enhance patient and staff safety and satisfaction. This latest innovation builds on Hillrom's suite of digital platforms and legacy of leadership in care communications, including the broadest offering with both mobile and nurse call solutions.

 Voalte Alarm and Alert Management, a solution enabled by the Excel Medical acquisition. This new technology aims to reduce caregiver alarm fatigue and provides retrospective analysis of alert and alarm loads for quality management, valuable insights to standardize event workflow and escalation procedures, and deep patient-context to aid clinical decision making.

 Voalte Experience App, a new patient engagement digital application that empowers patients' participation in their care on the iPad at the bedside. With the touch of a button or voice activation, patients and caregivers can directly communicate without having to be physically in the same room.

Introducing the Advancing Connected Care Everywhere brand campaign, featuring Hillrom's broad portfolio of connected care solutions across care settings, including in the home, physician office, surgical suite, and acute care. The campaign is driving awareness of how the company's portfolio is accelerating patient recovery, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment, simplifying care communications, optimizing surgical safety and efficiency, and shifting care closer to home.

Showcasing progress with corporate responsibility initiatives in the areas of environmental, social, economic, and governance priorities with the publication of the 2020 corporate social investment report, "Our Mission Moment." The report details Hillrom's rich 100-year history of service and giving back to communities, environmental health and safety efforts, and culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging. Hillrom's commitment to workplace excellence was recently recognized by Forbes, which named Hillrom as one of America's Best Large Employers for 2021.

Delivering significant value to shareholders through increased dividends and share repurchases. In the fiscal second quarter of 2021, Hillrom raised its dividend for the eleventh consecutive year, and on a year-to-date basis has returned $86 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

2021 Financial Outlook:

For the full year, Hillrom now expects revenue to increase 1 percent to 3 percent on a reported basis. In addition, the company now expects adjusted earnings, excluding special items, of $6.00 to $6.10 per diluted share and operating cash flow of $440 to $460 million. This compares to the company's previous guidance range of adjusted earnings of $5.70 to $5.90 per diluted share and operating cash flow of $400 to $430 million.

For the fiscal third quarter 2021, Hillrom expects revenue to decline 7 percent to 9 percent on a reported basis, and adjusted earnings, excluding special items, of $1.32 to $1.36 per diluted share. This guidance reflects a challenging comparison to fiscal third quarter 2020 financial results, which benefited from a surge in one-time COVID-related revenue estimated at approximately $130 million and adjusted earnings of approximately $0.60 per diluted share.

The ongoing scope and evolution of the pandemic remains uncertain and could present pandemic-related risks or opportunities that may require updates to the fiscal 2021 guidance ranges provided today.

Discussion of Adjusted Financial Measures

In addition to the results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), Hillrom routinely provides operating margin, income before taxes, income tax expense, and earnings per diluted share results on an adjusted basis because the company's management believes these measures contribute to an understanding of our financial performance, provide additional analytical tools to understand our results from core operations, and reveal underlying operating trends. These measures exclude strategic developments, acquisition and integration costs and related fair value adjustments, gains and losses associated with disposals of businesses or significant product lines, regulatory costs related to updating existing product registrations to comply with the European Medical Device Regulations, special charges, changes in tax accounting methods, other tax law changes and expenses associated with these tax items, the impacts of significant litigation matters, certain impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other unusual events. The company also excludes expenses associated with the amortization of purchased intangible assets. These adjustments are made to allow investors to evaluate and understand operating trends excluding their impact on operating income and earnings per diluted share.

Management uses these measures internally for planning, forecasting and evaluating the performance of the business. Investors should consider these non-GAAP measures in addition to, not as a substitute for, or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of GAAP measures to adjusted measures appear in the financial tables of this release.

The company also routinely provides earnings per diluted share guidance on an adjusted basis. This excludes the impact of intangible asset amortization associated with prior business acquisitions, which we expect to be $1.23 to $1.28 per diluted share for the fiscal year 2021. Management also does not include adjusted items such as strategic developments, acquisition and integration costs, special charges, and other special items or unusual items in our guidance because such items are evaluated on an ongoing basis, can be highly variable and cannot be reasonably predicted. As such, prospective quantification of these items is not feasible, and a full reconciliation of non-GAAP earnings per diluted share guidance to GAAP earnings per diluted share has not been provided. However, as a result of acquisitions, our ongoing portfolio and business optimization initiatives, and any change to the transitional impacts from U.S. tax reform legislation, we do expect adjusted items we have not predicted to potentially be significant to our GAAP measures including gross margin, operating margin, income tax expense and earnings per diluted share.

The company also presents certain results on a constant currency basis, which compares results between periods as if foreign currency exchange rates had remained consistent period-over-period. Management monitors sales performance on an adjusted basis that eliminates the positive or negative effects that result from translating international sales into U.S. dollars. Management calculates constant currency by applying the foreign currency exchange rate for the prior period to the local currency results for the current period. Management believes that evaluating growth in net revenue on a constant currency basis provides an additional and meaningful assessment to both management and investors.

Conference Call Webcast and Dial-in Information

The company will host a conference call and webcast today beginning at 7:30 a.m. (CT) / 8:30 a.m. (ET).

Conference Call Audio Only Dial-in Information: To participate in the conference call, dial (844) 654-5620 (domestic) or (647) 253-8654 (international). Please dial into the call at least 10 minutes prior to the start to allow time to connect. The confirmation code is 1398146.

Webcast: A simultaneous webcast of the call will be accessible via the company's website at www.hillrom.com. A supplementary presentation will be posted to the Hillrom website prior to the webcast.

A recording of the webcast/call audio will be available for telephone replay for a period of 7 days following the earnings call. To access the replay, dial (800) 585-8367 (domestic) or (416) 621-4642 (international). For the replay, callers will need to use confirmation code 1398146. If you are unable to listen to the live webcast or the telephone replay, the webcast will be archived at www.hillrom.com.

About Hillrom

Hillrom is a global medical technology leader whose 10,000 employees have a single purpose: enhancing outcomes for patients and their caregivers by Advancing Connected Care. Around the world, our innovations touch over 7 million patients each day. They help enable earlier diagnosis and treatment, optimize surgical efficiency and accelerate patient recovery while simplifying clinical communication and shifting care closer to home. We make these outcomes possible through digital and connected care solutions and collaboration tools, including smart bed systems, patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies, respiratory health devices, advanced equipment for the surgical space and more, delivering actionable, real-time insights at the point of care. Learn more at hillrom.com.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release relating to Hillrom's future plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, representations and projections, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. It is important to note that forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance, and Hillrom's actual results could differ materially from those set forth in any forward-looking statements. For a more in-depth discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, see the discussions under the heading "Risk Factors" in Hillrom's previously filed most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Hillrom assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.

CONTACT INFORMATION Investor Relations Contact: Mary Kay Ladone, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, Strategy and Investor Relations Phone: 312-819-9387 Email: [email protected] Contact: Lorna Williams, Executive Director, Investor Relations and Strategy Phone: 312-233-7799 Email: [email protected]

Media Contact: Howard Karesh, Vice President, Corporate Communications Phone: 312-819-7268 Email: [email protected]

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share data)













Three Months Ended March 31

Six Months Ended March 31



2021

2020

2021

2020 Net Revenue















Product sales and service

$ 668.5



$ 647.0



$ 1,321.0



$ 1,261.3

Rental revenue

93.5



76.2



182.1



146.9

Total net revenue

762.0



723.2



1,503.1



1,408.2



















Cost of Net Revenue















Cost of goods sold

318.1



317.2

642.3



623.5

Rental expenses

36.5



38.5



74.2



75.5

Total cost of net revenue (excludes acquisition-related intangible asset amortization)

354.6



355.7

716.5



699.0



















Research and development expenses

34.5



34.4

69.3



65.9

Selling and administrative expenses

223.7



209.9

432.7



406.7

Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization

27.8



27.1

53.7



53.8

Special charges

7.1



8.8

34.2



16.6

Operating Profit

114.3



87.3

196.7



166.2



















Interest expense

(17.1)



(19.1)



(34.9)



(38.5)

Loss on extinguishment of debt













(15.6)

Investment income (expense) and other, net

9.1



(11.4)



16.1



(12.7)



















Income Before Income Taxes

106.3



56.8

177.9



99.4



















Income tax expense

19.2



9.9



32.0



12.7



















Net Income

$ 87.1



$ 46.9



$ 145.9



$ 86.7



















Net Income per Basic Common Share

$ 1.31



$ 0.70



$ 2.20



$ 1.30



















Net Income per Diluted Common Share

$ 1.30



$ 0.70



$ 2.18



$ 1.29



















Average Basic Common Shares Outstanding (in thousands)

66,370

66,685

66,421

66,731

















Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding (in thousands)

66,862

67,218



66,893

67,309



Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Revenue Constant Currency (Unaudited)

(In millions)



















U.S.

OUS



Three Months Ended March 31

Change As Reported

Constant Currency

Change As Reported

Change As Reported

Constant Currency



2021

2020







































Net Revenue:



























Product sales and service

$ 668.5



$ 647.0



3.3 %

0.8 %

(2.1) %

14.8 %

6.8 % Rental revenue

93.5



76.2



22.7 %

21.7 %

25.8 %

2.0 %

(6.1) % Total net revenue

$ 762.0



$ 723.2



5.4 %

3.0 %

1.6 %

14.2 %

6.2 %





























Net Revenue:



























Patient Support Systems

$ 398.3



$ 382.1



4.2 %

2.1 %

(1.2) %

21.1 %

12.4 % Front Line Care

285.0



258.2



10.4 %

8.1 %

7.8 %

16.2 %

8.6 % Surgical Solutions

78.7



82.9



(5.1) %

(9.0) %

(6.8) %

(3.6) %

(11.1) % Total net revenue

$ 762.0



$ 723.2



5.4 %

3.0 %

1.6 %

14.2 %

6.2 %





























OUS - Outside of the United States











































U.S.

OUS



Six Months Ended

March 31

Change As Reported

Constant Currency

Change As Reported

Change As Reported

Constant Currency



2021

2020







































Product sales and service

$ 1,321.0



$ 1,261.3



4.7 %

2.5 %

(2.4) %

20.0 %

13.1 % Rental revenue

182.1



146.9



24.0 %

22.9 %

26.9 %

4.2 %

(3.7) % Total net revenue

$ 1,503.1



$ 1,408.2



6.7 %

4.7 %

1.4 %

19.3 %

12.3 %





























Patient Support Systems

775.7



726.3



6.8 %

4.9 %

(0.2) %

29.6 %

21.7 % Front Line Care

554.9



512.8



8.2 %

6.5 %

5.7 %

14.0 %

8.4 % Surgical Solutions

172.5



169.1



2.0 %

(2.2) %

(7.3) %

9.5 %

1.8 % Total net revenue

$ 1,503.1



$ 1,408.2



6.7 %

4.7 %

1.4 %

19.3 %

12.3 %





























OUS - Outside of the United States

























Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation: Earnings Per Share (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share data)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

Operating Margin

Income Before Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Diluted EPS

Operating Margin

Income Before Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Diluted EPS As Reported 15.0 %

$ 106.3



$ 19.2



$ 1.30



12.1 %

$ 56.8



$ 9.9



$ 0.70

Adjustments:





























Acquisition and integration costs and related fair value adjustments 0.9 %

6.8



1.6



0.08



0.4 %

2.7



0.7



0.03

Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization 3.7 %

27.8



6.7



0.32



3.7 %

27.1



6.6



0.31

Field corrective actions 0.2 %

1.6



0.4



0.02



0.2 %

1.4



0.4



0.01

Regulatory compliance costs 0.3 %

2.2



0.6



0.02



0.7 %

4.8



1.2



0.05

Special charges 0.9 %

7.1



2.3



0.07



1.2 %

8.8



2.3



0.10

Pension settlement expense  %













 %

8.5



2.0



0.09

Litigation settlements 0.1 %

(6.8)



(1.6)



(0.08)



 %

(1.2)



(0.3)



(0.01)

Adjusted Earnings 21.1 %

$ 145.0



$ 29.2



$ 1.73



18.3 %

$ 108.9



$ 22.8



$ 1.28



































Six Months Ended March 31, 2021

Six Months Ended March 31, 2020

Operating Margin

Income Before Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Diluted EPS

Operating Margin

Income Before Income Taxes

Income Tax Expense

Diluted EPS As Reported 13.1 %

$ 177.9



$ 32.0



$ 2.18



11.8 %

$ 99.4



$ 12.7



$ 1.29

Adjustments:





























Acquisition and integration costs and related fair value adjustments 0.5 %

6.7



1.6



0.08



(0.3) %

(3.8)



1.0



(0.07)

Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization 3.6 %

53.7



13.0



0.61



3.8 %

53.8



13.0



0.61

Field corrective actions 0.1 %

1.6



0.4



0.02



0.1 %

1.4



0.4



0.01

Regulatory compliance costs 0.3 %

6.3



1.6



0.07



0.6 %

8.7



1.8



0.10

Special charges 2.3 %

34.2



8.5



0.38



1.2 %

16.6



3.5



0.19

Debt refinancing costs  %













 %

16.1



3.7



0.18

Loss on business combinations  %













 %

0.4



0.1



0.01

Pension settlement expense  %













 %

8.5



2.0



0.10

Litigation settlements 0.1 %

(6.8)



(1.6)



(0.08)



 %

(1.2)



(0.3)



(0.01)

COVID-19 related costs and benefits, net  %

(0.1)











 %











Adjusted Earnings 20.0 %

$ 273.5



$ 55.5



$ 3.26



17.2 %

$ 199.9



$ 37.9



$ 2.41



Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(In millions, except share amounts)

March 31,

2021

September 30,

2020 ASSETS





Current Assets





Cash and cash equivalents $ 269.7



$ 296.5

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $29.6 and $25.9 as of March 31, 2021 and September 30, 2020 578.5



594.9

Inventories, net of reserves 327.5



352.0

Other current assets 102.8



121.5

Total current assets 1,278.5



1,364.9

Property, plant and equipment 870.9



858.2

Less accumulated depreciation (572.0)



(552.1)

Property, plant and equipment, net 298.9



306.1

Goodwill 1,842.4



1,835.5

Other intangible assets and software, net 988.4



976.7

Deferred income taxes 33.2



32.9

Other assets 156.3



155.0

Total Assets $ 4,597.7



$ 4,671.1

LIABILITIES





Current Liabilities





Trade accounts payable $ 210.0



$ 236.5

Short-term borrowings 102.3



222.3

Accrued compensation 129.6



144.9

Accrued product warranties 30.3



30.8

Accrued rebates 48.9



44.8

Deferred revenue 105.6



110.1

Other current liabilities 166.4



162.8

Total current liabilities 793.1



952.2









Long-term debt 1,632.0



1,655.7

Accrued pension and postretirement benefits 93.4



89.3

Deferred income taxes 110.2



113.0

Other long-term liabilities 129.3



134.8

Total Liabilities 2,758.0



2,945.0

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY





Capital Stock:





Preferred stock - without par value: Authorized - 1,000,000; none issued or outstanding





Common stock - without par value: Authorized - 199,000,000 4.4



4.4

Issued: 88,457,634 shares as of March 31, 2021 and September 30, 2020; Outstanding: 66,409,302 as of March 31, 2021 and 66,640,832 as of September 30, 2020





Additional paid-in capital 681.7



667.0

Retained earnings 2,245.1



2,132.2

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) (153.2)



(180.2)

Treasury stock, common shares at cost: 22,048,332 as of March 31, 2021 and 21,816,802 as of September 30, 2020 (938.3)



(897.3)

Total Shareholders' Equity 1,839.7



1,726.1

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 4,597.7



$ 4,671.1



Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In millions)



Six Months Ended March 31



2021

2020 Operating Activities







Net income

$ 145.9



$ 86.7

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash provided by operating activities:







Depreciation and amortization of property, plant, equipment and software

37.5



34.1

Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization

53.7



53.8

Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs

2.1



2.1

Loss on extinguishment of debt





15.6

Benefit for deferred income taxes

(6.6)



(8.4)

Loss on disposal of property, equipment, intangible assets and impairments

0.3



1.2

Stock compensation

22.8



19.0

Other operating activities

16.5



12.4

Change in working capital excluding cash, current debt, acquisitions and dispositions:







Trade accounts receivable

12.6



12.2

Inventories

16.7



(1.7)

Other current assets

17.3



(23.6)

Trade accounts payable

(15.2)



6.3

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

(22.1)



(55.2)

Other assets and liabilities

(2.8)



2.2

Net cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash provided by operating activities

278.7



156.7

Investing Activities







Purchases of property, plant, equipment and software

(53.0)



(46.1)

Proceeds on sale of property and equipment

0.5



1.4

Payment for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

(30.0)



(13.1)

Other investing activities





(0.1)

Net cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash used in investing activities

(82.5)



(57.9)

Financing Activities







Payments of long-term debt

(25.0)



(25.1)

Borrowings on Revolving Credit Facility

275.0



190.0

Payments on Revolving Credit Facility

(275.0)



(85.0)

Borrowings on Securitization Facility





13.2

Payments on Securitization Facility

(30.0)



(17.7)

Borrowings on Note Securitization Facility





32.6

Payments on Note Securitization Facility

(90.0)



(21.2)

Redemption and prepayment premium on 5.75% Notes





(437.2)

Cash dividends

(30.5)



(28.7)

Proceeds on exercise of stock options

2.0



5.7

Stock repurchases for stock award withholding obligations

(8.5)



(15.8)

Stock repurchases in the open market

(47.4)



(54.1)

Other financing activities

4.4



3.9

Net cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash used in financing activities

(225.0)



(439.4)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

2.0



(2.7)

Net Cash Flows

(26.8)



(343.3)

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash:







At beginning of period

296.5



633.8

At end of period

$ 269.7



$ 290.5



SOURCE Hillrom

Related Links

http://www.hillrom.com


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - CVR Medical Corp. (TSXV: CVM) (OTC Pink: CRRVF) ("CVR Medical" or the "Company" or "we") a Canadian listed and US-based healthcare company in the medical device market is pleased to announce the completion and filing of its 2020 Financial Audit and Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A). The financial report is posted on SEDAR. Paul Blunden, M.D., President CVR Medical Corp., acknowledges the quality work put in by the Audit Committee to complete the 2020 Audit in timely manner.

About CVR Medical

CVR Medical Corp. is a healthcare company that operates in the medical device industry focused on the commercialization of its disruptive, proprietary Carotid Stenotic Scan device (the "CSS"). The CSS is a diagnostic tool that encompasses subsonic, infrasonic, and low frequency sound wave analysis technology. The CSS is a patented device designed to detect and measure carotid arterial stenosis. CVR Medical's shares are listed on the OTC under the symbol "CRRVF". The Company was previously listed for trading under the symbol "CVM". Additional information regarding the Company can be found in our recent filings with the SEDAR as well as the information maintained on our website at www.cvrmed.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:

(signed) Paul Blunden, M.D.

President & Director

For further information contact:

Paul Blunden, M.D., President/ Director

Email: info@cvrmed.com

This press release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events related to: trading on and dialogue with the Exchange, communications and negotiations with CVR Global, dialogue with certain advisors, the Term Sheet, the Proposed Restructuring, the Definitive Agreement, the License Agreement, the Review, certain corporate and securities law requirements, raising capital, the 2019 Audit and potential litigation. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements and are not guarantees of future performance of the Company. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: (1) a failure or material setback in negotiations between the Company and CVR Global; (2) a failure of the Company to resume trading on the Exchange; (3) a failure of the Company to raise capital sufficient capital to relaunch the Company; (4) an inability to enter into a definitive agreement with CVR Global; (5)a downturn in general economic conditions in North America and internationally, (6) the inherent uncertainties and speculative nature associated with commercialization of technology and the practice of medicine;(7) a change in health regulations; (8) any number of events or causes which may delay or cease commercialization and development of the CSS Device; (9) the risk that the Company does not execute its business plan, (10) the risk of litigation between the Company and certain shareholders and the risk of litigation generally; (11) an inability to retain key employees, (12) am inability to finance operations and growth, (13) compliance with certain corporate and securities law requirements; and (14) other factors that are beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE INC. HAS NEITHER APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

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Mumbai, April 30 : The Reserve Bank of India on Friday held a meeting with heads of small finance banks on credit flows to different segments of the borrowers and get a sense of emerging stress on banks' balance sheet in view of the current economic situation.

The video conference meeting, chaired by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, was also attended by Deputy Governors M. K. Jain, M.D. Patra, M. Rajeswar Rao and a few other senior RBI officials.

In his opening remarks, the Governor recognised the important role of the SFBs in delivering credit and other financial services to individuals and small businesses. He also emphasised the supervisory expectations in terms of maintaining their business resilience and managing risks prudently.

Das advised the banks to pay focussed attention on improving customer grievance redress process while also strengthening IT systems in the interest of the banks and their customers.

A lot of discussions hovered around assessing liquidity scenario for banks and making an assessment of bad assets emerging from current economic situation.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 77F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers later at night. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
If you want to go on a cruise this summer, get the jab.

That is underlining message in the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions new guidelines to the cruise industry on what it will take for them to resume sailings out of U.S. ports, including Mobile. In a letter the agency sent to cruise companies Wednesday, and obtained by national news outlets, cruise ships can sail in U.S. waters by mid-July as long as 95% of customers and 98% of crews are vaccinated against the deadly virus.

In Mobile, city officials are awaiting evaluation of the CDCs guidance from Carnival Cruise Line, the Miami-based company that sails from the Alabama Cruise Terminal on Water Street. Meanwhile, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson expressed excitement about the industry resuming activities this summer and the potential of having a significant revenue boost return to the Alabama port city.

Personally, I am very excited to see the CDC offering a clearer path forward for the industry to allow cruises to safely resume operations this summer, Stimpson said in statement to AL.com Thursday. I would encourage any Mobilians planning on cruising this summer to go ahead and register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, if they havent already.

A Carnival Cruise Line spokesman said Friday that they are continuing to review the letter before providing further comment.

Stimpson said the city is prepared for the return of cruising, which provides a hefty lift to the citys economy. The downtown Mobile terminal -- which has served as a COVID-19 mass vaccination site in recent months -- is set to host future sailings of the 2,056-passenger Carnival Sensation whenever cruising resumes. The last ship to dock in Mobile was the Carnival Fantasy, which sailed from the cruise terminal from 2016-2020. The last voyage carried around 1,600 passengers and docked in Mobile on March 16, 2020, during the onset of global shutdowns affecting the cruise industry.

All our full-time, part-time and contracted employees who interact with passengers on cruise days have already been vaccinated for COVID-19, Stimpson said. Our team is prepared to welcome back cruisers safely and with enthusiasm.

Some loyal Mobile cruisers are skeptical the 95% vaccination rate can be attained to allow Carnival and other cruise companies to resume sailings with full ships.

Keith Robinson, a Mobile resident and administrator of a Facebook page dedicated to cruising out of Mobile, said with only 30% of the U.S. population currently vaccinated, the 95% goal does not seem doable. In Alabama, only 23% of the population has been fully vaccinated which is tied with Mississippi for the worst rate in the U.S. Only 32% of the states population has gotten at least one dose of the vaccine, also among the worst in the U.S.

In Florida, the state whose economy is most impacted by the cruising industry, 29% of the population has been fully vaccinated.

Most estimates have placed the threshold of herd immunity at 60-70% of the population, either through vaccination or past exposure to COVID-19. But declining vaccination rates are creating new worries for health officials who are pushing to find ways to persuade the holdouts to get vaccinated.

Stewart Chiron, a cruise industry expert otherwise known as The Cruise Guy, said the latest update from the CDC would be an incentive for people to get vaccinated.

If people want to cruise or travel to Europe, they will need to be vaccinated so it may be a good incentive to persuade more people to get the jabs, he said.

Robinson, though, said hes not sure why the cruise industry is being singled out with what appears to be a vaccine mandate.

The cruise industry is one of the few under sole federal oversight, and is among the few major industries in the U.S. that remains completely shut down.

We can fly on a full airplane, no social distancing, but cant get on a cruise ship, said Robinson. I can go to Walmart, Target, grocery stores, etc., and there is no limit on how many people are inside and now masks are not mandated.

Angela Gray, also a Mobile resident who operates a business that designs and produces custom cruise shirts, banners, and other items, is also perplexed over why cruisers are being required to get vaccinated while other vacationers  such as those visiting theme parks  are not.

Its still people sharing the same space in close proximity regardless if its on a plane, train, roller coaster, theater, grocery store or cruise ship, Gray said. I do fully believe that we are definitely ready for cruises to resume and if being vaccinated is the key to that, Im confident that July would be a great start to getting our ships back in commission with passengers.

Related story: No sail, big worries: CDC halt to cruises creates unease in Alabama

Cruise ships were among the earliest COVID-19 superspreader venues in the world, with the Diamond Princess infecting nearly 1,000 people in early February 2020. Fourteen people aboard that ship died from the virus.

Global health experts have said that cruise ships are still considered highest risk environments in the travel industry given the nature of a cruise itinerary: Multiple days at sea with hundreds or thousands of people congregating together for a long period of time whether its aboard the ships dining venue, casino, or theater.

Jean-Paul Rodrigue, a professor of global studies and geography at Hofstra University in New York, has said its unfair to compare cruise ships with flying in an airplane. He said flights occur for a couple of hours, while passengers are required to wear face coverings and sit still while in the air, as opposed to the lengthy duration of being aboard a cruise ship.

Gray, the Mobile resident, said she doesnt think its fair for the CDC and others to continue curtailing cruising because of the outbreaks that occurred during the onset of the pandemic and before mask wearing and social distancing became universal practice.

I believe that social distancing, proper hand washing and hygiene, wearing masks and general overall self-awareness of COVID-19 has been a standard practice for us over the past year and we are more prepared now than we were before, she said. When the cruise lines were first shut down, we had only just learned of COVID-19 and no one was prepared, educated or had much to go on as to help with stopping the spread. We were all having to learn this together and figuring out how to stop it.

Chiron said the CDC guidance is a validation that the cruise industry is indeed ready to resume operations from U.S. ports.

He said the continued rise of people being vaccinated has helped make it possible.

A couple of months ago, it was inconceivable to require passengers and crews to be vaccinated, because it would likely have been too difficult to fill ships even at reduced capacities, he said. Fortunately, the pendulum has shifted and millions more people are now or will be close to being fully vaccinated.
Striking Port of Montreal dockworkers listen to speeches during a rally in Montreal on Thursday, April 29, 2021. An ongoing strike at one of Canada's busiest ports could be coming to an end, as the Senate prepares to deal with back-to-work legislation today that would force 1,150 dockworkers back on the job at the Port of Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Josh Duggar, 33, was arrested and charged with receiving and possessing child sexual abuse imagery in Arkansas this week.

Duggar is most well-known for being the oldest child in the 19 Kids and Counting series that followed the Duggar family, including parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, for years.

The 33-year-old man, who is now a father of seven, is accused of using the internet to download child sex abuse material, court documents state. Some of the material depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, KNWA reported.

He pleaded not guilty in his first court appearance on Zoom, the news station reported. If convicted, however, he faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 on each count.

This is not the first time Duggar has been in the spotlight for this type of alleged behavior.

In 2015, two of his sisters, Jill Dillard and Jessa Seewald, opened up about his abuse toward them.

In Joshs case, he was a young boy in puberty and a little too curious about girls, and that got him into some trouble, Seewald said, according to USA Today.

The newspaper reported that Duggar was investigated for multiple sex offenses against five underage girls and that some of the alleged offenses under investigation were felonies. But he was never been charged with a crime.

His most recent arrest comes less than a week after his wife, Anna, announced they were having their seventh child, a girl. The couple has been married for 13 years. Their childrens ages range from 17 months to 11 years.

Duggars trial date is scheduled for Tuesday, July 6.

Related Content:
Nghis showcase of intricately shaped, centuries-old wood salvaged from riverbeds and his prized collection of over 500 retro- and neo-style motorbikes are a hit amongst tourists visiting An Giang Province in Vietnams Mekong Delta.

Nghis tourist complex in My Luong Town has been all the rage amongst visitors to An Giang since it opened its doors in early February, steadily making a name for itself as the most alluring destination in the provinces Cho Moi District.

The most notable pieces in Nghis collection of natural and manmade oddities are the salvaged wood hes recovered from the Tien (Front) river over the past decade.

His assortment of lua timber  the Vietnamese name for lumber recovered from riverbeds  included 24 pieces of exquisitely carved Chinese zodiac animals, as well as dozens of uniquely shaped tree stumps.

The collection is so peculiar that it has attracted over 10,000 visitors in the less than three months since the exhibition was launched.

But its not just the salvaged wood that is pulling in tourists. Many say Nghis hospitality and friendliness magnify the beauty of the collection.

For Nghi, however, the attention is a brand new experience and one he would rather shy away from.

I dont want to be in the spotlight. On top of that, Im not really photogenic and I try not to take pictures with my customers because of my dark skin from years working in the construction industry, the 52-year-old explained.

Breathtaking collections

Nghi shared that his love for carpentry and wood began during his childhood in My Luong Town  a locale known as a time-honored carpentry village.

As a young man, Nghi would help fishermen whose boats became entangled in sunken logs and stumps. All fishermen needed to do was to give him a call and he would show up on his barge, set them loose, and bring the sunken trees ashore.

Over the years, Nghi searched for ways to make use of the preserved trees but typically wound up just dumping them in a deserted lot on En Islet between An Giang and Dong Thap Provinces.

As the pile grew bigger, with hundreds of tree trunks filling the lot, he realized that collectors were willing to pay a hefty sum to purchase the salvaged logs for use as decorations.

Lua tree bases and trunks retrieved from riverbeds make an eye-catching sight at Nguyen Van Nghis property in An Giang Province, Vietnam

As he began to make more money off selling the reclaimed tree trunks, he started scouring local rivers for more and even hired skilled craftsmen to carve them into magnificent works of art.

At one point, he even invited a troupe of wood sculptors from the central Hue City to take a shot at carving the preserved wood.

Throughout his first 15 years of salvaging wood, Nghis wife had no idea he had slowly been building a collection.

It wasnt until that he became involved in tourism that she realized just how vast her husbands work had become.

To launch his exhibition, Nghi spent nine months transforming a two-hectare lot into a tourist complex boasting 50 salvaged tree trunks of various shapes, sizes, and carved patterns depicting both humans and animals.

Some of the trunks which have been left in their original form are so big that over 10 people could stand on their base at once.

Not so surprisingly, given the popularity of his exhibits, Nghis complex is hailed by both neighbors and local authorities as an important addition to the tourism industry in Cho Moi District, on par with the tourism offerings in nearby Long Xuyen and Chau Doc Cities.

Still, the magnificent collection on display is just a small portion of Nghis riverbed finds.

The remaining items still lay idle on the 10-hectare plot on En Islet, where the ambitious man is halfway through reaching his goal of building another tourist complex to better promote Cho Mois allure.

A mobile passion

Aside from his collection of salvaged wood, Nghis tourist complex also hosts a 300-square-meter hall crammed with vintage motorbikes from between 1965 and 1967, as well as classy modern scooters produced by Vespa and Honda.

In total, his collection of motorbikes numbers over 500.

Nghi grew up in a poor family and owning a motorbike always seemed like an unachievable dream.

Coming from a humble background, I wasnt even able to afford a bicycle. I remember a man on a Honda Cub 50 once drove by me and it suddenly aroused a desire in me to buy my own, Nghi recalled.

That dream pushed me to work non-stop until I earned enough to buy one.

Such desires led Nghi to work all kinds of odd jobs before finding success as a construction contractor before he turned 30.

He also runs a brick kiln and owns a few barges.

Such success led him to earn enough to begin purchasing a collection of motorbikes and outfitting them with license plates that held lucky numbers.

Currently, all of the bikes in his collection carry plates registered in An Giang and Dong Thap Provinces, his paternal and maternal hometowns.

Currently, most of the bikes are registered to himself, his trusted nephews, and the care of close friends.

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Britons will be allowed to hug their friends and family in just over a fortnight as ministers look set to follow through with the next stage of Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown.

The country's hugely-successful vaccine drive - coupled with social distancing rules - has meant just one in 1,000 people in England now have Covid, and the R rate is still below 1.

The drop in figures means the government will likely approve the next stage of England's lockdown easing on May 17.

From that date, limits on outdoor meetings are set to be lifted while the rule of six - or two households rule - will apply indoors.

And international travel looks set to resume as well, but with mandatory Covid tests and quarantine likely remaining in place for most holiday destinations, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Ministers could also relax social distancing between friends and family on May 17 - meaning loved ones kept apart for months may finally be allowed to hug.

Britons will be allowed to hug their friends and family in just over a fortnight as ministers look set to follow through with the next stage of Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown. Pictured: Revellers out in Soho, London, on Friday night

Police are seen in Soho on Friday night as revellers enjoy outside dining in restaurants

Revellers in Leeds were making the most of the long weekend as they took to the streets on Friday night for a night of fun

During Friday's antics, one woman was wrestled to the floor in Leeds by bouncers and police amid the revelry as Britain continues to enjoy the released lockdown rules

Party-goers dressed to the nines as they headed out amid lowering Covid infection rates across the UK to celebrate Friday night

Some needed the warmth of an outdoor heater as people were forced to drink and dine outside before the restrictions ease again

A group of friends pose for the camera as people across the UK headed out to mark the start of the Bank Holiday weekend

Diners are seen enjoying an al fresco meal in Soho, London, on Friday night

The streets of Soho are lined with diners who are enjoying an outdoor meal now it is permitted under Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown

COVID-19 OUTCOMES IN ENGLAND 'WERE WORSE FOR SOUTH ASIANS DURING SECOND WAVE' South Asian communities in England experienced greater levels of Covid-19 infection, severe disease and death during the second wave when compared to other minority ethnic groups, according to scientists. Researchers said that while disparities for hospital admissions and death improved for most minority ethnic groups between the first (February to September 2020) and the second wave (September to December 2020) of the pandemic, it widened for those from South Asian backgrounds. The findings, published in the journal Lancet, are based on 17 million adults in England and is thought to be the largest study to date. Dr Rohini Mathur, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, said: 'Despite the improvements seen in most minority ethnic groups in the second wave compared to the first, it's concerning to see that the disparity widened among South Asian groups. 'This highlights an urgent need to find effective prevention measures that fit with the needs of the UK's ethnically diverse population.' The scientists said health factors - such as body weight, blood pressure and underlying health conditions - as well has household size could be some of the key factors for disparity in Covid-19 mortality for South Asian groups. Based on their findings, the researchers are calling for more intensive strategies tailored to improve outcomes in South Asian communities in addition to reducing structural disadvantage and inequality and improving quality of and access to healthcare across all minority ethnic groups. Dr Mathur said: 'While multigenerational living may increase risk of exposure and transmission (from children or working age adults to older or vulnerable family members), such households and extended communities also offer valuable informal care networks and facilitate engagement with health and community services. 'In light of emerging evidence that minority ethnic groups are less likely to take up the Covid-19 vaccine, co-designing culturally competent and non-stigmatising engagement strategies with these communities is increasingly important.' The Covid-19 pandemic is thought to have had a disproportionate impact on minority ethnic communities in the UK when compared with white groups - with living in deprived areas, working in front-line jobs, and having poorer access to healthcare putting them at higher risk of severe disease and mortality. For their study, the researchers analysed partially anonymised electronic health data from 17,288,532 adults in the OpenSAFELY database. Ethnicity was self-reported by participants and grouped into five main categories - white, South Asian, black, other, and mixed. Data showed that during the first wave, nearly all minority ethnic groups had higher relative risk for testing positive, being admitted to hospital and intensive care units (ICU), and death, compared to white groups. ICU admissions were more than doubled for all minority ethnic groups compared with white groups, the researchers said, with black people more than three times more likely to be admitted to ICU after accounting for other factors. The researchers found these risks lessened during the second wave for all minority ethnic communities, with the exception of South Asian groups. Advertisement

Government guidance states the advice 'on social distancing between friends and family' will be updated on May 17.

And a source told The Times: 'The data is looking very good. The scientists say we're on track for the next stage unless something changes dramatically.'

Britain's daily Covid deaths have fallen by nearly two thirds in a week as health chiefs recorded just 15 fatalities on Friday.

Department of Health bosses also posted another 2,381 cases, with the outbreak remaining stable.

Last Friday there were 2,678 infections and 40 deaths reported.

Another 610,000 vaccines were also dished out, with 14.5million Britons now fully vaccinated against coronavirus.

The Government today announced care home residents will be able to leave their home for 'low risk' visits without having to self-isolate for 14 days on their return.

From Tuesday, residents leaving their home for a walk or to visit a loved one's garden will no longer have to isolate for two weeks when they get back.

But those leaving for medical appointments and for overnight visits will still be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) removed the requirement for outdoor, 'low risk' visits after being threatened with legal action by the charity John's Campaign.

Campaigners said the rule encourages care homes to act unlawfully by 'falsely imprisoning' residents, with family members calling it 'barbaric'.

Under the changes, residents on visits out must be accompanied by either a member of staff or one of their two nominated visitors, and follow social distancing throughout.

They cannot meet in groups or go indoors - except for the use of toilets - and public transport should be avoided where possible.

It is understood a resident would be able to eat outside at a restaurant or cafe with their care worker or nominated visitor if they agree this with the care home in advance.

Residents will also be able to vote in person in the upcoming local elections without having to self-isolate for 14 days.

The DHSC is expected to review the self-isolation requirement for more visits on May 17.

It comes as separate data showed England's Covid cases have plunged by 40 per cent in a week, with just one in every 1,010 people now carrying the virus.

Office for National Statistics data suggested the total number of infections is lower than at any point since early September and infections have been falling constantly for five weeks.

Its report showed that cases were still tumbling in all regions except Yorkshire and the East of England 'where the trends are uncertain'.

They also came down in all children and teenagers and people over 35, increasing only in young adults.

And SAGE yesterday estimated the R rate was between 0.8 and 1.1, meaning the outbreak is still flat.

It is up slightly on the 0.8 - 1.0 last week, and reflects the state of the outbreak a fortnight ago because the data takes time to filter through.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted about the numbers, saying: 'This data is hugely promising and shows that our strategy is working.'

Experts said the data 'should be celebrated' and were the first proof that, despite the reopening of outdoor hospitality and allowing the rule of six earlier this month, there was still 'no evidence of an increased transmission risk'.

Evidence that Covid has been stamped out in Britain is now overwhelming as the vaccine rollout speeds ahead and official figures show 22million people - one in three - live in areas where not a single person has died with the virus this month.

It marks a seismic shift from the UK's dire situation in January at the height of the second wave, when fewer than 50,000 Britons were in places with zero coronavirus victims during that month.

But a member of the Government's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said that while the role of vaccines in keeping down coronavirus infections is growing, caution must be exercised in easing restrictions.

Around 22million people are living in areas across the UK where there have been no coronavirus deaths so far in April, official figures revealed

UK rate of Indian Covid variant spikes EIGHT-FOLD in a fortnight The proportion of UK Covid infections caused by the Indian variant spiked eight-fold in a fortnight at the start of April, MailOnline can reveal. Four hundred cases of the mutant strain - linked to an explosion of cases in India - have been detected in Britain since it was first spotted in February. While it accounted for just 0.2 per cent of positive tests checked by laboratory scientists at the end of March, this had surged to 1.7 per cent by mid-April. Health chiefs have now split the B.1.617 variant, as it is known to virologists, into three distinct virus types because it has mutated into similar but genetically different strains. Scientists can't yet tell whether any of the three spread quicker than the Kent strain, which is dominant in Britain. But they don't think it does based on current evidence, and also don't believe it is any more like to cause serious illness or death. Early research suggests both the AstraZeneca vaccine, known as Covishield in India, and the Pfizer jab, still work against the variant, as well as the country's home-made jab Covaxin. Some areas of Britain have had clusters of multiple cases of B.1.617 and in Basingstoke it accounted for one in five positive tests in the most recent week, up to April 10. The numbers mean it has quickly become more prevalent than the South African and Brazilian variants but this is likely linked to an surge of tests on travellers, while the others are known to have spread within the UK. India is currently going through a catastrophic second wave with overwhelmed hospital wards spilling out into the streets, bodies piling up in public and cremations taking place in parks and car parks. Medics fear up to 3million people are catching the virus and 30,000 dying from it every day. Advertisement

Professor Adam Finn told BBC Newsnight: 'I think the role of the vaccine programme is increasing week on week.

'Increasingly we're seeing the impact of the vaccine, initially on hospitalisation and now increasingly actually on transmission of the virus. So we are in a good place.

'The low figures are a reflection of that but I think there's one thing we've learned over the last 14 months is that how things are today is not a close and accurate predictor of how things will be in two or three months time, so we have to expect a certain amount of instability going forward, I don't think this is all over yet.'

He said a 'very large' number of people are yet to be vaccinated or survived infection so remain vulnerable to the virus, and warned there is a 'need to play it safe and not wander too close to the edge of the cliff'.

NHS data yesterday revealed that only tiny numbers of people are being hospitalised with coronavirus after their first vaccine dose has kicked in.

Numbers analysed by SAGE showed that around one per cent of people hospitalised with the virus in the second wave were three weeks post-vaccine, by which time they are expected to have protection.

There were 526 people admitted with Covid three or more weeks after their first jab, out of a total of 52,000 inpatients included in the study.

Those 526, who were expected to have vaccine protection, made up 29 per cent of all people admitted at any time after the first jab.

The other 71 per cent fell ill too soon after their vaccine to have any real immunity.

These 'vaccine failure' patients were almost all very elderly and frail, SAGE advisers said, and fit into the same group for whom the jabs are less likely to work.

Professor Calum Semple, member of SAGE and a Liverpool University virologist, said the data were 'reassuring' that even single doses of vaccines are protecting people in the real world.

The numbers show the rate of hospitalisation remained high during the first week after the jab but then fell dramatically in the second and third weeks and beyond.

Other trials have shown that not all elderly people have an immune response to the first dose of a vaccine  which may explain why some still end up in hospital after their jab  but generally everybody shows signs of immunity after the second dose.

The promising figures come as thousands of revellers returned to the dancefloor at the UK's first post-lockdown 'nightclub' rave on Friday.

Nightlife promoter Circus hosted The First Dance in Liverpool, where revellers did not have to wear face coverings or social distance for the first time since before lockdown began.

The line-up included Circus founder and DJ Yousef, Lewis Boardman and The Blessed Madonna. Fatboy Slim is among the acts due to perform on Saturday.

NHS England statistics going up to April 25 show that 65 per cent of adults in the age group have had their first dose of either the AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna jab. But MailOnline analysis shows inoculation rates vary wildly across the country. Seven local authorities have seen fewer than half of residents in the age group

Confetti is fired into the crowd who are seen enjoying themselves during the dance event at Bramley-Moore Dock warehouse in Liverpool

A crowd of revellers seen drinking beer and enjoying their time at the nightclub in Liverpool on Friday in the first post-lockdown rave

People enjoy their time at the nightclub in Liverpool as part of a national research programme assessing the risk of the coronavirus disease transmission

One reveller drinks from a bottle of wine as she sits on someone's shoulders during the rave at The First Dance in Liverpool

A crowd of ravers are pictured in Bramley-Moore Dock, Liverpool, during a nightclub rave test event

Three people pose for the camera as they stand amongst a crowd of revellers at the event in Liverpool

DEADLINE MISSED FOR RELEASE OF HOLIDAY LISTS A deadline for grading countries under the new traffic light system for international travel has been missed by the Government. The Commons' Transport Select Committee issued a report last week which stated that the green, amber and red lists of destinations must be published by Saturday 'at the latest', but this has not happened. Instead, the Department for Transport has only said the lists will be made public in 'early May'. The ban on overseas leisure travel is expected to be lifted for people in England from May 17 as part of the next easing of coronavirus restrictions. The traffic light system will be risk-based, with different rules for people returning to England depending on which list their destination is on. Many people are eager to discover what countries are on the green list to avoid the need to self-isolate. Advertisement

Ravers have to take a lateral flow test 24 hours before the event in order to release their e-ticket, and have to produce a negative result to gain entry.

They are then asked to take another test five days after the rave and submit the results.

Inside the Bramley-Moore Dock warehouse, crowds packed the floor to dance shoulder-to-shoulder for the first time in more than a year.

Club-goers were seen hugging and kissing each other, with some sitting on others' shoulders for a better view of the stage.

Merseyside Police has even had to reassure concerned members of the public after receiving messages from people who saw footage of the non-socially distanced event.

The force said: 'This is fortunately a legal event which is part of the pilot scheme.'

It is hoped the event, the first of two taking place on consecutive nights, will pave the way for clubs across the country to reopen their doors.

But critics say the event bears little resemblance to an actual club night, with the event starting at 2pm and revellers getting kicked out by 11pm.

People involved in the trial do not need to socially distance from strangers nor wear a mask, but must be over 18, live in the Liverpool City region and registered to a GP, and must be showing no signs of Covid-19 symptoms.

The trial events are designed to advance the reopening roadmap's plan to scrap social distancing on June 21.

The club night is led by scientists, aided by researchers inside to 'monitor' crowds and study 'behavioural' responses of people after a year of social distancing.

A board of advisers, made up of independent scientists and public health experts, will assess the data and present results to Ministers at the end of May.

A woman is seen dancing and waving her arms from side to side as people dance and sit on on others' shoulders for a better view of the stage

People enjoy themselves on the dance floor at Bramley-Moore Dock warehouse in Liverpool

A general view showing the crowd of revellers dancing in front of the stage inside a warehouse in Liverpool

People hold up their phones during the event inside a warehouse in the city, dancing shoulder to shoulder for the first time in more than a year

Ravers are seen towards the front of the crowd in Liverpool tonight. Three thousand people are expected at the event

A man enjoys his time at the UK's first post-lockdown 'nightclub' rave. The trial events are designed to advance the reopening roadmap's plan to scrap social distancing on June 21

Crowds packed the floor inside the warehouse to dance shoulder-to-shoulder for the first time in more than a year

Revellers stood at the front of the crowd pose for the camera during the event inside a warehouse in Liverpool

A general view of the dance floor is pictured. The club night is led by scientists, aided by researchers inside to 'monitor' crowds and study 'behavioural' responses of people after a year of social distancing

A woman can be seen sat on someone's shoulders as people enjoy their time at the rave hosted by nightlife promoter Circus

One reveller holds a bottle of wine up in the air as she sits on someone's shoulders during The First Dance event in Liverpool

Clubbers in the UK return to the dance floor as Circus hosts the first dance event in Liverpool's Bramley-Moore Dock warehouse

A woman reacts to the camera as she sit on someone's shoulders and holds up her phone to record the event in Liverpool

Revellers are seen inside the warehouse for a Covid safety pilot event attended by around 3,000 people

A group of women pose for the camera. People involved in the trial do not need to socially distance nor wear a mask

Two women dance together as Circus hosts the test rave which will provide data on how events could be permitted to safely reopen
LEASING

Botany

Virtus Infrastructure has leased a 400 sq m warehouse at 2/27-29 Sir Joseph Banks Street from Wolf Controls Pty Ltd for $200 per sq m. The lease term is three years. Alex Bennett and Charlie McKenzie from LJ Hooker Commercial South Sydney | Inner West negotiated the lease.

Marrickville

Bounceled Pty Ltd has leased a 290 sq m warehouse/office at 2 Chapel Street from Sineteri Pty Ltd for $234.48 per sq m. The lease term is three years. Adam Selikman, Taylor Nicholas Inner West negotiated the lease.
Amidst the ongoing military confrontation with Russia, reports have emerged proving that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking to appoint the far-right Serhiy Sternenko as head of Ukraines Security Service (SBU) in Odessa, in an attempt to further his alliance with neo-Nazi forces.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky [Credit: en.kremlin.ru]

As the former head of the neo-Nazi Right Sector in Odessa, Sternenko was directly implicated in the 2014 Trade Unions House massacre of 46 people. He is a convicted criminal and currently under investigation for murder.

Andriy Bohdan, the former head of Zelenskys administration, confirmed the presidents offer in a Facebook post in response to questions by a reporter with the online news site Strana. When asked if the rumors were true that Zelensky had offered the position to Sternenko, Bohdan replied, I think he did it right when they were quickly forming a list of government deputies. An acute personnel shortage as they say.

While Sternenko had previously claimed that he met personally with Zelensky and was offered the position in 2019, ties between the two had never been officially confirmed by anyone close to the president.

Confirmation of the offer demonstrates that the administration of Zelensky, who came to power in 2019 due to widespread disillusionment and disgust with his right-wing nationalist predecessor Petro Poroshenko, has in fact continued and increased the conspicuous alliance of Ukraines oligarchy with neo-Nazi thugs.

As a far-right political operative, Sternenko has a bloody political and criminal history including drug charges, kidnapping and murder.

In February of this year, he was found guilty and sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for the 2015 kidnapping and robbery of Serhiy Shcherbych, an Odessa district councilor and member of the pro-Russian Rodina Party.

Following the verdict, protests broke out across the country led by Ukrainian far-right nationalist forces calling for Sternenkos release. The protests resulted in the trashing of Zelenskys presidential offices, with 27 police officers injured in the process.

Serhiy Sternenko in June 2020 in a court in Kyiv (credit: RBC Ukraine via Wikipedia / CC-BY-SA 4.0)

Sternenko has likewise been supported by Ukraines most prominent right-wing politicians, former President Petro Poroshenko and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who both criticized Sternenkos sentencing.

In addition to kidnapping charges, Sternenko is under investigation for the killing of Ivan Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov was killed in 2018 after another man confronted the infamous Sternenko and his girlfriend in the streets of Odessa. According to reports, after a fight broke out Sternenko chased down a fleeing Kuznetsov for over 100 meters and eventually stabbed him to death.

Sternenko first came to political prominence as a right-wing supporter of the US-backed coup in 2014 that ousted the elected pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. The coup heavily relied on neo-fascist forces such as Sternenko, his Right Sector and the Azov Battalion.

Later, as leader of the Right Sector in Odessa, Sternenko was directly implicated in the massacre of 46 people who were horrifically burned to death by right-wing thugs on May 2, 2014, after being forced to take shelter in Odessas Trade Unions House.

Since the Odessa Trade Unions House fire, Sternenkos Right Sector thugs have interrupted a number of memorial events by family members to the victims. None of them have ever been held accountable for the massacre.

Despicably, in the Western press Sternenko is often depicted as a pro-democracy and anti-corruption activist who has been unfairly prosecuted.

Sternenko previously wore typical neo-Nazi military garb, but now is often seen dressed in a suit with glasses. He even earned himself a law degree in an effort to appear more respectable, garner support from Western imperialism and hide his neo-Nazi ties.

Recently, the rabidly anti-Russian Washington D.C.-based Atlantic Council think tank attempted to whitewash the bloody nature of Sternenko and Ukraines far right which the think tank itself supports.

Turning the truth on its head regarding the events of the Odessa massacre in 2014, the Atlantic Council wrote, Sternenko has been in the public eye for a number of years and has frequently attracted controversy. He initially rose to prominence as head of the Odessa branch of Ukrainian far-right nationalist group Right Sector, and was actively involved in efforts to prevent a Kremlin-led takeover of the Black Sea port city in spring 2014 during the initial phase of Russias ongoing hybrid war against Ukraine.

In March, thanks to the support he received from the US-backed section of the Ukrainian ruling class, Sternenko was released from jail on house arrest. Several Ukrainian parliamentary members had offered to pay Sternenkos bail, including members from Zelenskys own Servant of the People party.

Sternenko had been taken into custody after his sentencing in February and is now out on a pending appeal. His case is following a pattern in the Ukrainian judicial system where far-right thugs are rarely convicted or, even when convicted, can later skip out of jail and prison on appeal.

Sternenkos release conspicuously coincided with the ramping up of hostilities with pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine and tensions with Moscow as well as Zelenskys crackdown on the pro-Russian opposition in Ukraine.

In February Zelensky undemocratically banned the popular pro-Russian television stations ZIK, NewsOne, and 112 Ukraine, ostensibly to combat Russian disinformation.

The channels are affiliated with pro-Russian opposition leader and oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, who favors a negotiated peace settlement with Moscow and the Donbass separatists. This past week, Zelensky moved even further, banning the stations from YouTube in Ukraine.

By banning the channels, Zelensky has furthered his dangerous confrontation with Moscow over Crimea and the separatist-controlled Donbass region. He has also taken out media outlets which often expose the comfortable relationship between the pro-NATO section of the Ukrainian oligarchy and right-wing anti-Russian fascists like Sternenko.

One of the banned channels, 112 Ukraine, has reported previously on the recruitment and promotion of figures such as Sternenko by the SBU following the anti-Moscow coup in 2014. According to a June 2020 report from 112 Ukraine, Sternenkos ties to the SBU date back to 2014 and that for some time while in Odessa as head of the Right Sector Sternenko basically worked as a paid employee of the SBU.

For the Ukrainian government, which recently announced a strategy to retake Crimea and continues to engage in a potentially catastrophic confrontation with Moscow with the military support from the US, figures such as Sternenko are indispensable for carrying out their dirty work both in the war zone, and when it comes to suppressing popular opposition.

Ukraines right-wing Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov, who is closely affiliated with neo-Nazi forces such as the Azov Battalion, recently called for the neo-fascists, whom he called patriots, to ready themselves to protect the motherland from Russia. These statements, like Zelenskys increasingly open ties with the countrys far right, are further proof that the Ukrainian ruling class is counting on such elements to serve as the spearhead in a potential war with Russia.
Ukraine is ready to share its experience in the field of cybersecurity with the United States and other Western countries.

Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova said this during a webinar organized by the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council, Ukrinform's own correspondent reports.

"We in Ukraine have a lot to share on this issue. We have dealt with a large number of cyberattacks [from Russia] before they were detected here in the United States, and we know what to do [in such cases], said Markarova.

According to her, Ukraine has taken certain protection measures and is ready to cooperate on this issue with the United States and other Western countries.

"Together we can develop a plan on how to increase efficiency and effectiveness in a coordinated response to this challenge," Markarova said.

In addition, according to her, the Ukrainian side is ready to develop a dialogue with the United States in many other areas, including innovation and climate change.

As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Markarova as Ukraine's ambassador to the United States on February 25. On April 20, Markarova left for Washington.

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Post-floods: Timor-Leste struggles to cope amid Covid-19

by Christine Rovoi

April 30,2021 | Source: RNZ

A month after being hit with devastating floods, Timor-Leste is struggling to cope amid a Covid-19 outbreak. Last month's floods left more than 45 people dead including a dozen children and tens of thousands homeless. The floods were brought on by a cyclone in Indonesia. In its latest update issued on 21 April, the government said 28,734 households were affected by the floods, with 90 percent of the homes in the capital Dili.



The UN Children's Agency said over 6000 people were still in 30 evacuation centres across Dili. The UNICEF's head in Dili, Bilal Durrani, told RNZ Pacific the situation was dire as the government is trying to cope with the challenges of Covid-19. Durrani said with thousands still stranded at the evacuation centres, the challenge for the authorities was ensuring Covid-19 protocols were being followed in these facilities. He said there were also people at informal shelters in other areas of the capital which were unknown to officials.



"These evacuation facilities are not designed to hold so many people and they are quite overcrowded. It's very difficult to maintain social distancing in these centres. "We've seen a rise in a number of cases of Covid-19 in the country - more than 1400 cases have been identified and over 700 active cases." Prior to the floods, the government had been able to contain any outbreak of Covid-19, Durrani said. But since the floods on 29 March, he said there had been a surge in cases and three deaths confirmed. "Unfortunately, a lot of our efforts have seen a dent because of the floods. People have had to move in large numbers to these shelters. So it's a challenge and the Health Ministry and partners like UNICEF are trying to maintain the situation." Meanwhile, the government is seeking international help following the catastrophic floods.



NZ, Australia up support for Timor-Leste



New Zealand and Australia say they stand ready to consider any requests for assistance from Timor-Leste. Officials from both sides of the Tasman met in Auckland last week to discuss their Covid-19 response efforts in the Pacific, including Timor-Leste. Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Zed Seselja, told a media conference his government is helping with the recovery in Timor-Leste. "We have received a request for assistance from Timor-Leste and we have provided almost $A7 million in an immediate humanitarian fund. "We're setting up evacuation centres to help provide essential supplies and those discussions will be ongoing with the Timor-Leste government in terms of what additional support are needed. "We are aware that in addition to dealing with the natural disaster flooding, they are also trying to cope with the Covid-19 outbreak."



As of 21 April, there are 749 active cases of Covid-19 in Timor-Leste and three deaths reported. The government warned the risk of further spread of Covid-19 remained high. It said the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination programme, which was launched on 7 April - is ongoing and had been rolled out in most of the cities and towns, with over 28,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine administered. Senator Seselja said the relationship between Canberra and Wellington was "critically important" to ensure the health and well-being of the region.



"When we look to the Pacific, we know that working together is crucial to maintaining the stability and security of our region. We know there are some significant economic challenges ahead with the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis." New Zealand's Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs Aupito William Sio met with Seselja and said New Zealand is also providing further support to Timor-Leste. Aupito, who is also Minister for Pacific Peoples, said Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta was spearheading New Zealand's efforts in Dili. Mahuta earlier announced New Zealand would provide essential relief items including mother and infant kits, solar lanterns, water purification tablets, water pumps, petrol generators, collapsible water containers and family hygiene kits. She said the government would also provide a range of additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) items to help ensure health workers could treat Covid-19 patients safely. These supplies will be delivered via a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130, Mahuta said. "We have made emergency funding available to enable the New Zealand Embassy in Dili to respond rapidly to local needs."



According to a preliminary assessment by Timor-Leste's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries which was conducted in nine cities (Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Covalima, Ermera, Liquica, Manatuto, Oecusse, and Viqueque), a total of 1820 hectares of rice crops and 190ha of maize crops had been affected by the flooding. Manatuto is the worst-affected, the report said, with 1167ha of rice crops damaged. On 20 April, the National Parliament approved amendments to the 2021 General State Budget of $US293.9 million, which increased allocations to the Covid-19 fund. Discussions are currently ongoing in Parliament regarding additional allocation for the flood response and recovery efforts. The Council of Ministers has also proposed extending the state of emergency for Covid-19 for another 30 days.

Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Landing Centres, Fisheries Resources, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Others, Communities and Organisations, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats.
The Case of The Mysterious Mansion: A Four Cousins Christmas Mystery: a thrilling tale of secrets and faith. The Case of The Mysterious Mansion: A Four Cousins Christmas Mystery is the creation of published author, Margaret Krivchenia, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and retired counselor.

Krivchenia writes, The four cousins, Kate, Emma, Harrison, and Parker, are traveling to Asheville, North Carolina for a Christmas vacation with their parents. Their friend Tommy and his collie, Robin, will be flying in from Cody, Wyoming, to join them. They met Tommy last July when they visited JW at the Flying J Boys Ranch near Cody, Wyoming. There, they discovered the secret hidden in the Broken Arrow Mine. Now, they are anticipating a fun-filled snowy time of snowman-building, sledding, and exploring the woods surrounding their haven on the mountain. Little do they know of the blizzard that is heading their way, or that they will experience another strange and inspiring mystery in the beautiful mansion called Grey Stone Manor hidden deep in the forests, high above the Christmas village of Holly Hill. They will meet three wonderful people who reside in this majestic home: Anna, Clarence, and Agnes. Grey Stone Manor holds a secret in its forgotten depths that could save the mansion from being sold to developers who will destroy this historic house.

Follow the cousins and Tommy as they race against time to discover the ancient artifact from Bethlehem. Travel with them as they descend into the scary, dark, and unexplored areas of Grey Stone Manor, seeking the miracle that will save them all, including the village of Holly Hill. Once again, they will bring healing and love and show the goodness of God in a wonderful Christmas blessing.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Margaret Krivchenias new book brings the same thrilling energy to the series as it has in previous installments.

With affable characters and an invigorating storyline, Krivchenia welcomes readers back to enjoy another episode in the lives of the four cousins

View a synopsis of The Case of The Mysterious Mansion: A Four Cousins Christmas Mystery on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase The Case of The Mysterious Mansion: A Four Cousins Christmas Mystery at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about The Case of The Mysterious Mansion: A Four Cousins Christmas Mystery, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Gardai have arrested four people and seized 18,000 of suspected drugs and a number of weapons following an operation in Clonmel today (Thursday).

The operation, targeting suspected organised crime and the illegal sale and supply of controlled drugs, commenced at 7am and involved searches at ten houses in Clonmel.

During the course of the operation, Gardai seized 18,000 of suspected cocaine, cannabis herb and amphetamines. Gardai also seized two suspected imitation firearms and an assortment of weapons such as slash hooks.

One man, aged in his 30s, is detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 whilst two other men (20s & 30s) are detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

All three are detained at Clonmel Garda Station. A woman (late teens) is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Cahir Garda Station.

All of the suspected drugs will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

The operation was conducted by Gardai from the Clonmel District Drug Unit with the assistance of local uniform and detective Gardai, the Tipperary Divisional Drug Unit, Armed Support Units and Regional Dog Unit.

Members of the Defence Forces also assisted gardai in carrying out a number of the searches.
Kilkenny Chamber is urging Diageo to engage with the wider business community and the local authority following the shock announcement of the closure of the Smithwick's Experience yesterday.

"We are saddened to hear of the announcement by Diageo of their intention to permanently close Kilkennys highly regarded tourist attraction, the Smithwicks Experience.

"With the heritage of brewing Smithwicks in Kilkenny since 1710, there are very few businesses in Kilkenny or indeed in the whole of Ireland with such a 300 year history. It has been a vital part of the Kilkenny Heritage and Tourism offering and has contributed greatly to commercial activity in Kilkenny by attracting visitors and creating jobs.

"Noting that the ongoing development of the Abbey Quarter is heightening the focus on that part of the city, Kilkenny Chamber will be supportive of initiatives in that space. The permanent closure of the Smithwicks Experience will be a great loss to the city and the Chamber urges Diageo to engage with the Local Authority, our elected representatives and the wider business community to explore every possible opportunity to adapt the concept and make it a viable business and experience going forward," a chamber spokesperson said.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese puts questions to the Prime Minister Scott Morrison during Question Time in the House of Representatives in Canberra, Australia on Feb 5. (Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images)

Labor Wants Quarantine Hubs in All States

Labor is demanding the federal government establish purpose-built quarantine centres in each state and territory as hotels continue to house the bulk of people entering Australia despite state governments making proposals for facilities outside capital cities.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese called on the Morrison government to build and run fit-for-purpose quarantine hubs in every jurisdiction.

Hotels are built for tourism, not for medical quarantine, Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney on Friday.

Victoria is the latest state government to ask for the federal government to back a purpose-built facility on the northern fringe of Melbourne.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton dismissed the request as political smoke and mirrors, with the federal government expected to stump up $200 million after a $15 million state contribution.

Mr Albanese said Prime Minister Scott Morrison was being complacent about quarantine, which along with vaccines was critical to economic recovery.

Enough is enough, the Labor leader said.

The Northern Territorys Howard Springs mining camp has been used to house people being brought home on repatriation flights from overseas.

The joint federal-territory operation is increasing its capacity from 800 to 2000 but the Commonwealth has so far rejected similar centres in other parts of Australia.

Queensland and Western Australia have proposed regional quarantine hubs to guard against hotel leaks causing lockdowns or spreading the virus.

State and territory leaders were expected to raise quarantine with Mr Morrison at Fridays national cabinet meeting.

Earlier in the week, the prime minister defended the success of hotels.

The success rate of containing breaches in the hotel quarantine network is 99.99 per cent, he told reporters in Darwin.

Now, Id say thats a pretty impressive stat and were looking to keeping that in place.

The federal opposition also wants the government to back national standards for quarantine as recommended in an October review.

I dont know why it is that this prime minister continually asks for reviews and then ignores it when he receives them or sometimes keeps those reviews secret, Mr Albanese said
Strictly bosses are reportedly desperate to sign 'the most glamorous woman in politics' Carrie Symonds for this year's show which will kick off in the autumn.

Producers are believed to be convinced that Carrie, 33, will proved a hit with their viewers due to public interest in her life and what she has to offer.

The alleged offer comes amid reports of her and PM Boris Johnson's controversial 200,000 flat refurb.

It is claimed Boris took a 58,000 Tory party loan to complete the renovations, of which they are allowed 30,000 of public money per year.

Line-up: Strictly bosses are reportedly desperate to sign 'the most glamorous woman in politics' Carrie Symonds for this year's show which will kick off in the autumn

A source told The Sun: 'BBC bosses plan their line-up from the start of the year and Carrie was one of the earliest names on their list.

'Strictly has become the No1 show for so many political figures and Carrie is one of the biggest names  not only as Boriss better half but as a campaigner and activist in her own right.

'The offer to take part in the next series is there if she wants to take it, her name has been in the mix for a while and shed be a brilliant contestant if she chose to take part.'

MailOnline have contacted representatives for further comment.

Carrie's glamorous and likeable persona would no doubt prove a hit with viewers and bosses are reportedly hoping she will be keen to sign on.

Saturday night TV: Producers are believed to be convinced that Carrie, 33, will proved a hit with their viewers due to public interest in her life and what she has to offer (pictured last year's winners Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse)

Carrie and Boris, 56, share their 12-month-old son Wilf.

Fellow political figures who have previously appeared on the show include Ann Widdecombe and Edwina Currie, plus ex-Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls.

On Thursday night, Boris was facing the prospect of a fourth inquiry into the financing of his lavish flat makeover, after Labour reported him to Parliament's sleaze watchdog.

The Prime Minister insisted yesterday that there was 'nothing to see' as he has now paid the 58,000 cost overrun on the Downing Street, and described the row as a 'farrago of nonsense'.

But veteran former Labour minister Dame Margaret Hodge called for a formal inquiry into allegations that the bill was initially settled by the Conservative Party, which was reimbursed by millionaire Tory donor Lord Brownlow.

In a letter to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Kathryn Stone, Dame Margaret said the PM had 'repeatedly broken' the rules that require MPs to declare donations within a month of receipt.

Couple: The alleged offer comes amid reports of her and PM Boris Johnson's controversial 200,000 flat refurb

Mr Johnson has previously been reprimanded for the late declaration of ten other financial interests, and has been warned he faces 'enhanced sanctions' if he breaches the rules again. These include a possible fine or temporary suspension from the Commons.

The latest move came 24 hours after the bombshell announcement from the Electoral Commission that it is launching a formal investigation into the affair.

In a statement that infuriated the PM, the watchdog said: 'We are now satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred.'

The tangled financing of the PM's flat refurbishment is already the subject of an internal review by the Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, and is also being investigated by the PM's new adviser on ministerial interests, Lord Geidt. Downing Street declined to comment on Labour's decision to seek a further inquiry last night. But a parliamentary source said the move could 'backfire' as it was unclear whether Miss Stone has the power to investigate gifts made to Mr Johnson in his capacity as a minister.

As an MP, he has to record all financial interests. But the MPs' code of conduct states: 'Members are not required to register either ministerial office or benefits received in their capacity as a minister.'

The Office of the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner declined to comment last night. Downing Street is expected to argue that details of any financial assistance should be reported in the register of ministerial interests, which has not been updated for almost a year.

Nothing to see! Boris said there was 'nothing to see' as he has now paid the 58,000 cost overrun on the Downing Street flat he shares with fiancee

Prime ministers are entitled to a 30,000 annual allowance for the maintenance of their Downing Street accommodation, but have to pay any balance above that themselves.

Mr Johnson refused three times on Wednesday to tell MPs who had paid the extra 58,000 thought to have been incurred.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged the PM to come clean. The Mail has revealed that the Tory Party settled the bill for the renovations last July. Lord Brownlow secretly wrote to the party in October to say he was reimbursing the party for the 58,000 it had spent.

Neither of the transactions have been recorded by either the PM or his party, and it is not known whether further payments from other individuals might have been involved.

Mr Johnson yesterday insisted it was time to move on from the row. Speaking at the close of a turbulent 16-month session of Parliament, the PM pledged to remain 'laser-focused on delivering the people's priorities as we work to unite, level up and increase opportunity all across the UK'.
An Austin, Texas, startup company will show off a new type of autonomous robotic arm for Army officials looking for a way to take the burden off soldiers to rapidly resupply the service's futuristic Extended Range Cannon Artillery system with heavy 155mm artillery rounds.

Apptronik Inc.'s prototype robotic arm features a novel design that can lift more than current robotic arms while weighing far less, Jeff Cardenas, co-founder of Apptronik and vice president of strategy and corporate development, told Military.com.

"A standard industrial arm will typically weigh 10 times what it can lift," Cardenas said. "This arm weighs less than what it can lift, so currently the arm weighs about 200 pounds and it can lift 250 pounds.

Read Next: Army to Review Thousands of 'Bad Paper' Discharges in Court Settlement

"This is a new way of building industrial robotic arms for mobility," he added. "What we really focused on is arms that are designed to operate outside of the factory, outside of the warehouse in mobile and austere environments."

Apptronik's prototype emerged from an Army Applications Laboratory Artillery Resupply Cohort program that brought six tech companies together to figure out how to resupply self-propelled artillery cannons faster than ever before.

If all goes well, Apptronik's Robotic Arm Ammunition Resupply prototype could end up mounted in pairs on the M992A3 tracked ammunition resupply vehicle, which will be teamed with the Extended Range Cannon Artillery, or ERCA, system, currently being tested in a prototype M109A7 self-propelled howitzer.

"These [M992A3s] carry 90 rounds, and so right now the process of loading them is entirely manual," Cardenas said. "It's very tough on the soldiers' bodies, and it's slow."

The ERCA is being designed with an autoloader to speed up its rate of fire, but the service is also very interested in using an autonomous resupply system to increase the rate of loading, Cardenas said, describing how the ammo carrier can use two robotic arms mounted on the vehicle to resupply itself and then autonomously resupply the ERCA when its ammunition supply is depleted.

Apptronik officials are scheduled to demonstrate the new robotic arm prototypes to senior Army modernization officials Friday at its facility in Texas. Cardenas would not release images of the design out of concern that competitors would be able to duplicate the innovation.

Over the next 14 months, Apptronik is scheduled to produce and deliver a prototype to the Army for field testing, Cardenas said.

"What Apptronik developed wasn't at all what the Army was looking for when we launched the Artillery Resupply Cohort," Chris Sankovich, a project manager at Army Applications Laboratory, said in a news release. "It shows what's possible when we give the nation's best and brightest the space to innovate and use their expertise to tell us the best way to solve a problem."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Related: New Army Cannon Hits Target 43 Miles Away in Test
To check the spiralling number of COVID-19 cases, the Haryana government on Friday announced that a lockdown will be imposed in nine districts over the weekend.

The weekend curfew will come into force at 10 pm on Friday and remain effective till 5 am on Monday, an official order stated.

The districts where the curfew will be in force are Gurgaon, Faridabad, Panchkula, Sonipat, Rohtak, Karnal, Hisar, Sirsa and Fatehabad, according to the order.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is again posing a threat to public health. The Haryana government has considered it necessary to take effective measures to prevent its spread in the state..," the order read.

"There will be a weekend lockdown starting from 10 pm on April 30 (Friday) till 5 am on May 3 (Monday)," it said.

Residents must stay indoors during the lockdown period. No person shall leave their home or move on foot, in a vehicle, or stand, or roam around in any public place during the lockdown period, it added.

Those exempted from the curfew are people tasked with law and order, emergencies and municipal service duties and government machinery tasked with COVID-19 related duties.

There shall be no curbs on those engaged in manufacturing of essential goods and movement of both essential and non-essential goods and people appearing for exams.

Haryana had on Thursday recorded the biggest single-day spike of 97 COVID-19 fatalities that took the toll to 4,118, while 13,947 fresh cases pushed the total tally to 4,74,145, according to a health department bulletin.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
But I think after 400 years African Americans have been left in a position where theyre so far behind, Biden remarked.

During an interview with NBCs TODAY, which aired a clip on Thursday nights NBC Nightly News, and in-full during the Friday morning broadcast, President Joe Biden addressed his belief that the United States is not racist.

Read More: Biden political appointees 18 percent Black, White House announces

Sen. Tim Scott declared the country is not racist during the Republican rebuttal to the first joint address to Congress. Scott did, however, say hed experienced the pain of discrimination while looking at the camera. I know what it feels like to be pulled over for no reason and to be followed around a store while Im shopping.

His comments received pushback on social media, and now, President Biden has offered his own opinion as the subject remains a digital debate.

No, I dont think the American people are racist, Biden said during his interview with TODAYs Craig Melvin. But I think after 400 years African Americans have been left in a position where theyre so far behind the eight ball in terms of education, health, in terms of opportunity.

President Joe Biden (Credit: NBC/Today Show)

He continued, I dont think people are going to say, I dont want any Black person around me or living next to me, I think its that whats happened is there used to be laws that said a Black person couldnt live in that neighborhood. I dont think Americas racist, but I think the overhang from all of the Jim Crow (laws), and before that slavery, have had a cost, and we have to deal with it.

During the interview, which marked Bidens first 100 days in office, POTUS also discussed the FBI executing a search warrant on Rudy Giuliani, and opening schools as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

Based on science and the CDC, they should probably all be open, Biden said. Theres not overwhelming evidence that theres much of a transmission among these young people.

Story continues

Read More: In address, Biden says knee of justice is on the neck of Black Americans

Vice President Kamala Harris also weighed in on the matter. Harris appeared on Good Morning America Thursday, the day after the joint address of Congress, and was asked by host George Stephanopoulos about the comments made by Sen. Tim Scott.

I believe that we need to come up, well first of all, no I dont think America is a racist country, Harris said. But we also do have to speak truth about the history of racism in our country, and its existence today.

Harris continued by praising Biden for always having the ability and the courage, frankly, to speak the truth about it. He spoke what we know from the intelligence community, one of the greatest threats to our national security is domestic terrorism manifested by white supremacists.

Vice President Kamala Harris applauds during U.S. President Joe Bidens address to a joint session of congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol April 28, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Meghan McCain, co-host of The View, offered support for Scott after widespread critique of his original comments. The talk show host said she was disgusted by those who called the South Carolina Senator an Uncle Tom.

McCain added, Im disgusted by the response to him. Hit him on policy if you have policy problems with him, but the way he is being talked about, the way hes being disrespected, dont talk to me about micro-aggressions with race in this country.

Dont talk to me about the problems we have in this country with racism when its OK to speak and treat a Black man this way who happens to be the most famous Republican Black senator in the country.

This article contains additional reporting from theGrios Stephanie Guerilus.

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The post Biden: I dont think the American people are racist appeared first on TheGrio.
A former senator has blamed UFOs filmed buzzing US warships on Vladimir Putin, saying there was 'no question' that Russia was involved.

Former Senate majority leader Harry Reid called for the US to establish a UFO program, after the Pentagon confirmed evidence of unidentified flying objects over Navy warships off of California in 2019.

In an interview with Mysterywire.com, Reid, who has pushed before for a UFO program, discussed the potential origin of the mysterious flying objects, which the interviewer suggested may be Chinese.

'Always remember, Russia, the former Soviet Union, is run by a man who ran the KGB. They had as many as 30,000 agents at one time, KGB agents. So, Russia's involved in this, no question about it,' Reid said.

He added that UFOS were 'something that cannot be ignored' and that President Joe Biden should be briefed on the matter.

'I believe that there should be an ongoing entity, within the Pentagon would be the best place for it, whose sole job is to stay on top of the issue of UFOs,' Reid said.

Former senator Harry Reid has called for the US to establish a permanent UFO program following Pentagon confirmation of the authenticity of a set of images and videos showing unidentified flying objects over Navy warships off the coast of California in 2019 [File photo]

'Russia's involved in this, no question about it,' Reid told Mystery Wire in a video interview

While Senate majority leader, Reid pushed to launch the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, a Pentagon-run effort to study reports of UFOs.

The $22million-program began in 2007 and ended in 2012, according to the Pentagon.

However, the New York Times reported in 2017 that 'backers' said the program still existed even though Pentagon funding stopped in 2012.

The program reviewed potential threats from UFOs to aviators using classified materials.

In 2020, a similar program called the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force was confirmed; it is run by the US Office of Naval Intelligence.

Reid's comments came after photos were leaked from a Pentagon investigation of UFOs by the UAP Task Force, which was gathering evidence for a report for Congress due in June, according to Mystery Wire.

The images, obtained by filmmaker Jeremy Corbell, show unidentified objects flying above four US destroyers, including the USS Kidd Navy destroyer, in 2019.

One appears to be a pyramid-shaped object while others look like drones or balloons; however, the Navy has listed them as unknowns.

In a statement, a Pentagon spokesperson told Mystery Wire: 'I can confirm that the referenced photos and videos were taken by Navy personnel. The UAPTF has included these incidents in their ongoing examinations.'

In an interview, Reid blamed the UFOs filmed buzzing US warships on Vladimir Putin, saying there was 'no question' that Russia was involved [File photo]

One of the images leaked from the Pentagon report appears to be a pyramid-shaped object (pictured) hovering over the USS Russell

A week before, Admiral Michael Gilday, the chief of naval operations, said he had no idea where the mysterious Tic Tac-shaped drones that menaced four destroyers in July 2019 originated.

Gilday led an investigation into the incident. The group of what some have called unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) chased the destroyers for up to 100 nautical miles off the coast of California.

Flight logs revealed as many as six mystery aircraft swarmed the warships close to a sensitive training area at the Channel Islands at speeds of up to 40mph and with greater maneuverability than US military drones.

When asked directly if the Navy had confirmed the identity of the drones at a media event last Monday, Gilday responded: 'No, we have not.

Gilday's response appears to rule out the theory that the drones could have come from a secret US military program. That has led to growing speculation that they were either built by a rival military power or 'something else beyond our understanding is going on'.

Reid praised the response of the Pentagon and federal government as 'honest'.

'The federal government no longer, including people at the Pentagon, no longer criticize or harass or stop promotions of people who report these occurrences. In fact, they have done just the opposite in recent months, they now tell their pilots, (inaudible), to report these unusual circumstances.

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

Other images show what were thought to be drones; however, the Navy has listed them as unknowns

'And I appreciated the honesty of the Pentagon. Because when asked, what were these things, they say we dont know. Rather than try to say they were balloons from some kind of a weather experiment. They say we dont know. And thats honest. Thats being honest,' Reid told Mystery Wire.

The Drive revealed last month that US Navy warships stationed off the coast of Los Angeles encountered swarms of mysterious drones pursuing them at high speed in low visibility.

The Drive obtained ship logbooks and internal emails from the Navy under the Freedom of Information Act, and eyewitness descriptions from staff on board to establish the UAVs had a greater aeronautical capability than previously known drones.

The sighting has eerie parallels to previous UFO encounters, in particular an infamous 2004 incident when six Super Hornet pilots made contact with a mystery aircraft in November 2004.

Scores of similar sightings have been reported dating back to the 1960s, but most US military investigations into them remain classified.

Lawmakers have called for the Pentagon for years to open up its classified records about the encounters, citing national security concerns.

In the most recent documented encounter in July 2019, USS destroyers on patrol were suddenly swarmed by flashing, Tic Tac-shaped drones, which were able to travel long distance at high speeds

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.

Speaking to the Defense Writers Group in Washington this month, Gilday, the senior ranking Navy officer, was quizzed about his knowledge of recent UFO encounters.

'I am aware of those sightings, and as it's been reported, there have been other sightings by aviators in the air and by other ships not only of the United States, but other nations  and of course other elements within the US joint force,' Gilday said.

'Those findings have been collected and they still are being analyzed,' he said.

A detailed account of the 2019 encounter published by The Drive shows that on July 14 2019 just before 10pm two drones were spotted from the USS Kidd.

An onboard intelligence crew responsible for documenting and investigating contact with unknown vessels - known as the Ship Nautical Or Otherwise Photographic Interpretation and Exploitation team - or SNOOPIE - investigated the mystery flying objects.

A detailed account of the 2019 encounter shows the drama began on the night of July 14 2019. Deck logs from the USS Kidd (pictured) show that just before 10pm that night two drones were spotted [File photo]

Within a few minutes of the sighting, reports show the USS Kidd moved into quiet mode, minimizing communications to assess the threat level.

It contacted a nearby warship also on patrol, the USS Rafael Peralta, which also engaged its SNOOPIE.

Several other US Navy destroyers on patrol nearby began noticing strange lights too.

The USS John Finn also reported UAV activity, and noticed a 'red flashing light' at 10.03pm, according to its logbook.

Just over an hour later at 11.23pm, the Peralta spotted a white light hovering over the flight deck.

The drone was able to hover above the destroyer's helicopter landing pad while traveling at speeds of 16 knots and in low visibility.

The nearly 90-minute encounter was well beyond the capability of commercially available drones.

The next night, the drones returned, this time as the warships were patrolling closer to the Californian mainland.

They were first spotted by the Peralta and an investigation began at 8.39pm. At 8.56pm, logs show the USS Kidd had also come into contact with drones.

'The drones seem to have pursued the ships, even as they continued to maneuver throughout the incident,' The Drive reported.

Logbooks onboard a fourth ship, the USS Russell, show drones were swarming all over it, dipping in elevation from 1,000 to 700 feet, and seemingly able to move in any direction.

The Russell had separate contact with drones nine times in less than an hour.

Then at 9.20pm that night, the Kidd noticed 'multiple UAVs' around the ship.

The Peralta also was swarmed by as many as four drones. It was contacted by a passing cruise ship, the Carnival Imagination, to say it too had spotted up to six drones.

The three-hour frenzy of activity continued until close to midnight, with none of the warships able to say with certainty where the drones came from.
(Natural News) If there is anything the health freedom community learned this past year, it is that Big Tech will stop at nothing to stop the truth from spreading, including through mass censorship. The good news is that the health freedom community is responding by creating its own free speech platforms that sidestep the big guys.

While attending the recent Health Freedom Conference in Tulsa, Okla., the Health Ranger got a chance to sit down with Andrew Wakefield and 7th Chakra Films CEO Lori Gregory to talk about a new platform they are introducing called the Health Freedom Hub that has the potential to revolutionize the way health freedom advocates communicate.

Wakefield, as you may know, has been at the forefront of vaccine freedom advocacy for a long time. He is the guy who published a controversial paper revealing that many children who receive the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella end up developing gastrointestinal disease and associated symptoms that correlate with autism.

While vaccine injuries have long been his thing, Wakefield learned at the Tulsa conference that there are now many others outside of this niche who are also being censored and bullied into silence. In response, he decided to launch the Health Freedom Hub as a safe alternative.

We had to reinvent ourselves, Wakefield told the Health Ranger about how the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) shutdowns closed a door where he and his team had previously distributed the movies they make in theaters. Film distribution was going to be a very different thing moving forward.

Wakefield is about to film his fourth movie in Austin, Tex., and realizes that a new avenue is needed to distribute it. This is where the Health Freedom Hub comes into play, as it will be free of the constraints of Amazon streaming and protectable from bot attacks and other interference.

Suddenly, this is a whole new audience, new faces, people confronted with the challenge to their health freedom, their bodily autonomy, by the threat of mask mandates, social distancing, covid vaccines  they dont want it, Wakefield added about what he encountered at the conference.

What we needed was a resource that brought all these people together in a protected health freedom hub where all of the various elements could interact, could have a conversation, could become, essentially, a single voter bloc. That was going to give power to this community that it had never experienced before, one that could actually impact politics, could make change, could actually effect huge changes in everything from local government, school districts, the sheriff, right the way up to the president himself.

Wakefield came to the conclusion that a new place was needed for people to share their minds without fear of censorship. He also needs a tool to release his own information to his followers.

You can sign up for the new platform at HealthFreedomHub.com.

Free speech should always be protected

One of the things that truly amazes Wakefield about the United States  he is British, by the way  is that people here tend to innovate when presented with a problem. Rather than just agree to silence themselves, many of those who have been censored by Big Tech over the past year have delved into new alternative platforms where free speech is championed.

The silver lining of covid is its brought people together who historically, even five months ago, would not be talking to each other, he adds about the current phenomenon.

Once HealthFreedomHub.com, powered by PureSocial, officially launches, these folks will be able to stay connected. Think of it as a virtual town square where people from all around the world can come together and speak their minds without fear of retribution.

Be sure to check out the full interview below:

You can also learn more about how Big Tech censorship is bad for everyone by visiting Censorship.news.

Sources for this article include:

Brighteon.com

NaturalNews.com
New Delhi:

Following the meeting between the Congress and the Patidar Anamat Aandolan Samiti (PAAS) held in Rajkot on Monday, Patidar leader Hardik Patel said that it is prudent to trust the party which is not in power at the moment.



Patidar leaders met senior Gujarat Congress leaders including Gujarat Congress chief Bharat Sinh Solanki and termed the meeting a positive one.



Patel said that both the parties will consult legal experts and lawyers having expertise over technicalities of reservation.



Reservation is an issue that is not just limited to the Patel community but every community of Gujarat and we are in talks with Congress because the ruling party is not willing to talk to us over crucial issues, said Patel.



He accused the BJP of maligning the Patel community adding that the ruling party terms them as Congress agents just because they are in talks with the Congress. He lashed out at the BJP for using the media to say that the state government has taken back the cases filed against the Patidar leaders whereas not a single case has been taken back.



We only want our rights and nothing more. It is our agitation but it will benefit every other community in the state. The BJP has resorted to cheap tactics and bullying behavior, said Patel.



The PAAS will consult two retired judges over the issue.



Asking how the Gujjar community got reservation he said if Congress promises reservation then there would be no need to go any further over this matter.



It has been reported that the Congress has promised that if it forms the government, it will withdraw all police cases against Patidar youth, including the sedition cases against Hardik Patel with immediate effect.



Patel said the ruling BJP fooled the Patidars by merely issuing a notification on reservation.

Next meeting will be the last one, added Patel.

Also read: Gujarat Assembly Elections 2017: AAP leaders join Congress, allege party supporting BJP



Also read: Gujarat polls 2017: Hardik Patel extends deadline for Congress after it agreed to take legal opinion on quota

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




A U.N. committee called on North Korea to provide an explanation on reported cases of human rights violations and to report any progress, its website showed Thursday.







The U.N. Human Rights Committee (HRC) last week urged the North to provide information on whether it has made progress on several human rights issues, including torture and violence against women.







The committee asked the North to specify the measures it has taken to ensure that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a multilateral U.N. treaty, takes precedence over the North's domestic law in practice.







It also requested Pyongyang to provide an explanation to reports that it issued "shoot to kill" orders as part of efforts to prevent the coronavirus from entering the country, and whether or not the shootings resulted in any deaths or injuries.







Countries that have ratified the ICCPR are obliged to report on how the rights are being implemented, initially one year after signing the covenant and whenever upon request, which is usually every four years. (Yonhap)


As much as I love Alexia, Ms. Hankins said, Im not going to be able to continue with her. Its completely unfair, but I have a family to care for, too.

Medicaid rates for private-duty nursing had been stagnant for more than a decade. Then, in a move many in the industry had spent years agitating for, the Department of Health granted nurses who care for medically fragile children a series of three raises, the second of which went into effect in April. The state also tacked on a 30 percent bump in pay, what it calls an enhancement. But all of these financial benefits roll off the table when patients reach adulthood.

Already, private-duty nurses like Ms. Hankins make far less than they would in hospitals, where nurses with comparable skills earn close to a six-figure salary, in addition to health benefits, vacation pay and sick days. As independent contractors, private-duty nurses do not receive benefits. But those who pursue the specialty often do so because they prefer to work with individual patients and want the flexibility of choosing their own assignments.

Still, Ms. Hankins struggles with her decision. All those years spent with Alexia have resulted in a close bond between the two. Alexia is unable to speak, but she and Ms. Hankins have developed their own way of communicating.

She has a loud personality trapped inside of her body, and she is very specific about things she likes, Ms. Hankins said. She has a very hilarious sense of humor. Shes a person like everybody else, its just that she happens to be trapped inside of herself.

Mr. Trimarchi doesnt want to lose Ms. Hankins. But the Health Department bureaucracy, he says, is so riddled with red tape, illogical hurdles and convoluted regulations that his letters are often ignored for months, if not years. The family already fills in gaps when nurses are forced to miss shifts. He cant imagine how they could get by if those nurses were to leave for good.
The commitments being made by members of Big Food on net-zero has led to some optimism action will be taken to tackle one of the planets largest sources of greenhouse-gas emissions. However, while the companies themselves are under no illusion about the challenges that lie ahead, there is also likely to be close scrutiny of their efforts and progress. David Burrows reports.

Those who choose hesitation over action will be endangering our planet and their business, wrote Nestle CEO Mark Schneider in a piece for Fortune in December. The worlds largest food company had just published its plan to hit net-zero by 2050 and halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. It isnt alone in setting such targets.

A month later, PepsiCo committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and an absolute emissions reduction target of 40% by 2030.

Unilever, meanwhile, published its climate transition action plan last summer, covering how itll get to net-zero emissions by 2039. Next month the plan will be put to a shareholder vote.

Im really optimistic, says Maria Lettini, executive director at the Fairr Initiative, a UK-based network of global investors aiming to create awareness over environmental, social and corporate governance issues. These companies are putting themselves out there [and] its fair game to hold them accountable.



Are the commitments all they are cracked up to be? And what challenges do major food companies like Nestle, PepsiCo and Unilever face in achieving them?

In its 2020 progress report, the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) showed 30 of the 84 'high impact' global food, drink and agriculture companies had already set net-zero targets, with a further seven committed to do so. This is good news given the food industry's hefty environmental footprint (a study published in Nature Food in March showed the world's food systems were responsible for 34% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in 2015).

"We know what's happening in the food system," says Emma Keller, head of sustainability at Nestle's business unit covering the UK and Ireland. "We know the physical risks that exist and we know some transitional ones [like carbon taxes] may come, so this is about us being ready for that."

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Purse strings are loosening. Nestle has committed CHF3.2bn (US$3.52bn) in the first five years of its net-zero plan as it seeks to be 100% deforestation-free and plant 100 million trees, use 100% recyclable or reusable packaging and use only renewable electricity across all sites. "The key thing focusing the mind is our halving [of emissions] by 2030," explains Keller. "Over the next nine years, we've got more clarity on what can be done, what needs to be done."

"We cannot continue to farm in the same way as in the past"

Some of the targets will be easier met than others. While factories can be rapidly upgraded to work on renewable energy and packaging can be redesigned relatively easily, curbing emissions on farms presents unique challenges. "We're facing up to a reality," explains David Wilkinson, senior director agricultural procurement for PepsiCo's European business, which is that "we cannot continue to farm in the same way as in the past".

Nestle is going to plough at least CHF1.2bn into regenerative agriculture. It is a theme that runs through many of the plans published by the food industry's big guns. Danone is a fan and so too PepsiCo, which this week said it wants to "spread regenerative farming practices across seven million acres, approximately equal to its entire agricultural footprint", saving three million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

PepsiCo has already calculated growing potatoes with fertiliser made from potato peelings discarded in its Walkers' factories can cut the emissions of its crisps brand by 70%. Plans are in place to trial this approach in the UK this year, and then across its Lay's potato crops in Europe in 2022.

Agricultural emissions comprise a third of PepsiCo's footprint (packaging is a close second). For others, they represent a far greater chunk, which makes these co-called 'Scope 3' emissions key to any food company's net-zero plan. Emissions from Scopes 1 and 2 cover the direct emissions companies control as well as 'indirect' ones related to energy use. Scope 3 covers all the other indirect emissions  the ones they don't own or control.

Changing the behaviour of tens of thousands of suppliers "won't be easy", as Roberta Barbieri, PepsiCo VP of global water and environmental stewardship, noted in a podcast for Future Food in February. "Our focus is not just on our farmers but trying to help broader system change."

There were similar messages within an announcement this week from Arla Foods, as the dairy giant published carbon footprint data collected from 7,986 farms in seven countries. Arla's data showed its farmers emitted 1.15 kg of CO2e for every?kilo?of milk they produced. The global average, according to the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), is 2.5kg CO2e, but Arla wants to shave a further 30% from its footprint by 2030 as it aims to become net-zero by 2050.

"We will use this [data] to decarbonise our farms at a faster pace and share our findings with stakeholders to help drive an effective transition for the whole industry," explains chairman Jan Toft Nrgaard. "There's a huge amount of value in this for all of us."

Collaboration is a word that crops up often in conversations about these new climate commitments. "When you were reducing your carbon footprint by 3% a year or reducing plastic use by 2% a year, you could do it on your own. But now, with net-zero goals, we need to fundamentally rebuild value chains," said Mike Barry, long-time director of sustainable business at Marks & Spencer and now a consultant, in an interview with Raconteur recently.

Mars and PepsiCo have come together on an initiative to help engage suppliers in climate action, for example, while Kellogg and Unilever are working in partnership with Future Food-Tech as part of an innovation challenge.

Lara Ramdin is chief innovation officer at Dole Packaged Foods, part of fruit-and-veg group Dole Food Co., which is aiming to be 'carbon neutral' within its own operations by 2030 and will be working on cutting emissions across its value chain. She's refreshingly open about the pressure food companies are under when it comes to climate commitments. She, like others, is keen to stress not all of the answers (or even all the data) are available yet. "I do [think] food companies believe we have to collaborate more," she says.

Candour is something to look out for in the commitments: clarity on the near-term actions being taken to reduce emissions and honesty about some of the answers they don't have. "There's no point in us saying that, in 2040, we'll being doing this or that because we just don't know yet," says Keller at Nestle. "We haven't got that crystal ball."

Other brands are similarly but understandably (who knows what advances technology will bring on everything from packaging to meat production and crop protection?) vague. Baby-food manufacturer Ella's Kitchen has gone for 2030 as its net-zero target, which is going to be "incredibly difficult", admitted CEO Mark Cuddigan recently. He wants to see more urgency, more 2030 targets rather than 2050.

These are net-zero commitments 1.0, so they will evolve over time. Dates could be brought forward, but they can't go back. Keller warns against slipping to 1.6 degree or 1.7 degree commitments, while PepsiCo's Barbieri admitted the thought of "not everybody doing what we are doing" keeps her awake at night.

The pressure is on to move fast, with firms both collaborating and competing. This is welcome. But some brands have tripped up to get ahead in the race to net-zero.

Net-zero responses involve both cutting emissions and removing (or offsetting) carbon. Some firms keen to solve their own net-zero riddles as soon as possible have leaned heavily on carbon offsetting (a hot potato since the 1990s when carbon management plans came to the fore). NGOs dismiss the concept as greenwash. Food companies see a role for offsets but want the market tightened up.

The Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets (TSVCM) reckons demand for carbon credits could increase by a factor of 15 or more by 2030 and by a factor of up to 100 by 2050. Overall, the market for carbon credits could be worth upward of $50bn in 2030, noted McKinsey recently. That's a lot of money to spend on a duff system.

"The concerns in the past are that offsets are a get-out-of-jail-free card for companies  I'll go plant some trees somewhere in the world and I'll continue to emit greenhouse gas emissions guilt-free," explained Barbieri. What's needed, she says, is a more structured marketplace that has clear roles, a governing body and rules that bring "rigour and credibility".

This is what the TSVCM is attempting to do. Some firms are, however, already bringing the idea in-house through a process referred to as carbon insetting, which keeps the offset projects within their own value chain.

It's important companies don't "jump" to offsetting without making great strides in reducing their emissions first, notes Jamie Pitcairn, technical director for sustainability and circular economy at consultancy Ricardo Energy & Environment, which has been working with industry body FoodDrinkEurope on net-zero.

Research Ricardo has done with Kellogg showed how pragmatic management practices could cut emissions by 60% on arable farms. Pitcairn was "surprised" by the results, but they weren't zero of course. "If we continue to drink milk, eat meat and use cereals then there are likely always going to be some residual emissions," he adds. "If we are going to get to net-zero across the food and drink sector then we will need to find ways to capture [or sequester [emissions]."

"It is hard to see what the end-game will be if your business model relies on burning oil, or belching cows"

Or reduce consumption, of course. Whether growth in meat and dairy is viable in a net-zero future is moot. Some companies are adjusting their portfolios, expanding their reach into the alternative meat and dairy categories that are proving so popular. For the Fairr Initiative's Lettini, this is exciting: meat- and dairy-free is potentially being used as a "mitigation strategy and opportunity" in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. She cites Unilever's pledge to increase sales of alternatives to EUR1bn (US$1.18bn) within the next five to seven years.

Whether more plant-based sales mean less meat or dairy is less clear, though. Dairy represents about 35% of Nestle's total emissions. CEO Schneider said recently that "we need to shift consumer preferences towards plant-based food and beverages". But he also said: "We don't want to avoid dairy, meat products and meat by-products. We want to make them in a more carbon-efficient way. If we ... walk away from [those divisions] and the emissions continue unabated, the world is not better off."

Are companies trying to have their cake and eat it? Campaigners argue commitments lacking recognition of the need to reduce consumption of meat and dairy products are not worth the paper they are written on. Duncan Oswald, principal consultant at environmental consultancy Eunomia, says: "It is hard to see what the end-game will be if your business model relies on burning oil, or belching cows."

Given livestock's considerable environmental footprint, the commitments made by meat and dairy companies will be more closely scrutinised than most. The Nature Food study showed retail, transport, consumption, fuel production, waste management, industrial processes and packaging represented 29% of the global food system's emissions. The rest (71%) came from agriculture and land-use/land use change activities.

Ricardo's Pitcairn says it is "fundamentally not acceptable" for a food company to sidestep Scope 3 emissions. At Nestle, Keller agrees. Given 71.4% of the group's emissions are from agriculture "if we ignored scope 3 we'd be tweaking around the edges", she says.

There is quite a range in quality of commitments out there, notes Oswald at Eunomia. NGOs and academics have already started to cry foul, initially honing in on the proposals from oil companies. But they will be casting their net wider.

Climate Action 100+, the world's largest investor engagement initiative on climate change, has already started a benchmark to evaluate the corporate ambitions on net-zero. It doesn't specifically score or rank companies (individual company reports are available for Coca-Cola, Danone, Nestle, PepsiCo and Unilever), but NGOs certainly will in time. The first benchmark, published in March, found just one in ten companies were aligning their plans with the so-called 1.5-degree pathway. The inclusion of Scope 3 emissions was a "blind spot".

Some commitments amount to little more than a date on a press release, argues Steve Smith from the University of Oxford, while others are backed by robust third-party analysis and set out short-, medium- and long-term targets and actions. "At the moment there is no single place for collecting and assessing these targets," he says, adding: "What the world needs now is pace runners to show how net-zero should be done, and referees to call out the cheaters and laggards."

Fairr's Lettini says investors "don't want to crucify companies for making targets but they want a meaningful discussion when announcements are made". The race for net-zero is on. For the planet's sake, it needs to be a fast and fair one. "This whole agenda is going to be a pre-requisite of doing business," says Keller.
A moving van and a wood-paneled station wagon stop in front of a mobile home and a family of four emerges from the vehicles. The father proudly surveys their new home and the surrounding farmland. For him and his family, this is their slice of the American dream.

When I saw this opening scene play out in the Oscar-nominated movie Minari, I wondered if my Chinese immigrant parents experienced something similar when they first saw their plot of sandy ground next to the Sacramento River in 1968.

Like Jacob and Monica Yi, the South Korean immigrant protagonists of Minari, my parents worked odd jobs before they came up with the idea to start farming. Like the Yis, they found their footing on American soil by growing vegetables for fellow emigrants from their homelands. For my parents, their market was Chinese immigrants hungry for familiar produce like gai lan, choy sum, long beans and winter melon.

I was born in the tiny Central Valley town of Colusa, the same year my family started farming. We eventually settled in Woodland, an hour to the south near Sacramento, where we bought the 15-acre piece of farmland where I spent my youth.

Woodland was larger than Colusa, but still small enough that we were virtually the only Asian Americans around. Like the Yi family in Minari, we were a curiosity to the locals, who were mostly white or Mexican American.

Courtesy Harry Mok

Growing up, I experienced my share of casual racism  certainly nothing like the violent assaults happening around the country now. But I dealt with enough calls of ching chong thrown in my direction to know that people saw me as different. It made me want to hide, to blend in, even though I knew I couldnt.

My mom doesnt speak English. As a kid I would cringe when she talked to me in Cantonese at the supermarket. Cantonese speakers tend to be loud. I felt out of place, like everyone was staring at me.

Its a sensation that has lingered into adulthood. I still feel self-conscious when Im the only Asian person in the room.

I stuck around Woodland into my early 20s, where I played on a local softball team. One time I wound up in the emergency room after a hard, short throw hit my bare hand instead of my glove, dislocating my thumb. Swelling ensued.

At the hospital, the doctor who examined asked me if it hurt. Before I could answer he declared: Even if it did, you wouldnt say anything. Youre Asian.

I didnt know what to say to that and just mumbled something about not being in much pain. The doctor put my thumb back in place, and I left the hospital with an ibuprofen prescription. But what he said has stuck with me to this day. It makes me constantly wonder what assumptions people make about me because of my race.

False assumptions and stereotypes underlie the violent anti-Asian incidents of the past year. Theyre a reminder of the most pernicious stigma Asians have faced for as long as weve been in America: That we are different, and we dont belong. When times are tough, these falsehoods make us an easy target to blame for societys problems.

Just like my mom, most immigrants arrive in this country speaking another language. So did the woman in Manhattan, who was slapped after speaking Mandarin on the street on April 7, another incident caught on video.

I dont want you talking! Shut the f up! Go back to where you came from! Go back to your country! a woman screamed before hitting the victim outside of an ice cream shop near Chinatown, according to New York police.

Seeing that video made me think about my mom at the store when I was young. Would someone slap her now? Or would she face an even more violent fate, like the deadly elder attacks in the Bay Area, or those shot to death in Atlanta?

The randomness is what makes these pandemic-fueled attacks so scary.

My hometown of Woodland isnt immune, either. On March 25, an Asian American woman reported to Woodland police that a man followed her as she walked home and yelled threats to find the Chinese and kill them all.

Amid this spate of violence, Minari made me rekindle memories of my childhood. And I couldnt help but wonder what the fictional Yi family would be facing today. Would the Yi parents, elders now, be afraid of getting assaulted?

I wonder if the Yis farm would still be around decades later, like ours. My second-oldest brother runs the family business now, but it is entering its twilight. He only farms part time these days and plants just a couple of types of crops. He also works as a driver for a company that sharpens saw blades.

I wonder if the Yis farm would have been successful enough to allow their kids to move on to other careers, like my oldest brother, sister, cousin and I have? Or to raise families of their own like my siblings and cousin, who all have children and an expanding contingent of grandchildren.

I wonder if the Yi kids would have grown up feeling out of place, like I did?

One thing I dont wonder about is my familys roots in America. Those were planted by my parents. I know the sacrifices they made, literally working the earth for their children.

Many families have similar stories. They are the stories of America.

I know some people dont believe we belong here. They are wrong.

Harry Mok is a copy editor at The Chronicle.
Mumbai, April 30 : Bollywood colleagues and family took to social media to pay tributes to late actor Rishi Kapoor on his first death anniversary on Friday.

Niece Kareena Kapoor dropped a heart emoji on Rishi Kapoor's picture on Instagram story. Kareena's sister Karisma, too, shared a picture on Instagram story of Rishi Kapoor in his younger days with a heart emoji.

Randeep Hooda shared a picture of the late actor on Twitter and captioned it: "#RishiKapoor", while Arjun Kapoor share a picture with Rishi Kapoor on Instagram and wrote: "My constant reaction when I was next to him...Mouth shut ears open. Miss you Chintoo uncle. Cheers to that twinkle in your eyes...Always & forever." Actor-host Maniesh Paul posted an image with the late star shot during their New York meeting and wrote: "Miss you sir...love you sir...." Divya Dutta recalled working with the actor.

"Childhood was you. And your movies!! That handsome face!! Dancing n singing and acting like a dream !! Cherish each moment of working with you, learning from you, knowing you!! You lived life beautifully!! All heart! That's what you are!! Miss you #RishiKapoor," she wrote.

Actress Payal Ghosh, who worked with Rishi Kapoor in the film "Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi", shared a picture from their promotions of the film and tweeted: "Remembering #RishiKapoor Sir on his first death anniversary, he was really a gem of a person. You will always be missed Rishi uncle." Late veteran actor Rishi Kapoor passed away a year ago on May 30, after a two-year battle with leukaemia.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Fiscal Y-T-D Sales Total $12.2 Million

CHICO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / AmeraMex International, Inc. (OTCQB:AMMX), a provider of heavy equipment for logistics companies, infrastructure construction and forestry conservation, announced that it has received equipment orders totaling $199,000. These orders push year-to-date sales over the $12.2 million mark.

The first order is for an ASV RT-50 Posi-Track Loader being shipped to a logistics customer in Nome, Alaska. The equipment is expected to ship the week of May 2, 2021.

The ASV RT-50 offers exceptional digging and pushing power from its Posi-Power system combined with a 50-horsepower class engine and high efficiency drive system. This smooth-running 3-cylinder diesel engine provides power with an efficient cooling system and robust hydraulic system with 3,000 psi of auxiliary pressure and 50 LPM flow.

ASV RT-50

The second order is for an ASV RT-120 Forestry Posi-Track Loader with a mulching head and a four-in-one bucket. The equipment is shipping to a company involved in fire suppression and will be used to clear underbrush. The equipment is expected to ship in the second quarter.

The RT-120 Forestry achieves superior performance over competitive machines.

With a rated operating capacity of 1699kg and a tipping load of 4853 kg, the RT-120 also features ASV's patented Posi-Track rubber-track suspension - well known for its smooth ride - and includes both suspended wheels and axles, allowing it to achieve faster speeds over all types of terrain.

The fully flexible track and suspended wheels conform to the ground, ensuring maximum traction in the roughest conditions. The features, combined with the RT-120's 381mm of ground clearance, allows the unit to work where others can't.

ASV RT-120 Forestry

About AmeraMex International

AmeraMex International sells, leases, and rents heavy equipment to companies within multiple industries including construction, logistics, mining, and lumber. AmeraMex, with a US and international customer base, has over 30 years of experience in heavy equipment sales and service. Follow AmeraMex on Twitter @ammx_intl and visit the AmeraMex website, www.AMMX.net or www.hamreequipment.com for additional corporate information, online heavy equipment inventory/ pricing and videos.

Story continues

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Investor and Media Relations

McCloud Communications, LLC

Marty Tullio, Managing Member

Office: 949.632.1900 or Marty@McCloudCommunications.com

SOURCE: AmeraMex International, Inc.





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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



Samsung Group's ownership structure looks to be less affected by the over 12 trillion won in inheritance tax on the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee's fortune as his heirs are seeking to take out bank loans to pay the due taxes.



Samsung said the heirs of the late chairman will pay over 12 trillion won ($10.8 billion) in inheritance taxes. The tax amount, which is one of the largest ever imposed worldwide, will be paid in six installments over the next five years, the heirs added.



Attention has been drawn to how the heirs can prepare for such a large amount of tax, but industry officials said Thursday that some of the over 12 trillion won inheritance tax will be financed by credit loans  an unsecured loan  from local banks.



Two local banks are set to provide the loans worth hundreds of billions of won to the heirs. One of the two banks held a credit review meeting in which it decided to approve the loan.



"The heirs have applied for bank loans to pay the inheritance taxes. This can be interpreted as that they are trying not to stir up issues related with the group's governance," an industry official said on condition of anonymity, Thursday.



Industry officials viewed that most of the late chairman's shares in Samsung Electronics will be given to his son, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong. The current Samsung leader has wielded control over Samsung Electronics as he holds a 17.48 percent stake in Samsung C&T, which itself holds a 19.34 percent stake in Samsung Life Insurance, which owns an 8.51 percent stake in the electronics giant.






(Alliance News) - Hurricane Energy PLC on Friday proposed a financial restructuring plan following talks with its bondholders as its Lancaster Field fails to deliver.

Hurricane shares sunk 48% at 1.20 pence each. The stock is down 52% year-to-date.

The UK-focused oil & gas firm said it has entered into a lock-up agreement with an "ad hoc group of bondholders", who own 69% of the company's USD230 million convertible bonds due July 2022.

Hurricane has been in talks with its bondholders since March.

The agreement will see the ad hoc committee agreeing to support a transaction that will "materially deleverage the company's balance sheet, enhance its liquidity position and extend its debt maturity profile". This will give Hurricane the financial flexibility to pursue a revised business strategy.

As part of the restructuring plan, Hurricane will propose a debt for equity conversion in which USD50 million of the principal amount of bonds will be exchanged for shares.

Hurricane will also amend the terms for the remaining USD180 million of convertible bonds.

Chief Executive Antony Maris said: "This has been a difficult period for Hurricane and its stakeholders. Following the significant downgrade to Lancaster Field reserves and future production profiles, coupled with oil price volatility, current financial projections show we will not be in a position to repay our convertible bonds at maturity from Lancaster Field cash flows.

"Significant time and effort has been focused on all available technical, financial and commercial options and, after careful consideration, we believe that implementation of the proposed Restructuring will deliver the best possible outcome.

"We acknowledge that this proposed course of action entails significant dilution for our existing shareholders, but it marks an important and necessary step in the company's efforts to secure a viable capital structure."

In December, Hurricane announced that its Lancaster oilfield in its West Shetland portfolio was producing at 12,300 barrels of oil per day on artificial lift with an approximately 23% water cut.

This is a decrease from the average rate of 13,600 bopd in its third quarter reported in October.

By Greg Roxburgh; gregroxburgh@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Hundreds of people gathered in a quiet town outside Paris on Friday to pay hommage to a police employee targeted in the latest jihadist terror attack to strike France.

Prime Minister Jean Castex led a poignant ceremony for Stephanie Monferme, who was posthumously awarded the Legion of Honour in Rambouillet, where she was stabbed to death at a police station on April 23.

"She was at home everywhere here, where everyone knew her by her first name," Castex said before placing France's highest civilian award on a royal blue cushion in a front of a black-and-white photo of the victim.

After a minute of silence under grey skies, a military band played La Marseillaise, the national anthem.

"Fanaticism is a monster that pretends to be the child of religion," Castex said, citing Voltaire and calling Monferme's death "an unacceptable wound for the nation".

"Your colleague was murdered because she served her country," he added, addressing police.

Her attacker, a 36-year-old Tunisian man identified as Jamel Gorchene, was shot and killed by an officer at the Rambouillet police station. He had no police record and was unknown to intelligence services.

Witnesses say he shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) as he struck, and investigators later found he had watched jihadist videos on his phone moments before the attack.

The government this week unveiled a new anti-terror law aimed at helping authorities identify potential Islamist attackers, amid wider concerns about security ahead of next year's presidential vote.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who has assailed President Emmanuel Macron with claims he has not done enough to halt immigration, was among politicians of all stripes who attended the ceremony.

Macron was not present but attended a private funeral for Monferme on Thursday.

More than 250 people have been killed in jihadist terror attacks on French soil since 2015, with security forces often targeted.

ola-mep/js/adp/txw
The Armenian Defense Ministry said on Friday that Lieutenant-General Artak Davtian discussed with his Russian opposite number, General Valery Gerasimov, a number of issues of bilateral military cooperation during the meeting held on Thursday.

A short ministry statement gave no details of Davtians trip to Moscow. The Russian Defense Ministry issued no press releases on the talks.

The chief of the Armenian armys General Staff flew to the Russian capital five days after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Armenian counterpart Vagharshak Harutiunian spoke by phone for a second time in as many weeks.

According to the Defense Ministry in Yerevan, Shoigu and Davtian discussed Russias ongoing peacekeeping operation in Karabakh, activities of a joint Russian-Armenian military contingent and the main directions of large-scale reforms of the Armenian army launched after the war.

Harutiunian also discussed the reforms with Gerasimov in a March 23 phone call. The ministers press office said they agreed that a high-ranking Russian delegation will visit Armenia soon for more detailed talks on the subject.

A delegation led by one of Gerasimovs deputies already held weeklong negotiations with the Armenian armys top brass in Yerevan in January. Harutiunian said afterwards that the talks were aimed at assisting us in the reform and modernization of Armenias armed forces.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said the Russian military is already providing such assistance when he spoke after meeting with Russian President in Moscow on April 7. Pashinian told Armenian lawmakers afterwards that the two sides are holding quite productive discussions on a possible deployment of more Russian troops to Armenia and its southeastern Syunik province in particular.

Syunik borders Iran as well as districts southwest of Nagorno-Karabakh which were retaken by Azerbaijan during and after a six-week war stopped by a Russian-brokered ceasefire on November 10. Russia sent soldiers and border guards there late last year to help the Armenian military defend the region against possible Azerbaijani attacks.
Tim Scott has accused the left of 'hypocrisy' following their attacks on his Wednesday night rebuttal of Joe Biden's speech to Congress, saying the slurs left him saddened, but more convinced than ever that he was right to be a Republican.

The South Carolina senator was pilloried on Wednesday night and Thursday for delivering the traditional rebuttal to the president's remarks.

Scott, the only black Republican senator, was mocked on Twitter as 'Uncle Tim', a play on the 'Uncle Tom' racial slur, used to describe black people who were too deferential to whites.

Twitter took 12 hours to remove the term from its trending list, and on on Thursday night Scott asked where the left-wing outrage was at the racial slur.

'It is really saddening to see that what the left is doing is fighting bigotry with bigotry,' Scott told Sean Hannity on Fox News.

Tim Scott, senator for South Carolina, appeared on Hannity's show on Thursday night

The South Carolina senator addressed the response to his rebuttal to Biden's Congress speech

'They have expose their hypocrisy and their true motivation,' he said.

'It has nothing to do with ending prejudice. It has everything to do with claiming or getting more power.

'I have never seen such power grab and using people in such a despicable way.'

Speaking directly after Biden's maiden address to Congress, Scott gave his party and its former leader, ex-President Donald Trump, credit for the COVID response - saying Biden had 'inherited a tide that had already turned' - while blasting Democrats for prolonged closures of schools and churches.

Scott also defended the GOP-backed Georgia voting bill, blasting Democrats for lying about the controversial legislation and labeling it 'mainstream.'

The South Carolina Republican started out his remarks, delivered elsewhere in the U.S. Capitol, by saying Biden 'seems like a good man,' and adding that his 'speech was full of good words.'

'But President Biden promised you a specific kind of leadership. He promised to unite a nation.

'To lower the temperature. To govern for all Americans, no matter how we voted. That was the pitch. You just heard it again,' Scott said. 'But our nation is starving for more than empty platitudes.'

Scott blasted Biden and the Democrats for 'pulling us further apart.'

Biden, pictured on Thursday in Georgia marking his 100th day in office, would soon face a backlash, Scott warned, with people saying 'you won't tell me what to think'

'Uncle Tom' is derived from an 1852 novel: It's become an offensive racial caricature The term Uncle Tom is derived from the lead character of white abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. Uncle Tom is a gentle character, a smiling, wide-eyed servant who offered no resistance to the horrors of slavery. Described as the most enduring fictional slave, he later became 'synonymous with servility and self-hatred', according to a 2008 NPR documentary Why African-Americans Loathe 'Uncle Tom'. According to the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia, the Tom caricature 'is often old, physically weak, psychologically dependent on whites for approval'. Uncle Tom's Cabin sold over two million copies within two years of its publication. Advertisement

Scott, who is facing re-election in 2022, said that it was a depressing spectacle.

'It is really disheartening to see the left response, and frankly even Twitter's response to racism and racial slurs.

'If it comes from the left, and must be okay according to Twitter's response 12 hours later.'

Scott said he was confident there would soon be a 'backlash' to the 'paternalism' of the left.

'What we are seeing happen is this response from good intentioned people who happen to be black, who happen to be Hispanic, who happened to be white, who happen to be Asian, rising up and saying you won't tell me what to think.

'I'm going to decide that for myself.

'There is a coming backlash to this liberal oppression that is becoming front and center.'

Scott, 55, earlier told a different Fox show, Fox & Friends, that he was frequently attacked by liberals for his skin color.

'Intolerance so often comes from the left with words like 'Uncle Tim' and the 'n-word' being used against me,' Scott said.

'And last night what was trending in social media was 'Uncle Tim,' and they doubled down on this concept of liberal oppression.

'It is stunning in 2021 that those who speak about ending discrimination want to end it by more discrimination.

'The left has doubled down that they are going to, not attack my policies, but they're literally attacking the color of my skin.'
Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail sector, thas welcomed clarity that the sector will reopen fully on Monday, May 17, with click and collect resuming a week earlier, on Monday, May 10.

The group said retail businesses were looking forward to reopening and staying open, and would be reviewing and updating their public health protocols to ensure a safe experience for customers and staff.

Retail Ireland Director Arnold Dillon said: Today has been a long time coming. The last few months have been incredibly stressful for retail businesses and their staff. We now have a clear roadmap and can plan ahead with confidence. It is crucial that consumers support those businesses that have been badly hit by Covid restrictions. Unfortunately, some businesses will not reopen, many more will be relying on strong summer sales to ensure a viable business into the future.

Government supports have been a lifeline for many businesses, but debt levels have increased significantly, and many rent disputes remain unresolved. Unless further measures are taken, more business failures and redundancies are inevitable.

"Supporting the experience economy and breathing life back into our towns and cities must be a top priority over the coming weeks and months," he concluded.
Effectively and safely protecting against disease--this is what makes vaccines a vital and successful public health tool that saves lives and safeguards health and well-being. Today, vaccines shield us from more than 20 life-threatening diseases.

Each year, between 2 to 3 million lives are saved by immunisation against diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza or measles [1]. However, several vaccines such as the one against measles can only reach their full potential--protecting not just those who are immunised, but also those who might not be eligible for vaccination--if the vaccination coverage in a population is high enough [2].

Looking at immunisation programmes' successes and remaining challenges, this week's issue of Eurosurveillance is published on the occasion of European Immunization Week (EIW), from 26 April to 2 May 2021. The campaign, observed annually in the last week of April, was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe in 2005 and aims to highlight the benefits of routine immunisation and to support national immunisation systems.

This year's EIW slogan, 'Vaccines bring us closer', embraces coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines as an integral part of the response to end the ongoing pandemic and ease the physical distancing measures that have been implemented to help control it [3].

Thanks to routine vaccination--which has helped to eradicate for example smallpox and to protect against other diseases with potentially serious health consequences [4]--we know that vaccines work. Yet, WHO estimates that around 20 million children worldwide do not receive the vaccines they need or miss out on vaccination later in life [5].

Vaccines are most often administered to infants and children as part of routine national vaccination schedules. But immunisation protection reaches further than childhood and is important for people in all stages of life, from teenagers to adults and elderly people. Providing such lifelong protection poses further challenges for vaccination programmes, including ensuring equitable access to vaccines [6].

The editorial in this Eurosurveillance issue outlines the lessons learnt since the outset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, with regards to rapid vaccine development, authorisation, procurement, distribution and administration in large vaccination campaigns. It looks at the key considerations for national vaccine decision-making--during a pandemic or otherwise--and the role that National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) or equivalent bodies play when they advise their governments on how to best use new vaccines or design national immunisation programmes.

Also in this issue, Williams et al. documented and quantified immunisation programmes for adults across 194 WHO Member States in order to assess existing infrastructures' suitability for COVID-19 vaccine deployment. Looking at five vaccines licensed for adult immunisation (hepatitis B, herpes zoster, influenza, pneumococcal conjugate and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines), the authors found that of the 194 WHO Member States, 120 (62%) reported having at least one adult vaccination programme in 2018, and that 59% of countries had adult vaccination programmes for influenza.

High- or upper-middle-income countries were found to be significantly more likely to report adult immunisation programmes, with country income serving as the most strongly associated factor overall in a multivariable analysis. Other significantly associated factors in a bivariable analysis included meeting National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) basic functional indicators, having introduced new or underused vaccines and having achieved paediatric vaccine coverage goals.

Based on their assessment, Williams et al. conclude that almost 40% of the assessed countries have no infrastructure for adult immunisation and that even the presence of a national adult vaccination programme does not guarantee extensive use of vaccines in the adult population [7].

One target group for adult vaccination is healthcare workers, given that they are exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, mumps, pertussis and varicella at work and can also transmit these to patients.

In their article, von Linstow et al. detected immunity gaps mainly among young healthcare workers. In addition, considerable proportions of healthcare workers in the study reported that they were unsure about their vaccination status (22-32%, depending on the disease) and possible previous infections (11% for varicella and 41% for pertussis). According to the authors, this demonstrates the need for more targeted measures like screening and a vaccine strategy to address these gaps in healthcare workers [8].

Specifically for measles and its related elimination goal, coverage and uptake of routine childhood immunisation programmes have to improve in many European countries in the same way that immunity gaps in adolescents and adults need to be addressed [9].

In their paper, Rohleder et al. examine a possible relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and measles incidence in Germany, taking into account demographic, spatial and temporal factors [10]. They conclude that the risks for measles infections are higher and more concentrated in areas with the highest socioeconomic status.

In a study of 6,423 healthcare workers in Italy who received the Comirnaty vaccine (BNT162b2, BioNTech/Pfizer, Mainz, Germany/New York, United States), Fabiani et al. found that the effectiveness of preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection was 84% (95% confidence interval (CI): 40-96) 14-21 days after receiving the first dose and 95% (95% CI: 62-99) at least 7 days after the second dose. According to the authors, these results could support the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination campaigns with evidence for targeted communication [11].

Vaccination may be receiving more attention than usual right now, as many adults worldwide are currently being vaccinated or awaiting their opportunity to receive protection against COVID-19. Topics around vaccine safety and efficacy, ethical and equity considerations, as well as logistics are being discussed more widely and more intensely. In this context, EIW serves to highlight the ongoing need to increase efforts to achieve better vaccination coverage for all vaccine-preventable diseases, in order to prevent disease and protect individuals beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

###

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO). Vaccines and Immunization. Geneva: WHO; 2021. Available from: https:/ / www. who. int/ health-topics/ vaccines-and-immunization#tab= tab_1

2. European Vaccination Information Portal (EVIP). Benefits of vaccination for the community. Stockholm: European Commission, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, European Medicines Agency; 2021. Available from: https:/ / vaccination-info. eu/ en/ vaccination/ benefits-vaccination-community

3. World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe). European Immunization Week. Copenhagen: WHO/Europe; 2021. Available from: https:/ / www. euro. who. int/ en/ media-centre/ events/ events/ 2021/ 04/ european-immunization-week

4. European Vaccination Information Portal (EVIP). Benefits of vaccination for individuals. Stockholm: European Commission, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, European Medicines Agency; 2021. Available from: https:/ / vaccination-info. eu/ en/ vaccination/ benefits-vaccination-individuals

5. World Health Organization (WHO). World Immunization Week 2021 - Vaccines bring us closer. Geneva: WHO: 2021. Available from: https:/ / www. who. int/ news-room/ events/ detail/ 2021/ 04/ 24/ default-calendar/ world-immunization-week-2021

6. World Health Organization (WHO). Immunization Agenda 2030: A Global Strategy to Leave No One Behind. Geneva: WHO; 2020. Available from: https:/ / www. who. int/ teams/ immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/ strategies/ ia2030

7. Williams S, Driscoll A, LeBuhn H, Chen W, Neuzil K, Ortiz J. National Routine Adult Immunization Programs among World Health Organization Member States: an assessment of health systems to deploy future SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Euro Surveill. 2021; 26(17). https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 2807/ 1560-7917. ES. 2021. 26. 17. 2001195

8. von Linstow M-L, Yde Nielsen A, Kirkby N, Eltvedt A, Nordmann Winther T, Bybeck Nielsen A, Bang D, Poulsen A. Immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases among paediatric healthcare workers in Denmark, 2019. Euro Surveill. 2021; 26(17). https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 2807/ 1560-7917. ES. 2021. 26. 17. 2001167

9. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Who is at risk for measles in the EU/EEA? Identifying susceptible groups to close immunity gaps towards measles elimination. Stockholm: ECDC; 2019. Available from: https:/ / www. ecdc. europa. eu/ en/ publications-data/ risk-assessment-measles-eu-eea-2019

10. Rohleder S, Stock C, Bozorgmehr K. Socioeconomic deprivation is inversely associated with measles incidence: a longitudinal small-area analysis in Germany, 2001-2017. Euro Surveill. 2021; 26(17). https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 2807/ 1560-7917. ES. 2021. 26. 17. 1900755
Renault SA workers blocked a car-parts site in western France for a third day in a standoff that could jeopardize cost-cutting plans as the government grows anxious on automotive jobs.

Workers led by the CGT union demonstrated on Thursday against a plan by Renault to sell the Fonderie de Bretagne in Caudan that makes cast-metal parts for combustion engines. The factory halted production after access was blocked, following a so-called boss-napping incident on Tuesday when local managers were detained into the night.

The sale of the factory is a betrayal," CGT union leader Mael Le Goff said in a video posting. Productivity and flexibility have risen and Renault should keep the site, he said.

The dispute underlines the struggling companys difficulties in cutting costs in France, a key part of Chief Executive Officer Luca de Meos turnaround plan. It has also sparked mounting concern within the government -- the carmakers most powerful shareholder -- about the effects on jobs as the shift to electric cars accelerates.

Renault rival Stellantis NV, which also counts the French state as a shareholder, this month caved to government pressure to keep production of a combustion engine in France. On Thursday a finance ministry official said the country suffers from a productivity gap in the foundry sector and that the government is stepping up efforts to consolidate and retrain workers.

At Risk

As many as 5,000 jobs could be at risk by the end of the decade at French auto foundries out of roughly 13,500, according to the ministry, citing outside studies. Another 30,000 positions could be lost by mid-decade among car-parts suppliers.

Renault said it would sell the auto foundry last year as part of a plan that includes voluntary departures of some 4,600 workers in France and the phasing out of car assembly at the Flins factory outside Paris.

The company has fallen far short of its staff reduction goal and the unrest at Caudan presents yet another difficulty. In a bid to reassure investors, De Meo said last week a cost-cutting target may be reached this year.

The search for a buyer of the Caudan site is ongoing, a spokesman said Thursday.

The government tried to ward off an escalation of the dispute earlier this week when Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire announced a fund dedicated to job retraining for auto foundry workers.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
FLINT, MI -- The 31-year-old Flint woman found dead in her home Thursday morning after she suffered multiple gunshot wounds has been identified by police.

Police were called to the 2900 block of Prospect Street at 2:47 a.m. Thursday, April 29, according to a Flint Police Department news release.

Officers found 31-year-old Taquitta Barber had been shot multiple times in her home, the release states. Barber was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are searching for a 31-year-old male suspect in this case, according to the news release.

Flint Police Department officers and Michigan State Police troopers originally responded to the residence after a call was made for a well-being check, an earlier MSP news release stated.

Related: Flint woman shot multiple times, killed in home

Investigators remained at the scene of the shooting until about noon Thursday.

The Flint Major Crimes Unit is investigating the shooting.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Detective Sgt. R. Frost at 810-237-6947 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-JAIL (5245), P3Tips mobile app, or CrimeStoppersofFlint.com.

Read more on MLive:

Flint police chief calls for community help combating crime after 9 homicides in one month

Man critically injured in shooting at Flint apartment complex

17-year-old boy fatally shot in Flint

Man charged in Flint shooting that left 1 dead, 1 critical

21-year-old man shot and killed in Flint

Man dies after being shot multiple times in Flint

Morning shooting in Flint leaves one hospitalized

Man charged with murder in shooting death of 16-year-old in Flint
Update April 30, 12:23 p.m.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency canceled the alert shortly before noon on Friday.

Gordo Police Chief Johnny Stephenson told WTVA the toddler was found safe Friday morning at approximately 10:30 in Forest Park, Georgia.

Stephenson said a family member is in custody.

Original article below

GORDO, Ala. (WTVA) - Gordo police are asking for help locating a missing toddler.

Khilan Bell, 3, was last seen on Thursday, April 29 in the area of Sixth Street NW at 12:45 p.m. in Gordo.

He may be traveling in a gray 2012 Nissan Altima with a Georgia license plate - QFJ8959.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Gordo Police Department at 205-367-9373 or call 911.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 10:36:01|Editor: huaxia

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People gather and celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag BaOmer on Mount Meron, Israel, April 29, 2021. At least 44 people were killed and 103 injured in a stampede after midnight Thursday at an Israeli festival attended by tens of thousands of people, local media reported. The tragedy happened in Mount Meron in northern Israel, during the festival celebrated every year on the eve of the Jewish holiday Lag BaOmer. (David Cohen/JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, April 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 44 people were killed and 103 injured in a stampede after midnight Thursday at an Israeli festival attended by tens of thousands of people, local media reported.

The tragedy happened in Mount Meron in northern Israel, during the festival celebrated every year on the eve of the Jewish holiday Lag BaOmer.

According to estimates by the Israeli media, about 100,000 people, most of them ultra-Orthodox Jews, participated in the festival this time.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on Twitter, "A heavy disaster on Mount Meron. We are all praying for the healing of the injured. I want to strengthen the rescue crews operating there."

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin also tweeted, "In-great concern I follow the reports from Meron and pray for the healing of the wounded. May God heal them."

It was first speculated that the tragedy was caused by the collapse of a stand, but Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom (MDA) later said it was caused by crowding.

The MDA added that the wounded were evacuated, some of them by helicopters, to four hospitals in northern Israel and Jerusalem.

United Hatzalah emergency medical service said that dozens of resuscitations were carried out at the site by the organization's volunteers. Enditem
CHICO, Calif. - A Chico man recently convicted of sexually assaulting two women in their own apartments, appeared in Butte County Superior Court Thursday and was sentenced to the maximum term of twelve years in state prison, according to the Butte County District Attorney, Mike Ramsey.

24-year-old Felipe Marquez-Segura was sentenced Thursday following his earlier plea on March 25, 2021, to two counts of assault with intent to commit rape. In addition, Ramsey said that Marquez-Segura will be required to register as a sex offender for life as a result of his convictions.

District Attorney Ramsey said Marquez-Seguras first attack happened around 4 a.m. on Sept. 8, 2019.

An 18-year-old woman living in an apartment in the 700 block of West 3rd Street woke up to an unknown male putting his hands down her pants, according to Ramsey. The man, later identified as Marquez-Segura, then jumped up and left the apartment, and the victim called 911.

The victim told Chico police she later realized she was missing a set of keys to her apartment. Authorities said it was later discovered that Marquez-Segura was in possession of the keys.

Ramsey said the second attack happened on Sept. 28, 2019, at about 3 a.m., when a 22-year-old woman was asleep in an apartment in the 600 block of West 6th Street.

The victim said she woke up when a man, later identified as Marquez-Segura, pushed himself on top of her, using his body weight to prevent her from leaving, Ramsey said. He attempted to pull her pants down, but she was able to free herself and run out of the apartment barefoot.

A neighbor called the Chico police reporting he had seen the man prowling in the neighborhood earlier and then saw a barefoot woman running out into the street with the man he saw earlier running away from the nearby apartment.

Ramsey said Marquez-Segura was contacted by Chico State University Police a short distance away near the site of the Sept. 8 assault. The two apartments were approximately three to four blocks from each other.

A search of Marquez-Seguras cell phone revealed secret videos taken of the first victim through her window prior to her attack as well as videos taken through her window one week later on Sept. 14, 2019, Ramsey said. Videos of the second victim were also found on his phone showing her to be asleep on a futon bed in her apartment just prior to his assault of that victim.

"The defendant brazenly entered the homes of sleeping and vulnerable young women, violating their sense of safety within their own homes," Ramsey said. "We commend the work of the Chico Police Department and University Police. Their thorough investigation resulted in taking a dangerous predator off the streets.
GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lauridsen Skatepark will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 7 at 4:30 p.m. to celebrate its grand opening. The Skatepark is the largest in the country and will open to the public in Greater Des Moines (DSM) in advance of hosting a national event later this month.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the Skatepark at 901 2nd Ave. in Downtown DSM. The Skatepark is centrally located at the north end of the Principal Riverwalk next to the Des Moines River. Media and the public can pay to park at the Iowa Events Center parking lot or find a paid street parking spot close to the Skatepark. All attendees will need to enter through Bobber Park on the south side of the Skatepark. Masks will be recommended per CDC guidelines.

Following the ribbon cutting, the Skatepark will be open to the public beginning 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Friday night, and will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m.  10:30 p.m. each day. The opening will provide a sneak peek for the community before setup begins for the Dew Tour competition set to take place from May 20  23. Set up for the Dew Tour begins at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 10. The Skatepark will be closed to the public from May 10  27 while the Dew Tour set-up, competitions and clean-up take place. The only exception is that some skating elements are open to those with Dew Tour tickets from May 20  23.

The Dew Tour event will include World Skate sanctioned men's and women's skateboarding Street and Park competitions, serving as the only U.S. based global Olympic skateboard qualifying events for 2021. Skateboarding will make its debut at the Olympic Games this summer in Tokyo, which were rescheduled in 2020 for July 23  August 8, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

No public registration is required. Members of the media interested in attending are asked to contact Courtney Shaw at [email protected] and Jon Cahill at [email protected]

Contacts:

Courtney Shaw

[email protected]

(405) 747-8757

Learn More About DSM USA

Jon Cahill

[email protected]

(515) 822-3039

SOURCE Greater Des Moines Partnership

Related Links

https://www.dsmpartnership.com


The fourth joint Ukrainian-Romanian exercise Riverine 2021 with the participation of the naval forces and border guards of the two countries will take place in Odesa region this autumn.

A conference on planning the Ukrainian-Romanian exercise Riverine 2021 was held in Odesa. The fourth exercise of the Ukrainian Navy and the Romanian Navy will take place this autumn, the press service of the Ministry of Defense reported.

The main idea of the exercise is to strengthen regional security, improve the level of interaction and compatibility of the participating countries.

The Ukrainian side will be represented by a group of small armored artillery boats, a harbor minesweeper, an amphibious ship or boat, a Marine Corps unit, and the naval aviation; while the Romanian side  by armored and patrol boats, a harbor minesweeper, as well as an infantry unit and a Puma Naval helicopter.

In addition, units of the Maritime Guard of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and the Romanian Border Police will take part in the exercise.

The planning, management of the combined ship-and-boat tactical teams, and the execution of missions will continue to be carried out in accordance with NATO standards and procedures.

As Ukrinform reported, the Riverine exercise was launched on a Ukrainian-Romanian initiative and was first held in 2018.

ish
MCHS Students Selected for Governor's School

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - Two McCracken County High School students have been selected to attend the Governor's School for Entrepreneurs.Abigail Birman and Connor Wagner were selected to attend the summer program where Kentucky students focus on product innovation and business model designs. This year's program will have 120 students from across Kentucky.Participants are selected through a competitive process that does not consider grade-point average or test scores. The experience is free for the students.The application is structured to identify creative problem-solvers who want to roll up their sleeves and dive head-first into creating something meaningful.The first session will take place from June 6-26, with the second session on July 5-24.Teams of students will 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.GSE alumni have launched more than 16 new businesses since the program began in 2013. Others have filed multiple patents and developed new ideas and relationships that sow seeds for business creation.
Police crackdown after increase in catalytic converter thefts

A week-long initiative focusing on tackling catalytic converter thefts has taken place across North Wales.

Police say there has been an increase in thefts across the region, particularly from Japanese brands such as Honda / Toyota and from hybrid vehicles.

Precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium are used in catalytic converters. The price of these metals has risen sharply in recent years and has led to an increase in the theft of catalytic converters by organised crime networks.

As part of Op Goldiron officers took part in a week of proactive action, including crime prevention work and vehicle stop checks.





A spokesperson for NWP Wrexham Rural said: Extra policing was undertaken in the vicinity of scrap yards  we also had conversations with the owners and we asked for their assistance moving forwards, although these car parts are often transported by criminals to other areas of the country, and even into Europe.

The smart water marker pens (pictured) are used to put security details on the catalytic converter, making any seized items easier to identify.

As part of our proactive approach, we will check catalytic converters when stopping vehicles attending scrap yards with them, or when we are visiting scrap yards generally as part of our work with the Environment Agency.

Members of the public attending scrap dealers to sell metals are required to show ID and provide bank details.
The FBI warned Rudy Giuliani in late 2019 that he was the target of a Russian campaign to interfere in the November presidential election, according to a report.

Multiple current and former US officials told the Washington Post Giuliani was warned about Russia's attempts to potentially use him to push false claims to smear Joe Biden during the White House race.

At the time, Giuliani was a key figure in Trump's reelection campaign and was seeking to unearth damaging information about Biden and his son Hunter over their dealings in Ukraine.

But, despite the warning, Giuliani plowed ahead with a trip to Ukraine that December where he met with a Ukrainian lawmaker who the US government later said was 'an active Russian agent' who had ran an 'influence campaign' to sway the outcome of the election.

The claims come one day after Giuliani's Manhattan home was raided by federal agents as part of an ongoing investigation into his dealings in Ukraine. Giuliani's 2019 warning over Russia is completely separate to the investigation that saw his home raided, the Post reported.

The FBI warned Rudy Giuliani (above) back in late 2019 that he was the target of a Russian campaign to interfere in the November presidential election, according to a report

The former New York City mayor and then-personal attorney to Donald Trump received the defensive briefing from counterintelligence agents, said the insiders, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Such briefings are given to warn people they are being targeted by foreign governments or 'to see how they respond to that,' Frank Figliuzzi, a former senior FBI counterintelligence official, told the Post.

Then-national security adviser Robert O'Brien also warned Trump around that time that Giuliani was a target of a Russian influence campaign and that he had been communicating with people tied to Russia's intelligence agency.

He told the then-president to expect information from Giuliani to have been tainted by Moscow.

Giuliani's response was apparently to ignore the concerns and he flew out to Ukraine that December to meet Andriy Derkach, along with a crew from pro-Trump news outlet One America News (OAN).

The trip was organized with the help of former diplomat Andriy Telizhenko, who Giuliani also met with on multiple occasions leading up to the election, the Post reported.

Giuliani then met with Derkach another time last February for a podcast where Derkach pushed false claims that billions in US aid to Ukraine went missing while Biden was in charge of US's dealings with the country as VP.

In September, the Trump administration sanctioned Derkach and accused him of having been an active Russian agent for more than a decade and of maintaining 'close connections with Russian intelligence services.'

In January, Telizhenko was also sanctioned for trying to influence the 2020 election - which he denies.

Last month, a declassified intelligence report concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin of Russia authorized a campaign to try to damage Biden's chances of winning the 2020 elections.

The claims come one day after Giuliani's Manhattan home was raided by federal agents as part of an ongoing investigation into his dealings in Ukraine

The raid is part of an investigation into Giuliani's dealings with Ukraine and into whether he violated federal lobbying laws

The report also said that Russia tried to 'launder' its efforts through people close to Trump.

It did not name the Trump allies involved but sources said at the time that Giuliani was one of them.

It named Derkach as one of the people working with Russia 'to use prominent U.S. persons and media conduits to launder their narratives to U.S. officials and audiences.'

Derkach has denied being involved with a foreign intelligence agency.

Giuliani's lawyer Robert J. Costello did not respond to the Post's requests for comment but has previously said Giuliani did not rely on Derkach for information.

Giuliani's home and office in the Upper East Side of Manhattan was raided Wednesday by federal agents and his electronic devices including computers and cellphones were seized.

It is part of an investigation into Giuliani's dealings with Ukraine and into whether he violated federal lobbying laws.

The search warrants included an allegation that Giuliani failed to register as a foreign agent, a violation of lobbying laws.

In the run-up to the election, Giuliani allegedly dug for dirt on the Joe and Hunter Biden - including Hunter's ties to Ukrainian natural gas firm Burisma, to try and help Trump politically.

Rudy Giuliani's apartment building on the Upper East Side of Manhattan

Rudy Giuliani's Park Avenue office was also raided by federal investigators

No damaging information ever came to light, neither Biden has been charged with a crime and Hunter stepped down from Burisma's board during the 2020 election.

Hunter is under a separate investigation over his taxes.

Giuliani, once celebrated for his leadership after 9/11, has been under federal scrutiny for several years over his ties to Ukraine.

Wednesday's searches sent the strongest signal yet that he could eventually face federal charges.

Giuliani has denied any wrongdoing.

He told Fox News Thursday the search warrant was 'illegal' and 'unconstitutional', claiming that he had offered to hand over his electronic devices willingly for the past two years, and insisting that he had never worked for a foreign national.

His lawyer Robert Costello said the warrants involved an allegation that Giuliani failed to register as a foreign agent and that investigative documents mentioned John Solomon, a frequent Fox News commentator with close ties to Giuliani.

Sources said Giuliani was warned about Russia's attempts to potentially use him to push false claims to smear Joe Biden during the White House race. At the time, Giuliani was seeking to dig dirty about Biden and his son Hunter (pictured together) over their dealings in Ukraine

Solomon pushed baseless or unsubstantiated allegations involving Ukraine and Biden during the 2020 election.

Meanwhile, Senator Ron Johnson, pro-Trump news outlet OAN and other unnamed members of congress also received warnings about being used as part of a Russian smear campaign, the Post reported.

Johnson spearheaded one of the committees investigating Biden and his son Hunter Biden's dealings in Ukraine in the run-up to the election, focusing on the younger Biden's role at Ukrainian firm Burisma and if it had led to a conflict of interest for his father when he was vice president to Barack Obama.

During the committee probe, Johnson made no secret of his political motive saying the committee report would prove Biden's 'unfitness for office.'

The investigation ultimately found no evidence of improper influence or wrongdoing by Biden.

Rudy Giuliani on Thursday night appeared on Fox News to discuss the raid on his home

Johnson confirmed to the Washington Post he had received a 'vague warning from FBI briefers last August' but suggested the warning was part of a plan to 'to falsely accuse me of being a tool of Russia despite warnings' down the line.

'Regarding reports that I received an FBI briefing warning me that I was a target of Russian disinformation, I can confirm I received such a briefing in August of 2020,' he said.

Johnson said the FBI provided no substance to back up the warning.

'I asked the briefers what specific evidence they had regarding this warning, and they could not provide me anything other than the generalized warning. Without specific information, I felt the briefing was completely useless and unnecessary (since I was fully aware of the dangers of Russian disinformation).

'Because there was no substance to the briefing, and because it followed the production and leaking of a false intelligence product by Democrat leaders, I suspected that the briefing was being given to be used at some future date for the purpose that it is now being used: to offer the biased media an opportunity to falsely accuse me of being a tool of Russia despite warnings.'
After being sworn in as Pasadenas mayor four years ago, Jeff Wagner vowed to be a unifying force in a city with a growing Latino population that often felt shortchanged when it came to political clout and city services.

I stressed that if I became mayor, Pasadena was Pasadena to me.  What I meant was, were all in it together, Wagner, a retired Houston police officer, told the Houston Chronicle in September 2017.

As Wagner seeks a second four-year term, its far from clear he has bridged the divisions in Pasadena, a working-class suburb of Houston that is also Harris Countys second-largest city.

Wagner did successfully push to settle a voting rights lawsuit after a federal judge ruled a city election plan intentionally discriminated against Hispanic voters. But his tenure has also been marked by feuding between Wagner and his council allies on one side and council members representing the citys older, predominantly Latino north side on the other. Some have bristled at what they view as Wagners heavy-handed style of running council meetings.

The mayor said this week hes proud of whats been accomplished during his tenure, including the citys response during Hurricane Harvey, the coronavirus pandemic and the February freeze.

He faces a challenge from David Flores, 37, a former city employee who runs a construction business. Flores said he would like to better represent the entire city and bring more transparency. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2017; Wagner later prevailed in a runoff over banker John Moon.

The current race for mayor is among six contested races on the ballot Saturday in Pasadena. The elections, and any runoffs that may ensue, will determine not only whether Wagner continues to serve but whether he retains a working majority.

Brandon Rottinghaus, a professor of political science at the University of Houston, said the election appears to be more about city issues than voting rights.

Its an opportunity for the voters to clean the slates, Rottinghaus said. Thats really what we want from local elections is to be able to focus on the things that voters care about instead of trying to re-engineer the politics of district lines.

From council races to bond elections

Across the region, voters on Saturday head to the polls to decide local elections, bond questions and other issues.

The ballot includes elections for mayor and city council in Humble, South Houston, Southside Place and West University Place, along with a handful of positions on the boards of the Goose Creek, Humble and Pasadena independent school districts. Missouri City voters also are considering ballot measures related to the power of the mayor, council members and the city manager.

Also on the ballot are 21 measures that would give local utility and management districts authority to issue bonds and collect taxes. Voters in Nassau Bay and Webster will decide races for city council.

In the Katy Independent School District, voters will consider a $676.2 million bond package that includes funds to build new schools and update its aging, crowded buildings.

This years elections in Pasadena, which has about 150,000 residents, have garnered less attention than four years ago when the city faced scrutiny from federal officials following the voting rights lawsuit.

A federal judge ruled in 2017 that the city had violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting the influence of Latino voters in a redistricting scheme pushed by longtime Mayor Johnny Isbell. The judge ordered the city to revert to a 2013 election map that relied upon eight single-member districts, instead of the six single-member districts and two at-large positions that Isbell had championed and the judge later found unconstitutional.

The U.S. Department of Justice sent observers to monitor that years elections. And a judge ordered federal oversight of Pasadenas election system until 2023.

Shortly after his election, Wagner, who had often been allied with Isbell when he was mayor, persuaded the city council to settle the suit for about $1 million. In an interview, Wagner said the decision to settle appeared clear to him after reviewing the suit.

I did not disagree with the other side, what they were saying was very valid, Wagner said. My administration will not tolerate any type of suppression or anything else towards anybody in this city.

Some division has persisted. Throughout the last four years, council meetings have led to quarreling between the mayor and some council members.

Candidates debate progress

Wagner, a former council member now in his mid-50s, insists the city is doing well. He listed a new police and fire academy, a new court building and street work among the accomplishments. He said he wished he had a big dump truck full of money to work on more streets.

Right now, Im just very proud on where were at, he said. The north and south is not alive and well under my administration  Pasadena is alive and well.

Flores said hes concerned about where city funds are directed and said the north side has been neglected.

The challenger said he also wants to see more transparency from the mayors office.

Its just time for the city to come together as a whole and not just a half, he said, noting that he literally lives at the halfway point between the citys north and south sides. God willing, if yall do give me an opportunity to win, there would be change.

Flores said his work in city government  in sanitation, public works and as a health inspector  have prepared him to lead the city.

Five of eight council races contested

Candidates allied with Wagner prevailed in four of eight council races in 2017; three of those are seeking reelection this year. Among the races:

* District B. Three candidates are vying to represent the seat now held by Bruce Leamon, a Wagner ally who is not running again due to term limits. They are Bianca Valerio, Bill Pittman and Debbie Ramos Trainor.

* Five candidates are running for the seat held by Cody Ray Wheeler, a frequent critic of Wagner who is term-limited. They are Gilbert Pena, Maria Morales, Robert Mahaney, Jonathan Estrada and Joseph JT Thomas.

* There are three two-candidate races. The District D contest for the seat now held by Sammy Casados, who opted not to seek reelection, pits Stephen Terry against former Council member Pat Van Houte. In District F, incumbent Phil Cayten hopes to stave off a challenge from David Gonzalez. In District H, Freeport Police Chief Ray Garivey is seeking to unseat Council member Thomas Schoenbein.

Incumbents are unopposed in three contests.

A list of polling locations, which are scheduled to open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., near city council districts can be found at this link.

Jasper Scherer and Correspondent John DeLapp contributed to this report

alejandro.serrano@chron.com
Every now and then, a story comes along that astonishes with its degree of truth, trauma and resilience. Veronica Gorries memoir, Black and Blue, is one such, chronicling a life of inconceivable pain, abuse and discrimination.

On November 22, 1941, Gorries grandmother was taken to the Neglected Childrens Depot in Melbourne. When men turned up, the girls and women, including her grandmother, would put sand in their vaginas  so that when the white men tried to rape them, it would hurt. Immediately after she gave birth to Veronicas father, the hospital sterilised her without her consent.

Veronica Gorrie wanted to make a difference when she joined the Queensland police. Instead, all she encountered was racism and appalling treatment. Credit:Justin McManus

Gorrie was raped at 13. Her mother called her a little black bitch. When Gorrie came home from school, her mother would be drunk. Gorrie was surrounded by alcohol abuse, drug abuse, neglect and hunger. Her mother was regularly attempting suicide. We would have to be on suicide watch with her, Gorrie writes.

The family floated from place to place, never finding a secure home: I never put my PJs on. I always had to be on the ready. What does that do to a child, to grow up with that level of vigilance, mistreatment and insecurity?
Ross Douthat, wrote a signed op-ed guest essay for The New York Times, April 27: "Heres My Novel Idea for the Republican Party." In it he concedes that the populism that Donald J. Trump brought to Washington has not faded in the months since Joe Biden became president. It is to be noted, quickly, that while Douthat is not as vicious a NeverTrump as his Times colleagues, the so-called "conservative" David Brooks, and the still somewhat conservative Bret Stephens, Douthat rarely has a generous word for the former president, whom he calls, at the start of this editorial, "a lazy, inconsistent populist."

Coming out in support of "populist-flavored economic proposals," Douthat calls for a GOP "Common Good Caucus." Douthat writes that Republican candidates for Congress "could find in the Common Good Caucus a distinct identity in a primary campaign, a ready-made agenda to run on in the general election and a built-in in set of allies waiting in Washington if they win."

He concludes: "[I]t would be appropriate for my imagined faction's title to invoke the common good: Simply by existing, they would be doing a service not just to their own ideas, but to the competence of Congress and the health of the Republic as a whole."

The difficulty here is that Douthat claims too much in suggesting that a "Common Good Caucus" is his idea. In fact, the notion of government officials serving "the common good of the society" goes back to Madison and his writing, February 1788, Federalist No. 57.

Shouldn't Douthat be familiar with The Federalist Papers, including No. 57, as well as the more cited Nos. 10 and 39? That is to say, his idea for emphasis on the "Common Good" is hardly a "novel idea."

After opening with the acknowledgment that there is a "class of citizens which will have least sympathy with the mass of the people, and be more likely to aim at an ambitious sacrifice of the many to the aggrandizement of the few[,]" Madison notes (emphasis added):

The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of the society, and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust.

Madison goes on to assert that the members of the House of Representatives (emphasis added):

... can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as on the great mass of the society. This has always been deemed one of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the rulers and the people together. It creates between them that communion of interests and sympathy of sentiments of which few governments have furnished examples: but without which every government degenerates into tyranny.

Madison then warned that if the freedom-loving spirit of the American people "shall ever be so far debased as to tolerate a law not obligatory on the legislature, as well as the people, the people will be prepared to tolerate anything but liberty" (emphasis added).

(Question: Is it true that the "Affordable Care Act" treats the members of Congress differently from the general population?)

Madison makes clear that tyranny, not democracy, happens when elected officials fail to pursue "the common good of the society."

Rather than Douthat "imagining" a Common Good Caucus among Republican members of Congress, he might, with modesty, have cited Federalist No. 57 as providing a roadmap for congressional Republicans to follow to keep totalitarian-minded Democrats within the guardrails of the Constitution. Indeed, Federalist No. 57 should be regarded as a populist manifesto from the Founding Generation and should be on the desk of every Republican congressman and senator.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
SHANGHAI, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fastmarkets, the global commodity price reporting agency, and NOREXECO ASA, the international pulp and paper exchange, today announced that the exchange will launch two new cash-settled China pulp futures contracts on June 1 based on Fastmarkets RISI's NBSK CIF China assessment and Fastmarkets FOEX' PIX China BHKP Net index.

Pulp futures are designed to help market participants manage their exposure to price risk. NOREXECO already lists contracts for hardwood and softwood pulp delivered to Europe, as well as for recycled paper  all of which are settled against Fastmarkets FOEX indices. In addition, NOREXECO has listed a Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) "mirror" contract on NBSK.

"With the rapid rise of the importance of the SHFE pulp futures contract and its influence on global market pulp prices, these new contracts will provide international producers and global buyers the opportunity to hedge their exposure to future price swings for imported pulp into China," said Matt Graves, Senior VP of Indices at Fastmarkets.

The market will set daily closing prices and make visible a transparent forward curve available for all market participants.

"This will be the first time that stakeholders in China will have access to a futures contract for hardwood," said Haidong Weng, Head of Strategic Business at Xiamen C&D Paper & Pulp. "The new contracts will provide opportunities for cross-market hedging and arbitrage against SHFE and the hardwood/softwood spread."

NOREXECO is ensuring that Chinese companies can participate in trade via brokers (FIS) and clearing houses by providing an easy access route.

"The two new China pulp contracts increase the opportunity to manage price risk for everyone exposed to price movements on pulp," said Stein O. Larsen, CEO at NOREXECO. "They are a great addition to the NOREXECO product portfolio and open opportunities for both existing and new market participants at NOREXECO. Anyone seeking to reduce risks and/or exploit opportunities should contact us to get access to the market."

John Banaszkiewicz, Freight Investor Services CEO, added, "We are pleased to be able to partner with NOREXECO on pulp futures and to drive forward development of the only dedicated market for pulp and paper (a real paper market!).There is already a well-established onshore market in China, but we hope that the launch of these contracts will enable us to help develop this globally, growing both the offshore and onshore markets. We are especially keen to bring our experience and expertise of developing iron ore futures to the pulp market."

All NOREXECO products are listed as months, quarters or years, with a total duration of 36 months forward. This enables market participants to optimize company-specific tender risk or to lock in a margin. The contracts will be tradable for all NOREXECO members, either directly through the electronic trading system, or by calling the NOREXECO Market Service Desk. NOREXECO market access can also be obtained through banks and broker companies, including for Chinese companies.

ABOUT FASTMARKETS

Fastmarkets is the industry-leading Price Reporting Agency (PRA) for global commodities, providing price data, news, analytics, and events for the metals and mining, forest products, and agriculture markets. Fastmarkets' data is critical for customers seeking to understand and predict dynamic, sometimes opaque markets, enabling trading and risk management. Fastmarkets is a global business with a history exceeding 130 years built on trust and deep market knowledge. Its team of more than 430 people are located in global offices including London, Helsinki, Boston, New York, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Brussels and Sao Paulo. Fastmarkets is part of Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC (LSE:ERM), a listed company on the London Stock Exchange. Euromoney is a leading international business-to-business information group focused primarily on the global commodities, banking and asset management markets.

ABOUT NOREXECO

NOREXECO is a regulated commodity exchange specialised for the global pulp and paper industry. NOREXECO offers trading in cash settled financial futures. These instruments are used to manage price risk for market participants like producers and consumers as well as being a trading opportunity for financial institutions and commodity trading firms.

NOREXCO was established in 2012 and obtained a license as a regulated marketplace in September 2014. The marketplace commenced operation on the 15 of September 2015. As a prime producer and exporter of high quality fibre products the Nordics is an ideal location for an exchange for forestry and paper products. This combined with the region's regulatory environment and its reputation for transparency makes it the right home for NOREXECO. NOREXECO is regulated by the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway. Our physical location is in Kongsvinger, near Oslo.

NOREXECO  the pulp & paper exchange  is built on the idea that efficient utilization of products from the forestry value chain benefits both the environment and the economy.

SOURCE Fastmarkets
ELKO, NV / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Lithium Corporation (OTCQB:LTUM) ("LTUM" or "the Company"), a North American corporation focused on energy metals for the growing energy storage sector and high-tech industries, is pleased to announced it has recently signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Altura Mining Limited (AJM)(ALTAF), under which Altura has agreed to a Joint Venture earn-in of a 60% interest on the Company's Fish Lake Valley lithium-in-brine prospect in Esmeralda County Nevada.

Under the terms of the LOI Altura is to pay LTUM $50,000 USD within five days of signing, followed by a 60 day due diligence period. Subsequent to due diligence and the signing of a formal agreement (by July 31st or other mutually agreed date) Altura is to pay the Company a further $100,000 and issue the equivalent of $100,000 of Alturas common stock. Following this on each annual anniversary of the signing of the formal agreement, Altura is to:

1 st Anniversary pay LTUM $100,000 and issue the equivalent of $100,000 shares

Anniversary pay LTUM $100,000 and issue the equivalent of $100,000 shares 2 nd Anniversary pay LTUM $125,000 and issue the equivalent of $100,000 shares

Anniversary pay LTUM $125,000 and issue the equivalent of $100,000 shares 3 rd Anniversary pay LTUM $150,000 and issue the equivalent of $100,000 shares

Anniversary pay LTUM $150,000 and issue the equivalent of $100,000 shares 4th Anniversary pay LTUM $150,000 and issue the equivalent of $100,000 shares

Additionally Altura is to perform exploration and development work on the property in the value of:

Year 1 - $200,000

Year 2 - $400,000

Year 3 - $600,000

Year 4 - $800,000

On completion of the above Altura will be deemed to have earned a 60% interest in the Fish Lake Valley Project. Altura will have the option to accelerate earn-in at Fish Lake Valley, and after earn-in will have the option within 1 year of earn-in to purchase a further 20% interest in the property by paying LTUM $1,750,000. Also within two years of making the initial purchase of a portion of the Company's residual interest Altura may purchase LTUM's remaining 20% interest in the property for a further $1,750,000 at which point Lithium Corporation's interest in the property would revert to a 2.5% Net Smelter Royalty.

Altura is the single largest shareholder in Lithium Corporation, and the two companies have maintained an alliance since 2012. Tom Lewis, President and CEO of Lithium Corporation recently commented, "I am delighted that we are going to collaborate on Fish Lake Valley with Altura, after our long association with them, and believe this arrangement could usher in the dawn of a new era for lithium-in-brine exploration and development in the Great Basin". Under the guidance of James Brown the Managing Director of Altura, AJM/ALTAF has a history of development and mining, having raised in the order of $250,000,000 in the past decade, and owned various interests in several mines during this period. With Altura's proven ability to move properties from exploration through feasibility and into production, the Company eagerly anticipates developments at our Fish Lake Valley property."

About Lithium Corporation

Lithium Corporation is an exploration company based in Nevada devoted to the exploration for energy storage related resources throughout North America, and looking to capitalize on opportunities within the ever-expanding next generation energy storage markets. The Company has maintained a strategic alliance with Altura Mining for the past eight years. Website: www.lithiumcorporation.com.

Contact Info

Tom Lewis, CEO

Lithium Corporation

775-410-5287

info@lithiumcorporation.com

About Altura Mining Limited

Altura Mining Limited is an ASX/OTC listed Lithium exploration and development company based in Perth West Australia. Website: www.alturamining.com

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This current report contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future.

Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with mineral exploration and difficulties associated with obtaining financing on acceptable terms. We are not in control of minerals prices and these could vary to make development uneconomic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our most recent annual report for our last fiscal year, our quarterly reports, and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Lithium Corporation (OTCQB:LTUM) 1031 Railroad St. Ste 102B Elko NV 89801 (775) 410-5287 www.lithiumcorporation.com

SOURCE: Lithium Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643482/Lithium-Corporation-Announces-Fish-Lake-Valley-Joint-Venture-With-Altura-Mining-Limited
Of the 812 total new COVID-19 cases reported in Massachusetts schools in the last week, New Bedford reported the largest number of students with new infections, at 43, according to state data.

Worcester had the most staff members test positive, at 13, data indicates.

Public schools reported 718 students and 94 staff members were positive for the coronavirus from April 15 to April 28, a period including school break, according to data from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Cases are only included in the report from DESE if the student or staff member tested positive within seven days of being in a school building.

Those positives included 711 students and 85 staffers at local school districts, 3 students and 5 staffers at education collaboratives, and 4 students and 4 staffers at approved special education schools.

Currently, the percent of individuals in schools reported with COVID is 0.11% among students and 0.08% among staff members, data indicates. From April 12 to 25, the state-funded pooled COVID testing program had a positivity rate of 0.91%, according to DESE.

Following New Bedford, West Springfield had 26 students with COVID, Framingham had 24 and Taunton had 20. There were four staff members in Fall River who tested positive.

Find numbers for your district or school in this searchable database. If youre having trouble accessing the database, click here.

There are roughly 650,000 students and 125,000 staff members in public school buildings. On Wednesday, DESE started requiring districts to provide five days a week of in-person learning for students in grades 6-8 unless the district obtained a waiver. Earlier this month, the same requirement started for K-5 students.

This week, the state also announced that districts on May 17 would need to provide full-time education for high schoolers.

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Heavy ash and rock fall caused a mass evacuation of people from their homes and sources of livelihood. (Credit: weatherboy)

The UK will give further support to provide food, clean water and other essential items, for an estimated 13,000 people affected by the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines.





The new 550,000 ($695,000 USD) contribution takes the total UK funding to over 800,000 ($1m USD) since the eruption began on April 9th and will be delivered via the World Food Programme (WFP).





These funds will deliver urgent cash and voucher assistance to help families displaced by the volcano meet their immediate nutrition, hygiene and other essential needs for three months.





This announcement follows the UKs earlier commitment of 200,000 ($278,000 USD) to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) which enabled the immediate mobilisation of regional support teams and urgent supplies for the initial relief effort.





Prior to the explosive eruption, the UK also provided 51,000 ($70,000 USD) for aerial helicopter surveillance and equipment installations to help analyse changes in the volcano and boost early warning for a timely evacuation.





Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, said: "We stand united with the people of the St. Vincent and Grenadines at this difficult time. We have all been tremendously moved by the scenes of devastation and human misery that this volcano has wrought.




By Moses Ndhaye.

Ugandas dairy processing companies have underscored the need for the government to enact policies which will help the country to increase the local milk consumption rate.

According to the Marketing manager at the Lato Diaries Uganda, Kennedy Ojambo , a new dairy product dubbed creamer government should use schools to champion consumption of milk related products in the country.

Currently according to data from the Dairy Development Authority (DDA), the per capita consumption of milk in Uganda stands just above 60 litres which falls below the 200 litres recommended by the World Health Organization.

He says if the countrys local market increases it will help the processing companies to increase on its production capacity which currently stands at 8%.



Uganda is currently producing approximately 2.7 billion litres of milk annually up from the 2.5 billion litres.


A jail riot in Ecuador that involved a gunfight has killed at least five inmates and injured 15 on Wednesday.

The shootout marks the country's latest deadly incident in one of the country's overcrowded jails, the BBC reported.

Jail Riot in Ecuador

Reports said the jail riot sparked after a lawyer was shot dead in the country's capital. The said gunfight between the inmates occurred at around 10 a.m, TRT World reported.

Authorities noted that they already have full control of the Penitenciaria del Litoral in Guayaquil, where the violence broke out.

The riot took place in the prison's sector, where members of the Los Choneros gang are held. Los Choneros is known to be one of the most prominent criminal groups in Ecuador.

The said group was reported to surface in the 1990s and served as a drug trafficking organization based in the city of Manta. Authorities initially identified the gang as a branch of the Colombian drug cartel that had control over the pacific maritime trafficking routed into Mexico and the United States.

Prison authorities now investigate around 37 inmates. Because of this incident, security was reinforced in prisons across the country. Investigators are looking into whether the riot is linked to the killing of a lawyer shot in Quito.

The prison system in Ecuador has a capacity of 29,000 inmates with a prisoner population of 38,000. Experts said there are only 1,500 guards to oversee them, which is a shortfall of about 2,500.

RELATED ARTICLE: Ecuador Prison Riot Casualties Rise to 79

Gang Wars Inside the Prison

The recent jail riot follows an incident in February wherein a total of 79 inmates from different prisons lost their lives. The Penitenciaria del Litoral was one of the four jails where the violence took place last February.

The Guayaquil prison has reported 37 dead inmates while 34 others are also killed in a jail in Cuenca City. Eight inmates died at a prison situated in the central city of Latungca, Al Jazeera reported.

Authorities reported that gangs began a battle for leadership inside the prison system when the leader of Los Choneros was killed in a shopping center after months of being released in jail.

TRT World noted that the February violence that left decapitated and burned inmates exposed the capability of the prison gangs.

The office of the human rights ombudsman of Ecuador noted more than 100 inmates were killed inside the prisons in 2020. Former Ecuadorian president Lenin Moreno declared a state emergency in Ecuador's prison system in 2019, after 24 inmates were killed in a wave of incidents.

Moreno has blamed the lack of personnel, resources, and the overpopulation of their prison system for the said jail riots.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Gabriel Martinez on Wednesday said that the order in Guayaquil prison had been restored.

Luego de un trabajo articulado entre la @PoliciaEcuador y el @SNAI_Ec, tenemos controlada la situacion en la Penitenciaria de Guayaquil. NO vamos a permitir que se repitan los actos violentos de febrero en las carceles. pic.twitter.com/3EL4cq7TUa  Gabriel Martinez (@martinezjg) April 28, 2021

"We will not allow the violent acts of February in prisons to be repeated," Martinez tweeted.

READ MORE: Riots Breakout as More Than 600 Peruvian Prisoners Test Positive for COVID-19

WATCH: At Least 79 Inmates Killed During Ecuador Prison Gang Riots Before Police Regain Control - From South China Morning Post
Months after ending its ties with Indian vehicle manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra, Ford is now planning to figure out what its future would be in one of the biggest auto markets in Asia. The US carmaker will now chalk out its plan on investments in India later this year.

Facing losses, Ford has deputed one of its senior executives to evaluate the carmaker's investment in the country. The company issued a statement saying that Steven Armstrong has been appointed as the transformation officer for both India and the South American market.

"We have a lot of work to do as we continue to assess our capital allocations in the market," Dianne Craig, president of Ford's International Markets Group (IMG), wrote in an email referring to India. "While we expect to have an answer in the second half of this year, the appointment of Steven...will help focus our efforts and speed up the process," it read.

The move means that Ford India's current head Anurag Mehrotra will report to Armstrong who will oversee IMG's work in India. According to Ford, India is an important market and a source of global powertrains for its Ranger SUV.

In October 2019, Ford and Mahindra had said they would form a joint venture in India in a move to cut costs for developing and producing vehicles for emerging markets. However, by the end of 2020, the two automakers has decided to end the joint venture for several reasons.

Ford was reportedly working on three SUVs in collaboration with Mahindra. One of them was a compact SUV, to be built by Mahindra based on the platform of the new XUV7.

Despite being in India for 25 years now, Ford has failed to garner significant share in the passenger vehicle segment. With around 2 per cent share, Ford is not the first US carmaker to struggle in the Indian market ruled by Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor. Previously, General Motors and Chevrolet faced similar fate, with GM eventually calling off its India operations four years ago. Harley Davidson was another US-based vehicle manufacturer who had decided to call off India operations last year after it failed to gain a foothold.

After calling off the venture, Ford is now left with only two choices - bring its cars from global portfolio to India and try its luck, or develop cars for India all by itself. The second option can only become viable for the US carmaker if it can localise manufacturing to a large extent.
A traveller from coronavirus-ravaged Papua New Guinea who was allowed to roam free in Brisbane Airport has tested positive.

The infected person and another passenger returned from Port Moresby on Thursday morning and went to a cafe and a shop at the airport for almost two hours before authorities discovered the major breach.

Australia is now on edge for potential outbreaks in two major cities and beyond as hundreds of people take Covid tests in Melbourne after 'strong and unexpected' fragments were found in sewage.

Both Brisbane Airport passengers were on their way to New Zealand and mingled with others as they transited through the airport during their layover.

The passengers were at the airport's Hudson's Coffee outlet at the same time almost 400 'green zone' travellers were preparing to fly out to New Zealand.

Brisbane Airport Corporation confirmed on Thursday passengers arriving from 'red zone' country Papua New Guinea were allowed to mix with travellers heading to New Zealand (file image of Brisbane Airport)

An urgent health alert was issued with hundreds of people potentially exposed and asked to get tested and monitor their health.

The Brisbane Airport Corporation blamed 'human error' for the breach, with an investigation involving Queensland Health underway into why the passengers were allowed to head to the cafe.

BAC said it 'unreservedly apologises for this human error'.

'At approximately 9.30am, two transit passengers arrived on a "red" flight from Port Moresby and proceeded through screening to transit as per normal process,' the airport said in a statement.

'Initial review of CCTV indicates that at approximately 9.55am, these passengers were incorrectly allowed into the "green zone". The passengers were seated at a retail outlet within the green zone until approximately 11.20am.

'The passengers then used the bathroom and attended another retailer before they were located by BAC staff and returned to the "red zone". They were in the green zone for just under two hours.'

New Zealand's Ministry of Health has told travellers arriving in the country from Brisbane to monitor their health for the next 14 days.

The passengers arriving from Papua New Guinea were 'incorrectly allowed into the "green zone"'. Pictured, a staff member in protective medical clothing moves through the arrivals area at Brisbane Airport

'The reported incident was in the Hudson Cafe in Brisbane airport where two individuals from a red zone country were in the cafe at the same time as green zone passengers. The risk has been assessed as low,' the ministry said in a statement.

'The Ministry understands the two red zone passengers returned negative results prior to departure from their home country. A second test result from swabs taken today has returned a weak positive for one test and a negative result for the other.'

The health alert covers passengers on Air New Zealand flight NZ 202 from Brisbane to Christchurch which arrived about 4.30pm on Thursday.

Passengers on Air New Zealand NZ 146 from Brisbane to Auckland which arrived at 5.30pm on Thursday and Qantas QF 135 from Brisbane to Christchurch are also urged to monitor their health.

'Queensland Health have informed the ministry that the two red zone passengers were wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and are not symptomatic. Additional testing is being coordinated by Queensland Health,' the statement said.

BAC added 'thorough cleaning of all areas (have) since been conducted, and we can confirm all workers and passengers within the green area were wearing PPE'.

Papua New Guinea has widespread community transmission of Covid.

'There is widespread community transmission of Covid-19 across a number of districts and provinces. It is a serious health risk and is impacting the capacity of local health services,' the Australian Government said.

Papua New Guinea has been fighting to get widespread community transmission of Covid under control

Meanwhile in Melbourne, the Victorian Health Department said 246 people who live in the city's western and north-western suburbs were called on Thursday and asked to get a test.

Health authorities are scrambling to determine whether the sewer samples are evidence of latent community cases of coronavirus or a new arrival.

'This additional action is being taken due to the strength of the wastewater detection and because a known positive Covid-19 case, from flight QF778, has been in Victoria in the past 14 days,' the department said in a statement.

The Victorian Government contacted 246 people on Thursday including four primary close contacts of that case and 242 recently returned red and orange zone travel permit holders.

'All of these primary close contacts have recently been tested and have returned negative results. All of the 246 people are being asked to test again out of an abundance of caution,' the statement continued.

It is most likely that these new detections are due to a person or persons continuing to shed the virus after the infection period however, it could also be due to a person living in or travelling through the area in the early active infectious phase.

'The wastewater testing program is designed as an early warning system to support our ongoing efforts in continuing to protect the CovidSafe environment we have achieved and therefore a cautious approach is always taken when these detections are found,' the department said.
TODAY he is a respected man of God and he makes no secret of his chequered past.

Ex-convict Edmose Hadebe (54), who was sentenced in 1991 to face the hangmans noose before his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment for murdering a fellow imbiber during a beer drink at Big Bhawa in Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo, became a pastor when he was set free in 2014.

Pastor Hadebe, who was arrested when he was 25 years, openly shared his stories and struggles with B-Metro, saying following his release after spending 26 years in prison, he left everything behind in prison and took with him a burning faith in God.

He said while in prison one day he got on his knees and asked Jesus to forgive him for his sins and fix his life. And that is when he decided to enroll for a Diploma in Theology as he knew God was already preparing him to spread His Word to both inmates and people outside prison. He is now a pastor at Praise and Worship Centres Mthombothemba branch, which covers Waterford suburb and How Mine area on the outskirts of Bulawayo.

A B-Metro news crew visited him at his home in Riverside suburb, where he exclusively narrated how God transformed his life during his 26-year stint in prison. He said he spent most of that time reading the Bible and studying the Bible with as many as 50 inmates, many of whom became Christians.

It came to light that before he served time for murder, Pastor Hadebe was a member of the Zimbabwe National Army and with his accomplices, during their drinking sprees, they abused the name of the armed forces by beating up people at Big Bhawa in Makokoba.

Before I got arrested and served time for murder, I was a member of the Zimbabwe National Army and I was stationed at One Brigade (now Khumalo Barracks). With my friends, we loved to spend most of our time drinking beer at Big Bhawa in Makokoba.

We abused our authority when we formed a group called The Famous Three and it was notorious for assaulting people at this drinking spot, he said.

He said it was rare for them to leave the drinking spot in question without picking a fight as they believed they were superior and stronger than their civilian counterparts.

It was, however, unfortunate that one day we had a misunderstanding with another imbiber, who was also a friend of ours and at the height of the altercation we stabbed him several times before he fell on the ground.

When we realised that he was seriously injured we disappeared from the scene, he reflects soberly. Pastor Hadebe said when news filtered the following day that that the person they had stabbed had died, it affected him since the fight had been triggered by a minor issue that they could have resolved amicably.

The police hunted us down and I was the last person to be picked up. The matter was later referred to court. I languished in remand prison for more than a year before my imprisonment in 1991.

I never thought the judge was going to be very hard on me as the murder was not an intentional killing. After a short stint in jail and while waiting for my turn to be hanged that is when I decided to repent and accept Jesus as my personal Saviour. For the three years I had been on death row I was praying to God everyday asking for mercy and protection. My prayers were answered when the death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, he said.

He said that is when he realised that God had bigger plans for him. Pastor Hadebe said when he was transferred from Chikurubi Maximum Prison in Harare to Khami Remand Prison in Bulawayo, he met Dr Trust Sinjoki, general overseer of Praise and Worship Centre in Bulawayo and also the patron of Prison to Praise.

While I was in prison, it was like Dr Sinjoki had adopted me to be his son as he started supplying me with stationery and books as I was now doing my Ordinary Level. With his support I managed to pass seven subjects and these are Ndebele, English, and Commerce, Accounts, Bible studies, History and Business Studies.

He added: That is when I decided to pursue a diploma in Theology. This idea was pushed by the life I was experiencing in prison. I have always kept positive and thats how I keep going.

Pastor Hadebe said with the support of Dr Sinjoki they managed to launch Prison to Praise, a programme to educate and enlighten inmates on the goodness of accepting Jesus as their Saviour.

Under Prison to Praise we reached out to ex-inmates and those who are still serving and as we speak more than 10 pastors were ordained under this programme, he said.

Hadebe said in 2014 he was part of prisoners who benefited under the Presidential Amnesty and this gave him an opportunity to re-unite with his family and preach the word of God.

It was one of my prayers to find my parents still alive and as per my requests I found them still living. Upon my release from prison, I was given an exceptional reception by my church and it also supported my wedding. With the confidence they invested in me I was given a branch that I am currently leading.

He appreciated the support he got from his family for nearly three decades while in prison cells. He said he got through all of these years behind bars by keeping the faith hed be free one day. As advice to other ex-convicts, Pastor Hadebe said they should pray and work hard to ward off the possibility of them going back to jail. B Metro
The Dutch Government has confirmed that the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam may proceed with a limited audience.

A maximum of 3,500 audience members will be allowed to enter the arena; approximately 20% of Rotterdam Ahoys capacity. Tickets are only available to those who successfully purchased tickets for the 2020 show  there will be no general public sale.

All audience members are expected to adhere to the strict health and safety protocols put in place by the Dutch Government.

Martin Osterdahl, Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor, said, We are happy that the Dutch authorities have enabled us to welcome audiences at the 3 live shows and 6 dress rehearsals in Rotterdam in the safest possible way given the current circumstances.

The world will be watching when we bring back the Eurovision Song Contest next month and, as millions enjoy the competition on TV and online, we are pleased that the hard work of the artists, delegations and crew will also be shared with a live audience in the Ahoy arena.

Executive Producer Sietse Bakker added, With 180 million viewers from over 45 countries, we will soon be in the international spotlight as a host country. We want to do this carefully and responsibly, so we are taking strict measures, with health and safety first.

An extensive COVID-19 protocol is already in place for crew, press and artists, which has been tested by international agency SGS, the world leader in inspection, control, analysis and certification.

The numbers have been scaled down considerably. Delegations are much smaller and most journalists will follow the Eurovision Song Contest from home this year in our online press centre. By testing everyone in Rotterdam Ahoy every 48 hours and getting artists to move within our Safe Harbour zones, we want to keep the coronavirus out as much as possible, Bakker added.

There are also no associated parties this year.

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Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola. This riding includes the communities of Kelowna (specific boundaries), West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, Keremeos, Olalla, Princeton, Merritt and Logan Lake. Albas is a member of the Conservative caucus first elected to Parliament in 2011.
A study by Penn State researchers found that antitobacco messaging targeting two vulnerable groups showed limited evidence of influence. However, messaging for a broader audience created anger toward the industry regardless of the ingroup. Credit: Kristaps Solims on Unsplash

Antitobacco media campaigns that directly target vulnerable minority groups may be no more effective for the intended group than more broadly appealing ads, according to a Penn State study. However, antitobacco messages may evoke anger toward the industry regardless of the audience.

In the study, the researchers tested the efficacy of antitobacco advertising that targeted two vulnerable groupsBlack individuals and sexual/gender minority individuals. The study's results were published in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research.

"In many ways there are groups that have been disproportionately affected by tobacco, in no small part because the tobacco industry has intentionally tried to market to and sell their products to these communities," said Chris Skurka, an assistant professor of media studies in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. "The communities we talk about in this study are just two examples."

For years, antitobacco campaigns focused on health consequences. Campaigns like The Truth highlight deceptive strategies used by tobacco companies, instead of just the health risks.

"For many years The Truth campaign has been using what we call 'counter industry marketing' to cultivate a new norm that smoking is not cool, and the tobacco industry is not your friend," Skurka said. "We were interested in whether communities targeted by Big Tobacco would be receptive to anti-smoking Truth ads that target their ingroup."

The researchers found little evidence that the targeted ads were influential for the intended group. When the ads were made specifically for their in-group, there was little effect on those groups' beliefs and motivations toward tobacco. However, antitobacco advertisements for a general audience elicited anger across all surveyed groups.

In the web-based experiment, 1,161 young American adults were asked to watch one of eight advertisements at random. Around one-third of the respondents identified as Black, one-third as a sexual/gender minority and one-third as neither.

Some saw an advertisement by The Truth campaign that did not target a specific group. Others saw a Truth ad targeting Black Americans. Another group watched a Truth ad targeting sexual or gender minority individuals. And the fourth group, the control group, watched an ad unrelated to smoking.

There was minimal evidence that the targeted ads were more effective than the ads that did not target a specific group. Anger was associated with greater support for tobacco control policies and negative attitudes toward the industry from the respondents. Skurka said the results demonstrate how important it is for antitobacco campaigns to remember the role of emotion when making decisions.

"We know that emotion drives behaviors," he said. "It seems like anger is a really potent way to motivate antitobacco outcomes in people. Studies have looked at fear response to anti-smoking campaigns, I think we should also look at anger and disgust at the industry as well."

Co-authors of this study were Christopher Wheldon, Temple University, and Nichols Eng, a doctoral student at the Bellisario College. Skurka is an affiliate faculty member of the Science Communication Program, a program in the Bellisario College that supports research in the science of science communication.

More information: Chris Skurka et al. Targeted Truth: An Experiment Testing the Efficacy of Counterindustry Tobacco Advertisements Targeted to Black Individuals and Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals, Nicotine & Tobacco Research (2021). Journal information: Nicotine and Tobacco Research , Nicotine & Tobacco Research Chris Skurka et al. Targeted Truth: An Experiment Testing the Efficacy of Counterindustry Tobacco Advertisements Targeted to Black Individuals and Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals,(2021). DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab032
The elderly are most alarmed. Chung Kyung-mo (71) from Seoul said, "It might work in unavoidable cases like single mothers, but I can't accept children of the same family having different surnames. It would blur the boundaries between the father and mother's sides of a family and the basic family structure could end up breaking apart."

Proponents say the law simply expands the legal definition of a family by taking account of changing times and the growing number of single mothers, but opponents say the country is not ready for what they feel is the thin end of a wedge driven into the very fabric of the country's traditional clan structure.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is scrapping a law requiring children to be given their father's surname whether the mother agrees or not.

Conservatives are up in arms after the government announced that children will no longer automatically have to take their father's surname.

But younger Koreans welcomed the change. One 26-year-old office worker said, "Until now, children were only allowed to take their father's surnames, but I'd like to have my children take mine. If my future husband insists on having our children take his surname, I'll try and have one use his surname and the other mine. I won't marry a man who doesn't agree to that."

Moon Gwang-sup (74) of the Nampyeong Moon clan said, "The surname and clan symbolize a stable family structure, but if genealogy becomes blurred, the very root of our society will be shaken." Another person said, "We could end up facing complications when we have to divide our wealth to pass on to our children."

The rift runs along generational and gender lines in cyberspace as well. One chat room frequented by men was filled with opponents. "Why should we change a custom that our country has observed for 5,000 years?" wrote one. But women's chat rooms were abuzz with praise. "It's strange to fixate on the man's surname," wrote one poster. "It's only natural to follow the mother's surname, since she's the one who went through painful labor to have the child," wrote another.

Song Hyo-jean at the Korea Women's Development Institute said, "It's good that the ruling party is seeking to legally guarantee the right of women that has not been exercised until now, and the change will enable a wider range of families to become liberated from discrimination." But Song Jae-ryong, a sociologist at Kyunghee University, said, "The selection of a surname does not concern just two people. We could end up encountering conflict when it comes to inheritance and opposition from other family members."

Under the current law, children can only take their mother's surname if both parents agree at the time of marriage, which is often done when an affluent family that only had daughters adopt a son-in-law to continue the family name. But in future parents can decide at the time of registering the birth.
An American woman currently living in the UK has highlighted one of the major differences between giving birth in the two countries: That in the UK, it is completely free, but in the US, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Lisa Dollan, 39, from Atlanta, Georgia now lives across the pond in Leeds, but explained on TikTok what it was like for her to have a baby back home in the US.

The mother-of-one showed off a hospital bill, which without insurance came to a staggering $69,634.

Expensive! Lisa Dollan, 39  who is originally from Atlanta, Georgia but now lives in Leeds  has gone viral with a video about what it's like to have a baby in the UK vs. the US

Crazy! The mother-of-one showed off an American hospital bill, which without insurance came to a staggering $69,634

'So a lot of people say, so how much does it cost to have a baby in the States? Well, this is without insurance,' she says, showing an itemized bill from her hospital stay.

The grand total she owed was $69,634, including charges like $4,290 for nonsterile supply, $892 for pathology lab, and $934 for hematology.

Americans without insurance are expected to pay the entire bill, though it is possible to negotiate with the billing department to lower the cost.

But even for those who have insurance, the bill is not covered in full.

'With insurance, it probably pays it about 80-20, is the usual insurance plan, meaning that the insurance company pays 80 per cent and you pay 20 per cent,' Lisa says.

Insurance plans vary in the US and may pay different percentages of the bill, depending on services rendered or whether a hospital and health care provider are considered 'in network' or 'out of network.'

Yikes! The bill shows a shared room was billed for $25,000, while the delivery room cost was $26,000

Out-of-network charges are less likely to be covered.

Some insurance plans will pay most or a large percentage of all in-network charges, while others require the insured party to meet a deductible  that is, to pay a certain amount on their own each year before the insurance kicks in.

Deductibles can be thousands of dollars, and even once they're met, the insured party may have to pay co-insurance every time they go to a doctor.

What's more, Lisa points out, the itemized charges on a hospital bill are rarely representative of real-work costs, so a bandage that costs pennies could be charged for much more.

'What the pharmaceutical companies and the hospitals do is jack up the prices. So that that 20 per cent becomes higher and higher,' she says.

'So here, as you can see, for a semi-private room, meaning youre sharing a room, the big cost's $25,000 there,' says Lisa.

Unimpressed: Commenters certainly got the message, with many praising the UK's universal healthcare system and blasting America's expensive alternative

'And then another $26,000 for the actual delivery room, where you go back and have the baby. And then the other little bits and bobs that you need.'

Lisa is clearly loving the health care in her adopted country, captioning the video: 'Grateful for the NHS yet?'

Commenters certainly got the message, with many praising the UK's universal healthcare system and blasting America's expensive alternative.

'America isn't a country, it's a company,' wrote one, while another quipped mockingly, 'America is the land of the fee.'

One commenter responded to those who complain that the NHS isn't 'free' because it's paid for in taxes, writing: 'We do, yes, but not nearly as much as this!'

'This is the most inhumane third world country thing I've ever heard,' wrote another.

Even with health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of giving birth in the US is in the thousands.

According to a study published by Fair Health, the average cost of a vaginal birth is between $5,000 and $11,000 for most states, while C-sections can cost anywhere from $7,500 to $14,500.
When Mumbai-based homemaker Vandana Mathur called her neighbourhood grocer to order essentials such as rice, oil and atta last week, she was told they were out of stock. Though the grocer assured her he would deliver the products at her doorstep by afternoon, Gupta was worried. "I started to wonder whether we were in for another round of lockdown-related supply crunch," she says. Later in the afternoon, Mathur's grocer did deliver her order as promised, but also warned her to be prepared for delays since supplies were taking longer than usual ever since Maharashtra announced a lockdown to break the chain of Covid-19 infections.

The second wave of Covid-19 is spreading like wildfire, forcing state governments to impose mini lockdowns. Like last year, retail (barring essentials) has already come to a grinding halt in many parts of the country with malls and high-street stores forced to pull down shutters. Ecommerce majors are allowed to deliver nothing but essentials, while restaurants can only do home deliveries. Construction activities have come to a halt as well. Some of India's most industrialised states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and NCR, are, in fact, some of the most-affected regions, and local lockdowns could have an equally debilitating and disrupting effect on industries. So, is the Indian industry staring at another paralysis ahead?

Skepticism Engulfs

Captains of the industry are careful not to press the panic button right away though. With lockdowns announced only till May 1 in most states, many of them don't want to jump to conclusions. "Unlike last year, macroeconomic conditions are better because governments all over the world are spending a lot on infrastructure. It is too early to comment as the situation on the ground is evolving rapidly. Currently, we are operating according to plan and aim to run our operations safely and efficiently so we can service our customers and stakeholders to the maximum extent possible. We have been reviewing workforce requirement and optimising deployment to ensure safety," says T.V. Narendran, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Steel.

"Last time, we had no idea of what was going to happen. But, now we are clear about the time for recovery even if lockdown happens," adds Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director, Bajaj Electricals. However, if Covid numbers continue to shoot up, there would definitely be disruption in production and distribution activities, he warns. "We have enough inventory for April, but not beyond that."

R.C. Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki, is against a lockdown as well. "It does not serve any purpose. It will hurt a lot of people and stopping legitimate economic activity is an over-reaction," he cautions.

Agrees Martin Schwenk, CEO and Managing Director, Mercedes Benz India. "A short-term localised lockdown will not create major disruptions; however, a prolonged and expanded lockdown will impact customer sentiment, in turn affecting the industry, the supply chain and the overall economy substantially."

The challenge this time is not so much from the business continuity or supply chain point of view, but more about ensuring the safety of teams. "This time there are no sudden shocks that have happened. A lot of support is there from governments in terms of classification of FMCG as essentials. However, the new wave is hitting closer home and what is worrying is that lot of people from our teams are falling sick," says Sunil Kataria, CEO, India and Saarc, Godrej Consumer Products.

Production & Supply Disruption

The first wave of Covid-19 brought production and supply chain mechanisms of most companies to an abrupt halt. When the government imposed curbs on the operations of factories and distributors, it led to large-scale migration of daily-wage labourers who suddenly didn't have a job. This time, companies may be better equipped to handle the black swan event, but state-imposed lockdowns have already begun to cause reverse migration of labourers. There is a 15-20 per cent dip in manpower availability, which is beginning to hit both manufacturing and supply chain operations.

Sridhar Gundaiah, Founder and CEO of rural distribution company StoreKing, says there is a delay in servicing orders by FMCG companies. "Earlier the window to deliver was 7-10 days, but in the last one month most companies are expecting us to place our orders at least 25 days prior. In fact, the problem is not as much in factories as much as it is in functions such as packaging and logistics," he explains.

Saugata Gupta, Managing Director and CEO, Marico, agrees that the system is significantly stretched because of the unprecedented surge of cases and the mini lockdowns. "We are managing to cope with it because of our agility and resilience. While ensuring the safety of our business partners, we have also re-initiated business continuity processes such as tele-calling retail outlets for demand capture and tie-ups with logistics partners for demand fulfilment. We have also implemented a robust tracking and communication mechanism with field teams and channel partners so that information can quickly flow to the right stakeholder and prompt decisions can be taken on ground."

Godrej Appliances is facing disruptions at its manufacturing facilities in Maharashtra due to manpower shortage. "Our Shirwal (near Satara) plant is operating with limited manpower to meet the demand for medical refrigerators, which comes under the essential category, while our Mohali plant is fully operational," says Kamal Nandi, Business Head and Vice president, Godrej Appliances. Trade partners have inventory for the next few weeks and the company is monitoring the ground situation to avoid stocks getting stuck mid-way due to lockdowns in certain states, he adds.

Manish Sharma, Chairman and CEO, Panasonic India, says if these lockdown-like conditions continue indefinitely, there could be a reason to worry about. "The current inventory will last for a month. We have finished goods in warehouses and about six-seven days of inventory in the factory. If the lockdown continues beyond that, there might be some disruption at the factory level."

Though pharmaceutical production is not impacted due to the current wave, there are signs of business disruptions happening in the supply chain, at the end of carton manufacturers, labels and vial manufacturers. "If that gets aggravated, there can be production issues going forward," says Arjun Juneja, Chief Operating Officer, Mankind Pharma.

India's second-largest carmaker, Hyundai Motor India, which is targeting a 20 per cent growth in passenger vehicle sales in the current fiscal, is worried that the lockdown would impact production. "When dealerships opened last year after the lockdown, the demand was strong. We were in fact not able to supply as many vehicles as our dealers wanted and the waiting period for some of our cars went up. So, the worry is not so much on the demand side. It is more about the virus spreading, and if we have to again shut down our factories or suffer from component supply constraints, then it might restrict us" says S. S. Kim, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India.

The country's largest two-wheeler maker, Hero MotoCorp, is already feeling the pinch. It has recently announced that it would stop production at its factories for four days in a staggered manner between April 22 and May 1, as a precautionary measure to protect its workers. The move also stems from the fall in demand for vehicles that the company expects due to local shutdowns in various parts of the country. "Any production loss will be compensated during the remainder of the quarter. All plants will resume normal operations post this short shutdown period," the company said in a statement.

Dip In Demand

The greatest dilemma for consumer-facing companies last year was to create demand. As people got locked indoors, they didn't feel the need to buy clothes or shoes. Since job losses and pay cuts were rampant, the appetite to invest in a home or a car was limited. The retail industry plunged by over 70 per cent last year, while automobile sales fell 13.6 per cent, capping a second straight year of double-digit decline.

With the second wave of Covid-19 being more intense and lockdowns imposed in several states, the first signs of a dip in demand are already visible. "Consumer sentiment is obviously negative. Sales will be impacted, but it is still early to say by how much," says Rajesh Goel, Senior Vice president and Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Cars India.

The dip in demand is forced, says an angry Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India. The retail industry, which was among the worst hit in the first wave of Covid, had recorded an 88 per cent revival in March this year. However, with one state after the other resorting to lockdowns, it is back to where it was last year. "Despite not being crowded places, malls and high-street stores have been forced to shut down. This shows that the government doesn't care for formal retail. They don't even have a method to compensate the colossal losses of retailers. Retail is not even considered a MSME and there is absolutely no talk of relief," says Rajagopalan.

Demand will increase only if retail is allowed to function. Gautam Hari Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, Raymond, urges governments in lockdown-hit states to open up retail. "Manufacturing without distribution has no value. In single-brand stores there is no congestion compared to vegetable markets or railway station," he adds. Last year's lockdown had pushed legacy retailers such as Raymond to invest in building an omni-channel infrastructure, however, with a large part of the retail sector being classified as non-essentials, they are unable to do home deliveries. That part of the revenue has also dried up.

Irrespective of state governments' diktat of closing down, the fear of contracting the virus has drastically reduced footfalls even in states where malls are allowed to be open, says Mukesh Kumar, Chairman, Shopping Centres Association of India and CEO, Infiniti Malls. "People are skeptical. Weekly footfalls have dropped by 40-45 per cent where weekend curfews, early closures and other restrictions are in place."

Mall owners across the country were hoping for a robust first quarter in FY22, which is certainly nowhere in sight. "If the second wave hadn't hit us, we would have been back to pre-Covid numbers," says Siddhartha Natu, Centre Head, DLF Promenade.

Though the hotel and restaurant industry may seem reasonably better off than traditional retail by virtue of being allowed to do home deliveries, for a fine-dining restaurant it contributes a miniscule amount to its overall revenue. For casual dining, it's in the range of 10-15 per cent. "For a fine-dining restaurant, delivery was always a minuscule part of the repertoire because fine-dining is all about experience. Even if we are allowed home-delivery, there are restrictions there as well since most cities have night curfew," explains Anurag Katriar, President, National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI).

The restaurant industry's sales have already dropped by 80 per cent. "Even though there was an uptick in demand from December to mid-February, the second wave will wipe out gains made during that short time. Most sales in restaurants happen at night and over the weekend. Current restrictions could mean the end of the road for a lot of restaurants," says Zorawar Kalra, Founder and Director, Massive Restaurants, which owns brands such as Farzi Cafe and Masala Library By Jiggs Kalra.

Riyaz Amlani, CEO and Managing Director, Impresario Handmade Restaurants, calls the curbs on restaurants unfair.

"There's no thought behind restricting industries like F&B and retail once more. We have had a gun pointed on our heads and expensive licence and taxes have been paid before March 31, and yet we have been forced into a lockdown with zero relief or support from the government. It's about time the government starts giving this industry the relief that it so badly needs," he adds.

Better Prepared

Though the industry is worried about the impact of the second wave of Covid-19, it also seems to be better prepared to handle shocks this time. In the last one year, ITC has set up warehouses closer to the market in order to reach faster to consumers. "ITC has taken all necessary steps to ensure enhanced availability of products for consumers across all channels," says B. Sumant, Executive Director, ITC.

"Over the period of the pandemic, we have developed strong operating policies and agile organisational structures for dealing with all types of market constraints and volatility. We are confident that our robust supply chain system will ensure that all sales channels, including e-commerce, are serviced adequately. We also now have a fully operational ITC e-store in all metro cities, which can meet consumer requirement directly," he adds.

Britannia, says Managing Director Varun Berry, has not just ensured that its distributors are well-stocked, but has also implemented a real-time dealer management system that ensures quick conversion of orders, thereby ensuring product availability at any given time. "Moreover, the brand mix is also being prioritised to meet distinct requirements across regions, backed by appropriate inventory management at our depots and factories. All our factories are currently operating at optimal capacities to maximise the supply of our brands," says Berry.

Godrej Consumer Products, says Kataria, has been trying to evenly distribute its products across its 40-odd warehouses. "In case one warehouse comes under lockdown for 7-10 days at a stretch, we are ensuring that products are supplied from another warehouse."

The real estate industry, on the other hand, seems well prepared to tackle the situation. During the first wave of Covid-19, the sector not just witnessed dampening of sales, but acute shortage of labour also contributed to the business coming to a standstill.

"Complying with state government SOPs, developers are also being responsible and facilitating food, shelter and healthcare safety gears for migrant labourers and their families. They are also being paid wages regularly, which acts as a safety net that keeps the reverse migration in construction and real estate industry at bay," says Niranjan Hiranandani, Managing Director, Hiranandani Group and National President, National Real Estate Development Council.

The second wave of Covid-19 has certainly kept the Indian industry on tenterhooks. However well-prepared it may claim to be, it certainly can't afford another prolonged period of disruption. As cases rise unabatedly, the only solution to maintain business continuity seems to be mass vaccination.
Texas de Brazil makes its debut in Concord tonight when it opens its newest location in the high-end shopping and dining

"Texas de Brazil's authentic approach for delivering the cuisine of Southern Brazil has flourished around the world and we're excited to open our doors to the residents and visitors of Contra Costa County," says Salim Asrawi, president of the Brazilian-American steakhouse brand. "We look forward to offering a unique, upscale dining experience that excites the guest and exceeds their culinary expectations," he adds.

The new restaurant features soaring ceilings with unique light fixtures and an extravagant salad area made of white marble and adorned with a lavish flower arrangement. Guests can enjoy a drink in the intimate lounge area or browse for their favorite wines in the elegant wine cellar. Patio dining is also available for regular seating and for private events.

The highlights of this rodizio-style dining experience are the continuous servings of fire-roasted meats and unlimited plates from the chef-crafted salad area.

The experience begins with a visit to the expansive salad area where hot and cold side specialty dishes offer delicious variety.

Salad Area Selections include artisan breads, imported cheeses, grilled vegetables, Brazilian hearts of palm, spicy shrimp salad, couscous pasta, sauteed mushrooms, feijoada (black beans), jasmine rice, lobster bisque and much more.

The main course or star of the show - a savory variety of flame-grilled meats that are expertly prepared and carved at the table by the restaurant gauchos.

Churrasco Selections include cuts of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and Brazilian sausage, such as filet mignon, barbecued pork ribs, leg of lamb, Parmesan drumettes and the guest's favorite, picanha.

A good wine nicely complements the flavors of churrasco and Texas de Brazil's curated wine list includes acclaimed varietals from California and South America vineyards as well as Texas de Brazil's exclusive private label collection of six varietals bottled in Chile.

A full bar offers craft cocktails including the traditional Caipirinha in a variety of flavors plus a full selection of distilled spirits and beer (domestic and Brazilian).

For those with a sweet tooth, no meal is complete without dessert and guests can indulge in selections including house-made flan, triple layer chocolate mousse cake, cheesecake and more, all served a la carte.

Service hours include - Dinner: Wed -Thurs 5 - 8:30 p.m., Fri. 5  9:30 p.m., Sat. 4  9:30 p.m. and Sun. 4  8:30 p.m.

Regular dinner, which includes the meat and salad service is $49.99. The salad area only option is $29.99. When purchased with a full-price meal children 2 years and under dine complimentary, 3-5 years are $5.00 and 6-12 years are 50% off regular dinner price.

For reservations or more information, visit https://texasdebrazil.com/locations/concord/ or call 925.320.3800.

About Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil is an authentic churrascaria featuring a continuous dining experience that blends the unique culture of Brazil, with the generous hospitality of Texas. The menu features a vast selection of grilled meats, a 50-item salad area, an award-winning wine list and a la carte dessert selections. Founded as a family-owned business in 1998, Texas de Brazil is now the largest Brazilian-American steakhouse brand in the world, with restaurants in 21 states and eight countries. Stay connected. Follow @texasdebrazil on Instagram and Twitter, and Texas de Brazil on Facebook. For information, visit http://www.texasdebrazil.com .

SOURCE Texas de Brazil

Related Links

http://www.texasdebrazil.com


Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi...
China's Technologies is in talks to take control of a small domestic automaker's electric vehicle unit, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said, a move that would be a strategic shift for the world's largest telecom equipment maker.

A company spokesman denied such a step, however.

Huawei, which has been battered by U.S. sanctions, is in talks with Chongqing Sokon to acquire a controlling stake in the latter's Chongqing Jinkang New Energy Automobile, said the sources.

The move will allow to make intelligent cars bearing its own nameplate, they added. Jinkang counts U.S. EV brand Seres, formerly known as SF Motors, as its main asset.

It would also provide the first evidence that is looking to go beyond just offering auto operating systems and have an end-to-end presence in the EV business.

However, the Huawei spokesman said, "Huawei is not making cars," and added that it was not looking to acquire controlling stakes, although without specifying where.

Sokon did not respond to requests for comment.

The push into smart cars, if finalised, would signal a major shift in business focus for Huawei after two years of U.S. sanctions that have cut its access to key supply chains, forcing it to sell a part of its smartphone business.

Underscoring the shift, the company's rotating chairman Eric Xu announced pacts with three state-owned Chinese carmakers, including BAIC Group, to supply "Huawei Inside", a smart vehicle operating system, at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this month.

Huawei's foray into EVs comes as technology firms such as Xiaomi Corp have been stepping up efforts in the world's biggest market for such vehicles, as Beijing heavily promotes greener vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.

"As individual consumer demand for smart EVs has been picking up notably since mid-last year, the track is now clear and solid in front of the tech giants," said Yale Zhang, managing director of Automotive Foresight.

"Despite of their years of success and experience in smartphone markets, it will still take a few years for them to build a car brand acceptable in the EV sector."

As part of the deal, Huawei also plans to buy an undetermined stake in privately-owed Chongqing Sokon Holdings, the biggest shareholder of Shanghai-listed Sokon, said one of the sources.

Richard Yu, head of Huawei's consumer business group who led the company to become one of the world's largest smartphone makers and has recently shifted his focus to EVs, is leading the talks with Sokon, said the two people.

The telecom giant looks to finalise the deal as soon as July, said the other source.

MASS PRODUCTION

Huawei is also seeking to control the EV brand ArcFox of BAIC's BluePark New Energy Technology, which recently launched its Alpha S model equipped with the "Huawei Inside" system, said the two people and another person with direct knowledge.

But BAIC is more keen to have Huawei just as a minority shareholder in ArcFox, they added.

A BAIC representative referred the query to BluePark which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

All the sources declined to be named.

In February, Reuters reported that Huawei plans to make EVs under its own brand and could launch some models this year.

Sales of new energy vehicles, including pure battery as well as plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, are expected to make up 20% of China's overall annual auto sales by 2025.

For months, Huawei has been deeply involved in the operation and manufacturing of the little-known Sokon and its loss-making Seres unit.

Under the tie-up, Seres's first model, "Huawei Smart Selection" SF5, debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show and received over 3,000 orders within two days after the pre-sale started last week, according to Seres.

Huawei is selling SF5 vehicles in its stores across China including its online store VMall.com.

The company aims to launch the first intelligent car under its own brand for mass production at the earliest by the end of this year, said one of them.

Huawei has high expectations for the model, which is under development based on the Seres SF5, but the existing supply chain of Sokon is struggling to meet such expectations, said the same person.

"The supply chain for the auto industry is very long and complicated," said the person. "Huawei does have its strength in software and platform but its ideas can't be realized without solid technology improvements in the supply chain."

(Reporting by Julie Zhu in Hong Kong and Zhang Yan in Shanghai; Additional reporting by Yilei Sun and David Kirton; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Nacogdoches, TX (75965)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High near 85F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 75F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
Radio Emma Toc World Service - Schedule Summary

Programme Contents - Solar powered radios in South Sudan and Radio Miraya / interview with Martin Kirby from 'The Flash' / hellos to listeners / the Voice of Peace

Ways to listen... Radio Emma Toc World Service - programme no. 13 - May 2021

You can listen online - www.emmatoc.com - visit the 'World Service' page.

You can listen to our shortwave or MW or FM broadcasts via our relay partners as follows:

WRMI - Radio Miami International - 9955kHz - covering Latin America (& beyond)

Tues 18:00 EasternTime / 22:00 UTC and Wed 20:00 Eastern Time / 00:00 (Thurs) UTC

WRMI - Radio Miami International - 5950kHz - covering Eastern North America (& far beyond)

Tues 18:00 Eastern Time / 22:00 UTC and Sunday 21:00 EasternTime / 01:00 (Monday) UTC

World FM - 88.2MHz / 107.6MHz - covering Tawa, Marahau & Stoke, New Zealand

Sundays 22:00 NZST / 09:00 UTC and Thursdays 16:30 NZST / 03:30 UTC (alternating with other programmes)

Channel 292 - 6070kHz - covering Europe (& beyond) - broadcasts in May -

Mon 3rd 17:00UTC Sun 9th 18:00UTC Sat 22nd 18:00UTC Sun 23rd 15:00UTC

Scandinavian Weekend Radio - 6170kHz / 11720kHz / 1602kHz / 94.9MHz

covering Finland & Europe - next broadcast - 5th June 2021

Happy listening! If you are outside the transmitter coverage areas, why not listen via the broadcasters' online services. Website details for the above stations are listed on our own website www.emmatoc.org/worldserviceindex

If you don't have access to receivers & aerials you can try using an online SDR receiver - ve3sun.com/KiwiSDR - experience the enjoyment of tuning around shortwave from worldwide locations online.

We are happy to issue eQSLs for reception reports sent to - emmatoc1922@gmail.com - & will gladly include for online reports. If using an online SDR, please give us the SDR location.

If any stations wish to relay our programme a download link is available on our website. Please advise us of times & dates so we can publicise in our schedule.

Thank you!
MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Russian court on Friday ordered former journalist Ivan Safronov to be kept in custody until July 7 on charges of treason, the court's press officer said.

Safronov, who left journalism and began working at Russia's space agency in May last year, was detained by security agents outside his flat on July 7, 2020, and accused of passing military secrets to the Czech Republic in 2017. He denies the charge.

(Reporting by Maria Vasilyeva; Writing by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Alison Williams)
A giant bronze statue of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great has been reunited with a finger that it lost some 500 years ago.

Held in the Capitoline Museums of Rome, remains of the 39ft colossus include a head as tall as a man, a damaged left hand and the sphere it once bore.

In 2018, doctoral student Aurelia Azema realised that a 15-inch-long bronze digit in Paris' Louvre was not a toe  as it had been identified in 1913  but Constantine's lost forefinger.

After a resin reconstruction of the the digit was proven to fit on the colossus' hand in June that year, this Wednesday saw the real thing mounted back in its proper place.

Scroll down for video

Give him the finger! A giant bronze statue of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great (pictured) has been reunited with the forefinger that it lost some 500 years ago

In 2018, Aurelia Azema realised that a 15-inch-long bronze digit (pictured) in Paris' Louvre was not a toe  as it had been identified in 1913  but Constantine's lost forefinger

Pictured: the remounted finger, showing the join with the statue's left hand

Held in the Capitoline Museums of Rome, remains of the once 39-feet-tall colossus (left) include a head as tall as a man, a damaged left hand (right) and the sphere it once bore

With the forefinger having been confused for a toe in 1913, however, it would take over a century until Ms Azema  who was conducting research into the ancient manufacturing techniques used on large bronze statues  realised the mistake. Pictured: the hand and forearm of the colossus before the missing index finger was reattached

'A non-invasive, reversible and invisible system' was used to 'perfectly' restore the bronze finger onto the statue's hand, Capitoline Museums director Claudio Parisi Presicce told the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero.

'Its a good way to mark the reopening of museums,' added the mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi.

Museums in the capital city were allowed to reopen on April 26 following an easing of restrictions designed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The head, hand and globe fragments were acquired by the collection of the Palazzo dei Conservatori on Capitoline Hill in Rome in 1471 as a gift from Pope Sixtus IV.

Pictured: Giampietro Campana, the Marchese di Cavelli, who once owned the finger of the bronze colossus of Constantine

The long-lost index finger was part of a collection acquired by the Louvre in 1863 from the Italian banker and art collector Giampietro Campana, who had amassed one of 19th centurys greatest collections of Roman and Greek antiquities.

'Napoleon III's acquisition of most of the Campana collection considerably enriched the collections of the Louvre,' noted Capitoline Museums director Francoise Gaultier.

With the forefinger having been confused for a toe in 1913, however, it would take over a century until Ms Azema  who was conducting research into the ancient manufacturing techniques used on large bronze statues  realised the mistake.

The scale of the finger suggested that it must have once belonged to a statue around 40 feet tall, which brought Constantine's colossus to mind.

After a resin reconstruction of the the digit was proven to fit on the colossus' hand in June that year, this Wednesday saw the real thing mounted back in its proper place, as pictured

The long-lost index finger was part of a collection acquired by the Louvre in 1863 from the Italian banker and art collector Giampietro Campana, who had amassed one of 19th centurys greatest collections of Roman and Greek antiquities. Pictured: the Louvre's main courtyard

'A non-invasive, reversible and invisible system' was used to 'perfectly' restore the bronze index finger onto the statue's hand (as pictured), Capitoline Museums director Claudio Parisi Presicce told the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero

While experts believe that it was forged in around 330 AD, the exact origins of the gilded colossus remain somewhat of a mystery.

The first description of the statue's fragments dates back to the middle of the 12th century, when they reportedly stood on pillars outside of the Lateran Palace in Rome.

The remains go on to be mentioned in several medieval and 15th century chronicles  and the head and the then-still-intact hand, holding the globe, were depicted in a drawing dated to 1465.

While experts believe that it was forged in around 330 AD, the origins of the colossus remain somewhat of a mystery. The first description of the statue's fragments dates back to the 12th century, when they reportedly stood on pillars outside of the Lateran Palace in Rome, pictured

According to Mr Presicce, it is thought that the finger and part of the palm of the hand was lost when the globe the colossus had been holding was separated from the statue and placed on a column marking the first mile of the Appian Way. Pictured: the restored index finger

The restoration of the finger is 'a good way to mark the reopening of museums,' said the mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi. Museums in the capital city (like the Capitoline Museums, pictured) were allowed to reopen this past Monday following an easing of COVID-19 restrictions

It would appear that the hand became damaged sometime before the late 1530s, with an engraving by the Portuguese painter Francisco De Holanda from this period showing the stature to have lost its index and middle fingers.

According to Mr Presicce, it is thought that these parts  and the palm of the hand  were lost when the globe the colossus had been holding was separated from the statue and placed on a column marking the first mile of the Appian Way.

Dubbed 'the queen of the long roads' by the Roman poet Statius, the Appian Way was one of the earliest and most strategically important Roman roads, linking the heart of the empire to Brindisi in southeast Italy.

It is unclear how the finger came to end up in the collections of Marchese Campana  although experts hope the answer may one day be found in historical documents.
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The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, says the current security challenge facing the country has political undertone.

Mr Akpabio said this on Thursday in Abuja at the APC National Secretariat when he spoke with journalists

I think most of the problems are politically motivated.

So, we must use our binoculars to be able to look and identify the sponsors of the insecurity we are witnessing in the country.

What is happening now is not Nigeria; this is unNigeria.

We must do everything possible, even through advice, to make sure that Nigeria remains united, he said, adding that it was not time for blame game.

He restated his confidence in the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee.

The minister said he was at the secretariat to meet with the partys leadership and to offer his advice on how to move the country and the party forward.

Mr Akpabio said the committee was doing well in repositioning the party and addressing areas of discord.

We have a lot of issues that I think the party can help to resolve, and all hands must be on the deck for us to solve our problems, he said.

MR Akpabio said that the security challenge in the country has already assumed a worrisome dimension as it was not limited to one section of the country.

We have never in the history of this nation witnessed where people in uniform are targeted for elimination.

That will show you that we have infiltrators in our midst, the security of our neighbouring countries must also remain a priority, he said.

(NAN)
A syringe and a vial of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 are pictured at the San Giovanni Bosco Hospital in Turin in this file photo taken on March 19. AFP-Yonhap



British pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca said Friday that its COVID-19 vaccine generated $275 million (227 million euros) in sales in the first quarter, as its chief executive defended the company's performance in the face of EU legal action.



This is the first time that the company has disclosed figures from sales of one of the world's leading vaccines, which it sells on a not-for-profit basis.



AstraZeneca has delivered about 68 million doses of the vaccine, which was developed with the University of Oxford and has been instrumental in Britain's rapid vaccination drive. However, public confidence in the jab has been dented over links to very rare blood clots, and the company is also mired in a legal fight with the EU over delivery shortfalls.



"I don't think we ever overpromised... more than we thought we could deliver," chief executive Pascal Soriot told reporters on Friday, insisting there were no regrets. "What we communicated at the time was based on the capacity that we had put together."



Soriot noted that AstraZeneca was the second largest supplier to the EU after US firm Pfizer.



The bulk of AstraZeneca's jab sales during the first quarter  $224 million worth  were in Europe, the company said. A total $43 million were in emerging markets, and $8 million in the rest of the world, it added.



"Of course we would have preferred to have delivered more quantities to Europe but at the end of the day we did our very best to help the world," Soriot said.



AstraZeneca vaccine production had been rapidly assembled following the start of the outbreak in early 2020.



"Our vaccine continues to play a leading role in the global fight against the pandemic," Soriot insisted. "We are seeing signs that it is reducing transmissions," he added, citing recent UK data.



The results come at the end of a turbulent week after the European Union launched legal action against AstraZeneca over Covid-19 vaccine delivery shortfalls that hampered inoculation efforts across the bloc.



The EU is suing AstraZeneca on the basis of breaches of an advanced purchase agreement, but the firm has dismissed the legal action as being "without merit" and stated that it will strongly defend itself in court.



AstraZeneca said it is due to have delivered about 50 million doses to Europe by the end of April, but that is far lower than the amount Brussels insists should have come.



The commission says overall the firm is set to deliver only a third of the 300 million doses it had promised by June.



"In Europe, we continue to make progress with the supply... and we continue to work hard to increase the output," Soriot said Friday.



(AFP)


[April 30, 2021] Custom Technology Solutions Company Ridgeline International Creating 162 New Jobs in Fairfax County

Gov. Ralph Northam today announced that Ridgeline International, Inc., an innovative technology-based solutions provider for the federal government, commercial and nonprofit sectors, will invest $1.75 million to expand its operation in Fairfax County. The company will increase capacity to develop customized solutions that help its clients implement secure communications and guard against security threats, creating 162 new jobs. "First and foremost, operating out of Fairfax County has afforded us access to an impressive and ideal talent pool. This is important for any emerging startup, particularly one centered on scarce technical talent," said Ridgeline International CEO Erik Wittreich. "Furthermore, Fairfax has a thriving economy, professional associations, and an overall rich community experience." As of May 1, the company will have a total footprint of 55,000 square feet of space in Tysons, the largest commercial district in Fairfax County, including a 12,000 square-foot demonstration center and R&D hub expected to launch in June. "I am delighted to see Ridgeline International expanding in Fairfax County and I thank its leaders for their investment here," said Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. The FCEDA worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to secure the project for Virgini, and will support Ridgeline International's job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.



With the guidance of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee that the company created in 2019, Ridgeline partnered with 100 Black Men of Greater Washington D.C. In 2020, Ridgeline donated $20,000, funded partially through employee fundraising, to the organization. This partnership continues in 2021. In addition, Ridgeline established a scholarship fund beginning with the 2020-21 academic year, awarding $5,000 to three outstanding STEM students. "I welcome Ridgeline International's growth in Tysons and we are grateful for its investment in the Providence District and Fairfax County," said Fairfax County Supervisor Dalia A. Palchik (Providence District). "Ridgeline is a great example of the county's growing tech ecosystem, and I want to congratulate the company's staff and leadership for their emphasis on corporate social responsibility."

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. In addition to its headquarters in Tysons, Fairfax County's largest business district, the FCEDA maintains business investment offices in six important global business centers: Bangalore/Mumbai, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Seoul and Tel Aviv. Follow the FCEDA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. The FCEDA is a member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Other members: the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Arlington County, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park and the Prince William County Department of Economic Development. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005491/en/

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The New York Times

The Food and Drug Administration is on the verge of announcing one of its most contentious decisions in years: the fate of an Alzheimers drug that could be the first treatment approved after nearly two decades of failed efforts to find ways to curb the debilitating disease. On Monday, the agency will rule on the drug, aducanumab, which aims to slow progression of memory and thinking problems early in the disease. If approved, it would be the first new Alzheimers medication since 2003 and the f
A $13,000,000.00 lawsuit has been filed against Jetblue Airways by a Jetblue flight attendant and former Orange County, Florida firefighter/paramedic for economic and emotional injuries plus attorneys fees, costs and disbursements.

The complaint also asks the court to declare that Jetblue violated state and anti-discrimination laws.

The plaintiff, Clay Kallman, 62, a nine-year flight attendant with Jetblue Airways contends that he was discriminated against on the basis of his type-2 diabetes, religion/ethnicity, heterosexual orientation and age.

Kallman is represented by the prestigious...
The accused killer of mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson has been charged with her murder after spending 10 days in an induced coma.

Brian Earl Johnston, 34, was visited by officers in the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital on Friday where he was under police guard.

Johnston's lawyer Chris Hannay confirmed police had formally charged his client with the murder of Wilkinson, 27.

Hannay instructed his client, who was heavily medicated, to decline to be formally interviewed.

The body of Gold Coast mother of three Kelly Wilkinson was discovered in a home on the Gold Coast on April 20

Police charged Ms Wilkinson's estranged husband Brian Johnston (pictured) with her murder on Friday

The couple on their wedding day - they met online a decade ago before Ms Wilkinson travelled to the US to get married aged just 18

'Police wanted to interview him but we obviously rejected that as he wasn't in any position to do an interview,' Hannay told NCA Newswire.

'He nodded and whispered 'yes', and police had informed him he had been charged with murder and he said 'yes', but made no comment about it.

'He (Johnston) is in no fit state to talk and Ive asked him to contact me when he is.'

Ms Wilkinson's three children, all aged under nine, were in the home at the time she was allegedly attacked earlier this month.

The youngsters are currently staying at the home of Ms Wilkinson's sister Danielle Carroll, where the living room has been converted into a sleeping space.

Ms Wilkinson is believed to have visited police on two separate occasions before her US marine husband allegedly set her on fire at her home in Arundel on the Gold Coast on April 20.

The victim's devastated family have claimed that Johnston was controlling and dictated what the 27-year-old wore, how she styled her hair and even banned her from getting a driver's licence or a job.

Ms Wilkinson met Johnston online a decade ago and shortly after travelled to the US to meet him.

The pair married when she was just 18, before separating a couple of months ago.

The couple holding one of their children during a holiday in the US. Johnston (right) has woken up from a coma and is under police guard at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital

Ms Wilkinson's father, Reg (centre), and family attended an evening vigil for Ms Wilkinson on Monday evening

On Monday evening, about 1,000 people, many wearing Ms Wilkinson's favourite colour green, gathered at the Gold Coast Titans training ground to pay a silent tribute to Ms Wilkinson.

Some people brought inflatable green balloons which were released at the end of the vigil, while others carried sunflowers - Ms Wilkinson's favourite flower.

As a guitarist played acoustic versions of Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' and Coldplay's 'Fix You'.

Ms Wilkinson's family arrived and made their way to a row of white chairs at the front, her father Reg in tears as he trailed his daughters Natalie and Emma, his arm around daughter Danielle.

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UW Students Research into Upper Green River Basin Water Demand Issues Earns Outstanding Thesis Honor

Ellen Yeatman

A study by a University of Wyoming agricultural and applied economics student exploring a proposed water demand management program on the Upper Green River Basin has received the Western Agricultural Economics Association (WAEA) Outstanding Masters Thesis Award.

The thesis by Ellen Yeatman, a College of Agriculture and Natural Resources masters student, titled Ranch-level Economic and Ecological Tradeoffs of Water Demand Management in the Upper Green River Basin, examines a program that would try to alleviate the water supply and demand imbalance within the Colorado River Basin.

The Upper Basin states are currently working right now to figure out what are the best ways to meet their obligations to the Colorado River Compact to the Lower Basin states to not deplete the river, says Kristi Hansen, an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Basically, Ellen is looking at a new kind of conservation program that policymakers are considering for the region.

Many ranchers and irrigators in southwest Wyoming use flood irrigation, which causes concern for how a water conservation program like this may have different economic and ecological trade-offs, says Hansen, Yeatmans adviser.

I really wanted to do as much work on the ground as possible to thoroughly understand the economic and ecological trade-offs ranchers in the Upper Green River Basin would face if they were to consider voluntarily and temporarily being paid to use less water in direct response to the drought occurring across the Colorado River Basin, Yeatman says.

Yeatman spent time talking with the producers of this region to explore how they might participate in a project like this.

There are not only economic costs and benefits of being paid to use less water, but there also are really interesting social and ecological trade-offs, Yeatman says. I really wanted to be face to face with these ranchers and see these ranches and how they are irrigating to see the full story, because it is a complex issue.

The same year Yeatman was conducting her research, the Upper Colorado River Basin states signed into law the Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan, which made it official that states had to find a way to deal with drought and constraints facing water resources.

As she was learning about these issues, the policy landscape was changing as these policymakers were working to figure things out themselves, Hansen says.

Yeatman explored three study areas in the Upper Green River Basin: the Boulder, Fontenelle and Henrys Fork River regions. All three face just slightly different elevations, growing season day lengths, and different return flow and wetland concerns, Yeatman says.

As a subregion of the Upper Colorado River Basin, we would expect these study areas within this subregion to respond similarly to a demand management program, Yeatman says. The ranches are all cow-calf operations growing grass hay and/or alfalfa with surface water irrigation systems facing similar hydrological patterns, but we found that, just between these three study areas, there is huge variability in willingness to participate and in ecological impacts of using less water.

Yeatman developed a linear optimization model that considers both public -- wetlands and return flows -- and private -- ranch-level net margins -- factors. This method is commonly used by economists to estimate optimal price.

The optimal price for demand management varied from $10 per acre foot to $170 per acre foot of consumptive water use savings between and within these areas, she says.

Yeatman was excited to see her work recognized by the WAEA.

I was really impressed with how fully she embraced the task of learning about Colorado River Basin policies and issues, because it is really quite complicated, Hansen says. Lawyers and policymakers in the region are still working to figure out how to envision a path forward for how to govern water within the constraints of the Colorado River Compact during a time of increased water scarcity.

Yeatman, of Little Rock, Ark., completed her undergraduate degree in environmental science and chemistry at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. She graduated from UW with a masters degree in agricultural and applied economics last August. She is working remotely as a water resource specialist for American Farmland Trust in Teton County.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 30)  AgriNurture, Inc. (ANI), the listed agribusiness firm of businessman Antonio Tiu, sealed a deal with the government to launch an e-commerce platform for the local agriculture sector.

The farm produce wholesaler in a statement Friday said it entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Agriculture and the Authority of Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) for the rollout of a blockchain-based platform.

The platform would allow the trading of agricultural products and virtual currencies globally.

Basic commodities in the ASEAN region such as rice, corn, sugar, and copra may be traded using the platform, ANI noted.

"The 1ANI e-commerce platform, a financial technology ecosystem, allows local farm input requirements and output to be traded using virtual currencies and opens up financing and trading opportunities to institutional buyers and foreign investors residing outside the Philippines," said Tiu, the president and chief executive officer of ANI.

But before the listed firm could make it up and running in the international scene, ANI has to secure a license from AFAB for the issuance and use of "agri tokens." A custodian bank within the freeport, which should be a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-approved branch, is also needed for the "agri tokens."

Under the deal, ANI also needs to secure a license for an AgriXchange Commodities and Futures Trading Center with AFAB to act as a virtual currency exchange for the conversion of fiat money to virtual currencies and vice versa.

The agreement also entails the establishment of a food terminal complex, cold and dry storage, and logistics hub within the freeport in coordination with the Bataan local government units and the DA to help ensure food security in the Philippines.

READ: Listed AgriNurture to raise 75 million euros from sale of 'green' bonds

Late in March, the company said it was eyeing to raise 75 million euros (P4.28 billion) worth of "sustainability funds" on the international capital markets after it secured a "medium green" rating - claimed to be the first given to a Philippine agricultural firm.
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Cereal Bars - Confectionery/breakfast-replacement bars made from a mixture of cereals and fruits bound together by syrup e.g. Nutri-Grain. Does not include energy bars.

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New York Man Admits to Sabotaging NYPD Car During Black Lives Matter Protests

A Brooklyn man pleaded guilty after he was accused of trying to cut the brake lines on an NYPD vehicle amid the George Floyd protests and riots last year.

Jeremy Trapp, 25, pleaded guilty in Brooklyn Federal Court on Friday to one count of destruction of a vehicle, said the Department of Justice (DOJ) in a news release. Trapp also pleaded guilty to unrelated charges of wire fraud.

Prosecutors said Trapp on July 17, 2020, crawled under a marked NYPD van in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, before he partially severed a line that is part of the NYPD Vans anti-lock braking system, which is similar in appearance to, and in the same location as, the NYPD vehicles main brake line, said the DOJ. A malfunctioning anti-lock braking system adversely impacts a drivers ability to stop and maintain control of a vehicle in an emergency.

The incident occurred amid anti-police protests and riots in New York City and around the country following Floyds death.

I knowingly damaged an NYPD police van. I cut the wire, Trapp told a judge, according to a New York Daily News reporter.

According to a criminal complaint, Trapp had spoken with a federal informant during a Brooklyn demonstration. Trapp then called the police racist and expressed a desire to to harm police officers and their supporters, the complaint said.

Trapp expressed excitement to the [informant] about having severed the brake line on the NYPD Van and stated that he wanted to do the same to more police cars, the complaint stated.

The DOJ also said that a month before, Trapp submitted a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan and grant application that provides small businesses with low-interest loans.

Trapp alleged he was the sole proprietor of a car wash business located at an address Brooklyn, which was actually a multi-unit residential building, among other false statements about the nonexistent business, said officials. The Small Business Administration, nonetheless, approved a $42,500 loan and $10,000 grant to Trapp, which were then deposited to his bank account, the agency said.

I filled out paperwork where I made false statements and representations about a car washing business. I received money in my bank account for this loan, Trapp also admitted in court on Friday, according to the NY Daily News.

With his admissions of guilt today, Trapp will face the consequences of his flagrantly lawless and fraudulent conduct, first, in endangering the lives of police officers by sabotaging one of their vehicles, and second, by lining his pockets with stolen government funds intended to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Mark Lesko said in a statement Friday.

This office and its law enforcement partners will bring to justice any individual who deliberately jeopardizes the safety of the police and steals funds from government programs intended to help deserving recipients.
Logan, WV (25601)

Today

Cloudy in the morning, then off and on rain showers during the afternoon hours. Thunder possible. High 82F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with showers and a few thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Nick Weaver, singer and songwriter, most recently with Salmon Brothers and the co-founder of Sydney psychedelic rock band Deep Sea Arcade - has died at the age of 37.

Nick was the son of Channel Seven journalist and long-time consumer editor Helen Wellings. He leaves behind wife Tia Turner.

He had been diagnosed with bowel cancer, his family told Double J in a statement.

'He was in the midst of many projects including recording a new album with The Tambourine Girls, a disco record with Salmon Brothers, as well as a solo record, which his bandmates have pledged to finish and release soon,' his family said.

Nick Weaver, the guitarist and co-founder of Sydney psychedelic rock band Deep Sea Arcade and The Tambourine Girls, has died at the age of 37

'His creativity was only just blossoming, and he will be greatly missed.'

A Salmon Brothers album featuring Weaver will be released in the coming weeks.

Weaver founded Deep Sea Arcade as a teenager, but he didn't release their first album, Outlands, until 2012.

The album was noted for its '60s-inspired sound and received critical acclaim.

He had been diagnosed with bowel cancer, his family told Double J in a statement

Their sophomore effort, 2018's Blacklight, was recorded by Grammy-winning producer Eric J Dubowsky, who was this week recognised at the APRA Music Awards for his work with Vera Blue.

Blacklight brought them wider attention, but ended up being their last LP.

According to the Music Network, concert promoter Michael Chugg described Deep Sea Arcade in 2013 as 'one of the best bands in Australia'.

Weaver founded Deep Sea Arcade as a teenager, but they didn't release their first album, Outlands, until 2012

Before choosing music as his path, Weaver had apparently wanted to be a palaeontologist because of his childhood interest in dinosaurs.

Deep Sea Arcade toured with bands such as Modest Mouse, The Charlatans, Kaiser Chiefs and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.

They performed extensively across the UK and Europe as a headline and support act, and on the festival circuit, including at Australia's Big Day Out.
"Have other dogs? Cats? Dont apply unless they like being shaken up like a ragdoll by a 13lb rage machine."

"Prancer only likes women. Nothing else. He hates men more than women do."

"Hes never been in the presence of a child, but I can already imagine the demonic noises and shaking fury that would erupt from his body if he was."

Those are just a few lines from 2-year-old chihuahua, Prancers, adoption ad, which went viral when it was posted last month.

"You know that episode of The Office where Michael Scott silently whispers 'Ill kill you' to Toby? Thats Prancer having to begrudgingly coexist with everyone when Im around," reads Prancer's adoption ad. "If you have people over he would have to be put away like hes a vacuum. I know finding someone who wants a Chucky doll in a dogs body is hard, but I have to try."

Prancer's adoption ad was released in early April by New Jersey-based adoption agency Second Chance Pet Adoption League. According to Tyfanee Fortuna, a volunteer with the adoption agency, Prancer had spent six months with her before he was listed with the Second Chance Pet Adoption League.

Ariel Davis, 36, of New Haven, Conn. adopted the dog last week after she felt a connection to him through his brutally-honest description.

I kind of knew what it was like to have a dog that was like Prancer," she said. "I figured, 'why not, it doesnt hurt to send an email,' Davis told Hearst Connecticut Media.

Second Chance Adoption and Tyfanee were some of the most amazing people that Ive ever met," she added. "They did a really good job in making sure that he went to a good home.

Davis, who runs his now-viral Instagram account, traveled down to New Jersey to meet Prancer, and the two connected quickly.

He wasnt really friendly because of his situation, but by the time I got him in the car and we were alone...he was really happy," Davis said. Hes been such a sweetheart. It took him a couple days for him to settle in and when he did, he started to open up. I can definitely see the neurotic personality that hes got.

Davis said that Prancer loves going on walks around New Haven and has started to settle into his forever home.

For anyone looking to adopt a dog like Prancer, Davis had a few words of advice:

Check your motives, know what youre getting into and make a commitment.

"We do miss Prancer and he was loved here despite his quirks" Fortuna wrote in a Facebook post. "I have a lot of experience with toxic men, so it was easy for me to overlook his malicious tendencies and love him anyway,"

Despite being described as "a traumatized Victorian child" that "will probably live to be 21 through pure spite," Prancer has also been described as "loyal beyond belief" and loves car rides.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - Nicola Mining Inc. (TSXV: NIM) (FSE: HLI), (the "Company" or "Nicola") is pleased to announce that it has signed a purchase contract (the "Purchase Contract") for gold and silver concentrate with Ocean Partners UK Limited1 ("Ocean Partners"), a company that provides global trading services to miners, smelters, and refiners. The Purchase Contract also includes a revolving US$500,000 prepayment provision (the "Prepayment") that allows the Company to request an advance prepayment for the purpose of working capital. The Company entered into the Purchase Contract with the expectation of commencing milling activities at its Merritt Mill.

On April 26, 2021, the Company requested a Prepayment of US$250,000, which was subsequently received on April 27, 2021. Funds are expected to be allocated towards preparing the mill for production and potential acquisitions. Terms of the Prepayment are 3M LIBOR plus 5.5% per annum plus a fee of US$5,000 on the first Prepayment. The Company will make interest payments for the first six months and repay the principal in October of 2021, at which time the Company may again utilize the full US$500,000 prepayment provision.

The non-dilutive Prepayment allows the Company to complete CAPEX investments and bridge the period between restarting the mill and cash flow. It is not a net smelter return ("NSR") and there is no obligation by the Company to continue payments once the drawn down amount has been repaid. In addition, a key reason the Company selected Ocean Partners for concentrate sales is because of Ocean Partners' vision that Nicola's Merritt Mill has the potential of becoming a high-grade / small project milling hub for the province of British Columbia. Ocean Partners also provided attractive purchase terms and Ocean Partner's has expressed interested in providing Nicola funding options for future gold and silver project consolidations.

The Company is also pleased to announce that Cameron Lilly, P.Eng., has accepted the role as Mill Manager for the Merritt Mill. Mr. Lilly has held senior positions at leading mill sites throughout British Columbia for two decades and is an expert in flotation plant optimization, including de-bottlenecking, production accounting, plant design, and industrial ventilation / dust control. His expertise in both operational and environmental capacities will be value-added to Nicola's operations and continued environmental commitment.

Peter Espig, CEO of Nicola, commented, "We are very excited about the opportunity to work with Ocean Partners and the access it provides to non-dilutive funding options, as well as mitigating the requirement to enter into an NSR agreement. We also recognize the potential of project-consolidation that our fully-permitted and modern $30.0 million mill provides, but also remain cognizant that the Company's greatest long term value lies in our wholly-owned New Craigmont Copper Project, upon which we are about to commence our 2021 Exploration Program."

Brent Omland, CFO of Ocean Partners, commented, "We recognized the significant CAPEX and long term commitment required for projects to garner a mill permit in British Columbia. We believe that Nicola has the province's leading site permitted to accept high-grade gold and silver mill feed from throughout British Columbia and we look forward to a long term relationship."

Scientific and Technical Information

Kevin Wells, P.Geo, a consulting geologist to the Company, is the independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Nicola Mining

Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and is in the process of recommencing mill feed processing operations at its 100% owned state-of-the-art mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia. The fully-permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes. The Company also owns 100% of Treasure Mountain, a high-grade silver property, and an active gravel pit that is located adjacent to its milling operations.

About New Craigmont Property

In November of 2015, Nicola became the first group in decades to consolidate ownership of the New Craigmont Project (the "Property") and has been actively conducting mineral exploration since. The Property is a wholly-owned copper prospect with an active mine permit (M-68), located 33 km south of the world-class Highland Valley porphyry district. The Property is located adjacent to the southern end of the Guichon Creek Batholith, which hosts the Highland Valley copper deposits.

There are currently no mineral resource estimates on the Property. Historical "non-NI 43-101" resource calculations are recorded in internal memos and geological reports for Placer Development Ltd.

For further details on the Property, see the technical report entitled "Technical Report on the Thule Copper-Iron Property, Southern British Columbia, Canada", filed on May 8, 2013 on Sedar at www.sedar.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Peter Espig"

Peter Espig

CEO & Director

For additional information

Contact: Peter Espig

Phone: (778) 385-1213

Email: info@nicolamining.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

_______________________

1 Ocean Partners operates in a number of countries, including Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, Peru, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States, and retains agency representation in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, India, Japan, South Africa, South Korea. The Company maintains a strong global network of relationships and contacts in the base metal mining and smelting sector.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82377
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In a 2019 video tutorial produced by Princeton, students watched the smiling white anthropologist Janet Monge and a University of Pennsylvania undergraduate hold a human pelvic bone and a femur up to the camera as rows of human skulls, backlit and neatly lined up in wooden cabinets, rested behind them. The bones the two held, transferred between universities over decades, likely belong to Delisha Africa and Katricia Tree Africa, two Black children killed in the 1985 MOVE bombing, in which the city of Philadelphia dropped a satchel bomb on a row house occupied by the Black liberation group after a police standoff. Released soon after the bombing to a professor at the University of Pennsylvania for forensic study, the remains will finally be collected from that professors home on Friday. How they ended up there, and where theyve been in between, is something the institutions involved have struggled to explain.

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The potential source of the remains and their place in the online course were brought to light last week by reports in Philadelphia news outlets Billy Penn and the Inquirer. The subsequent uproar has rocked the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton. But while the revelation was a shock to the public, to many in the anthropology world, it was no surprise at all. Museums and universities brutal habit of collecting human remains without family consent, proper identification, or public knowledge is far from a relic of the 19th century.

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The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (or the Penn Museum for short) itself is home to more than 1,000 skulls and other body parts collected over more than a century and held within its controversial Samuel G. Morton Cranial Collection. The museum had already committed to repatriating skulls after decades of protests from the surrounding community and reports by commissions and university committees. From the 1830s to 1840s, Morton, a physician and anatomist often referred to as the founder of the American school of ethnology, collected the skulls from around the world, compiling his craniometric research into a racial hierarchy that argued for polygenismthe idea that different races constituted different species and had different origins. His work was often used to justify slavery and racial subjugation.

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Of the more than half-million recorded human remains held in collections across the United States, tens of thousands of them are at universities, and not all were collected in what some consider the bad old days of the 19th century. Earlier this year, Harvard announced it would convene a committee to investigate the history of more than 22,000 human remains distributed across its museums to assess future ethical stewardship. (Still, the university continues to fight some claims on its collection, including from descendants of enslaved people.) Yales Cushing Center holds more recent remains, including more than 2,000 human brains collected by neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing through the 1930s, many of them taken from his former patients, some of whose families actively denied consent for autopsies and dissection. Other universities seem to have little idea of the scope or scale of their human collections, often scattered across anthropology labs and in storage rooms of medical schools rather than in temperature-controlled museum cabinets.

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While this recently uncovered case is not unique, it is instructive. At 5:30 a.m. on May 13, 1985, 500 members of the Philadelphia Police Department descended on MOVEs row house after long-standing tensions with the Black liberation group. After a standoff in the early hours of the morning, police officers fired more than 10,000 rounds of bullets and tear gas canisters into the house, trapping seven adults and six children inside. Twelve hours later, police dropped two bombs on the house, and the Philadelphia Fire Department let the ensuing fire burn. By the end of the night, more than 60 homes in the predominantly Black West Philadelphia neighborhood burned to the ground, and all but two people thereincluding five childrendied. In November of last year, the mayor finally issued a formal apology for the violent attack against the citys citizens, although family members and local residents had been awarded millions in damages soon after the bombing.

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Heres what we know about what happened to the remains of the victims of the bombing, from May 1985 to the present. Soon after the bombing, the remains were sent to the Philadelphia medical examiner to be analyzed by the MOVE Special Investigation Commission, appointed by then-Mayor W. Wilson Goode in response to outcry from across the city. While forensic anthropologist Ali Hameli, who was Delawares chief medical examiner and was acting as the MOVE commissions pathologist, identified the pelvic bone and femur fragment as belonging to Delisha and Tree Africa, Penn professor Alan Mann was called in to consult on the case. Assisted by thengraduate student Janet Monge, Mann, who initially disagreed with Hamelis identification, took custody of the remainsdespite legal strictures requiring consent from next of kinmoving them in a cardboard box to Penn and then to his new job in the anthropology department at Princeton in 2001.

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Ten years later, promoted to keeper and associate curator of physical anthropology at the Penn Museum, Monge reexamined the bone fragments, further questioning the victims identities based on discrepancies in age. Monge later used the remains as pedagogical tools in her since-suspended 2019 online Coursera class at Princeton, which reached more than 5,000 viewers. In the video, Monge disagrees with the undergraduate student about the identities of the people whose remains shes handling. Monge titled sections of her hands-on tutorial Losing Personhood and Restoring Personhood. At some point in the last two years, the New York Times reported, the remains were returned to Mann, now an emeritus professor at Penn and Princeton, who has since been unavailable for comment.

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While some anthropologists, including Princetons Carolyn Rouse, have argued that physical and forensic anthropology simply cannot be taught without the use of human remains, questions of where and how those remains have been obtained, and whether their use in research includes consent from families, have often been given little considerationand have even provoked outright hostility and racism. At the very least, the physical anthropology departments like the ones that employ Mann and Monge exist today as uneasy reminders of many museums and universities racist and colonial foundations. While institutions are quick to dismiss such racist collecting practices as an unfortunate inherited legacy of 19th century colonialism, human bodies were collected well into the 20th century, often under dubious circumstances. Samuel Redman, a historian and author of Bone Rooms: From Scientific Racism to Human Prehistory in Museums, told me in an interview that he was shocked by the fact that so many individuals were inspired by earlier 19th century collectors and continued to gather bodies well into the 20th century. Museums with reputations for holding remains became repositories for missionaries, army medical officers, and other amateur bone collectors, who sometimes gathered remains tilled up during farming or construction projects.

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Despite physical anthropologists attempts at distancing themselves from their 19th century forebears like Samuel Morton by emphasizing their finds archaeological value, Redman found, 20th century museums still functionedand continue to functionas sites where human remains are transformed into specimens by elite academics. This situation persists even as institutions increasingly turn, at least in their public-facing comments, toward claims that theyre examining their legacies through repatriation of remains. While such recently collected bodies as the MOVE bombing remains are somewhat unusual within museum collections, in 2004, allegations emerged that the wildly popular traveling Body Worlds exhibition, which reached nearly 14 million viewers, contained several corpses of people in Chinese prison camps who had died in 2001. The bodies were returned to China for burial.

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In the Princeton video, Monge says, when asked how she knows that the remains are the bones of a recently deceased individual, that the bones are juicy and that they smell kind of greasy, comments that have drawn particular disgust. Ezelle Sanford III, a historian of medicine and postdoctoral fellow in the Penn Program on Race, Science and Society, which deals directly with the universitys legacy of scientific racism on campus, called Monges words just the most recent example of an ongoing legacy of Black peoples bodies used for academic research and pedagogy. Sanford studies centuries of scientific racism within elite institutions, from J. Marion Sims gynecological experiments on enslaved women in the 19th century to the harvesting of Henrietta Lacks cervical cells at Johns Hopkins University in 1951 and Penn professor Albert Kligmans use of imprisoned men at Philadelphias Holmesburg Prison for dermatological research from the 1950s to the 1970s. He argues that Black and disabled people continue to be made into specimens and robbed of individual identities.

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Although tracing human remains can be a difficult processa direct result of the lack of humanity assigned to people deemed specimens by white collectors over centuriessome museums have successfully identified and repatriated bodies, allowing for their respectful reburial by ancestors or descendant communities. There is recent precedent for this. The 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act led to the reburial of thousands of Indigenous remains and burial objects across North America, many of them dug up and stolen during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In 2003, for instance, Chicagos Field Museum repatriated 150 remains of Haida Gwaii ancestors stolen from burial sites in British Columbias Queen Charlotte Islands. This action launched further legal battles for the Haida, who sought to repatriate and rebury hundreds more remains from museums like the American Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian. Their fight is not over.

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Focused on Indigenous Americans, NAGPRA does not govern the repatriation of the thousands of Black remains held by museums and universities across the United States, nor does it cover the remains of disabled, poor, or criminal remains collected by physicians, anthropologists, and other scientists throughout the 20th century. Some institutions, like the controversial Mutter Museum, located just across the Schuylkill River from the Penn Museum, have been hesitant to entertain calls for repatriation, claiming that their collections are necessary for ongoing scientific research, even while profiting from their sensational display. Even more disturbingly, outside of the institutional world of museums, skulls and other human remains are still sold in private auctions, often lacking provenance information, turned into unnamed commodities for individual purchase.

The human remains held in a cardboard box for decades, though, belonged to individuals with families, friends, and surviving loved ones. Speaking to the New York Times, activist and MOVE member Mike Africa Jr., who was 6 years old at the time of the bombing and remembers Delisha and Tree, expressed feelings of anger, fury, disappointment, sadness about the nonconsensual use of what may be his friends body parts in a video that circulated to over 5,000 students online. Its like this never ends and no matter how much time passes, and you hope that things can get to a place where you can begin to heal some, he said, its right back up in your face.

MOVE has issued a series of demands. Following protests at Princeton and the Penn Museum, both universities have apologized for the mishandling of the girls remains and committed to launching investigations into how the bones were violated and lost. Princetons anthropology department went further, acknowledging its explicitly racist history and ties to slavery and eugenics. Monges Coursera class has been suspended, although it has been archived, and those registered for the course can still stream it.
Nvidia's planned takeover of semiconductor maker Arm hit a roadblock this week as the UK government raised objections to the buyout due to national security concerns. Japanese tech company SoftBank had originally agreed to sell Arm, which is headquartered in Cambridge, as part of a $40 billion deal.

Oliver Dowden, UK digital secretary, announced that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK's competitive watchdog, would look into the sale and review any potential national security implications. The Authority will investigate if Arm plans to raise prices or otherwise hurt licensing services to Nvidia rivals. They will make a report by July 30 revealing their findings.

"Following careful consideration of the proposed takeover of ARM, I have today issued an intervention notice on national security grounds," said Dowden in a statement. "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 sale to Nvidia would represent the largest deal in the chip industry. Arm chips are used in phones, tablets, wearables and other consumer electronics devices globally. SoftBank originally purchased the company in 2016 for $32 billion to help grow its Internet of Things (IoT) division. The new deal will give SoftBank an ownership stake in Nvidia as well as an expected boost to its AI development and initiatives.

Arm has traditionally maintained a neutral position in the chipmaking industry, which could shift with the Nvidia buyout. Nvidia is a direct competitor of a number of Arm customers, including Qualcomm, Intel and Advanced Micro Devices.

The intervention notice issued this week will kick off a phase one investigation by UK authorities, designed to ensure all aspects of the deal have been examined. If concerns are raised, the deal could be blocked as part of a phase two investigation. If no concerns are found on public interest or competition grounds, the deal will be able to proceed.

The buyout is also being reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission in the U.S., which has opened an investigation and also requested information from third parties about the buyout.

"We do not believe that this transaction poses any material national security issues," said a spokesman for Nvidia in a statement. "We will continue to work closely with the British authorities, as we have done since the announcement of this deal."

Edited by Luke Bellos
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Market Research Future published a Half Cooked Research Report on Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Research Report - Forecast to 2022 Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2022.

Superabsorbent Polymers Market - Overview

The global Superabsorbent polymers market is increasing with the impulsive pace; owing to the growing personal hygiene application. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The global market of Superabsorbent polymers is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period. The market is forecasted to demonstrate a stunning growth by 2023, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the estimated period (2017  2022).

Globally, the market for superabsorbent polymers is driven by the region Asia pacific, owing to the rise in the population resulting in to increasing demand for personal care products and agriculture industries among others. Superabsorbent polymers are materials that have the ability to absorb and retain large volumes of water and aqueous solutions. This makes them ideal for use in water absorbing applications such as baby nappies and adults incontinence pads to absorbent medical dressings, paint solidification and water absorption techniques to effectively use water in agriculture. Paramount environment concerns prompt the use of recycled paper where again Superabsorbent polymers are used in pulp processing.

Rising population defines the growth of personal care industry. Moreover growing industries such as medical textile, food packaging, and paints & coatings provide momentum to the superabsorbent polymers market growth.

Key Players:

BASF SE (Germany), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD. (Japan), Kao Corporation (Japan), Formosa Plastics Corporation (Taiwan), LG Chem Ltd. (South Korea), SDP Global Co., Ltd. (Japan), 3M Company (U.S.), Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd. (Japan), and Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd. (South Korea) are some of the prominent players profiled in MRFR Analysis and are at the forefront of competition in the Global Superabsorbent polymers Market.

Access Complete Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/superabsorbent-polymers-market-1956

Superabsorbent polymers products are manufactured by utilizing polyacrylic acid as raw material which are costlier but they are capable to deliver high performance. These high value added products widely used as moisture absorbers in various industries.

Superabsorbent polymers are most widely used in manufacturing personal care products followed by its major use to effectively absorb water and supply it to the roots of the plants in agriculture sector. India appears to be the fastest growing consumer of superabsorbent polymers based products over the forecast period.

Superabsorbent Polymers Market - Competitive Analysis

Superabsorbent polymers market appears to be less competitive with the presence of only few major global chemicals and materials manufacturers operating in the superabsorbent polymers market. Presence of few key players will lead to monopoly situation and also competitive edge in innovation and technology is expected to be indelicate. As these materials are pricing at higher costs in the current markets and increasing demand for superabsorbent materials materials in personal care and paints & coatings industries will influence the end user products from these industries. Superabsorbent polymers market demonstrates a high growth potential as the demand for these materials is increasing other key players are likely to invest in opening new production capacities to meet the global demand with better solutions.

Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:

June 2015  BASF SE (Germany), one of the key manufacturers of superabsorbent polymers also having presence in Brazil, has announced opening of its new production line for acrylic acid, butyl acrylate and superabsorbent polymers in Camacari, Bahia, Brazil. These are the first plants for acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers in South America. The complex has a capacity of 160,000 tons of acrylic acid per year. The investment of more than 500 million ($567 million) is the largest in BASFs more than century-long history in South America. This complex will secure national and regional supply of products that are currently imported. Moreover it reduces the demand for raw material to produce superabsorbent polymers in various applications.

September 2015  Evonik Industries AG (Germany) a global manufacturer of superabsorbent polymers, has announced that company plans to increase its production capacities for superabsorbent polymers with selected debottlenecking measures. With the project engineering phase complete, the company says implementation will now be conducted in several phases. Evoniks global superabsorbent production capacities will increase by approximately 40,000 metric tons per year. The group sees the biggest potential in its Krefeld and Rheinmunster plants. The company says the resulting flexibility for planning and utilizing production capacities will be used to secure and expand Evonik's leading market position in the area of superabsorbent polymers.

June 2017  NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD. (Japan), Japanese superabsorbent polymer producer Nippon Shokubai announced a substantial price increase for superabsorbent polymers effective from July 1, 2017, or as contracts and agreements allow. The announcement said prices will go up by $200 a tonne. This is anticipated to have a negative impact in the North East Asia region.
The banking arm of Britain's second-largest supermarket chain delivered a rotten set of results on Wednesday as it revealed a 48million profit in 2019-20 turned into a loss of 21million.

In an announcement which contained a basketful of bad news, Sainsbury's Bank revealed its income fell 23 per cent to 341million, deposits fell 19 per cent to 5.1billion, lending dropped 27 per cent to 5.4billion and its customer numbers slid by 14 per cent to 1.8million.

However, despite the tough year, the bank remained bullish on its future. The supermarket said it expected its financial services arm, bought outright from Lloyds Banking Group in 2013, to return to profit next year and then to double it by 2024.

In the red: Sainsbury's financial services arm tumbled to a 21m loss in the 12 months to the end of February 2021

The coronavirus pandemic hit the supermarket bank's credit card and personal loan lending, which fell 600million and 800million, respectively, and saw demand for travel money and cash withdrawals dry up, which also helped to tip it into a loss.

But while it expects lending and demand to recover, the results also indicate a bank in transition.

Once seen, along with rival Tesco Bank, as an upstart challenger to Britain's major high street names in the early and mid-2010s, it formally surrendered in September 2019 when it pulled out of the mortgage market.

Having failed to make any headway in a ferociously competitive and increasingly unprofitable market, it decided to cut its losses.

Andrew Montlake, managing director at mortgage broker Coreco, told This is Money at the time that the 'margins were no longer there and its mortgage division was almost certainly struggling to wash its own face.'

Following this, mortgage lending fell 600million in the 12 months to February 2021, with more of the currently 1.3billion in mortgage assets expected to fall off its books in the next 12 months. It required fewer deposit takings from savers as a result.

Not so in the money: Former Sainsbury's chief executive Mike Coupe turned off the money taps for Sainsbury's Bank in September 2019

Former chief executive Mike Coupe two years ago announced the supermarket would no longer plough any more capital into the bank, which along with the exit from the mortgage market kiboshed any pretence it was a real challenger.

In response to Wednesday's results, Clive Black, head of research at Shore Capital, said: 'Sainsbury's Bank has been a car crash for some years now, with massive capital and operating expenditure delivering derisory returns.

'Mike Coupe decided to stop the funds tap', which he estimated had been as much as 1.4billion, while 'new management was brought in and a much more focused bank has been created. Like Tesco, the challenger bank went some time ago.'

Sainsbury's closure of its mortgage lending business saw home loans fall 600m in 2021

The bank insisted it did not expect to require any more capital, and Black noted that 'the headline numbers were skewed by the first-half performance in 2020.

'The second half was better and we sense it is on course for the headline target to double 2019 profits by 2024, albeit that is still a poor return on investment.'

Given it appears to be banking on a rebound in demand from current and new customers for everything from credit cards to travel money, rather than from new products, it best hope its calculations are correct.

After all, there does not appear to be any cavalry coming over the hill. Although it was reported late last year the supermarket was putting Sainsbury's Bank and its now 5.4billion balance sheet up for sale, there do not appear to have been any takers.

Dr Black added: 'Sainsbury's was approached last year about a bid but nothing was stated yesterday, which suggests to us that interest may have cooled.

'Ongoing work would probably have been at least alluded to. It looks like it is back to the original plan.'

However, some were more sceptical of the bank's prospects and suspected the supermarket was still looking for the checkout.

James Blower, founder of The Savings Guru and an adviser to savings banks, said: 'The results are a fascinating read. Although the pandemic has impacted the bank, lending fell by 2billion overall, with all areas impacted and income from travel money and ATMs hit too.

'While Sainsbury's believes it has a strategy to turn things around, there are other players who do credit cards and loans better, who can also access funds cheaply from retail savings.

'Given this, I'd be surprised if a more likely outcome wasn't that Sainsbury's looked to sell their financial services division and come out of the space.'
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought devastation to most of the earth, not only by causing death and disease, but also hampering vital social and economic interactions. The primary weapon against the virus spread has been the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including social distancing, mask-wearing and school/business closures.

However, with all closures, the harm is proportional to the duration and extent of shut-down. The time has now come to seriously consider viable strategies to open up states and countries, even while herd immunity remains a goal and not a reality.

Reopening strategies  different approaches

A working paper from researchers at the RAND corporation explores the various options to come up with a proposed robust plan for reopening up regions where vaccines have not yet been deployed across the entire population. The paper has been released on the medRxiv* preprint server.

The successive waves of the current pandemic have made this a doubly difficult task, with some regions recognizing the need to shut down again after a brief reopening, or setting restrictions on previously permitted activities. Both uncertainties, as well as trade-offs, must be considered to ensure a durable plan.

Rather than a centralized lockdown, many local bodies have taken to the adaptive use of NPIs based on the neighboring districts or counties. A clear list of NPIs to be implemented under a given set of criteria is easy to recommend, but fails to consider different sources of variation, such as viral biology (including the transmissibility and virulence of different viruses), human behavior (both before and after vaccination), and technological advancement (including vaccine development and efficacy).

The current paper assesses multiple options to adjust the levels of NPIs, from those that operate on predetermined thresholds to adaptive thresholds. Secondly, the researchers optimize the trade-offs between health protection and economic recovery. And finally, it reports the use of Robust Decision Making (RDM), which allows different NPI strategies to be compared, keeping in view the profound uncertainties of the situation.

RDM allows deep uncertainty

RDM has already been used in other areas of uncertainty to help shape policies optimally, avoiding what are called pareto-dominated strategies  strategies that are always worse than others in the same comparison group, in all respects, and therefore unworthy of adoption.

Currently, California has a plan called Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which sets a threshold of daily cases below 7 per 100,000, and positivity rates below 8%, before the highest level of NPIs can be removed. However, a reopening plan also comprises decisions on which businesses can operate at different levels of risk, the capacity at which they can operate, and how to adapt to pandemic conditions.

The current paper does not go into these decisions but examines how to shift from a higher risk level to a lower one as the situation changes. The policies here concern large-scale blunt NPIs such as business and school closures.

The level of restriction in these areas can be relaxed or tightened in accordance with how individual low-cost NPIs like physical distancing or mask use in public are complied with.

The ideal and the real

In an ideal situation, high population compliance and stringent initial closures would have ensured a good start on containing viral transmission. If followed by limited movement, with a test-and-trace policy, along with strict isolation and quarantine of cases and contacts, it may have been possible to rid a region of the virus, in theory, which would allow complete reopening.

However, this has rarely been the case, even in the most authoritarian of countries. Most regions thus face the reality of having to balance economic demands with the requirements of health policy.

The model

The current paper uses a model used to construct an earlier RAND COVID-19 State Policy Tool. It envisages six levels of NPI stringency, with an estimated economic loss at each level.

There are five strata of the population, determined by age, chronic illness, and occupation. The level of mixing between these strata is also described. The current analysis ran this model for the state of California, for the period from December 25, 2020, through January 31, 2021.

Using parameters for the level of caution before a level of NPI is mandated, as well as alternative reopening strategies, the study estimates the loss of life and number of cases with each approach. In addition to the short-term economic savings of early reopening, the total loss of welfare over the long term with prolonged NPIs is another important input.

The findings

The results underline the need for a high baseline level of caution in order to minimize deaths. Using a fixed level of caution apparently balances the number of deaths and social welfare costs.

However, these are pareto-dominated by many other strategies based on vaccination and time-based parameters, unless the highest or lowest levels of intervention are considered. This indicates that adaptive strategies are superior to fixed-level-of-caution strategies.

The better strategies would begin with a high level of caution, followed by relaxation with vaccination and advancing time. This results in lower levels of social welfare costs as well as deaths.

New Zealand is likely to use such a strategy, beginning with a very stringent lockdown, with relaxation planned as immunity becomes widespread.

As the immunization coverage increases, beginning with the groups at the highest risk, the infection fatality rate will probably decrease, which indicates that an adaptive strategy would be superior to one with a fixed level of caution.

The eventual predicted outcome of the pandemic is the subsidence of the outbreak into an endemic state. NPIs will no longer be of any benefit, and strategies that keep this in mind will dominate fixed-level-of-caution strategies.

The speed of this transition depends on many different factors, including the rate of increase of immunity, differences in IFR between population groups, and vaccination strategies. As vaccination becomes more widely available, stringent policies may have to give way to others based on temporal trends or vaccine coverage.

If the baseline level of caution is too low, it is possible that the number of deaths will be too high for the level of economic benefit gained, as well as an increased risk that new and more infectious strains will emerge, thus giving the pandemic another shot.

What are the conclusions?

Calling decisions on reopening policies arguably the most important of 2021, the researchers conclude, Adaptive reopening strategies with fixed thresholds can be dominated by alternatives that are more stringent but change their stringency over time.

The paper indicates that the expansion of vaccination programs will be the single most important determinant of the reopening strategy, but the scientists also comment that a vaccination-based policy will have to be implemented as a time-based one for practical purposes.

This raises some difficulties in that vaccination rates to differ considerably across different counties and regions. Even so, such schedules will still be superior to fixed-threshold reopening strategies, the paper says.

The trade-offs are most distinct when it comes to the most vulnerable population  the poor and minority communities who have neither savings nor the ability to work from home  who are both exposed to higher levels of infection and to economic losses.

How NPIs are managed in the next several months will determine the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic and will shape the trade-offs that these populations face.

Further analyses should focus on behavioral variations such as greater social mixing after vaccination, increased transmission, and vaccine unwillingness; the result in the form of new surges; and the lower severity and IFR of reinfections following immunization.

Other long-term effects of the prolonged hiatus in in-person education, long covid, non-availability of medical care for other health conditions, as well as of financial stress, should also be considered in future iterations.

Overall, the RDM proves to be among the tools that offer the opportunity to perform a stress test of a spectrum of reopening strategies even under deep uncertainties. It is similar to other decision-making under deep uncertainty (DMDU) approaches in its goals, but takes a different route.

A survey of these differences and the contribution of DMDU approaches to models of infectious disease would help build on existing knowledge and improve decision-making both now and in future pandemic threats.

*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.
Apr. 30Some utility customers tend to neglect past-due bills unless they feel threatened with disconnected service, and that's a weapon companies can't use in New Mexico now.

Representatives of utilities serving state residents told the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in a virtual workshop Thursday that instilling urgency is just about the only way to get customers who have fallen behind on bills to set up payment plans or seek aid.

A state administrator said millions of federal dollars are available for utility and rent assistance for people who struggled to keep up with payments during the coronavirus pandemic.

Because of the pandemic, the commission has generally frozen disconnections for electric and gas service until May 5 for small companies and Aug. 12 for large and investor-owned companies. The commission also has asked utility companies to work with customers to create payment plans.

Statistics provided at the workshop by 21 small utility companies indicated they have 21,251 residential accounts in arrears, and about 15,690 of those would be eligible for disconnection in early May. The average debt is $354.

The state's largest utility, Public Service Company of New Mexico, which serves 540,000 households and businesses, said 43,349 residential customers are past due, with an average of $467 owed by each.

Another big company, New Mexico Gas Co., had 46,131 customers past due as of March, and they owed $186 on average, according to the commission.

Commissioner Joseph Maestas of Santa Fe organized the workshop with utility companies for an update on the transition to the end of the disconnection moratorium. Maestas said he expects the commission next week to consider if any changes in the program are necessary.

The debts hurt small companies in particular, he said.

Joe Garibay of El Paso Electric Co. said the moratoriums need to be lifted so people feel motivated to pursue aid through the state and payment plans with the companies.

Story continues

Merely sending letters to customers informing them of how much they owe and when the freeze concludes "doesn't generate the traction" that an ultimatum brings, Garibay said. Customers who are in financial difficulty because of the pandemic are more concerned about buying food and filling cars with gas, he added.

"But what's happening is that debt is growing," he said.

Mike Winrow of the Otero County Electric Cooperative agreed with Garibay. Unless companies use "somewhat threatening language," he said, most customers won't set up a payment plan for their utility debts.

Maestas said after the workshop he didn't anticipate the commission lifting the moratoriums because they already are approaching an end, but he said he heard the utilities' call for the moratoriums to end without another extension.

Donnie Quintana of the state Department of Finance and Administration said New Mexico has access to $160 million in federal utility and housing aid for people who qualify.

Applicants must show they have suffered financial hardship because of the pandemic, be of low or moderate income and face potential housing instability or homelessness. Quintana expressed confidence that many people would qualify.

"A lot of folks have struggled," he said. The money became available April 5, he said, and the program tentatively will conclude Sept. 30.

More than 5,000 applications have been submitted so far, Quintana said.

Bianca Sopoci-Belknap of the Santa Fe-based organization Earth Care said some states have made it easier for people in financial difficulty by automatically applying the money to accounts. That way, she said, technology and language barriers are avoided.
Deichtley said while INDOT wants to promote worker safety, motorists are also at an increased risk of crashing in a construction zone. Four out of five people injured in construction zones are motorists or their passengers. Nationally, there is an average of one work zone crash every five minutes, he said.
Andrea Thomson has stared into the face of the pandemic.

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Andrea Thomson has stared into the face of the pandemic.

Literally.

She swabs nasal passages for testing of COVID-19 for Shared Health on a casual basis since April 2020.

As a registered psychiatric nurse (RPN), Thomson is part of the COVID response unit.

Shes also an assistant professor at Brandon University in the Department of Psychiatric Nursing. She has taught theory-based courses to second-, third- and fourth-year psychiatric nursing students since August 2018.

She has seen the look on peoples faces as they enter the testing site to be tested for a virus that could potentially kill them.

She has also seen those same faces come back for re-testing as family members from the same household continue to re-infect each other.

"It can extend peoples quarantine by well over a month from a large family," she said. "They might contract COVID at different times, and everyones isolation is extended and extended."

Its a ripple effect.

"Reducing our close contacts is difficult as it is. But it really does make sense in the long run because of the negative consequences of the quarantine."

Those consequences played out this week in the province as stricter public health orders came down the pipe on Wednesday.

Thomson knows the new restrictions are going to impact peoples mental health. She has seen it before and written about it when Manitoba banned visitors in private homes back in December to control the viruss spread.

"The pandemic has turned our lives upside down. Its increased our stress. Heightened our levels of anxiety, depression and grief," she said, adding the restrictions have increased our feelings of isolation by reducing our contacts.

Reaching into the mental health system for support may not be easy, either.

"What the pandemic has started to do is shed light on the mental health system, and it has been very difficult to navigate, probably historically," Thomson said.

"This isnt something new. It was very difficult to access services before. Quite often we describe the mental health system as a maze. Because its difficult to navigate."

She uses the example of someone experiencing mental health issues and possibly being turned away from a specific service because they didnt meet the criteria of that service.

"We have really great crisis services (where you can) pick up the phone and talk to a crisis support person. But to actually receive followup care and ongoing treatment to prevent additional crises is where the problem lies."

Follow-up care could take up to six months to get an appointment from a provincially funded resource, she pointed out. However, private clinics that support employee assistance programs, private health coverage or have funding from outside non-profit sources for those who cant afford their services, are out there.

Dan Jardine is the senior counsellor at the Counselling Centre in Brandon.

He said the centre is always busy, but they make room for people needing their counselling services.

His clients these days consist mainly of children as young as 10, teenagers, their parents, and families. What hes seeing on the ground since the pandemic struck is an increase in anxiety and irritability.

"Theres a heightened sense of irritability and concern on the parts of the parents and the restrictions on the teens," Jardine said.

Wheres it coming from?

He thinks the pandemic is a contributing factor.

"Kids are feeling restricted. Theyre not free to just be and do their own thing with their peers."

What otherwise may resolve itself in normal times is likely exacerbated due to the isolation and restriction of movement brought on by the need to contain the virus through public health restrictions.

"I didnt see it last year, not to the same degree."

And it has a snowball effect.

"All of sudden the conflict picks up speed. It becomes more of the norm of how the family deals with issues," he said.

Jardines approach to resolving the conflict that brought a family to his doorstep is to help them get back to where they were before the pandemic.

"How do you express love to each other when you arent talking about this issue? Im saying there are other ways to talk about the issue you bring to counselling. It doesnt have to be in the arena of conflict."

Heather Carew is executive director of the centre and does the initial assessment and intake.

In the early days of the pandemic, she did see an increase in counselling hours.

"Theres been a steady increase in requests in people experiencing anxiety. Anecdotally, theres been an increase in requests from those who are younger. From late teens and early 20s," she said.

"Theres been an increase in the number of youth who are experiencing anxiety and stress and health-care workers, too."

The new restrictions in the province likely will make a difference in the number of people feeling exhausted from the pandemic, she pointed out.

"There is a fatigue among the population who simply want to get on with the business of their lives. They want to be able to see family members and visit other provinces. There are clients who have really suffered in isolation. They work here and their family lives in another province, who they havent seen for months."

But there is no easy fix.

As Thomson said, the province has an excellent crisis line, where a caller experiencing any number of mental health challenges can pick up the phone and talk to someone.

However, it is the follow-up to these cases where a call to a crisis line is more of a band-aid solution. A lot can happen on the mental health front while waiting six months for a counselling appointment.

One option is group therapy, which starts with an educational component, Thomson said. And with the pandemic, meetings are held virtually. On the surface, its one option in helping people cope with their mental health issues during the pandemic.

"There is still a stigma behind mental illness," she said. "People are reluctant to share."

As well, connectivity to the group could be hampered by the lack of supportive electronic devices or a reliable internet connection, she pointed out.

"Its a wonderful option, but there are still challenges," she said. "It is a really good first step that is helping to address those wait times."

Thomson said Manitoba has great services, but people get lost and fall through the cracks.

"The system is a maze and people get lost, and we need to do something differently because of the confusion," she said.

"Its a system that hasnt worked for decades and the pandemic hasnt helped. A system transformation cannot happen without understanding service users experiences. Service users need to be involved in the process to better address the barriers and improve access to services.

"Theres no quick fix or easy fix for this. The people who got lost in the maze ... we need to hear from them."

 kkielley@brandonsun.com

Sidebar: MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS

 Province of Manitoba: gov.mb.ca/covid19/bewell/index.html

 Canadian Mental Health Association for Manitoba: mbwpg.cmha.ca/

 Klinic Community Health: klinic.mb.ca/crisis-support/

Crisis Lines

 Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line (24/7)

Toll-free: 1-877-435-7170

reasontolive.ca

 Klinic Crisis Line (24/7)

Phone: 204-786-8686

Toll-free: 1-888-322-3019

 Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24/7)

Phone: 204-786-8631

Toll-free: 1-888-292-7565

 Trafficking Hotline (24/7)

Toll-free: 1-844-333-2211

 Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services (24/7)

Toll-free: 1-866-367-3276

supportline.ca

Support & Distress Lines

 Critical Incident Reporting and Support Line (24/7)

Phone: 204-788-8222

 Gambling Helpline (24/7)

Toll-free: 1-800-463-1554

 Workers Compensation Board Distress Line (24/7)

Toll-free: 1-800-719-3809

Phone: 204-786-8175

 Seniors Abuse Support Line (9 a.m.  5 p.m.)

Toll-free: 1-888-896-7183
Park Na Rae's camp speaks out towards the investigation amid the comedienne's sexual harassment issue.

A new report cited that police are now investigating the popular host's controversy after being criticized over her inappropriate behavior in "Hey Narae."

This move by the Seoul Gangbuk Police Department will determine if the 35-year-old TV personality has committed a violation or not.

Park Na Rae Willing to "Cooperate" in the Investigation

Following this, Park Na Rae's team shared that they are "aware" that the police have initiated a probe to look into Park Na Rae's controversy.

At the same time, the camp also addressed the situation and said that they are willing to cooperate with the said investigation.

"I will be sincere when I receive a request for a police investigation," a representative from her YouTube channel "Haynarae" mentioned.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Variety Star Brand Reputation Rankings for March Released

Fans Expressed Mix Emotions to Park Na Rae's Issue

As police intervened in Park Na Rae's controversy, this sparked mixed emotions from fans and viewers.

Over Twitter, an individual pointed out that the "Gamsung Camping" mainstay "doesn't deserve" this kind of treatment.

Comedian Park Narae (36), who has been investigated by the police due to the controversy of s*xual harassment said, "I will be faithfully comply to the investigation."



Narae don't deserve this 

Stoooop this #ParkNarae #  Naraeki  Park Narae & Kian84  (@Naraeki8485) April 30, 2021

The same goes with a netizen who finds it odd that the comedienne is being investigated for a joke that she said in one episode of "Hey Narae."

this has to be a joke.... #parknarae is getting investigated for a joke... wowhttps://t.co/ah4FhZI176  Stacey Hoffman (@staceyhoffmannn) April 30, 2021

On the other hand, one person expressed a different stance and stressed that they are important "issues" that the police should be investigating on.

South Koreans are also finding it weird why the police are investigating

Park Na rae's issue on her youtube show when there are a lot issues that they should be investigating. #ParkNarae #  Naraeki  Park Narae & Kian84  (@Naraeki8485) April 30, 2021

Park Na Rae Blasted for her Explicit Jokes

Back in March, the "A Good Day To Go To Market" host was in hot waters after facing a ton of backlash for saying inappropriate jokes and actions on "Studio Waffle's" Youtube show "Hey Nare."

The web reality show was hosted by Park Na Rae and Youtube star Kang Hye Jin, who is also a host of a children's channel.

During its second episode, the duo was tasked to review a male doll. Known for her tongue-in-cheek remark, the 35-year-old comedian dropped a series of adult jokes and said, "Do I need to spread my legs to sit?"

However, her explicit comments did not stop there and even made sexual gestures that made the viewers uncomfortable.

It appears that the popular comedienne goes over the line by touching the doll's private parts and mentioned, "Oh, I thought this doll had that part too."

Shortly after, the Baeksang Arts winner went viral as netizens castigate her behavior which the viewer finds unsuitable.This led her to address the situation and apologize for her actions.

Over Park Na Rae's Instagram account, she posted a handwritten apology acknowledging her inappropriate behavior and regrets "making people uncomfortable"

"It was my responsibility to be thorough with the appearance, performance, and props on the show, but I let so many people down with my unprofessional action," she mentioned, adding that she will be more careful and "put more thoughts into every word and action."

In addition, Park Na Rae also announced to leave the web show.





KDramastars owns this article.

Written by Geca Wills
New Delhi: Veteran actor Randhir Kapoor tested positive for the deadly novel coronavirus recently and was rushed to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Thursday. However, today (April 30, 2021) reports confirmed that the actor has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and will be undergoing further tests.

According to a report in Times Of India, Randhir Kapoor confirmed the news himself and told ETimes, "I have been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit to do some further tests. The hospital is taking very good care of me and I thank Tina Ambani. Everything is under control. They are going all out for me. The doctors are around all the time."

A day back, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital released an official statement sharing his health update. IANS quoted Dr Santosh Shetty, CEO and Executive Director, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital saying in a statement: "Veteran actor Shri Randhir Kapoor is admitted to Kokilaben Ambani Hospital Mumbai for COVID-19 treatment last night. His condition remains stable."

Randhir Kapoor, 74, is married to veteran actress Babita. Together, the couple has two children, actresses Karisma and Kareena Kapoor.

Recently, the Bombay High Court asked Randhir Kapoor and his sister Rima Jain to submit the divorce decree of their brother, late Rajiv Kapoor, in a property-related case. On Wednesday, Randhir informed that he was trying to trace the divorce papers to produce in court, and has deputed a tracer for the job.

(With IANS Inputs)
Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas, left, and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hold a briefing in New York on then-President Donald Trump's Middle East plan, Feb. 11, 2020. Both appeared virtually at J Street's annual conference held April 18-19, 2021.

(JTA) - Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said he was ready to "remove obstacles" to renewing U.S.-Israel ties, apparently signaling a willingness to stop the payments to the families of Palestinians who have killed Israelis that have proven to be a stumbling block.

Speaking Sunday to J Street's annual conference, Abbas also urged the participants of the liberal Middle East policy group's forum to lobby Congress "to repeal all laws that block the road toward enhancing Palestinian-U.S. relations." The current law designates the Palestine Liberation Organization as a terrorist gro...
Finally, it is curtains on one of the longest election calendar drawn up by the Election Commission of India for five states  West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry.

It was an action packed election season no lesser than the IPL with all the high action drama, the twists and turns that embellished the festival of democracy. At the fag-end of the eight phase of Bengal elections, one felt exhausted what with India going though one of the worst ever health crisis in two centuries, the mood however in these election states is palpable.

India News along with Jan-Ki-Baat which carried out one of the most exhaustive exit polls spanning over 60 days suggests clear mandate to BJP in three states  West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry, while after two successive terms of AIADMK, Stalin-led DMK will claim stake to form government in Tamil Nadu. Kerala continues to be under wraps and the suspense will be over this Sunday when the results are declared as UDF and LDF are equally pitted.

Pradeep Bhandari, CEO and Founder of Jan-Ki-Baat who led the survey with over 150 researchers with one of the largest sample sizes as opposed to other surveys also had a long questionnaire that throws up a massive data that facilitates a deeper and wider public perception and pulse of the voter in the five states.

In West Bengal, the exit polls suggests that the BJP will get anywhere between 162  185 seats, the TMC will end up with 121 104 seats, while Sanjukta Morcha with Congress and Left anywhere between 3 to 9 seats. However, the vote share between the two leading parties in the state with BJP at 46 - 48 percentage and TMC 44 - 45 percentage is intriguing as only a few percentages are making the gap wider by 50 to 70 seats.

In Tamil Nadu, it is `son-rise time as MK Stalin who has been waiting in the wings for three decades is finally going to wear the mantle of the top post. The exit polls says DMK will get 130 to 110 seats, while BJP allied AIADMK is expected to get 102-123, which many say is not a bad number to land given the fact that it was battling anti-incumbency in the absence of their supreme leader J Jayalalitaa who passed away in early 2017.

It is another disappointing outcome at the hustings for Kamal Hassan, who might be the only winner from his political outfit MNM. In the Dravidian state, the exit polls isnt giving a major difference in vote share. While DMK plus Congress gets 43 to 41 percentage, the AIADMK and BJP combine is clocking 42.5 to 39.75 percentage which would be some kind of consolation for both who were heavily invested this election.

In Assam, the BJP is expected to retain its government even though political pundits had said the NDA will face blowback in the face of anti CAA and NRC protests. Of the total seats of 126, the exit polls has given the NDA70 - 81 seats while the UPA is expected to get 55  45. While the exit poll gives clear mandate to BJP, who will be the next chief minister of Assam is very interesting to watch out for Hemanta Biwas will play a pivotal role in the power game.

The suspense over Kerala continues to remain as India News-Jan-Ki-Baat has given numbers that suggests that it might be anybodys day this Sunday. While the Piniyari Vijayan-led LDF is expected to get anywhere between 64  76 seats, the Congress-led UDF is also looking at 71  61 seats, and the NDA at 2 to 4 seats. Political observers say it might be the Rahul Gandhi moment in Gods Own Country as crowds swelled wherever he held rallies. Rahul represents Waynad parliamentary constituency and has become his second home after being defeated in Amethi.

In Puducherry, the NDA is expected to make history as it is expected to stake claim, making it the only other state (read UT) where it has expanded its footprint after Karnataka in South India. While the NDA is expected to get anywhere between 19  24 seats, UPA will get 11 - 6 seats according to the survey.

EXIT POLLS

WEST BENGAL

PROJECTED SEAT SHARE RANGE

BJP 162  185

TMC 121  104

SANJUKTA MORCHA 9 - 3

IND 0

OTH 0

PROJECTED VOTE SHARE RANGE (%)

BJP 46 - 48

TMC 44 - 45

SANJUKTA MORCHA 8 - 5

OTH 2

TAMIL NADU

PROJECTED SEAT SHARE

DMK 130-110

AIADMK 102-123

OTHERS 2 -1

PROJECTED VOTE SHARE (%)

DMK+ 43 to 41

AIADMK+ 42.5 to 39.75

MNM 3 to 4.5

AMMK 3 to 4.5

NTK 7 to 8.5

OTHERS 1.5 TO 2.25

ASSAM

PROJECTED SEAT SHARE RANGE

TOTAL SEATS: 126

NDA: 70 - 81

UPA: 55  45

OTH: 1 - 0 (RAIZOR DAL)

PROJECTED VOTE SHARE RANGE (%)

NDA: 41  42

BJP: 32  33

AGP: 7 - 7.5

UPPL: 2 - 2.5

UPA: 40.5 - 41.5

INC: 30.5  31

KERALA

PROJECTED SEAT SHARE RANGE

TOTAL SEATS: 140

LDF: 64  76

UDF: 71  61

NDA: 4 - 2

PROJECTED VOTE SHARE RANGE

LDF 40.5  43

UDF 40  38

NDA: 15  18

OTH: 4.5  1

PUDUCHERRY

PROJECTED SEAT SHARE RANGE (%)

NDA: 19  24

UPA: 11 - 6

OTH: 0

PROJECTED VOTE SHARE RANGE

NDA 48 - 53

UPA 37 - 28

OTH 15  19
Inc. was handed a antitrust complaint over its app payment rules, drawing one of the worlds toughest competition enforcers into a global battle over fees for downloads on smartphones and tablets.

The European Commission sent a so-called statement of objections to on Friday, laying out how it thinks abused its power as the gatekeeper for music-streaming apps on its App Store. The case backs complaints from Spotify Technology SA, which accuses Apple of imposing its in-app purchase system to take a cut of its subscription fees.

The EU move comes days before a trial begins in California over Epic Games Inc.s allegations that Apples standard fee violates US antitrust law. Epic, which is also seeking to challenge Apple in the UK, has garnered support in its US lawsuit from Microsoft Corp. and smaller developers.

Apples significant market power cannot go unchecked, EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager told reporters in Brussels. This is not the last case that we would have when it comes to the App Store.

Apple shares fell 0.2 per cent at 10:33 a.m. in New York trading.

The Cupertino, California-based companys regulatory woes have intensified in recent months as software firms lined up to criticize the levies Apple and Alphabet Inc.s Google charge outside developers for using their digital distribution platforms.

Apple faces separate antitrust scrutiny from the UK, the Netherlands and Russia. The EU has other probes into Apple Pay and e-book apps. Vestager said she also took an interest in gaming apps.

While the EU says it doesnt take issue with the amount that Apple charges for app subscriptions, Vestager described the cut as high, especially since Apples own music service doesnt have to face the same levy. The EU also criticized rules that prevent apps telling users of other payment methods to avoid paying the fee to Apple.

Every limit to Apples ability to exert control over its own platform is a challenge to its strategy to derive long-term growth from services instead of devices, said Joseph Evans, head of tech at Enders Analysis.

Its striking that aside from games and maybe dating apps, there are very few new business models that have really thrived and become extremely profitable through in-app payments, he said. The kind of transaction tax is probably part of why we havent seen as much business model innovation in that area.

Spotify complained in 2019 that Apple unfairly squeezes its music streaming service with ever-changing rules and a large sales cut on the app store. It has said it was forced to artificially increase monthly subscriptions for its premium service to cover the extra costs.

The EU said its investigation shows people usually dont switch from Apple to Googles Android devices. Even though Apple phones arent a monopoly in Europe, Apple users are effectively locked in to the companys ecosystem.

Apple hit back, saying the EUs argument on Spotifys behalf is the opposite of fair competition and it was proud for the role it played in making Spotify the largest music subscription service in the world, a spokesperson said in a statement.

Spotify does not pay Apple any commission on over 99 per cent of their subscribers, and only pays a 15 per cent commission on those remaining subscribers that they acquired through the App Store, it said. No store in the world allows alternative deals to be advertised as Spotify is seeking from its iOS app, it said.

They want all the benefits of the App Store but dont think they should have to pay anything for that, Apple said.

Apple already reacted last year by halving the fees it charges to most developers who sell software and services on the App Store. It lowered a fee to 15 per cent from 30 per cent for developers who generate as much as $1 million in yearly revenue from their apps and those who are new to the store. Apple says many apps pay no fees in return for the companys efforts to host and maintain the security of the store.

The move to send Apple a statement of objections raises the risk that the EU could order changes to its App Store or impose fines. Apple has 12 weeks to respond in writing and can seek an oral hearing to argue its case against any EU suspicions before regulators take a final decision.

Getting Apples platform to operate fairly is an urgent task with far-reaching implications and the EU statement is a critical step toward holding Apple accountable for its anti-competitive behavior, Horacio Gutierrez, Spotifys chief legal officer, said in a statement.
The Winnipeg Transit Master Plan has been given a final green light by city council, after a lengthy debate about its potential cost.

The Winnipeg Transit Master Plan has been given a final green light by city council, after a lengthy debate about its potential cost.

Council cast a final 15-1 vote Thursday evening, to approve the proposal that will cost up to $1.5 billion, redraw nearly all existing bus routes, create a network of six rapid transit corridors, and add electric buses to the fleet over the next 25 years.

"(The) master plan really does provide a road map for Winnipeg Transit to modernize and make long-needed improvements," said Mayor Brian Bowman.

By contrast, Coun. Kevin Klein (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) said detail on some of the key costs is lacking, leaving him with too many financial questions to support the changes. He cast the sole opposing vote.

"It looks great politically to say were going to invest $1.5 billion in Transit But what does it mean? What are the risks and have we considered that?" asked Klein.

Despite supporting the plan, Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital), too, expressed concern over how council will pay for it.

Mayes stressed Transit spending shouldnt be diverted from major sewage projects, such as a $2.3-billion plan to reduce combined sewer overflows.

"Id like to do more on Transit, but Im also not a big fan of putting more human waste in the rivers, unchecked," he said.

The new blueprint was welcomed by advocates Thursday, especially steps to create more-frequent bus service for more Winnipeggers.

"Almost triple the number of houses will be a short distance from a Transit stop, with a bus coming every 15 minutes," said Derek Koop, president of Functional Transit Winnipeg. "That is huge. Its a big change, its an exciting change."

Winnipegger Ken Klassen urged council to speed up the rollout of the plan, arguing the city is moving too slowly to update its public transportation system when compared to other Canadian centres.

"(This) really is a 10-year plan, not a 25-year plan, if you benchmark what were doing against other cities," said Klassen.

The mayor acknowledged the up-to-$1.5-billion plan will take plenty of time to fund its goals.

"In typical Winnipeg fashion, this is using the least amount of finances to try to get the maximum value for Winnipeggers," said Bowman. "It delivers the most cost-effective plan to move forward with modernizing Winnipeg Transit, a system that was largely designed for our grandparents."

The mayor said speeding up the plan would require significant funding commitments from senior governments.

"Id love it if all of the changes could be implemented immediately. This is about building a Transit system with the available dollars," he said.

The master plan does call upon council to apply for $539 million from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support its first six capital projects. If approved, those initial costs would be split between the city, province and Ottawa.

Meanwhile, council also amended the plan Thursday to seek higher standards for snow and ice clearing around key bus stops.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga
But universal day care programs that would help women work didnt go anywhere either. In 1971, Congress passed a bill that would have created a national network of high-quality, sliding-scale child care centers, akin to those that exist in many European countries. Urged on by Patrick Buchanan, Richard Nixon vetoed it, writing that it would commit the vast moral authority of the national government to the side of communal approaches to child rearing over against the familycentered approach.

Ever since, efforts to expand government-supported child care have faced furious opposition from the religious right. As Phyllis Schlafly said in a 2011 interview, babies dont like to be treated like theyre in a warehouse. Babies require more care than that and the feminists dont want to give it to their babies. Theyre always demanding taxpayer-financed day care. Its best, she said, to have a mother at home and a father who is providing for them. (Schlafly herself relied on nannies.)

But Schlafly-style conservatives have less power than they used to. Religious fundamentalists have decisively lost the culture war about women working, and about family values more generally; the party of Donald Trump and Matt Gaetz is in no position to lecture anyone about their domestic arrangements.

At the same time, many on the right, driven partly by concerns about low birthrates, have awoken to the crushing financial burden of parenthood. The public policy debate is thus no longer whether to subsidize child rearing, but how. Mitt Romneys Family Security Act, for example, would give parents $350 a month for each child under 6, and $250 a month for children between 6 and 17, up to $1,250 per family per month.

The pseudo-populist J.D. Vance might claim, on Twitter, that universal day care is class war against normal people, but he supports other kinds of subsidies. The idea that its not the job of government to help parents raise their kids is obsolete.

And so a window of possibility has opened. By weakening Americas already threadbare child care system, Covid made family policy an urgent priority. Among Democrats, theres a political imperative to help mothers who were pushed out of the work force by school and day care closures to rebuild their careers. With the laissez-faire economic assumptions that dominated America since the Reagan administration discredited, Democrats no longer cower when the right accuses them of fostering big government. As Biden said in his address to Congress on Wednesday, Trickle-down economics has never worked.

And  this is important  there are now a lot more women in positions of power. When Murray arrived in the Senate, she said, she was one of the few members talking about issues like child care. Whenever she brought it up, she said, it was sort of the end of the conversation, and there would be a pat on the head, like, Oh, thats so cute.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)

1.Their sizzling chemistryLike we mentioned earlier, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh began dating on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Ram Leela. With the film, we also got the very first glimpse of their sizzling hot chemistry. Besides Ram Leela being a smashing success at the box-office, the audience were mesmerised by how lovely the two of them looked on screen together.Before the release of the film, Ranveer Singh in an interview with the press revealed that he had contracted Loveria which further added fuel to the fire. Later on, when Deepika was asked about the Loveria comment, she just praised her co-star and skilfully dodged the question. She said, What I admire about him is that he is so unapologetic about the way he is. Whether it is the way he dresses or the way he carries himself or the way he speaks and I think thats what makes him so pleasantly different from everyone else. I think its amazing that there is so much speculation about this alleged romance between the two of us. Its great as long as the film, it works for the film. I think its also because from the time we have started working, yes, we did hang out. We do hang out. We do go out and so much is always said about two people just hanging out. But its fine. I appreciate that people see this chemistry between the two of us and eventually I think what is the most important, is that it translates onscreen and we have that going for us. I think thats the most important thing.After Ram Leela, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone featured together in the next two films of Sanjay Leela Bhansali as well i.e Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat. Even though the two didnt share any screen space in Padmaavat, the audience were once again taken aback by their chemistry in Bajirao Mastani. This special pair has a 100 % success record at the box-office and we fully expect them to continue on the same track in the future as well.2. Social Media PDAWhile the two were extremely tight lipped about relationship to the world, they didnt shy back from expressing their affection towards each other on social media. They are constantly seen leaving mushy and sometimes outright hilarious comments on each others accounts. Here are a few examples which prove just how adorable these two actually are.Well, this might not come as a surprise to many but Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone dont belong to a filmy families. So, leading a normal lifestyle before entering the world of cinema sure will help them have a similar perspective about many things in life. In fact, in an interview with a leading daily, Deepika Padukone even stated that she considers Ranveers family to be her family in Mumbai. Now how adorable is that?4. Constant SupportAn important part in any relationship is that you must always have the back of your special one no matter what and that is exactly the kind of bond Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone share. A glaring example of that bond was evident during the Padmaavat fiasco. The members of the Karni Sena were opposing the films release and even went as far as putting a bounty on Deepika Padukone. Later on, Ranveer revealed that how frustrated he was with the threats but couldnt take action because his hands were tied. The actor said, I was filled with rage. Theres no doubt about that. I had a very strong urge to act out, to speak out, but I was given strict instructions not to. And I had to respect that, because I was not at the forefront of this fight. Its the prerogative of the producers, of the director. If they were explicitly telling me that me saying something or doing something is going to complicate things further, I dont want to complicate their lives.Not only that, Ranveer and Deepika are also extremely supportive about each others work. After the release of Padmaavat, Deepika stated in an interview that she considers Ranveer Singhs performance in the film to be one of the best in his career.5) They are smitten with each otherThis is probably the most basic and still the most important thing in a relationship. The way they look at each other alone makes it evident that they truly are in love. In fact, even in interviews they dont hold back from expressing how special they are to each other. Recently, Ranveer Singh stated that Deepika is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. The actor said, Deepika is a very special person in my life. I admire her a lot and she is a brilliant actor. I love her vibe; shes so calm, like a Buddhist monk. Shes an extremely warm person, genuine and very, very kind to one and all. Beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.
Sunscreen, cold water and an RV packed with COVID-19 vaccines will await beach-goers Sunday when the states pop-up vaccination program goes to the sands of South Beach.

Starting at 10 a.m., a one-time vaccination site  made possible by Miami Beach Commissioner David Richardson and the Florida Division of Emergency Management  will administer up to 250 Johnson & Johnson vaccines at the 16th Street beach access point. Richardson said the agency told him Sundays event will be the first pop-up at any Florida beach.

The goal, Richardson said, is to entice younger people to get vaccinated by making it convenient for them, though people of all eligible ages can receive a shot.

I think itll be more younger people, he said. Im excited about trying this to see if it works.

The pop-up event is one way city leaders are trying to boost vaccination rates among younger people.

Amid low demand at the recently opened state site across from Miami Beach City Hall, Mayor Dan Gelber this week suggested that businesses offer deals to those who show proof of vaccination. He met with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday and asked that board members brainstorm ways to get customers and employees vaccinated.

I dont care if you give out free drinks for people who show up, Gelber told chamber members last Tuesday.

The chamber will meet next Tuesday to discuss Gelbers request.

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Gelber said he worries the state may shut down its vaccination site at 17th Street and Convention Center Drive if demand remains low. The site has a daily supply of 250 shots but, as of Thursday, had administered just 348 shots since opening April 24, according to a city spokeswoman.

Its very disappointing that we havent been using our daily allotment, Gelber said in an interview with the Miami Herald.

He said he has met with the citys legal department to discuss ways to nudge people to get vaccinated without violating a bill Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign prohibiting businesses, schools and local governments from requiring proof of vaccination for any reason.

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One idea Gelber had is for businesses to pronounce themselves to be 100% vaccinated once all their staffers get the shots. Vaccine-related marketing may bring more customers through the door, he said.

Im hoping the private sector steps up, he said. Im trying to do what we can to get them to do it.

Jerry Libbin, the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber invited Florida International University infectious disease professor Dr. Aileen Marty to speak at its upcoming board meeting.

His hope is that the board approves some cool incentives and branding initiatives to boost vaccination numbers in Miami Beach. Libbin, a former city commissioner, said even motivating one person to get vaccinated would be a win in his eyes.

We can get it out there but we cant make people do it, Libbin said.


Norfolk charity founder talks of India Covid fears Norfolk charity founder talks of India Covid fears

The Norfolk founder of a Christian charity helping vulnerable people in slum communities in south India has spoken of her fears with the rising Covid-19 crisis in the country. Keith Morris reports.
New Delhi:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday filed a chargesheet against 490 accused in connection with Vyapam scam.

The central investigation agency gave virtual "clean chit" to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, saying that no mention of 'CM' in the hard disc which was seized.

The CBI said there is no basis in allegations made by Digvijaya Singh that the hard disk which was seized was tampered with.

In its charge sheet filed by the CBI before a special CBI court, the CBI has claimed that a detailed forensic analysis of the hard disc of the computer showed that there was no file carrying "CM" ever stored on it, CBI officials said.

The charge sheet filed by the CBI in connection with a PreMedical test for 2013 has listed 490 accused which includes three Vyapam officials - Nitin Mohindra, Ajay Kumar Sen and CK Mishra. The CBI alleged that the racketeers arranged solvers forMBBS aspirants.

In September, the Madhya Pradesh high court had issued a notification, stating that cases related to the Vyapam scam will be heard by seven special courts in four major cities of the state instead of the earlier 16. (With PTI Inputs)

CBI files charge sheet against 490 accused in Vyapam scam. pic.twitter.com/D6ZhGPyTyD  ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2017

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 17:41:32|Editor: huaxia

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People line up for shopping at a supermarket ahead of a curfew in Suva, Fiji, April 30, 2021. Fiji announced on Friday night a curfew in the Suva-Nausori area after the island nation reported one new COVID-19 case, the seventh straight day of registering new COVID-19 cases. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongxing)

SUVA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Fiji announced on Friday night a curfew in the Suva-Nausori area after the island nation reported one new COVID-19 case, the seventh straight day of registering new COVID-19 cases.

According to Fiji's Health Ministry, the new case on Friday makes the total number of three cases in Rakiraki, a district about 163 km north of capital city Suva, forming two clusters.

The Permanent Secretary for the Health Ministry James Fong said that starting from 8:00 p.m. Friday night until 4:00 a.m. Monday morning, there will be a curfew for Fijians living in the Suva-Nausori corridor. No businesses, including supermarkets, banks and pharmacies are allowed to be open during the next 56 hours while all Fijian have been asked to stay at home.

He stressed that the medical teams need the 56 hours to break as many chains of COVID transmission as possible.

Meanwhile, Fiji's Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on Friday reminded Fijian soldiers of their duty and care to the island nation. This came after earlier this week the health ministry blamed the soldiers for breaching quarantine conditions, which led to some contracting COVID-19.

Currently, there are 50 active cases in Fiji, with 19 border quarantine cases, 29 locally transmitted cases and two cases with unknown sources. A total of 65 cases in Fiji have fully recovered and two have died since the nation's first case in March last year.

The health ministry has confirmed that the B1617 variant of COVID-19 first detected in India has now been discovered in Fiji.

To contain the spread of COVID-19, Fiji announced on Sunday the 14-day containment zones in the Lami-Suva-Nausori area. Fijians will not be allowed in or out of the containment zones in the area.

Fiji has also maintained a nationwide curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. local time since March last year. Enditem
President Joe Biden defended the $6 trillion price tag of the legislation he's proposed since taking office in January by pointing out that 'there are certain things only the government can do.'

'We rank No. 8 in the world in terms of infrastructure, for God's sake,' he told NBC's Craig Melvin in a 'Today' show interview that aired Friday. 'Is the private sector going to go out and build billions of dollars worth of highways? Ports? Airports? Bridges? Are they going to do that?'

Melvin cited the $6 trillion figure - the cost of the already-passed COVID relief bill and then Biden's proposed American Jobs Plan and his American Families Plan - and asked if it was wise to spend so much money while the economy was still in recovery mode due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Joe Biden defended the $6 trillion in spending he's pitched pointing out to the 'Today' show's Craig Melvin that 'there are certain things only the government can do'

President Joe Biden (left) spoke with the 'Today' show's Craig Melvin (right) at the White House Thursday morning for an interview that aired Friday

'That's the reason why it's recovering,' Biden argued. 'We're investing.'

'Look how rapidly its recovered since we passed the last piece of legislation. And that legislation was $1.9 trillion,' he continued. 'If we don't invest in this country, we're going to fall behind even further.'

Biden signed the COVID-19 relief, the American Rescue Plan, in March.

Senate Democrats used a process called reconciliation to get it passed, which allowed them to bypass the 60-vote threshold needed to withstand a filibuster threat.

Biden continued to signal Thursday that he was much more willing to spend time in negotiations with Republicans on the infrastructure bill - the American Jobs Plan - which has a current price tag of $2.3 trillion and could be paid for, in part, by moving back up the corporate tax rate.

Biden has justified passing the COVID-19 relief bill with only Democrats by saying it was an emergency.

He spoke with Republican West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito by phone Thursday afternoon during his trip to Georgia, with the White House describing the conversation as 'warm' and 'friendly.'

'I think she's serious,' Biden later told reporters, adding that a White House meeting is on the table.

Biden wasn't impressed by what a group of 10 Republicans had offered him during COVID relief negotiations. 'Like last time they come in with one-fourth or one-fifth of what I'm asking for and say that's our final offer,' Biden recalled.

Republicans pitched a COVID-19 plan that would cost $600 billion.

The president said he was willing to listen to what Republicans considered to be 'infrastructure.'

'And then we can talk about how to pay for it,' he continued.

Republicans have slammed the infrastructure plan saying Biden and the Democrats' definition of infrastructure is too broad.
Washington:

The Chinese envoy to the US on Monday said that no one could 'contain' China now, expressing his displeasure over the formation of an 'exclusive club' in the Indo-Pacific region.

Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai was responding to questions on the recent India-centric policy speech by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the decision of the Trump administration to sell to India high-tech military equipment, including state-of-the-art armed drones, and the Japanese proposal of a strategic quadrilateral dialogue involving India and Australia.

"I dont think that the sales of advanced arms would really serve that purpose," Cui said.

Political analysts in the west have described the sale of arms to India as a US move to contain China.

"By the way I dont think anybody would be able to contain China," the Chinese Ambassador asserted in his rare press conference at the Embassy of China here.

The top diplomat was addressing media ahead of US President Donald Trumps visit to China early next month.

Trump is scheduled to embark on a 10-day visit to China. He would also visit Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Also Read: Guard Chinese soil, Xi Jinping tells herdsmen from Arunachal Pradesh

Cui said China is "open to cooperation among the regional countries" for stability and prosperity.

The relationship between China and India "have been developing quite steadily over the years".

Chinese President Xi Jinping, he said, has always said that Pacific Ocean is large enough to accommodate that development both of China and the US, and the Asia-Pacific region is big enough to accommodate the development of China, India and Japan.

"In this regard I hope all parties will do things conducive to better relations, better mutual trust," he said.

Without mentioning the recent stand-off between India and China, Cui said he does not think that "confrontation" is in the interest of either of the two countries.

"Im quite confident that both countries have a clear recognition of what will serve their respective interests best," he said, responding to a question on India and the move to have a strategic dialogue involving four countries ? India, Japan, US and Australia.

Any relationship between any two countries in the region, between any regional country and another country outside of the region should not be a zero sum game, he said when asked about the strengthening of India US relationship, which many say is aimed at China.

Also Read: British minister Mark Garnier accused of sexual harassment

"Good relations between China and the US is not at the expense of any other country. The same should be true for relations between US and India and Japan and India," he said.

It is not in the interest of these countries if their aim is to sort of "contain" China, the top Chinese diplomat said.

Cui said all the regional countries in the Indo-Pacific have shared interests in greater stability, peace and better prospects for prosperity.

In order to achieve that regional countries have to work together and have to promote closer cooperation among them and maybe establish appropriate regional mechanisms, he said.

As such, China is open to cooperation with all its neighbours so that Asia-Pacific will continue to be a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

"We are following developments in the region very closely and hopefully other countries will have the same approach as we have," he said, responding to a question on quadrilateral dialogue between India, Japan, US and Australia.

Also Read: US, South Korea join hands to counter North Korea's nuclear programme

Cui said he does not think that "any attempt to form exclusive clubs in the region following a so-called zero sum approach will help anybody".

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
[April 30, 2021] Canada Post segment posts $779-million loss for 2020

Significant mail declines and high COVID-19 related costs surpassed record growth in Parcels business

OTTAWA, ON, April 30, 2021 /CNW/ - Canada Post recorded a loss before tax of $779 million in 2020, even while delivering record-high Domestic Parcels volumes. The postal service had reported a year-to-date $709 million loss before tax in the third quarter of 2020. Costs related to COVID-19 are estimated at $292 million. A significant portion of this was due to special leaves put in place to support higher-risk employees and those providing child and elder care, as well as increased overtime expenses. The company also incurred additional collection, processing and delivery costs due to increasing parcel volumes. There were also additional costs to keep people safe, which included redesigning work centres to maintain physical distancing in facilities that were never meant to keep people 2 metres apart. Significant revenue declines of $230 million in Transaction Mail and $257 million in Direct Marketing, compared to 2019, occurred as marketers cancelled or delayed mailings due to COVID-19 and mailers increasingly turned to digital alternatives. It is estimated that $382 million of that $487 million decline in Transaction Mail and Direct Marketing revenue is due to COVID-19. The net negative impact of COVID-19 was $194 million, when factoring in the growth of Parcels revenue. There were other factors apart from COVID-19's impact. For one, it costs significantly more to process and deliver parcels than it does letters. Canada Post also incurred an additional $127 million in costs stemming from the June 2020 arbitrator's ruling that resulted in new collective agreements with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. The segment would have still incurred a loss without the impact of COVID-19 and the new collective agreements with CUPW. With its strong cash position, Canada Post is able to make significant investments in capacity and service. These are needed in response to the accelerated growth in online shopping that began during the pandemic and is widely expected to have a sustained impact on demand for parcel delivery. Parcels results Canada Post's Parcels business experienced record growth in 2020 as Canadians shopped online far more often during COVID-19. With Canadians' accelerated adoption of online shopping, Canada Post set several records, including most parcels delivered on a single day (2.4 million on December 21) and the most consecutive days of delivering one million or more parcels (181 consecutive delivery days from mid-April to the end of the year). Total Parcels revenue grew by $699 million, or 25.0 per cent, compared to 2019.1 It is estimated that $471 million of that increase is due to COVID-19. Total volumes grew by 69 million pieces or 21.0 per cent in 2020, compared to 2019. Domestic Parcels revenue increased by $613 million or 29.1 per cent, while Domestic volumes increased by 70 million pieces or 30.9 per cent, compared to 2019. Inbound Parcels volumes declined slightly, in part due to fewer flights from Europe and China during COVID-19. Transaction Mail results Transaction Mail is mostly letters, bills and statements. Ongoing revenue and volume declines accelerated as businesses and Canadians used digital alternatives even more during COVID-19. In 2020, Transaction Mail volumes fell by 286 million pieces or 10.5 per cent and revenue fell by $230 million or 8.9 per cent, compared to 2019. Of that decline, $146 million is estimated to be due to accelerated volume erosion due to COVID-19. Direct Marketing results Customers delayed or cancelled many marketing campaigns during the pandemic, adding to the impact of an ongoing move to digital channels. In 2020, Direct Marketing revenue declined by $257 million or 24.3 per cent. An estimated $236 million of that decline is attributed to COVID-19. Direct Marketing volumes fell by 1.3 billion pieces or 27.7 per cent, compared to 2019. Group of Companies results The Canada Post Group of Companies2 reported a loss before tax of $626 million in 2020, compared to a loss before tax of $23 million in 2019. An estimated $174 million of this loss is due to the impact of COVID-19. The Group of Companies' 2020 results are due to a loss in the Canada Post segment, which was partially offset by Purolator's profit. The Purolator segment recorded a profit before tax of $176 million in 2020, compared to a profit before tax of $152 million in 2019, an increase of 15.4 per cent. Background The operations of the Canada Post Group of Companies are funded by the revenue generated by the sale of its products and services, not taxpayer dollars.







1. In 2020, there was one additional business day and one additional paid day compared to 2019.

2. The Canada Post Group of Companies consists of the core Canada Post segment and its three non-wholly owned subsidiaries, Purolator Holdings Ltd., SCI Group Inc. and Innovapost Inc.



SOURCE Canada Post

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 00:43:44|Editor: huaxia

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MOGADISHU, April 29 (Xinhua) -- African security chiefs on Thursday resolved to step up stabilization efforts across Somalia.

The Military Operations Coordination Committee (MOCC) for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) agreed on actions that AMISOM should undertake to prevent an eruption of violent conflict in Somalia whilst ensuring the mission's positions are protected and secured, according to a statement issued Thursday.

The virtual meeting of MOCC which was held Wednesday and brought together police and troop contributing countries including Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda, with the participation of AMISOM, described the current situation in Somalia is worrisome and deteriorating steadily.

"MOCC of AMISOM agreed to continue to closely monitor the unfolding political and security situation in Somalia, with the technical backstopping by the AU Commission," it said in a joint statement issued in Mogadishu.

Participants reiterated calls for trust and confidence building measures and the resumption of broad-based and inclusive dialogue to generate consensus on the way forward.

The current political crisis in Somalia started when President Mohamed Farmajo's four-year term officially ended on Feb. 8 as he and two leaders of Puntland and Jubaland, two of the country's five semi-autonomous states, failed to agree on how to conduct elections.

On April 12, the Lower House extended the terms of the executive and the legislative arms of government by two years, escalating tensions which later erupted into fighting on April 25 between government forces and those backing the opposition.

The meeting which was also attended by envoys accredited to the AU, echoed the need for decisive actions by the AU and AMISOM to sustain the substantial gains achieved through AMISOM's support, including the progress made in enhancing governance processes, and the requisite assistance to the electoral processes.

Participants also requested that AMISOM take the necessary steps to ensure that the capabilities exist to allow for rapid implementation of the contingency plans.

MOCC stressed that AMISOM should avoid being drawn into partisan politics in Somalia, but remain neutral vis-a-vis the various political factions and parties.

The security chiefs agreed to empower AMISOM to provide support for the AU mission team to facilitate the resumption of dialogue on the political track in Somalia.

It reiterated the essence of resolving the current political crisis through effective political engagement and action, including the possible holding of a summit for troop contributing countries to provide the necessary strategic guidance to AMISOM. Enditem
These are dark, dark times in the history of India as the country battles under the tight grip of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.



No one could have imagined such a scenario where the citizens of the country would be forced to cater to their own needs, be it in hunting for hospital beds, medicines, oxygen cylinders, plasma, and other hospital supplies.

 iStock

With India registering yet another record high 3,86,000 cases on Friday (April 30), the country's health care system is struggling to have the resources to treat people, leading to many losing their loved ones without even having a chance to be next to them in their last moments.



In such a heartbreaking scenario, Doctor U. H. Faisal tries to do her bit by being at the bedside of a dying patient in order to provide some comfort to them.

I at least try to sit at their bedside, making it a little easier for them to pass away with someone next to them.



Doctor U. H. Faisal says on most days she sits by the bed of her dying patients to comfort themhttps://t.co/gKRw389wac pic.twitter.com/usbStsU6MO  ITV News (@itvnews) April 29, 2021

"Its already really bad to be dying all alone on a hospital bed away from your family members, so on most days when I cannot do anything else for the patient, I at least try to sit at their bedside making it a little easier for them to pass away with someone next to them."



"I dont know if it makes sense but I do hope that it provides them comfort in some way," said Dr. Faisal, while speaking to ITV News.

She also explained how the current Covid-19 crisis has had a physical as well as a mental impact on health care workers, who have been forced to stay away from their families in this traumatizing scenario.

"I feel really exhausted after each and every shift and it worries me that I cannot go home, back to my parents because I might be taking home the infection to them."

"I feel helpless at times because of the fact I know that this is not getting over anytime soon. The virus has reached even the small towns and cities of our country. It saddens me to see so many young people dying." she said.

New Delhi is one of the cities that has been most affected by the crisis with the national capital battling to provide oxygen and other supplies to ailing patients.

 Twitter

Dr. Manish Jangra, who has been treating patients at one of the hospitals in the capital, also expressed his helplessness of watching people die in and out of hospitals.



"Yesterday, I went to the trauma center in my hospital and there were two people who were crying very badly because they lost their relative and I was also crying from inside of my heart."

"Even doctors are feeling very helpless. Being a doctor I am feeling helpless seriously. I cannot save our country and I am not able to save our country because our resources are limited."

"In most of the hospitals of Delhi oxygen is very limited. Oxygen is not being supplied, it is the responsibility of the government only, this is not the responsibility of the doctors and people are waiting on the doctors."

"This is a very sad scenario. Please help us. We are seriously helpless. We want to save our public. We cannot see our people dying." said the doctor.
WABASH VALLEY, (WTHI) - Many young people are choosing not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. That is concerning for local health officials. News 10 spoke with one local teenager who shares her experience in getting the shot and why she believes it is important for people in her age group to get vaccinated.

Genesis Campbell is a local 17-year-old who is now fully vaccinated. She said the process is worth protecting her family and friends.

"I think it's important as my part as a US citizen and to protect my family," she said. "It's that next step forward into getting things back to normal."

However, she is one of just a small percentage of her age group who has gotten the vaccine. According to a study by Bloomberg and the Kaiser Family Foundation, people under the age of 30 have the most hesitation over getting the vaccine. More than 50% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 say they will not get vaccinated or they are still unsure if they want to.

"Reaching our young people and encouraging them to be vaccine ambassadors is the next step in our effort to put the pandemic behind us," Dr. Kris Box, the Indiana Health Commissioner, said.

Even as more people are qualifying for the vaccine, fewer people are actually signing up to get vaccinated in both Illinois and Indiana. Health officials say this is because many young people aren't worried about the virus. They believe they will not get severely sick. This is coming at a time when cases and hospitalizations are rising and not among the older population, especially locally.

"We have seen a slight uptick in hospitalizations and definitely an uptick in Emergency Room visits in the last few weeks," Dr. Darren Brucken, the Vigo County Health Commissioner, said. "Patients are younger. They are unvaccinated people. It is more proof that the vaccines do work, and they keep people from getting sick."

This is why health workers are actively trying to encourage more young people to get vaccinated, just like Campbell. She hopes her peers will consider getting the vaccine too.

"If you are hesitant, I think you should really look into it," Campbell said. "I think you will find that all of the benefits are very trustworthy, and you can really trust the people giving the shots. The process is super simple, and it's painless!"

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is hosting a "family day" for vaccinations this Friday from 7 AM to 9 PM. Families with children 16 years and older can visit the mass vaccination clinic and receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Click here for more information.
GLEN ALLEN, Va., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (NYSE: HBB) today announced that it will release 2021 First Quarter financial results and file its First Quarter 10-Q after the close of the market on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, May 6, 2021 to discuss its results.

Conference Call: Thursday, May 6, 2021 Time: 9:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) Telephone: (833) 227-5844 (Toll Free) or (647) 689-4071 (International)

Conference ID: 2459787

(Call in at least five minutes before start time)

The conference call will also be webcast live over the internet. To access the call, go to www.hamiltonbeachbrands.com. Please allow 15 minutes to register, download and install any necessary software. An archive of the webcast will be available on the company website.

About Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company

Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company is a holding company for Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc., a leading designer, marketer and distributor of a wide range of branded small electric household and specialty housewares appliances, as well as commercial products for restaurants, fast food chains, bars and hotels. The Company's consumer brands include Hamilton Beach, Proctor Silex, Hamilton Beach Professional, Weston, TrueAir and Brightline personal care products. Hamilton Beach licenses the brands for Wolf Gourmet countertop appliances and CHI premium garment care products. Hamilton Beach markets the Bartesian premium cocktail delivery system through an exclusive multiyear agreement. Commercial brands include Hamilton Beach Commercial and Proctor Silex Commercial. For more information about Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company, visit the Company's website at www.hamiltonbeachbrands.com .

SOURCE Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 16:18:05|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The claim made by Adrian Zenz, a so-called German scholar, that 1 million Uygurs were held in internment camps in China's Xinjiang has no factual basis, according to a report released by the Xinjiang Development Research Center on Friday.

The report, titled "Slanderer Adrian Zenz's Xinjiang-related Fallacies Versus the Truth," says, The Grayzone, an independent news website, said in an article published in December 2019 that the claim about 1 million Uygurs being held in internment camps was first proposed and then spread by the website of the Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), a Washington D.C.-based non-governmental organization supported by the U.S. government, and the CHRD made the estimate by interviewing only eight Uygurs and rough estimation.

The report quotes The Grayzone as saying that Adrian Zenz made the estimate of 1 million Uygurs held in internment camps in Xinjiang, based on his own conjecture and a questionable media report. He himself had also acknowledged the uncertainty in his claim, according to The Grayzone.

In fact, the report points out, the vocational education and training centers in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were essentially the same as the Desistance and Disengagement Programme (DDP) established in the United Kingdom and the de-radicalization center in France, and were fully in line with the principle and spirit of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.

By October 2019, all trainees in the vocational education and training centers had completed their studies and have now mostly achieved stable employment and improved life quality, the report says. Enditem
(Newser)  This weekend marks the 10-year anniversary of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, and two key players at the center of it all sat down this week to talk about the mission. Monday's conversation between former President Obama and retired Navy Adm. William McRaven was recorded by the Obama Foundation at the former's DC office, where the two men relived the "bittersweet nature of one of the most consequential missions in US military history," per the Washington Post. Details:

The war: It was obviously a relief and a triumph to finally take down the al-Qaeda leader, a full decade after the 9/11 attacks he masterminded, but that moment is still impossible to separate from "two decades of war that, in Obama's words, had produced outcomes everyone knew to be 'ambiguous at best.'"

story continues below

Obama's odd gift to McRaven: Two weeks before the Obama-McRaven sit-down, McRaven chatted with the Post about the raid, noting that when it came time to ID bin Laden's body, he had a young Navy SEAL lie down next to the remains so he could estimate the deceased's height. McRaven said when he relayed that anecdote to Obama via a videoconference, the president paused for a moment, then said: "OK, Bill, let me get this straight. We had $65 million for a helicopter [to raid the compound] and you didn't have $10 for a tape measure?" Obama later gifted McRaven a tape measure.

Two weeks before the Obama-McRaven sit-down, McRaven chatted with the Post about the raid, noting that when it came time to ID bin Laden's body, he had a young Navy SEAL lie down next to the remains so he could estimate the deceased's height. McRaven said when he relayed that anecdote to Obama via a videoconference, the president paused for a moment, then said: "OK, Bill, let me get this straight. We had $65 million for a helicopter [to raid the compound] and you didn't have $10 for a tape measure?" Obama later gifted McRaven a tape measure. American reaction: Gallup recalls its polling on public attitudes in the days after the raid. Nearly 80% of Americans thought it was important to the US that bin Laden was killed, though nearly a third of respondents thought it would've been better if he'd been brought back to the US alive.

Gallup recalls its polling on public attitudes in the days after the raid. Nearly 80% of Americans thought it was important to the US that bin Laden was killed, though nearly a third of respondents thought it would've been better if he'd been brought back to the US alive. The Situation Room pic: The History Channel takes a look back at photographer Pete Souza's "defining historic moment" showing Obama and his core staff, including then-VP Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, watching the raid unfold on a live feed.

The History Channel takes a look back at photographer Pete Souza's "defining historic moment" showing Obama and his core staff, including then-VP Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, watching the raid unfold on a live feed. Oral history: Many in that famous photo have contributed to a new oral history by Politico, which tells "the full story of how, and why, America's top security officials decided to pull the trigger that night in May." "I'd never been involved in anything as secret as ... this," National Security Agency official Jon Darby says.

Many in that famous photo have contributed to a new oral history by Politico, which tells "the full story of how, and why, America's top security officials decided to pull the trigger that night in May." "I'd never been involved in anything as secret as ... this," National Security Agency official Jon Darby says. Bin Laden's stash : The History Channel also revisits the "nine unexpected things" that the Navy SEALs found in the al-Qaeda leader's compound. Among them: Disney films like Ice Age and Cars.

: The History Channel also revisits the "nine unexpected things" that the Navy SEALs found in the al-Qaeda leader's compound. Among them: Disney films like and Cars. 'Scapegoat': AFP has a story on Shakeel Afridi, the Pakistani physician who helped the CIA pinpoint bin Laden's location. "Dismissed as a traitor in Pakistan but lauded as a hero by the United States," Afridi remains in solitary confinement in a Punjab prison. "He is being kept in prison now only to teach every Pakistani a lesson not to cooperate with a Western intelligence agency," a former Pakistani ambassador says.

(Read more Barack Obama stories.)
sandeepmohan Senior - BHPian



Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Wellington Posts: 2,592 Thanked: 3,148 Times

Re: Most popular cars in the world; Toyota reigns supreme Does not come as a surprise to me, for the Brand. As for a UTE being the top seller, that is indeed a surprise.



I was looking up some stats for number of New and Used cars on sale in New Zealand. These are approximate numbers. Toyota were at 13,400 and VW (Just VW brand of cars) were just over 3000. The total cars on sale are close to 32,000 so thats ~45% of the market which Toyota holds followed by Mazda, Honda and Hyundai.



Ford's Ranger was the champ of the UTE market in kiwi land. Post introduction of the updated and all new Hilux, the crown has gone back to Toyota. The brand commands a huge following in the rural (which is most of NZ) sector where folks need a tough, dependable, easy to repair vehicle.



On the other hand, Skoda, Hyundai and Kia are gaining popularity. The Octavia wagon is the new replacement vehicle for New Zealand Police, to replace the aging and gas guzzling Holden's. The Octavia wagon is without doubt the faster moving car for Skoda NZ and the Kodiaq is gaining a lot of traction. Hyundai's Palisade and Kia's Sorento are also gaining popularity with their sharp designs and loaded to the gills interior.



Toyota reigns supreme in the southern hemisphere. Its not just the Hilux, the RAV4, Camry, Corolla hatchback and new Yaris are gaining acceptance as private ownership vehicles due to their attractive design, much improved interior quality and excellent after sales service.
As General Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, was testifying to Congress recently about the value of the U.S relationship with Israel, some lawmakers renewed a push to damage that relationship.

Noting that "we work very closely with [Israel] every day," McKenzie told lawmakers that "one of the things for supporting our friends in the region is to give them the best capability that we can afford to give themsuch as reassurance of Israel." Just a week earlier, however, Rep. Betty McCollum had introduced a bill in the House to condition U.S. aid to Israel while Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) delivered a speech with similar recommendations.

Though the proposal to condition U.S. aid to Israel is becoming less unusual, it is flawed foreign policy, as The Jewish Institute for National Security of America outlined in a report last December. It would deprive the United States of perhaps its most capable and committed partner. It would endanger Israel, and it would do nothing to improve, as supporters claim they want, the lives of Palestinians.

Putting into law the concept that foreign aid to Israel should be used as a club to compel the Jewish state to conform to U.S. demands undermines not only Israels security but also the value of the U.S.-Israel security relationship.

It would be one thing for a President to unofficially lean on an Israeli prime minister with implied reciprocal concessions. It is quite another thing, however, for Congress to attempt to institutionalize such provisions. Doing so would fundamentally alterindeed, ultimately diminish altogetherthe value of our diplomatic and strategic relationship.

Following the 1973 Yom Kippur War, American strategists realized a stronger Israel was the best deterrent against large-scale regional conflicts. Now, as the United States seeks to reduce its footprint in the region, supporting Israel is one means towards ensuring regional stability without sending additional U.S. troops abroad. Israel has spearheaded efforts to restrain an increasingly aggressive Iran, deterring Tehrans proxies on numerous fronts. It should be assisted in these efforts, not reprimanded.

The U.S. assistance Israel receives under the 10-Year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is used to defend itself and defeat these shared threats. Attempts to reduce this assistance by placing conditions on it, particularly conditions based on an inaccurate understanding of the situation in the Palestinian territories, would endanger U.S. strategic interests and allow the Middle East to grow even more unstable leading to potentially more violence inside Israel.

No part of Israels MOU funding affects the Palestinians or their claims, nor would reducing funding under the MOU genuinely help the Palestinians. In fact, there is the possibility that a cut in funding would increase the likelihood of both Israeli and Palestinian casualties.

The Iron Dome defense system funded in part by the United States protects both Israel proper and the West Bank, where millions of Palestinians reside, from terrorist rockets and missiles. Less security assistance would mean less funding for such vital defenses. Without protection against a grave missile threat from Hamas, there would be more Israeli civilian casualties, which could lead to more Israeli military operations inside the Gaza Strip. The result would be more deaths, more tension, and a greater risk of military confrontation between Israel and Hamas.

Security assistance also enables Israel to take risks when pursuing peace with its neighbors, in that it knows that, should a given dynamic with a partner go awry, it has a credible commitment that the United States will support Israels right to self-defense. For instance, Israel was in a good position to conclude a peace treaty with Egypt in 1979, in part because it received a series of assurances from the United States that the United States would come to Israels aid, should Egypt exploit Israels cautious openness and violate the treaty.

Likewise, a similar signal of support for Israel must be maintained in the case of the Palestinians, to whom the Israelis have demonstrated their continued interest in long-term peace. Israels unilateral withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 is a prime example of an instance in which Israel took a tremendous risk in the name of peace and was forced to act in self-defense after Palestinian leadership exploited Israels conciliatory behavior.

U.S. assistance to Israel enables peace and security, both in the Middle East and for America. As General McKenzie advised Congress, supporting our Israeli partners, "the best capabilities we can afford to give them" remains to our clear advantage. Jeopardizing our friendship by putting conditions on U.S. aid serves no real purpose.

Retired Marine Lt. Gen. Richard Natonski served as head of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command and is a member of The Jewish Institute for National Security of Americas (JINSA) Board of Advisors and Hybrid Warfare Policy Project. Erielle Davidson is a JINSA Senior Policy Analyst.
What's happening?

Ricardo is a great engineering name that has been around since the days of the Kaiser, when an engineer called Mr Ricardo advised the military on how to improve these new 'tank' things.

Since then, it has built a glorious record of engineering developments in all sorts of areas but has never been able to catch the imagination of investors.

As a history of great engineering it appears a treasure trove, but somehow, no matter how clever or classy the areas it was involved in, such as Bugatti, the company never caught the right wave of enthusiasm.

On the move: Ricardo's share price performance over five years has been dreadful, falling from just over 10 in 2016 to 3.10 in August last year, but since then it has come up a bit

Why Does It Matter?

That might be about to change. The share price performance over five years has been dreadful, falling from just over 10 in 2016 to 3.10 in August last year. Since then it has come up a bit along with the market to an unexciting 4.27.

However something has changed, as the company has at last found a streak of business at which it succeeds.

This may well now catch the market's interest. Yes, it is back to the over-used letters of ESG again (Environmental, Social and Governance). Ricardo has developed an expertise which has become vital for all companies and governments to at least claim to know something about  how to measure and minimise your low-carbon and clean-air profiles.

Reduction in energy use as well as 'decarbonisation'  which means cleaning up systems to you and me  are both core areas of expertise. No matter how cynical you may be over the green future, this whole sector is going to be growing.

What Should I Do?

Sad to say that great engineering stories rarely get the credit they deserve. Make it a technology story or even better an environmental one, and suddenly it's a different game.

Ricardo is in exactly that position and is very likely to carry on polishing its environmental credentials and services. This will not only make the company far more appealing to investors but also to potential industrial buyers trying to find a quicker way into the environmental market.

Any Suggestions?

Obviously I am suggesting Ricardo as an attractive opportunity but as ever, a single company is a greater risk.

The theme, though, can be reflected in certain funds, some of which have been around long before this fashion fad became popular. Royal London Global Sustainable Equity fund and the Liontrust Sustainable fund both have successful track records.

Justin Urquhart Stewart co-founded fund manager 7IM and is chairman of investment platform Regionally.
Two plastic tables were set up underneath the Pontchartrain Expressway on Thursday morning, sandwiched between lines of tents in the middle of a homeless encampment that spans about 10 blocks on the border of the Warehouse District and Central City.

On top of the tables, masks, sanitizer and clipboards were lined up neatly. Thirty-three shots of Moderna vaccine were loaded up, with another 167 on standby. The goal was to inoculate as many people who frequent the 100-tent encampment as possible.

These are the most -- and least -- vaccinated parishes in Louisiana; see COVID data In the battle against the coronavirus, Louisiana officials said the state reached a milestone on Monday: 1 in 4, or more than 1.2 million, res

The event, put on by Austin Badon, the clerk of 1st City Court, and Ruston Henry, pharmacist and owner of H&W Drug Store, offered a glimpse of what the next phase of COVID-19 vaccination will look like, as the effort shifts from the enthusiastic stampede of the first few months to a challenging slog that will require more resources and yield a lower return on shots in arms.

If its not offered to them, and somebody doesnt come to them, then probably theyre not going to do it, said Badon of the homeless. Thats why were under the bridge, where they are. If I told them to come to my office at the Civil District Court building, they're not going to do that.

Even with the convenient service, the uptake was slow. In an hour, just 23 people had received a shot.

Chris Crook, 41, was one of them. He had been wanting the vaccine, but wasnt aware he qualified.

I believe in science, said Crook, whose tent was set up across the street from the tables. This is the first time that I heard my age group was eligible.

The vaccines opened to Louisianans of all ages over a month ago. The event Thursday was the first time Crook had been asked if he wanted it.

But many of the people he encounters dont feel the same way and are worried about getting the vaccine.

Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

+2 Louisiana vaccine providers slowly bring back J&J vaccine after CDC lifts 'pause' After the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was entered back into use by the Louisiana Department of Health on Saturday, local providers have now 

"They think the vaccine is gonna get them sick," said Crook.

A lot of people getting sick, taking this, said a 50-year-old man who declined to give his real name. They didnt die, but they got sick.

A worker with the NOPDs homeless assistance unit assured him that she just had a sore arm from her shot, but the man wasn't convinced.

I got a strong God I believe in, he said.

Badon and Henry are aiming to do a vaccine event in the homeless encampment once per month, along with partners from the NOPD homeless assistance unit and Ozanam Inn, a shelter for men shuttling people who want the vaccine to the tables. Theyll be back in 28 days to give out a second Moderna shot, which they hope everyone will show up for. They will also give out first shots.

+2 A million COVID shots are sitting on shelves as Louisiana slips in vaccination rankings When Louisiana began its coronavirus vaccine rollout in December, state officials and hospital leaders moved fast to get shots into arms.

Hearing about others' personal experience with the vaccine was the one thing that moved some hesitant homeless people to get the shot, said Henry.

What changes their mind is when I tell them Ive had it, Henry said, adding that he was surprised by how many people who approached said they were already vaccinated. I say, Youre living out here with other people in a community environment, you need to protect yourself and you need to protect them.
Living half a world away from Covid-stricken Indian relatives, Sydney doctor Yadu Singh has beat back his frustration at being unable to help by providing lifesaving medical guidance via phone, text and video chat.

It was 4 am in eastern Australia, and finally, bleary-eyed, the veteran cardiologist had found a hospital bed for his niece's husband.

The patient would have to endure a gruelling eight-hour drive out of virus-swamped Delhi, but at the end of the road lay the promise of oxygen, and with it, a chance for survival.

Like many in India's millions-strong diaspora, Singh has watched in abject horror as coronavirus consumes the country, infecting more than 360,000 people every day.

"The last four to five days, they have been very difficult, very challenging," he told AFP from his office in a verdant Sydney suburb.

"We actually can't do much sitting 10,000 kilometres away."

The local Indian community considered trying to send medical supplies such as life-saving oxygen concentrators, but Singh knew they would be tough to acquire, take a long time to arrive and would do little against the tidal wave of cases.

For Singh however, thanks to his medical training and contacts, he was in a better position to help than most.

Over the last week or more, he has been working the phones and his contacts to help friends, relatives and online acquaintances across India.

He managed to WhatsApp one CT scan to a classmate who is a respiratory specialist, who in turn was able to advise a local doctor about more effective treatment.

"That medicine I believe was life-saving," said Singh. "Thank God we have WhatsApp."

He has offered informal advice about temperatures, oxygen saturation levels, when to go to hospital and when to stay put and take a paracetamol.

On another occasion, one morning at 3:30 am he was contacted by a Twitter acquaintance living in California asking for advice about a sick aunt.

Story continues

He managed to pass details of the woman to a Delhi member of parliament who was also on Twitter and could help get her treatment.

Singh later received a message from the relative saying: "My aunt is doing much better. Thank you very much. You have saved her life."

- 'Do your duty' -

"I can't treat people sitting in Australia," said Singh. "Without seeing the patient, I can only guide them on what to do."

"That's what we can do sitting in such a faraway place. Guiding them, assisting them, giving them hope."

But sometimes, guidance and hope have not been enough.

When his niece's mother-in-law had 80 percent oxygen saturation -- 15 percentage points lower than normal levels -- Singh called the principal of the local hospital, a former colleague, for help.

"He said, 'I will try to help, but (there is) no bed in ICU.' And half an hour later -- you can't survive with 80 percent oxygen -- she died."

"This is so painful. I knew her personally. Her brother was my classmate," he said.

"We feel helplessness, hopelessness.

"I have lost three of my circle of relatives... one passed away last night."

Singh fears political mismanagement means the situation in India is only going to worsen.

"If we don't break the transmission chain, what is going to happen?" he said.

In the face of what he calls a "doomsday situation", for now he is trying follow the Hindu scripture "do your duty, don't worry about the outcome".

Tonight, he said, that duty comes in the form of a webinar on Zoom where he plans to tell family members the key message: "Please use a mask, do the handwashing and get the test done."

al-arb/axn/mtp
A woman was killed in a domestic shooting in Algiers Friday morning, New Orleans police said.

Her name has not been released, but police said she was 35 years-old.

The shooting happened in the 1100 block of Verret Street (map). Police notified the public about the homicide at 8:25 a.m. but didn't say when it happened.

No other details were immediately available, including her age, a possible motive or a description of a suspect.
Advertisement

At least 100 million U.S. adults are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, a major milestone in the harrowing fight to end the pandemic, White House officials announced Friday.

Daily average COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. fell to a low of 628 for this year on Thursday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Over the past seven days, 4,838 Americans died of coronavirus. It's still staggering figure, but is less than a quarter as many fatalities as the U.S. was seeing each week for much of January and February.

In fact, that's the lowest daily average of deaths since July 2020, according to CDC data.

Cases are declining too, with the seven-day rolling average falling to 51,228, the fewest since October 15.

Although only 30 percent of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it's now undeniable that the shots are starting to have an effect.

'We are treating the battle against the virus like the war that it is,' said White House Covid response coordinator Jeff Zients during the Friday press briefing.

He praised the U.S. vaccination effort for beating President Biden's 'ambitious goal' of 200 million shots-in-arms in his first 100 days in office, but it's long been clear that he U.S. was on pace to administer at least that many doses by now.

But the rate of daily vaccinations has fallen off in the past week. The U.S. is now giving 2.6 million doses a day, down from more than three million - and it threatens to stall the fight to control the pandemic, especially as variants spread in the U.S.

Still, 'if we can continue at this pace, case rates are coming down, vaccinations going up, then I think July 1 would be a reasonable target,' to get the U.S. fully reopened said CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky during the Friday briefing.

At least 100 million U.S. adults are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, a major milestone in the harrowing fight to end the pandemic, White House officials announced Friday

'We are treating the battle against the virus like the war that it is,' said White House Covid response coordinator Jeff Zients (center) during the Friday press briefing

A week ago, the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people can now safely be outdoors without masks, except in crowds.

But Dr Walensky said the agency isn't yet ready to take the next steps toward getting back to 'normal.'

'This virus has tricked us before,' she cautioned.

'So I would like to sort of watch and see how it goes before making further estimations of what happens in a couple of months.'

CDC officials have aired on the side of caution, and continue to do so even as the U.S. response gains a more decisive advantage over the virus.

'If you look, for example at populations that have been highly vaccinated like nursing home residents, you will see that deaths in nursing homes have plummeted, and overall, the death rate has been falling over time,' Dr Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security told CNN.

It's really a function of how many of the high-risk individuals have been vaccinated and that is becoming more evident.'

While most young people have not yet been vaccinated, just about any health care worker who wants the shot and the overwhelming majority of seniors in the U.S. are now inoculated.

More than 68 percent of Americans aged 65 or older are now fully vaccinated and 82 percent have had at least one dose.

High rates of protection among these particularly high-risk groups is helping to drive overall hospitalizations down after a brief uptick earlier this month.

The U.S. is now seeing 5,057 new hospital admissions for COVID-19 a day.

That's down by nearly 70 percent from more than 5,600 average new daily admissions just a week prior, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.

Daily average COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. fell to a low of 628 for this year on Thursday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Cases are declining too, with the seven-day rolling average falling to 51,228, the fewest since October 15

While experts increasingly believe that the coronavirus that emerged in China in late 2019 will never fully disappear - from the U.S. or the world - hospitalizations and deaths subsiding are promising signs that COVID-19 won't again overwhelm health care systems.

White House officials announced on Friday that the U.S. had beaten President Biden's goal by 20 million, getting 220 million shots in arms by his 100th day in office.

Federal officials have shipped more than 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines across the nation so far.

The U.S. expects to have enough doses for every American adult by the end of next month.

With 100 million adults vaccinated, the U.S is quickly approaching a likely turning point in the pandemic: getting 40 percent of people inoculated.

Dr Anthony Fauci is finally giving Americans some good news. America's top infectious disease doctor predicts a 'a real change, the start of a precipitous drop' in new daily COVID-19 infections now that the share of U.S. adults vaccinated against the virus is nearly 40 percent.

'When you do that, that's when people are going to be able to start doing the things they've been craving,' Dr Fauci told the Wall Street Journal in an interview.

As of Friday, 38.8 percent of Americans have had at least one dose, including 55 percent of adults aged 18 or older.

Data from around the globe shows that once 40 percent of a population is covered by vaccines, daily cases start to decline dramatically, according to a Bloomberg analysis. The pattern has emerged in San Marino, The United Arab Emirates and Israel.

In the U.S. the first signs that vaccinations are turning the tide of cases are becoming apparent. After hovering for weeks around 70,000 cases a day, the U.S. is now seeing 51,000 new infections a day on average - down more than 16 percent from two weeks prior.

However, declining daily shots threaten to reverse that trend, and some states continue to see alarmingly high rates of new Covid infections, hospitalizations and deaths - especially those where a high proportion of cases are caused by more infectious and dangerous variants.
West Australian businesses expect to wear an average $25,200 in losses from the states April lockdown and ongoing restrictions, a snap survey has revealed.

As the state government announced $2000 cash grants for affected small businesses, the peak business lobby group said the survey results should be used to inform a more generous scheme.

CCIWA says businesses need more than the $2000 cash grants announced by the WA government. Credit:

Since the Anzac Day long weekend lockdown was announced, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA and Australian Hotels Association of WA have called for the government to provide compensation to impacted business, particularly those in the hospitality and services industries.

CCIWA surveyed 351 West Australian businesses on Wednesday 28 April, finding the average impact of the three-day lockdown and four days of subsequent restrictions for small businesses was $8060.
LAST weekend, hundreds of Manitobans attended a high-profile protest opposing Manitobas mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions. Virtually none of those in attendance wore masks, and at least one speaker at the event had travelled to Manitoba and ignored the provincial quarantine rule.

Opinion

LAST weekend, hundreds of Manitobans attended a high-profile protest opposing Manitobas mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions. Virtually none of those in attendance wore masks, and at least one speaker at the event had travelled to Manitoba and ignored the provincial quarantine rule.

In a liberal democracy, people have a right to protest laws and regulations they disagree with. Its easy to forget or ignore that when we disagree with the reason for protesting; indeed, as the pandemic and periodic lockdown rules grind into their second year, its perhaps surprising that more people arent turning up at these rallies.

On the other hand, its tough not to roll ones eyes when confronted by people displeased over having to wear a mask, which for those without difficulty breathing is annoying at worst. This is particularly true now that COVID-19 variants have taken the pandemic in an even darker direction. The death of a 13-year-old from COVID-19 in Ontario this week underscores the importance of continued vigilance, and the seeming selfishness of The Forks protesters.

While vaccination campaigns across the country represent a light at the end of the tunnel, there continues to be a segment of Canadians  including people who attend protests such as the one at The Forks  who are either unsure they will get the vaccine or are outright opposed to doing so. Results from the Canadian Community Health Survey conducted between September to December, for example, show that roughly 77 per cent of Canadians were either somewhat or very willing to get the vaccine.

What can explain the sizable percentage of Canadians who were not willing to do so? Surveys conducted relatively early in the pandemic revealed that a lack of confidence in the safety of the vaccines and concerns about side effects were the key culprits.

More recent research conducted by the Angus Reid Institute shows that as the pandemic has progressed, Canadians have become more willing to get a vaccine. But the percentage of Canadians who stubbornly refuse to do so has stayed relatively stable: roughly 12 per cent of Canadians will flat-out not get a vaccine.

In addition, there are potential problems with those Canadians who are willing to get a vaccine, including a preference to wait for certain vaccines over others. Early on in the pandemic, the federal government worked to secure vaccines from several sources; broad procurement meant that Canadians can now receive the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech or AstraZeneca vaccines, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will soon be available in Canada.

Given the number of vaccines available, public-health officials have argued that the best strategy for Canadians is to ignore differences between vaccines and simply take the first one that is available to them.

Despite this advice, research by political scientist Peter Loewen and the Public Policy Forum shows that many Canadians have developed vaccine brand preferences, and that this could impact the speed and success of the countrys vaccination campaigns. In general, Canadians are more impressed by the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines than by AstraZeneca, and would prefer to receive one of the first two vaccines.

The lowering of eligibility requirements for AstraZeneca in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba raises a crucial question: how many Canadians are eligible for the AstraZeneca vaccine but are instead sitting around waiting for one of the others? The Angus Reid Institute found in March that roughly 16 per cent of respondents would wait to get their preferred vaccine. Together with those who will outright refuse to get the vaccine, roughly one-quarter of Canadians are not getting the first vaccine available to them.

What can be done to address all this? Sustained, consistent messaging from government agencies regarding the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines should continue. In April, Canadas National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) argued that Canadians should be able to wait for the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines because of a rare blood clot risk that is associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine. AstraZeneca is "safe," according to NACI, but the body nevertheless "preferentially" recommended the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.

Is it any wonder some Canadians are sitting on their hands when public-health officials send out confusing, contradictory information such as this?

Its important to remember that the rambunctious protesters at The Forks do not represent all Canadians who are vaccine-hesitant. While the temptation to attack these people for being selfish is strong, doing so is counterproductive. As it turns out, challenging peoples deeply-held beliefs tends to lead to them holding those beliefs even more strongly.

This is known as the backfire effect, and its a good reason why you shouldnt attack or dismiss the views of your vaccine-hesitant friends. Doing so could further entrench these views and make it even less likely they will get the vaccine.

Instead, a non-judgmental approach that includes directing people to resources about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines could work wonders.

Royce Koop is an associate professor in the department of political studies and co-ordinator of the Canadian studies program at the University of Manitoba.
Several countries, including the United States, are providing free COVID-19 vaccines to their residents  which means federal and state governments are covering the enormous costs to make this possible.

Read: Vaccine Roll-Outs Are Expensive  But Not Vaccinating the World Would Cost $9 Trillion

In the U.S., the federal government is covering the costs of the actual vaccines, along with syringes, needles, face masks and shields, The Wall Street Journal reported. With hundreds of millions of people to provide vaccines for, this comes with a huge price tag.

Find out how much the United States and other countries and unions are spending on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Last updated: April 30, 2021

Washington DC, USA at the tidal basin with Washington Monument in spring season.

United States

Population: 330 million

Vaccine rollout spending: $40 billion

Under former President Donald Trumps Operation Warp Speed initiative to fast-track the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, the federal government distributed nearly $25 billion to more than 120 companies to develop, manufacture and deliver vaccines across the nation, TIME reported. In January, President Joe Biden passed the American Rescue plan, which allocates $7.5 billion for COVID-19 vaccine activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, $1 billion for vaccine confidence activities, $6.05 billion to fund the supply chain for COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutic and medical supplies, and $500 million for COVID-19 vaccine, therapeutic and device activities at the Food and Drug Administration.COVID-19: This State Is Doing the Best Job at Vaccination

View of Colosseum in Rome and morning sun, Italy, Europe.

European Union

Population: 446 million

Vaccine rollout spending: $36.1 billion

The European Commission invested 2.9 billion ($3.5 billion) toward the development of vaccine production capacities. Along with investment in research to develop the vaccine and the contributions from member states to purchase the vaccines, the total amount of support for the vaccine rollout in the E.U. was over 30 billion ($36 billion).See: COVID-19s Economic Impact on Education

LONDON, JULY 2017 - View of Westminster Parliament, Big Ben and London Eye with Thames and tourist ship in foreground on a sunny summer afternoon.

United Kingdom

Population: 67 million

Vaccine rollout spending: $18 billion

The United Kingdom dedicated 11.7 billion pounds ($15.7 billion) in December 2020 for the purchasing, manufacturing and rollout of coronavirus vaccines, Bloomberg reported, and at the end of February, it allocated an additional 1.65 billion pounds ($2.3 billion) to support the rollout, Reuters reported.Read: What Living Through a Pandemic Has Taught Us About Money

People meander at the junction of Rue Saint-Paul and Rue Saint-Vincent in the Old Montreal section of Montreal.

Canada

Population: 38 million

Vaccine rollout spending: $4.2 billion

Federal budget documents obtained by the Toronto Star show $5.3 billion (Canada dollars) was approved in December 2020 for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, including the purchase of doses, and research and development. According to the newspaper, the price Canada is paying for vaccines has been shrouded in mystery, as contracts with suppliers are covered by confidentiality clauses that prohibit the federal government from saying how much it is spending on each dose.Find Out: How Each Generation Has Been Affected Financially By the Pandemic

Israel, countries

Israel

Population: 9 million

Vaccine rollout spending: $788 million

Israels Health Ministry announced in March that the country had spent NIS 2.6 billion ($788 million) so far on coronavirus vaccines and expected to pay a similar amount for more doses in the future, the Times of Isreal reported.As of April 28, Israel was No. 2 in the world for doses distributed per 100 residents, trailing only behind the Seychelles (which has a population of just 123,000). Fifty-six percent of its population is fully vaccinated, The New York Times reported.More From GOBankingRatesMoneys Most Influential: Where Do Americans Get Their Financial Advice?

Dont Miss Out on Nominating Your Favorite Small Business To Be Featured on GOBankingRates  Ends May 31

Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Robert Kiyosaki: You Should Never Say I Cant Afford That

Everything You Need To Know About Taxes This Year



This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What the US and 4 Other Countries Are Spending on a Vaccine Rollout
Coromandel International lost 1.18% to Rs 724.70 after the company's consolidated net profit tanked 33.5% to Rs 155.85 crore on 0.5% decline in net sales to Rs 2,855.97 crore in Q4 FY21 over Q4 FY20.

On a consolidated basis, profit before depreciation, interest, taxes and exceptional item (EBITDA) for the quarter ended 31 March 2021 stood at Rs 261 crore as against Rs 391 crore during the corresponding quarter last year, dropping 33.24% Y-o-Y (year-on-year).

For the year ended 31 March 2021, the company's consolidated total income stood at Rs 14,257 crore over Rs 13,177 crore earned last year, registering a 8.19% Y-o-Y increase. EBITDA was at Rs 2,021 crore, recording a growth of 17% Y-o-Y compared with Rs 1,732 crores last year. Profit after tax stood at Rs 1,329 crore from Rs 1,065 crore, registering a growth of 25% Y-o-Y.

Commenting on the Q4 financial results, Sameer Goel, the managing director (MD) of Coromandel International, said: "Coromandel delivered an all-round performance by adopting digital marketing to reach out to the farming communityand improving its operational efficiencies through backward integration. Working capital of the company improved significantly with record market collections and higher subsidy receipt from the Government."

The Phosphatic fertiliser business achieved its highest ever primary sales volumes of 33.5 lakh tons, registering a growth of 7% over the prior year. Farm-level consumption, reflected through the point of sales data, increased by 18% to 37.2 lakh tons. Single Super Phosphate (SSP) business sustained its leadership position growing its sales volumes by 17%."

"The Crop Protection and Bio business registered an impressive sales growth of 24% during the year, with expansion across domestic formulation, domestic B2B and exports. The Speciality Nutrition and Organic Fertilizer business delivered a strong performance growing by 17% & 27% respectively."

"With good reservoir levels and a forecast of a normal monsoon, we expect the Indian agriculture growth to continue in the upcoming Kharif season. While the raw material prices have been hardening in the last few months, the company will focus on further improving its operational efficiencies, introducing new products and continue to support the farmers in improving its crop productivity and bringing farm prosperity," he added.

The board at its meeting held on Thursday, 29 April 2021, has recommended a final dividend of Rs 6 per equity share on the equity shares of Re 1 each fully paid up for the FY 2020-21.

Coromandel International is amongst India's pioneers and leading agri solutions provider, offering diverse products and services across the farming value chain. It operates in two major segments: nutrient and other allied businesses and crop protection. These include fertiliser, crop protection, bio pesticides, specialty nutrients and organic fertilizer businesses.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Croi Laighean Credit Union is delighted to announce the two recipients of the 2021 Pat Jones Student Bursary Awards - Kayla Taitz from Confey College in Leixlip, and Tom Mangan from Oaklands Community College in Edenderry.

The winners were announced on Friday, 30 April. They will each receive 6,000 towards their 3rd Level Education over 3 years.

Last Thursday, 29 April, each student received a delivery to their home with a CLCU goodie box containing gifts and treats, and 250 was lodged into their credit union accounts. Martin Fitzgerald, Community Relations Officer at Croi Laighean Credit Union, then visited the schools of both winners today, Friday, 30 April to present the recipients with a cheque and to congratulate them on their achievement.

Martin Fitzgerald, Community Relations Officer, Croi Laighean Credit Union said, This year our Bursary was hosted remotely due to the pandemic and we are proud of the 16 students who adapted and rose to this challenge. They were asked to submit an online application and video submission and our interview panel were very impressed with the energy and enthusiasm which shone through on the videos.

Paul Kennedy, CEO Croi Laighean Credit Union said, Choosing the two recipients is always difficult and this year was no different. The video submissions were fantastic and our interview panel got a clear sense of the students, how much they enjoy being involved in school life and their wider community. We are delighted for Kayla and Tom who impressed the judges with their commitment to school, their hobbies and interests, and their involvement in the community. We would like to thank all the finalists for participating and wish them a bright and happy future, and the very best of luck with their Leaving Certificate exams.

Croi Laighean Credit Union is very proud of the Pat Jones Student Bursary which has been in operation for nine years, contributing over 90,000 to local students. Over the years, the Bursary has had a hugely positive impact on the students who win. For some, it has allowed them to go to College when otherwise it might have been difficult financially and for others, it offers them the opportunity to live on campus, allowing them to contribute more fully to College life.

Mike OByrne Principal Confey College; Kayla Taitz (Winner) Confey College






Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Mostly sunny skies. Record high temperatures expected. High near 95F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Twenty-three district attorneys in Alabama oppose the state's medical marijuana bill. The attorneys signed a letter asking the Alabama legislature to vote against legalizing medical marijuana.

Madison County District Attorney Robert Broussard is one of the district attorneys against the bill.

There are forces who really want to legalize marijuana, and this is the first step theyre taking, said Broussard.

Broussard said he thinks if they pass a medical marijuana bill, itll be the gateway to people wanting a recreational marijuana bill.

Theres going to be kids out here that more readily have access to marijuana, said Broussard.

He said if the medical marijuana bill had more restrictions, hed be open to supporting it.

Doctors can prescribe marijuana for a number of conditions, where I wish it was more tightly confined, said Broussard.

Broussard said he is concerned that some people may also focus on the profit from legalizing marijuana.

Legalizing medical marijuana, Broussard calls a slippery slope. Although, he said his views arent one sided. He believes medical marijuana could have benefits to those with illnesses.

Im not in that boat and I dont think most DAs across the state are in that boat, said Broussard. Its just that feeling that we need to be careful and that floodgates arent opened.

The bill was already passed in the Senate. The Alabama House still has to vote on the bill.
Jimmy is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the Government sponsored healthcare market.

RAM Technologies, Inc., the perennial leader in the development of enterprise software solutions and services for Medicare Advantage health plans, is pleased to announce the addition of James (Jimmy) Kolata as Chief Strategy Officer. Mr. Kolata will be focused specifically on business development strategies for RAMs new BPaaS division, RAM Health Services.

We are extremely pleased to have Jimmy join the RAM team, said Robert A. Tulio, President of RAM Technologies. Jimmy is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the Government sponsored healthcare market. He has a firm grasp of the industry as well as the operational needs and expectations of health plans administering government sponsored programs (Medicare Advantage, Special Needs and Managed Medicaid).

Mr. Kolata brings to RAM nearly 20 years of senior level experience working with healthcare payers in the Government sponsored segment of the market. He has served in both Sales and Corporate Development roles, helping organizations optimize their back-office administration.

I am excited to join the RAM team, Mr. Kolata offered. They have a great platform that was designed specifically for the needs of government programs and their partnership mentality is ideal for the joint work efforts required for a successful BPaaS operation.

RAM Health Services, the BPaaS division of RAM Technologies, Inc., utilizes RAMs premier government-centric technology suite (HEALTHsuite Advantage core administrative platform and eHealthsuite web portals) combined with proven leaders with years of experience leading BPaaS organizations experienced in Government Programs. In addition, RAM Health Services offers an additional layer of compliance atop the BPaaS delivery model, providing an unmatched offering to the market.

About RAM Technologies:

RAM Technologies is the leading provider of enterprise claims processing software and CMS Integration tools for health care organizations administering Medicare Advantage, Special Needs and Managed Medicaid 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.
MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KSB Ltd, a leader in pump manufacturing, delivered the indigenously developed Main Boiler Feed Water Pump-BFP (RHD-350) & Booster Pump-BP (YNK 350-620) for Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL). It marked a milestone for KSB Ltd. in developing the pump for 700 MW Indian Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) & adding a new product to its product line which already boast of a range of pumps for nuclear application, including Primary Pressurising Pump, Shutdown Cooling Pump, Aux. Boiler Feed Pump etc. It has established KSB Ltd. as undisputed leader in nuclear application pumps.

On 13th Mar 2021, these pumps moved out from KSB, Shirwal, a state of art new facility for pump assembly & testing. KSB Ltd. turned out to be the first company in India to manufacture fully indigenously developed BFP & BP for 700 MW Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

KSB Ltd. has always been a renowned Supplier for critical application pumps and has been associated with NPCIL for supply of pumps for various applications, including indigenous Boiler Feed water Pumps for 220 MW at Kaiga nuclear power plants. KSB has been supplying some more critical Pumps to NPCIL with certain imported components from KSB Germany.

NPCIL is poised for major growth in installed capacity of NPPs with launch of fleet mode 700 MWe PHWRs, in addition to existing PHWR plants of 220 MWe, 540 MWe and 700 MWe capacity. The need to develop indigenous pumps for 700 MWe power plants was always on priority for NPCIL & the development proposal was initiated in year 2015 for the same.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Rajeev Jain, Regional Executive Officer, KSB West Asia and Managing Director KSB Limited, India said, "KSB's core strength in design, supported with modern manufacturing capability has made it possible to develop a key product for India's premier power generation organisation NPCIL. KSB's strong leadership qualities, decision-making, technical expertise & great team work were witnessed during the various phases of the development. Riding high on this success of BFP & BP, KSB Ltd is now set to replicate this success in indigenizing the Primary Coolant Pumps (PCP), for the first time for NPCIL, further enhancing its commitment to the nation's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' program.'

Acknowledging the significant achievement by M/s. KSB Limited, India, Shri S.K. Sharma, CMD, NPCIL said, "It is a tribute to the joint efforts of NPCIL and Indian industry towards the realisation of our cherished goal of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. He added that Indian Industry has a vital role to play in coming years in developing and ensuring timely deliveries of equipment for the planned nuclear power expansion programme."

KSB Limited founded in the year 1960, is headquartered in Pune in the state of Maharashtra.

KSB in India is a leading international manufacturer of pumps, valves, systems and control valves. Specialized in Centrifugal End Suction Pumps, High Pressure Multistage Pumps, Industrial Gate, Globe, Check Valves, Submersible Motor Pumps, monobloc & mini monobloc pumps, Hydro pneumatic Systems and control valves. And has a presence across the country with its own sales and marketing companies, manufacturing facilities and service operations.

KSB in India has plants in Pimpri, Chinchwad, Khandala, Vambori, Coimbatore and Sinnar showcasing immaculate manufacturing and engineering practices.

SOURCE KSB Limited
New Delhi: A day after exit polls gave a divided opinion on the outcome of the West Bengal Assembly election, the BJP expressed confidence on Friday (April 30) that it will form the next government in the state by winning a majority of the seats after the votes are counted on Sunday (May 1).

"We will get a full majority and form the next government comfortably," BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav, a key member of the party's brain trust, said.

Asked about a few poll forecasts that have given an edge to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), headed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he exuded confidence that the saffron party will get people's blessings.

BJP's IT wing head Amit Malviya, who was actively involved in the campaign as the party's co-incharge for West Bengal, also expressed confidence about the saffron party forming its maiden government in the eastern state.

"We will win comprehensively," he said and dismissed those exit polls that have put the TMC ahead, saying that is not going to happen.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will very much form the next government, he added.

The exit polls on Thursday (April 29) forecast a tight contest between the incumbent TMC and the BJP in the high-profile West Bengal Assembly polls.

India Today-Axis My India predicted a neck-and-neck contest, giving the BJP 134-160 and the TMC 130-156 seats.

The Republic-CNX polls also gave the BJP a slight edge by projecting 138-148 seats for the party in the 294-member Assembly and 128-138 to the TMC.

However, Times Now-C Voter predicted a clear majority for the TMC by projecting 158 seats for the party and 115 for the BJP.

The Jan Ki Baat exit polls, however, predicted a strong majority for the BJP in West Bengal, giving it 162-185 seats, against 104-121 to the TMC.

The TMC had won 211 seats and the BJP only three in the 2016 West Bengal polls.

The Left-Congress alliance was forecast to be further marginalized in the fiercely bipolar contest.

Live TV
New Delhi: India is witnessing the second wave of coronavirus. The country has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 and the world community started extending its support. In a recent development, the tech giant and philanthropist Bill Gates has made a controversial statement regarding the patents in vaccine technology and is facing heat from all around.

The entire world is involved in curbing down the coronavirus and developing vaccines for it. As per the reports, amid this massive crisis, Bill Gates is being accused of withholding vaccine recipes from other countries. Bill Gates in an interview with Sky News was asked if it would be possible to change the intellectual property law so as to enable the recipe for COVID Vaccines to be shared, he clearly denied sharing the formulas with developing nations.

When asked about the explanation to his answer, Bill Gates said, "Well, there's only so many vaccine factories in the world and people are very serious about the safety of vaccines. And s moving something that had never been done -- moving vaccine, say, a from a (Johnson & Johnson) factory into a factory in India -- its novel -- it's only because of our grants and expertise that that can happen at all."

The Serum Institute of India (SII), the largest institute in the country has been manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine Covishield under a contract with AstraZeneca.

The reason behind holding "things back" in terms of global vaccine rollout, continued Bill Gates, "is not intellectual property. It's not like there's some idle vaccine factory, with regulatory approval, that makes magically safe vaccines. You know, you've got to do the trail on these things. Every manufacturing process needs to be looked at in a very careful way."

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has made fortune largely through the intellectual property laws that turned his computer software innovations into billions of dollars of wealth. The statement from Bill Gates is criticised across the world.

Live TV
LOS ANGELES, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Patrick Y. Shim is launching 1927 Capital Management, LLC, a family office in partnership with a multi-generation winemaking family based in Southern California.

"Patrick Shim is the ideal partner in the establishment of a family office," says Mr. Don Galleano, President of Galleano Winery and third-generation winemaker at the historic Cantu-Galleano Ranch in Mira Loma, CA, whose family is partnering with 1927 Capital Management. "The focus on prudent advanced planning will mean greater security for my family's business and investments, and will offer comprehensive strategies to manage our future."

The historic Cantu-Galleano Ranch is located in the Cucamonga Valley region of Southern California. Domenico Galleano originally acquired the land from Colonel Esteban Cantu in 1927, where Galleano Winery operates as the last remaining bonded prohibition-era winery owned and operated by its founding family in the Cucamonga Valley.

Mr. Shim served as Managing Director of Investments at Mirae Asset Securities & Investments (USA), LLC, the Los Angeles-based investment banking operation of Mirae Asset Financial Group, a global financial institution with over $400 billion under management. At Mirae Asset, Mr. Shim focused on private equity and real estate investments, as well as the firm's strategic investments. Prior to joining Mirae Asset, Patrick Shim was Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Administration at Hana Financial, Inc. As a member of Hana Financial's senior management team, Mr. Shim was responsible for the firm's corporate strategy, planning, restructuring, and investments.

Patrick Shim studied economics at Claremont McKenna College and previously served as chair of the Claremont McKenna College Alumni Association's Los Angeles Chapter. He also has served on the board of directors of Foothill Family Service, a non-profit organization based in Pasadena, CA. Mr. Shim currently serves as a Commissioner of the Planning Commission for the city of Upland in California, as well as a Committee Member of the city's Airport Land Use Committee.

1927 CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC

Based in Los Angeles, California, 1927 Capital Management, LLC is a private investment firm in a partnership with a multi-generation winemaking family. The firm invests directly in private equity, venture capital, real estate, and other investment strategies through leading investment managers.

SOURCE 1927 Capital Management, LLC
reported7,646 fresh COPVId-19 casestaking the tally to over 4.35 lakh while the toll stood at2,261 with 53 more casualties.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 1,441, followed by Medchal Malkajgiri (631) and Rangareddy (484), a government bulletin said on Friday providing details as of 8 PM on April 29.

The total number of cumulative cases in the state stood at 4,35,606 while with 5,926 patients being cured, the total recoveries were at 3,55,618.

The state has 77,727 active cases and over 77 thousand samples were tested on Thursday.

Cumulatively, over 1.29 crore samples have been tested.

The samples tested per million population was over 3.46 lakh, the bulletin said.

The case fatality rate in the state was 0.51 per cent, while it was 1.1 per cent at the national level.

The recovery rate in was 81.63 per cent, while it was 82 per cent in the country.

The state has 252 active micro containment zones.

According to a separate release, over 40 lakh people in the state have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine while over 5.96 lakh got their second shot also as of April 29.

(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.)
GREENWICH  A Greenwich police officer who arrested a suspect on numerous charges involving a weapon and drugs following a motor-vehicle stop last month has been commended for his attentiveness and professionalism.

Officer Joshua Weinstock earned the departments Officer of the Month honor for confiscating a significant amount of marijuana and Ecstasy, a mind-altering drug, that were packaged for sale during the incident, police said.

Weinstock was working on motor-vehicle enforcement on the afternoon of March 27 when he came across a vehicle with a suspended registration, according to the commendation, and he detected marijuana smoke when he approached the car. Police said a handgun was found in the car, and the driver was charged with a number of drug violations, as well as illegal possession of a weapon.

According to the commendation, Officer Weinstocks performance in this duty clearly demonstrated two of the departments core values, diligence and service.

Weinstock is one of the departments newest members, joining the Greenwich force in 2020. He had previously worked as a police officer in Wallingford, beginning in 2017.

The suspect, Tremaine Fraiser, 24, of New Rochelle, N.Y., is due for arraignment in Superior Court in Stamford on May 11. He has been released on $200,000 bond.

A 9-year-old child was also in the car, police said, leading to an additional criminal charge.

The car had no front license plate and only a temporary Texas dealer registration on the rear when Weinstock spotted it on Mill Street and Henry Street in the Byram section of Greenwich, police said.

Fraiser was charged with criminal possession of a revolver, illegal possession of a weapon in a vehicle, risk of injury to a minor, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hallucinogen, possession of more than a kilogram of marijuana and operating a drug factory, police said. He was also cited on a number of motor-vehicle violations in the incident, police said.

Fraiser was also charged with drug offenses involving hallucinogens and marijuana by Greenwich police in January 2020, according to court records.

rmarchant@greenwichtime.com
Workers at the Gwinnett County Georgia elections headquarters process absentee ballots for Georgia's Senate runoff election in Lawrenceville, Ga., on Jan. 6, 2021. (Ben Gray/AP Photo)

Tennessee Legislature Passes Bill Requiring Watermarks on Absentee Ballots

Tennessees Legislature approved a bill that requires the addition of a watermark on all absentee ballots in a nearly unanimous vote.

Senate Bill 1314 passed the Senate in a 27-0 vote on Monday, and the House adopted the state Senate version of the bill on Tuesday in a 92-1 vote.

Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, is expected to sign the measure.

I think this bill is to ensure that absentee ballots that go out have an additional security measure, Republican state Rep. Bruce Griffey said. Democrats are for secure elections, Democratic state Rep. Antonio Parkinson added in praising the bill, according to local media. Dont get it twisted.

All Tennesseans desire secure elections, noted Republican state Rep. Jerome Moon. Thank you for a very well thought out, very researched piece of legislation.

Only one member of the Legislature voted against the bill.

A prior version of the bill required that election officials and commissions could not use private funds for carrying out an election. The amended version that passed in the Legislature was only about adding watermarks.

The bills passage is the latest effort among state legislatures to shore up election integrity measures. This week, the Florida House and Senate placed restrictions on mail-in balloting and drop-boxes.

Its easier now than its ever been. You have vote by mail. You got early [voting]. You got the drop box and you got in-person [voting]. And 20 to 30 years ago, you did not have this many opportunities, Florida Republican state Sen. Travis Hutson said, WFOR reported. I believe that every legal vote should count. I believe one fraudulent vote is one too many. And Im trying to protect the sanctity of our elections.
Photo: Vancouver Is Awesome

The RCMP says it will be notifying the public when a road check for non-essential travel is active in B.C. and expect to be taking an educational approach while screening motorists, with the expectation that most residents will comply with the travel ban.

Chief Superintendent Dave Attfield issued that statement hours after solicitor general Mike Farnworth authorized police to conduct road checks, and more than a week after the National Police Federation raised concerns over police involvement, saying such enforcement would put officers at greater risk and further stretch limited resources.

Farnworth unveiled more details on the travel ban Friday, including the fact road checks will only be conducted to limit travel within certain regions of the province, and will not keep travellers from other provinces out.

Attfield stressed the emphasis for police will be on educating the public about the order.

"(We will be) identifying whether or not the purpose for travel is essential as listed in the order, and providing every opportunity for travellers to turn around voluntarily," said Attfield.

"It is anticipated that the vast majority of travellers will voluntarily comply, minimizing the need for enforcement."

Such enforcement, Farnworth outlined earlier in the day, could include a $575 fine for breaking the health order.

Attfield says the RCMP is in the process of determining where checks will be conducted, but stressed random checks of vehicles or people will not be conducted as part of the road checks.

"Enforcement will only occur at the designated road check locations on highways 1, 3, 5 and 99 near to the boundaries between the combined Coastal and Fraser Health regions and the combined Northern and Interior Health regions.

"When a road check is active, a notification will also been made on the BC RCMP website and social media channels."

Signs will also be placed well enough ahead of the road check to give motorists an opportunity to safely turn around if the purpose of their travel is not essential.

Attfield also indicated all checks will be conducted by a dedicated team, and will not impact police service in communities the RCMP serve.

"In preparation for the upcoming checks we would ask the public review the restrictions and provisions that the provincial government has issued, and to avoid non-essential travel between the Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and Northern/Interior regions."
This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here.

It was 1976, and Suk-joong Song was worried about his sons. A successful businessman in Seoul, South Korea, he had watched as student protests against his countrys dictatorial government erupted in the early 1970s, only to be met with violent crackdowns and martial law. His oldest son was already in high school; what, Mr. Song wondered, would the country look like by the time he got to college?

He decided to immigrate to America. He knew a little English from serving as a liaison between South Korean and U.S. forces during the Korean War, and his sister, Kil-ja Song, had recently moved to New York City.
A man and a woman were arrested early Thursday after Bethlehem police served a search warrant on the 600 block of Atlantic Street and recovered cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash, police Capt. Timothy Cooper said in a news release.

Daniel Ortiz, 24, and Shantika Briley, 36, were charged with conspiracy to possess drugs with the intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance (two counts) and possession of drug paraphernalia, Cooper said.

The drugs recovered were in a distributable amount, Cooper said.

Ortiz and Briley were arraigned before District Judge Nancy Matos Gonzalez, who set Ortizs bail at $100,000 and Brileys at $30,000, which was later awarded a 10% option, records show. Their preliminary hearings are tentatively scheduled for May 11 in Matos Gonzalezs court in South Bethlehem.

Citizens are encouraged to contact the City of Bethlehem Police Department on suspected drug activity via the tip line 610-691-6660 or by emailing bethlehempolice@bethlehempa.gov, Cooper 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.
A Syrian surface-to-air missile fired at an Israeli Air Force fighter jet that had been involved in airstrikes on targets in Syria exploded in Israels southern Negev region early on Thursday.

Warning sirens went off in the region of the Bedouin village of Abu Qrenat, in the northwest Negev, the Israel Defense Forces said. Residents in the south and in Jerusalem reported hearing a loud blast, according to a report by Mako.

Iran could have been targeting Israels nuclear facility in Dimona, which is close to the site of the explosion.

Soon afterward, the IAF struck the battery from wh...
The people need to know the truth, he used to say, by way of explaining an 1854 treaty between the tribes of Puget Sound and the American government that guaranteed tribal fishing rights for eternity. The truth  that should be the crucible, as we look anew at our history.

Lincoln was not perfect, and Billy Frank Jr. never claimed moral infallibility.

But in their public lives, these men moved the nation to higher ground. The same cannot be said of the Confederate president, Jefferson Davis, a man who was indicted on a charge of treason, and another traitor, his vice president, Alexander Stephens  both of whom are still in Statuary Hall, even after waging war on the United States. Mr. Stephens said the Confederacy was founded upon the great truth that the Negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition.

That pair should join the recently removed statue of Robert E. Lee in the dark closet of our history.

Marcus Whitman, the man Frank will replace in the Capitol after a bipartisan majority of the Washington State Legislature voted for the switch, was also not someone to look up to. Mr. Whitman was murdered by Cayuse Indians in 1847, near present day Walla Walla, in the midst of a lethal measles outbreak.

Whitman was a mediocre man of his era, not a hero, said Blaine Harden, author of terrific new book, Murder at the Mission, a deconstruction of the tired falsehood of the Whitman story.

The outgoing statue of Mr. Whitman in buckskin with a Bible is a totem to the Big Lie that he saved the Oregon Country from the British, a founding myth of the Pacific Northwest. It was the kind of lie that many Americans still love  simple, hero-driven, action-packed, ordained by God, Mr. Harden told me. Replacing Marcus Whitman with Billy Frank Jr. is sweet symbolic justice.

I went down to the wildlife refuge named for Mr. Frank the other day to get a little booster shot of nature. The sky was crowded with bald eagles and the estuary thick with red-flowering currants and peripatetic hummingbirds all within the noise of Interstate 5, about 50 miles south of Seattle.

But I also wanted to summon the spirit of the man I knew as just Billy  his guts, his wisdom, his unbroken big heartedness. Being with Billy is like floating on a steady, easy river, his wife Sue Crystal, who died of cancer in 2001, once said. Hes the happiest person I know.

Thats what I remember about him  the joy in pursuit of justice.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com.

Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram.

Timothy Egan (@nytegan) is a contributing opinion writer who covers the environment, the American West and politics. He is a winner of the National Book Award and author, most recently, of A Pilgrimage to Eternity.
Andrew Brown Jr., who was killed by law enforcement last week, poses with his daughter in an undated family photograph. (Ben Crump Law/Handout via Reuters)

Four Deputies Return to Active Duty After Andrew Brown Shooting

Four North Carolina deputies who were placed on administrative leave in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. have been permitted to return to duty after body-camera footage showed that they didnt fire their guns, their sheriff said on Thursday.

Pasquotank County Sheriff Tommy Wooten confirmed that the three other deputies who were suspended following the April 21 shooting death of Andrew Brown Jr., 42, in Elizabeth City will remain on leave.

Brown was killed after deputies carried out drug-related search and arrest warrants. The names of all seven deputies were also released by Wooten on Thursday.

After reviewing the preliminary conclusions of the independent investigators conducting the internal review, and after carefully examining the body camera footage of the incident with my own staff, its obvious that four of the deputies never fired their weapons and deserve to be reinstated to active duty, Wooten said in a statement.

More investigation is necessary into the three deputies who did fire their weapons and they will remain on administrative leave pending completion of the internal investigation and/or the criminal investigation being conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation.

The family and lawyers of Brown say a short clip of body camera footage released by police shows the 42-year-old being executed. They accuse the law enforcement officers involved in the incident of using unnecessary lethal force on an individual who posed no threat.

They cited the results of an independent autopsy commissioned by Browns family revealing that Brown was shot in the arm four times through his vehicles windshield before he was killed by a gunshot to the back of the head as he attempted to flee.

Family members also told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Brown didnt possess any weapons and was unarmed at the time of the shooting. However, police didnt confirm the familys account of events last week, citing an active criminal investigation.

A search warrant sought by Wootens office released Monday detailed that Brown sold small amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine to an informant, and had been doing so for over a year. The informant described purchasing drugs at Browns Elizabeth City homethe target of the search.

In March, according to the warrant, narcotics officers used the informant to conduct controlled purchases of methamphetamine and cocaine from Brown on two separate occasions. The warrant said both drug transactions were recorded using audio and video equipment.

The search warrant said investigators believed Brown was storing drugs in the home or in two vehicles. The document, which indicated the search was not completed, did not list anything found.

Two arrest warrants released last week charged him with possession with intent to sell and deliver 3 grams of each of the drugs.

On Wednesday, North Carolina District Attorney Andrew Womble told a judge at a hearing that Browns car hit deputies twice before they fired shots at him.

He said that he viewed body camera footage of the incident and disagreed with how lawyers for Browns family described his death. The lawyers had claimed that Browns car was stationary when officers fired.

The FBI and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation both said they are investigating the shooting.

Elizabeth City officials on Monday declared a state of emergency (pdf) amid concern that the release of police bodycam footage may spark protests and riots.

Law enforcement expects a period of civil unrest, Mayor Bettie Parker said.

The three deputies who remain on administrative leave are Robert Morgan, Corporal Aaron Levelly, and sheriffs investigator Daniel Meads.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
From left to right are Cherokee Nation Construction Manager Barry Hood, Secretary of State Tina Glory-Jordan, Cherokee County Commissioner Chris Jenkins, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Dist. 1 Tribal Councilor Rex Jordan, Dist. 4 Tribal Councilor Dr. Mike Dobbins, Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, Chief of Staff Todd Enlow, Muskogee County Commissioner Ken Doke, CN Transportation Director Andy Quetone and CN Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Executive Director Michael Lynn. The group celebrate the opening of a road and bridge project near Fort Gibson.
You are here: Arts

An exhibition highlighting the works of Italian painter Raphael opened on Thursday in Shenzhen's Nanshan Museum in south China's Guangdong Province.

A total of 68 artworks, including 39 original pieces, of Raphael and several other Italian artists are on display at the exhibition titled "Raphael and the Classical Canon".

The two-month exhibition has been curated by Claudio Strinati, a renowned art historian and critic in Italy. He said in a video that the exhibition featuring oil paintings, frescoes, sculptures and digital reproductions illustrates the classical artistic principles established by the Renaissance master.

Lucia Pasqualini, Consul General of Italy in Guangzhou, said that 2020 marked the 500th anniversary of Raphael's death, but many commemorative events had been canceled due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

She said the exhibition marks a new start, as well as further cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The contention between lawyer Gonzalo Boye and judge Maria Tardon has landed in Spain's Constitutional Court. The lawyer, responsible for the defence of Carles Puigdemont and other exiled Catalan politicians, is calling on the constitutional body to impose urgent interim measures in response to massive and indiscriminate violation of his emails and phone communication in relation to the money laundering case under which judge Tardon is investigating him. Boye complains that the intrusion into his e-mails and mobile phone has violated both the professional secrecy of his communications with clients, as well as the confidentiality of communications with Spanish and foreign journalists and human rights activists, involved in cases that are currently in process before different international courts.

The lawyer argues that he has been the victim of breaches of the right to effective judicial protection, the right to a trial with guarantees in relation to the right to a defence and, finally, the right to personal liberty.

Emails and mobile

The complaint stems from the judicial search of Boye's office carried out on October 21st, 2019, when his entire professional email account was copied along with all the information on his mobile phone. This contained data from a multitude of clients "whose conversations, messages and documentation are protected by professional secrecy."

With this material, the judge opened a confidential part of the inquiry on October 30th, 2019, but last December this reserved character was lifted. Boye appealed against the lifting of the secrecy, but the appeal was dismissed on the grounds that the relevant communications for the case had been identified and the rest had been excluded.

The lawyer's defence alleges that the judge, in order to extract the information that she considered relevant, accessed, read, studied and analyzed the lawyer/client and lawyer/lawyer communications from a multitude of criminal cases, many of them subjudice, with all the violations that this entails; in addition, others, such as police officers and court officials also had access to all the contents of the emails and mobile phone".

Human rights

The lawsuit asserts by accessing this information indiscriminately, the inquiry inspected communications carried out long before the case being investigated and which affect Boye's work with NGOs, human rights advocates, journalists and individuals he is defending in Spain and abroad. With regard to this point, it cites cases being heard in the European Court of Human Rights, the General Court of the EU and the Court of Justice of the EU, as well as before the African Commission and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The submission also refers specifically to the information on Puigdemont, and exiled Catalan ministers Toni Comin Clara Ponsati, which the judge accessed in a "massive and indiscriminate" manner.

In addition, "the unrestricted access to his mobile phone and email has affected the professional secrecy of dozens of journalists both in Spain and in many other countries," the text says. In fact, the writ considers that this massive entry into Boyes communications is as serious as if it had been carried out in reverse by accessing the communications of dozens of journalists with whom he maintains regular communications in Spain and abroad.

Sensitive information

The text notes that Boye works on a regular basis with extremely complex cases in such delicate jurisdictions, in matters of human rights and civil liberties", as Algeria, Guinea-Conakry, Morocco, Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Turkey, Gambia, Tanzania, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Panama, Chile and others, but all these communications were exposed "by an action that violates fundamental rights".

It poses the question of whether the judge is aware of what could happen to any of these people if their communications are revealed, simply through it becoming known that they had been in contact with Boye. "The seriousness of the intrusion is very great and the consequences are yet to be seen," it warns, referring to specific cases of human rights activists and defenders.

False accusation

The text recalls that the entry into and search of Boye's office was based solely on the statement of another defendant in the case, Manuel Puentes, a statement which the submission asserts is "absolutely false", as demonstrated by the data available to the judge. The claim reproduces the data which appears in the investigation summary, showing that the statements incriminating the lawyer are false and exclaiming that "to know that Puentes Saavedra was lying was simple and it was mandatory to check that."

On this basis, all the lawyer's emails between 2010 and 2019 were seized, instead of limiting the judicial inspection to the period investigated - relating to events that occurred in 2017. Similarly, the entire contents of his mobile phone data were accessed, without limitations of clients, cases, dates, or individuals.

As a consequence of all this, Boye's defence demands that the lifting of the confidentiality on the part of the inquiry relating to the lawyer's emails and mobile phone be annulled, and asserts that the lawyer's right to effective judicial protection and the right to a trial with the due guarantees were breached; the writ demands the return of copies made of email and mobile contents, calls for the identification of people who have had access to the devices and their content, the destruction of any copies and the exclusion of such data from the investigation of the case. It also calls for urgent interim measures, including the closure of the separate part of the case containing the data and a ban on accessing the information it contains.

The writ also calls on the Constitutional Court to rule on delimiting the scope that the professional secrecy of lawyers, human rights defenders and activists and journalists must have in relation to the investigation of an alleged criminal offence. How is the confidentiality of communications and professional secrecy guaranteed if there is no clear rule?" asks the submission to Spain's court of guarantees.
A look at Friday's major share movers on the London Stock Exchange

PLC ( ) added 7% to 84.3p before close after announcing that performance following the reopening of stores in England and Wales has topped expectations.

Sites in Scotland will resume trading on 26 April while those in Northern Ireland have reopened today.

The greeting cards retailer has also headline terms for refinancing with its banks, with more details to be released soon. The banks also extended waivers in respect of anticipated covenant breaches to 31 May 2021, taking account of the company's cash flow projections.

2.05pm: FireAngel Safety descends after placing shares at a discount

FireAngel Safety Technology Group plc ( ) descended 10% to 20.2p after announcing plans to raise 6.9mln via an open offer.

The developer and supplier of home safety products is offering 10 open offer shares for every 33 existing ordinary shares at 18p each, which is a 20% discount to Thursdays closing price.

The AIM-listed firm has also raised 2.9mln via a firm placing and up to 6.9mln via a conditional placing, with proceeds to be used to fund research and development and shore up the balance sheet.

1pm: gallops after revenue, profit upgrade

PLC ( ) galloped 9% higher to 184p at lunchtime after upgrading expectations for full-year revenue and adjusted underlying earnings (EBITDA).

The veterinary services provider said sales are remaining strong and there has been a steady increase in customer demand since the end of March.

It expressed confidence that this strong performance will continue for the remaining months of the financial year ending in June.

12.10pm: slips after competitor poaches senior staff

plc ( ) slipped 9% to 50.1p at midday after admitting it has lost senior staff and associated team members to a competitor in the Asia-Pacific region.

The professional services consultancy said it makes up for significant challenges alongside volatility due to lockdowns in key regions.

However, the outlook for the second half year is encouraging, the AIM-listed firm added, with activity levels improved from the low point in January and February at the height of lockdown restrictions in the UK and Europe.

11am: genedrive in demand after Indian regulator approves COVID-19 test

( ) surged 24% to 89.75p in the late morning after its COVID-19 test was approved by the Indian regulator.

The PCR assay achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity in a performance evaluation conducted by the countrys Council of Medical Research.

The plan is to begin commercial activities through its existing local distributor Divoc Health, the company said, adding it will also be seeking additional routes to the market.

10am: Barclays tanks after falling short of rival banks performance

( ) dropped 5% to 179.58p after its first-quarter results showed a sharp variance to the positive updates from its high street banking rivals this week, with an increase in its cost-to-income ratio and cautious approach to bad debts.

The decision not to adjust its previous bad debt estimates, unlike most of its peer group, appears to have spooked the market along with a patchy investment banking performance and a cautious view on costs as Barclays looks at reducing its physical footprint, said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

Less of us seem to be splurging with our credit cards in lockdown judging by the performance of Barclaycard, perhaps because of belt tightening on one side and on the other because some people have built up a cash buffer and therefore dont need to use credit at a time when theres less to spend on.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Energy PLC (LON:HUR) tumbled 39% to 1.4p after entering a lock-up agreement with an ad hoc group of bondholders.

This group holds 69% by value of the oiler's US$230mln convertible bonds due 24 July 2022.

Hurricane will pay its debt by issuing new shares and will pursue a new business strategy that will include extending production case in the Lancaster field.

9am: Jadestone Energy rises early after acquiring four Malaysian licences for US$9mln

Jadestone Energy plc ( ) was an early riser on Friday, jumping 9% to 64.5p after buying SapuraOMV's interest in four licences in Malaysia for US$9mln.

The assets have a low operating cost production of 6,000 barrels oil equivalent per day, increasing the AIM-listed firms reserves by 34%.

The transaction will be funded with the companys cash resources.

Elsewhere, ( ) climbed 35% to 60.6p after receiving CE mark approval for its MED3000 gel for erectile dysfunction.

The product will be available over the counter without a doctors prescription.

The CE mark paves the way for approval in many countries around the world, including in the Middle East, Africa, the Far East and Latin American regions that allow "fast-track" review based on recognition of the EU CE mark.

Proactive news headlines

( ) said its COVID-19 PCR test has been approved by Indian regulator after the 96 SARS-CoV-2 kit achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity in the performance evaluation conducted by the countrys Council of Medical Research.

( ) said it landed a new US$1.1mln rental contract from an existing North American customer. The customer will rent Enteq's core Measurement While Drilling (MWD) technology for a minimum of eight months.

( ) chief executive Richard Marsden said he was delighted by the findings from a phase II study of 221 hospitalised and home-based Covid patients.

( ) said it has now received its CE mark approval for its MED3000 erectile dysfunction gel formulation as a Class 2B approved medical device.

( ) has acquired a package of assets in Louisiana, marking its first deal in a newly identified central regional focus area (RFA).

( ) has updated investors on the outcome of its strategic implementation review while also unveiling a number of changes to its board.

( ) has reported improved losses during 2020 as the company said it had successfully navigated the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic due to its multiple revenue stream business model, with revenues remained relatively steady at 10mln.

( ) informed that the board has exercised its discretion to waive the requirement for a mandatory offer for the company by Labro Investments Limited upon the acquisition of up to 10,000,000 ordinary shares in the company.

PLC ( ) said it came out of 2020 stronger than it went in and expects to make progress across its portfolio with the possibility of additions.

( ) has inked a strategic research agreement with the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E) that gives it secure access to 1.2mln patient records.

Salt Lake Potash Limited ( ) ( ) ( ) (FRA:W1D) has updated investors in a quarterly report for the period to March 31 as it focused on completing the development of the Lake Way sulphate of potash (SOP) project in Western Australia.

(LON:COPL, TSE:XOP) described a remarkable year as it filed its full year results. The first half of the year was difficult, but was truly outstanding at year-end, said Arthur Millholland chief executive said in a statement.

( ) has introduced a Carbon Policy that sets out its commitments relating to the management of carbon emissions, low-carbon targets and initiatives.

( ) said its next phase of work will comprise drilling at Ragged Range, its US uranium-vanadium project in Colorado, and resource extension work and ISR test work at Alford East.

( ) said it has eleven active non-disclosure agreements in force currently with opportunities across mineral sands, lead, nickel, copper, gold, zinc, cobalt, potash, and iron ore.

( ) said it has appointed its interim chief financial officer Mike Gant to the position permanently and to the board with immediate effect.

( ) said Richard Withers has tendered his resignation as chief financial officer to pursue a project outside of the group.

( ) announced that it was notified on 29 April 2021 that on that same day, Nick Rodgers, chairman of the company, purchased 1,511 shares at a price of 148.7p apiece.

( ) said Vulpes Life Sciences Fund, a person closely associated with non-executive director Martin Diggle has purchased 400,000 ordinary shares in the company at a price of 20.4p apiece.

Curtis Banks PLC ( ) announced that its annual general meeting will be held on Thursday 27 May 2021. Due to Covid-19, shareholders are strongly recommended not to attend the AGM in person and are instead requested to complete their form of proxy or submit their votes electronically.

Shanta Gold PLC ( ) notified that chief executive Eric Zurrin and chief financial officer Luke Leslie will provide a live investor presentation via the Investor Meet Company platform at 10:30am BST on Wednesday 5th May 2021.
LONDON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EW Healthcare Partners ("EW") has acquired a majority stake in Laboratoires Majorelle ("Majorelle") from its Founders to support its growth and European expansion in line with the Founders' strategy.

Headquartered in Paris, Majorelle is a French specialty pharma company focused on prescription and OTC products in women's health and urology that offer health solutions for men and women in France. The company's portfolio of products commands a strong position in the French market with its highly respected brand image and affordable pricing.

Since its founding in 2012, Majorelle has developed the most relevant and dynamic women's health product range in the French market, meeting unmet medical needs, making new treatments available to patients, and offering significant public health outcomes. The company has 65 employees and has experienced over 20% annual revenue and EBITDA growth in recent years.

Upon completion of the transaction, the Founders will retain a minority stake in the company and will work closely together with EW to drive continued rapid revenue and EBITDA growth.

Mehdi el Glaoui, Founder of Majorelle, said, "We are enthusiastic about partnering with EW Healthcare Partners in our continued growth. We are proud of having built a unique fully-fledged specialty pharmaceutical company in less than a decade thanks to a highly talented team. Our team up with EW is a powerful combination to seize the many growth opportunities we see ahead of us and achieve our ambitions in France and international markets."

Olivier Bohuon, Senior Adviser at EW Healthcare Partners and incoming Chairman of the Board of Majorelle, commented: "I am very happy to join Majorelle as Chairman of the Board and thrilled to support EW Healthcare Partners and the Founders in the European expansion and the next steps of development of this great company."

The partnership with EW will help further extend Majorelle's product portfolio and commercial infrastructure in France and support the company's ambition to grow its positioning as a key specialty pharma player in women's health and urology.

"We are excited to join forces with Majorelle and support the company's strategic plans. We believe that EW, with its global network and deep experience and expertise in healthcare, is uniquely positioned to help Majorelle grow into a pan-European specialty pharma company," commented Evis Hursever, Managing Director at EW Healthcare Partners.

EW acquired the majority stake in Majorelle for an undisclosed amount. The transaction closed in April 2021.

Reed Smith and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisers to EW Healthcare Partners and PwC provided financial, accounting and tax advice. Bryan Garnier & Co acted as financial adviser to the Founders, August Debouzy and Odinot & Associes served as legal advisers to the Founders and Majorelle.

About EW Healthcare Partners

With close to $4 billion raised since inception, EW Healthcare Partners is one of the largest and oldest private healthcare investment firms and seeks to make growth equity investments in fast-growing, commercial-stage healthcare companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics, and technology-enabled services sectors in the United States and in Europe. Since its founding in 1985, EW Healthcare Partners has maintained its singular commitment to the healthcare industry and has been a long-term investor in over 150 healthcare companies, ranging across sectors, stages and geographies. The team is comprised of over 20 senior investment professionals with offices in New York, Houston and London. For more information, see www.ewhealthcare.com.

Media Contact

Dr. Evis Hursever

evis@ewhealthcare.com

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The pilot of a Duke Energy helicopter was killed Wednesday when the aircraft went down in a wooded area while surveying power lines, officials said.

Spokesman Jeff Brooks confirmed late Wednesday night that the pilot was killed, but he provided no additional details. Officials said two other people aboard the helicopter were injured.

Rockingham County Emergency Services said in a news release that the helicopter crashed near the Dan River Combined Cycle Station near some homes in the town of Eden. The Federal Aviation Administration said in an email that the Bell 429 helicopter crashed around 1:55 p.m.

A news release from emergency officials said two passengers aboard were able to escape the wreckage, and that Rockingham County EMS made contact with them. One passenger was taken by ambulance to UNC-Rockingham and the second passenger was airlifted to Wake Forest Baptist Health Care in Winston-Salem. Their conditions were not known late Wednesday night.

The National Transportation Safety board is expected to have an investigator on the scene on Thursday, and an earlier statement from the Charlotte-based utility said it is also was investigating the crash.

The Dan River Combined Cycle Station went online in 2012, according to the utilitys website. The facility provides electricity to as many as 620,000 customers, nearly double the capacity of the steam plant it replaced.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics North Carolina
One San Antonio doctor is taking matters into her own hands to address the lack of healthcare services on the citys South Side.

Dr. Lyssa Ochoa and healthcare administrator Carl Negley want to improve South Side residents access to healthcare. With many having to go to the Medical Center, Stone Oak area, or downtown just for basic procedures and services, the pair decided to give the underserved community a better option: a surgery center in their own part of town.

Ochoa, founder of the San Antonio Vascular and Endovascular Clinic (SAVE), said she wanted to expand and build another clinic (there are six already). When she and Negley saw that no surgery centers existed south of downtown, they wondered how much more development it would take to open up a dedicated space for surgeries.

Now, Ochoa and Negley are set to open the Mission Surgery Center at 601 E. Amber St. this summer.

READ MORE: Flash flood warning issued for San Antonio and surrounding areas

While the South Side has just two hospitals, Mission Surgery Center will be a place where patients can get basic procedures, services, and surgeries done, all outpatient. It will also act as a full-service ambulatory facility and be the only Medicare-accredited facility south of the city center, as first reported by the San Antonio Express-News.

Though a lack of infrastructure planning, economic and social segregation, and disparity in education are to blame, Negley said he hopes to elicit a change in perspective from healthcare professionals. He said his and Ochoas concern for the center is largely inspired by not only the lack of resources on the South Side, but also the disparity between the area and the North Side. He believes that disparity is further worsened by doctors assumption that having a healthcare facility on the South Side is not a viable business model.

I want to tackle healthcare disparities, but I cant do it as a doctor, Negley said. I have to do it by trying to enable and help doctors see how practical it is to expand their services to the South Side if they dont have the services there currently.

Advancing Surgical Care

He said the healthcare disparity is a factor in the 20-year life expectancy discrepancy between North Side and South Side residents.

All the social determinants of health, which include access to care and health literacy, are definitely disproportionately affecting the people of the South Side, West Side, and East Side, he said.

READ MORE: Top U.S. brunch spot hit hard by San Antonio's severe weather

While Negley believes many may have been too unsure to make the move to the South Side on their own, hes happy that Mission Surgery Center will serve as a way for healthcare professionals to see that this community should not be ignored.

We already have lots of doctors that have expressed some interest, he said. We want to make it available as a resource for the divisions that want to help our South Side people.

Though Ochoas practice has focused on vascular procedures, the center will be accessible to all types of doctors and specialists. If they want to use the space, Negley said they will be able to make their appointments at the center. All they need is the proper credentials in order to practice there.

Negley said he and Ochoa are eager to eventually focus on other underserved communities, such as the West and East sides, but remains excited for Mission Surgery Centers opening day.

We will be the first, but we wont be the last, he said.
President Biden made several ambitious ideas in his first speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, but he left out a host of contentious topics, according to The Hill.

These issues are the cancellation of student debt loans, filibuster reform, the increasing number of refugees at the Southern Border, the hot stock market, and his proposal to increase the Supreme Court seats.

All these have been under debate among lawmakers and have further set apart the Republicans and Democrats. It even created a gap among the Democratic lawmakers, especially Biden's immigration policy and proposed infrastructure bill. However, Biden failed to take up these issues during his first address.

Read Also: Joe Biden Speech Takeaways: "America On the Move Again" With More Jobs, $1.8 Trillion Plan

Important Issues Biden Did Not Mention

1. Student Loan Debt

According to a recently published article on FiveThirtyEight, advocates who have prioritized canceling $50,000 in student loan debt were disappointed when Biden made no mention of a problem they believed is critical.

Although Biden works with progressives on various issues ranging from pro-union policy to climate change, he disagrees with Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer on loan repayment. Biden advocates loan relief of up to $10,000, but he did not discuss it in his speech on Wednesday.

Student loan cancellation, according to advocates, is primarily a racial justice problem. According to figures from the American Civil Liberties Union, Black households are more likely to borrow at higher rates. The average Black family borrowers already owe 95 percent of their debt after 20 years.

2. Admission of Refugees

Biden also failed to discuss refugee resettlement, despite the demands from Senate Democrats to raise the number of refugees admitted to the United States, as reported on CNBC News.

The president addressed immigration reform and urged Congress to pass legislation that would include a road to legalization for certain undocumented immigrants, but he did not discuss refugees.

The White House initially said it would maintain the 15,000-person cap established by former President Donald Trump but has since retracted that statement and instead stated that it would release its decision by May 15.

During the referendum, Biden promised to lift the ceiling to 125,000 and then raise it again over time, but in February, he proposed lowering it to 62,500 for the fiscal year 2021.

3. Supreme Court

The absence of any further discussion of the judicial branch was conspicuous because Biden declared earlier this month that he would form a committee to explore extending the Supreme Court, which is another priority for progressives. Republicans are vehemently opposed to what they call "court-packing," or the addition of seats to the Supreme Court.

The nomination of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Trump's choice to succeed the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, sparked controversy over high court changes. Such proposed amendments at the time included setting 18-year terms for justices and limiting the court's authority.

Related Article: Former Pres. Donald Trump Reportedly Moving Operations From Florida to New Jersey

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Helicopter surveillance over an alleged car chase sparked a tragic incident that has met with protester rebuke and police denials.

Here's the latest as the case goes to trial in an urban core political climate that no longer seems favorable to law enforcement.

Read more . . .
The coronavirus catastrophe continues to worsen across India, with the country reporting 3,645 new fatalities yesterday, a new high in the number of COVID-19 deaths in a single day. India also recorded 379,257 new cases, another world record in daily infections, taking its overall total to more than 18 million confirmed cases.

Hospitals and morgues throughout the country, including in megacities like Delhi and Mumbai, are overwhelmed. Despite these deadly conditions, Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has refused to guarantee free coronavirus vaccines.

People wait to receive COVID-19 vaccine in Mumbai, India, Thursday, April 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)

In his April 20 address to the nation, Modi declared that all people over 18 years would be able to get vaccinated from May 1. Prior to that, the government was inoculating only those aged over 45 years. While Modi boasted that India has the cheapest vaccine in the world, shots for those in the 18- to 45-year-old group are not free and recipients will have to pay.

An April 19 statement by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare made clear that the Modi governments priority is not protecting human life but the profit interests of private manufacturers and the ruling elites geo-strategic interests.

The strength of Indias private sector vaccine manufacturing capability, it said, has been strategically empowered through unprecedented decisive steps, from facilitating public-private collaborative research, trials and product development, to targeted public grants and far-reaching governance reforms in Indias regulatory system. The grandiose and cynical statement is of little comfort to millions of Indians confronted with the deadly disease.

The media is dominated by heartbreaking reports about the lack of oxygen, basic medical supplies, urgently needed vaccines and drugs, as well as problems disposing of the corpses of victims of the pandemic.

Scroll.in reported on April 29 that crematoriums are being overwhelmed. It noted that 300 kilograms of wood are needed for a funeral pyre to cremate a body and quoted Ram Pal, a crematorium worker, who said There are more bodies than wood bodies after bodies are coming.

Numerous other media reports reveal that the central and state governments are undercounting coronavirus fatalities. Journalists from the NDTV news network visited seven cremation grounds in Delhi, reporting on April 28 that at least 1,150 deaths were not included in the official COVID-19 death list between April 18 and 24. NDTV reporters were told by a worker at one crematorium that people who died at home from the virus were not recorded as COVID-19 fatalities.

Asked by a journalist about one district administration that is allegedly withholding the exact number of COVID deaths, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khatter, who is a member of Modis Hindu-supremacist Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP), contemptuously declared: Theres no point making a noise about the number of people who have died because the dead wont be coming back to life.

The criminal indifference of the ruling elite towards the Indian masses is exposed not just in the mounting piles of dead bodies, but above all in its deliberate refusal to act on the advice of medical experts.

The Indian health ministry has given a green light to domestic and international vaccine and drug companies to determine the cost of coronavirus vaccines. In its April 19 statement, the ministry stated that Phase-III of the countrys National Vaccine Strategy aims at liberalised vaccine pricing and at making pricing, procurement, eligibility and administration of vaccines open and flexible.

Under this arrangement, the Modi government has granted two indigenous vaccine makersthe Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotechand a third company, which produces the Sputnik vaccine, rights to manufacture in India.

Fifty percent of vaccine doses made by these companies will be supplied to the central government, with the remainder purchased on the open market at a price transparently decided by these manufacturers. Ultimately, the cost burden will be imposed on millions of people frantically attempting to get vaccinated.

SII is currently selling the Covishield vaccine at 600 rupees ($US8.16) per dose for private hospitals, 400 rupees for Indian state governments and 150 rupees for the central government.

The company, however, is attempting to lift the price of shots supplied to the central government to 400 rupees, insisting that vaccines on the export market cost between 1,125 and 1,500 rupees per dose. Meanwhile, Bharat Biotech, which produces Covaxin, an indigenous COVID-19 vaccine, said on April 24 that its shots will be 600 rupees per dose for state governments and 1,200 rupees for private hospitals.

The abandonment of the Indian masses by the Modi government is exposed by recent Times of India figures which show that it would only cost $6.4 billion, or 0.32 percent of Indias GDP, to vaccinate every Indian citizen over 18-years-oldi.e., 800 million people or up to 65 percent of the countrys population.

The media is currently reporting that many Indian states are unsure whether they can begin inoculating all residents over 18 years of age on May 1 because they have still not been provided vaccines from SII and Bharat Biotech.

The Indian Express reported on April 27 that opposition governments, such as those in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab and Kerala, said they would have to postpone the next phase of Modis vaccination program because they did not have enough vaccines.

Tens of thousands of people are anxiously trying to secure a hospital bed, life-saving drugs and oxygen cylinders for loves ones; others are attempting to have the bodies of loved ones cremated. Amidst these horrifying scenes, Indias super rich are able to fly on private jets to safe havens in Europe, luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean or to the Middle East.

While a one-way commercial flight from Mumbai to Dubai is about 80,000 rupees (about $1,000) or around 10 times the usual rate, a spokesman for Air Charter Service India said the demand for private jet flights was absolutely crazy. As he told the AFP on April 27, We have 12 flights going to Dubai tomorrow and each flight is completely full.

The Modi government and its state counterparts are acutely nervous about the rising mass anger over their criminally indifferent reaction to COVID-19. Social media and Twitter in particular, is dominated by angry denunciations of government and health authorities.

In a reactionary attempt to block this outpouring, the Modi government demanded that Twitter delete all postings critical of the governments response to the pandemic. This week, 26-year-old Shashank Yadav, who posted a desperate appeal on Twitter for oxygen to be given to his dying grandfather, was charged by Uttar Pradesh police with spreading rumours over oxygen shortages. His supposed offense is intent to cause fear or alarm.
WELLESLEY, Mass., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- F.L.Putnam Investment Management Company today announced that Michael Genovese, CFP has joined the firm as a Private Client Advisor in Maine. Mr. Genovese has more than a decade of financial services experience and expands F.L.Putnam's private client advisory team to 17 professionals.

"Mike is a great addition to our Portland team," said Tom Manning, CEO at F.L.Putnam. "He brings deep financial services and investment knowledge in the private client space and will help us expand our offering and capabilities throughout the region."

Mr. Genovese most recently served as a Branch Manager at TD Ameritrade in Maine. During his tenure at TD Ameritrade, he led a team of financial services professionals and managed 250 client relationships. He previously held advisory roles at Wells Fargo and Edward Jones. Mr. Genovese holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional designation.

About F.L.Putnam Investment Management Company

F.L.Putnam Investment Management Company, an SEC-registered investment advisory firm, provides investment management, financial planning and consulting services to high-net-worth clients, endowments and foundations. For over 35 years, we have delivered a comprehensive set of solutions that help clients build, preserve, and manage their wealth. We serve clients from offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. More information is available at www.flputnam.com.

Contact:

KWM Communications

Kellie Walsh

914-315-6072

[email protected]

SOURCE F.L.Putnam Investment Management Company

Related Links

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Ramesh Lakshminarayanan, HDFC Banks chief information officer (CIO), spends two hours briefing the banks boss, Sashidhar Jagdishan, every day on technology-related issues. Not necessarily on business, but on concepts. Thats because the kind of terminology that geeks like him use may appear Greek to traditional bankers.

The of Indias largest private bank was part of a panel discussion at Business Standards webinar on Getting Cloud right: key to risk management in banks; and sharing space with him were Akhil Handa, head of fintech and new business initiatives at Bank of Baroda; Murali Rao, chief officer at DCB Bank; G Sankaran, at City Union Bank; and Rocha Martim, global director (head of Risk Banking Solutions) at SAS. The session was moderated by Tamal Bandyopadhay, consulting editor of Business Standard.

We have to fundamentally re-architect the way we store data. Now how you do it  whether it is to a private Cloud; or if it is to be public or hybrid  is for the bank to decide. But the exponential growth in digital transactions means that we have to hasten this shift, opined Handa.

In the Indian context, attracting talent remains a big issue because tech folks are used to work in new-age entities like an Amazon, Facebook, Google or a Flipkart. And given the human resource (HR) aspect, they may not necessarily be keen to work in legacy banks. While it was not specifically spelt out, banks will need to rewire their HR policies to attract and retain talent, more so in the case of state-run banks. What was also left unsaid that banks will have to get moving on the Cloud front quickly as a lot of business, especially on the payments front, are now being through outside conventional banking channels. And customers want to have a much different experience.

A few key takeaways from the discussion held on Friday were that a shift to Cloud is not to be seen as merely replicating existing processes on to it. It was reiterated that given the complexities involved  technology, people and the business models  it was difficult to back-pedal once a path was to Cloud was chosen. And this shift to Cloud comes even as the pandemic brings its set of pain points. The entire eco-system of a banks partnerships, too, stands to get affected, said Handa. Simply put, a banks partners will also have to be in-step with the changes underway.

The security of data will become more critical even as it raises performance issues. It will call for a cultural change at banks and there will have to a relook at board-approved policies noted Sankaran. You have to aware of the specific eco-system you are operating in; and then take a decision as to go about it in an incremental way, said Rao.

Cloud offers banks the headroom to be agile and quickly adapt to emerging needs. Take risk management, for instance. There are typically monthly or quarterly peak load times. With Cloud, you can react immediately; and there are also pay-and-use models which you can avail of, added Martim.
Indianapolis, IN (46208)

Today

Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High around 80F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
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Maintain a good credit score or improve it. When filling online questionnaires, one of the most common questions is related to credit score standing. Naturally, people with Excellent status will get better prices. Improving the credit score is possible, but requires financial counseling from experts. Some strategies may imply using balance transfer credit cards or short-term loans.

Enroll and graduate defensive driving courses. Insurance companies appreciate and reward safe drivers. People who voluntarily enrolled in defensive driving courses and graduated will get a discount. Furthermore, graduating courses will help drivers keep premiums low, by offsetting some future license points.

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Use online car insurance quotes. Online quotes will help drivers compare rates with multiple insurance providers. They will also help drivers customize coverage options and create a coverage plan suitable for the drivers needs and financial possibilities

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.

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A woman who impersonated a Home and Away heart-throb to 'catfish' women online will remain behind bars amid fresh stalking and assault allegations.

Melbourne woman Lydia Abdelmalek, 29, was sentenced in June 2019 to a two-year, eight-month prison term for six counts of stalking, employing what one victim called 'sick mind games', impersonating soap star Lincoln Lewis.

But Abdelmalek was bailed almost immediately as she flagged an appeal.

Lydia Abdelmalek (right), and her father leave the County Court of Victoria last year

The former Home and Away (pictured) star explained how powerless the catfishing left him, telling the court at an earlier appearance he felt powerless

She was released with a $10,000 surety and directed to comply with strict social media restrictions.

On Friday, the cruel scammer appeared in the Heidelberg Magistrates' Court on a swag of new charges, including assault, stalking, using a carriage service to harass and committing offences while on bail.

Her lawyer, Stary Norton Halphen's Sam Norton, labelled the police prosecution of his client a 'disgrace' and asked she be released from custody immediately.

Abdelmalek is being held at Melbourne's notorious Dame Phyliss Frost Centre, which houses some of Australia's most violent female criminals.

The court heard police allege Abdelmalek got into a heated argument with a man at an Aldi supermarket in Epping - north of Melbourne - in March where she claimed he slapped her mobile phone from her hand.

Both alleged assault and contacted police, with Abdelmalek taking to social media to vent on her victim using an alleged fake name on a community Facebook page.

When the alleged victim responded in defence, Abdelmalek allegedly doubled down on the man.

'Defending himself, or defending his girlfriend that his wife doesn't know about,' she allegedly posted.

'The police are involved now so he can't hide forever. Also we have video footage.'

The hunter becomes the hunted: Lydia Abdelmalek leaves court in February last year with her barrister as reporters hit her with a barrage of questions

Tight lipped: Lydia Abdelmalek had nothing to say as she tried to escape a media pack that chased her and her father along Lonsdale Street outside the County Court of Victoria in February last year

The court heard Abdelmalek continued to contact her victim under a false name, using a display picture of his own family as her profile photo.

Detective Senior-Constable Emily Trewarne told the court Abdelmalek later contacted the man's wife.

Mr Norton attacked the credibility of the alleged victim, whose claim of assault was withdrawn by police on Friday after a series of text exchanges he had with Abdelmalek appeared.

'Is it because of messages like this,' Mr Norton said. 'See you told me you loved me last time ha ha ha I never did.'

The respected barrister proceeded to read out a series of bizarre exchanges between the pair indicating they were in an intimate relationship themselves.

'No-one can forget my smell,' the alleged victim wrote. 'I am like a sweet poison.'

Mr Norton claimed the victim was lying about the allegations that saw his client locked up.

Lydia Abdelmalek had remained free in the community on appeal bail

Soap star Lincoln Lewis explained how powerless the catfishing left him, telling the court at an earlier appearance he felt powerless

Mr Norton became clearly agitated when the detective, who had just got back from annual leave, declared she had not even seen the text exchange between the pair.

'I'm very considerably troubled by this and I'm going to cease my cross examination,' Mr Norton told the magistrate.

'This woman should be released immediately. The approach that has been taken here, is in my submission, an absolute disgrace ... the fact that these messages haven't been considered or read just beggars belief.'

The court heard Abdelmalek is also accused of harassing a female victim through a false social media account.

Those claims are also denied by Abdelmalek, who has since supplied police with an unedited running sheet of her exchanges with the woman.

Mr Norton had hoped to have Abdelmalek released from jail on Friday, but was hampered by a videolink that only lasted 45 minutes.

She will now spend another weekend behind bars as the court works to find another date to continue the hearing.

One of Abdelmalek's (pictured) victims took her own life last year, but wrote a statement beforehand outlining the trauma of being duped into believing the TV star was in love with her

Abdelmalek's jailing will come as sweet justice to the family of the woman she was convicted of tormenting to death.

Abdelmalek had pretended to be Lewis and used other aliases to stalk seven people for about four years from May 2011.

One of Abdelmalek's victims took her own life last year, but wrote a statement beforehand outlining the trauma of being duped into believing the TV star was in love with her.

The woman said she felt tortured for the 'sick fascination, perverse pleasure and unhealthy satisfaction' of her tormentor.

Another victim said she had turned from the life of the party to a recluse after what the sentencing magistrate described as 'calculated and cruel' offending.

Abdelmalek went as far as sending explicit images of the woman and vulgar messages to her father, mother, sister and brother-in-law.

Another woman, who was similarly scammed by the Lewis alias, said the 'sick mind games' turned her from the life of the party to a recluse.

The former Home and Away star explained how powerless the catfishing left him, telling the court at an earlier appearance he felt powerless.

'It kills your vibe, it ruins your day. It makes you feel powerless and it makes you feel s**t,' he said.

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Relatives perform the last rites for COVID-19 victims during their funeral at a cremation ground in New Delhi, India, Thursday. Delhi reported 25,986 fresh cases, 368 deaths in last 24 hours and continue to struggle with the oxygen supply. India's deadly COVID-19 second wave has devastated big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and Pune. EPA-Yonhap





By Jung Da-min







As a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc in India, the government here is considering increasing the number of flights to repatriate South Korean residents there, while raising its travel alert to the country by one notch, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday.







Currently, the government's travel alert for India is "yellow," the third-highest in its four-tier system, in which travelers are advised to refrain from traveling to the country. If the alert is raised to "red," the second highest, Koreans there are advised to return home.







An official with the foreign ministry said about 128 out of 10,000 Koreans staying in India had been infected by COVID-19 as of Thursday morning  72 in 2020 and 56 this year, five of whom have recovered. But the actual number of infections is estimated to be higher than the ministry data, as there are people who have not informed the Korean Embassy of their contracting the virus.







"We have increased the number of round-trip flights between India and Korea from the original six to twelve, twice as many as before to quickly respond to the increasing demand from Korean residents who want to return home," the official said.







But he added that the increase would be temporary, as many Koreans there probably want to remain in India where they run businesses, such as factories or restaurants.







Meanwhile, the foreign ministry is planning to send relief supplies to India, including medical equipment like oxygen generators and negative pressure stretchers. It is also reviewing sending COVID-19 diagnostic kits.


Delegations of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have held talks in the city of Isfara, Sughd Region bordering Kyrgyzstan, and issued a joint statement to reaffirm their intention to end the armed conflict that broke out on the border between the two countries on April 29.

The statement was signed by Chairman of the Tajik State Committee for National Security Saymumin Yatimov and authorized envoy of the Kyrgyz government Omurbek Suvanaliev, the text was published on Friday by Tajikistans Khovar news agency.

It said that the commissions created by the two states for settlement of the armed conflict on the border on April 29, 2021 "discussed the reasons behind and consequences of the incident and reached a joint agreement to end the armed conflict, withdraw personnel and hardware to their permanent bases, take measures to avoid further escalation of tensions, create a joint working group involving officers of law enforcement agencies and staffers of the two countries executive branches to fully realize the set out measures and create relevant stabilizing conditions for a fruitful negotiating process in the interests of two friendly nations and states," the document reads.

The situation on the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan near the Golovnoy water intake facility escalated on April 28, after a conflict sparked between residents of the two countries border areas. On April 29, a firefight between Kyrgyzstans and Tajikistans military servicemen broke out. Both sides have reported injuries among their officers. According to Bishkek, Tajik military servicemen used machine guns and mortars during the firefight. Bishkek also accused Dushanbe of attempting to seize the water intake facility.

On the evening of April 29, the sides agreed to establish a ceasefire and withdraw their military units to their places of permanent assignment, TASS reported.

Per earlier reports, Kyrgyzstan initiated talks between the foreign ministers who underlined that the conflict needs to be resolved through political and diplomatic means. The Tajik Foreign Ministry also reported that heads of the national law enforcement agencies would conduct talks. It was underlined that the Tajik side observes the ceasefire.
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This invitation is simply an excuse to enlist U.S. support to deal with his pet problems, but does it align with U.S. interests? At the moment, I think the Americans have just two interests in Nigeria: Islamist violence in the Sahel (which touches us), and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, which has a limited effect on global shipping. Are those enough for them to come and risk the lives of their boys?

A few days ago, and completely out of the blues, President Buhari requested that the United States establish an Africom base in Nigeria. It was a stunning reversal from President YarAduas position 12 years ago. The headline of Peoples Gazette was, in my opinion, the most realistic: Bring American soldiers to help tackle Nigerias insecurity, Buhari begs U.S. Yes, that is what the Presidents request amounted to. Pleading with people we have snubbed in the past, or in other words, an admission that we have lost the Boko Haram war.

There are three points that I have to bring out: The first has already been made. We have lost the war against Boko Haram, and this is an admission by other means. What is most annoying to me is the lack of discussion about it and the fact that we keep burying our heads in the sand with regards to the insurgents. Having so many schools closed in Northern Nigeria has always been one of Boko Harams strategic objectives, and now they have it. Again, weve lost.

The second is this: Having a major U.S. base in Nigeria, and that is assuming that the Americans accede to our plea, will make our country a magnet for every Jihadist group from Tripoli to Timbuktu. Theres nothing that jihadists love better than to bloody the nose of the Great Satan, and a base in a country that does not even know where its borders start and stop is too attractive a prospect.

the key question is what exactly can the U.S. military do? If you critically examine Somalia, for example, which is even closer to key U.S. assets in the Gulf, or Afghanistan, youll have no choice but to become a lot less enthusiastic about Americas ability to improve a bad situation.

Finally, my reading of this is that Buhari and his cabal have figured out that Nigerias military apparatus has lost the monopoly of violence within the geographical expression and can thus no longer maintain their hold on power. They are thus essentially calling on the U.S. military to help them do the job. I suspect that if the Americans take the offer, theyll expect that the base will be set up in Abuja. Heck, I wont be surprised if they ask the Guards Brigade to vacate Wu Bassey Barracks to make our guests comfortable. But they miss the point. Uncle Sam does not give a free lunch, and he does not let client states dictate where and how he would deploy his boys. There is the economics of the whole thing. An American base will not necessarily improve our economy, as some have speculated. Africom is no more than 2,000 soldiers in all, hardly a size worth sending over the families of the servicemen along with them. We will not get Stuttgart or Lakenheath. We are likelier to get Kandahar.

There are some of Nigerias internal security problems that Buhari is interested in solving (Boko Haram is 200 kilometres away from his bed), and others he has no interest in hearing about (the killings in Benue), and still others that he simply wants to crush (IPOB). This invitation is simply an excuse to enlist U.S. support to deal with his pet problems, but does it align with U.S. interests? At the moment, I think the Americans have just two interests in Nigeria: Islamist violence in the Sahel (which touches us), and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, which has a limited effect on global shipping. Are those enough for them to come and risk the lives of their boys?

Having said all this, the key question is what exactly can the U.S. military do? If you critically examine Somalia, for example, which is even closer to key U.S. assets in the Gulf, or Afghanistan, youll have no choice but to become a lot less enthusiastic about Americas ability to improve a bad situation.

Cheta Nwanze is a partner at SBM Intelligence.
With just a day to go for opening up the vaccination drive for those in the 18-45 age bracket, one state after another is coming out to announce it wont be able to start. The reason: inability to procure vaccine stocks, shortage of supplies and imperative to give the second dose to those over 45 before extending it to the 18-45 group. Here's a list of states where the vaccination drive is delayed:

Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has called off the vaccination drive for 18-44 group without 30 lakh COVID-19 vaccine vials. States Health Minister Rajesh Tope said, Unless Maharashtra gets 25 to 30 lakh vaccine vials, it will not commence inoculation drive against COVID-19 for people in the 18-44 age group.



Due to non-availability of vaccines, all 136 vaccination centres in Mumbai will remain shut till May 2. We are trying to vaccinate all those waiting in line at these centres on Thursday. By evening, the vaccine stock depleted. If we receive the fresh stock, the vaccination drive will be restored in a days notice, said Suresh Kakani, additional municipal commissioner.



BCCL

Delhi

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain has said that the state government has decided to procure 67 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine, three lakh of which will be delivered by May 3. He added that the city currently doesn't have vaccines for the 18-45 age group whose immunisation is set to start on Saturday.



Madhya Pradesh

Late on Thursday evening, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, said his state would not start the vaccination for 18-45 age group on May 1 but continue with vaccinating people over 45 years. In a video message posted late night, he said, On contacting the manufacturers of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines, we learnt they are unable to give us doses for those above 18 years of age on May 1. So the drive covering the young people wont start on May 1.

Kerala

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state will give priority to those who are eligible for the second dose. There is no need to rush to vaccination centres for this. The second dose of Covishield vaccine should be taken within 6-8 weeks and Covaxin within 4-6 weeks The slot for the first dose will be allowed for online booking only after giving preference to those taking the second dose, he said.

Gujarat

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that the process will hopefully start by May 15. Rupani, however, said in a video address on social media that at least a part of 2.5 crore vaccine doses that it has ordered  two crore doses of Covidshield and 50 lakh doses of Covaxin  will be made available within the first 15 days of May.

BCCL

Punjab

The Punjab government has also indicated that it could not start the vaccination process as the state is facing a shortage of vaccine doses. The Congress government in the state has also written to SII for vaccine doses to start vaccination in time but has not received a response yet.

Chhattisgarh

"We don't have sufficient vaccine doses to start vaccinations from May 1 for the 18-plus population. Even if we have 1 lakh doses how many people we can inoculate out of the total 1.20 crore population", Chhattisgarh Health Minister TS Singh Deo said as quoted by news agency ANI.



BCCL

On April 28, the Centre had opened up registration to those over 18 for the third phase of vaccination on its Co-WIN platform. By Wednesday midnight, there was as many as 1.33 crore new sign-ins. Earlier this month, the Centre had announced opening up vaccination for the entire adult population, and allowed Serum Institute of India (Covishield) and Bharat Biotech (Covaxin) to sell 50 per cent of their new stock directly to states, private hospitals and corporates.
At a recent New York City mayoral forum on policing and community safety, candidates were asked for two things they would do as mayor to ensure that police who kill, brutalize or harass people are fired. Maya Wiley, the first to answer, began as if reading off her own resume. As someone who has been a civil rights lawyer my whole career, and racial justice advocate, and has worked on a criminal justice initiative in post-apartheid South Africa and chaired the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board  including getting the Daniel Pantaleo case over to the police department with charges, and fighting to hold on to civilian prosecution of that case  we have to do a couple of things, Wiley said, in not quite one breath but certainly one run-on sentence.

Absent from that long list of professional achievements are elected positions, but shes proud of that. Im not a conventional candidate, Wiley declared in her announcement video. But with 30 years in a variety of positions in activism and government, she is unquestionably experienced, especially in the realm of civil rights. Some of that experience, though, especially in the de Blasio administration, hasnt always led to positive impressions on the progressive base she is now courting in the Democratic primary.

The work Wiley mentioned in post-apartheid South Africa has its roots in her ungraduate days at Dartmouth College in the 1980s, when she was one of a group of student activists working on divestment. A psychology major at the time, she cited apartheid and divestment for inspiring her to go to law school and become a civil rights lawyer, she told the magazine Diverse Issues in Higher Education in 2018.

Wiley chose to go to Columbia Law School, where she was mentored by the renowned civil rights lawyer Jack Greenberg, who took over as director-counsel to the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund from Thurgood Marshall and served as vice dean of the law school. After becoming a lawyer, Wiley followed in Greenbergs footsteps, joining the groups poverty and justice program in 1992, where she remained until 1994. She left the NAACP to become a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, working in the civil division. She would later join the Open Society Institute, where she helped develop the criminal justice initiative in South Africa.

Just because a case is dismissed doesnt mean you have failed. When youre working on these matters, a lot of times, its the person that opens the door that leads to further action down the line.  former Assembly Member Michael Blake

One could say she also followed in the footsteps of her parents, George and Wretha Wiley  George was a civil rights activist who worked with Congress of Racial Equality in the 1960s and founded the National Welfare Rights Organization, while Wretha fought for school integration  and her stepfather Dr. Bruce Hanson, who was also a civil rights activist.

While with the NAACP, Wiley lobbied Congress on health care reform and worked on a lawsuit against St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, which was made up of two facilities in Manhattan, in an attempt to keep the hospital from removing services from its facility closest to Harlem. Wiley didnt win the case: A judge dismissed it. But former Assembly Member Michael Blake, a friend and supporter of Wileys, still considers that lawsuit one of her success stories. Just because a case is dismissed doesn't mean you have failed, said Blake. When you're working on these matters, a lot of times, it's the person that opens the door that leads to further action down the line.

Wiley went on to co-found her own nonprofit, the Center for Social Inclusion, a national policy strategy organization focused on racial inequality that has since been wrapped into the nonprofit Race Forward. Co-founder Jocelyn Sargent described the goal of the Center for Social Inclusion as connecting grassroots organizers with policymakers and national groups. Mayas always been committed to ... being of service to justice and democracy, Sargent said.

Those who have worked with her have described Wiley as a strong and supportive leader. I always found that no matter where we were, if you just came up and said to Maya, I want to be able to do this, she would help you kind of figure out how to best do that, said Anthony Giancatarino, who joined the Center for Social Inclusion as a researcher in 2010. And I found her someone who's willing to listen, to challenge you.

Visionary was a word used to describe Wiley by multiple people who worked with her at the nonprofit, including Sargent. Although its roots are in New York City, the Center for Social Inclusion began work on racial inequality in the South and on issues including broadband access, transportation, food inequity and energy as its national work ramped up and Wiley expanded its reach.

One police reform advocate said some of Wileys talking points are too reminiscent of de Blasio, who let down many reform advocates.

Its hard to point to concrete victories that the Center for Social Inclusion achieved, or even a specific policy it helped to implement, but those who have worked for the organization have credited it with helping to shift policy conversations to be more explicitly race-centered under Wileys leadership. Advocacy groups and policy groups all wanted to be race neutral  they just wanted to talk about class at that time, said Dennis Chin, who joined the Center for Social Inclusion in 2011 and and still works for Race Forward. Because of Mayas visionary and principled leadership  and the partners that weve worked with across the country, it played a huge part in making sure that racial equity was central to policymaking.

Chins assessment is difficult to prove or quantify, but its clear that Wileys profile began to rise in the later years of her time as president and executive director of the nonprofit. She began appearing on MSNBC as a guest expert in the field of racial justice in the 2010s, long before she became a paid contributor to the cable network.

Echoing both Chin and Sargent, Giancatarino considered Wiley ahead of her time when he worked with her in the way she centered racial equity in policy analysis. Wiley brought that mindset with her into New York City Mayor Bill de Blasios administration when she joined in 2014 as the mayors counsel. The influence that she had was really sort of bringing that social justice dimension to everything, said Andrea Hagelgans, de Blasios former communications director and senior adviser for strategic planning. She was always looking for opportunities to drive policy as well, and to think through the mayor's agenda and how to use her role to reduce inequality in the city, Hagelgans added, crediting Wiley for work to ensure that the administration enacted progressive policies including mandatory paid parental leave.

While Wileys policy work has only been criticized for sometimes slow execution, according to Gotham Gazette, her role as the mayors lawyer has been more controversial. She offered advice on how to avoid conflicts of interest issues when fundraising for the nonprofit Campaign for One New York, defended de Blasio amid scrutiny of the nonprofit that led to multiple investigations and reportedly played a fairly significant role in vetting donors to that and another fund the mayor controlled.

In a 2015 video, Wiley said her job as counsel to de Blasio is to keep him out of jail. And she succeeded, after multiple investigations into the mayors fundraising practices did not result in criminal charges against him  although Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said de Blasio was not following the intent and spirit of the law. Wiley was even the first to coin the now-infamous phrase agents of the city to refer to a group of informal outside advisers to the mayor as the administration fought for years to keep communications with them private.

For her part, Wiley has said that she offered advice to de Blasio as his lawyer, but he didnt always follow it. Wiley was not available for an interview for this piece and her campaign did not respond to a detailed list of questions, but supporters and colleagues defended her. We all have bosses we disagree with, Blake said, pointing to the Department of Investigation probe that found that her advice was not always followed and that de Blasio had broken ethics rules. The framing of well she was there and therefore lets hold that on her, thats wrong. Hagelgans also said shes not concerned something similar would happen should Wiley become mayor. In that position, she would be the one that would be taking the advice and making the judgment call, Hagelgans said. And I think she's got tremendous judgment.

Wiley left the administration in 2016 and was appointed the chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, an oversight agency for the New York City Police Department. She often touts her role in this position when discussing police reform, and during her tenure the CCRB did investigate Pantaleo for Eric Garners death, substantiating the complaints and recommending his firing just days after she left the agency. But the one year that she was there was marked by complaints from police reform advocates over a lack of transparency and what some saw as a reluctance to confront the police department. Over the last year, the CCRB has been disturbingly absent from the public debate about police misconduct and accountability, Christopher Dunn, then the associate legal director for the New York Civil Liberties Union, said when she left.

To some in the civil rights and criminal justice reform community, Wiley has a solid track record as an activist, but isnt the candidate that truly meets the moment. One police reform advocate, who asked for anonymity to speak candidly before their group makes an endorsement, said that some of Wileys talking points are too reminiscent of de Blasio, who let down many reform advocates during his time in office after failing to live up to his campaign promises on policing. This is despite attempts from Wiley to distance herself from her old boss throughout the campaign. I think she's got some good politics, and she's got a good resume, generally, overall, when you talk about racial equity, the advocate said. But Im not sure exactly what she can point to that came out of the CCRB, under her tenure, that radically improved the lives of New Yorkers.

Most of Wileys work until then had been with the Center for Social Inclusion, which was nationally focused and often did work on equity in other parts of the country. The advocate couldnt think of any work from Wileys time at the Center for Social Inclusion that involved reforming the NYPD, the civil rights and racial justice issue at the heart of this years mayoral race. I think she comes to the police reform work from a very grasstops place, as opposed to grassroots, they said. One could presumably make the same argument about Wileys post-administration work as a professional pundit for MSNBC and a professor at The New School.

But Sargent, who worked with Wiley in advocacy, disagreed with that assessment. Ive witnessed her work with grassroots organizing groups, community groups, to really raise their voices in, you know, traditional policymaking spaces, Sargent said. When I look back at her career, I see it all consistently building to what I think would be a really wonderful opportunity for the city of New York. It makes so much sense to me that she would be running for office.

This article is part of our For The Record series, examining the leading mayoral contenders professional records. You can read the rest of the series here.
They marked their 48th wedding anniversary in January.

And Michael Caine and his wife Shakira looked as loved-up as ever when the appeared in great spirits as they headed home from dinner on Wednesday.

The iconic actor, 88, and the former model, 74, headed to Oswald's in London where they ensured they were dressed in their finery for the date night.

All smiles: Michael Caine and his wife Shakira appeared to be in great spirits as they headed out for dinner at Oswald's in London on Wednesday evening

Sir Michael beamed as he made his way into a cab while wrapping up in a navy jacket which he paired with a smart blue shirt and dark cardigan.

He opted for comfort with a pair of black trainers which complemented his formal black trousers as he held his wife for support while also holding his cane.

He has used the cane since he suffered an ankle injury in 2018 after he fell on ice.

UFO actress Shakira, meanwhile, looked effortlessly chic in a tailored black longline coat which she paired with slim black trousers and shoes.

Stepping out: The iconic actor, 88, sported a smart navy jacket, while the former model, 74, looked chic in a black longline jacket and tailored blouse

She added a white blouse which tied at the front in a scarf-style attachement.

Keeping her look typically glamorous, she accessorised with a black patent crocodile print bag and large jewelled earrings.

Their romance has proved to be one of the longest marriages in showbiz, after tying the knot in Las Vegas in 1973.

In 2019, the veteran British actor revealed how he met the love of his life after seeing her star in a coffee commercial.

Loved up: Their romance has proved to be one of the longest marriages in showbiz, after tying the knot in Las Vegas in 1973. Michael first saw Shakira on a coffee commercial (pictured in 1972)

'I was at home and this commercial came on, for Maxwell House coffee. And there was this beautiful Brazilian girl,' he told Andrew Denton's Interview.

'I said to my mate "we're going to Brazil tomorrow - I have plenty of money, we're going to find her.''

Much to his surprise, his dream woman was not on the other side of the world, but instead a stone's throw away from where he was living.

The thespian reportedly called his future wife every day for ten days until she finally agreed to go out with him.

The couple have one daughter together, Natasha, 48, while the Alfie star has another daughter Dominique, 65, from his previous marriage with actress Patricia Haines.
Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Transmission electron micrograph of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, isolated from a patient. Image captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH

Scientists have known for a while that SARS-CoV-2's distinctive "spike" proteins help the virus infect its host by latching on to healthy cells. Now, a major new study shows that they also play a key role in the disease itself.

The paper, published on April 30, 2021, in Circulation Research, also shows conclusively that COVID-19 is a vascular disease, demonstrating exactly how the SARS-CoV-2 virus damages and attacks the vascular system on a cellular level. The findings help explain COVID-19's wide variety of seemingly unconnected complications, and could open the door for new research into more effective therapies.

"A lot of people think of it as a respiratory disease, but it's really a vascular disease," says Assistant Research Professor Uri Manor, who is co-senior author of the study. "That could explain why some people have strokes, and why some people have issues in other parts of the body. The commonality between them is that they all have vascular underpinnings."

Salk researchers collaborated with scientists at the University of California San Diego on the paper, including co-first author Jiao Zhang and co-senior author John Shyy, among others.

While the findings themselves aren't entirely a surprise, the paper provides clear confirmation and a detailed explanation of the mechanism through which the protein damages vascular cells for the first time. There's been a growing consensus that SARS-CoV-2 affects the vascular system, but exactly how it did so was not understood. Similarly, scientists studying other coronaviruses have long suspected that the spike protein contributed to damaging vascular endothelial cells, but this is the first time the process has been documented.

Representative images of vascular endothelial control cells (left) and cells treated with the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (right) show that the spike protein causes increased mitochondrial fragmentation in vascular cells. Credit: Salk Institute

In the new study, the researchers created a 'pseudovirus' that was surrounded by SARS-CoV-2 classic crown of spike proteins, but did not contain any actual virus. Exposure to this pseudovirus resulted in damage to the lungs and arteries of an animal modelproving that the spike protein alone was enough to cause disease. Tissue samples showed inflammation in endothelial cells lining the pulmonary artery walls.

The team then replicated this process in the lab, exposing healthy endothelial cells (which line arteries) to the spike protein. They showed that the spike protein damaged the cells by binding ACE2. This binding disrupted ACE2's molecular signaling to mitochondria (organelles that generate energy for cells), causing the mitochondria to become damaged and fragmented.

Previous studies have shown a similar effect when cells were exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but this is the first study to show that the damage occurs when cells are exposed to the spike protein on its own.

"If you remove the replicating capabilities of the virus, it still has a major damaging effect on the vascular cells, simply by virtue of its ability to bind to this ACE2 receptor, the S protein receptor, now famous thanks to COVID," Manor explains. "Further studies with mutant spike proteins will also provide new insight towards the infectivity and severity of mutant SARS CoV-2 viruses."

The researchers next hope to take a closer look at the mechanism by which the disrupted ACE2 protein damages mitochondria and causes them to change shape.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

More information: Yuyang Lei et al, SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Impairs Endothelial Function via Downregulation of ACE 2, Circulation Research (2021). Journal information: Circulation Research Yuyang Lei et al, SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Impairs Endothelial Function via Downregulation of ACE 2,(2021). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.121.318902
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"Law School" episode 5, starring Kim Myung Min and Kim Bum, left viewers in complete surprise after a new suspect came to light.

Despite the unexpected twist and turns, the JTBC K-Drama showed a slight decrease in rating compared to their previous episode.

"Law School" Ratings Showed a Slight Downturn on Episode 5

As cited by Nielsen Korea, "Law School" viewership rating garnered a nationwide rating of 4.5 percent and 4.8 percent in the metropolitan area.

This is a downturn from episode 4 that scored a nationwide rating of 4.3 percent 4.9 percent in the metropolitan area.

Kang Sol B's Plagiarism Case

In episode 5, all eyes are on Kang Sol B (Lee Soo Kyung) after being accused of plagiarizing professor Seo Byeong Joo (Ahn Nae Sang) work.

At his office, Vice Dean Jang Joo Man (Oh Man Seok) checks Kang Sol B's laptop. He then sees a notification from the Korea Copyright Commission regarding her case about the plagiarized dissertation.

Surprisingly, a message from Professor Yang Jong Hoon (Kim Myung Min) appeared, asking for his laptop, which went missing during the day of the murder.

It contains his views on Kang Sol B's plagiarism case and wonders if she took it.

Meanwhile, in Hankuk University, the student believes that the person who took Professor Yang's laptop might be the suspect.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Law School' Episode 4: Kim Myung Min Returns to Hankuk University

Kang Sol B's Mother Confronted Professor Yang Jong Hoon

After getting a low score in their exam, Kang Sol B's mother criticized her for her grades and insisted on moving out of the dorm and live with her.

The next day, her mother visited the university and spoke to professor Yang about her score. She pointed out that she's not pleased with the fact that a school faculty who has a murder charge is teaching her daughter.

In addition, she also claims that Kang Sol B is innocent. The mother explained it was her daughter who helped the late professor with his paper, given that she has a high score in English.

"Law School" episode 5 also showed a flashback of the vice dean and Kang Sol B at the scene of Professor Seo's death. The two saw a sugar packet but never declared it to the police.

With this, she believes that Jang Joo Man wants to frame Professor Yang and make him the suspect.

Jang Joo Man's Confession

At the university, Professor Yang surprisingly found his laptop at the vice dean's office.

There, Jang Joo Man recalled what happened the day of Professor Seo's death.

The two spoke about Kang Sol B's plagiarism case and wanted to ask the late professor to help her and let the issue slide. Still, the professor insisted on continuing with the complaint and told the vice dean that her daughter "does not qualify to become a judicial officer" in the future.

This left him furious, and puts a whole pack of methamphetamine in his coffee.

In the present, he confessed to Professor Yang that he killed Professor Seo.

"Finally, you found me," he said.





KDramastars owns this article.

Written by Geca Wills
The first US government assistance flight carrying COVID emergency aid supplies landed in India on Friday morning. A military aircraft brought the first supplies to help India to fight the deadly second COVID-19 wave that has wreaked havoc across the country, straining its healthcare system.

A Super Galaxy military transporter with over 400 oxygen cylinders, other hospital equipment and nearly one million rapid coronavirus test kits touched base at New Delhi's International airport on Friday morning.

Also Read: US to send India Covishield raw material, medical supplies 'immediately'

Taking to Twitter, the US Embassy shared pictures of the plane and supplies.

"The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDosti," tweeted the embassy.

The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDostipic.twitter.com/OpHn8ZMXrJ  U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) April 30, 2021

"Right now, a @usairforce C-5M Super Galaxy and a C-17 Globemaster III are en route to India from @Travis60AMW. They're carrying oxygen cylinders/regulators, rapid diagnostic kits, N95 masks, and pulse oximeters. Thanks to @USAID for the supplies & to all involved in the effort.," tweeted the US secretary of defense Lloyd J Austin III.

Right now, a @usairforce C-5M Super Galaxy and a C-17 Globemaster III are en route to India from @Travis60AMW. Theyre carrying oxygen cylinders/regulators, rapid diagnostic kits, N95 masks, and pulse oximeters. Thanks to @USAID for the supplies & to all involved in the effort. pic.twitter.com/awtUFrT30D  Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) April 29, 2021

The aircraft flew in from the Travis military base in California, followed by talks held this week between the US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Also Read: COVID-19 crisis: US non-profit body Sewa International sends 2,184 oxygen concentrators to India

"Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need," Biden had said in a tweet.

More than 3 lakh COVID-19 cases are getting added to India's case tally every day for more than a week now. SOS calls and messages for hospital beds and medical oxygen have swamped social media.

Meanwhile, China, Russia, the UK and several other countries have also resolved to help India.


Looks as if Biden administration "climate czar" John Kerry is living up to his "traitor" nickname, dating from his days flinging Vietnam Warera medals over the White House fence and lying about U.S. war crimes to rival "Zhengis Khan."

We know he colluded with Iran during the Trump years, telling the mullahs to just cool it and wait for his Democrats to get back into office, as they'd fix things the way the mullahs liked. That was a hell of a violation of the Logan Act, which he got away with.

Now it looks as though he violated the Logan Act again, this time by ratting out 200 Israeli air strikes to the big mullahs themselves, the better to give them the critical intelligence their own spies could not get, leaving them with the wherewithal to strike Israel.

Kerry denied he did any such thing.

"I can tell you that this story and these allegations are unequivocally false. This never happened  either when I was Secretary of State or since," Kerry stated on his personal Twitter account Monday night.

But now we have proof positive that he was lying, signaling that he's quite a pearl of usefulness to the evil mullahs, based on this reporting from the Washington Free Beacon:

Leaked audiotape of Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif indicates he had no knowledge of covert Israeli military strikes before former secretary of state John Kerry provided him with the information, new details that contradict the State Department's recent defense of Kerry. These details are likely to further fuel calls from leading Republicans for Kerry's firing or resignation. The New York Times reported that Zarif said on the tape that Kerry told him Israel launched 200 airstrikes against Iranian interests in Syria. The Times did not provide further details on that issue. But an independent translation of the audiotape commissioned by the Washington Free Beacon shows that Zarif went on to clarify that he had no prior knowledge of these Israeli strikes before Kerry told him. "Kerry told me that Israel had launched 200 airstrikes against you [Iran]," said Zarif. "You didn't know?" asked his interviewer. "No, no," he replied.

As the Beacon noted, this contradicts the butt-covering from Kerry's allies at the State Department, which claimed that Kerry disclosed no classified information in any of his mullah kaffeeklatsches:

"If you go back and look at press reporting from the time, this certainly was not secret, and governments that were involved were speaking to this publicly on the record," State Department spokesman Ned Price said on Monday during a press briefing. The following day, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the strikes "were all reported in the press at the time, so it is utter nonsense." He also accused Republicans of trying to "play politics with this."

Gonna be a lot harder to cover for him now that the mullahs themselves are spilling the beans, based on that Washington Free Beacon report. Had they not gone to the transcripts and gotten someone to sort out and translate what was said, Kerry's denial would have stood, and he would have gotten away with it. Again.

Now his hot seat has gotten hotter. What kind of creep would pal up to the mullahs and then disclose to them as a sort of party favor that America's top ally had been undermining their (completely illegitimate) interests in Syria?

The Russkis, for one, have got to be snorting. Kerry made a big deal about Russian interests in Syria and screamed to high heaven about them some six years ago. Now Kerry is defending the mullah interests in that same hellhole?

His suckuppery to the mullahs at Israel's expense is bad enough.

But the real loser here is America, because why would Israel ever trust America with its secrets again, knowing that a mullah-lover like Kerry is around to feed the mullahs intelligence? Even if he is gone one year, he might be back in a future administration, particularly with a feckless shell of a president like Joe Biden. Smart nations don't share intelligence with leaders who leak to Iran.

This raises questions about legal violations of the Logan Act, and why this clown isn't at a minimum out on his ear from the Biden administration. Republicans are right to be calling for Kerry's resignation. This traitor can't be anywhere near the levers of American power. He's untrustworthy. The only people who can trust him at all are the mullahs of Iran.

Image: Rhododendrites via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photos cropped and filtered with Microsoft Paint 3D and FotoSketcher.
Thousands of monumental structures built from walls of rock in Saudi Arabia are older than Egypt's pyramids and the ancient stone circles of Britain, researchers say  making them perhaps the earliest ritual landscape ever identified.

A study published Thursday in the journal Antiquity shows that the mysterious structures dotted around the desert in northwestern Saudi Arabia  called "mustatils" from the Arabic word for "rectangle"  are about 7,000 years old. Thats much older than expected, and about 2,000 years older than either Stonehenge in England or the oldest Egyptian pyramid.

We think of them as a monumental landscape, said Melissa Kennedy, an archaeologist at the University of Western Australia in Perth and an author of the study. We are talking about over 1,000 mustatils. These things are found over 200,000 square kilometers [77,000 square miles], and theyre all very similar in shape ... so perhaps its the same ritual belief or understanding.

The

There must have been a great level of communication over a very big area, because how they were constructed was communicated to people, lead author Hugh Thomas, an archaeologist at the same university, said.

The research is funded by the Royal Commission for AlUla, which has been established by the government of Saudi Arabia to preserve the heritage of the AlUla region in the northwest of the country, where many mustatils are found.

Some of the ancient structures are more than 1,500 feet long, but comparatively narrow, and theyre often clustered together. Theyre usually built on bedrock, often on rocky outcrops above the desert, but also in mountains and in relatively low-lying areas.

The simplest mustatils were made by piling up rocks into low walls a few feet high to form long rectangles, with a thicker head wall at the highest end and a narrow entranceway on the opposite side. The researchers think they may have been built to guide a procession from one end to the other. But they also found many mustatils that were much more complex than they first thought, containing pillars, standing stones and smaller "cells of rock walls. Kennedy and Thomas estimate one mustatil they surveyed was built by moving more than 12,000 tons of basalt stone  an arduous task that must have taken dozens of people months to complete.

Story continues

Researchers are documenting the muscatils and other ancient rock constructions  such as this

Its not known just why the ancient peoples who built the mustatils made so many. Kennedy speculates that some may have been used only once, or that different mustatils near each other were made and used by different groups of people.

One clue to their purpose is that the head walls of many mustatils have a small chamber or niche that seems to have been used for sacrificial animal offerings. Excavations in 2019 of the chamber of one mustatil found the horns and bones of wild and domesticated animals, including sheep and gazelles, but mostly cattle. The bones allowed the researchers to fix the date of the offerings to about 5,000 B.C., during the late Neolithic period when the region was much wetter and greener than the arid landscape today.

Ancient rock drawings show herds of cattle that must have been integral to the subsistence of the Neolithic people in the region, and Kennedy and Thomas suspect the mustatils were part of an ancient cattle cult that celebrated the animals. Archaeological evidence has been found of a cattle cult in the south of Arabia about 900 years later, Kennedy said, and the mustatils may have been an early expression of that belief; it may also be that some mustatils were built to establish territorial claims on valuable pasturage for herds.

Researchers think the mustatils scattered throughout the region were built about 7000 years ago for rituals and processions, and that they may have been part of a Neolithic cult of cattle. (AAKSA and Royal Commission for AlUla/Antiquity)

This is one of the most important archaeological papers in recent decades, said archaeologist Huw Groucutt of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History at Jena in Germany, who has studied mustatils on the southern margins of the Nefud Desert but who was not involved in the AlUla research. Most research is just about adding a few details to things that are already known. The mustatil phenomenon is something really new.

He notes that the northwest of Saudi Arabia where most mustails are found has traditionally been neglected in studies of prehistory.

These thousands of mustatils really show the creation of a monumental landscape, he said in an email. They show that this part of the world is far from the eternal empty desert that people often imagine, but rather somewhere that remarkable human cultural developments have taken place.
CINCINNATI, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Institute & University President Karen Schuster Webb and the Board of Trustees today announced the move of its national headquarters to Baldwin500, 2090 Florence Avenue in Walnut Hills. "On behalf of the Union Institute & University, I am pleased to announce this important and exciting milestone for UI&U," said President Webb.

Union Institute & University (UI&U) is selling its 440 East McMillan Street property to the University of Cincinnati, pending approval of the Ohio Office of Budget and Management Controlling Board. UI&U is pleased that the new owner would be a Cincinnati university. As a national university, the UI&U also has academic centers in Hollywood, Florida, as well as Los Angeles and Sacramento, California.

"As a pioneer in distance learning, over the years UI&U has found that our online and low residency instructional models no longer require the same amount of square footage for instructional space," said Dr. Webb. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was also a factor in the UI&U decision to move. A significant number of UI&U's staff and faculty, system wide, are effectively working remotely and will continue to do so.

"The selection of Baldwin500 reflects UI&U's commitment to keep our flagship center in Cincinnati, and specifically in Walnut Hills," said Ms. Sandra Mills, Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. UI&U's new location in the Baldwin500 building near Eden Park Drive provides 38,000 square feet in a state-of-the-art building with enhanced technological services. Its location off I-71 will provide more visibility for Union and easy access for visitors. Dr. Webb says that, "Although we will miss our East McMillan Center, the new location will continue the level of excellence expected by our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Board of Trustees." Dr. Webb and Ms. Mills also expressed appreciation to the Corporex organization, owners of Baldwin500, for their assistance with the relocation.

Union Institute & University purchased it current location in the former Procter & Collier/Beau Brummel Tie building in the mid-1990s, renovating it and securing its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. UI&U also renovated and occupied the 401 Gruen Watch building across McMillan Street and sold that building in 2008 to Lighthouse Youth Services.

UI&U hopes to complete its move in June 2021. UI&U enrolls undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and certificate-seeking students across the nation and internationally and has more than 20,000 alumni worldwide. In addition, UI&U is Cincinnati's only Hispanic Serving Institution with Minority Serving Institution status.

About Union Institute & University

Founded in 1964, Union Institute & University has been a pioneer in educating adults through distance learning. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Union Institute & University offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs and certificates designed for adults seeking to make a difference in their own lives and within their communities. The university offers specialized online and low residency degree programs with high-touch faculty attention, designed for students regardless of where they live and work. Union's flexible delivery models emphasizes relevant and transformative coursework taught by a national faculty of scholar-practitioners. Union graduates, including two dozen college presidents, leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, members of the United States Congress, and the first female prime minister of Jamaica, promote Union's legacy of utilizing education to transform lives and communities.

To learn more about Union Institute & University, visit www.myunion.edu or call 1-800-861-6400.

About Corporex

Corporex is a Covington, Kentucky-based national development and investment firm. Corporex has a 55-year history of developing world class hotel, office and mixed-use developments in 15 states across the United States.

SOURCE Union Institute & University

Related Links

https://www.myunion.edu


Between April 24th and April 26th, Chinese tech giant Huawei (News - Alert) held the companys annual Developer Conference in the university town of Shenzhen, China. The conference brings together some of the brightest minds in the tech community, as a way to gain fresh insights into the latest innovations across the industry.

In an effort to highlight some of the major developments the company has achieved recently. Huawei showcased the CloudCampus 3.0 Solution, the companys advanced campus network that is currently running throughout Shenzhen. The network supports nearly 20,000 active students at once, and boasts reliable wireless connectivity for both students and teachers across the entire area. To achieve such a high quality network, Huawei integrated its own CloudEngine S12700E (one of the industry's most powerful ultra-broadband core switches), as well as the companys triple-radio APs, AirEngine 8760-X1-PRO and AirEngine 6760-X1.

"Since its founding, the University Town of Shenzhen has nurtured a vast number of high-tech innovative talents for Shenzhen's reform and development," said Sun Tao, Director of the Network Information Center, Management Office, University Town of Shenzhen. "Our smart science and education campus has already entered the 2.0 era, with digital innovation, intelligent management, and granular services in full swing. This offers high-quality campus network services and scientific research environments for campus developers, thereby empowering them with higher skills for innovation."

By showcasing the networking capabilities of Shenzhens campus, Huawei representatives demonstrated how the companys wireless technologies are an ideal fit for large-scale organizations, such as stadiums or larger college campuses. To learn more about the other products and technologies showcased at Huaweis annual event, readers can visit Huaweis official site.

Edited by Maurice Nagle
A new crime action film premiered in Beijing on Tuesday, bringing China's domestic war against organized crime to the big screen for the first time.

Lyu Yulai's "Break Through the Darkness," starring Jiang Wu, Zhang Songwen, and Jin Shijia, is based on real-life cases from the nationwide campaign against organized and gang-related crime, and captures both the thrill and terror involved in bringing dangerous criminals to justice.

At the premiere, the director explained that he'd made sure to do his homework: "I hope that through my film, people can get to see China's efforts in tackling organized crime  that was the original aim of everyone involved in the project." The fast-paced plot takes audiences on a roller-coaster ride as they experience the thrills of tracking down criminals.

China has achieved significant results in its national crackdown, with 3,644 mafia-like groups busted over the past three years, while another 89,742 cases involving gang-related corruption and the sheltering of gang members were also handled nationwide. Chinese courts have so far concluded 32,943 preliminary trials for gang-related activity, and a total of 53,405 defendants in related cases were handed sentences ranging from at least five years in prison to the death penalty, according to official statistics released in March.

"Break Through the Darkness" is slated for general release on May 1 the start of the five-day May Day holiday  vying against several blockbusters being released in the same period. These include Zhang Yimou's spy action film "Cliff Walkers," romance film "My Love," crime thrillers "Home Sweet Home" and "Money Empire."






Speakers:

Yuan Jiajun, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Zhejiang Provincial Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Zhejiang Province

Zheng Shanjie, deputy secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and governor of the People's Government of Zhejiang Province

Zhu Guoxian, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee

Chairperson:

Chen Wenjun, spokesperson of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC)

Date:

April 26, 2021

Chen Wenjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to the press conference held by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). One hundred years ago, the CPC embarked on its century-long journey on a red boat on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing city, east China's Zhejiang province. A century later, Zhejiang is carrying forward the "red boat spirit" while integrating the characteristics of the new era. With practical action and the courage to stand at the forefront, Zhejiang is becoming an important window for demonstrating the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. As the CPC embraces its centenary, we have invited Mr. Yuan Jiajun, secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Zhejiang Province, to this press conference. He will brief you on preserving the Party's "red roots" and making Zhejiang "an important window of China," and answer your questions. With us, we also have Mr. Zheng Shanjie, deputy secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and governor of the People's Government of Zhejiang Province; and Mr. Zhu Guoxian, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee.

Next, I will give the floor to Mr. Yuan.

Yuan Jiajun:

Good morning, everyone. It is a great pleasure to meet you all at this crucial juncture of the centenary of the CPC. Various media outlets have produced numerous reports on Zhejiang, and friends from the media have paid much attention to the work in the province. So, on behalf of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to you all.

I would like to introduce Zhejiang using four key phrases.

The first key phrase is "red roots." As Mr. Chen said, 100 years ago, the CPC embarked on its century-long journey on the red boat on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing. Zhejiang is also the place from which the red boat of the Chinese revolution set sail. Aboard the red boat in Jiaxing, the 1st CPC National Congress concluded, and delegates announced the founding of the CPC. As such, the "red roots" are located here. Meanwhile, Zhejiang is also a province in which General Secretary Xi Jinping served, and an important birthplace of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. During his time in Zhejiang, General Secretary Xi Jinping put forward the "Double-Eight Strategy." The strategy identifies eight strengths Zhejiang possesses in terms of economic structure, geological position, industries, coordinated development of urban and rural areas, ecology, mountain and ocean resources, environment, and culture, as well as eight measures the province is taking to take further advantage of these strengths. Under the guidance of the strategy, Zhejiang has been taking practical action with a pioneering spirit and bravely standing at the forefront. As the location of the "red roots," Zhejiang is a typical place that embodies the CPC's century-long struggle.

The second key phrase is "an important window." Last spring, at the most critical moment for the epidemic control and the resumption of work, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Zhejiang and gave the province a new goal and new positioning of striving to become "an important window for comprehensively demonstrating the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era," which we call "an important window" for short. The new goal and positioning require Zhejiang to become a window showcasing and an example of practicing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. They are of great political, fundamental and international significance.

The third key phrase is "common prosperity." This year's "two sessions" marked the start of a new journey toward socialist modernization. According to the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) unveiled during the meetings, China will support Zhejiang province in building a demonstration zone for common prosperity through high-quality development. This is a new mission given to Zhejiang in the new stage of development. To that end, we will focus on reducing regional disparities and narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas, rich and poor. In particular, we will promote a series of social reforms centered on reforming the income distribution system. We will launch pilot trials in improving access to quality public services, innovating policies to encourage those who have become prosperous to inspire others to follow their example, and building basic units of modernization featuring common prosperity.

The fourth key phrase is "a pioneering province of socialist modernization." During the 14th Five-Year Plan period and in the longer term through 2035, Zhejiang's goal is to strive to build a pioneering province of socialist modernization. More specifically, Zhejiang aims to become a pioneer of modernization in 10 aspects: people-centered modernization, digital empowerment, industrial system, scientific and technological innovation, agriculture and rural areas, opening-up, provincial governance, cultural development, eco-environmental development, and public services. For each aspect, we have set specific targets and introduced concrete measures. Through these four key phrases, I think you can understand Zhejiang's new position in the new development stage.

Zhejiang is the place from which the red boat of the Chinese revolution set sail. Over the past 100 years, under the CPC's strong leadership, the people of Zhejiang have worked hard with practical action and great fortitude. In particular, since the implementation of the "Double-Eight Strategy" in 2003, Zhejiang has achieved profound changes and significant improvements. The province has gone from having a relatively advanced economy to strong economic growth, from opening up both internally and externally to deeply integrating into global development, and from basic prosperity to a high-level of moderate prosperity in all respects.
A 20-year-old man who died after jumping into the River Thames to save a woman has been nominated for a bravery award, police have announced.

City of London Police said that they have been in contact with the Royal Humane Society in order to nominate Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole for an award.

The force said the nomination had been made to honour his memory and heroism while adding that they will look to also award him a commendation from Ian Dyson, Commissioner of City of London Police.

A spokesman for the City of London police force said: We feel that is absolutely right to recognise the bravery and selfless actions of Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, known as Jimi.

Our thoughts remain with his friends and family at this difficult time.

Mr Olubunmi-Adewole was walking home from work on Friday night when he learned that a woman has fallen from London Bridge.

Telling his friend I have to save her he entered the water around midnight in an attempt to rescue the woman.

Mr Olubunmi-Adewoles family described him as irreplaceable and a best friend saying that they felt empty without him.

In a statement, his father Michael Adewola said: Jimi is a loving son and my best friend. He has a good heart and always willing to help everyone around him. Ill forever miss him.

Meanwhile the 20-year-olds mother, Olasunkanmi Adewole said: My son Jimi is my strength, he takes care of me and everyone. Im empty without Jimi. I pray to have peace in my life.

His brother called him irreplaceable and described Mr Olubunmi-Adewole as the most generous person.

City of London Police previously said that two men had entered the water after seeing a woman fall from London bridge last Saturday.

The woman and one man were rescued by the coastguard and the Metropolitan Police marine unit, but they were unable to locate Mr Olubunmi-Adewole.

Police said that a body was later found at 6am on Saturday morning, which was formally identified to be Mr Olubunmi-Adewole.
By Michael Bergmann





An anonymous hero from Kazakhstan was sentenced to a suspended prison term of two-and-a-half years for an obvious misunderstanding. And what a misunderstanding!



He simply didn't get what Korean police meant saying: "Without material evidence put on our counter, we can't do anything, however true your reports might be about criminal businesses in your neighborhood." He couldn't believe that what they really wanted him to do was to leave them in peace, and for himself to live happily in ignorance. So he made the mistake of promptly bringing them the undeniable evidence  a portion of drugs he bought for this purpose.



He was relatively lucky that police did, then, not exclusively turn against him, but also included the criminal gang in their investigations, leading to eight arrests. I won't discuss here why drug consumers should be punished so heavily for ruining their own health in a country where alcohol abuse is not even a social embarrassment. But police did not even take into account that the man only bought the drug after informing his police interpreter, and clearly never for consumption. "Buying drugs is punishable under Korean law, and you yourself brought us the evidence, so it's an easy case for us, and that's all we care about." Brutal thoughtlessness! The prosecution and the district court only confirmed this principle.



It would just be another unknown case of law enforcement on the wrong side of justice, had not an appeals court finally shown some human consideration and social responsibility and, after a long ordeal, acquitted the man. You don't, however, need his courage to experience this tendency of the Korean police and prosecution. Just join our humble initiative for transparency in local communities and you will witness the authorities' passivity towards systematic abuses  while critical residents are treated like criminals on the base of absurd accusations!



President Moon Jae-in described the general issue adequately, though extremely mildly, when he recently remarked that the prosecution had "yet to earn the public trust in a non-selective law enforcement." As a human-rights lawyer since the time of the military dictatorship, he knows what he is talking about. But his efforts to protect citizens from power abuse seem to have tragically failed. The ethical flaws in his own camp made it easy for certain forces to find targets for precisely the selective investigations he wanted to go against. It is a scary prospect that the coming year might see law enforcement insiders reaching for presidential power.



I am not saying that Korean prosecutors play a role in relation to organized crime as, for example, Alexei Navalny has revealed for their Russian counterparts. The disproportionate selectivity might often "only" result from thoughtlessness. But who benefits from brutally thoughtless inhumanity?





The author (bergmann2473@yahoo.de) is a teacher in Seoul.


Allentown police say officers called to a report of shots fired Thursday night found a gunshot victim.

It was reported at 7:48 p.m. in the 100 block of North Seventh Street, police Capt. Michael Becker said in a news release.

Police and Allentown EMS treated the victim, who was then taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township. The victim is expected to survive, police said.

The investigation was continuing and police asked anyone with information to call detectives at 610-437-7721 or the police desk at 610-437-7753, Ext. 1. Anonymous tips may be sent via the Tip411 App available on the police departments Facebook page and website.

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

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
An area of Florida Bay showing dead seagrass. Credit: FWC

Nearly 10,000 acres of lush seagrass vanished from Florida Bay between 1987 and 1991, leading to massive ecological changes in the region near the Florida Keys. Abundance of the seagrass, Thalassia testudinum, more commonly known as turtlegrass, a foundation species of the Florida Bay ecosystem, decreased extensively during what is considered to be one of the largest declines in seagrass cover in recent history.

Researchers from the University of South Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the University of North Carolina Wilmington documented the response of seagrasses after the die-off. Their detailed data collection for over 20 years across the large area of impact has provided unique insight into seagrass resiliency or the ability of a coastal ecosystem to recover after the extensive loss. This study, published in Scientific Reports, is extremely timely as the work provides a framework for how future recovery of a new seagrass die-off, recorded in 2015 in the same location, may still be possible.

Seagrass plays an important role across much of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, providing critical habitat and feeding grounds for many species of fish, turtles and other wildlife. They're considered to be one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and in Florida Bay contribute to a sport fishing industry worth hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

USF Distinguished University Professor Susan Bell first learned of the 1987 large-scale seagrass die-off in Florida when she got a call from a long-time fisherman friend who noticed the seagrass disappearing and large amounts of dead seagrass. Bell notified colleagues at FWC, who began to detail what was happening across a roughly 15 square mile stretch of the bay.

A photograph showing what living seagrass should look like. Credit: FWC

For more than 10 years, researchers saw little to no change in seagrass, especially in the levels of turtlegrass. However, after another decade of monitoring, researchers reported a return to pre-die-off levels of turtlegrass in the region. The study shows that the entire sequence of die-off, algal blooms and recovery took 17-23 years. Both the long duration of the study and large area over which the data were systematically collected were unique to reports of seagrass recovery. Also, most studies of marine populations that recover from some kind of disturbance are linked to human intervention, such as removing a source of pollution, but in this case the recovery required no human activities.

"While the fact this system recovered after the 1980s die-off is fantastic, we really wanted to figure out the mechanisms that allowed recovery to happen," said Bell, a faculty member in the USF Department of Integrative Biology. "What we discuss are a number of features that underlie the seagrass recovery: the system was remote, remnants of seagrass leftover after the die-off served as a catalyst for repopulation and having multiple species of seagrass present increases the likelihood for recovery."

In the last case, two opportunistic seagrass species were first to increase in abundance after the die-off and likely facilitated the return of turtlegrass.

Bell believes this study can serve as a framework for other regions experiencing seagrass die-off, including once again in Florida Bay, which is still in the midst of the die-off that began in 2015. Their work warns that evaluation of ecosystem resiliency may take decades to detect, mandating long-term studies. Researchers are continuing to study the changes in Florida Bay, but are hopeful that with the right conditions, the region can once again return to normal.

"Today, this monitoring program provides some of our best information on the status of the system," said Brad Furman, a co-author of the study and research scientist at FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. "Studies like this one allow us to set expectations for recovery, something we did not have in the 1990s, which is extremely important as we watch the Bay respond to the most recent die-off event."

Explore further Everglades poised for a 'phenomenal' wading bird season with right water balance

More information: Margaret O. Hall et al. Natural recovery of a marine foundation species emerges decades after landscape-scale mortality, Scientific Reports (2021). Margaret O. Hall et al. Natural recovery of a marine foundation species emerges decades after landscape-scale mortality,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86160-y
If you are lucky enough to be healthy in Covid-haunted Delhi, life feels strangely disconnected. Offline, theres an undeclared lockdown. The normally noisy city is silent except for the sound of birds.

Social media, on the other hand, is an unfolding tapestry of tragedy. People beg for help finding hospital beds and life-saving medicines. Friends and acquaintances call and text asking if you know where they can get an oxygen concentrator for the home. In one way or another, everyone is battling the virus.

Everyone, it seems, except the Indian state. Once again, ordinary citizens feel as if weve been abandoned by our government. Even in the face of an unprecedented emergency, state and federal officials seem more interested in point-scoring and blame-shifting than in cooperation.

Denialism about the scale of the problem is official policy. Ministers, bureaucrats and even government lawyers insist that there is no shortage of oxygen or hospital beds, although everyone can plainly see that there is.

Things are even worse in places such as Uttar Pradesh, Indias largest state. There we might not know the scale of the humanitarian disaster for months, if ever: Few deaths are being recorded and the states administration has warned those spreading online rumors --including about family members gasping for oxygen--that they might be prosecuted under draconian national-security laws.





ALSO READ: Exhausted, helpless, doctors struggle to keep sinking health system afloat

Perhaps we shouldnt be surprised. Perhaps we shouldnt have expected more of the notoriously fragile Indian state. Theres no escaping the fundamental contradiction of 21st century India: It is one of the worlds largest economies, ambitious and aspirational, and its government has vast resources. But it is also, still, a poor country, with a per capita income one-fifth Chinas. The states capabilities are spread truly thinly across Indias billion-plus people.

Government spending on health in particular has always been shockingly low. In the villages of Uttar Pradesh, the needs of hundreds of thousands of people might be filled by just five health centers  and not a single qualified doctor.

And citizens need more than the basics. In Delhi, the local government often talks up its expenditure on primary health centers, which are indeed vital. But that hasnt made up for the lack of tertiary care, which is what most Covid-19 patients need. Delhi has only 5,000 usable ICU beds for its roughly 20 million citizens; less than a dozen were free on April 30, according to the official dashboard.

For years, many Indians believed the private sector could make up for the governments shortcomings. Indians mostly pay in advance and in cash when a calamity hits and hospitalization is needed. We run down our savings, or we look to personal networks for help: As much as 60% of in India is out-of-pocket expenditure by households. Thats where Indians have turned in this crisis as well  to friends, family and Facebook.

But the pandemic is a reminder of why even a dynamic private sector needs a state that can support its efforts. Thats true in the best of times; in the worst, such as these, there is no replacement for a government that can coordinate private efforts and supplement them where needed. Instead, authorities cant supply enough oxygen or even tell us which hospital has the fewest ambulances lined up outside its gates.

Underfunded and understaffed governments such as Indias simply have no spare capacity to serve their citizens when disaster strikes. You cant hope for the private sector to do so; only the state can afford to carry this vital excess capacity or build it up at short notice.



ALSO READ: States are adding hospital beds, but are there enough doctors and nurses?

It doesnt have to be this way. Indias southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have, for decades, been better run than their northern counterparts. In recent weeks, theyve set up elaborate systems of online triage to sort out Covid-19 cases and minimize the burden on hospitals.

Even the financial capital Mumbai, epicenter of the latest variant, has established war rooms in each municipal ward, manned by public-school teachers, to triage patients and tell them where to go and what to do. While it took too long to increase the number of hospital beds, at least the local government is allotting those beds to the neediest.

Perhaps residents of Mumbai feel less abandoned; certainly, that city seems to have turned a corner in the past fortnight. In Delhi, by contrast, whether you and your loved ones live or die still largely depends on whos in your phone book.

This is unfair to all of us, but particularly unfair to those who are from historically excluded religions, castes and classes. A functional state would be impartial between these categories. A flawed government might not be impartial but would at least pretend. Instead, in the anarchy that rules here today, parts of India are reverting to their stratified worst.
Unionized workers at Renault Samsung Motors held a strike at the company's sole domestic plant on Friday to demand a wage hike for the year of 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the union said.





Renault Samsung Motors' logo / captured from Renault Samsung Motors' website
Maggie Tukumba talking about emotions in Dalabon, Bodeidei, near Weemol, 2012. Credit: Maia Ponsonnet

Many languages in the world allude to body parts to describe emotions and feelings, as in "broken-heart," for instance. While some have just a few expressions like this, Australian Indigenous languages tend use a lot of them, covering many parts of the body: from "flowing belly" for "feel good" to "burning throat" for "be angry" to "staggering liver" meaning "to mourn."

As a linguist, I first learnt this when I worked with speakers of the Dalabon, Rembarrnga, Kune, Kunwinjku and Kriol languages in the Top End, as they taught me their own words to describe emotions.

Recently, with the help of my collaborator Kitty-Jean Laginha, I have looked systematically for such expressions in dictionaries and word lists from 67 Indigenous languages across Australia. We found at least 30 distinct body parts involved in about 800 emotional expressions.

Where do these body-emotion associations come from? Are they specific to Australian languages, or do they occur elsewhere in the world as well? There are no straightforward answers to these questions. Some expressions seem to be specific to the Australian continent, others are more widespread. As for the origins of the body-emotion association, our study suggests several possible explanations.

Firstly, some body parts are involved in emotional behaviors. For instance, we turn our back on people when we are upset with them. In some Australian Indigenous languages, "turn back" can mean "hold grudge" as a result of this.

Secondly, some body parts are involved in our physiological responses to emotion. For instance, fear can make our heart beat faster. Indeed, in some languages "heart beats fast" can mean "be afraid."

Thirdly, some body parts represent the mind. This can be a bridge to emotions linked to intellectual states, like confusion or hesitation. For instance, "have a sore ear" can mean "be confused."

It is likely some body parts also end up in emotional expressions without any association in the real world. Instead, the association results from purely linguistic mechanisms (explained below).

Here are the body parts with the most emotional associations in the Australian Indigenous languages we surveyed. We cannot possibly do justice to the wealth of creative associations found in these languages, but readers who would like to know more can take a look at the website we have created explaining how this body-emotion association works.

The head: intelligence and social awareness

In many languages, the head represents the mind and intelligence. This is the case in some Australian Indigenous languages too. For instance, speakers of Dalabon, in Arnhem Land, use expressions meaning "head covered" for "forget."

The head has strong associations with shame because the mind is connected to social awareness. In many Australian groups, the notion of "shame" includes respect, which results from an understanding of social structures. Accordingly, many Australian languages, like Ngalakgan (Top End) for instance, have expressions like "head ashamed."

More generally, intelligent people are expected to behave appropriately and therefore, the head is associated with social attitudes such as being agreeable, responsible, selfish, socially distant, obedient or stubborn, among others. In Rembarrnga (Arnhem Land), one can say "head breaks" for "be sulky." In many languages, "hard head" means "stubborn."

The forehead and nose

The forehead and the nose both symbolize negative social attitudes. There are resemblances between forehead and head expressionswhich is unsurprising, since the forehead is a prominent part of the head. Most forehead expressions describe people who are stubborn ("hard forehead"), selfish, inconsiderate, or are socially distant.

The nose targets the same emotions, with a stronger focus on selfishness and greed. Many expressions associate these emotions and attitudes with the shape of the nose. That is, expressions meaning "long nose," or "sharp nose," can mean "selfish" as reported by the Kukatja dictionary (Western Desert).

The ears: hearing, understanding and good manners

Along with the head, many Australian Indigenous languages also associate the mind with the ear. Commonly, verbs meaning "hear" also mean "understand"; and such verbs can mean "obey" as well. Think of how, in English, people say that children "don't listen."

In the same vein, ear expressions associate with emotions related to compliance and agreeableness. Many Australian languages have expressions that mean literally "ear blocked," or even more commonly "no ear."

They describe people who are stubborn or disagreeable for instance, like in Warlpiri (Central Australia), where "hard ear" can mean "disobedient, stubborn." Conversely, in some languages "good ear" can mean "good mannered" or "peaceful."

Some ear expressions describe emotions that arise from uncomfortable intellectual states, like confusion or hesitation. One widespread association is between an overly active mind and emotional states of obsession. For instance, expressions that allude to "active ears" can mean "keep thinking, keep worrying about, be obsessed with."

The eyes: desire and surprise

The linguistic association of emotions with the eyes is one of the most common in Australian Indigenous languages. Expressions with the eyes often express attraction or jealousy, as well as fear and surprise.

People tend to intensely watch those they are in love with (or jealous of), and some expressions reflect this. For example, the Kaytetye dictionary (Central Australia) reports expressions meaning literally "look with flashing eyes" to describe attraction, jealousy, or even anger.

Another common pattern is for expressions meaning "big eyes," "eyes pop out" and the like to describe surprise, alluding to the way people look when they are surprised. We see this in the Kukatja language from the Western Desert, for instance.

Ingrid Ashley talking about emotions in Kriol, Beswick, 2014. Credit: Maia Ponsonnet

The throat: love and anger

For those of us who only know English or other European languages, the association of emotions with the throat is perhaps one of the least familiar. It is indeed less common across the world than the other body part associations presented here.

It is also less widespread in Australia, mostly concentrated in certain regions. In some languages, like Alyawarr or Kaytetye, both in Central Australia, speakers use throat expressions to talk about attraction, want and frustration.

In other parts of Australia, for instance in Kaurna in South Australia, or in Pitjantjatjara in the Western Desert, the throat represents anger. The most frequent figurative representation is a dry or burning throat, usually to mean "angry."

The belly: feelings for others

Across Australia, the belly (or stomach) is by far the most frequent body part in emotional expressions. A large number of expressions with the belly simply mean "feel good" or "feel bad." Usually, this corresponds to "good belly" or "bad belly."

Beyond these generic emotions, belly expressions also frequently describe what one feels towards other people. Anger is first and foremost, most typically associated with a "hot belly." The belly also links to attachment for others, with emotions like affection, compassion, grief, etc.

Some belly expressions suggest a link between emotional states and digestive states. For instance, in Kaytetye (Central Australia), "have a rumbling stomach from something you ate" also means "feel worried or anxious" or "feel jealous."

In Dalabon (Arnhem land), people use "tensed belly" for "anxious." Some of us know all too well that abdominal discomfort and negative emotions often come hand-in-hand. This could have inspired the association of the belly with emotions.

Because Australian Indigenous languages contain myriads of belly expressions, they offer a wealth of creative ones. For instance, the belly is often described as hard. This can represent negative attitudes such as being unkind; as well as strength of character, which is positive.

Many expressions feature a damaged belly: it can be broken, cut, torn, among other things. In a number of languages, like Kriol, spoken in the Top End, a "cracked belly" describes the shock experienced when hearing a relative has passed away.

Some expressions evoke more violent actions, like grabbing, pushing, catching, biting, striking the belly. Most of the time, these describe negative emotions.

The heart: affection, love and fear

After the belly, the heart is the next most frequent body part in emotional expressions in Indigenous Australian languages. Some of the associations will sound familiar to speakers of English. Indeed, the heart links with love in a broad sense, including affection for relatives as well as romantic love.

However, some of the metaphors can be quite different from the English ones: in Dalabon (Arnhem Land) for instance, we find "heart sits high up" for "feeling strong affection."

In addition, many heart expressions describe fear. Words for "fast heartbeat" sometimes mean "afraid" or "anxious." The physical response to fear may have inspired the linguistic association.

The liver

Liver expressions are less frequent than belly and heart onesand don't seem to link to a physical state of the liver triggered by emotions. Since we don't really feel sensations in our liver, it is harder to explain why this body part is associated with emotions.

It is possible that, in some languages, liver expressions originated as belly expressions, and the word for "belly" evolved to mean "liver." In all languages around the world, words change meaning all the time. In particular, words for body parts often evolve to designate adjacent body parts.

The emotions described by liver expressions in Indigenous languages resemble those described using the belly. Common emotions between the two include anger, affection, compassion and grief.

Some expressions may have been inspired by the external appearance of liver, observed from game or when cooked (rather than from internal sensations as with the belly and heart). Liver expressions feature color metaphors, including "red liver," but also "green liver," as in Alyawarr (Central Australia), which describes jealousy.

The abdomen and chest

Expressions with words for the broader abdominal area and chest associate with the same set of emotions as the belly and heart. They also display similar metaphors.

In Anindilyakwa (Groote Eylandt, Top End) for instance, where speakers use a lot of chest expressions, "bad chest" means "feel bad," and "chest dies" represents fear. Like liver expressions, chest and abdomen expressions probably started as belly or heart expressions changing meaning, as they moved to a different part of the body.

Of course, there is a lot more to learn about how the human body associates with emotions in languages, in Australia and elsewhere. To find out more, you can visit www.EmotionLanguageAustralia.com.

Or, you can open up your ears: who knows what you will hear if you listen with your heart to all those around you who know a language other than English?

Explore further Quick to smile: Study shows speed of expression offers vital visual cues

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
There is always a reason why political leaders seek to turn everything on its head, frighten the horses and bellow that dreadfulness stalks the night and must be stared down by the forces of light, which is to say, those in power.

Scott Morrison and his currently loyal sidekicks, you may have noticed, are ladling out all these techniques with furious enthusiasm.

Scott Morrison has chosen the oldest standby in the book of political opportunism: persuade the electorate to ... hey, look over there! Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Peter Dutton, having barely warmed the seat as Defence Minister, warns of a possible war with China on the very day (ahem, Anzac Day, as it happened) his national security minion, Mike Pezzullo, offers his concern that free nations again hear the beating drums and watch worryingly the militarisation of issues that we had, until recent years, thought unlikely to be catalysts for war.

Trying to turn the narrative on its head? Frightening the horses? Tick and tick.
Tim Scott responds after 'Uncle Tim' trends on Twitter for hours: 'Attacking the color of my skin'

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Twitter allowed the racial slur Uncle Tim to trend for hours about Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., an African American, after he delivered the GOP rebuttal speech to President Joe Bidens first address to a joint session of U.S. Congress on Wednesday.

"Hear me clearly: America is not a racist country," Scott said in his speech, which emphasized the importance of common sense and common ground. The address was praised by conservatives.

Not long after Scott delivered a speech on the American dream and his hope for Americas future, the political left took to Twitter to call him Uncle Tim, a reference to the slave character in the 1852 novel Uncle Toms Cabin.

According to Merriam-Webster, the derogatory term Uncle Tom is often used to comment about a black person who is overeager to win the approval of white people.

The term trended on Twitter from Wednesday night until about 10 a.m. Thursday morning, reports The New York Post.

A Twitter spokesperson told Fox News on Thursday that it is now blocking the phrase ... from appearing in Trends and wants to promote healthy conversations on Twitter.

"This means that at times, we may not allow or may temporarily prevent content from appearing in Trends until more context is available," according to the spokesperson. "This includes Trends that violate The Twitter Rules."

The company declined to comment on why it took so long to block a phrase that violated its policies.

In an interview with Fox News, Scott discussed his reaction to being called Uncle Tim and other racial slurs on Twitter after his Republican response speech.

It was upsetting certainly, but it was so disappointing that those people who want to be respected and given the opportunity to live their lives any way they want to, they don't want the same thing for you and me, Scott said. What they want for us is to stay in a small corner and not go against the tide that they think is America.

Their America and my America arent the same America if they think that discriminating is the fastest way to end discrimination, he continued. We have learned lessons from our past and we should. Racism and discrimination [are] still real, but its being pushed further and further into a small corner in our nation. Thats great news that we should celebrate.

Scott said his success story and rise from cotton to Congress within one lifetime of his family does not fit the race narrative the left wants to tell.

The left [has] doubled down that they are not going to attack my policies, but they are literally attacking the color of my skin, Scott said. You cannot step out of your lane according to the liberal elite and the left.

Scott, who was soon to meet with the family of George Floyd at the time of the Fox interview on Thursday, also discussed the problems with Black Lives Matter and how America is trending in the right direction when it comes to race.

The foundation of Black Lives Matter with a communist paradigm is problematic, he said. Theres no doubt that all lives matter and specifically in the law enforcement conversation. Of course, the focus is on black lives versus what they have experienced. Thats a healthy debate.

But heres whats not healthy, Scott continued. It is not healthy for us to assume that every white officer is looking for a black person to violate their civil rights. Its not healthy for us to enter and engage in a conversation where reality is thrown out the window that we have not made progress. All you have to do ... is to look at the statistics from 2000, 2010 and 2020 and youll see a trend in the right direction. Actually, were getting healthier and better when it comes to these [police] confrontations.

In his speech Wednesday night, Scott warned that thanks to identity politics, kids again are being taught that the color of their skin defines them, and if they look a certain way, theyre an oppressor.

From colleges to corporations to our culture, people are making money and gaining power by pretending we havent made any progress at all, by doubling down on the divisions weve worked so hard to heal, he said.

Scotts speech also praised the Trump administrations success in quickly administering a safe and effective vaccine through Operation Warp Speed.

Scott joined the Senate in 2013 after being appointed by South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. He is the only black Republican in the Senate.

When Scott presented police reform legislation in June 2020, he was met with more Uncle Tim comments, racial slurs and even threats.

Senate Democrats ultimately blocked his police reform bill. One senator called Scotts effort a token, half-hearted approach. Scott argued that he tried to engage Democrats in discussions on the issue for over five years.
Dalton to Expedite Police Radio Upgrades

DALTON, Mass.  Alarmed to learn of major gaps in police radio reception in town, a majority of the Select Board backed a plan to fast-track funding to fix the issue.

Police Chief Deanna Strout outlined the issues underlying the department's insufficient radio reception, which leaves officers out of contact in numerous locations throughout town.

"Even when I was a sergeant on patrol, our radio service was atrocious, to say the least," Strout told the Select Board this week, describing several areas of town where reception is absent.

"If the officers are on a call and something goes terribly wrong, they have no radio communication," said Strout. "I lose sleep over this. It's terrifying to me that our guys have no communication."

Strout said one recent issue causing loss of all service in the south end had been corrected by removing a failing repeater from a vacant building in Pittsfield to a spot at Craneville School. The chief credited the school department with "moving mountains" over April vacation week to make that installation possible.

But with a repeater that Strout said is "not even certified for public safety use," it's just not enough.

The newly installed police chief said she has already applied for a $20,000 grant to upgrade the system, and prepared a capital request for the coming fiscal year as a backup. Select Board Vice Chair Joe Diver, however, felt more rapid action should be taken to fund a solution.

"I don't want to wait," said Diver. "I think we need to make this a priority."

Diver pushed to fast track a transfer of unused funds from another department, running through the town's Finance Committee this week and have the Select Board finalize it on May 3, prior to the town meeting.

Interim Town Manager Sandra Albano said that even with a transfer of funds authorized, the town will still need to put it out to bid in accordance with procurement laws, as the cost of the equipment will be over $10,000.

Strout will work to obtain the three quotes needed to satisfy procurement law requirements, and also find out whether purchasing the system now will make Dalton ineligible for reimbursement if they're awarded the grant later.

"We have to be prepared to spend our own money if we want to move faster," said Select Board member Dan Esko.

A majority of the board agreed, approving the motion 3-1, with John Boyle opposed, and Marc Strout abstaining from discussion.
A Bollywood celebrity checked into one of the popular spa chains in the airport for a shoulder massage. In the middle of the massage, she called off the session and made a distress call to the police, claiming that the masseuse touched her inappropriately. The police immediately sealed off the spa. Soon, both parties got into a long-drawn, intense legal wrangle. With no solution in sight, the case was eventually referred for mediation. The mediator reviewed the case, listened to the two sides - the spa owner didn't want to take a hit on the brand's image and the celebrity wanted to avoid publicity on the topic. The mediator suggested that instead of a long-drawn trial, the owner could pay a compensatory fee for the inconvenience and trauma caused to the celebrity by the spa employee's behaviour. Both parties found the verdict reasonable and the case was settled amicably.

Soon after acquiring a well-known hospital brand, a business group in Orissa discovered that crores of money was owed to some medical equipment dealers who had supplied to the hospital. There were no documents or personnel involved to prove the transaction. The suppliers were MSME businessmen who had been doing business with the hospital for a long time. When the case was referred for mediation, the mediator helped the new owners realise that waiving off the money owed or facing the suppliers in court would be tantamount to breaking their long-term trust in the hospital. It would not work in favour of the fresh start for the hospital. In the end, the new owners paid a portion of the dues and both parties agreed to a beneficial supply agreement going forward with a better process for reconciliation. Further, in an effort to honour and renew the suppliers' goodwill gesture, the hospital gave stall spaces within the campus free of lease for four years.

In both cases, mediation helped in working out solutions more effectively than arbitration. But, though conciliation has been a traditional practice in the rural administrative system, it is still not the widely adopted route for settling civil disputes.

History Of Relevance

In India, mediation started figuring as a solution to workplace disputes only after the amendment was made to Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code in 2002. Eventually, it gained more prominence when the Supreme Court set up a committee to create rules and high courts started training lawyers in mediation and establishing court-annexed centres. Cases that weren't criminal in nature yet and had the possibility of an out-of-court settlement were referred for mediation. But still the process didn't gain much recognition since the disputing parties weren't bound to the verdicts delivered by the mediators. Eventually, in 2018, Section 12 A of the Commercial Courts Act clarified the tenets of enforceability of verdicts arrived through mediation. Says Anuroop Omkar, Commercial Mediator and Partner, A.K. & Partners, "The mediation settlement arrived under the section had the effect of a civil court order or arbitration award on agreed terms."

"The parties were allowed autonomy to use a dispute resolution system and choose their mediator. This not only helped solve the problem, but also took away doubts in the parties' minds," adds Omkar, who is also Director, Bridge Policy Think Tank, and Mediator with World Bank and Office of the Ombudsman for UN funds and programmes.

Court-annexed mediation centres function with their own set of rules in high courts across the country. Shiv Kumar, a Master Trainer and Mediator at the Bangalore Mediation Centre (BMC) established by the High Court of Karnataka in 2004, explains the kinds of cases BMC works on. "In addition to engaging in court-annexed mediation under Section 89 of the CPC, BMC has established a pre-litigation desk as required by the Supreme Court, which also offers mediation in Section 498A cases. Cases from the SC are also referred to the BMC." There are 110 empanelled mediators and BMC operates at the two benches of the high courts at Dharwar and Kalaburgi.

Getting Skilled

In order to have competent commercial mediators who could handle a variety of disputes, court-annexed mediation centres organised refresher courses for mediators. Since 2016, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), a think tank under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has been conducting a 45-hour training programme on commercial mediation and negotiation in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.

Former CEOs, company secretaries, psychologists and people from various backgrounds, who have been trained by the IICA, are functioning as mediators, resolving disputes ranging from property and partnerships to those arising out of commercial transactions and more. So, does the training prepare mediators for the variety of cases? "Yes," says Kumar of BMC. "Training addresses critical issues such as understanding the genesis of the conflict and strategies of resolving the conflict. Communication, language, listening, perception and negotiation skills coupled with techniques of negotiation are also groomed," he adds.

Chitra Narayan, Mediator and Co-founder of Foundation for Comprehensive Dispute Resolution, Chennai, agrees that there is more to formal learning than training programmes. "The training is the starting point. There is a need for continuing and refresher trainings, and for exchange among mediators. In these exchanges we can share difficulties encountered in the process, discuss and evaluate our work to gain more insight."

The Good And The Bad

Absolute Water Pvt. Ltd., which designs, installs and commissions 100 per cent green sewage treatment plants in establishments, had a client who didn't pay the dues. After waiting for a year, the company resorted to mediation and achieved an amicable solution. "Mediation proved the fact that we were ready to pursue the matter lawfully, and could look for an out-of-court settlement, too, without wasting the client's time and money. It also helped in keeping the client's reputation intact," says Smita Singhal, Director, Absolute Water.

C.A. Abhishek Soni, also the CEO and Co-founder of Tax2Win, the second-largest online platform in India for filing I-T returns, took his legal counsel's suggestion and engaged in mediation to resolve a dispute involving his start-up. He is satisfied with the outcome. "It is quicker and more effective since both parties along with a common mediator sit with a clean and clear intention to resolve the issue," says Soni, who is now motivating others in the start-up community to try mediation for conflict resolution.

But, even though mediation solves disputes effectively and in a relatively lesser time, less than 5 per cent cases are attended to in mediation. The reason is a lack of awareness, as a result of which, litigation and arbitration end up as default options. Moreover, big corporates prefer to take the judicial route to resolve disputes to provide concrete answers to shareholders. So, though mediation liberates the disputants from jurisdiction and is a popular global practice, it is still a voluntary process and the final decision rests on the parties involved. In most cases, mediation serves as the looking glass that helps the parties in a realistic assessment. It helps them develop an unbiased approach in communicating with the intent to resolve, and also inspires their approach to dispute resolution.

Court-referred Or Private?

Though court-referred mediation is the most popular in India, private mediation is also catching up. "The disputants would not harden their respective stands and positions in private mediation. Their inclination to be receptive to new ideas and solutions will be substantially greater there than in court-annexed mediation," says Kumar of BMC.

Ideally, mediation for a case shouldn't go beyond 90 days to a maximum of six months. If it exceeds the time limit, then it is probably not the best issue to be mediated and should be sent to court. In order to effectuate the process, courts sometimes match cases with mediators.

For mediation to gain a strong foothold in India, there's a need to establish a system that signifies a problem-solving approach. The responsibility of instilling integrity, however, rests with all stakeholders, says Omkar of A.K. & Partners. "The higher judiciary must refer more cases. Law students must not only be taught to argue the right and wrong, but also to find solutions to problems. Some mandate for the judiciary pertaining to commercial matters for the commercial bench, National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) and the new consumer forum needs to be brought in. From each bench, a specific percentage should be referred for mediation," he adds.

The Road Ahead

The pandemic and the air of uncertainty around it have improved the acceptance for mediation. Informal settlements are on the rise and because of the ease of conduction and economy of time, mediation has become a cost-saving alternative for the parties involved. Recently, many international organisations have strengthened their mediation panels and India is expected to follow. Specifically, online dispute resolution has worked well for clients in urban India. Though technical and practical glitches persist, the demand is surging.

Omkar of A.K. & Partners points to a recent decision by the Bar Council of India. "The council has made mediation a mandatory part of under-graduate and post-graduate courses... Nearly 1.5 lakh qualified lawyers will come into the field."

In addition, in 2019, India became one of the signatories to the Singapore Mediation Convention, which aims to mediate and solve commercial disputes between companies or parties based in different countries. "It is going to bring about a lot of welcome changes," says Narayan of Foundation for Comprehensive Dispute Resolution. "If India ratifies the convention and makes a law, it will instill confidence to use mediation for companies that have cross-border business relationships. But, it needs to be supported by legislative reforms."

Vijayalakshmi Sridhar is a Chennai-based journalist
A WOMAN has been praised for handing out free hot drinks to parking marshals at the covid vaccination clinics in Henley.

Adele Hauxwell lives at the end of York Road that joins the car park of Townlands Memorial Hospital, which is where patients park while receiving their jab at the Bell and Hart surgeries.

The 58-year-old has been delivering teas and coffees to the volunteers since the clinics started in January.

Marshal John Williams, of Greys Road, wrote to the Henley Standard to thank her for her kindness. He said she was a lovely lady and the drinks were very welcome.

Ms Hauxwell, a payroll manager who has been working from home throughout the pandemic, said: I just do it because I like to help people and put a smile on their face.

You see them out there when its bitterly cold and it doesnt hurt to be polite and ask if they want a cup of tea.

My grandparents always brought me up like that  if you walk into my nans house, the first thing shell say is, Do you want a cup of tea? and Im the same. A few people were a little bit nervous to start with. It made sense with covid that they were cautious but now I go out there and they say, Yes please, no sugar and I know what everyones order is.

I try to do it every time there is a clinic. Theyre dealing with all the cars and the drivers arent always polite but theyre all lovely people.

Ms Hauxwell came to Henley from Guernsey in June last year. She is originally from Essex and lived in Northampton for 30 years.

She said: I just fell in love with Henley. My job is based in Reading but I had been to Henley a few times and it is such a lovely location. Weve got some lovely people in this street.
This is the moment the 'worst thief ever' was forced to hand back a phone after he discovered the shop door was locked.

The man then decided to make his getaway by bus - only to be photographed by the shopkeeper as he stood waiting at the stop outside the shop.

Manmeet Singh, who owns Urmston Mobile Tech, in Urmston, Greater Manchester, claims the man came into his shop on Wednesday demanding to see the new iPhone 12 Pro Max.

A thief tried to run off with a phone from Urmston Mobile Tech, in Greater Manchester, but was foiled by the door which locks automatically. Pictured: the man tries in vain to open the door

He had to sheepishly return the 160 Samsung A21S phone to shop owner Manmeet Singh

The thief fled to a bus stop outside the store where Mr Singh photographed him as he waited

When the Mr Singh, 35, explained he didn't have it in stock, he then offered a 160 Samsung A21S.

However, when the customer was handed the device to look at, he spun on his heels and tried to rush out of the door.

However footage shows the hooded man grab the door handle to discover he is trapped inside by an electronic lock, forcing him to sheepishly return the phone to Mr Singh.

In a further blow, the would-be thief was forced to stand and wait for his bus directly outside the shop, while Mr Singh watched on in amusement - even going outside to take photos of him.

Mr Singh, from Partington, Greater Manchester, said: 'He was the worst thief ever.

'As soon as he started running, I said "you can't go anywhere". I told him, even if he walked out, I would have caught him by walking. That's how slow he was.

'I found it funny, more than anything. I was just standing there because there wasn't any point doing anything.

'After he gave me the phone, I said "don't come back again".'

Mr Singh had grown suspicious when the unknown man began rushing him and 'tapping on the counter' for him to hurry up.

Mr Singh said: 'He came in and said he wanted the iPhone 12 pro max and that he wanted an expensive phone.

Mr Singh, pictured, said he did not report the attempted theft to police as they had failed to attend other theft at his store in October 2020

'I told him I didn't have that, then he just said "which phone do you have with three cameras?"

'He was talking really fast like he was trying to rush me along. He was tapping on my counter.

'I showed him the one in the box. It was the Samsung A21S. They were 160.

'He said "can I hold it?" I thought I'd just show him without taking the plastic off. It didn't look like he was going to buy it.

'When I handed it him, he just started running, but I have an automatic lock on the door so he couldn't run away. It's an automatic lock that I have control of.

'When he was pushing the door, I thought he might break it. I tried to come out of the counter, then he just came back and returned the phone.

Mr Singh had grown suspicious when the customer began rushing him and 'tapping on the counter' for him to hurry up

Mr Singh said he didn't have the new iPhone 12 pro max the man wanted to see but showed him a Samsung A21S

'He didn't say anything. He was left moping out the door and he was standing at the bus stop.

'He had to wait for his bus outside the shop.'

While Mr Singh is hoping for future information, he admits he is yet to report the incident to the police as they failed to attend a similar incident when his own phone was stolen in April 2020.

Mr Singh said: 'I didn't report to the police because last year someone ran off with my phone. I had a CCTV camera and the footage, and they didn't even turn up to look who did it. They just said they're too busy.'

Greater Manchester Police said they were unable to comment on the Wednesday's incident however confirmed they had received the report of last year's theft from the shop too.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: 'In line with GMP policy when reports are made to us, we make an assessment on how best to respond based on the threat, harm and risk posed to the public. Incidents are then attended and responded to in line with our grading system.

'On this occasion following an assessment of the threat, harm and risk posed and demand on the force, officers were unable to attend.'
Nvidia remains to be a popular GPU choice among gamers, as it is tested and proven to demonstrate quality performance despite heavy workloads. Unfortunately, Nvidia recently revealed some severe security issues with its graphics card drivers.

Now, it is recommended to fix and update these drivers as soon as possible.

Nvidia Driver Bugs

Nvidia graphics cards prove to be some of the best in terms of performance, gaming technology, and immersive experience. Some of its merchandise even utilizes real-time ray-tracing and AI features to user applications. After many years in the industry, Nvidia acknowledged what seems to be a dangerous security issue recently happening with their graphics card drivers.

Lifehacker reported that Nvidia is experiencing 5five bugs with its display drivers and eight vulnerabilities in its vGPU software. These issues affect any Windows or Linux PCs running with an Nvidia GPU installed.

Using the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), the severity of these software vulnerabilities have been revealed, with "0" representing low severity and "7-10" representing high severity.

The 5five display driver bugs are identified to pose the biggest risks affecting all their users.

CVE-2021-1074: With a 7.5 CVSS rating, the bug lets hackers access user PC and manipulate Nvidia installers to run malicious codes, steal user data or execute denial of service attacks.

CVE-2021-1075: With a 7.3 CVSS rating, this particular bug creates a memory issue on Nvidia's Windows display driver and leaves the device vulnerable to malware attacks or remote hacking attempts.

CVE-2021-1076: With a 6.6 CVSS rating, this bug opens an issue in Linux or Windows drivers that lets hackers access, steal or corrupt your device's data.

CVE-2021-1077: With another 6.6 CVSS rating, this bug prompts an issue in Linux or Windows drivers that malicious actors can use to launch denial of service attacks

CVE-2021-1078: With a 5.5 CVSS rating, this bug happens to most Windows drivers that would cause the PC device to crash suddenly.

Read Also: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080, AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Restocks: Trackers Notify New Stocks Coming!

How to Fix Nvidia GPU Display Driver

Fortunately, Nvidia is quick to respond by releasing a software security update for their GPU display drivers. In their official blog post, Nvidia explained the bugs' existence and the nature of their attacks.

To fix the issue, Nvidia redirects users to their Download Drivers. On the webpage, users would be required to identify the specific driver used in their Nvidia product. Users would need to provide the Product Type, Product Series, Product, Operating System, Download Type, and Language

After providing these specific details, the system would automatically redirect users to the result where they can download the driver fix. Users would also be given some information on release highlights, supported products, and additional information on the drivers.

It is recommended that users download these updates as soon as possible. If properly installed, these fixes should help reduce the PC's sudden crash performance and increase user security.

Nvidia is working hard to overcome this security issue on their drivers. Keep an eye out on online news for updates if the situation escalates or gets completely resolved.

Related Article: Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti Leak Reveals Specs, Potential Release Date; Pre-Order Availability Teased!
Peachtree Publishing Company will expand its childrens offerings with a YA imprint, Peachtree Teen, in summer 2022. At its helm are editor Ashley Hearn and associate editor Jonah Heller, whose stated mission is to shape a list that focuses on fresh, empathetic storytelling that empowers teens and inspires conversation.

Hearn arrived at Peachtree in 2020 after a three-year tenure at Page Street Publishing, where she helped developed a YA program and edited such authors as Sonia Hartl, Lori M. Lee, Candice Montgomery, and Addie Thorley. Heller interned for Peachtree in 2016 and joined the staff the following year. At Peachtree, he has worked with picture book, middle grade, and YA authors, among them Rebecca Elliott and Jenna Guillaume.

Though Peachtree has published a first-rate but small collection of young adult fiction over the years, publisher Margaret Quinlin noted, the house wanted to put a stake in the ground by making a bigger commitment to this very vibrant category. She expressed confidence in Hearn and Hellers ability to lead the company onto broader YA turf. Ashley and Jonah are creative and passionate about young adult fiction and have the necessary perspective and vision to guide us as we step over the boundaries we had set for ourselves at Peachtree, she said. We want to unleash them to focus on the community they are publishing for and to explore topics we have not previously published. Together, Ashley and Jonah represent a wonderful melding of viewpoints and I am excited to see where their talents will lead us.

A Varied Launch List

Peachtree Teens three inaugural releasespart of the publishers first-ever summer seasonsignal that the editors will take the imprint in a range of directions. Though all are written by debut YA authors, each falls into a different genre.

Pubbing in May 2022, The Ghosts of Rose Hill by R.M. Romero (author of the middle grade novel The Dollmaker of Krakow), is a novel of magical realism in verse, which centers on a teenage Latina violinist who travels to Prague and becomes entranced by the ghost of a boy at a Jewish cemetery. This is such a unique book, Hearn said. You dont see many novels in verse that are speculative in nature, and that excited me. The novel has the strong commercial hooks of romance and fantasy, but also features literary writing and is an identity-driven, diaspora coming-of-age story starring a Latina-Jewish girlan identity that hasnt been adequately represented in YA fiction.

Due the following month, Hell Followed with Us is a post-apocalyptic horror novel by first-time author Andrew Joseph White. It introduces a 16-year-old transgender boy who has escaped from a fundamentalist cult and teams up with an LGBTQ+ youth center fighting for survival. This novel is chock full of some of my all-time favorite tropes, Hearn observed. It features a queer teen, includes body horror, and explores gender and sexual identity. Andrew has such an incredibly fresh voice and a knack for horror, and we are so pleased to have found him on the ground floor of his career.

Rounding out the summer list is Anna Gracias Boys I Know, scheduled for July. In this novel, 18-year-old June, a Taiwanese American girl, navigates sex, love, and Planned Parenthood in her small Midwestern town. Junes is the ultimate voice-driven contemporary story, blending humor and heart, Hearn said. This is a beautiful story that explores the intersection of sex and lovehow they interplay and how they can confuse each other. This is a novel I wish I had read as a teen.

Anticipating Additional Growth

Hearn and Heller estimate that going forward, Peachtree Teen will release nine to 12 new titles annually over three publishing seasons. While the new imprint extends the companys reach into the YA market, Peachtree will simultaneously be increasing its title output in its traditionally robust childrens markets.

Quinlin noted that Catherine Frank, who spent many years as an editor at Viking Childrens Books, has joined Peachtree as editor at large, focusing on acquiring and editing middle grade fiction and select nonfiction. She will have two titles on the summer 2022 list. Kathy Landwehr, v-p and associate publisher, will continue to spearhead Peachtrees picture book and early reader programs, and Quinlin was happy to report that she is circling back to editing new books by some of her long-time authors, including Carmen Agra Deedy and Lester Laminack.

The current and expected expansion fueled Peachtrees announcement earlier this month that, effective May 1, 2022, it will move its sales and distribution to Penguin Random House Publisher Services. Given our goal to expand our publishing program, which obviously means more titles and more copies of books, we realized that our own warehouse operation could not support that growth without significant investment, Quinlin said. PRHPS is widely regarded for its best practices in sales, fulfillment, and customer service, which have always been of top importance to us, so we concluded that this was the way to go.

Despite the changes underway, the 44-year-old houses priorities, including its commitment and loyalty to authors and readers, remain a constant. When creating Peachtree Teen, we understood that it made sense to have a separate platform, but one that is closely linked to the companys core values, Quinlin said. Peachtree is deeply rooted in relationships and has been grown with care. It is so important to understand the community you are publishing forand I know that Ashley and Jonah, who are so passionate about YA, believe this, too.

The editors made their enthusiasm about and commitment to that goal unequivocally clear. With Peachtree Teen, we want to publish across genres and create a space that YA readers can rely on to find books that they can engage with personally and find themselves reflected in, Hearn said. We believe we have to be fully immersed in the YA community to make an impact, and we are making a commitment to go all in.

And Heller emphasized that he and Hearn are all in for the long term. Ashley and I love the YA creators weve worked with already and we are looking forward to taking a deep dive, he said. We are devoted to sticking around to serve readers of today and tomorrow.
Deadly insider attacks against the Afghan army jumped in the first quarter of this year as Taliban rebels took advantage of the coming American and NATO troop withdrawal, according to a US government report Friday.

The quarterly report of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said attacks on the Afghan security forces, mainly by the Taliban rebel group, surged 37 percent over the January-March period from a year earlier.

Notably, insider attacks -- when security forces are targeted by Taliban infiltrators within their ranks -- jumped 82 percent, and casualties from them doubled, according to the report.

The report did not specify the overall number of casualties, saying the data is classified.

But according to coalition figures, it said, 115 Afghan military personnel were killed and 39 wounded in 31 insider attacks in the first three months of this year.

But it made clear that the attacks threaten the stability of the Afghan government after the withdrawal of thousands of US troops and civilian defense contractors by September, as ordered earlier this month by President Joe Biden.

It noted that the Afghan government and particularly Afghan security forces remain highly dependent on US support, both financial aid and manpower.

"The complete withdrawal of US troops and US defense contractors from Afghanistan will test whether the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces can sustain themselves and defend the Afghan government without direct US and Coalition military support," the report said.

"The basic risk facing the current and any potential post-peace Afghan government is whether future foreign assistance levels during this uncertain period will be sufficient to prevent its collapse," said John Sopko, the SIGAR head.

The pullout will involve around 2,500 US service members, 7,092 other forces in the US-led coalition, and 16,832 civilian contractors for the Pentagon who were in the country at the beginning of April.

Story continues

Some contractors are crucial to keeping the Afghan military's aircraft flying, the report noted.

It also noted a downturn in Afghan civilian casualties in the first quarter, with 643 killed compared to 711 a year earlier and 932 in the fourth quarter of 2020, based on figures from the NATO side of the coalition.

sl/pmh/ft
Hundreds of stone monuments scattered across northwestern Saudi Arabia may represent the oldest known ritual site on Earth.

Researchers studying mustatils, courtyards made from sandstone blocks, date them to about 7,000 years ago, making them millennia older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids at Giza.

Surveying the region by helicopter, the team found over 1,000 mustatils, more than twice the previous estimates.

The theory is that the structures were used during ritual by members of a cattle cult, who sacrificed cows, goats and sheep to their unknown god.

A group of three mustatils photographed from a helicopter. The chambers range in size from 65 feet to nearly 2,000 feet

The mustatils, named after the Arabic word for rectangle, received little attention when they were first discovered in the 1970s.

More recently, archaeologists at the University of Western Australia in Perth explored the mysterious structures, flying by helicopter over 77,000 square miles of AlUla and Khaybar.

They found more than 1,000 mustatils over twice as many as previously thought existed.

The structures range in length from 65 feet to nearly 2,000 feet, with some sandstone boulders used to make them weigh half a ton.

Archaeologists found more than 1,000 rectangular chambers, known as mustatils, across northwest Saudi Arabia

Typically, a mustatil had long walls made from sandstone blocks around a central courtyard, with an entry at one end and rubble platform, or 'head,' at the other. They may also include an upright stone in a central chamber (above)

Typically, a mustatil had long walls around a central courtyard, with an entry at one end and rubble platform, or 'head,' at the other.

They may also include an orthostat, or upright stone, in a central chamber.

Some entranceways were blocked up with rubble, suggesting the structures were decommissioned at some point.

Mustatils were typically clustered in groups of between 2 and 20 and, given their monumental size, large groups of people would have had to work together to build them.

Mustatils were typically clustered in groups of between 2 and 20 and, given their monumental size, large groups of people would have had to work together to build them

Earlier studies speculated the structures were used as pens for livestock, but the walls of the mustatils were too low to enclose animals.

In a report published this week in the journal Antiquity, researchers say they believe the strange courtyards were used for religious rites.

'It's not designed to keep anything in, but to demarcate the space that is clearly an area that needs to be isolated,' lead author Hugh Thomas told New Scientist.

Fragments of cow, sheep, goats and gazelle horns and skulls found at one mustatil suggest the society that built them used animal sacrifices in their rituals.

Many of the original features were still standing, even after bearing the elements for thousands of years

The discovery of cow, sheep and goat horns and bones at the sites is evidence of a cattle cult, the researchers say

The structures were located in AlUla and Khaybar in northwest Saudia Arabia, about 600 miles from Riyadh

The recent excavations reveal 'the earliest evidence for a cattle cult in the Arabian Peninsula,' the team's report reads. 'As such, mustatils are amongst the earliest stone monuments in Arabia and globally one of the oldest monumental building traditions yet identified.'

There may have been a procession involved with the ritual, as the mustatils' narrow entranceways 'indicate that the structures were accessed in single file,' the team wrote.

Common features include A) internal niche located in the head of a mustatil, B) a blocked entranceway in the base, C-D) cells and standing slabs, and E) stone pillar made of stacked rocks

Radiocarbon dating the animal remains dates the mustatils to between 5300 and 5000 BC, predating Stonehenge by more than 2,500 years

Aerial image of a mustatil base with a cell, standing slab and blocked entranceways

By radiocarbon dating the skulls, Thomas and his colleagues dated the mustatil to between 5300 and 5000 BC, predating Stonehenge by more than 2,500 years and making them 'the first large-scale, monumental ritual landscape anywhere in the world,' according to co-author Melissa Kennedy, assistant director of the Aerial Archaeology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia project (AAKSA).

Rock art in the era from the same time period showed 'scenes of both cattle herding and hunting,' the team wrote, lending credence to the cattle-cult theory.

Kennedy told Art Newspaper the structures' widespread distribution, size and uniformity 'suggests a common religious belief may have been held over a huge part of northwest Arabia during the Late Neolithic, a feature that is so far unparalleled anywhere in the world.'
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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.
Jews and Blacks or Jews and African-Americans or Jews and voting. Plenty of causes. And Jews have been there. Time and time again. Are we ready for another rally to another cause? This one is right down our alley  but  are we up for it?

This past summer the United States and the world for that matter became aware of the Black Lives Matter movement. It had been around for a while, but it took this years Black death count and the Death by Cop phenomenon to make all the headlines, the marches, yet another call to action.

George Floyd, 13-year-old Adam Toledo, more. After a f...
Asian Country Lao orders tougher action to curb Covid-19 spread. Laos' National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has told its provincial bodies to intensify action to contain the spreading Covid-19 outbreak.

All provinces in Laos have imposed lockdown, although Attapeu, Xaysomboun and Huaphan provinces have not yet recorded any cases of the virus, a local daily reported on Friday.

The national task force on Wednesday held a video conference with its provincial bodies seeking local authorities to accelerate attempts to curb the outbreak, as per reports. Provincial authorities were told to continue to patrol borders to prevent people from entering Laos illegally.

Head of the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, told meeting participants to urgently trace those thought to have had close contact with infected people so they could be tested for the virus. Kikeo stressed the need to inspect venues that have been closed, to ensure they comply with the order.

As of Thursday, The total number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 recorded in Laos is 672, with 50 recoveries.

Pakistan Govt recalls ambassador in Saudi Arabia over corruption charges

Pope Francis facilitates prosecutions for Vatican-based cardinals and bishops

40 killed, over 150 injured in stampede during religious event in Israel
As Chief Operations Officer, Bunce is involved with every aspect of the company's day-to-day business. She has been instrumental in expanding the company's retail operations and inside sales force, while leading the implementation of a truly unique culture known as NAF 360; an all-around commitment to caring about the company's employees, business partners, and customers.

Through her vision, hard work, and determination, she guided company growth to 5,000+ employees with 186 locations in 32 states and a servicing portfolio of over 187,000 loans for $48.4 billion.

Under Bunce's leadership, New American Funding has increased its lending volume significantly in each of the last several years. She has enacted manual underwriting procedures to ensure that the company is serving underserved communities.

Bunce also partners with company President, Patty Arvielo, in a career-development program that allows employees to discuss their career goals directly with the senior leadership. Through this program, management can mentor employees on a deserved path of promotion within the company.

"I am honored to be named a Mortgage Star," said Bunce. "New American Funding has provided me many opportunities. I love working here and I take great pride in mentoring the next generation of mortgage stars."

To learn more about New American Funding's career opportunities, visit their careers page today.

About New American Funding

New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 187,000 loans for approximately $48.4 billion, 186+ nationwide locations, and about 5,000 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It offers state-of-the-art career training and provides its branch Loan Officers with innovative technologies to streamline the mortgage process.

SOURCE New American Funding

Related Links

https://www.newamericanfunding.com


Police have launched an investigation after six nooses were found at an Amazon facility in Windsor, Connecticut.

Windsor Police found a noose hanging from a steal beam on the second floor of the construction site on Kennedy Road on Tuesday.

Police were called back to the building on Wednesday after reports that another rope had been thrown around a beam. However, police said the second incident was 'not a noose'.

Officers went back to the site again on Thursday when five more ropes - that the police said could be interpreted as nooses - were found at various locations in the building.

Photo of the noose found at the site. A $5,000 reward has been offered to individuals who come forward with information about these incidents.

The Amazon warehouse (pictured) on Kennedy Road in Windsor

There are no leads or suspects at this time, the police said.

Speaking to Fox61 News, Police Capt. Andrew Power said: 'We don't tolerate that. Certainly not today, certainly not today... seven incidents we believe are connected, that's part of our investigation.'

He added: 'We want to find out who did it and the motivation behind it.'

In a statement, Windsor Police said: 'The general contractor of the construction site has been proactive in addressing these incidents and is cooperating fully with law enforcement.

'They also conducted an anti-discrimination/discrimination awareness training session with all employees on-site.'

There are no surveillance cameras in the area where the noose was found. That part of the building is also accessible to hundreds of employees, police said.

Scot X. Esdaile, president of the Connecticut state conference of the NAACP, suggested the disturbing incidents are part of a 'backlash' against recent events, including the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

'They're really terrorist acts, they should not be taken lightly,' he told CTPost.

Justin Waters, 34, who works on the site, said he moved to New England from Georgia to get away from this sort of behavior.

Police have launched an investigation after a hangman's noose and six other ropes were found at an Amazon facility in Windsor, Connecticut

He said: 'There was a lot of racism, a lot of separatism. The proms I went to; a black prom and a white prom.

'Its you know, to come up here, I didnt think it would be like that up here. I moved up here to get away from it.'



A $5,000 reward has been offered to individuals who come forward with information about these incidents.

The general contractor of the Windsor site has also promised a reward for those willing to identify the person responsible.

The Connecticut NAACP released a statement, saying: 'It was the NAACP that fought to get these hate crimes in the books and we want to make sure the individuals who committed these hate crimes are held accountable, to the full extent of the law.'
It may have been in the high eighties in Los Angeles but Ariel Winter wasn't worried about the heat.

The 23-year-old Modern Family darling rocked a full coverage black ensemble and sheepskin lined UGG boots, as she did a rather large grocery haul in the sweltering valley.

Recently moving in with boyfriend of over a year Luke Benward, Winter stocked up on provisions for the loved-up duo before making her way to her vehicle with a full cart.

Hot to trot: Ariel Winter, 23, paid no mind to the sweltering Los Angeles heat as she draped her body in all black with a pair of UGG boots while doing a rather large grocery haul

The comedic actress wore a black zip-up with a pair of sweatpants as she made a quick trip to the store.

Among her grocery purchases were two cases of water and a large array of food as she exited with a bevy of plastic bags from Gelson's.

She leaned into warmer temperatures with a hot pink set of acrylic nails and tossed her platinum locks into a messy top knot.

Though she revealed last week that she was fully vaccinated by sharing a smiley photo with the caption 'vaccinated vibes,' she continued to protect herself with a face mask.

Vaccinated: Though revealing last week that she was fully vaccinated as she shared a smiley photo with the caption 'vaccinated vibes,' she continued to protect herself with a face mask

As of April 27, the CDC announced that vaccinated individuals can go outside without a face covering, but masks are still strongly urged while in crowded settings and indoor spaces.

Ariel and her beau teamed up for a COVID-19 centric thriller called Don't Log Off which wrapped production last summer, marking her jump from sitcoms to movies. The duo also produced the project.

The longtime friends began dating in December 2019 and are definitely head over heels for each other, as the actor sang her praises in an interview with HollywoodLife.

The Dumplin' actor called her 'the most supportive,' partner while adding that both professionally and personally they are a good match.

'We compliment each other very well,' he said, adding that he is more of the 'relaxed, artistic,' type whereas Winter is 'great with logistics and keeping things on track.'
The Oakland As released a term sheet April 23 that details their financial plans to develop a new ballpark and mixed-use development along the citys waterfront. But City Hall officials were surprised by the long-awaited details.

Dave Kaval, the president of the As, said his team of attorneys and consultants met with the city three times a week for close to eight months to develop their proposal and he added that city officials were fully aware of all the terms and conditions in the agreement.

Now, he wants City Council feedback and is pushing for a council vote by July.

We had gotten to the point where we had really felt strongly that this document needed to be something where we got the perspective and input from the City Council, he said. We thought the best way to do that was make it public.

Mayor Libby Schaaf, who has supported the project, told The Chronicle she is committed to getting the term sheet ready for a City Council vote by July. But, she said, in the weeks ahead, the city will be in continual dialogue with the As to make sure this is a good deal for city residents.

This is a very expensive and complicated project, she said. Not only is there the ballpark ... but there are a lot of improvements to our transportation system and community benefits that Oaklanders deserve as part of this project. That is the part we are looking at now.

Opponents say the fine print makes clear the project isnt a good deal for the citys taxpayers.

How much do the new ballpark and the adjacent development cost, and why is it so expensive?

The As total budget of $12 billion for the project would make it one of the most expensive developments in the entire country. The entire projects cost would be more than triple the assessed value of the Bay Areas single most valuable building, Apples headquarters in Cupertino. A challenge for the As project is the Bay Areas construction costs, which are among the highest in the world. One new apartment unit in the Bay Area can cost upwards of $500,000 to build.

The $12 billion will fund a ballpark with a capacity for 35,000 attendees, 3,000 residential units, up to 1.5 million square feet of commercial uses, up to 270,000 square feet for retail, an indoor performance center for up to 3,500 people, 400 hotel rooms and up to 18 acres of publicly accessible open space.

The development will span 55 acres of land in and around Howard Terminal in Jack London Square. The land closest to the waterfront and the ballpark will be leased while the land used to build condos and commercial real estate will be purchased, Kaval said.

Who will pay for it?

The ballpark is expected to cost more than $1 billion. On-site project costs will be paid for through private financing and project-generated revenues.

The term sheet lays out a plan for the city to develop two infrastructure financing districts: the Howard Terminal Infrastructure Financing District and Jack London Infrastructure Financing District.

The tax revenue generated from those districts will go toward paying the As back for all infrastructure costs.

The term sheet estimates that $855 million in tax revenue will be used to fund on-site and off-site infrastructure upgrades.

Schaaf said the project requires certain improvements, but there are other improvements  pedestrian safety, traffic flow  that would be beneficial to the Jack London neighborhood regardless of whether there is a ballpark or not.

The city is critically examining claims that the growth in tax revenues is enough to fully fund those investments, said Justin Berton, a spokesman for the mayor.

The commitments requested by the As would predetermine the use of a substantial portion of tax revenue from this part of the city for years to come, he said. We will also explore whether there are other financing tools that could preserve the projects viability while reducing the level of commitment of future taxes that would be promised as part of the infrastructure districts.

Whats an infrastructure financing district?

Infrastructure financing districts are created to finance public infrastructure projects and are commonly used for big development projects. The special district diverts some property tax revenue to pay for infrastructure upgrades and other costs. San Francisco, for example, has nine big infrastructure financing districts to fund upgrades in areas of the city including Transbay and Mission Rock.

How much will Oakland get in community benefits and affordable housing?

Oakland will get $450 million in community benefits from tax-generated revenue from the two infrastructure financing districts. The maximum amount of time that the infrastructure financing districts will last is 45 years. Kaval said the $450 million in community benefits could come to the city within 15 to 20 years.

The As estimate that the city will get $1.4 billion from the Jack London Financing District. Their term sheet specifies that $360 million of that should be used to fund offsite infrastructure, $280 million should go to community benefits like affordable housing and offsite infrastructure and $760 million should go to the citys coffers.

The As estimate that the Howard Terminal Financing District will generate $860 million  with $495 million of that used to fund all on-site infrastructure costs, including environmental remediation, seismic improvements and sea level-rise improvements. The term sheet states that $170 million of that revenue should be used for community benefits like affordable housing and $195 million to be given to the citys coffers.

How long will it take to build?

The first phase of the project includes the ballpark, 540 residential units, 250,000 square feet of commercial office, 30,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 400 rooms for hotels, about 12.3 acres of open space, and 4,818 parking spaces. The first phase is expected to take two years to build once construction starts, according to the draft environmental impact report, but its not clear when building will begin.

The As say nothing else can be built until the ballpark is completed. The overall project could take at least eight years to be built and likely much longer.

What are the environmental concerns?

In 2019, The Chronicle reviewed regulatory documents that showed the soil and groundwater on the site contain hazardous and cancer-causing chemicals that would need to be remediated before the ballpark can be built at the Howard Terminal site.

Environmental groups submitted letters to the city that say the draft environmental impact report fails to disclose and mitigate environmental concerns around air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, transportation, hazardous materials, water quality and other issues.

Simply put, the Project is proposed for a dangerous toxic site, imperiled by sea level rise, with an inadequate remediation plan, a letter written by the San Francisco Baykeeper states.

San Francisco Baykeeper criticized the projects plan to raise the site and its plans to manage storm-water runoff by redirecting it away from the site.

What infrastructure upgrades need to be made?

The draft environmental impact report states that the ballpark would be surrounded by pedestrian streets with limited vehicle access. Transit options include BART, AC Transit, ferry service and bus shuttles, and a transportation hub that would have a raised pedestrian and bicycle crossings to the ballpark.

Infrastructure upgrades include pedestrian grade separation, new bike lanes, sidewalk improvements and more.

Melvin Mackay, the president of Local 10 ILWU, which represents 1,400 workers in the longshore division, said the ballpark and overall development would create total gridlock at the port. He worries that port workers will lose their jobs if the development is built.

We are the third largest port in the country, he said. Where will we get our goods from when the waterfront boards up?

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Roland Li contributed to this report.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
By Colin Packham

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Prime Minister Scott Morrison met on Friday with a former government staffer who alleges she was raped by an unnamed male colleague while working in parliament, as Australia's government faces mounting public anger over its handling of the complaint.

Brittany Higgins, who filed a police complaint in March over the alleged rape in 2019, described the meeting as "difficult", while Morrison said he was pleased to hear her views on how to make parliament a safer workplace.

Morrison has struggled to placate public anger amid several allegations of sexual abuse, discrimination against women and misconduct in parliament in recent months.

Tens of thousands of women in March protested across Australia to demand gender equality and justice for sexual assault victims.

"The prime minister acknowledged that the system had let me down and we were in agreement that there needs to be reform," Higgins told reporters in Sydney.

Higgins said earlier this year she was raped in Parliament House by an unnamed male colleague in 2019 while she worked as a media advisor to then Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds.

She told local media she was pressured at the time not to make an official complaint but Reynolds has denied the allegation.

Morrison has come under pressure to explain why several members of his cabinet were told of the allegation, but he remained unaware until Higgins first went public in February.

Morrison offered Higgins a private meeting last week.

"I was pleased to be able to meet with Ms Brittany Higgins and listen to her views on how we can make Parliamentary workplaces safe and more respectful," Morrison said in a statement, without giving any more details on their discussion.

The approval ratings of Morrison's government, which was high at the start of the year due to its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has taken a hit since Higgins went public with her complaint in February.

(Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa)
The Pentagon does not expect the U.S. military's withdrawal from Afghanistan to result in a chaotic "fall of Saigon"-type evacuation from Kabul, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks said Friday.

While answering questions during a virtual forum on the Biden administration's first 100 days hosted by The Aspen Institute, Hicks stressed that the military is focusing on a "safe, orderly, disciplined withdrawal process" over the next few months.

But, she said, the forces that are there until then will have the ability to defend themselves.

Read Next: Biden on Making COVID Vaccine Mandatory for Troops: 'I'm Going to Leave It to the Military'

Hicks said that the United States now has a wide slate of counterterrorism tools, including more unmanned systems and better collaboration between intelligence agencies and allies, that didn't exist before 9/11.

"It's not 2001, it's 2021," she said. "As we do in almost every other part of the world, executing on our counterterrorism mission without having substantial forces on the ground is the general way in which we approach counterterrorism."

Hicks declined to provide operational details of how an "over-the-horizon" counterterror response, as President Joe Biden described it, would work. But, she said, "It's fair to say we're thinking through all the contingency operations," and that the military's effort to help Afghanistan will support a primarily diplomatic approach.

"We've removed al-Qaida and demonstrated that we will not tolerate it being a safe haven for use against United States citizens and territory," she said. "And we will continue to ... hold the Taliban and any other actors inside Afghanistan responsible for not living up to those expectations."

When asked how much of the Pentagon's planning assumes the collapse of Afghan security forces and the fall of the government in Kabul, Hicks did not answer directly. Instead, she reiterated that the U.S. government will ensure Afghanistan cannot again become a safe haven for terrorists.

Hicks added that the U.S. continues to support a negotiated settlement between the government in Kabul and the Taliban. But, she said, "that is not central to how the United States plans for itself, both in terms of the over-the-horizon capability and any enduring interest we have in Afghanistan as it relates to terrorism."

After Saturday, when the withdrawal process officially begins, the U.S. will continue providing support -- including air support -- to NATO and Afghan allies, Hicks said.

During a press conference Tuesday, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby caused some confusion about whether air support to the Afghans would continue during the withdrawal, before later clarifying that no decision had been made to change or reduce air support.

-- Stephen Losey can be reached at stephen.losey@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StephenLosey.

Related: Emptiness, Anger, Relief: Afghanistan Veterans Wrestle with Coming End of 'Forever War'
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After preventing cruise ships from launching from U.S. ports for more than a year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta released a new timetable in the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order that may allow sailing from ports like Miami and Everglades in Florida as soon as July 2021.

Fla Senator Rick Scott

According to a report in USA Today, the timetable depends on cruise organizations following guidelines that require either trial sailings or vaccination for almost the entire crew and passengers. CDC has been under pressure from the industry and Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio and Alaska's Sen. Dan Sullivan who filed a lawsuit and new legislation to resume cruises in the summer.

CDC promises to respond to applications for trial sailings within five days rather than the previous up to 60 days. Cruise companies that report 98% of crew and 95% of passengers fully vaccinated will be able to resume trips from the U.S., something not possible since March 2020.

The Cruise Lines International Association estimates that Florida has lost as much as $685 million and 12,000 jobs as a result. Based in Miami, Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE: NCLH), Virgin Voyages, and Crystal Cruises had said they will require everyone - crew and passengers - to be fully vaccinated, before CDC's new guidelines were issued. As of April 29, CDC reports 43% of Americans received at least one dose of vaccine and 29.5% fully vaccinated.

Fla Senator Marco Rubio

However, the cruise companies need time to re-hire crew and promote voyages in addition to signing contracts with the ports to which they will sail. That's why resumption of launches from U.S. ports is not likely to be earlier than July.

Meanwhile, Virgin Voyages which is part of Richard Branson's Virgin Group will sail for the first time from the UK, not Miami. Scarlet Lady will sail from Portsmouth, England, on August 6. It will not stop at any ports.

Unless the updated CDC guidelines create a change, Virgin will take on the first passengers in Florida on September 22. Prior to Covid 19, it was supposed to launch its operations from Miami a year ago in April 2020. Virgin's second ship, Valiant Lady, is still scheduled to make its debut from South Florida in November.

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Watch: Prince Philips funeral was exactly 'how he would have liked it'

Mike Tindall has revealed that the royals had to leave Windsor Castle as soon as the funeral of Prince Philip was over, as they sought to follow COVID guidelines.

Prince Philip died on 9 April and the Queen was careful to follow coronavirus regulations at his funeral on 17 April, meaning there were only 30 mourners present.

Despite there being some guidelines to allow for a wake, her grandson-in-law, former rugby player Tindall, confirmed on Friday that they all left promptly.

He's previously praised the Queen for how she led by example during the funeral, saying his love for her had grown on that day.

Mike and Zara Tindall were two of the 30 mourners at the funeral on 17 April. (WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Read more: Harry and Meghan 'privately congratulate' William and Kate on anniversary

Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Friday, he said: "I think that's what she does, she leads by example... you say 'amazing to see' but I didn't really want to see it.

"Everyone has seen it now.

"Even after the funeral it was sort of 'you all need to leave', and so you didn't even get to have that supportive side afterwards.

"The way that the funeral was planned and run was exceptional... for Zara it was seeing his carriage, ponies, and the gloves, and the sugar cube box and all that lined up."

He also spoke to BBC Breakfast, saying: "Loss is always going to be difficult, I thought the funeral was beautifully done.

"But having to see the Queen make a stand in terms of showing what the world was at the moment and sit on her own and be as brave as she was, summed her up as a lady. She was amazing."

He added: "The funeral finished and it was sort of, get in your cars and go home. That is what was allowed, that's what the law and the rules state and so that's what happened.

"It was tough, but the funeral was done so well. I think he would have been happier about the way it happened."

Story continues

Watch: Tindall tells of his parents lockdown isolation to raise Parkinsons awareness

Read more: Mike Tindall reveals small daughters 'try to help' with newborn Lucas

Tindall is married to Zara, one of the Queen's granddaughters, and so was one of the smaller number of mourners at the service at St George's Chapel.

He previously described it as "eerie" but said that the smaller service is probably what the Duke of Edinburgh would have wanted.

Speaking on his podcast last week, he said: "The way everything was I think it was the perfect day... how he would have liked it.

"No fuss, get on with it, and my love for the Queen was even better."

Mike and Zara Tindall seated in St George's Chapel during the funeral of Prince Philip. (AFP)

Earlier this month, Tindall experienced his first royal engagement as he chatted to the wife of the Queen's cousin, the Duchess of Gloucester, about Parkinson's and his family's battle with the disease.

His father Philip was diagnosed with the disease in 2003 and he discussed how lockdown had been for his parents as his mother, Linda, is his primary carer.

The Tindalls don't carry out royal duties, and live on the Gatcombe estate, which is owned by Princess Anne, the Queen's only daughter.
Appointment

30 April 2021

Rosewood Miramar Beach, Southern California's most luxurious oceanfront resort, is pleased to announce the appointment of Yannick Augy as director of food & beverage. In this role, Yannick is responsible for the overall operation and direction of the resort's food and beverage programs and its distinct dining venues and bars. He also plays a pivotal role in ensuring the resort's culinary and beverage programs continue to set the standard for exceptional service and experiences.

Yannick comes to Rosewood Miramar Beach with more than twenty years of experience in the hospitality industry, working at top hotels and restaurant groups throughout the United States and Europe. Most recently, Yannick served as director of food & beverage at Virgin Hotels Dallas, where he was responsible for the entire food and beverage division of the four-star property. Prior to this role, Yannick held positions at Hakkasan Group in Las Vegas including director of learning & development and restaurant operations US, as well as previous roles with MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. In addition to his new role at the resort, Yannick also sits as the food & beverage chair on Forbes Travel Guide's Standards Advisory Committee, advising and recommending global service standards related to restaurants and ensure they remain relevant and geographically applicable to the demands of today's luxury travelers.

Yannick was born and raised near Sancerre in the Loire Valley of France. He holds a bachelor's degree in Culinary Genius and Arts from the Culinary School Jacques Cur in Bourges, France and he also studied hospitality management and tourism accounting at the University of Angers.
A Scranton man arrested last year for sexually abusing three young girls will spend at least 10 years in a state prison, a Lackawanna County judge ordered Friday.

Anthony R. Show victimized girls who were younger than 10 and inflicted trauma they will carry for the rest of their lives, Judge Andy Jarbola said during a virtual hearing.

Youre to be sentenced appropriately in that regard, the judge said.

Show, 33, 819 River St., was sentenced Friday to state prison for 10 years, two months to 20 years, four months. He pleaded guilty Dec. 9 to aggravated indecent assault of a child, indecent assault and corruption of minors, according to court records.

The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault.

Deemed a sexually violent predator, Show must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Dr. Mary Muscari, a forensic psychiatric nurse and criminologist, evaluated Show for the states Sexual Offenders Assessment Board and testified Friday that Show meets the criteria for a diagnosis of pedophilia.

Shows conduct also fits the criteria of a sexually violent predator, she testified, which Jarbola said was established beyond a reasonable doubt.

The victims were children whom Show had contact with in 2016 and 2017 in the city, according to a criminal complaint filed last summer by Detective Jeff Gilroy. Show used that access to abuse them, an indicator that his behavior was predatory, Muscari testified.

The victims disclosed during forensic interviews in June at the Childrens Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania that Show told each of the girls to stay silent about the abuse.

According to police, Show, wearing no pants, waited in the bedroom of one child and told her to come closer when she entered the room. She ran and screamed, but no one heard her.

They described sex acts with Show, with one of them telling authorities Show threatened to harm her if she spoke out.

Show declined to speak during the hearing. His attorney, Doug Vanston, called it an incredibly tragic case. Show understands the damage hes caused and accepts responsibility for it, Vanston said.

Hes remorseful, Vanston said. He understands the impact of what he did and its a daily struggle for him.
Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to a crowd during an event sponsored by the Palmetto Family organization in Columbia, S.C., on April 29, 2021. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

Pence Makes First Speech Since Leaving White House

Former Vice President Mike Pence delivered his first public address since leaving office on Thursday in an attempt to contrast President Joe Bidens first 100 days with those of the Trump administrations first 100 days.

Ive had enough, Pence said at an event in South Carolina. After 100 days, I think the time has come for Americans devoted to faith and family and freedom and limited government to stand up and unite behind a positive agenda and win back America. And it starts right here and right now in South Carolina.

The former vice president said that conservatives need to unite around a positive policy agenda.

The time has come for freedom-loving Americans to stand up to the far-left agenda of the Biden-Harris, administration and say enough is enough, Pence said. Its time to unite behind a positive agenda built upon our highest ideals and win back America. And we have the winning agenda, men and women, I have no doubt about it, built on American values and on our confidence in the American people.

Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to a crowd during an event sponsored by the Palmetto Family organization in Columbia, S.C., on April 29, 2021. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

On Jan. 6 during the Capitol breach, Pence was serving in his role as president of the Senate. He and members of Congress were forced to flee both floors of the House and Senate.

Meanwhile, Trump had called on Pence to reject votes from states where he said there were fraudulent votes cast. Pence ultimately declined not to challenge the certification of the votes, saying he thought the Constitution constrained him from intervening.

During his speech, Pence praised the Trump administrations accomplishments, saying it was four years of consequence, four years of results and four years of promises made and promises kept.

Trump, in several recent interviews, suggested that he is considering running for president again. Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, the former president said that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis could be a potential running mate should he do so.

I endorsed Ron, and after I endorsed him, he took off like a rocketship, Trump told Fox Business. Hes done a great job as governor. Im saying what I read and what you read, they love that ticket. Certainly, Ron would be considered. Hes a great guy.

Trump has not made a definitive statement about whether hed run again.

Its a little bit of a crazy, complex thing, Trump said about making an announcement to run for president too early. The whole fundraising contribution stuff is ridiculous; the laws are so archaic and stupid, frankly.
Government has advised Ghanaians who intend to travel to countries with exceedingly high COVID-19 infection rates to postpone or cancel their trip.



A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on Thursday advised against trips to Asian and South American countries.



It said, In view of the alarming rate of infections of COVID-19 in some parts of the world, especially in Asia and South America, the Ghana Health Service wishes to advise the general public to either cancel or postpone their all non-essential travels to countries with exceedingly high COVID-19 infection rates.



The Ministry further advised travellers leaving and arriving in Ghana to strictly adhere to already existing COVID-19 protocols.



It said all travellers leaving and arriving in Ghana are to note that only test results or certificates bearing trusted travel or biomars codes would be considered valid.



It added that travelers are to sign up for accounts on trustedtravels.panabios.org with the same email address and mobile numbers provided to laboratories during testing.







Source: graphiconline.com









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One of the Citys favorite music traditions returns on June 5 to Rosss Landing in Downtown. Riverfront Nights announced that their summer concert series begins with Electric Avenue. They will be followed by LVNDR opening for Southern Ave on June 12, Three Star Revival opening for Trigger Hippie on June 19 and Rick Rushing opening for the Al Ghent Band on June 26.Riverfront Nights will take a few weeks off before returning on July 24 and 31 for concerts. On August 7, Dalton & The Boys will open for Tennessee Dead, a Grateful Dead cover/jam band.On August 14, opening act Over Easy takes the stage before CBDB on August 14. Randy Steele will open the August 21 concert for Boy Named Banjo with the series ending on August 28 with Martelli, Hightower and Steele opening for Bone Pony.Riverfront Nights is a production of Riverbend, Chattanoogas music festival that will also be returning this year. Riverbend Executive Director Mickey McCamish said, We couldnt be more pleased to offer music to bring our community together on Chattanoogas riverfront. This series is designed to encourage concert-goers to have dinner at one of our local restaurants before or after coming to the concert, and to patronize the businesses in the Riverfront District.Mr. McCamish noted that additional acts are being booked to add to the line-up and will be announced in the coming days. As Riverfront Nights kicks off the summer season, we are proud to do what Riverbend and this series has done for almost four decades- -bring our community together through the enjoyment of good music. We are looking forward to seeing friends weve missed over the past year and cant wait to see everyone at Rosss Landing, he said.Mr. McCamish noted that even though the mask mandate wont be in effect for the outdoor concert, the planners are making sure that social distancing will be observed. A full bar and other drink options will be available for purchase to those of legal drinking age and IDs will be checked for anyone ordering alcoholic beverages. Additional food offerings will also be available on-site.Gates open for each concert at 7 p.m. and the concerts end at 10 p.m.
TROPHIES

Even though he first learned about it by surprise in a carefully crafted ceremony, Liberty High School Principal Harrison Baileys award for Pennsylvanias secondary principal of the year is no fluke. The Bethlehem Area School District community organized the ceremony to honor Bailey on Thursday afternoon. The Pennsylvania Principals Association gives out the award annually. Its as deserving of an award as they come. Bailey helped launch the Project Lead the Way curriculum, allowing students to explore engineering and biomedical sciences before college. He also integrated restorative justice practices into the school culture and undertook other initiatives that have given Liberty students the best chance possible to learn and succeed. We congratulate him.

Northampton Countys district courts do offer a degree of convenience by being spread across the county, generally allowing those attending criminal preliminary hearings a degree of convenience considering the courts are located within the local jurisdiction where the crime happened. But the security at some of these courts is insufficient. Northampton County President Judge Michael Koury recognized those insufficiencies and recently ordered the creation of a central court at the Northampton County Courthouse in Easton. Starting July 6, all preliminary hearings involving incarcerated people or those out on bail will be held in the new court. Those attending will have to pass through metal detectors and put their belongings through X-ray machines to get into a facility thats heavily guarded by sheriffs deputies. It may be inconvenient to some, but security trumps convenience. Koury, whos introduced other common-sense administrative reforms since taking over as president judge, made the right call and we hope the transition into the central court system goes smoothly.

TURKEYS

An administrative law judge this month ruled that Sunoco failed to properly disclose all the risks associated with a natural gas pipeline project in southern Pennsylvania and also found the company to be negligent in refusing to meet with officials seeking more information. Thats according to a report from Spotlight PA, of which lehighvalleylive.com is a media partner. The pipeline project, Mariner East, doesnt cut through the Lehigh Valley, but residents here ought to take note of the ruling to ensure history doesnt repeat itself. PennEast wants to build its own pipeline that would eventually traverse Northampton County. Opponents -- and there are many -- say PennEast hasnt adequately explained how the benefits of the project outweigh the risks. PennEast counters that it has clearly demonstrated the public need in what has been an open and transparent process. The project is now before the Supreme Court in a case involving New Jerseys efforts to block PennEasts use of eminent domain. As the case proceeds, PennEast should study the judges 212-page ruling against Mariner East and use it for guidance on what not to do when youre trying to build a project of this nature.

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Natuzzi S.p.A. (NYSE: NTZ) ("Natuzzi" or the "Company") announced today that it filed its annual report on Form 20-F (the "Annual Report") for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2020 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The Annual Report is available on the Company's website www.natuzzi.com within the Investor Relations page (http://natuzzigroup.com/en-EN/ir/investors.html) under the "SEC Filings" section.

The Company's shareholders can request a hard copy of the Annual Report, which includes the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge by contacting the Company at pdirenzo@natuzzi.com.

About Natuzzi S.p.A.

Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi S.p.A. is Italy's largest furniture house and one of the most important global players in the furniture industry with an extensive manufacturing footprint and a global retail network. Natuzzi is a lifestyle brand with a top position in the global furniture sector and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 13, 1993. Always committed to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, Natuzzi S.p.A. is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified (Quality and Environment), ISO 45001 certified (Safety on the Workplace) and FSC certified (Forest Stewardship Council).

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The Dodgers have placed right-hander Brusdar Graterol on the 10-day injured list with forearm tightness, per a club announcement. To take Graterols roster spot, the Dodgers recalled righty Edwin Uceta.

A forearm issue is particularly unwelcome news regarding Graterol, who underwent Tommy John surgery as a Twins prospect in 2016 and also battled shoulder problems as a member of the organization. Minnesota bid adieu to the flamethrowing Graterol before last season, when it sent him to Los Angeles in a trade centering on righty Kenta Maeda.

Graterol emerged as an important part of the Dodgers bullpen during his first year with the organization. He totaled 23 1/3 innings of 3.09 ERA/3.70 SIERA pitching, and though his 99 mph fastball velocity only led to a 14.8 strikeout percentage, he offset that with elite groundball and walk percentages of 62.3 and 3.4, respectively. Graterol added another 7 2/3 innings of three-run ball during the Dodgers postseason run to the World Series.

Health setbacks have stood in the way this season for the 22-year-old Graterol, who opened the campaign on the IL after battling COVID-19. Graterol didnt make his first appearance until April 18, and he has since allowed three earned runs on three hits with two walks and a strikeout over three outings and 1 1/3 frames. Hes now the third Dodgers reliever to land on the shelf in the past week, joining Corey Knebel and David Price.

The Dodgers will now get their first major league look at the 23-year-old Uceta, who divided the 2019 minors season between High-A and Double-A. Uceta thrived during that 123 1/3-inning span, in which he recorded a 2.77 ERA and racked up 141 strikeouts against 49 walks. FanGraphs Eric Longenhagen ranked Uceta 35th among Dodgers farmhands over the winter, writing that he could turn into a No. 4 or 5 starter at the MLB level.
It could be one of the worst decisions Premier Brian Pallister has made, or one of the best.

It could be one of the worst decisions Premier Brian Pallister has made, or one of the best.

Facing criticism for a leisurely rollout of the province's COVID-19 vaccination campaign, Pallister recently struck deals with North Dakota to have Manitoba truckers and (perhaps) teachers vaccinated in the U.S.

Manitoba truckers travelling on I-29 highway can visit a pop-up clinic at a rest stop near Drayton, N.D., about 50 kilometres south of the border.

On April 21-22, the first two days the clinic was open, more than 100 Canadians got a U.S. jab.

Based on the success of that program, Pallister announced Thursday he was putting together a deal to allow school teachers to drive across the border, specifically for the purposes of getting vaccinated, and return without doing any cross-border shopping or having to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

The logistics of vaccinating teachers in North Dakota is still a little murky, given their work does not normally require them to cross borders.

As a result, the early reviews have not been positive.

Premier Brian Pallister announced that he was putting together a deal to allow school teachers to drive across the border, specifically for the purposes of getting vaccinated, and return without doing any cross-border shopping or having to undergo a 14-day quarantine. (David Lipnowski / Canadian press files)

The Manitoba Teachers' Society called it an unacceptable solution; NDP Leader Wab Kinew called it a cheap gimmick designed to distract attention away from the government's troubled vaccine program.

So, is this a bad decision by Pallister, an admission he cannot get all Manitobans vaccinated without help from North Dakota?

Or, is this a good decision, a rare moment when the premier has stowed his legendary political vanity just long enough to do the right and practical thing?

Before making a final determination, we should note Manitoba is not the only western province tapping into the vaccine supplies of border states.

Saskatchewan struck a similar deal with North Dakota for truckers, while some Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents of southern Alberta have been invited to cross over to a vaccine clinic operated by the Blackfoot Confederacy in northwestern Montana.

In British Columbia, Canadians have been flocking to Washington, where there is too much vaccine and too little interest at pharmacies about providing proof of citizenship.

It's also important to note North Dakotans don't seem all that worried about giving away their vaccine doses.

Pallister has been careful not to blow this up into some sort of seminal moment.

When Gov. Doug Burgum announced April 20 his state would vaccinate 4,000 Canadian truckers, there was almost no evidence of local backlash. One reason may be, in addition to having a huge stockpile, North Dakota has the second-highest rate of vaccine hesitancy in the U.S.

According to survey data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 per cent of North Dakotan adults are hesitant to take the vaccine, including 19 per cent who are very hesitant.

Only Wyoming has a higher degree of doubt (31 per cent hesitant, 17 per cent very hesitant).

From arrival of the first shipments of vaccine, North Dakota officials have said they want to vaccinate 70 per cent of all residents, which really is the minimum level to establish some form of herd immunity.

As late as this week, however, only about half of state residents had received a jab, and public health officials were expressing some doubt .

"We knew (70 per cent) was going to be a lofty goal," immunization director Molly Howell told the Grand Forks Herald on April 26. "I think its going to take a bit of work, a bit of time."

So, all things being equal, and given the alternatives, it appears Pallister did the right thing.

Given the Pallister government's deep commitment to keeping schools open, come hell or high community transmission rates, teachers really should have been prioritized for vaccination weeks ago.

It must have been hard; the premier has an unhealthy obsession with bragging about Manitoba's pandemic response, to the point of exaggerating and embellishing facts beyond recognition.

In this instance, however, given North Dakota's peculiar situation  too much vaccine, too few residents interested  it would have been silly not to take advantage of the governor's largesse.

Pallister has been careful not to blow this up into some sort of seminal moment. "It's just another way to help people get vaccinated," he said Thursday.

That said, what is good for truckers may not be so good for teachers (unless you are a teacher working close to the border).

Teachers in other areas of the province have good reason to be concerned about being told the only way they can get a vaccine sooner is to take a day off work and drive to a highway rest stop in rural North Dakota.

Given the Pallister government's deep commitment to keeping schools open, come hell or high community transmission rates, teachers really should have been prioritized for vaccination weeks ago.

Their omission from the initial cohort of priority groups seems more of a political decision than one based on public health concerns.

In the end, this is one of those stories that proves a fundamental principle of politics: although politicians will never make everybody happy, at some point, they're going to piss off everyone.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
(JNS)  Over the weekend, President Joe Biden finally conceded that what was happening at Americas southern border is a crisis, a word that his administration had consistently refused to use when referring to the situation there which appears to be worsening every day. By Monday, White House flacks were trying to walk back the admission as just another Biden gaffe to be ignored or reinterpreted, but no one is being fooled.

Except that is, blind partisans or donors to HIASthe agency that once played an essential role in aiding Jewish immigrants but now raises millions from Jew...
Oscar-nominated Cartoon Saloon are engaging with local gaelscoileanna in a creative initiative aimed at promoting a love of the Irish language.

Staff, students and artists working at Cartoon Saloon are involved in the collaborative Creative Clusters project in conjunction with the Arts, Heritage and Culture through the medium of Irish.

Students are working with Aine Ni Ghlinn Laureate na nOg, and a series of visual artists from Cartoon Saloon, to develop a shared body of work, as Gaeilge.

The aim is to promote the use of the Irish language through a creative medium to support the love the four school communities (Colaiste Pobail Osrai, Gaelscoil Osrai, Gaelcholaiste Cheatharlach agus Gaelscoil Eoghain Ui Thuairisc) have for the Irish language, through the medium of the Arts.

We are excited to be able to work on such a project with Aine Ni Ghlinn and Cartoon Saloon, on this dynamic project. It is important to our school that we are linking with our neighbouring Gaelscoileanna, to allow our students the opportunity to make connections with the greater Irish speaking community, said Siona Nic Eoin.

Principal Cathnia O Muircheartaigh welcomed the opportunity for the students from all four schools to engage and learn from Tomm Moore and all the artists from the multi oscar nominated Cartoon Saloon and from Loureate na nOg ith Aine Ni Ghlinn.

Minister for Education, Norma Foley explained how the Creative Projects works.

A combination of two primary and two post-primary schools in counties Carlow with Gaelcholaiste Cheatharlach agus Gaelscoil Eoghain Ui Thuairisc and Kilkenny with Colaiste Pobail Osrai agus Gaelscoil Osrai formed a creative cluster and worked collaboratively, to explore the Arts, heritage and Irish culture. Their students worked with an Irish language poet and the renowned Kilkenny-based animation studio Cartoon Saloon to develop a shared body of work, through the medium of Irish with illustrations for public display in the community. Together, the four schools aim to promote the use of the Irish language; to reflect the love the four school communities have for the Irish language, and to support its promotion through the medium of the Arts.
Florida Supreme court rejects ex-wife's appeal, orders her to pay Todd Kozel's attorney fees

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida Supreme Court this month refused to hear an appeal from the ex-wife of international oil executive Todd Kozel, ending a divorce case in which Ashley Kozel had sought an additional $38 million after receiving more than $100 million in her original divorce settlement.

The Supreme Court decision came 16 months after a December 2019 appellate court ruling that overturned ex-wife Ashley's $38 million judgment against Todd.

Ashley and her attorney, Jeffrey Fisher of West Palm Beach, appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court, which refused jurisdiction and ordered Ashley to pay Todd's attorney fees.

"This is a fitting end to this costly and unnecessary litigation,' said John Crabtree, appellate lawyer for Todd Kozel.

The case began not long after the Kozels divorced in 2010. Ashley received in excess of $100 million in stock in the divorce, but she went back to court seeking more money as "damages" because certain shares weren't transferred on the original due date. Todd had, instead, transferred the stock shortly after the due date and paid Ashley an agreed additional sum for the late delivery- exactly as provided in the divorce agreement.

In 2016, a Sarasota judge sided with Ashley and imposed a $38 million post-divorce judgment against Todd. While Todd was appealing that judgment, Ashley and her attorney used the ruling to pursue Todd and his new family-going so far as to challenge payments Todd made to a fertility clinic where he and his current wife, Inga, were attempting to conceive a child.

"Ashley Kozel could not tolerate that her ex-husband married a younger woman,' said attorney Jeffrey Crockett, who represented Todd Kozel in related matters. "Filled with jealousy, she tried to destroy them both. Sadly, the only winner so far in this saga is Ashley's attorney, who, no doubt, has reaped millions of dollars in legal fees by exploiting his client's insecurities.'

In 2018, federal prosecutors in New York indicted Todd Kozel, claiming he had hid assets to avoid paying the (now-vacated) judgment in Ashley's favor. Those charges have been withdrawn.

"Todd is grateful to have this chapter behind him,' Crabtree said. "Now, he and his team will pursue his rightful claim to legal fees in this litigation.'
Germany will return 440 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria 125 years after they were looted by British soldiers in a colonial raid.

There have been growing calls to repatriate the sculptures, hundreds of which are distributed throughout European and American museums and universities, since the Black Lives Matter movement in the summer.

The artefacts, among the most highly regarded works of African art, were plundered by the British Empire during the capture and sacking of Benin in 1897.

Germany's culture minister Monika Gruetters yesterday announced that their collection would go back to Nigeria to bring 'understanding and reconciliation with the descendants of those whose cultural treasures were stolen.'

'We expect the first returns to take place in the year 2022,' she added.

The Ethnological Museum in Berlin has 530 historical objects from the ancient kingdom, including 440 bronzes - considered the most important collection outside the British Museum.

The University of Aberdeen and Lambeth Palace, the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, are among the British institutions which have so far announced their intention to send back their Benin Bronzes.

The Scottish university claimed that the bronzes had been seized in 'reprehensible circumstances.'

That decision put pressure on the British Museum, which holds hundreds of the pieces, to follow suit.

The museum has not announced plans to send them back permanently but has formed a Benin Dialogue Group with other museums to discuss displaying them in Benin City on a loan basis.

The artworks which date from the 13th century onward decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin and were looted after the city was conquered.

They were shipped back to England and then sold off to other colonial powers in Europe and America.

The Ethnological Museum in Berlin has 530 historical objects from the ancient kingdom, including 440 bronzes - considered the most important collection outside the British Museum.

Some 180 of the bronzes are due to be exhibited this year in Berlin's Humboldt Forum, a new museum complex that opened in December.

Nigeria's ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Tuggar, had called for the bronzes to be returned.

A Benin artwork which was looted during the sacking of Benin City in 1897 at the Berggruen Museum in Berlin

On Wednesday, Germany's foreign minister Heiko Maas said that Berlin was 'working with those involved in Nigeria and in Germany' on the future of the objects, which he called 'a question of justice'.

'An honest approach to colonial history also includes the question of restitution of cultural assets,' he said.

Nigeria plans to build a museum in Benin city to house looted artefacts after they are returned, a 3.4 million euro scheme in which the British museum will participate.

Late last year, France approved the restitution of 26 items from the Kingdom of Benin.
HOUSTON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The first major batch of oxygen concentrators has left Atlanta by air to Delhi. Thanks to UPS Foundation's generous collaboration with Sewa International, the shipment of 2,184 Nuvo oxygen-concentrators, manufactured by Birmingham, Alabama-based Nidek Medical Products, Inc., is being shipped free of cost to New Delhi, as India struggles with the severe second wave of COVID-19 that has led to an acute shortage of oxygen, ventilators, and hospital beds across the country.

Pic: Members of the Sewa International Team with UPS representatives at the UPS warehouse in Atlanta

While the shipment from Atlanta to Delhi is going via UPS, Air India will be distributing the consignment to seven metros in India, also without cost to Sewa International. From these seven metros the oxygen-concentrators will be transported by road to 21 cities. "In the midst of this health crisis in India, we are absolutely thrilled to have the support of so many organizations and people in enabling this quick shipment of oxygen-concentrators to India," said Arun Kankani, President, Sewa International, who had flown from Houston to be with the Sewa Atlanta team as they readied to send the medical equipment to India.

Romaine Seguin, President Global Freight Forwarding at UPS, said, "Our Heart goes out to the people of India during these tough times and our prayers are with them. It is our pleasure to lend a helping hand in this shipment of much needed medical equipment," Kiran Manchikanti, VP, UPS Information Technology, said. "Being an Indian and being able to make a difference makes me proud to support Indian people at this moment." Philippe Gilbert, UPS President, Supply Chain Solutions, reiterated that his team is with the people of India and are willing to help alleviate the pain.

Sewa started the 'Help India Defeat COVID-19' campaign on April 23, 2021 to ship oxygen concentrators to Indian hospitals. Sewa initially planned to raise $500,000. But responding to the rapidly evolving needs on the ground, Sewa increased the fundraising target to $1 million, $5 million, and $10 million in the subsequent three days. "This is generosity and commitment of people, not just Indian Americans but all Americans, to help India in this hour of need," said Swadesh Katoch, Sewa International's Vice President for Disaster Recovery, who has been working from Atlanta to ensure that the equipment reaches India fast. Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), advising Sewa International, said that the 100,000 strong physician group of Indian Origin is proud to support the people of India during these tough times.

About Sewa International

Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c)(3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

CONTACT:

Vidyasagar Tontalap

r  1 - 720-526-9939

Viswanath Koppaka  1- 404-304-0563

Email: [email protected]

Web: http://www.sewausa.org

SOURCE Sewa International
The NATO headquarters confirmed on Thursday the beginning of a gradual withdrawal of the alliance's forces from Afghanistan in accordance with the earlier decision, a NATO official told Sputnik

BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 29th April, 2021) The NATO headquarters confirmed on Thursday the beginning of a gradual withdrawal of the alliance's forces from Afghanistan in accordance with the earlier decision, a NATO official told Sputnik.

"NATO Allies decided in mid-April to start the withdrawal of Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1, and this withdrawal has begun. This will be an orderly, coordinated, and deliberate process.

The safety of our troops will be a top priority every step of the way, and we are taking all necessary measures to keep our personnel from harm. So you will understand that at this point, we will not go into operational details, including troop numbers or timelines for individual nations. Any Taliban attacks during the withdrawal will be met with a forceful response. We plan to have our withdrawal completed within a few months," the official said.
By Ko Hirano and Junko Horiuchi, KYODO NEWS - Apr 30, 2021 - 11:02 | World, All, Japan

Three months on from the Feb. 1 military coup in Myanmar, Japan's diplomatic efforts to persuade the Southeast Asian country's junta to reverse course have yet to bear fruit.

Myanmar security forces have killed some 750 peaceful protestors and other citizens, according to an activist monitoring group, a sign that Japan's suspension of new aid projects, alongside sanctions by the United States and other Western powers on senior generals and the companies they control, have not been effective in addressing the crisis.

Referring to his meeting April 24 with Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders in Jakarta, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said he would carefully consider suggestions from ASEAN on steps to end the turmoil, but only after the situation stabilizes -- signaling the junta is unlikely to stop using force, receive an ASEAN envoy or hold dialogue with rival groups anytime soon. Myanmar is a member of 10-member ASEAN.

Citing the general's thinking, some scholars say the Myanmar military has been so preoccupied with beating its political enemy, detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, that it has no intention -- at least for now -- of listening to what foreign governments and the United Nations have to say.

"At this stage, there is a limit to what diplomatic efforts Japan and other countries can make to get the military to change course, as its immediate priority is not to lend an ear to what they say but to consolidate its grip on power by getting rid of NLD forces," said Yoshihiro Nakanishi, a Myanmar expert at Kyoto University.

Min Aung Hlaing seized power after detaining Suu Kyi and senior NLD members, alleging fraud in a November election that gave the NLD a landslide victory. The election commission, however, said the vote was fair.

On Feb. 1, the Tatmadaw, as the military is known, declared a yearlong state of emergency and said a "free and fair" general election will eventually be held.

This has led analysts to suspect the junta may call an election without Suu Kyi and the NLD and that it believes that once a government that includes generals is elected, the international community would have no choice but to recognize it as a "democratic" entity.

Nakanishi, an associate professor of the university's Center for Southeast Asian Studies, said in an interview that the standoff between the junta and the National Unity Government, set up in opposition to military rule and led by Suu Kyi associates, may last for a year or longer.

Related coverage:

Japanese support engagement with crisis-hit Myanmar, survey shows

Japan approves world's largest trade deal including China, ASEAN

Myanmar junta says to mull ASEAN no-violence call after stabilization

Launched April 16 by NLD parliamentarians, anti-coup protest leaders and representatives of ethnic minority groups, the NUG is demanding that the junta immediately cease its violent crackdowns on demonstrators, release Suu Kyi and other detainees, and restore the democratically elected government.

Nevertheless, Nakanishi argues, factors such as economic paralysis and a full conflict with ethnic minority insurgents in border areas may propel the generals to change their mind.

In fact, the sharp contraction in the Myanmar economy -- triggered by strikes by workers and civil servants, as well as the halt of aid by foreign donors and the suspension of trade and investment by foreign businesses -- could create such a possibility.

Some analysts even say the crisis-hit country stands on the verge of becoming a failed state.

Before the military takeover, the World Bank had forecast Myanmar's economy would expand 5.9 percent in 2021, but it now estimates the economy will shrink 10 percent. Similarly, the U.N. World Food Program estimates up to 3.4 million more people will go hungry in the next six months.

Citing recent remarks by Min Aung Hlaing, Nakanishi said, "The commander-in-chief appears concerned about economic development."

"The military is now preoccupied with domestic affairs, but I suspect there will be a time when the international community can play a role in ending the crisis in Myanmar," he said.

Under such circumstances, Japan, while keeping channels of communication open to the Tatmadaw, is considering halting ongoing official development assistance projects as part of international pressure on the generals.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Japan extended ODA totaling about 190 billion yen ($1.7 billion) to Myanmar in the year to March 2020, by far the largest contributor other than China, which does not disclose corresponding data.

In parliament, a group of nonpartisan lawmakers, led by Gen Nakatani, a former defense minister, is seeking to enact a law enabling the government to impose sanctions on foreign individuals and entities over human rights violations.

Pro-NLD Myanmar residents in Japan are calling on parliament to pass the sanctions bill as soon as possible. They are also pushing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government to immediately suspend all non-humanitarian aid projects that benefit the junta and lobby the United Nations to impose a global arms embargo on the Tatmadaw so as to block weapons supply from China and Russia.

Foreign policy experts say Japan should continue to engage with the junta while keeping the suspension of ongoing ODA projects and invocation of the envisaged sanctions law as policy options.

With the United States and European countries stepping up targeted sanctions on Myanmar, the experts suggest Japan, in partnership with ASEAN, broker talks between the junta and the NUG as the country, unlike Western powers, has ties with both sides.

"Japan should insist on dialogue but always with the goal being the restoration of democracy, with a price to be paid if the junta does not move substantively in that direction," said Brad Glosserman, deputy director of the Center for Rule-making Strategies at Tama University in Tokyo.

"Japan should apply pressure in concert with the West, but it can do so in a different mode and means," Glosserman said in an email, suggesting that Tokyo persuade the generals while avoiding publicly humiliating the Tatmadaw.

Along with such a division of labor with the Western powers, former diplomats recommend that Japan deal with the Myanmar crisis in coordination with ASEAN, China and South Korea in the so-called ASEAN-plus-three framework.

The recommendation is part of policy proposals over Myanmar a group of former Japanese diplomats including Yasushi Akashi, a former U.N. undersecretary general, filed with the Foreign Ministry on April 23.

But skeptics warn that under the shadow of a great power rivalry between the United States and China, Japan must conduct careful diplomacy with China over Myanmar because of Beijing's desire to boost its clout and gain access to the Indian Ocean via its strategically important neighbor as a major arms supplier, aid donor and trading partner.
Joshua Duggar, the eldest of the siblings featured in the hit TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting, pleaded not guilty to child pornography charges in Arkansas on Friday, according to an indictment and court proceedings.

Mr. Duggar, 33, was arrested on Thursday in Springdale, where he lives with his wife and six children. According to prosecutors, in May 2019 he used the internet to download explicit material showing the sexual abuse of children, some younger than 12 years old.

Mr. Duggar was charged with one count of receiving child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography, the indictment says. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 for each count, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Arkansas said in a statement.

On Friday, Mr. Duggar entered the not guilty plea during an online court hearing. He appeared from the detention center in Washington County, where he had been held since his arrest on Thursday, according to online detainee records. A detention hearing was set for Wednesday and his trial was scheduled for July 6.
Comments by Philippine officials indicate that, with a growing Chinese maritime threat, Manila now hopes the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States - which the Philippines once moved to terminate - survives, experts told VOA Thursday.



Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. last year announced the country had suspended the announced termination of the agreement. The 1999 pact provides for arms sales, intelligence exchanges and discussions on military cooperation. It allows U.S. troops access to Philippine soil for military exercises aimed at regional security and local humanitarian work. Those measures shore up a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.



Locsin said in a tweet earlier this month that negotiations over the pact were nearly finished, Philippine media reported last week. The talks began in February and coincided with Chinas mooring of 220 fishing boats at a reef that Beijing and Manila dispute. Media reports quote Locsin saying the talks should be done within the coming week.



On April 10, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Philippine counterpart Delfin Lorenzana, and they affirmed the value of the agreement, the U.S. Defense Department says on its website.



Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, a skeptic of the United States who announced the deals termination in February 2020, said on national TV just over two months ago he wanted to hear public opinion on the topic. Many lawmakers have already opposed the pact's termination -- which has been suspended twice.

Saving the deal



Philippine officials have not said negotiations would save the agreement, but specialists say they believe comments from Manila show officials hope it holds up.



Theres an emerging consensus within the key agencies, and I think something that we can see in terms of public opinion as well, said Herman Kraft, a political science professor at University of the Philippines at Diliman, pointing to comments by defense and foreign ministry officials.



The Philippine government now wants the agreement updated to spell out explicitly that the United States would intervene to help defend outlying islands where Chinese vessels are most likely to appear, an academic close to Philippine defense officials said.



The United States had governed the Philippines for more than five decades before allowing its independence after World War II. For Washington today, the Philippines represents one in a chain of Western Pacific allies that can work together to check Chinese maritime expansion. Former U.S. defense secretary Mark Esper had called the deal cancellation a "move in the wrong direction for the longstanding relationship weve had with the Philippines" in part because of the Asian archipelago's location.



Rather than maintain strategic ambiguity -- this was the practice in the past -- [Philippine officials] prefer some strategic clarity," said Eduardo Araral, associate professor at the National University of Singapore's public policy school.

Sino-Philippine maritime dispute



China and the Philippines dispute sovereignty over tracts of the South China Sea.



Their dispute eased in 2016 after Manila won a world arbitral court ruling against Beijing and Duterte pursued a new friendship with China. However, Philippine officials grew alarmed when about 100 Chinese boats showed up in 2019 near a Philippine-held islet in the sea and again when the fleet of 220 stopped at Whitsun Reef last month.



Ongoing tension with China gives the Philippine government a new incentive to keep the Visiting Forces Agreement, said Aaron Rabena, research fellow at the Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation in Metro Manila.



China, which maintains Asias strongest armed forces, cites historic documents to support its claim to about 90% of the disputed sea. Four other governments call all or part of the same sea their own. China has alarmed many over the past decade by landfilling islets for military installations.



Smaller claimants welcome a U.S. role in the dispute, and the United States -- China's superpower rival -- doubled the number of warship passages through the sea in 2019 compared to 2018.



Delicate decision



A decision in Manila to uphold the agreement would upset China, which could in turn increase its boat count in the disputed sea, Kraft said. It could go as far as banning Philippine fishing operations, he said. The sea is valued for fisheries as well as undersea fuel reserves.



However, Duterte risks being seen as weak at home if he reinstates the U.S. pact after thundering against it in February 2020, experts say. Duterte, a long-time anti-U.S. firebrand, ordered an end to the deal after the U.S. government canceled a visa for a Philippine senator and former police chief who was instrumental in a deadly anti-drug campaign that generated outrage abroad.



Duterte might end up letting his foreign affairs and defense secretaries handle the whole Visiting Forces Agreement process, Kraft said. The Philippines could technically keep suspending its cancelation of the deal every six months until deciding what to do, Araral said.



The government could extend the review process into mid-2022, when Duterte must step down due to term limits, Rabena said.



He doesnt have to say yes to it, Rabena said. What he does sometimes is that he just allows his cabinet members to do their thing.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 21:55:46|Editor: huaxia

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TIRANA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Albania's new government will face multiple challenges after the ruling Socialist Party led by Prime Minister Edi Rama won in Sunday's parliamentary elections.

The Socialist Party received 48.68 percent of the vote and 74 seats in the 140-seat parliament, which is more than the 71 seats required to govern alone. Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party won 39.43 percent of the vote, nabbing 59 parliament seats, according to official election results announced on Wednesday.

The Socialist Party became the first political party to win a third term after the country changed its political system in 1991.

The opening of the accession negotiation to the European Union (EU) is the new government's top priority. The government is expected to be formed in September. Growing the country's economy -- which has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic -- raising living standards, improving governance, and combatting corruption are also high on the agenda.

On Tuesday, before the final election results were announced, Rama declared the Socialist Party victorious at a celebration rally held at Skanderbeg Square in the center of the capital Tirana.

He told supporters that this was the Socialist Party's most difficult and important victory.

He also called on the leader of the Democratic Party Lulzim Basha to accept the election results, while reiterating that he would cooperate with the opposition party to strive for the early start of accession negotiations with the EU.

For the first time, Albanian voters used electronic devices to vote. Electing both political parties and parliament members was also a first, in a move expected to improve election transparency and the speed of vote counting.

The election is considered crucial to Albania's quest to join the EU. The government hopes to start the already delayed accession negotiations this year.

But the road to EU accession will be bumpy.

In 2014, Albania became a candidate for the EU, but the country has fallen short of meeting the bloc's requirements for full-member status in recent years.

Economic development is one condition for joining. Albania should attract foreign investment, develop the economy, and improve living standards for entry.

The government is also expected to further reform the judicial system and crack down on corruption. Enditem
Georgia megachurch votes to disaffiliate from UMC after lead pastor was reassigned

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A United Methodist megachurch based in Georgia has filed a complaint against regional church leadership as part of its effort to leave the denomination for multiple reasons.

The leadership of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, a Marietta-based congregation with approximately 10,000 members, voted earlier this month to begin the process of disaffiliation.

One issue was the decision of the UMC North Georgia Conference, the regional body that Mt. Bethel is part of, to reassign lead pastor, Jody Ray, to another position within the conference.

In the UMC, pastors are typically assigned to a congregation for one year at a time, with the possibility of being assigned to a different congregation or another role occurring on an annual basis.

A spokesperson for Mt. Bethel told The Christian Post in an email that the Mt. Bethel Administrative Council voted unanimously to enter into the disaffiliation process on April 18.

Given the recent actions of our bishop and the direction of the United Methodist denomination, both the leadership and members of Mt. Bethel Church strongly believe it is time for us to part ways with the denomination, the spokesperson wrote.

We believe this process could be accomplished in a matter of months if the Bishop and the North Georgia Annual Conference are willing to enter into an amicable and orderly disaffiliation.

The church went on to state that they simply want to continue serving in this great community and making our church a beacon of hope for all Gods people.

Mt. Bethels complaint, filed with the leadership of the UMC Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops, was announced via an emailed statement sent to media outlets.

The complaint accuses North Georgia Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and a local district superintendent of Disobedience to the Order and Discipline of The United Methodist Church and accuses Haupert-Johnson of Relationships and/or Behaviors that Undermines the Ministry of Another Pastor.

At a press conference on Monday, Ray explained that he was surrendering his credentials as a UMC pastor. Mt. Bethel intends to keep him on as a lead preacher, however.

I will not engage in trying to read the Bishops mind for why she has taken this hasty and ill-conceived action, stated Ray at the press conference.

 but I do know she has undermined her credibility with the people of Mt. Bethel Church and jeopardized the health and vitality of this great congregation that is a beacon of hope and light in this community and beyond.

A spokesperson for the North Georgia Conference directed CP to a pastoral letter by Bishop Haupert-Johnson posted Monday defending the decision to move Ray to another congregation.

The reassignment of a pastor is not done out of spite. The placement of a pastor is not done as a form of punishment. The reassignment of a pastor is not designed to persecute, wrote Haupert-Johnson.

Instead, the process is begun with the goal of matching the gifts and graces of a particular pastor with the ministry needs of a particular congregation and community in a particular season.

The bishop also said that Mt. Bethel and Ray were uncooperative with the Conference leadership, purportedly refusing to discuss any alternative solutions.

When the district superintendent and the assistant to the bishop met with church leaders to further consult about the projected appointment, they refused to have any meaningful conversation, she continued.

When asked to further the consultation by submitting written concerns to the Cabinet, they gave no missional reasons against the appointment. The leaders wrote that they would withhold compensation, benefits and any reimbursement for a new pastor.

Ray had served with Mt. Bethel for over five years but was reassigned to an "evolving conference position having to do with racial reconciliation." An online petition against the decision to reassign Ray has amassed over 4,700 supporters.

Ray and the church argue that the conference didn't follow the expected process for new appointments.

"Many people know my heart for this very important issue and timely matter [of racial reconciliation]. So had the Bishop come to me last December or earlier this year to engage me in productive conversation about this emerging position, invited me to help shape it, and then given me some time to pray about it, then we would likely be in a very different

place today," Ray stressed. "But instead, there was no conversation or consultation at all."
I think there are a lot of people who are still confused about masks. I was confused as well, until I realized that masks weren't about stopping the spread of COVID or any other virus. Instead, they provide concrete advantages for various groups of Americans.

For months, I tried to figure out how people could be so ignorant. Using cloth masks to slow the trajectory of an airborne virus is the equivalent of using a chain-link fence for a flood wall. It's ridiculous to even consider. However, when I stopped assuming that masks were about a virus and started looking at the actual benefits of mass mask usage, it became pretty clear to me why they're still here.

Who benefits from everyone wearing masks? Masks are symbolic of COVID. With that being said, I'll continue.

Teachers benefit from masks. Most teachers get paid in accordance with a contract that's been negotiated with their school districts. Those contracts are typically for a three- or four-year period and will be re-negotiated when the contract comes to an end. COVID changed that.

I know from experience as both a union member and management that there's only one reason that an employee can refuse to do his job and not get terminated for insubordination. That reason is if the employee fears for his safety. Then termination is no longer an option. If employees refuse to do their jobs or threaten to refuse to do their jobs for safety reasons, then re-negotiation is possible.

As long as people wear masks, teachers can bargain for things they couldn't otherwise bargain for. I know that here, in my school district, if there's inclement weather, the schools switch to online learning, which makes the teachers happy for the time being. The poor kids can't even have snow days anymore, but at least they're in school.

This pattern basically applies to all union employees who get paid in accordance with a contract. They can refuse to do their jobs when they don't feel safe, and then they can negotiate for something to help them forget that they're scared for their lives.

Nurses and paramedics benefit from masks as well. In some places, they're getting hazard pay for their increased exposure to the deadly virus. Many hospitals have procedures in place that limit staff from going to different areas to help keep any potential outbreaks minimal. That requires more staff, meaning a decrease in each nurse's job requirements. Hazard pay plus less workload equals happy nurses. They love masks.

Doctors benefit from masks. Many doctors now see their patients on a computer screen in Zoom meetings. Thanks to masks, they don't even have to be in the same room as their patients. Imagine all that white paper that doesn't need replacing on examination tables. That adds up quicker than you think!

The unemployed enjoy the benefits of mask mandates. Provided that people continue to be scared of COVID  so scared they have to wear masks  unemployment benefits get extended and are $300 a week higher than without COVID being around. The unemployed don't want masks to go anywhere.

For obvious reasons, thieves like masks very much. Just the other day, while I was shopping, a woman winked at me as I noticed her putting something in her oversized purse that was reaching maximum capacity. She didn't even care that I saw her doing it. Masks keep her out of jail.

B i g Tech benefits big-time. When people are scared, they stay home more than usual. Masks keep people scared. Jeff Bezos made 13 billion dollars in a single day thanks to masks.

The mainstream media have been raking in the money thanks to masks. If not for masks, people might not watch as much television and, instead, begin to live regular lives again. That would mean the media would lose advertising revenue. They want masks  and fear  to be permanent.

Too many people benefit in some way from keeping masks on every face and that's why masks are still here. It was never about a virus.

Image: Masks by Rawpixel.

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in 2021, what the Health Minister should be telling Nigerians is not about seeking humongous amounts to manage malaria, but what has happened to the cheap and promising ECOWAS-Cuba initiative.

How do you react to a preventable war in which just in Lagos alone  one of the thirty six states of Nigeria  700,000 human beings are annually taken prisoner, and worldwide 229 million are taken prisoner, with over 400,000 sent to early graves yearly? That is the situation with the ancient human war against malaria. Yet, humanity has been in a position to win this war for over 70 years, but fails to do so largely due to the let-down of governance, lack of interest and sabotage by those who profit from this human calamity.

This past Sunday, the World Malaria Day was held, with the usual speeches and promises, while the casualties pile up. This years slogan, Stand upTake Action, elicits the question: Why has it taken the world over a century to stand up and take action?

Towards the close of 2019, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) reared its head. Within one year, there were over 200 vaccine candidates being developed, and this year, many countries and companies rolled out various types, with hundreds of millions of people vaccinated. In contrast, after four thousand years of malaria ravaging humanity, there is no single vaccine for it. This is partly due to the facts that humanity does not feel as frightened or threatened, and malaria has scientific cures. Also, the fact is that today, malaria is largely an Africa disease, with 215 million or 94 per cent of global malaria cases occurring in the continent.

Malaria has been so prevalent in Africa that some said it was a sort of natural biological warfare against European colonialists. In the malaria-infested parts of Africa, it was so difficult for the colonialists to settle, and it was unthinkable there could be white settler colonies in countries like Nigeria. As such, some jokingly talk about the patriotic mosquitoes of Africa, which made it the Whitemans graveyard.

Malaria is caused by plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes that are called the vectors. This causes high fever and chills, which in severe cases affect the lungs and block the capillaries carrying blood to the brain. Over the years, it has become resistant to many conventional drugs.

Apart from the human costs, malaria in many African countries is responsible for the overburdening of health facilities and their near break down. For instance, in Lagos, Nigerias economic capital, the States Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi says malaria alone is responsible for 70 per cent of outpatients in public health facilities; 657,154 patients with malaria were seen in both private and public health facilities in the State in the past year. In financial terms, the impact of malaria is estimated to cost Africa $12 billion annually.

It is an open secret that there are those who profit from the malaria business and would not want it eliminated. The malaria drugs market is a near $1 trillion business and the pharmaceutical companies producing these drugs are making huge profits.

It is an open secret that there are those who profit from the malaria business and would not want it eliminated. The malaria drugs market is a near $1 trillion business and the pharmaceutical companies producing these drugs are making huge profits. The same goes for the companies producing mosquito nets and the mainly harmful insecticides and mosquito coil.

The anti-malaria drugs business was universally boosted in 2020, when then American President, Donald Trump claimed that the malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, was a game changer against COVID-19. There are also those who make huge profits producing and selling fake malaria drugs.

There is also the Western brainwashing. For the thousands of years, malaria has ravaged humanity, and Africans have had effective herbal cures to it. One of the most effective is the inexpensive or virtually free Neem tree and leaves called Dongoyaro in Nigeria, with the botanical name, Azadirachta indica. However, Africans were brainwashed into believing that this drug is meant for the uneducated and unsophisticated and that the Western-produced drugs, many of which have become ineffective, are the best treatments for malaria.

There is also the legion of foreign-sponsored non-governmental organisations specialising in endless malaria campaigns and living off the victims.

The solution to this tragic war is to eradicate malaria by rendering ineffectual or eliminating the female Anopheles mosquito. There are, of course, environmental consequences as mosquitoes are food source for some animals, birds and fishes but they are not fundamental to them as they have alternative food sources. Besides, other insects can replace them. The net result of eliminating mosquitos would be that many human lives will be saved, ill-health reduced in the world, burden on healthcare reduced and some economies can breathe better.

Nigeria, the country most infected by malaria, does not appear to be focusing on its elimination. As its prevalent culture, it prefers to throw money at things, even when it hasnt the money. It announced one week ago that its needs N1.89 trillion to fight malaria.

The question is: Why is Nigeria interested more in the management of malaria, rather than its outright eradication, which it can in fact afford?

Health Minister, Osagie Ehanire, said about 63.1 per cent of the projected sum will be used to support prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and the balance for vector management. Nigeria is, of course, broke and highly indebted, so its main hope is donations. The government is so unserious that even the basic method of reducing malaria prevalence by fumigating gutters and other places that mosquitoes breed in, has been abandoned. Rather, it seems contented with receiving malaria control stipends from the British DfID, Global Fund and negotiating more loans from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and USAID.

The question is: Why is Nigeria interested more in the management of malaria, rather than its outright eradication, which it can in fact afford?

Cuba, that tiny but focused country, eliminated malaria in 1973 and has tried to get countries interested in the process. For some years now, Cuba has had a plan to eradicate malaria not just in Nigeria, but the entire West African region.

After various delays and setbacks, Cuba and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in 2012 signed an agreement to eradicate malaria in three years. The plan was simple: the elimination of the mosquito larvae by effectively spraying biolarvicides  a safe substance that kills the mosquito larvae  on all places they inhabit. The plan was to train the armed forces, private sector operators, vector control specialists, entomologists and the general population in this war, carry out technology transfer and build biolarvicides factories in Nigeria, Cote dIvoire and Ghana. Those who initiated that agreement included the then President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo and Nigerias Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu.

Port Harcourt was chosen as site for the Nigerian factory and the then governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the current Minister of Transport, promised that the State will play its role in the malaria elimination programme. So in 2021, what the Health Minister should be telling Nigerians is not about seeking humongous amounts to manage malaria, but what has happened to the cheap and promising ECOWAS-Cuba initiative.

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Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author.
BRIDGEPORT  Former police chief Armando Perez took the stand for a second day of testimony Friday in the civil trial challenging the appointment of Rebeca Garcia as assistant police chief  and promptly retracted much of his testimony from the day before.

I think I was a little confused yesterday, Perez volunteered as the plaintiffs lawyer, Thomas Bucci, prepared to question him for a second day.

What are you confused about? Bucci asked.

Perez then said that everything he had said Thursday about the process that had been used to select Garcia as assistant chief  resumes being requested from staff and the names of candidates being sent to a consultant hired by the mayor  didnt occur. He said he confused it with the deputy chief position.

Bucci had told Perez Thursday afternoon he was being called back Friday to be questioned regarding a deposition Mayor Joe Ganim had given regarding Garcias promotion. That deposition apparently conflicted with the answers Perez gave in testimony on Thursday.

The civil trial, which is being held remotely before Superior Court Judge Barry Stevens, could determine the future of Garcia, who became the citys first female police chief when she was promoted after Perez was arrested by the FBI.

Earlier this month Perez was sentenced to a year and a day in prison after pleading guilty in federal court to conspiring to rig the examination process that made him chief and lying to the FBI about it. He is scheduled to surrender to federal prison officials next month.

The trial this week centered on a claim in a lawsuit against the city by three police captains  Brian Fitzgerald, Steven Lougal and Roderick Porter  and Deputy Chief Anthony Armeno that the appointment of Garcia to assistant chief was unlawful and invalid and in violation of the citys charter.

Testimony tentatively ended Friday afternoon in the case. Both sides must now file written legal arguments by July 16.

In testimony on Friday, Perez volunteered that he had offered the assistant police chief position to Porter but Porter had turned him down.

If Rod had come in with me I dont think we would be here today because he would have helped me a lot, I trusted him but he turned me down, Perez said.

Porter, who was later called as a witness on Friday, denied Perez had offered him the assistant police chief position.

Perez then added, My choice, my No. 1 choice was Rebeca Garcia because I believed then and I believe now that she possesses all the qualities to fulfill not only that position but the position she is holding right now.

He said he later informed the mayor that Garcia was his choice for assistant chief.

Garcia was next called to the witness stand, or in this case, which was held virtually, appeared on video from the police chiefs office. She said she never was asked to fill out an application for the position.

She testified she had been approached by Perez who asked her if she wanted to become assistant chief. She said she later had a meeting with the mayor and handed him a copy of her resume.

Garcia said that she insisted on a contract because the assistant chief job is outside the union and she was concerned she needed some job protection.

Garcia was followed by Fitzgerald who testified he had previously applied for a deputy chief position when it had been posted but he had been unaware that the city was seeking applicants for assistant chief, which he would have applied for.

Fitzgerald said he later met with Perez when he heard Garcia was getting the position.

He (Perez) told me it was out of his hands, it was something the mayor wanted, it was all political, Fitzgerald testified.
The company is making strong progress with construction at Wickepin Kaolin Project from which it will produce kaolin products for tier-one customers.

Building progress at the Wickepin project southeast of Perth.

( ) is making strong progress with stage one construction at the Wickepin Kaolin Project and remains on track for the first production by the end of the year.

The project, 220 kilometres southeast of Perth, has a 644.5 million tonnes mineral resource estimate including an ore reserve estimate of 30.5 million tonnes of kaolinised granite.

WAKs intention is to produce kaolin products for tier-one customers with the aim of expanding production to 400,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) in a two-stage strategy.

Project background

The company acquired the Wickepin Project in 1999 from Rio Tinto which, through exploration, had discovered and drilled out a mineral resource and commissioned engineering and feasibility studies.

This acquisition included the tenements covered by the Wickepin Project and all associated engineering and feasibility studies.

Since then, WA Kaolin has invested more than $42 million to develop and progress the Wickepin Project that comprises a mining lease, a general-purpose lease, a miscellaneous licence and retention licences.

It is one of the largest known remaining kaolin resources in the world and the probable ore reserve of 30.5 million tonnes is within a mineral resource of 109.1 million tonnes in the mining lease.

The project also has an inferred mineral resource of 644.5 million tonnes of high-grade premium kaolinised granite across all tenements.

WA Kaolin developed a dry processing method, the K99 Process, at its plant in Kwinana, which together with the high-grade Wickepin kaolin resource, produces an ultra-bright, high-quality kaolin product at a low cost.

Stage-1 work

AUSPAN, one of Australias leading steel frame construction companies, has been contracted to carry out the stage-1 building structural design and construction.

The concrete batching plant was delivered to the site early in January and work commenced on the footings and part of the slab being laid ahead of the plant build.

WA Kaolin has also purchased a Hyster reach stacker for export container handling operations at the Wickepin Project.

The unit will initially be used at the companys operating Kwinana plant to manage the increasing container traffic, before being transferred to the Wickepin mine site when operations commence at the end of 2021.

Employing key staff

During the quarter, WAK started employing key personnel for the Wickepin Project.

Post period, the company appointed the Wickepin plant office administrator, who began employment on April 12.

Additionally, the company has reached agreement with an experienced sales and marketing manager to join the team in May.

WAK has also engaged Matthew Baker, son of executive director Alf Baker, on contract as site construction manager to assist the mine manager as the project activity on site increases.

Mining operations

WAKs existing mining and Kwinana processing operations will continue during the Stage-1 construction and commissioning at East Wickepin to service the strong demand of WAKs growing list of customers.

The Kwinana operation is producing at a rate of up to 5 tonnes per hour and strong orders continue.

Last year, WA Kaolin received its first commercial order for its new product CG-15, a granulated product provided for the ceramics industry, from Japan.

The CG-15 order was shipped to Japan on January 25. Subsequently, the company has received an order from an Australian paper manufacturer for IPG2-75, a new granulated product for the paper market.

Offtake agreements

WA Kaolin is also continuing marketing efforts to build on its list of existing customers in Australia, Japan, Vietnam and China who have signed contracts, LOIs and an offtake agreement.

The company has in place letters of intent and ongoing contracts with key distributors and customers, which further support the companys targeted production of kaolin.

In years 1 to 3 of production at Wickepin, the sum of offtake agreements and non-binding letters of intent in place amounts to a total target offtake for the first three years of 551,000 tonnes, representing 83% of targeted production of 664,000 tonnes for those years.

Further offtake negotiations are in progress with other potential customers.
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Clinical Intelligence Market Research Report 2019 published By Market Research Future, provides information on Global Clinical Intelligence Industry Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Opportunity Assessment with Regional Analysis and Segmentation By Clinical Intelligence Market Information: By Type (CDSS, Quality Improvement), Component (Service, Software), Application (Clinical, RCM), End User (Hospitals, Clinics, Tpas) - Global Forecast Till 2023



The global clinical intelligence market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period. 2018-2023.

Some of the key players in Clinical Intelligence market are IBM (U.S.), Cerner Corporation (U.S.), Epic Systems Corporation (U.S.), Allscripts (U.S.), QSI Management, LLC (U.S.), General Electric Company (U.S.), eClinicalWorks (U.S.), McKesson Corporation (U.S.), and Greenway Health, LLC (U.S.).



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Clinical Intelligence includes number of software solutions for clinical data management. It involves software for Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), clinical decision support, financial management and medical records management. It is used to improve organizations productivity, reduce cost, improves patient engagement and safe financial resources and time.

Rising demand for healthcare software solutions, growing emphasis on electronic health records and adoption of information technology for delivery of care propel the market growth. Also, presence of large number of market players providing healthcare software solutions further boost the market growth. Furthermore, evolution in healthcare IT and continuous technology up gradation will drive the market.

According to National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, patient engagement EHR functionalities became more prevalent in U.S. hospitals from 2013 to 2015. In 2015, 78% of all office-based physicians reported the use of a certified EHR and 46% of all physicians participated in a delivery system reform program. It also stated that, in September, 2013, the Health IT Policy Committee (HITPC) accepted and approved recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration Safety (FDA) and Innovation Act (FDASIA) working group for a risk-based regulatory framework for healthcare IT. These statistics determine the use of healthcare IT in the U.S. Patient engagement platform and clinical decision support systems are receiving attention from large number of healthcare providers as it is important to maintain the track of patient visits & medical reports. High cost of clinical intelligence software solutions may restrain the market growth in developing countries.

Intended Audience

Healthcare Software Companies

Clinical Software Vendors

Market Research and Consulting Service Providers

Potential Investors

Global Clinical intelligence Market  Company Analysis

The Global Clinical Intelligence Market is observed to be highly competitive and fragmented. For instance, Epic Systems Corporation is a healthcare software company providing healthcare solutions which includes major domains namely patient engagement, managed care, clinicians, care at distance, revenue cycle, population health and many more. In January 2016, this company purchased Mayo Clinic data centre for USD 46 million.

Segments

The global clinical intelligence market is segmented on the basis of type, components, application, and end user.

On the basis of type, market is segmented into retrospective performance measures & predictive analytics, performance measurement systems, Clinical decision support (CDSS) System, quality improvement, clinical benchmarking, population health management and others. Quality improvement is further segmented into six sigma. Population health management is further segmented into over-utilization of health services and under-utilization of health services.

On the basis of component, the market is segmented into software, hardware, and services.

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into Clinical, Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) claim, fraud, supply chain, financial management and others.

On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into hospital, clinics, TPAs, and others.

Global Clinical intelligence Market  Regional Analysis

Global Clinical Intelligence Market, on the basis of regions is divided into Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa.

America is the largest market for clinical intelligence owing to an increasing extensive use of software solutions for healthcare administration and available resources. North America accounts for the largest market share owing the presence of major healthcare IT companies enjoying global presence namely IBM, Allscripts, GE Electric Company and QSI Management, LLC. According to National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, patient engagement EHR functionalities became more prevalent in the U.S. hospitals from 2013 to 2015. Furthermore, the use of Decision Support System is found to be increasing among tertiary care centres in the U.S.

In January, 2014, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary and the UK Secretary of State for Health signed a bi-lateral agreement for the use and sharing of health IT information and tools. The agreement increased the use of health IT tools and information designed to help improve the quality and efficiency of the delivery of health care in both countries. Therefore, such initiatives further propel the market growth in the US

Europe is the second largest market for clinical intelligence which is estimated to adopt a steady growth in the near future due to rising number of healthcare providers using clinical management software and technological advancement in healthcare IT especially EHR and patient engagement platform.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market for clinical intelligence owing to the rising awareness about the Electronic Health Records (EHR), and growing demand for cost effective software solutions for hospitals, and clinics. Additionally, demand out reaching supply will create growth opportunity for the market in Asia Pacific and major market players should focus on emerging markets such as China, and India.

The Middle East & Africa also show a steady rise in the market owing to low demand for healthcare IT, especially in Africa owing to low healthcare expenditure and need for primary care services.

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As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began to spread rapidly across the world in 2020, among the first measures taken by panic-stricken governments was to seal their borders to travelers returning or arriving from outside their country. Even today, restrictions on border crossings remain a big part of COVID-19 management policies in many parts of the world.

A recent study, released on the medRxiv* preprint server, explored the use of rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 at borders to reduce community transmission, and concluded that it would be effective only at lower volumes of passenger traffic.

Travel bans across borders

Border closures, mandatory quarantine following arrival, and travel bans have all been part of pandemic control interventions in many countries from the beginning. The reason is that once the virus begins to spread from person to person during ordinary interactions outside a healthcare-related setup, community transmission is said to have begun.

This is unlikely to be controlled by border restrictions and will drive the outbreak to high levels without stringent controls on mobility within the community. Countries like Australia and New Zealand have successfully contained the spread of the virus within the community, which has resulted in a reduction in the effective reproductive number (Rt) of the virus.

This has led to an emphasis on preventing the importation of new cases, especially as novel variants are emerging all around the world. These are often not only more infectious but may escape neutralization by antibodies elicited by natural infection and/or vaccines.

Testing for the virus

Testing is the cornerstone of all containment programs. Testing today depends on nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs, which undergo reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) testing to detect the presence of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) or genetic material.

Testing should be accessible and widespread in order to be effective in containing viral spread. Currently, a negative RT PCR certificate obtained from a sample taken within 72 hours of travel is mandatory for entry into several countries.

The issue with this requirement is that many people in low- and medium-income countries (LMIC) cannot get such tests, either due to lack of testing kits, delays in reporting, or the need to cross the border frequently.

Rapid tests

Rapid antigen diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) are a more affordable option to RT PCR, can be performed using less sophisticated tools, outside laboratory settings, and without laboratory staff, as long as proper training is provided. Moreover, they provide results in minutes. All these advantages have made it a go-to for speedy, widespread point-of-care testing.

Especially in Africa, global consortiums have provided World Health Organization (WHO)-approved Ag-RDTs for high-quality testing. Again, the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator reported in September 2020 that they would ensure 120 million Ag-RDTs reached LMICs.

Study aims

The question remains, is their use appropriate at border crossings? The current study aimed to evolve an elegant algorithm that would estimate the fraction of travelers who must be tested with Ag-RDT in order to prevent imported cases from pushing up the number of community transmissions beyond 1% of the baseline value.

The algorithm includes the number of arrivals from outside the country per 100,000 population of the host country; the prevalence among the incoming travelers; the sensitivity of the test; and a 12% false-negative RT PCR rate.

The algorithm compares the number of undetected cases entering at any point with the allowable number to keep the Rt constant within 1% of baseline. It then predicts the least number of screenings that should be carried out on incoming travelers.

What were the findings?

The results showed that the minimum screened number will vary with the number of border crossings per 100,000 population of the recipient country, and the relative proportion of travelers arriving by land and sea, as well as the other two parameters of the algorithm.

With a low Rt in the destination country, more travelers will have to be screened. However, with very high numbers of crossings, this will fail to check the importation of cases. This is also the case with an Rt over 1, or with a relatively insensitive Ag-RDT.

In the case that the Rt is above 1, rapid antigen tests are irrelevant if the number of travelers is low, or if the prevalence is low. If the test sensitivity is high, these tests would be more useful over a wider range of parameters.

The test would also prove more efficient at screening for infected travelers if used only at land borders, or wherever a negative RT PCR is not always obtained before crossing into another country. This will not, obviously, hold good in a country like Australia, where most incoming travelers do so by air.

South Africa case study

The algorithm was applied to South Africa, where a 90% drop occurred in arrivals. Over 70% of travelers came by land. At the end of 2020, arrivals were at about 16 per 100,000 population. With an Rt below and above 1, the Ag-RDT would screen efficiently for low and high COVID-19 prevalence, respectively.

Germany

In Germany, there was an 85% drop in incoming travelers, at 40 per 100,000 population in the second half of the year. About 60% were by land, the rest by air. The test would be adequate for screening only at low prevalence and high or moderate Rt levels, if applied to land arrivals only, or even if both routes were included.

Australia

Only 1% of the previous years incoming traffic was seen in 2020, at 3 per 100,000 population, almost completely by air. The test would only suffice for screening at low prevalence, with the Rt below 1, because at all Rt levels, not even one infection could be allowed to be imported to keep community transmission within 1% of baseline.

For this reason, the country demands mandatory quarantine on arrival for all travelers.

Generally, in situations where there is no longer community transmission, Ag-RDT screening at borders must be combined with quarantine measures to prevent re-seeding of the epidemic.

What are the implications?

The findings imply that in order to use Ag-RDT effectively as a border screening strategy, various parameters must be taken into account.

With a low Rt in the destination country, more arrivals, and a higher prevalence in the host countries, the fraction of tests required increases. With a large number of incoming travelers from countries with high COVID-19 rates, this test will be inadequate unless coupled with mandatory quarantine and further testing.

With a high Rt, and low numbers of travelers and cases in the host country, Ag-RDT testing will become unnecessary at the border. In such scenarios, this money could be better channeled elsewhere to prevent community spread.

Additional NPIs will be needed at borders where 100% screening by Ag-RDT will not prevent case importations enough to increase the cases beyond 1% from baseline over a month. It is also suggested that testing be done at land borders first, before air travelers are also included, in situations where the test is found to be sufficient to contain imported infections.

The algorithm presented here can be used as it is by any country, irrespective of its resources, to determine the best border policy and use of resources.

These studies suggest testing alone is unlikely to completely eliminate the risk of international arrivals seeding new outbreaks. The role of Ag-RDTs in such strategies ultimately depends on the goal of each country.

*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.
Brittany Higgins has met with Prime Minister Scott Morrison for the first time since she made public claims she was raped by a colleague inside Parliament House more than two years ago.

Speaking after the meeting at the Commonwealth Parliamentary offices in Sydney on Friday afternoon, Ms Higgins said the discussion between the pair was 'robust'.

The ex-Liberal staffer met Mr Morrison to discuss her plans to make workplaces safer for employees.

'The Prime Minister acknowledged that the system has let me down and we were in agreement that there needs to be reform,' Ms Higgins told reporters.

'It was a difficult conversation to have on a personal level. It was very hard to come here. We discussed that there needs to be better safeguards for staffers where there are power dynamic issues between parliamentarians and individual staffers.'

Ms Higgins alleges she was raped on a couch by a male colleague in then-defence minister Linda Reynold's office in March 2019.

Brittany Higgins has met with Scott Morrison on Friday afternoon in their first conversation since she alleged she was raped by a male colleague in Parliament House (pictured after the meeting)

Ms Higgins had asked the Prime Minister to show leadership to ensure staffers are protected and to overhaul the culture in parliament house, telling him she wanted 'no other person would have to go through the trauma that I experienced.'

She also said they had discussed the establishment of a new workplace overseer.

'We had a robust discussion about the need for an independent authority on human resources,' Ms Higgins said.

'It was a difficult conversation but in the end there was a consensus that reform needs to happen.'

Ms Higgins first made her allegations two months ago, sparking a movement calling for more protections for women that culminated in March4Justice rallies across Australia attended by tens of thousands.

Mr Morrison was criticised last month for not meeting Ms Higgins earlier, with their hour-long meeting only finalised last week.

Asked if she thought the Prime Minister 'gets it' referring to claims being made about the culture in Canberra, Ms Higgins responded that she 'hoped he would do the right thing by women'.

Among the demands made by Ms Higgins were moves to address a 'culture of silence that has allowed bullying and harassment to go unchecked'.

Her specific requests including amending a law known as the MOP(S) Act so that MPs can no longer be allowed to fire employees without reason and changes to the process of how staffers are hired.

On Friday evening, the PM issued a statement saying he was pleased to meet Ms Higgins and was committed to the process to bring about changes in workplace culture.

Former political staffer Brittany Higgins (centre) alongside boyfriend David Sharaz (right)

Ms Higgins had already met with Labor leader Anthony Albanese and was pictured leaving his offices alongside her boyfriend, former journalist David Sharaz.

After their meeting, Mr Albanese described Ms Higgins as 'impressive and courageous.'

'It was a very constructive discussion. Brittany Higgins is a very impressive woman. She has shown extraordinary courage in coming forward to be a voice, to be a voice standing up for women, standing up for issues that need real solutions,' he told reporters.

'Brittany Higgins will be putting forward to the prime minister a range of reforms that are necessary... we need to listen to women and to listen to their concerns, to listen to the experience that they've gone through, and to listen to their views about solutions.'

The former Liberal staffer, who claims she was raped by a colleague in Parliament House in 2019, met Mr Morrison at the Commonwealth Parliamentary offices in Sydney on Friday afternoon

Ms Higgins' ideas to improve workplace safety include updating rules for parliamentary security to encourage them to block drunk staff from entering the building and call an ambulance if anyone is found unconscious.

She claims she was sexually assaulted after security let her and the colleague into the building after a boozy night out.

Ms Higgins' proposal for an independent complaints body would replace the current system where victims make complaints through the Department of Finance.

Brittany Higgins has met with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss her plans to make workplaces safer for employees

Ms Higgins (pictured centre) appeared in high spirits as she earlier left Opposition leader Mr Albanese's office in the Sydney CBD

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

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.

'As I made clear in my public statements, I consider this an incredibly important opportunity to fix a broken system and ensure no other staffer has to experience something similar in Parliament House again,' she wrote in the letter.

'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.'

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.

Senator 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.
While Schuylkill County municipalities will receive federal COVID-19 relief funds this year, the exact amounts and timing have not been announced.

With that, most municipalities are not sure what they will do with the money.

We need to know how much were getting first, Ashland borough Manager Ray Jones said. I read that its based on population, but past that, Im not sure.

The American Rescue Plan, signed into law March 12, will provide $65 billion of aid to municipal governments nationwide, with an estimated $3,306,492,631.49 allotted to Pennsylvania, according to the National League of Cities.

Rohan Narayanan, communications and marketing senior specialist for the organization, said the U.S. Department of Treasury is calculating the grants. He said the funds will be finalized after 60 days from the bills signing, which would be May 10.

As of Monday, Narayanan said the National League of Cities has the most recent estimated allotments for each municipality, as provided by the Department of Treasury.

The estimated total amount going to Schuylkill County municipalities is $13,976,879.

The City of Pottsville, with a 2020 population of 13,347, will receive the highest estimated amount of $1,332,246.06. The citys 2021 budget was $9.4 million.

Mount Carbon Borough will receive the lowest amount in the county, with an estimated $8,502.65.

The funds may be used for unreimbursed costs associated with COVID-19; providing premium pay to eligible workers performing essential work (hourly rate may not exceed $13 per hour or $25,000 per worker); replacement of lost revenue due to COVID-19; and making necessary investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure; however, it may not be used for roads and bridges.

All of Schuylkill Countys 67 municipalities will be receiving funds through the plan.

Melissa Dyer, Pine Grove Borough right-to-know officer, said she is aware of the funding, but the borough has not officially received any notification about it.

Robert Mahalchick, Minersville Borough manager, said they are awaiting notice of the amount, timing and allowable uses before discussions begin between council members and the finance committee.

These conversations will begin once we have confirmation of the timing and the amount of the payments, Mahalchick said. It is our understanding that the funding must be used by Dec. 31, 2024, which allows time for council to make diligent decisions.

(Edited to update county total with addition of Norwegian Township.)
A Temecula, California, City Council member who compared her fight against face mask mandates to Rosa Parks bus demonstration for civil rights has touched off a weeks-long controversy in the majority-white Riverside County city where residents are sharply divided over the comments and Black community members have expressed anger over the remarks.

The council member, Jessica Alexander, a staunch anti-mask Republican, has not addressed the issue since an April 13 council meeting when she brought up the civil rights icon while expressing opposition to masks at in-person council meetings.

Look at Rosa Parks. She was accommodated to the back of the bus, but she finally took a stand and moved to the front because she knew that that wasnt lawful. It wasnt truth. So she took a stand. At what point in time do we? Alexander said. Im getting to the point where Im getting accommodated in my office. I feel like Im getting pushed to the back of the bus.

The controversy, which festered for weeks and was used as fodder on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Tuesday night, intensified after the latest council meeting.

During Tuesdays meeting, additional time was dedicated to reading public comments on the issue, which was first reported in the Press-Enterprise. The comments ranged from calls for her resignation to support for her rejection of mask use.

Her rants reeks of white privilege, one commenter wrote.

Respect Jessica Alexander as our elected official, and discourage the rhetoric that she is culturally insensitive, wrote another.

Corey Jackson, co-director of the Moreno Valley-based Center Against Racism and Trauma, said in an interview that she should address concerns over the remarks.

Her comments were very painful to the African American community, and as elected officials, if we make comments that cause trauma to another community we have to own it and we have to seek to remedy it, Jackson said. People need to be careful when they try to invoke the words and experience of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X and all others.

Some called for her to attend diversity training through the citys Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commission and at least one resident asked that the other council members denounce her comments.

After the public comments, most council members focused on the topic of a face mask mandate itself. Mayor Maryann Edwards emphasized that Temecula has not issued a mandate and that residents have the freedom to do whatever they want. Current mask-wearing guidance has been issued by the state and was most recently updated Tuesday to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions new recommendation that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask outside unless theyre around strangers.

But Council Member Zak Schwank directly addressed Alexander and urged her to apologize for her comments.

Wearing a mask is not a civil rights issue, its not a battle, its not a civil rights battle. Equating the two is offensive, Schwank said. I think we can all agree, from the people we heard tonight and the emails we received, that the community is disappointed and hurt by your comments.... We need to be more mindful that we represent the entire city, not just a certain fraction of the city.

Alexander did not respond to a request for comment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Black and Latino communities, a reality that some public commenters addressed in condemnation of Alexanders remarks. Temecula has a majority-white population. About 68% of residents are white, and about 4.6% are Black, according to the most recent available U.S. census data.

This isnt the first time that the Temecula City Council has drawn concerns over racially insensitive comments, as residents pointed out during public comment and in a public Facebook group dedicated to bettering police interactions with people of color.

In June, shortly after the police shooting of George Floyd, former mayor and current Council Member James Stewart wrote in an email that he didnt believe theres ever been a good person of color killed by a police officer.

Stewart later said that the email, dictated via voice memo, mistakenly included the word good, and that his comments were specifically in reference to his belief that no person of color had been killed by police in Temecula or Riverside County.

Soon after, Stewart resigned as mayor.

___

Colleen Shalby of the Los Angeles Times wrote this story.

2021 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
It funded the initial US$2 million payment of the US$5 million agreement on the project owned by Telson Mining

The stream agreement is part of a US$25 million full-financing solution being provided to Telson by Empress and its strategic partners

Empress Royalty Corp ( ) ( ) (FRA:53G) has funded the initial US$2 million payment of the US$5 million silver stream agreement on the Tahuehueto project in Mexico, which is owned by ( ) (OTCMKTS:SOHFF) (FRA:TSGN).

Empress on April 16 executed the Stream agreement on production of 100% of the payable silver production from Tahuehueto for the first 1,250,000 payable ounces. Thereafter, the percentage will step-down to 20% of the payable silver production to a maximum of 10 years from the first production, after which, the Stream terminates.

Empress said The Stream is part of a US$25 million full-financing solution being provided to Telson by Empress and its strategic partners, Accendo Banco and Endeavour Financial.

The company said the US$25 million financing included a Telson US$8 million equity private placement, which closed on March 30, a US$5 million silver stream created by Empress, and a US$12 million debt facility from Accendo.

With the first tranche initial payment of the Stream completed, the remaining US$3 million second tranche will be funded on the closing of the Accendo debt facility and the restructuring of existing loans, Empress added.

Also, Telson has informed Empress that documentation for the Accendo Banco loan is progressing well and anticipates closing in May 2021.

Contact the author: patrick@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMGraham
New Delhi: Former Attorney General (AG) Soli J Sorabjee passed away on Friday (April 30) at the age of 91, due to COVID-19. Soli and his wife had tested COVID-19 positive, some days back. His wife is in the process of recovering from the disease.

One of the topmost lawyers in the country, Soli J Sorabjee was born on March 9, 1930, to a Parsi family and was a champion of freedom of speech and expression. On his his demise, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Supreme Court, and other people from different walks of life expressed their grief.

President Ram Nath Kovind

Condoling his death, President Ram Nath Kovind said, "In the passing of Soli Sorabji, we lost an icon of India's legal system. He was among a select few who deeply influenced the evolution of the constitutional law & justice system. Awarded with Padma Vibhushan, he was among the most eminent jurists. Condolences to his family & associates."

PM Narendra Modi

PM Narendra Modi also expressed shock over his death. "Shri Soli Sorabjee was an outstanding lawyer and intellectual. Through the law, he was at the forefront of helping the poor and downtrodden. He will be remembered for his noteworthy tenures as Indias Attorney General. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers," the PM said.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Friday paid homage to former attorney general and noted jurist Soli Sorabjee, who passed away on Friday morning after getting infected with COVID-19.

A bench of Chief Justice N V Ramana and justices Surya Kant and AS Bopanna, just before the start of the day's court proceedings via video conference, said, "It a very sad news that human rights fighter Soli has passed away this morning. We pray for the gentle soul."

Sharad Pawar expresses grief

NCP president Sharad Pawar on Friday expressed grief over the death of former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee. Paying tributes to the legal luminary (91), Pawar said his long career was an example of commitment to the spirit of the Constitution.

Saddened to hear about the demise of former Attorney General, Padma Vibhushan Shri Soli Sorabjee. His long career as a Senior Advocate is an example of commitment to the sovereignty and spirit of the Constitution of India. "My heartfelt condolences to his family members, he tweeted.
As India fights the second wave of COVID-19, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma joined Republic Media Network's campaign #StayStrongIndia. Conrad Sangma spoke briefly about the state's COVID-19 situation and the state government's efforts to tackle the second wave of the pandemic. Sangma said that Meghalaya prepared itself after other states witnessed a spike in the number of cases. He further outlined the steps taken by his government to address the issue in Meghalaya.

'We had time after seeing other states': Conrad Sangma

Speaking on the state's preparedness to curb the spread of COVID-19, Sangma revealed that his government observed how the virus is impacting major cities like Mumbai and Delhi. In addition, Sangma also mentioned how the state's has time advantage due to its location in the interior parts of the country. Further, he stated that Meghalaya always ensured that people coming from other states are tested and present their reports.

"The fact of the matter is that Meghalaya is a state which is slightly interiors. We have a time advantage that other places like Mumbai, Maharashtra and Delhi do not have. So we have a space to see what's impacting them, which gives us a bit of an advantage," said Conrad Sangma "We never let our guard down," added Sangma.

The Meghalaya CM also spoke about the mutated strain of the virus and said that it is different and acting very fast unlike last year. The Meghalaya government has planned things in advance without any delay, Sangma added. "Even though are numbers are not large, we have imposed restrictions from the beginning," said Conrad Sangma. Even so, Sangma expressed that this virus is 'difficult to predict'.

"We hope that we are able to control things in the next one week to ten days with these measures," said Sangma.

Conrad Sangma on medical supplies

In terms of medical supplies like oxygen and Remdesivir and the overall health infrastructure, Conrad Sangma remarked that the situation is similar to the other states. However, the state had the time-frame advantage of 15 to 20 days to prepare. "We were able to push for oxygen supplies and Remdesivir. Hopefully in the next few days we will be able to pump it up again." informed Sangma.

"But no matter how many oxygen cylinders, beds or vials of Remdesivir we have, if the numbers go beyond a point, then no part of the country can handle things," the Meghalaya CM stated. "Prevention is the number one strategy," he added

The state government is therefore following a strategy that ensures preventive measures and early restrictions and aggressive vaccination for vulnerable societies and groups. Moreover, Sangma has also called for including communities while ramping up and expanding the health infrastructure.

"It is important that we involve the societies and communities in this process. There are a lot of cases that can be handled at the ground level where the people may not need to come to the hospital and occupy beds which others may need more," said Sangma

Conrad Sangma on vaccination

According to the Meghalaya CM, the first and the second stages of the vaccinations in the state have been well. However, he acknowledged that the third phase involving 18 to 45 years of age is a challenge. "The entire country is facing a shortage which is the first challenge. The other challenge is that there are some states who need the vaccine first. Therefore Meghalaya and some other states are facing a big challenge," said Sangma

Therefore, the state government is not sure about commencing the third phase of vaccination from May 1. Sangma added that there is no 'clear indication' from the SII and the Centre on which state will receive the vaccine first.

"However, we hope to receive a certain amount every week which will allow us to continue the vaccination drive. I am hopeful that toward the end of May speed should pick up. We have set a target of July to August for completing the process of first dose of vaccine," Sangma added

On Lockdowns

Ruling a general lockdown, Conrad Sangma opined that lockdown is not an option. Sangma acknowledged that lockdown help to curb the spread but on the other side, he stated that livelihoods are affected by imposing a lockdown.

"The challenge is to balance economic and livelihoods against the safety of our citizens. Therefore we have realised that de-centralised decision making is the best way to move forward. We have empowered the deputy commissioners to take decisions at their own level on which zones, micro-areas should be converted into containment areas, whether schools and colleges should be closed or not, whether the weekly markets should be closed or not," said Sangma

The state has curbed trade and movement from Bangladesh for the next ten days. Speaking on state and Centre coordination, the Meghalaya CM has called for working together without any politics. "We need to work together without any politics. India has done it before and we will overcome this crisis too. It can only happen if all Indians are together." said Sangma.

"This fight is not against individuals or states, political parties or leaders but its against the virus," Sangma added.

Conrad Sangma's message on Stay Strong campaign

In conclusion, the Meghalaya CM in his stay strong message highlighted three points:
Click here to read the full article.

Frances Atlas V and British banner No Ghost have unveiled the trailer and poster for Madrid Noir, James Castillos VR animated short, which is set to world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival then play at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June.

The 40-minute, interactive VR caper is a spinoff of the 2018 short by the same name directed by Castillo, a Madrid-born, London-based helmer who previously created animation designs for Paramount Pictures, Sony and, most recently, Netflix.

Speaking to Variety, Castillo says he had a desire to step into the VR landscape after working as art director on Melita, a critically acclaimed VR experience by Oculus Rift, which played at the Venice and Sitges film festivals.

Madrid Noir follows a young woman who arrives at the apartment of her estranged and deceased uncle to pick up the pieces of his life. Shes unexpectedly thrown back into the past to relive a summer she spent with him as a child. Revisiting that time leads her to uncover a long buried secret.

Castillo, whos been living in London for several years and misses his hometown, says the film also pays tribute to Madrid, a vibrant city that we seldom see in films and series which makes it a somewhat exotic backdrop.

I went into Madrid Noir with the idea to create a film that wasnt just for kids or VR fans, and engaging enough for grown-ups, says Castillo. Very often, VR content works as exhibitions or as realistic documentaries, or even games, and while these are all great, I was more interested in making a narrative-driven film that belongs to the VR space, but is accessible and taps into different aspects, since Im a fan of storytelling. He cites Wallace and Gromit and Pixar films as references for Madrid Noir.

Inspired by detective novels, Castillo says he had the ambition to break new ground with Madrid Noir with its noirish atmosphere, detective intrigue and dramatic set-up with shadows and light, as well as its interactive technology. The voice cast of Madrid Noir is led by Fernando Guillen Cuervo and Godeliv Van Den Brandt.

Atlas Vs stellar track record includes Gloomy Eyes, an animated VR series narrated by Colin Farrell, BattleScar narrated by Rosario Dawson and Eliza McNitts science-themed Spheres, produced with Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel. Their productions have premiered at Tribeca, Sundance, Venice and Toronto, among other festivals.

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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.
(Newser)  Ghislaine Maxwell has a bruise under one eye in the first photo released since she was jailed last yearand her attorney says guards threatened to punish her over it. The photo was included in court documents submitted Thursday by lawyer Bobbi Sternheim, who said her client may have been injured while covering her eyes at night, the Guardian reports. Sternheim said guards flash a light in Maxwell's cell every 15 minutes to check she is still breathing. The attorney said prison staff at the Metropolitan Detention Center confronted Maxwell when they noticed the bruise and threatened to place her in the Special Housing Unit "if she did not reveal how she got it."

story continues below

Sternheim said Maxwell didn't know the cause of the bruise, and "she has grown increasingly reluctant to report information to the guards for fear of retaliation, discipline, and punitive chores," per the BBC. The 59-year-old, who made a court appearance last Friday, is awaiting trial on charges she trafficked girls who were abused by former boyfriend Jeffrey Epstein. Her attorneys argue that she is not a suicide risk, but she is being treated like one because of Epstein's prison suicide. US District Judge Alison J. Nathan issued an order Thursday for the government to explain why lights are being flashed into Maxwell's cell, and for her to be provided with eye coverings if necessary, the AP reports. (Read more Ghislaine Maxwell stories.)
A traveller who breached the green zone at Brisbane Airports international terminal on Thursday has tested positive for COVID-19.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young declared the international terminal a venue of concern.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed on social media that three new cases were detected in the state overnight, two in quarantine and one at the airport.

A COVID-19 breach at Brisbane Airport was blamed on human error. Credit:Photography AFR

On Thursday night, it was revealed two travellers who arrived from Papua New Guinea were allowed to mingle with travel bubble passengers at the Hudsons Coffee cafe at Brisbane Airport.
Florida lawmakers passed two bills on the last day of their 2021 legislative session that make major changes to the states auto and property insurance markets.

The actions follow weeks of back-and-forth debate on the proposals between the House and Senate chambers.

Stakeholders say neither of the potential new laws will do enough to accomplish lawmakers goals of reducing rates or weeding out fraud in their respective insurance industries. Both bills are now headed to Governor Ron DeSantis, who will have to sign them before they can become law.

The bill attempts to address some of the issues plaguing the states homeowners insurance market in which insurers lost more than $1.5 billion in last year. It passed Friday in the Senate by a vote of 35 to 5 and 75 to 41 in the House.

The legislation was revised significantly from its original form at the start of the session and includes:

Changing the eligibility, rate glidepath and actuarily sound rate indication for Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

Replacing the one-way attorney fee-statute to make the recovery of attorney fees and costs contingent on obtaining a judgment for indemnity that exceeds the pre-suit offer made by the insurance company.

Reducing the claims deadline on all claims to two years from the date of loss, except for on supplemental claims which will have an additional year.

Requiring plaintiffs to file a pre-suit demand at least 10 days before filing a lawsuit against an insurer that includes an estimate of the demand, the attorney fees and costs demanded and the amount in dispute; disallows pre-suit notices to be filed before the insurance company to make a determination of coverage; and allows an insurer to require mediation or other form of alternative dispute resolution after receiving notice.

The bill also makes several changes to tackle what insurers claim has been an explosion of roofing claims and litigation. Specifically, SB 76:

Makes it illegal for roofing contractors or any person acting on their behalf to make a prohibited advertisement, including an electronic communication, phone call or document that solicits a claim.

Prohibits the offering of anything of value for performing a roof inspection, an offer to interpret an insurance policy or file a claim, or adjust the claim on the insureds behalf.

Prohibits a contractor from providing repairs for an insured with a contract for repairs that does not include a detailed cost estimate of the labor and materials required to complete the repairs.

Adds potential for $10,000 fine for each violation by roofers.

Removed from the final legislation was the elimination of the states attorney fee multiplier and allowing insurers to include policy language that offers actual cash value instead of full replacement cost on roofs. The industry had urged lawmakers to include these provisions to address cost drivers, but it became a sticking point in both chambers. An amendment passed Friday also eliminated offers of judgment for the insured or the insurer.

Report:

Floridas Property Insurance Market Is Spiraling Towards Collapse Due to Litigation: Report



Senator Jeff Brandes, who co-sponsored the legislation, voted to pass the bill but said it was only a 40% solution for what is needed in Florida to bend the cost curve.

Hopefully, it stabilizes rates, but really will ultimately do nothing to actually lower them, he told his colleagues.

Locke Burt, chairman and CEO of Florida-based insurance company Security First, said he was disappointed lawmakers didnt take up reforms to the effects of two Florida Supreme Court cases  Joyce vs. FedNat (2017), and Sebo vs. American Home Assurance (2016)  that are said to be partly to blame for perpetuating litigation in the state, as noted in a recent report from Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier. But, Burt said, the legislation that passed makes some much needed changes and is a step in the right direction.

I would characterize this a single step, he told Insurance Journal. But I would also tell consumers that their rates are going to continue to go up.

Senator Jim Boyd, who is also an insurance broker, acknowledged that the bill is far from perfect and that no one, including the insurance industry and the trial bar, are happy with the result.

However, he noted, we have got to do something. We cannot wait until next year to solve what is an incredibly large problem for our constituents.

Representative Bob Rommel, who worked on the House version of the bill, said the legislation would provide oversight on insurance companies, help attract new carriers to the state of Florida and make sure homeowners will have a competitive market and have the right to choose the right insurance for themselves.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) said in a statement that it appreciates the tireless work of the Florida Legislature to pass meaningful property insurance reform. SB 76 protects consumers rights and addresses the current challenges in the property insurance market.

If signed by DeSantis, the new law will take effect July 1, 2021.

Floridas passage of this bill will repeal the states no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) system and instead require mandatory bodily injury coverage starting at $25,000 for all drivers in the state of Florida. Earlier versions of the legislation required insurers to offer medical payments coverage (MedPay) in the amount of $5,000 or $10,000, but the passed version makes the offering optional and includes an optional $5,000 MedPay death benefit.

The bill will also create a new framework to govern motor vehicle claims handling and third-party bad faith failure to settle actions against motor vehicle insurance carriers. A House amendment passed this week added a statement that the statute governing these bad faith actions is not intended to expand or diminish any cause of action currently available against insurance agents who sell motor vehicle liability insurance policies in this state.

Brandes, one of three senators to vote against the bill, said its sponsors had not done enough to study how the bill would affect rates.

Florida already has some of the highest rates in the country and unfortunately if you are just struggling to make it [and] buying just PIP today, rates will go up 40%, Brandes said.

But bill sponsor Danny Burgess, a Republican, argued that a 2016 study from OIR showed rates would go down if the state repealed PIP. He said the provisions addressing bad faith will also help stop fraud that has been rampant with PIP and lead to further rate reductions.

Its hard to predict market forces, but overwhelmingly the data shows we will see a [rate] reduction, he said. Certainly not a steep reduction, but I do believe we will see a reduction.

However, many in the industry and stakeholders have countered that assessment.

Insurer trade group the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) opposed the bills passage, saying it could increase rates on Florida drivers and increase the states current uninsured rate of 20%.

It worked on an actuarial study to assess the impact of the bill and said its analysis shows it could increase the cost of the average auto insurance policy by as much as 23% or $344. Drivers who carry the lowest levels of coverage could see increases as high as $805 a year.

APCIA said more than 28,000 letters from Floridians were sent to lawmakers opposing the bill. The group is encouraging the governor to veto the legislation.

As SB 54 heads to Governor DeSantis desk, he has the opportunity to protect Florida drivers from higher auto insurance costs and help keep our roads safer by vetoing this legislation, APCIA said.

Also encouraging the governor to veto the bill is the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF) and the Consumer Protection Coalition (CPC).

We are extremely concerned that this bill would substantially increase rates for our customers and Florida residents who can least afford an increase, while forcing hundreds of thousands of Floridians already struggling to pay current premiums to drive without insurance, said Michael Carlson, president and CEO of PIFF.

On behalf of Florida consumers, the CPC urges Governor Ron DeSantis to examine the potential cost impact this legislation will pose on Florida consumers and consider vetoing the bill if it is found to raise rates and not decrease litigation, the group said.

If signed by DeSantis, the new law will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.

This is a developing story

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Alcohol connoisseurs develop vast, specific preferences. Some like IPA beers, others Merlot wines or Irish whiskey.

If current retail marijuana preferences were analogized to alcohol, the most sought after-strains would always be Everclear, chosen solely for THC potency, said David Egerton, a chemist who runs a Michigan lab that tests cannabis products.

THC content is one of the main factors in wholesale and retail demand and pricing, however, marijuana safety lab directors, growers and regular customers tell MLive thats not the best basis for making a purchase.

The cannabis plant is extremely complex, with thousands of compounds that affect a users experience and the high they feel.

As the market matures and evolves, theres a push within the industry to present more data to customers, especially regarding the hundreds, if not thousands of other of cannabinoids and terpenes that impact the experience.

Theres always been a drive to push that THC number as high as possible, said Egerton, who manages Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs in Jackson. Certainly, THC is the psychoactive ingredient present within cannabis, but its not the whole story.

Butane levels are shown on a computer screen inside the gas chromatography room at Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs in Jackson, on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

THC

Most customers dont want a cigarette butt, the tip of a Latex glove or a Band-Aid in their marijuana. Nor do they want to inhale or ingest potentially harmful, even deadly metals, pesticides, mold, yeast or fungi.

Thats the main purpose of Michigans marijuana safety compliance labs. Their tests, based on state Marijuana Regulatory Agency standards, are the hurdles every marijuana product must clear before hitting the shelves in both medical and recreational retail stores.

But theres one test result that seems to matter more than all others once its already on the shelf: THC.

Every purchase of marijuana flower comes with a label containing state-mandated information: retailer name, a unique package ID number, grower or processor name, the lab that tested it, date it was tested, date it was harvested, the strain name and THC potency.

Michigan also requires a disclaimer informing customers that the actual THC and CBD values may vary from the reported value by as much as 10%.

The standard deviation of THC potency is potentially huge.

Its not my favorite part of this, but theres a very high emphasis on potency, said Lev Spivak-Birndorf, the chief science officer for Ann Arbors PSI Labs. In most cases, its the higher, the better ...

Its still very intriguing for people to have something to quantify, kind of bragging rights, and it makes sense, but it will be interesting to see if that diversifies into things like terpenes that are starting to gain more attention.

Typically, on the low end, its something like 10%, up to 32%, maybe 33% on the high end is a maximum, said Lev Spivak-Birndorf, the chief science officer for Ann Arbors PSI Labs.

Often, the THC level ranges between 17% and 20%, so a 10% swing could mean that average potency marijuana is in reality very low or extremely high.

Spivak-Birndorf said when strains test on the extremely high side of the spectrum, something that growers desire, since that number is permanently attached to hundreds of pounds of marijuana as it competes for shelf space, it often draws scrutiny from the state licensing body, which has access to all test results through its tracking system.

Every test result obtained by one of the states dozen licensed recreational marijuana safety labs is uploaded to a statewide system named METRC and becomes subject to scrutiny by state regulators.

One example is a strain called GMO by Jackson-based True North Collective. The THC potency on an eighth of an ounce purchased at the Dispo in Bay City, according to its label, is 29.2%.

We consistently get requests from (the Marijuana Regulatory Agency) to double check that, said Spivak-Birndorf, whose lab tested the THC level of a GMO batch harvested in February. Thats one of those strains thats showed up in the last few years and really gained a lot of popularity because of its potency. It has a very distinctive garlicy smell. GMO is consistently super potent.

Similarly, Egerton at Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs said his staff will usually retest marijuana to ensure the machinery hasnt analyzed flower incorrectly if it registers in the 28% or higher range.

A chocolate edible is weighed and ready to ground into a powder before being tested for solvent levels Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs in Jackson, on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Behind the scenes

Theres a plethora of information about each sample of any marijuana product that is tested, but customers dont often see it.

We have to test for over 60 different pesticides, we have to test for seven different metals, we have to test for different microbes, including aspergillus, E. coli, salmonella, total yeast and mold, total coliform, said Todd Welch, a former Michigan State Police forensic investigator who now operates Viridis Laboratories with locations in Bay City and Lansing. We have to test for the potency and cannabinoid profile.

And lets not forget foreign matter. You may find some bugs, plastics, fibers, trellis netting, weve found twist-ties. weve also found pieces of Latex glove.

Welch said all of the information his company collects is included in what is called a certificate of analysis, the document that is produced by the testing lab and that follows the marijuana all the way to store shelves.

The presence of any amount of certain potentially deadly or harmful contaminants, such as aspergillus, E. coli, salmonella, automatically fails product, but if there is presence of other microbes, molds and yeasts, its not automatically disqualified for sale, so long as its below certain thresholds.

Viridis looks at its main function as safety, but realizes factors such as THC, cannabinoid and terpene content are what drive sales.

Certificate of analysis

All the information isnt on the label, but Egerton of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs said its something customers should ask about.

I encourage every consumer to ask for the (certificate of analysis), he said. Really, the provisioning center should have that on file and available to the customer.

Whoever pays for the data owns the data, but I certainly think if I was a dispensary owner, I would want a (certificate of analysis) for every product on my shelf.

MLive inspected multiple certificates of analysis produced by Infinite Chemical Analysis, a company that tests up to 500 samples per week.

Theres a great deal of information thats not included on product labels, including photos of the test sample, the percentage of CBD, another cannabis compound thats believed to hold therapeutic value, total cannabinoids and whats called the terpene profile.

As marijuana tastes evolve, its the terpene profile that most believe will set marijuana strains apart, more than THC content.

Examples of terpene profile on certificate of analysis

The terpene factor

Classic Roots Farm, a grow facility and processor located in Kalkaska, is among one of the early and growing number of companies that include terpene profiles on their packaging.

Terpenes are compounds found throughout nature. Theyre what gives pine trees, lavender flowers, citrus fruits and marijuana buds their distinct smell.

Some of the best cannabis in the world isnt necessarily the most potent, said Rich Southwell, a manager with Classic Roots Farm. To me, its in the flavor and smell. To (some), all they know is that if its 30% (THC), it must be good. If its 17% it could be very good but its a crapshoot. It could be very subpar at 17%, too. Thats why we like to test for terpenes and put it in the labeling.

Southwell compared the effects of terpenes to aromatherapy.

I would say the average strain may have less than 1% of total of terpenes when tested by a laboratory, he said. Some strains have terpene levels that exceed 4%. I would say from personal experience that anything over 2% is very high terpenes.

The terpenes play a role not only in the taste and smell of marijuana, but its effects, the high, according to Southwell.

Certain terpenes have certain known effects on the human body, he said. Maybe a particular strain has a high level of a terpene that is associated with relaxation or anti-anxiety. Maybe its high in a terpene that does something else. Every strain is a mixture of a lot of things that influence the effect.

The main terpenes that we see in cannabis are myrcene, limonene, linalool, caryophyllene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and many, many more.

Spivak-Birndorf believes its the terpene nuance that will elevate marijuana consumer tastes to something similar to the way people scrutinize alcohol, often by more than just the alcohol content.

So you can start to learn more about terpene profiles, so you know whether youre going to like the taste of that strain and the effects of that strain, he said. Were starting to develop more and more ability to deliver that information not just about strength but more the actual characteristics that make it unique.

Some day, Spivak-Birndorf said, a strains terpene profile may be added to required information on labeling, similar to ingredients on food products.

To me, its all about the smell and flavor of a strain, Southwell said. I find an 18% THC tester that tests at 4% terpenes to be a more enjoyable experience than a 32% THC tester that has less than 1% terpenes.

For now, Southwell said, THC completely dictates the market value of the product.

He estimates a strain focused on terpenes is valued up to 40% less in the wholesale market than a competitor with high THC.

I think it has something to do with (COVID-19) and that many dispensaries are curbside service or delivery-only, in which case the consumer only has the numbers on the menu to help make their choice on what to get, Southwell said. They know that if a strain is 30%-plus, it must be good stuff.

Since people cant see and smell a product before buying, they rely solely on the THC level to judge the quality.

Egerton said western medicine generally tends to approach things one ingredient at a time.

Its the easiest way to understand something, he said, but when were dealing with plant material like cannabis, were dealing with all of these ingredients that in combination have an impact in the end.

More on MLive:

Lab keeps public safe with microscopes and microwaves

Lawsuit accuses Detroit licensing program of discrimination

Michigan communities to split $10 million in tax revenue

Glimpse inside recreational retail experience

Marijuana stock market may be coming to Michigan

New taxes, stock market proposed to boost minority investment

Michigan to increase access to marijuana market

Michigan businesses licensed tow grow over 500,000 plants

Marijuana thrives in market changed by the coronavirus

Spouses of licensees may be able to work for government

A prior marijuana conviction could be a good thing
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As the month comes to a close, we saw a bunch of solid tech deals across the web. Amazon's latest Echo Dot is down to just $30 and you can still save up to $200 on Samsung's Galaxy S21 smartphones. Fitbit's Mother's Day sale is in full swing, bringing record-low prices to many of its wearables, and May the 4th sales began early this year with discounted Star Wars Instant Pots. Here are the best tech deals we found this week that you can still get today.

Amazon Echo Dot

Engadget

The latest Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock remain on sale for $30 and $40, respectively, which is very close to their all-time lows. Now's a good time to upgrade the smart speakers you may have in your home with new ones, or add to your existing setup while saving money. We gave the Echo Dot a score of 88 for its attractive, rounded design, good audio quality and handy 3.5mm audio-out jack.

Buy Echo Dot at Amazon - $30 Buy Echo Dot with Clock at Amazon - $40

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

Samsung

All of Samsung's latest flagship smartphones are on sale, some of which are up to $200 off. The Galaxy S21 5G is down to $699, the S21+ is on sale for $799 and the S21 Ultra has dropped to $999. It's a good opportunity for those that have been meaning to upgrade. We consider the Galaxy S21 to be the best value Android phone right now, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra is more for power users who will spare no expense for the best.

Buy Galaxy S21 5G at Amazon - $699 Buy Galaxy S21+ 5G at Amazon - $799 Buy Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G at Amazon - $999

Star Wars Instant Pots

Williams Sonoma

May the 4th deals started early this year, so now's a good time to grab a Star Wars-themed Instant Pot if you've had your eye on one. Multiple 6-quart versions, including the R2D2 and The Child models, are on sale for $60, which is $40 off their normal price.

Buy 6-qt R2D2 Instant Pot on Amazon - $60 Buy 6-qt Darth Vader Instant Pot on Amazon - $60 Buy 6-qt The Child Instant Pot at Williams Sonoma - $60

Sony WH-1000XM4

Billy Steele / Engadget

Our favorite pair of wireless headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4, have returned to an all-time low of $278. You can even grab a bundle with the cans, a protective case and a portable battery pack for only $300. If you're looking to spend a bit less, Sony's WH-XB900N Extra Bass headphones are also on sale in a bundle for $178.

Buy Sony WH-1000XM4 at Amazon - $278 Buy WH-1000XM4 bundle at Amazon - $300 Buy WH-XB900N bundle at Amazon - $178

Sony WF-1000XM3

Billy Steele/Engadget

If earbuds are more your speed, Sony's WF-1000XM3 wireless buds are down to $178. We gave them a score of 89 for their excellent sound quality and ANC, handy companion app and great battery life.

Buy WF-1000XM3 at Amazon - $178

Roku Streambar

Valentina Palladino / Engadget

Roku's Streambar is down to $100 at HSN, which is close to an all-time-low price. We gave the Streambar a score of 86 for its compact design, good audio quality, built-in Roku Ultra streaming tech and its ability to double as a Bluetooth speaker.

Buy Roku Streambar at HSN - $100

Fitbit Mother's Day sale

Cherlynn Low / Engadget

Fitbit may have announced its new Luxe tracker the other week, but a number of its other devices remain on sale ahead of Mother's Day. The Fitbit Sense is down to an all-time low of $250 while the Versa 3 is on sale for $180 and the Inspire 2 is down to $70. The first two options are better for those that like the smartwatch look while the Inspire band is best if you want a more minimalist device to track daily activity and sleep.

Buy Fitbit Sense at Amazon - $249 Buy Fitbit Sense at Fitbit - $250 Buy Fitbit Versa 3 at Fitbit - $180 Buy Fitbit Inspire 2 at Amazon - $69 Buy Fitbit Inspire 2 at Fitbit - $70

New tech deals

OnePlus 8 5G

B&H Photo knocked the price of the Verizon variant of the OnePlus 8 5G smartphone down to $399, which is $400 off its normal price. While the OnePlus 9 handsets just came out, this is a great opportunity to get a solid Android phone for much less than normal  but the deal expires tonight. Both smartphones on sale here have a Snapdragon 865 CPU, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, plus 6.55-inch 90Hz AMOLED touchscreens and a trio of rear cameras.

Buy OnePlus 8 (silver) at B&H Photo - $399 Buy OnePlus 8 (black) at B&H Photo - $399

Eero mesh WiFi system

A four-pack of Amazon's Eero mesh WiFi system is on sale for $211, or $67 off its normal price. This is the latest version of the Eero system that came out at the end of last year. The dual-band setup will cover more than 5,000 square feet and each router has two Gigabit Ethernet ports on it, plus one USB-C port, too.

Buy Eero (4-pack) at Amazon - $211

Google Nest WiFi

Adorama has a two-pack of Google's Nest WiFi system for $189 when you use the code EXTRAOFF80 at checkout. We gave the system a score of 84 for its solid performance, unobtrusive design, built-in Google Assistant speaker and simple installation process.

Buy Nest WiFi (2-pack) at Adorama - $189

Crucial MX500 internal SSD (1TB)

One of our favorite internal SSDs, Crucial's MX500 in 1TB, is down to $90, which is only $5 more than its all-time low. This drive has a standard 2.5-inch design, making it good for either desktops or laptops. It also has sequential read speeds of up to 560 MB/s, sequential write speeds of up to 510 MB/s and AES-256 bit hardware encryption.

Buy Crucial SSD (1TB) at Amazon - $90

Satechi Mother's Day sale

Satechi's Mother's Day sale is going on now and you can get 15 percent off site-wide when you use the code FORMOM at checkout. Satechi has a number of of good accessories and work-from-home gadgets that your mom might find useful, including the USB-C magnetic charging dock for Apple Watch and the compact backlit Bluetooth keyboard.

Shop Satechi Mother's Day sale

Arturia Pigments 3

Pigments is one of the most flexible soft synths out there. And it only got better with the recent update to version three. The upgrade is free for existing customers, but if you haven't snagged Arturia's flagship VST yet now is a great time to celebrate the release of Pigments 3 the company has slashed the price in half to just $99. And it's throwing in the Spectrum Sound Pack for free, which will retail for $99 after the sale ends on May 13th.

Buy Pigments 3 at Arturia - $99

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- By 2035, all new cars sold in the state of New York will be zero-emission vehicles.

On Monday, the New York State Senate approved a host of environmental justice bills, including one that will require that all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

Climate change is real and must be addressed to protect future generations, said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. This package continues the Senate Majoritys ongoing commitment to New York State being a national and world leader in the fight against climate change.

Zero-emission vehicles are vehicles that produce zero, or limited, exhaust emissions, including Battery Electric Vehicles, which run exclusively on batteries, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, which have a limited electric range and a range-extending gasoline engine, and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, which are powered by electricity stored in hydrogen fuel.

The zero-emission requirement will also apply to all medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles by 2045.

The bill had previously been passed by the New York State Assembly last week and will now be delivered to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is expected to sign the bill and enact it into law.

The new legislation will help advance goals established in the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which seeks to mitigate the effects of climate change through a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and investment in renewable energy sources.

Estimates indicate that personal transportation accounts for roughly 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. Establishing zero-emission goals and a strategy to eliminate these emissions will be an important step in achieving the CLCPA goals, according to the bill.

The passing of the bill comes less than a week after Cuomo joined 11 other governors in penning a letter to President Joe Biden, imploring him to enact the same regulations nationwide to eliminate the sale of all passenger vehicles that emit greenhouse gases by 2035.

By establishing a clear regulatory path to ensuring that all vehicles sold in the United States are zero-emission, we can finally clear the air and create high-road jobs, the letter read. Moving quickly towards a zero-emission transportation future will protect the health of all communities.
By Sharon Tam and Joyce Zhou

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong was among four people who pleaded guilty on Friday of participating in an illegal assembly on June 4 last year to commemorate the 1989 crackdown on protesters in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

It was the first time the vigil had been banned in the global financial hub, with police citing, as it did for all demonstrations last year, coronavirus restrictions on group gatherings. It is expected to face a similar fate this year.

Still, tens of thousands of people lit candles across the city in what was largely a peaceful event last June, bar a brief skirmish with riot police in one neighbourhood.

Wong, already in prison after he was found guilty of participating and organising an unauthorised assembly during the mass 2019 pro-democracy protests, pleaded guilty in the District Court.

The other activists who pleaded guilty were Lester Shum, Jannelle Leung and Tiffany Yuen. Another activist, Eddie Chu, asked for an adjournment and his case will be heard on June 11, with 19 others facing similar charges.

The June 4 anniversary struck an especially sensitive nerve in the former British colony last year, falling just as Beijing prepared to introduce new security legislation which punishes anything China sees as subversion, secession, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

While in prison, Wong was arrested in January on suspicion of breaking the new law, which was introduced in July 2020, by taking part in an unofficial vote to pick opposition candidates for a since-postponed election, which authorities describe as a "vicious plot" to "overthrow" the government.

This year, the June 4 event is particularly awkward for Beijing, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, asked whether commemorating the victims of Tiananmen would violate the new security law, said this week it was important to show respect to the Party.

Story continues

Commemorations of the Tiananmen crackdown are banned in mainland China, but Hong Kong traditionally held the largest vigils globally every year, having been promised certain freedoms when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, including rights of expression and assembly.

China has never provided a full account of the 1989 Tiananmen Square violence. The death toll given by officials was about 300, most of them soldiers, but rights groups and witnesses say thousands of people may have died.

(Writing by Marius Zaharia, Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Tehran, April 30 : Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it welcomed signs of reconciliation coming from Saudi Arabia and hoped to put a quick end to their political differences.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are both important states in the Islamic world whose cooperation can lead to peace and stability in the region, the spokesman said, according to the ISNA news agency, DPA reported.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman struck conciliatory tones this week regarding Iran. "In the end, Iran is a neighbouring country. All we hope for is to have a good and special relationship with Iran," he said on state television.

"We want it to prosper and grow as we have Saudi interests in Iran, and they have Iranian interests in Saudi Arabia." Sunni Saudi Arabia considers Shiite Iran an archenemy. The two now settle their decades-old political and economic rivalry primarily through proxy wars in Yemen, Syria and other states.

Recently, however, there have been signs of detente.

The crown prince's softer tone comes after reports earlier this month that Saudi and Iranian officials held talks in Baghdad.
Workers and youth from across Germany tell the WSWS why they support the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals call for the formation of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees and will be attending tomorrows May Day rally of the ICFI. We call on our readers to register here for this important event.

Habip

Habip Bektas is one of the WISAG workers at Rhein-Main Airport in Frankfurt who have been fighting their dismissals for almost half a year. In December, the experienced airport worker received his dismissal along with a total of around 230 other colleagues, some of whom had spent almost 40 years at the airport, ruining their health while handling the planes.

Habip was a loadmaster on the apron and sent a video in which he reports on the struggle of the WISAG workers and speaks out in favour of the International Workers Alliance. Habip and his colleagues have founded an independent committee to organise the struggle, so that we workers can fight together as a working-class, independent of any trade unions. Because Verdi has let us down. He advocates the formation of more independent action committees so that workers can unite and finally fight against these capitalists.

Many workers and youth welcome the International Workers Alliance as a necessary step to stop the governments murderous policy of reopening society amid a pandemic that has already claimed more than 82,000 lives in Germany alone.

Tamino

Tamino, aged 17, who is setting up a student action committee in Baden-Wuerttemberg, explains in a video statement: Here in Germany, too, all governmentswhether nominally left-wing or openly right-wingare opening up schools again, endangering the health and lives of students, teachers and relatives. Up to an incidence rate of 165, all grades here must continue to go to school.

This, he said, was more than three times the level recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for school closures. Up to 30 households must sit together in one room and even simple and necessary protective measures, such as keeping your distance and changing masks regularly were not possible. Since the Easter holidays alone, he has heard of two people testing positive at his school.

Taminos conclusion: Because the ruling class will not voluntarily ensure a real lockdown, workers and youth have to fight for it themselves. For this, they need their own fighting organisations in the form of an international alliance of action committees like the ICFI proposes. And it is for this perspective that I am participating in the ICFIs May Day.

Clemens

Clemens, aged 18, from Bavaria, who like Tamino is a member of the IYSSE, expresses a similar view. One year after the beginning of the pandemic, all capitalist parties here in Germany, but also internationally, have proven they have no interest whatsoever in ending the deaths. Only the ICFI has stood up for a socialist programme since the beginning of the pandemic, to unite the working class, overthrow the capitalist system and thus end the dying. That is why I am attending the May Day Rally of the International Committee because it calls for the formation of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. Because only through the international unification of the working class across all borders and prejudices, can the capitalist system be overthrown and the dying ended.

Tino

In a video, Tino, an emergency paramedic from Chemnitz, describes the terrible effects of the coronavirus pandemic, especially in the health sector. Although we are used to hard working conditions and poor pay, and were already confronted with death and misery before, the pandemic has made everything worse. Between Christmas and New Year, he said, things were at their worst. Almost every emergency call was Covid-19 related. It was almost impossible to find a free hospital bed. Nursing homes turned into death traps, and we were rubbing shoulders with undertakers. He had seen weeping caregivers desperately asking, When is this going to stop?! Meanwhile, a total of three million people worldwide have already fallen victim to the pandemic and many of those who survived the infection are struggling with long-term effects. At the same time, in the year of the pandemic, arms spending exploded, and the fortunes of billionaires continued to rise. The video ends with a strong appeal to attend the May Day rally and build the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. Only in this way could workers fight for their interests worldwide.

Philipp

Philipp, who is 35 and works at Hamburg airport, sent us this video statement. He said, When the pandemic started last year, I was able to watch how operations were maintained for months as if this pandemic did not exist. There were no [safety] measures in place and there are inadequate measures in place today. Only belatedly were masks and protective screens distributed and operations are still maintained as best they can to generate profits. To take meaningful measures, action committees must be created that are internationally coordinated. This worldwide pandemic cannot be stopped on a national basis. The global pursuit of profit over life must be opposed. That is why it is so important for workers to network worldwide. That is why I support the alliance of all action committees. Take care and stay healthy. See you at the May Day event.

Timo

Timo, aged 39, is also from Hamburg and works for a coronavirus hotline. He supports the call for an International Workers Alliance. His work gives him a good insight into the vaccination situation. There was still too little vaccine for everyone and many had to wait for months. Vaccine distribution was chaotic here and internationally and still only a small part of the worlds population is vaccinated. The problem, he said, was in the system. Capitalist competition prevents a globally coordinated response to the pandemic. The basis is the constant pursuit of profit by corporations. To fight the pandemic effectively, all workers would have to unite internationally.

Inessa, aged 17, is a vocational student from Berlin. She endorses the building of the International Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees because the struggle against the pandemic, against war and the shift to the right, against inequality and the exploitation of the working class requires a common struggle against the whole capitalist social order. There are so many of us, worldwide, who can no longer and will no longer accept the profits-before-lives policy. To do this, we need to break our isolation, organise independently, and unite globally. That is why I support the May Day event of the International Committee of the Fourth International.

Ekin

Another video reached us from Ekin, a 33 year-old bus driver in Berlin and member of the Transport Workers Action Committee for Safe Workplaces. The aim and purpose of the workers committee, he said, was to be independent of the unions and to reorganise ourselves. The trade unions worldwide were only on the side of the employer and not on the side of the worker. Similar committees had therefore already been formed in other German and European cities, in Brazil and the US. The current struggle by bus drivers in Berlin against unsafe working conditions in the pandemic showed the strength of the independent mobilisation of the working class, he said. The Berlin transport companies wanted to restore boarding through the front entrance and cashless ticketing on May 3. We fought against that. And the BVG [local transit company] postponed front entry, he reports. Its the beginning, but as Marx said: workers, proletarians of all countries unite!
The Democratic and Republican leaders of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee said on Friday incidents similar to suspected 'directed' radio frequency attacks on U.S. diplomats appear to be increasing and the committee was investigating.

In a statement, Senators Mark Warner, the committee's Democratic chairman, and Marco Rubio, its Republican vice chairman, said they have been aware for nearly five years of the mysterious attacks on U.S. government personnel in Havana, Cuba and elsewhere around the world.

'This pattern of attacking our fellow citizens serving our government appears to be increasing. The Senate Intelligence Committee intends to get to the bottom of this,' they said.

Sens. Mark Warner (left) and Marco Rubio (right), the leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on Friday incidents similar to suspected 'directed' radio frequency attacks on U.S. diplomats appear to be increasing and the committee was investigating

The illnesses have been dubbed the 'Havana syndrome' after American diplomats were targeted in Havana, Cuba, some of which happened at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba (pictured)

CNN also reported Thursday that U.S. agencies were investigating another incident that took place near the White House, near the Ellipse (pictured)

CNN on Thursday reported that U.S. agencies were investigating two possible incidents that appeared similar to illnesses that affected diplomats and are known as 'Havana syndrome.'

One last year was near the White House, near the Ellipse, CNN said, and another, previously reported by GQ magazine, sickened a White House official in a nearby Virginia suburb in 2019.

A U.S. government report in December said 'directed' radio frequency was the most plausible explanation for the symptoms.

In February, the State Department said an investigation was still ongoing.

On Thursday a White House spokeswoman said various departments of President Joe Biden's administration were working on the issue and still evaluating the situation.

Deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on board Air Force One Thursday that the president has been briefed on the attacks.

'So, the health and wellbeing of American public servants is a paramount priority for the Biden administration. We take all reports of health incidents by our personnel extremely seriously,' she also said.

'The White House is working closely with departments and agencies to address unexplained health incidents and ensure the safety and security of Americans serving around the world,' she continued.

'Given that we are still evaluating reported incidents and that we need to protect the privacy of individuals reporting incidents, we cannot provide or confirm specific details at this time,' the deputy press secretary added.
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Dear Chuck,

I read your new book on economic threats. What do you think of Chinas new digital currency? Isnt it a threat that should be on your list of Gray Swans?

Economic Observer

Dear Economic Observer,

I wrote a book about Seven Gray Swanstrends that threaten our financial future which are low probability occurrences that we tend to ignore. As I mentioned in the book, my list is not exhaustive. Thank you for reading the book; unfortunately, many of the events I described are rapidly developing. While I did not mention a specific threat of China, I did reference their social scoring system, and my book was released before they introduced their new digital currency. I will address your specific concerns and the advancements in their social scoring technology.

Chinas Dream of Ruling the World

I am pleased that you are paying attention to China. In a recent speech, President Xi Jinping openly expressed his disdain for the United States and his desire to work cooperatively with Russia and the UN to establish themselves as major influences in shaping the future of the world. Here is an excerpt from recent remarks:

The combined forces of changes and a pandemic both unseen in a century have brought the world into a phase of fluidity and transformation.

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.

You can read the full reference to these remarks here.

Chinas Digital Currency

In recent weeks, according to the Wall Street Journal, China introduced the worlds first digital currency to be backed by a Central Bank, the cyber yuan. The article states:

Chinas version of a digital currency is controlled by its central bank, which will issue the new electronic money. It is expected to give Chinas government vast new tools to monitor both its economy and its people. By design, the digital yuan will negate one of bitcoins major draws: anonymity for the user.

Beijing is also positioning the digital yuan for international use and designing it to be untethered to the global financial system, where the U.S. dollar has been king since World War II. China is embracing digitization in many forms, including money, in a bid to gain more centralized control while getting a head start on technologies of the future that it regards as up for grabs.

This useful convenience comes with a pricethe loss of privacy. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, use of the digital yuan makes no pretense of financial privacy. China will be able to track and ultimately control the use of the cyber yuan. Some are calling it a massive trojan horse to introduce financial surveillance into the flow of funds around the world and not just among its own citizens.

I, for one, will not use the cyber yuan should I be given the opportunity. The only thing that gives it value is trust in the integrity of the issuer. China remains fraught with corruption within the government, education, and commercial sectors.

Social Scoring Expands

One of the gray swans in my book is biometric identification and social scoring. Social scoring is rapidly invading the lives of Chinese citizens. The social credit ranking system collects data about peoples financial situation, spending habits, careers, and social media behavior. They are rewarded for good behavior like buying water instead of alcohol or obeying traffic rules. However, they are punished for jaywalking, disorderly behavior on trains, bad driving, buying too much junk food, or not paying bills. Poor scores ban them from public transportation or basic benefits of society.

Recently, the government launched a new app to encourage the reporting of those who criticize the Communist Partys ruling. It is their latest effort to identify malicious people distorting facts and confusing others. There are an estimated 400 million surveillance cameras, signifying an eventual tracking system of the Chinese citizens. In addition, the internet provides opportunities to enhance efficiency of state policies.

Nearly a century ago, the Reichstag passed a law known as the Malicious Practices Act. It became a crime to speak out against the new government or criticize its leaders.Those who were accused of gossiping or making fun of government officials could be arrested and set to prison or a concentration camp. They were able to control the population through fear and intimidation.

Ultimately, Big Tech could be used like Big Brother, just as is happening in China. We need to pray that this system is not universally adopted by governments to assert control over free speech which is essential for the freedom that enhances economic growth.

Our Confidence

Centuries ago, Daniel was watched by jealous government administrators. He was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. However, the men knew they could convict him by introducing a new law. They framed him as being malicious: Danielpays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing You know the account. Daniel was thrown into a lions den.

When King Darius learned that he was protected by the angel of God, he declared that all should fear and revere Daniels God: For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions. (Daniel 6:26b-27 ESV)

We must pray and trust God and continue to be vigilant in understanding the times, just as you and I are both seeking to do.

Crown is privileged to have Christian Credit Counselors (CCC) as a trusted source of help to free individuals and families from the burden of credit card debt. You can check out more of their services here.
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Overview:

The global market for barite is getting significant traction from the healthcare industry and the construction sector. Barite or baryte is known for its low solubility, brightness or whiteness, high density, chemical inertness, softness, and low cost, which makes it perfect for several industries. Its application as an additive for paints, rubbers, plastics, friction materials, and other products are expected to make sure that the market gains substantial traction from several end user industries. Market Research Future (MRFR) predicts the market would rise by 5.82% during the forecast period of 2018 to 2023. However, challenges posed by strict regulations and availability of substitutes may deter the market from having a smooth growth.

Get a Free Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2035

Segmentation:

The global barite market, as discussed by the research analysts of MRFR, has been segmented by application and region to open up spaces for interpretations. This segmentation would reveal several insights that are backed by scientific inputs, factors, figures, graphs, and charts. This will help in crafting methods to increase the profit margin.

By application, the global report on the barite market has been segmented into chemical manufacturing, drilling mud, pharmaceuticals, paints & polymers, and others. The drilling mud segment is getting significant traction from the oil and mining industry. Its ability to absorb X-rays and gamma rays and excellent purity are making the percolation process into the pharmaceutical industry much easier. The paint & polymer segment is also witnessing a significant rise in demand due to the growing activities related to construction.

Regional Analysis:

Asia Pacific dominates the market as most of the barite-producing countries are from this region. In addition, the region is experiencing substantial growth in several barite-related industries. North America is second in terms of generating revenues. The major part of its income comes from drilling mud.

Competitive Landscape:

Milwhite, Inc. (US), The Cary Company (US), DESKU GROUP INC. (US), Halliburton (US), Ashapura Group (India), APMDC (India), International Earth Products LLC (US), Mil-Spec Industries Corporation (US), Kaomin Industries LLP (India), and Dev International (India) are some of the major companies making substantial changes in the global barite market. Their focus is mostly on strategic dealings that can improve their market position and broaden the scope for operation. This triggers the implementation of techniques like merger, acquisition, innovation, branding, launching, tie-ups, and others. These companies have also increased their research-related funding to get certain advantages from the market. MRFR reported latest dealings of the market to understand how changes will impact the market and what trends are triggering growth.

Industry News:

In February 2020, Voyageur Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Announced that they had received successful test results from SGS Minerals & SGS Life Sciences division (SGS) on the Frances Creek barite project. SGS testing is a part of the preliminary process that would assess the economic state of the Frances Creek project. The company confirmed the barium sulfate mined from the Frances Creek barium sulfate had met all the specifications released by the US Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines.

The global market for barite is expected some struggles in the coming days due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. As a result of this outbreak, various industries have started suffering due to the lack of demand. Barite finds significant usage in the oil and mining sector, but due to the imposed lockdowns, the sector failed to meet the general standard of production. This triggered measures to save costs. It would affect the intake capacity of barite. Also, the slump in the construction sector can deter global market growth.

Browse Full Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/barite-market-2035
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CHANDLER, Ariz.  Rogers Corp. (ROG) on Thursday reported first-quarter earnings of $31.2 million.

On a per-share basis, the Chandler, Arizona-based company said it had profit of $1.66. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to $1.92 per share.

The specialty materials company posted revenue of $229.3 million in the period.

For the current quarter ending in July, Rogers Corp. expects its per-share earnings to range from $1.80 to $1.95. Analysts surveyed by Zacks had forecast adjusted earnings per share of $1.87.

The company said it expects revenue in the range of $230 million to $240 million for the fiscal second quarter. Analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected revenue of $224.9 million.

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Rogers Corp. shares have risen 22% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Thursday, shares hit $189.83, an increase of 64% in the last 12 months.

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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on ROG at https://www.zacks.com/ap/ROG
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry gestures as he addresses a press conference after a meeting with France's Economy and Finance Minister at The Ministry of Economy in Paris, France, on March 10, 2021. (Eric Piermont/AFP via Getty Images)

John Kerry Financial Disclosures Show Millions in Income From Stocks, Including Oil Companies

John Kerry, special presidential envoy on climate at the State Department, has disclosed millions of dollars in income from stocksincluding of oil companiesthat he liquidated after he assumed office in January, according to financial disclosure forms obtained by media outlets.

Under federal ethics laws, most political appointees are required to publicly disclose their current and past financial ties for reasons of transparency and public confidence that their policy decisions are free of conflict of interest.

The State Department told Axios, which first reported on the disclosures, that the departments Ethics Office reviewed Kerrys assets and investments to identify ones with a significant conflict-of-interest risk, and that Special Presidential Envoy Kerry agreed to divest the assets identified by the Ethics Office and has done so.

Kerry also signed a pledge stating he would not take part in decisions involving his former clients and employers, Axios reported.

According to Kerrys filings, a periodic transaction report (pdf) and a public financial disclosure report (pdf), his total investments were valued between $4.2 million and $15 million. Kerry divested from the stocks in March, about a month and a half after taking over the position of special climate envoy, the forms show.

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington on Jan. 27, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

His investments included a number of oil companies, including Duke Energy, Cimarex, Dominion Energy, and Exelon Corporation.

During the same time that Kerry held investments in oil companies, he served as advisory board chairman for Climate Finance Partners, whose mission is to create finance solutions that address climate change, and collected $125,000 in consulting fees from The Rise Fund, which invests in companies in the renewable energy sector, among others.

Kerry also received millions of dollars in salary, consulting fees, and honoraria, including a $5 million salary from Bank of America, and a $112,500 honorarium from MedStar Washington.

The Revolving Door Project, which scrutinizes executive branch appointees to ensure they dont exploit their positions to boost their own interests at the expense of the public good, co-published a letter (pdf) to President Joe Biden, calling on his administration to strengthen financial disclosure requirements.

The letter called for not just providing the bare minimum on public financial disclosures, but fully detailing private sector work, with the organization calling for detailed descriptions of consulting work performed for corporate clients or foreign governments, including the policy areas they advised on and the recommendations they made.

The Epoch Times reached out to the State Department, Kerrys current employer, with a request for information for this article, but did not receive a response by press time.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation. May the salutations of Allah, His peace and blessings be upon our noble Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions and his true and sincere followers until the Last Day.

Dear brothers and sisters, the last ten nights of Ramadan are believed to be the most important opportunities for worship during the noblest month in the Islamic calendar (Ramadan).

It is believed that the first revelation of the Noble Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) during the final ten nights of Ramadan in 610 AD. The exact night of the revelation isnt known, but it is most commonly believed to be on 27th night. This is called Lailatul-Qadr or the Night of Power.

Muslims all over the world follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) by spending the last ten nights of Ramadan awake late into the night, worshipping Allah by praying and reading the Quran, whether at home or in their Mosque.

As Muslims, we believe that Lailatul-Qadr is the best time to ask for forgiveness, although staying up late and worshiping during the other nine final nights of Ramadan is understood to bring immense spiritual rewards. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

Whoever stays up and prays on Lailatul-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.

Respected servants of Allah, I have put together some practical tips for the last ten nights, to ensure that our Muslim brothers and sisters receive great blessings during this great time.

Please, dear brothers and sisters, if you dont feel as though you have given your best so far in Ramadan, dont despair! The last ten nights are still your opportunity to receive forgiveness, mercy and greater spiritual rewards. Approach this time with commitment and positivity.

Put the effort in throughout each of the ten final nights of Ramadan. Dont wait until the 27th night to give it your all!

Dua is a prayer of supplication, where Muslims have the opportunity to ask Allah for the things they need. Why not prepare a short Dua list so you know exactly what you want to ask for, not just for yourself and your family, but for your country and the people around the world who are experiencing suffering and hardship, especially due to the problems of insecurity.

Please dear brothers and sisters, imitate our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), get your family involved. For the late nights of prayers, dont forget to wake up your partner and parents to remind them to take part. Even children can stay up a little later on the last ten nights.

Stay well-rested during the day. Taking short naps is a great idea as it will leave you energised for the nights of worship.

Worship Allah looking your best. How we present ourselves has a significant psychological effect, so wear something you feel smart and confident in.

Prepare the place where you intend to pray, whether at the Mosque or in your home, to ensure that you have everything you need with you. Distractions can easily break your concentration.

Mix it up! If you find yourself becoming tired, why not vary your acts to worship? If youre reading the Quran, instead present a Dua (supplication) to Allah or listen to a lecture from an Islamic scholar.

These nights of worship arent the time to be updating your social media accounts and telling your friends how spiritual you feel. This noble experience is between you and Allah, so turn off your phone and laptop if you can please!

Although the last ten days of Ramadan might be tiring, try to stay focussed. Renew your intentions, remember how great the blessings and spiritual rewards are on these ten noble nights, and think of the forgiveness you will receive on Lailatul-Qadr (the Night of Power). Trust Allah and dont let any doubt or selfish thought sully your mind during your worship.

Dont forget to recite the Dua (supplication) of Lailatul-Qadr. Its the best Dua of the final ten nights of Ramadan:

Allahummah innaka afuwwun, tuhibbul-afwa, fafu anni. Meaning: O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me. [At-Tirmidhi reported it]

While its depressing to think that Ramadan will be over in less than two weeks, the blessed months last ten days offer us a final push to do as much good as we can. We cannot let our enthusiasm wane like the moon that marks this special times end.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), used to strive hard (in worship) during the last ten days of Ramadan in a way that he did not strive at any other times. [Muslim reported it]

Some of the things we can do in Ramadans last ten blessed days as follows:

1. Pay Your Zakah: Many Muslims plan to pay this obligatory pillar of Islam yearly at some point in Ramadan, to benefit from the greater spiritual reward attached to charity during the month. If you havent already, do so this month, keeping in mind needy relatives, neighbours, as well as current hot spots of suffering.

2. Pay Your Zakatul-Fitr: Zakatul-Fitr or Sadaqatul-Fitr allows needy families to enjoy the Eid holiday. Pay this to your Mosque or an organisation of your choice well before Eid-ul-Fitr in these last ten days of Ramadan.

3. Up Your Giving: With news of a possible double-digit recession and a roller coaster stock market, due to the covid-19 pandemic restrictions and problems related to insecurity, its tempting to withhold or limit our giving this year. But dont let that stop you from being generous. Remember that Allah is Al-Razzaq, the Provider, and that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) reminded us that:

Charity does not decrease wealth. [Muslim reported it]

4. Pray Tarawih More Than You Have All Month: If you havent been able to attend Tarawih prayers most of the month of Ramadan due to work or other commitments, make a special effort to go in these last ten days (or at home with your family). Even if you decide to pray only eight units of prayer in a Mosque that normally offers twenty, you will benefit from the sense of community and the blessings of congregational prayer.

To be able to stay awake for Tarawih, try your best to take a short nap after coming home from work or during your lunch hour. Also, try not to overeat during Iftar, making it more likely you will be sluggish and sleepy come Tarawih time.

5. Connect To Lailatul-Qadr With More Quran Reading: Muslims are encouraged to seek the night of Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. This is the night that is described as better than a thousand months (Quran 97:3), and it is the one on which the Qurans revelation began.

Apart from seeking to do more good than usual, in specific, push yourself to finish reading at least a couple of parts of the Quran. Cut or drastically reduce television, Facebook, WhatsApp and socialising time to accomplish this goal.

6. Call Your Relatives To Make Eid Plans: Islam puts a premium on maintaining family ties. If you havent been able to keep in touch with relatives, use these last ten days to call or shoot them an email or text about getting together for Eid-ul-Fitr.

7. Shop And Give: As you shop for Eid or back to school items for yourself or your kids, pick up a few extra clothes or supplies and drop them off at various sites collecting these things for the poor, orphans and those in need.

8. Make Your Last Fasts Really Count: If youve caught yourself succumbing to un-Ramadan-like habits while fasting, make an extra special effort in these last days of the month to become conscious of these behaviours and stop them before they start. These can range from swearing, backbiting, talking about frivolous things, watching television shows or movies with sexual innuendo or jokes, etc.

9. Set Your Alarm For Tahajjud: Its hard getting up for Suhur, so why make the effort for Tahajjud? This blessed time is one in which Allah is very close, answering prayers and offering forgiveness, in particular [Sahih Bukhari]. Multiply that by the fact that its Ramadan and youve got an exceptional opportunity to really connect with Allah and ask for all that you need or want.

10. Dua, Dua, Dua: Use as many of Ramadans last minutes to make plenty of supplications (Dua). These include not only the standard supplications recommended for everyday use (e.g. before and after eating, dressing, entering and leaving the home, entering bath rooms etc.), and those seeking Allahs Mercy and Forgiveness. Truly pour your heart out, asking from the One Who already knows your needs and wants and faces no barriers to fulfilling them. Dont forget to ask for not only the big things (e.g. Paradise, insecurity, job security, good family life) but even the smaller ones.

Dear brothers and sisters, the last ten days of Ramadan carry with them very special circumstances and specific benefits for Muslims, all of which are essential for our journey of pleasing Allah Almighty. Not only do one of the odd days in the last ten days hold the Night of Power (Lailatul-Qadr), the most auspicious night in the year, but they also give us the opportunity to benefit from replicating the specific activities that can allow us to be better, more responsible, and more aware Muslims.

Generally speaking, the last ten days are also seen as times when Muslims try to avoid unislamic and dangerous worldly affairs, and spend more time in prayer. Know that Allah Almightys doors are always open, and even if we have spent the previous twenty days of Ramadan aloof from His blessings, He is ever-ready to bestow upon us His most prized blessings if we make efforts during the last ten days.

It is even more important to understand that this parting of Ramadan, and the repeated declarations asking Muslims to seek the Night of Power (Lailatul-Qadr) in the last ten days, is actually asking Muslims to be more cognisant of Allah Almighty and His blessings and continue to strive to receive them. Perhaps the very fact that the Night of Power is not explicitly disclosed is an opportunity for us Muslims to keep trying; all in hope of benefiting from the auspicious night. It surely is an attempt to show the Allah Almighty that we are desperate for His Rahmah, mercy and forgiveness. We should try not to miss any prayer this Ramadan and offer Nafilahs as much as we can to add up to our good deeds.

May Allah Almighty bless us all and forgive our sins. May we all become better humans and practice religion better than we did before. Not only is Ramadan the best time to do maximum Zikr and seek for forgiveness, and mercy; but also for giving out Zakah and Sadaqah for the ones who are worthy and needy.

May Allah send His Salah and Salam upon our noble Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

And all praises and thanks are due to Allah alone, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true and sincere followers.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okenes Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.

This Jumuah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Ramadan 18, 1442 AH (April 30, 2021).
12:24 | Chimbote (Ancash region), Apr. 30.





A former combatant of the Ecuadorian-Peruvian War (1941), Castillo once again had to play a leading role in the history of humanity, this time in the fight against the pandemic that has caused death and pain worldwide.

The grandfather is so aware of his military sense that he thanked the Social Health Insurance System (Essalud) staff, who was in charge of inoculating him, with a greeting typical of the Armed Forces.

The senior citizen was extremely amazed to receive the first Pfizer vaccine dose that enables him to be protected against coronavirus and continue to enjoy the company of his 7 children, 10 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

This way, Ancash region brought its first day of vaccination against COVID-19 to an end. At the event, the goal of inoculating more than 7,000 adults aged above 80 had been set.

The event took place at Manuel Rivera Sanchez Stadium, the largest vaccination venue in the area.

The region hopes to continue next week with the inoculation of older adults, supported by the new shipment of 10,000 vaccines as announced by the region's governor.





As is known, the President of the Republic Francisco Sagasti affirmed that 4.3 million older adults residing in Peru will be immunized against COVID-19 by the end of his term in office (July 28, 2021).





(END) GHD/MAO/MVB

At age 100, Santos Natividad Castillo has become the symbol of the vaccination day against COVID-19 for older adults in the port city of Chimbote, as he has been one of the elders included in the first immunization registry.Published: 4/30/2021
Amid the second COVID-19 wave, officials of the in Delhi have written to the requesting emergency parole for some prisoners.

Four prisioners died recently due to the

"We wrote the to the government a few days back. It is under the consideration of the government. In this second COVID-19 wave, four prisoners have died so far," an official said.

Meanwhile, earlier on Wednesday, the Delhi High Court issued notice on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking direction for the immediate release of all the under-trial and convicted prisoners on interim bail/parole in light of the pandemic.

The notice was issued for the release of prisoners with maximum imprisonment upto 7 years and fine (non-heinous crimes) to Tihar Jail, Mandoli Jail and Rohini Jail of Delhi.

The petition also sought direction for the interim release of prisoners having critical medical conditions.

The matter has been slated for hearing on May 4.

(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.)
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has been visiting Emergency Shelters with the intention of getting a first-hand impression of their operation.

The European Union (EU) has mobilized 740,000 (US$894.107) in emergency humanitarian aid to support those affected by the extremely damaging consequences of the La Soufriere volcanos protracted eruption, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.





The emergency funding will be managed by the EU humanitarian aid department and implemented by humanitarian partners already active in the area. It will prioritize interventions to guarantee immediate access to water, sanitation, hygiene, healthcare and distributions of non-food items, in addition to the protection of the most vulnerable.





A sum of 190,000 (US$230.560) will be channeled to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) through their Disaster Relief Emergency Funds. The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross is supporting national authorities in coordinating and managing temporary shelters. Evacuees will receive hygiene kits, COVID19 personal protective equipment and the basic healthcare they need.





The remaining 550,000 (US$667,562) will be channeled through humanitarian partners already active on the ground in order to enhance their response to the emergency.





Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, on the April, delivered 40 tons of first aid items such as COVID19 personal protective equipment, hygiene kits and drinking water.





In addition, the EUs Copernicus satellite service is currently providing maps of the area and the EUs 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre is in close contact with local authorities to monitor the situation and eventually channel further EU assistance. (EU External Action Service)




Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 20:25:05|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Thursday launched a 162-million-shilling (1.5 million U.S. dollars) project targeting host and refugee communities in Turkana County, northwest Kenya.

Carla Mucavi, FAO representative in Kenya, said in a statement issued on Thursday the project, dubbed the Refugee Agricultural Value Chains for Economic Self-Reliance (RAVES), will be implemented in the next four years.

The program, funded by the IKEA Foundation, identified the groundnuts as a potential crop for sustainable income generation as well as nutrition security for both the host and refugee communities.

FAO said a total of 9,000 direct beneficiaries are expected to benefit from this project, with a gross farmer income of 2.5 million dollars by year four. The target is to produce 12,000 tonnes of groundnuts per year by the end of the project period.

"Agriculture is undoubtedly the key driver in transforming the lives and livelihoods of refugee and host communities in Turkana County," Mucavi said.

The UN food agency said it is also working with the Turkana County government to develop a groundnut production and marketing strategy. Already, 15,000 tonnes of groundnut seed has been purchased to kick-start the commercial production. Enditem
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Faster than many thought possible, and despite long doubt about renewable energys practicality, a momentous transformation is well underway. We are moving from a global economy fuelled primarily by climate-warming fossil fuels to one in which we will cleanly pluck most of our energy out of water, wind and the fire in the sky.

The sun, the air and the chemistry to bottle their limitless power  its looking more and more as if these constitute the worlds next great technological advance, a leap as life-changing for many of us as was aviation, the internet or, of course, plastics.

People who study energy markets say that economics alone ensures our eventual transition to clean fuels but that policy choices by the governments can speed it up. In October, the International Energy Agency declared solar power to be the cheapest new form of electricity in many places around the world, and in particularly favourable locations, solar is now the cheapest source of electricity in history.

It can be difficult to muster much optimism about humanitys capacity to address climate change, and I have argued before that it is wisest to look to the future with a pessimistic eye, if only to encourage urgent action toward collective problem-solving. (We are more likely to do something to solve our problems if were frank about how bad things might get.)

There are lots of reasons to cast doubt on the clean-energy future. Wind and solar still account for just a tiny fraction of the worlds energy production. Even their most enthusiastic supporters concede that much will need to change to realise the full potential of renewable energy. Over the coming decades consumers and businesses will have to adapt to many novel technologies, while governments will need to build new infrastructure and overhaul energy regulations built around fossil fuels.

Amid the general gloom of climate change, the clean-energy boom offers the rare glimmer not just of hope but of something more: excitement.

Still, amid the general gloom of climate change, the clean-energy boom offers the rare glimmer not just of hope but of something more: excitement. The industrys bold claims are bolstered by bolder trends. Over the last couple of decades experts have consistently underestimated the declines in price, the improvements in performance and the subsequent speed of adoption of renewable power.
Deep-sea sponges are not known for their mobility. After all, they lack muscles, nervous systems and organs. And forget about fins or feet for traveling the Arctic seafloor.

But new research suggests these ancient life-forms can and do, indeed, get around  and far more than marine biologists believed. By studying hundreds of photos and videos of Arctic sponges, scientists from Germanys Max Planck Institute of Marine Microbiology discovered a vast web of trails several feet long left in the creatures roaming wake.

Sponges are one of the most primitive forms of animal life, said Dr. Teresa Morganti, who led the study published Monday in the journal Current Biology. At the beginning, we were very skeptical. We thought, Thats not possible. Sponges cannot move.

For the study, Dr. Morganti and her colleagues examined underwater footage of Langseth Ridge, a marine mountain range not far from the North Pole that sits almost a mile beneath the permanently ice-covered waters surface. Despite their initial skepticism, they found evidence that the wild sponges were not only moving about their frigid habitat, but also changing direction and even advancing uphill.
Dental professor helps provide free care, fuel and supplies for thousands of Syrian refugees throughout pandemic

Fuel is donated through the UB Global Miles for Smiles program and Multi Aid Programs (MAPs).

Fuel is purchased through the UB Global Miles for Smiles program and Multi Aid Programs (MAPs).

A nutritionist, hired through the UB Global Miles for Smiles program and MedGlobal, speaks to a classroom of students.

A nutritionist, hired through the UB Global Miles for Smiles program and MedGlobal, speaks to a classroom of students.

Host communities and local governments almost collapsed under the pandemic, making life worse for vulnerable populations. I decided that UB Global Miles for Smiles should not stand still and wait for the pandemic to end to resume its services. 

BUFFALO, N.Y.  A global pandemic could not deter UB professor Othman Shibly from delivering supplies and oral health care to Syrians who have become refugees or been displaced by the ongoing war in Syria.

Through the UB Global Miles for Smiles program, Shibly, DDS, clinical professor in the UB School of Dental Medicine, traveled to Lebanon from April 2-11 to deliver critical oral health care and medical supplies, and to train community health care workers to provide dental care.

The mission follows an initiative he completed in January and February to deliver heating fuel throughout the winter to nearly 1,200 families in Lebanon, and 87 schools that enroll more than 31,000 children in northwest Syria.

The initiatives were supported by the Syrian American Medical Society Foundation, the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Multi Aid Programs (MAPs), Ihsan Relief and Development, MedGlobal and MouthWatch.

During the pandemic, all of our dental missions ceased due to travel restrictions, but peoples needs do not stop, especially at this difficult time, said Shibly, who has traveled to Syria, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq to provide aid to refugees and displaced people since 2012.

Refugees and the internally displaced population in Lebanon and north Syria suffered the most during the pandemic and winter. Host communities and local governments almost collapsed under the pandemic, making life worse for vulnerable populations, he said. I decided that UB Global Miles for Smiles should not stand still and wait for the pandemic to end to resume its services.

"Given the current weather conditions, we have seen a spike in infectious diseases among children, causing them to miss school, said Bahaa El-Din Al-Jassem, director of the Al-Kalana School in Syria. Thanks to these heating supplies provided for classrooms, students are now able to come to school, finish the semester, and stay warm in the face of unimaginable challenges.

During the pandemic, UB Global Miles for Smiles has:

Partnered with the Syrian American Medical Society Foundation and Ihsan Relief and Development to raise $100,000  $10,000 of which was provided by UB  to provide 145,000 liters of fuel to 87 schools in northwest Syria.

Worked with MAPS to donate food baskets and fuel to more than 2,300 refugee families in Lebanon.

With the support of MedGlobal, hired a nutritionist and additional community health care workers to provide oral health care at refugee camps in Lebanon. The team of health care workers supported by UB Global Miles for Smiles is now six, and includes a dentist, nutritionist and four community health care workers.

Through training, increased the efficiency of community health care workers to 70 patients treated per day, up from last years average of 40 patients per day.

Provided oral health care supplies to refugee camps that were donated by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation.

Received teledentistry technology from MouthWatch and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation to provide and evaluate dental care from abroad.



Received iPads from MAPS to assist with logging and monitoring patient oral health progress.

Created a patient referral system so that children with greater oral health care needs may receive free dental care at fully-equipped dental clinics in nearby cities. Transportation is provided by MAPS.

The continued success of UB Global Miles for Smiles is gaining attention and support around the world.

MAPS aims to collaborate with the American University of Beirut to replicate the program, but with a focus on providing free vision and hearing care, eyeglasses and hearing aids for children who are refugees or have been displaced.

The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders is helping expand care through UB Global Miles for Smiles to populations in Liberia and Uganda.
The countrys biggest workers compensation scheme suffered from a failure of governance, sloppy execution and difficulties in getting injured workers access to their entitled benefits.

State insurer icare was on Friday served two damning report cards, the latest in a series of reviews delivered to NSW Parliament following revelations of financial mismanagement and the underpayment of thousands of injured workers by up to $80 million.

In the two years to 2020, the scheme suffered a net loss of more than $2.5 billion.

NSW Labor finance spokesperson Daniel Mookhey (left) and NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge (right) read the Upper House Committee report into state insurer icare. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Almost all the senior executives embroiled in the scandal have since left icare.
President Joe Biden said Friday he would leave it up to the Defense Department to decide whether the COVID-19 vaccine should be mandatory for U.S. troops once it receives full approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

In an interview with NBC's Today Show on Friday, Biden said it's a "tough call" on whether it should be required.

"I don't know," he said in response to a question from host Craig Melvin as to whether he would order service members to get the vaccine. "I'm going to leave it to the military."

Read Next: Army Commander of JBLM Hospital Removed Over Undisclosed Allegations

He didn't rule out such a requirement but added that more service members are getting the vaccine.

"You are in such close proximity of other military personnel, whether you are in a quarters where you are all sleeping or you are out on maneuvers," Biden said.

As of Wednesday, the DoD had administered more than 2.7 million vaccine doses to its beneficiaries, including service members, family members, eligible civilian employees and retirees. More than 779,000 troops across all three components -- active duty, reserves and National Guard -- have gotten at least one jab and nearly 500,000, or 23% of the total force, are fully vaccinated.

The Navy has the highest vaccination rates among the services: As of Wednesday, 224,225 sailors, or 55% of the service, had received at least one dose. Nearly 40% of all sailors have been fully vaccinated.

The Marine Corps is next in the race, with 81,274, or 37% of Marines, including reservists, receiving at least one dose. Nearly 27% of all Marines are fully vaccinated.

Almost 187,600 Air Force and Space Force members and Air Force Reserve and Air National Guardsmen have received at least one shot, or 36% of that population, with 25% fully vaccinated.

Vaccination rates are lowest in the largest of the armed services, the Army, but 28% of active-duty, Reserve and National Guard soldiers, or 286,557, have received a shot, and 14.5% are fully vaccinated.

Pentagon officials have said they will not require service members to get the vaccine as long as it is being administered under an emergency use authorization. When the vaccines were first rolled out by Pfizer and Moderna, the process for receiving full approval from the FDA was predicted to take up to two years.

With so many people having received their vaccinations -- 237,360,493 in the United States alone, as of Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- and the data generated by the distribution and administration of the immunizations, that process may be significantly shortened.

Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla said earlier this month that the company had enough data to "confirm the favorable efficacy and safety profile" of its vaccine to apply soon for full approval.

In mid-April, Moderna released results of its vaccine trials after six months, the next step in seeking FDA approval.

The DoD has had 286,952 cases of COVID-19 in its community since the beginning of the pandemic, including service members, dependents, employees and contractors. There have been 345 deaths, including 24 service members across all components and branches.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime.

Related: Navy Pulls Way Ahead of the Other Military Services in Race to 100% Vaccination
Chateauvince Solitaires and Jewelry is a renowned name among the jewellery lovers, with their exquisite collections of uncut, fashionable and traditional jewellery that has the newest trends imprinted on them. It has been a long journey for this jewellery brand to make a place in the hearts among the many who appreciate jewellery.

Chateauvince Solitaires and Jewelry was founded in the year 2017, by the CEO and founder of the company, Amit Jain. This man of big dreams had started this company out of his pure love for jewellery and the passion that drove him forward. The jewellery collections that were handpicked by himself came out of his basic idea that the jewellery should be able to complement the beauty of whoever it is that wears the ornament. With this in mind he ensured that every piece of jewellery that he presents were of the top quality and insisted on repeated checking with professionals to pick out the perfect ones close to 100.

Chateauvince sources it's products from different parts of the world like, Hongkong, Tahiri, Japan, France, Italy and different parts of India. The diamonds used in his jewellery are certified by the world's best gemological lab, IGI. Even though he tries to bring the various fashion trends reflected in his jewellery models, he ensures that at least half of the collection represents the traditions and culture from various parts of the country. He tries to bring the ethnicity and classic touch of the temple jewellery in many of his collections.

The inspiration to Amit Jain's passionate approach towards his jewellery business is nothing short of love for the work that he does. He says, "To put your heart and soul into something that you constantly do, one must be aware of his potential, inborn passion and the challenges that he might have to face on his way. I was quite aware of everything concerned with this business of mine. I've never even once turned back on it, when I doubted if I was missing out on basic enjoyments. My love with jewellery and the honesty towards it is what makes me move forward with determination."

Through Chateauvince Solitaires and Jewelry, he wants to create an impact on the minds of generations of people who use ornaments to enhance their beauty. He believes, more than the touch of beauty it presents, it's more of an identity of a cultural significance and the happiness it puts on someone's face, when they wear it on them. Putting customer's happiness into prime focus, Amit Jain is never ready to compromise on the quality of the jewellery that he puts up for sale. As it represents the branding of his business through several decades, he insists on providing the best in the market with almost zero faults. Amit Jain also has an in-house team with his company that designs jewellery according to customer demands, which is also one of the reasons his company stands in the forefront of jewellery business.

As a result of his constant hard work and determination in running his jewellery business, he has been awarded the prestigious "National Gratitude award 2020" for the ethical jewellery business in India. Amit Jain, also had the fortune to receive "Entrepreneur Excellence Award" for the best ethical jewellery business 2019. Chateauvince Solitaires and Jewelry has also received the "Golden Glory Award" for excellence in Diamond and Hallmark and Gold jewellery in India.

(Disclaimer: This is a Brand Desk content)

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If you asked me to name my favorite motorcycle customization enterprise, Id be scratching my head in utter confusion. While picking a single workshop to fill the number one spot seems virtually impossible, I can confidently say that Deus Ex Machina is in my top five. As the years went by, theres been no shortage of magnificent beasts bred under this firms roof, some of which weve featured on these very pages.On that note, ladies and gents, allow me to introduce you to the Bully - a reworked Buell X1 Lightning youll definitely fall in love with. Inside its framework, the donor hosts a 45-degree 1,203cc V-twin powerplant thats good for up to 95 hp when the tachometer reads 6,200 rpm. On the other hand, the air-cooled monstrosity will feed 86 pound-feet (116 Nm) of twist to a five-speed transmission at around 5,600 revs.Ultimately, this force is channeled to the rear wheel via a belt final drive, resulting in a top speed of approximately 130 mph (210 kph). To kick things off, the Deus Ex crew manufactured a bespoke swingarm and a unique subframe module in-house. After installing an assortment of Rizoma goodies, the aftermarket artists turned their attention to fabricating the new bodywork.Its design language is heavily influenced by that of classic cafe racers. The unique outfit consists of a minute front fender and a handsome tail unit on the opposite end, while a sexy fuel tank can be found in between. Thanks to an intricate two-into-one exhaust system and a premium air filter, the 1,203cc V-twin monstrosity is able to breathe a little more freely.A classy pair of laced hoops have been outsourced to replace X1s cast items, which simply didnt fit the desired aesthetic. The Bully also prides itself with upgraded brakes and a single shock absorber developed by Works Performance. Sure enough, Deus Ex Machina never fails to impress with its phenomenal exploits, and this bad boy does a great job at reminding us that were dealing with some genuine pros here.
A police banner on a street in Bangalore, India, to enforce a 2-week lockdown against Covid-19 in Karnataka state. (ANSA)

Bangalore Archdiocese offers its facilities as makeshift hospitals for Covid-19 patients who are unable to get hospital care.

By Robin Gomes

As Indias healthcare system continues to reel under a raging second wave of Covid-19 infections, a southern Indian Catholic diocese has decided to make its facilities available as temporary hospitals for patients affected by the virus.

Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore has promoted the initiative after noting that public and private systems are on the verge of collapse with acute shortages in beds, ICUs, oxygen and medicines.

India on Thursday set another dismal record, as millions in West Bengal state voted despite surging infections and the nation prepared to bring its vaccination rollout to all adults amid snags.

The Health Ministry reported a record 379,257 new infections over the past 24 hours, taking the total to more than 18.3 million, second only the United States. With 3,645 fresh deaths, the total has risen to 204,832. Experts say the actual figures are much higher as government reports are highly under-reported.

Churchs temporary hospitals

"Our initiative to make school facilities available can help alleviate the stress on hospitals in managing the health crisis in the country," Archbishop Machado explained to the Vaticans Fides news agency.

While expressing appreciation and support for the healthcare workers, both Catholic and non-Catholic, the archbishop said the Church wants to offer every help and support possible.

Helpline

The archdiocese, as well the network of Catholic hospitals, have also launched a telephone helpline to reach out to the victims and their relatives, providing information on the management of the disease at home and the availability of beds and oxygen.

Archbishop Machado explained that those in need of special care will be directed to any of the temporary Covid assistance centers set up by the archdiocese, thus taking pressure off the hospitals.

The archdiocese has allotted a school for each hospital in order to set up a post-Covid care center. The Azim Premji Foundation, which has been implementing various initiatives to improve educational quality across the country, especially in rural government elementary schools, is offering advice and financial support.

Karnataka state government has imposed a state-wide lockdown from April 27 to May 12. The state on Wednesday reported another single-day record spike in fresh Covid-19 cases, with 39,047 new infections, taking the total close to 1.44 million. With 229 new deaths, the total has crossed the 15,000 mark. Its capital, Bangalore, also notched up new highs.

Christian hospitals reach out

Since last year, Christian hospitals in Bangalore have been at the forefront in the fight against the pandemic.

Father Paul Parathazham, director of the prestigious St John's Medical College Hospital in Bangalore, expressed deep concern over the rapidly growing number of infected people, which is causing enormous stress on medical facilities.

"We should prepare for greater challenges if the current wave does not decrease," he told Fides. He pointed out that the "Christian Mission Hospitals" network has joined the state government in fighting the pandemic using its own resources.

Sister Gracy Thomas, superior at St Martha's Hospital, Bangalore, explained that Christian hospitals are "serving the poorest and most marginalized people and not only in Bangalore but also throughout Karnataka State." (Source: Fides)
STEPANAKERT, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan again pulled back its troops from the direction of Martakerts Nor Ghazanchi village, according to Artsakh lawmaker Aram Harutyunyan.

Harutyunyan told ARMENPRESS that together with his fellow MP Ashot Danielyan they visited Nor Ghazanchi to find out whats happening.

We met with the mayor and villagers. There is no panic among the population, the situation is stable, and the [Azeri troops] have already pulled back, he said, adding that they will increase security measures.

Mayor of Nor Ghazanchi Ruslan Arustamyan confirmed to ARMENPRESS that the Azeri troops have again retreated. He said the area where the Azeri troops had breached into is a 101 hectare agricultural crop field.

On April 27 Azerbaijan pulled back its troops near the Nor Ghazanchi village in Martakert region after having advanced its positions for 400 meters. But one day later the Azeri troops again advanced to the same area.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
The Vietnam Gold Trading Association (VGTA) has proposed the establishment of a national gold exchange in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Gold Trading Association has proposed the establishment of a national gold exchange.

The move aims to create a link between domestic gold prices and international gold prices, the VGTA said.

This will help eliminate illegal gold trading floors, increase the mobilisation of gold from the people, reduce cash transactions and prevent tax losses to the State.

At a recent VGTA Executive Board meeting, the association made other recommendations to renew legal policies as well as management mechanisms for the gold industry.

It proposed that the Government and the National Assembly remove gold jewellery and fine arts production from the list of conditional business lines, as well as to consider licencing certificates for gold businesses, allowing them to import gold material to ensure they have enough raw materials for production.

According to the VGTA, many provisions in Decree 24/2012/N-CP on gold trade management are no longer suitable today as Vietnams gold market has basically stabilised.

A number of new laws on investment and business were enacted in the direction of international integration since the decree was created almost a decade ago, the VGTA said.

The association also proposed abolishing the regulation that the State Bank monopolises the production of gold bars, and does not use SJC gold bar as an exclusive brand name as at present. It reasoned that allowing a number of businesses to produce gold bars would help create fair and equal competition in the market, creating advantages for customers when buying gold.

Previously, at the end of 2020, the VGTA made the same recommendations. Regarding this issue, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Dao Minh Tu said the State Bank's viewpoint is consistent with the policies and the results achieved in recent years, saying Decree 24/N-CP is still applicable.

Tu said, since Decree 24 came into force, it had brought many benefits to both the micro and macro-economy. In the domestic market, gold prices in recent years no longer fluctuate greatly and don't affect commodity prices and exchange rates.

When commodity prices and exchange rates do not fluctuate too strongly, it will create conditions for stable development of the macro-economy.

"Gold bars and raw gold are not ordinary goods so they need to be managed carefully, Tu said.

According to Nguyen Hoang Hai, Vice Chairman of Vietnam Association of Financial Investors (VAFI), in 2008 and 2009, there were many gold trading floors, whose operation did not bring significant benefits to the economy.

Instead, they disrupted the money market, bringing disadvantages because many companies providing gold trading services attracted participants to trade in the form of gambling, leading to massive losses.

Sharing the same idea, Tu said due to its complex nature and the risks of gold being freely traded on the exchange, Decree 24 of the Government was born to effectively manage the trade of gold on the market.

"We will acknowledge and thoroughly study the proposal of the Vietnam Gold Trading Association. But first of all, the macro interests and common interests of all people must be put first, then the benefits of the gold businesses will be taken into account, he said.

The Saigon Gold and Jewelry Company listed each tael of SJC gold at 55.35 million -55.72 million VND (buying-selling), a drop of 30,000 VND compared to the rates on April 27.

Bao Tin Minh Chau Gold Firm in Hanoi also decreased rates per tael to 55.36 million and 55.66 million VND (buying-selling) compared to those on April 27.

At the same time, on the global gold exchange Kitco, prices fell 0.1 USD per ounce to close at 1.778,01 USD per ounce./.VNA
The current 45,000-metre drill campaign remains on track for completion by mid-year and continues to identify additional high-grade gold mineralisation outside the inferred resource.

Auteco Minerals Ltds ( ) ( ) successful March quarter, which saw drilling returning a host of high-grade results from the Pickle Crow Gold Project in Canada, will underpin a resource update planned for July.

The current 45,000-metre drill campaign remains on track for completion by mid-year with 30,000 metres completed by March 31, 2021, and this work continues to identify additional high-grade gold mineralisation outside the inferred resource.

Well-funded

Auteco is well-funded to continue its growth strategy with cash reserves of about A$26.8 million at the end of the quarter.

During the quarter, the company completed the Stage 1 earn-in expenditure requirements to secure 51% of Pickle Crow project.

A general meeting of shareholders is scheduled on May 13, 2021, to approve the issue of 100 million shares to First Mining Gold Corp ( ) ( ) ( ), as per the Pickle Crow earn-in agreement.

Auteco remains on track to secure 80% of the Pickle Crow project by the end of this year.

"Highly successful quarter"

Auteco executive chairman Ray Shorrocks said: It has been a highly successful quarter, marked by the strong drilling results, which have extended the known mineralisation and led to the discovery of new veins.

These results are high-grade and outside the existing 1 million ounces resource, meaning they will form part of the resource update set for July.

We are continuing to drill flat-out, with several rigs targeting areas of known high-grade mineralisation to bring them into the resource, with mineralisation open in all directions.

We now have 496 square kilometres under-explored, highly prospective ground in one of Canadas most prolific and high-grade gold districts.

We have completed the Stage 1 earn-in requirements for a 51% stake in the Pickle Crow project, and it is a testament to the dedication of our team that we have achieved this within the first year of taking management responsibility for the project.

We are well funded to deliver our exploration and growth plans at Pickle Crow, and look forward to continuing to grow the project.

Expanded landholding

In January 2021, Auteco increased its land position along strike from the Pickle Crow project in Ontario, Canada to more than 496 square kilometres.

This additional staking adds 12 kilometres of the highly prospective Tarp Lake Shear Zone.

The increased land holding staked by Auteco is subject to the earn-in agreement with First Mining, which has the option to allow some or all the increased landholding to form part of the earn-in and joint venture on the Pickle Crow Gold Project.

Regional exploration

Multiple occurrences of visible gold were observed with individual grades up to 315.4 g/t returned in AUDD0102.

Auteco completed a ground magnetic survey as part of its regional exploration program to identify geophysical signatures associated with high-grade, quartz-scheelite-tourmaline-gold bearing structures at Shaft 1.

This newly acquired data provides a greater level of detail and analogous geophysical target signatures have now been identified both to the South West of Vein 5 and in the Crowshore area to the northeast of the Albany shaft.

Neither of the target areas have been historically drilled, and represent compelling targets that will undergo preliminary testing by Auteco in coming months.

Limestone Well Vanadium-Titanium Project

Auteco Minerals is earning up to 80% of the Limestone Well VanadiumTitanium project in WA via the joint venture with ( ).

As part of the earn-in expenditure commitment, Auteco completed a seven-hole 1,233 metres reverse circulation (RC) program during the quarter.

Assay results are pending.

Stage 1 earn-in completed

Auteco has completed the Stage 1 earn-in expenditure requirements for the Pickle Crow Gold Project.

It has the capacity to earn up to 80% of the project, and with the current planned expenditure, should see the 80% milestone achieved by the end of 2021.
A Hanoi man has been given seven years imprisonment for stealing US$40,000 left by a South Korean man in his unlocked car in a basement last year.

The municipal Peoples Court on Thursday handed down the sentence to 35-year-old Pham Anh Tuan, a resident of Ba Dinh District, on charge of theft, according to Vietnams Penal Code.

Tuan was a contract driver of a company responsible for transporting its employees to and from an office building on Lieu Giai Street in Hanoi, the trial panel said.

At around 11:00 am on November 19, 2020, Tuan drove the companys car to the B4 basement of the building. When he walked up to the B3 basement, Tuan saw a white Nissan car with one of its rear doors left ajar.

Finding no people around, it occurred to Tuan to steal anything possibly left inside the car.

Tuan then approached the car and saw a black leather briefcase inside. He took the briefcase, opened it and found four stacks of money totaling $40,000, equivalent to VND922 million.

The man later went down to the B4 basement to get his car out of the building and drove it home. He then handed all the money to his wife.

At 2:00 pm on the following day, Tuan turned himself in to local police and confessed his theft.

The man decided to do so as he knew that his criminal act must have been recorded by the security camera system installed in the basement.

Tuan also handed in the entire amount of $40,000 to the police.

At the hearing, the defendant admitted that his crime stemmed from his greed and he begged for leniency from the trial panel.

Meanwhile, Tuans wife told the court that she did not know where the money came from.

The aggrieved party at the trial asked the court to give the defendant a mitigation of punishment.

The trial panel judged that Tuans crime derived from temporary greed and that he gave himself up to police after committing the crime.

Tuan also actively handed in the entire stolen money to the police, the court said.

After taking all into account, the court handed down such the sentence to the defendant.

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India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals are reeling under a shortage of medical and beds.Breaking all records, India on Friday reported a massive surge of 386,452 cases, according to MoHFW. The death toll from the virus has reached 208,330. India now has nearly 3.2 million active cases.

Over 40 countries have committed to provide India urgently-required medical supplies like oxygen-related equipment and critical medicines to help it deal with an unprecedented second wave of the pandemic, Foreign Secretary said on Thursday.

At a media briefing, he said India is looking at getting in the immediate future around 550 oxygen-generating plants, 4,000 concentrators, over 10,000 cylinders and 17 cryogenic oxygen tanks, some of which have already arrived.

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Volkswagens American unit was only kidding when it put out the word late in March that it was changing its name to Voltswagen to show its commitment to electric vehicles. To say the April Fools joke didnt land is an understatement. Now the misfired marketing gag has prompted an inquiry by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Volkswagen did not dispute reports in Der Spiegel and other German media that the S.E.C. was looking into whether the carmaker misled shareholders with the faux rebranding. Volkswagen in Germany declined to comment Friday.

Publicly listed companies are not supposed to fool their shareholders, even in jest. Some media reported the purported name change as fact until Volkswagen of America admitted it was all a joke.

German law also requires companies to be honest with their shareholders, but a spokeswoman for the stock market regulator, known as Bafin, said the agency saw no basis to investigate the Voltswagen issue.
Chennai, April 30 : The Madras High Court on Friday refused to restrain the media from publishing oral observations made by the court against the Election Commission for the surge in Covid-19 cases.

A bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy refused to grant any relief despite the repeated requests from poll panel's counsel Rakesh Dwivedi.

The court had, on April 26 during the hearing of a suo moto PIL it had initiated, orally observed that that the EC "is the institution responsible for the situation prevalent today" and asked why it should not face murder charges.

Dwivedi had on Friday pleaded that these oral observations had caused "grave prejudice" to the Commission.

He also cited that police complaints were being filed against the poll panel. However the court refused to accept the contentions, observing: "Courts are there and they can be approached if any frivolous complaints are given before the police."
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - Los Andes Copper Ltd. (TSXV: LA) ("Los Andes" or the "Company", TSX Venture Exchange: LA) is pleased to announce that it has received unanimous approval from the Regional Environmental Committee (Comision de Evaluacion Ambiental) for drilling to be carried out at the Company's Vizcachitas Project ("Vizcachitas" or the "Project").

The Regional Environmental Committee unanimously approved the drilling permit application submitted by Compania Minera Vizcachitas Holding, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Los Andes that owns the Vizcachitas Project. This approval allows the Company to drill up to 350 holes on up to 124 platforms over the next four years, if required.

The Company will now be able carry out the drilling to complete the PFS. The proposed workplan includes infill drilling within the PFS open pit, drilling to extend the higher-grade mineralisation to the north of the Preliminary Economic Assessment pit, and to test the prospective geophysical targets identified in 2020.

Fernando Porcile, Executive Chairman, commented:

"We are delighted with the unanimous approval received to carry out drilling at Vizcachitas. This decision is of particular significance as the drilling allows the Company to complete the on going PFS.

"As we continue to progress on delivering a robust PFS, we look forward to sharing positive updates in the coming months."

About Los Andes Copper Ltd.

Los Andes Copper Ltd. is a development company with a 100% interest in the Vizcachitas project in Chile ("Vizcachitas" or the "Project"). The Company is focused on progressing the Project, which is located along Chile's most prolific copper belt, into production.

Vizcachitas is a copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit, located 120 km north of Santiago, in an area of good infrastructure. The Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"), delivered in June 2019, highlights that the Project has a post-tax NPV of USD$1.8 billion and an IRR of 20.77%, based on a USD$3 per pound copper price. The Project has a Measured Resource of 254.4 million tonnes at a grade of 0.439% copper and an Indicated Resource of approximately 1.03 billion tonnes at a grade of 0.385% copper. Please refer to the technical report dated June 13, 2019, titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Vizcachitas Project", prepared by Tetra Tech.

The PEA is preliminary in nature, it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized.

The Company is currently advancing the PFS of the Project. With the incorporation of a highly experienced management team, the Project is incorporating changes to position itself on the forefront of global environmental trends for mining. The conversion to dry-stacked filtered tailings will result in a substantial reduction in water consumption and will discard the use of tailings dams, thus reducing the Project's footprint, environmental impact and seismic risks.

Additionally, there is significant exploration upside at Vizcachitas with the potential to increase the resource base beyond the initial 45-year mine life modelled in the PEA. Part of this upside has been further delineated in the geological mapping and geophysics work program completed during the 2020 Chilean winter season.

An updated Corporate Presentation is available on the Company's website: https://www.losandescopper.com/

Los Andes Copper Ltd. is listed on the TSX-V under the ticker: LA.

Qualified Persons

Antony Amberg CGeol FGS, the Company's President and CEO is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

For more information please contact:

Fernando Porcile, Executive Chairman

Tel: +56 2 2954-0450

Antony J. Amberg, President & CEO

Tel: +56 2 2954-0450

Blytheweigh, Financial PR

Megan Ray

Rachael Brooks

Tel: +44 207 138 3203

E-Mail: info@losandescopper.com or visit our website at: www.losandescopper.com

Follow us on twitter @LosAndesCopper

Follow us on LinkedIn Los Andes Copper Ltd

Certain of the information and statements contained herein that are not historical facts, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Securities Act (British Columbia), Securities Act (Ontario) and the Securities Act (Alberta) ("Forward-Looking Information"). Forward-Looking Information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend"; statements that an event or result is "due" on or "may", "will", "should", "could", or might" occur or be achieved; and, other similar expressions. More specifically, Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information; including, without limitation, Spinnaker's ability to raise capital, target and attract institutional and retail investors and focus on developing and expanding the network of investors, analysts and financial intermediaries who are interested in Los Andes. Such Forward-Looking Information is based upon the Company's assumptions regarding global and Chilean economic, political and market conditions and the price of metals and energy, and the Company's production. Among the factors that have a direct bearing on the Company's future results of operations and financial conditions are changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, a change in government policies, competition, currency fluctuations and restrictions and technological changes, among other things. Should one or more of any of the aforementioned risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from any conclusions, forecasts or projections described in the Forward-Looking Information. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise Forward-Looking Information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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/82411
British tourists will be welcome in France from June 9 as long as they have proof of vaccination or a negative test.

The announcement by president Emmanuel Macron comes as a study finds much of Europe could safely be put on the travel 'green list' this summer.

Mr Macron's announcement will pile further pressure on ministers to restart foreign holidays to major hotspots for sun-starved Britons.

Under France's reopening, restrictions on cafes and restaurants will be lifted gradually with a return to near-normal by June 30.

The Yale University research showed restarting quarantine-free travel to popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Greece would not increase infection rates.

And hospitalisations would only increase by about six a day if travel was restarted with up to 31 European countries.

The announcement by president Emmanuel Macron comes as a study finds much of Europe could safely be put on the travel 'green list' this summer

British tourists will be welcome in France from June 9 as long as they have proof of vaccination or a negative test (pictured: Beach at Bormes-les-Mimosas, southern France, July 2019)

There are currently around 124 daily hospitalisations in England.

Johan Lundgren, boss of easyJet which commissioned the study, said: 'Based on the results of this ground-breaking research, and applying the principles set out in the roadmap set out by the Prime Minister, easyJet can demonstrate that it is safe to put much of Europe on the green list.

'This is because the analysis not only shows that travel from several European countries, including popular holiday destinations like Spain, Portugal and Greece, would not affect the UK case rate.

'But even more importantly, that travel to and from Europe would have very little impact on hospitalisations in the UK.'

He stressed that countries with worrying new variants should remain subject to strict measures such as quarantine.

The study is due to be submitted for peer review shortly. Countries' ratings as green, amber and red will be set out by May 10.
Funding Values Programmatic Ad Firm MOLOCO at $1bn

US-based programmatic advertising company MOLOCO has raised an undisclosed amount of funding, which it says values the business at $1 billion.



Founded in 2013 by former YouTube machine learning engineer Ikkjin Ahn (pictured), MOLOCO helps mobile businesses 'convert their data into advertising performance'. Its mobile retargeting solutions to re-engage users who've installed an app, started a game, or abandoned a shopping cart before making a purchase. The firm says it has facilitated more than 100 trillion bid requests on behalf of its advertising partners since 2018, and currently serves more than 13 billion ad impressions monthly.



New funding comes from Shinhan GIB, an investment banking unit of South Korea's Shinhan Financial Group, as well as other new and existing investors.



The firm, which is headquartered in Silicon Valley, with offices in San Francisco, Seattle, London, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo, is online at www.moloco.com .










Position Objective: Contributes to the provision of high-quality, cost-effective healthcare as a provider of direct and indirect patient care and by effective of the health care team. Functions as a competent member of the health care team. Essential Job Duties: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 1. Clinical Decision Making/Judgment Demonstrates clinical nursing knowledge and skill in the specialization of the unit.

Demonstrates the ability to apply the nursing process effectively in the care of culturally diverse patients and families. Demonstrates the ability to utilize all applicable laws, policies, standards, guidelines and evidence-based practice in the provision of patient/family care.

Organizes and reprioritizes patient care activities based on subtle and overt and/or environmental changes.

Consistently and thoroughly assesses patients to collect data and identify learning needs according to established standards and policies.

Utilizes a systematic, continuous and complete analysis of assessment data to develop individualized problem lists for assigned patients.

Develops and individualizes a plan of care for each patient in accordance with established standards, appropriate prioritization of problems/needs, and mutually agreed upon goals.

Efficiently implements the patient's plan of care in accordance with applicable standards, policies, procedures and guidelines.

Demonstrates proficiency in medication administration, pain management and other unit or initiative specific skills.

Continuously evaluates the effectiveness of the plan(s) of care, making revisions and recommendations based on analysis of patient responses to interventions. 2. Nurse-Patient Family Relationships Demonstrates the ability to assess the patient's/family's learning needs, readiness to learn, learning style, and presence of barriers to learning.

Demonstrates the ability to develop, implement and evaluate teaching plans for patient populations in unit specialty in accordance with applicable standards.

Demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge of growth and development across the life span to the care of patients.

Provides direct patient care to patients and families in a culturally, developmentally and ethically appropriate manner.

Plans of care address the physical, psychosocial, spiritual and learning needs of the patient/family. 3. Clinical Scholarship Participates in QI, CPI and risk management activities at the unit, department or organizational level.

Demonstrates the ability to effectively perform and improve all processes in order to achieve excellence with regard to AAMC's quality standards and benchmarks.

Supports the use of evidence based guidelines and organizational policies and procedures to promote safe patient care and a safe practice environment. 4. Clinical Leadership Participates in unit shared governance according to departmental standards.

Participates in the education and orientation of new staff.

Delegates patient care activities as appropriate; evaluates delegated activities for expected patient care outcomes.

Employs real time computer documentation when completing patient record. 5. Unit Specific Responsibilities Provide nursing care to the adult medical patients ranging in age from 18 years to the elderly.

Demonstrates the ability to utilize telemetry as an assessment tool and manage the patient care during a dysarrythmic episode.

Identifies and treats the following nursing diagnoses that frequently occur in the medical population:

Activity intolerance



Impaired adjustment



Impaired physical mobility



Pain



Self care deficit



Alteration in elimination



Potential for impaired gas exchanges in pulmonary system



Other diagnosis as identfied



Risk for: peripheral neurovascular dysfunction; ineffective coping: impaired skin integrity; for infection. Helpful: Telemetry experience highly desirable. Competency in telemetry monitoring will be required within 6 months of hire. Training and testing will be provided. Educational/Experience Requirements: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing

Adherence to the credentialing requirements of AAMC as stated in the nursing bylaws. Required License/Certifications: Current licensure as a registered nurse by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

BLS - American Heart Association Healthcare Provider certification Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands: There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens. Physical Demands - Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.


Between school and work, I must balance my responsibilities and priorities, and my college lifestyle has ultimately hindered me from experiencing those vital, shared traditions of Ramadan the same ways I did in Florida. But in my heart, I have now planted a seed of worship and devotion at UGA, yearning for Ramadan to return next year.
More than one crore COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the statesand UTs which will receive an additional nearly20 lakh doses within the next 3 days, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.

TheGovernment of India has so far provided nearly 16.33 crore vaccine doses (16,33,85,030) to states and UTs free of cost.

Of this, the total consumption including wastage is 15,33,56,503 doses, the ministry said.

"More than one crore COVID vaccine doses (1,00,28,527) are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.Nearly 20 lakh (19,81,110) vaccine doses will be received in addition by the States/UTs within the next 3 days," it said.

Vaccination is a crucial pillar of the five point strategy of the government of India to fight the pandemic including test, track, treat and COVID appropriate behaviour.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A cow has interrupted an Australian farming couple's wedding by giving birth to her heifer calf during the packed reception of 100 people.

Jessa Laws, 32, and her now husband Ben, 38, got married on Saturday April 24 on their farm in Gorae near Portland, Victoria.

Jessa told Daily Mail Australia her wedding dress was ruined but deemed it to be 'inconsequential' compared to the excitement of the newborn calf.

'We were expecting the birth as she was a few days overdue and a few of our farmer guests helped keep an eye on her throughout the day,' she said.

The calf arrived at 7pm during the reception in front of several guests soon after the final wedding speech.

The heavily pregnant dairy cow gave birth to a baby calf during the reception of Jess and Ben Laws wedding on April 24

Jessa told Daily Mail Australia her wedding dress was ruined but deemed it to be 'inconsequential' compared to the newborn calf (pictured right)

The 'unforgettable experience' shocked guests, but Jessa said it was 'typical' for the cow, named Jacot Drama, to cause a commotion at inconvenient times.

'Earlier we joked and said she's definitely going to give birth on our wedding day,' she said.

'On the night a friend came and told me there's two feet showing.'

Jessa said around seven dairy farmers helped deliver the calf and ensured 'everything was okay' - as she just missed the birth.

The 'unforgettable experience' shocked guests, but Jessa said it was 'typical' for the cow, named Jacot Drama, to cause a commotion at inconvenient times

'It was a difficult birth because the calf was huge, but it was a safe delivery,' she said.

At the time her husband Ben was inside the house when a friend told him the news.

'I just laughed and said "Jessa's in the mud, isn't she?",' Ben said and didn't expect anything other.

The new addition to the farm was later named Destiny.

The newly wedded couple got married their own farm in Gorae near Portland, Victoria

Jessa is hoping the dry cleaners will return her wedding dress to the original condition, but isn't too concerned (dress pictured after the birth)

The pair also had a wedding cake made from their own cheese (pictured) and supplied freshly made cider

Jessa said cows are the 'foundation' of her a Ben's relationship, as they first met in a pub three years ago talking about cows.

'After the ceremony, as people were throwing confetti, our song of choice was "Cows Around" by Corb Lund, which we thought was very fitting,' she said.

Jessa is hoping the dry cleaners will return her $1,200 wedding dress to the original condition, but she isn't too concerned.

'Memories are worth far more than a wedding dress is - the calf was worth getting in the mud,' she said.

'It will definitely be a wedding people will be talking about with their families for a long time to come.'
DUBLIN, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "United States Generic Drugs Market By Segment (Generic, Branded), Therapeutic Application, Company Analysis & Forecast" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

United States Generic Drugs Market will be US$ 239.5 Billion by 2026.

Generics are an off-patented drug that is pharmaceutical equivalents to branded medicines in term of administrative dosage, quality, effect, intended use and side effects. In the United States, generic drug production has increased because it is cheaper than any branded medicine. From the last 3 decades, U.S generic drug market has transformed from less than 20% of generic drug prescription to 80% of dispensing generic medicine prescriptions.



Generic medicines help maintain the country's healthcare system, from curing patients to saving money. Currently, the price of off-label drugs is 70% to 80% lower than branded medicines. In the United States, the decline in medicine price works as the biggest catalyst for the generic drug market growth. These generic medicines prices sometimes declined to 85% less than patented drugs; this happens when various generic drug companies target a single patented drug. the research findings suggest that the United States Off-Label Drugs Market will grow with a CAGR of 5.69% in future from 2020 to 2026.



The United States government awareness for the use of generic drugs reduces overall health expenditure in the country. The FDA's Office of Generic Drugs (OGD) within the Center for Drug Evaluation in Research ensures access to safe, high quality and affordable drugs to Americans. The U.S government made a law regarding the generic drug, allowing a new player to enter the market. Besides factors like the rising number of patients for diabetes, Alzheimer, cardiac diseases, an increasing number of drug patent expirations and government initiatives expected to drive the generic drugs industry.

As per this research study, the United States Off-patent Drugs Market was US$ 171.8 Billion in the year 2020.



Generic Drug Companies Deals



On July 6, 2020, Endo announced that it had received FDA approval of Qwo (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes). Another company, named Lupin Limited manufactures generic drug Abacavir& Lamivudine, whose combination is being used together with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The publisher has covered companies' initiatives that sell various generic drugs in the United States.

Companies covered in the report are Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Mylan N.V, Sandoz Inc, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Lupin Limited, Dr Reddy's and Sun pharma.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction



2. Executive Summary



3. Market Dynamics

3.1 Growth Driver

3.2 Challenges



4. United States Drugs Market

4.1 Branded Drugs Market

4.2 Generics Drugs Market



5. United States Generic Drugs Saving



6. Market Share - United States Drugs Analysis

6.1 Branded vs. Generics Drugs

6.2 Branded Generic vs. Unbranded Generic Drug

6.3 Volume Penetration - Generic vs. Branded Drugs

6.4 Therapeutic Application



7. United States Generic Drugs Market

7.1 Branded Generic Drugs Market

7.2 Unbranded Generic Drugs Market



8. Therapeutic Application - United States Generic Drugs Market

8.1 Central Nervous System (CNS)

8.2 Cardiovascular

8.3 Dermatology

8.4 Genitourinary / Hormonal Drugs

8.5 Respiratory

8.6 Anti-infective

8.7 Oncology

8.8 Others



9. Company Analysis

9.1 Overview

9.2 Product Launch

9.3 Financial Insight

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

Mylan N.V

Sandoz Inc.

Endo Pharmaceuticals

Lupin Limited

Dr Reddy's

Sun pharma

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/79n16x

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


Chinas Xi offers more help to India in message to Modi

Chinas Xi offers more help to India in message to Modi View Photo

BEIJING (AP)  Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday offered additional assistance to India in battling the coronavirus outbreak ravaging the country, putting aside a simmering rivalry and tensions along their disputed border.

State media reported that Xi told Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a personal message of condolence Friday that he was very concerned about the recent situation in India with the COVID-19 outbreak.

He said China is willing to provide additional support and assistance because Mankind is a community of common destiny sharing weal and woe and only through unity and cooperation can the nations of the world ultimately overcome the pandemic.

Under the leadership of the Indian government, the people of India will certainly overcome the pandemic, Xi added.

Indias External Affairs Minister S. Jayashankar had a phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and they agreed to keep transport corridors and cargo flights open, an Indian statement said.

Wang said China would ensure that all the required materials flow to Indian entities without any delay, the statement said.

Chinese media said a first batch of 25,000 oxygen concentrators pledged to India has arrived in the country. The reports said China has already shipped 5,000 ventilators and 21,000 oxygen generators.

Earlier, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the Chinese public, the Chinese Red Cross, local governments, NGOs and enterprises have all taken actions and managed to raise much-needed anti-epidemic supplies for the Indian side and send them to the Indian people as soon as possible.

Along with the ventilators and oxygen concentrators, more than 15,000 sets of monitors and nearly 3,800 tons of medical supplies and medications have been shipped to India, Wang said.

Chinese manufactures of anti-epidemic materials and medical equipment are working at full capacity to speed up production, Wang said.

The assistance comes despite an intense economic rivalry between the countries, Beijings distrust of closer India-U.S. ties, and ongoing border tensions following a bloody clash last year in the Ladakh region.

Wang also said Chinese airlines are operating cargo flights to India and authorities are accelerating customs clearance and transport for supplies such as liquid oxygen storage tanks and oxygen generators from several Chinese cities.

China will continue to maintain smooth export channels for materials to India, Wang said.
Gemma Collins sent tongues wagging as she flashed the diamond engagement ring her boyfriend Rami Hawash proposed with in 2013 while heading out for dinner in Mayfair on Thursday.

The Diva Forever star, 40, had the sparkler firmly back on after reigniting her romance with the businessman, 45, earlier this year.

Rami had originally proposed to Gemma by placing the ring in a Christmas pudding when they first dated more than seven years ago, and she wore it again in 2017.

Engaged? Gemma Collins sent tongues wagging as she flashed the diamond engagement ring her boyfriend Rami Hawash proposed with in 2013 while heading out for dinner on Thursday

Gemma appeared in high spirits as she showed off the jaw-dropping diamond ring while enjoying her evening out at Spaghetti House in London.

Sparkly: Rami had originally proposed to Gemma in 2013

The television personality was dressed head-to-toe in Gucci as she donned a black velvet tracksuit that was adorned in embellished roses and a Marmont bag.

But all eyes were on the reality star's ring finger as she headed to meet her Real Housewives of Cheshire pal Dawn Ward.

Rami proposed to Gemma back in December 2013, sticking the ring inside her Christmas pudding.

Taking to Twitter at the time, the GC wrote: 'Very excited to announce that I got engaged yesterday. I am very happy @RamTech_ I love you best Xmas pudding x'

Flashy: The Diva Forever star, 40, enjoyed dinner in Mayfair on Thursday, with the sparkler firmly back on after reigniting her romance with the businessman earlier this year

New romance?: Rami Hawash, who's now a father, originally popped the question in 2013 but they split just a month after the proposal (pictured in 2013)

Four weeks later however, Gemma had called off the engagement and the star was spotted not wearing the ring at the National Television Awards in January.

The GC previously gave her romance with Rami a second chance in 2017 and she was spotted wearing the engagement ring he proposed with.

Sources at the time said Gemma hoped to start a family with Rami and have the baby she's always dreamed of.

MailOnline has contacted Gemma's representatives for comment.

Designer garb: The television personality was dressed head-to-toe in Gucci as she donned a black velvet tracksuit that was adorned in embellished roses and a Marmont bag

MailOnline revealed Gemma and Rami, who's now a father, had rekindled their relationship last week and had been secretly dating for six months.

A source told MailOnline: 'Gemma has been seeing Rami again in secret for the last six months.

'The pair have enjoyed spending time together and getting reacquainted during date nights in London and Essex.

'Gemma suffered a lot of stress and trauma during her relationship with Arg, which has been on and off for years  but she's finally putting herself first and moving forward with her life.'

It comes after Gemma ended her on-off relationship with James Agent for good.

Throwback: Taking to Twitter at the time of 2013 engagement, the GC wrote: 'Very excited to announce that I got engaged yesterday. I am very happy @RamTech_ '

On-off romance: The GC previously gave her romance with Rami a second chance in 2017 after she was spotted wearing the engagement ring he proposed with

The reality TV star, who rose to fame on The Only Way Is Essex and has since starred in her own series Diva Forever, supported ex-boyfriend James, 33, throughout his battle with cocaine addiction.

She recently spoke on her BBC podcast about how the illness 'ripped through her family' and 'destroyed lives.'

Gemma said: '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.

Girly catch-up: Gemma met up with Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dawn Ward

Chic: The television personality wore her blonde hair back in a bun and donned a raspberry pink lip

Cheers! The girls enjoyed plenty of bubbly, with Gemma topping up Dawn's glass during the festivities

Safety first: Gemma wore a face mask as she left the boozy dinner

Having a blast: Gemma put on an animated display as she quaffed champagne

Brunch: The former TOWIE star was in her element as she dined with her mother Joan and Dawn

Having a laugh: The reality star had a good giggle as she chatted during the alfresco meal

'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.

'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.'

Back on: It was revealed earlier this week Gemma had been secretly dating her ex Rami

James, who recently underwent gastric band surgery, said this week he was finally ready to 'reclaim his life' and 'start a new chapter physically and mentally.'

The former couple endured a devastating loss when Gemma miscarried their baby last year, resulting in her therapist diagnosing her with PTSD.

During an interview on Loose Women, Gemma spoke about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a condition she suffers with that affects fertility and causes weight gain.

In August last year, she said: 'I did suffer a miscarriage, which was really sad, during the lockdown period. Behind the smiles, there's been a lot of pain.'

To increase her chances of falling pregnant, Gemma has focussed this year on being healthy and losing weight, after doctors advised her to shed 2 stone.

Gemma previously said she 'prays every night' to one day conceive a baby naturally and be in a happy relationship.
It has been an amazing morning with so many good people calling, Scott said. But the left, they have doubled down that theyre going to not attack my policies, but they are literally attacking the color of my skin. You cannot step out of your lane, according to the liberal elite left. It is a fight. We are in the fight for our nation.
 Flash

A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday blasted some U.S. politicians for hyping the so-called "China threat," saying it will ultimately harm the United States.

The comment by Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian came after the U.S. government, in its budget proposal for the 2022 fiscal year, listed China as the most pressing of many challenges to the country's defenses.

The wild speculation and hype from some people in the U.S. government reflect a morbid mentality, Wu said at a regular press conference.

"China has no intention of threating or challenging any country," he said. "But if someone insists on threating or challenging China, we will have no choice but to respond in kind."

Wu was also asked to comment on the Chinese navy's commissioning of vessels on April 23.

"The commissioning of naval vessels is irrelevant to the regional situation and is not aimed at any specific country or goal," Wu said, adding that China's policy stance of firmly maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea remains unchanged.
The Army released the findings of a long-awaited investigation following the disappearance and murder of Spc. Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood, Texas, last year. The latest investigation resulted in disciplinary actions against 13 current and former leaders who were connected to the slain 3rd Cavalry Regiment soldier.

The AR 15-6 fact-finding investigation, ordered by Gen. Michael Garrett, head of Army Forces Command, found that Guillen was sexually harassed by a member of her unit, but not by Spc. Aaron Robinson, the soldier who allegedly murdered her, smuggled her body off post with the help of 22-year-old Cecily Aguilar, and hid the remains in a remote site in Bell County. Robinson later shot and killed himself when confronted by area police.

Task and Purpose broke this part of the story Friday.

Read Next: Biden on Making COVID Vaccine Mandatory for Troops: 'I'm Going to Leave It to the Military'

Guillen's family claimed that Robinson sexually harassed Guillen before he murdered her, but Fort Hood Criminal Investigation Command officials said at the time that there was no credible evidence he had done so.

The report found that Guillen tried to report that she had been sexually harassed on two occasions, and her supervisor and other leaders failed to take appropriate action both times.

It also found that there was no evidence that the allegations of sexual harassment were related to her death.

Maj. Gen. Gene LeBoeuf, chief of staff for Forces Command, told reporters Friday that the Army is not commenting on Robinson's possible motive in Guillen's death until an FBI investigation into the case is complete.

In December, the Army relieved or suspended 14 leaders at Fort Hood as a result of an independent review that found the base's command climate was permissive of sexual harassment and assault.

Six of those 14 leaders are part of the group of 13 individuals facing adverse actions from this latest investigation, LeBoeuf told reporters.

Garrett directed the relief of five current or former officers and noncommissioned officers in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, or 3rd CR. Of the five, three will also receive General Officer Memorandums of Reprimand, or GOMORs.

He referred further action against seven other officers and NCOs to Lt. Gen. Pat White, commanding general of III Corps. And he recommended further action against one NCO to a separate command.

All of those eight officers and NCOs will receive GOMORs; one will be relieved of command.

The Army did not release the leaders' names because of the service's privacy policy.

Garrett's disciplinary actions are in addition to the previously announced reliefs of Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, former deputy commander of III Corps; Col. Ralph Overland, former 3rd CR commander; and former 3rd CR Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Knapp.

Last September, Garrett requested that Gen. Mike Murray, head of Army Futures Command, lead the in-depth 15-6 investigation looking at how the actions of Hood's chain of command affected the events in Guillen's case.

A separate investigation, which is nearly complete, will decide the fate of 1st Cavalry commander Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Broadwater and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas C. Kenny, the 1st Cavalry's command sergeant major. Both were suspended in December pending the results of the investigation into the unit's command climate and whether it adhered to the Army's Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Prevention program policies.

"The loss of Spc. Vanessa Guillen was devastating to all of us, just as it is with any soldier," LeBoeuf said. "Just as we grieve the loss of Vanessa Guillen, we have to honor her memory and her willingness to serve her country by looking forward and taking meaningful actions ... to protect current and future soldiers like Vanessa Guillen."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Related Video:

Related: Army Prepares to Release Final Investigations into Potential Leadership Failures at Fort Hood
NCP president on



Friday expressed grief over the death of former Soli Sorabjee.

Paying tributes to the legal luminary (91), Pawar said his long career was an example of commitment to the spirit of the Constitution.

Saddened to hear about the demise of former Attorney General, Padma Vibhushan Shri Soli Sorabjee. His long career as a Senior Advocate is an example of commitment to the sovereignty and spirit of the Constitution of India.

"My heartfelt condolences to his family members, he tweeted.

Sorabjee died on Friday morning at a New Delhi hospital where he was undergoing treatment for COVID-19, family sources said.

The constitutional law expert had served as the for India from 1989-90 and then from 1998- 2004.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
On Wednesday, May 5, at 12.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Political Parties' Ratings, Socio-Political Sentiments, COVID-19 Vaccination" with the participation of coordinator of the expert group of the Robotic Telesystems LLC Mykhailo Gazizov (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Details at: (095) 178 9787.
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In what Hollywood hopes is a sign that live events are finally on the rebound, FX and 20th Television launched the third and final season of Pose with a red carpet premiere Thursday night in New York.

The event was held indoors at Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The socially-distanced, 200-foot carpet included clear plastic barriers between photographers. Reporters conducting interviews were spaced about six feet apart. Talent and reporters were kept four feet apart. The carpet itself was light blue and flecked with sparkles.

Walking the carpet were Pose stars Mj Rodriguez, Billy Porter, Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, Hailie Sahar, Dyllon Burnside, Angel Bismark Curiel, Sandra Bernhard, Jason Rodriguez and Angelica Ross. Series co-creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Steven Canals were also in attendance as were Season 3 guest stars Jeremy Pope, Jeremy McClain and Noma Dumezweni.

The significance of Pose, set in the world of ballroom competitions in the 1980s, as a groundbreaking period drama that opened so many doors for trans actors, creative talent and crew was top of mind for the stars as they gingerly stepped back into step-and-repeat mode.

The legacy of Pose simply is exuberant lives finally getting their chance and stapling it in the industry and in the realm of acting an making sure theres more space open, Rodriguez told Variety. I never thought in a million years a girl like me from Newark, N.J. who had it hard, who didnt get her chance out there to finally get it and to solidify it with a great season. Thats what it means.

There were some surprising moments during the remarks from cast and producers before the screening. Janet Mock, Pose executive producer, writer and director, took to the stage with eyebrow-raising remarks about the show and her personal and professional relationships with cast members and producers that made for squirmy moments for the guests of honor.

For one, Mock complained about her compensation for her work on the series.

I want to get paid more, she said. Why am I making $40,000 an episode, huh? Do you know who the fuck I am?

While executive producer and co-creator Ryan Murphy, who was in the audience, doesnt negotiate salaries, he is said to have played a significant role in helping Mock land her lucrative Netflix deal.

Mock further complained about the quality of Poses first two episodes which she noted were written by men. She engaged in bit of call and response with Murphy, saying that they had to bring the girls in to help. When she asked Murphy who brought the girls in, Murphy said, I did.

The screening was limited to 100 guests inside the theater (at 10% capacity). Participants were required to have a COVID test in the days leading up to the premiere and a temperature check upon arrival at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Season 3 of Pose premieres May 2 on FX.

(Pictured: Mj Rodriguez)

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About 265 million domestic trips are estimated to be made by Chinese passengers during the upcoming five-day May Day holiday from May 1 to 5, according to the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

The estimated figure represents an increase of 120.1 percent year on year, close to the 2019 level, the MOT said.

Departure passenger flows are expected to peak on the first day of the holiday with about 57.9 million passenger trips, up 115 percent and 6 percent from the 2020 level and 2019 level, respectively, MOT data showed.

Between April 29 and May 6, railway passenger trips are expected to reach 106 million, up 0.8 percent compared with the same period in 2019, said China State Railway Group Co. Ltd. (China Railway), estimating that the railway passenger trips will peak on May 1 to reach 17 million.

A total of 36 direct tourist trains to popular destinations including northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and northeast China will be arranged during the holiday, and panda-themed tourist trains will take visitors to tourist cities such as Golmud and Dunhuang.

May Day, also known as Labor Day, is observed on May 1 in China.
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Equal justice for equal health-order breaches?

How enforcement officers choose who to ticket for breaking pandemic rules is not a matter for public consumption, the province appears to have decided.

A provincial enforcement spokesperson said in an email Thursday that more participants in last Sunday's anti-mask, anti-restrictions protest at The Forks will be receiving tickets based on surveillance video and other information gathered at the event.

Just two of the several hundred people who attended the rally were issued $1,296 tickets on the spot, for failure to self-isolate and gathering in a group larger than permitted.

The main draw was Canadian anti-mask activist Chris Saccoccia, also known as Chris Sky, who was on a cross-country tour and failed to self-isolate upon his arrival in Manitoba. The anti-mask agitator is also known for spreading anti-Semitic and racist rhetoric.

A video circulating on social media appears to show Saccoccia being served with two tickets. A government source confirmed to the Free Press he received two tickets late Wednesday.

It's not clear if, or how many, of the other protesters have received, or will receive, violation notices.

The provincial enforcement spokesperson refused to reveal "operational details" to the Free Press about how the Justice and Health departments plan to use the surveillance footage, whether investigators are combing social media for information on attendees, whether the government has received tips about the rally or about the general enforcement process.

"Investigations related to last weekends rally, including a review of all available evidence, are ongoing," the spokesperson wrote, adding all credible information is followed up.

A regular fixture at Manitoba anti-masker protests, Todd Dube wasnt one of the two people fined Sunday.

But Dube, who runs traffic safety advocacy organization Wise Up Winnipeg, expects health officials will come knocking with ticket notice in hand, sooner or later. He and others who regularly organize, speak at and attend COVID-19-related conspiracy protests get fined often, he said, adding he's received three already, including one Wednesday for another recent gathering.

"They were there filming and taking pictures, theyre trying to identify, at the very least, the organizers... I expect to see them in the next couple of days," Dube said, noting he didn't organize the Sunday rally but is one of the founders of a local anti-lockdown group.

The Free Press identified a local musician, a funeral director who spoke at the rally and a former radio station DJ through videos posted online, their own social-media postings and photos taken by newspaper staff.

An Altona teacher was suspended by Border Land School Division for attending the rally. The president of the Manitoba Chiropractors Association resigned after being spotted in the maskless crowd. A Lord Selkirk School Division bus driver was suspended without pay for being there.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @erik_pindera
HONG KONG, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Three years after a major listing reform, new economy companies have made the bulk of Hong Kong's initial public offering (IPO) market, fueling a new growth story of the global financial hub.

The new listing rules, which came into force on April 30, 2018, allow pre-revenue biotech companies, new economy companies with weighted voting rights structures, and qualified overseas-listed companies to raise capital in Hong Kong.

By the end of March, 146 new economy companies had listed in Hong Kong since then, raising a total of 682.2 billion Hong Kong dollars (about 88 billion U.S. dollars), and accounting for 61 percent of the total IPO fund-raising, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) said Thursday.

"We are very pleased to see that the introduction of the new listing regime has helped to transform our markets," Calvin Tai, HKEX interim chief executive, said. "HKEX has become the go-to international capital market for new economy companies, and is already the world's second-biggest biotech fund-raising hub."

New economy listings have reshaped Hong Kong's capital market.

On March 31, the capitalization of new economy companies listed on HKEX since the new listing regime took effect reached 14.45 trillion Hong Kong dollars, accounting for 27 percent of Hong Kong's total market capitalization.

In 2020, newly-listed new economy companies contributed 21 percent of the turnover in the cash equities market, up from just 1 percent in 2018.

With the fresh momentum offered by the new economy, Tai said HKEX will continue to enhance the competitiveness of its markets and maintain their quality, resilience and attractiveness as a leading global financial center. Enditem

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
(JNS)  Buckingham Palace announced on Friday the death of Prince Philip, 99, the Duke of Edinburgh  husband to Queen Elizabeth and father to Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

Leaders of the United Kingdoms Jewish community reacted to his death, praising him for his public service and his affection for the Jewish community.

Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom Ephraim Mirvis called Philip a selfless and loyal public figure who offered his steadfast support to the Queen and exceptional service to our nation.

He also said that he imme...
[April 30, 2021] PAR Technology Corporation Releases Conference Call and Webcast Information for Fiscal 2021 First Quarter Financial Results

PAR Technology Corporation (NYSE: PAR) today announced that it will report its first quarter financial results on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. The results are scheduled to be released at 7:30 a.m. ET, followed by an investor presentation and conference call at 9:00 a.m. ET. PAR Technology President and Chief Executive Officer Savneet Singh, Chief Financial Officer Bryan Menar and Vice President for Business Development, Christopher Byrnes will provide a business update and address questions from call participants. To participate in the call, please call 844-419-5412, approximately 10 minutes in advance. No passcode is required to participate in the live call. Individual & Institutional Investors will have the opportunity to listen to the conference call/event over the internet by visiting PAR's website at ww.partech.com. Alternatively, listeners may access an archived version of the presentation call from 1:00 p.m. on May 11 through May 18, 2021 by dialing 855-859-2056 and using conference ID 9894339.



PAR Technology looks forward to your participation in this conference call. Please call Tiffani Temple at 315-738-0600 x 6325 with any questions. ABOUT PAR TECHNOLOGY

PAR Technology Corporation, through its wholly owned subsidiary ParTech, Inc., is a customer success-driven, global restaurant and retail technology company with over 100,000 restaurants in more than 110 countries using its point of sale hardware and software. With the recent acquisition of leading Loyalty solutions provider, Punchh Inc., PAR has become a Unified Commerce Cloud Platform for Enterprise Restaurants. PAR's platform enables quick service, fast casual and table service restaurants to improve their operational efficiency by combining its cloud-based Brink POS, Data Central backoffice, PAR payments and now Punchh loyalty software with the world's leading restaurant technology platforms. PAR Technology's Government segment is a leader in providing computer-based system design, engineering and technical services to the Department of Defense and various other federal agencies. PAR Technology's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PAR. For more information, visit www.partech.com or connect with PAR Technology on Facebook (News - Alert) or Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005361/en/

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The Australian federation was founded on the Judeo-Christian values. Our Prime Ministers theology dictates his morality, a righteous base for world views. Having a solid foundation sets our PM above in our nations best interest. God bless the PM and his family. Judith Bond, Campbelltown On reading Morrisons comments that human dignity is foundational to our freedom and  a persons dignity is the foundation for all morality, I was struck by the lack of dignity and morality applied to Australias treatment of Aborigines in custody, refugees and asylum seekers (PM warns identity politics, abuse of social media are undermining society , smh.com.au, April 30). It seems that dignity and morality apply only to the chosen. Sandra Burke, North Sydney PM: You are more than the things others try to identify you by in this age of identity politics. Unless, of course, it suits him politically to so label you. PM: Were not going to achieve net zero in the cafes, dinner parties and wine bars of our inner cities. Arthur Cooper, Alstonville Energy policy failure How dare Energy Minister Angus Taylor claim we are pursuing a nationally consistent approach to reforms that will deliver an affordable and reliable energy system (Coal is over, warns top government energy chief, April 30). This from a minister in a government thats seen as the dinosaur on the energy reform landscape by the rest of the world. Most Australians have only seen energy become less affordable as the legacy of political pandering to the fossil fuel industry, privatisation and protracted inconsistency. Robyn Dalziell, Kellyville

In an energy crisis that requires clear and well-structured energy policy to cement renewables as our main energy supply, Taylor offers Orwellian platitudes. No wonder we are lagging the world and industry is crying out for government leadership. Barry Laing, Castle Cove Dirty, unreliable coal-fired power stations that belch carbon dioxide have at last been recognised as relics of a bygone era. Solar and wind energy, coupled with modern battery technology, will provide 24/7 electricity and step up instantly to fill the gap caused by unreliable coal and gas-fired generators. Perhaps the perpetual naysayers will finally admit energy harnessed from the sun and the wind, which are cost-free and eternal, is the power of the future. Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin (ACT) Three cheers for the indomitable, incorruptible, straight-talking Dr Kerrie Schott, Chair of the Energy Security Board. Coal is over, she said. Did you hear that, boys? Janet Simpson, Paddington Less talk, more action on vaccinating vulnerable I am totally at a loss to understand what the difficulty is with vaccinating vulnerable, disabled people (Hearing to look into delays in vaccine rollout, April 30). Only 6000 homes around Australia  a total of 25,000 people to get round. I feel so angry about yet another hearing which is nothing but a delaying tactic. What is so hard about delivering the vaccines, needles and a qualified health worker to each place and getting on with it. If there is a hidden agenda, ie not enough vaccine, we need to know because weve been told we have millions of shots. I would do it myself if I could. I think my generation would talk far less and get on with the job in hand as we have so often done over the years. This is a worldwide crisis. What will yet another hearing achieve? They could all be out there helping even if it is just delivering the requirements to the facilities and helping to hold the hands of the disabled. Trish Pike, Harrington

Pfizer for all Fewer than than half of over 50s are willing to get the AstraZeneca vaccine. Its time to offer all Australians the Pfizer vaccine (No evidence yet of vccine link to two deaths, April 30). Pfizer has far better efficacy  95 per cent versus AstraZeneca 70-75 per cent  which will be a critical benefit once overseas travel restarts, especially as the vaccines ability to prevent transmission remains unclear. As a practising medical doctor, aged over 50, I have been eligible for AstraZeneca for some time now but I am waiting for greater Pfizer availability. The concern for many, and my aim, is to reduce risk for when overseas travel is possible  that will be the major risk. Its not here, and not now. Carolyn Lewis, Pymble For sale: NSW With the paltry state revenues in mind, the Premier must bite the bullet and sell off all those other useless assets, particularly those only used by latte sipping, dinner party discussing, Chardonnay socialists inhabiting the Eastern suburbs, in order to build more transport infrastructure, especially roads and tunnels (Asset sale could fund fast rail, says Premier, April 30). Theres the State Library, the NSW Art Gallery, the Opera House (think gambling mecca), Centennial Park, and any number of educational institutions taking up valuable land that can be re-purposed to high-rise housing. Robert Hosking, Paddington Isnt that nice: the Premier is going to flog off what little is left of the farm to fund fast rail to regional NSW. Only problem is that it sounds like regional NSW ends at Wollongong, Newcastle, Lithgow and Goulburn. The remaining 95 per cent of the state will continue to endure the same high level of 19th century rail transport that they currently do. Malcolm Freak, Armidale

If Gladys Berejiklian and the NSW government run out of assets to recycle or sell, theres always Sydney Harbour isnt there? Lorna Denham, Cardiff Heights Only a politician or a bureaucrat could decide that a faster train is slower than a fast train. Richard Mason, Newtown Out of control Every Australian should be concerned about the government blocking superannuation funds from making investments that the government doesnt like (Super funds brace for government to get the power to cancel investments it does not like, April 30). Over the past decade the Coalition has made it clear that it does not like investment in renewables, preferring to support fossil fuel industries. Over that same time my superannuation fund invested in a sustainable option (avoiding fossil fuels) and has delivered a better performance than alternatives with a similar risk profile. Regulation to improve (after fees) performance is very welcome, but control of investment options is a step too far. George Rosier, Carlingford

Museum broken promise The new facility storage at Castle Hill will be a centre for the preservation, maintenance, conservation and care of the Powerhouse collection (Planning Minister approves Powerhouse storage centre, April 30). In fact, the Powerhouse Museum already has a purpose-designed storage and conservation facility on site at Ultimo, which the government promised last year would be kept. The wasteful and entirely unnecessary Castle Hill store is an insult to rural and regional communities across NSW, struggling to care for heritage collections in open sheds, and fund their museums and galleries. The development will cost more than $100 million, which is all the NSW government has spent on regional cultural infrastructure in the past 10 years. In a double blow, the eviction of the Powerhouse collections to Castle Hill puts them out of reach of regional visitors. The ministers approval of this development shows the government has broken its promise to save the Powerhouse Museum and is still intent on ripping off the museums assets at huge cost to taxpayers. Kylie Winkworth, Newtown Planning is a disaster This winter is likely to be ugly according to NSW ambulance inspectors (Paramedics at breaking point , April 30). In a future environment of fewer restrictions, looser quarantining and much community complacency, how would Sydney cope with a fast moving outbreak of a COVID variant, that causes moderate levels of illness and complications requiring the urgent hospitalisation of both young and old, despite many having received vaccinations? Are state governments considering such scenarios and planning accordingly? Sue Dyer, Downer (ACT)

Language a barrier Australia has gradually realised it is part of Asia. Is Kevin Rudd really the only politician we have who can speak fluent Mandarin (Letters, April 30)? Your correspondent infers Australia is lacking in correct diplomacy in dealing with Chinese politicians. Isnt it about time Mandarin was more widely taught in schools so we have some chance of understanding in the future? Judith Rostron, Killarney Heights My, my, how can I resist you? The Wilcox cartoon on Fernando Pezzulo is simply brilliant (April 30). This was a public servant dangerously politicising way beyond his station. Yet there has been no suggestion of a rebuke from either the Prime Minister or the Defence Minister. Ray Alexander, Moss Vale What a great way to start this morning. Dont think ABBA would be coaxed out of retirement to sing this, but perhaps we could be lucky enough to hear a rendition from Norman Gunston. Im sure it would go to No.1

Simon Thorn, Curl Curl

I laughed out loud at the brilliant Wilcox cartoon but now I cant get that damn song out of my head - its driving me mad. Diane Erickson, West Ryde Ah, Wilcox, I love you. Alynn Pratt, Grenfell Where theres smoke ... As we awake to yet another morning blanketed in smoke haze, it seems no-one is taking hazard reduction burns into account when they say were going to meet our emissions targets at a canter (Letters, April 30). Bruce Hulbert, Lilyfield

Why is hazard reduction burning even allowed in Sydney, which has inherent air pollution already? Bushfire smoke makes it much worse. Studies have shown hospital admissions rise and even deaths increase when theres smoke from bushfires. The NSW RFS has become an industry that needs to justify itself by making big, noticeable fires. Instead, they should be using mechanical clearing and, as your correspondents suggest, small indigenous style cool burns. Tim Egan, Mosman Postscript After the appearance of an online video of the Prime Ministers address to a Christian group this week, letter writers fired up. Clearly, the vast majority were critical of the PM for his apparent inability to separate church and state, which they found disconcerting. Many, like Alynn Pratt of Greenfell, said they were prepared to respect Scott Morrison for his personal beliefs, but not when they disadvantage Australia. A few, such as Chris Main of Campbelltown, were unhappy with the letters printed, because they continued the narrative that religious thought is a non sequitur, and no good thing can be associated with faith.
A health worker displays a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Robert Ballanger hospita in Aulnay-sous-Bois, north of Paris, France, on Jan.6, 2021. (Christophe Archambault/Pool Photo via AP)

EU Report Accuses Russia, China of Sowing Mistrust in Western Vaccines

BRUSSELSRussian and Chinese media are systematically seeking to sow mistrust in Western COVID-19 vaccines in their latest disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing the West, a European report said on Wednesday.

From December to April, the two countries state media outlets pushed fake news online in multiple languages sensationalizing vaccine safety concerns, making unfounded links between jabs and deaths in Europe and promoting Russian and Chinese vaccines as superior, the EU study said.

The Kremlin and Beijing deny all disinformation allegations by the EU, which produces regular reports and seeks to work with Google, Facebook, Twitter and Microsoft to limit the spread of fake news.

Russian and Chinese vaccine diplomacy follows a zero-sum game logic and is combined with disinformation and manipulation efforts to undermine trust in Western-made vaccines, said the EU study released by the blocs disinformation unit, part of its EEAS foreign policy arm.

Both Russia and China are using state-controlled media, networks of proxy media outlets and social media, including official diplomatic social media accounts, to achieve these goals, the report said, citing 100 Russian examples this year.

The EU and NATO regularly accuse Russia of covert action, including disinformation, to try to destabilize the West by exploiting divisions in society.

A disinformation report that has no factual basis is in itself an example of disinformation, the Chinese mission to the EU said in a statement dated Thursday in response to the report.

Russia denies any such tactics and President Vladimir Putin has accused foreign foes of targeting Russia by spreading fake news about the coronavirus.

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to General Director of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Krill Dmitriev at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on April 2, 2021. (Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Vaccine supply issues with AstraZeneca, as well as very rare side effects with AstraZeneca and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been seized upon, the report said.

Both Chinese official channels and pro-Kremlin media have amplified content on alleged side-effects of the Western vaccines, misrepresenting and sensationalizing international media reports and associating deaths to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in Norway, Spain and elsewhere, the report said.

Last year, China sought to block an EU report alleging that Beijing was spreading disinformation about the coronavirus outbreak, according to a Reuters investigation.

While the EU has not vaccinated its 450 million citizens as fast as Britain, which is no longer a member of the bloc, shots are now gaining speed, led by U.S. drugmaker Pfizers shots and its German partner BioNTech.

Russian media reported that Brexit saved the UK from the vaccine chaos engulfing the EU, the EU said. Such narratives indicate an effort to sow division within the EU, it added.

Empty vials of Oxford/AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine are seen at a vaccination centre in Antwerp, Belgium, on March 18, 2021. (Yves Herman/Reuters)

In the report, released online at https://euvsdisinfo.eu, the EU said Russias official Sputnik V Twitter account sought to undermine public trust in the European Medicines Agency.

Sputnik V responded that the disinformation campaign is against Russia and its vaccine, not the other way around.

The Twitter account is managed by the Russian sovereign wealth fund, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which is responsible for marketing and promoting the Sputnik V vaccine.

China meanwhile promoted its vaccines as a global public good and presenting them as more suitable for developing countries and also the Western Balkans, the report found. Western Balkan countries are seen as future EU members.

By Robin Emmott
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India's spiralling coronavirus crisis was today laid bare as images circulated on social media of the bodies of 22 coronavirus stuffed into an overloaded ambulance to be taken to the crematorium.

Another 386,452 infections and 3,498 deaths were officially recorded on Friday - but medics have warned the true figures could be ten times greater, putting daily infections at 3 million.

At that rate the country could see more than 30,000 deaths from coronavirus a day within a few weeks, but the country's poor record keeping means the true toll may never be known.

An ambulance overburdened with Covid victims in Maharashtra state is the latest grim evidence of the carnage unfolding throughout the country of 1.4 billion as the virus rips through the population.

Police officers reportedly snatched the phones out of people's hands as they tried to photograph the ambulance, its suspension sagging under the weight of the dead, outside a morgue in the city of Beed on Friday.

Beed district chief Ravindra Jagtap vowed to punish those responsible, but added that there are just two ambulances to carry the dead to the city's crematorium and more were needed.

India is in the eye of the world's Covid storm, with funeral pyres burning around the clock in Delhi and Mumbai and hospitals under armed guard to protect oxygen supplies.

Despite emergency medical gear arriving from Britain and the United States, including a USAF cargo jet with 400 oxygen cylinders on Friday, there remains an acute shortage of oxygen, medicines and beds across India.

People are dying in the streets and on stretchers outside the overcrowded hospitals, while lucrative Indian Premier League cricket matches are played just a few hundred yards away.

Amid the carnage a black market flourishes to profit from the desperation of those seeking oxygen and other basic medications for their loved ones - much of it is counterfeit or totally useless against Covid.

An oxygen cylinder in Delhi can go for more than 1,000, compared to around 60 before the pandemic struck, while a dose of the remdesivir anti-viral drug costs nearly 500 - the normal price is less than 20.

Remdesivir, originally developed to fight Hepatitis C, has been approved for emergency use against Covid by the UK and the US, but the World Health Organisation says there is no evidence to support its use.

An ambulance overburdened with Covid victims in Maharashtra state is the latest grim evidence of the carnage unfolding throughout the country of 1.4 billion as a new mutation of the virus rips through the population. Police officers reportedly snatched the phones out of people's hands as they tried to photograph the ambulance, its suspension sagging under the weight of the dead, outside a morgue in the city of Beed on Friday. Beed district chief Ravindra Jagtap vowed to punish those responsible, but added that there are just two ambulances to carry the dead to the city's crematorium and more were needed.

A worker is seen turning over the funeral pyres at a crematorium in Delhi last night. The country of 1.4 billion is in the eye of the world's Covid storm, with funeral pyres burning around the clock in Delhi and Mumbai and hospitals under armed guard to protect oxygen supplies.

Another 386,452 infections and 3,498 deaths were officially recorded on Friday - but medics have warned the true figures could be ten times greater, putting daily infections at 3 million and fatalities at 30,000.

The percentage change in daily Covid infections by Indian state on April 25 compared to at their peak, most of which were recorded last year. States which have surpassed their peak infection rates by more than 300 per cent include Ladakh in the far north, Gujurat and Rajsthan in the west, Uttar Pradesh in the northeast and Chhattisgarh in the central eastern part of the country. Andra Pradesh in the east and the cluster of states in the far northeast of the country remain below their peaks of the first wave, suggesting that they may yet have another wave to live through

A US Air Force Super Galaxy military transporter is seen on the tarmac after landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Friday

Oxygen cylinders strapped to a pallet are unloaded from the USAF cargo jet at the airport in Delhi on Friday

A Covid patient gets oxygen on the spot provided by Sikh Organization at Gurdwara in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Relatives carry their loved one through a cremation ground in Delhi on April 29. The city is recording an average of 25,000 cases each day and struggling with a critical shortage of oxygen

Grieving relatives in full PPE at a crematorium in Jammu. Delhi has been cremating so many bodies of coronavirus victims that authorities are getting requests to start cutting down trees in city parks, as a second record surge has brought India's tattered healthcare system to its knees

Sumit Kumar, 28, sits on an oxygen cylinder as he waits outside a factory to get it refilled, amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease in Delhi

A grieving relative cannot bear to stand at a funeral at a crematorium in Jammu on Sunday

A USAF Super Galaxy touched down on the tarmac at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Friday, with a cargo of more than 400 oxygen cylinders and hospital supplies for the city of 29 million which has been recording an average of 23,500 new infections per day.

The shipment arrived after talks between Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week.

Modi met with his own military chiefs on Thursday to discuss plans for army hospitals, as well as for troops to help with transporting oxygen tankers and other supplies where specialist vehicle skills are required.

Army boss M.M. Naravane said the sick can approach their nearest army hospitals for help.

India has set a daily global record for more than a week with an average of nearly 350,000 infections. Daily deaths have nearly tripled in the past three weeks, reflecting the intensity of the latest surge.

All vaccination centres in India's financial capital of Mumbai were shut for three days starting Friday due to a shortage of vaccines, said authorities, as the country posted another record daily rise in coronavirus cases.

India has added about 7.7 million cases since the end of February, when its second wave picked up steam, according to a Reuters tally. In contrast, it took India nearly six months to add the previous 7.7 million cases.

India is the world's biggest producer of vaccines but does not have enough stockpiles to keep up with the second deadly COVID-19 wave, despite Modi's government planning to vaccinate all adults starting May 1. Only about 9% of India's 1.4 billion people have received a vaccine dose since January.

Several states have said they will be unable to immunise people aged 18 to 45 immediately.

Modi is scheduled to meet cabinet of ministers on Friday as the wave of infections cripples the nation's health system and threatens to impact major businesses as absenteeism grows with staff falling sick or taking leave to tend to sick relatives.

World aid has started arriving in India as it struggles to combat what has been described as a humanitarian disaster.

Patients suffering from the coronavirus disease) receive treatment inside the emergency ward at Holy Family hospital in Delhi

People receiving treatment at an overcrowded hospital in the Indian capital last night

An intensive care ward at one of Delhi's major hospitals on Thursday. The city is recording 25,000 cases each day, but medics believe the true figure is ten times higher

Battling to find hospital beds, distraught people are flooding social media and messaging apps with heartbreaking pleas for oxygen, medicines and room in intensive care units.

The country is in deep crisis, with hospitals and morgues overwhelmed, medicines and oxygen in short supply and strict curbs on movement in its biggest cities.

A cremation ground in New Delhi is prepared for the mass burning of the bodies of Covid victims

epa09168056 A mass funeral takes place for COVID-19 victims at a cremation ground in Delhi on Thursday

A family member wearing full PPE waits to perform the last rites for COVID-19 victims at a cremation ground in Delhi

Dozens of pyres burn during a mass funeral at a cremation ground in Delhi on Thursday

Relatives pray as their loved one is cremated in Delhi last night

A crematorium worker turns over the fires burning at a crematorium in Delhi last night

Men are seen in conversation last night at a crematorium in Delhi

The first U.S. flight carrying oxygen cylinders, regulators, rapid diagnostic kits, N95 masks and pulse oximeters arrived in the Indian capital Delhi on Friday.

'Just as India came to our aid early in the pandemic, the U.S. is committed to working urgently to provide assistance to India in its time of need,' U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter.

'Today we are proud to deliver our first shipment of critical oxygen equipment, therapeutics and raw materials for vaccine production.'

The United States will send more than $100 million in medical aid, including 1,000 oxygen cylinders, 15 million N95 masks and 1 million rapid diagnostic tests. It also has redirected its own order of AstraZeneca supplies to India, to allow it to make more than 20 million doses.

Shipments from other countries continued to pour in, with a third one from the United Kingdom reaching earlier in the day. Romania and Ireland also sent supplies late on Thursday.

Indias severe medical oxygen supply crisis is expected to ease by mid-May, a top industry executive told Reuters, with output rising by 25% and transport infrastructure ready to cope with a surge in demand.

A worker died and at least two were injured after an oxygen cylinder exploded during refilling at Panki Oxygen refilling plant in Kanpur in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh earlier on Friday, local police told Reuters.

The incident comes a week after at least 22 patients died at a public hospital in India's western Maharashtra state when their oxygen supply ran out after a leak in the tank.

The Health Ministry on Friday also reported 3,498 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 208,330. Experts believe both figures are an undercount, but its unclear by how much.

A cow is seen as last rites for COVID-19 victims goes on at a cremation ground in Delhi

Indian police and paramilitary soldiers patrol the streets amid a lockdown in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir

An 84-hour lockdown has been imposed in Srinagar to curb the rapidly growing crisis in Jammu and Kashmir

India will receive a first batch of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine on May 1. Russia's RDIF sovereign wealth fund, which markets Sputnik V globally, has signed deals with five Indian manufacturers for more than 850 million vaccine doses a year.

Prominent U.S. disease modeller Chris Murray, from the University of Washington, said the sheer magnitude of infections in India in a short period of time suggests an 'escape variant' may be overpowering any prior immunity from natural infections in those populations.

'That makes it most likely that its B.1.617,' he said. But Murray cautioned that gene sequencing data on the coronavirus in India is sparse, and that many cases are also being driven by the UK and South African variants.

Carlo Federico Perno, Head of Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostics at Rome's Bambino Gesu Hospital, said the Indian variant couldn't alone be the reason for India's huge surge, pointing instead to large social gatherings.

Modi has been criticised for allowing massive political rallies and religious festivals which have been super-spreader events in recent weeks.
A patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) receives treatment inside the emergency ward at Holy Family hospital in New Delhi, India (Photo : REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui)

India's severe medical oxygen supply crisis is expected to ease by mid-May, a top industry executive told Reuters, with output rising by 25% and transport infrastructure ready to cope with a surge in demand caused by a dramatic rise in coronavirus cases.



Dozens of hospitals in cities such as New Delhi and Mumbai have run short of the gas this month, sending relatives of patients scrambling for oxygen cylinders, sometimes in vain.



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Medical oxygen consumption in India has shot up more than eight-fold from usual levels to about 7,200 tonnes per day this month, said Moloy Banerjee of Linde Plc, the country's biggest producer.



"This is what is causing the crisis because no one was prepared for it, particularly the steep curve up," Banerjee, who heads the company's South Asia gas business, told Reuters on Thursday.



Linde - whose two affiliates in the country are Linde India and Praxair India - and other suppliers are ramping up production to a total of more than 9,000 tonnes per day by the middle of next month, he said.



A logistics crisis impeding the speedy movement of oxygen from surplus regions in eastern India to hard-hit northern and western areas would also be resolved in the coming weeks as more distribution assets are deployed, Banerjee said.



"My expectation is that by the middle of May we will definitely have the transport infrastructure in place that allows us to service this demand across the country," he said.



Banerjee said India was importing around 100 cryogenic containers to transport large quantities of liquid medical oxygen, with Linde providing 60 of those. Some are being flown in by Indian Air Force aircraft.



Many of these containers will be placed on dedicated trains that would cut across the country, each carrying between 80-160 tonnes of liquid oxygen and delivering to multiple cities.



The company is also looking to double the number of oxygen cylinders in its distribution network to at least 10,000, which would improve supply to rural areas with weak infrastructure.



"We are trying to create a hub-and-spoke type of system so that we make a lot of liquid oxygen available at the local area, from where the local dealers can pick it up," Banerjee said.



India's total COVID-19 cases passed 18 million on Thursday after another world record number of daily infections.


STAMFORD  A former New Yorker accused of strangling a Stamford woman he met through a popular dating app was granted a probationary program that could see a felony charge against him dropped.

Judge Gary White granted Socrates Alicea, 33, accelerated rehabilitation, a pretrial probationary program that  if completed successfully  would lead to the first-degree strangulation charge he is facing being dropped by the state.

White said there was good cause to grant Alicea the program in light of his military service  Alicea is a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran who did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan  and his long history with the culinary industry and community service.

Mark Sherman, co-counsel for Alicea, called Whites decision the right result.

Its a huge validation and relief to our client that this case is now scheduled to be dismissed, he said.

Senior Assistant States Attorney Joseph Valdes objected to Aliceas application, citing the very serious allegations.

Alicea is accused of strangling a woman he had just met until she lost consciousness during a consensual sexual encounter the two had arranged over Tinder on Nov. 9, 2019 at a Stamford hotel.

Irrespective of what occurred in that room, by rendering her unconscious and then fleeing the scene, he put her at serious risk to her health and possibly her life, Valdes said.

Police said at the time that the victim awoke with blood in her mouth, bruising on her neck and Alicea nowhere to be found. What she did find, though, was a phone and a single sock that police used to trace the incident back to Alicea, who then lived in Kingston, New York.

Alicea, who now lives in Edgecomb, Maine, claims he went to the hotel that night for a massage. But, he told police, he backed out of paying for it while the two were having sex, causing the woman to get angry and scream at him.

He said he grabbed his clothes and ran out of the room, leaving his cell phone behind, according to police.

As a part of the probationary program, Alicea will need to go two years without committing any crimes.

White also imposed 200 hours of community service to be competed over 18 months as a part of the program.

Alicea is next scheduled to appear in court on April 28, 2023.
The Junta de Andalucia's 60-day maximum waiting time for patients requesting an initial consultation with a hospital specialist is being exceeded across the vast majority of the region.

The statistic has been revealed in the latest update of the surgical and diagnostic test waiting lists issued by the regional governments Ministry of Health, as of December 2020.

The delay in a first consultation means a sick person has to wait longer for diagnostic tests that can lead to a subsequent delay in surgery if an operation is necessary. And any delay in diagnosis can lead to a worsening of the patients condition.

Because of the situation, the public health service has temporarily revoked the 60-day guarantee for a first appointment to see a specialist - contained in two decrees approved in 2001 and 2004 - until the epidemiological situation is normalised .

The total number of patients waiting to be seen for a first consultation with a specialist in Andalucia is 605,890, of which 279,620 have been on the waiting list for more than 60 days.

The Andalusian province with the highest average wait is Jaen (143 days), followed by Cadiz (136), Almeria (129), Huelva (115), Granada (113), Malaga (108), Seville (89) and Cordoba (52). As the data shows, only Cordoba is below the 60-day maximum limit.

The average that the people of Malaga province have to wait is 108 days. Of the 154,936 patients who were waiting to be seen by a specialist last December some 79,339 exceeded the two-month wait (51.2 per cent).

Average waits range from 65 days for Hospital Costa del Sol in Marbella to 139 days for the Serrania de Ronda. Malagas Regional Hospital (formerly the Carlos Haya) has an average delay of 105 days, the Virgen de la Victoria (Clinico) Hospital 125 days, the hospital in Antequera 84 days and the Axarquia hospital 78 days.

The coronavirus pandemic has meant, especially in the first and third waves, the postponement of operations, consultations and diagnostic tests, but the data shows that before the arrival of the coronavirus in Andalucia, five of the six public hospitals in Malaga were already failing to comply with the 60-day maximum wait for a first medical consultation.

Prior to Covid, the Clinico hospital had an average delay of 175 days, the Regional Hospital of 123, the Serrania de Ronda of 90, Antequera 69 and the Axarquia of 67. Only the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella achieved the target with an average wait of 52 days.

Surgery waiting lists

For Andalucia as a whole, there were 137,370 patients awaiting an operation at the end of 2020, with an average delay of 190 days.

While, at the end of 2020, there were 21,082 people awaiting an operation in Malaga province with an average wait of 162 days, which represents a reduction of 18 days in comparison to that registered on June 30 of last year.
Norway has recognised that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will require expert assistance for clean-up after ash fall and emergency measures for new volcanic eruptions.

The Kingdom of Norway, a Nordic country in Northern Europe, has contributed US$150,000 in humanitarian aid, to people affected by the explosive eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.





The assistance will go through the UN and the Red Cross system and contribute to, among other things, shelter, food, water and sanitary measures.





Norway says its aid is coming at a time of greatest need for the Caribbean nation, as the country prepares for even greater production losses as it enters its recovery programme.





Norway, too, has recognised that 89 shelters have been established to accommodate some of the 20,000 people, said to have been evacuated from the hazardous zone around the volcano.





There is lack of electricity and water and a need for, among other things, power supplies, the Norwegian government acknowledged, adding that in addition to emergency assistance, there is a need for expert assistance for clean-up after ash fall and emergency measures for new volcanic eruptions.





In addition to the US$150,000 contribution referred, Norway is a major contributor to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, which has already released US $1 million to assist the emergency response in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.





Given that the situation in the Caribbean nation is still critical, the Nordic nation said it "is following the situation closely.
We went to view a house for sale that seemed to offer lots of potential as someone had done the building work for an extension and not finished off the inside, but we then discovered it had no planning permission.

The estate agent advertised it as having been extended over time but work was incomplete - and it appears to be a bungalow that has been converted to a two-storey chalet house.

When we went to look at it and asked some questions, it turned out that the current owner had done the work without planning permission or building regulations approval.

The home this reader is considering buying used to be a bungalow, but has been extended to two storeys without planning permission (stock image)

Weve looked into this and discovered that planning permission may be possible retrospectively, as it seems work that is more than four years old could get a certificate of lawfulness, but if work is deemed unsafe due to building regulations there is no time limit.

Where would a purchaser of such a property stand on planning permission and building regulations and what would be the risks and worst case scenario?

The property seems priced too high for the situation, but if we could negotiate enough money off we are thinking this might be an opportunity. LS

Helen Crane, of This is Money, replies: Taking on such an ambitious renovation project without getting the proper approvals was a bold move from the current owner of this house.

Not only could the extension potentially be poorly constructed or unsafe, but the local council could force them to take it down again if it was deemed to contravene regulations.

With the work left unfinished, you have the opportunity to complete the project yourself and hopefully add some value in the process.

But understandably, that could backfire and end up being very expensive and you are keen to ensure everything is above board before you commit to buying the house and resuming the renovations.

The good news is that there are several different avenues that you can take in order to get the green light from the local council.

However, how laborious this process will be - and the costs involved - depend on when and how the work was carried out.

The best case scenario is that the work comes under something called permitted development rights, which would mean it never required planning permission in the first place.

On the other end of the scale, you may need to apply for planning permission and then have it refused. This would make you responsible for restoring the property back to how it was before the second storey was built.

If the extension does stay, you will also need to make sure it is in line with building regulations. And this is a very important element that shouldn't be overlooked.

I asked architect Tamsin Bryant, who has worked on many home extensions, to explain the rules in more detail. I also spoke to mortgage broker Mark Harris and solicitor

Check the rules: Home owners should ensure an extension is in line with their local authority's planning guidelines before they start the work

Tamsin Bryant of architects Adams & Collingwood replies: When it comes to planning permission, we have three key tests: what, when and how.

Obviously every property presents different issues, so please use this list as guidance, and if in doubt contact a professional.

What: Certain types of work can be done without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called 'permitted development rights'.

Check if the works involved in your property can be applied under permitted development rights. These are detailed in The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.

Bear in mind that the permitted development rights which apply to many common projects for houses do not apply to flats, maisonettes or listed buildings.

Architect Tamsin Bryant says that finding out when the extension was built will be key

If the property is listed, it is a criminal offence not to seek consent when it is required. If this is the case, be sure to be thorough and obtain the relevant consents prior to your ownership.

Not knowing a building is listed is not a defence to any criminal proceedings. This makes it very important that any doubt is investigated and discussed with the local planning authority.

When: If the work that has been done does not fall under permitted development rules, the next thing to consider is when the extension was built.

If the work was done more than four years ago, you can make a formal application to your local authority for a certificate to determine whether your unauthorised development can become lawful through the passage of time, rather than through compliance with space standards.

This would mean you could continue without the need for planning permission.

If its been less than four years, or if the application for the certificate is declined, this would mean applying for full planning permission.

This will cost you in consultant fees and application fees, and the extension may also invalidate your insurance.

As the previous owner technically broke the rules, it wouldnt be fair for you to pay the price for it. This may be a bargaining chip to negotiate a lower price.

How: You can apply for a retrospective planning application for the work that has been carried out.

Although a local authority may ask for a planning application to be submitted, it does not mean that planning permission will automatically be granted. The application will be treated in the usual way.

If the retrospective application is refused, the local authority can issue an enforcement notice which requires you to put things back as they were.

If it is a complex case, you may ask the seller to apply for this retrospective application prior to your purchase, or negotiate a purchase subject to retrospective planning consent.

All building work must comply with building regulations. These are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations which are set by the Government

Building regulations: As well as ensuring the extension is in line with planning rules, you also need to make sure it meets building regulations.

There are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations which are set by the Government.

If the previous owner doesn't have the relevant completion certificates, you can apply for 'regularisation' or retrospective approval.

This involves a local council building control surveyor visiting the site and assessing the work to see if it's up to standard.

If not, they will recommend improvements to bring it up to standard so they can issue the appropriate certificates.

There is also a time limit on the repercussions that can come about from contravening building regulations.

After two years, contravening building works gain established use. Therefore prosecution is possible up to two years after the completion of the offending work.

However, within the first 12 months from the date of completion, the local authority may serve an enforcement notice on the building owner requiring alteration or removal of work which contravenes the regulations.

If the owner does not comply with the notice, the local authority has the power to undertake the work itself and recover the costs of doing so from the owner.

Will the extension cause mortgage problems and do I need indemnity insurance?

Mortgage broker Mark Harris says lenders should accept indemnity insurance as a protection against legal action resulting from a non-permitted extension

Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, replies: There could be an issue with getting a mortgage depending on what work has been done, when it was done and what action has been taken.

Do the works fall under permitted development? If the work was completed more than four years ago and no enforcement action has been taken, then the right to do so may have been lost. If within the four years, retrospective planning may still be obtained.

During the process of selling a home, the vendors solicitor will have to complete a form declaring any works and consents. The liability will pass to the new owner but the purchaser's own solicitor should highlight this.

A common way to address the absence of the necessary consents is to obtain indemnity insurance. This is accepted by most mortgage lenders and should cover the cost of any considerations resulting from any potential action brought.

Lucy Barber, partner and head of residential property at law firm Forsters replies: If you are buying a property which has had work done more than 4 years ago without planning permission, there are usually 3 options. You can apply for retrospective planning permission, you can apply for a certificate of lawful use, or you can purchase indemnity insurance.

The indemnity insurance would cover the costs or loss of value to the market value to the property, if the local authority ever sought to take issue with the work being done without planning permission.

Most indemnity insurance providers will require that at least 12 months should have passed since the completion of the works and that there has been no enforcement action taken by the local authority in order to insure.

Most lenders will also accept indemnity insurance in these circumstances as well. To apply for a certificate of lawful use you should obtain a statutory declaration from the seller confirming when the works were done and verifying the use of the property from that date.

For works done without building regulation approval, you can either seek to obtain this retrospectively or obtain indemnity insurance again.

In both cases the indemnity insurance would likely be invalidated if approaches were made to the council. So, if you are thinking of doing further works which require planning permission or building regulation approval, this is worth bearing in mind.

That said if you do so once the enforcement period (4 years for planning permission and 12 months for building regulations) of the local authority has passed, the local authority will not be able to take any enforcement action anyway.

With regard to the health and safety issue for works done without building regulation approval, you would be best advised to obtain a structural survey to ensure that the works done to the property are structurally sound.

Helen Crane of This is Money adds: There are plenty of things to consider before going ahead with this house purchase.

At the very least, you will want the current owner to give you more information on the extension so you can work out whether it might come under permitted development rights or be eligible for a lawfulness certificate.

If you believe a full retrospective planning permission is needed, you could ask the owner to apply for it as a condition of the sale.

As any other potential buyer is likely to ask the same questions you are, they may agree in order to get the home sold. However, going through the planning process could take months.

The other option is to make a substantially reduced offer for the home, with the knowledge that you will need to apply for planning permission yourself.

You would need to compensate yourself not only for the fees associated, but for your time, your trouble, and ultimately the potential need to get rid of the extension in future.

If you do decide to go ahead with the purchase, taking out indemnity insurance could be a wise move - but only if you don't plan to apply for any planning permission.

This would protect you financially if the local authority takes any action against you - but approaching the council for planning permission would invalidate it.

All of this could be a lengthy and stressful process, so only you can decide whether this home is worth it.
The chairpersons of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees of the Baltic states supported Ukraines efforts to de-occupy Crimea.

As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informs, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar met with Chair of the Estonian Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mikhelson, Chair of the Latvian Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee Rihards Kols, and Chair of the Lithuanian Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee Zygimantas Pavilionis during their joint visit to Ukraine on April 29.

During the meeting, the First Deputy Minister informed the Baltic partners about the situation in the temporarily occupied Crimea and Ukraines efforts to de-occupy the peninsula. The official drew special attention to flagrant human rights violations by the Russian occupation administration in Crimea.

Dzheppar thanked the Baltic states for their continued support for the Ukraine-sponsored UN General Assembly resolutions on the militarization of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and human rights violations in Crimea.

Active militarization of Crimea, which expands the possibilities of Russias military projection both on land and in the Black Sea, poses additional threats to the security not only of Ukraine but also of Europe, Dzheppar stressed.

The First Deputy Minister told her interlocutors in detail about Ukraines new international initiative, the Crimean Platform, emphasizing that the parliamentary dimension will play an extremely important role in promoting its goals and objectives.

I believe that the inter-parliamentary friendship groups between Ukraine and the three Baltic states will make every effort to keep the issue of the attempted illegal annexation of Crimea in the spotlight of the international community, Dzheppar said.

The chairs of the parliamentary committees of the Baltic states also plan to visit the JFO area in order to get acquainted with the security situation in eastern Ukraine.

On April 28, Dzheppar presented a Ukraine-initiated draft decision of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe "Human Rights Situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol (Ukraine)" which aims to intensify the involvement of the Council of Europe in monitoring the human rights situation in the temporarily occupied Crimea.

ol
SHANGHAI, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boqii Holding Limited ("Boqii" or the "Company") (NYSE: BQ), a leading pet-focused platform in China, today announced the Company will celebrate the opening of its first offline store on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Jing'an IMIX Park, one of the busiest shopping mall in Shanghai. Targeting at providing truly one-stop experience for pets and pet parents, such offline layout will provide Boqii users with a more complete service offering and comprehensive care for pet life.

About Boqii Holding Limited

Boqii Holding Limited (NYSE: BQ) is China's largest pet-focused platform. We are the leading online destination for pet products and supplies in China with our broad selection of high-quality products including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and our own private label, Yoken and Mocare, offered at competitive prices. Our online sales platforms, including Boqii Mall and our flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, provide customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet products and an engaging and personalized shopping experience. Our Boqii Community provides an informative and interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Boqii Holding Limited

Investor Relations

Tel: +86-21-6882-6051

Email: [email protected]

The Blueshirt Group

Ms. Susie Wang

Email: [email protected]

In the United States:

The Blueshirt Group

Ms. Julia Qian

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Boqii Holding Limited
KABUL  Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar returned home after attending Afghanistan - Turkey - Pakistan trilateral meeting and recovering from Covid.

Minister Atmar returned home this morning after his health examination was reassuring and test result for COVID-19 came negative in Turkey. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses its immense gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey for the warm hospitality, and the Turkish health officials for their precious services during Minister Atmars treatment in Turkey.
In a bid to reposition South Africa as a Covid-19 safe destination and change damaging narratives currently associated with South Africa, South African Tourism (SA Tourism) and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), are launching a Global PR communications Tourism Advocacy Programme, which forms part of the recent 'Tourism Road To Recovery Plan', adopted by national government and the tourism sector.
Agartala, April 30 : The Centre and the Tripura government have undertaken a Rs 1,200 crore ambitious project to rehabilitate 36,140 tribal migrants who fled from Mizoram 24 years ago following ethnic strife in the adjoining state, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said.

Deb said that the Tripura government has selected 13 locations in different districts to rehabilitate the internally displaced Reang tribals, locally called "Bru".

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have taken bold steps to resolve the 24-year-old ethnic crisis of the Reang tribals," said the Chief Minister, who on Thursday visited Dhalai district to supervise the arrangements for the resettlement. He said that the Prime Minister has already announced a Rs 600 crore package for the resettlement of these tribal migrants in Tripura.

According to the agreement signed in January last year by the Chief Secretaries of Mizoram, Tripura, Union Ministry of Home Affairs Joint Secretary Satyendra Garg and the representatives of the refugees in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, 36,140 tribals from around 5,400 families of the Reang tribal community would be resettled in different districts of Tripura.

Since October 1997, the Reang tribals have been sheltered in northern Tripura's seven relief camps in Kanchanpur and Panisagar sub-divisions. The resettlement of the first batch of around 890 Reang tribals had started on April 19, more than 15 months after a four-partite agreement was signed in Delhi.

Dhalai District Magistrate and Collector Govekar Mayur Ratilal said that the tribals would now temporarily stay in the newly built makeshift houses in Ambassa and Longtharai Valley sub-divisions before their permanent resettlement. "The concerned departments have arranged water, electricity and other basic amenities for the tribals," the DM told IANS over phone.

The agreement came after the Tripura Chief Minister in November 2019 agreed to accept the 36,140 tribal refugees and rehabilitate them in the state. The Reang tribals would also be included as voters in Tripura as maintained in the agreement, which was signed on January 16 last year.

The Centre has announced a Rs 600 crore package for the settlement of the Reang tribals, recognised as a primitive tribe in Tripura. Of the package, Rs 150 lakh will be earmarked to the Tripura government for land acquisition and the rest would be spent on the welfare of these tribals.
The Michigan departments of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Natural Resources (MDNR) are urging Michiganders to adopt practices to protect their families and animals from rabies. Four bats have tested positive for rabies in Clinton, Ingham, Kent, and Midland counties in 2021.

Spring is typically when rabies cases start appearing. Generally, bats and skunks are a primary source of the disease. Michigan local health departments experience an increase in calls from citizens about bat encounters between May and September when bats are most active. In 2020, there were 56 cases of rabies in Michigan animals including 52 rabid bats and four rabid skunks.

With warm weather coming, it is possible for Michiganders to unintentionally come into contact with a potentially infected animal, stated Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. If you come into physical contact with a wild animal or are bitten or scratched, it is important that you seek medical care quickly to keep a treatable situation from becoming potentially life-threatening.

Rabies is a viral disease of mammals and is transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Exposures can take place in a variety of settings, including when bats are found in the bedroom of a sleeping person or a child comes into contact with an infected animal. It is important to seek medical care to determine the need for post-exposure treatment.

Rabies is fatal to humans if proper treatment is not received before symptoms begin. Preventive treatment is given to people who are exposed to a potentially rabid animal. Treatment is not necessary for people if the animal can be tested and tests negative for rabies.

To protect your family and your animals from rabies, there are some very important tips to follow.

People

People should leave wild and stray animals alone, including baby animals. Animals could be carrying rabies and not appear sick. Do not try to nurse sick wildlife or stray animals to health. Report ill wildlife to the Department of Natural Resources. Contact your local animal control agency with concerns about stray animals.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, promptly seek medical care and notify your local health department about the bite.

If a person may have been asleep in the same room as a bat, or a young child or person with an impairment may have been alone with a bat, safely confine or collect the bat if possible and contact your local health department to determine if it should be tested for rabies. If the bat escapes or is released, contact your local health department to discuss the situation and determine if treatment of people potentially exposed to the bat is necessary.

Animals

Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating pets and livestock. Even indoor pets that never go outside can encounter a bat that gets inside the home. Rabies is fatal in animals, and there is no treatment. Therefore, vaccination is important to protect your pets and livestock from rabies.

If your animal is bitten, scratched or may have been unsupervised with a wild or stray animal, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if your animal is currently vaccinated against rabies, additional actions may need to be taken to prevent the spread of the virus. If possible, safely confine or capture the wild or stray animal without touching the animal. Then, contact your local animal control agency or a veterinarian, as the animal may need to be tested for rabies.

Keep your pet on a leash and under your control as this can reduce the chances of having contact with wild and stray animals.

More information about rabies and a map of rabies positive animals in Michigan can be found at Michigan.gov/rabies.
Pennsylvania has now administered COVID-19 vaccines to 49% of the states population, the state Health Department said Friday.

More than 3.4 million people in Pennsylvania are fully vaccinated, while more than 1.9 million have received one dose of a two-shot vaccine, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The state data doesnt include the city of Philadelphia, which is managing its own vaccine distribution.

In Philadelphia, more than 504,000 people are fully vaccinated and more than 755,000 have received at least one dose, according to the citys health department.

Combining the state data with Phillys numbers, heres the COVID-19 vaccination picture in Pennsylvania: More than 6 million have received at least one shot and more than 3.9 million are fully vaccinated.

Still, vaccine providers and state officials have acknowledged a drop in demand for the COVID-19 vaccines. Health care officials are urging Pennsylvania residents to get vaccinated, particularly to protect against variants of the coronavirus.

The Rite Aid drugstore chain said Friday it is now offering COVID-19 vaccines at all of its locations, including some limited hours for walk-ins.

Nationwide, the U.S. is closing in on 100 million people who are fully vaccinated, the Associated Press reported Friday.

Over the past two weeks, fewer people are being hospitalized due to COVID-19, according to data from the Pennsylvania Health Department. Statewide, 2,283 people are being treated for the coronavirus in hospitals, down from more than 2,800 in the middle of April.

The state reported 4,607 new coronavirus cases Friday, raising the statewide total to 1,151,005. The health department also reported 50 new deaths Friday. Since the pandemic began, 26,218 deaths have been tied to COVID-19, according to the health department. The majority of the states deaths have occurred in people 65 years of age and older.

Most of those who are infected with COVID-19 deal with relatively mild symptoms and some never get sick at all. But health care leaders stress the coronavirus poses risks to everyone, particularly seniors and those with certain health conditions.

Recently, doctors in central Pennsylvania have said they are seeing more young people with serious cases of COVID-19. Doctors stress the importance of younger people getting vaccinated as variants of the virus have emerged.

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Nepal flights banned as virus concerns grow

Flights from Nepal will not be allowed to land in Hong Kong. File image: Shutterstock

Hong Kong has banned all flights from Nepal and barred travellers who've been to the country within the past two weeks from entering the SAR as concern continues over mutated strains of Covid-19.



Officials announced late on Thursday that, from Saturday, Nepal would be added to a list of extremely high-risk countries, with flights banned for at least two weeks.



A ban on flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines, which was introduced on April 14, will also be extended.



The bans were introduced under the government's flight suspension mechanism, which takes effect if five or more passengers from any place test positive on arrival for the N501Y mutant strain within seven days.



"As a more targeted measure in stopping the importation of the virus into Hong Kong at the source, the tightened flight suspension mechanism is an essential measure in protecting Hong Kong's public health," a government spokesman said.



The suspensions will be reviewed every two weeks and will not be lifted automatically, the administration said.



A further criteria has been introduced which will allow for the suspension of flights if ten passengers from the same place test positive at any time within seven days, including in quarantine.



Separately, officials have ordered anyone who arrived on a flight from Manila to Hong Kong on April 14 who is exempt from quarantine to undergo virus tests by the end of Friday.



Two cases of the N501Y mutant strain have been found in passengers on Cathay Pacific flight 906.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The image could be on a wall in a modern art gallery or a piece of mosaic pulled from Pompeii. Mustard-brown, it could pass as an artistic interpretation of Australias arid inland where dry river beds hint at better times. But the nitrate piece of film, held by the National Archives, is a piece of this nations disintegrating history. The disintegrating image of Italian prisoner-of-war Leo Antonini. He served out the war in a West Australian camp. His image is one of potentially thousands slowly disintegrating as the Archives battles for more funding. Credit:National Archives of Australia Taken during World War II, it once held an image of Italian Leo Antonini, who was held in a West Australian prisoner-of-war camp. He was one of more than 18,000 men shipped from the northern hemisphere to Australia to see out the end of hostilities. It is one of the many documents that form part of Australias history that the Archives, starved of adequate funding for years, are struggling to preserve. Peter Doyle, an honorary associate professor with Macquarie University who helped curate images of Sydney criminals and gangsters that were in danger of disappearing in the 1980s and 1990s, says the slow battle being lost by the Archives goes to the heart of Australia.

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Like the Bayeux Tapestry, the Bradshaw rock art in north-west Australia, if no one had ever heard of the stuff, we wouldnt even know what wed missed, he says. Its a silent but massive impoverishment of our culture, our history, our self-knowledge, our pride even. Once a year the Archives garner national attention when on January 1 they release the official Cabinet papers. In the past 12 months, they have also gained attention for their role in the Palace Letters debate, when the Archives was forced by the High Court to release correspondence between then governor-general Sir John Kerr and the office of the Queen that documented the dismissal of the Whitlam government in 1975. Outside these moments, their headquarters in Canberra is hushed. It is housed in one of the three original government buildings established when Canberra took on its role as the national capital in the 1920s. It was home to Canberras first post office and telephone exchange as well as ASIO and a range of other departments. This cellulose nitrate negative of Italian POW Giuseppe Raimondi is an example of the challenges facing the National Archives. Credit:National Archives of Australia But it is beyond these quiet halls, in nondescript storage buildings, that hundreds of kilometres of documents sit, quietly disappearing. The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age revealed this week just what is at stake.

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Tape recordings of wartime speeches made by prime minister John Curtin, a petition to George V calling for Aboriginal representation in the Australian Parliament and a register of births, deaths and marriages of people from Pitcairn Island  the descendants of the mutineers of the Bounty  all face the same slow end as the image of Leo Antonini. The Archives hold more than 11.3 million photographs and negatives, 200,000 films and 190,000 audio tapes that are at very high risk of disintegration. Another 360,000 paper documents  relating to foreign affairs and immigration policy, RAAF correspondence, Prime Minister and Cabinet, and court-martial case files  and 712,000 photographs are in high demand but arent digitised. Loading A review of the Archives by former Finance department head David Tune, released publicly in March, estimated digitising these will cost between $297 million and $440 million. Funding has already been allocated to digitise four sets of World War II service records that are highly sought by family historians. At the moment, the Archives spend about $900,000 of their $6 million annual capital budget on digitising records. Even if they spent the whole $6 million, it would take 70 years to digitise these high-priority items. At existing staffing levels, only 6 per cent of the collection of magnetic tapes will be digitised by 2025, when the material will start to become inaccessible. It is not feasible to save them all, the Tune review states. It recommends a seven-year, $67.7 million program to save the highest-priority items.

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Without the funding injection, the papers of suffragettes Adela Pankhurst and Celia Johns, who led anti-conscription efforts around the country during World War I, will disintegrate. Award-winning historian Deborah Jordan has written about Pankhurst and her contribution to Australian political debate. She says without the Archives records, the full picture of Pankhurst and others could never have been revealed. A 1941 photograph of Adela Pankhurst. Records of her peace efforts in WWI are now at risk of turning to dust. Credit:Sydney Morning Herald Without official documents, we only have a truncated version of history, too shallow for us to understand the forces that shaped our past and hence our future, she says. All of us are enriched, especially the women who stand up today opposing sexual violence, when we have the fuller story about the importance of treaty and peace. Its not just professional historians who value the Archives. The vast majority of requests come from people looking into their family history. Researchers from other areas find gold when mining the records too. The audio of Curtins speeches, for instance, highlights his particular accent and the way it developed to speak to large, crowded halls without a microphone. Macquarie University linguistics professor Felicity Cox, one of the foremost experts on the Australian accent, says such recordings are vital to her work.

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Our accent is a symbol of identity. Its a really important symbol of Australia, the accent, and if those old recordings are lost then we wont have a good record of what the accent was like, how its changed, Cox says. Its crucial that we preserve these for posterity. Years of funding cuts, which have translated into fewer staff to carry out the important curating work necessary to maintain the millions of items held by the Archives, have been a constant challenge to its director-general, David Fricker. David Fricker says the Archives are struggling to preserve their vast holdings. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen A key aim of the Archives is to digitise its holdings. That would at least protect them while also making it easier for users, from the aunt who has decided to write a definitive history of the family to the professional historian seeking to reveal a key element in Australian policy development. But even that does not safeguard their ongoing protection. Its easy to store. You could put a record in a clay pot and you can bury it in the desert but its not accessible, Fricker says.

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Attorney Peter Karam is set to appear before Chief Magistrate Jolyon Hatmin on May 11, in relation to an extradition request from Argentina.





He is wanted in the South American country to answer to charges connected to an alleged conspiracy to launder assets obtained through criminal activity contrary to the laws of Argentina.





Reliable sources have confirmed to the Weekly News that Karam has been granted bail by Argentinian court with conditions that he surrender to its jurisdiction.





Should he comply with those terms, then the Argentinian court has indicated that they will withdraw the request for his extradition.





As it stands currently, our sources say the request remains live, and the proceedings will come up again in the TCI court for Karams determination as to whether he will satisfy the conditions of his bail in Argentina.





That bail, according to sources, is in excess of $1 million.





The extradition request from Argentina was publicly confirmed by Attorney General Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles on July 3, 2019.





At the time she said: "Following a provisional warrant of arrest issued by the Chief Magistrate, Tanya Lobban-Jackson on June 28, 2019, Canadian attorney Peter Karam was arrested and brought before the court and subsequently released on conditional bail following a brief hearing on July 2, 2019.





"Mr Karam is the subject of an extradition request made lawfully and properly by the Republic of Argentina to the Turks and Caicos Islands in accordance with the relevant treaty in place between the United Kingdom and Argentina, as extended to the Turks and Caicos Islands.





The extradition request was made with the assistance of Interpol, which issued a red notice (international arrest warrant) for Peter Karam and others.





These red notices were published by Interpol on February 12, 2019.





The attorney general had also indicated at the time that Karam can choose not to contest the extradition order, and if he does not contest the extradition, and there are no other outstanding issues, "then everything possible will be done by Turks and Caicos authorities, in collaboration with his legal advisers and the Argentine authorities, to ensure that he is transferred to Argentina to answer to charges connected to an alleged criminal conspiracy to launder assets obtained through criminal activity contrary to the laws of Argentina.





As first reported by this publication, the money is alleged to have been bribes made to the late husband of Carolina Pochetti, Daniel Munoz while he served as private secretary to former President of Argentina Nestor Kirchner.





Karam has maintained his innocence in the scheme which saw millions of dollars being funnelled into the TCI to build a resort.





Karam remains on $650,000 bail in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/30/2021 -- The Business Excellence Forum and Awards  'BizX 2021' celebrates the leading businesses across the world. In the prestigious awards ceremony hosted by Stephen Mulhern, on 29th April, the CEO of Iconic Digital Marketing Consultants Ltd scooped the award for CEO of the Year.



Commenting on the awards, Steve Pailthorpe said, "I am hugely honoured and humbled to receive this award today. I want to thank my family, my team and our clients for their continued support over this past year. We believe that business growth benefits everyone, and the more we grow the more we can give and that's a powerful thing!"



The judges remarked that Steve Pailthorpe "was a CEO like no other, demonstrating an outstanding mantra of giving back and mentoring those around him. Not only has he grown his digital marketing agency, Iconic Digital to be a leading voice for digital excellence on the global stage, but he has also supported the business community to survive and thrive in the global pandemic, donating 30% of their profits to good causes like Great Ormond Street Hospital, MIND, Operation Give and Grow in Kenya and UK charity, Crown Global."



Steve Pailthorpe is 35 years old and lives in Surrey, UK. His Digital Marketing Agency in London, Iconic Digital has spent the last 9 years pioneering a scientific and innovative approach to digital marketing which guarantees the return on investment for each of their clients every time. The company was recognised by the Daily Telegraph in January as one of their Best British Businesses for 2021 and has risen to great heights, even amidst the challenging economic climate.



"I'd like to dedicate this award to our amazing team at Iconic Digital who continue to support our clients to do amazing things," Steve Pailthorpe said, "...although this year we can't be together in-person, I know that we will all continue to strive to support one another to grow our businesses. Business is back, and that's great news for the British economy!"
"Acquiring MyEllevate will broaden Cynosure's already extensive surgical product portfolio, enabling us to offer this ground-breaking procedure in combination with other energy-based skin tightening technologies for optimal, long-lasting results," said Todd Tillemans, Chief Executive Officer of Cynosure. "Also known as the Zoom Lift, MyEllevate has gained popularity recently as more patients look for minimally invasive solutions to improve their appearance in today's world of virtual meetings. It's a cutting-edge treatment, and we're thrilled to be able to offer this highly sought-after procedure to our customers so that they can bring out the Beautiful Energy in everyone."

MyEllevate, performed with the ICLED light guided suture system, is the first and only patented light guided technology for use in soft tissue approximation and the elevation of sub dermis and underlying muscle. This one-time use disposable surgical kit enables the placement of a suture support system through a series of guided needle punctures for a less invasive approach.

"We are very excited to join forces with a company at the forefront of beauty aesthetic innovation that prioritizes both patient outcomes and customer satisfaction," said Dr. Gregory Mueller, MD, FACS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Inventor of the MyEllevate System. "As procedures like neck and face lifts continue to decline in popularity due to their invasiveness and extensive recovery time, patients are seeking new and innovative options. With Cynosure's global reach and leadership, we'll have the opportunity to enter new markets and expand access to MyEllevate and its long-lasting facial rejuvenation results."

"The innovative MyEllevate System expands our global commitment to minimally invasive surgical treatments, delivers on a key unmet consumer need and delivers optimal patient outcomes," said Sandi Peterson, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Operating Partner and Chairman of the Board of Cynosure.

MyEllevate can be performed under local anesthesia in a surgeon's office and can be used as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with other treatments such as TempSure Surgical or SmartLipo laser lipolysis treatments and energy-based skin tightening technologies.

To learn more about Cynosure and its portfolio of solutions, please visit www.cynosure.com.

About Cynosure

Cynosure is the global leader in medical aesthetics and develops, manufactures, and markets aesthetic treatment systems that enable plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and other medical practitioners to perform non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures for skin revitalization, hair removal, body contouring, women's health, treat vascular and benign pigmented lesions, remove multi-colored tattoos, reduce fat through laser lipolysis, and reduce cellulite. Cynosure's product portfolio is composed of a broad range of energy sources including Alexandrite, diode, Nd: YAG, picosecond, pulse dye, Q-switched lasers, intense pulsed light, and RF technology. Cynosure sells its products globally under the Cynosure, Palomar, ConBio, and Ellman brand names through a direct sales force in the United States, Canada, France, Morocco, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Thailand, Japan, and Korea, and through international distributors in approximately 130 other countries. For corporate or product information, visit Cynosure's website at www.cynosure.com.

Media Contacts:

Samantha Kamen

267.300.1635 (direct)

[email protected]

Sheree Titan-Ford

508.308.7019 (direct)

[email protected]

SOURCE Cynosure, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cynosure.com


DGAP-News: Mogo Finance S.A. / Key word(s): Annual Report/Annual Report

Mogo Finance S.A.: PUBLICATION OF AUDITED FY2020 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS UNTIL MID OF MAY 2021



30.04.2021 / 14:33

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.







The circumstances for the delay are due to additional technical and organizational efforts in the preparation of the annual financial statements, which result from the first-time ESEF mandatory implementation in Germany and first year adoption difficulties, both for Mogo Finance S.A. to implement and for the auditors to review. Mogo Finance S.A. is confident that the annual financial report for 2020 will be available at the latest mid May 2021.



Contact:

Mogo Finance (CFO), Email: maris.kreics@mogofinance.com

Maris Kreics +371 66 900 900



About Mogo Finance:

Mogo Finance Group, keeping car lending business as predominant, also utilizes consumer lending in selective markets as a strategic capital allocation vehicle to leverage its performance and customer base. Recognizing the niche underserved by traditional lenders, Mogo Finance provides financial inclusion and disruptively changes the used car and consumer financing industry across 14 countries. Up to date the Company has issued over EUR 650 million secured loans and is running a net loan and used car rent portfolio of over EUR 202 million. Mogo offers secured loans up to EUR 15,000 with a maximum tenor of 84 months making used car financing process convenient, both for its customers and partners. Wide geographical presence and diversified revenue streams grant Mogo with unique scale and pace unmatched by its rivals. Mogo Finance operates a multi-channel fintech approach through its own branch network, more than 2,000 partner locations and a strong online presence. Physical footprint enriched with excellent customer journey makes Mogo Finance top of mind brand in its industry. A state-of-the-art car portal supports cross-selling potential from re-possessed cars to leasing and vice versa. Established in 2012, with headquarters in Riga, Latvia, Mogo Finance operates in Baltics and Europe with a strong focus on GDP-dynamic countries in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. Operating regions also include Caucasus and Central Asia as well as Eastern Africa.

www.mogofinance.com



IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or any other countries or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the bonds in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this announcement may come are required to inform themselves of and observe all such restrictions.

This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The bonds have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

This announcement does not constitute a prospectus for the purposes of Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (the "Prospectus Directive") and does not constitute a public offer of securities in any member state of the European Economic Area (the "EEA").

This announcement does not constitute an offer of bonds to the public in the United Kingdom. No prospectus has been or will be approved in the United Kingdom in respect of the bonds. Accordingly, this announcement is not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of this announcement as a financial promotion may only be distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) above together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.

PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS ONLY - Manufacturer target market (MIFID II product governance) is eligible counterparties and professional clients only (all distribution channels). No PRIIPs key information document (KID) has been prepared as the bonds do not constitute packaged products and will be offered to eligible counterparties and professional clients only.

Mogo Finance and its group companies (the "Group"), specialized in used car financing, expects a delay in the publication of the annual financial report for 2020 until mid of May 2021 instead of as planned at the end of April 2021.The circumstances for the delay are due to additional technical and organizational efforts in the preparation of the annual financial statements, which result from the first-time ESEF mandatory implementation in Germany and first year adoption difficulties, both for Mogo Finance S.A. to implement and for the auditors to review. Mogo Finance S.A. is confident that the annual financial report for 2020 will be available at the latest mid May 2021.Contact:Mogo Finance (CFO), Email:Maris Kreics +371 66 900 900About Mogo Finance:Mogo Finance Group, keeping car lending business as predominant, also utilizes consumer lending in selective markets as a strategic capital allocation vehicle to leverage its performance and customer base. Recognizing the niche underserved by traditional lenders, Mogo Finance provides financial inclusion and disruptively changes the used car and consumer financing industry across 14 countries. Up to date the Company has issued over EUR 650 million secured loans and is running a net loan and used car rent portfolio of over EUR 202 million. Mogo offers secured loans up to EUR 15,000 with a maximum tenor of 84 months making used car financing process convenient, both for its customers and partners. Wide geographical presence and diversified revenue streams grant Mogo with unique scale and pace unmatched by its rivals. Mogo Finance operates a multi-channel fintech approach through its own branch network, more than 2,000 partner locations and a strong online presence. Physical footprint enriched with excellent customer journey makes Mogo Finance top of mind brand in its industry. A state-of-the-art car portal supports cross-selling potential from re-possessed cars to leasing and vice versa. Established in 2012, with headquarters in Riga, Latvia, Mogo Finance operates in Baltics and Europe with a strong focus on GDP-dynamic countries in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. Operating regions also include Caucasus and Central Asia as well as Eastern Africa.www.mogofinance.comIMPORTANT INFORMATIONThe information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or any other countries or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the bonds in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this announcement may come are required to inform themselves of and observe all such restrictions.This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The bonds have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.This announcement does not constitute a prospectus for the purposes of Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (the "Prospectus Directive") and does not constitute a public offer of securities in any member state of the European Economic Area (the "EEA").This announcement does not constitute an offer of bonds to the public in the United Kingdom. No prospectus has been or will be approved in the United Kingdom in respect of the bonds. Accordingly, this announcement is not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of this announcement as a financial promotion may only be distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) above together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS ONLY - Manufacturer target market (MIFID II product governance) is eligible counterparties and professional clients only (all distribution channels). No PRIIPs key information document (KID) has been prepared as the bonds do not constitute packaged products and will be offered to eligible counterparties and professional clients only.

30.04.2021 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.dgap.de


So whats the plan? asked an investor after I had spoken at the Lonsec Symposium about Australia-China relations. Days earlier, Defence Minister Peter Dutton talked war over the Taiwan Strait. His former department head said our warriors were ready to go fight.

The Foreign Affairs Minister announced she was tearing up two anodyne memorandums of understanding between Victoria and China over the Belt and Road instead of letting them gather mould in Daniel Andrews cabinet. The government hinted at a take-over of the Port of Darwin  in reality a wharf, and over which Canberra in any case enjoys total control. Not even in Washington is there talk as loose as this.

Australia pushing its weight around? Credit:Matt Davidson

There are no grown-ups, a priest once told French novelist Andre Malraux.

Whats the plan? Truth is, there is none. Not for resuscitating the bilateral relationship  say, to the level that other United States allies such as Japan or the Europeans manage with China.
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(Newser)  Last year, then-President Trump was the guest of honor at the first Independence Day fireworks display at Mount Rushmore since 2009. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem wants the display to happen again this yearand she's planning to sue the Biden administration to get it. The Republican governor told a Rotary Club meeting Thursday that she's "going to file a lawsuit against the administration to get the fireworks back," the Argus Leader reports. The National Parks Service rejected requests to issue permits for the event this year, citing the risk of wildfire, opposition from tribal groups, and COVID-19 precautions.

story continues below

In a letter to Biden earlier this month, Noem accused the National Parks Service of "reneging" on its 2020 Memorandum of Agreement to allow fireworks to return to Rushmore, KELOLAND reports. She told the president that Rushmore would be the "perfect place for a national celebration and fireworks show" as "we mark our independence from this virus." Last month, Rushmore was closed and hundreds of people in the area were evacuated because of wildfires. (Noem promised last year that she wouldn't allow Rushmore to be blown up.)
The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass due to COVID will be lifted on June 6 for Baton Rouge-area Catholics, Bishop Michael Duca 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 15:21:51|Editor: huaxia

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The Long March-5B Y2 rocket, carrying the Tianhe module, blasts off from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, April 29, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Zhenhua)

-- Noting that Tianhe is China's first large component for its own space station, German national daily Die Welt reported that China is "consistently pressing ahead with its space projects and celebrating great successes."

-- Reuters reported that China has "ramped up its space programme with visits to the moon, the launch of an uncrewed probe to Mars and the construction of its own space station."

-- Australian Associate Press viewed China's launch of the core module for its space station as "the latest success for a program that has realised a number of its growing ambitions in recent years."

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China has made an enormous stride in achieving the goal of having a manned space station independently built and operated by itself, said various global media organizations when reporting China's successful launch of the core module of its space station on Thursday.

The Long March-5B Y2 rocket, carrying the Tianhe module, blasted off from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the coast of the southern island province of Hainan at 11:23 a.m. (0323 GMT).

Such efforts came almost three decades after China first drew up its plans, reported the German press agency dpa.

In the report, former German astronaut Reinhold Ewald, now a professor at the University of Stuttgart, spoke highly of China's success, saying that "in general, a space station demonstrates the breadth of space technology in a country."

The Long March-5B Y2 rocket, carrying the Tianhe module, blasts off from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, April 29, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhou Jiayi)

If the International Space Station (ISS) were to cease service as planned in the next few years, "China would become the only nation to operate a space station," said the report.

Noting that Tianhe is China's first large component for its own space station, German national daily Die Welt reported that China is "consistently pressing ahead with its space projects and celebrating great successes."

The Asian country is working through its space strategy point by point, said the report, adding that China has risen from apprentice to master class in the field of global space exploration with its own manned space flight.

As China opens its door to other countries in space technology, the United States, conversely, has never allowed a Chinese to enter the ISS, it said.

Reuters reported that China has "ramped up its space programme with visits to the moon, the launch of an uncrewed probe to Mars and the construction of its own space station."

Calling the launch of the space station module as China's first in history, Japan's Jiji Press said Thursday it means the Chinese government's ambitious plan to build a permanent manned space base has taken a major step.

"The Chinese government has indicated that it welcomes joint projects with foreign organizations," the report added.

Australian Associate Press (AAP) viewed China's launch of the core module for its space station as "the latest success for a program that has realised a number of its growing ambitions in recent years."

"The launch marked another major advance for the country's space exploration," AAP said. 
PHILADELPHIA, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE American: FAX) held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") on April 29, 2021. At the Meeting, shareholders of the Fund voted to elect one Class III Director and one Preferred Share Director to the Board of Directors and to approve the continuation of the term of two Directors under the Fund's Corporate Governance Policies.

As of the record date, March 5, 2021, the Fund had outstanding 247,695,768 shares of common stock and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock. 70.56% of outstanding common stock were voted and 100% of outstanding preferred stock were voted representing a quorum.

The description of the proposal and number of shares voted at the Meeting are as follows:

To elect one Class III Director to the Board of Directors:



Votes For Votes

Against/Withheld Votes Abstained Radhika Ajmera 169,399,873 4,520,963 2,253,603

To elect one Preferred Share Director to the Board of Directors:



Votes For Votes

Against/Withheld Votes Abstained William J. Potter 2,000,000 0 0

To approve the continuation of Term for Director under the Corporate Governance Policies



Votes For Votes

Against/Withheld Votes Abstained Neville J. Miles 168,700,111 5,138,666 2,335,662 P. Gerald Malone 169,463,310 4,367,840 2,343,289

Also effective at the shareholder meeting on April 29, 2021, Peter D. Sacks retired from the Fund pursuant to the Fund's retirement policy, and Martin J. Gilbert's term expired. The Board would like to extend its sincere gratitude to Mr. Sacks and Mr. Gilbert and acknowledge the invaluable contributions they have made to the Fund during their tenure and wish them the best of success in all their future endeavours.

In light of the foregoing, the Board has approved a reduction in the size of the Board from six to five directors. Directors whose term of office continued beyond the Meeting are as follows: Neville Miles, Moritz Sell, Radhika Ajmera, P. Gerald Malone and William Potter. Effective upon the retirement of Mr. Sacks, the Board appointed Mr. Sell, an Independent Director, to serve in the role of Audit and Valuation Committee Chair.

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]

aberdeenfax.com

SOURCE Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.aberdeenfax.com


Mark Funkhouser, a former publisher of Governing magazine, is president of Funkhouser & Associates, LLC, an independent consulting firm focused on helping public officials and their private-sector partners create better, more fiscally sustainable communities. He served as mayor of Kansas City, Mo., from 2007 to 2011. Prior to being elected mayor, Funkhouser was the city's auditor for 18 years and was honored in 2003 as a Governing Public Official of the Year. Before becoming publisher of Governing, he served as director of the Governing Institute.

Funkhouser is an internationally recognized auditing expert, author and teacher in public administration and its fiscal disciplines. He holds an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in public administration and sociology from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, an M.B.A. in accounting and finance from Tennessee State University, and a master's degree in social work from West Virginia University.
YEREVAN, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a letter of gratitude to Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

The letter reads:

US President Joe Biden joined the US Congress and recognized the Armenian Genocide, emphasizing that what has taken place should never happen again. We are sincerely grateful to all those who did that through dedication, energy and moral or other support and contributed to the restoration of justice.

You and your team have always raised that the barbarism committed against the Armenian people was a genocide. Committed to your values, you did everything for achieving the official recognition and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

Thank you, Mrs. Speaker.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Black & Veatch's `Rapid Modular Health System' Wins Top Edison Award for Efforts to Fight COVID-19

Black & Veatch proudly announces that its Rapid Modular Health System (RaMHS) solution has won the coveted top prize for pandemic-related solutions at the 2021 Edison Awards. The company received a gold award in the "COVID-19 Innovations: Mobilizing for Emergency Response" category for its RaMHS solution, a mobile screening, testing and vaccination facility capable of mitigating access point risk for healthcare, office, education and other industries dealing with the pandemic.

Initially conceived as sites for controlled coronavirus testing outside of buildings like hospital emergency rooms and urgent care clinics where contamination risk was greatest, RaMHS units are intermodal containers transformed into comfortable, controlled environments in various sizes and configurations. Weather-resistant, climate-controlled and secure, the units come ready for electrical hookups and can be outfitted with the latest in COVID response technology.

Underscoring their versatility, the modules lately have served as "RaMHS Mobile Clinics" for urban core, rural and underserved regions and populations. The RaMHS units are flexible in mobility, small enough to navigate through tight urban spaces while also able to support rural settings.

"This Edison Award is an affirmation that innovative thinking can produce meaningful solutions when the world needs it most," said Dave Johnson (News - Alert) , the RaMHS solutions team leader at Black & Veatch. "Our team harnessed Black & Veatch's vast experience in pathogen-tracking methods and the construction of biological safety-related facilities with our practical infrastructure deployment skills to deliver an affordable solution to mitigate risk and expand testing."

Easily installed, uniquely adaptable and operational within days, RaMHS solutions can be quickly configured to meet community and regional demands. In tandem with use of personal protective equipment (PPE), this design can reduce exposure risks. RaMHS can also serve as a hub where PPE can be disinfected, and data can be harvested and analyzed to record and mesure patient movement.







Among the highest accolades a product can receive in the name of innovation, the Edison Awards recognize and honor some of the world's most cutting-edge products and services as well as business leaders driving creativity and ingenuity. The annual honors personify the awards' namesake, prolific innovator Thomas Edison. Finalists for the honors are deemed "best of the best" by the world's top senior business leaders, academics and innovators.

The Edison Award prize marks the latest by Black & Veatch (News - Alert) in the innovation contest. In 2016, the company took gold in the smart grids and servers space for its microgrid that helps power its Overland Park, Kansas, headquarters. In 2018, Black & Veatch and partner Synexis Biodefense Systems won bronze for "collective disruptions" for using data analytics to advance Synexis' microbe-fighting devices in workplaces and other occupied spaces. And in 2017, Black & Veatch grabbed silver in the transportation and logistics category for supporting development of hydrogen fueling-station deployments in California to further green transportation.

Editor's Notes:

For more details about RaMHS, click here, or contact Dave Johnson at JohnsonD2@BV.com, Mark Shreve at ShreveMA@BV.com or RaMHS@BV.com.

The RaMHS solutions amplify Black & Veatch's innovation in addressing biologically and medically dangerous threats. Through the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Biological Threat Reduction Program, for example, the company already has been providing infectious disease surveillance and biological sample management to more than 20 countries around the globe.

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is an employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Our revenues in 2020 exceeded US$3.0 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005023/en/
This view was shared elsewhere in the league. It was noted that the Saints contested and ground-ball numbers were well down on the same point of last season. St Kilda have won the contested possession count just once in six rounds in 2021, in their stirring comeback win over West Coast in round four.

A theme from the rival views espoused was that the Saints had been drawn towards the ball too much and not paying enough respect defensively to their opponents. While a lack of cohesion - Crouch is only four games into his St Kilda career - was identified as part of the explanation, there was also a suggestion that the Saints midfielders looked overly focused on themselves and not in playing their part in a system.

St Kildas contested ball The Saints have lost the contested possession count in five of six games this season. Opposition (result) Con Poss Port Adelaide (L) -9 Richmond (L) -19 West Coast (W) +23 Essendon (L) -4 Melbourne (L) -14 GWS (W) -30 Source: Champion Data

Hill, understandably, has been the Saint most squarely in focus on the back of consecutive 10-disposals matches (one of which was ended slightly early with an Achilles concern). The view from one rival club was that Hill - unarguably an outside player - would be performing much better at a team that was winning (see Ed Langdon at Melbourne) but also that Hill needed to do more to help himself, and couldnt rely on being fed by his teammates. The incident in which he spilled a chest mark and then failed to vigorously chase Richmonds Marlion Pickett in round five was not looked upon kindly.

Then there is the uncontested possession count, which the Saints lost by 141 against Port having already copped a triple-figure hiding in that statistic against Essendon. Ratten publicly rejected an assertion that workrate was to blame for such disparities, but that view was not shared among those questioned about the numbers for this story.
Americas shale producers will keep output in check even as global crude oil prices near $70 a barrel, Ovintiv Inc. Chief Executive Officer Doug Suttles said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. Explorers are focused on low growth, strong operating performance and returning cash to shareholders, Suttles said. Ovintiv is prioritizing paying down debt and maintaining its dividend, he said.

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30 April 2021

Video commentary for April 29th 2021

Eoin Treacy's view

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EBay Warns Pandemic Sales Boost Could Soon Fade; Shares Tumble

This article from Bloomberg may be of interest to subscribers. Here is a section:



EBay Inc. warned investors that its sales boost tied to the pandemic and government stimulus checks may be coming to an end.

Shares tumbled as much as 7% in extended trading Wednesday after the online marketplace issued a revenue forecast for the current quarter suggesting spending on the site could recede as more people get vaccinated, businesses reopen and stimulus checks dry up.

Investors are watching to see which companies can build on their pandemic gains and which will fade. Google parent ., . and Inc. all hinted at lasting momentum in their earnings reports this week, sending their shares higher. EBay joined social media platform . as a potentially short-lived pandemic phenom.

This is a relative challenge for EBay to not be able to fully hang on to the gains from the pandemic, said Ygal Arounian, an analyst at Wedbush Securities Inc.

Eoin Treacy's view

Rebounding consumer behaviour, renewed hiring and generous handouts have boosted earnings for all manner of consumer companies in the first quarter. That has been particularly true for the mega-caps with Apple, Google, Facebook and Microsoft all posting impressive results.

The fact that about half of people are better off unemployed than working has also helped to boost consumption of goods in particular. Those benefits will expire in September so there is still room for revenue support absent the spikes associated with stimulus cheques.

Shale CEO Sees Producers Staying Disciplined at $70 Crude Oil

This article from Bloomberg may be of interest to subscribers. Here is a section:

Americas shale producers will keep output in check even as global crude oil prices near $70 a barrel, Ovintiv Inc. Chief Executive Officer Doug Suttles said in an interview with Bloomberg Television.

Explorers are focused on low growth, strong operating performance and returning cash to shareholders, Suttles said. Ovintiv is prioritizing paying down debt and maintaining its dividend, he said.



Private operators ability to weigh on oil prices by ramping up production is limited after recent tie-ups with publicly traded companies, Suttles said. While closely held producers have more influence on the natural gas market, its a little bit of a concern, not a big one, he said.

Eoin Treacy's view

European natural gas prices have bounced impressively from the region of the trend mean and are quickly approaching the highs of the last decade. That is likely to encourage more sea-borne gas into the market which is contributing the US prices bouncing impressively from the trend mean.

The new Chrysalis Network is Live!

This news release from iota.org may be of interest to subscribers. Here is a section:

The time has finally come. With Chrysalis, IOTA is now enterprise-ready and has entered a new era of adoption, serving as a base layer for the machine economy, the Internet of Things and beyond, enabling new use cases and setting standards in data and value transfer. All of this is achieved without fees and while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.

Partners, academia, and developers can now start to build on the Tangle and plan for the future. There will not be substantial changes on the way to IOTA 2.0, Coordicide, as the majority of the code-base including tools, libraries, and APIs already exists in Chrysalis. Projects built on todays codebase will not require major refactoring later on.

With the work for Chrysalis complete, many of the Foundation's engineers are now able to fully focus on Coordicide, Digital Assets and Smart Contracts. The next major milestone to a fully decentralized IOTA 2.0 is around the corner, with the Nectar network launching in just a few weeks!

Nectar will be the first complete implementation of the major Coordicide modules, which will be followed by the launch of the incentivized testnet. The goal of this network is to discover any bugs and issues and make any refinements before a release candidate for the IOTA mainnet.

IOTA will become the first production-ready DLT network based on a fully decentralized leaderless consensus protocol that is scalable, feeless and secure. This is a tremendous pioneering achievement and milestone for the innovation of distributed ledger technology. All achieved without requiring any miners or wasting resources.

Eoin Treacy's view

IOTA gets faster the more it is used which makes it ideal for scalability and it does not require millions of machines running in tandem to solve algorithms to do it. The challenge is that until now it has had to rely on central coordination to achieve these feats. The ambition of the teams supporting IOTAs Tangle (its rough equivalent of the blockchain) has been to achieve coordicide. That would enhance independence and turn IOTA into a true decentralised network. Todays announcement brings that moment much closer.

Eoin's personal portfolio: breakeven stop introduced

Eoin Treacy's view

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CASEVILLE, MI - Vacationers will want to take some extra if theyre heading out to enjoy the beaches in Michigans Thumb due to a planned construction project.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing $2.4 million to resurface more than 16 miles of roadway in Huron County this summer. The project will take place on M-25 from M-142 near Bay Port to the south village limit of Caseville, and M-142 from Ewald Road to M-53. MDOT is aiming to start the project on Monday, May 10.

The project is expected to be completed in August of this year.

The project will involve work on joint repairs, concrete curb and gutter and sidewalk and pavement marking improvements. The work is being done to improve the driving surface and extend the life of the roadway, said MDOT.

Drivers will face one-lane roads of alternating traffic during the day, which will be maintained with traffic regulators. According to MDOT, all traffic restrictions will be removed at the end of each workday.

M-25 is a popular route that heads east through the Thumb region to reach beach towns such as Caseville and Port Austin and parks such as Albert E. Sleeper State Park and Port Crescent State Park.

Caseville and Port Austin are currently trending as the top two vacation spots in the Bay City and the Thumb areas among readers, according to a recent poll by MLive.

Another major MDOT project is underway Bay County. MDOT started a $29 million resurfacing and bridge improvement project in April on nearly five miles of Interstate 75 in Bay County. The work is being done on a stretch from Beaver Road to Cottage Grove Road.

According to MDOT, the project will entail significant bridge improvements on the Parish Road bridge over I-75 and the I-75 bridge over Beaver Road, including deck replacements and steel repairs.

More from MLive

$29M construction project on I-75 to begin in Bay County

Part of Bay Citys Wenona Street closing for first phase of reconstruction project

Hess Avenue in Saginaw closed until Friday due to water line work

Saginaw not yet reinstating water utility shutoffs during COVID-19 pandemic

Feet on the Street returns to Bay City, turns city into a destination business owner says

Bay County temporarily closes dog park and animal shelter due to kennel cough

Residents urged not to burn new vegetation on lake beds near failed Edenville and Sanford dams
New Delhi, April 30 : Keeping in mind the welfare of the people, several States have decided to vaccinate their population against the surging Covid-19 pandemic free. The drive to inoculate those between 18 and 44 years, is to start from tomorrow, May 1.

As on today more than 2.45 crore beneficiaries have registered themselves on Co-WIN digital platform for the crucial third phase of vaccination.

With the massive shortage of vaccines reported and also the need for the required infrastructure for the vaccination, are the States ready for this mammoth drive? Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Government had announced that all above the age of 18 years will be offered the Covid-19 vaccine free in the State from May 1. The State Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had made this announcement. "A detailed guidelines of the government of India will be issued later, but the people above the age of 18 will be vaccinated for free in Madhya Pradesh," he said.

On Thursday, CM in a video message announced the State will not drive on May 1. "'On contacting the manufacturers of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines we learned that they are unable to give us doses for those above 18 years of age on May 1. 'So the drive covering the young people won't start on May 1." Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir's Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha had on Saturday said in a statement, that it will not charge people for the doses. "It has been decided that Covid-19 vaccination for people in the age group of 18 to 45 years will be free of cost in the Union Territory, and the cost of vaccine will be borne by the government of Jammu and Kashmir." Yesterday a senior official in the State's Health Department said: "We have placed orders for vaccines but it will take at least 20 days. The drive for 18-45 years of age will start after we get these doses." The ongoing drive too is facing challenges due to the irregular supply of doses in Jammu and Kashmir. While many vaccination centres ran out of the doses, several people returned without getting jabbed.

Himachal Pradesh The hilly State had declared after the State Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur that it will provide the Covid-19 vaccine free of cost to people between the ages of 18 and 44 years from May 1. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Bhardwaj told reporters that the decision was made keeping in mind the welfare of the general public although it would be a huge burden on the exchequer.

Yesterday, the CM stated "The next phase of the vaccination, which will also cover a large section of younger people will be taken up only on availability of necessary stock of vaccine doses in the state." Reassuring the people he added: "We have already placed the orders to vaccination-manufacturing companies. We are making all-out efforts to procure the stock and start the next phase of vaccination. A detailed plan will also be prepared soon for smooth conduct of the drive." Goa

Announcing inoculation to those between the ages of 18 to 45 free of cost, Goa State said that it will start procuring 500,000 doses of Covishield vaccine initially.

Today Goa Chief Minister said that the Government has placed an order of five lakh doses with the Serum Institute of India, maker of Covishield vaccine and that it will start inoculating people in the age group of 18-44 when the Covid-19 vaccines arrive in the State.

Kerala The Left Government in the State of Kerala had announced that it will provide the vaccine against Covid-19 free of cost for everyone in the State.

In a significant statement, the State Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that the vaccination drive will go ahead "uninterrupted", and that the State will purchase 1 crore doses of the two vaccines currently in use in India - Covishield and Covaxin - from the open market with 70 lakh of the first vaccine.

In his tweet the CM said: "Kerala will purchase 1 crore doses of #COVID19 vaccines from the open market. 70L doses of Covishield and 30L doses of Covaxin will be procured for next 3 months, May - July, for ? 483 crore. Priority for 2nd dose. Our vaccination drive will go ahead, uninterrupted." Chhattisgarh

The State Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel had said the State Government will pay for the vaccination of people over 18 years of age. "We will take all possible steps to protect the lives of our citizens." Reporting vaccine shortage to inoculate 18-plus citizens from May 1 the State's Health Minister TS Singh Deo was quoted in ANI as saying: "We don't have sufficient vaccine doses to start vaccinations from May 1 for the 18-plus population. Even if we have 1 lakh doses how many people we can inoculate out of the total 1.20 crore population." Bihar

Tweeting in Hindi, the Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar on Wednesday had said: "The Bihar Government will provide Covid-19 vaccine free of cost to all above 18 years of age in the State." But the next phase of vaccination for those above 18 years of age is unlikely to begin from May 1 according to a health official. Manoj Kumar, Executive Director, Bihar State Health Society said, that SII had refused to supply one crore vials of the vaccine demanded by the Bihar government. Instead, SII wanted the state government to place its monthly requirement.

Jharkhand In his tweet on Thursday, the Chief Minister, Hemant Soren had said: "In Jharkhand, the corona vaccine will be provided free of cost to people above the age of 18 by the state government.

As of now, the inoculation drive covering people aged between 18-44 years is likely to begin after May 15 when the vaccines arrive. The State Health Minister Banna Gupta said: "The (vaccine manufacturing) companies said they will have to deliver the Centre's order by May 15. They said there was no chance of providing vaccines to Jharkhand before May 15, and that they will consider our order in the last week of May." Uttar Pradesh

In this State, the Bharatiya Janata Party national general secretary BL Santhosh had said that Uttar Pradesh will vaccinate the population above 18 years free of cost.

Being the most populous State in the country, with a population of over 23 crore, the Government had already placed an order for 1 crore vaccines - 50 lakhs each from the makers of Covishield and Covaxin. Yet that is not enough to meet the demand.

So ahead of the Phase 3 of vaccination drive the Government has decided to float a global tender to procure four crore vaccines in order to vaccinate the people of the State. This was decided by the Core Committee.

Assam Assam too had decided to provide free Covid-19 vaccine, and according to the BJP national general secretary Santhosh it has already placed an order for 10 million vaccines with Bharath Biotech.

On Monday, the State's Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he doubted if the vaccination drive for 18-45 years will commence by the first week of May. He cited the issues of availability of vaccines and the announcement of Assembly poll results on May 2. "Vaccine order has been given to Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute (of India, or SII). When they provide us the vaccines, only then can we begin the vaccination." Sikkim

The Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang had announced on Wednesday that the State Government will bear the cost of the vaccines of the people in the age group of 18-45. Today the Director General-cum-Secretary of the Sikkim Health Department, Pempa T. Bhutia, siid the drive was not possible since the process of procuring more vaccines was still on. "The government has proposed to procure 66,0000 doses of Covishield and have placed the order with Serum Institute (of India), Pune. Out of them, 15,0000 doses are requested to be delivered in May. The vaccination drive for this age group will start as and when we receive this consignment." West Bengal

The State CM Mamata Banerjee promised universal vaccination for those who are above 18. She had said that the drive will start from May 5 as the election process was still on.

The State has asked the Centre to supply at least three crore doses of the vaccines for State-run and private hospitals to continue with the vaccination drive and also open up jabs for the 18+ group. The State said two crore vaccine doses would be required to inoculate about one crore people in the 18-45 age bracket.

Tamil Nadu On Thursday the State Government had announced that it will provide free Covid-19 vaccination for all from May 1.

At present, J. Radhakrishnan, the Additional Chief Secretary (Health) said: "The Chief Minister had ordered 1.5 crore vaccines. But until now, we don't know when it will reach and whether it will reach by tomorrow. We have not received any information." Andhra Pradesh

On Saturday, the State Deputy CM Alla Krishna Srinivas had conveyed the States's decision to provide the Covid-19 vaccine free of cost to all above the age of 18 years.

Breaking his silence on vaccine shortage, the CM yesterday said, the drive for people aged 18 to 45 is expected to begin only in September, after completing the inoculation of those above the age of 45.

"It will take four months to complete the vaccination for people aged 18 to 44, which means they will be vaccinated not before January end next year," he said while chairing a high-level review meet ahead of the mass vaccination drive on May 1.

Telangana The Telangana Government said it will administer Covid-19 vaccine free of cost to the entire population in the State irrespective of their age. This was announced by the Chief Minister, K Chandrashekhar Rao on Saturday.

Speaking to PTI, Telangana Public Health Director, G. Srinivasa Rao said: "There are no possibilities (of vaccination). We are in the process of getting a vaccine where there is no vaccine available in the country. We are in touch with the manufacturers also." Haryana

After chairing a high-level meeting on Saturday the State Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said everyone above 18 years of age will be vaccinated free of cost at government hospitals in Haryana.

Recently, Prabhjot Singh, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Haryana speaking to The Pioneer said, "There is a shortage of Covid vaccine stock in Haryana. We are hopeful that the situation will improve in the coming days. For the vaccination drive beginning from May 1 for adults, we have already placed an order to get adequate jabs." (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative/

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apr. 30Walworth County health officials say they will not consider individual politics when doing COVID-19 vaccine outreach despite nationwide data showing strong hesitancy among Republicans.

Data analysis from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel shows counties that have voted Republican since 2012 have the lowest vaccination rates across the state, and that includes Walworth County.

Walworth County has the lowest percentage of residents vaccinated compared to surrounding counties, according to state Department of Health Services data.

As of Thursday, 35.4% of Walworth County residents had received at least one dose of vaccine. By comparison, 39.5% of Rock County residents, 38.2% of Kenosha County residents, 39.2% of Racine County residents, 47.9% of Waukesha County residents and 38.2% of Jefferson County residents had received at least one dose of vaccine.

The Journal Sentinel analysis listed Walworth County as one of the Republican-leaning counties with a relatively low vaccine rate.

"... All the Wisconsin counties in the bottom half when it comes to vaccination rates backed Trump, with the exception of Rock County. Those with the highest vaccination rates, including Door, Dane and Bayfield counties, all backed Biden," according to the Journal Sentinel report.

The analysis is consistent with national polling from Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit that gathers data and reporting on national health issues.

National conversations surrounding vaccine hesitancy and mistrust have often centered around people of color or of different ethnic backgrounds. However, the Kaiser poll found Republicans of all races were more likely to say they do not want to be vaccinated than any other demographic group polled.

The poll found 29% of Republicans said they would not be vaccinated if offered, compared to 10% of Black people polled and 8% of Hispanic people.

Erica Bergstrom, Walworth County health officer, said the county does not plan to tailor its education or vaccine outreach to people of different political identities.

Story continues

"It really is not our role to deliver services based on political affiliation," Bergstrom said. "We are here to provide education ... and make vaccine as accessible as possible."

On a recent media call, Rock County health officials said they plan to provide education and outreach to everyone who might be hesitant to receive a vaccine, regardless of politics.

Targeted outreach strategies to communities of color, such as publishing testimonials from community leaders, have been enacted widely, including in Rock County. There has been no similar effort to try to appeal to or gain the trust of people who identify as Republican, despite data showing such hesitancy.

Bergstrom blamed Walworth County's lagging vaccine rates on supply problems early in vaccine distribution.

The state had made an error in its allocation formula that prevented the health department and other providers from receiving doses for some time, Bergstrom said.

She said local providers have since made a "great effort" to catch up.

In the last week, Walworth County health officials have seen a slowdown in vaccine demand, Bergstrom said. To combat it, the county plans to offer walk-in community clinics and workplace-based clinics to increase access and ease of getting vaccines.

Other health departments have had success in increasing vaccination rates by offering walk-in clinics, eliminating the sometimes-daunting task of scheduling appointments, which is difficult for people who can't access technology.

Workplace-based clinics can help because they are convenient, and some people might get vaccinated after seeing their peers do so, Bergstrom said.

She encourages anyone who has questions or concerns about vaccine to contact the health department.
By Joseph N. DiStefano, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

The federal investigation of Pennsylvanias $64 billion pension fund for teachers has come into sharper focus with reports that officials are examining both the plans inflated estimates of its returns and its spending spree on Harrisburg real estate.

The probe by federal prosecutors and the FBI is exploring how top executives of the fund, known as PSERS, responded when word spread internally that its financial performance might fall short of its official goal, The Inquirer has learned.

And PSERS itself, in an official document, has newly disclosed that it hired a law firm specifically to investigate the purchase and valuation of buildings and parking lots it bought in Harrisburg. This is the first time that the fund has acknowledged possible problems with those deals.

The retirement plan stopped short of acknowledging the ongoing federal probe in the document covering its new contract with an outside law firm. But the contract did itemize the real estate transactions in question.

In a previous article, The Inquirer reported that people familiar with the matter said that the FBI was looking into those land purchases.

PSERS  the Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System  has declared publicly that it is under federal investigation, but has declined to say over what.

School teachers now face a hike in pension costs but state workers dodged one. Heres why:

The employment contract, posted recently on a state website, details concerns over the Harrisburg purchases in asking the law firm of Womble Bond Dickinson to conduct an investigation.

And the clear direction that Womble examine the valuation of the properties suggests that the various lines of inquiry may share common ground: the accuracy of the funds finances.

PSERS did not respond directly when asked Thursday whether any questions had been raised about how the Harrisburg real estate had been valued as part of the funds recent appraisal of its financial performance.

The PSERS board is in the process of conducting an independent internal investigation. Moreover, PSERS is in the process of responding to and cooperating with a federal investigation, the fund said in a statement released late Thursday. To protect its members interests, PSERS is unable to comment on or respond to any questions relating to these investigations.

Ever since an embarrassed board admitted last month that it had adopted a mistaken number for investment returns, the fund has been busy trying to set matters right.

On April 19, it adopted a new, and lower, figure for its financial performance. The reversal meant the fund fell short of a goal set by state law and triggered an increase in pension paycheck deductions soon for 100,000 working teachers and other school employees.

PSERS has also hired the Womble law firm and two others as it struggles to cope with the federal probe involving a grand jury. One lawyer hired for the work from Morgan Lewis, a Philadelphia firm, is paid $1,210 an hour, contracts disclose.

While PSERS invests most of its billions in stocks, bonds, or private businesses, a small portion of its portfolio consists of direct buys of real estate across the nation.

Locally, the fund set aside $13.5 million since 2017 to buy and clear properties in the somewhat isolated area around its multistory office around Market Street in Harrisburg, not far from the Capitol Complex.

So far, about $3 million has been spent directly on purchases, according to Dauphin County deeds. Additional money has gone to demolish buildings and for other costs. Total spending is not known.

In the contract with the Womble firm, pension officials instructed the lawyers to look into four buys. They were:

The 2017 purchase for $1.6 million of the old newsroom and printing plant for The Patriot-News . The site was sold to a New York holding company earlier in 2017, then resold to a Texas company that later announced it made the purchase on behalf of PSERS, paying nearly $1 million more than the previous sale price. However, in a statement when the purchase was announced, PSERS said the earlier price low-balled its true value.

The 2018 purchase for $450,000 of three parking lots on 10th Street, near Market Street, close to the funds headquarters. Real estate records say the seller sold the parcels for what he paid a decade earlier. The 2019 purchase for $200,000 of another Market Street property. The seller was the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, which had obtained it three years before for less than $1,500 in a sheriffs sale.

The 2020 purchase for $785,000 of two more parking lots on Market. The seller, the same man who sold the 10th Street lots, bought them seven years earlier for $500,000, records show. The money to buy these last two lots came from a $5 million appropriation approved by the board on Oct. 11, 2019. The matter was handled with unusual secrecy.

The two addresses were kept from the public. Information about the proposed buys was disclosed only to the board, in a confidential memo from PSERS executive director Glen Grell. The purchases were later made with front companies. The contract with Womble cites the $5 million appropriation in 2019.

Since then, PSERS has demolished structures on its real estate, but otherwise, the land lies open. Top development officials in Harrisburg say no one from the pension fund has contacted them about its plan for the properties.

Pennsylvania's Public School Employees' Retirement System in Harrisburg. (PennLive.com/file)

Mounting legal bills

In hiring this string of law firms, PSERS appears likely to bust its budget this year for legal services. The spending plan put aside $227,000 for legal services in 2021  dramatically under what it now says it might pay Womble alone.

In the contract with Womble, the fund agreed to pay its lawyers up to $650 an hour, up to a maximum firm payout of $367,500.

Womble partner Claire Rauscher, a North Carolina-based lawyer who was once a public defender in Philadelphia, signed the contract. Rauscher, who has expertise in defense work in white-collar crime cases, has been attending closed PSERS board meetings of late.

Along with Womble, the fund board has hired two other outside firms: Morgan Lewis and the Pillsbury firm, of New York City.

Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA contributed to this article.

More:

PSERS hires two outside law firms to investigate $25 million error

Pa. teachers pensions are invested in a NYC skyscraper linked to Jared Kushner, but they probably dont know it
[April 30, 2021] Stone Avenue Standard Becomes the First Off-Campus Student Housing Property at the University of Arizona to Offer Its Residents Electric Vehicle Charging in a Ground-Breaking Partnership With Tucson Electric Power

Stone Avenue Standard, an off-campus luxury student housing community at the University of Arizona, has decided to harness the sun for more than just epic pool parties and modern student living. In a ground-breaking partnership with Tucson Electric Power, Stone Avenue Standard will become the first off-campus property at the University of Arizona to offer its residents electric vehicle charging. Utilizing the same high-capacity ChargePoint Level 2 chargers found at the University of Arizona campus, Stone Avenue Standard residents will be able to charge their vehicles from the comfort of home. As an environmntally forward-thinking community and to further encourage EV ownership, Stone Avenue Standard will provide its residents with free unlimited Level 2 charging. Oliver Swan, Managing Member of Stone Avenue Standard, commented, "It's fitting on Earth Day 2021 that in partnership with Tucson Electric Power, we're able to truly propel the next generation forward. We're the first off-campus student community in the nation to offer residents free EV charging."



Stone Avenue Standard was also the first student community in Tucson to partner with TEP to transition its outdoor lighting to 100% LED lighting in 2016. TEP has been instrumental in developing local partnerships that foster forward-thinking programs that both reduce energy consumption and help reduce carbon emissions.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005088/en/

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Josh Duggar pleads not guilty to child pornography charges after arrest

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Josh Duggar of "19 Kids and Counting" fame pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of child pornography Friday, one day after he was arrested for allegedly receiving and possessing material showing the sexual abuse of children.

Duggar, 33, is best-known as the eldest son of ultra-conservative Christian parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. His father served in the Arkansas House from 1999 to 2002.

Following his arrest by FBI agents, a hearing was held virtually over Zoom in the Western District of Arkansas Friday. Represented by his attorney, Travis W. Story, Duggar appeared from jail and "was seen smiling before the hearing kicked off," Fox News reported.

Duggar is accused of using "the internet to download child sexual abuse material. Duggar allegedly possessed this material, some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, in May 2019," the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement Friday.

If convicted, the father of six faces up to 20 years in prison with fines up to $250,000 on each count. The former reality stars fate is in the hands of a U.S. District Court judge who will determine his sentence.

Duggar's charges were not read publicly during the hearing as per his request and his attorney also requested that he be released on bond.

At the hearing, Judge Erin L. Wiedemann told Duggar that if he was to be granted release he would not be allowed to be in the presence of minors.

"Given the nature of the charges against him, the court would likely require a third-party custodian that he could reside with and that would ensure compliance with conditions of bond so you all would need to get that line out and inform our probation office of who that person is so they could interview that person," Wiedemann said.

A separate hearing on May 5 will determine whether he will be released from jail or remain in custody until his trial date which is set for July 6.

"They also will want to interview Mr. Duggar. They won't discuss your charges Duggar, but they will interview you for information to determine whether you're a good person for release in a residence where there are no minors in the home or that would be visiting unsupervised," the judge continued.

U.S. Attorney's Office added: "This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims."

Both Homeland Security Investigations Fayetteville and the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are investigating the case against Duggar.

In 2019, his place of employment at the time, a car dealership, was raided by Homeland Security in relation to a federal investigation. It has not been confirmed if the raid and recent arrest are related.

Some reports claim that Duggar's home was also raided around that same time. Those reports have been refuted by family, however.

Duggars character first came into question when his familys hit show, 19 Kids and Counting," was canceled by TLC in 2015. The show was pulled after allegations began to swirl that Duggar had sexually abused two of his sisters.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar released a public statement Friday, saying: We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious. It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family.

The arrest comes on the heels of Duggars wife, Anna, announcing that the couple are expecting their seventh child.

A pre-trial hearing for his case is set for July 1.
An eloquent voice bears witness

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Earlier this week, Senator Tim Scott, R-S.C., furnished the Republican rejoinder to President Joe Bidens first State of the Union address.

In doing so, Scott bore eloquent witness to the inspiring hope that suffused Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s civil rights ministry that transformed our nation in the 1950s and 1960s.

As I listened to Scott, I found myself profoundly moved as I thought, this is what Dr. King had in mind when he spoke of America living up to the promises of our founding documents and a nation where people are judged by their character, rather than the pigmentation of their epidermis."

A very significant part of the power behind Scotts message was the messenger who delivered his testimony to Americas promise and greatness. Scott is from South Carolina, the state where the Confederacy began. Scott is a proud black man of humble origins who holds former infamous segregationist Strom Thurmonds seat in the Senate and also defeated Thurmonds grandson along the way.

As impressive as the messenger is, his message was even more inspiring and significant. Addressing what has become the incredibly divisive issue of race with the rise of the historically bogus 1619 Project and the Marxist-inspired critical race theory, Scott did not mince words. Acknowledging that he himself has experienced racial discrimination (and not just in the distant past), he still acknowledges the breath-taking progress our country has made in the last half-century.

Scott pointed out a terribly painful and destructive irony.

A hundred years ago, kids in classrooms were taught the color of their skin was their most important characteristic. And if they looked a certain way, they were inferior.

Now, ironically, kids again are being taught that the color of their skin defines them. And if they look a certain way, theyre an oppressor.

Scott excoriates those Americans who claim America has not made significant progress in eliminating the stain of racism from our society. He rightly declares that America is not a racist country and that its wrong to fight discrimination with different types of discrimination. In this, he echoes Chief Justice John Roberts, who famously declared, the best way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race. One should aspire to that level of simple eloquence.

I strongly suspect that I speak for millions of my fellow Americans when I say that Scotts message of hope where we live up to our national motto of E pluribus unum, (out of many, one) was beautiful music to my ears and a healing balm for a heart deeply pained by the racial division being fomented amongst us.

Scott then shares with us the source of his hope and his optimism  his religious faith  something he shares in common with a majority of his fellow Americans.

He reminds us, We are not adversaries. We are family. We are all in this together.

Once again, drawing on his own experience, he reminds his listeners that his grandfather, in his 94 years, saw his family go from cotton to Congress in one lifetime.

Consequently, he believes that our finest hour is yet before us. Scott then addresses the fact that race has always been the serpent in the American Eden. He notes, "original sin is never the end of the story. Not in our souls, and not for our nation. The real story is always redemption.

Scotts reward for reminding America of its greatness and its spiritual source was to be viciously ridiculed and mocked on social media as Uncle Tim, a play on Uncle Tom, an extremely derogatory phrase for blacks who are obsequious to whites.

I am extremely grateful that Scott is his own man, and refuses to be intimidated by the cancel culture and the Twitter mob.

It is well past time for patronizing white liberals like Biden to come to terms with the fact that blacks such as Scott do not live on the liberals plantation.

Remember the then-candidate Joe Biden declaring, If you dont support me, you aint black. Really! How insulting and patronizing. I do believe the scariest thing a white liberal ever encounters is a black, think for themselves, conservative.

Given the general tenor and theme of Scotts address, it seemed perfectly appropriate for him to close with the words of a hymn drawn from Scripture.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. Make His face shine upon you. And be gracious to you. May his presence go before you and behind you, and beside you. In your weeping and rejoicing. He is for you. May His favor be upon our nation from a thousand generations. And your family and your children. And their children.

Like many Americans, my response to Scott is simply, Amen! Thank you Sen. Scott for reminding us of the source of our strength and the inspiration for the glorious story that is America. Thank you Sen. Scott for reminding us of our priceless heritage as Americans!
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. State Department says press freedom in Russia is under growing threat as authorities slap RFE/RL and other media organizations with restrictive foreign agent labels and fines.

Speaking at a press briefing on April 29, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the Russian government is increasingly intolerant of outside perspectives as it moves to quash any dissent in the country.

The comments come as Russias media regulator Roskomnadzor has hit RFE/RLs Russian-language services with fines of nearly $1 million in recent months for hundreds of violations of the foreign agent law.

In its latest salvo against independent media, the Russian government designated the Latvia-based Meduza as a foreign agent, taking aim at a top Russian news source.

Weve made clear that Russias actions against RFE/RL and other media organizations labeled as so-called 'foreign agents' reflect significant intolerance and oppressive restrictions, Price said.

First passed in 2012 and expanded several times since, the foreign agent law gives authorities the power to brand nongovernmental organizations, human rights groups, and news media deemed to receive foreign funding for political activity as foreign agents.

Among other things, the law requires news organizations that receive foreign funding to label content within Russia as being produced by a foreign agent. The mandatory 24-word announcement must be twice as large as the font size used for the headline of the article. For video materials, the text must occupy at least 20 percent of the screen and be shown for at least 15 seconds.

The targeting of RFE/RL has raised concerns the Russian government may be moving to shutter RFE/RLs operations inside Russia and force its Russian-language services and Current Time, the network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, out of the country.

Should the Russian government continue to move to forcibly shut down RFE/RL, we will respond, Price said, without specifying what action could be taken.

An independent nonprofit corporation that receives funding from the U.S. Congress, RFE/RL refuses to comply with the "foreign agent" law.

RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said, RFE/RL will not be put in a position of undermining freedom of speech and journalistic integrity. We will not allow Roskomnadzor and the Kremlin to make editorial decisions about how we engage our audiences in Russia.

In recent weeks, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has raised the issue of RFE/RL with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov.

Weve been very seized with the RFE/RL situation with Russia, Blinken said on April 28 at a roundtable discussion on world press freedom.

Were doing everything we can to be supportive and to find a good way forward. Ultimately, Moscow is doing what Moscow will do, but were trying to make sure that at least in some ways we can be supportive and helpful, even if our advocacy falls on deaf ears in Moscow itself, Blinken said.
New Delhi, April 30 : Sonia Gandhi-led Congress performance in all the four states -- West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam -- where Assembly polls took place remained bad, according to exit polls.

In West Bengal, the C-Voter survey predicted 14 to 15 seats to Congress Aand Left combined where as Chanakya gave them eight seats. The Axis survey gave two seats to them and CNX gave between 11 to 21 seats. In 2016 Assembly elections in the state, Left + Congress had cornered 76 seats.

In Assam, C-Voter predicted 53-66 seats to Congress led UPA, Chanakya has between 47 to 65 seats. Axis and CNX in its survey gave 40 to 50 seats.

In Tamil Nadu, DMK and Congress alliance is forming government however Congress was only allocated 25 a total of 234 Assembly constituencies.

The C-Voter survey shows that DMK-led alliance is projected to secure 160 to 172 seats in the state. The incumbent AIADMK- led alliance is expected to be restricted to 58 to 70 seats in the state. While the Axis exit poll shows that DMK+ should get 175-195 seats and the AIDMK+ to contend with 38 to 54 seats.

Chanakya predicted 164 to 186 seats of DMK and Congress Aand 46-48 seats to AIDMK. The CNX predicted 160-170 seats to DMK and Congress and 58 to 68 seats AIDMK.

In Kerala, it's a straight forward electoral battle between the incumbent Pinarayi Vijayan led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress Aled United Democratic Front (UDF).

According to the exit polls, the ruling LDF expected to retain the southern state of Kerala and thus buck the trend of defeating the incumbent every electoral cycle. Kerala went to the polls on April 6 to elect 140 legislators.

According to the C-Voter survey 71-77 seats to the LDF and the UDF to secure 62-68 seats. While the Axis survey shows 104-120 to LDF and 20-36 to UDF. The CNX predicted 72-80 seats to LDF and 58-64 seats UDF. Chankya survey shows 93-111 seats to LDF and 26-44 seats to UDF.

All the exit polls has predicted TMC's Mamata Banerjee having a hurricane edge that could make her retain power for the third time in West Bengal.

While the BJP led-NDA to be key player in the state giving a robust challenge to the TMC. The DMK led by MK Stalin is all set to sweep Tamil Nadu.

The LDF is expected to retain power in Kerala breaking the cyclic nature of the state. The BJP is being tipped to retain power in Assam and also taking Puducherry from the Congress.

If the exit polls are to hold on the result day it will be a relief for the BJP with party doing exceptionally well in West Bengal, retaining power in Assam and winning Puducherry. While the Congress will have a lot to worry about as they could not win Assam and in Kerala, now the home state of Rahul Gandhi who is a Lok Sabha MP from the state, his party could not make a comeback.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

New study results validate the effectiveness of the Medtronic Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) system for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR). The Harmony TPV is designed to be a less invasive treatment option for patients with irregularity in their right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) needing pulmonary valve placement to restore valve function. The results of this study are being presented as late-breaking clinical science today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2021 Scientific Sessions.

About 40,000 infants are born with CHD every year in the United States and approximately one in five CHD patients have an abnormality of their right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) . Prior to TPV technology, CHD patients were treated with invasive procedures such as open-heart surgery or opted for surgical valve replacement later in life. These procedures are associated with high risk for further complications and mortality. The Harmony TPV is designed to be a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment option for these adolescent and adult CHD patients.

The prospective, nonrandomized study was conducted at ten sites in the U.S., Canada, and Japan and included 67 patients who received the valve. Primary safety and effectiveness endpoints included freedom from procedure or device-related mortality at 30 days and percentage of patients with acceptable hemodynamic function at 6 months and no Harmony valve intervention.

Investigators analyzed two sizes of the Harmony valve, a 22-mm valve (TPV22) and a modified version of the original 25-mm valve (mTPV25). Clinical outcomes through one year included no mortality, endocarditis, major stent fractures or need for surgical intervention. One patient underwent a valve-in-valve intervention for residual stenosis. Over 90% of patients reported having little to no pulmonary regurgitation during follow-up visits.

"This is a brand-new class of cardiac devices designated to help a very specific patient population where no less-invasive, percutaneous treatment options were available until now," said Thomas Jones, MD, Principal Investigator and Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at Seattle Children's Hospital. "Unlike any other TPV, this novel technology is designed to expand into the enlarged RVOT in these patients while simultaneously deploying a suitable bioprosthetic pulmonary valve. The Harmony TPV system has the potential to fundamentally alter the lifetime management of CHD patients from here on out."

In March 2021, the Harmony TPV system was granted U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use in the U.S. Additionally, investigators plan to follow-up through 5 years. A post approval study will also be conducted with follow-up to 10-years.

Explore further FDA approves first nonsurgical heart valve for congenital heart disease
Nafiah Ikram, 21, a pre-med student at Hofstra University, survived a March 17 acid attack outside her home in Long Island, New York. I ask myself why every night. What could I have said or done to someone to make them want to hurt me like this? said the young Pakistani American. Indian American model and television show host Padma Lakshmi, a friend of the Ikram family, said in a post on Instagram: It's uncertain if it was a hate crime & we are still searching for the people that did this to her. (GoFundMe photo)
Seven covers the Adelaide Autumn Carnival today with Oaks Day at Morphettville, plus live action from Hawkesbury and Sandown Hillside.

Bruce McAvaney will again lead the commentary team, joined by Jason Richardson (pictured), Michelle Payne and Henry Dwyer.

The Adelaide Autumn Carnival is one of the annual highlights on the Australian racing calendar, and Morphettville will come alive on Saturday when the Group 1 Australasian Oaks and Robert Sangster Stakes headline a glittering day of thoroughbred racing.

Some of the nations best fillies will take centre stage in the Australasian Oaks (2000m), where rising star Steinem looms as the horse to beat. However, unbeaten Tasmanian fan favourite Hela will be looking to extend her streak of seven consecutive wins in her first start on the mainland, and impressive last-start winner Brookspire is aiming to give master trainer Chris Waller back-to-back Oaks wins after Toffee Tongues 2020 victory.

In the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m), the powerhouse Tony and Calvin McEvoy stable has a strong hand with mares Sisstar  shooting for her fourth win in a row  and Pretty Brazen. But Instant Celebrity is returning to the form that saw her win the Tranquil Star Stakes last spring, while last years runner-up Lyre and Mizzy  still striving for her maiden Group 1 win after second-place finishes in the Canterbury Stakes and Coolmore Classic  also loom as genuine contenders.

Saturdays live and free coverage will also include plenty of quality thoroughbred action from Hawkesbury Gold Cup Race Day and Sandown Hillside Race Day.

At Hawkesbury, the Group 3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup, Hawkesbury Guineas and Hawkesbury Crown are the major races on an outstanding race day boasting total prizemoney of $1.3 million.

Morphettville  Oaks Day

Hawkesbury  Hawkesbury Gold Cup Race Day

Sandown Hillside  Sandown Hillside Race Day

Saturday 12.00pm AEST on Channel 7, 7two and 7plus

Related
Ferrari is likely to keep its current driver lineup for "years to come".

That is the prediction of former F1 driver Mark Webber, who admitted to Speed Week that he came "very close" to moving to the Maranello based team in 2013.

Now, Ferrari has Charles Leclerc under long-term contract alongside team newcomer Carlos Sainz.

Leclerc told La Stampa newspaper that Sainz, although still getting up to speed in red, is "very fast".

"The future is in our hands," the 23-year-old Monegasque added.

Australian Webber agrees: "I'm pretty sure Ferrari will keep these two drivers for years to come.

"They need stability, and if they want to achieve that, then the Leclerc-Sainz alliance has to work.

"They have understood that a team is one unit and I see Carlos as the right man for the job. We'll have to wait and see if he can storm the Leclerc fortress, but you never know.

"He's had a solid start and could well give Charles a headache," Webber added.

However, Webber thinks Spaniard Sainz also risks getting a headache.

"Formula 1 is tough enough, but every Ferrari driver suffers because in Italy Ferrari isn't a racing team, it's a religion," said the 44-year-old.

"The driver is always under the magnifying glass and if things don't go well, he is quickly criticised - because the car is never the problem," he said.

(GMM)
Attendees look at 65-inch Skyworth 4K curved OLED televisions on display at the 2015 International CES in Las Vegas, Nev., on Jan. 8, 2015. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Chinese Smart TV Cancels Partnership With Big Data Firm After Claims It Was Monitoring Households

Recently, a mainland Chinese netizen named v64500 wrote on the online forum V2EX that his internet-connected television was scanning electronic devices in his house and uploading the data to a company called Gozen Data. The netizen revealed that his television is a mainland Chinese brand called Skyworth.

The netizen thought the television was a bit slow and checked its backend service program and found something called Gozen Data and had no idea what it was doing.

The netizen said the television used the Android system. After studying the data for a while, v64500 found that this thing [Gozen Data] scans all the internet-connected devices in my house every 10 minutes.

It sends everything back, including hostname, MAC address, IP, and even network latency. It also scans names of surrounding Wi-Fi SSID and surrounding MAC addresses, and collectively sends them back to the domain name gz-data.com, the netizen explained.

That is to say, information including what smart devices there are in the house, whether or not your mobile phone is at home, who is connected to the internet in your house, and what is the name of your neighbors Wi-Fi is collected and uploaded to this domain at any time. Are you sure that this is not a spy service??? v64500 asked in the post.

The netizen also conducted a code analysis and uploaded a screenshot of the findings, which showed the Gozen Data service app corresponded to TVAC.apka free game app for Android.

There are a lot of codes in it. One logic is that the ARP scans the local area network and uploads information from all internet-connected devices, v64500 said.

The post has attracted widespread attention and hot debate among netizens.

Netizen zro said, I wouldnt dare to connect this kind of television to the internet, even at my own home.

Another netizen said, My Xiaomi router keeps requesting the API.miwifi.com domain name, once every 3 seconds, and I dont know why its been doing this. (Im) scared.

Two women walk past a Xiaomi store in Beijing, China, on Jan. 15, 2021. (Greg baker/AFP via Getty Images)

Thats why the Wi-Fi signal needs to be hidden. [Theres] too much [Chinese] domestic-made garbage. No wonder [the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)] was sanctioned by the United States, said netizen free9fw.

Thats why we need a clean network plan, said netizen vinsony.

Skyworth Immediately Disables Gozen Data Service

On April 27, Skyworth TV issued a statement on its official website, saying the company immediately disabled the Gozen Data service on all Skyworth televisions.

The statement said that the service is provided by Beijing Gozen Data, which partnered with Coocaa, a cyber technology company under Skyworth. Coocaa is said to have sent a letter to Gozen Data to cancel their contract.

According to Gozen Datas official website, the company is a third-party big data company dedicated to intelligent marketing of household data, and it is also the first big data enterprise in China with household data as its core. At present, the companys data effectively covers 149 million households, 457 million people, and over 140 million smart TV terminals, according to the companys website.

As early as 2014, Gozen Data formally established a strategic partnership with Skyworths Coocaa. At that time, Gozen had reached a long-term strategic partnership with Chinese and overseas television manufacturers including Skyworth, TCL, Changhong, Konka, Fun TV, Whaley, Sanyo, Toshiba, and Philips. It also cooperates with technology companies like Coocaa and content providers such as TVMao. It obtains first-hand smart TV data by installing SDKs (software development kits) via a platform abstraction layer (PAL), which changes the original software.

CCP Surveillance in China

In mainland China, the CCPs surveillance is everywhere. Chinese residents live under the control of the CCPs Police Cloud, system and all personal information, even including clothing, food, housing, and transportation is collected and monitored by the system.

A Chinese national flag flutters near the surveillance cameras mounted on a lamp post in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, on March 15, 2019. (Andy Wong/AP Photo)

The CCPs Police Cloud system extracts data from videos, voice communications, cell phone locations, and other social resources.

Guizhou Province is the first national big data pilot zone in China, and the provinces police authorities have established a so-called iron cage of data, using it in all its operations including crackdowns and crime prevention, management, and control (of social order).

On Dec. 20 last year, netizen catcarterpi posted a picture on Twitter and said, Big data, open-air prisons are taking shape.

In the picture, the City Hall Area Surveillance Video Analysis system is closely monitoring petitioners, drug offenders, and criminals. The system also monitors the activities, or motion trails of these people, or key people as they are called in the system, at different times of the day. The bottom of the picture displays a persons personal information and flight information as well as a small white line that reads demographic and biometric information.

The CCPs internal reports obtained by The Epoch Times reveal that local governments in China are monitoring people on the internet on a daily basis.

The CCP Collects Big Data Around the World

The CCP is not only monitoring its own residents but also collecting big data globally.

A staff member of Huawei uses her mobile phone at the Huawei Digital Transformation Showcase in Shenzhen, Chinas Guangdong Province, on March 6, 2019 (Wang Zhao/AFP/Getty Images)

Claudia Rosett, an adjunct fellow at the Hudson Institute, said in an article published by the Wall Street Journal last October that the CCP uses the U.N. to expand its surveillance reach. The U.N. set up global data plans with the Chinese regime including a research center for crunching data from U.N. member states and a geospatial center to enlist Chinas prowess with satellite surveillance.

The geospatial center will be based in Deqing County, in Zhejiang province, home to a geospatial industrial park and host in 2018 of a U.N. World Geospatial Information Congress, the article states.

In September 2020, Shenzhen Zhenhua Data Information Technology Company (Zhenhua) was exposed for collecting huge amounts of data on more than 2.4 million people and 650,000 organizations worldwide.

Zhenhua is building tools to process the worlds open-source information about influential peopleculled from Twitter, criminal records, LinkedIn posts, YouTube videos, and moreinto data that can be analyzed and used by universities, companies, government actors, and the Chinese military, states a Globe and Mail report.

A Sept. 14, 2020 Washington Post report states that Zhenhuas marketing and recruiting documents characterize the company as a patriotic firm, with the military as its primary target customer.

Researchers and current and former U.S. officials say OKIDB [Overseas Key Information Database] appears consistent with a years-long push by the Chinese government to expand the countrys ability to harvest vast amounts of data for strategic purposes.
iPhone 12 series case "Alpha"

Features of iPhone 12 series case Alpha



1. Military-inspired Design

This case delivers simple and modern style with its matte black color, while the camouflage pattern on the top and bottom provides a unique twist. The logos are placed on the side and back in a subtle and sophisticated way. The cutout in a hexagonal shape on the back gives the case a sharper and more sophisticated look. Recommended for those who like to use something simple yet distinctive.

2. Rigid Structure that Meets U.S. Military Standard

The case is certified Military Grade (U.S. Military Standard) that guarantees high durability. More specifically, the case passed the "MIL-STD 810 Rev. H" test conducted by a third party, proving it meets the Military Standard.

In addition to the shock-absorbing material, air cushions are provided at the four corners for unexpected drops. Furthermore, the inner layer with a hexagonal pattern disperses/absorbs the impact at the time of dropping and provides your smartphone a firm protection against drops.

3. High-quality Special Soft TPU Material that is Flexible and Heat-resistance

With the use of special soft TPU material that does not easily deform even at high temperatures, the case is resistant to deform from the heat generated by the phone. It is highly flexible, and easy to attach and remove.

4. Compatible with Wireless Chargers

Wireless charging (Qi charging) is possible with the case attached. *When using MagSafe, the magnetic force is weaker than when the case is not attached. Please note that the phone may not be fully charged depending on the position where it is placed.

5. Strap Holes on the Left and Right

The case comes with strap holes, which many people like to use for fall prevention, on the left and right. Having the holes on both sides gives you the freedom to choose and is also convenient when attaching a neck strap. Enjoy customizing your phone by combining straps of your favorite design.

ALPHA offers two colors: Tactical black and Recon green.

Product Page: https://amzn.to/2QZUjGy

Overview of TACTISM Launch Campaign

Sale period: APR 30, 2021 - May 31, 2021

20% off from MSRP + 5% off with coupon

Target products: iPhone 12 series case "Alpha"

How to use coupon: Check [Apply coupon] on the product page

Military-inspired lifestyle brand TACTISM

About the brand

Tactical thinking is necessary in our lives.

The brand name "Tactism" is created by combining the word "Tactical" with the suffix "-ism."

These days, we are constantly exposed to various risks such as natural disasters and pandemics.

To live and survive in such an increasingly complex and stressful world, it is imperative that we think ahead, make necessary preparations, and have superior tools.

The very mission of Tactism is to create and provide tools needed by preppers in the modern world  tools that are useful in our daily lives, whether in the city, at school, at the office, or sometimes, in outdoor occasions like camping sites, and of course, in case of emergency.

We also believe that such tools must offer not only convenience but also a sense of reassurance and enjoyment.

The era of just pursuing material abundance is over, and today, we are facing a host of resources and environmental issues to tackle.

Tactism strives to offer tactical products which enrich people's lives to the fullest, with minimal tools.

Naming Concept

In the military phonetic alphabet, "ALPHA" represents the letter "A."

As "ALPHA" also represents "the beginning" or "the first," we named the very first Tactism product "ALPHA."

We believe this will be a very exciting, first big step for Tactism in becoming the A to Z of our customers' lifestyle.

SOURCE Five Star Elements Inc.
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Chinese Public Accuses CCP of Turning on Tesla

Recently, Tesla in mainland China has become a hot topic in the news. Especially after a vehicle owner recently made a scene at a Shanghai Auto Show, the Chinese Communist Partys official media took the opportunity to suppress Tesla.

On April 19, the first day of the Shanghai Auto Show, a woman wearing a T-shirt with the Chinese characters for brake failure stood atop a Tesla car at the Tesla booth and shouted, Tesla(s) brakes failed!

The woman said that in February, her father was driving a Tesla Model 3 when the brakes failed, causing him to crash into two cars, nearly killing all four family members in the car. The woman claimed to be the owner of the car and had asked Tesla for a large compensation.

But the vehicles driving data later provided by Tesla showed the speed of the car before the accident had reached 118.5 km (about 74 mph) and that braking had greatly reduced the speed of the car, with no abnormal performance of the brakes. But the car owner insisted that they were only driving at 60-70 km (about 37-44 mph).

Tesla responded to the matter twice on the day through its official Weibo account saying they would not compromise on unreasonable demands.

On the afternoon of April 19, Grace Tao, vice president of Tesla China, said in an interview with Chinas state media Caijing magazine that they cant possibly agree to her demands because they are unreasonable. We said (the company is) willing to pay to have the vehicle tested, but she is not willing to cooperate and prefers to create a scene. Tao further added that she doesnt accept testing of the car and insists on a large compensation. We have no reason to (meet her demands).

Maybe she  I dont know, I think she is quite professional, there should be (someone) behind her, Tao also said.

CCP Media Response

The Communist regimes response was swift.

At 6:26 p.m. on April 19, CCP mouthpiece Xinhua News Agency published a commentary, saying, When such a thing happens, is it the car owner or the car company that is indecent?

The next day, Xinhua Daily Telegraph, a national newspaper run by Xinhua News Agency, published an opinion piece titled Teslas Executive Responding Arrogantly. Who Has Given Tesla the Confidence Not to Compromise.'

Credit: Getty Images

Whichever car company (it is), it must have reverence for the Chinese market, the article writes, If a certain company becomes so powerful that it is suspected of bullying its customers, the relevant authorities should strengthen their supervision.

Changan Jian (literal meaning Long Peace Sword), a propaganda outlet of the CCPs Political and Legal Affairs Committee, published an article on the same day, claiming: On day one when it entered China, Tesla should have understood that it must obey Chinese law and rules when doing business in China.

On April 20, Tesla issued a statement on its official microblog.

We apologize for not addressing the car owners problem in a timely manner, the statement said. Tesla is determined to cooperate actively with all relevant government departments in their investigations. In this regard, Tesla has set up a special team to cooperate with all relevant government departments in their investigations.

On April 22, the regimes main television network, CCTV, commented on this issue in one of its programs, saying, As the case now stands, it is not a matter which can be solved by Tesla saying a few kind words, nor can Tesla muddle through by swallowing its pride.

Global Times Editor-in-Chief Hu Xijin said on April 22 that the intent is not to force Tesla from China, according to a Reuters report. Our ultimate goal is to make foreign companies adapt to the Chinese market, seriously abide by Chinese laws and regulations, respect Chinese culture and consumers, and become a positive element in the Chinese economy, Hu said. Whether it is a lesson or help, it all points to the same goal.

Netizens Claim the Incident Had Official Support

After being bombarded by the CCPs official media on April 22, Tesla released the raw driving data from before the accident, showing that the driver was driving at a high speed before the accident and that Teslas automatic braking system had slowed the car down significantly. This data attracted much attention, with some saying that the CCP is behind the incident.

Netizen Shu Shu says: Her refusal to accept a third party inspection spells trouble. The police have been dispatched many times over several months and she has still not been arrested. She must have been sent by the National Security police. 

Netizen Gongming says, (The government) doesnt care at all about foreign investors. The technology has already been stolen, so (Chinese companies) can start promoting their own products. Who dares to make such a mess without official support?

Another netizen named Shanghai car fan bqvrep claimed that he used to work for a Chinese domestic new energy company and that the company had a special office called Da Te Ban, meaning literally in English Attacking Tesla Office.

According to the netizen, the job duties of Da Te Ban include: studying ways of poaching Teslas potential customers, paying the media to issue public relations articles that smear Tesla, buying a few Teslas and then dismantling them to find faults, reporting to the relevant authorities, paying lobbying fees, and holding regular meetings to activate various attack plans.

From a certain month last year, Teslas monthly production increased steadily, the netizen said. To cope with (Teslas growth), a project team called Program Delta was formed, with marketing, strategy, and PR departments, in conjunction with Da Te Ban.

Using Tesla to Develop Chinese Domestic Electric Car Brands

Since Tesla officially entered China in 2014, it has been trying to set up a factory in China to expand its production capacity, but it wasnt able to do so because of the CCPs restrictions on the proportion of foreign shares in a joint venture.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk (L) speaks as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang listens during a meeting at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing on January 9, 2019. (Mark Schiefelbein /AFP via Getty Images)

However, in April 2018, Beijing suddenly changed its attitude and promised to lift the restriction on the percentage of foreign shares in special purpose vehicles and new energy vehicles.

In July 2018, Tesla signed an agreement with Shanghai Lingang Free Trade Zone authorities to build a super factory as a sole proprietorship. Shanghai authorities significantly streamlined the process, with the entire approval process taking less than five months.

This was during the Trump administrations trade war with the CCP and Beijing was in deep water at the time. In January 2019, the CCPs Premier Li Keqiang told Tesla CEO Elon Musk that he hoped Tesla would become a driving force in the stable development of U.S.-China relations.

Teslas success in China has boosted Chinas electric vehicle industry. The sales of Weilai (NIO), XPeng Motors, and Li Auto Inc. have all hit record highs in 2020, and their share prices have also risen sharply.

Nio cars are seen during the 19th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in Shanghai on April 19, 2021. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)

Last November, SAIC Motor announced a partnership with Shanghai Pudong New District Government and Alibaba Group to make a high-end intelligent pure electric car brand.

In March this year, Dongfeng Automobiles high-end electric car brand Lantu FREE SUV began its pre-sale.

On March 30, Xiaomi Corporation announced officially that it would enter the intelligent electric car industry.

In April, Guangzhou Automobile Group announced that it was working with Huawei to develop L4-class driverless cars.

Real estate developer Evergrande has also started to raise capital to build cars since last year.

Back in 2014, Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited SAIC Motor, and said during his visit that the development of new energy vehicles is the only way for China to move from being a major automotive consumer to a strong automotive manufacturing country. He has since reemphasized that point on multiple occasions. Hence, the Chinese regime has invested heavily in subsidies for the electric vehicle industry and is suspected of stealing relevant technology.

Last February, Senior U.S. counter-intelligence official William Evanina told a conference held by Washingtons Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank that the theft of U.S. aircraft technology and electric vehicle technology were two of the main priorities of the CCP.

U.S.-based current affairs commentator Li Yanming told the Chinese edition of The Epoch Times, Teslas technology is key to the CCPs developing its own new energy vehicles. Now that the CCP thinks it no longer needs Tesla, it wants to kick it out. Its a typical CCP rogue practice to kick down the ladder, or as a similar Chinese saying goes, to tear down a bridge after one has crossed a river.
Federal agencies are investigating at least two possible incidents on US soil, including one near the White House in November of last year, that appear similar to mysterious, invisible attacks that have led to debilitating symptoms for dozens of US personnel abroad.

Multiple sources familiar with the matter tell CNN that while the Pentagon and other agencies probing the matter have reached no clear conclusions on what happened, the fact that such an attack might have taken place so close to the White House is particularly alarming.

Defense officials briefed lawmakers on the Senate and House Armed Services Committees on the matter earlier this month, including on the incident near the White House. That incident, which occurred near the Ellipse, the large oval lawn on the south side of the White House, sickened one National Security Council official, according to multiple current and former US officials and sources familiar with the matter.

In a separate 2019 episode, a White House official reported a similar attack while walking her dog in a Virginia suburb just outside Washington, GQ reported last year.

Those sickened reported similar symptoms to CIA and State Department personnel impacted overseas, and officials quickly began to investigate the incident as a possible "Havana syndrome" attack. That name refers to unexplained symptoms that US personnel in Cuba began experiencing in late 2016 -- a varying set of complaints that includes ear popping, vertigo, pounding headaches and nausea, sometimes accompanied by an unidentified "piercing directional noise."

Rumors have long swirled around Washington about similar incidents within the United States. While the recent episodes around Washington appear similar to the previous apparent attacks affecting diplomats, CIA officers and other US personnel serving in Cuba, Russia and China, investigators have not determined whether the puzzling incidents at home are connected to those that have occurred abroad or who may be behind them, sources tell CNN.

Defense officials who briefed lawmakers said it was possible Russia was behind the attacks, but they did not have enough information to say for sure. Another former US official involved in the investigation at the time said China was also among the suspects.

The US has struggled to understand these attacks since 2016 and 2017, when diplomatic and intelligence personnel in Cuba first began reporting alarming symptoms that seemed to appear out of the blue. Intelligence and defense officials have been reluctant to speak publicly about the strange incidents, and some who were impacted have complained publicly that the CIA did not take the matter seriously enough, at least initially.

The attacks eventually led to a dramatic drawdown of staff at the outpost in Havana under the Trump administration. Personnel in Russia and China reported similar, unexplained incidents. Though there's no consensus as to what causes the symptoms, one State Department-sponsored study found they likely were the result of microwave energy attacks.

A 'bureaucratic power play'

Another mystery surrounding "Havana syndrome" is how the US government is confronting the problem. Among those investigating the mysterious pattern of possible attacks are the CIA, the State Department and the Defense Department.

Near the end of the Trump administration, the Pentagon sought to take the lead out of perceived frustration that other agencies were not doing enough to address the issue.

"I knew CIA and Department of State were not taking this sh*t seriously and we wanted to shame them into it by establishing our task force," Chris Miller, who was acting defense secretary at the time, told CNN last week.

Pentagon leaders set up the task force to track reports of such symptoms hitting Defense Department personnel overseas, an effort that Miller said was intended in part as a "bureaucratic power play" to force CIA and State to take the problem more seriously in their own personnel.

Miller said he began to see reports of these mysterious symptoms as a higher priority in December, after interviewing an alleged victim with extensive combat experience.

"When this officer came in and I knew his background and he explained in an extraordinarily detailed but more military style that I could understand, I was like this is actually for real," Miller said. "This kid had been in combat a bunch and he knew."

The CIA began its task force in December 2020, and expanded its efforts under new Director William Burns, who vowed during his confirmation hearings to review the evidence on the alleged attacks on CIA personnel overseas, which have long been publicly reported. The State Department named a senior official to lead the department's response to the "Havana syndrome" attacks in March.

The Defense Department's effort is thought to be among the most robust, potentially explaining why a defense official, rather than the intelligence community or the FBI, briefed lawmakers on the incident at the Ellipse, even though it took place on US soil.

Miller tapped Griffin Decker, a career civil servant from US Special Operations Command, to run the effort. Decker would track and verify reports in the military of what by then had become known informally as "Havana syndrome." Miller says Griffin would report a new case to him "every couple of weeks," although he cautioned that they were on the lookout for false reporting, psychosomatic episodes or hypochondria. Some of the cases they tracked included the children and dependents of Defense Department personnel overseas, Miller said.

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines was asked about CNN's reporting by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday. Haines did not discuss the specifics but called the issue of the mysterious attacks "critically important" and added, "across the intelligence community, frankly, leaders are focused on this issue."

Haines also defended the classification of information related to the attacks but said members of Congress "should certainly have access to the classified information."

A White House spokesperson said in a statement, "The White House is working closely with departments and agencies to address unexplained health incidents and ensure the safety and security of Americans serving around the world. Given that we are still evaluating reported incidents and that we need to protect the privacy of individuals reporting incidents, we cannot provide or confirm specific details at this time."

Difficult to determine cause of symptoms

Decker and Jennifer Walsh, who was the acting under secretary of defense for policy, briefed House and Senate lawmakers over the last two weeks on the possible attacks, two sources familiar with the briefings told CNN. Politico first reported on the committee briefings.

In one incident that was investigated, Marines on a remote base in Syria developed flu-like symptoms shortly after a Russian helicopter flew over the base -- raising immediate concerns that it could be one of these strange attacks. But "it was quickly traced, where they had bad food and where no one else on the base had the same symptoms," said one former US official with knowledge of the incident. It was also determined by a defense physician that the symptoms had begun prior to the Russia patrol, a defense official told CNN.

The Syria episode highlights the difficulties that US officials face in trying to pin down what is and isn't an attack. The symptoms often vary, and officials still have no clear sense of how the unknown adversary is doing what it's doing. At least one former US official with knowledge of the matter said that investigators still haven't completely ruled out the possibility that the symptoms are caused by some kind of naturally occurring phenomenon rather than a weapon.

Another US defense official confirmed that the Pentagon's investigation is ongoing. The official would offer no details, but said, "We would not still be looking at this if we didn't have equities in it."

"There is nothing that the Secretary of Defense takes more seriously that the safety, health and welfare of our personnel serving around the globe in defense of our values and freedoms," Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said in a statement. "Any concerns on issues that call that into question are thoroughly reviewed, and the appropriate actions are taken to mitigate risks to our personnel."

A March report from the National Academy of Sciences found that "directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy" was the most likely cause of the strange set of symptoms. While the report was carefully written not to overstate its findings, it offered some of the clearest public evidence to date that the incidents could be attacks, attributing the afflictions to "pulsed" or "directed" energy.

Some personnel have been seriously injured from the alleged attacks, with at least one career CIA officer forced to retire last year and diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.

This story has been updated with comments from the White House and also the Director of National Intelligence.
If you could exist forever in one memory, what would it be? This question lingers over Mark Sonnenblick's metaphysical chamber musical, Midnight at the Never Get, the third offering in Signature Theatre's all-virtual mainstage season, which is now available to stream through Marquee TV. For crooner Trevor Copeland (Sam Bolen, who also co-conceived the show) that "little house" of memory is a cabaret stage where he endlessly recounts his relationship with composer Arthur Brightman (Christian Douglas). The fact that he opens with a torch song should give you an indication of where things are headed.

Trevor and Arthur meet in New York City circa 1963 and their instant chemistry leads to artistic collaboration and romance. Arthur writes love songs, and Trevor performs them at whatever stage will have them. But when Arthur one day insists that Trevor not change the pronouns in one of his songs  meaning that he is clearly a man singing about another man  their act becomes an underground sensation. They get booked to play the midnight slot in the back room of the Never Get, a dingy Greenwich Village gay bar. Ever mindful of police raids, they attempt a mainstream breakthrough without masking their identities as gay men. But when it seems as though success is coming to Arthur and not Trevor, we begin to suspect that this little bubble of memory is not so much Trevor's paradise, but purgatory.

Sam Bolen plays Trevor Copeland, and Christian Douglas plays Arthur Brightman in Mark Sonnenblick's Midnight at the Never Get.

( Christopher Mueller)

Sophisticated viewers might be tempted to label Midnight at the Never Get a "queer" musical, but it's actually a homosexual one  and there's a difference. Taking place in pre-Stonewall Greenwich Village (Sonnenblick includes nice shoutouts to Julius' and Cafe Wha) it exists outside the standard mythology of LGBT rights in America. So does Arthur, a character who is simultaneously ahead of his time and well past it: While he insists on performing openly as a gay man, he does so as a composer for the Great American Songbook at its twilight, looking upon the rock-and-roll revolution with disdain. He has no time for protest and insists that the only way to change minds is to make people want to listen to you. He is a purveyor of what contemporary activists might call "respectability politics," and this is just one source of conflict with Trevor. Sonnenblick's gay historical fiction is a bit like Ryan Murphy's Hollywood, but much smarter and with better music.

Sonnenblick is one of those rare musical triple threats (he wrote book, music, and lyrics) who actually pulls off all three. His mastery of the classic American tune is evident in the jaunty anti-"Swanee" "Wallace Falls," the smoldering jazz number "Dance With Me," and the cruising-as-meet-cute ditty "Why'dya Hafta Call It Love?" Sonnenblick has a particular talent for finding the perfect lyric, and I howled at several of them in "My Boy in Blue," a song about a gay man in love with his arresting officer. The music for Midnight at the Never Get is even better than I remember it being at its off-Broadway debut at the York Theatre in 2018. Don't be surprised if you find your leg involuntarily bouncing up and down.

Sam Bolen plays Trevor Copeland in Mark Sonnenblick's Midnight at the Never Get, filmed for Signature Theatre's 2021 season.

( Christopher Mueller)

It helps that Bolen sells every number like he's channeling Judy at Carnegie Hall. He's both a consummate showman and, as Trevor's demons emerge from the shadows, a heartbreaking actor. The timelessly handsome Douglas is irresistibly charismatic as Arthur, and we easily understand how Trevor falls under his spell. We also recognize that, as in every memory play, these versions of Arthur and the Never Get are based partly on the nostalgic delusions of the narrator.

Director Matthew Gardiner beautifully outfits this Never Get that never was with a shiny grand piano and handsome cabaret tables adorned with little lamps that look like they were swiped from the Cafe Carlyle. Frederick P. Deeben costumes the two actors in snazzy dinner jackets, and Adam Honore lights everything in ghostly dimness. Light itself becomes Trevor's chief antagonist, threatening the last call on this beautiful fantasy.

Christian Douglas and Sam Bolen perform in Midnight at the Never Get, directed by Matthew Gardiner, with lighting design by Adam Honore, for Signature Theatre.

( Christopher Mueller)

Since Midnight at the Never Get was filmed in the year of Covid, there is no audience seated at those cabaret tables. But honestly, this makes for a better immortalization of the story than any film in front of a live audience ever could be. It really is just Trevor alone with his memories of Arthur, accompanied by a barely visible band (Angie Benson provides the pitch-perfect music direction). When he finishes a number that should get a standing ovation, we hear only silence. Justin Chiet films the event beautifully, with multiple cameras and close-ups, resulting in an intimate recording of one of the best little musicals I've seen in the past few years.

While we may not be ready to pack into a nightclub just yet, Midnight at the Never Get brings a vintage cabaret experience into your home, along with a play that will have you questioning the reliability of memory and the validity of "the one" when it comes to true love. I could watch it again and again.
The Devonshire city of Plymouth has not see any deaths due to coronavirus in 57 days. (Getty Images)

About 22 million people in Britain are living in zero-COVID areas, according to the latest figures.

Data reveals that the latest lockdown, together with the vaccination rollout, have successfully reduced cases and, as a result, deaths.

The areas, which include much of the Scottish Highlands a large chunk of western England, and most of Devon, did not report any deaths due to coronavirus in April, according to BBC News analysis.

And Plymouth in Devon, home to more than a quarter-of-a-million people, has not reported a COVID death in the last 57 days. Oxford, and Maidstone in Kent, have gone 60 days without a COVID-related death.

The number of COVID cases in the UK has been dropping steadily in recent weeks and has fallen below 3,000 a day overall.

However, the 19 worst-hit councils accounted for more than a third of the deaths occurring in April.

The areas with the highest death rates include Mid and East Antrim, and Antrim and Newtownabbey, both in Northern Ireland, as well as Sedgemoor in Somerset and Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Bradford in Yorkshire saw a surge of COVID-19 cases in February fuelled by the new variant, which has led to more deaths in recent months (Getty Images)

Scientists advising the government believe that the focus in the coming months will turn to identifying and containing local and regional outbreaks.

Areas that are reporting more deaths reported more cases during February and March, thought to be fuelled by more transmissible variants of the virus.

Professor Christina Pagel, a member of the unofficial coronavirus advisory body Independent SAGE and director of the Clinical Operational Research Unit at University College London, has warned that the highly transmissible Indian variant could threaten the UK's recovery from the pandemic if border controls are not tightened.

Writing on Twitter she said: "What we are seeing in the UK could just reflect the situation in India as people travelled here (likely), or reflect similar variant behaviour in the community here.

Watch: Private firms accused of 'monestising coronavirus' as travellers report failure to provide testng kits

Story continues

"Border measures in UK are pretty woeful - see evidence given to the parliamentary all party group last week from UK border control... Negative tests on departure cannot be verified, no data on adherence to quarantine, very few checks.

"Last week, 47 plane passengers from Delhi to Hong Kong tested positive for covid - 22 of whom only tested positive right at end of isolation period (presumably infected on journey). Are we so sure we would spot these using our system?"

Prof Pagel urged the government to tighten border controls, and step up testing and tracing in the UK in order to identify anyone carrying the Indian variant.

So far two new variants linked to the one first found in India have been identified in England.

Public Health England (PHE) said the two variants share the same lineage  a distinct fingerprint of genetic mutations  as the Indian variant known as B.1.617.

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The two variants are designated as variants under investigation (VUI)  the same as B.1.617  rather than variants of concern (VOC), such as those first identified in Kent, Manaus (Brazil) and South Africa.

PHE said it has identified 202 cases of one of the variants and five cases of the other that are geographically dispersed in England.

It said there is no evidence that these variants cause more severe disease or make the current vaccines any less effective.

But other scientists said it was worrying that the UKs detected cases appear to be increasing rapidly despite England still being under social-distancing restrictions.

India was placed on Englands travel red list from 23 April, restricting arrivals to citizens and residents who must quarantine in a hotel.

The country has been plunged into a healthcare crisis due to a surge in cases that may in part be due to the variant.

India is facing a healthcare crisis as the new coronavirus variant spreads, with people struggling to get hospital beds, ventilators, oxygen cylinders, injections and medicines. (Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

An extra 61 confirmed cases of B1617 were recorded in the UK in the week up to 28 April, bringing the total to 193 cases, PHE data shows.

PHE said it has been monitoring the variants since March and has increased lab testing to better understand the impact of the mutations on the behaviour of the virus.

There are a total of 226,635 cases of the Kent variant, known as B.1.1.7, in the UK, PHE figures show.

There are four variants of concern and nine variants under investigation which have been identified in the UK.

Read more: What you can and can't do under current lockdown rules

At a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday, health secretary Matt Hancock said concern around the impact new variants could have on the UK vaccine programme was behind the policy decisions on tight border controls.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, said it was difficult to assess how new coronavirus variants would impact vaccines being rolled out in the UK but he hoped the inoculations would continue to protect against severe illness.

Prime minister Boris Johnson said the government continues to work closely with its Indian counterparts to determine what further help they may need, as a devastating surge of new infections continues to tear through the country.

Watch: What is long COVID?
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.
Laura Mvula has curated two newly created, hot-off-the-press music mood remix videos of her latest single 'Church Girl' for Nest Sessions, available from 30th April just in time for the May Bank holiday.A LONDON, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most exciting musical talents to come out of the UK, Laura Mvula is back in the spotlight after five-year hiatus, with the upcoming release of her hotly-tipped new album Pink Noise. In a special collaboration with Nest Sessions, the Ivor Novello and MOBO award-winning artist has enlisted the help of Disco connoisseur Dimitri From Paris to create the Church Girl - Dance RemixA and UK producer, DJ and Ninja Tune mainstay Romare to create the Church Girl - Chilled Remix, to help people at home set the mood with music this May Bank Holiday. A Speaking about the collaboration, Laura Mvula said: "When I was writing my new album I knew I wanted to create something that made me want to dance, so curating the Dance remix for Nest Sessions felt like a very natural extension of that. Dimitri From Paris brought a strong, energetic party feel to Church Girl - disco music always puts me in the best mood! The laidback beats of the Chilled remix by Romare take me to that place where I can completely let go and relax, I hope it helps you to unwind as well. Each of these new remixes bring a completely different energy to Church Girl, so no matter how you're feeling there's a flavour for you." The mood-inspired music experience from Google, Nest Sessions is here to help people shift gears throughout their day and make everyday moments at home more enjoyable. Since launching last year, Google's popular mood music series Nest Sessions has provided a platform for leading artists, including Celeste, Jessie Ware, Mabel, Olly Alexander, Tove Lo and Laura Mvula, to deliver exclusive performances and inspire people at home to set the mood with music as they transition throughout the weekend.A Nest Sessions with Laura Mvula is available on YouTubeA and on any Google Assistant-enabled smart speaker or display, but these remixes are truly made to be watched on the Nest Hub (2nd gen) with its enhanced speaker. The new Nest Hub is a helpful, affordable 7-inch smart display that can set the mood from any room and has everything you need to stay entertained and control your home in one place. Available from the Google Store, priced at A89.99. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cHh2EAupZ0
Fatima Sana Shaikh Calls Working With Anil Kapoor A Liberating Experience; Says He Is Like A Child

2020 was extremely kind to the beautiful Fatima Sana Shaikh, who shined on-screen as two very different characters in her films Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari and Ludo. Well, she is now busy soaring high on the success of her latest release, Ajeeb Daastaans. Fatima won our hearts once again while proving that she is incredibly capable of playing characters with grey shades. The actress is now gearing up for her next Netflix original co-starring superstar Anil Kapoor and his actor son Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh (@fatimasanashaikh)

The team is currently in Rajasthan shooting and Fatima is having a great time. In a chat with Spotboye she spoke about working with the veteran superstar and shared, It took some time to get into the rhythm, as Anil sir had joined the shooting a little later. I wanted to do certain things, but I wasnt sure whether I should voice it or not, and then he says, Beta do whatever you want, just dont be scared. The actress continued to add, When you have somebody who is pushing you and making you feel so comfortable that you can question him or the director then you feel liberated. I think that is the amazing qualities all these senior actors have and I would like to be that for newer actors because I am welcomed.

Talking about Anil Kapoors personality and nature, Fatima shared that he is like a child. She explained that he is extremely enthusiastic, funny, hard-working and punctual. The actress added that he is always doing his lines, working on his character and concluded by calling him an amazing and lovely person. Well, we cant wait to see the magic they create together on-screen!
San Francisco is expected to reach the yellow tier on Tuesday, allowing bars that dont serve meals to open indoors for the first time since last Marchs shelter-in-place orders. City officials plan to institute the changes on Friday, May 7.

Bars will be able to open indoors at 25% capacity with with a maximum of 100 people  though customers must be seated at tables and not walk around with drinks in hand. Restaurants will have to stay at 50%, but the current orange tiers 200-person maximum goes away. The capacity limits dont change for wineries and breweries, which can continue operating indoors at 25%.

The city will also loosen some rules for outdoor dining at restaurants, bars and other venues: Diners will no longer have to wear masks once theyre seated at their table, though theyll need to put their mask back on if they need to go into the building to order or use the bathroom. The city still recommends unvaccinated people wear masks when theyre not eating or drinking outside though, said acting health officer Dr. Susan Philip.

At indoor restaurants, tables will be able to seat eight people, and the rule of no more than three households per table will go away.

Restaurants can also bring back some self-serve features, such as sushi boats and frozen yogurt machines, as long as there is a metering system that creates distance between customers.

Californias guidelines also state that indoor capacity in both cases can increase if all customers and employees can show proof of a negative COVID test or full vaccination. For bars, itd go up to 37.5%; for restaurants, up to 75%. But San Francisco officials said theyre not ready to go there  yet.

I realize its a vital interest to increase that capacity and have more patrons, Philip said. Were not going to make that change initially in yellow tier but well be looking at that.

Some restaurant owners arent sure if going up to 75% would make much of a difference right now anyway. At his Mission District restaurant Sons Addition, Nick Cobarruvias said most diners still prefer eating outside  and the logistics of the practice brought up a lot of questions. For example, what would training a host on checking vaccine paperwork even look like?

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Are they standardized? Is it like an ID? Are we going to get fined if someone has a fake one? Who is checking this stuff?, he said. I wish it was a bit easier to get straight answers.

Philip said the city is winning the race of vaccines against variants  for now. Among people 16 and over in San Francisco, 70% have had at least one dose of a vaccine. But she warned that residents still need to be careful, pointing to Oregon  where officials are contemplating shutdowns again because of a surge in cases  as an example of what could still happen here.

Reopening will still be slow, she said. We do not want to have to roll backwards again.

Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker
Married At First Sight's Alana Lister wasn't shy about expressing her sexuality on the Channel Nine series.

And the former school teacher is just as confident on social media.

On Friday, the 30-year-old gave her followers an eyeful of underboob by posting a provocative photo of herself in a revealing top.

Busting out! Married At First Sight's Alana Lister gave her followers an eyeful of underboob by posting a provocative photo of herself in a revealing top

'Happy Friday, friendly reminder to be kind to yourself!' she captioned the image.

The budding reality star recently admitted that her cleavage was the result of a boob job.

During an Instagram Q&A, the school teacher said that her ample assets were surgically enhanced.

'My boobs are not natural. That question gets asked a lot,' she said.

The Brisbane native also revealed that she has no immediate plans to join monthly subscription website OnlyFans.

Fake it till you make it! The budding reality star recently admitted that her cleavage was the result of a boob job

'Personally right now, I wouldn't really consider it, but I'm definitely supportive of the women who do it. I think it is empowering for women,' she said.

It comes after Alana hit back at her haters on Sunday, calling out 'keyboard Karens' who were criticising her for wearing racy outfits.

'Just jumping in here really quickly to say thanks to all my queens for your love. I so appreciate it,' she said in an Instagram video.

She continued: 'Just to respond to some of the real Karen-like comments that I've seen on some of my videos and photos in regards to what I'm wearing or what I'm not wearing and what a man's going to think of me because of that...'

Conservative: The Brisbane native also revealed that she has no immediate plans to join monthly subscription website OnlyFans

'Firstly, that's a man's problem,' she snapped. 'And secondly, thank you for your concern, but I'm doing just fine.'

'I wish I had the time to educate you on world history and discrimination and sexism and politics and morals and ethics and socialisation,' she added.

'I feel like if I did, you would maybe understand that the reasons that you think the things you think are because you are just simply a product of a hugely corrupt, archaic system that forces women to hate women and shame them just because of their sexuality.'

Alana went on to say the shaming comments were 'outdated', 'oppressive' and don't have a place in society in 2021.
NEW YORK, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WHP Global has entered into a licensing agreement with Bespoke Fashion, LLC to design, develop and distribute a new collection of socks for the Joseph Abboud brand. The new offering of men's casual and dress socks is slated to launch Fall 2021 and will be available at retail throughout the United States and Canada.

Joseph Abboud Launches Sock Collection

WHP Global Chief Commercial Officer Stanley Silverstein stated, "We are pleased to partner with Bespoke Fashion to bring a key new category to customers who are looking to experience the quality, comfort and discerning style for which the Joseph Abboud brand is known. The new sock collection is one of several initiatives we have planned for Joseph Abboud as we look to expand this powerful brand into a broader range of lifestyle categories for our global customers."

"We are thrilled to partner with WHP Global and add the Joseph Abboud brand to our growing men's hosiery division," said Danielle Mandelbaum, Bespoke Fashion CEO. "Combining the rich heritage of Joseph Abboud with our passion for product, innovation and sales driven results we are looking forward to building this business together."

In addition to the new sock collection, the Joseph Abboud brand offers a modern take on heritage ready-to-wear and customized menswear across a variety of categories. The iconic American men's fashion brand was founded in 1987 and features timeless designs to fit every man. Together Joseph Abboud, JOE Joseph Abboud and Bespoke Joseph Abboud generate over $700 million in global retail sales with product distributed by best-in-class partners including Tailored Brands, Marchon Eyewear, and E-Gluck Watches in the U.S. and Onward Kashiyama in Japan.

For more information on Joseph Abboud, please visit www.josephabboud.com or follow @JosephAbboud on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

About WHP Global

WHP Global is a New York-based firm that acquires global consumer brands and invests in high-growth distribution channels including digital commerce platforms and global expansion. WHP owns ANNE KLEIN, JOSEPH ABBOUD and a controlling interest in TOYS"R"US, BABIES"R"US, Geoffrey the Giraffe and more than 20 additional consumer brands in the toy and baby categories. WHP manages over $3 billion in retail sales across its portfolio of brands. In 2020, the company launched WHP+ (www.whp-plus.com), a turnkey direct to consumer digital e-commerce platform for brands, with full in-house operations including technology, data analytics, logistics, creative and digital marketing. For more information, visit www.whp-global.com.

About Bespoke Fashion, LLC

Founded in 2012, Bespoke Fashion has grown over the last decade to become one of the menswear industry's leading accessories companies. Headquartered in NYC, this "Design House" develops and wholesales Men's neckwear, hosiery, underwear, and masks to major retailers worldwide. From global brands to private brand product, Bespoke Fashion prides itself on always being customer focused and product driven.

Media Contact:

WHP Global:

Jaime Cassavechia

212-518-4771

[email protected]

SOURCE WHP Global

Related Links

http://www.whp-global.com


[April 30, 2021] Global Franchise Magazine Names FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "Best Communications & Signage Franchise" in Global Franchise Awards 2021

CARROLLTON, Texas, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Propelled Brands announced today that FASTSIGNS International, Inc. , franchisor of FASTSIGNS, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, has been named the Best Communications & Signage Franchise in Global Franchise magazine's Global Franchise Awards 2021. This is the third consecutive year that FASTSIGNS has received this recognition. "We are thrilled to once again receive this prestigious honor from Global Franchise Magazine. The last 12 months have been challenging, and I am incredibly proud of how our support center team and network of franchisees united to ensure that the FASTSIGNS brand would emerge stronger than ever," said Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands, a newly formed corporate umbrella set to focus on operating and growing service-oriented franchises. "At FASTSIGNS, we continue to seek ways to increase our franchisees' profitability, create new products and services, excel in customer service, be the world-class leader in franchise support, and be the best example of excellence in our industry and across the franchising community. Being recognized as one of the most credible rands in franchising is a testament to the durability and strength of our franchise opportunity."



FASTSIGNS reported exceptional results in 2020, including the signing of over 31 franchise agreements in the U.S and Canada to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers and the opening of more than 30 locations, including its first center in the Dominican Republic. Much of FASTSIGNS' success in 2020 can be credited to centers being deemed essential businesses, allowing franchisees to pivot their services to focus on serving their customers. In 2021, FASTSIGNS is looking to sign at least 35 franchise agreements, targeting Southern California, the Midwest, New England, and along the Northeast Corridor. FASTSIGNS is particularly focused on its co-brand and conversion programs, which help existing business owners add a FASTSIGNS to their store or fully convert their business to a FASTSIGNS franchise. FASTSIGNS has helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, and more, diversify their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for signs, graphics, and visual communication solutions. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In addition to the brand's online FASTSIGNS University, FASTSIGNS partners with 1HUDDLE, a workforce-training platform that converts unique training content into science-backed, quick-burst training games that are proven to accelerate workforce productivity. FASTSIGNS offers a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee  a savings of $24,875. For more information about Propelled Brands, visit propelledbrands.com. To learn about franchise opportunities with FASTSIGNS, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679). About Propelled Brands Propelled Brands is the corporate umbrella of FASTSIGNS, SIGNWAVE and NerdsToGo. Focused on service-oriented franchises, the Propelled Brands team assists each brand in its portfolio to confidently navigate forward based on their unique position, momentum and purpose. Propelled Brands advances the strategic path for each brand, offering support, guidance and a clear vision to fully equip every franchisee, helping them maximize success. Propelled Brands is looking to partner with other service-oriented franchise concepts that align with its forward-thinking growth objectives. Contact:

Nate Rubinstein

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

nrubinstein@fish-consulting.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-franchise-magazine-names-fastsigns-international-inc-best-communications--signage-franchise-in-global-franchise-awards-2021-301281151.html SOURCE Propelled Brands

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Syracuse, N.Y. -- A woman who was pulled from a burning house on Garfield Avenue on Wednesday has died, according to the Syracuse Fire Department.

The woman has not yet been identified.

Firefighters rushed to 521 Garfield Avenue at 4:41 p.m. Wednesday to find heavy smoke and fire in the attic of the 2  story, wood-frame home, according to a Syracuse Fire Department news release.

They entered the home and encountered tremendous heat and zero visibility while searching for the woman, who was trapped, officials said. After a few minutes, they found the woman, they said. She was unconscious when they found her, according to officials.

Three firefighters were hurt while battling the blaze, officials said. All three were transported to hospitals with minor injuries.

It took crews nearly 30 minutes to extinguish the fire, officials said.

National Grid and the Syracuse Police Department also responded to the scene. The American Red Cross will be assisting displaced residents with shelter and other needs.

Members of the Fire Investigation Bureau are currently working to determine the origin and cause.

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.
This video by Project Veritass James OKeefe is entertaining. OKeefe is not a lawyer, but what he says about the progress of Veritass defamation lawsuit against the New York Times is basically accurate. The case arises out of Veritass exposure of voter fraud in Minnesota, which the Times labeled, falsely, as deceptive and probably part of a coordinated disinformation campaign. Project Veritas alleges that these and other statements by the Times were false. The Times moved to dismiss Veritass complaint. That motion was denied by a judge who seems sympathetic to Veritass point of view, and the Times has now been required to answer the allegations of the complaint.

The newspapers principal defense is that the allegedly defamatory statements were expressions of opinion, like, say, Blue is my favorite color, and therefore immune from defamation liability. The funniest thing about this, as OKeefe points out in the video, is that the Timess denunciation of Veritass expose led to fact checks decreeing Veritass statements false by liberal sources like USA Today.

So when the Times says you are deceptive and probably part of a coordinated disinformation campaign, which is it? Fact or opinion? On the bright side, it is nice to see the Times not only admitting, but affirmatively alleging, that its news pages consists largely of statements of its reporters left-wing opinions.

Here is the video:

Defamation law has been moribund for several decades, as Supreme Court decisions have made it virtually impossible for any public figure to sue successfully, no matter how outrageous the newspaper lies may be. This could be changing. Sarah Palins case against the TimesAmericas #1 purveyor of fake newswas dismissed, even though she was obviously right. But now it has been reinstated by the Court of Appeals. Veritass current lawsuit is another instance. Maybe Americans, and American courts, have had enough of the license to lie that the Supreme Court has granted to left-wing newsor are they opinion?outlets. Lets hope so.
In this image from Senate Television video, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) delivers the Republican response to President Joe Bidens speech to a joint session of Congress in Washington, on April 28, 2021. (Senate Television via AP)

Biden Versus Scott

Commentary

The contrast between President Bidens first address to Congress last Wednesday night and the Republican response delivered by Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) reminded me of another occasion between one long-winded and another profound speaker.

It was 1863 and the nationally known orator Edward Everett was the featured speaker in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to commemorate the soldiers who had died during that terrible battle.

Everetts speech was 1,607 words and lasted two hours. He was followed by President Abraham Lincoln, whose far more famous address, once memorized by schoolchildren as The Gettysburg Address, was 275 words and took a mere two minutes.

Everett later wrote Lincoln, praising his brief remarks for their eloquent simplicity and appropriateness.  I should be glad, if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion, in two hours, as you did in two minutes.

Biden wasnt Everett and Scott was no Lincoln, but Scott in his brevity, along with his kind and optimistic spirit, delivered the superior speech.

Biden droned on about expanding the nanny state and offering to take care of everyone except those evil rich people who he claimed, as Democrats always do, are not paying their fair share. Neither he, nor any other Democrat, says what they mean by fair. There was no suggestion that any government program should be eliminated, or spending reduced.

President Joe Biden, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington on April 28, 2021. (Melina Mara/Pool/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

Not everyone can be critical of another person without making it sound demeaning. Scott criticized Bidens spending and other proposals without personal attacks (Are you listening Donald Trump?).

He rightly claimed the president had failed to unify the country, as he has repeatedly promised to do. By unity, it appears Biden means everyone has to agree with him.

In the battle of personal stories, Scott had the edge. Biden has been in political office for more than four decades. The question can be fairly asked why he hasnt done more to solve the problems he claims exist?

Scott spoke openly about his Christian faith and even quoted a passage from the Old Testament. Biden and Democrats seem to think of government as a God-substitute.

Scott lamented a closed country and closed schools. He said millions of kids have lost a year of learning when they could not afford to lose a day. Locking vulnerable kids out of the classroom is locking adults out of their future. He noted private and religious schools are mostly open and proposed school choice, as a solution.

Most profoundly Scott, who is African American, denied America is a racist country. Are there individuals who are racist? Of course, but that doesnt make the nation racist any more than having criminals among us makes us a criminal nation.

Scott dismantled the presidents infrastructure proposal, noting only 6 percent of the spending goes to roads, bridges, airports, and other traditional projects. Many Democrats now claim infrastructure includes childcare and other items on the liberal wish list.

On the porous southern border, which the Biden-Harris administration has addressed only in platitudes, Scott delivered a good one-liner: Weakening our southern border and creating a crisis is not compassionate.

Even more than Scotts dissection of the presidents address was his demeanor. It was positive and upbeat. He didnt see a glass half full, but one overflowing with possibilities, if we pour in the right policies.

Scott is a natural speaker in contrast to Bidens often forced and condescending rhetoric. Scott believes in putting people, not government first. While he dazzled many in his address to the virtual Republican National Convention last summer, his response to the presidents speech has likely vaulted him to the top tier of national leadership. The African American community should especially take notice and follow his lead.

To quote Lincoln from his Second Inaugural Address: Fondly do we ask; fervently do we pray.

John Calvin Thomas has been a syndicated columnist, author, and radio commentator for more than 35 years. His latest book is Americas Expiration Date: The Fall of Empires and Superpowers and the Future of the United States.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vt., and its sister store in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., have been sold to Clark and Lu French of Manchester, Vt.

The original store in Manchester was opened 45 years ago by Barbara and Ed Morrow, who passed along ownership to their son Chris. The store was named PW Bookstore of the Year in 2006, and has also been named Best in New England by Yankee Magazine, and both stores have received the WNBA Pannell Award for Excellence in Childrens Bookselling. The flagship store is spread across more than 10,000 sq. feet and covers three floors. The Saratoga Springs store was opened in 2013, and covers 9,000 sq. feet and two floors. Each location offers some 30,000 titles and prior to the pandemic, the two stores hosted some 300 events a year.

In a letter to customers announcing the change, Chris Morrow wrote, "My parents started the original store in September of 1976. We lived in a dark apartment underneath the bookstore. I was 9. While the ladder leading to the trap door in the floor of the service desk area was very cool, I was not coaxed into bookselling full time until 1998. It was just for a couple of years to help my parents with an expansion And here we are 23 years later.

"Perhaps it is fitting that I am at a loss for words, given how many words we have shepherded from soul to soul over the decades. What is bookselling without paradox, irony, humor, hope and fear, and a whole lotta hard work? The books that have lived in the stores are so varied and numerous, like a beach with each grain of sand a different color. But, as I sit here letting memories flow over me, it is the people I am most grateful for - the amazing colleagues who have worked at the bookstores, the inspirational authors who have convened with us in Manchester and Saratoga, the kindred souls at other bookstores and at publishing houses, and the generations of guests who have made all this possible for us. What a beautiful adventure! I am grateful to all of you - thank you!"

About a 90 minute drive from Manchester Center, in the town of Norwich, Vt., the Norwich Bookstore will have new owners this June, when Sam Kaas and Emma Nichols take over from co-founders Liza Bernard and Penny McConnel, who opened the store in 1994.

Both of the new owners are long-time booksellers. Kass started his career at Village Books in Bellingham, Wash., and is currently author events manager at Seattles Third Place Books. Nichols worked for WORD, in Jersey City, N.J., before moving to Seattle, where she has been a manager and buyer at the Elliott Bay Book Company. Kaas is currently a member of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Associations Board of Directors. Nichols serves on Bincs finance committee, and is the co-host of the Drunk Booksellers podcast.

Oren Teicher, former CEO of the American Booksellers Association, is an investment partner and will advise the new owners.

When Emma and I first visited the Upper Valley, it immediately felt like home, Kaas said. Its a rare place that would have that effect, but the bookstore and the community that supports it are something special. Were both thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to be stewards of the Norwich Bookstore for many years to come.
President Joe Biden marked his 100th day in office at a celebratory pandemic-induced car rally outside Atlanta to promote his $4 trillion spending proposals designed to redistribute the nation's wealth and lift millions of Americans out of poverty.

More than 300 cars gathered at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth with mask-clad attendees honking horns. A huge American flag was held up by a pair of construction vehicles at the back of the parking lot. Signs read 100 Days and Getting Back on Track.

Its only been 100 days but I tell you, Ive never been more optimistic about the future in America, Biden told the crowd. America is on the move again. Were choosing hope over fear, truth over lies, light over darkness. Were working. Were working again. Were dreaming again. Were discovering again. And were leading the world again.

Biden spent the bulk of his brief remarks touting his spending plans that would offer universal prekindergarten, free community college, 12 weeks of paid family leave and millions of good paying jobs.

In the 21st century, infrastructure isn't just steel and concrete. It's people, said Biden, who removed his mask to speak. Its a once-in-a-generation investment in America.

Republicans have been resistant to the two proposals: the American Jobs Plan, a sweeping $2.3 trillion package designed to fix the nations crumbling roads and bridges, create jobs and tackle climate change; and the American Families Plan, a $1.8 trillion plan to fund Democratic priorities, including billions of dollars on child care, prekindergarten, paid family leave and tuition-free community college. He would pay for the packages by increasing taxes on wealthy Americans and corporations.

The middle class and working people of this country are already paying enough in taxes, he said. Its time for the richest 1 percent of Americans and corporate America to start to do their part.

Republicans have resisted both of Bidens big spending plans, expressing concerns about the price tags, the proposed tax hikes on wealthy Americans and corporations, and the generational, historic expansion of the social safety net.

Story continues

Some Democrats have hinted they would like to proceed with what they can pass without Republican support but the White House says it is trying to work with Republicans. Biden aides say the president hopes to make progress on both spending bills by Memorial Day and sign them into law this summer. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has suggested the House could vote on at least one by July 4.

Biden flew to Georgia following his first speech to Congress on Wednesday, just one day shy of his 100th day in office, which was focused on getting Americans vaccine shots.

It was his second visit to Georgia, the state that gave Democrats the narrowest of majorities in the Senate. Just six weeks ago, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan that sent $1,400 checks to Americans, increased enhanced unemployment benefits and pumped billions of dollars into vaccine distribution and reopening schools. It passed without Republican support.

We owe a special thanks to the people of Georgia. Because of you, the rest of America was able to get help, Biden said. If you ever wonder if elections make a difference, just remember what you did here in Georgia.  You changed America."

Bidens first visit to promote the coronavirus recovery bill was hastily altered after a series of shootings at Atlanta-area spas that killed eight people, including six Asian women. Thursdays visit comes after the passage of the states contentious voting law, which Biden has dubbed the Jim Crow in the 21st century and a blatant attack on the Constitution.

At the car rally, Biden gave a shoutout to Stacey Abrams, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate, who he said "could be anything she wants to be from whatever she chooses to president." He also touched on a variety of issues, including climate change, police reform and voting rights.

Near the beginning of his remarks, Biden was interrupted by a group of protesters shouting Abolish ICE and End Detention Now. One shouted, We voted for you, too. Our families are dying, another said.

I agree with you, Im working on it, man, give me another five days, Biden responded. Folks, you all know what theyre talking about. There should be no private prisons period. Private detention centers. They should not exist. And were working to close all of them.

In a later press gaggle, Biden said the protests stopped "when they found out I agreed with them," adding he was "teasing" about the five days remark.

Biden was joined on stage by first lady Jill Biden, who introduced her husband. "In some ways it's hard to believe that it's only been 100 days, she said. Back in D.C. we're still getting to know our new home, figuring out where the light switches are.

Before the rally, the Bidens met with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, at their home in Plains, Ga.

Carter, 96, did not travel to Washington for Bidens inauguration in January because of the pandemic, though the two spoke by phone the night before.

Joe Biden was the first U.S. senator to endorse then former Governor Carter when he ran for president, Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One. So they have a longstanding relationship that goes a few decades.

In the later gaggle, Biden said Carter's health "has gotten better" and they "sat and talked about the old days.

Benjamin Din contributed to this report.
AstraZeneca has said it earned almost 200million in revenues from its coronavirus vaccine at the start of the year as it revealed another robust set of financial results.

Demand for oncology drugs, diabetes treatments, and new medicines helped overall sales at the firm climb 15 per cent year-on-year to $7.32billion (5.26billion) from January to March.

Solid revenue growth across all markets enabled the group to beat forecasts, with sales jumping 28 per cent in Europe, where the overwhelming majority of its Covid-19 vaccines were distributed.

Jab worries: AstraZeneca's troubles with European governments suspending the Covid-19 vaccine have appeared to have little negative impact on its bottom line

And even though it is not profiting from the vaccine because it is being sold to countries at cost, the blue-chip firm managed to more than double quarterly profits to $1.56billion.

The drugmaker's troubles with European governments like France and Germany suspending the rollout of its Covid vaccine over concerns about blood clots has also appeared to have had little negative impact on its trade.

Its oncology medicine sales grew by a fifth to above $3billion (2.2billion) thanks to high demand for lung cancer treatments Tagrisso and Imfinzi, and for Calquence, a new medicine for combating non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Chief executive Pascal Soriot said the group's performance 'ensured another quarter of strong revenue and earnings progression, continued profitability, and cash-flow generation, despite the pandemic's ongoing negative impact on the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions.'

In its biopharmaceutical division, there was a 54 per cent increase in sales of Farxiga, a diabetes drug that can additionally treat adults for heart failure, partly as a result of approval by regulators in the United States.

However, a large proportion of the division's best-selling medicines were affected by the global pandemic due to stocking or the reduction in hospital treatments.

Pandemic boom: AstraZeneca boss Pascal Soriot said he expects the firm's performance to improve in the second half of the year and the impact of Covid-19 to subside

Asthmatic drugs Symbicort and Pulmicort both saw revenues decline 13 per cent to $691million and $330million, respectively, thereby driving total sales from respiratory and immunology products slightly lower.

This was despite a large boost from asthmatic medicine Fasenra, which grew 30 per cent to $156million in the US, and whose launches across various European countries caused sales to soar across the continent by 37 per cent.

The business also said sales of its blood thinner drug Brilinta fell 8 per cent as the pandemic cut the number of heart attack admissions to hospitals, as did lower demand for the drug in China.

Regardless, it held its full-year guidance, and Soriot said that he expects the firm's performance to improve in the second half of 2021 and the impact of Covid-19 to subside.

Expansion: AstraZeneca's acquisition of Alexion will be the largest purchase ever and bring the blood disease drug Soliris and immune system medicine Ultomiris into its portfolio

Soriot went on to state that the company's expansion would be 'further complemented' by the 28billion purchase of Massachusetts-based rare diseases specialist Alexion, which is set to be finalised in the third quarter of the year.

The acquisition of Alexion will be the largest purchase in AstraZeneca's history and bring the blood disease drug Soliris and immune system medicine Ultomiris into its extensive portfolio.

Nicholas Hyett, an equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, warned that the Alexion acquisition would worsen the company's overall debts. However, he believes the firm is 'in a good place.'

He added: 'A robust-looking pipeline gives it options in the future, and Alexion will be an extra shot in the arm on that front.

'Meanwhile, the distribution network looks in good health, giving it options when drugs mature that many other pharmaceutical giants lack.

'The newly acquired expertise in vaccines is no bad thing either in a world which will be far more aware of viruses going forwards.

'If the group can nudge up its free cash flow as pandemic headwinds subside, it will be in a sweet spot few pharmaceutical groups enjoy.'

Shares in AstraZeneca ended trading 4.3 per cent higher at 77.15 on Friday.
John Chambers, a top American corporate leader and former Cisco CEO, has announced a donation of $1 million towards a target of sending one lakh oxygen units to India.

Chambers is the chairman of the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF), a US-based India-centric business advocacy group.

This is the highest individual donation pledged by any corporate leader so far towards COVID-19 relief efforts in India.

"I'm personally giving $1M to our goal of shipping 100K oxygen units to India," Chambers said in a tweet.

He also urged others to donate generously.

Also read: From Tim Cook to Sundar Pichai: CEOs offer help to COVID-hit India
The new global campaign, " In Our Nature ," embodies the island's rejuvenating and transformative natural experiences including geothermal rainforest spas, farm- and sea-to-table cuisine, and one-of-a-kind adventures on land and underwater. The country of Dominica, located in the Caribbean, is renowned for its natural beauty, friendly people, unique experiences and laid-back vibe.

"Through the In Our Nature campaign, we hope to increase awareness of the destination internationally, invite tourists to immerse themselves in our unique experiences, and inspire and stimulate travellers to visit Dominica," says the Honorable Denise Charles, Dominica's Minister for Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives.

Colin Piper, Director of Tourism, adds that the integrated marketing campaign is being carried out across multiple digital platforms and geo-targeted within source markets in North America and Europe. Visitors to the campaign website can get detailed information about the many bucket list opportunities available during their stay.

Dominica's COVID cases have been low and well-controlled and at a minimum. Currently, 39% of the eligible population have received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.





The country's successful Safe in Nature managed experience program safeguards travellers from high-risk destinations for the first 5-7 days of arrival and offers unique and certified land and water-based experiences. The Safe in Nature commitment includes certified accommodations, transport providers, attractions, spas, and restaurants. In addition, the island has been awarded the Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council which reassures that the destination's health and safety protocols meet globally accepted standards.

Dominica is also offering a unique extended stay visa Work in Nature program. Visitors who wish to stay longer than a typical vacation may be able to stay and work remotely on the island for up to 18 months.

Visit the website, Dominica: The Caribbean's Best Kept Secret | Discover Dominica and learn more of the many things you can do In Our Nature. The journey starts here, Dominica Awaits! Check into a one-of-a-kind holiday you will cherish for a lifetime. Book your Dominica adventure with your favorite travel advisor, directly or with an OTA.

About Dominica: Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is a haven for adventure travelers seeking a one-of-a kind vacation opportunities. Dominica lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. Visit DiscoverDominica.com for more.

SOURCE DISCOVER DOMINICA AUTHORITY
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 21:26:55|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The so-called forced labor in Xinjiang is a false assertion, a spokesperson with the government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region said here on Friday.

In response to accusations of forced labor in Xinjiang, spokesperson Xu Guixiang told a press briefing that the employment of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang is protected by law, and Xinjiang has been strictly implementing the country's labor law.

Moreover, people in Xinjiang have freedom in employment, and what the government does is to improve employment policies and provide a good employment environment, Xu added.

"Whether in Xinjiang or any other region of China, the rights and interests of workers of all ethnic groups are respected and protected by law, including the rights to religious beliefs, ethnic cultures and languages," Xu said.

The forced labor accusations against Xinjiang, which were fabricated by certain anti-China forces in the United States and the West, constitute power politics and bullying practices, said Xu.

He added that their purpose is to undermine China's participation in global value chains, weaken the global competitiveness of Chinese enterprises, and use the Xinjiang conspiracy to contain China. Enditem
China in Focus (April 29): Canadian Agency Sent Virus Samples to Wuhan Lab: Probe

A Canadian lab is questioned on why it sent deadly virus samples to Chinas Wuhan lab after the Canadian lab refused to present related documents.

More than 100 lawmakers around the world say Taiwan should receive an invitation to a World Health Organization forum because of its glowing track record of pandemic control and prevention.

Chinese telecom giant Huawei reported a nearly 17 percent drop in its first quarter revenue. The plunge is mostly due to former U.S. President Donald Trumps sanctions on China.

U.S. President Joe Biden appears to take a tough stance toward Beijing in his speech on Wednesday. But conservative scholars are concerned about some aspects of his foreign policy.

A Chinese national receives a 14-year prison sentence over charges tied to Mexican drug cartels. Prosecutors say ChinaMexico drug trafficking is now more sophisticated.

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For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter.
Conservative Party HQ has warned staff that deleting texts or emails relating to the refurbishment of Boris Johnson's Downing Street flat could land them in court, it was claimed today.

The Electoral Commission announced earlier this week that it was launching a formal probe into how the refurbishment was financed, claiming there were reasonable grounds to suspect political funding laws could have been broken.

Mr Johnson has said he 'personally' paid for the renovations but has refused to say whether he received an initial donation from the Conservative Party to cover the costs, reported to be up to 200,000.

The Sun reported that staff at Conservative Campaign Headquarters were sent an email yesterday stating: 'You are put on notice that this is a criminal investigation.'

The Electoral Commission announced earlier this week that it was launching a formal probe into how the refurbishment of Boris Johnson's Number 11 Downing Street flat was financed

Aides are said to have been given a week to hand over relevant texts or emails to aid the watchdog's investigation.

The email to staff said: 'If you knowingly falsify, conceal, destroy or otherwise dispose of information you could be committing a criminal offence of Perverting the Course of Justice.'

The Electoral Commission has the power to impose fines or refer cases to the police.

The Prime Minister has said the row over the funding of the flat refurbishment is a 'farrago of nonsense' and 'I don't think there's anything to see here'.

Downing Street said Mr Johnson would be 'happy' to assist the commission with its inquiries into who initially paid for the work carried out in his Number 11 residence.

A Conservative Party spokesman said earlier this week: 'We believe all reportable donations have been transparently and correctly declared and published by the Electoral Commission.

'We will continue to work constructively with the Electoral Commission on this matter.

'While an investigation is ongoing we will not be commenting further.'
Vaccine appointments are open, spring flowers are blooming and San Francisco tech giants like Salesforce are plotting their employees return.

If all that seems like a recipe for the citys rents to start climbing again, conflicting data and lingering anxiety for both landlords and tenants point to a more complicated reality.

Most landlords that I talk to, theyre panicked about the market, said Ray Amouzandeh, principal broker with Targa Residential Brokerage. Theyre saying God, is anybody renting?

By one measure, they are.

San Francisco rents rose 3% in April, to a median $2,157 for a one-bedroom apartment, according to real estate site Apartment List. But another report by the listing site Zumper found that San Francisco rents dropped 1.9% from last month, and it calculated a higher $2,600 median price for the same size apartment.

So, which is it? And what does it mean for both the Bay Areas usually busy summer moving season and the thousands of local renters still seeking financial relief after the economic fallout of the pandemic?

With the explosion of online real estate listing sites, deciphering constantly changing rent prices has become an art form. The main differences are usually what kind of properties are included, and whether economists are analyzing the price landlords are asking versus the prices tenants end up paying.

Apartment List combines census median rent reports with data on listings that have been rented multiple times to weed out new units that can skew numbers higher. Zumper analyzes its current online apartment listings and includes new rentals.

Were trying to get closer to, What is the median rent in San Francisco, regardless of what mechanism youre using to rent an apartment? said Rob Warnock, a San Francisco-based senior research associate at Apartment List. And even with the more measured approach, he said, one thing is clear: The rents are rebounding.

Amouzandeh said that depends which part of the city youre talking about. Hes starting to see window washers return to the tech offices near his downtown apartment, but he also just negotiated a 20% price reduction with his own landlord. Across town in Bernal Heights, however, theres more competition to rent standalone homes and cottages.

Apartment List found that San Francisco rents are still more than 19% lower than last April, though prices remain significantly higher than other major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Seattle. Zumper reported that asking rents were down by nearly 25% compared to last April, and it calculated an even larger 30% drop in nearby Redwood City and a 28% decline in Facebooks home of Menlo Park.

Other Bay Area cities where rents appear to be on a steeper incline include Berkeley, Emeryville and Union City, where Apartment List found prices rose 3-4% last month.

In terms of transactions, we have doubled our number of signed leases every month since November, Amouzandeh said. Im an optimist, so I think by the end of 2022, well probably be gaining all that back.

While things may be looking up for some landlords, its far less clear how confusion about eviction moratorium and rent relief programs may play out for San Francisco tenants hit hardest by job losses and instability triggered by pandemic shutdowns.

Just last week, local faith leaders organized a sit-in at San Franciscos Mayors Office of Housing and Community Development to highlight the inability, by thousands of mostly Black and Latino families, to access promised local rent relief. Notices of rent hikes are also starting to return, said Tenants Together communications and legislative director Shanti Singh, and language access is another big barrier to emergency programs.

We know people are falling through the cracks, Singh said, adding that many who lost jobs during the pandemic took on debt to try to stay housed. Those bills will be coming due in the months ahead.

Its chaos right now, she said.

Lauren Hepler is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hepler@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LAHepler
Secrets to Tongling's prospering copper industry

10:45, April 30, 2021 By Kang Yan ( People's Daily

An employ of CRRC Yangtze Tongling Rolling Stock Co., Ltd., Tongling, east China's Anhui Province works with a machine tool, March 2, 2021. (People's Daily Online/Mei Jianguang)

Copper foil is considered a "neural network" for signal reception of electronic products and power transmission. It is an indispensable new material for the development of new industries.

How thin can this material be? In a workshop of an enterprise in Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, copper foils are made as thin as cicada wings.

According to an employee of the enterprise, the copper foils, which are only 6 mm (0.23 inches) thick and used in lithium-ion batteries, can be applied in new energy vehicle, smart phone, aviation and aerospace and other industries. They can significantly improve batteries' energy density and thus extend battery life, the employee added.

Today, new discoveries, technologies, products and materials are emerging at a faster speed, and technological innovation and research are generating infinite possibilities. This means that those whoever can do a good job in industrial upgrading and rapidly grasp new technologies and materials will gain an advantage in industrial reform.

For cities, only by taking advantage of the motivating role of reform, accelerating the development of advanced manufacturing, and enhancing real economy, can they find effective paths leading to a new development paradigm.

Tongling, which has been hailed as the "capital of copper" in China since ancient times, enjoys rich resources, and its industries have also been going through constant upgrading.

To pursue high-quality development, new industries in the city, represented by the copper foil sector, have built new industrial clusters based on an upgrade of their industrial chain.

Rolls of copper foils being produced, as well as boxes of products to be shipped to downstream enterprises indicate the vitality of the copper foil sector and development potential of Tongling.

Accurate positioning leads to faster development. In Tongling's Yi'an Economic Development Zone, there is a metalware industrial park where enterprises from Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province have settled and established industrial clusters that integrate the industrial and supply chains.

The trans-provincial cooperation project effectively allocates geographical, technological and land resources, forming a tiered industrial structure in the Yangtze River delta and thus promoting the flow of production factors and optimizing economic structure.

Industrial development is about both quantity and quality, and the two are primarily driven by innovation. Some of Tongling's products and technologies are very competitive, because the manufacturers have to some extent replaced imported high-end integrated circuit materials with domestically produced ones. A part of them are the first of their kinds in China, and some even broke the foreign technological monopoly.

To enhance future-oriented basic research and supply of technologies at the source, and carry out R&D for generic technology will help break technological bottlenecks. Practices have proved that as long as enterprises, universities and institutions work together, technological breakthroughs can be made, and market entities will also gain an edge in competition with technological innovation.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
GUANGZHOU, China, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- It has been an incredible year for GAC MOTOR, and a bright future lies ahead. On the wings of a successful year building international offices and making technological advances, the company has a full "To Do List" for its next brand development stage.

GAC MOTOR's mission is the creation of value. Value is created by producing attractive, advanced cars which satisfy current consumer needs, but whose quality will also stand the test of time.

Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, GAC MOTOR has had great success in expanding its global business. By the end of 2020, it saw a rise in overseas year-to-year terminal sales of 18%. GAC MOTOR also opened a total of 69 showrooms worldwide in locations such as Jordan, Chile, and Saudi Arabia.

At this year's annual GAC Tech day, technology breakthroughs were shared, including new sponge silicon technology that makes car batteries smaller, lighter and more powerful. Part of the company's "Neutron Star" power ambitions; superfast charging capacities which reduce electric "tank refills" to less than 20 minutes; and many advances in chassis DNA technology. At GAC MOTOR, tech research and craftsmanship are inextricably intertwined.

Extensive independent research carried out through the GAC R&D Center allows vehicles to be designed according to the current industry advances and consumer trends. The Center, which utilizes billions of yuan in funding, is responsible for the development of cutting-edge, in house automobile technology that makes GAC MOTOR vehicles more efficient, easier to use, and internationally competitive.

Morever, at the Auto Shanghai 2021 earlier this month, General Manager Feng Xingya gathered attendees and shared topics from vehicle electrification to green technology innovation as well as the release of new models and deep cultivation of overseas markets.

Starting April 27th, GAC MOTOR invites fans to enter an exciting social media competition: "What's on your To Do List?" on GAC MOTOR social media platforms by creating a video of the dream-accomplishing journey for a chance to win amazing prizes.

GAC MOTOR has always encouraged people to chase their dreams, be brave and shape the world to the way they want it to be. The company is full of anticipation for more achievements in 2021 and beyond. Stay tuned for the coming release of an all new GAC MOTOR brand slogan and set of core values on May 13.

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1500728/1.mp4
GEICO Insurance Breach Could Lead to Fraudulent Unemployment Claims

GEICO Insurance Breach Could Lead to Fraudulent Unemployment Claims

Lynsey Mukomel 517-599-2746 Attorney General

April 30, 2021

LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox are warning Michiganders about a GEICO insurance breach.

In a notice filed earlier this month, the company informed affected customers that, "We recently determined that between January 21, 2021 and March 1, 2021, fraudsters used information about you - which they acquired elsewhere - to obtain unauthorized access to your driver's license number through the online sales system on our website. We have reason to believe that this information could be used to fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits in your name..."

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is not aware of this breach directly impacting Michiganders at this time but remains diligent in working to detect any fraudulent behavior.

GEICO reported it has since secured the affected website and implemented additional security measures to prevent future fraud. GEICO is also offering a one-year subscription to IdentityForce, which is noted in the letter sent to customers.

"Unfortunately, bad actors will go to great lengths to steal personal information and the GEICO breach is another example of that," said Nessel. "I encourage GEICO customers to check for correspondence from the company. This also serves as a reminder that all of us should be checking account statements and credit reports for unauthorized activity."

"Cybersecurity is critical in the insurance market as increasingly sophisticated criminals try to access consumers' highly sensitive personal information maintained by their insurers," said Director Fox. "DIFS continues to work with our regulated industries and national partners to ensure that Michiganders' private information is protected from cybersecurity risks."

Michigan consumers, including GEICO customers, who receive paperwork from UIA but never filed a claim should report the fraud online through the agency.

You can also learn more about preventing identity theft and fraud by visiting the UIA's website and scrolling to the "Fraud and Identity Theft" section.

DIFS can help consumers with insurance questions and complaints Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or any time at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.
A shooting at a chain restaurant in Framingham late Thursday left one person injured and led to the arrests of two men, according to police.

Authorities responded to a report of a man shot inside Margaritas Mexican Restaurant at 725 Cochituate Road around 9:10 p.m., the Framingham Police Department said in a statement.

The victim, a 35-year-old man, suffered wounds that arent believed to be life-threatening and was taken to the hospital, according to the statement.

Witnesses gave police the license plate number, description and direction of travel of the suspect and his vehicle, which was heading west on Route 30 in Framingham, the department said.

The vehicle was located and eventually pulled over by Framingham police and detectives with the MetroWest Drug Task Force, according to the driver.

Both the passenger, 30-year-old Patrick Riley of Framingham, and the driver, 22-year-old Cameron Dulmaine of Northbridge, were arrested, and a Taurus 9mm handgun was found at the scene, police said.

Riley has since been charged with attempted murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a loaded firearm without a license and shooting a gun within 500 feet of dwelling, according to authorities.

Dulmaine was charged with possession of a loaded firearm without a license, officials said.

This shooting remains under investigation. All inquiries can be directed to Deputy Chief Sean Riley of the Framingham Police Department at (508) 532-5903.
AIM and Media Release

29 April 2021

BASE RESOURCES LIMITED

Quarterly Activities Report - March 2021

Key Points

Kwale Operations maintained operational consistency through the quarter with health and safety protocols in place to minimise the risk of COVID-19 to personnel and surrounding communities.

Kwale Operations FY21 production guidance increased for both ilmenite and zircon.

Ilmenite and rutile prices trended upwards in the quarter, with higher zircon prices secured for the June quarter.

Kwale North Dune PFS completed, with a focused study on mining higher grade subsets of the North Dune and Bumamani deposits underway and due in mid-2021.

Discussions with the Government of Madagascar on Toliara Project fiscal terms continue to progress.

on Toliara Project fiscal terms continue to progress. Half-year dividend of AUD3.0 cents per share paid.

Outstanding US$25 million balance of the revolving credit facility repaid, and facility retired early.

African mineral sands producer, Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) (Base Resources or the Company) is pleased to provide a quarterly operational, development and corporate update.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Base Resources continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on the Company's business, people and wider stakeholders. The Company's Kwale Operations in Kenya continue to operate under a suite of mitigations aimed at protecting the health and safety of our employees and neighbouring communities, including modified workplace practices and a focus on hygiene and social distancing. As the number of COVID-19 cases in Kenya and Madagascar have increased significantly in recent weeks, the Company has also re-introduced work-from-home protocols for non-operational staff. The Company is also assisting governments and communities in both Kenya and Madagascar with several initiatives, primarily involving the construction of hygiene facilities, and the donation and distribution of food and medical supplies and equipment.

KWALE OPERATIONS

Production & Sales Mar 2020 Quarter June 2020 Quarter Sept 2020 Quarter Dec 2020 Quarter Mar 2021 Quarter Production (tonnes) Ilmenite 105,035 84,843 65,863 78,500 84,178 Rutile 23,683 19,035 15,513 18,171 19,448 Zircon 9,163 7,590 6,000 6,677 7,388 Zircon low grade1 780 578 426 516 482 Sales (tonnes) Ilmenite 87,819 102,364 75,502 53,798 97,179 Rutile 25,280 27,268 11,651 12,017 26,074 Zircon 7,377 9,086 7,336 6,399 6,612 Zircon low grade1 - 1,516 505 - 502

[Note (1): Reported as tonnes of zircon concentrate, it typically realises between 30% to 50% of the value of the equivalent volume of standard grade zircon, due to rutile credits.]

Mining operations continued according to plan on the South Dune orebody with mined tonnage increasing to 4.7Mt (last quarter: 4.6Mt) due to higher mining faces reducing the downtime associated with relocating mining units and higher mining water pressures following process water pump reconfiguration. The heavy mineral (HM) grade of ore mined was also higher at 3.58% (last quarter: 3.43%). This was driven by mine path as well as better grade than predicted by the resource model in some areas. Previously reported September 2020 and December 2020 quarter HM and VHM grades have been amended to reflect a revision of mine feed grade sampling methodology.

Mining & WCP Performance Mar 2020 Quarter June 2020 Quarter Sept 2020 Quarter Dec 2020 Quarter Mar 2021 Quarter Ore mined (tonnes) 4,295,645 4,271,811 3,938,494 4,600,172 4,695,052 HM % 3.86 3.87 3.12 3.43 3.58 VHM % 2.98 2.95 2.36 2.62 2.80 HMC produced (tonnes) 153,754 148,699 103,730 142,309 149,618

Wet concentrator plant (WCP) production of heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) was higher at 150kt (last quarter: 142kt) due to a combination of higher mined tonnes and HM grades. HMC stocks increased to 18kt at quarter end (last quarter: 14kt). Sand tails continued to be deposited into the mined-out Central Dune area and significant progress was made with rehabilitation of the mined-out areas of the South Dune, with 66 hectares provisionally rehabilitated in the quarter (last quarter: 49 hectares).

MSP Performance Mar 2020 Quarter June 2020 Quarter Sept 2020 Quarter Dec 2020 Quarter Mar 2021 Quarter MSP Feed (tonnes of HMC) 186,197 145,550 114,873 134,019 145,110 MSP feed rate (tph) 90 78 61 64 69 MSP recovery % Ilmenite 99 99 100 102 102 Rutile 99 100 102 102 100 Zircon 87 85 86 87 85

Total mineral separation plant (MSP) feed tonnage was higher than the prior quarter, due to improved HMC availability, while recoveries were generally steady. Consequently, production of all final products increased compared to the prior quarter.

Bulk loading operations at the Company's Likoni Port facility continued to run smoothly, dispatching a combined 117kt of bulk ilmenite and rutile during the quarter (last quarter: 64kt). Containerised shipments of rutile and zircon through the Mombasa Port proceeded according to plan.

Summary of unit costs

& Revenue per tonne (US$) Mar 2020 Quarter June 2020 Quarter Sept 2020 Quarter Dec 2020 Quarter Mar 2021 Quarter Unit operating costs per tonne produced $128 $153 $189 $161 $176 Unit cost of goods sold per tonne sold $175 $189 $192 $207 $198 Unit revenue per tonne of product sold $476 $479 $413 $464 $478 Revenue: Cost of goods sold ratio 2.7 2.5 2.1 2.2 2.4

Total operating costs of US$19.6 million were significantly higher this quarter (last quarter: US$16.8 million) due to a revision of the underlying assumptions for the rehabilitation and mine closure provision, resulting in a once off non-cash adjustment of US$3.3 million. Excluding this adjustment, operating costs were $0.5 million lower than the prior quarter. This adjustment is reflected in the increased unit operating costs to US$176 per tonne produced (rutile, ilmenite, zircon and low-grade zircon) (last quarter: US$161 per tonne).

Unit cost of goods sold is influenced by both the underlying operating costs and product sales mix. Operating costs are allocated to each product based on revenue contribution, which sees the higher value rutile and zircon products attracting a higher cost per tonne than the lower value ilmenite. Therefore, the greater the sales volume of rutile and zircon relative to ilmenite in a quarter, the higher both unit revenue per tonne and unit cost of goods sold will be.

Ilmenite, and most of the rutile, is sold in bulk, with typical shipment sizes of 50-54kt for ilmenite and 10-12kt for rutile, which means any given quarter will usually contain either one or two bulk rutile and ilmenite sales. Zircon is sold in smaller parcels and sales generally align with production volume. Product sales mix will therefore vary depending on the number of bulk shipments of ilmenite and rutile in each quarter.

Cost of goods sold of US$198 per tonne sold (operating costs, adjusted for stockpile movements, and royalties) decreased, despite the higher operating costs, due to the sales mix in the quarter (last quarter: US$207 per tonne). Average unit revenue increased to US$478 per tonne (prior quarter: US$464 per tonne) due to increased ilmenite and rutile prices. From the combination of these factors, the revenue to cost of goods sold ratio for the quarter increased to 2.4 (last quarter: 2.2).

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE (tonnes) Original

FY21 Guidance Range Updated

FY21 Guidance Range Rutile 70,000 to 80,000 70,000 to 80,000 (no change) Ilmenite 270,000 to 300,000 300,000 to 320,000 Zircon 23,000 to 27,000 26,000 to 28,000

The Company provided its 2021 financial year (FY21) production guidance on 28 July 20202. Base Resources' production guidance range for FY21 has been increased for ilmenite and zircon due to higher than forecast ilmenite and zircon content in the MSP feed. Production guidance for rutile has not changed. There remains, however, the possibility of a halt to, or curtailment of, operations at some point in the future due to a severe COVID-19 outbreak on site or change in government health directives that could impact on the achievement of this guidance.

The above updated FY21 production guidance is based on the following assumptions:

Mining of 17.6Mt at an average HM grade of 3.39%, with all remaining FY21 volume coming from Ore Reserves 3 .

. Average MSP feed rate of 68tph.

Average MSP product recoveries of 101% for rutile, 101% for ilmenite and 84% for zircon.

[Note (2): For further information refer to Base Resources' market announcement on 28 July 2020 "Quarterly Activities Report - June 2020" available at https://baseresources.com.au/investors/announcements/.

Note (3):The Ore Reserves estimate underpinning the above production guidance was prepared by Competent Persons in accordance with the JORC Code (2012 edition). For further information regarding the Ore Reserves estimate refer to Base Resources' announcement on 27 July 2020 "Updated Kwale South Dune Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves estimate" available at https://baseresources.com.au/investors/announcements/. The above production guidance is the result of detailed studies based on the actual performance of the Kwale mine and processing plant. These studies include the assessment of mining, metallurgical, ore processing, environmental and economic factors.]

MARKETING

Global pigment producers have indicated that the strong recovery in demand over the past two quarters has continued through the March quarter, more than offsetting the usual seasonal weakness experienced by the pigment industry at this time of year.

Western pigment producers continued to ramp up production rates towards full capacity through the quarter. Chinese pigment producers maintained high output rates as their domestic market improves and high volumes of pigment exports are sustained. Globally, pigment prices have stepped up at regular intervals throughout the quarter as conditions have tightened and the price gap between the historically cheaper Chinese pigment exports and western pigment has now narrowed substantially.

Demand for ilmenite as a feedstock for Chinese pigment producers again exceeded supply resulting in further solid price gains for ilmenite in the quarter. Ongoing strong demand will maintain a tight ilmenite market through the June quarter and further price increases are expected.

The ramp up of western pigment production through the past two quarters has absorbed the slight surplus in high grade feedstock inventory that was created in the second half of 2020 and has resulted in an increasingly tight market for rutile. This has been compounded by a significant recovery in demand for rutile in the welding sectors throughout Asia, and the Chinese titanium metal sector, since late in 2020. As a consequence, rutile prices have increased through the quarter and are expected to continue an upward trend through the coming quarters.

The demand recovery for zircon gathered pace through the quarter as ceramic plants in Europe operated at full capacity and Chinese consumption of zircon accelerated on the back of strong economic conditions. Minimal inventory being held through most parts of the supply chain has resulted in a rapid pull through in demand for zircon. Zircon prices for March quarter contracts were consistent with the December quarter but the tightening conditions have resulted in significant price improvement for June quarter contracts.

SAFETY

There were no lost time injuries during the quarter, or in the past year, at Kwale Operations' or the Toliara Project, resulting in a lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) for the group of zero. Compared to the Western Australian All Mines 2019/2020 LTIFR of 2.1, this is an exceptional performance reflective of the ongoing focus and importance placed on safety by management. Base Resources group employees and contractors have now worked 23.9 million hours lost time injury (LTI) free, with the last LTI recorded in early 2014. No medical treatment injuries were recorded during the quarter. With one medical treatment injury recorded in the last 12 months, the Base Resources group's total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR) is 0.25 per million hours worked.

COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT

Kwale Operations

Base Resources has continued to assist the Kwale community through the COVID-19 pandemic, including collaborating with county and national health authorities to provide public education through community health workers and by providing additional schools-based handwashing equipment to help improve sanitation. To support social distancing requirements, 2,000 school desks were donated and distributed to 20 schools across Kwale County and Likoni.

Agricultural livelihood programs in Kwale continued through the PAVI Cooperative as farmers prepare for the upcoming rains. Poultry and beekeeping have been particularly productive alternatives during the current dry season. Kenyan cotton spinners are attracting international interest for their yarn made from Kenyan lint which has improved the outlook for the cotton value chain and the potential contribution to the government's economic development agenda.

Considerable work was undertaken in the quarter to implement the Community Development Agreement with nearby communities as required under new Kenyan regulations. The beneficiary communities have been defined and committees established, with capacity building and community consultation undertaken during the quarter to identify and prioritise development projects.

Rehabilitation activities on the mined-out areas of the South Dune increased significantly in the quarter with community groups supplying indigenous legumes, grass seed and manure. Youth groups from local villages were employed to assist with slope stabilisation, planting and road clearing. A community trial plot has also been established on a mined-out section of the Kwale South Dune to demonstrate to local farmers and stakeholders that crops and trees can be successfully grown in rehabilitated mine soils.

Toliara Project

All community training programs and social infrastructure construction remained on hold with the Government of Madagascar's suspension of the Toliara Project's on-the-ground activities. The 24 Malagasy apprentices training in Kenya at Kwale Operations have completed their studies, achieving very good results. They remain on site and continue to progress through further practical training programs and competency assessments prior to certification through the registered training authority.

Base Resources continued to work with local authorities to assist in the COVID-19 response in the Toliara region by supporting face mask production in conjunction with a leading local women's group, with 48,000 re-usable masks now produced for distribution to local communities.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Toliara Project development - Madagascar

In November 2019, the Government of Madagascar required the Company to temporarily suspend on-the-ground activity on the Toliara Project while discussions on fiscal terms applying to the project were progressed4. Activity remains suspended as Base Resources continues to engage the Government in relation to the country's Large Mining Investment Law (LGIM) regime, fiscal terms applicable to the Toliara Project and the lifting of the on-the-ground suspension.

As previously noted5, with the suspension of activity, international travel restrictions and broader COVID-19 measures and impacts both in Madagascar and globally, the final investment decision (FID) to proceed with development of the Toliara Project has been delayed. Once fiscal terms are agreed and the suspension is lifted, there will be approximately 11 months' work to complete prior to FID. This work includes finalising financing, completing the land acquisition process and concluding major construction contracts. The resumption of international travel will also be required to complete a significant portion of this work.

Key activities during the quarter included:

Engagement with the Government, focused on agreeing fiscal terms and resumption of on-the-ground activities.

Negotiations with the preferred tenderers for the marine contract packages.

Selection of the preferred piling contractor for the export storage shed.

Selection of the preferred power supply contractor and commencement of power purchase agreement negotiations.

Design of the haul road bridge over the Fiherenana River.

Discussions with prospective lenders and joint venture partners.

Ground water modelling work to allow drilling and borehole testing to commence shortly after lifting of the suspension.

Key activities planned for the coming quarter include:

Further engagement with the Government, focused on agreeing fiscal terms, lifting of the suspension and resumption of on-the-ground activity.

Commencing piling design at the export storage shed to allow construction to commence soon after FID.

Continuing power purchase agreement negotiations.

Progressing design of the revetment and bulk earthworks at the export facility.

Concluding ground water modelling work.

Ongoing engagement with prospective lenders and joint venture partners.

Total expenditure on the Toliara Project for the quarter was US$3.3 million (last quarter: US$4.0 million).

[Note(4):Refer to Base Resources' market announcement "Toliara Project - Government of Madagascar statement" released on 7 November 2019, which is available at https://baseresources.com.au/investors/announcements/.

Note (5):Refer to Base Resources' market announcement "Base delivers strong financial results and maiden dividend" released on 24 August 2020, which is available at https://baseresources.com.au/investors/announcements/.]

Extensional exploration - Kenya

Mining tenure arrangements continued to progress with the Kenyan Ministry of Petroleum and Mining as a precursor to an anticipated updated Ore Reserves estimate to incorporate additional Mineral Resources defined within the Kwale Prospecting Licence (PL 2018/0119), but outside the current footprint of mining lease SML 23.

The pre-feasibility study for mining the North Dune Mineral Resources was completed6 with the conclusion that it is not currently viable to mine the entirety of these deposits, primarily due to the combined low heavy mineral grade, high land acquisition costs and elevated slimes content and associated tailings disposal costs. The Company has commenced an assessment of the potential feasibility for mining a higher-grade sub-set of the North Dune and Bumamani deposits, with the results expected by mid-2021.

Auger drilling of a section of the northern Vanga Prospecting License (PL/2015/0042) continued during the quarter but no significant mineralisation was found. Completion of the remaining drilling program (4,200 metres) in the North-East Sector (Kwale East) of PL 2018/0119 remains on hold pending community access being secured.

Prospecting licence applications lodged for an area south of Lamu (applications 2019 0263, 0265, 0266), together with an area in the Kuranze region of Kwale county, about 70 km west of Kwale Operations (applications 2019 0260, 2510 and 2512), remain in progress through the granting process. A Government moratorium on the issuance of Prospecting Licenses in November 2019 has affected the progress of all licence applications. However, technical assessment of applications has now recommenced.

Expenditure on exploration activities in Kenya during the quarter was US$0.1 million (last quarter: US$0.1 million).

[Note (6): Refer to Base Resources' market announcement "Kwale North Dune PFS outcomes"released on 1 April 2021, which is available at https://baseresources.com.au/investors/announcements/.]

CORPORATE

FY21 half-year dividend payment

Following release of the Company's FY21 half-year financial results, the disciplined application of the Company's capital management policy saw a half-year dividend of AUD 3.0 cents per share, unfranked, paid to shareholders on 31 March 2021, representing a cash payment of US$26.6 million (in aggregate).

Kenyan VAT receivable

As previously announced, Base Resources has refund claims for VAT paid in Kenya, relating to both construction of the Kwale Project and the period since operations commenced, which totalled approximately US$16.6 million at 31 March 2021. Refunds totalling US$1.9 million were received during the quarter (last quarter: US$2.0 million). Base Resources continues to actively engage with the Kenyan National Treasury and the Kenya Revenue Authority in relation to the outstanding VAT refund claims and has taken steps under the investment agreement to secure its claim with respect to the VAT paid during construction of the Kwale Project.

Revolving Credit Facility retired

Following strong quarterly financial performance, which generated US$39.3 million of operating cashflows (excluding taxes), and with growing confidence in the trajectory of the mineral sands markets and greater clarity on the risks and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company repaid the outstanding US$25.0 million of the US$75.0 million revolving credit facility during the quarter. Concurrently with this repayment, the Company retired the facility, nine months ahead of the final maturity date, saving on holding costs. The Company is now debt free.

In summary, as at 31 March 2021:

Net cash of US$71.6 million , after payment of US$26.6 million half-year dividend, consisting of: Cash and cash equivalents of US$71.6 million . No debt.

, after payment of half-year dividend, consisting of: 1,178,011,850 fully paid ordinary shares on issue.

71,078,976 performance rights on issue pursuant to the terms of the Base Resources Long Term Incentive Plan, comprising: 266,893 vested performance rights, which remain subject to exercise 7 . 70,812,083 unvested performance rights subject to performance testing in accordance with their terms of issue.



[Note (7): Vested performance rights have a nil cash exercise price. Unless exercised beforehand, these rights expire five years after vesting.]

Forward looking statements

Certain statements in or in connection with this announcement contain or comprise forward looking statements. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with regard to capital cost, capacity, future production and grades, sales projections and financial performance and may be (but are not necessarily) identified by the use of phrases such as "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe" and "envisage". By their nature, forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and may be outside Base Resources' control. Accordingly, results could differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, changes in economic and market conditions, success of business and operating initiatives, changes in the regulatory environment and other government actions, fluctuations in product prices and exchange rates and business and operational risk management. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or relevant stock exchange listing rules, Base Resources undertakes no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after today's date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

ENDS.

For further information contact:

James Fuller, Manager Communications and Investor Relations UK Media Relations Base Resources Tavistock Communications Tel: +61 (8) 9413 7426 Jos Simson and Gareth Tredway Mobile: +61 (0) 488 093 763 Tel: +44 (0) 207 920 3150 Email: jfuller@baseresources.com.au

This release has been authorised by the Board of Base Resources.

About Base Resources

Base Resources is an Australian based, African focused, mineral sands producer and developer with a track record of project delivery and operational performance. The company operates the established Kwale Operations in Kenya and is developing the Toliara Project in Madagascar. Base Resources is an ASX and AIM listed company. Further details about Base Resources are available at www.baseresources.com.au

PRINCIPAL & REGISTERED OFFICE

Level 1, 50 Kings Park Road

West Perth, Western Australia, 6005

Email: info@baseresources.com.au

Phone: +61 (0)8 9413 7400

Fax: +61 (0)8 9322 8912

NOMINATED ADVISOR

RFC Ambrian Limited

Stephen Allen

Phone: +61 (0)8 9480 2500

BROKER

Berenberg

Matthew Armitt / Detlir Elezi

Phone: +44 20 3207 7800


Staring down the barrel of Seek.com.au as a 50-plus worker fresh from yet another redundancy, Perth woman Kerry Ridley decided to take a punt instead.

Two years later, after investing all her cash and time (and family members) Ridley owns a booming business that honours twin passions nurtured in her as a girl during a very Australian rite of passage: doing the Nullarbor.

Kerry and Simon Ridley: living the dream.

Her father worked on the Kwinana industrial strip for years.

One day he decided to quit, and take the kids around Australia in a caravan.
Government Cannot Force You to Take the COVID-19 Vaccine

Commentary

The autocratic power assumed by the government during the COVID-19 crisis has had the same effect on technocrats that blood in the water has on sharks: They are in a feeding frenzy. Their latest hoped-for power grab is to have the federal or state governments force us all to be inoculated against COVID-19.

Such calls are ubiquitous. Editorializing that there is no absolute right to refuse vaccination, the Los Angeles Times argued, No one has the right to sicken anyone else or start a new spike in cases through carelessness or their own sense of personal choice.

The most influential advocate for vaccine mandates has been bioethicist Ezekiel Emanuela prime architect of the Affordable Care Actwho wrote recently in a co-authored New York Times piece: We need to sharply reduce coronavirus infections to turn the tide and quell the pandemic. The best hope is to maximize the number of people vaccinated, especially among those who interact with many others and are likely to transmit the virus. How can we increase vaccinations? Mandates.

The authors litany of people who should be required to receive the jab is long, including prison guards, E.M.T.s, police officers, firefighters and teachers, as well as all health care workers and students.

They write: None of us likes being told what to do. But getting vaccinated is not just about our personal health, but the health of our communities and country.

Harvard law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz took this hysteria to a ludicrous conclusion, stating in a streamed interview last summer: Let me put it very clearly: you have no constitutional right to endanger the public and spread the disease, even if you disagree. You have no right not to be vaccinated.  And if you refuse to be vaccinated, the state has the power to literally take you to a doctors office and plunge a needle into your arm.

OK, lets calm down and get real. Under federal law, the government cannot now force anyone to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Why? The vaccines only received an emergency use authorization, a different category altogether than usual medicinal approvals.

As the Food and Drug Administrations website explains: FDA may authorize unapproved medical products  in an emergency to diagnose, treat, or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions  when certain criteria are met, including there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.

That was precisely the dire situation the country faced last spring when President Donald Trump wisely launched Operation Warp Speed, which successfully brought vaccines into the clinical setting in record time. But heres the thing: The distinction between a normally approved vaccine and one approved for emergency use is a distinction with a huge difference.

You see, the law that created the power of the FDA to issue such emergency approvals also provides that patients cannot be required to receive the treatment. Specifically, the law states that individuals to whom the product is administered are informed  of the option to accept or refuse administration of the product, of the consequences, if any, of refusing administration of the product, and of the alternatives to the product that are available and of their benefits and risks.

Oops. If we have the legal right to accept or refuse administration of the COVID-19 vaccineall of which were approved for emergency useit means that the government cannot force us to be inoculated. Hooray for liberty.

But what about when the vaccines receive the normal FDA approval, which seems almost certain? Refuseniks need not worry. It would still be doubtful whether the federal government could legally force you to take the jab.

The Supreme Court case most on point in this regardindeed, the ruling often cited by national mandate-mongersis Jacobson v. Massachusetts, which permitted Cambridge, Massachusetts, to punish residents who refused a smallpox vaccination during an outbreak emergency. But that coercive power is anything but absolute. The court ruled that under pressure of great danger we can be subjected to such restraint, to be enforced by reasonable regulations, as the safety of the general public may demand.

So, the question would become whetherat that timeCOVID-19 presents such a pressure of great danger that it would be a reasonable regulation for the government to force everyone to be vaccinated.

Surely, the answer must be no. There has never been a universal vaccine mandate in our countrys historynot even for smallpox or polioand COVID-19 isnt nearly as dangerous.

Unlike those plagues, the lethal threat is mostly limited to the elderly, most of whom have already been vaccinated. Moreover, with majorities of the general population likely to be vaccinated, a mandate would seem very hard to justify empirically.

Finally, if the vaccine is as efficacious as the statistics demonstratewhich is why I happily took the jabonly the unvaccinated would still be at significant risk. Anyone who wants to avoid illness could simply roll up their sleeve.

Oh sure, the Ezekiel Emanuels among us will shriek about the possible spread of new variants to rationalize assuming autocratic control, but such conjectural risks seem unlikely to be deemed reasonably necessary as a matter of law to secure the safety of the general public.

By the way: The technocrats know this, too. Thats why many of them are pushing the private sector to require us to carry vaccine passports proving we have been inoculated as a condition of doing business or being employed. If one autocracy attempt fails, try, try again.

But thats a column for a different day. Just know that, at least for now, there is little to fear from government vaccine mandates. The choice of whether to get inoculated against COVID-19 remains entirely up to you.

Award-winning author Wesley J. Smith is chairman of the Discovery Institutes Center on Human Exceptionalism.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The Indian Navy on April 30 stepped forward to provide support amid brisking COVID-19 figures and gritty images of a precarious medical infrastructure nationwide. The Indian Navy has launched Operation Samudra Setu-II to augment the ongoing national mission to meet oxygen requirements.

In the said mission, the deployed Indian Naval warships will undertake shipment of liquid oxygen-filled cryogenic containers and associated medical equipment in support of the nations fight against COVID-19. According to the Indian Navy statement, two ships, namely, INS Kolkata and INS Talwar have entered the port of Manama, Bahrain for embarking and transporting 40 MT of liquid oxygen to Mumbai. They enumerated on INS Jalashwa, which is en route Bangkok and INS Airavat to Singapore for similar purposes.

A statement released by the Indian Navy regarding the same, read,

"In the early hours on 25 April 2021, INS Sharda, based at Kochi, undertook transfer of essential medical supplies to the capital of UTL, Kavaratti. The stores consisted of 35 Oxygen cylinders, Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT) kits, Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE), masks and other items to fight the COVID 19 pandemic. The disembarkation of stores was coordinated by personnel from INS Dweeprakshak at Kavaratti. The ship then continued with her mission to the island of Minicoy for disembarkation of Oxygen cylinders and medical supplies."

Last year the Indian Navy had launched Operation Samudra Setu as part of the Vande Bharat Mission and repatriated approximately 4000 (3992) stranded and distressed Indian citizens from Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Iran.

It would not be incorrect to say that the Defence forces of India have never failed to come forward and lend their support during trying times of our country. The Indian Air Force has been helping out by airlifting cryogenic oxygen tankers from abroad and they were reported to airlift quotas of liquid medical oxygen to embark and transport the same across States. The Indian Army has summoned all medical personnel, including those who have retired in the past two years to come and help out in the hospital and medical institutes in these tough times, the Indian Air Force has been. The Indian Army have also lent their personnel to share the ordeals of COVID-19 with medical staff at hospitals. They have also provided their hospitals/ ICUs to augment medical facilities.

Earlier today, the Indian Navy took to Twitter to establish their contribution of non-medical staff to bolster the availability of manpower. They published as follows,

76 member #IndianNavy Medical Contingent from 5 Naval hospitals around the country reached Ahmedabad to bolster availablity of trained manpower in the 900 bedded #DhanvantariCovidHospital.

Comprises Medical & Nursing Officers, Paramedics & Battle Field Nursing Assistants #BFNA pic.twitter.com/nZsbvGgQpa  SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 30, 2021

COVID-19 tally in India

India recorded 3,86,452 new COVID-19 infections in a span of 24 hours, the highest single-day rise so far, pushing the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,87,62,976, while active cases crossed the 31-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll increased to 2,08,330 with 3,498 new fatalities, as per data updated at 8 am showed.

The Centre has liberalised and accelerated Phase-3 strategy of COVID-19 vaccination and will be implemented from May 1 and registration for the new eligible population groups started on Wednesday.
The solar facility will sell power to the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh under a 20-year PPA.Malaysian renewable energy developer Ditrolic Solar Group has energized what it claims to be the largest solar plant in Bangladesh: the 73.1 MW Mymensingh project. Located in the Mymensingh district, 100 km north of Dhaka, the solar plant secured last year a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Bangladesh Power Development Board. It was built with an investment of around $90 million and will supply power at an unspecified price to the national utility, Power Grid Company of Bangladesh. "To ...

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.
Kathy, a school bus driver near Philadelphia and a leading member of the Pennsylvania Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, recently spoke with the World Socialist Web Site about why she is attending the International May Day Online Rally on Saturday and supporting the call for the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees.

She described the conditions teachers and support staff have faced in her school district during the pandemic and broader issues, including police brutality, inequality and the need for an international response by workers to the deadly disease.

Im a bus driver. When the pandemic first broke out, I had to stay home, and I felt safer. I was on unemployment and had income, so I wasnt too worried. I didnt go places, and I stayed away from people.

Teachers protest Philadelphia school board plan to reopen in February. (Source: Facebook/PFT)

When I had to go back to work, I started getting nervous. Before we got our shots, there were quite a few people who got sick, maybe half a dozen. Three got it really bad and were off work for a while. Two have since come back, but the third person had it bad, his blood platelets are off and he will be out the rest of the school year.

Others got it but didnt get so sick. I try to keep my distance, but our bus compound is very small. Apparently, a few of the special needs students tested positive for COVID, and now eight of them cant go in. Nearby some of the bus drivers caught COVID and died.

I would give my company a C when it comes to safety. They have a small kiosk where everybody clocks in. There is hand sanitizer by it, but why make everyone come so close together. There is no social distancing.

They are not social distancing with the kids either. There are too many kids on each bus, and the buses arent big enough. Ive tried it, and it doesnt work. There is no way you can do it.

I dont even bother with the union anymore. They dont do anything. In the summer when this whole thing went down, I got into an argument with the chief steward, and I havent bothered with them since.

I was concerned about whether they were doing anything with the company to ensure our safety. I said they should do things like putting a barrier around us. The union steward ignored me and just said this was about us being outsourced.

The school district outsourced the bus drivers to First Student about seven years ago, in 2012. We were going to send letters to all the parents about the outsourcing the day after it happened, but the union stepped in and stopped it. They had a deal worked out with First Students behind our backs.

You never see the union officials until election time when they act like your best friend.

I support the demand of our rank-and-file committees, that all the schools and nonessential workplaces be shut until we get this under control, until everybody can get their shots. Until the spread of the virus is brought down to zero transmission, there should be a lockdownno school and no nonessential businesses, and full compensation for everyone impacted.

The politicians, Democrats and Republicans, work for the ruling elite. They want to make capital, which is more their concern than saving human lives. The Democrats claim to be a little better. The Republicans are more heartless. But in the end, they have the same agenda, but they do it a little differently.

The Democrats want to come across as the working mans friend, but they have the same policy. They do what the ruling elite want. They may give a little handout here and there to keep us from revolting.

The cops are horrible. They might as well be Hitlers brown shirts. They dont work for us at all. I dont know who would ever call them. Today, I saw them arrest a 73-year-old woman, who had dementia. They dislocated her shoulder, and they were watching it and making jokes. Another one was caught on video mocking people who wanted police reform. They are horrible. They are being trained like the military to be used against the working class.

The way countries are handling the pandemic is only going to make things worse. Look at India. If the world doesnt work together to stop this, I am worried there will be new variants that the vaccines wont stop. None of the countries are doing what needs to be done. We are seeing mass slaughter like in a war.

Instead of the wealth going to the upper echelons, for whatever they use it for, it should be used socially to help people. Instead, they keep cutting the social programs so that they can make more money and hurt the poor.

The Republicans in all these states that are passing all these voter laws are becoming like a fascist regime taking over. And the Democrats are letting it happen.

I would like to see what happens at the International May Day Rally on Saturday. It will be important to coordinate the work of our rank-and-file committees internationally and get the word out to everyone, so that it spreads throughout the workforce globally. It is good that people see it. If it is growing, people will see they have something to go to, and if they only have the unions, it will fail them every time.
Spine surgeons at UC San Diego Health are the first on the West Coast to begin using a form of augmented reality in their practice. The three-dimensional navigation system and headset allow surgeons to "see" inside the body, helping them quickly and accurately place implants in each patient's unique anatomy. This system, first used by the health system on April 1, 2021, lets surgeons maintain their focus directly on the patient, rather than on a distant screen displaying the patient's CT scans.

Richard (Todd) Allen, MD, PhD, was the first orthopedic surgeon to use the system at UC San Diego Health. For him, the technology is like an advanced car navigation system -- except instead of looking back and forth between the car's screen and the road, the directions are superimposed on to the road ahead. Without the augmented reality headset, surgeons rely on feel, X-ray and CT images taken throughout the procedure.

The first time Allen used augmented reality was during a complicated spinal fusion procedure in which multiple vertebrae were brought together and stabilized with two rods and several screws. Allen said he and the operating team, which included Spine Fellow Paul Bagi, MD, were able to accurately place the screws in approximately half the time it would normally require.

"Less time in the operating room typically means less blood loss, lower risks of related complications, and the potential for a more rapid recovery," Allen said. "Of course, saving time should never be at the expense of safety. But with this technology, we can decrease operative time while actually improving safety. My focus is to align the goals of spine surgery with those of each patient, so they receive personalized care. I strive to treat each patient as an individual, and understand what they want to get out of their surgery."

The system consists of a headset with a transparent near-eye-display and navigation technology to determine the position of surgical tools in real-time and superimposes them on the patient's CT scan image. The information is projected onto the surgeon's retina using the headset, allowing the surgeon to simultaneously see the patients' unique spinal anatomy from the side, the top and in three dimensions, with software allowing them to recreate the same trajectory for each tool used and during screw placement.

Allen also looks forward to incorporating the technology in his teaching. As the region's only academic health system, many residents and fellows spend their first few years as physicians training at UC San Diego Health.

"Normally, residents and fellows can only see what my hand is doing," he said. "Now they'll be able to see the patient's spine as well, the trajectory of an instrument within the spine in real time, and then understand why I might choose to place a screw the way I do, for example. And they'll be able to see exactly how to adjust as we go, depending on the patient's unique anatomy."

Manufactured by Augmedics, the xvision Spine System headset is currently approved for use in open and minimally invasive spine implant procedures. These types of procedures are intended to treat a variety of conditions, including herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal fractures and spinal tumors.

Back and neck pain are among the most common reasons for a doctor's visit, but they don't always require surgery. UC San Diego Health's spine specialists, physiatrists and anesthesiologist are skilled in diagnostic care and surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. UC San Diego Health is nationally ranked in orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report and recognized as a Center of Excellence for complex spine care by Optum and is designated a Blue Cross-Blue Shield Center of Distinction for Spine Surgery.

"I worry that many people are unnecessarily living in pain because they fear they may need surgery, or because they've put off seeing a doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic," Allen said. "But it never hurts to discuss your options with a spine expert -- and now is a great time to do it."

UC San Diego Health has implemented extra safeguards to protect patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, including universal masking, distancing in reception areas and symptom screening for all patients, staff and visitors. In many cases, video visits are available to help reduce person-to-person contact. All patients are tested for COVID-19 before surgery and hospital admission.

###

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit health.ucsd.edu/orthopedic-spine.
BOISE - Idaho Governor Brad Little said Friday he is seeing early positive results from Idahos first virtual trade mission to Mexico last week.

Mexico is Idahos fourth largest export destination, accounting for the purchase of $224.2 million in Idaho products in 2020. Export markets continue to be critical to Idaho businesses and the states economy, says a statement from the Governor's Office. The virtual mission to Mexico was organized by the Idaho Department of Commerce and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Mexico Virtual Trade Mission Highlights

Idahos businesses have boundless potential, and this mission was a successful effort to help them continue to grow, said Governor Little. Company feedback so far indicates there will be increased sales as a direct result of this mission.

The Idaho companies and organizations participating in the virtual trade mission represented a wide array of industries including dairy, beans and ancient grains, fresh produce, beef, livestock genetics, ag-tech, real estate, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. In just one week, the Idaho-Mexico trade office hosted more than 90 virtual matchmaking meetings between Idaho and Mexico companies.

Governor Little highlighted Idahos products and services, opening opportunities to important companies such as HEB and Grupo Aeromexico, which gave Idaho companies the opportunity to present their products and establish contacts with the high-level decision makers.

The virtual mission also was an opportunity to thank long standing customers for their business and strengthen relationships with key partners to help exporters grow their business and increase market share in Mexico.
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In this article, George McLaughlin and Damian Martin, both members of the Prehen Historical and Environmental Society in Derry, highlight concerns they have around the protection of local beauty spots.

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Last year it was not possible for us to have our Prehen Woods Bluebell Walk and unfortunately due to the present Covid 19 conditions it is still not possible to offer a group outing at this time.

However, the good news is that the woods are open to the local and wider community to visit and enjoy.

Even though a year has passed with lockdowns etc. we would still ask those using this precious woodland space to respect the social distance rules that apply at this time. Kindness and respect can save lives. Keep your distance. Keep to the rules. Keep safe. Be kind also to the natural world that is all around you.

Nature has her health-giving benefits as Every tree and every leaf of every tree is important to the well-being of everyone in our community.

As you explore and enjoy the delights of the historic Prehen Bluebell Woods, which is one of the last tracts of ancient woodland in NI, and is one of the top ten Bluebell Woods in the UK, please spare a thought for those dedicated individuals who gave and are still giving of their time and energy to protect and preserve this and other special areas for all to enjoy.

Distressingly, in spite of all the hard work that has been done by those who seek justice for our precious environment and our concerned community, we are still, due to incomprehensible unprofessional decisions by our councillors, losing important groupings of trees, most recently at the Hazelwood Triangle and at the Prehen Park/Hazelwood entrance to the ancient woodland.

For some reason or another, even in this time of climate change, those in authority especially our council/councillors whose job it is to provide protective stewardship for our natural environment, are completely indifferent to the importance of the future sustainability of our natural assets.

Our fully qualified planners strongly recommended refusal at these two sites. However, for some reason or another there is a pattern emerging of councillors opposing the expert opinions of professional planners.

Is this really democracy at its best?

It is a shame that, because of the failure of those authoritative decision makers, good people who genuinely care about the environment are disregarded, treated unfairly and do not experience the natural justice that should be the right of everyone in our community.

We can only hope that some day our decision makers will have a change of heart and do the right thing for our precious environment and also for the health and well-being of the general population.
President Joe Biden announced a $1.8 trillion plan on Wednesday to help low- and middle-income families. In his first address to Congress, Biden spoke about his American Families Plan that will be funded by taxing Americas richest.

Biden believes that his plan is needed to make a once in a generation investment in our families and children. Here are the four takeaways from his speech to a joint session of Congress, according to the Wall Street Journals executive Washington editor Gerald Seib.
Catholic priest was right to refuse communion to Joe Biden

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I am not Roman Catholic, but from my perspective as a Protestant believer, Father Ryan Hilderbrand of Huntingburg, Indiana, was absolutely right in refusing to allow former Vice President Joe Biden communion this past Sunday. Communion is not for those in outright, public disobedience to the Lords commands.

If a man left his wife and was shacking up with his girlfriend, should he be allowed to take communion? Obviously not.

What about a drug lord who was dealing drugs to minors? Or a gang leader feared for his brutality and cruelty?

In each case, the answer is a clear and obvious No.

As for presidential candidate Biden, his increasingly pro-abortion stance, which has become more extreme in recent months, was sufficient grounds to be forbidden communion.

In Hilderbrands own words, Grave sin must be MANIFEST  that is, public and enduring over time  before I can deny someone Holy Communion.

This is where Mr. Biden comes in. Voting to protect abortion rights is clearly grave matter for sin. That he voted like this multiple times is much, much worse.

By his actions, he leads us to believe that he has willingly placed himself outside the communion of the Church. Therefore, so that he does not eat and drink unto his own condemnation, it is an act of mercy to deny Mr. Biden Holy Communion.

This would be similar to the Rev. Charles Finney (1792-1875), refusing to minister communion to slaveholders in the 1800s.

As explained by Roger Joseph Green, Finney's condemnation of slavery in principle was strong, and as Finney grew older he attacked slavery not just because of personal but from a firm ideological base  the moral law of God, to which nations as well as individuals are subject, forbid the enslaving of human beings. He practiced what he preached, and he would not allow slaveholders to take communion at his New York churches. Of this Finney was sure: slaveholding was sin.

Not surprisingly, left-leaning (and gay-affirming) Jesuit priest James Martin took exception to Hilderbrands actions, tweeting, Denying Communion to politicians, Democrat or Republican, is a bad idea. If you deny the sacrament to those who support abortion, then you must also deny it to those who support the death penalty. How about those who don't help the poor? How about Laudato Si? Where does it end?

John Hirschauer at the National Review corrected Martin forcefully, writing, Surely Fr. Martin does not mean to suggest that support for the death penalty for heinous criminals  a practice the Catholic Church has supported (and enacted!) in various moments in its history  is comparable to supporting the slaughter of unborn children. Neither, one imagines, could he possibly be suggesting that excessive use of air conditioning, or failing to recycle plastic goods, as outlined in Pope Francis environmental encyclical Laudato Si, are acts of similar moral gravity as a politician publicly supporting abortion rights.

But there was more that Martin had to say.

Besides, he added, a priest has no idea what the state of a person's soul is when the person presents himself or herself in the communion line. As we were taught in theology studies, the person may have repented of any sins and gone to confession immediately before mass. You have no idea.

Finally, as Pope Francis has said, the Eucharist is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.

Martin, of course, is correct. Only God knows what is going on inside someones heart. But public sin needs to be repented of publicly.

In this case, since taking communion is a public act and Bidens pro-abortion position is publicly known, he would need to renounce his position before receiving communion. Otherwise, he would sow confusion into the minds and hearts of his fellow-worshipers. And doesnt a change of heart require a change of action to be considered true repentance in Gods sight?

As for communion not being a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak, Martin, again, is correct. But there is a difference between weakness and wickedness. Weakness is when I know what is right but struggle to do it, calling out for help. Wickedness is when I willfully choose to do wrong and then defend my actions.

When it comes to Biden, Michael Gerson noted in June that, By forcing Joe Biden to abandon his support for the Hyde Amendment  which currently prevents the funding of abortions through Medicaid  the abortion lobby and activist liberals have taken the first major step toward reelecting Trump.

The problem here is not only that Biden appears weak and vacillating on an issue of conscience  which he does. Or that he will now be pressured to repudiate every hint of moderation in his 36-year legislative career  though he will be. The Hyde Amendment has played a particularly important role for Catholic politicians. It has allowed them to draw a distinction between permitting abortion and promoting it. Supporting the amendment has let them claim neutrality on abortion even while being effectively pro-choice. For Biden, this fig leaf is now removed. And seeing a 76-year-old man religiously and ethically naked is unappealing.

It is so unappealing that it led to the public embarrassment of a Catholic priest denying a life-long Catholic a seat at the Lords Supper.

May this be a wake-up call to the conscience of Joe Biden.
Kyivs Western backers have raised deep concerns over the Ukrainian government's unexpected decision to replace the head of state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz.

The government said on April 28 that Andriy Kobolyev, Naftogazs chief since 2014, was dismissed from the post due to "unsatisfactory" results of the companys operations last year, when it posted a loss of nearly $700 million.

The move threatens to complicate talks to access a $5 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

Peter Stano, the lead spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, said Brussels had "serious concerns" over the decision, and called on the leadership of Ukraine to ensure that the management decisions at state-owned enterprises are taken in full accordance with basic tenets of recognized corporate governance standards.

The U.S. State Department earlier said the "calculated move" showed "disregard for fair and transparent corporate governance practices."

"Unfortunately, these actions are just the latest example of ignoring best practices and putting Ukraine's hard-fought economic progress at risk," spokesman Ned Price told reporters on April 29.

He added that the United States will continue to support Ukraine in strengthening its institutions, including advancing democratic institutions and corporate governance reforms, but Ukraine's leaders must do their part."

Ambassadors from the Group of Seven (G7) major industrialized nations said in a tweet that effective management and governance of state-owned enterprises, free from political interference, is crucial to Ukraines competitiveness, prosperity, and Ukraine fulfilling its international commitments.

Kobolyevs moves toward transparency won him support among Western investors and donors.

He was credited for overseeing an energy overhaul that helped Ukraine to narrow its budget deficit, and leading the former Soviet republic to a multibillion-dollar win in a legal dispute with Russian energy giant Gazprom in 2018.

He also faced criticism for increases of heating costs.

His successor, Yuriy Vitrenko, said on April 30 that Naftogaz will continue to cooperate with international partners and that the company needed to return to profit.

Vitrenko was serving as acting energy minister before his appointment as CEO.

Ukraines Western backers tied financial aid to the country to concrete steps to clean up state companies such as Naftogaz, one of the country's largest companies by revenue.

Naftogaz has long been the object of corruption schemes by officials and oligarchs, but the situation began to change after the 2014 upheaval that swept pro-Kremlin President Viktor Yanukovych from power.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and Bloomberg
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 12:32:27|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Xinjiang Development Research Center on Friday published a report refuting a series of so-called Xinjiang-related "research reports" concocted by Adrian Zenz, a so-called German scholar, which wantonly attack and slander China's Xinjiang.

The report, titled "Slanderer Adrian Zenz's Xinjiang-related Fallacies Versus the Truth," uses facts and figures to debunk a spate of groundless claims fabricated and spread by Adrian Zenz including the so-called "forced labor," "forced sterilization of Uygur women" and "religious repression" in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The report says Adrian Zenz concocted the so-called Xinjiang-related "research reports" under the guise of academic study.

The report says the data and cases used by Adrian Zenz in his so-called "research reports" are results of fabrication and falsification, out-of-context quotation and arbitrary combination.

Xinjiang has achieved unprecedented progress in the socio-economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods, which has been witnessed by the international community and can never be discredited by slanderers like Adrian Zenz, according to the report. Enditem
IMLAY CITY, MI -- More than 100 Imlay City residents attended a public forum about the possibility of disbanding the Imlay City Police Department Thursday.

In a more than three-hour-long meeting at the Eastern Michigan State Fair Grounds in Imlay City Thursday, April 29, dozens spoke out against disbanding the department.

After nearly 40 years in law enforcement, Imlay City Police Chief Scott Pike announced plans to retire this year.

For the department long-term, a committee has been discussing multiple options moving forward, including having the police department disbanded with officers instead managed by the sheriff.

It is anticipated the disbanding option would save $400,000 to $500,000 annually, according to an informational pamphlet passed out at the meeting.

Related: Imlay City seeking new police chief, mulls over departments future

Fiscally responsible commissions explore all options to prevent future trouble, the pamphlet reads. Trends and reports from the state are urging communities to take steps not to prevent future crisis. The biggest issue facing the city this year is that the city budgeted $400,000 more in property tax revenue than it will receive. We are working to overcome that budget deficit.

Officials have said the city is steadfast in keeping all current officers, school liaisons and other employees dedicated to Imlay City.

Former Imlay City Mayor Margaret Guerrero DeLuca spoke out against the possible disbanding at the forum

The former mayor has lived in the city for 52 years. Her grandparents moved to Imlay City in the 1940s.

We are very vested in this community, she said. We go to school here. We live here.

DeLuca said her husband, Joe, is a school resource officer and a patrol officer with the police department so their livelihoods are affected as well by any decision over the police departments future.

But even if my husband wasnt a police officer in Imlay City, this is just bad for my community. Period, she said. Our community is a growing community. We are on a very busy highway, M-53, we need our local police officers. Period. Our city is not in financial ruins as they are saying. We have an over $2 million coffer. We have never been in the red. Our community has never been in the red. Its just preposterous this idea has continued this far.

DeLuca said she is disappointed no one on the Imlay City Commission has taken a stand after hearing from residents.

The large showing of community members at the meeting shows how much residents support and are there for officers, Joe DeLuca said, noting this means a lot to him as a police officer.

Our community comes together. They rally behind us because, again, we love our community, Joe DeLuca said. Theyve known us for years and weve forged these relationships over many, many years. Weve worked the community policing angle and were involved in our community. This is where it comes together for a situation like this. The community will stand up if our own commission wont do that.

Vicki Sefcovic an Imlay City-area resident, said she is not for getting rid of the city department. She said she does not believe there is enough manpower available through the sheriffs department.

I think the transparency is lacking, she said.

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A teenager has revealed that she accidentally moved into a retirement community, but it turns out that she enjoys living among senior citizens.

Madison Kohout, 19, from Norman, Oklahoma, recounted her comical mistake on TikTok, explaining that she relocated to a small town in Arkansas last month and signed a lease without viewing the property.

In the now-viral video, she is excitedly looking at the apartment listing on her laptop. The footage then cuts to her standing in front of a 'Senior Citizen Apartments' sign at the complex, hanging her head in embarrassment.

Scroll down for video

Whoops! Madison Kohout, 19, from Norman, Oklahoma, revealed on TikTok that she accidentally moved into a retirement community when she relocated the Arkansas

Hilarious mistake: In her now-viral video, she can be seen standing in front of a 'Senior Citizen Apartments' sign at the complex, hanging her head in embarrassment

'Me getting ready to move to an apartment out of state that I've never seen in person... and realize I just moved myself into a retirement home,' she captioned the hilarious clip.

Madison, who goes by Madi Ann, stunned TikTok users with her incredible story, which she has compared to something out of a Hallmark movie.

The video has been viewed more than 3.4 million times and received thousands of comments from people who were everything from envious to confused.

'This could be a sitcom,' one person wrote, while another added: 'I may be boring as hell but this is my dream.'

'Honestly this is the move,' someone else agreed. 'No loud neighbors. Plus they'll probably make you tons of food.'

Others shared their own stories about living in retirement villages when they were young.

Too funny: The teen, who goes by Madi Ann, signed the lease to her two-bedroom apartment before viewing the property, and she admitted it took her a week to realize her mistake

Living it up: Madi explained that the residence is considered equal opportunity housing, which means it does not discriminate by age

'I had a friend who lived in one of these. Only a certain percent had to be seniors and it was such a nice place!!' one TikToker shared.

Someone else commented: 'I lived in a retirement facility during my senior year in college and it was actually one of the best things to happen to me.'

While speaking with Newsweek, Madi admitted that it took her a bit of time to realize that she was by far the youngest person in the community.

'The first week of moving here was crazy! I was busy with finding a job and setting up my apartment, I didn't even notice!' she said.

'I thought it was a bit weird that all of my neighbors were significantly older than me. After my first week I saw a sign in front of the apartments, and it had clicked!'

Madi, who works as a nursing assistant, explained in a follow-up video that it was actually her mom, Gigi, who tipped her off about the spacious two-bedroom apartment that costs just $350 per month.

The teen explained that the residence is considered equal opportunity housing, which means it does not discriminate by age.

Blame mom! Madi, who works as a nursing assistant, explained that it was actually her mother, Gigi, who tipped her off about the apartment, which only costs $350 per month

Brilliant: Since Madi's initial video went viral, she has been detailing what her life is like in the retirement community in a series of playful TikToks

She noted that she is 'the only teenager in sight' in the 10-unit complex, but she loves her neighbors, whom she considers to be 'extra sets of grandparents.'

'I have also become friends with a lot of my neighbors. I have been able to go to dinner with them, have late-night conversations, and I have received some snacks as well! I love getting to know them and developing close relationships as well," she told the publication.

Since Madi's initial video went viral, she has been detailing what her life is like in the retirement community in a series of playful TikToks.

In one spoof, she pretends to be chatting it up with her neighbors 'Brenda' and 'Betty' while listing the benefits of living in a retirement community.

'How is life at the old folks' home you might ask? Let me show you,' she says. 'When I get home it's usually always super quiet. Because most of my neighbors are asleep by the time I get home. But one major perk is that I can play music whenever I want to because some of them can't hear.

'Another fun thing about living in the old folks' home is I can always hear about the tea in town,' she continues. 'Another fun thing is whenever I get to come home after a long day, everyone asks me how I'm doing.'

'Anyway that's how my life is going here at the old folks' home,' she adds. 'And just remember if you're struggling with rent, start your early retirement.'
The US Navy released video earlier this year showing what appeared to be 'UFOs' ((US Navy))

Former US Senator Harry Reid believes that Russians are the force behind a spate of mysterious incidents in which Unidentified Flying Objects have harassed US military members off the coast of California.

Mr Reid sat down for an interview this week with Mysterywire.com, a website focused on paranormal topics. The interviewer, veteran journalist and long-time Coast to Coast AM guest host George Knapp, suggested the UFOs could be Chinese in origin, but the former senator disagreed.

"Always remember, Russia, the former Soviet Union, is run by a man who ran the KGB. They had as many as 30,000 agents at one time, KGB agents. So, Russia's involved in this, no question about it," Mr Reid said.

Neither Vladimir Putin's past, nor the number of agents he controlled, is necessarily evidence of the state's involvement with UFOs.

However, there has been an uptick of UFO sightings - particularly in the vicinity of US military installations or vehicles - in recent years, suggesting the craft could be unmanned drones in the service of a foreign power.

Mr Reid said UFOs were "something that cannot be ignored," and insisted that Joe Biden take the issue seriously and sit down for a briefing.

"I believe that there should be an ongoing entity, within the Pentagon would be the best place for it, whose sole job is to stay on top of the issue of UFOs," Mr Reid said.

Mr Reid worked toward such a research team while he was in office; in 2007, he helped launch the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program at the Pentagon, which studied UFOS and other unknown aerial phenomena.

The program cost $22m and lasted until 2012, though "backers" of the initiative told The New York Times that the program still operates off the books.

Last year, the US Office of Naval Intelligence began a similar program, called the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force.

The Pentagon confirmed earlier this month that photos and video taken in 2019 depicting triangle-shaped flying vehicles off the coast of California and of a "metallic blimp" and two other objects shaped like a sphere and an acorn were legitimate images of UFOs.

Story continues

The Defense Department confirmed to Mysterywire that the UAPTF was investigating the sightings.

"I can confirm that the referenced photos and videos were taken by Navy personnel. The UAPTF has included these incidents in their ongoing examinations," the Pentagon spokesperson wrote.

According to flight logs from the incident off the California coast, as many as six UFOs swarmed US warships near the Channel Islands, moving at speeds of up to 40mph and with reportedly greater maneuverability than any known US military drone.

The Navy acknowledged that it has not been able to identify the flying objects.

According to Mr Reid, it is no longer grounds for mockery or derision inside the federal government to discuss UFOs.

"The federal government no longer, including people at the Pentagon, no longer criticize or harass or stop promotions of people who report these occurrences. In fact, they have done just the opposite in recent months, they now tell their pilots to report these unusual circumstances," he said.

He also commended the Pentagon for being honest and admitting it had no idea what the aircraft were, rather than offering up a cover explanation.

"And I appreciated the honesty of the Pentagon. Because when asked, what were these things, they say we dont know. Rather than try to say they were balloons from some kind of a weather experiment. They say we dont know. And thats honest. Thats being honest," he said.

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OTTAWA, ON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - The Royal Canadian Mint (the "Mint") is pleased to announce its financial results for 2020 that provide insight into our activities, the markets influencing our businesses and our expectations for the next 12 months.

"In 2020, employees of the Royal Canadian Mint demonstrated their ability to innovate and deliver great products in a very challenging operating environment" said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Their hard work contributed to the Mint's success. Employees pivoted quickly in the face of disruption allowing the Mint to generate strong profits."

"The Mint continues to respond to the unprecedented situation with COVID-19 in a proactive way that prioritizes the health and safety of our employees. We have adapted our production to be able to continue delivering critical services in support of the essential mining and financial sectors, while adhering to strict new protocols to ensure our work environment is a safe one."

"One very special initiative in 2020 was our Recognition Medal, created to recognize frontline workers while raising money for the Breakfast Club of Canada's COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Employees donated their time to this project and thanks to their generosity and the contrinutions of thousands of Canadians, the Mint was able to make a $400,000 donation to the Breakfast Club in 2020."

The financial results should be read in conjunction with the Mint's annual report available at www.mint.ca. All monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

Financial and Operational Highlights

The Mint increased its revenue by 74% in 2020 as a result of exceptionally strong global market demand for bullion while consolidated profit before income tax and other items was $27.5 million for the year (2019  $42.3 million ). Higher bullion volumes sold in 2020 increased the Mint's revenue and cost of sales proportionately; however, the Mint's profit margin was impacted in 2020 by lower revenue from its other businesses, without a corresponding decrease in costs. In particular, the Mint continued to pay its employees and did not reduce any fixed costs during the periods of suspended or modified production as a result of the pandemic impacting the Mint's profit margin in 2020 by approximately $6 million .

for the year (2019  ). Higher bullion volumes sold in 2020 increased the Mint's revenue and cost of sales proportionately; however, the Mint's profit margin was impacted in 2020 by lower revenue from its other businesses, without a corresponding decrease in costs. In particular, the Mint continued to pay its employees and did not reduce any fixed costs during the periods of suspended or modified production as a result of the pandemic impacting the Mint's profit margin in 2020 by approximately . Consolidated revenue increased to $2,527.6 million in 2020 (2019 - $1,453.4 million ).

in 2020 (2019 - ). Gold bullion volumes increased more than 100% year over year and were 982.8 thousand ounces (2019  483.0 thousand ounces) while silver bullion volumes were 29.5 million ounces (2019  22.8 million ounces).





Sales of numismatic products decreased to $91.9 million in 2020 (2019 - $116.8 million ) due mainly to the temporary suspension of numismatic product production as a result of COVID-19 in 2020.

in 2020 (2019 - ) due mainly to the temporary suspension of numismatic product production as a result of COVID-19 in 2020.



Revenue from the Foreign Circulation business decreased 2% to $64.2 million (2019 - $65.4 million ) with production and/or shipments of 838 million coins in 2020 and blanks compared to 1,308 million coins and blanks in 2019.

(2019 - ) with production and/or shipments of 838 million coins in 2020 and blanks compared to 1,308 million coins and blanks in 2019.



Canadian circulation coins produced and sold to the Department of Finance for inventory were 229 million pieces in 2020 (2019  385 million pieces) while coins sold to financial institutions to meet demand decreased 8% year over year.

Operating expenses, overall, increased 4% year over year to $98.5 million (2019  $94.5 million ) as the Mint focused on enhanced organizational resiliency in 2020 and the development of its updated long-term strategic vision and the strategy for the Mint's future business transformation.

(2019  ) as the Mint focused on enhanced organizational resiliency in 2020 and the development of its updated long-term strategic vision and the strategy for the Mint's future business transformation. Cash and cash equivalents increased to $67.3 million ( December 31, 2019 - $65.5 million ) after the Mint declared and paid a $20 million dividend to its Shareholder, the Government of Canada , in 2020. Cash and cash equivalents remain at the level required to support the Mint's operations.

Consolidated results and financial performance

(in CAD $ millions for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019)







Year ended

December 31,

2020 December 31,

2019 $

Change %

Change Revenue $ 2,527.6 $ 1,453.4 $ 1,074.2 74 Profit before income tax and other items1 $ 27.5 $ 42.3 $ (14.8) (35) Profit before income tax and other items margin

1.1%

2.9%





Profit for the period $ 37.7 $ 34.8





(1) A reconciliation from profit for the period to profit before income tax and other items is included on page 35 of the Mint's 2020

annual report.







As at

December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ Change % Change Cash and cash equivalents $ 67.3 $ 65.5 $ 1.8 3 Inventories $ 57.6 $ 94.9 $ (37.3) (39) Capital assets $ 161.1 $ 173.9 $ (12.8) (7) Total assets $ 379.4 $ 429.9 $ (50.5) (12) Working capital $ 112.9 $ 102.5 $ 10.4 10

As part of its business continuity plan, the Mint continues to actively monitor its global supply chain and logistics networks in support of its continued operations. Despite its best efforts, the Mint expects COVID-19 to continue to affect its performance in 2021.

To read more of the Mint's annual report for 2020, please visit www.mint.ca.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high-quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Earnings Release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's expectations regarding the Mint's objectives, plans, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "plans", "anticipates", "expects", "believes", "estimates", "intends", and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not facts, but only estimates regarding expected growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities (assumptions). While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on available information, they may prove to be incorrect. These estimates of future results are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what the Mint expects. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those risks and uncertainties set forth in the Risks to Performance section of the Management Discussion and Analysit in the Mint's 2020 annual report, as well as in Note 9  Financial Instruments and Financial Risk Management to the Mint's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. The forward-looking statements included in this Earnings Release are made only as of April 30, 2021, and the Mint does not undertake to publicly update these statements to reflect new information, future events or changes in circumstances or for any other reason after this date.

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint

Related Links

https://www.mint.ca/


New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

A few clouds with an isolated thunderstorm possible after midnight. Low 74F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A few clouds with an isolated thunderstorm possible after midnight. Low 74F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
COHOES -- The citys 10-acre reservoir would be mostly covered with 8,000 solar panels to create the nations largest municipally owned floating solar array - a $5.997 million demonstration project thats under consideration for federal funding.

The city started hunting for a spot to erect solar panels to generate power for its buildings. It ended up with a location that wasnt anticipated.

You need vacant land for solar panels. We have 10 acres of reservoir, said Joe Seman-Graves, the city planner leading the solar project.

Cohoes would be the first community to build and own a floating array on its manmade reservoir, an idea that could be a model for municipalities around the nation. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimated in December 2018 that 10 percent of the countrys yearly electric power needs could be met if arrays were placed on the 24,000 manmade reservoirs. The laboratory is part of the U.S. Department of Energy.

The 3.2 million megawatt direct current array would generate 4.153 million kilowatt hours of electricity during its first year of operation, according to the city. This could save $300,000 to $350,000 annually as part of the Greener, Cleaner Cohoes initiative to turn to renewable energy and fight climate change that Mayor Bill Keeler has been promoting since taking office.

Cohoes lack of land for solar panels is a common occurrence in other countries.

Floating photovoltaics (PV) remain a nascent technology in the United States, but their use has caught on overseas where space for ground-mounted systems is less available, National Renewable Energy Laboratory said in September.

There are only a handful of floating arrays around the country, usually privately owned by renewable energy companies.

The 8,000 panels would cover 65 percent of the reservoir surface. It's adjacent to the water treatment plant on Watervliet Boulevard.Besides generating electricity, Pubic Works Commissioner Steve Hennessey said the panels' coverage would cut algae growth in the water, which is drawn from the Mohawk River, reducing the amount of chemicals put in the reservoir.

Cohoes is seeking $4.788 million in federal funding to support the project. U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, has shortlisted the Cohoes floating array as one of his top 10 earmarked projects for possible funding in the 2022 federal budget.

The Cohoes reservoir array "is a groundbreaking idea that solves several problems at once, localizing power generation, increasing grid stability and driving down utility costs for consumers all while putting the City's property to maximum use, Tonko said Friday.

I will be pushing hard in the coming weeks to secure federal funding for this worthy project under the new community projects program established this year by the House Appropriations Committee, and I believe there may be other opportunities to use this project as a model for tackling some of Americas thorniest challenges regarding clean energy generation and preventing the worst outcomes of the climate crisis, Tonko said.

The city is seeking the federal grant to make the project affordable. A municipality cant use tax credits such as private corporations do to leverage their solar investments, the city said in describing its plans to invest in the array at the reservoir.

Cohoes will seek other grants and income sources to cover the $1.21 million required to supplement the federal funds.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the New York Power Authority may be potential funding providers and discussions will be held with National Grid, said Assemblyman John T. McDonald III, D-Cohoes, whos been coordinating meeting for the city with state agencies. The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Health Department also are involved as they are the regulatory bodies for the reservoirs operation.

Its a fantastic idea. Local governments get very frustrated when their land is being occupied by solar panels and isnt available for development. Its actually municipal property thats being used for one purpose can be used for an additional one, McDonald said.

The impact on taxes could go beyond savings it city operations. The Cohoes City School District and the Cohoes Housing Authority also may be able to tap into using the electricity generated through the reservoir project.

The city also envisions building a viewing platform to allow visitors to view the project and involving city school students in education programs related to the environmental project, said Kathleen LaBombard, an assistant to Keeler.
IFJ at World Press Freedom Day in Namibia

Information as a public good is the subject of World Press Freedom Day, held in Windhoek, Namibia, 30 years after the Windhoek Declaration (3 May 1991). It remains a seminal event for the development of a free, independent and pluralistic press. World Press Freedom Day has its origins in the UNESCO conference in Windhoek. Below you will find the programme with the participation of the IFJ and its regions.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Registration: HERE

30 APRIL - PRE-CONFERENCE DAY

Regional Forums

The global conference is connecting with the regional World Press Freedom Day celebrations, building upon the historic series of regional seminars triggered by the 1991 Seminar in Windhoek, which inspired regional declarations to promote a free, independent, and pluralistic press, in meetings held in Alma-Ata (1992), Santiago (1994), Sanaa (1996), and Sofia (1997).

08:00-10:30 - Asia and the Pacific Forum : Ika Ningtyas , Secretary General of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) - Indonesia

09:00 - 11:00 - Europe Forum, 26 Years After the Sofia Declaration, organized by UNESCO with the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom of the European University Institute, Renate Schroder , Director, European Federation of Journalists

09:00-12:30 - Africa Forum, 30 Years After the Windhoek Declaration [interpretation in EN/FR] : Omar Faruk , Executive Director, National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), and Roland Affail Money , President, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)

10:30-12:30 - Centra Asia Forum, 29 years after the Alma-Ata Declaration [interpretation in EN/RU] : Dainius Radzevicius , Head of the Lithuanian Union of Journalists.

16:00-19:00 - Latin American and the Caribbean Forum, 26 Years After Santiago Declaration [interpretation in EN/SP] : Zuliana Lainez, Secretary General of the National Association of Journalists of Peru (ANP) and President of Journalists of Latin America and the Caribbean (FEPALC)

12:00 - 13:00

Countering Digital Disinformation while respecting Freedom of Expression, an event part of the WSIS Forum

The Future of the African Media, by the Federation of African Journalists

Charmaine Ngatjiheue , Namibia Union of Media Professionals Union (NAMPU)

Erick Odour , Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ)

Marion Obam Vivian Medjo , National Union of Cameroon Journalists (SNJC)

Omar Faruk Osman , National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)

Peter Quaqua, West African Journalists Association

13:00 - 14:00

Digital and physical threats, financial pressure, access to information: How can investigative journalism survive in a hostile world?, hosted by Forbidden Stories

The Future of the African Media, organized by the Federation of African Journalists

14:00 - 15:00

Opening dialogue between Zukiswa Potye, CEO of the South African Media Development and Diversity Agency, and Rod Sims, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairman, moderated by Guy Berger

Thematic Plenary on Media Viability "A Pillar for Information as a Public Good" [interpretation in EN/FR] : Beth Costa, Secretary General, Brazilian journalists union FENAJ

16:00 - 16:30

Launch the Global Drive for Media Freedom and Safety of Journalists  with the support by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by OHCHR and UNESCO



17:00 - 18:00

African media policy in the digital age - in memory of 30 years of the Windhoek Declaration and the lifework of press freedom activist Jeanette Minnie, in partnership with the Namibia Media Trust

Arts and creativity as public goods: Promoting diverse culture contents in the digital environment, hosted by UNESCO

At the nexus of hatred and disinformation: women journalists targeted by organised online campaigns, organized by UNESCO and ICFJ

1 MAY - PARTNERS' DAY

A day to listen inspiring stories from individuals making a difference on freedom of expression

11:00 - 12:00

#PressFreedomIsMyFreedom "Watch Party", by the Namibia Media Trust, Fesmedia Africa and Deutsche Welle Akademie at the amphitheater of the Windhoek Zoo Park

The event will end with a Minute of silence called by Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU), IFJ affiliate.

12:00-13:00

=> Remember the dead, fight for the living - A tribute to journalists who have died from Covid-19, in partnership with the International Federation of Journalists.

Beth Costa , FENAJ

Bojana Lakovic Konatar , Trade Union of Media of Montenegro

Dr Mohammed Mwamadzingo , Bureau for Workers Activities of the International Labour Organization (ILO/ACTRAV)

Ihtsham ul haq , Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists

Jeremy Dear , International Federation of Journalists

Omar Faruk Osman , National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)

+ videos from our IFJ unions in Palestine, Peru, El Salvador, Yemen and Cambodia

13:00 - 14:00

Recite and Take Action Festival: Journalists and journalistic writers reading favorite pages about stories making a difference in the defence of press freedom, in partnership with Gabriel Garcia Marquez Foundation. Recordings will also de available as podcasts.

Release of the World Press Freedom Voices, short video messages from members of the community celebrating World Press Freedom Day across the world.

Younes Mjahed, President, International Federation of Journalists (video)

# 2 MAY - GLOBAL OPENING AND PLENARIES*

14:00 - 15:00

Welcome Performance by the National Cultural Group

15:00 - 16:00

Global Opening Ceremony and Opening Talk Show: Information is a Public Good - Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)

17:00 - 18:00

UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize Award Ceremony, followed by an interview with 2021 Laureate [interpretation EN/FR]

* interpretation in EN/FR will be available in all sessions

# 3 MAY - CLOSING AND PLENARIES*

09:30 - 11:00

Thematic Plenary on Media and Information Literacy: A Pillar for Information as a Public Good

11:00 - 12:00

Plenary "Voices from the regions"

12:00 - 13:00

Thematic Plenary on Transparency: A Pillar for Information as a Public Good

13:00 - 13:30

Wrap-up Plenary and adoption of the Windhoek + 30 Declaration

13:30 - 14:00

Closing and hand-over to 2022 World Press Freedom Day host
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday that several restrictions in New York City will be eased to match other capacity maximums in the state.

Beginning on May 7, restaurants will be able to increase their indoor dining capacity to 75%, in line with restaurants around New York state. Gyms and fitness centers will be permitted to operate at 50% capacity beginning on May 15.

Cuomo permitted restaurants outside of the five boroughs to increase capacity to 75% in March, while in New York City restaurants have remained at 50% capacity since March 19.

Earlier this week Cuomo announced that gyms and fitness centers throughout the state could increase their capacity from 33% to 50% beginning on May 15, however, New York City was excluded from the announcement.

Theres no doubt that restaurants have been among the pandemics hardest hit businesses, and New York Citys thriving restaurant industry has found it challenging to keep staff and maintain profits, Cuomo said.

Were easing restrictions on restaurants, personal care services and gyms to put more money in the pockets of small business owners and working people in New York City, which was hit so hard by the pandemic but, I have no doubt, will come back stronger than ever, he continued.

The governor also lifted the restaurant curfew for outdoor dining on May 17 and indoor dining on May 31, in addition to the curfew for catered affairs where attendees have either been vaccinated or showed proof of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test on May 17 and all other catered affairs on May 31.

Dancing at catered events will be permitted on May 3, as well as the return of bar seating on the same date. Offices will be permitted to increase capacity from 50% to 75% on May 15.

Cuomo said the decision to lift the restriction is the result of lowered positivity rates that are the direct result of disciplined behavior and vaccination efforts.

Everything weve been doing is working - all the arrows are pointing in the right direction and now were able to increase economic activity even more. Lifting these restrictions for restaurants, bars and catering companies will allow these businesses that have been devastated by the pandemic to begin to recover as we return to a new normal in a post-pandemic world, Cuomo said.

To be clear: we will only be able to maintain this progress if everyone gets the COVID vaccine. It is the weapon that will win the war and we need everyone to take it, otherwise we risk going backward, he continued.

DE BLASIO SAYS CITY WILL LIFT ALMOST ALL RESTRICTIONS ON JULY 1

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday on MSNBCs Morning Joe that the city is planning to reopen in full capacity beginning July 1.

Our plan is to fully reopen on July 1. We are ready for stores to open, for businesses to open, offices, theaters, full strength, de Blasio said. The mayor did not say if the mask mandate will remain in place.

Beginning July 1, restaurants, hair salons, arenas and gyms will open at full capacity, followed by Broadway in September. City public schools will also open at full strength in September, the mayor repeated Thursday and has been saying for weeks.

People have gotten vaccinated in extraordinary numbers, 6.3 million vaccinations in New York City to date, the mayor said about the decision to open up. We know the vaccination effort is going to grow and grow. We gotta keep working hard at that.

Help us out by going out and getting vaccinated if you havent already, and its free and its all over the city and now were doing walkups at sites all over the city, Hizzoner said. Weve got some work to do but Im quite confident well be ready for full strength by July 1.

FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER.
The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below.

You can see the new edition of the Xpat E-Magazine here:

xpatloop.com/newsletters/2021/29-april.html



1. In focus is the hottest topic now in the expat community: The Immunity Card

E.g. Xpat Guide: Covid Immunity Card - Who Is Eligible, How To Get It & Use It



2. There's a curated selection of News, Information & Inspiration:

E.g. New Music Centre Planned For Hajogyari Island In Budapest

Rules Revealed For After 4 Million Inoculated - Summary



3. Plus you can see Calendar highlights & several new Specials:

E.g. Kick Start May With A 30% Discount From Sixt Rent A Car

Gastro Farmer's Market / UNESCO International Jazz Day



We hope you like what's included for you this week.



Yours with best wishes,



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by Francis Khoo Thwe

At least 8,000 people are set to cross the Salween River on the Thai border. Clashes between Myanmars military and armed Karen forces group are intensifying. For the UN Development Programme (UNDP), at least 25 million people in Myanmar will fall into dire poverty by next year. Swimmer Win Htet Oo is giving up on the Tokyo Olympics so as not to compete for the putschist regime.

Yangon (AsiaNews)  Thousands of ethnic Karen are set to flee across the border into Thailand as a result of air strikes in northern Kayin State (picture 1). Clashes between Myanmars military and Karen armed forces have been escalating for more than a week.

Although the Karen National Union (KNU) signed a ceasefire with the government in 2012, the Karen military wing, along with those of other ethnic groups, have decided to fight the putschist junta and defend the civilian population from the violence and harassment by the security forces.

Four days ago, Karen forces destroyed a military outpost on the west bank of the Salween River, killing 13 soldiers. Three Karen fighters were also killed.

According to the Karen Peace Support Network, at least 8,000 ethnic Karen have taken refuge along the Salween, waiting to cross the river into Thailand, but it is not certain that the Thai military at the border will let them in.

A month ago, Thailand was accused of turning away 3,000 refugees, a charge rejected by Thai authorities.

Meanwhile, in Myanmar the economic situation is becoming increasingly difficult. Due to the civil disobedience movement many banks, offices, and many businesses are closed while travel is impaired.

The pandemic is making matters worse. According to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), at least 25 million people in Myanmar will fall into dire poverty by next year.

According to a report by the UN agency released today, the number of people below the poverty line has increased by 11 per cent since the start of the coronavirus epidemic.

Following the coup d'etat three months ago, the security in the country has also deteriorated, pushing the poverty rate up by 12 per cent. As usual in such situations, women and children are the first victims.

Despite the poverty, resistance to the military dictatorship continues undaunted. The decision by a swimmer, Win Htet Oo (picture 4), not to compete for Myanmar in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics met with great support on social media.

The image of me walking behind the flag in the Parade of Nations and smiling  pretending everything was all right  quite frankly disgusted me," said the young man.

From an early age, Win Htet Oos dream was to participate in an Olympics. He had met the 50m freestyle Olympic selection time at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, and was chosen by the Myanmar Olympic Committee to go to Tokyo.

He asked to the International Olympic Committee to allow him to compete as Independent Olympic Athlete but his requested was turned down.
Bengaluru, April 30 : The opposition Congress in Karnataka has trounced the ruling BJP by winning 120 out of the 263 wards in 10 local bodies across eight districts that went to the polls on April 27.

Surprisingly, even the Janata Dal (S) performed better than the BJP by winning 66 seats as against the saffron party's 57 seats.

While the BJP has been able to retain the Madikeri City Council, the Congress retained the Ballari City Corporation, besides winning the Bidar City Council.

Last time in Bidar, the Congress in coalition with the JD(S) had retained the Ramangar City Council, besides trouncing BJP in the Bhadravati City Council and the Teerthahalli Town Council in Shivamogga district.

After a long gap, the Congress has now trounced JD(S) in the Beluru City Council in Hassan, which is considered to be a stronghold of JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda's family.

The Congress also won the Gudibande Town Panchayat, where the BJP drew a blank.

In the Madikeri Town Municpal, the Congress put up a below par performance, managing to win only one of the 23 seats, while the SDPI won five seats there.

The BJP's performance in Shivamogga, which is the home district of Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurapa and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa, was far below par, as it managed to win only four of the 34 seats.

The elections to the Bhadravathi Town Municipal Corporation had gained importance after local Congress MLA B. K. Sangamesh had created a furore during the budget session by taking off his shirt to protest against the 'highhandedness' of the BJP. In the local body polls this time, the Congress managed to defeat the BJP by a handsome margin in Bhadravathi.

The Congress also managed to defeat the BJP in Beluru City Council in Hassan, a stronghold of JD(S) strongman H.D. Revanna, besides winning the Ramanagara City Council, which is considered the pocket borough of former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy.

The BJP succeeded to win 13 seats in the Ballari City Corporation, where the Congress put up a poor show.
Mayor Treated to Spectacular Display of Origami

His Worship the Mayor, Mr John Goncalves MBE GMD, City Hall staff and students of the Gibraltar College of Further Education were recently treated to a spectacular and unique display of the art of Origami.

This was the culmination of reciprocal visits between the College and His Worship when College student Antonio Olivero kindly proposed demonstrating his Origami making skills.

Antonio explained at length the process entailed in creating something as beautiful as a lotus flower from a single sheet of paper, with intricate folds and mathematical formulae leading to what could easily be described as an ornament.

Perhaps overlooked as an art form, the audience were struck by his creations and were left with a sense of awe at how this young person, who aspires to represent Gibraltar abroad, uses his immense intellect to create items of beauty.
On this presidential milestone, Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. has prepared a special report on the administration's progress to date, its many policy actions along the way, and what to expect in the coming months, released on April 29, 2021 and linked here: https://business.cch.com/Special-Report-Biden-100-Days.pdf

"In its first 100 days, aided by a razor-thin majority in Congress, this White House has achieved what few thought possible at the outset," said Ted Trautmann, J.D., a Wolters Kluwer senior legal analyst. "The sweeping American Rescue Plan Act and world-leading vaccine rollout are, by themselves, transformative. Add to that the many executive actions, regulatory initiatives, cabinet and agency appointments, and new legislation and programs in the pipeline. All told, this administration's debut is approaching historic levels of efficiency."

WHY: This special report lays out the administration's agenda and policy actions taken to date, organized around key subject areas such as healthcare, labor and employment, tax, and others. Specific actions covered in the report include:

The American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion stimulus package signed into law March 11 , which provides economic and tax relief to individuals, families, businesses, schools, and state and local governments, including stimulus payments, extended unemployment benefits, paid sick and family medical leave, child and dependent care assistance, expanded health care coverage, transportation industry support, and retirement plan relief

stimulus package signed into law , which provides economic and tax relief to individuals, families, businesses, schools, and state and local governments, including stimulus payments, extended unemployment benefits, paid sick and family medical leave, child and dependent care assistance, expanded health care coverage, transportation industry support, and retirement plan relief Covid-19 vaccine production and distribution, expanded testing, protective equipment production, research, guidance, and outreach

Affordable Care Act coverage enrollment, expansion, and outreach

Agency appointments, rulemaking, guidance, enforcement, and priorities

Executive orders on multiple fronts: immigration, climate change, regulatory reform, racial equity, worker safety, education, sexual orientation and gender discrimination, etc.

WHO: Wolters Kluwer's legal analysts are available to discuss the Biden Administration's policy agenda and actions in a range of areas, including labor and employment, tax, health care, securities and corporate governance, antitrust, intellectual property, cybersecurity, banking, and government contracting.

HOW: For members of the press who wish to interview a Wolters Kluwer legal analyst about the Biden agenda or related topics through the administration's first 100 days, please contact us at [email protected].

About Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.

Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the healthcare; tax and accounting; governance, risk and compliance; and legal and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2020 annual revenues of 4.6 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,200 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

Wolters Kluwer shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices. Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program. The ADRs are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. (WTKWY).

For more information about Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S., visit www.WoltersKluwerLR.com, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Linda Gharib

Director, Brand & Communications

Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.

Tel: +1 (646) 887-7962

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S.

Related Links

http://www.WoltersKluwerLR.com


Austrian Chancellor Kurz offers Vienna as venue for possible Russian-U.S. summit in call with Putin

Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has called Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin press service said on Friday.

"The federal chancellor proposed considering Vienna as a venue for a possible Russian-U.S. top-level meeting, if an agreement is reached on holding such," the press service said.

Putin and Kurz considered "some relevant aspects of Russian-Austrian relations, including collaboration in opposing the spread of the coronavirus infection and the prospects for the more active work of various bilateral cooperation mechanisms," it said.

"In response to Kurz's request, Putin explained Russia's approaches toward the settlement of the internal Ukrainian crisis, with emphasis placed on the need for Kyiv to fully and unconditionally implement the Minsk Agreements," the press service said.

"In discussing the situation in and around Belarus, Russia stressed that interference in that country's internal affairs from the outside is unacceptable," it said.

"The issue of Alexei Navalny was also touched upon," the press service said.

Kurz "gave his thanks for an earlier invitation to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June and confirmed his participation in the main plenary session as one of the principal guests in a video format," it said.
Simon Pedro Barcelo is co-president of the Barcelo Group and is the chief representative of one of Mallorcas Big Four hotel companies - Iberostar, Melia, Riu are the other three.

Early in April, it was observed that Barcelo had been strangely silent during the pandemic, whereas other leading hoteliers had been saying a great deal, especially Gabriel Escarrer of Melia, who is also - it should be noted - the president of the Exceltur alliance of excellence of major tourism and travel companies. It would have been strange, therefore, had Escarrer not been as vocal as he has been.

But while Miguel Fluxa of Iberostar and Carmen Riu have made their views known, Barcelo has largely confined himself to explaining his groups financial situation (good, despite a doubling of debt) and to talking about the sale of the Hotel Formentor. Until now, that is.

To varying degrees, the leading hoteliers have been critical of pandemic policy, while they have also offered their suggestions. Escarrers latest is for Spain to follow the example of the Dominican Republic in prioritising vaccination for tourism sector workers; Melia, in coordination with public health in that country, is organising the vaccination of over 2,000 of its employees. It might also be recalled that Escarrer was said to have led an initiative to give the Balearic government 40 million euros in order to buy its own vaccines and thereby speed up the process.

Barcelo has broken his silence and he has come out with several guns blazing. His main targets have been President Armengol and the national minister of tourism, Reyes Maroto. He blames both for last summer having turned out worse than had been expected. There was reactivation and this was, in his view, with the wrong information.

Tourists, he has argued in an interview with the newspaper ABC, were not the cause of the second wave of the pandemic that started to be unleashed during July, the incidence per 100,000 in the Balearics having been around five at the start of the month. The problem, he has stated, was in tourist destinations because of lack of testing of residents and track-and-trace.

At the beginning, there were no tests. When there, there were not enough. The demand had been for an absolutely obsessive tracking effort. As there was not, the summer was lost.

Armengol (and Maroto) will no doubt refute these claims, but they are damaging ones insofar as they undermine what was said about safe destinations last year. As to this summer, Barcelo says that things are better because of mass vaccination but not because of the management capacity. In this respect, he believes - without a doubt - that there has been political mismanagement.

There has been mismanagement with the purchase of vaccines by Europe. In the Spanish and regional sphere, testing and tracking have been a failure. For reasons of humanity, there is no doubt that the effort to control the pandemic is a priority and that it could have been done better in Spain and in all of the autonomous regions without exception.

Although vaccination has made things better, Barcelo clearly does not share the optimism of others, especially politicians. The coming summer will be as bad as 2020, while the islands will suffer more than the mainland. The big difference will occur from September. But despite this, it will be a catastrophic year for Spanish tourism.

Again, this pessimistic outlook will be challenged, but the very fact that Barcelo has previously been quiet and now chooses to air his opinions makes them that much stronger. As such, they are worrying. Nevertheless, is there something else behind his having gone public now? Perhaps there is, and this is because of the situation with the CEHAT national confederation of hotels.

The president of CEHAT, Jorge Marichal, has presented himself for re-election because of the tax fraud affair that came to light a few weeks ago. This had nothing to do with his hotel interests, and Marichal has explained the case in detail and stated that penalties arising from it have been paid. He has much support and not just in Tenerife, where he is president of the hoteliers association; the Association of Hotel Chains in Mallorca has expressed its support. Barcelo has been leading the offensive to remove Marichal and to - as has been claimed in the media - take control of the CEHAT lobby.

This may have something to do with Barcelos statements - making everyone aware that he is still very much around - but Marichal has arguably been the fiercest critic of all. He once suggested that the hoteliers would take to the streets in protest against government policy.

Barcelo has meanwhile said that he isnt in favour of prioritising tourism sector workers as such and has therefore taken a different stance to the likes of Gabriel Escarrer. It has more to do with essential services. And in this regard he includes supermarket workers, who Marichal has also mentioned.

Whatever his reasons for speaking publicly now, there is no hiding his attack on the pandemic management and its impact on tourism. And if he is correct in his forecast for this summer, it will be this management that is to blame.

TUI - Tourists not to blame

TUI are offering a similar assessment to Simon Barcelo when it comes to the impact of tourists on the coronavirus incidence. Marek Andryszak, CEO of TUI Germany, says that the experience with German tourists in Mallorca over Easter shows that organised travel does not influence the pandemic.

The incidence in Mallorca continues to be at the same level as it was before tourists arrived. Like last summer, travellers behaved in an exemplary manner.

Well, not all of them maybe, but the TUI view is the same as that of Alltours, whose boss, Willi Verhuven, said a couple of weeks ago that tourists visiting Mallorca are not propagators of the pandemic. Alltours brought some 10,000 German tourists to Mallorca at Easter.
Jeremy McGilvrey Is A World-Renowned & Award-Winning ClickFunnels Expert Who Offers Consulting & Sales Funnel Services

San Antonio, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - Landing pages are big business these days. They drive billions of dollars in sales across virtually every product category, from fitness supplements touted by influencers to gadgets drop-shipped from China. If you find the right formula - it's basically a license to print money - but that formula isn't easy to come by.





Jeremy McGilvrey, ClickFunnels expert



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7909/82489_c4085d27b474c85e_001full.jpg

Until now.

ClickFunnels expert Jeremy McGilvrey is offering his services through the Upwork platform, where he is listed as an "expert-vetted" freelancer, an honor bestowed upon only a very small fraction of freelancers. The Upwork platform states, "Expert-Vetted Talent is the top 1% - pre-screened by our Talent Managers and experts in their field."

Jeremy McGilvrey's Upwork account promises an elite-level service and guarantees that clients won't have to pay a single cent until they are head-over-heals happy with the service provided.

Upwork's platform is a great way for small to medium size businesses to gain an edge in the competitive world of e-commerce, and Jeremy's services have been well received thus far. Here are just a few of the countless positive reviews Jeremy McGilvrey has received from his clients on the Upwork platform:

"Jeremy was fantastic! He's very polished, positive, and professional. I would definitely work with him in the future!"

"Although Jeremy's fee was well above our budget, we had unsuccessfully tried other design/developers who had created less than mediocre work and we felt like we were just throwing our money away. When we met with Jeremy we were immediately impressed with his knowledge and expertise. After looking at some of his work, we held our breath and hired him. His work was magnificent - creative, original and eye-catching! He not only met all the deadlines (or beat them) but he stayed in touch with us every step of the way. His professionalism and work product are A++. We highly recommend Jeremy - we will definitely work with him again and believe you should as well."

"I highly recommend Jeremy to anyone who wants to really dial in the details on their sales funnels. From the start, Jeremy was extremely responsive and helpful, and very interested in the entire sales funnel (rather than just the sales page itself). His attention to detail is extremely strong (more than mine when it comes to funnels), and I can't wait to implement the changes that he recommended. Will definitely come back to hire him again!"

Jeremy McGilvrey has built his career creating tightly engineered sales funnels using ClickFunnels software. The Texas-based freelancer is a best-selling author and a Harvard-educated entrepreneur. He has worked with some of the biggest e-commerce brands in the US, built several successful sales funnels for his own products and services, and was even asked to contribute to a book written by ClickFunnels founder, Russell Brunson.

Jeremy spent four years in the US Army, to which he credits his painstaking attention to detail, and he has also helped develop landing page ROI calculators and online sales funnel training academies, earning himself a prominent reputation within the ClickFunnels community.

To learn more about Jeremy's work, including his bestselling books, and client reviews, visit https://www.jeremymcgilvrey.com.

Media Details

Name: Jeremy McGilvrey

Email: hi@jeremymcgilvrey

Company: Jeremy McGilvrey

Address: 17803 La Cantera Terrace #8318, San Antonio, TX 78256, United States

Phone: +1-800-746-1522

Website: https://www.jeremymcgilvrey.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82489
Haitian Catholics pray for an end to the nation's political and social unrest

Catholics in Brazil will join in prayer on Saturday for a special day of prayer for the Caribbean nation of Haiti, which is still recovering from a devastating 2010 earthquake and has seen rising violent crime.

By Lisa Zengarini

The Church in Brazil will be celebrating a special day of prayer for mission and peace in Haiti on 1 May.

The event is organized by the Bishops Conference Pastoral Commission for Mission and Inter-ecclesial Cooperation, together with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the pontifical foundation supporting persecuted Christians in world.

Ongoing political and social unrest

The Carribean country hasnt yet recovered from the devastating earthquake of 2010 and Hurricane Matthew of 2016, which have further increased poverty amongst Haitians.

The harsh economic situation has made Haitians even more vulnerable, amidst political unrest, growing insecurity and surging kidnappings, including the abduction of seven clergy members early in April.

We live in constant fear, wondering who will be next, Bishop Jean Desinord of Hinche diocese told ACN in a recent interview.

Brazilian Catholics invited to pray for Church's mission

The special prayer event for Haiti is part of a wider initiative organized by the Brazilian Bishops Conference (CNBB), in which the faithful are invited to pray for the mission of the Church in a given country on the first day of each month, in memory of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, patron of missions.

Prayer as a missionary action

During this day, they can either recite the Rosary or the Litany of the Saints, make a spiritual offering or pray for a specific intention.

According to Daniel Rocchetti, a member of the Pastoral Commission, the aim of the initiative is to emphasize the meaning of prayer as a missionary action.

Praying for the mission of the Church is part of what it means to be a missionary, he explains.

The first day of prayer was held on April 1 and was dedicated to Myanmar.
PHILADELPHIA, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is being issued regarding the class action settlement in Hill v. Canidae Corporation.

There is a Proposed Settlement in a class action lawsuit that claims Canidae Corporation violated state laws regarding the labeling and marketing of certain Canidae pet food products. Canidae denies it did anything wrong and denies all of the claims made in this lawsuit.

WHO IS INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?

Anyone in the U.S. or U.S. territories who bought qualifying Canidae pet food products after July 9, 2016 and prior to April 30, 2021 in the U.S. or U.S. territories is considered a potential Class Member and is eligible to file a claim. Visit the Settlement website below or call the toll-free number for a complete list of products covered by the Proposed Settlement.

WHAT DOES THIS PROPOSED SETTLEMENT PROVIDE?

If the Proposed Settlement is approved and becomes final, it will provide Benefits to Class Members. Defendant will make payments to those Class Members who file Valid Claims by submitting a Claim Form by the deadline, as well as pay for costs associated with the notice and administration of the Settlement, attorneys' fees and costs to the attorneys for the Class, and an Incentive Award to the named Plaintiffs.

HOW CAN I GET A PAYMENT?

If you are a Class member, you may submit a Claim Form online at PetFoodIngredientSettlement.com or by mail by July 29, 2021. Payments for those submitting valid, timely claims could be $5.00 (without Proof of Purchase), or $5.00 for every $50.00 spent on qualifying products (with Proof of Purchase), up to $125.00.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

If you do nothing, you will not receive money from the Settlement but you will be bound by the decisions of the Court. You may Exclude yourself or Opt-Out from the Proposed Settlement. If you do so you will not be eligible to receive money, but you will keep your right to pursue a lawsuit against the Defendant, at your own expense, about the claims in this case. You may Object to the proposed Settlement. Please read the Long Form Notice found on the website below with detailed instructions on how Opt-Out and Object. The deadline to Opt-Out and Object, is June 14, 2021.

The Court will hold a hearing in this case on September 13, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 1 of the United States District Court for the Central District of California, George E. Brown, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 3470 Twelfth Street Riverside, California 92501-3801, to consider approval of the Proposed Settlement, a payment of up to a total of $1,300,000 to Class Counsel for attorneys' fees and expenses and a payment of up to a total of $5,000 to each of the two named Plaintiffs as an Incentive Award, and related issues. The motion(s) by Class Counsel for those fees, costs, and Incentive Awards for the named Plaintiffs will be available on the Settlement Website after they are filed and before the above hearing. You may appear at the hearing, but you are not required to appear.

HOW CAN YOU GET MORE INFORMATION?

This is only a summary. Please read The Long Form Notice at PetFoodIngredientSettlement.com or call 800-335-2852 for complete instructions on how to file a claim, object, or exclude yourself, and other important information. Visit PetFoodIngredientSettlement.com or call 800-335-2852, or write to Canidae Settlement Administrator, c/o Heffler Claims Group, PO Box 98, Warminster, PA 18974-0098.

SOURCE Kroll Business Services (formerly Heffler Claims Group)
After you have incidents like we saw with Sandy Hook and Marjory Stoneman Douglas, there definitely is this fear that we are not prepared enough, Reeves said. The second component is some law-enforcements viewpoint on training is that you must experience something in order to know what to do, so you dont freeze in that moment. When youre in education or psychology, our training is you can also learn a lot by teaching and discussion and walking through things. So were trying to merge the two approaches within an educational setting.
Entry-level pols

Since Excelsiors launch, there have been countless requests to unpack what district leaders do. No, seriously. Countless requests.

Its understandable why so many of us are confused about these low-profile political posts, considering district leader campaigns barely garner as much attention as other races for elected positions, such as mayor, borough president, City Council, state Senate and Assembly. While the position doesnt hold much power, they do have control over their partys activity in their district and play a small but important role in the citys overall political ecosystem.

Unlike other elected officials, district leaders are part-time and they dont get paid for their work. The role is intended to be an entryway into politics for people who may not have other avenues to break in, such as an abundance of cash or good connections. Each term is two years and there are two district leaders per Assembly district, one male and one female  more on this outdated requirement to come!  but in some boroughs, such as Manhattan and Queens, certain districts are divided in half, thirds and sometimes in quarters and are denoted as A, B, C and D districts.

District leaders in the city also operate a little differently than a district leader might outside of the city. According to state laws, the city is required to have party positions of assembly district leaders or one district leader and one associate district leader per Assembly district. Outside of the city, however, the existence of district leaders is dependent upon whether or not rules from the county committees permit them.

District leaders are expected to be the voting arm for the community and to be present at county meetings. Each Assembly district is represented in the county committee, which is made up of district leaders and other party members. District leaders are expected to facilitate their partys activity within their district, get more members of their party elected, appoint election workers and help elect the county chair. They also play an important role in selecting judicial nominees for their district.

Oftentimes, county chairs outside of the city will adopt the term district leader, but they have much different responsibilities that can blur the lines a little bit when it comes to the role. And then there are school district leaders, who have a completely different set of education and school-related responsibilities, further confusing things.

By the numbers

The district leader download

0 term limits

150: the number of signatures prospective district leaders need to get on the ballot, down from 500 signatures prior to the pandemic

$500 - $10,000: The range of cash needed to run a district leader campaign, according to New Reformers, a group thats aimed at getting progressives elected to district leader roles in Queens

Mini history lesson

The origins of the district leader

The importance of district leaders dates back to the 1870s. Back then, the citys district leaders were selected by party county committees rather than local residents, and they also played a sizable role in shaping public policy, which is not the case today. In the 1950s, district leaders were still chosen by their partys county committees, but they could be challenged during primary elections.

The two roles for male and female district leaders were created in 1920, and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and the New York League of Women Voters are largely credited with this now-arcane setup. Roosevelt, who had joined the league that year, felt that women had a well-rounded understanding of their communities and would be valuable additions to the states political world. With the help of the league, Roosevelt pushed to create a stipulation that there be a district leader position specifically designated for women. A revolutionary concept in 1920, not so much in 2021.

The new reformers

Tension between party chairs and district leaders

For a long time, county committees and their members were all relatively on the same page and hardly ever faced challengers  that is, until nonmachine newbies started challenging  and defeating  more established district leaders in recent years. Pushback from party outsiders has led to a growing tension between progressive newcomers and the establishment.

After Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs historic congressional win in 2018, more political novices felt empowered to pursue their political ambitions and attempted to get into the most entry-level position there is in the city: district leader. This became clear in Queens, when a Democratic group called New Reformers decided to challenge establishment district leaders in the 2020 elections. I just feel like we really need people, especially progressives, who care about changing the system to run for office themselves, Moumita Ahmed, a co-founder of the New Reformers who is now running for City Council, told Gothamist in 2019.

Rep. Gregory Meeks, who is the Queens County Democratic Party chair, denounced the growing number of progressive challengers in the county, which has 72 district leaders. During a Queens County Democratic Party gathering in October 2019, Meeks made it clear that he did not approve of the new progressive challengers and asked guests attending the event to help find more incumbents to fill district leadership posts in the upcoming elections.

Since much of what a district leader does has to do with how its political party is run within their district, a lot of established politicians also serve as district leaders, in what some reform-minded district leaders construed as an attempt to have greater control over their district  and, in some cases, to squash community power.
(Natural News) A 50-year-old woman in Oregon died of a blood clot about two weeks after she got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Wuhan coronavirus vaccine. State officials confirmed her death on April 22, becoming the 10th person to suffer from the said adverse reaction. The report of the womans death came a day before advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would meet regarding the vaccines suspension.

According to an April 22 statement by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), it received word of the adverse reaction on April 20. Two days earlier, on April 18, the CDC was notified of the incident. The statement noted that the woman received the one-dose vaccine before authorities recommended halting its use temporarily.

The OHA statement elaborated that the 50-year-old woman developed a rare but serious blood clot  in combination with very low platelets. Both symptoms reportedly occurred within two weeks following vaccination with the single-dose adenovirus vector shot. The Beaver States health department said six others in the U.S. inoculated with the J&J vaccine reported similar blood clots.

Furthermore, the statement said that information about the vaccine-related fatality had been forwarded to the CDCs Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. The case  will add to the evidence of potential risk associated with [the J&J] vaccine, it continued. However, OHA noted that it cannot be concluded whether [the womans] death is related to the vaccine until a probe on the matter is complete. CDC and OHA officials are investigating the death as of writing.

Blood clots in tandem with low platelet counts were reported in 10 individuals who got the J&J vaccine against the Wuhan coronavirus, including the Oregon woman. Five of them developed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis  clots that affect the vessels draining blood from the brain. Meanwhile, one person developed deep vein thrombosis  a blood clot that affects distant vessels such as the ones located in the legs.

CDC votes to resume use of vaccine despite adverse reactions linked to it

The report of the 50-year-old Oregonians death came a day before the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) April 23 meeting. The committee would talk about the J&J vaccine and subsequently issue their recommendations with regard to it. Some ACIP members have said it should come with a warning about younger women possibly developing blood clots. (Related: Johnson & Johnson vaccine under investigation over deadly blood clot cases.)

True enough, the committee members voted to lift the suspension on the J&J vaccine during the six-hour meeting. A report by FOX 5 said that CDC advisers voted 10-4 to resume the use of the vaccine, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized for emergency use in late February 2021. The ACIP members argued that the vaccines benefits outweigh [the] serious but small risk of blood clots.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky noted that the blood clots caused by the J&J vaccine coming to light meant that vaccine safety systems were functioning properly. She said in a statement: Above all else, health and safety are at the forefront of our decisions. Our vaccine safety systems are working. Walensky added that the public health agency identified exceptionally rare events  out of the millions of [J&J vaccine] doses and will continue to monitor any adverse events.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy also lauded the vaccine safety mechanisms, adding that the suspension of the J&J vaccine reflects how seriously officials are considering the matter. This is your safety system working for you, what you are seeing right now. A signal came up, the FDA and CDC jumped on it and decided to investigate thoroughly and thats whats happening. That  should increase peoples confidence that [authorities] are being told whats going on and that any signals are being investigated, he said.

J&J Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Paul Stoffels said his firm was grateful to the [ACIP] and its medical experts for the rigorous evaluation of the single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. The Committees recommendation is an essential step toward continuing urgently needed vaccinations  for millions of people in the U.S., he added.

The J&J executive remarked: As the global pandemic continues to devastate communities around the world, we believe a single-shot, easily transportable COVID-19 vaccine with demonstrated protection against multiple variants can help protect the health and safety of people everywhere. He also reiterated the pharmaceutical companys willingness to collaborate with health authorities worldwide to ensure this very rare event can be identified early and treated effectively. (Related: Mass vaccination site in Colorado shut down after people experience adverse reactions from Johnson & Johnson vaccine.)

Visit VaccineDeaths.com to read more reports about adverse reactions linked to the J&J single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Content.GovDelivery.com

FOX5DC.com
BOSTON  After an easy passage before the Senate on Thursday, a $600 million bond bill for a new Holyoke Soldiers Home and other veterans services may face pushback from House leaders.

The bond bill passed 40-0 with little debate, but for some skirmishing among members over a proposed construction labor agreement that ultimately also passed easily.

However, state Rep. Joseph Wagner, second assistant majority leader, said he and House Speaker Ronald Mariano were displeased that the Senate version of the bill did not reflect the House versions.

The House passed a $400 million bill two weeks ago for the Holyoke project alone. The Senate Ways and Means Committee added $200 million to the bill for a regional equity component for veterans in other parts of the state.

It appears that there is consensus between the governor and the two branches on authorizing $400 million to construct a new Holyoke Soldiers Home, Wagner said following Thursdays Senate vote. The Senate, however, appears to have conditioned their support based on policy matters that have not been the subject of public hearings or a debate and vote by the House of Representatives.

Wagner suggested the Senate version of the bill was an end-around to the House, adding that Mariano agreed.

I did have an opportunity to have a conversation with the House Speaker after the Senate vote today; I believe he shares my concerns about the additions to the bill made by the Senate, Wagner said, referring primarily to the regional equity component.

Mariano has not commented publicly on the Senate vote, but a senior official with knowledge of the matter confirmed he and Wagner were in agreement.

Meanwhile, Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, touted the bills reach.

The funding in this bill will ensure that we begin to rethink how we deliver care to veterans of every generation across Massachusetts, Spilka said.

Ensuring that our veterans are connected to their communities is an important factor in ensuring that their physical and mental health is taken care of, and so I am proud of the steps we have taken to ensure geographic equity and accessibility, especially for our women and LGBTQ veterans, as well as veterans of color. Our quick action in passing this legislation will help ensure we maximize federal funds in this important endeavor, she added.

The chambers differences over the bill will get sorted out in a conference committee before heading to Gov. Charlie Bakers desk, unless those differences slow its progress altogether.

The state is working to meet an Aug. 1 deadline for up to 65% in federal reimbursement for the Holyoke project.

Related content:
The FTSE 100 has struggled to maintain a foothold above 7,000, but still closed in the green, just 8 points higher at 6,969. The FTSE 250 did better, adding 104 points to close at 22,497.

The eurozone slipped into a double-dip recession as the slow vaccine roll-out and continued lockdown restrictions took their toll.

Gross domestic product contracted 0.6 per cent in the first quarter, after a 0.7 per cent fall in the last three months of 2020, leaving the bloc in a technical recession, which is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth.

Barclays reported a sharp upturn in profits in the first quarter, closing a week of upbeat results from the big banks, but shares tumbled 7 per cent as it struck a more cautious note about the future than its peers.

AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine contributed just under 200million in sales as the drugmaker reported better-than-expected results, with net profits doubling and total revenues rising 11 per cent to $7.32billion.

Retail giant Amazon saw its profits more than triple to $8.1billion and its revenues surpass $100billion again in the first quarter of the year, with Prime memberships and third party sellers using its warehouses fueling the boom.
ContractPodAi, the award-winning legal tech company and leader in AI-powered contract lifecycle management (CLM) solutions, today announced its partnership with Qualitas Consulting Group, a leading full-service consulting organization providing technical and functional expertise for business process, contract lifecycle management, and enterprise legal solutions.

Qualitas will empower ContractPodAi to further the deployment and services capabilities of its powerful legal platform in North America. Qualitas offers ContractPodAi customers access to its fully enabled deployment and process partner. Qualitas brings its immense experience base in information technology, legal department operations, enterprise legal department software solutions, and management consulting.

We are pleased to partner with Qualitas Consulting Group, said Sarvarth Misra, CEO and co-founder of ContractPodAi. We look forward to introducing our award-winning legal tech solution, our new ContractPodAi Cloud one legal platform solution, to their clients, helping digitally transform their legal departments to increase efficiency while reducing risk.

ContractPodAi Cloud is one legal platform that streamlines and simplifies in-house legal processes, from the simplest to the most complex. Well-established as the leader in end-to-end contract lifecycle management, ContractPodAi harnesses the unrivalled Ai power of IBM Watson and Microsoft Azure for leading corporations around the world. The platforms robust, intuitive, and easy-to-use capabilities have been extended to handle the entire, end-to-end legal lifecycle  any use-case, any document type, any scenario.

As a full-service consulting firm, it is incredibly important to partner with technology providers that can truly empower our clients ability to transform and become more efficient, said Lauryn Haake, President of Qualitas Consulting Group. ContractPodAi fits our technology offerings perfectly as we believe this unique solution can help deliver top quality results for our clients.

To learn more about how ContractPodAi is using artificial intelligence to power the contract lifecycle management process globally, visit ContractPodAi.com.

About ContractPod Technologies (ContractPodAi)

ContractPodAi Cloud is the one legal platform that streamlines and simplifies all your in-house legal processes, from the simplest to the most complex. Well-established as the leader in end-to-end contract lifecycle management, ContractPodAi harnesses the unrivaled Ai power of IBM Watson and Microsoft Azure for leading corporations around the world. Now, the platforms robust, intuitive, and easy-to-use capabilities have been extended to handle the entire, end-to-end legal lifecycle  any use-case, any document type, any scenario.

ContractPodAi Cloud amplifies your businesss readiness through our partnerships with complementary technology providers including IBM, Microsoft, DocuSign, and Salesforce. ContractPodAi is headquartered in London and has global offices in San Francisco, New York, Glasgow, Chicago, Sydney, Mumbai, and Toronto. More information is available at ContractPodAi.com.

About Qualitas

Qualitas Consulting Group, LLC is a woman-owned full-service consulting firm dedicated to quality results for our clients. We focus on business process, contract lifecycle management and enterprise legal solutions, providing both functional and technical expertise to help our clients achieve long-lasting success.
Eric Omondi has once again proven why he is the most sought-after brand influencer in Kenya after securing yet another brand ambassador deal.

Thanks to the comedians creativity, out of the box thinking, and monumental fanbase, he has been announced as the brand ambassador for HAVA Limited.

Hava is a Kenyan-based online ride-hailing company operating in major cities across the country.

Eric Omondi announced the partnership with Hava on his socials, saying he has also signed up as a cab driver.

 NEW AMBASSADOR ALERT!!! Im happy to ANNOUNCE that today(Wednesday) I entered into a PARTNERSHIP with HAVA LIMITED. HAVA is Kenyas first TAXI APP its our very own by one of usI have also signed up as a driver and I Cant wait to receive your requests and drive my fans to their destinations. Imagine tu ku request cab na unabebwa na Eric Omondi I will be letting you know frequently where I will be stationed so you can request but for now, DOWNLOAD the HAVA APP on your Playstore. @hava_cabs. #BuyKenyaBuildKenya ##WeDriveYouRide Omondi wrote.

The funny man got straight to work on Thursday and shared a video picking his Hava car.

He was stationed at Oil Libya in Westlands, Nairobi from 2 pm, where those who were lucky to request a ride with him got a free ride and some cash.

He wrote: Just picked my Hava CarFirst day at work!!! Today Ill be around Westlands. DOWNLOAD your Hava APP NOW!!! If you manage to request me I will: @hava_cabs

1. Award you with Ksh 3000

2. Give you a Free ride

3. Alafu ntakuchekesha ukufe

Kesho tuko South B

Alafu  Ruaka

Roysambu

Umoja

Donholm

Thika Road and the list will go on and on.
AUSTIN, Minnesota - As cases in younger Minnesotans continue to increase, Austin Public Schools is aiding in the push to be vaccinated.

Governor Tim Walz is encouraging 16 and 17 year-olds to get the Pfizer vaccine through a series a pop up clinics across the state, including at Mall of America. In Austin, the school district is partnering with Mower County Health & Human Services and the Mayo Clinic Health System for two dates next month at Hastings Gym at Austin High School.

HR Director Mark Raymond highlights the partnership between the district and agencies to make sure this opportunity is a reality.

"The decision for getting vaccinated is solely a personal decision. Those individuals need to arrive to that conclusion on their own. What we're doing is providing that opportunity so that if and when students 16 and up, and community members 16 and up decide they would like to be vaccinated, there are opportunities for them."

He adds that the district will continue to work with the agencies to provide these clinics throughout the summer as long as demand warrants it, including if the age groups for vaccinations expand.

"If that were to happen this summer, if it drives down to let's say 8 and up or 10 and up, that's a whole new population of students that can possibly participate in it. We'd anticipate they'd reach out to us and we'd be a willing partner to try and set something up."

The clinics, set for May 7 and 28, will be opened to the public. Times have not yet been secured.

The State of Minnesota is offering a 'Find My Vaccine' map for teens to find their local provider for the Pfizer vaccine.
James Jim Carr, age 79, passed away from Alzheimers and complications from Covid-19 in the early morning hours of Monday, April 26, 2021, at Rivers Edge Assisted Living in Great Falls.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel.

Jim was born on November 2, 1941, in Decatur, IL to Marion and Norma Carr. He attended Great Falls High School, joining the Navy in January 1959. His ship sailed the Panama Canal during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He married Sande Denny in 1970, and they had two children together. Jim and Sande divorced in 1979.

Jim met Sheryl Secora in 1986, and they married in 1988. During their almost 35 years together they spent many summers, camping and packing on horseback into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and many other areas of Montana. They were able to travel to Arizona, Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska.

Over the years Jim had many ranch jobs, worked at Formicove Kitchens, Nucor Steel, and retired from the City of Great Falls Housing Authority on April 30, 2002.

Jim is remembered for his beautiful smile, laugh, great hugs, and bright blue eyes. He loved to joke, dance, and spend time with his many friends and family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother and step-father; father and step-mother; sister, Jeannie, and numerous in-laws.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sheryl; son, Trent; daughter, Bryn; Grandsons, Savon Carr, Ky-Myie Crawley, Cody Cox, and James Carr; Granddaughter, Alisa Cox; and great-grandson, Indreni Carr. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Rick (Pam) and Terry Secora; sister-in law, Shanna (Mike) Chism; nieces, Shirley, Darci, Rachel, Megan, and Kimberly; loving nephews, Toby, Lee, Branden, and Chayse; and best friend of nearly 60 years, Tom McAllister.

Jim would like anyone attending the service to wear western apparel or casual clothing  he just wasnt a fancy guy!

Memorial donations can be made to Montana Horse Sanctuary, PO Box 551, Stevensville, MT 59870 or animal rescue group of your choice.

Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.
Lisa Vanderpump welcomed Mario Lopez and his wife Courtney along with Sheryl Underwood on Thursday night's new episode of E!'s Overserved with Lisa Vanderpump.

The 47-year-old Saved by the Bell star and his 38-year-old wife were joined by the 57-year-old host of The View at 60-year-old Vanderpump's Villa Rosa estate.

She treated her guests to a traditional British roast dinner, complete with Spotted Dick for desert, while Lopez admitted one of his children walked in on him and Courtney having sex during quarantine, while Underwood revealed she once ran an escort service.

Mario: Lisa Vanderpump welcomed Mario Lopez and his wife Courtney along with Sheryl Underwood on Thursday night's new episode of E!'s Overserved with Lisa Vanderpump

Estate: The 47-year-old Saved by the Bell star and his 38-year-old wife were joined by the 57-year-old host of The View at 60-year-old Vanderpump's Villa Rosa estate

Admission: She treated her guests to a traditional British roast dinner, complete with Spotted Dick for desert, while Lopez admitted one of his children walked in on him and Courtney having sex during quarantine, while Underwood revealed she once ran an escort service

During the meal, Vanderpump mentioned that she had heard the Lopez's were 'shagging' quite a bit during quarantine, Lopez admitted, 'It's all about the quickie.'

Lisa asked how they have sex in the first place when they have three children - Gia, 10, Dominic, 7 and Santino, who turns two in July - Mario told the group, 'the worst thing ever.'

'This was so...traumatic. Um, our daughter walked in on us,' Lopez said, while Courtney explained that they were, 'in a completely different bedroom.'

Quickie: During the meal, Vanderpump mentioned that she had heard the Lopez's were 'shagging' quite a bit during quarantine, Lopez admitted, 'It's all about the quickie'

Family: Lisa asked how they have sex in the first place when they have three children - Gia, 10, Dominic, 7 and Santino, who turns two in July - Mario told the group, 'the worst thing ever'

Lisa asks: Lisa asked how they have sex in the first place when they have three children - Gia, 10, Dominic, 7 and Santino, who turns two in July - Mario told the group, 'the worst thing ever'

'I thought she was in school in her room, never thinking that for the next-- whatever, how many minutes, it would-- I wouldn't say "How many minutes."'

Mario joked, 'It was a quickie!' before realizing, 'Wait, that didn't come out right!' as they all had a good laugh.

Mario said he was 'lightning with the covers' and he went to find his daughter but he couldt find her for an hour.'

Thought she was in school: 'I thought she was in school in her room, never thinking that for the next-- whatever, how many minutes, it would-- I wouldn't say "How many minutes"'

Wait: Mario joked, 'It was a quickie!' before realizing, 'Wait, that didn't come out right!' as they all had a good laugh

Courtney added there were also people moving furniture in their home and, 'There were so many things going on in our house at that moment, and I didn't think that we needed to lock the door.'

Mario added he was 'lightning with the covers' but then said he went to talk to her later and said he couldn't find her for an hour.

When they talked about the incident, Mario said that 'she kept feeling bad,' and he said, 'Honey, don't feel bad. If she would've caught you with somebody else, then yeah, feel bad.'

Furniture: Courtney added there were also people moving furniture in their home and, 'There were so many things going on in our house at that moment, and I didn't think that we needed to lock the door'

Feeling bad: When they talked about the incident, Mario said that 'she kept feeling bad,' and he said, 'Honey, don't feel bad. If she would've caught you with somebody else, then yeah, feel bad'

Courtney added their seven year old said, 'Gia saw you naked kissing,' as Mario added that now he makes sure to lock every lock when they have a 'quickie.'

Sheryl Underwood had previously spoke about being single, adding that she wants a man who has his own life and would typically live in his own house.

After hearing Mario and Courtney's take, she added, 'See, thats why you need a separate house.'

Own house: Sheryl Underwood had previously spoke about being single, adding that she wants a man who has his own life and would typically live in his own house

Separate: After hearing Mario and Courtney's take, she added, 'See, thats why you need a separate house'

Mario asked Lisas daughter Pandora if she ever caught Lisa and Ken, and she didnt, but said she saw her 'running away from him a lot' as a kid.

Underwood also shared a few interesting stories, revealing she first moved to California from Chicago after her husband died.

She added that she knew she wanted to go into comedy, but she also needed a way to make money, 'So I started a male exotic show with a comedy show.'

Running away: Mario asked Lisas daughter Pandora if she ever caught Lisa and Ken, and she didnt, but said she saw her 'running away from him a lot' as a kid

Male exotic: She added that she knew she wanted to go into comedy, but she also needed a way to make money, 'So I started a male exotic show with a comedy show'

'I was doing Magic Mike before Magic Mike,' she joked, before adding that the exotic show turned into an 'escort service.'

'But for the women that I was trying to make the money with, they wanted to have sex with the escorts, and it's illegal in most states,' she added.

She added that in her company, 'you had to study the woman enough to make it look like you were a couple,' adding they paid $1000 a night for the service.

The talk eventually turned to who each person's, 'hall pass' would be, with Lisa immediately saying it would be George Clooney.

When Lisa asked Mario what, 'living celebrity is your forever hall pass, he said, without hesitation, 'Betty White.'

Magic Mike: 'I was doing Magic Mike before Magic Mike,' she joked, before adding that the exotic show turned into an 'escort service'

Betty: When Lisa asked Mario what, 'living celebrity is your forever hall pass, he said, without hesitation, 'Betty White'

Hall pass: The talk eventually turned to who each person's, 'hall pass' would be, with Lisa immediately saying it would be George Clooney

The evening also included a few games, with Lisa setting up a version of beer pong but with a tower of filled champagne glasses.

The episode opened with Lisa, her husband Ken and daughter Pandora all practicing before their guests arrived.

Anytime you made a shot, you could tell one of the other guests to drink, which Sheryl said was, 'the best game ever.'

Champagne: The evening also included a few games, with Lisa setting up a version of beer pong but with a tower of filled champagne glasses

Best: Anytime you made a shot, you could tell one of the other guests to drink, which Sheryl said was, 'the best game ever'

Mario also marveled over the massive wine goblets at the table, with Lisa asking them each to guess how much wine they hold.

None of their guesses, ranging from a half bottle to a full bottle were even close, since the goblet holds two full bottles.

Lisa asks Mario and Courtney how they met, and Mario said they met after he was on A Chorus Line.

Guess: Mario also marveled over the massive wine goblets at the table, with Lisa asking them each to guess how much wine they hold

Lisa says she learns Sheryl likes to roast people so she starts to roast Mario, Courtney and Lisa.

They bring out the desert and says its known as spotted dick, and Sheryl says she usually has them bigger.

Overserved with Lisa Vanderpump returns next Thursday, May 6 with special guests Jim Jeffries and Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy.
Russia has launched a supersonic cruise missile in the Black Sea in a live fire exercise coinciding with the first visit by a US Legend-class national security cutter in 13 years.

The Vulkan firing comes shortly before the arrival of two Royal Navy warships amid deep tension in Ukraine over fears of a Russian invasion.

The Black Sea fleet said the Russian cruiser Moskva 'fired the Vulkan missile from the vessel's main Basalt missile system for the first time in modern history'.

Russia has launched a supersonic cruise missile in the Black Sea in a live fire exercise coinciding with the first visit by a US Legend-class national security cutter in 13 years

The Vulkan firing comes shortly before the arrival of two Royal Navy warships amid deep tension in Ukraine over fears of a Russian invasion

A surface target was hit at a distance of 19 miles, said naval sources.

A large area of sea was closed by 20 Russian naval vessels for the firing, blocking access for foreign ships, an act condemned in advance by the US.

Video of the live fire drill from the Moskva - flagship of the Black Sea fleet - was released by the Russian defence ministry.

Its 'success' contrasted with a botched missile launch revealed on Thursday when a Kalibr missile misfired and almost hit the Marshal Shaposhnikov Udaloy-class destroyer in the Sea of Japan on Russia's Pacific coast.

The failed Kalibr cruise missile left the warship's launcher, rose and rotated alarmingly before crashing into the pacific ocean, it is claimed.

The Black Sea fleet said the Russian cruiser Moskva 'fired the Vulkan missile from the vessel's main Basalt missile system for the first time in modern history'

Video of the live fire drill from the Moskva - flagship of the Black Sea fleet - was released by the Russian defence ministry

A large area of sea was closed by 20 Russian naval vessels for the firing, blocking access for foreign ships, an act condemned in advance by the US

The failed missile posed a major threat to the newly renovated Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate as it hit the water, with flames visible on the surface.

The Kalibr missile burned out in the Pacific Ocean, as the warship sped away from the site of the crash.

The missile was conventional - but the frigate is destined to carry Vladimir Putin's 6,100 mph 'unstoppable' Tsirkon (Zircon) hypersonic missile still undergoing tests.

The weapon - reportedly a Kremlin favourite - is designed to destroy Western cities in the event of a nuclear war.

Earlier this week US Coast Guard patrol ship Hamilton entered the Black Sea.

Earlier, a Russian frigate narrowly avoided striking itself with a cruise missile in a weapons test gone wrong (pictured)

Pictured: The Kalibr missile is launched from renovated Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate. The warship has been retrofitted to be capable of launching Putin's new 'Zircon' missile

Tensions have remained high around Ukraine despite Putin's recent troops pull back

In May, Britain will deploy a Type 45 destroyer armed with anti-aircraft missiles and an anti-submarine Type 23 frigate to the Black Sea.

RAF F-35B Lightning stealth jets and Merlin submarine-hunting helicopters will stand ready on the Mediterranean task group's flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, to support the warships.

The deployment is aimed at showing 'unwavering' backing for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity as Russian troops have massed on its borders.

Moments after the missile was launched from the ship, it began to spin dangerously in the air above the vessel, pointing back down towards the Marshal Shaposhnikov

The Russian live firing and closure of part of the Black Sea was condemned by the US as 'yet another unprovoked escalation in Moscow's ongoing campaign to undermine and destabilise Ukraine.'

Russia said that sea areas had been blocked to ensure safety.

The US 6th Operational Fleet reported that the Hamilton was sailing into the Black Sea.

While in the Black Sea, the ship will 'interact with NATO allies and partners in the region'.
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Dangote Cement Plc Friday said its after-tax profit from January through March rose by almost half to N89.7 billion, compared to the same period of last year.

Sales surged by more than one-third from N249.182 billion to N332.7 billion, with Nigeria  its home market  delivering N239.7 billion of that sum while the rest of its operations across Africa contributed N93 billion or 28 per cent, the companys unaudited earnings report for the first quarter showed.

Africas biggest cement-maker is facing soaring demand in Nigeria and has lined up strategies to expand by over one third of its current capacity as the countrys cement consumption spikes by 40 per cent.

We are expanding capacity from about 50,000 tons a day at the beginning of the year to 70,000 tons a day at the end of the year, Edwin Devakumar told Bloomberg last Friday.

Pre-tax profit stood at N130.1 billion, 48 per cent bigger than that of the first quarter of 2020.

Profit after tax came to N89.710 billion, hammered by a N15.790 billion loss in pan-African operations, which curbed an after-tax profit of N103.776 billion from the Nigerian unit. That compares with the N60.592 billion posted in the corresponding period of last year.

Earnings per share advanced to N3.60 up from N5.29.

Last week, the House of Representatives lambasted the dominance of the Nigerian cement trade by Dangote Cement, BUA Cement and Lafarge Africa, saying price increase had stood in the way of construction, which is vital to economic recovery and calling for more flexible conditions to attract new players.

Dangote Cement, which controls about 61 per cent of the market, has denied insinuations of price-fixing.

The Nigerian government Thursday handed Dangote Cement, the countrys biggest company by market value, a tax credit worth $54 million or N22.3 billion or the construction of Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota road in Lagos and the Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba road connecting Kogi and Kwara States.
North Korean defector group claims to have sent leaflets at border in defiance of new law

In defiance of new laws that ban sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets, an anti-North Korean activist group claimed it has launched balloons carrying leaflets and U.S. dollar bills from an unknown location near the border this week.

Ten 8-foot-tall balloons were filled with 500,000 anti-Pyongyang leaflets, 5,000 $1 bills and 500 mini booklets depicting South Koreas remarkable development, according to Fighters for Free North Korea.

The launch is subject to a maximum prison term of three years or a fine of $27,400 under the revised Inter-Korean Relations Development Act." The law went into effect on March 31 after Pyongyangs furious objections and threats last year to cut all inter-Korean projects if Seoul does not force these groups to halt the balloon launches.

The South Korean government claims the ban is for the safety of people living in border regions, and to help government efforts to achieve peace and unification in the Korean peninsula.

(MORE: North Korean defector Jihyun Park looking to make democratic history in UK)

When exact facts are confirmed by the police and the military, we will deal with the situation according to the legislative purpose of the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act, Cha Deok-cheol, deputy spokesperson at South Korea's Unification Ministry, said during a regular press briefing Friday. Again, the law is for the safety of residents in the border area, he said.

PHOTO: In this Oct. 22, 2012, file photo, Park Sang-hak, a North Korean refugee launched balloons carrying propaganda balloons toward North Korea. (Ahn Young-joon/AP, FILE)

But civic groups like Fighters for Free North Korea (FFNK) denounce the act claiming that the government is in effect blocking the much-needed flow of information to the North.

This government is trying to cover the ears and eyes of the North Korean people by silencing North Korea human rights groups in South Korea, Park Sang Hak, head of FFNK, told ABC News. Despite the fact that the Constitution stipulates the freedom of expression and publication, this government chose to stand on Kim Jong Uns side and not us North Korean defectors.

Story continues

Park, 53, is a North Korean defector who escaped the communist country in 1999 and has been sending propaganda leaflets across the border into North Korea since 2005. The Ministry of Unification revoked the license permit of FFNK last July, declaring that its operations raise tensions and harm public interest." The cancelation of corporate licenses for Parks group meant no more tax deductions or tax benefits as an interest group. He said he has since been closely watched and under police investigation.

You can handcuff me and send me to jail, but anti-Pyongyang leaflets will not be stopped by any threat or violence as long as us North Korean defectors live in this land, Park said.

(MORE: South Korea cancels corporate license of 2 civic groups that send leaflets into North Korea)

The controversial Inter-Korean Relations Development Act is also under scrutiny in the legislative assembly. Fourteen lawmakers, including two North Korean defectors, have proposed amendments and are waiting for the result.

PHOTO: South Korean Unification Minister Lee In-young speaks during a ceremony in Paju on April 27, 2021. (Ahn Young-joon/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Such legislative amendments are against the belief of those who represent so-called liberal democracy, Ji Seong Ho, a North Korean defector and human rights activist turned South Koreas lawmaker, told ABC News.

"Right now the law may simply seem like it deprives North Korean peoples freedom to see anti-regime leaflets, but if we remain a mere spectator here, we do not know what the government will restrict the next time there is something they dont want people to know about, Ji said.

U.N Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights Tomas Ojea Quintana has also submitted questions to the South Korean government expressing concern that the ban limits many activities of escapees and civil society organizations. The Unification Ministry said they plan to faithfully provide the data requested by U.N Special Rapporteurs during a briefing the same day.

North Korean defector group claims to have sent leaflets at border in defiance of new law originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Photo: YouTube

The racial disparities that Black Brazilians face because of institutional racism is being more fully exposed by the COVID-19 crisis, as is the case in America among African-Americans.



The Parque das Missoes favela, on the north side of Rio de Janeiro, is a maze of shacks on the banks of the polluted Pavuna River, just across the bay from Galeao International Airport.

The majority of its residents are Black. Most work in the informal sector as street vendors, domestic workers or hairdressers. But for many, continuing to do their jobs has been difficult under COVID-19.

Fabiana da Silva lived there for years, and is the director of a local group that provides residents with weekly donations of nonperishable goods  its a lifeline for many in the community.

People dont have money, she said. The government is providing an emergency stipend, but its not even enough to pay for cooking gas. Without gas, you dont eat. Or, you spend your money on food and you cook over the fire, putting your home and your children at risk. Thats the reality for many families.

More than 40 million Brazilians dont have enough to eat and the hunger index has reached its highest point since 2004.

Read rest of story here.
One of the most formative moments early in my artistic journey was hearing Andrew Petersons song Let There Be Light. I was in my late teens at the time, just beginning to grapple with the musical gifts that would eventually lead me to a career in composition. But as Peterson crooned the lyrics, When your spirit is hovering over the deep / In the image of God just look into that darkness and speak, I remember the lightbulb illuminating in my mind: My creativity is an act of faith.

That singular notion has stayed with me throughout my life, fueling my creative work and giving me a sense of purpose. And I can think of numerous musicians, authors, poets, artists, and theologians who have similarly encouraged me along the way.

Fine artist Makoto Fujimura is undoubtedly such a figure. While his stunning work has captivated countless people around the world, the way he has lived out his vocation far exceeds the bounds of his artistry. Throughout his public life, he has promoted the interaction of art, culture, and faith through founding the International Arts Movement, establishing his own Fujimura Institute, and, more recently, serving as the director of the Brehm Center for Worship, Theology, and the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has also come alongside many other artists, advocating for them and supporting their efforts, as he did for me in writing the foreword to my first book.

In each of these pursuits, Fujimura has sought to promote a vision of what it means to create and how acts of creativity relate to our faith. Now, in his engaging book Art and Faith, Fujimura gathers the many themes from each corner of his vibrant career into a single volume that persuasively articulates a theology of making (to quote the books subtitle) while communicating that vision in a contemplative style that itself radiates the very creativity he advocates throughout the book.

Abundance and exuberance

Art and Faith builds on Fujimuras previous writing, especially the approach to cultural engagement he outlines in his 2017 book Culture Care: Reconnecting with Beauty for Our Common Life. In this latest book he expands that vision, considering the meaning of God as creator and portraying the act of creation as an artistic overflowing of Gods abundant love. Fujimura suggests that this might reorient our vision of making itself, showing it to be crucial for understanding who God is and how we are to live out our Christian vocations. Gods design in Eden, even before the Fall, he writes, was to sing Creation into being and invite Gods creatures to sing with God, to co-create into the Creation.

For Fujimura, embracing this invitation to sing and create with God requires reassessing certain entrenched habits of thought. He observes how the development of industry over several centuries has inclined Christians to favor utility over creativity. In contrast, Fujimura points out that Gods creative act models a radically different rationale: The Theology of Making assumes that God created out of abundance and exuberance, and the universe (and we) exist because God loves to create.

We can recover this sense of Gods extravagance, Fujimura suggests, by thinking of our faith lives through the lens of creating rather than fixing, since our ultimate hope is one of New Creation rather than mere restoration of the world as it is. The foreword for Art and Faith comes from Anglican theologian N. T. Wright, and it is no surprise to find Wrights theology referenced often throughout the book. Fujimuras approach neatly dovetails with Wrights vision of a creation destined for re-creation. Fujimura takes up that redemptive anticipation and reads it through the lens of making, showing how our acts of creativity attest to Gods heart in creation and his intent for the new creation to come.

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Fujimura believes that the Crucifixion reveals this theological vision in powerful ways. As he writes, Christs redemptive work on the cross, Christs bloodshed, becomes an entry point of faith for all of us. Artists, he argues, are uniquely able to witness to the hope of redemption amid brokenness by letting their artistry emerge from the traumas and tragedies of living in a fallen world:

Art literally feeds us through beauty in the hardest, darkest hours.  Through this wine of New Creation we can be given the eyes to see the vistas of the New, ears to hear the footsteps of the New, even through works by non-Christians in the wider culture.

Metaphors like new wine are among the key ways Fujimura expresses his vision. He draws heavily on the image of soil as a regenerative space where even our brokenness can testify, over time, to new creation. And he attests to the invaluable gift of tears as expressions of sanctification and consecration.

This theme of suffering is central to the book, as it is to Fujimuras work as a fine artist. Art and Faith gives particular focus to the Japanese art form of Kintsugi, in which broken pottery is reformed using precious metals. The result, writes Fujimura, is a work of newly created beauty, which now becomes more beautiful and more valuable than the original, unbroken vessel.

In many insightful moments, Fujimura relates this redemptive vision of Kintsugi to experiences of suffering in his own life. In a particularly poignant passage, he describes the trauma of confronting the 9/11 terrorist attacks up close as a New York City resident. While the experience created a profound sense of loss in his life and his creative work, he shares how the example of certain artists and writers inspired meaningful ways of grappling with his grief. For Fujimura, such artists open up a holy ground that allows me to journey into my faith, my doubts, and my awareness of suffering.

Patient process

In itself, Fujimuras theology of making is a powerful reframing of Christian vocation. Yet Art and Faith offers much beyond theological explication. What made the book most appealing for me was its artful composition, which helped me reflect fruitfully on my own artistic process.

When I compose music, my primary method of expression is thematic exposition and development. Because of the way that multiple musical ideas can be expressed at the same time (what is known as counterpoint), musical beauty emerges through a sort of circularity, built around repetition, transposition, and transformation of each theme. Though music is brought to life upon an aural canvas and fine art upon a visual one, there are many similarities in their respective approaches to composition. And while writing imposes its own limitations upon the way themes are expressed and developed, it is clear that Fujimura brings an artists eye to the written word.

Rather than presenting his ideas in a sort of conventional three-point argument, Fujimura gradually discloses each theme, letting it unfold over the course of the book. He alternates between different modes of prose, moving from theology to insights into his own creative process to stories from his life. At first, some of these transitions can feel quite abrupt. But with further reading, the seemingly fragmented approach reveals a deeper thematic continuity, much like distinct musical motifs presented in counterpoint, which are gradually integrated into an elegant whole. To use a different metaphor, one from the book itself, Fujimuras writing is quite like Kintsugi: It offers a mosaic of concepts bound and sealed with the golden veins of a singular theological sensibility.

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This means reading the book requires a degree of patience. Fujimuras creative style is often described colloquially as slow art, and his literary style is no different. The ideas in Art and Faith are not easily mined; like Fujimura s artwork, his writing must be received in a posture of attentiveness and receptivity. In asking readers to consider a theology of making that rejects mere utility, he implicitly invites them to relinquish their desire to simply extract something from the book and thereby consume it. Instead, his style encourages observation of the way that core themes are realized upon the canvas of his thought: themes of fire and water, creation and re-creation, soil and tears, bread and wine. I could attempt to analyze how all these concepts relate to each other in Art and Faith, but that would only do a disservice to the artful way Fujimuras prose embodies the very vision he sets forth in the book.

Ultimately, what Fujimura offers is less a systematic truth to be comprehended intellectually and repeated verbatim than a spiritual vocation to be inhabited and lived out. For the reader willing to accept that premise and enter into this book with a willing heart and mind, there are substantial rewards in store.

Joel Clarkson is a writer and composer pursuing a PhD in theology at the University of St Andrews. He is the author of Sensing God: Experiencing the Divine in Nature, Food, Music, and Beauty.
Bengaluru, April 30 : The Karnataka government has deferred the roll-out of the Covid-19 inoculation drive for those in the 18-44 years age group from Saturday.

State's Health Minister, K. Sudhakar told reporters that the new dates for inoculation for this age group (18-44 years) will be announced once the state receives the required quantity of dosage of vaccine to start the drive.

"I appeal to our people not to crowd in front of any hospital as inoculation drive won't commence from May 1 as it was decided earlier," he said.

The Minister said that the state government which is committed to ensure that all above 18 years get vaccinated and it has released Rs 400 crore to purchase one crore dosage of vaccine from Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) which is licensed to manufacture Covishield.

Expressing displeasure in an oblique manner, Sudhakar alleged that the SII had failed to supply required quantity despite Karnataka placing its orders in-time due to which the inoculation drive will not be launched as per schedule on May 1.

He asked people who have enrolled themselves on the Cowin portal for inoculation to refrain from going to vaccination centres on May 1.

Sudhakar maintained that the government will intimate the eligible people after the SII confirms the arrival of vaccines.

The Minister stated that the SII has the capability to produce five to six crore doses a month while the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech that produces Covaxin is capable of producing one to 1.5 crore doses.

While Russia's Sputnik has given licence to pharma major Dr Reddy's Laboratory to produce the vaccine but they have not informed the government officially when they will be able to supply it.

According to official data released by the Karnataka health department stated that cumulatively 93,63,124 beneficiaries including health workers and frontline warriors have received the jab till Thursday across the southern state.

Karnataka's population is estimated to be more than 6.5 crore as of now.

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
Former President John Mahama has disclosed one of the reasons that might have accounted for the National Democratic Congress (NDC's) inability to win the 2020 election.



The 2020 Presidential candidate of the NDC who challenged the results of the election in court made the disclosure at an annual conference of the party's Professionals Forum on Thursday.



According to him, every region was asked to account for its performance in the 2020 elections. They came with reports and there was one region who stated that some of our party agents were illiterate, they could not read or write...and the chairman asked, but who made them party agents?".



Adding so it is obvious that they themselves have started doing a review of what went right or what went wrong. What they did well, leading to a positive outcome and what they could have done better.



Two retreats



The former President further indicated that so far the main opposition party has held two retreats to analyse the party's performance in the 2020 election.



In this effort to look forward, we held two retreats. One for the Members of Parliament and I was privileged to attend that retreat with them. It was very interesting. They did a lot of soul-searching and discussed very openly the issues that had confronted them in the early days in Parliament.



Mr. speaker was there to give a very good speech to the Members of Parliament. We held another one for the party and party executives came from all around the regions and that was also a very positive retreat. Every region was asked to account for its performance in the 2020 elections and they came with reports.



It was obvious that they had all began to do their own reviews of what went right or wrong in their regions. You should have listened to some of the regional reports, they were very interesting. There was one region that said some of our party agents were illiterate, they couldnt read or write and the chairman asked, but who made them party agents?



IT Professionals



Mr. Mahama, has meanwhile, urged IT professionals in the party to "use information Technology and now IT is becoming very important in terms of transmitting results and getting results in good time to be able to undertake the political decision making that is needed. And so we will expect that you will offer your services more to the party in these critical areas".

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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ATLANTA, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As Safe Digging Month ends, Georgia Power reminds businesses and residents alike to continue doing their part to prevent dangerous and disruptive accidents by contacting Georgia 811 before digging this spring and throughout the year.

Georgia Power joins with the State of Georgia and other utilities each year in working with Georgia 811, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preventing damage to underground utilities and promoting public safety, to ensure that projects are safe and comply with the "Georgia Dig Law."

Earlier in April, Governor Kemp signed a proclamation in honor of Safe Digging Month, encouraging Georgians to comply with the Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act by contacting Georgia 811 before digging. Underground infrastructure is frequently damaged across the state by those who fail to call 811 prior to digging, resulting in service interruption, environmental damage, and threats to public safety.

The law requires contact with Georgia 811 before mechanized digging to have buried power, communications, gas, and water lines marked, typically with flags, spray paint or both, to help prevent injuries, unintended service disruptions, repair costs, and fines. Contacting 811 is also recommended for smaller, manual jobs, such as planting trees, installing fences or mailboxes, or other digging activity. There is no charge for 811 location requests.

Georgia Power works throughout the year to remind customers of the importance of calling 811 or visiting Georgia811.com, to enter a location request at least three days before they dig. Once the request is received, Georgia 811 notifies affected member utility companies, who send a professional technician to identify and mark underground lines.

A Public Safety Announcement (PSA), produced in partnership with Georgia 811, demonstrates how quick and easy it is to have underground lines identified. The PSA can be viewed on Georgia Power's YouTube page.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

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Boris Johnson's mobile phone number being freely available online for 15 years shows he is 'approachable', Rishi Sunak suggested today.

The Chancellor played down the episode after fears were raised that the PM had been left at risk of hacking by Russia or China.

Former UK national security adviser Lord Ricketts is among those warning of the threat from 'hostile states' after the internet presence of the PM's personal contact was highlighted by a popular gossip site.

Downing Street refused to say whether Mr Johnson will now be changing the number. There were claims earlier this month that Cabinet Secretary Simon Case had advised him to switch following concerns over the ease with which lobbyists and others from the business world were able to contact him.

But on a visit to Hartlepool today, Mr Sunak insisted 'all security protocols' had been obeyed.

'As far as I'm aware all security protocols have been followed,' he said.

'Part of what makes the prime minister special is that he is an incredibly approachable individual.

'You see it wherever he is out and about, people feel they can relate to him, they can talk to him, they can tell him what's on their mind.

'That's important as politicians for us to be able to hear that and then deliver on it.

'Talking to people here today in Hartlepool, not a single person has brought that up with me.'

On a visit to Hartlepool today, Rishi Sunak played down the availability of the PM's mobile number after fears were raised that the PM has been left at risk of hacking by Russia or China

Former UK national security adviser Lord Ricketts said Mr Johnson needs to be more 'digitally secure' - saying there was an 'increased risk' of potential action by hostile states or criminal gangs if a phone number is widely available.

'I know that modern systems like WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted  nonetheless, I think one would be worried if a hostile state who had sophisticated capabilities, had the mobile phone number itself,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Counter-terrorism chief is 'surprised' PM's number was easily accessible online Counter-terrorism chief Neil Basu said he was 'surprised' Boris Johnson's phone number was easily accessible online and suggested Cabinet Secretary Simon Case would tell the Prime Minister to take security advice seriously. The Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner told Times Radio: 'I think probably everyone is surprised by that. But I'm not sure I can say much more than that. 'The reality is, the Prime Minister is surrounded by security experts. You know, there is no shortage of advice about what he should and could do. 'You have to want to take that advice, but we work very closely with the Government security group, and they have access to all of the minds of the UK intelligence machine, including counter-terrorism policing, and we will provide that, but you have to want to take it.' Asked if he would tell Mr Johnson to take the advice seriously, Mr Basu said: 'I wouldn't, but the Cabinet Secretary might.' Advertisement

'That must increase the risk that they're able to eavesdrop on some at least of the communications that are going on, and possibly other non-state actors as well, like sophisticated criminal gangs.

'So, there is no way of knowing whether that's true, but there must at least be an increased risk if the number is widely available.'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: 'It's obviously a serious situation.

'It carries a security risk.

'And he was warned about it. That tells its own story.'

He said: 'I think a lot of people will be concerned not just about who's got the number but who's been using it.

'Because what's come out in recent weeks is privileged access  those that can WhatsApp the Prime Minister for favours.

'This all is further evidence that there's essentially one rule for them and another rule for everybody else.'

Sir Keir said: 'I changed my number when I became director of public prosecutions and I've kept my number secure since then.'

Home Office minister Victoria Atkins tried to play down the issue, criticising the media for highlighting the number's availability.

'The Prime Minister, more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security,' she told Times Radio Breakfast.

'I'm slightly surprised that a national broadcaster felt it appropriate to advertise the fact that that mobile phone is on the internet, if indeed it is.'

Popular gossip newsletter Popbitch gave its readers clues on how to find the Prime Minister's number, pointing them to a press release from his time as MP for Henley in 2006.

The number, which the PM hasn't changed in the 15 years since, is written on the bottom of the press release.

Mr 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.

Attempts to call the number have been met with an automated message saying the phone was 'switched off' and an invitation to 'please try later or send a text'.

The number, which the PM hasn't changed in the 15 years since, is available on the internet

Popular gossip newsletter Popb**** gave its readers clues on how to find the Prime Minister's number

On website Phonefinder, under an entry for the PM's supposed number, dozens of users poked fun at the revelation.

One, using the username Dominic Cummings joked they received a call from the PM's phone and were told his famous hair 'is fake'.

Another referenced the scandal over the Prime Minister's flat renovations, joking the called 'sl**** off my John Lewis furniture'.

Cabinet Secretary Simon Case is said to have raised the issue of the PM's number with him

Others took aim at Brexit while one user posed as Keir Starmer to slam Mr Johnson for not answering questions.

It is the latest headache for the PM, who came under fire for the 'Wallpapergate' row, as well as 'sleaze' claims over text messages he sent to billionaire Sir James Dyson and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Last week, Boris Johnson mounted a furious defence as he came under fire over the leaked private texts in which he promised Sir James he would 'fix' a tax rule so the tycoon's staff could help make ventilators for the NHS.

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 was 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.

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

This included texting Mr Sunak in an unsuccessful effort to secure coronavirus loans.

Hitting back at the BBC's report, Sir James wrote in the Daily Telegraph: 'There were myriad questions, from the technical to medical and compliance.

'It was in this context that we wrote formally to the Chancellor on March 15 for clarification on how UK tax rules would apply during this period of unprecedented upheaval. Far from concealing the text exchanges, we shared them explicitly with officials at the Treasury and No10 via email on March 28.'

A BBC spokesman said: 'The BBC has led the way on reporting a significant story which is clearly in the public interest. Sir James Dyson has informed us he is not a prominent Conservative supporter.'

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer today trolled Boris Johnson by sampling wallpaper at John Lewis as he gently fanned the flames of the Downing Street flat row.

The Labour leader was seen picking out wallpaper at the department store's Manchester site, in a subtle dig at his Conservative adversary.

It comes as an incensed Mr Johnson furiously defended himself at yesterday's Prime Minister's Questions over the 'Wallpapergate' row - in which he is accused of using 58,000 of Tory funds for a lavish refurbishment of his Downing Street flat.

Yesterday a clearly rattled Mr Johnson used Downing Street to insist he paid for the renovations himself and had abided by the ministerial code.

His animated Commons performance sparked an explosion of memes on Twitter, as people poked fun at the politician's visible fury.

And today, Sir Keir, slightly late to the party, decided to have a go at a humorous take on the row.

It has been claimed that Mr Johnson and partner Carrie Symonds labelled the Downing Street flat - which he inherited from Prime Ministerial predecessor Theresa May- a 'John Lewis nightmare'.

And Sir Keir made a subtle dig at the claims by browsing wallpaper at John Lewis at at the Intu Trafford Centre in Manchester.
Police and soldiers in eastern DR Congo used teargas and whips on Friday to disperse high-school students protesting at failures to stem massacres by armed groups, an AFP reporter saw.

At least three students were taken to hospital, one with a splint to the right leg, and several were arrested.

Several dozen students had been camping outside the town hall in the city of Beni over the past week, demanding the departure of the UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO and for President Felix Tshisekedi to visit the troubled region.

Beni, in North Kivu province, has borne the brunt of bloody attacks by a notorious armed group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

Branded a jihadist organisation by Tshisekedi and the United States, the ADF has killed more than 1,200 civilians in the Beni area alone since 2017, according to a monitor called the Kivu Security Tracker (KST).

Attacks have ramped up since late December 2019, when the armed forces launched an offensive on ADF, causing it to splinter into smaller units.

Local anger is being especially directed at MONUSCO, which is perceived as inactive or ineffective. The UN force has said it is being reinforced by a Kenyan unit to help combat the violence.

The ADF is one of an estimated 122 groups that roam the eastern border provinces of the vast Democratic Republic of Congo, many a legacy of regional wars in the 1990s.

On Thursday, Tshisekedi said he was drawing up "radical measures" to cope with the insecurity.

He did not go into detail, but on Monday, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, trailed a possible "state of security emergency" for the violence-wracked region.

He also urged the protesting students to return home.

"Don't allow yourselves to be manipulated by adults who are pursuing political ends," Tshisekedi said, adding that "MONUSCO is not responsible for the violence."

On Thursday, lawyer Elie Vahumau said 69 student protesters including 14 girls had been arrested, but would be released on Friday morning.

str-st/ri/yad
Top Luxury Atlanta Interior Designer, VPI Design by Dina Varner, discusses how artistic lighting can elevate the design of a room.

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Creative, innovative lighting can help set the tone for a room and elevate it to the next level. The right contemporary lighting is not only visually impressive, but it also helps illuminate every room in an engaging and empowering manner. Artistic and contemporary lighting help showcase the build quality of a property, while also being able to offer unique lighting solutions that is consistent with a custom luxury home.

Lighting choice helps create a balance between personality and the functionality of the room. Consider using creative and immersive lighting solutions that help push a home's interior to new heights. Think of the light fixture as a piece of art that also serves a functional purpose. Similar to an original sculpture piece of art, a lighting fixture can create a dramatic experience and impact the overall feel of a room while also adding ambiance with the light setting chosen.

Most homeowners spend countless hours choosing the perfect paint color or dining set furniture, but they often overlook the significance of lighting. It is important to implement different kind of lights and at different levels that work together to create the perfect ambiance. Consider using artistic lighting as spotlights to bring attention to other focal points in the room, whether it be art on a wall or a decorated coffee table.

Modern and artistic lighting is known to be flexible depending on your choice of bulbs. Easily adapt the lighting system based on the requirements of that room. It is best to buy bulbs that can be dimmed to create an atmosphere of warmth or to change the mood of the room depending on circumstance.

Layer the light and style of a room with a contemporary and artistic light. Not only does the fixture provide general, ambient light but it can enhance a room's overall decor and ambiance. A simple, but unique contemporary fixture can add a modern touch to any space, while a bold fixture designed as a piece of art can easily become the centerpiece of a room.

About VPI Design by Dina Varner

Dina Varner is founder and creative director of VPI Design, an Atlanta and Sea Island Interior Design Firm working with both residential and commercial clients. She and her husband have been in the commercial construction industry for many years. Her inspiration comes from over twenty-five years of collecting and selling art and antiques through venues like Sotheby's, Babcock Gallery, and Christie's. This love of art and antiques started as a passion and has evolved into a successful business. Dina's rich southern heritage, in addition to her love of fashion and travel, also act as her creative influence. The VPI Design team work together with a distinct flair for aesthetic insight into unique designs exhibiting elegance and style. They explore the use of light and texture for an organic appealing experience in every timeless interior. Combinations of art deco, vintage, and contemporary styles are combined to create elegance while simultaneously exuding simplicity and comfort in each living space. Her designers enjoy getting to know their clients personally to create a home that suits their individual taste. Dina believes that every aspect of a room should complement one another to tell a unique story.

For more information please visit: https://vpi-design.com

VPI Design by Dina Varner

Luxury Atlanta Interior Design

Contact Name: Dina Varner

Address: 120 Interstate North Parkway, Suite 154 Atlanta, Georgia 30339

Website: https://vpi-design.com

Email: VPIDesign1@gmail.com

Phone: (770) 422-2000

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Ocupacion S.A. is a documentary film that investigates how the Spanish ruling elite helps perpetuate Moroccos little-reported, decades-long and illegal occupation of Spains resource-rich but impoverished former North African colony, Western Sahara. Inevitably bound up with that is the repression of the regions Sahrawi inhabitants.

Soultana Jaya in Ocupacion S.A

Western Sahara is a country inhabited by half a million people in a territory the size of the UK. It is bordered by a US- and European Union-backed Moroccan regime to the north and the Algerian military government to the east, in the midst of a region destabilised by ongoing imperialist interventions. The territory has been claimed by both the Kingdom of Morocco and the bourgeois-nationalist Polisario Front since the end of Gen. Francisco Francos fascist dictatorship in Spain in 1975.

The documentarys producers, Basque Country NGO Mundubat and Brazil-based Forward Films, and directors Laura Dauden and Sebastian Ruiz-Cabrera deserve credit for exposing the continuing reactionary intervention of Spain, now governed by the Socialist Party (PSOE) and pseudo-left Podemos.

The filmmakers declare, Ocupacion S.A. is the portrait of a betrayal. With a meticulous and unpublished approach, the documentary exposes the names and surnames of Spanish businessmen and politicians involved in the economic exploitation of Western Sahara, the last colony in Africa and one of the most violent, militarized and censored territories in the world.

Dauden laudably explains, Telling stories through documentary, to me, its about commitment and enthusiasmcommitment with the people, the facts, and the causes we unequivocally engage with; and enthusiasm for the possibility of building a more just and solidary world.

Western Sahara divided. Courtesy of Othuberra. Wikicommons

Ocupacion S.A. premiered last December soon after the Moroccan government deployed troops to brutally disperse a peaceful Sahrawi pro-independence protest at the Guerguerat border crossing. As a result, the 30-year United Nations-brokered cease-fire between Morocco and the Polisario Front was broken, with Polisario declaring a state of war.

The documentary opens with footage of the protest. Batons rain down on cornered demonstrators. Soultana Jaya describes how she lost an eye and nearly lost the other. She shows us a photo of her terribly bruised body. Other interviewees tell of disappearances for years in Moroccan jails and being forced into exile to avoid persecution.

The films narrator, Sahrawiya musician Suilma Aali, details Spains continuing intervention in Western Sahara following its seizure in 1884, part of Western imperialisms scramble for Africa. She explains that in 1975, in secret talks with the US and Morocco, the Franco regime in Spain, collapsing from mass working class opposition at home, relinquished control of the territory to Morocco.

At the same time, the Polisario Front (armed and financed by Algeria) launched a guerrilla war for the creation of a Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). Fighting ensued for 16 years until in 1991, the UN ceasefire was declared, with the promise of a referendum. This never took place, leaving Western Sahara divided today by a 2,700-kilometre (1,700 mile)-long mined sand embankment.

Morocco continues to occupy 80 percent of the territory, including the capital Laayoune, where 40 percent of Western Saharas 500,000 population lives. The SADR controls a thin strip of desert in the east. Additionally, for the past 40 years, an estimated 175,000 Sahrawis have lived miserably in four refugee camps in Algeria.

Ocupacion S.A. reveals how Spain, through its large economic involvement, has normalised the Moroccan occupation, or to say it better, enables it. Exports to the Kingdom represent 45 percent of the goods and services Spanish companies sell in Africa.

It is the reason why the powerful families in Spain  guarantee that whoever enters Moncloa [residence of the Spanish prime minister] has good relations with Morocco and maintains the status quo of the occupied territories in order to maintain that influence, which they do without being very visible.

Dauden and Ruiz-Cabrera painstakingly detail the illegal activities of Spains largest corporations. Oil giants CEPSA and Repsol secretly provide fuel essential for Morocco to maintain the occupation of the territory and Spanish shipping company Rodman has sold military vessels to Rabat for years, passing them off as civilian craft and thus avoiding arms export controls.

Laura Dauden and Sebastian Ruiz-Cabrera. Courtesy of Mundabat

Urovesa has sold over 1,200 armoured vehicles to Morocco, many used to police Western Sahara, whilst military hardware producer Indra Sistemas provides a satellite for surveillance purposes.

Spanish-German company Siemens Gamesa has illegally constructed wind turbines in Western Sahara, which provide energy to extract the countrys vast phosphate resources, a vital ingredient in synthetic fertilizer.

Spanish and other Western companies also exploit Western Saharas fishing industry, grabbing most of the annual 1.6 billion (US$1.9 billion) in profits. In 2019, the European Union declared the sea around Western Sahara a part of Morocco in its latest fishery agreement, contravening a European Court of Justice ruling forbidding it.

The documentary makers powerfully depict the way Spain maintains its imperialist domination of a former colony, but they are seriously hampered by their political perspective. Representatives of Polisario and Podemos are treated uncritically and their bankrupt ideologies, which have continuously betrayed the working class, left unexplored.

Polisario articulates the interests of a corrupt social elite bankrolled by international aid and the Algerian regime. Mass protests and strikes erupted last year in the Algerian refugee camps over social conditions and the bourgeois nationalists corruption and police methods.

Like their counterparts around the world, Polisario reacted to the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and related processes by rapidly shifting to the right, abandoning its earlier, socialist pretensions and advancing a pro-business constitution. It continued to plead with imperialism to support its calls for independence.

Western Saharas coastline. Courtesy of Mundubat

However, these were dealt a mortal blow last December when the Trump administration officially recognized Moroccos claims as a result of that regimes agreeing to normalise relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. In January, Joe Bidens new Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the Biden administrations firm commitment to Israels security and the Abraham Accords (reactionary agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, respectively).

Ocupacion S.A. also contains a lengthy interview with European Member of Parliament for Podemos and Anticapitalistas leader, Miguel Urban, who proceeds to promote illusions in European imperialism and its institutions and calls for Spain to assume its mandate in Western Sahara.

However, Urban is a member of the current militarist and pro-austerity PSOE-Podemos government that now sells weapons to Morocco to suppress the Sahwari people. In February, the Spanish government reaffirmed its decades-long policy that the country has no international responsibility regarding Western Sahara.
Darktrace shares surged by more than 30 per cent after the company floated in London for the first time.

Investors piled into the Cambridge-based cyber-security company yesterday lifting the price of its stock from 250p to 330p, and sending its market value up from 1.7billion to 2.2billion.

The strong opening, under the ticker 'DARK', was a huge boost for London's technology sector, and a sign that investors had put the disastrous Deliveroo IPO flop behind them.

On the up: Darktrace, led by Poppy Gustafsson (pictured), cut its initial valuation by 1billion

Darktrace cut its initial valuation by 1billion earlier this week in order to avoid the fate of Deliveroo, which suffered a 30 per cent plunge on its first day of trading.

Chief executive Poppy Gustafsson said: 'This milestone marks an exciting day for Darktrace. Our company is deeply rooted in the UK's tradition of scientific and mathematical research, so we are especially proud to be listing on the London Stock Exchange.'

The business was founded in 2013 by computer scientists, mathematicians from the University of Cambridge, and cyber-security specialists from government security agency GCHQ. It now operates from 40 offices around the world with 1,500 employees.

The company makes digital products that use artificial intelligence to automatically detect, investigate and respond to cyberthreats in real time. The company is loss-making despite its takings jumping 45 per cent to 144million in the last financial year. Darktrace raised 143.4million gross proceeds from the float and existing shareholders sold shares worth 21.7million.

It had previously targeted a valuation of up to 3billion, before settling on a range of 1.6billion to 1.9billion on Monday, which equated to a share price of 220p to 280p.

The float follows successful IPOs of retail tech conglomerate The Hut Group in September 2020, which is now valued at 6billion, and Pensionbee, which listed last week and is now worth 396million.

But the involvement of British tech billionaire Mike Lynch, whose Invoke Capital was Darktrace's first and largest shareholder, means a cloud hung over the float.

The 55-year-old is fighting extradition to the US where he is accused of 17 counts of fraud related to his takeover of Autonomy, a software developer that he co-founded.

The US authorities have charged Lynch with making Autonomy's accounts look more attractive ahead of an $11billion (7.9billion) Hewlett Packard in 2011.

The computer giant wrote $8.8billion (6.3billion) off the value of Autonomy a year later, $5billion (3.6billion) of which it attributed to an alleged accounting fraud. He could face a maximum prison sentence of 25 years if found guilty. Lynch denies all the charges.

Success: The float follows successful IPOs of retail tech conglomerate The Hut Group in September 2020, which is now valued at 6bn

Darktrace warned in its IPO filings that the billionaire's previous investments could lead to potential liabilities in the future.

Lynch and his wife hold a 16.2 per cent stake, which was worth 389.3million last night. In the prospectus bosses warned of the potential for 'significant damage to the Group's reputation', adding this could hit the share price in future.

But, despite this, Lynch is being allowed to continue as a member of the company's Science & Technology Council, an advisory group.

Yesterday Gustafsson said: 'We owe much gratitude to the Invoke team for their pivotal role in the vision, technology, positioning and operational input in the early years, without which today's success would not have been possible.'

The 38-year-old joined the company in 2016 and was made an OBE in 2019 for services to the cyber-security industry.
Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

Mass incarceration in the United States is an ongoing social crisis that affects Black and Brown communities. Studies show that Black communities are at a higher disadvantage rate due to systemic racism within various institutions, in particular the criminal justice system. Imprisonment deprives humans from their basic right to liberty. The U.S. is home to less than 5% of the worlds population, but nearly 25% of its prisoners. The United States imprisons more people than any other nation in the world. The detrimental impact of imprisonment not only impacts families and communities but also affects our economy. Prison reform is essential to revitalizing the criminal justice system so communities can start healing from experiencing discriminatory practices.

Many people dont realize that prisons are a multibillion-dollar industry which American corporations are profiting from. Inmates are experiencing unfair living conditions along with their families being taken advantage of by bail bonds companies and private phone companies. Various systems are funneling the prison industry to profit from human labor. I suggest several ways we can change this issue. We want to bring reform to the prison system. I feel that decriminalized laws and reducing harsh sentences are ways to start dismantling a system.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk gestures during the Tesla China-made Model 3 Delivery Ceremony in Shanghai in this undated photo. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Tesla Could Run Into More Problems in China, May Face Compensation Ruling

News Analysis

Teslas bad luck in China has not ended yet. After a woman protested at an auto show in Shanghai against Teslas brake failure, followed by a flood of criticism, a higher court could decide to overturn the companys appeal to a previous court order to compensate a buyer of one of its second-hand cars over fraud and damage claims.

On Dec. 4, 2020, Han Chao, a Tesla owner in Tianjin city, received a court verdict for his compensation claim case against Tesla. The verdict stated that the car company had committed fraud and should return 379,700 yuan (about $59,000) to Han for the purchase price of the car, and to pay him 1,139,100 yuan (about $176,000) in damages.

The amount of compensation for damages is three times the purchase pricein China, this verdict is called refunding one, compensating for three.

Tesla appealed the court order and a verdict will be announced next week.

A Recap of the Case

According to Chinese media, on June 5, 2019, Han purchased an officially certified used Tesla car, Model S P85, from Teslas official website for 379,700 yuan.

Han said that on Aug. 24, 2019, his car suddenly broke down while he was driving at a speed of about 120 km/h (75 mph) in the highway. He heard a loud bang from the vehicle and both the brakes and throttle stopped working. A number of warning lights on the dashboard went on. Han was able to slow down the car until it stopped on its own. He also said he was lucky that there wasnt a big vehicle behind him, otherwise an accident could have happened.

The car was then sent to a Tesla designated repair center. A test result showed that the vehicles battery umbrella valve and fuse were broken and needed to be replaced. So, Han asked Tesla for a replacement for the parts, but the company refused.

In November that year, Han went to a local vehicle inspection company in Tianjin to get a second opinion. The inspection company found that the car had structural damage that was caused from a previous accident, and that parts of the vehicle have been welded together.

Han then filed a lawsuit against Tesla for covering up damage that the car sustained in an accident.

Tesla admitted in documents submitted to the court that the car had been dented in an accident in January 2019, but claimed that the car didnt sustain structural damage, according to a report by Caixin Global. Part of its exterior had been cut and welded to fix the dent, and Tesla said that such repair methods were commonly used in the auto industry globally, the report said.

On Dec. 4, 2020, Han won the case.

Tesla appealed the ruling and a verdict will be announced by May 3.

On April 28, Tesla published a statement on its official Weibo account about Hans case. According to the statement, the original owner of Hans car had been involved in a minor accident in early 2019 and commissioned third-party repairs. The accident caused damage to the left rear fender, the edge of the rear bumper and the surface of the wheels, but did not involve the safety structure of the vehicle. The repair of this fender would not cause a safety hazard to the vehicle.

We appreciate the regret caused by Mr. Hans dissatisfaction after purchasing the car, but believe that this does not constitute fraud, the statement read.

Tesla accused Han of tarnishing the companys reputation.

However, in the past two years, Mr. Han has published a large number of false negative information about Tesla on social media platforms for a long time, and willfully disseminate unilateral materials outside of court proceedings, affecting public opinion.  We will continue to do our utmost to cooperate with the courts trial, and we also hope to minimize the impact on the industry and car owners, according to the statement.

More Headaches for Tesla

Tesla has been under the spotlight in China recently, targeted by consumers and state-run media.

On April 19, at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, a woman wearing a T-shirt with the words brake failure printed in Chinese characters stood on top of a Tesla car and shouted, Tesla brakes failed!

Visitors check a China-made Tesla Model Y sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the electric vehicle makers showroom in Beijing, China, on Jan.5, 2021. (Tingshu Wang/Reuters)

The video went viral and caused heated debates with regards to the safety of Tesla cars, as well as the companys attitude towards its costumers.

State-run media Xinhua published an article titled, Who Gives Tesla the Confidence to Maintain Its No Compromise Stance, which criticized Tesla for being arrogant.

The unnamed woman who protested at the Shanghai auto show claimed that the brakes failed when her father was driving a Tesla Model 3 in February, causing the car to crash into two cars and nearly killing four family members. She asked Tesla for a high amount of compensation.

Tesla responded to the woman twice with the statement, No compromise on unreasonable claims. After being attacked by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)s official media, Tesla apologized and released a statement on its official Weibo account on April 28, detailing its dealings with the woman in question.

On April 22, Tesla also released data on the womans fathers driving before the accident, showing that he was speeding and driving at 118.5 km/h (74 mph) before the crash and that Teslas automatic braking system had slowed the car down significantly, to 48.5 km/h (30 mph).

On the same day of the accident, local traffic police ruled that the womans father was fully responsible for the accident because he failed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of him.

After Tesla released the data, the womans husband complained publicly that Tesla had violated their privacy.

However, figures released by Chinas Passenger Car Association in October 2020 show that in the third quarter of last year, Teslas Model 3s complaint to sales ratio is the lowest among all the best selling passenger cars in China. While Model 3 received only three complaints out of every 100,000 sales, the average complaint figure of all the best selling passenger cars is 335 out of every 100,000 sales, more than 100 times higher than Teslas.

Despite those figures, in February this year, the CCPs State Administration of Market Supervision, the Central Internet Information Office, and five other departments sought Tesla for a talk and issued a warning to the electric car maker, citing consumer complaints about quality issues.

In March, Tesla vehicles were restricted by Chinese regime from being used by the military and state-owned enterprises associated with sensitive industries and important government departments, due to security concerns over its cameras.

Teslas Entering China Has Driven the Development of Local Brands

In July 2018, during the China-U.S. trade war, Tesla and the Shanghai municipal government signed an agreement to build a factory solely owned by Tesla.

Over the past five years, Teslas revenues in mainland China have accumulated to more than $14 billion, according to Chinese news portal Sohu. China became the second largest market for Tesla, next only to the United States.

The success of Tesla in China has also led to the development of Chinese domestic smart electric car manufacturers such as NIO, Li Xiang One, and Xiaopeng Motors.

In addition, companies such as Xiaomi, Huawei, and Evergrande are also getting into the field of new energy vehicles.

As early as 2014, Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced that the development of new energy vehicles was the only way to go for China to become a strong country in automobile manufacturing.

To this end, the Chinese government has invested heavily in subsidies for the electric vehicle industry and is suspected of stealing technology.

Last February, William Evanina, director of the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), publicly stated that the theft of U.S. aircraft and electric vehicle technologies are part of the CCPs espionage efforts.
OnSceneTV

A 19-year-old boy was fatally shot Thursday night at an apartment complex in Houston's Greater East End neighborhood during a conflict with his friend's boyfriend, police said.

Officers were dispatched around 11 p.m. to 7575 Plum Creek Drive where they found the man dead in the parking lot, said Lt. R. Willkens of the Houston Police Department. Police identified the victim as Jekalon Williams.
A man said he was riding in the back seat to Hammond from Gary with the boy and two other men when the back window was shattered by gunfire and the victims face was covered in blood, it states. The woman driving took off and headed to St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.
By Yun Byung-se





All eyes are now on Myanmar following the country's Feb. 1 military coup and the arbitrary detention of members of the government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and others. The three-finger salute raised by Myanmar's U.N. envoy Kyaw Moe Tun at the U.N. General Assembly on Feb. 26 eloquently epitomized the scope and level of the ongoing pro-democracy movement in Myanmar, known locally as the "Spring Revolution."



The salute has become a symbol of opposition to the military; and the live coverage of the suppression of peaceful demonstrators through social media has succeeded in raising awareness in the international community.



A tipping point came when the military junta started to use violence, including lethal weapons, against civilians, resulting in large-scale bloodshed. The international community has responded swiftly this time. Global institutions and notable people, including the U.N. secretary-general, U.N. Security Council, the U.N. Human Rights Council, the World Bank, as well as regional bodies such as the European Union (EU), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other like-minded groups, responded in their own way, ranging from condemnatory statements and resolutions to targeted sanctions, arms embargoes and the suspension of aid and loans.



Many governments, including the United States, the EU, the United Kingdom and Canada imposed individual sanctions targeting military leaders and their business networks. In an unusual move, the Korean government, the National Assembly, and both ruling and opposition parties also joined this chorus of condemnation and sanctions.



Even the chairman of Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) was on board with a joint statement of 12 JCS chiefs, including those from the U.S., Japan and Australia, condemning the junta's use of lethal force against civilians. This echoes the sentiment shared by the majority of the international community.



Nevertheless, there is still a big divide over how to deal with the Myanmar crisis. One side favors much tougher punitive measures, advocated by many democracies across the world and former global leaders. The other is in favor of non-interference in domestic affairs or constructive engagement with the junta, advocated by China, Russia and some ASEAN countries.



The former camp was well represented by the U.N. Human Rights Council when it adopted by consensus on March 24 the toughest-ever resolution on Myanmar in recent times. It contained strong condemnations on the junta's use of force and very sensitive accountability aspects regarding violations of international human rights norms and standards.



What deserves our special attention is its reference to the "R2P" (Responsibility to Protect) concept, recalling the authority of the Security Council to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC). ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda used to describe the ICC as "the legal arm of R2P." In a follow-up, the chairman of the Global Leadership Foundation comprised of 45 former leaders, former South Africa President F.W. de Klerk, sent a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres imploring him to convene a U.N. Security Council session on this issue.



The letter also called on the Security Council to invoke its "R2P" principle, agreed in 2005 to safeguard populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity in their own countries, and act as a coalition to bring the killing in Myanmar to an end. In the same vein, former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also defined the bloody suppression as a "crime against humanity" at the virtual U.N. Security Council meeting held on April 19.



All these developments will serve as a shot in the arm for those people across Myanmar who carried placards with "We need R2P" to call on the international community to not just condemn what is happening in their country, but to act on it.



The second approach can be well explained by the dissociation of China and Russia from the above Human Rights Council resolution. However, they did not go so far as to oppose the U.N. Security Council chair's statement on March 10, unanimously condemning the military's violence against protesters and calling for the immediate release of all those detained arbitrarily.



The Myanmar crisis goes beyond the dimensions of human rights and democracy. It is a litmus test of the "ASEAN way" of constructive engagement as well as its charter that upholds human rights, democracy and rule of law as one key purpose of the group. The five-point consensus adopted at the ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on April 24 is a step in the right direction, but still there is a long way to go.



China's close relations with both the junta and Aung San Suu Kyi make its calculus complex. Meanwhile, it is an embarrassment and challenge to the Biden administration who under President Barack Obama decided to normalize ties with Myanmar, hailing Myanmar's shaky road to semi-democracy as one of its major foreign policy accomplishments. The ever-intensifying Sino-American conflict complicates international efforts to stand united. India also has a stake in Myanmar.



Under these circumstances, the road to a return to democracy in Myanmar, even partial and incomplete, seems to be bumpy and arduous. Many Myanmar watchers recognize that the transition to democracy, beginning 2015 when the National League for Democracy took power, was incomplete under de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. But, from the perspective of citizens, Myanmar in 2021 was a more open, free, and business-savvy society than it was back in 2011 or 2015.



Myanmar's experiment with partial democracy allowed the genie to escape from the bottle, and the country's citizens have no intention of putting it back. As Koreans traveled this road some decades ago, we know and feel what this means in our minds and hearts. The international community should do what it can to demand a return to the lawfully elected civilian government.





Yun Byung-se is former foreign minister of South Korea. He is now a board member of the Korea Peace Foundation and is a member of several ex-global leaders' forums and task forces, including the Astana Forum and its Consultative Council as well as the Task Force on U.S. Allies and Nuclear Weapons Proliferation sponsored by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.


Yves here. This is a fascinating, if also deeply disturbing account of how a prosperous black community was attacked after North Carolina blacks also were starting to get political power by teaming up with white populists and Republicans. And youll see that coup is indeed the correct description.

The fact that the Wilmington coup was a durable success and no perp was held to account was proof that the white backlash against rising blacks would go unchecked.

By Lynn Parramore, Senior Research Analyst, Institute for New Economic Thinking. Originally published at the Institute for New Economic Thinking website

If you were a Black person in America in the 1890s, you wanted to live in Brooklyn.

Not Brooklyn, New York. No, you wanted to be in the bustling Brooklyn district of Wilmington, North Carolina. At that time, 25,000 people lived in the thronging Cape Fear River port, the states largest city. More than half of them were Black. In Brooklyn, you could meet Black seamstresses, stevedores, cobblers, restauranteurs, shop owners, artisans, midwives, merchants, doctors, lawyers, bankers, and police officers. The federal customs agent was Black. So was the county treasurer. And even the town jailor.

Wilmington was the most racially progressive city in the South. It was Americas future.

But very soon, it would be awash in blood  transformed into the countrys traumatic past. This repressed and unresolved trauma haunts the present in a thousand ways, most recently in the shocking siege on the U.S. capitol. It continues to damage us all.

Here is the story of what happened, and why we need to talk about it.

Black American Dreams

By the 1890s, Wilmingtons upwardly mobile Black community had been blossoming for decades, its seeds planted during slavery. In the antebellum period, enslaved Blacks in urban homes and plantations were often highly skilled. They moved about more freely than their rural counterparts, mingling with the townspeople. Some could even read and write.

Black people were the lifeblood of Wilmington. Black sailors and navigators made the citys prosperous trade hum along, and the railroads and other businesses relied on enslaved and free Black workers. The citys stunning architecture was the handiwork of Black masons, builders, and carpenters. Landmark structures like the Classical Revival Bellamy Mansion, which still stands today, were built by enslaved and free Black artisans. According to David Zucchino, the Pulitzer-prize winning author of Wilmingtons Lie,an essential account of the events of 1898, the city had nearly 600 free Blacks, artisans and tradesmen, before the Civil War.

After the war, Blacks poured into the city seeking work and security. By 1880, they made up 60% of the population  the most of any sizeable southern city. (Atlanta, by comparison, was only 40% Black). By the 1890s, a Black person could find opportunity at every rung of society. Many reached the middle class, and a few accumulated significant wealth. Cultural life was blooming. You could see Black people joyfully celebrating the Emancipation Act every year and putting on masked parades on the traditional Jonkonnu holiday.

White and Black people often lived and worked peacefully side by side in Wilmington. Most astonishing of all, some even began to vote together.

A Coalition Like No Other

After the Civil War, the position of Black people in North Carolina rose and fell. Some achieved prominence, like state senator Abraham Galloway, who refused to step aside for white men on the streets of Wilmington and openly carried a pistol.

But it wasnt long before the white Conservative Party began to recover lost ground, especially after Reconstruction. In the 1870s, these whites began a program of Southern Redemption to expand power by keeping Blacks out of politics. There was a problem, though: Democrats, as the Conservatives came to be known, had earned the wrath of white small farmers pummeled by economic recessions. Some ditched the Democrats for the new Populist Party.

In 1892, a new crop of progressive Democrats, like young Raleigh newspaperman Josephus Daniels, challenged the elite planters and wealthy industrialists in their party so resented by the Populists. But white farmers and laborers were still too disgusted with Democrats support of railroads, banks, and other powerful interests to come back into the fold.

The Democrats worst nightmare came in 1894 when North Carolina witnessed something seen nowhere else in the South. A new party, the Fusionists, forged a coalition of Republicans, Blacks, and white Populists to beat a common foe  the Democrats. In most of the country, Populists tended to ally with Democrats, but not so in North Carolina.

It wasnt that white Populists had much love for Black people. Most didnt. But they disliked another group even more: the fatcat railroad barons, bankers, lawyers, and manufacturing kingpins getting fatter at their expense. The white working class was fed up and did the unthinkable, teaming up with Blacks and Republicans to support the same candidates.

North Carolinas Fusionists routed the Democrats in the elections of 1894, taking control of the state senate, the house, and the courts. The new Fusionist legislature pushed through reforms that expanded registration, voting, and local governing opportunities for Blacks. Members even voted to honor the recently-deceased Frederick Douglass  creating such a stink among conservative whites that the government quickly erected a Confederate monument in front of the state capitol in Raleigh  recently removed in the wake of George Floyds murder.

For Blacks, the future was looking bright. In 1896, North Carolina attorney George Henry White became the only Black in the U.S. Congress at the time. Blacks boasted 300 magistracies across the state, and they were becoming a powerful political force on the coastal plains where most lived, holding 1,000 offices altogether. In the 1896 local election in Wilmington, a whopping 87 percent of eligible male black voters turned out, giving America one of its first mixed-race municipal governments.

Thats when whites began to get really nervous.

A Bomb Getting Ready to Explode

Progressive Democrat Josephus Daniels was an ambitious young entrepreneur, not unlike the Silicon Valley upstarts of our time. Along with William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, he shaped the modern newspaper, figuring out how to use the media to pull the strings of politics. Some wondered why he didnt run for office. The answer is that he didnt have to. By his early thirties, Daniels had the reins of the most influential media platform in the state, Raleighs News and Observer. He was hellbent on using it to defeat the Fusionists.

As biographer Lee Craig outlines, progressivism for Daniels meant railroad regulation, agricultural reform, and prohibition. In theory, he was sympathetic to the plight of working class whites and used his paper to criticize the railroads and J.B. Dukes American Tobacco trust. But he also knew the Democrats werent really going to quit making rich white men even richer. And he knew the Fusionist alliance was shaky, particularly on race. The newspaperman saw that the poorest whites were the most likely to begrudge Black economic progress. So Daniels decided that progress would mean sacrificing Black people. It meant white supremacy.

In 1898, Democrats across the state agreed to run on racism for the upcoming elections. Daniels supplied the propaganda for the white supremacy campaign, while his cohort, political organizer Furnifold Simmons, spewed racism on the stump.

Stoking resentment of Black prosperity wasnt difficult. Edward A. Johnson, a Black alderman of Raleigh, reported that Negroes in Wilmington had pianos, servants, expensive carpets, lace curtains at windows and that White Supremacy orators of that city constantly asked from the platform, How many of you white men can afford to have pianos and servants?

Wilmington community activist Hollis Briggs, Jr. recently put it like this: African Americans actually controlled the commerce and when youve got a race of people that control commerce and that were well offthen youve got a whole other group of people that were upset by this economic boom for African Americans. What you had was a bomb getting ready to explode.

On top of this, the Democrats added themes of domination and sex. White people had to be riled up over the threat of Negro rule. Daniels went all out, giving North Carolina a master class in the dark arts of disinformation. His reporters dug up racist dirt. They picked up tall tales about Blacks in taverns, ran them as news. Every day, the News and Observer dished up false reports and flagrantly racist editorials. North Carolina will soon become a Black republic. Black people are buying guns to kill you. Hip to the power of images, Daniels printed grotesque cartoons that demonized Blacks literally. A famous one shows a Black man as a hideous vampire bat terrorizing white people.

But all that still wasnt enough. Whites must be scared by something even more farfetched  the bugaboo of the black beast rapist. Daniels sought to play on the white working class sense of aggrievement and emasculation in a way that would make them forget their hatred of fatcats  at least temporarily. He hit upon the lie that did the trick: Black men are coming to rape your women.

In the summer of 1898, Daniels received a gift in the form of an editorial written by Alex Manly, the mixed-race editor of the Daily Record, the paper of the Wilmingtons striving Black middle class. Manly had responded to a call for the lynching of Black men accused of raping white women by puncturing the biggest taboo in the South. He pointed out that white women were sometimes quite willing to have sex with Black men, just as white men were quite willing to have sex with Black women. Manlys editorial was reprinted in newspapers across the state, along with feverish claims that the editor had besmirched the virtue of white women.

White people went berserk.

A Coup, not a Riot

In late October 1898, white supremacists in Wilmington got the perfect leader for their repulsive campaign. Alfred Moore Waddell was a former congressman  and a lawyer who defended lynchers, as Zucchino indicates. His specialty was giving rabble-rousing speeches to foment racism.

Waddell and his fellow white supremacists Democrats hatched a plan for the city. They would rig the outcome of the 1898 elections by intimidating Black voters, peeling off Populists, stuffing ballot boxes, and whatever else it took. But that wouldnt suffice, because there werent many local elections in Wilmington that year. After November 8, many Blacks, Fusionists, and Republicans would still be in office. Waddell & Co. didnt plan on waiting until the next election to get rid of them.

The solution was to execute an insurrection. The top men of the white supremacist campaign secretly agreed that after the election, they would overthrow Wilmingtons bi-racial government and install white officials in their place.

In the lead-up to November, the campaigners didnt just hint that violence was coming if the elections didnt go their way. They came right out and said it: Wadell stated, We will never surrender to a ragged raffle of Negroes, even if we have to choke the Cape Fear River with carcasses.

What they didnt say is that violence was coming even after the election went their way.

As Zucchino details, white supremacists were more than ready for bloodshed. They had two militias, the Light Infantry and the Naval Reserves, consisting of soldiers just returned from the Spanish-American War and itching for a fight. Instead of answering to the white Republican governor as they were supposed to, they reported to the white supremacists. The Democrats also had a paramilitary group known as the Red Shirts that terrorized Black communities.

As the election approached, Wilmington looked to be preparing for a siege. Whites stockpiled every possible weapon, including a Colt rapid-fire machine gun for the Infantry, the deadliest weapon of the day. Meanwhile, Blacks were denied the purchase of guns and powder, even by sellers outside the state.

Black congressman George H. White pressed President McKinley to prevent the coming bloodbath, but no help came. The Republican Governor Daniel Russell was in fear for his own life, and would do nothing to stop it.

On election day, things went just as the Democrats planned. Through fraud and intimidation, they won across the state. Some thought that violence in Wilmington had been avoided, but they thought wrong.

Two days later on November 10, all hell broke loose. But not in the sense of a spontaneous riot, as newspapers across the country described it, and many history books still do. No, this violence was long in the planning. Wilmingtons white supremacists used the pretext of a false threat of a violent uprising among the Black population to unleash a mob of 1,500 whites, led by the Light Infantry militia, to wreak havoc. Armed to the teeth, the mob headed to the Daily Record, hoping to lynch Alex Manly. He had already fled, so they burned the building. The mob swarmed on the Black neighborhoods, targeting Brooklyn in particular, murdering untold numbers and chasing hundreds out of town as they went.

By days end, Black bodies were strewn across the streets and gutters. Zucchino puts the number of fatalities at 60; some think it was even higher. The more prominent Blacks were put on trains out of town at gunpoint, ordered never to return. The poorer ones fled to swamps and cemeteries outside the city, where they froze and starved for weeks.

Some professional Blacks and white Fusionist politicians hoped to wait out the violence. They calculated wrong. The coup leaders banished everyone they didnt want around, and some of the banished didnt make it out alive. Zucchino reports that one popular Black barber was put on a train and found dead hours later, shot by a Red Shirt. A white Fusionist on the banishment list found himself hanging from a rope, only surviving by squeaking out the Masonic distress cry. He was saved by a fellow mason in the mob.

As the insurrection unfolded according to plan, Waddell named himself mayor and put white supremacists in the place of duly elected officials, including aldermen, 100 police officers, the city clerk, the treasurer, the city attorney, and anyone whose affiliation with the Fusion-negro regime made them obnoxious to the people and the present administration.

For the once-prosperous Blacks of Wilmington, whose only crime was success, the future suddenly grew dim. Zucchino writes that the citys black middle class, built and nurtured for decades, was collapsing. Hundreds of black families were homeless. Those who remained were by now thoroughly intimidated, accepting of white authority, and thus welcomed by whites to remain in Wilmington.

The poor Blacks hiding in the swamps and cemeteries were eventually lured back because the whites in Wilmington couldnt manage without their cheap labor. Plus, white supremacists dearly loved having Black servants.

A turning Point in America

Wilmingtons Black community was thoroughly devastated by the coup. By the 1900 census, the city was majority white. Blacks continued to flee as the years passed. Today, the Black population stands at less than 19%.

After 1898, no Black citizen held public office there again until 1972.

The Wilmington coup stands as the only successful and lasting armed overthrow of a legitimate municipal government in American history on U.S soil. It was a horrific turning point for the country, marking the beginning of Jim Crow and poisoning race relations to the present day. Not only was it a stain upon North Carolina, but on the federal government, too, which knowingly abandoned Black people to death and destruction.

Yet if you ask most Americans, they know little about it.

This is partly due to the barrage of fake news about events circulated in the media at the time around the country, from Raleigh to Philadelphia to New York City. To help correct the record, in 2000, North Carolinas General Assembly established the 1898 Wilmington Race Riot Commission to investigate. The commission released its report in 2005.

One of the commissions goals was to study the economic impact on Black people in Wilmington and the state. The report cited such problems as capital losses, less funding for education and thus lower literacy rates for Blacks, and broken support networks. Duke University economist William Darity, a member of the commission, discussed the economic catastrophe in the documentary film, Wilmington on Fire, He describes a blow that resulted in a significant decrease in the overall status of Black jobs in Wilmington and a steep decline in overall economic prospects. Going forward, the city had more Black service workers, fewer artisans and entrepreneurs. Middle-class dreams were shattered.

Commission member Harper Peterson said, Essentially, it crippled a segment of our population that hasnt recovered in 107 years.

Today, Black Americans still suffer from economic despair and exclusion from the American dream. They still face brutality from authorities, attacks on their civic rights, twice the unemployment rate of whites, and a pervasive, structural wealth gap born in part of events like the coup and their aftermath.

Woodrow Wilson and FDR

Nobody was ever prosecuted for the Wilmington insurrection. White supremacists didnt just get away with murder and treason in 1898. They were richly rewarded for it, in the South and beyond  none more so than Josephus Daniels.

Biographer Lee Craig notes that Daniels remained unrepentant about the white supremacy campaign even half a century after the fact. But that didnt seem to bother the U.S. presidents who relied on his good counsel.

One fan was Woodrow Wilson, whose family moved to Wilmington when he was a teen. There, Woodrow enjoyed hanging out with the scions of planter elites, and as president, he remembered his North Carolina friends, saving the best for Josephus Daniels.

President Wilson made one of the key architects of southern apartheid his Secretary of the Navy. Daniels became, as Craig observes, one of the few men Wilson held in high regard and consulted throughout his eight years in the White House. The unapologetic white supremacist created the war machine that helped win World War I and oversaw the aggressive expansion of U.S. military power in Nicaragua, Mexico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.

Thats not all. The man known as the father of Jim Crow launched the career of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who served under him as assistant secretary of the navy. When FDR became president, he still fondly referred to Daniels as Chief, and awarded the treasonous criminal with an appointment as his Ambassador to Mexico, a key position. President Roosevelt described Daniels appreciatively as a man who taught me a lot that I needed to know.

In 2021, when a mostly white mob stormed the capitol in Washington, some wielding Confederate flags, a few astute observers understood the evil echo of what had happened over a century before. Academics Kathy Roberts Forde and Kristin Gustafson summed up the parallels of the Wilmington coup and the capitol siege: Each was organized and planned. Each was an effort to steal an election and disfranchise voters. Each was animated by white racist fears.

There have never been reparations for the descendants of those victimized in the Wilmington coup and massacre.
BEIJING, Apr. 30 -- The Japanese government recently published a diplomatic bluebook, playing up the so-called "China military threat", maliciously attacking and discrediting China and grossly interfering in China's internal affairs, which is extremely wrong and irresponsible. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to this and has lodged solemn representations with Japan, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China s Ministry of National Defense, on April 30.

Recently, the Japanese government issued a diplomatic bluebook, saying that China's military rise is obvious and its military expenditure has increased substantially. China's military buildup and its activities in the East China Sea and South China Sea have aroused strong concerns among the international community including Japan.The blue book also identified Taiwan as an "extremely important partner."

Senior Colonel Wu Qian responded by saying that China adheres to the path of peaceful development and follows a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. China's defense spending and military development are always open and transparent. China adheres to the principle of coordinated development of national defense construction and economic growth , and appropriately determines the scale of its defense spending. In the past 30 years, China's annual defense spending has accounted for less than 2% of its GDP, lower than major countries and the world average of 2.6%.

Wu added that the development of China's armed forces is needed not only to safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests, but also to safeguard international and regional peace and stability. In keeping with the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, China's armed forces provide the international community with such public security products as peacekeeping, escort, humanitarian assistance and anti-pandemic cooperation, thus injecting positive energy into the maintenance of world peace and stability.

Wu stressed that China's position on maritime issues is consistent and clear. The Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands are an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and their adjacent waters. The Chinese government and military are resolute in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and are committed to resolving relevant disputes through dialogue and consultation. No country will feel threatened as long as it has no intention of encroaching on China's interests.

The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair. China will never allow any country to interfere in the Taiwan question in any form. China must and will be reunified. The Japanese side should not stretch its arms too far, let alone have unrealistic illusions, which will be very dangerous, Wu added.

Wu pointed out that since modern times, the Japanese militarists had launched wars of aggression, bringing untold sufferings to China and other countries in the region. Some Japanese politicians, ignoring their own bad deeds, have been wantonly slandering China. Its worth being highly vigilant about what they are trying to do.

Wu said that China urges the Japanese side to draw lessons from history, stop spreading rumors and slander against China, view China and its military in an objective and rational way, and make constructive efforts to promote the sound and stable development of China-Japan relations.
Tokyo Tech and other members of the Super Smart Society (SSS) Promotion Consortium held the 3rd SSS Promotion Forum on March 8, 2021 to introduce the latest technological trends that will contribute to the realization of a super smart society. Insights were shared through various lectures and a panel discussion on "The Evolution of Virtual Space (Digital Twin) and New Lifestyles."

Attended by 346 participants from inside and outside the Institute, talks and discussions during the event focused on the specific application and utilization of digital technology, artificial intelligence technology, and augmented and virtual reality technology that can contribute to Society 5.0.

Lectures from experts in various fields

After a greeting by the coordinator of the consortium, Kei Sakaguchi, director of the Tokyo Tech Academy for Super Smart Society and professor at the School of Engineering, five speakers gave lectures on the utilization of technology in their respective fields of expertise.

Keynote speech: Microsoft Technology for Super Smart Society



Akira Sakakibara Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd., President, Microsoft Development Co., Ltd. Sakakibara's presentation introduced the use of various latest technologies provided by Microsoft such as AI, IoT, digital twin computing, and extended reality (XR) to solve new social issues and realize a super smart society.

Lecture 1: NTT Group's Creation of Urban Communities



Shinichiro Ueno Senior Vice President / Digital Innovation Department, NTT Urban Solutions, Inc. Along with the concepts of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) and Digital Twin Computing (DTC), Ueno introduced the new value to be gained from data replication, fusion, and exchange in solving social issues and supporting new urban development.

Lecture 2: Utilization of Digital Twin in Building Air Conditioning



Yasuhito Omagari Manager, Strategic Planning & Development Office for Southeast Asia, Azbil Corporation Omagari spoke about Azbil Corporation's efforts in building management in Japan and Southeast Asia, as well as examples of digital twin applications in the building air conditioning industry and their relevance to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Lecture 3: Creating a fascinating future with "digital twin"



Hiromitsu Oikawa Head of Evangelist Office, FUJITSU LIMITED Based on actual examples of factory line visualization and simulation, Oikawa introduced how the world is expanding with AR and digital twin technology. He also highlighted the importance of being able to reconstruct a created vision.

Lecture 4: OUR Shurijo Project and the future of digital contents in XR



Rei Kawakami Associate Professor, School of Computing, Tokyo Tech / Senior Researcher, Denso IT Laboratory Kawakami spoke about a project that aims to digitally restore the entire Shurijo Castle in Okinawa using image data obtained from individual people. She also introduced the technology that helps digitize the formless and shared her thoughts on the future vision of XR contents.

Panel Discussion

Following the lectures, a panel discussion moderated by Associate Professor Takeshi Hatanaka from Tokyo Tech's School of Engineering was held to discuss the future use of technology in various specialized fields. Joining the above five speakers as panelists were Professor Kei Sakaguchi and Professor Eisuke Fukuda of the consortium.

The panelists discussed a wide range of topics, including modeling accuracy and image roughness in digital twin computing, specific issues in applying the technology to buildings and factories in the field, democratization and ethics of data, and industrial applications of XR technology.

After the panel discussion, Professor Nobuyuki Iwatsuki, who chairs the Consortium Steering Committee, gave a briefing on the consortium's progress. His message was followed by a final greeting from Tokyo Tech's Executive Vice President for Education Tetsuya Mizumoto, which brought the forum to a close.

Feedback was once again positive, with participants commenting that they gained a lot of insights from participating in this forum, and look forward to future developments.

Super Smart Society Promotion Consortium

Tokyo Tech founded the Super Smart Society Promotion Consortium in October 2018 to advance the realization of Society 5.0 through a next-generation education and research platform that integrates the development of human resources with joint research and development involving participating institutions. Currently, the consortium consists of 38 members including corporations, research institutions, local government bodies, and individuals.
A Texas rancher's TV interview about the crisis on the border was interrupted when federal agents stormed his property chasing migrants as he said he was 'under siege' amid the crisis.

John Sewell was speaking live from his property to Fox News about the border crisis, saying he had already caught three migrants at his ranch that day before breakfast.

Dana Perino was attempting to read a statement issued by Sen. Mark Kelly about President Joe Biden's speech on Wednesday but dogs were heard loudly barking in the background.

A Texas rancher's TV interview was interrupted when federal agents stormed his property chasing migrants as he said he was 'under siege' amid the crisis

Sewell said: 'Dana, I'm sorry, I had a group of guys coming through looking for some immigrants, you're going to have to put it back at me again  we're not getting the support as the US.

'This is not panning out good for us. We're under siege here. And when I say that, I've already got three this morning before breakfast.'

Perino then asked Sewell what actions he takes after apprehending the migrants at his property.

He replied: 'I obviously call the Border Patrol. That's our first line of defense. And that's another thing, we're nervous as to what we can get away with and what we can't get away with.

John Sewell was speaking remotely to Fox News about the border crisis, saying he had already caught three migrants at his ranch that day before breakfast

Dana Perino was attempting to read a statement issued by Sen. Mark Kelly about President Joe Biden's speech on Wednesday but dogs were heard loudly barking in the background

'These people, it seems like they have more rights than we do. It's very unfortunate that we're having to battle this and the CBP is telling us that all they do is enforce policy.'

After the interview ended, co-host Bill Hemmer branded it 'remarkable'.

The rancher previously said migrants were entering his property at night and he had 'never seen' the crisis at this level.

The rancher previously said migrants were entering his property at night and he had 'never seen' the crisis at this level (file image)

US Border Patrol agents process immigrant families after they crossed the Rio Grande into south Texas on Thursday

On Wednesday, Biden said it was time to end the 'exhausting war' on immigration and appealed to lawmakers in both parties to come together on the issue

On Wednesday, Biden said it was time to finish the 'exhausting war' on immigration and appealed to lawmakers in both parties to come together on the issue.

'Let's end our exhausting war over immigration,' he said during his Joint Address to Congress.

Biden asked lawmakers to pass the comprehensive immigration plan he proposed, which includes an eight-year path to citizenship for most of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, eliminates restrictions on family-based immigration, expands worker visas, and includes funding for security updates at the border.

President Joe Biden said it was time to end the 'exhausting war' on immigration

Biden called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform as the number of migrants crossing the border via the Rio Grande has surged

Republicans have criticized Biden for rolling back Donald Trump's stricter immigration policies, claiming it has led to a surge of migrants across the border.

Biden also praised Vice President Kamala Harris, who he put in charge of diplomatic efforts on the Southern border.

'I have absolute confidence she will get the job done,' he said.

Republicans have criticized Harris for not yet visiting the Southern border.

Harris does plan to visit Central America in June. Additionally, she held a virtual meeting on Monday with the president of Guatemala and meet virtually with community groups from the country on Tuesday.

A U.S. Border Patrol agent registers immigrant families after they crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico

Biden's immigration push comes amid a surge of migrants at the Southern border.

According to Customs and Border Patrol data, the number of immigrants apprehended along the southern border jumped from 96,974 in February to 168,195 in March.

The last time single-month apprehensions were that high was in March of 2001. Additionally in March, CBP apprehended 18,656 unaccompanied minors at the southern border, a record since at least October 2009 and double February's numbers.

Republicans see the issue as one they can use to make in roads with voters in the 2022 midterms.

Biden said immigration reform would be one of his top priorities as president but it has fallen by the way side given the COVID pandemic and the focus on rebuilding the American economy.

Meanwhile new data from US Customs and Border Protection revealed a 60 per cent rise in unlawful migrant crossings on freight trains via the United States-Mexico border since October.

According to stats released Monday, CBP officers have detained 292 undocumented migrants in El Paso, Texas, since the beginning of fiscal year 2021 (October 2020). In comparison, the agency reported 181 apprehensions during the same time period for the previous fiscal year.
New Delhi, April 30 : Writer and director -- he says the amalgamation of two makes him a narrator. For him, the driving force is always to tell a tale whether it is writing a book or making a film. "I don't think I will be able to make what is fashionably called 'stylised cinema. What people in this country crave for is a story. Sadly, we have forgotten to pause and take a nice closeup shot. We are in a hurry, and often skip emotions," says writer and filmmaker Ram Kamal, who recently completed his fourth film 'Broken Frame, starring Ritabhari Chakraborty and Rohit Bose.

The director, who has to his credit shorts like 'Cakewalk', starring Esha Deol, 'Season's Greetings' with Celina Jaitly and 'Rickshawala' with Avinash Dwivedi, says that it is important for him not to repeat his narratives. "You will never find me revisiting my own stories or characters. I like to tell stories that I feel would fascinate others. There is this constant need to expand my canvas, I try to grow as a storyteller with every film," he says.

Although he wanted to produce all eight stories from his book 'Long Island Iced Tea' with eight different directors and create an anthology, despite getting some good directors onboard, he somehow could not manage the required funds. "A year later, when I made 'Cakewalk' and 'Season's Greetings', people wanted to see more shorts from me. That is when I decided to make the first story 'Broken Frame' from my book. Since it was written as a short story, I had no option but to make it as a short." Talk to him about his special connection with Kolkata, and Kumar who was born and brought up in that city says that he never really planned to shoot all his films in that city. "It just happened." Crediting actor Esha Deol for pushing him into direction, he remembers, "I always wanted to tell stories. From words to celluloid. It was during 'Cakewalk', which I initially wanted to just produce that Deol literally pushed me to become a director. She felt that I have it "in me" and she could sense it. So that's how the journey started." Kumar, whose 'Rickshawala' won awards at the Cardiff International Film Festival and Melbourne International Film Festival congratulates film festival organisers for managing to hold online festivals even as the pandemic just refuses to go away.

All set to start his full-length feature in Bengali immediately after the lockdown is suspended, the filmmaker, who has produced two Hindi and one Bengali Short, which will release this year, adds, "I will also be completing my next 'Shubho Bijoya', a Hindi love story with Gurmeet Choudhury and Debina Bonnerjee." (Sukant Deepak can be contacted at sukant.d@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Brussels / News Aktuell - The European Commission has today missed an opportunity to bolster its Beating Cancer Plan and recognise the importance of vaping in reducing smoking-related diseases among Europeans.

A report from the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) has failed to compare the risks of electronic cigarette use with the risks of smoking. Such an omission renders the report of little use to policy makers. An assessment of the impact e-cigarettes have had on European public health must be informed by this evidence.

Independent and publicly-funded scientific research has shown beyond any doubt that e-cigarette use is far less harmful than smoking. And much of the scientific community has been highly critical of the SCHEERs methodology, with concerned researchers penning a critique of a draft version of the report. SCHEER has chosen not to adjust its approach despite the significant flaws and widespread criticism of it.

Dustin Dahlmann, President of IEVA said:

The SCHEER committee has failed to present scientific data on vaping in a comprehensive and balanced manner. The result is a report that is little more than a series of baseless predetermined assertions. Another opportunity to educate smokers willing to switch to less harmful alternatives has been wasted, and this alone has serious public health implications. We urge decision makers in Brussels to integrate harm reduction in their overall strategy."

ENDS

Notes to editors

An earlier draft of this report was put to public consultation in September 2020 and was widely criticized. Despite this, the final report we have seen today does not deviate from the core findings of the initial draft.

A comprehensive critique of this draft was published in the peer-reviewed Harm Reduction. Journal. The authors assert that the Opinions conclusions are not adequately backed up by scientific evidence and did not discuss the potential health benefits of using alternative combustion-free nicotine-containing products as substitute for tobacco cigarettes.

The Harm Reduction Journal report recommends seven crucial areas that the Committee should have considered in order to address this significant deficit, but SCHEER has decided not to do so. These were:

(1) the potential health benefits of ENDS substitution for cigarette smoking,

(2) alternative hypotheses and contradictory studies on the gateway effect,

(3) its assessment of cardiovascular risk,

(4) the measurements of frequency of use,

(5) non-nicotine use,

(6) the role of flavours, and

(7) a fulsome discussion of cessation.

About IEVA

The Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA) is the only pan-European association aimed at uniting national associations, companies, manufacturers and wholesalers in the vaping industry and providing them with responsible representation at the European level.

IEVAs founding principle is to contribute to harm reduction and public health. E-cigarettes have a significant positive impact and should be recognized as a harm reduction tool because vaping is not smoking.

Press contact:

Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA)

President: Dustin Dahlmann

Press coordinator: Philip Drogemuller

Phone: +32 (2) 791 7759

E-Mail: p.droegemueller@eurovape.eu

Web: www.eurovape.eu
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit Kyiv on May 5-6  State Department

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive in Kyiv for a two-day visit on May 5, Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement released on Friday.

"The Secretary will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine, May 5-6, where he will meet with President [Volodymyr] Zelensky, Foreign Minister [Dmytro] Kuleba, other officials and representatives of Ukrainian civil society to reaffirm unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression," the spokesperson said.

"He will also encourage continued progress on Ukraine's institutional reform agenda, particularly anti-corruption action, which is key to securing Ukraine's democratic institutions, economic prosperity, and Euro-Atlantic future," the spokesperson said.

Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba said that during a meeting with Blinken he plans to discuss the assistance that the United States can provide to Ukraine in the reform process, as well as a number of economic issues, especially in the energy sector.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ohios two-week coronavirus case rate has dropped sharply to 155.6 cases per 100,000 residents, with now only about half of the states counties remaining on red alert over concern about spread of the virus, according to Thursdays weekly update from the Ohio Department of Health.

This marks the second straight week the rate has dropped - from 200 per 100,000 two weeks ago - after going up for four straight weeks before then. The rate was reported at 185.8 last week.

The new case rate is at its lowest point since the weekly update on March 23. The recent low of 143.8 was reported March 17.

Gov. Mike DeWine had said he would lift all his health orders when the rate drops to 50 - a point it hasnt been at since June - but recently has amended that to say he may look at other metrics such as the number of people vaccinated. Vaccinations have been started on about half of Ohioans age 16 and up - the age cutoff under current federal rules for the vaccine.

Ohio's two-week rate for new coronavirus cases has trended down again this week.Rich Exner, cleveland.com

Alert map update

Meanwhile, 45 of the states 88 counties are on Level 3 red alert for concern over spread - the lowest number of counties at this level in months. A week ago, there were 52 counties on red alert, plus Franklin County a step higher for concern at Level 4 purple.

This week, Franklin is among the 45 counties on red alert, a list that also includes Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit in Greater Cleveland. However, Geauga County has been moved to the lower level of concern of Level 2 orange after its new case rate dropped below 100 per 100,000.

Two weeks ago, there were 50 red alert counties, following weeks of 52, 51, 55, 66, 76 and 80, and before then 84 for multiple weeks in January and February.

This week there are no purple counties, the 45 at red, 39 at orange and four at the lowest level of concern - Carroll, Gallia, Muskingum and Vinton, all in the eastern half of Ohio.

Red alert, according to the health department, means there remains a public emergency for increased exposure and spread, and that people should exercise a high degree of caution. The alert system takes into account several factors, including case rates, hospitalizations and trips to doctors offices.

Gov. DeWine, however, has emphasized the importance of the two-week rate of new cases per 100,000 residents, excluding cases involving incarcerated individuals.

This week, three counties are below the threshold of 50 per 100,000 - Noble (27.7), Vinton (30.6) and Gallia (36.8), all sparely populated counties in Southeast Ohio.

The six highest rates are all in northern Ohio, including Cuyahoga County with the states third highest rate at 231.5, Summit fifth highest at 216.8 and Ashtabula sixth highest at 209.8. The others are Lucas (299.1), Erie (251.8) and Defiance (225.8).

There has, however, been steady improvement for the last couple of weeks, breaking down this way for the seven Greater Cleveland counties.

* Cuyahoga - 231.5 this week vs. 266.6 and 280.9 the previous two weeks.

* Geauga - 75.8 versus 124.9 and 154.8.

* Lake - 158.2 versus 207.3 and 235.9.

* Lorain - 164.6 versus 213.3 and 232.1.

* Medina - 121.8 versus 158.6 and 178.6.

* Portage - 156.3 versus 209.9 and 213.6.

* Summit - 216.8 versus 258 and 300.9.

The advisory system

Heres a closer look at the advisory system introduced in early July. Alert levels are determined by the number of warning benchmarks met. But once a county reaches red alert, it does not drop unless its rate of new cases also drops below 100 per 100,000 over two weeks.

* 1. New cases - Alert triggered when there are 50 new cases per cases 100,000 residents over the last two weeks.

* 2. Increase in new cases - Alert triggered by an increase in cases for five straight days at any point over the last three weeks. This is based on the date of onset of symptoms, not when the cases are reported.

* 3. Non-congregate living cases - Alert triggered when at least 50% of the new cases in one of the last three weeks have occurred in outside congregate living spaces such as nursing homes and prisons.

* 4. Emergency rooms - Alert triggered when there is an increase in visits for COVID-like symptoms or a diagnosis for five straight days at any point in the last three weeks.

* 5. Doctor visits - Alert triggered when there is an increase in out-patient visits resulting in confirmed cases or suspected diagnosis for COVID-19 for five straight days at any point in the last three weeks.

* 6. Hospitalizations - Alert triggered when there is an increase in new COVID-19 patients for five straight days at any point over the last three weeks. This is based on the county or residence, not the location of the hospital.

* 7. Intensive Care Unit occupancy - Alert triggered when ICU occupancy in a region exceeds 80% of total ICU beds and at least 20% of the beds are being used for coronavirus patients for at least three days in the last week.

Rich Exner, data analysis editor for cleveland.com, writes about numbers on a variety of topics. Follow on Twitter @RichExner. See other data-related stories at cleveland.com/datacentral.

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Ohio coronavirus cases and hospitalizations trend down; state and county updates
A medical staff holds a bottle of Covid-19 vaccine in Hanoi in March 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy.

Vietnam confirmed three new Covid-19 community transmissions Friday, bringing the total in the last two days to nine.

Patient 2911, a 28-year-old man in Hanoi, met and had a meal with patient 2899, a male migrant worker who returned from Japan, on April 22.

The first community case in Hanoi after 73 days, patient 2911 lives in Viet Hung Commune, Dong Anh District. A truck driver, he has been to many places since coming in contact with patient 2899.

He met with patient 2899 from 8-10 p.m. at an eatery in Ly Nhan District in the northern province of Ha Nam.

The next morning he drove his own car to his home in Dong Anh District, where he came into contact with two family members.

From April 24 to April 28 he had come into contact with at least 10 people, nine in Dong Anh District and one in Me Linh District. On April 29, after learning that he had come into contact with an infected man, he reported to the local medical center and isolated himself at home. He tested positive the same day.

The building where he lives has been locked down with 21 people inside.

Patients 2912 and 2913, a 58-year-old grandmother and her 2-year-old granddaughter in the northern province of Hung Yen, are also linked to patient 2899. They came into contact with the man during a trip to Ha Nam between April 17-23.

Authorities have locked down their village, Hoang Xa, with more than 1,200 residents.

In the last 24 hours Vietnam has recorded nine new community cases after more than a month. Eight of the new cases are linked to patient 2899, who tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Ha Nam after completing his mandated two-week quarantine in Da Nang where he tested negative three times.

Vietnam has recorded 2,914 Covid-19 cases to date, including 2,516 recoveries and 35 deaths.

The Ministry of Health has warned of high chances of contagion from illegal border entrants and urged people to take protective measures.
Thousands of South Koreans Petition to Cancel a Chinese Cultural Project in Gangwon Province

Recently, more than 600,000 Koreans signed an online petition to oppose the construction of the Korean-China Cultural Town in Gangwon Province. This resulted in the halt of the project.

In 2019, Gangwon Province and Chinas Peoples Daily Online agreed to start the project. The agreement was to build a Chinese Cultural Town in Chuncheon and Hongcheoncities in Gangwon Province, South Koreacovering an area of 1.2 million square meters. It would have been more than 10 times larger than the current largest Chinatown in South Korea, Incheon Chinatown.

The governor of Gangwon Province, Choi Moon-soon, called the project part of the Cultural Belt and Road Initiative at the launching ceremony.

However, to Korean citizens, it enhances the influence and dissemination of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) culture in South Korea, under the banner of a cultural tourism exchange.

On March 29, a petitioner initiated an online petition on the Blue House website to cancel the project, stating: Dont give China the Korean land. The people of Korea [South Korea] are concerned about losing our own culture, and should confront Chinas [the CCPs] plundering of Korean kimchi, the hanbok, historical figures, and other inherent cultures. People are feeling anxious that their culture will be lost due to Chinas Northeast Project; it is getting worse every day.

By April 28, a month after the petition was initiated, more than 670,000 people had signed. According to regulations, the South Korean government must respond when the number of signatures exceeds 200,000.

Kolon Global Corporation, the construction company responsible for the Korean-China Cultural Town project, issued a notice through the Gangwon government on April 27 that it would conduct a comprehensive review of the project. Some analysts believe that this is equivalent to canceling the project.

In early April, a city official from Gyeonggi Province invited the CCP ambassador to South Korea to an event, where it was announced that a smart farm village project would be built in Pocheon City. The project would include a Confucius Village and a Chinatown.

After the news was exposed, another petition appeared on the Blue House website opposing this project.

The writer of the petition questioned Mayor Park Yoon-guks decision to start the project, because it seemed to ignore Koreans anti-Chinese (CCP) sentiment following the Gangwon petition. This petition also demanded the withdrawal of the project. As of April 30, the online petition has been signed by more than 32,000 people.

Quickly, Pocheon City officials explained, At the beginning of the project, it was proposed as one of several ideas, but it was excluded after review.

Korean people feel disrespected and anti-China sentiment is rising.

Ever since the CCP took over China, other than ruining the traditional Chinese culture and distorting Chinese history, the regime has also worked hard to interfere with its neighbors culture and history.

Distorting Koreas Cultural History

The CCP attempted to distort Koreas cultural history by launching a 2002 research project through its Chinese Academy of Social Science (CASS). The publication of this project caused outrage in Korea.

The Serial Research Project on the History and Current State of the Northeast Borderland, known as the Northeast Project, lasted for five yearsfrom 2002 to 2007.

This project was seriously criticized by both Korean scholars and academicians in other countries. It was viewed as an attempt to distort history and a cultural plundering of Korean history. The project concluded by abandoning whats recorded throughout the Chinese dynasties and adapting a contemporary vision of ancient history, lacking in academic foundation.

The influence of the project is believed to have been lingering. In fact, many people doubt it ever ended, as one of the Blue House petitions stated.

Korean American civil rights activist Se Hoon Kim explained why Korean citizens, especially young Koreans, have spoken out against the pro-CCP Moon Jae-in (president of South Korea) government.

This Chinatown project is in compliance with the appeasement policy. The Koreans know this project will lay the foundation for the expansion of the CCP in South Korea and promote Chinese [CCP] nationalism in South Korea. So Im not surprised that the project [Korean-China Cultural Town] would be canceled. Because, after the dispute over the origin of kimchi and hanbok, our traditional culture, I know that many Koreans felt very violated and disrespected, he said.

He noted that Hong Kongs anti-extradition movement has won general support from the Korean people. Koreans are sickened by the CCPs suppression of human rights, he said.

He also pointed out that Koreans know the CCP is trying to manipulate the One Belt One Road initiative with the purpose being to influence regional politics and economies in the name of cultural exchanges.
New Documentary Shows How Trust Has Been Used to Counter Huawei

Speed now is the number one currency in business today and you need that momentum for that digital transformationAnd the big, they no longer eat the small. The quick eat the slow.

So said former Under Secretary of State, Keith Krach, as he addressed the need for 5G technology. This emerging technology is not only 10 times faster, with the possibility of up to 100 times faster in the future, it also increases bandwidth, allowing for more connected devices at a time. No more spotty service in busy areas. An immediate connection on calls and texts. A faster and easier connection to Cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

It is clear why 5G is so desirable and why companies around the world are scrambling to produce the equipment needed to operate it. But with speed comes risk, and in this case, the risk comes from technology giant Huawei and the Chinese Communist Party.

According to Huaweis own data, they currently have contracts with 91 countries for 5G technology. 47 of those are located in Europe, and most of them are allies of the United States. It is well understood that Huawei is deep in the pocket of the CCP and that their international reach and resources are far ahead of virtually all telecommunications corporations. It is known the world over that it is dangerous to do business with them. But when a telecommunications giant grows this large, can it be stopped?

Keith Krach believed so and set out to do just that. Undeterred by the failing system he inherited, a system where the only strategy was warning companies and other countries to stop working with Huawei, he believed that a better strategy would lead to a better result:

We must have had more than 60 bilateral meetings with my foreign counterparts: economic ministers, foreign ministers, finance ministers. It just seemed like most countries were terrified of China. Nobody even wanted to use the words China or Huawei. The big ah-ha came when I asked about their relationship with China. Theyd say, well they are an important trading partner, but then they would look both ways and lean in and softly say but we dont trust them.

Trust, he decided, should be the cornerstone of the U.S. national strategy on Chinas 5G surge. And it is that strategy, combined with the later international shortage of semiconductor chips needed for their products, that ultimately halted the momentum of Huawei.

Most of our connected devices, from smartphones and car computers to medical equipment and personal appliances, make use of semiconductor chips, chips that are now in short supply. Apple alone spends $58 billion annually for its supply of chips and had to delay the release of its iPhone 12 for two months due to the shortage. Perhaps the hardest hit has been automobile manufacturers who, because they purchase far fewer chips than the technology giants, are low on the list to receive the chips. Ford has had to cancel shifts at two of its plants and said they face a $25 billion dollar loss this year due to the chip shortage.

Krach knows the cost of that kind of decline. Memories of the lean times for his fathers mechanics shop, when a downturn for automotive companies meant that theirs just went absolutely flat. I remember for a year, it was just my dad and me, we were the only employees and to watch how tough that was but also to watch his resilience in terms of that helped him make sense of the importance of industry in strengthening America as a country.

Krachs journey from his fathers machine shop where he learned resiliency during tough economic times and the importance of fairness in competition, to his role at GM and his discovery that failure is the best teacher, and finally to his role as Under Secretary of State and his mission to develop and operationalize a global economic security strategy to drive economic growth, combat economic aggression and maximize national security each informed his development of what the press came to call his 5G Trifecta strategy, a strategy brought about as he set his eyes on 5G technology and Chinas involvement in it. The natural next step was to look at industry leader Huawei and determine their route to success, the risks in allowing that success to continue unchallenged, and vulnerabilities that could be exploited to decrease their international influence.

Huaweis success came from early contracts with the Chinese army and millions in state financial backing followed by the integration of their equipment and services into the nearly 800 smart cities in China. It was strengthened through more covert methods like forced technology transfers and technology theft, including the well-documented case involving theft of router software from Cisco.

The covert moved into the realm of sinister in the minds of Washington officials who feared that Beijing, through Huawei, could control and even deny the United States and its allies access to the 5G networks that make global commerce and the projection of military power possible. He saw that China needed semiconductor chips to run their 5G networks and that, while they do have Chinese companies capable of producing those chips, they were not able to produce the quantities needed for Huawei to truly dominate. Krach knew a loss of supply would mean disaster for Huaweis smartphone industry and, following the Trump administrations order requiring any company using U.S. machinery in the production of those chips to halt distribution of them to China, Huawei dropped from the top spot in the smartphone sector and took a substantial revenue hit.

Pressure on Huawei through cutting off supply was just one part of Krachs strategy. Relying on companies using American equipment to end their business dealings with China is a short-term strategy. Long-term, Krach knew that having an established and successful 5G manufacturing industry in America would be needed for there to be a more lasting impact on the growth of American 5G networks and a continued halt to Chinas.

The results of those efforts are stunning. First, Krach and his team convinced Taiwanese chip giant TSMC to construct its $12 billion 5-nanometer semiconductor manufacturing plant in Phoenix, Arizona, the biggest onshoring in United States history and one that will bring with it 1,600 high-tech jobs. They have now committed to bringing six such facilities to the U.S.

Following that, Krachs team worked with Congress to put some serious funding into bringing our semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S. Their bipartisan efforts with Senator Corn and Senator Warner led to a unanimous house vote and a 96 to 4 Senate vote to approve $30 billion dollars in funding.

Krach believed that these two wins would lead to more onshoring of semiconductor companies, and his hunch was right. Samsung is expected to build a larger facility than TSMCs, and the rest of the international semiconductor chip industry has shown interest in moving facilities to America as well. Many proposals to do so are already in the hands of those in Washington. American semiconductor chip producers are expanding, too, as Intel commits $20 billion to produce two new facilities in Arizona.

5G, according to Krach, will be the most important industry to U.S. national security, and it will take a continued effort by the leadership in Washington to build on the momentum gained through the efforts of Krach and his team and to protect American interests. By continuing the 5G Trifecta strategy brought about by Krach, the United States can further limit Huaweis influence in the industry while strengthening Americas industrial ties to 5G technology.

For the full story on the inherent risks of Huawei dominating 5G technology, Keith Krachs trust strategy used to successfully slow their momentum, and the emergence of America as a central figure in 5G manufacturing, watch The American Dream Takes on China Inc: 5G Trifecta premiering April 30.
City Controller John Murray is a Scranton native and lifelong resident. City Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti makes no secret that she isnt.

Both seek the Democratic nomination for mayor in the May 18 primary election and each cites that difference as a strength. The winner will face Darwin Lee Shaw II, a minister running unopposed for the Republican nomination, in November. Scranton mayors serve four-year terms and earn an annual salary of $75,000.

Murray, 64, a retired 20-year Pennsylvania Department of Auditor General regional director and former city Democratic committee chairman elected controller in 2019, describes himself as a Scranton guy with Scranton values.

I just think I know the people, said Murray, whose campaign signs also identify him as a lifelong Democrat. I have a history here. I know what went wrong before, and you learn from past mistakes.  Im getting a lot of people that are telling me Im glad youre from here. 

Cognetti, 40, was raised in Beaverton, Oregon, and made Scranton her home in 2016, about two years after earning her MBA from Harvard Business School. She says perspectives gained and lessons learned from living elsewhere allow her to look objectively at the issues facing Scranton.

That objectivity could only come from someone who isnt from here, but the passion and the commitment comes from falling in love with this place organically as I fell in love with my husband, Cognetti said. Having that mix of being married into families that have been here for generations, plus my outside lens, is why this is working and how were able to do the job were doing.

Cognetti, the citys first female mayor, switched from Democrat to independent for the 2019 special election to fill the unexpired term of corrupt former Mayor Bill Courtright, which she comfortably won. At the time, she criticized the city Democratic committees closed-door nominating process that resulted in attorney Chris Cullen securing the partys nomination for mayor. Cognetti refused to seek the partys nomination in that race. She said at the time that the local party did not reflect the Democratic ideals she long championed. Now seeking reelection as a Democrat, Cognetti secured the city Democratic committees endorsement in March.

Murray cited his experience as a reason voters should support him.

Ive got much more managerial experience, he said. I was with the (state) auditor general for 20 years as regional director of both the Scranton and Reading offices. I know my way around government. Ive sat and read the Home Rule Charter. Ive sat and read the Administrative Code. I follow those, because thats what you have to do as the mayor. Youve got to know the city charter. Youve got to know the Administrative Code. And I dont know that all of that is going on right now.

Cognetti said her administration is running Scranton for its residents and serving them well.

We are making changes that have needed to be made for quite some time, and its change that will be lasting and have a lasting positive impact, she said. While its been a very productive 16 months so far, we have just begun to do the things that we want to do. We have just begun to make the changes to the tax structure that wed like to make. Weve just begun to really  get over some of the economic hurdles from the pandemic and market the city in the way that it deserves to be marketed.

City taxes

Both Cognetti and Murray cite taxes as the most significant issue facing city residents and businesses.

While neither guarantee no city tax hikes over the next four years, both said they hope to at least hold municipal taxes steady for property owners already facing the prospect of rising Scranton School District taxes. The goal is to alleviate the tax burden residents and business owners bear, both said.

Cognetti pointed to the tax policy working group she established last year to review the citys entire tax structure with a goal of lowering taxes over time. The group also is exploring a potential switch from the punitive business privilege and mercantile taxes to a broader-based, fairer payroll tax. But Cognetti contends Scrantons comparatively high property and wage taxes matter most to residents and inhibit growth in the city.

Scranton needs to find other revenue streams to reduce its reliance on property and wage tax dollars, she said, suggesting a hotel tax as one possibility. A hotel tax, which the working group is exploring, would generate revenue from room rentals at city hotels and similar establishments largely patronized by non-residents. Cognetti said Scranton would have to petition the state to enact a hotel tax, which would be similar to the 6% and 7% hotel occupancy taxes levied by the state and Lackawanna County, respectively.

We have such onerous taxes on our residents and business owners now, Cognetti said. As we look at altering our revenue streams, were looking to take the burden off of our already over-taxed residents and businesses and shift that to tourists who I think will come here regardless of whether or not theres a few dollars added to their hotel bill.

Murray also endorses a city hotel tax, suggesting a levy of about 5%. He wants that revenue invested in city parks, including the beleaguered Nay Aug Park pool complex, and targeted toward recreation and tourism. Those improvements, coupled with marketing efforts, could boost tourism and prompt more hotel stays, generating more tax revenue, Murray contends.

Hed also push to enact a modest non-resident earned income tax. Often called a commuter tax, non-residents who work in Scranton would pay it.

I think they could pay a little bit and a little bit may go a long way, Murray said. I would think that a certain small percentage could offset maybe some of the  city taxes that the residents pay.

He said adding those revenue streams would help achieve his four-year goal of ultimately reducing residents city taxes and trash fees. He also vowed to meet with nonprofit leaders to prompt more payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs)  payments to the city by organizations whose nonprofit status exempt them from property taxes.

To achieve tax fairness and incentivize development in Scranton, both candidates support a countywide property reassessment  which county commissioners would have to initiate. A lawsuit seeking a court order to force a county reassessment remains pending in county court.

The plaintiffs in that case contend Lackawanna Countys outdated property tax assessments  with a base year of 1968  are unfair, resulting in some residents paying disproportionately higher taxes than others. Reassessment advocates often argue that companies discouraged by the countys outdated assessments and comparatively high local tax millage rates will look to build or do business elsewhere.

Everybody has to be on the same playing field, Murray said of the countys assessment landscape.

Cognetti contends the city wont have the foundation it needs to truly move forward until a reassessment occurs.

If youre a potential homeowner, a potential resident or a potential business owner, you dont like uncertainty  and the lack of reassessment adds a layer  a nearly permanent layer at this point  of uncertainty, she said.

Relief funds

Scranton is due about $69.9 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds under the American Rescue Plan. Among other uses, that money can be used to offset city revenue lost to the pandemic and support pandemic-impacted businesses. It cant be used for pensions or to replace revenue lost by lowering taxes.

While officials await further clarification from the federal government on permitted uses, both Cognetti and Murray say the relief funding should be deployed strategically to maximize its impact and alleviate future financial pressure.

If allowed, Murray suggests using some of the one-time funding for infrastructure and shovel-in-the-ground-type projects, including a significant, strategic paving project. He faulted the Cognetti administration for pushing back a paving project last year when fewer people were driving because of the pandemic.

I think our biggest problem, and hopefully we can use the (relief) money for it, are our streets, Murray said.

The city pushed its 2020 paving project into this year to control costs amid pandemic-prompted financial uncertainty. That was the right decision, Cognetti said, noting state shutdowns prohibiting nonessential work created a backlog that drove up the cost of doing paving and similar projects when those restrictions eased. Paving in that environment would not have been an efficient use of taxpayer money, she said. The paving project originally scheduled for last year began this week.

Cognetti, who along with city council lobbied aggressively for the flexible relief funding, said the first priority is recovery from the acute impacts of COVID-19 on the citys budget and local economy. Her administration is determining what city revenue was lost because of the public health crisis and can be replaced with relief funds. Officials are also exploring how to best support pandemic-affected businesses, including those that may not have qualified for or received other support, she said.

The remaining funds should be used to sustain a longer-term economic recovery, Cognetti said. Like Murray, she wants to use some of the $69.9 million for infrastructure that could help the city avoid future capital, maintenance and other costs and relieve pressure on future operating and capital budgets. She also suggests possibly investing some of the funding in stormwater infrastructure and management, including city costs associated with potentially establishing a regional stormwater authority to better meet federal pollution reduction requirements.

We need to be looking at that long-term sustainability of the city (and) of our economy and understanding how we can use those funds to shore that up, Cognetti said. Stormwater is a great example, because its something  we know we have to do regardless of any federal assistance.

When its received, Murray recommends establishing a separate account for the relief funding in the interest of transparency.

Delinquencies and liens

To boost revenue, Scranton hired Portnoff Law Associates to collect delinquent city trash fees and entered into an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau to collect delinquent city property taxes.

Both arrangements were approved under Cognetti and went into effect this year. But the bureaus recent filing of more than 2,600 liens for 2019 and 2020 city property tax delinquencies sparked controversy earlier this month, prompting the mayor to announce a 120-day stay on the lien process that county officials say complied with state law and the agreement between both governments. The earliest any of those properties could be exposed at a county tax sale is 2023, according to the county.

Cognetti contends the city wasnt notified the liens would be filed and didnt agree to the timeline, arguing the timing was inappropriate given pandemic-prompted hardships many face. The county defended the bureaus actions, with county officials arguing the mayor lacks legal authority to initiate the stay.

This specific time is not the time to be really driving a stake in these property owners, whether they be business or residential, she said last week. The city has been in very positive communication with the Tax Claim Bureau on a range of things since we began in January. This particular lien process and timeline was not communicated to us.

Murray said he thinks the bureau acted properly in filing the liens, pointing to state law and the agreement requiring the bureau file liens to compel payment. Notices the bureau sent March 1 gave those property owners the opportunity to enter payment plans to avoid liens. He said he would not have tried to stay the lien process.

I understand the plight of the people suffering from the pandemic, Murray said. However, the contract was signed.  I mean people in government arent ogres. If you go down and you plead your case to the Tax Claim Bureau theyll come up with a plan for you. Theyre not in the business of throwing people out of their houses. Thats not what they want to do.

Murray also noted about 1,000 delinquent property owners paid or entered payment plans after receiving the March 1 notices, which generated about $864,000 in revenue for Scranton as of mid-April.

Moving forward

With Scranton slated to exit state Act 47 oversight in January and shed the financially distressed designation it has carried since 1992, both candidates outlined strategies to sustain progress and avoid a backslide.

Cognetti said her goal is to continue shaping a more nimble, modern, effective local government.

She emphasized the importance of prioritizing people, processes and technologies to achieve greater efficiencies, noting the city is in the process of replacing City Halls antiquated information technology systems with a modern cloud-based platform promising numerous benefits. She also said her administration will propose investment, debt-management and fund-balance policies to city council in the coming weeks  all of which the Pennsylvania Economy League, Scrantons state appointed financial recovery coordinator, recommend as initiatives in the citys Act 47 exit plan.

The goal is to maximize the level of service that were able to provide for the city while maintaining responsible use of taxpayer dollars, she said.

To sustain recovery, Murray said officials must work to bring more jobs to Scranton and grow the citys revenue base. Reassessment would help in that respect, he said. He also advocated for responsible budgeting to minimize expenses and maximize the impact of available revenue.

I think you have to really look at every line item and say: what do we need (and) whats a wish list? he said. You can add your wish list things down the road as you get more financially stable.  Until you get your house in order, you shouldnt be doing extra bells-and-whistle things. Youve got to get your house in order. Thats the bottom line.
A court in Moscow has extended the pretrial detention of former journalist Ivan Safronov, who is charged with high treason, an accusation he and his supporters have rejected.

The Lefortovo district court on April 30 ruled that Safronov can be held at least until July 7. The hearing was held behind closed doors as the case has been designated as classified.

The 30-year-old Safronov, who has worked since May 2020 as an adviser to Dmitry Rogozin, the head of Russia's space agency Roskosmos, was previously a prominent journalist who covered the military-industrial complex for the newspapers Kommersant and Vedomosti.

He was arrested on July 7 2020 amid allegations that he had passed secret information to the Czech Republic in 2017 about Russian arms sales in the Middle East.

Safronov has repeatedly denied the accusations. Many of his supporters have held pickets in Moscow and other cities demanding his release.

Human rights organizations have issued statements demanding Safronovs release and expressing concerns over an intensifying crackdown on dissent in Russia.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax
British government says no surplus vaccine doses for India, media reports

Xinhua) 10:31, April 30, 2021

A COVID-19-positive patient gets primary treatment inside an ambulance as she waits for admission into a government hospital in Ahmedabad, India, April 26, 2021. (Str/Xinhua)

Earlier this week, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson was quoted by The Times of India as saying that "right now we are moving through the UK prioritization list and don't have surplus doses" to share with countries in need such as India.

NEW DELHI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Britain has no surplus of COVID-19 vaccines to give to India as it faces a deadly wave of COVID-19, Reuters reported Thursday quoting British Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Asked whether the government can release any doses to support India at a press conference, Hancock said "we don't have any excess doses of vaccine in the UK at the moment."

Earlier this week, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson was quoted by The Times of India as saying that "right now we are moving through the UK prioritization list and don't have surplus doses" to share with countries in need such as India.

India has been facing a deteriorating COVID-19 situation. As of Wednesday, the country has recorded 17,997,267 infections and 201,187 deaths.

The World Health Organization said on Wednesday that India alone accounted for 38 percent of all infections recorded in the seven-day period that ended on April 25.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
As part of the effort to safeguard temporarily vacated properties in the Red Zone, the Royal SVG Police Force (RSVGPF) mounted stop and check points at the east and west entrances to the Zone.





One such check point was mounted on Tuesday at Belle Isle on the Leeward. This did not sit well with a number of persons who were desirous of going back to their homes to clean up and take care of their animals.





The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) on Tuesday 27th issued a further warning about activities in the Red and Orange Zones.





NEMO disclosed that the Scientists at the Belmont Volcano Observatory had advised that there were lahars (dense flows of ash and water) within the river system in the Red and Orange Zones that very morning.





Given the danger that lahars pose, NEMO informed that officers of the RSVGPF will be restricting person travelling into the Red and Orange Zones as of that day.





Lennox lampkin, a farmer from Rose hall, was one of those residents prevented from reentering.





In a live Facebook posting last Tuesday, Lampkin said that he had remained in the community until Tuesday morning when he left for Kingstown to get some food for stray dogs. On his return he was stopped and prevented from reentering by police officers.





"We want to go back and clean up our houses, we want to go back and take care full care of our animals and we are caught here by a directive from NEMO, telling us that we cant get back to our homes. So we are stuck  I am not blaming the police, the police are doing their job, Lampkin told his audience.





He noted further, with a noticeable sense of disgust, that when persons left the North Leeward area on Tuesday, they were not told they could not return.





In Lampkins Facebook video a long line of vehicles waiting for permission to enter was evident.

At Rabacca on the Windward side, the sight of big trucks arriving with what appeared to be ash and other building material greeted visitors to that area.





Two police officers manned the check point and could be seen stopping vehicles trying to go north beyond that point.





One officer said that only vehicles operated by BRAGSA and Kelectric have permission to go north beyond the check point, and that others persons desirous of passing the checkpoint must first get the permission of NEMO.





As for Lampkin and the other persons who were trying to reenter the Red Zone on the North Leeward end, they were eventually allowed to after a group of police officers arrived and gave orders to that effect.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) speaks during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on April 29, 2021. (Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)

No More: Ted Cruz Stops Accepting Corporate PAC Contributions

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz vowed to no longer accept campaign contributions from corporate political action committees and urged his colleagues to do the same.

Corporations have consistently attacked conservative values while expecting Republicans to grant them political favors, Sen. Ted Cruz wrote in a Wall Street Journal editorial Wednesday evening. The Texas senator said woke CEOs like Republicans until any sign of controversy is sparked online, causing them to run away.

For too long, Republicans have allowed the left and their big-business allies to attack our values with no response, Cruz wrote in the WSJ editorial. Weve allowed them to ship jobs overseas, attack gun rights, and destroy our energy companies. Weve let them smear Republicans without paying any price.

To them I say: When the time comes that you need help with a tax break or a regulatory change, I hope the Democrats take your calls, because we may not. Starting today, we wont take your money either, Cruz wrote.

Since taking office in 2013, Cruz has accepted $2.6 million from corporate PACs, he added.

Cruz is the latest Republican elected official to send a warning to woke corporations, urging them to stop taking conservatives for granted. Last week, a group of seven House Republicans pledged to stop accepting contributions from Big Tech companies including Facebook, Google, Amazon, Apple and Twitter, which they said censor conservative voices online.

This is going to be a litmus test for conservatives, a Republican campaign official told the Daily Caller News Foundation.

In March, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio became the highest profile Republican to endorse the effort to unionize an Amazon warehouse in Alabama. He argued Amazon and the wider business community shouldnt expect Republican support when it routinely attacks conservatives in the culture war.

For decades, companies like Amazon have been allies of the left in the culture war, but when their bottom line is threatened they turn to conservatives to save them, Rubio wrote in USA Today. But the days of conservatives being taken for granted by the business community are over.

By Thomas Catenacci

From The Daily Caller News Foundation

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Daniel's Law passage  On Thursday, the Texas Senate followed the lead of the House and passed Daniels Law. The legislation prohibits organ transplant recipient discrimination on the basis of certain disabilities. Midlander Kathleen Kirwan Haynie has been an advocate for those with special needs to be able to receive life-saving organ transplants. On Thursday, Haynie reported, Next stop: Governors desk to sign into law.

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Needed rain  An area in need of a soaking rain got it as the NWS reported nearly an inch  0.92 of an inch -- fell at Midland International Airport from late Tuesday night through mid-day Thursday. That total may not sound like a lot, but it is more than had previously fallen this calendar year. In fact, The NWS reported 3.35 inches of precipitation fell between April 2020 and March 2021. In other words, the rain that fell in less than 48 hours this week was more than one-quarter of the rain that fell during the previous 12 months.

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$65 oil  The price of West Texas Intermediate reached $65  settling at $65.01 -- on Thursday. Bloomberg reports the six-week high comes as signs of strengthening demand from the U.S. to China stoked optimism that key markets are turning a corner in their recovery from the pandemic. The price is the highest since mid March.

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$23.115 million for MISD -- Midland ISD reported Thursday that the Texas Education Agency is showing an initial allocation of $23.115 million in emergency relief funds for the district as part of the two-third allocation announced by state leaders this week. That leaves $11.557 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund III. These one-time funds are intended to support a comprehensive learning recovery effort in Texas over the next three years.

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- Dr. Matthias Jurytko to become Managing Director and CEO of cellcentric as of June 1st, 2021

- As current site manager of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Worth and former site manager of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Gaggenau, Dr. Matthias Jurytko has extensive expertise in the truck business and many years of management experience

KIRCHHEIM UNTER TECK, Germany, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Personnel changes at cellcentric, the 50:50 fuel cell joint venture between Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group: Dr. Matthias Jurytko will take over as Managing Director and CEO of cellcentric on June 1st, 2021. In this role, he succeeds Dr. Andreas Gorbach, who will leave the company on April 30, 2021. Gorbach will continue to support the company in the future as a member of cellcentric's advisory board.

"The transformation of the transport industry and our company is one of the most important tasks ahead of us. I am therefore very pleased that we have been able to win Matthias Jurytko as CEO for cellcentric. With his many years of management experience, he possesses important skills for this task: extensive expertise in the truck business, coupled with experience in the management and further development of our plants," says Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck AG and Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG.

"As already announced, cellcentric will further expand its activities in the coming years. An important milestone will be the start of large-scale production in the second half of the decade. It will be one of the first gigawatt-scale fuel cell production facilities on the continent. Matthias Jurytko has proven production expertise. With this background, he is the ideal fit to succeed in the CEO position of cellcentric," says Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group.

In his career at Daimler Trucks to date, Dr. Matthias Jurytko looks back on various positions in Germany and abroad: Since April 2019, he has been in charge of the Worth site, the largest truck assembly plant of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. From 2011 to 2019, he was responsible for the Mercedes-Benz plant in Gaggenau. Prior to that, he was responsible for the product areas of torque converters, machining and forming technology, operating resources and toolmaking, and Logistics International at the site in Baden. He began his career in 1990 at what was then Mercedes-Benz AG. After holding various positions in Stuttgart, Kassel, South Africa and Rastatt, he took charge of Controlling and Accounting Mercedes-Benz Engines in Mannheim from 2001, before assuming responsibility for Controlling for the entire Powertrain Daimler Trucks division in 2006.

About cellcentric

On 1 March 2021, Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group formed cellcentric. cellcentric is responsible for all activities along the entire value chain for fuel cell systems: from research and development through production to marketing of fuel cells to areas of application even outside vehicles. The ambition is to make cellcentric a leading global manufacturer of fuel cells.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1499931/Dr__Matthias_Jurytko.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1499932/cellcentric_Logo.jpg

Contact person:

Kim Jana Eisfeld, +49 (0) 176 30963783, kim.eisfeld@cellcentric.net

Further information from cellcentric is available at:

www.cellcentric.net
SPRINGFIELD  Spirit of Springfield will not host Independence Day festivities on July 4, 2021 saying the states reopening plan wont be far enough along by then by then for a full reopening.

But Spirit of Springfield hasnt given up hope for setting off fireworks later in 2021, though no date was given

Although fairs and festivals can have 50% capacity, the Spirit of Springfield is not able to control the number of people gathering for July 4th festivities since they are free and open to the public, stated Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt. We are optimistic that there will fireworks in Springfield before the end of 2021.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said in a statement, The City of Springfield continues to be prudent in our decisions on how we approach our reopening aspects. Once we defeat this COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, and we will, we will be able to celebrate together once again with the Spirit of Springfield. Until then and out of an abundance of caution, we must continue to be proactive and vigilant.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced Tuesday that, starting May 29 and subject to public health and vaccination data, gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings.

And on Aug. 1, just weeks before fair season begins in Massachusetts, the state plans to lift all industry restrictions if disease and vaccination data allows. Capacity will increase to 100% for all industries, with businesses encouraged to continue following best practices. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

Related content:
Giovanna Fletcher looked bright and cheerful on Thursday when she stepped out to film Martin & Roman's Weekend Best! in London.

Wearing a pair of orange trousers teamed with a cream cardigan that featured rainbow-stripe detailing, the author, 36, appeared in high spirits as she strolled through the capital wearing trainers.

Wearing her brunette hair loose and looking fresh-faced in minimal make-up, the former I'm A Celebrity star carried her belongings in a bold yellow tote bag.

Bold: Giovanna Fletcher, 36, looked bright and cheerful on Thursday when she stepped out to film Martin & Roman's Weekend Best! in London

She also brought along a bubblegum pink jacket should it get chilly.

Giovanna accessorised with two delicate gold necklaces and was followed inside by Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke.

Anton, 54, looked smart in dark jeans and a zip-up navy jumper.

The father-of-two was also carrying a large leather bag in his right hand and made sure to flash photographers a smile before sitting down with Martin and Roman Kemp.

Colour clashing: Wearing a pair of bright orange trousers teamed with a cream cardigan that featured rainbow-stripe detailing, the author strolled through the capital wearing trainers

It comes days after Giovanna and Emma Willis announced they were teaming up for a 100km trek through the Highlands in September for breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!.

Emma, 45, told The Mirror: 'I've witnessed the effects that breast cancer has, not only on the person who is diagnosed but on their surrounding family and loved-ones, through the eyes of three of my closest friends, whose mums have all suffered from the disease.

'So I've seen it and how it affected them. So, I mean, it's something that I'm always more than willing to do. I'll do anything I can to help in any way.'

Stylish: Wearing her brunette hair loose and looking fresh-faced in minimal make-up, the former I'm A Celebrity star carried her belongings in a bold yellow tote bag

Never trust the British weather: Giovanna also brought along a bubblegum pink jacket should it get chilly

Emma explained she has been actively involved in different breast cancer charities over the years and said: 'As a woman, I mean I'm really paranoid as well, your automatic default goes, "Well, I'm a woman and that could quite easily happen to me", the reality is it can happen to anyone, male or female, and of any age.'

The Voice presenter said she has asked Giovanna for advice on how to train for the trek, which will see the duo climb Ben Lawers, the highest mountain in the southern Highlands.

Emma revealed Giovanna told her that she's trains by going on really long walks, with the presenter hoping to do the same so she can break in her new boots.

Out and about: Giovanna was followed inside by Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke, 54, who looked stylish in jeans and a navy jumper
History is revisited and reimagined in some of the film and TV highlights headed to streaming services in May.

Heres a look at what to watch for this month:

THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Oscar-winning Moonlight filmmaker Barry Jenkins directs the unflinching story of a young woman who escapes slavery on a Georgia plantation through the Underground Railroad. But in this series, the railroad is no longer just a metaphor, but a literal track operated as a route to freedom outside the antebellum south. Based on Colson Whiteheads Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Jenkins 10-part limited series is an unblinking portrayal of the atrocities committed against Black slaves that's balanced by the gentle sincerity the director has brought to his acclaimed films. (Amazon Prime Video, May 14)

1971: THE YEAR THAT MUSIC CHANGED EVERYTHING

Popular music helps define every era of modern history, but rarely so much as it did in 1971, a year when politics, culture and song collided. Thats the perspective of this eight-part docuseries that plunges deeper into a turbulent period in U.S. history than perhaps any other music documentary before it. Using the words of John Lennon, the songs of Joni Mitchell and the iconic vocals of Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye, this time capsule relies on archival footage and interviews to capture a world on the brink of seismic change. (Apple TV Plus, May 21)

IN TREATMENT

Ten years after its third season wrapped, HBOs therapy drama returns for a fourth go-around against the backdrop of a society in tumult. This time, Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black) is Dr. Brooke Taylor, stepping in for Gabriel Byrne, who previously led the series as Dr. Paul Weston. Each episode follows Taylor as she helps patients grapple with personal challenges, the global pandemic and recent social and cultural upheaval thats left many of them searching for answers. The supporting cast includes Anthony Ramos (Hamilton) and Joel Kinnaman (For All Mankind). (Crave/HBO, May 23, new episodes Sundays and Mondays)

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HALSTON

Ewan McGregor dons the guise of celebrity fashion designer Ray Halston Frowick in this five-part limited series about the man's life of success and excess. Starting in the 1960s, he raised the bar on how New York's high society dressed and by the 1970s he was offering looks to some of the biggest names while mingling at Studio 54. Created by Sharr White (The Affair) and executive produced by Ryan Murphy (The Politician, Hollywood), Halston is packed with a mesmerizing dose of energy and style. (Netflix, May 14)

"TENET"

Christopher Nolans time-inversion thriller probably captured more attention last summer for plowing into theatres in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic than it did for its perplexing storyline. But what left moviegoers puzzled at the cinemas could prove more enticing at home with the "rewind" button close at hand. John David Washington and Robert Pattinson star in the mindbender that's packed with explosive action and big twists. (Crave/HBO, May 7)

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

"THE DONUT KING" - The rise and fall of Ted Ngoy, a Cambodian refugee who built a doughnut empire in the United States, is captured in this feature-length documentary. (CBC Gem, Now streaming)

"RUPAULS DRAG RACE DOWN UNDER" - The ever-expanding universe of "RuPaul's Drag Race" heads to Australia and New Zealand where 10 queens face judges Michelle Visage and comedian Rhys Nicholson in hopes of becoming the next drag superstar. (Crave, May 1, episodes weekly)

"AMERICAN HORROR STORY"  The first three seasons of FXs cult favourite anthology series, "Murder House," "Asylum" and "Coven," arrive on streaming in one fell swoop. (Disney Plus/Star, May 7)

"PSYCHO GOREMAN"  Two kids mistakenly resurrect an evil alien overlord, but come into the possession of a magic amulet that forces him to obey their every command. Toronto writer-director Steven Kostanski's absurd horror-comedy is a love-it-or-hate-it mashup of cult cinema favourites that meets at the crossroads of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," "Masters of the Universe" and 1980s flick "The Gate." (Shudder, May 20)

RETURNING SERIES  Netflix highlights include "Selena" (May 4), "Who Killed Sara?" (May 19), and "Special" (May 20) and "Master of None" (May 23). Then there's "Bad Banks" (May 14) on CBC Gem and "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" (May 14) on Disney Plus.

Follow @dfriend on Twitter.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2021.

David Friend, The Canadian Press
(Newser)  Indias coronavirus cases climbed again Friday, prompting the army to open up its hospitals in a desperate bid to control a massive humanitarian crisis created by an acute shortage of beds, medicines, and oxygen. With 386,452 new cases, India now has reported more than 18.7 million since the pandemic began, second only to the United States. The Health Ministry on Friday also reported 3,498 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 208,330. Experts believe both figures are an undercount, but its unclear by how much. Battling to find hospital beds, distraught people are flooding social media and messaging apps with heartbreaking pleas for oxygen, medicines, and room in intensive care units, the AP reports.

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Indias army chief M.M. Naravane met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to discuss the crisis. Naravane said the sick can approach their nearest army hospitals for help. Troops are also assisting with imported oxygen tankers and vehicles where specialized skills are required, a government statement said. India has set a daily global record for more than a week with an average of nearly 350,000 infections. Daily deaths have nearly tripled in the past three weeks, reflecting the intensity of the latest surge. Experts have blamed the surge on new, more contagious virus variants and mass public gatherings such as political rallies and religious events that were allowed to continue. On Thursday, millions voted in state elections in West Bengal with little or no regard to social distancing. (Crematoriums have been overwhelmed.)
US Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen was sexually harassed by a superior and her alleged killer was allowed to flee the Fort Hood base and evade arrest before he fatally shot himself, the military said in a report released on Friday.

The Army report said that the sexual harassment by the superior was unrelated to Guillens murder and that the suspected killer, Specialist Aaron Robinson, 20, had also been accused of harassing another female service member.

Friday's report did not name the man accused of harassing Guillen, who is said to have asked her for a threesome, over 'privacy concerns' because of his low rank.

He was one of 21 people hit with disciplinary action over his behavior, but Army officials did not comment further on details of that punishment.

Investigators believe Robinson bludgeoned Guillen to death with a hammer, removed her body from an armory at Fort Hood, and then dismembered her and buried her remains on April 22, 2020.

Guillens remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County, Texas on June 30.

According to the Army report released on Friday, Robinson was detained shortly after Guillens remains were found, but he was allowed to escape. A few hours later, he fatally shot himself as police were about to take him into custody.

US Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen, 20, disappeared from Fort Hood last April and her dismembered and buried remains were found on June 30 near the Leon River in Texas

Spc. Guillen, 20, (left) disappeared from the Killeen, Texas base in April and her dismembered and buried remains were found on June 30 near the Leon River. Officials said fellow soldier Aaron Robinson, 20, (right) was the main suspect in her killing. He shot and killed himself as police honed in on him on July 1

Robinsons former girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, has been charged with helping Robinson hide Guillens body and impeding the investigation.

The Army report details the final hours of Robinsons life.

At around 5pm on June 30, just hours after workers found Guillens remains in a shallow grave, a member of the Army Criminal Investigation Command called Robinsons unit and told them to put the specialist under strict observation.

Robinson was told he was being detained for violating COVID-19 quarantine rules. He was then placed inside a conference room where an unarmed soldier was guarding the door.

While Robinson was upset he was being detained, he nonetheless appeared relaxed. He spent his time in detention playing video games, according to the report.

Robinson was also allowed to keep his cell phone, which was being monitored by his superiors.

In December, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy announcing the highly anticipated review results of a separate, civilian-run investigation into the overall culture at Fort Hood after at least 31 soldiers died there last year alone

Army Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, who was left in charge of the base when Guillen was killed, was fired following the review

Suspended: Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Broadwater (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas C. Kenny (right), both of the 1st Cavalry Division, were suspended following the review

Fired: Col. Ralph Overland (left), the 3rd Cavalry Regiment commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Knapp (right), both of whom were in charge of Guillen's unit, were fired

The base commander, Army Lt. Gen. Pat White (above), will not face any administrative action because he was deployed to Iraq for much of the year

A few hours later, commanders got wind of new information suggesting that Robinson would try to escape, according to the report.

In a text chain, one officer said that if he tried to escape, the guards had to tackle his a** and call the MPs [military police].

But the soldier guarding Robinson did not get the message, according to the Army report.

Just after 10pm, Robinson received a telephone call that appeared to be from his mother.

Dont believe what you hear about me, a guard heard Robinson say.

Several minutes later, Robinson escaped. A few hours later, he was spotted by Army and civilian police in the city of Killeen, just outside of Fort Hood.

As officers were closing in to make an arrest, Robinson pulled out a gun and shot himself dead.

Major General Gene LeBoeuf said that Robinsons escape is still the subject of an ongoing investigation.

The report blamed a communication breakdown between the soldiers unit and the criminal investigation agents which allowed him to flee.

Guillens killing shocked the military and forced the high command to re-examine the extent to which a culture of sexual harassment had taken root throughout the armed forces.

14 Fort Hood officials suspended and fired The names of the battalion level and below commanders and leaders who received administrative action were not released. FIRED: Maj. Gen. Scott L. Efflandt, deputy commanding general III Corps, who was in charge of the base at the time of Guillen's death FIRED: Col. Ralph Overland, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment commander, who was in charge of Guillen's unit FIRED: Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Knapp, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment command sergeant major, who was in charge of Guillen's unit SUSPENDED: Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Broadwater, 1st Cavalry Division commanding general, pending the outcome of a new Army Regulation (AR) 15-6 investigation of 1st Cavalry Divisions command climate and Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program SUSPENDED: Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas C. Kenny, 1st Cavalry Division command sergeant major, pending the outcome of a new Army Regulation (AR) 15-6 investigation of 1st Cavalry Divisions command climate and Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program Advertisement

The latest findings were announced as part of an investigation into Guillens killing and the actions of officers immediately afterward.

Last year, a separate, civilian-run probe was launched examining the overall culture at Fort Hood.

As a result of the investigation, the Army fired or suspended 14 officers and enlisted soldiers at Fort Hood and ordered policy changes to address chronic failures of leadership that contributed to a widespread pattern of violence.

In a sweeping condemnation of Fort Hoods command hierarchy, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy fired three top commanders and suspended two others pending a further investigation.

He also ordered a separate probe into staffing and procedures at the bases Criminal Investigation Command unit, which is responsible for investigating crimes on Fort Hood.

Army Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, who was left in charge of the base earlier this year when Guillen was killed, was fired from his post.

Army leaders had already delayed Efflandt's planned transfer to Fort Bliss, where he was supposed to take over leadership of the 1st Armored Division, due to the investigations into the base.

The base commander, Army Lt. Gen. Pat White, will not face any administrative action because he was deployed to Iraq as the commander there for much of the year.

The leadership of Guillens unit, Col. Ralph Overland and Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Knapp of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment were also fired.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Broadwater and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas C. Kenny, 1st Cavalry Division commanding general and command sergeant major, were both suspended.

Their suspension is pending the outcome of a new Army Regulation (AR) 15-6 investigation of 1st Cavalry Divisions command climate and Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program.

The names of the battalion level and below commanders and leaders who received administrative action were not released.

McCarthy said the panel published nine main findings and 70 recommendations that the Army is accepting to correct the command culture at the base.

The panel said they made an effort to talk to women in every division at the base, especially those in Guillen's unit.

The panel conducted 647 individual interviews on the base.

'Of the 503 women we interviewed [in the investigation], we discovered 93 credible accounts of sexual assault. Of those only 59 were reported,' Queta Rodriguez, a member of the independent review panel, said.

'And we also found 217 unreported accounts of sexual harassment. Of those only half were reported. What we discovered was over the course of those interviews, the lack of confidence in the system effected the reports of those incidents,' she added.

The independent review found that the Armys Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention Program (SHARP) failed to curb sexual assault and harassment on bases due to structural failures.

Panelists said there was a lack of training, resourcing and staffing at the SHARP office on Fort Hood.

It also found that the command climate failed to practice the programs core values below the brigade level, which led to less trust in the program.

The actions come after a year that saw at least 31 soldiers assigned to Fort Hood die due to suicide, homicide or accidents, including the bludgeoning death of Guillen.

The Army on Friday announced that it had taken disciplinary action against 21 soldiers and officers who failed to act. Those soldiers have not been identified.

It was devastating to all of us, Major General LeBoeuf told The New York Times.

We as an Army failed to protect Vanessa Guillen.

Of the 31 deaths at the base last year, while some were deemed accidents, five were homicides and 10 were suicides.

One of the most recent of tragedies to strike the base include the death of Sgt. Elder Fernandes, 23, who was found dead hanging from a tree on August 19.

Also in August Pvt. Corlton L. Chee, 25, collapsed during fitness training at the base and died two days later and in November Spc. Cory Grafton, 20, was arrested after DNA testing linked him to the murder of a woman found dead in a hotel near the base last year.

Fort Hood's grim death toll: 31 soldiers have died in 2020 alone

Vanessa Guillen's high-profile death captured the attention of the nation and led to a reckoning within the Army in its handling of sexual harassment and assault.

Only after her death did the staggering number of deaths, disappearances, and issues at the Killeen, Texas base come to light.

In total, 31 soldiers have died.

February 1, 2020: PVT Eric Christopher Hogan and PFC Anthony Nevelle Peak Jr. die in a car crash

March 1, 2020: SPC Shelby Tyler Jones is shot dead at a convenience store in Killeen

March 5, 2020: Spc. Christopher Wayne Sawyer found dead at his home. Foul play is not suspected.

Fort Hood soldier, Pfc. Gregory Morales was reported missing from the base a year ago in August 2019. The 24-year-old's remains were found in June in a field in Killeen during the search for Guillen's remains

March 14, 2020: SPC Freddy Beningo Delacruz Jr. is killed in a triple murder

March 23, 2020: Fort Hood soldier Spc. Jovino Jamel Roy, 22, was charged with murder after allegedly shooting former Fort Hood soldier Michael Steven Wardrobe, 22

April 22, 2020: Vanessa Guillen goes missing and is last seen in the parking lot of the base. She disappeared after telling her family she was being sexually harassed by a sergeant on the base.

May 18, 2020: Body of Army Pfc. Brandon S. Rosecrans, 27, was discovered with gunshot wounds and his Jeep was found three miles away engulfed in flames.

June 19, 2020: Search teams discover the corpse of missing soldier Pvt. Gregory Wedel-Morales following a tip to Army base investigators. Remains were found in a field in Killeen, just over 10 miles from Stillhouse Hollow Lake, five miles from Fort Hood.

July 1, 2020: First parts of Giullen's remains found about 20 miles east of Fort Hood.

Spc. Aaron Robinson, 20, kills himself. Officials say he killed and dismembered Guillen and had the remains disposed of.

July 2, 2020: Army Specialist Miguel Yazzie, 33, died on July 2; Yazzie, of Window Rock, Arizona, was hospitalized for a medical condition the day before he died.

Pvt. Mejhor Morta, 26, (left) of Florida was found unresponsive on July 17 near Stillhouse Hollow Lake. The body of Spc. Francisco Gilberto Hernandezvargas, 24, (right) was found August 2 after he died in a boating accident at the same lake over the weekend

July 17, 2020: Pvt. Mejhor Morta, 26, of Pensacola, Florida was found dead July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, around 15 miles from the Fort Hood base.

August 2, 2020: The body of Spc. Francisco Gilberto Hernandezvargas, 24, is recovered from Stillhouse Hollow Lake following boating incident not far from where Morta was found.

August 12, 2020: Spc. Cole Jakob Aton, 22, of Kentucky died after he was hit by a car as he was assisting a minor accident scene

August 13, 2020: National Guard soldier, Sgt Bradley Moore dies during a training exercise at the base

Sgt. Elder Fernandes, 23, was found dead hanging from a tree on August 19. He had allegedly been hazed and 'humiliated' by peers after he reported he was sexually assaulted by a male superior, his family's lawyer said

August 19, 2020: Sgt. Elder Fernandes, 23, is reported missing after he was last seen on August 17.

August 25, 2020: The body of Fernandes is believed to have been found about 30 miles from Fort Hood

August 28, 2020: Pvt. Corlton L. Chee, 25, collapsed during fitness training at Fort Hood on August 28. He died two days later.

November 3, 2020: Spc. Cory Grafton, 20, was arrested after a witness account and advanced DNA testing allegedly linked him to the murder of Chelsea Cheatham, 32, who was found dead in a Days Inn hotel, six minutes away from the Texas base, in June 2019
Five hundred Windrush victims have been waiting more than a year for their compensation claims to be processed, new figures show.

The government is being urged to remove the Windrush compensation scheme from the Home Office after new data showed 214 applicants have been waiting more than 18 months and five people more than two years.

The scheme was set up in April 2019 to compensate thousands of Commonwealth nationals who had been wrongly classified as illegal immigrants in Britain, preventing them from working and accessing services and sometimes leading to detention and deportation.

In response to a written parliamentary question, Priti Patel said on Thursday that of the 1,417 cases being worked through the scheme as of 21 April, 281 people have been waiting between 12 and 18 months, 214 a year-and-a-half and five for more than two years.

The latest official data shows that 409  one in five  Windrush victims who have applied for compensation have so far received payments. Less than 6.2m has been paid out of the 200m promised to victims. Claimants have so far received an average of 15,000.

It comes after the Home Office was criticised earlier this month for refusing to reveal how many Windrush people had died while waiting for compensation, despite having published this figure last July, when the home secretary Ms Patel admitted five applicants had passed away.

Data obtained by the BBC through a freedom of information request last November shows that at least nine people had died before receiving Windrush compensation as of 31 August.

Stuart McDonald, the SNP MP who submitted the parliamentary question, told The Independent: That so many are facing extensive waits for compensation must be hugely frustrating for the Windrush victims.

While the Home Office is right about the deep personal significance of these claims, and that some will involve considerable complexity, that is exactly why the scheme should also meet the costs of legal advice and representation for those making the claims. That would help deliver just compensation payments, and do it more quickly.

Ms Patel said some individuals experiences were more complex than others and that it was therefore right we take the time to ensure these are considered carefully.

Each persons claim is deeply personal and requires careful and detailed consideration to understand their individual circumstances and experiences, she added.

But Patrick Vernon OBE, who campaigns on behalf of the Windrush community, said the scheme had failed because of institutional racism in the conduct, behaviour and procedures of the Home Office staff and the executive and political leadership.

He added: The government, like the recent debacle over the Tony Sewell report which failed to acknowledge and explore the impact of the scandal regarding structural racism, demonstrates no commitment to righting the wrongs around the compensation scheme.

A petition set up by Mr Vernon calling on the government to improve the Windrush compensation scheme by removing it from the Home Office and injecting more funding into it has been signed nearly 60,000 times.

A spokesperson for Windrush Lives, an advocacy and support group for Windrush victims, said they were stunned by the revelation that over a third of the cases currently under consideration have been in the system for more than a year.

Accusing the Home Office of keeping claimants mired in never-ending limbo, they condemned a lack of funding or support for independent legal advice and called for the scheme to urgently be taken out of the departments hands and run independently.

At this pace of resolution, a significant proportion of applicants will not live to see their claims awarded. There is an increasing sense in the community that the Home Office is counting on this to avoid paying out, they added.

Victims and campaigners have consistently said that this process is too slow. The cohort of primary claimants is aging, and many individuals have health conditions that will shorten their lives. The Home Office knows this, but insists on a needlessly convoluted and obstructive application process.

A Home Office spokesperson said: We are determined to right the wrongs of the Windrush generation and make sure they get the compensation they deserve for the injustices they faced.

In December we reformed the Windrush compensation scheme to ensure payments were made faster and the awards offered were greater, and since April 2019 the Scheme has offered almost 18m, of which 6.1m has been paid.

While we aim to process claims as quickly as possible, it is important that we carefully consider each persons circumstances and experiences, treating everyone with the care and sensitivity they deserve to ensure that the maximum payment can be made to every single person."
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has published a report declaring that Israel, in implementing a policy of ethnic supremacy favouring Israeli Jews over 7 million Palestinians in Israel and the occupied territories, has crossed the threshold into apartheid.

Israeli security forces demolishing homes in Khirbet Humsah, in the northern West Banks Jordan Valley (credit: Sarit Michaeli, BTselem)

The New York-based human right organisation points out that international law, embodied in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), defines apartheidwhereby one racial or ethnic group dominates another through intentional, systematic, and inhumane acts of oppression with the intention of maintaining that regimeas a crime against humanity.

In 2000, Israel signed the Rome Statute, and supported the ICCs establishment, saying, As one of the originators of the concept of an International Criminal Court, Israel, through its prominent lawyers and statesmen, has, since the early 1950s, actively participated in all stages of the formation of such a court. Its representatives, carrying in both heart and mind collective, and sometimes personal, memories of the Holocaustthe greatest and most heinous crime to have been committed in the history of mankindenthusiastically, with a sense of acute sincerity and seriousness, contributed to all stages of the preparation of the Statute.

Defying these fine words, Israels government, like its chief backer the US, and along with Russia and China, refused to ratify the treaty.

Kenneth Roth, HRWs executive director said, While much of the world treats Israels half-century occupation as a temporary situation that a decades-long peace process will soon cure, the oppression of Palestinians there has reached a threshold and a permanence that meets the definitions of the crimes of apartheid and persecution.

He added, Those who strive for Israeli-Palestinian peace, whether a one or two-state solution or a confederation, should in the meantime recognise this reality for what it is and bring to bear the sorts of human rights tools needed to end it.

HRWs 213-page report draws on years of human rights documentation, case studies and a review of government planning documents, statements by officials and other sources. It documents a catalogue of Israeli abuses committed against the Palestinians that indicate its intention of preserving it domination, including:

* Sweeping restrictions on Palestinians movement in the occupied territories. While most Palestinians in the occupied West Bank live in areas under the nominal control of the Palestinian Authority, they are surrounded by Israeli checkpoints and subject to Israeli military intrusion at any time, with most of the West Bank (60 percent by area) is under Israels full military control.

* Demolition of homes and near-categorical denial of building permits.

* Military occupation.

* Confiscation of one third of the land in the West Bank.

* Rejection of residency rights for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

* Suspension of basic civil rights to millions of Palestinians.

* Unrelenting settlement expansion policy.

* Israels 2018 Jewish State law that defined Israel as the nation-state of Jewish people.

Ignoring past experience of such entreaties, HRW made futile appeals to Israels arms suppliers to make arms sales and military assistance conditional upon Israels initiatives to reform the system, to the ICC to prosecute Israelis suspected of involvement in the policy, and to foreign countries to sanction individual Israeli officials who are responsible for it.

Just weeks ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his government would not cooperate with the ICCs investigation into potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel during its 2014 assault on Gaza, denouncing the charges as anti-Semitic. Both the US and UK governments issued public statements backing Israel and attacking the ICC.

The HRW report follows last Januarys report by Israels human rights group BTselem that Israel is an apartheid regime that enforces Jewish supremacy over the Palestinians in all the land it controls, to the extent that they have far fewer rights than Jews living in the entire area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.

This echoes statements Palestinians have made since the 1967 Arab Israeli war in which Israel seized the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem and Syrias Golan Heights, subsequently occupying them and annexing East Jerusalem, in defiance of international law. It comes 20 years after a United Nations draft resolution described Israeli repression against the Palestinians on the West Bank as a new kind of apartheid, a crime against humanity, prompting a joint US-Israeli walkout from the conference on racism in Durban, South Africa, and 15 years after the publication of former US President Jimmy Carters 2006 book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.

It indicates the degree to which public sentiment both within and outside Israel now recognizes Israels policies as apartheid.

The Palestinians have welcomed the report, isolated as they are in the face of the USs support for Israel, and without any practical support from the Arab states, some of whom have formalized their relations with Israel after decades of backroom talks and deals. The European powerswhile more eager that the US to find some means of resolving the long running conflictrefuse to do anything that alienates Israel. The European Union still views close relations with Israel, the Middle Easts most important military state, as a means of offsetting Washingtons domination of the region.

Predictably, the report met a hostile response from Israel, which likes to call itself the only democracy in the Middle East. The foreign ministry dismissed it as propaganda, saying, Human Rights Watch is known to have a long-standing anti-Israel agenda, actively seeking for years to promote boycotts against Israel. Their decision not to share this report for review or comment with any Israeli authority is clear indication that it is a propaganda pamphlet, which lacks all credibility.

Gilad Erdan, Israels ambassador to the United States, said the report bordered on anti-Semitism. He said, When the authors of the report cynically and falsely use the term apartheid, they nullify the legal and social status of millions of Israeli citizens, including Arab citizens, who are an integral part of the state of Israel.

Naturally, he deliberately ignored the provisions of the Jewish State Law that confer second-class status on Israels two million Arab citizens as well as the 60 or so laws that actively discriminate against them in housing, education, healthcare, and other areas.

HRWs definition of Israel as a regime of Jewish supremacy that has become an apartheid state is a damning refutation of the Zionist-led campaign to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism to criminalise opposition to its treatment of the Palestinians.

The IHRAs definition is the spearhead of an anti-democratic campaign by the authorities in the US and UK, in conjunction with Israel to clamp down on free speech on university campuses. It is the weapon used by the Blairite right-wing in the Labour Party to witch-hunt the left around former leader Jeremy Corbyn. The broader aim is to stifle opposition to war that is the inevitable outcome of Israels escalating provocations against Iran, mounted to deflect attention outwards from rising poverty and Netanyahus manifestly corrupt relations with the media bosses.

In the final analysis, the deepening political, economic, social and healthcare crisis of the Zionist State has made it ever more reliant on war crimes and crimes against humanity to defend its interests against threats both at home and abroad.
[April 30, 2021] Breakthrough, Climate-Friendly ACs: Winners of the Global Cooling Prize Announced

Manufacturing giants showcased breakthrough technologies with 5X less climate impact than conventional AC units and are planning to bring them to market by 2025. NEW YORK and NEW DELHI, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A global coalition initiated by the Government of India, Mission Innovation, and RMI announced today the winners of the Global Cooling Prize , an international innovation competition to develop super-efficient and climate-friendly residential cooling solutions. Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai with partner Tsinghua University ; and Daikin with partner Nikken Sekkei Ltd. emerged as the two winners among eight Finalists after shattering the perceived ceiling of performance. These companies have produced prototypes that have five times (5X) less climate impact than standard air conditioning units available in the market today. When scaled, such technologies can prevent 132 GT of CO 2 -equivalent emissions cumulatively between now and 2050 and mitigate over 0.5C of global warming by the end of the century. Congratulating the winners of the Prize, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan highlighted the significance of the achievement, stating: "This is an important development and aligns with the objectives of the India Cooling Action Plan that the Government of India officially released in 2019 to bolster our R&D efforts in global climate leadership. We are proud to achieve the outcome that requires far less operational energy, utilizes refrigerants with low or no ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential, and will also be cost-effective at scale." Both winning teams, Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai with partner Tsinghua University, and Daikin with partner Nikken Sekkei Ltd., achieved more than 5X reduction in climate impact against the baseline unit, meeting the primary criteria of the Prize. The Prize administrators also concluded that whilst both teams' technologies would likely have an initial up-front cost on introduction to the market at two to three times more than the baseline units, lifecycle cost of ownership would be around half that of the baseline unit. This means consumers would experience a simple payback on the higher first cost after just over three years of operation. The administrators also noted that the technologies' ability to better control the indoor environment would provide increased comfort. Congratulating the winners of the competition, Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group said: "A market transformation opportunity for the cooling sector is now a reality, which can help combat the warming of our planet. As this incredible achievement begins to be recognized and applauded, it's time for regulators to focus on the policies and standards that will help us bring these technologies to the markets." The other Finalist teams were led by some of the world's largest air conditioner (AC) manufacturers and promising startups from India, China, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The teams (in alphabetical order) include Barocal Ltd.; Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. with partner A.T.E; Kraton with partners Infosys, IIT Bombay, and Porus Labs; M2 Thermal Solutions; S&S Design Startup Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; and Transaera with partner Haier. In November of 2019, the eight Finalists were awarded US$200,000 each to develop their prototypes, and showcased a wide range of promising technologies, including smart hybrid designs of vapor-compression designs, evaporative cooling designs, and solid-state cooling technologies that use little or no global warming refrigerants. In August of 2020, amidst the global pandemic, five of the eight Finalist teams successfully developed and delivered two working prototypes of their technology to the designated test locations in India. To demonstrate the performance and scalability of the Finalists' solutions, one prototype from each team was installed and tested under a real-world setting at the Tata New Haven Bahadurgarh site near New Delhi. The second prototype was tested in a sequential manner under controlled conditions at CEPT University in Ahmedabad, India. Finally, the prototypes were sent to Danfoss' National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited lab in Chennai, India for an Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) test. [Details in the annexure]. RMI Chief Executive Officer Jules Kortenhorst highlighted how collaboration across governments, industry, and civil society organizations, resulted in the success of the initiative. "What the Global Cooling Prize demonstrates is that collective effort can help combat our most critical and urgent problems," explained Kortenhorst. "In this decisive decade, let this herald a new era of collaboration to spur innovations and the discovery of viable solutions in the other sectors that are yet to move towards low-carbon, efficient, and clean technologies. Now governments must support industry to bring these climate friendly technologies to market." The Prize Finalists, which collectively produce well over 20% of the world's residential room ACs, are determined to bring them to market within the next few years. Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai, a winner of the Prize, and Qingdao Haier Air Conditioner Gen Corp. Ltd., a partner of Finalist Transaera Inc., have announced their intention to join in the COP26 "Race to Zero Breakthrough" for the cooling sector. Ms. Dong Mingzhu, chairperson and president of Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai, stated: "We are pleased that we were selected as a winner of the Prize and we are committed to delivering the Race to Zero Breakthrough for Cooling: to bring to market affordable residential AC units using this new cooling technology (which has 5X lower climate impact than today's units) by 2025." Mr. KJ Jawa, MD & CEO Daikin India, Member of the Board & Regional General Manager, AC business, India and East Africa Daikin Industries Ltd., said, "Daikin's selection as a winner of the Global Cooling Prize is consistent with our "Environmental Vision 2050," which provides a roadmap for the company to carbon neutrality by 2050. In line with that vision, Daikin is committed to the research and commercial development of technologies that reduce energy consumption and refrigerant impact for the benefit of global communities and the environment." The winners will share the prize purse of US$1 million equally. Media Inquiries please contact: Vindhya Tripathi, Director of Communications, M: +919810537978, E: vtripathi@rmi.org About RMI RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world's most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing. More information on RMI can be found at www.rmi.org or follow us on Twitter @RockyMtnInst. Annexure

Additional Quotes by Prize Supporters Nigel Topping

UK's High-Level Climate Action Champion COP26 "Cooling accounts for approximately 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so we won't get to net zero emissions without climate friendly cooling, especially residential air conditioning. The success of the Prize will make a critical contribution on the pathway to net zero cooling. I congratulate the winning teams and welcome the commitment that Team Gree has made to help deliver the race to zero cooling breakthrough to bring 5X more climate friendly & affordable air conditioning units to the market by 2025." Patrick Child

Deputy Director-General, Research and Innovation, European Commission and Chair of Mission Innovation Steering Committee "In the face of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the existential threats of climate change, we can never have enough international cooperation; the Global Cooling Prize is a great example of this. We urgently need zero carbon cooling technologies that can work at scale, and this is a key goal of the Mission Innovation Challenge 7 on heating and cooling in buildings. Prizes like The Global Cooling Prize are one of the ways we can bring countries together like never before." Background Information A global coalition led by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; RMIa leading global research institute; and Mission Innovationa global initiative of 24 countries and the European Union to accelerate global clean energy innovationlaunched the Global Cooling Prize in November 2018. The Prize's aim is to spur the development of a radically more efficient, climate-friendly residential cooling solution. The initiative is also supported by Conservation X Labs, Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), CEPT University, and a coalition of over 30 leading international non-profit organizations. Global Cooling Prize Winners and Technology Descriptions







Country Organization Technology Type Japan/India Primary: Daikin Partner/s: Nikken Sekkei Ltd. Advanced vapor compression technology with efficient dehumidification and integrated direct evaporative cooling, advanced controls, and ultra-low GWP refrigerant China Primary: Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai Partner/s: Tsinghua University Advanced vapor compression technology with efficient dehumidification and integrated direct evaporative cooling and solar PV, advanced controls, and low GWP refrigerant

Prototype Testing Protocol The Testing Protocol consists of three different testing methods including the (i) field test, (ii) lab simulated year-round performance test, and (iii) Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) laboratory test. To demonstrate the performance and scalability of the Finalists' solutions, one prototype from each team that participated in the field test was installed in an apartment building at the Tata New Haven Bahadurgarh site. For this field test, one prototype per team, along with two baseline units, were installed on separate floors of the 14-story apartment building and their performance was monitored for the full month of October under real-world conditions in India. Multiple of the Finalists' prototypes met or exceeded the climate criteria of the Prize throughout the 31 days of testing. Following the field test, the prototypes were sent to the NABL-accredited lab of Danfoss in Chennai for an Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) test. The cooling capacity and power consumption were assessed under standard test conditions to determine an equivalent ISEER rating of the prototypes. The second prototype delivered by Finalists to India that was not utilized for the field test underwent a full-year simulation-based performance lab test at the state-of-the-art testing facility at CEPT University in Ahmedabad, India. The prototypes were tested in the lab environment for a period of 10 days. For each of the 10 test days, a unique weather profile was then identified, which when aggregated with appropriate weighting factors, represents a full year of operation. Following the testing phase of the Prize, the Technical Review Committee met to review the performance of each team's prototypes and determined the grand winners of the Prize. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_IwemPA2M4

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Responding to Joe Biden's address before the 117th United States Congress, Sen. Tim Scott delivered a speech on behalf of the Republicans, criticizing the president's leadership for pushing agendas that divide the American people.

In his statement, captured by The Daily Wire, Scott pointed out that Biden's actions in the first three months of his rule contradicted his promise of uniting the country.

"He promised to unite a nation. To lower the temperature. To govern for all Americans, no matter how we voted. That was the pitch. You just heard it again. But our nation is starving for more than empty platitudes. We need policies and progress that bring us closer together," he said.

"But three months in, the actions of the president and his party are pulling us further apart," Scott added.

He expressed his sadness over the devastating effect of coronavirus pandemic in various areas of life, causing the lives of elderly, businesses, shutting down of churches and "a year of learning" for kids.

The senator said that public schools should be reopened since other countries have already done such, as well as private and religious schools, noting that it is scientifically safe to do so.

He recalled that the other year, Congress passed "five bipartisan COVID packages" under President Donald Trump and Republican leadership, gaining much support from the Senate with 90 votes. But this year, in spite of the Republicans' declaration of wanting to work with the Democrats, the latter, under Biden, opted to run the country on their own.

"They spent almost $2 trillion on a partisan bill that the White House bragged was the most liberal bill in American history! Only 1% went to vaccinations. No requirement to re-open schools promptly. COVID brought Congress together five times. This Administration pushed us apart," he further said.

He added that infrastructure should have been an issue that would reunite the two parties since the Republicans heavily support it, but the Democrats just wanted to take part in it with their "partisan wish list," noting that Biden only plans to spend "less than 6%" for "roads and bridges."

The senator warned that the government's practice of wasting money coupled with tax increase "would lower wages of the average American worker and shrink [the] economy."

He also mentioned about the "Family Plan," which he said adds to the taxes of people and spending of federal money. He stated that families should "define it for themselves" and that they should be given more "opportunities and options," instead of the government spending money on "certain issues," implying Biden's expansive abortion policies.

"'Infrastructure' spending that shrinks our economy is not common sense. Weakening our southern borders and creating a crisis is not compassionate. The president is abandoning principles he held for decades. Now, he says your tax dollars should fund abortions. He's laying groundwork to pack the Supreme Court! This is not common ground," Scott further stated.

He also addressed the issue about race, remembering his own experience on racial discrimination. He said that healing for Black Americans "is not finished."

Scott revealed that he created the bill to fund body cameras following Walter Scott's shooting in 2015. After the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor last year, he also proposed for a bigger police reform. But the Democrats blocked the proposal.

"My friends across the aisle seemed to want the issue more than they wanted a solution. But I'm still working. I'm hopeful that this will be different," he also said.

"When America comes together, we've made tremendous progress. But powerful forces want to pull us apart," he added.

Moreover, he stated that the discrimination that has been impressed on children "a hundred years ago" is being taught to kids again today.

"You know this stuff is wrong. Hear me clearly: America is not a racist country. It's backwards to fight discrimination with different types of discrimination. And it's wrong to try to use our painful past to dishonestly shut down debates in the present," he continued.

He also spoke about Georgia's new law on voting. He said that the president's claim that the law "is worse than Jim Crow" is absurd since it actually "expands early voting; preserves no-excuse mail-in voting" and will make easier for people to vote.

"What is going on here? I'll tell you. A Washington power grab. This misplaced outrage is supposed to justify Democrats' new sweeping bill that would take over elections for all 50 states; it would send public funds to political campaigns you disagree with, and make the bipartisan Federal Elections Commission partisan!" Scott added.

"This is not about civil rights, or our racial past. It's about rigging elections in the future," he also said.

"Race is not a political weapon to settle every issue the way one side wants. It's far too important," he pointed out.

He also stressed that this moment should have been "a joyful springtime" for America after its successful battle against the pandemic and the resumption of jobs but he said that the American people feel divided because "a president who promised to bring [the Americans] together" pushes "agendas that tear [them] apart."

He argued that "the American family deserves better," illustrating how the Republicans moved to open more opportunities for all citizens of the country in the previous years.

"Our best future won't come from Washington schemes or socialist dreams. It will come from you - the American people," he declared.

The senator closed his speech by blessing people, the words of which were drawn from the Scripture.

"[May] the Lord bless you and keep you, Make His face shine upon you And be gracious to you... May His presence go before you, And behind you, and beside you... In your weeping and your rejoicing, He is [with] you... May His favor be upon [our nation] for a thousand generations And your family... and your children... And their children," he said.

"Good night, and God bless," Scott concluded.
DUBLIN, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Bariatric Surgery: Global Markets for Services and Devices 2020-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report aims to provide a comprehensive study of the global market for bariatric surgery, including services and devices. It provides a detailed description of the different types of bariatric procedures (invasive and noninvasive) and relevant devices.

Bariatric procedures include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, gastric banding, one anastomosis gastric bypass and others. Bariatric devices are segmented into assisting and implantable devices. This report also covers a detailed study of conditions, obesity and diabetes, which are the major reasons for the uptake of bariatric procedures, worldwide.

An in-depth analysis of the global market for bariatric surgery and devices includes historical data and market projection on sales by procedure type, device type, end-user and region. The regulatory aspects concerning the bariatric surgery market include marketed and pipeline (R&D) products along with a description, regulatory status and clinical trials and reimbursement.

For in-depth understanding of the market, profiles of market participants and associations, competitive landscape, key competitors and respective market shares have been provided in this report. This report also discusses driving and restraining factors of the global bariatric surgery and device market and trends and opportunities in the market.

Report Includes:

44 data tables and 22 additional tables

An overview of the global market for services and devices for bariatric surgery

Estimation of the market size and analyses of global market trends, with data from 2019-2020, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2025

Evaluation of market size and forecast, technological advancements within the industry and market share analysis of services and devices of bariatric surgery based on procedure type, device type, end user, and region

An introduction to obesity, common tools to diagnose obesity including BMI, waist circumference, and skinfold thickness, and discussion on risk factors related to obesity such as type 2 diabetes

Discussion on economic burden and epidemiology of obesity and detailed description of diabetes including symptoms and risk factors, epidemiology and medication and insulin therapy

Description of bariatric surgery procedures including laparoscopic, endoscopic, and open surgery and discussion on benefits, limitations and complications of bariatric surgeries, and information on bariatric surgery devices such as assisting, suturing and stapling devices

Coverage of key marketed, pipeline and abandoned products within bariatric devices technologies; and insight into the reimbursement scenario and international classification of diseases and codes for key bariatric procedures

Global company share analysis of the leading companies dealing in bariatric assisting devices and bariatric implantable devices

Company profiles of major industry players, including Apollo Endosurgery Inc., Boston Scientific Corp., Cook Medical LLC, Ethicon Endo-Surgery (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), Medtronic Plc and ReShape Lifesciences

Key Topics Covered:

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Summary and Highlights

Chapter 3 Introduction to Obesity and Its Threat to World Health

Chapter 4 Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Chapter 5 Overview of Bariatric Procedures

Chapter 6 Overview of Bariatric Devices

General Overview

Types of Bariatric Surgical Devices

Assisting Devices

Implantable Devices

Weight-Management Devices

Stomach Space Occupying Devices

Oral Volume Restriction Products

Bariatric Device End-User Segments

Hospitals

Bariatric Surgical Clinics/Centers

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

Chapter 7 Market Breakdown by Service/Device Type

Bariatric Services/Procedures

Global Market for Bariatric Devices

Assisting Bariatric Devices

Implantable Devices

Chapter 8 Market Breakdown by End User

Bariatric Services/Procedures

Bariatric Services/Procedures by End User

North American End-User Market

European End-User Market

Asian End-User Market

ROW End-User Market

Global Market for Bariatric Devices by End User

North American Market for Bariatric Device End Users

European Market for Bariatric Device End Users

Asian Market for Bariatric Device End Users

ROW Market for Bariatric Device End Users

Chapter 9 Market Breakdown by Region

Global Bariatric Services/Procedures

Bariatric Services/Procedures by Region

North America

Europe

Asia

ROW

Global Market for Bariatric Devices

Market for Bariatric Devices by Region

Chapter 10 Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities

Market Growth Drivers

Market Restraints

Market Opportunities

Chapter 11 Competitive Landscape

Bariatric Assisting Devices

Bariatric Implantable Devices

Recent Industry Activities

Chapter 12 Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

Chapter 13 Marketed, Pipeline and Abandoned Products

Key Marketed Bariatric Devices/Technologies

Key Products/Technologies in Assisting Bariatric Devices

Key Products/Technologies in Implantable Bariatric Devices

Key Emerging/Pipeline Bariatric Products/Technologies

Abandoned Bariatric Products

Chapter 14 Reimbursement

United States

Europe

Japan

Other Asian Countries

Chapter 15 Company Profiles

Allurion Technologies

A.M.I. (Agency For Medical Innovations)

Apollo Endosurgery Inc.

Applied Medical

Asensus Surgical Inc.

Aspire Bariatrics Inc.

Baronova Inc.

Baxter International Inc.

Becton, Dickinson And Co.

BFKW

Boehringer Laboratories Llc

Conmed Corp.

Cook Medical Llc (A Part Of Cook Group)

Cousin Biotech

Endogastric Solutions Inc.

Endosphere Inc.

Ethicon Endo-Surgery (Part Of Johnson & Johnson)

Fengh Medical Co., Ltd.

Gelesis

GI Dynamics Inc.

GI Windows

Helioscopie

Inqpharm

Keyron Ltd.

Medicone

Medsil

Medtronic Plc

Mid

Neurovalens Ltd.

Obalon Therapeutics Inc.

Reshape Lifesciences Inc.

Scientific Intake

Sklar Corp.

Spatz Medical

Usgi Medical Inc.

Valentx Inc.

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Chapter 16 Industry And Professional Organizations

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/v1ku7h

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Ukraine next month in a show of "unwavering" support after a recent buildup of Russian troops along the country's borders

Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2021 ) :US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Ukraine next month in a show of "unwavering" support after a recent buildup of Russian troops along the country's borders.

Russia in recent weeks had deployed up to 100,000 troops near Ukraine's northern and eastern borders and in Crimea, raising concerns of a major escalation.

But last Friday, Moscow announced that it had started withdrawing its armed forces, with Kiev and NATO welcoming the announcement.

Blinken's May 5-6 visit is intended "to reaffirm unwavering US support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression," said a statement from Blinken's spokesman Ned price.

Blinken is to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky during the stopover.

Kiev has been battling pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula.

A ceasefire that took hold last July has been shredded this year, with clashes sharply increasing between Ukrainian forces and separatists since January.

The separatists are widely seen as having Russia's political and military backing -- which Moscow denies -- in the conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives.
Biden Made Some Good Points on China but He Needs to Get Much Tougher

Commentary

Were in a competition with China and other countries to win the 21st century, President Biden told a joint session of Congress on April 28. The speech was panned by a jaundiced writer in the New York Times as oversimplified. But he got that wrong. Democracy is in an existential competition, if not conflict, with China. And Biden knows it.

Secretary Blinken can tell you, I spent a lot of time with President Xitraveled over 17,000 miles with him, spent over 24 hours in private discussions with him. When he called [to] congratulate, we had a two-hour discussion, said Biden. Hes deadly earnest on becoming the most significant, consequential nation in the world. Biden makes a Freudian slip here, implying that Xi thinks of himself as a future hegemonic Chinese nation.

[President Xi] and others, autocrats, think that democracy cant compete in the 21st century with autocracies, because it takes too long to get consensus, Biden said. Biden got this impression of Xi from the horses mouth. One cant be an American, hear these words from Chinas leader, and not be alarmed into action. Too bad Biden didnt convince Obama to take a tougher stand, years ago.

Refreshingly, however, the president focused some of his speech on reviving Americas industrial strength. There is simply no reason why the blades for wind turbines cant be built in Pittsburgh instead of Beijing, he said, adding, theres no reason why AmericansAmerican workers cant lead the world in the production of electric vehicles and batteries.

Here Biden could be taking a shot at Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla Motors who recently ramped up production of electric cars in Shanghai instead of Detroit. Or, he could be offering Musk support. Tesla is an American company that is likely caving to Chinas demand for technology transfers, jobs, and nothing less than abject public submission in Maoist style, to gain market access. In the last two weeks, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) pressured Tesla so publicly about a womans disputed brake failure that the company said it will engage in self-examination and self-correction in order to rectify its customer service problems. Theres nothing an American corporation wont do for money.

Biden is rightly borrowing from the Trump administrations focus on rebuilding American industry, which is an absolute requirement if the United States is not to fall behind China economically and militarily. America, not China, must lead American industry.

Note that Biden has not yet removed Trumps tariffs on China. Trump broke the mold with tariffs, against most of the economists advice (almost all of them other than Peter Navarro), and Biden is following along in his wake. Those economists will now have to rethink their free trade models, and include more national security variables in them rather than just consumer prices. Biden is doing the right thing to leave the Trump tariffs in place, but he will soon have to lead against China, not just coast along on Republican innovations. If he cant lead, well need another Republican president to do so, starting in 2024.

In yesterdays speech, Biden lamented Americas failure to invest at least 2 percent of GDP in research and development. He said we maintained 2 percent decades ago, claiming that today, that number is down to less than 1 percent. China and other countries are closing in fast, he said. We have to develop and dominate the products and technologies of the future. Advanced batteries, biotechnology, computer chips, clean energy. He got this right.

Biden mentioned the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which invented the internet and GPS. But unfortunately, he didnt actually call for more defense funding into pure research. Instead, he called for a new health-focused agency (HARPA?) to be run by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Sure we need HARPA, but we need more funding for DARPA as well. America must maintain its technological edge, especially its military edge, over our only real global competitor: China.

At points in the speech, Biden said the words he wanted Xi Jinping to hear. In my discussions with President Xi, I told him we welcome the competition. Were not looking for conflict.

This and Bidens offer to cooperate on climate change will assuage an American public that is getting increasingly jittery about the possibility of a new Cold War, with all the risk that entails in the nuclear era. But Biden must know by now that while we are not looking for conflict (President Obama proved that beyond a doubt), Xi Jinping is. He is territorially expansionist, and genocidal against his own population. Contemporary China has a system of apartheid in which some minorities have no freedom of movement, and the Han race has virtually all the power. The American people need to know, from the bully pulpit of the presidency and in a more declarative style, that Beijing is out to get us.

Biden did say that he will defend Americas interests across the board, including against unfair trade practices, and theft of technology and intellectual property. He promised to maintain a strong relationship in the Indo-Pacific, just as we do for NATO and Europe. Not to start a conflict, but to prevent one. He promised to stay committed to human rights, freedom, and our alliances. An American president has to represent the essence of what our country stands for, he said. America is an idea, the most unique idea in history. We are created, all of us equal. It is who we are. And we cannot walk away from that principle and in fact say we are dealing with the American idea.

Defending this American idea of equality, as well as that of freedom, will require sacrifice. More sacrifice than Biden admitted in his speech. Defending freedom has always required sacrifice. Getting the American people ready for the sacrifice needed to defeat the Chinese Communist Party will eventually require not only tougher words from our president, but much tougher actions.

Anders Corr has a bachelors/masters in political science from Yale University (2001) and a doctorate in government from Harvard University (2008). He is a principal at Corr Analytics Inc., publisher of the Journal of Political Risk, and has conducted extensive research in North America, Europe, and Asia. He authored The Concentration of Power (forthcoming in 2021) and No Trespassing, and edited Great Powers, Grand Strategies.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
With the BRI Microfinance Outlook 2021, BRI aims to succeed the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) amid economic uncertainty. BRI's support for MSMEs will remain high, especially as the MSMEs' role has caused a significant impact on the national economy.

According to a data by the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, in 2018, there was a total of around 62 million micro-entrepreneurs in Indonesia. The figure includes 757,000 small businesses, 58,600 medium enterprises, and 5,500 corporations. Therefore, MSMEs' contribution to Indonesian gross domestic product (GDP) has reached over 62 percent, or equivalent to IDR 8,000 trillion.

"With the close relations and collaborations with stakeholders at the regional, national, and global level, this year, BRI aims to advance the microfinance sector and empower Indonesian MSMEs in a synergistic ecosystem. We are looking for abundant support and collaboration to enrich our insights for the MSMEs' continued development. Hence, we will not stay in a stagnant situation yet be able to develop and find new sources of growth from the levels below," said Sunarso.

On the same occasion, Pahala N. Mansury revealed that the Indonesia's economic will continue to improve in the second quarter of 2021. "This can be seen from the increased demand of household electricity supply in Indonesia, which needs to be maintained and utilized as possible," said Pahala.

Pahala added that in 2021, the SOE Ministry will focus on providing support for fulfilling infrastructure needs, funding, and market access for the MSMEs' development and recovery. The support will be undertaken through policies and corporate actions, as well as integration between existing state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to make them more efficient for the advancement of MSMEs.

"We are trying to build digital platforms and digital services for MSMEs. In terms of funding or financing, one of our Ultra Micro (UMi)-related initiatives includes consolidating SOEs to support the ultra-micro ecosystem. Indeed, the number of ultra-micro businesses currently still require funds. We hope that the consolidation of SOEs can support the UMi ecosystem, while empowering and increasing our capabilities. We also aim to widen our financial products to saving and insurance. With this strategy, anytime ultra-micro businesses aim to move up to the next step, we can achieve that," added Pahala.

Wimboh Santoso affirmed that stakeholders must implement new approach for MSMEs as financing is not enough. "They need guidance, sales channels, and a complete ecosystem to ensure more quality and productivity of MSMEs," he said.

Government support is also crucial to strive the success of MSMEs. Teten Masduki added, "Currently, the government is trying to create new entrepreneurs, both existing and pioneering. We set the target of around 4% in 2024. With a support of a financing ecosystem, an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and focusing on MSMEs that accompany them, including those in incubation, we are optimistic to achieve it," said Teten.

Through BRI Microfinance Outlook 2021, BRI has led its role in MSMEs.

During the event, Teten also prided BRI as the champion of MSMEs. "The event is indeed really good. It is not surprising that BRI receives a lot of international praises as a prominent bank.

The event, which was held in a hybrid webinar format, presented a total of two sessions with the sub-themes of Empowering Sustainable Microfinance & Its Ecosystem, and Boosting Innovation for Synergy in Microfinance. Presenting in the first session were BRI Micro-Business Director, Supari; Harvard Kennedy School adjunct lecturer, Jay Rosengard; University of Indonesia sociologist, Imam Prasojo; McKinsey and Company representative, Prateek Bhargava; and OJK senior executive analyst, Roberto Akyuwen.

Meanwhile, the second session was delivered by the University of Indonesia chancellor, Prof. Ari Kuncoro; Cornell University representative, Prof. Iwan Jaya Azis; Kulon Progo Regent, H. Sutedjo; Secretary General of the Indonesian Fintech Lending Association and CEO of Dompet, Sunu Widyatmoko; and Chief Economist of BRI and Director of the BRI Research Institute, Dr. Anton Hendranata.

In addition to the webinar sessions, the BRI Microfinance Outlook 2021 also presented the BRI Micro & SME Index (BMSI) Q1-2021. The event also unveiled LinkUMKM, a digital empowerment platform developed by BRI Bank for Indonesian MSMEs, as well as the Professional Certification Institute (LSP). It is hoped that the emergence of these new products and institutions can increase the capacity of all policymakers to optimally empower MSMEs and create more scale-up business actors.

For more information, visit www.bri.co.id

SOURCE PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk (BRI)

Related Links

http://www.bri.co.id


Five people have been arrested and charged in connection with a violent attack in February in which a man who was walking Lady Gagas French bulldogs in Hollywood was shot and two of the dogs were stolen, the Los Angeles police said on Thursday.

The police said that an investigation had revealed that James Jackson, 18, Jaylin White, 19, and Lafayette Whaley, 27, were involved in the robbery and shooting of the dog walker.

Detectives do not believe the men were targeting the dog walker because of the dogs owner, the police said. Evidence, however, suggests that the men knew that the dog breed was valuable and that this was the motivation for the robbery, according to the police.

The police said that two others who were arrested and charged  Harold White, 40, and Jennifer McBride, 50  were found to be accessories after the shooting. Ms. McBride reported that she found the dogs and responded to a reward email to return them.
A Ugandan journalist working for the state broadcaster has been shot dead in a confrontation with security forces.



Robert Kagolo was killed at his late brother's home that was being guarded by the Local Defence Unit (LDU), a civilian paramilitary force.



Two LDU officers have been arrested over the incident.



The family had requested security from the LDU after the kidnapping and killing of Mr Kagolo's brother Samuel Musiitwa.



The journalist was returning to the house on Thursday evening after his brother's burial when he became involved in a confrontation with the officers.



It is reported that he had knocked down the gate to the house with his vehicle suspecting he was being followed.



"The disagreement led to a shooting of which the circumstances are being investigated, a police spokesman is quoted by the state-run New Vision newspaper as saying.

Source: BBC









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Canada discussing suspending entry of international students to Ontario International students may be temporarily barred from travelling to Ontario.

Canada discussing suspending entry of international students to Ontario International students may be temporarily barred from travelling to Ontario.

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Following a meeting with the provinces on April 29, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is putting in motion the steps to suspend international student travel to Ontario.

Premier Ford asked that we suspend the arrival of international students, Trudeau said. Because at this time Ontairo is the only province requesting this, we are happy to work more narrowly with them. We will be reaching out to their officials today (April 30) to formalize that request.

The premiers office later said they did not make a formal request for the federal government to halt international students from entering the province. In a press conference, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters he pleaded with the prime minister to do more to combat the spread of coronavirus. Ford called for land border crossers to be subject to the same three-day hotel quarantine as air travellers.

The federal government will work with Ontario to formalize Premier Doug Fords request to suspend the arrival of international students, PM Trudeau announces at a news conference in Ottawa. Ontario is the only province seeking this restriction, the PM says.#cdnpoli | #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/h2gkbJNMwo  CPAC (@CPAC_TV) April 30, 2021

Learn about Canadas immigration system

Neither the provincial nor federal governments have yet said when the change will take effect, nor how long it will last. The federal government has jurisdiction over entry to Canada. Any request from a province that affects international travel has to be approved and enforced by the federal government in Ottawa.

International students going to certain institutions are currently exempt from Canadas travel restrictions. As with all non-essential travellers to Canada, they must comply with the mandatory quarantine requirements, and COVID-19 tests.

Ontario coronavirus situation

There were 3,887 new cases reported in Ontario on April 30, more than any other province. Ontarios hospitals admitted an all-time high number of patients in mid-April. Almost 2,400 people were hospitalized at the peak.

Ontario officials are forecasting everyone over the age of 18 will be able to book a coronavirus vaccine by May 24.

Learn about Canadas immigration system

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
South Africa: KZN Premier pays tribute to Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has expressed deep shock at the sudden passing of the Regent of the Zulu nation, Her Majesty Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, on Thursday.

It is with profound sadness that we have received the heart-wrenching news of the untimely passing of Her Majesty the Queen. This is yet another tragedy of monumental proportions to befall the province and the people of KwaZulu-Natal, Zikalala said.

In a statement issued on Friday, Zikalala said it is an unfathomable double blow not only to the royal family, but to the people of the province and the nation in its entirety.

He said it is even more shattering that Her Majesty has left in the middle of the mourning period for beloved monarch, King Zwelithini kaBhekuZulu, who passed away on 12 March 2021.

With sorrow etched across our faces as we are reeling at the devastating news of Her Majestys passing, we extended our most heartfelt condolences to the royal family and the people of the province of KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of eSwatini.

Her Majesty was a bridge between the two monarchies and nations, a role which she performed with aplomb. On various occasions, such as the opening of the Legislature and many important occasions in the province, we were honoured to be graced by Her Majesty's presence, in all her regal glory, alongside His Majesty the King, Zikalala said.

Following pronouncements by the royal family only recently that Her Majesty would become Regent, Zikalala said they looked up to her to lead the Zulu nation during these difficult and unprecedented times in the history of the province.

Her Majesty had stepped into a great tradition of distinguished women, who shaped history by leading in different complex and challenging epochs, breaking barriers and stereotypes in the process.

Her leadership of one of the biggest and oldest traditional leadership institutions in history was admirable, and served as an inspiration for the advancement of womens struggles not only in South Africa but in the world as a whole.

Her ascendancy to the position of Regent underscored her own agency, and served to administer the final burial rites to the backward, patriarchal and chauvinistic tendencies that considered women as inferior beings, whose existence can only be confined to homes, providing support to husbands and caring for children, Zikalala said.

He has asked the nation to put the royal family in its thoughts and prayers. The harsh reality of losing both pillars of the family in such quick succession must be extremely difficult to bear.

He said the provincial government is in constant contact with the royal family, and they will do their part to provide support to the royal family and the nation.

Suspension of provincial activities

The provincial government has called on all citizens to observe the period of mourning.

As part of paying respect to Her Majesty the Queen, Zikalala announced that the provincial government will scale down and suspend most of its activities.

The Premier is in communication with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the national government regarding the latest developments.

The Provincial Executive Council is expected to visit the royal family to offer its condolences.

Further developments will be communicated after engagements with the royal family and the national government.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-04-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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
It wasnt just any car, either. It was a 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution IX , the FQ-320 model, with some minor modifications, 70,000 miles (112,654 km) on the clock, full-service history, and a brand-new paint job. It also came with 1,000 ($1,390) in cash for running costs and, from the company that delivered it, a congratulatory message that included the phrase Im sure he [the new owner] will get many happy miles from [it].He did not.Dream Car Giveaways describes itself as the UKs biggest giveaway company. As its name clearly says it, theyre into giving away cars of the most prized kind. The Evo IX was one of them and, earlier this week, Adam Griffith, a 27-year-old man from the area, drove 90 miles (145 km) to pick it up after winning it in the latest raffle.Some hours later, a short distance away, in Pontypridd in Wales, north of Cardiff, he was involved in a one-vehicle accident. Based on photos, he probably lost control and spun the vehicle, ramming it twice into a concrete wall. He and the passenger received only minor injuries, but the car ended up with serious damage to the front and the rear and has been written off.The crash was made public on Twitter by South Wales Police, but the original tweet is no longer online. Adam is no longer online either, having deleted his Facebook after news of the accident spread within the auto enthusiasts community of DCG, HotCars reports.So much vitriol and mockery were directed at Adam that DCG saw fit to post an update about the Evo IX. Its true that the car was totaled, but no one was killed or injured too badly, and thats the only thing that should matter, they say, urging fellow gearheads to show a bit more consideration when commenting on the issue.Not that this has done anything to keep the jokes and the insults from coming. Scroll through the comments section on either post from DCG on the Evo IX, and you will find anything from jabs at Adams lack of skills and his overconfidence to questions about pricing on the spare parts hes suddenly left with, and riffs on how DCG did a fine and timely job on the repaint.In the end, all this negativity adds another layer of sad to an already two-times sad occurrence.
Whichever spin doctor came up with the idea that Keir Starmer should appear on the campaign trail in John Lewis holding up a roll of wallpaper should be pasted against the wall and papered over permanently.

Of all the facile and stupid stunts in a week when the Prime Minister had really been on the ropes over Wallpaper-gate and the mysterious payment to redecorate his No 11 flat, this had to be the most puerile.

Awkwardly holding the wallpaper roll aloft with all the gravity of a museum curator clutching the Dead Sea Scrolls, it only made folk wonder if this was the first time the multi-millionaire lawyer had even been into the nations beloved store.

Im guessing, but with a 1.8 million London home and seven acres of land in Surrey, Starmer has never had to sully his hands with wallpaper before  there are tradesmen to do that.

In one silly photo, he let Boris off the ropes, gave him time to breathe when, lets face it, the PM is facing serious questions of probity and integrity  and four separate inquiries  into whether he lied about who stumped up for his fiancee Carries passion for soft-furnishing excess.

Whichever spin doctor came up with the idea that Keir Starmer should appear on the campaign trail in John Lewis holding up a roll of wallpaper should be pasted against the wall and papered over permanently

While not excusing Boris, most men would probably have just let the missus get on with running the home while he ran the country

And spare me any accusations of sexism or misogyny over laying even a teeny weeny part of the blame at Carries door. I know that as the former head of communications for the Tory Party  a job I also once held  shed have to be a tough, professional woman, as FoCs (Friends of Carrie) constantly brief the media.

While not excusing Boris, most men would probably have just let the missus get on with running the home while he ran the country.

Did she, in her desire for divine decor, overreach their combined 300,000 income? It appears she did.

Guto Harri, chief adviser when Boris was London Mayor, says his shambolic former boss was so uninterested in decor he wouldnt even notice what was on the walls, let alone the floors.

While the charges against Boris are serious, far more important is that next week nine million voters will go to the polls for local elections and a key by-election in Hartlepool.

Will we be swayed by the particular shade of gold of the PMs wallpaper, or by the triumph of the Governments vaccination programme, our steady path towards normality and the promise of a return to a real life after an unimaginably terrible year?

And what do Starmer and his motley crew of third-rate frontbenchers have to offer? Not a policy anyone can remember between them  just silly John Lewis stunts.

Im betting that come next week, our PM will have the last laugh.

Hear no evil, see no evil . . .

The older brother of the London Bridge terrorist Usman Khan, 28, granted anonymity in the inquest, insists his family did not turn a blind eye to Khans previous form.

Khan senior said he did not know about the police caution after a racist attack on a white pupil aged 13, nor the expulsion from school at 14, nor his extremist views, despite a picture of him waving a jihadist flag in their local newspaper.

And when he visited his brother six days before the atrocity, he said, he was acting absolutely normal.

Probably wise to have granted the man anonymity after all, for his own safety.

Helenas worthy of the crown

Well done Bafta for nominating Helena Bonham Carter for best supporting actress in The Crown, as she sumptuously and convincingly portrayed the complex Princess Margaret. And for not putting up Emma Corrin for best leading actress as Diana.

The only authenticity in Corrins one-dimensional impersonation of the Princess was her frocks, proving that clothes dont make the woman . . . nor, indeed, the actress.

Well done Bafta for nominating Helena Bonham Carter for best supporting actress in The Crown, as she sumptuously and convincingly portrayed the complex Princess Margaret

After Good Morning Britains ratings plummeted with the departure of Piers Morgan, Alastair Campbell is to fill his seat for three days during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Alastair matches Pierss sharp wit but not his warmth. I fear he will be a weapon of mass destruction of viewers.

An unnamed actress pal of actor, writer and director Noel Clarke, who had his Bafta membership and award suspended after 20 women accused him of sexual groping and bullying, says he is vilified as no one likes a man of colour to get to the top.

I wonder whether she would use the same defence for Bill Cosby, Morgan Freeman and O.J. Simpson.

Surely, any judgment on alleged offences against women, however powerful the man is, should first and foremost be colour-blind.

That sinking feeling

Ship ahoy as Gwyneth Paltrow embarks on a luxury cruise collaboration offering the ultimate wellness experience at sea.

Cast away are sugar, carbs, meat and booze. Breakfasts sunk but you can (whoopee) have vegan lunch and a tofu curry for supper.

Ship ahoy as Gwyneth Paltrow embarks on a luxury cruise collaboration offering the ultimate wellness experience at sea

Wheres the fun in that? My cruise around the Canaries aboard the P&O Britannia taught me the point of them is the delicious food: fry-ups for breakfast, fill-your-boots buffets and at least three servings of differing cuisines for dinner, followed by puddings washed down with wine.

I fear for Gwynnies venture and that after just one day she will be woman overboard.

The former rugby ace Mike Tindall admirably talks of his fathers difficulties with Parkinsons and his mothers stoicism.

Perhaps too candid were his revelations about wife Zara giving birth on the bathroom floor, and how he was unable to comfort his grandmother-in-law, the Queen, after her husbands funeral as they were all ordered to get in your cars and go home.

Just guessing, but Mums the word regarding the monarch they call Maam. Hopefully he wont find the funeral is the last royal event he is invited to.

John Cleese is condescending about Ian McKellen treading the boards as Hamlet at 81. Funny that.

The genius behind Fawlty Towers, also 81, has been trundling round on his tedious Alimony Tour while Shakespeare lover McKellen, to paraphrase Polonius, has to his own self been true.

Westminster wars

The PM dismissed Wallpaper-gate and the inquiries into who paid 58,000 for his lustrous refurb as a farrago of nonsense. Similarly, he batted away reports of his affair with Petronella Wyatt as an inverted pyramid of piffle, even though they were true. What we have learnt of Boris Johnson is that, the more lurid the language, the more likely hes been up to no good.

Having perused the signature pieces of Carrie Symondss interior designer, Lulu Lytle, I see why Boriss fiancee chose her. Lulu specialises in burgundy sofas, those best designed to conceal red wine spills.

Getting his jab from celebrity vaxer Jonathan Van-Tam, Matt Hancock manfully looks away, squeezing his eyes and insisting it didnt hurt a bit. It might have hurt his vanity a little when he saw pictures of his man-boobs in that white T-shirt.

Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow, 73, steps down after 32 glorious years, saying he is now looking forward to new adventures and new challenges.

As the father of two grown-up children, and dad to a newborn son, Im guessing that will include remembering how to change nappies.

Lets have mischief

How lovely were the home videos of William, Kate and their frolicking children, released for their tenth anniversary.

Yet as an aficionado of the home video genre, learned from my grandfather who recorded us Platell kids decades ago, to be really endearing, they need to be warts and all.

Like the moment Pop told us children to line up to kiss an inflatable Santa and I punched him on the nose and was ticked off for bad behaviour, then sent the mince pies flying after wiping my nose on the tablecloth.

We dont need the Cambridges kids to be picture perfect to be adorable.
While discontent is growing about Western Australias trigger-happiness when it comes to locking down after hotel quarantine leaks, the states Premier Mark McGowan still has plenty of political capital to burn.

Who is he?

After trundling across the Nullarbor from NSW in his Toyota Corolla in 1988, the former Navy lawyer has played politics with impeccable cunning, seeing off leadership challenges and a bruising 2013 election defeat to lead his Labor party to a commanding victory in 2017.

WA Premier Mark McGowan. Credit:Hamish Hastie

Over his 25-year career, one key political lesson McGowan has learned is to appeal to the masses.
[April 30, 2021] How Dahua Video Monitoring Solution Protects Endangered Species

HANGZHOU, China, April 30, 2021 /CNW/ -- Extinction of wildlife species has become a tragic feature of the modern world. Many species around the earth are threatened by environmental challenges from climate change, fire, and pollution. The threat comes also from illegal activities carried out by people, such as poaching and unauthorized hunting and logging. Dahua Video Monitoring Solution Protects Endangered Species Species extinction is more than just a concern of conservationists. The health of our planet depends on preserving the evolutionary path of natural ecosystems; this is what makes human life sustainable. Thankfully, people around the world have begun to pay greater attention. And Dahua Technology is committed to developing and deploying systems that can help. Dahua's solutions have been helping to level the playing field for at-risk ecosystems and preserve nearly 50 endangered species. For example, in Qinghai province, Dahua has built several "Ecology Windows" where remote monitoring systems provide real-time monitoring in the five major preervation areas in the province, including the Three River Source, Qinghai Lake, Huangshui Basin, Damu Basin and Qilian Mountains.



Using intelligent video analytics (such as intelligent detection, tracking and early alerts), Dahua's technologies not only protect wildlife from immediate threats, but also offer remote monitoring for research purposes. The video metadata is stored in the Qinghai Environmental Cloud Platform, whereas continuously building its observation database to support research on species diversity and other key elements of ecosystem health. Experts today use Dahua products to build a better understanding of many endangered species including antelopes, wild donkeys, snow leopards, and Chinese hornbeams, bar-headed geese, black-necked cranes, and Eurasian otters. Collecting precise data about migration activities, for example, gives the scientific community the information it needs to design and deploy better conservation policies and programs.

As a world-leading video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider, Dahua Technology is committed to making the world safer and more secure. Protecting people, protecting endangered species, and protecting the environment are all central to our mission, now and in the future. Visit http://www.dahuasecurity.com to learn more and follow us on social media. Facebook: Dahua Technology Twitter: Dahua Technology

YouTube: Dahua Technology Channel LinkedIn: Dahua Technology Co. LTD Media Contact Vivid

Overseas Media & PR Manager

86-571-28069750

Gu_jun1@dahuatech.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/how-dahua-video-monitoring-solution-protects-endangered-species-301281034.html SOURCE Dahua Technology

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Meetings with authorities, business community, development partners and civil society

Focus on post-Covid-19 recovery and supporting investments

Turkey was top destination for EBRD finance in 2020

EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso will pay her first official visit to Turkey on 3 and 4 May in a virtual format for meetings with the government, the private sector and civil society.

As travel and in-person meetings continue to be disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, the EBRD President will make use of digital platforms, which have profoundly reshaped ways of working and international relations over the past year.

During her engagement, she will meet with representatives of central and municipal authorities, businesses, local banks, international financial institutions and members of the diplomatic community and civil society.

The meetings will focus on Turkeys post-Covid-19 recovery and the EBRD investments to support it.

Speaking ahead of her meetings, President Renaud-Basso said: Turkey, like many other countries where we invest, is challenged by the ongoing pandemic. Bringing the health crisis under control will trigger an economic rebound. The EBRD is prepared to mobilise all tools at its disposal and to use the Banks creative capacity to help the Turkish economy in this rebound.

As part of the EBRDs commitment to helping build back better and greener economies, President Renaud-Basso will sign, in a video conference with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a Memorandum of Understanding that will formalise the process of Turkeys largest city joining the EBRD Green Cities programme. The Bank and the municipality of Istanbul will work together to implement sustainability measures that will benefit the citys population of 16 million people.

The EBRD President will also sign an accord with the Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank to boost innovation in competitive sectors such as machinery, electrical equipment, electronics, mobility, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Turkey, with offices in Istanbul and Ankara and 100 staff on the ground. To date the Bank has invested more than 13 billion in the country, with 96 per cent in the private sector. In 2020 the Bank responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by stepping up its financing in the country to 1.7 billion from 1.0 billion in 2019.
One of the Lehigh Valleys biggest traditions is coming back to your television screens, and your television screens only, for the second straight year.

Eastons State Theatre announced back in January that they would be airing a celebration of local high school musical theater in lieu of its annual Freddy Awards ceremony, and the theater announced a date on Friday morning: 7 p.m. on May 27. The 2021 Freddy Celebration will air on WFMZ Channel 69.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, high schools werent able to have in-person shows for evaluation, but the Freddy Celebration will find other ways to display their abundance of talent, including virtual performances and medleys in the broadcast.

The high schools never gave up, Shelley Brown, executive producer of the Freddy Awards, said in a release. Its a testament to arts programs in the Lehigh Valley and Warren County, NJ. These students and directors find a way. They know how valuable it can be to them and to their community.

The awards took their first crack at a broadcast-only ceremony last year, when a number of musicals across the region had already been performed, but the pandemic foiled any plans for a regular in-person awards ceremony. This year, COVID-19 hung over the entire school year, nixing the possibility of shows going on as regularly scheduled.

Still, at least some kind of show must go on. And in addition to the virtual performances included in the broadcast, the 2021 celebration will also include flashbacks to Freddy ceremonys past. And of course, itll heavily feature one of the key tenets of its existence: the scholarship program, something the pandemic cant even slow down.

Our scholarship program since 2003 has produced $1.86 million in education opportunities Brown said. Institutions are looking for the best of the best and we are very proud to make that happen every year.

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

Connor Lagore may be reached at clagore@njadvancemedia.com.
Abbott today announced that its new imaging platform powered by Ultreon 1.0 Software, is now CE Marked in Europe. This first-of-its-kind imaging software merges optical coherence tomography (OCT)  an imaging tool that provides physicians a comprehensive view inside an artery or blood vessel  with the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced visualization. The new Ultreon Software can automatically detect the severity of calcium-based blockages and measure vessel diameter to enhance the precision of physicians decision-making during coronary stenting procedures.

Image Credit: Abbott

Unlike traditional imaging methods such as conventional angiography, Abbotts OCT technology uses near-infrared light to provide high-definition, precise imaging from within a blood vessel. OCT imaging also helps improve physicians assessment of blockages in those vessels and optimize decisions related to stent selection, placement and deployment. Through integration with Abbotts new Dragonfly OpStar imaging catheter, Ultreon Software extends the reach of OCT by allowing physicians to capture information from even the most complex patient anatomy.

With the launch of Ultreon Software, Abbott is further leveraging OCT technology to help physicians make better treatment decisions for their patients. Recent data show that physicians altered their treatment strategy in 88% of coronary artery blockages based on new information provided by OCT when used with MLD MAX, a new workflow that helps guide stenting decisions and provide physicians with treatment strategies to optimize stent placement.

"Ultreons customisable user interface and AI detection will make decision-making faster and reduce procedural variability, especially for the increasing number of physicians who are learning to utilize OCT imaging over other more traditional imaging technologies," said Jose M de la Torre Hernandez, M.D., head of interventional cardiology at Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, and editor-in-chief of REC: Interventional Cardiology.

The automatic display of details with Ultreon reduces uncertainty during the preparation for stent placement and allows for increased accuracy to help us deliver better care to our patients." Jose M de la Torre Hernandez, M.D., Head of interventional cardiology at Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla

Technology continues to be a vital part of improving patient care in the cardiovascular community. In an August 2020 study titled Beyond Intervention, physicians and administrators identified technology as a critical component to improving patient outcomes across the healthcare continuum. More than half of the interviewed physicians identified technology and data as having the greatest potential to support decision-making at diagnosis and when determining patient treatment. Ultreon Software is an example of a technology designed to augment physician decision-making, particularly when combined with established tools providing comprehensive physiological assessment of coronary blood flow and severity of blockages, such as Resting Full-Cycle Ratio (RFR) and Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR).

Abbott continues to develop the latest medical technologies, offering physicians and administrators the tools to provide the highest level of care and best possible outcomes for patients.

"Increased adoption of OCT imaging, when combined with advanced technology like AI, allows cardiologists to have a more precise and measurable way of supporting patients undergoing coronary stent procedures," says Nick West, M.D., chief medical officer and divisional vice president of global medical affairs at Abbotts vascular business. "Ultreon Software can potentially improve physician and patient experience by utilizing a systematic process, reducing variability and increasing accuracy of diagnosis and application of therapies."

The new Ultreon Software will be showcased for the first time at EuroPCR on May 18-21, 2021, during Abbotts "Tools and Technique Sessions." Abbott also intends to seek approval in the U.S. and Japan.
Ammo Grrrll recalls being asked WHY DO YOU LIVE THERE? She writes:

One time I had a show in Orlando in February. It was 82 degrees F. when I checked in for departure at the Orlando airport to return to Minnesota. A very pleasant African-American ticket agent looked up Minnie as Mordor was called in the airline biz. I saw an odd look pass over her face. She said, Uh, it claims it is 4 degrees in Minnie, but, can that be RIGHT? Honey, I dont mean to offend, but WHY WOULD YOU LIVE THERE?

Lord knows why this memory returned to me at this particular time. Maybe it was being blown into my hotel by gale force winds and freezing pellets of rain and 31 balmy degrees. In April. April 25th. Every fool knows you dont visit your kin in Alexandria, Minnesota in March. But LATE April seemed safe, what with the notorious @#$** Global Warming and all. Wrong. So the weather is temporarily rotten with the promise of better to come. But not even freezing rain can dampen my spirits. The good news is that I have seen Daddy, who is doing well.

I called to see about visiting hours as soon as we  literally  blew into town and was told that There are no visiting hours on Sundays. Please look again, said I. I just drove 2,000 miles. I havent seen Daddy in 17 months and I wish to come by for a few minutes to hug him and say hello. My husband and I have both had all our shots, including distemper and heartworm. The young woman called the Manager of the facility who said I could come, bless her heart.

It was supper time in the facility, all the dear residents sitting one to a table, far apart, split into two shifts for meals, nobody to talk to. As regular readers know, my 95-year old Daddy has already HAD and recovered from COVID. But already lonely and isolated seniors must eat alone. Its the Science in Super-Sciencey, Maximum Masking Minnesota. Daddys visage changed from downcast to rapture when he saw my husband first. He recognized him from twenty feet away, even with the mask on and shouted, JOE! Then he saw me and tried not to let me see him wipe away tears. Susie! Youve come!

We had only a few minutes, many hugs and the assurance that I would be coming by every day for over two weeks. Todays visiting hours are 9-11 and tomorrows are from 6-8 p.m. And how did the trip to Minnesota go, you ask? Quite wonderfully. Baruch Hashem (praise God.)

Its funny how things you may have noticed a few dozen times present in a whole new way. Pre-air conditioning, Arizona must have been populated by some very tough people, as the place names would indicate: Deadmans Gulch, Bloody Basin, Two Guns. It must have been a long, fearsome trek from that era to the Carefree Highway of Gordon Lightfoot fame. Lightfoot said once that he had a gig in Flagstaff and was coming down the 17 (Motto: We hold the record for death by wrong-way drivers!) back to Phoenix, exhausted, possibly with a hangover, and he made one of his roadies write down Carefree Highway when he saw the sign, saying, Thats a song.

Heres another observation: America is on the move again! At two hotels on our trip, disappointed people who had failed to make reservations were turned away at the front desk. Traffic is back to normal and hotels and restaurants are full. Jumping ahead for a minute, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the line to get into The Texas Roadhouse was around the block. We did not go there. Famous novelist, Max Cossack, has a low tolerance for lines. Which is how I got here with you all on Fridays. He needed ammo and outsourced the standing in line part to me. Oh yeah, I should probably mention he was also working full-time; I was retired.

Unfortunately, SOME people who are on the move are moving various items without securing them. In the back of a pickup, a fellow American was transporting an upright freezer, firmly secured with what looked like those frizzy ribbons with which you wrap Christmas packages. I whipped around it and got as far from it as possible. One time in the Twin Cities, I found myself behind a pickup carrying an unsecured mattress. Hmmm, I said to myself, THAT surely doesnt look very stable, inasmuch as it was rippling in the breeze. I went into the next lane and watched the thing sail out and land right where I had been.

Lesson learned. We also saw a pickup carrying a sofa with a suitcase balanced on top. And a rickety trailer of what Im sure was a hard-working yard guy, with all manner of yard care implements, a couple of bungee cords randomly placed around some, and a totally loose ladder that shifted position frequently.

For some reason, it is the habit of many Westerners to periodically take their houses out for a little spin. They seem to believe that putting a Wide Load sign on it is fair enough warning.

We had a lovely time with our friends John and Angela who made the first leg of our journey with us for an overnight in Winslow. I was surprised at how mask-mandatory the La Posada Inn was, it being in Arizona and all, but Navajo County was hit pretty hard by COVID.

The Signature Soup in the Turquoise Room has a cream of sweet corn soup in one half of the bowl and a spicy black bean soup in the other half  and by some miracle, they do not just all blend into one. It is without doubt the best soup I have ever eaten. Our party had Prickly Pear Margaritas, Steak, Shrimp Pasta, Chicken and the Wild Game Platter and little scoops of Gelato in a bowl made out of a cone for dessert. In the morning, we feasted on little orange crepes, turkey sausage and eggs, and hash browns. And fresh-squeezed juice and lovely muffins which I consider just a tasty vehicle for butter.

On we trucked to Tucumcari, where the worst thing that happened was losing an hour when I was trying to make a strict schedule. Oh, sure, we were still in the Mountain Time Zone, but Arizona elects not to participate in the Daylight Savings Time ritual because the last thing on Gods green earth that Arizona needs from April to October is another hour of blazing daylight. I do not hate things that make me miss my ETAs as much as I hate slow drivers who make me come off Cruise Control, but, hey, into each life a little rain must fall, right?

The BEST thing that happened in Tucumcari was we met some new friends, devoted readers of the column, who treated us to dinner at Dels and a (brief, but lovely) tour of their Recreational Vehicle. Its not easy at our age to make new friends. But it felt like Geri and Jeff had been our friends forever. Remembering names is not Maxs strength  I wish we all wore name tags at all times  and he remembered them because of Jerry Jeff Walker. Whatever it takes! The journey continues next week. On to Edmond, Lincoln, and Sioux Falls!
NORTH CHARLESTON  Speeding on neighborhood streets has been an ongoing issue, and the city is looking to address the problem in a way that doesn't involve law enforcement writing tickets.

North Charleston plans to spend $400,000 to create up to 100 new speed humps in its communities to help increase public safety.

"I think in every neighborhood you've got some people who don't respect the neighborhood enough to drive the speed limit," Mayor Keith Summey said.

Money from property sales will create an opportunity to build the speed deterrents, Summey said.

City Council gave initial approval to sell three properties on Reynolds Avenue, Rivers Avenue and Fassitt Road for a total of $1.1 million. The city is looking to use $400,000 of that money to build up to 10 speed humps in each of the 10 council districts. The total number of humps could change depending on the cost, which runs roughly $4,000 each.

The decision to sell the properties will go before council for final approval.

The humps would rise 3 inches high and cover 14 feet, said Michael Dalrymple, the city's assistant director for public works.

Residents' input will play a role in determining where to locate the new traffic-calming devices.

Itll be driven by requests that council members receive from their constituents," Dalrymple said.

Speed limits in residential areas are usually 25 mph. But commuters don't have to exceed the limit by much for a hump to be justified.

Guidelines from the S.C. Department of Transportation indicate an area warrants a hump if the majority of commuters are driving 5 to 10 mph above the speed limit, Dalrymple said.

In past years, North Charleston has installed in neighborhoods removeable speed cushions made of rubber.

The new humps will be asphalt, also accompanied by a sign that warns drivers to slow down.

Asphalt speed deterrents are more effective because, unlike rubber humps, asphalt ones have no gaps that drivers can use to avoid the speed deterrents, Dalrymple said.

Councilman Ron Brinson's district includes a portion of Dorchester County, a section of North Charleston that has grown rapidly and seen increased traffic over the years. Brinson has long been getting complaints from residents on that side of town.

He said he gets "multiple emails each day" from constituents complaining about fast drivers.

City officials also see this as a safety mechanism that will help take the burden off law enforcement, a department that is already seeing a shortage.

North Charleston Police Department is short about 30 officers, city officials reported at the April 16 budget meeting.

"This is just a mechanism that is not a police officer writing a citation," Summey said.
The judge was posing only a hypothetical in Mr. Movassaghis case. There was no evidence presented by the police or by prosecutors that anyone became infected at his makeshift nightclub, let alone died.

Even in a city where at least two restaurants have brazenly broken lockdown restrictions during the pandemic, the actions of Mr. Movassaghi, who pleaded guilty, stood out.

The police began receiving complaints about large and loud parties at Mr. Movassaghis apartment, even though lockdown rules in British Columbia allowed people to entertain only one other person outside the household. No one, however, would open the door for officers who, among other things, observed one night the delivery of about 100 McDonalds hamburgers.

After they finally obtained a search warrant and got inside, the police found menus for Grannys Exotic Bar listing drinks priced from 26 Canadian dollars to 1,500 dollars for a bottle of liquor. A prosecutor told the court that lap dances were offered for 46 dollars.

The police fined people at the party a total of 17,000 dollars as they arrested Mr. Movassaghi.

Mr. Movassaghis lawyer and brother, Bobby Movassaghi, told the court that it was merely a party that had gotten out of hand after guests brought uninvited friends along.

Judge Gordon dismissed that argument, saying that when she hosts a party: I dont have stripper poles. I dont have chairs around for people to watch. I dont charge admission. I dont charge for liquor. I dont have point-of-sale devices attached to my cellular telephones.

(Bobby Movassaghi did not respond when asked for comment.)

As for Judge Gordons move into the realm of the hypothetical, Isabel Grant, a professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia, told me that its very unusual for a judge to comment on liability for a crime that was not before the court.
AB Klaipedos nafta (hereinafter - KN, the Company) announces the unaudited consolidated (hereinafter - the Group) and separate financial results for the three months ended 31 March 2021.

Revenue for the 3 months of 2021 of the Group and the Company are EUR 15.7 million and EUR 15.0 million respectively and is lower by 21.5% and 24.2% compared to the same period of 2020 (EUR 20.0 million and EUR 19.8 million respectively).

Net profit (loss) of the Group and the Company for the 3 months of 2021 amounts to EUR (9.1) million and EUR (9.2) million respectively and is EUR 8.7 million and EUR 8.9 million higher compared to the 3 months of 2020 (EUR (0.4) million and EUR (0.3) million respectively).

Adjusted net profit (loss) of the Group and the Company for the 3 months of 2021 amounts to EUR 0.04 million and EUR (0.09) million respectively and is lower by EUR 3.9 million and EUR 4.1 million compared to the same period of 2020 (EUR 3.9 million and EUR 4.0 million respectively).

EBITDA for the 3 months of 2021 of the Group and the Company amounts to EUR 7.3 million and EUR 7.0 million respectively and is lower by 39.2% and 41.2% compared to the same period of 2020 (EUR 12.0 million and EUR 12.1 million respectively).

Main financial indicators of the Group comparing 3 months of 2021 and 2020:

Financial results for 3 months of 2021 Change, compared to 3 months of 2020 Adjusted results for 3 months of 2021 Change, compared to 3 months of 2020 Revenue 15.7 million Eur - 21.5% 15.7 million Eur - 21.5% Net profit - 9.1 million Eur - 8.7 million Eur 0.04 million Eur - 3.9 million Eur EBITDA 7.3 million Eur - 39.2% 7.3 million Eur - 39.2%

Management comment:

During 3 months of 2021, the same as during 2020, the Group's and the Company's net profit was significantly affected by fluctuations of unrealized currency exchange rates. The unrealized impact of exchange rates arose from the 1st January of 2019 under the requirements of IFRS 16 "Lease", which indicated the Company to capitalise finance lease obligations and the major part of them is denominated in US dollars. Whereas all US dollar denominated lease liabilities relate to LNG terminal, the effect of unrealized exchange rate is reflected in the regulated segment.

Regulated LNG activities revenue for 3 months of 2021 is EUR 8.9 million and is lower by EUR 2.5 million or 21.9% compared to the same period of 2020 (EUR 11.4 million). The main reasons for the lower revenue are due to lower regasification volumes, compared to the same period in 2020, and because of proportionate reduction of security supplement in 2021, based on the surplus of LNG return from the period 2014-2019, which was established for the regulated activities of the Company, and is equal to EUR 1.9 million.

Revenue from commercial LNG activities for the three months of 2021 is EUR 1.4 million and is higher by 40,0% compared to the same period in 2020 (EUR 1.0 million). Commercial LNG activities consist of business development projects including LNG terminal operator services provided at the Port of Acu terminal in Brazil and LNG reloading station in Klaipeda.

Revenue from oil terminals for the three months of 2021 is lower by EUR 2.1 million compared to the same period in 2020. Ongoing restrictions in European countries due to COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect volumes of oil product handled via KN oil terminal during Q1 of 2021. In December 2020, the client of the company BNK (UK) Limited has informed about the temporary suspension of oil products sales through Klaipeda. In the first quarter, BNK completed the handling of oil products, which were loaded through the KN oil terminal based on sales contracts before transshipment suspension through the port of Klaipeda. During three months of 2021, KN offered to market participants spare terminal capacities for handling other products and services, the Company rented part of the available capacities for gasoline and ethanol storage as well as extended cooperation for biofuel handling in 2021.

Enclosed:

Condensed Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements of AB Klaipedos nafta for the 3 months period ended 31 March 2021. Presentation of the unaudited financial results of the Group for the 3 months period of 2021.





Jonas Lenksas, Chief Financial Officer, +370 694 80594.





Attachments
A Minnesota six-year-old with no underlying conditions died this week from complications of coronavirus.

Week Day, a first-grader at Parkside Elementary in Marshall in southwestern Minnesota died on Sunday in a Sioux Falls hospital after battling COVID.

In an obituary, Day was described as a 'lively girl who loved the color pink' and 'singing songs and dancing' to entertain her family.

Day immigrated to Minnesota from a refugee camp in Thailand with her parents in December 2015 when she was just a year old.



The first-grader was 'loved by her classmates and teacher,' who remember her as a 'sweet girl who enjoyed school and appreciated her studies and sought to learn about the world around her,' the six-year-old's obituary read.

Six-year-old Week Day died in a Sioux Falls hospital from COVID-19 complications

Six-year-old Week Day was a first grader at Parkside Elementary in Marshall in southwestern Minnesota

Day's death marks a rare occurrence of a child dying due to COVID.

Most children who become infected with COVID develop no symptoms or milder symptoms.

Children also have been found to contribute less to the spread of the virus, a Harvard Medical School report found.

In a statement, the Minnesota Department of Health said they were 'deeply saddened' to confirm the six-year-old's death.

'While COVID-related deaths in children are rare, they can occur even in otherwise healthy children,' the statement said.

Since the start of the pandemic, three Minnesota children under age 18 have died due to COVID-19, the department confirmed.

The department added that since children under 16 are not yet eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the best approach to keep children safe is 'to make sure those around them who can get vaccinated do get vaccinated, and that we continue to follow those measures that prevent transmission of the virus.'

A total of 575,193 people have died from coronavirus in the U.S. as of April 29. 32,288,764 total cases have been confirmed in the United States

As of April 28, less than 1,000 people per day are dying as a result of COVID in the U.S. A total of 575,193 people have died in the United States due to COVID

Following the news of Day's death, Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Williams told parents that classes in the district will continue to be held in person, Marshall Independent reported.

Williams said schools will continue to follow CDC and Minnesota Department of Health protocols safety measures including wearing face coverings, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and watching for COVID symptoms, he said.

'I recognize this is scary and concerning for many. We encourage you to continue to watch your students for any signs of COVID,' Williams said in the letter.

Williams told parents that crisis team members will be available to help support students and asked teachers to be on the lookout for students exhibiting COVID symptoms.

The Marshall Public Schools' online COVID-19 dashboard showed that 35 students from Park Side were quarantining due to close contact and that two students from Parkside tested positive for COVID.

As of April 22, over 3.71 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic in the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics reported.

Children dying from COVID is incredibly rare, making up just 0.00%-0.19% of all COVID-19 deaths, the American Academy of Pediatrics reported.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said Days death was' simply heartbreaking,' while Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller said that Minnesotans need to continue to be on alert as the pandemic is not over.

'This sadly reinforces that the pandemic is not over and the precautions that we are taking are not just for our own safety, but for all Minnesotans  including our youngest students who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. We must finish out the school year strong.' Mueller said in a statement.
Rev. Lee Dong-hwan, the pastor of Glory Jeil Church in Suwon who was suspended from duty after holding a "blessing prayer" at the 2019 Queer Culture Festival in Incheon, poses during an interview at The Korea Times office in Seoul, April 23. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



By Park Ji-won



Instead of delivering sermons and rubbing shoulders with his congregation, Rev. Lee Dong-hwan, a Methodist pastor in Suwon south of Seoul, spends most of his time these days discussing legal plans with his attorney and strategizing with a group of activists who banded together to support him.



Lee has been accused by the Korean Methodist Church (KMC) of disobedience and an ecclesiastical tribunal upheld that allegation, suspending him from being a pastor for two years. His crime: holding a blessing prayer at the Queer Culture Festival in the western port city of Incheon two years ago.



"If holding a blessing prayer for sexual minorities can be a punishable sin, why doesn't the church punish those pastors who blessed Chun Doo-hwan, who was behind the May 18 massacre? Why doesn't the church punish a male pastor who raped many female churchgoers? I don't think blessing can be a sin in any case," Lee, pastor of Glory Jeil Church in Suwon, told The Korea Times in an interview, Friday.



The Korea Times interviewed Lee to ask about the Korean church and its disciplinary process, his own beliefs and sexual minority issues.



Lee was referring to the Gwangju pro-democracy uprising in 1980 in which soldiers fired on protesters leaving an estimated 600 people dead.



The 41-year-old pastor has found himself in conflict with his denomination, the KMC. At the first tribunal, it found Lee guilty of "supporting and agreeing with homosexuality" by attending the festival held on Aug. 31, 2019, and holding a blessing prayer for the people there while wearing his religious robe. Such an act is a punishable offense based on the church's Book of Doctrines and Discipline according to the KMC. Lee, however, has been claiming that offering blessings is a pastor's duty and cannot be a sin.



On Oct. 15, the tribunal ended up suspending Lee of his duty for two years, which is the third-highest punishment in a five-tier system, for violating the regulation on homosexuality. He has filed an appeal and is waiting for a date to be set for it.





Rev. Lee Dong-hwan gives a prayer of blessing for the LGBTQ community at the Queer Culture Festival in Incheon, Aug. 31, 2019. Courtesy of Joopeter



"I didn't expect the blessing prayer for sexual minorities could be an issue because it is just a pastor's job to bless someone. I was a little bit hesitant at first when I was asked to do it because I knew rules were created by the denomination regulating homosexuality in 2015, but I accepted the proposal since one of my churchgoers was a sexual minority and I have been blessing the person many times. So I didn't see a huge difference between blessing the person in my church or at the festival," he said.



At the festival, he scattered flower petals while showing solidarity with the other attendees. He said, "The world will change when you and I join hands at the moment. I oppose the stigma, hatred, discrimination and exclusion against sexual minorities and other minorities in society," according to a document submitted to the tribunal.



It has become the first church tribunal against someone for blessing sexual minorities in Korea. It also drew huge media attention amid an ongoing debate on an anti-discrimination legislation movement initiated last year by the progressive Justice Party which aims to pass the bill banning all types of discrimination including on the basis of sexual orientation. The bill has not been passed yet, as Christian groups largely oppose the details of the proposed law and most Protestant churches oppose it citing the fact that it affirms homosexuality.



Anti-gay rule



The KMC, which is considered one of the largest Protestant church groups here, had been largely categorized as centrist or liberal for many years as they have been raising voices on many social issues. However, in terms of homosexuality, the denomination took a conservative stance by adding some rules to its Book of Doctrines and Discipline in 2015, stipulating that one can be punished for agreeing with or supporting gambling or homosexuality, or violating drug laws. The initiative was the first of its kind in Korea, leading other denominations to take similar steps.



But Lee, who had considered himself to be just an ordinary conservative pastor who saw homosexuality as a sin, grew to believe that sexual orientation is something people are born with and cannot be "fixed" by any kind of conversion therapy.



His perceptions shifted in 2015 after a member of his congregation came out to him as a sexual minority. The confession put him in agony but it didn't take long for him to come to the conclusion that homosexuality cannot be a sin and that sexual minorities are God's children who are vulnerable in society, and that Jesus would have stood with them.



"When I was a young churchgoer, there was a crossdresser in my church. He was an outsider. When he approached me, I just ran away. I was full of prejudice, thinking homosexuality was a sin and teaching that to my churchgoers. But that prejudice was broken down when I actually met a sexual minority. After attending my church for about a year, one of my churchgoers came out to me. At first, it was hard to accept it because I have to reverse my long-held beliefs. So I looked over the Bible again and pored over psychological and medical research papers. I gradually came to see that people are born with a certain sexual orientation, which is made by God, and that cannot be altered even by conversion therapy."





The Bible / Korea Times photo by Han Jin-tak



He pointed out there are about seven parts in the Bible that mention homosexuality, but they are not opposing homosexuality itself but rape. "After studying the Bible, I realized that there was no concept of homosexuality as we know it today back when the Bible was written. The Bible prohibits rape made between male individuals and sexual intercourse between individuals who have different power in society like an adult and a minor. As we don't literally follow every word written in the Bible  for example, we don't make food and garments in the exact way the Bible instructs anymore  so the teachings should be interpreted differently according to the current situation. If that is the case, I want to question why homosexuality in the Bible should be literally applied in the present and suggest that we should talk about it."



He added, "People in the church community appear to have deep-rooted prejudice and hatred against homosexuality, but lesbians are not at all on the discussion table, and they despise gay males and especially the thought of anal sex. I think the Korean church strategically picked homosexuality as a common enemy to gather people together in the community as it has done with communists and Muslim refugees."





Rev. Lee Dong-hwan, the suspended pastor of Glory Jeil Church in Suwon, poses during an interview at The Korea Times office in Seoul, April 23. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Rev. Lee Dong-hwan, the suspended pastor of Glory Jeil Church in Suwon, speaks during an interview at The Korea Times office in Seoul, April 23. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



Conservative backlash



Given the fact that most Korean churches are outspoken against homosexuality, he has faced a huge backlash from them. Some Christians and pastors of the KMC released a statement asking the church tribunal to expel Lee, saying he mocked their faith by blessing homosexuality. Many people in the denomination even started to accuse him of being gay himself.



As soon as the tribunal proceeding started, Lee said he faced "unreasonable" demands. Many of his senior pastor colleagues started to pressure him to give up the case and urged him to say he was wrong about homosexuality. When he was asked by a member of the tribunal to write a statement about what happened, he wrote about his belief that he acted based on his religious faith, but others from the tribunal asked him to write a letter of oath pledging not to offer such blessings in the future and the tribunal would take the letter into consideration in its decision.



"At first, I was going to change my mind and write the letter for the church. But I wasn't able to do so to get out of trouble because I felt I hadn't done anything wrong based on law and my religious beliefs," he said. "If I wrote the letter, I thought I would not be able to preach and talk about God's love in front of my churchgoers where I know one who is a sexual minority."



He also mentioned the hearing was to be held behind closed doors without any witnesses, which is a rare practice.



"Based on the rules, we have the right to be judged in public. So, I boycotted the closed hearing and won the right to get a public hearing with two witnesses from my side. But a funny thing was the tribunal was like one team. The head of the judges had also been on the investigation committee, which is equivalent to having the police also serve as judges in court."





A group of supporters backing Rev. Lee Dong-hwan scatters flower petals in a show of protest of the tribunal ruling against Lee near the headquarters of the Korean Methodist Church in Seoul on June 24. Korea Times photo by Kwon Kyung-sung



But he was not alone. As the tribunal started its proceedings last June, an emergency committee for Rev. Lee Dong-hwan's tribunal was voluntarily made participated by lawyers, his colleagues and activists helping him with the proceedings and mental health.



He also received several letters of support. For example, the United Church of Canada sent a letter to the National Council of Churches in Korea on Jan. 19, expressing concerns over the decision by the Methodist tribunal and the punitive measures against Lee. "We have written directly to Rev. Lee to express our support for the decisions he made to serve and care for members of the Korean LGBT+ community," the Canadian church said in its statement. "We share his compassion for the community, whose people have suffered discrimination from society and now a Christian institution. The United Church of Canada believes that it behoves all Christians to follow the example of Jesus by caring for such oppressed as these, and that love expressed by Rev. Lee would be a part of the outworking of God's call upon any minister of the gospel."



He also won a special prize of the International Amnesty Media Award in March this year for contributing to society by showing conciliation and love despite the punishment from his denomination, according to the human rights organization.



But the incident caused a tremendous amount of stress and Lee ended up suffering multiple health problems including facial nerve paralysis. When asked why he keeps going, he said the actions of conservative Christians sabotaging the festival shocked him and made him guilty as a Christian.



"The sabotage by the so-called conservative Christians almost stopped the Queer Culture Festival. After the incident, many participants of the festival had to seek treatment citing psychological difficulties. When I watched the video of what happened later, I had to cry and shudder as it was so disastrous. I wasn't able to believe the fact that Christians who talk about love could do that. I felt guilty about everything."



In fact, the effects of discrimination on the mental health of sexual minorities has become a major social issue here. There have been a number of high-profile suicides of transgender people this year, including Korea's first transgender soldier Byun Hee-soo. Also, after the ruling against Lee in October, the member of his church who is a sexual minority became suicidal.



Lee stressed that he is trying not only to take a step toward protecting the socially vulnerable, but also make changes in the conservative church community and contribute to the betterment of society in the end.



"Some told me to just leave the Methodist Church and preach on my own and quit participating in a fight that I have no chance of winning. But I was proud of being part of the KMC and I thought this problem would remain in our community even if I quit the fight, while the sexual minorities will continue to suffer. They are suffering more than I am. Changing the Korean church would not be different from changing Korean society. Even though my effort may not make a huge difference, it may spark debate and lead to small changes in the community. So I don't know when I could stop, but I will not give up. If I lose in the church hearing, I will bring it to a civil court and fight until I can prove I was not wrong and that offering blessings is not a sin."



"The God I believe in doesn't discriminate against anyone. God's love is universal and equal regardless of race, gender, disability or education. As a person and pastor myself who believes in God's love and tries to follow the path of Jesus, I couldn't and cannot selectively show his love toward anyone even though the person is gay. Jesus always stood next to the poor, victims and patients and was crucified to death for that. The only thing I regret about the blessing in the Queer Culture Festival is the fact that I didn't smile. When I have the chance again, I will make a big smile."




Mumbai: Urvashi Rautela has donated 27 oxygen concentrators in Uttarakhand to help in the war against COVID. The actress made the contribution through Urvashi Rautela Foundation.

"I was born in Haridwar Uttarakhand. Several hospitals and health institutions across the nation's capital and other parts of the country are running out of oxygen supplies for patients suffering from COVID. I really wanted to do something to help out," she told IANS.

"There are patients suffering and their hard-earned money is being used for their treatments. So, we are doing everything to help," she said.

The actress urges others to help, too.

"I would request everyone to help India with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. I have the forethought to do much more in the future. I will continue to explore other relevant ways to help in saving lives and am committed to supporting the nation in this time of upheaval," she says.
Sister Jeanne Christensen, the last member of the Sisters of Mercy still working in Kansas City, packed up her electric blue Corolla and drove back to her hometown of Omaha last week, ending her orders service here after 134 years.

Kansas City women in particular have reason to thank her and all who came before her for that service. Because the sisters showed up for us, my sisters.

Theyve been doing that since the orders foundress, Catherine McAuley, spent her inheritance to open the first House of Mercy as a shelter and school for women and girls in Dublin in 1827. But their history in Kansas City began on Aug. 2, 1887, when Sr. Mary Agnes Dunne arrived from Kentucky to set up a home for young working women living on their own in what Sr. Kathleen OBrien, author of a history of the Sisters of Mercy, called this newly large and unscrupulous city.

Sister Mary Agnes Dunne, the first Sister of Mercy in Kansas City, who arrived here on Aug. 2, 1887, to open a home for working women.

The sisters also opened a family residence, St. Catherines Home, at 11th Street and Forest Avenue. They taught generations of Kansas City children in a number of different schools, and in the early years, sometimes slept in their classrooms, since the home for women at Sixth and Cherry was so crowded.

When Christensen moved here in 1967, just a year out of college, she taught, too, and lived over the store, so to speak, in a convent on top of St. Peters School.

Most of her career, though, has been in building affordable housing  and, its no exaggeration to say, building a fairer world.

Rehabbed East Side housing, worked with abuse victims

In 1985, she founded Mercy Housing K.C., which still develops and builds safe, affordable housing for families. I was the executive director, the grant writer, the everything, rehabbing housing on the East Side. When she worked with banks on financing, I was known as, Here comes Sister; she wants a deal.  On the side, she managed an eight-plex, to help pay for what I was doing.

The goal, as she always saw it, was for kids to be proud to get off the school bus in front of their homes. We had up to 90 families by the time I stopped a dozen years later. Yet with some 3,000 families on the waiting list for Section 8 housing, there was always another 90 families right behind them.

Story continues

Christensen also wanted to be part of constructing a safer and more equitable church. As peace and justice director for the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese under Bishop Raymond Boland, she spent four years as the victims advocate for 40 people whod been abused by clergy and one whose sibling had been abused and then had committed suicide.

This was 2000 through 2004, at the height of the first Catholic clergy abuse scandal. Out of all those we met, one was not credible; he wanted money. The pain of all the others was so real that you become like a secondary victim, and learn to cope with that.

Then, in 2005, Boland retired and I think you know the story of Bishop Finn, who replaced him. No way I could continue to run the Office of Peace and Justice with integrity under Bishop Finn, who cut the offices budget in half during his first week on the job and was very destructive of her work with victims. I dont feel I could work in an institutional system that I felt was acting unjustly, she told The National Catholic Reporter at the time. Amen, Sister.

Unfortunately, I do know of Bishop Robert Finn, whose incompetence was eventually eclipsed by his vicious legal campaign against abuse victims. Later, he became the only American bishop to be convicted of failing to report a priest suspected of child sex abuse to authorities.

After walking away ahead of that explosion, from which the diocese is still recovering, Christensen went to work for the justice team of her order, working against racism and for nonviolence, immigrants, the environment and womens rightful place in the Catholic Church and in society.

And finally, in recent years, Christensen co-founded U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking, a nonprofit that employs a paid staff of the young laywomen Christensen sees as her successors.

We rescued Mary. Shes now on my balcony.

For the last 18 months, I was the last one in Kansas City, and I left because I was the last Sister of Mercy in town. I didnt join the community to be by myself.

Sister Jeanne Christensen and a friend rescued this statue of the Virgin Mary from the abandoned former Kansas City home of the Sisters of Mercy convent and St. Agnes Academy.

So shes just moved back into the Sisters of Mercy West Midwests motherhouse  into one of the orders three Omaha apartment buildings on the home campus of its central office, actually, where on every floor there are common rooms for prayer and potlucks. At 77, shes not retiring, but will keep doing her anti-trafficking advocacy from there.

Looking back on it all  from the many Why did you join? questions that later gave way to, Why did you stay? when many others did not  she says what few people anywhere can: I was talking to a novice via Zoom and I said I have no regrets. None. I am part of the last chapter in Kansas City, but the Book of Mercy is not closed. The epilogue is our legacy, the people we served.

Before leaving town, she and a friend stopped at the groups former convent, also the home of St. Agnes Academy, which had long since been sold, emptied and vandalized, and loaded the abandoned statue of the Virgin Mary that still stood out front into the hatchback, too. We rescued Mary. Shes now on my balcony in Omaha.

There has always, and I say this with admiration, been a little outlaw in the Sisters of Mercy. Without that, they would never have shown up here in the first place.
Scott Morrison has been accused of failing to establish stronger quarantine hubs to prevent coronavirus leaks and slammed for his delay in assisting thousands of stranded Australians in Covid-ravaged India.

Speaking on The Today Show on Friday morning, Richard Marles, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, was highly critical of the federal government.

Mr Marles declared quarantine hotels in Australia are 'not fit for purpose' in a tense exchange with Defence Minister Peter Dutton.

He also claimed the federal government has shirked its constitutional responsibility for quarantine.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Richard Marles (pictured) declared quarantine hotels in Australia are currently 'not fit for purpose'

The tense exchange between Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and Richard Marles was played out live on The Today Show on Friday morning

'(The) hotels are not fit for purpose,' he told the Nine Network.

'Quarantine is the government's job. The federal government's job. They have had advice from the middle of last year that they should have purpose-built facilities to deal with quarantine.

'[Quarantine] leaks have caused major state capitals to be shut down at huge economic cost.'

Mr Marles went onto spruik the proposed quarantine facility on Melbourne's northern fringe, catering for international arrivals on federal land in Mickleham.

The 500-bed quarantine centre will require $200million in federal funding with the state government prepared to allocate $15million for design and planning.

Mr Dutton indicated the federal government has no plans to back the ambitious project, which was announced by acting Victorian Premier James Merlino on Thursday.

'I have seen some political smoke and mirrors over my time and I think this is right at the top of the list,' Mr Dutton fired back on the Today Show.

'This is a $15 million generous donation from the Victorian government to do the planning for a $700 million bill that they want the Commonwealth to pick up.'

Peter Dutton (pictured) is adamant hotel quarantine is 'working well' in Australia despite a 'few blips'

Apart from a few 'small blips' which have resulted in state wide lockdowns in Victoria and Western Australia, Mr Dutton was also adamant hotel quarantine is 'working well.'

'They [hotels] are able to be scaled up,' he said. 'It gives us the ability to bring people in, quarantine them and send them back home to get on with their lives.

'We have now had half a million people who have come back from overseas for different reasons and it's working.'

Ongoing quarantine arrangements will remain high on national cabinet's agenda when Scott Morrison meets with premiers and chief ministers on Friday.

The federal government maintains hotels are the preferred option to facilitate overseas guests and returning residents - despite state pleas to set up purpose-built facilities.
The ambitious goal of getting to net zero emissions of carbon dioxide is a target that will require significant economic changes around the world.

In the United States, the Biden administration has already begun arguing that the fight against climate change can bring other benefits  jobs and new technologies, for example, or reduced waste of resources  in what amounts to a circular approach that attempts to link climate efforts to other economic benefits.

As part of our continuing series of virtual events addressing climate change, Netting Zero, watch Andrew Ross Sorkin, leading business columnist and founder and editor-at-large of DealBook, and industry experts in the video above as they explore this timely topic.

Here are the session details:
NEW YORK and PERTH, Australia, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PYC Therapeutics (ASX: PYC), a biotechnology company developing a new generation of precision RNA therapeutics to change the lives of patients with inherited diseases, today announced a first quarter update highlighting the progress of its development pipeline, growth of its U.S. operations and upcoming milestones.

"PYC has had an exciting quarter of progress against our Company objectives. We have achieved continued validation of our PPMO technology in our lead candidate VP-001 for retinitis pigmentosa type 11, further development of our ocular pipeline as well as PYC's first set of preclinical data from our CNS discovery efforts demonstrating superior delivery of RNA therapeutic throughout the brain and spinal cord. The potential of our pioneering PPMO technology is vast and we look forward to advancing this technology to provide solutions for patients with inherited ocular and neurodegenerative diseases for whom treatment options are either limited or unavailable today," said Sahm Nasseri, U.S. Chief Executive Officer of PYC Therapeutics. "This quarter, we also expanded our U.S. operations with key leadership appointments and engagements with the U.S. biotech ecosystem, underscoring the significant steps we are taking towards our transformational goal of becoming a multi-asset clinical stage biotechnology company. PYC is well positioned to maintain this momentum into the second quarter of 2021 with important larger animal studies commencing for VP-001, deeper development of VP-002 and into the balance of 2021 with continued development of our pipeline in both the eye and the CNS."

"This is a transformational time for PYC. For some time, we've had significant excitement in our PPMO technology's potential for impact in treating numerous genetic and acquired diseases and it's truly humbling to see that excitement being translated into results through both our lead program development, and our technology's continued validation," commented Alan Tribe, Chairman of PYC Therapeutics.

Recent Achievements

Inherited Ocular Diseases:

Demonstrated key functional improvement in patient-derived models for VP-001, PYC's lead candidate for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa type 11 (RP11) , building further confidence that VP-001 will have meaningful clinical impact for patients. The Company announced preclinical results in March showing that VP-001 restored function of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the structure that provides the critical blood-retinal barrier in healthy eyes and is compromised in patients with RP11 . VP-001 is the first and only treatment to demonstrate restoration of this crucial barrier function in patient-derived models 1 , a critical readout that demonstrates correction of an underlying pathology in the disease, and one that differentiates VP-001 from adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivered DNA therapies. These results build on PYC's additional preclinical research last year demonstrating the effectiveness of VP-001 in preclinical models to upregulate PRPF31, the critical protein deficient in patients with RP11 . PYC expects to report results from important larger animal tolerability studies in the middle of 2021, with the goal of submitting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in mid 2022.



The Company announced preclinical results in March showing that VP-001 restored function of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the structure that provides the critical blood-retinal barrier in healthy eyes and is compromised in patients with . VP-001 is the first and only treatment to demonstrate restoration of this crucial barrier function in patient-derived models , a critical readout that demonstrates correction of an underlying pathology in the disease, and one that differentiates VP-001 from adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivered DNA therapies. These results build on PYC's additional preclinical research last year demonstrating the effectiveness of VP-001 in preclinical models to upregulate PRPF31, the critical protein deficient in patients with . PYC expects to report results from important larger animal tolerability studies in the middle of 2021, with the goal of submitting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in mid 2022. Progressed development of VP-002 for the treatment of autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA). There is currently no approved therapy for ADOA, a disease affecting approximately 30 thousand patients in the western world, with an estimated 9 to 16 thousand of which could potentially be addressable by VP-002 2 . PYC expects to report results from patient-derived models in the first half of 2021. These results when combined with the validation of PYC's PPMO technology in the eye, anticipated from VP-001's larger animal studies starting in late 1H 2021, will form a strong basis for the VP-002 program. The data being generated have the potential to enable a streamlined development and regulatory pathway for VP-002. PYC anticipates to share additional VP-002 efficacy and safety data across the balance of 2021.



There is currently no approved therapy for ADOA, a disease affecting approximately 30 thousand patients in the western world, with an estimated 9 to 16 thousand of which could potentially be addressable by VP-002 . PYC expects to report results from patient-derived models in the first half of 2021. These results when combined with the validation of PYC's PPMO technology in the eye, anticipated from VP-001's larger animal studies starting in late 1H 2021, will form a strong basis for the VP-002 program. The data being generated have the potential to enable a streamlined development and regulatory pathway for VP-002. PYC anticipates to share additional VP-002 efficacy and safety data across the balance of 2021. Advanced our ocular pipeline including proof of concept work with PYC-001 for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR). PYC is cultivating a rich pipeline of novel development candidates to address additional ocular diseases. The Company expects to unveil additional development candidates for the treatment of high unmet need ocular indications during 2021.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Diseases:

Demonstrated superior ability of PPMO technology to deliver high levels of RNA therapeutic throughout the brain. In April, PYC announced preclinical results demonstrating its PPMO technology has significant potential to provide therapies for patients with neurodegenerative diseases. This is an important expansion of the application of PYC's technology beyond the eye. The Company expects to nominate a candidate targeting a high unmet need neurodegenerative condition in 2021. Delivery is important for neurodegenerative disease medicines because insufficient depth of penetration and delivery to target cells has been a cause in preventing drugs from having a meaningful impact without causing significant toxicity. Superior delivery and a better short- and long-term safety profile in preclinical models for PYC's PPMOs could translate to a higher probability of clinical success and ultimately the creation of truly differentiated and meaningful medicines for CNS patients with significant unmet need. Over 50 million people globally suffer from a neurodegenerative disease, with over 3 million people suffering from rarer neurodegenerative disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Huntington's disease3. PYC's PPMO technology is uniquely placed to intervene meaningfully in the RNA dysregulation that characterizes many of these disease processes.

Corporate Initiatives:

Expanded U.S.-based management team, including independent Directors, with biopharma industry veterans with expertise in ocular, RNA and other therapeutic development. PYC appointed Glenn Noronha , PhD, as Chief Development Officer, joining the U.S.-based management team of Sahm Nasseri , U.S. CEO, and Kaggen Ausma, Chief Business Officer, who relocated to the U.S. in early 2021 from Perth . Dr. Noronha oversees PYC's translational clinical development, regulatory, manufacturing and preclinical development activities, laying the foundation for VP-001 to advance into the clinic and to initiate evaluation in patients with RP11 . PYC also appointed two U.S.-based Board Directors, Jason Haddock and Michael Rosenblatt , MD, who bring decades of combined experiences and integral knowledge in biotechnology clinical development and financial and commercial operations.



PYC appointed , PhD, as Chief Development Officer, joining the U.S.-based management team of , U.S. CEO, and Kaggen Ausma, Chief Business Officer, who relocated to the U.S. in early 2021 from . Dr. Noronha oversees PYC's translational clinical development, regulatory, manufacturing and preclinical development activities, laying the foundation for VP-001 to advance into the clinic and to initiate evaluation in patients with . PYC also appointed two U.S.-based Board Directors, and , MD, who bring decades of combined experiences and integral knowledge in biotechnology clinical development and financial and commercial operations. Continued to grow U.S. development capabilities and access to capital markets. A key enabler for PYC to unlock the full potential of its PPMO technology has been to deeply engage with the U.S. biotech ecosystem in order to access critical drug development capabilities and also to establish PYC as an RNA therapeutics leader amongst potential partners and sophisticated biotech focused investors. In the first quarter, PYC's management was invited to present alongside other industry leaders at several healthcare and investor conferences. The Company expects to establish a West Coast location for its U.S. corporate headquarters this year, which will complement the continued drug discovery and scientific research hub in Perth .



A key enabler for PYC to unlock the full potential of its PPMO technology has been to deeply engage with the U.S. biotech ecosystem in order to access critical drug development capabilities and also to establish PYC as an RNA therapeutics leader amongst potential partners and sophisticated biotech focused investors. In the first quarter, PYC's management was invited to present alongside other industry leaders at several healthcare and investor conferences. The Company expects to establish a West Coast location for its U.S. corporate headquarters this year, which will complement the continued drug discovery and scientific research hub in . Holds strong cash position to support program discovery and development and continued U.S. expansion. PYC ended March 2021 with $41 million in cash and cash equivalents. Based on its current operating plans, and considering the Australian R&D tax rebate, this provides the Company with a multi-year cash runway enabling a very strong foundation for execution of both Corporate and Program objectives.

"We continue to execute on the strategic goals we laid out to advance our transformation from an Australia-based discovery-focused organization into an Australia and U.S.-based multi-asset clinical stage biotechnology company," continued Mr. Nasseri, U.S. CEO of PYC. "We look forward to sharing continued progress this year, including achieving our preclinical data milestones for all three of our defined programs in ocular diseases and announcing our CNS candidate, as we further validate our PPMO technology platform across indications to develop treatments for patients with a range of significant unmet needs."

About PYC Therapeutics

PYC Therapeutics (ASX: PYC) is a development-stage biotechnology company pioneering a new generation of RNA therapeutics that utilize PYC's proprietary library of naturally derived cell penetrating peptides to overcome the major challenges of current genetic medicines. PYC believes its PPMO (Peptide conjugated Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomer) technology enables a safer and more effective RNA therapeutic to address the underlying drivers of a range of genetic diseases for which no treatment solutions exist today. The Company is leveraging its leading-edge science to develop a pipeline of novel therapies including three preclinical stage programs focused on inherited eye diseases and preclinical discovery efforts focused on neurodegenerative diseases. PYC's discovery and laboratory operations are located in Australia, and the Company recently launched an expansion into the U.S. for its preclinical, clinical, regulatory and corporate operations. For more information, visit pyctx.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Forward looking statements

Any forward-looking statements in this ASX announcement have been prepared on the basis of a number of assumptions which may prove incorrect and the current intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs about future events are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the Company's control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from assumptions or expectations expressed or implied in this ASX announcement include known and unknown risks. Because actual results could differ materially to assumptions made and the Company's current intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs about the future, you are urged to view all forward-looking statements contained in this ASX announcement with caution. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

1 Preclincial models for Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) delivered DNA therapies have not been demonstration in this in preclinical testing, See Brydon EM, Bronstein R, Buskin A, Lako M, Pierce EA, Fernandez-Godino R. AAV-Mediated Gene Augmentation Therapy Restores Critical Functions in Mutant PRPF31+/- iPSC-Derived RPE Cells. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev. 2019 Nov 11;15:392-402.

2 Yu-Wai-Man P, et al. The prevalence and natural history of dominant optic atrophy due to OPA1 mutations. Ophthalmology. 2010 Aug;117(8):1538-46, 1546.e1; Lenaers G, Hamel C, Delettre C, et al. Dominant optic atrophy. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2012;7:46. Published 2012 Jul 9. 6

3 GBD 2016 Neurology Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of neurological disorders, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Lancet Neurol. 2019 Parkinson included in 'rarer disease' to distinguish from Alzheimer's.

CONTACTS:



INVESTORS

Deborah Elson/Matthew DeYoung

Argot Partners

[email protected]

[email protected]

MEDIA

Leo Vartorella

Argot Partners

[email protected]



SOURCE PYC Therapeutics

Related Links

https://pyctx.com/


[April 30, 2021] Bounteous Named Most Innovative Company of the Year in 2021 American Business Awards

Bounteous, a leading digital experience consultancy that co-innovates with the world's most ambitious brands to create transformative digital experiences, was named the winner of a Silver Stevie Award in the Most Innovative Company of the Year category in the 19th Annual American Business Awards (ABA) today. "At Bounteous, our mission is to help our clients compete and win digitally," said Keith Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of Bounteous. "We do that by forming co-innovation partnerships that boost our client's digital maturity and strengthen the essential pillars of talent, methods, data, and technology. This award is validation that our co-innovation enablement model is uniquely solving the critical challenges our customers face." This is the eighth time the company has been honored by the American Business Awards. Bounteous took home multiple Stevie awards for the ABA's Sales and Customer Service and Marketing Department of the Year in 2020. "The American economy continues to show its resilience, and as we're poised on the beginning of what should be a phenomenal period of growth, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of a wide range of organizations and people over the past 18 months," said Stevie Awards president Maggie Gallagher. "This year's Stevie-winning nominations in The American Business Awards are testament to the ingenuity, the commitment, the passion, the adaptability, and the creativity of the American people." The American Business Awards are the premier business awads program in the country, honoring organizations and individuals in every aspect of work-life from customer service and management to public relations and product development. More than 3,800 nominations-a record number-were reviewed in the judging process this year by 250 professionals worldwide, whose average scores determined the winners.



Bounteous will be celebrated during the ABAs' virtual awards ceremony on Wednesday, June 30. Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2021 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA. About Bounteous

Founded in 2003 in Chicago, Bounteous creates big-picture digital solutions that help leading companies deliver transformational digital brand experiences. With expertise in Strategy, Experience Design, Solutions Engineering, Analytics, and Marketing, Bounteous forms co-innovation partnerships with clients to envision, design, and build their digital futures. For more information, please visit www.bounteous.com. For more information about co-innovation, download the Co-Innovation Manifesto at co-innovation.com. For the most up-to-date news, follow Bounteous on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. The Stevies also produce the annual Women|Future Conference. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005444/en/

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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Its going to be a year of big spending for Santa Fe, after city councilors approved the fiscal year 2022 budget late Wednesday night.

The councils unanimous approval came after hours of debate, both Wednesday night and during a series of budget hearings this month, during which city officials explained plans to increase spending in several areas.

That includes an allotted $347.3 million total for expenditures across all funds, an increase of 11% compared with the previous fiscal year, with increased investments across several departments.

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Councilor Roman Abeyta, who heads the Finance Committee, said the pandemic presented challenges for creating a budget, such as conducting meetings online, but that he was happy with the final product.

Ive never had to do it under these circumstances, Abeyta said, later applauding city staff for putting it together. Its realistic, its optimistic.

City officials said the budget seeks to undo much of the austerity implemented last year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which tanked revenues as Santa Fes hospitality industry suddenly came to a halt.

Part of that is unfreezing 58 city positions, pay raises for some employees and department heads, and the city covering health care premiums for employees.

While the budget reflects a sense of optimism in the citys finances, some councilors expressed plenty of concerns.

Union officials with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3999, which represents about half of the citys workforce, complained their workers would not receive an across-the-board raise like other employees.

Union employees, rather, will receive a pool of money and negotiate with the city on where and how those funds are spent. The city maintains the sum is equivalent to a 4% raise.

Councilor JoAnne Vigil Coppler addressed multiple concerns during Wednesday nights meeting and criticized the city for making it seem as though union employees were receiving an across-the-board raise.

If we meant something else, we should have said something else, Vigil Coppler said.

City Manager Jarel LaPan Hill said the citys messaging was consistent, but that she can understand why there was confusion.

Councilor Michael Garcia said the budget relies too heavily on cash reserves  around $10 million across all funds  and that it fails to account for a potential virus spike that could damage the local economy.

I do believe that were being fiscally irresponsible in the sense of dipping into our reserves the way we are, Garcia said. If it wasnt for entities like the federal government or state government, we would still be climbing out of the hole.

He also criticized the budget for not anticipating a settlement with AFSCME over violations made while furloughing employees at the onset of the pandemic.

Some of the most discussed aspects of the budget, such as the city covering increases in health premiums, are being paid for out of cash reserves, Senior Budget Officer Andy Hopkins said. He added, though, that an emergency like the pandemic warrants governments to utilize reserves when necessary.

The budget does not include the $15 million the city expects to receive from the American Rescue Plan; officials have said adjustments will be made once the city receives the funds.
WASHINGTON  When word spread about President Joe Biden's proposed tax increases in the American Families Plan, tax preparers and financial planners in New York immediately started sending notes to their wealthy clients advising them about what could be coming.

If Congress approves Biden's tax increases, New Yorks wealthiest residents could pay more than half their income in state and federal income taxes and more than half their profits on investments in combined capital gains taxes. Roughly 1.4 percent of New York taxpayers could face the higher income tax rates, according to a Times Union analysis.

Federal tax increases on the wealthy are also expected to impact more people in states like New York than other parts of the country. The burden on this small, rich group will be high  especially when combined with increasing state tax rates.

"Wealthier folks are often concentrated in coastal states that are very heavily urbanized," said Garrett Watson, senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation. "I'm sure there are people in Oklahoma and Arkansas and Kansas who will be hit, but it's just less so per capita."

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo already approved income tax hikes on earners making more than $1.1 million in annual income in his state budget signed April 19. He raised the personal income tax rate to 9.65 percent from 8.82 percent for individuals making over $1.1 million, and created two temporary new tax brackets: 10.3 percent for income between $5 million and $25 million, and 10.9 percent for income over $25 million. The changes will take effect for 2021 tax filings.

The surcharges are expected to raise $2.8 billion for the state in fiscal year 2022, rising to $3.3 billion in fiscal year 2023, said James Gazzale, a spokesman for the state Department of Taxation and Finance.

Now, Biden is pushing Congress to up taxes on the rich to fund new federal investments in education and child care, as well as tax cuts for families.

Biden has proposed raising the top income tax rate from 37 percent to 39.6 percent for people making more than about $525,000  the rate it was prior to passage of Republicans 2017 tax law. Hes also proposed almost doubling the federal long-term capital gains tax for people of high incomes and other changes that could result in increases for private equity and real estate investors and people looking to pass high-value stock on to their heirs.

Bidens proposal would result in a combined state and federal income tax of 49.25 percent for people making $1 million or more in annual income, 49.9 percent for people who are making $5 million to $25 million, and 50.5 percent for people making over $25 million, Watson said.

Biden also plans to tax similar income capital gains on investments held for at least one year  bumping the rate up from 20 percent to his proposed 39.6 percent for households earning more than $1 million annually. That would create a combined capital gains tax rate in New York of 54.3 percent, the second highest rate in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation.

Wealthy residents of New York City would face additional local levies on their income, pushing rates there to the highest in the U.S.

In 2018, the year for which the most recent state data is available, 111,647 New York filers paid taxes on personal income of more than $1 million. That's about 1.4 percent of all taxpayers in the state.

"It's fair to say most of the people impacted by these tax law changes are going to be from Westchester County south down into New York City," said John Gigliello, a certified financial planner at Albany Financial Group.

Biden's proposals need approval from Congress where they face significant opposition from Republicans, but are winning support among Democrats who support his $1.8 trillion American Families Plan.

"I support having a fair payment mechanism and if as the president indicates, there has been a lot of growth in wealth for some and the great masses have had a struggle, I think he is very right when he says let's grow our economy from the middle out," U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko said.

The American Families Plan would fund two years of free community college and free universal preschool for three and four years olds, while making other investments in teachers and establishing a national paid family and medical leave system.

It also includes tax cuts for middle- and lower-income Americans. It would make the earned income tax credit for childless workers permanent, offer parents a $3,000 per child payment through 2025 through the child tax credit, permanently increase tax credits for parents paying for child care and continue an expanded benefit to help people pay for health care premiums.

Many Americans have already felt tax relief from the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress in March from the $1,400 stimulus checks, which were technically a tax credit.

In his address to the joint session of Congress Wednesday, Biden said it was an economic and moral imperative to make these investments in families and insisted spending on education would bring enormous returns to the nation. He has repeatedly promised not to increase taxes on individuals making less than $400,000, but said he's willing to compromise on other ideas.

New York Democrats are pushing hard to repeal the state and local tax deduction cap, now set at $10,000, so their residents can deduct more of their high state taxes from their federal bill. If that's repealed or the cap is raised, it could mean some relief for high-income earners and some middle class families. But it also would decrease federal revenues.

Biden has also proposed the $2.2 trillion American Jobs Plans, which would fund large investments in transportation, broadband, water systems and green energy, funded by tax increases on corporations.

Biden's tax proposals generally reverse the 2017 Republican tax law, while increasing tax enforcement on the wealthy, in order to grow federal investment in infrastructure and education. Biden said the trillions in spending he's proposed will stimulate the economy as the nation recovers from the deadly coronavirus pandemic and create jobs after a year of devastating unemployment.

Tony Cirone, partner at CironeFriedberg, LLP, which provides tax services to businesses and corporate executives in Connecticut and Westchester County, worried that some businesses would curb hiring in the wake of the tax increases.

If the taxes continue to grow or continue to increase it doesnt leave the cash flow for the ability to grow, the ability to hire," he said. "It really does trickle down.

Some fear the policies will cause more people to move away from high-tax states like New York. From 2010 to 2020, the state saw more out-migration than in, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

"Any of one of these tax changes is very unlikely to provide a big enough bite to influence behavior that's noticeable, but they are additive," said Watson. "So we do want to be mindful of that especially as folks during the pandemic are really using this as an opportunity to rethink where they live and alternative places to work."

Tax advisers and financial planners are starting to talk to their clients now about Biden's proposed changes and consider how they could shift their assets to minimize the forthcoming tax bills.

"When the news first came out, I actually sent a piece out to all of our clients," said Thomas Arcidiacono, partner and vice president at Albany Wealth Group. "It will make tax planning that much more important.

Multiple tax planners the Times Union interviewed said they might advise clients to sell long-term capital gains now to avoid higher taxes later, if Biden's plan appears likely to pass in the coming months.
New Delhi, April 30 : Aerospace giant Boeing on Friday announced a $10 million emergency assistance package for India to support the country's response to the current surge in Covid-19 cases.

According to the company, the assistance will be directed to organisations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling Covid-19.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has devastated communities across the globe, and our hearts go out to our friends in India who are going through a very difficult time. Boeing is a global citizen, and in India, we are directing our pandemic response to the communities most impacted by this recent surge of cases," The Boeing Company President and CEO Dave Calhoun said.

Besides, Boeing employees also have an opportunity to donate personally to charitable organisations supporting Covid-19 relief in India.

As part of the 'Boeing Gift Match' programme, the company will match monetary donations dollar for dollar, extending the reach of assistance being provided to the Indian people.

"Boeing not only stands in solidarity with the Indian people in their effort to confront this pandemic, we will be a part of the solution," added Calhoun.

"We will continue to monitor the pandemic response in India and work to support our employees, customers, and partners through this crisis." At present, the Boeing team in India totals 3,000 employees, in addition to local customers, suppliers, and business partners.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Half of Texans 18 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, inching the state closer to herd immunity against the coronavirus.

A Houston Chronicle analysis of federal data shows 10.9 million people in Texas who are 18 and older have been injected with at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The 50 percent milestone comes four months after the Texas Department of State Health Services opened vaccine eligibility to the phase 1B group, or those 65 and older or with chronic health conditions.
Millions of employees have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has pushed India into an economic slowdown. To provide some relief in these tough times, Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has decided to offer an unemployment allowance to employees registered with the scheme.

ESIC said, 'Even if the employee is non-present for 90 days during treatment, he can claim salary under sickness benefit benefits. He can get paid at the rate of 70 per cent of salary every day.

If an employee comes under the purview of the Employees State Insurance Corporation, he/she can avail unemployment allowances under the Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana for two years even if the company he/she is working for shuts down.

Employees can also avail financial assistance for three months under the Atal Insured Person Welfare Scheme. Employees can benefit from the proposition by visiting ESICs official website.

The Employees State Insurance Corporation said that if an employee succumbs to Covid-19 then the organisation will provide Rs 15,000 to their families for last rites. In case, if the employee is unable to work due to getting infected, then ESIC will continue to provide the salary.

It is also offering other facilities including free healthcare facilities to the workers and their families and partial salary. The state-run organisation said that employees or their families who are fighting the virus will get free treatment in hospitals. If the employee is treated in a private hospital, the entire amount of the expenses will be refunded, ESIC assured.

Employees State Insurance Scheme is a security scheme for employees receiving less salary in private and government organisations. Under ESIC, employees working in the organised sector are offered financial help in disability, death etc.

ESIC has 21 hospitals operating in the country. Out of which 3,686 covid beds are currently available. These hospitals have 229 ICU beds and 163 ventilators.

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[April 30, 2021] The Pandemic Within a Pandemic: Organizations Provide Life-Saving Services Amid Increase of Domestic Violence During COVID-19

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a devastating increase in domestic violence surged across the United States. This pandemic within a pandemic stretched domestic violence shelters to the limits with women and children experiencing unspeakable abuse. In an effort to prevent and end domestic violence exacerbated by COVID-19-and to recognize National Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month-The Mary Kay FoundationSM awarded $25,000 to four North Texas domestic violence shelters: Hope's Door New Beginning Center, Genesis Women's Shelter & Support, Denton County Friends of the Family and The Family Place. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005495/en/ The Mary Kay Foundation? awarded grants totaling $100,000 to support domestic violence frontline workers - the first responders for women and children. (Graphic: Mary Kay Inc.) As a longtime artner of North Texas domestic violence organizations, the Foundation awarded the grants totaling $100,000 to support domestic violence frontline workers - the first responders for women and children. While each shelter experienced different rates of increased need for services, the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice reported that domestic violence incidents increased by 8.1% overall across the U.S. after pandemic lockdown orders.



"A pandemic within a pandemic - that is the only way to describe the devastating and staggering increase in domestic violence this past year. Referrals to our shelter increased by 60% in 2020 and our legal services saw an increase of 109%," said Toni Johnson-Simpson, Executive Director for Denton County Friends of the Family. "It is difficult to put into words the truly desperate and heartbreaking crisis our clients are in when they walk through our doors. For so many, they have sacrificed everything to make it here and may have literally put their lives on the line to get help for themselves and their children." The COVID-19 pandemic created a wide-ranging host of challenges for domestic violence shelters in the U.S. and around the world. It forced organizations to pivot services while navigating the rapidly changing situation from country to country. For all shelters regardless of location, it required diligently working to devise organization-wide protocols to stay open and ready to serve women and children in need.

"Now more than ever, the domestic violence shelters in our community need our support during this unprecedented and challenging time in history," said Anne Crews, Vice President of Public Affairs at Mary Kay Inc. and a Board Member of The Mary Kay FoundationSM. "It is imperative to support the first responders who are working tirelessly to help survivors and families during this ongoing pandemic." In an effort to expand a global commitment to eradicate gender-based domestic violence, Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay FoundationSM joined forces with the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UN Trust Fund) and CARE USA, a humanitarian global leader. UN Women has continued to raise awareness of the alarming increase of violence against women during COVID-19 and its lasting consequences. Since 2000, 3,300 organizations advocating for eradicating gender-based violence have received grants from The Mary Kay Foundation, totaling over $58 million. The Mary Kay Foundation has supported over six million women and girls seeking shelter and services free from abuse. For more information, visit marykayfoundation.org. About The Mary Kay FoundationSM Guided by Mary Kay Ash's dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, The Mary Kay FoundationSM raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research to find a cure for women-related cancers and ending domestic violence against women. Since 1996, The Mary Kay FoundationSM has contributed more than $80 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer and donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayfoundation.org, find us on Facebook and Instagram, or follow us on Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005495/en/

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Raigad/Mumbai, April 30 : Sparking a mega health scare, at least 90 Covid-19 patients in Maharashtra's Raigad district, who were administered Remdesivir doses of a particular brand, developed severe side-effects following which the state government has imposed a temporary suspension on its use here, FDA Minister Rajendra Shingane said.

"The incident took place on Thursday in around three hospitals in the district. The patients who were administered Remdesivir manufactured by the company Hetero Drugs had complained of side-effects," Shingane told IANS.

The shocking incident came to light when some patients developed chills, drop in blood pressure, fall in SPU count, varying degrees of fever or other health issues in various hospitals.

Releasing a video-statement, Raigad Collector Nidhi Choudhari said that following complaints from patients in different hospitals, the district health authorities acted on them immediately.

"On Wednesday, we had received around 510 vials of Remdesivir whch were distributed among various hospitals for the patients. After the complaints of patients developing several side-effects, we acted immediately and stopped the use of all the doses," said Choudhari.

"The situation is under control and the condition of all the patients is stable now. There is no cause for worry," the Collector assured.

A district official said that out of a particular Hetero batch of its Rendesivir brand 'Covifor' injection, 130 patients were given the doses out of which a staggering 90 reported the side-effects, shaking the already-stressed local medical authorities.

On learning of the matter, the FDA authorities in Mumbai immediately suspended the administration of Covifor and recalled its batches till the full details of the incident are examined by the concerned medical authorities.

Choudhari said that the district authorities also ordered all medicos not to administer the particular injection to any patient, and to withdraw the remaining stocks of the injection from all the hospitals they were distributed to.

The Collector reiterated the Centre's and WHO's past assertions that Remdesivir is "not a life-saver drug" as is the general perception and it is used in a specific manner during the Covid-19 treatment protocols.

While local activists like Vaishali Patil demanded a statement from the government, other medical experts opined that the incident poses a question mark on the alleged 'miracle-cure reputation' of Remdesivir injections, which are in huge demand all over India with people even shelling out huge amounts to procure it from the black market.

Earlier this month, following a plea by a Mumbai barrister, Vinod Tiwari, the Centre had brought all the brands of Remdesivir under Drug Price Control Order which slashed the MRP of different brands averaging to Rs 2,450 per injection.

In his petition to the Centre, Tiwari had alleged a massive scam of over Rs 25,000-crore through haphazard MRPs being charged by the medical distribution chain exploiting lakhs of desperate customers anxious to get a Remdesivir dose, hoarding by unscrupulous elements to create an artificial shortage and demanded a probe by Central Vigilance Commission. (IANS report - April 17).

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)
A hundred elderly persons in Bucharest are receiving traditional Easter menus and another 500 will receive material aid on Good Friday, following an activity organized by the Margaret of Romania Royal Foundation.

"Over 1 million elderly persons in our country live alone, many of them being affected by health issues or material insufficiencies. For them, the holidays do not mean the joy of familial reunion, filled tables or soul comfort. On the eve of the Easter holidays, the Margaret of Romania Royal Foundation is together with the seniors that are facing difficult situations in life and which are part of the programs of the Fund for the Elderly, Phoneline for the Elderly and Generations, with festive menus delivered at home, but also with food or hygienic-sanitary products," shows a release sent to AGERPRES.

On Good Friday, 100 seniors from Bucharest will receive traditional hot menus - red easter eggs, drob [e.n. - a dish made of lamb offal traditionally served during Easter], turkey stake and pasca [e.n. - a traditional dish made of a tart base and sweet cheese filling traditionally served during Easter] - prepared by City Grill, action possible due to the generosity of the clients of the group of restaurants, who may contribute by donating a "menu in waiting" for the Easter tables of elderly persons that are alone or have diminished income.

Furthermore, the Foundation prepared for them, together with sponsors, packages which contain food items and products necessary for these days: cozonac [a type of sweet bread traditional around holidays], food and personal hygiene items, as well as meat and dairy products, and protective masks.

According to the Foundation, the solidarity activity is taking place with the involvement of 35 volunteers, who desire to come to the aid of those who have nobody left by delivering packages straight to their home.

"Such actions are also taking place in other localities in the country where, another 500 elderly persons will receive material aid, through the contribution of partners and sponsors (...) NGOs with social services dedicated to the elderly supported by the Foundation have headquarters in the counties of Alba, Arges, Bistrita, Brasov, Cluj, Constanta, Mures and Tulcea," the release mentions.

Furthermore, also on the occasion of Easter celebrations, 50 seniors with diminished income from the social program Phoneline for the Elderly will receive social tickets, worth 200 RON each, offered by a company. The Telephone for the Elderly is the only free and confidential phoneline dedicated to elderly persons, accessible at the national level and through which, since the start of the pandemic, nearly 4,000 persons received practical or emotional support.

Individuals or companies who want to be involved in aiding the support activities for the elderly can do so through a monthly donation of two euros by SMS with the text SINGUR [ALONE] at 8844, redirecting 3.5 pct of their income tax, online donations or directly into the account RO77BACX0000000129312250 or through sponsorship.
Get creative about getting creative.

There isnt a mom around who wouldnt proudly display a handmade card, but you can go one better by helping your kids write her a song.

First, think of the core message you want to get across, maybe emphasizing one of her character traits, said Grant Shellen, bass player in the surf rock band, Aloha Screwdriver. Then try to paint a picture of a few moments in time, like playing at the park or making soup for a sick kid.

When it comes to song structure, three verses alternating with a repeated chorus works well, said Mr. Shellen. The chorus should have the lines you want to be the most memorable or representative of what the song is about.

If youre more Spielberg than Springsteen, mobile apps like Splice and InShot make it easy to stitch photos and videos into a short movie. Avoid special effects or transitions, which can cheapen the effect, said Dan Denegre, owner and filmmaker at Space Race Studio, which creates ads and documentaries for clients like Ubisoft and the British Broadcasting Corporation. And dont be afraid to trim video clips down to the specific moment that makes you feel something, he said. Its easier for a video to make an impact if it affects you right away.

Think about how the recipient might watch the video, said Mr. Denegre. If shes likely to want to project it up on the television, landscape is probably best. If you think shell share it on her Instagram story, portrait might be better.

Involving others can add a layer of meaning to a gift. When we gave my son a record player, we asked his older cousins to choose an album and write a note about why they love it, said Jordan Ferney, founder of Oh Happy Day, a website about celebrating. If you have siblings, collaborate on a handwritten list of things you love about your mom, said John Ruhlin, founder of Giftology Group, a corporate gifting consultancy.

Spruce up her surroundings.

Look around your space and think about what will make her feel cared for, said Marianne Canada, lifestyle expert for HGTV.com and host of the HGTV podcast Obsessed. If she wants to spend the day luxuriating in an empty house, Start with a clean slate and tidy up, said Ms. Canada. Make the bed with crisp, clean sheets. The kids can help. With a week to go, youve still got time to print and frame a special photo. How many of us have a hard drive of photos theyd love to print? she said.
Indian badminton players participation in the upcoming Malaysia Open and Singapore Open is under serious threat with countries imposing travel ban on India given the severe Covid-19 crisis due to the second wave. Malaysia Open is the last major event in the Tokyo Olympics qualification calendar, which means that not being able to participate puts Kidambi Srikanth and Saina Nehwals chances of making the top 16 of the mens and womens Race to Tokyo rankings in jeopardy. Srikanth is currently 20th on the standings while Saina is 22nd.

Based on the current situation, here is BAI responding to a few pertinent questions:

Q: Is BAI in touch with BWF or the Host Federations to resolve the Indian Shuttlers travel and what has been their response?

A: Considering the current travel restrictions, Badminton Association of India (BAI) has written to the respective Associations of Malaysia and Singapore for clarity on what will be the exact regulations that will be applied to Indian Shuttlers while they arrive in these respective countries.

Currently as per the laid-out guidelines, for any Indian to enter Singapore, they have to either be in quarantine in a foreign country other than India for 14 days before they will be allowed to enter Singapore alternatively, all players have to maintain a 21 days quarantine in Singapore. As for Malaysia, for now, there are 14 days quarantine guideline which means, our players have to reach Malaysia on May 10, 2021, to follow the protocols laid out by both countries. We have also reached out to Malaysian Federation to understand if there are any updated quarantine rules that will be imposed on Indian players.

Both the Member Associations and BWF are cooperating and we are in constant touch.

Q: With Visa Ban on Indians by these countries, how will our players get their Visa?

A: We have already submitted the travel documents of our Olympic-bound and Olympic Probable players ( PV Sindhu, Sai Praneeth, Chirag Shetty, Satwik, Saina Nehwal, Srikanth, Ashwini Ponnappa, and Sikki Reddy) and officials for Visa processing. Though there is a ban on the issue of Visa for Indians except for Sports-related travel activities, Visa is available on certain terms and conditions. We are in touch with the Member Associations of Malaysia & Singapore for the necessary documentation.

Story continues

Q: Will Indian Players be able to travel directly from India to Malaysia and Singapore?

A: No with the current travel restrictions Indian players will not be able to take direct flights. We have checked for via routes and the alternatives are either from Sri Lanka or from Doha and Indian Shuttlers are most likely to travel via Qatar.

Read all the Latest News and Breaking News here
A 33-year-old man has faced court accused of threatening to kill West Australian Premier Mark McGowan.

Gavin Michael Higgs appeared in Rockingham Magistrates Court on Friday facing one charge, accused of issuing the death threat on Wednesday, April 21, about 8.30pm.

WA Premier Mark McGowan Credit:Peter de Kruijff

Police allege Mr Higgs was walking past the Premiers Rockingham home when he began hurling abuse and threats towards Mr McGowans wife, who was standing on the balcony.

Mr McGowans wife, Sarah, locked their three children in a room for their safety as they waited for police to arrive.
A group of seven Zapatistas, indigenous Mexcian revolutionaries, is getting ready to set sale across the Atlantic ocean in an attempt to peacefully invade Spain and mark the 500-year anniversary of the Spanish conquest.

On May 3rd, the Zapatistas conquering force  three men, three women and a transgender woman  will leave Mexican soil aboard a wooden boat named La Montana, or The Mountain, hoping to reach Spain by August 13, the day that the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan fell to the Spanish conquistadors in 1521. Only instead of drowning the land in blood, like the conquistadors, the Zapatistas are planning a peaceful takeover that even includes a party upon their arrival.

Photo: Zapatistas

I declare that from now on this place, currently referred to as Europe by those who live here, be called: SLUMIL KAJXEMKOP, which means Rebellious Land or Land which does not give in nor give up, the transgender revolutionary will proclaim upon arriving in Spain. And that is how it will be known by its own people and by others for as long as there is at least someone here who does not surrender, sell out, or give up.

If we manage to land and embrace with words those who are in the struggle there, who resist and rebel, then there will be a party with song and dance, and the beat of cumbia and the rhythm of hips will shake distant lands and skies, Zapatista leader, Subcomandante Galeano, proclaimed.

Photo: Zapatistas

But the now legendary revolutionary, who has been leading the Zapatistas since 1994, admits that there is a chance La Montana will not be allowed to dock when in arrives in the Spanish city of Vigo. In that case, the seven voyagers will take four wooden canoes that they built to represent different stages of the Zapatista experience and paddle back to Mexico.

Its not clear how the Zapatistas plan to make the journey across the Atlantic in wooden canoes, but then again, the whole invasion mission seems a bit weird.

The Zapatistas rose to fame in 1994, when they staged a 12-day uprising in the southwestern state of Chiapas to protest the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and raise awareness to the plight of indigenous people in Mexico. Led by the charismatic Subcomandante Galeano, the Zpatistas occupied buildings across several Chiapas towns and cities, in an operation that required the intervention of the army to quell.

Announced back in October of 2020, the Zapatistas unusual journey aims to send the Spanish two messages: 1) You didnt conquer us. We continue to resist and rebel; 2) Theres no reason for you to ask our forgiveness for anything.
Denying communion to Joe Biden was right and just, Cardinal says

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Influential American Catholic Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, who is a member of the Vatican's highest court, says a recent decision by a South Carolina priest to deny communion to Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden over his abortion advocacy was right and just.

What the priest did in South Carolina was right and just  would that more priests would act in a similar manner! Burke said in an interview with The Wanderer.

Last October, Biden, who is a lifelong Catholic, was refused communion at the 9 a.m. mass at Saint Anthony Catholic Church where Father Robert E. Morey serves as pastor. Morey confirmed that Biden was denied the sacrament because of his advocacy for abortion rights.

Sadly, this past Sunday, I had to refuse Holy Communion to former Vice President Joe Biden, Morey said in an earlier report. Holy Communion signifies we are one with God, each other and the Church. Our actions should reflect that. Any public figure who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of Church teaching.

The rebuke from Morey came after Biden publicly objected to a proposal to outlaw abortions in South Carolina after about six weeks of pregnancy, including in cases of rape or incest.

Lets be clear, this ban is dangerous and directly violates a woman's constitutional right to choose. We must stop it. As president, I will codify Roe into federal law and ensure this choice remains between a woman and her doctor, Biden said in a tweet.

In his interview with The Wanderer, Burke said politicians who profess to be practicing Catholics will not get a pass when they are involved in public grave sin.

I demonstrate that in the whole tradition of the Church, the discipline with regard to not admitting people who are involved in public grave sin, after having been admonished, has been constant and that it certainly applies to those who publicly support abortion and so-called same-sex marriage legislation, he said.

This whole matter is not a question of politics  it is a question of the moral law. The moral law applies to politicians as much as anyone else. If one is ignorant of the truth and promotes abortion legislation, that is one thing. But if one is a professed Roman Catholic who has been admonished that he (or she) cannot support legislation against the natural moral law, he (or she) is bound to be obedient to that law.

"How can bishops stay out of the matter, when politicians who profess to be Catholic are giving scandal to the whole nation by voting in favor of abortion? How can they silently stand by? he asked.

I remember an incident in 2004 when a non-Catholic, high-ranking government official in Washington, D.C., asked me if I thought the Churchs teaching on abortion could possibly change. I recall being shocked by the question and responded, How can you ask that question? After all, the question was one of the natural moral law and did not have to do with any specific denominational or confessional matter. Well, he replied, I could give you the names of probably 80 to 100 Catholic legislators who regularly vote in favor of abortion legislation. So I figure it cannot be a very firm teaching of your Church. This is a major scandal! Burke noted.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The College of Staten Island will be hosting an event that speaks against the anti-Asian violence that has increased throughout the United States.

The event, Speak out Against Anti-Asian Violence!, is on Thursday, May 6th at 3 pm via Zoom.

The Speak Out Against Anti-Asian Violence! event is opened to the Staten Island Community. This is a safe space for people to express their thoughts, concerns, and questions. Allies can see this event to advocate and learn new ways to protect the Asian community.

The College of Staten Island will be hosting an event that invited Staten Islanders to speak out against anti-Asian hate

To sign up for this event click here.

To protect Asian American women from the surge of violent attacks throughout the United States, Dr. Ava Chin will be hosting a self-defense class.

The self-defense class, Sisters In Self-Defense, will be on Sunday, May 2 from 2-3 pm EST.

This class is opened to Asian American women of all ages. The class will be offered in-person and via zoom.

On Sunday, May 2nd the Sisters in Self defense will be hosting a self-defense training class for Asian women.

For more information on the event email the Sisters of self-defense for the zoom link or check the Instagram page.
Mumbai, April 30 : Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced that Samir Seksaria will take over as the company's Chief Financial Officer on May 1.

He will replace V. Ramakrishnan, who will be retiring from the services of the company effective April 30.

The Board of Directors, at its meeting held on April 12, had appointed Seksaria as the Chief Financial Officer.

He started his career in TCS in 1999 and spent his early years in consulting assignments involving regulatory compliance and M&A spin-offs, amongst others.

He moved to corporate finance in 2004 and played a critical role in the company's IPO. Prior to being appointed as CFO, he was heading the financial analytics, planning and business finance functions.

"I am pleased to welcome Samir in his new role. During the past two decades, Samir has played an exemplary role in the company's financial transformation journey involving simplification, cash management, planning and forecasting, and contract structuring," TCS MD & CEO Rajesh Gopinathan said.

Seksaria said: "I look forward to working closely with our clients, partners, business units and associates towards creating value for all our stakeholders as TCS powers ahead in its journey of transformative growth."
Cluster of Seven Quakes Off Oregon Coast, Some Within Minutes

Published 04/29/21 at 5:55 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Bandon, Oregon)  A rather large cluster of underwater quakes hit off the Oregon coast Thursday morning, with four of them within minutes of each other. A total of six occurred between 3 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., while a seventh happened mid afternoon on Wednesday. (Graphic courtesy USGS)

All of them were about 180 miles west by northwest of Bandon, concentrated in a radius of several miles. Each happened along the Blanco Fracture Zone  which is physically connected to the greater Cascadia Subduction Zone but not directly related to it.

No tsunami alerts were issued. It takes at least a 7.0 magnitude quake to generate a tsunami.

The first was a magnitude 4.4 about 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, approximately six miles deep.

The first of the major cluster was a M4.3 quake at 3:25 a.m.

The second took place at 3:30 a.m. and was the largest at M 5.4. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said it received eight responses from the Did You Feel It report section of its website.

Third in the cluster was a M5.2 at quake at 3:35 a.m.

20 minutes later, a 5.3 magnitude quake happened at 3:58 a.m., with two reports of it being felt in the south Oregon coast region.

The sixth in the entire series happened at 6:25 a.m., clocking in at M 4.1. At 6:33 a.m., the final undersea shaker happened with a magnitude 3.9.

Earthquake magnitude measurements are extremely wide although the increments may appear small. A 7.0 is 1,000 times bigger than a 4.0, according to the USGS. But it is 31,622 times stronger in its release of energy.

See Oregon, Coast Earthquake Updates - Live Data Oregon, Washington, California, Tsunamis

Around 20 quakes a year are generated by the Blanco Fracture, which makes this essentially business as usual for the hotspot. It's the greater Cascadia fault that is the worrisome section, which will someday release a magnitude 9.0 megathrust and create havoc along the Oregon and Washington coastlines.

Contrary to some popular rumors these days, the Cascadia Subduction Zone is not releasing pressure with these smaller quakes. The big one will come no matter what the smaller faultlines do.





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Racing towards becoming the first country in Latin America to develop its own shot against COVID-19, Cuba is now on its stage-three clinical trial with its two domestically produced coronavirus vaccines.

Despite being under a strict United States trade embargo for decades, the island of 11 million individuals is developing five experimental shots, including Soberana 02 and Abdala, that reached the final stage trials last month.

According to Aljazeera, the names of the vaccines reveal much about how Cuba, as a country, sees the national effort.

The two vaccines that reached the final stage of trials were derived based on the country's history and culture. Soberana can be translated as "sovereign," while the Abdala was named after a patriotic poem written by the revolutionary hero of Cuba, Jose Marti.

The director-general of the state-owned Finlay Institute of Vaccines in Havana, Vicente Verez Bencomo, praised the quality of the vaccines.

The facility is where Soberana 02, one of Cuba's most advanced vaccine candidates, was created. Bencomo thinks that the chances of domestically produced vaccines are good, Nature reported.

According to local reports, an estimated 44,000 individuals will receive the Soberana 02 vaccine, and around 48,000 volunteers have been recruited for the trial of the Abdala vaccine.

Reports further noted that an additional 150,000 shots of the Soberana 02 would be given to Cuba's frontline workers.

READ NEXT: Mexico City Opens First DNA Bank to Help Solve Sex-Related Crimes

Homegrown COVID Vaccines in Cuba

The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, which is the developer of the Abdala vaccine, hopes that the vaccine will have "effective results" from the trial by early June. The expected month for the results of the Soberana 02 trial to come out is this May.

The head of the International Relations at the Finlay Vaccine Institute, Ricardo Perez, told Al Jazeera that there are already positive preliminary results.

He added that these results might allow them to present a dossier to the Cuban authorities that would enable them to request approval for emergency use of the product by next month.

The director of Biomedical Research at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Dr. Gerardo Guillen, also told Al Jazeera that the candidate vaccines have high levels of trust among the Cuban population.

He noted that "health is universal and free," which is why the centers do not profit from having access to these vaccines.

Cuba is targeting to finish its inoculation before the year ends. The Finlay Institute said that it could produce 100 million doses of the Soberana 02 vaccine this year.

The said number aims to satisfy the country's demand and have extra vaccines that can be exported to other countries who are in need, Indian Express reported.

The ambitious goal of Cuba in terms of pharmaceutical and biotech industries has a decades-long history. The country has already produced numerous vaccines, including jabs for Hepatitis B and Meningitis B.

Cuba economist Ricardo Torres revealed that the country has been developing vaccines since the 80s. Despite having a poor and dysfunctional economy, Torres noted that the Cuban government has managed to develop an important technological platform that a small country needs.

READ MORE: Brazil Health Regulator Rejects Russia's COVID Vaccine

WATCH: Cuban "Soberana 02" Vaccine to Start Phase III Trials - From TeleSUR English
In his first political speech since leaving office, former Vice President Mike Pence made clear that despite his grim falling out with former President Donald J. Trump, his days of trying to ingratiate himself to his former boss are far from over as he plots his political future.

Addressing the Palmetto Family Council, a social conservative group in South Carolina, on Thursday night, Mr. Pence made no mention of the scathing criticism Mr. Trump leveled at him for his refusal to try to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. He made only a passing mention of the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, which included agitated Trump supporters chanting Hang Mike Pence while the president did nothing for hours to stop them. (An earlier version of this article said he made no mention of the Jan. 6 attack.)

He did not acknowledge that after standing loyally by Mr. Trumps side for four years, Mr. Trump has been dangling insulting tidbits to conservative news outlets from his bunker at Mar-a-Lago; that includes an interview with Fox Business in which Mr. Trump said he would consider Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida as a running mate if he decided to mount another presidential run in 2024.

Instead, Mr. Pence made his political calculation clear: any possible future in the party for him still depends on staying closely aligned to Mr. Trump, despite the accompanying indignities. Mr. Pence said he had the privilege of serving alongside President Donald Trump, and reminisced about the good times they had together on the 2016 campaign trail.
Report refutes false claim of "forced boarding" in China's Xinjiang

Xinhua) 16:15, April 30, 2021

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- It is entirely up to students and their parents to decide whether they would choose a boarding school or not, and there is no such thing as "forced boarding," says a report refuting lies about Xinjiang released Friday.

The establishment of boarding schools in Xinjiang has nothing to do with de-radicalization, says the report, titled "Slanderer Adrian Zenz's Xinjiang-related Fallacies Versus the Truth," released by the Xinjiang Development Research Center.

As Xinjiang covers a vast land area, villages and towns are often far apart from each other, creating inconvenience for students to attend school and a heavy burden on parents to pick up their children to and from school, the report explains.

In order to solve this problem, nearly 400 primary and secondary boarding schools were built in Xinjiang as early as the 1980s, it says.

Boarding schools in Xinjiang have never restricted contact between students and their parents, says the report.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
The Australian government has taking cognizance of the COVID-19 situation in India and is mulling imposing a ban on its citizens from returning home, if they have spent time in the country up to 14 days before flying back.

The federal government is coming with harsh sanctions under which a person entering Australia from India will be fined and jailed.

Reuters

Australia closed its borders last year in March after Covid outbreak. And, this week, the government clamped down even further, banning all flights, including repatriation ones, from India.

As per a report in Sydney Morning Herald citing Nine News, the government was considering a further step by making it a crime, punishable by a maximum $66,000 fine or five years jail, if they travel home from India.

Also read: India's Double Mutant COVID Variant Is Worrying The World, Travels To 10 Nations: What We Know

Reuters

The new rule is likely to take effect from Saturday. The Australian media has reported that government would be passing a law under the Biosecurity Act to impose a fly back ban on those with a history of travel to India in the past 14 days.



The move comes at a time when COVID-19 cases are surging and the crisis is deepening in India. On Friday, the country reported a single-day record of 3.86 lakh infections.

Also read: Here's A Complete List Of Countries That Have Restricted Travel From India Over Fears Of Second Wave Of Covid-19

Representational Image/AP

Australia has already suspended all direct flights from India. The decision was taken three weeks ago. The flight suspension decision was taken to prevent arrival of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 that were detected in India recently.



It has been reported that are around 9,000 Australians are living in India. Among them, 600 are said to be infected.



At least 36,000 Australians are stuck abroad who are trying to get home but cannot because of the strict quarantine limits on how many people can enter the country per week, SMH reported.



Also read: Hugs, Tears As Australia And New Zealand Travel Bubble Starts
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - LevelJump Healthcare Corp. (TSXV: JUMP) (OTC: JMPHF) (FSE: 75J) ("LevelJump" or the "Company"), a Canadian leader in B2B telehealth solutions, is pleased to announce that it will be conducting a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 10 million units at $0.15 per unit (a "Unit") for gross proceeds of up to $1,500,000 (the "Offering").

Each Unit will consist of one common share of Leveljump and one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share of Leveljump at an exercise price of $0.20 for a period of thirty-six months from the date of closing of the Offering.

The Offering is only open to residents of Canada who are "accredited investors" as defined under applicable securities legislation. It is the intention that the principal subscribers will include strategic investors made up of private investment funds and high net worth investors in support of the long-term vision of the Company.

The net proceeds from the financing will be used towards acquisitions and for general working capital purposes.

The Offering is expected to close in early May, 2021. The Offering is conditional upon receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities to be issued under the Offering will have a hold period of four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering in accordance with applicable securities laws.

About LevelJump Healthcare

LevelJump Healthcare Corp., (TSXV: JUMP) is building a national medical diagnostic imaging company and brand, primarily by providing teleradiology (remote radiology) services to its client hospitals and imaging centers. Additionally, JUMP plans to expand through the acquisition of independent healthcare facilities focused on diagnostic imaging as well as acquiring new disruptive imaging technologies.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

LEVELJUMP HEALTHCARE CORP.

Mitchell Geisler, Chief Executive Officer

info@leveljumphealthcare.com

(833) 840-2020

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's business plans and the outlook of the Company's industry. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by applicable securities laws. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of the Company, Canadian Teleradiology Services, Inc., their securities, or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable).

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The securities being offered 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 U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82465
Court Rules on No Warrant Blood Tests in DUI Cases

By The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - The Kentucky Supreme Court says the refusal of a person accused of drunken driving to submit to a warrantless blood test cannot be used as evidence to help prove guilt or to seek stiffer punishment.The court says prosecutors also cant introduce such refusals at trial to explain away the lack of evidence regarding a suspects blood-alcohol level.The ruling was issued Thursday and drew a partial dissent from two justices.The long-running case stems from a DUI arrest by Owensboro police.Kentuckys justices weighed in on multiple issues in a decision shaped by a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Raigad/Mumbai, April 30 : At least 90 Covid-19 patients in Maharashtras Raigad district, who were administered Remdesivir doses of a particular brand, developed severe side-effects following which the state government has imposed a temporary suspension on its use here, FDA Minister Rajendra Shingane said.

"The incident took place on Thursday in three hospitals in the district. The patients who were administered Remdesivir manufactured by the company Hetero Drugs had complained of side-effects," Shingane told IANS.

The shocking incident came to light when some patients developed chills and others complained of varying degrees of fever or other issues which were immediately addressed by the district medical authorities.

"The situation is under control and the condition of all the patients is stable now. There is no cause for worry," the minister assured.

A district official said that out of a particular Hetero batch of its Rendesivir brand 'Covifor' injection, 120 patients were given the doses out of which a staggering 90 reported the side-effects, alarming the local medical authorities.

On learning of the matter, the FDA authorities in Mumbai immediately suspended the administration of Covifor and recalled its batches till the full details of the incident are examined by the concerned medical authorities.

Those in the medical circles opined that this puts a question mark on the miracle-cure reputation of Remdesivir injections, which are in huge demand all over India with people even shelling out huge amounts to procure it from the black market.

Earlier this month, following a plea by a Mumbai barrister, Vinod Tiwari, the Centre had brought all the brands of Remdesivir under Drug Price Control Order which slashed the MRP of different brands averaging to Rs 2,450 per injection.

In his petition to the Centre, Tiwari had alleged a massive scam of over Rs 25,000-crore through haphazard MRPs being charged by the medical distribution chain exploiting lakhs of gullible customers anxious to get a dose. (IANS report - April 17).
Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  A man who was struck by a vehicle while walking across Whalley Avenue has died , according to New Haven police.

Officers responded to the intersection of Whalley Avenue and Ramsdell Street at approximately 5:39 a.m. Friday for a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, Officer Scott Shumway said in an email.
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Gene editing could create super soldiers. Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

The UK government recently announced an 800 million, taxpayer-funded Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria). The brainchild of the British prime minister's former chief adviser, Dominic Cummings and modeled on the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Darpa, the organization will focus partly on genomic research.

Genome technology is becoming an increasingly important part of military research.So given that the UK boasts some of the best genomic research centers in the world, how will its new agency affect the wider genome technology warfare race?

In 2019, Darpa announced that it wishes to explore genetically editing soldiers. It has also invested over US$65 million (45 million) to improve the safety and accuracy of genome-editing technologies. These include the famous Nobel prize-winning Crispr-Cas molecular scissora tool that can edit DNA by cutting and pasting sections of it.

But the ease of accessibility and low cost of Crispr-based technologies has caused concern around potential military genetic modification and weaponisation of viruses or bacteria. These include smallpox or tuberculosis, and could be extremely destructive.

The US is not alone in its military pursuit of genome technology. Russia and China have either stated or been accused of using genomic technology to enhance military capabilities.

The super soldier

Universal Soldier and Captain America are just a few Hollywood movies that have explored the concept of the super soldier. Despite its sci-fi nature, several countries are looking to explore the potential of such prospects. Darpa intends to explore genetically editing soldiers to turn them into "antibody factories", making them resistant to chemical or biological attacks.

In December 2020, the then US director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, said there was evidence that the Chinese military was conducting human experimentation in an attempt to biologically boost soldiers. This followed a report by the Jamestown policy thinktank that highlighted reports suggesting that Crispr would form a keystone technology in China to "boost troops' combat effectiveness." No further details were given, however.

The new genetic editing tool Crispr is changing the military game. Credit: Catalin Rusnac/Shutterstock

Not all countries are prepared to use gene editing or even genomic technology to enhance soldiers, however. The French military ethics committee has recently approved research on soldier "augmentation," such implants that could "improve cerebral capacity." However, the committee warned that certain red lines could not be crossed, including genome editing or eugenics. In the more candid words of the French minister of the armed forces, Florence Parly, this amounted to "A yes to Ironman, but a no to Spiderman" (Ironman gets his superpowers from a suit whereas Spiderman is bitten by a radioactive spider).

In Russia, the military is looking to implement genetic passports for its personnel, allowing it to assess genetic predispositions and biomarkers, for example, for stress tolerance. This could help place soldiers in suitable military lines, such as navy, air force and so forth. The genetic project also aims to understand how soldiers respond to stressful situations both physically and mentally.

The UK position

There are signs that the UK will be bolder and less accountable in its genetic defense research than many other countries. For example, Aria won't be subject to freedom of information requests, in contrasts with Darpa.

The UK has also been at the forefront in enabling controversial, pioneering non-military genome technology, such as three-parent babies. And there has been no shortage of government reports that have stressed the importance of genome technology in the domain of defense and security.

In 2015, a UK national defense review highlighted the influence that advances in genetic engineering can have for "security and prosperity." In the recent 2021 Security, Defense, Development and Foreign Policy review the UK government once again stressed its significance for "defense and national security."

The proposed lack of accountability of Aria, combined with the government's general mission for genome technology to be expanded into security and defense applications, will create a hotpot of debate and discussion. In recent years, British scientists have received Darpa funding for controversial genomic research, such as genetic extinction of invasive species such as mosquitoes or rodents. Despite its promise, this could have disastrous potential to damage food security and threaten the wider ecosystems of nations.

Genome technology deployment needs to be managed in a universally, ethically and scientifically robust manner. If it isn't, the potential for a new arms race for advances in this research will only lead to more radical and potentially dangerous solutions. There are many unanswered questions about how Aria will help genome research within the military sphere. The pathway the UK chooses will have lasting consequences on how we perceive genome tech in the public space.

Explore further Capabilities of CRISPR gene editing expanded

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Boris Johnson is guilty. Yes, I know he hasnt been tried yet. The Electoral Commission has barely begun its investigation into whether he broke the rules over the most famous piece of home decorating since Marie Antoinette moved into her apartment in Versailles a few centuries ago.

And anyway not everyone understands the arcane rules governing political donations in their many guises. Some may say: He paid out of his own pocket in the end, so whats the problem?

The problem is that hes playing us for fools. Thats more than just an affront to our intelligence. Its an affront to democracy. I base that seemingly harsh judgment on one seemingly simple phrase: The Peoples Priorities.

Mr Johnson uses it endlessly and has been doing so for years. Hes not alone. Its a tactic politicians routinely deploy when they get into a spot of bother.

Boris Johnson is guilty. Yes, I know he hasnt been tried yet. The Electoral Commission has barely begun its investigation into whether he broke the rules over the most famous piece of home decorating since Marie Antoinette moved into her apartment in Versailles a few centuries ago. (Above, in Hartlepool ahead of the May 6 by-election)

The problem is that Mr Johnson is playing us for fools. Thats more than just an affront to our intelligence. Its an affront to democracy. I base that seemingly harsh judgment on one seemingly simple phrase: The Peoples Priorities. (Above, with David Cameron)

Rather than deal with the allegations against them, they loftily declare that we shouldnt trouble our pretty little heads with all this nonsense when they are dealing with the great concerns that really matter.

Think of a police officer at a crime scene. Move along, folks, nothing to see here. Mr Johnson, in a bizarre self-parody, said exactly that in the Commons this week.

But theres something especially troubling about The Peoples Priorities. The very notion is bogus. There isnt a people with a set of priorities. There are lots of people with lots of different priorities. Lumping them together is worse than misleading. Its simultaneously patronising, self-aggrandising and even menacing.

It conjures up the image of a governing elite who know far better than the lumpenproletariat whats good for them. It assumes they dont know it themselves.

When Attlee became prime minister after the war, one of his most senior ministers said something that would give any modern spin doctor a heart attack: We are the masters now.

When Tony Blair took over half a century later, he said: We are the servants now.

Attlees minister may have been staggeringly naive to have used that language, but he was able to be honest largely because he had no spin doctor to guide him. Alastair Campbell would have locked him in his office until hed come to his senses.

When Attlee (left) became prime minister after the war, one of his most senior ministers said something that would give any modern spin doctor a heart attack: We are the masters now. When Tony Blair (right) took over half a century later, he said: We are the servants now

Blair said what Campbell told him people wanted to hear.

But this is about more than applying a political judgment to the use of language. Its a matter of honesty and dishonesty. And Johnson crosses the line from the one to the other when he claims to know the people and their priorities.

Lets try to ignore the glaringly obvious fact that he is as much a man of the people as I am the Queen of Sheba. He is the most elite of the elite. And not just because he went to Eton.

Look no further than the nauseating image of him posing with supreme arrogance in white tie and tails with fellow members (all male obviously) of the ghastly Bullingdon Club at Oxford University. How interesting that another old Etonian who followed him into the club was David Cameron  another posh prime minister who made it to the very top and whose probity is also now the subject of investigation.

Not that there is anything new about politicians abusing their position. What is sinister about Johnsons endless references to The Peoples Priorities is that it smacks too much of the notion of a general will. That was the phrase coined by the 18th-century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau to describe a collective view held by society as a whole.

It was seized upon by the most radical zealots of the French Revolution to justify the Reign of Terror and the guillotine. Dictators have claimed approval of the general will ever since.

The great irony, of course, is that they have invariably ended up exercising the absolute power that they condemned in their predecessors. Even today we do not have to look far to find a democracy in which some very senior figures have hinted at the possibility of a coup.

Just across the Channel, in fact. Some very senior figures in France have just published a letter suggesting that members of the armed forces should intervene if the government does not change its policies on immigration and get a grip on what they call Muslim terror.

That, they say, is what the French people want. Surprisingly, you may think, they have not been laughed at.

The day Hirst's career went pop... Damien Hirst was apparently puzzled when the queue for his latest exhibition was shorter than the queue for the fizzy drinks machine installed in a side room. It contained cans of Coke signed by Hirst for a pound apiece. The buyers were rushing off to sell them on eBay for as much as 2,000 a pair. One gallery visitor was quoted as saying hed never seen a drinks machine empty so quickly. I wondered what a good a friend of mine, an accomplished artist of the old school who struggles to make a living, thought of it. Excellent! he told me. Hirst has become the richest artist in the world, not because of any great talent but because he has been supported by a cartel of greedy, philistine gallery owners, art critics and dealers. At last the exploiter has been exploited  and by his own fans. Maybe, but hell probably turn it into an art work and make another killing. Advertisement

Democracy is meant to be the antidote to tyranny precisely because it denies that there is such a thing as a general will.

It recognises that society is not a single monolith but a collection of many people, each with their own views and their own priorities.

What elected governments must do is find a way of peacefully resolving those different views and priorities. Some will win, some will lose, but the process is continuous so that democratic government is a never-ending competition between peoples different priorities.

The idea that there is a single thing called The Peoples Priorities doesnt get a look in. Or at least it shouldnt.

Our own democracy has proved remarkably robust. On the vanishingly few occasions in our recent history when disaffected figures, such as the newspaper magnate Cecil King, have tried to coax powerful friends or associates to consider staging a coup they have been met with sneers rather than cheers.

When we finally lose patience with our leaders we deal with them using the ballot box rather than the army barracks. Most of us dont really care what our prime minister thinks of our favourite department store and whether his fiancee has vastly expensive and execrable tastes in wallpaper.

Indeed, while the Mails poll today will raise concern in Tory HQ, the overall picture shows the party has held on to its lead over Labour despite Wallpaper-gate.

Hardly surprising given the enormous feelgood factor created by the promise of a Covid-free future.

But it wont last for ever. The Government has serious criticisms to face over the way the pandemic was handled before we were rescued by the vaccine.

There are deeply troubling questions to be answered about why contracts for vital equipment were handed to incompetent suppliers with uncomfortably close links to ministers. These are questions about integrity.

And Mr Johnson has his own inquiries to face before all that. At least three and, possibly, four. At the heart of all of them is his integrity. There were a few gasps in the House when he was asked straight out this week if he was a liar, but we knew the answer already.

We know he has lied when hes been under pressure. And we appear to have forgiven him.

But hes under a lot more pressure right now. The Electoral Commission has said there are reasonable grounds to suspect an offence has occurred.

Boris Johnson may yet discover that if there really is such a thing as The Peoples Priorities they may include having a prime minister the people can trust.
Two important events took place last week concerning some of the most urgent crises facing humanity.

Hundreds of organisations across the world marked one year since the UN warned of a famine of biblical proportions due to deepening crises because of more frequent natural disasters, changing weather patterns, and conflict. Crises only made worse by the pandemic.

Responding to this grim milestone, they published an open letter calling on world leaders  particularly those from wealthy nations  to urgently increase aid and prevent 34 million people from being pushed to the brink of starvation this year. Despite advances made in recent years, the pandemic, coupled with conflict and climate change, could push millions more into extreme hunger, setting back the fight against poverty by a decade.

Later in the week, US president Joe Biden hosted 40 world leaders at his virtual Earth Day summit. Political leaders pressed to make new commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and fight for the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Given the significance of these events, there has never been a more fitting time to talk about climate change, food insecurity, and hunger. In August 2019, the UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its Special Report on Climate Change and Land.

The document looked at the impacts of a changing climate on the land and its ecosystems, focusing on topics like soil degradation and shrinking water supplies, as well as solutions for sustainable land management and food security. The report laid bare the critical issues we are facing as a global community and the life-or-death challenges being faced by the communities with which Oxfam works.

In fact, more than half of the IPCC documents authors were from developing countries, reflecting the vital role these nations play in both climate change decision-making and research, particularly when it comes to land and food security. After all, it is the developing worlds communities that are most affected by hunger and food insecurity, both of which are now a greater threat because of climate change.

Today, our global food system feeds the majority of the worlds population and supports the livelihoods of more than 1bn people. Yet tragically, according to the latest Global Hunger Index, some 690m people remain undernourished while 144m children under the age of five suffer from stunting  a sign of chronic malnutrition.

A further 47m children are suffering from wasting, severe weight loss that, without the proper treatment, can be fatal. The food system is already feeling the stress of non-climate influences such as conflict, which is the biggest driver of global hunger.

The decade-long war in Syria, for example, has led to 12.4m people  almost 60% of the population  going to bed hungry, while after six years of conflict, 16.2m Yemenis rely on food aid to survive.

Add temperature increases, unpredictable rainfall patterns and extreme weather events to these non-climate-related pressures and the food system will continue to buckle. Climate change alone will lead to lower crop yields and higher food prices affecting the worlds most vulnerable communities including the 3.1bn people, or the poorest half of the worlds population, who were responsible for just 7% of emissions between 1990 and 2015.

The IPCC report highlights that higher temperatures and more extreme weather events are having a severe impact on food security, particularly in Africas drylands, parts of the Mediterranean, and mountainous areas of Asia and South America. The communities we work with around the world can attest to these changes.

In Burkina Faso, for instance, mothers like Ouedraogo Aguiratou have witnessed climate change wreak havoc on the land they rely on for their very survival. The 39-year-old farmer says her land has been getting poorer, and harder to cultivate. When the rains come, they wash away the soil she needs to grow her crops.

Widow Aminiata Diallo, also from Burkina Faso, is suffering too as a result of climate change. In her community, water is so scarce that they can only cultivate a third of their land.

Climate change alone will lead to lower crop yields and higher food prices affecting the worlds most vulnerable communities.

According to the IPCC, adaptation strategies are key to reducing, even avoiding, the negative impacts of climate change on food security. Work is being done by communities with support from organisations such as Oxfam to build boreholes and install water pumps in communities struggling with drought as a result of climate change.

Farmers are learning adaptation techniques, such as how to fertilise the soil with compost and prevent soil being washed during the rainy season. However, the IPCC also warns that there are limits to adaptation if climate change continues unabated.

Wealthier countries must play their part in taking action against this deadly threat by urgently cutting their emissions and supporting vulnerable nations with climate finance for new, robust, life-saving adaptation strategies. After all, during a 25-year period of unprecedented emissions growth, it was the richest 1% who were responsible for twice as much pollution as the poorest half of humanity.

In addition to tackling the climate crisis head on, as was done for the pandemic, global leaders must fund the UN food security appeal to help those most at risk now, and work to end conflict and achieve a global ceasefire.

Without these interventions, millions more will be pushed to the brink of starvation.
ITV is set to produce a drama about the Post Office scandal that saw 39 innocent postmasters falsely branded criminals due to an IT glitch.

People vs. Post Office will address the 'greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history' in four 60-minute episodes, an announcement by ITV revealed.

Between 1999 and 2015 thousands of postmasters were accused of stealing from their own tills. In reality the 'losses' were caused by computer glitches on the Post Office's Horizon system.

On Friday, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of 39 postmasters (celebrating their victory) who were falsely branded criminals, and blasted the Post Office for hounding the accused and mounting a cover-up

Former-Post Office worker Janet Skinner (centre), with her niece Hayley Adams (right) and her daughter Toni Sisson celebrating outside the Royal Courts of Justice last Friday

RISING TREND IN DRAMAS DEPICTING REAL-LIFE STORIES A dramatisation of the Post Office scandal that saw 39 innocent postmasters falsely branded criminals due to an IT glitch follows in the footsteps of other hit ITV dramas based on real events. These include: White House Farm The 2020 series depicts the 1985 killing of five family members in rural Essex. Nevill and June Bamber were shot and killed inside the home, as was their adopted daughter Sheila Caffell and her six-year-old twin sons Daniel and Nicholas Caffell. The Bambers' other adopted child Jeremy Bamber was the only surviving relative. Jeremy is currently serving a life sentence for the murders - which the prosecution said was motivated by his parents' large inheritance. Quiz Quiz follows former-army major Charles Ingram who won the 1 million jackpot on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in 2001. Ingram was later convicted of 'procuring the execution of a valuable security by deception' for cheating. His accomplice Tecwen Whittock was heard coughing at particular points when the answers were listed - letting Ingram know which were correct. The Pembrokeshire Murders The series is about Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins who, in 2006, reopened two unsolved 1980s murder cases. The cases were linked with burglaries. Forensic DNA analysis - which was then more advanced than in the 80s -witness reports and artists impressions led to the police reviewing an episode of darts series Bullseye. Welsh serial killer John Cooper was identified in the episode and was subsequently caught. Honour Honour looks at the disappearance and honour killing of Banaz Mahmod. She was murdered on the orders of her family because she ended a violent and abusive forced marriage and started a relationship with someone she chose. Her father, uncle and three cousins were convicted of her murder. Advertisement

Last Friday, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of 39 postmasters who were falsely branded criminals, and blasted the Post Office for hounding the accused and mounting a cover-up.

Several workers who were wrongly prosecuted - some of whom were imprisoned - are already working with the series' producers to document how their lives were 'irreparably ruined by the scandal', ITV added.

The drama will centre on a group of sub-postmasters from across the UK who, in 2009, formed the Justice For Subpostmasters Alliance to clear their names.

It will begin filming in 2022 and will be released later that year.

It will follow in the footsteps of other hit ITV dramas based on real events.

People vs. Post Office is written by Gwyneth Hughes - known for Honour, Vanity Fair and Dark Angel - and will be produced by ITV Studios, Patrick Spence and Little Gem.

Creative director and executive producer at Little Gem Natasha Bondy and ITV Studios' producer Patrick Spence said: 'Being trusted with telling this story is a huge honour for the whole production team.

'We are going to ensure the biggest possible audience get to hear how much the sub-postmasters suffered, how hard they had to fight for justice and how determined they are that the fight is not yet over.'

Dozens of former sub-postmasters have been exonerated on all counts in a landmark Court of Appeal decision to overturn their criminal convictions last Friday.

They fought for ten years to seal a resounding victory - but all involved believe the fight is not over yet.

Writer Ms Hughes added: 'I've been talking for a while now to some of the people whose lives were turned upside down by this appalling business.

'I find it just astonishing, and deeply troubling, that this could have happened in my country, and I confess it's shaken my confidence in British justice.

'The sub postmasters at the heart of the fightback are such a lively, interesting and indomitable bunch.

'They never gave up, and I'm honoured to be telling their stories.'

Between 1999 and 2015, hundreds of postmasters were sacked or prosecuted after money appeared to go missing from their branch accounts.

Post Office bosses were told glitches in the Fujitsu-developed Horizon computer terminals in branches may be to blame but pursued prosecutions anyway.

Of those affected by the faulty IT system, 736 were prosecuted and hundreds more lost livelihoods, homes and life savings because they paid back money the Post Office claimed was missing.

Several went to prison, some of whom were pregnant or with young children. Countless others were shunned by their communities.

Tragically, some have died before finding any justice.

Postmaster Harjinder Butoy, his wife Balbinder Butoy and his father Kesar Singh are pictured outside court last Friday

People vs. Post Office is written by Gwyneth Hughes (pictured) - known for Honour, Vanity Fair and Dark Angel - and will be produced by ITV Studios, Patrick Spence and Little Gem

ITV's head of drama Polly Hill - who commissioned the series - said: 'This is the story of how the sub postmasters fought back against seemingly insurmountable odds.

'Having followed their fight for justice and the landmark decision by the Court of Appeal, I'm delighted we can now tell their story.'

MPs this week demanded the Government launch a full inquiry into the Post Office scandal.g

A string of ministers responsible for the state-owned company failed to act when postmasters were wrongly convicted.

Former Liberal Democrat MP Sir Vince Cable, business secretary between 2010 and 2015, claimed he was 'not aware there was a problem'.

But Conservative peer Lord Arbuthnot, who has campaigned for postmasters for over a decade, said: 'To suggest that ministers did not know anything about the unfolding Horizon scandal is clearly nonsense.'
The peak of the second coronavirus wave in India will come around mid-May (around 20 days from now) with active cases reaching around 36 lakhs, SBI Research in its latest report has said. As states go for partial or weekend lockdowns, SBI Research also revised India's FY22 growth projection to 10.4 per cent real GDP and 14.2 per cent nominal GDP.

It said based on other countries' experiences, might reach its second peak when the recovery rate will be 77.8 per cent. "Given that every 1 per cent reduction in recovery takes around 4.5 days, it translates into around 20 days from now. Also, our estimate shows that every 1 per cent reduction in recovery rate increases active cases by 1.85 lakh," SBI Research reported title 'The Power of Vaccination' says.

Notably, India's case positivity rates have reduced to 20.5 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world, while the recovery rate has plunged to 82.5 per cent. The country is recording over 3 lakh new coronavirus cases for the past over a week now.

The SBI report adds that India should not be "complacent" as it'll reach the peak of the second wave as "this could lead to a widespread increase in infection as has happened in the current wave".

On the controversy around election rallies being the prime cause of record rise in Covid-19 cases, the report cites high case tally in states like Maharashtra, Delhi and Chhattisgarh and calls for mass sensitisation of public places for disinfection.

The share of death (from Mumbai) of below 50 years in cumulative deaths is quite high at 13.6 per cent in the second wave, which shows the mutant virus is highly impacting India's population that has not been vaccinated to date, it said.

The report says various states are expected to reach their peak around the national peak date, indicating the worst could be hopefully over by the 3rd week of May.

On the vaccine pricing row, the SBI Research note says two factors will determine the price of the vaccine. "The first is the volume of production. As most of the cost of vaccine production is fixed, the cost per dose to produce larger batches is less than smaller batches. The second factor is the stage of the product lifecycle. When the product is new, the price tends to be high to pay off investments in research and development and production facilities and to generate profit while there is a monopoly position."

Different pricing is an important caveat to lure foreign vaccine manufacturers to India and companies like Pfizer have already responded favourably, said the report.

SBI Research report concludes that adopting a cluster-based approach for vaccination is the only way out. "In a country like India, where demographics change from state to state, city to city, and even from one neighbourhood to another, a highly decentralised approach -- seems most logical," the report said.

Also read: India FY22 GDP growth revised down to 10.4% from 11%: SBI Research report

Also read: Beware of QR code frauds! SBI warns customers amid rise in online payments
Sun and sand, and in particular the 23 kilometers of pristine beaches in the resort town of Varadero, have once again become the jewels in Cubas tourism crown during the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19 restrictions have prevented the vast majority of foreign tourists from traveling and close to 85% of Cubas hotels are shut but an enforced year off has allowed the beaches to recover and nature to flourish, while some of the most emblematic hotels in the famous resort have taken the opportunity to carry out significant refurbishments.

Several years ago, when nobody could have predicted what was coming, the island embarked on a campaign to diversify its tourism sector in favor of promoting its heritage cities. As well as its hundreds of kilometers of pristine beaches and keys, Cuba has the highest number of historic centers, ancient fortresses and landscapes included on UNESCOs World Heritage list of any country in the Caribbean region. Havana, Trinidad, Camaguey, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba are among the cities with the richest cultural heritage and the worlds biggest hotel chains have been opening establishments in these destinations over the past decade.

There has been one significant change in Varadero: with Canadian tourism on standby, Russians have become the main visitors

But restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, which recommend reducing tourism in cities to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, have led Cuba to refocus on its already well-established tourist trail of beachfront resorts, where today health and sanitary safety have become as important an attraction as coconut groves, white sands and emerald waters.

The biggest hotel chain in Cuba, Melia Hotels International, which operates a quarter of the total number of four- and five-star hotel rooms on the island, is an example of which way the wind is blowing. Melia has over 30 hotels in Cuba of which only seven are currently open: the Melia Habana, in the capital, four in Varadero and two in Cayo Coco.

Varaderos 23km of coastline, with its 52 hotels, is the most famous stretch of sand in Cuba and the most historic. For several years, it has been listed by travel company TripAdvisor as among the best beaches in the world. Before the pandemic, Varadero hosted almost a million tourists per year, the majority of them from Canada, Germany, Spain, other EU countries and Latin America, although things have changed now.

An aerial view of the beach at the Melia Internacional.

In these lean economic times, Melia, Iberostar and the other major hotel chains have placed their chips on Varadero and the northern keys to kick-start the tourism industry. The beaches are in better shape than ever and hotels have made some notable improvements. Whats more, to set visitors minds at ease Cuba has introduced coronavirus protocols that are difficult to match anywhere in the world: every hotel has its own on-site doctor, nurse and epidemiology expert and access to the Cuban health system. There is also light at the end of the tunnel with two Cuban vaccines  Soberana 02 and Abdala  in phase 3 clinical trials. With these vaccines, the government is aiming to vaccinate half of the islands population before the end of summer.

With all of these safeguards in place, Iberostar has opened three of the seven hotels it operates in Varadero and Melia four of its 12 establishments. Together with the Sol Varadero Beach and the Melia Peninsula, the Spanish chain has kept the two most emblematic hotels in the area running, the Melia Internacional and the Sol Palmeras, the former the first hotel in Cuba built as a joint venture and currently undergoing a complete renovation. Both chains are also reopening hotels in Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo.

There has been one significant change in Varadero: with Canadian tourism on standby and Europe waiting until summer arrives to make a decision on international travel, Russians have become the main customers. On average one flight a day arrives from Moscow with around 20,000 tourists a month arriving from Russia. Melia has employed Russian translators and offers traditional Russian dishes at its restaurants as well as menus in the Cyrillic alphabet. A few days ago, a veteran Melia hotel manager greeted a group of enthused Muscovite guests in the lobby in their language:   [welcome]. Cest la vie, and in Cuba the ability to adapt is key.

English version by Rob Train.
SAN JOSE, Calif., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 2006, over 6.2MM users have utilized DealsPlus as a social platform to share great deals and coupons -- all in an effort to save thousands of dollars everyday.

Now, the couponing website is very excited to announce the launch of their new Cashback program to further those savings with their community. Earn Cashback from over 3,000 stores, including favorite stores such as Kohl's, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more. Users can cash out their earnings through PayPal, or exchange them for Bitcoin. Plus, for a limited-time, users can join today and score a $10 Bonus just for signing up.

Check out what others have to say about the new cashback program:

"At first, I was a bit skeptical about earning Bitcoin through a deal website. I started with a few small purchases to see if this was a legitimate program. Now whenever I need to buy something, I always buy it through DealsPlus. So far I've scored about $40 Cashback earnings and exchanged that for Bitcoin!"

-Caitlin, member since July, 2017

Though nobody can predict the value of Bitcoin, DealsPlus offers a Bitcoin Price History chart to help users determine whether the value is currently increasing or decreasing. This chart is a great tool for monitoring the value of all Bitcoin exchanged through the Cashback program.

In addition to their Cashback program, DealsPlus also offers users a chance to make money by sharing deals and coupons through their Money Maker program. With this program, users submit hot and popular offers to the DealsPlus community, and the more other users save, the more money these Money Makers earn. While this program has temporarily stopped accepting new Money Makers, the company will soon open it back up and allow users to start earning once again.

Another great aspect of DealsPlus is the social community that shares daily tips and tricks to save time and money. From forum posts to blog articles, their community is always ready to share the next best deal or offer. Plus, the company likes to reward community members through exclusive codes on popular categories from top stores and more.

Ready to save and earn Bitcoin? Join today. https://www.dealsplus.com/

Youn Hwang

COO of Dealsplus

[email protected]

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SOURCE Dealsplus
The government of Pakistan said in a statement that Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia has returned to the country while orders have been issued to six other officers of the embassy in Riyadh to return over complaints by the Pakistani community in the kingdom, the Foreign Office said in a statement on Thursday

The announcement came during a weekly press briefing at the Pakistan foreign office, where the spokesperson Zahid Chaudhri confirmed that officials in the Pakistan embassy in Saudi Arabia, had been called back.

"Our Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia has already returned and orders have been issued for the recall of six more officers of the diplomatic, community welfare and consular wings of the embassy," confirmed Chaudhri. "Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed for an inquiry. The Prime Minister's directions were being fully implemented," he added.

"The Government of Pakistan attaches high importance to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis. Overseas Pakistanis are our greatest asset. Their role in national development is indispensable," said Chaudhri.

The high-level inquiry was initiated as per orders of Prime Minister Imran Khan, after complaints of alleged involvement in taking bribes from the labourers.

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Ghana Auctioneers Association has held a Delegates Conference today to elect its next crop of executives to man and steer their leadership affairs for the next four years.



It is in this direction that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mayfair Mart, Mr. Francis Nii-Boye Tagoe, has been elected the Chairman of the association.



He polled 21 votes out of 47 total valid votes cast in a keen contest against three others who include Theophilus A. Sowah, Chief A. Alhassan, Samuel L. Doku.



Aside from the Chairmanship position, all other executive positions contested unopposed.



These positions were Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary, Treasurer, and Organizer.







The 2021 elections make it the 4th time the association has held a successful congress since the year 2001.



Ghana Auctioneers Association was established in 1985. And in 1989 it was captured in the PNDC law 230 of 1989.



Since its establishment, the association can boast of about 400 membership and the least qualification required to join the association is First Degree.



Before the official formation of the group, it was the Police that licensed auctioneers and it was between the period of 2006 and 2007 that Parliament amended the law and made sure that before a person becomes an auctioneer, you have to pass a written examination.



Unlike previously a middle school certificate was enough to qualify a person to become an auctioneer.



In an interview with the Chairman-Elect of the Ghana Auctioneers Association, Mr. Nii-Boye Tagoe, he described the contest as normal with no heat or pressure.



He further outlined some measures and actions he would execute to make the association function effectively and vibrantly.



"As the association stands, there are a lot of anomalies that need to be addressed so since we now have a well-organized structured body again we are going to tighten all loose ends. As the Elected-Chairman I am going to make sure all the committees I have formed will take stock, sit down and analyse all outstanding issues one after the other and address all challenges," he assured.



He also cited some alleged malpractices at the Office of the Chief of Staff by some Auctioneers and promised to deal with it once and for all.



According to Mr. Nii-Boye, the association is also entangled in some legal issues involving the former chairman among others and he will seek to bring a conclusion to all the matters.



"We have a very big problem especially with some auctioneers turning into political auctioneers chasing ministries for jobs that are not approved by the office of the Chief of Staff. My Chairmanship will address all these unfair and unprofessional characters."

Source: Modernghana









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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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / United Lithium Corp. (CSE:ULTH)(OTC PINK:ULTHF)(FWB:0UL) (the "Company") is pleased to announce, further to its news release dated February 11, 2021, that it has completed the acquisition (the "Acquisition") from Leading Edge Materials Corp. ("Leading Edge") of 100% of the issued and outstanding share capital of Bergby Lithium AB ("Bergby"), which holds a 100% interest in and to the mining licenses comprising the Bergby Lithium project (the "Project"), located in central Sweden, 25km north of Gavle.

Purchase Consideration

As consideration for the Acquisition, the Company has: (a) paid CAD$250,000 in cash; (b) issued 1,031,864 common shares in the capital of ULTH (each, a "ULTH Share"); (c) issued 400,000 common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire, for a period of 36 months from the Closing Date, one ULTH Share at an exercise price equal to approximately CAD$0.485; and (d) granted a 2% net smelter returns royalty on the Project, which is subject to a buyback right in favour of ULTH, exercisable for CAD$1,000,000.

The ULTH Shares will be escrowed and released over a 20-month period. The Company shall also pay an additional CAD$250,000 in cash on October 29, 2021.

In addition to the foregoing, the Company has committed to exercise reasonable commercial efforts toward spending CAD$1,000,000 on exploration work on the Project prior to October 29, 2022, and Leading Edge will, at its cost, make available to the Company the part-time services of its Chief Geologist to provide geological support in exploring the Project until April 29, 2022.

On Behalf of The Board of Directors

Michael Dehn

Chief Executive Officer

Investor Relations

(604) 259-0889

ir@unitedlithium.com

About United Lithium Corp.

United Lithium Corp. (CSE:ULTH) (OTC PINK:ULTHF) is an exploration & development company energized by the global demand for lithium. The Company is targeting lithium projects in politically safe jurisdictions with advanced infrastructure that allows for rapid and cost-effective exploration, development and production opportunities.

The Company's consolidated financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis are available on the Company's website at www.leadingedgematerials.com or under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, in relation to statements regarding the anticipated completion of the Acquisition, the commencement and completion of the Program, and the Company's business and plans. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance and developments to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, the risks that the Acquisition does not complete as contemplated, or at all; that the Program does not proceed as contemplated, or at all; that the Company does not carry out any further exploration activities in respect of the Project; that the Company does not complete any resource, technical or other geological report in respect of the Project; and that the Company may not be able to carry out its business plans as expected. Except as required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information in this news release. The statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release.

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

SOURCE: United Lithium Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643443/United-Lithium-Corp-Completes-Acquisition-of-100-of-the-Bergby-Lithium-Project
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 14:25:10|Editor: huaxia

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JAKARTA -- Indonesia's food and drug authority BPOM has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinopharm, an official source said on Friday.

Chief of BPOM Penny Lukito made the announcement, saying the issuance of the EUA was based on the third phase of clinical trials in the United Arab Emirates and other countries. (Indonesia-Chinese vaccine)

- - - -

NEW DELHI -- India's COVID-19 tally reached 18,762,976 on Friday, as 386,452 new cases were recorded during the past 24 hours, said the federal health ministry.

Besides, as many as 3,498 deaths across the country since Thursday morning took the total death toll to 208,330.(India-COVID-19)

- - - -

ISLAMABAD -- The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) of Pakistan on Thursday recommended the country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to ban inbound flights from May 5 to May 20 for curbing the fast-spreading third wave of COVID-19, an NCOC statement said.

The NCOC approved holidays for the forthcoming Eid festival from May 8-16, and banned all tourism activities during the holidays, besides urging people to stay home during the festival. (Pakistan-Flight Ban)

- - - -

SEOUL -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday received his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a public health center in Seoul, according to the presidential Blue House.

The first jab was administered to Moon on March 23.

The president got the second shot earlier than usual as the date of his U.S. trip for summit talks with U.S. President Joe Biden was fixed. (South Korea-President-Vaccine) Enditem
Kilkenny native Conall Bolger has been appointed CEO of the Irish Solar Energy Association.

Mr Bolger, who grew up in the Rower, has significant experience working in renewable energy in Ireland and globally. Most recently he established and led Irish operations for Cornwall Insight, a leading management consultancy and market research firm for businesses within the energy sector.

Mr Bolger has a passion for renewable energy and sustainability he has previously worked in onshore wind in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada and Poland. Among his achievements is leading a 11 million offshore wind programme for the Crown Estate, the lands owned by the British Royal Family. He holds a Masters degree in environmental sustainability from The University of Edinburgh and a degree in philosophy and political science from Trinity College Dublin.

ISEA represents the interests of over 130 members, advancing policies that promote solar as a leading source of renewable energy and that will help decarbonise Irelands electricity system.

POTENTIAL

Mr Bolger will now lead ISEA in its efforts to deliver five gigawatts (GW) of solar within the next ten years.

Ireland has the potential to generate huge amounts of solar energy, but our sunshine is currently and untapped resource, said Mr Bolger.

This is contributing to the countrys failure to decarbonise at a sufficient pace. ISEA has ambitions to support a 100-fold increase in solar energy generation over the next decade. I am excited to lead the Association as we challenge government to facilitate the industry achieving this goal.
Pipeline

30 April 2021

Deutsche Hospitality is launching a new project in its Upper Midscale Segment. The four-star IntercityHotel Karlsruhe will take shape right next to the city's main railway station and will form part of a new and high-end complex to be known as KA DREI. The collection of buildings on the site will also include two office blocks with retail space, an underground car park and a cafe. The hotel itself is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2023 and will offer 194 rooms, a restaurant and a bar, all designed by the Italian architect and designer Matteo Thun. It will also house an events facility extending over an area of 233 square metres and four conference rooms. Qcoon Real Estate GmbH and FORTOON Development GmbH, both of which are Hamburg-based companies, will share responsibility for project development and construction management of the building complex KA DREI.

Both the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre and Congress Centre will be easily accessible on foot from the hotel. Guests wishing to visit the city's old quarter will find it most convenient to take public transport, which they will be able to use free of charge throughout their stay thanks to IntercityHotel's FreeCityTicket scheme.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 16:50:39|Editor: huaxia

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About 265 million domestic trips are estimated to be made by Chinese passengers during the upcoming five-day May Day holiday from May 1 to 5, according to the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

The estimated figure represents an increase of 120.1 percent year on year, close to the 2019 level, the MOT said.

Departure passenger flows are expected to peak on the first day of the holiday with about 57.9 million passenger trips, up 115 percent and 6 percent from the 2020 level and 2019 level, respectively, MOT data showed.

Between April 29 and May 6, railway passenger trips are expected to reach 106 million, up 0.8 percent compared with the same period in 2019, said China State Railway Group Co. Ltd. (China Railway), estimating that the railway passenger trips will peak on May 1 to reach 17 million.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Larissa Pham. Catapult, $26 (288p) ISBN 978-1-646-22026-7

Pham reinvents the memoir in a stirring debut that explores the power of language, art, and love. As an Asian American woman who felt alienated early on in her life, she poured herself into studying art and poetry to reconcile her need for closeness. In 11 essays, she interrogates desire in all its forms, beginning with an evocative piece about finding solace in the act of running. She aspires to the affable stride of fellow runner and novelist Haruki Murakami, but instead she runs as if trying to lose my mind. Throughout, Pham examines the emotionality of other artists and writers work and livesfrom Barthes to Georgia OKeeffe to Louise Bourgeoisas a way to better understand her own. In Blue, she reflects on escaping mental burnout in New Mexico, and remembers the painter Agnes Martins flight from New York, after a schizophrenic episode: Agness voices and visions didnt inform her art-making process, but... dictated her actionswhere to be, what to eat, what to own. Ever-present, too, is the haunting of past lovers and her own sexuality, captured in prose thats both beautiful and gutting. If I could own it... become a woman with agency. It wouldnt matter if I still hurt. At least Id be able to describe it. This is a masterpiece.
The students are directed to report to schools for preparing for the exams under the guidance of teachers from June 1 to 5. (DC file photo)

Vijayawada: The state government on Thursday announced summer holidays for Class 10 students from May 1 to 31 across the state for the academic year 2020-21.

In a memo issued on Thursday, the department of school education said that in the wake of the second wave of Covid-19 spreading with high positive rate in the country, the state government accorded permission for the closure of academic year 2020-21 and the declaration of summer vacation to students and teachers for Class 10 from May 1 to 31 with last working day on April 30.

With this, classes for Standard 10 in all schools to be cancelled and the students are permitted to prepare for SSC public exams while staying at their homes from May 1 to 31. The students are directed to report to schools for preparing for the exams under the guidance of teachers from June 1 to 5. All Class 10 teachers have been asked to support the students through various digital platforms to help them to prepare for the SSC public examinations.
MONTERREY, Mexico, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Metalsa, S.A. de C.V. (" Metalsa " or the " Company ") announced today the early tender results in connection with its previously announced cash tender offer (the " Tender Offer ") for any and all of the outstanding U.S.$300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 4.900% Senior Notes due 2023 (the " Notes ") and the related solicitation of consents (the " Consent Solicitation ") to certain proposed amendments to the Notes and the indenture governing the Notes (as amended, the " Indenture ").

The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are described in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated April 19, 2021 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the " Offer to Purchase "), previously distributed to holders of the Notes.

The Company has been advised that as of 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on April 30, 2021 (such date and time, the " Early Tender Payment Deadline "), U.S.$181,320,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, representing approximately 60.44% of the outstanding Notes, had been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) pursuant to the Tender Offer, for which related consents have been delivered (and not validly revoked) pursuant to the Consent Solicitation. The Company intends to purchase all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accept all consents validly delivered (and not validly revoked) at or prior to the Early Tender Payment Deadline, on May 4, 2021 (the " Early Settlement Date ").

Based on the receipt of the consents, the Company intends to execute a supplemental indenture (the " Supplemental Indenture ") to the Indenture. The Supplemental Indenture will implement the proposed amendments (the " Proposed Amendments ") set forth in the Offer to Purchase, which would (i) eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants, as well as various events of default and related provisions contained in the Indenture, (ii) reduce the minimum required notice period for the redemption of Notes from 30 days to three business days prior to the date fixed for redemption (maintaining the maximum notice period of 60 days) and (iii) amend the covenant in the Indenture with respect to consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance to allow the Company to effect a corporate reorganization, as described in the Offer to Purchase. Although the Supplemental Indenture will be effective immediately upon execution, the Proposed Amendments will not become operative until the Early Settlement Date. The Supplemental Indenture will be binding on all holders of Notes, including holders of Notes not validly tendered and purchased pursuant to the Tender Offer.

On the Early Settlement Date, holders of Notes who validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their Notes at or prior to the Early Tender Payment Deadline will receive U.S.$1,065.00 for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes (the " Total Consideration "), which includes an early tender payment of U.S.$30.00 per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes (the " Early Tender Payment "). Holders who validly tender (and do not withdraw) their Notes after the Early Tender Payment Deadline but at or prior to 11:59 p.m. (New York City time), on May 14, 2021, unless extended or earlier terminated by the Company (such date and time, as the same may be modified, the " Expiration Time "), will be eligible to receive U.S.$1,035.00 per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes (the " Tender Offer Consideration "), which amount will be equal to the Total Consideration less the Early Tender Payment. In addition, the Company will pay accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase, and additional amounts thereon, from the most recent interest payment date on the Notes to, but not including, the applicable settlement date for the Notes accepted for purchase.

The Company's obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer is conditioned upon the satisfaction or, when applicable, waiver of certain conditions, which are more fully described in the Offer to Purchase, including, among others, the consummation of an offering by the Company (the " New Notes Offering ") of new senior notes (the " New Notes ") at or prior to the Early Settlement Date on terms satisfactory to the Company. This condition is expected to be satisfied upon the closing of the New Notes Offering on May 4, 2021. The New Notes offered pursuant to the New Notes Offering 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 an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

Following payment for the Notes accepted pursuant to the terms of the Tender Offer, Metalsa may, but is not obligated to, redeem all or a portion of the Notes that remain outstanding in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. Neither the Offer to Purchase nor this press release constitutes a notice of redemption or an obligation to issue a notice of redemption.

BofA Securities, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. are acting as dealer managers for the Tender Offer and as solicitation agents for the Consent Solicitation and can be contacted at their respective telephone numbers set forth on the back cover page of Offer to Purchase with questions regarding the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation.

Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available to holders of Notes from Global Bondholder Services Corporation, the information agent and the tender agent for the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation. To contact the information agent and tender agent, banks and brokers may call (212) 430-3774, and others may call U.S. toll-free: (866) 470-3700 or email [email protected] Additional contact information is set forth below.

By Mail, Hand or Overnight Courier: By Facsimile Transmission:



65 Broadway, Suite 404 (for eligible institutions only)



New York, NY 10006 +1 (212) 430-3775/3779



USA Confirmation by Telephone



Attention: Corporate Actions +1 (212) 430-3774

Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor have any such documents been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer to Purchase or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary.

The Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are being made solely on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Under no circumstances shall this press release constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are not being made to, nor will the Company accept tenders of Notes or deliveries of consents from, holders in any jurisdiction in which the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities of blue sky laws of such jurisdiction. This press release also is not a solicitation of consents to the Proposed Amendments to the Indenture. No recommendation is made as to whether holders should tender their Notes or deliver their consents with respect to the Notes. Holders should carefully read the Offer to Purchase because it contains important information, including the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation.

About Metalsa

Metalsa is a sociedad anonima de capital variable (a variable capital corporation) organized under the laws of the United Mexican States involved in the production of structural components for automotive light vehicle and commercial vehicles, with more than 60 years of experience. Currently, Metalsa supplies the global market with manufacturing plants, offices and technology centers worldwide in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, India, Japan, Mexico, Thailand, and the United States. It also offers Just in Time services in sequencing centers located in strategic areas close to its customers. With this international presence, Metalsa can effectively fulfill and carry out locally the global customer strategies. The Company's main office is located in "Pabellon M" at Benito Juarez Street, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, 64000. For additional information, visit http://www.metalsa.com/. The information on the Company's website is not a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, the Offer to Purchase or this press release.

Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute estimates and forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include statements regarding the Company's intent, belief or current expectations, and those of the Company's officers, with respect to (among other things) the Company's financial condition.

The Company's estimates and forward-looking statements are based mainly on current expectations and estimates of future events and trends, which affect, or may affect, the Company's business and results of operations. Although the Company believes that these estimates and forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they are subject to several risks and uncertainties and are based on information currently available to the Company.

The words "believe," "may," "may have," "would," "estimate," "continues," "anticipates," "intends," "hopes," and similar words are intended to identify estimates and forward-looking statements. Estimates and forward-looking statements refer only to the date when they were made, and neither Metalsa, the dealer managers and solicitation agents, the information agent and tender agent or any affiliate of any of them undertakes any obligation to update or review any estimate or forward-looking statement due to new information, future events or any other factors. Estimates and forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and do not guarantee future performance, as actual results or developments may be substantially different from the expectations described in the forward-looking statements. In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, the events referred to in the estimates and forward-looking statements included in this press release may or may not occur, and the Company's business performance and results of operation may differ materially from those expressed in its estimates and forward-looking statements, due to factors that include but are not limited to those mentioned above. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any estimates or forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.

DISCLAIMER

This press release must be read in conjunction with the Offer to Purchase. This announcement and the Offer to Purchase contain important information which must be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation. If any holder of Notes is in any doubt as to the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own legal, tax, accounting and financial advice, including as to any tax consequences, immediately from its stockbroker, bank manager, attorney, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. Any individual or company whose Notes are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee or intermediary must contact such entity if it wishes to participate in the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation. None of Metalsa, the dealer managers and solicitation agents, the information agent and tender agent and any person who controls, or is a director, officer, employee or agent of such persons, or any affiliate of such persons, makes any recommendation as to whether holders of Notes should participate in the Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation.

SOURCE Metalsa, S.A. de C.V.

Related Links

http://www.metalsa.com


ROCHESTER, Minn. - The Rochester NAACP President is weighing in on the controversy surrounding Black Lives Matter material at Rochester Public Schools. He said this is a community issue that everyone needs to be aware of so we can come together and resolve social injustice.

A Facebook post made by Rochester for Justice received a lot of attention over the weekend. It states the RPS cabinet directed administrators to have staff remove any Black Lives Matter material from classrooms. Superintendent Michael Munoz released a response alleging that the narrative is false.

During a conversation last week with RPS leaders, they said staff could wear BLM apparel and they're working with the school board on a resolution to adopt this. Rochester NAACP President, Wale Elegbede, said regardless of the situation, it's important for students and staff to know they're supported. "Talk about the mental trauma that our kids are going through," he explained. "Just walk into school every day - it's really nice for a kid of color or a Black student to be able to go to your class and you see that my teacher actually supports me. That's the message."

Elegbede said before this specific situation ever came about, RPS students and parents had their concerns. "I've had numerous parents reach out to me. Not just this year - even last year," he explained. "In terms of just the fact that they want their kids to be well supported. We know the data. The state has dinged RPS for just school discipline disparities. This is not something that is new."

The school board discussed this topic at the most recent public meeting and reiterated that the Rochester for Justice Facebook post is misinformation. They said communication between the board and community will continue to improve.

The board also passed a resolution supporting equity for historically under-served and marginalized students. They stressed the district will continue to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
At the invitation of the Director General of Customs of the Republic of the Congo, Mr. Guenole Mbongo Koumou, in his capacity as the WCO Vice-Chair for the West and Central Africa (WCA) Region, the WCO Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, spoke at the Regional Conference of Directors General of Customs held online on 28 and 29 April 2021.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mikuriya described the WCO priorities and new working methods. The Conference then reviewed and discussed the following matters: progress in the Region, Customs modernization, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), measures to combat fraud and capacity building needs.

During the panel session on the operationalization of the AfCFTA, Secretary General Mikuriya reiterated WCOs commitment, alongside the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and national Customs administrations, to support the historic initiative of creating a single market in Africa. He highlighted the leadership role played by Customs on this journey and stressed the importance of a robust infrastructure for regional integration. Directors General also reflected on Customs response to COVID-19 and underscored the vital role of information exchange in combating counterfeit or substandard medicines and vaccines.

The Conference discussed the capacity building opportunities provided by the WCO and the identification of needs in that respect. Additionally, the Directors General decided to improve the Region's administrative and financial arrangements to support regional initiatives.

At the closing ceremony, Dr. Mikuriya thanked the Vice-Chair for his exemplary leadership of the Conference and the clear conclusions reached, while commending the Directors General on their active participation. The Republic of the Congos Minister Delegate to the Minister of Finance and Budget in charge of Budget, H.E. Ludovic Ngatse, closed the Conference by congratulating Customs administrations on their work, acknowledging the benefits they bring to countries and citizens.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Intervals of clouds and sunshine in the morning with more clouds for later in the day. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Rio de Janeiro: Brazil has become the second country to pass 400,000 COVID-19 deaths after the United States, and experts warned the daily toll could remain high for several months due to slow vaccinations and loosening social restrictions.

Brazil on Thursday (Friday AEST) registered 3001 new COVID-19 deaths, taking its total since the pandemic began to 401,186, the Health Ministry said.

A healthcare worker waits in the ambulance with a patient to enter a public hospital in Brasilia, Brazil. Credit:AP

A brutal surge of coronavirus infections this year has pushed hospitals around the country to capacity and led to 100,000 deaths in just a month.

COVID-19 deaths have fallen slightly from a peak of more than 4000 in a single day in early April, prompting many local governments to ease lockdowns.


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Strong U.S. treasury yields underpinned the U.S. dollar in the Asian session on Friday, as strong GDP data and President Joe Biden's spending plan backed hopes for a faster economic recovery.



The benchmark yield on 10-year note rose 1.64 percent. Yields move inversely to bond prices.



Overnight data showed that U.S. economic growth accelerated in the first quarter, reflecting increases in consumer spending, federal government spending, residential fixed investment, and state and local government spending.



The weekly jobless claims dropped to a new pandemic-era low in the week ended April 24 and pending home sales rose in March, signalling that the recovery is gathering pace.



Asian markets fell after data showed China's factory activity expanded at a slower pace than forecast in April.



Geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington and concerns about China's crackdown on tech companies further dampened risk sentiment.



The greenback recovered to 1.2112 against the euro and 1.3933 against the pound, from its early lows of 1.2127 and 1.3958, respectively. The greenback is seen finding resistance around 1.18 against the euro and 1.365 against the pound.



The greenback bounced off to 0.9092 against the franc, off its prior low of 0.9081. Next key resistance for the greenback is likely seen around the 0.93 level.



The greenback advanced to 1.2286 against the loonie, after falling to 1.2268, which was its lowest level since February 2018. If the greenback continues its rise, 1.25 is possibly seen as its next resistance level.



The greenback rebounded slightly to 0.7768 against the aussie and 0.7240 against the kiwi, from its prior lows of 0.7784 and 0.7254, respectively. The greenback is likely to find resistance around 0.75 against the aussie and 0.70 against the kiwi.



In contrast, the greenback edged down to 108.71 against the yen from yesterday's close of 108.92. The greenback may target support around the 107 area.



Looking ahead, Eurozone CPI for April and GDP data for the first quarter are scheduled for release in the European session.



Canada GDP data for February, U.S. personal income and spending data for March and University of Michigan's final consumer sentiment index for April will be featured in the New York session.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Salina, N.Y.  A development company plans to turn the old Will & Baumer candle factory in Salina  known for a smokestack painted to look like a giant candle  into a $15.5 million, mixed-use facility with up to 250 apartments.

Pascarella Development plans to build 200 to 250 apartments, plus commercial and warehouse space, in the factorys buildings, which have been vacant since the candle company moved to Lewisburg, Tennessee, in 2009.

Vittorio Pascarella, vice president of the family-owned company, said they hope to save the famous smokestack, though hes not sure yet what it will take to preserve it.

Its so iconic, it would be a sin to take it down, he said.

Rendering shows buildings planned for the first phase of the redevelopment of the former Will & Baumer candle factory in Salina into a mixed-use complex named Urban Villages. (LaBella Associates)LaBella Associates

Will & Baumer was founded in 1855 by Anton Will, a carpenter who moved to Syracuse from Germany (the Baumer name was added in 1896). The company opened the Salina factory at 100 Buckley Road, near Old Liverpool Road and overlooking nearby Onondaga Lake, around 1910.

When the company closed the factory 12 years ago, it was the oldest manufacturer in Onondaga County and employed 25 people. But its workforce was far larger during its heyday. There are 560 timecard slots, some still with employee names, on the wall of the companys former administration building.

A Canadian-owned company, Light 4 Life Candles, started a small candle-making operation in one of the buildings in 2010, but it has since left.

Many of the factorys buildings have deteriorated since Will & Baumers exit. Thieves have ripped out copper wiring, mechanical systems are missing and water leaks have caused extensive damage.

Its going to be quite an undertaking, Pascarella said.

His family bought the 11.5 acres from its Canadian owners two weeks ago for $1 million. (Its now owned by Urban Villages PFA, an entity formed by the Pascarellas.)

I drove by, saw a for-sale sign and decided to take on the task, Pascarella said. It seemed like it would be a great fit for a multifamily, re-use project.

He said the project is in a unique location, right outside the city limits but still in the suburbs.

The old factory consists of 11 buildings totaling 179,000 square feet, with exteriors of brick, concrete and metal. Many are connected, but Pascarella said plans are to de-couple them and re-clad their exteriors to give each their own identity.

The companys plans also call for up to three new buildings to be constructed.

24 Will & Baumer candle factory to become apartment complex

Pascarella at first planned to demolish the shed-like buildings in the rear of the property. However, he said he has decided to use them for covered parking. All tenants of the apartments will be able to park their vehicles in basement garages or in the shed-like buildings, he said.

Were going to keep every building, he said. The place grew over time and were trying to stay in touch with that.

The project will be done in phases, with the first phase containing 88 apartments in the former administration building in the front of the property. Pascarella said the plan is to have the first apartments ready for leasing in about three years.

He said it is too early in the planning and construction process to know what the rents will be.

The company has applied to the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency for $2.4 million in tax exemptions. The exemptions would consist of $1.1 million in property tax discounts over 10 years, $1.2 million in sales taxes on construction materials and $116,587 in state mortgage recording tax.

The agency would charge the company a $195,311 project fee if it grants the exemptions.

Pascarellas parents, Vincent and Serafina, started the familys business 30 years ago, at first remodeling single-family homes and then rehabbing and building multifamily developments. A second son, Florindo, is also a member of the company.

Pascarella said the business owns 600 apartments in the Syracuse area, including 200 in Salina, making it one of the areas largest owners of multifamily properties.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148
Love Island's Jack Fowler burst into tears as he paid tribute to his late friend Kevin Smith in a moving Instagram video on Thursday.

Kevin, 35, is thought to have been practising underwater photography with a friend in Punta Galera, a cove near the popular resort of San Antonio, on Wednesday evening when he drowned.

Devastated Jack also penned a poignant message alongside photos of their memories together. He wrote: 'I feel broken hearted with knowing you're not here anymore Kev.

Heartbreaking: Love Island's Jack Fowler burst into tears as he paid tribute to his late friend Kevin Smith in a moving Instagram video on Thursday

'I remember when I first met you I knew you were going to be in my life for a long time. I told you many times that people like you are so rare to find and that anyone who met you or had you in their life was extremely lucky.

'We have so many memories together that I honestly will cherish for rest of my life.

'I love you bro and I feel completely empty inside knowing I'm not going to see your piercing blue eyes, infectious smile or hear you contagious laugh anymore. I'm so sorry that it's happened like this. I really love you bro and I miss you so much already.'

Devastated: Jack shared a video saying: 'I feel broken hearted with knowing you're not here anymore Kev' and took to Instagram to share some of their memories together

Jack shared photos of himself and Kevin partying in Ibiza and enjoying dinner together.

Taking to his Instagram stories, Jack sobbed in his car as he said in a video: 'Yesterday I lost one of my boys. Kevin. He was one of the boys that always enjoyed life.'

The Love Island star urged people to donate to a GoFundMe page, launched by his family, to help bring his body back to the UK.

Jack added: 'I know the family and friends and everyone who met him would be eternally grateful if we could help get him home. Anyone who met Kevin knew he just loved life.'

Emotional: Taking to his Instagram stories, Jack sobbed in his car as he said in a video: 'Yesterday I lost one of my boys. Kevin. He was one of the boys that always enjoyed life.

Teary: The Love Island star urged people to donate to a GoFundMe page , launched by his family, to help bring his body back to the UK

At the time of publication, the fundraiser has surpassed its 20,000 goal and has raised more than 36,000.

Jack, Michelle Keegan, TOWIE's Amber Turner and Josh Denzel were among some of the top donations.

A host of Jack's celebrity pals shared their condolences in the comments section of his moving tribute.

Mark Wright's mum Carol wrote: 'He really was one sweet caring lovely boy', while former TOWIE co-star Danielle Armstrong added: 'Sending my love'.

Jack's Love Island pal Josh typed: 'Bro so so so so so so so sorry to hear this Kev was a clean hearted soul. He was a highlight of my summer.'

Celebrity personal trainer Bradley Simmonds added: 'Sorry for your loss mate'.

Tribute: 'I love you bro and I feel completely empty inside knowing I'm not going to see your piercing blue eyes, infectious smile or hear you contagious laugh anymore', Jack said

Memories: Jack shared photos of himself and Kevin partying in Ibiza

Party boys: 'We have so many memories together that I honestly will cherish for rest of my life,' Jack said

Support: A host of Jack's celebrity pals shared their condolences in the comments section of his moving tribute

Emotional: Jack shared some of the messages he sent to Kevin including one where he said he was glad he was 'living your life to the fullest'

It was reported Kevin came into difficulty while trying to take photos underwater, with his friend raising the alarm around 6.15pm on Wednesday.

Police and paramedics attended and pulled him from the water, but were sadly unable to save his life.

The cove where Kevin was found has rock platforms popular for cliff jumping and sunset viewing as well as snorkelling.

The Essex-born expat is believed to have been taking underwater pictures when he got into difficulties.

Tragic: Kevin, 35, (pictured) is thought to have got into difficulty while practising underwater photography in Punta Galera, a cove near San Antonio, on Wednesday

Diving spot: The cove where Kevin was found has rock platforms popular for cliff jumping and sunset viewing as well as snorkelling

Ibiza-based friend Nick Barlow described the dedicated sportsman, thought to have worked as a personal trainer, as an 'action man' in a Facebook tribute after learning of his death.

Morgan Brazier, who launched the fundraising appeal which surpassed its 20,000 goal in just five hours, said: 'I think I speak for us all when I say that we are heartbroken to of heard the news that our good friend Kevin sadly lost his life in a tragic snorkelling accident yesterday.

'Kevin has had so many mental and physical battles whilst always on the search to live his dream life.

'After nearly two years of moving to Ibiza, grinding through each lockdown, he finally was able to live his dream and enjoy his hiking, snorkelling, chasing the sunsets and discovering new locations.

'He was so open and friendly with a very strong moral compass. He was an inspiration and loved by so many.

'With the travel restrictions that are in place, there are complications with his family going to get him and bringing him home.

Accident: The Essex-born expat is believed to have been taking underwater pictures when he got into difficulties in Punta Galera

'This is why we have set up this go fund me so we can help his family bring him home as soon as physically possible, privately if we are able to.'

One well-wisher donated a staggering 1,500 and three others made four-figure donations.

Scott Neilson said: 'Love you Kev. You will be truly missed by so many people. Words can't even describe the feelings at the moment. Your never be forgotten mate and your get 1 hell of a send off! Love ya mate.'

Tom Stevens added: 'No words to describe the happiest & funniest people I knew. Not to mention one of my best friends. I love you mate thinking of you always.'

Travel reviews describe Punta Galera as an old stone quarry next to the sea which is away from tourist crowds but popular with nudists.

One adds: 'It is little visited, among other things because there is neither a bar nor sand.

'However, it is easy to jump into the water as the depth is more than two metres, apart from a few places where you can get out over shallower submerged rocks.'

The quiet spot is reached by taking the road from San Antonio to Santa Agnes and turning off towards the sea before the beautiful bay called Cala Salada,
It may look cute and shine a cool fluorescent orange, but a newly-identified species of frog in Brazil is highly poisonous, scientists reveal.

The frog, called Brachycephalus rotenbergae, is just under an inch in length but has enough poison, transmitted from glands in its skin, to make a human ill.

It also has bony plates on its skull and back that glow green through the skin under ultraviolet (UV) light  but researchers aren't sure why.

B. rotenbergae was discovered south of the Mantiqueira mountain range in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in forest along Brazils Atlantic coast.

The newly-identified species, Brachycephalus rotenbergae, is pictured - note its defensive mouth gaping behaviour

It's a type of pumpkin toadlet (Brachycephalus ephippium), which is a group of related species of fluorescent, brightly-coloured frogs, similar in shade to the squash that gives it its name.

The newly identified species is poisonous and potentially fatal to small mammals and birds  but their threat to humans is minimal, according to study author Ivan Nunes at Universidade Estadual Paulista.

Humans can touch them with their bare hands, but shouldn't touch their eyes or mouth afterwards for risk of illness.

The species B. rotenbergae was discovered south of the Mantiqueira mountain range in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in forest along Brazils Atlantic coast

'The species is very poisonous, but only for the animals that try to eat them,' Nunes told MailOnline.

'Predators (birds, mammals, bigger frogs) can die if they eat the Brachycephalus.

'We can manipulate them with our bare hands, without gloves, no problem with that  we just cannot touch the eyes or mouth after that.

'If we do that, we can feel a little bit bad [but] washing the hands can solve the problem.'

Other frogs in the same genus carry an extremely dangerous poison in their skins called tetrodotoxins, and it's likely B. rotenbergae does as well  although the team do 'not have the information about toxins yet'.

(A) shows dorsal view, (B) ventral view, (C) lateral view of head, (D) ventral view of hand, (E) ventral view of feet

Tetrodotoxins interfere with the signals transmitted between nerves and muscles, causing the muscles to become paralysed.

They're also found in the deadly Fugu pufferfish, which is famous for being specially prepared in Japanese restaurants for consumption so it's no longer deadly.

B. rotenbergae spends most of its time in the forest floor, and was photographed by the researchers crouching between branches.

It's possible that the ultra-bright appearance acts as a warning for predators that they carry poison, but it also might have evolved so potential mates can find each other in dim light.

Or, their appearance could simply be used as an effective camouflage, the study authors suggest.

'There are great amounts of tiny yellow and orange leaves, mushrooms and seeds on the ground, especially during the active season,' they point out.

(A) A male clasps a female around her waist using his forelimbs; (B) An couple hiding under a jucara palm; (C) Mouth gaping defensive behaviour; (D) One specimen near a yellow/orange mushroom (notice the similarity of colour and size); (E) One juvenile specimen; (F) Two juvenile specimens, but the smaller one is darker

The researchers say B. rotenbergae can distinguished from other pumpkin toadlets by its morphological characters (especially structure of bones and head shape), vocal call and DNA gene sequences.

But they still aren't too sure why it emits such an impressive fluorescent glow under UV light, however.

'Theres an idea that fluorescence acts as signals for potential mates, to signal to rival males or some other biological role,' Nunes told Smithsonian.

The species has bony plates on its skull and back that glow green through the skin under UV light. Pictured here under 395 nm wavelength (UV, below visible range)

The researchers had travelled just south of the Mantiqueira mountain range several times to collect pumpkin toadlets.

They team collected 276 pumpkin toadlet specimens (helped in part by the use of fluorescent light), which they took back to their lab for analysis, including DNA tests.

The analysis revealed the some of the frogs had distinct new characteristics, including faded dark spots on the skull and a rounded snout that were unlike the other species they collected.

This heralded the discovery of a new species, which they named B. rotenbergae after a Brazilian conservationist called Elise Laura K. Rotenberg.

Rotenberg is a founder of the Brazilian NGO Projeto Danis, a project that works to conserve forest where the toadlets live.

The species is detailed further in PLOS One.
New Delhi, April 30 : The Delhi Police again presented its human face after it organised the cremation of the National Security Guard's former Director General, K.L. Watts, who had passed away at his home on Friday.

According to DCP South Delhi Atul Bhatia, the police received a request from the family members of Watts to arrange for his cremation as his family was in deep distress and other family members were also in hospital.

Following the request, a police team provided assistance in cremation of the former IPS officer.
New Delhi, April 30: You could soon be enjoying a cruise along the lesser-known rivers such as Feni, Muhuri, Meghna, Gandak and Manas among others in Indias eastern and northeastern parts, which finally flow into Bangladesh. The undiscovered area is exceptionally rich in flora and fauna with a beautiful display of the green and blue that the region has to offer.

As India and Bangladesh prepare for a post Covid 19 world and economic recovery, the two countries have decided to amplify their focus on jointly promoting tourism across the 54 transboundary rivers that are shared by both countries.

While work on this area has been going on for years, sources said that this will get expedited with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh in March. Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart have already underlined the need to boost connectivity between the two countries and even promote people to people contacts.

The Bangladesh government has recently undertaken a feasibility study to assess the main impediments for the project. The study is expected to be complete by the year-end.

"Cross-border tourism and trade through trans-boundary rivers between India and Bangladesh is poised to play a significant role in the socio-economic development of local communities and environmental and cultural preservation in India and Bangladesh," said Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director, CUTS International at a webinar.

Most importantly, joint promotion of tourism will enhance people to people contact between the two countries while creating employment among people along the border areas. "Development of tourism in that region is also in sync with Modi's Act East policy. We need to now look at engaging with the northeastern region in a more constructive and inclusive way," an expert from Observer Research Foundation said.

A CUTS report said that easing of security, visa norms, custom, immigration and health procedures are some of the issues that need to be ironed out by both the governments at the earliest.

Several countries including many in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia and Thailand have undertaken joint promotion of tourism.

Importance of tourism to boost GDP growth A study conducted by Pahle India said that several countries are dependent on tourism for its economic growth. While in Maldives, tourism directly accounts for 39.6 per cent of its total GDP, in Cambodia the figure is 14.1 per cent and in Vietnam it is 9.3 per cent, the study pointed out. In UK, tourism accounts for 3.7 per cent of its overall economy and 2.6 per cent in case of the US economy. The tourism industry has strong interlinkages with many other sectors including logistics, aviation, hospitality, handicraft among others.

Several Asian countries are making necessary changes in their policies related to infrastructure development, visas and hospitality to boost tourism, a generator of jobs and foreign exchange.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative/
Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh speaks during a news conference at the White House in Washington, U.S. (Photo : REUTERS/Erin Scott)

A lot of gig workers in the United States should be classified as "employees" who deserve work benefits, President Biden's labor secretary said on Thursday, suggesting a shift in policy that is likely to raise costs for companies that depend on contractors such as Uber and Lyft.



Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, a son of Irish immigrants and a former union member, has been expected to boost the Biden Administration's efforts to expand workers' protections and deliver a win for the country's organized labor movement.



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"We are looking at it but in a lot of cases gig workers should be classified as employees... in some cases they are treated respectfully and in some cases they are not and I think it has to be consistent across the board," Walsh told Reuters in an interview, expressing his view on the topic for the first time.



"These companies are making profits and revenue and I'm not (going to) begrudge anyone for that because that's what we are about in America. But we also want to make sure that success trickles down to the worker," he said.



Shares of Uber fell as much as 8 percent while Lyft dived as much as 12 percent. Doordash fell nearly 9 percent and Grubhub was down 3.3 percent.



Walsh's work at the Department of Labor is expected to have a major impact on U.S. workplace laws and regulations, including vigorous enforcement of occupational safety and health rules, overtime payments and proper administration of employee benefit plans.



As many as 55 million people in the United States were gig workers - or 34% of the workforce - in 2017, according to the International Labor Organization, and the total was projected to rise to 43% in 2020.



Walsh's views on the issue could usher in new rulings from the department, which sets legal guidelines for how employers treat workers. Before his appointment, the Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division proposed rescinding a rule adopted in January that would have made it easier to classify workers as independent contractors.



Walsh said the Department will have conversations with companies that employ gig labor in the coming months to make sure workers have access to consistent wages, sick time, health care and "all of the things that an average employee in America can access."



The Department's decision could have far-reaching implications on ride-hailing services such as Uber Inc, Lyft and food delivery apps such as Grubhub Doordash and Postmates.



An Uber spokesman said the United States should be advancing policies to improve independent work and not eliminating it. The company said an overwhelming majority of app-based workers want to stay independent, because it allows them to work when, where and how they want with flexibility no traditional job can match.



A Doordash spokeswoman said "dashers have overwhelmingly told us that they value the flexibility to earn when and how they choose. We're committed to protecting their independence while providing greater security and benefits."



Gig workers are independent contractors who perform on-demand services, including as drivers, delivering groceries or providing childcare - and are one-third more likely to be Black or Latino, according to an Edison Research poll.



Walsh also spoke about the risks that result from not having gig companies paying unemployment insurance for such workers - a scenario that has played out during the pandemic, leaving the U.S. government to foot the bill.



"If the federal government didn't cover the gig economy workers, those workers would not only have lost their job, but they wouldn't have had any unemployment benefits to keep their family moving forward. We'd have a lot more difficult situation all across the country," he said.



The last decade has seen a surge in the number of gig workers, indicating broad economic and demographic shifts and raising concerns around long-term financial security for a growing share of the workforce, according to some experts.



WORKPLACE SAFETY



Walsh said the labor department's workplace safety arm, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), is also planning to hire 160 federal inspectors to step up checks and enforcement around the country.



"OSHA, over the last four years has been decimated," he said.



There are currently has 760 federal inspectors and the latest hiring plan represents a sizable jump at a time when the department has been losing inspectors every year.



OSHA and the Department of Labor have been heavily criticized for applying scant oversight and negligible penalties despite outbreaks of the coronavirus at workplaces such as factories and warehouses around the country.



Walsh is also part of a White House taskforce that was recently set up by President Biden to help promote unions and labor organizing around the country. He said the first taskforce meeting will be in a couple of weeks.



Walsh spoke at length about the work organized labor must do to reintroduce itself to America's younger generation. He also said the recent push to unionize an Amazon.com Inc. facility in Alabama, which the union did not win, is not a loss for the labor movement.



"The labor movement is like a political campaign. I think the younger generation in America seems to have a new interest in the labor movement," he said, adding that the Amazon campaign is an opportunity for unions and labor groups to discuss what organized labor is all about.


Credit: ESA/D. O'Donnell, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO

On 29 April, ESA and the Australian Space Agency announced the construction of a second 35-meter, deep space antenna at ESA's New Norcia station, located 140 kilometers north of Perth in Western Australia.

The 620-ton antenna will be a new model complementing the existing deep space antenna on the site, with novel functionality and support for additional communication frequencies.

It will feature the latest in deep space communication technology, including a super-cool 'antenna feed' that will be cryogenically cooled to around -263 C and increase data return by up to 40%.

The antenna will be so sensitive it can detect signals far weaker than the signal from a mobile phoneif there were oneon the surface of Mars.

Investing in Europe's future with Australia

"We are happy to announce the latest addition to ESA's state-of-the-art deep space communication network and this important next step in our relationship with the Australian Space Agency," says ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.

The Agency's deep-space stations are supporting a growing number of increasingly sophisticated exploration probes like Gaia, BepiColombo, Solar Orbiter and, soon, the ExoMars rover, Euclid and JUICE, as well as upcoming space safety missions like Hera and the Sun-monitoring space weather mission.

"ESA's network is crucial infrastructure that helps enable cooperation and cross-support with missions flown by partners like NASA, JAXA and other agencies, and this boosts science return and efficiency for all involved," adds Director General Aschbacher.

"It's also part of the ESA infrastructure that can support new space and commercial actors, a key element of ESA's Agenda 2025 priorities."

ESA has budgeted 45 million for the new antenna, covering antenna procurement and construction as well as upgrades to station buildings and services. While the prime contractor will come from an ESA Member State, a significant portion of the budget will be spent in Australia with the involvement of a number of Australian companies.

ESA's ground station and antennas at New Norcia, Western Australia are locally operated by CSIRO, Australia's national science agency. CSIRO similarly operates NASA's deep space communication complex located at Tidbinbilla near Canberra.

"The new antenna is not only positive progress in the Agency and ESA's cooperative relationship, but also an important contributor to the local economy which will help grow Australia's civil space industry," says Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo.

The new deep space antenna at the New Norcia site is a joint undertaking contributing to the long-term cooperation between ESA and Australia in the space domain. It enables significant economic, technology and scientific benefits for both partners, and will pave the way for further collaboration in areas such as space communication, space situational awareness and mission operations.

This image shows the 35 m-diameter dish antenna of ESAs deep-space tracking station at New Norcia, Australia, illuminated by ground lights against the night sky on 3 August 2015. Credit: D. ODonnell/ESA  CC BY-SA 3.0

Rising demand for deep space communications

Deep space antennas are used to communicate with spacecraft on missions that take them far from Earthwhether to the Moon, the Sun, the planets or even asteroids.

The number of deep space missions launched worldwide is rapidly increasing, and so is the need to upload commands and download status updates as well as valuable scientific data from these intrepid explorers.

ESA's large antennas communicate with spacecraft so far out in spaceas far as 1.44 billion kilometers from Earth and even further in futurethat they can only 'listen' to spacecraft in a relatively small area of the sky at any one time. If two spacecraft are in a very similar direction from Earthboth at Mars, for exampleit is possible to use one antenna to communicate with them both at the same time.

But as space exploration continues to take us in new directions, there will be a greater need to maintain frequent communication with spacecraft located in widely different portions of the skysuch as Mars and Mercury. To keep these missions safe and get the most out of the data they collect, ESA needs more antennas.

Around the globe: ESA ground station network

ESA's ground station networkEstrackis a global system of stations providing communication links between spacecraft and ESOC, ESA's European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany. The core Estrack network comprises seven stations in seven countries.

The new antenna will be ESA's fourth deep space antenna and will join existing 35-meter antennas in New Norcia, Malargue (Argentina) and Cebreros (Spain).

Located in Western Australia, New Norcia provides a strategic geographical position allowing around-the-clock coverage of deep space missions, with a perfect complement to the sites in Argentina and Spain.

Building a second antenna on an existing site allows for cost-effective construction, maintenance and operation. Funding for the new antenna was confirmed at ESA's Space19+ ministerial council in 2019.

Studies to determine the exact location of the new antenna on the New Norcia site began at the end of 2019. Construction is due to be completed in 2024 with the antenna entering operation in the second half of that yearjust in time to help out with the JUICE and Hera missions, among many others.

Explore further Deep Space Antenna 1
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.
A serving garda has been acquitted of sexually abusing a child his mother was minding 40 years ago.

The jury at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial heard that the allegation first came to light after the complainant saw the garda on RTE's Crimecall programme.

He recognised the garda as the son of a woman who had minded him for a few years when he was a child. The complainant, now aged 46, went to gardai and alleged that this man had sexually assaulted him on three occasions when he was around 6 or 7 years old.

The 56-year-old man, who can't be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecently assaulting the boy at a Dublin address and in a green area between April 1979 and May 1982. He was aged between 14 and 17 at the time.

The jury of nine men and three women returned not guilty verdicts on all three counts on Thursday following a two-week trial that was held in Croke Park.

The prosecution case was that the accused indecently assaulted the boy in his bedroom on two occasions by touching his penis.

They alleged that on a third occasion, the accused called to the boy's house on his bike, went for a cycle with the boy and bought him a bar of chocolate before indecently assaulting him in a bush in a green area.

During the trial, the accused man took the stand and repeatedly denied he had ever sexually abused the complainant or that he ever called to the boy's house. That never happened, he told the jury. I never touched that child.

The defence submitted there were frailties, inconsistencies and contradictions in the case, including the layout and appearance of the bedroom the complainant was allegedly abused in, which they submitted resembled the boy's own childhood bedroom.

The defence also pointed to a number of childminders who minded the boy shortly after the accused man's mother, including one childminder who was let go because she was letting undesirable people into the boy's house.

The trial heard that the complainant blocked out the memories of the alleged abuse for a number of years until 1994, when he said he encountered the accused man  by then a garda - while he was messing about with friends one night in the city centre. He recognised the garda, who moved the man and his friends on, and then remembered the alleged abuse, the court heard.

Years later, the complainant was watching Crimecall when the accused man appeared as part of his work.

In his closing speech to the jury, Eoghan Cole BL, prosecuting, said the complainant was upset and angry to see the accused man in this role. He went to gardai with the allegations shortly afterwards.

Mr Cole submitted the complainant gave clear and compelling evidence of the alleged abuse and was unshaken in the core elements of his testimony.

Defence barrister, Sean Guerin SC, told the jury there were ample contradictions in the case. He pointed to the fact that this was a very old case in which memories fade and evidence can be lost.

He said the complainant forgot about the alleged abuse for a decade, before he met the accused man in a drunken and fleeting encounter in the city centre in 1994.

Mr Guerin said the complainant's memory of the abuse occurring in a room containing one set of bunk beds and a single bed was significant. The court heard there were two sets of bunk beds in the room.

The complainant described lying on his back on his alleged abuser's chest, looking at the ceiling as he was sexually assaulted. Mr Guerin submitted this could not have occurred in the accused man's bedroom in this case. This one fact alone is capable of giving rise to reasonable doubt, he said.

He pointed to the fact that after the childminding arrangement with the accused man's mother ended, the complainant and his siblings were minded by another childminder in their own home. The court heard she was letting unsuitable people into the house, of whom the complainant's mother disapproved, Mr Guerin said.

If we don't know who these unsuitable people were coming to the house, how can you establish beyond reasonable doubt that what (the complainant) described happened in his own room? Mr Guerin said.

The complainant did not give a physical description of his alleged abuser, and also confused a couple of his brothers, the defence said. Identification is a real issue in this case, Mr Guerin said.

Judge Karen O'Connor thanked the jury for their service. They deliberated for four hours and 18 minutes before returning the verdicts.
New batches of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Indonesia

Xinhua) 16:09, April 30, 2021

JAKARTA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- New batches of COVID-19 vaccines produced by Chinese pharmaceutical companies arrived at Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Friday, an Indonesian official said.

"Today, 6 million doses of bulk COVID-19 vaccine from Sinovac Biotech Ltd and 482,400 ready-to-use vaccines from the China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) have arrived," Minister of Communications and Informatics Johnny Plate said.

Indonesia has received a total of 65.5 million doses of bulk COVID-19 vaccine from Sinovac, as well as 8.448 million doses of ready-to-use vaccines from Sinovac, Sinopharm, and AstraZeneca through the COVAX Facility initiated by the World Health Organization.

The bulk from Sinovac that arrived Friday will be brought to the state-company PT Bio Farma office to be processed into ready-to-use vaccines.

Meanwhile, the vaccine produced by Sinopharm will be used for a mutual vaccination scheme locally known as "Gotong Royong", where companies or legal entities can arrange the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for their employees for free to help the country achieve herd immunity faster.

Indonesia's Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) has just issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Sinopharm vaccine.

"We are announcing that an emergency use authorization has been given for a vaccine produced by the Beijing Biological Products Institute under Sinopharm," chief of BPOM Penny Lukito said Friday.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the blaze that started near the campground in the Lincoln National Forest on Monday and spread quickly to the boundaries of a ski resort owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Despite rain and light snowfall this week, the Three Rivers Fire, as it is known, continued to burn on Friday  a grim forewarning of what may lie ahead in drought-stricken southern New Mexico.

Its scary when you can see the smoke rising over the mountains, said Anthony Torres, a pastor from a church in Alamogordo who organized a relief effort, feeding brisket and other hot meals to fire crews and evacuees. People are understandably afraid.

Parts of the towns of Ruidoso and Capitan, N.M., took on the feel of a staging area for a disaster zone as firefighting crews from around the country descended to coordinate efforts aimed at controlling the blaze.

Based at Ruidosos convention center, they fanned into the surrounding forest to build fire lines that could protect the Mescalero Apache Reservation, and made plans to protect neighborhoods in case the fire surges or changes direction. No lives had been lost or structures burned by Friday afternoon.

In Mohave County, Ariz., about 50 miles from the California border, the Flag Fire forced the evacuation of about 200 homes this week as it consumed nearly 1,300 acres of the pine-covered Hualapai Mountains. The blaze was 34 percent contained by Friday afternoon.

Arizona has already had 311 fires this year, compared with 127 through the first four months of 2020, Ms. Davila with the forestry department said; 15,555 acres have burned, compared with 1,290 acres in the same period last year.

We dont normally see a lot of fire activity in Mohave County until May or June, she said. Were pretty much in extreme drought across nearly the entire state.
EBRD baby UiPath smashes Wall Street

The Romanian software company UiPath broke records this week with the most successful listing on the New York Stock since Spotify, according to the Economist. UiPath managed to raise $1.3bn in an initial public offering. This valued it at around $30bn. When first plans for the company were made in a living room in Bucharest in 2015 and the founders needed capital the EBRD stood ready to offer its support through the Earlybird Digital East Fund.

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New Chernobyl support fund heralds next steps in decommissioning

As the world commemorated the 35th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident this week, a new EBRD-managed decommissioning fund held its first assembly meeting. EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso and Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) opened the meeting of the International Chernobyl Co-Operation Account (ICCA) assembly with a joint declaration pledging continued support for the decommissioning of the site.

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A major step towards this goal was also taken this week when the Ukrainian regulator granted an operating license to the Interim Spent Fuel Facility 2 (ISF-2). It will provide safe and secure storage for the more than 21,000 spent fuel assemblies of Chernobyl reactors 1, 2 and 3, currently stored in an ageing facility.

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Spearheading the climate change revolution

Combatting climate change and implementing Paris Alignment is not an option, but a must, said EBRD First Vice President Jurgen Rigterink in a keynote speech at the Energy Tech Summit 2021 this week. He stressed the Banks commitment to play a leading role in addressing climate change with supporting innovation, finding market-compatible solutions and mobilising the private sector.

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EBRD and Croatian National Bank joining forces on green finance

The financial sector has a vital role to play in addressing climate change by mobilising financing and appraising climate risk, the EBRD and the Croatian National Bank stated at a joint conference. Francis Malige, EBRD Managing Director, Financial Institutions, said: The entire financial sector must have an aligned approach to financing the needs of the real economy if we are to have any hope of achieving a net-zero-carbon world by 2050. Governor Boris Vujcic added: Banks could have a pronounced positive influence if they were to finance environmentally friendly projects and make green investments.

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EBRD wins award for green transition bond

The EBRDs pioneering work in green transition bonds has been recognised with a 2020 Climate Bonds Award by the Climate Bonds Initiative. Isabelle Laurent, EBRD Deputy Treasurer and Head of Funding, said: "We are delighted to receive the award for Transition Bond of the Year. Through the green transition bond programme that we introduced in 2019 we have been keen to highlight the importance that the EBRD places on investments in the hard-to-abate sectors that will be critical to achieving the Paris Agreement goals.

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EBRD and JICA to cooperate on projects across three continents

The EBRD and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are planning to scale up investments in sustainable energy and infrastructure, as well as in sectors identified in the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of their operations in countries where they both are active. An agreement to support economic and social development in the Caucasus, Central Asia, Europe, and North Africa was signed by EBRD Vice President Alain Pilloux and JICA Senior Vice President Keiichiro Nakazawa this week. It will help combine both the private sector expertise and the public sector mandate of both parties.

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EBRD welcomes compliance review of Corridor Vc section

The Independent Project Accountability Mechanism of the EBRD has recommended a compliance review of the Mostar South  Tunnel Kvanj section of the Corridor Vc motorway project in Bosnia and Herzegovina following a request by local residents to determine if the Bank has complied with its environmental and social policies in relation to the project. The Banks management welcomed the recommendation and offered its full support. In an interview with the local news portal Blesjak EBRD Head of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Manuela Naessl, set out why the motorway is of vital importance for the country.

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Latvia concludes review of debt-restructuring environment

Addressing the key issue of improving the insolvency framework and tackling debt restructuring, Latvias Ministry of Justice has completed an 18-month project financed by the EU through the Structural Reform Support Programme and implemented by the EBRD. A key outcome of the project is a set of new guidelines to helps owners and managers of small and medium-sized enterprises to identify and address financial difficulties in a practical and timely manner.

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Read the guidelines

EBRD assists Bulgarias energy and water sector

The EBRD successfully completed a technical assistance project to strengthen Bulgarias Energy and Water Regulatory Commission by enhancing the regulators analytical and technical capacity. The project equipped the EWRC with the skills and tools to exercise its duties and paved the way to a fully liberalised energy market.

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Project signings

Innova Capital acquires Romanias PayPoint with EBRD backing

In Romania, the EBRD has arranged a loan of 25 million to finance private equity firm Innova Capitals acquisition of PayPoint SRL, a payment services operator in the country. A 6 million tranche of the loan was syndicated to a local commercial lender.

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Boosting Turkeys soft drinks producer Uludag

Uludag, one of Turkeys leading beverage producers, will expand its operations with a 15 million loan from the EBRD to finance research and development investments that will enhance its competitiveness at home and abroad.

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Helping modernise electricity network in Tajikistan

In Tajikistan, the EBRD and the EU are improving the sustainability and efficiency of the energy sector by financing power-distribution grid upgrades in the Khatlon region of the country with a financing package of 35 million to Shabakahoi Taksimoti Bark (STB), a state-owned power utility responsible for electricity distribution in Tajikistan. The funds will be used for the modernisation of the power distribution networks in the cities of Kulob and Bokhtar and in adjacent territories. The financing will also help introducing billing and metering infrastructure and upgrade STBs workshops.

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EBRD invests 67 million in VGP NV green bonds

The EBRD successfully subscribed to a 67 million ticket as part of an inaugural eight-year 600 million green bond issuance by VGP NV, a pan-European provider of high-quality logistics and semi-industrial real estate. The funds will support the development of sustainable semi-industrial and logistics parks in Hungary, Latvia, Romania and the Slovak Republic.

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Mytilineos green Eurobond issuance

In Greece, the EBRD participated in the first green Eurobond issuance by the industrial and energy group Mytilineos SA to finance eligible green projects with clear environmental benefits with an investment of 60 million of the total 500 million offering.

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Funding for Moldovan businesses via Mobiasbanca-OTP Group

In Moldova, the EBRD and the EU are releasing new funds to support micro and small enterprises with a 15 million loan to Mobiasbanca - OTP Group for on-lending to local companies. The EBRD funds will be used for upgrades of processes and equipment and to advance sound health and safety practices. For successful investment projects, borrowers are eligible to receive grant incentives and technical assistance funded by the EU under its EU4Business initiative.

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Helping leather hide producer in Azerbaijan to grow

In Azerbaijan, the EBRD is extending a US$ 2 million loan to RER Modern Hides LLC, one of the largest producers and exporters of semi-finished and finished leather hides in the country to let the company launch a modern production facility to improve the quality of manufactured semi-finished and finished leather hides and expand the product range, with the goal of reaching a wider customer base and export markets.

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Donors

Supporting online fashion in Jordan

The Jordan-based entrepreneur Saeed Omar created a unique online fashion app called Makesy that allows shoppers to create customisable, made-to-order clothing designs. They are manufactured by his company SitatByoot. Omar benefited from the EBRDs Star Venture programme, funded by the European Union and the Republic of Korea through the EBRDs Small Business Impact Fund.

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New contribution from TaiwanICDF

The EBRDs longstanding partner TaiwanICDF  International Cooperation and Development Fund announced a new donor contribution. The funds will catalyse green investments and help the Bank address environmental challenges. TaiwanICDFs contribution sends a positive signal in the run up to COP26.

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EBRD in the news

Serbia

EBRDs Jelena Celenkovic, Bojan Bogdanovic, Meran Lukic, Jelena Ceperkovic and Francesco Corbo spoke to eKapija about the Banks work in Serbia.

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Central Asia

EBRD Director, Head of Energy Eurasia MEA,SIG, Aida Sitdikova spoke to the Banker on Central Asias dependence on oil and gas and how the region is turning towards renewable projects.

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Uzbekistan

Bne Intellinews reported on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the government of Uzbekistan and the EBRD to achieve carbon neutrality in the Uzbek energy sector by 2050.

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Egypt

The local media followed up on the recent visit by EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso. In an interview with Sky News Arabiya she spoke about the Banks investments in Egypt and the aim to increase support to the Egyptian private sector in addition to projects supporting the transition towards a green economy. In an interview with Bloomberg Asharq she talked about the global economic recovery and investments in the south and eastern Mediterranean region with a focus on Egypt.

The EBRD on social media

The Bank announced its 2021 Annual Meeting interactive programme with a short video of smiling speakers:

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The Bank highlighted its speakers for the 2021 Annual Meeting -

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The Bank supported the return of the EBRD Cultural Programme with the announcement of the Humorist movie night and were contacted by the lead actor Alexey Agranovich!

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The Bank looked back to 1990s fashion in the year of our 30th anniversary

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The EBRD marked the #Chernobyl35 anniversary with an incredible video from the site

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and galleries of recent images.

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Subscribe to instant email updates on EBRD news about topics such as coronavirus and climate finance.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 10:48:50|Editor: huaxia

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The first shipment of 21 second-hand new energy vehicles was exported from Xinjiang, China to Uzbekistan.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service




Haiti - Politic : The hour is serious, the threat is real for the country dixit Minister of the Interior





Louis Gonzague Edner Day, the Acting Minister of the Interior and Territorial Communities has started a series of meetings with a view to developing an institutional synergy to effectively combat the phenomenon of insecurity in Haiti.



As part of this process, Minister Day met this week with Leon Charles, the Director General ai of the Haitian National Police (PNH), departmental delegates, as well as other key actors, each having in their domain, obligations of results in the face of banditry, arms and narcotics trafficking, the proliferation of gangs, kidnapping, as well as general insecurity.



These working sessions made it possible to discuss the overall situation and the relevance of the measures to be taken, on the one hand to prevent a deterioration of the situation and secondly to provide elements likely to resolve the problem.



The difficulties were approached from various angles, in order to identify and understand their sources and to provide deep and appropriate solutions. In this sense, negotiations, political issues and manipulations, communication, technology, networking and the use of force, were among others the frameworks of the various interventions.



"The hour is serious, the threat is real for the country, we must together act and be able to turn the tide effectively !" stressed Minister Day.



In addition, the Minister, also number 2 of the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN) took the opportunity to appeal to the sense of commitment of his interlocutors. He invited them to pool the skills, information and resources available to their staff and institutions, in order to fight against the phenomenon that sows mourning and fear within the population and to work for the restoration of stability, necessary for a restart of country.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















I used to spend several hours a day in Ts office.

One day, the local head of a British multi-national company (MNC) came to see T about an apparent fraud on his debit card.

He had talked to Mr Desai, the operations manager of the main branch located in the building where the management offices were.

Mr Desai had told the customer that nothing could be done because he must have compromised his personal identification number (PIN). So, the customer had come to request the general manager to do something.

T told his secretary to call Mr Desai to his office.

A few minutes later the secretary handed over a little folded note to T, which he read, smiled, and put in his pocket.

Several minutes passed, and there was no sign of Mr Desai.

I said Let me check what happened to Mr Desai.

T shook his head, smiled, and gestured to me to wait.

Mr Desai didnt appear, and eventually the customer left.

T handed me the note. It said Sir, Mr Desai says he cannot come because Mansoor (the branch manager) has told him not to meet you.

I was aghast. How could the summons of the GM be ignored?

T smiled once again, a beatific smile this time. Just watch, my lad, he said see what I do.

I need to explain that T and Mansoor hated each other.

T was the GM and Mansoor could do nothing to him, but Mansoor was a senior branch manager and the son of a rich and powerful business magnate with Royal connections, and T could not do anything to him either.

T phoned Mansoor and asked him, very gently and politely, if he had told Mr Desai not to come to meet him. I could overhear Mansoor denying having said that.

T put the phone down, smiled again and made another call, this time to the head of human resources (HR) to instruct him to terminate Mr Desai.

I was amazed, but T just smiled and carried on with other business.

No matter how inefficient our HR department was in carrying out other tasks, when it came to terminating an employee, it worked superfast.

Within 15 minutes Mr Desai got his termination letter.

Word spread through the whole building with the speed of summer lightning  Mr Desai had been fired by T.

This caused a great uproar.

Mr Desai was a senior man, 25 years in the bank, very well regarded by Nationals and Expats alike, and the backbone of the main branch.

For him to be fired by T, for no apparent reason, was simply astounding.

An hour later Mansoors cousin Ahmed, the commercial manager of the main branch, came to meet T.

I put two and two together and figured that Mansoor wanted to resolve this matter (Mr Desai must have gone crying to him), but since he would lose face if he himself came he had sent an emissary.

Come in, Ahmed, come in. Please sit down. How are you? T was all charm and bonhomie.

Ahmed hesitated, looking at me.

I understood that he felt uncomfortable with me being present, so I moved to get up.

T waved me back in my chair and said I keep no secrets from him (meaning me). You can speak freely, Ahmed.

Ahmed began to approach the delicate subject from a faraway point, as is the norm in local etiquette. But T cut him short.

If you have come to talk about Mr Desais termination, Ahmed, here is what it is.

I asked Mr Desai to come to meet me. He refused, citing Mansoors instruction not to come. I checked with Mansoor. He denied having instructed Mr Desai.

Mansoor is senior to Mr Desai, and hence I have to believe him and not Mr Desai.

So, Mr Desai is guilty on two counts  disobeying the instruction of the general manager, and making a false statement about his branch manager. I have no option but to terminate him.

But if actually Mansoor had lied to me, then the matter is different. Mansoor needs to meet me, admit that he had lied, and request me to withdraw Mr Desais termination, and I will gladly agree.

Mansoor came, apologised for lying, kissed T on the forehead (a gesture of great respect) and requested that Mr Desai be reinstated.

T agreed.

And smiled.

T - the racist

One of the directors of our bank was His Excellency (HE) the Ambassador to an important Western country, currently on his second term in this exalted position.

He was also the owner of a fairly large business group, but the ambassadorship was definitely the more weighty qualification for being on our banks board.

HE was a man of few words. He hardly ever spoke at board meetings.

As head of credit, I attended every board meeting.

Incidentally, I had been warned, however, not to learn Arabic because the directors sometimes wished to have a conversation between themselves, which the Expats present should not be able to understand.

Hence, no Arabic for me.

At one board meeting the topic under discussion was a fraud at one of our branches.

A Pakistani officer and his clerk (a Pakistani too) were the suspects, primarily because both men had suddenly disappeared, presumably back to Pakistan.

In the middle of the discussion, HE suddenly spoke up, in English. Everyone stopped talking and took notice.

HE said, Mr chairman, I would like to make a submission, or perhaps you could call it a plea.

HE making a plea?

Something serious must be afoot. I was all ears.

HE announced All Pakistanis are thieves.

Amid the shocked silence HE continued.

Their fathers are thieves.

Even their God is a thief.

I implore you, Mr chairman Sir, please do not keep two Pakistanis in the same department. They will get together and rob us blind.

HE turned to T and asked You have worked in Pakistan. Am I right or wrong?

T nodded his head vigorously and said, You are absolutely right, Your Excellency, absolutely right.

HE nodded with satisfaction, and the other directors nodded as well.

Was this racism, bigotry, or the truth? Or was T just sucking up to a director?

You decide, dear reader.
YEREVAN, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS. Converse Bank is launching another promotion campaign for its clients.

We value the trust our partners and clients have in the Bank. We congratulate you on May 1 - Workers' Day and invite our clients who are paid their salaries under the corporate salary agreement with the Bank, to make non-cash purchases on May 1-2 and take advantage of the cashback opportunity in the amount of up to 20,000 AMD", Converse Bank reported.

Promotional campaigns will be held periodically. The bank will regularly come up with new beneficial and attractive offers to encourage its clients.

The oversight of the Bank is performed by the Central Bank of Armenia.
Irreverent, provocative, opinionated... Shobhaa De has been challenging status quo for four decades... and is at her best when she punctures inflated egoes. Readers can send feedback to www.shobhaade.blogspot.com

The people of India are the countrys real strength, while its biggest tragedy are its politicians

Dr Zarir Udwadia, one of Indias most respected physicians, spoke for 1.4 billion Indians in a no-holds-barred BBC interview recently. He talked calmly, but the anguish was palpable. He didnt mince words. Short of calling the government names for letting us down, he spoke his mind in perfectly articulated, easy-to-understand lingo. He mentioned the dreadful deficiencies (understatement, doc!), complacency (I call it cruelty), vaccine desperation and much more. He also warned its likely to take 600 days before India can hope to achieve herd immunity. Gird your loins: we have a long, painful, scary way ahead of us. Who knows how many people reading this column will be alive to greet that wonderful day? Death is a mere six degrees of separation away. India is in mourning: for itself, and all those who couldnt even get a dignified funeral, forget help! Living with death is now the new normal.

Narendra Taneja (BJP spokesperson) talking to Christiane Amanpour on CNN startled the world with the admission that the responsibility is first and foremost ours, while glibly blaming the EC for allowing elections in five states. Will he retain his job as spokesperson after this trillion-dollar global gaffe? Nine million thronged the Kumbh Mela despite the Covid surge.

Whose responsibility is that? Maharashtras CM has warned the third and fourth wave may hit by July-August. The numbing of India was brilliantly and boldly articulated by a quiet hero who is garnering countless fans for obvious reasons. Dr Parakala Prabhakar is the low-key husband of Indias finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Frankly, Id never heard of him. He was simply not on my radar! But I sat up and paid close attention when I heard his podcast (Midweek Matters) last week. He spared nobody, not even the person his wife reports to: the Prime Minister! His address didnt sound phony: matlab, he wasnt playing good cop-bad cop. He was speaking for all of us who are in a semi-coma (numb), struggling to make sense of the governments criminal negligence for letting the country slide into this Covid abyss.

Arundhati Roy, writing in the Guardian, described the governments failures as a crime against humanity  which it is! I had used the exact same phrase in my column last fortnight. But wholl catch the criminals? Imagine the irony: its Prime Minister Narendra Modis image on the face of that all-important Covid-19 certificate citizens receive after taking the second shot. Why his image? Well, at least one brave dissenter in Bhatinda (74-year-old Prof. Chaman Lal) demanded its removal and vowed not to take the vaccine until then. Seriously: why is the PMs face on the certificate? Did he invent the vaccine? No! His administration donated the precious vaccine to 80 countries so he could look better! Faced with an acute vaccine shortage in India, what did he do? He delivered a monologue (Mann ki Baat) where he passed the buck: to us! It became our problem! As we gasped and choked and people DIED in droves, the government looked the other way and didnt have the basic decency to apologise to its people, forget about providing a contingency plan to save lives. Meanwhile, BJP CMs were issuing the most shocking statements, fudging numbers, downplaying deaths, and the health minister (Dr Harsh Vardhan) had the temerity to say we are better off this year than we were last year! On what basis, and in what way, Sirji? Bataao, na?

Tushar Mehta, Indias solicitor-general, admonished panic-stricken citizens: Lets not be crybabies Boo Hoo! Dry those tears, darlings. Were going to be just fine, okay? Give or take a few million who wont make it through the pandemic (predictions of fatalities run into a crore or more). That awful robed man in Uttar Pradesh (CM Yogi Adityanath) threatened to arrest anyone who dared to criticise his states Covid management. The same state where a 17-year-old boy had a precious oxygen cylinder meant for his mother snatched out of his hands by cops and given to a VIP. His mother died two hours later. Then there was the chief monster (oops minister) of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar, who callously declared: The dead wont come back No Sirji, they wont. But their curses will!

Meanwhile, the bodies are piling up.

Fed up with official apathy, countless citizens groups started to take over the governments duties by setting up helplines and mobilising resources. But even these Good Samaritans were stymied by roadblocks placed by the administration: the harder they tried to reach out and help, the worse it got. They were told they were causing confusion. Despite that, people like Harteerath Singh of Hemkunt Foundation performed Herculean service bypassing officialdom and getting oxygen to the needy. Help India Breathe, pleads Harteerth, who had Covid-19 twice. Citizens like him work selflessly night and day, while the government still lives in denial and focuses on exit polls.

The bodies continue to pile up.

We watched in horror and sorrow as parking lots were converted into makeshift cremation grounds. Images of bodies burnt on footpaths by relatives unable to find a slot in crematoria sent shockwaves. Graveyards ran out of gravediggers. And Delhi resembles a macabre burning ghat. But the IPL bubble stays!

The government, however, still did nothing. Worse, we were subjected to the PMs platitudes. And silence. Home minister Amit Shah may have taken maun vrat: we havent heard his voice recently.

State after state going under a punishing lockdown is now the norm. This time migrant workers acted swiftly, packing trains and buses before they got stuck thousands of miles from home. But Delhis multi-crore Central Vista project faced no labour shortage: it was declared an essential service and will be completed on schedule.

The people of India are the countrys real strength, while its biggest tragedy are its politicians. We are stuck with the current lot: heartless, cold and entirely lacking in compassion. There is a brazenness to the BJP that baffles the world. Our Prime Minister should be eating his words uttered last year: all those boasts, all that chest-thumping! Weve made utter fools of ourselves internationally, and yet we have neta after neta cold-bloodedly lying to us.

Open your eyes, remove the blindfolds: this period will go down in history as the worst and most shameful indictment of a government that didnt care whether its helpless citizens lived or died gasping for oxygen, while the Great Leader looked the other way. Comfort yourselves. Ignore the corpses. Theres hope! Remember: PM Cares! All we can fall back on now are prayers
COLUMBIA  Former Vice President Mike Pence returned to South Carolina and the public eye, telling a friendly crowd of several hundred Christian conservatives they need to "stand up and unite behind a positive agenda and win back America" in his first major speech since leaving office in January.

The effort to reclaim control of the country, Pence added at an April 29 fundraising gala for the Palmetto Family Council, "starts right here and right now in South Carolina."

The remarks served as an early test for Pence as he emerges from former President Donald Trump's shadow for the first time, seeking to emphasize their accomplishments together while also charting his own path forward as he looks ahead to a potential presidential bid of his own.

"We made history," Pence said of his time in the administration. "We made a difference for our security, for our prosperity... We made America greater than ever before."

Despite years of loyalty to Trump, Pence came under fire from the then-president after he bucked his request to block the counting of electoral votes on Jan. 6. When a violent mob subsequently stormed the U.S. Capitol, some were screaming threats against Pence, who had to be shepherded away to safety.

The episode may have damaged Pence's political reputation among some Trump diehards and his previously close relationship with Trump. The former president continues to voice frustrations with Pence, reportedly telling donors at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida this month that he remains "disappointed" by his second-in-command.

Walter Whetsell, a veteran S.C. GOP strategist and longtime friend of Pence, said he still believes the former vice president would rank among the top tier of hopefuls in the Palmetto State due to his conservative background, national profile and four years by Trump's side.

"For every vote he loses from the real fringe of our party for being perceived as disloyal, he picks up five or six because of his loyalty," Whetsell said.

"It's hard to put on paper a better candidate for South Carolina than Mike Pence: his evangelical roots, his Midwestern governor accomplishments, his states rights beliefs, his philosophy, the way he's lived his life," Whetsell added. "It's a pretty darn good fit."

Dating back to his days as a congressman and Indiana governor, Pence has often described himself as "a Christian, a conservative and a Republican  in that order," and his Columbia speech was filled with references to scripture.

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Pence made no mention of his dust-up with Trump or his unfounded claims of widespread election fraud. But he did say that conservatives believe "election integrity is a national imperative" and that lawmakers need to "work every day to restore the confidence of every American in every vote."

Top South Carolina Democrats, for their part, give Pence no credit for his willingness to rebuke Trump's efforts to overturn the election results, saying he had no ability to do so anyway. They also argue Pence missed his opportunity to leave a positive mark when he was in the White House, including with his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

"The reality is this, folks: Republicans like Pence failed to lead when they were in power," Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison, a former S.C. Democratic Party chairman and U.S. Senate candidate, said.

The speech came amid a flurry of recent activity for Pence, both political and personal.

Earlier this month, he launched "Advancing American Freedom," a policy and advocacy organization to promote the Trump administration's policies. He's signed a multi-million dollar book deal and has plans to launch a podcast. He also recently underwent heart surgery and had a pacemaker implanted.

As he introduced Pence to the crowd, first-term state Sen. Josh Kimbrell said Pence "did more to carry forward the cause of freedom and religious liberty, and frankly the cause of the gospel, than any person I can remember."

"Vice President Pence is here to stand with all of you, and I pray you all will stand with him," said Kimbrell, R-Spartanburg. "I would love to see Mike Pence become my commander-in-chief."

Pence frequently visited South Carolina, a crucial early-voting presidential primary state, during his time as vice president, helping build potentially valuable relationships for any future campaigns. He also swung through Charleston for a private event in February.

Before the evening's main event April 29, Pence toured a medical school in Spartanburg and met with local pastors in Columbia. He is expected to return to South Carolina within the next few months to help fund-raise for congressional Republicans in the state, according to a source with knowledge of his plans.

While Pence did not directly address 2024, he hinted he has his eyes directed towards the future.

"The best days for the greatest nation on Earth," Pence said as he wrapped up his remarks, "are yet to come."
Share of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories rose over 2% in trade today after the company launced Albendazole Tablets, USP, a therapeutic equivalent generic version of Albenza Tablets, 200 mg, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).

The large cap stock rose 2.15% to Rs 5,210 today against previous close of Rs 5,102 on BSE.

Albendazole is an anthelmintic drug indicated for the treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesions caused by larval forms of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium.

It is also used for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by the larval form of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus. Recently, the company also announced that it has received permission from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to import the Sputnik vaccine into India for restricted use in emergency situations as per the New Drug provisions Clinical Trials rules, 2019 under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

In September 2020, Dr. Reddy's had partnered with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to conduct the clinical trials of Sputnik V and distribute the vaccine in India. In addition to the trials conducted in Russia by RDIF. Phase II / III clinical trials of the vaccine were carried out by Dr. Reddy's in India.

"With the rising cases in India, vaccination is the most effective tool in our battle against COVID-19. This will enable us to contribute to our nation's effort of vaccinating a significant proportion of our population," said GV Prasad, Managing Director and Co-chairman, Dr Reddy's Laboratories.

The Albenza brand and generic had U.S. sales of approximately $27 million MAT for the most recent twelve months ending in November 2020 according to IQVIA Health. Dr. Reddy's Albendazole Tablets, USP are available in 200 mg tablets in bottle count sizes of two.

Albenza is a trademark of Glaxosmithkline At 2:00 pm, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories was quoting at Rs 5,198, up 1.89 per cent on the BSE. The stock has delivered 30 per cent returns over the last 12 months.
Rome, N.Y.  A 40-year-old Rome man has been arrested and accused in connection with a November murder at a motel, New York State Police said.

Wilfredo Cotto Jr., 40, of Rome, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the Nov. 15 shooting death of Benjamin J. Davis, 28, police said.

Cotto was arrested Thursday, nearly six months after the shooting. Police did not say whether Cotto fired the fatal shot.

Davis, of Milton, had been living in the motel since October and was believed to have known the suspects, police said.

After being shot at about at the motel, at 799 Lawrence St., officers found Davis hiding in the motel office with a gunshot wound to the face and the chest, according to police. Davis was later pronounced dead.

Cotto will be arraigned May 3.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter.
New Delhi, April 30 : Actor Prachi Singh said that Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw might need a new suitcase to pack all the awards that he is getting during this season's Indian Premier League (IPL).

Shaw led DC to victory against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Thursday with a 41-ball 82 which earned him the Player of the Match award. As he collected his award and spoke to the broadcasters in the post-match presentation ceremony, Prachi, who is rumoured to be dating Shaw, posted photos of him on her television.

"So proud of you," she said in her caption to the first photo. "Need a new suitcase to pack them all," she said in the caption for the second image.

The innings also helped Shaw enter the top three of the Orange Cap standings, with his total run tally of 270 putting him one run ahead of Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul.

Latest updates on IPL 2021
The number of Indigenous people being locked up in federal prisons is spiking despite overall declines in both incarceration and crime rates across the country.

The number of Indigenous people being locked up in federal prisons is spiking despite overall declines in both incarceration and crime rates across the country.

Accounting for just five per cent of Canada's population, Indigenous people make up 30 per cent of the federal prison system's inmate population.

Stony Mountain Institution is Canada's oldest federal penitentiary, but also the country's deadliest Click to Expand JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Stony Mountain Penitentiary photographed Monday, April 19, 2021. The federal jail in rural Manitoba is rated as one of the most dangerous in the country. Posted: 7:00 PM Apr. 23, 2021 IT HAS BEEN 59 years since the Canadian state last slipped a noose around the neck of a prisoner, and more than four decades since the gallows were formally abolished in this country, yet death continues to lurk behind the bars of Stony Mountain Institution north of Winnipeg. (factBox)Stony Mountain is not just the oldest active federal prison in Canada  it is also the deadliest. Read Full Story

The crisis is particularly acute in the Prairies, where roughly 70 per cent of the people behind bars at Stony Mountain Institution north of Winnipeg are Indigenous.

Ryan Beardy, a former gang member and current justice advocate, mentor and freelance journalist, said that it was while he was incarcerated at Stony Mountain that he decided to begin speaking out about prison conditions in Canada.

"Its easy to say theres over-incarceration of Indigenous people. But what does that really mean? It means we have a race of people that have historically and systematically been targeted by the government and the justice system," Beardy said.

"One of the common themes I saw, every time I was incarcerated at every institution I went to, was that it was filled with brown faces. Black, Indigenous and people of colour are overrepresented there, and I saw it first-hand."

The rate at which Indigenous people are being sent to federal prisons in Canada has accelerated during the past two decades. In 2001, Indigenous people accounted for 17 per cent of federal prisoners; by 2020 that figure had jumped to 34 per cent.

"These disturbing and entrenched imbalances represent a deepening ' Indigenization of the federal inmate population," wrote correctional investigator Ivan Zinger  the federal prison ombudsman  in June 2020.

In his latest annual report, Zinger noted numerous troubling trends when it comes to Indigenous people and the Canadian criminal justice system. Its not just that theyre being sent to prison more, its that they have worse outcomes once they get there.

"These disturbing and entrenched imbalances represent a deepening ' Indigenization of the federal inmate population," wrote Dr. Ivan Zinger, Correctional Investigator of Canada, in June 2020. (Adrian Wyld / Canadian Press files)

Indigenous people are more likely to be placed in maximum-security units, more likely to be subjected to use-of-force while incarcerated, more likely to engage in self-harm behaviour and less likely to be granted conditional release.

In the Prairies, 65 per cent of Indigenous inmates return to prison within five years of their release  a statistic that demonstrates the high recidivism rates that plague Canadian federal prisons.

Isolation practices in Canadian prisons regularly exceed limits set in international law Click to Expand Posted: 7:00 PM Apr. 27, 2021 Devon Sampson, a 34-year-old man diagnosed with schizophrenia, hanged himself at Stony Mountain Institution in 2013. He spent 187 consecutive days in solitary confinement prior to his death; during a previous incarceration, he spent 294 consecutive days in solitary. For decades, isolating inmates  often those with serious psychiatric conditions  in solitary confinement was a common practice in Canadian prisons. Officially, it was called administrative segregation, a sanitized, bureaucratic label for something far more troubling: state-endorsed torture. Read Full Story

"Because of all these things weve got to change how corrections does its business and Stony Mountain is a good example where a lot of effort is being spent," Zinger told the Free Press. "And staff are working hard, but they are not effecting change as they are supposed to.

"More has got to be done to ensure that correctional outcomes for Indigenous inmates are improved, because currently they are terrible."

In a written statement sent to the Free Press, Correctional Services Canada acknowledged the problem and said it's a "complex issue that we must all work on in concert to fix."

The spokeswoman said that CSC has developed an "anti-racism framework and action plan," and that since 2018, the agency has implemented a review policy in an attempt to ensure that Indigenous people are not being disproportionately classified at higher security levels.

"CSC is committed to enhancing its capacity to provide effective interventions for Indigenous offenders, and is working collaboratively with criminal justice partners, agencies, organizations and community stakeholders, including Indigenous communities," the spokeswoman said.

Catherine Latimer, executive director of the John Howard Society of Canada, said the CSC often has a lot of good ideas on paper but the problem is actually getting the agency to implement them. (Justin Tang for Winnipeg Free Press)

But Catherine Latimer, the national executive director of the John Howard Society, said CSC often has a lot of good ideas on paper, but the problem is actually getting the agency to implement them.

When she was first named executive director of the prison-reform advocacy organization, Latimer said she read a report on CSCs plans to improve mental-health supports in prisons. She agreed with the proposals in the report and called her predecessor to say how surprised she was by its strength.

"He said to me, Your problem is going to be trying to get them to implement it. And I think thats right. I think they have a lot of good stuff on paper but they just cant get it implemented," Latimer said.

"Thats a significant problem and youll find it right across the board."

For decades, the federal prison ombudsman has struggled to get the CSC to comply with its recommendations for reform. In Manitoba, provincial judges presiding over inquests into in-custody deaths at Stony Mountain have long called for changes that have not materialized.

Madelaine Christine Jacobs, who wrote a PhD thesis on the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in prison for Queens University in 2012, argues the current situation is no accident.

"The disproportionate incarceration of Indigenous peoples in Canada is far more than a socio-economic legacy of colonialism. The Department of Indian Affairs espoused incarceration as a strategic instrument of assimilation," Jacobs wrote.

And Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs believes that other institutions in society outside criminal justice  such as the child-welfare system  also play a role.

"All of these things compound one another and that helps create that overrepresentation," Dumas said.

And Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs believes that other institutions in society outside criminal justice, including the child-welfare system, play a role in the disproportionate incarceration of Indigenous peoples in Canada. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Beardy said there are concrete, tangible steps that could be taken now to address the crisis: end mandatory minimum sentences; address biases that lead to high-security ratings for Indigenous inmates; and support grassroots, community-based services.

"Similar underlying social problems from the past exist today, and similar pipelines into the prison system exist today. There are systemic issues at play here, and its a very real crisis thats overlooked," he said.

"Is that not the Indigenous plight all over again? Being overlooked and becoming a commodity in the system?"

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @rk_thorpe
Last Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) lifted the pause in administration of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. The temporary pause was due to reports of a serious condition called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), which refers to blood clots in the brain's veins - not in the arteries, as is the case for most strokes - in combination with thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count).

CVST and thrombocytopenia together is called thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). When TTS is linked to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, it is called vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). CVST has also been associated with cases of TTS in adults who received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine available in Europe, according to the European Medicines Agency, the agency responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision and safety of medicines in the European Union.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke Council Leadership convened quickly to provide important guidance about CVST, TTS and VITT - the signs and symptoms and the best treatment options. The special report, "Diagnosis and Management of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis with Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia," published today inStroke, a journal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association.

COVID-19 infection is a significant risk factor for CVST. A preliminary analysis of U.S. data during the COVID-19 pandemic, available online, preprint on April 15, 2021, found that the risk of CVST due to infection with COVID-19 is 8-10 times higher than the risk of CVST after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The public can be reassured by the CDC's and FDA's investigation and these statistics - the likelihood of developing CVST after a COVID-19 vaccine is extremely low. We urge all adults to receive any of the approved COVID-19 vaccines." Karen L. Furie, M.D., M.P.H., lead author of the special report, chair of the department of neurology at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and chief of neurology at Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital and Bradley Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island

The analysis included data from 59 health care organizations, totaling 81 million patients, more than 98% of whom were in the U.S. Among the nearly 514,000 patients in the database who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection from January 20, 2020 through March 25, 2021, 20 patients were diagnosed with CVST. This data was compared to the incidence of CVST in adults who received either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine before March 25, 2021, excluding those who had previously been diagnosed with COVID-19. No cases of thrombocytopenia (low platelets) were diagnosed among almost 490,000 vaccinated adults.

"CVST blood clots are very rare adverse events. We recommend immediate screening of all patients who arrive in the ER with a suspected clot - did they receive a COVID-19 vaccine during the recent weeks prior to this event?" said Furie. "Patients who present with the symptoms of CVST or blood clots and who recently received the COVID-19 vaccine should be treated using non-heparin anticoagulants. No heparin products in any dose should be given for suspected CVST, TTS or VITT. With the right treatment, most patients can have a full recovery after CVST, TTS or VITT."

CVST is an extremely rare but serious type of stroke caused by a blood clot in a part of the brain known as the venous sinus, involving veins that carry blood away from the brain. CVST clot symptoms are very similar to several other neurological conditions, and the symptoms can include severe headache; blurry vision; fainting or loss of consciousness; weakness; sensory changes; confusion or trouble speaking; seizures; abdominal pain; leg pain; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. CVST occurs in the veins of the brain; blood clots may also occur in other blood vessels, like those in the legs, lungs or abdomen. Among the cases reported in the U.S., the most common symptoms were severe headaches; vomiting; back pain; fatigue; weakness or the inability to move one side of the body (hemiparesis); inability to speak or understand speech (aphasia); loss of consciousness; and abdominal pain.

If associated with the COVID-19 vaccine, cases of TTS/VITT occurred several days up to 2-1/2 weeks after being vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S., or up to 3-1/2 weeks after receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Europe.

The CDC and FDA's report on April 23, 2021, confirms the agencies investigated 15 reported cases of TTS in the U.S., in women ages 18-59 years, from the nearly 7 million adults who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine before the temporary pause on April 13, 2021. The European Medicines Agency's investigation, reported on April 7, 2021, lists 62 cases of CVST, among adults ages 22-60 years, mostly women, from the more than 25 million people who received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine throughout the European Union .

The special report from the Stroke Council leaders details treatment for suspected CVST, TTS or VITT:

All patients with suspected CVST due to a COVID-19 vaccine should be treated with non-heparin anticoagulants such as argatroban, bivalirudin, danaparoid, fondaparinux or a direct oral anti-coagulant (DOAC). No heparin products in any dose should be given.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging with a venogram (MRI/MRV) or computed tomography with venogram (CT/CTV) is recommended to accurately detect and diagnose CVST.

Blood tests should include a CBC (Complete Blood Count) plus:

platelet count - to determine the number of platelets per liter of blood;

a peripheral smear - examination under a microscope to count the number of various types of blood cells and if they appear normal;

a prothrombin time - to measure how long it takes the blood to clot;

a partial thromboplastin time - a measurement of how long it takes the blood to clot, specifically measuring for these clotting factors: factor VIII, factor IX, factor 1V and factor XII;

a fibrinogen test - to measure for the presence of fibrin, a protein found in the blood that indicates that blood clotting has been activated;

a D-dimer test - to measure for the presence of D-dimer, a small protein that's made when blood clots are dissolving in the body; and

a PF4 antibody ELISA test - to test for PF4 antibodies, which the body sometimes creates in the blood to fight against the anticoagulant heparin.

Anticoagulation treatment doses may need to be tailored if platelet counts are extremely low (<20,000/mm 3 ) or if there is low fibrinogen.

) or if there is low fibrinogen. Anticoagulants should be used to treat CVST even if there is a secondary hemorrhage in the brain in order to prevent progressive thrombosis and to control bleeding.

Platelet transfusion should be avoided.

Once platelet counts return to normal (150,000 to 450,000/mm 3 ), most patients can be transitioned to an oral anticoagulant if there are no contraindications.

), most patients can be transitioned to an oral anticoagulant if there are no contraindications. The authors note that based on their evaluation of the American Society of Hematology's recommendations and two recently published studies, individual patient factors should be considered regarding the use of a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) or a vitamin K agonist (VKA) after there is full platelet count recovery.

The authors recommend all cases of thrombosis after a COVID-19 vaccine be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System: https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html. This data will be important to understanding the incidence of CVST, TTS and VITT.

There is still much to be investigated:

Are there any preexisting conditions that may predispose someone to CVST or VITT?

What is the true prevalence and risk of PF4 antibodies, low platelet count and CVST after the COVID-19 vaccine?

Since there is currently no data about people who did not develop CVST, TTS or VITT after a COVID-19 vaccine for comparison, it is not possible to definitively state that the vaccine is the cause of the PF4 antibodies, low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) or blood clots (thrombosis).

"We are learning the various intricacies of COVID-19 live, in real-time with the patients we see in our hospitals every day. CVST is extremely rare, however, further research and investigation are necessary as the pandemic continues. We will need data and robust research on the people who did not develop blood clots after the vaccine, too, so that we can fully understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying CVST related to COVID-19 infection or after vaccination," concluded Furie.

The following statement reflects the views of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and its science leaders:

President Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA, FAAN,

Immediate Past President Robert A. Harrington, M.D., FAHA,

President-Elect Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, M.D., Sc.M., FAHA,

Chief Science and Medical Officer Mariell Jessup, M.D., FAHA, and

Chief Medical Officer for Prevention Eduardo Sanchez, M.D, M.P.H., FAAFP.

"The American Heart Association continues to urge everyone to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they can. We concur with the CDC's and FDA's recommendations for people who receive the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine - if they develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within 3 weeks of receiving the vaccine, they should quickly contact their health care professional.

COVID-19 has disproportionately negative effects on older adults; people with underlying medical conditions; and Black, LatinX and American Indian/Alaska Native people. The American Heart Association strongly encourages everyone to get vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine. In particular, people with cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and type 2 diabetes, those with heart disease, and heart attack and stroke survivors should get vaccinated as soon as possible because they are at much greater risk of a negative outcome from the virus than they are from the vaccine.

We are confident the benefits of vaccination far exceed the very small, rare risks. The risks of vaccination are also far smaller than the risks of COVID-19 and its potentially fatal consequences.

We recommend people who have medical conditions, especially those with the propensity for blood clotting, consult with a health care professional before seeking vaccination to discuss the very rare potential increased risks.

In addition, the Association reiterates the importance of handwashing, social distancing and wearing masks as vaccinations continue, particularly for people at high risk of infection and/or severe COVID-19. These simple precautions remain crucial to protecting people from the virus that causes COVID-19. They also are crucial to getting us all back to normal activities.

Individuals should refer to their local and state health departments for specific information about when and where they can get vaccinated. We urge everyone to get vaccinated."
A cease-fire appeared to be holding in the restive border area between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan after Kyrgyz officials said 31 of the country's citizens were killed in clashes with Tajiks, who appear to have recorded fewer casualties.

Kyrgyz Deputy Health Minister Aliza Soltonbekova told RFE/RL on April 30 that 154 of her country's citizens, including 23 law enforcement, security, and military personnel, were injured during April 28-29 clashes.

Kyrgyz authorities said earlier that some 20,000 people, mainly women and children, had been evacuated from villages near the border since April 29.

Tajikistan, an authoritarian state with tight control over the flow of information, has been more quiet on the extent of causalities, saying only that two Tajik citizens sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital on April 29 and that another seven locals were injured in clashes.

Correspondents for RFE/RL's Tajik Service reported from the area that at least 12 Tajik citizens, including four military personnel, were killed and dozens of others injured in the clashes, which broke out on April 28 after residents on both sides of the border started throwing stones at each other.

Officials in the southwestern region of Batken said earlier in the day that 13,500 Kyrgyz, mainly women and children, were evacuated from the area, while two individuals were missing.

The situation rapidly escalated, leading to Kyrgyz and Tajik forces exchanging gunfire in the Batken region's Leilek district.

Late on April 29, the two countries' foreign ministries announced they had agreed to a cease-fire and would pull back troops while resolving the conflict through diplomacy.

Tajikistan's Khovar state news agency said on April 30 that President Emomali Rahmon held talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart, Sadyr Japarov, to discuss the situation along the border.



According to the report, the two presidents agreed to continue joint efforts to stabilize the ongoing situation and resolve the demarcation of the border between the two Central Asian nations in the future.



Rahmon invited Japarov to Dushanbe to further discuss border-demarcation plans and Japarov accepted the invitation, the Khovar report said, adding that the visit's date was yet to be determined.



The agency also said that delegations from both nations will convene in Kyrgyzstans Batken region on May 1 to discuss the demarcation and delimitation of the borders.



Later on April 30, delegations from both countries met on neutral territory, at the Kyzyl-Bel checkpoint, and agreed to withdraw all troops from the state border line, they said in a joint statement.



The statement said the delegations were headed by the two countries' national security committees -- Tajik Saimumin Yatimov and Kyrgyz Kamchybek Tashiev.



The meeting was held in the spirit of mutual understanding and good neighborly relations. The parties expressed their desire and readiness to resolve all issues through negotiations, the statement said.

Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev on April 30 hailed the cease-fire and expressed hope that Kyrgyz and Tajik authorities "will be able to settle all disputed issues exclusively through peaceful means."

"For my part, I am ready to make efforts to find mutually acceptable solutions and restore mutual trust," Toqaev's statement said.

Russia's Foreign Ministry called on Bishkek and Dushanbe to reach further long-term agreements on normalizing the situation along the border.



Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on April 30 that Moscow was following "with concern" the abrupt escalation of tensions on the disputed segment of the border, adding that Russia "was ready to assist in resolving the situation by political and diplomatic means."



Peter Stano, lead spokesperson for the European Union's Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, called on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to implement the cease-fire agreement "without delay for a lasting and peaceful solution."



"Both sides will need to undertake all the necessary steps to avoid any conflict in the future. The EU stands ready to provide, if needed, technical assistance through its regional programs dealing with border management and water management, as well as continued political support for a stability and prosperity in the region, which are key priorities of the EU Strategy on Central Asia," Stano said in the statement.

Kyrgyz police in the Batken region blamed Tajik citizens for the escalation, saying they started shooting at a military unit located in the village of Kok-Tash, while gunfire was also reported from the Tajik side near the Kyrgyz village of Ak-Sai.

Tajikistan's Border Guard Service rejected the Kyrgyz account, saying that Kyrgyz military personnel were the first to shoot when they opened fire at Tajik border units near the Golovnoi water distribution center, located in territory that Tajik authorities claim jurisdiction over.

Like many other border areas in Central Asia, almost half of the 970-kilometer Kyrgyz-Tajik border has not been demarcated since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The situation is particularly complicated near the numerous exclaves in the volatile Ferghana Valley, where the borders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan meet.
Today is the last day our polls will be open to vote for Michigans Best Vacation Spot. You have until midnight to let us know where you are most looking forward to visiting this summer around the Mitten.

Clearly, we love going to the northern parts of our state. The Northern Lower Peninsula, and the Upper Peninsula have been getting lots and lots of love, and with good reason. They are absolutely beautiful, and have so much to offer visitors, from incredible scenery, to amazing things to do. Our poll for the Western Upper Peninsula has gotten the most votes out of any of our regional polls, surpassing all the others by hundreds and hundreds of votes. It looks like it will be another busy summer in the U.P.

The biggest surge in the polls this week has come from the gorgeous Keweenaw Peninsula, which has moved from fourth place in the Western Upper Peninsula to a very strong first, besting the Porcupine Mountains and Marquette. Can this vacation spot hold on to the top? Well let you know next week.

RELATED: See all 132 nominations for Michigans Best Vacation Spot

Weve got all the links to the eight regional polls weve put together below. These feature vacation spots nominated by our MLive readers. You can vote every three hours until midnight tonight. Well be sharing the regional winners with you next week, along with stories to help get you ready to travel safely this summer and to to enjoy the very best that Michigan has to offer.

Muskegon Mayor Stephen J. Gawron, right, is silhouetted as he speaks to a crowd gathered to see the "Celebrating Muskegon" sculpture at the Pere Marquette beach roundabout in Muskegon on Thursday, April 22, 2021. The 22-foot steel-and-glass abstract sculpture, from Muskegon Public Art Initiative, was designed by North Carolina-based artists John Littleton and Kate Vogel. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) Cory Morse | MLive.com

Vote for your favorite vacation spot in Muskegon and on the Lakeshore.

Muskegon & Lake Michigan Shore

*As of 8:30 a.m. April 30

1. Pere Marquette Beach, Muskegon - 24.48%

2. Lake Michigan, anywhere - 20.72%

3. Grand Haven, MI - 18.83%

4. Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Mears/Hart - 10.17%

5. Muskegon State Park, Muskegon - 9.79%

The Adventure Tour at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park. Photo by Mackinac State Historic Parks, used with permission

Vote for your favorite vacation spot in the Eastern Northern Lower Peninsula.

Eastern Northern Lower Peninsula

*As of 8:30 a.m. April 30

1. Mackinaw City, MI - 32.73%

2. Tawas Point State Park, East Tawas - 13.82%

3. AuSable River, Champagne Hill, Oscoda - 8.73%

4. Oscoda, MI - 8.36%

5. Tawas Point, East Tawas - 7.27%

Clinch Park Beach is a gorgeous spot along West Bay that also happens to be walking distance from the shops and restaurants of downtown Traverse City. | Courtesy VisitTraverseCity.com

Vote for your favorite vacation spot in Western Northern Lower Peninsula

Western Northern Lower Peninsula

*As of 8:30 a.m. April 30

1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 11.03%

2. Traverse City, MI - 8.97%

3. Petoskey, MI - 5.61%

4. Ludington, MI - 5.28%

5. Ludington State Park, Ludington - 5.23%

The sun sets as seen from atop of Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, Michigan, on Sunday, October 11, 2020. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Vote for your favorite vacation spot in the Western Upper Peninsula

Western Upper Peninsula

*As of 8:30 a.m. April 30

1. Keweenaw Peninsula - 34.33%

2. Copper Harbor, Keweenaw Peninsula - 21.57%

3. Porcupine Mountains, Ontonagon - 21.21%

4. Houghton/Hancock - 11.39%

5. Marquette, MI - 6.14%

The last leg of our Michigan adventure journeyed from the Straits of Mackinac to Sault Ste. Marie.

Vote for your favorite vacation spot in the Eastern Upper Peninsula

Eastern Upper Peninsula

*As of 8:30 a.m. April 30

1. Mackinac Island - 17.39%

2. Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise - 15.10%

2. Pictured Rocks, Munising - 14.9%

4. Grand Marais, MI - 6.4%

5. Whitefish Point Lighthouse, Paradise - 5.72%

The Europa makes its way from the Saginaw Bay and towards the Saginaw River as people watch at the Bay City Yacht Club in Bangor Township in 2010. John Ehlke | MLive.com

Vote for your favorite vacation spot in Bay City and the Thumb

Bay City & Thumb

*As of 8:30 a.m. April 30

1. Caseville, MI - 23.02%

2. Port Austin, MI - 21.31%

2. Bay City, MI - 19.24%

4. Michigans Thumbcoast, Port Huron and north - 12.71%

5. Bay City State Park, Bay City - 8.93%

You can ride right from downtown to North Pier Brewing and reward yourself with a cold one and a snack.

Vote for your favorite vacation spot in Southwest Michigan

Southwestern Michigan

*As of 8:30 a.m. April 30

1. South Haven, MI - 33.91%

2. Holland, MI - 26.64%

3. Silver Beach, St. Joseph - 11.76%

4. Dune Rides, Saugatuck - 8.65%

5. St. Joseph/Benton Harbor - 7.61%

Detroit's skyline from Belle Isle on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)Cory Morse | MLive.com

Vote for Michigans Best vacation spot: Other favorite destinations

Other Favorites

*As of 8:30 a.m. April 30

1. Grand Rapids, MI - 34.46%

2. Other, write in candidates - 16.89%

3. Detroit, MI - 16.28%

4. Belle Isle, Detroit - 10.81%

5. Coldwater area, chain of lakes - 4.05%

Gonzo and Amy at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, overlooking the actual Blackrocks during their shoot for Michigan's Best Day.

Follow along on our Michigans Best adventures!

@mlivemibest on Twitter

@mlivemibest on Instagram

Facebook at MLiveMIBest.

Join in by using the hashtag #mibest. Our most recent search was for Michigans Best Fish Fry.

In addition:

Amy Sherman is on Twitter @amyonthetrail, as well as Facebook and Instagram @amyonthetrail.

John Gonzalez is on Twitter @michigangonzo, as well as Facebook and Instagram @MichiganGonzo.
An ultra-small silicon chip called a multiplexer will manage terahertz waves which are an integral part of 6G, the next generation of communications, and beyond.

A statement from University of Adelaide said researchers from Osaka University, Japan, and its own staff had collaborate to produce the new multiplexer from pure silicon. It is meant to handle terahertz-range communications in the 300GHz band.

"In order to control the great spectral bandwidth of terahertz waves, a multiplexer, which is used to split and join signals, is critical for dividing the information into manageable chunks that can be more easily processed and so can be transmitted faster from one device to another," said associate professor Withawat Withayachumnankul from the University of Adelaide's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Schematic of the integrated multiplexer, showing broadband terahertz light being split into four different wavelengths, where each is capable of carrying digital information.

"Until now, compact and practical multiplexers have not been developed for the terahertz range. The new terahertz multiplexers, which are economical to manufacture, will be extremely useful for ultra-broadband wireless communications.

"The shape of the chips we have developed is the key to combining and splitting channels so that more data can be processed more rapidly. Simplicity is its beauty."

The statement said as machines began to communicate with each other in the Internet of Things there would be a need for more powerful wireless networks able to transfer large volumes of data fast.

The university said terahertz waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum that has a raw spectral bandwidth much broader than conventional wireless communications, which is based upon microwaves.

Experimentation with the multiplexer, showing connection to external systems. The multiplexer does not have any form of supporting substrate.

It said the team had developed ultra-compact and efficient terahertz multiplexers due to a novel optical tunnelling process.

"A typical four-channel optical multiplexer might span more than 2000 wavelengths. This would be about two meters in length in the 300-GHz band," said lead author Dr Daniel Headland from the University of Osaka.

"Our device is merely 25 wavelengths across, which offers dramatic size reduction by a factor of 6000."

The new multiplexer covers a spectral bandwidth that is more than 30 times the total spectrum allocated in Japan for 4G/LTE and 5G combined. As bandwidth is related to data rate, ultra-high-speed digital transmission is possible with the new multiplexer.

The chip next to a ruler in order to give an idea of its size. All pictures courtesy University of Adelaide

"Our four-channel multiplexer can potentially support aggregate data rate of 48Gbps, equivalent to that of uncompressed 8K ultra-high definition video being streamed in real time," said associate professor Masayuki Fujita, the team leader from Osaka University.

"To make the entire system portable, we plan to integrate this multiplexer with resonant tunnelling diodes to provide compact, multi-channel terahertz transceivers."

The team used a basic modulation scheme: terahertz power was switched on-and-off to transmit binary data. Higher data rates towards 1Tbps are possible through more advanced techniques.

"The new multiplexer can be mass-produced, just like computer chips, but much simpler. So large-scale market penetration is possible," said Professor Tadao Nagatsuma from Osaka University.

"This would enable applications in 6G and beyond, as well as the Internet of Things, and low-probability-of-intercept communications between compact aircraft such as autonomous drones."
NEW CANAAN  Nearly 2,500 residents have signed one of two petitions, both in favor of the new library, but in disagreement as to whether the 1913 library will remain adjacent to it.

The two petitions have been posted on change.org hoping to persuade the Planning and Zoning Commission and other town officials. The debate is between what should exist parallel to the 44,000 square-foot modern library: a new green or the antique library. The old library is expected to be used during the new librarys construction.

Even though the current building is on private New Canaan Library property, the town is expected to give $10 million toward the $38 million new library project. Therefore, town officials, particularly the Planning and Zoning Commission, are thought to have sway.

A pro-library video has been made, with nearly 50 school-age children speaking in three-minute series of clips, showing support for the new library. None of the students speak about the 1913 library specifically.

One petition is in favor of preserving the antique neo-Palladian Colonial Revival library at 151 Main St. next door to the new building. The 120-word statement garnered about 880 signatures as of late Tuesday, April 27.

The petition says historic preservation contributes immeasurably to what makes our town great.

There is a groundswell of support that is gaining momentum as more residents learn that the New Canaan Library plans to demolish our historic landmark, Kimberly Norton of the New Canaan Preservation Alliance told Hearst Connecticut Media. Although the New Canaan Library is not officially deemed a historic landmark, it holds architectural and sentimental value to many residents, including Norton.

The other petition hopes to move forward on the new library, touted as experiential and designed as an homage to mid-century modern architecture but calls for the demolition of the 1913 library to make way for a green.

I am not FOR the destruction of the 1913 (library), I am simply pro the new library and town green proceeding as soon as possible, Rachel Lampen, organizer of the petition said.

The nearly 550-word statements sites several different demographics such as business owners, real estate brokers, parents and cultural enthusiasts along with the reasons each group desire a new library.

One resident states: We are people with disabilities who wish for, at long last, a more accessible library.

One of the later phrases in the petition says: We urge you not to let it be derailed by those thinking only of its past.

Another phrase in the petition states that the preservationists intend on keeping parts of the old library to rent out commercially. Norton said that idea is not true and that her group intends on having space for nonprofits.
Second defense witness in fatal crash case of actor Efremov convicted of false testimony

 Moscow's Presnensky District Court

17:29 30/04/2021

MOSCOW, April 30 (RAPSI)  Alexander Kobets, one more witness for the defense of actor Mikhail Efremov, on Friday was sentenced to 1.5 years of community service, RAPSI reports from the Presnensky District Court of Moscow.

A 10% fine is to be deducted from Kobets earnings over that time, the ruling reads.

Prosecution earlier requested 22 months of correctional labor with a 20% deduction from earnings for Kobets.

Prosecutors alleged that the defendant knowingly gave false testimony to a court hearing the criminal case of the actor charged with drunk driving, which resulted in a fatal crash.

The defendant insisted on the authenticity of his testimony, which he gave on August 20 last year in the case of a fatal accident involving the actor. Then Kobets claimed that he saw another person at the wheel of the actors vehicle, and Efremov was allegedly in the passenger seat.

Kobets' defense insisted that he was indeed in the capital on the day of the accident, and the arguments presented by the prosecution do not prove inaccuracy of his testimony.

The prosecutor's office claims that the defendant and his friend Andrey Gayev, who has also been charged with giving false evidence in the case, were not present at the site at the time of the accident and could not be witnesses of the crash.

Altogether, three cases were initiated against persons claiming they were witnesses of the crush on suspicion of giving deliberately false testimony. Thus, Kobets and Gayev said they saw not Efremov, but someone else driving the car at the time of the accident. The third defendant, Tevan Badasyan, alleged that he detected another person being in the car alongside the actor.

In October 2020, the Moscow City Court reduced jail sentence of Efremov by 6 months, from 8 to 7.5 years. The actor was found guilty of driving under influence (DUI) resulting in vehicular homicide.

As established by the court, on the evening of June 8, Efremov driving his car crossed into the oncoming lane in central Moscow and collided with a delivery service vehicle. He was arrested on the scene. Alcohol and drugs were reportedly found in his blood. Victim Sergey Zakharov was taken to hospital where he died early in the morning of June 9.

Efremov pleaded guilty in the case.
Vietnam fights US company trying to steal its ST25 rice brand patent

A customer holds a pack of ST25 rice at a store in Ho Chi Minh City on April 23, 2021. Photo by VnEpxress/Quynh Tran.

The Vietnam Trade Office in the U.S. is helping a Vietnamese company fight a U.S. company that it trying to illegally patent the world's best rice, ST25 from Vietnam.

Bui Huy Son, the head of the office, said the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has been apprised that ST25 was developed by a group of Vietnamese scientists.

"We stressed that this is the pride of Vietnam's agriculture and expressed concern about the possibility of the patent being registered by individuals or organizations in the U.S.," he told VnExpress.

The USPTO has given instructions to the Vietnam Trade Office on how to file an opposition to the registration by U.S. firm I&T Enterprise Inc, the company trying to steal the patent.

The USPTO is set to publish the application by I&T Enterprise on May 4, and Ho Quang Cua, the farmer-scientist who led a group in developing ST25, and his sons company need to file an opposition by June 4.

Several Vietnamese ministries are working with Cuas company to complete the legal documents, and he has also hired a law firm for assistance.

Should I&T Enterprise register the ST25 trademark, Vietnamese companies will not be able to export the rice to the U.S. under the same name.

The strain won the first prize in the 2019 Worlds Best Rice Contest.

U.S. companies have been caught in the past trying to patent Indias basmati rice  a generic name comprising many varieties  and the medicinal properties of turmeric, among many other similar transgressions.

In both cases India won lawsuits and retained the patents.
First Quarter 2021 Highlights*

- Diluted EPS of $1.27, Down 11 percent

- Adjusted Diluted EPS of $1.53, Down 7 percent

- Net revenue of $366 million, Up 2 percent

- Returned $93 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends

- The company increases its 2021 organic growth target for recurring non-transaction revenue to 10 to 11 percent, from its previous guidance range of 6 to 7 percent

CHICAGO, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE) today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2021.

"We are off to a strong start this year with continued momentum across the company, achieving quarter-over-quarter increases in net revenue and trading activity for each business segment, as well as meaningful progress executing on multiple growth opportunities. We were excited to announce plans to acquire Chi-X Asia Pacific, enabling us to broaden our geographic and asset class presence, while helping us to further extend the distribution of our product offerings to our global network of customers," said Edward T. Tilly, Cboe Global Markets Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We remain confident in our ability to achieve our targeted mid-term organic net revenue growth of 4 to 6 percentage points and to drive additional organic net revenue growth longer-term through our ongoing investment in attractive market opportunities, as demonstrated by the increase in our organic growth target for recurring non-transaction revenue. Cboe has a strong foundation and I am confident that we have the team and capabilities to drive value-enhancing growth as we remain focused on our commitment to create long-term value for our customers and our shareholders."

"We reported a quarter of strong results, although earnings declined year-over-year against difficult comparisons to last year's record results. Our robust cash flow generation allowed us to return nearly $93 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in the first quarter," said Brian N. Schell, Cboe Global Markets Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. "We continue to balance our long-standing disciplined capital allocation priorities to responsibly grow our business while maintaining a healthy balance sheet and preserving financial flexibility to further enhance shareholder value. Our priorities remain focused on prudent organic capital investment, value-enhancing acquisitions, and the return of capital to shareholders."

*All comparisons are first quarter 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.

(1)A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables.

(2) Specific quantifications of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the company's organic growth guidance, adjusted operating expenses guidance and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings guidance are not available. The company believes that there is uncertainty and unpredictability with respect to certain of its GAAP measures, primarily related to acquisition-related revenues and expenses that would be required to reconcile to GAAP revenues less costs of revenues, GAAP operating expenses and GAAP effective tax rate, which preclude the company from providing accurate guidance on certain forward-looking GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations. The company believes that providing estimates of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the range of the company's organic growth, adjusted operating expenses and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors for the reasons identified above.

Consolidated First Quarter Results -Table 1

Table 1 below presents summary selected unaudited condensed consolidated financial information for the company as reported and on an adjusted basis for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.













































Table 1 Consolidated First Quarter Results























1Q21

1Q20



($ in millions except per share)



1Q21

1Q20 Change

Adjusted1

Adjusted1 Change Total Revenues Less Cost of Revenues



$ 365.5



$ 358.3

2 %

$ 365.5



$ 358.3

2 % Total Operating Expenses



$ 160.9



$ 131.9

22 %

$ 124.6



$ 98.6

26 % Operating Income



$ 204.6



$ 226.4

(10) %

$ 240.9



$ 259.7

(7) % Operating Margin %





56.0 %



63.2 % (7.2) pp



65.9 %



72.5 % (6.6) pp Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders



$ 136.8



$ 157.0

(13) %

$ 164.8



$ 182.3

(10) % Diluted EPS



$ 1.27



$ 1.42

(11) %

$ 1.53



$ 1.65

(7) % EBITDA1



$ 246.8



$ 264.9

(7) %

$ 250.2



$ 265.7

(6) % EBITDA Margin % 1





67.5 %



73.9 % (6.4) pp



68.5 %



74.2 % (5.7) pp

Total revenues less cost of revenues (referred to as "net revenue") of $365.5 million increased 2 percent, compared to $358.3 million in the prior-year period, primarily reflecting increases in access and capacity fees and market data fees and a decrease in royalty fees, offset somewhat by lower net transaction and clearing fees 1 . Incremental net revenue in the first quarter of 2021 from acquisitions closed in 2020 was $26.8 million .

increased 2 percent, compared to in the prior-year period, primarily reflecting increases in access and capacity fees and market data fees and a decrease in royalty fees, offset somewhat by lower net transaction and clearing fees . Incremental net revenue in the first quarter of 2021 from acquisitions closed in 2020 was . Total operating expenses were $160.9 million versus $131.9 million in the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted operating expenses of $124.6 million increased 26 percent compared with $98.6 million in the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to acquisitions closed in 2020, resulting in higher compensation and benefits and technology support services.

versus in the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted operating expenses of increased 26 percent compared with in the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to acquisitions closed in 2020, resulting in higher compensation and benefits and technology support services. Operating income decreased by 10 percent to $204.6 million and adjusted operating income decreased by 7 percent to $240.9 million . The operating margin for the first quarter was 56.0 percent versus 63.2 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The adjusted operating margin was 65.9 percent compared to 72.5 percent in the first quarter of 2020.

and adjusted operating income decreased by 7 percent to . The operating margin for the first quarter was 56.0 percent versus 63.2 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The adjusted operating margin was 65.9 percent compared to 72.5 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2021 was 28.9 percent compared with 27.6 percent in the first quarter of 2020 and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was 27.9 percent compared with 27.0 percent in last year's first quarter. The higher effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2021 was primarily due to decreased benefits from foreign derived intangible income as a result of final Section 250 Treasury regulations.

Diluted EPS for the first quarter of 2021 decreased 11 percent to $1.27 . Adjusted diluted EPS 1 of $1.53 decreased 7 percent compared to 2020's first quarter results.

. Adjusted diluted EPS of decreased 7 percent compared to 2020's first quarter results. The EBITDA margin for the first quarter was 67.5 percent compared to 73.9 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The adjusted EBITDA margin was 68.5 percent compared to 74.2 percent for the same period last year.

Business Segment Information:























Table 2 Total Revenues Less Cost of Revenues by



















Business Segment



















(in millions)

1Q21

1Q20 Change Options

$ 181.7

$ 188.5



(4) % North American Equities



96.1



86.6



11 % Futures



30.6



40.1



(24) % Europe



42.1



26.2



61 % Global FX



14.7



16.9



(13) % Corporate



0.3



-



100 % Total

$ 365.5

$ 358.3



2 %

(1) A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables.

Discussion of Results by Business Segment:

Options:

Options net revenue of $181.7 million was down $6.8 million , or 4 percent, from the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to a decrease in net transaction and clearing fees 1 , as a result of lower trading volume in index options. This decrease was offset somewhat by an increase in access and capacity fees, higher market data fees and lower royalty fees.

was down , or 4 percent, from the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to a decrease in net transaction and clearing fees , as a result of lower trading volume in index options. This decrease was offset somewhat by an increase in access and capacity fees, higher market data fees and lower royalty fees. Net transaction and clearing fees decreased $18.2 million , or 12 percent, reflecting a 19 percent increase in total options average daily volume ("ADV"), offset by a 24 percent decrease in total options revenue per contract ("RPC") compared to the first quarter 2020. The decrease in total options RPC was due to a mix shift, with multi-listed options representing a higher percentage of total options volume. The RPC for multi-listed options increased 26 percent, primarily due to pricing changes and a shift in customer concentration. The RPC for index options increased 3 percent, primarily reflecting a shift in mix by order type.

, or 12 percent, reflecting a 19 percent increase in total options average daily volume ("ADV"), offset by a 24 percent decrease in total options revenue per contract ("RPC") compared to the first quarter 2020. The decrease in total options RPC was due to a mix shift, with multi-listed options representing a higher percentage of total options volume. The RPC for multi-listed options increased 26 percent, primarily due to pricing changes and a shift in customer concentration. The RPC for index options increased 3 percent, primarily reflecting a shift in mix by order type. Cboe's Options business had total market share of 30.2 percent for the first quarter of 2021 compared to 38.3 percent in the first quarter of 2020, primarily reflecting a mix shift resulting from a lower percentage of ADV from index options. In addition, Cboe's multi-listed options market share for the quarter decreased to 26.9 percent compared to 31.9 percent in the first quarter of 2020.

North American (N.A.) Equities:

N.A. Equities net revenue of $96.1 million was up $9.5 million , or 11 percent, due to the additions of BIDS Trading and MATCHNow, which contributed $12.4 million in net revenue and was the driver of a 9 percent increase in net transaction and clearing fees 1 for the quarter.

was up , or 11 percent, due to the additions of BIDS Trading and MATCHNow, which contributed in net revenue and was the driver of a 9 percent increase in net transaction and clearing fees for the quarter. Cboe U.S. Equities exchanges had market share of 15.0 percent for the first quarter of 2021 compared to 16.7 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The decrease was primarily due to new highs set in off-exchange trading volume in the first quarter of 2021, averaging 45.2 percent of total market volume compared to 37.6 percent in the first quarter of 2020.

Futures:

Futures net revenue of $30.6 million decreased $9.5 million , or 24 percent, primarily due to a decline in net transaction and clearing fees 1 .

decreased , or 24 percent, primarily due to a decline in net transaction and clearing fees . Net transaction and clearing fees decreased $10.3 million , or 29 percent, reflecting a 23 percent decrease in ADV and a 6 percent decline in RPC. The RPC decline was primarily due to the addition of Mini-VIX futures, which are one-tenth the size of the standard VIX futures and have a lower fee per contract. The RPC variance also reflects higher volume from corporate bond index futures and associated lead market maker incentives.

Europe:

Europe net revenue of $42.1 million increased by 61 percent, primarily reflecting the addition of EuroCCP, which contributed $12.1 million in net revenue. Average daily notional value ("ADNV") for the overall market was down 13 percent during the quarter and ADNV traded on Cboe European Equities was 7.5 billion, down 18 percent from last year's first quarter, while net capture increased 16 percent, reflecting a shift in the mix of volume by order book type.

net revenue of increased by 61 percent, primarily reflecting the addition of EuroCCP, which contributed in net revenue. Average daily notional value ("ADNV") for the overall market was down 13 percent during the quarter and ADNV traded on Cboe European Equities was 7.5 billion, down 18 percent from last year's first quarter, while net capture increased 16 percent, reflecting a shift in the mix of volume by order book type. For the first quarter of 2021, Cboe European Equities had 16.8 percent market share, down from 17.7 percent in the first quarter of 2020, primarily as a result of temporary market profile shifts immediately following the Brexit liquidity transition at the start of the quarter and as activity was re-established in Swiss securities following their re-introduction on Cboe UK order books in February, which increased the aggregate pan-European market volume used to measure market share.

Global FX:

Global FX net revenue of $14.7 million decreased 13 percent, primarily as a result of lower net transaction and clearing fees. ADNV traded on the Cboe FX platform was $37.1 billion for the quarter, down 14 percent from last year's first quarter and net capture per one million dollars traded was $2.65 for the quarter, down 1 percent compared to $2.69 in the first quarter of 2020.

decreased 13 percent, primarily as a result of lower net transaction and clearing fees. ADNV traded on the Cboe FX platform was for the quarter, down 14 percent from last year's first quarter and net capture per traded was for the quarter, down 1 percent compared to in the first quarter of 2020. Cboe FX had market share of 16.5 percent for the quarter compared to 15.7 percent in last year's first quarter.

(1)A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables.

2021 Fiscal Year Financial Guidance

The company updated or reaffirmed its guidance for the 2021 fiscal year as noted below. This guidance does not take into account the company's planned acquisition of Chi-X Asia Pacific, which is subject to regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. The company plans to further update its guidance for 2021 after the acquisition closes, which is expected in the second or third quarter of this year.

Recurring non-transaction revenue, defined as access and capacity fees plus proprietary market data, is now expected to increase by 11 to 12 percent, from a base of $342 million in 2020, up from previous guidance of 7 to 8 percent, with organic growth targeted in a range of 10 to 11 percent versus previous guidance of 6 to 7 percent.

in 2020, up from previous guidance of 7 to 8 percent, with organic growth targeted in a range of 10 to 11 percent versus previous guidance of 6 to 7 percent. Reaffirmed that it expects acquisitions closed in 2020 to contribute net revenue growth in a range of 4 to 6 percentage points in 2021.

Reaffirmed that adjusted operating expenses are expected to be in the range of $531 to $539 million . The guidance excludes the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets of $122 million , the company plans to reflect the exclusion of this amount in its non-GAAP reconciliation.

to . The guidance excludes the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets of , the company plans to reflect the exclusion of this amount in its non-GAAP reconciliation. Reaffirmed that depreciation and amortization expense, which is included in adjusted operating expenses above, is expected to be in the range of $38 to $42 million , excluding the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets of $122 million .

to , excluding the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets of . Reaffirmed that the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings for the full year is expected to be in the range of 27.5 to 29.5 percent. Significant changes in trading volume, expenses, federal, state and local tax laws or rates and other items could materially impact this expectation.

Reaffirmed that capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $60 to $65 million , which includes expenditures associated with the company's trading floor relocation planned for the first half of 2022.

Capital Management

At March 31, 2021, the company had adjusted cash2 of $263.9 million. Total debt as of March 31, 2021 was $1,187.8 million.

The company paid cash dividends of $45.3 million, or $0.42 per share, during the first quarter of 2021 and utilized $47.6 million to repurchase 0.5 million shares of its common stock under its share repurchase program at an average price of $96.97 per share. As of March 31, 2021, the company had approximately $352.5 million of availability remaining under its existing share repurchase authorizations.

Earnings Conference Call

Executives of Cboe Global Markets will host a conference call to review its first-quarter financial results today, April 30, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. CT. The conference call and any accompanying slides will be publicly available via live webcast from the Investor Relations section of the company's website at www.cboe.com under Events & Presentations. Participants may also listen via telephone by dialing (877) 255-4313 from the United States, (866) 450-4696 from Canada or (412) 317-5466 for international callers. Telephone participants should place calls 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. The webcast will be archived on the company's website for replay. A telephone replay of the earnings call also will be available from approximately 11:00 a.m. CT, April 30, 2021, through 11:00 p.m. CT, May 7, 2021, by calling (877) 344-7529 from the U.S., (855) 669-9658 from Canada or (412) 317-0088 for international callers, using replay code 10153209.

(1) Specific quantifications of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the company's organic growth guidance, adjusted operating expenses guidance and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings guidance are not available. The company believes that there is uncertainty and unpredictability with respect to certain of its GAAP measures, primarily related to acquisition-related revenues and expenses that would be required to reconcile to GAAP revenues less costs of revenues, GAAP operating expenses and GAAP effective tax rate, which preclude the company from providing accurate guidance on certain forward-looking GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations. The company believes that providing estimates of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the range of the company's organic growth, adjusted operating expenses and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors for the reasons identified above.

(2) A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables.

About Cboe Global Markets

Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE) provides cutting-edge trading and investment solutions to investors around the world. The company is committed to defining markets through product innovation, leading edge technology and seamless trading solutions.

Cboe offers trading across a diverse range of products in multiple asset classes and geographies, including options, futures, U.S., Canadian and European equities, exchange-traded products ("ETPs"), global foreign exchange ("FX") and volatility products based on the VIX Index, recognized as the world's premier gauge of U.S. equity market volatility.

Cboe's subsidiaries include the largest options exchange and the third largest stock exchange operator in the U.S. In addition, the company operates one of the largest stock exchanges by value traded in Europe, and owns EuroCCP, a leading pan-European equities clearinghouse, BIDS Trading, a leading block-trading alternative trading system ("ATS") by volume in the U.S., and MATCHNow, a leading equities ATS in Canada. Cboe also is a leading market globally for ETP listings and trading.

The company is headquartered in Chicago with a network of domestic and global offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia, including main hubs in New York, London, Kansas City and Amsterdam. For more information, visit www.cboe.com.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue," and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the impact of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic, including changes to trading behavior broadly in the market; the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products; economic, political and market conditions; compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; price competition and consolidation in our industry; decreases in trading and clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our exchanges; legislative or regulatory changes; our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security risks, cybersecurity risks, insider threats and unauthorized disclosure of confidential information; increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities; our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties; fluctuations to currency exchange rates; our index providers' ability to maintain the quality and integrity of their indexes and to perform under our agreements; our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights; our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel; our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit and default risks, associated with operating a European clearinghouse; our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases, without failure or degradation of performance of our systems; misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions; challenges to our use of open source software code; our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing potential conflicts between our regulatory responsibilities and our for-profit status; our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges; damage to our reputation; the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks; our ability to manage our growth and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt obligations; our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating; impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets; and the accuracy of our estimates and expectations. More detailed information about factors that may affect our actual results to differ may be found in our filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other filings made from time to time with the SEC.

We do not undertake, and we expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

The condensed consolidated statements of income and balance sheets are unaudited and subject to reclassification.













Cboe Media Contacts:







Analyst Contact: Angela Tu

Tim Cave



Debbie Koopman (646) 856-8734

+44 (0) 7593 506 719



(312) 786-7136 atu@cboe.com

tcave@cboe.com



dkoopman@cboe.com

CBOE-F

Trademarks

Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, Bats, BIDS Trading, BZX, BYX, EDGX, EDGA, EuroCCP, MATCHNow, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

Key Performance Statistics by Business Segment







































1Q 2021 4Q 2020 3Q 2020 2Q 2020 1Q 2020 Options































Total industry ADV (in thousands)



41,974



32,197



29,535



28,243



28,014

Total company Options ADV (in thousands)



12,681



10,299



9,569



9,944



10,731

Multi-listed options



10,779



8,705



8,136



8,354



8,069

Index options



1,902



1,595



1,433



1,590



2,663

Total Options Market Share



30.2 %

32.0 %

32.4 %

35.2 %

38.3 % Multi-listed options



26.9 %

28.5 %

29.0 %

31.4 %

31.9 % Index options



99.0 %

99.3 %

98.9 %

99.4 %

99.2 % Total Options RPC:

$ 0.177

$ 0.182

$ 0.173

$ 0.182

$ 0.234

Multi-listed options

$ 0.067

$ 0.068

$ 0.056

$ 0.051

$ 0.053

Index options

$ 0.803

$ 0.809

$ 0.842

$ 0.870

$ 0.781



































North American Equities































U.S. Equities - Exchange:































Total industry ADV (shares in billions)



14.7



10.5



9.9



12.4



11.0

Market share %



15.0 %

15.1 %

15.1 %

16.1 %

16.7 % Net capture (per 100 touched shares)

$ 0.015

$ 0.015

$ 0.017

$ 0.025

$ 0.026

U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange:































ADV (touched shares, in millions)



99.5



N/A



N/A



N/A



N/A

Net capture (per 100 touched shares)

$ 0.121



N/A



N/A



N/A



N/A

Canadian Equities:































ADV (matched shares, in millions)



71.4



45.2



40.0



N/A



N/A

Total market share %



3.1 %

3.3 %

3.3 %

N/A



N/A

Market share % - TSX listed volume



4.6 %

4.7 %

4.7 %

N/A



N/A

Net capture (per 10,000 shares, in Canadian Dollars)

$ 7.184

$ 8.300

$ 8.200



N/A



N/A



































Futures































ADV (in thousands)



256



159



172



144



331

RPC

$ 1.639

$ 1.575

$ 1.527

$ 1.743

$ 1.750



































Europe































Equities:































Total industry ADNV (Euros - in billions)

 44.8

 37.5

 31.5

 40.1

 51.5

Market share %



16.8 %

17.5 %

17.7 %

15.8 %

17.7 % Net capture (bps)

 0.284

 0.259

 0.245

 0.248

 0.244

EuroCCP:































Traded cleared (in thousands)



298,223.5



290,181.9



255,293.1



N/A



N/A

Fee per trade cleared

 0.011

 0.011

 0.011



N/A



N/A

Net settlement volume (shares in thousands)



2,423.2



2,132.7



1,952.3



N/A



N/A

Net fee per settlement

 0.865

 0.803

 0.785



N/A



N/A



































Global FX































Market share %



16.5 %

16.7 %

15.9 %

16.4 %

15.7 % ADNV ($ in billions)

$ 37.1

$ 33.7

$ 30.2

$ 31.8

$ 43.3

Net capture (per one million dollars traded)

$ 2.65

$ 2.64

$ 2.70

$ 2.77

$ 2.69



ADV = average daily volume; ADNV = average daily notional value.

RPC, average revenue per contract, for options and futures represents total net transaction fees recognized for the period divided by total contracts traded during the period.

U.S. Equities - Exchange, "net capture per 100 touched shares" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments and routing and clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BZX, BYX, EDGX and EDGA and the number of trading days. U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange data reflects Cboe's acquisition of BIDS Trading, effective December 31, 2020. For U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange, "net capture per 100 touched shares" refers to transaction fees less order and execution management system (OMS/EMS) fees and clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BIDS Trading and the number of trading days for the period.

Canadian Equities data reflects the acquisition of MATCHNow effective August 4, 2020. Canadian Equities, "net capture per 10,000 shares" refers to transaction fees divided by the product of one-ten thousandth ADV of shares for MATCHNow and the number of trading days. Total market share represents MATCHNow volume divided by the total volume of the Canadian Equities market. TSX listed volume market share represents MATCHNow volume divided by the total volume in TSX listed equities.

European Equities, "net capture per matched notional value" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in British pounds divided by the product of matched ADNV in British pounds and the number of trading days. EuroCCP data reflects the acquisition of EuroCCP effective July 1, 2020. "Trades cleared" refers to the total number of non-interoperable trades cleared. "Net settlement volume" refers to the total number of settlements executed after netting.

Global FX, "net capture per one million dollars traded" refers to net transaction fees divided by the product of one-millionth of ADNV traded on the Cboe FX market, the number of trading days, and two, which represents the buyer and seller that are both charged on the transaction. Market Share represents Cboe FX volume divided by the total volume of publicly reporting spot FX venues (Cboe FX, EBS, Refinitiv, and Euronext FX).

Average transaction fees per contract can be affected by various factors, including exchange fee rates, volume-based discounts and transaction mix by contract type and product type.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020



















Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions, except per share amounts)

2021

2020 Revenue:











Transaction and clearing fees

$ 763.2

$ 661.5 Access and capacity fees



66.4



57.7 Market data fees



63.8



56.2 Regulatory fees



101.5



136.8 Other revenue



15.9



9.3 Total Revenues



1,010.8



921.5 Cost of Revenues:











Liquidity payments



501.8



392.4 Routing and clearing



27.1



16.0 Section 31 fees



91.9



127.4 Royalty fees



20.3



27.4 Other



4.2



- Total Cost of Revenues



645.3



563.2 Revenues Less Cost of Revenues



365.5



358.3 Operating Expenses:











Compensation and benefits



72.3



53.3 Depreciation and amortization



42.0



40.5 Technology support services



17.2



11.9 Professional fees and outside services



15.6



14.9 Travel and promotional expenses



1.6



2.1 Facilities costs



5.3



4.1 Acquisition-related costs



3.4



0.8 Other expenses



3.5



4.3 Total Operating Expenses



160.9



131.9 Operating Income



204.6



226.4 Non-operating Income (Expenses):











Interest expense, net



(12.3)



(7.3) Other income (expense), net



0.6



(1.6) Total Non-operating Income (Expenses)



(11.7)



(8.9) Income Before Income Tax Provision



192.9



217.5 Income tax provision



55.7



60.1 Net Income



137.2



157.4 Net income allocated to participating securities



(0.4)



(0.4) Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders

$ 136.8

$ 157.0 Net Income Per Share Allocated to Common Stockholders:











Basic earnings per share

$ 1.27

$ 1.42 Diluted earnings per share



1.27



1.42 Weighted average shares used in computing income per share:











Basic



107.3



110.4 Diluted



107.4



110.6

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

March 31, 2021 and 2020



















March 31,

December 31, (in millions)

2021

2020 Assets











Current Assets:











Cash and cash equivalents

$ 263.3

$ 245.4 Financial investments



95.5



92.4 Accounts receivable, net



374.8



337.3 Margin deposits and clearing funds



1,260.0



812.1 Income taxes receivable



-



53.1 Other current assets



39.5



26.5 Total Current Assets



2,033.1



1,566.8













Investments



40.7



42.7 Property and equipment, net



83.4



82.6 Property held for sale



13.0



13.0 Operating lease right of use assets



108.5



111.0 Goodwill



2,898.0



2,895.1 Intangible assets, net



1,698.1



1,729.0 Other assets, net



83.3



76.3 Total Assets

$ 6,958.1

$ 6,516.5













Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity











Current Liabilities:











Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$ 247.5

$ 250.0 Section 31 fees payable



92.2



152.9 Deferred revenue



21.2



10.2 Margin deposits and clearing funds



1,260.0



812.1 Income taxes payable



7.2



4.2 Current portion of long-term debt



49.0



68.7 Current portion of contingent consideration liabilities



17.0



15.2 Total Current Liabilities



1,694.1



1,313.3













Long-term debt



1,138.8



1,135.2 Unrecognized tax benefits



174.2



164.7 Deferred income taxes



372.0



377.6 Non-current operating lease liabilities



129.1



132.1 Contingent consideration liabilities



15.1



17.5 Other non-current liabilities



30.6



27.2 Total Liabilities



3,553.9



3,167.6













Stockholders' Equity:











Preferred stock



-



- Common stock



1.3



1.2 Treasury stock at cost



(1,303.7)



(1,250.4) Additional paid-in capital



2,725.1



2,713.3 Retained earnings



1,901.7



1,809.8 Accumulated other comprehensive income, net



79.8



75.0 Total Stockholders' Equity



3,404.2



3,348.9













Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$ 6,958.1

$ 6,516.5

Non-GAAP Information

In addition to disclosing results determined in accordance with GAAP, Cboe Global Markets has disclosed certain non-GAAP measures of operating performance. These measures are not in accordance with, or a substitute for, GAAP, and may be different from or inconsistent with non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The non-GAAP measures provided in this press release include net transaction and clearing fees, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, organic net revenue, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income allocated to common stockholders and adjusted diluted earnings per share, effective tax rate on adjusted earnings, adjusted cash, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin.

Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release, including adjusted operating income, organic net revenue and adjusted operating expenses, provide additional and comparative information to assess trends in our core operations and a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by management are provided as additional information to investors in order to provide them with an alternative method for assessing our financial condition and operating results.

Organic net revenue, organic non-transaction revenue and organic net revenue guidance: These are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude or have otherwise been adjusted for the impact of our acquisitions for the period or guidance, as applicable. Management believes the organic net revenue growth and guidance measures provide users with supplemental information regarding the company's ongoing and future potential revenue performances and trends by presenting revenue growth and guidance excluding the impact of the acquisitions. Revenues from acquisitions that have been owned for at least one year are considered organic and are no longer excluded from organic net revenue from either period for comparative purposes.

Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets: We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Amortization of intangible assets is inconsistent in amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of our acquisitions. As such, if intangible asset amortization is included in performance measures, it is more difficult to assess the day-to-day operating performance of the businesses, the relative operating performance of the businesses between periods and the earnings power of the company. Therefore, we believe performance measures excluding intangible asset amortization expense provide investors with an additional basis for comparison across accounting periods.

Acquisition-related expenses: From time to time, we have pursued acquisitions, which have resulted in expenses which would not otherwise have been incurred in the normal course of the company's business operations. These expenses include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence and other third-party transaction costs. The frequency and the amount of such expenses vary significantly based on the size, timing and complexity of the transaction. Accordingly, we exclude these costs for purposes of calculating non-GAAP measures which provide an additional analysis of Cboe's ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Cboe's performance between periods.

The tables below show the reconciliation of each financial measure from GAAP to non-GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of those items detailed below and are referred to as adjusted financial measures.

Organic Net Revenue Reconciliation

















Table 3

Three Months Ended

(in millions)

March 31,

Reconciliation of Revenue Less Cost of Revenue to Organic Net Revenue

2021

2020

Revenues less cost of revenues (net revenue)

$ 365.5

$ 358.3

Less acquisitions:













Acquisition revenue less cost of revenues

$ (26.8)

$ -

Organic net revenue

$ 338.7

$ 358.3



Reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP Information





















Three Months Ended

Table 4

March 31,

(in millions, except per share amounts)

2021

2020

Reconciliation of Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders to Non-GAAP (As shown on Table 1)













Net income allocated to common stockholders

$ 136.8

$ 157.0

Non-GAAP adjustments













Acquisition-related expenses (1)



3.4



0.8

Amortization of acquired intangible assets (2)



32.9



32.5

Total Non-GAAP adjustments



36.3



33.3

Income tax expense related to the items above



(8.2)



(7.6)

Net income allocated to participating securities - effect on reconciling items



(0.1)



(0.4)

Adjusted net income allocated to common stockholders

$ 164.8

$ 182.3

















Reconciliation of Diluted EPS to Non-GAAP













Diluted earnings per common share

$ 1.27

$ 1.42

Per share impact of non-GAAP adjustments noted above



0.26



0.23

Adjusted diluted earnings per common share

$ 1.53

$ 1.65

















Reconciliation of Operating Margin to Non-GAAP













Revenue less cost of revenue

$ 365.5

$ 358.3

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



-



-

Adjusted revenue less cost of revenue

$ 365.5

$ 358.3

Operating expenses (3)

$ 160.9

$ 131.9

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



36.3



33.3

Adjusted operating expenses

$ 124.6

$ 98.6

Operating income

$ 204.6

$ 226.4

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



36.3



33.3

Adjusted operating income

$ 240.9

$ 259.7

Adjusted operating margin (4)



65.9 %

72.5 %















Reconciliation of Income Tax Rate to Non-GAAP













Income before income taxes



192.9



217.5

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



36.3



33.3

Adjusted income before income taxes

$ 229.2

$ 250.8

















Income tax expense



55.7



60.1

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



8.2



7.6

Adjusted income tax expense

$ 63.9

$ 67.7

Adjusted income tax rate



27.9 %

27.0 %

(1) This amount includes professional fees and outside services, severance, facilities expenses, impairment charges and other costs related to the company's acquisitions. (2) This amount represents the amortization of acquired intangible assets related to the company's acquisitions. (3) The company sponsors deferred compensation plans held in a trust. The expenses or income related to the deferred compensation plans are included in "Compensation and benefits" ($0.4 million and $2.1 million in expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively), and are directly offset by deferred compensation income, expenses and dividends included within "Other expense, net" ($0.4 million and $2.1 million in income, expense and dividends in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively), on the consolidated statements of income. The deferred compensation plans' expenses are not excluded from "adjusted operating expenses" and do not have an impact on "Income before income taxes." (4) Adjusted operating margin represents adjusted operating income divided by adjusted revenue less cost of revenue.

EBITDA Reconciliations

EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) and Adjusted EBITDA are widely used non-GAAP financial measures of operating performance. EBITDA margin represents EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues (net revenue). It is presented as supplemental information that the company believes is useful to investors to evaluate its results because it excludes certain items that are not directly related to the company's core operating performance. EBITDA is calculated by adding back to net income interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding back to EBITDA acquisition-related expenses. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as substitutes either for net income, as an indicator of the company's operating performance, or for cash flow, as a measure of the company's liquidity. In addition, because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be calculated identically by all companies, the presentation here may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenue.

































Table 5

Three Months Ended

(in millions)

March 31,

Reconciliation of Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (Per Table 1)

2021

2020

Net income allocated to common stockholders

$ 136.8

$ 157.0

Interest expense, net



12.3



7.3

Income tax provision



55.7



60.1

Depreciation and amortization



42.0



40.5

EBITDA

$ 246.8

$ 264.9

EBITDA Margin



67.5 %

73.9 %















Non-GAAP adjustments not included in above line items













Acquisition-related expenses



3.4



0.8

Adjusted EBITDA

$ 250.2

$ 265.7

Adjusted EBITDA Margin



68.5 %

74.2 %































Table 6













(in millions)

March 31,

December 31,

Reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents to Adjusted Cash

2021

2020

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 263.3

$ 245.4

Financial investments



95.5



92.4

Less deferred compensation plan assets



(24.0)



(24.5)

Less cash collected for Section 31 Fees



(70.9)



(103.0)

Adjusted Cash

$ 263.9

$ 210.3



























































































Table 7





































































(in millions)





































































Reconciliation of Net Transaction and Clearing Fees -Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

Consolidated

Options Segment

N.A. Equities Segment

Futures Segment

Europe Segment

Global FX Segment

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020 Transaction and clearing fees $ 763.2

$ 661.5

$ 308.7

$ 284.2

$ 381.8

$ 304.0

$ 25.6

$ 35.9

$ 34.7

$ 22.3

$ 12.4

$ 15.1 Liquidity payments

(501.8)



(392.4)



(166.0)



(124.3)



(330.5)



(261.4)



-



-



(5.3)



(6.7)



-



- Routing and clearing

(27.1)



(16.0)



(5.5)



(4.5)



(17.3)



(11.5)



-



-



(4.3)



-



-



- Net transaction and clearing fees $ 234.3

$ 253.1

$ 137.2

$ 155.4

$ 34.0

$ 31.1

$ 25.6

$ 35.9

$ 25.1

$ 15.6

$ 12.4

$ 15.1

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/622233/Cboe_Logo.jpg
Craig Findley of Jacksonville has been elected secretary of Lincoln Land Community Colleges board of directors.

Findley, chair of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, is a former chairman of the LLCC board.

During the boards meeting Wednesday, Ken Elmore of Waggoner, president of First National Bank of Litchfield, was elected chairman after serving two years as vice chairman.

Gordon Gates of Springfield, partner at Gates, Wise, Schlosser and Goebel, was elected vice chairman after serving two years as board secretary.

Elmore presented a plaque of recognition to Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville for his two years as board chair, thanking him for his leadership, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. Rosenthal, a former member of the Illinois House of Representatives and former director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, remains on the board as a trustee.

Prior to turning the gavel over to Elmore, Rosenthal read a resolution in honor of Julian Marvel of Waggoner, who completed his term as the 2020-21 student trustee. He is graduating from LLCC with an associates degree in art and plans to pursue a degree in anthropology at Illinois State University.

Other trustees continuing their terms on the board are: Vicki Davis of Riverton, operational excellence manager, State of Illinois; Jeff Fulgenzi of Sherman, owner of Fulgenzi Consulting; and Samantha Raymond of Springfield, programs communications associate with the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.
Iraq is at a crossroads between stability and instability, security and insecurity, peace and conflict. Whatever transpires, Iraqs security sector has a critical role to play in the countrys transition in the years ahead. How well is the sector placed to ensure the evolution of Iraq as an enduringly stable, secure and prosperous sovereign state?

Mirroring Iraqs overall turbulent situation, the countrys security sector has experienced a long period of trial and tribulation since its decimation, disintegration and recomposition following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of the country. Its command, reformation and effectiveness have been affected by factors ranging from a somewhat dysfunctional political system to social and cultural divisions and outside interventions in pursuit of conflicting interests.

The U.S. toppled Saddam Husseins regime, but in the process also dismantled the administrative and security structures which were pivotal to holding the mosaic that was Iraq together as a functioning state. It ultimately failed to empower the Iraqi people to rebuild their lives and country and engaged in processes geared to benefit Washingtons ideological and geopolitical preferences rather than to endow Iraq with the appropriate foundations for stability and security in a very difficult neighbourhood.

The result was political, social and sectarian fragmentation, and transformation of the country from a strong state with suppressed societies to a weak state with strong societies. This opened the space for a plethora of not only domestic clusters but also outside forces to engage in power struggles to shape Iraqs future. As U.S. forces battled on different fronts to make their occupation worthwhile for wider regional gains, Americas arch adversary in the region, Iran, used its proximity and sectarian affinity with Iraqs Shia majority population to back various militias in support of its broader geopolitical, sectarian and economic interests and, above all, regional security architecture.

Iraqs security sector evolved essentially at the mercy of a dysfunctional political and national situation and outside interventionism. It suffered from internal factionalism, a lack of united command and highly qualified and experienced leaders, and widespread misuse of funds, opening it to serious challenges by outside proxy forces, such as Iranian-backed militias, and anti-systemic violent actors, such as the so-called Islamic State.

Although the U.S. and its allies found it compelling once again to intervene and fight on the same side as Iran to defeat IS, they could do little to thwart the growth of Irans organic ties with Iraq. The U.S. killing of the Iranian Quds commander, Qassem Soleimani, and his close Iraqi ally and head of the loose coalition of pro-Iranian militias known as the Popular Mobilisation Units, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, in January 2020 have done little to diminish Iranian influence.

Since ISs defeat in 2017, the U.S. has retained a residual force, which has now officially dwindled to 2,500 troops. But it is no match for the capacity that Iran has built in leveraging Iraqi politics and the security apparatus, although this doesnt apply to the Iraqi autonomous Kurdistan region.

The Iraqi security sector has certainly undergone some serious reorganisation and reformation in the past few years to make it more robust and combat-capable. The U.S. and its NATO partners have made strenuous efforts to assist Iraq in this respect. Yet, the sector still faces important but not necessarily insurmountable challenges in a number of areas, four of which are worth emphasising.

The first concerns the issue of unification, integration and loyalty. To build a highly professional security apparatus, there has to be a greater focus on alleviating the stresses and anomalies arising from internal political, social and economic settings and external interference. Personality and resource-based competition, managerial gridlocks, and misuse of resources and funding have also been highlighted as serious problems within the sector, not to mention the challenge posed by the autonomous status of Kurdistans regional forces.

The second relates to the presence of outside rival forces which have sought to penetrate and influence the Iraqi security sector either directly or indirectly in pursuit of competing geopolitical and ideological interests. A U.S.Iranian rapprochement of some nature is badly needed for these actors to retrench their rivalry and enable the Iraqi security sector to get its act together with assistance from, but not under the influence of, those outside actors that respect the right of the Iraqi people to determine their own future.

The third challenge is linked to counterterrorism. Iraq has had a larger share of anti-systemic groups than many other states in the region. The bloody rise and rule of IS until its defeat were very costly for the structural and operational capability of the Iraqi security sector. However, IS hasnt been extinguished altogether. It continues to have sufficient ideological and operational resilience in the context of ethnic or sectarian marginalisation of one segment of the society by another in Iraq. As long as this remains the case, its impact on the capabilities of the security forces cannot be underestimated.

The fourth relates to equipment, infrastructure, training, education and research. While the Iraqi forces have enjoyed a good supply of arms and related operational tools with the help of NATO, training, education and research are another issue. Iraqs security sector is now endowed with its own relevant educational programs and institutions, where assistance from NATOs Defence Education Enhancement Programme has played an important part. But it can do with more aid from, and robust interaction with, other credible and well-established sources abroad.

Iraq has experienced a very turbulent period in its history as a civilisational cradle and in its consolidation as a state since the 1920s. The countrys transition from a personalised state under Saddam to an emerging but troubled democracy has been taxing on its people and the security sector. Although a great deal has lately been accomplished in terms of reform, the security sector is far from being self-sustaining, capable of operating above politics or free of outside influences to ensure domestic order and national defence.
China attracts more foreign investors with promising prospects, improved business environment

Xinhua) 10:11, April 30, 2021

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Foreign investors keep gravitating toward China as the country maintains a restorative growth momentum and continues to improve its business environment.

A recent survey by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) shows that 96.4 percent of foreign-invested enterprises are optimistic about their business prospects in China.

The figure represents a 2.1 percentage-point increase on the beginning of the year, according to the survey of over 3,200 foreign-funded firms.

In the first quarter of the year, 10,263 new foreign-funded enterprises were established in China, a surge of 47.8 percent year on year and up 6.7 percent from the same period of 2019, said MOC spokesperson Gao Feng.

Aside from the low base of the same period last year, the rapid growth was mainly driven by factors such as the stable recovery of the Chinese economy, continuous improvement of the business environment and enhanced confidence of foreign investors, Gao said.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Chinese mainland surged 39.9 percent year on year in actual use to 302.47 billion yuan (about 46.74 billion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter, he said, adding that the figure rose 24.8 percent from the same period of 2019.

Among all areas, the western regions in China stand out.

The FDI into China's western region surged 91 percent year on year in the first quarter of this year.

Gao has attributed the jump, compared with 38.2 percent in the eastern region and 36.8 percent in central China, to the country's policy guidance.

Last year, China revised an industry catalogue that names more sectors encouraging foreign investment.

According to the catalogue, eligible enterprises could enjoy a reduced corporate income tax rate of 15 percent, tax exemption on equipment for self-use, and preferential land supply for intensive land projects in the western regions of China.

The sub-catalog of competitive industries in western regions encouraging foreign investment has introduced 34 new items.

China has opened more sectors to foreign investors, strengthening their confidence in investments in the country's western regions, he said.

With the continuous improvement of infrastructures and the business environment in the western regions, the development potential of the area will be continuously released, said Gao, adding that foreign-funded enterprises would find huge development opportunities there.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
New York Mayor Bill De Blasio's press secretary dubbed Gov. Andrew Cuomo a "serial sexual assaulter" after he mocked De Blasio's announcement that the city will fully reopen by July 1.

At a news conference on Thursday, De Blasio detailed his intention to reopen the Big Apple to total capacity by July 1 and boldly declared: "This will be the summer of New York City."

Cuomo tags De Blasio as irresponsible, referring to NY reopening

When asked about the announcement at his news conference later that day, Cuomo expressed his displeasure by imitating De Blasio's whiny tone and mocking him as irresponsible. "I'd like it to open on Monday. On Tuesday, I'd like to open up New York City. On Wednesday, I'd like it to open. I want Buffalo to open up on Thursday," Cuomo said in mockery.

When asked about Cuomo's remarks, Bill Neidhardt, De Blasio's press secretary, responded quickly, telling the New York Post: "Serial sexual assaulter said what?" The rebuke referred to a series of sexual harassment charges leveled at Cuomo in recent months, which De Blasio has said could force Cuomo's removal.

New York City's actual reopening date will be determined by the state, which Cuomo claimed is handling the situation using science and data. Their rivalry erupted this spring after De Blasio joined calls for Cuomo's resignation over sexual assault charges and allegations that his government covered up COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes.

Read Also: Asian Hate Crime in New York: Man in Critical Condition at Hospital Following Attack

During the Thursday press conference, Cuomo dismissed De Blasio's attacks, adding, "First, the mayor of New York, I don't know what he's indicative of." Despite Cuomo's claims, De Blasio argued that his July 1 deadline would be easily met due to high vaccine rates and New Yorkers adhering to guidelines.

More than 6.3 million vaccines have been provided in New York City, with about 36 percent of the adult population already wholly vaccinated. According to De Blasio, a 100 percent reopening entails entirely reopening restaurants and bars, stores, malls, and small businesses, such as hair salons, stadiums, theaters, and museums.

In a Daily Mail report, De Blasio said New Yorkers must continue to get vaccinated to meet the July 1 deadline. The mayor added that he has not met with Cuomo but would work with federal and state officials to reach the July 1 target.

De Blasio claims New York is ready to reopen fully

Mayor De Blasio and Governor Cuomo have had a contentious back-and-forth on the finer points throughout the reopening process. Localities must seek state consent for improvements to lockdown measures under Cuomo's continuing state of emergency, which he announced last year.

The New York City mayor also indicated that the governor's political weakness made it easier for him to take the lead. He claimed that the city's historic vaccine campaign, which has resulted in the distribution of 6.4 million shots to date, will enable the city to bounce back this summer. COVID-19 infection rates have dropped to about 3 percent in recent weeks, down from double digits during a post-holiday surge.

By June, Mayor De Blasio hopes to see 5 million New Yorkers adequately vaccinated. Many details about the city's full reopening are still being worked out, he said. When asked if the city plans to ensure that businesses and other locations will comfortably attract New Yorkers, he said his staff is already working on it.

De Blasio added it could mean using the state vaccination passport in certain places, but he did not elaborate. He said that safety rules on social distancing and mask use are also being worked out, as per New York Daily News.

Related Article: Andrew Cuomo Harassment Claims Prompt Impeachment Inquiry

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Last month, my friend, Deb Clarke, debuted on the backline in the twos for the Geelong Amateur Football Club. She did enough to be named  by her coach, former Cats star Tim McGrath  at full-forward for the next match.

The club is so competitive, Mardi Dangerfield runs around in the ones. Most of the team has uni assignments and P-plates. Deb is a 50-year-old mum of three, reigniting an old passion after years overseas.

Columnist Kate Halfpenny at the Cathedral Ranges

At 10, she loved kicking with her brother on the farm so much she trained with a club: But Dad said I couldnt play. So really it was a childhood dream that was delayed a bit.

Deb is one of a clutch of fantastic women in my life shrugging off the tackle of COVID-19  and the diminishing ties of motherhood and perhaps career  by seeking fun wherever, whenever they can.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has East Baton Rouge Parish under the microscope over the way the city-parish allowed flooded homeowners to restore their homes after the August 2016 flood, officials confirmed.

FEMA has flagged more than 1,000 property owners in the city-parish for failing to flood-proof their homes. If the experience in other parishes is any guide, they may face restrictions on what they can do with their homes in the future.

But, in a terse general statement Friday, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said she will not send letters to homeowners informing them of those problems and possible fixes that could include home elevation.

Instead, she said she will ask the parish's congressional delegation to help find relief from the federal guidelines or money to bring the homes into compliance.

"As mayor-president and as a citizen whose home flooded, I know many of our citizens did the best they could to repair their damaged homes and make them livable dwellings again," she said. "As a result, I will not be issuing letters at this time."

"I have confidence we will find an amicable solution to this matter," she added.

In a statement late Friday, FEMA officials responded to Broome's comments earlier in the day.

They said they were working with parish officials to figure out where the affected homes are in relation to key flood benchmarks and to help the parish bring the homes into compliance.

"If we, in partnership, find that homes cannot come into full compliance, then we will collectively have some decisions to make about how to address those structures to ensure the safety and well-being of the families that live there," the FEMA statement says.

"Our intent is to make sure that we are getting people into safer, more resilient situations through this process," FEMA added.

FEMA officials said the National Flood Insurance Program is committed to breaking the cycle of repeated flooding, which "is worse for those without the means to recover from repeated events."

After delay, Ascension, FEMA agree on deal to do damage assessments, hire inspectors Within the next two weeks, FEMA will have 10 two-person teams of inspectors doing damage assessments of the 10,000 to 12,000 Ascension Parish 

+2 Livingston assessor finds half of buildings in parish flooded in August, but believes more out there LIVINGSTON  Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor says his office so far has found 45 percent of the parish's homes and businesses flooded i

Broome's statement comes just a few days after Livingston Parish government sent 1,221 homeowners letters informing them that, due to failures by local government to assess severely damaged homes after the '16 flood, their homes were repaired without protecting against flooding.

Following a FEMA audit that uncovered those failures, Livingston homeowners may have to elevate their homes or accept buyouts to bring the parish into compliance with federal flood insurance.

If they didn't take those steps, or at least show intentions to, property owners would be barred from securing permits for renovations or other major work on their homes, according to Livingston officials.

Broome's statement Friday was less specific about what led to more than 1,000 homeowners in her parish to "fall into this unfortunate category identified by FEMA."

She did, however, obliquely reference problems that came to light in Livingston. "Recent news reports have revealed that surrounding Capital Region parishes have issued letters to citizens concerning the repair of their homes after the 2016 flood related to required elevation," she said.

FEMA audits raise red flags over 2016 flood recovery, but NFIP won't be reduced, officials say WASHINGTON  The federal government has reassured Louisiana officials that residents of East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes are not at ri

In a Thursday statement that was released before Broome commented, FEMA officials said the problems in Livingston and East Baton Rouge parishes were very similar.

In fact, they said, of all the local governments affected by the 2016 floods, only Livingston and the Baton Rouge had the kind of problems with their post-flood damage assessment, which led to Livingston's retroactive notices sent to homeowners last week.

"They were both in the same exact situation," FEMA officials said.

"The other communities did not have these issues," they added. "And, just like with Livingston Parish, this is an example of a local community enforcing their ordinances."

Damage assessment shortfalls uncovered in East Baton Rouge and Livingston, which both saw tens of thousands of homes inundated with water in 2016, came to light through so-called Community Assistance Visits FEMA conducted after the flood.

This week, FEMA said the purpose of the visits was twofold: to offer technical help to flood-ravaged communities and to ensure local governments enforced floodplain management regulations.

During the visits in East Baton Rouge and Livingston, auditors zeroed in on how the two local governments determined which homes were "substantially damaged," officials said. By FEMA's standard, low-lying homes that lost 50% of their pre-flood market value and lay in the highest-risk flood insurance zones were supposed to be deemed substantially damaged.

That finding triggers a requirement for those homes to fortify against future floods and, in the process, lower costs for the taxpayer-financed insurance program. Often, those protections entail elevating the home or accepting buyouts.

Livingston Parish at risk of losing millions thanks to problems with August 2016 flood response, official says LIVINGSTON  Livingston Parish is at risk of losing millions in federal funding over mistakes it made in permitting after the August 2016 floo

For Livingston, FEMA called the failures a violation that "must be remedied for the community to remain in good standing" with insurance. At one point, FEMA also threatened to claw back millions in aid.

A separate post-flood audit in Livingston also found the parish out of compliance with FEMA's Community Rating System, costing the jurisdiction's flood insurance policyholders a 5% discount on annual premiums.

But East Baton Rouge spokesman Mark Armstrong said he couldn't yet say what consequences FEMA threatened against the city-parish.

In Livingston, parish officials learned two years ago about the potential fallout of those poor audits and have been trying ever since to get back into the good graces of federal regulators and insurers.

FEMA said the letters to homeowners marked one of the last steps in that process, which brings Livingston denizens closer to qualifying for discounted insurance premiums.

It's unclear how long East Baton Rouge leaders have known about the problems with those 1,000-plus homeowners.

+3 A tall task: FEMA studies of flooded Louisiana homes to determine costly elevation needs ST. AMANT  Window panes dusted with dirt up to a sharp line of demarcation, two-tone porch screens with a clear line separating the two shade

In the months after the 2016 flood, damage determinations became a major concern for tens of thousands of residents, prompting emotional appeals from homeowners who feared the "substantial damage" designation would force them into costly home elevations or demolitions.

Some parishes, including East Baton Rouge and Ascension, reacted by easing rules, which had been stricter than FEMA's, to lessen the odds of buyouts and elevations.

In Ascension, officials faced similar complaints about damage determinations.

A few years later, however, Ascension performed well on its FEMA audit by providing thorough documentation of damage assessments. Its good standing makes residents eligible for lower insurance rates, officials said.

Ascension councilmen air worries about home elevations as damage assessments begin to roll out DONALDSONVILLE  About one-fifth of the homes in Ascension Parish reviewed so far for flood damage have crossed a national flood insurance thr

Livingston did some assessments, but not completely. Officials said they were more focused on getting people back in their homes.

Seriously damaged homes in Livingston that got the letters lie below the estimated height of a 100-year flood, or what's known as the base flood elevation.

After delay, Ascension, FEMA agree on deal to do damage assessments, hire inspectors Within the next two weeks, FEMA will have 10 two-person teams of inspectors doing damage assessments of the 10,000 to 12,000 Ascension Parish 

A 100-year flood  the statistical estimate considered a benchmark in engineering, banking and insurance realms  has a 1% chance of happening in a given year and a 26% chance of occurring in the span of a 30-year mortgage.

Homes with mortgages that lie below the base flood elevation must have flood insurance.
Summer 2021 could be another bummer as a chlorine shortage threatens to spoil swimming pool season in the US.

A surge in pool use last summer, due to people staying home during the coronavirus pandemic, has led to a scarcity of chlorine tablets this year.

The shortage was worsened by a chemical plant fire in August that devastated one of the country's major suppliers.

The shortage is expected to drive prices up at least 60 percent and force pool cleaners to look for chlorine alternatives.

Because of high pool use during pandemic lockdowns, chlorine prices jumped 37 percent in March, and could climb another 60 percent from June to August

Swimming pools were originally kept clean through filtration systems and frequent changing of the water.

But that technique wasn't extremely effective, allowing germs to proliferate.

After British scientist Sims Woodhead used calcium chlorine to disinfect drinking water during a 1897 typhoid outbreak, experts realized it could be used as an effective cleaning agent in pools, too.

The first attempt to sterilize a pool using chlorine was at Brown University in 1910, when the 70,000-gallon Colgate Hoyt Pool was chlorinated.

Experts are calling this the worst chlorine shortage in history, with prices for a 50lb bucket jumping nearly doubling to $140 in some places. Some suppliers have started limiting how much chlorine customers can buy

When chlorine is added to water, it forms a weak acid, called hypochlorous acid, that knocks out bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, as well as germs that cause diarrhea, swimmer's ear and other ailments.

It effectively tears apart a pathogen and breaches its cell walls.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a properly chlorinated pool should also kill the coronavirus, though there hasn't been a great deal of research into it.

'Based on what we know about chlorine and other viruses, it is likely safe to be swimming in a properly maintained pool, provided you continue to observe rules of social distancing and proper hand hygiene' said Dr. Cristina Cicogna, an infectious disease specialist.

That may help explain why chlorine supplies are running out across the US: In summer 2020, as most Americans were forced to hunker down at home, many passed the time by taking a dip.

Chlorine prices jumped 37 percent in March, according to Yahoo! Finance, and the shortage could see prices climb another 60 percent from June to August.

Making matters worse, BioLab, one of the biggest chlorine manufacturers in the country, burned down in August in the wake of Hurricane Laura.

Residents in Lake Charles, Louisiana, were ordered to stay in their homes to avoid contact with the dangerous chemical fumes.

BioLab won't be back up and running until spring 2022, CNBC reported.

That leaves just two manufacturers, Occidental Petroleum and Clearon, providing chlorine tablets for the whole country.

BioLab, one of the biggest chlorine manufacturers in the country, burned down in August in the wake of Hurricane Laura. Residents were ordered to stay in their homes to avoid contact with the dangerous chemical fumes

When chlorine is added to water, it forms a weak acid called hypochlorous acid that knocks out bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, as well as germs that cause diarrhea and swimmer's ear

The result is what experts are calling the worst chlorine shortage in US history.

Some suppliers have started limiting how much customers can buy.

The pandemic has even led to a shortage of plastic buckets to put the tablets in.

Allan Curtis, who runs Ask the Pool Guy in Brighton, Michigan, says this is the first time in his 34 years in business that he's had to resort to stockpiling chlorine.

[I expect pool owners] will have to go from tablets to powdered chlorine, from powdered chlorine to liquid chlorine, from liquid chlorine to non-chlorinated shocks and things,' Curtis told CNBC.

'And I do believe that all of those are going to literally run out,' said Curtis, who expects to run out by late May.

Scotty Heer, a pool-service operator in Las Vegas, told CNBC a $75 bucket of chlorine is now going for $140, 'with the proposed price of $158 in the near future.'

There are approximately 8.4 million swimming pools in the United States, according to ForRent.com, and nearly two-thirds of them use chlorine tablets.
A LIMERICK firm has exceeded the landmark of 100 staff it employs at its centre in the city.

WP Engine is motoring on with its growth in former Dominican Biblical Institute complex at Cecil Street, which it opened in 2016.

Now the company  which was founded in Austin, Texas  has reached what it describes as the huge milestone of its 100th employee here.

One of the first hires in Limerick was Robert Kielty, a demand generation manager for the firm, which provides support to clients using WordPress web development software.

Now based in London, he said: When things were first getting started in 2016, everyone wanted to be part of this exciting, fast-paced company that had just arrived from Austin, Texas. It was very much an all-hands-on-deck atmosphere, and while we all felt connected to the development and growth of the company as a whole, the team has always been focused on its role in Limerick, putting our own Irish lens on what has become a hugely successful base of operations for our European support and engineering teams.

The staff milestone was the goal WP Engine set itself when it opened on Shannonside in 2016  and it aims to continue to ramp up its recruitment here, with Limerick home to its largest support, product and engineering centre outside the USA.

In the early days, Mr Kielty recalled staying late and coming in on weekends as he and others worked on projects around the office and made sure the space was ready for new team members who were about to start.

I remember stenciling our logo onto things and assembling desks for new employees, he said, It was a pure startup mentality back then, and as weve grown, its been incredibly rewarding to watch it all unfold, he added.

One hundred employees is a huge milestone for us and one that speaks to our growth as a company as well as the vibrance of Limerick as a thriving hub for so many businesses, said Paul Ryan, senior director of support and site lead at WP Engine Limerick.

But were just getting started, he added. Weve got massive plans for 2021 and beyond, and weve got a ton of exciting new roles opening up that will further add to this incredible team.
Delhi continues to reel under a deadly second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The national capital reported the highest-ever number of deaths in a single day at 395. With this, the total COVID-19 fatalities in Delhi reached 15,772. The city reported 24,235 COVID-19 positive cases over the last 24 hours, thus, taking the total active cases to 97,977.

The COVID-19 case positivity rate peaked to 32.82 per cent in Delhi, the highest so far. Total 29,287 people recovered from the infection in the last 24 hours. With this, the total number of recoveries in the national capital reached 10,08,537. The national capital has total 35,924 containment zones.





To add to the woes of the Delhiites in these difficult times, Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain has said the national capital does not have enough vaccines to inoculate the 18-45 age group. "We don't have vaccines as of now. We have made requests to the company regarding vaccine, we will tell you when it comes," Jain said.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said earlier this week that the city government will provide COVID-19 vaccination for free to everybody above 18 years and the Delhi government has approved the purchase of 1.34 crore vaccine doses. Acute shortage of oxygen equipment, hospital beds and medicines has been reported from Delhi as the COVID-19 graph continues to rise.

Edited by Mehak Agarwal

Also read: India records 3.8 lakh new Covid-19 cases, 3,498 deaths

Also read: International flight suspension extended till May 31
Hispanic Americans have died of COVID-19 at a disproportionately high rate compared to whites because of workplace exposure to the virus, a new study suggests.

It's widely documented that Hispanics are overrepresented among workers in essential industries and occupations ranging from warehousing and grocery stores to health care and construction, much of which kept operating when most of the country shut down last spring.

The analysis of federal data showed that, considering their representation in the U.S. population, far higher percentages of Hispanics of working age - 30 to 69 years old - have died of COVID-19 than whites in the same age groups. A separate look at case estimates showed a similar pattern of unequally high COVID-19 infection rates for Hispanics - meaning that the elevated deaths in the working-age Hispanic population is consistent with elevated exposure to the virus.

There was no evidence before this paper that really demonstrated that the excess cases were precisely in these working age groups." Reanne Frank, professor of sociology at The Ohio State University and co-author of the study

"Particularly for front-line and essential workers, among whom Hispanics are overrepresented, COVID-19 is an occupational disease that spreads at work. Hispanics were on the front lines and they bore a disproportionate cost."

Identifying a link between essential work and a higher rate of COVID-19 deaths should lead to better workplace protections, said study co-author D. Phuong (Phoenix) Do, associate professor of public health policy and administration at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

"If we know the source of the spread, then we can tackle it head on," she said. "This finding is applicable to any disease that is highly infectious. We can't stop the economy - we've learned that. There has to be a way to protect the workers and enforce protection."

All analyses were based on the most recent data as of Sept. 30, 2020. The research is published in the journal Demographic Research.

Because COVID-19 death rates are highest among older ages, the fact that a much higher percentage of Hispanics are in the younger age groups compared to whites meant that excess Hispanic deaths were initially masked. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) age-adjusted data from 2020 showed that Hispanics constituted 19% of the population, but almost 41% of COVID-19 deaths.

When it became apparent that COVID-19 deaths were disproportionately high among minorities, commentators frequently suggested that unequal access to quality health care, higher levels of pre-existing conditions and multigenerational households were key causes, along with exposure as front-line workers.

At the time, however, "there wasn't any case data to support this workplace vulnerability hypothesis, which to us seemed most compelling in trying to understand the excess deaths among Hispanics," said Frank, also a faculty affiliate in Ohio State's Institute for Population Research.

Using CDC death counts stratified by age within racial/ethnic groups, the researchers compared the proportion of COVID-19 deaths attributed to whites and Hispanics with each group's relative population size. Nationally and in most states, in every range below age 75, Hispanic deaths were disproportionately high and deaths among whites were disproportionately low. One example from national data: Hispanics ages 35 to 44 and 55 to 64 experienced a higher-than-expected proportion of deaths of 15.4 and 8 percentage points, respectively. In contrast, whites in those same age groups faced mortality advantages of 23 and 17 percentage points, respectively.

Turning to CDC case surveillance data, the researchers found the same patterns at the county level. Overall and within each age group, whites were disproportionately underrepresented among COVID-19 cases, while Hispanics were overrepresented, with the greatest excess in cases among those of working age: 30 to 59.

Among the reported cases, Hispanics had fewer pre-existing health conditions than whites and there were no significant differences between working-age Hispanics and whites in the percentage of infections that resulted in death. Hence, the researchers said, the case data is not supportive of pre-existing comorbidities and/or lower-quality health care being driving factors in the excess Hispanic mortality.

"If case fatality rates are comparable across racial and ethnic groups, and they are, but we see big differences in the amount of death, which we do, then we have to focus on differential exposure," Do said. "So what we see is that these two patterns are consistent with higher case burden being the driving factor of the higher mortality burden among Hispanics.

"The evidence does not support the other hypotheses. The data in this case supported the workplace exposure hypothesis but not unequal access to health care or unequal quality of care, not pre-existing conditions, and not multigenerational household exposure."

The researchers said the patterns revealed in the data ideally will discourage what amounts to victim-blaming - attributing an unequally high rate of COVID-19 deaths among Hispanics to risks associated with individual health behaviors or living arrangements rather than their overrepresentation in the essential workforce, often in low-wage jobs.

"There's this impulse when we're trying to understand racial health disparities - even new ones like COVID that appeared very quickly - to obscure the role of structural factors, which includes work environments," Frank said. "This evidence can hopefully set the record straight about why the Hispanic community, along with other groups overrepresented among front-line workers, took such a heavy hit from this pandemic - that it was because they were doing their jobs, and putting themselves on the line."
The Countess, as Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, listened as representatives from the charity outlined how they adapted at the start of the pandemic to ensure they could effectively support their partners across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, where the majority of those with vision loss in the world live.

Globally, 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, and 90% is avoidable. Orbis has been transforming lives through the prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness for nearly four decades. With a close network of partners, they mentor and train local eye care teams  from community workers to doctors and nurses  so that they can save and restore vision in their communities.

Orbis does this through their long-term programmes, on the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, a state-of-the-art ophthalmic teaching hospital on board a customised aircraft, and through their telemedicine platform, Cybersight.

The panel of Orbis experts included:

Derek Hodkey , President and Chief Executive Officer of Orbis International

, President and Chief Executive Officer of Orbis International Dr. Rob Walters , Trustee of Orbis UK

, Trustee of Orbis UK Lucia Nadaf , Country Director of Orbis Zambia

Supporters were told how, due to the pandemic, Orbis made the difficult decision to postpone in-person Flying Eye Hospital projects. But, while the Flying Eye Hospital may not be travelling, Orbis's mission is still in flight. The charity quickly adapted to provide virtual Flying Eye Hospital projects through Cybersight to ensure that eye care professionals could continue to grow their skills.

In 2020, Orbis trained 26,036 eye health professionals in 192 countries/regions through Cybersight  which is over three times more individuals and nine more countries than in 2019.

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex spoke to the audience about her previous visits to Orbis projects in India and Bangladesh. There she saw first-hand the impact of training at local hospitals and on board the Flying Eye Hospital, as well as spoke to children who had received surgery and witnessed their reaction as their bandages were removed.

Her Royal Highness said: "The care given by the Orbis team is absolutely wonderful. The children, they're going to have a procedure that is slightly uncomfortable, but actually at the end of the day, when they suddenly realise that they can see and the people around them are so friendly and are just there to help them, this is an experience that goes beyond the surgery.

"I love the way that Orbis always trained local doctors, for local needs and leaves a legacy behind wherever it goes. It's a self-fulfilling legacy and that's the beauty of Orbis. You don't just bring new techniques and new technology into countries that need help, Orbis trains eye surgeons and ophthalmologists to actually do it for themselves, working with what they have."

The panel of Orbis experts highlighted other areas of their work, including training teams in Zambia, delivering eye care to the refugee population in South East Bangladesh, and tackling trachoma in Ethiopia.

Trachoma is an infectious cause of blindness; repeat infections can result in a painful condition in which a person's eye lashes scrape against their cornea. This can be prevented and treated with access to clean water, antibiotics, and surgery. In December last year, Orbis supported healthcare workers to deliver a staggering 7.5 million doses of antibiotics to 87 districts in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region in Ethiopia.

The Countess acknowledged the challenges brought about by the pandemic and thanked Orbis donors for their ongoing support. She added: "We have a long way to go, and COVID has really not helped, we can't forget that actually these eye health issues continue to happen.

"If you haven't seen the restoration of sight being given to somebody, it's truly one of the most incredible, beautiful and wonderful things that you will ever witness. And it can be done so easily and so simply. We just need the ability to do it and the opportunity, and that's what many people at this event have allowed Orbis to do. Thank you on behalf of every individual whose sight has been restored by Orbis and the team."

Rebecca Cronin, chief executive of Orbis UK, said: "We were delighted to host Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex at our virtual event. Her Royal Highness is an incredible advocate for sight worldwide, and we have been honoured to welcome her to our projects in India and Bangladesh.

"The world as we know it changed in 2020, as did Orbis programmes. We are proud of our partners, who have been delivering vital treatments in difficult circumstances during the pandemic. Our medical volunteers, who would normally deliver face-to-face training, have worked hard with our team to develop virtual programmes, supporting doctors and nurses across the world, in order to deliver more sight-saving surgeries.

"All of our work is only possible with the help of our hospital partners and donors. Their generosity and dedication over the years have brought vital services closer to home for those who need it most."

To support the work of Orbis visit: www.orbis.org.uk.

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1500779/Orbis_UK_Video.mp4

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1500776/Orbis_UK.jpg

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SOURCE Orbis UK


CUPERTINO (dpa-AFX) - The European Commission on Friday accused tech giant Apple Inc. (AAPL) of 'abusing its dominant position' by imposing unfair rules and fees in its App Store.



The regulator said it found that Apple has broken EU competition rules with its App Store policies, based on an initial complaint from Spotify back in 2019.



'Our preliminary conclusion is that Apple abused its dominant position for the distribution of music streaming apps through its App Store and distorted competition in the music streaming market,' said Margrethe Vestager, the head of competition policy in the EU.



Last year, the European Commission had opened an antitrust investigation into Apple's App Store, after the music streaming platform Spotify complained about Apple's license agreements.



The EU were concerned on two conditions that Apple has imposed on developers to access the App Store-- first one, the mandatory use of Apple's in-app purchase system for which Apple charges a 30 percent commission, and second, a 'anti-steering provisions', a rule that forbids app developers to inform iPhone or iPad users of alternative, cheaper subscriptions available elsewhere.



'Apple's rules distort competition in the market for music streaming services by raising the costs of competing music streaming app developers,' the Commission said. 'This in turn leads to higher prices for consumers for their in-app music subscriptions on iOS devices.' The EU has also sent Apple a statement of objections, which is essentially a list of how the Commission believes Apple has violated competition rules.'



Spotify welcomed European Commission's decision. 'The European Commission's Statement of Objections is a critical step toward holding Apple accountable for its anticompetitive behavior, ensuring meaningful choice for all consumers and a level playing field for app developers,' Spotify's chief legal officer Horacio Gutierrez said in a statement.



In response, Apple said the EU's case was the 'opposite of fair competition.'



'Spotify has become the largest music subscription service in the world, and we're proud of the role we played in that,' Apple said a statement. 'Once again, they want all the benefits of the App Store but don't think they should have to pay anything for that.'



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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New Delhi:

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) a year after a top bureaucrat and his family committed suicide in their flat in East Delhi has claimed that none of its sleuths harassed the Bansals during an investigation into alleged kickback paid to officials.

The CBI in its report says that while the suicide of the Bansal family is "unfortunate", their officers are not to blame.

The senior bureaucrat had named five CBI officials who he claimed in a suicide note of harassing him and his family. He had also alleged that the probing CBI officers had tortured and abused the women in the family. Bansal was Director General in the Corporate Affairs Ministry.

BK Bansal, 59, a senior bureaucrat, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his apartment along with his son in September 2016. Bansals wife and daughter had killed themselves in the same flat after he was arrested on charges of accepting bribe from a pharmaceutical company.

The CBI claims that a CCTV footage of Bansal and his mother visiting at least 20 bank lockers just before the suicide suggested unnatural financial activity. The investigative agency also claimed that Bansal had disclosed to tax officers that he had about Rs 2 crores of black money in cash.

Also read: Bofors scam: CBI seeks government nod to file plea to reopen case



A team was formed to investigate the familys suicide note after human right activists and other agencies demanded a probe into the harassment claims by the Bansal.

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Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Vladyslav Krykliy and Minister of Transport of Canada Omar Alghabra during online negotiations discussed the possible liberalization of regular air transportation between the countries, as well as the participation of the Ukrainian side in the Canadian Safer Skies initiative.

Krykliy highlighted the importance of continuing the Safer Skies initiative, in which Canada works with international organizations, the civil aviation industry and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to improve the safety of commercial airlines flying in high-risk areas, and proposed to include Ukraine in the work of this forum not only as an observer, but as a full participant.

The agency notes that the parties also discussed the state of cooperation between the ministries in the context of the investigation into the plane crash of flight PS752 of Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) in Iran.

The report, in particular, indicates that the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine has already processed and provided its comments on the draft final report prepared by the Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the results of the investigation into the disaster. Relevant comments were also provided to the representatives of Canada.

"Ukraine is committed to truth and justice in the investigation into the PS752 crash and the punishment of those responsible. We are constantly working on the proper response of the Ukrainian side to numerous violations of international law during the investigation into the PS752 crash. We support the involvement of foreign representatives, including representatives of Canada, in the appropriate process and joint preparation and submission of a complaint to the ICAO Council on the response of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Krykliy said.

It is noted that the ministers also agreed to intensify work on signing a technical agreement between the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine and Transport Canada Civil Aviation.
The Giant Company has announced it is recalling its brand of caramel rice cakes after being notified by the supplier of an unknown milk allergen.

The impacted products come in 6.56 ounce packages and have the UPC number 68826707615 with a lot code of DEC1521.

Customers with milk allergies who bought this product should not consume it. They can instead return it to their local Giant, Martins or Giant Heirloom Market for a full refund.

Customers can also contact the companys support center at 888-814-4268.

Basic Grain Products of Coldwater, Ohio, also recalled its caramel rice cakes, sold in Stop and Shop and Kroger stores, for similar reasons.

READ MORE: Caramel rice cakes recalled because an allergen is not listed in the ingredients
Click here to read the full article.

Tom Morello has teamed up with Pussy Riots Nadya Tolokonnikova for Weather Strike.

The Ksti Hu-directed video features distorted lyrics and blinding lights, as Tolokonnikova sings, Im sorry I just puked on your police suit backed by Morellos riff.

Pussy Riot is one of the most radical and important activist musical groups of all time, Morello said in a statement. Their fearless blending of art and confrontation is a constant inspiration and its an honor to combine forces on this powerful, revolutionary track Weather Strike.'

Adds Tolokonnikova: Both for Tom and me politics has been always closely intertwined with our music, like two sides of a Mobius strip. Its an honor to collaborate and be friends with Tom. I feel strong, empowered, supported, seen, [and] respected when I work with Tom. I feel that were forming a good part of a revolutionary art army together, true allies and comrades.

Weatherstrike is a dreamy, utopian track for me, Tolokonnikova continued. We loudly proclaim the future we want to see: alternative systems of public safety where police violence is no longer an issue, an ultimate joy of rebellion and rejecting injustice. Also, I sing about my dream to turn the main FSB (ex-KGB) building into an immersive museum where were going to learn about dark moments of Russian history  Ill make it happen when Putin is not longer in power.

Last month, Pussy Riot dropped the EP Panic Attack, which includes the title track, Sexist, and Toxic featuring Dorian Electra and produced by 100 Gecs Dylan Brady. In February, they dropped the single Rage as part of a campaign to release of all Russian prisoners arrested for political reasons in 2021. Their full-length debut will arrive this year.

Pussy Riots Masha Alekhina and Lucy Shtein, who are a couple, are currently under house arrest separately. Theyre facing two years in jail for supporting opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Senior advocate at 41, twice attorney general, and a committed defender of freedom of expression and the protection of human rights, Soli Sorabjee died of Covid-19-related complications at 91. He dedicated his life to the service of law  and jazz, a genre of music he loved with a passion.

Sorabjee (March 9, 1930  April 30, 2021) worked with legal luminaries like Nani Palkhivala (as his junior). Of Palkhivala, he said: I vividly remember the early morning conferences the two of us had those days in his room at the Oberoi Hotel. Both of us were in our pyjamas. At one such conference, I nervously suggested the argument about inherent limitations on the amending power based on certain articles in the US law journals. He grasped the point, but was not quite convinced. A few hours later in the Supreme Court, he expounded the doctrine brilliantly.



The same could be said of Sorabjee (though pyjamas might not have figured). In a tribute, his junior, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, said that before Special Leave Petition (SLP) hearings, juniors would be asked to brief him for a maximum of 10 minutes, usually dissatisfied with his degree of understanding and absorption and alarmed at the last-minute conference a few minutes before court started. And then he would astonish us with his dexterity inside the court, his nimbleness with the point at issue, repeatedly hitting the nail on the head when questioned by the court and usually carrying the day.

Sorabjee was one of the lawyers who argued and won the Kesavananda Bharati versus State of Kerala case that had a profound impact on Indian constitutional law. Many argue that the verdict saved democracy in India by preserving the concept of the supremacy of the Constitution and putting to rest the British concept of parliamentary supremacy. In one of his newspaper columns, Sorabjee recalled how he clashed with another brilliant constitutional lawyer but respected colleague H M Seervai (he notes that throughout his life, Seervai never called him Soli but Sorab, for reasons he didnt entirely understand).

Considerable heat was generated in the when Seervai derided our arguments about the basic structure of the Constitution, he wrote, but added that Indira Gandhis imposition of the Emergency was later criticised by Seervai in unambiguous terms. Another landmark case among the many he fought was the SR Bommai case that laid down the template that in a dispute, a decision on a majority of a government in power needed to be tested on the floor of the House, not in the Raj Bhavan.

More recently, he made it clear that he stood with the judgment decriminalising Article 377. He wrote: In essence homosexuality has not been legalised, much less advocated or championed. It has been decriminalised with the salutary consequence that the police will not be able to barge into a persons bedroom and terrorise him or her with arrest and criminal prosecution with all the attendant trauma and stigma unless the extortionate demands of the police are met. It is well known that Section 377 had become an instrument for harassment and blackmail. The judgment rightly removes the stigma that a gay person is a criminal or an immoral person. The real merit of the judgment lies in its recognition that intimacies, privacies and autonomies of human life and the right of an individual to make choices, which does not harm or infringe the rights of other persons, cannot be criminalized.



Another landmark case was the 2012 Supreme Court petition of law student Shreya Singhal, asking for Section 66A in the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 to be taken off the statute books that Sorabjee fought when Mukul Rohatgi became Despite possessing a different political persuasion, Soli steadfastly believed in Voltaires famous dictum that he would disagree violently with anyone but defend to death that persons right to disagree with him, said Singhvi.

He could be seen at the India International Centre (IIC) frequently, where he was president twice, and used the IIC lawns to organise, along with other jazz lovers, the Jazz Yatra (1978-2003), an international festival of jazz. His affection for jazz began in college when he floated his own band, the SS (Soli Sorabjee) Quartet. He explored the genre further and records that he fell in love with it almost by accident  when, instead of a recording of (Johannes) Brahms, a shopkeeper sold him a Benny Goodman album. Moonglow, the American clarinetists famous tune, was one of his favourites. He also loved literature: Shakespeares sonnets and the Victorian poets.

Singhvi says he was a brilliant mimic, and sometimes wicked with the gift  something hard to imagine from someone as courtly as Sorabjee. Above all, he was a believer in humanism, civil liberties and all things of beauty.
God the Father did not say a lot in the Bible, but when He did speak you can guarantee that what He said was important.

One such time was during the transfiguration of Jesus when Peter, James, and John went up the mountain with Jesus. The Father made the following comments after Peter suggested making booths for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.

4 And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah." 5 He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (Matthew chapter 17, verses 4 and 5)

Who should you listen to?

In those few words of the Father there is a powerful message.

Peter was treating Jesus, Moses, and Elijah as equals. He wanted to make three booths for them as if they were all equal to one another.

But the Father intervened to show Peter and the other where the priority should be placed. He said, Listen to Him, that is, listen to Jesus. He did not say listen to THEM, but just listen to Him.

Dead to the law

The message of the Father was instructing the disciples to put their focus on Jesus and to listen to His words.

Moses represented the law. He was the law giver to Israel and the Ten Commandments were given to man through Moses.

Yes, the law was the word of God, but through Jesus we have died to from the law. Paul shows us this in these words.

Likewise, my brethren, you have died to the law through the body of Christ (Romans chapter 7, verse 4)

So, if we have died to the law, where should our focus be? Should we focus on something that is dead to us or should we focus on the one who gives us life?

What about the prophets?

Just as Moses represents the law in the transfiguration, Elijah represents the prophets.

There are many things written in the prophetic books of the Old Testament. The prophets were guides to Israel trying to pull them back onto the paths of righteousness when they constantly disobeyed and walked away from Gods way.

There were also many words spoken about the coming Messiah who would restore all things and make things right.

The prophets pointed to the time of Christ. So now that He has come it is clear that we should focus on the teachings and the words of the one whom they were pointing to rather than looking for someone who is already here.

The Jews in Jesus time, and even up until today missed that point and they missed the coming of their Messiah. They are still looking for Him not realising He came two thousand years ago.

That is why they are still bound up in following the law and the prophets, or Moses and Elijah, using the transfiguration analogy.

Focus on Jesus

But God the Father gives us a direct instruction through His brief conversation with Peter.

Listen to Him. God the Father was telling the disciples, and through them, the rest of the world, to listen to Jesus. The Messiah had arrived who was going to make all things new and bring the way of truth and life to the world, so listen to what He had to say.

There is great wisdom in the law and many insights in the works of the prophets, but if you want life and truth, dont go to them. Go to Jesus. Go to the words of Jesus for He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

A New Creation

It is through Jesus that we are born again as new creations. It is through Jesus that our sins have been taken away and we have died to the law. It is through Jesus that we stand righteous before God. And it is through Jesus that we receive the Holy Spirit.

The work of the Holy Spirit is to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ, who is the image of the Father and is perfect.

And we too MUST be perfect if we are to live with the Son and the Father in their eternal kingdom. As the scripture says:

You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew chapter 5, verse 48)

There is perfection in no-one else other than Jesus. There is salvation in no other name given on earth than the name of Jesus.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts chapter 4, verse 12)

That is why the Father said, Listen to Him.

He wants us to have all of the blessings of Jesus and to come to Him to receive all that the Father has promised those who will seek Him. And we can only receive His blessings if we forsake all other teachings and focus on the truth of the words of Jesus Christ.

And now more than ever we need to Listen to Him.
A visitor from the 1970s would likely feel right at home with the nation's passenger rail system. The routes still go to all the same places. The train cars all look the same, especially here in upstate New York. And Amtrak still struggles to make ends meet.

But as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, Amtrak officials and supporters can be forgiven for pinching themselves to make sure what is happening is real.

Could the new occupant of the White House really be proposing billions of dollars in new support? Are would-be passengers far off the existing routes really clamoring for service? Is this anniversary as golden as it appears?

For Amtrak, the future has never been so bright. New routes, new trains and plenty of technology are bringing it up to date. Its green credentials make it an attractive alternative, especially on high-density corridors where it can compete with planes and automobiles.

It was even on track to make its first-ever operating profit, until thwarted by the pandemic.

But after a 12-month delay, the railroad last month unveiled ambitious plans to expand service to new corridors, many serving fast-growing states in the South and West.

New services are also planned for the Northeast, including additional trains between Boston and Albany, now served only by the Lake Shore Limited, as well as extensions of existing train routes to Cleveland and Toronto.

"We believe this will result in daytime passenger rail service from Albany to Cleveland, as well as additional trains to Buffalo, Toronto, and Montreal, in the future," said Gary Prophet, president of the Empire State Passengers Association. "We applaud Amtrak's statement to expand passenger rail service to serve more passengers with more trains, and to more destinations."

Previously, Cleveland was a middle-of-the-night stop for Amtrak trains.

And the move to replace equipment that dates from the 1970s is under way. The Next Generation Equipment Committee, a panel of transportation and government officials, has been working for the past 11 years to create common standards for new trainsets. By this summer, Amtrak anticipates ordering 83 new sets from manufacturer Siemens Mobility for routes currently using so-called Amfleet I passenger cars that went into service between 1975 and 1977.

Bruce Becker, immediate past president of ESPA, cautioned that the first new equipment won't arrive right away.

"We're certainly talking years," he said.

Becker remembers his first Amtrak trip to Rochester back in 1971. Banners with Amtrak's logo had been strung up at the stations along the route, including one at Rochester, which he recalls as being in rather decrepit condition. But the train cars were the same Penn Central cars that had operated over the previous years.

The new Amfleet cars, one of the first major purchases by Amtrak, would begin arriving a few years later.

The bi-level cars, called Superliners, that Amtrak would also order early on were too tall to fit under the Northeast's aging bridges and through its tunnels. New York, meanwhile, bought a fleet of French-designed turbotrains built by California-based Rohr Industries that were sleek, with oversized windows through which to view the passing scenery in the Hudson and Champlain valleys.

High fuel consumption and operating costs, plus an unsuccessful effort to update them, led to their early retirement.

In addition to the new Siemens trains, Amtrak has been taking delivery of new diners, sleeping cars and baggage cars from CAF in Elmira and next-generation high-speed Acela train sets from Alstom in Hornell.

The new single-level CAF equipment is operating on the Lake Shore Limited, which serves Boston, Chicago and New York City from Albany. The next-generation Acelas will replace current Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C.

And the stations have been a bright spot. New ones have been built locally in Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs, and in other upstate cities. In Manhattan, a bright new train hall has been fashioned out of the James A. Farley post office building.

Locally, advocates for passenger rail would like to see more changes in Empire Corridor service.

Short-term, they'd like to see service restored to Toronto and Montreal, although that will be something that needs Canada's approval. Steve Strauss, executive director of the passengers' association, also said his group would like to see food service restored on the trains that travel only between Albany and New York city. Service was eliminated in a cost-cutting move more than a decade ago.

Progress on a long-delayed effort to increase the speed of Amtrak trains across upstate is also high on their list, as is progress in replacing the aging Livingston Avenue Bridge across the Hudson River at Albany.

Longer term, the organization wants to see the construction of the Livingston Avenue Bridge, completion of the Gateway project to add new tunnels under the Hudson River into Penn Station in New York City, and electrifying the route between Poughkeepsie and the Albany-Rensselaer station, plus an increase in speeds to 110 mph.

Many initiatives, from the new trainsets to upgrades to the Rhinecliff and Hudson stations, including high-level platforms, are also among the projects they support.

Amtrak's new corridor proposals include one from New York City to Scranton, Pa. ESPA would like to see that extended to Binghamton, restoring passenger service in at least a portion of the Southern Tier.

Some initiatives, such as offering food service, are dependent on state officials, who oversee the purse strings on so-called state-supported services.

But with strong national support from the Biden administration, many projects, on the drawing board for years, are finally moving ahead.

And that could mark a new, more competitive era for passenger rail.
In a second attack about 10:50 a.m. Tuesday, the teen robbed a 29-year-old woman on a CTA train in the 300 block of North Wells Street, police said. In that attack, the teen also used a knife to threaten a 51-year-old man, telling him not to interfere with the robbery. The man was a CTA employee.
A bill that combines this sessions two leading gun control proposals  to require guns be safely locked away and allow schools and other sensitive public buildings to ban guns  passed the House Thursday after a two-and-a-half-hour debate.

Supporters and opponents of Senate Bill 554 made lengthy, sometimes emotional arguments. In the end, the measure was approved 34-24, with three Democrats joining all Republicans in voting no. Because the House amended the bill after it passed the Senate, it now returns to that chamber for another vote.

The bill would require gun owners to secure their weapons when not in use, either by placing them in a locked container or by using a trigger lock. The measure would also require people whose guns are stolen to promptly report the theft to law enforcement.

The bill would also allow schools, colleges, the state Capitol, and the Portland airport to ban weapons, even those carried by people with a concealed handgun license. An earlier version of the bill would have potentially extended that policy to all government buildings.

This bill aims to prevent future tragedy, not to curb our liberties, said Rep. Rachel Prusak, D-West Linn, in response to Republican arguments that the measure would infringe upon their constitutional right to bear arms.

But GOP lawmakers who spoke up, many from rural areas, said they feared the law would make it harder for their constituents to defend themselves.

I live in a district where law enforcement cant always arrive in a timely manner, said Rep. Duane Stark, R-Grants Pass. So myself, and my neighbors, we are left in a situation to defend ourselves.

Democrats countered that the secure storage provision of the bill was meant to keep weapons out of reach of unauthorized users, such as children or burglars. Gun owners are able to keep their firearm loaded and at the ready as long as they are in control of it, said Prusak.

Two of the three Democrats who voted no  Rep. David Gomberg of Otis and Rep. Paul Evans of Monmouth  didnt speak during the debate.

But Democrat Mark Meek of Oregon City blasted the measure. All Senate Bill 554 does is create criminals out of responsible gun owners, he said.

Two Republicans were not present and were listed as excused. But gun rights groups that were hoping for a large-scale walkout to deny majority Democrats a quorum were disappointed.

House GOP leader Rep. Christine Drazan of Canby addressed those groups during her floor speech near the conclusion of the debate.

My caucus has stood here today to engage the hearts and minds of those who disagree with us, said Drazan, in a defense of not walking out. Some unscrupulous organizations have misled Oregonians into thinking that lobbying any Democrat is a waste of their time. That instead, they should push the easy button and call on me to deny quorum.

It was a clear reference to the Oregon Firearms Federation, which has put intense pressure on Republicans in both the House and Senate to walk out, a tactic thats been employed in recent years in both chambers. Some GOP lawmakers reported threats from gun rights activists in response to their decision to stay at the capitol and vote.

The Oregon Firearms Federation responded to Drazans speech with an email to supporters accusing House Republicans of folding like five-dollar hide-a-beds.

The email accused Drazan of turning her back on gun owners, who have financially supported her campaign and those of other legislative Republicans in the past.

Our (political action committee) was generous in funding the candidates she asked us to help, the group said. Now, when we ask that she and her caucus do their jobs, we are the devil.

The bills approval in the House came the same day that gun control activists filed two initiative petitions for the 2022 Oregon ballot. One petition would ban the sale of assault weapons, and the other would ban large-capacity magazines and would require a license to purchase a gun.

Similar petitions were filed in 2018 and 2020 but failed to make the ballot.

Chris Lehman: clehman@oregonian.com
American Catholic Bishops were reported to be considering denying pro-abortion President Joe Biden Communion.

The United States Conference on Catholic Bishops will be meeting in June to decide if they will be denying Biden and other similar high-profile Catholics from the reception of Holy Communion due to their strong pro-abortion stand which is in total contrast to church teachings and beliefs, the Western Journal reported.

The Journal said the move of the USCCB to decide on the matter came after Catholic leaders have raised the need that public figures must not pose as Catholics when they live contrary to the Faith. The Diocese of Lexington Bishop John Stowe, O.F.M. Conv., stated that bishops find a common ground with Biden on other issues such as inequality, immigration, and climate change when drilling on the issue on abortion.

In addition, the Associated Press reported that other leaders said denying Communion to such leaders may come as too harsh a step. The bishops will be coming out with a document that would clarify the church's stance on abortion out of the urgency that Biden has ben clearly espousing support for it despite the church regarding is as "a grave moral evil." The said documnent will be released by the USCCB Committee on Doctrine.

"Because President Biden is Catholic, it presents a unique problem for us. It can create confusion," USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities Chairman Archbishop Joseph Naumman revealed in an interview with the AP.

"How can he say he's a devout Catholic and he's doing these things that are contrary to the church's teaching?" he raised.

Naumann explained that once the document gets approved, the issue would make clear the matter on abortion and high-profile Catholics like Biden would have to stop themselves from receiving Communion.

USCCB President Archbishop Jose Gomez formed a working group last November to address the matter and come up a document about it prior to assigning it to the Doctrine Committee.

"Abortion is not just one among many important issues," pointed out San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone in an interview.

"It's a direct attack on human life," he stressed. "They need to understand the scandal that is caused when they say they are faithfully Catholic and yet oppose the church on such a basic concept."

Early this month, the USCCB released a statement against Biden's proposed rule on Title X that reverses Trump's "Protect Life Rule" so as to allow government funding for abortion providers as part of health care. The USCCB expressed "strong objections" to the government's "promotion and funding of contraceptives" through the "Title X-funded projects and programs and facilities where abortion is a method of family planning." They USCCB called Biden's proposal as a "terrible policy" and urged him to retract on his plans.

The USCCB also clarified that "Abortion is not healthcare" in as much pro-abortion groups and literature have purported it to be and have found to integrate it in various messaging strategies, slogans, and laws. The bishops said in a statement last February 26 that it seeks "to marginalize health care providers and others who disagree with them" for it dismisses them to not living at par "to 'the standard of care'."

These groups, the bishops stress, actually claim something that is "contrary to the facts" because "abortion is a marginal practice" that is not "performed nor accepted by most health care providers" and "does not improve (and can even jeopardize) women's life and health."

On the other hand, the Catholic News Agency reported that a USCCB source told them that the reports of the AP and the Washington Post on the bishops intending to deny Communion to pro-abortion politicians and high-profile public figures are nothing but "unfounded" and "at best ignorant of ecclesial structure."

The source said the news item is meant only "to pressure bishops into silence" with regards to the Equality Act, which the bishops find as "ultimately misguided" and "discrimates against people of faith and threatens unborn life". What is true, however, is that the Doctrine Committee would present a "broad document" in June on the fitness for reception of Communion.
(JNS)  U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) urged the Biden administration to consider conditioning military aid to Israel in order to help the Jewish state adjust course.

We should talk about the elephant in the roomAmericas military assistance to Israel, she said.

The senator went on to say that she is committed to Israels security, but if were serious about arresting settlement expansion and helping move the parties toward a two-state solution, then it would be irresponsible not to consider all of the tools we have at our disposal.

One of those is...
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New York, April 30 : The US opposes incitement to violence on social media while supporting freedom of expression, according to State Department Spokesperson Ned Price.

Asked at his briefing on Thursday about freedom of expression and the social media being used as a tool to incite violence against the government as it happened in the US. Price said, "Of course, hate speech, incitement to violence is something that we oppose everywhere. But clearly, we support freedom of expression, while still calling out and condemning when we see incitement to violence and hate speech." That question followed one about US reactions to reports that comments critical of the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been removed within India by social media operators at the government's request.

Price said, "We've made the point both when it comes to India and to countries around the world that freedom of expression, freedom of information is a hallmark of any democracy." He added, "Of course, India is a large democracy with whom we share foundational values, and freedom of information, freedom of expression is something we support around the world." Some rioters supporting former President Donald Trump, who stormed the Congress in January, and others used social media to mobilise.

The US government has not ordered the social media companies to take down posts that incite violence, but the operators have done so themselves with uneven results.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 30) The Health Department on Friday said it will ask the Professional Regulation Commission to probe the reported release of "invalid" prescriptions for ivermectin during a recent distribution event in Quezon City.

In a statement, the DOH said it will endorse reports to the PRC to investigate their veracity and to "impose sanctions as deemed necessary" against concerned parties.

The Food and Drug Administration said it will also review issues surrounding Thursday's so-called "ivermectin pantry," where Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor and SAGIP Rep. Rodante Marcoleta gave away free capsules of the antiparisitic drug to residents.

FDA Director General Eric Domingo earlier gave his go-signal for the giveaway, as long as a doctor will give prescriptions for compounded ivermectin.

However, doctors at the event issued haphazard prescriptions, which were written in a blank piece of paper that did not have the issuing doctor's name and tax receipt number - a requirement under the country's laws.

RELATED: Ivermectin advocate solon says prescription on blank paper during distribution a 'non-issue'

In a television interview, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the FDA should investigate these incidents. He added that the doctor who issued prescriptions "must answer for his actions."

Domingo said they are in the process of doing that.

"Our regulatory enforcement unit is looking into the situation," he told CNN Philippines.

The DOH and the FDA also urged the public to be vigilant and review any prescription provided to them. They likewise called on citizens who may experience adverse reactions to immediately contact the FDA.

The Justice Department, on the other hand, said it is also "carefully studying" all the legal issues involved before taking further steps.

'Honest mistake'

Meanwhile, one of the doctors present at the event admitted it was an "honest mistake" on his part that he wasn't able to jot down the prescription properly.

"I made a mistake." Dr. Iggy Agbayani told CNN Philippines' News Night. "I just forgot to write down the ivermectin because I was concentrating on the dose."

Like his fellow advocates, Agbayani also insisted that the distributed products were legal, since they were compounded. He also lamented what he called "nitpicking" by officials.

"I think they're just looking for loopholes just to try to harass us and things like that," he said.

FDA, DOH reiterate: ivermectin as possible COVID-19 treatment not recommended

In a joint statement, both the DOH and FDA stressed they do not recommend the use of ivermectin as a possible treatment for COVID-19 due to insufficient evidence.

However, they said investigational drugs may be used as long as all regulatory processes are followed.

"Specifically, off-label use can be allowed under a compassionate special permit (CSP) or when it is compounded by a duly licensed pharmacy and properly dispensed by a pharmacist to a patient with a valid prescription," read the statement.

Experts, including those from the World Health Organization, have repeatedly stressed there is not enough proof ivermectin can be used to treat or prevent COVID-19. They also warned high doses could cause brain damage in humans, or even death.
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Sarah Michelle Gellar has served as wife, chef, mom, teacher and actress for the past year during lockdown from COVID-19.

But this week the Buffy The Vampire Slayer veteran had some time away from her family as she seemed more than happy to enjoy 'me time' during a vacation by the beach at the Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to ring in her 44th birthday.

The wife of She's All That star Freddie Prinze Jr was seen in a black swimsuit by a swimming pool at the resort with several girlfriend including The Hills veteran Lauren Conrad.

Buddy by the beach at last! Sarah Michelle Gellar has served as wife, chef, mom, teacher and actress for the past year during lockdown from COVID-19. But this week the Buffy The Vampire Slayer veteran had some time away from her family as she seemed more than happy to enjoy some 'me time' during a beach vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to ring in her 44th birthday

Hitting the hot tub: The wife of She's All That star Freddie Prinze Jr was seen in a black one piece swimsuit by a swimming pool at the luxury resort by the sea Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection

The blonde beauty looked slender in the chic swimsuit - which was actually a tank top and briefs - as she went in and out of the swimming pool.

Her flaxen locks were pulled back to a messy bun and she added black cat-eye sunglasses that framed her face well. Beaded bracelets were seen stacked on her wrist.

She was seen on her lounge chair as well as chatting with her pals.

Conrad was also on the trip as she took a dip in the swimming pool with her straw hat and sunglasses on as she held a drink.

Gellar teased the trip on social media. On Instagram the actress shared a photo of herself earlier in the week in a mask, face shield and hat with her Passport up as she was at the airport.

Pool party: The blonde beauty looked slender in the chic swimsuit - which was actually a tank top and briefs - as her legs and as she went in and out of the swimming pool. To the right in a hat and sunglasses is her friend Lauren Conrad

Part on pals! Conrad, who used to be on The Hills and is now a designer, was seen holding up a cocktail with a straw

Ready to take the plunge: The Cruel Intentions actress smiled as she dipped a toe in the swimming pool with hotel guests seen in the background

'Well I finally did it.... on a plane, no kids heading off for some me time. And not the 2020 kind where I lock myself in my closet to do zooms in a modicum of peace,' she wrote to her followers.

Next she was seen in that black one piece suit in a pool clearly enjoying some alone time in the pool as she turned her face up to the sun.

'Yup... I remember how to do this (I was actually concerned I wouldn't remember how to relax but thankfully it's like riding a bike),' said the TV star.

Loving her casual look: Her flaxen locks were pulled back to a messy bun and she added black cat-eye sunglasses that framed her face well. Beaded bracelets were seen stacked on her wrist

Time for some toys: Gellar was seen pulling a green and white floaty as a hotel staff member wore a mask while tending to a male guest

Gellar also wore a black dress as she danced on the beach after dinner while fireworks went off.

'Well I'm officially done celebrating my birthday... and it was worth waiting for. What a magical evening,' she stated.

Finally there was a GIF of her in a print dress with a hat on as she stood on a swing with the waves crashing behind her.

'Recharged... and ready to swing in to the week (and reality... ok maybe not as ready for reality... carpool here I come),' she noted.

This resort seems to have it all: A pitcher of water was on standby as Sarah pulled herself out of the pool

So many friends with the Nineties queen of movies: The I Know What You Did Last Summer actress, right, with a pal who wore a teeny blue bikini that matched the ribbon in her straw hat

The former teen star has two children with Freddie: Charlotte, 11, and Rocky, eight.

This comes after it was announced Sarah will headline the new young adult pilot Hot Pink for Amazon Studios, Deadline reports.

The actress will star in the project from creator Elisabeth Holm, famous for the dramedy Obvious Child from 2014 starring Jenny Slate.

According to the outlet, Hot Pink was 'loosely inspired' by Elana K. Arnold's YA novel What Girls Are Made Of.

She doesn't seem to sit still! The Scooby-Doo star laughed as she attempted to climb out of the hot tub

Now time for rest: Sarah was seen moving the pillows on her lounge chair which also had a colorful scarf on top

The story takes on 'the real, knotted, messy, thriving heartbeat of young womanhood' from the perspective of a 16-year-old girl.

What Girls Are Made Of, published in April 2017, was a National Book Award finalist.

In addition to this new project, Gellar is attached to voice the role of Teela in the new Netflix-Mattel animated He-Man series Masters of the Universe: Revelation.

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star is also set to star in the disturbing upcoming TV miniseries Sometimes I Lie.

A little time with her Kindle: The versatile actress, who showed off at least two tattoos when in her swimsuit, checkec out her device whole on a white towel with a glass of water next to her

Now down the steps: The Nineties staple was seen descending the stairs to visit another part of the sprawling resort

According to its IMDb page, the story of the miniseries revolves around a woman who 'wakes up in a hospital, unable to move, speak or open her eyes. She can hear everyone around her, but they don't know she can.'

Finally, Sarah Michelle will also be starring in the new series Other People's Houses, which takes on social media and various families in an affluent Los Angeles suburbs.

The show is based on a book by Abbi Waxman.

This place is endless! The Buffy vet was seen walking up some steps to get to the hot tub. The landscaping was stupendous with large boulders and cacti plants; below there was an outdoor shower

All three projects are currently listed as being in pre-production.

Recently she said she was too 'long in the tooth' for a Buffy The Vampire Slayer reboot.

The actress has given her opinion on a potential remake of the hugely popular TV series but has ruled herself out of returning in the titular role of Buffy Summers because the premise of the show requires a teenager playing that character.

Appearing on the On with Mario Lopez podcast, she said: '[I'm a] wee bit, how do they say, long in the tooth for that.

Now with clothing on: After being in her suit for a while the Long Island, New York native was seen in a black dress

Let's go ladies! Sarah also had on a crossbody bag and flip flops as she held on to her water as well as a face mask

Taking photos of her pal: Sarah snapped a shot of her friend who had on thong briefs and a straw hat

'What worked for 'Buffy' was that the monsters represented, they were a metaphor for the horrors of adolescence.

'I do think that story lends itself, it'd be interesting to see how a 'chosen one' would deal with that. I don't think it's me, I don't think I should be the one doing it.

'And I'm also way too tired and cranky to put in that work again. But I love that the story holds up, and that people are calling for that.'

Sarah's comments come after she recently spoke out in support of her former co-star Charisma Carpenter who has made allegations against show creator Joss Whedon that he created a toxic work environment on set.

Loving the good life: She was seen in that black one piece suit in a pool clearly enjoying some alone time in the pool as she turned her face up to the sun. 'Yup... I remember how to do this (I was actually concerned I wouldn't remember how to relax but thankfully it's like riding a bike),' said the TV star

She sure has some pretty pals! Sarah, in a black dress, was seen with Lauren Conrad, far left, and other pals

Sarah - who played Buffy from 1997 to 2003 - posted on Instagram: 'While I am proud to have my name associated with Buffy Summers, I don't want to be forever associated with the name Joss Whedon.

'I am more focused on raising my family and surviving a pandemic currently, so I will not be making any further statements at this time. But I stand with all survivors of abuse and am proud of them for speaking out.'

In her original social media post, Charisma accused Whedon of 'abusing his power' as the show's creator and executive producer.

Party on: Gellar also wore a black dress as she danced on the beach after dinner while fireworks went off. 'Well I'm officially done celebrating my birthday... and it was worth waiting for. What a magical evening,' she stated. Finally there was a GIF of her in a print dress with a hat on as she stood on a swing with the waves crashing behind her. 'Recharged... and ready to swing in to the week (and reality... ok maybe not as ready for reality... carpool here I come),' she noted

Flawless look from an icon: On Friday the beauty posted this image where she said she had on 'no makeup' and felt 'no stress'

She wrote: 'Joss Whedon abused his power on numerous occasions while working together on the sets of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel.

'While he found his misconduct amusing, it only served to intensify my performance anxiety, disempower me, and alienate me from my peers. The disturbing incidents triggered a chronic physical condition from which I still suffer. It is with a beating, heavy heart that I say I coped in isolation and, at times, destructively.'

Charisma also alleged Whedon called her 'fat' when she was pregnant, and claimed he would often try to 'pit' cast members against each other to 'compete and vie for his attention and approval'.
When 53 people contracted COVID-19 at the Calvary Chapel of San Antonio in June, the church closed for two weeks to protect the rest of its parishioners. It had shut down months before, when the pandemic first swept over Texas and local officials quickly shuttered businesses, office buildings and other places where people gather in person.

More than a year since the government-mandated closure last spring, Pastor Ron Arbaugh says the county didnt have the right to shutter his church. And despite the outbreak after Gov. Greg Abbott allowed churches to reopen and deemed religious services essential, Arbaugh doesnt regret welcoming the congregation back.

IN HOUSTON: Joe Biden taps Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez to lead ICE

I'll never close our doors again, Arbaugh said. Even if I would be taken to jail, then I would be taken to jail.

The required shutdown of places of worship also didnt sit well with many Texas lawmakers who are now trying to ensure such closures by government officials dont happen in Texas again.

When the restrictions were put on the church, it crossed the line from what we could do, which was buy groceries, and what we couldn't do, which was worship as we want to worship, state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, said.

Praise God, she added.

The Texas House has already passed House Bill 1239, which bans state agencies and officials from issuing orders that close or have the effect of closing places of worship in the state. But some experts worry the bill could prevent the government from acting to protect people in future emergencies, such as evacuations and public health emergencies. They also worry the bills vague wording could lead to unintended consequences.

The Senate has passed Senate Bill 26, similar legislation authored by Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney. The House Bill has yet to be assigned to a Senate committee, and the Senate bill has yet to get a hearing in a House committee. Both chambers will have to agree on one of the bills before legislation can be sent to Abbott.

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The bills continue to float in the legislature despite the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling against COVID-19 restrictions on churches last November. The court decided that government officials couldnt close churches unless they were also closing down other, nonreligious organizations. HB 1239 would not allow government officials to shutter places of worship in any situation.

The Texas Supreme Court did not take a stance when Houston faith leaders filed a lawsuit against Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo for shuttering churches as part of a general stay-at-home order last March. Long after orders were lifted, the court declined to review a trial upholding them in late July.

Churches provide essential spiritual, mental and physical support in a time of crisis, said Rep. Scott Sanford, R-McKinney, during his explanation of HB 1239, which the House passed 122-22 on April 9. Closing churches not only eliminated these critical ministries and services, but it violated their religious freedom, guaranteed by our laws and Constitution.

But COVID-19 has battered churches practicing in person across the state. In Houston, a Catholic church closed after five of its leaders tested positive for the coronavirus. In Southlake, only parts of a megachurch closed after a dozen members tested positive, and an Arlington priest died after being hospitalized for the virus.

There are very few occasions or reasons on which it would ever be necessary to shut down a place of worship, but COVID is one, said Douglas Laycock, an expert on religious freedom policy at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. This bill is absolute. It says it doesn't matter how crowded the church is, it doesn't matter how high the infection rate is, it doesn't matter how deadly the disease is.

State tax code defines religious organizations as an organized, established group of people regularly meeting at a designated location to hold religious worship services, and they have to apply for tax exemption, according to the Texas comptrollers website. But the bill defines a place of worship as a building or grounds where religious activities are conducted.

GREEN THUMB: The big freeze devastated Houston's gardens. Here's how to rebuild yours.

That's not just worship, Laycock said. Its anything a church does, all sorts of collateral activities that churches are engaged in. It's an extremely broad bill.

That includes recreational activities hosted by places of worship, he said. Laycock also worries the bill could have unintended consequences in rarer occasions, such as emergency evacuations or when criminal conduct is involved.

Under the existing Religious Freedom Act of Texas, compelling government interest allows for state involvement in places of worship. In rare situations, this applies to criminal activity, such as the alleged child abuse occurring at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco in the 1990s.

State Rep. John Turner, D-Dallas, attempted to add amendments specifying the definitions and terms during the bills second reading. Both failed. Turner included examples of shutting down churches during hurricanes or for other natural disasters, and said he would have supported the bill if his amendments passed.

I just thought it was a broadly written bill that could be problematic if it's applied as written, Turner said in an interview with The Texas Tribune.

In response to Turners concerns, many of the representatives who voted to advance the bill repeatedly said it was unfair how strip clubs, bars and liquor stores were allowed to remain open while places of worship were limited. Under local stay-at-home orders, restaurants remained open for takeout at low capacities, and some bars began selling food to qualify as restaurants.

The week the House passed HB 1239, 27 national groups across faiths including Christianity, Judaism and Islam signed a letter opposing legislation seeking to exempt houses of worship and religious gatherings from the reach of regulations and emergency orders related to public health issues, according to the letter.

This letter warns against legislation that is overbroad, unnecessary, and sends the message that religious people are more concerned about special treatment than they are public health, said Holly Hollman, the general counsel for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, one of the 27 organizations. The bill appears to be a drastic overreaction to some legitimate concerns, she said.

Disclosure: The University of Texas at Austin and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy attends a dinner with Donald Trump and business leaders. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

Dominion executive Eric Coomer reached a settlement with Newsmax, which he sued for defamation.

Newsmax pushed false theories Coomer was in an "Antifa conference call" to rig the election.

Coomer is still suing others, and his legal efforts are separate from Dominion's own lawsuits.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

An executive at Dominion Voting Systems moved to dismiss Newsmax as a defendant in a defamation lawsuit Friday after reaching a settlement with the right-wing media organization.

It's the first such settlement from a news organization in a defamation lawsuit filed over 2020 election conspiracy theories.

The lawsuit, filed by Dominion's head of product strategy and security Eric Coomer, is among several filed over false claims that election technology companies like Dominion rigged the election against former president Donald Trump and in favor of now-President Joe Biden.

Video: The meaning of clothing and symbols worn at the Capitol Riot

Coomer sued Newsmax in December in state court in Colorado over false claims that he took part in an "Antifa conference call" to rig the 2020 presidential election against Donald Trump. He revised his lawsuit in February to bolster his claims against Newsmax, as Insider previously reported.

On Friday, Newsmax issued a retraction and apology on its website saying it found "no evidence" that earlier claims about Coomer and the 2020 election were true.

"There are several facts that our viewers should be aware of. Newsmax has found no evidence that Dr. Coomer interfered with Dominion voting machines or voting software in any way, nor that Dr. Coomer ever claimed to have done so," the statement reads. "Nor has Newsmax found any evidence that Dr. Coomer ever participated in any conversation with members of 'Antifa,' nor that he was directly involved with any partisan political organization."

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed in the court filings reviewed by Insider. A representative for Coomer declined to comment on the settlement terms. A representative for Newsmax declined to comment and directed Insider to its apology statement.

Story continues

Coomer went into hiding after receiving death threats over the conspiracies

Coomer first became the subject of conspiracy theories after Joe Oltmann, a right-wing political operative, claimed without evidence that he was a member of "Antifa" - a loosely linked group of left-wing activists who oppose fascist movements - and worked to rig the 2020 election. Numerous lawsuits, recounts, and investigations have turned up no widespread evidence of irregularities in the 2020 election.

Oltmann's baseless claims spread like wildfire in right-wing media circles, and Coomer went into hiding after receiving numerous death threats. Coomer sued more than a dozen right-wing media figures he claims were responsible for pushing the conspiracy theories. He alleged defamation, intentionally inflicted emotional distress, and civil conspiracy over the claims.

President and CEO of Election Systems & Software Tom Burt, President and CEO of Dominion Voting Systems John Poulos, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic Julie Mathis testify during a hearing on Capitol Hill. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Newsmax had steadfastly claimed it did nothing wrong as recently as February, when a spokesperson told Insider that Coomer's lawsuit was politically motivated. The media organization is owned and run by Christopher Ruddy, a close friend of Trump's.

In a statement, Cain and Skarnulis PLLC, the law firm representing Coomer, said he continues to receive death threats.

"Six months after the election, Dr. Coomer continues to receive death threats and harassment from those who believe the false conspiracy theories," the statement reads.

All of the other people and organizations Coomer has sued - including Oltmann, Trump's campaign, Sidney Powell, Rudy Giuliani, One America News Network, and others - remain defendants in the lawsuit.

"With respect to the remaining defendants, Dr. Coomer is seeking damages to his reputation and livelihood and, once certified by the court, punitive damages," the statement from Coomer's law firm reads.

Coomer's lawsuit is distinct from the legal efforts of Dominion itself, which is represented by the defamation firm Clare Locke LLP. Dominion has sued Fox News, Powell, Giuliani, and MyPillow mogul Mike Lindell. Smartmatic, another election technology caught up in election conspiracy theories, has filed its own defamation lawsuits against right-wing media figures over the falsehoods.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Top Chinese legislator Li Zhanshu on Thursday called on the people's congresses to improve their work so that they can meet the legal demand for the modernization of China's governance system and governance capacity.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks at a symposium attended by senior legislators from local people's congresses.

He highlighted the necessity of upholding the organic unity of Party leadership, the running of the country by the people, and law-based governance in the work of the people's congresses.

Li called for a thorough study of the new circumstances and problems faced by the people's congresses in their new-era work to define the roles, duties and missions of the people's congresses.

Acknowledging the efforts of local people's congresses in performing their duties, Li urged them to maintain close ties with the people.
Meerut, April 30 : The Meerut Police have arrested the son of a prominent coal trader who was shot dead in his office in broad daylight by two masked assailants.

The police said that the son, his friend and another accomplice had planned and plotted the murder. The friend and the accomplice have also been arrested.

According to reports, the son Ayush was in love with a woman but his father Arun Jain (54), was against the alliance.

There used to be regular spats between the father and son on the issue.

Ayush planned his father's murder with his friend, Krishna Bansal, and another accomplice.

Bansal was promised a sum of Rs 10 lakhs for the job.

On Monday, Jain was in his shop's first floor office when the assailants arrived on a motorcycle, barged into the office and shot him dead.

Ayush was with his father when the attack took place. Before anyone could react, the assailants had fled.

Jain was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Amit Kumat Rai, circle officer, Brahmpuri, said, "During investigations we procured call detail report of all family members of the deceased and three numbers were found to be of those who were present on the location of the murder. Further investigations revealed the connection between the killers and Ayush."
South Carolinas top law enforcement agency asked for help fighting public corruption. This week, the state Senate delivered  approving a proposed $10 billion state budget that includes funds for the State Law Enforcement Division to hire a forensic auditor this summer to help determine if public monies are being stolen or abused.

The vote comes two months after The Post and Courier reported that SLED doesnt employ a single white-collar crimes investigator, a void that has hamstrung the agencys ability to bring cases against crooked politicians and public officials.

Filling that position is among the recommendations that have emerged from The Post and Couriers Uncovered series, a yearlong project in which the newspaper is partnering with local news outlets throughout South Carolina to report on corruption and abuses of power by public officials.

SLED has investigated more than 1,400 cases of government misconduct over the past decade, even without a dedicated white-collar crime unit. Those cases were handled not by specialists, but by agents who also had to juggle investigations into drug trafficking, violent crime, arsons and police-involved shootings.

SLED Chief Mark Keel asked lawmakers earlier this year for $159,000 to hire a forensic auditor, a number-crunching detective specially trained to identify patterns in illegal spending.

Without such a specialist on staff, SLED has often had to ask local communities to pay for auditors themselves. But doing that can slow a case to a crawl, Keel acknowledged.

"The Legislatures willingness to include this position will allow SLED to meet the demand to investigate financial and public corruption cases statewide," SLED spokesman Tommy Crosby wrote in a statement April 29. "The expertise of a forensic auditor will allow SLED to expand our investigative ability into these types of crimes. We thank the members of the General Assembly for answering the concerns of their constituents to investigate these crimes across the state and in considering our request."

The position didnt make it into the first draft of the budget, written by S.C. House lawmakers who were concerned the coronavirus impact on the state economy wouldnt leave them with much money to spend.

State Sen. Shane Martin, who leads the subcommittee that decides SLEDs budget, promised earlier this month he would fulfill the request. The Spartanburg Republican followed through this week.

We also funded the public corruption investigator, Martin told colleagues on the Senate floor on April 27. "I know thats been a big topic, so we put that in the budget for SLED.

House budget writers, who have since learned they have much more money to spend than expected, hinted they plan to follow suit when they write the third draft of the budget this summer.
Taking into account the number of COVID-19 infections reported in South Carolina during the last several months, as well as the number of South Carolinians who have been vaccinated, 65 percent of residents in this state may be immune to the virus, researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina suggest.

But that isn't a reason to forgo getting a vaccine, the lead researcher said.

There are two ways to develop immunity against the virus: by getting a vaccine, and by catching it. MUSCs estimates of the population's overall immunity take both into account. But in reality, Michael Sweat, a Ph.D. researcher at MUSC leading its Epidemiology Intelligence Project, said immunity from a vaccine is a much better option.

The variants that are fueling outbreaks in other parts of the world are a big part of the reason for that. Sweat said there is good evidence that the vaccines authorized in the United States protect against the variants. Whether the same can be said for naturally-acquired immunity is an unanswered question.

"People who have had an infection should still get vaccinated, because it'll improve their immunity, and it will probably last longer," Sweat said.

Sweat said the virus is also spreading rapidly in the other 35 percent of the population in South Carolina that doesn't have either kind of immunity, most probably due to the variants.

The researchers' model is based on several important assumptions.

It assumes that for every reported case of COVID-19, another 4.6 cases go unreported. That is based on research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and works out to mean about three in 10 South Carolinians have likely been infected in the last five months.

The MUSC research team also counts on immunity from COVID-19 lasting five months. That is based on research published in the Lancet in late March that examined the health records of 4 million people in Denmark.

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The analysis also adjusts for an estimated portion of people who have had both a recent COVID-19 diagnosis and a vaccine.

As of April 28, McCormick County would have the greatest level of immunity at 80 percent, mostly attributable to a high level of infections given its relatively small population.

South Carolina's coastal counties have some of the highest vaccination rates in the state, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. As a result, Charleston, Georgetown and Horry counties also have some of the highest levels of immunity in the state.

Were inching so close to putting this in our rearview mirror," Dr. Gerald Harmon, vice president of medical affairs for the Pee Dee hospital group Tidelands Health, said in a statement. "We arent past it yet  its right beside us  so we need to stay in our lane and keep doing the right things for just a bit longer.

Dr. Jane Kelly, assistant state epidemiologist at DHEC, said MUSC's predictions may be on the high end. She advised actual levels of immunity probably lie somewhere between the 65 percent estimate and the 31 percent of the population that has been fully vaccinated. She said the most important finding in MUSC's research is how quickly the virus is spreading among people who don't have either kind of immunity.

"The rates of infection among the unvaccinated are very high compared to the rare events of somebody getting a breakthrough case after being vaccinated," she said.

Kelly and other public health officials are concerned that the pace of vaccinations has slowed considerably with only about a third of South Carolina residents having been vaccinated.

"Don't rely on natural immunity," Kelly said. "It wanes."
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 07:03:23|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on April 29, 2021 shows a leadership meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Abbas reaffirmed on Thursday evening that no elections can be held without East Jerusalem. (Palestinian President Office/Handout via Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced early Friday that the legislative elections scheduled for May 22 will be postponed until further notice.

"We have decided to postpone the elections until the participation of our people in East Jerusalem is guaranteed," Abbas said.

The Palestinian president made a televised speech after a leadership meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

"We will work to form a national unity government that adheres to international resolutions," he said.

"We call on the international community to put pressure on Israel to stop its aggressive practices," he added.

On Thursday evening, the PLO was convening a leadership meeting to decide whether the first Palestinian vote in 15 years would be postponed.

During the meeting, Abbas reaffirmed that no elections can be held without East Jerusalem.

He said the Israeli government has rejected the holding of the upcoming Palestinian elections in occupied East Jerusalem.

He called for the meeting to hammer out an appropriate decision concerning the fate of the elections in the aftermath of Israel's refusal.

The president stressed that the Palestinian people in East Jerusalem have the right to vote and run as candidates in the elections.

The Palestinian leadership insists on holding the general elections in East Jerusalem, as they want to elect a new parliament and a new president for all the Palestinian territories.

In January, Abbas announced the 2021 general elections will include the legislative elections on May 22, the presidential elections on July 31, and the elections of the Palestinian National Council, the highest decision-making body of the PLO, on Aug. 31. Enditem
(Natural News) Conservatives believed that life would get harder for them if Joe Biden managed to win the White House, and they were right.

But many likely did not think that the persecution would come so quickly and be so blatant, to include being placed on a federal no-fly list and be thrown in solitary confinement without being offered bail.

America First podcaster Nick Fuentes makes a lot of people uncomfortable with his podcasts, and many Americans think he is a straight-up white supremacist. Rising to influence within the far-right community following the deadly 2018 Charlottesville, Va., incident where white nationalists clashed with far-left Marxist Antifa types, he has been disowned by many of the social media platforms and most mainstream Republican and conservative figures.

So his speech makes people uncomfortable; he is still an American, though, and as such should be permitted to say whatever he wants under the protection of the First Amendment (and within the context of First Amendment law)  and without being persecuted for it.

But we dont live in that America anymore. We live in soft, post-constitutional tyranny that is becoming harder by the day.

Earlier this week, Fuentes took to Twitter to report that he has been placed on the no-fly list for some reason hes not yet sure about.

So Im on my way to a press conference to discuss how Ive been banned from nearly all social media and tech services, and then I find out that I cant even get there because Ive been put on a no-fly list. This is overt political persecution. America is not a free country, he tweeted.

So Im on my way to a press conference to discuss how Ive been banned from nearly all social media and tech services, and then I find out that I cant even get there because Ive been put on a no-fly list. This is overt political persecution. America is not a free country.  Nicholas J. Fuentes (@NickJFuentes) April 27, 2021

In response to a query from liberal writer and investigative reporter Glenn Greenwald to explain, Fuentes added: Got notice in the mail from DHS in January that I was removed from TSA Precheck. Was unable to check into my flight online, tried to check in at the counter. After long call with the TSA, AA clerk relayed that I am not cleared to fly. Booked another flight on United, same thing.

Got notice in the mail from DHS in January that I was removed from TSA Precheck. Was unable to check into my flight online, tried to check in at the counter. After long call with the TSA, AA clerk relayed that I am not cleared to fly. Booked another flight on United, same thing.  Nicholas J. Fuentes (@NickJFuentes) April 27, 2021

Greenwald suggested reading the ACLUs assessment of how the government has employed the no-fly list  often against political opponents  since it was devised in legislation following the 9/11 attacks:

Picture this: You arrive at the airport, full of good spirits ahead of a work trip to visit to a client. You wait in line to check in for your flight, but when you reach the counter, youre told you wont be able to board. Suddenly youre surrounded by security guards and hauled off for questioning, with everyone gawking at you. You learn that youre banned from flying  INDEFINITELY  to, from, or over the United States, even though youve never been charged with a crime.

Youre not told why. And theres very little you can do about it.

Fuentes isnt the only right-leaning figure to be persecuted under the Biden regime; dozens of protesters arrested immediately following the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol Building are still sitting in jail in Washington, D.C., many spending 23 hours a day in solitary confinement, which is traditionally only reserved for the worst, most dangerous offenders.

Fox News host Tucker Carlson ripped the regime for its treatment of these Trump supporters, and indicated that this is a growing  and disturbing  trend.

In a just system, you punish people for the crimes they committed equally with everyone else who has committed those crimes. You dont punish some people extra to send a political point, or to deter future behavior that might inconvenience a political party, or to stop dissent, Carlson said.

In a functioning democracy, every member of the Democratic Party would be saying exactly the same thing. Republicans would be saying it too, he added, noting they would be calling for those people to be released on bail.

Thered be demands for the immediate release of every nonviolent protester who went to the capitol on January 6, he said. But there arent. So the White House will likely lock up more.

Sources include:

BizPacReview.com

ACLU.org

Tyranny.news
A sure sign that the pandemic is winding down is the re-opening of the Riverside Flea Market in Grafton. My wife and I cruised up the River Road last Sunday to check it out.

We made our way down the aisles and purchased a few objects that we just couldnt leave without. At one end of the massive building that houses this monthly event, a Trump flag was displayed on the wall.

Oh, not the MAGA Trump 2020 flag that was so prominently displayed by The Donalds supporters when they stormed our nations capitol during the Jan. 6 insurrection. This was the latest edition of Trumps battle banner. Trump 2024 its lettering proclaimed. The flags colors were red, white and blue  the same colors of the flag that represents the nation whose government Trump zealots tried to overthrow on Jan. 6.

I moseyed over to the table where these flags could be purchased for $13 each. They were bound in clear plastic, so I was able to read the labels that stated: Trump 2024. He Will Be Back! That promise  or threat, depending on ones politics  did not appear on the flag displayed on the wall. Perhaps the designer thought it would make it look too busy. He Will Be Back! reminded me of Arnold Schwarzeneggers grim Ill be back vow to the receptionist cop in the original Terminator movie.

Beneath the bar code, it read: MADE IN P.R.C. FYI: P.R.C. stands for Peoples Republic of China. The designers of Trumps 2024 flag knew that seeing Made in China on the label would confuse and alienate the targeted market for this product. After all, Trump while campaigning for the presidency in 2016 admonished all of us to Buy American! Hire American! Would even his most fervent supporters still take The Donald seriously if they knew he had his campaign flags manufactured in a communist nation? And keep in mind that Trump zealots typically refer to COVID-19 as the Chinese virus and the kung flu. China is anathema to Trumpers.

Even a Trump opponent such as myself had to concede that stating these flags were made in P.R.C. rather than China is a clever marketing ploy. Most Trump supporters will have no idea that those letters stand for Peoples Republic of China. Even those Trumpers with a sense of curiosity might be confounded if they take the time to conduct an online search. When I googled PRC, Peoples Republic of China was presented as merely one possibility. These letters could also stand for Peoples Republic of the Congo, Philippine Red Cross or Postal Regulatory Commission. My fellow film buffs will recall that PRC is also an acronym for Producers Releasing Corporation, a Poverty Row studio that churned out B-films from 1939 to 1947.

When I shared my discovery of these flags with my political contacts on Facebook, the general consensus was that it simply underscored the long-standing hypocrisy of Donald Trump. The supposed champion of American manufacturing has consistently marketed foreign-made products to the public. An article dated Aug. 7, 2020 and posted on the CNBC web site noted that there are currently over 100 products under the Made in America collection on the online Trump store, where they are marked as either Made in America or Made in the USA.yet, at least another 180 items were made in Scotland, France or Italy. Some Trump-marketed products have no country of origin listed at all.

One of my Facebook political contacts wrote, Im pretty certain thats not official Trump merch. Its just some shady company having Trump stuff manufactured cheaply in China to sell to the rubes. The delightful part about it is that not a thin dime goes to Trump or his campaign.

In other words, Trump the conman is getting ripped off by some enterprising entrepreneurs. What goes around indeed comes around.

John J. Dunphy is an author, the Godfrey 15th Precinct Democratic Committeeperson and recording secretary for the Godfrey Democrats.
By Juliet Nalwooga

Ugandan womens rights activist Rita Aciro is the winner of the 2021 European Union Human Rights Defenders Award.

The award is given annually by the European Union and Norway to recognise a human rights defender in Uganda for their outstanding contribution.

Aciro, the Executive Director of the Uganda Womens Network was recognised for her outstanding work to advance the role of girls and women in all aspects of life in Uganda.

Speaking during the award ceremony last evening, the Germany Ambassador to Uganda Matthias Schauer said human rights need to be defended all over the world especially for disadvantaged groups.

While receiving the award, Aciro said it was an honour of the invisible Human Rights Defenders in homes, and public spaces who never have the spot light yet do an incredible job in giving a voice to women and girls.
[April 30, 2021] LONGi strengthens commercial cooperation with Engie to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral world

SHANGHAI, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi, one of the world leading PV manufacturers, announces today the signing of a framework agreement with Engie Solar (Engie Group) and, as a first step, the commitment of new volumes (>600 MW) of its high efficiency PV modules for projects in several geographies. Charlotte ROULE, Engie China CEO, commented, "ENGIE has invested and developed many projects in the French PV market. In the future, we will work together with LONGi, a trusted and valuable partner, to solidify carbon emissions, so as to build a carbon-negative world." Dennis She, Senior Vice President of LONGi Solar, commented, "LONGi always aims to provide our clients with the highest quality and most competitiv solar products, to fulfil our commitment to delivering clean and sustainable energy (or solar power) around the world. We believe that through a stronger collaboration with Engie, LONGi would further reinforce its presence in global markets and offer more opportunities to accelerate the global energy transition."



About LONGi LONGi, founded in 2000, is a world leading solar technology organization. The company has had a long-term, unswerving commitment to monocrystalline technology, convinced, rightly, that its general adoption would bring about significant technological change for the whole PV industry.

With 15 manufacturing bases and more than 30 branches around the world, LONGi produces monocrystalline silicon wafers and modules, delivering solutions for distributed and ground mount power station systems, promoting the development of the global PV industry and driving energy transformation. The company's shipments have been among the industry's highest for a number of years and, in 2020, it became the first manufacturer to ship more than 20GW of modules in a year. LONGi's ongoing high investment in R&D is a significant contributory factor in its success and the company has been rapidly applying new technologies and processes to large-scale production, making important advances in cost control and efficient product innovation. In 2020, LONGi became the first Chinese solar energy company to join the RE100, EV100 and EP100 initiatives, set up to promote zero-carbon solar and sustainable development. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1500726/Signing_Ceremony_Strategic_Cooperation_Agreement.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/781516/LONGi_Solar_Logo.jpg

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Representing BGC East Scarborough, Valentina has been a BGC member, volunteer, and now staff in the Club's afterschool program. Her involvement with her local Club has led to many opportunities, and she has turned those experiences into a passion for giving back, from advocating for autism to peer tutoring to founding her own nonprofit project, The Butterfly Effect and she plans to pursue a career in the medical field. Community is important to Valentina, and we know that she will proudly represent her Club and the entire BGC movement as our inaugural 2021 National Youth of the Year.

"We are incredibly proud of our six outstanding Regional Youth of the Year winners! As BGC ambassadors, they represent the leadership, drive, and compassion that defines the next generation and I know they will make a difference in their Club, their community, and beyond," says Owen Charters, President & CEO, BGC Canada. "A special congratulations to Valentina on becoming our National Youth of the Year, and a big thank you to our local Clubs for supporting these incredible youth, as well as to our partners, Hyundai Canada and Mary Brown's Chicken, for helping us bring this amazing initiative to life."

A national initiative celebrating youth leadership and achievement at BGCs across Canada, and supported by leading title sponsor Hyundai Canada and platinum sponsor Mary Brown's Chicken, BGC Canada's Youth of the Year program will foster strong BGC ambassadors and build capacity for Clubs across the country to continue supporting youth leaders in their communities. The six Regional Youth of the Year will receive prize packs, laptops, and postsecondary scholarships, as well as media and leadership training to prepare them for the next two years as official BGC ambassadors.

"Learning about BGC Canada's regional and national winners has been truly inspiring. These young leaders demonstrate strong leadership, clear vision, and an unbelievable work ethic. Hyundai Canada is proud to support Youth of the Year, helping the winners become emissaries of change in their communities," says Kirk Merrett, Director of Human Resources & Administration, Hyundai Canada. "The work exhibited by the participants is a testament to the impact BGC Canada has in supporting youth for a brighter future. Congratulations to Valentina and thank you to BGC Canada for their unwavering resilience and dedication to our youth and their communities, despite the challenging circumstances imposed by the pandemic this past year."

"Congratulations to Valentina! All of us at Mary Brown's Chicken are extremely proud to support the amazing efforts of BGC Canada, and in particular, the Youth of the Year program," says Hadi Chahin, President & COO, Mary Brown's Chicken. "The remarkable achievements of all the entrants are a testament to the dedication of BGC Clubs and the life-changing support and skills they bring to children and youth in communities across Canada."

The home Clubs of each Regional Youth of the Year winner will also receive a grant to further support their youth engagement and leadership work. Learn more about Youth of the Year at bgccan.com/youth-of-the-year and stay tuned for next year's Youth of the Year competition!

About BGC Canada (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada)

For 120+ years, BGC Canada has been creating opportunities for millions of Canadian kids and teens. As Canada's largest child and youth serving charitable and community services organization, our Clubs open their doors to young people of all ages and their families at 775 locations nationwide. During out-of-school hours in small and large cities, and rural and Indigenous communities, our trained staff and volunteers provide programs and services that help young people realize positive outcomes in self-expression, academics, healthy living, physical activity, job readiness, mental health, social development, leadership, and more. Opportunity changes everything. Learn more at bgccan.com and follow us on social media @BGCCAN.

About Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

Hyundai Auto Canada, established in 1983 and headquartered in Markham, Ontario, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout Canada by Hyundai Auto Canada and are sold and serviced through more than 221 dealerships nationwide. Hyundai is also the first to offer a second-generation zero-emissions Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle to Canadian customers, called the NEXO. More information about Hyundai and its vehicles can be found at www.HyundaiCanada.com.

For more information about Hyundai and its products, please visit www.hyundainews.ca

About Mary Brown's Chicken

Mary Brown's Chicken is the largest Canadian quick serve chicken restaurant. The brand was founded in Newfoundland & Labrador in 1969 and today has about 200 locations across Canada, having tripled its store count in the last decade. 100% Canadian, the brand's key differentiator is crave-able taste. Mary Brown's chicken and potatoes are locally sourced and delivered whole and fresh to each store, where they're hand cut and hand breaded. Big Mary has been named Canada's Best Chicken Sandwich. A testament to the brand's east coast heritage, genuine hospitality and community involvement are intrinsic to the brand. Mary Brown's proudly supports hospitals, front line workers and numerous regional initiatives like kids' lunch programs and many others. Learn more at marybrowns.com and follow us on Instagram: @marybrownsofficial, Twitter: @marybrowns, and Facebook: @MaryBrowns.

SOURCE BGC Canada

For further information: Media contact: Jared Morrow, Media Relations Manager, BGC Canada, [email protected], 905-477-7272 x2202; Jenn McCarthy, National Manager, Public Relations, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., [email protected], 416-770-0842; Media contact: Darlene Giles, Mary Brown's Chicken, [email protected], 416-998-6398
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of London-listed company director and manager changes announced on Friday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Prudential PLC - London-based insurer - Names board for US business Jackson Financial Inc, which become effective upon Jackson's demerger from Prudential. In addition to Non-Executive Chair Steven Kandarian and Chief Executive Officer Laura Prieskorn, who will be an executive director, Prudential named five additional independent directors. Gregory Durant is vice chair of accountants Deloitte LLP. Derek Kirkland is former managing director & co-head of the Global Financial Institutions Group at Morgan Stanley's Financial Institutions Group in Investment Banking. Martin Lippert is former head of global technology & operations at insurer MetLife Inc. Russell Noles is former chief operating officer of Nuveen, a subsidiary of Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association. Esta Stecher is chair of Goldman Sachs Bank USA, the consumer bank of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Prudential said two more independent board members will named at or following completion of the demerger, which it continues to expect to happen within the current quarter.







Burford Capital Ltd - London-based litigation finance - Hires Kenneth Brause as chief financial officer, starting on Monday and based at Burford's New York office. Brause replaces Jim Kilman, who has served since August 2019. Prior to becoming CFO, Kilman was senior advisor to Burford and will return to the role after a three-month handover. Brause was CFO of OnDeck Capital, a New York-listed specialty lender.







H&T Group PLC - Surrey, England-based pawnbroker - Richard Withers resigns as CFO, leaving on May 31, having served since February 2018. Head of Finance Tatiana Hagan will lead the finance team on an interim basis while a search is conducted for a new CFO.







Brickability Group PLC - Bracknell, Berkshire-based construction materials distributor - Confirms Interim CFO Mike Gant as permanent CFO, with Gant also joining the board. Gant joined Brickability in January, having been CFO of interior design and furnishings firm Walker Greenbank PLC, now called Sanderson Design Group PLC.







Arix Bioscience PLC - London-based investor in biotech companies - Executive Chair Naseem Amin leaves company immediately, replaced by Peregrine Moncreiffe as independent non-executive chair. Maureen O'Connell and Isaac Kohlberg are appointed as non-executive directors representing largest shareholder Acacia Research Corp, so are considered not independent. Back in March, 19% shareholder Acacia Research sent a letter calling for a shake up of the Arix executive team due to "history of governance instability". Trevor Jones won't seek re-election to the board at the AGM, which will be held by the end of June, and Axel Wieandt and James Noble will no longer be joining the board, Arix says. "Arix has had a busy year and made significant progress. We thank Naseem for his contribution having stepped in part-time to lead the business in the absence of both chairman and chief executive last year," Moncreiffe says. Adds Acacia Research CEO Clifford Press: "Since becoming a shareholder in Arix at the end of last year, we have sought to bring about a series of corporate governance improvements and ensure that the company is served by a board that is responsive to its shareholders."







TBC Bank Group PLC - financial services in Georgia and Uzbekistan - Nikoloz Enukidze, Nicholas Dominic Haag and Eric Rajendra step down from the board, replaced by three new independent non-executive directors. Eran Klein is a banker and lawyer who has worked with Commerzbank AG, Citibank - part of Citigroup Inc - ING Financial Markets - part of ING Group NV - and Deutsche Bank AG. Per Anders Fasth was a senior executive at Swedish bank SEB AB and CEO of SBAB Bank. Thymios Kyriakopoulos serves on the board of the Hellenic Corp of Assets & Participations, the Greek sovereign wealth fund.







Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust PLC - invests in portfolio of 25 to 40 sustainable growth stocks - Neil Gaskell won't stand for re-election as director at June 9 annual general meeting and will leave board on Friday. Gaskell was replaced as chair by Gillian Watson back in February.







MobilityOne Ltd - Jersey-registered, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based e-commerce payments platform - Hires Azlinda Ariffin-Boromand as independent non-executive director, effective immediately. Ariffin-Boromand is a lawyer who is a consulting partner in the corporate team at Withersworldwide.







Glenveagh Properties PLC - Dublin-based housebuilder - Hires Camilla Hughes as independent non-executive director, starting July 1. Hughes was a corporate broker within UK Investment Banking at Credit Suisse Group AG.







Lowland Investment Co PLC - Janus Henderson-managed growth and income trust investing mainly in UK equities - Hires Helena Vinnicombe as non-executive director, starting on Saturday. Vinnicombe was a senior partner at Smith & Williamson Investment Management.







Securities Trust of Scotland PLC - investment trust managed by Troy Asset Management that aims for income and capital growth from global equities - Hires Angus Cockburn as non-executive director, starting on Saturday. Cockburn was CFO of outsourcing firm Serco Group PLC until earlier this month. Before Serco, Cockburn was CFO and interim chief executive of temporary power provider Aggreko PLC.







Trackwise Designs PLC - Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire-based maker of products using printed circuit technology - Hires Steve Hudson to new position of COO. Hudson has worked for Bentley Motors, Rolls Royce Aerospace - part of Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC - and, most recently, Williams Advanced Engineering. Trackwise also says it has purchased a property in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire for GBP2.8 million, using money from its fundraise back in November. The site will be used to increase production of Trackwise's Improved Harness Technology. Also signs agreement for IHT component parts with existing customer, Stockholm-based CathPrint AB, whereby existing development revenue is expected to continue for two years before moving to larger production revenue for five years thereafter. Trackwise says it will release 2020 results in early June.







Aberdeen Diversified Income & Growth Trust PLC - invests across asset classes aiming for reliable income and growth - Hires Alistair Mackintosh as independent non-executive director, starting Saturday. Mackintosh was a partner at Actis LLP, an investor in Africa, Asia and Latin America, from its launch in 2004 until 2018, including 12 years as chief investment officer.







GlobalData PLC - London-based data analytics and consulting - Hires Julien Decot as independent non-executive director, starting Friday. Decot is senior director of marketing partnerships in EMEA at Facebook Inc.







Parkmead Group PLC - UK and Netherlands focused oil and gas - Hires Robert Finlay as independent non-executive director, starting Saturday, replacing Philip Dayer, who has served since 2010. Finlay is a director in the corporate advisory team at Shore Capital.







By Tom Waite; thomaslwaite@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Western Australia has recorded no new community COVID-19 cases overnight, clearing the way for an easing of restrictions from midnight on Friday.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said there had been one new case of COVID-19 recorded  an overseas traveller from India who was in hotel quarantine.

WA Premier Mark McGowan. Credit:

He said since last Friday, before the three-day snap lockdown, 53,623 people had been tested and while those rates were good, the state needed to keep its testing rates up.

Over the next week as we are still in the incubation period where we havent fully shaken off the virus yet so [its important] that the testing rates stay up, he said.
Silicon chip will drive next generation communications

A new design of ultra-small silicon chip called a multiplexer will effectively manage terahertz waves which are key to the next generation of communications: 6G and beyond.

Researchers from Osaka University, Japan and the University of Adelaide, Australia have worked together to produce the new multiplexer made from pure silicon for terahertz-range communications in the 300-GHz band.

"In order to control the great spectral bandwidth of terahertz waves, a multiplexer, which is used to split and join signals, is critical for dividing the information into manageable chunks that can be more easily processed and so can be transmitted faster from one device to another," said Associate Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul from the University of Adelaide's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

"Up until now compact and practical multiplexers have not been developed for the terahertz range. The new terahertz multiplexers, which are economical to manufacture, will be extremely useful for ultra-broadband wireless communications.

"The shape of the chips we have developed is the key to combining and splitting channels so that more data can be processed more rapidly. Simplicity is its beauty."

People around the world are increasingly using mobile devices to access the internet and the number of connected devices is multiplying exponentially. Soon machines will be communicating with each other in the Internet of Things which will require even more powerful wireless networks able to transfer large volumes of data fast.

Terahertz waves are a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that has a raw spectral bandwidth that is far broader than that of conventional wireless communications, which is based upon microwaves. The team has developed ultra-compact and efficient terahertz multiplexers, thanks to a novel optical tunnelling process.

"A typical four-channel optical multiplexer might span more than 2000 wavelengths. This would be about two meters in length in the 300-GHz band," said Dr Daniel Headland from the University of Osaka who is lead author of the study.

"Our device is merely 25 wavelengths across, which offers dramatic size reduction by a factor of 6000."

The new multiplexer covers a spectral bandwidth that is over 30 times the total spectrum that is allocated in Japan for 4G/LTE, the fastest mobile technology currently available and 5G which is the next generation, combined. As bandwidth is related to data rate, ultra-high-speed digital transmission is possible with the new multiplexer.

"Our four-channel multiplexer can potentially support aggregate data rate of 48 gigabits per second (Gbit/s), equivalent to that of uncompressed 8K ultrahigh definition video being streamed in real time," said Associate Professor Masayuki Fujita, the team's leader from Osaka University.

"To make the entire system portable, we plan to integrate this multiplexer with resonant tunnelling diodes to provide compact, multi-channel terahertz transceivers."

The modulation scheme employed in the teams' study was quite basic; terahertz power was simply switched on-and-off to transmit binary data. More advanced techniques are available that can squeeze even higher data rates towards 1 Terabit/s into a given bandwidth allocation.

"The new multiplexer can be mass-produced, just like computer chips, but much simpler. So large-scale market penetration is possible," said Professor Tadao Nagatsuma from Osaka University.

"This would enable applications in 6G and beyond, as well as the Internet of Things, and low-probability-of-intercept communications between compact aircraft such as autonomous drones."

###

This study, which is published in the journal Optica and was financed by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) CREST fund and an Australia Research Council (ARC) Discovery grant, builds on the team's work in 2020 when they created substrate-free, metal-free, silicon micro-photonics for efficient integrated terahertz devices. This innovation opened a pathway to convert existing nanophotonic multiplexers into the terahertz realm.

About Osaka University

Osaka University was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities of Japan and now has expanded to one of Japan's leading comprehensive universities. The University has now embarked on open research revolution from a position as Japan's most innovative university and among the most innovative institutions in the world according to Reuters 2015 Top 100 Innovative Universities and the Nature Index Innovation 2017. The university's ability to innovate from the stage of fundamental research through the creation of useful technology with economic impact stems from its broad disciplinary spectrum.

Website: https:/ / resou. osaka-u. ac. jp/ en

About the University of Adelaide

Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and located in the heart of the world's 10th most liveable city, the University of Adelaide offers the rare combination of elite academic performance and an unrivalled quality of life. Home to 25,000 students and 3,600 staff from around the globe, our student body reflects our diverse international community, made up of 30% international students from more than 100 countries.

This story has been published on: 2021-04-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Germany's glaciers are melting faster than anticipated, according to a new report indicating the country could lose its last one in a decade.

Earlier predictions estimated the glaciers would survive until at least the middle of the century, but melting has accelerated dramatically in the last few years.

Researchers used NASA satellite imagery to analyze all the world's nearly 220,000 glaciers, the first study to do so.

They determined that, if greenhouse gas emissions aren't limited, glaciers in the European Alps could lose almost all of their remaining ice by the end of the century.

The continued loss of alpine glaciers is one of 'the clearest indicators' of climate change, experts said.

Scroll down for video

The Schneeferner is Germany's largest glacier. Experts predict it could melt away within 10 years if current climate change rates continue

A glacier is a large accumulation of ice, snow, rock and sediment, usually formed over centuries, that is constantly moving due to its sheer weight and gravity.

Germany's five glaciers are in Bavaria, in the southeast: The highest and largest, the Schneeferner, is located on a plateau south of the Zugspitze, the country's tallest peak.

But Bavaria's environmental minister, Thorsten Glauber, warned 'the last Bavarian Alpine glacier could be gone in 10 years.'

'The days of glaciers in Bavaria are numbered,' Glauber said. 'And even sooner than expected.'

A map indicating the loss of thickness of glaciers in the European Alps between 2000 and 2019 (in red), as well as any gains (in blue)

Scientists had previously estimated Germany's glaciers would be around until the middle of the century but melting has increased exponentially: in the last decade, they've lost about two-thirds of their volume and their surface areas have shrunk by a third

Scientists had previously estimated the glaciers would be around until the middle of the century.

But Germany's glaciers have lost about two-thirds of their volume in the last decade and their surface areas have shrunk by a third, according to a report from Bavaria's Academy of Science.

Glaciologist Christoph Mayer, who worked on the analysis, said "the causes and reciprocal effects lie definitively in climate change.'

The ice floes are 'not only a monument of Earth's history in the form of snow and ice, they are thermometers for the state of our climate,' Glauber said.

According to a new study published in the journal The Cryosphere, the 4,000 glaciers located in the European Alps could lose up to 90 percent of their remaining ice by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions aren't curbed.

Even if they are capped, though, nearly half of the region's ice will be lost by 2050, thanks to preexisting conditions.

'Glaciers in the European Alps and their recent evolution are some of the clearest indicators of the ongoing changes in climate,' said co-author Daniel Farinotti of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

The 4,000 glaciers located in the European Alps could lose up to 90 percent of their remaining ice by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions aren't curbed. Pictured: A hiker traverses the Watzmann Glacier in Bavaria, Germany

'The future of these glaciers is indeed at risk, but there is still a possibility to limit their future losses.'

The picture is grim for glaciers around the world, as well, which are losing mass exponentially.

In the first 20 years of the 21st century, the world's glaciers lost an average of 294 billion tons of ice each yearenough to submerge Switzerland under nearly 20 feet of water, according to research published this week in Nature.

Globally, glaciers are losing 30 percent more snow and ice annually than they did just 15 years ago.

A map of regional glacier mass changes from 2000 to 2019. Globally, the world's nearly 220,000 glaciers are losing 30 percent more snow and ice annually than they did 15 years ago

An international team used detailed NASA satellite observations to analyze all 217,175 glaciers around the world for the first time, excluding ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctic.

The loss in the Himalayan glaciers 'particularly worrying,' said co-author Romain Hugonnet, a geophysicist at the University of Toulouse.

'During the dry season, glacial meltwater is an important source that feeds major waterways such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Indus rivers,' Hugonnet said.

'Right now, this increased melting acts as a buffer for people living in the region, but if Himalayan glacier shrinkage keeps accelerating, populous countries like India and Bangladesh could face water or food shortages in a few decades.'
The betting for the 1000 Guineas is deeply weird, and presents a very nasty dilemma.

Deep down, I suspect everyone knows they should be tipping and backing the favourite Santa Barbara, such is the outrageously positive chat coming out of Ballydoyle in what could well be a substandard Classic.

It is as if Aidan O'Brien has released the handbrake on the bland caution he has hitherto employed when discussing his horses and it has enthralled and lured in everyone, including the market.

But how can any pundit or punter take themselves seriously if they do decide with the Curragh maiden winner (even at her bigger exchange price) solely on the basis of the trainer chat, and who knows how this super-worker will react if having to get down and dirty and off the bridle here?

It certainly can't be on the evidence of the formbook, as her maiden success was no great shakes from a time or form perspective, though of course she has connections who have hoarded Classics in the past two decades, the pedigree (she is a half-sister to two recent 1m Group 1 fast ground winners Iridessa and Order Of Australia) and no end of improvement in her.

Anyway, the decision, they say, is yours, though I suppose the coward's way out is to tip in the without favourite market, an option this yellow belly is seriously considering.

Still bullish about my antepost tip but I have a new premier bet

I went with Thunder Beauty at 25/1 in my ante-post column on Monday, and little has changed there, including her price.

It was good to hear trainer Ken Condon being relatively upbeat about her preparation on the Nick Luck Daily podcast earlier in the week - though he wasn't going into anywhere approaching Aidan territory on the confidence front - as I do think this filly has Group 1-winning potential.

She only hinted at that, mind you, in her runs in the Moyglare and the Boussac, but you'd be a hard judge not to see more merit in those performances than her beaten distances.

Colin Keane sat her too far off the pace when she was a staying-on fifth to Shale and Pretty Gorgeous over 7f at the Curragh - she is bred to get 1m2f - and she looked like a real threat turning in at Longchamp only for her action to seemingly go soon afterwards, getting into all sorts of trouble thereafter, including being broadsided by another filly.

I initially put that down to inexperience and waywardness, as she didn't look the finished article in the Moyglare either, but Condon reckons the heavy ground was the reason for the bumper cars there and hopefully she will shine on this quicker ground.

I am happy to take my chances at 25s, but now O'Brien has confirmed Mother Earth for the race (he did so on Wednesday) then she has to be my premier bet.

She was still a 14/1 chance in the marketplace as I awoke from my slumbers at 6am on Friday morning, which surprised me, given this looks a very weak renewal with plenty of dubious stayers in the final field.

Few can match Mother's CV

Mother Earth scores more highly than most on all fronts, and she has to be a bet at 10/1 each-way, four places, and bigger.

In fact, I will also be looking to back her in the without Santa Barbara market (once it is up), but a guide price is hard to give at the moment - I'd be guessing 4s or so would be acceptable - so that play is on hold.

At the moment, the bet in the main market has to be the recommendation.

She is the second-highest rated in the field, a mere 1lb shy of the Cheveley Park and Fred Darling winner Alcohol Free, who is far from a guaranteed stayer going up to 1m.

We know Mother Earth stays, having finished third to Pretty Gorgeous in the Fillies' Mile here, and she then went over to the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland and found only the unbeaten Aunt Pearl too good, while finishing in front of Lowther winner and narrow Cheveley Park winner Miss Amulet and the previously unbeaten Morny winner Campanelle in third and fourth.

She has obviously shortened from first thing on Thursday morning (after Pretty Gorgeous was ruled out by the trainer at 8.30am) but the market is still underestimating her chances - indeed, she pretty much has the profile of the recent 1000 Guineas winners from Ballydoyle, far more so than Santa Barbara anyway - and I'll be surprised, disappointed and poorer if she is out of the frame.

She is proven in this grade, over the trip, on this course and over the ground. A CV that few of these can match.

In fact, none from what I can see, and that went for Pretty Gorgeous even before she was ruled out on Friday morning (which was annoying for connections and for me too, as I didn't fancy her one bit on the ground and she helped make the market).

Mother Earth is a strong bet at 10s, four places, even though I would have liked a more midfield draw for her (she is in stall two, with Santa Barbara in one, which may not be ideal for the favourite). And let us hope she isn't in here as a pacemaker in a race with no confirmed pace!

I have personally taken a flier at Seattle Rock at three-figure prices on the exchange for a few quid, and she may be another filly I will look to back each-way in the without favourite market once that line is up.

I have joined the Twitter boycott from 3pm on Friday, but all my columns, current and future, can be found on betting.betfair, and the Racing Only Bettor and Weighed In Podcasts found in the usual place on Spotify etc.

Good luck all.


INVESTOR NEWS NO.17/2021

DFDS awarded tender to operate new 1,000 m2 duty-free shop in the Port of Calais





DFDS has since 1 January 2021, in accordance with the new Brexit trade agreement, offered duty-free sales on board our four passenger ferry routes connecting the UK and the EU - Dover-Calais, Dover-Dunkirk, Amsterdam-Newcastle and Newhaven-Dieppe.

Following a tender, DFDS has today been awarded the right to operate a new duty-free shore-based shop in the Port of Calais. The 1,000 m2 shop is expected to open in October 2021.

In the Dunkirk port terminal, operated by DFDS, a shore-based duty-free shop of 700 m2 is expected to open in July 2021.

Both shops will provide convenient access for cars. It is expected that the shops will offer up to 50 per cent off UK high street prices in line with the current on board offering.

It is expected that the new shops will attract new travellers for day trips to the Hauts-de- France region once travel restrictions are eased.

DFDS expects to replace one older ferry with a newbuilding this summer on the Dover-Calais route. The new ferry will feature a 1,100 m2 duty-free shop.

Contact

Torben Carlsen, CEO +45 33 42 32 01

Karina Deacon, CFO +45 33 42 33 42

Sren Brndholt Nielsen, IR +45 33 42 33 59

Nicole Seroff, Communications +45 31 40 34 46

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

Attachment
The two ministers agreed to facilitate the exchange of delegations and meetings at all levels and regularly and flexibly maintain deputy ministerial-level political consultation mechanisms between the two foreign ministries.

They explored the possibility of negotiations on bilateral cooperation agreements, particularly in economy, trade, and investment, and also considered expanding cooperation in climate change response, agriculture, green energy, maritime navigation, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Costa Rican Minister congratulated Vietnam on adopting effective measures against COVID-19 and maintaining economic growth.

Both sides agreed to update information on the pandemic in each country, and to step up international cooperation efforts, including the effective production and distribution of vaccines.

On regional and global issues, they pledged to work closely together and offer mutual support at the UN and multilateral and inter-regional forums, including the Forum for East Asia - Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC).

The Vietnamese side lauded Costa Rica for enhancing economic and trade ties with the region via institutions such as ASEAN, APEC, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The news earlier this week that Hunter Biden will be one of several guest speakers in an online Tulane University course this fall has been met with some criticism, mostly from conservative outlets that have attacked the president's son for his business dealings in Ukraine and China.

Late Wednesday, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy weighed in.

In a minute-long video, the Madisonville Republican urged future students of the 10-week course, titled "Media Polarization and Public Policy Impacts," to ask President Joe Biden's son what he did to obtain "millions of dollars in contracts" while doing business in China. He added that he hopes Hunter Biden will put these purported earnings toward a Tulane endowment.

"Here's the message that's sent to the world: American's foreign policy can be bought like a sack of potatoes," Kennedy said, referring to a Justice Department tax probe into Hunter Biden's business in China that became public in December 2020. The investigation started in 2018; Hunter Biden has not been charged with a crime.

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Kennedy also claimed Hunter Biden had been hired to be a professor "paid in part with Louisiana taxpayer dollars." But an email from a Tulane spokesperson confirmed that Hunter Biden is just a guest speaker  not a teacher or lecturer  and the gig is unpaid.

Hunter Biden won't even be the only guest speaker to make an appearance during the 10-week course, which will also include other high-profile media and political figures, including:

Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus response coordinator under President Donald Trump

Susan Glasser, columnist for The New Yorker

Margaret Sullivan, columnist for The Washington Post

Juan Williams, political analyst for Fox News

Kylie Atwood, national security correspondent for CNN

Margaret Brennan, moderator for CBS News' "Face the Nation"

Bret Stephens, conservative columnist for The New York Times

Michael Fauntroy, political science professor at Howard University

The online class will be taught by Andrew Schwartz, communications director for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a U.S. think tank that researches national security policy. Fox News reported that the class will focus on "the current state of the media landscape in the United States and how media polarization, fake news and the economics of the new business impact public policymaking in Washington D.C."
The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 20:03:05|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday extended festive greetings and best wishes to the country's working people ahead of the International Workers' Day, which falls on Saturday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent the greetings and wishes on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. Enditem
Commentary: America has four climate deficits, including a time bomb

Xinhua) 10:49, April 30, 2021

As the biggest carbon polluter in human history and the largest economy and sole superpower in today's world, the United States indeed bears a special responsibility in the global climate battle.

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- After being a foot-dragger and outright deserter for years, the United States is returning to the global climate battle with much fanfare, and making no secret of its intention to be the commander-in-chief.

The world welcomes the renewed climate commitment of the largest cumulative emitter of greenhouse gases in history, and looks forward to it playing a constructive role. But the United States has at least four deficits to plug before it can convince others of its seriousness.

The first one is a consistency deficit.

Throughout recent history, flip-flopping has been the hallmark of the U.S. federal climate policy. President Bill Clinton signed the Kyoto Protocol; his successor, George W. Bush, backtracked from it. President Barack Obama brought America to the Paris Agreement; his successor, Donald Trump, withdrew from it.

Now President Joe Biden has recommitted his country to the cause, but no one knows whether the latest commitment will outlast the next election.

Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

The second one is an ambition deficit.

The United States has released more planet-warming greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than any other country, but successive U.S. governments have hardly lived up to their country's climate responsibility.

The Biden administration appears serious, but its emissions-cutting ambition -- a 50-52 percent cut from 2005 levels by 2030 -- lags behind that of Britain. Moreover, if the United States has a determination that matches China's, it should cut its emissions, which peaked in 2007, to zero in 2037, instead of 2050.

Photo taken on Sept. 9, 2020 shows a view of San Francisco, the United States, overcast with wildfire smoke from nearby areas. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

The third one is an assistance deficit.

As human-caused global warming results from cumulative emissions, today's developed countries, particularly the United States, should make sincere and substantive efforts to help their developing peers, including financial support and technology transfers, rather than shirk their historical responsibilities and international obligations.

However, over six years after Washington promised to contribute 3 billion U.S. dollars to the Green Climate Fund, a financial mechanism established to assist developing countries in countering climate change, only 1 billion dollars have been delivered.

People take part in a climate change protest in Times Square in New York, the United States, on Sept. 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

Last but not least, there is a morality deficit.

It may seem silly to many to talk about Washington's morality, but climate change, an existential threat to all, should be enough to summon up the better angels in America's ethos and commit the country to wholehearted action.

Sadly, it appears not. Even on this subject, U.S. politicians still have an ulterior motive: to retain U.S. hegemony, or what they call "climate leadership." They view climate change, a planetary crisis that demands all-hands-on-deck cooperation, through the lens of geopolitical competition. That is a big time bomb buried in the global climate response.

As the biggest carbon polluter in human history and the largest economy and sole superpower in today's world, the United States indeed bears a special responsibility in the global climate battle.

It is just that, in a fight that concerns the future of all humankind, it needs much more than fanfare and empty promises for a repeated deserter to ever be trusted again with a leading position.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
VILNIUS, LITHUANIA / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Trend Innovations Holding Inc. (OTC PINK:TREN), a company engaged in information technology based on AI, has made an analysis of the work of its member company Lemalike Innovations that provides IT consulting services. As part of this analysis, it was revealed that most of the revenue came from consulting projects in integrations development, as well as management consulting.

Based on an assessment of incoming customer inquiries, Lemalike Innovations determined that the events of 2020 motivated companies to use teleworking and communication tools, cloud services, remote services and contactless solutions. The planning horizon has changed: short-term strategies have become more popular, allowing to solve problems clearly and quickly. Scaling up the IT infrastructure was once again a priority.

It is also worth noting that this year in February, the first version of the consultant chatbot with artificial intelligence was launched on the company's website. It has already become an indispensable element of the company's interaction with its customers. AI has made it faster to get information and interact with the clients.

Lemalike Innovations' customers are typically businesses that are interested in optimizing the use of their resources and therefore increasing the efficiency. The company is able to help almost any business, from printing agencies and consultants to logistics and pharmaceuticals.

Moving to a new level of customer focus is in the development plans of Lemalike Innovations till 2022. To achieve this result, the board considers to refine the chatbot's artificial intelligence to the level of an independent consultant. With faster real-time processing of data, AI will be able to process more information and thus create the foundation for consulting clients at the level of a live consultant. This improvement will help the business not miss out on new customers.

The team closely monitors analysts' forecasts about technologies demands for the next year. According to these forecasts, the greatest hopes are pinned on big data analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud solutions. Based on this and the experience of interacting with its current customers, Lemalike Innovations has decided to improve the quality of services in these areas.

About Trend Innovations Holding Inc.

Trend Innovations Holding Inc. (OTC Markets: TREN) is an expert in the field of information technology based on artificial intelligence. Thy News application is one of the key projects of the company. Thy News is a worldwide application for processing news from multiple sources. It is created for users who value their time and desire to keep up with the latest world news. The app provides the user with the opportunity to create their own news feeds, only from those sources that are of interest to him, as well as to make several such feeds by dividing them into topics.

All the company's news:

https://trendinnovationsholding.com/news/

The company's website:

https://trendinnovationsholding.com

Forward-Looking Disclaimer



This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Trend Innovations Holding, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein.



CONTACT:

Mikhail Bukshpan

Trend Innovations Holding Inc.

+15404950016

news@trendinnovationsholding.com

SOURCE: Trend Innovations Holding Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643425/Trend-Innovations-Holding-Inc-Reports-on-the-Results-of-IT-Consulting-Services-and-Announces-the-Development-Plans-in-this-Area-Until-2022
exit polls have predicted the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samitis win in the Nagarjunasagar Assembly constituency and YSR Congress win the Tirupati Lok Sabha seat.

HYDERABAD: The exit polls have predicted the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samitis win in the Nagarjunasagar Assembly constituency where a by-poll was held after the death of Nomula Narasimhaiah.

The pollsters also predicted that the YSR Congress would retain the Tirupati Lok Sabha seat in the triangular contest between the ruling party, Telugu Desam and the Jana Sena-backed BJP.

There was a fierce battle in Nagarjunasagar where veteran Congress leader K. Jana Reddy contested against young TRS candidate Nomula Bhagat, son of the deceased MLA. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao oversaw the poll preparations and scores of ministers and other elected representatives camped in Nagarjunasagar for almost two weeks.

Though the initial mood was in strong favour of the TRS which had a margin of 20 per cent, the situation changed a few days before the polling day, thanks to strong consolidation of Reddy vote in favour of the Congress candidate, said Shivkeshav Amuka, CEO of Mission Chanakya.

The poll management agency did extensive pre-poll and exit surveys interacting with about one lakh voters. The TRS will win the seat with a 20,000 margin and an 11 per cent vote difference between the TRS and the Congress, it concluded.

According to Mission Chanakya the TRS will get 49.24 per cent vote share against 37.92 of the Congress while the BJP that gave up hope even before the campaign started will end up with 7.8 per cent votes. The TRS will get a majority of the votes in five mandals while Jana Reddy is projected to lead the show in Madugulapally and Tripuraram mandals.

Another agency Aaraa projected 50.48 per cent vote share to Nomula Bhagat against Jana Reddys 39.93. The agency projected 6.31 per cent to BJP and 3.28 per cent to others. Aaraa projected a massive lead for the YSR Congress in Tirupati over its nearest rival Telugu Desam. The ruling party is projected to get a vote share of 65.85 per cent and TD a mere 23.1 per cent.

HMR Reserarch Pvt Ltd projected that the TRS candidate will scrape through with 3.3 per cent margin or about 7000 votes. According to the agency, 38 per cent electorate felt good about the government functioning and 26 per cent found the performance average, while 34 per cent voters rated it as bad.

In the exit poll held by the same agency in Tirupati, 41 per cent voters felt Jagan Mohan Reddys performance as good and 29 per cent opined it was average and 26 per cent felt the governance was bad. Effective implementation of welfare schemes by the Chief Minister, as expected, played a key role.

A Vizag-based agency Out of the Box however predicted Jana Reddys victory with over 7,000-vote margin while it said YSR Congress candidate Dr Gurumurthy will win with a majority of 3.5 lakh votes.
YEREVAN.  Zhoghovurd newspaper of Armenia writes: Yesterday, the [former ruling] Republican Party of Armenia [(RPA)] decidedin the format of the SB [Supreme Body]to run in the snap parliamentary elections to be held on June 20 ().

And how did the closed-door session of the SB go? According to Zhoghovurd dailys information, RPA leader [and third President] Serzh Sargsyan spoke during almost the entire session of the RPA executive body yesterday. Those present got the impression that Sargsyan had come to the sitting already having made a decision. Sargsyan said that they will run with the [opposition] Homeland Party in the forthcoming snap NA [National Assembly] elections, noting that he had already discussed all the details with the leader of the future ally party, Artur Vanetsyan, and they had an agreement that prominent RPA members will be on the bloc's [electoral] list. Sargsyan noted that the RPA would have done wrong by going to the elections alone; the right option is to join Vanetsyan.

We were also informed that, as of today, the RPA figures will be engaged in the work of bringing votes.

According to our information, after Sargsyan's decision, a sharp rise in mood was observed in the RPA, that chances are noticed to returning to the NA. By the way, many people were told that Serzh Sargsyan [himself] does not in any way wish to run in the elections and will not be on the [electoral] list.
Apr. 29President Joe Biden on Wednesday night touted his infrastructure plan, a green-energy plan and pushed for mass vaccinations in his first address to a joint session of Congress.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Cleveland said Biden delivered a message of hope to the American people.

"In the first 100 days of this new administration, we have taken bold action to help Ohioans recover from this pandemic: shots in arms, money in families' pockets, children in schools, and workers in jobs," said Brown. "Now, we work to build on that success, with historic investments in the people who make this country work, and in the towns and neighborhoods that have been overlooked by Washington and Wall Street for far too long."

Brown voted for the American Rescue Plan, which helped deliver financial relief and vaccines to hundreds of millions of Americans. Brown is now working to build on that success by passing historic investments in infrastructure and American families through Congress, his office said.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Terrance Park disagrees with Biden's proposed tax hikes.

"On the economy, President Biden's tax hikes would largely dismantle the 2017 tax cuts that unleashed record job and wage growth and produced the lowest poverty rate since the government started tracking it 60 years ago," Portman said on Twitter.

Biden also announced his plan to provide universal pre-K to every 3- and 4-year-old in the country.

Dayton Mayor and Democratic candidate for governor Nan Whaley said there is no greater investment in Ohio's future than the education of it's children. Under Whaley's leadership, Dayton passed a ballot initiative in 2016 to provide high-quality preschool to every 4-year-old in the city, regardless of ZIP code.

"This critical issue is finally getting the national attention it deserves. It shouldn't matter what ZIP code you live in, you should be able to get a good education in Ohio. When I'm governor, I'll work to make sure that's a reality across our entire state."

Story continues

Dayton children have seen meaningful gains in kindergarten readiness, the mayor's office said. In the 2018-19 school year, Dayton children enrolled in Preschool Promise were rated as 16 percent "more ready for kindergarten" than children not enrolled in the program. The program has made gains in bridging the learning gap between Black and white children in Dayton.

U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, called Biden's spending plan irresponsible.

"Last night, President Biden proposed more irresponsible and out-of-control spending despite asking for cuts to the defense budget that could impact Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. As we seek economic recovery from the pandemic, I remain gravely concerned with the Biden administration's dangerously misplaced priorities."

Republican Michael Leipold, a Xenia EMS pilot who is running for U.S. Senate, called the president's address to Congress "dangerous and divisive for Ohio."

"President Biden promised during the campaign to be a moderate and work to bring our country together. Tonight's speech only deepened the divide by pushing for the dangerous progressive agenda," Leipold said.

"This was socialism presented in slow motion," U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, said on Fox News after Biden's address. He said Biden laid out a "socialist vision for America."
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CHATHAM-KENT, ON, April 30, 2021 /CNW/ - Thunderbird Partnership Foundation says details from last week's 2021 federal budget can't come soon enough for First Nations communities and treatment centres to address substance use, addictions and mental health issues compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thunderbird's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Carol Hopkins, welcomes the proposed investment of $597.6 million over three years for a distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategy. It's certainly a step in the right direction.

"Communities know what they need to build their capacity to address opioid and methamphetamine use at the local level," says Hopkins, "but those solutions need investments that are equitable and sustainable to address the acuity of need."

The following are some of the community identified solutions:

adequate wages to sustain the workforce responding to addictions and substance use dependency, including those First Nations on the frontline of the opioid and methamphetamine crisis through outreach

harm reduction supplies

capacity to distribute safe supplies

overdose prevention safe consumption spaces

access to naloxone

emergency shelters for homeless people who use substances

training for the workforce

Hopkins adds that solutions also require a committed response from provincial and territorial health officials who also carry responsibility for mental health and primary care for every citizen, including First Nations communities. Every relevant solution must ensure services are delivered where people live in remote and rural communities in Canada and that services are relevant through the inclusion of land, language and culture. Funding and other resource allocations must be prioritized towards the right to health and the right to life for First Nation individuals, families and communities, who without adequate resources, do everything they can to ensure life for people at risk of death due to the contaminated illegal drug supply.

Equitable and sustainable funding support continues to be a priority for the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) and National Youth Solvent Abuse Program (NYSAP) workforce, who work in communities and treatment centres. First Nations addictions workers earn 45% less than their provincial counterparts yet exceed standards of excellence through accreditation, and the workforce consistently maintains core competency certifications.

Hopkins says despite stark funding inequities, this workforce continues to respond to the needs of First Nations with quick innovation during the pandemic. Some are maintaining in-person services at reduced capacity for safety, while others are seeing new virtual treatment services reach far more people than ever before. They also continue to demonstrate the value of land-based programs and remain committed to collecting data through standardized assessment tools to show the efficacy of their services during the pandemic.

"What more can be expected of this workforce unless their First Nations employers have capacity to retain them with meaningful wages and clear funding allocations that enable effective operational planning instead of maintaining the instability created by year-to-year funding promises," says Hopkins. She's hoping the new federal investments will honour the strengths of First Nations and provide parity for substance use and addictions workers because low wages make it impossible to retain a qualified workforce to ensure a response to the opioid and methamphetamine crisis many communities are experiencing.

Studies show the social return on capacity investments in First Nations treatment centres are significant with returns of $4 for every $1 invested and in some instances as much as $25 return for every 1$ invested.

SOURCE Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

For further information: For more information and to arrange an interview with Dr. Carol Hopkins, contact: Sherry Huff, Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, Communications Manager, [email protected]
Schematic of three different nano flashlights for the generation of, left to right, focused, wide-spanning, and collimated beams. Each could have different applications. Credit: Robin Singh

In work that could turn cell phones into sensors capable of detecting viruses and other minuscule objects, MIT researchers have built a powerful nanoscale flashlight on a chip.

Their approach to designing the tiny light beam on a chip could also be used to create a variety of other nano flashlights with different beam characteristics for different applications. Think of a wide spotlight versus a beam of light focused on a single point.

Scientists have long used light to identify a material by observing how that light interacts with the material. They do so by essentially shining a beam of light on the material, then analyzing that light after it passes through the material. Because all materials interact with light differently, an analysis of the light that passes through the material provides a kind of "fingerprint" for that material. Imagine doing this for several colors, i.e. several wavelengths of light, and capturing the interaction of light with the material for each color. That would lead to a fingerprint that is even more detailed.

Most instruments for doing this, known as spectrometers, are relatively large. Making them much smaller would have a number of advantages. For example, they could be portable and have additional applications (imagine a futuristic cell phone loaded with a self-contained sensor for a specific gas). However, while researchers have made great strides towards miniaturizing the sensor for detecting and analyzing the light that has passed through a given material, a miniaturized and appropriately shaped light beamor flashlightremains a challenge. Today that light beam is most often provided by macroscale equipment like a laser system that is not built into the chip itself as the sensors are.

Complete Sensor

Enter the MIT work. In two recent papers in Nature Scientific Reports, the team describes not only their approach for designing on-chip flashlights with a variety of beam characteristics, they also report building and successfully testing a prototype. Importantly, they created the device using existing fabrication technologies familiar to the microelectronics industry, so they are confident that the approach could be deployable at a mass scale with the lower cost that implies.

Overall, this could enable industry to create a complete sensor on a chip with both light source and detector. As a result, the work represents a significant advance in the use of silicon photonics for the manipulation of light waves on microchips for sensor applications.

"This work is significant, and represents a new paradigm of photonic device design, enabling enhancements in the manipulation of optical beams," says Dawn Tan, an associate professor at the Singapore University of Technology and Design who was not involved in the research.

"Silicon photonics has so much potential to improve and miniaturize the existing bench-scale biosensing schemes. We just need smarter design strategies to tap its full potential. This work shows one such approach," says Robin Singh, lead author of both papers. Singh received the MS (2018) and Ph.D. (2020) from MIT, both in mechanical engineering.

The senior coauthors on the first paper are Anuradha Murthy Agarwal, a principal research scientist in MIT's Materials Research Laboratory, and Brian W. Anthony, a principal research scientist in MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering. Singh's coauthors on the second paper are Agarwal; Anthony; Yuqi Nie, now at Princeton University; and Mingye Gao, a graduate student in MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

How They Did It

Singh and colleagues created their overall design using multiple computer modeling tools. These included conventional approaches based on the physics involved in the propagation and manipulation of light, and more cutting-edge machine-learning techniques in which the computer is taught to predict potential solutions using huge amounts of data. "If we show the computer many examples of nano flashlights, it can learn how to make better flashlights," says Anthony. Ultimately, "we can then tell the computer the pattern of light that we want, and it will tell us what the design of the flashlight needs to be."

All of these modeling tools have advantages and disadvantages; together they resulted in a final, optimal design that can be adapted to create flashlights with different kinds of light beams.

The researchers went on to use that design to create a specific flashlight with a collimated beam, or one in which the rays of light are perfectly parallel to each other. Collimated beams are key to some types of sensors. The overall flashlight that the researchers made involved some 500 rectangular nanoscale structures of different dimensions that the team's modelling predicted would enable a collimated beam. Nanostructures of different dimensions would lead to different kinds of beams that in turn are key to other applications.

The tiny flashlight with a collimated beam worked. Not only that, it provided a beam that was five times more powerful than is possible with conventional structures. That's partly because "being able to control the light better means that less is scattered and lost," says Agarwal.

Singh describes the excitement he felt upon creating that first flashlight. "It was great to see through a microscope what I had designed on a computer. Then we tested it, and it worked!"

This research was supported in part by the MIT Skoltech Initiative.

As a Principal Research Scientist in the Microphotonics Center and the Initiative for Knowledge and Innovation in Manufacturing (IKIM), Agarwal acknowledges her colleagues for providing the fertile intellectual environment for this work.

Additional MIT facilities and departments that made this work possible are the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, the Materials Research Laboratory, the Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, and MIT.nano.

Explore further Study suggests that silicon could be a photonics game-changer
car lot cars parked facing right shot from elevated position

Drivers seeking inexpensive pre-owned cars have the opportunity to choose from a variety of vehicles at Carter County Hyundai. The dealership has a large stock of pre-owned vehicles on sale for less than $10,000. Since these are used vehicles sold or traded in at the dealership, the vehicles come from a variety of automakers.

One vehicle now available at the dealership is a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT. This model is painted red and has an advertised price of $9,211. This model has been driven 86,865 miles.

One of the most affordable vehicles on the Carter County Hyundai dealership lot is a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew. The vehicle is priced at $4,991 and has accumulated 132,053 miles since it was first purchased. The minivan has a white exterior.

A 2014 Dodge Journey AVP is available for $7,991. This vehicle is copper-colored and has been driven just short of 95,000 miles.

Another vehicle in this price range is a 2015 Ford Fusion SE, a sedan with a $7,991 sale price. The exterior of this model is dark gray in color, nearly black. It has been driven more than 125,000 miles.

Joining the Fusion, a Ford Taurus SES from the 2000 model year is being sold for $3,991. As the oldest vehicle on this list, this Ford Taurus also has the highest accumulated mileage, at 162,031 miles. This model has a silver-painted exterior.

Other models at Carter County Hyundai have not been given prices yet, so this list could expand as time goes on. The dealership encourages all drivers interested in any of the above-mentioned models to visit the location at 616 Holiday Drive, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 73401. Shoppers may also use the live chat function on the website or call (833) 945-0126 to learn more about any of these models from a dealership representative.
Heavy rainfall that moved into Montgomery County early Friday morning raised Lake Conroe a foot above its normal pool level, prompting the San Jacinto River Authority to start releasing water.

Normal pool for the lake is 201 feet, however, by Friday afternoon the lake was up to 202.38 feet and rising.

SJRA officials said several areas around the lake and some tributaries had seen several inches of accumulation. Lake Conroe at FM 1375 had about 4.4 inches of accumulation, Lake Creek in Dobbin was up almost 6 inches and Lake Creek at Egypt was at 2.6 inches followed by Lewis Creek at 4.12.

While SJRA was releasing about 5,404 cubic feet per second Friday afternoon, SJRA General Manager Jace Houston said he didnt consider Fridays weather a big rain event for Lake Conroe. Across the lake basin, he noted, there has been about 4.5 inches in accumulation.

Because the rain came hard and fast, there is a lot of runoff and we expect the lake to keep rising for a couple more days depending on how much rain we get, he said. We might have to increase the release in the next 24 hours.

County Judge Mark Keough took to social media Friday regarding the potentially heavy rains.

A flash flood warning has been issued for western and northern portions of Montgomery County, he posted. Remember to never drive in high water. Turn around dont drown.

Precinct 4 Commissioner James Metts was also urging motorists to be aware of high water.

Please take caution if you see high water, he posted on social media. Dont drive through it, looks are deceiving!

A flash flood warning is in effect through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Some locations that are likely to experience flash flooding include northwestern Conroe, Willis, Panorama Village, Magnolia, Montgomery, and the area around the Lake Conroe dam.

Soggy conditions forced the Lake Creek, Magnolia, Oak Ridge and Magnolia West softball teams to move locations of the games to turf fields.

Following a lengthy weather delay, the first round of the Insperity Invitational golf tournament in The Woodlands was postponed Friday afternoon. The first round will begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Players will be sent off both the No. 1 and No. 10 tee boxes.

Space City Weather reported the wet conditions are expected to continue through the weekend with most areas forecast to receive two to four inches of rainfall.

Throughout the day, the rain band isnt expected to move much.

Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will continue to develop throughout the day. The risk of excessive rainfall was upgraded to moderate risk for parts of our region today. Heavy rain and flash flooding will be the main risks, the National Weather Service in Houston said via Twitter.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) are calling on Government to support and engage with the EU and implement Digital Green Certificates as soon as possible, which could allow travel to resume within the EU later this year. The ITAA believe that these certificates could help to repair some of the damage caused to the Irish travel sector as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is estimated that under EU guidelines, it could take up to six weeks to put this system in place. The Association believe that further delaying the implementation of the Digital Green Certificates would mean that Ireland will fall behind other EU member states in terms of reopening inbound and outbound travel, which would cause further problems for the Irish travel industry.

ITAA CEO Pat Dawson said, We are calling on Government to ensure that there is no delay in the rollout of the Digital Green Certificates, to avoid being left behind as the other 26 EU countries begin to reopen their borders for travel. This initiative will not work unless all member states are prepared and willing to implement the certificates in a timely manner and follow the same structure across all EU countries.

He continued, The ITAA have continually been calling for the implementation of some kind of digital certification since last year, and believe that this would drastically improve the prospects of resuming travel between EU countries. There is undoubtedly a pent-up demand for travel as consumers have been unable to travel for over a year now; many people would like to get overseas to see family, resume business travel and take a well-deserved break after this difficult period. We want to work with Government to implement this initiative as soon as possible in order to begin avoid falling behind other EU member states, so that we are well prepared in order to safely resume international travel.
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Antipsychotic Drugs Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by Generation (First Generation, Second Generation), Types of Antipsychotics (Atypical Antipsychotics, Miscellaneous Antipsychotics Agents), Therapeutic Applications (Schizophrenia, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder) and Region (the Americas, Europe, Asia -Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa), Forecast till 2025

Antipsychotic Drugs Market Overview

As per the analysis by Market Research Future (MRFR), the global market is predicted to acquire significant market value, expanding at a CAGR of 4.5% by 2025. The rising awareness about the importance of mental health and psychological illness is expected to be a significant factor in boosting the antipsychotic drugs market 2020. The growing incidents of psychotic disorders, such as; schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are expected to boost the demand for antipsychotic medication and which can strengthen the market.

The rising initiatives taken by the government of several countries to break stigmas related to psychotic disorders are anticipated to boost the demand for such drugs that can develop the market. Furthermore, increasing drug abuse and growing addiction to drugs are projected to be other causes that can escalate the demand for antipsychotic drugs and bolster the market.

Request Free Sample Copy of the report Antipsychotic Drugs Market Report  Forecast to 2025 at: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2784

On the other hand, side effects of such drugs, such as; weight gain and risk of diabetes, can impede the market in the assessment period. However, the growing insomnia patients and rising geriatric population are anticipated to underpin the market expansion in the forthcoming period.

Antipsychotic Drugs Market Segmentation

The segmental analysis of the global antipsychotic drugs market is done by generation, end-users, and therapeutic applications.

The generation-based segments of the global antipsychotic drugs are generation, has been segmented into first generation, second generation, and third generation.

The end-users-based segments of the global antipsychotic drugs are hospitals & clinics, research institutes, and others.

The therapeutic application-based segments of the global antipsychotic drugs market are schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, dementia, and others.

Antipsychotic Drugs Market Regional Analysis

Based on the region, the global antipsychotic drugs market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW).

As per the analysis, the global antipsychotic drugs market is projected to be dominated by North America owing to the rising population being affected by psychosis. The US and Canada are expected to make significant participation due to the increasing cases of schizophrenia and insomnia. Further, the presence of established key players in the region is predicted to augment the market in the coming period. The developing healthcare infrastructure is anticipated to strengthen the market during the review period.

Europe is expected to acquire significant antipsychotic drugs market value during the forecast period, thriving at a notable CAGR. The region is anticipated to grow due to the expanding patient pool. The on-going development in the concerned field is likely to bolster the market during the assessment period. Further, the development of healthcare infrastructure can augment the market during the evaluation period.

The APAC region is expected to garner substantial antipsychotic drugs market value during the review period. The expanding patient pool with the growing innovation in medical devices is likely to grow the market in the forecast period. Developing countries like India, China, and Japan are projected to play a crucial role in strengthening the regional market due to the on-going development of the healthcare sector. Furthermore, the on-going R&D in the field is expected to drive the regional market at a fast pace in the coming period.

Browse Detailed TOC with COVID-19 Impact Analysis at: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/antipsychotic-drugs-market-2784

The MEA region is anticipated to witness steady antipsychotic drugs market growth during the forecast period due to the developing healthcare infrastructure. The presence of Middle East countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia are expected to make more significant participation than the African countries due to economic stability.

Antipsychotic Drugs Market Key Players

Key players of the global antipsychotic drugs market are Bristol-Myers Squibb (US), Eli Lilly & Co. (US), AstraZeneca (UK), GlaxoSmithKline Plc. (UK), Pfizer Inc. (US), and Johnson & Johnson (US).

About Market Research Future:

At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), & Consulting Services. MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients.
She has recently returned to London after a prolonged stint in Los Angeles doing modelling work.

And Lottie Moss caught the eye as she headed out in Notting Hill on Friday in a set of skimpy green co-ords from Adanola.

The model, 23, teased a hint of her svelte waist in the crop top, which she wore with matching leggings as she stepped out after a trip to the salon Young LDN.

Stepping out: Lottie Moss caught the eye as she headed out in Notting Hill on Friday in a set of skimpy green co-ords from Adanola

Giving a stylish twist to her low-key look, Lottie wore a biker jacket over the set and finished her outfit with chunky white trainers as she stepped out with her manager.

Lottie kept her accessories minimal but wore a huge pair of pink-tinted tortoise shell sunglasses on her face to shield her eyes from the sun.

The blonde beauty wore her light tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and went makeup free to showcase her natural features.

Low-key: The model, 23, teased a hint of her svelte waist in the crop top which she wore with matching leggings as she stepped out in the sunshine after a trip to the salon

Casual: Giving a stylish twist to her low-key look Lottie wore a biker jacket over the set and finished her outfit with chunky white trainers as she stepped out with her manager

Trendy: Lottie kept her accessories minimal but wore a huge pair of pink-tinted tortoise shell sunglasses on her face to shield her eyes from the sun

It comes after Lottie headed to a tattoo removal specialist to laser off an inking on her derriere on Tuesday.

The model showed off her ample cleavage in a plunging khaki crop top as she lay on the bed and filmed the procedure on Instagram.

Wearing a hot pink thong, Lottie showed the laser equipment as a trained therapist worked to zap away the inking.

Lovely: The blonde beauty wore her light tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and went makeup free to showcase her natural features

Dressed down: Lottie had her toned figure on display in the olive-green two piece

Stroll: Lottie - who is the sister of Kate Moss - was out in Notting Hill with her manager Ed on Friday

Saying hello: Lottie and her manager bumped into a friend while out and about and stopped to chat

Sunshine: The pair were making the most of the lovely spring sunshine as they stepped out in the capital

Sporty: Lottie completed her co-ord look with long white socks and chunky white trainers

Home: Lottie's outing comes after she recently returned to London after an extended trip to LA

The blonde beauty is thought to have around five tattoos, including a flock of birds under her breast, a zodiac sign on her hip, heart on her wrist, a hand holding a smoking cigarette and an infinity on her upper arm and 'not yours' on her derriere.

Earlier this week, Lottie revealed that she decided to fly back to England after a date with a man in New York turned sour.

She said: 'Flew to New York [from Los Angeles] to see a guy and he ended up being just a bit of an a**ehole, to be honest.

Oh dear: Earlier this week, Lottie revealed that she decided to fly back to England after a date with a man in New York turned sour

Heading out: Lottie looked stylish in the olive green co-ords while her manager wore double denim

All smiles: The group looked they were having a great time as they had a catch up in Notting Hill

'I have really bad taste in guys. I keep going for guys who couldn't care less. I've been single for five years now.'

The model was previously linked to Made In Chelsea's Alex Mytton and presenter Roman Kemp.

Lottie posted a series of sizzling lingerie and bikini snaps to her Instagram during her trip to the US.

Friendly: Lottie hugged the mystery man after they met on the street and held a cigarette in her hand

Pals: The group looked in high spirits as they reunited and chatted away on the pavement
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The public hearing process for the city Advisory Commission on Property Tax Reforms preliminary report, which was released last year prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, will take place after more than one year.

Released in January 2020, the report outlined initial 10 recommendations that would make the citys property tax system simpler, clearer and more fair.

The first hearing will take place virtually on Staten Island on May 11, followed by Brooklyn on May 27. An in-person hearing was scheduled to take place on March 12, 2020 on Staten Island but was cancelled because of COVID-19.

The commission is soliciting input -- specifically whether they would achieve the goals of a more fair system, would be improved by certain modifications, or should be enhanced with additional recommendations -- from the public on the 10 recommendations.

Those wishing to testify must register no later than 24-hours in advance; speakers may register at the commissions website.

The long-awaited Property Tax Commission was formed in 2018 by Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and tasked with reviewing the current property tax system:

The tax classification system;

The methods of determining property market values and assessments;

Treatment of property value increases;

Relief for low-income and senior homeowners;

Method of calculating tax rates.

The advisory commissions recommendations may lead to changes that could be made at the city level or those that would require state legislation.

The commission will also review comparable property tax systems across the country, including different methods for property valuation and homeowner protections.

In New York City, property tax makes up 45% of the local tax base and is governed by state law, which has been in existence for nearly four decades. Staten Island has one of the highest effective property tax rates of the five boroughs and residents pay higher taxes than residents throughout the city.

Co-chaired by NYU Law Professor Vicki Been and Marc V. Shaw, the commission was initially formed without any Staten Islanders. Councilman Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Island) asked the mayors office to appoint a Staten Islander to the commission and made a recommendation however, it was initially shot down by the administration.

Ten months later Staten Islander Allen Cappelli was appointed to the commission.

RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE CREATING NEW CLASS, RELIEF PROGRAM, AND MORE

The preliminary report was compiled after the commission reached a consensus on 10 initial recommendations they believe will, together, resolve issues with the current property tax system.

The commission recommends creating a new residential class by moving co-ops, condominiums and residential buildings with up to 10 units along with one- to three-family homes. Because they are similar to Class 1 properties, grouping co-ops and condos together would ensure the same treatment under the property tax system.

Using a sales-based methodology to value all properties in the residential class would serve to promote equity among all property types in the new residential class, the commission said in its report.

Eliminating fractional assessments and assessing every property in the residential class at its full market value would improve transparency and situate all properties on an equal footing.

The fourth recommendation is to eliminate the Assessed Value Growth Cap and phase in the annual market value changes over five years at a rate of 20% per year.

The commission is proposing a relief program that would be administered via the property tax system for low-income owners facing high property tax burdens. The program would limit property tax bills for qualifying owners based on a certain percentage of household income.

You can read the full preliminary report and all 10 recommendations here.

FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER.
Phoebe Burgess is no stranger to the luxurious things in life.

And on Friday, the 32-year-old shared an Instagram post in which she celebrated the 'wrinkles and smile lines' she's accrued since becoming a mother.

She shared a series of photos of herself from her family's Bowral estate - in the New South Wales Southern Highlands - posing on a picnic blanket with products from French skincare brand L'Occitane.

Perfect as you are: Phoebe Burgess (pictured) celebrated her 'wrinkles and smile lines' in an Instagram post on Friday. In the same post, she said she was embracing the 'self-love' movement and allowing herself to 'indulge'

In the caption, the blonde beauty wrote: 'I've accrued most of the "character" on my face, by way of wrinkles and smile lines (and a few frown ones too...), since becoming a mum.

'I've earned each and every one of those imperfections,' she said, before adding: 'The more imperfections you accrue the higher your mum knowledge.'

Phoebe then went on to share that her 'ultimate goal' is to 'make the most of whatever remaining youthful attributes my skin has' and to 'slow down that ageing process, with as much grace and as few injections as possible.'

Skin goals: Phoebe then went on to share that her 'ultimate goal' is to 'make the most of whatever remaining youthful attributes my skin has' and to 'slow down that ageing process, with as much grace and as few injections as possible'

All smiles! 'I've earned each and every one of those imperfections,' she said, before adding: 'The more imperfections you accrue the higher your mum knowledge'

She wrote that she is 'embracing the "self-love" movement' and allowing herself to indulge, particularly with her skincare regime.

Phoebe then urged other mothers to do the same, saying: 'Mums! We ARE allowed to indulge!'

This comes after she revealed a far more economical ensemble than what she is accustomed to in an earlier Instagram post on Friday.

While she is known for her taste in expensive designer outfits, the mother-of-two modelled a very casual look and tagged up the items for her followers.

Not too fancy: It comes after she revealed a far more economical ensemble than what she is accustomed to in an earlier Instagram post on Friday. While she is known for her taste in expensive designer outfits, the mother-of-two wore clothes from Cere's Life and Bassike

The former magazine journalist rugged up in a beige Longline Cocoon Puffer Jacket from Cere's Life, which retails for $149.99 and a simple grey $130 Bassike tank.

Her accessories were pricey however, with $660 white gold diamond huggie earrings, and a $359 gold necklace from Mode Sportif.

The natural beauty finished off her look with a coat of Dior's Lip enhancer, priced at $55.

Phoebe split from husband Sam Burgess in September 2019 after nearly four years of marriage, and they are believed to have finalised their divorce in December.
New Zealands competition enforcement agency The Commerce Commission is seeking public views on how it should prioritise its regulatory work program in a move aimed at helping the energy and airport sectors address upcoming issues including the countrys transition to a low-carbon economy and managing any continuing impact of COVID-19.

The Commission has published an open letter canvassing the views and says responses to the letter will inform its regulatory work as it seeks to provide certainty to businesses while delivering long-term benefits for consumers in accordance with its mandate under Part 4 of the Commerce Act.

Under the Commerce Act, the Commerce Commission regulates monopoly infrastructure providers, including electricity networks, gas networks, and three international airports to ensure they deliver strong and sustainable services for the long-term benefit of consumers.

As a result of changes aimed at reducing New Zealands carbon emissions, the energy sector is facing anticipated growth in demand for electricity, at the same time as there is a potential reduction in demand for gas, Commerce Commission Deputy Chair Sue Begg said.

The recent draft advice to the Government from He Pou a Rangi, the Climate Change Commission, outlining a decarbonisation pathway may accelerate the pace of that change.

We are at a pivotal moment for the energy sector. The expectations of consumers, businesses and the Government are changing and the industry needs to meet these expectations, especially around decarbonisation, the switch to alternative fuel sources and the adoption of new technologies and business models.

Begg said COVID-19 has had a sustained impact on the three major international airports in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch - and their views on how best to manage ongoing pressures and position themselves to respond post-pandemic will help the Commission shape its position on future regulation.

We really want feedback from those with an interest in the energy and airports sectors as we set our work programme to ensure our regulation is fit for the future and delivers the right outcomes for New Zealanders.

Begg said the Commission is particularly interested in feedback relating to the following areas:
The Texas House has given an initial green light on three police reform measures, which are part of set legislation after the murder of George Floyd last year.

Texas law enforcement agencies would be required to implement more uniform and substantiative disciplinary measures for officer misconduct.

The police reform bills would also bar officers from arresting people for fine-only traffic offenses and require corroboration of undercover officer testimony, according to a Texas Tribune report.

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson said that disciplinary measure was about fairness and accountability.

Thompson was the lead author of the bills and the omnibus George Floyd Act.

"The bill is by no means a cookie-cutter process. Every case of officers' misconduct is different. But so are other crimes in this state," Thompson was quoted in a report.

The Texas Legislative Black Caucus announced the state's George Floyd Act before the current legislative session.

The omnibus bill includes six impartial pieces that have since passed either the House or Senate.

It would also require agencies to adopt the use of force policies that highlighted de-escalation and take away police officers' immunity, which is what shields them from state civil rights lawsuits.

READ MORE: George Floyd's Family Agrees to 'Historic' $27 Million Settlement With Minneapolis

George Floyd Act

U.S. President Joe Biden has urged Congress on Wednesday to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act before Floyd's upcoming first death anniversary, according to a Yahoo News report.

Biden asked the lawmakers to cooperate and find a consensus on the bill, which passed the House last summer.

However, it did not make it out of the Senate.

Biden cited his conversation with Floyd's daughter before the Black man's funeral.

"As I knelt down to talk to her so we could talk, she said to me, 'Daddy changed the world,'" Biden was quoted in a report.

Biden noted that she was right if lawmakers have the courage to act.

The former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes.

Chauvin was convicted last week of murder and manslaughter, according to a Reuters report.

Republican Sen. Tim Scott said he was hoping to find support for his alternative policing reform bill. Scott said this in response to Biden's address.

Scott failed to champion the policing bill last summer in the Senate as Democrats said it relied too much on incentives rather than prompting changes in the practices.

Police Misconduct

Every seven hours, police kill an American citizen, according to a Cop Crisis data report.

Around $1.8 billion is being approximately spent yearly on police misconduct.

Meanwhile, at least 85,000 law enforcement officers across the country have been investigated or disciplined for misconduct over the past decade, according to a USA Today report.

Records obtained from thousands of state agencies, prosecutors, police departments, and sheriffs showed at least 200,000 incidents of alleged misconduct.

Much of the incidents went unreported.

Out of the reported incidents, 22,924 of the investigations include officers using excessive force; 3,145 rape allegations, child molestation, and other sexual misconduct.

Cases of domestic violence by officers also reached 2, 3017.

RELATED ARTICLE: Former Police Officer Derek Chauvin Charged With George Floyd's Killing Released on Bond

WATCH: What is the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act? Breaking down the bill and opposition - from PBS NewsHour






Portuguese GP 2021

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

Lewis Hamilton (1st, 1:19.837): "It's a little grippier here this year but it was very windy today so I think everybody was struggling with balance and sliding around. Not a massive amount of track evolution between the sessions - as it got hotter, the track got slower. This morning seemed to be a little bit better, then this afternoon it got warmer and windier so it seemed to make it harder for people to find time and work on their balance. I think it'll be a close one this weekend. I don't know what Max's lap was like in FP2 but mine wasn't perfect so we definitely have some time to come from the car and improvements to make. But I'm sure Red Bull have too. It was close, as it has been the last couple of races, so I'm sure it'll be an exciting qualifying and race in store."

Valtteri Bottas (3rd, 1:20.181): "In terms of pace, it was not a bad start - I think we are there or thereabouts. It's going to be close, no doubt. Quite similar feelings to last year here, it's a slippery tarmac and the rear of the car is pretty loose in places, so it's not easy to get clean laps. For me, the softer we went with the compounds, the more tricky the car became, and the Medium tyre looks to be working best. The track has improved from last year, slightly more grip and definitely a step in the right direction. Tomorrow it is going to be important to get the heat in the tyres in the right way - it's going to make a big difference. It will be close between us and Red Bull and could swing either way. Whoever finds more lap time overnight gets pole."

Andrew Shovlin: "It's been an interesting day. The first session was quite tricky in the cold conditions and in the afternoon it was warmer but the wind had picked up strength and was pushing the car around, affecting the balance. Valtteri seemed quite comfortable with the car, he was on the pace from the start and able to generate good grip from the tyres which allowed him to get into some useful setup investigations. Lewis struggled more with the rear end and whilst he topped the timesheets, we've got some work to do to improve the balance for him tomorrow. We'd found some damage on both cars at the end of the day that will have been costing some performance and will certainly explain some of Lewis's issues on the long run but even with that corrected, we could do with finding a bit more pace. The single lap looks really close with Red Bull but Ferrari were also consistently around our pace so we'll prepare ourselves for another close fight tomorrow. Likewise, the long runs all seem to overlay pretty closely so hopefully that's a sign we'll be in for an exciting race on Sunday."

Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen (2nd, 1:19.980): "It feels great to be back on track in Portimao, the circuit is amazing but the conditions are very similar to last year and the tarmac is super slippery. The tyres have of course changed and we all lost a bit of grip from the cars compared to last year. It's very tricky out there and not easy to switch the tyres on which is a shame because it seems to be all about tyre preparation and temperature. It's the same situation for everyone so we just need to make sure we are on top of the car so we can make the best out of it. It seems tight with Mercedes this weekend again and the car felt alright but we still have some work to do ahead of tomorrow, that's for sure."

Sergio Perez (10th, 1:20.516): "Today we had very similar track surface conditions to last year with limited grip on the new tarmac so it's really hard to get the tyres to work. It's not easy so the main focus is to understand what's going on with the tyres. I think the pace on the mediums was good but when we went on to the soft compound we didn't find any lap time so we'll need to look into that and hopefully sort it out in time for qualifying. It's hard to compare with the last round in Imola as it's a very different track here and everywhere just has less grip overall due to the tarmac but I think we have pretty good pace in the car so hopefully we will be in the mix to fight for pole tomorrow."

Christian Horner, Sporting Director:

Adrian Newey, Technical Director:

Toyoharu Tanabe, Honda F1 Technical Director:

McLaren F1 Team

Daniel Ricciardo (8th, 1:20.418): "It was a pretty good day in terms of my personal feeling in the car. I felt pretty comfortable from lap one this morning. The more laps I do, the better I feel, but it certainly felt like everything was more familiar when I hopped in the car today. I was ready to get on with it. I think we're getting there. We were eighth this afternoon, so we're definitely in the ballpark. I've still got a bit to find but we did make a small step forward for the afternoon session. We'll try to make another step tonight and we should be right in the mix tomorrow."

Lando Norris (12th, 1:20.77): "Not a perfect day, a couple of issues here and there which interrupted some of our running. It wasn't too bad, it just meant we didn't quite get through the run plan as easily as we wanted to. We definitely have some work to do overnight on some things. I think there's some quite clear areas we can focus on that, if we improve them a little bit overnight, we can definitely find some performance. So, that's our aim tonight, we'll see if we can come back stronger tomorrow."

Andrea Stella, Racing Director: "Today, both practice sessions were very busy  the shortened 60-minute duration makes it quite challenging to get through the programme. In addition, here in Portugal, the conditions are quite testing because of the low-grip tarmac, the slow warm-up of the tyres and because of the wind, which make driving the car at the limit difficult. We had a very useful Friday and gathered good information on where we would like to improve the car overnight, and also on the likely behaviour of the tyres for the race. We'll put it all together tonight, make some adjustments, and do our best tomorrow."

Zak Brown:

Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team

Lance Stroll (9th, 1:20.427): It is great to be back in Portugal. The track is a lot of fun and the elevation changes are a real challenge inside the car. The conditions were not ideal today, which made it quite tricky to find the best balance  but I think everyone would say the same after todays running. We will all be looking to make gains tomorrow. With just six tenths separating the top 10 cars, qualifying should be unpredictable and a great watch for the fans back home. I am excited to get going tomorrow.

Sebastian Vettel (15th, 1:21.074): "It was not easy to get the laps together out there because although the track surface has more grip than it did in last year's race, it is still quite tricky. The windy conditions were also challenging, but it did not stop us completing plenty of laps and working through the programme. Every lap is important for understanding the car and making improvements, so it was positive in that sense. Getting the balance right for qualifying and making sure we hook up the laps tomorrow is the focus tonight.

Alpine F1 Team

Fernando Alonso (5th, 1:20.220): "It was a good practice day for me and the most comfortable I've had this season compared to Bahrain and Imola. I was happy with the setup of the car quite early in the day, so I concentrated mostly on becoming more acclimatised to the circuit and then evaluating the tyres over the two sessions. There is still lots of data for us to analyse, but it's a good start to the weekend. I enjoyed driving the circuit for the first time in a Formula 1 session, but I think traffic could be a challenge tomorrow in qualifying. It's an exciting track to drive, that's for sure."

Esteban Ocon (6th, 1:20.235): "It was a pretty solid day for us, especially in terms of mileage. We completed a lot of laps and that was quite nice. We tested all the tyre compounds and we have a good read on that ahead of the race on Sunday. This circuit is certainly a tricky track in terms of grip, but I would say it has improved since last season. It's still a challenge for us and we're working hard to get a little bit more grip from the car for tomorrow."

Davide Brivio, Racing Director: "I think it was a good day for the team today. It is just Friday, though, and we won't be looking too much into the timesheets. We were able to test a few things on each car in the morning, and then we completed our usual long runs in the second session on each tyre to collect data and information for the race. The drivers did a good job; it's Fernando's first time here in a Formula 1 car, so he was getting used to the track a little bit and Esteban ran very consistently in both sessions. It's a positive start to the weekend, we'll keep working hard and see how the next two days unfold."

Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow

Carlos Sainz (4th, 1:20.197): "Another positive Friday, another day of building experience with the car. We are maintaining our positive learning curve, as this weekend the conditions and the tarmac are very different to the previous venues. Bahrain and Imola were high-grip tracks, while here in Portimao it was quite slippery and really windy today. I like the challenge of having to find the grip where there isnt any! Last year, I really enjoyed racing here a lot. We are fully focused on tomorrow. We saw in Imola that Friday may be misleading when comparing our one lap pace to our competitors, so we are wary of that. I think the key to the weekend is going to be understanding the tyres, as we set similar times on Soft and Mediums. We need to master the cars behaviour with the different compounds, understand how to warm up the tyres properly and then identify when is the right time to try and set the fastest lap. Looking forward to tomorrow. Vamos!"

Charles Leclerc (7th, 1:20.360): "It was quite a good start to the weekend. It was fun to drive, the track was very slippery and especially with the wind it was tricky. It's a real pleasure to drive in these conditions. You are always on the limit with the car and I really enjoy that. FP2 was a lot of fun, there were a lot of gusts of wind all around the track. We completed the whole programme we had planned and it looks like we are quite competitive. The short runs were good, the long-runs a little bit less so and I think that is the main weakness for me today so I still have to work on that. We are all very close and I think it will come down to who makes the least mistakes in qualifying and the race. I hope it will be a good weekend for us and that we can build on this positive first day."

Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda

Pierre Gasly (11th, 1:20.558): "It's been quite a difficult day, the car doesn't feel that good so tonight we need to analyse everything and see what we need to do to improve, as we're not currently utilising our full potential. Compared to the last few races, we're really struggling on braking in the low-speed areas, so we need to look at what we've changed. Obviously, the conditions and layout are very different here  it's quite slippery  so we might need to make some different adjustments to usual. The midfield is so tight at the moment that we have to work on this a lot tonight to find the extra time for tomorrow  two or three tenths at the moment can lose you six or seven places, come Qualifying, so it really is crucial. I think I've been in Q3 for the last five or six races so I really want to continue that train and I'm confident we can make some changes tonight so that can happen again tomorrow."

Yuki Tsunoda (14th, 1:21.053): "Today was the first time that I've driven the track here in Portugal and I really enjoyed it  especially the up-and-down areas of the circuit  and I've learnt quite a bit in the two sessions today. There's a lot of new elements to understand, there's really low grip levels compared to Bahrain and Imola, so at first I struggled to adapt to that but I think I managed to learn fairly quickly and my progression through the day has been good. I'm continuing to build the pace in the car and tonight I'll look through the data with my engineers, analysing the set-up of the car, and then tomorrow I hope to put it altogether for Qualifying."

Jonathan Eddolls, Chief Race Engineer: "It wasn't quite as successful a Friday as we were hoping for, or that we've become accustomed to maybe. For FP1, our focus was on the medium and hard compounds, alongside some aero testing on Pierre's car. Yuki spent the morning session learning the track, as he's never driven here before, and we came out of that session relatively happy with the car and the performance. Likewise, going into the start of FP2 on the Mediums, we were quite comfortable with the pace of the car. We then moved to the soft tyre, which has been an issue for us as we weren't able to extract the pace from the car that we would've liked. The conditions here are very challenging with the wind  there was a tailwind on most of the corners and then a headwind on the start/finish straight, which doesn't make it easy for the drivers. Tonight, there will be quite a lot of work for us to do to understand why we've struggled on the Softs  I think that's going to be the key for us going into tomorrow."

Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN

Kimi Raikkonen (16th, 1:21.225): "It was not the easiest of Fridays and we have some work to do before we are where we want to be for qualifying. The track was quite green and the wind, especially in the second session, made it difficult to find proper reference points. We tried some things to improve the balance of the car in FP2, hopefully that gave us enough data to make a step forward overnight. We'll see if it's enough tomorrow."

Antonio Giovinazzi (17th, 1:21.238): "Jumping in the car for the first time in the difficult conditions we had in FP2 is always hard: the wind gave a very inconsistent feeling, especially when the car is light, but we still have one night to look at the data and find something to improve. We'll see tomorrow where we stand in qualifying, our aim remains the same  to get to Q2 and play it from there  and we know we can make the step forward needed."

Callum Ilott: "I really enjoyed being in the car today. The team made it as easy as possible for me to hit the ground running and it was an excellent opportunity to gain experience, make the most of this hour and help the team gather data for the weekend. This is not an easy track, but I was able to build confidence with every run. The first run on hard tyres was good and I was able to get comfortable with the car; when I made the jump to softs I was a bit caught out at first as there was a big grip increase, but I was able to get more of a feeling for where to exploit the grip towards the end of the session. Having worked with the team in the past really helped: all in all, it was a successful day, running consistently and learning a lot."

Haas F1 Team

Mick Schumacher (18th, 1:21.537): "It was definitely a lot more slippery than I'm used to but it was fun. We had a very lively car out there, it brought back memories from F3 and go-karting. It was interesting. The track is quite impressive and quite intense. It wasn't difficult to build confidence here, it's just about getting a clean lap and that's very difficult if the car is difficult to drive. I think we're getting into a window where it's more and more resilient. I'm also getting more comfortable with a lively car. If we do our jobs, which we always do, we should be in a good window tomorrow for qualifying."

Nikita Mazepin (20th, 1:22.638): "On average, if you take all the circuits that we go to in F1 and F2, this is one of the least grippy tracks  which is a bit of a shame as the layout is really cool. If you could go a bit faster, and with a bit more confidence through it, it would be nice. We have what we have. The grip is building up with all the laps we're doing so that's good. There are fine lines here and, in that respect, I think we had a good Friday. There's a lot still to be extracted and it's tomorrow that matters."

Guenther Steiner, Team Principal: "For us it was a good FP1 and FP2 as we did a lot of laps  115 in total I believe. That's good as it meant the drivers got to drive a lot. We learned that the conditions were not easy, the track was a little bit slippery, and the wind picked up quite a bit in FP2. But that was the same for everybody, I know that. Overall though it was a good session. Hopefully we can take what we learn into tomorrow and make progress from there. I'm pretty happy with the day."

Williams Racing

George Russell (13th, 1:20.976): "Naturally the car has moved forward and the team is looking in great shape. I think we are getting the most out of our package and Im pleased with that. The wind really picked up in the afternoon and it is no secret that we struggle in those conditions. I dont want to overpromise and underdeliver, but if the wind dies down we will improve and I think P2 was the worst of it this weekend. This circuit is incredibly exposed and undulating, so if you do get a gust of wind you really do feel it. Looking ahead to tomorrow, I think Q2 is the minimum for us and I hope we will be fighting for points on Sunday."

Nicholas Latifi (19th, 1:21.855): "Overall Im not very pleased with the day. We definitely have our work cut out for us tonight to try and claw back some of the pace thats missing. Straight away in FP1 there was quite a contrast to how the car felt in Imola. Theres a lot of flat-out kinks on this track, corners that should be easy flat-out, that were borderline flat-out for me, especially in FP1. So its just really a lack of confidence in the car. We did try some things going into FP2 which made it marginally better, but still pretty much the exact same struggles as in FP1. So not how you want a Friday to go, but well do some homework tonight, try to reset and find some pace tomorrow."

Dave Robson, Senior Race Engineer: "It has been a good day overall and it has been enjoyable being back here in Portugal. The track surface has changed a bit since we were here last autumn, and we have spent a good deal of today understanding how this has influenced the tyre behaviour; we have collected some good data across the compound and fuel ranges and we will use this to finalise our plans for tomorrow. In the calm conditions this morning, the car was performing well, especially for George. Nicholas was testing a few items and was generally less happy with his car this morning. With the tyres on the edge in the cool conditions of FP1, anything that prevented the drivers from pushing hard quickly led to a large loss of laptime, and this is what Nicholas suffered with. In FP2 the wind was stronger and gustier, and this harmed our performance a little. However, Nicholas was happier with his car following some changes during the break and although there is still a lot to do overnight to get him fully happy, we have a direction to work with. As always, there is a lot to do overnight, but were pleased with our start to the weekend and we look forward to pushing hard again in qualifying tomorrow."
Midland Mayor Patrick Payton addressed balancing quality-of-life improvements with the expectation to keep taxes low during a forum last week.

At some point, and I dont know what that point is, your property taxes are going to go up if youre going to want the things people say theyre going to want in the city, he said during an event hosted by the Midland Liberty Leadership Council.

However, that decision will ultimately be left to residents, because the city would need voter approval to raise the tax rate over 3 percent, he said.

Payton noted that the citys sales tax revenue has fallen about 20 percent year-over-year because of the coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn. He said Midland will likely see the impact of that revenue loss in 2022 or 2023.

Although residents often criticize the city budget for having too much fluff, Payton said theres barely enough from property tax revenue to pay for basics like police, fire and roads.

RELATED: Payton: Midland economy should focus on oil & gas, not diversification

The mayor and other city council members have said theyd like to see Midland become known as a destination for outdoor recreation. Payton said Midland should be the outdoor capital of West Texas.

What Im kind of tired of is a group of people in [Midland and Odessa] that dont like to talk about putting in parks and bike trails and so forth, but they travel somewhere on the weekends to have their quality of place somewhere else, he said. The reality is theres a generation of 30 and 40-somethings who are not asking us to be Dallas, Austin, San Antonio or so forth, but theyre asking will we just give an effort to try to allow them to stay here.

Young adults often come to Midland on a tour of duty without any intention of investing in improvements in the city, Payton said. He said he hopes the next generation will step up and start investing the way that previous generations did so the city can catch up in areas like parks and recreation.

Sometimes it takes money to spend to keep the workforce here, and the reality is we have to make those investments, he said.

Paytons comments came during a forum with Odessa Mayor Javier Joven at Rolling 7s Ranch Event Center last Thursday that was moderated by Reporter-Telegram Editor Stewart Doreen. The mayors also addressed issues like sanctuary cities and whether development corporations are needed for economic diversification.
This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong!
The Chief Minister directed Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar to obtain a comprehensive report from the District Collector and also asked the Vigilance and Enforcement department to find out the truth in the allegations. (Photo: twitter @TelanganaCMO)

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday ordered a probe into the allegations of a poultry farm owned by Health Minister Eatala Rajender encroaching assigned lands in Achampet village in the Chief Ministers native Medak district.

The Chief Minister directed Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar to obtain a comprehensive report from the District Collector and also asked the Vigilance and Enforcement department to find out the truth in the allegations (made against the ministers company). The Chief Ministers decision comes in the wake of a vernacular TV channel, owned by his own family, airing reports claiming to have exposed the encroachment of assigned lands by the health minister.

However, later in the evening, Rajendar held a press conference and dared the Chief Minister to get a probe done by a sitting judge or any investigating agency empowered by the law of the land and prove that he encroached land belonging to the assignees. Describing the media reports as a pre-planned attack to malign his image, the Minister said truth would ultimately prevail.

Sources close to the Chief Minister told Deccan Chronicle that Rao in all likelihood would remove Rajendar from the Cabinet. The swift political developments will have far-reaching consequences and huge impact on state politics. All eyes are on the next move of Eatala, a strong and wealthy politician hailing from Mudiraj community and a close associate of finance minister T. Harish Rao.

The CMs camp waited for the ministers press conference to see if he would quit on his own but the defiant minister not only declined to step down but also made several comments that would have a direct bearing on the Chief Minister or on his governments decisions.

The CMO official media release also said, The CM issued orders that the preliminary inquiry into the matter should be done immediately, giving strength to the rumours that Rao was in a hurry to get rid of the health minister. The situation reached a flashpoint now, said sources in the CM camp.

According to T News, owned by Rao family, the health ministers Jamuna Hatcheries was in possession of large extent of assignment land and was laying a road across their lands despite protests from the villagers. A former district collector and a serving additional collector went on record that the health minister asked them to regularize lands in his companys favour but they refused as it was against rules.

The health minister was a close confidant of the Chief Minister during the struggle for separate statehood and even during the first term of the TRS government. Known for his proximity with Harish Rao, the health minister had fallen out of the CMs camp after his controversial remarks that the party did not belong to any individual. Sources said the relationship deteriorated particularly after a section of the ruling party made serious attempts to install KCRs son and Minister KT Rama Rao as Chief Minister.

The flashpoint, the insiders say, was candid remarks made by the health minister in the past few days with regard to the failure of the health care system to handle the Covid pandemic. At a time when Chief Minister and son and minister K.T. Rama Rao were in isolation after getting infected, the health minister shot into the limelight. Though he primarily attacked the Centre, he had to inadvertently admit the flaws in the state also.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  More information is being released on a woman found dead at Gates Apartment in October 2020.

Rochester police say Kaira Greene, 27 drowned in the bathtub. He body was found by her boyfriend on October 2. Investigators say tests have shown Green was highly intoxicated and had fentanyl in her system when she drowned.

Rochester police initially called her death suspicious.
Five suspects were charged in connection with the theft of Lady Gaga's dogs and the shooting of her dog walker, including the woman who returned the stolen French bulldogs days after the robbery.

According to an Al Jazeera report, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) does not believe that the thieves knew the dogs belonged to Lady Gaga.

In a statement, police said the seen motive for the robbery that happened on Feb. 24 was the value of French bulldogs, which can reach as high as thousands of dollars.

Ryan Fischer, the dog walker, is recovering from a gunshot wound. He called the incident a "very close call to death." Fischer had part of his lung removed due to the incident.

Lady Gaga's three dogs, namely Asia, Koji, and Gustav, were with Fischer in Hollywood just off the famed Sunset Boulevard when they were attacked.

"The journey is hard, it's assuredly painful, and questionable choices that no longer serve me like wearing skinny jeans are made. But I try," Fischer said as reported by Independent.

In a statement, District Attorney George Gascon said that this was a "brazen street crime" that left a person seriously wounded. Gascon added that they had alleged "very serious charges" in this case, hoping that justice will be served as the case unfolds in court.

In an Instagram post, Lady Gaga earlier said that she loves Fischer, adding that the dog walker risked his life to fight for her family.

RELATED ARTICLE: Disturbing Video Shows Shooting of Lady Gaga's Dog Walker as French Bulldogs Are Taken

Theft of Lady Gaga's Two French Bulldogs

Lady Gaga was in Rome at the time of the attack filming Ridley Scott's "House of Gucci" movie, according to a Dazed Digital report.

Lady Gaga has offered a $500,000 reward - "no questions asked" - for the dogs' safe return. The two stolen French bulldogs were handed in to the police by Jennifer McBride two days later.

McBride is now named as one of the two suspected accomplices. She was charged with accessory to attempted murder with Harold White, who is the father of another suspect and had a relationship with, the LAPD said Thursday.

Harold, 40, was reportedly charged with one count of possession of a firearm and McBride, 50, with one count of receiving stolen property.

Police arrested the three main suspects. They were identified as Jaylin White, 19; Lafayette Whaley, 27; and James Jackson, 18. They were charged with attempted murder, second-degree robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said.

Police said the assailants are documented gang members targeting French bulldogs because of their high value.

A surveillance video from a neighbor's home showed that Lady Gaga's dog walker was confronted by two men who get out from a white Nissan Altima's back seat.

A male suspect then shot Fischer and stole two of Lady Gaga's three French bulldogs - Gustav and Koji, while the third dog named Miss Asia was not stolen.

Authorities said that Jackson, who was the shooter, is also facing charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and a felon carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle. White, on the other hand, also faces one count of assault employing force likely to produce significant bodily injury.

The five suspects were charged on Thursday by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, but it was still unclear if they had attorneys.

According to The Guardian, each of the five suspects was being held on a $1 million bail. Authorities said the suspects would be arraigned at Los Angeles' Foltz Criminal Justice Center on Thursday.

Authorities still do not have any suspects at the time of the attack, so they looked into the video and reviewed plates of cars in the area to shed some light on the incident.

READ MORE: 10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living: Shih Tzu, Maltese, Pug, English Bulldog and More

WATCH: 5 Suspects in Lady Gaga Dognapping Arrested, Including Woman Who Returned Pets, LAPD Says - From ABC7
All of Britain#s most senior diplomatic posts are filled by women for the first time in history following the appointment of the first female ambassador to France.

Menna Rawlings, who announced as the ambassador to Paris on Thursday, has said she is delighted to be appointed and become the first woman in this role.

The last 43 British ambassadors in the French capital have been men.

UK ambassadors to the United Nations, Tokyo, Washington, Beijing, Moscow, Canberra, Moscow, Paris and Berlin are now all women.

It marks a substantial change from just a few decades ago when women were barred from entering the diplomatic service.

While rules changed in 1946, women were nevertheless forced to step down if they got married and were forbidden from working abroad if they gave birth while in the role overseas until 1973.

Ms Rawlings takes the role previously held by Lord Llewellyn of Steep who is moving into a different diplomatic service appointment. Lord Llewellyn previously worked as former PM David Camerons chief of staff.

The 53-year-old will be joining fellow senior female colleagues in influential cities such as Caroline Wilson who is posted in Beijing, Dame Karen Pierce in Washington, Jill Gallard serving in Berlin, Deborah Bronnert in Moscow, Julia Longbottom who is located in Tokyo, and Jill Morris who is in Rome.

Ms Rawlings joined the Foreign Office in the late 1980s and has been posted in positions around the world and worked as high commissioner to Australia.
DUBLIN, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Co-development Partnering Terms and Agreements in Pharma, Biotech and Diagnostics 2014 to 2021" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Co-development Partnering Terms and Agreements in Pharma, Biotech and Diagnostics 2014-2021 report provides comprehensive understanding and unprecedented access to the co-development deals and agreements entered into by the worlds leading life science companies.



This report provides details of the latest Co-development agreements announced in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostic sectors. Fully revised and updated, the report provides details of Co-development agreements from 2014 to 2021.



There is an increasing willingness for parties to enter co-development deals; such deals enable both parties to benefit from the upside of a big product win, whereas traditional licensing deals forfeit upside for near term upfront, milestone and royalty payments.



Co-development partnering allow the parties to securitize value and reduce risk, but keep a part of the potential upside should the product reach the market. Event if the licensor does not commercialize the project they can either sell those rights to the licensee partner or another partner for an amount higher than would have been achieved at an earlier stage licensing deal.



There are mainly two forms of co-development deals; Either the parties agree on a certain division of ownership, or decide that one party gets the rights to commercialise the drug in a certain geographical area, and the other side gets the other geographical area rights. Typically, the ownership division applies when it is likely that the project will be licensed at a later point in time. The geographical split usually applies when the two companies are determined to commercialise the drug themselves.



Another reason for co-development deals is the joint origin of a project. Drug development projects often require various scientific and technological novelties that stem from different companies. If both companies contributed to the origination of the project, then both have from the beginning a stake in the project.



Understanding the flexibility of a prospective partner's negotiated deals terms provides critical insight into the negotiation process in terms of what you can expect to achieve during the negotiation of terms. Whilst many smaller companies will be seeking details of the payments clauses, the devil is in the detail in terms of how payments are triggered - contract documents provide this insight where press releases and databases do not.



This report contains a comprehensive listing of Co-development deals announced since 2014 as recorded in the Current Agreements deals and alliances database, including financial terms where available, plus links to online copies of actual Co-development contract documents as submitted to the Securities Exchange Commission by companies and their partners.



Contract documents provide the answers to numerous questions about a prospective partner's flexibility on a wide range of important issues, many of which will have a significant impact on each party's ability to derive value from the deal.



The report includes deals announced by hundreds of life science companies including big pharma such as Abbott, Abbvie, Actavis, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Baxter, Bayer, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, GSK, J&J, Kyowa Hakko, Merck, Mitsubishi, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Shire, Takeda, Teva, and Valeant, amongst many others.



Key benefits

In-depth understanding of co-development partnering deal trends since 2014

Analysis of the structure of co-development agreements with real life case studies

Comprehensive listing of all co-development deals since 2014, together with deal terms, value and press release

Comprehensive access to actual co-development contracts entered into by the world's leading life science companies

Analysis of key deal financials including headline value, upfront, milestone payments and royalty rates

Insight into the terms included in a co-development agreement, together with real world clause examples

Understand the key deal terms companies have agreed in previous deals

Undertake due diligence to assess suitability of your proposed deal terms for partner companies

Available deals and contracts are listed by:

Company A-Z

Headline value

Therapeutic area

Technology type

Key Topics Covered:



Executive Summary



Chapter 1 - Introduction



Chapter 2 - Trends in Co-development dealmaking

2.1. Introduction

2.2. Definition of co-development deals

2.3. Success factors for co-development deals

2.4. When co-development can be useful

2.5. Attributes of co-development deals

2.6. Aligning partners to make the co-development work

2.7. Trends in Co-development deals since 2014

2.7.1. Co-development dealmaking by year, 2014 to 2021

2.7.2. Co-development dealmaking by phase of development, 2014 to 2021

2.7.3. Co-development dealmaking by industry sector, 2014 to 2021

2.7.4. Co-development dealmaking by therapy area, 2014 to 2021

2.7.5. Co-development dealmaking by technology type, 2014 to 2021

2.7.6. Co-development dealmaking by most active company, 2014 to 2021

2.8. Option to co-develop

2.9. The future of co-development deals



Chapter 3 - Overview of Co-development deal structure

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Pure versus multi-component co-development deals

3.3. Pure co-development agreement structure

3.3.1. Example co-development agreements

3.3.1.a. Case study 1: Ambrx - Zhejiang Medicine

3.3.1.b. Case study 2: UniQure - Chiesi



Chapter 4 - Leading Co-development deals

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Top Co-development deals by value



Chapter 5 - Top 25 most active Co-development dealmakers

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Top 25 most active Co-development dealmakers



Chapter 6 - Co-development deal term financials

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Co-development partnering headline values

6.3. Co-development deal upfront payments

6.4. Co-development deal milestone payments

6.5. Co-development royalty rates



Chapter 7 - Co-development deals including contracts directory

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Co-development deals with contracts 2014 to 2021

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/j8stof

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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Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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1Q 2021 net sales totaled $3,304,000, up $513,000, or 18%, versus same period prior year primarily driven by new direct-to-consumer sales and organic retail growth

Net income for the quarter was $109,000, or 3% of net sales, compared to net income of $120,000, or 4% of net sales, in the same period of 2020

EBITDA for the quarter was $251,000, or 8% of net sales, versus $240,000, or 9% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2020

CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Mace Security International (OTCQX:MACE) today announced its first quarter 2021 financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

The Company's net sales for the first quarter were $3,304,000, up 18% versus the same period in the prior year. Sales during first quarter 2021 were impacted by international supply chain and logistics issues as well as severe winter weather in the Southwest United States during February. Combined, these events impeded net sales growth by an estimated 15% for the first quarter of 2021. We expect the supply chain and logistics issues to be resolved during the first half of the current quarter. Net sales increases for the first quarter reflect organic growth across our e-commerce and retail channels, which increased $898,000 and were partially offset by lower incoming orders for international customers which have been slow to rebound due to COVID-related challenges in other countries.

The Company reported a gross margin rate of 39% for the first quarter of 2021, flat with the same quarter last year. Gross profit was primarily impacted by one-time, non-recurring personnel costs and inventory dispersion costs, and excess manufacturing costs related to processing past-due orders. These costs were incurred prior to process improvements and workforce reductions, both commencing in March 2021. SG&A expenses were $1,061,000, or 32% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2021 compared with $881,000, or 32% of net sales, in the same quarter of 2020. The increase in SG&A expenses is a direct result of investments made for future growth - including salaries and advertising expenses - and customer delivery penalties from disruptions in the Company's international supply chain.

President and CEO Gary Medved commented, "Though Q1 revenue was impacted by a few remaining supply chain issues and severe winter weather in the Southwest, our continued focus on retail expansion has resulted in further market penetration in both the number of locations and product assortment. Our digital sales continued to strengthen with an increase of more than 90% over the first quarter of 2020. We've optimized our production operations, which resulted in additional costs during the quarter. We are also implementing a number of additional process improvements during Q2 and Q3 to achieve our minimum target of 50% gross margin rate on an annualized basis. Mace introduced two new products during Q1 that are doing exceptionally well and have several new products in development. Though we incurred additional SG&A expenditures during Q1, the investment was targeted to help position the company for future growth."

Sanjay Singh, Executive Chairman, commented, "We started the year with some headwinds, namely, supply chain delays and internal operational inefficiencies due to higher-than-expected labor costs. We have been building inventory to overcome delays from our vendors and the efficiencies are now on target. We expect to return to a 15% EBITDA plus run rate in the coming months. We have made capital expenditure investments and hired a Lean Management expert to spearhead the implementation of a best-in-class plant operating system that is focused on meeting our customers' on-time delivery and quality requirements as well as our ambitions of achieving a 50% gross margin run rate this year. Our orders continue to be strong, and we are optimistic that we can deliver on our commitments."

First Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights

Net sales were $3,304,000, up 18% versus the same period in the prior year, primarily driven by new direct-to-consumer sales, organic retail growth through more stores and expanded product offerings.

Gross profit rate remained consistent year-over-year at 39% while incurring incremental costs for the modification of manufacturing processes and transition to new personnel.

Gross profit for the first quarter increased by $194,000, or 18%, over the first quarter of 2020, driven purely by increased sales volume.

SG&A expenses increased by $180,000 to $1,061,000 for the quarter, or 32% of net sales, driven primarily by year-over-year increases in advertising costs to further penetrate the direct-to-consumer market, personnel related expense, sales commissions and penalties related to supply chain delays.

Net income of $109,000 declined $11,000 from the $120,000 generated in the first quarter of 2020.

Cash and cash equivalents increased to $844,000 as of March 31, 2021, an increase of $77,000 over the $767,000 on hand on December 31, 2020.

Working capital increased by $49,000 compared to December 31, 2020 with a $137,000 decline in net accounts receivable. There was an increase in inventory of $327,000 inclusive of a $524,000 increase in finished goods inventory to support the anticipated sales growth in 2021.

Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter 2021 was $324,000 compared to $270,000 for the first quarter of 2020.

First Quarter 2021 Operational Highlights

The Company began its process and workforce modification during the first quarter 2021 which resulted in higher costs than anticipated but has adjusted the operations model as planned to drive future cost efficiencies, improved gross margins and better in-stock positions to support customer orders as sales growth continues. Personnel were added in key positions to improve focus on, and diminish, supply chain disruptions and improve the overall flow of production. Labor efficiencies were improved at the end of the quarter, as compared to the start of the quarter.

Conference Call

Mace will conduct a conference call on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 11 AM EDT, 8 AM PDT, to discuss its financial and operational performance for the first quarter 2021.

Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (833) 360-0862; Conference ID 4899590.

A full set of the consolidated financial statements and OTCQX Quarterly Report are available on www.corp.mace.com under "Newsroom" / "Financial Reports" along with a Q1 2021 Financial Overview Presentation located under "Newsroom" / "Presentations." A digital recording of the conference call will be available for replay two hours after the call's completion. The recording will be available as listed below. To access the recording, use the dial-in number listed below and the conference ID 4899590.

Encore dial-in number: 855-859-2056 (or internationally on 404-537-3406)

Encore dates: Will be available 2 hours after the call and will expire midnight on July 4, 2021.

About Mace Security International, Inc.

Mace Security International, Inc. is a globally recognized leader in personal safety products. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the Company has spent more than 30 years designing and manufacturing consumer and tactical products for personal defense and security under its world-renowned Mace Brand - the original trusted brand of pepper spray products. The Company's other leading brands include Tornado Brand stun devices and pepper spray, and Vigilant Brand personal alarms. The Company also offers aerosol defense sprays for law enforcement and security professionals worldwide through its Take Down Brand.

Mace Security International, Inc. distributes and supports its products and services through mass-market retailers, wholesale distributors, independent dealers, e-commerce channels and through its website, www.Mace.com. For more information, please visit www.mace.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information included in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words or phrases "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimate," "projected," "intend to" or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks, known and unknown, and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic conditions, dependence on management, our ability to compete with competitors, dilution to shareholders, and limited capital resources.

In this press release, the Company's financial results and financial guidance are provided in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and using certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that presentation of operating results using non-GAAP financial measures provides useful supplemental information to investors and facilitates the analysis of the Company's core operating results and comparison of operating results across reporting periods. Management also uses non-GAAP financial measures to establish budgets and to manage the Company's business. A reconciliation of the GAAP financial results to non-GAAP financial results is included in the attached schedules.

CONTACTS:

Mike Weisbarth

Chief Financial Officer

mweisbarth@mace.com

SOURCE: MACE SECURITY INTERNATIONAL INC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643468/Mace-Security-International-Reports-1Q-2021-Financial-Results
PARCHMENT, MI  A $11.9 million settlement has been reached in the lawsuit filed by local residents after PFAS contamination impacted municipal drinking water in Parchment.

Letters will be sent to addresses in the affected area, according to court documents.

Law firm Liddle & Dubin PC filed the lawsuit on behalf of plaintiff David Dykehouse, as a proposed class action lawsuit to include others in a similar situation as him.

Through the agreement, 3M and Georgia-Pacific will contribute a total of $11.9 million to resolve the plaintiffs claims on behalf of the proposed class, Georgia-Pacific Spokesman Rick Kimble said in an email to MLive.

The parties worked collaboratively to reach this mutually acceptable agreement without resorting to further lengthy and expensive litigation, Kimble said.

The agreement that resolves the ongoing litigation is subject to court approval, he said.

3M sent the same statement as Georgia-Pacific.

The complaint filed in the Western District of U.S. District Court in November 2018 alleged polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) had migrated from a nearby former paper mill and its associated facilities into Parchments municipal water system, which supplied water to Dykehouse and the rest of the lawsuits proposed class.

Related: PFAS found in Parchment drinking water at 20 times advisory level

The federal court complaint asked for monetary damages for property damage or diminished property value, stigma damages, interference with use and enjoyment of property, noneconomic damages, exposure to PFAS and medical monitoring.

The settlement class is defined as anyone who owned, leased, rented or resided in homes or residential properties serviced by the Parchment water system as of July 26, 2018, but have not brought individual actions for personal injury or illness based on exposure to PFAS in the municipal water. There are some exceptions, such as excluding from the class family members of the judge ruling on the case.

Money will be put into a fund, which will be set aside to pay those who had property interests and/or resided in homes serviced by Parchments municipal water system on the date contamination was discovered.

Notice and a claim form will be sent to all available postal addresses  identified in searches performed by a class action administration firm. The firm will run advertisements in newspapers around the state, and buy Internet banners to notify people as well. The firm will also create a website and a toll-free number to inform those involved of deadlines and other information.

The firm will process all claims received, and will issue checks to class members who submit an approved claim as appropriate, the lawsuit ruling states.

Attorneys representing Dykehouse could not be reached by MLive for comment. Parchment City Manager Nancy Stoddard did not immediately respond to a message left seeking comment on Friday.

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This expansion will support business clients seeking a banking partner with local decisions and high touch service. As a truly local bank focused on family businesses, we want to help commercial and small businesses thrive.

First National Bank and Trust (FNBT) marked the opening of its new Loan Production Office (LPO) in Janesville, Wisconsin with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Forward Janesville ambassadors and community representatives joined FNBT executives and employees on Wednesday, April 28 for the ribbon-cutting event officially opening the LPO located at 101 East Milwaukee Street, Suite 203. This office represents the second location in Janesville and is the first loan-only office for the bank.

This investment into the downtown Janesville area will further strengthen our ability to support our customer and community families, said David McCoy, President and Chief Executive Officer of FNBT. While the Loan Production Office isnt a full-service branch, this expansion will support business clients seeking a banking partner with local decisions and high touch service. As a truly local bank focused on family businesses, we want to help commercial and small businesses thrive.

Senior Vice President (SVP) and Commercial Banking Manager, Scott Bordwell will lead the team at the new loan production office. Joining Bordwell are Aron Bussan, Vice President Commercial Loan Officer, Stephanie Lawton, Vice President Small Business Portfolio Manager, and Trisha Neal, Commercial Sales Administrator. Additionally, Dave Marshick, SVP Commercial Banking Manager who leads the commercial banking team in Beloit, and Brian Anderson, Vice President Commercial Loan Officer, will continue to be based in Beloit, but available for client appointments in Janesville.

We are very excited to open this Loan Production Office in Janesville, said Bordwell. The team weve assembled has expertise in commercial and business banking. Together we have 145 years of combined experience in the banking industry, 100 of which have been focused in Janesville. Were here to support the needs of businesses with local experience.

The LPO will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm by appointment with a focus on lending activities. Clients will be welcome to meet with bankers to discuss loan options or meet with Wealth Management professionals by appointment. Deposits will continue to be accepted through online and mobile deposit services, at FNBTs full service branch located at 2636 S US Highway 51 in Janesville or any of the banks 16 convenient locations in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Visit https://youtu.be/XuPTq1t_4io to view a video tour of FNBTs new Loan Production Office.

About First National Bank and Trust:

First National Bank and Trust Company is a family-focused, community bank headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin. Chartered in 1882, First National Bank and Trust has grown to be a leading financial services institution offering products and services for consumers and businesses, as well as trust, retirement services, investment management, brokerage and insurance. We now serve nearly 30,000 households in 13 communities and 16 locations in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with assets of approximately $1.4 billion. We treat our customers, employees, shareholders and communities like family, with a goal of helping all our families succeed. Providing Sound Advice and delivering an exceptional experience has positioned First National Bank and Trust as a Stateline leader in the industry. For additional information, visit http://www.bankatfirstnational.com.


CINCINNATI, Ohio - Vice President Kamala Harris and Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown on Friday hosted a public transit love-fest in Cincinnati as a way to promote an infrastructure package that President Joe Biden wants Congress to pass.

Good transit equals vibrant communities, Harris told a roundtable of Cincinnati transit advocates who Brown assembled at the University of Cincinnati. So if we think about it in terms of an investment in public transit, it is an investment in job creation, it is an investment in improving communities, it is an investment increasing access to opportunity.

Harris noted that a bus stop near someones home can provide them with access to amenities like grocery stores and schools, in addition to jobs that are miles away from where they live. She observed that many of Americas working people cant afford to live where they work and said those who must travel some distance to their jobs shouldnt have to own and maintain cars. People who use public transit instead of driving also help the climate by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, said Harris.

Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority CEO and General Manager Darryl Haley told Harris about a patron whose job requires her to work on Sundays, a day when she cant catch her regular bus to work. He said she must spend the entire salary she earns on Sunday on an Uber to and from her job, so she can keep her job and get paid the rest of the week. He said his agency hopes to provide more frequent service to its patrons, and more direct routes to shave time off their travels.

Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jill Meyer said that every dollar spent on public transit translates to about $3 in positive economic impact, and accessible transit promotes development.

Data across the country shows that cities who invest in transit have faster growing economies, but even within those cities, the places where transit is accessible within a quarter mile, the economic development booms, said Meyer.

University of Cincinnati urbanism professor Vikas Mehta urged modernization of transit, and said it shouldnt be thought of as a service for low-income workers.

We have to think about transit that is a public good for everybody, said Mehta. It has to be cool. It has to be sexy. Everybody should want it.

Harris said she plans to highlight their input in discussions with Biden over passing his $2 trillion American Jobs Plan to boost infrastructure. She said it calls for spending $85 billion to modernize and expand transit, and $25 billion to electrify public transit buses.

An investment in public transit is about job creation, building up the economy, building productivity, building on the cultural institutions of a community, which always have an impact on the well being and the quality of life of any community, said Harris, who has been traveling the country to promote the infrastructure package.

A statement from Ohio Republican Party Communications Director Tricia McLaughlin criticized Harris for visiting the border between Ohio and Kentucky trying to sell a $2 trillion infrastructure plan, of which just 7 percent goes toward actual infrastructure like roads and bridges, instead of responding to the humanitarian crisis at our nations southern border.

If Vice President Kamala Harris would visit the overflowing migrant camps ~1,500 miles south, she would see that, unlike her infrastructure bill, the crisis at the border is no Potemkin village, McLaughlins statement said.

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Wrexham nurse becomes Crohns and Colitis charitys first specialist in Wales

A nurse from Wrexham Maelor Hospital has been appointed as the first specialist nurse in Wales for the charity Crohns and Colitis UK (CCUK).

Diane Upton specialises in Inflammatory bowel disease and has been awarded the role of IBD Nurse Specialist for CCUK, a leading UK charity in the battle against Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD.

CCUK aims to support those living with IBD with access to qualified IBD nurse specialists, and has launched a new programme to build a community of nursing specialists and bring together IBD teams.

The programme has also helped Diane become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), through the RCN credentialing process, which will help Diane gain formal recognition for her level of expertise and skill in clinical practice, leadership, education and research skills, and will continue to support her development in the profession.





Diane said: I decided to apply for the role at CCUK as its a great charity that help inform patients, family, friends and healthcare professionals affected, but offers a great deal of advice and support for IBD nurses.

Im looking forward to being an ambassador for CCUK, and being part of a community of IBD nurses, sharing best nursing practice and hopefully making a positive change to patients lives.

Diane has worked as an IBD Nurse Specialist and Nurse Endoscopist at Wrexham Maelor for the last six years, and will continue alongside her new charity position.

CCUK appointed 15 new IBD nurses across the UK, with only appointing Diane in Wales. The programme will also give nurses access to all the skills, knowledge and resourcing that the charity has, including senior nursing leadership, information and support services, communications and IT skills, research development and much more.

Diane added: CCUK and the IBD nurses have been an extremely useful network especially during the pandemic, as we have supported each other during an extremely difficult and challenging time, enabling us to share updated guidance on advice and support for patients with IBD, providing information on Coronavirus to patients, to protect themselves and others.

This opportunity will help support my development and education, which will benefit my role and the team at Wrexham Maelor too.
Washington State residents are urged to dim outdoor lights in preparation of more than 11.5 million migrating birds that will fill the night sky over the next few days.

Some 2,600 flew over Spokane Thursday evening and an estimated 12,700 flooded skies over Seattle as well, but the bulk is expected tonight through Monday.

More than 7,800 birds are projected to fly over Seattle Friday evening and 3,700 over Tacoma, a total of 2.7 million throughout the state and 2.6 million more are expected Monday.

The birds are coming from their winter breeding grounds in the Gulf of Mexico and choose to make the long journey at night to avoid predators and take advantage of cooler temperatures to elevate body heat.

However, predators may no longer be their biggest threat, as light pollution now kills up to 988 million birds each year.

The feathered creatures become confused by artificial light and instead of landing softly on green pastures, many collide with hard windows and buildings.

Scroll down for video

Washington State residents are urged to dim outdoor lights in preparation of more than 11.5 million migrating birds that will fill the night sky over the next few days. Seattle is on a high 'Lights Out' alert , which will see more than 7,800 birds fly over Friday night

Dr. Alejandro Rico-Guevara, the assistant professor of biology at the University of Washington and bird curator for the Burke Museum, told King5: 'It's amazing how these birds are traveling thousands of miles at night.'

'And through that, they use different cues. One of them is starlight and moonlight, and different lights in the environment that have come alive in the past 100 years are really disorienting.'

The migration started earlier this week and most of the birds are in the last haul of the journey.

Nearly 70 percent of all North American birds are migrating at this time and 80 percent of them choose to fly at night.

The birds are coming from their winter breeding grounds in the Gulf of Mexico and choose to make the long journey at night to avoid predators and take advantage of cooler temperatures to elevate body heat. But light pollution confuses the birds

However, human-made light pollution hinders their ability to stay on course while soaring some 1,000 to 2,000 feet in the air, leading them to collide with windows and buildings.

Trina Bayard, the director of bird conservation for Audubon Washington, told The Spokesman-Review that light pollution kills between 365 million to 988 million birds each year.

Rico-Guevara said reducing light pollution is generally a good practice but is especially important during migration seasons - and even more so when forecasts show large numbers of birds transiting through metro areas, like this week.

'Those huge buildings are the ones that attract most of the birds because they are the ones that reach highest in the sky,' he said. 'But as individual, we can definitely make a difference in just lowering the overall glare of the area.'

Nearly 70 percent of all North American birds are migrating at this time and 80 percent of them choose to fly at night. Pictured are thousands of migrating geese returning to Washington in previous years

New York City is one of the top brightest cities in the world and in 2015, officials began switching state buildings to 'non-essential outdoor lighting' at night to help the birds arrive at their destination safely.

The change activates at 11pm ET and runs until dawn during peak migrations during both the spring and fall.

Lights Out efforts are protecting birds in others east coast cities including Baltimore and Washington, and Midwest regions including Chicago, Minneapolis and San Francisco, according to Audubon.
Saudi Arabia will shut down 8 Turkish schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education operating in the capital Riyadh and other provinces at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year, according to information gathered by diplomatic sources.

Saudi Education Ministry delivered the decision in a written format to the schools in the northwestern Tabuk, Riyadh, Ta'if and Jeddah provinces.

Saudi officials also visited the Turkish schools in Dammam and Abha provinces to inform school authorities about the decision.

Turkish schools in Mecca and Medina provinces will also be subject to the same decision, Anadolu agency reported.

In the decision, the Saudi Education Ministry said, "Activities at the Turkish schools will be terminated at the end of this academic year, facilitation will be provided for students to enroll in the schools of their choice, and school administrations should inform parents about the decision.

Diplomatic sources say 2,256 students who are not fluent in Arabic will have difficulty if they continue their education linked to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education.

International Turkish Schools in Riyadh, Jeddah, Tabuk, Dammam, Ta'if, Abha, Mecca and Medina will be closed by the end of this year.
Early one morning in late March, as former officer Derek Chauvin sat on trial in downtown Minneapolis for murdering George Floyd, more than a dozen police converged to evict residents of an encampment of unhoused people in one of the citys main Black neighbourhoods, Near North.

The Near North camps 20 or so residents, however, were there because they felt the city had no other suitable place for them to live. Prior to the eviction, Minneapolis said there was enough shelter space for everyone, but navigating the bureaucracy and precarity of the system can be taxing, and a shelter bed is not the same thing as a home in a community.

Some encampment residents had already been evicted from numerous communal sites over the previous year  an empty Sheraton Hotel, plus multiple city parks  since the pandemic began and numerous people lost their jobs, then their housing.

The group, many of them Indigenous or people of colour, have been living on a small plot of empty city-owned land since last fall, and have set up a thriving community, sustained by its residents, the local neighbourhood association, and a broader web of in-person and virtual donors. All told, theyve transferred supplies and what eventually amounted to tens of thousands of dollars to residents via Venmo and their page on the fundraising platform Open Collective. This coalition supplied the encampment with goods like food, firewood, and hotel rooms in the depths of the ice-cold Minnesota winter.

As a result, when the city  citing health and safety risks on what it says is a contaminated piece of land  gave three-days notice it would close the camp, more than 100 volunteers rallied at the site and blocked the police called in to carry out the job.

The morning culminated in a struggle between police and demonstrators, who say officers pepper sprayed them, accelerated aggressively towards them in squad cars, and even, according to video footage taken at the scene, appeared to kneel on someones neck in the manner Chauvin was later found guilty of murder for. (The MPD says demonstrators pelted officers with snowballs and taunted them before one patrolman was physically attacked and another was choked).

The Near North encampment is still standing, and has raised more than $12,000 so far towards its goal of buying land for a permanent community, but its future is up in the air. Its fate highlights a major tension that still exists between activists and authorities in Minneapolis following Chauvins landmark conviction.

In the months since George Floyd was murdered, the city has seen a flourishing of mutual aid work, a longstanding organising method where community members, sometimes with the help of virtual donors in the social-media age, pool their efforts, supplies, and money to share with others in the community who need it most. It has few of the strict hierarchies or rules of traditional nonprofit or government relief efforts. Oftentimes, its as simple as someone posting a Venmo or Cashapp link on social media for a certain request  someone needs diapers or extra rent money  and someone else supplying the funds with much formality.

Mutual aid frequently occurs in communities where people feel ignored by the government, or where sudden disasters lead to a breakdown of normal institutions. In post-George Floyd Minneapolis, where residents led a citywide uprising after decades of mistreatment by police, both conditions were true. Aid took the form of everything from bail funds, to safe needle exchanges, to grocery stockpiles and collections for gas masks for protestors.

"The bottom line is its people supporting each other, Near North encampment volunteer Ben Melancon said. It gives people the smallest amount of space to take control of their lives.

But mutual aid efforts often butt-up against policing, in Minneapolis and nationwide. Both types of action are often responses to the biggest gaps in the social safety net, although theyre frequently in exact opposition. A mutual aid group might support unhoused people in a public park, while police might be called to evict them. The Chauvin trial may be over, but the complicated conversation around mutual aid in Minneapolis suggests the city is still working out what full community justice looks like.

On 11 April, just before the Chauvin trial ended, police in the nearby Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center killed yet another unarmed Black man, 20-year-old Daunte Wright, during a traffic stop. Officials say former Brooklyn Center officer Kim Potter, a 26-year veteran and field training officer, mistakenly fired her gun thinking it was her Taser. The killing brought thousands of protesters on to the street to demand justice, and triggered an avalanche of mutual aid.

To date, nearly 30,000 people have contributed more than $1 million altogether to a GoFundMe page for Mr Wrights family, which has raised money for funeral expenses, grief counselling, and continued support as they push for Ms Potter to be convicted. Almost overnight, the Brooklyn Center school district converted itself into a food and supply distribution hub, as protests and a violent riot police response caused many stores to shut their doors. Their GoFundMe has raised more than $137,000. Meanwhile, groups like the Minnesota Freedom Fund crowd-sourced money to pay for protesters bail, while Brooklyn Center Protestor+Resident Safety and Mutual Aid helped residents of apartment complexes near the Brooklyn Center police station, many of whom were terrorised and hit with tear gas as riot police converged on largely peaceful protesters outside.

With mutual aid, something a lot of people had never heard of prior to the Minneapolis uprising [of last summer], has become something basically everyone I know is a practitioner of, said Sean Lim, a student activist from the University of Minnesota who works the non-profit Minnesota Youth Collective as well as the mutual aid group St. Paul Camps Support. Its something thats really empowering to watch flourish.

During the Daunte Wright protests, he both offered and received mutual aid. One night, while handing out first aid supplies, he was arrested for unlawful assembly. He got legal support from groups like Minnesota Uprising Arrestee Support and the National Lawyers Guild until he was released more than a day later.

Communities, and communities of colour in particular, have been pooling resources for collective benefit for centuries without slapping the label mutual aid on it. Thats more or less the point of a coherent social group. But mutual took on a new urgency, visibility, and multi-racial base of support after George Floyd was murdered last summer during the depths of the coronavirus pandemic and recession, while the state mobilised millions of dollars in police resources that could have been put towards social services.

As the writer Anya Ventura put it, A dreamy insurrectionary air took hold; the world had been cracked open and was now being put back together.

Numerous new mutual aid groups sprang up across the Minneapolis-St Paul area filled with fired up volunteers, and they joined together with longstanding activist networks working to support a city in crisis.

Once that happened, a lot of people immediately started looking around, and saying, How can we best meet the needs of the community, which is suffering right now? Mr Lim said. Within 24 hours overnight, you saw sites across the metro area start to transform themselves into medical care centres, into supply centres that were running supply drives, into centres that were housing protesters overnight, ranging from churches to nonprofits.

With police focused on the protesters, neighbourhood groups formed volunteer street patrols, fire-fighting brigades, medic units, clean up crews, laundry services, transport coops, and food pantries.

The need for mutual aid was even more acute during the George Floyd uprising because it took place amid a Covid-induced housing crisis in Minneapolis, where people with homes lost them, and those already unhoused were evicted from one site then the next by police, according to Jack Martin from Southside Harm Reduction, a South Minneapolis-based outfit that has been providing safe needle exchange and overdose prevention services like naloxone to community members since 2017. They give community members as many supplies as they ask for, as way to support mutual aid efforts that go on between friends and neighbours, outside the easy reach of their non-profit.

While the uprising was happening, while the 3rd Precinct was being burden down, and all this other stuff was happening across the city, there was also a mass forced movement of people, especially folks who were living outside, and that was largely enforcement by the police, Mr Martin said. We both directed resources to folks living outside  tents, hygiene supplies, naloxone supplies  to folks that we see regularly, and we were able to supply those secondary networks for folks that maybe arent able to access our services.

The intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where Mr Floyd was murdered, also became a mutual aid site in addition to a memorial. In what became known as George Floyd Square, community members blocked off traffic and created an autonomous zone where people shared books, clothing, health supplies, medical aid, and provided funds to continue maintaining the space and tending to flower beds planted around a community-built statue of a raised fist.

We already knew the pandemic was hitting Black and brown folks really hard, said Erickson Saye from Community Aid Network MN (CANMN), a mutual aid group that formed during the uprising and now serves over 100 families a week with food and supplies. When George Floyd was murdered, that just brought up so many needs of equity that werent even being addressed. Folks just came together.

The whole point of mutual aid, says Jae Yates, another CANMN organiser, is to tap into the power of communities that was always there to provide for themselves, without waiting on politicians or complicated state welfare systems to do it for them.

Were here for you. You dont need to wait until you are in dire need. If you need groceries, just come get groceries, he said. I dont care how much money you make. You dont need to prove to me youre in dire straits to use of our services.

Now that donations from outside have slowed a bit, Mr Yates says funds mostly come from the community and go back out to it. Thats the ideal.

The same people that run the mutual aid also use the mutual aid, he says. Its all cyclical.

Mutual aid is not a new phenomenon however. In the US, its as old as the country itself and its earliest inequalities. Groups like Free African Society, founded in 1787, pooled resources to support newly freed, formerly enslaved people, while various waves of immigrants throughout the countrys history have set up their own mutual aid societies, which provided everything from everyday household supplies to services like banking. Mutual aid has always been especially prominent in communities of colour, where centuries of state-sanctioned discrimination in employment, housing, and banking cut people off from key resources.

More recent examples took root during the radical civil rights activism of the 1960s and 1970s, and showed the often direct connection between struggles against police overreach and for community empowerment. Indigenous peoples organised American Indian Movement (AIM) safety patrols in Minneapolis in response to police brutality, while the Black Panther Party, another group formed in part to push back on police abuses, provided free breakfast to young people in Oakland, California.

Whats different now is the utter magnitude of the problem  a civil rights crisis, wrapped in a housing crisis, wrapped in a public health crisis  as well as the powerful tools available to fight it.

The problems laid bare last summer were always there, according to Georgia Fort, a Twin Cities native, Black woman, and journalist who has been covering the George Floyd story for a community-based project called Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice. But something about the gravity of what happened to George Floyd, as well as the power of social media to broadcast it to the world, unlocked something.

After George Floyd was killed, we saw millions of dollars come from where? she said. Invested into Black businesses, invested into Black families, invested into Black programming, Black art. Where did all that money come from? Weve had those issues this whole time.

Social media also let people within the Twin Cities extend the reach of the help they could provide each other beyond just a few next door neighbours.

I could go on Twitter, and I could put out a call for milk of magnesia, diapers, towels, water bottles with squirt nozzles, and within 15 mins it would land on our doorstep, said Mr Lim, the student organiser. The power of organising in this digital age when were all connected cannot be understated.

And these networks were already revving up the spring before Mr Floyd was killed, as the pandemic hit the country and thousands of people began strategising ways to support the seemingly endless groups of people who slipped through the cracks of government-relief efforts: laid-off restaurant workers, nurses crowd-funding personal protective equipment, seniors who needed help getting groceries.

The writer and organiser Mariame Kaba has said mutual aid is a way of prefiguring the world in which you want to live. In Minneapolis, where communities of colour have faced decades of under-investment and over-policing, that world is often one where the millions spent on policing each year go elsewhere  or policing as its currently done doesnt exist at all.

Mandla Xaba, one of the residents of the Near North Encampment, argues that the police are being used in Minneapolis to clear out unhoused people to make way for further gentrification, and the mutual aid work around the camp is a way of building a version of Minneapolis where its most vulnerable residents dont have to worry about being thrown out by police.

Its just a simple gentrification story, he said. The goal is to actually have a stable housing situation. Not a place where were always having to deal with the anxiety of being removed.

The camp is currently raising money to buy a piece of land and establish a permanent community.

In addition to a flowering of mutual aid, the uprising and its aftermath underscored for many just how much money the region puts towards policing. Minnesota officials spent millions on heavily armed riot police that occupied the city for months on end, and who returned once Mr Wright was shot.

In addition to directly responding to protests, police resources were also put directly in opposition to many of the causes mutual aid organisers were working towards. Not only are police the point of the spear in the deeply discriminatory War on Drugs, according to Mr Martin, from Southside Harm Reduction, but they also directly harmed unhoused people throughout the year in Minneapolis.

Its inherently violent and it just works against people getting out of the situation and having any sort of stability, he said of the evictions, which prompted a lawsuit from civil rights groups last October. During all of the evictions that happened during the uprisings, peoples medications got destroyed, hundred of dollars if not more of tents and other supplies people needed to stay safe were destroyed and bulldozed by the police. That also included peoples personal items that are invaluable like old family photo albums.

Ironically, these efforts, in addition to consuming government resources, also mirrored the language of the mutual aid movement almost exactly. Operation Safety Net, first formed to head-off social unrest during the Chauvin trial, involved millions spent and calling in thousands of Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota State Patrol, county sheriffs deputies, and local police departments, who were later put to breaking up the Daunte Wright protests. Minnesota governor Tim Walz initially asked for a $35 million fund to cover the programme and future operations. Fourteen different law enforcement agencies also pooled more than $1 million in funding in what they called a mutual aid agreement to fund security and community outreach during the trial.

The problem goes deeper than policing though, according to Mr Saye, from CANMN. The structure of the US economy itself seems to always have some segment of the population remain poor and disempowered, and that keeps communities from organising to their fullest potential.

People wont engage in the democratic system if they cant pay their rent, if they cant get food for their kids, if they cant get food for themselves, he said. Theres no way that our government structure can meet the need of everyone because we operate in a capitalistic society. In order for somebody to have more, somebody has to get less. There will always be a need for mutual aid.

And now that thousands of people across Minneapolis have gotten a taste of whats possible by working together on both a local and a mass scale, mutual aid practitioners believe this sort of organising isnt going anywhere.

Its going to be some strong bonds formed from this, Mr Xaba, the Near North resident, said.

The key to making this movement sustainable, according to organisers, is moving beyond just seeing it as an ad-hoc strategy to be used when a city is reeling from a tragic police killing. Instead, they hope to make it a long-term, regular part of life in Minneapolis, where community members have true control and input over the resources that will determine the course of their lives.

That spirit seems to have already taken root in George Floyd Square. The city says it plans to re-open the intersection, preserve the fist sculpture, and help fund Black businesses in the area. But activists are saying theyll continue occupying the site as their own space for community healing and solidarity until the city meets theirdemands and reforms police practices as well as investments millions in housing, bill relief, and health care. In other words, until catches up with what mutual aid organisations are already doing.

We want our demands answered and, before that, we dont have any reason to leave, Neal Baxter, who volunteers in the Square, recently told MPR. And our demands arent that radical. We get the demands, we vacate the streets.
Heather Rae Young and Tarek El Moussa are getting ready to walk down the aisle.

El Moussa, "The Flip or Flop" star really can't believe he found love again. More than nine months after pulling off an epic proposal for Heather Rae Young, he is even more excited for the wedding planned this year, which will undoubtedly include his two children, Taylor, 10, and Brayden, 5, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Christina Haack. The friendly ex-couple is now flipping houses in and around Orange County, California.

El Mouusa and Young recently celebrated their love with a lavish engagement party. It was attended by their closest friends and family members.

El Moussa danced with his little girl, and the two posted breathtaking images and video from their celebration.

For the time being, the couple is focusing on their jobs while planning their dream wedding. Young, who appears on Selling Sunset, continues to work with the Oppenheim Group as a real estate agent.

El Mouusa, on the other hand, is busy shooting new episodes of Flipping 101 and looking for the next perfect house to flip. Meanwhile, fans can tune in to El Moussa and his ex-HGTV wife's broadcast.

READ ALSO: Christina El Moussa Wants 'Flip Or Flop' Canceled?

On Thursday nights, Season 9 is actually airing. Viewers will be able to see the couple's changing relationship as they co-parent and balance their thriving businesses as new episodes of their show premiere on April 29. In terms of how his and Haack's relationship has progressed following their divorce in 2017, the two could not be happier.

El Moussa told ET that his relationship whith ex is in a totally different position. "She and I are getting along, we're co-parenting, and we're getting along as a couple, and I believe the episodes are getting better and better."

Young also told the publication that watching her fiance work with his ex-wife was never a problem for her."They've been filming for 10 years, who am I to dictate? I am very supportive. We support each other through everything."

Following her split from Ant Anstead, Haack, meanwhile, revealed her intention to change her last name from Anstead to her maiden name of Haack.

El Moussa and Young previously told ET in October that their ex-boyfriends and ex-girlfriends will not be invited to their wedding.

RELATED ARTICLE: Tarek El Moussa Has Dating Rules For Former Wife Christina; What 'Flip Or Flop' Star Has To Say?

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
Spanish seafood processor Nueva Pescanova is expanding in Peru with a EUR7m (US$8.4m) investment to build a new factory in the countrys capital Lima.

The 8,000 sq m plant, located in the port area of Pucusana, will have the capability to process 12,700 tons of cephalopods such as squid and octopus annually. It will also process fish including mahi to be turned into surimi. The site also has additional capacity to process around a further 900 tons.

Nueva Pescanovas Novaperu subsidiary, which it founded in Peru in 1995 with a plant in the San Juan de Miraflores district of Lima, will operate the new facility. It is due to come on stream at the end of the year with 170 employees on board, a 10% increase to the companys current workforce in Peru.

Manuel Quintana del Hierro, the CEO of Novaperu, said in a statement: The new plant will allow us to increase the productive capacity of species such as squid or mahi, as well as the development of new products to improve the vertical integration of the group. In addition, the new facility will have automated production lines that will allow energy savings and improve production efficiency.

Last year, Spanish lender Abanca increased its stake in Nueva Pescanova to 80.46% after buying an additional 39.8% holding from two other local banks, Banco Sabadell and Caixabank.



Nueva Pescanova, based in the Spanish city of Pontevedra, had a turnover in 2020 of EUR905m, according to its website.
The acquisition of Atomic Oil and Gas LLC which closed in March of this year was transformative for COPL," chief executive Arthur Millholland said

Canadian Overseas Petroleum Ltd (LON:COPL, TSE:XOP) described a remarkable year as it filed its full-year results.

The first half of the year was difficult, but was truly outstanding at year-end, chief executive Arthur Millholland said in a statement.

The acquisition of Atomic Oil and Gas LLC which closed in March of this year was transformative for COPL.

In 2020 we managed to recapitalize the company which allowed for the acquisition of Atomic and the associated equity and debt financings.

Millholland added: We look forward to the Q1 2021 reporting as it will be the first one to include the operating results of our Atomic group as well as an update on their operations."

The game changing Atomic deal was worth a total of US$54mln, comprising a US$1mln deposit, US$26mln of assumed debt, US$23mln of debt and cash payments, plus US$4mln in shares.

It brings producing assets in the US state of Wyoming, the Barron Flats Shannon Unit (57.7% owned by Atomic) and Cole Creek Unit (66.7% owned by Atomic).

The two fields have 31.1mln barrels of proved and probable reserves and are at the start of a 40-plus year life. The company noted that the acquisition offers a return on investment in excess of 50%, with the deal pitched at an acquisition cost of US$2.18 per barrel versus a net present value of US$7.52 per barrel.

Barron Flats is producing around 1,400 barrels per day (bpd), up from 200 bpd in 2017, and is forecast to reach a plateau rate of 5,000 bpd gross by 2022 whilst Cole Creek is forecast to have a 3,500 bpd plateau by 2026.

The company noted that its results report and regulatory filing documents will be available on its website and SEDAR.
LACCD Applauds Historic Nationwide Tuition Free Community College Program in President Bidens American Family Plan

The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is one of the largest community college districts in the nation offering tuition free community college to all first time, full time students since 2017.

The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is deeply appreciative of President Joseph Biden for putting tuition free community college for all American students at the core of his American Family Plan to rebuild our country and economy.

With the support of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and several community-based and philanthropic organizations, LACCD has led the way in providing tuition free community college for all. The LA College Promise program was launched in 2017, which provides tuition free community college to first time, full time students  meaning, every LAUSD graduating high school senior qualifies.

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LACCD sponsored AB 19 authored by California Assemblyman Miguel Santiago to make the California College Promise program available to all community college students in the state. To date, the program has enrolled nearly 20,000 students, resulting in improved access, equity and success.

It serves a population that is nearly ninety percent students of color and eighty-two percent low-income. In its first two years, direct enrollment from the Los Angeles Unified School District to LACCD increased by 24%, while direct fulltime enrollment increased by 65%. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, LA College Promise students stayed in school at a higher rate than the general student population.

As President Bidens American Family Plan recognizes community colleges as one of American educations greatest and most durable innovations, providing pathways for students from all backgrounds to a secure and stable career in many industries of our future, from information technology to social services and green energy. However, more than two-thirds of students come from under-resourced backgrounds, and many are the first in their families to attend college.

Equally important, the American Family Plan not only provides over $100 billion for two years of tuition free community college for every American student, it also helps support these students by investing an additional $62 million in proven strategies that increase retention and completion rates at community colleges and other institutions. Its known from the California College Promise program that these additional supports are a critical factor in ensuring student persistence and completion through college.

The life-changing impact a community college education can have on a family and an entire community is widely known. President Biden is commended by LACCD for making the most significant move in our nations history to make community college accessible to all.
Married At First Sight's Alana Lister has answered one of the most commonly asked questions about her life: what exactly is her ethnicity?

The Gold Coast school teacher, 30, revealed during an Instagram Q&A on Thursday that she is Sino-Mauritian, or a Mauritian of Chinese descent.

She explained her father is Chinese and her mother is South African, and that she was born in Mauritius before moving to Australia as a child.

Scroll down for video

'This one gets asked all the time': Married At First Sight's Alana Lister has answered one of the most commonly asked questions about her life: what exactly is her ethnicity?

Mauritius is an island nation about 2,000km east of Africa in the Indian Ocean.

'This one gets asked all the time. My mum is South African and my dad is Chinese but my family is from Mauritius,' Alana told fans.

'So we grew up in Mauritius. That's where my mum and dad met because South Africa is really close to Mauritius.

'My older sister, she started primary school there, and then we all moved over to Australia. So we are Sino-Mauritian.'

Background: The Gold Coast school teacher, 30, revealed during an Instagram Q&A on Thursday that she is Sino-Mauritian, or a Mauritian of Chinese descent

Family: Alana (seen on her second birthday) explained her father is Chinese and her mother is South African, and that she was born in Mauritius before moving to Australia as a child

Alana was born Sinead Chong and went by this name throughout primary and high school, Daily Mail Australia revealed in February.

She changed her name to Alana Lister after graduating in 2009, and began to overhaul her appearance with cosmetic enhancements around this time.

Alana's name change was supposedly inspired by Brisbane street artist Anthony Lister, whose work she admired.

Name change: She was born Sinead Chong and went by this name until the end of high school. Alana's name change was inspired by street artist Anthony Lister, whose work she admired

Some friends noticed her name could be shortened to 'A. Lister' and joked that she may have been planning to become famous.

She was paired with 35-year-old construction estimator Jason Engler on this year's season of Married At First Sight.

They agreed to stay together at their final vows, which were filmed in December, but split shortly thereafter.
Every April 24, Armenians around the world gather to honor their ancestors who perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish state in the genocide of 1915 to 1923. Armenian Americans anxiously await the annual proclamation from the White House marking this date. They are anxious because, despite much effort on the part of Armenian Americans and their friends, no American president had used the word genocide to properly name this crime against humanity.

Starting with George H.W. Bush, euphemisms such as tragedy, massacres, annihilation, mass killings and great atrocities have peppered these annual proclamations. Barack Obama and Donald Trump adopted a transliterated Armenian word, Meds Yeghern, to identify this crime  a word often mistranslated as the great calamity, thus removing all agency from the concept.

Armenian Americans will now no longer approach April 24 with anxiety and frustration. President Joe Biden used genocide in his proclamation, not once but twice.

This long-practiced omission of the correct word was a reflection of a geopolitical calculus to placate the sensitivities of our erstwhile yet untrustworthy NATO partner, Turkey. As most genocide and Holocaust scholars know, Raphael Lemkin, the Polish Jewish jurist who created the word genocide, was initially motivated by the fact of Turkish impunity for their crimes when he sat down to craft an international law to prevent and punish genocide. For Lemkin, the annihilation of the Armenians was a preview of what was to come in the Holocaust. He freely used the term genocide  this crime of crimes  to describe the fate of the Armenians. Yet ironically, American presidents continued to dance around the word for more than 30 years.

Joe Biden was the first president who ended this charade of obfuscation. As a senator he had no hesitation in characterizing the extermination of the Armenians as genocide. After Congress overwhelmingly voted to recognize the Armenian genocide in December 2019, the White House was bolstered in its effort to speak the truth, a value that Biden has taken as a mantra of his administration.

Yes, the autocratic Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his surrogates have complained most vociferously, pointing to American hypocrisy with regard to our own ill-treatment of African Americans and Indigenous peoples. But unlike Turkey, the United States has constructed on Washington, D.C.,s National Mall museums of African American History and Culture and of the American Indian. Included in their halls are exhibitions that do not whitewash American oppression of these groups.

Unlike in Turkey, the word genocide is not censored in displays that describe the destruction of Native peoples. Yes, our journey of coming to terms with our history has only begun, but Turkey has done the opposite, continuing on the path they began in 1915.

Impunity and genocide denial have contributed to cycles of violence perpetrated by the Turkish state and their ultra-nationalist partners both domestically and internationally. Within Turkey, the destruction and oppression of minorities  including Greeks, Assyrians, Alevi Muslims, Kurds and most recently the LGBTQ community  continues to this day. President Erdogan has now exported violence across international borders into Syria, Iraq, Libya, and the Caucasus.

The 44-day war of aggression in the fall of 2020 by Turkey and Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) continues this cycle of violence. The anti-democratic and authoritarian regimes of Erdogan and Azeri president Ilham Aliyev make no pretense that their goal is the elimination of all Armenians from their indigenous homelands.

If President Biden is truly committed to combating authoritarianism and strengthening democracy abroad then he could have found no better place to start than by speaking the truth about the Armenian Genocide. We applaud him for having done so.

Armen T. Marsoobian is first vice president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars and a professor of philosophy at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven.
NEW YORK, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc. (OTC QB: BNET), a developer of patented livestock waste treatment technology coupled with a business model focused on the production of branded sustainable meat and dairy products, announced it has executed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Lamb Farms, Inc., a large dairy operator in upstate New York.

The LOI is expected to lead to an agreement within 60 to 90 days to develop a Bion third generation (3G) treatment platform at Lamb Farms' Oakfield, NY, dairy facility. The project will initially treat the waste from the 2,000-head milking herd at that location. Lamb Farms is already a leader in advanced husbandry and sustainability; the Oakfield site has an anaerobic digester in place that will significantly speed up the timeline for system installation and startup. It is also one of a select number of facilities in the country that currently upgrades its methane to pipeline condition, allowing clean carbon dioxide to be recycled from the biogas waste stream to produce ammonium bicarbonate.

The Oakfield, NY, location is approximately 30 miles from Buflovak, Bion's prime engineering/ technology provider, so that any challenges associated with scaling up the platform can be conveniently and quickly dealt with. The established herd at Oakfield, with a digester in place, will allow Bion to install the platform relatively quickly and jumpstart production of ammonium bicarbonate for growth trials.

As a part of this project, a demonstration 'beef barn' would be constructed on-site that houses and produces a mix of sustainable and sustainable/ organic beef cattle. The beef installation will allow Bion to demonstrate proof of concept of its beef opportunity, while also pursuing certification of a verified sustainable brand through the USDA's Process Verified Program (PVP).

The USDA PVP is the gold standard for food certification and is used today to verify a wide range of branding claims, such as 'No Antibiotics Ever', Cage Free (eggs), etc. Bion's sustainable beef (and other livestock/ dairy products) can use the PVP to demonstrate to the consumer a substantially lower carbon, nutrient, water, and pathogen footprint, resulting from Bion's treatment and resource recovery. Bion was previously successful having its 2G technology platform evaluated and accepted, pending final audits, by the USDA PVP in 2016.

Craig Scott, Bion's director of communications, stated, "We are pleased to move forward toward the first commercial 3G project, especially in a situation that allows us to treat the waste from more than one species. The 3G platform offers us an opportunity to solve the problems associated with large scale livestock production, while communicating those improvements to the consumer in a clear, concise, and USDA-certified, sustainable brand. We are looking forward to entering the market with that message."

Lamb Farms is a family dairy operation that was founded with 110 cows in 1966 in Oakfield, NY. Today, Lamb Farms' operations have grown to include six locations, a milking herd of more than 7,000 cows, and crop farming that provides feed for the cows, as well as cash crops. Lamb Farms focuses on three key areas for business success: Wholesome Milk; Comfy Cows; Sustainable Farming.

Bion's patented third-generation technology was designed to substantially reduce the environmental impacts of large-scale livestock production and deliver a USDA-certified sustainable product to the consumer. The platform simultaneously recovers high-value coproducts and renewable energy that increase revenues. Bion's 3G tech platform can provide a pathway to true economic and environmental sustainability with 'win-win' benefits for at least a premium sector of the $200 billion livestock industry, the environment, and the consumer. For more information, see Bion's website, www.biontech.com.

This material includes forward-looking statements based on management's current reasonable business expectations. In this document, the words 'will (be)', 'can (be)', 'expected' and similar expressions identify certain forward-looking statements. These statements are made in reliance on the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, Section 27A of the Securities act of 1933, as amended. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could result in actual results differing materially from expected outcomes.

SOURCE Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

biontech.com


I dont know yet (about mask wearing). Again, of course well listen to the science and the CDC, he said, adding unless another new variant presents itself, he could see dropping mask requirements outside but having them remain in place indoors where social distancing is more difficult. That one is probably still on the table.
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Market Scenario:

Rare earth elements are the set of seventeen chemical elements found in the periodic table. These elements include europium, holmium, erbium, lanthanum, terbium and others, and are found in huge quantities in the earths crust, despite their name. These elements are found together in the earths crust and are difficult to separate from each other.

The global rare earth metals market is majorly driven by the increase in demand of rare metals such as Neodymium and Praseodymium, for the production of high power metals which are used especially in electric vehicles and wind turbines. The market is further expected to be driven by the increase in use of large number of rare earth metals in offshore wind turbines in the forecast period. The demand for electric vehicles is expected to increase with the application of strict regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, across the globe. This increase in the production of electric vehicles is expected to further drive the market for rare earth metals over the forecast period.

Free Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2261

Study Objectives of global rare earth metal market:

To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the global rare earth metal market

To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth

To analyse the global rare earth metal market based on various factors such as supply chain analysis, and Porters five force analysis

To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to regions and their respective key countries

To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective

To provide country level analysis of the market for segments by type, application and region

To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market

To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the global rare earth metal market

Regional Analysis of Rare Earth Metal Market:

The rare earth metal market can be geographically segmented as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Rest of the World (ROW). Asia pacific is expected to be the largest consumer and producer of global rare earth metals with the high consumption of these metals in China. North America is also expected to grow rapidly as it is a leading importer of rare earth metals from China, the largest extraction region of rare earth metals.

Key Players:

The key players of rare earth metal market are Lynas Corporation, Ltd.( Australia), Molycorp Inc. (U.S.), Alkane Resources Ltd (Australia), Baotou Steel Rare-earth (China), Ucore Rare Metals Inc.(Canada), Tantalus Rare Earths AG (Germany), Tasman Metals Ltd. (Canada), Greenland Minerals and Energy Ltd. (Australia), Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (Canada) and others.

Intended Audience:

Rare earth metal extractors

Distributer & Supplier companies

End Users

consultants and Investment bankers

Government as well as Independent Regulatory Authorities

Product Analysis:

Product matrix which gives a detailed comparison of the market for different recycled product types

Additional Information:

Regulatory Landscape

Pricing Analysis

Macroeconomic Indicators

Geographic Analysis:

Geographical analysis across 15 countries

Company Information:

Profiling of 10 key market players

In-depth analysis including SWOT analysis, and strategy information of related to report title

Competitive landscape including emerging trends adopted by major companies

The report for Rare earth metal Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.
Hyderabad, April 30 : The Telangana government has taken control of distribution of Tocilizumab injection for Covid-19 patients in the state.

The state government on Friday constituted a committee for allocation of Tocilizumab drug to Covid-19 patients in government and private hospitals in the state.

The three-member committee comprises the Director of the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), the Director of Medical Education, and the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, as per the order issued by state Health, Medical and Family Welfare Secretary S. A. M. Rizvi.

The office of the Director of Medical Education will receive the requests for Tocilizumab from the hospitals for specific patients and place it immediately before the committee. The patient-wise request from hospitals should have a detailed recommendation of a team of three specialist doctors from the hospital, which is indenting the drug, after assessment of the patient's condition.

The committee will allocate the drug after satisfying the criteria which includes no active bacteria/fungal/tubercular infection, not improving despite use of steroids, significantly raised inflammatory markers (CRP &/or IL-6), and presence of severe disease (preferably within 24 to 48 hours of onset of severe disease/ICU admission).

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
TSFU Logo It's not a cult, it's just a podcast... but really it's a cult.

Thats So F*cked Up, a weekly true crime comedy podcast about cults, murder and other generally f****d up stuff, features podcasters Ashley Richards and Cameron Dexter as they share shocking details from both well-known murder cases such as the mysterious murder of JonBenet Ramsey, to obscure cults such as the Ant Hill Kids, and the occasional stories of aliens and man-eating sharks. Recently, the team interviewed former FBI Special Agent Bryanna Fox about the difference between psychopaths and sociopaths.

With a mix of comedy and thorough research, Ashley and Cam bring unforgettable stories like these to life for their devoted listeners, as they explore what inspires people to do the f****d-up things they do. The teams hands-on look at true crime combines F*cked-Up Bingo, which listeners can play at home, with compelling personal interviews and a fresh look into some of the hottest cases, from Elisa Lams disappearance at the Cecil Hotel to the biblical UFO cult Heaven's Gate, where the duo interviewed world renowned cult expert Janja Lalich, Ph.D..

Podcast creator Ashley Richards is the producer and host of Thats So F*cked Up. She earned a BA in Broadcasting and Electronic Communication Arts from San Francisco State University, with an emphasis in podcasting. Today Ashley lives in Boulder County, CO. and when she isnt immersing herself in true crime she enjoys winding down with bad romance reality shows and eating too much sugar.

Podcasting is one of the most intimate and accessible mediums available to share stories that shock, entertain, inform and inspire us, said Ashley Richards, founder, Thats So F*cked Up. Over the last year, as many of us were missing friends and family during the pandemic, coming together to better understand our world has taken on more meaning than ever before. I am so glad to be a part of the community we have created and honored that so many people listen, share and support our podcast.

Cameron Holly Dexter is the co-host and co-producer of Thats So F*cked Up. She grew up in the wild and rural area of northern New Hampshire. Her love for true crime took root in college as a journalism major, where she wrote her senior thesis on the murders of Liko Kenney and Bruce McKay. She was particularly drawn to the Maura Murray disappearance case, as her childhood home sits just ten miles away. After moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film, she began listening to true crime podcasts and was hooked. Dexters film projects have been screened at prestigious festivals including Sundance, Tribeca and SXSW.

Thats So F*cked Up connects its Patreon supporters with industry insiders, professional sleuths, authors and experts. A recent Patreon exclusive interview with Janja Lalich, Ph.D. detailed her specialty: cults and extremist groups, with a focus on charismatic relationships, political and other social movements; as well as ideology and social control, and issues of gender and sexuality. Patrons can also access the Thats So F*cked Up communitys True Crime Book and Documentary Clubs, as well as early-release and ad-free podcast episodes.

Learn more: https://tsfuthepodcast.com

Support: https://www.patreon.com/TSFU

Contact: tsfuthepodcast@gmail.com
Geological interpretation and estimation of maiden mineral resources for Pit-5 and Koting are nearing completion, allowing finalisation of the Morila Life of Mine Plan.

Firefinch is focused on gold production and resource growth in Mali

( ) (OTCMKTS:EEYMF) (FRA:N9F) has received encouraging high-grade results from drilling of satellite deposits that are set to further enhance the growing gold bounty of the Morila Project in Mali.

The latest infill and extensional drilling results from the Morila Pit-5 and Koting satellite deposits will inform maiden mineral resource estimates for the two deposits.

Shares are trading higher, up nearly 10% to A$0.39, a new high of almost three years while Firefinch's market cap is approximately A$281.8 million.

Drilling has confirmed high-grade mineralisation in the centre of the Pit 5 deposit, which forms the core of the planned open pit mine.

Encouragingly, drilling has also identified high-grade mineralisation at the northern extent of the pit with intersections of 19 metres at 4.14 g/t gold from 40 metres in hole SE77 and 19 metres at 4.37 g/t from 64 metres in hole SE74, including 7 metres at 7.53 g/t.

Other Pit 5 highlights are:

14 metres at 4.23 g/t from 30 metres, including 2 metres at 19.7 g/t; and

8 metres at 5.22 g/t from 5 metres, including 2 metres at 18.2 g/t.

These results confirm that further drilling may identify additional high-grade shoots at Pit 5 and demonstrate the potential for high-grade mineralisation to be discovered elsewhere at Morila.

Impressive and especially exciting

Managing director Dr Michael Anderson said: Results from Pit-5 are impressive and especially exciting given their location on the edge of the Morila Super Pit, right next to our plant.

When you consider that Pit-5 is just one of multiple areas within our 685 square kilometres of tenure that has not been previously mined, it gives you a sense for the scale of the opportunity that we have ahead at Morila.

We are working hard to complete the mineral resources for these prospects for input into the forthcoming Life of Mine Plan.

The Pit-5 drilling will be integrated with the broader Morila mineralisation model as developed during estimation of the mineral resource to ascertain the significance of these high-grade results at the deposit scale.

Koting drilling results

The Koting deposit is owned by Birimian Gold Mali SARL, a 100% subsidiary of Firefinch.

Firefinch will negotiate a commercial arrangement to allow Koting to be mined and processed by Morila SA, the owner of the Morila mine (80% owned by Firefinch).

All assay results have now been received from this program with better results including:

5 metres at 11.2 g/t gold from 95 metres;

8 metres at 4.58 g/t from 30 metres;

7 metres at 4.33 g/t from 29 metres; and

15 metres at 1.96 g/t from 77 metres.

An updated geological interpretation has been completed which will enable a maiden mineral resource and ore reserve to be estimated for Koting.

This, in turn, will allow a mine plan incorporating Koting to be completed.

The permitting of the Koting deposit is also in progress.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A now-demolished Mariners Harbor motel, a phony passport and some friends in the Sicilian mob.

These were all the ingredients for a fake kidnapping Michele Sindona, a disgraced Italian financier who was indicted in a massive bank fraud scheme in the United States, staged in late 1979  probably to avoid trial while out on a $3 million bond, although the real reasons are not entirely known to this day, Italian court papers indicate.

The two-month run from authorities touched on eight cities, five different countries, spanned 12,104 miles and included some time hiding out at the controversial Conca DOro Motel, which used to be located on Forest Avenue  right before Sindona conveniently was found inside a phone booth in an apparently very degraded physical condition in Manhattan.

Sindona, who once was a financial adviser to the Vatican, played a key role in the 1974 collapse of the Franklin National Bank, in Franklin, L.I., which he controlled, and was later sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for fraud in connection with the case.

The financial machinations of Sindona were indeed massive, complicated and unscrupulous, wreaking financial disaster upon banking and financial institutions as well as economic and personal tragedy upon the persons involved including, of course, the principal architect of the scheme, Sindona himself, United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit wrote when the financier tried to appeal several counts of his conviction.

The Sicilian man was later sentenced to life in prison in Italy for paying a hit man $40,000 for the killing of Giorgio Ambrosoli, a lawyer who investigated and uncovered Sindonas fraudulent acts. Ambrosoli was shot to death in front of his house in Milan in 1979.

In this file photo taken in Milan on Dec. 3, 1984, Italian financier Michele Sindona smiles from behind the bars of the defendants' cage during the preliminary hearing of the trial for the collapse of an Italian bank. Sindona, a Sicilian working in Milan, gained the confidence of future Pope Paul VI by helping his successful efforts to woo Milanese workers away from the Communist party to the pro-church Christian Democrats in the 1960s. A successful financier, he was appointed by the Pope in 1969 to manage the Vatican's foreign investments. Sindona's own banking empire collapsed and his links to the mob were exposed. (AP Photo/Ferdinando Meazza)AP

HOW THE FAKE KIDNAPPING UNFOLDED

While out on bond, the Italian financier disappeared from New York on Aug. 2, 1979 and shortly thereafter boarded a plane from John F. Kennedy International Airport with a fake passport, heading to Vienna, court papers filed in the Italian Senate in September 1981 detail.

Sindona used the help of the massive and efficient complicity of the Italian-American mafia, the Sicilian mafia in particular and of freemasonry including the help of reputed Gambino member John Gambino, who headed the familys Sicilian wing, court papers say.

From Vienna, Sindona traveled to Salzburg, Athens, and the southern Italian cities of Brindisi, Caltanissetta and Palermo, where he stayed from Aug. 17 to Oct. 8 when he went back to Vienna, according to court papers.

While in Palermo, Sindona had an associate purposely shoot him in a leg to make the story of the kidnapping even more effective and truthful, once the drama was over, court papers say.

He finally reached Frankfurt, Germany, and came back to New York on Oct. 13, when he started hiding at the Conca DOro Motel, court papers indicate.

Italian authorities never specified what he did while at the Forest Avenue motel, aside from laying low.

The Conca D'Oro Motel in Mariners Harbor featured a large swimming pool. Sindona hid out at the facility after authorities say he staged his own kidnapping. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance

On Oct. 16, authorities found Sindona in a phone booth in Manhattan in an apparently very degraded physical condition in order to seem really back from a hard period of abduction, court papers indicate.

Joseph Macaluso, a well known real-estate builder in the borough, owned the motel and was found guilty in 1981 of illegally aiding Sindona, Staten Island Advance/SILive.com archives indicate.

Antonio Caruso, another Staten Islander, was also convicted of helping Sindona flee to Europe under an assumed name, according to the New York Times.

Italian court papers indicate Sindona wrote letters to his lawyers and family members pretending to be his kidnappers. He then gave the letters to both Caruso and Macaluso, who would send the missives from the United States, the place where Sindona claimed to be held during the kidnapping, court papers say.

Neither Staten Island man was linked to the mob in court filings.

The wealthy financier would later say he was released after he promised his kidnappers to provide them with evidence of corruption by wealthy rightists in Italy, the Washington Post reported at the time.

Sindona told U.S. District Court Judge Thomas P. Griesa his kidnappers, who were Italian radicals, took him to a basement of a house in New York.

We started to discuss about ideology, philosophy . . . you know these crazy people, Sindona said, according to the Washington Post report.

While under oath he also said his captors let him out from time to time to run around the yard in one of the four places he was taken to and that they shot him when he tried to escape.

He was sentenced in the United States in the bank fraud case in 1980 and then convicted of bail jumping in 1981.

Sindona died in prison in 1986 at the age of 65 of cyanide poisoning, just four days after he was sentenced in the lawyers assassination, the New York Times reported.

He professed his innocence until his death.

The former Conca D'Oro Motel is shown in the early phases of its demolition in this 2004 file photo. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CONCA DORO?

The Conca DOro  long thought of as a quick-sheets motel and a haven for drug dealers  offered cheap housing to indigent families throughout the 1980s.

Macaluso later sold the site and it became a homeless shelter in the early 1990s when it was leased by Brooklyn-based Angels by the Sea.

The city put a freeze on referrals to the shelter in 1997 while it investigated an alleged organized crime link with Angels by the Sea, which operated another shelter in Brooklyn.

Charges included allegations that convicted felon Anthony Zito, head of the outfit that owned the building which housed the Brooklyn facility, was a business associate of an alleged underboss of the Lucchese crime family.

Zito was convicted in 1971 of extortion and in 1992 was accused of being a partner in the shelter with Vittorio Amuso, who the authorities alleged was the boss of the Lucchese crime family, according to the New York Times.

At the time, Zito denied such ties.

In this 2008 file photo, work is underway on a shopping center at the former Conco D'Oro site. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

The site remained shuttered for years and became a hangout for squatters and vandals, standing as an eyesore along a commercial strip of Forest Avenue.

The building was finally torn down in 2008 and it is now home to a shopping strip that includes a White Castle and pizza, hibachi and Subway restaurants.



RELATED COVERAGE: The mob on Staten Island
What just happened? It's been a good week for Samsung. The company led the charge in a rebounding phone industry, snatching back the "world's largest smartphone maker" from rival Apple. But there was some bad news in the form of a lawsuit that alleges it used defective or poor-quality glass coverings for the Galaxy S20 series' camera module.

Back in April last year, there were reports of Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra owners discovering the phone's rear camera glass was shattering randomly. All insisted that they hadn't dropped the handset, and that the glass broke spontaneously on its own.

It seems the problem affected other phones in the Galaxy S20 series. XDA reports that law firm Hagens Berman is launching a class action against Samsung, accusing it of fraud, breach of warranty, and violations of several consumer-protection laws.

"Samsung sold its Galaxy S20 as a high-end option for consumers, with a 'professional' grade camera, charging upwards of $1,600 per device, only to have them suddenly lose a major aspect of their functionality. During a time of social-distancing and increased use of online access, consumers are especially in need of a reliable mobile device, yet Samsung has refused to deliver the reliability it promised its customers," said Steve Berman, attorney for consumers in the class action.

As reported at the time of the original incidents, Samsung classed them as cosmetic damage, meaning it wasn't covered under standard warranties. Anyone wanting to repair the glass had to hand over $400, or $100 if they'd signed up to Samsung's Premium Care plan.

It's unclear how widespread the issue is, but the lawsuit claims there are "hundreds of online reports." A Samsung Care Ambassador acknowledged the problems, claiming it resulted from "pressure buildup underneath the glass and not customers banging it against something," though the company continued charging owners for repairs.

If you've been affected by the problem, you can join the lawsuit by filling out this form.
The South African president has offered his condolences to the Zulu royal family and the Zulu nation following the death of its monarch Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu at the age of 65.



Cyril Ramaphosa said the country's thoughts, prayers and hearts were with them in what he called this hour of compounded grief.



The president has shared his condolence message on Twitter:









Personally and on behalf of government and all South Africans, I offer my sincerest condolences to the Royal Family and the Zulu nation. We extend our thoughts, prayers and hearts once more to the Royal Family who, in the midst of mourning the passing of the beloved King, pic.twitter.com/OU1VzioZF5

 Cyril Ramaphosa  #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 30, 2021

Shiyiwe Mantfombi was installed as the interim monarch in KwaZulu-Natal province only last month after the death of her husband, King Goodwill Zwelithini.As the regent she had been due to choose who would be the permanent successor to the throne.

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The 15-year-old was arrested on charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a person under 18 and possession of a firearm during commission of a crime, according to the press release.
A workstation is absolutely crucial when it comes to working efficiency. With the rise of creative applications such as CAD, CAM and more, modern workstations need powerful hardware in order to run smoothly. In the past, the need for powerful hardware meant that users had to deal with large, bulky components. This necessitated the need for a traditional desktop workstation. As a result, professionals were quite literally anchored to a single spot from where they could work effectively as working a desktop around isnt really a feasible option.

Thankfully, things have changed a lot. Technology has shrunk down to a point where modern laptops are powerful enough to go toe-to-toe with desktops in terms of performance. This means that professions dont have to be chained to their cubicles in order to work effectively. They are free to work wherever they want. This could be in their office cafeteria or even their home without worrying about their work getting hampered.

Lenovo has been offering high-end workstations under their Thinkstation lineup for many years now. The company understands that simply adding powerful hardware may not result in the ideal workstation and professionals need more than that in order to unleash their creative potential. The new Lenovo Mobile Workstations are powerful laptops that are designed to be used by professionals who want the freedom to work from anywhere, while still having all the tools they need to ensure quality.

Heres a quick look at the advantages of the Lenovo Mobile Workstation.

Top-notch hardware to power through anything

When it comes down to it, a workstation needs powerful hardware. The Lenovo Mobile Workstations are available with up to Intel Xeon Scalable processors. These processors are built with workstations in mind and come with a number of features designed to help professionals. This includes a balanced architecture that delivers built-in AI acceleration. It also offers advanced security capabilities. This performance allows the Lenovo Mobile Workstation the flexibility to complete a range of tasks. These can range from CAD, 3D modelling, VR and more.

Pantone Color Calibration for better consistency

The Lenovo Mobile Workstation displays are also calibrated to X-Rite Pantone color. This is vital for those in the creative field as it allows for colour consistency in the work that they do. This ensures that the colour of the work remains consistent all throughout the process. So it will look the same when you see it on your display, or even when you print it out. This ensures that colours look the same all through the workflow process without the need for constant calibration.

Built for portability and robustness

The entire concept around a laptop is portability, which is why the Lenovo Mobile Workstations are engineered to offer performance and portability in a single package. This will allow professionals to carry the laptop with them just as any other laptop and not get bogged down with weight. On top of this, these laptops are also tested to MIL-SPEC standards and are designed to take on the hazards of the modern workspace. This could be anything from spilt coffee to a tumble off the desk.

Always there

Of course, there will be times when professionals might need help with their workstations. To ensure that work isnt hampered, Lenovo offers end-to-end support for the entire lifecycle of its products. This includes support through planning, deployment and final asset recovery. This includes Lenovo Premier Support that promises 24x7 unscripted support for fast, first-time resolutions. There is also Lenovo Thinkshield to help guard against cybersecurity threats. This support is vital in the current work-from-home environment, where going through standard support cycles might not be possible.

ISV Certified

The quality, adaptability and advantages offered by Lenovo Mobile Workstations are pretty evident and this has been recognised by independent software vendors (ISV) as well. This includes some of the biggest names in the industry like Autodesk, Adobe, Avid, Siemens and many more. These certifications should allow Lenovo Mobile Workstation users a smoother experience when it comes to installing and using software from these vendors.

As one can see, the Lenovo Mobile Workstation goes beyond hardware. This holistic approach to mobile workstations ensures untethered creativity from professionals with minimal hindrances while breaking free of the confines of the traditional office space. The company offers a wide range of laptops as part of the Lenovo Mobile Workstations, so users should be able to find one that perfectly matches their requirements.

[Sponsored Post]
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has successfully completed a technical assistance project to strengthen Bulgarias Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) by enhancing the regulators analytical and technical capacity.

The project, led by the EBRDs Legal Transition Team, focused on:

1) practical implementation of legislative amendments on market monitoring, integrity and transparency prepared during Phase I as part of the countrys transposition of the European Unions third energy package

2) development of regulatory acts, rules and methodologies aimed at improving regulation of the electricity distribution network, and

3) a dedicated capacity-building programme to enhance the analytical and technical skills of the EWRC experts in their day-to-day activities.

The EBRD supported the EWRC in developing reports and recommendations for internal rules and practices focused on implementation of the EU Regulation on Wholesale Energy Market Integrity and Transparency (REMIT). Ths included the handling of electronic data, court acceptance for e-documents, investigations of potential REMIT violations, and coordination with other state authorities. EWRC experts were also trained on these highly relevant topics.

The transition to a competitive market requires a strong and competent regulator able to monitor sector performance to ensure a level playing field for all market participants, while protecting consumer interests. The project equipped the EWRC with the skills and tools to exercise its duties under REMIT and paved the way to a fully liberalised energy market.

The second phase of the project was implemented with the financial support of the operational programme known as Good Governance, financed by the European Structural and Investment Funds for Bulgaria and managed by the government of Bulgaria.
CORONA, Calif., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Ikanik Farms, Inc. (CSE: IKNK.U) (FSE: DFMA) (the "Company" or "Ikanik Farms") is pleased to announce that it has received approval for its subordinate voting shares to be made eligible for electronic clearing and settlement through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., a U.S. company that manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies.

As of the date hereof, Ikanik's subordinate voting shares (CUSIP 45175C107) are now eligible to be electronically cleared and settled through DTC. This electronic method of clearing securities accelerates the settlement process and transfer of stock and cash, for certain investors.

Ikanik Farms trades under the ticker symbol "IKNK.U" on the Canadian Securities Exchange, "CIMVD" on the OTC Markets and "DFMA" on both the Frankfurt and Tradegate Exchanges.

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/


On the same day Gov. Kate Brown shut down indoor dining in 15 Oregon counties, Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer urged restaurants, bars, food trucks, tasting rooms, catering companies and other food service business owners to apply for their share of $28.6 billion in federal relief grants.

Privately owned food businesses with fewer than 20 locations are eligible to apply for up $10 million in funding made available through the American Rescue Plan. Registration is already open at the Small Business Association website. Applications can be submitted starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 3, for the program.

In the first five hours, more than 80,000 people have registered, and this is just so they can apply Monday morning, Blumenauer said in a Zoom call with reporters Friday. It is imperative that those of you who want to participate register now and apply on Monday.

According to Blumenauer, whose original Restaurants Act legislation (H.R.7197) called for $120 billion in funding, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said he is willing to work with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to inject more money into the program.

I still think thats the target number, and Im drafting legislation for an additional $100 billion, which is reasonable for what national demand would be, Blumenauer said. But thats going to take time. We need to make sure that you act now. The sooner you apply, the sooner money will be available.

What people do now will determine how much money comes back to Oregon for people who desperately need it.

The American Rescue Act, which passed in March, incorporated a slimmed down version of Blumenauers bill to help food businesses survive the economic downturns imposed by state-imposed restrictions on dining designed to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide eligible businesses with funding equal to their revenue loss of up to $5 million per location, and $10 million total.

Unlike earlier Paycheck Protection Program loans, which restaurant owners found onerous to apply for and use, recipients are not required to repay the funds so long as they are used for legitimate expenses before March 11, 2023. Those expenses included everything from rent to mortgage payment to insurance to the construction of outdoor seating.

Businesses can apply through the Small Business Administration or through various point-of-sale companies, including Square, Clover and Toast. A sample application can be found here.

The first 21 days of the program are dedicated to priority businesses, defined as businesses that are at least 51% owned by women, veterans or people who are socially and economically disadvantaged. The program includes various set-asides worth around $10 billion total for smaller businesses with 2019 revenue under $1.5 million, $500,000 or even $50,000.

While the application process doesnt open until 9 a.m. on Monday, May 3, Blumenauer encourages Oregon restaurants to do the following:

-- Michael Russell, mrussell@oregonian.com, @tdmrussell
If we dont watch out, were going to get a mayor almost chosen by random chance, he continued, adding the caveat that over the next two months, awareness of the race may increase significantly.

The information flow about the campaign has been a trickle, because other issues have crowded things out, he said. As information flow increases, interest will go up and information will go up.

Ms. Wiley, who arguably stands to benefit the most from Mr. Stringers embattlement, faces an uphill climb. Just 36 percent of likely voters said they were familiar with who she was, according to a Spectrum News NY1/Ipsos NYC poll conducted this month.

For Dianne Morales, an anti-poverty organizer and nonprofit executive who is also angling for the left lane in the primary, the barriers to name recognition are even higher: She was known by only 25 percent of likely voters, according to the NY1 poll.

Asked in that poll what their major political concerns were for the next mayor to address, voters were most likely to say stopping the spread of Covid-19, reopening businesses and confronting crime. Upward of one in three likely voters named each of those. Addressing affordable housing, racial injustice and homelessness were cited less often.

If Mr. Stringers star fades, it could provide an opening not only for other progressive candidates but also for some of Mr. Yangs well-funded moderate rivals, like Mr. Adams and Shaun Donovan, a former New York housing commissioner and member of President Barack Obamas cabinet.

Understand the N.Y.C. Mayoral Race Whos Running for Mayor? There are more than a dozen people still in the race to become New York Citys next mayor, and the primary will be held on June 22. Heres a rundown of the candidates. Get to Know the Candidates: We asked leading candidates for mayor questions about everything from police reform and climate change to their favorite bagel order and workout routine. What is Ranked-Choice Voting? New York City began using ranked-choice voting for primary elections this year, and voters will be able to list up to five candidates in order of preference. Confused? We can help.



But as our Metro reporter Michael Wilson wrote in an article this week, the prevailing feeling for many voters right now is a lack of interest  maybe induced by exhaustion. There has been plenty of negative news coming from Albany since Gov. Andrew Cuomo was repeatedly accused of sexual misconduct in recent months. And there will be little love lost for Mr. de Blasio, the departing New York mayor, who has rarely enjoyed a positive approval rating throughout his eight-year term.
Voters cast their ballots for the Florida presidential primary, in Bonita Springs, Fla., on March 17, 2020. (Elise Amendola/AP Photo)

Florida Passes New Elections Bill Adding Restrictions to Vote-by-Mail and Ballot Drop Boxes

Floridas Republican-controlled Senate on April 29 passed a new bill that places several restrictions around vote-by-mail and ballot drop boxes.

The bill, SB 90 (pdf), was passed in the state House 77-40 and in the Senate 23-17. It now goes to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it.

If signed, it would require signature verification for voters, provided by a wet signature physically signed on paper kept on file, and access to drop boxes would be limited to early voting hours unless they are located at election supervisors offices. Drop boxes would also have to be monitored in-person by an elections official, and ID would be required when dropping off ballots.

Other aspects in the bill include limitations on who can return a finished mail-in ballot, preventing election officials from entering consent agreements, and requiring voters to request a mail ballot every election cycle, rather than every two, as under current law.

The legislation would also ban anyone from engaging in any activity with the intent to influence or effect of influencing a voter but allow election supervisors to provide non-partisan assistance, such as giving items, including food and water, to voters within the restricted zones.

The bill also requires supervisors to set and publish drop box locations 30 days before the election. Those locations cannot be moved for any purpose.

SB 90 was amended from a previous stricter version which had originally banned drop boxes completely.

DeSantis has previously expressed his support for enacting stronger election integrity protections and providing unprecedented election transparency for Florida residents.

Florid Gov. Ron DeSantis during a meeting at the governors office in Tallahassee, Fla., on April 1, 2021. (The Epoch Times)

A spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis said he supports the bill, noting it will ensure that Florida remains a national leader in election security, integrity and transparency, ABC News reported.

Democrats, including state Rep. Anna Eskamani, responded to the Senates decision on Thursday, calling it a Georgia-style voter suppression bill on Twitter.

It makes it harder to vote by mail, prohibits groups from passing out water to voters and tries to limit ballot boxes. Im sad but proud of the Democratic Caucus for fighting so hard. Keep fighting, Eskamani wrote.

Earlier this month, the state of Georgia passed more stringent voting laws which elicited widespread condemnation from Democrats, including President Joe Biden who branded it Jim Crow in the 21st Century and an atrocity.

The new law adds a host of new voting restrictions, including photo identification requirements for absentee voting, limits on the use of ballot drop boxes, and making it illegal to take food or water to voters in line. It also gives state lawmakers more control over elections.

Other states with GOP-controlled legislatures such as Arizona are also looking at making changes to their mail-in voting systems.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / ZincX Resources Corp. ("ZincX" or the "Company")(TSXV:ZNX)(OTC PINK:ZNCXF)(FRA:A2JLRM ) announces the details of the voting results from its Annual General Meeting, held on April 29, 2021 in Vancouver, BC.

By resolution passed via ballot, the five nominees referenced below were appointed as Directors of the Company to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, or until their successors are elected or appointed. The results of the ballot were as follows:

Name of Nominee Votes For Percent Votes Withheld Percent Peeyush Varshney 4,803,420 95.74% 213,500 4.26% Marco Strub 4,828,920 96.25% 188,000 3.75% Praveen Varshney 4,771,920 95.12% 245,000 4.88% John Thomas 5,013,920 99.94% 3,000 0.06% Xinfu Hu 5,008,920 99.84% 8,000 0.16%

Shareholders also voted to approve the re-appointment of Davidson & Company LLP as auditors of the Company.

The Akie Zn-Pb-Ag Project

The 100% owned Akie property is situated within the Kechika Trough, the southernmost area of the regionally extensive Paleozoic Selwyn Basin and one of the most prolific sedimentary basins in the world for the occurrence of SEDEX zinc-lead-silver and stratiform barite deposits.

Drilling on the Akie property by ZincX Resources since 2005 has identified a significant body of baritic-zinc-lead SEDEX mineralization known as the Cardiac Creek deposit. The deposit is hosted by siliceous, carbonaceous, fine-grained clastic rocks of the Middle to Late Devonian Gunsteel Formation.

The Company updated the estimate of mineral resources at Cardiac Creek in 2018, as follows:

5% Zinc Cut-Off Grade Contained Metal: Category Tonnes

(million) Zn (%) Pb (%) Ag (g/t) Zn (B lbs) Pb (B lbs) Ag (M oz) Indicated 22.7 8.32 1.61 14.1 4.162 0.804 10.3 Inferred 7.5 7.04 1.24 12.0 1.169 0.205 2.9

The Company announced robust positive results from the 2018 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). The PEA envisages a conventional underground mine and concentrator operation with an average production rate of 4,000 tonnes per day. The mine will have an 18-year life with potential to extend the life-of-mine (LOM) through resource expansion at depth. Key parameters for the PEA are as follows:

Parameter Base Case1 Tonnes Mined 25.8 Mt Mined Head Grades 7.6% Zn; 1.5% Pb; 13.08 g/t Ag Tonnes Milled 19.7 Mt Milled Head Grades (after DMS2 upgrade) 10.0% Zn; 1.9% Pb; 17.17 g/t Ag Total Payable Metal (LOM) $3,960M3 Initial CAPEX $302.3M including $45.7M contingency LOM Total CAPEX $617.9M including $58.5M contingency All-in Total OPEX $102.4 per tonne milled Pre-Tax NPV7% $649M Pre-Tax IRR 35% Pre-Tax Payback 2.6 years After-Tax NPV7% $401M After-Tax IRR 27% After-Tax Payback 3.2 years

1. The base case used metal prices are calculated from the 3 year trailing average coupled with two year forward projection of the average price; and are: US$1.21/lb for zinc, US$1.00/lb for lead and US$16.95 for silver. A CDN$/US$ exchange rate of 0.77 was used. The NPV discount rate is 7%. 2. DMS = dense media separation. 3. All dollar amounts expressed in Canadian dollars.

The PEA is considered preliminary in nature and includes mineral resources, including inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have not yet demonstrated economic viability. Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to mineral resources, it cannot be assumed that all or any part of a mineral resource will be upgraded to mineral reserves. Therefore, there is no certainty that the results concluded in the PEA will be realized.

Kechika Regional Project

In addition to the Akie Project, the Company owns 100% of eight of eleven large, contiguous property blocks that comprise the Kechika Regional Project including the advanced Mt. Alcock prospect. The Kechika Regional Project also includes the Pie, Yuen and Cirque East properties which the Company maintains a significant 49% interest with partners Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TECK.B) and Korea Zinc Co. Ltd holding 51%. These properties collectively extend northwest from the Akie property for approximately 140 kilometres covering the highly prospective Gunsteel Formation shale; the main host rock for known SEDEX zinc-lead-silver deposits in the Kechika Trough of northeastern British Columbia. These projects are located approximately 260 kilometres north northwest of the town of Mackenzie, British Columbia, Canada.

Ken MacDonald P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for the Company, is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information contained in this release. Mike Makarenko P.Eng, JDS Energy and Mining, is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the PEA technical information contained in this release.

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ZINCX RESOURCES CORP.

"PEEYUSH VARSHNEY"

PEEYUSH VARSHNEY, LL.B

CEO & CHAIRMAN

CONTACT:

Investor Relations

Phone (604) 684-2181

info@zincxresources.com

SOURCE: ZincX Resources Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643472/ZincX-Resources-Reports-Voting-Results-From-Its-Annual-General-Meeting
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Nowa Omoigui shattered the glass ceiling in Cardiology by being the first Nigerian immigrant to serve as Chief of Cardiology of a major University Medical School in the United States  The University of South Carolina, Columbia.

His achievements ushered in a new era of possibilities. He inspired new generations of young Africans and African Americans in Cardiology worldwide. He chartered a new course, allowing us to redefine our future. By his example, we know that there are no limits in pursuing our dreams in the field of Cardiology. We celebrate his life this week.

Nowamagbe Omoigui was born on March 28, 1959 and passed on April 18th, 2021. He was a precocious talent who set records everywhere he went.

He graduated from high school at age 15, from Federal Government College, Warri in Nigeria. He graduated with distinction and set a record as the first in the history of the school (and one of the first in West African History) to obtain a Grade A1 in Fine Arts.

In 1975, after a year of pre-Med at Kings College in Lagos, he gained admission to study Medicine at the Nigerias premier Medical School, The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. In 1981, he graduated at the top of his Medical School Class with distinction and delivered the valedictory speech. After Internship, he spent a mandatory year of service at the Brigade of Guards where he set new records by coordinating an air, sea and land Military disaster drill, and received a National Award from the Nigerian President Shehu Shagari in 1983.

In the U.S., he did Medicine Residency at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, NY and served as Chief Resident at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.

He obtained a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois. He trained in Cardiology at Stanford University and in Interventional Cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic (Americas best heart center).

Nowa Omogui continued his tradition of collecting awards and setting records in the U.S. He was awarded the Timothy Beckett (1992) and Hewlett Packard (1993) Awards, and Awards for excellence as a post-doctoral fellow in Cardiovascular Disease. He set the all-time record among clinical fellows at the Cleveland Clinic for the highest number of abstracts submitted and presented (as first author) at a single National meeting (American Heart Association 1994). Importantly, he set a new record when he became the first Nigerian (African) immigrant to be Chief of Cardiology at a U.S. University Medical School in December 1994 at the age of 35. Perhaps the youngest to do so.

At the 1995 American College of Cardiology Conference, while I was presenting as a young Cardiology Fellow from Boston and my compatriot, Dr. Akinboboye was presenting as a young Instructor from Columbia University, we were both delighted to see Nowa Omogui on the podium as a guest faculty of the American College of Cardiology. It definitely opened our horizons. If Nowa Omogui could be up there, we too could. This trend has continued till today with young immigrants and young African Americans in leadership positions in every aspect of Cardiology in the United States.

In 1996, when I visited him at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, he was the Chief of Cardiology, the Program Director of Cardiology Fellowship, Director at the VAMC, and the Chairman of the Governing Board of Regents. The night of my visit, during the war of the Desert Storm, Nowa Omogui logged into the high-level War-Room that was full of Military Generals, discussing Tactics and Strategies of military warfare. On Saturdays, he would email me his weekly political write-up for me to proofread, which I would send back to him on Sundays. That opinion would be published in his weekly column in the popular Nigerian newspaper, The Guardian.

Before the advent of internet, Nowa Omogui would give you facts and figures about events. By the time you checked, he would be correct about the date, time, place and everything else. His brain was like a walking encyclopedia. He was a preeminent cardiologist, an academic researcher, a prolific writer, a masterful orator, a Military and Nigerian historian, and a genius.

Despite his record-setting achievements and his intellectual prowess, he was always humble, easily approachable, always ready to help the younger physicians. When he got comfortable with you, he would crack jokes upon jokes, and you would think he was a comedian. I miss his laugh.

While on this earth, Nowa Omogui ensured that his name was engraved in record books for the ages, we pray that God engraves his name among His greatest servants and grant him glory and eternal life in Heaven.

Nowa, we celebrate you today. Rest in Peace.

Dr Abraham A. Ariyo is Director, HeartMasters Cardiology Interventional Cardiologist, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Texas.
The festival was hosted by Vietnamese students at the (MGIMO) in partnership with the institutes ASEAN Centre.

In her opening remarks, Vietnamese Charge d'Affaires to Russia Nguyen Quynh Mai expressed her delight at the development of the Vietnam-Russia relations over recent years. She expected that younger generations of Vietnam and Russia will further nurture the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

On behalf of MGIMO leaders, Andrey Baykov, Vice-Rector and Director of the Academic Forum on International Relations, said today Vietnam remains Russias important partner and the two countries have been cooperating in various projects in the fields of trade, economy, energy, technology, military and response to emerging threats and challenges, notably COVID-19.

He also stressed the significance of partnership in scientific research, cultural exchange, education and youth exchange to the bilateral ties, saying he hopes that this event will contribute to advancing the ties further.

A highlight of the festival was a workshop on Vietnam in todays international affairs, which attracted a large number of experts and students of Vietnamese studies from leading universities in Russia.

A trade fair of Vietnamese goods, a photo exhibition on Vietnams people and nature, and events introducing Vietnamese culture and cuisine to Russian students were also held as part of the festival.
The president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, an outspoken public safety advocate, said he was attacked Thursday afternoon while walking downtown to run an errand, then visit the home of an assault victim.

Carl Chan said he was on Broadway and 8th Street, near a Starbucks coffee shop, when someone came up from behind and struck him in the head while yelling a derogatory word. He fell to the pavement, landing on his hands and skinning his knee. Chan believes he briefly blacked out.

As he regained consciousness, he saw the man walking away and managed to take pictures with his cell phone, which helped police make an arrest, he said.

Oakland Police Captain Bobby Hookfin, the commander for Area 1  which includes downtown, Chinatown, and West Oakland  said he was in a meeting when he received several texts from watch commanders reporting the attack.

"Carl  as tough as he is  he was able to take pictures of this guy, Hoofkin said.

Hookfin said that officers canvassing the area located a suspect based on Chans cellphone photos, Once officers arrested the suspect, Hookfin directed his watch commander to have the suspect interviewed right away, rather than sending him to Santa Rita Jail.

So we can figure out exactly what happened, and exactly what charges to file, Hookfin said. Is this a hate crime? We dont know. But we need to find out right now.

Hookfin and other police command staff often accompanied Chan on walks through Chinatown during late February and throughout March, when merchants were rallying for more protection from robberies and assaults.

After the attack, Chan said he got help from a nearby restaurant owner, who brought him into the building and gave him water.

I knew I had to get up, Chan said an hour after the incident later, in a phone interview from the Chamber office on 9th Street.

In recent weeks, Chan became a frequent, visible presence on television news, decrying a surge in crimes of opportunity in downtown Oakland, many of them targeting Asian senior citizens. He fears he may have been singled out because of his media appearances.

I refuse to go down, he told The Chronicle on Thursday. My adrenaline is pumping.
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelans on Friday celebrated the beatification of Jose Gregorio Hernandez, a medic who became known as the "doctor of the poor" while treating the ill during the Spanish flu pandemic in the early 20th century.

Pope Francis in 2020 began the process of his beatification, which precedes sainthood in the Roman Catholic tradition.

That process was completed on Friday in a Caracas ceremony led by papal nuncio Aldo Giordano and other Venezuelan church leaders.

Giordano called for Hernandez's intervention to help the South American nation obtain coronavirus vaccines for its inoculation campaign, which has been mired in partisan differences.

"May the blessed Jose Gregorio intercede so that access to vaccines can be achieved together, without divisions," Giordano said. "(Hernandez) is able to unite all his compatriots, independent of their social, political and economic differences."

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, in a video released on Thursday said he hoped the beatification would foment solidarity among Venezuelans, who for decades have been bitterly divided by politics.

Hernandez, the fourth Venezuelan to be beatified, was born in the Andean state of Trujillo in 1864. He died in 1919 after being hit by a car in Caracas, and his devotees spent decades petitioning the Vatican to put him on the path to sainthood.

In 2017, the church attributed a miracle to Hernandez for saving the life of a young girl, Yaxury Solorzano, who was shot in the head during a robbery attempt.

Doctors had said Solorzano would be disabled if they managed to save her life, but she recovered and was able to walk just weeks after leaving the hospital, according to church records.

Solorzano's mother had prayed to Hernandez for her daughter's salvation. Both mother and daughter were present for Friday's ceremony.

High ranking government officials including Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, and parliament chief Jorge Rodriguez were present for the ceremony.

(Reporting by Mayela Armas, Writing by Brian Ellsworth, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
New Delhi: The Telangana government on Friday (April 30) extended the night curfew for seven days till May 8 in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

The night curfew will now last till 5 am on May 8. The curfew will begin from 9 pm and continue till 5 am across the state.

Telangana: Night curfew in the state extended for 7 more days till 5 am on 8th May. The statewide night curfew comes into effect at 9 pm and continues till 5 am.#COVID19  ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2021

On April 20, the government had implemented a night curfew in the state till April 30.

The restrictions during the curfew period include closure of all offices, firms, shops, establishments, restaurants etc at 8 pm except hospitals, diagnostic labs, pharmacies and those dealing with the supply of essential services such as media, e-commerce deliveries and Petrol pumps among others.

Movement of people will be prohibited from 9 pm onwards barring government officials, medical personnel and those travelling from or going to airports, railway stations, bus stands on the production of a valid ticket.

Among the relaxations during the curfew, inter-state and intra-state movement and transportation of essential and non-essential goods will be allowed and no separate permission or pass will be required for such movement.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have granted conditional exemption for drone deployment to the Telangana government for conducting experimental delivery of COVID-19 vaccines within the visual line of sight. The permission was granted conditional exemption to the state government from the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021. This exemption will be valid for one year or until further orders.

Ministry of Civil Aviation & DGCA have granted conditional exemption for drone deployment to the Telangana Govt. The drone usage permission has been granted for conducting experimental delivery of Covid-19 vaccines within Visual Line of Sight)Range using drones pic.twitter.com/tZeJsKCUWS  ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2021

Earlier, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had announced free COVID-19 vaccination for all the eligible beneficiaries in the state. The third phase of coronavirus vaccination will begin on May 1 for all adults.

On Friday, Telangana recorded 7,646 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the caseload to over 4.35 lakh while with 53 more casualties the death toll reached 2,261. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 1,441, followed by Medchal Malkajgiri (631) and Rangareddy (484), as per the government bulletin.

Live TV
A 52-year-old farmer from Moneymore has been hit with a fine for polluting a tributary of the Ballymully River.

Hugh Murray, of Granard Lane, Moneymore, pleaded guilty to a charge of polluting a waterway in relation to an incident on July 4 2019.

Water quality inspectors had observed a grey fungus on the surface of the river and noticed an agricultural odour in the vicinity.

Further upstream, inspectors found the fungal growth to be stronger on the left hand side, next to Mr Murray's land.

The court heard how the inspectors had observed a pipe discharging what they suspected to be silage effluent into the waterway and noted a number of fish in distress in the river.

Inspectors attended Mr Murray's property and spoke with his son, who then contacted his father by phone.

Mr Murray agreed to carry out remedial work and said there had been a connection problem between a pipe and a drain in the system.

A sample taken by inspectors was found to be over 4,300 times over the threshold for poor water quality.

Subsequent checks from inspectors found efforts had been made to reduce the problem and the water quality was improving.

Defence for Mr Murray said he had been at a family funeral in Cork at the time of the inspectors' discovery and had taken immediate steps to rectify the situation.

The court also heard the presence of dead fish in the water had never been disclosed to Mr Murray.

District Judge Noel Dunlop fined Mr Murray 400 alongside a 15 offender's levy.
By Dogyun Kim

HWASEONG, South Korea, April 30 (Reuters) - Hundreds of South Korean fishermen across the country held protests on Friday calling on Japan to reverse its decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

About 800 fishermen participated in rallies at ports in nine cities, according to South Korea's National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives.

At one port, at Gungpyeong on the west coast, fishermen held anti-Japan banners and chanted slogans such as "Withdraw Japan's decision" and "Condemn irresponsible nuclear attack. Twenty fishing boats with banners denouncing Japan's decision sailed near the port.

"My father bequeathed this sea to me and Im going to pass it on to my son, who is also fishing," said Park Re-seung, chief of Yongdu-ri fishing village, who has worked in the fishing industry for 38 years. "Why is Japan doing this? How could they do such a bad thing against the sea? Dont they eat fish?"

Japan said this month it will release more than 1 million tonnes of contaminated water into the sea from the plant crippled by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 after filtering it to remove harmful isotopes.

The plan drew immediate opposition from its neighbours South Korea, China and Taiwan.

"For us, this issue is about making our living," Park added. "If the customers continue to see the news of the water release, they wouldnt be even buying fishes that we caught here." (Reporting by Dogyun Kim; Writing by Minwoo Park and Heejung Jung; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
LOS ANGELES, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital Group, home of American Funds and one of the world's largest investment management firms, has filed an application for exemptive relief with the Securities and Exchange Commission based on Fidelity's active equity ETF methodology.

Earlier this year, Capital Group announced it will offer the firm's first actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Capital Group plans to launch both equity and fixed income ETF strategies early in 2022.

"ETFs will be an important extension to our current suite of investment solutions," said Holly Framsted, CFA, head of ETFs, Capital Group. "Fidelity's innovative structure is one of the solutions we'll consider as we plan for a robust ETF launch in early 2022."



Fidelity's active equity ETF model employs a "tracking basket" methodology which maintains the benefits of the ETF structure, provides information to market participants to promote efficient trading of shares, and preserves the ability to add value through active management.

"We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Capital Group," said Fidelity's Head of ETF Management and Strategy Greg Friedman. "Fidelity is committed to the active equity ETF space, and our innovative methodology is designed to operate seamlessly within the existing ETF market."

Since its founding in 1931, Capital Group has evolved its offerings, starting with mutual funds and expanding into other services, including target date funds, Luxembourg funds, model portfolios, collective investment trusts and separately managed accounts.

"As we pursue superior long-term investment results for our investors, the introduction of ETFs continues our strategy of expanding choice for financial professionals, increasing their ability to select the vehicle most appropriate for their client's long-term goals," added Framsted.

About Capital Group

Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2021, Capital Group, home of American Funds, has been singularly focused on delivering superior results for long-term investors using high-conviction portfolios, rigorous research and individual accountability. As of December 31, 2020, Capital Group manages more than $2.3 trillion in equity and fixed income assets for millions of individuals and institutional investors around the world.

Capital Group manages equity assets through three investment groups. These groups make investment and proxy voting decisions independently. Fixed income investment professionals provide fixed income research and investment management across the Capital organization; however, for securities with equity characteristics, they act solely on behalf of one of the three equity investment groups.

For more information, visit capitalgroup.com.

For more information, contact:



Hannah Coan, Capital Group

ph: 213.615.5199

Email: [email protected]

Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value.

Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectuses and summary prospectuses, which can be obtained from a financial professional and should be read carefully before investing.

Statements attributed to an individual represent the opinions of that individual as of the date published and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Capital Group or its affiliates. This information is intended to highlight issues and should not be considered advice, an endorsement or a recommendation.

All Capital Group trademarks mentioned are owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., an affiliated company or fund. All other company and product names mentioned are the property of their respective companies.

Use of this website is intended for U.S. residents only.

American Funds Distributors, Inc., member FINRA

This content, developed by Capital Group, home of American Funds, should not be used as a primary basis for investment decisions and is not intended to serve as impartial investment or fiduciary advice.

 2021 Capital Group. All rights reserved.

The "tracking basket" methodology maintains confidentiality of a portfolio's securities and trading strategies by disclosing a "tracking basket" comprised of select recently disclosed portfolio holdings, liquid U.S. ETFs that convey information about the types of instruments in which the fund invests, and cash and cash equivalents. This "tracking basket" is disclosed daily and is used to facilitate the creation and redemption process. Each ETF's portfolio holdings will be disclosed on its website on a monthly basis with a 30-day lag.

No products or investment vehicles offered by CAPITAL GROUP are sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by FIDELITY or any of its affiliates.

SOURCE Capital Group

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3 1 of 3 Bridgeport Police / Contributed Photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Bridgeport Police / Contributed Photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3





BRIDGEPORT  Two individuals visiting relatives in the Park City on Wednesday were arrested on gun charges after police say they were found with two semi-automatic firearms in a vehicle.

Officers with the State Police Gang Task Force and FBI Safe Streets got information around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday about two men armed with illegal guns in a vehicle on Trumbull Avenue, police said.
Nicola Sturgeon was today savaged over her plans for post-independence border with England and NatWest's threat to leave Scotland - with just a week to go until crucial elections.

The SNP leader wriggled as she was challenged over her suggestion that the Northern Ireland protocol could be a model for after separation - branded 'delusional' by critics.

She complained that people were trying to 'stir up trouble' as she insisted in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme that a solution can be found that can keep trade with England 'flowing without hampering it without friction'.

Instead she argued that rejoining the EU - something that experts have warned could not happen for years - would be 'massively beneficial' for Scottish businesses.

Ms Sturgeon tried to play down the warning from NatWest - formerly Royal Bank of Scotland - that it will have to move to England if Scotland becomes independent because the economy would be too small. She said Scotland would create its own currency to replace the Pound and central bank.

During the heated exchanges, Ms Sturgeon also took aim rival Alex Salmond jibing that the 'reality' is he is not likely to be an MSP after the election, with his new Alba Party polling at just 2-3 per cent.

Nicola Sturgeon (picture campaigning in Aberdeenshire yesterday) wriggled as she was challenged over her suggestion that the Northern Ireland protocol could be a model for after separation - branded 'delusional' by critics

During an interview on BBC Radio 4, Ms Sturgeon also took aim rival Alex Salmond jibing that the 'reality' is he is not likely to be an MSP after the election, with his new Alba Party polling at just 2-3 per cent

Ms Sturgeon was grilled repeatedly over how she could stop Scotland being hammered by having to impose border restrictions with England.

She claimed an independent Scotland would negotiate terms to 'allow businesses to keep trading', and moaned that the problems were being exaggerated.

Ms Sturgeon said: 'This is the frankness that certain sections of the media will seek to stir up trouble on  I am not denying that we would need to confront and resolve the issues of being in the European Union for the border between Scotland and England.

'If we do that in a way that allows businesses to keep trading, because businesses are already paying the price of having a border because of Brexit, we open up the European Union again.

'That is massively important for Scottish businesses, and also makes Scotland more attractive again in terms of inward investment to secure that access to the single market.'

The First Minister also dismissed concerns about whether Scotland would be allowed to remain in the common travel area with the rest of the UK and Ireland - saying 'nobody with any shred of credibility' is suggesting otherwise, but admitting that it has been questioned in Westminster.

She refused to say how long Scotland would retain the Trident nuclear weapons system, which has been a totemic issue for many SNP members.

When asked if it 'could be years' after Scotland becomes independent before the missiles are removed from the Clyde Naval Base at Faslane, Ms Sturgeon said: 'I want to see Trident removed from Scotland as quickly as possible, not least because I think there are many more important things we can do with the money that is invested in Trident.

'I'm not going to sit here right now and say exactly what that timescale will be other than I want it to be as quickly as is safely possible, and I'm saying to you very openly that safety is a priority.'

Mr Salmond has vowed that if he wins a seat in the election he will table a motion ordering the Scottish Government to launch immediate negotiations with the UK Government on independence.

But Ms Sturgeon swiped that polls suggested Mr Salmond becoming an MP is 'not going to be the reality', with Alba languishing at just 2-3 per cent support.

Following bruising criticism for trying to force a referendum as early as this year amid a fledgling pandemic recovery, and a sharp slump in backing for splitting the union, Ms Sturgeon struck a softer tone on her timetable.

'My immediate focus, if I'm re-elected next Thursday, is to get back to work to continue to steer this country through Covid,' she said.

'I don't believe we should propose a referendum right at this moment.

I'm a life-long supporter of independence, I want Scotland to be independent. But firstly we've got to steer the country through the crisis and we've got to build the majority for independence through patient persuasion.

'People who are serious about achieving independence I think understand that.'

In another dig at Mr Salmond, she added: 'I think talk of supermajorities and gaming the system and trying to bulldoze our way to independence almost regardless of the state of public opinion risks putting those we need to persuade of independence off rather than pulling them towards us.'

In a separate interview with the Irish Times yesterday, Ms Sturgeon floated the idea that Scotland could have a similar relationship with the EU and Britain as Northern Ireland.

'In terms of goods and services, if we are an independent country within the European Union, of course we have to comply with the rules and regulations

'But what we've got to understand is that Brexit has created border issues, and our businesses right now are paying the price for that. What we've got to decide is how best we arrange all of these things for maximum advantage.

'The Northern Ireland protocol, if there are easements there, yes, I think that does offer some template.'

She defended the suggestion today, saying there will be 'lessons' for Scotland from Northern Ireland's arrangements.

But critics have pointed out that the province was made a special case because of the Troubles, and has been plagued with sectarian tensions and border old-ups since the protocol came into force.

A Savanta ComRes poll published yesterday found 54 per cent would vote No if Ms Sturgeon achieves her ambition of triggering another referendum

Ms Sturgeon tried to play down the warning from NatWest - formerly Royal Bank of Scotland - that it will have to move to England if Scotland becomes independent because the economy would be too small to support its balance sheet

Labour shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: 'The First Minister's comments simply beggar belief and demonstrate the bizarre positions that Nicola Sturgeon is forced to adopt in a vain attempt to mask the economic threat caused by Scottish separation.'

Scottish Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael added: 'The polite term for this would be delusional.'

There was more evidence Nicola Sturgeon's independence drive is faltering yesterday with a poll backing for the UK at the highest level in 18 months.

Savanta ComRes research found 54 per cent would vote No if Ms Sturgeon achieves her ambition of triggering another referendum.

The survey for the Scotsman also suggest the SNP is set to lose two seats in the elections next week - leaving it four seats short of a majority.

Ms Sturgeon has made calling a fresh ballot on separation as early as this year the key plank of her manifesto.

She has insisted that a big SNP win provide a mandate for another contest, even though the last vote in 2014 was billed as 'once in a generation'.

However, after riding high for months, a slew of recent polls have shown backing for dividing the UK has been slipping, as Ms Sturgeon's civil war with Mr Salmond rages.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 21:34:38|Editor: huaxia

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MUSCAT, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Omani health ministry on Friday announced 927 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the sultanate to 193,253, the official Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

Meanwhile, 1,275 people recovered during the past 48 hours, taking the overall recoveries to 173,123 while nine deaths were reported, pushing the tally up to 2,010 since the pandemic broke out in the country, according to a ministry statement reported by ONA.

The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing instructions. Enditem
PHOTOS: Governor Whitmer Receives Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

PHOTOS: Governor Whitmer Receives Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2021

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

PHOTOS: Governor Whitmer Receives Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer received a second dose of the safe and effective Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine administered by Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. The governor joined six Grand Rapids teens serving as Protect Michigan Commission COVID-19 ambassadors in receiving their vaccines.

"I feel relieved to have gotten my second dose today and join millions of fully vaccinated Michiganders in the fight against COVID-19," said Governor Whitmer. "Although I have my second dose, I will continue to socially distance, wash my hands often, and wear a mask when necessary. I urge all Michiganders to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19. Every day we're getting closer and closer to the light at the end of the tunnel. Let's beat COVID-19 together."

The six students who received their vaccine alongside the governor have volunteered to serve as Protect Michigan Commission COVID-19 ambassadors. As part of the ambassador program, the students will urge their peers to get vaccinated and continue to practice preventative measures such as properly wearing masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing to reduce the spread of the virus until the vast majority of people have been vaccinated.

To date, Michigan has administered 6,820,926 vaccines, moving the state closer to its goal of equitably vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible. As part of these efforts, Michigan is working to administer 100,000 shots per day, partnering with organizations like Spectrum Health to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine.

All individuals 16 and 17 years of age are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine only. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available for those 18 years and older. Any minors ages 16 and 17 will need a parent or legal guardian to accompany them to their appointment to provide consent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In some counties, the parent or legal guardian may be able to provide consent through a note or a phone call that has been verified by two nurses. Check with the vaccine provider first to see if this is an option where you live.

###
on Friday said it is partnering with the Indian government to roll out a vaccine finder tool on its mobile app in India, which will help people identify places nearby to get inoculated.

The social media giant had, earlier this week, announced a USD 10 million grant for emergency response efforts for COVID-19 situation in the country.

"Partnering with the Government of India, will begin rolling out its Vaccine Finder tool on the mobile app in India available in 17 languages to help people identify places nearby to get the vaccine," Facebook said in a post on the platform.

In this tool, vaccine centre locations and their hours of operation have been provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 15.22 crore. Also, more than 2.45 crore people have registered themselves on the Co-WIN digital platform ahead of the Phase-3 of the COVID-19 vaccination for those above 18 years that is set to start from May 1.

Facebook said its tool will also show walk-in options (for 46 years and above) and a link to register on the Co-Win website and schedule vaccination appointment.

The massive rise in infections in the second wave of the pandemic has led to hospitals in several states reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have emerged as a lifeline, connecting those looking for oxygen cylinders, hospital beds, plasma donors, and ventilators with possible donors.

Facebook said it is partnering with organisations such as United Way, Swasth, Hemkunt Foundation, I Am Gurgaon, Project Mumbai and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) to deploy the funds announced to help augment critical medical supplies with over 5,000 oxygen concentrators and other life-saving equipment like ventilators, BiPAP machines and to increase hospital bed capacity.

The company is also supporting NGOs and UN agencies in the country with ad credits and insights to reach the majority of people on Facebook with COVID-19 vaccine and preventive health information.

The platform is also providing health resources to people from UNICEF India about when to seek emergency care and how to manage mild COVID-19 symptoms at home.

"The information is accessible and prominent on Facebook's COVID-19 Information Center and in Feed.On Instagram, we are promoting this information via Guides in Explore," it noted.

Twitter too has set up a COVID-19 SOS page that helps surface information from those offering or seeking immediate help during this crisis.

"We have also built a series of Twitter Moments to help you get the facts from the most reliable sources, because we know not all the information you see on the service is credible. These dedicated Moments about vaccine safety, how to stay safe and more, include detailed and accredited information from organisations like the MoHFW and World Health Organization, among others," it added.

Twitter is also expanding its efforts to surface credible COVID-19 information with home Timeline prompts featuring the latest information about COVID-19 vaccines in English and Hindi. This, it said, will help those looking for up-to-date, localised information about vaccine safety, vaccine eligibility and other details.

Twitter said it is currently matching 'Tweep' donations at 300 per cent organisations includingOxfam India,Akshay Patra Foundation,Child Rights and YouandRise Against Hunger India.

It has made a separate USD 100,000 donation to Hemkunt Foundationto support their work in donating oxygen cylinders.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Chinese airport has a toilet that allegedly contains fossils that are hundreds of millions of years old. This shocking discovery was first found by a professor in a TV program, revealing that the material used to build some of the toilet's sinks are filled with fossils.

Shen Shuzhong, a professor from Nanjing University's School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, discussed the major species extinction events in the Earth's history.

During a science education program at state broadcaster CCTV, he revealed some photos of the Longdongbao International Airport toilet washbasins, which is located in Guiyang, Guizhou.

"You can see the white patterns in the construction materials of the sink. These patterns are the fossils, belonging to the brachiopod fossil category which dates back to hundreds of millions of years ago," said the professor.

Chinese Airport's Toilet Washbasin Contains Fossils?

According to Live Tube's previous report, the hundreds of millions of years old fossils trapped within the Chinese airport's popular toilet contain many secrets of the Earth's past.

Related Article: 46,000-year-old Frozen Horned Lark Bird Provides Clues to How Worse the Climate Change Has Become

Shen added that these secrets include what temperatures the seawater was measured at and what was the environment back then. However, the main goal of the professor is to only inform his audiences.

He said that it was unexpected that his brief mention of the fossils would trigger discussions among the general public and geology experts. However, some of the people even got excited to visit the Chinese airport just to take some photos of its toilet washbasin.

On the other hand, Chen Shangbin, a geology professor from China University of Mining and Technology in Xuzhou of Jiangsu, said Shen's goal is to inform the public that they can still encounter fossils in real life, in many ways they can't imagine.

Is This Legal?

The Chinese airport's use of fossils in its toilet washbasin is legal since the Guizhou is often dubbed an ancient creatures kingdom for its rich fossil finds. South China Morning Post also reported that some researchers even said that the ancient remains discovered in the region cover almost every category of fossils.

Right now, the popularity of this unusual toilet surged from $31 per square meter up to $154. If you want to know more details, all you need to do is click here.

For more news updates about this Chinese airport and other similar stories, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: This Unfortunate-Looking Bird is Now an Instagram Star! Here's What Frogmouth Looks Like

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
New Delhi, April 30: After Russia, the US and European Union had taken the lead, China, which wants to be counted as a "responsible" global player, has also stepped-up supplies to enable India to counter a devastating second wave of Covid 19.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said at media conference on Thursday that Indian companies are also sourcing some essential medical supplies and equipment from China to fight the pandemic.

"We know that a number of companies in India have been sourcing products. I mentioned that companies who have been active in sourcing our priority requirements, be it oxygen generators, concentrators, or pharmaceuticals. Some of it is being sourced from China," Shringla said.

"Cargo flights are also operating and some of the equipment is coming in. But I think this is part of meeting the requirements in as effective a manner as possible," he explained.

China's entry into the Indian relief effort, however, appeared to generate the impression of a damage control exercise. Analysts say that China lifted commercial barriers for essential supplies only out of fear that it would lose the perception war about its role in a larger international effort to mitigate the crisis in India, which had, during the first wave of the pandemic stood out for its largesse in support of the impacted countries.

On April 27, US President Joe Biden said the country was sending a whole series of help that India needed for its battle against the pandemic. "We are sending immediately a whole series of help that he needs, including providing for those Remdesivir and other drugs that are able to deal with this," Joe Biden told reporters at a White House news conference on Tuesday.

The US also agreed to transfer the raw materials needed to make vaccines to India, several days after Serum Institute's CEO Adar Poonawalla tweeted to President Biden requesting to lift the embargo on their export.

The Russians too were quickly in the fray to support India at the time of its need. During a conversation of Wednesday between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian side decided to fly 22 tonnes of emergency supplies to fight Covid-19, to India. By first light on Thursday, two plane loads marshalled by the Russian emergencies' ministry had already landed in New Delhi.

It was at this point that the Chinese began to get their act together. On Wednesday, Chinese ambassador to India, Sun Weidong tweeted that "Chinese medical suppliers are working overtime on orders from India, at least 25,000 orders for oxygen concentrators in recent days. Cargo planes are under plan for medical supplies. Chinese customs will facilitate relevant process." The reference to "cargo planes" was apparently meant to bury the "scandal" of Sichuan Airlines refusing to fly its cargo planes directly to India with essential supplies, citing fears of contracting the virus. On Thursday, Chinese state councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi, also got into the act of perception management. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Wang assured his counterpart that, "anti-pandemic materials produced in China are entering India at a faster pace to help India fight the epidemic". He further added that, "The Chinese side will continue to do its utmost to provide support and help according to the needs of India." Earlier on Monday the logistics arm under Sichuan Airlines decided to resume cargo services to India. "We are re-evaluating the original plan of suspending cargo services to India, and actively discussing a new plan to guarantee cargo services to the region," the company said in a reply sent to the Global Times on Monday.

Ambassador Sun also sought to create the impression that there has been no interruption in Chinese supplies to India. Without mentioning any specific dates, he tweeted on Thursday that, "Since this April, #China has supplied more than 5000 ventilators, 21569 oxygen generators, over 21.48 million masks & around 3800 tons of medicines to #India, according to statistics of the General Administration of Customs of China." It now remains to be seen whether China's belated attempt at course correction will yield positive results in the long run.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Rachel Brosnahan has been hard at work filming season four of Amazon's acclaimed series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in NYC.

And the 30-year-old actress who stars as Miriam 'Midge' in the comedy was spotted slipping into a floral pink jumper and baker boy cap while shooting scenes with co-star Alex Borstein, 50, in Washington Square Park.

Perhaps most eye-catching of all were Rachel's brown tresses which were adorned with vintage pink Spoolies hair curlers and she worked her many facial expressions while shooting near a news stand.

Back in action: Rachel Brosnahan, 30, slips into character as she films season four of Emmy-winning series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in Washington Square Park with co-star Alex Borstein

Daring duo: Borstein, 50,  who also took home an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress as Susie Myerson  was seen rocking pajamas with a matching leather jacket and cap for the scene

Both ladies were seen putting on very animated displays as they took over the bustling park with a full production team, but no release date for the Emmy-winning show has been announced at this time.

The show which follows a fifties housewife with comedian dreams has become a fan favorite, and has snagged multiple Emmys and Golden Globes.

And Brosnahan rocked a feminine floral jumpsuit with a baker boy cap and leather jacket as she strolled through the park in silk heels with a pom pom detail.

The Milwaukee-born beauty was seen getting a glam touch up before filming shots by the park's enormous fountain.

Full team: The Milwaukee native was seen getting hair and makeup touched up before a few scenes

Character work: She worked her many facial expressions while filming in costume in the middle of the bustling park

Modern day mayhem: Perhaps most eye-catching of all were Rachel's brown tresses which were adorned with vintage pink Spoolies hair curlers and she worked her many facial expressions while shooting near a news stand

Trailblazer: Borstein plays Midge's talent agent manager and is loosely based on the life of Sue Mengers a formidable female agent

Loose change? At one point Brosnahan's character pulled out what looked to be a piece of hair from her pocket

And Borstein  who plays her talent agent/manager Susie Myerson  was seen sprinting through the park in a pale blue T-shirt and striped pants with a similar leather jacket and cap.

The scene in progress seemed to feature both ladies in their pajamas before throwing on more suitable outerwear with an incognito flare as they darted around the city.

Borstein's character seemed to be trying to get a handle on Midge's whereabouts as she chased after her before having a refreshment at the newsstand.

She was scene running past an extra in full fifties garb as they continue to teleport viewers to New York in a simpler time.

On guard: Borstein's character seemed to be trying to get a handle on Midge's whereabouts as she chased after her before having a refreshment at the newsstand

Scenes of New York: The show is shot all around NYC and gives viewers a glimpse at what the city may have looked like back in the fifties

On the move: She was scene running past an extra in full costume as the acclaimed show continues to teleport viewers to New York in a simpler time

Fan favorite: Brosnahan stars as 'Midge' Maisel in the show about a fifties housewife with comedian dreams

The Family Guy actress also took home an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2019, and her character is based on real life female talent agent Sue Mengers.

And though the show is set in the fifties, the production featured plenty of masked up patrons and a full staff also in masks as the show continues to follow COVID-19 protocol.

The upcoming season will also feature Reid Scott (Veep) and Gideon Glick (Marriage Story). Per Deadline, 'Character details are being kept under wraps, but both Scott and Glick will appear in multi-episode arcs.'

The show also stars Tony Shalhoub, Marin Hinkle, Michael Zegen, Kevin Pollak and Caroline Aaron.
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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NASA announced Friday that Ingenuity successfully completed its fourth flight, which saw the small helicopter 'fly farther and faster than ever before.'

The $85 million drone traveled 872 feet (266 meters) at a height of 16 feet (5 meters) for two minutes.

The American space agency received the data downlink at 1:39pm ET that showed the copter took off from 'Wright Brothers Field' under the watchful gaze of the Perseverance rover at 10:12am ET.

Perseverance, which sat some 210 feet away, snapped a picture of its travel companion's fourth flight through the thin atmosphere on Mars.

'Success. #MarsHelicopter completed 4th flight, going farther & faster than ever before. It also took more photos as it flew over the Martian surface. We expect those images will come down in a later data downlink, but @NASAPerseverance's Hazcam caught part of the flight,' NASA's JPL shared on Twitter.

The flight was initially set for Thursday, but the data downlink showed Ingenuity did not transition to flight mode - meaning it never left the ground.

Scroll down for videos

NASA received the data downlink at 1:39pm ET that showed the copter took off from 'Wright Brothers Field' under the watchful gaze of the Perseverance rover at 10:12am ET (pictured)

'Ingenuity loves Mars,' project manager MiMi Aung told reporters. 'It takes off and I almost feel the freedom that it feels.'

The space agency said it would continue to push the four-pound copter to its limit in each subsequent test, this time almost doubling the speed of the third flight.

Due to delays in sending data from the 187 million miles between Jezero crater on Mars and NASA JPL in California, the team waited in suspense for three hours or so before receiving confirmation of the successful flight.

The small craft achieved all of its goals including flight duration, distance and speed, in the first three trips - so the fourth 'pushed the envelope' beyond what the small rotorcraft was designed to achieve by NASA JPL engineers.

The flight was initially set for Thursday, but the data downlink showed Ingenuity did not transition to flight mode - meaning it never left the ground

The small craft achieved all of its goals including flight duration, distance and speed, in the first three trips - so the fourth 'pushed the envelope' beyond what the small rotorcraft was designed to achieve by NASA JPL engineers (pictured is the copter's third flight)

Ingenuity was set to soar up to 16 feet above the Martian airfield, head south over rocks, sand ripples and impact craters for 872 feet and used its navigation camera to collect images of the surface every four feet.

As it flew, the rotorcraft was to have used its downward-looking navigation camera to collect images of the surface until it traveled a total of 436 feet downrange.

INGENUITY: THE SMALL ROTORCRAFT THAT TOOK TO THE MARTIAN SKY Ingenuity was designed as a technology demonstrator rather than carrying any of its own science experiments or equipment. It rode to Mars attached to the belly of the SUV-size Perseverance rover. The helicopter took off from the 'Wright Brothers Field' on Monday April 19, making history as the first powered flight on another world. For the first flight, the helicopter took off, climbed to about 10ft above the ground, hovered in the air briefly, completed a turn, and then landed. It is built to be light and strong to survive the harsh Martian environment. It weighs just under 4lb and is only 19 inches tall as it has to fly in the much thinner atmosphere - about 1% that of the atmosphere found on Earth. It can fly up to 980ft, go up to 15ft in the sky and can spend about 90 seconds in the air before landing. The rotors are 4ft in diameter and the craft includes solar panels that charge lithium-ion batteries. It has a 30 day lifespan, with a total of five flights expected in that time. Advertisement

Then, Ingenuity was set to hover and take images with its color high-definition camera before heading back to Wright Brothers Field to land.

Perseverance watched the fourth flight unfold from about 210 feet away, as it did with the previous flights.

On its fifth flight in another week or so, the four-pound (1.8-kilogram) chopper will move to a new airfield on Mars, allowing the rover to finally start focusing on its own rock-sampling mission.

The rover is seeking signs of ancient life at Jezero Crater, home to a lush lakebed and river delta billions of years ago.

A few hours before confirming the flight, NASA had announced Ingenuity is getting a promotion as an operation partner for Perseverance.

The helicopter is set to conduct aerial scouting over the surface of Mars, which will begin following its next two flights.

Friday's announcement comes as the Perseverance rover is ahead of schedule with the thorough checkout of all vehicle systems since touching down February 19.

'With the Mars Helicopter's energy, telecommunications, and in-flight navigation systems performing beyond expectation, an opportunity arose to allow the helicopter to continue exploring its capabilities with an operations demonstration, without significantly impacting rover scheduling,' NASA shared in a statement.

The operations demonstration will begin in about two weeks with the helicopter's sixth flight.

Until then, Ingenuity will be in a transitional phase that includes its fourth and fifth forays into Mars' crimson skies.

Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, said: 'The Ingenuity technology demonstration has been a resounding success.

'Since Ingenuity remains in excellent health, we plan to use it to benefit future aerial platforms while prioritizing and moving forward with the Perseverance rover team's near-term science goals.'

The small craft achieved all of its goals including flight duration, distance and speed, in the first three trips - so the fourth will 'push the envelope' beyond what the small rotorcraft was designed to achieve by NASA JPL engineers.

Flying on Mars is particularly challenging due to the fact its atmosphere is just one percent of Earth's at ground level, and while the lower gravity, a third of that on Earth, helps, it is only a partial offset against the thinner atmosphere.

This means that in order to fly, the helicopter has to be ultra-light and rotate its blades extremely fast in order to achieve lift.

The drone was designed as a technical demonstration to see if a flying component would be viable and possible for future planetary science and exploration missions.

It has no science equipment on board, beyond a navigation camera and a horizon camera in full color.

Ingenuity made history on April 19 when it became the first powered craft to take off and land on another world, something NASA dubbed its 'Wright Brothers moment'.

Ingenuity was set to soar up to 16 feet above the Martian airfield, head south over rocks, sand ripples and impact craters for 276 feet and used its navigation camera to collect images of the surface every four feet

Previously flights saw Ingenuity take off from the Martian airfield and soar 10 feet in the air

It travelled up 10 feet into the air, hovered and then landed back on Martian soil on the landing site the agency has since named after the famed airplane inventors.

For the second flight Ingenuity went higher and further than during the first, travelling 16ft into the air, hovering and accelerating seven feet sideways.

The third flight pushed this a step further, also going up 16 feet, then travelling 164 feet at 4.5 miles per hour, before landing back down on the surface of Mars.

'From millions of miles away, Ingenuity checked all the technical boxes we had at NASA about the possibility of powered, controlled flight at the Red Planet,' said Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division.

'Future Mars exploration missions can now confidently consider the added capability an aerial exploration may bring to a science mission.'

A few hours before confirming the flight, NASA had announced Ingenuity is getting a promotion as an operation partner for Perseverance. The helicopter is set to conduct aerial scouting over the surface of Mars, which will begin following its next two flights

This black-and-white image was taken by the navigation camera aboard NASA's Ingenuity helicopter during its third flight

The Ingenuity team had three objectives to accomplish to declare the technology demo a complete success.

They completed the first objective about six years ago when the team demonstrated in the 25-foot-diameter space simulator chamber of JPL that powered, controlled flight in the thin atmosphere of Mars was more than a theoretical exercise.

The second objective  to fly on Mars  was met when Ingenuity flew for the first time on April 19.

The team surpassed the last major objective with the third flight, when Ingenuity rose 16 feet, flying downrange 164 feet and back at a top speed of 6.6 feet per second - even snapping a photo of Perseverance along the way.
AMSTERDAM, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Group-IB, a global threat hunting and adversary-centric cyber intelligence company that specializes in investigating hi-tech cybercrimes, and the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC), detected and took down a massive multistage scam campaign circulating online on April 7, World Health Day. Scammers had created a distributed network of 134 rogue websites impersonating the World Health Organization (WHO) on its health awareness day, encouraging users to take a fake survey with the promise of funds in return. The scheme targeted millions of users worldwide with the goal of tricking them into visiting fraudulent third-party websites. Upon detection, Group-IB's Digital Risk Protection (DRP) reached out UNICC's Common Secure team as a trusted contact for cyber threat intelligence matters within the UN ecosystem, to assure that proper contacts within WHO were aware of the scam. Group-IB then took down all the scam domains. Group-IB researchers established that one scammer collective, codenamed DarkPath Scammers, is likely to be behind the campaign. The investigation is underway.

On April 7, Group-IB alerted UNICC about a fake website impersonating WHO branding. Visitors to the website were encouraged to answer a few simple questions in return for a 200-euro prize on the occasion of World Health Day.

Once users answered the questions, they were prompted to share the link with their WhatsApp contacts. That way, scammers tried to ensure that their multistage scheme was distributed virally. The users would also see fake Facebook comments about the gifts the commentors supposedly received. Group-IB researchers discovered that when victims hit the share button and unknowingly involved friends in the scam, instead of receiving the promised reward they were redirected to third-party fraudulent resources that offered to take part in another lucky draw. By this time in the scam routine is no longer mentioned as users would visit a hookup website, inadvertently install a browser extension, or subscribe to paid services. In the worst-case scenarios, users would end up on a malicious or phishing website.

In addition to the scam's multi-stage nature, which makes it hard to detect, victims were shown customized content depending on their geolocation, user agent, and language settings. Group-IB's DRP team discovered that it was not a one-off short-lived website impersonating the WHO brand, but rather a sophisticated distributed infrastructure, which included a network of 134 almost identical domains that hosted web pages exploiting the World Health Day theme. Within 48 hours upon discovery, Group-IB managed to block all the rogue domains.

Group-IB researchers discovered connections between the blocked 134 websites involved in the WHO scam and at least 500 other scam and phishing resources impersonating more than 50 well-known international food, sportswear, e-commerce, software, automotive, and energy industry brands. The analysis of websites revealed that the cybercriminals use scam kits. Like phishing kits, scam kits are sets of tools that help create and design scam pages. One scam kit allows impersonating multiple brands at a time using the same template. It is worth noting that after the takedown efforts by UNICC and Group-IB, the scammers stopped using the WHO branding across their entire network.

While analyzing the infrastructure, Group-IB researchers examined the domains and other digital indicators and concluded that the whole network is likely to be maintained and controlled by a scammer collective codenamed DarkPath Scammers. According to Group-IB's estimates, their whole network attracts around 200,000 users daily from the US, India, Russia, and other countries.

"After warning us, we knew Group-IB was the team to deal with this World Health Day scam", says Bojan Simetic, Information Security Specialist, UNICC. "They have the expertise and tools to get the job of takedown done, in short order."

"We are delighted to cooperate with the UNICC in detection and elimination of scams that deceive people into thinking they are dealing with legitimate websites", says Dmitry Tyunkin, Head of Group-IB's Digital Risk Protection team in Amsterdam. "Yet many brands still underestimate the impact of such scams on their businesses and customers. The approach most companies take when tackling brand abuse online can be compared to tilting at windmills: they overlook the continuous trend involving multistage scams and distributed infrastructure."

Media Contact:

Group-IB PR team

+65 3159-3798

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A group of retired soldiers who have raised the prospect of a military coup to 'save' France from radical Islam are to lose their pay and privileges of rank, the country's armed forces chief said today.

The 18 serving officers who backed their calls have been threatened with jail.

Defence chief General Francois Lecointre said he would take disciplinary action against the generals and retired officers, who were among 2,000 who signed an open letter to the French President.

Lecointre said: 'These general officers will each pass before a higher military council. At the end of this procedure, it is the President of the Republic who signs a decree expelling them'.

They will lose their pay and privileges as members of the reserve of senior officers, and won't be able to use their rank.

A Paris mayor has backed military chiefs who threatened to seize control of the country to fight radical Islam and prevent the 'disintegration' of France.

Despite widespread condemnation, politicians on the right like Rachida Dati, mayor of the 7th arrondissement, continue to throw their support behind the signatories, who included 20 retired generals.

'What is written in this letter is a reality,' Ms Dati told France Info radio today. 'When you have a country plagued by urban guerrilla warfare, when you have a constant and high terrorist threat, when you have increasingly glaring and flagrant inequalities ... we cannot say that the country is doing well.'

Rachida Dati, mayor of Paris' 7th arrondissement, said that the concerns expressed in the letter to Emmanuel Macron were valid. Ms Dati told France Info radio today: 'When you have a country plagued by urban guerrilla warfare, when you have a very regular and very high terrorist threat, when you have increasingly glaring and flagrant inequalities ... we cannot say that the country is doing well'

Army Corps General Christian Piquemal, 80, was the lead signatory of the 20 retired generals who backed the letter. He is pictured at an anti-Islam rally in Calais in 2016.

Division General Emmanuel De Richoufftz during his visit to the central Ivory Coast area of Sakassou August 29, 2003. Gen. De Richoufftz was also among the 20 generals to sign the letter.

Rachida Dati cut her teeth as an adviser to Nicolas Sarkozy before she was appointed his justice minister in 2007 (they are pictured together in Paris in August, 2007)

The 55-year-old was raised in a devoutly Muslim household by an Algerian mother and father. She has made a name for herself as a politician who takes no prisoners, infuriating left-wingers with her law-and-order crackdown as justice minister, and brushing off critics when she decided to take just three days maternity leave after the birth of her daughter.

She said that 'the police have become a target for terrorists.'

A policewoman was stabbed to death last week in Rambouillet southwest of Paris.

Anti-terror officers said the suspect, a Tunisian national, had been watching jihadist propaganda videos prior to the attack.

Ms Dati continued: 'I am afraid that the police will break down one day.'

Referencing the military officers' letter, she added: 'And if they crack, we go well beyond the disintegration of society.'

The 55-year-old served as justice minister under Nicolas Sarkozy from 2007 to 2009.

Raised in a devoutly Muslim household by Algerian immigrant parents, Ms Dati is no stranger to ruffling feathers and has been tipped to run against Macron in 2022.

She is renowned for taking no prisoners, infuriating left-wingers with her law-and-order crackdown as justice minister, and brushing off critics when she decided to take just three days maternity leave after the birth of her daughter.

Asked in September what her plans were over the next two years, Ms Dati told The Times: 'To win the 2022 presidential election.'

Her intervention today comes as the Chief of France's Defence Staff General Francois Lecointre today condemned those who signed the letter, calling it 'absolutely revolting.'

'I hope that their automatic retirement will be decided,' Gen. Lecointre told the Parisien newspaper.

'This is an exceptional procedure, which we are launching immediately at the request of the Minister of the Armed Forces.

'These general officers will each pass before a higher military council. At the end of this procedure, it is the President of the Republic who signs a decree expelling them'.

The 18 serving officers joined thousands of retired ones who had signed an open letter warning that France was heading for 'civil war' because of radical Islam.

It said action was needed to fight the 'suburban hordes' - a reference to the predominantly immigrant population of the housing estates which surround French cities  or else there would be 'thousands of deaths'.

President Macron's government strongly condemned the letter, which was published on the 60th anniversary of a failed coup d'etat by generals opposed to France granting independence to Algeria, its former North African colony.

Prime Minister Jean Castex said the letter by military figures was 'against all of our republican principles, of honour and the duty of the army'.

And Florence Parly, the Defence Minister, said: 'This is unacceptable. There will be consequences, naturally.

The soldiers behind the letter were all said to be anti-immigration activists with racist views and strong ties to the far-Right Rassemblement National (National Rally).

The lead signatory was Christian Piquemal, 80, who commanded the French Foreign Legion before losing his privileges as a retired officer after being arrested while taking part in an anti-Islam demonstration in 2016.

Chief of France's Defence Staff General Francois Lecointre today condemned those who signed the letter, calling it 'absolutely revolting' (Lecointre is pictured standing beside Emmanuel Macron in a car during Bastille Day ceremonies in July last year)

Marine Le Pen, the Rassemblement National leader, welcomed the letter, which was first published last week in Valeurs Actuelle (Current Values) magazine.

'I invite you to join us in taking part in the coming battle, which is the battle of France,' Le Pen wrote in a response to the letter.

Le Pen, who would become head of France's Armed Forces if she replaces Macron as president next year, was widely criticised by her opponents on both the Left and Right for her words.

France's current Fifth Republic has been threatened by military coups in the past, notably by far-Right activists who were eventually defeated as they tried to keep Algeria in the early 1960s.

There are some five million Muslims in France - the largest community of its kind in western Europe - and many have backgrounds in former colonies, such as Algeria.

The Rassemblement National used to be called the Front National (National Front), and was founded by Ms Le Pen's father, the convicted anti-Semite, racist and Islamophobe, Jean-Marie Le Pen.

No-nonsense Paris mayor raised in a devoutly Muslim household who took just three days maternity leave The mayor of Paris' affluent 7th arrondissement since 2008, Rachida Dati has made a name for herself as a politician who takes no prisoners. The 55-year-old infuriated left-wingers with her tough law-and-order crackdown as justice minister in Nicolas Sarkozy's government from 2007 to 2009. She took no notice of appalled judges when she streamlined the outdated provincial courts. And she brushed off critics who took to the airwaves when she decided to take just three days maternity leave after the birth of her daughter. 'I was in good health, my daughter was in good health, I wanted to go back and I had the means to do it,' she told The Times in September. 'I wasn't asking anyone else to do the same thing. But I reckoned that I should be allowed to do it if I wanted. You see, you have to battle to be free.' Rachida Dati, French former Justice minister, attends a TV debate for 2014 Paris Municipal Election with Paris' deputy mayor Anne Hidalgo. She lost to the socialist incumbent Hidalgo but she was able to secure 34 per cent of the vote - enough of a share for Le Monde to proclaim that she could challenge Macron. Ms Dati grew up in a devout Muslim household in Burgundy, the child of Algerian immigrants, her father was a stone mason. Despite living on a council estate, Ms Dati's father was keen that she get a good education and sent her to a private Catholic school. 'My parents were Muslims and we were brought up as Muslims, but he thought that all religions, including Catholicism, taught you the difference between good and evil,' Ms Dati said. She added that many French Muslims have a similarly open outlook, but nevertheless conceded that radical Islam was taking hold in France. Ms Dati attributes this to the Anglo-Saxon tradition of allowing people to maintain their customs and practices. 'What troubled me about England is the fact that you say you respect people's differences, but in fact you go further than that, and you allow people to live in isolation. There is very little social mix,' she told The Times. 'The French model is totally different, although I fear that we are slowly moving towards a multicultural and multi-ethnic model that could generate conflicts. 'Everyone now wants to defend an identity and there comes a time when ... what you have are individuals and communities demanding their own rights and their own rules. And that is dangerous. It creates divisions.' Last year she cemented her position as a presidential contender when she ran for office as the mayor of all of Paris. Dati considers Sarkozy her political mentor (pictured together at the site of the Terracota Warriors in Xian, China, in 2007) Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy introduces Rachida Dati during a meeting ahead of the first round of the mayoral elections on March 9, 2020, in Paris She lost to the socialist incumbent Anne Hidalgo but she was able to secure 34 per cent of the vote - enough of a share for Le Monde to proclaim that she could challenge Macron. Throughout her success, Ms Dati said she has faced derision from snobby Parisians, more so because of her working class background than her ethnicity. Under Macron's government she has argued that such class divisions have been made worse. 'Unemployment is high and we have unprecedented levels of youth unemployment,' she told The Times. 'We have protests all the time, the crime rate has exploded and we have an exponential debt.' Advertisement
ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Avanos Medical, Inc. (NYSE: AVNS) will webcast its conference call discussing financial results and business highlights for the first quarter 2021 on Friday, May 7 at 9 a.m. ET. The company will issue a news release detailing its results before the market opens that same day.

The conference call will be hosted by Joe Woody, chief executive officer, and Michael Greiner, senior vice president and chief financial officer.

To join the live conference call, dial 877-240-5772 in the United States. A simultaneous webcast of the call and a related presentation will be accessible via the Investors section of the Avanos Medical website, https://avanos.investorroom.com/.

A replay of the conference call will be available May 7 at noon ET by dialing 877-344-7529 in the United States and entering passcode 10156077. It will be available for one week. A replay of the webcast also will be accessible in the Investors section of the website, approximately one hour following the completion of the conference call.

About Avanos Medical, Inc.

Avanos Medical (NYSE: AVNS) is a medical device company focused on delivering clinically superior breakthrough solutions that will help patients get back to the things that matter. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Avanos is committed to creating the next generation of innovative healthcare solutions which will address our most important healthcare needs, such as reducing the use of opioids while helping patients move from surgery to recovery. Avanos develops, manufactures and markets its recognized brands in more than 90 countries. For more information, visit www.avanos.com and follow Avanos Medical on Twitter (@AvanosMedical), LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Over 386,000 fresh cases reported

India reported 386,452 fresh infections on Friday, taking the cumulative caseload to 18.7 million, according to central health ministry data. This is the biggest single-day spike in fresh cases so far. The country saw 3,498 deaths due to the pandemic, taking the death toll to 208,330. The active caseload is at 3.1 million, while the total recoveries have surged to 15.3 million. As many as 152 million shots have been administered since the nationwide inoculation programme kicked off on January 16. Of these, 2.2 million were given on Thursday. Read more here

Mumbai: 1,114 Mumbai buildings sealed, double since March

The number of buildings that Mumbai's civic body has sealed in the city has nearly doubled in the past one month as the second wave of Covid-19 hit the city's non-slum areas more than the densely populated slum areas, a report in ThePrint said. As many as 1,114 buildings were sealed in Mumbai, up from 569 exactly a month ago on 28 March, according to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This means, 646,000 of the city's population belonging to 160,000 households is living inside micro-containment zones, the report said. Read more here

Tamil Nadu has wasted the most shots in relative terms

Tamil Nadu has wasted more vaccine doses than any other state in percentage terms, while Lakshadweep leads the table for union territories, a report in ThePrint said. Tamil Nadu has wasted 8.8 per cent of its Covid vaccine doses, while Lakshadweep has wasted 9.76 per cent of its vaccines, according to data released by the union health ministry. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh has the largest stock of vaccines at an estimated 1,180,659 doses as of Thursday. The state's waste was pegged at 3.54 per cent, the report said. Read more here

How to predict the success of vaccine without a big trial

US pharmaceutical and biotechnology firm Moderna's vaccine provides protection against Covid-19 by triggering the production of antibodies against a key viral protein, a report in The Indian Express said citing a study in monkeys. If this insight is confirmed in humans, it could speed up the development of the next generation of vaccines. Vaccines can trigger a range of immune responses. By identifying the immune responses that can predict a vaccines success, scientists could more easily assess vaccine candidates, a Covid-19 research update published by the scientific journal Nature said. Read more here

Explained: New Covid-19 guidelines on use of remdesivir

The health ministry's revised guidelines on home isolation of mild and asymptomatic Covid-19 cases say the decision to administer remdesivir or any other investigational therapy must be taken by a medical professional and administered only in a hospital setting, a report in The Indian Express said. Do not attempt to procure or administer remdesivir at home, the guidelines said. In case of shortness of breath, the person could require hospital admission and must seek immediate consultation of their treating physician/surveillance team, according to the guidelines. Read more here
Beaumont police are looking for a Beaumont man in connection with a homicide that occurred Thursday morning, according to a Beaumont PD news release.

Police responded to a disturbance on the 2500 block of McFaddin in Beaumont. When Beaumont PD arrived, they discovered a victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Gold Mountain Mining Corp. ("Gold Mountain" or the "Company" ) (TSX.V:GMTN, OTCQB:GMTNF, Frankfurt:5XFA) is pleased to announce that it has received its Notice of Departure ("NoD") to begin mine construction at its 100% owned Elk Gold Project located near Merritt, BC. The Company anticipates construction to begin in May 2021 and is the first major operating catalyst to ore delivery in Q4 2021.

Highlights

On April 29 , the Company received authorization from the Ministry of Mines to begin construction and upgrades required to put the mine back into production.

the Company received authorization from the Ministry of Mines to begin construction and upgrades required to put the mine back into production. This milestone is inline with the Company's Q2 forecast and is a major catalyst to preparing the site for ore mining and delivery.

The Company has resolved the remaining Information Requests from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation ("EMLI") and the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ("FLNROD").

Once all Information Requests have been accepted, it is anticipated the Permit Amendment will be sent up for final approval.

"Feedback from institutions has always been that our projected timelines are aggressive and might be difficult to achieve", commented Kevin Smith, CEO of Gold Mountain. "Receiving this Notice of Departure allows us to take the critical steps of upgrading our existing water management system, installing a weigh scale, as well as leveraging a gravel borrow to start stripping waste from our initial pit and repurpose it into aggregate needed to resurface roads throughout the property. By getting into construction early, we will be ready to hit the ground running once our various mine permit amendments are approved. Since acquiring this project, we were very clear about our intent to quickly put this mine back into production, with efficient deployment of capital. Management intends to continue maintaining our strong treasury, while pushing the pace of project advancement and delivering key milestones, week after week. With the snow on site nearly gone, our mine construction partner, Nhwelmen-Lake LP, has been notified to begin mobilizing their equipment, in anticipation of developing BC's next high grade Gold and Silver producer."

Notice of Departure

The NoD is an authorization allowing the Company to begin construction and site preparation at the Elk Gold Project under Gold Mountain's existing M-199 mine permit. This milestone was achieved on-time and adheres to the Company's forecasted schedule of ore mining and delivery to its ore purchase partner, New Gold Inc., in Q4 of 2021.

Environment and Sustainability

The NoD includes permission for the Company to facilitate a "gravel borrow" at the Elk Gold Project. This authorization allows Gold Mountain to begin waste rock mining operations where the material can be recycled and reused for road construction. With this permission, the Company avoids the need to purchase and haul additional material to site, mitigating high capital costs, carbon emissions, and wasteful mining procedures.

Equipment Mobilization

Following the issuance of the NoD, Nhwelmen-Lake LP, the Company's mining partners, will begin mobilizing the equipment needed to begin constructing roads, a site offices, support facilities and upgrading the projects water management system.

Permit Update

Gold Mountain has continued to advance it's Mine Permit amendment (the "Mine Permit ') with the necessary regulators to adhere to it's aggressive timelines. Currently, the Company has addressed all round 2 questions from the EMLI and FLNROD. The permitting team is now cohesively working with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to address its final information requests for the receipt of the Effluent Discharge Permit.

Additionally, the Company continues to emphasize and foster it's relationships with Indegenous Communities in the region and has made significant progress in developing strong relationships. Gold Mountain looks forward to sustaining it's rapport with the communities and building a working relationship built on transparency and respect.

About Gold Mountain Mining

Gold Mountain is a British Columbia based gold and silver exploration and development company focused on resource expansion at the Elk Gold Project, a past-producing mine located 57 KM from Merritt in South Central British Columbia. Additional information is available at www.sedar.com or on the Company's new website atwww.gold-mountain.ca.

For Further information, please contact

Gold Mountain Mining Corp.

Kevin Smith, Director and Chief Executive Officer

Phone: 604-309-6340

Email: ks@gold-mountain.ca

Website: www.gold-mountain.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward- looking statements include statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. Forward looking statements in the press release include but are not limited to: any of the activities contemplated to begin upon receipt of the NoD, the timeline for the permit to be sent for approval, the timeline to begin construction in May 2021, the timeline for the Company to begin mining and ore delivery in Q4 2021 and becoming BC"s next high grade gold and silver producer. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; the price of gold; and the results of current exploration. 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. Gold Mountain disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. For a comprehensive overview of all risks that may impact the Company, please see the Filing Statement filed on Gold Mountain's SEDAR profile on December 15, 2020.

SOURCE: Gold Mountain Mining Corp

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643410/Gold-Mountain-to-Begin-Mine-Construction
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Experts from the Polish Academy of Sciences recently reported the first-ever mummified body of a pregnant woman from 2,000 years ago. When the mummy was first found in the 1800s they thought that it was a male priest but recent analysis showed it was actually a woman.

According to MailOnline, the pregnant Egyptian mummy was 28 weeks into her pregnancy and only in her 20s when she died based on the X-rays and CT scans the researchers conducted.

The experts were working as part of the Warsaw Mummy Project which aims to scan all mummies in museums and work to discover more about the first-ever pregnant Egyptian mummy found in history.

This discovery has opened new questions to answer, like why was the fetus was left inside the body and not mummified separately. But researchers think that perhaps because it was too young to have a name, it would need to travel to the afterlife with its mother.

Scientists say they discovered the world's first known pregnant mummy.



The 2,000-year-old Egyptian mummy is in Poland, where scientists spotted a fetus in X-rays. They speculated it was not removed during embalming to "camouflage the pregnancy."



(: Warsaw Mummy Project) pic.twitter.com/hkaT5p9C7J  AJ+ (@ajplus) April 29, 2021

First-Ever Pregnant Egyptian Mummy

The mummified body of the pregnant woman was discovered in Egypt and brought to Warsaw in 1826, NY Post reported. Polish researchers from the Polish Academy of Science examined the body in Poland, having originally believed it was a mummified male priest.

But the CT scans and X-rays revealed the remains of a fetus around 26-28 weeks old inside the mummy's body. Archaeologist Marzena Ozarek-Szilke told AP that their first surprise in the scans was that it had no penis but instead had breast and long hair, then they found a little foot and hand of the fetus that left them shocked.

The researchers wrote in their study, entitled "A pregnant ancient Egyptian mummy from the 1st century BC" published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, that the mummy was wrapped in fabrics and was entombed with amulets that represent the four sons of the Egyptian god of kingship and the sky, named Horus.

ALSO READ: Mummified Remains of a Bejeweled Teenager Found Inside a 3,500-Year Old Coffin in Egypt





Mysterious Lady of the National Museum in Warsaw

BBC News reported that the experts in the mummy project dubbed the mummified woman as the Mysterious Lady of the National Museum in Warsaw because of her unknown and conflicting origins.

Experts said that the remains were donated in the 19th century which the donor allegedly said that it was found in the royal tombs in Thebes. However, experts noted that it was common in the 19th century to falsely ascribe antiquities to famous places to increase their value.

The researchers from the 20th century think that the inscriptions in the woman's coffin and the sarcophagus were that of a Hor-Djehuti, a male priest.

But since it was identified as a female, they believe that perhaps the mummy was placed in the wrong coffin at some point by antiquity dealers during the 1800s, a time when looting and rewrapping of remains are widely common.

Nonetheless, experts said that the remains were "well-preserved" although there are some damages in the neck wrappings that suggest it was a target for its valuables in the past.



RELATED ARTICLE: Mummies on Parade: Egypt Dismisses Myth on Pharaoh's Curse for Recent Unfortunate Incidents



Check out more news and information on Mummy on Science Times.
Using cryo-EM, biologists can unravel 3D structures of proteins not easily crystalized for X-ray diffraction (XRD) or used for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments. One of four components designed to spur the next wave of atomic resolution cryo-EM, the E-CFEG makes it possible to efficiently solve structures at resolutions of at least 2.0 Angstrom for standard samples. Such an advancement also allows for increased productivity compared to existing solutions.

The E-CFEG boasts a narrow energy spread that results in high contrast images. It joins the innovative Thermo Scientific Selectris and Selectris X imaging filters, which provide unique stability, ease of use and performance. It also accompanies the company's Falcon 4 camera direct electron detector, which generates images with high contrast and high signal-to-noise ratio as well as up to 10 times faster throughput than the previous generation. When integrated with the award-winning Thermo Scientific Krios Cryo-TEM, these solutions help advance cryo-EM discovery with industry-leading contrast, resolution, and speed.

"Today's biologists need high resolution cryo-EM data as quickly as possible to accelerate their drug discovery research," said Trisha Rice, vice president and general manager of life sciences at Thermo Fisher Scientific. "Our relentless technology innovation in the world of cryo-EMincluding our Krios Cryo-TEM, Falcon 4, Selectris imaging filters, and now the E-CFEGis fueling the focus on atomic resolution. Used together, our instruments allow customers to push microscopy to the next level. We call this, the power of four."

To learn more about the Thermo Scientific E-CFEG, visit https://ter.li/hoglhu.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $30 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 80,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

Media Contact Information:

Brianna Radicioni

Thermo Fisher Scientific

+1 617-390-3924

[email protected]

SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific

Related Links

http://www.thermofisher.com


Moscow: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin as a naked, thieving king, looking gaunt but defiant in a courtroom video link from prison, his first public appearance since ending a hunger strike last week.

Navalnys comments on Thursday, Russia time, were broadcast into a hearing in a Moscow courtroom, where he lost his appeal against a fine for defaming a World War II veteran.

Alexei Navalny looked gaunt as he appeared in court via video link from jail. Credit:Babuskinsky District Court Press Service via AP

He faces further legal pressure, with his team saying he was hit with new criminal charges. His allies have been forced to disband his network of regional campaign offices, which the authorities are seeking to ban as extremist.

His head shaven, Navalny said he had been taken to a bathhouse to look decent before the court hearing. He undid his prison uniform to reveal a T-shirt that barely hid his thin torso.
She has sexed up her image since splitting with her husband Jimmy Bartel two years ago.

And former WAG Nadia Bartel revealed her raciest look yet on Thursday.

The 35-year-old flashed plenty of flesh in a very daring two-piece ensemble by Western Australian designer, Natalie Rolt.

Don't move an inch! Nadia Bartel risks a wardrobe malfunction as she appears to wear no underwear under a VERY revealing white skirt slit to the thigh

The white 'Clementine set' features a skirt slit to the thigh and revealed the mother-of-two very slender legs.

The matching crop top showed off her ripped abs and a hint of cleavage.

Nadia appeared to forgo her underwear in the ensemble during a fitting with the designer during a visit to Sydney.

It's been almost two years since Nadia announced her devastating split from husband Jimmy.

But rather than letting the divorce get her down, she has embarked upon the path of sweet revenge - by embracing a sexy new image.

Nadia has been courting attention by adopting a new 'party girl' fashion aesthetic reminiscent of her formative days on the Melbourne social circuit.

Looking hot is the BEST revenge: Nadia has sexed up her image after being blindsided by her split with Jimmy

She debuted her sexy new look in September 2019, just one month after announcing her split from Jimmy, as she attended the Brownlow red carpet in a dazzling ice-blue J'Aton Couture gown.

The frock, which was was labelled by the media as Nadia's 'revenge dress', was encrusted with intricate beading and featured a racy thigh split that showed off her pins to perfection.

The glittering soiree was her first official red carpet since splitting from the retired Geelong star, and also her first time covering the event for Channel Seven.

Split: Nadia and Jimmy (pictured in happier times) announced their separation in August 2019, but are believed to have split two months prior

Debuting her sexy new style! Nadia had worn a dazzling pale blue J'Aton Couture frock to the AFL's night of nights in September 2019, just one month after announcing her split from Jimmy

New year, new me! She kicked off 2021 with a bang on January 1st by uploading several photos of herself posing in a see-through pink sequin crop top and skirt (left). Nadia previously eschewed raunchy outfits, instead opting for a more conservative approach. Pictured right: Prior to her split from Jimmy

After spending most of 2020 in lockdown, Nadia resurfaced with an even sexier new style this year, posting a flurry of racy Instagram selfies and attending events in skin-baring attire.

She kicked off 2021 with a bang on January 1st by uploading several photos of herself posing in a see-through pink sequin crop top and skirt

Nadia's sheer outfit gave fans a generous glimpse of toned torso, as well as a peek at her prodigious cleavage.

Plunging into a new style: A month later, the mother-of-two sent pulses racing by modelling a plunging green sweater by Dion Lee in another racy Instagram selfie (left). Pictured right: Nadia sporting a rocker-inspired look prior to her split from Jimmy

Nadia completed her look with heavy makeup, and allowed her bleach-blonde hair to fall in neatly tousled curls.

A month later, the mother-of-two sent pulses racing by modelling a plunging green Dion Lee sweater in another racy Instagram selfie.

Nadia, who previously eschewed showing off her cleavage on social media during her marriage to Jimmy, proudly displayed her chest in the skimpy number.

Busting out! Nadia's ample assets made another appearance in early March when she attended her friend's birthday party at Melbourne's Hotel Esplanade (left). Pictured right with Jimmy prior to their split

White hot! Sporting a dark spray tan, the influencer sizzled in a plunging white corset dress that showed off her curves to perfection (left). Pictured right: Nadia sporting a low-key look prior to her split from Jimmy

Nadia's ample assets made another appearance in early March when she attended her friend's birthday party at Melbourne's Hotel Esplanade.

Sporting a dark spray tan, the influencer sizzled in a plunging white corset dress, again by Dion Lee, that showed off her curves to perfection.

Nadia's eye-catching ensemble also featured semi-sheer, panelled waist detailing that showed off her flat stomach.

Hell for leather! Days later, she modelled yet another sexy outfit on Instagram, this time teaming a brown leather jacket with a skimpy white boob-tube and high-waisted trouser

My, how you've changed! Nadia previously embraced a more understated, conservative look during her marriage to Jimmy. Pictured: Jimmy and Nadia in happier times

Days later, she modelled yet another sexy outfit on Instagram, this time teaming a brown leather jacket with a skimpy white boob-tube and high-waisted trousers.

Posing for a selfie inside her home, Nadia gave the camera a 'come hither' look as she channelled her inner bikie goddess.

Nadia's sexy new look also made headlines over the weekend after she attended the belated Spray Aus Christmas party in a very skimpy outfit, yet again by her go-to designer, Dion Lee.

Daring to bare! Nadia's sexy new look also made headlines over the weekend after she attended the belated Spray Aus Christmas party in a very skimpy crochet top

Posing up a storm on Instagram, Nadia oozed sex appeal in a crochet top, which plunged down to her naval, showing a glimpse of her toned physique underneath.

She completed her look with a pair of white trousers and stiletto heels.

Nadia married retired Geelong Cats star Jimmy Bartel in 2014.

Over: Nadia was married to retired Geelong Cats star Jimmy Bartel from 2014 to 2019. Pictured: Nadia and Jimmy Bartel on September 22, 2014, in Melbourne

The couple announced their separation in August 2019, but are believed to have split two months prior.

They share custody of two children, sons Aston, four, and Henley, one.

Jimmy quickly moved on with Melbourne socialite Lauren Mand, but rumours have recently began swirling that the couple have called it quits.
SEATTLE, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Headset , the leading provider of data and analytics to the cannabis industry, announced today that it has raised $1.825M led by Silverleaf Venture Partners, a private equity investment manager. Other participating investors are WGD Capital, L.P., a cannabis focused venture fund, and Poseidon, a leading investor in the legal cannabis and hemp industries. This additional funding will accelerate expansion into legal markets and support new opportunities across the growing cannabis industry.

"The cannabis industry continues to expand at a significant rate, with new markets legalizing faster than ever before," said Cy Scott, CEO and Co-Founder of Headset. "With this new round of capital, Headset can better support these emerging markets while continuing to deliver the innovative analytics Headset is known for."

Since its launch in 2015, Headset has been the leader in powering advanced and unparalleled analytics services for growing customer bases within cannabis, supporting retailers and dispensaries in over thirty territories, with market projections in the U.S. and Canada. They continue to elevate the caliber of the cannabis industry providing precise data-driven insights to brands, dispensaries, retailers and organizations in the financial services and consumer packaged goods sector. This raise will deploy capital and ultimately enable Headset to quickly expand its market intelligence platform.

"We are thrilled to be investing with the industry's leading market intelligence platform," said Douglas Hannah, Co-Founder of Silverleaf Venture Partners. "Silverleaf's brand and dispensary partners consistently advised us that Headset's information was clear and accurate, which gave managers confidence in making key business decisions."

"As a former Chief Technology Officer, I can confidently say that Headset's platform is unrivaled in any industry," said Andre Haroche, Co-Founder of Silverleaf Venture Partners. "What CTO Scott Vickers and the Headset team have achieved is truly remarkable; they have created usable, actionable information from an entire industry's data-set in real time."

About Headset:

Headset is the cannabis industry's leading data analytics company serving over 1700 retailers across 30 states. Headsets' mission is to help businesses make better-informed decisions through data. Headset focuses on collecting and analyzing consumer transaction information. Headset's models and dashboards help cannabis retailers better optimize their day-to-day operations. In addition, product manufacturers, processors and distributors leverage the aggregated, standardized and anonymized receipt-level sales data in real-time to identify trends and opportunities, stay competitive and collaborate with retail customers. Learn more at https://www.headset.io/

About Silverleaf Venture Partners:

Silverleaf Venture Partners is an investment manager specializing in the cannabis industry. Silverleaf has completed over 30 investments since 2019 in some of the industry's most respected companies -- including Ebbu, Jane Technologies, Conception Nurseries, and more. Its founding partners have over three decades of experience as principal investors in real estate, private equity and venture capital and today they selectively manage outside capital alongside their own. For more information, please visit www.slvp.co

About Poseidon:

Poseidon was founded by siblings Emily & Morgan Paxhia in 2013, making their first fund one of the longest running dedicated cannabis investment funds. The Poseidon team has focused on a diversified strategy covering a range of company stages and industry subsectors across the capital spectrum. Now in the eighth year of conducting due diligence, deploying capital, and serving on multiple company Board of Directors, the team is considered a leader in the cannabis industry. This recognition, in conjunction with Poseidon being a first mover in the cannabis investment space, has led to a level of trust with industry insiders. Poseidon has forged a positive reputation in the cannabis industry by helping companies when others would not, resulting in proprietary deal flow. www.poseidon.partners

About WGD Capital, L.P.:

WGD Capital formed the WGD Opportunity Fund, L.P. l to capitalize on the rapidly evolving and expanding legal cannabis industry. The fund is uniquely positioned to support market-leading businesses while mitigating risk through professional management, diversification, structured investments and corporate governance. The fund is strategically located in key cannabis, technology and capital market locations, with offices in Palo Alto, Vancouver and Tel Aviv. For more information, please visit www.wgdcapital.com .

Contact:

Mattio Communications

Renee Cotsis

[email protected]

SOURCE Headset

Related Links

https://www.headset.io


Earlier this week, Elon Musk, the Tesla boss, asked his 52.5million Twitter followers what the future would hold.

For the tycoon, it might augur a 9billion bonus, thanks to the surging sales of Tesla models which, like other electric cars, are increasingly popular.

The battery technology that powers these vehicles is seen as a way to slash carbon emissions  the planet-friendly goal now being pursued by the US, Britain and other governments.

The UK plans to phase out sales of all non-electric cars by 2035. But does this technology, despite its planet-friendly credentials, also have downsides for those who aspire to invest more ethically?

By next year, there may be as many as 500 different types of electric vehicles available worldwide, according to the BloombergNEF data.

Aanand Venkatramanan, investment director at Legal & General Investment Management, says that there are already at least 100 electric vehicle manufacturers in China, highlighting the speed of the transportation revolution.

This is picking up pace as the cost of batteries falls and storage density improves, with car makers striving for the target of an 80 per cent charge in 15 minutes  an acceptable wait time, apparently.

Such is the excitement surrounding advances in the battery technology which will drive this revolution, that the share price of QuantumScape rose by 22 per cent this week.

This secretive US company is working on the next generation solid-state batteries that should offer speedier charging times. These batteries, which are seen as more environmentally friendly, should dispel the 'range anxiety' (worry over how far a car can travel on one charge) that can deter buyers. QuantumScape's shareholders include Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Volkswagen, which aims to build 25m electrical vehicles by 2030.

As a result of the demand that will be created by these ambitions and the plans of other car makers, the large battery market could be worth $109billion by 2024, against $64billion in 2019. This forecast does not take into account sales to the fast-expanding renewables energy storage sector, which also relies on this source of power to release energy when customers need it.

If you believe that battery technology could give a spark to your portfolio, you could consider the companies tipped to be the major beneficiaries from the move to electric vehicles. They include Panasonic, Samsung, the German group Varta  and, of course Tesla, although its share price is up 351 per cent over a year. You may be exposed to the stock through funds and trusts like Baillie Gifford American and Scottish Mortgage.

Also on the list are the Korean LG Chem and the Chinese Catl (Contemporary Amperex Technology). These two battery makers are opening gigafactories in Europe.

If you want to put money into UK companies exploiting the transition from petrol to battery, your options are limited. At present, just one gigafactory seems set to be built in Britain.

The start-up Britishvolt is seeking to establish a plant in Blyth, Northumberland. The company may soon go public, but in New York, through a Spac (special purpose acquisition company).

The 495 per cent increase over 12 months in the share price of Aim-listed Ilika illustrates investors' eagerness to back British.

This pioneer has received a grant from the Government's Faraday Battery Challenge to develop solid-state batteries via partnerships with Honda, Jaguar Land Rover and McLaren Automotive, hinting that further share price appreciation may be possible.

The complexity of what insiders call 'battery chemistries suggests that for some, a specialist fund may be the best route into this risky area. Legal & General's Battery Value Chain ETF (exchange traded fund) is based on an index of stocks built by Venkatramanan.

Going green: This month BMW promised that its solid-state technology would, by the end of this decade, produce the 'greenest car in the world'

Its constituents include the Australian lithium miners Galaxy and Pilbara, Japan's Toshiba, plus motor giants BMW, Daimler, Renault and Tesla.

This month BMW promised that its solid-state technology would, by the end of this decade, produce the 'greenest car in the world'.

It will be attractive to investors who are prioritising sustainability. But putting money into this sector now represents a bet that such pledges can be kept.

And while battery technology may be key to reducing carbon emissions, it has a darker side.

Tesla and most other brands are endeavouring to improve their standards, but they still rely on lithium-ion batteries which contain cobalt, lithium and nickel.

The companies that mine these metals have a record on the environment, and workers' rights that is often poor, and controversy surrounds the involvement of child labour in the supply of cobalt from Congo.

This metal's price has soared this year from $30,000 a tonne to $49,500, driven by the shift to electric cars. They are promising to improve. But many potential buyers may be deterred by this, so investors should perhaps agitate for faster change.
Contributed / Getty Images

STORRS  University of Connecticut police charged a 21-year-old Enfield man Thursday with spray painting a swastika on a building across the street from the universitys Hillel chapter last month, officials said.

In a statement, UConn police said they were alerted to the grafitti on March 27 the start of the Passover holiday.
The National Park Service is holding the first controlled bison hunt inside Grand Canyon National Park that aims to cut the House Rock bison herd by more than half.

The cull, according to officials, is due to concerns of ecological impacts as a result of stampeding through dense forests, intense over-grazing and wondering around the rim of the canyon.

Aerial surveys observed about 400 to 600 bison in this particular hard, which could increase to about 1,500 in the next 10 years.

Within the Grand Canyon, shooters will be selected through a lottery to help bring the number of bison roaming the far northern reaches of the park to no more than 200.

Scroll down for video

The National Park Service is holding the first controlled bison hunt inside Grand Canyon National Park that aims to cut the House Rock bison herd by more than a half

The Grand Canyon National Park says hunters who meet the requirements can apply online in early May.

A pool of 25 qualified applicants will be selected and then 12 people will be chosen by random lottery to participate in the hunt.

The hunt will take place over five weeks this fall: September 20-24, September 27-Octobr 1, 18-22, 25-29. Future dates will be announced.

The Grand Canyon bison are descendants of those introduced to northern Arizona in the early 1900s by rancher Charles 'Buffalo' Jones.

Aerial surveys observed about 400 to 600 bison in this particular hard, which could increase to some 1,500 in the next 10 years

The Grand Canyon National Park says hunters who meet the requirements can apply online in early May. A pool of 25 qualified applicants will be selected and then 12 people will be chosen by random lottery to participate in the hunt

Some say that at one point Jones was caring for 150 buffalo, and 15 percent of the present-day herd are said to be their descendants.

In 1902, US. President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Jones as Yellowstone's first game warden, following the official establishment of the park in 1872.

As one of his first official acts, Jones obtained three breeding bulls from Goodnight's buffalo herd. The following year, Yellowstone's superintendent proudly reported to Washington that the herd, 'under the immediate charge of Mr. C.J. Jones, is doing exceedingly well.'

Jones held the post for five years, but collected and bred buffalo for years afterward.

Fast-forward to present day, the 500 House Rock bison herd is wreaking havoc on the park.

The state of Arizona now owns them and has an annual draw for tags on the Kaibab National Forest.

'Grazing and wallowing in park meadows, stampeding through dense forests, and occasionally venturing along the rim of the canyon,' the National Park shared in a statement.

'Concerns of ecological impacts and effects to archaeological sites have increased over the years as these bison have begun to congregate around natural water sources and change their migration behaviors to stay within park boundaries for longer periods throughout the year.

The cull, according to officials, is due to concerns of ecological impacts as a result of stampeding through dense forests, intense over-grazing and wondering around the rim of the canyon

In 2019, park officials moved 88 bison to five Native American tribes and a year later, the park service and Arizona Game and Fish agreed on a plan to hold a controlled hunt at the North Rim.

According to a press release from Grand Canyon National Park, hunters who meet the requirements can apply online in early May.

A pool of 25 qualified applicants will be selected. From that pool, 12 people will be chosen by random lottery to participate in the hunt.

The goal is to reduce the herd by 200 animals. The hunter must be able to haul the carcass without motorized assistance.

The hunt will take place over five weeks this fall: Sept. 20-24, Sept. 27-Oct. 1, Oct. 18-22 and Oct. 25-29. Future dates will be announced.
Bono Regional Chairman of the ruling NPP has commended President Akufo-Addo for authorizing the Ghana Armed Forces to deploy 200 soldiers to go after all persons involved in illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.



He called on the nation to collectively fight against galamsey menace saying we should all be truthful to ourselves that galamsey activities has its negative implications and is seriously destroying our water bodies.



Speaking on UTVs Adekye Nsroma, Abronye DC lauded President Akufo-Addo for not giving up on the fight.



He noted that the Presidents effort is a step in the right direction.



If you stay in Accra and doing galamsey in the Central Region, you dont have to tell me it will not have any negative implications on you. It will have an effect on you because the polluted water is the same water for you who is living in Accra.



Aside polluting our water bodies, it has several effects on our body based on the chemicals they use in their activities. Not only that, but it will also bring severe hunger in the country if nothing is done about it, he lamented.





Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected]









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Of the three big demands  Freedom, Peace, Justice  that formed the slogan of the Sudanese revolution two years ago, the first two are beginning to take shape. The third one seems to be lagging behind. It is mentioned everywhere, but nothing is moving forward. Yet transitional justice is one of the essential elements of the transition, says Mohamed Babiker Abdelsalam, dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Khartoum, Sudans capital. The Constitutional Declaration signed in August 2019, which describes the organization of the transition and power sharing between the military and civilians, provides for a commission to work on the issue of atrocities committed by the regime of Omar Al-Bashir. The text is ready, but it has yet to be published, he says.

The military still hold the levers of power and they are preventing the process, because they are responsible for the crimes: this is the unanimous conviction of the young revolutionaries we met. There is proof of this, according to them: the commission of inquiry set up in late 2019 to identify those responsible for the bloody repression of the revolution has still not delivered its conclusions. A first trial for the murder of an activist was held at the end of March 2021 in Atbara, flagship city of the revolution 250 kilometres north of Khartoum, but it has not convinced them. The defendants are too small fish, they say. Delays in the publication of investigations can endanger the transition, its a question of trust, says Abdelsalam. Transitional justice is a necessity for the victims.

Glaring contradictions

How can one investigate men accused of having committed or ordered war crimes when they are key figures in the transition, such as military members of the Sovereign Council, a collegial presidency composed of five military and five civilian members? Would that not put the transition in danger? How can there be trials for crimes during the war in Darfur when leaders of armed groups who may be responsible for them have just been appointed to the government  such as Jibril Ibrahim, leader of the rebel group JEM (Justice and Equality Movement)  in accordance with the Juba Peace Agreement, signed in October 2020 by the government and a coalition of ten rebel movements from different regions of the country. The contradictions are glaring.

Signatures on paper are not enough. For peace, there must be equality on the ground, and justice. Those who have committed abuses must be judged. Thats all, says Youssef Babiker Kafi, a 56-year-old technician from the village of Morta in the Nuba Mountains. This remote region in the south of the country is part of the regional state of South Kordofan. It was on the southern side during the North-South civil war from 1983 to 2005, which led to the independence of South Sudan in 2011. Remaining under Khartoum, it continued to suffer from the conflict between the military-Islamist regime of Omar Al-Bashir and the SPLM-N (Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement-North) until the revolution, which froze the situation. Having suffered repression and armed conflict, this region is one of the countrys martyred provinces. One of the armed groups in the region signed the Juba Agreement and on March 28 the largest of them, the SPLM-N El Helou, initialled a Declaration of Principles. The people of the Nuba Mountains have been given some respite, but the delicate balance between peace and justice remains.

Reform of the justice system

We are in danger of facing this question: peace or justice? If you focus on justice, then you risk disrupting the peace process, says the law school dean. Transitional justice is indeed one of the eight protocols of the Juba Agreement. But scepticism about its implementation is as strong as the expectations. The removal of yesterdays executioners is proceeding cautiously and all the more slowly because the province is far from Khartoum. Abdellatif Hassan Mohanna, a cell phone salesman and repairman in the market of Kadugli, capital of South Kordofan, willingly shows the photo of torture marks on his back. Arrested by the NISS (now partially dismantled and renamed GIS), Omar Al-Bashirs political police, he notes: I have not yet seen anyone, no investigator, no one to question me and record my case. In any case, only civil society organizations can exert pressure. The government will not dare, because it would implicate too many important people.

This opinion is widely shared in the two regions, Darfur and the Nuba Mountains, which have suffered the bloodiest wars. Many, like Abbas Alawi, representative of the revolutionary coalition Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) in Kadugli, are calling for international justice. The judges of the ICC [International Criminal Court] are impartial, he said. They will bring justice to the victims, and to the criminals. We have no confidence in the Sudanese judicial system which is weak and under-resourced. As for the judges, most of them are linked to the former regime.

National or international justice?

In three decades, the National Congress Party (NCP) of Al-Bashir  indicted for genocide by the ICC and currently in prison in Sudan  has managed to get a hold on all jurisdictions and put its men everywhere, hence public distrust of the judicial system and the difficulty of necessary reform. It will take a long time, but it is essential at all levels, from the prosecutors office to the police, because it will have consequences on the functioning of all institutions, explains Professor Abdelsalam. So we might as well start right away! The trials of war criminals would allow us to transform the judicial system. We could do it very well with technical and financial support from the international community.

International or national justice? Two years after the revolution, opinions are still divided. I want to see the criminals tried in Sudanese courts. An international court would be too foreign to our culture. Here some people will support the accused and some the victims, so we will have debates, which I think is necessary, says Mary James. This former SPLM leader who waged war against Khartoum from 1983 to 2005 in the name of the now independent South, lives in Kadugli. In her association, she takes care of women victims of the Nuba Mountains conflict, which continued until the revolution. For these victims, justice would show the revolution has been a success.

The problem, says the law school dean, is the governments lack of vision. It has not defined a model for transitional justice, he says. Are we moving towards a system like the one in South Africa, Rwanda, Liberia, or elsewhere in the world? Do we need a reconciliation process, a system of compensation, prison sentences, remembrance, guarantees of non-repetition? All of this needs to be debated. There must be transparent and inclusive reflection. It must come from the bottom up and certainly not be imposed.

Made-to-measure justice

Abdelsalam thinks there should be consideration of a la carte justice, adapted to each region. The crimes committed in Darfur, in South Kordofan, in the East, are not necessarily of the same nature, so we need different models of transitional justice, he says. The victims do not necessarily have the same needs. In Darfur, for example, he says people prefer so-called traditional justice. According to studies initiated by the Khartoum faculty, they are not asking for trials and prison sentences but for compensation and a guarantee that the crimes will not be repeated. Local peace and forgiveness are preferred. In Khartoum, on the other hand, there is a strong demand for trials and prison sentences. In the Nuba Mountains, it is more common to hear calls for recourse to the courts, or to international justice, for example against Ahmed Haroun. Wanted by the ICC since 2007 for alleged crimes in Darfur, he was governor in Kadugli, and he used the same methods there.

The transitional leadership promised to cooperate with the ICC in the Juba Agreement of October 2020. But if Ali Kushayb, wanted since 2007, has been in detention in The Hague since June 2020 it is because he surrendered to the authorities in Bangui, who handed him over to the ICC. The other accused requested by the ICC and detained in Khartoum are still there, including Ahmed Haroun and especially Omar Al-Bashir. An announcement that the former head of state would be transferred to the international court caused a big stir in February 2020, but since then nothing has happened. The 77-year-old former dictator is still within the four walls of Kober, the old Khartoum prison on the banks of the Nile.
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. High 84F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds light and variable.
Covid-19 vaccination for the age group of 18-45 will not begin from May 1 in Bengaluru and rest of Karnataka as earlier announced, Health Minister Dr Sudhakar told reporters here on Friday. He asked those aged between 18 to 44 years to register on the Co-WIN portal and wait for the government to inform them once stocks arrive.

"Out of around 99.5 lakh doses, more than 95 lakh doses have been administered. Our vaccine wastage percentage is only 1.4 per cent. Yesterday, four lakh doses have arrived. I've been informed that we have around six lakh doses with us," he said.

Please don't visit hospitals tomorrow: Health Minister @mla_sudhakar to 18-44 age group @DeccanHerald

Covid-19 vaccination for the age group of 18-45 years will not begin from May 1 in Karnataka, Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar told reporters here on Friday. pic.twitter.com/rvOCRxjmiq  Suraksha P (@Suraksha_Pinnu) April 30, 2021

Read | False start likely for Covid-19 vaccination drive on May 1 in Karnataka

While Serum Institute of India manufactures 5-6 crore vaccine doses, Bharat Biotech manufactures 1-1.25 crore doses a month. Russia's Sputnik V, which will be manufactured by Dr Reddy's, is yet to come.

"I've been getting calls and messages asking where to go for vaccination tomorrow. Please don't visit hospitals tomorrow. We've not got information from Serum on when vaccines will be supplied," he added.
Chief Minister Chairs Inaugural Meeting of Revamped Health and Safety Council

HM Government of Gibraltar convened the inaugural meeting of the revamped Health and Safety Council on Tuesday 27th April 2021, chaired by the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP.

The council consists of statutory, Trade Union, HM Government of Gibraltar and IOSH Associate Branch members that have a role or are otherwise involved in the provision of Health & Safety matters in Gibraltar.

The role of the Health and Safety Advisory Council is to develop and review safe systems of work and safety procedures. It is through the creation of this forum that all relevant stakeholders will have the means of voicing their concerns and tabling ideas further to the Governments objective of improving all matters concerning Health & Safety in Gibraltar.

Members of the Health & Safety Council include:

 HM Government of Gibraltar

 Royal Gibraltar Police

 Gibraltar Fire & Rescue Service

 Integrated Occupational Safety & Health (Gibraltar) Associated Branch

 Unite the Union

 Gibraltar General and Clerical Association

 Gibraltar NASUWT
Digital privacy expert gives advice on keeping children safe online LONDON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With aaaa-A (Kodomo no Hi) celebration being just around the corner, it is the right time to speak with children aboutA the dangers of online hacks, scams, and increasing cyberbullying. Daniel Markuson, a digital privacy expert at NordVPN, has collected some tips so that parents can teach their children about internet privacy and safety. 1. Educate on the importance of passwords. It is important to teach children good password habits. "Besides knowing about all the good things the internet can offer, children should also learn about the risks that come with it. There are many educational resources online, including videos, which children often prefer to other types of media," says Daniel Markuson. 2. Set an example and become digital-literate yourself.A Show how you communicate and stay safe online but try not to push your opinion. Also, kids love when you know what's up and you can discuss that popular social media platform together. 3. Explain why privacy matters, especially when talking to strangers.A Talk to your kids about privacy and explain why they shouldn't overshare on social media platforms. Tell them (but don't try to scare them) that internet bad guys can use their address, school location, parents' workplace, and other info against them. Teach your children how to manage their privacy settings so they can choose who they want to show their information to. 4. Talk to them about cyberbullying.A Based on Statista, around 17.92 thousand cases of cyberbullying among students were reported by schools in Japan in 2019. Tell your child about cyberbullying so they can recognize it. Show how to block unwanted people or report inappropriate actions online. 5. Talk about ads and online offers.A Nothing is ever for free. Teach your child to be careful about deals that look too good to be true. Ask them to show you everything they are planning to buy or redeem. Some offers may be scams designed to extract private information or money. 6. Install games and apps together. Make sure you download all games and apps from secure sources. Also, check that both the app and its provider are reputable. Fake pop-ups often prompt kids to install various applications for free. But that may result in malware infecting the device or the whole home network. https://nordvpn.com
More than a hundred residents of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh protested over severe shortages of food in the city on Friday amid rapidly climbing numbers of COVID-19 infections and two more deaths from the disease, Cambodian sources said.

Nearly 800 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Cambodia on Friday alone, with 13,402 people now reported to have become infected since the pandemic began to spread, according to official figures.

For the second day in a row, residents of so-called red zonescity areas locked down due to rising rates of infection in a surge beginning in Marchcalled in public for the government to send help, saying they are running out of food and face starvation.

We are running out of food, and we dont know where to go, Eam Rathavya 56-year-old resident of Phnom Penhs Stung Meanchey districttold RFA on April 30, adding she is out of work and that her family of seven has no rice left to eat.

I am asking [the government] for help so we can get enough food, she said.

Another protester, Muong Samphos, said that if the government-ordered lockdown of her area continues, her family of eight will likely die of starvation before dying of disease. If we dont have anything to eat, we will die of hunger before COVID-19 kills us, she said.

A resident who joined in Thursdays protest meanwhile said that she had received a small amount of aid today that will not last through the week.

I protested for help and they sent some aid, but it is not nearly enough. We dont have a job, and the government wont let me go out. They must send more help, she said.

Another villager who protested on Thursday said she had been given 25 kilograms of rice, some canned food, and some instant noodles, But I have five boys, and they eat a lotsix or seven cans of food every day.

Twenty-five kilograms will be finished within a week."

If I can get a job, we can survive, but if not I will continue to ask for food," she said.

Speaking to RFA on April 30, Sok Ey Sanspokesman for the ruling Cambodian Peoples Partysaid that authorities are working hard now to provide food for those in need.

There are hundreds of thousands of these people, though, and we cant resolve this promptly.

Online pleas for help

In a statement Friday, rights group Amnesty International said it had reviewed Facebook postings and online videos showing residents of the red-zone areas under lockdown making desperate pleas for help.

People in red zones have been prohibited from leaving their homes even to buy food and other basic necessities. Markets in red zones have been shuttered and mobile food vendors barred, leaving many at-risk residents to go hungry, Amnesty said.

In some cases, NGOs have even been blocked from distributing food in red-zone areas, the rights group said.

The Cambodian governments outrageous mishandling of this COVID-19 lockdown is causing untold suffering and sweeping human rights violations across the country, said Yamini Mishra, Amnesty Internationals Asia-Pacific Regional Director.

The Cambodian government can, and must, take decisive steps to mitigate this disaster, Mishra said.

Responding to Amnestys statement, Kata Ornspokesman for the official Cambodian Human Rights Committeetold RFA that no one in Cambodia has died of starvation yet, adding that the government has not blocked NGOs from delivering aid to the people.

Cambodia welcomes humanitarian aid from NGOs, countries, and other donors, and no one has died of starvation in the red zones yet, he said.

Authorities are working around the clock to provide the people with aid, he said.

Laos struggles with new cases

In neighboring Laos, the number of COVID-19 infections continued to climb on Friday, with 85 new cases reported in recent days, bringing the countrys overall case load to 757. The new surge in infections has led authorities to issue a rare cancellation of Labor Day, a holiday regularly celebrated by communist governments in honor of the work force that formally props them up.

Rattanaxay Phetsouvanh, head of the central governments Infectious Disease Prevention Unit, said in a press conference Friday that 69 of the new cases were identified in Vientiane municipality, the countrys capital, with two new cases found in the larger province of Vientiane.

In Bokeo province, seven new cases were found, with three also found in Savannakhet province, two in Borikhamxay, and one each in the provinces of Oudomxay and Champassak.

The number of people infected by COVID-19 is increasing, a COVID-19 special protection unit official in Champassak province told RFA on April 30. Its hard to inspect them all when they move around from one village to another without letting us know.

Special protection unit officials in Vientiane are meanwhile urging businesses and the general public to strictly follow government guidelines and protocols aimed at controlling the spread of the disease, reminding residents in locked-down areas to stay in their homes.

Unemployment continues to grow in impoverished Laos because of the pandemics spread, sources say.

No deaths have been reported yet in Laos from the disease.

Vietnam traces contacts

Nine new cases of community transmission of COVID-19 have meanwhile been reported in Vietnam in the last two days, Vietnams Ministry of Health said.

On April 30, the Ministry sent urgent requests to Ha Nam, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, asking local authorities to trace contacts connected to an infected person, Patient 2899, returning to Vietnam from Japan.

Patient 2899 returned to Vietnam on April 7 and completed a two-week quarantine on April 22, but two days later exhibited signs of infectionincluding a fever, cough, and sore throatand tests confirmed he was now positive for COVID-19.

At least 10 cases of infection with SARS-CoV-2 were then traced to contacts with Patient 2899, eight of which are now confirmed as cases of COVID-19, the Ministry said.

Four Indian nationals infected in India before traveling to Vietnam have also tested positive for COVID-19 and are being treated at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, Dang Duc Anhdirector of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiologysaid in an April 30 statement.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has now called on the Ministry of Health to step up its search for sources of vaccines, saying that the government must not only combat the pandemic but protect and develop the economy and successfully organize elections to Vietnams National Assembly and local Peoples Councils scheduled for May 23, state media said.

As of April 30, Vietnam has recorded 2,914 cases of COVID-19 infection, of whom 2,516 have recovered and 35 have died.

Reported by RFAs Khmer, Lao, and Vietnamese Services. Translated by Samean Yun, Sidney Khotpanya, and Anna Vu. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Global media leader, philanthropist, producer, and actress Oprah Winfrey will deliver The Archer School for Girls commencement address on May 28, 2021. She has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world, making her one of the most respected and admired figures today.

We are deeply honored by Ms. Winfreys generosity in giving the commencement address to Archers Class of 2021 and in celebration of Archers 25th anniversary, Head of School Elizabeth English said. Throughout her career, Ms. Winfrey has set the bar for how authentic storytelling can reveal our common humanity. Her gift for eliciting honest, soulful dialogue has and continues to fundamentally change the worlds perspective on how as human beings we can meaningfully connect. She is a champion for young womens education and, as the founder of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, a beacon for the best of who we can be. The Archer Class of 2021 is beyond excited and grateful to have Ms. Winfrey, a true icon of womens empowerment, as their commencement speaker, following a year that has called on each of our graduates to dig deep and find that same strength from within.

Winfrey is an Academy Award-nominated actress for her role in The Color Purple, earned critical acclaim in Lee Daniels The Butler and produced and acted in the Academy Award-winning film Selma. She starred in the Emmy nominated HBO Films The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and portrayed Mrs. Which in Disneys Wrinkle in Time film adaptation from director Ava DuVernay. Winfrey oversees both the premium television network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and the print and digital content of Oprah Daily, known formerly as O, The Oprah Magazine." Winfrey also hosts Super Soul, featuring conversations between herself and thought leaders available on discovery+.

Winfrey is also a dedicated philanthropist. During a December 2002 visit with Nelson Mandela, she pledged to build a school in South Africa and has contributed more than $200 million towards providing education for academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Graduates of the school have continued on to higher education both in South Africa and at colleges and universities around the world. Additionally, Winfrey is a founding donor of the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture. In June of 2018, the museum opened Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture, an exhibit exploring Winfreys life and her talk shows impact featuring artifacts from the set, costumes from her movies and interactive interviews. In March 2020, she committed $12 million to COVID-19 relief efforts in underserved communities in her home cities of Chicago, Milwaukee, Kosciusko, Mississippi and Baltimore.

In 2013, Winfrey was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor. In 2018, she was honored with the Cecil B deMille award by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

# # #

About The Archer School for Girls

Founded in 1995, The Archer School for Girls is a contemporary girls school, grades 6 through 12, devoted to educating and empowering girls for leadership in the 21st century. We take a research-based approach to teaching and learning in an environment that explores and refines the ways girls learn best. Archer has always been committed to reflecting the face of Greater Los Angeles. Forty-six percent of the student body are students of color and come from 75 different zip codes and 154 different feeder schools. We award nearly $4 million in financial aid annually. Above all, Archer is known for its highly innovative programs and joyful culture. For more information, follow us on Facebook or Twitter @ArcherSchool or visit our website http://www.archer.org.
Heritage sites reopen across Scotland for the first time this year on Friday and after the longest closure since World War II, as coronavirus restrictions are gradually eased.

Edinburgh Castle is one of more than 20 ticketed venues and over 200 free attractions run by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to welcome back visitors.

HES chief executive Alex Paterson said daily visitor numbers to the ancient stronghold and former royal residence will be well below pre-pandemic highs of 10,000.

But he hopes up to 1,200 people will come every day.

"We are delighted to reopen Edinburgh Castle and clearly we are not anticipating the same number of visitors that used to come pre-Covid, at least not in the short term," he told AFP.

"We haven't had to close our sites for this length of time since the Second World War, so by any measure this has been a very significant lockdown for us and for lots of tourism and business organisations across Scotland.

"Not having thousands of visitors every day has an impact but we've been able to weather that. We have had additional support from the Scottish government which has been greatly appreciated."

The landmark bastion, which towers over the city from Castle Rock, is one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions and houses Britain's oldest crown jewels, the Honours of Scotland.

They include a crown and sceptre used to crown Mary, Queen of Scots in 1543. The Honours were hidden after the Act of Union joining England and Scotland in 1707, then rediscovered.

- Closure nightmare -

New measures to facilitate social distancing have been introduced, including painted circles around the castles signature One O'Clock Gun, which is fired every at 1:00 pm, except Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

QR codes, a new queueing system and audio guides have also been introduced.

Site manager Eric Dryden said he was relieved after enduring months of forced closure and had put in three weeks of preparation for the reopening.

Story continues

"It's been heartbreaking not being able to come here every day and welcome visitors. I think everybody has found this pandemic horrendous and it's been a nightmare," he said.

"We have a partnership with the businesses on Castle Hill and everybody has been struggling. We're hoping people will come back in due course and we will try and thrive again."

Just 70 percent of sites run by HEC will reopen on Friday and include some of Scotland's leading attractions, including Stirling Castle, St Andrews Castle and Melrose Abbey.

Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, 7,659 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19 in Scotland -- a fraction of the more than 127,000 people who have lost their lives in the UK overall.

Pubs, "non-essential" retail and leisure facilities, including gyms, swimming pools and nail bars reopened across Scotland last week after months of closure and restrictions.

In Edinburgh, the city's international arts festival, which was cancelled last year because of the outbreak, will return this August using temporary outdoor pavilions.

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The Gonneville discovery is being progressed rapidly through resource definition and into preliminary economic studies, in parallel with initial exploration activities across the largely unexplored project area.

The company is well funded for Julimar work programs with around $121 million in cash as of March 31, 2021.

( ) ( ) has released a new interactive 3D model of its Gonneville deposit at the Julimar Project in Western Australia, which provides an interactive overview of Gonneville and surrounding targets.

Viewers can explore the host intrusion and each of the 11 high-grade zones (G1-11) defined to date and can also view the Gonneville deposit in context to the full interpreted extent of the ~26-kilometre long Julimar Complex.

The company recommends watching the automated 'Key Point Tour first, then taking control to step through each scene as desired.

The 3D model is best viewed on Google Chrome; click here to take the tour: https://inventum3d.com/c/chalicemining/julimar

Fully funded for work programs

Chalice is well-funded for ongoing work at the project this year, with around $121 million in cash as of March 31, 2021.

The company is now focused on progressing the Gonneville discovery rapidly through resource definition and into preliminary economic studies, with seven rigs continuing the ~160,000 metres step-out and resource definition drill program.

In parallel with this, exploration activities are progressing across the largely unexplored >2,000 square kilometre project area.

Initial environmental surveys are now underway in preparation for initial drilling at the Hartog target  which has highlighted the potential for the Gonneville discovery to expand considerably along strike to the north  in Q3 2021, subject to access approvals.

In addition, the company expects to release the maiden mineral resource estimate in late Q3 2021.


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - 58528 new coronavirus cases were reported in the United States on Thursday, taking the national total to 33,044,068. The weekly average of daily infection is 51465.



879 new deaths were reported in the country on the same day. With this, the COVID death toll in the U.S. increased to 589,207, according to the latest data from Johns Hopkins University. The 7-day average of COVID deaths is 697.



Michigan reported the most number of deaths - 116, while Florida reported the highest number of cases - 5666.



A total of 25,641,574 people have so far recovered from coronavirus infection in the country.



The seven-day average of new Covid-19 deaths in the United States hit its lowest point since October 2020, CNN reported, based on analysis of Johns Hopkins University data. It is one-fifth of the January average of 3,431 deaths per day.



With the pandemic showing signs of easing, many states have relaxed lockdown, and measures helping normal life is being rolled out in many parts of the country.



Delta Airlines announced that it will resume filling the middle seat on its flights. Disneyland in California will resume operations at one fourth of attendance capacity.



New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city is going to reopen to 100 percent on July 1 including restaurants, bars and nightclubs. At a news conference aboard Air Force One En Route Plains, Georgia, a reporter asked if President Joe Biden believes that move is prudent and founded in science. White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, 'We can only speak for what we're trying to do as an administration, which is making sure that people get vaccinated and follow the CDC guidelines and follow the experts.'



Meanwhile, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the first real-world findings in the United States confirming clinical trial data showing that mRNA vaccines prevent severe COVID-19 illness. Both mRNA COVID-19 vaccines - Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna - recommended in the United States protect against COVID-19-related hospitalization among adults 65 years and older, according to a new CDC assessment. It found that fully vaccinated adults 65 years and older were 94 percent less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than people of the same age who were not vaccinated.



The U.S. Defense Department said it is sending medical supplies and equipment to India as that country battles the second wave of COVID-19 outbreak.



India on Thursday recorded the worst number of new cases since the pandemic broke out more than a year ago. An all-time record of 386,555 new cases a day took the nation's total to 18.8 million. It is the ninth consecutive day that daily infection cases are crossing 300,000 in India.



With 3,498 deaths reported in 24 hours, the number of Covid-19 fatalities in India crossed 208,000.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Hugo Xavier became one of the first people to cross the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge when it opened on Thursday near his tiny hometown of Arouca in northern Portugal.

'Oh...here we go!,' the 42-year-old said anxiously, as he gathered enough courage to step onto the see-through metal grid pathway of the 516-metre-long (1,693-ft) bridge alongside his equally jittery partner and a tour guide.

Hidden between rock-strewn mountains covered with lush greenery and yellow flowers inside the Unesco-recognised Arouca Geopark, the bridge, called 516 Arouca, hangs 175 metres (575ft) above the fast-flowing River Paiva.

The world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, in Arouca in northern Portugal, has opened

Hidden between rock-strewn mountains covered with lush greenery and yellow flowers inside the Unesco-recognised Arouca Geopark, the bridge hangs 175 metres (575ft) above the fast-flowing River Paiva

The landscape is calm, but the crossing is not for the faint-hearted. Held up by steel cables and two massive towers on each side, it wobbles a little with every step.

'I was a little afraid, but it was so worth it,' a relieved Xavier said already on the other side. 'It was extraordinary, a unique experience, an adrenaline rush.'

The bridge opened only to local residents on Thursday, but from Monday, everyone can book a visit.

The average person will take five to 10 minutes to complete the walk across the bridge, although those without a head for heights may take a little longer

Hugo Xavier became one of the first people to cross the bridge. He said: 'I was a little afraid, but it was so worth it'

The bridge opened only to local residents on Thursday, but from Monday, everyone can book a visit

Standing on the bridge, the mayor of Arouca, Margarida Belem, said the bridge was part of a wider strategy to encourage more people to move and stay in the region

'There were many challenges that we had to overcome, but we did it,' said Margarida Belem

On the construction front, 516 Arouca is supported by two V-shaped concrete towers, which its architects say 'combine elements of a pure Tibet-style footbridge with no towers and a sagging deck with a more conventional tower-supported span with a flat deck'

Locals hope the attraction, which cost about 2.3million euros ($2.8 million/2million) and took around two years to build, will help revive the region, especially after the devastating Covid-19 pandemic.

'It is a breath of fresh air for our land because it will attract more investment, more people,' said tour guide Emanuel, adding that the region was rapidly ageing as many young people moved to big cities.

'It will bring a new dynamic to Arouca,' he added.

The Paiva Gorge is part of the Arouca Geopark, a 328-square-kilometre (126-square-mile) area of geological interest that's recognised by Unesco

Two locals get low down to take in the unique, awe-inspiring structure

A stunning aerial view of the 516 Arouca Bridge, which one tour guide described as a breath of fresh air

Standing on the bridge, the mayor of Arouca, Margarida Belem, said the bridge was part of a wider strategy to encourage more people to move and stay in the region.

'There were many challenges that we had to overcome... but we did it,' the visibly proud mayor told Reuters.

'There's no other bridge like this one in the world.'

More jaw-dropping pedestrian suspension bridges

The Charles Kuonen Bridge, Switzerland

This dizzying structure, in Zermatt, is 1,620 feet long (493m) and hangs 279 feet (85m) above a steep slope

The previous record-holder for world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge was the Charles Kuonen Bridge in the Swiss Alps, which opened in 2017.

This dizzying structure, in Zermatt, is 1,620 feet long (493m) and hangs 279 feet (85m) above a steep slope.

Sights visitors can see from the bridge include the Matterhorn and the 14,783ft- (4,505m) tall Weisshorn.

The Gatlinburg SkyBridge, Tennessee

The Gatlinburg SkyBridge stretches 680 feet across a deep valley and is 150 feet above the ground at its highest point

The Gatlinburg SkyBridge in Tennessee is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

It stretches 680 feet across a deep valley and is 150 feet above the ground at its highest point.

In the middle is a 30ft-long section of glass panels to add to the excitement.

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, China

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge hangs 980ft (300m) above a canyon in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in China's Hunan province is a true test of nerves.

It hangs 980ft (300m) above a canyon in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

And is 1,410ft (430m) long. After you...

The Golden Skybridge, Canada

When the Golden Skybridge, pictured, opens in May it will become, at 426ft, the highest suspension bridge in Canada

Strolls in Canada are about to go to another level.

In May, the highest suspension bridge in the country will open, allowing walkers to cross a canyon in British Columbia at a height of 426ft (130m).

The Golden Skybridge, near the town of Golden, will actually consist of not one but two expansive suspension bridges, with the lower one hanging at an elevation of 262ft (80m)  still high enough to make it the second-highest suspension bridge in Canada.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 21:26:53|Editor: huaxia

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Tourists taste specialties at a scenic spot in Ningqiang County of Hanzhong City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, April 30, 2021. A specialty tasting campaign was held at the scenic spot in Ningqiang County on Friday to welcome the upcoming May Day holiday. (Photo by Li Dehua/Xinhua)
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporations COG fist-quarter 2021 net income per share  adjusted for special items  of 38 cents beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 35 cents as well as the year-ago quarters earnings of 14 cents. Better-than-expected results can be attributed to a year-over-year increase in realized natural gas prices and reined-in costs.

The companys quarterly revenues of $459.68 million missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $487 million due to year-over-year decrease in the production volumes. However, the top line increased 19.1% from the prior-year sales of $386 million.

Production, Prices, Costs & Drilling Statistics

In the quarter under review, Cabots overall production summed 205.8Bcfe comprising 100% natural gas. The figure dropped 4.3% from the prior-year volume of 215Bcfe.

Average realized natural gas price (excluding hedges) rose to $2.30 per thousand cubic feet from the year-ago quarters $1.72.

Total operating expenses were $284.3 million, down 5.25% from the figure reported in first-quarter 2020. The depreciation and amortization costs fell 6% year over year to $94.15 million.

Notably, total average unit costs decreased to $1.44 per thousand cubic feet equivalent (Mcfe) from the year-ago figure of $1.46.

Cabot drilled 28 wells and completed 14 wells during the quarter.

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation Quote

Financial Position

Operating cash flows were $290.5 million (up 41.8% year over year) while capital expenditures totaled $123.6 million (down 16.9%). As of Mar 31, 2021, the company had cash and cash equivalents worth $173.7 million and total debt of $946.1 million with debt-to-capitalization of 29.1%.

Management also informed that the board of directors approved a hike in quarterly dividend payment. The new dividend of 11 cents is upped 10% from the prior dividend of 10 cents, payable May 27, 2021 to all its shareholders of record as of May 13, 2021. This hike marks Cabot's sixth dividend increase since May 2017.

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In the last reported quarter, the company announced its updated capital return framework, which involves the enforcement of a "base plus supplemental" dividend approach. Based on this, Cabot intends to continue funding its regular quarterly base dividend on the company's common stock and supplement the same with annual supplemental cash dividends to attain its minimum capital return target of 50% of its annual free cash flow.

Notably, any extra free cash flow generated above the minimum capital return target will be availed to strengthen the companys balance sheet, additional supplemental dividends or opportunistic share repurchases, subject to market conditions.

Guidance

For the second quarter of 2021, Cabot projects its net production outlook in the range of 2,225-2,275 million cubic feet equivalent a day (Mmcfe).

For 2021, this Houston-based company reiterates its production guidance of 2,350 Mmcfe per day from an expected capital program of $530-$540 million.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Cabot currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

Some better-ranked stocks in the energy space are Whiting Petroleum Corporation WLL, Diamondback Energy, Inc. FANG and Laredo Petroleum, Inc. LPI, each presently flaunting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

5 Stocks Set to Double

Each was hand-picked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2020. Each comes from a different sector and has unique qualities and catalysts that could fuel exceptional growth.

Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor.

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Only tiny numbers of people are being hospitalised with coronavirus after their first vaccine dose has kicked in, NHS data has revealed.

Numbers analysed by SAGE showed that around one per cent of people hospitalised with the virus in the second wave were three weeks post-vaccine, by which time they are expected to have protection.

There were 526 people admitted with Covid three or more weeks after their first jab, out of a total of 52,000 inpatients included in the study.

Those 526, who were expected to have vaccine protection, made up 29 per cent of all people admitted at any time after the first jab. The other 71 per cent fell ill too soon after their vaccine to have any real immunity.

These 'vaccine failure' patients were almost all very elderly and frail, SAGE advisers said, and fit into the same group for whom the jabs are less likely to work.

Professor Calum Semple, member of SAGE and a Liverpool University virologist, said the data were 'reassuring' that even single doses of vaccines are protecting people in the real world.

The numbers show the rate of hospitalisation remained high during the first week after the jab but then fell dramatically in the second and third weeks and beyond.

Other trials have shown that not all elderly people have an immune response to the first dose of a vaccine  which may explain why some still end up in hospital after their jab  but generally everybody shows signs of immunity after the second dose.

The promising figures come as other research earlier this week showed that the jabs can cut the risk of transmitting the virus by up to half even between people living together.

The CO-CIN study found that significantly fewer people in hospital had been admitted after the 21-day mark, which is when vaccine protection is expected to kick in. The majority of vaccinated people were sick in the first two-to-three weeks, meaning they caught the virus before they had any immunity

Data from the second wave shows that only a tiny proportion of hospital patients had been vaccinated (blue/green) and even fewer of them had caught Covid after the jab had had time to kick in

Figures from the Covid-19 Clinical Information Network (CO-CIN) were analysed in the paper, presented to SAGE and published by the government today.

The research shows that one in every 14 people admitted to hospital with Covid in the second wave, starting in December, had been given a vaccine.

But the average time between the vaccine and admission was 15 days, the paper found.

It takes around 21 days  three weeks  for actual protection to develop after the jab, so people who have only recently had the injection are still at risk during that time.

This means that almost everyone who was admitted after their vaccine caught coronavirus before the jab had time to kick in.

For a small number of people, however, one dose of the vaccine simply wasn't enough to protect them from developing severe Covid, the CO-CIN paper proved.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock got his first dose of a coronavirus vaccine yesterday when it was administered by the country's deputy chief medical officer - also a practising doctor - Professor Jonathan Van-Tam

Jabs are known to work less well in people who are very old or frail, or who have serious health conditions that damage their immune systems. This is because their immune system is slower to respond and does not hold its memories of how to fight off bugs as well.

Dr Annemarie Docherty, a member of CO-CIN, which advises SAGE, said: 'The vaccinated patients, they are here but they make up a small fraction of the number of patients admitted to hospital.

'This tails off so that by the time you get two weeks off from vaccination the rates of admission on a daily basis are much lower.'

And added: 'The numbers are very small but patients who are admitted after 21 days are mainly in the high risk groups and predominantly the elderly, frail patients who are at risk of dying if they have symptoms severe enough to bring them into hospital.'

Professor Semple said: 'It shows that the vaccine isnt perfect. The absolute numbers of people being admitted to hospital after 21 days is tiny but it does occur.

'Its mostly occurring in the group most at risk of severe disease anyway  these people are very frail and very elderly.'

And he added: 'As time goes on, the immune system kicks in so there will be relatively fewer people coming into hospital after two weeks and three weeks. and even fewer people four weeks later.'

Trials suggest a bigger proportion of people - in most cases everyone - show signs of immunity after a second dose, but this paper could not analyse the effects of two doses because the data was too old.

Professor Semple admitted in a briefing: 'We don't know if the feature of vaccine failure is innate to the individual. You just don't know if a second dose will work on these very frail people where the vaccine has failed.'

The figures showed that most admissions happened before the vaccines could be expected to work  in the red and blue sections  compared to after immunity was supposed to have developed (green)

Almost all of the hospital admissions and deaths in vaccinated people were in the most vulnerable groups who were top priority for jabs, such as over-80s and care home residents, the data showed  the top tier is the most at-risk and the bottom tier the lowest risk under-50s

The SAGE paper looked at details of 52,280 people admitted to hospital with Covid in Britain's second wave, about half of the total 99,445 recorded by CO-CIN.

90% OF OVER-80s GET PROTECTION FROM SINGLE VACCINE DOSE Nine out of 10 people over 80 still had strong signs of coronavirus immunity six weeks after their first vaccine dose, a study has found. And both AstraZeneca and Pfizer's jabs work equally well at forcing the body to make antibodies that can fight off the disease. University of Birmingham research adds to evidence that the Britain's gamble to space out doses works in the real world. It also proves it works for elderly people who notoriously have weaker immune systems and respond less well to vaccines. The study also found AstraZeneca's jab triggered a slightly longer-lasting response from white blood cells, which is another crucial part of the immune system. Levels are boosted by the second jab, however. Dr Helen Parry and Professor Paul Moss, who did the research, said understanding what happens after one dose gives an idea of what protection people have now. This study shows that most people show signs of long-lasting protection from the virus even if they don't get a second dose within three weeks as people did in trials. Testing the blood of 165 people for Covid antibodies found 93 per cent of people had the virus-fighting proteins five to six weeks after their first Pfizer jab, and 87 per cent after AstraZeneca. Advertisement

It found 3,842 of them (7.3 per cent) had been given at least one dose of a Covid vaccine.

Almost all had only had one jab by the time they were admitted and the average time to admission was 15 days after the appointment.

The 526 people admitted after the vaccine had had time to start working made up just one per cent of the total.

It took an average of nine days for people to develop symptoms after their jab, suggesting most were infected shortly after getting the vaccine, weeks before it had time to kick in. It takes about five days to get symptoms after exposure to the virus.

A graph of when the patients were admitted showed it is 'heavily skewed' towards the days immediately after the vaccine.

It then drops drastically in the second and third weeks, showing that the vaccine dose was protecting people at that time. If the jab wasn't working, Professor Semple said, you would not expect the data to tail off in the same way.

The paper comes after data earlier this week proved the Covid vaccines can stop the disease from spreading as well as preventing serious disease.

Research by Public Health England (PHE), which involved almost 1.5million adults, was the first of its kind to confirm the effectiveness of the vaccines in curbing the virus's ability to spread.

It found that adults who received the Pfizer vaccine  but still caught the virus  were 49 per cent less likely to spread it to other household members than those who weren't vaccinated.

The results for the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab were not quite as good but nonetheless, those who received it were 38 per cent less likely to transmit it to others in their household.

The fact that both vaccines dramatically reduce the virus's ability to spread  as well as preventing serious illness  offer renewed hope that they hold the key to a return to normal life.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: 'This is terrific news, we already know vaccines save lives and this study is the most comprehensive real-world data showing they also cut transmission of this deadly virus.'

SINGLE VACCINE DOSE CUTS TRANSMISSION A single dose of vaccine slashes the risk of spreading coronavirus by up to half, a major study revealed this week. Not only does the jab reduce a person's chance of catching Covid in the first place, it greatly reduces their chances of passing it on, should they get infected. The research by Public Health England (PHE) which involved almost 1.5million adults is the first of its kind to confirm the effectiveness of the vaccines in curbing the virus's ability to spread. The new study on transmission of the virus found that adults who received the Pfizer vaccine  but still caught the virus  were 49 per cent less likely to spread it to other household members than those who weren't inoculated. The results for the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab were not quite as good but nonetheless, those who received it were 38 per cent less likely to transmit it to others in their household. But the fact that both vaccines dramatically reduce the virus's ability to spread  as well as preventing serious illness  offer renewed hope that they hold the key to a return to normal life. They have already been shown to reduce coronavirus hospitalisations and deaths by 80 per cent after one dose, rising even higher after full immunity. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: 'This is terrific news, we already know vaccines save lives and this study is the most comprehensive real-world data showing they also cut transmission of this deadly virus.' Adults who received the Pfizer vaccine (red) but still caught the virus were 49 per cent less likely to spread it to other household members than those who weren't inoculated. Those given the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab (blue) were 38 per cent less likely to transmit it to others in their household. The graph shows that in the first few days after vaccination (right), people are more likely to pass the disease on compared to weeks later, when immunity has time to build up (left). The figures are based on an odds ratio, meaning anything above one is an increased risk - and anything below is the opposite Advertisement

Twenty areas of England have already vaccinated 80% of 45 to 49 year olds

England's coronavirus vaccine postcode lottery was laid bare again today as data revealed parts of London and Lancashire have jabbed fewer than half of residents aged 45 to 49.

NHS England statistics going up to April 25 show that 65 per cent of adults in the age group have had their first dose of either the AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna jab.

But MailOnline analysis shows inoculation rates vary wildly across the country. Seven local authorities have seen inoculated fewer than half of residents in the age group.

Kensington and Chelsea in London has the lowest uptake rate in the country by some distance, with just 6,678 of 15,384 people in the borough getting a first dose  an uptake rate of just 43.4 per cent.

For comparison, some 20 areas of the country have vaccinated more than 80 per cent of their residents in the age group.

It comes as the NHS in England today expanded the inoculation drive to everyone aged 40 and over, with the roll-out continuing at pace despite supply issue fears.

Adults in their thirties are expected to start receiving texts inviting them to book an appointment to get their first jab within weeks.

The UK has now dished out 34million first jabs and 14million adults are now fully vaccinated  more than a quarter of the population. It means almost 50million vaccines have already been dished out since the scheme began at the start of December.

NHS England statistics going up to April 25 show that 65 per cent of adults in the age group have had their first dose of either the AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna jab. But MailOnline analysis shows inoculation rates vary wildly across the country. Seven local authorities have seen fewer than half of residents in the age group

England's vaccine rollout was expanded to over-45s on April  just 11 days before this data goes up to  so the variation will partly be down to jabs not reaching vaccination centres yet but also because of hesitancy.

Three local authorities in the East Midlands have jabbed more than 85 per cent of adults aged 45 to 49: Amber Valley, North Derbyshire and North Kesteven, Lincolnshire.

Statistics show seven areas of the country have vaccinated fewer than half their 45- to 49-year-olds, with London areas making up four of them.

Westminster in London had the second lowest uptake in the country with 45.8 per cent.

It was followed by Newham in London (47.8 per cent), Blackburn and Darwen in Lancashire (48.0 per cent), Hackney in London (48.5 per cent), Hyndburn in Lancashire (48.6 per cent) and Luton in Bedfordshire )49.2 per cent).

On the other end of the spectrum, North Kesteven was followed by Hambleton in Yorkshire (84.6 per cent), Havant in Hampshire (84.0 per cent), Chesterfield in Yorkshire (83.9 per cent) and Stroud in Gloucestershire (83.9 per cent).

Uptake among care workers remains an issue, with 19 per cent of older adult carers still refusing to take a first dose.

Hesitancy is highest in London, where just 71.8 per cent have had a jab, followed by the North West, where the figure is 78.2 per cent.

Yesterday, Matt Hancock said it was a 'privilege' to receive his first dose of the Oxford jab at the hands of deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.

The 42-year-old Health Secretary described the process in the vaccination hub at London's Science Museum as painless.

Alongside a picture on Twitter of himself receiving the injection from a masked Professor Van-Tam, he wrote: 'Brilliant! Got the jab. In & out in 8 minutes. Didn't hurt at all. Massive thanks to JVT & the @ sciencemuseum team. When you get the call, get the jab!'

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: 'With nine tenths of people aged 45 and over having been jabbed, nearly three quarters of a million new appointments were made in just two days as our booking service opened to people aged 42 to 44.

'With second doses also proceeding apace, we're now ready to invite all those aged 40 and over to join the most successful vaccination drive in health service history.'

Professor Stephen Powis, medical director for the NHS in England, urged those who receive a text to book their jab.

He said: 'The rapid rollout of the NHS vaccination programme, the swiftest in Europe, is down to months of careful planning and sheer hard work by nurses, doctors and countless other staff supported by our volunteers.

'If you receive a text inviting you for your jab, please follow the instructions provided and book - it is simple, effective and provides vital protection against the virus.'
Students at four universities in Manchester, Sheffield and Nottingham began occupying campus buildings last week in protest over their treatment as "cash cows".

The protests follow the return of millions of students to university campuses across the UK. Despite even the Johnson government's reckless "roadmap" for reopening the economy stating that higher education providers should not reopen for in-person teaching before May 17, many universities have encouraged students to travel across the country to return to rented halls.

Banners hanging either side of the entrance of the occupied Samuel Alexander building at the Oxford Road campus in Manchester reading Students and Staff Unite and Fight (credit: WSWS media)

Office for National Statistics data for March found that three quarters of students had already returned to the same accommodation they had been using in the previous term. The university administrations, backed by the media, have mounted a propaganda campaign to insist all students return as soon as possible. In April, the University of Portsmouth even produced a template letter for its students to send to MPs, which said the closure of campuses "hurts students, benefits no one and is inconsistent with other government decisions."

Students know the main thing "hurt" by their remaining at home is the universities' and property companies ability to collect their exorbitant rent. Thousands of students at around 50 universities have joined rent strikes since January 2020, demanding refunds on the rent they have been paying for halls they could not even access due to travel restrictions, or in which they were forced to self-isolate after being drawn to campuses by lies about "Covid-secure" conditions.

These strikes secured partial refunds and concessions at many universities, with the University of Sheffield granting refunds of 30 percent to students who could not access their halls, and the University of Manchester conceding a 30 percent rent reduction for the first term after students occupied a building on the Fallowfield campus in December. However, the concessions universities made were limited.

The University of Sheffield offered a refund of just two weeks rent to students on practical courses, such as medicine, who had no choice but to return. The refund in Manchester was not extended to the second term.

The universities refusal to offer any further concessions, has sparked the new round of occupations at the University of Nottingham, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, and University of Manchester.

On April 22, Manchester students occupied the Samuel Alexander building containing the School of Arts, Languages of Cultures, in support of the demand for a 30 percent rent rebate for the second term, a cash rebate of 1,500 for all students, and that the university's senior management team be elected by staff and students. They are demanding the university withdraw the threat of compulsory redundancies for library staff, and to end police patrols on the Fallowfield campus.

Students at Sheffield Hallam have occupied the Cantor building. Despite paying in some cases up to 170 per week in rent, many Hallam students complain of poor and squalid living conditions. They have reported mice and rat infestations and leaking sewage and being left without hot meals or working toilets. Students at the University of Sheffield, occupying the Arts Tower building, have reported being charged 30 for poor food parcels, with students who requested vegetarian food given meat.

Banner reading Join the Rent Strike at the University of Sheffield campus (credit: @rentstrikeUoS)

Students at the Sheffield universities and at Manchester also report being intimidated by security guards entering private dorms and police entering dorms without a warrant. Police violence and intimidation has been a major issue facing students during the pandemic. Students on the University of Manchester Fallowfield campus have been subject to numerous police and security measures since returning in September, including an incident of racial profiling of a student by university security, and an incident where the university put up steel fencing around the site and forced students to travel through a security checkpoint.

Two of the student protestors at Sheffield Hallam were victims of brutality by university security, having been pinned against the floor at the Cantor building occupation.

When the rent strikes began in January, many of the organisers declared their intention not just to fight for rent refunds, but against the system of marketisation in higher education, which has transformed universities into profit-making businesses. Students are treated primarily as customers, or sources of income, with ever-increasing targets set for university "recruitment" teams, particularly aimed at international students, who pay inflated fees. The occupations and rent strikes show that young people are looking for a way to wage a struggle for basic demands the profit-driven universities refuse to meet.

In a meeting hosted by the pseudo-left People's Assembly on Wednesday evening, addressed by University and College Union (UCU) General Secretary Jo Grady and National Union of Students (NUS) President Larissa Kennedy, both insisted students must stop talking about marketisation.

Grady falsified the record of the UCU, both over its role in allowing the government to open campuses during the pandemic, and in its recent strikes against the undermining of the Universities Superannuation (pension) Scheme (USS). Her claim that the UCU "took a strident position" in opposing campus reopenings at the start of the academic year in reality consisted only of appeals to university managements and open letters to the Conservative government regarding safety concernsbut with no call for industrial action by its 130,000 members.

Just as dishonest was her claim that "In 2018 student occupations were central in getting UCU members progressive good deals in the USS strike." The strikes to defend the pension scheme in 2018 ended with a miserable sellout, with the employers offering up a promise to listen to the report of a Joint Expert Panel, the findings of which were promptly ignored.

One of the progressive good deals put to the membership in March 2018 was described by Grady herself as a needless capitulation. She was not union leader at the time and knew that voting against the sellout deal would win her backing in a leadership contest. She was elected after her predecessor, Sally Hunt, was ousted by members following the 2018 USS sellout. Her current apologetics confirm that the role of the UCU as a tool of management in imposing unsafe working conditions and cuts in pay, terms, conditions and jobs remains unchanged.

Grady put forward a friendly suggestion that although it was clear students were receiving less contact time due to the burden of marketisation on staff resources, when were trying to tell people that, it doesnt really make sense to them. The NUS sang from the same hymn sheet, with Kennedy asking, We're here talking about 'marketisation'what average student do you know that's talking about marketisation? I'm so sorry, like, I love you folks, but nobody cares.

The real concern of the UCU and NUS is that any criticisms of privatisation threatens their lucrative role as part of the university governance structure.

In contrast, most students speaking from the occupations traced the source of their mistreatment to the market system now established in higher education, and expressed opposition to the reckless reopening of campuses in the midst of a pandemic.

A speaker from the University of Sheffield occupation echoed comments he had made to the Tab web site, describing the local students union as a puppet of the university. The Manchester students recalled the role of their students union during the previous occupation, which attempted to sell out the struggle for a mere five percent rent refund.

To take their struggle forward, students must unite with education workers throughout the sector in a joint offensive. A successful struggle cannot be conducted through the NUS or educations unions that have strangled every fight of student and education workers over decades.

The struggle of students must be joined up with that of lecturers, other educators such as school teachers, and the rest of the working class to demand protection from the pandemic and a decent education and working conditions for all and to prepare for a political general strike against the government. Those students looking to wage this struggle will find an instrument to do so through the Educators Rank -and-File Safety Committee and the newly announced I nternational Workers Alliance of Rank-and File-Committees.
(Newser)  In his first public address since the end of the Trump administration, former Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday put down a marker for a potential return to elected office, telling an audience in early-voting South Carolina that he will spend the coming months "pushing back on the liberal agenda" he says is wrong for the country. "We've got to guard our values ... by offering a positive agenda to the American people, grounded in our highest ideal," Pence told an audience of several hundred at a Columbia dinner sponsored by a conservative Christian nonprofit. "Now, over the coming months, I'll have more to say about all of that." The choice of South Carolina for Pence's post-administration debut has definite political overtones, helping him develop exposure for a potential 2024 presidential bid, the AP reports.

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Pence, who since leaving office has been doing work with the Heritage Foundation and Young America's Foundation, has not indicated if he plans a future run. Earlier Thursday, South Carolina Democratic Chair Trav Robertson said Pence was coming to the state to "try and salvage his relationship" with Trump supporters irked that Pence didn't support efforts to block certification of the 2020 presidential election. On Thursday, Pence promised to reveal more of his ideas soon, promising that he would be challenging the Biden administration's "avalanche of liberal policies" as he ramps up speaking engagements around the country. (Trump said Thursday that he will consider Florida's governor as a running mate if he launches a 2024 White House bid.)
MOSCOW  The Russian military said Thursday that its troops have returned to their permanent bases after concluding massive drills near Ukraine that alarmed Western countries.

Gen. Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the military's General Staff, said that more than 300,000 troops, nearly one-third of the nation's 1 million member military, took part in the exercise earlier this month. Speaking during a meeting with the top military brass to discuss the drills, he noted that they involved 35,000 combat vehicles, about 900 aircraft and 180 navy ships.

The commander of the Western Military District, Col. Gen. Alexander Zhuravlev, reported that most of his troops are now back at their garrisons, and just one trainload of troops was still on its way to their home base.

The troop buildup in Russia's south and southwest near the Ukrainian border worried the West, which urged Moscow to withdraw its forces. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered the troops pullback last week after watching major maneuvers in Crimea, but emphasized that the move had nothing to do with Western calls he rejected as inappropriate.

Russia annexed the Black Sea's Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in March 2014 following the ouster of Ukraine's Moscow-friendly president and then threw its weight behind separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. More than 14,000 people have been killed in seven years of fighting, which devastated Ukraine's eastern industrial heartland called Donbas.

A 2015 peace deal brokered by France and Germany helped end large-scale battles, but skirmishes have continued along the line of contact and a political settlement has stalled. Ukraine and the West have accused Russia of shoring up the rebels with troops and weapons  allegations that Moscow has denied.

The Kremlin sternly warned the Ukrainian authorities against trying to reclaim control of the rebel east by force, saying it could be pushed to intervene to protect civilians there.

This article was written by VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
Most of us aren't brave enough to make life and death decisions in a matter of seconds.

In fairness and for those who haven't read it yet, here's the other side of the story in the tragic deadly shooting of Overland Park teen John Albers.

Read more . . .
Mistrust in local and national government plays a significant role in slowing down child vaccination progress in Africa - the continent home to half of the world's unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children, new research reveals.

A study published in BMJ Global Health finds child vaccination rates in African countries are considerably lower in areas where the local population has high levels of mistrust in local authorities. Even when comparing children from households with similar socio-economic characteristics, who live in the same area and have similar access to healthcare facilities, mistrust in local authorities, government, courts or the electoral system matters significantly when it comes to parents vaccinating their children.

Researchers from Lancaster University, UCLouvain, the University of Antwerp and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) studied information on the status of child vaccinations for close to 167,000 children across 22 African countries, and matched it with information on the levels of trust people had in local and national authorities.

Child vaccinations were significantly lower in regions where people did not trust the courts, parliament, the head of state and local government.

For instance, when mistrust in local government increased by 10 percentage points, children living in that region were 11% more likely not to receive any of the eight basic vaccines (the BCG or Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine, three doses of the combined diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccine; three doses of the polio vaccine, and a dose of measles-containing vaccine) and 3.4% less likely to receive all eight of the basic vaccines.

Vaccine hesitancy was already recognized as one of the most important threats to global health before the Covid-19 outbreak, but was mainly documented in high-income countries like France or the US. Our quantitative analysis demonstrates that institutional mistrust is an important barrier in reaching universal child immunization in Africa and poses a significant risk to vaccination campaigns - which are more important now than ever." Dr Jean-Francois Maystadt, Study Co-Author and Associate Professor, Economics, Lancaster University and UCLouvain

Co-author Dr Nik Stoop, from the University of Antwerp, said: "Our findings back evidence from qualitative case studies across Africa, suggesting that mistrust is an important contributor to vaccine hesitancy. A well-known example of the impact of mistrust is the way Nigerian communities boycotted the polio vaccination in the early 2000s, leading to the outbreak of a disease that had almost been eradicated. But other examples can be found in many African countries, including from Cameroon, Chad, DRC, to Mozambique, Nigeria or South Sudan."

Authors say while their study is the first comprehensive attempt to quantify the role of institutional mistrust on child vaccination uptake in Africa, the issue is not felt in the continent alone. Mistrust in authorities impacting on vaccine take up has already been documented in high-income countries like Russia, the US, France and Croatia, so researchers suggest these new findings should be of use to authorities around the world.

Based on their results, researchers argue there is an urgent need to recognize the importance of mistrust in vaccination campaigns, especially in a post-COVID world where the global roll-out of vaccines is considered crucial in bringing the pandemic to an end.

"There is no doubt that Covid-19 vaccination in Africa is limited by supply constraints and huge logistical challenges. But even if global allocation mechanisms like COVAX or the availability of new vaccines were to overcome these challenges, we would still need to convince people to get vaccinated," continues Dr Maystadt. "The lack of action leaves room for anti-vaxxers, in a context where traditional medicine has already been unduly advanced in several African countries - presenting serious health risks to individuals and the continent as a whole."

With the pandemic leading to the cancellation of several immunization campaigns, the authors call for 'trust-smart' policies in order to protect the 2.6 million under-5s who are estimated to be at risk of dying due to vaccine-preventable diseases by 2030.

They say that while strengthened myth-busting and communication around the benefits of vaccines is important, it is unlikely to be sufficient without trust and confidence in information providers improving significantly.

"Lessons from successful campaigns in Africa highlight the importance of engaging with local communities, trusted political or religious leaders and providing space for open dialogue. A top-down approach is unlikely to work," adds Dr Kalle Hirvonen, co-author and Senior Research Fellow at the IFPRI.

"However, a lot of uncertainties remain on how grassroots initiatives can be scaled up, and questions need to be asked about the role of social media within local communities. In a post-COVID world where mobility is curbed and people are more isolated, we've seen social networks become ideal platforms for spreading anti-vaccination views."
When Hugo Vickers was commissioned in 1980 to write the authorised biography of Cecil Beaton, he was granted privileged access to the photographers friends and staff  and all his private diaries and letters.

Many of Beatons circle had been the Bright Young Things of the 1920s. Others were louche aristocrats, renowned former beauties, movie stars and writers, not to mention Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother.

By then in their 70s and 80s, most welcomed the chance to gossip. Over the next five years, Vickers asked them about everything from Cecils homosexuality to his extraordinary costume designs for My Fair Lady and his bizarre love affair with Greta Garbo. Many of their recollections duly appeared in Vickers best-selling biography.

What few knew, however, was that Vickers also recorded their more gossipy indiscretions about their circle in his private diary  which is about to be published for the first time.

Our exclusive extract begins with Vickers visit to Beatons home Reddish House in Wiltshire a month after his death, where Cecils secretary Eileen divulged details of his oddest guest, Greta Garbo

London, March 5: Diana Cooper has just seen Lady Diana Spencer at an opera evening with Princess Grace of Monaco

Wiltshire, Feb 21, 1980

Eileen tells me she only met Garbo once when she visited Cecil after his stroke. She thought her a silly woman, who maintained she did not want to be recognised, then turned up her mackintosh collar and put on dark glasses so everyone knew at once who she was. Nor was Eileen impressed by Garbo remarking: Sheep, I love sheep.

She took her into Salisbury to try on shoes at Russell & Bromley and was irritated when Garbo asked of the shop assistant: Do you think she knows who I am?

And of Cecils state after his stroke, she said: You see, I couldnt have married him, could I, him being like that? It sounded cruel that she was so dismissive of him.

Wiltshire, March

Many came to Reddish House, imparting information of various kinds. Frank Tait, a doctor, told me Lord Olivier once came out of the shower in a theatre, stark naked, and said: Isnt it a pity? Im the greatest actor in the world and Ive got the smallest c**k.

Rottingdean, May 6

Today Lady Diana Cooper [widow of Tory MP Duff Cooper] and I were visiting Enid Bagnold, the author of National Velvet. Poor Enid has become a morphine addict following a bad fall.

Dianas motive for visiting Enid is largely to get morphine from her. This Diana keeps in a cupboard in her bedroom, so she can possibly make her Exit one day. So, in a sense, my visit was a drug run.

Tangier, July 1-8

Im in Tangier, staying with the Earl of Pembrokes son, David Herbert. My bedroom has a Beaton sketch of the naked backside of a man on the wall. The backside, David said, was Mick Jaggers.

Our exclusive extract begins with Vickers visit to Beatons home Reddish House in Wiltshire a month after his death, where Cecils secretary Eileen divulged details of his oddest guest, Greta Garbo Pictured: Cecil Beaton and Greta Garbo

London, Oct 15

I took Diana Cooper, dripping in ostrich feathers, to The Ritz, where we met Alastair Forbes [journalist and courtier]. A noted ladies man, he pointed out that, thanks to his ministrations, one of the Queens maids of honour at the 1953 Coronation was not a maid in the accepted sense.

London, Feb 4, 1981

At the Travellers Club to meet historian Sir Steven Runciman, who was at Cambridge with Cecil. He has a self-assured arrogance, though Im told his works are unreadable. When he was knighted, he told Princess Marina that the honour made him feel middle-aged and middle-class. Princess Marina repeated this to the Queen. She was furious  and Sir Steven will receive no further honours.

London, Feb 5

Diana Mosley  widow of Oswald  has come to London for several days. As fascist sympathisers, she and her sister Unity saw much of Hitler and his henchmen before the war. She said of herself: There arent many people who have known both Goebbels and Cecil Beaton. Her face creased with laughter when this was repeated back to her.

London, March 3

At lunch with his PR, I learn that Truman Capote was due in England to promote his book. His lover, a rough of course (but one hed loved for years), seduced his young secretary (female) and Capote flipped. Later, I think, he was carted off to a mental home in California. Foyles and everything had to be cancelled...

London, March 5

Diana Cooper has just seen Lady Diana Spencer at an opera evening with Princess Grace of Monaco. She was very funny about Lady Ds provocative plunger black dress: Wasnt that a mighty feast to set before a king?

London, March 31

Lady Diana Cooper gives only two luncheon parties each year, one for [former PM] Harold Macmillan, and one for the Queen Mother, which took place last week. At the lunch, Diana spent most of her time mixing and pouring an immensely strong brew of gin and grapefruit.

A few days later Diana showed me the Queen Mothers [thank you] letter. She made reference to the HOUSE POISON in capital letters and said the guests spoke more freely, their voices rising, as the cocktails took effect. Shed clearly hugely enjoyed it.

Faringdon, April 10

Robert Heber-Percy invited me to the estate hed inherited in 1950 from his lover Lord Berners.

His best story over dinner was that he thought Cecil was going to make a pass at him, so Lord Berners and he swapped beds. When Cecil entered the bed, Lord Berners called out, Cecil, what a delightful surprise! He never forgave me for that, said Robert.

London, March 5: She was very funny about Lady Ds provocative plunger black dress: Wasnt that a mighty feast to set before a king?

Robert had also had an affair  as had Cecil  with Doris Castlerosse [great-aunt of supermodel Cara Delevingne], a viscountess, who once said: There is no such thing as an impotent man, only an incompetent woman.

For his birthday in Paris, Doris took him to a brothel and said shed paid for him to be able to whip a naked whore to death. Robert gave the woman a couple of disconsolate taps. Doris spluttered: I havent wasted my money just for this, and delivered a welt-raising cut. Robert said: Doris, any more of that and Ill be sick.

London, May 18

Count Friedrich Ledebur, a former Hollywood actor and friend of Garbos, told me that when she goes to stay with Cecile de Rothschild, if they go out she never has any clothes.

Dior or Cardin is called up and this is arranged. Garbo doesnt like to pay. Shes very mean.

The Count and Garbo often travelled together. He said that, on a walking holiday in Greece, Greta liked to walk naked  she instructed him not to look, and always to warn her whenever anyone was around.

Each time he called out, Greta, theres a peasant coming, shed quickly put something on.

Monte Carlo, Sept 18

This afternoon, I met Lesley Blanch  author of The Wilder Shores Of Love. She said the Queen thought the Princess of Waless wedding dress was very Shaftesbury Avenue.

Paris, Sept 23

I was very excited today to be meeting Princess Grace of Monaco at her home in Paris. At first, I wasnt sure I recognised her. She is much fairer  do I mean faded? and has a flattish face, a little wider than Id expected.

We talked about shyness and she said: Most people are shy, especially when theyre young. She cited Prince Charles of England as an example of someone who had conquered his. His wedding to Diana had been marvellous, she said, especially the crowds.

On the night of the fireworks, we all went in buses to Hyde Park from Buckingham Palace and the crowds were so thick.

There were millions there, so close to each other. That never happens in Europe how Lord Mountbatten would have loved it. He adored ceremony.

Speaking of the Cecil generation, she said they all took offence very easily and cut each other dead on the strength of something someone had repeated to them.

New York, Nov 15

At a dinner given by Diana Vreeland, there was Stones talk  they are making 70 million over their present tour of 32 cities. Its said Mick Jagger is scared stiff of being gunned down  after John Lennon, he fears that he is the next.

Many came to Reddish House, imparting information of various kinds. Frank Tait, a doctor, told me Lord Olivier once came out of the shower in a theatre, stark naked, and said: Isnt it a pity? Im the greatest actor in the world and Ive got the smallest c**k. Pictured: Sir Lawrence Olivier with wife Vivien Leigh

New York, Nov 24

Daphne Fielding [former wife of the 6th Marquess of Bath] invited me to lunch to talk about Cecil and told me that Doris Castlerosse seduced him in a room filled with tuberoses. The intoxication of the smell was powerful. And Doris helped him considerably. He wouldnt have had to do a thing, she said.

London, April 1, 1982

Dinner at Diana [Coopers] to meet the Queen Mother again. There was a long discussion about the artist Edward Seago. The Queen Mother said shed been asked by the Tate to lend a picture, and had offered one of his. They didnt want it.

So I said, Well, then, I might not lend anything. Finally they took an English landscape, a large one. Really! Horrid snobs!

Broadlands, May 29

At Broadlands [Hampshire home of the Mountbattens] today, I met the Romseys and... then... the Prince of Wales and then... THE PRINCESS OF WALES. So exciting. The princess was in pink  almost Barbara Cartland pink.

She looked radiant  she is a real star  with her mop of fair hair and flashing eyes, a firm handshake from quite a podgy little hand, a smile for everyone.

Good evening, maam, I said, and passed on quickly, swooning out onto the terrace and lawn.

I was most surprised by the effect that she had on me. It was as though one had met the girl of ones dreams, never believing such a thing possible.

New York, Dec 1

I went to see art patron Mrs Nin Ryan  Ted Heath is a good friend of hers. He once came down to tea in blue bathing trunks, with his huge tummy hanging over them. He didnt look aesthetic, she said.

June Hutchinson [an attractive English widow Cecil had once thought of marrying] was there, and said it was the first time shed met Heath since having a romance with him. Funny that Heath and Cecil have that in common.

London, Mar 22, 1983

Ive just talked for 25 minutes to Audrey Hepburn. She was so nice about Cecil  who photographed her many times and designed her costumes for My Fair Lady.

Theres nothing very flamboyant about me or anything terribly beautiful at the end of My Fair Lady, he gave me a set of the photographs hed taken. I remember saying to him that, like every woman, I would have loved to have been beautiful  and for a moment I was. I meant that. If somebody loves you very much, they make you feel beautiful, and he did it with his tenderness and his art.

London, March 24

The Baron [Lord Weidenfeld] gave a dinner party to celebrate the publication of Christopher Warwicks biography of Princess Margaret, a book shed sanctioned and controlled.

The princess  glittering and shimmering in gold and tangerine colours  arrived quite late.

She sailed over to me after dinner and said of Cecil: He hated me because I was so ugly.

I thought Princess Margaret looked like a beautiful monkey, with very pretty eyes, good and unmoving hair, and pouches under the eyes. She has a vulgar laugh.

London, May 18

Ali Forbes came to lunch at my flat. He told a story about David Niven: hed been staying with [actress] Jeanette MacDonald and her husband, and was changing in a tent on the beach.

A hand came through, passed between his legs and took hold of his scrotum. It was Jeanette  who thought she was groping her husband. Lunch is served on the terrace, she managed to say.

New York, June 28

Phone call with Truman Capote  a friend of Cecils until he became jealous of Capotes success with In Cold Blood. He said Cecil introduced him to the Queen Mother. I kept her fascinated telling her about murder cases. She is a wonderful person, he said.

London, Dec 14

Dame Julie Andrews was the first Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady in both New York and London in the late Fifties. She recalled an early photo session.

I was quite nervous of him  this eminent gentleman who always looked so very stylish. I felt, in those days, particularly, terribly gamine and absolutely not sure of who I was at all, and he kept saying, as he was photographing me, Lovely  oh! Beautiful  wonderful  yes, yes.

Then, eventually he ended up by saying, Of course you do have the most unphotogenic face Ive ever seen. I suddenly went down like a pricked balloon.

Adapted from Malice In Wonderland: My Adventures In The World Of Cecil Beaton by Hugo Vickers, published by Hodder on May 13 at 25.  Hugo Vickers 2021. To order a copy for 22 (offer valid to 14/5/21; free UK P&P), visitmailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193.
This week has felt like a turning point for the Russian political opposition movement led by blogger-turned-political activist Alexei Navalny, who has emerged as President Vladimir Putins most persistent and influential domestic opponent. Navalny has been in prison since he returned to Russia in January, after several months in Germany where he received medical treatment following a poisoning attempt widely blamed on Russias security services. Navalny recently ended a 24-day hunger strike to protest what he said was a lack of adequate medical care.

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A gaunt Navalny appeared in court via video link on Thursday to appeal an earlier conviction for defaming a World War II veteran in one of his web videos, one of a number of charges he is facing. Navalny used the hearing to launch a broadside against Putin, who he described as a naked, thieving king. Also this week, Russian prosecutors suspended the activities of Navalnys nationwide political organization ahead of a court ruling which is expected to brand the group as an extremist organization, meaning its supporters could face long jail terms.

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I spoke on Thursday with Leonid Volkov, who was chief of staff of Navalnys presidential campaign and is one of the leaders of his political network, in an interview arranged by the Geneva Summit for Human Rights, which is awarding Navalny its annual Courage Award in June. A former mathematician and computer programmer before entering politics, Volkov now lives in Vilnius, Lithuania. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

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Joshua Keating: To start, how is Mr. Navalnys health?

Leonid Volkov: Well, he is now trying to exit his hunger strike, so his recovery takes time, of course. After a hunger strike which lasts for 24 days, the clinical recommendations are that you have to spend approximately the same for the recovery process.

Since he ended the hunger strike, has there been any improvement in the conditions in which hes being kept?

He is now in the prison hospital, in solitary confinement. But at least there is some medical supervision, or at least, someone who knows how to administer treatment. Thats pretty much it.

So, given the recent prosecutors order and that impending court ruling on the extremism case, how do you think youre going to be able to continue operating in Russia, going forward?

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Our movement is now undergoing a quite complicated reorganization. We have to rethink and reinvent many of the processes we are used to. We will not be able to operate offline at the scale we used to before. So, our task is to make our online operations, to that extent, stronger. That would compensate us from the loss of the possibility to operate offline.

Does that mean mass marches or street protests are off the table for now?

For street marches, the Kremlin has raised the stakes so much, that its now really very challenging to organize something. This is not only about fines now, this is about arrests. This is about the risk of being fired or expelled from the university. This is about prison terms. They are ready to imprison hundreds of people for participating in peaceful rallies. So, under these circumstances, planning for a rally, planning for a protest becomes quite impossible.

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This doesnt mean no protests will happen, because the fundamental reasons for the dissent are not gone. They will not be organized protests, but something that could spark for some quite random reason, like the Arab Spring, ten years ago.

Speaking of online organizing, as someone with a technology background, do you have any idea why Russia hasnt managed to control the countrys internet, by say, blocking apps like Twitter and YouTube, which your movement uses, the same way that say China has?

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They try hard. They actually now are in the position to blacklist any website, and any app. They have developed technical infrastructure for that, but it is true that they are not able to reproduce the great Chinese firewall.

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The success of the Chinese approach is based on the fact that there is a substitute for everything. So they have Baidu, they have WeChat. Chinese users dont need the real YouTube, Instagram and so on, because they have a full-scale infrastructure of domestic services. So they dont care. Contrary to that, Russian government attempts to build, for instance, a national search engine to substitute for Google, and a national video hosting site to substitute YouTube, failed.

So even if though they could block YouTube now technically, it would become quite the challenge for a majority of Russian internet users. They dont have a political mandate to do this, because they will have to do something with the, like, 80 million people who watch YouTube daily and will become angry, and could then become involved politically. The majority of this audience uses YouTube, not for political news and information, but to show their kids cartoons before they go to sleep. So of course, the Kremlin is smart enough not confront this audience. And thats why internet still is a space of relative freedom in Russia now.

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Russia is having election for the national legislature, the Duma, in September. Is your movement going to participate in those in any way?

Well, our candidates will not be admitted, as they are not admitted since 2013, when Navalny nearly managed to defeat the incumbent Moscow mayor, Sergey Sobyanin. But still this election will still be a very challenging thing for Putin and his party. Even government-backed polls suggest that the approval rating for Putins party, the United Russia, is now below 27 percent.

They currently hold 80 percent of seats in the Duma, and they want to keep them, and they need the Duma to be sterile, because this is the Duma that will be sitting also during the transition of 2024, when Putin will have to resolve the inheritance issue. It might be a transition from Putin to Putin. The decision is not yet made. So he needs a Duma that is absolutely ready to comply with anything. He doesnt want to have any surprises there.

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So of course, none of the real opposition candidates will be admitted to be on the ballot. But we have a political technology, our so-called smart voting, the tactical voting, which helps us to consolidate the protest vote. [Rather than field its own candidates, Navalnys movement has recently worked to identify opposition candidates with the best chance of winning and consolidate support behind them.] We have managed to do so in the regional elections of 2019, 2020, in both cases unseating approximately 20 percent of United Russia incumbents in regional legislatures.

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If you managed to repeat the same on the federal level, like if you managed to elect like 50 or 70 quasi-independents to the Duma, they will very much restrain Putins ability to do just whatever he wants.

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Whats your assessment of the Biden administrations approach to Russia so far?

Its once again too weak. Putin doesnt understand any attempts of bridge-building. He just understands it as weakness. So thats just his psychology. He really thinks all his western counterparts are hypocrites. Of course they have to say things about human rights, free and fair elections, and et cetera, et cetera. But actually, of course, theyre just like me, he thinks. They care about money. They care about influence, they care about power.

And what the Biden administration does, is unfortunately only helping Putin to be even more sure. They say, Okay, we will confront Putin on this and this, but we will work with them on this and this. And from Putins logic, it means that they are weak, and that they are ready to compromise, and he can do whatever he wants. The only punishment will be a deep concern, a grave concern, a statement.

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Maybe this is a diplomatic approach. But I am not a diplomat. I am a mathematician by education. So for me, it lacks basic logic. Putin violated Russias international obligations on pretty much everything. Russia had international obligations towards European Court of Human Rights, but it doesnt release Alexei Navalny, despite an existing ECHR rule. Russia is a founder signatory of the [Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons] Convention. Russia is now found in violation of this convention. Nothing, no consequences, no repercussions.

And now Biden says, Okay. Okay. Of course we are deeply concerned for the fact that Putin violates human rights and chemical weapons things, but lets talk to him on climate change. Sorry. How could you expect that Putin will comply with his obligations with respect to climate change, if he just doesnt put any value in his words, pledges, signatures, and so on?

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The U.S. has already put so many sanctions on different parts of the Russian economy. Are there still things the U.S. do now that would put additional meaningful pressure on Putin?

Thats very easy. The only things that matters for Putin is money. Thats actually, thats the main finding of the Putins Palace investigation. The man has had 20 years to fulfill whatever dream he could have. He could do whatever he wanted. He could fly to Mars. Twenty years of absolute unrestricted power in the largest and richest country in the world, with billions and trillions in proceeds from oil and gas. And what the investigation has revealed, that his uppermost dream was an enormous Italian-style palace with gold and red carpets. That says a lot about him.

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He doesnt want his legacy to be, I dont know, a beautiful network of paved roads, or great universities, or whatever. His legacy is this fucking palace. And so, real leverage against Putin could be created from money. We dont call for sanctions against the Russian economy, we call for one very simple thing. Mr. Putin is one of the richest, if not the richest, people in this planet. Its well known where he stashes the loot that he actually stole from Russian taxpayers. The names of the holders of his assets are well known. Sanction them, and you will get a real leverage to talk to Mr. Putin, not from a weak, but from a strong position.

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In February Amnesty International removed Navalnys prisoner of conscience status because of some past comments that he has made about immigrants and minorities in Russia. What do you say to those who are wary of supporting your movement because of those statements?

Amnesty International fell victim of a disinformation campaign by Russian-sponsored media. They have been sent false quotes, false translations of real quotes, and also something real from 2007, which Navalny explained himself many times publicly in the past years. It was a classical and successful disinformation campaign.

Amnesty now is campaigning very strongly worldwide to support and to free Alexei Navalny. This campaign doesnt put a lot of pressure on Putin, unfortunately. Hes well past, beyond the point where he would care about a hundred Amnesties, but still, I mean its another important example for how important the Navalny issue is for the Kremlin, and how effort the Kremlin is putting in discrediting Navalny, internationally.

What charges are you yourself facing now in Russia?

I cant even count all of them. Money laundering, embezzlement. And then also theres the creation of an organization which violates basic human rights. Thats the latest one.

I know youre in Vilnius now, but do you have any concerns about your own safety?

Yes I do, after that, after what happened to the Skripals, after what happened to Navalny. Before August, 2020, the idea was that the worst thing that could happen with someone with the Russian political opposition is to be in prison. So if you leave Russia, you avoid this risk. But now if they tried to use nerve agents against the political opposition, not only against security forces retirees whom they considered to be traitors, then of course, no one could feel themself really safe.

How optimistic are you at this point that you might be able to return to Russia some day?

Well, of course I will be able to, but this will be a different country. This metaphoric, beautiful Russia of the future.
Without Remorse

Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Guy Pearce, Jamie Bell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Brett Gelman, Colman Domingo, Lauren London

Direction: Stefano Sollima

Rating: * * (two stars)

BY VINAYAK CHAKRAVORTY

With remorse, they ought to admit they goofed up. "Without Remorse" ticks all the boxes one expects in a Hollywood action/ espionage/ patriotic thriller. There's a hunk gunning for revenge, lots of synchronised ultra-violence, trusty American military acing the Russians. There's the dirty insider in the ranks too, as it happens in all spy dramas on screen. Yet the film forgets to tick the all-important box of cohesive storytelling. It turns into an incoherent mess as the minutes pass.

The fact doesn't help that this has been aggressively pushed as a spin-off of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan universe. "Without Remorse" is based on Clancy's 1993 novel of the same name, which traces the origin of John Clark (a.k.a John Kelly), billed as Clancy's second-most popular creation after Ryan. It's a hype that such a poorly-executed film can ill-afford.

The re-imagined screenplay (Taylor Sheridan and Will Staples) bears substantial departures from Clancy's book, except that Michael B. Jordan's protagonist is an elite US Navy SEAL named John Kelly. The film begins with John leading an elite team of SEALs to rescue a CIA operative from ex-Russian military forces in Syria. A few months later, a squad of armed Russian gunmen kill John' s pregnant wife Pam (Lauren London) in their home, in an attack clearly aimed at him.

The incident, on American soil, triggers tension and Washington, DC is concerned. Secretary of Defense Thomas Clay (Guy Pearce) meets Ex-SEAL Lt. Commander Karen Greer (Jodie Turner-Smith) and CIA operative Robert Ritter (Jamie Bell) to thrash out an effective measure. A few twists later, Kelly is after the assassins, along with Greer (Jodie Turner-Smith), Ritter (Jamie Bell) and a few others. The action-laced mission will expose a sinister plan that could lead to potential war.

If that synopsis reads like the script straight out of nineties Hollywood mainstream, it's precisely what the film is. Stefano Sollima, who helms this assembly-line product, drew attention of Hollywood buffs in the past directing the Italian neo-noir crime drama "Suburra" and the action crime drama "Sicario: Day Of The Soldado" for the big screen and, more recently, the web series "ZeroZeroZero". Sollima's style, as these efforts would endorse, is about serving cutting-edge drama mixed with stark realism.

In "Without Remorse", Sollima tries incorporating a cinematic idiom that in many ways echoes the Jack Ryan films from back in the day when John McTiernan made "The Hunt For Red October" (1990) or Phillip Noyce helmed "Patriot Games" (1992) or "Clear And Present Danger" (1994). Those were spectacular adventures, and absolutely engrossed upon release. Nearly three decades later, too many filmmakers in Hollywood have aped that spy thriller template too many times.

Of course, Sollima's film tries updating Ryanverse logic by upping the brutality, and he gets amped-up CGI for better impact. Importantly, in Michael B. Jordan, he gets a new-age action star who stepped into John Clark's boots with an already massive global fan base, thanks to "Creed" and "Black Panther".

It could be because of the tone of the storyline that, despite the cosmetic makeover given to script and characters, Jordan's protagonist -- as well as every other character -- seems to be stuck in a time warp. Consider the scene where Kelly takes on a dozen-odd highly-trained, fully-armed special operatives in the much-touted jailhouse fight sequence. It is the sort of action scene filmmakers all over -- Bollywood included -- have learnt to reject by now.

Jordan isn't Hollywood's first John Clark/Kelly. Given the character's association with Jack Ryan, we have seen Willem Dafoe portray Clark in "Clear And Present Danger" and Liev Schreiber in "The Sum Of All Fears" (2002). Those, though, were supporting acts in Jack Ryan films. Jordan kicks off Hollywood's John Clark franchise with this solo outing.

The advantage is frittered away because neither the film nor the character has anything new to offer to lovers of the action spy thriller genre.

-- Syndicated from IANS
BRESCIA, APR 30 - A 45-year-old Italian man was killed on the northern A4 motorway by a hit-and-run driver on Friday, local sources said. The man's car broke down and he was hit while he was putting the red warning triangle down. He was then run over by a truck, and died. The incident happened between Desenzano del Garda and Brescia. (ANSA).
While much has been written about the impact of poor body image and the intense bodily scrutiny and judgement faced by women and girls, a new study has found that men are increasingly falling victim to the same anxieties.

Whether its feeling the pressure from social media snaps or dating apps, men are increasingly concerned about their appearance and the need to conform to narrow expectations of what constitutes desirability. A 2017 study from the University of Sydney found that 45 per cent of men in the Western world are unhappy with their body, an increase of 15 per cent in 25 years.

As the seemingly infinite number of ways to modify and change your body increases with each year, so does the pressure to meet these increasingly high standards. And on shows such as ITVs Love Island, viewers expect male contestants to be as ripped and trim as their female counterparts, with even professional dancer Curtis Pritchard opening up about his experience of being fat shamed during season five of the popular show.
Magi Helena

Tribune Content Agency

BIRTHDAY STAR: Actor Johnny Galecki was born in Bree, Belgium, on this day in 1975. This birthday star earned a 2011 Emmy nomination for his role as Leonard Hofstadter on The Big Bang Theory. He also portrayed David Healy on Roseanne and its reboot The Conners. On the big screen, Galeckis film work includes parts in A Dogs Journey, I Know What You Did Last Summer and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Save time and money by using the latest apps and solutions. Ramp up your knowledge of the latest technology and safeguards so that you can maximize your time and energy.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may hope to make successful changes, but thats only possible if you keep a steady hand on the helm. Ensure that whatever steps you take dont lead to widespread disapproval or cause controversy.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may detect a dab of dissatisfaction from those in charge, but a new friend can bolster your confidence. You can act as a cheering section when a loved one reveals imaginative and inspiring ideas.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Focus on staying one step ahead of the pack without alienating anyone. You can be disciplined about your spending to remain within the budget and be firm about fulfilling any commitments.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put new initiatives aside and finish up anything remaining on your desk. During the weekend, you might feel hard-pressed to remain afloat while you are handling any family problems that appear.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Use the most appropriate tools or techniques, and be sure to respect boundaries. Ignoring problems will not make them go away. Dont succumb to temptation for a gray-area action.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What you want and what you need may not be the same thing. Enlarge your network of contacts and be willing to experiment with something new. However, do not ignore your obligations and promises.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You might be riveted on making the grade through sheer willpower. When the signs say yield or stop, you should obey them. Do whatever is necessary to honor promises without making new ones.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Wit, whimsy and gentle humor can defuse tense situations. This might be a good day to discuss any concerns amicably. A phone call or a frank conversation can prevent misunderstandings and headaches.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Dont waste time trying to uncover something you think might give you an advantage. Its unlikely to be worth it. Dont dig up the yard hoping to find buried treasure.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put new initiatives on the back burner. Previous decisions should not be cast aside due to doubts or a temporary lack of confidence. Remain patient and avoid giving in to knee-jerk reactions.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A dream could hold a message about the things that are most important or something that you may otherwise overlook. Indulging in passing fads will give you little satisfaction over the long term.

IF APRIL 30 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: As the upcoming three to four weeks unfold, you may suddenly feel free to do things you could never do before. This might be the right time to embrace a new attitude or to implement major changes and watch them go off without a hitch. Maintain a low profile in June and July, when your work could be scrutinized and additional obligations could create a difficult burden. Your trusting nature is likely to attract serious notice from important people in August and give your reputation a boost, making this an excellent time to change jobs, ask for a promotion or receive favorable publicity. Keep your eye peeled for opportunities to form beneficial alliances in September, when your good judgment is enhanced.

Learn more at https://magihelena.com/ Questions? Reach out to Helena at questionsmagihelena.com.

2021 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed the states readiness to put its weight behind efforts to reverse medical tourism in Nigeria.

He expressed this view at the launch of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre April 23 even as the Chairman of the hospital, Bolaji Odunsi, commended the role of Polaris Bank in making the project a reality.

In his welcome address at the launch, Mr Odunsi, who went down memory lane, applauded the invaluable contributions of various stakeholders and partners in both the public and private sectors of the economy who assisted in making the vision of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre, a reality.

The Chairman who acknowledged the contribution of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Polaris Bank, said, We have been beneficiaries of the Covid-related healthcare intervention fund and in particular we want to mention the support of Polaris Bank who helped us navigate the process. Without them, things would have been a lot more difficult.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre as a story of courage, resilience, forthrightness, tenacity and the willingness not to give up, and used the opportunity of the launch to intimate guests at the occasion about Lagos States intervention strategies in the health sector.

The Lagos helmsman further added that: We are donating one specialist cancer centre within the next 12 months to add to MRCC and the oncology center in LUTH. Looking at the statistics, we need ten more just to scratch the surface based on the number of cancer patients we are seeing. This is part of the medical infrastructure transformation project we are working on which cuts across all the disciplines of health  primary, secondary and tertiary.

Earlier in her remarks, the visioner and Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, who was full of thanks and gratitude to everyone who have been part of the journey which has spanned over 30 years, described Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre as a hospital aiming to achieve international standards in the middle of Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Dr. Elebute-Odunsi re-echoed Governor Sanwo-Olus vision of reversing medical tourism saying, Mr Governor, I must say that we share your vision and your passion to reverse medical tourism in Nigeria. We need to do it together, between the private and public sectors because this is the time.

Continuing, the MRCC CEO spoke of her pride at the hospital housing qualified specialists with local and international experiences.

Their ultimate aim, according to the experienced medical practitioner, is to improve private healthcare by offering quality medical services in addition to specialist services such as urology, sickle cell research, and stem cell transplant, which are largely unavailable in the country, he said.

The centre also houses an imaging centre with CT; mammogram; ultrasound; X-Ray machines; modern laboratory services; two operating theatres; an eight-bed chemotherapy suite; a radiotherapy centre with a linear accelerator and brachytherapy, fifteen private en-suite rooms for in-patients; pharmacy and counseling service.

The well-attended launch drew top dignitaries from all walks of life including Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and her Kebbi & Ondo state counterparts, Zainab S. Bagudu and Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu respectively. Also present at the launch was Toyin Saraki, wife of the immediate past senate president.
The U.S. Air Force is sending its new F-15EX fourth-plus generation fighter to participate in a large-scale exercise in and around Alaska next month.

The 53rd Wing out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, announced Thursday that the F-15EX, now known as the Eagle II, will conduct operational tests while flying in Exercise Northern Edge 21, a joint Indo-Pacific Command drill incorporating approximately 15,000 service members from each branch, multiple Navy ships and roughly 240 aircraft.

"The unique range assets in place at Northern Edge provide a different, unfamiliar, complex, and operationally realistic environment for the technology and the tactics we're testing," said Lt. Col. Mike Benitez, 53rd Wing director of staff, in a news release. The service's first two F-15EX fighters belong to the 96th Test Wing, also at Eglin. The Boeing-made jets were delivered to the Air Force earlier this month.

Read Next: As Tank Battalions Shut Down, Dozens of Marines Are Joining the Army

The wing will also test other equipment during the exercise, such as the Infrared Search and Track sensor pod on the F-15C model and communication node gateways on the U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane, the release states.

In a discussion with the Air Force Association this week, Lt. Gen. David Krumm, Pacific Air Forces' 11th Air Force commander, said the F-15EX will try out its Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System, an advanced electronic warfare technology designed to increase its threat assessment and survivability.

Exercise locations include Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base and Allen Army Airfield, along with King Salmon, Cold Bay, Fairbanks International Airport, Ted Stevens International Airport and Juneau International Airport in Alaska; and Fairchild Air Force Base and Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, according to another release.

Aircraft will fly within the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, which encompasses more than 77,000 square miles of airspace. Pilots often practice aggressor training there -- simulating friendly "blue air" against enemy fighters in advanced air-to-air training.

Ships and aircraft, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, will operate in the Gulf of Alaska for the exercise, the release adds.

The Air Force is in the process of building up its fighter fleet at Eielson, including the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing version, to support missions in both the Pacific and Arctic. A total of 54 F-35s are scheduled to arrive at Eielson by December 2021.

Major units participating in the exercise include the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing 11; the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit; the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, from Elmendorf-Richardson; 17th Field Artillery Brigade from Lewis-McChord; and the 3rd Expeditionary Air and Space Task Force.

"Typically, training happens within your units, within your services, but you never really get the volume or the complexity you would expect to see in a modern-day conflict," said Lt. Col. Mike Boyer, Pacific Air Forces Northern Edge lead planner, in the release.

"Northern Edge allows the joint force to put all the pieces of the puzzle together in the big picture and allows our younger generation within the armed forces to experience what future conflict could feel like in the complexities associated with it," he said.

The exercise will run from May 3 to 14.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct the unit to which the first two F-15EX fighters are attached.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @oriana0214.

Related: What Is 'Black Flag?' Inside the Air Force's Newest Major Exercise
Meth Charges For Iowa Man in Lyon County

By West Kentucky Star Staff

LYON COUNTY - An Iowa man was arrested Thursday on drug charges in Lyon County.Deputies responded to a report of a man in black clothing in the roadway on I-24 near the I-69 interchange.Deputies reportedly watched the man, identified as 39-year-old Dominic J. Klostermann, throw methamphetamine and a pipe out of his hand as they approached.Deputies said a search uncovered another bag of methamphetamine in his pocket.Klostermann was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, public intoxication, and drug paraphernalia possession.He was lodged in the Crittenden County Jail.
Academic Freedom Advocacy Week Runs May 2-7

The 2020-2021 Center for Ethics program 'Engaging in Speech and Action' is collaborating with the Scholars at Risk program. Students will host a wide range of events to raise awareness about and advocate on behalf of scholars who have been imprisoned for their political beliefs around the world.

Thursday, April 29, 2021 09:13 PM

This year, the Center for Ethics program "Engaging in Speech and Action" is collaborating with Scholars at Risk, a U.S.-based international network of academic institutions organized to support and defend the principles of academic freedom and to defend the human rights of scholars around the world.

Throughout the year Muhlenberg students have been taking part in scholar advocacy seminars affiliated with the Scholars at Risk network. These seminars have engaged students in raising awareness about and developing plans to advocate on behalf of scholars who have been imprisoned for their political beliefs around the world.

The week of May 2, students will host a wide range of programming designed to raise awareness about and engage the campus community in advocacy on behalf of several scholars imprisoned in Bahrain, China, Egypt, India and Iran for expressions of their political, and at times cultural and religious, beliefs. In some cases, scholars have been detained while doing scientific research without having even engaged in explicit political activities.

Some of these events will be held online; some involve signing new and existing petitions; some involve contacting members of Congress; and some involve in-person, on-campus activities ranging from art exhibits to tabling, to planting lilies, to the screening of documentaries (both in the Red Door and on the Campus Lawn).

Support is provided by the Muhlenberg Activities Council, the Center for Ethics and Dana Honors Program.

Sunday, May 2

Academic Freedom Workshop

23:00 p.m., Via Zoom

An introductory workshop designed to open up Advocacy Week with an interactive discussion of Academic Freedom and its implications abroad and on college campuses like Muhlenberg.

Monday, May 3

"Visuals for the Voiceless: Exposing the Uyghur Genocide" (Art Exhibit)

May 3  7, Light Lounge, Seegers Union

A photo and art exhibit depicting the lives of the Uyghur people and the human rights violations they endure.





May 3 7, Light Lounge, Seegers Union A photo and art exhibit depicting the lives of the Uyghur people and the human rights violations they endure. Peace through sport should NOT mean political neutrality Petition Drive

Noon  2 p.m., Parents Plaza

Students advocating for the release of human rights activist Patrick George Zaki, detained since February 2020 in Egypt, invite students to electronically join a petition drive to end the International Olympic Committees stance banning athletes from making political statements, as well as international petitions calling for Egypt to release Mr. Zaki. Events like the Olympics have historically provided spaces for athletes to raise awareness about human rights abuses like Mr. Zakis detention.

Cheetah Stuff-a-Plush

3  4 p.m., Light Lounge, Seegers Union

Before her imprisonment, Niloufar Bayani's conservation work with the Persian Wildlife Foundation was focused on the endangered Asiatic Cheetah. Join us to make a stuffed cheetah while learning about her research and what you can do to help her case. Generously supported by MAC.





Before her imprisonment, Niloufar Bayani's conservation work with the Persian Wildlife Foundation was focused on the endangered Asiatic Cheetah. Join us to make a stuffed cheetah while learning about her research and what you can do to help her case. Generously supported by MAC. Academic Freedom in India Webinar

6  7 p.m. Zoom Workshop

Pre-Registration Link





Pre-Registration Link Assistant Professor of Film Studies David Romberg

7 - 8 p.m. Via Zoom

Romberg presents clips from his film in progress, "Mi Buenos Aires Querida," and talks about his father: artist, scholar, and political activist Osvaldo Romberg, who was active in Argentina in the 1960s-70s.

Tuesday, May 4

Lilies for Bayani

11 a.m.  noon, Via Instagram Live ( @bergstudentsforSAR )

Senior Dana students will be planting lilies in honor of the wrongfully imprisoned environmentalist, Niloufar Bayani. Niloufar means water lily. This event will be livestreamed on instagram ( @bergstudentsforSAR ). We hope that these will serve as a long-lived reminder for the Muhlenberg community of this injustice and the value of academic freedom.



"The Plight of the Uyghurs" (Film screenings of "China Undercover")

5  6:30 p.m., The Red Door, Seegers Union

A cultural genocide is happening at this very moment. The Chinese government is persecuting Uyghurs and forcibly holding them in reeducation (detention) camps. China is trying to conceal this matter from the world, but China Undercover, a PBS documentary, unveils the reality of what is happening. Come learn the truth and say no to persecution!





A cultural genocide is happening at this very moment. The Chinese government is persecuting Uyghurs and forcibly holding them in reeducation (detention) camps. China is trying to conceal this matter from the world, but China Undercover, a PBS documentary, unveils the reality of what is happening. Come learn the truth and say no to persecution! Dana Senior Forum

7  9 p.m., 9 p.m., Zoom Webinar



Wednesday, May 5

Professor GN Saibaba Advocacy Tabling

11 a.m.  noon, Light Lounge, Seegers Union

Members of the Dana Scholars Senior Forum who are teaming with the organization known as Scholars at Risk will be bringing awareness to the case of Professor GN Saibaba who has been wrongfully imprisoned in India. Students will be presented with the opportunity to sign a petition and take free merchandise as ways of advocating for Dr. Saibaba's release from prison.



11 a.m. noon, Light Lounge, Seegers Union Spotlight Muhlenberg: Muhlenberg Advocacy Week and Scholars at Risk

9:30  10 a.m. on WMUH 91.7 FM



9:30 10 a.m. on WMUH 91.7 FM Free Patrick Zaki Contact Congress Event

Noon  1 p.m., Light Lounge, Seegers Union

We invite you to stop by, scan a QR code, input contact information for the Congressional official of your choice and help bring Patrick Zakis case to the attention of the US Congress.



Noon 1 p.m., Light Lounge, Seegers Union We invite you to stop by, scan a QR code, input contact information for the Congressional official of your choice and help bring Patrick Zakis case to the attention of the US Congress. Letter Writing for Uyghur Human Rights Legislation

5  7 p.m., Via Zoom

Join the Ilham Tohti advocacy group as we write letters to our representatives asking them to endorse legislation that protects Uyghur rights. Information and templates will be provided, and more details on specific legislation will arrive as the event draws closer. We will be gathering virtually via this link: https://muhlenberg.zoom.us/j/94861052249?pwd=WHBrNmxVL1h3MkJjenVlTUNaUk9tdz09





"Red Ant Dream" Documentary Screening

8  1 0 p.m. (Campus Green)

Presented by students who have been advocating on behalf of scholar and human rights activist G.N. Saibaba, who has been in prison in India since 2017, this film is based on the Maoist movement in India. There will be a talkback immediately following the screening. Rain location TBA

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Birthday Cards for Bayani

2  4 p.m., Light Lounge, Seegers Union

Join us writing birthday cards for Niloufar Bayani, an imprisoned conservationist in Iran. We will be sending these cards to her family as a reminder of those fighting for her release and thinking about her case, to be received for her birthday, May 9th.



2 4 p.m., Light Lounge, Seegers Union Join us writing birthday cards for Niloufar Bayani, an imprisoned conservationist in Iran. We will be sending these cards to her family as a reminder of those fighting for her release and thinking about her case, to be received for her birthday, May 9th. "Conversation with the Creators of Visuals for the Voiceless: Addressing the Uyghur Genocide"

4  6 p.m., Light Lounge, Seegers Union

Have you heard of the Uyghur genocide? Come by the Light Lounge to see our exhibit and learn how you can stand with the Uyghur people!





4 6 p.m., Light Lounge, Seegers Union Have you heard of the Uyghur genocide? Come by the Light Lounge to see our exhibit and learn how you can stand with the Uyghur people! "The Plight of the Uyghurs" (Film screenings of "China Undercover")

7  8:30 p.m., The Red Door, Seegers Union





7 8:30 p.m., The Red Door, Seegers Union Saibaba Late Night Poetry Jam

10  11 p.m., Burkholder Quad Tent

The Saibaba Late Night Poetry Jam is a space to share poetry and learn about Professor Saibaba's creative work written while in solitary confinement.



Friday, May 7, 2021

Final Event

2  3 p.m.

A final event will take place Friday afternoon. Watch for details about this event, which will either be held under the Burkholder tent or via Zoom.

More information:
New Delhi:

In a tragic incident, a worker lost his life on Tuesday while he was cleaning a sewer pipeline at Sassoon Docks in Mumbai Port Trust.

Name of the deceased person is Ahmed Ansari.

Three workers were cleaning the sewer pipeline when gas emitted in the chamber. They fell unconscious and were rushed to St George Hospital. However, one of the workers lost his life, said DCP Manoj Kumar Sharma.

An FIR has been registered against the contractor under Section 304 (A).

According to The Indian Express report, locals alleged that the death was due to negligence on part of the contractor during the cleaning activity.
The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email.

What is Australian food? Is there even such a thing? These are questions Ive been asked so many times, and I admit to finding them incredibly frustrating. It doesnt help that the answers are not simple ones.

This week in the United States, Phaidon released a 432-page answer in the form of Australia: The Cookbook ($49.95, 65 Australian dollars) by chef and cookbook author Ross Dobson. The book was released in Australia on March 30 and it goes a long way toward clarifying the definition of Australian food, for both an international audience and Australians themselves.

Indeed, if (or, more certainly, when) Im asked that question again, I may point the questioner to the first two chapters of the book, the first titled A brief introduction to Australian cuisine, and the second is an essay on Indigenous food by Jody H. Orcher, an Ularai Barkandji woman and director of Wariku Bushfood Infusions.

In the first chapter, Dobson goes into great detail chronicling the three main periods of Australian food: the tens of thousands of years before colonization; the 150-or-so years in which Anglo colonists mainly cooked to satisfy a craving for the foods of England; and the period since the 1950s, when immigration has vastly changed the way Australians eat.
UPDATED 9:40PM

Firefighting operations have finished for the evening due to the rising tide and poor light. The fire is substantially extinguished and will be further assessed again tomorrow.

Cork County Council and An Garda Siochana are appealing to members of the public to avoid the area and not to attempt to gain access to the wreck which has been further damaged by the fire and is in an unsafe condition.

Gardai will continue to monitor the situation overnight.

EARLIER

The MV Alta Ghost Ship stranded on the coast of Ballycotton is on fire.

The ship, which washed up off the coast of Ballycotton in February 2020, was reported to the Fire Services at around 4pm on Thursday by concerned locals who saw smoke coming from the vessel.

Two units of the County Fire Service are currently in attendance at the fire. Units from Midleton and Youghal are at the scene.

A fire service spokesperson said the vessel was well alight by the time the fire service arrived on scene.

A statement from Cork County Council said:

"Two units of Cork County Council's Fire Service are currently in attendance at the scene of a fire on board the shipwrecked MV Alta near Ballycotton, Co. Cork.

"Fire Crews are currently monitoring the fire ensuring there is no danger to the public.

"There are no reports of any casualties and Fire Crews will continue the monitor situation in this difficult to access location.

"An Garda Siochana and the Irish Coastguard are also in attendance and the public are asked to avoid the area while the Emergency Services deal with this incident."
Holidaymakers will be able to get a Covid test for just 45 under government plans to make holidays abroad more affordable when international travel opens up.

The PCR tests, which are required on entry by most European countries, would be provided for a fraction of the current price if the government's plan goes ahead, the transport secretary said.

'Gold standard' PCR swab tests will continue to be required for all travellers arriving in Britain, despite the Prime Minister previously suggesting that rapid lateral flow tests could be considered for use.

The news of cheaper tests for holidaymakers comes three weeks after Boris Johnson asked officials to consider using the on-the-spot rapid tests to make the tests more affordable, stating that the reopening the holiday market from May 17 was a 'priority'.

Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, announced the news on Thursday that 'a new entrant' had made it possible to supply PCR tests for 44.40.

Currently anyone coming to the UK has to take a pre-flight test and buy a two-swab package to be used two and eight days after arrival.

Official packages use gold-standard PCR technology and cost around 200 a head, this is due to fall to 45 by May 17 when some international travel is set to resume.

A Traveller in the international arrival area of Heathrow Airport, near London, January 18 2021

Shapps told the Commons: 'I know that the House is interested on the update with regard to travel returning internationally and I wanted to provide a very quick update to say that although PCR tests may be required from a medical, scientific point of view, we have been working with private laboratories, pharmacies, supermarkets and other companies to encourage them to deliver on their logistical expertise and enter the market and drive down the cost.

'We've seen some success so far because the cost of a single PCR day two test now has come down to 60 from one of the large providers on the government-linked site, with a new entrant now at 44.90, enabling more people to access PCR tests as international travel returns.'

The drop in price brings hope to the millions of Britons desperate for a foreign holiday after months of lockdown.

In other good news British tourists will be welcome in France from June 9 as long as they have proof of vaccination or a negative test.

The announcement by president Emmanuel Macron comes as a study finds much of Europe could safely be put on the travel 'green list' this summer. The list could include up to 24 countries, The Times reports.

Mr Macron's announcement will pile further pressure on ministers to restart foreign holidays to major hotspots for sun-starved Britons.

Travellers arriving to England from anywhere outside the UK have to to self-isolate for 10 days and must have proof of a negative coronavirus test

Under France's reopening, restrictions on cafes and restaurants will be lifted gradually with a return to near-normal by June 30.

The Yale University research showed restarting quarantine-free travel to popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Greece would not increase infection rates.

And hospitalisations would only increase by about six a day if travel was restarted with up to 31 European countries. There are currently around 124 daily hospitalisations in England.

Johan Lundgren, boss of easyJet which commissioned the study, said: 'Based on the results of this ground-breaking research, and applying the principles set out in the roadmap set out by the Prime Minister, easyJet can demonstrate that it is safe to put much of Europe on the green list.

'This is because the analysis not only shows that travel from several European countries, including popular holiday destinations like Spain, Portugal and Greece, would not affect the UK case rate.

'But even more importantly, that travel to and from Europe would have very little impact on hospitalisations in the UK.'

He stressed that countries with worrying new variants should remain subject to strict measures such as quarantine.

The study is due to be submitted for peer review shortly. Countries' ratings as green, amber and red will be set out by May 10.
Globetrotting actress Pia Miller recently returned to Australia after spending time in the U.S with her fiance, Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell.

And the former Home and Away star, 37, looked happy to be home on Thursday as she went for a bike ride near her property in Sydney.

Pia shared a photo to Instagram of herself sitting on a bicycle with her legs outstretched while offering a playful smile.

Feels good to be back! Pia Miller enjoyed a bicycle ride near her home in Sydney on Thursday amid rumours she secretly married multimillionaire Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell

Pia wore a beige jumper, black tights and a pair of white sneakers.

She opted for minimal makeup and allowed her brunette tresses to fall past her shoulders as she sat on the bicycle.

Red hot romance! Pia cuddled up to her fiance, Patrick Whitesell, during a romantic meal on Tuesday. The couple are the subject of rumours they secretly tied the knot recently

On Tuesday, Pia had shared a photo to Instagram of herself with Patrick at her home, and wrote 'Love you' next to the snap.

The brunette stunned in a low-cut red dress, which displayed a hint of her cleavage.

Pia cuddled up to Patrick and drew a love heart on the photograph.

Secretly married? Patrick, 56, appeared to wear a gold wedding ring in this recent photo, which sparked a round of speculation the couple had secretly married

The actress and model announced her engagement to the agent in November.

And over the the last few weeks, she has convinced fans she's secretly married Patrick, 56.

Earlier this month, she posted a picture in which Patrick appeared to be wearing a wedding ring.

Gossip: Pia fuelled rumours of a secret marriage last month when she flashed a diamond band on her left wedding finger in this selfie taken in Cabo, Mexico, considered one of the ultimate honeymoon destinations

Patrick was sitting in his living room overlooking Los Angeles, and it was hard to ignore the gold band on his ring finger.

Eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice the accessory, with one commenting: 'Hello Mr and Mrs P' with a love-heart emoji.

Meanwhile, another said Patrick was a 'lucky man'.
In a country known for extreme inequalities, the second wave of COVID-19 has been a great leveller, engulfing rich and poor in almost equal measure in a shuddering helplessness as their loved ones die for lack of oxygen or treatment in what has been a fortnight of pure hell. In bitter words that are being voiced all over India as the pandemic runs riot, Rastogi said: It wasnt the virus that killed my father, it was the lack of treatment. If I had found a bed, he would be alive with me today. People wait to receive COVID-19 vaccine in Mumbai, India, on Thursday. Several states have reported running out of vaccine doses. Credit:AP Indias poor have always dreaded illness. They know they are unlikely to get good medical treatment, making them fatalistic about dying. The rich also dread serious illness but, in one way, suffer less panic because they know that, with money and contacts, they can access the best doctors and hospitals. But in this frightening and catastrophic wave, the wealthy and the middle class have felt almost as vulnerable and helpless as Rastogi. Until now, contacts always worked - often they are the only thing that works in an emergency. Even if someone like Reddy does not know an influential person herself, she will know someone who does and the job will be done.

But not this time. This is a time no Indian has ever seen before. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The rich and powerful also have had to resort to social media for information on which hospital might have a bed or where to get oxygen. WhatsApp has been a lifeline when all the hospital and government helplines have been so flooded with calls that there is no point trying to get through. Their sense of vulnerability at not being able to protect the people they love has shot up as they have watched the images on TV and read the heartbreaking stories online. Pradip Bijalwan, for example, was a doctor who spent the past decade treating the homeless in New Delhi. He treated them through the first wave last year too. When he tested positive in April and his oxygen saturation levels started dipping, he tried and failed to find a bed. He died at home.

Or Syed Yusuf, 34, who contracted the disease last year and felt so grateful to have recovered that he donated plasma twice. When his mother developed respiratory problems, he tried six hospitals in New Delhi for a bed while brandishing three bits of paper. One was his mothers test result. The others were the certificates of appreciation he received for his plasma donation. He hoped the latter would add weight to his pleas, give him an edge in the survival of the fittest being played out on the streets outside hospital gates. Loading When others needed me, I was there [] I donated plasma twice, only because I thought I would be saving someones life. But when I needed help, where was everybody? Yusuf said bitterly to an Indian Express reporter after his mother died. Or Mukul Vyas, who rushed his mother to a hospital in Delhi on Tuesday. After three hours she had still not been admitted. She died in the auto-rickshaw, with Vyas pummelling her chest to see if she was alive. Beside himself with grief, he told reporters: They [hospital officials] kept asking me for formalities. Send this paper on WhatsApp, send that paper. Was I going to do that or was I going to get help for my mother?

An affluent middle-aged couple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh were turned away by six hospitals when they searched for a bed with oxygen. They got into their SUV and drove 850 kilometres to West Bengal. Loading This was something Reddy too was considering at one point when her fathers oxygen saturation levels refused to stabilise: head out of Delhi and drive to a city, any city, that might have an ICU bed. Some of the doctors I spoke to told me to try Jaipur [300 kilometres away] in case I got lucky there. But I couldnt face putting my dads frail body through such a long and tiring car ride. I got lucky and managed to wangle an oxygen concentrator to keep at home and stable, Reddy said. India is simply collapsing from the worlds worst coronavirus outbreak. The country has reported more than 18.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began last year. More than 204,000 people have died of it, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. The numbers keep rising inexorably, notching more than 370,000 cases on Thursday, after an average of around 320,000 new daily infections for a week.

Experts say the current surge may have been driven by new virulent Indian variants or the UK variant which has been found in numerous samples. Others point to Prime Minister Narendra Modi thinking the pandemic was over in January and dropping the ball, election campaigns in five states that saw vast numbers turning up for rallies, a series of religious festivals which gathered thousands of people in likely super-spreader events, and many Indians abandoning all COVID protocols over recent months through complacency. The experts say the infection wave may peak mid-May, but that seems an eternity away. In any case, other experts predict the countrys under-reporting is so serious that it might already have 500 million cases right now. No one has been spared. Top journalist Barkha Dutt is a household name. On Tuesday, she lost her father to the disease. Dutt knows the whos who of the entire country through her long journalistic career but she and her sister were reduced to begging for a bed. Bring your own oxygen, some hospitals told her.

Eventually, and not without a struggle, she found a bed at Medanta, a medical complex in Gurgaon, just south of New Delhi, but her father died. When I went to cremate my father, I saw three families fighting over logs and over a patch of ground to place the body, Dutt told me. The virus has democratised death too. With the crematoriums in the big cities flooded with six to 10 times the normal number of bodies, rich and poor are all being consigned to the flames in the same ad hoc, indecent manner, with no mourners present nor any ceremony to honour the dead. Parking lots and scrub land next to the facilities are being used for the funeral pyres, massed row upon row  a macabre site that has frightened Indians and moved the world. Loading

Crematorium officials have never seen such horrific scenes. The more space we create, the more the bodies keep coming in. We cant keep up, said one exhausted official. Sushil Gupta took his 50-year-old sisters body to a crematorium in Ghaziabad, just outside the capital, and was shocked at the dancing flames and smoke filling the sky while corpses lay in body bags on the ground, waiting their turn. We are twins. She knew me better than I knew myself. I wanted to stay for a while to be with her but the heat from the other pyres was so unbearable I had to leave. I left without giving her the respect she deserved, he said. Loading The obituary page of The Times of India, a daily broadsheet, says all you need to know about the toll. The death notices usually occupy about a quarter or a third of the page. On April 28, they filled the entire page.
Iran Reportedly Imposes Travel Bans On Several People Over Zarif Leak

04/30/21

Source: RFE/RL

Iran has slapped travel bans on 15 people for alleged involvement in a leaked audio recording in which Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif complains about the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on Iranian diplomacy, semi-official news agency ISNA reported on April 29. In the leaked interview, aired by the London-based Iran International Persian-language satellite news channel late on April 25, Zarif said he had "zero" influence over Iran's foreign policy.



Iranian FM Javad Zarif with Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani

Soleimani was assassinated by a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020p>

"According to a judiciary source, 15 people involved in the interview have been banned from leaving Iran," ISNA reported.

The recording has angered hard-liners in Iran, who called the leak "an espionage act," prompting some lawmakers to call for Zarif's resignation.

State news agency IRNA reported that President Hassan Rohani April 29 replaced the head of the state-run institute that was in charge of conducting the interview. Authorities have said the recording was part of a wider project with government officials and was produced for state records rather than for publication.

"Hessameddin Ashena, head of the Strategic Studies Center, has resigned.... President Rohani has appointed the cabinet spokesman Ali Rabiei to replace him," IRNA reported.

Ashena, who Iranian media said was present during the seven-hour interview with Zarif, is also an adviser to the president.

Rohani said on April 28 that the leak was intended to disrupt talks between Tehran and six powers in Vienna aimed at reviving a 2015 nuclear deal that Washington abandoned three years ago. He ordered an inquiry into the recording's release.

While on a regional tour, Zarif said in an Instagram post that he regretted the leak and his remarks were misinterpreted.

Based on reporting by AFP, IRNA, ISNA
International judges will give their verdict on June 8 on an appeal by former Bosnian Serb military chief Ratko Mladic against his genocide conviction over the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, a UN court said Friday.

Mladic was sentenced to life in prison in 2017 for overseeing the massacre of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys, and for war crimes and crimes against humanity in general during the 1992-95 Bosnian war.

The judgement on the appeals in the present case shall be pronounced in public in The Hague, The Netherlands, on Tuesday, 8 June, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals said in a statement.

The court, which deals with cases left over from the now-closed UN war crimes court for the former Yugoslavia, held hearings on Mladics appeal in August last year.

During the hearings, the frail-looking former general raged that he had been pushed into war and dismissed the court as a child of western powers.

In a rambling speech that dug up centuries of historic grievances, Mladic said he remained a target of the NATO alliance and accused prosecutors in The Hague of showering me with satanic, snaky, devilish words.

Dubbed the Butcher of Bosnia, Mladic was convicted of orchestrating a campaign of ethnic cleansing to drive Muslims and Bosnians out of key areas to create a Greater Serbia as Yugoslavia tore itself apart after the fall of communism.

The two-day appeal hearing had been delayed several times after Mladic needed surgery to remove a polyp, and then because of the coronavirus pandemic.
A motor bus, which will allow to travel around the Far North in any conditions, as well as survive in case of an accident, is being engineered at the UIREC by SUSU scientists jointly with their colleagues from Bauman Moscow State Technical University. No analogues to such transport exist right now, that is why great opportunities open before the engineers.

The Arctic region takes up one fifth part of the territory of the Russian Federation. More than two million people live there, and they regularly face transportation problems. The thing is that either crew-change buses, or wheeled or tracked cross-country vehicles are used in the Arctic. The former ones cannot handle snow blockades, and the latter ones have insufficient passenger capacity.

The "Arctic bus" is designed to cope with these problems. This project is being fulfilled by South Ural State University jointly with Bauman Moscow State Technical University, and their industrial partner URAL Automobile Plant, Miass. There are no analogues to such bus now: it can run on earth roads, off-road, and on scow cover all year round; and in case of emergency, it will ensure the survival of the people riding it.

"This bus is needed to transport people in the conditions of the Far North at extremely low temperatures, as well as to transport equipment. In case of emergencies, the bus will provide a self-sufficient life support for the period of 24 hours until help comes. In addition, the Arctic bus can float on water during one hour while people are evacuated," shared Candidate of Sciences (Engineering), Director of the SUSU Mechanical Engineering Research Institute Ramil Zakirov.

Bauman Moscow State Technical University is working on the chassis configuration of the bus - a crucial part, which includes the wheels, axle, suspension, frame, and body. SUSU scientists are supervising the general set-up of the bus cab: the arrangement of all the main units and aggregates, semi-trailer and tractive unit; and they are also engineering the quarters module. In addition, specialists from South Ural State University have already estimated the economic feasibility of the project fulfilment, as well as the marketing research on it. The results allow to continue this work.

The "Arctic Bus" project is being fulfilled within the activities of the World-class Ural Interregional Research and Education Centre for Advanced Industrial Technologies and Materials.

South Ural State University (SUSU) is a university of digital transformations, where innovative research is conducted in most of the priority fields of science and technology development. In accordance with the strategy of scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation, the university is focused on the development of big scientific interdisciplinary projects in the field of digital industry, materials science, and ecology. In the Year of Science and Technology, it will take part in the competition under the Priority-2030 program. The university acts as a regional project office of the World-class Ural Interregional Research and Education Centre (UIREC).

###
A prominent Kenyan doctor who became an anti-vaccine campaigner and conspiracy theorist has died from the disease.



Dr Stephen Karanja said it was unnecessary to vaccinate Kenyans against Covid-19.



Instead, he argued for steam inhalation and a cocktail of drugs, including hydroxychloroquine and zinc.



He also spread conspiracy theories, involving Bill Gates and population control.



Dr Karanja died on Thursday in the high dependency unit of a private hospital in the capital Nairobi.



More than 800,000 Kenyans have now been vaccinated, with no severe side effects being reported.



Before his death, Dr Karanja was the chair of the Catholic Doctors Association  who described him as a true medical soldier.

Source: BBC









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A private security guard stands outside an empty coronavirus vaccination centre among several in Mumbai ordered to shut for three days (REUTERS)

Several Indian states have run out of Covid-19 vaccines a day before a planned widening of a nationwide inoculation drive - as new infections in the crisis-hit country surged to another daily record.

India reported 386,452 news cases in the past 24 hours on Friday, while deaths from the disease jumped by 3,498, according to health ministry data.

However, medical experts believe actual Covid-19 numbers may be five to 10 times greater than the official tally.

India has added about 7.7 million cases since the end of February, when its second wave picked up steam, according to a Reuters tally. In contrast, it took India nearly six months to add the previous 7.7 million cases.

The world's second-most populous nation is in deep crisis, with hospitals and morgues overwhelmed by the pandemic, medicines and oxygen in short supply and strict curbs on movement in its biggest cities.

India is the world's biggest producer of vaccines but does not have enough stockpiles to keep up with the second deadly Covid-19 wave, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government planning to vaccinate all adults starting May 1.

Ground staff unload coronavirus disease relief supplies from the United States in Delhi on FridayREUTERS

Only about nine per cent of India's 1.4 billion people have received a vaccine dose since January.

"I registered to get a slot 28 days before, but now they are saying there are no vaccines," Twitter user Jasmin Oza said in a video post.

India had originally planned to vaccinate only 300 million of its highest-risk people by August, but widened the target due to the rise in cases.

However, its two vaccine producers were already struggling to increase capacity beyond 80 million doses a month due to a shortage of raw materials and a fire at the Serum Institute, which manufactures AstraZeneca's vaccine in India.

Inoculation centres in Mumbai will be shut for three days starting on Friday because of the shortage of vaccines, authorities said.

In the southern state of Karnataka, home to the tech hub of Bengaluru, the state's health minister said Karnataka's vaccination drive for adults will not begin on May 1.

Story continues

"The state government has not received any information from companies about when they will be able to supply these vaccines," said Health Minister K Sudhakar.

In Mr Modi's home state of Gujarat, officials said vaccination for the 18-45 age group is expected to start in a fortnight, as the state expects to receive vaccines by then.

Aanchal Sharma cries over the body of her husband who died from Covid-19, inside an ambulance at a crematorium ground in New Delhi on FridayREUTERS

"We will begin vaccinating those above 18 when we have the vaccine stocks. We are working very hard to get the vaccines, and I am confident we will be able to start the vaccination within the next 15 days, the states Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said.

Officials in the eastern state of Odisha said they hoped to start vaccinations on Monday, if vaccine stocks arrive.

Modi is scheduled to meet cabinet ministers on Friday as the wave of infections cripples the nation's health system and threatens to impact major businesses. Absenteeism in offices and industries is growing with staff falling sick or taking leave to tend to sick relatives.

World aid has started arriving in India as it struggles to combat what has been described as a humanitarian disaster.

The first US flight carrying oxygen cylinders, regulators, rapid diagnostic kits, N95 masks and pulse oximeters arrived in the Indian capital Delhi on Friday.

"Just as India came to our aid early in the pandemic, the U.S. is committed to working urgently to provide assistance to India in its time of need," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter.

"Today we are proud to deliver our first shipment of critical oxygen equipment, therapeutics and raw materials for vaccine production."

People line up to receive their Covid-19 vaccines at a mass vaccination centre in Mumbai on ThursdayGetty Images

The United States will send more than $100 million in medical aid, including 1,000 oxygen cylinders, 15 million N95 masks and 1 million rapid diagnostic tests. It also has redirected its own order of AstraZeneca supplies to India, to allow it to make more than 20 million doses.

Shipments from other countries continued to pour in, with a third one from the United Kingdom reaching earlier in the day. Romania and Ireland also sent supplies late on Thursday.

Indias severe medical oxygen supply crisis is expected to ease by mid-May, a top industry executive told Reuters, with output rising by 25% and transport infrastructure ready to cope with a surge in demand.

India will receive a first batch of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine on May 1. Russia's RDIF sovereign wealth fund, which markets Sputnik V globally, has signed deals with five Indian manufacturers for more than 850 million vaccine doses a year.

Prominent US disease modeller Chris Murray, from the University of Washington, said the sheer magnitude of infections in India in a short period of time suggests an "escape variant" may be overpowering any prior immunity from natural infections in those populations.

"That makes it most likely that its B.1.617," he said. But Mr Murray cautioned that gene sequencing data on the coronavirus in India is sparse, and that many cases are also being driven by the UK and South African variants.

Carlo Federico Perno, Head of Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostics at Rome's Bambino Gesu Hospital, said the Indian variant couldn't alone be the reason for India's huge surge, pointing instead to large social gatherings.

Modi has been criticised for allowing massive political rallies and religious festivals which have been super-spreader events in recent weeks.

Read More

Two new Covid variants first identified in India found in England

Scammers know people will pay for oxygen when their mother is dying

Public and charities come together to deliver critical aid to India
$500,000 grant to city of Colorado Springs forms new housing and homeless services fund

A $500,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente, a nonprofit health insurance company and medical group, will help Colorado Springs reduce barriers for people who are homeless to get help, officials announced Thursday.

The donation will create the Colorado Springs Housing and Homeless Services Fund, which the local Community Health Partnership will direct.

The money will be used to improve the city's system of responding to homelessness by hiring additional case managers to work to get people into housing and launching a pilot homeless prevention program, said Amber Ptak, CEO of Community Health Partnership.

Housing is foundational to how people take care of their health, said Amy Whited, executive director of community health for Kaiser Permanente.

The city will have "great flexibility" in spending the money, said Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers, and an advisory council will oversee allocations.

"A grant like this allows us to step back and do some planning and system evaluation and look at should we make adjustments," he said.

Colorado Springs in 2018 joined a nationwide campaign to end homelessness and double the amount of new affordable housing units built in the community from 500 to 1,000 per year, Suthers said.

"In 2021, we will produce over 1,000 new affordable housing units," he said. "We just need to accelerate the pace  Lord knows the demand does exceed the supply."

Even with rents and home prices in Colorado Springs increasing sharply over the past year, spots for the homeless do open up, said Andy Phelps, the city's homeless prevention and response coordinator.

And a concerted city-wide effort to reduce homelessness by moving people into housing has paid off, he said.

The city has reduced the number of unsheltered homeless people by nearly 20%  the lowest since 2015, officials said.

"This is a big deal," Phelps said.

Complaints about the environmental impacts of homeless people camping outside and along walking and biking trails are fielded alongside "heartbreaking stories of people desperately in need," Phelps said.

Suthers said city leaders work to balance compassion and assistance for the unsheltered, who "deserve our help and support," with maintaining the quality of life for the 99.9% of the people who are sheltered.

And the new infusion of money will provide "a real opportunity for us to do even better."
Use of airport private lounge for patients to end



 Copyright Richard Hoare and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Patients returning from hospital appointments in the UK will be able to wait for their flights back to the Island in the main reception area at the Liverpool Airport terminal, from 1 May 2021.

Earlier this year, patients from the Isle of Man who were travelling through Liverpool for their appointments were offered use of the privately-run XLR lounge at the airport, thanks to a partnership with the Patient Transfer service.

However, as private flights and travel are starting to pick up in the UK with the easing of restrictions, XLR have announced the lounge is no longer available to patients.

The Patient Transfer team has instead arranged with Liverpool Airport to have a seating area set up in the main reception area of the terminal, with light refreshments available from vending facilities.

Patients will use this area while waiting to be allowed through to departures, where they can access the patient transfer lounge funded by the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group charity.
New Delhi, April 30 : Even as various parts of the country report shortage of oxygen, the Indian Railways on Friday said that more Oxygen Express trains with 126 MT of the life-saving gas are on way to Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana.

A Railway Ministry spokesperson said that the national transporter is continuing its Oxygen Express journey and saving many more lives.

He said that railways is in full preparedness to run even more Oxygen Express trains, based on the requests from state governments.

The official said that Madhya Pradesh will receive its second Oxygen Express carrying 47.37 MT of liquid medical oxygen to Sagar and Jabalpur in four tankers.

The train started from Jharkhand's Bokaro on April 29 and is currently moving uninterrupted towards its destination, which it is expected to reach by Friday evening, he said.

He also said that Haryana will receive its first and second Oxygen Express soon.

"Two trains, one from Odisha's Rourkela to Haryana carrying 47.11 metric tonnes LMO in three tankers and another one from Angul to Haryana carrying 32 metric tonnes in two tankers are on their way to their destination. These trains will deliver much needed oxygen supply to the residents of Haryana in a safe and timely manner," he said.

The official said that Uttar Pradesh is continuously replenishing its oxygen supply with the Oxygen Express.

"UP will receive its seventh Oxygen Express, which is expected to start shortly from Bokaro carrying three tankers of LMO. In order to further boost up the oxygen supply, the UP government has also requested to transport 10 ft ISO containers loaded with liquid oxygen from Jamshedpur to Lucknow," he said.

The official said additional planning is required to transport ISO containers and railways officials are currently working on the best possible options to move these safely and securely. It is expected that ISO containers carrying liquid medical oxygen will start loading on May 1 at Jamshedpur.

"So far, Indian Railways has delivered more than 664 metric tonnes LMO to Maharashtra (174 MT), Uttar Pradesh (356.47 MT), Madhya Pradesh (64 MT) and Delhi (70 MT)," he said, adding that Haryana and Telangana will start receiving their Oxygen Express shortly.
Ranbir Kapoor could not help but snap at the paparazzi for entering his apartment complex. Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor and his girlfriend Alia Bhatt were snapped together entering his building on Rishi Kapoors first death anniversary. Bollywood veteran Rishi Kapoor passed away last year on April 30, 2020. Find out details about this incident below.

Ranbir Kapoor snaps at paparazzi for entering his apartment building

Today marks the first death anniversary of Bollywood veteran actor Rishi Kapoor. As mentioned earlier, Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020 after battling cancer for some time. Many Bollywood actors and cinema lovers are mourning the loss of this Bollywood legend.

Today, Rishi Kapoors son Ranbir Kapoor and his girlfriend Alia Bhatt were spotted outside Ranbirs apartment. The Bollywood couple stepped out of the car and soon entered their apartment building. While Alia was dressed in a baby pink and white ethnic look, Ranbir Kapoor chose to wear a white T-shirt and a pair of blue jeans.

But while the two tried to enter the apartment complex, they were surrounded by paparazzi. While Alia swiftly entered the complex, Ranbir can be heard schooling the paps for entering the apartment premises. He said Galat kar rahe ho (You guys are not doing this right) and also added, Building mein mat aana (Do not enter the building). Watch this video of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt shared on Viral Bhayanis Instagram below.

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor back from the Maldives

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor were spotted at Mumbai airport on April 25, 2021. The Bollywood couple had just returned from their trip to the Maldives. The couples vacation received heavy criticism from the public and some Bollywood celebs as well, since India is currently suffering tremendously due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui in an interview with Bollywood Hungama slammed celebs vacationing in the Maldives and at international locations while the country is in the middle of a major health crisis. In his interview, Nawazuddin Siddiqui said that people should not flaunt their money while their fellow countrymen are finding it difficult to put food on their plate.

Image Credit: Viral Bhayani Instagram

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Former political staffer Brittany Higgins speaks to the media as she leaves the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices after meeting with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney, Friday, April 30, 2021. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

Former Political Staffer Brittany Higgins Seeks Reform From Leaders

Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins says her conversation with Scott Morrison was difficult, but there was a consensus on reforming the toxic workplace culture faced by political advisers.

Higgins met with the prime minister and Labor leader Anthony Albanese in Sydney on April 30.

A decision by Higgins to go public about her alleged rape in a ministerial office at Parliament House sparked national rallies about the mistreatment of women and an independent review into parliamentary workplaces.

She told reporters after the meeting with Morrison he had acknowledged the system let her down.

It was a difficult conversation, it was robust, but ultimately, in the end, I think there was a consensus that reform needs to happen, she said.

The talks centred on reform of the Members of Parliament Staff (MOPS) Act, which Higgins says does not offer adequate workplace protections and conditions for staffers.

She said there was also a robust discussion about the need for an independent authority to deal with human resource issues in parliamentary workplaces.

I am hopeful that it will (change) and he is going to do the right thing by the women here.

Higgins was also hopeful the Liberal Party would overhaul its approach to women.

Progress moves slowly. I am hopeful that its going to happen. I guess time will tell.

Asked whether there was one single thing she got out of the meeting with Morrison, she said: I think he fundamentally seemed to understand what had happened to me, and how it happened in a more holistic way. And that was encouraging, I think, by the end of the conversation.

Morrison said in a statement Higgins views and experience would be invaluable in reforming the parliamentary workplace.

I am committed to achieving an independent process to deal with these difficult issues, he said.

In addition, the meeting was an opportunity to thank her personally for her contribution to my government.

Earlier, she said the meeting with Anthony Albanese had been constructive.

The federal opposition leader told reporters Higgins reform ideas were modest and reasonable.

He said just as there was an independent body to deal with parliamentary expenses and a budget office to independently provide policy costings, there was also a need for an independent body for staff members, MPs and chiefs of staff to seek advice and raise workplace issues.

She has shown extraordinary courage in coming forwardto be a voice standing up for women, standing up for issues that need real solutions, Albanese said.

We need to listen to women and to listen to their concerns, to listen to the experience that theyve gone through.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins has been tasked with reviewing parliamentary workplaces, including the operation of the MOPS Act.

After taking evidence and submissions, she is expected to provide an interim report in July and final recommendations in November.

By Paul Osborne
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- More than a year before the election, the first attack ads in whats expected to be a nasty Republican U.S. Senate primary in Ohio are hitting the airwaves this weekend.

A group called the USA Freedom Fund is running the ads, which boost former State Treasurer Josh Mandel while attacking some of his Republican opponents, former Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken, investment banker Mike Gibbons and author/investor JD Vance, who hasnt declared his candidacy but is expected to do so. Tom Datwyler, the treasurer for USA Freedom Fund, also is the treasurer for Mandels Senate campaign. The ads includes a brief video clip of former President Donald Trump, who has not endorsed Mandel or any candidate in the race.

The equine-themed ads will run during the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, comparing the Senate campaign to a race in which voters must pick the winning horse. USA Freedom Fund is spending $71,500 to run the ads in all of Ohios TV markets, including Cleveland and Youngstown, according to Medium Buying, a Columbus ad firm. Its spending another $22,000 on digital ads, according to a disclosure the group filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Mandel, Timken, Gibbons and Cleveland businessman Bernie Moreno, who isnt mentioned in the ad, all are running to replace retiring Sen. Rob Portman in the 2022 primary. The election could attract Vance and other candidates interested in running for an open U.S. Senate seat, a rarity in Ohio. Its expected to be among the most expensive primaries of the 2022 election season.

The race so far has been dominated by two early frontrunners -- Mandel and Timken -- posturing to see who can most closely align themselves with Trump, who is expected to hold major sway with Republican voters despite losing the November election.

USA Freedom Fund is a Super PAC, which means its allowed to accept and spend unlimited amounts of money to support political candidates, as long as it doesnt coordinate with any candidate or political party. It appears to be structured as a dark money group, a term that applies to political organizations that attempt to make it difficult to track the source of their money.

The group was created on April 29, 2020, and funded shortly after that by a $320,000 contribution from a different Super PAC called the Ohio Freedom Fund. The Ohio Freedom Fund spent $260,000 in 2020 supporting Christina Hagan, a Republican who ran and lost against Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan during that years election.

The Ohio Freedom Fund got much of its money for the 2020 election -- about $257,500 out of $299,000 raised -- from another group called Invest in Ohio, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that doesnt have to disclose its donors. The Ohio Freedom Funds only named donor is Leo Hawk of Lima, who gave $12,500 in October 2020.

The Ohio Freedom Funds treasurer is Datwyler, who also is Invest in Ohios principal officer. Datwyler also serves as campaign treasurer for U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan.
A sculpture of Elie Wiesel, the famed Jewish human rights activist, Holocaust survivor and author of the bestselling book Night, was recently installed at Washington National Cathedral.

The Washington, D.C.-based Cathedral announced this week the addition of the Wiesel stone carving to its Human Rights Porch, which includes Rosa Parks and Mother Teresa.

Kevin Eckstrom, chief communications officer for the National Cathedral, told The Christian Post that the process began in 2019 at the behest of the Cathedral Dean, the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith.

The proposal was reviewed by several committees and ultimately approved by the Cathedrals board, known as the Chapter, Eckstrom said.

Source:The Christian Post
Egypt retrieved from Italy two artifacts dating back to the Greco-Roman era of ancient Egypt some 2,000 years ago, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement on Thursday.

The first artifact is the upper part of a statue of a woman and the second a small jug. Both are made of pottery.

In a ceremony in Rome, the two pieces were handed by Roberto Riccardi, commander of Italy's Carabinieri Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, to Egyptian Ambassador to Italy Hisham Badr.

Badr said the move came as "continuation of the constructive cooperation between the Egyptian and Italian sides to preserve the cultural heritage of the Egyptian and Roman civilizations."

In 2008, Egypt and Italy signed an agreement for retrieving smuggled antiquities. In 2018 alone, Egypt recovered 195 smuggled artifacts and 21,660 ancient coins from Italy, according to the ministry statement.
LOS ANGELES, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Starburst, the world's first and only global aerospace and defense accelerator, hosted yesterday its Singapore Aviation Accelerator's first demonstration with its inaugural cohort of startups. The demo day served as a platform for the startups, whose technologies span across green aviation, digitalization, safety and sustainability, to showcase their far-reaching capabilities and immense value to Singapore's Aviation ecosystem.

The Singapore Aviation Accelerator demo day is Starburst's latest investment in its global expansion plans, and will be a catalyst in its efforts to accelerate the growth of startups in Asia through the commercialization and implementation of their technology with respective stakeholders. Starburst is championing innovation in Singapore through the Singapore Aviation Accelerator and the program aims to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem for the local community, creating good job opportunities for professional and young talents. Starburst partnered with Enterprise Singapore, Singapore Airlines, SIA Engineering Company, SATS, AIRLab (Innovation center setup between Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Thales) and Panasonic Avionics to jointly launch the Singapore Aviation Accelerator earlier this year and is proud to present its first cohort of startups.

Starburst worked diligently with these companies in preparation for the showcase, which allowed them to reveal their unique capabilities in providing viable solutions that meet the strict operational requirements of Starburst's corporate partners. Following the demo day, Starburst will continue to work with these startups to make connections with corporate partners and help them move towards the commercialization of their technology while expanding internationally through Starburst's global late-stage accelerator program.

Startups, investors, corporates, IHLs and government agencies utilized the demo day to connect and exchange ideas for potential collaboration opportunities in the air transport sector. Starburst is actively engaging various stakeholders that are providing fresh perspectives and innovation in the air transport sector, such as academic professionals and students from the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) for example Nanyang Technological University, Temasek Polytechnic and ITE Central.

Mr. Law Chung Ming, Executive Director for Transport and Logistics, Enterprise Singapore said, "The innovative solutions showcased by local and global startups at the Demo Day will support the long-term sustainable growth of our aviation ecosystem. Startups would be able to leverage Enterprise Singapore's network of partners and local talents to test-bed and bring to market new solutions expeditiously. We look forward to partnering Starburst to grow the aviation industry in the new business environment."

Mr. George Wang, Senior Vice President Information Technology, Singapore Airlines said, "It is exciting to see many promising startups taking part in the Singapore Aviation Accelerator, and bringing new and innovative solutions to strengthen Singapore's position as a global air hub. Singapore Airlines is glad to be one of the contributing partners that have helped to make the inaugural run a successful one, and we look forward to seeing more ideas come forth in future runs of the program, with more startups to partner with to explore new digital frontiers."

Mr. David So, Senior Vice President for Transformation and Technology, SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) said, "We are happy to partake in the inaugural Singapore Aviation Accelerator. It has been exciting to plug into Starburst's network of innovative start-ups and getting quality innovative proposals that could enhance the quality and safety of SIAEC's operations and training."

"The accelerator program has provided us with the opportunity to work closely with like-minded startups in co-innovating in the Air Traffic Management (ATM) domain. Startups were able to tap on AIR Lab's public APIs to provide potential value-added services for ATM by working on suitable proof-of-concept use cases. And more importantly, such programs would support our ambition in strengthening the solution and talent pipeline in the local ATM ecosystem," said Chris Lee, Deputy Director of AIR Lab.

"In line with our desire to accelerate digital transformation, Starburst provides SATS with a platform to reach out to a wider group of tech start-ups to collaborate on unique solutions for the aviation industry," said Donald Lum, Senior Vice President for Technology Innovation Centre, SATS.

"We are very proud of our inaugural cohort of startups within the Singapore Aviation Accelerator and the high-quality solutions they are bringing to market and to our enthusiastic corporate partners," said Julius Yeo, Director of Starburst Asia. "We've seen a greater acceptance and push towards working with startups in the air transport sector and we look forward to connecting additional startups with our corporate partners to jointly build a more innovative ecosystem in Singapore and Asia."

Starburst is always open to working with promising and interesting startups in the aviation, air transport, and aerospace for its next cohort. Sustainability and digitalization are key themes that Starburst continues to place value on for future cohorts. Given the unprecedented unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, corporations within the air transport sector are especially eager to adopt innovative solutions by working with startups to eliminate uncertainty.

To find out more about the Singapore Aviation Accelerator or apply to be a part of a future cohort with Starburst, please connect with the team at www.starburst.aero.

About Starburst

Starburst is an innovation catalyst in the aerospace and defense industry. It is the first and only global aerospace and defense accelerator, connecting industry and government with startups while providing strategic innovation and growth consulting for all. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, London, Seoul, Singapore, Mumbai, Madrid, and Tel Aviv the team has built an ecosystem of key players in the aerospace and defense industry as well as 6000+ startups. Every year Starburst hosts numerous international and national events bringing together entrepreneurs in aviation, space and defense putting innovation under the spotlight. Starburst supports its clients to acquire and maintain leadership in new markets and identify and fend off disruptive threats. Starburst invests in leading aerospace and defense innovators. Visit starburst.aero.

Contact:Matt Jaffe / matt@relativity.ventures

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/starburst-aerospace-announces-demo-day-for-its-singapore-aviation-accelerator-301280506.html

SOURCE Starburst
CPC has strong leadership and power to unite: member of Lebanese Communist Party

11:04, April 30, 2021 By Yang Yi ( People's Daily

Adham Sayed, member of the Central Committee of the Lebanese Communist Party (LCP) said in a recent interview with Peoples Daily that the Communist Party of China (CPC) has strong leadership and power to unite, which is the most important reason why he firmly believed that China would overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sayed was studying in Wuhan, central Chinas Hubei province, when the novel coronavirus broke out in the city in late 2019. Although he went through many difficulties because of the pandemic, he was always convinced that China would defeat the pandemic, according to Sayed.

The CPC and the Chinese people trusted each other and united against the epidemic, Sayed noted, adding that the Chinese people were certain that the CPC and the government would lead them out of the plight.

Tens of thousands of medical workers came to Hubei province from across China to fight against the epidemic in the front line, and citizens in Wuhan willingly stayed at home to prevent the spread of the virus, Sayed recalled.

Sayed recorded what he saw, heard and felt during the pandemic in his diary, and later published a book titled Confidence Comes from Effectiveness: A Foreigners Wuhan Diary.

Wuhan is a heroic city, and the Wuhan people are all heroes. The story of each one of them is enough for writing a single book, he said.

Since 2015, Sayed has studied and lived in Wuhan for six years and witnessed China's constant economic and social progress. He said the changes in Wuhan that go on every day, and the ever-improving infrastructure in the city is a microcosm of China's development.

Since the countrys reform and opening-up, China has lifted several hundred million rural impoverished residents out of poverty, which Sayed considers a remarkable achievement.

The CPC pays close attention to peoples wellbeing, adheres to its original aspiration and mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, ensures policy continuity, and works generation by generation for its mission to ensure a comfortable and happy life for the people, he pointed out.

Sayed believes that the century-long development of the CPC is like a grand journey, during which the political party has always marched forward courageously despite hardships and challenges along the way.

The fact that the CPC has maintained vitality and energy is fundamentally because it has always put people first, he said, who added that the reason why China could quickly bring the pandemic under control is that the CPC and Chinese government always make people's lives and health the first priority.

Sayed also noted that the CPC has always pursued theoretical innovations, and CPC members have a strong sense of discipline and responsibility, which serve as an important source of power for the development and growth of the CPC.

The CPC guides innovation in practice with theoretical innovations and continuously enriches and develops theories through practice, thus constantly leading its members toward progress.

Today, the CPC has grown into a major party with over 91 million members, and China is playing an increasingly significant role in the international community.

According to Sayed, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China that promotes mutual benefit and win-win results is aimed at establishing a new type of international relations to help countries carry out exchanges and address problems in a cooperative rather than confrontational and violent manner, which offers a new solution to solving international issues.

As a member of the Central Committee of the LCP, Sayed is committed to facilitating the exchanges between the political parties of China and Lebanon.

In March, he attended the China-Arab Young Leaders Forum hosted by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, during which he shared his views about China and the CPC.

The Arab states and China both have long cultural traditions and similar suffering in their modern histories, Sayed said, adding that the Arab countries and people really admire China for the miracle it has created in securing rapid economic growth and long-term social stability and hope to learn from its experience in development.

In recent years, the Arabic and Chinese people have maintained friendly relations and communication, and the LCP and the CPC have forged a close bond of friendship, Sayed noted, who looks forward to further exchanges between the two parties.

As this year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, Sayed sent his good wishes and congratulations to the CPC. It is believed that the CPC will continue to lead the Chinese people to achieving development goals, and make greater contributions to promoting world peace and development, he said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) wishes to advise customers that the initial explosive eruption at the La Soufriere Volcano has impacted the Companys meter reading and billing processes. In keeping with the Companys Health and Safety practices related to employee wellbeing, Meter Reading in some cycles was disrupted as a result of airborne volcanic ash and unsafe roadways in some cases. This ultimately affected the billing process which requires data from Meter Reading to be completed. Consequently, some customers will see an increase in the number of billing days on their April bills, while other customers may receive estimated bills for the month of April.




WASHINGTON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Port of Long Beach (POLB), the second busiest container port in the United States, has seen record-high biodiversity in its efforts to build a green port, the POLB told Xinhua on Thursday.

Marine life is thriving in San Pedro Bay Harbor at levels not seen in multiple studies over two decades, according to a comprehensive new survey of water quality, aquatic habitat and biological resources at the POLB and Port of Los Angeles.

More than 1,000 species of plants or animals were observed, including 104 species of fish, 87 species of birds and five species of marine mammals, according to the survey conducted in 2018 and 2019.

Among other notable findings, biologists for the first time found nine species of fish typically associated with hard substrates such as reefs, including Garibaldi, sheepshead, horn shark, and moray eel.

"We are seeing more and more pollution-sensitive species thriving in our harbor, meaning our water and sediment can support diverse and abundant life. We celebrate these environmental successes, while knowing there is more to do," said POLB Executive Director Mario Cordero.

As a result of its Green Port policy, the POLB has seen 88 percent down of diesel soot, while the number of plants and animals living on the rocks and pilings in the San Diego Bay Harbor is increasing, the port told Xinhua.

In addition, Sulfur oxides are down 97 percent, while smog-forming nitrogen oxides have decreased by 58 percent, and greenhouse gas emissions has reduced by 19 percent, according to the POLB.

The future of the Green Port plan aims to reduce greenhouse gases to stave off climate change, and have zero emissions by 2035, said the POLB.

The POLB, one of the world's premier seaports, is a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. With 175 shipping lines connecting Long Beach in Southern California to 217 seaports, the port handles 170 billion U.S. dollars in trade annually, supporting more than 575,000 Southern California jobs. Enditem

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
A vehicle bombing in Afghanistan's Logar Province on Friday killed at least 25 people and injured more than 60, including multiple high school students, according to Afghanistan's TOLO News.

The big picture: Hasib Stanekzai, head of the Logar provincial council, said the attack targeted people staying in a public building in the city of Pul-e-Alam. No group has claimed responsibility.

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"Violence in Afghanistan has escalated in recent weeks after U.S. President Joe Biden announced the U.S. would withdraw troops by Sept. 11 to end two decades of foreign military presence," Reuters noted.

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The COVID-19 vaccination program of Brazil continues to fail, with its number of deaths close in on the 400,000 mark, making it the second-highest in the world. After recording a high of over 4,000 deaths at the beginning of April, 3,001 deaths were tallied in just 24 hours.

Brazil COVID-19 deaths, second-highest worldwide

The 14-day total of deaths and cases is still high, but it has begun to decline somehow. Congress is investigating the government's response to the pandemic. President Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly spoken out about lockdowns, masks, and defended unproven drugs as treatments, has come under fire, and his support has plunged.

More transmissible virus variants and a lack of coordinated national approach have fueled the outbreak, BBC reported. Since states and cities imposed controls, the condition changed in many ways, including when the health system was on the verge of failure, but the restrictions are still being relaxed.

According to the health institute Fiocruz, the rate of intensive care unit bed occupancy remains at or above 90 percent in more than a third of Brazil, indicating that the situation remains intensive. Between March and April, the country's worst months, Brazil reported 100,000 deaths in just 37 days. Only the United States has a higher fatality rate.

Brazil has had more than 14.5 million cases since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Meanwhile, due to the lack of vaccines, some cities have partially suspended their vaccination campaigns. According to the Our World in Data tracker, only 13 percent of the 212 million population has received at least one dose.

Read Also: India's COVID-19 Crisis: Blames Surge in New Variant as Vaccine Supplies Disrupted

High death rates might be the norm with slow COVID-19 vaccinations

According to Reuters, the P.1 coronavirus strain found in Brazil, which is thought to be 2.5 times more infectious than the original, is to blame for the rise in infections. Diego Xavier, a researcher at the government health institute Fiocruz, said the vaccination rollout had not curbed the outbreak without social restrictions.

Xavier also estimated that without a significant increase in vaccine rates, such as that seen in the United States, more than 2,000 deaths every day would become the standard. Experts blamed the high death rate on the government's inability to mount a robust enough response to the pandemic, blaming everyone from President Jair Bolsonaro to several state governors and mayors.

"This government's managerial negligence, headed by the president, is mostly to blame for the 400,000 deaths," said Jamal Suleiman, a doctor at the Emilio Ribas Infectology Institute. The vaccination program has hit a snag, with the Health Ministry announcing that 30 percent fewer vaccinations were collected in January to April than anticipated over the weekend. Some municipalities have run out of vaccines and cannot provide second vaccinations as scheduled, while some have had long lines, and residents worry stocks will run out.

Brazil's black communities hard hit by COVID-19

Reports from the public health organization Vital Strategies and Afro CEBRAP, a So Paulo-based research center for color, gender, and racial justice, black Brazilians have died in more significant numbers from COVID-19 at 30 percent more than white people in 2020. Under COVID-19, Afro CEBRAP has developed eight reports on racial injustice. White Brazilians had undergone twice as many vaccines as Black Brazilians as of late March.

Brazilians of African origin account for more than half of the population. Three-quarters of the poor in Brazil are Black or pardo, multiracial in Portuguese. They have taken the brunt of the pandemic's effects, including a slew of economic and health consequences, more than any other group in the country, as per The World via MSN.

Related Article: Antiseptic Throat Spray, Malaria Drug Cut COVID-19 Infection Risk, According to Researchers

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Chinese President on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing sympathies amid the Covid-19 led crisis in India. President Xi says, I am very concerned about the recent situation of Covid-19 pandemic in India. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, as well as in my name, I would like to express sincere sympathies to the Indian government and people, Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong said in a tweet.

Humanity is a community with a shared future. Only through solidarity and cooperation can countries around the world ultimately defeat the pandemic, Weidong said.

China is also ready to strengthen cooperation with India in fighting the pandemic and is ready to provide support in this regard, Jinping said in the letter. The Chinese side stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the Indian side in fighting the pandemic and provide support and help in this regard. I believe that under the leadership of India, the Indian people will surely prevail over the pandemic, he said on Twitter. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he received a call from Chinas State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveying the countrys sympathies at Indias Covid-19 challenge.
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They say the simplest ideas are the best. But as I listened to a bunch of creative, clever people from a TV production company enthusing about a concept they called The Repair Shop, I did wonder.

Ordinary people, getting ordinary household items fixed by ordinary repairers. Would anybody watch something as low-key as that?

I flicked through an A4 document outlining the show, but I didnt read it. I couldnt. I was in my mid-40s, and it was 15 years since my dyslexia was diagnosed. Since then, Id completed a degree in criminology.

But reading still wasnt my strong point. Im better at listening.

What they were saying intrigued me. Katy, the creative director for the producers, had recently lost her mum. When she took her mothers much-loved old armchair to be re-upholstered, she was so overcome with emotion at the wonderful repair job that she burst into tears.

I cant be unique, Katy said. There must be millions of people like me who would be incredibly moved to see family heirlooms restored to their former glory.

They say the simplest ideas are the best. But as I listened to a bunch of creative, clever people from a TV production company enthusing about a concept they called The Repair Shop, I did wonder, writes Jay Blades

The producers asked if my furniture restoration company, Jay & Co, had any similar customers. Sure, I said, we get those all the time. Ive got a lady coming in next week to collect a chair that belonged to her mum.

My customer was happy to be filmed  and the second she saw the chair, she started crying. Oh Jay, this is so much better than I expected, she said through her tears. I feel like Mum is sitting here now.

It made perfect TV, and very quickly the BBC had commissioned a series, to be filmed at the Weald & Downland Living Museum near Chichester in Sussex.

I was introduced to a fantastic team of restorers and conservators, and as I set up my tools on a bench in the corner, something dawned on me: This is going to be special.

My first customer was a lady called Helen whose piano stool had been damaged by her dog. She was a lovely, bubbly lady . . . and she had clearly seen me on my previous show, Money For Nothing, where we took junk and reinvented it, giving old furniture a new lease of life.

One of my trademarks was a splash of colour. Dont go painting one of the legs pink, Helen warned me with a laugh. I know thats your thing, but I dont want it. I just want the stool back to normal.

One of our craftspeople, Will Kirk, restored the woodwork, and I reupholstered the fabric parts. It looked pukka. Helen has her own special place in The Repair Shop history because, when we lifted off the sheet and did the big reveal, she became the first person to cry on the show. She burst into tears of joy.

It was the moment the penny dropped for me. Wow, I realised, this show is going to be even more powerful than I thought because it is drawing real emotion out of people.

Money was always tight when I was growing up in the Seventies. I was fascinated by the electric meter  every time our lights went out, Mum put 50p in. The coin dropping down sounded like music, and then all the lights would come on. Pictured: Jay aged six

The repairs were triggering a million memories in peoples minds. They were giving back flashes of a life and of loved ones who were no longer around. And it was profound.

Money was always tight when I was growing up in the Seventies. I was fascinated by the electric meter  every time our lights went out, Mum put 50p in. The coin dropping down sounded like music, and then all the lights would come on.

It felt like our own magic box. If anyone ever brings one into The Repair Shop, Ill be thrilled . . . though they dont exactly count as family heirlooms.

My little brother Justin, our amazing mum and I were living in a ground-floor council flat on the Cazenove Road, one of the main drags through Hackney in East London. That flat had some pretty funky Seventies decor. Swirly carpets, lots of orange and brown, with pride of place in the front room for a lava lamp. I used to love watching that.

Like a lot of Caribbean families, we always had a dried orange peel hanging on a string in the kitchen. It would be the whole peel, cut in one long, curly strand. If Justin or I was poorly, Mum would cut a piece off, put it in boiled water and give it to us to drink to settle our stomachs.

My mum, Barbara Blades, raised us on her own, after having me when she was just 18. She was born in Barbados and her mother left her there with relatives when she came to work in Britain as a nurse during the Fifties and Sixties. It wasnt until my mum was 13, in 1965, that she was able to join her mother in the UK.

My mum, Barbara Blades, raised us on her own, after having me when she was just 18. She was born in Barbados and her mother left her there with relatives when she came to work in Britain as a nurse during the Fifties and Sixties

To be a single mother so young must have been unbelievably hard for her. She had nothing, absolutely nothing, when she started life with me.

At 18 she was living with my grandmother, who had an unpleasant man in her life. When he heard that my mum was unmarried and pregnant, he kicked her out of the house. My first home as a baby was a refuge for homeless mothers.

We were soon living with Mums brother, but she was determined to get us a place of our own. She got a secretarial job on a magazine about African financial affairs, even though she couldnt type when she started. She learned on the job.

My mum was strict! You couldnt mess her around. She looked after Justin and me, but shed give us a good beat with a stick or a belt if we were playing up. She didnt show us a lot of outward affection  I think the first time she said the words, I love you, to me, I was 40 years old. But that wasnt important. We knew she loved us.

As I got older, my mum started to tell me I was the man of the house. I liked that. But by then I was beginning to realise I was already a long way behind most children of my age. On my first morning in a new class, when I was about ten, the teacher said, Today is Monday, and I didnt understand what she meant. I had never learned the days of the week.

We're not just fixing furniture, but families too A lovely old guy called Geoff from Sunderland came in to The Repair Shop with a jukebox. Not just any old jukebox. When Geoff married his wife, Marie, in 1978, they had no money for a reception. Instead, the happy couple took their wedding guests back to their house for a sandwich and an evening with the jukebox. Their first dance was to Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller. I didnt expect it, but magic happened, Geoff told me. Everything came together in that moment. Geoff talked lovingly about Marie, fighting back tears as he explained that she had died seven years earlier from a brain tumour. He found it too painful to listen to the jukebox for years. Now, he wanted to try again, but it was broken. His priceless memories were trapped inside. Our audio expert, Mark Stuckey, got the jukebox working like new. When Geoff returned, he dissolved into tears as he listened to Moonlight Serenade again. Its a lovely tune, he said, bravely. These arent just items that were fixing. Theyre family members. There are so many memories bound up in them. Were restoring family members and returning them to where they belong  the heart of the family. Advertisement

All through my schooldays, I didnt get a lot from lessons . . . mainly because I couldnt read. Id try to focus on a page and the letters would dance in front of my eyes. The teachers didnt seem to notice that I was struggling. It would be more than 20 years before I was diagnosed as dyslexic  a discovery that changed my life. I just wish it had come a lot sooner.

At Highbury Grove secondary school, my mate Iqbal  a smart, gentle, little Indian guy  and I found we quickly attracted a lot of attention from a gang of older, tougher, white boys.

Theyd surround us and use racial slurs I didnt really understand. Theyd call me a n*****, a word I had hardly ever heard before.

Id push them back, but Iqbal was timid and used to just take it until he ended up crying. He got treated like a punchbag.

Until Highbury Grove, I was colour-blind. Now I realised for the first time that my skin colour was a big problem for some people. I had always felt that England was my natural home. Now, I wasnt so sure. My innocence was getting beaten out of me.

After one particularly bad beating, my mum saw me in tears. I told her a bigger boy hit me, and she stared at me: Well, why didnt you hit him first?

From then on, if anyone wanted a fight, I was going to give them one. If anyone pushed me, spouted racist words or bullied my friends, I was going to have them  no question, no quarter.

Highbury Grove split every year into three streams. I was in the L class  L for learner, L for loser, L for licensed anarchy. I didnt learn a single thing and didnt expect to. The only reasons I turned up at school were to fight and get a free dinner.

Shortly before I left school, with a U-grade for unclassified in every subject, we were all called in for an appointment with the careers teacher. Well, youre going to amount to nothing, Blades, he told me. Its not even worth talking to you.

Those words kept coming back to haunt me for many years to come. It was like a curse, a prediction that whatever I tried to do with my life would fail.

For a long time, my relationships did. I was too young, barely 20, when I became a father for the first time, to a baby boy called Levi. When the inevitable split from his mother happened, I moved back in with my mum for a few days, then lived with another girlfriend briefly  and ended up homeless.

At the same time, I had one of the greatest shocks of my life. My birth father had never been around much. He showed up occasionally, when he thought he could get money out of my mother, but I wasnt expecting him to walk back through the door.

Mum got in touch with him, thinking he could give me some advice now I was a dad myself. She didnt realise there was no one on earth whose advice I could value less. I dont even want to give him the satisfaction of writing his name  Ill just call him The Man Who Contributed To My Birth, or TMWCTMB.

He introduced me to his other children: Sandra, who was a couple of years younger than me, and two boys in their teens. I was pretty sure Id met at least two more, when I was aged about five, but TMWCTMB denied this.

So it came as a bombshell when Sandra told me over the phone, a few days later, that I was right. There were more. In fact, there were 25 of us.

I wanted to meet this mystery army of siblings, but I had other things going on in my life. Living at a Salvation Army hostel for the homeless, I met one of the trustees, Michael  who was, by a million miles, the poshest person I had ever met.

He encouraged me to start volunteering for a Christian-run charity and homeless hostel in Oxford called the Cyrenians. In exchange for my help, theyd put a roof over my head and feed me. Ive always been a glass-half-full sort of bloke, so I thought: Sure, why not?

If I am honest, I didnt have the first idea what I was volunteering for. I knew it was a homeless centre, and Id stayed at a few, but this place was something else. It was a complete eye-opener and it blew my mind.

This was a major step down from any homeless centre I had seen before. It was a hostel full of people, mostly older men, who had absolutely nothing  people who had given up on society, on family, on hygiene, on life. They had nothing, yet many were still able to have a laugh and a joke.

I thought I had been doing badly and my life had been going wrong. Walking into Cyrenians gave me a whole new perspective. Compared with these poor guys, I was a king.

Until then, Id done mostly dead-end jobs. Now, given the chance to help people, I found I had a whole load of compassion. I had no idea I had this kindness in me.

Suddenly, Oxford Cyrenians was giving me a chance to stand up for other people without resorting to violence. It was a revelation.

Years of volunteering and charity work followed, then I met and fell in love with Jade  a real beauty who shared my passion for putting the world to rights. It was Jade who spotted my dyslexia.

And it was with Jade that I built two charities, called Street Dreams and Out Of The Dark, which helped disillusioned young people failed by the education system, as I had been, and gave them a second chance.

One of the most effective ways to do this was by teaching them how to restore furniture. Id always been good with my hands and we discovered that second-hand chairs and cupboards could be bought from charity shops for next to nothing. With some loving care and repair, those same pieces might sell for hundreds.

When these disaffected young people sanded down an old chair properly, and I said, Beautiful job, man!, I could see their faces glow with pride.

I realised that furniture restoration was a metaphor for their lives. They had already been written off by their schools, or by society, or even by their own families. Well, with a bit of care and attention, worthless things could become valuable. Just like them.

At the same time, TV companies started to approach me. In my early 40s, I was invited to appear on Channel 4s Kirsties Handmade Christmas.

Kirstie Allsopp was friendly and cool, though she seemed preoccupied by the issue of which Jimmy Choo shoes she should wear for the show.

After we finished filming, she told me she loved my charity work but she could never do it herself because she sounded too posh. The kids would think she was talking down to them. But she said that she would support us and help to get us exposure in any way she could.

The publicity from that show opened many doors for the charity. But there was big trouble coming. Jade and I were married with a daughter called Zola, and we made a brilliant business team. But I wasnt in love with her any more.

I didnt want to break up everything we had achieved over the years. And I wanted to be the perfect father for Zola. But as I lay awake for weeks, agonising, I felt there was only one choice I could make . . . and no one I could turn to for advice.

I was the guy who could stop young people fighting or being racist. I was the geezer who could help people and fix stuff. Now, it was me that needed help and fixing.

Jade said we couldnt carry on working together if we were not a couple. I felt huge amounts of guilt. I was the one who had brought the happy house, our family home, our business, all crashing down.

It was too much internal pressure to cope with and I couldnt do it.

One evening in April 2015, I just snapped. Something inside me broke. It was like an out-of-body experience. I watched myself walk past Jade and tell her: Im going. I had no idea where  I just got in my car, a battered old BMW that I loved, and started to drive.

As I turned on to the M40, heading nowhere, I felt as if I was driving into a tunnel. The headlights from the cars coming the other way were the walls.

I had half an idea to drive into one of the concrete bridge supports, but they had barriers around them. Instead, I turned off at a random slip road, parked in a retail centres car park and fell asleep in the drivers seat.

I dont know how many days I stayed in that car park. Perhaps three. Possibly four. Maybe five. I ate burgers and sat at the wheel, doing nothing, feeling nothing.

Im not sure, but I think I must have got out of the car and walked around at some point, because I worked out I was in Wolverhampton  a city I had never visited, to which I had no connection at all.

So what? It made as much sense as anywhere else. I didnt even have my phone with me, and I couldnt imagine that anyone cared where I was or what had happened to me.

Above all, I did not want to turn around and go back. There was too much pain in my past. Too much failure.

I had nowhere to go, so thats what I did. I went nowhere.

Adapted from Making It: How Love, Kindness And Community Helped Me Repair My Life by Jay Blades, published on May 13 by Bluebird at 16.99.  Jay Blades 2021. To order a copy for 14.95 (offer valid to May 14, 2021, UK P&P free on orders over 20), visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193.
LONDON, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Commonwealth of Dominica expanded its bilateral relations after signing a joint communique with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan last week. The meeting, which took place in New York, saw Ambassador Loreen Ruth Bannis-Roberts, the Permanent Representative of Dominica, and her counterpart Ambassador Adela Raz representing their respective governments as they agreed upon enhancing the two nation's relationship.

One of the areas that the communique sought to strengthen was the cooperation between the countries regarding the 2030 Agenda and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With both nations witnessing the impact of the climate crisis, the signing included trading practices and expertise on building resilience. Additionally, the meeting demonstrated the countries' commitment to developing friendly relations as stated in the UN charter.

Aside from contributing to the growth and development of both nations, the signing also proves Dominica's commitment to establishing a global community. The island is one of the top countries in the Caribbean to hold high-level talks focused on bilateral relations, which are intrinsically linked with its vast visa-free offering. Holders of Dominica's passport gain access to roughly 75 percent of the world, comprising major business hubs and popular travel destinations.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit highlighted this achievement during a recent webinar: "Dominica now boasts having visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 143 countries. By the end of 2021, we will certainly increase this by another 25 or so percent."

This is one of the reasons that makes Dominica's citizenship so coveted amongst foreign investors. The small island operates one of the world's oldest Citizenship by Investment Programmes which invites high net-worth individuals and their families to become lifelong citizens of Dominica once investing in its economy. This can be via the government fund or through the purchase of a selected real estate.

Once citizenship is granted, investors gain access to increased travel freedom, higher quality education and healthcare, along with the ability to pass citizenship down for generations to come. In today's climate, a second citizenship is recognised as an insurance policy in the event of unpredictability. With governments overburdened by the economic fallout of the pandemic and political unrest marring many parts of the world, there is no better time than to invest in a Plan B.

+44(0)7867942505, [email protected], www.csglobalpartners.com

SOURCE CS Global Partners
OROVILLE, Calif. - Oroville CHP confirmed a 19-year-old man was arrested in a street racing crash that killed two men and a 2-year-old girl Thursday afternoon.

Authorities responded shortly after noon Thursday to a major rollover collision on Lincoln Blvd. and Bagget-Marysville Rd. They located a Jeep Grand Cherokee that had major rollover damages west of the road, CHP said.

The Oroville CHP Office said through investigation, they determined the driver of the Jeep Cherokee was involved in a speed contest with a Chevrolet Camaro just moments before the crash.

Officers say the Chevrolet Camaro was driven by 19-year-old Carlos Hill Jr., of Oroville. CHP Officers later located Hill and detained him for his involvement in the speed contest and collision. Hill was arrested and booked at the Butte County Jail for 10 felony violations, including three charges of vehicular manslaughter, driving without a license, and illegal speed contest, CHP said.

Three of the four occupants in the Jeep Cherokee were pronounced dead at the scene, one of which was a 2-year-old girl, according to the Oroville CHP. The driver of the Jeep was identified by the CHP as 30-year-old Anthony Gaston, of Oroville. The passenger in the Jeep was identified as 18-year-old Andrew Lockner of Oroville.

The 4-year-old child, the fourth occupant in the Jeep Cherokee, was flown from the scene to UC Davis Hospital where authorities say she is in critical condition.

The Oroville CHP Office is continuing to investigate the collision.

RELATED: Neighbors want change after family says 3 died in Oroville crash

RELATED: 2 killed, 2 children flown to hospital after crash in South Oroville
West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has defended his governments decision to look at voting reform despite repeatedly stating during the election campaign it was not on the agenda.

The government announced on Friday it had appointed former governor Malcolm McCusker to lead a panel of electoral and constitutional law experts to review the Electoral Act.

The McGowan government are set to overhauling voting laws in WA. Credit:Chris Hopkins

The review was prompted by the surprising results of the upper house election, which saw Daylight Savings Party member Wilson Tucker elected with just 98 votes thanks to complex preference deals arranged by preference whisperer Glen Druery.

Any reform will likely see the value of upper house votes in WAs regions drop dramatically, which would have been a contentious issue to campaign on while Labor sought backing from country voters.
WILLIAMSPORT-A man deemed responsible for drugs that caused 51 overdoses in a 48-hour period in the Williamsport area in June 2017 has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann Friday cited the strain the rash of overdoses put on first responders and police when he sentenced Raymond Howard, 46, of Williamsport.

The city of Williamsport was devastated by the overdoses caused by drugs he supplied, the judge said. There were three confirmed drug deaths in late June 2017 but none of four suspects charged in the conspiracy was charged in the deaths.

The sentence, which includes a four-year period of supervised release and a $400 fine, is above the advisory guidelines.

Brann called Howard, a native of Philadelphia, a danger to the public. He noted his extensive criminal record in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Howard was found guilty in October of conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of a controlled substance, the same charge to which Wayne Davidson, Nathan Crowder Jr. and Markeese Askew pleaded guilty.

Davidson and Crowder were sentenced to 17 years and Askew to 16 years. They identified Howard as their supplier.

It was thought in late June 2017 the overdoses were caused by a bad batch of heroin.

It later was determined they were caused by the mixture of heroin and carfentanil, said Williamsport police Capt. Justin Snyder who coordinated the investigation.

He previously had not encountered carfentanil, a drug developed to tranquilize elephants, or since, he said. Evidence showed Howard was the supplier, he testified.

Recovered overdose victims testified at trial about the unique experience of using the heroin-carfentanil mixture compared with just heroin.

Richard Harris was identified as an unindicted co-conspirator but he was not charged because he died June 29, 2017, from an overdose.

Howard, who was known on the street as Smile, Smiles and Smizz, was not charged with his death although Snyder said evidence linked it to drugs he supplied.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin argued for a 30-year sentence for Howards egregious conduct that began months he got off state parole.

He was responsible for serious bodily injuries she said in reference to the overdose victims.

The indictments reported the drugs came from Philadelphia and that cell phones were used to share information on the quality and price.

READ: Man accused of killing daughter faces more charges after wife dies from her injuries
Commentary Militarys Latest Coup Pushes Myanmar Into Revolt

An anti-regime protest in Mandalay on Feb. 22. / The Irrawaddy

After three months of unyielding opposition to the militarys Feb. 1 coup, Myanmar is now a country in revolt.

The country, which has experienced more than its share of uprisings and revolutionsincluding the 88 Pro-Democracy Uprising in 1988 and the Saffron Revolution led by Buddhist monks in 2007, not to mention its century-long independence struggle ending in 1948is now witnessing a Spring Revolution. These uprisings have occurred periodically in reaction to oppressive military dictatorships and the military-created authoritarianism that has taken root in the country over the past 60 years.

The Spring Revolution wouldnt have happened had coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing not decided to seize power with his bogus accusation of electoral fraud in the 2020 election, which the democratically elected National League for Democracy won in a landslide victory.

Since the military seized power, not a day has gone by without anti-coup protests.

We can discern three stages in this anti-military dictatorship movement: peaceful, creative protests displaying energetic commitment and discipline across the country in the early stage; blood-soaked streets and dead bodies of innocent young protesters killed by the regimes forces in the second stage; and following that, local people taking up rudimentary weapons against the regimes brutal forces and seeking military training in ethnic armed groups territories in border areas.

In that respect, it resembles previous uprisings and revolutions and it sometimes seems that history is repeating itself.

In the years following the coup staged by the late dictator General Ne Win in 1962, many dissidents went to the border areas to set up their own armies or join existing ethnic armed groups fighting the military regime for autonomy. After the 1988 pro-democracy uprising in the cities was crushed by the then military regime, up to 10,000 protesters, mostly students, went to border areas to form their own student army, known as the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF).

The decades-long armed struggle has yet to achieve its political goal of removing the dictatorship, though it has managed to maintain resistance in its territories.

Their inability to secure final victories in their armed struggles has led most armed groups to deal with the powerful military and its previous regimes and enter ceasefire agreements.

But while its main goals are the sameto restore democracy in order to secure a brighter future for the country and its diverse peoplesthe current Spring Revolution is different from previous revolts. The people of Myanmar have come to the radical conclusion that the only acceptable response to this coupwhich seems somehow even less possible to justify, from the Tatmadaws perspective, than its predecessorsis to uproot the military dictatorship through revolution.

Reconciliation era is over

The implication is that reconciliation with the military through dialog can no longer be viewed as a viable political objective. The era, dating back to 1988, in which reconciliation was central to the political positions of pro-democracy groups, ethnic groups and the international community led by the United Nations and the United States, is over.

Dialog became a key domestic and international demand after the nationwide pro-democracy uprising in 1988 and especially in the lead-up to the 1990 election, which the then opposition National League for Democracy won by a landslide. The dialog was meant to take place between the powerful military, which seized power in 1988, and pro-democracy groups led by the elected NLD, as well as ethnic groups.

The concept of reconciliation has been bandied about in the decades since then as the solution to the countrys political problems, especially between the military leadership and its main adversaries, the pro-democracy groups and ethnic groups.

However, the then military regime led by Senior General Saw Maung and later Senior General Than Shwe never showed any interest in the idea, and never held a genuine dialog with leaders of political groups over more than three decades. In fact, the generals rigid political mindset was never to deal in any genuine way with civilian politicians or any other groups throughout their long years of rule after 1962.

But most pro-democracy groups, including the NLD and prominent activists and ethnic leaders, idealistically continued to call for dialog aimed at reconciliation even before the latest coup. National reconciliation was at the top of the election manifestos of the democratically elected, ruling National League for Democracy in the 2015 and 2020 elections. It was also among the top items on its political agenda when the party governed from 2016 right up until 2021, just before the coup. The goal of this national reconciliation process was to gradually reduce the militarys privileged position in the political arena.

But it never worked. Obviously, the military leadership never showed the slightest political will to genuinely reconcile with any civilian political groups. The latest coup merely provided further proof, if any was needed.

After 60 years of first-hand experience of military dictatorship, the people of Myanmar have finally lost faith in the idea of dialog.

This is a significant change, one that has driven most peoplewhether or not they see it as suchto revolt. This revolt takes different forms, but no one seeks reconciliation any longer.

Many protesters have come to realize that the only way to restore democracy is to completely uproot the military dictatorship. Otherwise, the military will always return to kill democracy.

This is a different course from the ones taken by previous uprisings and revolutions. It is the essential aspect of this Spring Revolutionand one that the international community and many individual outside observers do not appear to fully grasp.

Some foreign leaders, especially Asian leaders, still believe that without the involvement of the military leadership, Myanmars political problems cant be solved. But as far as the people of Myanmar are concernednot least those young protesters who are already undergoing military training on the countrys bordersthe idea that the military can play any future role in the countrys politics is no longer acceptable.

Naing Khit is a commentator on political affairs.



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A Libyan-born comedian has won a $35,000 settlement from the US government after border agents pulled him off a Greyhound in Oregon and falsely accused him of being an illegal immigrant.

Mohanad Elshieky sued the federal government after border agents arrested and detained him at a bus station in Spokane, Washington, back in 2019.

Elshieky, who was on his way home to Portland after a comedy show, said the border agents accused him of being an 'illegal' despite him showing proof he had recently been granted asylum.

He was granted the $35,000 settlement on Thursday.

Mohanad Elshieky sued the federal government after border agents arrested and detained him at a bus station in Spokane, Washington, back in 2019

'To have the same government that is supposed to protect me accuse me of lying and being here illegally really shook me and undermined my hard-fought sense of safety,' Elshieky said in a statement.

'I'll never forget the harassment and humiliation by the officers when it was clear I belonged in the United States and on that bus.

'I hope my experience can at least be a wake-up call for others, and a lesson for CBP and its agents to treat everyone with dignity and respect, and to honor their rights.'

Elshieky, who now lives in New York City, encountered the border agents back on January 27, 2019, when was on his way from Spokane to Portland after a show.

He tweeted about the ordeal at the time, saying the border agents boarded the bus at the station, walked around and then asked him and several others to get off.

Despite producing multiple documents proving he had been granted asylum, the comedian said the agents interrogated him for 20 minutes before claiming his papers were fake and calling him an 'illegal'.

Elshieky, who was on his way home to Portland after a comedy show, said the border agents accused him of being an 'illegal' despite him showing proof he had recently been granted asylum. He took this photo of the agents who detained him

'I kept it together and told them that what they are doing now is illegal and that they must hand me my documents back or I will have to call my lawyer and take legal action.

'Another agent then started yelling at me to take my hands out of my pockets and I did which is stupid because it was snowing and they were wearing gloves and my hands were freezing cold.

'They handed my documents back and said next time, have your papers on you which means nothing because I did and they said they were fake.'

He filed the administrative complaint against the agency in April 2019 seeking $250,000 in damages.

Elshieky was seeking the damages under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which says officials can be liable for interference with a person's freedom of movement that amounts to an unlawful arrest or false imprisonment.

He was represented by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington.
To Bare Witness to the Truth: A Practical Guide to Witnessing for the Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: a helpful tool for Christians who hope to spread the joy of Jesus. To Bare Witness to the Truth: A Practical Guide to Witnessing for the Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the creation of published author, Scott Dalton Myers, an accomplished academic and veteran.

Myers shares, What is the evidence for the existence of God? If God does exist, why is there so much evil in the world? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do we suffer so many trials and tribulations in our lives? These difficult questions that nonbelievers often use to deny Gods existence are addressed in this book with the biblical and religious references and answers. Proof and evidence of Gods existence surround us everywhere we go if we simply open our eyes and our minds to the truth. Our universe, solar system and earth all function like giant watches, vast in scale, yet extremely precise in their mechanics, all synchronized and perfectly balanced. How did this happen? The miracles and incredible balance in nature, the wonder of the human body, the intricate structure of our eyes and ears, cellular complexity, molecular genetics, DNA, the wonders of the Earth and our universe all point to intelligent design. It is beyond belief and comprehension that all of these things could have simply evolved from some freak accident of nature. The watchmakers analogy for intelligent design is a good one and is certainly applicable to the creationism versus evolution and randomness arguments discussed in this book. William Paley, an 18th century clergy and philosopher, argued that if we found a watch on the ground, its complexity would convince us that the watch did not occur naturally, but was designed. Since both we and our universe are infinitely more complex than a watch, logic demands an eternal Watchmaker who could have designed both us and our world.

Jesus performed many miracles that were seen by a multitude of people and recorded by eyewitnesses. But there are also records of modern-day medical miracles that non-Christian doctors cannot explain. Additionally, thousands of people have chosen to share their near-death experiences with a research foundation, and virtually all of them reported that they came back with a profound understanding of Gods love. In an interesting 1982 blind prayer study conducted by the San Francisco Medical Center, data suggests that the intercessory prayer to the Judeo-Christian God had a beneficial therapeutic effect in patients who were admitted to a critical care unit.

Although there are many biblical and religious documents that recorded events in Jesuss life, there are well over ten independent accounts from outside the biblical record that identify over sixty life events and beliefs about Jesuss life. Finally, we must look to human nature itself for evidence of the existence of God and his son, Jesus Christ. Many Christians, including Jesus, and all but one of his disciples were persecuted, horribly tortured, and died excruciating deaths because of their belief in God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Why were they such believers? Because they were eyewitnesses to the miracles he performed and they saw the resurrected Christ. Many people throughout history have been willing to die for what they truly believed in, but no one willingly dies for what they know to be a lie.

Finally, how do you approach a nonbeliever and talk with them about faith? This is difficult for most people, as they feel that they must have some specialized training in order to do so. One does not need a special gift to evangelize. The mandate to be a witness applies to every follower of Christ. This book can help you be a true witness!

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Myers new book provides readers with relevant Scripture and doctrine in hopes that they will be able to become more comfortable with witnessing for Christ.

Myers details his relationship with the church and how he managed to find his way home following the birth of his son. With an encouraging tone, this title is certain to raise readers to a new appreciation for the unending love offered through Jesus sacrifice.

View a synopsis of To Bare Witness to the Truth: A Practical Guide to Witnessing for the Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase To Bare Witness to the Truth: A Practical Guide to Witnessing for the Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about To Bare Witness to the Truth: A Practical Guide to Witnessing for the Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
The late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, center, is seen with his daughters Lee Boo-jin, left, and Lee Seo-hyun at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas in 2010. On the right is his wife Hong Ra-hee. Courtesy of Samsung Group



Samsung family to pay record inheritance tax of $10.7 bil.



By Kim Bo-eun



Heirs of the late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee will pay more than 12 trillion won ($10.7 billion) in inheritance taxes, while separately donating one trillion won to support the fight against COVID-19 and research into rare child diseases, the group announced Wednesday.



The Lee family, including his wife and three children, also decided to donate around 23,000 works from the deceased's art collection, valued at around 2.5 trillion won, to national museums.



The combined worth of the inheritance tax and donations is more than half of the late Lee's assets estimated at over 26 trillion won, including stocks, real estate and artwork. The legendary head of Samsung was the richest man in Korea.



The family plans to pay the tax  one of the largest ever imposed worldwide  in six installments over the next five years, but details of how they would do this were not revealed. Samsung also failed to announce how the late Lee's shares in group affiliates, including its crown jewel Samsung Electronics, would be allocated. Payment of the first installment of the inheritance tax is due Friday.









The late Lee's family members  his wife and former Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, director Hong Ra-hee, only son Jae-yong, older daughter Hotel Shilla CEO Lee Boo-jin and younger daughter Samsung Welfare Foundation Chairwoman Lee Seo-hyun  are expected to pay the 12-trillion won inheritance tax with dividends coming from Samsung affiliate stocks, and possibly loans.



This is one of the largest-ever inheritance tax bills in history  it is more than three times the total inheritance tax paid in Korea last year, and 3.5 times the amount imposed on the late Apple founder Steve Jobs' estate.



Most of Lee's art collection will be donated to state institutions  21,600 ancient cultural properties, including national treasures such as the Joseon-era landscape painting "Inwang Jesaekdo" by legendary painter Jeong Seon, will go to local museums.



A total of 1,600 works will be donated to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, including Western pieces such as Claud Monet's "The Water Lily Pond" and painting by Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso. Lee was an avid collector of fine art, particularly ancient Korean works.



Of the 1 trillion won donated for medical purposes, 700 billion will be for combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, with 500 billion used to establish the nation's first hospital for infectious diseases.



The remaining 200 billion won will go toward setting up a state-of-the-art infectious diseases research center affiliated with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and into vaccines and medicines research.



Another 300 billion will be used to fund treatments for pediatric cancer and rare childhood diseases. Samsung family members will set up a committee at the Seoul National University's Children's Hospital to carry out the program to assist underprivileged children. Costs for genetic testing, chemotherapy and other treatments will be covered for 17,000 underprivileged young patients over the next decade.





Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong / Korea Times file




Haiti - FLASH : Reaction of the Embassy of Haiti to the undemocratic intervention of members of Congress





After Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Hakeem Jeffries, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, sent a letter, signed by 68 members, including all Democrats on the the Western Hemisphere, to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the United States to reassess its policies in Haiti.



24 hours after this letter, the Embassy of Haiti in Washington DC deplored "On behalf of the Moise Administration, the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti is extremely concerned that some members of the US Congress are proposing a change. regime to replace the democratically elected President," note which we reproduce in full:



Note from the Embassy of Haiti in Washington :



"On behalf of the Moise administration, the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti is gravely concerned that some U.S. Members ofCongress are calling for regime change to replace the democratically elected President of the Republic of Haiti contrary to the Inter-American Democratic Charter. President Jovenel Moise is committed to elections and a democratic transition of power in February 2022.



The letter dated April 26, 2021, to Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, led by Chairman Gregory Meeks (NY-5) and Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33583-haiti-usa-68-members-of-the-us-congress-warn-the-biden-administration.html undermines the country's democratic processes and contradicts the United Nations' and the Organization of American States (OAS), and other international partners position on the upcoming elections. In coordination with international institutions, the Government of Haiti has announced the dates for the constitutional referendum, parliamentary and presidential elections.



Below is the published electoral calendar:



- June 27, 2021: Referendum on the new Constitution



- September 19, 2021: First round of presidential and parliamentary elections



- November 21, 2021: Second round of presidential, parliamentary, and local elections



- January 22, 2022: Final election results



The Haitian Govemment has been working with the country's friends and allies, including the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations, to ensure free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections. An example of this is the determination and ongoing process to issue voter identification registration cards for the first time to all eligible Haitian voters in Haiti and abroad. As of March 28, 2021, roughly 4.5 million Haitian citizens https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33594-haiti-news-zapping.html have been registered. Another illustration is President Moise's continuous commitment to reach consensus for a national unity Government. Lastly, to ensure the success ofupcoming elections, the Government has established a Basket Fund with an initial 20-million-dollars for financing and jointly managed by the United Nations https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32870-haiti-elections-first-contribution-of-$20mm-for-the-referendum-and-the-elections.html . The Government ofHaiti intends to contribute more funding in the incoming weeks.



Furthermore, the official position of many foreign governments and the international organizations is clear and supportive of the upcoming elections. Contradictory and disruptive comments only serve to endanger the ongoing democratic processes in lieu of strengthening our institutions.



The Govemment of Haiti is further profoundly concerned by the potential implication of the foreign policy recommendations highlighted in the letter, which could create greater instability and disrupt the electoral process in the country. We must caution that if implemented, whether in part or in whole, these recommendations would directly result in the installment of a transitional Government and would delay elections in the country.



A transitional Government would, by definition, abolish the democratically elected Government and considered illegal under the Haitian Constitution. There is no legal basis for those undemocratic recommendations. Thus, the installation of a transitional government would result in the ruling by decree with no parliamentary oversight and the postponement of presidential and parliamentary elections for many more years.



The Embassy of the Republic ofHaiti also rejects the baseless claim that the Moise administration lacks credibility and transparency to organize elections. Consistently, President Moise and his administration have encouraged and included members of Haitian civil society, wide-ranging political representatives, and the Haitian Diaspora to participate in drafting the Constitution and planning of the elections. Eminent Haitian civil societies, political leaders, and 87% of the population, in a recent national poll, have expressed support for a new constitution



The Govemment of Haiti is comrnitted to engaging its international partners, but this dialogue must be based on mutual respect for the state's sovereignty and the rule of law. We welcome foreign assistance with our electoral process in funding for elections, international observers, or other means. We are committed to hold credible and legitimate elections that will stand up to international scrutiny. We know what is at stake. Without 2021 elections and a peaceful transition from President Moise to his successor in February 2022, the alternative is dangerous to Haiti's democracy.



As the world's first Black Republic, Haiti has a vital role on the world stage and a precedent to set for other nations. We are on the cusp of a historical accomplishment - putting Haiti on a path towards political and economic stability through the electoral process - and must see it through. This positive change must corne through Haitians at the ballot box as practiced in all democratic societies.



As the U.S. President Joe Biden recently stated in his remarks at the Munich Security Conference:



"Democracy does not happen by accident. We have to de/end it, fight for it, strengthen it, and renew it." "



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33594-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33583-haiti-usa-68-members-of-the-us-congress-warn-the-biden-administration.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33262-haiti-constitution-the-haitian-diaspora-in-favor-of-a-change-of-the-constitution.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32870-haiti-elections-first-contribution-of-$20mm-for-the-referendum-and-the-elections.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32581-haiti-flash-brides-poll-on-the-new-haitian-constitution.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















A 37-year-old man was fatally injured on Thursday evening when a car collided with his Yamaha motorbike and then crashed into an outdoor dining structure on a busy block of Astoria, Queens, the police said.

The man on the motorbike, who was identified on Friday as Xing Long Lin of Queens, was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead, the police said.

The driver of the vehicle, a 60-year-old woman, was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center, the police said. A third person, a 32-year-old woman who was dining at the restaurant had suffered injuries to her legs and was in stable condition, the police said.

Investigators were trying to determine what led to the crash. The police said on Thursday night that, according to preliminary information, the episode unfolded shortly before 8 p.m., when the driver of the vehicle, a 2013 Mercedes-Benz, was traveling north on 35th Street by Ditmars Boulevard, and tried to pass a slower-moving car by driving into a bicycle lane.
MPs have warned that British meat exporters who trade with the EU still face 'serious barriers', including 'considerable' non-tariff issues such as red tape and checks.

The cross-party EFRA Committee has expressed 'urgent concerns' for exporters of highly time-sensitive fresh and live seafood and meat shipments to the bloc.

Despite overcoming initial 'teething problems', the new barriers that small and medium sized businesses now face could 'render them unviable', its new report warned.

And if these exporting problems continue into the future, British factories and jobs could be left with no choice but to relocate to the continent.

Since the end of the transition period, on 1 January 2021, the UKs agri-food sector has been struggling with the additional costs and burdens that moving goods to the EU now entails.

Exporters have complained of additional costs and financial losses due to products being turned back or held up at the border.

MPs who sit on the EFRA Committee urged the government on Thursday (29 April) to take a 'pragmatic' approach in discussions with the EU to reduce these barriers.

The report said the government would be able to ease burdens by seeking agreement with the EU on digitising the certification of paperworks such as Export Health Certificates.

A 'flexible approach' should also be taken to the compensation fund for meat and seafood exporters - including reconsidering the cap of 100,000 on individual payments.

MPs said government must provide the same help to small meat and seafood firms with the costs of extra red-tape for exports to the EU as they can receive for moving goods to NI.

The report has asked for a ring-fenced fund to be established to help create new distribution hubs, which would allow smaller consignments to be grouped into a single lorry load, thus reducing transport costs.

Neil Parish, chair of EFRA, said MPs were also concerned that in the absence of equivalent checks for imports from the EU to Britain, there would be 'serious long-term repercussions' for producers.

Controls on EU meat imports will not commence until 1 October 2021, with checks at the border only commencing from 1 January 2022.

"As it stands, the playing field is not even, and the government must ensure that the new timetable to introduce import checks is adhered to," he said.

British businesses had acted with incredible agility and perseverance to adapt to the new processes for exporting meat and seafood to the EU.

"With the many checks causing delays and costs, this hasn't been easy."

EFRA's report also recommended the 'timely' certification of Export Health Certificates (EHCs) by Official Veterinarians and Environmental Health Officers, as this was 'crucial' for meat exports to the EU.
Foster City resident and Indian immigrant Varun Talwar has been scouring the internet in search of oxygen.

Talwar, a software engineer and father of a 2-year-old daughter, has made nearly a dozen calls to locate credible sources of oxygen canisters, plasma donations, medications and hospital beds for infected people back home. Since social media in India is overrun by desperate pleas for help and misinformation, Talwar and his friends have volunteered to streamline the process.

I was helping a friend find resources because he needed immediate help for oxygen, Talwar told The Chronicle. Now were helping develop crowdsourced lists for people to find availability of beds or oxygen.

With COVID-19 infections rising by 350,000 per day in India and local health care systems buckling under the crisis, members of the Bay Areas Indian American diaspora have found themselves reaching sick relatives over WhatsApp messages, working desperately to mobilize life-saving oxygen or demanding American aid.

Various campaigns to deliver excess vaccines, patents and monetary donations have popped up online, including a website, Covidreliefindia.com, created by Palo Alto resident Kanika Mediratta and her husband Rohit.

For many Indian Americans in the Bay Area, a local return to normal contrasts starkly with the resurgence of COVID-19 in their Indian hometowns.

We had many deaths in the family in the first wave (of the coronavirus), Talwar said. The anxiety and helplessness of not being there for family is driving us crazy.

Over 3,000 are dying daily in a crisis that some have attributed to public health mismanagement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was criticized for holding massive election rallies.

In addition to underreporting deaths, the Indian government has censored Twitter accounts documenting the crisis or criticizing the government.

Meanwhile, vaccination rates in developing countries like India lag far behind those of countries like the United States, resulting in what the South Asian American organization Equality Labs has called vaccine apartheid.

Many Indian Americans have been unable to visit their families since the start of the pandemic, compounding their sense of isolation as relatives die across the world.

Abhishek Arora, a product lead from Fremont, lost his grandmother to COVID-19 in November. He was heartbroken by the fact that he couldnt make it to India to comfort his mother or say goodbye to his grandmother, who died alone in A hospital. Aroras father, brother and two of his uncles  including one who is currently on a ventilator and hanging on to his life by a thread  have since become infected in his hometown of Indore.

Its the most helpless feeling you can have because theres nothing you can do. We feel the weight of the world on our shoulders, Arora said. There is some sense of hope in the U.S., but India is completely the opposite; we dont know what tomorrow brings.

To combat the sense of helplessness, many Indian Americans are mobilizing to organize relief efforts and fundraisers. Danisha Brar, an attorney in Oakland, donated to Khalsa Aid after her aunts and cousins back home contracted COVID and multiple friends took to Instagram to beg for hospital beds for their ailing parents.

At the request of relatives, Brar contacted elected officials like Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland to ask that the federal government send its stockpile of nearly 60 million unused AstraZeneca vaccines to India. The vaccine is approved for use in India, but not in the U.S., where confusing data from AstraZenecas November trials and concerns about blood clots led the FDA to seek additional trials.

Two Indian American members of Congress, including Rep. Ro Khanna of Santa Clara, have tweeted their support for sending excess vaccines. Even so, Brar is not hopeful that the U.S. will respond in time.

We are all living through the grief of two homelands being wrecked at the same time, Brar said, referring to the number of COVID deaths in both India and the U.S. Its all too much.

Some Indian American executives are pressing their industry peers to respond.

Sana Javeri Kadri, the Oakland-based CEO of spice company Diaspora Co., is calling for increased public awareness and financial support from the people and companies who benefit from Indias cultural and food exports.

People rely on India for labor and culture but are pin-drop silent about people who create that culture, Kadri said. Think about all the yoga teachers out there and all the turmeric lattes and everything America profits from. Its time to hand over large sums of money.

Following domestic and global pressure, including an online petition started by two Bay Area engineers with over 23,000 signatures, the U.S. announced on Sunday that it would lift restrictions and make raw materials to manufacture the vaccine available in India.

How to help Support Doctors Without Borders' push for a people's vaccine that is affordable and distributed based on need: bit.ly/2R8dJZS Sign the petition urging the U.S. to send extra doses of Moderna vaccine to India: bit.ly/3gQ3hRK Donate to the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates Humanitarian Services' GoFundMe page for medical supplies in India: bit.ly/3nCfTgG See More Collapse

But Anu Mandavalli, a community organizer from the South Bay, said that vaccine patents must be lifted as well, and that Indian Americans must use their influence in Silicon Valley to pressure companies to relinquish patents.

A large portion of the world has been priced out of affording vaccinations. Especially during a global pandemic, we need to rethink our commitment to patents, Mandavalli said. None of us is safe until all of us are safe. 

Malavika Kannan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: malavika.kannan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @malavikawrites
A 27-year-old woman has revealed that she has never dated, kissed, or been physically intimate with anyone in her life, explaining that she wanted to share her story to show others in the same situation that they're not alone.

Emily Lewis, who is known as @msemilyrose11 on TikTok, has gone viral after opening up about her personal life in a candid video that has earned her praise from thousands of people.

'I'm 27 years old. I have never dated anybody. I have never kissed anybody. I have never been physical in any way shape or form with the opposite sex, and I am attracted to men. Not even come close... ever. Not once,' the California native shared.

Opening up: Emily Lewis, 27, from California, revealed on TikTok that she has never dated, kissed, or been physically intimate with anyone in her life

Emily said she was inspired to go public about her experience after seeing another woman make a similar confession on TikTok.

'TikTok just blew up. They just couldn't believe it. The comments were just insane, and I just wanted to say it because I thought, honestly, there's not many of us that I know of, and I'd love to know of more,' she explained.

'So if there are more men and women out there near this age where it is just bizarre to the world, I would love to know if you exist, and I just wanted to let you guys know that I exist. I want her to know that I exist and that we're not alone.'

The video has been viewed more than 1.7. million times, and thousands of people have taken to the comments show their support for her.

'I [wish] I had your self respect. You are a blessing,' one person wrote, while another added: 'This needs to be normalized.'

'I think the most common misconception is that alone DOES NOT equal LONELY,' someone else noted.

Brave: Emily said she was inspired to go public about her experience because she wanted others in similar situations to know they're not alone

Going viral: The TikTok has been viewed more than 1.7. million times, and thousands of people have taken to the comments show their support for her

Emily's candor inspired many others to reveal that they are in similar situations

'I want to cry because I've found my people,' one TikTok user commented. 'No one understands me and just judges me and tries to rush me into stuff I'm not okay with.'

'Uhm... I'm embarrassed but empowered by you to admit this... 33 here and same. It's great to know I'm not alone,' another person added.

Someone else wrote: 'ME! US! WE ARE NORMAL!'

People also had plenty of questions about her upbringing, sexuality, and dating history, which she answered in a series of follow-up videos.

'I had no idea how much traction my video would get. I didn't know my life experience, my lack of life experience, would be so relatable,' she admitted.

Emily stressed that she is happy with her life, and while she would like to find a partner, it's not her main concern.

Q&A: Emily answered viewers' questions about her life in a series of follow-up videos, insisting she is not asexual nor does she have too-high standards

Fulfilled: 'I've never set out to not date. I just honestly have never met anybody I would want to get in a relationship with, and I'm really happy single,' she explained

Nothing to do with it: A number of people had questions about how she was raised, but she said she had a 'really healthy upbringing' without any trauma

'I've never set out to not date. I just honestly have never met anybody I would want to get in a relationship with, and I'm really happy single,' she explained. 'I just am very fulfilled in my life. So if somebody would come along that I could complement and they would complement me, cool, let's go. But it just hasn't happened yet.

'I've been raised in a really small town, really close with my family, just really, really so content and my life feels so full that seeking out a relationship just for a relationship has never been me,' she added.

Commenters questioned if she is asexual or has too-high expectations, but she insisted none of those things are true.

'No, I am not asexual. Nothing wrong with that, but I could not be farther from that,' she said. 'No, my expectations or my standards are not through the life whatsoever. I just don't have expectations.

'I just really trust God 100 percent. He's not failed me yet, and I don't believe he ever will, so I will leave the standards and expectations setting to him.'

The TikToker went on to clarify that she has been on a few dates before, but she has never seriously dated anyone.

Candid: In one of the follow-up videos, Emily opened up about her weight loss, explaining she used to weight 325 pounds

Self-love: Emily, who lost over 120 pounds, said a decade ago she used to think, 'If you were skinny, you could have this,' but then she realized there wasn't any guy she actually wanted

'I've never entered in a relationship with anybody,' she explained. 'I'm on an online dating website. I'm on Hinge. Nothing has come of it.'

There were also a number of questions about how she was raised, but she said she had a 'really healthy upbringing' without any trauma.

'I am the youngest of six kids, and I am the only one experiencing life in this way,' she said. 'So if that helps to answer what role my parents' upbringing plays in why I am experiencing life the way that I am. It's pretty safe to say it didn't.

'I'm not disappointed in where I am at, so I don't want to say "can't blame them" because there is nothing to blame anybody for, and I also don't want to say "give credit," even though they deserve credit for a hell of a lot. They're really epic parents. I just mean I am solely responsible for where I am at 27 years old.'

Emily stressed that she has just never had the opportunity to date anyone, though she has been asked out a couple of times.

'I've definitely had my fair share of crushes. They've never been mutual,' she explained. 'I've never had feelings for somebody the same time they've had feelings for me.'

In one follow-up video, she opened up about how she used to weigh 325 pounds. A commenter who was struggling with obesity wanted to know if she felt her previous weight had held her back in any way.

Emily, who lost over 120 pounds, said her weight consumed her thoughts a decade ago when she was feeling particularly insecure. She used to think, 'If you were skinny, you could have this,' but then she realized there wasn't any guy she actually wanted.

Loves: She also discussed how she has a crush on the hotel butler at the resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, that she visits annually and how she used to be in love with her male best friend

Living her life: As for getting married and having children, she is open to it, but she knows she will be happy either way

Attitude: 'If I stay single the rest of my life, I know I can do a really freaking good job of living a good life, so that's okay,' Emily said

'I'd be like, "Who is it that you're wanting right now that you feel doesn't want you back? Who?" And I could never come up with anybody that I wanted, like actually wanted to pursue and get in a relationship with,' she recalled.

'I just haven't experience that, so I don't think that my weight has had anything to do with it. I think it's more of just I have not met anybody I want to date.

In other clips, she discussed how she has a crush on the hotel butler at the resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, that she visits annually and how she used to be in love with her male best friend from the ages 17 to 20.

'I knew I was absolutely in love with him, but I'm really glad it didn't go anywhere because now looking back, we would not have been a good match,' she said. 'He is amazing, but not for me, and I'm definitely not for him. So, yes, I've been in love. I know what it feels like. Those hormones work.'

As for getting married and having children, she is open to it, but she knows she will be happy either way.

'If I stay single the rest of my life, I know I can do a really freaking good job of living a good life, so that's okay,' she explained. 'But I've also, honestly since I was a kid, always pictured myself being married with children. I've always had a desire to be a mom, but I'm not set on it.

'That's why it's just so important to me that I remember my value at all times so that I don't chase something that I think I want and sacrifice something I know I deserve.'
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U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged to put human rights at the center of U.S. foreign policy. Human rights leaders have welcomed strong statements from the new administration but say action must follow. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine has more.
From: Fred Litwin - Author of On the Trail of Delusion - Jim Garrison--The Great Accuser For Immediate Release: Dateline: Ottawa , Ontario Friday, April 30, 2021

Yes, Jim Garrison suspected that Larry Crafard, a handyman who cleaned up Jack Ruby's nightclub every morning, was a grassy knoll gunman, and perhaps that Crafard also killed J. D. Tippit. Just who was Larry Crafard? Larry Crafard Crafard was a drifter and worked many jobs, usually for a few days or slightly more, before meeting Jack Ruby at a carnival in Dallas. Even though he was in his early 20s, he had so many jobs that he could barely keep track of where he had worked when he testified before the Warren Commission. He did odd jobs for Ruby and cleaned the club every morning to get ready for the next night. He actually slept in the office. At about noon on November 23, 1963, Crafard hitchhiked to Michigan to stay with his sister. You can read Crafard's Warren Commission testimony here and here . It's long and tedious with details on his hitchhiking trip, questions about Jack Ruby, and a thorough examination of his notebook in which he kept phone messages at the Carousel Club. Mark Lane wrote in Rush to Judgment that Crafard "neither told Ruby nor any other employee of the Carousel of his decision to leave and began to hitchhike to Michigan with only seven dollars in his pocket." (page 270) But, Crafard had already given notice to Jack Ruby a few days earlier. Here is an excerpt from Crafard Exhibit 5226 : Leaving abruptly was completely in character. Jim Garrison also read Crafard's testimony and he marked it up with comments. Volume XIII, page 404-405. Garrison is interested in Crafard's stint in the U.S. Army. He was only in for thirteen months and was then discharged for medical reasons. Volume XIII, page 408-409. Garrison makes a note about Crafard's "remarkable memory" and then wondered about Crafard's work at the carnival - "as what? A sharpshooter?" Then Garrison marveled at his memory once again, "Did you ever see a memory like this Every week in order." All Crafard was doing was just going over all of his places of employment. Volume XIII, Page 414-415. Garrison notes that "Crafard seems to travel unusually." Volume XIII, page 448-449. Garrison notes that "Crafard actually is unaccounted for during the shooting." Crafard was up late the night before - actually talking to a woman who had called about dancing at the club. Crafard was interested in a date and they spoke for hours. He slept in on Friday morning, and was woken up by Andy Armstrong, the manager of the club, right after the assassination. On page 449, Garrison believe he has caught Crafard in a slip. He is asked why Anderson had not woken him up earlier since he knew Crafard wanted to go to the parade. His answer; "He knew I said something about it. I don't know, I think maybe he had been down and saw us - down to see some of it or something and then come back to the club or something." And then Garrison's notes, "Hubert [of the Warren Commission] nails it down as not unusual." Volume XII, page 454 - 455. Jack Ruby invites Crafard to go over to his sister's house on the late afternoon of November 22. Garrison finds this very suspicious and notes "what does he almost say here?" Volume XIII, page 486 - 487. For some reason, Garrison is extremely interested in Union Drilling. Volume XIII, page 488 - 489. Pure propinquity. Garrison says "Note: Nancy Perrin went to Dallas to find her husband." Nancy Perrin Rich had nothing to do with Larry Crafard - she claimed to have worked for Jack Ruby as a waitress for a short time. She had been living in New Orleans, and her husband left her - she eventually found him in Dallas. By the way, Garrison ended up believing that her husband was a grassy knoll gunman. See my book, On The Trail of Delusion, chapter 16: "Arsenic and Old Perrin." Volume XIII, page 506. Unfortunately "they never got back to Union drilling." Volum XIV, page 3. Boeing Insurance was very suspicious - was it involved in the military industrial complex? Check our earlier blog post about the military industrial complex . Volume XIV, page 4. There appeared to be some pages missing in Crafard's notebook, although he wasn't at all certain. But Garrison writes "who took out? Dal PD [Dallas Police Department] or FBI?" I'm surprised he didn't consider the CIA. We've previously blogged about Jim Garrison, the Cryptologist . Well, he put his cryptographic skills to use in examining the notebooks of Crafard and Oswald. Here is an entry from the Tom Bethell diary: "Garrison has been doing a great deal of research into the various Ruby or Crafard notebooks published in the 26 vols, and the Oswald address book. He's quite proud of this research, and reckons he's probably the world expert in this sub-topic. (He probably is.) He says the annotation "Midland 2550" occurs in the Crafard book and "Newton 2550" in the Oswald book. Garrison suggest these are "Callsigns" on some radio frequency. (I'm not sure that G is right that both these annotations do occur, but he might be. I checked and could only find one, the Oswald one I think.)" Newton 2550 does occur in Crafard's notebook , and he was asked about it. He said someone else wrote it down. I don't see a notation for Midland 2550 in Oswald's notebook. Not that it matters - since the suggestion that these are "callsigns" is insane. William Boxley also examined Crafard's testimony in a memo to Garrison. I don't know which came first - the Boxley memo or the annotated testimony above. This is an insane memo. Right at the start Boxley writes that Crafard's testimony is "textbook quality for any intelligence service's course in 'Resistance to Interrogation.'" Crafard is "travelling in the off-beat church league, perhaps as a courier or better." And that phone call with that girl he was trying to get a date with, well, "Could this have been cover to have accounted for the telephone having been busy that length of time in case reporters or others may have tried to call RUBY and learned it was busy, while RUBY was supposed to be out of the club?" You can see the Garrison notation at the bottom: "Q: Where is Crafard now? Doing what?" Suspicions about Crafard went into overdrive with this Penn Jones article from 1972, in which he accuses Crafard of killing J.D. Tippit: Where did Penn Jones get this from? Well, either from Garrison or vice-versa. After the U.S. Supreme Court stopped the perjury proceedings against Garrison in November 1972, journalist Ron Rosenbaum called Garrison. Here is his entire article from the Village Voice from January 18. 1973. The man referred to with blanks is Crafard. Garrison blamed the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the assassination, but Rosenbaum probed further: "I confessed to Garrison that I was less interested in the global motivations of the four Joint Chiefs than I was in the worldy ambitions of the four hired killers he mentioned in his statement. Who were they and what had become of them? "Well actually there were more than four," he told me. "You had four gunmen, but each one had an assistant gunman, and you had to have a man in charge, and you had to have a communications man, and - I didn't bother to go into it, but you had two people who created a diversion just as the parade rounded from Main." Well, what about the man who fired the fatal shot? What was his name and what became of him? "Well I have no way of hunting any of them down now. If I gave you, off the record, the name of one of the two who was firing from the grassy knoll, which is where the fatal shot came from maybe you could track him down all right?" "Okay," said I. "All right?" said Garrison "Uh huh." "I don't want it surfacing." "Okay" "All right. One of the men on the grassy knoll was named _________" "Uh hum." "________ is a nickname. His full name is __________." Later in the article, Garrison is quoted as saying "...we came across - just to give you a rough idea - such things that seemed to be mysterious like the Tippit slaying, cease to be mysterious. That was _________ again." Here is a letter that Harold Weisberg sent someone regarding the Rosenbaum article. In July of 1977, Jim Garrison wrote Jonathan Blackmer of the HSCA with some information on a variety of topics . He touched upon Larry Crafard: "The full meaning of what Julia Ann Mercer said (+ of its concealment by authorities) will grow upon you, I am sure. For one thing, it puts into the proper perspective the real Jack Ruby (and his anti-Castro activities, as a member of the Mafia branch of the Agency in the late '50's and early '30's). For another, it clarifies how - by the time Sunday came - Ruby had been maneuvered into a posture, from which he could not extricate himself, when he was told to eliminate Oswald. And finally, it provides a lead for one of the men on the grassy knoll who is, as well, an excellent candidate as the man who killed Tippit (with an automatic, needless to say, and not a revolver). You might want to photostat the Mercer statements and cross-file the copies under Laverne Crafard - wherever he is now." In 1986, Jim Garrison contacted researchers Fred Newcomb and Larry Haapanen asking for more information on Fred Crisman for his book. On 9/24/1986, Haapanen talked to Garrison on the phone, and here is his transcription of his notes from the call: "Beckham admitted he was in Banister's operation Crafard -- from Dallas, OR -- 15 mi. from Crisman Julia Ann Mercer -- Crafard was man w/rifle? Tippitt shooting -- Crafard? Reilly's -- LHO's 'nesting place' ... 'never seriously worked there.' --- LHO visited anti-Castro group n. of Lake w/TV station cameraman one day. Boeing confirmed FC worked there --but that's all they'd say." Notice the propinquity - Crafard once lived in Dallas, Oregon, some 15 minutes from Fred Crisman, and thus they might be connected. In 1992, Ron Rosenbaum wrote an article for Time Magazine about the film JFK and conspiracy theories. And he concluded the Larry Crafard story: Rosenbaum writes, in the last section: "And then in the early '80s, just when his life seemed to have settled down, renewed interest in the J.F.K. case made his name an object of speculation again: it appeared in a book on the organized-crime connections to Ruby and the assassination. His new wife read the book and began to get a little paranoid. She wondered about the serious car accident they had had: Was it really an accident? Eventually, things began to go awry: his marriage broke up, he lost his job." The book that Rosenbaum referred to was Contract on America by David Scheim. Here are two paragraphs from his book - first from page 133: And a paragraph from page 148: "The fleeing Larry Crafard...." Researcher Peter Whitmey tracked down Crafard and spoke to him in 2001 . Like other witnesses in the case (Kerry Thornley comes to mind), Crafard started to become a little paranoid: "I also learned from Curtis that in 1980 he and his wife, along with two of their four children, were involved in a serious car accident, caused by faulty steering, even though the vehicle was quite new. Curtis was convinced that someone had tampered with the steering, which has made him fearful for his safety ever since. After his wife read Contract on America, by David Scheim, which I had recommended, she too seemed suspicious of the accident. I also recall when I was speaking to Craford in the late 1990s on the phone, apparently my voice was fading in and out, which caused Curtis to believe that the line was tapped." Crafard told Whitmey he had been a hit man in San Francisco; had been selected for covert operations as a demolitons expert; and involved in intelligence work. Few people would believe any of this (except for people like Joan Mellen), but it gets worse. Mort Sahl even managed to mention Larry Crafard in his act: During the course of my research, I had been notified by another researcher in the late 1990s that Craford was referred to by the veteran stand-up comedian and former Garrison supporter, Mort Sahl, in an off-Broadway play entitled Mort Sahls America, which had been reviewed in the April 25, 1994 issue of The New Yorker by the senior drama critic John Lahr. Sahl gave the impression during his off-Broadway performance that he was reading from the Warren Report (he had all 26 volumes as part of the set). Obviously he wasnt, as some of the details related to the Warren Commissions interview with Craford were not correct. According to Sahl, Earl Warren and Gerald Ford had conducted the interview, when, in fact, it was lawyers Leon Hubert and Burt Griffin; Craford was described as having been a bartender at Rubys club, when he was a handyman, who occasionally worked behind the bar; also, Craford claimed to have been a master sniper while in the Marine Corps, when apparently he received only basic weapons training while serving in the U.S. Army (from which he was released after only fourteen months service); he had supposedly been seized by the FBI while hightailing it out of Dallas, suggesting he was arrested at some point, when, actually, he was contacted by agents in northern Michigan a week later and brought to the local office for questioning, as well as being photographed; and he allegedly stated to someone before being seized that the authorities were not going to pin this on me. After obtaining a copy of the review, along with a speech based on it made by former HSCA researcher Gaeton Fonzi (given at a Dallas JFK conference and later published in the JFK magazine Lancer and website), I wrote to Debra Conway at JFK Lancer, Craford, Fonzi, Sahl (through his website) and The New Yorker. As a result of my e-mail to Ms. Conway, the section about Craford in Fonzis speech was initially deleted in the on-line version of Fonzis speech, but later was reinserted with a footnote quoting from my e-mail with Ms. Conways response. Amazingly, Craford was more amused than upset by the reference to him and the numerous factual errors. Even though there was a strong suggestion made that he might have been involved in the assassination, he had no desire to speak to a lawyer in regard to a possible defamation suit, prefering to remain out of the media spotlight. Fonzi was somewhat defensive, but clearly had been under the impression that Sahls reading of the Warren Commissions interview with Craford was accurate, and not a humorous means by which Sahl could make his point. No one at Sahls website got back to me. Note that Whitmey refers to Crafard as Craford; at one point he changed his last name. There is more conspiracy nonsense in Whitmey's article - but I've had enough. Curtis Laverne Craford died in 2011. May he rest in peace .


The resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic in India has prompted the South African government to consider introducing additional measures in order to stave off a third wave.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told an online conference that a close eye was being kept on India, which has now the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the world.

The challenges we have seen in India are very serious, Mkhize said. We have received an advisory from the ministerial advisory council that we have to consider some restrictions and we are now going through that, he said, without giving details.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa eased coronavirus restrictions in March as the rate of new infections dropped, scrapping most limits on alcohol sales, shortening a night-time curfew and permitting larger public gatherings.

Covid-19 infections in Africas most-industrialized economy have fallen from about 22,000 a day in January to fewer than 1,000, even without a large-scale vaccination campaign.

The chart below, courtesy of Media Hack, shows the daily confirmed cases in South Africa since March 2020.
Sleeping with socks on could be the key to a better night's sleep, a doctor has claimed.

Dr Jessica Andrade, a third-year children's resident doctor from the US, has become a social media sensation by sharing medical advice on TikTok.

In a recent clip uploaded to the video-sharing platform, Dr Andrade said people who wear socks to bed 'tend to fall asleep faster' than those who jump in barefoot.

Scroll down for video

Dr Jessica Andrade (pictured), a third-year children's resident doctor from the US, has become a social media sensation by sharing medical advice on TikTok

Does wearing socks to bed help you sleep better? Temperature regulation is an important part of falling asleep. Wearing socks in bed increases blood flow to the feet while promoting heat loss through the skin, which helps to lower core body temperature. In turn, this helps you fall sleep faster. The same can be said for having a hot shower and stepping into a cold bathroom, or soaking your feet in a footbath for 10 to 15 minutes before bed. But Dr Alex Agostini from the University of South Australia told the ABC it's not necessarily that simple. 'If you're the type of person who hates wearing socks to bed and they're going to feel uncomfortable, then it's not going to work for you,' Dr Agostini told ABC Radio. Dr Agostini said it's better to tailor your sleep routine around whatever works for you, rather than what 'someone on TikTok told you to do'. Advertisement

Poll Do you wear socks to bed? Yes No No, but I will now Do you wear socks to bed? Yes 349 votes

No 321 votes

No, but I will now 58 votes Now share your opinion





Dr Andrade revealed this is because socks warm the feet, causing blood vessels to open which in turn cools the body down.

A drop in core body temperature tells the brain that it's time to sleep, Dr Andrade said, sending bedtime sock-wearers into the Land of Nod much quicker.

When body temperature lowers, the body starts to produce melatonin - known as the sleep hormone - which makes you feel relaxed and naturally drowsy.

'So let's talk about people that wear socks to bed,' Ms Andrade says in the video.

'Wearing socks makes your feet warm up and this opens up the blood vessels that cool the body down,' she continued.

'The body being cool tells the brain that it's time for bed. So actually people that wear socks tend to fall asleep faster.'

But Dr Alex Agostini from the University of South Australia says it's not necessarily that simple.

'If you're the type of person who hates wearing socks to bed and they're going to feel uncomfortable, then it's not going to work for you,' Dr Agostini told ABC Radio.

She said it's better to tailor your sleep routine around whatever works for you, rather than what 'someone on TikTok told you to do'.

Dr Andrade's advice has gone viral, racking up 3.6million 'likes' and almost 70,000 responses since it was posted online on February 9.

However many had strong opinions about the idea of wearing socks to bed.

'I can't sleep with socks, I would never be able to fall asleep,' one person replied.

A second agreed: 'When I wear socks I overheat and can't fall asleep.'

Dr Andrade said people who wear socks to bed 'tend to fall asleep faster' than those who jump in barefoot because socks cool core body temperature, telling the brain it's time to rest

'I don't know why, but I feel really weird and claustrophobic when I try to wear socks to bed. I always end up taking them off,' added a third.

Despite the resistance, Dr Andrade's claim is supported by science.

A 2006 study published in the Physical Behaviour Journal found that 'in adults, sleep-onset was accelerated by [wearing] warm and neutral bed socks after lights-off and correlated to the increase in foot temperature.'

Australia's leading sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo also agrees that anything that cools core body temperature, such as a shower or foot bath, will lead to a deeper night's sleep.

'Academic evidence notes a shower can help reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep, heighten sleep efficiency (so you get more deep sleep) and improve subjective sleep quality,' she told Bed Threads.

'After you emerge from a warm shower into a cool bathroom, your core body temperature lowers and you start to produce melatonin.'
(Newser)  An underground storage tank dating to the Manhattan Project is leaking nuclear waste at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington state. About 3 gallons of radioactive material per day is seeping into the ground, the state Department of Ecology said. That adds to the 200,000 gallons that's leaked from other tanks, CBS reports. "This highlights the critical need for resources to address Hanford's aging tanks, which will continue to fail and leak over time," the agency said. The 123,000-gallon tank B-109 has lost about 1,700 gallons over the past two years, the state estimates. The federal Department of Energy told Hanford employees that the tank had been mostly emptied earlier and that the continuing leak poses "no increased health or safety risk to Hanford workers or the public." The notice added, "Contamination in this area is not a new issue and mitigation actions have been in place for decades."

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Hanford used to produce about two-thirds of the plutonium used in US nuclear weapons, including the bomb dropped in 1945 on Nagasaki, Japan, that was developed in the Manhattan Project, per the AP. The site was in use through the Cold War, per the Tri-City Herald. Heart of America Northwest, a watchdog, said the radioactive waste being leaked will be dangerous for hundreds to thousands of years. A huge environmental cleanup has been going on at Hanford, the nation's most contaminated nuclear waste site, for decades. "There's no such thing as a small leak from a high-level nuclear waste tank," the watchdog said. The Washington Department of Ecology said the main goal is to keep the waste from getting into Columbia River, which is 10 miles from the tank. (Read more radioactive waste stories.)
Workers at a gun store in Grand Terrace, Calif., show a customer ammunition for sale in 2016. (Los Angeles Times)

To the editor: My brother could have been one of Paul Karrer's fifth-grade students who raised his hand in class when asked, "How many of you know of guns in your home?" and, "How many of you have fired them when no one was around?" ("The issue of gun violence often invaded my 5th-grade classroom. Heres how I handled it," Opinion, April 25)

My father taught us gun safety and target practice. He thought he had securely locked up his guns, but my brother knew where he hid the key. My brother shot the guns off in the house, and my naive mother once wondered how a hole got into the upper kitchen cabinet.

I babysat two adolescent boys one night. The father's gun was usually stored in a combination-lock safe, but that night he accidentally left it open and one boy got hold of the gun. When I confiscated it, the boy's response included those famous last words: The gun wasn't loaded.

Guns are never safe in a house with kids.

Kathy Harty, Sierra Madre

..

To the editor: I'm glad Karrer's student trusted him enough to give him the unfired 9-mllimeter bullet. As he said, "One kid knew kids shouldn't have bullets, and he acted."

Karrer's "glimmer of hope" begs our nation's adults to do the right thing and ensure all gun transactions are properly vetted and applicants are trained before the sale of any firearm.

Ann Nye, Palos Verdes Estates

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Lister Hill Center for Public Health Policy at UAB published a report showing that most Alabama doctors who responded to a survey support the legalization of medical marijuana.

Alabama lawmakers are considering a bill to legalize and regulate the production and use of medical cannabis products. The bill is expected to come up for a vote before the legislative session ends May 17.

The report says 450 physicians responded to the survey from February to April.

The survey asked the doctors if they agree with this statement: If available by recommendation of a medical provider, I support the legalization of medical cannabis by the state of Alabama.

Strongly agree: 39.3%

Agree: 21.1%

Somewhat agree: 9.1%

Neither agree nor disagree: 4.4%

Somewhat disagree: 2.4%

Disagree: 6.9%.

Strongly disagree: 16.7%.

The report was co-authored by Dr. Jerzy Szaflarski, a neurologist who was one of the leaders in a UAB study on the treatment of epilepsy with a cannabis derivative that the Legislature authorized by passing by Carlys Law in 2014. Szaflarski served on the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, which was created by the Legislature and issued a report supporting medical marijuana in December 2019.

A recent Pew Research survey also found that over 90 percent of Americans say marijuana should be legal for medical use.

Earlier this week, 23 of Alabamas 42 district attorneys signed a letter urging legislators to reject the medical marijuana bill.

Alabama would be the 37th state to legalize medical marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Australians should expect more coronavirus outbreaks and lockdowns if 'negligent' flaws in hotel quarantine aren't fixed to stop the virus from spreading, an expert has warned.

An alarming new spike in Covid cases within the hotel quarantine system has sparked fears the virus cannot be contained within facilities and will spread into the community.

Fifteen new cases were recorded in NSW's hotel quarantine facilities in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday, among 44 infections detected in returned travellers in recent days.

Burnet Institute epidemiologist Professor Michael Toole has accused health and government authorities of not taking the risk of airborne spread of the virus more seriously.

With more than a dozen COVID leaks in six months, he pointed the finger directly at the Infection Control Expert Group (ICEG).

An expert believes 'negligent' flaws in hotel quarantine could result in further outbreaks and lockdowns. Pictured are international travellers in hotel quarantine in Melbourne

Perth residents were plunged into lockdown last week after an outbreak in hotel quarantine seeped into the community. Pictured are masked residents in Perth this week

'14 leaks in 5 cities in 5 months is not just a few,' Professor Toole wrote on Twitter in response to a post from infectious diseases expert Dr Nick Coatsworth.

'It's negligence and ICEG is responsible.'

Having worked at the US Centres for Disease Control for 10 years, Professor Toole has called for a national standard for ventilation in hotels to be established and for the use of N95 masks.

'We are still denying at a federal level that this form of transmission even occurs, we don't even say that it occurs rarely,' he told news.com.au.

'This is at the heart of the fragmented approach of protecting guests.'

He says a national standard between state, territory and federal governments about hotel quarantine needs to be established.

Australia's international borders are now hotel corridors rather than airstrips, according to Professor Toole.

'All nine governments should be pouring resources into this issue, this is our number one defence and we are spending billions on vaccines but not spending much on making sure our borders are safe,' he added.

Infectious diseases expert Professor Peter Collignon, who is a member of ICEG, disagreed and believes airborne spread isn't as significant.

'The majority of the spread is happening among close contacts and masks seem to give protection,' Professor Collignon said.

Professor Michael Toole (pictured) said the risk of airborne spread of coronavirus in hotel quarantine needs to be treated more seriously

Professor Toole believes last week's snap lockdown of Perth due to a hotel quarantine outbreak shows it's time to move quarantine out of city hotels after he reviewed the policies in each state in an article for The Conversation .

'It's now time to invest in similar facilities in every state and territory. Quarantine is our first line of defence against the virus,' he wrote on Thursday.

'It needs to be 100 per cent effective to maintain our hard-earned status of having zero community COVID cases.

'Given the rate of quarantine leaks during the past six months, without improvements, the system will likely see over a dozen more leaks by October, causing frequent disruptions to our lives. The impact on the economy and public confidence will be immeasurable.'

In the last four days, 44 new infections have been detected in returned travellers quarantining in hotels across New South Wales (pictured, defence personnel outside Melbourne Airport)

Eight cases were recorded on Monday, 12 on Tuesday, and Wednesday saw nine new infections (pictured, a traveller entering hotel quarantine)

The sudden surge in numbers of active cases in hotel quarantine has prompted renewed calls by experts for built-for-purpose quarantine centres to be quickly established.

Along with the spike in NSW this week, hotel quarantine facilities in South Australia have also seen a big jump in cases, recording 14 new infections on Monday and nine on Friday.

The Northern Territory recorded 27 cases from overseas travellers over Friday, Saturday and Monday - with 24 of those having arrived on flights from India.

The spike comes amid worries that India's 'double mutant' strain will produce cases that will overwhelm the ad-hoc hotel quarantine system and breakout into cities.

India's Covid crisis has reached catastrophic levels with 386,000 cases and 3,645 deaths recorded on Thursday.

The total Covid death numbers for the country has reached 204,812 but these figures are the official toll, and there's doubts they accurately reflect the true extent of the crisis.

Dr David Berger, an emergency flying doctor who practices in Lightning Ridge, NSW, published a paper in the Medical Journal of Australia last week which called for regional worker camps to be used instead of high-rise hotels.

His paper says that between November and mid January 'approximately 1 in 200 hotel quarantine cases led to infections outside the system' causing outbreaks in Sydney, Melbourne Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth.

Discussing his paper on 2GB radio, Dr Berger said: 'Almost all of those are variants. This virus is airborne. There is no documented case of transmission from contact such as lift buttons or surfaces. It can be transmitted over significant distances and ventilation is critical to this.

India recorded more than . Pictured: A Covid victim is

About 9000 Australians in India now face the reality of no flights home until May 15, but the government has promised a review ahead of that time

'Unfortunately these hotels that we're using were never designed for people to be cooped up in them for two weeks with no opening windows.

'They have gaps under the doors, the ventilation is not designed to be infectious disease proof. They're just not suitable. These facilities are just not designed for it.'

He said the quarantine system needs a total overhaul, adding: 'We need to move to a situation where we have air-gapped quarantine like they do in the Northern Territory. Australia is full of mining camps and such like.

'It is not beyond the wit of Australia to establish mini caravan parks or mining camps close to major cities, where they can have access to fresh air and there is zero risk of cross contamination.

'Until we do that we are not going to be safe. We are going to have to pause travel and get better facilities.'

State leaders have also expressed concerns about the increasing number of cases coming from India into Australia.

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said he's 'very concerned about India' and feared the quarantine system would not be able to cope.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has promised to do all it can to help the thousands of Australians stranded in India return home once flights restart.

The mass vaccination centre in Homebush in Sydney's west is yet to open. It plans to inoculate 30,000 people per week

The Ryde Respiratory Clinic in Sydney's north was empty on Wednesday despite having 300 bookings for the AstraZeneca jab
[April 30, 2021] Puget to Introduce Proprietary Software that Utilizes Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Distribution and Transportation Systems

BOCA RATON, Fla., April 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Puget Technologies, Inc. (Puget; OTC PINK: PUGE), a Nevada corporation subject to reporting pursuant to Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, announces that the companys Chief Technologies Officer (CTO), Victor German Quintero Toro has contributed proprietary software to Puget, subject to retained royalty rights, designed to improve the functioning of logistics in transportation and distribution systems. The methodology involved is believed to be unique and subject to protection as trade secrets, however, Puget may elect to reinforce such protection through patents in the near future.

The solutions currently available in the marketplace to manage distribution and transportation logistics are limited to just a few specifically customized applications. In contrast, Pugets software can solve extremely complex problems for its end users by customizing the myriad of variables not currently included in out-of-the-box modular software. It does so in a seamlessly integrated environment without the need for additional capital expenditures. By data mining in big data environments with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms and other proprietary trade secrets, Pugets newly acquired software is the only technology on the market today, in my opinion, that supports the majority of variables that affect these end users, commented Mr. Quintero Toro. Designed specifically to seamlessly integrate functionality within the big data environments of existing distribution and transportation systems, the software does not replace existing technology. One of the main advantages of this solution is the optimization of companys operations since this software complements and enhances existing platforms to deliver efficiencies, enabling cost reduction without the need for a significant capital outlay. Im looking forward to commercializing this technology with Pugets assistance, Mr. Quintero Toro explained. Mr. Quintero Toros past experience working to solve similar problems at Walmart distribution centers around the world contributed to the domain expertise needed to come up with such an innovative, integrated solution. The software has already been beta tested in the public transportation system of the City of Manizales in the Republic of Colombia, where it achieved a 30% reduction in hydrocarbon emissions as a result of better route management. The beta test results were presented at the Congreso Latino-Iberoamericano de Investigacion de Operaciones (CLAIO), and a summary was published in the publication Annals of Operations Research and in the Journal of Heuristics.



For additional information, please contact Puget at 1-561-210-8535, by email at info@pugettechnologies.com or visit our website for continuing updates at https://pugettechnologies.com . About Puget Technologies, Inc.

Puget Technologies, Inc. (pugettechnologies.com) aspires to evolve into an innovation-focused holding company operating through a group of subsidiaries and business units that work together to empower ground-breaking companies to reach their next stage of growth. With a strategy that combines acquisitions, strategic investment strategies, and operational support, Puget intends to provide a one-stop shop for growing companies who need access to both capital and growth resources, while enabling Puget and its stockholders to generate synergies and derive profit through pooled resources and shared goals. Pugets current investment focus ranges from traditional industries like health care that are ripe for business model innovation to new markets that strive to solve big societal problems such as climate change. Publicly traded on the Pink Open Market under the ticker symbol PUGE, Puget is committed to delivering a competitive return to investors.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements made in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Pugets beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, forecast, goal, intend, may, objective, plan, potential, predict, projection, should, will or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. Puget bases these forward-looking statements or projections on its current expectations, plans and assumptions that it has made in light of its experience in the industry, as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances and at such time. As you read and consider this press release, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. The forward-looking statements and projections are subject to and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements or projections. Although Puget believes that these forward-looking statements and projections are based on reasonable assumptions at the time they are made, you should be aware that many factors could affect Pugets actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and projections. Puget undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. If Puget does update one or more forward-looking statements, there should be no inference that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.





[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
GREENSBORO, N.C., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Volvo Trucks North America today announced that the company and the United Auto Workers union reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a new five-year contract that would cover approximately 2,900 employees at the New River Valley (NRV) truck assembly operations in Dublin, VA.

In conjunction with the tentative agreement, the UAW has ended its strike against the NRV plant, effective 7:00 a.m. on April 30, 2021. Production will resume on Monday, May 3, 2021.

Further comment on the proposed agreement is being withheld pending ratification by the members of UAW Local #2069. Ratification meetings are being scheduled by the UAW.

Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks. Customer support is secured via a global network of dealers with 2,300 service points in more than 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 13 countries across the globe. In 2020 approximately 94,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.

For further information, please contact John Mies, Volvo Trucks, phone 336-543-9094, email [email protected]

www.volvotrucks.us www.volvotrucks.ca www.volvotrucks.mx

SOURCE Volvo Trucks North America
This story was published in partnership with Type Investigations with support from the Puffin Foundation.

In New York Citys Chinatown, a city-run vaccination site with no signage or intake questions in Chinese. In California, non-English speakers handed COVID-19 vaccination cards without information on what they mean. In Pennsylvania, people who speak Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese unable to make vaccine appointments due to a lack of interpreters at hospital call centers.

These are just a few of the examples captured in a new complaint filed on Friday to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, Federal Emergency Management Agencys Office of Equal Rights, and Department of Homeland Securitys Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. The complaint, brought by the National Health Law Program, finds widespread problems across the country that inhibit access to COVID-19 resources for people with limited English proficiency (LEP).

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Individuals with LEP do not have meaningful access to COVID services (e.g., testing, vaccines, treatment, contact tracing) during this ongoing public health emergency, the complaint states, noting the effect of those obstacles on vaccination rates. Lacking information, people do not get vaccinesparticularly troubling as the vaccination rates in the United States are now declining.

Some of the problems stem from websites with missing, inaccurate, or poorly translated information. With many schools, houses of worship, and community centers shut down to prevent transmission of the coronavirus, American life has largely moved online. Public health authorities that might have distributed flyers and brochures at community gathering points in the past are more reliant on online information portals than ever before, which makes the need for these portals to be accessible more urgent than ever.

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The Virginia Department of Health was at the center of a scandal this January when it was revealed that the departments Google-translated Spanish-language FAQ page told visitors the vaccine is not necessary for nearly a month. The department eventually corrected the error.

But a new Type Investigations analysis of 50 states health department and COVID-19 websites finds that Virginia is hardly the only state thats failed to properly inform its limited-English speakers about the vaccine. In 11 states, the state health department website has no multilingual resources available on its homepage, not even an option to machine-translate the contents, a likely violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars federally funded entities from discriminating based on race, color, or national origin. In three states, the COVID-19 websites are English only, with no option for translation. In an additional 18 states, there are language services available, but theyre advertised only in English. Of those 21 states, 62 percent also have higher than average COVID death rates.

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These findings are consistent with earlier research that found that three states vaccine-finder websitesAlabama, Illinois, and North Dakotaoffered no language assistance.

There are 25 million U.S. residents with limited English proficiency. New research shows they are more likely to get COVID-19 and to die from it than are fluent English speakers. And poor language access may be delaying their vaccination: Recent polls have shown that Hispanic people, those earning less than $40,000 per year, and people without a college educationall populations where limited-English speakers are overrepresentedare far more likely than the general public to be unsure whether they are eligible to be vaccinated.

While some states, including Arkansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin prominently display in-language links from their homepages to translated materials, many have resorted instead to grafting Google Translate onto their websites, something the Department of Justice has described in guidance for federal programs as strongly discouraged. As the Virginia example made clear, machine-translation is far from perfect. And when it comes to COVID-19, a mistake in translation can be deadly. Now, advocates like those at the National Health Law Program say something needs to change.

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People with limited English are facing enough challenges trying to navigate our health systems and get the care that they need, said Mara Youdelman, an attorney with the National Health Law Program. They need to see information in their language and not have to continue to fight the uphill battle to figure it out.

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The National Health Law Programs complaint also calls attention to the problem of machine translation. In Massachusetts, one of the most in-demand languages in acute care hospitals, Cape Verdean Creole, is not available via Google Translate, and across the country readers face awkward, stilted translations and even errors, it states.

Our review of 113 public health websites finds that 68 of them make use of automatic machine translation, either in addition to other accessibility tools or by itself. In all cases where the provider is identifiable, it is Google.

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While superficially, the use of machine translation on a website that was formerly English-only might seem like a step in the right direction, if its wrong, its not better than nothing, said Youdelman.

In a statement, a Google representative told us Google Translate is an automatic translation system that allows for greater information access, but is never intended to replace human translators, and all uses in high stake situations like public health contexts should have translations verified.

Translate is not perfect, the representative continued. It is not intended to replace human translators. Its unclear which, if any, of these 68 websites verify translations using human translators, but given the number of languages on Google Translate, it seems unlikely that most states would have that capacity.

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Theoretically, the White House is sympathetic to concerns about language access during the pandemic. In January, as part of a raft of measures in response to anti-Asian hate crimes, President Joseph Biden ordered the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider issuing guidance for COVID-related language access for Asian American communities. More promisingly, perhaps, a bill introduced into the U.S. House in February would instruct all federal agencies that receive coronavirus-related funding to translate their materials into 20 non-English languages.

Any organizations receiving federal money, a category which almost certainly includes all 50 state health departments, are legally bound to provide meaningful access to people with limited English. But the standards around when to translate materials or provide interpreters are fuzzy.

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In 1974 the Supreme Court recognized that language proficiency is inextricably linked to national origin, so language access fell under the Civil Rights Acts national origin protection.

The Affordable Care Act reinforced the applicability of those protections to health agencies and programs receiving federal money. Starting in 2016, healthcare providers were required to notify patients of the availability of language assistance by posting a tagline on important communications in each states top 15 languages spoken by limited-English speakers. But in 2020 the Trump administration removed the regulation and, despite legal challenges, it has yet to be restored.

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Meanwhile, its very difficult for advocacy groups to fight language discrimination in court. The Supreme Court has ruled that private parties do not have the right to bring cases based on disparate impact rather than intentional discrimination. Instead, individuals and advocacy groups must use administrative venues, like the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights to file grievances instead.

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A proposed bill, introduced last August in the U.S. Senate, offered a budgetary solution. In addition to requiring federal agencies that have received coronavirus funding to translate their materials into widely spoken languages, the bill would have set aside $200 million for coronavirus-related language access services, the majority of which would be divvied up among state and tribal health departments and community-based organizations. The bill remained in committee when that session of Congress ended. The new version of the bill, which does not include funding, was introduced into the House in February by Rep. Grace Meng of New York. In a press release she called the bill a necessaryand lifesavingstep that will reach those who may not possess English proficiency.

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Some states are finding ways to reach people in their native tongues. Hayder Allkhenfr, coordinator and program manager of refugee health at the Utah Department of Health, is at the forefront of that push. Originally from Iraq and raised in Egypt, he works with a diverse refugee community that includes speakers of many different languages, including his native Arabic.

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When the state of Utah launched its multilingual outreach efforts, it tapped people like Allkhenfr, who are known to, and trusted by, local minority-language communities to record videos explaining COVID precautions, public health directives, and vaccination opportunities. It was important for these videos to come from people with credibility in their respective communities, Allkhenfr says. Its much more likely that someone from a refugee background would even click on a video that has a face that they recognize, he said. Many people with limited English rely on intermediaries, like Allkhenfr, who are fluent in their own language and culture, while also highly informed about public policy, to bridge the communication gap.

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Quyen Dinh, executive director of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, a Washington, D.C.-based group that advocates for Southeast Asians, is also helping to spread the word. Both Dinh and Allkhenfr said that non-English web materials are often not accessed by limited English-speaking individuals themselves but rather by friends, family, or community members who might then circulate those resources on social media or in WhatsApp group messages. Similarly to English-language social media networks, misinformation and rumor can spread online, and Allkhenfr described efforts to penetrate those networks in order to fight misinformation. Some community members worried the vaccine would cause infertility after a dubious document circulated on social media, for instance, he said.

In addition to providing written and multimedia translated content, the Utah Department of Health has also recruited and trained community health workers. These are typically people with linguistic and cultural knowledge who then receive public health education that they can share with their networks.

Giving those health workers in-language tools that they can use and share is crucial, say Allkhenfr and Dinh, to reach as many as possible. But Dinh says it also serves another purpose:

It really is about the sense of being invisible in this country and what it means to see your mother language on paper or on a website. It makes a huge difference in terms of feeling like you belong, that you matter.

Research assistance by Nina Zweig.
U.S. President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress, April 28, in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. AP-Yonhap



U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday he will work with allies to address threats from North Korea and Iran through "diplomacy" and "stern deterrence."



Biden made the remark during his first address to a joint session of Congress, calling the nuclear programs of Pyongyang and Tehran "a serious threat to America's security and world security."



"We are going to be working closely with our allies to address the threats posed by both of these countries through diplomacy, as well as stern deterrence," Biden said in the address attended by only about one-fifth of U.S. senators and representatives due to social distancing measures.



The United States has been conducting a comprehensive review of its North Korea policy that it says will provide a new approach to dealing with the recalcitrant North.



The Biden administration has also reached out to North Korea for engagement since mid-February, but Pyongyang remains unresponsive to the U.S. overtures.



Biden stressed the importance of working with allies in dealing with various challenges facing his country.



"My fellow Americans, we have to show not just that we are back, we are here to stay. And that we aren't going to go it alone, going to be leading with our allies," the president said.



"No one nation can deal with all the crises of our time alone -- from terrorism to nuclear proliferation, mass migration, cybersecurity, climate change, as well as what we are experiencing now, pandemics."



Biden is set to hold an in-person meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Washington next month.



A senior U.S. administration official earlier said the Biden-Moon summit will mark another diplomatic and national security "milestone" in Biden's first 100 days in office.



Biden also promised support for countries struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic.



"There's no wall high enough to keep any virus out. And our own vaccine supply, as it grows to meet our needs, and we're meeting them, we'll become an arsenal for vaccines for other countries. Just as American is an arsenal for democracy for the world," he said.













He earlier said the United States may consider providing up to 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to countries in need, pending the outcome of a safety review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.



Earlier Wednesday, the U.S. said it will send 20 million doses of the AstraZeneca Vaccine to India, which is facing one of the worst spikes in COVID-19 infections, with over 2,000 people dying from the novel coronavirus daily.



Biden and his administration have repeatedly named China as the largest and most serious challenge they face.



Biden said he has told his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, that the U.S. will continue to maintain a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.



"I also told President Xi that we will maintain a strong military presence in the IndoPacific just as we do with NATO in Europe, not to start a conflict but to prevent one," he said.



Biden also said he told Xi that the U.S. "won't back away from our commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms."



"No responsible American president can remain silent when basic human rights are violated," he said.



While Biden's first presidential address to Congress focused mostly on domestic issues, such as ways to overcome the ongoing pandemic and its economic fallout, he also underlined his administration's efforts to ensure equity and social justice for all people.



"And with the plans outlined tonight, we have a real chance to root out systemic racism that plagues American lives in other ways," the U.S. leader said.



He also welcomed the recent passage of an anti-Asian hate crimes bill by the Senate.



"I also want to thank the United States Senate for voting 94 to one to pass COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to protect Asian American Pacific Islander," Biden said, noting America has seen the "viciousness of hate crimes" for too long.



"I urge the House to do the same and send that legislation to my desk, which I will gladly, anxiously sign."



The bill, if enacted, would allow expedited federal government investigation into hate incidents targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.



The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Hate Crimes Act in early May. (Yonhap)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 30)  A former adviser to the government's pandemic task force raised concern over moves that appear to "exploit" allegedly Filipinos' lack of education on ivermectin use, in the absence of studies that prove its safety and efficacy against COVID-19.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Friday, Dr. Tony Leachon, a health reform advocate and former adviser to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), shared his sentiments on the distribution of the antiparasitic drug to some residents this week in Quezon City.

"Ang problema natin dito  huwag naman masamain  we might be exploiting the lack of education and ignorance of the people on the (use of this particular drug)," Leachon said.

[Translation: Our problem here is  and I hope they don't take this the wrong way  we might be exploiting the lack of education and ignorance of the people on the (use of this particular drug).]

"Hindi ma-monitor yung adverse events ng mga pasyenteng pagbibigyan ng ivermectin sa Matandang Balara sa Quezon City. 'Yan ay isa sa context na dapat nating isipin dahil ang approval ng Food and Drug Administration ay based on compassionate use in five private hospitals, and of course compounded by licensed pharmacists with prescriptions," he also said.

[Translation: You won't be able to monitor any adverse events on patients who received ivermectin in Old Balara in Quezon City. That's one of the context that we have to keep in mind because the approval of the Food and Drug Administration is based on compassionate use in five private hospitals, and of course compounded by licensed pharmacists with prescriptions.]

On Thursday, ivermectin advocates Mike Defensor of Anakalusugan Party-list, Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, and some doctors from the Concerned Doctors and Citizen of the Philippines led the distribution of the controversial drug to residents of Barangay Old Balara. Over 2,000 individuals received free capsules after a brief consultation and prescription from physicians onsite, according to Defensor.

Leachon said that while the conditions on the distribution were met based on the exemptions set by the Food and Drug Administration, there are still not enough studies to guarantee the safety of the drug.

"[Dapat] may protocol, you check the vital signs, the demographics and history, and then may follow through ang pasyente kung may adverse events," Leachon lamented.

[Translation: There should have been a protocol, you check the vital signs, the demographics and history, and you also conduct a follow-through on patients for potential adverse events.]

Defensor shared to The Source the distribution process for ivermectin during the event. He said residents were first required to fill out information sheets, sign a waiver, and talk to physicians onsite before receiving a maximum of 10 capsules.

But some netizens criticized the circulating photos on some ivermectin "prescriptions" which were simply scribbled on blank sheets of paper, lacking specific details such as the name, address, and the professional registration number of the physician giving out the drug. For Defensor, however, this was a "non-issue."

READ: Ivermectin advocate solon says prescription on blank paper during distribution a 'non-issue'

The FDA earlier said off-label treatment through ivermectin would only be allowed in hospitals which were granted compassionate special permits, and if the drug is compounded by licensed pharmacies.

Defensor said the government should give the drug a chance, even as clinical trials are yet to be conducted in the country.

"Lets be fair. Wala naman talagang gamot sa COVID-19. Lahat ng gamot na pinag-uusapan are all investigational. No one has come up with a cure and said, 'ito na ang cure natin, ito na ang protocol,'" he said.

[Translation: Let's be fair. There's really no cure against COVID-19 for now. All available drugs are investigational. No one has come up with a cure and said, "this is our cure, this is our protocol."]

The FDA, the Health Department, and other health experts said there is not enough proof the drug can be used to treat or prevent COVID-19. They also warned high doses of ivermectin could cause brain damage in humans, or even death.

READ: DOST eyes ivermectin trial in NCR quarantine facilities by May

FDA Director General Eric Domingo, however, is not against personalities holding events to give away ivermectin. He said it is legal as long as a doctor will check the recipients before issuing a prescription. He added that a compassionate special permit is unnecessary if the medicines will come from licensed compounding pharmacies.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said it is the call of law enforcers whether lawmakers behind the distribution can be arrested for the initiative.
OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) - Families gathered today at The University of Mississippi for a graduation ceremony. The event was different from previous ceremonies in several ways.

Along with other preventive measures that were in place like face coverings, people in the same family had to sit together, and be at least one row apart from other families.

Law students at the University of Mississippi gathered for a physical graduation ceremony on April 29, 2021. Law students at the University of Mississippi gathered for a physical graduation ceremony on April 29, 2021.

Graduate Daniel Bond said the changes were worth it, as long as he got to walk across the stage. Bond said he was worried that he and his classmates graduation ceremony would have to be virtual like the ceremonies last year.

My family and I were kind of scared that the same thing was going to happen to us. But Ole Miss was able to pull it together and give us this really nice ceremony," said Bond. "I'm sure a lot of people had a lot of work put into it, to make sure we get to walk across the stage.

Law graduate Abby Cummings said its a relief to be at this point.

It's been three years of painstaking, studying, preparing for finals and we finally made it," said Cummings. "Were here, were ready to take The Bar, start our careers and see the hard work pay off.

Ceremony staff gave masks at the door. There was assigned seating and several sanitation stations were available. But Bond said it was worth being able to be surrounded by his classmates and family as he reached a major milestone.

A lot of hard work, a lot of emotions finally meaning something in this ceremony. {There's} so much that our classmates are going to be able to do for everyone across the nation, as we graduate and pass the bar exam," said Bond.

Graduates could only give ceremony tickets to a certain amount of people.

There were two ceremonies today. They're the first of several that will happen this weekend.
Darasamut Underpass to close for cleaning

PHUKET: Traffic passing through the Darasamut Underpass will be affected on Wednesday (May 5) while the Phuket Highways Office carries out cleaning to remove sand and trash from inside the tunnel.

transport

By The Phuket News

Friday 30 April 2021, 11:59AM

Traffic through the Darasamut Underpass will be affected this coming Wednesday (May 5). Image: Phuket Highways Office

According to an announcement by the Phuket office of the Highways Department, traffic through the underpass will be affected as the lanes will need to be closed whluie the cleaning is being carried out. The southbound lane will be closed from 9am to midday, while the northbound lane will be closed from 1pm to 4pm, said the announcement. The Phuket Highways office apologised for any inconvenience caused by the works.
(Natural News) The Department of State claims that solar panel makers in the Chinese region of Xinjiang employ victims of genocide and forced labor. Last January, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) repression of the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority group native to Xinjiang, genocide.

He noted that a million Uyghurs had been forced into concentration camps or forced to work in factories, including ones that make solar panels  one of the biggest industries in the region. Bloomberg also reported that companies such as Xinte Energy, East Hope Group and GCL-Poly Energy had been linked to a state-run employment program that at times amount to forced labor.

The Embassy of China in Washington denied the claims and insisted that all workers in Xinjiang freely entered into contracts without coercion. However, incumbent U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the genocide label in a statement a few weeks ago, describing the Chinese governments treatment of Uyghurs as an effort to commit genocide.

Francine Sullivan, an executive at REC Silicon, a Norwegian manufacturer of solar panel materials, also noted that Xinjiang was known for low safety and environmental standards, which might have kept prices competitive. As Sullivan told The New York Times, forced labor might be just part of the incentive package.

For years, renewable energy advocates had been arguing that radical cost declines would come from improved efficiency. But the efficiency of even the best performing models only rose by two to three percentage points over the last decade. Therefore, pundits said that efficiency increases alone could not possibly be responsible for the two-thirds decline in solar panel costs over the same period. (Related: China running a chemically-induced depopulation agenda against Muslims, whites.)

While many solar companies pledged to promptly relocate to somewhere else in China, relocating would not solve the problem. For one, the Chinese government had been transferring Uyghurs and other minorities to outside of Xinjiang. Additionally, companies reshuffling their supply chains merely funneled solar products made in other parts of China to American buyers. Xinjiang-made products, on the other hand, were directed to China and other markets.

GOP, labor leaders move to ban Chinese solar panels

This came after Senate Republicans introduced a bill last March that would ban all China-made solar panels. The senators said that the sweeping ban ensured that the U.S. would not support Chinese companies that benefited from forced labor.

As the demand for clean energy initiatives is growing, the federal government cannot support entities that benefit from these atrocities, especially while many have lost their jobs domestically as a result of these new energy initiatives, said West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito.

Richard Trumka, president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, which is the largest American labor federation, also urged President Joe Biden and Congress to ban imports of Xinjiang solar products over the forced labor issue.

The Biden administration and Congress must act to block imports of solar products that contain polysilicon [solar panels core material] made with forced labor, Trumka wrote March 12 to Blinken and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

The U.S., Canada and the European Union previously banned imports of cotton and tomatoes from some Xinjiang companies. Bloomberg reported that the material needed for solar panels could be next. However, Bidens pledge to work with China on climate-related issues should dim that prospect.

Last week, Biden welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders for a virtual White House climate summit. Earlier, he sent John Kerry, the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, to China to talk about limiting global warming.

Bidens climate agenda and the fact that China dominates the global supply chain for solar power were also massive barriers to banning Chinese solar panels. During the summit, Biden announced that the U.S. would target reducing its emissions by 50 to 52 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

On top of this, Democrats climate infrastructure bill also proposed a national Clean Energy Standard, which would require electricity providers to generate 80 percent of their power from zero-emissions sources by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035. (Related: Democrats climate agenda will mimic their COVID tyranny.)

The bill, along with Bidens proposed budget, would heavily subsidize solar and wind. But as a country that almost entirely relies on China for cheap solar panels, America might have to turn to the CCP to achieve those emissions goals.

Its put the Democrats in a hard position, Sullivan said. Do you want to stand up to human rights in China, or do you want cheap solar panels?

Learn more about how Democrats climate agenda is destroying America at ClimateAlarmism.news.

Sources include:

Forbes.com

NYTimes.com

BBC.com

FoxBusiness.com

DW.com

WhiteHouse.gov
Harvey Weinstein is running out of legal avenues to stop his extradition to Los Angeles, where he faces 11 charges of rape and sexual assault.

The disgraced media mogul is currently serving a 23-year sentence at a maximum security prison near Buffalo, New York, after he was found guilty of rape and sexual assault in March 2020.

Weinstein was seen during the virtual Zoom hearing on Friday morning from his prison, during which Erie County Judge Kenneth Case indicated he would be sent to Los Angeles in 30 days - on May 30, 2021 - to face further charges.

The 69-year-old's lawyers have sought to delay their client's extradition to Los Angeles for as long as possible, making the case that he should stay in one place for treatment for a range of health issuers.

Last month, they argued that extradition papers were not in order, and he was given a brief reprieve from extradition.

However, unless embattled New York Governor Andrew Cuomo intervenes or he successfully contests the arrest, Weinstein appears destined to be sent to LA.

Scroll down for video

Weinstein was pictured on a virtual hearing on Friday morning in New York, during which Erie County Judge Kenneth Case indicated he would be sent to Los Angeles in 30 days - on May 30. Pictured: Harvey Weinstein appears from prison, during a virtual hearing regarding possible extradition to California to face further sexual assault charges, before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case in Buffalo, New York, U.S. April 30, 2021

'We don't need to come back,' the judge said during Friday's hearing. 'He has 30 days to contest the arrest or have the governor disapprove of the transfer.'

Attorney Norman Effman told the judge that he will file paperwork within the next 30 days that will likely require another court appearance concerning Weinstein's extradition.

Weinstein has been at the Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo since last spring after being convicted in New York City of a criminal sex act and third-degree rape.

Los Angeles prosecutors are seeking his transfer on charges of assaulting five women in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills from 2004 to 2013.

There, he faces 11 counts of rape a sexual assault, which could in theory carry a maximum sentence of 140 years.

Weinstein spoke only to greet and thank the judge as he appeared remotely from a prison conference room for the hearing, which, Erie County Assistant District Attorney Colleen Curtin Gable said should start a 30-day clock.

Judge Kenneth Case agreed, noting that only a challenge from Weinstein or an objection from the governor would halt the process.

Harvey Weinstein appears from prison, during a virtual hearing regarding possible extradition to California to face further sexual assault charges, before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case in Buffalo, New York, U.S. April 30, 2021

'I can tell you I intend to file and I will do it as quickly as possible,' his attorney, Norman Effman, said. He did not say what would be in the filing.

Weinstein initially was charged in California in a criminal complaint, and then indicted by a grand jury on March 15.

He maintains his innocence and contends that any sexual activity was consensual.

Effman earlier requested a 'humanitarian' delay of Weinstein's already pandemic-delayed extradition to attend to his medical needs, but the request was denied by California prosecutors.

Weinstein, the lawyer said, is scheduled to undergo two medical procedures, an eye surgery and a dental procedure.

He said earlier this month that Weinstein is 'almost technically blind' and has lost four teeth while behind bars. He also survived a bout with the coronavirus in March.

A jury found Weinstein guilty of raping an aspiring actress in a New York City hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulting a production assistant at his apartment in 2006 by forcibly performing oral sex on her.

The disgraced media mogul is currently serving a 23-year sentence at a maximum security prison near Buffalo, New York, after he was found guilty of rape and sexual assault in March 2020. Pictured: Weinstein attends court on January 28, 2020

The Hollywood producer's lawyers have appealed his 2020 conviction.

Weinstein was acquitted of first-degree rape and two counts of predatory sexual assault stemming from actor Annabella Sciorra's allegations of a mid-1990s rape.

Accusations against Weinstein in 2017 were seen by many as being the spark for the #MeeToo movement, that led to countless women across the globe coming out and sharing their experiences of sexual abuse - both in the workplace and at home.
A new design of ultra-small silicon chip called a multiplexer will effectively manage terahertz waves which are key to the next generation of communications: 6G and beyond.

Researchers from Osaka University, Japan and the University of Adelaide, Australia have worked together to produce the new multiplexer made from pure silicon for terahertz-range communications in the 300-GHz band.

"In order to control the great spectral bandwidth of terahertz waves, a multiplexer, which is used to split and join signals, is critical for dividing the information into manageable chunks that can be more easily processed and so can be transmitted faster from one device to another," said Associate Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul from the University of Adelaide's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

"Up until now compact and practical multiplexers have not been developed for the terahertz range. The new terahertz multiplexers, which are economical to manufacture, will be extremely useful for ultra-broadband wireless communications.

"The shape of the chips we have developed is the key to combining and splitting channels so that more data can be processed more rapidly. Simplicity is its beauty."

People around the world are increasingly using mobile devices to access the internet and the number of connected devices is multiplying exponentially. Soon machines will be communicating with each other in the Internet of Things which will require even more powerful wireless networks able to transfer large volumes of data fast.

Terahertz waves are a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that has a raw spectral bandwidth that is far broader than that of conventional wireless communications, which is based upon microwaves. The team has developed ultra-compact and efficient terahertz multiplexers, thanks to a novel optical tunnelling process.

"A typical four-channel optical multiplexer might span more than 2000 wavelengths. This would be about two meters in length in the 300-GHz band," said Dr Daniel Headland from the University of Osaka who is lead author of the study.

"Our device is merely 25 wavelengths across, which offers dramatic size reduction by a factor of 6000."

The new multiplexer covers a spectral bandwidth that is over 30 times the total spectrum that is allocated in Japan for 4G/LTE, the fastest mobile technology currently available and 5G which is the next generation, combined. As bandwidth is related to data rate, ultra-high-speed digital transmission is possible with the new multiplexer.

"Our four-channel multiplexer can potentially support aggregate data rate of 48 gigabits per second (Gbit/s), equivalent to that of uncompressed 8K ultrahigh definition video being streamed in real time," said Associate Professor Masayuki Fujita, the team's leader from Osaka University.

"To make the entire system portable, we plan to integrate this multiplexer with resonant tunnelling diodes to provide compact, multi-channel terahertz transceivers."

The modulation scheme employed in the teams' study was quite basic; terahertz power was simply switched on-and-off to transmit binary data. More advanced techniques are available that can squeeze even higher data rates towards 1 Terabit/s into a given bandwidth allocation.

"The new multiplexer can be mass-produced, just like computer chips, but much simpler. So large-scale market penetration is possible," said Professor Tadao Nagatsuma from Osaka University.

"This would enable applications in 6G and beyond, as well as the Internet of Things, and low-probability-of-intercept communications between compact aircraft such as autonomous drones."

###

This study, which is published in the journal Optica and was financed by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) CREST fund and an Australia Research Council (ARC) Discovery grant, builds on the team's work in 2020 when they created substrate-free, metal-free, silicon micro-photonics for efficient integrated terahertz devices. This innovation opened a pathway to convert existing nanophotonic multiplexers into the terahertz realm.

About Osaka University

Osaka University was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities of Japan and now has expanded to one of Japan's leading comprehensive universities. The University has now embarked on open research revolution from a position as Japan's most innovative university and among the most innovative institutions in the world according to Reuters 2015 Top 100 Innovative Universities and the Nature Index Innovation 2017. The university's ability to innovate from the stage of fundamental research through the creation of useful technology with economic impact stems from its broad disciplinary spectrum.

Website: https:/ / resou. osaka-u. ac. jp/ en

About the University of Adelaide

Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and located in the heart of the world's 10th most liveable city, the University of Adelaide offers the rare combination of elite academic performance and an unrivalled quality of life. Home to 25,000 students and 3,600 staff from around the globe, our student body reflects our diverse international community, made up of 30% international students from more than 100 countries.
The U.S. Navy has gone though many changes since the 1990s, few of them good and, until recently, not very obvious to the outsider. Until the 2020 covid19 epidemic, the navy was able to keep its ships appearing well taken care of, even though years of overwork had led to visibly tired crews and insufficient time, and money to do required maintenance. More ships were quietly restricted in what they could do until they could spend some time in a shipyard to make up for years of delaying maintenance. Any ship that spends a lot of time (100-150 days a year) at sea creates wear and tear on many key components, and the crew. The lack of internal maintenance was not apparent because fresh coats of paint made the ships, and their exhausted crews, appear well-cared for.

That facade disappeared in in 2020 when the navy decided the best way to keep crews from catching covid19 was to keep them at sea longer than ever before. Since then, four ships spent over 200 days at sea, and fleet in general spent more time at sea since World War II and the Vietnam War. The visible evidence of excessive time at sea is rust on the hull. Normally ships return to port often enough to scrape the hull and repaint. While in port the crew has much less to do and keeping the ship looking good was always a point of personal pride in the crew.

Any navy that does not spend a lot of time at sea and still shows visible rust is very short of manpower or competent leadership. Before now the most visible example of that was the much diminished (since 1991) Russian fleet which tried to maintain a record number of warships in the East Mediterranean to support their forces in Syria. Many of these ships showed visible signs of rust. For decades American sailors and naval attaches (assigned to embassies) could assess the general quality of a foreign fleet by looking for visible rust. Indirectly, the decline of the Russian fleet played a role in what is happening to the American warships now.

In the 1990s, with the sudden disappearance of the Russian (Soviet Union) navy, the U.S. Navy had no major threats and plenty of time for maintenance and shore leave. Fearing budget reductions if too many ships were visibly idle, navy leadership cast about for situations that could justify sending warships out, just in case. Iran and North Korea obliged, becoming more of a threat by sponsoring overseas terrorism and developing ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. Iran excelled at supporting more violence, especially in the Middle East. North Korea reduced its terrorist support and finally managed to build crude but very real nuclear weapon by 2017. North Korea was also building more and better ballistic missiles that could hit targets throughout the Pacific. This led the U.S. Navy ships to spend a lot of time off North Korea because only the U.S. navy has ships equipped with a proven ABM (anti-ballistic missile) system. Iran got involved with major conflicts in Syria and Yemen that required American warships to help reduce Iranian smuggling of weapons and other supplies.

By the late 1990s it was obvious that China was modernizing its armed forces and that included a historical first; long-term plans to create the first ever Chinese high-seas fleet. Those plans didnt cause much alarm in the west at first but two decades later the Chinese have more warships in service than the United States and far more of the Chinese ships are of recent construction and devoid of visible rust.

The U.S. Navy did notice and since 2001 found themselves with more work than they could handle. First there was the war on terror which required a lot of aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean to provide air support for operations in landlocked Afghanistan. Unlike past wars (World War II and Vietnam) the navy did not get a major budget boost. Most of the additional money went to the army and marines, which were doing most of the fighting and suffering nearly all the casualties.

All this renewed activity meant more of the U.S. Navy was transferred to the Pacific. To the public this was often obvious only because of major reorganization announcements. For example, in late 2016 the U.S. Navys Third Fleet returned to the West Pacific. This was the first time the U.S. Third Fleet had sent warships into the Western Pacific since late 1945. That was when the Third Fleet was deactivated. It was reactivated in 1973 to look after the eastern and northern Pacific Ocean areas including the Bering Sea, Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and a sector of the Arctic. During the nearly three years (1943-45) it existed during World War II, it was responsible for naval operations in the Central Pacific as far west as the China coast and the South China Sea.

Since late 1945 the Seventh Fleet, based in Japan, controlled American naval operations in the West Pacific. But by 2016 the Third Fleet took charge of western portions of the Central and South Pacific while Seventh Fleet the deals with North Korea, northern China and Russia. What brought the Third Fleet back was the need to carry out more FONOPS (freedom of navigation operations) in the South China Sea. This was necessary to assure freedom of movement through international waters that some nations considered off-limits. China protested but did not oppose the American destroyers carrying out the FONOPS. These operations are needed to affirm that many of the Chinese claims to the entire South China Sea are invalid, and assure the right to free passage through Chinas EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone),. By international law (a 1994 treaty), the waters 360 kilometers from land are considered the EEZ, of the nation controlling the nearest land. The EEZ owner can control who fishes there, and extracts natural resources (mostly oil and gas) from the ocean floor. But the EEZ owner cannot prohibit free passage, or the laying of pipelines and communications cables. The U.S. Navy conducts dozens of these FONOPS each year worldwide and now most of them are in the South China Sea.

The expansion of Third Fleet operating areas was no surprise. In 2012 the U.S. announced that it would have 60 percent of its 270 warships in the Pacific by the end of the decade. Actually, this is just a continuation of a process that began when the Cold War ended in 1991. But these changes move slowly. Largely this is the result of political problems that arise when you try to transfer the home ports where the ships are when not at sea, and where the families of the crews live and spend their money. This caused political problems in the United States because many home ports moved from the East Coast to the West Coast. The politicians representing states on the east coast raise a major stink when the navy tries to move the home ports. It took the navy a decade to muster the political clout to make the changes happen. Meanwhile, more and more ships based in east coast ports were serving temporarily in the Pacific or Middle East.

There have been other major changes. In 2006 the U.S. Navy eliminated the Atlantic Fleet, after a century of existence. First established in 1906, the Atlantic Fleet was the first, world class, high seas, naval force from the Americas. At the time there was fear that Germany's ambitious warship building program might someday endanger the United States. The Atlantic Fleet did go to war with the Germans in 1917, and again in 1941.

After 1945, the Atlantic Fleet remained a mighty force, in preparation for a potential battle with the growing naval power of the Soviet Union. But when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, their fleet wasted away within a decade. At that point the American Atlantic Fleet no longer had a major opponent. Meanwhile, China, North Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran provided plenty of work for the Pacific Fleet, which normally supplied ships for Middle East and South Asian emergencies.

The Pacific Fleet still had a full plate after 1991, so the Pacific Fleet remained. The Atlantic Fleet was actually renamed, and reorganized, into the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, which will be responsible for the training, maintenance, and operation of naval forces (ships, aircraft, and land installations) on both coasts. The Pacific Fleet will still stand ready to deal with potential problems in Asia.

Actually, the Atlantic Fleet did have its name changed once before, in 1922, to "Commander Scouting Force." It was changed back to Atlantic Fleet in 1941, just in time to fight the Germans once more. But the Russians are not expected to be a naval threat again, at least not any time soon.

For most of the past century, the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets were basically the two major components of the U.S. Navy and each developed unique customs. Sailors would often spend their entire careers in one fleet or the other. But when one was transferred, it was immediately apparent, once the transferred sailor arrived at the new location, that the two fleets were quite different. From now on, however, there will be the Pacific Fleet and "the rest of the navy."

Since the 1990s another serious problem emerged, the U.S. Navy had lost its ability to design and build new ships or affordable ships of any type. This was linked to the United States tolerating the loss of the American ship building business to Europe in the 1960s and Pacific nations (Japan, South Korea and China) in the late 20th century. The U.S. no longer had a lot of civilian ship yards that could also provide maintenance facilities for warships or, with some additional investment, build warships. The navy procurement bureaucracy lost its ability to impose cost and construction standards on the small number of shipyards capable of building large warships. For China is was just the opposite and thats why China has more warships than the United States. China also has problems with personnel, but these are different than what the U.S. Navy suffers from. China has no tradition of a fleet that sends many ships long distances on a regular basis. As a result, few Chinese want to join the navy when there are challenging and well-paid jobs in the modernized army and air force.

Too much time at sea is a uniquely American problem. U.S. warships regularly go to sea for three to six months (or more) at a time. Even with the family at a nearby foreign home port and some limited access to the Internet while at sea, too many days a year at sea has made it difficult for the navy to keep needed personnel.

Several solutions were tried and most failed. After 2001 and for about fifteen years the navy used the "Sea Swap" program. By 2004 it was declared a success as the navy got about ten percent more use from its warships. Sea Swap changed crews, instead of bringing ships home. After a crew has been deployed in a distant area for about six months, instead of bringing it back to its home port in the United States, a replacement crew was flown out so that the original crew could be flown back. For warships in the Western Pacific or Persian Gulf, it takes about 45 days for a ship to steam back to the United States. While the crews have to be brought back every six months (except in wartime), the ships can stay out there for at least a year, and sometimes two years. Ships only have to come back for major maintenance that requires special facilities and technical staff. The Sea Swap program was used mainly for destroyers (with crews of about 350 sailors each) and some coastal patrol boats in the Persian Gulf (with 30 sailors each.) The crews literally swap ships, with the crew flying back to the United States taking over the ship of the same class they just handed over to the new crew overseas. With Sea Swap, the navy could keep the same number of ships "on station", patrolling an overseas area, but with fewer ships overall since ships will spend much less time traveling back and forth to the United States. In the long-term Sea Swap made it easier to accumulate more maintenance problems for ships, and by 2016 Sea Swap was dropped as the navy found the wear and tear on ships a more immediate and still unresolved problem. Then came the long covid19 deployments and the rust. Some long-term problems suddenly became very visible.
[April 29, 2021] Are Internet Pharmacies as Safe as Brick-and-Mortar Ones?

VICTORIA, BC, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans have been hearing about forthcoming changes to the pharmaceutical industry that will work to lower the prices for prescription drugs for years now. There's been little in the way of progress there. There are a host of reasons why prescription drugs are often very expensive in America, but the primary one is that the USA is the only country that has a system allowing drug manufacturers to set prices as freely as they please. These ongoing high prices have U.S. residents increasingly looking to online pharmacies in Canada, like Canada Drugs Direct, to have their prescriptions filled for less. It's natural for people looking into this alternative to ask if Internet pharmacies are safe, and are they as safe as brick-and-mortar ones found in their community. The short answer is that yes, they are safe, and the reason why most online pharmacies are safe is because ones in the USA and every online pharmacy in Canada are going to be required to adhere to operating guidelines. Ones that are put in place by the US FDA and Health Canada. Both countries have measures in place to ensure compliance, and this includes inspections to ensure they have the same good operating practices as storefront pharmacies. However, what can the average individual do to be assured they're going to receive safe, pure, and quality products when ordering drugs online from Canada or getting them from a U.S. online pharmacy? For starters, you should be able to determine tha the pharmacy meets these three criteria:



a valid prescription from a licensed doctor is required before prescriptions are filled a physical address and telephone number is clearly listed on the pharmacy's site speaking or consulting with a licensed pharmacist is available through the online pharmacy Plus, there are two good online resources you can use to check if a pharmacy is safe or reputable. If you're considering an online pharmacy in the USA, use the US FDA's own database of licensed online pharmacies by State. If you've decided to order your medication online from Canada, verify the pharmacy with PharmacyChecker or use the CIPA (Canadian International Pharmacy) list of accredited pharmacies in Canada. About the Company

Canada Drugs Direct is a Canadian online pharmacy that is among those recommended for Americans who shop at a pharmacy in Canada to save money on medications. It is able to source medications in a way that allows for the best prices on Rx drugs from Canada. All orders require a prescription and are dispensed by a licensed pharmacist, in the same as any pharmacy in America. Pay less for medication ordered online from Canada.

Contact Canada Drugs Direct:

https://www.canadadrugsdirect.com/

Toll Free: 1-800-891-0844

info@canadadrugsdirect.com Related Images canada-drugs-direct.jpg

Canada Drugs Direct

Canada Drugs Direct Save upto 80% View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/are-internet-pharmacies-as-safe-as-brick-and-mortar-ones-301280809.html SOURCE Canada Drugs Direct

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Every year the Holy Fire brings many enthusiastic followers of Jesus to Jerusalem. How do you explain the fact that such a high level of engagement has persisted and grown throughout the centuries?



The ceremony of the Holy Fire has its origins in the early years of the Church when the liturgical practices of the Church were developed and it is one of the most ancient experiences in our tradition in the Church of Jerusalem. We have evidence of this from the itineraries of early pilgrims, like Egeria. Year after year both local Christians and pilgrims gather for this moment when we have a foretaste of the resurrection, which we call in our tradition the First Resurrection. This represents the light that shone from the tomb which the myrrh-bearing women experienced. As we read in the Gospel of Saint Matthew:

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Maty went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow (Mat 28:1-3).

This is an experience of the Uncreated Light that shines from the Holy Tomb and that is symbolised in the lighted candles that spread light not only throughout the church, but throughout the world. In every Orthodox church at the beginning of the Easter liturgy the people come forward to receive the light from a candle held by the priest and this custom came to them from Jerusalem. Even in times of persecution and difficulty for the Church of Jerusalem in ages past, the witness of the Holy Fire has continued.

There are several reasons that account for the important place of the ceremony of the Holy Fire in the lives of so many.

First of all, the Holy Fire is a potent sign of the continuity of the faith of the Church in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. From the same place from which the Holy Fire emerges every year our Lord himself emerged after his three-day burial, to declare that death had been destroyed for ever and that the new life of the resurrection is open to all. The living flame is a witness to the living Lord, the Father of lights (James 1:17). Christ himself said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life (John 8:12).

Then we must remember that the Holy Fire reminds us of the mystery of Gods divine life and our own human existence: our God-created purpose to become sharers of divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

Life itself is a great and sacred mystery, and this life has been given to the human family in the creation.

We are drawn into the mystery of Gods divine life in this early life in a range of ways - in the sacraments, and most especially in the Divine Eucharist. The human heart is profoundly susceptible to the divine initiative of God. This divine initiative finds its greatest focus in the divine-human encounter here in the Holy Land, where we are the living witnesses to our sacred history. So, where we see the symbols or the evidence of this mystery of the divine-human encounter, as we do in the ceremony of the Holy Fire at the very place where the resurrection happened, people are naturally compelled and moved in their spiritual lives, and they want to be close to the event and to be a witness.

But there is more to it even than all this. The ceremony of the Holy Fire is a truly ecumenical event, by which we mean that it is a moment that unites not just Christians, but all people of good will both from our local communities and from around the world, without distinction. This is a moment for Orthodox Christians, of course, but also for the other Christians who participate, the Armenians, Copts, and Syrians, as well as for the Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and people of other faiths who we know are present every year in the church for this event. The Floly Fire gives its light generously to all, so that all who wish to receive it may know the illumination that the Uncreated Light brings to our hearts and minds. The Holy Fire itself is a reflection of the fire that burns in the heart of every person in search of God, and so it is no wonder that it continues to attract and inspire thousands of people.

How is the ceremony interpreted within the Orthodox theological tradition? What is the supernatural meaning of this event?

Occurring as it does on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, in Orthodox theology the Holy Fire is principally a foretaste of the resurrection. In both the Eastern and Western traditions of Easter fire plays an important role as the herald of the new life of the resurrection, and so it is with this ceremony. As the fire bursts forth from the Holy Tomb, so our Lord Jesus Christ burst from the tomb on the first Easter morning. In many cases, lamps that are lit from the Holy Fire are taken back to other countries where they arrive in time for the Paschal Liturgy later the same night, so that the candles that are lit in faraway churches share directly and intimately in this Paschal celebration in Jerusalem.

The supernatural meaning is the same. The Holy Fire draws us more closely into the mystery of the resurrection, and so deepens the conversion of the soul. It makes the resurrection more real and immediate to us, and speaks to us too about the reliability of Gods love for us, encouraging us in our own commitment in the spiritual life. As the Bible assures us, God will never leave us or forsake us (Deut 31:6 and Heb 13:5), and the fact that this assurance occurs in both the Hebrew Scriptures as well as in the Christian Scriptures is a powerful testimony to its universal truth.

Our participation in the ceremony of the Holy Fire is an experience of the divine-human encounter and is therefore similar to our participation in the Holy Eucharist, which is also a divine-human encounter as we share in the Body and Blood of Christ.

What is, in your opinion, the ecumenical dimension of the Holy Fire rite?

As we have already mentioned, the Holy Fire is a truly ecumenical event in the fullest sense of that word.

It is important to remember three things.

The Holy Fire is a sign of unity for the Orthodox, not just of Sister Churches, but also of Orthodox nations that culturally are united by a common religious tradition. In our day we experience the willingness of all Orthodox Christian nations to participate in this, and they send delegations to receive the Holy Fire.

Also, fire is a universal religious symbol. Fire is essential to human life, both the physical and spiritual. In Christian terms, in the sharing of the Holy Fire to candles and to lamps, it reminds us that the life and love of God are shared, but never diminished, just as the Holy Fire continues to blaze even as so many individual fires are taken from it. We call this the Unsleeping Light, and its flame bums unceasingly in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, even in times of war and upheaval. So, in and of itself, in its full meaning, the Holy Fire unites all who come into contact with it.

We must also remember the unique ecumenical vocation of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in which this ceremony occurs. For the Church of the Holy Sepulcher has a special ecumenical vocation and mission not just among the Christians of different Churches and confessions, but among all the peoples of the human race, whatever their faith and practice. Here in this church for centuries we have lived a unique life in which we see the oikoumene at work. Every day Christians and others witness the way in which this church, unlike any other in the world, gathers a great multitude that no one can count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, who come here to stand before the throne and before the Lamb (Rev 7:9). This is itself an even greater miracle than the Holy Fire, for all miracles must point beyond themselves to God and to Gods purposes.

This year, as in every year the other Christian confessions who share with us in the guardianship and service of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher will be gathered with us, not just observing from their places in the church, but uniting their prayers with ours in thanksgiving for the resurrection.

This is the ceremony of ceremonies for the Church of Jerusalem. This is why this specific Saturday is known in all languages of the region - Greek, Arabic, and Hebrew - as the Saturday of the Light, and so it has entered into the calendars of the Abrahamic faiths here.

So, the Holy Fire is not just for the Orthodox: it is a gift from the Orthodox Church to the world which is in great difficulty and confusion, and which longs for the true Light that enlightens everyone (John 1:9).

What do you think about the possibility of unifying the date of Easter for all Christians?

A date for the universal celebration of Easter is an important one.

We must consider this question in the light of the ecumenical journey. The true goal of the ecumenical journey is the restoration of the common Chalice to all those who are the followers of Christ. Our foil, sacramental unity in faith and love must always be our goal. In more recent times this goal has faded into the background, but we must retrieve it and place it back at the forefront of our efforts. Only in this way will we have a chance of fulfilling the words that our Lord Jesus Christ prayed to his Father when he said, may they become completely one (John 17:23).

Our unity in faith and life is important not just for the Churches; it is crucial for our common witness to the world. We must remember that our Lord prayed for the unity of his followers not for their sake, but so that, as he said, the world may know that you, Father, have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:23).

It is in this context that we must work towards a shared date for the celebration of Easter. This is not a matter of convenience for us; it is a matter of our witness to the truth and power of the resurrection. All Christians share this fundamental conviction, that our Lord Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, trampling down death by death, and giving life to those in the tomb (Paschal Troparion). So, a shared date for the celebration of Easter would be a true step forward in faithfulness to our Lords prayer for the unity of all his disciples.

The answer is already there. Let us restore our unity on the foundation that was laid for the faith by the acknowledgement and acceptance by the Churches of the Ecumenical councils. It was the Council of Nicaea in 325 that set the calculation of the date of Easter which we follow to this day. So of course, we want a common date, but we must take into serious account the fact that the Bible is made of both the Mosaic Law and the New Covenant. We have to bear in mind that there is a process from the Mosaic Law to the Commandments of Christ. We have no right to change or confuse the course of sacred history, which means that Christian Easter must fall after the Jewish Passover. With these considerations in mind, we would welcome a common date for Easter. The Christian Pascha is the very foundation of Christian faith, and the culmination of the Christian faith is the resurrection: as we read in the words of Saint Paul, If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain (1 Cor 15:13-14).

di Roberto Cetera


Quarterly Report

Sydney, April 29, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - NSX Limited ( ASX:NSX ) is pleased to provide its Activities Report and ASX Appendix 4C Cashflow Statement for the period ended 31 March 2021 (3Q21).Group Cash Flow Activities Report- Cash at the end of the quarter was $2.7 million, following a net cash outflow of $1 million as part of continuing operations.- During the quarter $0.2 million in cash receipts were received from customers. The cash receiptsin the March quarter were in line with the December quarter but down $0.2 million on the previous corresponding period (pcp), the Company receives most of its annual revenue (on as cash basis) in the September quarter.- Cash payments for administration costs for the period are $0.3 million down $0.4 million on the previous quarter and down $0.5 million on the pcp. This decrease is due to the timing of payments.- Cash payments to staff, corporate and the board for the period were $0.5 million with no change on the previous quarter or the pcp.- In February 2021, due to the introduction of the Trade Acceptance Service (TAS) in November 2020, NSXA resigned its General Settlement Participant status with ASX and ASX returned the performance Bond of $500,000 which can be used for working capital purposes.Quarterly Business Activities ReportNSX Limited Activities- The Company continues with its activities concerning the ClearPay joint venture.- Directors being related parties of the Company, for the purposes of this report, were paid remuneration in the amount of $92k during the March quarter. No other related party payments were made.- The Company appointed Professor Graeme Samuel AC to the Board of NSX Limited on 27 April 2021 and will appoint Professor Samuel to the Board of NSXA once ASIC's no-objection has been received.NSXA Activities- The activities of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, National Stock Exchange of Australia ("NSXA"), involved business as usual processing of new admission applications and market operations. During the quarter period from January 2021 to March 2021, NSXA admitted 1 new participant - Ord Minnett.- NSXA resigned its General Settlement Participant status with ASX after the introduction of the Trade Acceptance (TAS) service. All clearing and settlement is now conducted via TAS.- NSXA has updated its Admissions Guidance to provide more detail to prospective applicants. NSXA is in the process of revising its practice notes which provide clarity to listed issuers concerning the interpretation and operation of the rules. A program of educational webinar sessions for Nominated Advisers has been held.- The ClearPay Delivery VS Payment platform (under construction by ISX (formerly Probanx)) is based upon digital ledger technology and incorporates the Digital Exchange Subregister System (DESS) as a core sub-system. ClearPay and the NSXA are preparing regulatory submissions for ClearPay's licensing requirements.- Continues to engage with prospective issuers for fast-track, compliance, direct entry and IPO's.ProductsThe NSXA continues to position itself as the venture and emerging companies exchange, creating a clear differentiation from other Australian markets. The NSXA:- Has updated admissions guidance on Direct Entry, Compliance and Capital Raising listings; and- Has commenced regulatory engagement to extend its product suite to include Exchange Traded Products (ETP's)To view the cashflow report, please visit:About NSX Ltd

NSX Ltd (ASX:NSX) via its wholly owned subsidiary National Stock Exchange of Australia Limited (NSXA) operates the Tier 1 Licensed stock exchange facility for the listing of equity securities, corporate debt and investment scheme units. The company is also involved in trading and settlement activities.
The city of Florence has vaccinated around 1,600 people at its pop-up clinics.

There will be two clinics this weekend starting Friday at 9 a.m. and Saturday at the same time at Chad's Payless Pharmacy over at 501 West College Street in Florence.

Councilwoman Kaytrina Simmons partnered with two pharmacies to get the clinics in underserved areas of the city. She said now they are giving out the Pfizer vaccine, which can be taken by people 16 and up.

They were previously giving out the Moderna vaccine.

"We are making a push for the younger people to get it. I know there is some hesitancy with that and the more people that get vaccinated in any age group, we can herd that immunity and get back to some normalcy," said Florence city council member Kaytrina Simmons.

Simmons said they also saw success with the clinics and had a 97% return rate for people to get their second shots. Simmons said anyone can get the vaccine at these clinics. You don't even have to be from the state of Alabama to get it.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Zimtu Capital Corp. (TSXv:ZC; FSE:ZCT1) (the "Company" or "Zimtu") announces it has signed an agreement with Eagle Bay Resources Corp. (privately-held) to provide its ZimtuADVANTAGE program (https://www.zimtu.com/zimtu-advantage/). Zimtu shall receive $12,500 per month for a period of 12 months, with the entire 12 months payable at the beginning of the contract.

ZimtuADVANTAGE is a program designed to provide opportunities, guidance, cost savings and assistance to clients covering multiple aspects of being a public company. The services may include building financial networks, building business networks, shared costs with other public companies, building a social media presence, conference opportunities, media outlets and guidance and special group pricing provided by Zimtu's network of public company professionals. The program, which has been revised to enhance its digital communications and marketing opportunities, provides the flexibility to allow companies to customize the products and services to best support their needs.

About Eagle Bay Resources Corp.

Eagle Bay Resources Corp. is a privately-held, early stage exploration company focused on exploring and developing the Cap Property, which is believed to be prospective for rare earth elements and niobium. The Cap Property is located 85 km NE of Prince George, B.C. and comprises 21 mineral tenures covering 10,428 ha. Some reconnaissance has occurred previously on the property, including sample collection, a flown airborne geophysical survey, and some limited drilling. Exploration highlights to date include three rock samples yielding 0.24% TREO and 0.77% Nb2O5 (sample 120957), 0.39% TREO and 0.04% Nb2O5 (sample 120961), and 0.21% TREO and 0.96% Nb2O5 (sample 120964), respectively. Drill hole CAP17-004 yielded 0.35% Nb2O5 across 10.42 m, including 0.63% Nb2O5 across 2.26 m; 19.63 m of 9.94% P2O5, including 20.97% P2O5 over 2.55 m; and 2.4 m of 0.81% TREO.

About Zimtu Capital Corp.

Zimtu Capital Corp. is a public investment issuer that aspires to achieve long-term capital appreciation for its shareholders. Zimtu Capital companies may operate in the fields of mineral exploration, mining, technology, life sciences or investment. The Company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ZC" and Frankfurt under symbol "ZCT1". For more information, please visit http://www.zimtu.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

ZIMTU CAPITAL CORP.

"David Hodge"

David Hodge

President & Director

Tel: 604.681.1568

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: Zimtu Capital Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643625/Zimtu-Capital-Announces-Contract-with-Eagle-Bay-Resources
RES4Africa Foundation, in cooperation with CESI S.p.A., has released the Fostering RE within an Independent Network System scenario.

Presented during a webinar organised by Rome-based Foundation in collaboration with Nedbank, the report aims to present the most emblematic international case studies of power sector reform and renewable integration in order to support the decision-making process that is currently undergoing in South Africa.

Energy security, reliability

Regulatory frameworks

The virtual event was moderated by Amith Singh, head of energy finance at Nedbank and saw the participation of speakers from the international renewable energy sector, among others.South Africas electricity generation is reliant on coal, but efforts are ongoing to diversify the energy mix. The National Development Plan 2030 envisages the decommissioning of 35 GW (out of 42 GW currently operating) of coal-fired power capacity and to supply at least 20 GW of the additional 29 GW of electricity needed by 2030 from renewables and natural gas (6 GW of new solar PV capacity and 14 GW of new wind power capacity will be commissioned by 2030).Such amount of variable renewable generation needs to be integrated into the power system by implementing adequate actions aimed at assuring its security and reliability.At present, South Africas electricity sector is dominated by Eskom, a vertically integrated public utility that operates 30 power plants with a nominal capacity of 44 GW, roughly equivalent to 86% of total capacity, divided into thermal coal (36 GW), nuclear (2GW), gas-fired (2.5 GW), hydro (3.3 GW) and wind (100 MW).The public utility currently generates approximately 95% of the electricity consumed in the country, owning its transmission grid and 60% of the distribution grid, for a total of more than 6 million direct customers served. As an exclusive large-scale vendor, Eskom also exercises a monopsony of power, performing the role of the buyer in the main VREs promotion frameworks.To favour an efficient and effective energy transition, the Government of South Africa is envisaging to reform Eskom, since phasing out coal while rapidly deploying RES and smart grids require a different and more open market framework. In order to support South Africans decision-making process, RES4Africas study identifies and analyses the most emblematic global case studies of power sector reforms, focusing on worldwide experiences of transmission unbundling, economic and tariff regulation of transmission system operators and VRE deployment.The report also provides a possible"Renewables and reforms are the two crucial pillars to enable a positive energy transition," said Roberto Vigotti, RES4Africas secretary-general. "A strategic reform of the energy system is the key to guarantee a sustainable energy mix for South Africa, improving the quality of the service and increasing the RES generation".Segomoco Scheppers, group executive for transmission at Eskom, commented: "The support provided by RES4Africa through this research report is highly appreciated. It will serve as an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue among stakeholders regarding the timely development of adequate transmission capacity to integrate new generation capacity including significant renewable generation capacity as per the IRP2019, even as the Eskom Roadmap continues to be rolled out.""The local government should diversify its service delivery mandate through the integration of high shares of renewable energy penetration in their distribution network, added Sbu Nthshalintshali, manager renewable energy, City of eThekwini."This will create alternative revenue streams while continuing to support the free basic electricity (FBE) provision to the vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. The economic policy on inclusive growth by National Treasury outlines the key measures required to structurally reform the energy sector in South Africa. Economies shrink when there is no proper energy planning and that is already costing South Africa.""South Africa is on the cusp of a major shift in its energy industry, as the government looks to open up the electricity market, "concluded Caspar Herzberg, president of Middle East and Africa at Schneider Electric. "The country has an opportunity to develop its transmission system by incorporating technologies such as smart grid systems for better management of distributed energy sources such as renewables energy. Those who will benefit the most will be consumers, businesses and South Africa's people."The webinar offered the cue for a much wider discussion, targeting among others the impact of the unbundled electricity system on the current regulatory framework, the need for major generation integration infrastructure and technology investments and risk and costs' structure in a possible reformed scenario.
Seminole Wrap-Up: WPT Final Table Set, Altman Wins Player of the Year

April 29, 2021 Mo Nuwwarah

At the time of writing, the final couple of events were still wrapping up, but for the most part, the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown is in the books. And boy, what a series it turned out to be.

As record numbers flooded the property for the early prelims in the festival, it was clear something big brewed in balmy South Florida. Even those projecting big things for the World Poker Tour $3,500 Main Event, however, may not have expected a tour record for most entries broken.

While that tournament has also yet to finish  due to going with a delayed final table format  it did play down to its final six, who will meet in Las Vegas in a few weeks to play for seven figures up top.

Those weren't the only headlines to come out of the festival, either. Tournament pro Brian Altman locked up Hublot WPT Player of the Year honors with a fairly significant winning margin in the unusual season, which stretched well over a year because of the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Plus, there were plenty of notable winners in side events as well.

WPT Final Table on Pause With Sonny Franco Slightly Leading

A staggering turnout of 2,482 took their shots in the WPT Main Event, and six players have emerged to contest the final table with $1,261,095 up top.

Atop the counts  but just barely  will be Sonny Franco, who finished the final Florida day with 31,900,000, good for just shy of 80 big blinds. He's closely trailed by Midwest regular Brek Schutten with 31,350,000.

Beyond the two leaders, it's quite a gap to third-place Steven Snyder and fellow middling stack Ken "Teach" Aldridge before another drop to the short stacks, Albert Calderon and Viet Vo.

Here's how they'll be arrayed when play resumes in Las Vegas May 18.

Official WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Final Table

*Seat Player Country Stack 1 Brek Schutten U.S.A. 31,350,000 2 Ken Aldridge U.S.A. 10,600,000 3 Steven Snyder U.S.A. 15,975,000 4 Viet Vo U.S.A. 4,150,000 5 Albert Calderon U.S.A. 5,350,000 6 Sonny Franco France 31,900,000

Four of the six have secured career-best cashes, according to The Hendon Mob, the exceptions being Teach and Vo. The former has a WSOP bracelet win from 2009 while the latter came runner-up at WPT Choctaw for over $300K a few years back.

The final six (c/o Seminole Hard Rock).

As for how they reached this final table, each was among the 21 players making Day 4, with the likes of Jared Jaffee, John Racener, Dylan Linde, Ali Imsirovic, Anthony Zinno, Farid Jattin and Sergio Aido among the dozens of notables to cash before that point. Most of them had big stacks with only Franco not among the leaders.

One storyline brewing for the final day was that of Blair Hinkle. The tournament star was looking to double up on huge wins at Seminole after a landmark victory back in 2013 but he came in third in a critical three-way all in with tens against jacks and ace-king, according to the venue's live updates. He still managed to ladder a few times before going down in 12th when flopped trips were no good.

Franco won jacks over aces to bust Rich Alsup in 11th, then $50,000 Super High Roller winner Arthur Conan busted in 10th to fall shy of a sick double trophy run. Simon Tremblay went down in ninth to leave it to a final table of eight two off the TV table.

Teach eliminated Zachary Vuong when both flopped aces but Teach held a superior queen kicker versus a nine.

Erik Cajelais had been down to a few blinds as the player with jacks in the hand that crippled Hinkle but he ran it back including hitting a two-outer on the river to survive. However, he dwindled from a big stack near the finish and ultimately busted on a squeeze reshove with against held by Franco.

Again, the players return to the felt May 18 as the last in a series of three WPT final tables. Action will be filmed from the PokerGO Studio for TV airing at a later date, and live updates will be available via the WPT reporting team.

$25K and Other Side Event Results

The WPT Main Event wasn't the only tournament of import, as plenty of notable side events have also finished in the past few days awarding some huge prizes with proprietary guitar pick trophies. Additionally, continuing the theme from early in the series, several house records for attendance were broken as events like $5,000 Deep Stack NLH (won by Shannon Shorr for $296,535) and $2,200 Deep Stack PLO (Anthony Zinno  $68,732) drew unprecedented crowds.

Another such event was the $25,500 High Roller, which got 145 entries to make for a prize pool just shy of $3.6 million. Noah Schwartz, Darren Elias, Isaac Baron and Cary Katz were a few of the players cashing but missing out on the final table.

Byron Kaverman and Sean Perry were atop the chip counts as final table play began with the winner scheduled to bag $970K.

It stayed that way through the first few eliminations, but Perry had a misstep six-handed when he bluffed all in on the river with a pair and a straight blocker only to be picked off by Chad Eveslage, who had flopped a straight from the big blind.

Perry recovered to eliminate Chris Brewer with tens over sevens.

After Derek Gregory was eliminated in fifth, Eveslage grabbed another double through Perry blind versus blind when king-queen held against eight-seven.

It looked like Kaverman's tournament to win as he had half of the chips four-handed, but he took a bad beat at the hands of Eveslage when pocket fives turned a straight versus his nines.

After one more elimination (Brock Wilson) a deal wound up being struck with Eveslage declared winner as the chip leader ahead of Perry and Kaverman.

$25K champ Chad Eveslage (c/o Seminole Hard Rock)

Here's a look at the full list of side event results:

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Side Event Winners

Event Entries Winner Prize $400 Limit Omaha 8 (Freeze-Out) 159+ Donald Maloney $9,236* $400 H.O.R.S.E. (Freeze-Out) 153+ Barak Zaken $12,545 $400 Deep Stack Pot Limit Omaha (Single Re-Entry) 311+ Greg Fishberg $22,060 $400 Deep Stack No-Limit Holdem (Single Re-Entry) 409 Yaymel Bodes $23,838* $1,100 Deep Stack NLH (Single Re-Entry) 446 Ryan Hogan $72,065* $400 Seniors 50+ NLH (Single Re-Entry) 386+ James Diaz $15,975* $600 Double Black Chip Bounty NLH (Single Re-Entry) 582 James Anderson $35,540 $400 Black Chip Bounty PLO (Single Re-Entry) 251 Chris Kondrat $13,070 $150 Big Stack NLH (Double Re-Entry) 585 Carlos Dorca $7,698* $400 Omaha 8/Stud 8 (Freeze-Out) 105+ Chris Tryba $9,620 $600 Big Stack Six-Max NLH (Single Re-Entry) 570+ Joseph Di Rosa Rojas $50,920 $400 Six-Max Pot Limit Omaha 8 (Single Re-Entry) 183+ Jesse Mull $14,245 $600 Deep Stack Turbo NLH (Freeze-Out) 228 Dorian Rios $17,984* $1,100 Deep Stack NLH (Single Re-Entry) 744 Brian Hall $128,230 $50,000 Super High Roller 42+ Arthur Conan $733,320 $2,200 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry) 531+ Andrew Ostapchenko $200,850 $400 Black Chip Bounty NLH (Single Re-Entry) 388+ Brian Goodman $18,405 $1,700 Purple Chip Bounty NLH (Re-Entry) 385+ Rafael Lima $61,267* $600 Turbo NLH/PLO (Re-Entry) 112 Olamide Otti $17,639 $600 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry) 553 Benson Tang $54,655 $25,500 High Roller 145+ Chad Eveslage $767,577* $400 Pot Limit Omaha (Single Re-Entry) 162 Stephen Moreschi $13,125 $150 No-Limit Holdem (Double Re-Entry per Day) 787 Dariel Martinez $14,148* $400 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry) 259 Christopher Hill $19,080 $5,000 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry) 287+ Shannon Shorr $296,535 $2,200 Deep Stack PLO (Re-Entry) 168+ Anthony Zinno $68,732*

*reflects final table deal

+venue record

Altman Takes Down POY Honors

When the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown started, Brian Altman held a large lead in the points race for Hublot Player of the Year honors. Stretching back to 2019 results thanks to COVID-19 all but erasing the 2020 season, Altman cashed four times and made three final tables.

One of those was a victory for his second WPT title, at the 2020 WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open  his second time winning the event.

Altman's 2019-21 WPT Results

Dates Event Place Prize Aug. 31-Sept. 4, 2019 WPT Legends of Poker 10th $45,940 Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2019 WPT Maryland at LIVE! Casino 3rd $149,515 Jan. 17-22, 2020 WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open 1st $482,636 Jan. 26-30, 2020 WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open TBD* TBD*

*final table to be played May 16

With Altman still having the possibility of earning even more points at the long-delayed final table of WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open, it was going to something stunning to catch him.

Thankfully for Altman, that didn't happen, and he earned Hublot WPT Player of the Year honors with his outstanding performances throughout the lengthy season.

Altman earned a $15,000 WPT Passport, which he can use to buy in to WPT events in the coming season, as well as the following prizes, courtesy of the WPT:

Complimentary Accommodation in Majority of WPT Main Tour Events

Ground Transportation for Select WPT Main Tour Events

Food & Beverage Credit in Select WPT Main Tour Events

Special Hublot WPT Player of the Year Trophy

Hublot Watch (Approx. $15K Value)

History of WPT POY

Season Player of the Year Points 2002-03 Howard Lederer 2,200 2003-04 Erick Lindgren 2,400 2004-05 Daniel Negreanu 2,600 2006-06 Gavin Smith 2,100 2006-07 JC Tran 1,700 2007-08 Jonathan Little 1,900 2008-09 Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier 1,600 2009-10 Faraz Jaka 1,300 2010-11 Andy Frankenberger 2,100 2011-12 Joe Serock 2,200 2012-13 Matt Salsberg 2,575 2013-14 Mukul Pahuja 3,450 2014-15 Anthony Zinno 2,056 2015-16 Mike Shariati 2,450 2016-17 Benjamin Zamani 2,550 2017-18 Art Papazyan 2,450 2018-19 Erkut Yilmaz 2,300 2019-21 Brian Altman 2,900
In the summer of 1953, the Canadian government uprooted seven Inuit families from their homes in Northern Quebec, and dropped them high in the arctic, some 2,000 km away, with the promise of better living and hunting opportunities, and with the assurance that if things didnt work out, they could return home after two years. But promises were broken. For decades, the relocated Inuit families suffered immense hardship, fighting extreme cold, hunger and sickness, yet unable to escape because they were so far away.

The Canadian government claimed that the relocation was a humanitarian gesture to assist the starving indigenous people and help them continue a subsistence lifestyle. In reality, it was an attempt by the government to assert sovereignty in the High Arctic during the Cold War.

A family from Pond Inlet on board the C.D. HOWE at Grise Fiord. Photo: Health Canada/Library and Archives Canada

The families chosen for the relocation were those receiving welfare support from the government. The actual method of recruitment is disputed, but the government asserts that the families had agreed to participate in the program voluntarily to reduce areas of perceived overpopulation and poor hunting, to reduce their dependency on welfare, and to resume a subsistence lifestyle. The Inuit, on the other hand, maintain that the relocation was forced and their life in Inukjuak in Nunavik was more than satisfactory. Inukjuak was a significant regional center at the time with a population of about 500. There was a police post, a weather and radio station, a harbor, a general store, a school, a nursing station, and church missions. It was also a traditional Inuit hunting and fishing area.

A total of ten families were relocatedseven from Inukjuak and three from the community of Pond Inlet in Baffin Island, situated further north. The purpose of the Pond Inlet families was to teach the Inukjuak Inuit skills for survival in the High Arctic. The families were split into two groups destined for two different settlements, but this fact was kept secret from the families until they had boarded the ship. Four Inukjuak families and two Pond Inlet families, totaling 32 people, went to Craig Harbour on Ellesmere Island. They later migrated to Grise Fiord about 35 miles west. Three Inukjuak families and one Pond Inlet family, totaling 22 people, were moved to Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island, a small outpost with a weather station and an airstrip. In 1955, the relocatees were joined by a further six families, four from Inukjuak and two from Pond Inlet. One Inukjuak family went to Craig Harbour, while the rest went to Resolute Bay.

When the families arrived on Craig Harbour, they struggled to survive in a completely new environment. The land was barren with no buildings and very little familiar wildlife. They had to endure months of total darkness during winter, and twenty-four hours of daylight during summer, a condition they were unaccustomed to.

My parents, I know, felt trapped for many years," recalls Larry Audlaluk, who was two years old when he and his family was deposited in the remote island.

It was awful for them. They had to learn to get ready for the dark season and they had to learn to get ready for very short warm sunny days, with very few vegetation in the land, says Audlaluk.

In northern Quebec, Audlaluk's family ate cloudberries, Canada geese and Eider ducks. None of these were available on Ellesmere Island.

My family, the older generation, were used to having lots of different kinds of birds and then shore creatures like clams and oysters, says Audlaluk. There were none here.

Larry Audlaluk, age 7 or 8, at his new home on Lindstrom Peninsula on Ellesmere Island. Photo: Larry Audlaluk

The relocation had such a profound psychological impact on Audlaluks father, a once outgoing man, that he became quiet and withdrawn and began to have fainting spells. He died ten months later.

Eventually, the Inuit discovered the local beluga whale migration routes and were able to survive by hunting and eating whale meat.

It wasnt until the 1970s and 1980s, that those displaced got the chance to return to their ancestral home, often at their own expense. The descendants initiated a claim against the Canadian Government seeking $10 million in compensation. With mounting public pressure the government agreed to assist the Inuit to return to the south, and also put $10 million in a trust fund for relocated individuals and their families. Initially, the government refused to apologize, but in 2010, after more than fifty years, John Duncan, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, offered a formal apology on behalf of the government, stating:

The Government of Canada deeply regrets the mistakes and broken promises of this dark chapter of our history and apologizes for the High Arctic relocation having taken place. We would like to pay tribute to the relocatees for their perseverance and courage. Despite the suffering and hardship, the relocatees and their descendants were successful in building vibrant communities in Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay. The Government of Canada recognizes that these communities have contributed to a strong Canadian presence in the High Arctic. The relocation of Inuit families to the High Arctic is a tragic chapter in Canada's history that we should not forget, but that we must acknowledge, learn from and teach our children. Acknowledging our shared history allows us to move forward in partnership and in a spirit of reconciliation.

Inuit houses in Resolute Bay, as they existed in 1956. Photo: Gar Lunney/National Film Board of Canada

In 2010, local artists Looty Pijamini from Grise Fiord, and Simeonie Amagoalik from Resolute Bay were commissioned by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to build a monument to commemorate the Inuit who sacrificed so much as a result of the Government relocation of 1953 and 1955. Pijamini's monument, located in Grise Fiord, depicts a woman with a young boy and a husky, with the woman sombrely looking out towards Resolute Bay. Amagoalik's monument, located in Resolute, depicts a lone man looking towards Grise Fiord. This was meant to show separated families, and depicting them longing to see each other again.

Looty Pijaminis monument to the first Inuit settlers in Grise Fiord. Photo: Timkal/Wikimedia Commons

Resolute Bay today. Photo: Dave Brosha/Wikimedia Commons

Grise Fiord. Photo: Northern Pix/Flickr

References:

# Jane Sponagle, 'We called it 'Prison Island': Inuk man remembers forced relocation to Grise Fiord, CBC

# Dussault, Rene; Erasmus, George (1994). The High Arctic Relocation: A Report on the 195355 Relocation,

# Apology for the Inuit High Arctic relocation, Govt of Canada
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A four-bedroom summer home on its own tiny island off the coast of Connecticut could be yours - if you have $1.3 million to spend.

The 2,000-square-foot house, which was first built in 1912 and sits alone on the acre-wide Belden Island off the coast from Branford, has gone on the market for roughly $1.295 million.

The property is located in the Long Island Sound just 75 minutes from New York City, and comes fully furnished, with an eat-in kitchen featuring two refrigerators.

It boasts four bedrooms and two bathrooms, an irrigated grass lawn, hardwood floors, two stone fireplaces and deeded shellfish beds and a wraparound porch, which allow the homeowners to enjoy the views of Connecticut's 365 Thimble Islands.

'From sunrise to sunset, the feeling of being out there on this wraparound rocking chair porch is really something that has to be experienced,' Margaret Muir, the listing agency for the property, told Realtor.com.

The four-bedroom summer home sits alone on the acre-wide Belden Island, off the coast from Branford, Connecticut

The house is 2,000-square-feet and the property includes an irrigated grass lawn. It is selling for nearly $1.3 million

A wraparound porch offers residents a stunning view of the 365 Thimble Islands

'You have an occasional boat going by or someone paddling by in a canoe or kayak at a distance, but it's so serene and it's so special.'

She said the interior of the house has intentionally not been updated much, with a gas stove and griddle.

'It's part of the life there,' she said. 'Youre not rushing to get through the meal and get things cleaned up to get somewhere. Youre taking things at a slower pace, and I think theres something to be said for that.'

Water for the property comes from the city, and a generator and propane power the house during the spring and summer months, after which, Muir said, 'you would drain the pipes and close it up, and look forward to next spring.'

The house features wainscotted walls and ceilings, giving it a rustic-looking interior

Some of the bedrooms, like this one, offer views of the Long Island Sound. The property is just 75 minutes from New York City

The house has two stone fireplaces, making the living room a comfy place to warm up at night

The kitchen purposely has not been updated, with a gas stove and griddle, to maintain the slow lifestyle of the island

The home features an eat-in kitchen, with enough room for eight people to gather around the table

The island is located off the coast of Connecticut in the Long Island Sound

The house is only reachable by ferry from the seaside community of Stony Creek, Connecticut, which has its own restaurants and downtown area.

Once on the shore, Thimble Island residents can either park their cars or find other ways to the Branford Amtrak and Metro North train stations, which is also not far from the city of New Haven.

'The mainland town or village is called Stony Creek, and it is a charming fairy-tale location to begin with,' Muir said in the Realtor.com article. 'Then you leave the shore and you head into the Thimble Islands, and each one is different, but they all have a common history.'

The Thimble Islands are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and are 365 independent islands in the Long Island Sound, prompting locals to joke there is an island for each day of the year.

'A lot of people who live in the Thimbles have vacationed there for generations,' Muir said. 'It's just part of who they are, and they look forward to it very much every year.'

'They know other island homeowners and other families who've been there over the generations.'

Belden Island is just one of the 365 islands that make up the Thimble Islands in the Long Island Sound

The property comes with a dock for the ferry that brings residents to their homes, as well as two deeded shellfish beds

The summer home overlooks a sandy beach that leads directly into the Sound

The group of islands were believed to have been the tops of hills prior to the last Ice Age and have since served as deep-water anchorage for sailors on the Sound

The largest island in the archipelago is known as Horse Island, a 17-acre property that is owned by Yale University and used as an ecological laboratory.

Money Island, the next largest at 12 acres, has 32 houses on it, according to Realtor.com, and others are so small that they appear to be no more than rocks at low-tide.

The group of islands were believed to have been the tops of hills prior to the last Ice Age and have since served as deep-water anchorage for sailors on the Sound.

Today, 23 of the islands are inhabited, with Belden Island, Jepsen Island and the mysterious Wheeler Island - where Captain William Kidd's treasure is said to be buried, now on sale for a total of $5.3 million.

Jepson Island has 0.28 acres of land and a 1,018 square-foot home. Belden Island has slightly more room with 1.04 acres and 2,038 square feet. Wheelers Island is the largest island at 0.77 acres and 2,462 square feet of living space.

The Wheelers Island property features eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, wraparound porches, an eat-in kitchen with granite counter tops and year-round electricity, according to Mansion Global.

Sellers Christine and Edmund Stoecklein previously sold two of the islands, the Cut-in-Two Island and the eight-acre Rogers Island, but decided to keep some others.

They are now living in Washington State.
Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong will hold bilateral talks with his U.S., British, Indian and European Union counterparts on the margins of a Group of Seven (G7) session in London next week, his ministry said Friday.





Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong
Arlene Foster today revealed that none of the DUP politicians who moved to oust her as leader have contacted her to explain why after she announced her decision to quit.

Mrs Foster said that 'politics is a very brutal game' and she had not 'actually spoken to any of the colleagues who are purported to have signed' a letter of no confidence in her leadership.

She is due to step down as DUP leader on May 28 and will then quit as First Minister of Northern Ireland at the end of June.

Her comments came amid reports that she intends to walk away from the DUP completely when she leaves her roles.

BBC News NI reported that sources close to Mrs Foster said she no longer believes the party is the same one that she joined.

Arlene Foster today revealed that none of the DUP politicians who moved to oust her as leader have contacted her to explain why after she announced her decision to quit

Mrs Foster said she is 'at peace' with her decision to quit as leader after an internal party backlash against her handling of Brexit.

Speaking during a visit to a primary school on the Ards peninsula this morning, she said she will wait until she steps down as First Minister before outlining her intention on whether she will leave the DUP altogether.

'It's been a turbulent week, it's been a week where I've had to make pretty big decisions,' she said.

'But I think the time is right to move on and to do something different, and that's what I'll do.'

She added: 'I still haven't seen the letter that was talked about, so I presume I will see that at some stage.'

While she had been under mounting pressure from disgruntled DUP supporters for months, the pace at which her grip on power slipped this week has surprised many.

Her resignation on Wednesday came a day after party colleagues unhappy with her leadership moved against her, with a majority of senior elected representatives signing a letter of no confidence.

Discontent at the DUP's Brexit strategy was a major factor, with party rank-and-file laying some of the blame for the emergence of an Irish Sea border at her door.

On a visit to Kirkistown Primary School in Co Down, Mrs Foster said: 'Politics is a very brutal game  I think everybody knows that to be the case.

'I haven't actually spoken to any of the colleagues who are purported to have signed the letters, they haven't been in touch. So, you know, that's a matter for them.

'I'll move on and look forward, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter as to what I'm going to do with my life.'

The First Minister said she hopes the DUP will continue to 'look forward'.

'I joined a party that wanted to look forward, that wanted to build a Northern Ireland for everybody, that recognised that there was divisions in society and to try and deal with those divisions and to move Northern Ireland to a better place, and I hope that's the direction of the party that continues,' she said.

'It was made clear to me by the number of people who felt that they wanted to sign the letter, which as I say I haven't seen yet, that I didn't have the support of my colleagues, and when you don't have the support of your colleagues you really can't continue in the job as party leader.

'So the time is right to move on, to do something different and do something new, and I'm very much looking forward to that challenge.'

Mrs Foster said 'not everybody signed the letter' and 'some very good friends did not'.

She added: 'I haven't really had any engagement from any of the colleagues who felt that I should leave, so I suppose that's the disappointment  that I don't actually know what the reason is for it, but, as I say, you know, that's politics.

'All political careers have to come to an end, mine will come to an end at the end of June.'

Mrs Foster confirmed she will be stepping down as an Assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

Asked whether she would like to join the House of Lords, she said such decisions are not made by her.

She said she wishes whoever leads the party well, but would not be drawn on who she would be supporting in any leadership contest.

Edwin Poots, Stormont's Agriculture Minister, is currently the only DUP politician to have formally announced their candidacy for the leadership.
Local advocacy groups, big business and former presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke are fighting a pair of Texas voting bills they brand as suppressive, each of which could pass the Republican-controlled legislature as soon as next week.

Why it matters: Advocates say Texas' pending changes are worse than those that recently caused an uproar and boycotts in Georgia. The fight comes as the Texas population is rapidly growing and diversifying  and turning more Democratic.

"So much of what we learned about Georgia, we learned after it was too late," O'Rourke told Axios. "In Texas, if there's anything positive about the situation, it's that we could still win this."

Driving the news: Republicans have the political muscle to pass the provisions whenever they want. "Hands down something is going to get passed," Chris Hollins, a former Harris County clerk who opposes the bills, told Axios.

Democrats and groups like Texas Freedom Network and the ACLU are ramping up the pressure. After seeing the outrage from big business over the Georgia bill, groups are trying to get major companies to speak out and force Republicans to back off.

Texas is already considered to be one of the most restrictive voting states. It saw the highest voter turnout in 30 years in 2020 but came in 44th of the 50 states for turnout rate, according to data from Elect Project.

What to watch: American Airlines and Dell Technologies have already come out against the bills.

Advocates have been pressuring other Texas-based companies to get on board, and they expect to see more speak out in the coming days.

Details: The bills in the Texas Senate and House would end 24-hour and drive-thru voting  options that were disproportionately used by voters of color last year, according to the Texas Civil Rights Project.

They also would add criminal penalties for election officials who send out applications to vote by mail to voters who had not requested them and would provide more access for partisan poll watchers.

The changes would especially impact more progressive Texas cities, the New York Times reported.

The sweeping legislation has been pushed by Texas House Elections Committee Chairman Briscoe Cain  who drove to Pennsylvania to help the Trump campaign fight the 2020 election results.

The state of play: The House bill  HB-6  is already out of committee and could make it to the floor as soon as next week.

The Senate bill  SB7  was passed at the start of this month. It is now expected to be voted on in committee in the House as soon as Thursday evening after Cain brought it up at the last minute, Charlie Bonner, communications director for the nonpartisan advocacy group MOVE Texas, told Axios.

Republicans also have a flurry of duplicative, piecemeal bills ready to roll if the bigger packages fail.

The other side: Texas Republicans have pushed the legislation, saying that it will normalize voting across the state.
Residents can research the new 2022 Honda Odyssey by visiting the Hilton Head Honda website.

During the 1995 model year, Honda introduced North America to what has become one of its most recognizable minivans. The minivan segment is no longer as diverse as it once was, but the Honda Odyssey continues to be one of the top options available. With over 25 years of history behind it, the 2022 Honda Odyssey is the next step in this nameplates legacy.

Residents of Savannah, Georgia, and the surrounding area can find much of the information they might find pertinent when deciding on their next new vehicle on a model research page the dealerships staff recently added to its website. The page details a bit of the minivans history before highlighting its powertrain and some of its versatile features. It also highlights the fact that the 2022 Honda Odyssey is available with a new exterior color option, expanding the palette of options from which shoppers can choose.

This page also provides two helpful shopping tools for residents of the area considering a new minivan for themselves. Just beneath a button that takes shoppers to the dealerships Honda Odyssey inventory, shoppers will be able to get a glimpse of all the different new Odyssey models available, allowing them to click and head straight to a specific model they like. Then, near the bottom of the page, there is a form shoppers can fill out with any questions they might have.

Specific questions can also be directed to the sales team at 833-331-0238. This page can be found on the dealerships website at http://www.hiltonheadhonda.com. Hilton Head Honda is located at 161 Fording Island Road in Bluffton, South Carolina.
(Photo : A New 10 Second Toothbrush)

Brushing your teeth is crucial in maintaining good dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth minimizes oral bacteria that eventually can lead to tooth decay and gum diseases if not given the proper care. You brush your teeth daily but do you think your toothbrush is really protecting your teeth to the right extent?

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The truth is that hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel. Thus, for many people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most comfortable and safest choice. But what if you can find a toothbrush that will brush your teeth in just 10 seconds? We know it's hard to believe, but a brand new innovation called unobrushTM has done just that.

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The carefully designed Mouthpiece consists of numerous soft bristles to provide an effective simultaneous brush of your teeth and gums from the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Plus, it brushes your teeth in only 10 seconds. Furthermore, it's easy to store, clean, and charge with a minimalist Danish-designed Docking Station.

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See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
Its easy to be great when you can pick your students.

Thats why New Jerseys top public schools in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools list are primarily institutions with selective enrollment that attract top scholars from across their county.

But what about the high schools that serve only students who live within district boundaries?

Check out the list below to see the top-rated local high school in each of New Jerseys 21 counties.

The U.S. News and World Report methodology focuses on six factors: college readiness, reading and math proficiency, reading and math performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rates. The data used is from the 2018-2019 academic school year, so test scores were not affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Check the full rankings for more schools.

Atlantic County

Mainland Regional High School

National ranking: 2,816

Bergen County

Tenafly High School

National ranking: 516

Burlington County

Moorestown High School

National ranking: 1,246

Camden County

Haddonfield Memorial High School

National ranking: 874

Cape May County

Ocean City High School

National ranking: 3,800

Cumberland County

Cumberland Regional High School

National ranking: 12,944

Essex County

Glen Ridge High School

National ranking: 345

Gloucester County

Clearview Regional High School

National ranking: 3,577

Hudson County

Dr. Ronald E. McNair High School

National ranking: 73

Note: McNair High School serves students from Jersey City Public Schools, but has selective enrollment and admits about one in four applicants. The top-rated local school in Hudson County without selective enrollment is Weehawken High School, which ranks 3,436 nationally.

Hunterdon County

Hunterdon Central Regional High School

National ranking: 1,332

Mercer County

West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South

National ranking: 565

Middlesex County

West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North

National ranking: 468

Monmouth County

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School

National ranking: 1,031

Morris County

Chatham High School

National ranking: 524

Ocean County

Point Pleasant Beach High School

National ranking: 2,231

Passaic County

Wayne Valley High School

National ranking: 2,047

Salem County

Woodstown High School

National ranking: 5,011

Somerset County

Ridge High School

National ranking: 578

Sussex County

Sparta High School

National ranking: 2,075

Union County

Elizabeth High School

National ranking: 204

Note: Elizabeth High School was divided into six separate academies with different career focuses in 2009. One of those schools, which requires an application and essay for enrollment, retains the Elizabeth High School name. The top-rated local school in Union County without selective enrollment is Summit Senior High School, ranking 442 nationally.

Warren County

Warren Hills Regional High School

National ranking: 5,736

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

Adam Clark may be reached at aclark@njadvancemedia.com. Have a news tip or a story idea about New Jersey schools? Send it here.
The highly publicized early-morning raid on the apartment and office of Rudy Giuliani, the personal lawyer of the 45th president of the United States, was an outrage. Thanks to a 10+-minute interview last night on Tucker Carlson Tonight, the nation's highest rated cable news program, we have a better grasp of the dimensions of the scandalous behavior of the Department of Justice.



Photo credit: YouTube screen grab.

I urge readers to view the entire interview if they did not see it on the broadcast. It is embedded below. Keep in mind that before he was mayor of New York, he was the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, the very office that is now conducting the investigation targeting him. He therefore knows the ins and outs of all aspects of federal prosecution, including the execution of search warrants. As he only alluded to briefly, during his tenure as U.S. attorney, he conducted far more consequential investigations  bringing down the major portion of the Mafia that had plagued New York for decades  than any of his successors. He puts to shame the behavior of those conducting the current highly politicized investigation.

Here are some major issues that he highlighted:

The seven FBI agents (whose behavior he said was highly professional and polite) who conducted the raid did not follow the terms of the warrant, which required all electronic devices to be taken in. Specifically, once Giuliani pointed out hard drives from Hunter Biden's laptop, abandoned at a Wilmington computer repair shop, the agents declined to take them into custody. He stated that to his knowledge, the hard drives contained evidence of violations of the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), the purported crime that he is being investigated for. They also contain evidence of other crimes, including Hunter Biden's felonious lie on a gun-related application in which he stated that he was not a drug addict, including a picture of him smoking crack within days of the application.

As far as FARA itself goes, Rudy adamantly stated that he did not represent foreign individuals or officials. He stated that the materials seized will prove his innocence.

He stated that the warrant itself was illegal; that he had offered voluntary cooperation, so no warrant was required; and that previously  during his representation of the president during an impeachment trial  his iCloud account, containing the same information as on the devices, was already surreptitiously taken into the hands of the DOJ.

The fact that the private and privileged communications between the president's lawyer and his client were made available to the DOJ as he was representing the POTUS is a travesty, a violation of fundamental rights of a defendant in our judicial system. The DOJ alone decided what was confidential and what was not.

Even worse, there is evidence that the DOJ has a serious leak problem, given the fact that the Lincoln Project (Giuliani's and Trump's political enemy) knew about the raid before it was conducted. Here is my transcription on the fly of his key summary statement:

The Justice Department spied on me, and if that is not taken seriously, if that doesn't result in their being sanctioned, the case being dismissed and its stopping, this is no longer a free country. ... We might as well be in East Berlin before the wall fell. This is tactics only known in a dictatorship.

I think he is right. This is a test of the Department of Justice and FBI, which have been corrupted to the point where our democracy is in deep peril.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Patna, April 30 : Bihar Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Singh on Friday died of Covid-19, health officials said.

Singh was admitted to a private hospital here on Thursday after he had tested positive for coronavirus. The doctors said that he had developed complications in breathing a few days back.

The 1985 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre was recently appointed as the Chief Secretary on February 27. He was scheduled to retire this year on August 31.

Besides him, Piyush Srivastava, Additional Session Judge of Sasaram district court also died of Covid.

Another, Jagdish Acharya Goswami, the in-charge of primary health centre in Saran district also died due to Covid on Friday.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Photo: Shutterstock

While travellers heading to the Interior from the Lower Mainland could be met with a police road check enforcing new non-essential travel restrictions, those coming from Alberta will be met with a sign asking people not to visit.

Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth announced Friday more details on enforcing the new travel restrictions which came into effect last Friday. Non-essential travel is restricted in and out of the Lower Mainland, and police road checks will be set up in key areas, like on the three highways east of Hope. Those breaking the public health order could be liable to a $575 fine.

But to the east, Albertans travelling into B.C.'s Interior will only be met with signage asking them to stay out of the province if their travel is not essential.

The issue of the border is a complicated one, but there will continue to be signage at the border warning people not to come to British Columbia, Farnworth said Friday.

We will engage with media in Alberta to remind people that now is not the time to come to British Columbia unless it's for essential travel. Even when they come for essential travel they have to abide by all the rules and regulations and health orders that are in place here in British Columbia.

Alberta currently has 21,385 active cases of COVID-19, the highest rate of any province in Canada, at 480 active cases per 100,000 people.

Last week, in response to concerns about Albertan travellers, Farnworth said they were encouraging hotels to cancel bookings from those travelling from out of province.

"We are working with the tourism association to encourage tourism operators, for example in the Okanagan, to not accept out-of-area, out-of-province bookings and to cancel bookings that have already been made, he said on April 23.

But after BC Hotel Association president Ingrid Jarett told Castanet that B.C. hotels would only focus on educating their guests about the new travel orders, Farnworth appeared to walk back his previous comments.

Their job is not to enforce [public health orders], and we've never said it was, but they have been doing a remarkable job in explaining what those rules are, Farnworth said Friday.

Many hotels, when people book, explain the rules and then people have been cancelling or rebooking.

He also noted that BC Ferries traffic dropped more than 25 per cent last weekend compared to the weekend prior, and BC Parks has had more than 5,000 cancellations for campground bookings since the travel restrictions went in place.

A list of essential reasons for travel within B.C. can be found here. While the new orders only legally restrict travel into and out of the Lower Mainland, the government continues to ask British Columbians not to travel outside of their local communities, while COVID-19 transmission remains high.
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge tied the knot on April 29, 2011. Their wedding was a grand affair. It was watched by millions and declared a national bank holiday. The pair followed most royal protocols when it came to the ceremony but the duke and duchess did break from a tradition on their wedding night doing something future kings and queens before them did not do.

Heres how William and Kate went against royal tradition their first night as a married couple as well as a few facts about the Cambridges royal wedding.

Prince William and Kate Middleton smiling and holding hands following nuptials at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Facts about Prince William and Kate Middletons royal wedding

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridges wedding took place at Westminster Abbey which is the same place where Williams grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, and his late grandfather, Prince Philip, said their vows in 1947. Williams great-grandparents were married there as well back in 1923.

Kates dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and included a nine-foot-long train. She wore it along with the stunning Cartier Halo tiara.

Nearly 2,000 guests attended the ceremony, thousands more lined the streets outside the Abbey, and millions tuned in from home. Following the nuptials, two receptions were held at Buckingham Palace.

RELATED: Prince Harry Was Once Warned Not to Talk About Kate Middletons Killer Legs in Speech, Says Royal Expert

Where they slept on their wedding night went against tradition

Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive at Buckingham Palace after their wedding ceremony | Andrew Winning  WPA Pool/Getty Images

The couple took a carriage ride from the church to the palace. One of the most memorable moments is when the newlyweds appeared on the royal balcony and kissed in front of a sea of well-wishers.

The Express reported that after all the festivities of the day concluded, Will and Kate opted to stay at Buckingham Palace instead of immediately jetting off on their honeymoon; a choice that is against tradition. The publication noted that royal brides and grooms traditionally leave for their honeymoon the night of the wedding as was the case with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Princess Diana and Prince Charles, and many others.

That wasnt possible for William and Kate because after saying I do the prince, who was a search-and-rescue pilot at the time, returned to work. The duke and duchess finally left for their honeymoon 10 days later and spent it on a private island in Seychelles.

Where other royals went on their honeymoons

Prince Charles and Princess Diana aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia at the start of their honeymoon cruise | Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

After the queen and Philips wedding reception, they stayed in Broadlands which is the home of Philips uncle the Earl Mountbatten of Burma. From there they traveled to Birkhall on the royal familys Balmoral Estate in Scotland. When their daughter Princess Anne wed Captain Mark Phillips they too set off for their honeymoon cruise following their balcony appearance.

Years later Prince Charles began his honeymoon at Broadlands the night he married Princess Diana. The two then embarked on a 14-day cruise in the Mediterranean before wrapping their honeymoon up at Balmoral.
Gorakhpur, April 30 : A police sub-inspector, posted in Bahraich district, has been arrested for allegedly barging into the house of a woman and trying to abduct her at gun point.

The sub-inspector was arrested late on Thursday night, a day after the incident took place in Sahjanwa area in Gorakhpur.

The police official was overpowered by the family members and villagers who beat him up. He managed to flee the spot, leaving behind his mobile phone and service revolver.

Circle officer, Campierganj, Rahul Bhati said that sub-inspector Narendra Chaudhary, posted in Bahraich, entered a house in Gahasa village with two of his associates.

"He harassed and misbehaved with a woman in the house. He allegedly threatened and beat the family members at gunpoint," he said.

After the accused managed to escape, the villagers informed the police who arrested the accused.

The police have also recovered the mobile phone and service revolver from the villagers.

"A case has been registered against the sub-inspector and his associates. The information about the incident is also being forwarded to senior officials in Bahraich for further action," the CO said.

"A case under sections 354 (assault on a woman with intention of disrobing her) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC has been registered against the sub-inspector and his two aides," GIDA police station in charge D D Mishra said.

According to sources, the sub-inspector was earlier posted at GIDA police station and lived in a rented room near the woman's house in Gorakhpur. He left the room after being transferred to Bahraich.
READING TOWNSHIP, Michigan  A sheriffs deputy attacked and bitten by a dog shot and killed the animal, then shot the dogs owner after the man reportedly threatened the deputy with a knife.

According to mlive.com, the deputy responded to a dog-at-large complaint at a residence Wednesday at about 7:45 p.m. When the deputy arrived, he immediately was attacked and bitten by the dog, Michigan State Police tell mlive.com.

The deputy fired at the dog, killing it, the Hillsdale Daily News reports.

The dogs owner, Oscar Herrera, 32, became angry and confronted the deputy with a knife, police say. The deputy then shot and killed Herrera, clickondetroit.com reports.

Herrera was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the deputy has not been released. He was taken to a hospital for treatment for dog bites, mlive reports.

The deputy has been placed on administrative leave during an investigation of the shooting.

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Lorain man dies after being found in vehicle with gunshot wounds
Vietnam's largest conglomerate Vingroup is aiming the US electric vehicle market as it plans to set up facility for its VinFast electric cars in the country soon. Founded by Pham Nhat Vuong, Vietnam's richest man, the group aims to take on the likes of Tesla and General Motors on their own turf in a race to dominate the electric mobility market.

With an investment worth $2 billion, Pham Nhat Vuong wants VinFast to be Vietnam's answer to Elon Musk's Tesla. The group hopes its electric cars and battery leasing model will give it a foothold in the US.

VinFast, the number five car brand in Vietnam, aims to launch in North America and Europe by next year. The group's ambitions with its electric vehicles seems sky high as it will not only have to compete with the Tesla and GM in the US, but also Volkswagen, Toyota in Europe as well.

VinFast hopes its unique business strategy of vehicle leasing scheme will help it make its electric cars more affordable. The scheme aims to reduce the cost of the battery, one of the most expensive components of an electric car, in the final price. VinFast has already pitched an electric SUV that it claims to be one of the most luxurious cars currently on offer.

Currently VinFast has its manufacturing facility in Vietnam which has a capacity of producing 250,000 cars every year. Yet, the carmaker has not seen great success yet. It clocked annual sales of around 30,000 units in 2020 in Vietnam.

For the US, VinFast plans to sell cars online to reduce the cost of dealership network. It claims to have as many as 15,000 bookings so far for its VF e34 electric car in Vietnam.
A traditional title holder in Dansadau district in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State has narrated his experience after regaining freedom 25 days after he was kidnapped.

Mustapha Umar, (who holds the traditional title of wazirin Dansadau) was kidnapped alongside his younger brother, Isah Umar, and one other resident, Tukur Maigari.

He told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday of the experience and warned that banditry will persist unless concerted efforts are made to end it.

How we were kidnapped

Mr Umar said they were abducted about 3 p.m. on April 1, about four kilometres from Dansadau town. He and the others were riding on motorcycles when they were ambushed by the bandits.

The gunmen who had apparently monitored our movement, suddenly appeared and forced us to park. They blindfolded us and searched us. When they found money on me, they asked who I am. I lied that I was a teacher, Mr Umar Said.

He said they continued the interrogation as they took them into their enclave in the bush enclave, until one of the bandits discovered that he is a cattle dealer, who owns a truck for conveying animals in the Dansadau district. But Mr Umar said he continued to insist that he was a teacher.

It took a few hours to get to the bandits enclave. However, three days later, we were moved to a farther enclave, where we stayed for the remaining three weeks. It was there that we experienced our worst treatment, including beating by the bandits.

Life in captivity

Mr Umar said they were held in a small hut. We were denied everything, including five daily prayers. I only spoke when my relatives called the bandits during the negotiation for ransom. They beat me whenever I used an English word while talking on phone with my people.

I protested against not being allowed to perform salat (prayer). They later agreed to let me pray and provided the water for ablution.

While we were there, they brought in five more captives into our small hut. We could not stand up to pray because of the size of the hut.

Young children of the bandits, who were below 10 years were providing us food every morning and some times in the evening. Even though I was blindfolded, whenever they came, I used to open my face to peep at them.

They are under teens, apparently being initiated into criminality at a tender age, because they were aware that we were captives. Whenever they brought us food, they saw our disturbing conditions and our eyes covered.

The bandits beat me, especially after vigilante members attacked the Dansadau cattle market and killed Fulani herdsmen. They beat us repeatedly for two days, after which they told us the beating was because their brothers were killed by vigilante members at Dansadau market.

Days later, they attacked Magami district in Gusau. When they came back, they said there would be no more beating because they had succeeded in their reprisal attack against the vigilante members at Magami.

Failed military operations

Mr Umar said captives were more likely to be killed when military fighter jets flew over the bandits enclave and dropped bombs.

The bandits, when they sight a fighter jet, would hide all their guns and rush their wives and children under mango trees and other safe places, leaving their captives where the military could easily target and bomb.

I witnessed at least seven military operations into the bandits enclave. There were shelling but none of the operations was successful because the bombs dropped on empty places, after which, the bandits would come out and celebrate that even a chicken was not killed.

They know all the military fighter jets with their names. They know the one sent for surveillance and the one that drops bombs, which they called Mai Shulo. That is when you see them and their families running helter-skelter, taking cover from the possible bombs.

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After every military airstrike operation, there was celebration among the bandits because none of their men was killed.

How ransom was paid

The traditional ruler said a N4 million ransom was paid to the bandits to secure their release on April 25. They were led somewhere around Tsafe Local Government Area by the bandits and released.

After negotiating the payment, they (bandits) via phone calls ordered the money to be taken to Gusau. They later changed the delivery location to Wanke, and to several other locations, possibly to beat arrest.

We were brought closer to the main road and saw the movement of vehicles around Tsafe Local Government Area where the ransom was paid.

We were guarded by the gunmen while others moved further to collect the ransom. After they collected the money and counted it, they put the money in their sack and came back to our location and ordered our release.
The political campaigning for the bitterly fought Madrid regional elections taking place next week (4 May) has been focused this week on menacing packages sent to ministers and other left-wing politicians.

Faced with a rise in popularity of far-right Vox in the polls in the capital, parties on the left have linked the deliveries to a surge in "fascism" and intimidation. In contrast, right-wing parties have underplayed their significance, saying aggressive hate mail was normal for many politicians. They claim highlighting it is a tactic to divert attention from the "real issues" of the election campaign.

Last Friday, leader of Unidas Podemos Pablo Iglesias stormed out of a radio debate between candidates when the local leader of Vox, Rocio Monasterio, didn't condemn the letters strongly enough for his liking.

Besides a letter sent to Iglesias with four bullets, similar packages also reached the offices of the Interior Minister and the head of the Guardia Civil.

Vox suggested that the letters could be fake and attention turned to how they managed to evade strict post office scanning. One person was reportedly removed from their position by Correos.

The Industry minister also appeared in the media this week to talk about a bloody knife received in the post, although the alleged sender, with a mental health condition, was found soon afterwards after adding his return address.
Elderly people aged over 75 wait to receive their first shot of the coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer at a vaccination center in Songpa District, Seoul, April 1. Korea Times file



By Lee Hyo-jin



The health authorities will temporarily halt giving first shots of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in May to more effectively carry out inoculation for those scheduled for second shots.



Currently, the two-dose regimen vaccine is being administered to Korean over the age of 75  eligible recipients are advised to make appointments at their district offices and visit a vaccination center. Those who have received a first shot should schedule the second one for three weeks later.



According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Friday, it has issued an order to each district office to refrain from making new appointments for the first shot of the Pfizer vaccine from May, following a request from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).



Other local governments including Busan, Incheon, Daejeon and Ulsan have followed suit.



Following concerns whether the decision is due to vaccine shortage, the health authorities explained the halt was a temporary measure to concentrate on giving second doses.



"As we concentrated on administering the first shots in April, there will be a surge in those requiring their second shots in May," the KDCA explained in a statement.



The agency continued reassure that the country has obtained an abundant supply of the Pfizer vaccine to inoculate people over 75, saying, "The country has received enough doses of the Pfizer vaccine so far to inoculate 1 million people. Additional a supply of 1.75 million doses will arrive in May followed by 3.25 million in June."



Sohn Young-rae, a spokesman at the Ministry of Health and Welfare said at a briefing earlier in the day, "There are no changes in the arrival schedule for Pfizer vaccines. A total of 18 million doses are expected to be introduced by the end of June. We will be able to reveal the schedule for May next week."


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Read our full Opinion Policies here. Updated on 10/7/2020
No, Joe, you are not a nice guy. Despite your need to keep telling us, we know the ugly truth. You are a pretty nasty guy. You are pugilistic, a plagiarist, a documented racist, a race hustler, creepy with woman and children, the "Big Guy" of a crime family, and have thrown a wrecking ball into America.

Your pugilism is epic. How many times have you garnished your weakness with the threat of taking someone behind the gym? There is a difference between a bully and a tough guy. The truth is you are the archetypal man of the pampered class. If reporters dare to ask uncomfortable or "unfair" questions, you either freak, cop a few alligator tears, or hastily leave the podium. Mostly you hide.

If you are as bright as you think you are, why do you have a history plagued by plagiarism? Was it necessary for you to commit fraud in law school to get by? And who can forget your plagiarizing leaders such as Neil Kinnock? Do you realize that you were stealing his life story? The curious are wondering what was missing in your own life story. Adding that to your plagiarism of Hubert Humphrey and the Kennedy brothers classifies you as a first-rate charlatan. And stop taking credit for what Trump did to make vaccines available in "Warp Speed." It is his success, not yours.

Your not-so-thinly veiled racism disgusts the most. You have the nerve to smear our underpaid, overworked police force as systemically racist. It is they, Joe, who risk their lives every day for the safety of all Americans. There are a few bad cops, just as there are bad people in all professions-politicians, teachers, physicians, attorneys, and yes, clergy. The police force is not systematically racist. And the backlash from all your anti-cop rhetoric is that retirements are up and recruitment is down. Is that your intention, Joe? Oh, of course, it was the hero of the hard left, Karl Marx, who signaled that a "socialist society has a withering police force."

Your racism goes way back, Joe. During your political career, you praised segregationist George Wallace, opposed school busing in the 1970s because, as you said, it would lead to a "racial jungle," admired and eulogized a former KKK kleagle, voted for the 1994 crime bill, and praised Barack Obama as the "first mainstream African American who is articulate, and bright and clean." It is a repulsive record, Joe. A racist record.

For a documented racist, your constant race-hustling from the Oval Office is particularly disturbing. Time and time again, your Marxist ideology

dictates your efforts to divide Americans to incite ethnic and racial tension. The Jim Crow reference concerning the new Georgia voting laws outstrips human decency. Your Marxist rhetoric is not only a lie but an insult to every Black American. Joe, you are not a nice guy.

Creepy with women and children is an understatement. Who goes around sniffing women's hair and continually invading a woman's space? And what would you say about another older man who tells the story about the hair on his legs turning blond in the sun and then letting kids rub his blond hairy legs? Sick comes to mind. You are not a nice guy.

While the media and intelligence have chosen to protect you from the investigation, it is clear to most that you are the "Big Guy" of the Biden crime family. Your family has an impressive rap sheet. They have had severe scrapes with the law but never pay for their crimes. How come, Joe? And you, what is your role in making your family millions? How often did you monetize the vice presidency? Anyone with an IQ above their body temperature can figure out what is going on.

Your "Trump Derangement Syndrome" compelled you to reverse the effective border policies of the previous administration. As a result of your derangement, there is a humanitarian catastrophe at our southern border. Do you even care about the miserable conditions? It appears not. And your socialist economic policies are egregious and smell like inspissated bile. How long will it take for America to become Venezuela?

No, Joe, you are not a nice guy by any stretch of the imagination. Please stop trying to convince us. Niceness is akin to money and sex. If you have it, there is no need to brag.

Image: Gage Skidmore

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Amazon.com, Inc. on Thursday announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, with net sales of 108.5 billion U.S. dollars, up 44 percent year over year.

Excluding the 2.1 billion U.S. dollars favorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, the company's net sales increased 41 percent compared with 75.5 billion dollars in the first quarter of 2020.

Its operating income increased to 8.9 billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter, compared with operating income of 4.0 billion dollars in the first quarter of 2020.

Net income increased to 8.1 billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter, or 15.79 dollars per diluted share, compared with net income of 2.5 billion dollars, or 5.01 dollars per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2020.

Its operating cash flow increased 69 percent to 67.2 billion U.S. dollars for the trailing 12 months, compared with 39.7 billion dollars for the trailing 12 months ended March 31, 2020.

Amazon's common shares outstanding plus shares underlying stock-based awards totaled 519 million on March 31, 2020, compared with 513 million one year ago.

"Two of our kids are now 10 and 15 years old-and after years of being nurtured, they're growing up fast and coming into their own," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO.

"As Prime Video turns 10, over 175 million Prime members have streamed shows and movies in the past year, and streaming hours are up more than 70 percent year over year," Bezos noted.

"In just 15 years, AWS (Amazon Web Services) has become a 54 billion U.S. dollars annual sales run rate business competing against the world's largest technology companies, and its growth is accelerating-up 32 percent year over year," he added.

AWS launched a second full region in Japan with three Availability Zones (AZs) in March, joining the existing 25 Availability Zones in eight AWS regions across the Asia Pacific in China's Beijing, Hong Kong, Ningxia, and Mumbai, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo. Globally, AWS has 80 Availability Zones across 25 geographic regions.
Over the decades, they kept in contact through infrequent phone calls and social media pings. Ms. Follo Perry followed her passion for the theater and became a director and actress, appearing in the original Broadway cast of Sister Act and in Hairspray, among other productions. But while her professional life soared, her dating life floundered.

I was a dating dumb-dumb, she said. I once bought a motorcycle for one guy who then disappeared on it and dated someone who kept it a secret that he was already married.

I learned about my self worth the hard way, she added.

In 2017, she received a message on Facebook from Mr. Jones, then living in Florida, telling her that he dreamed about her. The contact began a friendly exchange. Ms. Follo Perry found her discomfort with Mr. Joness attention had shifted, as did her assessment of his character.

Her friend, Ms. Follo Perry discovered, had grown into a sincere, sweet man  and a very attractive one as well. In 2010, after the death of his mother, Victoria Jones, Mr. Jones had cleaned up his bad-boy act. He now works as a technician at Hartford Hospital while studying to be an electrician. Chris asked that I give him a chance to earn his trust, she said. No one had ever put that effort in to me before.

A few months later, the two got together in West Palm Beach, Fla. Both feared first-date awkwardness, but it was clear their long friendship was leading somewhere entirely new. Soon Mr. Jones moved North.
Just when many persons here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and abroad were thinking that La Soufriere had pushed out all that it had, the giant asserted that its end-time will only be decided when it was ready.





On the morning of Thursday, 22nd April, NEMO reported that high-level seismic tremors generated by explosive activity at the volcano and lasting for about 20 minutes, had started at 11:09am and that an eruption plume slowing rose some 8000m into the air.





It was also reported by NBC Radio that, "during the initial stages of the explosion, a surge was seen moving down the western flank of the volcano and a tremor continued at a lower level for the next two hours as La Soufriere continued to vent ash.





The concern about whether this explosive phase of the volcano will go on indefinitely was raised again, and lead scientist of the La Soufriere Monitoring Unit, Professor Richard Robertson, responded while a guest on the NBCs Eyeing La Soufriere programme: "I dont think were out of the explosive phase yet. In terms of when it will stop., I think it will stop at some point but we dont currently know how this volcano behaves, if it will go on for years, like in a Montserrat situation. It may go on for probably weeks, months, probably a bit longer than that, but it would not be indefinite. It will stop at some point.





The UWI SRC has stated that since the April 9 eruption, there have been at least thirty-two identifiable explosions, with the most recent one occurring on 22nd April.





Professor Robinson has later explained that, even though its still early to predict, the build-up to that eruption was slightly different and "the pattern is changing.





He added, "But the good thing is that the explosions continue to be not very big explosions certainly not of the form of explosivity of the earlier eruptions. . You dont get the impression that theyre very energetic, but, .. until we see how the next one plays out, I wont put too much faith on continuation of the lengthening of the gap.





The population is assured, whatever, that the volcano is continually being monitored.





As for when it will stop, we still have to wait for an answer.
US Army grant to UC Riverside will support the study of the science of light and its interaction with matter

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- A pair of physicists at the University of California, Riverside, are aiming to convert light falling on atomically thin semiconductor materials into electricity, having received more than $582,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of the Army.

Nathaniel Gabor and Vivek Aji, both associate professors of physics and astronomy, will focus on how the fundamental science of light and its interaction with matter enables new sensing capabilities in layered and twisted vertical structures of stacked monolayer semiconductors. The researchers aim to understand how electronic excitations influence the flow of photo-absorbed energy in ultrasmall semiconducting optoelectronic materials.

"This research effort has the potential to impact fundamental science and technology, involving physics of quantum processes in light-sensing and deeper knowledge of novel optoelectronic properties in 2D quantum materials," said Tania Paskova, program manager of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory. "A successful execution will open new opportunities for quantum enhanced sensors that could usher a new era of night vision technology and quantum communication networks, both of significant importance for the Army."

Gabor and Aji expect their stacking and twisting approach will spawn a new generation of quantum photodiodes that operate at room temperature, next-generation photovoltaics, single photon sensors, and light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. They will be among the first to explore the ability to stack-engineer the interaction between vibrational motion and electronic states, heralding a new era of quantum sensor science.

"We think this project will give us a deep understanding of fast and highly sensitive quantum coherent electron-hole separation in light sensing," said Gabor, the three-year grant's principal investigator. "It also promises rapid future advancement of precisely engineered materials and devices for advanced light-sensing technologies."

Using theoretical modeling as a tool, Gabor and Aji have already begun experiments with atomically thin semiconductors tungsten diselenide and molybdenum diselenide. When such semiconductors absorb a photon, a bound electron can be freed, leaving behind an electron vacancy, or hole. As the hole behaves like an electron with positive charge, the electron and hole can attract each other to form a bound state called an exciton.

"Today, we understand better even at just the stacking level how these materials behave," said Aji, a theoretical physicist and the grant's co-principal investigator. "In twisting, you arrive at a series of 'magic angles' where certain aspects repeat. Twisting is the future in this line of research."

Gabor explained that materials scientists are now easily able to isolate individual atomically thin materials and also control how they're twisted relative to each other. Engineering the interactions in these "twistronic" materials between atomic motion and excitons, however, is challenging since the interaction strength is fixed by atomic-scale configuration and electronic structure.

"Imagine a layer of red atoms on top of a layer of blue atoms," Gabor said. "By twisting these against each other, you finely manipulate the distance between the red and blue atoms and the atoms' allowed vibrations get affected in unusual ways. As you continue to make these twists ... their behavior, in turn, becomes more complex, affecting properties such as magnetism, superconductivity, and optical effects.

"With just one layer, you have a very narrow absorption of an exciton. When you start to stack and twist the layers, you can find new ways to absorb light and efficiently generate current from it."

When stacking tungsten diselenide and molybdenum diselenide layers, an electrical field may form between them. Light shining on this stack forms a bound exciton, which is then converted directly into electrons and holes with remarkable efficiency. Gabor suspects some unique quantum mechanical effects may be occurring in the tungsten diselenide-molybdenum diselenide system. Only a few materials systems behave in this manner, he said.

"It has to do with the way the atoms are vibrating and how that interacts with light," he added. "We may be seeing vibronic physics here. The ultimate goal from the Army's perspective is to find such new ways of increasing efficiency that take advantage of quantum mechanical effects. We have a whole suite of semiconductors that behave like tungsten diselenide and molybdenum diselenide to experiment with."

Aji explained that when light is absorbed in a semiconductor, some excitation is created in the system that often dissipates away.

"But if you could control the electronic properties of the materials systematically, then you could tune the materials to respond to light in just the ways you want," he said. "The stacking and twisting of semiconducting layers allow just that."

The researchers acknowledge twisting two semiconductors against each other places their work in the "Stone Age" of this research endeavor.

"Our collaborative work so far has only scratched the surface of this vast landscape," Gabor said. "With three, four, or 10 monolayers, we have a humongous parameter space to study. The good news is we will have a lot of work to do, which should keep my lab busy for long. The bad news is with many layers it gets much harder to understand what exactly is happening."

Unlike other research groups working on stacking and twisting semiconducting materials, Gabor and Aji are interested in demonstrating devices, such as room temperature vibronic sensors, from an experimental perspective.

"We are focusing on semiconductor devices with applications in photo detection and optoelectronics," Gabor said. "These devices can theoretically operate at speeds inaccessible to LEDs and lasers, promising high-speed communication. One thing worth noting is that the experiments and theory are presently moving at the same pace in this field. This is really unusual in science. What sets us apart from other research groups is that we are already building these semiconductor devices."

Gabor and Aji will be assisted in the research by two graduate students. The project, titled "Stacking and twisting van der Waals heterostructures for ultrafast and ultrasensitive vibronic sensors," begins Sept. 1.

The University of California, Riverside (http://www. ucr. edu ) is a doctoral research university, a living laboratory for groundbreaking exploration of issues critical to Inland Southern California, the state and communities around the world. Reflecting California's diverse culture, UCR's enrollment is more than 25,000 students. The campus opened a medical school in 2013 and has reached the heart of the Coachella Valley by way of the UCR Palm Desert Center. The campus has an annual statewide economic impact of almost $2 billion. To learn more, email news@ucr.edu.

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COLUMBIA, S.C.  Former Vice President Mike Pence returned to public life Thursday by praising Donald Trump's administration, bashing President Joe Biden's first 100 days in office  and saying nothing about the Jan. 6 insurrection that put his life in danger and wrecked his relationship with Trump.

"We have the winning agenda," Pence told a friendly crowd at a dinner meeting of the Palmetto Family Council, an organization of religious conservatives in South Carolina, a state that will hold a pivotal Republican presidential primary in 2024.

Pence did not discuss his own presidential ambitions during a 30-minute speech, spending more time talking about Republican efforts to re-take Congress in the 2022 congressional elections.

The ex-vice president's White House prospects are shadowed by his falling-out with Trump over the latter's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential race.

In his first public speech since leaving office, former Vice President Mike Pence speaks at a dinner hosted by Palmetto Family on Thursday, April 29, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

More: 'Man without a home': What the future may hold for Vice President Mike Pence

More: Former Vice President Mike Pence signs double book deal; first release is his autobiography

Trump and his allies turned on Pence in January after he refused, in his capacity as president of the Senate, to reject the electoral votes of certain states that voted for Biden. Trump, who has said he is considering another run for the presidency in 2024, has repeatedly criticized Pence in three months since they left office.

Some of the pro-Trump demonstrators who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 shouted that they specifically were looking for the vice president.

At the time, Pence said he lacked the legal authority to carry out Trump's demands. He did not discuss the insurrection nor Trump's baseless protests of the election Thursday.

Instead, Pence told the crowd they should focus on how Republicans can win back Congress if they follow the Trump agenda. He cited the administration's record on jobs, trade, immigration, vaccine development, and military policy.

Story continues

Pence did not speak at length about Trump, but did refer to him positively.

As for Biden, the former vice president hit the new administration for "an avalanche of liberal policies" that includes "a war on traditional American values."

"Had enough?" Pence said at one point. "I have."

More: 'I will keep the oath I made.' Pence defies Trump, says he won't block Congress from affirming Biden's win

Pence also spoke about his religious faith, a frequent theme in his past campaigns for Congress, the governorship of Indiana, and the vice presidency.

Vice President Mike Pence said "today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol" as the Senate restarted the Electoral College count.

A few hours before his speech, Pence met with a group of local pastors at the First Baptist Church of Columbia. Organizers said they wanted to talk with the former vice president about the impact of local, state, and federal policy on their ministries.

Chad Connelly, a former South Carolina Republican Party chairman who attended the speech, said there was "no need" for Pence to bring up Jan. 6 before such a supportive and conservative crowd. They wanted to hear about the Republican future, he said.

"I think he hit all the high notes, Connelly said. "People love him here."

Regarding Trump, Connelly said Pence told the pastors in the earlier meeting that he has spoken with the former president seven or eight times in recent months. "It sounds like their relationship is solid," Connelly said.

Pence has stayed busy behind the scenes since leaving office Jan. 20.

The former veep set up a new political advocacy group called Advancing American Freedom. He signed a two-book deal with Simon & Schuster, the first one an autobiography that includes a recounting of his term as vice president. It is tentatively scheduled for publication in 2023.

Pence also took care of a medical problem this month, having a pacemaker installed to deal with a slow heart rate. After mentioning the operation, Pence told South Carolina supporters: "I'm back and I feel great."

Some Republicans said they don't understand why Pence would continue to honor a man who put his life in danger.

Olivia Troye, a former Pence aide who resigned from the Trump administration in protest of its COVID-19 response, said she had hoped the former vice president would withdraw his support of Trump.

It doesn't look like that will happen.

"He still hasn't spoken out against the former president," Troye said. "I think that's telling."

Pence always seemed to have aspirations of running for president, Troye said, but the Republican political landscape changed so much after Jan. 6.

"There's a whole group of people out there who still believe he was a traitor, and that he could have overturned the election," Troye said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Pence praises Donald Trump, attacks Joe Biden; no talk of Jan. 6
Toyota Auto Insurance Company Has A New Home

Toyota Insurance Management Solutions establishes its national headquarters in Plano, Texas

PLANO, Texas (April 30, 2021)  Toyota Insurance Management Solutions (TIMS) reached a major milestone this week, as it established its first official office space  and national headquarters  in Plano, Texas. The grand opening of this new office, located in the Legacy West business district, was commemorated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and site tour, observing appropriate COVID protocols. Guests included TIMS executive leadership, as well as Planos Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, who cut the ceremonial red ribbon.

TIMS, Toyotas exclusive independent insurance agency, was launched in April 2016 to provide Toyota customers with a seamless way to compare and buy car insurance policies online, and find their best usage-based insurance options using data-driven recommendations and a personalized purchase experience. As the full-service agency expanded to offer a variety of insurance products in addition to auto (including home, renters, recreational vehicle, and even pet insurance), the TIMS team required a larger space to support the future growth of the organization and bolster innovation.

The opening of TIMS first dedicated office is such an exciting landmark in our journey  one that reflects the tremendous growth weve achieved in our first five years, said Robert Spencer, VP, Finance and Administration. There are certainly many benefits to operating like a start-up. But even as we embrace virtual work, it is also beneficial to have our own space to come together for collaboration when appropriate.

TIMS is the latest Toyota business to put down roots in Plano, which continues to attract corporations and professionals in a variety of fields. Over the past few years, the rapidly growing city has become home base for a number of Toyota entities, all of which contribute to the areas increasing job market and standing as a leading center of business within the United States.

The City of Plano is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Toyota Insurance Management Solutions in our city, said Mayor LaRosiliere. This marks another exciting milestone in our relationship with Toyota. It is further evidence of the deep-rooted commitment we have to help each other grow and prosper. Toyotas footprint in Plano now includes Toyota Motor North America, Toyota Financial Services, and Toyota Connected. We welcome all TIMS employees and look forward to their success in the City of Excellence.

TIMS maintains a strong focus on supporting auto dealers, and as its relationships with dealers continue to grow, the company is well positioned to continue expanding its services and transforming how people find and select insurance products.

TIMS completes the Toyota ownership experience by providing simple, convenient ways to shop for and purchase insurance for all Toyota models, new and pre-owned, as well as coverage for other vehicles, said Will Nicklas, COO, TIMS. Looking ahead, TIMS is expanding distribution  both digitally as well as through select dealers  and we will continue to innovate new products, providing Toyota customers with personalized auto insurance tailored to their unique needs.

About Toyota Insurance Management Solutions

Toyota Insurance Management Solutions, including its affiliates Connected Analytic Services and Advanced Connectivity (collective TIMS), is a joint venture between Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Services, USA (AIS), Toyota Financial Services International Corp., and Toyota Connected, USA. TIMS is an independent licensed insurance agency specializing in Property & Casualty insurance offerings, partnering with top insurance companies to allow customers to choose the best options for their needs. For information about TIMS products and licensing, please visit www.toyotaims.com.
The strike of 2,000 New York University (NYU) graduate student-workers is nearing the end of its first week, and the strikers are determined to win higher wages and benefits and better working conditions. The NYU chapter of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) spoke to strikers on the picket line Thursday.

That same day, the efforts of the United Auto Workers (UAW) with which the Graduate Students Organizing Committee (GSOC) union is affiliated, to sell out the strike reached a new stage, with GSOC-UAW holding mediated bargaining sessions with the university, dropping demands and promoting Democratic Party politicians.

NYU graduate students protesting (WSWS media)

For the graduate students, the stakes are high. As one striking doctoral student told the IYSSE, Were literally talking about peoples lives.

He explained, Ive personally been impacted by the past 10 months of bargaining, which are leading nowhere in terms of our contractthe raise that were asking for, just to literally be able to pay rent and buy foodand also by the pandemic. Im an international student, and there was absolutely no help [from NYU] with my visa when I had visa problems. I dont understand how were expected to work and offer the high quality of education that our students expect, rightfully so, when my life is constantly at stake, literally.

Overnight, we woke up and they said F1 visas have to leave the country in the next four weeks. And I packed and moved out, and then they said, Now you can stay, and then I unpacked, but then they said, Only if its in-person [education] and not virtual, and so I packed my stuff again.

So Im in this constant state of terror that anything will happen and I have to leave, and this impacts not only my well-being, but it impacts my entire life here. Ive been here for six years. This is just one little personal story as to why this is important. People dont understand that its humans and lives that were talking about here. Were literally talking about peoples lives.

Indicating the broad support for striking graduate workers, he relayed his students response when he told them why he was on strike. When I explained to them things like after 10 months of bargaining, we were only given a $1 raise, they could not believe that, especially because these are people paying $50,000-60,000 of tuition a year. And theyre like, Wait, what? So I, as a student, have a better life than you, as my teacher? How are you paying rent? And then you start telling them, do you know how many of your teachers ended up being homeless during the pandemic in our department? They had no idea that their teachers were homeless.

Many of them actually started talking to their parents, saying, You need to know where youre putting your money. This is the institution you are paying, and people are not being paid doing the job theyre supposed to be doing.

A Masters student in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences explained that his reasons for striking were similar. NYU has not recognized our needs for living in New York City. Masters students already pay really expensive tuition. Then our hourly wage and monthly salary are not enough for us to even pay the rent. Thats why were striking.

After the pandemic hit, everything has been so chaotic. For us TAs [teaching assistants], we have had a greater burden to adapt to and change our workflow for the online learning experience. It increased our workloaddaily.

The Masters student expressed solidarity with the graduate student-workers at Columbia University, who will finish voting on a tentative agreement Friday at 5:00 p.m. amid intense opposition to the UAW-promoted sell-out contract. Were fighting for the same goal, and we have the same perspective for what we need and what we should have, considering what we have to offer to these institutes.

There was a discussion with this student about the social devastation that resulted from the pandemic for workers, while billionaires saw their wealth soar, and the need to unify working class struggles. He said, I think youre making a really great point. After the pandemic and after the end of our former contract, we graduates here realized how graduate workers and so many other workers in America are living in a grey areawere part-time workers.

So NYU has so many tricks and so many excuses to treat us differently from faculty and from other workers in this institute. This strike is going to let more people realize that graduate workers are workers, and we deserve a living wage.

Another Ph.D. student explained that health care costs are a central issue in the strike. I have colleagues who are paying so much money out of pocket, he said. The current deductible is about one-sixth of the Ph.D. students salary$5,000. Thats a lot of money to be paying out of pocket. We had one testimonial from a student with Crohns who had racked up hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars of accrued expenses. Of course, insurance covers a lot of it, but to take a drug literally developed by NYU, which means by grad student labor 

He told the IYSSE that he has been heartened by being on strike on the picket line in front of the park [and] having trucks drive by, having tradesmen drive by, and seeing them supporting it [by honking their horns]. It shows that this isnt an isolated struggle.

Another striking student told the IYSSE, Right now were not paid a living wage, and as an international student I constantly have to deal with the legal and tax issues. We also dont have a full health care program and health care package, so many of our workers are forced to take out loans even to pay just to pay for their health care. And were fighting for more support for workers with families.

Were definitely in solidarity with our brothers and sisters uptown [at Columbia]. We dont know whats going to happen with the federal mediator, but it feels like the university hasnt been listening to us at all.

The efforts of the UAW to isolate the struggles at NYU and Columbia and sell them both out demonstrate the need for a new perspective and leadership among graduate workers to orient them toward the working class as a whole, which is coming into struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic and attacks on living standards. Students and workers in the New York City area and more broadly should attend Saturdays International May Day Online Rally to learn more about the way forward.
With the ongoing crisis that we are all facing because of Covid 19, Dance With Madhuri has a unique idea to keep audiences occupied and entertained from the safety of their homes. The month-long campaign titled #UnitedByDance aims at spreading positivity, health & mental wellness, and social happiness through dance.

The campaign kickstarted on the occasion of International Dance Day on 29th April 2021, will feature new classes & LIVE sessions available for free every week. Dance enthusiasts will have the opportunity to dabble with new dance forms, learn choreographies and participate in LIVE interactive masterclasses from the experts. Theres also a #UnitedByDance contest being hosted as part of this initiative where every week winners will win 3 annual subscriptions for DWM and a chance to get featured on DWM.

Thats not all, the icing on the cake is that dance learners & enthusiasts will have the chance to attend the much-awaited master class from the dance diva Madhuri Dixit herself.

The initiative will not only feature choreographers from India but also from different countries like the USA, Singapore, UAE, Mauritius and more, who are doing great work in their own niche specialties. For example - Anjali Sengupta from Australia who is a dance & creative arts therapist and Valerie Medard who is a Kuchipudi dancer from Mauritius will host masterclasses. Joining them will be Savio Barnes, Rujuta Vaidya, Aishwarya Radhakrishnan & other DWM choreographers. It will be a great mix of world-class experts that dance enthusiasts will get to learn a lot from.

Commenting on the same Madhuri Dixit said, "The '#UnitedByDance' campaign aims at spreading positivity, social happiness, and mental and physical wellness through dance, from the sanctity of everyones homes.

Staying home is the only option right now and Madhuri Dixit and DWM are trying to help people make the best of the situation. So, take a chance and shake a leg online, safe and sound at home with Dance with Madhuri, DWM.

Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
The Quang Ngai Department of Home Affairs has found it difficult to claim back VND10 billion from four individuals who studied abroad with provincial funding but didnt return to work for provincial agencies as they had previously committed.

The director of the Department, Doan Dung, on April 28 told VietNamNet that the department twice sent documents to the four individuals, urging them to reimburse the funding because they did not return to the province to work in state agencies.

The individuals were sent overseas for a masters degree program with the states money after they promised that they would return to Vietnam and take the jobs assigned to them.

However, they broke their commitments.

Dung said if the four individuals dont pay back the money as requested by the end of the year, the department will advise the provincial peoples committee to take the cases to court.

In November 2019, the department released a decision asking individuals to pay twice as much as the amount used to fund their study overseas.

The decision clearly says that the individuals have to pay back the money within two years and pay in 10 installments. Each installment is one-tenth of total expenses at minimum.

H.T.L.V, the daughter of Huynh Chanh, former Director of the Quang Ngai Finance Department, has been asked to pay back VND2.05 billion. P.T.V, the son of Pham Tan Hoang, former chair of Quang Ngai City Peoples Committee, has been asked to pay VND1.95 billion.

Meanwhile, N.L.N.H, the daughter of Nguyen Chin, former head of the Quang Ngai Provincial Party Committees Organization Board, has to pay VND2.4 billion, and P.T.M.H, the daughter of Pham Thanh Hai, former head of the Quang Ngai provincial Party Committee Propaganda and Education Committee, VND3.5 billion.

By April 13, these individuals still had not paid back all the money per the decision of the Department of Home Affairs. They had paid VND2.78 billion out of the total VND9.8 billion they are obligated to pay.

P.T.V has paid VND1 billion in five installments, and N.L.N.H, VND1.2 billion in five installments. Meanwhile, P.T.H has paid only once, VND170 million, and H.T.L.V paid VND410 million in two installments.

On May 29, 2012, the Quang Ngai provincial Peoples Committee released Decision 89 on sending some individuals to overseas training courses as part of a project on producing personnel with masters and doctoral degrees and attracting highly qualified staff in the 2011-2015 period with a vision until 2020.

The total budget for the project implementation was VND150 billion, of which VND30 billion was spent on postgraduate training in Vietnam and VND118.5 billion was spent on overseas training.

Le Bang

Better incentives needed to attract Vietnamese talents to return to homeland: official Luong Thanh Nghi, deputy head of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs talks about the policies to attract young Vietnamese talents abroad.
On 15 April, Libyas Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah travelled to Moscow for the first time. During his trip, Dbeibah engaged with senior Russian officials, including Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Secretary of the Security Council Nikolay Patrushev, on intra-Libyan dialogue and energy sector investments.

Royal United Services Institution (RUSI) reports that after meeting Dbeibah, Shoigu extolled the Libyan people as Russia-friendly and called for a resumption of full-scale cooperation between Russia and Libyas defence ministries. Dbeibah vowed to build new bridges with Russia and emphasised Moscows ability to play a key role in Libyas economy.

At first glance, the cordial nature of Dbeibahs meeting with Russian officials is surprising. Russia provided extensive material support for Libyan National Army (LNA) chieftain Khalifa Haftars offensive against the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, which was the predecessor of the Dbeibah-led Government of National Unity (GNU). On 12 March, Dbeibah described foreign mercenaries, which included Russian Wagner Group private military contractors, as a stab in our back and a threat to Libyan sovereignty. Since the GNUs establishment on 9 March, Russia has embraced Libyas interim government and supports Libyas plans to hold national elections in December 2021. However, Russia also maintains residual links with anti-systemic actors, such as Khalifa Haftar, the al-Kaniyat armed group and Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, in case the GNUs authority weakens. This balancing strategy could allow Russias influence in Libya to remain impervious to political changes on the ground and yield lucrative reconstruction contracts for Russian state-owned companies.

Much like other international actors involved in Libya, the Russian Foreign Ministry immediately endorsed the GNUs legitimacy. On 15 March, Russias charge daffaires in Libya, Jamshed Boltaev, held talks with members of the Libyan parliament and announced plans to reopen a Russian embassy in Tripoli. This is noteworthy, as Russia relocated its diplomatic presence to Tunisia in October 2013 after its embassy in Tripoli was attacked by protesters. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also emphasised Russias support for Libyas December 2021 parliamentary elections and its desire to promote political inclusivity in Libya. These diplomatic gestures were reinforced by the shipment of 100,000 Sputnik V vaccine doses to Libya on 4 April. These vaccines were the first to arrive in Libya, and Dbeibah showed his appreciation to Russia by calling the shipment the first drop of rain.

In tandem with its establishment of closer ties with the GNU, Russia has also preserved its relations with anti-systemic partners in Libya. In recent weeks, the LNA has faced dissension within its ranks, which was exemplified by the outbreak of clashes between Haftar-aligned militias in Benghazi on 21 April. To demonstrate Russias solidarity with Haftar at a moment of vulnerability, the Wagner Group will dispatch 300 new Syrian mercenaries to Libya at the end of April. Russia also blocked the UN blacklisting of Mohammed al-Kani, the head of the al-Kaniyat armed group, on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence of his involvement in civilian casualties. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin has also emphasised the need for Khalifa Haftar and Gaddafi loyalists, who support the rehabilitation of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, to influence Libyas future political system and electoral process. As Haftar and other anti-systemic actors could see their influence rebound if the Libyan election process falters, Russia is ensuring that its wartime partnerships persist into the post-conflict reconstruction phase.

Russias diverse array of local partnerships in Libya might also help it secure nationwide reconstruction contracts. Due to Muammar al-Gaddafis overthrow in 2011, Russia lost $4 billion in extant arms contracts and hundreds of millions of dollars in gas exploration revenues, and abandoned a $3 billion national railway contract operated by Russian Railways. Since 2017, Russia has taken preparatory steps to establish a major foothold in Libyas reconstruction process. Russian oil giant Rosneft signed an oil offtake deal with Libyas National Oil Corporation in February 2017, and in October 2018, Libyas Minister of Economy and Industry Nasser Shaglan held talks with Russian officials about reviving the BenghaziSirte railway project. The Wagner Groups seizure of El-Sharara oil field in western Libyas Murzuq Desert in June 2020 further ensconces its presence in the countrys oil sector. If the UN arms embargo on Libya is eventually lifted, Russia could also receive fighter jet and missile defence contracts.

Taking a long-term perspective, Russias influence in Libya is challenged by competition from external stakeholders and soft power limitations. Although the UAE allegedly paid the Wagner Groups salaries and Egypts logistical assistance facilitated Russias entry into Libya, this cooperation might not extend to the post-conflict period. The UAEs orchestration of Haftars walk-out from the January 2020 Moscow peace conference and its blockage of Kremlin-aligned Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamras appointment as UN Special Envoy to Libya reveal divergent diplomatic interests. Egypts Trans-African railroad project, which seeks to link Benghazi to Congo, could stymie the return of Russian Railways to Libya. Russia also faces stiff competition from Turkey, which has $16 billion in backlogged contracts with Libya; France and Italy, which have substantial stakes in Libyas oil industry via Total and Eni; and China, which sees Libya as an important vector in its Belt and Road Initiative.

Russia also suffers from a soft power deficit in Libya. The erosion of Russias image in Libya began with Gaddafis death in October 2011, as the newly empowered National Transitional Council eschewed commercial contracts with countries that opposed the NATO-led regime change, such as Russia and China. The Wagner Groups use of landmines in the Sirte-Jufra region, which still claim civilian lives on a frequent basis, and Libyan Interior Minister Fathi Bashaghas accusations of chemical weapons use by Wagner Group forces have tarnished Russias image. The perception that Russia supports authoritarianism in Libya, which was crystallised by the July 2019 arrest of two Yevgeny Prigozhin-aligned Fabrika Trollei operatives for political interference, has further sullied Moscows reputation in western Libya.

To overcome these headwinds, Russia could establish a military base in Libya and empower pro-Kremlin candidates in the Libyan elections. Since Muammar al-Gaddafi offered Russia a naval base in Benghazi in November 2008, Moscow has viewed Libyas eastern Mediterranean coast as a strategically significant location. If Russia could leverage its local ties in eastern Libya to establish an air base in Tobruk or a naval base in Benghazi, it would be able to legitimise its military presence and constrain Western influence in Libya. While Russias failed intervention in the 2018 Madagascar presidential elections and the December 2020 crackdown on Russian social media accounts in the Central African Republic highlight the limits of Kremlin election interference efforts, RT Arabics standing as one of Libyas most-viewed media networks could help Moscow influence public opinion ahead of the elections. Given that Khalifa Haftar might launch a presidential bid or back a sympathetic figure in Libyas December 2021 elections, Russia could rally its disinformation machinery behind candidates that are most amenable to its interests.

As the GNUs domestic and international legitimacy strengthens, Russias strategy in Libya is undergoing a drastic transformation. Russia wishes to preserve a diverse array of local partnerships and leverage its standing as a Mediterranean power to secure lucrative reconstruction contracts. The success of Russias strategy hinges on its ability to rebuild its depleted soft power and outbid stiff competition from rival international stakeholders in Libya.
Anytime something like this is going on, if theres an investigation going on, Im staying away from it, Alpogianis said. The only thing I can say is I want the truth to come out about this. I do have faith in the system.
NINETEEN new confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Limerick as we head into the bank holiday weekend.

The latest figures, which are the same as Thursday, mean the 14-day incidence rate in Limerick has risen slightly to 127.7 (per 100,000 population). However, the five-day moving average has dropped from 18 to 17.

Nationally, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 545 new cases and four additional deaths related to Covid-19.

Of the latest cases, 77% are under 45 years of age and the median age is 29.

A provisional analysis shows 264 are in Dublin, 58 are in Kildare, 50 are in Cork, 29 are in Donegal, 28 are in Galway and the remaining 116 cases are spread across 21 other counties, including Limerick.

As of 8am this Thursday, 139 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 44 are in ICU. .

Commenting this Friday afternoon, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health said: The easing of restrictions is a welcome and deserved turning point in our collective efforts to get through this pandemic. It is a step closer towards the shared national goal of suppressing Covid-19 and protecting the vulnerable."

Dr Holohan has expressed concern about the regional variations of the level of disease. "Incidence around the country varies. Some areas are in a more precarious position than others. For example, while the national incidence rate is 125 per 100,000, Donegal currently stands at 295 per 100,000. This is extremely concerning for public health doctors locally," he said.

"It is important that we look forward now and work together to reduce incidence nationally, but also in our own locality. Your individual actions for the good of your neighbours and community do matter, and they will make all the difference, he added.

Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, added: We have achieved a huge amount as a country, but this virus still poses a threat and it is important to stay vigilant and not to drop your guard over the coming weeks. This is especially true for those who have yet to be vaccinated or are particularly vulnerable," he said.

"The important thing to do as society reopens is to continue to risk assess your choices and your environment. Just because something is an option, doesnt always mean its safe. Crowded places and enclosed spaces still carry a risk. If you dont feel comfortable, or feel a place is too crowded, leave. Encourage your friends and loved ones to continue to follow the basic measures to protect themselves and their families, he added.

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group is urging caution as restictions are eased.

Business owners, employees and customers have received welcome and much-awaited positive news regarding the restarting of our economy. However, it is extremely important that everyone take this time in anticipation of reopening to review their safety practices and protocols. This is for the benefit of us all, but critically for those who they employ. Remember that you have a duty of care to those that work for you, and your patrons and clients. Reopening comes with it the responsibility to mitigate the risk of Covid-19 spreading in your establishment," he said.

We are all looking forward to seeing one another again for a browse, a coffee, or a meal. But we must do so safely, and in new ways, to ensure this virus is kept at bay for the coming months as vaccination levels continue to increase," he added.
New York (April 30, 2021)--The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) annually recognizes researchers, clinicians, educators, and emerging health professionals who have made outstanding contributions to high-quality, person-centered care for older people. This year's awardees include 15 healthcare leaders representing the breadth of disciplines championing care for us all as we age. The AGS 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting will celebrate their accomplishments alongside award recipients from last year, due to the cancellation of #AGS20.

Arti Hurria Memorial Award for Emerging Investigators in Internal Medicine Who are Focused on the Care of Older Adults

* Megan Husingh-Scheetz (University of Chicago)

Clinician of the Year Award

* Faith Atai, MD (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston)

Clinical Student Research Award

* Linda Phung (Duke University School of Medicine)

Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award

* Helen Fernandez, MD, MPH (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Health in Aging Foundation New Investigator Awards

* Scott Bauer, MD, MS (University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine)

* Kah Poh (Melissa) Loh, MBBCh., BAO (University of Rochester Medical Center)

* Stephanie Nothelle, MD (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

* Ambarish Pandey, MD (UT Southwestern Medical Center)

Jeffrey H. Silverstein Memorial Award for Emerging Investigators in the Surgical & Related Medical Specialties

* Lindsay Hampson, MD, MAS (University of California, San Francisco)

Outstanding Junior Clinician Educator of the Year Award

* Pie Chen, MD (University of California, San Francisco)

Outstanding Junior Investigator of the Year Award

* Lauren Ferrante, MD, MHS (Yale School of Medicine)

Outstanding Junior Research Manuscript Award

* Jennifer Watt, MD, PhD (St. Michael's Hospital)

Outstanding Junior Clinician Educator Award

* Anna Goroncy, MD (Christ Hospital/University of Cincinnati College of Medicine)

Outstanding Mid-Career Clinician Educator of the Year Award

* Jorge Mora, MD (Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine)

Scientist-in-Training Research Award

* Anabella Pinto (University of Chicago)

###

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 than 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.

About the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting

The AGS Annual Scientific Meeting is the premier educational event in geriatrics, providing the latest information on clinical care, research on aging, and innovative models of care delivery. More than 2,500 nurses, pharmacists, physicians, physician assistants, social workers, long-term care and managed care providers, healthcare administrators, and others will convene virtually May 13-15, 2021 (pre-conference program on May 12), to advance geriatrics knowledge and skills through state-of-the-art educational sessions and research presentations. For more information, visit Meeting.AmericanGeriatrics.org.
Joe Biden and his foreign policy team are negotiating with Iran, trying to get the U.S. back into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Iran nuclear deal. Many support this objective, not realizing that the JCPOA allows Iran to build nuclear weapons in the near future, and place the United States, the Sunni Gulf States, and Israel in grave danger.

The support for returning to the JCPOA stems from naivete. Much of Obama and Kerry told America about the JCPOA was not true. Most of the MSM covered up the lies back then and are still not reporting the truth about the deal. Below are what I believe are the fourteen most troubling facts about the JCPOA, along with the lies that former President Obama and former Secretary of State John Kerry told about those facts to sell Americans on the JCPOA:

The JCPOA allows Iran to go nuclear between 2025 and 2030. We were told that the agreements goal is to ensure that Iran will be prevented from building nuclear weapons for the deals life. According to an op-ed that John Kerry and Ernest Moniz published in 2015, the deals life is forever. That was a lie. Some of the provisions expire after year 10 (2025), and the rest expire after year 15 (2030). By the end of year 15, Iran could have in place a nuclear infrastructure that could produce the significant quantities of weapon-grade needed to create a few nuclear weapons within months.

The JCPOA gives Iran the capacity to enrich for bombs but NOT for power plants. The deal says that Iran can enrich fuel for peaceful purposes. Under the agreement, Iran may keep 5,060 centrifuges. Which per the former deputy director of the CIA, Mike Morell, is enough enrichment to produce bombs but not enough for a power program.

Iran never reported its nuclear history to the IAEA: Iran had been non-compliant with its obligation to reveal its nuclear history. Per the JCPOA, the rogue nation was supposed to disclose its pre-deal nuclear program as a condition for implementing the agreement. Historical knowledge is necessary so the IAEA will know how, when, and where to inspect Irans program in the future. When it came time to fess up, Iran told the IAEA that it never had a nuclear program. The IAEA reported what it was told instead of pushing back against a blatant lie. This is another example of a breach of the accord that was published as compliance. In other words, the entire agreement was based on a lie and should never have been implemented.

Using information that a Mossad operation secretly gathered in Iran, which the United States verified, in April 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu exposed a significant lie in the information Iran supplied to the IAEA in its 2015 report. The documents proved that Iran not only had a nuclear weapons program (called Amad,) but after it was supposedly canceled in 2013, it continued working on it. Eventually, the IAEA visited one of the sites Netanyahu identified and found traces of Uranium.

There are no anytime, anywhere inspections: Because of a secret side deal the Associated Press revealed long before Obama signed onto the JCPOA, Iran gets to self-inspect the Parchin military base with no IAEA inspectors present (more on that below). The agreement specifically requests the Director-General of the IAEA to undertake the necessary verification and monitoring of Irans nuclear-related commitments for the full duration of those commitments under the JCPOA. But after making the deal, the Iranian authorities claimed military sites are off-limits to the IAEA. Sadly, the IAEA and countries that stayed in the deal refuse to push the point because they dont want Iran to seem non-compliant.

One of the problems with this refusal involves the deals Section T. In Aug. 2017, the IAEA announced that it could not verify a vital part of the JCPOA, Section T. That part of the deal outlines Activities which could contribute to the design and development of a nuclear explosive device. That inability doesnt mean Iran violated Section T. It means your guess is as good as mine because nobody knows  but the deal says the IAEA is supposed to inspect.

Ben Rhodes admitted there were falsehoods. In a New York Times Magazine piece, Ben Rhodes explained how he led the administrations efforts to misrepresent the truth in order to sell the JCPOA to the press.

The JCPOA lifted the ban on the Iranian ballistic missile program. Before the deal, in UN Security Council Resolution (UNSC) 1929, the council used mandatory language about ballistic missiles, stating It decides that Iran shall not undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. The P5+1 resolution the UNSC later passed changes the language. On page 119 of the UNSC-approved JCPOA deal, the language changed from Iran shall not carry out ballistic missile work to merely asking Iran not to carry out ballistic missile development. To quote, Iran is called upon not to undertake such activity. Some reports say that John Kerry begged Iran not to talk about the changes.

The promised sanction snap-backs dont really exist. President Obama gave Europe, China, and Russia a written promise that the US will guarantee that those of their companies that make deals with Iran would not have to stop working with Iran if Iran was caught violating the P5+1 dealing, which would mandate re-imposing sanctions.

The deal gives Tehran the leverage to blackmail the West because the Iranians can threaten (and have threatened) to walk away from the JCPOA with a 35-day notice. Under Paragraph 36, Iran can claim that any country agreeing to the JCPOA is not meeting its commitments under the agreement. That triggers a 35-day set of meetings. Once that clock runs, Iran can claim the issue has not been resolved to [its] satisfaction and that it deems that the issue constitutes significant non-performance. Iran can then cease performing its commitments under this JCPOA in whole or in part.

Iran gets to self-inspect at the Parchin military site. Before the agreement, the IAEA sought access to Parchin, which has long been suspected of being the location where Iran was developing its nuclear weapon detonation systems. Iran even admitted to using Parchin to test exploding bridge wires, which are used as nuclear detonators, but they claimed the test explosions were not for weapons development.

The Obama administration had promised Americans that IAEA inspectors would inspect Parchin and resolve all PMD issues before any final deal was inked. But that didnt happen. Instead, the administration allowed Iran to sign a secret side deal with the IAEA permitting the Iranians to self-inspect the facility rather than grant the IAEA inspectors robust access.

An Iranian statement in Sept. 2015 confirmed that the Iranians collected their own samples: Iranian experts took samples from specific locations in Parchin facilities this week without IAEA inspectors being present. Why is self-inspecting bad? A Catholic friend told me that the nuns always told him that self-inspections will make Iranians eyesight go blurry and make them grow hair on their palms,

David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, explained at a panel that the Hudson Institute hosted that self-sampling, even under surveillance, is inadequate. Inspectors need to be on the ground to identify dusty nooks and corners where violators forgot to dust. The mutually agreed upon areas are by definition the ones that violators know have been sanitized. What you have is, is the situation where therell be videotaping of the potential locations where sampling would take place. Then the IAEA would direct the Iranians to take the samples. And thats not the normal way to do things.

Before the JCPOA, there was the case of Kalaya Electric, centrifuge research, and development facility that Iran denied had anything to do with its nuclear program. The IAEA got access, and it brought in a very top-level centrifuge expert with that access, who looked around. And when they did the sampling finally, they didnt find any trace of enriched uranium in the areas that had been heavily modified.

Iran broke the terms of the heavy water provisions of the deal twice in 2016, but Obama let them off the hook. In 2019 the IAEA found Iran had violated 14 other agreement obligations.

The Associated Press discovered a secret side deal that allows Iran to upgrade and modernize its centrifuges and increase its enriching capacity all before the deal officially expires in 15 years. The projection is that this will reduce Irans time to build a bomb to 6 months instead of the year time frame that Obama promised.

Yet another secret side deal that the Institute for Science and International Security reported (which was never given to Congress) reveals that Irans breakout time to a bomb is not the year claimed by the Obama administration but less than five months.

As part of the concessions that allowed Iran to exceed uranium limits, the joint commission agreed to exempt unknown quantities of 3.5 percent LEU contained in liquid, solid, and sludge wastes stored at Iranian nuclear facilities, according to the report. The agreement restricts Iran to stockpiling only 300 kg of 3.5 percent LEU [low-enriched uranium]. The commission approved a second exemption for an unknown quantity of near 20 percent LEU in lab contaminant that was determined to be unrecoverable, the report said. The nuclear agreement requires Iran to fabricate all such LEU into research reactor fuel. If the total amount of excess LEU Iran possesses is unknown, it is impossible to know how much weapons-grade uranium it could yield, experts said.

The Iran nuclear deal significantly reduces preexisting reporting requirements about Irans nuclear program. Former IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano, the head of the international inspection group International Atomic Energy Agency, reported that nugget. Iran threatened Mr. Amano with harm if he reveals anything about the side deals.

There are two secret side deals to the nuclear agreement with Iran that will not be shared with other nations, Congress, or the U.S. public. Those side deals may be the ones revealed aboveor maybe not. And perhaps there are more.

In late 2016, the Daily Beast revealed there were private files outlining hidden agreements made as part of the Iran nuke that Obama never released because they might embarrass his administration. Earlier, Bloomberg View described other potentially embarrassing documents that the administration classified to save face, including an intelligence assessment written to excuse the U.S. collapse on Iran disclosing past nuclear work, which began by imagining a world in which Iran will fully cooperate with the deal for the next 20 years, and then went from there.

There are dozens of other Iran nuke deal-related documents that are not even classified secret but that the Obama administration nonetheless refused to release. There are broad suspicions those documents contain embarrassing concessions to Iran -- both additional U.S. obligations and exemptions for Iranian obligations. As a technical matter, it would be straightforward to release those documents. As a political matter, Barack Obama and John Kerry hid them to continue their lies to America.

Jeff Dunetz is a rare politically conservative Jew living in the "People's Republic of New York." He's the publisher of the conservative website, Lidblog, which features 3-4 new posts every Sunday through Friday, and he is an at-large national board member of the Herut Zionist movement.

IMAGE: John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif. YouTube screengrab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
After Lionel Messi gave Barcelona the lead in the first 45 minutes, it looked like the Catalan side would kick on and take the three points. However, Granada had other ideas as Machis then Molina put the visitors in front for a famous win at the Camp Nou.

Poor defending from Barcelona on both goals cost them dear, and now they don't have their destiny in their own hands. The result means Barcelona are behind Real Madrid on head-to-head in the race for the LaLiga Santander title, while they also remain two points adrift of Atletico Madrid who top the table.
San Francisco Toyota customers can be rewarded for getting maintenance provided there with the SFToyotaCare Club.

Drivers interested in being rewarded for taking their cars in for routine servicing may be interested to hear what San Francisco Toyota has in store, as the dealership offers service benefits with its SFToyotaCare Club.

When a customer buys a new Toyota model from San Francisco Toyota, theyll be offered coverage for that new vehicle for many months and miles ahead. Its a maintenance plan that comes at no cost for select routine services for up to two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Starting at the five-month or 5,000-mile mark, customers enrolled in this program can pull into one of the dealerships two service locations and receive free maintenance as well as a free hand car wash. The next step up, 10 months or 10,000 miles, gives the customer a chance at a free 24-hour rental of a Toyota vehicle, which can be used right away or saved to be used at a later date. The benefits and free services continue to increase from there, with significant markers at five-month or 5,000-mile intervals. An extension beyond the limit is possible once that year and mileage limit is exceeded.

San Francisco Toyota provides such services as oil changes, transmission flushes, tire rotations, brake repair or replacement and many more services from routine to urgent. Additionally, San Francisco Toyota offers free emergency roadside assistance for up to two years with its SFToyotaCare Club program, without a mileage limit within that time frame.

San Francisco Toyota is taking precautions to help ensure the safety of its guests and employees, including wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, frequent handwashing, unaccompanied extended test drives, available touchless delivery and more. Interested parties who want to know more about the SFToyotaCare Club or any other program or service provided are encouraged to visit http://www.sftoyota.com or call 415-941-2502.
CareCar, a Denver, CO-based tech-enabled benefit manager and value-based healthcare services platform, closed a $3m seed funding round.

The round was led by Kapor Capital and Impact America Fund, with participation from Concrete Rose.

The company plans to use the funds to accelerate its growth into new markets, with a focus on expanding its services in the senior homecare sector.

Led by Joshua Itano, cofounder and CEO, CareCar is a tech-enabled benefit manager and value-based care services platform. The company specializes in managing non-emergency medical transportation benefits and in-home care benefits.

CareCar currently manages supplemental benefits for approximately 150,000 patients in California and North Carolina. The company is implementing a growth plan to more than double its current members and reach 500,000 covered lives. At the same time, CareCar plans to onboard 500 more community-based Care Partners, certified vetted caregivers with experience as certified nursing assistants, medical assistants, home health aides, nursing students, and other qualified caregivers.

FinSMEs

29/04/2021
Now 100 days into his presidency, President Biden is driving the biggest expansion of American government in decades, an effort to use $6 trillion in federal spending to address social and economic challenges at a scale not seen in a half-century. Aides say he has come into his own as a party leader in ways that his uneven political career didnt always foretell, and that he is undeterred by matters that used to bother him, like having no Republican support for Democratic priorities.

For an establishment politician who cast his election campaign as a restoration of political norms, his record so far amounts to the kind of revolution that he said last year he would not pursue as president  but that, aides say, became necessary to respond to a crippling pandemic. In doing so, Mr. Biden is validating the desires of a party that feels fiercely emboldened to push a liberal agenda through a polarized Congress.

The result is something few people expected: His presidency is transforming what it means to be a Democrat, even among a conservative wing of his party that spent decades preaching the gospel of bipartisanship.

Weve been very happy with his agenda, and were the moderates, said Matt Bennett, a co-founder of Third Way, a Democratic think tank named after a governing style embraced by former President Bill Clinton that rejected liberal orthodoxy. Some have said this is a liberal wish list. We would argue that he is defining what it is to be a 21st-century moderate Democrat.
Here in Connecticut, as many as 4,000 Americans living, working and worshiping in the community are not permitted to vote. Twenty years ago, our state restored voting rights to people on probation, but it never lifted the ban on voting for people on parole. Our state Legislature is now considering legislation  House Bill 6578  that would restore the right to vote to people on parole. The bill is now ready for a vote on the House floor. This is not the first time this policy has come before the General Assembly, but it should be the last. Its time for Connecticut to pass this voting rights restoration bill.

I spent over 30 years working for the Connecticut Department of Correction, most recently as commissioner. I can attest that our states policy of disenfranchising people on parole does not achieve any legitimate public safety goal.

In my experience, the best way to advance public safety is to prepare virtually everyone that passes through our correctional facilities for successful community reintegration. This is crucial: Ninety-five percent of the incarcerated population will one day return to their respective communities. Making their reentry a success means ensuring that they are welcomed back into the fabric of society, providing them with a sense of belonging and giving them a stake in our democracy.

Im not alone in this view. Many law enforcement officials and criminal justice professionals  including the American Probation and Parole Association and Association of Paroling Authorities International  support the restoration of voting rights upon release from prison. And studies have shown that civic engagement reduces the risk of returning to prison. Other research indicates that restoring voting rights leads citizens with past convictions to develop stronger trust and cooperation with the police and the criminal justice system.

During my tenure as commissioner of correction, I supported and assisted in further helping our state become a national leader in adopting smart and progressive criminal justice and corrections policies. But there is still more work to do. This backward policy extends the racial disparities still present in our criminal justice system into voting. For instance, Connecticuts Black population represents roughly 12 percent of the state, but about one-third of people on parole are Black.

Moreover, we are now the only state in the country that distinguishes between parole and probation for voting purposes. It makes no sense. Indeed, many people  including some election officials  dont know the difference between parole (being released from prison to rejoin the community) and probation (being sentenced to community supervision instead of prison). This confusion can prevent people on probation, who are actually eligible to vote, from voting.

Our retrograde felony disenfranchisement policy means were lagging behind our neighbors. Arguably, Connecticut has the most regressive voting policy for people with past convictions of any state in New England. Nationwide, we trail 21 states and the District of Columbia, which permit everyone living in the community to vote.

In the last two decades, states across the country have expanded access to the ballot for people with past convictions, in places as close as New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island, as well as places like Florida, Iowa, Kentucky and California. The restoration of voting rights unites Americans across the political spectrum and from all walks of life, because we should believe in second chances. Connecticut should be next.

There is nothing stopping the House from voting on and passing House Bill 6578, and then sending it over to the Senate to do the same. Its time for Connecticuts General Assembly to act. Thousands in our communities are working, going to school, paying taxes, and raising families. They should also have a voice in our democracy.

Scott Semple is the retired Commissioner of Correction of the State of Connecticut.
Minister urges industry to adopt villages and Talukas to help the govt

Rajesh Tope, Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare, Govt of Maharashtra has urged FICCI members to aid Maharashtra with tertiary healthcare facilities at the district and taluka levels.

He also sought industrys assistance in procuring necessary drugs like remdesivir, oxygen concentrators, PSA (Pressure Swing Absorption) nitrogen generators, increasing liquid oxygen storage capacities, among others. He also urged industry members to adopt some of the villages and talukas to help the government in its fight against the virus.

Addressing the virtual interactive session with FICCI Health Industry Delegation, Tope noted that there are various sectors where the industry, through its CSR or philanthropic initiatives, could help the states healthcare sector that is currently reeling under severe deficit of healthcare facilities.

He further stated that the state is facing a glaring deficit regarding life-saving essentials during these times. There is a huge requirement of 10 LPM oxygen concentrators, PSA generators, drugs like remdesivir and vaccines. The industry can help the state by bridging the gap between demand and supply of life-saving essentials, he noted.

We urge the industry to come forward with concepts like tele-ICU, where diagnosis and treatment could be done remotely. FICCI can play a vital role here by helping us procure X-Ray, ECG, and dialysis machines, among others, for sub-district hospitals, he said.

Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Chair, FICCI Maharashtra & CEO, Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd said that FICCI in the last one year has been playing an active role in collaborating with government and the industry in resolving many bottlenecks that were faced by the industry in operating in these difficult times.

Various industry representatives assured the Minister of the industrys commitment to help the state during these times.
Madrdi, April 29, 2021 (SPS) - Morocco is leading a campaign of provocation and blackmail against Spain to undermine the Sahrawi cause and push Madrid to rebel against international legitimacy, said on Wednesday the Frente POLISARIO representative in Spain, Abdullah Arabi.

"The campaign led by Morocco against Spain which welcomed the Sahrawi president Brahim Gali for treatment, is part of the policy of provocation which characterizes the bilateral relations between the two countries," Abdullah Arabi added in a statement to APS.

Sahrawi President Brahim Gali had been transferred to Spain for treatment after being contaminated with coronavirus. The Sahrawi presidency had affirmed that his health condition is not "worrying" and that he is recovering.

The Sahrawi diplomat further informed that, "the kingdom of Morocco takes every opportunity to undermine the Sahrawi cause which enjoys wide support in Spain,"

"Morocco is trying to take advantage of this situation to undermine the struggle of the Sahrawi people and their national symbols in particular".

The Spanish government said it was committed to the settlement of Western Sahara conflict in accordance with international law.

Abdullah Arabi warned against the repercussions of Moroccan policy in the region which would lead to serious consequences, calling on the international community to intervene quickly to force Morocco to comply with international law and respect the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Arabi deplores in particular the fact that Morocco "does not understand the concept of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries", referring to the "campaign of the Moroccan official media against Spain about a sovereign decision." SPS

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The school business office has an integral role in Medicaid billing. The following resources have been developed to assist business offices with the implementation and maintenance of School Medicaid programs.

Updated State Funding Program Rules and Policies. Two state education grants had rules and policies that impacted SBHS Medicaid billing: the High Cost Disability Grant (HCD) and the State School Fund Transportation Grant (STG). Both grants required that any Medicaid reimbursement received be deducted from the state funding applications. With input from SB111 pilot districts, the Oregon Association of School Business Officials (OASBO), and other education partners, the ODE successfully updated OAR and policy. From the 2019-20 school year forward, school districts are no longer required to deduct SBHS Medicaid revenue from grant applications for the HCD and STG.

For fiscal questions about School Medicaid please contact Jennifer Dundon (Ross), Operations & Policy Analyst

For questions regarding the Transportation Grant or High Cost Disability Grant please email Adam Krein or call at 503-947-5678.
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Germany will start returning Benin bronzes to Nigeria in 2022, the countrys foreign and culture ministries said on Friday.

They said in a statement that the move was part of a growing trend to return cultural artifacts seized during the colonial era to their places of origin.

Britains soldiers seized thousands of metal castings and sculptures in 1897 during a raid on the Kingdom of Benin, then separate from British-ruled Nigeria.

The bronzes - actually copper alloy relief sculptures, many showing court figures - were auctioned off and then spread among institutions from New Zealand to Germany and the U.S.

The biggest collection was in London.

In addition to maximum transparency, we primarily aim for substantial restitution, German Culture Minister Monika Gruetters said in the joint statement issued with the foreign ministry and German museums.

We want to contribute to a common understanding and reconciliation with the descendants of the people who were robbed of their cultural treasures during the times of colonialism, Gruetters added.

The Ethnologisches Museum in Berlin has more than 500 historical artifacts from the Kingdom of Benin in its collections, mostly bronzes.

The University of Aberdeen in Scotland said last month it would return a Benin bronze to Nigeria within weeks, one of the first public institutions to do so.

The British Museum, which holds hundreds of the sculptures, has alongside several other museums formed a Benin Dialogue Group to discuss displaying them in Benin City, some officially on loan.

Plans are underway in Edo to build a centre to store and study the returned artifacts by the end of 2021, and a permanent museum by 2025.

The German ministries issued their statement in conjunction with German museums that are part of the Benin Dialogue Group.(NAN)
Lake Charles Toyota offers complimentary oil changes and state inspections for customers that purchase a new Toyota or Certified Pre-Owned Toyota.

Drivers in or near Lake Charles, Louisiana, interested in purchasing a new Toyota vehicle or a Certified Pre-Owned Toyota vehicle are encouraged to stop by Lake Charles Toyota. Not only will customers receive excellent customer service, but car buyers will also be entitled to complimentary oil changes and vehicle state inspections. These complimentary services are offered for all customers that choose to buy their Toyota at Lake Charles Toyota and will be valid throughout the customers ownership of the Toyota. By taking advantage of this offer at Lake Charles Toyota, customers can potentially save hundreds of dollars over just a few years of ownership.

Shoppers interested in browsing the dealerships new Toyota inventory can do so online here. Customers can also view the current Certified Pre-Owned Toyota inventory here.

For more information about the complimentary services offered at Lake Charles Toyota, individuals can visit its website at http://www.lakecharlestoyota.com. To speak with a team member, customers are encouraged to call the sales team at 337-426-1691. Those that wish to schedule their next service appointment at Lake Charles Toyota can do so online right on its website. Drivers interested in visiting Lake Charles Toyota in person can do so at 3905 Gerstner Memorial Drive in Lake Charles.
Siauliu Bankas AB, company code 112025254, domicile address Tilzes st. 149, LT-76348 Siauliai, Lithuania.

Siauliu Bankas Group earned EUR 12.4 million of unaudited net profit during Q1 this year

New credit agreements signed amount to EUR 250 million (56% more than a year ago)

Loan portfolio increased by 3% and reached EUR 1.82 billion, with both corporate and private clients financing growing

Number of digital channel users is increasing, and more and more processes in the Banks daily activities are being automated

Weve started this year with a new three-year strategy of Siauliu Bankas Group which defines our goals both at the Bank and Group level. As before, we will keep focusing on business and private clients financing, moreover, mortgage loans and modernization of multi-apartment buildings have been included into our main strategic goals. We believe that we are strong and competitive in each of these areas. We will also continue to keep our promise to be closer to our customers - we have recently introduced the updated digital channels and plan to develop them further; the Bank will not close, but adapt the customer service network to the new clients habits formed by the pandemic, together with constantly improving remote customer service, - said Vytautas Sinius, CEO of Siauliu Bankas.



The Siauliu Bankas Group earned EUR 12.4 million of the unaudited net profit in the Q1 of this year (which is 48% more than a year ago, when net profit amounted to 8.4 million euros). Operating profit before impairment losses and income tax amounted to EUR 15.6 million, which is by 3% more than in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Operating income remained almost unchanged compared to Q1 2020: net interest income amounted to EUR 18.4 million (EUR 18.5 million last year), net fee and commission income remained the same as last year - EUR 4.1 million.

In response to the quarantine restrictions tightening, the Bank signed the moratoriums on temporary loan repayment deferral in January, however, only EUR 3 million of loans were restructured under their terms by the end of the moratoriums (31st March). There were no signs of significant deterioration in the remaining loan portfolio, therefore provisions for possible impairment losses of EUR 0.1 million were formed in the first quarter of this year.

The cost-to-income ratio was 42.4% at the end of the Q1 (44.0% in the corresponding period of the last year), and the return-on-equity (ROE) was 14.2% (11.0% in Q1 2020). The capital and liquidity positions remain sound and the prudential requirements are met with a large reserve - with a liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) of 294%* and a capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 19.6%*.

Overview of Business Segments

Business and Private Clients Financing

In the first quarter, with increasing economic certainty, in anticipation of the relaxation of quarantine measures and a rapid vaccination process, not only the private clients were actively financed, but the demand for the business financing also returned. The new credit agreements were signed for EUR 250 million, which is 56% more than during corresponding period of the last year (EUR 160 million). The loan and finance lease portfolio of the Group increased by 3% (EUR 56 million) and reached EUR 1.82 billion.

The amount of business financing loans signed were twice as high as in the first quarter of last year - amounted to EUR 148 million. The increased volumes of the new agreements signed in recent quarters will contribute to the higher interest income in the future.

The first quarter of the year was a record high in terms of residential mortgage loan sales. EUR 42.4 million of the new credit agreements were signed (+57% compared to Q1 2020). The number of applications submitted by customers continues to grow (twice as many as last year), which allows to expect that high sales volumes will remain in the coming months. The mortgage loan portfolio increased by 10% (EUR 30 million), to EUR 327 million.

Active consumer financing was influenced by declined consumption needs due to the pandemic. Consumer financing agreements were signed for EUR 26 million (EUR 32 million last year), the portfolio decreased by 3%, to EUR 156 million during Q1. In order to provide high-quality and fast financing to customers remotely, SB Lizingas has successfully refocused to the fully automated process of issuing consumer loans on-line.

The demand for financing energy-efficient projects continues to grow, with multi-apartment modernization agreements for EUR 28 million signed during the quarter (+231% annual change); the Bank has already signed agreements for more than EUR 600 million. Changes that will facilitate the process of administering modernization loans were introduced in Q1. It was also required while launching the new EUR 200 million multi-apartment modernization fund, scheduled for the second half of 2021.

During Q1, a deferral period applied to EUR 24 million of corporate loans deferred due to COVID-19 had expired and only 1% of them have applied for additional restructuring. EUR 17 million of corporate loans, deferred due to COVID-19, had not reached the end of deferral period.

Daily banking

Net fee and commission income increased by 2% to EUR 4.1 million compared to Q4 last year. The activity of customers using the Bank services was influenced by the declined economic activity related to restrictions in the trade and service sectors as well as the restrictions of moving within the country.

Due to decreased physical customer visits and increased capacities of the Bank to provide remote service, 7 out of 59 customer service units were closed and the employees were assigned to perform remote customer service functions. As quarantine conditions ease, the Bank gradually opening units that were temporarily closed. Incoming calls and remote requests remain steadily increasing since the beginning of the pandemic. A remote identification service has been introduced to customers since January. Digital channels are being further developed, with the number of electronic channel users increasing by 4% over the quarter to more than 194,000 and with the number of logins growing by 6%. Accordingly, the constantly growing number of transactions stipulates to look for ways to streamline processes, therefore, the Bank is automating more and more processes in its daily activities.

The number of customers subscribed for service plans with monthly commissions fees exceeded 164 thousand and the number of payment cards increased to 174 thousand. Compared to the end of the year, the number and turnover of card payments decreased by 6% and 10%, respectively. The demand for cash decreased - the number of cash operations decreased by 14% and the turnover by 15%.

Saving and Investing

The deposit portfolio has increased by 7% (EUR 155 million) over the quarter and amounted to EUR 2.5 billion. The demand deposits accounting for most of the portfolio increased by 12% or EUR 174 million, while the term deposits decreased by EUR 19 million (-2%). With high liquidity ratios, the Bank focuses on the more efficient cost of funding management. Access to new sources of funding is also being expanded, with a deposit service will be offered in the Austrian, Spanish, Dutch and French markets. With the Bank maintaining a strong capital position, ensuring sustainable profitability, and successfully managing asset risk and risk appetite, Moodys affirmed its long-term credit rating at Baa2 in March, changing its outlook from stable to positive.

*- preliminary data

Siauliu bankas invites shareholders, investors, analysts and other stakeholders to join its investor conference webinar scheduled on May 5th, 2021 at 4:00 PM (GMT + 3). The presentation will be held in English. For more information click here .

Additional information:

Head of Finance and Risk Management Division

Donatas Savickas +370 41 595 602, donatas.savickas@sb.lt

Attachment
California Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu is demanding GOP leaders kick Rep. Matt Gaetz off the House Judiciary Committee after the release of a stunning 'confession' letter purportedly penned by a Gaetz associate who claims he and the Florida lawmaker paid for sex with a prostitute who was 17 at the time.

The claims by Gaetz' so-called wingman Joel Greenberg emerged Thursday night as the latest chapter in a convoluted saga where Greenberg reportedly sought help from Gaetz in securing a pardon from former President Donald Trump in the last days of his administration  and included the astonishing allegations about Gaetz, a prominent Trump loyalist.

'Dear @GOPLeader: Please remove Rep Matt Gaetz from the House Judiciary Committee immediately,' Lieu tweeted Thursday night following a DailyBeast report on the allegations.

Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., who served as an impeachment manager during the second impeachment of President Trump, is calling on Rep. Matt Gaetz to be removed from the House Judiciary Committee. He sent his demand to Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy after the leak of a 'confession' by Gaetz associated Joel Greenberg

'The Committee has jurisdiction over the Department of Justice that is investigating Rep Gaetz, including allegedly for sex crimes with a minor. This is an untenable conflict of interest,' he wrote.

His tweet tagged House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

Gaetz serves on two subcommittees, dealing with commercial and administrative law, and with the courts, intellectual property, and the Internet.

He also serves on the House Armed Services Committee.

Early this month, following the initial emergence of allegations against Gaetz, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the lawmaker should be kicked off the panel if the allegations are true.

'If in fact these allegations are true, of course being removed from the Judiciary Committee is the least that could be done,' she said. 'From what we've heard so far, this would be a matter for the Ethics Committee.'

That comment came before the emergence of the bombshell 'confession' letter from Greenberg, the former Seminole County tax collector who has pleaded not guilty to numerous charges against him in a sex trafficking and identity theft probe.

Greenberg allegedly penned a letter confessing that the pair paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a new media report.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called on Gaetz to lose his committee posts if allegations against him are true

New messages between Stone and Greenberg allegedly show that the disgraced tax collector was willing to pay Trump's longtime friend - a convicted felon - $250,000 in bitcoin to help secure the pardon, the Daily Beast reported on Thursday.

The bombshell letter is said to have been given to Donald Trump's confidante Roger Stone in a bid to get a pardon from the then-President.

One message - said to be from Stone - indicates Gaetz had privately turned on Greenberg and had advised Stone not to secure the pardon for Greenberg, the news website has claimed.

Another message reported to have been sent by Greenberg allegedly said he was pressured to 'flip' and cooperate with prosecutors.

'On more than one occasion, [the 17-year-old] was involved in sexual activities with several of the other girls, the congressman from Florida's 1st Congressional District and myself,' Greenberg wrote in the letter, according to Daily Beast.

Matt Gaetz' so-called wingman Joel Greenberg penned a letter confessing that the pair allegedly paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl, it has been claimed

Matt Gaetz, center, is pictured with Roger Stone, left, and Joel Greenberg

Gaetz has repeatedly denied having sex with a 17-year-old and said he has never paid for sex

Congressman Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and his girlfriend Ginger Luckey enter 'Women for American First' event, Friday, April 9, 2021

The outlet says it obtained multiple drafts of the letter and had them evaluated by Wendy Carlson - a certified forensic document examiner and handwriting expert.

The Daily Beast has not shared copies of the letter itself, and DailyMail.com has been unable to verify its contents.

A spokesman for Gaetz vehemently denied the Daily Beast story after it was published, telling CNN: 'Congressman Gaetz has never paid for sex, nor has he had sex with a 17 year old as an adult.

'Politico has reported Mr. Greenberg's threats to make false accusations against others, and while The Daily Beast's story contains a lot of confessions from Mr. Greenberg, it does not add anything of substance, and certainly no evidence for the wild and false claims about Rep. Gaetz.

'In fact, the story goes some way to showing how Rep. Gaetz was long out of touch with Mr. Greenberg, and had no interest in involving himself in Mr. Greenberg's affairs.'

Greenberg's lawyer has refused to comment on the latest allegations, while Roger Stone has also questioned their accuracy.

He denied offering to help Greenberg, said he did not take any money, did not know of the existence of the alleged confession, and had never previously heard of Greenberg implicating Gaetz.

Stone added that texts seen by the Daily Beast are incomplete, and that he did not try to get Gaetz a pardon.

The Florida age of consent is 18 years old and sexual intercourse with anyone under 18 is statutory rape. However, the state has a so-called Romeo and Juliet law that allows minors who are 16 or 17 to have sex with someone who is at most 23 years old. Gaetz is 38.

Gaetz has not been criminally charged by federal prosecutors and has always denied having had sex with the underage girl.

'From time to time, gas money or gifts, rent or partial tuition payments were made to several of these girls, including the individual who was not yet 18. I did see the acts occur firsthand and Venmo transactions, Cash App or other payments were made to these girls on behalf of the Congressman,' Greenberg alleged.

Gaetz, center, and Greenberg are pictured together outside of the White House

Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida poses with President Donald Trump in photos from his official Facebook page

Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg leaves the federal courthouse in Orlando after making a first appearance following his indictment on a federal stalking charge

Joel Greenberg, a central figure in the ongoing investigation into Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, is likely to strike a plea deal with federal prosecutors, his attorney and prosecutors said

Greenberg and Stone's alleged messages, which would refer to Matt Gaetz as 'MG,' are said to have been sent on the encrypted messaging app Signal, but were apparently screenshoted by Greenberg, according to Daily Beast.

Greenberg was out of jail at the time the messages were sent after he was arrested in June 2020 on stalking charges. He now faces dozens of new charges including sex trafficking of the 17-year-old, cryptocurrency fraud, and identity theft.

'If I get you $250k in Bitcoin would that help or is this not a financial matter,' Greenberg allegedly wrote to Stone in one message

'I understand all of this and have taken it into consideration,' Stone is said to have replied. 'I will know more in the next 24 hours I cannot push too hard because of the nonsense surrounding pardons.'

'I hope you are prepared to wire me $250,000 because I am feeling confident,' Stone is then said to have wrote to Greenberg on January 13 - the same day Trump was impeached for the second time during his one-term presidency, which ended seven days later.

TIMELINE OF THE GAETZ SAGA MARCH 30: The New York Times reports that Gaetz is under investigation for a sexual relationship with an underage girl. Details are sparse but the relationship is said to have happened two years ago. Gaetz went on Tucker Carlson's FOX News show that night to deny the allegations and claim he was the victim of an extortion plot. He names David McGee as a DoJ official who is extorting him. McGee denies it. MARCH 31: Gaetz's father Don tells Politico that the extortion plot is real and that he was working with his son and the FBI to expose it APRIL 1: Texts emerge to support Gaetz's claim that he was being extorted and they introduce a new element to the saga - that the extortion plot was part of a ruse to rescue American hostage Robert Levinson from Iran. WHO'S WHO Rep Matt Gaetz Gaetz, 38, is the representative for Florida's 1st congressional district. He is a Trump ally who has ties to Roger Stone and he's been known to fan the flames of controversy in the past. He has DUI convictions, has been accused of inciting violence on Twitter and claimed that facial recognition technology proved some of the January 6 Capitol rioters were not Trump fans, but 'antifa' masquerading as them. Don Gaetz Gaetz's father who was a well-liked Senator. He sold his company with his partners for $406million in 2004. They had founded VITAS Healthcare in the 1980s. He was a senator for ten years from 2006 until 2016. David McGee McGee was a prosecutor with the Department of Justice but he is now a private practice attorney. According to his bio on his law firm's website, he spent six years as the First Assistant at the United States Attorney's Office and for seven years as the Lead Attorney for a United States Department of Justice Organized Crime Task Force. Bob Kent Kent is an Air Force intelligence officer whose involvement in the alleged plot was only revealed on Wednesday night through the texts. Robert Levinson Levinson spent 22 years working for the FBI before he vanished in Iran in 2007. The government claimed they knew nothing about it but later admitted he had been working there for the CIA. The last time he was seen alive was in 2011, when he appeared in proof of life photos. His family say that this month, they were given reason to believe he was dead. Advertisement

Stone confirmed to the Daily Beast that Greenberg had tried to hire him. However, Stone denied being paid or that he helped Greenberg beyond instructing him to prepare 'a document explaining his prosecution.'

'I made no formal or informal effort in regard to a pardon for Mr. Greenberg,' Stone told the outlet. 'I recall requesting a document explaining his prosecution The [sic] details of which I was unfamiliar with.'

He added: 'I never requested or received a penny from Mr. Greenberg. I recall him offering to retain me and I declined. To be clear I did advocate pardons for a number of people who I had [sic] been unfairly treated by the justice system and was compensated by no one for doing so.'

Stone then urged the outlet to be careful with its reporting and threatened to take legal action 'in the event that you publish anything that is false or defamatory.'

'My lawyers that I fired, know the whole story about MG's involvement. They know he paid me to pay the girls and that he and I both had sex with the girl who was underage,' Greenberg allegedly wrote to Stone on December 21.

However, in his alleged confession, Greenberg claimed that he and Gaetz believed the teen girl was 19 - above the age of consent - before they allegedly had sex with her.

Greenberg reportedly claims 'an anonymous tip' on September 4, 2017 informed him that the girl was underage and that Gaetz was 'equally shocked and disturbed by this revelation,' it was alleged.

'Immediately I called the congressman and warned him to stay clear of this person and informed him she was underage,' Greenberg allegedly wrote.

Greenberg is said to have alleged that the girl had lied about her age and that he confronted her about the 'serious' situation. He claimed he explained to her 'how serious of a situation this was, how many people she put in danger,' according to Daily Beast.

'She apologized and recognized that by lying about her age, she endangered many people,' Greenberg allegedly wrote.

'There was no further contact with this individual until after her 18th birthday.'

Greenberg reestablished contact with the girl about five months after she turned 18 when Gaetz allegedly told him to 'hit up' the teen, Daily Beast reported.

The outlet claims it talked to 12 of the more than 40 different women who allegedly received money from Greenberg and 'they all said they understood Greenberg was paying them at least in part for sex.'

Logan Circle Group, a public relations firm Gaetz has hired, provided a statement to Daily Beast on behalf of the Florida congressman.

'Congressman Gaetz has never paid for sex nor has he had sex with a 17-year-old as an adult. We are now one month after your outlet and others first reported such lies, and no one has gone on record to directly accuse him of either,' it reads.

The firm's statement noted a recent article in Politico which reported that an associate of Greenberg said he had warned friends that 'everyone is going to need a lawyer.'

'Politico, however, has reported Mr. Greenberg threatening to make false accusations against others, which seems noteworthy for your story and in fact sounds like the entirety of your story,' Logan Circle Group said.

'Congressman Gaetz has had no role in advocating for or against a pardon for Greenberg and doubts such a pardon was ever even considered.'

During the alleged months-long communications via Signal, Stone is said to have asked Greenberg to put his case forward, and appeared to try and damp down expectations when Greenberg expressed his hopes of a pardon, according to the newly-shared communications.

Greenberg is said to have eventually told Stone on December 21 that investigators were pressuring him to cooperate, including the 'FBI, DOJ, Secret Service and a bunch of people from DC,' but he declined, Daily Beast reported.

'They want me to flip. They have made offers which I've declined. I even fired my lawyers this week because they tried to convince me to cooperate and that a pardon was impossible,' Greenberg allegedly said, while noting that his former lawyers had called his story a 'golden ticket.'

Greenberg is then said to have continued: 'And while I have not had any communication with MG, he absolutely has to know that the sex charge they hit me with would be what they would hit him with.'

He also told Stone that he felt 'abandoned' by his allies and asked Gaetz if he thought 'MG is going to come visit me in prison?', it is claimed.

Just two days later, Stone received his own pardon from Trump but Greenberg came out empty-handed - even after his name 'repeatedly made it to the Trump White House for a presidential pardon,' the Daily Beast reported.
Tom Wolfe famously quipped, "The dark night of fascism is always descending in the United States and yet lands only in Europe." Certainly, that was the case during the Trump presidency, when leftists insisted he was Hitler yet were unable to point to a single instance in which he'd engaged in conduct actually associated with fascists. However, in the topsy-turvy world that is 2021, Wolfe's saying has been turned on its head. With the advent of the Biden administration, America is heading into a purely fascist future. Meanwhile, Europeans are insistently demanding freedom, whether it's generals and other civil servants pushing back against Critical Race Theory and Islam or ordinary people singing and dancing in the streets.

In America, people who committed a misdemeanor by entering the Capitol without permission are still rotting in jail in solitary confinement without ever having had a hearing. The situation is so dire and un-American that Senators Elizabeth Warren and Dick Durbin, both proponents of total government, protested:

Most of the 300-plus people charged with participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot have been released while they await trial, but dozens of those deemed to be dangerous, flight risks or at high risk of obstructing justice were ordered held without bond. D.C. jail officials later determined that all Capitol detainees would be placed in so-called restrictive housing  a move billed as necessary to keep the defendants safe, as well as guards and other inmates. But that means 23-hour-a-day isolation for the accused, even before their trials begin. And such treatment doesn't sit well with Warren or Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), two of the chamber's fiercest critics of solitary confinement. "Solitary confinement is a form of punishment that is cruel and psychologically damaging," Warren said in an interview. "And we're talking about people who haven't been convicted of anything yet."

(So far as I know, no Republicans have done the same, and shame on them if I'm correct.)

On Wednesday, federal agents flashing open-ended warrants conducted a 6 A.M. raid on former New York mayor and current Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani to seize his electronics. The ostensible reason was that Giuliani violated a law requiring Americans who represent foreign nationals to register as foreign agents. This is a law that is enforced only against Republicans close to Trump  and Giuliani is adamant that he's never represented foreign nationals.

The agents ostentatiously refused to seize copies of Hunter Biden's hard drives, which Giuliani possessed, even though they were obvious electronic devices. Giuliani contends that the hard drives' contents establish not only that Hunter and Joe Biden acted as unregistered foreign agents, but also that Joe Biden and his family took millions in bribes over the years and that Hunter Biden was engaged in child pornography. Since Giuliani still has the hard drives, perhaps he should make all the information on the drives public.

Giuliani told some of his story to Tucker Carlson:

On the evidence available, what's happening to Giuliani looks like typical fascism: an incoming regime uses unequally applied law and a complete absence of due process to purge all political opposition.

And in the perfect public-private partnership that makes fascism a different kind of socialism from communism, the tech tyrants continue to act as the federal government's censorship arm. Just today, YouTube censored an interview that Dan Bongino conducted with former President Trump, calling it "spam" and a "scam." You can see the interview on Rumble.

Meanwhile, in Europe, over 1,000 French military personnel, including 20 former generals and 100 officers published an amazing open letter:

It accused the French government of kowtowing to destructive ideologies such as anti-racism and Islamism, which it said were being leveraged for the purposes of sowing unrest in French communities and risking a descent into full-blown civil war. The signatories expressed grave concern with the government's push to deconstruct and decolonize its own history in an attempt to placate a growing Islamism that has wracked the nation with violence and argued that radical Islam is being used to subject neighborhoods to dogmatic rules that go against the French Constitution, creating an unconstitutional parallel Islamic state. "Perils are mounting, violence is increasing day by day," the letter warned. "Who would have predicted ten years ago that a teacher would one day be beheaded when he left school?"

The signatories also attacked Critical Race Theory, which is making headway in France.

Meanwhile, Basel, Switzerland was the latest European city to have a flash mob demanding freedom from masks and lockdowns. You can read all about this Insurrection of Joy here. Then, spend a few minutes watching this video from a Swiss train station, as people in the station go from bewildered to celebratory:

We need a non-partisan song for Americans to do the same.

At the end of the day, unless we want the dark night of fascism to become a permanent fixture in America, we'd better act to stop the Democrats from using the unequal application of our laws and the manufactured fear of COVID (a virus that more than 99% of us will have survived) to gain total power.

Image: Rudy Giuliani on Tucker Carlsons show. YouTube screen grab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
New Delhi: This day, last year, Indian cinema's one of the most iconic actors, Rishi Kapoor bid us goodbye. His sudden death sent shockwaves across the nation as family, friends and fans mourned his demise. He died at Mumbai's Sir HN Reliance Foundation hospital on April 30, 2020, and was battling Leukaemia (blood cancer) for the past two years. The actor par excellence underwent treatment for it in New York for a year.

All through his tough times, actress-wife Neetu Kapoor stood like a rock behind him. The two cemented a great bond of love and affection - giving picture-perfect relationship goals to fans and followers. Rishi and Neetu Kapoor worked in several movies like Kabhie Kabhie, Amar Akbar Anthony, Khel Khel Mein, Rafoo Chakkar, Do Dooni Chaar amongst various others together.

On Rishi Kapoor's first death anniversary, we thought of scrolling through some of his best moments with actress-wife Neetu Kapoor:

Upon Rishi Kapoor's demise, his family released an official statement last year reading: Our dear Rishi Kapoor passed away peacefully at 8:45 am IST in hospital today after a two-year battle with Leukemia. The doctors and medical staff at the hospital said he kept them entertained to the last.

He remained jovial and determined to live to the fullest right through two years of treatment across two continents. Family, friends, food and films remained his focus and everyone who met him during this time was amazed at how he did not let his illness get the better of him.

He was grateful for the love of his fans that poured in from the world over. In his passing, they would all understand that he would like to be remembered with a smile and not with tears.

In this hour of personal loss, we also recognise the world is going through a very difficult and troubled time. There are numerous restrictions around movement and gathering in public. We would like to request all his fans and well-wishers and friends of the family to please respect the laws that are in force.

He would not have it any other way.

Rishi and Neetu Kapoor's on-screen chemistry turned into a real-life romance and the two got married on January 22, 1980. Together, they have two children - son Ranbir Kapoor and daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni.

Rishi Kapoor, you are missed!
(JTA) - Walter Mondale, the former vice president who represented a time in American history when being pro-Israel and progressive were often synonymous, has died at 93.

He passed away Monday at his home in Minneapolis, multiple sources reported.

From the launch of his national political career, Mondale was close to the national Jewish and pro-Israel communities. He found in those organizations willing partners in his endeavors to expand civil rights, and they found in him an avid advocate of Israel.

Mondale acted as a buffer between President Jimmy Carter, under whom he served as vice pres...
The Ingenuity helicopter had risen to every challenge it faced on Mars so far, and now it's confronting a new one. But the little chopper will live to fly another day -- specifically on Friday.

Ingenuity was supposed to lift off Thursday for a flight that pushed it further, faster and longer than before. However, the flight didn't happen as planned. The helicopter's team reported that Ingenuity remains safe and in good condition.

'Aim high, and fly, fly again. The Mars Helicopter's ambitious fourth flight didn't get off the ground, but the team is assessing the data and will aim to try again soon. We'll keep you posted,' read an update from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Twitter account posted on Thursday afternoon.

The 4-pound chopper was scheduled to attempt its fourth flight on the red planet Thursday at 10:12 a.m. ET, or 12:30 p.m. local Mars time.

Data sent back by the helicopter at 1:21 p.m. ET Thursday showed that the helicopter did not transition to flight mode. This is required before any flights can happen, according to the team.

This is the first real bump in the road since Ingenuity's initial flight attempt was rescheduled from April 11 to April 19 due to a flight software issue.

The team believes this same software issue kept the helicopter from flying on Thursday.

The helicopter's computer includes a watchdog timer that expires and prevents flight if it senses any hindrances. However, there is a known issue concerning a 15% chance that this timer could expire each time the helicopter attempts a flight. This likely is what occurred Thursday. The time-out does not prevent future flights, the team said.

Another attempt of the fourth flight will occur Friday at 10:46 a.m. ET, or 12:30 p.m. local Mars time. The first flight data will be returned to the control room at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, at 1:39 p.m. ET.

Prior to this, Ingenuity aced three flights flawlessly.

In fact, the mission has met all of its objectives. The fourth and fifth flights really are meant to test and push its capabilities.

'From millions of miles away, Ingenuity checked all the technical boxes we had at NASA about the possibility of powered, controlled flight at the Red Planet,' said Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, in a statement.

'Future Mars exploration missions can now confidently consider the added capability an aerial exploration may bring to a science mission.'

Ingenuity is a technology demonstration, which means it has a limited time to meet objectives set by its mission team.

The data from its experimental flights on Mars this month could inform the design of other rotorcraft to fly on Mars and other planets that can act as scouts for rovers and astronauts alike.

The three main objectives for Ingenuity involved flying through the thin Martian atmosphere; demonstrating powered, controlled flight on another planet; and pushing the capabilities Ingenuity showed during testing on Earth. All of those targets have been met over the course of the helicopter's three flights thus far.

'When Ingenuity's landing legs touched down after that third flight, we knew we had accumulated more than enough data to help engineers design future generations of Mars helicopters,' said J. 'Bob' Balaram, Ingenuity chief engineer at JPL, in a statement. 'Now we plan to extend our range, speed, and duration to gain further performance insight.'

According to the fourth flight plan, Ingenuity will ascend to its usual altitude of 16 feet (5 meters) and then fly south for 276 feet (84 meters). It will pass over rocks, small impact craters and sand ripples and use its black-and-white navigation camera to image this intriguing landscape every 4 feet (1.2 meters).

Ingenuity will travel a total of 436 feet (133 meters) downrange from its 'helipad' in Wright Brothers Field, stop for a hover and collect images with its color camera before heading back to its landing site.

'To achieve the distance necessary for this scouting flight, we're going to break our own Mars records set during flight three,' said Johnny Lam, backup pilot for the Ingenuity Mars helicopter at JPL, in a statement. 'We're upping the time airborne from 80 seconds to 117, increasing our max airspeed from 2 meters per second to 3.5 (4.5 mph to 8), and more than doubling our total range.'

The Perseverance rover also will be poised to capture images and video of Ingenuity's flight.

Once data and images are returned from the fourth flight, the mission team will determine their plan for the helicopter's fifth outing. Plans for the remaining flight campaign will be discussed during a virtual briefing hosted by NASA on Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET.

'We have been kicking around several options regarding what a flight five could look like,' Balaram said. 'But ask me about what they entail after a successful flight four. The team remains committed to building our flight experience one step at a time.'

Check CNN.com for updates on the results of this historic fourth flight mission.
Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday received his second, and final, dose of the coronavirus vaccine as New Jerseys COVID-19 numbers continue to improve and officials prepare to rev up efforts to reach the states goal of vaccinating 7 in 10 adults by the end of June.

Murphy and his wife, First Lady Tammy Murphy, received their second Pfizer vaccine shots at the states mega-site at the Atlantic City Convention Center, the governors office confirmed to NJ Advance Media.

The visit came three weeks after the couple got their first shots in a public event at the convention center.

I urge everyone 16+ to get vaccinated, Murphy tweeted after the shot. Its the only way we can defeat this pandemic and move forward to the brighter days ahead.

Today, I received my second dose of the #COVID19 vaccine.I urge everyone 16+ to get vaccinated. Its the only way we can defeat this pandemic and move forward to the brighter days ahead. pic.twitter.com/G721fAwJcM  Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 30, 2021

Slightly more than 3 million people have been fully vaccinated in New Jersey as of Friday  roughly 44% of the states 6.9 million adults.

The states goal is to have 70% of the states eligible population  about 4.7 million people  vaccinated by the end of June. Slightly more than 4.2 million people  about 61% of adults  have received at least one vaccine dose.

Officials say theyre still confident theyll reach the 70% mark. But after months of people scrambling to get scarce appointments, demand for the vaccine has begun to dwindle in the state and officials have said the state is now planning how to convince more people to get shots. Murphy said he will have more details Monday at his next coronavirus briefing in Trenton.

On Monday, you should expect to hear from us on how we see the continued reopening of the state, as well as what we are doing to ensure the vaccine progress continues and that we reach every nook and every corner of our state, the governor said Friday at an unrelated event in Lyndhurst. So stay tuned.

New Jersey announced Thursday that all six of its vaccine mega-sites will offer walk-in vaccinations without an appointment from now on.

The state has seen its COVID-19 numbers improve notably in recent weeks as vaccinations continue. On Friday, the states seven-day average for new confirmed positive COVID-19 tests dropped to 1,824, down 32% from a week ago and 51% from a month ago.

Meanwhile, the statewide rate of transmission has reached its lowest point in nearly a year  0.63  and statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 1,600 for the first time since November.

Were not out of the woods, but the numbers are getting better, Murphy said Friday. Theres just no two ways about it, thank God.

While other states have announced target dates to reopen from COVID-19 restrictions, Murphy has eased New Jerseys rules incrementally and said he will take more steps if the numbers keep improving and vaccinations ramp up. The governor said he will have more details Monday.

Republicans have pushed Murphy to move more quickly. On Friday, a fellow Democrat, state Sen. Dawn Addiego, D-Burlington, called on the governor to lift all capacity limits in the state by July 1  the same date New York City plans to remove all restrictions.

People and businesses need time and resources to plan the launch of our new normal, Addiego said.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Murphy, whos running for re-election in November, was one of the last governors in America to get vaccinated. He has said he would wait until he was eligible based on New Jerseys rollout plan. The 63-year-old became eligible earlier this month, when the state allowed anyone 55 and older, among others, to book an appointment.

Thats even though Murphy had a cancerous tumor removed from one of his kidneys the same day New Jersey announced its first COVID-19 positive case in March 2020.

The Centers for Disease Control considered people fully vaccinated two weeks after their second Pfizer or Moderna shot, or two weeks after the single dose from Johnson & Johnson.

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

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com.
Posted by Jay on at 08:00 AM CST

Mark Hamill trying on his costume for Return of the Jedi as George Lucas looks on.

Rebelscum.com is proud to present an exclusive look at Titan MagazinesOfficial Collector's Edition. This magazine goes on sale onDay, May 4, 2021 at newsstands, comic book stores (with an exclusive cover) and in a hardcover edition as well.The magazine is 178 pages of behind-the-scenes images, stills from the entire nine film Saga, and articles about the making of each film. It chronicles the story behind the making of the Skywalker saga, as told by the writers, directors, designers, and crafts people who built and shaped a legend.From George Lucas' thoughts on embarking on the making ofto Ewan McGregor on stepping into the shoes of the late Sir Alec Guinness to play Obi-Wan Kenobi to Daisy Ridley taking on the role of Rey in the final trilogy, this is a must-have for anyone touched by this incredible story.Below are the comic store exclusive cover and the hardcover edition as well.You can pre-order your copy today! Hardcover via Amazon or via Forbidden Planet . On sale May 4, 2021!
Williamson, WV (25661)

Today

Cloudy early with showers for the afternoon hours. Thunder possible. High 82F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Chance of an isolated thunderstorm in the evening, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
A mother has claimed the sunroof on her $40,000 SUV exploded while she was driving along a busy highway and has now been left with a $1,000 bill to repair it.

The woman said she had been driving her MG HS Anfield at 95kph along a Melbourne highway when the sunroof shattered on Wednesday.

She immediately pulled over to the side of the road, stepped out of her car and pulled out her phone to record the damage, before uploading the footage to TikTok.

'Hey people, don't buy an MG,' she says in the video.

The driver immediately pulled over to the side of the road, stepped out of her car and pulled out her phone to record the damage, before uploading the footage to TikTok

A massive hole is also seen in the sunroof with a little less than half of the glass panel missing

'This is my brand new MG HS Anfield I bought in mid-February. The sunroof exploded on top of me sending glass everywhere.'

Broken glass is seen scattered around the front and back seats with shards also littering the carpet.

'Lucky my step kids weren't in the backseat,' the mother says.

A large hole is also seen in the sunroof, with a little less than half of the glass panel missing.

The driver says she contacted MG following the incident and was told she would need to pay for the repairs.

'MG are saying I'm liable as they can see where a small rock has hit the front of the sun roof,' she said.

'It's $990 to fix plus a 12 week wait. What an absolute joke.'

MG Motors was created by British carmaker Cecil Kimber in the late 1920s.

The driver says she contacted MG following the incident and was told she would need to pay for the repairs

The company changed hands several times over the decades and is currently owned by the Chinese company SAIC Motor Corporation Limited.

The MG HS Anfield retails from $40,690.

An MG Motors Australia spokesperson said the company was working with the driver to resolve the issue.

'We are working with one of our customers in Melbourne after a road incident resulted in the glass in the sunroof of the vehicle shattering,' the spokesperson said.

'MG Motor takes the safety of its customers very seriously and is communicating directly with the owner.'
JW Marriott Hotel Seoul presents the "Miffy's Day at JW" package to celebrate the "family month" of May that includes Children's Day. Courtesy of JW Marriott Hotel Seoul



By Jun Ji-hye



As the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic around the world has driven up demand for domestic travel, luxury hotels here have launched a variety of promotions to mark May, which is called "family month" in Korea, to offer guests safe and comfortable family getaways.



May holds four important days: Children's Day on May 5, Parents' Day on May 8, Teachers' Day on May 15 and Husband and Wife's Day on May 21.



JW Marriott Hotel Seoul is celebrating May by offering special family accommodation packages and dining promotions.



The "Miffy's Day at JW" package features a deluxe room with a tepee and mat installed, creating a unique space for children to play, as well as a variety of gifts featuring Miffy, the fictional rabbit appearing in a series of picture books drawn and written by Dutch author Dick Bruna, including soft toys, framed pictures and coloring books.



Flavors, the buffet restaurant on the second floor of the hotel, will serve special family buffet dishes including seafood stew, herb-roast lamb rack and sweet-and-sour pork.



A special children's menu of mini burgers, fried chicken and hotdogs will be served on May 5, 8 and 9 only, while cotton candy and a variety of cakes, cookies, macarons and mini cupcakes featuring Miffy characters crafted from cream and chocolate awaits.



The hotel's Japanese restaurant, Tamayura, will serve a family lunch and dinner set menu, along with a dessert of seasonal fruit and handmade Monaka ice cream.





The kids' lounge of Kensington Resort Seorak Beach, dubbed "Cocomong Kids World" / Courtesy of Kensington Hotels and Resorts



Kensington Hotels and Resorts is presenting a "Kids & Family Special Event" until June 30.



The promotion is designed to offer a fun and relaxing trip with family access to a variety of benefits within hotels and resorts for parents with children.



Key features include one night in a regular room or kids' room and breakfast for three (two adults and one child) as well as various benefits for the whole family to enjoy together at each of the resort group's eight properties across the nation.



Benefits by property include kids' amenities; welcome cookie sets; kids' lounge vouchers for safe indoor playground admission; and benefits for the whole family such as outdoor adventures that include rabbit feeding and rental of VR devices.





Millennium Hilton Seoul runs "Mom and Kids" package, featuring a guest room and family lounge decorated with diverse toys. / Courtesy of Millennium Hilton Seoul
After receiving the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination, clinic attendees must wait for 15 minutes before leaving the Carlson Center to make sure they suffer no side effects.
Berkeleys wildly popular Third Culture Bakery, known for its squishy and colorful mochi treats, is opening a second Bay Area location this summer focused on matcha.

The new matcha cafe is coming to 1310 S. California Blvd. in downtown Walnut Creek, and itll serve matcha beverages and special desserts flavored with the Japanese green tea alongside a selection of Third Cultures well-known mochi muffins and doughnuts. Its on track for a July debut.

While Third Cultures Berkeley location is primarily a bakery, it has also long served matcha drinks using tea sourced from the most prized region in Japan: Uji in Kyoto. In addition to familiar matcha lattes, Third Culture touts toastier versions made with roasted matcha and matcha sparklers spiked with refreshing fruit such as lychee.

Co-owner Wenter Shyu says he now sees a lot of regulars who come in just for matcha every day. He hopes to bring even more variety to Walnut Creek, such as a ceremonial matcha tasting that showcases the tea at different stages, paired with little treats.

Matcha is like wine or coffee. There are so many different matchas and variations from different regions, and it all tastes different, Shyu said. But people dont realize that. They just think of matcha lattes.

Celeste Noche / Special to The Chronicle 2019

For desserts, co-owner Sam Butarbutar, who got his start in the culinary world at San Francisco fine dining destination Lazy Bear, is thinking about matcha mochi waffles, matcha soft-serve and matcha parfaits, with layers of chantilly whipped cream, cubes of mochi cake and fresh local fruit. The small 700-square-foot space will mostly rely on takeout, although the owners plan to offer some indoor seating once they feel its safe enough.

With the first Bay Area expansion, 2021 is shaping up to be a big year for Third Culture. The 5-year-old bakery just opened its second location  also a matcha-theme cafe  in Colorado this month. At the same time, Third Culture has unofficially launched a nonprofit arm to create safety kits, consisting of a personal alarm, pepper spray and lanyards to hold them, geared toward Asian elders. Shyu and Butarbutar started the effort after the Atlanta shooting that killed six Asian women.

We feared that us being a very loud, gay and Asian-owned business that wed also be targeted, not just in the Bay but also in Colorado, where gun laws are more lax, Shyu said. We felt kind of helpless just donating (money).

Celeste Noche / Special to The Chronicle 2019

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

They thought safety kits might help vulnerable people fend off attackers and planned to distribute a few hundred to Bay Area nonprofits  but the organizations requested 5,000. Now, Third Culture is fundraising more than $40,000 to make the kits as even more organizations around the country ask for them, too. The bakery hopes to offer kits to any person of color, LGBTQ individual or other person who feels vulnerable.

Shyu said he feels incredibly lucky since just a year ago he thought Third Culture might not survive the pandemic at all. But Third Culture found an even larger audience through nationwide shipping, and as the owners spoke out for Black Lives Matter and against anti-Asian violence, they saw more customers line up in Berkeley.

Were queer and were Asian: We have no choice. Were political by default, Shyu said. I think were living our truth and it just resonates with people.

Third Culture Bakery. Slated to open in July. 1310 S. California Blvd., Walnut Creek. thirdculturebakery.com

Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker
An Oregon City couple who shielded more than $3.8 million in income in a tax evasion case was sentenced Friday to three years of probation.

Karl Brady, 59, and wife Laurie Brady, 60, failed to pay $1.4 million in taxes from 2008 through 2015, and must pay that amount in restitution.

Karl Brady was one of three owners of Northwest Behavioral Healthcare Inc., a Gladstone-based residential mental health treatment center for adolescents. The trio concealed income from the center for more than a decade, between 2002 and 2015, according to court documents. Karl Brady served as the companys vice president of accounting. Laura Brady wasnt part of the business but helped her husband hide assets, prosecutors said.

Karl Brady also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

The plea agreement called Karl Brady and Laura Brady each to plead guilty or the deal was off, according to court records.

Karl Brady and the other two owners of the business began in 2002 to pay a promoter of an illegal tax scheme to help them hide their income from the Internal Revenue Service. They each paid the promoter about $20,000, according to court documents. Each created other companies and accounts and funneled their money into them.

They would meet weekly or monthly to divide money from Northwest Behavioral Healthcare and direct the bookkeeper to issue checks to the other companies to to keep the money off the radar of the IRS, according to federal prosecutors.

The bookkeeper reported the payments as management and professional fees' in the companys ledger, according to prosecutors.

Co-defendants Daniel Mahler, president and chief executive officer of the mental health care provider, and Lyndon Fischer, vice president of marketing, were sentenced to five years of home detention, allowed out only for work with no luxuries allowed.

In 2002, Karl Brady signed a vow of poverty' as a reverend' with the International Academy of Lymphology,' claiming to be without any source of personal income, according to court documents. The defendants, however, werent affiliated with that group, and Karl Brady has served in his Mormon church, according to prosecutors.

In 2007, after the IRS contacted Mahler and Fischer about their failure to file federal income tax returns, the Bradys began using a third promoter of another illegal tax scheme. Under this third scheme, the Bradys formed a purported church, related companies and bank accounts to hide income and assets from the IRS, according to a statement of facts signed by the couple and their lawyers.

Laura Bradys defense lawyer, Matthew Schindler, on Friday credited the judges intervention in the case for pushing the prosecution to go after the man who preyed on the Bradys and others and duped them into following his scam. Schindler said he also was frustrated that the government demanded a felony conviction for his client, who he said simply went along with her MBA husband on a scheme to engage in tax fraud.

The real criminal here was Glenn Stoll, Schindler said.

Schindler claimed the prosecutors watched this scam artist, this tax promoter, stand up and dupe religious people like the Bradys into believing that they could make a church and avoid paying taxes. That man was running around, and the government knew it for years and years and years. And frankly, if it werent for this court, hed still be running around doing that.

Federal prosecutors countered that Stoll had been under investigation before the arrests of the Bradys, but the inquiry wasnt completed until Stolls indictment in April 2019, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford.

U.S. District Judge Robert E. Jones held off sentencing the Bradys, who were indicted in 2016, until after he had sentenced Stoll last week.

Stoll was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and income tax evasion.

Stoll and the Bradys share liability for the $1.4 million in restitution ordered by the court.

In 2005, a federal judge in Washington had barred Stoll from involvement in a scheme that helped others avoid paying federal taxes. Stoll was operating a business called Nonprofit Commercial Enterprises and Remedies at Law, where customers would donate assets and income to the corporation, then claim charitable donations or exemptions.

Stoll falsely told customers that because his business was a religious organization, it was exempt from tax laws, according to court documents. Stoll worked with Karl Brady from September 2007 to December 2014 to help conceal his income and assets from the IRS, according to the documents.

In March 2016, Stoll set up a meeting with Internal Revenue Service agents, Karl Brady, and Laurie Brady. At that meeting, Stoll represented himself as church counsel for Karl Brady and Laurie Brady and claimed that Karl Brady and Laurie Brady were ministers associated with the Embassy of Heaven, according to court records.

Im very sorry for all the mistakes that Ive made, Karl Brady told the judge Friday. I have tried, and I will try to uphold the law as best I can. Thank you very much for your kindness.

The judge corrected Karl Brady, noting that his probationary sentenced resulted from my judgment, not my kindness.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 30)  The Department of Education on Friday clarified President Rodrigo Duterte has the final decision on the opening of the next school year.

"The Department of Education would like to emphasize that the President has the final decision on the opening of the school year, in accordance with Republic Act 11480," the agency said, referring to the measure amending RA 7797, also known as "An act to lengthen the school calendar from 200 days to not more than 220 class days."

It added that the August 23 earlier mentioned by Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio is only one its options to be presented to Duterte.

"The August 23 start date proposal is only one of the options since DepEd is mandated to open the school year not later than the last day of August under the same law unless the President intervenes," DepEd explained.

Under RA 11480, a school year shall start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August. However, in case a state of emergency or state of calamity is declared, the President, upon the recommendation of the Education chief, may set a different date.

Consultations and policy review with relevant parties are still ongoing to determine the proper course of action and official guidelines for the School Year 2021-2022 will soon be issued, DepEd added.

San Antonio earlier said the department is proposing that the next school year will begin on August 23. However, critics said the recommendation is only another problem, noting it reduces teachers' "proportional vacation pay from 80 days-worth to only 59 if the August 23 class opening pushes through."

The current academic year for public school kindergartners to high school students was originally set to end on June 11, but was moved to July 10. DepEd said this was due to learning gaps that have to be addressed "to meet the required essential learning competencies."

The present school year has faced hurdles due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure continued learning, the DepEd implemented "blended learning" that involves the use of printed materials, internet-based sessions, and radio and TV broadcasts. However, this also created new challenges due to limited access to such materials for many Filipino learners.
The Eta Aquarids meteor shower will peak on Thursday night, with up to 20 shooting stars per hour visible in the night sky, according to astronomers.

The show is the result of the Earth flying through a cloud of debris left behind by Halley's Comet during its last journey through the inner solar system in 1986.

The show will reach its peak on Thursday May 6 but meteors will be clearly visible in the days before and after the peak, and in drabs to the end of the month.

Astronomers said that to watch the shower you should 'get a comfy chair' and be prepared to sit outside for hours  but you won't need binoculars or a telescope.

This shower is best viewed in the southern hemisphere, but should be visible from most places on Earth, although the further north you are the fewer rocks you'll see.

The next meteor shower to light up the sky will be the Eta Aquariids and it will see dozens of shooting stars per hour, reaching its peak on Thursday

The show will reach its peak on Thursday May 6 but meteors will be clearly visible in the days before and after the peak, and in drabs to the end of the month

HOW TO SEE THE METEOR SHOWER This year, the shower will peak on the evening of May 5. For people in mid to northern latitudes, the radiant won't be very high in the sky, so you should be able to spot the meteors on the southern horizon. Observers in the southern hemisphere will have the best view, and will see the shower's radiant in the north. For the best viewing experience find an area away from city or street lights. 'Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair,' said NASA. '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 patient - the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.' Advertisement

NASA says the best way to watch the meteor shower is not to use equipment, but instead find a dark area with limited light pollution and look up.

The Eta Aquariids are named after the constellation Aquarius as that is where they appear to fall from every April and May - particularly the star Eta Aquarii.

For people in mid to northern latitudes, the radiant won't be very high in the sky, so you should be able to spot the meteors on the southern horizon.

Observers in the southern hemisphere will have the best view, and will see the shower's radiant in the north.

In a post on its website, NASA said: 'The constellation of Aquarius - home to the radiant of the Eta Aquarids - is higher up in the sky in the Southern Hemisphere than it is in the Northern Hemisphere.

'In the Northern Hemisphere, Eta Aquarid meteors can more often be seen as "earthgrazers."'

'Earthgrazers are long meteors that appear to skim the surface of the Earth at the horizon.'

'For the best conditions, you want to find a safe location away from street lights and other sources of light pollution,' according to the Royal Museums Greenwich.

The Moon will be in its waning crescent phase during the peak of the shower so should be dull enough not to impact on the show.

When out watching them don't just stare in on direction as you might miss the brightest and most impressive shooting stars off to the side.

The best way to watch for them, according to NASA, is to lie on your back and look straight up as it gives you the widest view of the sky without getting neck strain.

Meteors are pieces of debris that enter the atmosphere at speeds of up to 148,000 miles per hour - as they do so they vaporise and cause streaks of light.

They are the flashes of dust grains burning in the atmosphere left behind as the Earth passes the path of a comet.

That's the reason they appear on certain dates and return annually - as these comets are on an orbit and leave debris in certain parts of space.

The show will reach its peak on Thursday May 6 but meteors will be clearly visible in the days before and after the peak, and in drabs to the end of the month

REMAINING METEOR SHOWERS IN 2021 Eta Aquariids - May 5 peak

Delta Aquariids - July 30 peak

Alpha Capricornids - July 30 peak

Perseids - August 12-13 peak

Draconids - October 8-9 peak

Orionids - October 21 peak

Taurids - November 12 peak

Leonids - November 17-18 peak

Geminids - December 14 peak

Ursids - December 22-23 peak Advertisement

Renowned for their speed, the meteors over the next week will be entering the Earth's atmosphere and will leave a trail of glowing debris following them.

They're best viewed in Australia because they rise to about 50 degrees in the sky, which is the best angle to view them from.

Physicist Clare Kenyon from the University of Melbourne told the ABC the angle is perfect because it's above the horizon and has less of a chance hiding behind trees.

'You don't want a telescope, you don't want binoculars, you don't want to be zooming in on any part of the sky. It's the ideal stargazing activity to begin with because you don't need equipment, except maybe a blanket and a thermos.'

The next major meteor shower will be the Perseids in August with over 100 shooting stars per hour at their peak and showing as bright, fast meteors.

Eta Aqauriids don't produce as many stars per hour as the Perseids but astronomers say they'll be just as bright if not brighter.

According to Royal Museums Greenwich there is no specific peak for the Eta Aquariids, they tend to just plateau at a good rate over a week up to May 7.

It is one of two showers created by the debris from Halley's Comet - the other is the Orionid meteor shower in October with 25 shooting stars per hour.
The White House has admitted it is 'aware' of warnings from civil rights groups that a ban on menthol cigarettes could disproportionately harm communities of color.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday the Biden administration is taking 'seriously' concerns raised over the proposed ban of the product popular with black smokers.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Thursday it is working to ban menthol cigarettes in the US by classifying the minty product as a flavor, which is already banned in cigarettes, as well as banning all flavored cigars.

The agency said the move will, among other things, help tackle health disparities experienced by communities of color, with black Americans found to suffer disproportionately from addiction and ill health caused by smoking.

But the move is a controversial one, with civil rights leader and groups including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warning this week that it will lead to over-policing and more racial discrimination against black people.

They are said to fear that black smokers who continue to puff menthol cigarettes even after a ban is brought in could be targeted by police for doing so.

The White House has admitted it is 'aware' of the warnings from civil rights groups that a ban on menthol cigarettes could disproportionately harm communities of color. Biden giving his first address to Congress Wednesday night

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Thursday it is working to ban menthol cigarettes in the US by classifying it as a flavor, which are already banned in cigarettes, as well as all flavored cigars

Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One that an FDA ban would not lead to the criminalization of the smoking product for individuals, only for businesses.

'Let's be clear here, if implemented these rules affect only commercial activity. And so FDA does not regulate the possession of tobacco products by individuals for personal use,' she insisted.

'And this rule would not make individual consumer possession or use of menthol cigarettes a crime, nor change enforcement standards.'

Jean-Pierre was asked about a possible 'political backlash' over the move amid concerns raised by civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, who has previously said a menthol cigarette ban unfairly targets black smokers.

She responded that the concerns would be taken seriously and pointed to the need to pass the police reform bill to root out racial bias in policing across America.

'We are aware of that, and we take that seriously the concerns that have been raised about discriminatory policing, and so addressing racial bias in policing is a priority as you're all aware of,' she said.

'We were just talking about the George Floyd Policing Act for this administration.

'This is why we strongly support the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and we need legislation to directly address police reform, even as we regulate tobacco industry practices that harm Americans.'

White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre (pictured last week) said Thursday the Biden administration is taking 'seriously' concerns that the proposed ban of the product popular with black smokers could give rise to 'discriminatory policing'

The ACLU has said the move to ban menthol cigarettes - though 'no doubt well-intentioned' - would actually harm communities of color.

In a letter signed by the ACLU, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, Students for a Sensible Drug Policy and 24 other related groups and sent to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra this week ahead of the FDA's announcement, they warned a ban will have 'serious racial justice implications.'

The coalition argued it could lead to an underground network of buyers and sellers of menthol cigarettes.

Given the higher popularity of the product among the black community, this would ultimately lead to more black people being targeted by law enforcement, they said.

'A menthol cigarette ban would disproportionately impact communities of color, result in criminalization of the market, and exacerbate mass incarceration,' they wrote.

'In addition, underground cigarette sales would be a massive law enforcement problem for states, counties, and cities, since all states treat unlicensed sale of tobacco products as a crime  usually as a felony punishable by imprisonment.

'In the end, tobacco policy will no longer be the responsibility of regulators regulating, but police policing.

'Our experience with alcohol, opioid, and cannabis prohibition teaches us that that is a policy disaster waiting to happen, with Black and other communities of color bearing the brunt.'

Black Americans are found to suffer disproportionately from addiction and ill health caused by smoking menthol cigarettes. But the move is controversial with civil rights groups including the ACLU warning this week that it will lead to over-policing and more racial discrimination

The letter pointed to several police killings of black people in recent years, including the recent deaths of Daunte Wright, Ma'Khia Bryant and George Floyd, and in particular incidents that initially started over cigarettes.

Eric Garner died in Staten Island, New York City, in 2014, when a cop put the unarmed black man in a banned chokehold during an arrest on suspicion of illegally selling single cigarettes from a pack.

His death was previously used as a case study to help defeat a proposed menthol ban bill in New York City back in 2019. Sharpton vocally opposed the bill.

Michael Brown was shot dead in Ferguson, Missouri, the same year during an arrest for allegedly stealing a box of cigarillos from a store.

'A number of police encounters resulting in tragic deaths are linked to police enforcement of tobacco laws: Eric Garner, killed by a police chokehold, was illegally selling 'loosie' cigarettes, and Michael Brown was killed after being suspected of stealing a box of cigarillos,' the letter reads.

'Even in the case of George Floyd, police were called to investigate a counterfeit bill used to purchase cigarettes.'

Rev. Al Sharpton has previously said a ban unfairly targets black smokers and fought against a ban in NYC

The letter asked HHS to better fund youth education, smoking cessation programs and healthcare programs for communities of color instead.

'We agree with those who want to see even more progress in addressing the health needs of communities of color and support policies that would achieve those goals without threatening the progress we have begun in making criminal justice reform a reality,' the letter said.

The FDA announced the move to ban the product Thursday saying it would save hundreds of thousands of lives.

It argued that banning the product would help reduce racial disparities in health.

'We will save save hundreds of thousands of lives and prevent future generations from becoming addicted smokers,' said Dr. Janet Woodcock, the FDA's acting commissioner.

The announcement, which had been expected, came as the agency faced a deadline to respond to a federal lawsuit from public health groups seeking the ban.

The ACLU argued that the ban could lead to an underground network of buyers and sellers of menthol cigarettes which would, in turn, lead to more black people being targeted by law enforcement. Eric Garner (above) died during an arrest on suspicion of illegally selling single cigarettes from a pack

'Even in the case of George Floyd, police were called to investigate a counterfeit bill used to purchase cigarettes,' the ACLU said. Floyd pictured above

FDA data states that 19.5 million Americans are menthol cigarette smokers.

Among African-American smokers, 85.8 per cent smoke menthols.

It is estimated that around 85.8 percent of black smokers smoke menthol cigarettes, compared to 46 per cent of Latino smokers, 39 per cent of Asian smokers and 28.7 percent of white smokers.

Meanwhile, CDC data shows that black people smoke fewer cigarettes and start smoking later in life than white smokers, but are more likely to die from tobacco-related illnesses.

Antismoking groups and some civil rights groups have been pressuring the federal government to make the move for some time.

They argue that the tobacco industry has aggressively targeted black communities when pushing the mint flavored smokes calling this a social justice issue.

The FDA said it hopes to have the ban in place within a year as it must now go through a long process including seeking public comments.

It could rumble on for several years if big tobacco companies make legal objections.
In this Thursday, April 22, 2021, file photo, former Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett speaks at a news conference to talk about overseeing a 2020 election ballot audit ordered by the Republican lead Arizona Senate at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. A judge hearing a challenge to voter privacy policies during the Republican-controlled Arizona Senate's recount of 2.1 million 2020 election ballots says he is not convinced voter secrecy is being upheld. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Voting rights groups urged the Department of Justice to "deploy federal monitors" in Arizona.

The groups are concerned about a Republican-led effort to "audit" the 2020 election.

That effort is being led by pro-Trump conspiracy theorists.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Voting rights groups are expressing grave concern over a Republican effort to "audit" the 2020 election in Arizona, pleading with the US Department of Justice to "deploy federal monitors" and safeguard some 2.1 million ballots in Maricopa County.

In an April 29 letter to the department's Civil Rights Division, lawyers with Brennan Center for Justice, Protect Democracy, and The Leadership Conference allege that the audit that began last week is threatening the very right to vote.

Cyber Ninjas was selected by Arizona's GOP-led state Senate despite not having any prior experience in elections. Its founder, Doug Logan, promoted "#StopTheSteal" conspiracy theories on his since-deleted Twitter account, suggesting he was selected not for his expertise but for his credibility with others who also believed former President Donald Trump's debunked claims of widespread election fraud.

In their letter requesting federal intervention, the lawyers say they believe Arizona Republicans and Cyber Ninjas are breaking the law.

"Specifically," they write, the parties "are violating their duty under federal law to retain and preserve ballots in federal elections, which are and have been in danger of being stolen, defaced, or irretrievably damaged." They also allege that the parties are "preparing to engage in conduct which will constitute unlawful voter intimidation in violating of the Voting Rights Act and other federal laws."

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice declined to comment.

Cyber Ninjas has thus far failed to divulge how exactly it plans to spot improprieties that were not detected in two previous audits by credible firms; in the first few days, its temp workers and partisan volunteers were seen holding up ballots to ultraviolet lights in an apparent effort to prove President Joe Biden's victory in the county was the product of fraud.

Story continues

That process placed ballots "in jeopardy of being irreparably damaged," the lawyers said.

The company has also impeded access for legitimate journalists - CNN reported Thursday that its journalists had trouble getting in even as granting special access has been granted to the far-right One America News Network, which is live-streaming the spectacle.

Maricopa County's Board of Supervisors, where Republicans hold a majority, certified Biden's victory last fall and fought the state party's efforts to hand ballots over to a pro-Trump third party.

Cyber Ninjas' methods are at the heart of litigation brought by the Arizona Democratic Party, which demanded they be made public. A state court agreed and the company on Thursday released three documents outlining its security procedures.

The party's chairman, state Rep. Raquel Teran, said in an interview with Insider earlier this week that the ballot counting is a "sham audit" intended to placate conspiracy theorists and justify new voting restrictions. The party is now reviewing the documents that were released.

Sen. Karen Fann, the Republican state Senate president who selected Cyber Ninjas, allocating it $150,000 to conduct the ballot count, has not responded to requests for comment.

Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com

Read the original article on Business Insider
MIAMI  More than two dozen advocacy groups are calling on Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, both Florida Republicans, to co-sponsor a bill that would put qualified Venezuelan Americans on the road to citizenship.

The bill would allow temporary protected status (TPS) recipients to apply for legal permanent residency.

The Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and in Emergency Act, known as the Secure Act, was introduced in March by Democratic Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin of Maryland; Dianne Feinstein of California; and Tim Kaine of Virginia.

Kathy Bird Carvajal, executive director of the IMPAC Fund, a nonpartisan group that aims to change policy through bipartisanship, says it makes most sense for Rubio and Scott to co-sponsor the bill because there are so many Venezuelans and other TPS holders in the state that can benefit from the bill if it became law.

The Biden administration announced in March that it would extend TPS to Venezuelans for 18 months. TPS is a temporary renewable benefit that grants protection from deportation and permission to work to people who are unable to return to their countries because of natural disasters, armed conflicts and other conditions.

Over 300,000 Venezuelans are estimated to qualify for TPS, and the majority live in Florida.

Apart from Venezuelans, there are over 400,000 people with TPS in the U.S. from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

The IMPAC Fund, which is the Florida chapter of the American Business Immigration Coalition, was one of 27 groups, including several Venezuelan organizations, who signed a letter sent to Rubio and Scott this week asking them to co-sponsor the bill.

Carvajal said the group is also calling on them to co-sponsor because of their track records on Venezuela."

"They've worked so hard to stand up for Venezuelans," she said, "not just here in our state or in our country, but also in Venezuela, promoting democracy there.

Story continues

Former President Donald Trump, who made Venezuela central to his Latin America policy, authorized deferred enforcement departure (DED) for Venezuelans on his last full day of office. It also protected them from deportation for 18 months and provided them the opportunity to apply for work permits, but did not give them an immigration status like TPS.

For years, Venezuelans have been fleeing political and economic turmoil in their home country including shortages of food and medicine as well as soaring inflation. Over 5 million refugees and migrants have fled the country.

Rubio is considered by Venezuelans a strong ally in their quest to remove President Nicolas Maduro from office.

In emails, neither U.S. senator directly answered whether they would support the Secure Act to put TPS holders on the road to legalization.

Ive long supported and called for TPS and DED for eligible Venezuelan nationals fleeing the Maduro narco-regime," Rubio said. "The priority of our policy towards Venezuela must be centered around the restoration of democracy and the end of an evil regime.

Scott said he was glad that the Biden administration last month granted TPS to Venezuelans fleeing the Maduro regime, "especially after Senate Democrats blocked Senator Scotts multiple attempts to get TPS done for Venezuelans.

Florida is an immigration state and Senator Scott has been clear that he supports legal immigration and a permanent solution for DACA," the senator said. "Immigration reform becomes much more simple once the border is secure and thats where the conversation must begin. President Biden and the Democrats caused this border crisis with their radical open borders and amnesty policies  which hurts hardworking Americans and the millions of immigrants going through the legal process.

Karen Garcia, 42, came from Venezuela in 2001 and volunteers for multiple Venezuelan organizations in Central Florida to help those who have recently arrived in the U.S.

She said that Rubio and Scott have been a voice for the Venezuelan community especially during critical situations in the country.

But she says that while the senators have focused on U.S. policy toward Venezuela, they have catered less toward the Venezuelan community in the state. Its imperative they do something for the Venezuelan community here, she said.

Follow NBC News Latino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
[April 30, 2021] Global Trade Management Software Market Report 2021: Market Opportunities in the Deployment of Software-as-a-Service and Cloud-Based Services

DUBLIN, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Trade Management Software Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Component, Deployment, Organization Size, and End User, Geography" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. In terms of revenue, the global trade management software market was valued at US$ 825.0 million in 2020 and is projected to reach US$ 1,748.4 million by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2021 to 2028.



The sales of trade management software are largely influenced by several economic and non-economic factors prevailing across the globe. Logistics & transportation, retail & consumer goods, and automotive sectors are expected to impact the growth of the trade management software market considerably. Besides, with the increasing import and export of medical devices and drugs, the healthcare & pharmaceutical industry is creating a huge demand for trade management software market globally.



The global trade management software market is majorly driven by the ease of using the software over the complexities faced during the use of traditional trade management approach. Moreover, the increasing adoption of cloud technology across the industries is driving the market. The integration of advanced technologies, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), advanced analytics, conversational systems, and robotic process automation (RPA), with trade management software is significantly driving the market. However, the rapidly changing nature of businesses and regulations require consistent change in technology and services. Also, the integration of advanced technologies is expected to provide substantial growth opportunity to the key players in this market.



Every business across the globe has diverse concerns related to trade management. These concerns are based on severl factors including product's geographical location of sourcing, manufacturing, and shipping.



Further, import and export volume of the products; compliance and security regulations of the delivery location; the multitude of Free trade agreements and Free-trade zones (FTAs and FTZs); number of partners involved in the supply chain; and the level of internal trade know-how are other key factors. Additionally, the need of any business may change on timely basis or depending on the location. Thus, businesses across the world are seeking for appropriate trade management solutions to simplify their global trade processes.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction



2. Key Takeaways



3. Research Methodology



4. Trade Management Software Market Landscape

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 PEST Analysis

4.3 Ecosystem Analysis

4.4 Expert Opinion



5. Trade Management Software Market - Key Market Dynamics

5.1 Market Drivers

5.1.1 Complexities in Global Trade Management

5.1.2 Cost Reduction and Real-Time Visibility

5.2 Market Restraints

5.2.1 Unexpected Expenses Caused by Changes in Regulations Related to Data Security

5.3 Market Opportunities

5.3.1 Deployment of Software-as-a-Service and Cloud-Based Services

5.4 Future Trends

5.4.1 Integration of Emerging Technologies in Trade Management Software

5.5 Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints



6. Trade Management Software - Global Market Analysis

6.1 Overview

6.2 Global Trade management software market Forecast and Analysis

6.3 Market Positioning - Global Market Players Ranking



7. Trade Management Software Market Analysis - By Component

7.1 Overview

7.2 Trade Management Software Market, By Component (2020 and 2028)

7.3 Solutions

7.4 Services



8. Trade Management Software Market Analysis - By Deployment

8.1 Overview

8.2 Trade Management Software Market Breakdown, By Deployment, 2020 and 2028

8.3 Cloud

8.4 On-Premise



9. Trade Management Software Market Analysis - By Organization Size

9.1 Overview

9.2 Trade Management Software Market Breakdown, By Organization Size, 2020 and 2028

9.3 Small Enterprise

9.4 Medium Enterprise

9.5 Large Enterprise



10. Trade Management Software Market Analysis - By End User

10.1 Overview

10.2 Trade Management Software Market Breakdown, By End User, 2020 and 2028

10.3 Retail & Consumer Goods

10.4 Automotive

10.5 Logistics & Transport

10.6 Healthcare & Pharma

10.7 Government, Aerospace & Defense

10.8 Chemicals & Minerals

10.9 Manufacturing



11. Trade Management Software Market - Geographic Analysis

11.1 Overview



12. Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak

12.1 Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Trade Management Software Market



13. Trade Management Software Market-Industry Landscape

13.1 Overview

13.2 Market Initiative

13.3 Key Export Control Management Companies

13.4 Trade Management Solution Competition Benchmarking



14. Company Profiles Amber Road, Inc.

Bamboo Rose LLC

Expeditors International of Washington , Inc.

, Inc. Integration Point, LLC

Livingston International

MIC

Oracle Corp

QAD, Inc

QuestaWeb

SAP SE For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/o40vc8 Media Contact: Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-trade-management-software-market-report-2021-market-opportunities-in-the-deployment-of-software-as-a-service-and-cloud-based-services-301281229.html SOURCE Research and Markets

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Empower Clinics Inc. (CSE:CBDT) (Frankfurt:8EC) (OTCQB:EPWCF) (the "Company" or "Empower") has determined that it will not be able to file its annual audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, and its related Management's Discussion and Analysis and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certifications (collectively, the "Required Filings"), by the prescribed filing deadline of April 30, 2021 (the "Filing Deadline"), and wishes to avoid prejudicing shareholders in the event that it is unable to do so.

The delay is primarily due to the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic and our inability to travel for audit purposes to our U.S. based subsidiaries. Further, the Company completed two acquisitions in late 2020 of private companies that had no prior audit experience, in addition an independent third-party valuation of the new subsidiaries has been required by our audit firm.

The Company has made an application to the British Columbia Securities Commission for a temporary management cease trade order ("MCTO") under National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203") which would restrict all trading in securities of the Company, whether direct or indirect, by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The issuance of an MCTO does not generally affect the ability of persons who are not directors, officers or other insiders of the Company to trade in securities of the Company.

This press release is available on the Empower Clinics Verified Forum on AGORACOM for shareholder discussion, questions and engagement with management https://agoracom.com/ir/EmpowerClinics

ABOUT EMPOWER:

Empower is an integrated healthcare company that provides body and mind wellness for patients through its clinics, with digital and telemedicine care, and world-class medical diagnostics laboratories. Supported by an experienced leadership team, Empower is aggressively growing its clinical and digital presence across North America. Our Health & Wellness and Diagnostics & Technology business units are positioned to positively impact the integrated health of our patients, while simultaneously providing long term value for our shareholders.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Steven McAuley

Chief Executive Officer

CONTACTS:

Investors:

Steven McAuley CEO

s.mcauley@empowerclinics.com

604-789-2146

Investors:

Tamara Mason

Business Development & Communications

t.mason@empowerclinics.com

416-671-5617

DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. 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. Forward-looking statements can frequently be identified by words such as "plans", "continues", "expects", "projects", "intends", "believes", "anticipates", "estimates", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders as a result of the acquisition of Kai Medical Laboratory; the transaction terms; the expected number of clinics and patients following the closing; the future potential success of Kai Medical Laboratory, Sun Valley's franchise model; launch of new healthcare centers and the occurrence thereof; that the Company can bring healthcare to millions of Canadians; that new healthcare services can be added and that the Company will be positioned to be a market- leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2020 and beyond. Such statements are only projections, are based on assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including: that Kai Medical Laboratory will successfully win any US Government RFP; that the MedX Health pilot program will be successful; that Empower will place the MedX Health teledermatology product in health centers in North America; that the Company's products may not work as expected; that the Company may not be able to expand COVID-19 testing; that the Company will be successful in its MCTO application; that legislative changes may have an adverse effect on the Company's business and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate financing to pursue its business plan; that the Company will be able to commence and/or complete build-outs and tenants improvements for Canadian clinics or Kai Medical Laboratory expansion inn 2Q 2021; that general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to obtain any necessary approvals in connection with the proposed transaction; and other factors beyond the Company's control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable laws.

SOURCE: Empower Clinics Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643652/Empower-Announces-Delay-in-Filing-of-Annual-Financial-Statements
Oregon has been steadily administering fewer COVID-19 vaccines over the last few weeks, reflecting a national trend that officials say can be attributed both to less supply of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and decreased demand in rural counties.

For months, eligible Oregonians clamored for shots, waking up at odd hours of the night in hopes of snagging sporadically available appointments.

Now, appointments in some areas that used to vanish within hours sit available for anyone willing to take them. Some counties are even turning down state deliveries of vaccines, saying they just dont need any more  all while nearly half of the eligible population has yet to get a shot.

Oregon Health Authority officials last month dreamed of administering 50,000 shots a day. But thats happened just twice since.

And state data now show a 17% drop in the daily average of administered shots. The rolling daily average fell from the April 11 peak of 42,911 shots to 35,429 April 25, reflecting not only a local, but a national decline in vaccinations.

Oregon Health Authority data show a peak in average doses delivered daily around the same time the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was most available. Administered doses have since declined, due not only to fewer availbale Johnson & Johnson doses, but also to less demand.

The health authority, which is leading the states response to the pandemic, said it is concerned that many Oregonians are choosing to not get vaccinated.

While demand still remains strong in many parts of Oregon, we have a long way to go and need everyone to get out and become protected from COVID-19 through vaccination, health authority spokeswoman Erica Heartquist said in an email, adding that the agency is working with community groups to build vaccine confidence.

Of the approximately 4.2 million people living in the state, nearly 30% are fully vaccinated, ranking Oregon 28th in the country. Fewer than 3.5 million are 16 and older  the age of eligibility  meaning 37% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated.

Per current estimates, about 85% of the overall population needs to be vaccinated or have recovered from a COVID-19 infection to reach herd immunity, which is when enough people are protected to dramatically curtail spread of the virus.

The reasons behind Oregons recent decline are likely a combination of a drop in both supply and in demand, the state said.

State allocations of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine dropped this month, Heartquist said, helping drive a nearly 20% drop in doses delivered to the state weekly, from an April 1 peak of 257,000 to about 206,000 April 22. The volume of vials sent directly to pharmacies has also declined, from a peak of about 150,000 doses the week of April 8 to about 70,000 a week now.

The decline in Johnson & Johnson doses was anticipated even before federal officials temporarily halted administration of the vaccine because of a one-time surge in vaccine shipments.

To keep vaccinating people at about the same peak rate the state reached earlier this month, Oregon would need to be getting about 300,000 fresh doses every week, Heartquist said.

The federal pause on the one-shot Johnson & Johnson, prompted by fears of potentially fatal side-effects, was likely a contributing factor to the decline in supply, Heartquist said, particularly for the retail pharmacies.

Given that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is again approved, Oregon health officials expect at least some numbers to start climbing again in the near future.

Less than a week since the ban was lifted, that change has yet to be seen, however, with less than 1,600 Johnson & Johnson doses reported administered this week, compared to nearly 7,800 in just one day before the ban was put in place.

The states vaccination data is known to lag for the most recent days, but its clear Johnson & Johnson shots have yet to catch up to earlier levels.

While the re-introduction of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine bodes well for a likely uptick in vaccinations, Oregon could still continue to experience an overall decline driven by factors not as clear-cut as dose supply and federal moratoriums.

If the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is taken out of the equation, state data show a 6% drop in Pfizer-BioNTech vaccinations April 11 to April 25. Every Oregonian 16 and older didnt become eligible for a vaccine until April 19.

Some Oregon counties appear to have given shots to just about everyone who has asked for one and have gone so far as to turn down fresh batches offered by the state. Last week, 12 counties turned down doses, telling the state theres no more demand, Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen told lawmakers at a committee hearing Wednesday.

Those same counties, he said, are among those with the lowest vaccination rates in Oregon.

Thats highly concerning that counties that are not very far along are also having a hard time finding people to get vaccinated, Allen said. And we are going to need to work to address that.

The change in the last few weeks has been palpable. A few weeks ago, appointments at the mass clinic at the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center in Salem would disappear within hours, Allen said. Now, its open season.

You can pretty much go there any day of the week now and get ample access to appointments, Allen told lawmakers.

People choosing not to get shots could prove doubly dangerous, because the more people the virus infects, the more opportunities it has to mutate.

More variants that are more easily transmissible can mean having more people vaccinated as needed to really control that spread, the states chief epidemiologist, Dr. Dean Sidelinger, said at the same hearing attended by Allen.

Still, Allen appeared confident in Oregons overall pace vaccinating the population, saying, Were actually kind of holding our own in terms of vaccinations.

Oregons drop in average daily administered doses fell 6 percentage points less than the drop seen nationally, and the states overall rate so far, at 88,837 shots administered for every 100,000 residents over 18, is 30th in the United States.

Allen did tout some good news, saying that vaccination rates among Latinos are catching up.

About a month ago, Latinx vaccinations rates were less than half of those among Oregonians as a whole, but have since grown to over half, Allen said.

The tools that were using, that we now are working with the community to accelerate, really are working, are generating a more rapid rate of vaccination, Allen said.

And Rachael Banks, director of the states public health division, said vaccinations among Latinos are growing at a faster clip than among whites, with 32% more people in the Latinx community vaccinated Monday than April 13, compared to 19% more whites.

Oregon now has a specific benchmark to work toward, committing to vaccinating 80% of the Latinx population by the end of August. The current rate is 21.9% partially or fully vaccinated, compared to 37.6% for whites, according to the Oregon Health Authority.

Having that North Star has, really, been phenomenal, said Banks.

-- Fedor Zarkhin

fzarkhin@oregonian.com; 503-294-7674
Right now we take a peek at online merch as the pr0n game continues to garner mainstream views and we check pop culture, community news and top headlines.



KCI COVID Comeback

Southwest Airlines to add, resume service to 9 US cities from KCI Southwest Airlines announced Friday that it will add or resume service to nine U.S. cities from Kansas City International Airport as part of a major systemwide expansion. Some cities are entirely new routes, while some are pandemic-related service restorations.The announcement comes as passenger numbers are on the increase as more and more Americans become vaccinated.

Nurses Play Catch On Plane

Kansas City nurses bound for Hawaii vacation deliver baby on flight KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A group of Kansas City-area healthcare workers was in the right spot at the right time Thursday. The right spot just happened to be on a Hawaii-bound flight in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The right time just happened to be when a fellow traveler went into labor in the airplane bathroom.

Doggy Style Stealing

Jackson County family looking for suspects after dog stolen from yard Ashley Hill said she never could have imagined a note she found in her mailbox several months ago would lead to the nightmare she says her family is living now. "It just breaks my heart to watch my kids," Hill said. "They have been praying and making cards for him."

Pr0n Star Q&A Exposed

Adult actress spills on favourite sex position - and what penis size she prefers A porn star has lifted the lid on her favourite sex position in a steamy Q&A session on Reddit. Kenna James, from Indiana and Missouri, US, works in the porn industry and has been on the cover of 15 magazines in six years.

India COVID Precaution

Biden administration expected to restrict travel from India starting Tuesday The Biden administration will restrict travel from India starting on Tuesday on the advice of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a White House official told CNN.

Progressives Racial Rebuke Uses Nasty Insults

Liberal media largely ignores 'Uncle Tim' slurs against Tim Scott after his Biden response Liberal media outlets almost completely ignored the "Uncle Tim" slurs that trended on social media against Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., after his rebuttal Wednesday to President Biden's address to Congress. Scott, the lone Black Republican in the U.S. Senate, infuriated progressives with his speech, which included remarks that the United States isn't a racist country.

Prez Biden Blame Game

'One god-awful mess': Biden lays border crisis on Trump admin's refusal to cooperate WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden blamed the Trump administration for ongoing problems at the U.S.-Mexico border, citing its failure to cooperate and share critical information during the presidential transition period. In an exclusive interview that aired Friday with "TODAY" show co-anchor Craig Melvin, Biden said his administration inherited "one god-awful mess at the border" from former President Donald Trump.

US Troop Vaxx Mandate Ahead

'A tough call': Biden considering mandatory Covid vaccines for U.S. troops The comments from the commander in chief come as the Pentagon has sounded the alarm about service members refusing the vaccine in large numbers, with roughly one-third of troops declining to take the shot as of February, according to congressional testimony from military officials.

Woke Wont Joke

'SNL' cast won't be forced to appear with controversial host Elon Musk "Saturday Night Live" cast members won't be forced to appear alongside controversial billionaire Elon Musk when he hosts the show, Page Six is told. "Speaking historically, if a cast member has been that unhappy, they don't have to do it," a source told us.

Golden Ghetto 100 Grand

100,000 doses: Johnson County health department announces the county has surpassed the mark by: Juan Cisneros Posted: / Updated: OLATHE, Kan. - The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment said the county has surpassed the 100,000 COVID-19 vaccine dose threshold at county vaccination clinics. JCDHE data shows 45% of eligible Johnson County residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 32% percent have been fully immunized.

Celebrate Black Coffee

Coffee for the culture: Porter House KC founders partner with Messenger to craft Black-owned coffee brand "It's more than coffee," said Dan Smith, who co-founded the brand, Black Drip Coffee, as well as the Porter House KC. "We always talk about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities through The Porter House. We drink coffee all the time, so why not have our own bean?

Perfect Weekend Then Rain

Your Storm Track 5 Daily Forecast Happy Friday everyone. What a great way to finish off a work week and the evening looks just as nice as our day has been. Clears skies are expected through the evening and overnight hours joined by a light but steady southerly breeze reaching no higher than 8 to 10 MPH through daybreak.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
EBONY Names Marielle Bobo Editor-in-Chief & Senior Vice President, Programming

EBONY, the iconic brand serving as the leading voice of the Black American experience for 75 years, has announced that Marielle Bobo has been tapped as Editor-in-Chief & Senior Vice President, Programming, effective immediately. Following its recent relaunch under new ownership, Bobos appointment signals the next milestone in the rebirth of EBONY and is a crucial part of its strategic expansion as a digital-first brand focused on building a platform for and by African Americans.

In her new role, Bobo will report to EBONY CEO Michele Ghee and oversee the development of editorial tone, video content, and the brands social media cadence across all platforms. Bobo brings with her a 20-plus-year career in media as well as a unique understanding of the power of content and creating key strategic partnerships.

Bobos most immediate priorities include the continued evolution of EBONYs website, growing EBONYs editorial team with the best and brightest talent in journalism and implementing a comprehensive digital strategy that honors the core elements of our brands legacy  innovative storytelling, compelling imagery, and long-and-short form content creation. I am honored to now lead the charge in reimagining this beloved brand. For 75 years, EBONY has chronicled the Black American experience, amplifying our culture, our joys and our struggles with grace, tenacity and beauty, said Bobo.

As the assault on Black bodies continues and a global pandemic ravages our communities, making sure the breadth of our stories is told is as important now as it was then. I pick up this mantle with a reinforced commitment to continuing that legacy of excellence  providing a safe space for talented Black creators and ushering in a new generation of readers through bold storytelling and impactful experiences that educate, engage and inspire.

ADVERTISEMENT

This appointment also marks a homecoming for Bobo who previously worked at EBONY for over five years as the Fashion & Beauty Director and as a key member of the creative team that produced its iconic covers. Additionally, Bobo has served in leadership roles with major media brands such as Essence and Urban One. Most recently, she led editorial direction and strategy for

Ayesha Currys AC Brands including Currys magazine, Sweet July. Bobo has also worked in various editorial roles with CosmoGirl, Womens Wear Daily, OK Magazine, and Allure. Bobo will launch her first digital cover for EBONY in May.

For more information, visit EBONY.com.
The reaction to the Government announcement on Thursday evening from the Restaurant sector is one of disbelief, confusion and frustration, the Restaurants Association of Ireland has said.

Their issues lies with the Governments decision to permit hotel and guesthouse restaurants to operate as normal for residents by offering indoor dining options from the proposed date of Thursday, June 2 whilst restricting independent restaurants, coffee shops and gastro pubs to outdoor dining only from June 7.

Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland said, We are calling on the Government to publish the medical and scientific evidence deeming a hotel or guesthouse Restaurant safer than an independent restaurant, coffee shop or gastro pub. Restaurants, hotels, cafes and gastropubs have all followed and implemented the exact same safety protocols for diners since June of last year. I want to be clear, if the medical advisors have decided it is now safe for indoor dining then Hotels should reopen  what we are asking for is Indoor Dining Equality and to reopen at the same time!

The decision to divide hotel restaurants and independent restaurants into two categories is an anti-competitive, inequitable decision and without medical, scientific or public health rationale, the association claimed.

"This also prohibits independent restaurant owners from functioning viably over the summertime and in fact prohibits the re-employment of approx. 110,000 workers.

"Over the last year independent restaurants, coffee shops or gastro pubs have introduced extensive Failte Ireland Guidelines and health and safety measures, relating to the training of staff, operation and layout of their facilities including social distancing and sanitisation.

"Finally, the Restaurants Association of Ireland is calling for a fair and equitable solution by allowing all independent restaurants, coffee shops or gastro pubs to reopen alongside Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurants."
Jack Cross served five years on the Galveston Central Appraisal Districts appraisal review board. He lives in Texas City.
A handful of progressive legislators gathered in the Situation Room early Wednesday with national security adviser Jake Sullivan to discuss the war in Yemen, multiple sources familiar with the meeting tell Axios.

Why it matters: This is the first confab of its kind at the White House with a group that's loudly criticized President Bidens actions on the humanitarian crisis in the region  signaling the administrations willingness to take their concerns seriously.

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Among the handful of members meeting with Sullivan were Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who also spoke by phone this week with U.S. special envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking.

Lenderking was traveling to the region Thursday, according to a White House press release.

He will stop in Saudi Arabia and Oman and meet with the UN special envoy for Yemen to discuss ensuring humanitarian assistance and promoting a ceasefire, among other issues.

The cooperation on the administration's part seems to have satisfied the legislators, at least for now.

One Democratic aide involved with the meetings told Axios they "appreciated the attentiveness."

Of course, this doesn't mean the tension will dissipate entirely.

The same Democratic aide says progressives will continue to watch the issue closely.

National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horne said in a statement: Were not going to comment on individual meetings but we regularly engage with lawmakers on progress towards our commitment to ending the catastrophic war in Yemen.

Between the lines: The war in Yemen  and the United States' role in it  is complicated.

Early in his administration, Biden called for an end to the U.S.' support for the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen, a decision met with praise from progressives.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also removed Yemen's Houthi rebels from the United States' list of foreign terrorist organizations, a reversal of a controversial designation implemented by the Trump administration.

Questions remain about the specifics of support that has been cut off and which military activities will continue.

The bottom line: Progressives' concerns extend beyond just the immediate declaration.

Story continues

This month, a group of 76 lawmakers, led by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), urged Biden to "publicly increase pressure" on Saudi Arabia to lift its blockade of Yemen.

Editors note: This story has been updated with NSC comment.

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Sarcastic post by Rome mayoral candidate goes viral but city says project is work in progress.

A newly asphalted bicycle track along Rome's river Tiber has become the target of derision since it was highlighted by a prominent candidate in the race to become the city's next mayor.

Carlo Calenda, leader of the liberal political party Azione, took to Twitter with a photo of the resurfaced bike path in a sarcastic post targeting Rome's mayor Virginia Raggi and her deputy, the transport councillor Pietro Calabrese.

Calenda's tongue-in-cheek tweet, shared hundreds of times, portrays Calabrese as Raggi's "court painter" who is asked by the mayor: "How can we further disfigure this ungrateful city?"

The court painter replies to say: "We have done everything possible to punish the Romans: dirt, traffic, decline," along with a reference to the city dropping the Olympics, to "make the Romans understand how unworthy they are."

When the mayor says: "That's not enough for me!," the court painter suggests "pouring asphalt" along the Tiber.

Calenda's post has kicked off a debate about the aesthetic quality of the works, which resurface an existing track, with many Romans describing the new bike path as an "eyesore."

However, in a post on Facebook, the city assembly's spokesperson Daniele Diaco said the project is a work in progress, with the tarmac the "first level" of the finished track.

"Not being able to dig (because it is an embankment) it was necessary to create a new layer to act as a base," wrote Diaco.

Suggesting that Calenda "should keep quiet," Rome's infrastructure councillor Linda Meleo said: "Making judgments before works are complete is premature and misleading for the citizens, especially for the cyclists who will use it, a maintenance that has not been carried out for over 15 years."

Una mattina la sindaca di Roma si sveglio corrucciata e chiese al pittore di corte Calabrese: come possiamo ulteriormente deturpare questa citta ingrata?. Mia sindaca, rispose il pittore, abbiamo fatto tutto il possibile per punire i romani: sporcizia, traffico, declino pic.twitter.com/g5JBSjxzk2 Carlo Calenda (@CarloCalenda) April 29, 2021
Defense attorney Clay S. Conrad and his client waited hours outside Judge Ramona Franklins courtroom, unsure whether they would be allowed in for an arraignment.

Franklin previously denied him entry into her courtroom, asking him to appear by Zoom. This time, he brought more than 10 criminal defense attorneys with him, to advocate for accountability: The public couldnt view her court proceedings in person or online, and Franklin faces a pending judicial complaint over what some defense attorneys say are illegal bail practices that harm defendants.

Ultimately, Conrad and his client on Thursday were both allowed inside court, as opposed to the client standing alone and being defended via Zoom  a defense Conrad called inadequate. And to the relief of the defense attorneys there to support them, the judge turned on her livestream so that the public could tune in as well.

Its almost embarrassing in this country that it would take this much effort to get a judge to follow the law, Conrad said. I cant do my job blindfolded.

Neither Franklin nor court coordinator Aileen Walker, who helps manage the court and its docket, returned a request for comment. Bailiff J.J. Salinas, who said he was relaying information from the court coordinator, cited the judges safety concerns over COVID-19 as the reason why attorneys are typically kept out of the gallery.

Conrad first stood alone in the courtroom as he spoke to the judge  who was not in court and appeared by Zoom  regarding the scheduled arraignment for his client, Brittney Mayfield. He raised that he was concerned about her constitutional rights, and Franklin then allowed Mayfield to enter. She made some of her court staff leave to keep as few people inside as possible, but some stayed or returned at different points in the arraignment.

Were still in the middle of a pandemic, she said. The court takes it very seriously.

Conrad said he understands COVID safety concerns, but not at the risk of violating the Constitution. Some defense attorneys have represented their clients via Zoom over the course of the pandemic, but many have been routinely appearing at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center to better confer with their clients before and during appearances.

Through their experience in other courts, the attorneys said other judges have mostly begun allowing people in their courtroom but are adhering to COVID protocols. If they arent allowed in, public access online is necessary to maintain open courts, they said.

Salinas first told Conrad on Thursday that he could not appear in person and could only speak to the judge over Zoom. He also informed the other attorneys on the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association Strike Force  a committee that supports lawyers they believe are being unfairly treated  that they wouldnt be given a link to the video conferencing platform to watch.

Defense attorney Murray Newman, who heads the strike force, said keeping the court closed to attorneys and the public gives the impression of impropriety.

If somebodys trying to conceal something, you have to ask yourself why, he said.

Salinas told the Houston Chronicle that access to the court would only be possible by viewing through a window outside the courtroom  an avenue which allows for sight and limited sound. Another bailiff, who was not wearing a mask, previously said access to Zoom was not allowed for the Chronicle because of COVID.

Courtroom capacity is officially listed at 21, and the space had a handful of court staff inside. At least nine people waiting for appearances sat close together on benches in the hall instead of waiting in the court, as they would have before the pandemic.

Court staff eventually turned on a video livestream that is technologically enabled for every district court after defense attorney Kate Ferrell contacted the Harris County District Clerks Office and people working with an administrative judge.

Franklin already faces scrutiny from the defense attorneys. They filed a judicial complaint against the judge in August 2020, claiming she routinely revokes bail in informal proceedings and re-jails people without notice or cause. In some cases, they said, a lawyer is not present.

As Conrad and Mayfield waited for her arraignment, another defendants mother was visibly irate when she heard her son was going to be taken back into custody on a $50,000 bond, higher than what she already paid to bail him out. She wasnt allowed into the courtroom and knocked on the door, angry she couldnt get inside to speak with Franklin.

Ferrell, a defense lawyer supporting Conrad, pointed to those types of complaints as a particular reason why she felt attorneys need to be present with defendants in front of Franklin.

You need to be in there, because your client might not come back out, she said.

Franklin, a Democrat, was elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. Her term expires in 2024.

Mayfield is charged with a misdemeanor and felony in an employee theft case. Franklin reset her first court setting when she wouldnt allow Conrad inside and he wasnt available by Zoom, he said.

In the reset setting, the arraignment did not take place since Franklin again told him that he and his client could not be in the courtroom at the same time, Conrad said. Franklin told him to file a memorandum, a legal document with arguments supported by case law.

In the memorandum filed Wednesday afternoon, he argued that Zoom is not always a sufficient place to represent a client. Attorneys cant entirely see or hear everything that is going on in the courtroom, and they cant privately confer with their clients, he said.

He added that disallowing him to be present violates Mayfields rights under the Sixth Amendment, which ensures the right to effective counsel, as well as two sections of the Texas Constitution. One of those sections requires that all courts shall be open.

Its really attacking the whole framework that youre entitled to effective assistance of counsel, Conrad said. This is really authoritarian stuff.

Because Franklin allowed both the attorney and his client to be physically present at the arraignment on Thursday, she said Conrads argument in the memorandum was no longer an issue.

The judge gave Mayfield bond conditions and asked both legal parties what they would request for her surety bond, which she already posted at $1,500. Bail primarily exists to ensure a defendants return to court.

Conrad said he wasnt aware that there was going to be a bond hearing, which is a formal setting where attorneys argue over bond amounts. Franklin answered that she always has bond hearings.

Prosecutors asked for a $3,000 surety bond in the felony theft case, but to Mayfields relief, Franklin kept her bond where it was.

Unlike in their previous appearances, Mayfield and Conrad left the courtroom together.

Gabrielle Banks contributed to this article.

samantha.ketterer@chron.com


remaining of

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This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here.

In the early 1950s, when Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk was one of the relatively few Black people in Nova Scotia, she applied to several nursing schools, but in most cases she did not even receive the courtesy of a reply.

Eventually, she was admitted to the Nova Scotia Hospital School of Nursing and in 1954 became its first Black graduate. She went on to work as a nurse for the next half-century, predominantly in psychiatry. She was also a community activist devoted to social justice, the education of Black youth and the well-being of older people.

Ms. Douglas-Yakimchuk died on April 15 at a hospital in Halifax, the capital. She was 89. She had tested positive for Covid-19 just a week before dying of it, her daughter Leslie Douglas-Shaw said.
Arizona based company QXM Solutions attended an annual event hosted by the Artisan Group which is an independent network of countertop professionals. Members of the trade group meet in Austin, TX every year to share best practices, review new products + services, and discuss the future of their industry. The Artisan Group includes many of the very best Stone Fabricators in the construction industry.

QXM Solutions was invited to showcase their new modern sales management solution called QXM PRO. The sales management solution is a subscription-based service that Fabricators use to track sales, calculate optimal job prices, customize quotes, and manage contracts + change orders. It is the first software solution for the industry that helps companies define profitable quotes by predicting accurate job costs and then assigning prices based on clients preferred pricing objectives. QXM PRO uses a proprietary pricing engine that suggests prices based on thousands of job factors and avoids the legacy approach of using fixed price lists.

QXM PRO was well received by the members of the Artisan Group. The members expressed their excitement to identify a solution that helps owners ensure their businesses are protected with every bid. Too often Fabricators are financially exposed to shifting material costs, variable labor rates for custom work, and their clients ongoing changes in project scope. QXM Solutions helps Fabricators safely bid new jobs with great confidence they have defined the right price.

Jon Lancto, the Artisan Group President, shared that QXM PRO is a revolutionary development for the estimating aspect of our industry regardless of which software you are currently using. No other estimating software comes preloaded with labor costs as a basis for reviewing your own or starting from scratch.

Aaron Martens, the CEO of QXM Solutions, was excited to introduce QXM PRO to the group of top Fabricators. He shared that QXM PRO is the result of years collaborating with a wide range of different Fabricators to ensure they designed a solution that could adapt to varying company sizes, equipment, artisan skill and types of work performed. Martens said Pricing a job correctly requires advanced tools that havent been available to specialty trades before. Its time to bring powerful pricing tools that are seamlessly integrated into a CRM, bidding, and contract management solution.

QXM SOLUTIONS:

QXM SOLUTIONS is a modern cloud-based, construction sales management software company focused on providing the stone industry with a solution that automates the sales process and improves estimating. By leveraging advanced technology and industry expertise, the company created QXM PRO to help Fabricators track new opportunities, estimate job costs, generate client quotes, manage contracts, and track change orders. QXM PRO helps owners optimize + control pricing while providing a real-time view of all sales activity to ensure their sales team is set to hit well defined financial goals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Send inquiries to press@qxmsolutions.com or visit https://www.qxmsolutions.com


Circuit Design Flows Engineer Austin , Texas , United States Hardware Summary

Posted: Apr 28, 2021 Role Number: 200243175 Do you want to utilize your engineering background to make big things happen? As part of our Digital Design Engineering group, you'll take imaginative and revolutionary ideas and determine how to turn them into reality! Join us, and you'll help crafting tools that allow us to bring customers experiences they've never before envisioned! We have an extraordinary opportunity for Circuit Design Flows Engineers. This is a highly visible role at the heart of a processor design effort, making a critical impact delivering products to market quickly. Key Qualifications We are looking for applicants with 1~2 years of experience in the development of SRAM/register file and EDA automation.

Proficient in scripting in Perl, Python and/or TCL, Shell.

Familiarity with Machine Learning to optimize flows and QA checks.

Familiarity with industry-standard circuit simulator and debug tools, and transistor level STA tools.

Knowledge of timing, power, noise and IR analysis.

Ability to provide automations for rapid and dynamic design needs. Description Imagine yourself at the center of our hardware development effort. Where you will collaborate with all fields, playing a strategic role of getting functional products to millions of customers quickly. You will have the opportunity to integrate and come-up with new insights, as well as work with a team of hardworking engineers. As a circuit design flows engineer for custom digital team, you will perform the following: Responsible for working with design/CAD team to implement new automation flows and QA checks Debug and provide quick solutions for digital IP designers and/or users. Define and develop QA checks to verify EDA views of SRAM and register files. Work collaboratively with the circuit team to define and maintain design flows and tools. Education & Experience BSEE / MSEE is required.


Two men injured as pickup slams into stopped garbage truck

PHUKET: Two men were injured when the driver of a pickup truck fell asleep at the wheel and ploughed into the back of a stopped garbage truck on Thepkrasattri Rd in Koh Kaew in the early hours of this morning (Apr 30).

accidentstransportSafety

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Friday 30 April 2021, 11:48AM

Lt ML Sanya Suksawat of the Phuket City Police was called to the scene, on the southbound lanes of Thepkrasattri Rd about 200 metres south of the Isuzu showroom, at about 3am.

Police together with Kusoldharm rescue workers arrived to find a black Phuket-registered Isuzu pickup truck with massive damage to its front.

The driver of the pickup truck, Sudjai Paponaking, 37, and a 35-year-old Myanmar national working for the Koh Kaew Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) as a garbage collector were injured in the accident.

Both men were rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Of note, the drivers airbag in the pickup truck deployed on impact, likely saving Mr Sudjai from critical injuries.

Before being sped off for medical treatment, Mr Sudjai told police that he fell asleep while driving and drove into the back of the garbage truck.

Police have yet to report the extent of Mr Sudjais and the Myanmar mans injuries, or whether police have asked Vachira hospital to perform an alcohol test on Mr Sudjai.

It has also yet to be explained how the Myanmar man came to be injured as the garbage truck suffered nearly no damage at all in the collision.

However, it was reported that the pickup truck and the garbage truck were both taken to Phuket City Police Station.
News Around the Republic of Mexico



WTTC Members Plan to Invest US $2.5 Billion in Mexico



At a global meeting in Cancun, member businesses of the World Travel and Tourism Council said they want to fund projects in four Mexican states - Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur and Jalisco.



Speaking at the WTTC's global summit in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Chris Nassetta, who is also the CEO of Hilton, said the investment will go to Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur, Jalisco and Yucatan and generate more than 100,000 jobs.



About 65% of the total investment, or $1.6 billion, will go to Quintana Roo, and in excess of $250 million will go to each of Baja California Sur and Jalisco. Nassetta didn't offer details about the projects, but much of the money is believed to be destined for the hotel sector.



The tourism news website Reportur reported that Nassetta; executives with Certares, a private equity firm and large investor in the tourism sector; and Apple Leisure Group, a travel and hospitality conglomerate, expressed interest in investing in Yucatan during meetings with Governor Mauricio Vila.



Nassetta expressed interest in the development of boutique and hacienda-style hotels in Yucatan, while Greg O'Hara, founder and senior managing director of Certares, said he was seeking to invest in projects that generate social and economic benefits and provide jobs for residents of the state.



Reportur said that O'Hara told Vila that he was very interested in learning more about beach destinations in Yucatan as well as the state's haciendas - developed during the henequen boom - and cenotes, or natural swimmable sinkholes.



Alejandro Zozaya, CEO of Apple Leisure Group, spoke to Vila about the possibility of increasing that company's tourism offerings in Yucatan. Zozaya and the governor discussed the nature-oriented, adventure, cultural and archaeological tourism sectors as well as the state government's "365 days in Yucatan" tourism promotion campaign, Reportur said.



Apple Leisure Group is reactivating previously announced plans to invest $1 billion in the construction of hotels in various states of Mexico. Zozaya said that the new hotels will have a combined total of about 3,000 rooms.



Sources: El Economista, Reportur



Original article Member companies of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) will invest US $2.5 billion in projects in four Mexican states, the WTTC chairman announced Monday.Speaking at the WTTC's global summit in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Chris Nassetta, who is also the CEO of Hilton, said the investment will go to Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur, Jalisco and Yucatan and generate more than 100,000 jobs.About 65% of the total investment, or $1.6 billion, will go to Quintana Roo, and in excess of $250 million will go to each of Baja California Sur and Jalisco. Nassetta didn't offer details about the projects, but much of the money is believed to be destined for the hotel sector.The tourism news websitereported that Nassetta; executives with Certares, a private equity firm and large investor in the tourism sector; and Apple Leisure Group, a travel and hospitality conglomerate, expressed interest in investing in Yucatan during meetings with Governor Mauricio Vila.Nassetta expressed interest in the development of boutique and hacienda-style hotels in Yucatan, while Greg O'Hara, founder and senior managing director of Certares, said he was seeking to invest in projects that generate social and economic benefits and provide jobs for residents of the state.said that O'Hara told Vila that he was very interested in learning more about beach destinations in Yucatan as well as the state's haciendas - developed during the henequen boom - and cenotes, or natural swimmable sinkholes.Alejandro Zozaya, CEO of Apple Leisure Group, spoke to Vila about the possibility of increasing that company's tourism offerings in Yucatan. Zozaya and the governor discussed the nature-oriented, adventure, cultural and archaeological tourism sectors as well as the state government's "365 days in Yucatan" tourism promotion campaign, Reportur said.Apple Leisure Group is reactivating previously announced plans to invest $1 billion in the construction of hotels in various states of Mexico. Zozaya said that the new hotels will have a combined total of about 3,000 rooms.



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School students arrive for the first day school in Brisbane, Australia, May 11, 2020. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

Newly Proposed Curriculum Faces Harsh Criticism For Removing the History of the Western World and Democracy

The newly proposed changes to the Australian curriculum, which removes references to the nations democratic and Christian heritage, have been strongly criticised by experts and educators, with some calling the proposed changes radical left-wing.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) revealed its proposal yesterday to increase the amount of content on culture, history, and perspectives of Indigenous Australians throughout the national curriculum.

Bella dAbrera, director of the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) Foundations of Western Civilisation Program, called for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to reject the radical new curriculum.

ACARAs extreme proposal would completely remove all references to Christianity, to Ancient Greece, and to the freedoms given to us through the values and institutions of Western Civilisation, DAbrera said. This is basic knowledge that every Australian school child should be taught.

Under the proposed changes, the term invasion will be used when students are taught about the history of the First Fleet and European settlement, and in Year 9, students will learn to analyse the impact of invasion, colonisation, and dispossession of lands by Europeans on the First Nations Peoples of Australia.

Demonstrators attend a Black Lives Matter protest following protests in the United States in Melbourne on June 6, 2020. (Con Chronis/AFP via Getty Images)

Education Minister Alan Tudge had concerns over some proposed changes.

He said he did not want students to be turned into activists and that he just wanted students to be taught the facts.

I think we should honour our Indigenous history and teach that well, he told Sky News. Equally, that should not come at the expense of dishonouring our Western heritage which has made us the liberal democracy that we are today.

Historian Geoffrey Blainey had the same sentiment as Tudge and said indigenous history should not be taught at the expense of classical and Western civilisations.

People walk past a statue of Captain James Cook stands in Sydneys Hyde Park on August 25, 2017, (William West/AFP via Getty Images)

Ancient Rome surely did at least as much as Uluru to shape the modern Australian way of thinking and living, Blainey told The Australian.

However, dAbrera said the changes might mean students could be learning historical lies, noting that students will be taught the discredited Dark Emu version of history, which says that Indigenous people had sophisticated political, economic, and social organisations.

Further, she noted that proposed changes would mean Year 8 students would no longer be taught about the fundamental freedoms that enable participation in Australian democracyincluding freedom of speech, association, and religion.

Instead, high school students will be taught to participate in democracy through the use of lobby groups, standing as an independent, and direct action.

This is licensing children to unlearn the freedoms of our democracy and is turning them into political activists, she said.

Meanwhile, Indigenous advocates are welcoming the proposal saying they had been pushing for change for decades.

National Indigenous Youth Education Coalitions coordinator Haley McQuire told SBS News she was ecstatic.

Beyond just reconciliation, this is really about justicetelling the truth about history and really grounding young people in the foundations of this country is essential to our future, McQuire said.

Perplexing Maths Curriculum Proposals

The new curriculum will also delay teaching kids how to tell the time and basic multiplication tables by one yeara change Tudge called perplexing.

They are saying that times tables should be taught in Grade Four rather than Grade Three. Not sure about that, Tudge said. I want to see the standards raised, not diminished.

Kindergarten students work on the activity at Annandale Public School in Sydney, Australia, May 25, 2020.(AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

ACARA chief executive David de Carvalho said students were good at knowing the rules of mathematics, but not good at understanding the reasons for those rules. He wanted children to understand the principles behind multiplication before reciting the tables.

Glenn Fahey, a research fellow in education policy for the Centre for Independent Studies, told The Daily Telegraph it was crystal clear that rote learning was important for maths as well as spelling.

Some educators have got a resistance to these techniques because they feel it can be boring for students, he said. But this material is necessary as a foundation for some of the interesting inquiry-based topics.
Vilnius, Lithuania, 2021-04-30 16:57 CEST -- We are providing audited financial statements of UAB "Terseta" for the year 2020, management report and the statements by the responsible persons within the issuer. A spin-off of the Company was completed on the 25th of November, 2020, by separating a part of the activities of the Company, related to management and lease of real estate located on the Juozapaviciaus str. 13, Vilnius, by transferring this activity into a newly established company - UAB "J13", registration code 305663041, 100% of shares of UAB "J13" are owned by sole shareholder - closed ended real estate investment fund for informed investors Lords LB Baltic Fund IV Net revenue of the Company were equal to 1,477,986 EUR in 2020 (2,172,471 EUR in 2019). Net revenue were lower compared to 2019 due to the transferred activities according to spin-off terms and lower occupancy of the Investment assets during 2019. Company continues its activities of management and lease of the newly acquired (December, 2020) real estate property, located on the Gedimino avenue 7, Vilnius (former Vilnius Post Office building) and no structural changes in the Company's operations are planned. Company is seeking to prepare all necessary documents to receive a building permit and carry out major repair works of the newly acquired real estate property on Gedimino avenue 7, by preparing and adapting the building to new tenants in 2021. More information in the audited financial statements of UAB "Terseta" for year 2020 and other attachments. Rytis Zaloga CEO Phone: +370 650 32044 Email: rytis.zaloga@lordslb.lt Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=856536
COLUMBUS, Ohio  At a time when interactions between racial and ethnic minorities and the judicial system have reached an inflection point, a new organization of Ohio judges seeks to boost the number of Black judges on the bench.

Leaders of the Ohio Black Judges Association also hope to serve as a collective voice to address social and racial injustice.

We are committed and passionate about our responsibilities to have a distinct role in addressing issues regarding the administration of justice, said Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals Judge Emmanuella Groves, the incoming chair of the Ohio Black Judges Association, according to Court News Ohio.

Of the 723 judgeships in Ohio, just 56 are held by African Americans.

Thats 7.7%, much lower than the 13.1% of Ohioans who are Black or African American, according to the U.S. Census.

We believe our collective voice will be impactful, Groves said.

The association formed in January to serve as a resource for Black judges continuing their legal education and to encourage more young Black people to enter the legal field.

Now is the time for Black judges to come together, said Judge Algenon Marbley, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

The judiciary is at an inflection point where we are increasingly called upon to resolve, in the first instance, matters of social and racial justice, he said. ...How we do our jobs is important, in either retaining or restoring our citizens faith in government generally and in an independent judiciary in particular.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart swore in the associations leaders at a recent virtual meeting.

The officers of the organization took an oath to do their part to eradicate racial and any invidious bias from our judicial process, she said. This is a goal to which all of us in the justice system should aspire.

Ohio Chief Justice Maureen OConnor said theres a need to increase diversity on the bench, as well as within the ranks of lawyers and magistrates. She told the group it would create new value within our justice system by your determination to work for fairness and equality under the law.

Im encouraged by what Ive heard thus far as your goals, and I believe that diversity is at the top of your list, she said.

More coverage:

Ohio ranks below national average in percentage of women holding elected city, township offices

Memorial grove for Ohio coronavirus victims, survivors to be planted in Great Seal State Park

Ohio reports 1,786 new coronavirus cases: Thursday update

Black lawmakers concerned about amending Ohio Constitution to change redistricting deadlines: Capitol Letter

Wolstein Center coronavirus mass vaccination clinic will be open extra 4 weeks, now accepting walk-ins

Ohio Supreme Court to hear Newburgh Heights, East Cleveland traffic camera case
US-based aircraft manufacturer announced a $10-million emergency aid for India to support the country's response against the second wave of The assistance from Boeing will be directed to organisations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling Covid-19. Boeing houses a total of 3,000 employees in India, in addition to valued local customers, suppliers, and business partners.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has devastated communities across the globe, and our hearts go out to our friends in India who are going through a very difficult time. Boeing is a global citizen, and in India we are directing our pandemic response to the communities most impacted by this recent surge of cases," said Dave Calhoun, president and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company.

"Boeing not only stands in solidarity with the Indian people in their effort to confront this pandemic, we will be a part of the solution. We will continue to monitor the pandemic response in India and work to support our employees, customers, and partners through this crisis," Calhoun said.

Boeing will partner with local and international relief organisations and deploy $10 million fund in the areas of greatest need. This will be done in consultation with medical, government and public health experts.

India is Boeing's one of the largest markets with multiple Indian airlines -- Air India, Vistara and SpiceJet -- operating its aircraft.

Boeing also has a joint venture with Tata, which manufactures parts and major components for products across the enterprise portfolio.
Report reveals Australian politicians endorsing anti-China separatist group with links to al-Qaeda, ISIS

Xinhua) 15:06, April 30, 2021

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Some Australian politicians, including a minister in Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government, are actively promoting an anti-China separatist organization with links to al-Qaeda and ISIS, said a report recently released by an Australian political group.

Assistant Defence Minister Andrew Hastie, South Australian Independent Senator Rex Patrick, and other politicians are championing the East Turkistan Australian Association (ETAA), a group that purports to represent Uyghur Muslims from China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, said the report by the Australian Citizens Party (ACP).

"It is undeniable that the ETAA is associated with, and promotes, known extremists, including people who effectively endorse violent jihad but call for the thousands of Uyghur Muslims fighting in Syria alongside al-Qaeda and ISIS to wage their jihad against the 'real enemy', China," said the report.

The report reviewed the ETAA's history and its connection with several extremist groups, saying they are self-declared enemies of China with extremist links that any country would see as a security threat, and a disturbing history of racially-charged hostility towards Chinese people.

The report said most of the politicians who have taken up the ETAA's cause are known anti-China "hawks" heavily involved in Anglo-American neoconservative networks that are aggressively pushing for confrontation with, and economic decoupling from China.

The ACP called on the Australian government to be cautious about the negative implication the connection between its politicians and the group associated with extremists could bring to the bilateral relations with China.

"Terrorism is never OK, so what message are we sending to the Chinese people -- our biggest trading partners -- when our politicians promote a group associated with extremists who excuse terrorism if it's against China, and call for violent al-Qaeda/ISIS-allied Islamists to wage their jihad in China?" it warned, pointing out that what these politicians are doing "is a dangerous precedent" China "cannot and will not ignore."

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
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The US has started withdrawing its final combat troops from Afghanistan  a move that would mark the end of the nations longest war.

Twenty years after US and UK forces invaded the South Asian nation in a bid to capture or kill Osama bin Laden in the aftermath of the attacks of 9/11, it was reported the last of 2,500 US forces still based there were finally leaving.

The invasion, part of George W Bushs so-called war on terror, resulted in the deaths of more than 3,500 coalition forces, and an unknown number of Taliban fighters, as well as thousands of Afghan civilians.

For all the blood spent, and devastation wrought, large swathes of the nation remain in Taliban control.

Meanwhile, Bin Laden was located holed-up in a compound in Pakistan, a purported US ally, where he was killed in a raid by US special forces in 2011.

A drawdown is underway, White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday. While these actions will initially result in increased forces levels, we remain committed to having all of US military personnel out of Afghanistan by September 11, 2020.

At its peak in 2011, the US had around 100,000 soldiers based in the country. CNN was the first to report that the remaining 2,500 troops  the smallest number in two decades  had started the process of leaving.

It said that less than 100 troops and their equipment had left the country, largely by aircraft, following Joe Bidens order to begin the process no later than May 1.

 Father's Day in Afghanistan

The decision  which was opposed by US hawks in Washington DC  was negotiated by Donald Trump, and there had been some speculation Mr Biden would decide to reverse that decision.

But earlier this month, in a speech at the White House, Mr Biden said the time had come for the troops to return.

War in Afghanistan was never meant to be a multigenerational undertaking, Mr Biden said. We were attacked. We went to war with clear goals. We achieved those objectives.

He added: It is time to end the forever war.

His words echoed those of Mr Trump, who had engaged in negotiations with the Taliban, about the future of Afghanistan, and the removal of US forces. A deal was signed in February 2020 in Qatar, by US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representative Abdul Ghani Baradar.

I really believe the Taliban wants to do something to show that were not all wasting time, Mr Trump said in Washington hours after the agreement was concluded. If bad things happen, well go back.

The move by the US has been echoed by Britain. While the UK withdrew all regular troops from Iraq in 2011, around 750 soldiers remained in Afghanistan to train Afghan forces.

There are no accurate figures for the numbers of Afghans who have lost their lives (Getty Images)

British defence secretary Ben Wallace said this month any attacked on its soldiers as they prepared to leave would be met with a forceful response. At least 450 British soldiers have lost their lives there over the past two decades.

The people of Afghanistan deserve a peaceful and stable future, said Mr Wallace. As we draw down, the security of our people currently serving in Afghanistan remains our priority and we have been clear that attacks on Allied troops will be met with a forceful response.

There was no immediate response to inquiries from the Pentagon.

But long-time peace activist Medea Benjamin, founder of the group Code Pink, told The Independent she welcomed the news.

Im delighted to hear that  its better late than never, but its important that its happening, she said.

[The Afghan civilians] have been through decades of war. Ive been to Afghanistan many times, and you meet people who have suffered from one conflict or another for decades. Its intergenerational now. And its devastating that the US presence has continued that trajectory.

Ms Benjamin said while she welcomed news of US troops being withdrawn, it was also important to continue to monitor the actions of private military contractors who may remain in the country, or possible air strikes by the US.

As with Iraq, there is no agreed upon figure for the number of civilians in Afghanistan who have lost their lives during the past 20 years.

A report published earlier this year by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMA) documented some 8,820 civilian casualties, including 3,035 deaths and 5,785 injuries in 2020. That represented about 15 per cent less than in 2019.


PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa appears to have given up on the fight for the removal of West-imposed sanctions and is shifting focus to internal sources of finance for key government projects.

The country has been under sanctions since 2001 from the United States and the European Union in response to human rights violations and alleged electoral theft by the late former President Robert Mugabe.

Mnangagwa, who took over power in a November 2017, after the military ended Mugabes 37-year reign, embarked on politics of re-engagement with the hope of pushing the West to remove the sanctions, which he claims was hurting the country by shutting the much-needed lines of credit.

But critics say human rights violations have increased under his leadership and the US has renewed the sanctions regime, adding new names to the list.

Mnangagwa even cajoled the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the African Union into supporting his anti-sanctions crusade, but that has also failed to sway the West.

Speaking at the launch of the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) Holdings Ltd in Harare yesterday, Mnangagwa said the project should close the gaps left by the sanctions imposed by the West on the country.

The AFC Holdings will also meet the financial gaps which resulted following the withdrawal of support after the imposition of illegal economic sanctions, he said.

Now that the irreversible land reform programme is behind us, collective focus must be on production, productivity, profitability and sustainability of the agriculture sector.

To achieve this, my administration saw it fit to develop unique and responsive alternative financial solutions such as portfolios we are launching today. These and other strategies should make our agriculture sector work better for our economy.

Mnangagwa, who once said sanctions should not be used as an excuse for failure, said his government was focused on realigning policies to support the agriculture transformation in line with his national development strategy and Vision 2030.

The AFC Holdings will have four subsidiaries, including the Land Bank, meant to ensure long-term financing of the sector. It will also have a leasing company and an insurer among its subsidiaries.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba took to microblogging site Twitter before Mnangagwas speech saying:: We have come to realise we are on our own. With the people, the land and God, Zimbabwe has all it takes to prosper.

The President urges Zimbabweans to be a thinking people who are not run on foreign ideas which operate uninterrogated.

Mnangagwa also urged youths to use their talent locally and not be fascinated about going overseas for employment and relying on others.

This requires the minds of the younger generation to cease to look across the seas for employment, but use their own inherent talent as boys and girls to develop their mother land, he said.

Mnangagwa told local farmers to look for potential international markets. We realised we have a market for one days breakfast in China and that is a huge market, he said.

The results achieved to date under the second republic are due to bold decisive and sometimes painful but focused planning coupled with timely implementation.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa ordered Agriculture minister Anxious Masuka to find replacements to English names on dams such as Causeway and Silverstream. Newsday
How many Standard Hotels can Fitzroy handle? Developer DealCorp has struck a deal with international accommodation chain, The Standard Hotel, for a site in the heart of Fitzroy.

The 1132 sq m site is at 62 Rose Street, on the corner of Fitzroy Street, where, walking south past Johnston Street, you can also find one of the suburbs best pubs, the Standard Hotel, which has been in situ since 1865.

DealCorp has struck a deal with cult international accommodation chain The Standard Hotel. Credit:

The anything but standard Standard Hotel started in Los Angeles on the Sunset Strip 20 years ago but closed this year due to rising rents. A familiar story.

The new Melbourne hotel is one of seven in the international pipeline, including Porto, Lisbon, Brussels, Hua Hin, Bangkok and Singapore. Existing hotels operate in New York, Miami, London and the Maldives.
A New Mexico police officer got back up and returned fire at a suspect after he was shot, according to newly released footage. (Las Cruces Police Department)

New Mexico Officer Shot by Alleged Cop-Killer Gets Back Up, Returns Fire

A New Mexico police officer got back up and returned fire at a suspect after he was shot, according to newly released footage this week.

The video shows Las Cruces police officer Adrian De La Garza involved in a chase while pursuing a suspect who allegedly shot and killed New Mexico state police trooper Darian Jarrott during a traffic stop, according to KFOX.

Investigators said that Omar Felix Cueva, the suspect, drove down Interstate 10 after shooting Jarrott 11 times. Previously released footage from New Mexico State Police showed the incident unfold.

The new police camera footage from De La Garza showed the officer stop Cueva within seconds. He then emerged from his vehicle and came face-to-face with Cueva before a shootout ensues, which left Cueva dead, according to KFOX. During the exchange, the officer was shot before getting back up and returning fire.

According to the New Mexico State Police in a news release, Jarrott first initiated a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet pickup on Interstate 10 on Feb. 4 before Cueva shot him point-blank.

When he exited the truck, Cueva, according to police footage, was holding a small rifle. He then fired several shots at Jarrott as he was walking around the rear of the vehicle, officials said.

Cueva fired several more rounds at Officer Jarrott who was struck by gunfire and killed. As Cueva ran toward the front of the truck on the passengers side, he shot Officer Jarrott point-blank in the back of the head, said the news release.

De La Garza was struck by gunfire and was airlifted to a trauma hospital in Texas where he was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries, said police.

Officers also rendered aid to Cueva until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene, officials said in the release.
Nigerian comedienne cum actress Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess, has once again shared more details about all that transpired in the CCTV footage that captured when her colleague, Olarenwaju Omiyinka aka Baba Ijesha allegedly raped her daughter.

During an Instagram live chat on Thursday night, Princess, alongside her colleague, Iyabo Ojo, said I watched Baba Ijesha molest and lick my daughter non-stop for 30 minutes on the CCTV.

Princess also mentioned that Baba Ijesha confessed to committing the crime because he was sexually impotent.

The comedienne made the shocking revelations hours after she and Iyabo stormed State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, where the alleged perpetrator is being held.

She and some of her friends including Iyabo, had gone to Panti following reports that Baba Ijesha was going to be released on bail on Friday.

During the Instagram live video, she also accused her colleague, Saheed Balogun, of trying to secure the embattled actors release.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu at a press briefing on Thursday clarified that the 48-year-old actor was held for alleged sexual assault and not rape.

Mr Odumosu said the case of defilement is still under investigation and needs to undergo scientific investigation. He stated that sexual assault is a bailable offence.

Details

The comedienne said she painfully monitored on her mobile phone how he licked her from head to toe for thirty minutes. How many adults can stomach that? and was doing all sorts that I cant even say.

She said she made the video to clear rumours making rounds about the allegations. She said some bloggers said the victim was not raped but was merely sexually assaulted.

However, Iyabo Ojo said the matter is seen as a norm and no big deal because of the lack of education and integrity in the society.

Princess said the victim has revealed everything that happened and Baba Ijesha has admitted to raping her.

Recounting the aftermath of the drama, Princess said, The victim was asked to write statements, from morning she wrote the statement, from the morning she wrote the statement, in the afternoon, she was questioned till night, almost 8:30, a young child, she went through a lot.

What is most painful is that people are looking for validation for something as wrong as this. What matters is that children are meant to be protected, children are not playthings that you fiddle with, children are not human or ladies that you perform sexual acts on.

Referring to Yomi Fabiyi, an angry Princess said, she prays Baba Ijeshas children to experience such while she champions the campaign to seek justice for them.

Referring to Nigerias incarceration system, she said Baba Ijesha would have been detained in a solitary prison. How can we in Nigeria normalise sexual violation, an adult performing a serious sexual act on a child for thirty minutes?, she queried.

Also a victim of rape by a relative, Iyabo said people should refrain from blaming the victims mother. She said sexual violations can be perpetrated by relatives, and they usually build fear in their victims in order to conceal the terrible acts.

A house divided

Since the news came to the fore, several Yoruba actors have expressed divergent views on the matter.

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While Iyabo berated her colleague, Yomi Fabiyi for supporting Baba Ijesha, Femi Branch on Thursday issued a stern warning to people who are sympathetic to the actors plight,

Femi said, There is a curse on anyone that says anything in support of Baba Ijesha and what he did. There is a curse, so be careful.

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Similarly, Helen Paul on her Instagram urged parents to be friendly with their wards and build interaction, not fear in them.

The footage

Parts of the scenes of the alleged sexual assault released Thursday showed how the comic actor allegedly caught pant down, sitting on the floor, and pleading for forgiveness while being questioned by Princess and other people.

In the two- minute video, Baba Ijesha could be seen and repeatedly heard echoing, Please forgive me, I wont do it again.

He said, please forgive me, I know I have hurt you, but please forgive me. I know I have done something wrong, please forgive me because of God, Im begging you. You will never be put to shame. I dont know what came over me, if you must take me away, please let me kill myself, please, Have mercy on me, I said Im sorry.

When asked why he sexually harassed the minor for seven years, Baba Ijesha repeatedly said, Im very sorry.
CHICAGO, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - CIBC Innovation Banking today announced it has extended a $12.5 million credit facility to CollegeNET, Inc., a software provider to colleges and universities. The credit facility will be used to further scale CollegeNET's business.

CollegeNET, Inc. designs and builds on-demand SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) technologies used by colleges and universities for event and academic scheduling, recruitment and admissions management, AI/supercomputer video interviewing services, and electronic academic records delivery.

"Based on our new, patented StandOut technology, we can now scale video interviewing through AI/Supercomputing to thousands of candidates while delivering the real candidate to employers and universities," said James Wolfston, CollegeNET's Chief Executive Officer and Founder. "CIBC's financing will help us accelerate our growth ambitions."

CIBC's Innovation Team specializes in providing banking services including financing to start-up and early stage companies.

"We are pleased to have been chosen by CollegeNet for their financing needs," said Jeremy Epstein, Managing Director and Market Lead, CIBC US Innovation Banking. "Our team recognizes the evolution in the college application and interview process and we are excited to provide this financing to support CollegeNET's further growth.

About CIBC

CIBC (NYSE: CM) (TSX: CM) is a leading North American financial institution with 10 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services in the United States, across Canada and around the world. In the U.S., CIBC Bank USA provides commercial banking, private and personal banking and small business banking solutions and CIBC Private Wealth offers investment management, wealth strategies and legacy planning. Visit us at cibc.com/US.

CIBC Innovation Banking delivers strategic advice, cash management and funding to North American innovation companies at each stage of their business cycle, from start up to IPO and beyond. With offices in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Denver, Menlo Park, Montreal, Reston, Toronto and Vancouver, the team has extensive experience and a strong, collaborative approach that extends across CIBC's commercial banking and capital markets businesses in the U.S. and Canada.

SOURCE CIBC Bank USA
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson wearing a face covering due to CCP virus pandemic, arrives back at 10 Downing Street in central London on April 28, 2021. (Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP via Getty Images)

Security Concern Rises as PMs Phone Number Stayed Online for 15 Years

Security concerns have risen after reports came out saying Prime Minister Boris Johnsons phone number has been publicly available online for 15 years.

British news outlets reported that Johnsons number was on a think tank release in 2006 when he was shadow higher education minister and was never deleted.

Lord Peter Ricketts, the former national security adviser in David Camerons government, said that theres a risk of the phone being tapped by a hostile state.

I know that modern systems like WhatsApp are end-to-end encryptednonetheless, I think one would be worried if a hostile state who had sophisticated capabilities, had the mobile phone number itself, Ricketts told the BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Friday.

That must increase the risk that theyre able to eavesdrop on some at least of the communications that are going on, and possibly other non-state actors as well, like sophisticated criminal gangs, he said.

There is no way of knowing whether thats true, but there must at least be an increased risk if the number is widely available.

Ricketts said the most senior politicians in sensitive positions have to accept that they shouldnt be in a position where anyone who once had your phone number can get to you when you are a prime minister.

He said it is one of the inconveniences of being a prime minister, but its for the PMs own interest to be much more digitally secure than seems to be the case now.

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said that its obviously a serious situation when asked about the PMs phone number while campaigning for the upcoming election in Hull, East Yorkshire.

It carries a security risk, Starmer said. And he was warned about it. That tells its own story.

Starmer said a lot of people will be concerned about the matter.

Because whats come out in recent weeks is privileged accessthose that can WhatsApp the Prime Minister for favours.

Recently leaked text exchanges showed that Johnson personally promised Dyson he would fix an issue over the tax status of his employees at Dyson Ltd. after he was directly lobbied by the entrepreneur.

Dyson, 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 making of ventilators needed in the early days of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic.

Both had said they did nothing wrong.

Starmer said the PMs number being publicly available is further evidence that theres essentially one rule for them and another rule for everybody else.

Starmer added that he had changed his number when becoming director of public prosecutions and had kept his number secure since then.

Home Office minister Victoria Atkins insisted that Boris Johnson was aware of his responsibilities on national security.

The Prime Minister, more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security, she told Times Radio Breakfast.

Im slightly surprised that a national broadcaster felt it appropriate to advertise the fact that that mobile phone is on the internet if indeed it is.

She added that she believed the public was not particularly interested in the issue.

Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said that he believed all security protocols have been followed.

As far as Im aware all security protocols have been followed, Sunak said during a visit to the Northern School of Art in Hartlepool, Northeast England.

Part of what makes the prime minister special is that he is an incredibly approachable individual.

You see it wherever he is out and about, people feel they can relate to him, they can talk to him, they can tell him whats on their mind, Sunak said.

Thats important as politicians for us to be able to hear that and then deliver on it.

The Chancellor said that not a single person in Hartlepool has brought up the issue while talking to him, and that they talked about jobs, the freeport, and the economy instead.

PA contributed to this report.
On Wednesday, Bainum notified a special committee of the Tribune Publishing board that he would increase his commitment to $300 million. Bainum, who wants to own The Baltimore Sun and sell the rest of the portfolio, has buyers lined up for the chains other titles, but not the flagship paper in Chicago, a source close to the situation said.
Imagine youre a 19-year-old looking forward to starting a new life in another state. You find an incredibly good deal for an apartment and sign on, sight unseen. A week later you realize youve mistakenly moved yourself into a senior citizen apartment complex.

According to a report by Insider, thats what happened to Madison Kohout, who recently relocated from Oklahoma to Arkansas.

Shes documented her experience on TikTok in a video, and the April 17 clip has since gone viral.

Kohout told Insider that she found the apartment online and that the rent was much cheaper compared to where she had previously lived. I was able to lease a two-bedroom for only $350 a month. It was super spacious and felt like home.

The 19-year-old said she moved into the place days later without having seen it in person previously.

Insider reported that Kohout was surprised when she noticed the neighbors she was meeting were all over the age of 65.

Reportedly, a week later, after having set up her new home, Kohout saw the sign reading Senior Citizen Apartments, and said, I realized I accidentally moved into a retirement village.

Newsweek stated Kohout told them she had moved into equal-opportunity housing that, although designed for senior citizens, doesnt discriminate based on age. She told the news outlet that within the communitys 10 apartments, she is the only teenager in sight.

What are TikTokers saying?

TikTokers are sharing their thoughts on Kohouts unique situation.

This could be a sitcom, one wrote.

I had a friend who lived in one of these, wrote another. Only a certain percentage had to be seniors, and it was such a nice place!

How does Kohout feel about her new living situation?

Since her original post, reportedly Kohout has made even more videos describing her life among the Arkansas seniors.

Kohout told Insider that, Ive never had so many home-cooked meals in my life, and that along with eating delicious food, she enjoyed hanging out with her new neighbors and listening to their stories.

In a video posted on April 18, Kohout said that the community is quiet, but when she gets home, her neighbors often ask her how are you doing?

Does the 19-year-old have regrets?

Its not what she expected, but Kohout said she has no regrets about the move, the report cited.

I am taking each and every moment as an opportunity to learn, she said.

READ MORE:
Warmack brings over a decade of experience in scaling growth for SaaS technology companies and will support Outmatchs Hiring Experience Stack expansion

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Outmatch, the hiring experience leader, today announced the appointment of Wilson Warmack as its Chief Operating Officer to accelerate the companys growth and facilitate wider adoption of the Hiring Experience Stack. Warmack joins Outmatch from Idera, Inc., the developer of global B2B software productivity brands, and brings over a decade of operational experience and financial leadership in modern SaaS technology companies. Warmack will report to Greg Moran, CEO and Co-Founder of Outmatch.

Im grateful for the opportunity to join such a transformative company that is making great strides in upgrading the recruitment process during a time when its most needed. Im looking forward to helping Outmatch realize the full potential of the Hiring Experience Stack and scaling the companys growth in the coming year, says Warmack.

Throughout his career, Warmack has acquired more than a dozen companies and restructured them to deliver growth and world-class profitability. In his former role as General Manager at Idera, Inc., he was responsible for rapidly scaling the growth of its DevOps Tools business to deliver more value to QA Testers and Developers. Prior to that, while serving as Lead Financial Analyst at BMC Software, he was also instrumental in supporting the $6.9 billion take private of the company by Bain Capital.

Outmatch is preparing for its most dynamic stage of growth yet and needs the right people at the helm to make sure we are making the right decisions to realize that. Im confident that Wilson is the most capable person to drive our momentum forward and help Outmatch reach new heights, says Greg Moran, CEO and Co-founder of Outmatch.

Warmack joins Outmatch as the company is undergoing a period of significant growth and expansion. In 2020, Outmatch completed several strategic acquisitions, formed new partnerships and launched new product updates in response to the challenges that companies were facing due to the pandemic. The company recently consolidated all of its technology solutions under Hiring Experience Stack, a seamless orchestration of assessments, video interviewing and reference checking to deliver a more humanized, candidate-driven hiring experience.

About Outmatch

Outmatch is the industrys first and only Hiring Experience Stack. We composed a layer of assessments, video interviewing and reference checking to breathe life into your ATS and humanize the hiring process at scale. Leading global companies choose Outmatch to boost talent acquisition performance and to deliver an engaging hiring experience for all. Were big on data, intelligent about efficiency and urgently passionate about experience. Find Outmatch online at Outmatch.com.

Outmatch. Let the Candidate Drive.

Outmatch is a portfolio company of Rubicon Technology Partners (headquartered in Boulder, Colorado) and Camden Partners (headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210429005680/en/

Paolo Ramos/North 6th Agency for Outmatch

Outmatch@n6a.com

212.334.9753 ext. 135

Source: Outmatch
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Executives of global private sector investment agency Invest Caribbean (ICN), based in New York and South Florida, and The Ritzury Group, the global project services agency of the Caribbean based in Barbados, immediately got to work after the initial eruption of the La Soufriere volcano on April 9, and launched a global fundraising and donations campaign to deliver aid and support to the most vulnerable on the island of St.Vincent.





And last Tuesday, funds raised through that campaign - "Saint Vincent Volcano Disaster Relief - translated into a quantity of 1,000-gallon water tanks, water, bales of toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, flashlights, gallons of hand sanitizers, helmets and N95 dusk masks that left Barbados for port Kingstown.





Some of the PPE products will go: to the media in SVG through the Association of Caribbean Media workers (ACM); a local church pastor for private shelter recipients; and a local chapter of international service organization Lions Club.





Both Ritzury Group and ICN are Black, women-led enterprises. ICNs main focus is matching developers, businesses and governments with the best possible funding options available globally, in the form of debt or equity. The Ritzury Group is dedicated to helping regional, local and international companies from many industries make the Caribbean their international business hub.





The businesses have been put on hold as they engage the international community - especially corporations who have the capabilities to assist monetarily and with emergency items.





"Our main priority is alleviating the pressure by involving the international community as much as possible to create ways in which we can bring immediate relief in the short term and rebuild the economy in the long term, ICN and Ritzury said in a joint statement.
Ms. Vestager said the commission had other investigations underway against Apple, including whether the company boxes out rivals to Apple Pay, and had been speaking with counterparts in the United States, Australia and the Netherlands about the inquiries.

It is an area that has raised concern with a number of colleagues of ours around the world, Ms. Vestager said.

Spotify cheered the European Commissions decision. Starting in 2016, the Swedish company stopped allowing customers to purchase a subscription through its iPhone and iPad apps as a way to avoid paying Apples fee, instead steering people to Spotifys website.

Ensuring the iOS platform operates fairly is an urgent task with far-reaching implications, Horacio Gutierrez, Spotifys head of global affairs and chief legal officer, said in a statement. The commissions announcement, he said, is a critical step toward holding Apple accountable for its anticompetitive behavior, ensuring meaningful choice for all consumers and a level playing field for app developers.

Apple said its App Store policies did not harm competition, but rather gave businesses a platform to reach customers. The company said developers could find payment alternatives, noting that Spotify pays little in commissions to Apple because customers must subscribe through a website. Apple said Spotify had become the worlds largest music streaming service in part because of the App Store.

They want all the benefits of the App Store but dont think they should have to pay anything for that, Apple said in a statement. The commissions argument on Spotifys behalf is the opposite of fair competition.

Criticism of the App Store is part of a broader debate over tech industry power, where a small number of companies like Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Alphabet, which owns Google, have government-like authority to set policies over major parts of the digital economy. This authority determines how people find information and entertainment, communicate and shop.
A reporter watches the Maricopa County ballots cast in the 2020 general election being examined and recounted by contractors working for Florida-based company, Cyber Ninjas, who was hired by the Arizona Senate at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 29, 2021. (Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via AP/Pool)

Groups Ask DOJ to Send Monitors to Watch Arizona Election Audit

The Brennan Center for Justice think tank and two other groups asked the Department of Justice this week to send monitors to observe the 2020 election audit taking place in Arizona.

We are very concerned that the auditors are engaged in ongoing and imminent violations of federal voting and election laws. Specifically, we believe that the senate and its agents, including Cyber Ninjas, are 1) violating their duty under federal law to retain and preserve ballots cast in a federal election, which are and have been in danger of being stolen, defaced, or irretrievably damaged, and 2) preparing to engage in conduct which will constitute unlawful voter intimidation in violation of the Voting Rights Act and other federal laws, Wendy Weiser, Elizabeth Howard, and Hannah Klain from the center at the New York University School of Law said.

They and officials from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and Protect Democracy penned a letter to Chris Herren, who heads the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment.

Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, said she supports the call for federal monitors.

Arizonans deserve to know their ballots are secure and those assurances need to come from independent observers. I support this request, Hobbs wrote in a tweet.

Maricopa County ballots cast in the 2020 general election are audited at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 29, 2021. (Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via AP/Pool)

But Ken Bennett, the former Arizona secretary of state who is the state Senates liaison for the audit, told The Epoch Times that the letters fundamental assertions were completely unfounded.

Bennetts team plans on sending a letter to the DOJ.

We will be sending a rebuttal letter I guess for lack of a better word to the same people they sent it to. We welcome DOJ or anyone else to come see whats really happening, because the ballots are secure, and theres no risks or any of the things that claim there are, he said.

Auditors are reviewing 2.1 million ballots, 385 tabulators, and other materials and machines used in last years presidential election.

The state Senate ordered the review to ensure the integrity of the vote.

The process started last week at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. It is expected to wrap up in mid-May after Democrats failed to stop it over alleged security breaches.

The Brennan Center for Justice generally supports post-election audits, including risk-limiting audits, which see workers count a small percentage of paper ballots cast in an election. Bennett has said the current audit is different because it is reviewing all ballots and the machines used last year.

In the new letter, the center said it is concerned that Cyber Ninjas, which the Arizona Senate hired to lead the audit, is not qualified to do so. The letter also claimed that ballots are in imminent danger of being stolen, defaced, or irretrievably damaged, and Arizona citizens are in imminent danger of being subject to unlawful voter intimidation as a result of flawed audit procedures.

Like a recent lawsuit filed to try to halt the audit, the letter relied primarily on local news reports about alleged security concerns at the audit site.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Daniel Martin ruled this week that plaintiffs in the suit did not provide substantive evidence of any breaches or threatened breaches of voter privacy.

Three observers were sent by Hobbs on Thursday, including Ryan Macias, a former acting director for the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, ABC15 reported.

Hobbs had been denied access to monitor the proceedings but struck a deal with Karen Fann, the Republican Senate president, after a directive from the judge. Bennett confirmed the observers will be allowed in moving forward.

Macias and Jennifer Morell, a Protect Democracy election consultant, were joined by Liz Howard, a Brennan Center attorney.

Ballots cast in the 2020 general election are audited at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 29, 2021. (Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via AP/Pool)

According to court papers, Macias and Morell have been watching the audit via livestream.

In a declaration dated April 26, Macias said what he saw only increases my concerns regarding the integrity and preservation of the ballots now in the custody of Cyber Ninjas, citing how the company has been exposing ballots to ultraviolet light.

Based on my experience in election administration, including my 10 years of auditing and certifying ballot printers for the California Secretary of State, ballots should not be exposed to UV light, which deteriorates ink on paper as well as the paper itself. Therefore, this process could impede Maricopa Countys ability to preserve and maintain the ballots for the applicable federal and state retention period, he wrote.

Also on Thursday, Cyber Ninjas released several sets of documents after the judge rejected their attempt to file papers outlining security procedures under seal.

Procedures for testing and handling during audits were included, as well as a security plan for the Arizona audit.

Security for the audit includes six Andersen Security guards as well as Arizona Rangers and two other guards, according to one document.

In one extreme threat scenario envisioned, a group of members from the far-left Antifa network would use backed-up traffic along the railyard near the audit site to launch an ad-hoc or opportunistic incendiary attack.

In another area, there is a greater threat of militia activity, the document states.

In Cyber Ninjas ongoing efforts to be transparent and ensure this information gets out to the public, we are providing convenient links to all of the documents that are being made available today, Bennett, the Senate liaison, said in a statement.
After saving a man who was drowning at Sunny Cove beach in Santa Cruz, California, a 17-year-old surfer is now being hailed as a hero.

According to Wate, the local surfer did not hesitate to jump to rescue a young man struggling in the waves on Saturday morning.

The teen identified as surfer Zade Stone-Hinds, a Santa Cruz resident, had just gotten out of the water when he saw the young man. Stone-Hinds said that he got the guy up on his board when he rescued him and let him breathe.

The California surfer then advised the young man to relax as they need to face some sets of coming waves. According to Stone-Hinds, the waves were strong and about 6-8 feet high. In the middle of his rescue, the California surfer ended up losing his surfboard. But it did not hinder him from saving the drowning man.

Stone-Hinds said the guy was struggling a bit hard and could not "really tread or anything." The California surfer noted that the young man told him it was his first time swimming in the ocean.

Despite the challenges, Stone-Hinds kept the man afloat until help arrived. Swimmers from the Central Fire Protection District and Sean Rothwell, assistant harbor master, came to help rescue the man.

READ NEXT: Can Cuba Become the 1st Latin American Country to Develop Its Own COVID Vaccine?

Local Hero in California

According to Rothwell, the local surfers often are the first to help swimmers who are struggling and having a tough time in the water.

He further noted that most individuals who experienced the situation are first-timers in the ocean as they are not familiar with the ocean's current.

Rothwell added that they have plenty of calls over the years wherein their local surfing community renders aid. The assistant harbor master also admitted that they count on them.

Rothwell said the victim was brought to shore with just a few minor injuries. He thanked Stone-Hinds because if not for his quick thinking and decision making, the victim would probably severely injured, KRON4 reported.

Witnesses during the rescue, like Kammy Ryckman, called Stone-Hinds a hero. Ryckman said that Stone-Hinds was amazing, and the rescue was unbelievable.

Despite the praises given to Stone-Hinds, the California surfer noted that he was just doing what needed to be done. He added that he would not hesitate to do it again if a similar situation will happen again. He also said that he felt comfortable doing it, CBS42 reported.

Because his surfboard went missing during the rescue, people are now trying to raise money to buy Stone-Hinds a new surfboard as a way of thanking him for the bravery he has shown.

After hearing the fundraising for his new surfboard, Stone-Hinds said that he was overwhelmed about it. He was also glad that people could see what everyone should do or act when something happens in public and "not leave people hanging."

READ MORE: California Senator Proposes Changes to 911 Response, Cites Experience of Abuse

WATCH: Teenager Saves Drowning Man in Santa Cruz - From Michelle Kingston, Nexstar Media Wire
Lee Emmons is a nature writer who lives in Newcastle, Maine. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation: www.nhcf.org.
A little boy with an 'infectious smile' is fighting for his life with a heart condition that affects just one in 400,000 children, and that killed his brother at the age of eight months.

Nickolas Kakias and Elizabeth Miroforidis were heartbroken when they found out their son Alexander Kakias had cardiomyopathy barth syndrome - the same genetic disease that lead to the death of their second child Elias in August 2018.

The parents, from Peakhurst in Sydney's west, told Daily Mail Australia that Elias' condition was severe from birth and he was never going to survive, but they are determined to turn things around for Alexander.

Despite being significantly stronger than his brother and hitting all his toddler milestones, his health has started to deteriorate and he faces a year-long wait for a heart transplant.

Pictured: Nickolas Kakias and Elizabeth Miroforidis with their sons Alexander, age one, and Romeo, age eight

Pictured: Elias Kakias before he died at the age of eight months in 2018 from a rare heart condition

Pictured: Alexander Kakias, who suffers from the same condition as his brother Elias, who died

Cardiomyopathy barth syndrome means the youngster has an enlarged and weakened heart, muscle weakness, and suffers from recurrent infections due to a small number of white blood cells.

The couple didn't know what the condition was before they found out it was killing Elias soon after he was born, but were told by doctors not to worry because their next child had a one per cent chance of having the life-threatening illness.

Ms Miroforidis, who is a full time mum, had a genetic test done on Alexander when she was was 21 weeks pregnant, and was devastated when the results came through.

'Finding out that your child has the exact same condition that took the life of your eight-month-old just three years prior is something no parent wants to hear,' Mr Kakias, who is a truck driver, said.

Pictured: Elizabeth Miroforidis with her sons Alexander (left) and Romeo (right)

Pictured: Nickolas Kakias with his sons Elias, who later died, and Romeo, who is eight

Pictured: Alexander in a coma in hospital to relieve the pressure on his heart. He is on the list for a transplant

'We had the option to terminate, but I couldn't do it.'

The family felt confident because, unlike with Elias, Alexander would start receiving treatment from the moment he was born.

They tried to keep the youngster healthy and kept his medical team at Westmead Hospital informed every time he had a bug.

But months after he learned to pull himself up and walk, play with his eight-year-old brother Romeo, and say 'mum' and 'dad', his condition started to deteriorate.

'One morning he woke up and I just knew he wasn't being himself,' Ms Miroforidis said.

Pictured: Romeo holding his brother Alexander. His mother said the pair are inseparable

Pictured: Elizabeth Miroforidis with her sons Romeo and Alexander at the grave of her middle child, Elias

'We took him to the hospital and it turned out his heart was only operating at four per cent of its capacity.'

To relieve the pressure on his heart, Alexander was placed in an induced coma and moved to a hospital in Melbourne.

He was heavily medicated, but the medication stopped working as well as it had been and the couple had to make the heartbreaking decision to put their son on the heart transplant list.

While he waits, the little boy will be given a Berlin heart - a device that mechanically supports the muscle in patients with end-stage heart failure.

'Unfortunately, this is the scariest part of us as our late son Elias was put on a Berlin heart in 2018 which resulted in a blood clot and brain damage,' Mr Kakias said.

Pictured: Alexander in hospital. He has learned to pull himself up and say 'mum' and 'dad'

Alexander will need to be placed on the Berlin heart (left), which gave his brother blood clots

'As hard as it is for us, we need to make the right choices for Alex that will give him the best chance at life so we can bring him home to be with his brother and so we can be a family again.'

To help raise money to cover the family's medical costs, family friend Megan Collier set up a fundraiser.

'Whilst family and friends can help with emotional support we really need to help ease the financial pressure as this beautiful family once again goes through what most of us couldn't even imagine,' Ms Collier wrote on the campaign page.

The family wanted to thank Ms Collier, Big Fat Greek restaurant and local night club Defi II for their support during their difficult ordeal.

They are now passionate about spreading awareness about the danger of congenital heart conditions.
Skins star Kaya Scodelario disclosed on Friday that she was asked to audition naked for a 'big opportunity' by a famous director, while feeling 'scared' for publicly sharing her experience.

In light of recent allegations that Noel Clarke sexually harassed multiple women - including one lady who claimed he asked her to perform a naked audition - the actress, 29, took to Twitter to reveal her own 'terrifying' request from an unnamed individual.

Luckily, Kaya's agent prevented the audition from taking place as she explained online: 'I had a audition for a job a few years ago.

'I was terrified': Kaya Scodelario disclosed on Friday that she was asked to audition naked for a 'big opportunity' by a famous director, while feeling 'scared' for publicly sharing her experience

'It said, "She just needs to come in. Take her clothes off and that's all."

'I was terrified. Luckily I have an agent who swiftly said there was no way that was going to happen. This was a big movie. A big director. A big "opportunity'''. (sic)

In another tweet, she showed her support for fellow actors who are not protected from sexual harassment in the industry.

She said: 'MANY MANY young actors do not have the safety net of a caring agent to protect them.

Shocking: In light of recent allegations that Noel Clarke sexually harassed multiple women - including one lady who claimed he asked her to perform a naked audition - the actress, 29, took to Twitter to reveal her own 'terrifying' request from an unnamed individual

TV history: Kaya is best known for her role as Effy Stonem in Channel 4 series Skins

'They will assume that it is normal for an actresses worth to be measured by the body they have.

'By the amount of skin they are willing to show. We have been conditioned to believe this.' (sic)

In an additional Twitter post, she said: 'Different casting, between me and another actress. Both worked very hard to impress this notoriously difficult director, auditioned multiple times.

'He emailed our agents "whoever agrees to go nude 1st gets the job." The movie had no nudity in it. He just wanted 2 see whod say yes.' (sic)

Kaya expressed fear over speaking out while applauding other women's bravery for sharing their sexual harassment experiences.

'I am in awe of you all': In a series of tweets, she showed her support for fellow actors who are not protected from sexual harassment and applauded the bravery of women for speaking out

She said: 'You know what's f***ed? I'm going to wake up in the morning with anxiety about tweeting.

'Despite the fact that I haven't named names. I'm still going to feel scared.

'The women who come forward openly are so brave. I 'am in awe of you all. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.' (sic)

Kaya's statements appear in response to news that Kidulthood's Noel Clarke, 45, was suspended by Bafta after 20 women accused him of sexual harassment, groping and bullying, with the claims levelled against him in The Guardian.

Accused: Kaya's statements appear in response to news that Kidulthood's Noel Clarke, 45, was suspended by Bafta after 20 women accused him of sexual harassment, groping and bullying, with the claims levelled against him in The Guardian

Married Noel, who plays DC Martin Young in Viewpoint, has strongly denied the allegations, with the incidents claimed to have taken place between 2004 and 2019.

He said in a statement to the newspaper: 'In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me.

'If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.'

The statement from Bafta said: 'In light of the allegations of serious misconduct regarding Noel Clarke in The Guardian, Bafta has taken the decision to suspend his membership and the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award immediately and until further notice.'

Management and production company 42 M&P said it stopped representing Clarke earlier this month.

A spokesman said: 'Noel Clarke was a client of 42 M&P until April this year but the company no longer represents him.'

For a full list of support centres for sexual abuse, please visit: gov.uk/sexualabusesupport
As a condition of the emergency use authorizations issued for the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines, those companies are expected to work toward asking the US Food and Drug Administration for full approval -- and some health officials are hoping it will happen soon.

These vaccines have been in use since mid-December under emergency use authorizations, known as EUAs. During the pandemic, real-world data have shown the vaccines are effective against the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN's Jim Sciutto on Wednesday he hopes Covid-19 vaccines will receive full FDA approval 'very soon,' and that the FDA will work 'as expeditiously as possible' on approval applications for coronavirus vaccines as they come in.

Progressing from authorized to approved would allow manufacturers to market and directly distribute their vaccines. It could also have an impact on vaccine mandates -- and perhaps sway skeptics hesitant to get the vaccines now.

The road to FDA approval

Currently, the three Covid-19 vaccines distributed in the United States -- made by Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson -- are authorized, but not approved.

Due to the seriousness of the pandemic, vaccine makers originally applied for EUAs because the authorization process takes less time than what would be required for full approval. Emergency use authorization is what its name suggests -- a medical product, such as a vaccine, that gets special FDA authorization to be used during an emergency.

When the health emergency is over, 'then any EUA(s) issued based on that declaration will no longer remain in effect,' according to the FDA. So, vaccine makers will have to file a separate application for vaccines to be fully licensed.

CNN has contacted Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson -- the most recent Covid-19 vaccine to be authorized -- about their plans to apply for full approval of their vaccines. None provided a timeline.

The typical approval process for vaccine developers requires completing lab research, pre-clinical testing and Phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical trials in humans. That has already been done for these coronavirus vaccines.

The FDA also requires vaccine manufacturers to submit data to support their manufacturing processes, facilities, product characterization and demonstration that the vaccine can be produced reliably and consistently.

Once all of that is complete -- both the clinical trials and manufacturing details -- companies can submit a Biologics License Application or BLA to the FDA.

'By submitting a BLA to the FDA, a company is seeking permission to distribute and market a vaccine for use in the United States,' according to the FDA's website.

'FDA evaluates the data to determine whether the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine has been demonstrated and whether the manufacturing and facility information assure product quality and consistency. After its evaluation, FDA decides whether to approve (also known as to license) the vaccine for use in the United States.'

Applications designated as 'priority review' mean the FDA's goal is to take action on an application within six months. A 'standard review' could take longer.

'When you're getting a formal approval you have to have a certain amount of time just observing predominantly the safety -- and obviously the safety looks really, really good in well over 140 million people having been vaccinated with at least a single dose,' Fauci said on CNN on Wednesday.

After all, as spread of the virus is reduced, the nation may no longer be under an emergency situation and the vaccines will need a different type of green light under the FDA.

The agency is 'the gold standard of a safety and regulatory organization throughout the world,' said Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Biden. 'I hope they do it quickly.'

'It will help show skeptics that the authorized Covid vaccines are safe'

A concern around authorized-but-unapproved vaccines hinges on vaccine hesitancy.

If history is any indication, skepticism -- if not outright mistrust -- about an unapproved vaccine is nothing new.

One study published in 2009, months after the US declared a public health emergency due to the H1N1 influenza and the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic, researchers explored the public's willingness to use a drug or a vaccine with an EUA -- not full FDA approval -- by surveying a representative sample of more than 1,500 US adults.

The researchers, from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Georgia, found that about 77% of respondents would be moderately, very or extremely worried if offered an unapproved vaccine; some 63% said they would not take it.

But the study also found that there were some other key factors that would convince respondents that a vaccine authorized under an EUA was safe to use.

If the vaccine were administered by a public health professional, 55% of respondents said they would take it.

If it came with a fact sheet, just over 57% of those surveyed said they would get it.

If their own health care provider administered the vaccine, that number shot up to 68%.

Dr. Jerome Adams, US surgeon general during the Trump administration, wrote in an opinion piece published in The Washington Post on Tuesday that approval will help show skeptics that the authorized coronavirus vaccines are safe.

'We should also pursue full Food and Drug Administration approval and expand covid vaccinations to youths,' Adams wrote in part.

'The individuals who got vaccinated early on were generally high risk and willing to take a vaccine authorized for emergency use. But many people who are lower risk understandably ask if the benefits justify taking a medication that has not received the full and traditional FDA stamp of approval,' he wrote. 'As vaccine manufacturers complete further studies, which will eventually lead to expanded eligibility among minors, it will help show skeptics that the authorized covid vaccines are safe.'

Plans to require vaccines

Some organizations say they expect to require the vaccine, but have opted not to while it's authorized and not yet fully approved.

'People, when they hear it's still emergency use, they still have a little concern about how far you can go with it,' Fauci said on CNN Wednesday.

The University of California and California State University systems announced last week that their universities intend to require faculty, staff and students to be vaccinated against the coronavirus -- but the requirement would go into effect only once a vaccine has received full FDA approval. The proposed policy would begin this fall.

The California State University noted in its announcement, 'This requirement will become effective at the beginning of the fall 2021 term, or upon full FDA approval of the vaccine, whichever occurs later.'

President Joe Biden said in an exclusive interview on The Today Show, which aired Friday morning, that he wasn't sure whether Covid-19 vaccinations will be required for military members once the shots receive full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.

'Once the FDA gives final approval for the vaccinations -- not emergency use authorization, but final approval -- will you order servicemembers to get the Covid vaccine?' NBC's Craig Melvin asked Biden during the interview.

'I don't know. I'm going to leave that to the military,' Biden said.

'I'm not saying that I won't. I think you're going to see more and more of them getting it,' Biden added. 'It's going to be a tough call as to whether or not they should be required to have to get it in the military because you're in such close proximity with other military personnel, whether you're in quarters where you're all sleeping or whether you're out on maneuvers.'

In early April, data provided to CNN indicated that nearly 40% of Marines are declining the Covid-19 vaccine. The Marine Corps is the first branch of the military to provide service-wide numbers on acceptance and declination.
New Brunswick, N.J., is fewer than 50 miles from New York City, but for Dr. Marianne Jacob and Andrew Shenoy, who were married April 17 at the Basilica of St. Patricks Old Cathedral in Lower Manhattan, even that relatively small geographical gap was sometimes difficult to bear. From 2016 to 2019, the couple dated while separated by the Hudson River and three New Jersey counties.

Some of my friends used to make fun of me when I called it a distance relationship because I had friends who were dating people in California and stuff like that, said Mr. Shenoy, 30, a partner at Heights Point Management, an equity fund based in New York. But when you only see someone in person once every two, three weeks, its still distance.

Dr. Jacob, 32, remembers that parting at the end of weekends together could be trying, even though she knew a reunion was never far-off. There were a few times when I would be leaving on Sunday night where I would definitely just get a little teary and like cry.

This was not the first time that the couple found themselves just out of arms reach. When they first met in 2014, Dr. Jacob was living with her parents in Roslyn Heights, N.Y., while she was on a clinical rotation at a hospital in Queens during her third year at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Update: Five in Houston Face Charges in Suspected Case of Human Smuggling

Officers found more than 90 people crammed into a Houston home on Friday, some of them showing symptoms of Covid-19, in what was being investigated as a possible case of human smuggling, the police said.

Assistant Chief Daryn Edwards of the Houston Police Department said that the police had received a tip overnight about a possible kidnapping, which led them to a two-story home in southwest Houston.

Inside the home, Chief Edwards said, officials found more than 90 people all huddled together. Of those inside the home, about five were women and the rest were men. The youngest of those inside the home were in their 20s and the oldest appeared to be in their 30s, Chief Edwards said.

This is obviously not something we see often, but it is disturbing, the chief said, adding that the scene struck him as more of a smuggling thing and not a trafficking thing.
Narendra Modi once said he is a Gujarati and understands business. As time passes his business model is getting exposed and he is becoming more shameless like any ordinary businessman. It is quite clear to the people that he is not withdrawing the three controversial farm laws because all the three laws are meant to benefit the private corporations at the cost of farmers. In fact, the farmers movement has also openly targeted Adani and Ambani in addition to Narendra Modi as their enemies. Graphic flex banners are visible at the protest sites at Singhu and Tikri.

Modi government very smartly made changes in political donation rules. Donations could now be made in the form of electoral bonds through an opaque system. In the name of protecting donors, it was not possible to find out the details of donations made even under Right to Information Act, Indias transparency law. In addition, for companies making political donations the limit of 7.5% on average profit of past three years was done away with. Under this new system the political parties are exempt from reporting any donation above Rs. 20,000 to the Election Commission, a requirement otherwise, if it is received in the form of electoral bonds. Farmers suspect that Bhartiya Janata Party has received huge donations from Ambani and Adani through this anti-democratic and unethical system created by it and therefore its hands are tied when it comes to considering repeal of the three farms laws.

The same quid pro quo system is on display in Covid vaccine purchases now. Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are the new beneficiaries chosen by the Modi government. In times of unprecedented crisis when people are tormented to the extreme, the two private companies have announced the prices at which they will sell the vaccines to government and private hospitals. The question is why is the government giving them a free hand? Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has suggested that the government should invoke compulsory licensing and invite price bids from other pharmaceutical manufacturers to reveal the true cost of the vaccines.

Most opposition state governments have opposed this differential pricing system for central government (Rs 150), state governments (Rs 400 for Covishield and Rs 600 for Covaxin), private hospitals (Rs 600 for Covishield and Rs 1200 for Covaxin), and for foreign buyers. But BJP governments- like the one in Uttar Pradesh- has gone ahead and announced that it will procure 1 crore vaccines, half each from Serum and Bharat Biotech. Why is Yogi Adityanath wasting precious public resources on arbitrary prices set by two companies? Why is he not asking the Prime Minister to procure the vaccines at a price at which they were sold so far- Rs. 150 per dose- and supply to him so that his government can vaccinate people for free. Mass production is supposed to bring down prices. But defying this normal principle Serum and Bharat Biotech have increased their prices as their production capacities have gone up.

Adar Poonawalla, the new blue eyed boy of Modi, has announced that in order to save thousands of crores of state funds and countless lives by vaccination he is reducing the price at which the vaccine will be sold by his company Serum to state governments from Rs. 400 to Rs. 300 per dose. Isnt it an admission that Adar Poonawalla is profiteering at the expense of public money and depriving people of life by escalating the price of vaccine? People expect from Adar Poonawalla to save more government money and more lives.

Former Health Secretary K. Sujatha Rao has questioned the wisdom of central government abdicating its responsibility and passing it on to state governments and private sector to inoculate a major chunk of population between the ages of 18 and 44 years. She finds it preposterous that state governments are expected to buy vaccines at rates decided by private companies. Senior journalist Karan Thapar has accused the government of indulging in tactical game playing by first reaching an agreement with Serum Institute to buy 10 crores vaccines last year but placing an order for only 1 to 2 crores each time. This, when a sum of Rs. 35,000 crores had been set aside for vaccination in the budget and unknown amount is lying with PM Cares fund. The abysmally low rate of vaccination of the much touted worlds largest vaccination programme is because of the government dragging its feet and trying to act smart. Looks like the businessman in Modi got the better of the statesman in him.

Modi government took credit earlier this month when it announced that from 1st of May 2021, everyone above 18 years of age in the country will be eligible to get a vaccine. But on 23 April 2021, Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in central government wrote a letter to all the states and union territories that the vaccination for 18-44 years will only be available in private sector in the country (for which people have to pay of course), and if the state or union territory wants to offer it in government healthcare services then they will have to procure the vaccine at the inflated rate directly from the manufacturer(s). Moreover, all over the world there is strong precedence when so many countries have pooled in their demands for medicines or diagnostics or vaccines for global price negotiations at the lowest possible rate to ensure that the same high quality of affordable medicines or diagnostics or vaccines are offered in all those countries. But Modi government is doing just the opposite to benefit the chosen corporations.

Let us not forget that 97% of research and development of Covishield was done by AstraZeneca/Oxford using public funding, due to which it was promised that the vaccine will be rolled out at no profit. But Adar Poonawalla wants to mint super profit as told by him in a news. Also, the essential part of research for Covaxin was done in governments National Institute of Virology (an Indian Council of Medical Research institute), and then it was handed over to Bharat Biotech for further development. We wonder if the government owns the intellectual property rights for Covaxin because it was the government (and not Bharat Biotech) which chose an additional manufacturer for Covaxin, Haffkine. If it is so, then the Modi government is losing a golden opportunity to scale higher standards of vaccine diplomacy worldwide  it should immediately allow every other manufacturer within India and worldwide who wants to make Covaxin and help fight the pandemic. If the government fails to do so, then it will further expose its agenda of putting profits before people.

(Shobha Shukla is with Citizen News Service (CNS), Bobby Ramankant is with CNS and Socialist Party (India) and Sandeep Pandey is with Socialist Party (India))
HYDERABAD: Opposition parties on Friday demanded that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao order an inquiry into the deals of all the ministers as also TRS MLAs, MLCs, MPs facing charges of land encroachments and not confine the inquiry to just Etala Rajendar.

They questioned why the CM remained silent when minister Malla Reddy as also MLAs like Muthireddy Yadagiri Reddy faced allegations of land encroachments.

Congress senior leader V Hanumantha Rao said the 'secret ties' between the CM and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were exposed yet again with the Etala episode, adding that the CM targeted Etala after he started criticising the Centre for its failures in ensuring adequate vaccine and oxygen

supplies to states.

"KCR fears that Modi will be annoyed with Etala's sharp criticism against the Centre. For that reason, he has decided to remove Etala from his cabinet and ordered an inquiry against Etala. This episode shows KCR and Modi are hand-in-glove," Rao said.

AICC national spokesperson Dr Sravan Dasoju slammed the CM for making Etela a scapegoat to make up for his failures in curtailing the Covid-19.

He alleged that the CM had hatched a political conspiracy against the BC leader who was also a great Telangana fighter devotedly serving the people ever since the Coronavirus outbreak. He asked the CM why he was ignoring the other land- grabbing ministers including KT Rama Rao and "rowdy" TRS MLAs, and only targeting leaders representing the weaker sections to prevent them from becoming popular.

BJP leader DK Aruna said, "Etala is worried that he will be dropped by the CM from the cabinet anytime. For that reason, he is attacking the BJP government at the Centre and leveling baseless allegations that the Centre is not helping states to contain Corona. He is trying to please the CM by attacking the BJP and saving his minister post. We demand that the CM drop him from the cabinet first to enable a free and fair probe into his land encroachments. We also demand an inquiry into such deals of all other ministers and other TRS leaders facing several charges."

BJP Telangana unit president Bandi Sanjay demanded an inquiry by a sitting judge into the land encroachment charges against minister Etala Rajendar.

"We demand that the CM immediately constitute an inquiry committee with a sitting judge at its head to probe land encroachment charges against Etala Rajendar. The committee should also be asked to probe land encroachment charges against all other ministers and TRS MLAs," Sanjay said.
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The owner of the Santa Monica Place mall has filed a lawsuit seeking to evict the ArcLight Theatre for non-payment of rent.

Macerich, the real estate investment trust that owns the mall, served an eviction notice on April 13, the day after Pacific Theatres announced that it would permanently close all 17 of its ArcLight and Pacific locations.

The eviction notice gave Pacific seven days to pay $368,841.60 or forfeit the premises. Macerichs attorneys filed an unlawful detainer action in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday afternoon. Pacific has yet to respond in court, and a spokesman declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Macerich had already sued Pacific on Feb. 25 for breaching its lease at two locations: the ArcLight in Santa Monica and the Pacific location in Lakewood. According to the complaint, Pacific had not paid rent for either location since April 2020, when the chain closed its locations due to the pandemic. The suit also disclosed that Pacific had been underpaying its rent on the Lakewood lease from January to March 2020  indicating that the location was in trouble before the pandemic hit.

The suit alleged that Pacific owed $1.9 million in back rent on the Santa Monica property, and $1.5 million on the Lakewood theater. Pacific has not responded to that suit either.

Pacific is separately fighting with OliverMcMillan, the San Diego developer that owns the theater in downtown Culver City. OliverMcMillan sued last July, seeking $781,999.62 in delinquent rent.

Pacifics lawyers fought back, arguing that the it should not have to pay thanks to the Culver City rent moratorium. The company also claimed that OliverMcMillan had sued under the wrong corporate entity. OliverMcMillan countered that Pacific was going to great lengths to avoid the heart of the dispute.

Defendants signed a Lease and Guaranty, the attorneys wrote. They have not paid a dime of rent since March 1, 2020. They owe the rent. Defendants do not question the amount sought or deny that they have withheld rent.

But on March 12, Judge Mitchell Beckloff ruled in favor of Pacific, finding that the alternate entity, OMCC Theater Owner LLC, is the true landlord and that OliverMcMillan did not have standing to seize Pacifics assets. Judge Michael P. Linfield later rejected a motion from OMCC to intervene in the case, forcing OMCC to file a new lawsuit. By that point, the amount of unpaid rent had grown to $2.7 million.

Pacific countersued OMCC on March 23, claiming that the Culver City COVID shutdown order triggered a breach in OMCCs obligation under the lease to ensure that there are no governmental rules, statutes, ordinances, policies or plans, which would materially interfere with the operation of a theater.

Nora Dashwood, a vice president at Pacific Theatres, said in a court declaration that she had notified the landlord in March 2020 that the company would not be able to pay rent. She noted that in 40 years in the exhibition business, she had never encountered a situation where government orders forced the closure of all movie theaters.

The impact of these closures was and is devastating the Tenants business, as Tenants operating income at the Premises has been reduced to zero, she wrote.

Attorneys and representatives for OliverMcMillan and Macerich declined to comment. Pacific Theatres has not commented publicly since announced that its locations would close for good earlier this month. The closure has been felt most acutely by fans of the ArcLight Hollywood and the Cinerama Dome, and the fate of that historic landmark remains unclear.

This was not the outcome anyone wanted, but despite a huge effort that exhausted all potential options, the company does not have a viable way forward, the company said at the time.

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BWATCH continuously monitors the wound site to detect bleeding (patient model featured in photos). Credit: Changi General Hospital

Changi General Hospital (CGH) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have developed the Blood WArning Technology with Continuous Hemoglobin (BWATCH) sensor, a lightweight monitoring device placed over a patient's bandage that detects real-time bleeding from wound sites following invasive medical procedures.

BWATCH was tested and validated in an observational clinical trial involving 250 patients at CGH with a dialysis catheter inserted or removed. The device was securely placed over their dressing for at least six hours. During the trial, 36 episodes of bleeding occurred and the sensor detected all instances of early bleeding. The blood loss detected in the bleeding episodes was minimal and the bandages were only partially stained. The nursing staff were alerted to the bleeding when the alarm was triggered and took the necessary actions to prevent an escalation of the bleeding. The findings from the clinical trial have been published in Scientific Reports, "A device for surveillance of vascular access sites for bleeding: results from a clinical evaluation trial," by Chionh, C.Y., Soh, D.Y., Tan, C.H. et al.

CGH and SUTD have patented BWATCH in Singapore and the United States (US), with future plans of commercialisation with suitable industry partners. BWATCH is the first joint patent between CGH and SUTD under a partnership to develop innovative patient care solutions to address evolving healthcare challenges.

Illustration of the technical process of monitoring and detection of blood by the BWATCH device. (A) Device placed over a dressing. (B) When moisture is present in the dressing, a change in capacitance is detected and the green light emitting diose (LED) is activated. (C) Haemoglobin (Hb) in the blood absorbs 525nm wavelength light. When the light sensor does not detect 525nm light, the alarm is triggered. (D) With other fluids (non-blood), the light sensor detects 525nm and no alarm is triggered. Credit: Changi General Hospital

Enhancing Patient Safety with Continuous Real-Time Monitoring

In developed countries like Singapore, the incidence of acute dialysis is estimated to be at 200-300 per million population each year. Patients with acute dialysis have acute illnesses, which can lead to a sudden deterioration of their kidney functions, such that the kidney is not able to sustain life. When this occurs, the patient will require hemodialysis, a life-saving therapy to filter out waste products from the blood.

BWATCH is developed with hemodialysis patients in mind to meet a clinical need, as there is a risk of bleeding occurring after a catheter is inserted during vascular access procedures. The wound sites for these patients are usually heavily bandaged and covered under blankets as they rest. To ensure that patients are recovering well, the care team conducts regular inspections, as many as four times in an hour, to check for any potential bleeding.

Designed to complement patient care and enhance patient safety, BWATCH's ability to detect bleeding early will reduce the risk of a potential major bleeding episode. The device is also useful in the care of patients who are incapacitated and unable to call for assistance. As more confidence is gained from wider use of this device, the frequency of inspections and resource requirements may be reduced with no compromise to safety.

"Heavy bleeding following medical procedures is rare but when it occurs, it can be life-threatening. Monitoring at short intervals is highly manpower intensive but necessary. However, despite close monitoring, bleeding may still occur between these inspections. BWATCH offers continuous monitoring, allowing the care team to focus on other patient-centric tasks," said Associate Professor Chionh Chang Yin, Chief and Senior Consultant, Department of Renal Medicine at CGH.

Using Light Absorption Properties to Detect Blood

Unlike other blood-detection devices, BWATCH's main underlying detection principle is based on the light absorption properties of hemoglobin. The innovation also includes a moisture-detecting sensor that does not require direct contact with the liquid. With these two properties, the device is able to differentiate blood from other types of fluids such as sweat and urine, accurately detecting the bleeding episode and triggering the alarm without requiring direct contact with the patient or patient's bodily fluids. (refer to Annex for more details) "While there are other commercial systems and products that are available for fluid detection, they are only able to detect the presence of fluids by changes in physical properties such as electrical resistance, capacitance or opacity to light. None of the detection methods were specific for blood, making BWATCH a precise non-invasive sterile monitoring device for early detection of bleeding," said Associate Professor Foong Shaohui, Department of Engineering Product Development at SUTD.

Potential Future Applications

Besides hemodialysis patients, BWATCH is applicable to other patient types within the hospital. It can be used on other wound types or locations that are prone to external bleeding, for example in post-cardiac catheterisation. Cardiac catheterisation is a procedure used to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular conditions. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into an artery and threaded through the blood vessels, which leads to the heart. The wound site is a potential area of bleeding. The device can also be tested in other clinical situations beyond the hospital setting, such as on-site monitoring of traumatic wounds. The shape of the device would have to be adapted for different wound types.

In addition, there is potential for the device to be integrated into hospital systems, such as linking it directly to the nurses' call system. "Bringing BWATCH to market will offer many possibilities in the early detection of bleeding," said A/Prof Chionh.

More information: Chionh, C.Y., Soh, D.Y., Tan, C.H. et al. A device for surveillance of vascular access sites for bleeding: results from a clinical evaluation trial. Sci Rep 10, 18153 (2020). Journal information: Scientific Reports Chionh, C.Y., Soh, D.Y., Tan, C.H. et al. A device for surveillance of vascular access sites for bleeding: results from a clinical evaluation trial.10, 18153 (2020). doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-74571-2

Provided by SingHealth
Simon Case, the head of the civil service, told the PM to change numbers because his current one is too widely known - AFP

Boris Johnson may have been at risk from hostile actors, criminal gangs and lobbyists, an intelligence expert has warned, after it emerged the Prime Minister's mobile phone number was freely available online.

Last night gossip blog Popbitch revealed that Mr Johnson's number had been published at the bottom of a press release from when he was a junior shadow minister in 2006.

Attempts by the Telegraph to call it have been met with an automated message saying the phone was "switched off", with an invitation to "please try later or send a text".

Lord Ricketts, national security adviser under David Cameron, and former chair of the joint intelligence committee, told the Today programme: "If this same mobile phone number has been used for 15 or 20 years then hundreds, if not thousands, of people must have access to it and that gives them privileged access to him."

That could pose security risks, he noted, as hostile actors and criminal gangs with "sophisticated cyber capabilities" may be among those with the details. It also meant he could be compromised by individuals seeking favours and policy changes.

It was the "equivalent of being able to walk into your office while you're the prime minister", he added.

Follow the latest updates below.

09:47 AM

In the red corner: Sir Keir Starmer fights back on the campaign trail

A new poll this morning suggests Sir Keir Starmer is on the ropes, with the Labour leader yet to land a killer blow.

And with less than a week to go before the local elections, he might have boxed himself into a corner.

Punching above your weight: Sir Keir Starmer visits the Vulcan Boxing Club in Hull - PA

09:33 AM

Minister questions Labour's priorities after Keir Starmer's wallpaper 'stunt'

Story continues

A minister has questioned Labour's priorities, as she accused Sir Keir Starmer of "performing a stunt with wallpaper charts".

After multiple days of attacks from the opposition over who originally made the donations for the refurbishment of the Downing Street flat Victoria Atkins, the Home Office minister, told LBC radio that the photo opp "sums it all up".

"The Leader of the Opposition is there, performing a stunt with wallpaper charts, while the Prime Minister is visiting a school to listen to the students about their experiences through the pandemic, but also to talk about how we can raise education and attainment.

"I think that absolutely sets out the priorities of our separate parties in the run up, of course, to some really important elections next Thursday both locally and in the by-election in Hartlepool."

Asked what she thinks of John Lewis, following claims the flat was redecorated to get rid of the "nightmare" left by Theresa May, Ms Atkins said: "Oh my, I love John Lewis.

"I was in there last week [and bought] make-up actually."

09:26 AM

More than 21.5 million living in areas in UK with no Covid deaths, data suggests

More than 21.5 million people live in areas of the UK that have not reported a single coronavirus death in the last month.

In more than four in 10 council areas in April, nobody was recorded to have died within 28 days of a positive test.

The news has been hailed by Dr Mike Tildesley, a member of the Government's Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (Spi-M) group, as "really good news".

"We've seen several parts of the country where prevalence is really, really low. So, I think it gives us confidence," he told BBC News.

The areas that reported no Covid deaths in April also tended to have fewer confirmed cases in March. On average, those places had 150 cases per 100,000 people in March.

09:11 AM

Independent Scotland would 'build infrastructure' for QE, says Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted an independent Scotland would be financially secure in the event of a massive crisis, after she was challenged over how it would hold up if there were another pandemic.

The First Minister said Scotland was "perfectly capable of being independent", claiming that while "in the first days of independence" the nation would continue to use sterling, it would use a transitional period to "move to our currency and build that infrastructure".

Challenged over whether an independent Scotland could have the resources for a QE programme like the one the Bank of England has undertaken, she added: "We would use sterling, then we would set up our own central bank and perform the functions of a central bank."

Scotland would "have a share" of the BoE's reserves, she added.

09:04 AM

Nicola Sturgeon offers weak rebuttal to NatWest over relocation claims

Nicola Sturgeon has said she does not accept "all of the case" made by NatWest, after the bank's chief said it would have to relocate in the event of independence, because it is simply too big for the Scottish economy to support.

In her first substantive remarks on the potential break-up of the Union since taking charge of the bank in 2019, Alison Rose said: "In the event that there was independence for Scotland our balance sheet would be too big for an independent Scottish economy.

"And so we would move our registered headquarters, in the event of independence, to London."

But the First Minister told the Today programme: "We heard this in the 2014 referendum.

"I am not complacent about any company based in Scotland who has concerns about their future, but to put in context, NatWest is talking about registered office, not operations, not jobs."

Asked if she accepted the point made by Ms Rose, the SNP leader said: "I don't necessarily accept all of that case. "I do accept that we have to engage constructively and responsibly with businesses of all shapes ad sizes."

08:58 AM

Nicola Sturgeon refuses to give timeline for Trident removal

Nicola Sturgeon has refused to say how long an independent Scotland would retain the Trident nuclear weapons system.

The SNP has a deep and long-held antipathy towards the programme, viewing nuclear weapons as 'immoral, ineffective and expensive'.

When asked if it "could be years" after Scotland becomes independent before the missiles are removed from the Clyde Naval Base at Faslane, the First Minister said: "I want to see Trident removed from Scotland as quickly as possible, not least because I think there are many more important things we can do with the money that is invested in Trident.

"I'm not going to sit here right now and say exactly what that timescale will be other than I want it to be as quickly as is safely possible, and I'm saying to you very openly that safety is a priority."

08:41 AM

Nicola Sturgeon rejects Salmond's call for 'immediate' action on independence

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted she will propose a referendum on Scottish independence "immediately" - putting her in stark contrast with her former friend and mentor Alex Salmond.

"I don't believe we should propose a referendum right at this moment," Sturgeon told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"I'm a lifelong believer in independence, I want Scotland to be independent, but firstly we've got to steer the country through the crisis.

"My focus if Im re-elected next week is to steer us through Covid and into recovery. Some of my critics in the independence movement do say that Im too cautious on that front, but actually I think it is a good thing to be cautious when were talking about a health crisis and of course the future of the country."

That puts her at odds with Mr Salmond, whose new part Alba explicitly called for action to begin "immediately" if a coalition of pro-independence parties win a majority at next week's election.

08:31 AM

Fraser Nelson: Cummingss new anti-Boris alliance aims to topple the Prime Minister

Its amazing how many Westminster figures, who have been quiet for ages, are now popping up to offer commentary on the current political drama, writes Fraser Nelson.

Some might have given the impression, over the years, that Dominic Cummings was wicked and untrustworthy. But now, it seems, they see a man of principle and courage who cannot tell a lie. To those who always thought the Boris project defied gravity, this is an important and cathartic moment. Brexiteers are, at long last, at war with each other. Too late to destroy the mission, perhaps, but we may be about to see its architects tear themselves to pieces.Perhaps more importantly, the various enemies of the Prime Minister now have Britains most effective campaigner on their side. With more purpose, direction and ammunition than any of them could have mustered.

Read the rest of Fraser's column here.

08:07 AM

Independent Scotland would 'totally' accept joining euro as price of EU membership

Asked if the SNP would accept adoption of the euro as a "condition" to join the bloc, Mr Smith said: "Yeah, totally." - AFP

The SNP's policy on an independent Scotland's currency has descended into further confusion after the party's foreign affairs spokesman said it would "totally" accept joining the euro as the price of EU membership.

Alyn Smith, a former MEP, said a separate Scotland would be willing to join the single currency, subject to another referendum, as "we would want to participate in economic and monetary union".

However, he admitted that Scotland's huge public deficit of up to 25 per cent of GDP - around eight times the level required for EU membership - would be "too high to join the euro anyway" at the current time.

Read the full story here.

08:03 AM

Sheepish Starmer to hit the campaign trail in Hull after photo op faux pas

Sir Keir Starmer is hitting the campaign trail again today, this time in Hull - but he might have his tail between his legs.

Yesterday the Labour leader posed for a photo opp in John Lewis as he sought to make a tongue-in-cheek jibe over the Prime Minister's choice of decor.

However it resulted in Tories lining up to attack him, with Jacob Rees-Mogg likening to Ed Miliband's ill-fated bacon sandwich moment, while party co-chairman Amanda Milling accused him of "playing party politics".

A Labour spokesman has apologised "wholeheartedly to anyone caught up in a cash for curtains sleaze scandal who may have been offended by this quick trip to John Lewis".

No doubt the party leader will give his own explanation later today.

Sir Keir Starmer: Misjudged the mood? - PA

07:57 AM

People getting 'worked up over nothing' on Downing Street flat refurb, claims Lord Lilley

Lord Peter Lilley has said people are getting "worked up over nothing" over the refurbishment of Boris Johnson's Downing Street flat.

Talking to Times Radio, the former deputy leader of the Conservative Party said: "We are unique in that people get worked up where nothing bad has happened.

"In Russia, public money was used to build Putin's Palace - public money on private property."

He continued: "Here it is private money - Boris's, ultimately - on public property, Number 10, And people are upset about it. I just think people have got things upside down."

Lord Lilley continued: "The Labour Party is naturally trying to exploit this, but my point is nothing bad has happened, no public money has been siphoned off to private benefit."

He added that any loan was "clearly temporary because the Prime Minister has ended up paying out of his pocket".

07:55 AM

Minister chastises journalists for highlighting Boris Johnson's mobile phone breach

A Home Office minister has insisted that Boris Johnson was aware of his responsibilities on national security amid reports that his mobile phone number has been posted online for 15 years.

She also chastised journalists for publicising the story further.

"The Prime Minister, more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security," Victoria Atkins told Times Radio Breakfast.

"I'm slightly surprised that a national broadcaster felt it appropriate to advertise the fact that that mobile phone is on the internet, if indeed it is."

She added that she believed the public were not "particularly interested" in the issue.

07:34 AM

Analysis: What does the revelation about Boris Johnson's phone number actually mean?

Just over a week ago The Daily Telegraph revealed that Boris Johnson has been told to change his phone number by the head of the civil service, amid concerns it was too well-known.

Those concerns now appear somewhat understated, after it emerged last night that the Prime Minister's number had been freely available online for the last 15 years. While it may have been active before the Popbitch newsletter went out, it's been firmly switched off ever since.

While it's accepted - and acceptable - that ministers' numbers are made available to people, this security breach poses serious questions - first of which must be what it was that made Simon Case ask the PM to ditch his number.

Was he receiving calls that were flagged as a concern - and if so, why wasn't further action taken?

Lord Ricketts has noted that people with "sophisticated cyber capabilities" may have happened across it, suggesting that the number could have opened the door to other, more compromising, communications.

Another investigation must be likely - but if one is launched, that just adds further weight to those arguing for an inquiry into the pandemic response.

07:23 AM

Leading think tanks join calls for public inquiry into pandemic response

Two leading think tanks have said that a public inquiry into the country's response to the pandemic should be launched immediately.

The Institute for Government (IfG) and King's Fund both challenged the Government's claims that it was the "wrong time" for an inquiry , saying the first steps could be taken without distracting civil servants from tackling the pandemic.

The IfG said that the inquiry should be established in May, giving it time to determine its terms of reference and complete preparatory work such as appointing a secretary and counsel before beginning its investigations in September after Parliament's summer recess.

The King's Fund's director of policy Sally Warren said: "The suggestion that everyone in Government is too busy for an inquiry is a poor excuse.

"There are first steps that can be taken to establish the inquiry - such as appointing an independent chair or agreeing term of reference - that will not distract from the efforts of public servants responding to Covid-19."

07:21 AM

Boris Johnson not alone in redecoration costs spiralling, says former MP

A former Conservative MP has stressed people are not interested in the so-called "cash for cushions" row, as she defended Boris Johnson's pricy refurbishment of the Downing Street flat.

The Conservatives have increased their lead during the row over sleaze and lobbying, with a YouGov poll for The Times finding the Tories on an 11-point lead, after Labour slipped down a point.

Victoria Borwick, the former MP for Kensington, told Sky News: "Boris is still ahead in the polls, and the electorate I think are getting on with what matters to them."

She added that inquiries should consider whether the PM was given enough public money to redecorate, noting: "These amounts are quite important when you consider you are decorating a home that receives international visitors.

"He can't be the first person who's needed to decorate and not necessarily known the total costs at the outset."

07:14 AM

Boris Johnson should pay as much attention to digital security as he does personal security

Boris Johnson 'can't just walk around on his own' - Reuters

Boris Johnson should pay as much attention to his digital security as he does to his personal security, a former national security adviser has said.

Lord Ricketts told the Today programme: "You do have to accept, just as you do - you can't just walk around on your own and talk to anyone you like - equally you shouldn't be in a position where anyone who once had your phone number can get to you when you are a prime minister.

"And that's one of the inconveniences of being prime minister but it's for their own sake and their own protection really, that access to them ought to be controlled and monitored... I think it's for the Prime Minister's own interest to be much more digitally secure than seems to be the case now."

07:07 AM

Boris Johnson's number may be known by 'hundreds, if not thousands of people'

The number, which is still online, dates back to 2006 when he was a junior shadow education minister - PA

Boris Johnson's mobile phone number may be known by "hundreds, if not thousands" of people, after it was discovered to have been left online for 15 years, a former national security adviser has said.

Lord Ricketts, a crossbench peer, told the Today programme: "It does matter, because access to the Prime Minister is a very valuable commodity.

"And if this same mobile phone number has been used for 15 or 20 years, then hundreds, if not thousands, of people must have access to it.

"And that gives them privileged access to someone who is no longer the MP for Henley, but the Prime Minister of the country."

07:04 AM

Ethics adviser must not have too much power, minister says

Giving Boris Johnson's new ethics adviser greater autonomy would hand too much power to an "unelected, unaccountable" individual, a minister has said.

Labour is among those calling for Lord Geidt to be given greater independence, including being able to instigate his own investigations and not having to report his findings into the Prime Minister before they are made public.

Victoria Atkins told Sky News: "The consequences of some of these suggestions haven't really been thought through."

It would hand an "unelected, unaccountable adviser, impeccable though Lord Geidt may be" a significant amount of control, she added.

"I am not sure that is an addition to our constitution we want to see."

06:49 AM

'I love John Lewis', says Boris Johnson as he calls questions over flat refurbishment 'nonsense'

Boris Johnson declared that he "loves" John Lewis and described questions about the funding of his Downing Street flat refurbishment a "farrago of nonsense".

The Prime Minister sought to distance himself from criticism of the British retailer and insisted there was "nothing to see here or to worry about" regarding the refit of the quarters.

However, last night the prospect of a fourth inquiry into the luxury works commissioned on the flat loomed over him.

Labour sources disclosed that the party has asked Kathryn Stone, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, to investigate whether the Prime Minister should have declared any benefit  including a loan or credit arrangement  linked to the refit.

Three probes are already underway on the funding behind the renovations. The Electoral Commission announced this week that it had launched a formal inquiry, while Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary, is overseeing an internal investigation and Lord Geidt, Mr Johnson's new adviser on ministerial interests, is also investigating.
We're talking about a former California School truck , whose past is still visible thanks to the side stickers that read "Redlands Unified School District." But the air intake protruding through the hood is a clear sign that this is not an ordinary school truck anymore. The whole project was completed in two years, and right now, it shows only 90 miles on the clock.If it weren't for the classic design cues, you could be tricked into thinking that this is a brand new SUV , and the price tag reflects that entirely. But before telling you how deep you have to dig into your pockets for this Suburban , let's have a look at some of its cool features. The sixth generation of the Suburban was on sale between 1967 and 1972, and if you wanted a V8, there were five different engines you could choose from.The smallest one available was a 283 cubic inch (4.6-liter) unit, while the most potent one was a 396 cubic inch (6.5-liter) one. But this school truck now packs a large 454 cubic inch (7.4-liter) big block, which should give it just enough oomph to put a big smile on your face. Sure, adding a supercharger into the equation would've made it even more impressive, but with a vehicle this big, more power might have made things worse.All the basic engine mods are in place as well, and you get Dual 4-barrel Holley carburetors and long-tube headers, alongside a 3-inch (76-mm) Flowmaster dual exhaust. The seller provides a short video of the vehicle, but we only get to hear it at low revs, which is still tempting enough. And on the inside, the soundtrack is complemented by a very tidy look, with three spacious and brand new-looking bench seats.With a more modern engine in it, a TH400 4-speed automatic gearbox was also brought into play, and more upgrades were made to give this true restomod status. With power steering, power front disc brakes, a modern alternator, a big aluminum radiator, and dual electric fans, this '69 Suburban was built to last and provide a more comfortable driving experience. Once again, that leads us to the idea that you get what you pay for.That's because this Suburban comes with a price tag of $119,995 , which is more than you would pay for a brand new Ram TRX . It sure isn't going to be faster than a TRX, more comfortable, or more reliable, but it's bound to attract more attention at a car show. You simply have to figure out if it's the attention that matters more to you or if you'd rather choose function over form while losing the unique factor at the same time.
The internet retail giant Amazon has profited off every aspect of the pandemic, from the surge in online shopping since the shutdown began in March 2020 to the surge of mounting social crisis. This pandemic profiteering has found particularly acute expression in New York City, home to Wall Street and the highest concentration of the worlds wealthiest individuals. At the same time, the city is home to a vast multinational, multi-ethnic working class, which has been devastated by a pandemic-generated economic crisis of an intensity not seen since the depression of the 1930s.

In this March 30, 2020 file photo, workers at Amazons fulfillment center in Staten Island gather outside to protest work conditions in the companys New York warehouse [Credit: AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File]

Due to the pandemic, Amazon now delivers an estimated 2.4 million packages in the city each day, an increase of half a million packages, 80 percent of which are to residential addresses. Amazons 50,000 workers in New York Citywho even before the pandemic had to accept brutally exploitative conditions for what, at $17.25 per hour, amounted to poverty wages in the most expensive city in the world. These workers have had to work at a far faster and more intense pace to meet this increased demand while facing the daily risk of exposure to the deadly coronavirus. The alternative they face is to join the ranks of the 631,000 workers who lost jobs in the city in the past year.

For its part, Amazon has seen an 84.1 percent increase in profits over 2019. According to recent reports, Amazon has been using this pandemic windfall not to ameliorate the conditions in its fulfillment centers, but to buy up New York City real estate to further secure its hegemonic position over online shopping, which, with the acquisition in 2017 of the Whole Foods grocery chain, now includes food. At every step of the way, Amazons expansion has been guided by the mantra, Do not let a good crisis go to waste.

Bankruptcies of small businesses make space for Amazon

With only 128 million square feet of industrial space available, New York City had presented a logistical challenge for the behemoth. The city has far less, and consequently more expensive, warehouse space than many smaller cities such as Detroit, where Amazon has also picked up significant tracts of vacant industrial space in 2020. The scarcity of space was so severe that Amazon resorted to using mini-warehouses, paying 1,000 residents in Manhattan and Brooklyn to use their apartments to store and ship goods for retailers.

Now, due to the pandemic-induced closure of nearly a third of small businesses in New York City, much more space has become available. Seizing the opportunity, Amazon is acquiring 12 warehouses across the citys five boroughs, including a massive 1 million-plus square foot space in Queens.

Initially kept out of the city by zoning regulations, Amazon had been forced to locate its fulfillment centers in adjacent industrial areas of New Jersey and Long Island. Since the highest costs of delivery are in the so-called final mile, its drive to gain a foothold within the five boroughs has been relentless. As soon as regulations were weakened in 2017, Amazon opened its first major warehouse in the borough of Staten Island followed by a second in Maspeth, Queens. The present expansion will enable the online retail giant to cut delivery costs by an estimated 22 percent as it opens 10 new delivery stations in the city in 2021.

Amazon has also added 14 new warehouses in New Jersey and on Long Island, totaling more than 7 million square feet combined. Although the square footage is large, the projected number of additional jobs is relatively small. Each of the new delivery stations will employ 100 to 150 workers, for a total of 1,000 to 1,500 workers. However, this may change as Amazon takes advantage of its newly secured warehouse space and the citys high unemployment rates to expand its operations in the city at the expense of rivals like Walmart and Target.

In addition, the pandemic-induced closure of 6,000 small businesses and a 40 percent increase in the bankruptcy rate in the city have further concentrated wealth in an ever smaller number of corporate enterprises leading to increased vacancy in commercial office spaces. Even as 80,000 city workers are being prematurely ordered back into offices in May in order to signal that New York City is back in the business of churning out profit, there is widespread recognition that it will prove more cost effective for a significant portion of the white-collar workforce to continue to work remotely once the pandemic has subsided.

Here too Amazon has not missed an opportunity. After its first attempt to build a corporate headquarters (HQ2) in Long Island City, Queens collapsed ignominiously in 2019, Amazon has now established its corporate beachhead in the heart of finance capital at a deep discount. Along with tech giants Apple, Facebook and Google, Amazon has taken advantage of the glut of vacant office space to acquire eight office spaces, most of them in Manhattan.

In addition, it paid roughly $1 billion for the iconic Lord & Taylor building on Fifth Avenue in March 2020, announcing in August that 2,000 employees would eventually work there. This would increase by half its current tech workforce of 4,000. And irrespective of the low vaccination rate and increasing number of more deadly and contagious variants circulating in the city, Amazon told employees last week that there would be a return to an office-centric culture as our baseline.

Exploiting the social crisis in New York City

In its drive to expand in New York City, Amazon is also exploiting the conditions of social devastation that prevail in large sections of the working class.

New York City is home to Wall Street and no less than 92 billionaires. This layer of social parasites, with Amazons Jeff Bezos leading the pack, has seen its wealth increase $1.3 trillion since mid-March, 2020. The countrys 664 billionaires now have combined wealth of $4.3 trillion, an increase of 44 percent due to the $3 trillion pumped into the financial markets by the so-called C.A.R.E.S Act passed almost exactly a year ago.

By contrast, due to the pandemic, no less than 630,000 workers have seen their jobs destroyed in New York City, and across the state 850,000 people are out of work. According to the New York State Department of Labor, unemployment rose nearly 10 percentage points to 13 percent, which is twice the national average. In the Bronx, the citys poorest borough, it is as high as 17.7 percent. For millions, unemployment is bound up with food insecurity.

In 2020, an estimated 1.4 million New York City residents were struggling to afford adequate food in 2020, according to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks. This amounted to an increase of nearly half a million over the last year. Enrollment in food stamps programs has also increased by 12 percent to 1.6 million in the same period. Among the most affected are children, who, with the shift to remote learning required to halt the spread of the coronavirus at schools, have lost access to the 1 million free school breakfasts and lunches that formerly might have provided their only reliable source of nutrition.

The homelessness crisis is also bound to get worse as hundreds of thousands of New York workers have fallen months behind on their rent over the past year. An eviction moratorium enacted by Governor Andrew Cuomo is set to expire on August 20. The federal weekly supplemental unemployment benefit of $300, which has helped many cover their rent, will also end in July.

According to Politico New York, Lawmakers acknowledge that without another infusion of federal funds, the city and state will be unable to address potentially billions of dollars in unpaid rent for tenants who have lost jobs or income due to the crisis. The state approved a $100 million rent relief fund in May. But this is a pittance relative to the hundreds of billions that have been accrued by the wealthiest 1 percent.

The intense exploitation of and hazardous conditions faced by Amazon workers have likewise been intensified by the pandemic, with speed-up and electronic surveillance used to drive workers to meet the increased demand. Minimally enforced social distancing and the absence of other health measures has resulted in more than 20,000 Amazon workers in the US contracting COVID-19, resulting in an unknown number of deaths, since Amazon refuses to report them.

As the severe economic and health fallout of the pandemic continues to make itself felt into a second year and with corporations like Amazon taking further advantage of the changed conditions to restructure their operations in the drive to ever greater profits, there is enormous opposition growing in the working class against social inequality and a demand for living wages and decent working conditions.

Already 2021 has seen strikes by Hunts Point Market workers in the Bronx, Warrior Met coal miners in Alabama, thousands of ATI steelworkers in Pennsylvania and other states, Massachusetts nurses and New York City graduate student workers.

In each of these struggles, however, workers have come up against not only the employers, but the unions that have for the past four decades, time and again, isolated and shut down their struggles. It is becoming increasingly clear to workers both in the US and internationally that these old organizations (in the US the AFL-CIO, UMWA, Teamsters, UFT, and others) serve not to fight for but to stifle and derail this growing opposition of their members.

With unions in the US representing just 6 percent of the private sector workforce, the alienation and suspicion that all workers feel for these discredited organizations found a particularly sharp expression in the vote at Amazons Bessemer, Alabama plant earlier this month to reject organization by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). That the RWDSUs unionization drivecarried out with the full backing of the Democratic Party, from President Joe Biden on down to the various middle class pseudo-left organizations, along with sections of the Republican Party like the fascistic Florida Senator Marco Rubiocould win only 13 percent of the vote was a stunning repudiation of this pro-corporate, state-directed operation.

Under conditions where unions all over the world have been transformed into arms of management and the state, Amazon workers, together with all sections of the working class in the US and internationally, face the critical task of building their own independent organizations. The World Socialist Web Site and the International Committee of the Fourth International have initiated the call for the formation of the International Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees that will fight the corporate union gang-up against workers.

These committees will fight against the sacrifice of human lives during the pandemic for the sake of private profit and for decent living standards and safe working conditions. This requires they be guided by a socialist and internationalist perspective. This includes the demand that the billions in pandemic profits being spent by Bezos and his cronies to expand this vast network of exploitation with additional warehouses, fulfillment centers and corporate offices must be expropriated to serve the needs of society, not private profit.

Subscribe to the International Amazon Workers Voice newsletter here.
The rollout of the US government's third stimulus checks is ongoing, with eligible US citizens getting $1,400 worth of cash relief or more.

However, the government is not done handing over cash reliefs to its citizens, as those eligible can also get plus-up payments.

How to Check Plus-Up Eligibility Through Your Online Tax Account

Cnet reported that if the IRS used an older tax return of an individual when it determined their third stimulus checks from the American Rescue Plan, the IRS would owe them more money than before. The individual who had a sudden change in their financial income and had passed an older copy of their 2020 tax return is subject to receive a plus-up payment.

An eligible individual for a plus-up payment is determined if they have experienced a sudden income decline in 2020, compared to 2019, or may have a newborn baby or a new dependent in their lives.

According to the IRS, they have already sent 700,000 plus-up payments for nearly $1.2 billion to US citizens who already have the third stimulus check. However, suppose the 2020 tax return shows an individual qualifies for a larger payment, the IRS said that they will recalculate the amount of their payment and automatically send a plus-up cash relief for the difference they owe.

Read Also: Fourth Stimulus Check Tracker: Updates on New Payment, Tools, Calculators for Proposed $2000 Relief

To check if the plus-up payment has arrived, citizens can visit the IRS website by clicking here and view their tax account on how much the IRS owes them. According to Fast Company, viewing the online tax account should show the individual their Economic Impact Payments, giving them an idea of how much they are owed

We have an available calculator to compute the plus-up payment.

Per Fast Company, the latest batch of Economic Impact Payments include 730,000 new plus-up payments, totaling up to $1.3 billion. Eligible citizens will receive a plus-up compensation if they have already received the third stimulus check in their bank accounts or via mail.

If the third Stimulus Check arrives via direct deposit, that is how individuals will get their plus-up payments. However, the IRS recommends that citizens double-check their amounts to confirm how much the government owes them. They should also hold on to the relevant IRS letter if they receive a lesser payment than they expect.

What if US Citizens Have Not Yet Received Their Third Stimulus Check?

As reported previously, eligible citizens can check the IRS website and go to the Get My Payment tracker to know where and when the third stimulus check will be sent to them. Individuals need to enter their Social Security number, name, date of birth, address, and ZIP code on the web page to use the tool.

After that, a message will appear, displaying information about their payment.

If eligible citizens have not yet received their payment, it does not mean they are not eligible to have it. The IRS is still in the phase of sending the third stimulus checks to every citizen in all states.

Related Article: Stimulus Check Tracker and Updates: How to Check Your Plus-Up Payment Online--Requirements, Status and More
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acted to ban the selling of mint-flavored cigarettes, dealing a big blow to the tobacco industry. The prohibition has been actively advocated for by public health and civil rights organizations, noting the excessive risks of menthol cigarettes to black Americans.

Menthol, flavored cigarettes ban sparkes debate

Critics of the ban argued that the prohibition would lead to illegal sales and further confrontations with law enforcement. More than a third of cigarette sales in the United States will be affected by the new restriction.

Implementing a definitive decision will take months, if not years. The FDA's decision came on the verge of the deadline for the department to respond to a federal complaint filed by public health organizations challenging the ban.

Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock cited many reports on menthol's negative consequences in saying that banning the taste could help save lives and fix health inequalities faced by communities of color, low-income groups, and LGBTQ+ people. Many of whom are much more likely to consume these tobacco products. The federal agency has stated that it would aim to outlaw all flavored cigars in its decision. It did not say much about menthol-flavored e-cigarettes.

According to BBC News, Congress is not required to approve a ban on menthol cigarettes, but it would not happen immediately and may take years. The FDA now begins a lengthy rule-making process, which will require a public consultation period as a result of its decision. Tobacco firms are expected to file a slew of court objections to the final legislation.

Anti-smoking organizations argue that a ban is long overdue, but the campaign against flavored cigarette products has been slow. Tobacco use has decreased dramatically in the United States over the years. But the number of smokers who use menthol cigarettes has increased, especially among young people and in black communities.

Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that African Americans smoke fewer cigarettes and begin at a later age than white smokers. However, they die at much higher rates from tobacco-related diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Read Also: Did President Joe Biden Hint at Fourth Stimulus Check in First Joint Session of Congress?

Opponents of the ban, including black leaders such as Al Sharpton, have said that excluding a product that is common among African Americans is racist. They caution that making these products illegal could create an online market of buyers and distributors, as well as more tense encounters between law enforcement and young black men.

The decision comes after recent measures in 2009 that prohibited the sale of other flavored cigarettes. During the Trump administration, the FDA made a similar action in 2018 to outlaw menthol cigarettes, but the ban did not go into effect. The FDA said menthol hides the harshness and offensive flavors of tobacco products, making them easy to use. By improving the impact of nicotine, tobacco products containing menthol can be more addictive and challenging to stop, as per the NPR.

According to the CDC, African Americans have the most significant menthol cigarette usage among all racial and ethnic groups. The FDA said about 18.6 million people in the United States smoke menthol cigarettes. Still, use is uneven, with menthol cigarettes being used by about 85 percent of Black smokers than 30 percent of white smokers.

White House aware that cigarettes ban could spark racial discrimination

The White House has acknowledged that it is "aware" of civil rights activists' warnings that a ban on menthol cigarettes will overwhelmingly harm people of color, Daily Mail reported. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Deputy Press Secretary, said Thursday that the Biden administration is taking "seriously" the questions raised about the proposed ban of the product common among black smokers.

The step is controversial, with civil rights leaders and organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) arguing this week that it would lead to further policing and racial profiling against African-Americans. According to Jean-Pierre, an FDA ban would not criminalize the smoking product for people but rather for companies.

In a letter sent to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra this week ahead of the FDA's decision, the ACLU, Students for a Sensible Drug Policy, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and 24 other similar organizations cautioned that a ban would have "strong social justice consequences." They said that since the product is more common with black people, this will lead to more black people being targeted by law enforcement.

Read Article: Refugee Advocates Urge White House To Fill Leadership as Biden Struggles on New Immigration Cap

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Announcement on Change in Share Capital of H-Share

Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt, 30 April 2021 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) published an announcement on the Shanghai Stock Exchange with regard to the Change in Share Capital of H-Share:

The details are as follows:

Conversion status: In April 2021, a cumulative amount of HKD 567,000,000 H-Share convertible bonds were converted into H-Shares of the Company, and the cumulative number of H-Shares formed as a result of the conversion was 30,100,490 shares, accounting for 0.32% of the total share capital of the Company before the conversion of H-Share convertible bonds in this month. As of 30 April 2021, a cumulative amount of HKD 6,602,000,000 H-Share convertible bonds were converted into H-Shares of the Company, and the cumulative number of H-Shares formed as a result of the conversion was 350,482,243 shares, accounting for 3.75% of the total share capital of the Company before the conversion of H-Share convertible bonds in this month.

Status of outstanding convertible bonds: As of 30 April 2021, the amount of H-Share convertible bonds not yet converted was HKD 1,391,000,000, accounting for 17.40% of the total number of H-Share convertible bonds issued.

I. Overview of the issuance and listing of convertible bonds

On 27 October 2020, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) issued the Approval of Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. to Issue Overseas Listed Foreign Shares and Convertible Corporate Bonds (CSRC License [2020] No. 2768), approving: (1) Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the "Company") to issue not more than 2,856,526,138 overseas listed foreign shares (including additional shares issued upon exercise of conversion rights by holders of convertible bonds of not more than HKD 8 billion or equivalent in foreign currencies), with a par value of RMB 1 per share, all of which are ordinary shares. Upon completion of this issuance, the Company may list on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (hereinafter referred to as "HKSE"); (2) The Company's wholly-owned overseas subsidiaries, guaranteed by the Company, will issue overseas corporate bonds not exceeding HKD 8 billion or its equivalent in foreign currency convertible into overseas listed foreign shares of the Company (hereinafter referred to as "H-share convertible bonds").

On 23 December 2020, 2,448,279,814 H-Shares of the Company were listed and traded on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the relevant exchangeable bonds to convertible bonds program became effective and operational after the listing, the total amount of effective H-share convertible bonds was HKD 7,993,000,000.

II. Change in Share Capital

In April 2021, the changes in the Company's shares were as follows.

Class of shares Before the change

31 March 2021 Number of the current change (shares) After the change Number of shares (shares) Proportion Number of shares (shares) Proportion Listed domestic shares (A shares) 6,308,552,654 67.48% - 6,308,552,654 67.27% Overseas-listed shares (D shares) 271,013,973 2.90% - 271,013,973 2.89% Overseas-listed shares (H shares) 2,768,661,567 29.62% +30,100,490 2,798,762,057 29.84% Total number of shares 9,348,228,194 100.00% +30,100,490 9,378,328,684 100.00%

About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.:

Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized mass production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as smaller household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience.

IR Contact:

Yao Sun (Sophie) - Haier Smart Home Germany

T: +49 6172 9454 143

F: +49 6172 9454 42143

M: +49 160 9469 3601

Email: y.sun@haier.de
WASHINGTON  Shepaug Valley School has not changed any of its graduation requirements as a result of the pandemic but, where appropriate, accommodations have been made, according to officials.

Shepaug Valley is the only public high school in Regional School District 12, which includes students from includes from Bridgewater, Roxbury and Washington.

According to Superintendent Megan Bennett, graduation requirements have continued to remain consistent year to year: Students still need 25 credits to graduate.

We still have the required credits students need to achieve for graduation, she said, adding students have not had any issues with credit recovery.

However, as a result of the pandemic, accommodations have been made within courses to adjust some of the demands and expectations, recognizing that the pandemic has made an impact.

As an example, Bennett referenced the required project seniors must complete in order to graduate.

We recognize things like the ability to hold public events were completely restricted during the pandemic, she said.

This played a factor, she said, in students ability to present and showcase their information to the public.

She said she wants to make certain students are ready for life after graduation, and taking away any courses or opportunities as a result of the pandemic was not really on anybodys horizon. But certainly, looking at how the opportunities were presented and changes that needed to be made and accommodated for, was considered.

Kim Gallo, Shepaug Valley principal, said students have received much support over the course of the pandemic, to complete their classwork.

Especially for the at-home learners, she said, it can be difficult. Its been a long haul. But we put a lot of stop gaps in place  people to help them, and support Zooms so that kids can get their work done.

Gallo said the biggest factor the school has had to think about during this period is the senior community service requirement of 30 hours.

This isnt a huge requirement, but in pandemic it can be difficult, Gallo said. So, weve worked with kids pretty closely to say  not only what could you do? but what are you comfortable with doing? What is your family comfortable with doing?

One example of how the pandemic may have changed students feelings is volunteering in public places, such as at the local soup kitchen.

In a non-pandemic year, you can show up at a soup kitchen and you can help out, and youre shoulder to shoulder with other volunteers, Gallo said.

Now, lots of families are not comfortable with their kids doing that, especially that you walk in not knowing, first of all, whether everybodys going to wear a mask; and second of all, how many people are going to be there, Gallo said. That can be scary.

In light of that, over April vacation, one of the Shepaug teachers offered an alternative community service project  a trail clean-up.

The kids did that  they did a great service, which was outdoors, and they did it in a good way, she said.

In general, with regard to graduation requirements, Gallo added each students situation is evaluated on an individual basis.

Im very confident in saying that the kids that cross our stage have completed the board requirements to the very best of their ability, and just as importantly, that theyve had the support that they need to do it, Gallo said.

sfox@milfordmirror.com
Courtesy of Mr Curiosity



By David A Tizzard




The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a free speech case involving a Pennsylvania high school student who was kicked off her cheerleading team over a profanity-laced Snapchat message, a case advocates say has free speech implications for all students.

The former student, Brandi Levy, and her parents are fighting the Mahanoy Area School District in the Supreme Court over the students profanity-laced Snapchat message voicing her frustration with not making the varsity squad.

Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. was heard before the court on Wednesday. Advocates say that students free speech rights hang in the balance as the nations high court has the opportunity to weigh just how far schools can go in policing speech conduct that occurs outside their buildings.

Malcolm Stewart, deputy solicitor general at the Department of Justice, represented the Biden administration in support of the school district. David Cole, national legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union, advocated for Levy. Lisa Blatt represented the school district.

Source:The Christian Post
Dhaka, April 30 : Two militants of the banned Ansar al-Islam militant outfit were arrested on Friday by Bangladesh's elite police force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), from Pallabi and Shibalaya areas of Manikganj, near Dhaka, officials said.

The two, arrested in separate raids, were identified as Sajib Hossain Khan, 22, and Abdullah Zayed, 19. Jihadi books and leaflets were seized from their possession.

A RAB official told IANS that Khan was an active member of Ansar al-Islam and in regular contact with other militants. Meanwhile, Zayed used social media to contact members of Ansar using various anonymous IDs.

Ansar al-Islam used to broadcast various speeches and extremist videos to motivate its members, including online-based action plans.

Based on their initial interrogation, both of the militants have been arrested, the RAB official said.

The militants were active in distorting Islamic interpretations and blackmailing the devotees in the name of religion. They have generally used social media as a platform to incite militancy, RAB-4's operations officer, ASP Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury told IANS. Legal action is being taken against them, he added.

The ASP also said that both militants were arrested on the basis of interrogation of two more other Ansar Al-Islam militants arrested on April 19.
A businessman rides a bike past a giant photo of the ancient Drum and Bell Towers in Beijing on Monday. UPI-Yonhap



China warned the United States on Thursday against imposing its democratic ideals, while criticizing trade sanctions and military moves in Beijing's backyard just hours after President Biden's speech on American geopolitical priorities.



The remarks came after Biden's first address to Congress, in which the U.S. leader placed a renewed focus on diplomacy and said the country was in competition with China and others to win the 21st century.



Biden added that "autocrats think democracies can't compete", while noting the U.S. welcomes competition and is not looking for conflict.



Asked about the speech, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said it was normal for the U.S. and China to compete in some areas.



"But this kind of competition should be a track and field race, not a duel to the death," he told a regular press briefing on Thursday.



Wang also warned that "forcing other countries to accept one's democratic system... will only create divisions, intensify tension, and undermine stability."



In his speech, President Biden also said the US would stand up to unfair trade practices such as subsidies for state-owned enterprises and intellectual property theft.



But China lashed out a day later at the U.S. for "violating the market principle of fair competition" and "politicising" issues such as the economy, trade and technology, in reference to the trade war between both countries in recent years.



"China is committed to developing a relationship with the U.S. based on non-conflict and non-confrontation," Wang said.



While Biden said he told Chinese President Xi Jinping the U.S. would maintain a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific to prevent conflict  just as it did with NATO in Europe  China highlighted issues with US deployments in the region.



China's defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian added in a separate statement Thursday that, since the inauguration of the current U.S. government, the frequency of U.S. warships sent to China's maritime territory increased by 20 percent from last year.



The frequency of reconnaissance aircraft activity in the region also increased by 40 percent, Wu added, saying that China "resolutely opposes this."



"The U.S. frequently sends warships and planes to carry out activities in maritime waters and airspace near China, advancing regional militarization and threatening regional peace and stability," he said. (AFP)


Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - More than 700 people were arrested in Chad on Tuesday during protests against the ruling junta, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) announced on Friday
Power Line doesnt actually haveyetan official Hero of the Week, but if we did, it would have to start with Braden Ellis, a student at Cypress College in southern California, who had the temerity to stick up for the police in a class presentation, indeed, suggesting police officers deserve to be regarded as heroes. His professor then spouts the ignorant nonsense that policing began and grew out of slave patrols, and then berates the student for his views.

This video of the exchange is only three minutes long, but the stupidity and arrogance of the professor makes it seem much longerit is an example, surely replicable on a wide scale on our campuses today, of just how low academia has sunk:

More on the story from The Daily Wire.

Observations: Braden Ellis is more professorial than the supposed professor here. Which gives me hope in a certain way.

Second, The Daily Wire story for some reason does not identify the professor, and the Cypress College website is rather spare. (There dont seem to be any portals or emails for administrators where one might ask about this travesty.) I think I have divined the identity of the professor, but want to confirm it before posting a name.

Prediction: Braden Ellis is headed for great things. I hope he has the opportunity to transfer to a college that will offer him a real education, like Hillsdale.
WASHINGTON (WTVA) - The remains of a missing Korean War soldier have been accounted for and will return to the South for burial.

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Army Cpl. Henry L. Helms, 24, of Collbran, Alabama, was accounted for on April 16, 2020.

He was reported missing in action (MIA) on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea.

His journey home began after the summit meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korea Supreme leader Kim Jong-Un in June 2018.

North Korea surrendered more than 55 boxes purported to contain the remains of American soldiers killed during the Korean War.

Hell be buried on May 22, 2021, in Ringgold, Georgia.
Mumbai: Despite having limited COVID vaccine stocks, the Maharashtra government is set to begin the next phase of vaccination drive in the state on May 1 in which people above the age of 18 years will be inoculated.

The intent behind the move is to mark Maharashtra Day which falls on the same day.

Maharashtra CM (Uddhav Thackeray) believes that vaccination must start vaccination from May 1, when Maharashtra Day is celebrated, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope was quoted as saying by ANI.

So just for the inauguration, we will start a nominal vaccination drive on that day, he added.

On Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhans statement that vaccines are being allocated as per the performance of states in vaccination, Tope said that Maharashtra is Number 1 in terms of vaccination and has a capacity to inoculate 13 lakh people a day.

We've vaccinated over 5 lakh people in a day and have capacity to vaccinate 13 lakh people in a day. We're number one in vaccination, Tope said.

According to the state government, as many as 13,04,828 frontline workers have received the vaccine so far, of whom 4,83,444 have got the second dose.

At least 1,09,64,761 people above the age of 45 have received their first dose of vaccine, while 14,04,673 have taken the second jab.

In an encouraging sign, the COVID-19 test positivity rate in Mumbai has dropped below 10 per cent, municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said.

According to Chahal, Mumbai's positivity rate was 9.94 per cent on April 29, when 4,328 people tested positive for COVID-19 out of 43,525 whose samples were examined.

Live TV
Federal workplace safety officials have cited a water technology company after an employee was injured when a guardrail loosened and he fell and struck his head on a support beam as he lowered himself into a nearly 30-foot deep water test pit in the companys in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, facility.

Xylem Inc. faces U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed penalties of $234,054 for one willful and eight serious safety violations.

OSHA received a report of the injury on Oct. 29, 2020. Inspectors later determined that the company exposed employees to walking-working surfaces hazards, failed to provide employees with fall protection before they entered a 100 by 24-foot water-testing pit and failed to follow specific permit-required confined spaces safety procedures prior to entering the water test pits.

Based in Rye Brook, New York, Xylem is an international company that tests, troubleshoots and repairs large industrial water treatment pumps used by power plants and municipalities. The company employs more than 1,600 workers nationwide and 57 at the Pewaukee facility.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA

Topics Workers' Compensation Tech
Desde Surco, el ministro Oscar Ugarte superviso esta manana el inicio de la vacunacion contra la COVID-19 a los adultos mayores de 70 anos de Lima y Callao. #PongoElHombro ???? pic.twitter.com/Wx0R5WVxnM
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A major traveling exhibition on Picasso is still on hold at the Cleveland Museum of Art, but another big one on Giacometti is coming, along with other shows on depictions of motherhood by contemporary artists, and on the work of 15 pioneering contemporary Black photographers.

An announcement by the museum outlines eight shows or gallery rotations currently on view, plus another 14 scheduled between now and the summer of 2022, of which five have not been previously announced.

The museums advance look at its exhibition schedule shows that the once-conservative institution is shifting toward a greater emphasis on modern and contemporary art, and on work by African-American artists.

At the same time, the museum is planning on exhibitions designed to illuminate its traditional strengths in Asian art and European medieval art.

Picasso and Paper,' a blockbuster that should have opened last May and was later postponed to September, has been postponed indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Planned with more than 300 works exploring Pablo Picassos innovative use of paper, the exhibition is the subject of discussions with the Musee National Picasso-Paris over when it could visit Cleveland in the next few years. The exhibition opened last winter at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, but did not travel.

Despite the Picasso holdup, the museum is planning another major commitment to mid-century modernism with its newly announced exhibition on the Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti, known for his sculptures of skinny human figures pocked with tortured surfaces that express anxiety and doubt over the human condition.

Co-organized with the Fondation Giacometti, Paris, Alberto Giacometti: Toward the Ultimate Figure,' will be on view from March 12 to June 12, 2022. As the Cleveland museums biggest solo show on a 20th-century European modernist since major exhibits on Picasso in 1992 and 2001, it will be a rare event.

The exhibition will examine 60 works by Giacometti focusing on the years from 1945 to his death in 1966. The show will also travel to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City; and the Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.

The museums other previously unannounced shows include:

New Histories, New Futures,' on view June 26 to Sept. 12 at the Transformer Station gallery in Ohio City. The show will focus on how three contemporary artists  Johnny Coleman of Oberlin; Antwoine Washington of Cleveland; and Kambui Olujimi of Queens, New York, explore time and historical revisionism.

Picturing Motherhood Now,' on view Oct. 16 to March 13, 2022, will examine works made over the past two decades by artists exploring new images of maternity amid what the museum calls changing definitions of family and gender, the histories and afterlives of slavery, the legacies of migration, and the preservation of matrilineal indigenous cultures.'

Currents and Constellations: Black Art in Focus,' scheduled for Feb. 20 to June 26, 2022, will feature seminal works by major Black artists' alongside works by emerging and mid-career Black artists, all drawn from the museums permanent collection.

The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion,' on view from May 8 to Sep. 11, 2022, will survey 15 emerging photographers whose works, according to the museum, open conversations about the representation of the Black body and Black lives' to challenge the idea that Blackness is homogenous.

Previously announced exhibitions in the museums news release include:

Medieval Treasures from Munster Cathedral,' opening May 22 and extending through Aug. 14, will highlight reliquaries from Saint Pauls Cathedral in Munster, Germany that will shed new light on the Cleveland museums famous Guelph treasure of sacred Christian objects.

Private Lives: Home and Family in the Art of the Nabis, Paris, 1889-1900.' On view from July 1 to Sept. 19, the exhibition will center on works by Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard, Maurice Denis and Felix Vallotton, members of a group of post-Impressionist artists devoted to intimate scenes of home, family, and children.

Collecting Dreams: Odilon Redon,' on view from Sept. 19 to Jan. 23, 2022, will take viewers into the dream worlds created by a leading, late 19th-century French Symbolist in paintings, prints, and drawings owned primarily by the museum.

Revealing Krishna: Journey to Cambodias Sacred Mountain,' on view from Nov. 14, 2021, to Jan. 30, 2022 will combine the museums freshly restored sculpture, Krishna Lifting Mount Govardhan,' alongside nine related masterworks of sculpture on loan from Cambodia and France that were originally from Phnom Da, one of the earliest major Hindu sites in Southeast Asia

In addition to the sculptures, the exhibition will explore Phnom Da through immersive digital displays. The show is a joint project of the museum and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
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BEIJING, Apr. 30 -- Wed like to express our deep condolences to the victims of the sunken Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala-402 and extend our sincere sympathies to the bereaved families, said Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for China s Ministry of National Defense, in a written statement released on Friday.

Ren said that, at the request of Indonesian government, the Chinese military has sent vessels to relevant waters of the Lombok Strait to assist Indonesia in rescuing the sunken KRI Nanggala-402 submarine.
Renowned Filmmaker Amma Asante MBE Announced as Special Guest for Exeters online Creative Dialogues Event

On Tuesday 25th May, renowned BAFTA award-winning writer and director Amma Asante MBE will join the Universitys College of Humanities for the second of their exclusive online Creative Dialogues events for 2021.

Exploring her distinguished body of work, including her 2004 BAFTA award-winning film A Way of Life, Amma will share fascinating insights into her creative journey and career as a writer, director, producer and filmmaker.

The free event will be hosted by Linda Williams, Professor of Film at the University of Exeter who is currently working on an AHRC funded project called Calling the Shots: Women and Contemporary Film Culture in the UK, 2000-2015 which focuses on contemporary women filmmakers.

Speaking ahead of the event Amma said: "There really has never been a more exciting time to be a woman, talking about film. Professor Linda Williams just happens to be one of the most enlightened people I know, on the subject...plus she is a film oracle! I really cant wait for the Creative Dialogues event at the University of Exeter on May 25th, where we can celebrate progress, explore the creative journey, compare the films that have helped shape us... oh and maybe put the world to rights too!"

Ammas BAFTA winning film A Way of Life (2004) made her the first Black director to win a BAFTA Film Award for writing and directing a feature film and garnered 17 additional awards worldwide.

Her movie, Belle (2013) drew widespread acclaim, becoming one of the highest grossing independent films of the year, and in 2016, A United Kingdom, for Pathe and Fox Searchlight, saw Amma celebrated as the first Black director to open the BFI London Film Festival in its 60-year history.

In 2017, Amma was named an MBE in the Queens Birthday Honour's list and 2018 saw the release of Where Hands Touch. Set in 1944, Germany, the film, inspired by historical events, starred Amandla Stenberg, and was distributed worldwide by Sony.

Amma will helm, the adaptation of The Billion Dollar Spy, starring Mads Mikkelsen. Based on the book by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, David E. Hoffman, it tells the true story of Adolf Tolkachev, who became the Pentagons most valuable spy during the last years of the Cold War.

Amma has additionally directed episodes of Hulu-MGMs The Handmaids Tale and the Emmy nominated and winning Betty and Shirley episodes of Mrs America for FX.

Creative Dialogues is a series of exclusive in-conversation events showcasing a range of high-profile speakers who are leaders in their respective fields across the creative industries and Humanities. The events provide a rare opportunity to join internationally-renowned professionals in person and learn first-hand about their colourful careers and life works.

The events are part of the University of Exeters Arts and Culture Strategy, which celebrates the Universitys outstanding contributions to arts and culture in Devon and Cornwall.

It promotes international cultural relationships and dialogues, through highly-ranked arts research and teaching, practice and performance.

The event will be held online on Wednesday, May 25th from 6.30-8pm. To register and for more information, please visit the Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/college-of-humanities-creative-dialogues-series-tickets-152328794525
(Newser)  On Thursday, headlines were abuzz over the arrest of former 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar, just days after his wife had announced they're expecting their seventh child. Now, some clarity on what exactly he was arrested for: The 33-year-old pleaded not guilty via Zoom on Friday to an Arkansas federal judge on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography, per KHBS and KNWA. Duggar, the oldest of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar's 19 biological childrenthey also have an adopted son, Tyleris accused of going online to download the pornographic material in question, some of which contain images of sexual abuse against children younger than 12, per court documents.

story continues below

A bond hearing is set for Wednesday. Judge Erin Wiedemann said Friday that if Duggar ends up being released on bond, he'd likely have to be under the supervision of a third-party custodian and not be allowed near minors. "We just heard about it yesterday. It is sad," his sister Jill Duggar tells USA Today in a statement. If convicted, Duggar could face up to 20 years behind bars and fines of up to $250,000 for each count. Us Weekly takes a look back at Duggar's legal troubles and other controversies over the years, including the police report in 2015 that first revealed he'd molested five girls, including several of his sisters, when he was a young teen. (Read more Josh Duggar stories.)
Marjorie Taylor Greene will join Matt Gaetz to kick off their America First Tour at the retirement community known as The Villages, a major Republican base.

The two controversial Republicans say they are coming together on 7 May to push back against Democrats and call out fellow Republicans who they think did not support former president Donald Trump, such as the 10 House members who voted to impeach him after the Capitol riots.

Mr Gaetz said they will also work against Joe Bidens border policy with Mexico, taking on the threat of the Chinese Communist Party and ensuring real election integrity, reported the Washington Examiner.

Florida representative Mr Gaetz is facing federal investigations for an alleged sexual relationship with a 17-year-old and accusations that he violated federal sex trafficking by paying for prostitutes. He has consistently denied the charges.

The accusations against him are linked to a broader investigation into former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, who was indicted on charges of sex trafficking of a minor and financially supporting people in exchange for sex.

There are millions of Americans who need to know they still have advocates in Washington DC, and the America First movement is consistently growing and fighting, Mr Gaetz told The Washington Examiner.

The issues that motivate us include ending Americas forever-wars, fixing the border Joe Biden broke on day one, prioritizing Americans not illegal migrants, reshoring industries sold to foreign adversaries, ensuring real election integrity, and taking on the threat of the Chinese Communist Party.

He said that the issues are bigger than a single election and they are ready to take our party and our country back."

Congresswoman Greene, a first-term Republican from Georgia and one of Mr Gaetzs defenders, was stripped of her House committee assignments by Democrats following her support and promotion of conspiracy theories, which she recently said she regrets.

Previously, Ms Greene called off plans to launch her "America First Caucus" after she experienced significant backlash from politicians within the GOP. It was following the leak of a draft document detailing the America First Caucus, which would be led by Representative Greene and Representative Paul Gosar.

The language in the document involved recruiting people with "Anglo-Saxon political traditions" and a return to an architectural style that "befits the progeny of European architecture".

She said in a statement that Mr Trump showed Republicans how to fight and hold a rally.

Bringing people together to put America First is the only way we will Save America and Stop Socialism. Thats why my friend Matt Gaetz and I are launching our America First Tour.
In a bid to expand its operations in China, Tesla has gone a step further to instate an electric charger near the base camp of Mount Everest. Tesla owners in China can now take their Teslas on a long drive to enjoy the panoramic view of the Mt Everest.

As part of its massive expansion plan in China, Tesla has overall set up 11 new Supercharger stations across the country. The electric carmaker has installed the charger near Mount Everest in the parking lot of the Roof of the World Hotel, which is approximately 100 Km away from Mount Everests base camp.

The hotel is located in a small village that falls in the route from Chengdu or Xian to the base camp at Mt Everest. Sharing the image of its car charging at the Roof of the World Hotel with the Mt Everest in the backdrop, Tesla said, We drove over 2500+ kilometres, across 13 sea levels 4000+ miles high, passing 20+ famous landscapes."

Tesla is one of the largest electric makers in the world. The company made inroads in China a few years and is now a serious automobile player in the country. In March 2021, Tesla was able to sell over 30,000 electric vehicles in China, giving a tough competition to Chinese homegrown startups like Nio.

Tesla currently manufactures its V3 Supercharger in a facility in Shanghai. The facility is capable of manufacturing 10,000 Superchargers in a year. So far, Tesla has set up over 760 Superchargers across the country, and the company is working on expanding its network in a snap.

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#mute
Boston, MA (April 30, 2021) - A new study, presented today at the AATS 101st Annual Meeting, found that severely ill COVID-19 patients treated with ECMO did not suffer worse long-term outcomes than other mechanically-ventilated patients. The multidisciplinary team included cardio thoracic surgeons, critical care doctors, medical staff at long-term care facilities, physical therapists and other specialists, and followed patients at five academic centers: University of Colorado; University of Virginia; University of Kentucky; Johns Hopkins University; and Vanderbilt University.

Survivors of critical illness are at high risk for long-term physical, psychological, and cognitive deficits. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) shows promising survival benefit for select patients with COVID-19. However, its impact on long-term recovery was unknown. The study measured physical, psychological, and cognitive deficits in in 46 patients who were canulated for ECMO compared to a control group of 262 mechanically ventilated patients who did not receive ECMO.

The multi-disciplinary team conducted a retrospective analysis of mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 admitted between March and May 2020. Data were available for all mechanically ventilated patients from three sites, while all five sites provided ECMO patient data. Survivors had access to a multi-disciplinary post-intensive care unit recovery clinic for long-term care. Physical, psychological, and cognitive deficits were measured using validated instruments during follow up. Patient characteristics and long-term outcomes were compared based on ECMO status.

The study found no significant difference in survival at discharge (69.6 percent ECMO vs. 69.9 percent non-ECMO.) Of the 215 survivors across both groups, 93.9 percent were residing at home, 16.1 percent had returned to work or usual activity and 26.2 percent were still using supplemental oxygen; these rates did not differ significantly based on ECMO status. Rates of physical, psychological and cognitive deficits did not differ significantly.

"The initial guidance for ECMO in COVID was helpful and saved a lot of lives, and not to their detriment, which is very encouraging," explained Dr. Jessica Rove, Assistant Professor, Cardiothoracic Surgery at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and Section Chief, Cardiac Surgery, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center. "This multidisciplinary collaboration is committed to examining long-term outcomes beyond survival, and early results look promising. This may help to further refine who should receive ECMO and may increase the rate of positive outcomes."

Further research will continue to follow patients and measure outcomes over the longer term. Dr. Lauren Taylor, fellow at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus explained, "It is exciting that we now have the long term outcomes of these patients and that they are so promising. Further study of these patients over the long term can help to further refine who we are canulating for ECMO, leading to better outcomes for all."

###

Notes for Editors:

"Long-term Recovery of COVID-19 Survivors is Not Negatively Impacted by ECMO: A Multicenter Study from the ORACLE Group," Lauren J Taylor, Chintan Ramani, Shoaib Fakhri, Kirby P Mayer, Eric W Etchill, Matthew F Mart, Sarah E Jolley, Alexandra Kadl, Skyler Peterson, Ashley A Montgomery-Yates, Ann M Parker, Carla Sevin, Kathryn Colborn, Nicholas Teman, Jordan Hoffman, Kyle Enfield, Karsten Bartels, Bo Soo Kim, Sung-Min Cho, Joseph Hippensteel, Glenn J.R. Whitman, Joseph B Zwischenberger, Jessica Y Rove, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; University of Kentucky, Louisville, KY; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.

Presented by Lauren J. Taylor, April 30, 2021 at the AATS 101st Annual Meeting.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THORACIC SURGERY (AATS)
Were thrilled to come together with the common mission to provide the best end-to-end healthcare experience in terms of quality, accessibility, affordability and compassion.

FastMed today announced that it has completed the transaction to purchase Tenet Healthcares urgent care platform that includes 87 CareSpot and MedPost clinics in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas. With this expansion, FastMed is now one of the nations largest urgent care providers with 192 total clinics.

The addition of CareSpot and MedPost urgent care clinics enables FastMed to increase patient access to its unique model of high-quality, convenient, affordable and compassionate care in Arizona and Texas, where FastMed has an existing presence, while expanding this model to Florida and California where the majority of the acquired clinics are located.

FastMed and CareSpot have served as the front door to healthcare for the past 20 years, providing high-quality, convenient and affordable care to communities in need, said Web Golinkin, CEO of FastMed. Were thrilled to come together with the common mission to provide the best end-to-end healthcare experience in terms of quality, accessibility, affordability and compassion.

In Arizona, FastMed operates its clinics under the recently announced joint venture with HonorHealth. The newly acquired MedPost clinics in Arizona will immediately fold into this joint venture and be co-branded accordingly. Branding for the remaining CareSpot clinics in Florida (many of which are co-branded in joint ventures with four leading health systems) and MedPost clinics in Texas and California will be determined over time.

CareSpot and MedPost patients can continue to expect the same quality care and services that these clinics have been providing, including COVID-19 testing, treatment for common illnesses and injuries, onsite labs and x-rays, physicals and occupational health services. FastMed plans to expand its telemedicine and family medicine services to CareSpot and MedPost patients over time.

In addition to new services for more patients, FastMed will bring the industrys highest quality and safety standards to the acquired clinics through its Joint Commission accreditation. FastMed was recently reaccredited by The Joint Commission, earning its coveted Gold Seal of Approval for Ambulatory Care.

To learn more about FastMed and find a location near you, please visit https://www.fastmed.com/.

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About FastMed

FastMed is one of the nations largest urgent care providers, with 192 clinics in Arizona, California, Florida, North Carolina and Texas. FastMed provides a broad range of acute/ episodic, preventive, and occupational healthcare  in its clinics and via telemedicine  as well as family medicine at selected clinics. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commissions coveted Gold Seal of Approval for quality, safety and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit http://www.fastmed.com.
High School Students Win Awards in UW Teaching Competition

WYTeach finalist McKenzie Morgan, from Lyman High School, presents a lesson to a virtual reality classroom with Mursion avatars via a live video feed. (UW Photo)

Emma Daly, a student at West Grand High School in Kremmling, Colo., was named the first-place winner of the inaugural WYTeach contest -- a University of Wyoming program. Daly received a $500 scholarship for her winning presentation.

Daly presented her lesson, Earths Quietest Heroes, from her home classroom to a virtual class of avatars via a live video feed April 2. The contest used innovative virtual reality (VR) software from Mursion that allowed participants to experience what it is like to be a teacher.

UW Assistant Lecturer Lindsey Freeman and Colby Gull, managing director of the UW Trustees Education Initiative (TEI), developed the contest as a way to combat a teacher shortage that is being felt in the state and across the country.

The teacher shortage in Wyoming is not as dire in some other states but, in examining enrollment in teacher preparation programs and the intentions of high school students to enter the teaching profession, one can speculate that Wyomings teacher shortage is on the horizon, Freeman says.

Although there are other teaching competitions, the contest at UW stands out for providing a more realistic teaching experience. Most teaching contests see participants presenting lesson plans as opposed to teaching their lessons to a classroom of unpredictable students. Using VR to provide an authentic classroom environment is what helps set WYTeach above the others.

We have to start purposefully recruiting to get the very best people into classrooms, and WYTeach is one way to get high school students excited about the field. With this contest, we can help students experience some of the great things about teaching, Gull says. It is a great feeling when we see them get it while using Mursion. Those are the students we hope to enroll in our teacher preparation programs at UW.

Overall, the inaugural competition featured 48 participants from six different schools.

McKenzie Morgan, a Lyman High School student, placed second in the competition and earned a $300 scholarship for her lesson, Natural Selection. Third place and a $200 scholarship were secured by Jennifer Michaels, a student at Thunder Basin High School in Gillette, who presented the lesson, Graphing a Function by Applying Derivative Test.

Daly, who has experienced leading a classroom in person during internships, says using Mursion provided an enhanced experience.

I had a student talk poorly to another student. I had never had an experience like that in person, so I was not fully prepared, but it was a good challenge to have because it will be a recurring problem when I do become a teacher myself, she says.

Mursion allowed us to move from simply presenting material to actually teaching, asking high-level questions, interacting with students and assessing for learning, Gull says. Having the VR technology is a game-changer for teacher preparation and for teaching competitions. This takes the teaching events to a new level, making the experience more engaging and authentic for the participants.

High school students often think about teaching through the students eyes; WYTeach gives them the opportunity to think about it from the teachers perspective, Freeman says.

The contest allowed students to see themselves as teachers through authentic experiences with the Mursion avatars, Freeman adds. It also helped them to realize that they possess many of the qualities that make a good teacher while analyzing and discussing their performance in the competition with their peers and judges.

There are big plans for the competitions future. Freeman and Gull plan to run the contest for high school students again next year and also have been discussing the possibility of developing a collegiate-level version of WYTeach with Wyoming community colleges. The duo also has been working with FFA and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America to take the WYTeach competition nationwide.

The contest was made possible through a collaboration with Mursion, which donated the cost of running the VR simulations for the competition and supplied funds to purchase prizes for participants. The Ellbogen Foundation, UW Foundation and UW College of Education all contributed the scholarship money that was awarded to the top three contestants. UW TEI supported Freemans idea for the contest and helped make connections so that the innovation would become a reality.
MIAMI  Republicans in the Florida Legislature passed an election overhaul bill on Thursday that is set to usher in a host of voting restrictions in one of the most critical battleground states in the country, adding to the national push by G.O.P. state lawmakers to reduce voting access.

The bill makes Florida the first major swing state won by former President Donald J. Trump to pass significant voting limits and reflects Republicans determination to reshape electoral systems even in states where they have been ascendant. Mr. Trump carried the state last year by more than three percentage points, other Republicans also performed strongly, and the party raised new hopes of its ability to appeal to Latino voters.

But Republicans in Florida argued that its elections needed to be more secure, despite the fact that voting unfolded smoothly in 2020 and arguments by Democrats and voting rights experts that some of the new measures would disproportionately affect voters of color. Now the state is on the verge of weakening key parts of an extensive voting infrastructure that was slowly constructed after the states chaotic 2000 election and was rapidly enlarged last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new bill would limit the use of drop boxes; add more identification requirements for those requesting absentee ballots; require voters to request an absentee ballot for each election, rather than receive them automatically through an absentee voting list; limit who could collect and drop off ballots; and further empower partisan observers during the ballot-counting process. The legislation would also expand a current rule that prohibits outside groups from providing items with the intent to influence voters within a 150-foot radius of a polling location.
Sold-out ballparks in New York wont be a reality for Memorial Day, but could be by the Fourth of July.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that beginning on Wednesday, May 19, spectator capacity at outdoor venues -- including Yankee Stadium and Citi Field -- can increase from 20% to 33% as the state recovers from the COVID-19 crisis.

But according to WCBS, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday he has his eyes on a bigger prize: Our plan is to fully reopen New York City on July 1, de Blasio said on MSNBCs Morning Joe.

As SiriusXMs Justin Shackil noted on Twitter, This includes outdoor stadiums. Yankee Stadium and Citi Field will have 100% capacity on July 1st.

Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers

There have been no changes yet to the original conditions for entry to Yankee Stadium, which stated fans must take a PCR or antigen COVID-19 test with negative results or provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. They also must pass a temperature check and wear face masks  except while actively eating or drinking at their seats.

Fans looking to buy tickets to see the Yankees at Yankee Stadium can get them at StubHub and TicketSmarter.

Fans looking to buy tickets to see the Mets at Citi Field can get them at StubHub and TicketSmarter.

(NJ Advance Medias Brian Fonseca contributed to this report.)

Get Yankees text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text during games with beat writers and columnists. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day. Sign up now.

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

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
The city of Barcelona has built Spain's first photovoltaic pavement as part of its goal to become carbon-free by 2050.

About 50 square meters of non-slip solar panels installed in a small park in the city's Glries neighborhood would produce 7,560 kilowatt-hours per year, enough to power three households.

Project Cost

The city has paid more than $36,000 towards the cost, with the manufacturer covering the rest. Within six months, the scheme's feasibility will be evaluated. "We'll have to measure the wear and tear because it's clearly not the same as placing panels on a roof, even though they're highly resistant," says Eloi Badia, the Barcelona city councilor in charge of climate emergency and ecological change.

"In terms of cost savings, it's impossible to say how much better it would be if it were scaled up for a pilot scheme like this. We want to put more solar panels on roofs and, if this project succeeds, on the ground to power lights and other public facilities."

He does, however, point out that due to Barcelona's high population density, generating enough power inside the city limits to become self-sufficient will be impossible.

Related Article: Anti-Solar Panel: Scientists Able to Produce Electricity at Night



Providing Power to Bigger Establishments

"We'll have to think about providing power to blocks of apartments, but we'll also have to think of using wind and solar parks outside the city if we're going to meet a zero-emissions target," Badia says. "However, ground-level installations like this open up new opportunities, and not just for Barcelona."

The Barcelona project follows a 25-meter solar cycle lane in Utrecht, the Netherlands, last year. The provided energy is used to power lighting and, in the winter, to heat the path to keep it from freezing over.

The majority of Spain's solar energy comes from vast farms in rural areas where land is inexpensive, but urban centers are far away. The current trend is to expand power in cities, where it is most needed.

Creating Green Policies

According to Fernando Prieto, executive director of the independent think tank Sustainability Observatory, "what we need to concentrate on is green policies to generate jobs, primarily to put solar panels on 1 million rooftops." "It will take five years to produce enough energy to power 7.5 million households, build over 15,000 jobs, and reduce CO2 emissions by 4.2 million tons."

He says that it will reduce energy prices and assist people in being independent of the industry's few power providers.

"Instead of this basic initiative, we are constructing installations covering over 1,000 hectares on farmland and forests, sometimes with detrimental environmental consequences," Prieto says.

Minor Bumps Along the Way

The solar installation came to an immediate end under the former conservative government after punitive taxes were imposed. Spain is currently ranked 11th in the world for solar power and eighth for renewables combined, thanks to the repeal of the tariff by the incoming socialist government in 2018.

Major retailers have jumped on board, with companies including Ikea, Media Markt, and El Corte Ingles currently selling domestic solar installations for as little as 5,000 for a three-bedroom home.

Meanwhile, the government has announced plans to spend $2 billion in EU Covid-recovery funds in the manufacture of "green" hydrogen, which is generated by breaking up water molecules and releasing hydrogen using renewable energy. Spain's energy firms have stated that by 2030, this figure would have risen to $11 billion.

Also Read: Carbon Cutting: 3 Innovative Ideas To Reduce Harmful Emission

For more Environmental news, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
An Australian gemstone dealer allegedly helped arrange travel for a jihadist into the Syrian conflict zone where he engaged in fierce battles near war-torn Aleppo.

Ahmed Luqman Talib, who runs Melbourne-based gemstone trading business Talib and Sons, was denied bail on Friday following his arrest last month on a charge of preparing for foreign incursions to engage in hostile activities.

Ahmed Luqman Talib is accused of helping a foreign fighter enter the Syrian conflict. Credit:Reuters

Mr Talib, 31, is accused alongside Queensland-based dog trainer Gabriel Crazzi of associating with a group of hardline Islamists in southeast Queensland, many of whom travelled to Syria to fight with terrorist organisations, according to the Australian Federal Police.

Mr Talib  the son of public health professor Lukman Thalib who was recently detained without charge for six months in Qatar  has enlisted a high-powered legal team following his arrest, including Sydney-based solicitor Mohammad Chahine and barristers Hament Dhanji, SC, and Peter Lange.
Doctors Services Group Limited (" DSG ") is a leader in the provision of uninsured services billing programs and a suite of additional tools and services to physicians that transform practice productivity and enhance patient care.

") is a leader in the provision of uninsured services billing programs and a suite of additional tools and services to physicians that transform practice productivity and enhance patient care. DSG is expected to be an immediately accretive acquisition, generating over $450K per year of normalized EBITDA (1) post-closing.

per year of normalized EBITDA post-closing. DSG complements and expands WELL's billing and back-office business unit formed upon the acquisition of DoctorCare in November 2020 .

VANCOUVER, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) ("WELL" or the "Company"), a company focused on consolidating and modernizing clinical and digital assets within the healthcare sector, is pleased to announce it has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement dated April 29, 2021 (the "Agreement") to acquire 51% of the issued and outstanding shares of DSG (the "Transaction"). The remaining 49% of the issued and outstanding shares of DSG will be retained by the founders of DSG, who will continue to operate the company on a post-closing basis.

"The proposed acquisition of Doctors Services Group will be our first acquisition in our Billing and Backoffice business unit, augmenting WELL's previous acquisition of DoctorCare," said Paulo Gomes, CEO of DoctorCare. "For over ten years, Doctors Services Group has provided physicians a 'one stop shop' that allows them to get their uninsured service billing under control and maximize their returns. Doctors Services Group is a great complement to our DoctorCare team."

DSG provides uninsured services billing programs and offers physicians a suite of additional tools and services that transforms practice productivity and enhances patient care. Physicians implement DSG's services to outsource the administrative burden associated with independently managing an uninsured service billing program. With over a decade of experience, DSG is the professional and economical alternative to performing these functions internally. DSG works with a wide range of clients and can accommodate any medical practice that performs uninsured services in order to maximize their practice revenue. Post-closing, DSG is expected to generate over $450K of annual normalized EBITDA(1).

Glen Flack, co-founder of DSG commented, "We are excited to partner with the WELL Health team who will help us accelerate our solutions to doctors across Canada. We have already developed a close working relationship with Paulo and the DoctorCare team over the years as our solutions are extremely complementary."

Transaction details

Under the terms of the Agreement, the total consideration payable by WELL in connection with the Transaction is as follows: (i) a cash payment on the closing date in the amount of $475,000, subject to customary closing adjustments and holdbacks; (ii) the issuance of common shares in the capital of the Company on the closing date equal to $475,000; and (iii) a multi-year performance earn-out of up to $475,000, payable in cash or common shares of the Company, at WELL's discretion. WELL has also been granted the right to acquire the remaining issued and outstanding shares of DSG which it doesn't acquire under the Transaction pursuant to a call option.

Closing of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions and is expected to be completed in Q2-2021.

Footnote:

1. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and EBITDA margin are each Non-GAAP measures. EBITDA should not be construed as alternatives to net income/loss determined in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The Company believes that EBITDA is a meaningful financial metric as it measures cash generated from operations which the Company can use to fund working capital requirements, service future interest and principal debt repayments and fund future growth initiatives. For EBITDA reconciliation to Net income, please refer to the Company's most recent Management Discussion and Analysis on Sedar.com.

WELL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

Per: "Hamed Shahbazi"

Hamed Shahbazi

Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director

About WELL Health Technologies Corp.

WELL is an omni-channel digital health company whose overarching objective is to empower doctors to provide the best and most advanced care possible while leveraging the latest trends in digital health. As such, WELL owns and operates 27 primary healthcare clinics in both Canada and the US, operates a multinational digital Electronic Medical Records (EMR) business serving thousands of healthcare clinics and health systems of all sizes, operates a multi-national portfolio of telehealth services which includes one of the largest telehealth service providers in Canada. WELL is also a provider of digital health, billing and cybersecurity related technology solutions. WELL is an acquisitive company that follows a disciplined and accretive capital allocation strategy. WELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WELL". To access the Company's telehealth service, visit: tiahealth.com, and for corporate information, visit: www.well.company.

About Doctors Services Group

Doctors Services Group was established in 2005 and has been the industry leader in the provision of uninsured service-billing programs. The company's mission is to provide a service in which physicians are fairly compensated for services provided and patients are informed of what uninsured services are and why they are paying for them. In addition to an Annual Fee Program, Doctors Services Group provides many supplementary services that when implemented, help physicians increase revenue, enhance efficiency, and improve doctor-patient communication. Doctors Services Group has developed an effective program that allows physicians to get their uninsured services under control, while generating a healthy return on their investment. Doctors Services Group offers a customizable platform that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual practice, through the implementation of specific fees and annual plans.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release related to the Company are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature including the statements regarding the completion and timing of the Transaction and the expectation that the majority-owned acquisition will be immediately accretive to WELL. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "would", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe" or the negative thereof or similar variations. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including: risks that the conditions to completion of the acquisition will not be satisfied as contemplated or at all; business disruption risks relating to COVID-19; regulatory risks, including those related to healthcare, privacy and data security; integration risks relating to the acquired business on a post-closing basis; and other risks outlined in the Company's publicly filed documents available on SEDAR. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE WELL Health Technologies Corp.

Related Links

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Since 1815, the island of Malta had been viewed as one of the jewels in Britains crown of empire  a vital way-station to the East and a sun-baked fortress that showcased the Royal Navys dominance of the Mediterranean.

But in the summer of 1942 it was the only surviving British bastion in the central Mediterranean, beleaguered, tottering and close to capitulation.

Constant attack from as many as 300 aircraft in 24 hours  the Italians by day, the Germans by night  had left more than a thousand people dead, 4,500 injured and 15,500 homes destroyed. Its Grand Harbour was a lagoon of stagnant oil from sunken ships, amid which bobbed debris and decomposing corpses.

Starvation threatened to break the spirit and resistance of garrison and people alike. Mothers went door to door with young children, begging for food. Men scoured the streets for cigarette ends. Office letters were typed on toilet paper. People wore shoes that lacked soles. Unless food, fuel and ammunition could be shipped before the leaves fell at home, Maltas surrender was inevitable.

Some unsentimental Allied officers argued this might be the best course of action anyway, leaving the enemy with the burden of feeding the islands 300,000 people.

Constant attack from as many as 300 aircraft in 24 hours  the Italians by day, the Germans by night  had left more than a thousand people dead, 4,500 injured and 15,500 homes destroyed. Pictured: Operation Pedastal as an depth-charge explodes behind the stern of a destroyer

But in World War II, as in all conflicts, huge moral issues were at stake, beyond the territorial and strategic ones. Among Winston Churchills foremost qualities as Britains warlord was his understanding of the importance of sustaining an appearance of momentum in the war effort, even when substance was lacking, as it was in 1942.

The British people were also weary of the defeats that seemed all their bellicose prime minister could contrive. Most recent were the surrenders at Singapore and Tobruk, while Hitlers grasp on the European continent was unshaken. Maltas loss, after so many other humiliations, would be a crushing blow to national spirit.

Thus, in the summer of 1942, the decision was taken that Malta must be sent sustenance at almost any cost, and in August that year, the largest fleet the Royal Navy had committed to action since Jutland in 1916 set out to fight a four-day battle that became an epic of courage, determination and sacrifice, one that deserves to be much better known to posterity than it is.

The task of the 50-odd ships of Operation Pedestal  among them two battleships, four aircraft-carriers, seven cruisers and 32 destroyers  was to escort 14 merchant vessels bringing the supplies without which Malta would be forced to surrender.

The convoy of merchant ships set out into the Atlantic from the Clyde estuary in Scotland and picked up the bulk of its escort north of Ireland on August 3 before steaming south.

The mood on board was cheerful, resolute, taut as a wire, according to Fleet Air Arm pilot Hugh Popham. Excitement, fear, suspense were a physical thing, tickling the skin, and danger something to be made light of. On the night of August 9/10, the fleet passed through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean, arrayed in five columns and led in the centre by Vice-Admiral Neville Syfret on the flag bridge of the 34,000-ton battleship Nelson.

Ahead lay a journey of more than 900 miles to reach their destination  50 hours fast steaming but at least 100 hours for ships zigzagging and fighting. Syfret dispatched a Churchillian signal to all ships: Malta looks to us for help. We shall not fail them.

A newspaper war correspondent, Norman Smart, gazed in wonder from the cruiser Cairo at the assembly of ships ten miles wide, stretching almost to the blue bowl of the horizon. He mused: When this war is a misty memory in the minds of old men, they will still talk of the convoy for Malta which entered the Mediterranean in August 1942.

That first morning, the sea was glassy calm, the sky blue and brilliant, the air windless. The tranquillity was deceptive. Waiting to crush Pedestal, Germany and Italy had deployed more than 600 aircraft, 21 submarines and two score torpedo-boats. No one on board the British fleet had any doubt the enemy would come. One of the bloodiest air-sea battles of the war in the West was about to begin.

FOR captain Helmut Rosenbaum of the German submarine U-73, on patrol in the Mediterranean, the first indication of the approach of the Pedestal fleet came when his submarines hydrophone operators detected propeller noises.

When next he raised his periscope, it was to behold the aircraft carrier Eagle approaching fast. As he peered through the lens, the carrier changed course to zig away, but he understood that well before she reached him she would zag back, into the path of her doom.

The task of the 50-odd ships of Operation Pedestal  among them two battleships, four aircraft-carriers, seven cruisers and 32 destroyers  was to escort 14 merchant vessels bringing the supplies without which Malta would be forced to surrender. Pictured: Aircraft carrier H.M.S. Eagle after being torpedoed

Dropping the periscope, he took his boat deeper for a couple of minutes, then rose once more to see Eagle almost bow-on to him and looking like a giant matchbox on a pond.

He slowed to three knots and allowed himself a shot of brandy before ordering the torpedoes set to run at a depth of 20 ft, which should strike their huge target in her engine rooms, the very guts of Eagle.

At 13.05 Rosenbaum fired four torpedoes in a narrow pattern. In the sky above, Hurricane pilot Douglas Parker was making a downwind approach to land back on the deck of the aircraft carrier Victorious after a reconnaissance flight. To his horror, he glimpsed torpedo tracks below in the water, streaking towards Eagle.

He had no time to radio a warning; he watched, impotent, as the German torpedoes struck successive giant hammer blows against the hull of the carrier. From the moment of those thunderous detonations, there was no doubt of Eagles fate. She took an immediate list to port, which steepened swiftly as thousands of tons of water poured into her machinery spaces.

Below decks, every stoker in B boiler-room perished, along with all the greasers in the port engine room, plus a hapless defaulter confined in the ships punishment cells.

Up top on the flight deck, a pilot in the very act of taking off sought to claw his Hurricane into the air, but instead the aircraft slid unstoppably towards the sea.

A more fortunate flier was in the midst of lunch in the wardroom. My soup plate flew up and hit me in the face, wrote Mike Crosley, and all the lights went out. Shattering explosions lifted every one of us off our seats and onto the floor.

The slope of the deck was increasing by the second. Black smoke was coming up from the open hatchways. The old girl was obviously not going to last long.

As he reached the upper deck, Crosley saw the forward ladders jammed solid with men. He heard the screams and pitiful shouts of mens voices echoing up the engine room ventilators as they lay trapped below in darkness.

Eagle listed dramatically, almost to her port rails, sending 100 lb, six-inch shells cascading out of their racks and rolling and bumping past, threatening life and limb. Men leapt from the high side towards the sea, only to smash themselves on the exposed keel.

War correspondent Arthur Thorpe scrambled up a ladder to the upper deck to find the sea, normally 10f t below, was surging ominously a bare 2ft below him. Beside him was the ships first lieutenant, to whom Thorpe called out: Is she going? The officer nodded.

Some ratings knotted a heavy line to the rail, then lowered themselves down it into the thick oil already coating the sea. Thorpe followed suit; then, with all the poor swimmers dread of deep water, I splashed and kicked clear of the ship.

As air mechanic George Amyes slithered down the side of the hull, he heard two men shouting frantically that they could not swim. An officer seized one in each arm, saying, Nows your chance to learn!

Amyes hit the water and was dragged 20 ft under before thrusting himself upwards through the rubbish and the oil towards the sunlight. There were bodies all the way round.

Amid hundreds of heads bobbing around him in the water, Crosley was astonished to find some sailors singing. A senior officer urged silence, since they would need their breath later.

Meanwhile, still on board, Petty Officer Roy Northover was cutting free a raft lashed to the carriers superstructure when a voice cried Shes going! He later recalled, She went right over, so that her bottom came up.

As the great ship turned turtle, Crosley was appalled to see one of her four bronze screws impale a lifeboat, tipping those inside into the boiling white foam like rag dolls.

Thorpe gazed in disbelief at the carriers bottom as he clung to the side of a raft.

Then came a mighty rumbling as the sea poured into Eagle, forcing out the air. Water thrashed over her in a fury of white foam and then subsided.

No man with the fleet ever forgot what he saw when he witnessed the abrupt extinction of Eagle. Pilot Hugh Popham heard the series of muffled explosions, as the doomed ship swung in a circle before turning over. All that remained was the troubled water, a spreading stain of oil, and the clustered black dots of her ships company.

Meanwhile, on the German submarine, Rosenbaum was making his escape as fast as he could. The moment his torpedoes had gone, he crash-dived, knowing he had only a minute or two to put depth and distance between his boat and avenging British escorts.

On the surface, British destroyers were frantically hunting the U-boat, zigzagging as they bombarded its presumed position with depth-charges.

Bobbing in the water, Thorpe suddenly felt a shock at the base of his spine from the detonations of depth-charges. These impacted on men in the water like a sledge-hammer in the back, and killed several.

To the struggling men, this seemed callous, yet it was vital to deter the U-boat from making a further attack, even if they could not sink her.

The destroyer Lookout, searching for survivors, threw down lines which men struggled to grasp in oil-clogged hands. Roy Northover said: There was me and 250 other men, and I was almost dead. They eventually put a line round me and pulled me up.

Among the throng of survivors crowding the deck, a friend recognised Northover only by his broad Dorset tones  his features were entirely concealed by oil.

On board, the ships doctor, tending the injured, demanded brusquely: Help me throw this body over the side.

Some unsentimental Allied officers argued this might be the best course of action anyway, leaving the enemy with the burden of feeding the islands 300,000 people

As Northover did so, he was shocked to recognise a man he knew well, married with two children, who had not a mark on him. He must have been caught by the depth-charges.

By now, U-73 had got clean away. Rosenbaum recorded almost contemptuously in his captains log the sounds of 13 depth-charges exploding in distant water: Hopeless Allied submarine tracking.

For the British fleet, the destruction of Eagle so early in the operation to supply Malta was sobering. In all, 67 officers and 862 sailors were pulled from the sea that day, while 131 officers and ratings died. Even naval veterans found it shocking to see a huge vessel abruptly vanish beneath the sea as if it had been a plaything drowned in the bath.

On the destroyer Bramham, petty officer Reg Coaker thought it a bad omen for the entire Pedestal operation. It was quite clear we were going to be in for a fair old dusting-off.

IT WAS not just enemy submarines that threatened the Pedestal convoy as it ploughed on towards Malta. Two nights after Eagle was sunk, the leading ships were 220 miles from their destination and within range of the coast of Tunisia in North Africa. There, fast Italian and German torpedo boats were waiting to speed out and ambush them.

What now took place resembled a deadly game of blind mans buff, with the warships and merchant vessels groping their way through a darkness repeatedly torn open by fighting lights, gunfire and flames.

The freighter Glenorchy was hit by two torpedoes from an Italian boat and, with the engine room flooded, all power lost and the ship going down rapidly by the head, the captain ordered her to be abandoned. He himself, however, stayed on his bridge, to become one of seven men aboard who perished.

Jack Follansbee, purser of the merchant ship Santa Elisa, recalled: As far as the eye could see the Mediterranean was filled with fire. Fire shooting from the torches of doomed ships, fire from burning heaps of wreckage, fire from burning oil on the surface of the sea.

A torpedo struck the cargo-liner Wairangi, carrying 11,000 tons of military stores including ammunition. A massive explosion sent a water-spout soaring and the crew took to the boats. By any reckoning, this was a disastrous night for Pedestal: in four hours, Italian and German boats sank or fatally injured the cruiser Manchester and the merchant ships Glenorchy, Wairangi, Almeria Lykes and Santa Elisa.

None of the enemy craft had been sunk, which reflected an embarrassing failure by the Royal Navy escorts.

But that night there was an even greater failure on the part of the Italian navy  a crucial one that changed the outcome.

The Italian cruiser fleet was already at sea, but at navy headquarters the commander Admiral Arturo Riccardi, unfailingly cautious, decided not to send it into battle against the British fleet. He was opposed by only one senior officer, who urged interception at all costs and was disgusted that his chiefs were unwilling to seize a historic opportunity.

The issue was referred direct to Mussolini, who was invited to decide whether his beloved fleet should risk all by attacking Pedestal. Characteristically, Il Duce chose to recall the cruisers to port. A splendid opportunity for a crushing victory by the Italian ships was thrown away.

Rear Admiral Harold Burrough, commander of the 10th Cruiser Squadron escorting the convoy, said later: I was always grateful to Mussolini. There is no doubt that had the Italian cruisers arrived that morning, there would have been a massacre. We would have been wiped out.

The Italians thus forsook their chance to stop Operation Pedestal in its tracks. Though there was no doubt it had taken a severe battering, the mission to bring supplies to Malta was able to continue.

First light on Thursday, August 13, found most of the surviving British ships barely 150 miles from Malta. In their wake lay lakes of fuel oil; the scattered debris of half a dozen ships; knots of humanity, figuratively and sometimes literally clinging to the wreckage.

That day Hitlers headquarters issued a triumphant bulletin headed: Giant convoy destroyed in Mediterranean.

Not surprisingly, some British seamen aboard the remaining merchant vessels were now doubtful of success. But at least as many had become passionately committed to their task.

On Rochester Castle, signaller Jack Harvey wrote: It may have been sheer bloody-mindedness but there came a turning point in that voyage when all I wanted to do was to get that ship to Malta . . .

Adapted from Operation Pedestal: The Fleet That Battled To Malta 1942 by Max Hastings, published on May 13 by William Collins at 25.  Max Hastings 2021. To order a copy for 17.50 (offer valid to 14/5/21; free UK P&P on orders over 20), visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193.
Nepalese Muslim take part in Friday prayers maintaining social distance at a mosque in Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday, April 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

India has tried to fight skyrocketing coronavirus infections by increasing its production of vaccines and banning their export, cutting off supplies to neighbors such as Bangladesh and Nepal as they struggle with infection surges of their own.

These nations have imposed lockdowns as residents of big cities flee to the countryside seeking safety. They are also turning to China and Russia for vaccines in a desperate effort to deal with a pandemic that is becoming bigger and deadlier across South Asia.

Although new, more transmissible variants appear to be partly behind the surge, experts say other factors are contributing, including large holiday gatherings and growing fatigue with social distancing and mask wearing.

Here is a look at the situation in parts of South Asia, a region with about one-fourth of the world's population:

BANGLADESH

The surge in India has created huge worries for Bangladesh, which shares a land border stretching 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) with India and where infections and deaths have surged in recent weeks.

The Muslim-majority country of 160 million people is under a lockdown lasting through May 5, which authorities say could be extended.

Bangladesh officials fear that new variants circulating in India could bring devastation.

A Sri Lankan couple receive the vaccine for COVID-19 at a municipal health centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, April 30, 2021. For many weeks, the number of daily COVID-19 infections in the island nation of Sri Lanka stood below 200. But last week, the figure suddenly surged and reached 1,466 on Thursday, the highest ever in a single day since the start of the pandemic. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

"This is a matter of serious concern for us," said Dr. A.S.M. Alamgir, principal scientific officer of the government's Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research. "That concern has prompted the government to suspend all cross-border movement of people."

With India imposing a ban on the export of AstraZeneca vaccines made by its Serum Institute of India, Bangladesh is attempting to obtain technology from Russia and China to produce their vaccines locally.

NEPAL

An infection surge in Nepal has prompted the government to impose new lockdowns in major cities and towns, restricting the movement of people and vehicles and shuttering markets, offices and schools.

Hospital beds were already scarce and medical resources stretched as the country entered the new wave trying to recover from an economic hit from a nearly four-month lockdown last year.

Nepal's latest concern has been the 1,800-kilometer (1,125-mile) open border the Himalayan nation shares with India. Tens of thousands of Nepalese migrant workers have been returning to Nepal across this border as India's health system breaks down.

The government has ordered tests and quarantines for those arriving, but in practice many people slip through undetected and travel to their villages.

Nepal began a vaccination campaign in January with 1 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine donated by India, but it was suspended because of India's refusal to allow exports as its domestic situation worsened.

A delivery person rides through a deserted street during lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. Bangladesh is enforcing a lockdown shutting shopping malls and transportation, to help curb the spread of coronavirus as the rate of infections and deaths have increased in recent weeks. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)

Nepal has also paid for an addition 1 million doses from India, but has been waiting for the delivery since March. This shipment is needed for elderly people scheduled for a second dose in May.

The campaign was resumed with 800,000 vaccine doses donated by China, and now Nepal is negotiating with Russian authorities for supplies of Russian vaccines.

SRI LANKA

For many weeks, the number of daily COVID-19 infections in the island nation of Sri Lanka stood below 200. But last week, the figure suddenly surged and reached 1,466 on Thursday, the highest amount in a single day since the start of the pandemic.

Government and health officials say the rising numbers are party driven by celebrations and shopping surrounding the traditional New Year's festival that fell on April 14and they warn the worst is yet to come.

Dr. Padma Gunarathne, president of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, said the country is at the early stages of another spike in infections and "this is a very risky situation for Sri Lanka."

The country, with a population of nearly 22 million, has recorded 104,953 coronavirus infections and 655 deaths.

Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine at Sri Jayewardenepura University, said a more transmissible variant circulating now is contributing to the surge.

In this photograph provided by Bhutanese Health ministry, a health worker administers COVID 19 vaccine to a woman at a health center in Thimpu, Bhutan, Sunday, March 28, 2021. The tiny Himalayan kingdom wedged between India and China has vaccinated nearly 93% of its adult population since March 27. Overall, the country has vaccinated 62% of its 800,000 people. A photograph of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck is seen behind. (Bhutan Health Ministry via AP)

The government reacted by imposing restrictions, including suspending schools and state functions and banning private meetings and parties. Yet media show some people ignoring social distancing and failing to wear face masks.

Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera warned that the number of patients "could go up very decisively within the next two weeks."

BHUTAN

The tiny nation of Bhutan is a success story in the region despite being poor and sharing land borders with China, where the virus was first detected, and India, which is facing a disaster now.

The nation of about 800,000 people has registered only one death and 1,059 infections.

Its success is based on the early adoption of lockdowns, quarantines, contact tracing and other measures, as well as a fast vaccination program this year. More than 480,000 vaccine doses were administered by April 26, according to government statistics.

Explore further India gives 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Nepal

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The report notes that the lack of infections at the LaSalle home from March through October of last year provided plenty of time for its management to develop plans, protocols and training to deal with the pandemic, particularly knowing COVID-19s effects on the elderly in congregate settings. Nonetheless, the management team and staff did not anticipate and were not prepared for an outbreak.
Audio Attachment: Listen to Jacob Osei Yeboah (JOY 2012) on Peace FM News

Jacob Osei Yeboah, popularly known as JOY 2012, a 2012 and 2016 independent Presidential candidate has described as marvelous' work done by the Electoral Commission in the 2020 elections.



His comment comes after some media watchers questioned the mode of communication used by the country's Electoral Management body during the 2020 elections at a post-election review, Tuesday, April 27.



The Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission (NMC), Mr. George Sarpong addressing a forum of stakeholders from political parties and Civil Society groups, said the EC needs a media Advisory Committee to correct it poor mode of communication and just issuance of Press releases.



He smells danger ahead if the Commission refuses to restructure its communication mode.



JOY 2012 Rebuts



However, JOY 2012 sees nothing wrong with the Commission's way of sending out information.



According to him, the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa did an excellent job and needs commendation not condemnations.



He said the Electoral Commission in 2012, right from the Voter registration exercise to the elections had a very smooth communication.



I havent seen any peaceful election which was organized in this manner. This is the only election with no queues . . . Let the Citizen Know was fantastic, he said.



ECs let the Citizen Know series



The Electoral Commission (EC) on Wednesday July 8 2020 launched LET THE CITIZEN KNOW Platform at its headquarters in Accra.



Addressing the media at the event, the EC Chairperson, Madam Jean Mensa reiterated the objective of the Electoral Management Body to be fair and transparent in its dealings with the populace ahead of the 2020 Election.



The initiative was used to give updates to Ghanaians on the ongoing Registration Exercise.



"Through you, our dear friends in the Media, we intend to engage with the citizens twice a week, on Wednesday and Friday starting today."



"Using the 'LET THE CITIZEN KNOW' Platform, we will provide the citizens with updates ranging from the number of persons who register per day nationwide, to details on male/female ratios, to the number of persons who use the guarantee system, number of persons who use a form of identification, to name a few," she told the media in her speech.



She said since assuming office in 2018, the Commissioners have endeavoured to bring the Commission to the doorstep of key stakeholders by informing them about their operations.



















Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
New Delhi, April 30 : India witnessed highest spike of 3,86,452 fresh cases of Covid-19 and 3,498 fatalities due to virus infection in the last 24 hours, according to Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

It was the ninth day in a row when India recorded more than 3 lakh cases while over 3,000 casualties have been reported for the past three days. On Thursday India witnessed 3,645 deaths, highest fatalities in a day.

India's tally of total Covid-19 cases now stands at 1,87,62,976, the highest since the pandemic started in 2019, with 31,70,228 active cases and the total death toll stands at 2,08,330, according to the health ministry data.

The ministry said that 2,97,540 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours taking the total recoveries to 1,53,84,418.

The health ministry said that a total of 15,22,45,179 people have been vaccinated so far in the country.

Maharashtra reported a record high of 66,159 new Covid-19 cases followed by Kerala with 38,607 fresh cases and Uttar Pradesh 35,156. Delhi recorded 395 Covid-19 deaths and around 24,235 cases with positivity rate of 32.82 per cent. Karnataka reported a new all-time record with 39,047 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Friday to discuss the prevailing situation in the country. This will be the first meeting of the Council of Ministers in the aftermath of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 28,63,92,086 samples tested up to April 29, 2021 for Covid-19 of these 19,20,107 samples were tested on Thursday.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
We hope many more people will get vaccinated, we continue to try to get them vaccinated in every way we possibly can and were going to keep doing it as long as we need to, he said.




Haiti - News : Zapping...





The angry people of Second Plain

Thursday April 29 at around 6:00 p.m. the inhabitants of the Second Plain of Petit Goave set fire to a trailer truck coming from the South. The demonstrators are more and more angry because for more than 3 days, they have been without news of Wilkenn Dicette kidnapped on Sunday April 25 https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-33588-icihaiti-petit-goavethe-rn2-blocked-passengers-from-the-south-launch-an-sos.html . Very threatening, the citizens of this zone ask the drivers to avoid the national road #2 at the level of Second plain. In addition, we learned that a 7-year-old boy was shot and wounded in the courtyard of his house in Second Plain during an intervention by agents of the Departmental Unit of Maintenance of Order (UDMO). HL /HaitiLibre / Guyto Mathieu (Correspondent Petit-Goave)



Haitian cocoa noticed internationally

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID-Haiti) is proud of its continued partnership with Produits des Iles SA (PISA) to develop the production and export of cocoa in the northern region, thus creating more opportunities for local farmers. PISA's Cocoa and Vanilla project https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32152-haiti-agriculture-usaid-joins-the-launch-of-the-pisa-cocoa-and-vanilla-project.html helps 900 farmers become more profitable by introducing new and improved production techniques and giving them access to high value-added export markets while introducing vanilla as a companion crop. Thanks to the generosity of the American people, USAID is actively working to create demand for Haitian cocoa and vanilla specialties in the international market.



PNH : Misused emergency numbers

The PNH reminds everyone that the numbers 122 / 3838-1111 and 3839-1111 are always available 24/24, 7/7 to serve the population. However, out of around 2,000 calls received from users by the Information and Operations Center (CRO) only 5 (0.025%) are urgent or important. The PNH asks to use these numbers only when there is a real need to be a good employee and a good citizen.



March against crime and the referendum

Trade unions announce a peaceful march against crime and the referendum project on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 May 2021.



Messages of Condolence :

President Jovenel Moise

"The accident which caused the death of more than 20 compatriots https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33595-haiti-flash-at-least-21-dead-and-30-injured-in-an-accident.html saddens me deeply. My condolences to the families of the victims. I instructed the authorities concerned to adopt urgent measures for better control of traffic on public roads."



Office of the Secretary of State for Communication

The office of the Secretary of State for Communication learned with great sorrow the sad news of the death of more than twenty compatriots in a road accident near Montrouis, on the national number on April 28 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33595-haiti-flash-at-least-21-dead-and-30-injured-in-an-accident.html . The office, on behalf of the Government, presents its sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims in this painful circumstance.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Some companies have begun seizing opportunities to strike favorable deals. In March, the private equity firm Blackstone expanded its headquarters in New York, going against the grain and taking on 80,000 more square feet while also extending its existing leases.

Have people moved out, have companies contracted, gone to Florida? Of course, said William C. Rudin, chief executive of Rudin Management Company. But there are signs that people are coming back, and its a tenants market.

Most lease renewals over the last year were for shorter periods of time, according to data from Cushman & Wakefield, as businesses opted to defer big decisions.

Gone, at least for now, are leases that typically stretched to 10 and 15 years, according to Whitley Collins, global president for advisory and transaction services at CBRE. What company today can look out two to three years, he said, let alone 10 to 15?

The market has only grown more crowded, as the amount of space companies are seeking to shed keeps climbing. According to CoStars data, a record 24 million square feet of office space is available for sublease in Manhattan  a 56 percent rise from the start of 2020, and a figure far outstripping the 16 million square feet on offer at the height of the Great Recession. In some suburban markets like Dallas and Houston, too, that number has risen, according to CoStar.

The industry is holding out hope the trends might reverse. In a survey by Savills of 120 technology companies, the firm found that the proportion of those expecting to shrink their offices was 47 percent in March, down from 82 percent in October 2020.

But few companies have cemented long-term plans, contributing to the sense of suspended animation this spring. Real estate executives, accustomed to transacting with C.F.O.s and operations managers, said that for the first time chief executives and full human resources teams had joined those conversations.
Firefighters were battling a fire in Calaveras County on Thursday evening, fire officials said.

The blaze, dubbed by Cal Fire officials as the Campo Fire, had burned 150 acres in the area off Buckboard Lane and Campo Seco Road in Campo Seco, Valley Springs (Calaveras County) shortly after 6 p.m., fire officials said.

The fire was 0% contained as of 6 p.m., according to Cal Fires incident report on the blaze.

National Weather Service officials in Sacramento urged residents in the area to evacuate if told by local officials. A 7-second video shared by the weather service shows large clouds of smoke rising into the air.

Check back for updates.
BERLIN (AP)  Germany is returning hundreds of artifacts known as the Benin Bronzes that were mostly looted from West Africa by a British colonial expedition and subsequently sold to collections around the world, including German museums, authorities said Friday.

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas welcomed a deal reached with museums and authorities in Nigeria to work on a restitution plan for a substantial number of artifacts, calling it a turning point in dealing with our colonial history.

Germanys minister for culture, Monika Gruetters, said the Benin Bronzes were a key test for the way the country deals with its colonial past.

We are confronting our historic and moral responsibility, she said.

Gruetters said the goal is to contribute to understanding and reconciliation with the descendants of those whose cultural treasures were stolen in colonial times. The first returns are planned for next year, she said.

A historian welcomed the plans, but said they don't go far enough.

Sadly, there is neither a precise time plan nor an unconditional commitment to restitute all looted artifacts, said Juergen Zimmerer, professor of global history at the University of Hamburg.

He also noted it's not yet clear how many objects will be returned, or whether there will be any recognition of the efforts by civil society groups that had called for the restitution.

A British colonial expedition looted vast numbers of treasures from the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin in 1897, including numerous bas-reliefs and sculptures.

While hundreds of artifacts ended up in the British Museum, hundreds were also sold to other collections such as the Ethnological Museum in Berlin, which has one of the world's largest collection of historical objects from the Kingdom of Benin, estimated to include about 530 items, including 440 bronzes.

The British Museum doesn't currently have plans to return parts of its collection.

The devastation and plunder wreaked upon Benin City during the British military expedition in 1897 is fully acknowledged, the British Museum said in a statement, adding that the circumstances around the acquisition of Benin objects is explained in gallery panels and on its website.

Story continues

We believe the strength of the British Museum collection resides in its breadth and depth, allowing millions of visitors an understanding of the cultures of the world and how they interconnect over time  whether through trade, migration, conquest or peaceful exchange, it said.

But Zimmerer, who has done extensive historical research on the Benin Bronzes, said the decision by Germany would likely affect the wider debate about how institutions in former colonial countries should handle such artifacts.

The pressure will grow, because the British position of simply not addressing the issue of restitution is no longer sustainable, he said.

___

Jill Lawless in London contributed to the report.
SHANGHAI, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric (SEHK: 02727, SSE: 601727), the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of power generation and industrial equipment, has released its 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Report ("the Report"). The Report, the 12th CSR report and the 5th ESG report of Shanghai Electric, details the data disclosed from Shanghai Electric's headquarters, internal institutions, branches, wholly-owned subsidiaries and holding companies.

The Report demonstrates the group's commitment to corporate governance and product performance, with a focus on the MSCI Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) rating and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index. It highlights Shanghai Electric's outstanding performance to date in smart energy, intelligent manufacturing and intelligent cities, as well as its journey to transform several major areas of its business using innovative intelligent technologies. The Report also outlines key efforts made by Shanghai Electric in the fight against COVID-19.

"2020 presented a complex landscape for development, particularly in light of the monumental impact of the pandemic. Faced with this challenging environment, Shanghai Electric has remained committed to our mission to champion green, smart, interconnected and comprehensive solutions. As one of the world's leading power equipment manufacturing companies, we continue to seek new ways to fulfil our responsibility to our shareholders, customers, partners, employees, the environment and the broader community," said Zheng Jianhua, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Shanghai Electric Group.

Corporate governance: A comprehensive ESG governance system that integrates sustainability into Shanghai Electric's long-term strategic goals

Shanghai Electric has established a special ESG governance structure to ensure sustainable development is embedded into the group's strategic layout. The top-down structure consists of the board of directors, ESG management committee including an ESG expert committee, and an ESG task force containing the board of directors and three sub-groups.

Product development: combining intelligence and innovation

Relying on its advantages in the equipment manufacturing industry, Shanghai Electric has strived to build an "industrial triangle ecosystem" comprised of smart equipment, the industrial Internet, and intelligent supply chains. Internally, the company has leveraged digital transformation to support the development of intelligent manufacturing, smart energy, and intelligent transportation; while its external empowerment programs support the development of a comprehensive and multi-dimensional smart city.

On the innovation front, Shanghai Electric shifted its focus towards high-tech industrialization and strategic emerging industries. The company continued to support technology research and product development in key areas, and actively explored and cultivated new industries and technologies. During the reporting period, Shanghai Electric had committed RMB 4.75 billion to R&D, which was an increase of 8.55% year-on-year and accounted for 3.47% of annual total operating income.

Environmental responsibility: conserving energy, enhancing efficiency, and reducing emissions

Over the years, Shanghai Electric has adhered to its belief that environmental conservation is pivotal to sustainable development, and the company has included environmental considerations at every link within its industrial chain. The Report demonstrates that Shanghai Electric is continually exploring eco-friendly operating models for green management, energy conservation, efficiency enhancement and emissions reduction.

The company has actively promoted the development of high-efficiency energy-saving projects, including: the Shanghai Electric Golmud Meiman Minhang 32MW/64MWh energy storage station; the world's first 1000MW ultra-supercritical steam turbine, which saves over 200,000 tons of standard coal every year; and Unit 5 and 6 (21240MW) in the Guangdong Huaxia Yangxi Power Plant Phase II Project, of which Unit 5's heat consumption has already been reduced by 1.65% underrated working conditions.

Shanghai Electric has also completed the application and registration of pollutant discharge permits for 107 companies, leveraged these permits to strengthen compliance, and partnered with government departments to implement green production audits for six enterprises. In 2020, the group conducted a thorough emissions investigation in 86 production enterprises, six industrial plants and five plots, from which a number of opportunities and guidelines for improvement were proposed.

Social responsibility: providing assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

In the wake of the pandemic, a number of critical cases surfaced both outside and within Shanghai Electric  strengthening the company's resolve to do its part in the battle against COVID-19.

In Pakistan where Shanghai Electric recently completed its Thar Coal Block-1 2x660MW Power Plant Project, the Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company donated supplies to the Pakistani military on behalf of the Group. The company also donated 6 million rupees to the site of the project and dispatched additional staff to Pakistan to accelerate progress.

Shanghai Electric also spontaneously mobilized its party members and bodies to donate RMB 8.8 million to support the fight against the pandemic. Furthermore, the company shipped over 300 mask machines across the country, accelerated the development of automated mask production lines  of which more than 621 were dispatched nationwide  and donated more than 100,000 masks and personal protective equipment to overseas partners.

SOURCE Shanghai Electric

Related Links

www.shanghai-electric.com


Gov. Ned Lamont wont explicitly say whether he will keep the states indoor mask mandate in place beyond the end of this month.

But he hinted Thursday that he would listen to the states business owners, whove told him, Governor, will you take the heat and make it a requirement a little while longer?

Lamont didnt indicate how long the face-covering rule will last if and when he extends it.

My instinct is the indoor mask mandate will keep going a little longer, Lamont said during his coronavirus briefing.

The indoor mask mandate is expected to soon become the remaining COVID-19 restriction from a global health pandemic that led to widespread shutdowns of businesses and limits on day-to-day activity.

Lamont announced several weeks ago that he is getting rid of all business-related restrictions May 19, the day before his emergency powers, which have allowed him to control the day-to-day decision-making during the pandemic, are set to expire.

The General Assembly, namely majority Democrats, is planning to extend the governors powers, as lawmakers are still determining which of his remaining executive orders should become permanent and which should go away.

This weekend starts the states two-phase, final reopening. It comes 14 months into a pandemic that has killed 8,084 residents and sickened many more, at a time when supply of COVID-19 vaccines outweighs demand.

From Saturday on, businesses can stay open until midnight as opposed to 11 p.m.; all outdoor restrictions are lifted  which means, for example, theres no limit to how many people can sit at a table and you wont be required to order food when purchasing alcohol at restaurants.

People in Connecticut also wont be required to wear a mask when outdoors, although Lamont continues to advise residents to do so in crowds.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this week that its now safe for fully vaccinated people to go without a face covering for certain outdoor activities and gatherings. Connecticuts plan is more relaxed than the CDC guidance with the state making no distinction between whether someone is fully vaccinated or not.

On May 19, all remaining business restrictions, except for the indoor mask mandate, will go away so there will be no limit on how close you can sit indoors or how many people can be in a bar or restaurant.

The mask mandate is set to expire legally on that day, as Lamonts emergency powers end. But with the likelihood of an extension of the emergency, Lamonts hint indicates he would extend the mask rule for indoor gathering spaces such as stores and offices.

Nora Dannehy, Lamonts general counsel, has provided legislative leaders with a whittled down list of the remaining executive orders that the governors office wants to continue or be made permanent, such as those that pertain to the states large-scale testing and vaccination systems.

At end of day, theres three things he really needs, House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said Wednesday. He needs the indoor mask mandate for at least a little bit more time. He needs the existing ability to make sure were quickly vaccinating and testing people, which will be critically important for the next couple of months, and he needs the emergency power to get federal dollars.

Some of the federal relief the state has received, such as money from Federal Emergency Management Agency to pay the National Guard to help out, is tied to Connecticut being in a declared state of emergency.

Both Senate President Pro-Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven, and Ritter, said they expect Lamonts powers to be extended, though no final decision has been made. They said they are seeking to act on a recommendation in the state Supreme Court decision validating the constitutionality of Lamonts powers, which is to give the full legislature, not a separate committee, the power to approve a governors declaration of civil preparedness and public health emergencies.

Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, said theres been little to no conversations between the two parties since the full legislature voted at the end of March to extend Lamonts powers to discuss how the state should handle the pandemic after May 20.

Kelly said Democrats assume that because Republicans want a say in the decision making that they will be critical of the governor and his administrations handling of the pandemic. In reality, he said, there are many areas of agreement between Republicans and Lamont, such as making tele-health benefits permanent.

But we need to have the conversation, Kelly said. I dont believe a patchwork quilt of month-to-month executive sessions is the way to run a government.

Kelly said hes not against keeping the indoor mask mandate. I think its a small gesture one can make to think beyond themselves to make sure not only myself, but others remain safe.

At the same time, he said, Im not sure what its going to look like past May 20.

From last March to today, weve been guided by metrics, science and safety and I think that needs to continue, he said.

Kelly said one possibility would be to leave it up to the states public health commissioner  who reports to the governor  to make the determination going forward on when and where masks would continue to be needed.

But that, among other pandemic-related decisions, should be debated by the full legislature, he said.

The legislature is a separate but equal branch of government. We are the peoples house. We represent the voice of the people, Kelly said. The peoples voice needs to be at the table.

julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com
Two major decisions may turn out to be deflators to Indias fight against the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. One can foresee that the blame game will find the people at fault. Authorities who approved the holding of the Kumbh Mela and the election rallies across the country will bear no responsibility because attribution of their effects on the spread of Covid-19 will remain debatable.

The holding of the Kumbh Mela despite indications of the arrival of the second wave is intriguing and unjustifiable. This is a decision, the strategic effects of which could be to diminish our economic progress to an unknown degree. When one applies the philosophical tool, Hanlons Razor, to the decision, it reveals that decision-makers are not stupid, they simply might have abdicated responsibility to a higher force we all call God. The principle of Hanlons Razor is simple: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.

Let us for a moment agree that in assessing someones actions, we should not assume a negative intent if there is a viable alternative explanation, such as different beliefs, incompetence or ignorance. In any case, the Hindu divinities and electoral compulsions seemed far too powerful for the authorities to resist. They chose to close their eyes to the real dangers of lakhs of people gathering in the midst of an uncontrollable pandemic.

Religious and electoral activities were allowed and the lives of people have been put at grave risk. Political leadership and the higher echelons of bureaucracy have forsaken their responsibilities to the nation and the people.

Contrast the above two decisions with the decision to postpone the crucial Class XII exams. Overlooking the logistics of the operations, the schools being shut, the precautions of social distancing could possibly have been enforced in dispersed locations across the country. The outcome is that millions of children, parents and teachers have been plunged into mental turmoil.

The difference in standards being applied is glaring. Cut to a year ago, the treatment meted out to the Tabligh-e-Jamaat gathering stands out in comparison with the Kumbh Mela where the government itself is complicit by way of being the organiser-in-chief. Of course, it is all in the name of the gods, particularly the Hindu gods. In the election campaigns, too, gods and overt and covert calls to religious majoritarianism are holding the centre stage. Sadly, communalism is the currency of electoral power in India.

The blind faith of the people in God is now accompanied by blind faith in Indias most popular leader of contemporary times: Narendra Modi. The force that has emerged has only grown from strength to strength. Power is exercised over people without checks and balances of institutional arbitration.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been empowered by Parliament to take measures that could have stopped the Kumbh congregation and the gatherings at the election rallies. But the NDMA is headed by the prime minister himself and is administered under the Home Ministry. The other members of the NDMA have preferred silence and kept their jobs. The EC, a supposedly independent agency, has exhibited an increased proclivity for bias towards the ruling party.

Bihar polls

The totally unnecessary eight rounds of polling in West Bengal are illustrative of this submissiveness. The fact that the EC sneaked through the Bihar elections in November 2020 without too many problems might have contributed to the foolish confidence in its own capabilities which were then widely hailed. Just a glance at what is happening in the US and Europe should have opened their eyes to the catastrophes of the pandemic.

Power loves sycophancy. Sycophants prefer to tuck their tails behind blind faith and self-preservation. Serious doubts have arisen about the independence of key institutions including the top judiciary. Covid has exposed Indias leaning towards a Hindu majoritarian agenda. Leaders respond to it and often forget that they are merely reaping the benefits of the seeds of polarisation sown in the past. Since constitutional propriety is no more an insurmountable hurdle, religious mascots are having a free run. Social stability is being increasingly weakened with religious polarisation.

However, it is never too late to reverse the course. It can be done if the most popular leader wants to. The PM, enjoying the trust of the majority, is perched on a high peak of popularity. Soon, the election results will be out. It might be useful here to recall an old Roman phrase: Memento Mori, in Latin that translates to Remember that you must die. It was not intended to be morbid or dark; rather, to clarify, illuminate, and inspire.

The phrase is believed to have originated in the Roman Empire. After military victories, the heroes were paraded through the streets on chariots. Then, the Romans would place one person in the chariot whose sole responsibility was to whisper in the heros ear throughout the parade. Respice post te. Hominem te esse memento. Memento mori! Translation: Look behind. Remember thou art mortal. Remember that you must die!.

Memento Mori served as a tool to invoke humility in moments of glory. It can also serve as a tool for providing clarity. For the winners of the election, this is not the time to celebrate. The political leadership must ensure that victory is taken in their stride. They must in all humility be guided by their inner voice as conveyed by the phrase Memento Mori. Dedicated service for the upliftment of our nation from its present state of morals and national reconstruction must remain our topmost priority for a long time to come.

(The writer is Director, Strategic Studies Programme, Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru, and former Military Adviser, National Security Council Secretariat)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-01 05:25:16|Editor: huaxia

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TRIPOLI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Special envoy of the UN secretary-general for Libya Jan Kubis on Thursday met with President of the Libyan Presidency Council Mohamed Menfi in the eastern city of Tobruk, where they discussed implementation of the Libyan cease-fire agreement, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said in a statement.

Kubis briefed Menfi on key elements of the recently adopted UN Security Council Resolutions No. 2570 (2021) and No. 2571 (2021) and on his recent engagement with regional and international interlocutors, the statement said.

"They discussed ways to expedite the implementation of the cease-fire agreement in full without any further delay and with the opening of the coastal road as a necessary confidence-building step," it added.

The meeting also touched upon the Presidency Council's efforts toward the unification of critical military and security institutions.

They also discussed needed steps at national and international levels to start the withdrawal process of mercenaries and foreign fighters and forces from the entire Libya without any delay as requested by the UN Security Council, according to the statement.

Mendi expressed concern about the situation in Chad and its impact on Libya and the region, and elaborated on the steps being taken by the Presidency Council to meet these challenges.

He reiterated the Presidency Council's commitment to holding national elections on Dec. 24, as agreed recently by the UN-sponsored Libyan Political Dialogue Forum. Enditem
According to new information from Uncle Mountain and Chang'an Digital Jun, both leakers on Weibo, Huawei has two monitors ready to launch, not just the 32-inch model on which we have reported previously. Apparently, the Chinese company also plans to reveal a 42-inch monitor that it will also sell under its MateView series.

While Huawei will aim the 32-inch monitor at professionals, it has supposedly designed the 42-inch edition with gamers in mind. Accordingly, the smaller of the two will have a 3:2 aspect ratio, a 4,500 x 3,000 resolution and a native 90 Hz refresh rate. By contrast, the 42-inch model will have a 21:9 aspect ratio, which would make sense if Huawei has designed it for gamers. Additionally, the monitor will operate at up to 165 Hz at 3,440 x 1,440 pixels.
Peeep peeep peeeep! Granada have stunned Barcelona at the Camp Nou and handed the initiative back to Atletico Madrid in the title race!

That's their first ever win away to Barca.

The Andalusians have pulled off a famous smash-and-grab thanks to those second-half goals by Darwin Machis and Jorge Molina, and have not only prevented Barca from leapfrogging Atletico at the top of LaLiga, but have also furthered their ambitions of qualifying for Europe for a second straight year.

Diego Martinez's men are now just four points off Villarreal in seventh, the final European spot.

As for Barcelona, they end the night down in third, two points behind Atleti, who they host in two weeks' time. What a title race this is proving to be!

Thanks for reading!
The Senate has invited a lawyer, Timzing Ramnap, to a public hearing over his petition on the recent reported assault of a security guard in Abuja by the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar.

The upper legislative chamber asked the lawyer to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics Privileges and Public Petitions for a public hearing on May 5.

PREMIUM TIMES on Friday exclusively obtained the invitation letter which is dated April 27.

The letter is titled, Invitation to a Public Hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics Privileges and Public Petitions in Respect of a Petition by Timzing Veniyir Ramnap on behalf of Clement Sagwak against the Chairman Code of Conduct Tribunal Danladi Umar for Alleged Assault and Violent Attack on Him By The Chairman.

I am directed to invite you to a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics Privileges and Public Petitions of the National Assembly in respect of a petition you wrote on behalf of Clement Sagwark against the Chairman Code of Conduct Tribunal Danladi Umar for alleged assault and violent attack on him by the chairman and sent to the Senate, the letter read in part.

The letter signed by Freedom Osolo, the committee clerk, also stated that the matter has been referred to the committee for detailed investigation and further legislative action.

The committee informed the lawyer that oral, written and material evidence would be accepted in the course of the presentation over the matter.

It said additional evidence should be made available to the committee before the presentation.

You are by this invitation, required to appear before the committee to make a presentation in connection with the petition in reference.

You may wish to note that oral, written and material would be accepted in your presentation in connection with your petition in reference. Ten (10) copies of all written additional evidence (if any) should be made available to the Committee before presentation, please, the letter added.

Assault

PREMIUM TIMES had reported how the CCT chairman was caught on camera physically assaulting Mr Sargwak, at Banex Plaza, Wuse 2, Abuja, on March 29.

In the five-minute viral video clip, Mr Umar, who presides over the trial of public officers accused of breach of code of conduct, was seen slapping and kicking the security guard  after an altercation ensued between them over a parking space on the premises of the plaza.

The victim told PREMIUM TIMES he was attacked by Mr Umar after he approached him for parking wrongly.

A phone repairer, Peter Onyiuke, present at the plaza, was also detained for one week allegedly on Mr Umars instruction, following a quarrel they had on the sideline of the scene created by the CCT chairmans attack on the plazas security guard.

Mr Umar, in his public response, denied assaulting the security guard. The public official said he was the one assaulted at the Banex plaza.

Senate intervention

PREMIUM TIMES had reported how the Senate directed its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, headed by Ayo Akinyelure, to probe the reported assault.

The petition signed by Mr Ramnap was laid before the Senate during the plenary last week by Istifanus Gyang, who is of the PDP representing Plateau North, the senatorial district from which Mr Sagwak hails.

Efforts to reach Mr Osolo, the committee clerk, on comments if Mr Umar had also been issued an invite by the committee were unsuccessful. His two phone numbers indicated in the letter were switched off.

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President Joe Biden has approved federal disaster aid for eight Alabama counties where tornadoes and strong winds caused damage over two days in March, the White House said Monday.

Biden approved assistance that can include grants for repair and temporary housing; loans for property losses; and other aid to individuals and businesses that were affected on March 25 and 26 in Bibb, Calhoun, Clay, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph, and Shelby counties.

Gov. Kay Ivey said she had requested the assistance, which supplements state and local aid.

Five people were killed when nearly a dozen tornadoes hit areas including Ohatchee, Helena and Hale County last month. Storms continued into Georgia, where the city of Newnan southwest of Alabama had major damage.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Windstorm Alabama
A panel of prosecutors from Washington state will examine an investigation into the fatal shooting of a Black motorist by a Clark County deputy in early February that indicated the officer fired as he was grappling with the driver, who had refused orders to get out of his car and instead put the car in motion.

The Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys created the panel to help assess whether the deputys actions were legally justified in the death of 30-year-old Jenoah Donald. The case will be the first reviewed under the new model, The Columbian newspaper reported Wednesday.

I do think that this is a process that (people) will be supportive of, because it will truly be an independent review, Clark County prosecutor Tony Golik told The Columbian on Tuesday.

The panel includes elected prosecutors from Lewis, Yakima, Pend Oreille, Snohomish and Pierce counties. It received the investigative material last week and is expected to meet next week to discuss the next steps.

The panel is tasked with making a recommendation to Golik, who will then also review the investigation before making a final determination about whether the shooting was justified or not.

Golik assigned Jonathan Meyer, the Lewis County prosecutor and president of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, with selecting the panels prosecutors.

Meyer on Wednesday said he chose the panel based on similarly sized counties and his desire to have association leadership involved. Meyer and Golik said the association will assess the new approach to determine whether to continue using it, make adjustments or disband it.

Donald lived in the city of Battle Ground and died Feb. 12, eight days after he was shot once in the head by Deputy Sean Boyle. Donald was stopped for what Boyle described as a faulty rear light after deputies responded Feb. 4 to a neighborhood report of two cars suspiciously circling the area.

Investigators said Donald, Boyle and another deputy struggled inside Donalds car, and Boyle fired two shots, hitting Donald once when he ignored commands to let him go.

Golik said he is aware that Donalds mother Sue Zawacky thinks he should make the final decision in the shooting review. Attorney Mark Lindquist, who is representing Donalds family, confirmed the sentiment.

Golik and other prosecutors have reviewed use of deadly force by local law enforcement officers.

But for the last year, he has asked outside county prosecutors to review local police shootings. He said the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by a police officer was a turning point in how police use of deadly force should be reviewed.

Golik said he is also aware of concerns that prosecutors work closely with law enforcement but are entrusted to review police shootings. He called it a legitimate concern and said he is trying to create independence.

I think there was clearly an awakening in our country that we have serious issues that we need to address in the justice system, he said. Prosecutors around the country, in my opinion, should be open-minded and try our best to increase public confidence in the work we do. This is one clear area that we need to address.

-- The Associated Press
Police continue to ask the public for help in finding a missing Manitoba woman after a recent search of the property where she was last seen found no trace of her.

Police continue to ask the public for help in finding a missing Manitoba woman after a recent search of the property where she was last seen found no trace of her.

On Thursday, a RCMP spokeswoman confirmed police are continuing to attempt to locate Anna Marquart following the one-day ground search April 22 on a property near Glenboro, 160 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg.

Anna Marquart was last seen leaving her residence July 4, 2020, and was reported missing in February 2021.

The search, which the owner of the property allowed, involved 10 officers from the force's major crime services, Blue Hills detachment and police dog services.

Police announced in February the 31-year-old woman had been reported missing Feb. 4, even though she was last seen leaving her residence July 4, 2020. Marquart has made no contact with her family in either Manitoba or Ontario since then.

At the time, RCMP said they couldn't say why the woman's disappearance had taken so long to be reported and admitted it would make it tougher for police to find her because physical evidence would have deteriorated over the months, and even people's memories fade.

Marquart is described as 5-foot-1, 119 pounds, with light brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Blue Hills RCMP at 204-726-7519 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Friends and family gather for a memorial and rally for peace in memory of Lorenzo Anderson in Seattle, Wash., on July 2, 2020. (David Ryder/Getty Images)

Mother of 19-Year-Old Fatally Shot in Seattles No Cop Zone Sues City Over Handling of CHOP

The mother of a young man who was gunned down last summer in Seattles autonomous zone, also known as CHOP (Capitol Hill Organized Protest)has sued the city for its handling of the zone.

Donnitta Sinclair, the mother of the victim, 19-year-old Horace Lorenzo Anderson, said in a federal civil-rights lawsuit officials negligence in allowing law enforcement to abandon the Seattle Police Departments (SPD) East Precinct and surrounding areas invited lawlessness and  a foreseeable danger that contributed to her son getting fatally shot, the Seattle Times reported.

The autonomous zone was tolerated by city officials for weeks before they eventually shut it down on July 1 following the murders of Anderson and another black 16-year-old man.

Sinclair also alleges in the suit that the action and inaction by city, county, and state officials are directly responsible for creating the chaotic situation. She said that 18-year-old Marcel Long, who is accused of fatally shooting Anderson, knew that CHOP was a no-cop zone.

Marcel Long, 18, in file photos. (Seattle Police Department)

Police said the two men were seen in a surveillance video from the June 20 deadly incident while exchanging words.

As Anderson was walking away from the verbal altercation, Long, who was seen being restrained by others from getting into a fight, pulled a handgun and shot him several times, police said.

The alleged killer was charged with premeditated first-degree murder and authorities believe he has fled the state. He currently remains at large.

A spokesman for the department told the Seattle Times on Thursday the case remains active.

Evan Oshan of Oshan & Associates, who is representing the father of the victim, Horace Anderson, told The Epoch Times that the lawlessness of the zone made the death foreseeable.

Horace Lorenzo Anderson (L) speaks about his son, Lorenzo Anderson, who was killed near a so-called autonomous zone in Seattle, Wash., in a June 29, 2020, photograph. (David Ryder/Getty Images)

There was no safety, there was no security. This whole region was completely abandoned and this special needs kid, basically, was put into a dangerous situation, he said.

It was a predictable, preventable death.

Several people called 911 to report the shooting. About 15 minutes later, several police officers entered the protest zone and were confronted by an aggressive and volatile crowd, according to documents filed against Long.

Anderson was transported by volunteer medics to Harborview Medical Center, where he died, according to the Seattle Fire Department.

The second teenager who was shot to death in the autonomous zone was identified as 16-year-old Antonio Mays Jr., no one has been arrested or named as a suspect yet.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.

From NTD News
It is precisely because of the Navitas GaNFast chip that the YOGA CC 65 can be very portable and compact

Navitas Semiconductor announced that the Lenovo laptops Xiaoxin Air 14, Air 15, Pro 16 plus the YOGA Duet and YOGA 5G were officially launched on April 22nd, and featured the YOGA CC 65  the worlds smallest folding-pin 65W dual USB-C fast charger, using GaNFast power ICs.

Gallium nitride (GaN) is a next-generation semiconductor technology that runs up to 20x faster than old, slow silicon (Si), and enables up to 3x more power or 3x faster charging in half the size & weight. GaNFast power ICs integrate GaN power and drive plus protection and control to deliver the simplest, smallest, fastest and highest performance.

The Xiaoxin-YOGA launch was presented by Lenovos Yuezhu SONG (director of consumer fan marketing) with Long (Elon) CHEN (product manager) and the fan marketing team hosting a live-stream. Mr. Chen and the team displayed a complete Navitas GaN wafer, containing thousands of tiny GaNFast power IC chips, plus some of the final packaged devices; smaller than a fingernail. The Lenovo team shared a detailed description of GaNFast with the audience discover this world-leading, next-generation GaN technology that powers the YOGA 65W dual-port charger in a unique way.

The YOGA CC 65's gallium nitride chip is a next-generation GaNFast power IC from Navitas, said Ms. Song. Its extremely compact with unique, integrated, loss-less current sensing which increases efficiency and drives cool operation and high performance. It is precisely because of the Navitas GaNFast chip that the YOGA CC 65 can be very portable and compact."

The dual USB-C output YOGA CC 65 measures a tiny 50 x 50 x 30 mm (75 cc) with folding AC pins, and a featherweight 103 g which makes it almost half the size and weight of Apples 61W 1x USB-C charger. With a unique industrial design and surface finish with UV high-gloss surface and a hot silver "YOGA" logo, the touch texture is soft like jade.

Meeting Lenovos stringent notebook specifications, the YOGA CC 65W has passed over 30 professional tests and is very safe and reliable, with a very long-life expectancy. According to the notebook's standard, it must continue to work at full power for more than 8,700 hours  or 10 years.

The small, portable charger also satisfies the fast charging of mobile phones, notebooks and tablets. It supports PD/QC/PPS fast-charging protocols and comes with a 1.5-meter-long charging cable. Maximum power is 65W worldwide available from a single USB-C port or power-sharing at 47W+18W for multiple devices.

Mr. Chen displayed the 6 GaN wafer in close-up detail for the first time, explaining, GaNFast chips are powerful, with both cool temperature control and fast charging. As a highly integrated chip, it not only includes GaN power but also GaN drive, control and protection to deliver very good conversion efficiency."

We are excited to partner with Lenovo on the launch of the YOGA CC 65, said Charles (Yingjie) ZHA, Navitas China vice president and general manager. The efficient, robust, easy-to-use GaNFast power ICs make the charger extremely small, light, easy-to-carry, safer and smarter.

This is the first time that Navitas next-generation gallium nitride chip has been publicly displayed, and the first time that Lenovo has publicly highlighted enabling technology at a new charger launch. At an initial price of only 119 RMB (US$18), the GaNFast YOGA CC 65W delivers world-class performance at a down-to-earth price.

About Lenovo YOGA

As a high-end brand of Lenovo, YOGA focuses on the quality of elite people, gathering Lenovo's advantage in R & D resources plus scientific and technological innovation achievements. Since 2012, when YOGA released the first flip book, innovation has never stopped. Quality, ingenuity, achievement... It became part of YOGA's DNA. The YOGA family has developed into the main high-tech lightweight YOGA S series and represents quality with the classic 360  flip touch YOGA C series. In 2019, the YOGA14s was launched and to popular acclaim. Quality and ingenuity have always been YOGA's brand value proposition.

About Navitas

Navitas Semiconductor Ltd. is the worlds first and only gallium nitride (GaN) Power IC company, founded in 2014. Navitas has a strong and growing team of power semiconductor industry experts with a combined 300 years of experience in materials, devices, applications, systems and marketing, plus a proven record of innovation with over 300 patents among its founders. GaN power ICs integrate GaN power with drive, control and protection to enable faster charging, higher power density and greater energy savings for mobile, consumer, enterprise, eMobility and new energy markets. Over 120 Navitas patents are issued or pending, and over 18 million GaNFast power ICs have been shipped with zero failures.

Navitas Semiconductor, GaNFast and the Navitas logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Navitas Semiconductor, Ltd. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.
Credit: Eindhoven University of Technology

Eindhoven leads the way: for the first time, Dutch residents are moving into a 3D-printed concrete home. Professor Theo Salet of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is the driving force behind Project Milestone, which is more relevant than ever before due to the housing crisis. An interview with an impassioned man: "We are facing an unprecedented challenge."

It sometimes seems as if freshly printed concrete has a will of its own. The mixture constantly reacts to changes in temperature during curing and tends to collapse like a plum pudding when there is insufficient stiffness. To complicate matters further, the printing process needs to account for inclined walls and the changing weight of the structure.

With a little imagination, you can compare concrete printing to walking on a very thin tightrope: you must not print too quickly (the structure then becomes unstable) but also not too slowly (the printed layers will no longer adhere). It's no small feat.

Customization on a large scale

Under these difficult conditions, Theo Salet and his team have spent years looking for ways to develop safe, rigid structures through which unique homes with a distinctive character can roll out of the concrete printer. Customization on a large scale instead of standardization.

The project caused him some headaches. Salet is a professor and dean of the Department of the Built Environment at TU/e and the driving force behind the Project Milestone, a collaboration between TU/e, Eindhoven municipality, construction company Van Wijnen, building materials manufacturer Saint Gobain Weber Beamix, engineering firm Witteveen + Bos and housing investor Vesteda.

For years, Salet worked with Ph.D. students Rob Wolfs and Zeeshan Ahmend and various master's students and third parties on the construction of the first completely 3D-printed house that meets all building requirements. He regularly had to swallow disappointments, such as during the search for the right combination of concrete and insulation material for the sandwich walls, but these were just as often followed by the realization that his team was making progress.

"The fact that we've already come this far makes me a proud man," Salet says as he strolls the grounds near the 3D-printed home in Eindhoven's Meerhoven district this morning. He is also proud of how the knowledge developed has found its way to industry so quickly. Printing a wall is one thing, but producing a complete house is a different kettle of fish. This can only be done with the right industrial partners, emphasizes the professor.

"What's nice is that there's still so much to be gained just by learning from this experience," he explains as his eye travels across the structure. The shape of the house is inspired by that of a boulder, a polished version of the housing that used to be featured in the Flintstones cartoon, with a sleek and modern interior.

First occupant of 3D concrete printed house in Eindhoven receives the key

The first tenant of the first Dutch home made of 3D-printed concrete will receive the key today, April 30. The house in Eindhoven, the first of five from Project Milestone, fully complies with all strict Dutch building requirements.

The house is a detached single-story home with 94 square meters of net floor area, a generous living room and two bedrooms. It is located in the Eindhoven neighborhood of Bosrijk. The home consists of 24 printed concrete elements, which were printed layer by layer at the print factory in Eindhoven. The elements were transported by trucks to the building site where they were placed on a foundation.

The shape of the house is inspired by that of a boulder. The video shows the outside of the house in more detail. Credit: Bart van Overbeeke

Real necessity

There's a reason Salet is putting his heart and soul into this project. The urgency is profound, he stresses several times this morning. "This is not about the ambition of some scientist, it's about the rock-hard necessity of making major changes to the way we build," Salet says, referring to the ever-expanding housing shortage and the pressing climate issue, among other things. "Understand that we need to build in the Netherlands alone a million homes in 10 years and make 7.5 million homes drastically more sustainable in 30 years. In addition, infrastructure from the 1960s and 1970s is heading towards the end of its design life. We are facing an unprecedented challenge."

Unprecedented challenges call for rigorous measures. In fact, the professor argues, you need to turn the entire chain upside down. The construction sector must be more focused on the demands of society and, at the same time, more productive and sustainable. People, profit, planet, to put it briefly. According to Salet, this is the path along which we must pursue the transition. Close collaboration between academia, industry and the government is of great importancethe triple helix model. Salet: "Make that the quadruple helix model. You have to involve the public as well. Isn't it crazy that residents barely have a say in their own built environment?"

In order to break the chain, the need must first be felt by all parties involved. Salet: "Take the government, which must realize that the housing shortage is an issue for which it does not have an answer, simply because no one has the answer. The academic world can stimulate innovation, but there has to be a concrete question on the table. Industry must also be given the opportunity to make the transition to high-quality manufacturing. The municipality of Eindhoven understood this in the Milestone project and dared to take on this unique challenge."

Indeed, the government can create the conditions that foster partnerships which accelerate innovation. "Create pilot projects to experiment with and then scale them up. In tenders, look not only at price but also whether the construction project scores highly in areas such as circularity or innovation in the construction and manufacturing industries. If the urgency is felt, parties will seek each other out." The professor points to Eindhoven-based VDL, for example, which will be working with Van Wijnen in Heerenveen.

Industrial customization

In the media, Salet regularly reads that standardization should become the new norm. Modular construction is gathering more and more attention, but he dismisses this idea. "We'll then start delivering mass production and, in a while, the same houses will line every street. That would be extremely monotonous; no one is waiting for that and it isn't necessary either. You have to digitize the entire process from design to construction. A robot doesn't care what shape it has to print, so you then get industrial customization with variation. Let's make that step in one go, as challenging as it may be."

If the construction industry can make a dramatic shift, as Salet says it can, the benefits of industrial customization will be huge. Productivity will skyrocket. Additionally, you will need less high-quality craftsmanship in a market with a desperate shortage of skilled workers. The heavy work will disappear. This will make more room for women in the sector while the health of employees will also improve; a bad back or worn knees will be a thing of the past.

The biggest gains, however, will be in the areas of sustainability and circularity. "The amount of material we currently use in construction is unprecedented. We need to cut down." Concrete, for example, is one of the largest emitters of CO 2 worldwide. By both adjusting the composition and reducing the user quantity, giant leaps can be made. The reuse of materials and elements of a 3D-printed house should also become possible in the future. "We're currently working hard on that." Salet is hopeful and sets his sights high: "It's absolutely possible to use 50% fewer raw materials and increase construction speed by 35%."

Second floor

For this reason, the professor would prefer to continue developing the printing method as quickly as possible. The momentum is there. In addition to the first home, he wants to realize a second house in the near future which will be a step further along than its predecessor: a second floor. In total, Project Milestone covers five concrete-printed homes. Salet: "I now want to work from industrial product to design instead of the other way around. For the first house we first created a design without an estimate of whether the printer can produce certain shapes, so we tried to force the printer. The question should be: which products can the printer handle? From there, we can create a variety of designs. Artificial intelligence is going to help with this and will become necessary in order to keep the quality of the printed work consistent, especially if we're going to print a home on site."

Meanwhile, research into 3D concrete printing is gaining popularity around the world. "We've set the tone," says Salet. "In terms of technological development, we're at the forefront. Printing layers and building a wall can be done by others. But producing an entire house that meets the strict requirements of a building permit and is also inhabited, that's truly unique. We can be very proud of that. We're increasingly understanding the will of printed concrete."

Explore further TU Eindhoven starts using kingsize 3-D concrete printer
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 30)  After being barred from entering the country for over a month, some foreign nationals can again come starting May 1, subject to conditions, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Friday.

The entry ban on most foreigners, which was imposed on March 22 due to rising COVID-19 cases, is set to end April 30. All travelers from India and those who went to India preceding their arrival to the Philippines are barred from entering the country until May 14 as a safeguard against virus spread that may be caused by the massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the South Asian country.

In February, the Bureau of Immigration released an advisory which contains the list of foreigners qualified to enter the Philippines based on IATF Resolutions No. 97 and 98.

Here is the list:

1. 9(e) visa holders for diplomats accredited to the Philippines

2. foreign airline crew

3. 9(c) visa holders for foreign seafarers

4. 9(d) visa holders for treaty traders

5. visa holders under Section 13 of Commonwealth Act of 613

6. Foreign nationals who have entered the country before June 30, 1992

7. Legal residence visa holders or those who entered the Philippines before January 1, 1984

8. Native Born visa holders

9. Temporary Resident Visa holders

10. Chinese nationals who are married to Philippine citizens

11. Foreign spouses of Filipino nationals

12. Foreign parents of minor Filipino children and of Filipino children with special needs, regardless of age

13. Foreign minor children or children with special needs of Filipino nationals

14. Those with Recognition Certificate (RC) or Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003 certificate

15. Those with visas issued under Executive Order 226, including Special Investor Resident Visa

16. Foreign executives from multinational companies

17. 47(a)(2) visa holders

18. Those with visas issued by Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Authority of the Freeport of Bataan, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, and Clark Development Corporation

19. Those from non-visa required countries, who are qualified under the Balikbayan Privilege, including former Filipino citizens

20. 9(g) visa holders who left the Philippines on December 17, 2020, or later

21. Holders of 9(a) visas and Special Resident and Retirees Visas, but they need to present an entry exemption document to the BI upon arrival

Other requirements

Authorized foreigners shall follow some conditions to enter the county. These include having valid visas at the time of entry, pre-booked quarantine accommodation for at least six nights in an accredited quarantine hotel or facility, and COVID-19 testing six days after arrival. They are also subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry, Roque said.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. earlier announced that incoming international flights would be allowed to carry only up to 1,500 passengers per day to control the further spread of COVID-19.
Ambassador Korniychuk: We are working to promote the interests of Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses in Israel

The priority of the economic activity of the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel is the intensification of interregional cooperation and the promotion of the interests of Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses. H.E. Mr. Yevhen Korniychuk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the State of Israel stated this during the webinar How to export to Israel: challenges and opportunities, according to the Embassy's Facebook page.

The business community is informed about the priorities of the Embassy of Ukraine in the economic direction, in particular the intensification of interregional cooperation and the promotion of the interests of domestic small and medium-sized businesses in Israel, - the statement says.

The participants of the event had the opportunity to get acquainted with the leading industries and features of the Israeli market, the specifics of technical regulation of exports to Israel, changes in tariff policy, etc.

The greatest attention was paid, in particular, to the textile, food and woodworking segments of the local market, - the Embassy said.

In addition, the prospects of using the tools of the FTA between Ukraine and Israel to apply the provisions of the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rules of Origin were discussed.

The webinar was organized by the Council of Exporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Lviv City Council, the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel, the international organization Ukrainian-Israeli Alliance with the support of Lviv Regional State Administration, State Enterprise Export Promotion Office and the Israel-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce. About 60 Ukrainian companies from Lviv region attended this event.
TIRANA, Albania  NATO has launched joint military exercises in Albania with thousands of military forces from the United States and other countries in the first such large-scale drills since World War II in the Western Balkans, a U.S. Army official said Thursday.

Col. Joseph Scrocca said a staunch NATO ally since 2009, Albania is a valued security partner  both regionally and globally.

Albania is playing a critical part in the DEFENDER-Europe 21 exercise with Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore operations taking place for the first time in Europe since World War II at the Port of Durres, Scrocca said in an online briefing.

The sealift ship USNS Bob Hope will demonstrate the unloading of heavy equipment onto smaller vessels that will transfer the cargo to shore for onward movement.

Since April 26, U.S. troops have been deployed to hold training in five other military land, naval and air bases in Albania until June 10.

Most Western Balkans countries  Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia  are NATO members.

This historic mission demonstrates our ability to serve as a strategic security partner in the western Balkans and Black Sea regions, Scrocca said.

Defense Minister Niko Peleshi said that besides its military bases, Albania would commit 1,000 troops to the exercises in what he called a historic event because it is the biggest exercise in Albania and the region.

The exercises give an important message for Albanias strategic importance, Peleshi said while inspecting the Mother Teresa Tirana International Airport where much of the forces taking part in the exercises will land.

Albania is part of international peacekeeping missions and those under NATO in Afghanistan, Aegean Sea, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Mali, Latvia and previously in Iraq, Chad and Georgia.

DEFENDER-Europe is an annual large-scale U.S. Army-led, multinational exercise, defensive in nature and focused on deterring aggression, which this year focuses on building operational readiness and interoperability with NATO and a greater number of allies and partners over a wider area of operations than ever before.

Around 28,000 U.S., allied and partner forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen nations from the Baltics and Africa to the critical Black Sea and Balkan regions.

Exercises like DEFENDER-Europe 21 are a prime example of our collective capabilities, Scrocca said.

This article was written by LLAZAR SEMINI from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
After months of speculation, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have confirmed that they will soon be adding a cat to their family of White House pets.

On Friday, the couple discussed the new addition during an interview with Todays Craig Melvin, where they revealed that the feline will be joining their two German shepherds, Major and Champ.

Acknowledging the rumours that the first family was considering adopting a cat, Dr Biden said: Oh yes. That is true. Shes waiting in the wings.

As for whether the latest furry addition was the presidents idea, Mr Biden responded: No, before adding: But its easy.

The couple also denied that the cat would be an issue for three-year-old Major, who now has a history of biting incidents, with Dr Biden explaining that the rescue dog was trained specifically to be around cats.

Well that was part of his training, the first lady revealed. They took him into a shelter with cats. And he did fine.

While speaking with Melvin, the school teacher also denied that Major is a bad dog, despite his behaviour upon moving into the White House.

After confirming that Major is back in the White House after a biting incident in March, the first lady said: Hes such a sweet, lovable dog. He really is, before offering to introduce Melvin. Ill take you to meet him. Hes probably outside now.

In March, Major got in minor trouble after it was reported that he nipped a National Park Services employee while he was roaming the White House front lawn.

At the time, the employee reportedly had to briefly leave their role to be checked out by the White House medical unit.

The incident came after the president had defended Major earlier the same month, tellingABC News George Stephanopoulos that the rescue pup is a sweet dog and that 85 per cent of the people [at the White House] love him.

He just - all he does is lick them and wag his tail, he added.

On Twitter, news that the first family would soon be adopting a cat was met with approval, with one person tweeting: Id still appreciate a timetable but this is very important First Cat news.
Moscow has not received Kievs proposals on holding a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zelensky, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.

The Kremlin is waiting for specific initiatives to be submitted at an official or working level, he said. "Probably, at least at the working or official level we should receive and be informed about some particular proposals," Peskov said.

"There hasnt been anything so far - neither on the agenda nor on anything," he noted. According to Peskov, Moscow "is waiting for some particular proposals," TASS reported.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky earlier said in an interview with Italys La Repubblica newspaper that Vatican City could be "a perfect venue for dialogue [with Russian President Vladimir Putin] about peace in Donbass." The Holy See and Pope Francis are ready to facilitate work towards a Ukrainian settlement, and possible mediation assistance could be provided within the framework of the Minsk Group, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, told La Repubblica.

In comment on how the Kremlin viewed this mediation and whether there were some details of the meeting, Peskov answered that he could not share any particular data on that matter.
Credit: The Conversation, Author provided

There are many hypotheses about where the Indigenous ancestors first settled in Australia tens of thousands of years ago, but evidence is scarce.

Few archaeological sites date to these early times. Sea levels were much lower and Australia was connected to New Guinea and Tasmania in a land known as Sahul that was 30% bigger than Australia is today.

Our latest research advances our knowledge about the most likely routes those early Australians traveled as they peopled this giant continent.

We are beginning to get a picture not only of where those first people landed in Sahul, but how they moved throughout the continent.

Navigating the landscape

Modeling human movement requires understanding how people navigate new terrain. Computers facilitate building models, but they are still far from easy. We reasoned we needed four pieces of information: (1) topography; (2) the visibility of tall landscape features; (3) the presence of freshwater; and (4) demographics of the travelers.

We think people navigated in new territoriesmuch as people do todayby focusing on prominent land features protruding above the relative flatness of the Australian continent.

To map these features, we built the most complete digital elevation model for Sahul ever constructed, including areas now underwater.

How the Sahul landmass would have looked more than 50,000 years ago. Author provided

We used this digital elevation model to understand what was visible to early travelers. Essentially, from each point in the continent we asked "what can you see from here?" This moving window calculates the largest "viewshed" map ever created. When our virtual travelers move, they reorient based on visible terrain everywhere they go. The figure above shows the prominence of features across the continent as increasingly yellow shades against the blue background.

You can clearly make out features such as the the New Guinea Highlands, the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, the Great Dividing Range in the east, and the Hamersley Range in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

But navigation using prominent landscape features isn't enough to tell us where the most commonly traveled routes were.

For this we also need to take into account other factors, such as the physiological capacity of people traveling on foot, how difficult the terrain was to traverse, and the distribution of available freshwater sources in a largely arid continent.

Billions and billions of routes

We put all these different bits of information together into a mega-model, known as From Everywhere To Everywhere (FETE), and created more than 125 billion possible pathways from everywhere on the continent to everywhere else. Each route represents the most efficient way to move from one location to another. This was the largest movement simulation of its kind ever attempted.

This gives us an idea of the relative ease or difficulty of walking across all of Sahul.

We cannot possibly examine every meter of the 125 billion pathways we created, so we needed a way to weight the relative importance of likely pathways. To do this, we compared all plausible pathways with the distribution of the oldest known archaeological sites in Sahul, providing weighted probabilities for each path.

Super-highways of the initial peopling of Sahul, with known archaeological sites older than 35,000 years indicated by the grey dots. Megan Hotchkiss Davidson, Sandia National Laboratories (map) and Cian McCue, Moogie Down Productions (animation).

This provided a scale going from the "most likely" to the "least likely" chosen paths.

The most likely pathways in the map above are what we are calling the "super-highways" of Indigenous movement. The next most likely paths are marked by dotted lines.

This allows us to discard many of the billions of paths as less likely to be chosen, helping us focus on those that were the most probable.

We now have a first glimpse into where Indigenous Australians likely traveled tens of thousands of years ago.

Pathways well trodden

These super-highways might have been more than just routes used for the initial peopling of Sahul.

Several of the super-highways our models identified echo well-documented Aboriginal trade routes criss-crossing the country. This includes Cape York to South Australia via Birdsville in the trade of pituri native tobacco, and the trade of Kimberley baler shell into central Australia.

There are also striking similarities between our map of super-highways and the most common trading and stock routes used by early Europeans. They followed already well-known routes established by Aboriginal peoples.

Early routes of European explorers in Australia. Credit: Universal Publishers Pty Ltd

These Aboriginal exchange routes and the relatively recent trade routes of early Europeans cannot be used directly to validate a map from tens of thousands of years ago. But there are strong similarities that might suggest an extraordinary persistence of routes across the entire time period of human occupation of Australia.

Our findings also point to the now-submerged continental shelves of Sahul as important conduits for human movement.

We infer that early populations spread across the broad plains on the western and eastern margins of the continent (now under water) and through the region that now forms the Gulf of Carpentaria, which connected Australia to New Guinea.

It is worth noting these early people traversed and lived in all environments of Australia, ranging from the tropics to the arid zone. The ease of adaptation to all ecosystems is remarkable and one of the reasons for the success of the human species across the globe today.

Professor Lynette Russell (Deputy Director of the ARC Center of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage and Co-Chair of its Indigenous Advisory Committee), who was not involved directly in the study, noted: "[This] modeling establishes the infrastructure for detailed local and regional studies to engage respectfully with Indigenous knowledges, ethnographies, historical records, oral histories, and archives."

The fundamental rules we described apply even to questions about how the first migrations of people out of Africa might have occurred, and how people ultimately proceeded to inhabit the rest of the planet.

This work might even have implications for humanity's future, if climate scenarios require large-scale migrations. Learning from those who have been present in Sahul from more than 60,000 years ago could help us anticipate migration patterns in the future.

Explore further Mapping the 'superhighways' travelled by the first Australians

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
(JNS)  Speaking at the virtual J Street national conference on Monday, former Democratic presidential candidates Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) indicated that they were willing to place conditions on the aid Congress has promised Israel.

I strongly believe that we must also be willing to bring real pressure to bear, including restricting U.S. aid, in response to moves by either side that undermine the chances for peace, Sanders said in his virtual speech. The truth is that the United States gives an enormous amount of military aid to Israel. It also...
River's Edge at Manchester The success of this transaction speaks to the strength of our relationships and track record of closing, two cornerstones of the business we are building.

Four Mile Capital (FMC), a privately-held real estate investment firm based in Louisville, CO, has acquired the Rivers Edge at Manchester Apartments (Rivers Edge, the Property), a 212-unit multifamily community in Richmond, VA. Rivers Edge, built in 2018 and currently 94% occupied, sits on almost 2 acres of land in one of Richmonds fastest growing submarkets. The distinctive luxury community consists of 131 one-bedroom units, 80 two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom penthouse, each with its own private terrace. Greystar (Greystar), has been awarded the property management contract.

The transaction closed on April 16, 2021, for $47,500,000, which equates to $224,000 per unit or $252 per square foot. As part of their acquisition, FMC raised over $15M in equity from their network of high-net worth investors and assumed the sellers $34M Fannie Mae loan with 8 years remaining on the term. This is FMCs second asset in the Richmond market.

The success of this transaction speaks to the strength of our relationships and track record of closing, two cornerstones of the business we are building. We were awarded this off-market opportunity due to our history with the local Berkadia investment sales office, who was selling another deal of ours in Virginia, and quickly established a productive relationship with the seller, a local development group. We offered the seller certainty of execution and a quicker path to closing than if they waited until 2021 to market their deal, while freeing up their resources sooner to go work on their next project. We measure success in a transaction when all parties feel like theyve achieved a beneficial outcome, and this is a great example of that collaboration at work, says Eric Mallon, one of FMCs founding partners.

Rivers Edge is located in the Manchester submarket of Richmond, just across the James River from downtown. This is a high-density, rapidly transitioning urban neighborhood, with a multitude of bars and restaurants within immediate walking distance of the Property, and also within minutes to two major universities (University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University) and to the highest concentration of jobs in the metro area. The Property is only 5 minutes to downtown, 15 minutes to FMCs other Richmond property (Laurel Pines), and 20 minutes to the Richmond International Airport.

The acquisition, FMCs sixth in the state of Virginia, aligns with their initiative to expand throughout the south-central U.S. in markets that demonstrate a balanced outlook for stability and growth. Richmond, for us, represents the quintessential post-pandemic market, with vibrant and diverse business, tech, and cultural institutions, a built-in, highly educated workforce, very affordable cost of living, and central east coast location. Richmond offers its residents most, if not all, of the amenities typically found in larger cities along with all of the benefits of a small city, and is positioned to thrive coming out of the current recession, continued Mallon.

The newer construction Rivers Edge apartments were constructed to LEED standards with poured concrete walls and floors and a brick masonry and stucco accent panel exterior. The unit interiors feature top-of-the-market unit finishes including quartz countertops, tile backsplashes, chef islands and stainless appliances, and were delivered with no deferred maintenance or expected capital needs. The best-in-class amenity package features an expansive 3rd floor plaza deck with a resort-style, heated saltwater pool, fire pit, pet park, a state-of-the-art fitness center with cardio theater and a Peloton fitness on demand system, and a Sky Lounge on the 10th floor that is highly appealing to Manchesters residents.

FMCs business plan will focus on improving operations through the implementation of cutting-edge management and marketing strategies, utilizing their institutional-quality asset management platform to control operational expenses, push other income opportunities, and make strategic decisions for the asset. Rivers Edge is representative of the risk-adjusted return investment profile that excites us right now, and this is our fourth straight acquisition built since 2018. By purchasing these newer assets below market and replacement cost, we eliminate virtually all of the capital and execution risk that comes with buying an older, value-add property, but we arent just relying on submarket appreciation to drive value for our investors. With our teams background and expertise in operations, we are able to identify creative ways to actively increase income and better manage expenses to push NOI over the hold period, said Chris Geer, another Four Mile founding partner. Its become an increasingly central part of our investment strategy, and its one that seems to resonate with investors in this time of relative uncertainty.

Four Mile Capital continues to pursue stabilized and select value-add investment opportunities in secondary and tertiary markets throughout the U.S, with a specific focus in the Mountain West, Midwest and Southeast. FMC employs an opportunistic strategy in acquiring off-market, limited-market and select fully marketed properties that fall below the radar of its institutional peers, targeting investments with a total capitalization between $10MM and $100MM, and between $5MM and $35MM of equity.

Four Mile Capital was formed in 2016 by three veteran real estate principals: Chris Geer, Eric Mallon and Terry Simone. Their current portfolio consists of nearly 1,500 units valued at $225M, but collectively, they have been involved in the ownership, acquisition, asset management and property management of approximately 20,000 multifamily units representing over $1B in value and have proven their ability to identify and unlock asset value by instituting capital improvement programs and best management practices. Learn more about Four Mile Capital at http://www.fourmilecapital.com or on LinkedIn.
In an exclusive interview with ranking member of the judiciary committee, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, on Thursday morning, he gave his reaction to the president's address before Congress the night before, President Biden's first 100 days in office and Dr. Anthony Fauci's inconsistent mask guidance damaging his credibility.

Adriana Cohen: "What's your reaction to President Biden's speech before Congress last night?"

Jordan: "A bunch of socialism delivered in slow motion. ... In his first 100 days, we saw crisis at the border, Democrats' readiness to pack the Supreme Court, making Washington, D.C., a state, ending the filibuster, plans to gut the Second Amendment, giving amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants ... just to name a few of Democrats' big government socialist agenda."

Cohen: "President Biden says his American Jobs Plan will add millions of 'good paying jobs.' Haven't we seen this movie before with the former Obama/Biden administration promising shovel-ready jobs that never materialized? If you recall, even former President Obama admitted during a 2011 meeting in June with his Council on Jobs and Competitiveness that 'shovel-ready wasn't as... uh... shovel-ready as we expected.'"

Jordan: "Yes, they promised shovel-ready jobs that were never ready. ... Today, the current admin halted the Keystone XL pipeline, killing thousands of blue-collar jobs. Talk to the energy sector guys who've lost their jobs or those working on the pipeline and ask them if Democrats are the party supporting union workers. No, it's the former Trump administration and the GOP that created construction jobs and increased blue-collar wages."

Cohen: "Last Sunday, White House coronavirus adviser Dr. Fauci said COVID-19 transmission risk for people engaging in outdoor activities is 'minuscule,' especially for vaccinated individuals. But yesterday, he told 'Today' show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie during an interview that kids should still wear masks outdoors. Given that the data has shown kids are at very low risk of being hospitalized or experiencing severe side effects from the coronavirus, why is the government continuing to make kids suffer wearing masks when we know the risk of outdoor transmission is very low?"

Jordan: "Dr. Fauci has been all over the place. Americans are so frustrated. First, he said no masks at the outset of the pandemic. Then, he said one mask. Then, two. Now, he's saying we don't need masks outside, except for children who are at very low risk from the virus. What I'm most concerned with is Americans' First Amendment liberties that have been attacked by the government over the past year. Your rights to free speech, the right to practice one's faith, go to work, school and other vital liberties."

He added, "Last night, President Biden said 'we should choose truth over fear.' Yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says those who are fully vaccinated can gather indoors without a mask, but if you noticed the president, his vice president, Kamala Harris, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and others in the congressional chamber were all wearing masks despite being vaccinated. That's succumbing to fear, not the truth."

Jordan is correct, considering the CDC said Wednesday that approximately 142.7 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and roughly 98 million citizens have been fully vaccinated. A remarkable and historic accomplishment thanks in large part to the former Trump administration, which implemented Operation Warp Speed. That, along with the pharmaceutical community, brought the lifesaving vaccines to market in record time.

"We need to let Americans get back to freedom, get back to work, church, school and get on with their lives," Jordan said.

After a brutal yearlong pandemic, Amen to that.

COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM
The Court allowed to transfer Ignitis Gamyba shares to Ignitis Grupe

AB Ignitis grupe (hereinafter  the Company) informs that on 30 April 2021 the Vilnius District Court (hereinafter  the Court) made a decision to approve the Companys statement on the establishment and recognition of a fact of legal significance that the right of ownership of 11 113 442 out of 11 688 245 unsold shares of its subsidiary AB Ignitis gamyba (hereinafter  Ignitis Gamyba) during the mandatory buyout must be transferred to the Company and obliged the shares account managers to make records of the transfer of the rights of ownership to the Company. The document of the Courts decision will be announced on the Companys website (link).

The Company believes that the Courts decision is lawful and reasonable and that it fully complies with the requirements of legal acts. The Court allowed the decision to be enforced urgently, however, the Courts decision may be appealed within 30 days from the moment of its adoption.

It must be noted that the Court has divided the Companys statement earlier into two separate cases  a case where the stakeholders are the deceased shareholders of Ignitis Gamyba and a case where the stakeholders are all the remaining shareholders of Ignitis Gamyba. The Court decision is related only to Ignitis Gamyba shares, the owners of which were not identified as deceased. Surnames or names of legal entities of the persons who owned shares in respect of which the Court made a decision can be found in a specialised website www.teismai.lt, in a court notice section https://pranesimai.teismai.lt/teismu_pranesimai/.

After the decision of the Court, the Company will not acquire 100% of Ignitis Gamyba shares, the process will be continued until the Court will make a decision in respect of the remaining part of the statement, i.e. the excluded case where the shareholders of Ignitis Gamyba are identified as deceased (more about the process).

Settlement with minority shareholders

Regarding the fact that the Court allowed the decision to be enforced urgently, the payout for shareholders will be initiated immediately, without waiting for the decision to take effect. For Ignitis Gamyba minority shareholders, who are participants in this case, and who hold shares in private accounts money will be transferred for the shares by their share account managers on 13 May.

Shareholders who hold shares in the issuers accounts must contact SEB bank from 13 May and make a request to transfer the money for the shares to the indicated cash account:

SEB bank clients could do that at SEB banks branches or at SEB internet bank. It should be indicated which companys shares must be paid for and the number of the private account to which the money should be transferred

Non-SEB bank customers can submit a request to transfer the money for the shares by booking a meeting time at a SEB banks branch in advance. Persons must have an identity document at the time of the visit.

We remind you that the settlement price per one Ignitis Gamyba share is equal to EUR 0.64. Funds for the shares will be kept in the deposit account until the final settlement with all shareholders, i.e. there is no final date when the shareholders must apply for the settlement for the shares.

More information in case of extra questions

All relevant information about the process of the case and answers to frequently asked questions will be available on the websites of the Company (link) and Ignitis Gamyba (link).

Should you have additional questions, please contact:

1. regarding the payment for shares:

to shareholders who hold ESO shares in their personal securities accounts  your securities brokerage

to shareholders who hold ESO shares in the issuers accounts  SEB bank (Tel. +370 5 268 2800)

2. other inquiries:

email IR@ignitis.lt

tel. 1802

For additional information please contact

Communication

Arturas Ketlerius

+370 6 207 6076

arturas.ketlerius@ignitis.lt

Investor relations

Aine Riffel-Grinkeviciene

+370 6 431 4925

aine.riffel@ignitis.lt
Roku has made good on its threat to remove YouTube TV from its channel store amid a contract dispute with Google. Earlier this week, Roku said it would yank the app unless Google backtracked on alleged demands for YouTube to get priority placement in search results and to have results from other providers (such as music streaming services) blocked while the app is in use. Roku also claimed Google wanted the company to use certain memory cards and chipsets in its devices that would push up the price of hardware, potentially making Chromecast a more appealing option for consumers.

The companies couldn't find common ground, and YouTube TV is gone from the store after the previous contract expired. Existing subscribers should still have access to the app on Roku as long as they don't delete it. The issue doesn't impact the main YouTube app, which is covered under a separate agreement.

"We have only asked Google for four simple commitments," Roku said in a statement to Deadline. "First, not to manipulate consumer search results. Second, not to require access to data not available to anyone else. Third, not to leverage their YouTube monopoly to force Roku to accept hardware requirements that would increase consumer costs. Fourth, not to act in a discriminatory and anticompetitive manner against Roku."

The company claimed it didn't ask Google for extra money to renew the contract. Roku still hopes to strike a new deal with Google and bring YouTube TV back to the channel store.

Here's Roku's letter to customers regarding the issue:

Dear Roku Customer,

We are disappointed to share the news that Google has chosen to let the YouTube TV contract expire.

While this news is unfortunate, we wanted to let you know that we are taking an extra step to ensure existing Roku users like yourself retain access to YouTube TV while we work to reach an agreement.

We will always stand up for our users, which is why we cannot accept Googles unfair and anticompetitive requirements that would allow for the manipulation of your search results, impact the usage of your data and ultimately cost you more.

Story continues

Our commitment is to always put your interests first and therefore we will continue to offer existing users access to YouTube TV unless Google takes actions that require the full removal of the channel. New subscribers will not be allowed at this time. It is also important that you do not delete the YouTube TV app as it will not be available for download to Roku devices.

We remain committed to reaching a good-faith agreement with Google that preserves your access to YouTube TV, honors your desired search preferences and protects your data. We hope to update you soon.

YouTube says Roku's accusation that it "made any requests to access user data or interfere with search results" is baseless and false. It claimed in a blog post that Roku acted in bad faith by terminating the deal during negotiations and that the company has adopted similar tactics with other streaming platforms.

The initial talks, according to the blog post, centered around renewing the contract under the existing terms. According to YouTube, however, "Roku chose to use this as an opportunity to renegotiate a separate deal encompassing the YouTube main app, which does not expire until December."

The streaming giant claims that "Roku requested exceptions that would break the YouTube experience and limit our ability to update YouTube in order to fix issues or add new features." That includes a lack of support for open-source video codecs, which YouTube says would prevent users from watching its content in 4K or 8K on a Roku device. It noted it couldn't "give Roku special treatment at the expense of users," but said it was committed to making sure its users still have access to YouTube TV.

Update 4/30 12:25PM ET: Added YouTube's response.
BRATTLEBORO  Koffee Kup Bakery and its assets may soon be in the hands of a New Brunswick husband and wife who own the largest family-owned a
UN Secretary-General has said the world organisation stands ready to step up its support to India to combat the horrific COVID-19 wave in the country that has infected more than 18 million people and killed over 200,000.

With the entire @UN family, I stand in solidarity with the people of India as they face a horrific #COVID19 outbreak. The UN stands ready to step up our support, Guterres tweeted on Thursday.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti replied to Guterres's tweet saying that India deeply appreciates your sentiments and solidarity at this juncture. We also appreciate the support @UNinIndia is giving us, tagging the Twitter handle of the in India.

As per data by the World Health Organization, confirmed COVID-19 cases in India stand at over 18.37 million and more than 204,000 people have died due to the virus.

Earlier this week, President of the UN General Assembly Volkan Bozkir had tweeted that he is worried about the COVID-19 situation in India, a country which did so much to ensure #Vaccines4All in vulnerable countries. It's time for the world to extend aid & support to India. No one's safe until we're all safe.

He had added that his thoughts are with the people of India at this time.

The team in India is supporting the response of the country's authorities to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing critical supplies and UN agencies are procuring thousands of oxygen concentrators, oxygen generating plants and other essential equipment as well as helping set up mobile hospital units.

Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq had told reporters at the daily press briefing on Wednesday that the UN team in India, led by Resident Coordinator Renata Lok Dessallien, is supporting the authorities' response to the pandemic by providing equipment and supplies, including to local governments.

The WHO and UNICEF ( Children's Fund) are procuring equipment and supplies, including 7,000 oxygen concentrators and 500 nasal devices for oxygen supply, as well as oxygen generating plants, COVID-19 testing machines, and personal protective kits.

WHO is also helping to set up mobile hospital units and is providing for laboratories.

About 2,600 WHO field officers have been immediately deployed to support health authorities to curb the spread of the pandemic.

In Maharashtra, UNICEF has engaged experts to work on risk governance. The UN team is also continuing its campaign highlighting the three Ws: Wear a mask, Wash your Hands, Watch your distance and stay six feet apart.

In India's time of need, the UN is doing everything it can to rapidly provide critical equipment and supplies to central and state governments," Dessallien has said.

WHO said in a press release that filling critical gaps in essential medical supplies and hospital capacities should be the top priority as India battles surge in COVID-19 cases.

WHO is chartering flights to bring in 4,000 oxygen concentrators to help meet the increased demands.

The current rapid surge of COVID-19 cases has put immense pressure on the health systems, already overburdened since the start of the pandemic. We need to act with speed, expand hospital capacities and equip them with medical supplies, most needed to save lives, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh has said.

A UN News article said the South-East Asian region has led the world in COVID-19 infections for a third straight week, mainly due to the situation in India, which has recorded 2.17 million new cases, or a 52 per cent increase.

In order to make available additional hospital beds and critical equipment for India, WHO is procuring mobile field hospitals with a capacity of 20-30 beds, which could be set up in the most affected areas. The bed capacity at these field hospitals can be increased to a maximum of 50, if needed, without impacting infection prevention and control protocols, and water and sanitation, the WHO release had added.

The agency is also assisting laboratories to meet the huge demand for testing, and over 2,600 WHO technical staff, working on various programmes such as polio, TB and NTD, have been repurposed to support pandemic response in India.

WHO is procuring laboratory supplies, including 1.2 million reagents, to meet the huge demand and need for testing.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Jadestone Energy plc (AIM:JSE) (the "Company" or "Jadestone" or including subsidiaries, the "Group"), an independent oil and gas production company focused on the Asia Pacific region, is pleased to announce that it has executed a sale and purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with SapuraOMV Upstream Sdn. Bhd. ("SapuraOMV", or the "Seller"), to acquire SapuraOMV's interest in Peninsular Malaysia (the "Assets"), for a total initial headline cash consideration of US$9 million, to be funded from the Company's cash resources, and certain subsequent contingent payments (the "Acquisition").

Highlights

Establishes a new operating presence for Jadestone in Malaysia;

Adds immediate cash flow from around 6,000 barrels oil equivalent per day of low operating cost production, on a net working interest basis, of which over 90% is oil;

Increases the Company's 2P reserves by 34%, adding 12.5 million barrels oil equivalent of net working interest 2P reserves, based on the Company's best estimate 2P reserves production profile;

Provides upside potential through reservoir optimisation opportunities, additional infill wells and cost efficiencies, and is thus an excellent fit with Jadestone's capabilities and field operating philosophy;

Supports Jadestone's sustainability principles by creating extended employment for local nationals and providing locally-sourced energy without expanding the infrastructure footprint; and

As per the Production Sharing Contracts (the "PSCs"), the Company is to undertake the abandonment of facilities and wells at the end of the contract period or production, whichever is earlier. The abandonment of facilities is funded through a cess fund arrangement, accumulated during the production phase, while the abandonment of the wells will be cost recovered via petroleum operations.

Overview of the Assets

The Company will acquire interests in four licences, two of which will be operated by the Company. These include a 70% operated interest in the PM329 PSC, containing the East Piatu field, and a 60% operated interest in the PM323 PSC, which contains the East Belumut, West Belumut and Chermingat fields. Jadestone estimates accessing 12.5 million barrels oil equivalent of net working interest 2P reserves based on the Company's best estimate 2P reserves profile, which includes further development activities. All fields are in production, and have been developed by way of fixed wellhead and central processing platforms, which deliver oil to the onshore Terengganu Crude Oil Terminal ("TCOT"). Adding the Assets to Jadestone's portfolio is expected to be accretive to Group average cash costs, based on Jadestone's estimate of the Assets' current costs.

In addition, the Assets include a 50% non-operated working interest in the PM318 and AAKBNLP PSCs, which are operated by PETRONAS Carigali Sdn. Bhd. ("PETRONAS Carigali").

Upside Potential

Jadestone envisages scope to add incremental value in the near term through both reservoir optimisation and production enhancement activities across both operated licences. Gas re-injection is expected to be a key part of reservoir optimisation, while production enhancement will initially be focused on restoring idle wells to production.

There is also significant potential for further incremental development activities on the assets. The focus will initially be on infill drilling in the East Belumut field, where Jadestone sees the potential for several infill campaigns over the next few years. East Belumut has a medium heavy oil, which is similar to the Stag field, and as we have experienced, the main driver to increase recovery factors is through tightening of the well pattern. There are also some targeted opportunities in East Piatu and West Belumut, which will be evaluated in parallel with the East Belumut potential.

In all instances, Jadestone will assess such investment opportunities based on rigorous economic and technical evaluation, and within the context of all other investment opportunities in its portfolio.

Jadestone is also pleased to have an opportunity to develop a working partnership with PETRONAS Carigali in respect of the non-operated assets, PM318 and the AAKBNLP PSCs, and to support the operator's ongoing pursuit of value through the blocks' various producing fields. Jadestone recognises PETRONAS Carigali's recent success on production enhancement and is looking forward to continuing this effort, as well as evaluating the options for increasing recovery factors in these reservoirs.

Paul Blakeley, President and CEO commented:

"I am delighted to add these Peninsular Malaysia assets to the Jadestone portfolio. We have always viewed Malaysia as a highly prospective jurisdiction for upstream investment, and have been looking for the right entry opportunity. We see this Acquisition as a high margin tuck-in, which meets our investment criteria, and sets the stage for us to establish operating credentials in-country while we continue pursuing more materiality and growth through our acquisition and development led strategy.

"We are very pleased to work with SapuraOMV on this transaction. Both companies are focusing their portfolios on core strengths - SapuraOMV on discovered gas resources, and Jadestone on near-term cash generating producing assets, such as the East Piatu, West Belumut and East Belumut fields. They are a perfect fit with our strategy, and further bolster our ability to generate quick cycle returns for shareholders.

"By our estimate, the Acquisition will add 12.5 million barrels oil equivalent of 2P reserves, increasing total Group reserves by over 30%. Production will increase by 50% over the mid point of our 2021 guidance, and with the immediate add of cashflow from a high-value stream of 6,000 barrels oil equivalent per day, we are forecasting rapid payback, and therefore believe the Acquisition will be value accretive to the business within the year.

"We are excited by the potential for follow-on investment as well, and see significant running room, particularly in the East Belumut field, and will explore the option to conduct further infill drilling in the near term. As always, the potential to add value through follow-on investment is a key part of our acquisition criteria, and features alongside our usual priorities to drive cost efficiency wherever possible, and strive for continuous improvement in how we operate."

Overview of the Acquisition

The transaction is structured as a purchase of all share capital in the Seller's indirect subsidiary company, SapuraOMV Upstream (PM) Inc. For the year ended 31 December 2020, SapuraOMV Upstream (PM) Inc reported profits before taxation of $12.0 million. The Acquisition has a total initial headline cash consideration of US$9 million, based on an economic effective date of 1 January 2021, meaning the Company will ultimately receive all economic benefits from the Assets accruing from that date. Further consideration of up to US$6 million is payable to the Seller upon certain upside scenarios, which are tied to potential full year oil price outcomes in 2021 and 2022.

The Acquisition will be funded from the Company's on-hand cash resources, and is not expected to compromise the Company's ability to fund the remainder of its planned capital spending in 2021, dividends, or closing of other acquisitions, namely the New Zealand Maari acquisition.

All offshore and supply base personnel engaged on the Assets are expected to continue in those positions as employees of Jadestone and the Company intends to expand its onshore team in Malaysia, in support of the Assets, with a primary focus on building a workforce of local Malaysian nationals.

Completion of the Acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including waiver of PETRONAS Carigali's pre-emption rights and PETRONAS approval. The Company anticipates closing the transaction in 2021.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a prolific hydrocarbon jurisdiction in the Asia Pacific region, and the Malay Basin is a familiar province for much of the Jadestone team through both its ongoing development planning for the Nam Du and U Minh gas fields in the Malay/Tho Chu basin of Vietnam, and through past involvement in legacy assets in this area. Jadestone already has a significant presence in Malaysia, being home to the Company's centre of technical excellence since inception, and home to key corporate functions supporting the business.

Malaysia offers stable fiscal terms as part of its production sharing contract fiscal regime, and through its upstream regulator, PETRONAS, provides clear guidance and direction regarding upstream activities.

Conference call

The management team will host an investor and analyst conference call at 09:00 (UK) / 16:00 (Singapore) today, including a question and answer session.

Dial-in details are provided below, in addition to a link to a live webcast of the call. The Company has posted a new presentation to its website, at www.jadestone-energy.com/investor-relations/presentations-communication/.

Webcast link: https://produceredition.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1458362&tp_key=399ef78441

Event title: Jadestone Energy Management Briefing

Start time: 09:00 (UK) / 16:00 (Singapore)

Date: 30 April 2021

Conference ID: 54669065

Dial-in number details:

Country Dial-In Numbers Australia 1800076068 Canada (Toronto) 416-764-8688 Canada (Toll free) 888-390-0546 France 0800916834 Germany 08007240293 Germany (Mobile) 08007240293 Hong Kong 800962712 Indonesia 0078030208221 Ireland 1800939111 Ireland (Mobile) 1800939111 Japan 006633812569 Malaysia 1800817426 New Zealand 0800453421 Singapore 8001013217 Switzerland 0800312635 Switzerland (Mobile) 0800312635 United Kingdom 08006522435 United States (Toll free) 888-390-0546

____________________________

For further information, please contact:

Jadestone Energy plc +65 6324 0359 (Singapore) Paul Blakeley, President and CEO +44 7392 940 495 (UK) Dan Young, CFO ir@jadestone-energy.com Robin Martin, Investor Relations Manager Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Nomad, Joint Broker) +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 (UK) Callum Stewart Simon Mensley Ashton Clanfield Jefferies International Limited (Joint Broker) +44 (0) 20 7029 8000 (UK) Tony White Will Soutar Camarco (Public Relations Adviser) +44 (0) 203 757 4980 (UK) Billy Clegg jse@camarco.co.uk James Crothers

About Jadestone Energy

Jadestone Energy plc is an independent oil and gas company focused on the Asia Pacific region. It has a balanced, low risk, full cycle portfolio of development, production and exploration assets in Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The Company has a 100% operated working interest in the Stag oilfield and in the Montara project, both offshore Australia. Both the Stag and Montara assets include oil producing fields, with further development and exploration potential. The Company also has a 100% operated working interest in two gas development blocks in Southwest Vietnam, and an operated 90% interest in the Lemang PSC, onshore Sumatra, Indonesia, which includes the Akatara gas field.

In addition, the Company has executed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire an operated 69% interest in the Maari Project, shallow water offshore New Zealand, and anticipates completing the transaction in H1 2021, upon receipt of customary approvals.

Led by an experienced management team with a track record of delivery, who were core to the successful growth of Talisman's business in Asia, the Company is pursuing an acquisition strategy focused on growth and creating value through identifying, acquiring, developing and operating assets in the Asia Pacific region.

Jadestone Energy plc is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The Company is headquartered in Singapore. For further information on Jadestone please visit www.jadestone-energy.com.

Cautionary statements

This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the Company's expectations and plans, strategy, management's objectives, future performance, production, reserves, costs, revenues and other trend information. These statements are made by the Company in good faith based on the information available at the time of this announcement, but such statements should be treated with caution due to inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that may occur in the future. There are a number of factors which could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forecasts. The statements have been made with reference to forecast price changes, economic conditions and the current regulatory environment. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast. Past share performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. The Company does not assume any obligation to publicly update the information, except as may be required pursuant to applicable laws.

The oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids information in this announcement has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the "COGE Handbook").

A barrel of oil equivalent ("boe") is determined by converting a volume of natural gas to barrels using the ratio of six thousand cubic feet ("mcf") to one barrel. Boes may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 mcf:1 boe is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilising a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

The technical information contained in this announcement has been prepared in accordance with the June 2018 guidelines endorsed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, World Petroleum Congress, American Association of Petroleum Geologists and Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers Petroleum Resource Management System.

Henning Hoeyland of Jadestone Energy plc, Group Subsurface Manager with a Masters degree in Petroleum Engineering, and who is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and has been involved in the energy industry for more than 19 years, has read and approved the technical disclosure in this regulatory announcement.

The information contained within this announcement is considered to be inside information prior to its release, as defined in Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

Glossary

2P reserves The sum of proved and probable reserves. Denotes the best estimate scenario of reserves bbls Barrels of oil boe Barrels of oil equivalent mm bbls Million barrels of oil mm boe Million barrels of oil equivalent

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Jadestone Energy Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
New Delhi, April 30 : The Supreme Court on Friday will hear the suo motu case on Covid management across the country.

The division bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, Nageswara Rao and S Ravindra Bhat is to hear the case in the afternoon.

In its last hearing on April 27, the bench had asked the state governments to file a report on their health infrastructure and did not restrain the High Courts from passing any order on Covid.

The Apex Court asked the state governments to file their responses by Thursday with regard to their health infrastructure and said that the High Courts are not restrained from passing any directions as they are hearing the cases in their respective states and they know the ground situation better.

The bench had asked the central government to explain the basis and rationale behind the pricing of anti-Covid vaccines and other necessary items.

The top court had fixed the matter for hearing on their responses and said that the Supreme Court is here to complement the High Courts.

When asked by Justice S. Ravindra Bhat -- "What is your national plan to deal with the crisis? Is vaccination the main option to deal with it," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta replied, "The Matter is being treated at the highest executive level and the States and the Prime Minister are dealing with the issue."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A Democratic state House member announced on Wednesday that hes running for Georgia insurance commissioner, aiming to defeat appointed Republican incumbent John King.

Rep. Matthew Wilson of Brookhaven said he will advocate for lower insurance rates and to fully expand the state-federal Medicaid health insurance program if elected.

The 37-year-old lawyer and Griffin native defeated a Republican incumbent to win election to the state House in 2018. Wilson was reelected in 2020 in a district covering parts of DeKalb and Fulton counties.

Wilson argues that a more aggressive regulator could reduce the cost of insurance in the state, particularly auto insurance. He argues that prior commissioners have too often been doing the insurance companies bidding.

The whole purpose of this role is to serve Georgia consumers, Wilson said in a phone interview, arguing Republican commissioners have not challenged auto insurance increases.

If elected, Wilson would be the first openly gay statewide officer in Georgia history. His announcement video refers to that status, including pictures of Wilson and his fiance and Wilson walking on a rainbow crosswalk.

I want people to know that about me because I want them to know about me, Wilson said.

King was Doraville police chief when Gov. Brian Kemp appointed him in 2019 to succeed indicted commissioner Jim Beck. King is Georgias first Hispanic statewide officeholder. The former Army National Guard general touts cutting expenses, combating fraud and restoring trust in the department. King says he would work in the future to lower healthcare costs and insurance rates. He announced he would seek re-election earlier this month.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Georgia Politics
San Francisco school board member Alison Collins and husband Chris Collins, a veteran real estate developer, illegally completed construction without proper building permits at their troubled Russian Hill property, the city said Thursday after finding new violations.

The Collinses also failed to have all building, electrical and plumbing work inspected, resulting in an unsafe building, according to a Department of Building Inspection notice reviewed by The Chronicle.

Thursdays notice of violation is a new determination by the city. It comes a week after the Planning Department ruled that the Collinses illegally merged two apartments to create a larger home that they unsuccessfully tried to sell in 2019. The new Building Department findings are additional violations and subject to separate fines.

The Collinses are liable for an estimated $4,636 in new fines, a number that could grow after the city investigates whether plumbing or electrical permit violations occurred, said Patrick Hannan, a Building Department spokesman.

They must file a new building permit with plans to correct the violations within 30 days and complete work within 90 days. Since the violations are not a life and safety issue, the property can continue to be occupied, Hannan said.

Alison and Chris Collins didnt respond to a request for comment. The Chronicle is not publishing the buildings address because of the risk of harassment.

Department of Building Inspection staff visited the property on April 23 and found multiple instances of construction work that deviated from city approvals. A washer and dryer were removed from the basement and replaced by a wet bar, a basement shower was installed without approval, and a downstairs bedroom didnt have closet partitions and was converted into an office, according to the notice of violation.

San Francisco Planning Department complaint

The second floor had an unauthorized sliding door that connected the upper and lower units, and an upper-floor kitchen was removed and replaced with a full bedroom, creating an illegal merger of the two units. A City Planning inspector went inside the property earlier this month and also concluded that there was an illegal merger.

The city is requiring the Collinses to seek a building permit to authorize all the changes, including the connection between floors, the kitchen-to-bedroom conversion and a hallway wet bar. Alternatively, they can revert all the work to what was previously approved. They will also need to obtain separate plumbing and electrical permits that require City Planning approval.

The Collinses have also written to the Planning Department to schedule a phone call to discuss how to resolve the illegal merger violation, a department spokeswoman told The Chronicle.

The property was listed for sale as a single-family home with an asking price of $3.25 million in 2019. It never sold and is no longer on the market.

The city has now confirmed the central allegations detailed in a 103-page anonymous complaint submitted to the Planning Department earlier this month, which alleged the illegal merger and improper permits. The complaint came shortly after an uproar in March over Alison Collins 2016 tweets that criticized Asian-Americans.

Collins is suing the school district and five of her fellow school board members for $87 million after she was removed as vice president of the board because of the tweets. She also faces a recall campaign. The mayor and 10 supervisors have called for her to resign, which she has refused to do.

Roland Li is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf
On April 28, China , learned from Liangjiang New Area, Changsha Intelligent Driving Institute Co., Ltd. (CIDI), an enterprise in Liangjiang New Area, officially released a new generation of pure electric unmanned mining card based on the companys self-driving software system.

According to the introduction, this unmanned mining card is equipped with Huawei MDC computing platform, powered by Ningde Times power battery, and the overall automatic driving solution is provided by Xidi Intelligent Drive. Under ideal conditions, the mining card can save up to 90% of manpower and operating costs, and realize the unmanned and electric mine transport vehicles.

Previously, most mining autonomous driving solutions relied on cloud-based intelligence. Ore and the release of pure electric no card solution based on Sheedy think tank driving the latest generation of "high force and high security, high reliability, uniform standard" of the automatic driving system software, provided by Huawei MDC autopilot brain powerful intelligent driving computing platform support, single era to provide high-performance ore card battery system support, field test by the mining area, showed excellent bicycle to intelligence.

At present, the automatic driving of the mine card still faces many technical problems. First, the unmanned transformation of the mine can not be accomplished overnight. For a long time, there will be the joint operation scene of the automatic driving mine card and the manned driving mine card. Secondly, the mining area is dusty, and the sensing equipment deployed on the mining card is easy to be covered by the dust. In addition, problems such as weak signals, the need to avoid debris, varying weather conditions, and various equipment working together pose challenges to autonomous driving in mining areas. The price of ford ev charger will fluctuate due to The pure electric unmanned mining card solution supported by Huawei . For more technical information about ford ev charger , please send an email to sales@grasen.com

This solution solves these difficulties and makes mine transport vehicles unmanned and electric." Sheedy thinks tank driving relevant controller introduces, first of all, Mr. Di intelligence driving since developed a set of by laser radar, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar and camera support perception algorithm of multi-sensor fusion, secondly, Sheedy perception algorithm of pure electric drive without ore card for spray, precipitation, dust is optimized, making even the laser radar, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar are covered in dust, It can still complete the sensing task, and can realize all-weather, all-day and whole process operation at night, rainy day, rain and snow. Finally, in terms of positioning, Sidi Intelligent Drive adopts the fusion positioning scheme of lidar and GPS. Through the quality evaluation and dynamic fusion of each positioning algorithm, it can realize the precise positioning at centimeter-level even when the satellite positioning system interferes and the signal is lost.

In contrast to traditional powered unmanned mining cards, pure electric mining cards do not need to be recharged under certain conditions but can generate their own electricity. For example, when going downhill, the electric car can use the motor to recover energy to brake, in this process, both power and play the role of slow braking. As long as the slope is right, going downhill with a full load can produce more power than going uphill with no load. The unmanned pure electricity mining card replaces the traditional manned fuel mining card, which can save up to 92% of operating costs.

The price of ford ev charger

On April 14, 2020, State Grid of China launched the first batch of 126 charging station projects. In 2020, it plans to arrange an annual investment of 2.7 billion yuan for charging station projects, which are distributed in 24 provinces (cities) such as Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, covering various types of public, private, logistics, sanitation, community and port power. Among them, there are 53,000 residential charging stations, 18,000 public charging stations and 7,000 dedicated charging stations, which will help make up for the industry shortcomings such as difficult charging in residential areas and lack of platform connectivity.

By the end of June 2020, China had 1.322 million charging stations of various types, including 558,000 public charging stations, ranking first in the world. By the end of September 2020, China has built 42,000 charging stations, 525 changing stations and 1.42 million charging stations of various types, with a station ratio of about 3.1:1. China has built the world largest charging network. As of March 2021, the members of the alliance have reported a total of 851,000 public charging stations, including 355,000 DC charging stations, 495,000 AC charging stations and 481 AC-DC integrated charging stations. For more technical information or price of ford ev charger , please send an email to sales@grasen.com

The ford ev charger price continues to be affected by the momentum of the ford ev charger market rise, various opportunities and challenges and other factors. As a result, during the forecast period from May 2021 to May 2027, the global ford ev charger sales market is expected to expand substantially. The growth rate will continue to rise. It is expected that the price of ford ev charger will increase to some extent in the second half of this year.

The market trend of ford ev charger

As a kind of green transportation with broad development prospects, electric vehicles will popularize rapidly in the future, and the future market prospect is also extremely huge. In the context of the global energy crisis and the serious environmental crisis, the government actively promotes the application and development of new energy vehicles. ford ev charger , as an important supporting infrastructure necessary for the development of electric vehicles, has very important social and economic benefits.

Since electric vehicles need to replenish a large amount of electric energy every day, the operation of ford ev charger can obtain huge revenue from charging service. Compared with gas stations, the electric energy of ford ev charger is relatively safe and convenient, and ford ev charger can be installed and set in a large number of places. According to the scale of investment, it can be as small as slow charging piles in communities, as large as fast-charging stations on highways, which can be operated by a single station or by networking. With regard to the opening of the ford ev charger market, there may be more preference for service and power supply in the future, so that the construction of ford ev charger can be more fully integrated with the market, and everyone will be competitors in the same market. Therefore, it is very important for enterprises engaged in ford ev charger production to prepare and plan in advance.

About Grasen Power Technologies Co.Ltd. - the ford ev charger supplier

Grasen Power Technologies Co.Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, development, manufacturing, sales and service of new energy electric vehicle charging equipment. The company provides high-quality DC quick chargers, charging stations, powder modules, onboard EV chargers, DC-DC converters for EV charging station owners, EV manufacturers, government departments, EV drivers and many other groups. The Grasen ford ev charger is part of a complete solution that includes an EV Quick DC/AC Charging Station, cloud-based software with features and programs suitable for every industry as well as world-class service and maintenance.
Chandigarh, April 30 : With the existing stock of nearly one lakh Covid-19 vaccines to be used for those above the age of 45 years, both for first and second dose, Chandigarh Advisor Manoj Parida said on Friday that vaccination for the new beneficiaries would start only after adequate extra supplies are received.

"For the new beneficiaries above 18 years of age, vaccination will start only after adequate extra supplies are received. So the vaccination drive for the 18+ population will not start in Chandigarh on May 1," Parida told the media.

A decision in this regard was taken at a war room meeting chaired by UT Administrator V.P. Singh Badnore to review the Covid-19 situation.

It was decided to set up 20 additional L3 level beds at the Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32.

Also, 30 additional beds will be set up on its Sector 48 campus to provide A2 level facility.

The physical OPDs in GMCH will be closed so that the doctors can concentrate on treating the Covid patients. Only the emergency section will be kept open.

It was decided that the final year MBBS students will be engaged to assist the existing doctors in Covid-related work. Final year students from the nursing college will also be engaged. The hospital will create a plasma bank.

Badnore also directed the police authorities to ensure that the daily curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. is followed strictly.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
(Photo : Unsplash)

While a new generation of consoles has recently hit the market, interest in VR has soared, more people have begun mining cryptocurrencies and more products than ever are being produced with computer chips in them, the supply lines for producing computing parts has taken a large hit resulting in the GPU and CPU shortage you are likely to have already heard a lot about.

Having lasted over a year, the global chip shortage has impact industries across the board from car manufacturers to game makers and, most presently, it may have affected you in upgrading your PC. Let's dive into what the causes of the shortage have been, and whether there is any resolution in sight.

Why is There a Shortage?

The most obvious answer is the one we've already mentioned: coronavirus. Most industries have taken a large hit from the global pandemic over the last year, and computer manufacturers have certainly taken a big one resulting in a notable reduction in production. But to limit our explanation to this most obvious cause would be missing the point.

Along with decreased production, there has been an incredibly high demand for new hardware. Through the release of the recent Xbox Series X and PS5, its fair to say that GPU manufacturers were already stretched to meet the demands of a hotly anticipated next generation of console. Beyond gaming, cryptocurrency mining has also seen a sharp increase, with many miners taking advantage of powerful graphics cards to ramp up performance and provide better gains. On top of this, increasing demands from auto manufacturers due to the widespread adoption of on-board computers in modern vehicles adds another chunk to the pile.

But that isn't all. The environment, or more to the point climate change, has contributed to one of the worst droughts in Taiwan in decades. Why is this important you ask? Taiwan is home to two-thirds of the world's semiconductor manufacturing capacity, meaning that 65% of all semiconductors used globally come from the small island. In order to make semiconductors, businesses need large water supplies. Due to the drought reservoirs such as the Baoshan No. 2 Reservoir in Hsinchu County, which is one of the key reservoirs for the country's semiconductor industry, is hovering at around 7% capacity.

All this has resulted in semiconductor companies shipping 10 to 30% fewer semiconductors than are in demand for months on end, resulting in a large wait time of at least 14 weeks, which means that it may well take a few quarters before supply can once again meet with demand.

Is There Any Resolution in Sight?

Recently, TSMC, one of the worlds single largest producers of semiconductors based in Taiwan, provided news to their automaker clients suggesting that chip supply could ramp up in the next quarter thanks to their commitment to ramping up production in its factories in the coming years. But how will this trickle down to us-those who just want a new CPU or GPU?

Regarding CPUs, we may be in luck. Intel recently launched its 11th generation Rocket Lake desktop CPUs-so the market is showing some signs of powering through the storm despite the shortage. While there has been comparatively little word from AMD, it's clear that consumers may be able to lean back on Intel, despite the bad wrap they've been getting regarding their CPUs in the last few years.

GPUs on the other hand unfortunately look like they may take a much longer time to come back to shelves. As demand remains through the roof and the semiconductor drought continues in full force, there's no telling how long it will be until the likes of Nvidia can offer up fresh GPUs.

In interview, Nvidia's chief financial officer has mentioned directly that Nvidia's "overall capacity has not been able to keep up".

When Can We Expect New Chips?

There's no easy answer to this question. As we head into summer and Taiwan's drought shows little sign of letting up, the lack of semiconductors is likely to last for a while longer. TSMC have even warned that the chip shortage could last through to at least 2022 if nothing changes.

Thus, while there may be some hope on the horizon in the short term for Intel fans and auto-production, there's no telling how long this drought will currently go on for.

While much of the CPU/GPU shortage has been the result of COVID-19, there's no denying the almighty affect that climate change has had on it-and, if seen in that light, it is fair to assume that there is only more to come in the coming decades. But perhaps this can act as another wakeup call for even the most tech-focused enthusiast, that there's no denying the manmade changes to our climate will impact every facet of our lives-even if that is through causing a drought on the other side of the globe.

If you're fortunate enough to have your gaming machine set up-no matter the parts-consider heading over to Eldorado.gg where you can get ahead in your favourite titles. From ESO gold and WOW items to Fortnite accounts and Rocket League boosting, it's your one stop shop for getting ahead in gaming.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A Florida nurse who stepped up to help New York in its fight against COVID-19 blew the whistle on how the city mishandled its virus-stricken patients, causing "unnecessary deaths."

Nurse and author Erin Marie Olszewski, who rose to fame last year after documenting medical fraud amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in New York, has once again spoken out about the mishandling of patients in the state.

Originally from Florida, Olszewski flew to New York to aid the state's hospitals that were struggling in dealing with the onslaught of COVID-confirmed people. However, what she discovered upon her arrival was truly unexpected.

Olszewski, a whistleblower on the "fraud, negligence, and greed" of New York local government that "led to unnecessary deaths" during the U.S. war against COVID-19, recently spoke out at a recent Health & Freedom Conference in Rhema Bible College that was attended by 4,000 people, WND reported. It was there where she recounted how she flew from Tampa, Florida to Elmhurst, New York to assist hospital staff in dealing with COVID-confirmed people.

Olszewski admitted that she was "shocked" during her "very first day" at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, New York, as she found that "patients were alone in the rooms on ventilators, no family allowed in." The "Undercover Epicenter Nurse" author revealed, "People were just dying from gross negligence, medical malpractice, [and] mismanagement."

The Florida nurse, who describes herself as a mother to three boys and an army combat veteran who served for a year in the early 2000's, said that patients who were tested negative for COVID-19 multiple times were still being labeled as "COVID confirmed" in their medical charts so the hospital can receive a higher amount of compensation from the government.

These "perverse incentives" from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided up to $13,000 for each COVID-confirmed patient and up to $39,000 for those who were placed in a ventilator.

Devastated over New York's horrendous treatment of allegedly COVID-confirmed people, Olszewski consulted a lawyer and purchased a "pair of spyglasses" to help her document what she witnessed in the Elmhurst Hospital. She told LifeSite News, "I recorded them murdering patients. I recorded just the complete and absolute disregard for human life."

According to Olszewski, the New York hospital treatment of COVID-19 patients differed vastly than Florida hospitals. She recounted how in Florida, zinc and hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malaria drug that former President Donald Trump promoted as an aid against COVID-19, was used on patients. In New York, "the only thing they could do was to put people on ventilators."

Olszewski also criticized the state's handling of the pandemic, specifically the lockdowns that are "taking away peoples' freedoms based on New York numbers...which now we know we're lies." She pointed out that these lockdowns had a tremendous impact on people's mental health, including "emotional issues, depression, suicide," and more.

"It's un-American to take away freedoms based on a false narrative," Olszewski argued. Her book, "Undercover Epicenter Nurse: How Fraud, Negligence, and Greed Led to Unnecessary Deaths at Elmhurst Hospital" tells more of her harrowing experiences as a COVID nurse. It is now available in book retailers.
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McGowan Government responds to concerns and delivers a contemporary policy with new planning guidelines for community infrastructure funding with policy officially gazetted today

Reform delivers a consistent, fair system for development sector and local government

New policy offers greater transparency on costs, timing and delivery

A long-standing mechanism for funding community infrastructure has been updated to bring more consistency, transparency and fairness to the system.

Financial contributions from developers is one of the ways local governments fund new roads, paths and cycleways; water supply, sewerage and drainage connections; parks, open spaces, and community facilities for new and existing communities.

State Planning Policy 3.6 - Infrastructure Contributions requires development contribution plans that detail how and when such infrastructure is costed and delivered.

Following extensive consultation with the development sector and local government, the McGowan Government has made changes to the policy to address concerns with a lack of consistency and transparency in the system.

The policy changes include:

Clarifying what is considered community infrastructure, and what can be included in a development contribution plan;

Requiring a development contribution plan to be advertised concurrently with, or within six months of, structure plan approval;

Providing greater transparency of estimated costs through a detailed expenditure report - detailing priority and timing for the delivery of local amenities - which will be advertised for public consultation with a proposed development contribution plan;

Publication of an annual report by local governments outlining delivery of community infrastructure against approved development contribution plans;

Introducing a three-year transition period to amend existing development contribution plans without a nominated lifespan or review period to address priorities for the delivery of community infrastructure.

The new policy also introduces a cap on contributions for community infrastructure - a maximum of $5,000 per dwelling - to limit any impacts on housing affordability.

Subject to further consultation with industry and local government, and amendments to the Planning and Development (Local Planning Scheme) Regulations 2015, a right of independent review for developers will also be introduced via the State Administrative Tribunal.

The policy is available online at https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/spp3-6

Comments attributed to Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Western Australians want access to good quality community facilities and local amenities in their local neighbourhoods.

"Whether that's a park around the corner with a playground for the kids to visit after school and a place to exercise the dogs, good cycle paths or a recreation centre, we want to ensure these facilities are considered when the community is being planned.

"This policy establishes a fairer, more consistent and transparent approach to how community infrastructure is funded, providing clear guidance to both the development sector and local government on their roles and responsibilities.

"We also want greater accountability and transparency about these funds.

"The development contribution scheme gives local government a significant revenue stream from landowners - it's only right that there is greater transparency and accountability.

"Building new communities is a shared responsibility between the private sector, State and local government and these reforms go some way to deliver better outcomes."

Minister's office - 6552 5500






*Strasbourg/Angelo Marcopolo/- For the 1st Time so Bluntly, Turkey attempted to Block from the Start UNO's New Effort for an Agreement on Cyprus' ReUnification, these Days at Nearby Geneva, (where UNO, Greece and Turkey, were joined by Representatives from the 5 UN SC Permanent Members), by immediately Launching a series of Provocative and Pressing Demands, obviously pushing towards Secession of Cyprus' Northern Territories, still Invaded and Occupied by Ankara's Military since 1974, and risking to make the situation even More Shaky in Europe and elsehere, nowadays, just after new US "Socialist" President Biden's recent Denonciations against Russian President Putin, and while Ukraine's leadership reportedly asked to Drop the 2015 Minsk Peace Deal for its pro-Autonomy Eastern Regions, (etc).

Instead of UNO's Official Long-Standing position for Peaceful ReUnification of Cyprus, in a bizonal Federation implementing Human Rights, now the Turkish side Revendicated "Sovereignity" for the Occupied Territories, and Only mere "Cooperation" between "2" different "States", of "equal International Status", (sic) , etc., even Before any UN Talks. might start, i.e., in a kind of unilateraly issued "Ultimatum".



The UNSG Guterres naturally Rejected that Turkish claim as Incompatible with his official UN Mandate on peaceful reUnification of Cyprus, and declared these Geneva Talks prematuraly closed. But he Kept a Chance for the UN Process to Resume asap. if the parties agree accordingly during the Next few Months.

In Parallel, many eyed towards UNO's Security Council's possible Reactions to that highly Controversial Turkish unilateral move, given Also the Fact that, Nowadays, its rotating Monthly Presidency is held by Related Important Countries, now Vietnam and Afterwards China, followed by Esthonia and France on July 2021, etc, (i.e., inter alia, also considered to be Against Secessionism in general, as well as in Favor of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which notoriously affects the Natural Resources' apects).

+ Cyprus' President Anastasiades accepted to continue Supporting UNSG's persisting Efforts on Cyprus' (peaceful reunification), But Warned Turkey that, in case of More Provocations, (f.ex. at the South-Eastern Mediterranean Energy issue), he would Stop such a cooperation with Ankara.

Cyprus' side notoriously Hoped that, after the Latest Deadlock of UN Talks, back on 2017 at Crans Montana, where Human Rights' aspects were reportedly examined further than usual, But Turkey Refused to definitively Drop its controversial Claim for Unilateral Military Intervention, in the Future of the Island, Ankara might have become more Cooperative in Negotiating a less Bumpy ReUnification of this strategicaly located EU Member Country, according to UN SC pertinent Resolutions.

Meanwhile, a Bi-Communal and Bi-Zonal Federation had been Accepted by Cyprus' side Previously, practicaly counter-Balanced by a parallel Acceptance of Refugees/Displaced persons' (mainly Greek Cypriots, Maronites, etc) Human Rights, so that a Partition (traditionaly pushed by Turkish Extremists) would be Avoided.

+Meanwhile, in Addition, as Cyprus' President Nicos Anastasiades, reminded Today in the UN informal Talks at neighbouring Switzerland, Both Special Rules on Votes' Rights for the Turkish-Cypriot Community, as well as the Opening of some SeaPorts and/or Airports in the Occupied Territories under UN or EU Control, together with Measures to preserve the Turkish Cypriot community's part at any eventual Exploitation of Cyprus' Natural Resources, (mainly in Gas), had been prepared.

Recently, EU Member States Cyprus and Greece, together with Neighbouring Egypt, Israel, and other Countries, have notoriously Organized Various Joint Projects for Exploration, Exploitation and Direct Transport to the rest of the EU, of all or part of the Immense Oil/Gas Resources existing at the South-Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Illegal and often Brutal Disputes by Turkey's WarShips were Repeatedly Condemned by the EU, Russia, USA, and others, while the EU recently prepared a Carrot-Stick Alternatif package for June 2021 to decide by EU Heads of State, vis a vis Turkey, according to its Behavior. France spearheads such Plans, followed by Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc., but Germany, Austria and Others have also clear European Interests there.

Many Expect, Now, sooner or later, some kind of Sanction, also by the UN, given these Days' Negative stance of the Turkish side, which Rejected all UN SC Resolutions' Basis elaborated for the Solution of Cyprus' Issue and Blocked Geneva UN Talks (Comp. Supra). UN SG Guterres indicated now that an Important role, in this regard, would be played, in real practice, particularly by those UN SC Permanent Members who will Chair the NY-Headquartered body Nowadays, (in Addition to the UK's Traditional interest, whose MFA was Present in Geneva this time).

Among them, 1st arrives China, from May, followed mainly by France on July, India and Ireland on August and September 2021. Beijing, naturaly has No Interest at all to Any kind of Secession Threats, (given f.ex. the Exploitation often made in the Past around Ughurs and/or Thibet, etc), while, on the Contrary, it's Basicaly Favorable to the Valorisation of Islands' role at UNO's Convention for the Internantional Law of the Sea, (as indicated also Spectacularly, nowadays, the superb and succesful Launch of the 1st BuildingBlock for a New International Space Station, from an area of China's Sea, where anOther Space Station has been Build Recently even on a much Smaller Island)...

France has already proposed Cooperation on Space Projects to China, particularly during a Recent Meeting between Presidents Xi and Macron, (symbolicaly at the Mediterranean Sea and in a superb Villa inspired by Ancient Greek Culture : See ..., etc), while Both Paros and Beizing had been, at Various Times in the Past, Criticized by some competitors for having tried to Develop InHabited Islands arounds the Sea of China. More Recently, "Eurofora" was Informed in Paris, (where we were Invited, as also Other EU/CoE Journalists, Universitarians, Scientists, etc, by the French Ministry of Defense), about France's current wish to Contribute to the Security of such Asia - Europe Sea Links, in possible Cooperation also with EU Partner Germany, etc.

On the Contrary, Noone in Europe seems to wish to stir Any Kind of Secessionist trends, as those that Turkey just pushed against Cyprus, Neither in Russia, nor Corsica, Britany, Alsace or Loraine, etc in France, Catalonia or Basque country in Spain, Western Thrace or Macedonia in Greece, many Muslim Villages in Northern Macedonia, Belgium's complicated situation, even UK's Scotland, Wells and/or Northern Ireland, etc., Obviously prefering a Peaceful and Democratic, National Stability....



(../..)

("Draft-News")
Since 2005, when Ltd (HAL), Nashik, delivered the first Made in India fighters, it has been HALs most lucrative cash cow.

Referred to as the MiG Complex since it was established in 1964 for licence manufacture of MiG-21FL aircraft, the division has traditionally generated 30-33 per cent per cent of HALs annual turnover. Last year, it generated Rs 7,000 crore out of HALs total turnover of Rs 22,700 crore.

This year, however, HALs leadership in Bengaluru is staring at the drying of its steadiest and largest income stream  the licensed manufacture in division of 222 fighters, the delivery of which was completed last year.

Used to totting up over Rs 6,000 crore each year from the assembly of 15-16 Sukhoi-30MKIs, HALs division is now scrabbling for orders that would occupy its 4,190 skilled personnel at Nashik and 3,100 at Koraput (Odisha), where Russian aircraft engines are built. This amounts to almost 27 per cent of HALs total workforce of 28,345 personnel.

There is limited relief for Nashik from the impending order for 12 more Sukhoi-30MKIs to replace aircraft that have crashed over the last 15 years. After those are delivered in 24-30 months, would again find itself staring at an empty assembly line.

overhaul



Another income stream that Nashik is developing is the periodic overhaul of Sukhoi-30MKIs, which falls due after 11 years of operational service, or 1,500 flight hours. This has been allocated to the Overhaul Division of HAL Nashik, which is currently overhauling 15-16 fighters each year and looking at increasing that to 20.

With the cost of each overhaul estimated at about Rs 75 crore, that would bring in about Rs 1,500 crore annually.

Furthermore, with the Sukhoi-30MKI airframe considered capable of 8,000 flight hours, each fighter would undergo three overhauls during its four-decade service life, creating a long-term income stream for the MiG Complex.

Manufacture of spares



HAL Nashik also generates a steady, if small, income stream from the manufacture of spare parts for the Indian Air Forces (IAFs) operational Sukhoi-30MKI fleet. A large number of spare parts and rotables is also required for Sukhoi-30MKIs that come for overhauls.

In addition to this, HAL Nashik is also a designated centre of excellence for undercarriages of other IAF fighter aircraft, such as the Tejas light combat aircraft. With 20 Tejas Mark 1 and 83 Mark 1A on order with HAL Bengaluru, the undercarriages of these 103 fighters would all come from Nashik.

The IAF is also planning a capability upgrade for the Sukhoi-30MKI, which is to be carried out when each fighter comes in for its overhaul programme. This is expected to raise both the quantum of work with HAL Nashik, as well as the income.

HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft



It has been decided to build the HAL-designed Hindustan Turbo Trainer  40 (HTT-40) basic trainer aircraft (BTA) at Nashik. HAL has submitted its financial bid for 68 HTT-40 and cost negotiations are under way. An order is expected by October 2022.

It is learnt that HAL has bid about Rs 50 crore for each BTA. With a planned manufacturing capacity of 20 trainers per year, the Nashik division will enjoy an additional income stream of Rs 1,000 crore annually.

In addition to the 68 HTT-40s already being negotiated, the IAF requires at least another 38 BTAs. HAL is also anticipating major interest in the HTT-40 from the export market. There is an expectation that this assembly line could go on for eight-ten years.

Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MRCA)



A major work shortfall for HAL Nashik arose due to the collapse of negotiations for building 126 multi-role medium fighters under transfer of technology (ToT) and the purchase of 36 fully-built Rafale fighters instead.

That, however, could be made up for through the tender for another 114 medium fighters from the global market, which are to be assembled at HAL Nashik. If that procurement materialises, HAL Nashiks production line would be fully engaged for at least 6-7 years.

HAL executives say that each of the six fighter manufacturers vying for that contract  Sukhoi, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Eurofighter, Dassault and Saab  are also in talks with HAL for building their fighter in India.

Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)



Top HAL sources say the AMCA, which is being developed as the IAFs next-generation stealth fighter, is slated to be assembled at HAL Nashik.

The Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO) says the first flight of the AMCA is likely by 2027 and, after flight testing and certification, manufacture would begin by 2035. It is planned to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), co-opting a private sector firm, to build the AMCAs fuselage and aerostructures at Nashik and final assembly in Bengaluru.

Missiles and bombs



HAL Nashik is also considering fabricating indigenous missiles and bombs, which are currently manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd and the Ordnance Factory Board.

HAL Nashiks concerns about empty production lines originate to a significant degree in the cancellation of three major aircraft production projects.

The cancellation of the Indo-Russian project to co-develop the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, which HAL planned to build on the Sukhoi-30MKI line in Nashik, has led to the current situation.

This was exacerbated by the cancellation of the 126 MMRCA tender. Finally, the cancellation of the Indo-Russian project to co-develop a Medium Transport Aircraft led to another empty assembly line.
OTTAWA, ON, April 29, 2021 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of former B.C. Supreme Court Justice Thomas Berger:

"Today, I join Canadians in mourning the loss of one of Canada's most respected lawyers and Indigenous and environmental rights activists, and former B.C. Supreme Court Justice, Thomas Berger.

"Mr. Berger had a distinguished career, which spanned over half a century and comprised many roles. He served as a Member of Parliament, Member of the Legislative Assembly, and Leader of the Official Opposition in B.C. As a champion of human rights, and a prominent lawyer, he changed the face of provincial and federal laws, giving a voice to thousands, while laying the foundation for a better, more just future for millions of people across Canada, especially Northerners and Indigenous peoples.

"Mr. Berger was counsel for the Nisga'a Nation in the landmark Calder v. British Columbia case, which led the Supreme Court of Canada to acknowledge, for the first time, the Aboriginal title to the land. At the age of 38, Mr. Berger was appointed to the B.C. Supreme Court, and would go on to play a pivotal role in many other matters related to Indigenous rights. For his many contributions, Mr. Berger received the Order of Canada in 1990 and the Order of British Columbia in 2004.

"Mr. Berger will be remembered as the consummate advocate. He not only gave a voice to the voiceless  he truly listened, and in doing so, empowered a generation of leaders to become voices for their own communities.

"Sophie and I send our deepest condolences to Mr. Berger's family and friends. Canada is a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive country thanks to Thomas' lifelong dedication to social justice and public service."

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

For further information: PMO Media Relations: [email protected]

Related Links

http://pm.gc.ca/


Indian HRC was heard to have been sold by traders at $950-960 per tonne cfr Vietnam.Back-to-back offers from Indian steel mills increased by $50-60 per tonne this week to $1,020-1,030 per tonne cfr Vietnam from $960-980 per tonne cfr Vietnam last week.

There is limited demand from Vietnamese buyers for back-to-back cargoes of Indian HRC offered at $1,020-1,030 per tonne cfr Vietnam. It is unlikely anyone will purchase at those levels, a buyer source...
Social factors did not impact families' acceptance of telehealth in early pandemic

WILMINGTON, Del. (April 30, 2021) - Social, economic, and demographic factors that can influence health did not affect families' acceptance of telehealth for their children's cardiac care during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study presented at the Pediatric Academic Society 2021 Virtual Meeting. The study, by research team members at the Nemours Children's Health System, suggests that telehealth is a feasible tool for families regardless of household income, language, or insurance type.

"When we saw that the use of telehealth would be necessary for maintaining children's cardiac care during COVID, we worried that some of our families would face barriers in using it," said lead author Carissa M. Baker-Smith, MD, MPH, director of Preventive Cardiology at Nemours. "We saw that these factors were not a barrier in families' choice to use telehealth and in fact may have been a welcome option."

A total of 849 pediatric patients were scheduled for cardiac visits at Nemours Cardiac Center, Wilmington, Del., between March 30 and May 8, 2020. When all non-urgent care was paused, families were given the option of using telehealth for their visit, or rescheduling the visit until a future date. The study team found that 52 percent agreed to telehealth visits, while 48 percent chose to reschedule. Patients with a primary diagnosis of abnormal heart rhythm, acquired heart disease, chest pain, dysautonomia/dizziness, and dyslipidemia, as well as families of children of Hispanic ethnicity were more likely to accept telehealth appointments. Families of older children, children scheduled for follow-up rather than new visits, and families who lived in Delaware, the same state as the care facility, were less likely to accept telehealth care.

Based on the high acceptance levels, the Cardiac Center has continued to offer telehealth appointments for certain appointment types even as in-person care has largely resumed.

###

About Nemours Children's Health System

Nemours is an internationally recognized children's health system that owns and operates the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del., and Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, Fla., along with outpatient facilities in five states, delivering pediatric primary, specialty and urgent care. Nemours also powers the world's most-visited website for information on the health of children and teens, KidsHealth.org and offers on-demand, online video patient visits through the Nemours Apps.

Established as The Nemours Foundation through the legacy and philanthropy of Alfred I. duPont, Nemours provides pediatric clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention programs to the families and communities it serves.

This story has been published on: 2021-04-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Though the state government claimed that they are having an adequate number of essentials, there is certainly a shortage in urban centres, forcing patients to look for the private hospitals. (Representational image: PTI)

Vijayawada: Doctors have urged the Andhra Pradesh state government to revise the Covid-19 treatment rates under the YSR Aarogyasri scheme in their hospitals as they remained highly unviable for them.

Indian Medical Associations Academy of Medical Specialists national chairman Dr D. Sreehari Rao said, We urge the state government to revise Covid-19 treatment rates upwards under Aarogyasri scheme as the present rates are not viable given the high wages to be paid to the doctors and health personnel for risking their lives to treat the patients and also for maintenance costs. We are sure the move will help get more beds into usage for the patients. We also appeal to the government to extend fire NOC for six more months to the hospitals as their applications for renewal are pending with fire authorities for a long time.

Andhra Pradesh has nearly 2,000 private hospitals. Of them, 600-700 hospitals have more than 50 beds each covered under the Dr YSR Aarogyasri scheme.

There are two categories of private hospitals in the state  those which are already covered under the scheme and the ones which got temporary permission to treat patients for the Covid-19 under the scheme.

For both the categories, the state government had fixed rates. While the patients would be treated for Covid free of cost  reimbursed later by the government  at the empaneled hospitals, non-empaneled hospitals would charges as fixed by the government from the patients.

Under the non-critical Covid-19 category, treatment rate fixed per day is Rs 3,250. Under critical care category, ICU without ventilator and without NIV to cost Rs 5,480, ICU with NIV to cost Rs 5,980, ICU with ventilator to cost Rs 9,580, SEPSIS without ventilator to cost Rs 6,280, SEPSIS with ventilator to cost Rs 10,380 and septic shock/MODS with ventilator to cost Rs 10,380.

The state government has recently reimbursed Rs 309 crore to the private hospitals for providing the Covid-19 treatment from April 1, 2020, to April 23, 2021 to benefit over one lakh patients in the state.

As AP is having 1.14 lakh Coronavirus active cases as on Thursday and registering daily surge of more than 10,000 cases, there is a huge demand for beds, medical oxygen and mainly remdesivir injections from the patients.

Though the state government claimed that they are having an adequate number of essentials, there is certainly a shortage in urban centres, forcing patients to look for the private hospitals.

Though some private hospitals are providing Covid-19 treatment under Aarogyasri scheme, many of them are avoiding the scheme and asking the patients to pay from their pocket. They are also asking the patients to arrange remdesivir injections and medical oxygen. If the patients express inability to arrange them, they are collecting hefty charges claiming that they are mobilising them from the black market.

A private hospital in Guntur had asked the relatives of a Covid-19 patient to get a set of vials of remdesivir or to pay Rs 30,000 per each veil so that they could arrange them. With no possibility of purchasing remdesivir across the counter as it has to be procured directly from the manufacturers or to be supplied by the state government, some private hospitals are charging exorbitant prices.
The European Commission has issued a formal 'statement of objections' against Apple, saying today that its preliminary view is Apple's app store rules distort competition in the market for music streaming services by raising the costs of competing music streaming app developers.

Apple has a period of 12 weeks to respond to the preliminary charges.

The Commission begun investigating competition concerns related to iOS App Store (and also Apple Pay) last summer. But today's charges relate only to music streaming apps, and the App Store's role as a gatekeeper for such apps to access iOS users. This is also a market where Apple competes, with its eponymous offering (Apple Music).

"The Commission takes issue with the mandatory use of Apple's own in-app purchase mechanism imposed on music streaming app developers to distribute their apps via Apple's App Store," it wrote. "The Commission is also concerned that Apple applies certain restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iPhone and iPad users of alternative, cheaper purchasing possibilities."

The statement of objections focuses on two rules that Apple imposes in its agreements with music streaming app developers: Namely what the Commission said is a "mandatory" requirement to use Apple's proprietary in-app purchase system (IAP) to distribute paid digital content (with the Commission stating that Apple charges a 30% commission fee on all such subscriptions bought via IAP); and 'anti-steering provisions' which limit the ability of developers to inform users of alternative purchasing options.

"The Commission's investigation showed that most streaming providers passed this fee [Apple's 30% cut] on to end users by raising prices," it went on, adding: "While Apple allows users to use music subscriptions purchased elsewhere, its rules prevent developers from informing users about such purchasing possibilities, which are usually cheaper. The Commission is concerned that users of Apple devices pay significantly higher prices for their music subscription services or they are prevented from buying certain subscriptions directly in their apps."

Story continues

Commenting in a statement, EVP and competition chief Margrethe Vestager, added: App stores play a central role in today's digital economy. We can now do our shopping, access news, music or movies via apps instead of visiting websites. Our preliminary finding is that Apple is a gatekeeper to users of iPhones and iPads via the App Store. With Apple Music, Apple also competes with music streaming providers. By setting strict rules on the App store that disadvantage competing music streaming services, Apple deprives users of cheaper music streaming choices and distorts competition. This is done by charging high commission fees on each transaction in the App store for rivals and by forbidding them from informing their customers of alternative subscription options.

Apple sent us this statement in response to the Commission's statement of objections:

"Spotify has become the largest music subscription service in the world, and were proud for the role we played in that. Spotify does not pay Apple any commission on over 99% of their subscribers, and only pays a 15% commission on those remaining subscribers that they acquired through the App Store. At the core of this case is Spotifys demand they should be able to advertise alternative deals on their iOS app, a practice that no store in the world allows. Once again, they want all the benefits of the App Store but dont think they should have to pay anything for that. The Commissions argument on Spotifys behalf is the opposite of fair competition.

Spotify's founder, Daniel Ek, has also responded to the news of the Commission's charges against Apple with a jubilant tweet -- writing: "Today is a big day. Fairness is the key to competition... we are one step closer to creating a level playing field, which is so important for the entire ecosystem of European developers."

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The music streaming company also sent us this statement, attributed to its head of global affairs and chief legal officer, Horacio Gutierrez -- in which he suggests the antitrust charges will have "far-reaching implications":

Ensuring the iOS platform operates fairly is an urgent task with far-reaching implications. The European Commissions Statement of Objections is a critical step toward holding Apple accountable for its anticompetitive behavior, ensuring meaningful choice for all consumers and a level playing field for app developers.

"This is not a Spotify case"

During a press conference following the announcement of the Commission's charges, Vestager went into a little more detail on the case -- saying the Commission believes the impact of Apple's distortion of the music streaming market has led to raising subscription prices for consumers to 12.99, rather than the 9.99 Apple charges for its own service.

Apple of course is not subject to the 30% fee it levies on third party music streaming services which opt to sell subscriptions via its store. (Spotify stopped doing so in 2018 in order to avoid the IAP fee.)

During a Q&A with journalists Vestager was pressed on the fact that Spotify is itself as thriving music streaming business -- and Apple also points out that Spotify describes itself as the largest global music subscription service and has a market capitalization of $50BN+, so is hardly a minnow of a digital business -- but she argued it's "really difficult to say what would have been the market development without these conditions imposed by Apple in its App Store".

"Spotify is a big player in the music streaming market but we don't know what would have been the conditions without this," Vestager went on, pointing to other rivals who -- the clear implication is -- might have been able to cut themselves a larger chunk of Spotify's (and Apple's) music streaming pie, under different App Store conditions.

"There are other rivals to Apple Music -- there are Deezer, there are Soundcloud. Smaller competitors and here we have real concerns about their developments," she said, adding: "This is not a Spotify case -- this is a music streaming case. It's about what are the different service providers, what are the conditions in order to be able to present to us their offers so we might be their customers. This is what it's about... It's important for a market to stay innovative and competitive and that we have the chance to see the different rivals and that they are free to make their own decisions."

Vestager suggested it's not the level of the fee Apple charges on in-app subscriptions, per se, that the Commission is objecting to but the combination of the conditions it imposes on players in this market while also offering its own rival service which is not subject to the same conditions.

She also noted that Apple's fee doesn't apply universally to all apps in its store -- but does apply to all music streaming apps except Apple's own, remarking: "So you have a possible 30% price difference between the two."

On Apple's anti-steering provisions, she suggested the impact of it constraining music streaming apps' ability to communicate with subscribers who have signed up through the App Store significantly restricts their ability to compete, including by being combined with Apple's own richer view of iOS users.

"If you are a rival to Apple Music you cannot send your subscribers an email telling them to go to your website to subscribe at a price without the commission fee," she emphasized.

"The rival music streaming services -- they don't even get to know their customers. So if I end my subscription they cannot even send me an email to say is there something we can do for you, why did you end your subscription?"

And while she noted Apple does have a rule allowing access to subscription content via an iOS app when the subscription has been purchased outside the store (aka, the 'reader' app rule) she suggested the combination of the two rules Apple applies to music streaming apps "makes it quite difficult for competitors because your margins are being squeezed and you may not look that attractive to potential customers".

It's important to note that the Commission case has not concluded -- and Apple will have 12 weeks to respond to today's statement of objections, so it remains to be seen what the final outcome will be -- but Vestager summed up her preliminary view by saying: "We are concerned that Apple's rules negatively impact its rivals by raising its costs, reducing their profit margins as well as their attractiveness on the Apple platform."

She also argued that iOS users simply don't switch platforms -- meaning that, even if there are cheaper music streaming options available via Android devices, it does not change Apple's "gatekeeper" role over iOS users' ability to access music streaming apps.

"Through these rules, Apple steps in between its competitors and their customers with access to valuable data from the in-app payments system Apple gets insights that music streaming providers don't get," she argued, suggesting "they may no longer be in a position to understand the reasons of termination of a subscription and communicate with their customers about them".

"One of the specificities of this case is the market definition," she went on. "Because when it comes to the concrete devices Apple is not necessarily the dominant player in Europe -- it holds a high marketshare -- but once you have an iPhone for instance you can go nowhere else. And this is why I said in the after markets of providing you with the apps that you would want to have Apple holds a monopoly in the Apple App Store. You can go nowhere else to get it."

Should the Commission end up formalizing its charges against Apple it has the power to issue a financial penalty (the fine threshold for breaches of EU competition law is 10% of the overall annual turnover of the company) -- and would certainly order Apple to cease any behaviors deemed to infringe competition laws and avoid from any other practices with an equivalent effect.

Vestager wouldn't be drawn on what remedies might look like in this case. But she pointed out that Apple charges developers a basic annual fee to list apps -- to cover the costs of administering the App Store -- suggesting: "So it's not as if this will end the business model of the Apple App Store.

"Hopefully we can get to a situation where there is fair competition," she added. "Because with the combination of the two concerns, that prices are so much higher for rivals of Apple Music and that rivals are not allowed to tell their customer that they can get their product cheaper then they are at a disadvantage."

More Apple cases are being worked on by the EU regulator, per Vestager, who said the Commission continues to investigate ebooks -- and a more general complaint against the App Store.

She also confirmed today's case is also unrelated to the ongoing investigation into Apple Pay.

"We have more than one case concerning the Apple App Store," she noted. "We have one specifically on ebooks, we have one specifically on the App Store as such -- and the way that works -- so this is not the last case we will have when it comes to the App Store as such."

Vestager declined to give a timeline on when the other cases may progress to a next stage.

Going after gatekeepers

A number of complaints against Apple's practices have been lodged with the EU's competition division in recent years -- including by music streaming service Spotify; video games maker Epic Games; and messaging platform Telegram, to name a few of the complainants who have gone public (and been among the most vocal).

The main objection is over the (up to 30%) cut Apple takes on sales made through third parties' apps -- which critics rail against as an 'Apple tax' -- as well as how it can mandate that developers do not inform users how to circumvent its in-app payment infrastructure, i.e. by signing up for subscriptions via their own website instead of through the App Store.

Other complaints include that Apple does not allow third party app stores on iOS.

Apple, meanwhile, has argued that its App Store does not constitute a monopoly. iOS' global market share of mobile devices is a little over 10% vs Google's rival Android OS -- which is running on the lion's share of the world's mobile hardware.

But monopoly status depends on how a market is defined by regulators (and if you're looking at the market for iOS apps then Apple has no competitors).

The iPhone maker also likes to point out that the vast majority of third party apps pay it no commission (as they don't monetize via in-app payments). While it argues that restrictions on native apps are necessary to protect iOS users from threats to their security and privacy.

Last summer the European Commission said its App Store probe was focused on Apples mandatory requirement that app developers use its proprietary in-app purchase system, as well as restrictions applied on the ability of developers to inform iPhone and iPad users of alternative cheaper purchasing possibilities outside of apps.

It also said it was investigating Apple Pay: Looking at the T&Cs and other conditions Apple imposes for integrating its payment solution into others' apps and websites on iPhones and iPads, and also on limitations it imposes on others' access to the NFC (contactless payment) functionality on iPhones for payments in stores.

The EU's antitrust regulator also said then that it was probing allegations of "refusals of access" to Apple Pay.

In March this year the UK joined the Apple App Store antitrust investigation fray -- announcing a formal investigation into whether it has a dominant position and if it imposes unfair or anti-competitive terms on developers using its app store.

US lawmakers have, meanwhile, been dialling up attention on app stores, plural -- and on competition in digital markets more generally -- calling in both Apple and Google for questioning over how they operate their respective mobile app marketplaces in recent years.

Last month, for example, the two tech giants' representatives were pressed on whether their app stores share data with their product development teams -- with lawmakers digging into complaints against Apple especially that Cupertino frequently copies others' apps, 'sherlocking' their businesses by releasing native copycats (as the practice has been nicknamed).

Back in July 2020 the House Antitrust Subcommittee took testimony from Apple CEO Tim Cook himself -- and went on, in a hefty report on competition in digital markets, to accuse Apple of leveraging its control of iOS and the App Store to "create and enforce barriers to competition and discriminate against and exclude rivals while preferencing its own offerings".

"Apple also uses its power to exploit app developers through misappropriation of competitively sensitive information and to charge app developers supra-competitive prices within the App Store," the report went on. "Apple has maintained its dominance due to the presence of network effects, high barriers to entry, and high switching costs in the mobile operating system market."

The report did not single Apple out -- also blasting Google-owner Alphabet, Amazon and Facebook for abusing their market power. And the Justice Department went on to file suit against Google later the same month.

So, over in the U.S., the stage is being set for further actions against big tech. Although what, if any, federal charges Apple could face remains to be seen.

A number of state-level tech regulation efforts are also brewing around big tech and antitrust -- including a push in Arizona to relieve developers from Apple and Googles hefty cut of app store profits.

While an antitrust bill introduced by Republican Josh Hawley earlier this month takes aim at acquisitions, proposing an outright block on big tech's ability to carry out mergers and acquisitions.

Although that bill looks unlikely to succeed, a flurry of antitrust reform bills are set to introduced as U.S. lawmakers on both sides of the aisle grapple with how to cut big tech down to a competition-friendly size.

In Europe lawmakers are already putting down draft laws with the same overarching goal.

In the EU, the Commission recently proposed an ex ante regime to prevent big tech from abusing its market power. The Digital Markets Act is set to impose conditions on intermediating platforms who are considered 'gatekeepers' to others' market access.

While over in the UK, which now sits outside the bloc, the government is also drafting new laws in response to tech giants' market power. It has said it intends to create a 'pro-competition' regime that will apply to platforms with so-called 'strategic market status' -- but instead of a set list of requirements it wants to target specific measures per platform.
President Joe Biden speaks during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, in Washington, March 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Biden Wont Rule Out Requiring Military to Get Vaccine

President Joe Biden said its not clear yet whether he will make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all U.S. service members once the shot is fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

I dont know. Im going to leave that to the military, Biden told Today on Friday.

Im not saying I wont. I think youre going to see more and more of them getting it. And I think its going to be a tough call as to whether or not they should be required to have to get it in the military, because youre in such close proximity with other military personnel.

According to the most recent Defense Department statistics, approximately 780,000 U.S. troops are either fully or partially vaccinated as of April 28.

The Marine Corps said that as of April 23, approximately 93,500 Marines had received the COVID-19 vaccine while 52,900 Marines have declined a shot, or about 36 percent. An additional 92,300 Marines have yet to be offered one.

The Pentagon previously said it has not ruled out mandatory vaccinations.

Obviously were thinking about what happens when they become FDA-approved, that certainly would  change the character of the decision-making process about whether they could be mandatory or voluntary, but I dont want to get ahead of that process right now, Department of Defense press secretary John Kirby told reporters last month.

More than 237 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the United States as of Thursday morning, according to recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.

We are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated, because these vaccines are very effective and safe, and are a critical part of us getting back to normal, acting Defense Secretary for Health Affairs Terry Adirim told reporters in April.

In mid-April, Pentagon officials said that nearly 40 percent of U.S. Marines had declined to get the COVID-19 shot.

We fully understand that widespread acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine provides us with the best means to defeat this pandemic. The key to addressing this pandemic is building vaccine confidence, Officer Capt. Andrew Woods said at the time.

Woods noted that Marines are typically healthy and young but said that there may be a number of reasons for declining the vaccine.

For example, an individual may have deferred until later to allow others to get the vaccine, they may have gotten the vaccine on their own and not through military channels, they could be unavailable for a second dose in the prescribed time period for the vaccines that require two doses, they could expect the vaccine to become mandatory and are waiting until then, or they may be allergic to one of the compounds in the vaccine, Woods said.

COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

Reuters contributed to this report.
A 35-year-old woman suffered serious injuries on Thursday, 29 April, after her hand became trapped in a meat grinding machine, according to the emergency services.

Minutes before 1pm the 112 emergency telephone service received a call to say a worker in a butcher shop in Malagas Camino del Pato had suffered serious injuries to her hand while operating the machine.

Paramedics and police were quickly on the scene and sources say the woman suffered severe trauma to four fingers of her left hand.

The woman was rushed to the Regional Hospital in the city.

The work-related accident is being investigated by the authorities.
An amateur metal detectorist has discovered a medieval sword which may have been used by a soldier during the Battle of Grunwald in 1410.

Alexander Medvedev discovered the sword near Olsztyn, in northern Poland, alongside a metal scabbard, a belt and two knives.

Archaeologists have hailed the discovery as a once-in-a-decade find and it will now be studied and preserved at the museum of the Battle of Grunwald.

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An amateur metal detectorist has discovered a medieval sword which may have been used by a soldier during the Battle of Grunwald in 1410

Archaeologists have hailed the discovery as a once-in-a-decade find and it will be studied and preserved at the museum of the Battle of Grunwald

What was the Battle of Grunwald? The Battle of Grunwald on July 15, 1410 was fought at Tannenberg in northeastern Poland (formerly East Prussia). It was a major Polish-Lithuanian victory over the Knights of the Teutonic Order. The battle marked the end of the orders expansion along the southeastern coast of the Baltic Sea and the beginning of the decline of its power. It marked the emergence of Poland-Lithuania as one of Europes most powerful states. Advertisement

A full dig is now being planned at the undisclosed site to learn more about the Battle of Grunwald on July 15, 1410.

The bloody battle saw the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania bring about the decline of the Teutonic Order and trigger a shift in power in Europe which lasted for centuries.

The battle, one of the largest fought in medieval Europe, took place on territory belonging to the State of the Teutonic Order, now located in modern-day Poland.

It involved an estimated 27,000 to 66,000 men and resulted in some 2,000 Polish-Lithuanian deaths, 8,000 Teutonic knights were killed, and 14,000 Teutonic knights were taken prisoner.

The battle marked the rise of the Polish-Lithuanian union as the dominant political and military force in Central and Eastern Europe for the next two centuries.

Archaeologists hope to find the remains of the knight who once wielded the remarkably well-preserved sword.

Szymon Drej, the director of Battle of Grunwald Museum, said that they hope to solve the mystery as to why nobody took the sword of the slain soldier as they would have been very valuable.

The Office of the Warminsko-Mazurskie Province Governor said: 'It's a phenomenal set in the form of a sword, scabbard, belt and two knives.

'Taking into account that these relics come from the turn of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, and have therefore been in the ground for about 600 years, they are preserved in an extremely good state.'

A full dig is now being planned at the undisclosed site of the Battle of Grunwald on July 15, 1410, near the town of Olstyn

The Office of the Warminsko-Mazurskie Province Governor said: 'It's a phenomenal set in the form of a sword, scabbard, belt and two knives'
The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is tightening its ideological grip on higher education in the country, ordering structural changes that will allow a far greater degree of party control in the day-to-day running of colleges and universities.



Institutions are now required to ensure that their in-house party committee "exercises comprehensive leadership" over their teaching, scientific research and administration, according to a revised set of rules issued on .



"All major issues should be collectively discussed and decided by the party committee," the "Regulations on the Work of CCP Grassroots Organizations in Colleges and Universities" said.



Party branches should also be set up to guide the work of teachers, researchers on specific projects, undergraduate students and other sub-groups within a university, it said, choosing members with "a strong party spirit."



Their job is to carry out propaganda work and implement the central party line, as decided by Beijing, it said.



They are also charged with "resolutely preventing and resist all kinds of illegal missionary and infiltration activities," it said, in an apparent reference to religious organizations and political dissent.



Full-time CCP staffers should number not less than one percent of the total faculty and student body, with at least one teacher of political ideology per 350 students, it said.

China will make university students undergo political education in CCP leader Xi Jinping's personal brand of ideology, dubbed "socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era," experts say. Credit: RFA Graphics

Xi Jinping's personal brand of ideology



The new rules mean that many more people will be hired just to deliver political education in CCP leader Xi Jinping's personal brand of ideology, dubbed "socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era," according to Carl Minzner, professor of Chinese law and politics at Fordham Law School.



"Thats Beijing  in small but significant ways  steadily increasing proportions of people on university budgets committed to political ideology, rather than academics," Minzner commented via his Twitter account after the new rules were published.



He said the move comes hand-in-hand with a growing number of ideological research centers embedded in Chinese universities dedicated to the study of Xi Jinping Thought.



"This is Beijing telling the schools (and all of academia) 'dont think youre special'," he wrote, citing a string of firings of outspoken Chinese academics in recent years.



Chen Kuide, executive chairman of the Princeton China Institute in the United States, said the CCP is keen to expand ideological education in all areas of life ahead of the centenary of the CCP's founding on .



"It looks as if they will be putting a huge amount of further effort into this [under Xi Jinping]," Chen said. "It will definitely work for a while."



He said the move appeared to be in preparation for a change in diplomatic policy in recent years.



"Internationally, they are preparing for the next phase of competition [on the world stage]," he said.

'Patriotic dedication'

In , students at Shanghai's Fudan University staged a rare protest after the school joined other top institutions in removing references to "freedom of thought" from their charters.



The revised charters now refer to "patriotic dedication," and state that party committee is "the core of the university," and will be responsible for setting its direction and making decisions.



Since taking power in 2012, Xi has launched an unprecedented set of ideological controls and boosted the institutions needed to enforce them.



Xi has repeatedly warned members of the political class not to go off message in public, and set up a nationwide monitoring agency to supervise and detain anyone remotely connected with the government, including civil servants, teachers and academics, journalists, and contractors.



The authorities are stepping up monitoring of staff and students at the country's higher education institutions through the use of personal data, surveillance cameras in classrooms, as well as via student informants. who are the ruling Chinese Communist Party's eyes and ears on the ground.



Student informants are continually being recruited at China's universities and typically report back to the authorities around once every two weeks, according to online documents.



Xi's approach stems from a 2013 article titled "Improving Ideological and Political Work Among Young Teachers in Colleges and Universities," and from his reiteration of the "Seven Taboos" that mustn't be discussed in public by servants of the state, including teachers.



The seven banned topics are: universal values of human rights and democratic, constitutional government; press freedom; civil society; citizens' rights; the historical mistakes of the Chinese Communist Party; the financial and political elite; and judicial independence.



Reported by Mia Ping-chieh Chen for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
The Pulaski Skyway will be closed in in both directions this weekend for concrete work as the rehabilitation of the historic 88-year-old bridge continues, state Department of Transportation officials announced Friday.

To avoid delays, motorists are encouraged to use the NJ Turnpike-Hudson County Extension to all destinations, including the Holland Tunnel, I-78, or to I-280/Route 7 and Route 1&9 Truck southbound, officials said. All other motorists will be directed to Route 1&9 Truck in both directions.

The Skyway will be closed at 10 p.m. Friday and it will not reopen until 5 a.m. Monday. In the event that the concrete work is completed early, the roadway will be reopened sooner.

The northbound closure will begin past Newark Liberty International Airport with the Route 1&9 Express Lanes directed onto the local lanes. Traffic will follow Route 1&9 Truck northbound to the intersection of Route 7, Route 139, and Route 1&9 in Jersey City.

Northbound motorists heading to Hoboken, Jersey City or New York City also may use the New Jersey Turnpike-Hudson County Extension.

The southbound closure will begin south of the Tonnelle Circle, with the ramp from the Tonnelle Circle to the Skyway closed. Traffic coming from Route 139 will be directed to the off ramp to I-280/Route 7 and Route 1&9 Truck southbound.

Traffic on Route 1&9 south heading toward Tonnelle Circle is encouraged to stay right and use the ramp to Route 1&9 Truck.

Leaving the Holland Tunnel, motorists will have the following options:

Stay to the far right and take the NJ Turnpike-Hudson County Extension to all destinations west and south, including I-78

Stay to the left and follow signs for Route 139 West, then stay left to Route 1&9 Truck southbound towards Newark, Route 7 and I-280.

Local traffic for Jersey City:

Stay to the middle to take Route 139 Upper Roadway and follow signs to Kennedy Boulevard/Jersey City, to best access many local Jersey City locations and other points north (Secaucus).

Kearny ramp detour:
Washington, D.C., April 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Organic Trade Association on Friday applaudedthe introduction of legislation that puts in place an improved federal process for the oversight of organic that will bring the government up to speed with the modern organic sector, and will enable organics improvement and advancement to continue to forge ahead into the future.

Representing the most significant assessment to date of the National Organic Programs trackrecord on advancing standards as a primary function of organics public-private partnership, the Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards Act (CIAO) was introducedon Friday by Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Rodney Davis (R-IL), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Ron Kind (D-WI). The legislation, for the first time, requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to advance and implement recommendations from the organic industry in a timely manner and to ensure the continuous improvement of organic standards.

We thank Representatives DeFazio and Davis, and leading members of the House Organic Caucus, for introducing this consequential bill, and for their recognition of the importance of organic and of the need for organic to keep pace with the increasing demands from the environment and consumers on the Organic label, said Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association. This legislation is the result of a broad coalition of farmers, industry, environmental and other organizations working together with Congress to preserve organics place at the cutting edge of a progressive food and farming system that cares about people and the planet. deral service, 32 of these with FAS working to support U.S. food and agricultural exports. In particular, she has spent much of her FAS career in support of furthering U.S. organic exports. She was instrumental in helping to communicate to overseas trading partners once the U.S. National Organic Program was established in 2000.

The legislation was endorsed by the American Sustainable Business Council, Environmental Working Group, National Farmers Union, National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association, Organic Farmers Association, and the Accredited Certifiers Association, among others.

A full list of endorsers of the bill can be found here.





Consumers trust that when they buy food marketed as organic, it meets a high standard approved by the USDA, said Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-04). But federal bureaucracy for the past twenty years has gotten in the way of improvements supported by the organic sector, inhibiting innovation in the industry. Im proud to introduce legislation that will help improve transparency and accountability at the USDA as it considers regulations strongly supported by the industry. Its time for USDA to cut the red tape, expeditiously act, and allow improvements that both the industry and consumers demand.

Each year, more and more consumers are choosing products with the USDA Organic label, yet producers are held back from fully meeting the demand for organic products due in part to slow rule-making at the USDA, said Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13). Our bipartisan legislation will clear the backlog of rule recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board and speed up and improve rule-making in the future. As a Co-Chair of the House Organic Caucus, Im proud to support legislation like this that cuts red tape and ensures federal regulators arent inhibiting a growing industry like organic.



For far too long, organic producers have been waiting for the Department of Agriculture to move forward with numerous consensus recommendations to improve organic standards and protect the integrity of the organic label. As an organic farmer and Co-Chair of the House Organic Caucus, I am proud to support this bill to hold the USDA accountable so we can continue to move the National Organic Program forward, said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01).



"As co-chair of the bipartisan House Organic Caucus, I'm committed to supporting the future of organic agriculture and working to meet the needs of organic farmers across Wisconsin and the nation," said Rep. Ron Kind (WI-03). "This legislation will take necessary steps to ensure our organic farmers can continue to succeed and innovate for generations to come."



Central Washington organic growers should not be kept in regulatory limbo, said Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04). I'm sponsoring the Continuous Improvement and Accountability In Organic Standards Act so that USDA is required to clear the backlog of recommendations to improve our organic standards. As a Co-Chair of the House Organic Caucus, I represent the highest number of USDA-certified organic farmers, ranchers, processors, and distributors in Washington state and the fourth highest in the country. It's imperative that we provide our organic growers certainty and help spark further innovation and improvement within the organic industry.



Unfortunately, its been way too long since the USDA updated its standards that Americas certified organic producers are required to follow for growing and selling their crops, said Congressman Panetta. Our legislation would mandate the USDA to modernize and maintain its federal organic standards so that farmers can keep up with the 21st century marketplace. As the representative of nearly 500 certified organic operations on the central coast of California, Im proud to co-lead this legislation to help our local organic agriculture industry innovate and thrive.

Designing a road forward for organic



The CIAO bill lays out a road forward for organic through three main areas:

Clearing the backlog of recommendations. The bill requires USDA to issue an Organic Improvement Action Plan comprised of the backlog of industry recommendations put forward by the advisory body the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) that have not been implemented. The plan must include detailed timelines, prioritization, and implementation plans for dealing with each recommendation.

The bill requires USDA to issue an Organic Improvement Action Plan comprised of the backlog of industry recommendations put forward by the advisory body the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) that have not been implemented. The plan must include detailed timelines, prioritization, and implementation plans for dealing with each recommendation. Establishing a new framework for advancing future organic standards. When the National Organic Standards Board passes a recommendation that is supported by the majority of the board, the bill requires USDA to issue a final rule implementing the recommendation within two years.

When the National Organic Standards Board passes a recommendation that is supported by the majority of the board, the bill requires USDA to issue a final rule implementing the recommendation within two years. Improving oversight and ensuring consistent enforcement. The bill requires USDA to report annually to Congress on whether accredited third-party certifiers have implemented new rules and guidance, and identify any inconsistencies found.

Progress is imperative for organic agricultures continued growth, and the Continuous Improvement & Accountability in Organic Standards Act is needed to maintain the overall integrity of this successful public-private partnership with USDA, said Domenic Borrelli, President of Premium Dairy and Plant-Based Food & Beverages, Danone North America, and Vice Treasurer of the Organic Trade Association Board of Directors. We look forward to continued work with our farming partners to propel the entire industry forward.

Whats been stuck

Since the first nationwide organic standards were officially established on Dec. 21, 2000, the strict and comprehensive network of federal requirements and regulations that monitor and check the organic industry, from the farm gate to the dinner plate, have been transparent, and powered and driven by stakeholders throughout the supply chain and the organic community. This unique private-public partnership has made the organic regulatory system the gold standard for food and agricultural systems around the world.

The organic sector has thrived under the system, growing to more than a $55 billion market in the U.S., with the USDA Organic seal one of the most trusted of consumer labels.

But in the last several years, the federal regulatory apparatus has fallen behind the evolving organic sector and the market, and has slowed innovation and continuous improvement within the industry.

Over the last decade the National Organic Program hasnt upgraded high profile standard topics the organic community wants resolved. For example, clarity on how dairy farms source organic cows, Origin of Livestock, has been stuck in the mire since 2015. We need a better process and thats what this bill does, said Adam Warthesen, Director of Government & Industry Affairs for the organic dairy cooperative Organic Valley, member of the Organic Trade Association Board of Directors and Vice-Chairman of the associations Dairy Council.

In the past 10 years, the organic industry has advanced 20 consensus recommendations for improvements to the organic standards, yet USDA has not completed rulemaking on a single one of them. These recommendations include implementing clear and consistent livestock requirements, strengthening organic seed usage, and creating organic production standards for aquaculture, pet food, personal care products and greenhouses.

Continuous improvement is a fundamental tenet of organic. As organic farmers, we are always adapting our practices and becoming better stewards. This bill directs the USDA to reform its management of the NOP and respect the work of organic farmers, the advice of the NOSB and the demands of consumers for a dynamic standard that recognizes positive innovation and maintains organic as the "gold standard of agriculture, said Doug Crabtree, organic farmer and owner of Vilicus Farms in central Montana, member of the Organic Trade Association Board of Directors and Co-Chairman of the associations Farmers Advisory Council.

Kate Mendenhall, Executive Director of the Organic Farmers Association, stated, "Organic farmers continually rank organic integrity as a top priority and we encourage the USDA to move quickly to create a plan for moving the long backlog of NOSB recommendations to practical rules that protect organic integrity."

This legislation directly addresses the challenges of organic over the past decade, and it provides a clear way to get things back on track for the industry, and for the consumer, said Megan DeBates, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Organic Trade Association. We applaud Representatives DeFazio and Davis and members of the House Organic Caucus for their vision and their commitment to maintaining the integrity of organic and ensuring that it will continue to be the model for the future.

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing over 9,500 organic businesses across 50 states. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTAs Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. OTA's mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace. The Organic Trade Association does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, national origin or ancestry, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation or military status. Persons with disabilities who require alternate means for communication of program information can contact us at info@ota.com.

Attachments
More than 2,500 manufacturing sector workers showed up at the Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas to receive their first dose of the Sinopharm Covid-19 injection at the start of a public/private sector vaccination drive.

The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) collaborated with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Trade to facilitate the process.
Thursday, April 29, 2021

Our guest this week is a return visit from Jay Helfert. Jay is a pool player, tournament organizer, and pool room owner.

[00:00] Introduction of Toupee Jay Helfert, pool and poker player

[00:22] Subscriptions and reviews

[01:49] Jays background in poker

[02:33] Playing in the WSOP

[08:47] Amarillo Slim

[09:50] Gavin Smith

[12:12] Richards Amarillo Slim story

[14:06] Hollywood Park

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[25:16] The origin of Minnesota Fats nickname

[29:33] Walter Tevis

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[36:21] Playing pool against the a leader of a motorcycle club

[45:35] Carrying a gun

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A man who threatened to slice a garda who responded to a 999 call has been given a suspended prison sentence at Kilkenny District Court.



Lee Thornton, 41 Edmund Rice Park Estate, Callan, had contested two charges against him in court - a charge of assault and a charge of obstructing a garda.



Garda John Moloney gave evidence in court that on Sunday, March 29, 2020, at 6.40pm, he attended at 41 Edmund Rice Park, following a 999 call. He spoke to Mr John Thornton who invited him in and told him his son, Lee, was upstairs and acting aggressively towards his girlfriend.



Garda Moloney said he could hear Lee Thorntown roaring and breaking up the room.

The garda went upstairs and drew his baton because he was concerned for the safety of Mr Thorntons girlfriend, who was three months pregnant at the time. Garda Moloney explained he drew his baton because he did not want to use pepper spray in an enclosed space.



As he stood outside the bedroom door Garda Moloney heard Mr Thornton roaring f*ck you and smashing up the room. Then he heard a hysterical laugh.



Garda Moloney shouted to Mr Thornton that he was outside, then went into the bedroom. Mr Thorntown told him to f*ck off and stood between his girlfriend, who was visibly upset, and the garda.



Garda Moloney told Mr Thornton to sit down and calm down. Mr Thornton, Garda Moloney said, told the garda he was going to slice me up and came at me, causing him to be concerned for his own safety.



Mr Thornton raised his hand as if to strike the garda and Garda Moloney said he had to subdue him. He held Mr Thornton down on the bed until garda assistance arrived.



The defendant was taken to Kilkenny Garda Station. His bedroom was searched and there was no evidence of a knife, there was evidence of drug use. The wardrobe was broken up and the room dishevelled.



Garda Moloney said he returned to the house, later that evening, to see if things were OK. Mr Thorntons father, his fathers partner and his girlfriend declined to make a statement.

Defence solicitor for Lee Thornton, Ed Hughes, said they didnt know if it was true that Mr John Thornton had invited him into the house, because he wasnt in court to give that evidence.

Garda Moloney said it was true. He said he didnt just turn up for no reason and there had been a 999 call.



Mr Hughes said his client would say he was having an argument with his girlfriend and it was not domestic abuse. He would say he was given no warning before the garda barged into the room. Mr Hughes said his client would say the garda nearly hit him with the door, called him a little pr*ck and hit him with his baton on the back.



Garda Moloney did not accept that. He said he did not hit Mr Thornton with the door, and when the defendant came at him he hit his arm with the baton.

Mr Hughes asked if, in hindsight, if he had complied with the domestic abuse intervention policy he might not have needed his baton. Garda Moloney said from what he heard and what he saw of drug use, Mr Thorntons roaring into his face he was going to slice him up, there was no calming him down.

The garda said he hit Mr Thornton once. He then pushed Mr Thornton onto the bed, using his hands to hold him there for approximately 10 minutes.

Garda Moloney said he believed he was going to be assaulted.



Sgt Ciaran Sheehan told the court he called to the house with Garda Moloney later that evening. The family did not want to give statements and he advised them about domestic violence orders.

Sgt Sheehan said a family member said Lee Thornton had lost it. The family had no complaints about Garda Moloney.



On April 6 the gardai met Lee Thornton on Green Lane, Callan. They asked him to make a statement. He said he didnt want to and he apologised to Garda Moloney.

Mr Hughes said Mr John Thornton didnt want to come to court because he was devastated at the way his son was treated. Sgt Sheehan said if anything it was the other way around, that Mr John Thornton was at his wits end and was no longer living in the house.



Garda Joseph Reville was member in charge at Kilkenny Garda Station when Mr Lee Thornton was taken there on March 29. He observed him in custody and said the prisoner spoke to his girlfriend on the phone on two occasions. On another occasion Mr Thornton seemed confused about where he was and what time it was.

Garda Reville said Mr Thornton was held for six hours because he believed he was under the influence of an intoxicant and could be a danger to himself and others.



Mr Hughes made three applications to the court to have the charges dismissed - he argued there was no permission given to the garda to enter the premises, that no arrestable offence was taking place and the garda was a trespasser; he said the force used was not proportionate or reasonable; and he argued that Mr Thorntons detention was unlawful.

In reply, Judge Geraldine Carthy said that when a person says to a garda Im going to slice you up she was satisfied it was a reason to use force, she also said the garda was invited into the house. She ruled against the three applications.



Giving evidence, Lee Thornton said he was in his bedroom, having an argument with his girlfriend, when Garda Moloney walked in. He said he didnt fully remember but the door opened and nearly hit me. Mr Thornton said he took two steps back and the garda swung at him.

He went to swing a second time and I raised my hand to try and stop him, he said. He said he did not threaten the garda. I might have told him to f*ck off but theres no way I said Id slice him, there was no knife near me, Mr Thornton said.



When he put his hand up to defend himself, Mr Thornton said, the garda caught his hand and put him on the bed and he put a knee on me. Mr Thornton said he told the garda he had asthma and called for his parents and they said leave off a bit.

Mr Thornton said his girlfriend at the time is still his partner.

He admitted the banging was him slamming the wardrobe.



Under cross-examination, Mr Thornton denied he had drink or drugs taken.

When it was put to the defendant that Garda Moloney went into the bedroom with the intention of assisting Mr Thorntons girlfriend, Mr Thornton replied: I understand there was a reason for him to come up to the room, from me slamming the door there was probably a bit of fear to my girlfriend. But I meant no harm to my girlfriend, my father or his partner.



Mr Hughes said he honestly did not think there was any justification for a garda entering the building and going up to the bedroom with a baton. If it was me and someone arrived in the bedroom of my house with a baton, garda or not, I would be in fear.



The solicitor said not a finger was laid on Garda Moloney by his client and that Mr Lee Thornton had received a beating of sorts from the garda.

Judge Carthy pointed out that Mr Thornton was hit on the arm and there was no evidence he was hit on the back.



Inspector Barry Smith said the garda was responding to a call where there was fear for someones safety. His role is to preserve life and he had permission from Mr John Thornton to enter the house. The garda used reasonable force, the garda inspector said.

Judge Carthy took some time to consider the case, and convicted Mr Thornton on the assault charge. He was given a five month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

The second charge was taken into consideration.
Kentucky Derby hopeful Rock Your World works out April 27 at Churchill Downs. He was bred by Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally and wife Debbie. (Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)

There are three Hall of Fame trainers trying to win the 147th edition of the Kentucky Derby. But only two of them are actually running horses.

If that doesnt make any sense, then neither does the fact that 1990 inductee Ron McAnally, who never won the race as a trainer, is trying to win it as a breeder. But hes got a pretty good shot.

Rock Your World surprised everyone a month ago when he won the Santa Anita Derby by 4  lengths in his third start and first time on dirt. He was so impressive that he was installed as the 5-1 second choice in the Kentucky Derby behind Essential Quality at 2-1. Both colts are undefeated.

McAnally, 88, says if Rock Your World wins the Kentucky Derby with he and his wife, Debbie, as the breeders, it would be at the top of a lifetime full of accomplishments.

Thats a tough sell to those whove marveled at his more than half- a century of training achievements.

He had a lot of great accomplishments, said John Sadler, who is Rock Your Worlds trainer. He had one horse [John Henry] that has a statue in the Santa Anita paddock. He had Paseana and Bayakoa. He has a long, long list.

The percentages of training or breeding a Kentucky Derby winner are well to the right of the decimal point preceded by a 0. McAnally might do it with only one mare that lives at Winter Quarter Farm in Lexington, Ky.

Theyve got some retired horses that live here and are enjoying life and theyve got some young ones, said Don Robinson, who manages the farm. But theyve only got one active broodmare.

Rock Your Worlds mom is Charm the Maker and his dad is Candy Ride. McAnally trained both horses and owns Charm the Maker.

It makes this opportunity all the more special.

A win "would be, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our lives, McAnally said.

Adding to the anticipation of Rock Your World running in the Kentucky Derby is that the race is one of the few things missing from McAnallys resume. Hes brought 10 horses to the Kentucky Derby and never hit the board.

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Ron McAnally is one of the greatest trainers of all time, said fellow Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, who often visits with McAnally at Clockers Corner at Santa Anita. There were a lot of great trainers that never got the chance to win the Derby, and he is one of them.

When I first came into the business, I always looked up to him asked him questions and followed his program because I was stabled next to him. Even at his age, hes still very sharp.

Kentucky Derby hopeful Rock Your World gets a bath after a workout April 27 at Churchill Downs. (Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)

McAnally won the Eclipse Award for top trainer three times. During his career he has 18,010 starts with 2,592 wins. He still dabbles in training and has had four starts this year with one win, a percentage that would get you in the Hall of Fame if you werent already there.

Hes a guy thats been in California his whole career and had wonderful horses there his whole career, Sadler said. Hes had a storied career especially when you think about his relationship with Jenny and Sidney Craig [who owned Candy Ride] and all the great horses hes had. I think its really nice for him to be in this position. Hes a little older now and to have bred a really top horse ... I know hes thrilled.

McAnally has offered Sadler no advice on how to train Rock Your World, even when the horse took an unusual path to get here. His first two races were on the turf before winning the Santa Anita Derby.

John Sadler is a very good horseman, McAnally said. He takes his time and treats them well.

Their relationship goes back a long way to when Sadler was a veterinary assistant for Jack Robbins, the father of Del Mars director of racing Tom Robbins and now retired trainer Jay Robbins.

Jack was the veterinarian for the McAnally barn, so I got to be around him a lot, Sadler said. I know this is fun for him especially because hes got the [horses] family. He's even got a full brother [same sire and dam] to this horse. A trainer needs to be looking ahead, and this one will make his vision even a brighter one.

One thing that McAnally had to learn as breeder is that you cant keep every horse, even if they are really good.

I had him as a yearling in Kentucky before the sale, and I had the [groom] take him out of the stall two or three times, McAnally said. I had the feeling, honestly, that this was a good horse. But you cant keep buying them back. Its so that people know when you consign a horse, youre actually there to sell the horse. Youre either serious about selling the horse or youre not.

McAnallys version of selling Rock Your World, who went for $650,000, was initially met only with a chuckle from Robinson.

In the old school, if youre a seller, you really cant bid on your own horses because it irritates people, Robinson said. Ive been with Ron for a long time and have had to remind him, Ron, it makes people angry so you have to be careful. Still, there is so much respect for Ron McAnally.

When 3:57 p.m. rolls around Saturday, the McAnallys will be parked in front of their big-screen television.

Ill have a lot of butterflies, McAnally said. It means just as much as if we were training the horse. Debbie will be yelling and our two little dogs will be barking and well be excited if he wins or if he just runs good.

And if Rock Your World wins the Kentucky Derby?

They dont bottle enough champagne.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The decades-long conversation around statehood for Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico has been ramping up in Congress. A bill granting statehood to the District of Columbia passed in the House of Representatives on April 22, though it faces slim odds in the split Senate.

Meanwhile, the U.S. territory Puerto Rico has two current options: the Puerto Rico Statehood Admission Act and the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act.

Introduced in March by Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., the Statehood Admission Act would grant the island statehood.

"We hear pleas of equality from our fellow Americans back on the island," Soto said. "And we must recognize that a majority has asked us for statehood, and we must respect it."

The Self-Determination Act would place the decision and conversation surrounding statehood into the hands of elected delegates and federal officials. That bill was first introduced in 2007 and reintroduced to the House in March by New York Democratic Reps. Nydia Velazquez and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

No pending legislation for another U.S. territory to become a new state has been drafted, but Guam officials have called for statehood, while others on the Pacific island have marched for independence and self-determination.

The 51st state? DC statehood bill passes House for second time, legislation moves to split Senate

Statehood statuses: Could DC, Puerto Rico become the next US states? Here's what Congress is considering

Demonstrators rally for statehood for the District of Columbia on March 22.

Why vote for statehood?

Supporters of statehood in all three territories push the same argument: Without representation in Congress, the residents have a limited voice.

Puerto Rican and Guam residents are U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote for president and do not have a voting member in Congress. District of Columbia residents also do not have a voting representative in Congress, but they can vote for president.

"Washingtonians ... pay taxes, fight in our wars, contribute to the economic life of our country. But for centuries, they have been denied their right to representation, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference April 21.

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Democrats view statehood for the district and its 46% Black population as a civil rights issue directly disenfranchising residents.

In a 2016 referendum, 79% of D.C. residents voted in favor of a petition to become a state. The overwhelming support for statehood is the highest margin of support when compared with Puerto Rico and Guam residents.

With about 55% voter turnout, 52.34% of Puerto Ricans voted yes to statehood in a plebiscite in November, according to Puerto Ricos Elections Commission.

Victoria Colon, who lives in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, told USA TODAY her support for statehood stems from wanting equal access to benefits, assistance and money available to residents on the mainland.

Although Puerto Ricans dont pay federal income taxes, they pay payroll taxes that fund federal programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. States are given open-ended funding to those programs, while Puerto Rico has a spending cap.

I was born and raised and will forever stay on this island, but I want us to get better. Were Americans and should be given the same access to those on the mainland, Colon said.

Similar to Colons argument, Tina Rose Muna Barnes, a senator in the Guam Legislature, told USA TODAY that statehood would end the federal government's ability to exclude or limit Guam residents from benefit programs.

On a personal note, I am a proud American who favors a closer political relationship with the United States. That said, I also support our people's right to self-determination, meaning the right to determine, for ourselves, what our future political status should be, Muna Barnes said. At the end of the day, this is an issue for the community as a whole to decide, not any one or small group of individuals.

Unlike D.C. and Puerto Rico, Guam native residents were denied a political status plebiscite.

The plebiscite, where residents would vote for independence, statehood or free association with the United States, was ruled as illegally race-based and violates constitutional protections by the federal courts, according to Pacific Daily News.

Guam native Vicky Duenas told USA TODAY an island-wide plebiscite would prove residents seek closer ties to the U.S.

After a political status plebiscite was ruled ineligible, Guam residents rally for self-determination.

If not statehood, then what?

Efrain Vazquez-Vera, a University of Puerto Rico professor and former assistant secretary of state of the island, said there are no pleas for statehood from Puerto Ricans as Soto said.

Puerto Ricans focus is on the economic recession, COVID-19 pandemic and rising unemployment rates, Vazquez-Vera told USA TODAY. He argued that a plebiscite that accounted for only 55% of the island isnt a fair assessment of the entire islands opinion.

But he added that the Self-Determination Act is a step in the right direction if the delegates are lawyers and civil workers rather than politicians.

The decision and conversation should come from working Puerto Ricans, not the politicians who have misused funds and have been historically corrupt, Vazquez-Vera said in Spanish.

The argument against statehood for D.C. also comes down to politics. Republicans have called the bill a ploy to garner more Democratic votes in Congress.

The Democratic presidential nominee has captured more than 89% of the vote in the district since 2000, according to the Brookings Institute.

North Carolina Rep. Virginia Foxx and Tennessee Rep. James Comer, both Republicans, have voiced their concern over Democrats intentions with D.C. statehood.

"D.C. is a pawn being used by congressional Democrats to gain power," Foxx said after Mayor Muriel Bowser said the district was "more than slightly Democratic."

Guam residents and local leaders rally for independence from the U.S.

Meanwhile, in Guam, independence supporters argue statehood wouldnt further Guams interests and economic needs.

Michael Lujan Bevacqua of the Kabesa and Bittot clans in Guam is a leader in the Guam independence movement, serving with Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero as co-chair for Independent Guahan, a group dedicated to educating the island community about decolonization.

Their biggest argument for independence? Guam natives dont speak for Guam; the U.S. does.

Lujan Bevacqua told USA TODAY independence would allow Guam to interact with its bordering Asian countries and participate in global conversations such as climate change and fish stocks.

To the U.S., Guam is just a strategic military colony, Lujan Bevacqua said. When Leon Guerrero discovered a military base was being built where ancient human remains were found, she said she was devastated.

In April, Telena Nelson, a senator in the Guam Legislature, launched an investigation into the construction of U.S. Marine Corps Camp Blaz in the village of Dededo in the northern part of the island, according to the Guardian.

Leon Guerrero said the incident showed independence is the best option for Guam. Leon Guerrero said no island or population is "too small" to govern themselves, and independence ensures Guam's needs will be prioritized.

As an unincorporated territory, we are not able to stop the desecration of our ancestors' graves or protect our water from contamination as a result of military construction and activities on our island, which is a violation of both our human and indigenous rights," Leon Guerrero said. "Independence is the only option that will give us the ability to protect our lands and waters on our terms and have a voice in all decisions that are made for Guam.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Statehood for DC, Puerto Rico and Guam: What do their residents want?
Minister for Youth Meets the Voice of Young People

This week the Minister for Youth, the Hon Steven Linares, reached out to some of the young people in our community by holding a meeting with the Voice of Young People (VYP) and other representatives from local youth clubs involved in various ongoing projects.

The meeting organised and chaired by the VYP gave the young people present an opportunity to have an open dialogue with the Minister, where they discussed the challenges they are facing today as well as fresh ideas they would like to embark upon.

Minister Linares was very responsive about the concerns raised which included topics such as disability, accessibility to wheelchair users as well as LGBTQ+ issues and gender-neutral toilets.

During a Question and Answer session, a member of the VYP raised concerns about the challenges faced by young people leaving school and seeking employment. As a result, the VYP will be making representations with the Employment & Training Board to seek clarity on where young people can be signposted after leaving school.

The meeting was a success with a joint commitment from all to identify solutions that will work in the short and long term. All the young people felt empowered by having their voices heard and have a greater awareness of the challenges faced by everyone in the community during this pandemic including the government.

Should you have an issue or concern and would like your voice to be heard please go along to the drop in sessions on a Wednesday evening from 4  5.30pm at the Youth Centre. Likewise the group welcome young people between the ages of 13  25 to join them on their journey, there is no criteria other than having an interest in improving and developing services which meet the needs of for all young people in our community.
Apr. 29A Vermont woman is facing kidnapping and other charges after police say she stole a gun from a car parked at a New Hampshire gas station, then forced a man to drive her to Vermont.

According to police in Hartford, Vt., a woman identified as Jennifer Fornwalt, 48, of Bradford, Vt., stole a gun from a car parked at an Irving Oil gas station in Hanover.

Police say Fornwalt then got in the back seat of a different car nearby, which was empty. She grabbed the driver's cell phone, then waited until the driver returned, police said.

The driver got back in the car and drove off before he noticed Fornwalt in the back seat. Police say Fornwalt then demanded a ride to White River Junction, Vt., and retained possession of the phone so he couldn't call for help.

Police say once the vehicle reached White River Junction, Fornwalt exited the car and gave the driver his phone back. It wasn't until that time that the driver noticed Fornwalt had a gun, police said.

Fornwalt is being held at Southern State Correctional Center on charges of kidnapping, interfering with access to emergency services and possession of stolen property.

She was ordered held without bail pending her arraignment.

Fornwalt is also facing charges in New Hampshire related to the incident and for being a fugitive from justice, police said.
An aerial view of Chateubelair where many homes/houses were vacated as a result of the eruption. This one area poses a great security challenge.

Police have confirmed that there have been a few incidents of properties in the Red Zone being burglarized since the La Soufriere volcano began erupting on April 9.





Commissioner of Police, Colin John told THE VINCENTIAN that police had received five reports from the Northwestern and two from on the Northeastern sides of the Red Zone.





Minister of National Security and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had earlier (April 14) provided insight into the two events on the Northwestern section. He reported then that the police had intercepted two individuals who had arrived on the Leeward side of the island by boat, with the intention of breaking and entering persons homes.





He referred further, on radio on April 27, to a report of an undisclosed number of persons who had broken into a number of houses in the Chateaubelair, and had stolen a number of items.





To date there have been two arrests associated with burgalary in the Red Zone. Kim Hoyte of Sandy Bay and Kenny Nanton of Point appeared at the Kingstown Magistrates Court on April 19, to answer separately to charges of theft committed in the northeastern area of the Red Zone.





In relation to the theft of animals, the Commissioner of Police John said that a number of persons had reported seeing animals being transported out of the northeastern area, but there were only a few reports of praedial larceny made to date.





And towards dealing with the issue, the Commissioner indicated that a number of initiatives have been put in place, e.g. patrols and check points at the entrances of the Red Zone, and stop and search exercises of those venturing in and out of the that Zone.





Drivers of vehicles venturing into the Red Zone will be subject to having their names and vehicle registration numbers recorded, the Commissioner added.
At 79, the woman, Ms. Tran To Nga, is fighting what may be the last battle of her life. She has cancer, high iodine levels in her blood, genetic abnormalities, among other illnesses linked to Agent Orange. Her children were born with genetic abnormalities; one died when she was only few months old.

With much of the world preoccupied with the pandemic, Ms. Ngas fight for justice has been largely ignored  the same way the innocent people exposed to herbicides sprayed from American military aircrafts in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia have been overlooked for nearly half a century.

The first time I heard of Agent Orange was in 1980 when I was 7 years old and living in South Vietnam. A neighbor was standing in our kitchen, pointing at a fish we had caught in a stream close to home. The fish was a great catch, but it had two tails and a gigantic, deformed head.

Dont eat that fish, the neighbor told us, it has been contaminated by chat oc da cam.

Years later, after I learned English and came across the term Agent Orange, I wondered why Americans used an ambiguous-sounding name for this deadly chemical while Vietnamese farmers, like my parents and our neighbors, chose instead to address it head-on: chat oc da cam, or, the poison, Agent Orange.

In the 1980s, unlike many Americans who had the luxury of choosing their food, my parents did not. Over half a decade had passed since the war ended, but we were still living under the trade embargo America had placed on Vietnam. We were starving. My parents kept the fish alive in a deep bucket filled with water for some days, replacing the water regularly as they debated what to do. They reasoned that we couldnt be certain the fishs features were caused by chemical contamination.
On October 19, 2020, the Lagos state government set up a nine-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate cases of brutality and human rights violations perpetrated by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force and the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The panel was set up as a response to one of the demands of youth during the #EndSARS protests, which is investigating cases of police brutality and providing restitution to the victims.

While inaugurating the panel, the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said it was in line with the resolution of the National Economic Council on October 15, 2020, chaired by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

The governor added that the panel was set up based on Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law of Lagos State (2015) which gives the panel the powers to procure evidence and summon any person to attend its proceedings to give evidence.

The state government, however, expanded the locus of the Judicial Panel on October 21 to include the investigation of the October 20, 2020, Lekki Toll shooting incident.

Saddled with the responsibility of providing restitution to the victims of police abuses in the state, a N200 million fund was approved by the Lagos state government as compensation for victims.

The panel was given a six-month timeline to accomplish its tasks, from October 2020 till April 2021.

The panel so far

The judicial panel commenced sitting on October 26, 2020, but heard its first case on October 27, with over 100 cases heard by the panel as of April.

Although similar panels were set up in different states of Nigeria, the Lagos panel received the highest number of petitions.

The panel is led by Doris Okuwobi, a retired judge. Other members are Ebun Adegboruwa (representing the Civil Society), Taiwo Lakanu (a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police), Patience Udoh (representing the Civil Society), Segun Awosanya (human rights activist), Olutoyin Odusanya (Director, Lagos Citizens Mediation Center), and Temitope Majekodunmi, a youth representative,

A total number of 235 petitions were received by the panel between October and December 2020. Out of this number, about 112 cases have been brought up before the panel. This includes cases that have been struck out, those undergoing hearing, and those that have received judgments.

Out of the 112 cases brought before the panel, 10 were struck out for want of diligent prosecution while four cases were withdrawn by the petitioners. Numerous cases are still ongoing at the panel.

Judgments and compensation

A total number of seven cases have received compensation at the panel, totaling N43.75 million. The compensation and judgment were awarded between February and March.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how N10 million each was awarded to three petitioners namely Adebayo Abayomi, Hannah Olugbodi, and Tolulope Openiyi. While Mr Abayomi and Mrs Openiyi were compensated for the extrajudicial killings of their loved ones, Mrs Olugbodi was compensated for being shot by an officer resulting in damage to her leg.

Another petitioner, Chidebere Nwadi was awarded N7.5 million for spending six years in jail without any offence, while Felicia Opara and Tella Adesanya were awarded N750, 000 and N500, 000 respectively for the harassment, unlawful detention, and brutality they suffered in the hands of the police.

The last petitioner, Blessing Omorogie, was awarded N5 million as compensation for a deformity on her face after being shot by an officer.

In the case of Francis Idum, who was allegedly killed by a bullet shot by police officers in Ilupeju, and Oladoyin Ademola who said he suffered cataracts after being slapped by a police officer, the panel awarded no compensation, saying they could not establish their case.

Also, 12 other cases have been concluded and await the ruling of the panel.

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Cases yet to be heard

As of April, a total number of 123 cases are yet to be opened before the panel. This is about 55 per cent of the total petitions before the panel.

On March 31, Mrs Okuwobi, the chairperson of the panel, announced a further extension of the panel by three months.

We got an extension, but only for a short period, all these adjournments will no more be allowed, the retired judge announced while hearing a petition.

With the extension, the panel now has till July 19 to hear all the cases before it, as opposed to the earlier finishing date which was April 19.

With more than half of the petitions not heard six months after the commencement of the panel, PREMIUM TIMES considers the feasibility of finishing all the petitions in the next three months.

Observers are pitched in different tents regarding the pace of the panel, with some saying too many adjournments are allowed, with no consideration to the limited time that the panel has.

Although the panel chair, Mrs Okuwobi, often frowns at adjournments sought by the police respondent or at the expense of the petitioner, some adjournments are allowed at the panel for the purpose of fair hearing.

Panel needs more time

Analysts, lawyers, and human rights activists interviewed by PREMIUM TIMES before the extension said more time should be given to the panel.

Effiong Inibehe, a lawyer and human rights activist, also said the panel deserved an extension of tenure.

It will be a grave injustice to discontinue with pending petitions on the basis of time. If the panel feels they cannot conclude the petitions within the time, they should formally ask for an extension from the governor, he said.

The Tribunals of Inquiry Law of Lagos state gives the governor the power to set up a tribunal to look into disputes and matters pertaining to public welfare. The also has the power to allocate a timeframe for the tribunal and give an extension when needed.

With the additional three months given to the panel, can all 123 fresh cases be attended to, alongside over 50 of already-opened cases that are not yet near closure?

A lawyer, who prefers not to be named because he appears before the panel, said the pace at which the panel continues with the petition will determine whether it will conclude the cases.

Justice takes time, imagine the panel spending six months on barely 100 petitions and you expect the same panel to round off the remaining 130 or more cases in three months, does that sound possible? the lawyer responded.

This is not to pre-empt the panel but from the place of logic, it does not look possible, he added.

Journalists speak

A journalist who has been covering the panel since inception, Fola Ademosu, said the three months extension given to the panel to probe the October 20, 2020 shootings at Lekki tollgate and scores of human rights by the police is crassly insufficient.

It is a matter of logic, it has taken the panel six months to hear about 100 petitions, some of which it has yet to conclude, it definitely means it requires as much time as the initial one or more to finish the over 120 petitions left to be attended to, he said.

Mr Ademosu said even in the regular courts, cases do not move with the speed of light and tend to suffer adjournments for different reasons.

How then does the government expect the panel, a quasi-court in its own right, to hear and conclude about 250 petitions in nine months?

The extended period is defeatist of the panels goals. It cannot be in the interest of justice to victims. It portrays the government as being in haste to put the panel and all of the issues that prompted its birth behind it, he added.

Another journalist, who prefers not to be named, said the frequent adjournments at the panel, mostly on the account of the respondents, will be a hindering block to the completion of the petitions within the time left.

If the panel continues to grant adjournments and accommodate unnecessary discussions at this rate, I dont see them finishing the petitions in two years, talkless of nine months, she said.

Justice is more important

Shina Loremikan, a foundation member of the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), said the most important thing is to see that justice flows like river waters.

If that is to be done, if there is a need for more extension, it is good for them to seek an extension. All parties need to explain they played in the alleged rights abuses and if you dont know the depth of the abuses, you cannot pick for justice.

Justice is not a one-way thing. There is justice to the victims, justice to the perpetrators of the victims, and justice to the society. This is a rare opportunity, we should put it to maximum use, he said.

Mr Loremikan said the chances to finish within the period of time given are slim and to know the extent of police brutality and abuse of powers, patience is required from all quarters.

Alex Omotehinse, president, Centre for Human and Socioeconomic Rights (CHSR) said the panel has been fair to parties so far and the government needs to aid the delivery of justice.

The best the government can do in the interest of justice is to give all the support that the panel needs. They have been doing well and should not be stifled, he said.
A horrific police murder caught on camera changed the world, burned a few cars on the Plaza and brought many locals to their knees faster than a consenting, attractive, discrete coworker.

Accordingly . . .

Here's a local news virtue signal dance off betwixt KCUR vs. KSHB wherein both progressive news outlets attempt to prove their solidarity with the BLM movement by way of spin that that's every bit as cringe-worthy and quickly dated as an old school break-dancing competition.

Check-it . . .
Guwahati, April 30 : Two Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) cadre were arrested in Assam's Dhubri on Friday and firearms and fake Indian currency seized from them, Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said.

Police recovered four firearms and fake Indian currency notes of the face value of Rs 1.02 lakh from the two, who were apprehended in the district bordering Bangladesh and West Bengal.

"In a joint operation with Special Branch, Assam Police and a Central agency, Dhubri police apprehended two neo-JMB cadres from Larkura area under Gauripur police station. One of the cadres was apprehended with 4 firearms and Rs 1.02 lakh in fake Indian currency notes," Mahanta tweeted.

Following the arrests, the Assam Police sought the help of the Muslim community in identifying members of the new module of the extremist JMB.

"In this matter, we appeal to the respected Muslim community and their leaders to come forward and assist us in identifying the other members of this module. We also appeal to them to help us bring all such radicalised elements to the mainstream," the DGP said in a separate tweet.

Talking to the media, Mahanta said that police investigations revealed some Bangladeshi clerics obtain Indian visas ostensibly for the medical treatment in Chennai but violating the visa rules, they visit different parts of Assam to radicalise Muslims in the state.

In 2014, the police had busted a JMB module in Assam's Barpeta, which ranks second after Dhubri in terms of the Muslim population, and arrested more than a dozen people. This module had spread to Baksa district in the same region.

Additional Director General of Police, Special Branch, Hiren Nath said the JMB cadres mingled as ordinary people plying various trades. "These JMB cadres misguide the youths and motivate them to follow the JMB's ideology," he said.

According to the 2011 census, Muslims are majority in six of Assam's 34 districts - Dhubri (79.67), Barpeta (70.74 per cent), Darrang (64.34 per cent), Hailakandi (60.31 per cent), Goalpara (57.52 per cent) and Bongaigaon (50.22 per cent).
Hostile states and criminal gangs could have accessed Boris Johnsons mobile number after it was left posted online for years, a former national security adviser warned yesterday.

Lord Ricketts said there was an increased risk of eavesdropping if the Prime Ministers contact details were widely available.

Mr Johnsons number was contained at the end of a 2006 press release published by a think-tank when he was the Tories higher education spokesman.

Downing Street refused to say whether Mr Johnson would change his number in light of the disclosure, though calls to the number are currently unavailable

But the press release was only removed from the website yesterday morning.

Numbers for at least two senior members of the Government were also still available on the internet yesterday.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps had their numbers posted in newspaper stories, though Mr Shappss was removed last night.

Lord Ricketts said there was an increased risk of eavesdropping if the Prime Ministers contact details were widely available

A source close to Mr Buckland said he liked to be available to constituents but added that any sensitive business was conducted through Government phones.

Crossbench peer Lord Ricketts, who served as the UKs National Security Advisor between 2010 and 2012, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I know that modern systems like WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted. Nonetheless, I think one would be worried if a hostile state who had sophisticated capabilities, had the mobile phone number itself.

That must increase the risk theyre able to eavesdrop on some... of the communications that are going on, and possibly other non-state actors as well, like sophisticated criminal gangs. So, there is no way of knowing whether thats true, but there must at least be an increased risk if the number is widely available.

Downing Street refused to say whether Mr Johnson would change his number in light of the disclosure, though calls to the number are currently unavailable.

The PM was reported last week to have been told to change it by the Cabinet Secretary because it was too widely known.

Earlier this year his fiancee Carrie Symondss number was inadvertently posted online by No10 in a photograph showing their dog Dilyns collar.

Questions have been raised in recent weeks over access to ministers amid the row over lobbying, with Mr Johnson under fire for his contact with entrepreneur Sir James Dyson.

During the height of the pandemic last year, the Prime Minister offered via text message to fix a tax issue if Sir Jamess employees came to the UK to make ventilators. Yesterday Chancellor Rishi Sunak sought to play down the security fears.

Speaking on a by-election campaign visit to Hartlepool, he said: As far as Im aware, all security protocols have been followed. Part of what makes the Prime Minister special is that he is an incredibly approachable individual.

But Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the availability of the number represented a security risk. He added: He was warned about it, that tells its own story. I think a lot of people will be concerned, not just about whos got the number but whos been using it.
Premier Brian Pallister says images of needles going into arms shown repeatedly on TV may be contributing to vaccine hesitancy in Manitoba.

Premier Brian Pallister says images of needles going into arms shown repeatedly on TV may be contributing to vaccine hesitancy in Manitoba.

Asked Thursday why he thinks reported inoculation rates are low in parts of southeastern Manitoba, the premier said the provincial government is promoting the need for people to get vaccinated.

"Thats why weve communicated though advertising, through written materials" how important that is, Pallister said during a news conference.

However, he added, one thing that might combat vaccine hesitancy would be for media to stop broadcasting shots of people getting shots.

John Woods / Canadian Press files Video and still images of the moment the needle, wielded by chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin, plunged into the Premier Brian Pallister's left arm at the beginning of April were among the day's top local news.

"Ill be blunt. Basically, every night now when I have the opportunity to watch a TV broadcast, I see a needle going into somebodys arm. If youd like to stop scaring people, stop showing the needle going into everybodys arm and the blood coming out. It doesnt really help," Pallister said.

"Maybe if we could just talk about the importance of vaccines rather than showing the needle going into somebodys arm, we might do a little better on convincing some people to get the vaccine."

On April 8, the premier got his first shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine during a media event at the downtown Winnipeg convention centre. Video and still images of the moment the needle, wielded by chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin, plunged into the premier's left arm were among the day's top local news.

NDP leader Wab Kinew recieves a COVID-19 vaccination from Dr. Marcia Anderson, public health lead, Manitoba First Nation Pandemic Response Coordination Team, at Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre on April 29. (Supplied)

On Thursday, NDP Leader Wab Kinew disagreed with Pallister's stance, saying people need to see graphic images of the the vaccine being administered.

"I think it's important that we show the actual needle going into the arm to combat conspiracy theories that are out there," Kinew said in a scrum with reporters.

"One of the ones that I've seen circulating is that when you see politicians or celebrities or influencers getting the shot and you don't actually see the needle going in, then it's a conspiracy  they're not actually getting it," said Kinew.

"At this point, (we should do) anything we can do to counter misinformation."

John Woods / The Canadian Press Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba chief public health officer, receives the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead on the Manitoba Vaccine Implementation Task Force on March 19.

Kinew received a COVID-19 vaccine dose Thursday, and invited media to attend.

"I have a lot of trust in media types who've been programming television news for many years over their entire careers," said Kinew, a former broadcast journalist. "I think they'll get it right."

The NDP leader said he felt "elated" after receiving his first COVID-19 vaccine dose.

"For me, it made it seem as though the end of the pandemic is a little bit closer," he said. "This is how it ends  this is how we end it  by getting the vaccine."

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

Carol Sanders

Legislature reporter After 20 years of reporting on the growing diversity of people calling Manitoba home, Carol moved to the legislature bureau in early 2020. Read full biography
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The Nigerian Army has renamed its counter insurgency operation in the North-east, known as Operation Lafiya Dole.

In a statement by the army spokesperson, Mohammed Yerima, he said the operation will henceforth be known as Operation Hadin Kai.

Hadin Kai is a Hausa phrase which literally means cooperation.

According to the statement, the change of name became pertinent following the successes the army has recorded in the region.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru has approved the renaming of the ongoing Cointerinsurgency Operation in the North East from Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) to Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

This is premised on the fact that the Nigerian Army (NA) has made a lot of progress over the years and needs to re-align for better efficiency. Also affected the re-designation are the Army Super Camps which now reflect the nomenclature of the formations and units followed by the name of the locations they occupy while sub-units are redesigned as Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) followed by the name of their locations. All these changes are with immediate effect, the statement read.

He said the renaming is in line with the vision of the army chief of having A Nigerian Army that is Repositioned to Professionally Defeat all Adversaries in a Joint Environment.

It is the believe of the COAS that the complete defeat of insurgency is a process that requires the participation of the entire nation using all elements of national power.

He assured that the army under the present leadership will continue to pursue the path of unity in prosecuting the counterinsurgency war.

OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE

Following his declaration as the Chief of Army Staff in 2015, the immediate past army chief, Tukur Buratai, renamed the code name for the war on terror from Operation Zaman Lafiya to Operation Lafiya Dole signaling his determination to attain peace by force in the North-east.

The change of name then, according to the army, was a strategy to deal with the Boko Haram menace which he said will be pursued by action rather than talking.

Lafiya Dole is a Hausa phrase which literally means Peace by Force please

According to the last army leadership, the name was to send a strong and final warning to the terrorists that they cannot derail the wheel of peace in the North-east or any part of Nigeria.

Six years after that, the army is still battling the Boko Haram.
Noel Clarke once tweeted a photo of a couple having sex after snapping them through the window of his apartment.

The star, who has been hit with groping and bullying claims, shared an image of the 'doggy style' couple in 2014, seven years before starring as a snooper policeman in ITV drama Viewpoint.

He tweeted at the time: 'You can just about see the doggy style portion of events. Phone makes it look so far away. It wasn't.'

The actor is believed to have been on holiday in Hawaii at the time.

Noel Clarke, who has been hit with groping and bullying claims, shared an image of the 'doggy style' couple in 2014, seven years before starring as a snooper policeman in ITV drama Viewpoint

He tweeted at the time: 'You can just about see the doggy style portion of events. Phone makes it look so far away. It wasn't'

ITV today pulled the final episode of Viewpoint from schedules in light of the allegations.

The actor, 45, is currently starring in the thriller as DC Martin Young, a surveillance detective who sets up his observation post in the home of a single mother.

The five-part drama was broadcast throughout this week and was due to conclude on Friday night.

Twenty women who knew Clarke in a professional capacity have come forward with allegations in The Guardian, prompting ITV to announce it will not be broadcasting the final episode but will make it available on the ITV Hub.

Clarke has 'vehemently' denied claims of sexual misconduct.

Newly-resurfaced Tweets see Clarke call a woman 'the slag', while he says another is 'only famous for showing her f***y'

Newly-resurfaced Tweets see Clarke call a woman 'the slag', while he says another is 'only famous for showing her f***y'.

In a 2010 tweet, Clarke writes: 'Only thing better than surprise money is surprise sex...

'To clarify (NOT rape). Surprise "I'm naked come and get it" consensual sex.'

In 2012 he wrote: 'What happened to hard work? Actually I'm just jealous I don't get to do f*** all but have t**s and a p***y I can flash for gifts and money.'

Another read: 'Well. No-one is calling girls s***s. But women who serial shag star targets to sell stories for money are what?'

In response to a tweet asking what things women want, Clarke replies: 'They want money, shoes, bags and cuddles.

'You know those sly ones when they try to swap a cuddle for sex. Can't fool me.'

The channel said in a statement: 'ITV has a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and victimisation and robust procedures in place to investigate and deal with any complaints.

'We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment.

'In light of the very serious nature of the allegations against Noel Clarke raised by 20 women in the Guardian's report, ITV has decided it is no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode of the drama Viewpoint on ITV main channel this evening.

'We are mindful that some of our viewers have already invested four hours of their time over the past four nights in following this thriller which was due to conclude this evening, and they have yet to see the final episode.

'As such we plan to make it available on ITV Hub tonight for a limited time for any viewers who wish to seek it out, and watch its conclusion.'

The 45-year-old actor pictured in the five-part drama Viewpoint, which follows a tense police surveillance investigation into a tightknit Manchester community. The show went ahead on ITV last night despite the furore

Bafta has suspended Noel Clarke's membership following allegations of misconduct. The claims were levelled against Clarke in The Guardian. Pictured: the actor at a premiere in London

Broadcaster Sky, which has aired three series of Clarke's series Bulletproof, has said it is halting work with Clarke following the accusations.

Meanwhile Bafta has sought to explain why it honoured Clarke with the outstanding British contribution to cinema award earlier this month - after it had been informed of accusations of misconduct.

Actress friend of Noel Clarke claims he's being 'vilified' because 'no one likes it when a man of colour gets to the top' An actress friend of Noel Clarke told MailOnline today that the 20 women accusing him of being a 'sexual predator' are pursuing a racist 'witchhunt' as the actor was sacked by Sky, suspended by Bafta and criticised by a co-star who backed his alleged victims. The actress, who asked not to be named, said the 45-year-old actor, writer and director's fall from grace is because 'no one likes it when a man of colour gets to the top'. Clarke, who is married to former make-up artist Iris Da Silva with three children, wrote and starred in the acclaimed film trilogy Kidulthood, Adulthood and Brotherhood as well as many TV hits including Doctor Who. He is accused of a campaign of sexual harassment, groping and bullying between 2004 and 2019. Actress Jahannah James, a star in one of Clarke's hit movies, Brotherhood, is one of his alleged victims named in the Guardian, claiming she was secretly filmed doing a naked audition that was so upsetting she still cries 'years later'. She tweeted today: 'Bafta knew about the allegations before his award and decided they didn't believe it'. A film producer, and friend of Jahannah, claims he admitted he had planned to 'f**k her then fire her' her before groping her in a lift as well as exposing himself while driving together in LA, while another actress allegedly propositioned by Clarke described it as her '#metoo moment', a nod to the victims of Harvey Weinstein. But Clarke's friend said: 'If he was a white film director and middle-class, he would be knighted by now, I'm sure of it. I know him and he's a dear friend and a wonderful person and what he's done for the film industry is second-to-none. I know exactly who he is and I think he's being vilified, absolutely vilified'. Asked if she thought there was a racial element to the furore, she replied: '100 per cent. Nobody likes it, do they, when a man of colour, and from that class background, gets to the top'. Sky today halted all work with Clarke and cancelled filming of his new show Bulletproof over sexual harassment claims - before ITV axed tonight's final episode of thriller Viewpoint after criticism of its 'crass' decision to air a sex scene with him last night. Advertisement

The Academy has suspended his award and membership, and sought to clarify to members why it proceeded with plans to celebrate the actor at the recent film awards.

Actress Jahannah James, a star in one of Clarke's hit movies, Brotherhood, is one of his alleged victims named in the Guardian, claiming she was secretly filmed doing a naked audition that was so upsetting she still cries 'years later'. She tweeted today: 'Bafta knew about the allegations before his award and decided they didn't believe it'.

A film producer, and friend of Jahannah, claims he admitted he had planned to 'f**k her then fire her' her before groping her in a lift as well as exposing himself while driving together in LA, while another actress allegedly propositioned by Clarke described it as her '#metoo moment', a nod to the victims of Harvey Weinstein.

MP Stella Creasy said the allegations posed 'very uncomfortable questions for Bafta', while shadow Northern Ireland minister Alex Davies Jones said: 'If @Bafta gave Noel Clarke an 'outstanding contribution award' despite knowing about the allegations against him then there are serious questions that need answering immediately.'

In a letter to its membership, Bafta said it was not aware of allegations relating to Clarke before announcing he would be given the award and it was in the days following the announcement in March that the body received anonymous emails of second or third-hand accounts.

The letter said: 'We want to reassure you that we have treated this matter with the utmost seriousness, care and proper process at every stage.

'The Bafta board of trustees has remained right across this matter, has met a number of times and are fully supportive of all actions taken.

'The allegations against Mr Clarke are extremely serious and the behaviour they allege are contrary to Bafta's values and everything it stands for.

'But no matter how abhorrent these allegations are, they cannot be dealt with without due process.

'Bafta is an arts charity that is not in a position to properly investigate such matters.'

The academy said the emails it received were 'either anonymous or second or third-hand accounts via intermediaries'.

'No first-hand allegations were sent to us. No names, times, dates, productions or other details were ever provided.

'Had the victims gone on record as they have with The Guardian, the award would have been suspended immediately. Noel Clarke's counsel received a legal notice to this effect.

'It was always very clear what our intentions would be.

'We asked for individuals to come forward with their accounts and identify themselves, as they have done with The Guardian, but due to the anonymous claims and the lack of first-hand specificity, we did not have sufficient grounds to take action.'

Bafta added it put in place an 'independent, appropriately qualified person' with whom alleged victims could discuss the issues.

The letter concluded: 'We very much regret that women felt unable to provide us with the kind of first-hand testimony that has now appeared in The Guardian.

'Had we been in receipt of this, we would never have presented the award to Noel Clarke.'

Clarke said in a statement: 'In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me.

'If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise.

'I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.'

Actress Jahannah James, a star in one of Clarke's hit movies, Brotherhood, is one of his alleged victims named in the Guardian

Clarke's Bulletproof co-star, Ashley Walters, said on social media: 'My thoughts are with the women who have come forward and told their awful stories, I am in shock and deeply saddened by what I have heard on a multitude of levels.

'I could never condone behaviour of this nature neither in nor out of the workplace, and whilst Noel has been a friend and colleague for several years, I cannot stand by and ignore these allegations.

'Sexual harassment, abuse and bullying have no place in our industry. Every woman has the right to a safe workplace and moving forward I pledge my dedication to this.'

Vertigo Films, the UK producers behind Bulletproof, said: 'We are devastated to hear about these allegations and have launched an urgent investigation to find out if any apply to any Vertigo Films productions.

'Our immediate concern is for any cast or crew who may have had a negative experience on set.

'We have robust procedures in place for reporting incidents, including the ability to raise issues anonymously.

'And while no issues have been flagged to us, we stand ready to support anyone who has had a negative experience on the show and encourage you to come forward with confidence. Effective immediately, Noel Clarke is removed from any Vertigo Films production.'

Miss James (pictured left and right) is claiming she was secretly filmed doing a naked audition for Brotherhood that was so upsetting she still cries 'years later'

Clarke made his first TV appearance more than 20 years ago in the Channel 4 series Metrosexuality, and gained fame for his roles as Mickey Smith in Doctor Who and Wyman Norris in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

He later wrote and starred in the acclaimed film trilogy Kidulthood, Adulthood and Brotherhood, and directed two of them.

Clarke was first recognised by Bafta in 2009, when he won the Rising Star prize.

Management and production company 42 M&P said it stopped representing Clarke earlier this month.

A spokesman said: 'Noel Clarke was a client of 42 M&P until April this year but the company no longer represents him.'
BOSTON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC and subadvised by Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, announced today sources of its monthly distribution of $0.0975 per share paid to all shareholders of record as of April 12, 2021, pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan. This press release is issued as required by an exemptive order granted to the Fund by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Notification of Sources of Distribution

This notice provides shareholders of the John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT) with important information concerning the distribution declared on April 1, 2021, and payable on April 30, 2021. No action is required on your part.

Distribution Period: April 2021 Distribution Amount Per Common Share: $0.0975

The following table sets forth the estimated sources of the current distribution, payable April 30, 2021, and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short term capital gains; net realized long term capital gains; and return of capital or other capital source. All amounts are expressed on a per common share basis and as a percentage of the distribution amount.





For the period 04/1/2021-04/30/2021

For the fiscal year-to-date period 11/1/2020-04/30/2021 1 Source

Current Distribution ($)

% Breakdown of the Current Distribution

Total Cumulative Distributions ($)

% Breakdown of the Total Cumulative Distributions Net Investment Income

0.0625

64%

0.4622

79% Net Realized Short- Term Capital Gains

0.0000

0%

0.0164

3% Net Realized Long- Term Capital Gains

0.0000

0%

0.0000

0% Return of Capital or Other Capital Source

0.0350

36%

0.1061

18% Total per common share

0.0975

100%

0.5847

100%

















Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the 5 years ended on March 31, 2021

6.73%





Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of March 31, 2021

8.18%





Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through March 31, 2021

15.60%





Cumulative fiscal year-to-date distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of March 31, 2021

4.09%

______________________

1 The Fund's current fiscal year began on November 1, 2020, and will end on October 31, 2021.

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's managed distribution plan.

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this Notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The Fund has declared the April 2021 distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "Plan"). Under the Plan, the Fund makes fixed monthly distributions in the amount of $0.0975 per share, which will continue to be paid monthly until further notice.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your financial professional or call the John Hancock Investment Management Closed-End Fund Information Line at 1-800-843-0090, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial

John Hancock is a division of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading international financial services group that helps people achieve their dreams and aspirations by putting customers' needs first and providing the right advice and solutions. We operate primarily as John Hancock in the United States and as Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups, and institutions. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were over CAD$1.3 trillion (US$1.02 trillion) as of December 31, 2020. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com.

One of the largest life insurers in the United States, John Hancock supports approximately 10 million Americans with a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, and education savings plans. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management
Marcus Smiley, founder and CEO of Epoch Concepts LLC, a Colorado-based reseller of IT solutions, is being honored as a 2021 member of the Titan 100, a prestigious group comprising Colorados most influential business leaders.

Smiley, an Army veteran who served during the Gulf War and took part in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, founded Epoch Concepts in 2006 following a successful career as a systems engineer for global technology companies. Since then, he has orchestrated Epochs emergence as a leading reseller of IT solutions for the federal government, commercial organizations and system integrators.

The Titan 100 marks a level of achievement for business leaders that Im proud to have met, said Smiley. Navigating the complex processes involved in becoming a world-class IT solution provider for the federal government is not easy. We have been successful because of hard work and an unwavering commitment to our customers in the government and private sectors, integrator customers and technology partners.

The Titan 100 program recognizes Colorados Top 100 CEOs and C-level executives. They are the regions most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that include demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision and passion. Collectively, the 2021 Titan 100 and their companies employ more than 127,000 individuals and generate more than $15.9 billion in annual revenues. This years group will be honored at an awards ceremony on July 22, 2021.

Congratulations to the Titan 100 winners. On behalf of the partners and associates at Wipfli, we are honored not only to support the Titan 100 program but to recognize and celebrate these unique leaders and their accomplishments. Each of you has built something bigger than yourself, and we look forward to seeing what new adventures you take on and successes you achieve, said Pete Aden, partner and Rocky Mountains market leader at Wipfli.

About Epoch Concepts

Epoch Concepts LLC is a value-added reseller (VAR) serving the government, commercial organizations, and systems integrators. From storage and infrastructure, to cybersecurity, cloud, and hyperconverged infrastructure solutions, Epoch Concepts designs, sources, and integrates solutions that empower its customers to do even moreto reinvent, reimagine, and redefine what they do and how they do it. Visit us on LinkedIn.
Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann is back in the big leagues, and the news came just before he planned to file for retirement.

The Milwaukee Brewers selected Zimmermanns contract on Thursday, one day before an opt-out in his contract.

Zimmermann told Milwaukee reporters on Friday that he had made up his mind to retire when the Brewers told him of his promotion.

Zimmermann, who turns 35 next month, is a native of Auburndale, Wisconsin, so the chance to don a Brewers uniform may hold added significance.

Zimmermann signed with the Brewers as a minor-league free agent after getting no big-league offers this winter.

Zimmermann battled injuries for most of 2020, the final season of the five-year, $110 million deal he signed with Detroit prior to the 2016 season. He started the final game of the 2020 regular season, pitching a scoreless inning before he was removed by interim manager Lloyd McClendon, who wanted the veteran pitcher to leave on a good note.

RELATED: Jordan Zimmermanns contract with Tigers wasnt the only swing and miss in 2016

In five seasons with Detroit, Zimmermann went 25-41 with a 5.63 ERA (4.83 FIP) in 99 games (514 innings).

Before joining the Tigers, Zimmerman was an outstanding starting pitcher for the Washington Nationals, posting a 3.14 ERA in 971 innings from 2011-2015.
LONDON, April 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tekcapital Plc (AIM: TEK),(OTCQB: TEKCF), the UK intellectual property (IP) investment group focused on creating valuable products from investing in university technologies that can improve the quality of life, announces its audited results for the year ended 30 November 2020.

Financial highlights

Net Assets increased 45% to US$32.7m, a record level (2019: US$22.5m)- NAV per share US$0.35 (2019: US$0.35)

Portfolio valuation increased 50% to US$30.5m (2019: US$20.3m)

Total revenue US$9.9m (2019: US$7.7m)- Revenue from services US$1.19m (2019: US$1.20m) - Net increase of US$8.7m in fair value of portfolio companies (2019: US$6.5m)

Profit after tax: US$7.7m (2019: US$5.5m)

Service revenues cover approximately 54% of cost base (cost of sales and operating expenses)

Share placings totalling US$2.6m completed during the period, plus an additional raise of US$5.3m completed post-period end.

Operational highlights: Material Portfolio Companies

Salarius Limited (Salarius) (97.2% ownership) www.salarius.co

Salarius Ltd manufactures MicroSalt, a new, patented, all natural, non-GMO, Kosher, low-sodium salt that tastes great and has half of the sodium of regular table salt.

Investment Rationale:

The snack food industry is focused on developing and providing better for you products that both taste good and help reduce sodium intake. The reason for this is that excess sodium consumption contributes to cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of premature death globally. To help address this problem, Salarius has developed a patented process for producing micron sized salt crystals. MicroSalt has all the flavour of salt with roughly half the sodium for topical applications such as crisps, pretzels, nuts, popcorn and other salty snacks.

Recent developments:

Signed a distribution agreement with Gehring-Montgomery Inc., a leading national ingredient distributor to expand B2B sales of MicroSalt across the United States.

Signed a partnership agreement with FXM Ingredients, Inc. to lead B2B sales and marketing of MicroSalt in Mexico and Latin America.

Formed MicroSalt Inc, a fully owned subsidiary of Salarius Ltd to expand its operations in the United States.

Lucyd Limited (Lucyd) (100% ownership) www.lucyd.co

Lucyd is seeking to Upgrade Your Eyewear by developing and selling designer prescription eyewear with smart features at affordable prices. Lucyd was the first company to deliver prescription glasses with Bluetooth technology in 2019. Their frames help you stay connected safely and conveniently, by enabling many common smartphone tasks to be performed handsfree via voice assistants.

Investment Rationale:

In the U.S. pedestrian fatalities have increased more than 50% from 2009 to 2018. This is primarily because drivers and pedestrians alike are distracted with their smartphones. Approximately 2/3rds of the population wear corrective lenses, and the advancements in Bluetooth technology have enabled it to be incorporated into traditional eyeglass form factors. This combination created a new type of glasses with built-in speakers, microphone and touch controls, Lucyd e-glasses, which allow the wearer to forego headphones and headsets and use their glasses to listen to audio content and talk to others. Since the speakers are open-ear, Lucyd e-glasses enable the wearer to stay connected to their digital life while maintaining situational and social awareness.

Recent Developments:

Announced it had filed patent and trademarks on its forthcoming VyrbTM app. Vyrb users will be able to listen and produce social media posts on select platforms with their voice, without having to look at their smartphones or type messages. The app is designed to improve utility of Lucyds Bluetooth glasses and other wireless hearables like AirPods. The beta version of the app is slated to be launched in August 2021.

Formed Innovative Eyewear, Inc, a new, fully owned subsidiary of Lucyd Ltd, and commenced a Regulation Crowdfunding program on StartEngine, where it sought to raise approximately US$400,000 at a $3.75m pre-money valuation. The funding target was achieved and subsequently extended to US$1,070,000. More than 4,000 investors participated in the fundraise. The purpose of the fundraise was to provide additional capital for the further development and launch of its new Lucyd Lyte e-glasses and its Vyrb voice-focused social media app. As of 30 November 2020, Lucyd Ltd held 90% ownership in Innovative Eyewear Inc with crowdfund investors holding remaining 10%. At the completion of the crowdfund (April 2021), Lucyd Ltd held 75% ownership of Innovative Eyewear, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary that owns the exclusive license to Lucyds technology.

Filed two design patents on their Lucyd Lyte e-glasses, which were launched in December 2020.

Lucyds in-house developed utility patent, for a software system to control wearables and IOT devices, was granted by the USPTO.

Guident Limited (Guident) (100% ownership) www.guident.co

Guident is developing remote monitoring and control software to improve the safety of autonomous vehicles and land-based delivery devices. Guidents software will incorporate artificial intelligence and advanced network technologies to minimize signal latency and improve reliability.

Investment Rationale:

Vehicles of all types are rapidly becoming electric and autonomous. While Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) are projected to be significantly safer than traditional vehicles, there will still be mishaps and in many instances there will be no vehicle operator present to help resolve these problems. We believe remote human interaction will be needed to address these mishaps. Guident is seeking to build a remote monitoring and control centre that will monitor vehicles and if necessary provide additional support such as calling first responders, taking over control of the vehicle to move it out of harms way and providing real-time communication with passengers or pedestrians. Over time we believe remote monitoring centres will be required in many jurisdictions.

Recent Developments:

Announced key management appointments of Harald Braun as Companys CEO and Daniel Grossman as the companys Chief Revenue Officer. The company also appointed Michael Trank as VP Software Development and Dr. Gabriel Castaneda as Lead Architect, Artificial Intelligence Software.

Won the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) competition as one of the most promising start-ups in South Florida, from a field of over 200 contestants. The judges were convinced that Guidents creation of the first Remote Monitoring and Control Centre in Florida for autonomous vehicles, applying artificial intelligence, and their first use-case for zero-touch ground-based delivery of groceries and medicines, would be the right choice to create significant value in South Florida and subsequently nationwide.

Entered into a Strategic Alliance with Bestmile USA, Inc. This strategic alliance with Bestmile will focus on several areas of collaboration in Europe and North America. This will include providing Guident's patented, advanced teleoperation system for autonomous and human-driven vehicles, to enhance customer safety and security, incorporating a reliable, low latency connection to any advanced mobile network solution.

Guident announced it had acquired the exclusive license to U.S. patent # 8,941,251 from the Research Foundation of the State of New York. The patent enables the manufacture of electromagnetic regenerative shock absorbers with high energy densities that are able to recover a vehicle's vibration energy which is otherwise lost due to road irregularities, vehicle accelerations and braking. In addition, this unique design utilizing rotary mechanical motion rectifiers can be tuned to achieve better damping characteristics than existing shock absorbers. This technology received the R&D 100 Award by R&D Magazine, for one of the 100 most significant technology innovations of the year from around the world. Two listed original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have signed NDAs to evaluate the potential of incorporating these new shock absorbers into their electric vehicles.

Belluscura Plc (17.8% ownership) www.belluscura.com

Respiratory medical device company that has developed an improved portable oxygen concentrator (POC) to provide on-the-go supplemental O2. The company believes its product is the first FDA cleared, modular POC with a user-replaceable filter cartridge. Belluscura aims to make POCs more affordable to those who need them.

Investment Rationale:

Worldwide, approximately 250m individuals suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Many of these patients require supplemental oxygen. As there is no cure for COPD, over time patients require greater amounts of oxygen, and if they use a portable oxygen concentrator, this means they must replace their devices with greater capacity models as their disease progresses. With Belluscuras new patented device, recently cleared by the FDA, users can swap out the filter cartridges to enable higher capacity oxygen flow without having to buy a new device; like upgrading memory on a laptop. The result is significantly more affordable oxygen therapy for the life of the patient.

Recent Developments:

Belluscura received FDA clearance for their POC in March 2021

Belluscura filed an additional patent application (26 patents filed or licensed to-date) entitled Improved Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Device, System and Related Methods, covering devices and systems for treating people suffering from acute respiratory distress caused by the Coronavirus.

The need for oxygen concentrators has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Belluscura announced it is considering an IPO on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange (or other recognized stock exchange) and expects investments should qualify for Enterprise Investment Scheme relief.

Operational highlights: Corporate

As part of our continuing efforts to develop our team and expand our services:

Konrad Dabrowski, CPA, who for the past three years has served as the Groups Financial Controller, has been promoted to non-board CFO, replacing Mr. Malcolm Groat who provided five years of good service to the Company. Concomitant with this change, Malcolm stepped down from the Board of Directors at the conclusion of his term.

Universities worldwide purchased more than 400 Invention Evaluator reports to assess the market potential of new technologies in 2020.

Tekcapital delivered a webinar on commercialising university IP with the Creativity and Innovation Center 4.0 of the Universidad Tecnologica de Queretaro. This resulted in the formation of a strategic alliance with Universidad Tecnologica de Queretaro for providing Tekcapitals services in Mexico.

Tekcapital delivered a webinar in Brazil titled Agritech Startups, which gathered more than 60 key players from the Brazilian technology and innovations ecosystem.

Tekcapital was invited to Petroleo Brasileiro S.A (Petrobras) to deliver a presentation on global opportunities in intellectual property licensing.

Tekcapital executed a strategic alliance agreement with LicenciArte Colombia, a consultancy firm that offers services to strengthen, protect and commercialise technologies from universities and research laboratories.

Dr. Clifford Gross, Executive Chairman said: Through the collective efforts of our dedicated and capable team we have achieved record results in 2020. Our portfolio companies have demonstrated significant growth and we believe they are well positioned to further expand and achieve meaningful milestones in 2021.

Post period end portfolio company highlights

On 2 December 2020, Salarius Ltd has successfully launched its innovative SaltMe! snack line on Amazon in North America. The company commenced sales of all four flavours on the e-commerce platform, offering six-count boxes of five-ounce packages. To date, the product received more than 70% 5-star ratings on Amazon.

On 3 December 2020 Belluscura submitted the X-PLO2R portable oxygen concentrator for 510(k) clearance with the U.S. FDA.

On 6 January 2021, Lucyd announced the launch of Lucyd Lyte its tech-enhanced, prescription eyewear for active lifestyles. Lyte looks and feels just like designer fashion frames, are available in any prescription, yet are priced similar to ordinary prescription glasses. To date, the product received more than 65% 5-star ratings on Amazon, and a near-perfect rating on Lucyd.co where customers are able to customize the pairs with any prescription lens.

On 5 February 2021, MicroSalt, Inc, a U.S. subsidiary of Salarius Ltd, commenced its Regulation Crowdfunding program on the MicroVentures platform, where it is seeking to raise approximately US$750K at a US$5m pre-money valuation.

On 2 March 2021, Innovative Eyewear products were onboarded on Brookstone, an online B2B marketplace.

On 8 March 2021, Belluscura plc announced the receipt of 510(k) Clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") for its X-PLO2R portable oxygen concentrator.

On 10 March 2021, Salarius Ltd announced it has appointed Eduardo Souchon as V.P. of Business Development and Jay Shah, M.D., a Mayo Clinic cardiologist as a medical advisor.

On 22 March 2021, Lucyd Ltd announced it has signed a distribution agreement with D. Landstrom Associates, to build distribution of Lucyd Lyte bluetooth e-glasses in big box retail stores in the U.S.

On 1 April 2021, Lucyd Ltd announced that its US subsidiary Innovative Eyewear Inc has closed its over-subscribed Regulation Crowdfund, raising US$1.07m. Following completion of the crowdfund, Lucyd Ltd owned 75% of shares of Innovative Eyewear Inc.

In April 2021, the Company converted its warrants and options for shares of Belluscura plc, bringing total shares held to 17.1 million (~23%).

Posting of Annual Report and AccountsThe Company's annual report and accounts for the year ended 30 November 2020 will be available on the Company's website www.tekcapital.com shortly and will be posted to shareholder on 04 May 2021.For further information, please contact:

Tekcapital Plc Via Flagstaff Clifford M. Gross, Ph.D. SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP(Nominated Adviser and Broker) +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 Richard Morrison/Charlie Bouverat (Corporate Finance)Abigail Wayne / Rob Rees (Corporate Broking) Flagstaff Strategic and Investor CommunicationsTim Thompson/Andrea Seymour/Fergus Mellon +44 (0) 20 7129 1474 Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC (U.S.)Matthew Abenante/Scott Powell +1 646 893 5835

About Tekcapital plc

Tekcapital creates value from investing in new, university-developed discoveries that can enhance peoples lives and provides a range of technology transfer services to help organisations evaluate and commercialise new technologies. Tekcapital is quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (AIM: symbol TEK) and is headquartered in the UK. For more information, please visit www.tekcapital.com

This press release is for informational purposes only. The information herein does not constitute investment advice nor an offer to invest and may contain statements related to our future business and financial performance and future events or developments involving Tekcapital that may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by words such as "expect," "look forward to," "anticipate" "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," "will," "project" or words of similar meaning. We may also make forward-looking statements in other reports, in presentations, on social media, in material delivered to customers, stakeholders and in press releases. In addition, our representatives may from time to time make oral forward-looking statements. Such statements may be based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of Tekcapitals management. Please note that these are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and factors, including, but not limited to those described in various disclosures. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying expectations not occur or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements of Tekcapital may vary materially from those described explicitly or implicitly in the relevant forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements express, as at the date of this release, the Companys plans, estimates, valuations, forecasts, projections, opinions, expectations or beliefs as to future events, results or performance. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control, including those associated with COVID-19, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. No assurance is given that such forward looking statements or views are correct or that the objectives of the Company will be achieved. Further, valuations of Companys portfolio investments and net asset value can and will fluctuate over time due to a variety of factors and this could have a material impact on the Companys financial performance. Tekcapital neither intends, nor assumes any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements in light of developments which may differ from those anticipated.

General Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained in this document has been prepared and distributed by the Company and is subject to material updating, completion, revision, verification and further amendment. This Report is directed only at Relevant Persons and must not be acted on or relied upon by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any other person who receives this Report should not rely or act upon it. By accepting this Report the recipient is deemed to represent and warrant that: (i) they are a person who falls within the above description of persons entitled to receive the Report; (ii) they have read, agree and will comply with the contents of this notice. 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), or under any U.S. State securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States of America or its territories or possessions (the United States) unless they are registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. This Report is not being made available to persons in Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or any other jurisdiction in which it may be unlawful to do so and it should not be delivered or distributed, directly or indirectly, into or within any such jurisdictions.

Investors must rely on their own examination of the legal, taxation, financial and other consequences of an investment in the Company, including the merits of investing and the risks involved. Prospective investors should not treat the contents of this Report as advice relating to legal, taxation or investment matters and are advised to consult their own professional advisers concerning any acquisition of shares in the Company. Certain of the information contained in this Report has been obtained from published sources prepared by other parties. Certain other information has been extracted from unpublished sources prepared by other parties which have been made available to the Company. The Company has not carried out an independent investigation to verify the accuracy and completeness of such third party information. No responsibility is accepted by the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents for the accuracy or completeness of such information.

All statements of opinion and/or belief contained in this Report and all views expressed represent the directors own current assessment and interpretation of information available to them as at the date of this Report. In addition, this Report contains certain forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the statements regarding the Companys overall objectives and strategic plans, timetables and capital expenditures. Forward-looking statements express, as at the date of this Report, the Companys plans, estimates, valuations, forecasts, projections, opinions, expectations or beliefs as to future events, results or performance. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. No assurance is given that such forward looking statements or views are correct or that the objectives of the Company will be achieved. Further, valuations of Companys portfolio investments and net asset value can and will fluctuate over time due to a wide variety of factors both company specific and macro-economic. Changes in net asset values can have a significant impact on revenue and earnings of the Company and its future prospects. Additionally, the current Coronavirus pandemic may produce negative economic activities which could reduce the companys economic performance and the performance of its portfolio companies in ways that are difficult to quantify at this juncture. It may cause a downturn in the markets in which the Company operates, reduce the Companys net asset values, revenue, cash flow, access to investment capital and other factors which could negatively impact the Company. As a result, the reader is cautioned not to place reliance on these statements or views and no responsibility is accepted by the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents in respect thereof. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement or other information that is contained in this Report. Neither the Company nor any of its shareholders, directors, officers, agents, employees or advisers take any responsibility for, or will accept any liability whether direct or indirect, express or implied, contractual, tortious, statutory or otherwise, in respect of, the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Report or for any of the opinions contained herein or for any errors, omissions or misstatements or for any loss, howsoever arising, from the use of this Report. Neither the issue of this Report nor any part of its contents is to be taken as any form of contract, commitment or recommendation on the part of the Company or the directors of the Company. In no circumstances will the Company be responsible for any costs, losses or expenses incurred in connection with any appraisal, analysis or investigation of the Company. This Report should not be considered a recommendation by the Company or any of its affiliates in relation to any prospective acquisition or disposition of shares in the Company. No undertaking, Report, warranty or other assurance, express or implied, is made or given by or on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates, any of its directors, officers or employees or any other person as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions contained in this Report and no responsibility or liability is accepted for any such information or opinions or for any errors or omissions.

Intellectual Property Risk FactorsTekcapital mission is to create valuable products from university intellectual property that can improve peoples lives. Therefore, our ability to compete in the market may negatively affected if our portfolio companies lose some or all of their intellectual property rights. If patent rights that they rely on are invalidated, or if they are unable to obtain other intellectual property rights. Our success will depend on the ability of our portfolio companies to obtain and protect patents on their technology and products, to protect their trade secrets, and for them to maintain their rights to licensed intellectual property or technologies. Their patent applications or those of our licensors may not result in the issue of patents in the United States or other countries. Their patents or those of their licensors may not afford meaningful protection for our technology and products. Others may challenge their patents or those of their licensors by proceedings such as interference, oppositions and re-examinations or in litigation seeking to establish the invalidity of their patents. In the event that one or more of their patents are challenged, a court may invalidate the patent(s) or determine that the patent(s) is not enforceable, which could harm their competitive position and ours. If one or more of our portfolio company patents are invalidated or found to be unenforceable, or if the scope of the claims in any of these patents is limited by a court decision, our portfolio companies could lose certain market exclusivity afforded by patents owned or in-licensed by us and potential competitors could more easily bring products to the market that directly compete with our own. The uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of their patent applications and the cost of enforcement or defense of their issued patents could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

To protect or enforce their patent rights, our portfolio companies may initiate interference proceedings, oppositions, re-examinations or litigation against others. However, these activities are expensive, take significant time and divert managements attention from other business concerns. They may not prevail in these activities. If they are not successful in these activities, the prevailing party may obtain superior rights to our claimed inventions and technology, which could adversely affect their ability of our portfolio companies to successfully market and commercialize their products and services. Claims by other companies may infringe the intellectual property rights on which our portfolio companies rely, and if such rights are deemed to be invalid it could adversely affect our portfolio companies and ourselves as investors in these companies.

From time to time, companies may assert, patent, copyright and other intellectual proprietary rights against our portfolio companys products or technologies. These claims can result in the future in lawsuits being brought against our portfolio companies or their holding company. They and we may not prevail in any lawsuits alleging patent infringement given the complex technical issues and inherent uncertainties in intellectual property litigation. If any of our portfolio company products, technologies or activities, from which our portfolio companies derive or expect to derive a substantial portion of their revenues and were found to infringe on another companys intellectual property rights, they could be subject to an injunction that would force the removal of such product from the market or they could be required to redesign such product, which could be costly. They could also be ordered to pay damages or other compensation, including punitive damages and attorneys fees to such other company. A negative outcome in any such litigation could also severely disrupt the sales of their marketed products to their customers which in turn could harm their relationships with their customers, their market share and their product revenues. Even if they are ultimately successful in defending any intellectual property litigation, such litigation is expensive and time consuming to address, will divert our managements attention from their business and may harm their reputation and ours.

Several of our portfolio companies may be subject to complex and costly regulation and if government regulations are interpreted or enforced in a manner adverse to them, they may be subject to enforcement actions, penalties, exclusion, and other material limitations on their operations and have a negative impact on their financial performance. All of the above listed risks can have a material, negative affect on our net asset value, revenue, performance and the success of our business and the portfolio companies we invested in.

STRATEGIC REPORT

Chairman's statement

Tekcapital brings new scientific innovations from lab to market to enhance safety and health and improve the quality of life of the customers we serve. Achieving our mission has never been more important than right now, as the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant and unprecedented global health and financial distress.

In 2020, despite these events, all of our active portfolio companies made significant progress and the value of our portfolio holdings increased by 50%. As a result, for the year, our net assets increased by approximately 45% to US$32.7m, a record level for our Company. Total revenues increased 28% to US$9.9m while our after-tax profit increased by 39% to US$7.7m.

Key portfolio companies

Using our proprietary global university network, we provide services to universities and companies to help them commercialize their innovations. Additionally, over the past four years, using these services, we have built a valuable group of portfolio companies to commercialize select intellectual properties we or our portfolio companies have uncovered. We believe that when you couple commercialization ready, compelling university IP with visionary management, vibrant companies will likely emerge, net assets are likely to grow, returns on invested capital will outperform the sector and exits, if they occur, will occur faster. When we realise exits through trade sales or IPOs, the Groups goal is to distribute a portion of the proceeds as a special dividend to our shareholders.

Our current portfolio companies were all started by Tekcapital from a clean sheet of paper. Whilst few in number, they are diverse and span multiple sectors including food tech, autonomous vehicles, smart eyewear and respiratory medical devices. In our view, all of our portfolio companies have compelling intellectual properties, capable and inspired management and address US$B+, fast growing markets. The entire team at Tekcapital is committed to helping these companies grow to achieve their full potential and value, which we view as significant.

Salarius is a food tech business that owns a patented process to produce nanoparticle sized salt. These small crystals dissolve faster on the tongue, so you need to use less salt, whilst still having the same salty taste. Less salt means about 50% less sodium for most applications. Less sodium means a reduced likelihood of developing high blood pressure and heart disease, the worlds leading cause of death. In addition to its focus on B2B sales of MicroSalt to snack food companies, as proof of concept, Salarius has launched its own snack food brand called SaltMe!TM. Beginning in August 2020 they started shipping their first product, SaltMe! potato chips, to stores throughout the U.S. According to Future Market Insights, the low sodium ingredient market is estimated to reach US$1.76bn1 by 2025. Tekcapital owns 97.15% of Salarius and 87.1% of its U.S. subsidiary MicroSalt Inc. as of the date of this report.

Lucyd has built a new, online eyeglass business that combines technology with traditional eyewear. Recently they launched Lucyd LyteTM, their most advanced and compelling Bluetooth eyewear. This product combines proper prescription, designer glasses with Bluetooth technology that you can use to answer your phone, listen to music, and talk with Siri or Alexa. The product has initially been very well received. Lucyd is focused on expanding its sales online and leveraging retail distribution after the pandemic subsides, through existing specialty and large format stores in late 2021. Lucyd has developed and filed 24 U.S. utility and design patents covering its products. According to Statista2, the current U.S. online market for eyewear is $3.8b per year. Tekcapital owned 100% of Lucyd and 90% of its U.S. subsidiary Innovative Eyewear Inc as of 30 November 2020.

Guident owns or holds the exclusive licence to a group of patents that we believe can improve the safety of autonomous vehicles and land-based autonomous delivery devices once brought to market. Guident has significantly progressed its R&D efforts, increased its intellectual capital in 2020 with several additional patent acquisitions and in-house developed properties and software, along with key team additions. Guident has begun its B2B marketing program for its Remote Control and Monitoring Center and is seeking to consummate strategic alliances and partnerships in the last mile delivery, smart city and AV sectors. Such monitoring has recently been required by law in the State of Florida and is being reviewed in other jurisdictions. According to Allied Market Research3, the global market for autonomous last mile delivery is projected to reach US$11.9 billion in 2021. Additionally, Guident has acquired an exciting, new regenerative shock absorber technology, to help extend the range of electric vehicles. Guident has executed NDAs with two listed OEMs to test these new shocks for potential use in their electric vehicles and is currently fabricating prototypes for testing. Tekcapital owned 100% of Guident and approximately 96% of its U.S. subsidiary Guident Corporation as of 30 November 2020.

Belluscura has developed an improved portable oxygen concentrator to provide on-the-go supplemental O2, with user replaceable filter cartridges. When a patients respiratory disease progresses, they now can upgrade the filter cartridge to provide more liters of O2 per minute, similar to upgrading memory on a laptop, rather than having to replace an expensive medical device. We believe the cost-savings will be beneficial to patients and insurance companies, and should help make respiratory healthcare more affordable which is core to Belluscuras mission. Belluscura filed for 510(K) clearance from the US FDA in December 2020 and received clearance in March 2021.

Belluscura have announced that they may plan to float on AIM or conduct an alternative financing, in the near-term, to finance and accelerate the manufacture and distribution of their portable oxygen concentrators. According to Global Market Insights, the medical portable O2 market is currently US$1.4bn4 a year and growing by more than US$100m/year4. Belluscura has 18 patents filed or licensed to-date covering devices and systems for treating people suffering from acute respiratory distress caused by COPD or the Coronavirus pandemic. Tekcapital owned 17.8% of Belluscura as of 30 November 2020 and ~23% as of the date of this report.

Financial Performance

In 2020, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic and the related social and economic hardship, we are fortunate that our team is healthy, all of our active portfolio companies made significant progress and the value of our portfolio holdings increased by 50%. This increase was driven primarily by:

increase in the fair value of Groups holding in Guident Ltd (increase of US$6.5m), as a result of the addition of new intellectual property and discounting of managements projections to 30 November 2020

increase in the fair value of Groups shares in Lucyd Ltd (increase of US$1.6m) driven by commercial progress and extending managements forecasts to 5 years

increase in the fair value of Groups shares in Salarius Ltd (increase of US$0.7m) driven by commercial progress

As a result, for the year, our net assets increased by approximately 45% to US$32.7m, a record level for our Company. Total revenues increased 28% to US$9.9m with unrealised profit on the revaluation of investments driving that increase by US$8.7m. Our after-tax profit increased by 39% to US$7.7m.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The specific financial risks are discussed in the notes to the financial statements. Other risks are as follows:

We believe the principal financial risks and benefits of the business relate to the value and performance of the Groups portfolio companies. We believe that the fair value of each portfolio company is a time dependent valuation that may become impaired if the business does not achieve it milestones, growth trajectory, product development goals, market acceptance, capital raises or other key performance metrics. Individually and as a group our portfolio companies have a material impact on our financial performance.

The risk of individual portfolio company negative performance, in the future, may be ameliorated, as our portfolio becomes more mature, and when our portfolio companies develop significant capital reserves, predictable revenues and have demonstrated significant increases in value.

The principal operational risk of the business is managements ability to assist our portfolio companies in achieving their goals and ultimate exits whilst having a small team and an additional goal of increasing our service revenues.

The Group is dependent on its executive team and directors for its operations and ultimate success and there can be no assurance that it will be able to retain the services of these key personnel in the futures.

The COVID-19 pandemic may produce negative economic activities which could reduce the Groups economic performance. Further, until the Group covers all of its operating costs from service revenue and or portfolio company exits, it will seek to raise additional capital to fund operations and provide follow-on investments in portfolio companies.

Fundraisings during the period

Early-stage businesses facing large market opportunities need talent, technology and capital to succeed. To help address this we completed the following fundraises in 2020:

On 6 February 2020, the Group announced it had completed a fundraising of US$0.96m (before expenses) through the placing of 14,800,000 new Ordinary Shares with new and existing investors at a price of 5 pence per new Ordinary Share.

On 1 May 2020, the Group announced it had completed a fundraising of US$1.15m through placing of 9,250,000 new Ordinary Shares with new and existing investors at a price of 10 pence per new Ordinary Share.

On 17 September 2020, the Group announced it completed a fundraise US$0.5m (before expenses) through placing of 4,750,000 new ordinary shares with existing investors at a price of 8 pence per new Ordinary Share.

Post end of period fundraising:

On March 18, 2021, the Company announced that it had raised US$5.28m (before expenses) through placing of 38,000,000 new Ordinary Shares with existing and new investors at a price of 10 pence per new Ordinary Share.

Current Trading and Outlook

We are enthusiastic about the development of Tekcapitals portfolio companies, their performance to-date and their prospects to significantly expand in 2021. The Board is confident that continued investment in our portfolio companies remains the right approach for potential long-term value creation. Additionally, we are currently exploring early-stage venture funding and conducting equity crowdfunding for a number of our portfolio companies, to accelerate growth and brand awareness for these companies.

Whilst the Company is progressing very well, investors should note that net asset values will fluctuate from period to period due to individual portfolio company performance, valuations and changes in market conditions and macro-economic financial conditions, including the current COVID-19 pandemic, and that changes in the value of our portfolio companies can have a significant impact on our NAV, revenue, income and future prospects.

We are grateful for the patience and support of our shareholders. We are also sincerely appreciative of our dedicated, creative and incredibly hardworking team, without whom, none of the results reported herein would be possible.

Section 172 (1) statement

Our Board ensures that all decisions are taken for the long term, and collectively and individually aims to always uphold the highest standard of conduct. Similarly, our Board acknowledges that the business can only grow and prosper over the long-term if it understands and respects the views and needs of the Companys investors, customers, employees, suppliers and other stakeholders to whom we are accountable, as well as the environment we operate within.

When making decisions, each director ensures that they act in the way that would most likely promote the Companys success for the benefit of its members as a whole, and in doing so have regard (amongst other matters) to the following matters:

(a) The likely consequences of any decision in the long termIn line with our strategy, Tekcapitals purpose is to find and invest in exciting new discoveries from our global university network that can enhance peoples lives. We believe that when you couple commercialization ready, compelling university IP with strong senior management, vibrant companies will likely emerge. When we realise exits the Groups goal is to distribute a portion of the proceeds as a special dividend to our shareholders.

With this in mind, we apply the same high standards of responsible stewardship to our businesses as if we were to own them forever, and it is this approach to decision making that requires the Directors to have regard to the likely consequences of decisions in the long-term.

(b) The interests of the Companys employeesThe Board strives to maintain and develop a culture where everyone feels valued and included. The Board also considers the health, safety and wellbeing of all Tekcapital employees in everyday decisions. Feedback from employees is actively encouraged and is considered a key driver in developing our business activities, processes and workplace environment. Initiatives to encourage wellbeing are well established and continue to evolve and are strongly influenced by the workforce. Professional and personal development of employees is viewed as fundamental to the continued success of the Company.

(c) The need to foster the Company's business relationships with suppliers, customers and othersThe Board ensures that the Companys mission is focused on improving the world with university discoveries, and focuses on innovations that, if successful, can improve the quality of life of customers we serve. The Board recognises that it is crucial that we deliver a reliable service to our customers and maintain excellent relationships with suppliers. The Board also considered near-term demand and how customers priorities might change over a longer period of time, including effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(d) The impact of the companys operations on the community and the environmentIn their decision making, the Directors need to have regard to the impact of the Companys operations on the community and environment. The Board plays a constructive role in tackling issues through engagement and making sure the Companys investments focus on improving quality of life and attempt to solve significant health and safety problems facing communities.

(e) The desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conductThe Board recognises that culture, values and standards are key contributors to how a company creates and sustains value over the longer term, and to enable it to maintain a reputation for high standards of business conduct. High standards of business conduct guide and assist in the Boards decision making, and in doing so, help promote the Companys success, recognising, amongst other things, the likely consequences of any decision in the long-term and wider stakeholder considerations. The standards set by the Board mandate certain requirements and behaviours with regards to the activities of the Directors, the Groups employees and others associated with the Group.

(f) The need to act fairly as between members of the CompanyThe Company has one class of ordinary shares, which have the same rights as regards voting, distributions and on a liquidation. Management are also significant shareholders in the Company, holding approximately 9.3% of the register, together putting them in the top 3 shareholders of the Company. On this basis the Board feels that the executive Directors are fully aligned with shareholders.

On the basis of the above, the members of the Board consider, both individually and together, that they have acted in the way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole (having regard to the stakeholders and matters set out in s172(1)(a-f) of the Companies Act 2006) in the decisions taken during the year ended 30 November 2020.

Dr Clifford M Gross

Chairman and CEO

29 April 2021

Directors Report

Directors

The following Directors held office during the period, or as of the date of this report.

Clifford M Gross, Ph. D. Robert Miller, M. D.Louis Castro (appointed on 2 December 2019)The RT Hon Lord David Willets FRS (appointed on 6 January 2020)

The following officers no longer hold office with the Company:M J Malcolm Groat (held office from April 2014 through completion of term in July 2020)Robert Payne (resigned 31 December 2019)

The Group has chosen to set out in the groups strategic report information required to be contained in the directors report. It has done so in respect of future developments. The principal activity of the parent company is that of an investment entity.

Statement of Directors responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared the Group and parent company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the European Union have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the Company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Groups transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and the Group to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.Each of the current Directors, whose names are listed in the Directors report on page 30 of the financial statements confirm that, to the best of each persons knowledge and belief:

the financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit (or Loss) of the Group and Company; and

the chairmans statement contained in the annual financial statements includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group and Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Groups website www.tekcapital.com. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Going Concern

The Group meets its day to day working capital requirements through its service offerings and monies raised through the issuances of equity. The Groups forecasts and projections indicate that the Group has sufficient cash reserves to operate within the level of its current facilities. Whilst it is the Groups intention to rely on the available cash reserves, future income generated from its service offerings and reductions in its cost base, a negative variance in the forecasts and projections would make the Groups ability to continue as going concern dependent on an additional fund raise. If the Groups forecasts are not achieved, the Directors would seek to raise the additional funds through equity issues. Whilst the COVID-19 epidemic is contributing to uncertainty in the markets and the full impact is difficult to measure, at the time of approving the accounts after making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

Information has been included in the strategic report in relation to disclosures under S414C(11) of the Companies Act 2006.

Dividends

No dividend was paid or was proposed during the year ended 30 November 2020.

Audit CommitteeThe Board operates an Audit Committee, chaired by Louis Castro. This Committee carries out duties as set out in the AIM Admission Document, supervising the financial and reporting arrangements of the Group. During the period, no issues arose that the Directors consider appropriate to disclose in their Report.

Research and DevelopmentThe Group incurred expenses related to research and development activities. The activities were limited to improvement of the Innovation Discovery Network solution, developed to facilitate an improved technology search engine.

Remuneration CommitteeThe Board has delegated to its Remuneration Committee, chaired by Dr Robert Miller, certain responsibilities in respect of the remuneration of senior executives. During the period, no issues arose that the Directors consider appropriate to disclose in their Report.

Directors Emoluments

Salary & Benefits Bonus 2020 2019 fees in kind Total Total US $ US $ US $ US $ US $ Clifford M Gross 191,865 22,745 154,375 368,985 208,810 M J Malcolm Groat 10,247 - - 10,247 15,284 R W Bill Payne 3,802 - - 3,802 19,105 Robert Miller 21,600 - - 21,600 21,600 Louis Castro 37,146 - - 37,146 - Lord David Willets 28,218 - - 28,218 - 292,879 22,745 154,375 469,998 264,799

Directors proportion of the stock option expense is below US$20,000.

The Group did not make any contributions to a pension scheme in the year ended 30 November 2020 (2019: Nil).

Directors beneficial interests in shares:

2020 2019 2020 2019 No of Shares No of Shares No of Options No of Options Clifford M Gross 8,657,500 8,657,500 3,000,000 450,000 Lord David Willets - - 100,000 - Robert Miller 2,664 2,664 200,000 320,000

Please note the above figure for Clifford M Gross does not include 100,000 shares held by both of Dr. Grosss adult children, who are not considered a PCA as defined in the Article 3(1)(26) of the UK Market Abuse Regulation.

No of Options Exercise Price Grant Date Date from which exercisable Life Clifford M Gross 3,000,000 0.12 28-Aug-20 Special Conditions* 5 Years Robert Miller 100,000 0.375 29-Jun-16 Special Conditions* 5 Years 100,000 0.0783 30-Aug-19 Special Conditions** 5 Years Lord David Willets 100,000 0.0525 6-Jan-20 Special Conditions** 5 Years

The details of the options held by each director as of 30 November 2020 are as follows:

* The options vest in three equal annual instalments from the date of grant and there is a special condition which means the options will vest when the closing price for a share has been traded at more than 50 pence (sterling) for ten consecutive trading days.

** The options shall vest when the net asset value, as stated in the annual consolidated accounts, meets, or exceeds USD$20.53m during the 36 months after the grant date. The threshold shall be re-tested when each set of accounts published during the 36 months are finalised.

525,000 options were held by Harrison Gross, received as part of his employment compensation with the Company. Harrison is an adult family member of Dr. Clifford Gross and Dr. Gross disclaims any ownership or control of these options.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Please refer to Strategic Report.

Post Balance Sheet Events

For further details, please refer to note 28 in the notes to the financial statements.

Independent auditors

HW Fisher LLP were appointed as auditor to the Company and in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that they be re-appointed will be put at a General Meeting. Statement of disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who was a Director at the date of approval of this report confirms that:

so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Companys auditor is unaware; and

the Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Companys auditor is aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of s418 of the Companies Act 2006.

By order of the Board of Directors and signed on behalf of the Board

Louis Castro

Director

29 April 2021

Tekcapital PlcConsolidated Statement of comprehensive incomeFor the year ended 30 November 2020

Group Note Year ended30 November2020 Year ended30 November2019 US $ US $ Continuing Operations Revenue from services 6 1,195,252 1,200,551 Unrealised profit on the revaluation of investments 12 8,688,111 6,516,813 Total Revenue 9,883,363 7,717,364 Cost of sales (458,728 ) (606,166 ) Gross Profit 9,424,635 7,111,198 Administrative expenses 7 (1,742,641 ) (1,590,563 ) Operating Profit 7,681,994 5,520,635 Profit on ordinary activities before income tax 7,681,994 5,520,635 Income tax expense 9 (2,076 ) (2,345 ) Profit after tax for the year 7,679,918 5,518,290 Other comprehensive income Foreign exchange profit 92,949 31,855 Total other comprehensive income 92,949 31,855 Total comprehensive profit for the year 7,772,867 5,550,145 Profit per share Basic earnings per share 10 0.095 0.095 Diluted earnings per share 10 0.094 0.095

The Group has used the exemption under S408 CA 2006 not to disclose the Company income statement.

Items in the statement above are disclosed net of tax.

The notes on pages 23 to 60 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Tekcapital PlcConsolidated Statement of financial positionAt 30 November 2020

Group Note As at30 November2020 As at30 November2019 US $ US $ Assets Non-current assets Intangible assetsFinancial assets at fair value through profit and loss 1312 838,77030,491,657 838,77020,335,925 Convertible loan notes 15 588,169 476,122 Property, plant and equipment 14 9,622 17,353 31,928,218 21,668,170 Current assets Trade and other receivables 15 647,436 815,866 Cash and cash equivalents 16 538,473 472,899 1,185,909 1,288,765 Total assets 33,114,127 22,956,935 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 20 247,442 310,160 Current income tax liabilitiesDeferred Revenue 21 500154,721 500118,595 402,663 429,255 Total liabilities 402,663 429,255 Net assets 32,711,464 22,527,680 Equity attributable to the owners of the Parent Ordinary shares 18 521,830 372,984 Share premium 18 13,211,344 10,993,546 Retained earnings 19 18,780,012 11,055,821 Translation Reserve 19 270,447 177,498 Merger Reserve 19 (72,169 ) (72,169 ) Total Equity 32,711,464 22,527,680

The notes on pages 23 to 60 are an integral part of these financial statements.The financial statements on pages 17 to 60 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 29 April 2021 and were signed on its behalf.

Louis Castro Dr Clifford Gross Director Chairman and CEO

Tekcapital PlcCompany Statement of financial positionAt 30 November 2020

Company Note As at 30 November2020 As at 30 November2019 US $ US $ Assets Non-current assets Investment in subsidiaries 11 1,955,215 1,959,003 Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss 12 2,081,027 1,804,120 Convertible Loan Notes 15 588,169 476,122 4,624,411 4,239,245 Current assets Trade and other receivables 15 3,560,188 2,321,731 Cash and cash equivalents 16 239,991 112,114 3,800,179 2,433,845 Total assets 8,424,590 6,673,090 Current Liabilities Trade and other payables 20 79,249 484,375 79,249 484,375 Total liabilities 79,249 484,375 Net assets 8,345,341 6,188,715 Equity attributable to the owners of the parent Ordinary shares 18 521,830 372,984 Share Premium 18 13,211,344 10,993,546 Retained Earnings 19 (5,351,695 ) (5,079,729 ) Translation Reserve 19 (36,138 ) (98,086 ) Total Equity 8,345,341 6,188,715

The Companys loss before tax for the year ended 30 November 2020 was $316,239.

The notes on pages 23 to 60 are an integral part of these financial statements.The financial statements on pages 17 to 60 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 28 April 2021 and were signed on its behalf.

Louis Castro Dr Clifford Gross Director Chairman and CEO

Tekcapital PlcConsolidated Statement of changes in equity For the year ended 30 November 2020

Attributable to equity holders of the parent company Group Note OrdinarySharesUS $ SharePremiumUS $ TranslationReserveUS $ MergerreserveUS $ Profit andlossaccountUS $ Total EquityUS $ Balance at 30 November 2018 326,036 10,218,805 145,643 (72,169 ) 5,516,655 16,134,970 Share issue 18 46,948 892,018 - - - 938,966 Cost of share issue 18 - (117,277 ) - - - (117,277 ) Profit for the year 19 - - - - 5,518,290 5,518,290 Other comprehensive income 19 - - 31,855 - - 31,855 Share based payments 26 - - - - 20,876 20,876 Balance at 30 November 2019 372,984 10,993,546 177,498 (72,169 ) 11,055,821 22,527,680 Share issue 18 147,298 2,450,245 - - - 2,597,543 Share options exercised 18 1,548 29,805 - - - 31,353 Cost of share issue 18 - (262,252 ) - - - (262,252 ) Profit for the year 19 - - - - 7,679,918 7,679,918 Other comprehensive income 19 - - 92,949 - - 92,949 Share based payments 26 - - - - 44,273 44,273 Balance at 30 November 2020 521,830 13,211,344 270,447 (72,169 ) 18,780,012 32,711,464

Share premium  amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value, net of directly attributable costs.

Translation reserve  amount recognised for foreign exchange differences recognised in Other Comprehensive Income.

Merger reserve - amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value in relation to the qualifying acquisition of subsidiary undertakings.

Profit and loss account  cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

The notes on pages 23 to 60 are an integral part of these financial statements.

Tekcapital PLCCompany Statement of changes in equity For the year ended 30 November 2020

Attributable to owners of the parent company Company Note OrdinarySharesUS $ SharePremiumUS $ TranslationReserveUS $ Profit andlossaccountUS $ Total EquityUS $ Balance at 30 November 2018 326,036 10,218,805 (101,969 ) (5,131,273 ) 5,311,599 Share issue 18 46,948 892,018 - - 938,966 Cost of share issue 18 - (117,277 ) - - (117,277 ) Profit for the year 19 - - - 30,668 30,668 Other comprehensive income 19 - - 3,883 - 3,883 Share based payments 26 - - - 20,876 20,876 Balance at 30 November 2019 372,984 10,993,546 (98,086 ) (5,079,729 ) 6,188,715 Share issue 18 147,298 2,450,245 - - 2,597,543 Share options exercised 18 1,548 29,805 31,353 Cost of share issue 18 - (262,252 ) - - (262,252 ) Profit for the year 19 - - - (316,239 ) (316,239 ) Other comprehensive loss 19 - - 61,948 - 61,948 Share based payments 26 - - - 44,273 44,273 Balance at 30 November 2020 521,830 13,211,344 (36,138 ) (5,351,695 ) 8,345,341

Share premium  amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value, net of directly attributable issue costs.

Translation reserve  amount recognised for foreign exchange differences recognised in Other Comprehensive Income.

Profit and loss account  cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the consolidated financial statements of comprehensive income.

The notes on pages 23 to 60 are an integral part of these financial statements.

Tekcapital PlcConsolidated Statement of cash flowsFor the year ended 30 November 2020

Group Note For the yearended 30 November2020 For the yearended 30 November2019 US $ US $ Cash flows from operating activities Cash outflows from operations 24 (948,166 ) (1,397,294 ) Tax paid (2,076 ) (2,345 ) Net cash outflows from operating activities (950,242 ) (1,399,639 ) Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of financial assets at fair value through profit and loss 12 (1,345,679 ) (111,810 ) Purchases of property, plant and equipment 14 (950 ) (862 ) Net cash outflows from investing activities (1,346,629 ) (112,672 ) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares 18 2,628,896 938,966 Costs of raising finance 18 (262,252 ) (117,277 ) Net cash inflows from financing activities 2,366,644 821,689 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 69,773 (690,622 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 16 472,899 1,165,442 Exchange (losses)/gains on cash and cash equivalents (4,199 ) (1,921 ) Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 16 538,473 472,899

Notes

1. General Information Tekcapital PLC (Companies House registration number: 08873361) is a company incorporated in England and Wales and domiciled in the UK. The address of the registered office is detailed on page 1 of these financial statements. The Company is a public limited company limited by shares, which listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange Group Plc in 2014. The principal activity of the parent company is that of an investment entity and that of the Group is to provide universities and corporate clients with valuable technology transfer services. The Group and the parent company also acquire exclusive licences to university technologies that it believes can positively impact peoples lives, for subsequent commercialisation.The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated and parent company financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.Amounts presented in this report are rounded to nearest US$1. 2. Accounting policies 2.1 Statement of compliance The consolidated financial statements of Tekcapital PLC Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) as adopted by the European Union and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of Tekcapital plc and its subsidiaries, Tekcapital Europe Ltd and Tekcapital LLC.The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Groups accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in note 4.The consolidated financial statements of the parent company have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced disclosure framework (FRS 101). The company will continue to prepare its financial statements in accordance with FRS101 on an ongoing basis until such time as it notifies shareholders of any change to its chosen accounting framework.The Company financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention except where other measurement basis are required to be applied and in accordance with IFRS under FRS 101. In accordance with FRS101, the Company has taken advantage of the following exemptions: IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows 2.1.1 Going concern The Group and the Company meets its day to day working capital requirements through its service offerings and monies raised through the issues of equity. The Groups forecasts and projections indicate that the Group and the Company have sufficient cash reserves to operate within the level of its current facilities. Whilst it is the Groups and the Companys intention to rely on the available cash reserves, future income generated from its growing service offerings and continued reductions in its cost base, a negative variance in the forecasts and projections would make the Groups ability to continue as a going concern dependent on an additional fund raise. If the Groups forecasts are not achieved, the Directors would seek to raise the additional funds through equity issues. Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic is contributing to uncertainty in the markets and the full impact is difficult to measure, at the time of approving the accounts after making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Group and the Company therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing both its consolidated financial statements and for its own financial statements. 2.1.2 Changes in accounting policy and disclosures New standards and interpretations not yet adopted by the Group IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts IFRS 17 was issued in May 2017 and is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023. The Group has not chosen to early adopt this standard and will adopt it for the accounting period beginning 1 December 2023. Directors do not expect any material impact on the consolidated financial statements.No other issued but not endorsed amendments to IFRS will have a material impact on the Groups financial statements once they become endorsed and effective.New standards and interpretations adopted by the Group: IFRS 16 Leases The Group adopted this standard for the accounting period beginning 1 December 2019. The adoption of this standard has not had an impact on the financial performance or position of the Group for the year or comparative period 2.2 Business combinations Tekcapital PLC was incorporated on 3 February 2014 and on 18 February 2014 entered into an agreement to acquire the issued share capital of Tekcapital Europe Limited by way of share issue. On 19 February 2014 it acquired the issued share capital of Tekcapital LLC also by share issue. This has been accounted for as a common control transaction under IFRS 3 using the pooling of interest method by using the nominal value of shares exchanged in the business combination and no fair value adjustment. The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of Tekcapital PLC and all subsidiaries controlled by it. Subsidiaries are entities that are controlled by the Group. Control is achieved when the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain economic benefit from its activities. Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated when necessary amounts reported by subsidiaries have been adjusted to conform to the Groups accounting policies. 2.3 Foreign currencies (a) Functional and presentation currencyThese consolidated financial statements are presented in US Dollars which is the presentation currency of the Group. This is because the majority of the Groups transactions are undertaken in US Dollars. Each subsidiary within the Group has its own functional currency which is dependent on the primary economic environment in which that subsidiary operates. Effective 1 December 2014 Tekcapital PLC and Tekcapital Europe Limited changed their functional currency to UK Sterling. This is because, the primary economic activity of these entities is undertaken in the UK.(b) Transactions and balancesForeign currency transactions are translated into functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions or valuation where items are re-measured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at the year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement. Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings and cash and cash equivalents are presented in the income statement within finance income or costs.(c) Group companiesThe results and financial position of all Group entities (none of which has the currency of a hyper-inflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows: (i) assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing exchange rates at the date of that balance sheet. (ii) income and expense for each income statement are translated at the average rates of exchange during the period (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the rate on the dates of the transactions)(iii) all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income. 2.4 Investment in subsidiaries Investments in subsidiaries including Tekcapital Europe Ltd and Tekcapital LLC are recognised initially at cost. The cost of the investment includes transactions costs. The carrying amounts are reviewed at each reporting dated to determine whether there is any indication of impairment.Investments in portfolio companies are held at fair value through the profit and loss. Directors judgment was exercised in determination that the Group meets the following criteria and should be recognized as an investment entity under IFRS 10 par. 27. Directors re-evaluated the below criteria and concluded they were met as at 30 November 2020: Obtains funds from one or more investors for the purpose of providing clients with investment management services

Commits to its investors that its business purpose is to invest funds solely for return from capital appreciation, investment income or both

Measures and evaluate the performance of substantially all of its investments on a fair value basis. Tekcapitals IP search and technology transfer investment services represent investment advisory services, and therefore Tekcapital Europe Limited and Tekcapital LLC continue to be treated as subsidiaries and are consolidated in the Group financial statements. These services may be provided to investors, clients and third parties. The Board considers that the criteria are met in the Groups current circumstances.The Board envisages that Tekcapitals shareholder returns will derive primarily from mid to long-term capital appreciation of a portion of its intellectual property investments, as well as from providing IP investment services to clients. Consequently, the Groups portfolio companies are measured at fair value in accordance with IFRS 9 as disclosed in Note 2.9. 2.5 Non-controlling interests Losses applicable to non-controlling interests in a subsidiary are allocated to the non-controlling interests, even if doing so causes the non-controlling interests to have a deficit balance. Adjustments to non-controlling interests arising from transactions that do not involve the loss of control are based on a proportionate amount of the net assets of the subsidiary. Upon the loss of control the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary, any non-controlling interests and other components of equity related to the subsidiary are derecognised. Any resulting gain or loss is recognised in the profit and loss. 2.6 Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.Subsequent costs are included in the assets carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.Depreciation of assets are calculated to write off the cost less the estimated residual value of tangible fixed assets by equal instalments over the estimated useful economic lives as follows:

Furniture - 3 years Computer equipment - 3 years Leasehold improvements - 5 years The assets residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. An assets carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the assets carrying value is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised within Other gains / (losses)  net in the income statement. When re-valued assets are sold, the amounts are included in other reserves are transferred to retained earnings. 2.7 Intangible assets (a) Invention Evaluator This is an intangible asset and a piece of computer software acquired for use by one of the subsidiaries of the Group and is shown at original cost of purchase less impairment losses.Under IAS38, this asset is regarded by the Directors as being an intangible asset with an indefinite useful life. The Directors believe that the asset is unique in that no competitor offering currently exists, the service appeals globally to many types of clients including Fortune 100 companies, there is no expectation of obsolescence in the foreseeable future, and the service provided by the asset generates sufficient ongoing revenue streams. Consequently, no write down in the value of this asset either by way of amortisation or impairment has occurred in this financial year. In the Directors opinion this asset has an indefinite useful life. (b) Computer software and website development Costs associated with maintaining computer software programmes and the Company website are recognised as an expense as incurred. Development costs that are directly attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the Group are recognised as intangible assets when the following criteria are met: (i) it is technically feasible to complete the software product so that it will be available for use; (ii) management intends to complete the software product and use or sell it; (iii) there is an ability to use or sell the software product; (iv) it can be demonstrated how the software product will generate probable future economic benefits; (v) adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the software product are available; and (vi) the expenditure attributable to the software product during its development can be reliably measured. Computer software development costs recognised as assets are amortised over their estimated useful lives, which do not exceed four years. (c) Licences Costs associated with the acquisition of Licences for technologies with the express purpose of developing them further for a commercial market are recognised as an intangible asset when they meet the criteria for capitalisation. That is, they are separately identifiable and measurable and it is probable that economic benefit will flow to the entity. Further development costs attributable to the Licenced technology and recognised as an intangible asset when the following criteria are met: (i) it is technically feasible to complete the technology for commercialisation so that it will be available for use; (ii) management intends to complete the technology and use or sell it; (iii) there is an ability to use or sell the technology; (iv) it can be demonstrated how the technology will generate probable future economic benefits; (v) adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the technology are available; and (vi) the expenditure attributable to the technology during its development can be reliably measured. Licences and their associated development costs are amortised over the life of the licence or the underlying patents, whichever is shorter. (d) Vortechs Group This is an intangible asset acquired for use by one of the subsidiaries of the Group and is valued at original cost of purchase. Under IAS38, the Groups Vortechs Group asset is regarded by the Directors as being an intangible asset with an indefinite useful life. The Directors believe that this asset is unique as it operates in a niche market, it generates an ongoing revenue stream, and there is no expectation of obsolescence. This asset meets the requirements of IAS38 as it is separately identifiable, controlled by the Group, the cost can be measured reliably, and as a result of owning this asset future economic benefits in the form of service revenue are generated for the Group. In the opinion of the Directors this asset as an indefinite useful life and there has been no amortisation or impairment provided in the current year. 2.8 Impairment of non-financial assets Intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life or intangible assets not ready to use are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the assets carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an assets fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash inflows, (CGUs). Prior impairments of non-financial assets (other than goodwill) are reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date. 2.9 Financial instruments 2.9.1 Classification The Group and the Company classify their financial assets depending on the purpose for which the asset was acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition. During the financial year the Group and the Company held investments into portfolio companies classified as equity investments. They are included in current assets and are measured at fair value through profit and loss in accordance with IFRS 9. The Company also has loans, convertible loan notes and receivables that are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, except for maturities that are greater than 12 months after the end of the reporting year. These are classified as non-current assets. The Groups loans and receivables comprise trade and other receivables in the balance sheet. The Group also has cash and cash equivalents. All short-term liabilities are measured at cost, the Group does not hold any long-term financial liabilities. 2.9.2 Recognition and measurement The Companys investments into the portfolio companies are recognised on the acquisition or formation date and measured at fair value through profit or loss in accordance with IFRS 9. Loans and receivables are recognised on the trade date in which the transaction took place and are recognised at their fair value (which equates to cost) with transaction costs expensed in the income statement. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the loans or receivables have been collected, expired or transferred and the Group has subsequently transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Short term financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. 2.9.3 Fair value Financial instruments are measured at fair value including investments in portfolio companies, cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables, and borrowings. This measurement policy does not apply to subsequent measurement at amortised cost of short-term financial liabilities and trade receivables. The Group measures portfolio companies using valuation techniques appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs. Our fair value valuation policy is as follows: The fair value of new portfolio companies is estimated at the cost of the acquired IP or equity plus associated expenses to facilitate the acquisition.

Existing portfolio companies are valued as follows: If a market transaction such as third-party funding has occurred during the past 18 months we will value our ownership in the portfolio company at this observed valuation, taking account of any observed material changes during the period. In the absence of a recent market transaction, fair value will be estimated by alternative methods and where appropriate by an external, qualified valuation expert. The valuation technique used fall under Level 2  Observable techniques other than quoted prices and Level 3  other techniques as defined by IFRS 13.

Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables approximate their fair value. The fair value of borrowings equals their carrying amounts, as the impact of discounts is not significant. 2.10 Offsetting financial instruments Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is the intention to settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 2.11 Impairment of financial assets The Group assesses at the end of each reporting year whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that have occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a loss event) and the loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.Evidence of impairment may include indications that the debtors or a group of debtors is experiencing significant financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments, the probability that they will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation, and where observable data indicate that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows, such as changes in arrears or economic conditions that correlate with defaults.For the loans and receivables category, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the assets carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial assets original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced and the amount of the loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement. If a loan or held-to maturity investment has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the contract. As a practical expedient, the Group may measure impairment on the basis of an instruments fair value using an observable market price.If, in a subsequent year, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised (such as the improvement in the debtors credit rating), the reversal of the previously recognised impairment loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement. 2.12 Trade receivables Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for the provision of services performed in the ordinary course of business. Collection is normally expected within three months or less (in the normal operating cycle of the business) and is classified as current assets. In the rare circumstances that they exceed a period of greater than one year they are presented as non-current assets. In some instances, the Group accepts convertible loan notes for trade debts these are held separately on the statement of financial position until maturity or disposal on the open market. Any value received which is greater or less than the value of the original debt is taken to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment. 2.13 Cash and cash equivalents In the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with other banks, other short term highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the consolidated statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. 2.14 Share capital Ordinary SharesOrdinary shares are classified as equity.Share premiumThe share premium account has been established to represent the excess of proceeds over the nominal value for all share issues, including the excess of the exercise share price over the nominal value of the shares on the exercise of share options as and when they occur. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares and new shares options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.Merger ReserveThe consolidated financial statements are accounted for using the pooling of interests method, which treats the Group as if it had been combined throughout the current and comparative accounting periods. Pooling of interests principles for this combination gave rise to a merger reserve in the consolidated statement of financial position, being the difference between the nominal value of new shares issued by the Company for the acquisition of the shares of the subsidiary and the subsidiarys own share capital.Non-controlling interestNon-controlling interest is the portion of equity ownership in a subsidiary not attributable to the parent company. 2.15 Trade payables Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods and services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities.Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. 2.16 Share based payments The Company operates a number of equity-settled, share-based compensation plans, under which the entity receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments (options) of the Company. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of options is recognised as an expense. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted: including any market performance conditions;

excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions (for example, profitability, sales growth targets and remaining an employee of the entity over a specified time period); and

excluding the impact of any non-vesting conditions (for example the requirement of the employees to save). Assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest include consideration of non-market vesting conditions. The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied. At the end of each reporting period, the entity revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-market vesting conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision to the originally estimates, if any, in the income statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transactions costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when the options are exercised. 2.17 Current and deferred tax The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the consolidated income statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. Deferred income tax is recognised on temporary timing differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill; deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled. Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred income tax liabilities are provided on taxable temporary differences arising from investments in subsidiaries except for deferred income tax liability where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred income tax assets are recognised on deductible temporary differences arising from investments in subsidiaries only to the extent that it is probable the temporary difference will reverse in full in the future and there is sufficient taxable profit available against which the temporary difference can be utilised. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle balances on a net basis. 2.18 Provisions Provisions and any other anticipated foreseen liabilities are recognised: when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and the amount has been reliably estimated. Restructuring provisions comprise lease termination penalties, and employee termination payments. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering a class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognised even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be small. Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as an interest expense. 2.19 Leases At inception, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease within the scope of IFRS 16. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Where a tangible asset is acquired through a lease, the Company recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. Right-of-use assets are included within property, plant and equipment.The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date plus any initial direct costs and an estimate of the cost of obligations to dismantle, remove, refurbish or restore the underlying asset and the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The estimated useful lives of right-of-use assets are determined on the same basis as those of other property, plant and equipment. The right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are unpaid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Company's incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise fixed payments, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, and the cost of any options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise, such as the exercise price under a purchase option, lease payments in an optional renewal period, or penalties for early termination of a lease. The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in: future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate; the Company's estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee; or the Company's assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero. 2.20 Revenue recognition Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, and represents amounts receivable for the services supplied, stated net of discounts, and value added taxes. The Group recognises revenue when the contract is identified, performance obligation is determined, transaction price is determined and allocated to performance obligation in accordance with IFRS 15.The Group also recognises an unrealised profit/loss on the revaluation of investments in share of portfolio companies in accordance with the fair value policy outlined in Note 2.9. Provision of services The Group provides following lines of services: - Invention Evaluator services: provision of reports assessing potential of any new technology. Revenue is recognized upon delivery of a complete report - IP Acquisition Opportunities services: provision of reports identifying attractive university developed IP. Revenue is recognised upon delivery of a complete report - Tech transfer recruitment services: recruitment services specialising in technology transfer executives. Revenue is recognised when the placement is successfully completed - Training services: custom solutions for new tech transfer offices, spin out companies and accelerators delivered via in person trainings. Revenue is recognised over time based on completion stage of each session.Interest income Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable. 3. Financial Risk Management 3.1 Financial risk factors (a) Portfolio Risk/Investments Risk Management Investment into portfolio companies held by the Group requires long-term commitment with no certainty of return.The fair value of each portfolio company represents the best estimate at a point in time and may be impaired if the business does not perform as well as expected, directly impacting the Groups value and profitability. This risk is mitigated as the size of the portfolio increases. The Group performed sensitivity analysis with regards to assumptions used in determination of fair value of the portfolio in Note 12.The Group also regularly monitors portfolio companies liquidity required for returns to occur.(b) Credit Risk ManagementCredit risk is managed on a Group basis. In order to minimise this risk, the Group endeavours to only deal with companies that are demonstrable creditworthy, and the Directors continuously monitor the exposure. The Groups maximum exposure to credit risk for the components of financial position at 30 November 2020 and 2019 is the carrying amount of its current trade and other receivables as illustrated in Note 15.The Group monitors credit risk related to performance of portfolio companies, including considerations related to recoverability of convertible loan notes issued. Progress is monitored and regular discussions are held with management of portfolio companies to assess commercial progress and financial information provided. The Group also monitors credit risk related to creditor amounts due from portfolio companies. (c) Liquidity Risk Management Cash flow forecasting is performed on a Group basis. The Directors monitor rolling forecasts of the Groups liquidity requirements to ensure it has sufficient cash to meet operational needs. At the reporting date the 
A survey conducted by Juniper Networks reveals that businesses in Asia Pacific feel more confident and trust artificial intelligence (AI) more than in North America or Europe. AI has its own sets of challenges, but Asia Pacific respondents are keen to overcome it.

Consumers and enterprises want to use artificial intelligence (AI) to a greater extentand executives have prioritised it for 2021but challenges have hindered its actual adoption, according to a survey conducted by Juniper Networks.

Respondents in Asia Pacific (APAC) region displayed greater levels of trust toward AI, describing it will play a bigger role in their lives going forward, than their counterparts in North America or Europe, the study highlighted.

The research found that 99% of APAC respondents feel their organisation would benefit from integrating AI into their daily operations, product, and services. 42% of the respondents reported that 50% or more of their operational decisions are currently assisted by AI decisioning compared with 23% respondents in North America.

Customer Service is reported "as the most common business area currently utilising AI. This has helped drive broader acceptance and trust, while also accelerating AI adoption and fuelling the demand for employees skilled in AI development. With digital technology benefitting how enterprises and individuals operate in the region, respondents in Asia (71%) are more open to seeing AI as their co-worker of the future than in North America (54%)."

While the adoption and development of AI in Asia Pacific is growing rapidly, Junipers research show that respondents are looking to overcome challenges, primarily in the following areas:

AI-Ready Technology Stacks: Respondents ranked developing AI models and data sets that can be used across the company as the top technology-related challenge. There is a need for stronger infrastructure  including data, cloud and networking capabilities  and talent to work with AI systems, as more than half of executives (74%) are likely to collect telemetry data to enhance AI to improve user experience.

Workforce Readiness: 48% of APAC respondents organisations are struggling with preparing and expanding their workforce to integrate with AI systems. Providing tools and opportunities that help employees apply AI skills is a top priority for leaders, while developing plans and metrics to expand employee skill sets and recruiting pipeline are also of importance. Meanwhile, C-level respondents reported they feel it is more of a priority to hire people to develop AI capabilities within an organisation than it is to train end users to operate the tools themselves.

AI Governance: 75% of APAC respondents reported that AI has been identified as a priority by their organisations leadership team for their FY21 strategic plan and 87% of executives agree cross-functional executive sponsorship and involvement is critical for AI to integrate into their products and services. Despite acknowledgement from respondents, only 3% of executives reported that they have identified a company-wide AI leader who oversees AI strategy and governance.

Although AI poses a set of challenges, Junipers research shows that organisations that have already adopted and harnessed the power of AI are showing real and meaningful outcomes.

The survey revealed sales and marketing, as well as finance and accounting, are common business areas where AI is utilised. Positive changes like operational efficiencies and enhanced user experience were seen.

The research shows that as organisations scale their AI capabilities and integrate their employees into their solutions, user satisfaction steadily rose and the time reduced allows employees to focus on value-add tasks they could not previously accomplish.

Juniper conducted a global survey of 700 IT decision makers with direct involvement in their organisations AI and/or machine learning plans or actual deployments to assess the attitudes, perceptions and concerns of the technology.

Sharon Mandell, SVP and CIO, Juniper Networks, says: When I see interest in an emerging technology, I always need to remind people there are pitfalls if its not managed correctly. For artificial intelligence, there is no doubt that there is light at the end of the challenge-filled tunnel, and significant potential to generate even more meaningful and incredible outcomes than we have seen so far.

By focusing on upskilling their workforce, investing in strong infrastructureincluding data, cloud and networking capabilitiesand implementing enterprise-wide AI governance, organisations are preparing for the digital workforce of tomorrow, she explains.

Ang Thiam Guan, VP & GM, APAC, Juniper Networks, comments: From chatbots in customer service, to discovering new areas of operational efficiencies, and intelligent networking solutions that facilitate seamless transition between devices, these used cases define what it means to work in an experience-first era.

As the integration of AI continues to deepen in the modern workplace, organisations in Asia Pacific need to have the right mix of talent, AI-driven technology, and IT governance. This will provide business leaders with the foundation to build an agile, digital-centric workforce who are ready to embrace change and deliver exceptional experiences for their business, customers and communities, he suggests.

Junipers mission is to leverage AI to simplify operations and deliver superior experiences for enterprises, service providers and cloud providers.

From wired and wireless access and SD-WAN to campus and data centres and multi-cloud environments, Junipers portfolio, it claims, brings unprecedented simplicity, reliability, and security to enterprise networks.

Automated network monitoring, management and troubleshooting from client-to-cloud provides better insight, Juniper maintains, so that operators can focus on higher level tasks and end users can focus on consuming value  without the need to hire outside people with AI expertise.
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A hybrid of music and dance performed live and on film is part of a collaborative production that will premiere at Motorama at the Downs Santa Fe.

The special event will take place on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1. Both nights, two-time Grammy Award winner Robert Mirabal will perform live at sunset alongside Festival Ballet Albuquerque dancing a newly choreographed piece by New York City ballet icon Jock Soto. The piece is set to Mirabals song Memoir Chaco. It will be followed by the premiere of Sacred Journeys II a live stage performance film made in collaboration among Festival Ballet Albuquerque, Mirabal and Soto.

The funny thing about the film, the irony of it is that the last performance that we did of Sacred Journeys II, I did a three-camera shoot, said Patricia Dickinson Wells, director of Festival Ballet Albuquerque. And the plan at that point was to use it as a background to build a documentary about putting this collaboration together because it was so groundbreaking.  And so the plan was that we were going to start building a documentary and it was going to be last spring. Well, then the pandemic hit and we were waiting.

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It has been more than a year since Festival Ballet Albuquerque has performed. The troupe is happy to be performing again at some capacity as well as finally being able to premiere the performance film.

Although it is a small group, it is exciting, Dickinson Wells said. The film is a fully edited and colorized performance video of the last collaboration with Robert Mirabal and Jock Soto as the spring 2020 planned collaboration/performance was obviously canceled.

The performance film Sacred Journeys II features choreography by Soto, Dickinson Wells, Vladimir Conde Reche, and Dominic Guerra. The film features 35 dancers and took about five months of preparation. The pieces were choreographed to Mirabals music. One of the dances, choreographed by Dickinson Wells and performed to Mirabals song Little Indians, incorporates American Sign Language in the movements.

I admire sign language, Dickinson Wells said. First of all, its beautiful movement in and of itself.  I think that the beauty of the movement of ASL would work well with this particular story.

Mirabal, who is from Taos Pueblo, has been described as a Native American Renaissance man with many titles to his name, including musician, composer, painter, master craftsman, poet, actor, screenwriter, horseman and farmer. Dickinson Wells knew she had to work with Mirabal after seeing a special presentation on PBS in 2005 that featured Mirabals Music From a Painted Cave.

It was just glorious, she said. And I loved every part of it. And I always thought of, you know, working, choreographing to his music. And the years went by, and then actually in 2017, I contacted him. And he left me a voicemail that yes, he would love to collaborate. And so we did our first performance.

Soon after Dickinson Wells met Mirabal, she met Soto, who later became part of the collaborations. Soto was born in Gallup to a Navajo mother and Puerto Rican father. At age 11, he began dancing at the School of American Ballet. He has performed in more than 100 ballets during his 24-year career.

(Soto is) another internationally known ballet star, and he had retired to Eagle Nest, Dickinson Wells said. And so I was bringing him in to guest teach the master classes, and we got to talking and so he came in on this project as well.

LIVE PERFORMANCE BY ROBERT MIRABAL AND PREMIERE OF SACRED JOURNEYS II

WHEN: Doors open at 5:45 p.m., show at 7:45 p.m. Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1

WHERE: Motorama at the Downs Santa Fe, 27475 W. Frontage Road, Santa Fe

HOW MUCH: $12-$24 per person, $5 ages 5-17, plus tax. April 30 show tickets available at holdmyticket.com/event/371330 and May 1 tickets at holdmyticket.com/event/372139.
On Friday morning, Tahoe Truckee Unified School District recorded 20 active cases of COVID-19 at Truckee High School. The outbreak is the largest in the Tahoe Truckee school district, tripling the schools total number of cases since February, according to the district's COVID-19 dashboard.

School district officials confirmed the number of cases to SFGATE and said that approximately 150 students are under quarantine at home due to their exposure to people who have tested positive for COVID-19.

All of the COVID-19 cases originated from outside of the school, district officials said.

"We have incredible safety mitigation measures in place on all of our campuses to keep students and staff safe," the district said in a statement to SFGATE. "Truckee High School and our entire district (Tahoe Truckee Unified School District) have been reiterating the importance of practicing safe mitigation measures when off campus and we will continue to do so."

The Nevada County Public Health Department defines an outbreak as three or more cases in a 14-day period.

Any time we have more than three cases in a given setting then it is considered an outbreak," said Ryan Gruver, director of health and human services at Nevada County. "We coordinate closely with whatever entity is involved to help tailor the response and support in any way that we can.

Gruver declined to comment directly on the cases at Truckee High School, but he noted that Nevada County currently has a higher rate of COVID-19 infections than the rest of California. Truckee's active case numbers are on the rise. Gruver said more transmissible variants of COVID-19 are likely "widespread at this point" in Truckee.

Truckee High School's 20 active COVID-19 cases accounts for nearly 19% of Nevada County's total. As of April 29, Nevada County has 108 active cases. In eastern Nevada County, which encompasses Truckee, 1,241 cases of COVID have been recorded, total. Nevada County is in the red tier, indicating substantial spread, according to Californias COVID blueprint.

"We are not out of the woods yet when it comes to COVID," Gruver said. "At the same time as were seeing continued significant COVID spread, were also seeing, unfortunately, a decline in demand for the vaccine. Thats occurring well before weve had enough people vaccinated to confer herd immunity.

More than a quarter of Nevada County residents have been fully vaccinated; nearly 70,000 doses have been administered as of Wednesday.

Gruver said appointments to get the vaccine in Truckee are readily available.

"I'd like to urge parents, if you have a 16- or 17-year-old, there are several locations where the Pfizer vaccine is available, Gruver said.

As of Friday, the only other school in the district with active cases of COVID-19 was North Tahoe School, grades 5-8, reporting two cases. The other schools in the district, including North Tahoe High School, had zero cases.

In a letter sent on Tuesday, Truckee High School Principal Logan Mallonee informed parents and guardians of students of the outbreak, noting that a significant number of Truckee High students are required to quarantine because theyve been directly exposed to COVID-19.

At least 12% of students who opted for in-person learning, per the letter, are currently quarantined. The school reports a student body of around 780 students this year.

Most of the cases, Mallonee wrote, originated at gatherings outside of school, including house parties.

Mallonee and assistant principal John Neuberger did not immediately respond to requests for comment from SFGATE.

"There is not one particular event that has led to this separation," a spokesperson from the district said to SFGATE. "Its due to a variety of non-school-related activities."

Truckee High students who are under quarantine were asked in the letter to remain at home and cannot participate in any extracurricular activities at school. The letter did not specify how long students were required to quarantine if infected or if exposed to individuals who were.

Regionwide, Tahoe Truckee has been experiencing an uptick in COVID cases, possibly due to more transmissible variants of the virus, said Dr. Rob Oldham, director of Health and Human Services at Placer County, which borders Nevada County. Tahoe Truckee School District has campuses in both Nevada and Placer counties. Oldham noted that case numbers seem to be subsiding, overall.

We have received more reports of the UK variant in the last few weeks, Oldham said in a statement to SFGATE.

Its difficult to predict whether were likely to see any tier movement prior to the state moving beyond the Blueprint in June, but our hope is that as people begin to see more and more the positive outcomes from vaccination  reuniting with extended family, going to events, fewer business restrictions  that will help encourage broader vaccination in the community.

SFGATE contributing editor Julie Brown contributed to this story.
Brazil backs away from the virus brink as deaths top 400,000 View Photo

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  For most of this month, intensive care units across Brazil were at or near capacity amid a crush of COVID-19 patients, and sedatives needed to intubate patients dwindled. The nations biggest cemetery had so many corpses to bury that gravediggers worked hours past sundown.

But Brazil has stepped back from the edge  at least for now  as burial and hospital services no longer face collapse. It has ceased to be the virus global epicenter, as its death toll ebbed and was overtaken by Indias surge. Experts warn, however, that the situation remains precarious, and caution is warranted.

The number of states with ICU capacity above 90% has slipped to 10, from 17 a month ago, according to data from the state-run Fiocruz medical research institute. And nighttime burials at Vila Formosa and three other cemeteries in Sao Paulo were suspended Thursday, after two weeks of declining deaths.

That comes as cold comfort in a country where some 2,500 people died every day over the past week, more than triple the number in the U.S. Brazil surpassed the grim milestone of 400,000 confirmed deaths on Thursday  a number considered by experts to be an undercount, in part because lack of testing meant many cases were overlooked, especially early in the pandemic. The seven-day average has retreated from more than 3,100 deaths in mid-April, but Fiocruz warned in a bulletin Wednesday that it may plateau and at an even higher level than it did last year.

Our goal now is to make the numbers keep going down instead of stabilizing. Thats the most crucial thing, said Pedro Hallal, an epidemiologist and coordinator of Brazils largest COVID-19 testing program. Its good that theyre going down, but lets not assume that this will be the last wave. There is hope that it will be the last wave, because of the vaccine, but that needs to be confirmed.

Given slow vaccine rollout, there are millions more Brazilians vulnerable to infection, Hallal added, and the threshold scientists believe is needed to stop uncontrolled spread  70% or higher of the population with immunity through vaccination or past infection  remains distant.

Brazils death toll of 401,186 is the worlds second-highest, with the majority recorded in just the last four months as a more contagious variant swept the nation. Friday morning, demonstrators laid rows of body bags on the sand of Rio de Janeiros Copacabana beach to represent the dead.

Throughout the thick of the Southern Hemispheres summer, crowds gathered and people boarded public transport in droves as mayors and governors relaxed the restrictions on activity that Brazils President Jair Bolsonaro fervently opposes.

Some mayors and governors tightened such measures over the last month, helping to revert the surge of infections, Fiocruz said. However, they have begun reopening again amid the early, encouraging data.

Valter Gomes, a 33-year-old textile worker in central Sao Paulo, has noted more people riding trains and reopening shops.

Often the pandemic gets worse because a lot of people who have the opportunity to stay home dont. They go out instead, he said. If everyone contributed, I dont think there would be such a big crisis of having to stop work, having these lockdowns.

Researchers at Imperial College London this week said Brazils transmission rate has reached its lowest rate in months.

But the rate remains high, said Domingos Alves, an epidemiologist tracking COVID-19 data, and he argues its too soon to roll back restrictions. Brazil risks repeating the errors of European countries that have seen third surges, because the countrys decline in infections isnt yet sustained, he said.

The situation in all Brazilian states requires adoption of more drastic measures to contain the virus, said Alves, an adjunct professor of social medicine at the University of Sao Paulo. The number of cases is very high and we arent doing anything to contain the virus.

Brazils number of confirmed cases is widely believed to be an undercount, and the virus is also gaining ground among its neighbors. The ICUs in Argentinas capital, Buenos Aires, have been pushed to critical levels. Peru, Venezuela, Uruguay and Colombia have seen cases jump in recent weeks. Health experts have cited the circulation of variants, including a strain believed to have originated in Brazils Amazon, as a contributing factor.

Its no surprise that many countries in our region have tightened public health measures by extending curfews, limiting re-openings and imposing new stay-at-home orders, said Carissa Etienne, director of the Pan American Health Organization. These decisions are never easy, but based on how infections are surging, this is exactly what needs to happen.

Such recommendations remain anathema to Bolsonaro; last weekend he called lockdown measures absurd and suggested he could order the army into the streets to restore order.

The president has consistently downplayed the disease and dispensed false hope by touting unproven drugs, which critics say only added to the nations death toll. This week the Senate began an investigation into the governments alleged failures in managing the pandemic.

The troubled response has been reflected in health minister turnover; the fourth man to occupy the post during the pandemic, Dr. Marcelo Queiroga, took over last month. He has spoken of the need to boost vaccine supply, personally consults with scientists and has so far displayed the autonomy to promote mask use and social distancing. That marks something of a shift from his predecessor, an active-duty general who made explicit his deference to Bolsonaros wishes on health policy.

Queiroga told reporters this week that the decrease in hospitalizations has eased demand for oxygen and sedatives for intubation. Stopgap donations from big businesses and the governments of Canada and Spain also shored up supply. The Health Ministry is also preparing a tender for the acquisition of more sedatives.

The minister has stopped short of embracing public health experts calls for lockdowns and restrictions on activity, and hasnt ruled out use of drugs that rigorous testing has shown to be ineffective. But he showed recognition that Brazil isnt yet free and clear, and remains in a very serious moment of the pandemic.

Queiroga joined the World Health Organizations Friday news briefing, and didnt comment on Brazils grim milestone of 400,000 deaths.

The WHOs director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus, said the pandemic still threatens to unravel gains Brazils health care system achieved over decades, but commemorated the recent decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations, cases and deaths.

We hope this trend continues, Tedros said, but the pandemic has taught us that no country can ever let down its guard.

___ AP videojournalist Tatiana Pollastri contributed from Sao Paulo.

By DAVID BILLER

Associated Press
Australia's first-ever non-alcoholic bar and bottle shop is preparing to open its doors.

Brunswick Aces Bar in Brunswick East, six kilometres north of Melbourne CBD, will start serving a menu of over 100 alcohol-free beers, wines and cocktails from Saturday, May 1.

Nestled next to the city's iconic Italian food quarter, the bar is touted as a trendy teetotal venue that offers tasty drinks at affordable prices.

'Wine' starts from just $6 a glass, while 'beers' and 'spirits' with mixers range from $7 to $11. Mocktails made with locally sourced Australian ingredients will be $15.

Australia's first-ever non-alcoholic bar and bottle shop is preparing to open its doors in Melborune

Nestled next to the city's iconic Italian food quarter, the bar is touted as a trendy teetotal venue that offers tasty drinks at affordable prices

The menu will grow and rotate, with special monthly 'cocktails' and limited-edition brews from overseas producers added to keep customers coming back for more.

Customers can sip on a tipple while sinking into plush soft furnishings, which contrast with the industrial facade of the Brunswick Aces distillery visible behind the bar.

The bottle shop will stock popular Australian brands including Heaps Normal XPA, Songbird Wine and Ovant, as well as international brands including GNISTA and Vandestreek Playground IPA.

Brand director Stuart Henshall told Daily Mail Australia the bar is designed for anyone who is living or entertaining the thought of a sober lifestyle.

Mr Henshall said the stocking of non-alcoholic products in traditional bars remains 'very inconsistent', leading to a stand off between venues and consumers.

'People don't know where stocks what - venues say we don't stock alcohol-free options because nobody asks for them, but sober consumers say they don't go out because of the lack of these options,' he said.

'We wanted to create somewhere for people to come and also to prove to traditional venues that there is demand for non-alcoholic products.'

The bar is designed for anyone who is living or entertaining the thought of a sober lifestyle

Revealed: Long-term effects of regular heavy drinking Brain: Drinking too much can affect your concentration, judgement, mood and memory. It increases your risk of having a stroke and developing dementia. Heart: Heavy drinking increases your blood pressure and can lead to heart damage and heart attacks. Liver: Drinking three to four standard drinks a day increases your risk of developing liver cancer. Long-term heavy drinking also puts you at increased risk of liver cirrhosis (scarring) and death. Stomach: Drinking even one to two standard drinks a day increases your risk of stomach and bowel cancer, as well as stomach ulcers. Fertility: Regular heavy drinking reduces men's testosterone levels, sperm count and fertility. For women, drinking too much can affect their periods. Source: Health Direct Advertisement

Recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal more than a quarter of Australians - 28.9 percent - are mostly abstaining from alcohol, while a further 9.5 percent are drinking less than they were this time last year.

Over the past four years, the number of ex-drinkers in Australia rose from 1.5million to 1.9million  and there is a growing sober scene, largely fuelled by hordes of Instagram influencers who tout the benefits of their alcohol-free lifestyles online.

The nation's first-ever teetotal venue is the brainchild of the Brunswick Aces Distillery, which was founded in 2017 by a group of food and drink loving neighbours after some of them gave up drinking due to health issues and pregnancy.

The team created Australia's first zero-alcohol 'spirit' Brunswick Aces, which will be on offer at the venue.

CEO and co-founder Stephen Lawrence said he has been 'inundated with messages' from sober drinkers from Perth to Sydney, as well as overseas.

The feedback was so positive that they decided to add a bottle shop where tasting sessions of non-alcoholic bevvies will be held.

'We're aiming to be the hub of non-alcoholic, not only in Melbourne, but Australia,' Mr Lawrence said.

'There is no other space like it in the country where you can come and sample such a large range of what the market has to offer in one place.

'Many have to rely on online bottle shop owner reviews and trust their word, with some feeling disappointed when their purchase doesn't meet their expectations. With Brunswick Aces you are being looked after by a venue like never before.'

Brunswick Aces Bar is located at 124 Weston Street in Brunswick East, Melbourne.

The bar is open Thursday to Saturday from 3pm to 11pm, while the bottle shop operates Monday to Saturday between 11am and 5pm.
ORK has commenced on a wildflower meadow at the Grand Canal, one of a series of projects planned by Tullamore Tidy Towns in the coming year.

The group also plans to plant trees between Pearse Park and the Scouts Den and to carry out landscaping at the railway bridge in Clonminch.

We are also planning a significant project involving the painting of murals on gable walls around town, somewhat similar to the 'Waterford Walls' project, Tidy Towns Chairman Ray Carroll told members at the group's AGM, held on Zoom, last Wednesday night.

Tidy Towns also place to erect a seat outside Clonminch Cemetery, in memory of Emer Groonell, who was a dedicated volunteer with the group.

Mr Carroll said he was delighted that Team Tullamore has recently been re-established with membership from Offaly County Council, Tullamore and District Chamber, Waterways Ireland and Tullamore Tidy Towns.

It is an objective of this group to strengthen pride of place and to raise the profile of Tullamore, contributing to the evolution of Tullamore as a quality visitor destination enhancing the attractiveness and vibrancy of the town and contributing to winning the national Supervalu Tidy Towns, outlined the Tidy Towns chief.

Mr Carroll said the process was well advanced on a long term Tidy Towns development plan for Tullamore when Covid struck but it was hoped to finalise it and launch the plan during the autumn.

Addressing the issue of Covid, Mr Carroll reflected: What a contrast we have seen in the past two years since our last AGM. As usual we were busy beavering away with clean-ups, litter picking and projects throughout 2019. 2020 on the other hand saw a complete shutdown of all Tidy Towns activities resulting in no competition with Covid 19 impacting society in a most unprecedented way.

He said the group's efforts were recognised and rewarded at the Supervalu Tidy Towns Awards in September 2019 when they received another Gold Medal in the national competition  their 6th gold medal in a row.

This achievement is due, in no small way, to the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication of the volunteers on our committee who, although busy with their own occupations and commitments, found time to turn out for meetings and regular routine tidy towns activities like litter picking, painting, weeding, planting etc., said Mr Carroll.

He added that one of our strongest sources of support are the residents groups throughout the town and we say well done to them for their invaluable contribution to the way they look after their estates  this again drew very favourable comment from the Tidy Towns judge in the 2019 report.

The association would like to say a special word of thanks to the Credit Union who have encouraged participation by residents groups and the retail and business sectors of the town in their Tidy Tullamore initiative.

Mr Carroll said he would also like to acknowledge the help and support we got from members of Tullamore Chamber especially those involved in the hanging baskets project which has been an added attraction in the streetscape of the town in the past few years. Members of Chamber also helped out on litter pickups and cleanups and we appreciate that.

He also paid tribute to Tullamore Canoe Club for the litter pickups they did on the Grand Canal.

Added Mr Carroll: The hanging baskets and planters around town were watered by workers who came on board through a scheme overseen by Offaly Local Development Company. There is no way we or Chamber members could look after the plants on a regular systematic basis so this initiative worked very well for us.

As usual both the council and the Municipal District were a big support to us  not only in terms of funding but also in their work programmes and with their advice and encouragement for example through the Tidy Towns Network. Thanks to John Connelly, Colm Heeney and their staff and the Community & Enterprise staff. The work being done by council staff on street sweeping and litter picking has been justifiably acknowledged by the towns placing in the IBAL anti litter league.

Another achievement the group can be proud of, said Mr Carroll, is the 5th Green Flag awarded for Lloyd Town Park, which is also always favourably mentioned by the TT judges.

The completion of the street enhancement programme has made a huge improvement to our town centre, outlined the Tidy Towns chief who added the group looks forward to future projects like the Greenway upgrade, the Grand Canal Harbour, the Tullamore Living River project and the proposed network of cycle lanes.

Mr Carroll also acknmowledged the work being done by a number of individuals and community groups who carry out their litter picks around town.

Their efforts are very much appreciated and contribute in no small way to the towns achievements at national competitions, he stressed.

While 2020 may have been uneventful in TT terms we look forward with hope and enthusiasm to the resumption of activities in the near future. In this regard, while no official announcement has been made, we have been told that the national Tidy Towns competition will go ahead this year. We understand it will be based on entry form submissions and there will be no physical judging taking place on the ground  the adjudicators will assess each entry remotely.

More detail on Tullamore Tidy Towns can be found on www.tullamoretidytowns.ie.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) speaks during his weekly press briefing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on March 18, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

McCarthy Says Bidens Massive Tax-and-Spend Plans Make Bernie Sanders Look Like a Conservative

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Thursday sharply criticized President Joe Bidens massive early-term spending proposals, comparing the president to one of the most left-leaning lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

McCarthy tweeted a critical meme on April 29, the day that marked Bidens 100th day in office, accusing the president of a tax-and-spend agenda that makes Bernie Sanders look like a conservative.

Biden on Wednesday unveiled his newest spending proposal, the $1.8 trillion American Families Plan, a vast expansion of the federal social safety net in the areas of education, and health, and child care. Together with the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that passed with zero Republican votes, and the proposed $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan, this brings Bidens early-term spending to a dizzying $6 trillion, drawing sharply critical reactions from Republicans, and even some muted criticism from Democrats.

In a statement, McCarthy accused Biden of bait-and-switch for promising bipartisanship governing as a socialist.

President Biden abandoned his promise to govern with bipartisanship on day one and has committed to implementing a far-left, socialist agenda, McCarthy said in the statement. This bait-and-switch hasnt gone unnoticed by the American public, with 60 percent recently reporting that they want Biden to stick to his promise of working with Republicans to get things done, McCarthy added, referring to a recent ABC-Washington Post poll that found 60 percent of Americans said Biden should try to get Republican buy-in on his proposals by making major changes to them.

In a sharply-worded critique, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) similarly accused Biden of a go-it-alone approach to legislating.

Last night, President Biden talked about unity and togetherness. But he delivered a multi-trillion-dollar shopping list that was not even intended to earn bipartisan buy-in. A lengthy liberal daydream that would force American families lives into Washington Democrats mold, McConnell wrote in a tweet.

McCarthy elaborated on the notion that Bidens policies made him look more progressive than Sanders, telling Fox News in an interview Wednesday that he raised the issue with Sanders directly after the presidents speech in Congress.

I asked the senator, Did you ever think you would be more conservative than the president?' McCarthy told host Sean Hannity.

Asked how Sanders reacted, McCarthy replied, He looked at me and laughed. But he understood what I was saying to him.

Biden on Thursday spoke at a drive-in rally in Georgia, seeking to build public support for $4 trillion in new spending on infrastructure and social programs, calling for corporations and wealthy Americans to pick up the tab via tax hikes.

Biden is scheduled to travel to Pennsylvania and Virginia in the days ahead to promote his spending and tax plans.
The Texas House preliminarily approved a bill that would lower the criminal penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana and provide a path for many Texans charged with such a crime to expunge it from their criminal records. The bill applies to possession of 1 ounce or less  approximately two dime bags.

Currently in Texas, possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, which can be punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. House Bill 441, authored by state Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, would reduce possession of 1 ounce or less to a Class C misdemeanor, which carries no jail time. Police also wouldnt be allowed to make arrests for possession at or under an ounce.

RELATED: Texas' medical cannabis program could expand under bill preliminarily OK'd by House

In a committee hearing, Zwiener said the language had been worked on with Gov. Greg Abbotts office and praised the bipartisan conversation over reducing possession penalties. The House passed a similar measure two years ago, but Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick opposed it and quickly declared it dead in the upper chamber. Patricks office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Several Texas prosecutors and law enforcement agencies have already stopped arresting and prosecuting people found with small amounts of marijuana on their first offense. A 2021 University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll found that 60% of Texas voters believe possession of small or large amounts of marijuana should be legal for whatever purpose.

HB 411 is one of many attempts to lower the criminal penalties for marijuana possession statewide. Ten bills in the Legislature address the issue, but only one other bill has made it out of committee. House Bill 99 would get rid of arrests and driver's license suspensions for marijuana possession only punishable by a fine. Its author, Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands, is a notable conservative who told the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee that he did not support decriminalization or legalization, but nevertheless believes the racial disparity in marijuana arrests must be addressed.

According to a 2020 report by the American Civil Liberties Union, Black Texans were 2.6 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession in 2018 than white Texans despite similar usage rates nationwide. In both 2018 and 2019, about 30% of those arrested for marijuana possession in Texas were Black, despite the state population being 12% Black.

RELATED: New medical marijuana facility in Texas promises 'hundreds' of jobs

Class B misdemeanors carry other penalties, such as preventing someone from obtaining a firearm license for five years and automatic driver's license suspension. Lowering the charge to a Class C misdemeanor and allowing for record expungement would also eliminate the barriers and stigma associated with having a criminal record when a person applies for jobs and financial assistance.

Marijuana possession charges have also gotten more complicated since the Legislature legalized hemp and hemp-derived products  such as CBD oil  last session. Difficulty differentiating between legal hemp and illegal marijuana led to a drop in the number of low-level possession charges in the state. In 2019, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported more than 45,000 arrests for possession of marijuana  a decrease from the nearly 63,000 reported arrests in 2018. In July of 2019, the department issued a memo instructing DPS officers to issue citations, rather than make arrests, for possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana.

Disclosure: The University of Texas at Austin has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes 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.
Every generation grows from a legacy started long ago.

Yolanda Cacheux Olascoaga started a legacy of helping others in her community. Born in 1930, she grew up in Mexico and as a young girl she made bricks to help her large family survive.

With only an elementary education, she taught herself English, to then teach others English. She was a self-taught artist, and later became a fashion designer in Guadalajara. She also became one of the first flight attendants in Mexico. Yolanda married, had two daughters, and became civically active for basic human rights in Mexico. She passed away Feb. 20, 2020, but her love of learning, culture, and family shaped her daughter, Alejandra Tapia.

Alejandra Tapia was a linguistics professor in Mexico City, and is currently an educator working with underserved populations in Conroe. She founded Conroes first Aztec Dance team, Chikawa,19 years ago believing ancient cultures carry lessons to guide communities in working across cultures.

On April 23, the Texas Familias Council honored Yolandas legacy with the first Luz de Luna Leading Light Award and Scholarship held at Lone Star College Kingwood.

The award recognizes community advocacy, and the service of young women. The first recipients of the award were Jocelyn Garcia and Esveidy Norberto of New Caney High School for their service during the pandemic.

Esveidy and Jocelyn spent each Monday serving 200 families a week in a New Caney food line with Abundant Harvest Kitchen and the Council. They distributed public health education and promoted vaccinations for high-risk populations. Many working-class Latino communities have suffered the brunt of the pandemic as essential workers.

The physical and emotional toll has been high, and volunteering during a pandemic is hard in the heat, rain, and cold, said Maria Banos Jordan, Founder and President of the Texas Familias Council. These young women have carried the struggles of their own families, and their studies, on their shoulders. A food line teaches us many lessons while we work together.

With pandemic safety a priority, the Council invited a small group of leaders and the students families to a special celebration. New Caney High Dean of Instruction, Dr. Amy Wallace and Viviana Antenangeli of New Caney ISD were in attendance.

Part of our Council mission is to value our young, diverse communities. Esveidy and Jocelyn felt the support of a village tonight for their journey ahead, said Banos Jordan.

Alejandra Tapia and her children presented the award to the young women in honor of her late mother. Tapia shared information about the moon (luna) and the significance in Latin American culture, The moon guides the harvest, but it is also the ancient symbol of feminine strength and hope. Yolanda was that for us, and you will be that for your families and community also.

Mario Castillo, Lone Star College System COO, General Counsel, and interim President at Kingwood College, shared the importance of determination, and education. If you prepare yourself, you will be in a position to help others. Thank you for serving on the food line to help sustain families. Many of our families benefited from your services while our parents struggled. Castillo continued speaking to the two students while awarding scholarships to the Lone Star College System, and closed by saying, If I invest in you, you will invest in countless others, and thats what matters.

Dr. Diana Pino, CEO of Capstone HigherEd, spoke about womens leadership. She explained that Latina leaders can use their cultural insights to help build a team and acknowledge differences. She encouraged them to hold onto the strengths of their cultures and learn to use their voice. She explained that when the Latino community strengthens, it strengthens the whole community.

Texas Familias Council executive member, Becky Gustamante, thanked the young women for bringing smiles to the faces of families this past year. She said, Our volunteers are diverse, and have fun in service together, so thank you for making a difference in so many lives- keep serving.

The guests were serenaded by world-renowned Houston artist, Vanessa Alonzo. She performed a stirring rendition of Yolandas favorite song, the classic Mexican ballad Luz de Luna.

Both young women are focused on continuing their parents dream and legacy. Esveidy will pursue a career in criminal justice, and Jocelyn plans to build a business with a degree in business.

Maria Banos Jordan said Its been a painful year, our colleagues are tired, but these blessings plant seeds of hope, bring joy, and build community. Despite the pandemic and bad weather, faith found a way to celebrate tonight, and I am very thankful for the heart we received from Mr. Castillo, the families, and colleagues.

The Texas Familias Council was founded in 2011 to support families and inspire inclusive communities. Their website is www.Texasfamiliascouncil.org.
Thai products promotion launched on Pinduoduo

By:Zheng Qian | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-04-29 14:16

A promotional activity for Thailand commodities was held in Shanghai to boost more than 50 varieties of goods imported from the Southeastern Asia country. The quality goods were launched online on Chinese e-commerce shopping platform Pinduoduo.

In May each year, tropical fruits from Southeast Asia begin to enter China, and Thailand is where China imports most from. Last year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic breakout, Chinas total fruit imports from the country saw a year-on-year increase of 2.9%, reaching US$4 billion.

On the Pinduoduo platform, Thai fruits, beverages and cosmetics have always been hot products. During this virtual Thai commodity festival, which will last till May 15, subsidies of tens of billions of yuan will be granted to Thai products and live streaming sales will also be conducted to promote orders.
Connecticut Ends Religious Vaccine Exemptions for Students

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law on Wednesday a bill that ends religious exemptions from mandatory school vaccinations in the state. Medical exemptions from immunizations remain in effect.

Serious illnesses that have been well-controlled for many decades, such as measles, tuberculosis, and whooping cough  have reemerged, Lamont said in a statement.

The number of children in our state who have not received routine vaccinations has been steadily increasing, which has been mirrored by significant growth in preventable diseases across the nation, he continued.

Parents may still choose not to vaccinate their children on medical grounds, but the bill best ensures that other children and their families will not be exposed to these deadly diseases for hours each day in our schools, Lamont said.

The measure applies to public and private schools, higher education institutions, and children in daycare settings.

The bill was voted in the majority Democrat Connecticut Senate on Tuesday and passed 22 to 14, Hartford Courant reported. All Republican Senators voted against it, while all but two Democrats voted for it. The new legislation will take effect at the beginning of the 2022 school year.

Earlier in April, the bill to eliminate the religious exemption from mandatory immunization was approved by the Connecticut House of Representatives, The CT Mirror reported.

Connecticut Senate minority leader Kevin Kelly (R) was quoted as saying, We believe in individuals. We believe that families, mothers and fathers, know how to take care of their children. The majority Democrats believe that government knows best, CT Senate Republicans wrote on Twitter on April 28.

"We believe in individuals. We believe that families, mothers and fathers, know how to take care of their children. The majority Democrats believe that government knows best," @21KevinKelly said. https://t.co/P9dHY6Tjkc  CT Senate Republicans (@CTSenateGOP) April 28, 2021

Connecticut Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D) said that the number of religious exemptions was growing, adding that there was a large number of children whose immune systems are weak and can only be safe in school if their classmates are immunized, the CT Mirror reported.

Looney reportedly said that children are not the property of parents and possess independent rights apart of those of their parents.

The bill makes Connecticut the sixth state to ban vaccination exemptions on religious grounds, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Other states that do not allow religious exemptions from mandatory vaccinations are California, Maine, Mississippi, New York, and West Virginia.

Family Institute of Connecticut said on Twitter that parents pledged to file a lawsuit over the newly enacted bill.

Parents pledge to file lawsuit over bill signed Wednesday ending Connecticuts religious exemption for required school vaccines https://t.co/9cjNSMyXxJ  Family Institute CT (@FICAction) April 29, 2021

Thousands of protestors against the new measures gathered peacefully outside of the State Capital during the debate in the Senate on Tuesday, Fox61 reported.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., founder, chairman of the board, and chief legal counsel for Childrens Health Defense, spoke at the rally and urged senators to vote no on the bill.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health reported the results of a survey that found the total vaccination rate of students entering school in the 2019-2020 school year was close to 98 percent. Sen. Mary Daugherty Abrams (D), a co-chair of the Public Health Committee, said that despite the fact that the overall vaccination rate was high most exemptions occur in a few schools, Hartford Courant reported.

Children Health Defense said in a statement that the measure was put in place to prevent any potential outbreak of a disease but no outbreak has occurred in Connecticut since the religious exemption law was enacted in 1959.

This is a dangerous trend of erosion of our liberties and First Amendment rights, the Children Health Defense statement reads.
Photo: PNE/Playland

"The PNE needs our help now, otherwise, and to be frank, we risk losing it."

The City of Vancouver is asking the Province for $8 million in emergency aid to help save the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) after the date to reopen Playland was postponed.

PNE President and CEO Shelly Frost told reporters in a press briefing Friday (April 30) that the future of the amusement park was at stake due to unprecedented financial losses incurred over the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Frost stated that "all of the major events had to be cancelled in 2020" and that the PNE is a staggering $8 million in debt. "We are forecasted to be $15 million in debt by the end of 2021," she added.

As a not-for-profit organization, however, the PNE continues to be excluded from federal and provincial grants and funding. Recovery would take a decade and a half and would "forever change this organization and what we bring to B.C. would be altered," she said.

"We provide 4,300 jobs, 9,500 indirect jobs and we generate $200 million in economic impact for the region."

As a self-sufficient organization for decades, the PNE fair has been a significant provincial institution for 111 years that "transcends age, race, gender, religion and economic circumstances...the fun-loving spirit of our province, and a place where we've always come back together to celebrate after adversity," said Frost.

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart said that the PNE as we "now know and love it could end" despite the City's backstopping of its line of credit.

Kennedy noted that "I sincerely hope that Premier Horgan will come to the table and provide the support that the PNE deserves so that we can look forward to another 100 years of memories."

Playland will not reopen on May 1 due to COVID-19 travel concerns

Playland announced that it will not reopen on May 1 in an effort to support the provincial circuit breaker in the wake of soaring coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.

The amusement park was slated to open May 1 but organizers have decided to remain closed until after the May Long weekend. In discussions with the Provincial Health Office, concerns were raised about people travelling outside of their regional health authorities to visit the park.

While it has agreed to remain closed, Playland added that it had a "strong safety plan supported by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)" as well as "confidence in our ability to provide a safe outdoor experience for local families."

Playland added that "We are looking forward to opening to our park to guests following the May long weekend."
A conveyor belt transports coal at the Westmoreland Coal Co.'s Sheerness Mine near Hanna, Alta., on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016. A British Columbia First Nation wants the federal government to join in the environmental review of a proposed coal mining project in Alberta's Rocky Mountains. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Muscle Shoals celebrated the 83rd birthday of a beloved teacher who also happens to be a viral dancing sensation.

"He's an institution here at Muscle Shoals High School," says history teacher Brian Kilpatrick.

Paul Parker Paul Parker

Paul Parker, or Mr. Parker to those in the Muscle Shoals City Schools, has worked in the school system since 1974.

"From a teaching standpoint, you know, he's mentored a lot of people who are passionate about teaching. He obviously is," says superintendent Dr. Chad Holden.

He's taught everything from science to drama. Although he retired in 1997, he's still a substitute teacher, sometimes working five days a week.

"I just intend to keep on going as long as I can," says Parker.

Kilpatrick agrees and says, "He'll never stop, he's going to keep going 'til triple digits I think."

And when he's not teaching, he's entertaining the kids with his signature dance moves.

He calls it buck dancing, and makes sure to showcase his skills at all of the school pep rallies.

"He's the world to everybody here in Muscle Shoals, we just think the world of Paul Parker and you know, he's worldwide famous," explains Kilpatrick.

You may recognize those funky moves from a viral Facebook video. Over one year ago, two men in the UK started posting a video of Mr. Parker and two others dancing at a festival in Athens. The Facebook page is titled 'The same video of the same guys dancing to a different song everyday,' and some of the videos have upwards of 100,000 views.

"He's sensational to a lot of other people now, but he's always been sensational to us here in Muscle Shoals City Schools," says Dr. Holden.

On his birthday, he wore the signature brown shirt from his viral video.

But it's not the dancing that keeps him going in his 83rd year, it's the connections he's made through teaching.

"That's one of the perks of teaching, is to be able to be remembered 50 years later by some former student," says Parker.

The mayor of Muscle Shoals named Apr. 29 Paul Parker Day, so his teaching and dance moves will be remembered for years to come.
You've been closely watching the audit of the 2020 election unfolding in Arizona. You're shocked by what you've seen. You're gnawing on your fingernails, waiting for the dramatic conclusion.

"All eyes are on Arizona," said former Trump adviser and Sinclair TV commentator Boris Epshteyn told former White House strategist Steve Bannon last week on the "Bannon's War Room" podcast.

"The results will be very interesting for the USA and the World to see," Trump claimed in a statement Wednesday.

"It's America's audit," Kelli Ward, the chair of Arizona's Republican Party, said in the Wednesday edition of her daily updates on the "forensic" recount of 2.1 million Maricopa County ballots at the state fairgrounds in Phoenix.

It's not new for partisans to consume completely different information. Stories that matter to conservatives constantly take liberals by surprise; media watchdogs note how stories that can dominate liberal or nonpartisan news networks can get sidelined on Fox News or its ideological siblings.

The audit in Phoenix has taken that trend and supercharged it. Local news outlets, initially unable to cover the audit in person, now have limited access. The audit's website consists of nine live cameras, with no sound, and no details about what's happening in the room.

Cyber Ninjas CEO Doug Logan, whose firm is running the audit, talked briefly to local media at the start of the process, largely to criticize reporting on his tweets advancing conspiracy theories about the election and a report he submitted to help inform legislators challenging the 2020 election. The firm initially declined to reveal its methodology, doing so Thursday after legal pressure.

"There is no logical reasoning with these people," said state Sen. Rebecca Rios, a Democrat who, with every member of her party, opposed the GOP majority when it voted to fund the audit. "Regardless of what comes out of this, it's going to have no credibility, no legitimacy."

Democrats have gone to court to stop the audit and, failing that, to demand details on how it actually works. Supporters of the audit have cited this as evidence that the party is worried about what the investigators will find - in Bannon's words, that they're getting "closer to the target." Democrats are not mobilizing protests to stop the audit. This has not stopped Bannon and others from suggesting that left-wing radicals will eventually show up and try.

"We are not going to be intimidated by the Democrats, by the left, by the media, by antifa, by BLM," Ward said in another video update. There have been no Black Lives Matter or anarchist protests of the audit; fears that these groups are ready to mobilize against it have grown ever since disgraced ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn claimed that "we have intel that they may be bringing people down from Portland and Seattle to disrupt."

The biggest logistical and security problem for the auditors is that a "Crazy Carnival," scheduled before the ballots were hauled onto the fairgrounds, is about to unfold next door, bringing thousands of people near what should be a secure location.

The audit's supporters are on edge, among other reasons, because they expect the count to validate their theories about the 2020 election. The push for a "forensic audit" in Arizona echoed the criticism of the audit and hand recount of Georgia's ballots: that the fraud Republicans suspected could not be found with a simple count of paper ballots. To assuage skeptics, investigators needed to inspect ballots more closely and identify how many ballots might have been cast by dead voters or people who could not legally vote. And they did not trust state election officials who said that none of that occurred.

In neither place did promulgators of the fraud argument provide any evidence for their claims, which run counter to what Republican officials in the states have asserted were valid election victories for Joe Biden.

Peter Navarro, a former White House economist, compiled election fraud claims in December and claimed without any proof that the "number of possible illegal ballots" in Arizona was at least 10 times the Biden margin of victory. And since leaving the White House, Navarro has more than doubled his estimate of how many illegal ballots can be found.

"We've got a Biden victory margin, alleged, in Arizona, of about 10,000 votes," Navarro told Bannon this week on his "War Room" show. "You got possible illegal vote count 24 times that, around 250,000."

The auditors lose their fairground location on May 14, and the audit may or may not be finished by then. To speed up the review, auditors initially planned only to review ballots cast for president and U.S. Senate; a Democrat who had signed up as a volunteer told a local NBC affiliate this week that she heard auditors skipping the Senate count, arguing for speed over accuracy.

Democrats have used the unruliness of the process to their advantage, warning that the result of the count may be predetermined, and may be inaccurate. They do not worry about the 2020 election being overturned, which is legally impossible at this point. They do worry about the continued passage of bills to change election laws to prevent anything that Republicans believe hurt Trump last year, and even an audit that is taken most seriously on the fringes could advance that effort.

"We're looking to make sure that there was not outright fraud in the balloting process, in the paper ballots, in the electronic ballots, in the mailing system, and in the machines," Ward told the conservative outlet Newsmax as the audit began. "I got to talk to President Trump a couple of days ago, and he mentioned those exact same things. When Arizona is able to get this done, other states will be able and be strong and be empowered to get it done, too."

Asked whether the 2020 result could be overturned, she did not have an answer.

"Well, we don't know, because this has never happened in our country," Ward said. "We don't know what's going to happen with 2020."
The results of a majority of the exit polls predict that Trinamul Congress Mamata Banerjee has a hurricane edge that could make her retain power for the third time in West Bengal. (Representational Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The results of a majority of the exit polls predict that Trinamul Congress Mamata Banerjee has a hurricane edge that could make her retain power for the third time in West Bengal, while the BJP-led NDA will be a key player in the state, giving a robust challenge to the TMC. The DMK led by M.K. Stalin is projected to sweep to power in Tamil Nadu, replacing the AIADMK. The Left Democratic Front is expected to retain power in Kerala, breaking the cyclic nature of the state. The BJP is tipped to retain power in Assam and also coming to power in Puducherry as part of a coalition, in place of the Congress.

In West Bengal, most of the surveys predict that the ruling TMC will win at least around 150 seats, with the BJP putting up a formidable fight. The C-Voter survey data projects the TMC with emerge victorious, with 152 to 164 seats in the state, where a total 292 Assembly constituencies went to the polls. The BJP was projected to get 109-121 seats, and the Congress-Left-ISF alliance 14-25 seats. In the 2016 Assembly polls in the state, the TMC had won 211, the BJP had secured three seats and the Left and Congress had cornered 76 seats.

The Axis exit poll predicts an extremely close finish  with the TMC winning 130-156 seats and the BJP winning 134-160 seats. The survey further states that the voteshare of the TMC is 44 per cent while that of the BJP is 43 per cent.

In Tamil Nadu, the DMK led by M.K. Stalin is expected to make a clean sweep, with all exit polls predicting a landslide for the DMK. This is the first Assembly election being held after the death of political stalwarts J. Jayalalithaa and M. Karunanidhi, and it is expected to witness the return of the DMK-Congress alliance to power with a clear majority. Voting for the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly was held on April 6 in a single phase. The survey data shows that a combination of 10-year anti-incumbency and the absence of a charismatic successor to J. Jayalalithaa is expected to lead to an electoral setback for the ruling AIADMK-led coalition. The C-Voter survey shows that DMK-led alliance might secure 160 to 172 seats in the state, which has 234 Assembly constituencies. The ruling AIADMK-led alliance is expected to be restricted to 58 to 70 seats. The Axis exit poll shows the DMK+ may get 175-195 seats and AIADMK+ to secure 38 to 54 seats.

In Kerala, it is a straightforward electoral battle between the incumbent Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). According to the exit polls, the ruling LDF is expected to retain the southern state and thus buck the trend of the UDF and LDF alternating in power every five years. Kerala went to the polls on April 6 to elect 140 legislators. According to the C-Voter survey, the LDF may get 71-77 seats and the UDF 62-68 seats. The Axis survey shows 104-120 seats for the LDF and 20-36 seats for the UDF.

The BJP is all set to retain power in Assam, according to all the exit polls. The party is ahead in all exit polls so far even after it faced protests over the CAA and NRC. The C-Voter survey projects 58 to 71 seats for the BJP-led NDA and 53 to 66 seats for the Congress-led UPA. The Axis poll predicts 75-85 seats for the NDA and 40-50 seats for the UPA. Assam has a 126-member Assembly.

The exit poll data shows the NDA winning in the Union territory of Puducherry, with an almost two-thirds majority. The exit polls projected 19 to 23 seats for the NDA, comprising the AINRC, BJP and AIADMK. The Congress and DMK, which constitute the UPA, are projected to win eight to 10 seats.

If the exit polls predictions hold on counting day, May 2, it will be a big relief for the BJP, with the party making gains in West Bengal, retaining power in Assam and winning Puducherry. The Congress will have a lot to worry about as it could not win back power in Assam and in Kerala, that is now the state which party leader Rahul Gandhi represents in the Lok Sabha. Despite that, however, his party could not make a comeback in the southern state.
The bodies of two Spanish journalists and an Irish wildlife activist killed during an attack on an anti-poaching patrol in Burkina Faso arrived in Spain by military plane early on Friday.

The Airbus 310 carrying the bodies landed at a military airbase in Torrejon de Ardoz, east of Madrid, at 9:00 am (0700 GMT), an AFP correspondent said.

Journalists David Beriain and Roberto Fraile were accompanying Rory Young, head of the Chengeta Wildlife group, in Arly National Park on Monday when they were attacked.

They were with a group that included soldiers and forest rangers when they were ambushed by assailants in pickup trucks and on motorbikes.

The three Europeans were initially reported missing but a day later, the Burkina Faso authorities said they had been "executed by terrorists".

Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya and Defence Minister Margarita Robles were on the tarmac at the airbase when the plane landed, with the three wooden coffins carried out by 24 Spanish air force officers.

The plane had touched down in the capital Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou shortly after midnight (0000 GMT) and took off two hours later with the three bodies on board, AFP correspondents said.

Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in the vast Sahel region, has been in the grip of an intensifying jihadist insurgency since 2015 which has ravaged its once-vibrant tourist industry.

Once largely confined to Burkina's north, killings blamed on jihadist groups like the Al-Qaeda-linked Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) have more recently targeted other parts of the country.

More than 1,300 people have been killed and one million have fled the violence since 2015.

burs-vid-hmw/chz/spm


Q & A Webinar Invitation

Perth, April 29, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Torian Resources ( ASX:TNR ) is pleased to invite investors to a Q&A webinar with the Company's Directors and management. During this webinar Torian's Executive Directors and Senior Geologist will be taking questions from the audience with regards to the Company's recent progress, and its plans for the coming months.Date: Tuesday 4 May 2021Time: 10:00am (WST)Panel Participants: Torian Executive Directors Peretz Schapiro & Paul SummersTorian Senior Geologist, Claudio Sheriff-ZegersThe event is free to view and the Company invites shareholders, investors, and media to participate in this digital event by registering online via the link below:Participants will be able to submit questions to the panel throughout the session, however, we encourage shareholders and investors to send through questions in advance during the registration process.About Torian Resources Limited

Torian Resources Ltd (ASX:TNR) is a gold exploration and development company with an extensive and strategic land holding comprising eight projects and over 400km2 of tenure in the Goldfields Region of Western Australia.

Torian's flagship project, Zuleika, is located along the world-class Zuleika Shear. The Zuleika Shear is the fourth largest gold producing region in Australia and consistently produces some of the country's highest grade and lowest cost gold mines. Torian's Zuleika project lies north and partly along strike of several major gold deposits including Northern Star's (ASX:NST) 7.0Moz East Kundana Joint Venture and Evolutions (ASX:EVN) 1.8Moz Frogs Legs and White Foil deposits.

Torian's other projects include the strategically located Mt Stirling and Malcolm Projects in the Leonora region (near Red 5's King of the Hills Project), where it recently completed updated Mineral Resource Estimates and preliminary scoping studies, and a suite of other projects in the Kalgoorlie region including Credo Well JV Zuleika JV, Bonnie Vale, Gibraltar and Mount Monger/Wombola.
Credit Suisse's departing chairman issued a rare apology as he signed off at the scandal-stricken bank.

Urs Rohner, who has overseen a string of disasters at the Swiss lender in recent months, handed over to former Lloyds Bank boss Antonio Horta-Osorio yesterday.

Speaking at the annual general meeting, Rohner offered a mea culpa for presiding over the Archegos Capital implosion and the Greensill Capital disaster  which have both blown a hole in Credit Suisse's finances.

Apology: Urs Rohner (pictured) handed over to former Lloyds Bank boss Antonio Horta-Osorio

He said: 'The inexcusable losses that we have had to inform you about in recent weeks have cast a shadow over all the other strategic and operating developments in our company in the last years.

'We've disappointed not just our clients but also our shareholders, and not for the first time unfortunately. I offer my apologies for this.'

Rohner, a former lawyer who has been chairman of Credit Suisse for a decade, had initially managed to cling on during a turbulent time for the bank last year.

Shareholders attempted to oust the Swiss businessman in the wake of a spying scandal in 2020, after it emerged that the lender had hired private detectives to follow former staff.

The debacle  which involved a high-profile row between top bosses at a cocktail party and a Zurich car chase  eventually resulted with the ousting of then boss Tidjane Thiam.

Thiam's replacement Thomas Gottstein will be joined by Horta-Osorio as the pair attempt to get Credit Suisse back on the straight and narrow.

Horta-Osorio said what had happened at Credit Suisse over the past eight weeks went 'beyond' anything he had seen in his 30-year career. His appointment to the board came as the bank's risk committee head Andreas Gottschling agreed to step down, after shareholders threatened to vote him out following the Greensill and Archegos meltdowns.

The lender is facing serious questions over its risk management, after it took a 3.9billion hit from Archegos and still owes millions to clients who were exposed to Greensill.

Archegos, a hedge fund which managed the money of financier Bill Hwang, had borrowed money from several major banks so it could buy larger stakes in companies. When shares began to fall, Archegos fell into trouble  leaving lenders including Credit Suisse nursing heavy losses.

Greensill packaged up the loans it gave to customers and sold them on to investors through Credit Suisse funds. Now Greensill has gone bust, Credit Suisse is trying to get its clients' money back.
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The following are statements from Sen. Bill Nelson and acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk on Thursday's U.S. Senate confirmation of Nelson as the 14th administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration:

"I am honored by the President's nomination and the Senate vote," Nelson said. "I will try to merit that trust. Onward and upward!"

"I'm happy to welcome Bill to the NASA family," said Jurczyk. "It's been an amazing year for NASA and our commercial and international partners, and I look forward to working with Bill and the Biden-Harris Administration to build on the incredible momentum we've built so far. It has been an honor to serve as acting administrator, but it's the NASA workforce that makes the agency one-of-a-kind. Thank you for all you do to advance NASA's critical missions."

For information about NASA's missions, discoveries, and activities, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


(Newser)  No action will be taken against the owner of the favorite in Saturday's Kentucky Derby, despite a complaint filed against him concerning his daughter's disappearance. Human rights lawyers and students from the University of Louisville had asked the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to suspend Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum until he proves that his daughter Princess Latifa is alive. She tried to leave Dubai in 2018 and was taken from a boat off the coast of India. She hasn't been seen in public since, and human rights activists have accused her father, Dubai's ruler, of holding her hostage. The Racing Commission announced that Sheikh Mohammed did not violate its rules, CNN reports. The complaint had argued that his conduct reflected poorly on the integrity of the sport, and so he could be barred from the race.

story continues below

The panel rejected a similar complaint two years ago, saying it was based on media reports, Linda Blackford writes in an op-ed in the Lexington Herald-Leader. This time, the lawyers brought a British court's finding, per the BBC, that Sheikh Mohammed had two daughters abducted. At the time, he said the decision "tells only one side of the story." Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are among the supporters of the Free Latifa campaign. One of the law professors called the derby decision "deeply wrong," saying the commission has found in the past that it could bar anyone for "misconduct that is far less egregious" than the allegations facing Sheikh Mohammed. "The message of today's decision is that if someone is rich and powerful enough, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will give them a free pass," he said. Officials said the sheikh, who owns Essential Quality, will not attend the race Saturday. (Read more Kentucky Derby stories.)
Shocking dashcam footage has captured a horror collision between two trucks that had been driving through a thick cloud of smoke.

The trucks had been travelling along the Albany Highway near Williams, south-east of Perth, about 3pm on Thursday when one rear-ended the other in dramatic fashion.

One of the trucks was pictured slowing down to drive to the conditions after a nearby fire shrouded the highway in smoke.

Within a matter of seconds the truck behind it ploughed right into the back of the vehicle in front - sending a trailer soaring into the sky.

A shocking collision between two trucks in Western Australia has been captured by a police dashcam

A police car and a firefighting unit on both sides of the road narrowly avoided the trailer flying through the air as both trucks came to an abrupt stop.

Williams Police confirmed that miraculously there were no serious injuries from the crash.

'Police, farmers and shire workers narrowly avoided disaster today as two trucks collided on the Albany Highway near Williams,' they wrote after sharing the video online.

'Smoke across the road caused poor visibility contributing to the collision.'

The highway had to be closed in both directions while the crash site was attended to.

Police warned motorists to be careful when driving in hazardous conditions.
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Relatives of 90 human smuggling victims found starving and thirsty inside a suburban human home claim they were ordered to pay money to free their loved ones from the 'deplorable' conditions.

Flor Anderson, who lives close to the house in Houston, Texas, says the dilapidated property was raided on Friday after one of its occupants relatives called police to report the attempted extortion.

After entering the property, officers were stunned to find the victims - 85 men, and five women - living in rooms lined with mattresses, with many of the people inside starving, thirsty and unable to walk.

Five of the immigrants, most of whom are believed to have come from Central American, since tested positive for COVID-19, and have been put in isolation.

Houston PD Assistant Chief Patricia Cantu told the Houston Chronicle that many of the immigrants complained of not having eaten in days.

The startling discovery was made on Friday on Chessington Drive in Southeast Houston when cops were called to reports of a possible kidnapping.

Scoll down for video

Police in Houston were investigating a suspected kidnapping when they executed a search warrant and found 90 men and women inside a two-story home on Chessington Drive

She said: 'It was a big surprise when we got in the house and saw that.

'This is very unnecessary and very cruel. It is heartbreaking to see people treated that way. They are human beings, and regardless of citizenship, they deserve to  be treated respectfully.'

The immigrants were discovered by SWAT team members. The immigrants were said to be found huddled together in 'deplorable conditions'.

Some of the group, which consisted of 85 men and 5 women, were said to be unable to stand and in urgent need of medical attention.

Law enforcement officials in Houston are investigating a human smuggling case, where more than 90 undocumented immigrants were found inside a home on the 12200 block of Chessington Drive on Friday

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) personnel surround a man as he exits from a residence in southwest Houston, Texas

Dozens of people were found inside a residence in Southwest Houston, which was initially reported as a kidnapping but prompted police to look into human smuggling according to police and local news organizations

Paramedics transport a man into an ambulance from the scene of a human smuggling case in Houston

Police gave a statement having found more than 90 people in a home in the southwest of the Texas city

The youngest of those apprehended were in their early 20s with some of the immigrants telling police they had come from Central America.

No minors were found, with the youngest person there being in their 20s and the oldest in their late 30s.

The occupants of the house told officers that they had not eaten in some time.

The incident began unfolding Thursday night, when police received a call reporting a kidnapping.

Edwards said detectives worked through the night to get information on a location for the possible kidnapping victim.

Residents help police raise a cordon. Police were initially called to investigate a kidnapping

An undocumented immigrant is ushered into a bus from the scene of a human smuggling case

Medical practitioners wear personal protective equipment before entering the home in Chessington, Houston, on Friday

Police are seen working on the scene of the suspected human smuggling case Friday. Officials say of the 91 people - all adults in their 20s and 30s - five were women and the rest men

Houston Police Department Assistant Chief Daryn Edwards said some of the home's occupants had COVID symptoms

A Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) personnel escorts a man wearing handcuffs to a transport bus from a residence in southwest Houston

Law enforcement officials investigate the site of a human smuggling case, where at least 85 men and 5 women were found

A Houston Police official said the case will be handled by federal authorities and that some of the people inside the house were exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms

Edwards revealed that the 911 call likely came from a relative of one of the suspected smuggling victims.

When asked about the conditions inside the residence, Edwards said: 'It wasn't bad, like you would think. It didn't look like ... they were going to the bathroom on the floor.'

He said there were no beds in the home, but he did see mattresses.

'It was a big surprise when we got in the house and saw what we saw,' Edwards added.

Many residents of the home who had not tested positive remained there on Friday, and were given food, water as well as medical care. Some were filmed in handcuffs being loaded onto a bus.

So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the suspected smuggling case but federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations are working to determine who is responsible for the smuggling operation.

Police officials cordon off the street. Cops say several of the 91 people found inside the residence likely have COVID-19. According to police, some have fever and loss of smell.

A young resident sits with a cat outside a home as police officials cordon off a street in southwest Houston, Texas, U.S., April 30, 2021. Dozens of persons were found inside a residence in Southwest Houston

Houston police officers found more than 90 people with some showing symptoms of Covid-19 'all huddled together' on in what they believe may be a case of human smuggling

Officials are working to determine how many of the people inside the home may have been smuggling victims

A Homeland Security Investigations officer take a photograph of a man at the scene of a human smuggling case, where more than 90 undocumented migrants were found inside a home

Investigators from the Department of Homeland Security have been on the scene to evaluate the possibility of human smuggling

A Homeland Security Investigations personnel escorts a man wearing handcuffs to a transport bus from a Houston home

The discovery at the southwest Houston home on Friday began with a tip about a possible kidnapping

Police responding to reports of a kidnapping said on Friday they had found more than 90 people crammed into a two-story suburban Houston home and suspected it was being used in a human smuggling operation

Neighbors in the area spoke of their dismay to the Houston Chronicle that they hadn't noticed something sooner.

'It's really strange that so many people can be inside a house, and we didn't notice. We really need to be more vigilant,' said Kai Lynch who lives nearby.

'This is a middle-class neighborhood with a lot of retired people. You wouldn't think that something like this could happen here, but who knows, maybe that's why whoever was doing this chose this because nobody would suspect it,' said fellow neighbor Chandra Price.

The finding of so many immigrants crammed into the Texas home will only add to questions over President Biden's handling of the current border crisis.

A massive influx of migrants, including record numbers of teenagers and children without their parents have been coming across the border.

President Biden continued to blame the Trump administration for the situation at the border; above immigrant families wait to be processed by U.S. Border Patrol agents after crossing the Rio Grande into South Texas

In March, 172,331 migrants were taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The numbers are the highest recorded in 20 years.

A White House official told CNN that the number of migrant children being held in jail-like conditions by US Customs and Border Protection dropped nearly 84% in the span of a month. As of Wednesday, there were 954 children in CBP facilities, down from a peak of 5,767 on March 28.

Additionally, Biden said because the Trump administration waited so long to cooperate with the presidential transition - due to Trump contesting the election results - his transition team was unable to get information it needed from the relevant government agencies.

'We didn't find out they had fire a whole lot of people that they were understaffed considerably,' Biden said.

He also said the Trump administration failed to plan for the seasonal upsurge that comes every spring.

'They didn't have beds that were available. They didn't plan for the overflow,' he said, arguing conditions for the kids, who have been put into overcrowded shelters with some sleeping on the floor, are better now.

'There's a significant change right now, significant change in circumstance for children coming to and at the border,' he said.

According to Customs and Border Patrol data, the number of immigrants apprehended along the southern border jumped from 96,974 in February to 168,195 in March.

The last time single-month apprehensions were that high was in March of 2001. Additionally in March, CBP apprehended 18,656 unaccompanied minors at the southern border, a record since at least October 2009 and double February's numbers.

Republicans see the issue as one they can use to make in roads with voters in the 2022 midterms and have criticized Biden heavily on it, particularly for refusing to call the situation a 'crisis.' Biden used that word earlier this month when talking about the border but the White House quickly walked it back.
To Put 'Everybody In' an Electric Vehicle, GM Introduces Ultium Charge 360

DETROIT, April 28, 2021 -- Today General Motors introduced Ultium Charge 360, a holistic charging approach that integrates charging networks, GM vehicle mobile apps1, and other products and services to simplify the overall charging experience for GM electric vehicle owners. Ultium Charge 360 builds on GM's existing charging efforts to provide GM EV owners more confidence and convenience when it comes to EV charging.

"GM agrees with the customer need for a robust charging experience that makes the transition to an EV seamless and helps drive mass adoption," said Travis Hester, GM's chief EV officer. "As we launch 30 EVs globally by the end of 2025, Ultium Charge 360 simplifies and improves the at-home charging experience and the public charging experience  whether it's community-based or road-trip charging."

Ultium Charge 360 is a holistic charging experience offering:

Access to Charging: GM will continue to work with a variety of third parties, including charge point operators, electric utilities and government agencies to make home, workplace, public and fleet charging ubiquitous for customers.

GM will continue to work with a variety of third parties, including charge point operators, electric utilities and government agencies to make home, workplace, public and fleet charging ubiquitous for customers. Mobile Apps : GM will continue to update the GM vehicle mobile apps to provide an even more intuitive mobile experience that makes navigating to a charging station, plugging into a charger and paying for charging simple.

: GM will continue to update the GM vehicle mobile apps to provide an even more intuitive mobile experience that makes navigating to a charging station, plugging into a charger and paying for charging simple. Products and Services: To help ensure the transition to an EV is seamless, GM is working to offer EV owners charging accessories and installation services tailored to their lifestyle. For example, GM will cover standard installation of Level 2 charging capability for eligible customers who purchase or lease a 2022 Bolt EUV or Bolt EV in collaboration with Qmerit.

In addition to introducing Ultium Charge 360, GM also announces continued progress on its EV infrastructure strategy:

GM now has signed agreements with seven major charging providers: Blink Charging, ChargePoint, EV Connect, EVgo, FLO, Greenlots and SemaConnect. Through their GM vehicle mobile apps, EV customers will soon be able to easily see real-time information from nearly 60,000 charging plugs throughout the U.S. and Canada , find stations along a route and initiate and pay for charging.

, find stations along a route and initiate and pay for charging. The first GM and EVgo sites are now live in Washington , California and Florida , nine months after a commitment to add more than 2,700 fast chargers in cities and suburbs by the end of 2025 was first announced. Each site is capable of delivering up to 350 kilowatts and averages four chargers per site. GM and EVgo are on track to have approximately 500 fast charging stalls live by the end of 2021.

GM will continue to provide updates about Ultium Charge 360, including new elements and collaborations.

Ultium Charge 360 builds on the technology that is powering GM's EV future  the Ultium Platform. This platform could enable a GM-estimated range of up to 450 miles on a full charge2. The Ultium Platform will power the Cadillac LYRIQ, GMC HUMMER EVs, the Chevrolet Silverado electric pickup truck and more.

In the last two years, GM has made several announcements demonstrating its rapid advancement toward an all-electric, zero-emissions future, and the commitment to making EV ownership easier, including:
Tampa Real Estate Experts, Nancy and Doug Wood, Closes Their 1,000th Property

Smith & Associates Real Estate team, The Wood Team, celebrated their 1,000th property sale with the closing of a home in South Tampa. The Wood Team, led by Nancy & Doug Wood, just celebrated their 16th Year as a Real Estate Team and will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary at the end of this year. The Team has been consistently recognized as top in their industry for years. Selling their 1,000th property marks a major milestone in helping buyers and sellers throughout the Tampa Bay area achieve their real estate goals.

The 1,000th sale puts us into an exclusive club of real estate experts but for us, it marks a milestone that celebrates our clients' trust in us. We are honored to bring our real estate market expertise to so many homebuyers and sellers in Tampa Bay and help them with such an important move, said Nancy Wood.

Since 2005, the teams focus has always been to offer their clients exceptional customer service. Because of their stellar reputation, they have developed trusted relationships and have a strong referral network. The team is the market leader for the Westchase area and is deeply embedded in this community. They lived in the area for ten years and stay involved by sponsoring an annual race, The Great Westchase 5Ks, Santa parades, Westchase Charitable Foundation, and church events at Incarnation Catholic Church.

Their first closing was in 2005 at 11822 Branch Mooring Drive, Tampa, FL 33635. The Countryway home sold for $212,000. The seller was the elderly mom of a good friend. Regardless of price point, the team is always focused on providing the very best service to their clients. They specialize in a luxury experience for every customer.

Bob Glaser, President & CEO, Smith & Associates said that The Wood Team sets the bar high for offering their clients the highest level of service. We toast our associates that reach new milestones of success. This achievement by The Wood Team demonstrates hard work, market knowledge, and a passion for what they do. They offer the highest degree of professionalism and we are proud to have them on the Smith team.

Over their career, The Wood Team has worked with many corporate relocation customers helping them relocate to Florida. The Wood Team has personally closed transactions from as far North as Floral City, FL to as far South as Bradenton. Over the years, those corporate relocation customers have been wonderful repeat customers and referral sources for The Wood Team.

The Wood Teams 1,000th sale was at 3205 Lake Green Court, Tampa, FL 33611 for $580,000. The sellers of the South Tampa home were repeated customers of the Wood Team.
India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu held an interaction with members of the business community on the current COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country.

The virtual meeting was hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce on Thursday. During the talks, Sandhu appraised the business community of the items that India is trying to identify and source, including oxygen concentrators, cylinders, ventilators and oxygen generation plants and COVID-19-related drugs like remdesivir and tocilizumab.

"Appreciated the Chamber for coordinating the swift response and resource mobilization by the US business community in support of India to meet the Covid challenge," Sandhu said in a tweet. In the past few days, the US Chamber of Commerce has mobilised support, brought together partners from other industry bodies and coordinated with the US government to deliver critical medical supplies to India.

Significant additional supplies of medical equipment are being dispatched by the private sector. Earlier the US Chamber had urged the Biden administration to release unused AstraZeneca vaccine doses for use in India.

Sandhu said he had an important conversation with Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer. The Ambassador said he highlighted the Indian government's decisions to facilitate import of vaccines and to fast-track emergency-use authorisations for those which have already been given approval in other countries.

Discussed ways in which Pfizer could support healthcare efforts including vaccines in India, and strengthen our pandemic response, he added. The Ambassador said two US aircraft with oxygen equipment and other COVID-related supplies are on their way to India. "Thank you @POTUS (President Joe Biden) for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with India during this challenging time," Sandhu tweeted.

WalMart CEO Dough McMillion had interacted with Sandhu a day earlier. "My heart is breaking for our friends and associates across India as they battle a devastating surge in pandemic cases," McMillion said in a statement.

Walmart is diligently working to deliver oxygen and vital equipment to communities across the country, he said.

FedEx also issued a statement saying it was continuing its support to the fight against COVID-19 and had plans to send a dedicated aircraft with thousands of oxygen concentrators and critical aid for healthcare facilities in India.

Also read: Google pledges Rs 135 crore in funding to help India fight Covid-19

Also read: Ex-Cisco CEO John Chambers announces $1 mn donation for COVID-19 relief efforts in India

Also read: 'Heartbroken' Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella pledges support in India's COVID-19 battle
North America Sensor Market Overview, COVID-19 Impact Analysis till 2027

North America Sensor Market  Overview

The North America Sensor Market is growing rapidly. Market growth attributes to the rising demand for sensors in some of the burgeoning industries such as automotive, electronics, defense, and healthcare, among others. Besides, increasing applications of sensors in medical and biomedical devices and smart connected devices provide tremendous opportunities for market growth.

According to Market Research Future (MRFR), the North America sensor market is poised to reach the valuation of USD 55,383.64 MN by 2023. In its recent North America sensor market forecast, MRFR also asserts that the market would register 11.82% CAGR during the assessment period (2017-2023). The increasing integration of sensors in vehicles defines the growing market landscape.

Get Free Sample Copy at: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5194

Additional factors, such as the ongoing deployment of LTE and technological advancements in various fields, boost market growth, increasing the number of connected devices. Besides, increasing penetration of connected devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, laptops, and desktop personal computers influence market growth. Increasing usages of IoT-based solutions foster the demand for intelligent sensors.

Moreover, considerable investments in the research and development of intelligent sensors, increasing product development, and launches, increase the size of the North America sensor industry. Conversely, the complex design structure and lack of customization are significant factors projected to impede the growth of the market. Nevertheless, the emergence of new technologies like ZigBee would support market growth throughout the review period.

North America Sensor Market  Segmentation

The report is segmented into five dynamics;

By Sensor Type : Flow Sensor, Image Sensor, Touch Sensor, Temperature Sensor, Flow Sensor, Image Sensor, Touch Sensor, Position Sensor, Temperature Sensor, Motion Sensor, Light Sensor, Pressure Sensor, Proximity Sensor, And Optical Sensor, and others.

By Technology : System on chip, System on Package, Hybrid Technology, CMOS Process, IC Compatible 3D Micro Structuring, Machine Vision, Vision Sensing, and others.

By Connectivity : Wired and Wireless.

By End-User : Industrial, Medical, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Aerospace & Defence, and others.

By Regions : The US, Canada, and the Rest-of-North-America.

North America Sensor Market  Country-wise Analysis

The US dominates the North American sensor market due to the technological advancement and developed network architecture. Besides, the increasing number of smartphone usage fuel the growth of the market. Moreover, the rising demand for sensors in consumer electronics and automotive sectors, alongside the penetration of autonomous devices, foster the growth of the market. The US sensor market is expected to grow at 12% CAGR during the assessment period.

Canada stands second in the North American sensor market. The market share attributes to the Factors such as large advances in sensing technology and demand from the medical device industry influence the growth of the market. The extensive uptake of sensors in some of its burgeoning industries propels the market growth. Also, improving technical infrastructure in the country impacts market growth positively. The Canadian sensor market is estimated to grow at 15% CAGR during the forecast period.

North America Sensor Market  Competitive Analysis

Highly competitive, the North American sensor market appears fragmented due to the presence of several well-established players. To gain a larger competitive share in this market, industry players incorporate strategic initiatives such as mergers & acquisitions, collaborations, expansions, and product/ technology launch.

The competitive nature of the market is projected to intensify further, witnessing rising new market entrants. To meet the augmenting demand for advanced safety features by governments and consumers, players invest substantially to drive R&D required for product developments. Also, these players focus on geographical expansion to witness relentless innovations and the development of new products.

Major Players:

Players leading the North America sensor market include ABB Ltd. (Australia), Delphi Automotive LLP (UK), Analog Devices, Inc.(US), Bosch Group Gmbh (Germany), Honeywell International, Inc. (US), Meggitt Sensing Systems (US), Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan), Siemens AG (Germany), STMicroelectronics and, Infineon Technologies AG (Germany), among others.

Industry/ Innovation/ Related News

August 03, 2020 - Boonton (the US), a Wireless Telecom Group company, launched a new USB RF power sensor to enable the characterization of Wi-Fi 6 devices uniquely. The RTP5008 Real-Time Peak USB Power Sensor uniquely enables the characterization of Wi-Fi 6 devices in the newly allocated 6 GHz band (5.925 to 7.125 GHz).

Boonton is the leading RF power measurement instrument supplier with the capability to fully characterize the chipsets and modules with the highest level of performance, utilizing channel bandwidths up to 160 MHz in multiple inputs, and multiple-output (MIMO) configurations. The new Wi-Fi 6 technology is expected to offer faster data throughput, greater network efficiency, improved operation in dense or congested environments, and extended battery life for client devices.

Get Complete Report Details at: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/north-america-sensor-market-5194

About Market Research Future:

At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.

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Market Research Future

+1 646 845 9312

Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Texas AG: More Lawsuits Coming to Biden Administration Over Border Crisis

MISSION, TexasTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he is teeing up more lawsuits against the Biden administration for not enforcing immigration law.

With five lawsuits already filed, Paxton said he hopes to force the administration to follow the laws Congress has in place.

Theres a reason that weve sued the Biden administration five times over immigrationtremendous harm is being done to this state, tremendous harm is being done to this nation, Paxton said during a press conference at the U.S.Mexico border on April 28. Were going to do our best to force the federal government to follow the very laws that they passed.

Paxton criticized President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for not traveling to the border to see first-hand the effects of their policies.

It seems like theyre trying to hide a lot of whats going on. Theyre very, very secretive. Theyre not letting us know whos coming in, whos leaving, Paxton said.

If theyre going to have this open border policy, were going to be affected by it every day.

Harris, who has been charged with solving the border crisis, has said shes focusing on the root causes of migration from Central American countries, rather than the immediate issues.

On April 25, when a reporter asked Harris why she hasnt visited the southern border, she replied, Im not going to play political games.

The administration has been under fire for its rapid dismantling of many of former President Donald Trumps border security measures.

The number of unaccompanied alien children illegally crossing the border reached a record high in March, with 18,663 children apprehended by Border Patrolmore than double that of February.

A total of more than 168,000 illegal aliens were apprehended by Border Patrol in March, overwhelming facilities and pulling Border Patrol off the border to deal with humanitarian issues.

This is just a launching point for the cartels, Paxton said. They get across the river with their drugs or  whatever theyre smuggling, and its going around the country.

So Americans may think this is a border problemand certainly it is most intense here, and it affects us maybe morebut it ultimately does affect the entire country.

Previous Lawsuits Filed

Paxton was quick to sue the Biden administration on Jan. 22 over its day one memorandum suspending the deportation of most illegal aliens. A federal court ruled in favor of Paxton and blocked the suspension, saying the Lone Star state would be harmed by the moratorium.

On April 6, Texas and Louisiana sued the Biden administration for its alleged refusal to take custody of illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes after the administration set rules narrowing its immigration enforcement priorities.

The two attorneys general argue that the memoranda failed to prioritize detention of criminal aliens with final orders of removal, criminal aliens convicted of drug offenses, or criminal aliens convicted of crimes of moral turpitude.

A week later, the Texas attorney general was joined by Missouri in a lawsuit seeking to reinstate Trumps Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP) program to curb the surge of illegal immigrants at the border. The Biden administration stopped adding individuals to MPP a day after Bidens inauguration.

MPP, also known as Remain in Mexico, required illegal aliens to wait in Mexico for the duration of their immigration proceedings. Before MPP, thousands of illegal immigrants were released into the United States to await their cases, often disappearing into the country and not showing up to their court dates.

On April 22, Paxton sued the Biden administration for disregarding its own COVID-19 rules while handling the surge of illegal immigrants. He alleged that the U.S. government abandoned its own rules without any meaningful justification or explanation, resulting in the release of tens of thousands of illegal immigrants into the United States without testing them for coronavirus.

Thirteen states joined Texas to file an emergency application with the Supreme Court on March 30 asking to be allowed to defend the so-called public charge rule in court proceedings after the Biden administration decided not to defend it.

The public charge rule, which requires prospective immigrants to be able to support themselves financially, has been heavily litigated in federal courts. The Supreme Court stayed a lower courts injunction against the rule in January 2020, allowing it to be enforced, pending disposition of the governments appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.

Paxton said taxpayers in his state are forking out more than $850 million each year to pay for various costs associated with the housing and care of immigrants who enter Texas illegally.
[April 30, 2021] Squarespace to Host Investor Day

NEW YORK, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Squarespace, Inc. today announced that it will hold an Investor Day on May 3, 2021. The pre-recorded event will be accessible here beginning at 12 pm ET. The session will be held in connection with Squarespace's registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission relating to he proposed direct listing of its Class A common stock.



Copies of the prospectus relating to the registration statement may be obtained, when available, from Squarespace, Inc. c/o Investor Relations, 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. 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.

Contacts:

Investor Relations:

investors@squarespace.com Press:

Amanda Cowie

press@squarespace.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/squarespace-to-host-investor-day-301281408.html SOURCE Squarespace, Inc.

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President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Joe Biden are set to hold their first summit, May 21, in Washington, D.C., according to Cheong Wa Dae and the White House, Friday. Korea Times file



By Jung Da-min



Cheong Wa Dae and the White House are still fine-tuning agenda items for the first summit between President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Joe Biden, with their meeting set for May 21 in the United States.



Following the simultaneous announcement of the summit schedule in Washington and Seoul, Thursday (local time) and Friday, respectively, a senior presidential official here told reporters that the specific agenda for the summit was still under discussion between the two governments.



The official dismissed ongoing speculation here that the issue of Seoul's possible joining a U.S.-led strategic group called the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) would top the agenda during the summit.



"Cheong Wa Dae is maintaining the stance that Korea could join any global consultative group if it is in accordance with the government's principle of openness, inclusiveness and transparency," he said.






Kamala Harris will soon be making more history when she becomes the first United States vice president to have a figure on display at the Madame Tussauds wax museum in New York City.

The attraction in Times Square released photos Wednesday of the work done so far on busts of Vice President Kamala Harris and US President Joe Biden in honor of their 100th day in office.

"We were keen to focus on her smile and the warmth in her eyes," David Burks, the principal sculptor, told CNN Thursday. "It's that twinkle in the eye that's so hard to capture... a genuine warmth that's really important to get into our figures."

Burks and Madam Tussauds' team of sculpture artists in London are creating the clay heads with the help of hundreds of photos of the leaders. Usually Burks would meet his subject, but the Covid-19 pandemic has curtailed any such plans.

It is tradition for Madam Tussauds' New York exhibition rooms, which opened in 2000, to display models of US presidents, but Harris will be the first vice president to feature.

Harris further made history this week by sitting next to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday as they became the first women to lead the Senate and House during the president's address to a joint session of Congress.

Christopher John Rogers, the designer who made Harris' coat and dress for her inauguration, created the outfit her statue will wear once installed in the museum.

The winner of the 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award, Rogers is one of the most buzzed-about young Black designers working today, having dressed former FLOTUS Michelle Obama, Beyonce and Rihanna.

Harris' look will be completed with gold and pearl jewelery.

Biden's model will be wearing a midnight blue suit by Ralph Lauren, the Bronx-born son of Jewish immigrants who has been the standard-bearer for luxury Americana for more than 40 years. It will replicate the outfit he wore at the 46th presidential inauguration ceremony, which included a lavender tie and white dress shirt.

The artists will also create navy and gold cufflinks engraved with "US Senator" and a lapel pin in the shape of a US flag, said the press release.

It took designers six weeks to make the busts and the entire figures won't be ready until later this year, said Burks.

Madame Tussauds will spend around $300,000 on each model, he added.

"It's quite a price, but we're... making them look as authentic as possible so the guests get the sense they could move at any minute or that they can put their arm around their heroes," Burks said.

Madame Tussauds will set up the statues later this year in its "Oval Office" exhibition. When the museum reopened in August with Covid-19 restrictions, the wax figure of former President Donald Trump greeted guests at the entrance wearing a mask.
The Business Climate Index of European companies in Vietnam has climbed back to near pre-pandemic levels amid the economic recovery.

It rose 10.3 percentage points in the first quarter from the previous quarter to 73.9 percent, according to a survey released by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham).

This is the fourth straight quarterly increase since the index plunged to a historic low of 26.7 points in the first quarter of last year due to Covid-19.

"The Business Climate Index confirms once again that Vietnam is open for business," EuroCham Chairman Alain Cany said.

While countries continue to struggle with the impact of Covid, Vietnam has ensured that companies could continue to operate as close to normal as possible, and this is driving the confidence of European business chiefs, he added.

Sixty seven percent of respondents said their business outlook for the second quarter is either "excellent" or "good", up 12 percentage points from this quarter.

Forty one percent expected their payroll to expand in the second quarter.

"The fact that more business leaders are anticipating a rise in their headcount and investment plans are a vote of confidence in Vietnams long-term prospects," Thue Quist Thomasen, CEO of YouGov Vietnam, which conducted the survey, said.

Over 60 percent of EuroCham members have benefited from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement since it came into effect in August last year.
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The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is among the over 40 countries that have committed to providing India urgently-required medical supplies like oxygen-related equipment and critical medicines to help it deal with an unprecedented second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said yesterday.

At a media briefing, he said India is looking at getting in the immediate future around 550 oxygen-generating plants, 4,000 oxygen concentrators, over 10,000 oxygen cylinders and 17 cryogenic oxygen tanks, some of which have already arrived.

Bahrain was to send a shipment of 40 metric tonnes of oxygen that Indian Navy ships were expected to bring back. Other Gulf countries including UAE and Kuwait have also offered help. A flight from the UAE was expected later yesterday with 140 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen while Kuwait was to supply 185 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen besides 1,000 oxygen cylinders.

Indian embassies and missions worldwide had been given lists of urgently needed items  liquid oxygen, oxygen-producing units, and key drugs such as Remdesivir, Favipiravir, and Tocilizumab they could coordinate with foreign governments and corporations to expedite deliveries.
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JERUSALEM  The holiday of Lag BaOmer is one of the happiest days on the calendar for Israels ultra-Orthodox community  a time of mass celebrations in honor of a revered sage. But in a split second Friday, the festive gathering in northern Israel turned into one of the countrys worst-ever tragedies, with at least 45 people crushed to death and dozens injured in a stampede.

The disaster prompted a national outpouring of grief as devastated families rushed to identify their dead relatives and bury them ahead of the Jewish Sabbath. There was also anger toward authorities over an accident that experts had long feared, further clouding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus hopes of remaining in office.

Netanyahu, who briefly visited Mount Meron at midday, offered his condolences. In these moments our people unite and that is what we are doing at this moment as well, he said.

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He announced Sunday would be a day of national mourning and said he had joined the masses of people who donated blood for the victims. Israels President Reuven Rivlin lit 45 candles in honor of the dead. Messages of condolences poured in from around the world.

President Joe Biden said he was heartbroken and had called Netanyahu to offer support. The people of the United States and Israel are bound together by our families, our faiths, and our histories, and we will stand with our friends, he said.

The stampede erupted around 1 a.m. as people began to leave and thronged a narrow, tunnel-like passage. According to witnesses, people began to fall on a slippery ramp, causing others to trip and sparking panic.

Avigdor Hayut, who survived the stampede, described slipping on the ramp and getting trapped in the crowd with his two sons, ages 10 and 13.

My son screamed, Im dying,' he told Israels public TV station Kan. A policeman tried to pull him and his younger son out of the crowd but couldnt move them.

The policeman threw up and started crying, and I understood what he was looking at, what I couldnt see, said Hayut, 36, who suffered a broken ankle and ribs. I thought this was the end. He said he began to pray and simply waited.

Hours later, in hospital with Shmuel, his 10-year-old, they learned that his other son, Yedidya, had died.

Lag BaOmer is very popular with Israels ultra-Orthodox community. The main event takes place each year at Mount Meron. Tens of thousands, mostly ultra-Orthodox, celebrate to honor Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a 2nd-century sage and mystic who is believed to be buried there. This year, authorities said some 100,000 people attended.

The crowds light bonfires, dance and have large festive meals as part of the celebrations. Across the country, even in secular areas, smaller groups gather in parks and forests for barbecues and bonfires.

Video footage from the scene of the disaster showed large numbers of people, most of them black-clad ultra-Orthodox men, squeezed in the tunnel. Witnesses complained that police barricades had prevented people from exiting properly.

The officers who were there couldnt care less, said Velvel Brevda, a rabbi who witnessed the stampede. He blamed the government for the deaths of beautiful holy Jews that were killed here for no reason whatsoever.

At least 45 people were killed, according to the Israeli Health Ministry, with four people remaining in critical condition and dozens more hospitalized.

Bodies were later taken to Israels central forensic institute for identification, where distraught families waited to identify their loved ones. Israels Army Radio said some 40 people remained unaccounted for.

By Friday night, 32 victims had been identified. Israeli media earlier published a partial list of the victims, including a 9-year-old boy, a pair of brothers, 12 and 14, and a father of 11 children. An unknown number of American citizens, two Canadians and an Argentinian were also among the dead.

In a race against time, a number of funerals were held before sundown Friday, the start of the Jewish Sabbath when burials do not take place. The death toll at Mount Meron exceeded the 44 people killed in a 2010 forest fire, previously believed to be Israels deadliest civilian tragedy.

The Justice Ministry said the police were launching a probe into possible criminal misconduct by officers.

Experts have long warned that the Mount Meron celebrations were ripe for disaster due to the crowded conditions, large fires and hot weather. In a 2008 report, the state comptroller, a watchdog government office, warned conditions at the site, including escape routes, endanger the public.

Last year, the celebrations were greatly scaled back due to coronavirus restrictions. But this years event marked the first religious gathering to be held legally since Israel lifted most restrictions in the wake of its successful vaccination program.

According to Health Ministry guidelines, public gatherings continue to be limited to no more than 500 people. But Israeli media said that Netanyahu assured ultra-Orthodox leaders that the celebrations would take place, despite objections from public health officials. Netanyahus office did not respond to requests for comment.

The deadly stampede was bound to have political reverberations at a time of great uncertainty following an inconclusive March election, the fourth in two years.

Netanyahu has so far been unsuccessful in forming a governing coalition. His time to do so runs out on Tuesday. If he fails, his political rivals will get a chance to try to cobble together an alliance.

Netanyahu has long relied on powerful ultra-Orthodox parties as allies and will need their support if he wants to keep faint hopes alive of staying in power.

During Fridays visit to Mount Meron, Netanyahu was jeered by dozens of religious protesters. If such sentiments spread, it could further hurt Netanyahus prospects.

The stampede also threatened to deepen a broad public backlash against the ultra-Orthodox.

Netanyahu came under heavy criticism over the past year for allowing ultra-Orthodox communities to flout safety guidelines by opening schools and synagogues and holding mass funerals. The ultra-Orthodox communities were among the countrys hardest hit by COVID-19.

Gideon Rahat, a political scientist at the Hebrew University and fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute, said the coming days would see a battle over framing of the event. Netanyahu will call for national healing and unity, while his opponents will say he is unfit to remain in office and its time for change.

There is a battle on the framing, who is to blame, not to blame, he said. Already we see the signs of it.

___

Associated Press photographer Ariel Schalit contributed to this report.
Pune, April 30 : The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has deployed the services of a private operator, Vaccine On Wheels (VOW) to assist with the ongoing Covid-19 inoculation drive in one of the state's worst-hit district in terms of cases, officials said here on Friday.

The PCMC Additional Municipal Commissioner Rubal Agrawal and VOW's founder and CEO Jignesh Patel signed a memorandum of understanding to the effect here to kickstart the initiative.

"The Covid pandemic has already affected many lives and unfortunately we are being hit by a second wave that is spreading fast. Currently the best remedy available is to get everybody vaccinated at the earliest. With this new initiative, we aim to accelerate the immunization rate for PMC and the state of Maharashtra by helping people to get vaccinated," said Agrawal on the occasion.

Explaining the details, Patel said that the VOW will provide its van along with a doctor, two nurses, and 4-5 other healthcare support staffers along with a manned ambulance to tackle any Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) at the government-designated vaccination booths for the inoculation process.

"A government official will be present to monitor and guide the drive which we shall conduct with our staffers. We plan to vaccinate around 150 persons daily following all the government protocols free of cost," Patel told IANS.

The VOW's first such Covid-19 vaccination contribution was taken up with Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) from April 7 and now it has joined hands with the PMC.

While the entire infrastructure and vaccines are supplied by the government the VOW's team would help with administering the vaccines, Patel added.

In partnership with the Rotary Club of Pune-Central, VOW plans to deploy 15 such mobile vaccination units in Pune to immunize around 100,000 citizens in Pune city and later plans to expand to other cities or other states.

Earlier, the PCMC unit helped inoculate over 2000 people in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area, adjoining Pune, in the past two weeks.

VOW was launched in December 2019 (before the Covid pandemic) in collaboration with IIT-Hyderabad and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) as a mobile vaccination centre, and has now ventured into the Covid-19 vaccination campaign.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, April 30 : Technology company Lenovo on Friday appointed Shailendra Katyal as Managing Director, Lenovo PC and smart devices business Group (PCSD) India and Site Leader for Lenovo Group in the country from May 1.

Katyal will succeed Rahul Agarwal who has decided to move on after 20 years at Lenovo, the company said in a statement.

"I am confident in Shailendra's success thanks to his extensive experience in Lenovo and in the industry. I would also like to thank Rahul for everything he has done to maximise Lenovo's growth over the past two decades," said Amar Babu, President, Lenovo Asia Pacific Katyal is currently Executive Director at Lenovo India PC and Smart Devices Group, leading the consumer business.

He first joined Lenovo in 2011, and has held roles in marketing, consumer PC and tablets, home and small business, as well as e-commerce.

Prior to joining Lenovo, he spent a decade building iconic FMCG brands.

According to CMR, Lenovo continued to lead the India tablet market in Q1 2021.

Lenovo said recently that it will open 100 new "Lenovo Exclusive Stores" (LES) in India in the financial year 2021-2022.

The company has opened 400th Lenovo Exclusive Store in Bengaluru as part of its effort to continue offline retail expansion during the pandemic.

With 400 Lenovo Exclusive Stores, the brand has now reached across 180 cities in India with 270 channel partners.

The company has 63,000 employees and operates in 180 markets around the world.
Armed police have arrested a 37-year-old British man suspected of being an ISIS terrorist at the entrance of the Channel Tunnel to the UK.

This morning a warrant of further detention was authorised for him as detectives continued to quiz him in custody.

He was arrested on Wednesday within the British control zone in Coquelles, France, as part of a pre-planned operation by officers from the MPS Counter Terrorism Command.

But London-based advocacy group CAGE have insisted the man - whose identity is not known - is actually a British aid worker.

And it said he was helping the police with their enquiries, had done nothing wrong and had recently won a battle to keep his British citizenship.

Trucks arrive through a Eurotunnel Channel Tunnel in Coquelles, France, in the zone

Managing director Muhammad Rabbani said: 'He is a veteran aid worker with a strong track record of international relief work. Without any initial judicial oversight, he was stripped of his citizenship and sent into exile without any regard for due process.

'We welcome this result with guarded optimism for the hundreds of other British nationals that have all been deprived of their basic right to citizenship using "secret evidence". This case highlights the extent to which such executive powers are abused.'

A Met police spokesman confirmed the arrest in France, adding: 'He was arrested on suspicion of preparing for terrorist acts and membership of a proscribed organisation and detained under Police and Criminal Evidence powers.

'Whilst in police custody, he was subsequently detained under the Terrorism Act 2000.'

A female police worker in France has been killed by a knifeman who was then shot dead

Rambouillet is a quiet commune southwest of Paris and is known for its famous chateau

The Met Police refused to comment further on the man's identity, where he lived before travelling, or the circumstances of the arrest.

Officers managed to make the arrest after receiving intelligence suggesting their suspect would be at that location.

Counter-terror authorities have previously raised concerns about the spectre of British nationals attempting to return to the UK after fighting in Syria.

The numbers of Britons who had gone over there have been estimated to have been as high as 1,500 at one point.

This latest arrest comes as France steps up security following an increase in the threat posed by terrorist groups such as ISIS during the current holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

Intelligence from Syria has pointed to foreign individuals entering France with the aim of carrying out their deadly missions, said a security services source in Paris.

There have been some very serious terrorist attacks in France in recent days, and security is being increased to deal with the threat.

The source said Ramadan was a time that groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda regularly exploit for maximum publicity.

Asked if terrorists were likely to travel through France to get to targets in Britain, the source said: Of course, this is always a strong possibility.

He said information from the British is made fully available to French colleagues, and it was likely that shared intelligence would have been used before the latest arrest.

France is widely considered to be an easy entry-point for jihadists from North Africa and the Middle East, who can then get to other European countries and Britain relatively easily.

The French are particularly concerned about potential killers from abroad travelling across European borders to carry out atrocities.

Last Friday, a radicalised Tunisian national stabbed a female police worker to death in Rambouillet, on the outskirts of Paris, before being shot dead himself by officers.

Jamel Gorchene arrived in France in 2009, and lived illegally in the country for a full decade before getting a temporary residence permit last year.

Gorchene originally came from Msaken, the same town in north east Tunisia as Mohammed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, who in 2016 drove a truck on to the promenade in Nice, in the south of France, and killed 86 people.

ISIS videos are known to have radicalised both men, and also Abdoullakh Abouyedovich Anzorov, the Russian immigrant from a Chechen background who beheaded a school teacher in the Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine last October.
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Women at all levels have been consigned to the backdrop, politically, for years and this has seen them reduced to being tools for the political success of male counterparts. Women need to see through and reject the empty promises and petty gifts of male political machineries and support their fellow women folk in order to achieve gender balance, equality and equity in society.

In less than two years from now, the curtain will be drawn on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB). But while he is still the present occupant of Aso Rock, the seat of power, in Abuja, political gladiators and their parties have started scheming and jostling for PMBs lofty seat.

Not only Nigeria, but the entire global community expressed unbridled joy over the emergence of Mrs. Samia Suluhu Hassan as Tanzanias new president. The 61-year-old was Tanzanias immediate-past vice president until March 19, when providence made her the first citizen of the East African nation, following the demise of President John Magufuli.

But unlike Tanzania, 60 years after independence, Nigeria, Africas giant, is yet to have a woman occupying even the seat of the vice president. It is pathetic to note that the efforts of amazons like Mrs. Sarah Jibril to become Nigerias first female president in past general elections had proved futile.

First, it should be noted that the political relevance and value of Nigerian women is not up for debate. Over the years, hundreds of women have been gathering at various political rallies to demonstrate support for their male equivalents through advocating, campaigning and mobilising others to vote. Beyond that, on the election days, we see women trooping in their magnificent numbers, the elderly and the youthful, queueing up to cast their ballots for male candidates.

To solidify this standpoint, out of 84 million registered voters nationwide in the previous national elections, women have accounted for over 40 million, meaning that they make up to 47.14 per cent of the total eligible voters, which can be a measure of the remarkable increase of womens participation in politics. Despite this, there is a deep-rooted level of under-representation of women in politics when compared to their male counterparts.

The deficiency of women holding political offices can be linked to a few factors beginning with the conception of politics by the female folk, which is the belief that Nigerian politics is based on high political vigour that only men possess, followed by the competitiveness to compete in chaotic environments and the strength to take it by force when force is required, which are both easier for men.

Womens perception of politics as a dirty game has further estranged them from mainstream politics. Another factor pertains to how political campaigns require major financial backing to be successful. Womens historical experience of discrimination in the division of labour and job opportunities offered on sexual basis have given the menfolk more productive roles to the disadvantage of the womenfolk. Added to these is the fact that financiers prefer male candidates due to the assumption that they have better electoral prospects.

The major points noted above, coupled with many other factors, offer reasons why Nigeria needs more women to strive for elected offices in the spirit of proper political representation in society. The poor representation of women in governance has become an enabler of discriminatory acts, marginalisation and social closure, which result from one group usurping all opportunities, to the exclusion and displacement of the other group. This is not in any way due to the capability of the women being substandard. In fact, there is a group of female presidents who have laid the foundation for future female leaderships, having some of them who have left emblems on politics in their respective countries.

Lets take the Nobel Peace laureate and former Liberian president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf who is the longest-serving female president in African history. Beyond her pioneering election, Sirleaf made gigantic steps during her presidency by committing to nonviolence and peace-building processes in her country.

Another example is Malawis first female president, Joyce Banda, whose effecient bookkeeping measures helped lift Malawi from the monetary suspension of Western donors and brought in cash injections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These role models have shown that women can perform wonderfully in governance and shaping the development of countries.

Political parties need to seize e thwindows of opportunity of approaching national elections to promote womens participation aggressively by enabling female candidates to get on election lists and subsequently into leadership positions. There should be the demand for womens inclusion in transitional institutions, especially constitution-drafting bodies, by pushing heads of state and governments to exercise gender parity in executive appointments.

There should also be programmes that fund urban and rural campaigns that publicise womens contributions and ability to lead, and that also provide financial and technical backing to candidates, irrespective of gender. Women politicians can also establish mentoring programmes to support and encourage others to run for office.

Women at all levels have been consigned to the backdrop, politically, for years and this has seen them reduced to being tools for the political success of male counterparts. Women need to see through and reject the empty promises and petty gifts of male political machineries and support their fellow women folk in order to achieve gender balance, equality and equity in society.

Zubaida Baba Ibrahim writes from Wuye District, Abuja. Email: zubaida71@live.com.
Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: If I were Commander-in-Chief, I would shoot myself if there were such situation

Armenia 3rd President Sargsyan: We have not lied, have not manipulated people, have not divided our society

Armenia ombudsman: Azerbaijan soldiers try to steal about 20 horses from Gegharkunik Province village shepher

Russia begins testing reliability of its nuclear weapons

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Armenia acting PM's election campaign is carried out with large-scale use of administrative resources

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78,004 more passengers leave Armenia by air in first 5 months of 2021 than arrive

Putin-Biden possible meeting place in Switzerland is named

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Prosperous Armenia Party leader: Only Russia can ensure security of our country

Stoltenberg warns Russias Putin, Belarus Lukashenko against destabilization in NATO eastern flank

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37 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

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Armenia acting PM: 62% of weapons obtained were obtained between 2018 and 2020

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Russian Ambassador says Russia makes significant contributions to ensuring of Armenia's security

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FLINT, MI - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will continue to provide food by the truckload to Flint residents throughout May.

MDHHS has partnered with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan since 2016 to provide food to Flint residents, according to a news release from MDHHS.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the food pantry distributors have taken extra precautions to keep customers and volunteers protected.

Each food pantry site requires all volunteers to wear gloves and masks, clean their hands with hand sanitizer often, and take extra steps to sanitize the distribution buildings throughout the day.

Residents who go to these food distribution sites are asked not to step out of their vehicle to receive food and to simply open up their vehicles trunk as volunteers will load all necessary food in the vehicle to reduce in-person contact.

According to the MDHHS press release, this months mobile food pantry distribution will have plenty of delicious, vitamin-rich produce and proteins, including ground turkey, cheese and potatoes.

May dates for food distributions are as follows:

Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 Ballenger Hwy.

Monday, May 3, at 10 a.m. Monday, May 10, at 10 a.m. Monday, May 17, at 10 a.m. Monday, May 24, at 10 a.m.

End Times, 4002 S. Dort Highway

Monday, May 3, at 11 a.m.

Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road

Tuesday, May 4, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 18, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, at 10 a.m.

Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Highway

Thursday, May 6, at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 13, at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 20, at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 27, at 10 a.m.

St. Lukes NEW Life Center, 3115 Lawndale Ave.

Friday, May 7, at 10 a.m. Friday, May 14, at 10 a.m. Friday, May 21, at 10 a.m. Friday, May 28, at 10 a.m.

American Muslim Community Services, 4800 S. Saginaw St.

Saturday, May 8, at 9 a.m.

Flint residents can also pick up free nutritional food at the three Flint Help Center locations: Bethel United Methodist Church, located at 1309 N. Ballenger Highway, on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Asbury United Methodist Church, located at 1653 Davison Road, on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Greater Holy Temple, located at 6702 N. Dort Highway, on Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Information about additional food distributions will be announced as they are scheduled. To check food distribution schedules, visit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan website at FBEM.org and find the updated schedule on the Mobile Pantry Distribution page, or call 810-239-4441.

Read more on MLive:

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Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City has won the 2021 Top-Rated Dealer Award from CarGurus, making this the third consecutive year the dealership has earned this recognition.

The CarGurus Top Rated Dealer Award recognizes those dealerships that have received the highest average review ratings from shoppers who have submitted dealership reviews on the CarGurus platform. CarGurus uses verified dealership ratings along with other factors like pricing analytics to help shoppers search for a great deal on a vehicle.

We are thrilled to recognize Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City as a 2021 Top Rated Dealer, said Sam Zales, President and COO at CarGurus. CarGurus is known as the leader for trust and transparency in car shopping, and we are proud to honor all of the dealerships that reflect the same values. The Top Rated Dealer program gives dealerships like Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City the opportunity to showcase their customer service excellence, and we applaud their high standards.

The Kansas City-based dealership is no stranger to recognition. Over the years, the Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City team has earned two consecutive Best of the Best Silver Laurel Awards from Mercedes-Benz, three consecutive Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Partner of the Year Awards and Distinguished Honors from the Better Business Bureau.

Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City is Jackson Countys hub for new and certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles. Interested parties can find a complete list of cars available by visiting the Mercedes Benz of Kansas City website, https://www.mb-kc.com/. Luxury car shoppers looking for more information or personalized assistance can reach the Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City front desk by calling 833-353-0158. Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City is located at 13851 Madison Ave. in Kansas City, Mo.


Metro Mania (CNN Philippines, April 30)  For staunch ivermectin advocate and Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, prescriptions that were written on a blank paper during the recent distribution of the antiparasitic drug to residents in Quezon City counts as a "non-issue."

"Its a non-issue," Defensor told CNN Philippines' The Source on Friday. "Its a non-issue because you only have four doctors, you have four tables. Alam mo naman yung signature nila (you could easily identify their signatures)."

Defensor, Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, and some physicians from the Concerned Doctors and Citizen of the Philippines led the distribution of ivermectin to residents of Barangay Old Balara on Thursday

It took place despite the previous warning of the Department of Health that only hospitals which were granted special permits could give the drug to COVID-19 patients. For the Food and Drug Administration, however, the event is allowed as long as valid prescriptions will be made on the compounded drug.

Photos of some ivermectin prescriptions which were simply written on a blank bond paper have gone viral on social media, with netizens questioning the lack of major details such as the name, address, and the professional registration number of the physician giving out the drug.

Prior to receiving ivermectin, residents were also required to sign a waiver which holds distributors free from any legal liability. The drug is not yet registered for human use in the country as clinical trials are still slated for May.

"I have to be assured na baka mamaya magsabotahe," Defensor said. "There's so much movement to kill ivermectin, to kill the supply in the market. Talagang pinapatay nila (Some parties are really keen on killing it)."

The lawmaker also explained the other steps that residents went through during the distribution. This included filling out an information sheet for pre-registration, a brief consultation, and a prescription from the volunteer doctors. A separate table was set up for handing out the capsules.

Over 2,000 capsules were distributed to over 200 individuals, with each one getting 10 capsules, Defensor added.

"Ang prescription na hawak nila apat lang yan at may kanya-kanyang pirma (For the prescriptions, only four doctors were stationed there) and its identifiable. I dont think its a problem," Defensor explained.

"These are all medical and licensed doctors," he also said. "We were the ones who organized it with them. They can easily identify who the doctors are if need be."

Defensor, however, also noted that according to existing guidelines imposed by the government, doctors may get their licenses revoked for prescribing the drug.

"It started with DOH," he said. "DOH ang nagsabi na 'pag binigyan mo ng prescription ang ivermectin, we will revoke your license."

[Translation: It started with the DOH. It is the DOH who said that if you prescribe ivermectin, we will revoke your license.]

In a separate interview with ANC, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the FDA must investigate how the prescriptions were made during the event. He said that under the law, specific details such as the names and address of the physician and the patient, as well as the date of prescription and tax receipt number must be included in a standard prescription.

Medical experts have repeatedly warned there is still no concrete evidence that the drug can be used as treatment against the coronavirus.

In a statement in March, the World Health Organization already said ivermectin must only be used within clinical trials, as the current evidence on its effectivity against COVID-19 is "inconclusive."

Even pharmaceutical giant Merck, the company behind ivermectin, said the drug has not shown any scientific basis for a potential therapeutic effect against COVID-19 from pre-clinical studies.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said it is the call of law enforcers whether lawmakers behind the distribution can be arrested for the initiative.
ROME  The Louvre Museum in Paris had a gigantic ancient bronze finger that had, at some point in time, been detached from its hand.

And the Capitoline Museums in Rome had a gigantic ancient bronze hand  belonging to a fourth century colossal statue of the Roman Emperor Constantine  that was missing parts of some digits.

This week, some five centuries after it was detached, the long-lost finger from France was rejoined to the hand (the left) in Rome and exhibited at the main municipal museum in the Italian capital.

Mayor Virginia Raggi of Rome called the reunion an example of collaboration and synergy between the two cities, celebrating it in a video posted to Twitter Thursday that showed the finger being removed from a bright blue crate marked Fragile and Keep Dry.
2018 LA, a 1.5-m-wide asteroid that disintegrated harmlessly over Botswana, Africa, just hours after its discovery on June 2, 2018, is only the second asteroid detected in space prior to impacting over land. According to new research, 2018 LA came from the inner main asteroid belt, where the large asteroid Vesta is found, and the impact that ejected 2018 LA in an orbit toward Earth occurred approximately 23 million years ago.

This is only the second time we have spotted an asteroid in space before it hit Earth over land. The first was asteroid 2008 TC3 in Sudan ten years earlier, said Dr. Peter Jenniskens, a meteor astronomer at the SETI Institute.

Dr. Jenniskens and colleagues were able to triangulate the location of the 2018 LA fireballs main flare over Botswana.

Twenty-one days after the fall, foot searches in the Botswanas Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) initially recovered a single 17.92 g meteorite, named Motopi Pan (MP-01).

The researchers then found 22 more fragments of 2018 LA deep inside the CKGR.

One of these meteorites is named Motopi Pan after a local watering hole. This meteorite is a national treasure of Botswana, said Dr. Mohutsiwa Gabadirwe, a geoscientist at the Botswana Geoscience Institute.

A non-destructive analysis showed that Motopi Pan belongs to the group of howardite-eucrite-diogenite (HED) meteorites, known to have likely originated from Vesta, which was recently studied in detail by NASAs Dawn mission.

We managed to measure metal content as well as secure a reflectance spectrum and X-ray elemental analysis from a thinly crusted part of the exposed meteorite interior, said Dr. Tomas Kohout, a researcher at the University of Helsinki.

All the measurements added well together and pointed to values typical for HED type meteorites.

Dynamical studies showed that the orbit of 2018 LA is consistent with an origin from the inner part of the asteroid belt where Vesta is located.

The asteroid was delivered into an Earth-impacting orbit via the resonance situated in the asteroid belts inner side.

Another HED meteorite fall we investigated in Turkey in 2015, called Saricicek, impacted on a similarly short orbit and produced mostly smallish 2 to 5-gram meteorites, Dr. Jenniskens noted.

We studied the petrography and mineral chemistry of five fragments of 2018 LA and confirmed that they belong to the HED group, said Dr. Roger Gibson, a researcher at Witts University.

Overall, we classified the material that asteroid 2018 LA contained as being howardite, but some individual fragments had more affinity to diogenites and eucrites.

A previous hypothesis proposed that Saricicek originated from Vesta in the collision that created the Antonia impact crater imaged by the Dawn spacecraft.

Still showing a visible ejecta blanket, that young crater was formed about 22 million years ago.

One-third of all HED meteorites that fall on Earth were ejected 22 million years ago. Did Motopi Pan originate from the same crater?

Noble gas isotopes measurements and radioactive isotopes showed that this meteorite too had been in space as a small object for about 23 million years, but give or take 4 million years, so it could be from the same source crater on Vesta, said Dr. Kees Welten, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.

The teams results were published in the journal Meteoritics and Planetary Science.

_____

Peter Jenniskens et al. The impact and recovery of asteroid 2018 LA. Meteoritics and Planetary Science, published online April 23, 2021; doi: 10.1111/maps.13653
During Kenneth Gleason's first-degree murder trial, a prosecutor told jurors this week that the man spent four days in September 2017 "hunting Black men," but that's not how Gleason described it.

According to evidence collected but not presented to the panel that would determine his guilt or innocence, Gleason said he had a different motive in mind while killing two men and shooting into the home of a Black family that lived down his street.

"When this started, my intentions were only to help people," an East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office supplement report quotes Gleason telling detective Scott Henning on Sept. 19, 2017  five days after Donald Smart was fatally shot near LSU and seven days after Bruce Cofield was shot to death at a Mid-City bus stop.

When Henning asked Gleason to elaborate on what he meant, Gleason replied, "I want to tell you my side of the story but I cannot do that at this time  I am not the monster that people think I am."

Jurors convicted Gleason on Tuesday, committing the 27-year-old to a life behind bars. His formal sentencing is set for Aug. 23.

Alleged serial killer Kenneth Gleason found guilty of murder in killing of Black resident Jurors found alleged serial killer Kenneth Gleason guilty of first-degree murder Monday in one of three incidents in which he is accused of ki

Assistant District Attorney Dana Cummings, who handled the case against Gleason, said during and after the trial that there was a sense of "urgency" after two Black men were killed and a family was shot at within a four-day period.

"It is apparent that this community came together in 2017 in order to get this cold-blooded killer off the streets before he hunted and viciously killed additional victims," she added Thursday.

"We are grateful to all of the witnesses and business owners that aided in the apprehension and conviction of Kenneth Gleason as well as BRPD, EBRSO, ATF, FBI, and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for working quickly and efficiently to bring this killing spree to an end," the veteran prosecutor said.

Gleason was not charged with a hate crime, but an FBI agent testified at the trial that Gleason searched the internet between Sept. 1 and Sept. 16, 2017, for topics such as White nationalism, genocide and Nazi propaganda. He also sought out information about the killings.

+3 Alleged serial killer searched for Nazi, White nationalist topics, FBI agent says at his trial A White Baton Rouge man accused of fatally shooting two Black men and firing into the home of a Black family, all in September 2017, searched 

Gleason lawyer Ashly Earl had complained in March that Gleason's purported statement to Henning was inadmissible and had to be suppressed because he had invoked his right to an attorney on Sept. 16, 2017, the day authorities detained him.

Cummings announced at an April 7 pretrial hearing that Gleason's statement would not be used as evidence.

In the Sheriff's Office;s supplemental report, Henning said Gleason's statement came during what the detective described as a casual conversation between the two men at the East Baton Rouge Violent Crimes Unit. Gleason was already in custody. The conversation was neither audio nor video recorded.

In his suppression motion, Earl said Gleason strongly denies that the conversation ever took place.

Henning, according to the supplemental report, said he informed Gleason that the shell casings recovered from the three shooting scenes were matched to the same gun, and that his DNA profile was matched to the DNA profile extracted from the casings.

+3 Alleged serial killer's DNA found on shell casings at 2017 homicide scene, witness says Kenneth Gleason's DNA was found on shell casings recovered from the scene of a Black homeless man's slaying at a Baton Rouge bus stop in Septe

"After hearing this information, Gleason bowed his head for several minutes and sat in silence," the report states. "Sgt. Henning explained to him that once the general public became aware of these findings, that he was sure to be viewed as a 'monster' and a 'racist.'"

When Henning, now a lieutenant, asked Gleason if he had any explanation for the ballistic and DNA findings, the report adds, Gleason purportedly made the statement about what his intentions were and that he wasn't a monster.

Henning said he then asked Gleason if he would tell investigators where the gun was located, and Gleason told him he had gotten rid of it several weeks before the shootings, the report says.

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When Gleason was told that a witness saw him retrieve a handgun from the flower beds at the Jiffy Lube on Coursey Boulevard the morning of Sept. 11, 2017, Gleason admitted that he had not discarded the gun as previously stated.

"Gleason was insistent that the firearm was no longer 'hidden' in a public place and assured Sgt. Henning that no children or anyone else would accidentally find it," the report states.

The report says Gleason added, "I want to tell you where the gun is at  I really do.  But I will have to speak with my attorney first."

The weapon has never been found.

Authorities said a combined 26 9 mm shell casings were found at the three shooting scenes.

Gleason bought a 9 mm gun in November 2016 and applied to buy a silencer in July 2017, two months before the killings, according to trial testimony.

Gleason was indicted in November 2017 on a first-degree murder count in the killing of Donald Smart, 49; second-degree murder in the slaying of Bruce Cofield, 59; and two counts of attempted second-degree murder in a Sept. 11, 2017, non-fatal shooting in which he fired three shots through the front door of a house just a few doors down from his home on Sandy Ridge Drive in the Hickory Ridge subdivision off Coursey.

+3 At alleged serial killer's trial, witness describes shooting of Louie's Cafe worker in a park A former LSU student testified Monday that he watched in horror the night of Sept. 14, 2017, as a man made a u-turn in front of a BREC park ju

He was tried only on the first-degree murder charge and was unanimously convicted. However, to find him guilty on that charge, prosecutors also had to prove that Gleason killed Cofield because the first-degree murder charge involved the killing of more than one person.

If the first-degree murder conviction is for some reason thrown out in the future, prosecutors would still be able to try Gleason on the second-degree murder charge and the attempted murder charges.

Cofield was fatally shot Sept. 12, 2017, at a bus stop near the intersection of Florida Boulevard and South Acadian Thruway. He was homeless at the time.

+4 At alleged serial killer's trial, tearful testimony about homeless man's death at bus stop A woman who says she saw a 59-year-old homeless man shot and killed during what prosecutors called a "four-day streak of terror" in 2017 spoke

Two nights later, Smart was gunned down as he walked along Alaska Street just north of the LSU campus to his overnight shift at Louies Cafe, where he was a dishwasher.

Prosecutors decided against seeking the death penalty after consulting with Smart's family.

Cummings told the jury that Gleason was literally "hunting Black men."

In both slayings, witnesses said a White man shot the victims from a red car and then got out, stood over them and fired more bullets. Gleason drove a red Ford Focus.

It took the jury less than an hour to convict Gleason.

He grew up in Baton Rouge and graduated cum laude from Baton Rouge Magnet High School, a selective program often referred to as the city's flagship public school.

Gleason became an Eagle Scout in 2012, completing a construction project at St. John's United Methodist Church to earn the title  an achievement shared by only about 5% of all Boy Scouts, according to the organization.

He attended LSU for one year starting in the fall of 2012. His lawyers have said his studies included German.
Hyderabad, April 30 : Over 70 per cent voters cast their votes in seven urban local bodies in Telangana on Friday amid elaborate arrangements to prevent spread of Covid-19.

According to the State Election Commission (SEC), 71.43 per cent polling was recorded in Greater Warangal and Khammam Municipal Corporations and five municipalities - Siddipet, Jadcherla, Atchampet Kothur and Nakrekal.

The highest turnout of 86.65 per cent was recorded in Nakrekal municipality while Greater Warangal saw lowest polling at 54.74.

Polling was also held for the by-elections to four wards in four municipalities and one ward in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The average poll percentage in these five wards was 65.45.

A total of 11,59,112 voters, including 5,84,963 women, were eligible to cast their votes in these elections.

As many as 1,307 candidates, including 480 Independents, are in the fray in two corporations and five municipalities. Fourteen candidates are testing their political fortunes in four wards while five candidates are in fray in the Lingojiguda ward in the GHMC.

The poll authorities had set up 1,539 polling stations and deployed 9,809 polling personnel for smooth conduct of elections.

On the direction of the Telangana High Court, the SEC made elaborate arrangements to ensure strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines during the polling.

The polling, which began at 7 a.m., concluded at 5 p.m. Those standing in queues at 5 p.m. were also allowed to vote.

State Election Commissioner C. Parthasarathi said the polling was peaceful and smooth with no untoward incident reported from anywhere.

He said there was voluntary compliance of Covid-19 protocols by majority of the voters. They themselves are standing in queue duly following social distancing and duly wearing the face mask, sanitising their hands; and entering the polling station one after one in a systematic manner. Since the average voters in each polling station is kept around 730, there was less scope for overcrowding. Entire official machinery has strictly implemented the Covid protocols without giving any chance, he added.

Counting of votes will be taken up on May 3.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
REMIC Promotes CTC, Making Mortgage And Life Insurance Careers More Affordable Than Ever

NORTH YORK, ON, April 30, 2021 /CNW/ - Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada: Thanks to the Federal Government's new "Canada Training Credit", eligible residents taking any of REMIC's courses will now receive an annual tax credit to cover 50% of their tuition and other training expenses.

REMIC Logo (CNW Group/Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada Inc.)

This refundable tax credit was created to help support upskilling and lifelong learning for Canadians according to the Government of Canada's website. Eligible citizens accumulate $250 each year, starting in 2019, towards their "CTC limit", up to a lifetime maximum of $5,000.

This means that if you take a course in 2021, you can receive up to $750 back from tuition and similar fees, provided the total doesn't exceed 50% of the total amount paid and you haven't claimed anything towards your CTC limit previously.

"Imagine becoming a licensed Mortgage Agent or licensed Life Insurance Agent, from the comfort of your own home, with the Canadian Government supporting you by reimbursing you for half of your tuition", said Joe White, REMIC's president and CEO.

"In my opinion, there's never been a better time to start your new career and get on that path to financial freedom."

REMIC's Mortgage Agent Course for Licensing can be completed in as little as one (1) week, while the Harmonized Life License Qualification Program (HLLQP) can be completed in as little as two (2) weeks.

For more information and eligibility requirements, visit: www.remic.ca/ctc

SOURCE: Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada Inc.

Related Links

www.remic.ca

SOURCE Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada Inc.

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View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2021/30/c3902.html
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-01 01:02:32|Editor: huaxia

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A medical worker administers a dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Marrakech, Morocco, on April 30, 2021. Morocco's total COVID-19 tally rose to 511,249 on Friday as 363 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, 5,054,642 people have received so far the first vaccine shot against COVID-19 in the country, and 4,260,412 people the second dose. (Photo by Chadi/Xinhua)

RABAT, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Morocco's total COVID-19 tally rose to 511,249 on Friday as 363 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Health, the death toll rose to 9,023 with three new fatalities during the last 24 hours, while 329 people are in intensive care units.

The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased to 497,621 after 516 new ones were added, the statement said.

The COVID-19 fatality rate in Morocco stands at 1.8 percent while the recovery rate is 97.3 percent.

Meanwhile, 5,054,642 people have received so far the first vaccine shot against COVID-19 in the country, and 4,260,412 people 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
A 14-year-old male former Chattanooga Valley Middle School student has been arrested and charged with possession of a firearm at Chattanooga Valley Middle School and Ridgeland High School on Wednesday, according to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson.

The juvenile was booked and charged with possession of a firearm under age 18, possession of a firearm on school property and terroristic threats. The terroristic threat charge stems from a statement he made about a school administrator.

The investigation revealed that the student brought the handgun to CVMS on Wednesday. After the school day concluded, the student rode a school bus to RHS for an after school activity.

A CVMS administrator was alerted around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, that the student possessed a handgun. The CVMS administrator telephoned the RHS administrator to notify them of the handgun possession. A search of the students property revealed that he was in possession of a 9mm handgun. The handgun chamber was empty.

The juvenile is being held at a regional youth detention facility, according to Sheriff Wilson.
(HealthDay)As an investigation into a hepatitis outbreak in Nevada associated with Real Water brand alkaline water continues, no one should drink, cook, serve, or sell the water, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.

As of April 26, there had been 11 probable cases and one suspected case of acute nonviral hepatitis in Nevada.

Despite a recall on Real Water brand alkaline water sold nationwide, the FDA said it is still being sold online and is trying to locate any remaining products to ensure they are no longer available to consumers.

The FDA said it has inspected Real Water Inc. facilities in Nevada and Arizona, is reviewing information provided by the company, is analyzing Real Water products, and will provide ongoing updates about the investigation.

People who develop symptoms of nonviral hepatitis (fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay or gray-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice) should contact their doctor, the agency advised. The FDA added that this water should not be served to pets.

More information: More Information

Copyright  2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Kim Kardashian's shapewear line SKIMS released its highly anticipated PJ Sleep collection on Thursday.

And to celebrate the launch, the SKIMS Instagram page uploaded playful behind-the-scenes footage of the 40-year-old CEO on set of the collection's photoshoot.

In the brief clip, Kardashian can be seen singing into a silver hairdryer, while rocking a nude toned robe.

New drop: Kim Kardashian 's shapewear line SKIMS released its highly anticipated PJ Sleep collection on Thursday

Playful: And to celebrate the launch, the SKIMS Instagram page uploaded playful behind-the-scenes footage of the 40-year-old CEO on set of the collection's photoshoot

As she sang into the makeshift microphone, Kim played with her lengthy brunette hair, which was parted down the middle and styled in voluminous waves for the shoot.

Kim sported a noticeably makeup-free face and had a single chain around her neck that fell perfectly into her cleavage.

The KUWTK star was modeling the PJ Sleep Robe, which retails for $96 and is the highest ticket item of the collection.

Fans of Kardashian can also get their hands on the PJ Sleep Bra for $38, PJ Sleep Tank for $42, PJ Sleep Pant for $68, or the stylish PJ Sleep Henley Dress.

Having a blast: In the brief clip, Kardashian can be seen singing into a silver hairdryer, while rocking a nude toned robe

Feeling herself: As she sang into the makeshift microphone, Kim played with her lengthy brunette hair, which was parted down the middle and styled in voluminous waves for the shoot

'So sorry, we cant make it. PJ Sleep just dropped and well be at home until further notice,' read the caption on Thursday's celebratory SKIMS post.

'The collection is available now in our super soft brushed loose knit fabric,' they continued, before adding that it comes in sized XXS-4X and four color variations.

In the midst of the PJ Sleep collection's launch, Kardashian decided to uploaded to treat her followers to two fresh photos on her own Instagram of herself in an unusual seafoam green and gray dress that made the most of her 41in hips and 26in waistline.

The mother-of-four said she was saving the show-stopping number - which appeared to have been cut and sewn back together - for a vacation but decided that she would share it on the 'gram.'

Glam: The KUWTK star was modeling the PJ Sleep Robe, which retails for $96 and is the highest ticket item of the collection

Options: Fans of Kardashian can also get their hands on the PJ Sleep Bra for $38, PJ Sleep Tank for $42, PJ Sleep Pant for $68, or the stylish PJ Sleep Henley Dress

'I was saving this dress for vacay but whatevs I guess its for the gram,' she noted in her caption.

The complex outfit looked like a tank top that was cut at the sides with scissors with a bikini bottom sewn on.

On the bottom were pieces of fabric that were not sewn symmetrically and one side even had a flap.

The dress gave a good look at her bare hips as well as her sculpted arms but her legs were covered by fabric.

Teeny tiny: Kim Kardashian treated her over 200M Instagram followers to two fresh photos on Thursday afternoon. The 40-year-old makeup mogul was seen in an unusual seafoam green and gray dress that made the most of her 41in hips and 26in waistline

NOT for vacay: The mother-of-four said she was saving the show-stopping number - which appeared to have been cut and sewn back together - for a vacation but decided that she would share it on the 'gram'

The Selfish author put her hair in a fountain spout and she had on plenty of makeup with silver earrings for the selfies.

One image was dead on and the other showed off her side and backside too. And on the sectional in the center if the closet there were some papers and a pen suggesting Kim was taking care of business too.

Emily Ratajkowksi was one of the first to like the post, followed by sisters Khloe and Kourtney as well as friend Courteney Cox. She won almost 1m likes in the first hour.

This comes after DJ Khaled, 45, shared an image of pal Kanye West where he still had on his gold wedding from estranged wife Kim.

Fans were shocked to see the piece of jewelry on the Paranoid rapper because she filed in February, and according to TMZ, the exes are well into the divorce process.

On trend: The Selfish author put her hair in a fountain spout and she had on plenty of makeup with silver earrings for the selfies

The black and white photo featured Kanye with his hands up in the air - with his ring clearly seen on his ring finger.

Kanye wore all black in the image as he sat on an office chair, keeping his eyes closed.

DJ Khaled wrote, in all caps: 'True story: Kanye stopped by my house at 8 am the other day! I didn't know he was coming!'

A lot to take in: One image was dead on and the other showed off her side and backside too

He added: 'He had @chefmelissauniga make him some eggs with ketchup and vegan bacon. And we listened to #KhaledKhaled.'

'You know when you get this expression that it's sounding amazing! This album God's Hands is all over it. #KhaledKhaled this Friday April 30!' he added.

Kim filed for divorce from Kanye in February, after almost seven years of marriage.

On the sectional in the center of the closet there were some papers and a pen suggesting Kim was taking care of business

Kanye filed his response for divorce in early April, per People; he asked for joint legal and physical custody of their four kids.

They are parents to: North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, who turns two in May.

Their divorce proceedings are going 'smoothly,' People's source revealed.

'Kim and Kanye are getting along. They have both stayed true to their commitment to make the best situation for the kids.'

Adding: 'Kim is very happy that they have managed to keep things calm. She thinks Kanye is a good dd. She wants him to be able to spend as much time with the kids as he wants.'

The insider added that Kim 'seems happier' 'for every week that goes by since she filed for divorce.'

Can't let go? The black and white photo featured Kanye with his hands up in the air - with his ring clearly seen on his ring finger. Kanye wore all black in the image as he sat on an office chair, keeping his eyes closed.

Done: After her February filing, Kim and the children have continued to stay at their $60 million Hidden Hills mansion she previously shared with Kanye. Seen in 2016 in NYC

She had 'known that filing for divorce was the right decision. The kids are doing as she could hope.'

After her February filing, Kim and the children have continued to stay at their $60 million Hidden Hills mansion she previously shared with Kanye.

Kim has recently been at the center of dating rumors involving CNN reporter Van Jones.

While the pair have been pals for years, fans speculate their friendship may have turned romantic during her four-year law apprenticeship with his Oakland-based nonpartisan organization, #cut50.

Family first: They are parents to: North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, who turns two in May

Sources close to Kim, however, are shooting down speculation of a romance, saying the pair have a long working relationship together and a shared interest in criminal justice reform.

On Sunday, New York Post columnist Cindy Adams expanded on the rumors as she noted he is 'so left,' he 'maybe even influenced her politics.'

'I will not wait while everybody tells me I dont know what Im talking about,' she went on.

Twitter users are divided by the idea of them as a couple, with many accusing Kardashian of 'using' Van to 'further her law career.'

'People are gonna look at Kim as using Kanye to advance her in the fashion world and using Van Jones to help advance her into her next career field in law,' fired one fan. Another wrote: 'If Kim Kardashian marries Van Jones Im no longer doing this whole life thing. That will be simply too much for me.'
 Initiative brings together researchers from across disciplines and sectors to investigate successful examples of reaching last-mile populations 

TORONTO, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - The Reach Alliance, a research initiative based at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, announced today at its annual symposium that it is expanding its model to three major universities around the globe. The University of Oxford (UK), University College London (UK), and Tecnologico de Monterrey (Mexico) have officially signed on as the Alliance's first three international partners.

Founded in 2015 by Professor Joseph Wong, U of T's Vice-President, International, the Reach Alliance is scaling the approach to six academic institutions by 2022. The initiative brings together student researchers with faculty mentors from all disciplines to investigate pressing global challenges and draw insights, through case studies, on how to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals from successful real-world programs.

"By working on the challenge of reaching the hardest to reach, increasing awareness of this challenge and promoting collaboration on those issues with universities from several countries, this initiative can go a long way in improving developmental outcomes in many countries," said Gustavo Merino, a professor at the School of Government and Public Transformation at Tecnologico de Monterrey.

Two of the three partners have begun work on their case studies. Mexico's Tecnologico de Monterrey's first case study examines the barriers faced by migrant Indigenous people in the university's home city. The partnership with the University of Oxford includes the Said Business School and the Blavatnik School of Government. Researchers are examining an intervention in the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh that aims to improve women's experiences in seeking assistance from police, especially as victims of gender-based violence.

Akshay Mangla, Associate Professor in International Business at Oxford Said, said "Crossing the last mile of service delivery is a global challenge facing governments, businesses and civic organizations. The Reach Alliance partnership offers a valuable opportunity for academic institutions to collaborate on complex questions and produce impactful research. I hope it will lead to deeper insights on how to make frontline services work for citizens across the world."

The Reach Alliance was awarded a multi-year grant in 2020 from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth to build the network and expand the Reach model.

"We have much to learn from our colleagues at the University of Oxford, Tecnologico de Monterrey and University College London," said Professor Wong. "This appetite for collaboration will guide us as we continue to scale the Reach Alliance internationally."

To date, the Reach Alliance has produced 23 case studies in 16 countries. Research teams have shared lessons and insights with policymakers and practitioners, and have published findings in prestigious publications, including The Lancet, the WHO Bulletin and BMJ Global Health.



About the Reach Alliance

Based at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, the Reach Alliance works to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by developing insights from successful real-world programs that are reaching hard-to-reach populations. Since 2015, 118 undergraduate and graduate students from across all three campuses at the University of Toronto have published 23 case studies on programs in 16 countries around the globe. Learn more at www.reachalliance.org.

About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

The Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company's core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs and empower a community of thinkers, leaders and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. Learn more at www.mastercardcenter.org.



SOURCE Reach Alliance, University of Toronto

Related Links

www.reachalliance.org


3 slain while filming poaching in Burkina Faso flown home View Photo

MADRID (AP)  The bodies of two Spanish journalists and an Irish wildlife activist killed by jihadists in Burkina Faso this week while they were filming a documentary on poaching were flown home Friday as several European countries vowed to keep fighting extremism in Africas Sahel region.

David Beriain, 44, and Roberto Fraile, 47, journalists with long experience in conflict zones, had joined Irish conservationist Rory Young on an anti-poaching patrol led by a special military wildlife force in eastern Burkina Faso when their convoy was ambushed Monday by jihadists.

The three Europeans and one Burkinabe soldier were killed, according to Spanish authorities. The government of Burkina Faso said six other people were wounded in the attack and one is still missing.

The bodies of the Europeans were flown overnight from the capital of the African nation, Ouagadougou, on an Airbus provided by the Spanish military. A guard of honor carried their coffins out of the aircraft at a military airport near Madrid, where relatives of the Spanish journalists awaited with Spanish officials and the Irish ambassador to Spain.

Its a sad day, Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said following a brief ceremony on the tarmac. David and Roberto went to lengths to give voice to those who dont have them, to make visible hard realities surrounding us and to strengthen democracy.

The minister announced the two journalists would be awarded Spains Order of Civil Merit, which recognizes extraordinary contributions by individuals.

The two-person crew was making a documentary on how Burkina Fasos authorities are tackling poaching, also focusing on the people living in the park. Young, the director of the Chengeta Wildlife Foundation, was leading the patrol in Arly National Park, the group said on Facebook.

Two soldiers wounded in the attack said they tried to protect the foreigners during fighting that lasted three hours, but were outnumbered by the jihadists. One foreign worker of the wildlife foundation did survive, the soldiers told The Associated Press, insisting on anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Burkina Faso has been overrun by attacks linked to Islamic extremists that have killed thousands and displaced more than 1 million people.

Violence has surged this week in hard-hit eastern and northern parts of the country. The same day the anti-poaching patrol was ambushed, 18 people were killed by gunmen in the Sahel region. In a statement this week, the government said terrorists have carried out acts of intimidation, looting and assassinations on civilians.

The governments of Spain, France, Germany and Italy said in a joint statement that they were committed to supporting the violence-struck region with military training and supplies, but also with humanitarian aid to provide much-needed stability there.

The area is one of enormous turbulence, with great geostrategic risks for our country, said Gonzalez Laya of Spain.

Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said the fight against terrorism is not going to stop, we want to be relentless. She also said Spanish intelligence officials were on the ground supporting the Burkinabe governments investigation into the killings.

Her ministry later said in a statement that the journalists had taken all precautions but that Burkinabe forces who succeeded at first in repelling the attack were later overwhelmed by the firepower of the attackers. In an initial assessment of the attack, the ministry concluded that the weapons and means used were not of traffickers or furtive hunters, but of one of the jihadist groups operating in the region.

Rights groups say there must be a thorough and impartial investigation of the killings.

(We need to know) the circumstances surrounding their deaths, (which) can help prevent such tragic killings in the future, said Corinne Dufka, West Africa director for Human Rights Watch.

__

Mednick reported from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

By SAM MEDNICK and ARITZ PARRA

Associated Press
Federal authorities charged two Paterson, New Jersey, police officers this week in connection with their brutal and unprovoked attack on 19-year-old Osamah Alsaidi in December 2020.

Officers Kevin Patino and Kendry Tineo-Restituyo are accused of violating Alsaidis Fourth Amendment right not to be subject to the use of unreasonable force by law enforcement officers. The officers also were charged with obstruction of justice, based on a false police report that they filed about the incident.

Osamah Alsaidi (Instagram)

Patino and Tineo-Restituyo appeared before a federal judge, who released them on a $50,000 unsecured appearance bond. The judge also ordered Patino to undergo a mental health evaluation, underscoring the depravity of his actions. Public records and a previous report indicate that Patino has used force in 15 other incidents over the past three years. In 12 of these episodes, he struck someone with his fist or hand.

If the officers are convictedwhich is not assured, given the long record of police impunity in the United Statesthey face considerable prison sentences. The civil rights violation charge brings a maximum of 10 years, the falsification of a record charge carries a maximum of 20 years. In addition, Patino and Tineo-Restituyo could be fined as much as $250,000 for each charge.

Patino will plead not guilty, according to his attorney, Anthony J. Iacullo. The latter claims that the evidence will show that Patinos actions were appropriate. Tineo-Restituyos lawyer has not commented.

The city of Paterson has taken away the officers guns and suspended them without pay. In addition, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has opened an investigation into the officers. The state prosecutors office will examine all cases in which Patino and Tineo-Restituyo testified, signed complaints or handled evidence.

Local, state and federal officials were forced to take extraordinary measures against the officers because their assault was captured on video, which the victim shared on social media. The incident took place after midnight on December 14. The Paterson police department had sent Patino and Tineo-Restituyo out in an unmarked police car to respond to a report of a suspicious person, according to a federal complaint. At the time, Alsaidi was walking near Madison and Getty Avenues on his way to work at Amazon.

On seeing Alsaidi, Tineo-Restituyo rolled down the drivers side window of the unmarked car and asked him, What did you say? This unprompted challenge sounds not like a public servant who is conducting an investigation, but rather like a bully who is spoiling for a fight. Alsaidi responded that he had not said anything and continued on his way.

Tineo-Restituyo turned the car sharply toward Alsaidi, blocking his path. The officers got out of the car and grabbed Alsaidi, who tried to free himself. Patino punched Alsaidi in the face and the body, and Tineo-Restituyo picked Alsaidi up and threw him to the ground. Once Alsaidi was down, the officers continued to hit him, according to the complaint. Finally, to add insult to injury, they arrested Alsaidi and charged him with aggravated assault of a police officer.

Alsaidi sustained several injuries to the head and face and was taken to the hospital. Sometime after he was discharged, he returned to the hospital voluntarily. He received a diagnosis of head trauma and concussion. Alsaidi began to have migraine headaches and was partly blind for two weeks after the assault.

Patino wrote the official report about this incident, and he and Tineo-Restituyo signed it. The video of the attack, as well as information provided by other sources, shows that the report is full of fabrications.

By Patinos account, Alsaidi walked aggressively toward the two officers while shouting profanities. The teenager then got closer to these officers and proceeded to get in an aggressive fighting stance by blading his body [that is, turning sideways to fight] and clutching [sic] his fist. Alsaidi then punched Patino in the chest, according to the report, throwing him off balance. Patino further claimed that Alsaidi resisted attempts to stop him. He did not mention that he and his partner repeatedly hit Alsaidi while he was on the ground.

After this savage beating came to light, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh sought to control the damage and defend the police. This is not a reflection on every man and woman in our police department, he said. As a matter of fact, I interact with police officers every day and I can assure you that the vast, vast majority of police officers are reputable in our city.

In reality, at least 10 Paterson police officers have faced federal charges in recent years for alleged unconstitutional practices. The abuses have become so egregious that the Passaic County Prosecutors Office is taking over the Paterson police departments internal affairs functions. The prosecutors office, and not the police department, will now investigate accusations of misconduct against Paterson officers.

Sayegh also pointed to initiatives that he said would increase transparency within the police department. They include an audit of the department and a policy of providing officers with body-worn cameras. But, nationwide, audits of police departments have done nothing to curb police violence, and officers routinely leave their body cameras off during encounters with the public.

Nor has the high-profile conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd stemmed the epidemic of police violence. During the period before and after the verdict was announced, Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota; Adam Toledo in Chicago; MaKhia Bryant in Columbus, Ohio; and Robert Delgado in Portland, Oregon, were all killed by police.

After the video of Patino and Tineo-Restituyos rampage was made public, the New Jersey Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called for the city to fire them. The message is that Paterson and many other cities across New Jersey have issues with police brutality. Its a systemic issue, and our job is to call it out when it happens, said CAIR-NJ spokesperson Selaedin Maksut. Especially actions like this, where they put someone in the hospital.

Police brutality is certainly a systemic issue, but it is not fundamentally a matter of racial, ethnic or religious discrimination. Paterson has the second-largest Muslim population in the United States, as a percentage of the total. Mayor Sayegh is the son of a Syrian mother and a Lebanese father. Chief Ibrahim M. Baycora of the Paterson police department is Muslim. These factors did not spare Alsaidi, a Yemeni American with no criminal record, from a barbaric attack that may have lasting neurologic consequences.

Paterson is the third-largest city in New Jersey, as well as one of the poorest by per capita income. The city was a center of silk production in the 19th century and produced aircraft engines during World War II. By the end of that war, however, the citys industry began to decline. Paterson has had high unemployment rates since the late 1960s. In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused flooding to an extent not seen in a century, and thousands of residents were displaced.

The circumstances of the assault on Alsaidi underscore the fact that police violence is exercised by the ruling class to suppress the working class.
As many as one in seven Medieval Britons had cancer at the time of their death, a new study reveals.

It was previously thought less than one per cent of people living on the British Isles between the 6th and 16th centuries suffered with the disease.

A combination of longer lives, pollution, cigarettes and DNA-damaging viruses means that half of all people alive today will get cancer at some point in their life.

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As many as one in seven Medieval Britons had cancer at the time of their death, a new study reveals

A Cambridge University study used x-rays and CT scans for the first time to study the remains of 143 skeletons found at six cemeteries.

Previous studies concluded just one in 100 people died with cancer based on visual examinations of a bone's exterior.

But the ability to non-invasively inspect the interior of the bones revealed further signs of the disease.

'The majority of cancers form in soft tissue organs long since degraded in medieval remains,' explains lead author Dr Piers Mitchell, of Cambridge's Department of Archaeology.

'Only some cancer spreads to bone, and of these only a few are visible on its surface, so we searched within the bone for signs of malignancy.

'Modern research shows a third to a half of people with soft tissue cancers will find the tumour spreads to their bones.'

A Cambridge University study used x-rays and CT scans for the first time to study the remains of 143 skeletons found at six cemeteries. Experts looked for signs of metastasis on bone remains (pictured)

A combination of longer lives, pollution, cigarettes and DNA-damaging viruses means that half of all people alive today will get cancer at some point in their life. Pictured, cancer metastases (white arrow) on an excavated medieval bone from the spine

The researchers found evidence of cancer on 3.5 per cent of the skeletons and extrapolated this figure based on what they know about how many people with cancer develop these bone scars.

Researchers reached their estimate on the basis that CT scans detect bone metastases around 75 per cent of the time, and only a third to half of cancer deaths involve spread to the bone.

More than 60 grave uncovered at Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Cambridge An Anglo-Saxon burial ground has been discovered on a plot of land earmarked to become University of Cambridge accommodation. Excavations at the site revealed more than 60 graves which date back to a similar period as the famed Sutton Hoo site, around 400-650AD. Many of the newly-discovered burials contain grave goods such as bronze brooches, bead necklaces, glass flasks, weapons, and pottery. Experts claim the haul of artefacts is one of British archaeology's most significant finds since the Sutton Hoo burial ship was found in 1938. Advertisement

'We think the total proportion of the medieval population that probably suffered with a cancer somewhere in their body was between nine and 14 per cent,' says Dr Mitchell.

Cancer in modern Britain is around four times as common as it was in Medieval times, with the increase due to myriad factors increasing the risk.

'Until now it was thought that the most significant causes of ill health in medieval people were infectious diseases such as dysentery and bubonic plague, along with malnutrition and injuries due to accidents or warfare,' Dr Jenna Dittmar, study co-author, said.

'We now have to add cancer as one of the major classes of disease that afflicted medieval people.'

Tobacco, which was first imported into Britain in the 16th century with the colonising of the Americas, likely contributed to cancer rates.

So too did the production of cancer-causing pollutants that have become ubiquitous since the industrial revolution of the 18th century.

The researchers also suggest the proliferation of DNA-damaging viruses and longer lives may be to blame.

A modern man can expect to live, on average, until he is 79 years old, with women living to 83 years old, on average.

But in Medieval britain, life expectancy was about half of this.

Dr Mitchell told MailOnline: 'While written records for the medieval period may record how long rich people lived, they don't record the life span of poor people.

'In general half of medieval people died in childhood, resulting in a correspondingly short average life expectancy for the total population.

'Therefore the approximate average life expectancy might be in the region of 30-40 for medieval Britain.

'However, all the people in whom we found cancer were middle aged or older individuals.'

The researchers caution that the sample size is inevitably limited and diagnosing cancer in those lain dead for many centuries is challenging.

'We need further studies using CT scanning of apparently normal skeletons in different regions and time periods to see how common cancer was in key civilizations of the past,' added Dr Mitchell.

The research is published in the journal Cancer.
Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice allegedly spoke out against Joe Biden's plan to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Clinton, who was secretary of state under former President Barack Obama, declined to endorse the planned withdrawal by her fellow Democrat, Biden, according to Axios.

Rice, who was also the top US diplomat under Obamas predecessor, George W. Bush, reportedly told lawmakers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee that American troops may have to return to Afghanistan after the pullout.

We had Secretaries Clinton and Condi Rice Zoom today with the committee, a committee member was quoted as saying by Axios.

A little disagreement on Afghanistan, but they both agreed were going to need to sustain a counterterrorism mission somehow outside of that country.

Two former secretaries of state - Hillary Clinton (left) and Condoleezza Rice (right) - are reportedly opposed to President Biden's planned withdrawal of all American forces from Afghanistan

Biden (seen above in Duluth, Georgia on Thursday) announced on April 14 that he would remove all remaining US forces from Afghanistan by September 11 of this year - the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks

Members of the US Navy carry a comrade wounded by an explosion to a medevac helicopter in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan in October 2010. While Biden's decision keeps US forces in Afghanistan four months longer than initially planned, it sets a firm end to two decades of war that killed more than 2,200 US troops, wounded 20,000, and cost as much as $1trillion

The member quoted Rice as saying: You know, were probably gonna have to go back [to Afghanistan].

With the potential for an Islamic State, coupled with what they're going to do to our contractors in Yemen and Afghanistan is, sadly, it's going to be tragic there and we all see it coming, House Rep. Mike McCaul, a Republican from Texas, told Axios.

Another member of the committee told Axios that Clinton and Rice were concerned about what would happen to American diplomats on the ground after a troop withdrawal.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the White House for comment.

On April 14, Biden said he will withdraw remaining US troops from the forever war in Afghanistan, declaring that the September 11 terror attacks of 20 years ago cannot justify American forces still dying in the nations longest war.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken (seen above at the US Capitol on Wednesday) has admitted that a civil war or Taliban takeover in Afghanistan is 'certainly a possible scenario' when the US withdraws all its troops from the country by September 11

His plan is to pull out all American forces - numbering 2,500 now - by this Sept. 11, the anniversary of the attacks, which were coordinated from Afghanistan.

Biden's top diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, admitted on Tuesday that a civil war or Taliban takeover in Afghanistan is 'certainly a possible scenario' when the US withdraws all its troops from the country by September 11.

Blinken told CNN 's Jake Tapper on Tuesday the Biden administration is 'planning for every scenario' that could arise from the move.

But he insisted the US is 'not disengaging from Afghanistan' and will continue to be 'deeply engaged' in supporting the country long after troops have left.

Soon after Biden made his announcement, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels said the alliance had agreed to withdraw its roughly 7,000 forces from Afghanistan, matching Bidens decision to begin a final pullout by May 1.

The US cannot continue to pour resources into an intractable war and expect different results, Biden said.

The drawdown would begin rather than conclude by May 1, which has been the deadline for full withdrawal under a peace agreement the Trump administration reached with the Taliban last year.

'It is time to end America's longest war,' Biden said, but he added that the US will 'not conduct a hasty rush to the exit.'

'We cannot continue the cycle of extending or expanding our military presence in Afghanistan hoping to create the ideal conditions for our withdrawal, expecting a different result,' said Biden, who delivered his address from the White House Treaty Room, the same location where Bush announced the start of the war.

'I am now the fourth United States president to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistan. Two Republicans. Two Democrats. I will not pass this responsibility to a fifth.'

Biden's announcement, which he followed with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, marks perhaps the most significant foreign policy decision in the early going of his presidency.

As secretary of state in the Obama administration, Clinton was more hawkish than both Obama and Biden. In 2009, she supported a surge of 30,000 US troops to Afghanistan to counter gains made in the country by the Taliban. From left: Clinton, then-President Barack Obama, and then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates at the White House in September 2009

Rice was the chief foreign policy adviser to Bush, the architect of the American war on terror after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In the wake of the attacks, the US invaded Afghanistan and Iraq. Rice and Bush are seen at the White House in January 2009

He's long been skeptical about the US presence in Afghanistan.

As Obama's vice president, Biden was a lonely voice in the administration who advised the 44th president to tilt towards a smaller counterterrorism role in the country while military advisers were urging a troop buildup to counter Taliban gains.

As secretary of state in the Obama administration, Clinton was more hawkish than both Obama and Biden.

In 2009, she supported a surge of 30,000 US troops to Afghanistan to counter gains made in the country by the Taliban.

Clinton was also a fierce supporter of regime change in Libya.

Rice was the chief foreign policy adviser to Bush, the architect of the American war on terror after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

In the wake of the attacks, the US invaded Afghanistan and Iraq.

Biden has also made clear he wants to recalibrate US foreign policy to face bigger challenges posed by China and Russia.

Withdrawing all US troops comes with clear risks.

It could boost the Talibans effort to claw back power and undo gains toward democracy and women's rights made over the past two decades.

It also opens Biden to criticism, from mostly Republicans and some Democrats, even though former President Donald Trump had also wanted a full withdrawal.

'This administration has decided to abandon US efforts in Afghanistan which have helped keep radical Islamic terrorism in check,' said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

'And bizarrely, they have decided to do so by September 11th.'

While Biden's decision keeps US forces in Afghanistan four months longer than initially planned, it sets a firm end to two decades of war that killed more than 2,200 US troops, wounded 20,000, and cost as much as $1trillion.
One year after the Black Lives Matter protests: what did they achieve? A year after people in Pennsylvania and all over the country took to the streets to protest the murder of George Floyd, has anything changed?

Those are the questions PennLive posed to activists and law enforcement officials last week. And the answer was a resounding yes.

Protesters such as political activist Shavonnia Corbin-Johnson and Kevin Maxson, with Voice for the Voiceless, say the protests mattered, and those who shouted against racism in town squares should be proud of what they achieved. We agree. And what may be surprising, so do officials such as Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas C. Carter, Carlisle Mayor Tim Scott and Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo. They all shared their thoughts last week on PennLives Black Lives Matter: One Year Later webinar that was broadcast live on Facebook.

Activists and officials join PennLive's Joyce M. Davis to discuss the impact of the Black Lives Matter protests last summer.

They all agreed the Black Lives Matter protests last summer changed America in some very concrete ways. And more change is on the way.

Specifically, here are three major changes the Black Lives Matter protests ignited in our area and throughout the nation:

More people now believe what people in Black and Brown people have been saying for decades  they are too often the victims of police profiling, targeting and excessive use of force:

The cell phone recording of the murder of George Floyd made it possible for people to see for themselves how police treat Black men. But Floyds death was only one of a litany of Black people killed at the hands of police that compelled people of all races to take to the streets. The videos of his death posted on Facebook, YouTube and played over and over again on television, brought the cruel reality home to many people who might otherwise not have believed it.

Commissioner Carter and many other law enforcement officials condemned former police officer Derek Chauvins murder of George Floyd. He says chokeholds and knees to the neck are banned in Harrisburg. But they are allowed in many parts of our state and nation. And statistics show more Black and Brown people are disproportionately subjected to such brutal tactics that often lead to death.

It would be easy to blame a few bad apples on the force, but the Black Lives Matter protests have challenged that argument. And now, the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating police forces such as in Minneapolis, where minority communities have long complained about racist policing practices that are terrorizing their communities.

Dajayla Pickett, 25 of Flint, writes "Don't kill me" as she creates a protest sign to use at a justice for George Floyd march on Monday, June 1, 2020 at Max Brandon Park on Flint's north side. Speaking to the crowd of around 40 protesters through a bullhorn, Lisia Williams said police reform is needed. OWeOve got to ask for the new system in place to stand up for racist acts against our community,O she commented. ONo more racial profiling. We want to see our own police officers in our community. People we grew up with. ThatOs what we need to see in police in our communities.O (Jake May | MLive.com)

Congress is poised to pass the George Floyd Policing Act

Many key law enforcement officials in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation now acknowledge systemic racism within their ranks and the misuse of brutal policing tactics against Black and Brown people. Commissioner Carter, as well as Corbin-Johnson and Maxson support the legislation that President Biden wants passed by March 25, the day George Floyd was killed.

The law would make it easier for federal authorities to prosecute police officers for excessive use of force, and it would authorize the Department of Justice to investigate police departments for a pattern of discrimination. It also would prohibit racial profiling.

Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo supports one provision in the bill that would create a national registry to compile data on complaints of police misconduct. But he and Mayor Scott expressed concerns that federal efforts to regulate local policing may be unconstitutional. It may ultimately be left to local authorities to do whats right in their own communities.

In this Wednesday, June 24, 2020, photograph, books are displayed, including "The Tuskegee Airmen," and "White Fragility," at the Black-owned Frugal Bookstore in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. Many from outside Boston have recently shopped and supported the store amid nationwide protests against racism. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)AP

Americans of all colors, classes and ethnicities are finally talking openly and honestly about racism and how to eradicate it from our society:

Many people are taking concrete and very personal steps to do so. Millions of white Americans from rural hamlets to swank suburbs are reading books like White Fragility by Robin Diangelo; How to Be Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi and So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo.

Millions of people have formed book clubs to talk about the difficult topics that Americans have long avoided, such as unconscious bias and the very real and continuing impact of slavery and white supremacy on the lives of Black Americans.

Protesters kneel and lay down for 8:46 at a Black Lives Matter rally at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., June 3, 2020, in memory of George Floyd who died last week after a Minneapolis policeman knelt on Floyd's neck for that amount of time leading to Floyd's death. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com

Mayor Tim Scott says the City of Carlisle has taken the historic step of starting a citywide Truth and Reconciliation Task Force to help residents better understand the legacy of racism in their community and how to work together to overcome it.

What is happening throughout the country are voluntary efforts to understand the reality of being Black in America, a reality that has meant discrimination in employment, housing, education, healthcare and every aspect of life and death, as the world witnessed on May 25 with the murder of George Floyd.

Activists like Maxson and Corbin-Johnson argue these changes are good, but they are far from enough. Again, we agree. Too many Black people are still dying in meetings with police. Too many Americans still believe the protests were much to do about nothing. And far too many still just dont want to talk about it at all.

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1. Yes. Its important to keep my child as safe as possible. We plan to take advantage.

2. Yes. With the school district dropping its mask mandate, its a necessary step.

3. No. Local COVID cases are dropping. There is no good reason to vaccinate my child.

4. No. There hasnt been enough data on vaccinated children. I think Ill hold off.

5. Unsure. I havent decided yet whether to take part in the vaccine clinics.

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Jinger Duggar has spoken out against brother Josh after the father-of-six was arrested this week and charged with receiving and possessing child pornography.

Jinger, who goes by her married name Vuolo on social media, posted a statement on behalf of her and husband Jeremy Vuolo, after news of Josh's arrest made headlines.

'We are disturbed to hear of the charges against Josh. While this case must go through the legal system, we want to make it clear that we absolutely condemn any form of child abuse and fully support the authorities and judicial process in their pursuit of justice.' her message read.

Jinger Duggar - now known as Jinger Vuolo - has released a statement to condemn her brother Josh after he was arrest on possession of child pornography. She is pictured here with husband Jeremy Vuolo

Speaking out: Jinger said she was 'disturbed' by the charges against her brother in a post she shared to Instagram on Friday

It comes after Jinger's sister Jill spoke out after news of the arrest.

'We just found out this information yesterday,' Jill and husband Derick Dillard said in a statement to People before details of the charges were made public. 'It is very sad.'

Meanwhile, Josh's cousin Amy King revealed she's 'devastated' by the charges.

Speaking to The Sun, Amy, 34, said: 'At the moment I have no comment to make. I'm kind of speechless, we just hope its not true.

'I spoke with several of my cousins after we heard about the arrest. We're in shock, but we don't want to think the worst of someone, you want to think the best.

'If it is true it would absolutely devastate a lot of people.'

Amy added: 'Everybody that knows Josh would be devastated. Just thinking about it makes me want to have a glass of wine right now.'

The 33-year-old former 19 Kids and Counting star pleaded not guilty to the federal charges on Friday during a virtual court hearing during which was ordered to live with a third party with no children if he is granted bond.

'We just found out this information yesterday,' Jill and husband Derick Dillard said in a statement to People before details of the charges were made public. 'It is very sad.'

Josh's cousin also spoke out - telling The Sun 'If it is true it would absolutely devastate a lot of people.'

Duggar was taken into custody in Springdale, Arkansas a day earlier after turning himself in but the charges were not announced at the time. He is charged with receiving and possessing material depicting the sexual abuse of children.

According to the indictment, he is alleged to have downloaded child sexual abuse material online in May 2019. Some of the child pornography material he is accused of possessing shows children under the age of 12.

If convicted, Duggar faces up to 20 years in prison.

Prior to the charges being formally announced, a source told The Sun that his wife was 'standing by' him and accompanied him to the police station.

His arrest followed a Homeland Security raid on his now-closed car dealership, Wholesale Motorcars, in Springdale, Arkansas back in November 2019. He was not charged at the time.

Josh has been charged with receiving and possessing child pornography and pleaded not guilty to the federal charges on Friday

His parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, issued a statement on Friday, saying they were praying for their son and pregnant daughter-in-law.

'The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious,' they said.

'It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family.'

The couple rose to fame on TLC show 19 Kids and Counting which documented their family life in rural Arkansas and raising their kids in a devout Christian Baptist environment.

'We love Josh': The disgraced star's parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar appear to be standing by their son and said they will 'continue to pray' for him and his family

'The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious' His parents issued this statement on Friday

The arrest marks Duggar's latest brush with the law after his father, Jim Bob, reported him to police in 2006 for allegedly molesting five young girls over multiple occasions back when he was 14 and 15. It took several years and a tip-off to local police that finally forced Jim Bob to report his son's behavior to authorities.

Josh's behavior was first discovered in March of 2002, when one of his youngest sisters went to Jim Bob 'very upset and crying'. Josh admitted to touching her breasts and genitals while she was sleeping on multiple occasions.

In the report, Jim Bob said Josh was 'disciplined,' though didn't reveal what the discipline entailed.

But there were more incidents to follow after that. And it was revealed that Jim Bob decided to finally go to authorities after an anonymous tip was made to the Arkansas State Police Child Abuse Hotline about Josh's behavior.

Jim Bob, reported Josh to police in 2006 for allegedly molesting five young girls over multiple occasions back when he was 14 and 15. He waited several years before reporting it and only did when an anonymous tip was made to the Arkansas State Police Child Abuse Hotline about Josh's behavior

It wasn't until May 2015, when the police report leaked in the media, that details of the accusations against Josh went public. The reality show was cancelled by TLC two months later

Finally speaking to police on Dec. 12, 2006, Jim Bob said when he learned about what his son was doing, he 'met with the elders of his church and told them what was going on.'

They sent Josh to a Christian program that consisted of hard physical work and counseling from March 17, 2003 to July 17, 2003.

It later emerged that the institute's founder, Bill Gothard, was accused of sexually harassing or assaulting 34 women in 2014 and resigned shortly afterward.

It wasn't until May 2015, when the police report leaked in the media, that details of the accusations went public. The reality show was cancelled by TLC two months later.

Duggar's sisters, Jessa and Jill Duggar, have since claimed they were two of their brother's alleged victims.

Josh and wife Anna, who has stood by him throughout his legal woes, are expecting their seventh child together

Josh and Anna's announcement on Instagram three days earlier that they are expecting another child. 'It's a GIRL!!!!!' the caption for the clip began

Duggar's wife Anna and family all stood by him after the sex abuse scandal emerged, with Jessa and Jill saying they had forgiven him.

He also issued a public apology addressing the claims saying: 'Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends.'

Just months later, Duggar was rocked by another scandal when it was revealed that he had an account on Ashley Madison - the cheating website for married men.

He released yet another statement apologizing for cheating on his wife, saying: 'I have been the biggest hypocrite ever. While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the Internet and this has become a secret addiction and I became unfaithful to my wife.'

Anna was pregnant in 2015 when the molestation became public knowledge. They have been married since 2008

His arrest on the latest charges came just days after he and his wife Anna announced they were expecting their seventh child.

Anna shared the news to Instagram on Saturday with a video of herself and her husband hugging in a field with all six of their kids running toward the camera.

The announcement doubled as a gender reveal as pink confetti came out of a clear umbrella the couple - who are both 33 - was holding over their heads.

Prior to the charges being formally announced, a source told The Sun that his wife was 'standing by' him and accompanied him to the police station.

After a police report documenting the abuse was unearthed, his sister Jessa, 28, identified herself as one of his vitims

Jill, 29, also came out as one of Josh's victims. Jim Bob and Michelle also told the local police that Josh had 'apologized' to his victims and said they had 'forgiven' him

Just months after the molestation allegations hit headlines, Duggar was rocked by another scandal when it was revealed that he had an account on Ashley Madison - the cheating website for married men

'Anna is standing by her husband as she always has,' the source said. 'Josh and Anna asked the family to pray for them, and said that they love them.'

Meanwhile, TLC issued a statement in light of the arrest, telling People: 'TLC is saddened to learn about the continued troubles involving Josh Duggar,

'19 Kids and Counting has not aired since 2015. TLC cancelled the show on the heels of prior allegations against Josh Duggar and he has not appeared on-air since then.'

Josh has had several scrapes with the law in recent years.

Four of the girls were his sisters but he was never criminally charged. He spent several months in a Christian rehab facility where he was treated for a sex addiction.

He was sued by a porn star in 2015 for allegedly assaulting her during sex but the lawsuit was later dropped.

Duggar is also currently in the midst of a separate legal battle after a civil lawsuit was filed against him for real estate fraud.
Millions more Britons could be prescribed pills that lower their blood pressure to help ward off strokes and heart attacks, a study has suggested.

Researchers found that blood pressure-lowering medication reduces the risk of serious heart conditions  even in adults with healthy blood pressure.

The benefits of treatment in preventing strokes, heart disease and death were found to be similar regardless of the starting blood pressure level of the patient, and whether or not they had pre-existing heart conditions.

Experts said the findings have important implications for current NHS guidelines that typically limit the medication to those with high blood pressure. Lead author Professor Kazem Rahimi, from the University of Oxford, said: Our findings are of great importance to the debate concerning blood pressure treatment.

Researchers found that blood pressure-lowering medication reduces the risk of serious heart conditions  even in adults with healthy blood pressure [File photo]

This new and best available evidence tells us that decisions to prescribe blood pressure medication should not be based simply on a prior diagnosis of cardiovascular disease or an individuals blood pressure level.

However, he added: We are not saying that everyone must begin treatment. The decision will depend on an individuals risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease, the potential for side effects and patient choice.

Heart disease and strokes, linked to high blood pressure, kill 160,000 people in the UK each year.

An estimated 15million adults in the UK have the condition. Blood pressure is measured in units of millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Heart disease and strokes, linked to high blood pressure, kill 160,000 people in the UK each year [File photo]

Patients with high blood pressure are usually prescribed pills, including beta-blockers, to keep it under control.

But the study, published in the Lancet journal, suggests this medication could help people whose blood pressure falls in the normal range.

Scientists looked at data from 344,716 adults, with an average age of 65, who were on drugs to lower blood pressure. They were separated into those with a prior diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and those without, then divided based on their blood pressure.

Over an average of four years follow-up, 42,324 participants had at least one major cardiovascular event  a heart attack, stroke or heart failure.

For every 5 mmHg reduction in blood pressure, the risk of developing major cardiovascular disease fell by around 10 per cent and stroke by 13 per cent.

Risk of heart failure dropped 13 per cent, heart disease 8 per cent and death from cardiovascular disease 5 per cent.

Researchers found the beneficial effects of the treatment did not differ based on a history of having had cardiovascular disease or the level of blood pressure at study entry.
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has said cruise ships can resume sailing from mid-summer if they can prove 98 percent of their crew and 95 percent of their passengers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The agency announced new requirements Wednesday for getting the cruise industry back up and running by mid-July, one week after Alaska joined Florida's lawsuit demanding ships be allowed to resume sailing immediately.

Now, if a ship can prove it passes the threshold for vaccinated passengers and crew on board, it will be able to skip simulated voyages and move directly to open water sailing.

Simulated voyages are trial journeys for crew and port personnel to practice new COVID-19 operational procedures with volunteers before the ship's set sail with paying passengers.

The CDC also said it was reducing its timeline for responding to applications for simulated voyages from 60 days to five days.

The agency said it was 'committed' to reopening the multi-billion dollar cruise industry for the popular summer season, after it shut down sailing last March when COVID-19 outbreaks broke out on board ships.

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Sea cruise ship docked at Port Miami. The CDC has said cruise ships can resume sailing from mid-summer if they can prove 98 percent of their crew and 95 percent of their passengers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19

'Ships may now bypass simulated voyages and move directly to open water sailing with passengers if a ship attests that 98 percent of its crew and 95 percent of its passengers are fully vaccinated,' the CDC said.

Cruise lines were asked to submit their plans 'as soon as possible to maintain the timeline of passenger voyages by mid-July.'

Testing and quarantine rules will also be updated ahead of the industry restarting.

The move comes after Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy joined a lawsuit brought by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis against the CDC and federal government earlier this month to demand cruise ships be allowed to resume sailing immediately.

Both states' are popular with cruisers, and rely heavily on income from tourists traveling on the huge leisure ships.

Dunleavy, a Republican, announced the move last Tuesday saying the state 'deserves the chance to have tourism and jobs' and hitting out at the CDC's 'arbitrary decision' on social media.

He said the industry is 'vital to the economic health of Alaska', with the state already reportedly suffering $3 billion in losses due to the cancellation of the 2020 cruise ship season.

'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,' Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor said in the announcement.

'CDC simply does not have the authority to arbitrarily shut down an entire industry.'

DeSantis announced earlier this month that the state had filed a lawsuit against the federal government over what he blasted as an 'irrational' delay to getting the cruise industry back up and running.

This comes one week after Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (above) joined a lawsuit brought by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis against the CDC and federal government earlier this month

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced (above) at the Port of Miami earlier this month he was suing to demand cruise ships be allowed to resume sailing immediately

'We don't believe the federal government has the right to mothball a major industry for over a year based on very little evidence and very little data,' the Republican governor said.

DeSantis said cruising has resumed in much of the world, forcing Americans to fly to other ports in the nearby Bahamas rather than sail out of Florida.

Florida is the nation's cruise capital with three of the world's busiest ports: Miami, Port Canaveral near Kennedy Space Center, and Port Everglades near Fort Lauderdale.

The cruise industry is one of the state's biggest tourism sectors, with 8 million passengers cruising from Florida in 2019, before the pandemic hit.

An estimated 150,000 jobs in the state are created by the industry, including dependent jobs at hotels, restaurants and airlines, generating nearly $8 billion in wages, according to estimates from the Cruise Lines International Association.

When the industry ground to a halt, the state's economy was hard hit with the first six months of the pandemic costing an estimated $3.2 billion in economic activity, according to the Federal Maritime Commission.

The CDC shut down sailing last March when outbreaks broke out on ships. Pictured a docked Norwegian Gem cruise ship is seen at the Port of Miami in Miami Beach this month

Florida's suit came one week after the CDC issued new guidelines for cruise companies on how to respond in the event of future COVID-19 cases aboard ships.

The guidelines include daily reporting of any COVID-19 cases and illnesses and routine testing of all crew members.

But the agency still did not lift its no-sail order nor give a timeline for when it would do so.

Cruise ships fast became hotbeds for the virus when it first started ravaging the globe in the spring and several ships were turned away by ports refusing to allow sick patients to disembark.

The cruise industry and the CDC came under fire for their slow response amid the pandemic as ships continued to sail out to sea even after a series of outbreaks on board and repeated warnings that the high numbers of people in contained spaces made them breeding grounds for the virus.

Fears first mounted for cruise ship passengers and crew last February when hundreds tested positive on the Diamond Princess after Japanese authorities imposed a lockdown in Yokohama ordering the ship to stay off the coast for two weeks.

More than 700 people tested positive and 14 died after being on board the ship.

Passengers were confined to their cabins during the lockdown but several countries eventually lost patience with Japan and airlifted their citizens home.

Fears first mounted for cruise ship passengers and crew last February when hundreds tested positive on the Diamond Princess (above) after Japanese authorities imposed a lockdown in Yokohama ordering the ship to stay off the coast for two weeks

A passenger waves as she walks with others on the deck of the Diamond Princess cruise ship in February. More than 700 people tested positive and 14 died after being on board the ship

Despite the warning signs, on March 7 it was still business as usual with companies citing extra cleaning measures were being taken and then-Vice President Mike Pence told Americans it was 'safe for healthy Americans to travel.'

The next day - around a month after the Diamond Princess outbreak - the CDC issued guidelines that Americans do not travel on cruise ships.

Several ships still set sail after this time, and four days later the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

On March 13, more than 50 cruise lines finally announced they were suspending operations to and from US ports for 30 days and the CDC issued a no-sail order in US waters the following day.

Ports then refused ships permission to dock leaving passengers and crew stranded amid outbreaks.

In August, the US Coast Guard said it was still monitoring 36 cruise ships moored in US ports with 24,300 crew members on board and 42 cruise ships underway in US waters with 36,500 crew members on board, reported ABC News.
Chennai: Let the streets be deserted, hearts fill up with joy, said DMK chief MK Stalin as he looks forward to victory in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

Though the actual results are still a couple of days away, Stalin is hoping for a massive win as most Exit Polls have predicted.

He said that state was in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic and appealed to workers to not converge in large numbers in counting centers or elsewhere for celebrations.

Happy news of DMK winning a large number of seats, as projected in various exit polls, keep coming. (But) Tamil Nadu is in the grip of the COVID pandemic, Stalin was quoted as saying by PTI.

In this situation, as favourable results start coming in, (party supporters) should not start converging at counting centers (or elsewhere) to express joy and end up contracting the virus, he added.

Celebrations should be confined to homes since party workers' lives were more important, he said.

He further said he was anguished at the sufferings of people due to lack of oxygen and beds.

Polling in the state was held on April 6 and the counting of votes will take place on May 2.




A North Korean defector group claimed Friday it has sent anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border in defiance of a ban enacted recently over concern such a leafleting campaign could provoke the North and endanger the safety of people in border regions.







Fighters for a Free North Korea led by Park Sang-hak, a vocal North Korean defector, said that the group flew 10 large balloons carrying around 500,000 leaflets, 500 booklets and 5,000 $1 bills from unidentified border areas in Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces from Sunday to Thursday.







This marked the first time that a local activist group claimed to have sent anti-Pyongyang leaflets since the leafleting ban went into effect late in March. Under the ban, violators are subject to a maximum prison term of three years or a fine of 30 million won ($27,400).







The activist group denounced the ban as "the worst law ever intended to gaggle the voice of people" and crack down on defectors trying to liberate their compatriots in the North struggling under dictatorship.







The ban came months after the North blew up an inter-Korean liaison office in the border town of Kaesong in anger over Seoul's failure to stop such leafleting. Critics have claimed the legislation is tantamount to caving to Pyongyang's pressure.







The Seoul government has said that the prohibition is necessary to protect the lives and safety of residents living in the border areas as such leaflets could provoke the North.







The unification ministry handling cross-border affairs said that it is working to confirm the group's claims and will address the matter in accordance with the spirit of the law. (Yonhap)


Investors have shrugged off news ANZ Banks profits will take a $817 million hit, due mainly to write-downs on the value of a share-trading business and fallout from a scandal in a partly-owned Malaysian bank.

Ahead of highly-anticipated half-year results from three major banks next week, ANZ on Friday revealed its cash earnings would be dragged down by a batch of fresh write-downs and charges totalling $605 million.

ANZs first-half cash profit will take a $817m hit. Credit:Sam Mooy

Coupled with a previously-announced hit of $212 million, the overall impact from large items on its bottom line will be $817 million, which is about a fifth of some analysts profit estimates.

While analysts dismissed the profit hit as not material, it underlined the cost to shareholders of moves to simplify the bank, and the ongoing expense of compensating customers.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to wreak havoc across many parts of the world. Mass vaccination against its causative virus  the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)  remains our best hope at arresting the pandemics spread through the promotion of herd immunity.

Vaccine rollouts have started across the globe, with many countries ramping up efforts to promptly inoculate as much of their population (especially those susceptible to severe disease) as possible. However, vaccine hesitancy or unwillingness, over fears about the current COVID-19 vaccines safety, has been a major concern for public health authorities the world over. It is still unknown what factors influence vaccine intent and whether there are wide disparities across populations.

However, a team of researchers from the USA, Germany and Norway recently found that the main barrier to vaccination is not vaccine hesitancy but a supply shortage and unequal distribution of the vaccines themselves. Their data suggests that large numbers of people across the globe are willing to get vaccinated.

The study, which appeared on the medRxiv* pre-print server, showed that in the study sample in most of the countries examined, the rates of people willing to get vaccinated were high enough to reach more conservative herd immunity levels if combined with the number of those who have recovered from COVID-19.

Immunization against SARS-CoV-2

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, scientists have raced to develop effective vaccines in the hopes of curbing viral spread.

To date, there are 182 vaccines in the pre-clinical evaluation and 92 vaccines undergoing trials. Many countries have used vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration under an emergency use authorization (EUA).

The hope for stemming the global spread of COVID-19 depends on immunization. Vaccine hesitancy due to fear and misinformation remains a major threat to global health.

If many people globally do not get vaccinated against COVID-19, new viral variants may emerge that escape the vaccine and re-introduce the virus into vaccinated populations. Hence, making sure a majority, if not all, of the global population, is vaccinated is a top global public health priority.

Herd immunity or community immunity is when a considerable part of the population of an area is immune to an infectious disease, which causes chains of viral transmission to break down.

Vaccine intent is influenced by a multitude of factors, from mutual trust built between the public and health authorities to fact-saturated information that reduces doubts created by misinformation.

During the early pandemic, a sizable minority in many parts of the world exhibited reluctance to get vaccinated if a vaccine became available. Meanwhile, previous studies have shown that vaccine intent improved between November 2020 and January 2021 in 11 out of 15 countries surveyed.

The study

In the current study, the researchers assessed the levels of vaccine acceptance over a more extended time that covers more recent developments, such as emergency use authorizations (EUAs) and additional clinical trials, among others.

The team surveyed more than 1.4 million Facebook users from 23 countries across four continents collected in 18 waves between July 2020 and March 2021.

The survey asked the respondents whether they intend to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

The study results showed that vaccine intent varies markedly across countries and over time. For countries that have larger vaccine scales, the intent increased.

Some countries had a stagnant vaccine intent during the study period, while in Egypt, for example, the intent has declined.

In a nutshell, the researchers found that many residents in countries worldwide are willing to get vaccinated. In most countries in the study sample, vaccine intent was high enough to reach more conservative herd immunity levels if the numbers were combined with those who were already infected.

The researchers suggest that the barrier to a successful vaccination effort is not vaccine hesitancy, but rather issues surrounding vaccine supply. Currently, many countries are reporting shortages of vaccines amidst the skyrocketing number of cases.

This sends a clear message to politicians who need to work on a quick and fair distribution of vaccine; and to scientists who need to focus their attention on understanding remaining pockets of vaccine skepticism or undecidedness and on factors that explain actual vaccine behavior, rather than intent, the researchers concluded in the study.

Vaccinating as many individuals as possible is crucial today as surging cases are being reported, particularly in India. The country, known as the worlds largest vaccine manufacturer, is battling a second and devastating wave of the pandemic. The number of cases there has topped 18.37 million, with over 204,000 deaths reported.

*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.
California will extend more than $6 billion in tax breaks to small businesses that received federal aid to weather the economic downturn during the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Thursday that allows business to write off expenses on their state taxes if they were paid for with Paycheck Protection Program loans that were later forgiven, mirroring how the money is treated for federal tax purposes.

Its been a hell of a year  the stress, the anxiety, the fear that so many people have had to struggle with, Newsom said during a signing ceremony at a sushi restaurant in the San Fernando Valley. This state is poised for a major comeback, and were experiencing that comeback because of small business leaders that have persevered, that have worked through, that havent given up.

More than 1 million California businesses received $97 billion in loans through the emergency program last year, largely to keep their employees on payroll, according to the state Department of Finance. The federal government has since forgiven more than half the loans, converting them into grants that business owners will not have to repay.

California finance officials estimate that the tax deductions will cost the state about $6.2 billion over six years. The state is working with a one-time budget windfall that could top $15 billion, after the economy recovered quicker than anticipated.

As many as a quarter of loan recipients may not benefit, however. The measure excludes publicly traded companies, and businesses must have experienced a revenue drop of 25% or more over the prior year during at least one quarter of 2020 to qualify, even if their loans were forgiven.

Newsom and state legislators had originally included the tax break in a coronavirus aid plan passed earlier this year that provided $600 checks to low-income Californians, small business grants and fee waivers for industries slammed the pandemic.

But they hit pause after the federal government passed another economic stimulus, with $26 billion in direct aid for California, that prohibited states from using the money to subsidize tax cuts. The Biden administration recently confirmed that writing off expenses from the business loans would not be considered a state tax cut.

Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 23:03:32|Editor: huaxia

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U.S. President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 28, 2021. (Melina Mara/Pool via Xinhua)

"It's only been 100 days," Biden said at a drive-in rally near Atlanta. "We've got a lot more to do."

Beyond the 100th-day mark, however, the ongoing tug-of-war between the White House and Republicans is expected to continue and even intensify.



WASHINGTON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday marked his 100th day in office with a trip to the southern U.S. state of Georgia, during which he talked up his administration's accomplishments in three months and launched a publicity blitz for his legislative agenda focusing on infrastructure, child care and paid family leave programs.

"It's only been 100 days," Biden said at a drive-in rally near Atlanta. "We've got a lot more to do." He highlighted the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan he had rolled out in his first address to a joint session of Congress one day earlier.

Beyond the 100th-day mark, however, the ongoing tug-of-war between the White House and Republicans is expected to continue and even intensify.

The American Jobs Plan, aimed at investing in and building climate-friendly infrastructure such as roadways and broadband, would be guided by one principle: "Buy American," Biden said in his address to Congress.

The American Families Plan will add two years of universal high-quality pre-school for every 3- and 4- year-old in America, provide up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave, ensure that low- to middle-income families will pay no more than 7 percent of their income for care for children up to the age of 5, and expand the child tax credit for every child in a family.

A man walks on a street in San Mateo city, California, the United States, April 26, 2021. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

To finance the plans, Biden proposed major tax hikes on corporations, investment income and wealthy households. The president said the proposals will help the battered U.S. economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and get Americans back to work, but Republican lawmakers argued that the U.S. economy would be weakened by the White House push.

"The actions of the president and his party are pulling us further and further apart," said Senator Tim Scott, who delivered the Republican rebuttal to Biden's address.

"Usually people with big dreams are successful," Tom Waters, a soybean and corn farmer in Orrick, in the Midwest state of Missouri, told Xinhua in a recent interview, "but, I guess on the flip side of that, I have concerns of who's going to pay for all those big dreams."

Waters said he believes infrastructure is always good for the country since it allows businesses to develop and grow, but worries Democrats would put "a lot of things that are not necessarily infrastructure" into the bill.

People gather near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., the United States, on March 25, 2021. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

Facing uphill battles to garner enough Republican support in the Senate for the proposals, the president implored lawmakers from the two parties to work together to prove "that our government still works -- and can deliver" for the American people.

In his first 100 days in the White House, Biden seems to have managed to keep Democrats together under their big tent, but he faced arguably fiercer partisan polarization than many of his predecessors.

"There is an understanding that if we're going to address the crises facing this country, we're all in it together," progressive Senator Bernie Sanders said in an interview with The New York Times.

However, the moment of unity with the Democratic Party could be fragile, the Times report added, noting that sharp differences remain between Biden and his left flank over issues including health care, college costs, expanding the Supreme Court and tackling income equality.

Meanwhile, no Republican lawmakers voted in March for Biden's signature 1.9-trillion-dollar coronavirus relief package, known as the American Rescue Plan, and most Republican lawmakers have expressed reservations about other aspects of Biden's policy agenda.

As a result, the two plans face a deeply uncertain fate in Congress, where Democrats hold only a slim majority in both the House and Senate. Biden has made it clear that he will not wait indefinitely before moving ahead via reconciliation again.

U.S. President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 28, 2021. (Melina Mara/Pool via Xinhua)

In his address on Wednesday, Biden also urged Congress to pass legislations on immigration reform, gun safety, the 15-U.S.-dollar minimum wage, equal pay for women, as well as expanded protections for members of the LGBTQ community.

He also called on lawmakers from both parties to "find consensus" and pass policing reform by the anniversary of African American George Floyd's death in late May. Each of these legislative efforts require the support of at least some Republican senators.

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which passed the Democrat-led House, has stalled in the evenly split Senate amid Republican opposition. The two parties differ on how far the federal government should go to root out violence against African Americans and abuse of power in policing.

The moment of harmony in the past 100 days could be fragile.

"The (U.S.) media seem always like to give the president's first 100 days a kind of a grace period," Waters told Xinhua. "And following that first 100 days, that's when the bullets start flying, right?" 
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Mary & Titos Cafe is arguably the most celebrated restaurant in Albuquerque.

In 2018, the foodie website Eater named it one of Americas 38 essential restaurants. Before that, the James Beard Society bestowed on it a prestigious American Classics award for its carne adovada. Mary & Titos reputation is such that, on any given day, the dining rooms are filled with a combination of regulars and tourists.

But even an institution has to make allowances for a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. In Mary & Titos case, that means operating on reduced hours, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Breakfast is served from 11 a.m. to noon.

Based on the turnout during a recent lunch hour, the pandemic has done little to dampen Mary & Titos popularity. Then again, you dont survive more than five decades in the restaurant business without doing something right. Tito Gonzales, a retired firefighter, and his wife, Mary Ann, opened up shop in 1963, and although theyre gone now, their spirit still informs the restaurant. Their daughter, Antoinette Knight, runs things today with the help of her sons, Travis and Jordan.

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The stucco facade, lined with vigas and decorated with hand-painted flowers, ristras and desert scenes, brightens up an otherwise drab stretch of Fourth just north of Interstate 40. A narrow, unpaved parking lot surrounds the building. Inside are two low-ceilinged dining rooms. The first one has booths along two walls. The second, newer dining room has a lot of natural light coming in from arched windows that look out onto Fourth Street.

Mary & Titos is a place where you get big portions at inexpensive prices and pay your tab at the register. The menu, fitted onto a small, folded-up piece of paper, starts off with daily specials such as huevos rancheros and combo plates for under $8.

The Thursday special of carne adovada chimichanga ($7.75), a large tortilla wrapped around slow-cooked pork and deep-fried, was served with guacamole, sour cream, beans and rice. Some of the minimally sauced pork that makes up the carne adovada was in chunks, some was shredded. It was moist and tender, and the flavor faintly echoed that of the restaurants renowned red chile sauce. The sauce, velvety smooth with a noticeable amount of heat, is a testament to the simple preparation that lets the chile peppers shine.

Tacos, tamales, enchiladas and flautas make up the dinner selections. The Small Combination Plate ($7.50) comes with a taco and a tamale with rice and refried beans. Beans are often an afterthought in a New Mexican dish, but here they are smooth, silky and worth savoring.

The taco was a simple presentation like you might make at home, with finely ground beef packed into the bottom of a crisp corn tortilla and topped with lettuce, tomato and cheese. The tamale filled with shredded pork was moist, and the green chile added some smoky flavor, though not as much heat as its red counterpart.

Tito Gonzales created the Mexican turnovers on the menu as an ode to the Italian calzone. They arrive as stuffed, half-moon-shaped tortillas deep-fried and doused in red chile. The Combination Chicken ($7.95) was nicely balanced, the exceptional red chile bringing some fire to the filling of shredded white meat, beans and rice.

Theres an entire section of carne adovada specials. You can get it in omelets, in flautas or as a pizza topping, each for only $8.95.

If theres one other item at Mary & Tito that stands shoulder-to-shoulder in reputation with the red chile and carne adovada, its the Mexican wedding cake ($3.50 a slice). People purportedly call in daily and ask for slices to be set aside before it runs out. A tropical spin on carrot cake, one slice holds a filling, spicy mix of walnuts and crushed pineapple under a thick coat of cream cheese frosting. Its good stuff, far less cloying than your average cake, and one slice was enough to feed two.

Service was top-notch from start to finish. The food came out in about five minutes, and I was checked on frequently. The staff took great care in disinfecting tables after parties had left, which had the unfortunate effect of filling the air with vapors. Fortunately, I stopped noticing it within a few minutes.

Longtime dining institutions often fall into the trap of skating by on their reputations. The management at Mary & Titos, under the direction of Antoinette Knight, has not let that happen. The food is consistently good and reasonably priced, and the service is excellent. No wonder its lasted more than a half a century.

MARY & TITOS CAFE

3.5 stars

LOCATION: 2711 Fourth NW, 344-6266, maryandtitoscafeabq.com

HOURS: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday

NO ALCOHOL
Scotland Yard officers investigating Hollywood star Kevin Spacey over six British historic sexual assault allegations have passed files to the Crown Prosecution Service  who will now decide whether to charge him.

The House of Cards actor, 61, was interviewed under caution by the Metropolitan Police's Complex Case Team in America back in 2019.

He was never arrested but spoke to detectives about the allegations which span between 1996 and 2013.

Now they have finished their investigations and passed their findings to the criminal prosecutions agency for consideration.

A source told MailOnline: 'Due to the high-profile nature of the allegations they will take all the time they need to made a decision.

'The file was sent late last year and has been considered for a few months already.'

The American Beauty Oscar-winner was the artistic director of The Old Vic theatre in London between 2004 and 2015, when some of the complaints were made.

In November 2017 the famous play company said it had received 20 personal testimonies of allegations of inappropriate behaviour relating to him, adding it truly apologised.

Spacey at the premiere of House of Cards in 2016 is the subject of the allegations

Some of the allegations span the period when Spacey was the artistic director of the Old Vic

Scotland Yard had been investigating the allegations and have now passed files to the CPS

MailOnline can disclose the six allegations police investigated include one in Lambeth in 2008, which was referred by the City of London Police to the Metropolitan Police on November 1, 2017. It was alleged the 61-year-old had performed a sex act on the complainant while he was asleep.

A second alleged victim went to police on 20 November, 2008, in relation to a sexual assault in Lambeth in 2005.

And a third, made on 13 December 2017, concerns an allegation of sexual assault in Westminster in 2005.

Between February and April 2018 three further complaints were received, relating to alleged offences in Westminster in 1996, Lambeth in 2008 and Gloucester in 2013

The Met have never named Spacey in connection with their enquiries. A spokesman told MailOnline tonight: 'The Met referred case files to the Crown Prosecution Service who will review the material.'

A CPS spokesperson added: We are examining a file of evidence referred to us by the Metropolitan Police.

Kevin Spacey made claims his fall from grace was like problems during the Covid pandemic

Spacey has been largely quiet since the scandal save for some YouTube videos each year

MailOnline has attempted to contact the actor about the development in the investigation, but has received no response.

Spacey had been one of Hollywood's biggest stars but faced scandal after claims he sexually assaulted Star Trek actor Antony Rapp, who was 14 at the time.

It sparked accusations by other men about his behaviour but none have ever reached court and have been denied.

Rapp's public comments about him prompted Spacey to come out as gay in 2017.

He said he did not remember such an encounter with Rapp but apologised if the allegations were true.

Last year he compared his fall from grace to the coronavirus pandemic, and complained about losing his job following the accusations.

Spacey described his 'painful' journey three years after he was accused of assault by a string of men and said he could relate to workers who had been laid off during the Covid-19 spread.

In comments for an interview for the Bits & Pretzels podcast, said: 'I don't think it will come as a surprise for anyone to say that my world completely changed in the fall of 2017.

'My job, many of my relationships, my standing in my own industry were all gone in just a matter of hours.'

Not only did he get fired from Netflix hit House Of Cards, he was also removed from the completed movie All The Money In The World, which was reshot with actor Christopher Plummer in his role.

The actor, who has not appeared in a professional movie or series since the accusations were made, said: 'I don't often like to tell people that I can relate to their situation because I think it undermines the experience that they may be having which is their own unique and very personal experience.'

Spacey added: 'But in this instance I feel as though I can relate to what it feels like to have your world suddenly stop.

'And so while we may have found ourselves in similar situations, albeit for very different reasons and circumstances, I still believe that some of the emotional struggles are very much the same.

'And so I do have empathy for what it feels like to suddenly be told that you can't go back to work or that you might lose your job and that it's a situation that you have absolutely no control over.'

The Old Vics investigation into the actor found allegations of behaviour that included making people feel uncomfortable to sexually inappropriate acts.

A total of 16 of the 20 complainants were men and former staff at the London theatre.

External law firm Lewis Silkin  which carried out the probe  said ten of the 20 allegations were said to have happened in the building, but the organisation did not know.
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Guinness Nigeria Plc has appointed Omobola Johnson, a former minister of communication and technology, chair of its board of directors.

Ms Johnson, 57, replaces Babatunde Savage, who retires on June 30. She will take office on July 1, and has been a non-executive director of the company since January 2016, Nigerias third-biggest brewer said Friday in a statement seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Savage is exiting the firm after spending four decades, occupying different strategic senior roles and rising to become an executive director and later the chairman of the board, a position he has held for twelve years.

I feel so proud of my association with this wonderful company with such rich heritage that constantly reminds you that you are standing on the shoulders of giants. Guinness Nigeria is and will always be family to me, he said.

Ms Johnson, who was Nigerias communication and technology minister during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, has more than 30 years experience spanning both the private and public sectors.

She joined technology venture capital fund TLCom Capital LLP as a senior partner in 2015, focusing on investment and value generation for technology companies in sub-Saharan Africa.

A former managing director of Accenture, Nigeria, Ms Johnson is a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and serves on the boards of a number of blue-chip companies including MTN Nigeria.

She holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from University of Manchester and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Cranfield University, United Kingdom.

Dr. Omobola Johnson as incoming Board Chair perfectly complements the Board of Guinness Nigeria because of her unmatched skills and experience, and I am confident she will continue to provide the right leadership and valuable perspectives to enable the company sustain the execution of its unique strategy, drive profitability and enhance value for all stakeholders, Mr Savage said.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 55F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 55F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Michael Lee and Antoine Martin

Q: Theres a lot of buzz about central bank digital currencies these days. How has the pandemic accelerated these discussions?

Q: In a previous Q&A , you discussed how Bitcoin resolves issues of trust. How would a CBDC differ from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin? How would a CBDC be different from a stablecoin?

Q: Would a CBDC be built using distributed ledger technology?

Q: What problems might a central bank digital currency solve?

Q: These seem like broad issues. Is a CBDC the only solution?

Q: Okay, so its not clear that a CBDC is the obvious solution to any given problem. What considerations might make a CBDC the right approach?

Q: What are the next steps for CBDC development?

How to cite this post:

Michael Lee and Antoine Martin, Whats the Case for Central Bank Digital Currencies?, Federal Reserve Bank of New York Liberty Street Economics, April 30, 2021, https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2021/04/hey-economist-whats-the-case-for-central-bank-digital-currencies.html.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this post are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the authors.

Since the launch of Bitcoin and other first-generation cryptocurrencies, there has been extensive experimentation in the digital currency space. So far, however, digital currencies have yet to gain much ground as a means of payment. Is there a vacuum in the landscape of digital money and payments that central banks are naturally positioned to fill? In this post, Michael Lee and Antoine Martin, economists in the New York Feds Money and Payment Studies function, answer some questions regarding the concept of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).In addition to being a major public health crisis, COVID led to major changes in the usage of payment methods, as noted in this Liberty Street Economics post . Given the benefits of contactless payments amidst the pandemic, a lot of people have adopted digital payment solutions. Another factor has been the difficulty of getting stimulus payments to all eligible recipients due to gaps in account data and contact information. Plus, stimulus payments were disbursed by check, which is not the most efficient form of payment available today. And there is still the issue of getting funds to the unbanked. Some have proposed that a CBDC could address some of these issues by providing expanded and direct access to funds instantaneously.In a prior blog post , we highlighted two distinct features to keep in mind when considering various digital currencies. We differentiate between the money that is being exchanged, and the exchange mechanism.A CBDC differs from Bitcoin on both dimensions. A CBDC differs from Bitcoin in terms of the type of money it represents. Bitcoin is not a claim on anything or anyone. By contrast, a CBDC would be a central bank liability. A CBDC would take central bank money and synthesize it into a digital form available for use by anyone. Offering a payment method that has a stable value is one of the reasons central banks were created in the first place.The exchange mechanism is also very different. The central ethos of cryptocurrencies is the idea that transactions can take place without a trusted intermediary, whether public or private, that operates and governs payments. By contrast, a CBDC embraces the involvement of a trusted intermediary, namely a central bank, to facilitate transactions.Stablecoins try to replicate central bank money by stabilizing the value of the digital currency. They do so by promising to back the coins with financial assets or cash. However, a CBDC differs on both dimensions from stablecoins as well, at least those that exist today. First, stablecoins are riskier, as the value of the assets backing the coin could fluctuate, or these assets may not be present, despite promises made. Second, some stablecoins still try to avoid a central intermediary. With the involvement of a central bank, a CBDC would be a quintessential form of stable money, a dollar bill in digital form.A CBDC can certainly involve the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT). However, that does not need to be the case. Some central banks have experimented with CBDCs for interbank payments using DLT (see projects by the Bank of Canada and Monetary Authority of Singapore , for example), but not all central banks appear to be going this route. A range of designs are being explored, as noted in this working paper from the Bank for International Settlements.CBDC proponents point to a variety of existing and emerging issues. At a basic level, CBDC could improve the efficiencies of payments, especially in high-friction areas, such as cross-border payments. From a technological perspective, a CBDC may prompt innovations in financial services, as it may enable the private sector to provide new and innovative services. Finally, from a consumer welfare perspective, a CBDC may have a role in safeguarding privacy and improving access to finance.Certainly not. All of these dimensions are active policy issues that are being tackled from multiple directions. Theres a lot of effort aimed at modernizing payments and, in particular, speeding the settlement process. An example is the FedNow Service . For major pain points, such as cross-border payments, theres a lot of innovation, both private and public, to improve transactions. The Committee of Payments and Markets Infrastructure (CPMI) and other international organizations have been pushing to improve cross-border communication and coordination around such issues. These other approaches are evolutionary improvements on the existing system. A CBDC would be an attempt to solve some of these issues with much more revolutionary changes. Whether that happens remains to be seen.Since CBDCs are part of several possible options, it is important to understand the costs and benefits of all the alternatives. To do so, we need to better understand the underlying frictions that cause the problems we face today.How should the CBDC be designed? In a previous blog post , we note that while new technologies might enable us to do fundamentally new things (as Bitcoin allows us to make payments without a third party), those advances might not be very useful (Bitcoin is too clunky). We also need to also consider the best arrangement for private and public collaboration. What things are central banks good at? What things is the private sector good at? How can we manage the development of CBDCs in a safe and robust manner?Ultimately, new technologies can only be part of the potential solutions to the policy goals outlined above. New technologies will need to be accompanied by an appropriate legal and regulatory structure. For example, lets consider access to finance. Whether a CBDC can help achieve better access to finance may depend less on the technology on which it is built, than on how it might enable certain policies or influence the incentives and dynamics of the free market.Theres a vibrant discussion and research on addressing these questions, both inside the Federal Reserve System and externally. The need for collaboration on digital dollars has been emphasized by multiple Fed policymakers, including Chair Jerome Powell and Governor Lael Brainard . The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has started Project Hamilton , a collaboration with the Digital Currency Initiative at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to perform technical research related to a central bank digital currency. A CBDC in any jurisdiction would likely to be a joint endeavor with collaboration between the public and private sectors, to better understand if and how it should be implemented.
Barclays has funded 1 million pounds ($1.4 million) worth of medical supplies for India in the last week, as with big operations in the country increase support to their own staff and wider communities.

India's total cases exceeded 18 million on Thursday after another record number of daily infections added to the strain on overwhelmed hospitals.

Employers in India have set up COVID-19 "war-rooms" to source oxygen, medicine and hospital beds for infected workers, Reuters reported.

"We are very focused on India right now, which is our second biggest employee location," Chief Executive Jes Staley told reporters on Friday after the bank's first quarter results.

Staley said Barclays - which has roughly 20,000 employees in India - had directed money from its charitable funds to partners in India.

Over the last year, it has also shifted some of the workload back to the United Kingdom.

British peer NatWest - which employs 13,000 people in India - also said it was providing support, including reimbursing people for COVID-19 vaccinations obtained through official medical channels for them and their family members.

NatWest on Friday told staff it had donated an additional 360,000 pounds to COVID-19 charities supporting countries including India.

Barclays and NatWest have also offered to match employee donations to COVID-19 vaccine charities. Standard Chartered has been trying to purchase oxygen for staff hit by the virus, a spokesman for the bank said on Thursday.

"We are very mindful that a number of employees need to stay home. We want to keep paying them, but allow them to help their families manage," Barclays' Staley said.

He said an increased number of calls from British customers in the pandemic had added pressure, but UK-based staff had helped out, especially in branches.

"Historically we have not used branch centre staff to take incoming call centre calls. We asked them if they would mind and they stood up. That's an exercise we will continue past the pandemic," he said.

($1 = 0.7182 pounds)

(Reporting by Lawrence White and Iain Withers; Editing by Rachel Armstrong and Barbara Lewis)
Commentary: Time for Washington to act first to salvage Iran nuke deal

Xinhua) 10:45, April 30, 2021

The latest meeting of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Joint Commission is held in Vienna, Austria, April 27, 2021. (EU Delegation Vienna/Handout via Xinhua)

Washington, if sincere in its intent to return to the pact, should act first, given its decision to unilaterally withdraw from the JCPOA and apply maximum pressure on Iran thereafter, setting off the current crisis.

VIENNA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The negotiations on getting the United States and Iran to resume compliance with the historic 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have entered their fourth week in Vienna.

The international community is longing for a major breakthrough in the negotiations. Washington, if sincere in its intent to return to the pact, should act first, given its decision to unilaterally withdraw from the JCPOA and apply maximum pressure on Iran thereafter, setting off the current crisis.

Elaborating on his country's logic for returning to the nuclear agreement, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said earlier this month that "the United States, which caused this crisis, should return to full compliance first."

Photo taken on April 8, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States.(Xinhua/Liu Jie)

The U.S. administration under former President Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 and unilaterally reimposed sanctions on Iran. In response to the U.S. moves, Iran gradually stopped implementing parts of its JCPOA commitments from May 2019.

Therefore, in the quest for some real progress, Washington must take the first step by lifting all illegal unilateral sanctions against Iran and involved third parties.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said earlier that the United States must "lift all sanctions" before any progress can be made.

His view is also shared by Russia and China, which have repeatedly urged the United States to immediately and completely lift sanctions against Iran.

People work at the construction site of the second phase of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Bushehr, southern Iran, on Nov. 10, 2019. (Photo by Ahmad Halabisaz/Xinhua)

Removing all illegal unilateral sanctions is "the key to the success of the negotiations," said Wang Qun, Chinese envoy to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna.

"All parties must continue to focus on and resolve this core issue first. At the same time, the Joint Commission should also consider how to verify the U.S. lifting of sanctions," Wang added.

Attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and Iran, the meeting of the JCPOA Joint Commission began on April 6 in Vienna.

The one who began the trouble should end it. The negotiations have entered a crucial stage, and steps by the United States are of paramount importance to the fate of the historic nuclear deal and future stability of the region and the world.

It is time for Washington to shoulder its global responsibility by taking the first step toward a breakthrough in the nuclear talks.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express readiness to provide assistance to India, where coronavirus cases are growing dramatically

BEIJING (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th April, 2021) Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express readiness to provide assistance to India, where coronavirus cases are growing dramatically.

"The Chinese side is ready to strengthen cooperation with India in the fight against the epidemics and to provide support and assistance to the Indian side," Xi's letter, released by Xinhua news agency, read.

The Chinese leader reportedly expressed concerns over the degrading epidemiological situation in India and extended the Chinese government's words of support for the Indian people.
Few people have followed the fortunes of Australian bank bosses as forensically as Jefferies analyst Brian Johnson, who has been watching banks since starting as a broker since 1987.

So it was telling that in late 2016, after the big four bank chiefs fronted the House of Representatives economics committee, the veteran analyst told clients about an Australian bank CEO BBQ. After sitting through 12 hours of hearings, Johnson noted the extremely bipartisan questioning from the politicians.

The big four chiefs (clokwise from top left): NABs Ross McEwan, ANZs Shayne Elliott, CBAs Matt Comyn and Peter King from Westpac. Credit:AFR

The enemy were sitting right in front of them with each bank CEO the scapegoat for any lapses in bank culture, Johnson wrote.

Fast forward to today, and the contrast is striking. Johnson says he only tuned in briefly to the recent questioning of the big four bosses, which took place two weeks ago.
Al Qaeda has vowed to 'wage war on all fronts' against the US unless they retreat from the entire Islamic world.

Speaking ahead of the tenth anniversary since Osama Bin Laden's death, two operatives said the terrorist network is planning a comeback as President Joe Biden prepares to withdraw all US forces from Afghanistan by September 11.

The Islamist group, now headed by the Egyptian jihadist Ayman al-Zawahiri, has been seen as a diminishing force by the West since Bin Laden's assassination by US special forces on May 1, 2011, with the focus since turning to ISIS.

Speaking ahead of the tenth anniversary since Osama Bin Laden's death, two operatives said Al Qaeda is planning a comeback

But the group's operatives told CNN: 'War against the US will be continuing on all other fronts unless they are expelled from the rest of the Islamic world.'

Terror expert Paul Cruickshank said it is possible the Islamist group feels 'buoyed' by Biden's decision to pull out troops.

Earlier this month, Biden said about America's longest war: 'Bin laden is dead and al Qaeda is degraded in Afghanistan. And it's time to end the forever war.'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken added: 'We went to Afghanistan 20 years ago, and we went because we were attacked on 9/11, and we went to take on those who had attacked us on 9/11, and to make sure that Afghanistan would not again become a haven for terrorism directed at the United States or any of our allies and partners.

Al Qaeda, now headed by the Egyptian jihadist Ayman al-Zawahiri, has been seen as a diminishing force by the West since Bin Laden's assassination by US special forces on May 1, 2011. Pictured: Bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, two days after his death

'And we achieved the objectives that we set out to achieve.'

In February last year, the US made a deal with the Taliban where they promised to cut ties with Al Qaeda that first caused the US to invade.

But representatives from Al Qaeda claim the Taliban is not being honest with Biden and US troops could be withdrawn on false pretences.

They suggested that the two Sunni Islamist groups could continue to work together once the US leaves the region.

Al Qaeda even considers the US leaving as a victory, saying: 'The Americans are now defeated.'

The spokesmen compared the costly war to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan shortly before the bloc's collapse, saying the current war made a big dent in the US economy.

Al Qaeda claims its relative silence in the past decade has been 'tactical' and is part of their long war against the West, while ISIS has taken precedence.

A crashed military helicopter is seen near the hideout of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden after a ground operation by US Special Forces in Abbottabad on May 2, 2011

Leader al-Zawahiri, an ideologue who has cut a far less charismatic presence than his predecessor Bin Laden, has had to lie low and is believed to be in hiding near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

He is only seen virtually and in occasional propaganda releases but there are still successful franchises of Al Qaeda operating in the Middle East and northern Africa.

In his speech to Congress on Wednesday, Biden said he was aware the deal with the Taliban could be undone, saying: 'We will maintain an over-the-horizon capability to suppress future threats to the homeland.

'But make no mistake -- the terrorist threat has evolved beyond Afghanistan since 2001 and we will remain vigilant against threats to the United States, wherever they come from.

'Al Qaeda and ISIS are in Yemen, Syria, Somalia, and other places in Africa and the Middle East and beyond.'

Despite the group's claims, Barak Mendelsohn, a terrorism expert at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, believes Al Qaeda is 'a shadow of its former self'.

Ayman al-Zawahiri is an Egyptian ideologue who has cut a far less charismatic presence than his predecessor Bin Laden

Mendelsohn said that rather than being a coherent decision-making centre, Al-Qaeda's leadership is now more akin to a 'board of advisors' rallying and assisting jihadists across the world.

Zawahiri, 69, has seen Al-Qaeda essentially franchise out its operations from the Maghreb to Somalia to Afghanistan, as well as in Syria and Iraq.

'Under Zawahiri's stewardship, Al-Qaeda has become increasingly decentralised, with authority resting primarily in the hands of Al-Qaeda's affiliate leaders,' according to a recent report from the Counter Extremism Project (CEP) think-tank.

It said Zawahiri had indeed played a major role in the reorganisation of numerous jihadist groups under Al-Qaeda's umbrella.

The US issued a $25million bounty for Zawahiri and put him on its most-wanted terrorists list, but analysts say officials do not seem overly concerned about him, and are not making overt efforts to hunt him down.

Washington's lack of interest may be down to the weakening importance of Al-Qaeda as a decision-making hub, coinciding with the rise of the rival Islamic State group.

ISIS, which at its peak controlled a self-proclaimed 'caliphate' comprising swathes of Iraq and Syria, notably stole the thunder of Al-Qaeda in media as its radical voice dominated social networks.

Rather than joining forces, the two groups have fought on numerous battlefields in the Middle East and Africa, and Al-Qaeda is still confronted with a challenge to remain relevant.
New Delhi: The Odisha government on Friday (Friday 30) appealed to the Centre to provide at least 25 lakh doses of Serum Institute of India (SII)s Covishield in a single lot.

To ensure smooth and regular vaccine rollout, Odisha urged the Centre to immediately deliver at least 25 lakh doses of Covishield in a single lot so that the state can administer second doses of COVID-19 vaccine to people aged 45 years and above.

Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister N K Das in a letter to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said that the state is facing shortage due to extremely low and erratic supply of Covishield vaccines.

Due to such short supply, the vaccination sessions could not be conducted in more than 1100 sites each day in the recent past and our daily achievement has drastically declined from 2.71 lakh on April 3 to 0.27 lakh people on 29th April, 2021. Till date the state has vaccinated 43,02,094 beneficiaries aged 45 years and above with the first dose and 5,04,358 beneficiaries with the second dose, Das said in the letter.

Odisha received only 2.9 lakh doses of Covishield in three allocations between April 20 to April 29, which is very inadequate for the state to conduct vaccination sessions smoothly, he added.

The state Health Minister informed that due to vaccine shortage caused by 'erratic and inadequate' supply, the government failed to vaccinate those due for a second dose on April 29. As on April 29, 7,52,590 beneficiaries aged 45 years and above were already due for second dose of Covishield, but due to erratic and inadequate supply we could not vaccinate them in time, the minister said.

Further, Das stated that Odisha has received 53,32,870 doses of Covishield vaccine so far while the balance stock available in the pipeline is 1.06 lakh.

Ahead of the mass vaccination drive on May 1, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had earlier announced free COVID-19 vaccination for all above the age of 18.

(With PTI inputs)

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Jim Shulman, a Pittsfield native living in Ohio, is the author of Berkshire Memories: A Baby Boomer Looks Back at Growing Up in Pittsfield. If you have a memory of a Berkshire baby-boom landmark, business or event youd like to share or read about, please write Jim at jesjmskali@aol.com.

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Peter Davis is chief of the Galveston Island Beach Patrol. The views in this column are Davis and do not necessarily represent those of the Beach Patrol, Galveston Park Board of Trustees or any other entity.
Image: Facebook

Dr Tahera Qutbuddin, a professor of Arabic Literature at the University of Chicago, recently became the first person of Indian-origin to win the 15th Sheikh Zyed Book Award. The award is considered to be the Nobel Prize of the Arab world.





Dr Qutbuddin, who was born in Mumbai and was educated until class 12 in India, also serves on the editorial board of NYU Abu Dhabis Library of Arabic Literature. She won the award for her latest book, Arabic Oration  Art and Function, published by Brill Academic Publishers of Leiden in 2019. In the book, she puts forth a comprehensive theory of Arabic literature in its foundational oral period dating the seventh and eighth centuries AD. She discusses its influence on modern-day sermons and lectures as well.





Image: zayedaward





Having completed her higher secondary from Sophia College in Mumbai, Dr Qutbuddin pursued her BA from Ain Shams University, Cairo and got her PhD and MA from Harvard University, USA.



In a recent interview with a portal, she said that although she has lived away for many decades in Egypt and now the US, her roots are vital to who she is, and Indian culture is part of the fabric of her being. It (Mumbai) is the place of my childhood memories, of playing in the monsoon rains and eating mangoes in the summer. I come back to Mumbai often. I love my Mother India, and pray for her security and progress, and for harmony and love between the many beautiful communities that call her home, she said.

Image: Zayedaward

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According to her bio, her research focuses on intersections of the literary, the religious, and the political in classical Arabic poetry and prose. She is the recipient of several prestigious fellowships, including support from the Franke Institute of Humanities, the American Council of Learned Societies, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation.
Netflix was accused of trolling the Royal Family after a 'sinister' post on its official social media account prompted a wave of online hate for Prince Charles and Camilla.

Senior palace sources reacted with anger to the tweet, which invited viewers to watch a documentary on Princess Diana which they claimed would provide 'answers' to criticism of its flagship drama The Crown.

Now, the heir to the throne and his wife should prepare to don tin hats again because, I can reveal, the documentary makers are planning to release a new film with more damaging revelations, based on unheard audio recordings made by Diana.

The heir to the throne and his wife should prepare to don tin hats again because, I can reveal, documentary makers Netflix are planning to release a new film with more damaging revelations, based on unheard audio recordings made by Diana

The sequel to the worldwide hit Diana: In Her Own Words will be released to mark the 25th anniversary of the Princess's death next year.

American film maker Tom Jennings says he has six more hours of unheard recordings. They were made for use by Diana's biographer Andrew Morton in his 1992 book Diana: Her True Story.

'There are seven hours of tapes that Diana made for Morton,' Jennings says. 'We wound up in our two-hour film only using about one hour of them.

Netflix was accused of trolling the Royal Family after a 'sinister' post on its official social media account prompted a wave of online hate for Prince Charles and Camilla. The tweet invited viewers to watch a documentary on Princess Diana which they claimed would provide 'answers' to criticism of its flagship drama The Crown

'We're talking quite a bit about doing something for next year, which is the 25th anniversary of Diana's passing and also coincidentally it's the 30th anniversary of Andrew Morton's book.

'There will be renewed interest, and season five of The Crown will be coming out.'

Diana: In Her Own Words was first screened amid much controversy in 2017. It was re-released last year by Netflix, which used it to justify controversial scenes in The Crown.

Diana: In Her Own Words was first screened amid much controversy in 2017. It was re-released last year by Netflix, which used it to justify controversial scenes in The Crown. Pictured: Josh O'Connor and Emma Corrin star as Charles and Diana in The Crown

Viewers of the haunting documentary watched archive royal footage as Diana's voice was heard making stark revelations such as how she tried to bring on a miscarriage by throwing herself down stairs while pregnant with Prince William, and how Charles allegedly wished that Prince Harry had been a girl.

Jennings admits the sequel will cause similar upset at the palace. 'There are about 140 story points that Diana talks about over the seven hours,' he says.

'We called it the seven pillars of Diana's life.'
Detention of ex-journalist Safronov extended in treason case until July

 Moscow's Lefortovsky District Court

13:03 30/04/2021

MOSCOW, April 30 (RAPSI)  Moscows Lefortovsky District Court on Friday extended detention of ex-newspaper journalist Ivan Safronov charged with treason until July 7, RAPSI was told in the courts press service.

Earlier, President Vladimir Putin said that Safronov had been charged over his activities as advisor to a head of the state corporation Roscosmos but not for his journalistic work. Allegedly, he transferred information to officers of one of the European intelligence bodies, Putin added.

Safronov was apprehended and detained on July 7, 2020. After the arrest, the Roscosmos press service said the case was not connected with the work in the company. Treason charges were brought against him on July 13.

Investigators claim Safronov has transmitted secret military information to the Czech intelligence services which, as it known, are linked to the U.S. security agencies. The defendant pleads not guilty.

The former reporter of Kommersant and Vedomosti newspapers was appointed as advisor of Dmitry Rogozin in May 2020 after a scandal related to the publication of an explosive article about possible resignation of the Federation Council head Valentina Matviyenko.
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HILLSDALE COUNTY, MI  The Hillsdale County Sheriffs deputy who shot and killed an attacking dog then its owner has been released from the hospital as police continue to investigate the fatal encounter.

The deputy, who has not been identified, is on administrative leave while the shooting investigation remains open, police said.

The deputy was injured when a dog, now identified as a fully-grown pit bull, attacked the deputy who was responding to a dog-at-large complaint at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, at a residence in the 6500 block of S. Edon Road in Reading Township, according to the Michigan State Police

Deputy kills attacking dog, then kills angry owner, police say

The deputy arrived at the home and was immediately attacked by the dog and bitten, leading the deputy to fatally shoot the animal, police said.

The dogs owner, 32-year-old Oscar Herrera, was upset the deputy shot his dog and confronted him armed with a knife, according to police. The deputy shot Herrera as well, police said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Investigators are not releasing any video recordings of the incident or any additional information at this time as it is still under active investigation, police said.

Herrera had prior interactions with law enforcement in Hillsdale County prior to the shooting, police said.

Police did not specify the nature of those encounters. Beyond serving probation for a drunken driving charge, no additional criminal records could be found publicly, records show.

Detectives with the Michigan State Police First District Special Investigation Section are investigating the shooting and will submit its finding to the Hillsdale County Prosecutors Office for review once completed.

More from MLive:

From golf caddy to banker: Jackson native, University of Michigan grad heads to Wall Street

Big summer events returning to Jackson, police shooting in Hillsdale County: Jackson headlines April 24-29

2 Jackson bookstores move to new locations
London mayoral candidate Brian Rose has been spotted playing with nunchucks in his underwear in a cringeworthy video that recently emerged online.

The US-born former Wall Street banker, 49, is currently polling at around two per cent, according to the latest forecast for the May 6 election.

He recently raised eyebrows after a video resurfaced online of the independent candidate drinking his own urine, which he described as 'a little salty', in 2018.

The latest clip shows Mr Rose standing in a pair of striped underwear and swinging nunchucks as he makes exaggerated sound effects to go alongside the faux fight.

According to the Mirror, the bizarre footage was posted to Mr Rose's Facebook page in 2019. It appears to have since been deleted.

London mayoral candidate Brian Rose has been spotted playing with nunchucks in his underwear a cringeworthy video (above) that recently emerged online

Alongside the clip, which lasts for almost a minute, the politician explained he decided to wield the nunchucks after watching a Bruce Lee movie.

Nunchucks - or nunchaku - are considered to be an offensive weapon in the UK.

However, it is legal to own and use the martial arts weapon in private with a licence.

Mr Rose wrote: 'After watching Bruce Lee movies as a kid it's every little boy's dream to wield the nunchaku like a pro!

'I just picked these up on Amazon and believe it or not it's my first morning ever playing with them!!'

The footage has since been shared on social media, with one woman writing on Twitter that the display is 'far more embarrassing than any sex tape.'

Another baffled viewer said: 'That was funny on mute, but I nearly spat my coffee out when I turned volume up'.

The US-born former Wall Street banker, 49, is currently polling at around two per cent, according to the latest forecast for the May 6 election. Pictured: The video

Mr Rose (above) recently raised eyebrows after a video resurfaced online of the independent candidate drinking his own urine, which he described as 'a little salty', in 2018

A third added: 'At first I didn't know there was sound - then I was horrified.'

It comes after another clip emerged on YouTube last week, unearthed by Guido Fawkes, of the former banker drinking a glass of his own urine.

In another video, taken on a separate occasion, Mr Rose had sipped the liquid with free runner Timothy Shieff, describing it as 'really not bad at all'.

Mr Rose is currently polling at two per cent ahead of the London mayoral elections on May 6 - one point higher than Count Binface.

In January, he accused Boris Johnson of 'undermining democracy' after he and his campaign team were fined for breaching Covid restrictions after taking to the capital's streets with their battle bus.

Alongside the clip, which lasts for almost a minute, the politician explained he decided to wield the nunchucks after watching a Bruce Lee movie

Mr Rose is currently polling at two per cent ahead of the London mayoral elections on May 6 - one point higher than Count Binface

The footage has since been shared on social media, with one woman writing on Twitter that the display is 'far more embarrassing than any sex tape'

Mr Rose said he and four members of his team were slapped with 200 penalty notices by City of London police who told them that 'campaigning was not a necessary reason to be out of your homes'.

He had been recording a video with his team in Southwark when a police descended on him and his team outside their 'digital battle bus', which began a 15 day tour of London's boroughs on Friday.

After being fined and told to go home, he said: 'This wasn't a couple of officers making a spur-of-the-moment call - we had been under surveillance and the officer in charge was quite clear that we were being arrested for campaigning.

'I have no issue whatsoever with the arresting officers, who are in an impossible position. They are putting their lives on the line daily - indeed, only last week, a young Met officer lost his life to Covid.

'Responsibility for ensuring that secure, safe and fair elections can take place in May rests with the Government. Boris Johnson's rampant indecision has already damaged London's economy and is in danger of derailing the May elections in yet more last-minute chaos.'
Blue Origin, the Jeff Bezos-backed space tourism venture, will soon begin selling tickets for its rocket.

The company made the announcement in a nearly minute-long video featuring Bezos himself. It points people to Blue Origin's website, which features a sign-up page for more information scheduled to be released May 5. Neither price nor dates were released Thursday.

New Shepard rocket, which was featured in the short video, has been on a number of test flights in recent years. Blue Origin eventually wants to send paying customers on brief joy rides to the edge of space.

New Shepard consists of two pieces  a small, dome-shaped capsule with gaping rectangular windows, and a 60-foot-tall rocket booster that blasts the capsule at up to three times the speed of sound as it hurtles toward outer space.

The capsule is designed to detach from the rocket near the top of its flight path, climbing more than 60 miles high and spending a few minutes suspended in weightlessness before parachuting back to Earth.

Bezos has said he is funding Blue Origin by selling about $1 billion worth of his Amazon stock each year.

--CNN Business' Jackie Wattles contributed to this report.
New video shows the moment a heroic cop risked his own life to take down a drug dealer who killed a fellow officer during a traffic stop.

Omar Felix Cueva, 39, stepped out of his pick-up truck on February 4 east of Deming, New Mexico with an AR-15-style rifle and killed Officer Darian Jarrott with 11 shots. He fled the scene and a 40-mile chase ensued.

The new video taken from Las Cruces Police Officer Adrian De La Garza's lapel camera shows what happened next.

In the video, De La Garza can be seen executing a PIT (pursuit intervention technique) maneuver to spin Cueva's car out and force him to stop.

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO

New dramatic video shows Officer Adrian De La Garza exchanging gunfire with a suspect

The video shows De La Garza performing a PIT maneuver to stop his vehicle before coming face-to-face with the gunman

De La Garza then jumps out of the driver's side of his vehicle and briefly appears to come face-to-face with Cueva before shots are fired and the officer appears to be hit in the bicep.

De La Garza appears to be injured as he falls backwards to the ground, groaning audibly.

He rolls around on the ground for a moment before pulling himself back up and approaching Cueva, firing shots all along.

After Cueva is on the ground, De La Garza slowly backs away as other officers approach the suspect.

At one point, De La Garza was shot by Omar Felix Cueva, 39

But De La Garza managed to pull himself up and get back into the gunfight

Cueva was ultimately killed after a gunfight with multiple officers

'He got hit, he got hit,' says one officer as De La Garza is assessed for injuries.

The camera then drops to the ground as De La Garza is stripped out of his vest and equipment and medical treatment begins.

'You're gonna be fine buddy,' one person says to De La Garza.

KFOX14 reports that De La Garza is still recovering from the injuries he sustained in the shootout.

Footage previously released from earlier in the day showed Cueva execute Jarrott during a traffic stop.

The sickening footage shows Cueva stepping out of the driver's side of his Chevrolet pick-up truck with an AR-15-style rifle before firing one shot at Jarrott over the rear of the vehicle.

Jarrott, 28, fell to the ground, at which point Cueva walked over to him and shot him several more times, including once point-blank in the head.

He then took off in his truck and led a 40-mile police chase.

Seconds before the video, the officer had asked Cueva - who was supposedly on his way to a drug deal - to hand over his rifle, which appears to have sparked his murderous act.

After walking over to the passenger-side window of Cueva's white pick-up, footage shows the officer politely saying: 'Good afternoon, sir. My name is Darian Jarrott. I'm with New Mexico State Police. The reason for the stop is your window tint is a little too dark.'

Pictured: Officer Adrian De La Garza, who is recovering from injuries sustained in the shooting

Darian Jarrott (left) was killed by Omar Felix Cueva (right) earlier on February 4

Cueva mutters something intelligible, lapel and patrol car video released by police shows.

Jarrott says, 'Yeah, mind if I open the door? Or if you want to roll down the window more.'

The conversation lasts around three minutes, with the officer asking if Cueva had insurance, to which he replies 'yes', and confirming his name, before asking the criminal to come over to his patrol car so he could run checks.

Cueva opens his car door, at which point Jarrott notices his rifle. Jarrott asked, 'You have a firearm on you, do you mind if I take that off you, for my own safety?'

The moment before the shooting shows Cueva opening the driver's door of his truck with Jarrott on the other side. Source: Police Activity YouTube

As both men slowly walk parallel with each other towards the patrol car, Cueva suddenly draws the rifle, with Jarrott shouting 'oh s***' before being hit

The criminal then shoots him several more times off camera and slowly pulls away, leaving the officer's dead body by the side of the road (right - obscured by pixelation)

The officer then says, 'Let's go to my vehicle, OK', which is when Cueva gets out from the driver's seat holding the rifle. Jarrott is unable to see that because his view is blocked by the pick-up.

Both men slowly walk parallel with each other towards the patrol car, before Cueva suddenly draws the rifle, with Jarrott shouting 'oh s***' before being hit.

The criminal then shoots him several more times off camera and slowly pulls away, leaving the officer's dead body by the side of the road.

After the shooting, a Homeland Security Investigations agent arrived and informed New Mexico State Police dispatch that Jarrott was down.

Two officers exchanged fire with Cueva as he was fleeing eastbound down Interstate 10 as the chase continued.

When officers finally were able to catch up with Cueva, De La Garza spun Cueva's car out.

Cueva exited his vehicle with a firearm and shot towards officers, who fired back, striking Cueva multiple times.

De La Garza was ultimately airlifted to a Texas hospital, but was treated and released with unspecified, non-life threatening injuries.

Jarrott, meanwhile, was buried in a private ceremony a week after the shooting, according to KFOX14.

After his burial, family, friends, and colleagues paid tribute to the fallen officer.

'You have sacrificed your time with Darian to allow him to do what he loved and we are all better for it,' said NMSP Chief Robert Thornton. 'Your love and support molded Darian to be a great father, son, brother, nephew, and man.'

Jarrott left behind a pregnant wife, as well as three young children. A memorial GoFundMe raised over $100,000 in Jarrott's honor.

Police officer standing over Cueva's body after the deadly gun battle on the highway

'More than anything, Darian was a great family man,' added his best friend, Officer Marco Valle, according to KRQE. 'He worked extremely hard for his kids. One thing he looked forward to the most, was his kids hugging him after shift. He loved hunting with his dad and his sister and lets not forget he was a big mamas boy.'

Cueva's history was also scrutinized in the aftermath of the deadly incident. From 1994 to 2010, Cueva had a number of charges filed against him in California.

Those charges include vandalism, possession of a controlled substance twice, importation of a controlled substance twice, importation of cocaine, fictitious check/false check/burglary, a probation violation, and possession with intent of crystal meth or ICE, according to KFOX14.
To the Editor:

In an April 14 letter to the editor, Tom Noonan stated that he opposes sanctuary cities. This leads me to believe that Mr. Noonan would agree that the leadership of these cities (mayors and city council) should be held accountable for picking and choosing which laws they follow.

Likewise, I believe that President Joe Biden should be held accountable for flagrantly ignoring our immigration laws. Im sure that Mr. Noonan is aware that the immigration laws that are being violated have been duly passed and adopted by the legislature. So what gives Biden and the leaders of sanctuary cities the right to choose not to enforce them? Executive orders?

I found it a bit humorous that Mr. Noonan was so offended by being labeled a hypocrite while he routinely disparages conservatives. Hes pretty thin skinned, in the view of a person who has been accused of having a gun fetish.

As for riding my Hunter Biden hobby horse, I must ask, are you serious? I hardly consider the son of a sitting president violating federal gun laws to be a hobby horse. I wonder how youd refer to this situation if the offender was Donald Trump Jr. I already know how youd react, but I wont call you a hypocrite.

I wholeheartedly agree with background checks and elimination of so-called straw man purchases of guns. The problem is that the current Democrat regime doesnt want to simply require these measures, they want to eliminate gun ownership outright. I appreciate Mr. Noonans description of what is required constitutionally in order to repeal the Second Amendment. Unfortunately, that is not the path Democrats are pursuing, with gun control or anything else. Allow me to explain.

The master plan Democrats envision is fairly straight forward. 1) Flood the country with illegal aliens. 2) Give the illegal aliens a path to citizenship. (Silly me, I thought the Constitution already provides one!) 3) Form a bipartisan commission to justify packing the federal court system, up to and including the Supreme Court. 4) End the filibuster in order to give Kamala Harris the power to enact any and all laws Democrats want to force down our throats. 5) Make Washington, D.C. (not allowed in the Constitution) and Puerto Rico states, ensuring Democrats four more Senate seats and two House seats. 6) Scrap the Constitution in favor of a socialist utopian form of government.

So, Tom, you might understand why conservatives like Rich Magnani and myself are a wee bit leery of any proposed restrictions placed upon the Second Amendment. Its simply a matter of distrust!

The vast majority of people involved in gun crimes obtained those weapons illegally. According to my critical thinking, there are horrific murders committed on a daily basis in Democrat controlled cities. You know, the ones where they want to defund the police or replace the police with social workers. The top five murder capitals in 2020 do not included Washington Township.

Maybe liberals should try an alternate approach to gun control. Since most people are murdered in cities that liberals/Democrats control, maybe they should start enforcing existing gun laws rather that attempting to disarm law abiding citizens. Just a suggestion.

William C. Wagner

Frackville
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Lee Jae-yong, the imprisoned de facto leader of Samsung Group / Yonhap



Calls for pardoning Lee Jae-yong, the incarcerated de facto chief of Samsung Group, have resurfaced after his family unveiled plans to donate a chunk of the immense assets inherited from Lee's late father and company Chairman Lee Kun-hee.



But the government and the ruling party remain adamant that it is too early to deliberate on the issue.



Prime Minister nominee Kim Boo-kyum on Thursday highly assessed Samsung heirs' donation pledges but stressed it would hardly influence the government's stance on the issue.



"I highly appreciate (the decision) to return the precious cultural assets to the people's domain," Kim told reporters on Thursday.



"Granting a pardon is a separate issue (however) ... the president (who has the authority to give pardons) may have to consider many other factors," he said, practically ruling out the possibility of an imminent pardon.



Some politicians and business and religious leaders, as well as civic entities, have been calling for President Moon Jae-in to pardon Lee. They say he needs to return to command Samsung Electronics, the world's largest memory chip producer and the No. 2 player in the foundry sector, in the face of a tightening global race for the supply of semiconductors.



But Cheong Wa Dae dismissed the calls Tuesday, saying it has not considered a pardon for him so far and also has no plan to do so for now.



Samsung announced Wednesday that the Lee family will pay over 12 trillion won (US$10.8 billion) in inheritance taxes and donate 1 trillion won to help support the country's virus fight, along with about 23,000 treasured pieces, worth around 2 trillion won, from late Lee's art collection, including several paintings designated as National Treasure items.





Samsung heirs take out massive loans to pay inheritance tax Samsung heirs pay 1st installment of inheritance taxes Samsung Group to minimize changes in governance W400 bil. losses incurred from Austin fab shutdown: Samsung The total amount pledged accounts for nearly 60 percent of what the late legendary entrepreneur left behind, industry insiders have estimated.



Lee Kun-hee, the late Samsung Group chairman / Korea Times file

Floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) Rep. Yun Ho-jung, in an interview with local economic newspapers Wednesday, also shrugged off growing calls for Lee's pardon.



"This matter traces back to (the conviction of) former President Park Geun-hye. Granting a pardon cannot be determined solely within the perspective of economy," he stressed.



The same day, Justice Minister Park Beom-kye said his ministry has never considered granting a pardon to Lee, echoing Cheong Wa Dae's stance that it was not planning to review the option.



In a recent interview with Yonhap News Agency, marking his departure from the prime ministerial seat earlier in the month, Chung Se-kyun provided a broad picture of the government's sentiment toward the issue.



"Special pardons are not easy to make without the general understanding of the public. I think such a process (to earn public consensus) is currently in progress, but it has not been secured yet," he said.



Whether to pardon Lee constitutes a hot potato for President Moon's administration, which took power in 2017, driven in part by his liberal bloc's fight against former President Park, who was ousted from power amid massive corruption charges.



Lee was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison by the Seoul High Court on Jan. 18 in a retrial of a bribery case directly involving Park.



Having served more than a year of the sentence, Lee's remaining term ends in July 2022. But he is currently standing trial for another high-profile case of alleged illegal succession that involves a controversial merger of two Samsung affiliates and alleged accounting fraud in the merger process.



Progressive civic groups have argued that granting the privilege to Lee could jeopardize the principles of the judicial system, challenging the growing calls for a pardon.




Phoenix Childrens Hospital is a staple in many local families lives, and to be able to give back to those who have impacted so many lives around us is inspiring.

Hydrate IV Bar Arcadia is partnering with Phoenix Childrens Hospital now through the end of June to donate a portion of its sales of its Katie Cocktail to one of the largest pediatric healthcare systems in the country.

I am so honored we are able to work with a foundation so close to our hearts, says Mary Butterfield, franchise owner of Hydrate IV Bar Arcadia. Phoenix Childrens Hospital is a staple in many local families lives, and to be able to give back to those who have impacted so many lives around us is inspiring.

With every Katie Cocktail purchased, Hydrate IV Bar Arcadia will donate $5 to Phoenix Childrens Hospital. The Katie Cocktail is founder Katie Wafers favorite IV treatment. After years of custom-ordering The Katie, Wafer decided to add it to the menu for clients who always ask her what she recommends. It is a Myers Cocktail with a kick  an exclusive treatment with b-complex, b5, b6, b12, zinc, calcium, magnesium, glutathione and a double dose of vitamin C and retails for $229. The Butterfield family has also agreed to match an additional $5 per purchase, and Hydrate IV Bar customers will also be given the option to donate additional funds in store or online.

We couldnt be more excited to partner with Hydrate IV Bar Arcadia, said Steve Schnall, senior vice president and chief development officer at Phoenix Childrens Hospital Foundation. We have seen the impact they have had in just a short time since opening in our local community, and we are honored they are willing and able to support our community through this generous donation.

In addition to giving back a portion of its proceeds, Hydrate IV Bar is also offering all Phoenix Childrens Hospital employees in for 50 percent off any service during the month of May in honor of National Nurses Month.

Hydrate IV Bar opened in March at the Arcadia Village shopping center located at 3925 E. Camelback Road. The location offers a curated menu of vitamin-infused IVs and injections for wellness, recovery, and beauty. The Arcadia location also works with award-winning naturopathic physician, Dr. Steven Sorr, who is recognized as a leader in regenerative medicine. With relaxing chairs, soothing music and an experienced medical team to keep clients comfortable, Hydrate IV Bar is a place for Valley residents to relax, recharge and refresh their routines.

For more information visit http://www.hydrateivbar.com.

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Hydrate IV Bar is a collection of IV therapy spas promoting wellness from within since 2016. With comfortable chairs, soothing music and a menu of services for illness, wellness, recovery, and beauty, Hydrate IV Bar is a place for you to relax, recharge and refresh your routine. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Hydrate IV Bar recently launched their nationwide franchise program. Hydrate IV Bar Arcadia offers similar services and overall experiences as the other locations, but includes a touch of Arizonas desert influences. For more information, please visit http://www.hydrateivbar.com/arizona/arcadia/.
The first study to use x-rays and CT scans to detect evidence of cancer among the skeletal remains of a pre-industrial population suggests that between 9-14% of adults in medieval Britain had the disease at the time of their death.

This puts cancer prevalence in a time before exposure to tumour-inducing chemicals from industry and tobacco at around ten times higher than previously thought, according to researchers.

Prior research into historic cancer rates using the archaeological record has been limited to examining the bone exterior for lesions. It suggested that cancer was rare, affecting less than 1% of the population.

A team led by the University of Cambridge have now coupled visual inspection with radiological imaging to analyse 143 skeletons from six medieval cemeteries in and around the city of Cambridge, UK, dating from the 6th to the 16th century.

The findings of the study are published today in the journal Cancer.

"The majority of cancers form in soft tissue organs long since degraded in medieval remains. Only some cancer spreads to bone, and of these only a few are visible on its surface, so we searched within the bone for signs of malignancy," said lead author Dr Piers Mitchell, who conducted the research as part of the 'After the Plague' project.

"Modern research shows a third to a half of people with soft tissue cancers will find the tumour spreads to their bones. We combined this data with evidence of bone metastasis from our study to estimate cancer rates for medieval Britain."

"We think the total proportion of the medieval population that probably suffered with a cancer somewhere in their body was between nine and fourteen per cent," said Mitchell, from Cambridge University's Department of Archaeology.

"Using CT scans we were able to see cancer lesions hidden inside a bone that looked completely normal on the outside," said study co-author and After the Plague researcher Dr Jenna Dittmar.

"Until now it was thought that the most significant causes of ill health in medieval people were infectious diseases such as dysentery and bubonic plague, along with malnutrition and injuries due to accidents or warfare."

"We now have to add cancer as one of the major classes of disease that afflicted medieval people," Dittmar said.

However, the researchers point out that in modern Britain some 40-50% of people have cancer by the time they die, making the disease 3-4 times more common today than the latest study suggests it was during medieval times.

They say that a variety of factors likely contribute to contemporary rates of the disease, such as the effects of tobacco, which began to be imported into Britain in the 16th century with the colonising of the Americas.

The researchers also point to the cancerous effects of pollutants that have become ubiquitous since the industrial revolution of the 18th century, as well as the possibility that DNA-damaging viruses are now more widespread with long-distance travel. Moreover, our longer lifespans give cancer much more time to develop.

The skeletal remains investigated for the latest study came from sites near three villages in the vicinity of Cambridge, as well as three cemeteries uncovered within the medieval centre of the university city, including the site of a former Augustinian friary, and the site of a former charitable hospital that cared for the sick and destitute (now part of St. John's College).

Very few of the excavated remains were complete, so the team limited themselves to individuals with intact spinal column, pelvis and femora (thigh bones). Modern research shows these to be the bones most likely to contain secondary malignancies - or metastases - in people with cancer.

The remains of 96 men, 46 women, and an individual of unknown sex, had their vertebrae, femurs and pelvis inspected and then imaged using x-rays and CT scans. The team found signs of malignancy in the bones of five individuals - a minimum prevalence of 3.5%. These were mostly in the pelvis, although one middle-aged man had small lesions throughout his skeleton suggesting a form of blood cancer.

Research shows that CT scans detect bone metastases around 75% of the time, and only a third to half of cancer deaths involve spread to the bone, so the team projected that 9-14% of medieval Britons developed cancer.

However, they caution that the sample size is inevitably limited and diagnosing cancer in those lain dead for many centuries is somewhat challenging.

"We need further studies using CT scanning of apparently normal skeletons in different regions and time periods to see how common cancer was in key civilizations of the past," added Mitchell.

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WASHINGTON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- From fighting to keep area hotels closed to launching targeted boycotts, Los Angeles-based hotel worker union Unite Here Local 11 seems to be doing everything in its power to prevent business from ramping back up at Golden State hotels. Meanwhile, recent financial data finds union leaders suffered no significant loss in pay during 2020, while 95 percent of its membership were reportedly unemployed at the height of the pandemic.

A recent mailer sent out by the union advertises its bogus hotel grading system designed to keep patrons away from non-unionized hotels. The union has also staged protests to otherwise lock workers out of their jobs. Local 11 recently called for a boycott of Chateau Marmont until "bartenders, servers, and room attendants return to their jobs." But if the union continues to drive away business, workers won't have much to come back to.

Local 11 has also criticized hotels for receiving money through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). But the union seems to recognize PPP's broadly beneficial impact, given that three of the union's front groups have also received PPP money. Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) received $250,000 across two PPP payments. Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development (OCCORD) received another $128,000, while the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) received just under half a million dollars from the PPP.

During the pandemic, the union allegedly pressured out-of-work members to pay union dues -- a move that sparked Congressional action. Local 11 also increased the cost of those dues. In 2019, the maximum dues payment per month for the union was $66. In 2020, that went up to $76. Initiation fees also rose from a maximum of $132 to $147.



Data from Local 11's latest financial filings with the Department of Labor show the union's leaders avoided the same financial turmoil the majority of its members faced in 2020. Union co-presidents Ada Briceno, Kurt Petersen, and Susan Minato did not see a significant reduction in pay, despite the union losing about 10,000 members in 2020.

Charlyce Bozzello, communications director at the Center for Union Facts, released this statement:



"After trying and failing to keep hotels closed, despite most adhering to strict LA County and state-based safety guidelines, Local 11 is now committed to driving away the very business that its members rely on. Does that sound like a union committed to getting its rank-and-file back to work? We certainly don't think so, and Local 11's members aren't likely to either."

The Center for Union Facts is a nonprofit 501(c)3 dedicated to transparency and accountability in today's labor movement.

SOURCE Center for Union Facts

Related Links

http://www.unionfacts.com


Nation rips US military for increased monitoring

(China Daily) 09:35, April 30, 2021

The CNS Liaoning aircraft carrier leads a fleet during a People's Liberation Army Navy training mission in the South China Sea in 2016. [Photo by Mo Xiaoliang/For China Daily]

China resolutely opposes the United States military intensifying surveillance and activities near China's maritime and air space, which threatens peace and stability in the region, a Ministry of National Defense spokesman said on Thursday.

Since the current US administration took office on Jan 20, activities involving US naval vessels in China's adjacent waters have increased by 20 percent compared to the same period last year, with the frequency of reconnaissance planes up over 40 percent, according to the spokesman, Senior Colonel Wu Qian.

On April 11, the US Navy posted a photo of Robert Briggs, the commander of the US destroyer USS Mustin, casually sitting back with his feet propped up as he and the ship's executive officer, Richard Slye, monitored the Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning from a distance. Analysts have called the photo very unusual, and the picture went viral on Chinese social media.

Wu said the USS Mustin has frequently conducted close-up surveillance of recent training conducted by the CNS Liaoning aircraft carrier group in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits.

"This has seriously interfered with the training and has severely undermined the voyage and personnel safety of vessels from both sides," he said. "This is very insidious in nature, and Chinese naval vessels have warned and dispelled the US warship."

Wu said some people in the US government have become so paranoid that they manically hype up the so-called Chinese threat and Chinese challenge.

"This is a form of morbid psychopathy that will harm others and themselves, creating a self-fulfilling prophesy in the process," he said. "China has no interest in threatening or challenging any country, but if someone insists on threatening and challenging China, then it leaves us no choice but to fight back."

In response to US, Japan, India, Australia and France conducting joint naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal, some media reports have speculated that such exercises were targeting China. Wu said China doesn't really care about such opinions.

"We hope related countries can do more to contribute to peace and stability in the area and refrain from ganging up as a clique to flex their muscles and push for the militarization of the region," he said.

"If the exercises are not targeting China, we welcome the notion. But if they are, we are not afraid," he added.

When asked about the different zones set up by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party to deter military action from the Chinese mainland, Wu said such zones are invalid and cannot shake the military's resolve and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The DPP recently set up so-called surveillance zones, warning zones and destruction zones for mainland military aircraft operating in the Taiwan Straits. It also drew a "red line" that these aircraft cannot cross within 30 nautical miles off the island.

"The DPP's attempt to use military force for secession is doomed to fail," Wu said.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
The situation at the Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi of the Sudurpaschim province is like any other hospital in the country. Its wards are full of Covid-19 patients as the hospital is occupied to the maximum. Doctors, not wanting people to die, have even put up beds on the passageway of the hospital.

Anyone who goes to the biggest hospital in the province will see how dire the situation is. People who are not fortunate to receive oxygen support are struggling to live. Some on the verge of giving up, while some are fighting on. This hospital is another example of Nepals lack of preparedness for the ongoing pandemic.

Paying the price for govt apathy

With all wards full, the hospital has had to setup beds at passageways to treat patients.

Less than half a kilometre away is the administrative centre of the province where all the top officials reside, including the chief ministers. Even though they travel past the hospital on an everyday basis, they have done next to nothing to improve the situation.

A permanent Covid-19 hospital, established under the Seti Provincial Hospital, is full of patients. The emergency ward has people who have tested positive and are showing symptoms. The hospital is capable of catering to 55 patients, but currently, it has 60, out of which 12 are critical and are at an ICU.

Three people are relying on ventilators while 35 are on oxygen support. Ten people are being given oxygen if their situation gets worse. Things are only expected to get worse as cases in the country increase in the coming days, says Dilip Kumar Shrestha, the hospitals information officer.

Almost all the patients at the hospital are on oxygen support.

The sudden rise in the number of Covid-19 patients has risen after the return of migrant workers from India. People at the hospital say that they had time to improve facilities and add more beds in the hospital. But, they say that the provincial government did nothing.

As a result, on Thursday, people were bringing their own beds after the 16-bed emergency ward had none for new patients. The beds were adjusted in the passageway of the hospital as the situation in the hospital is turning dire.

Were in dire need of help, says the hospitals emergency ward in-charge and senior assistant health worker Bharat Khati. The number of pneumonia patients coming to the hospital has significantly gone up. Almost everyone is on oxygen support. Weve had to put patients on the passageway. At this rate, we wont be able to save lives.

Fear of oxygen shortage

Oxygen plant has not been able to match the demand for oxygen.

Khati says that if things continue, there is a good chance that they will also face an oxygen shortage soon.

The Seti Hospital has its own oxygen plant which produces 3,600 kilograms of oxygen on a daily basis. On average, it produces 75 cylinders of oxygen a day. But, that efficiency has decreased, says the hospital.

The facilitys information officer Shreshta says the plant only been able to produce 55-60 cylinders a day.

With the number of patients increasing, the demand for oxygen has exceeded 150 cylinders a day, says Shrestha. We are managing for now. But, if we dont do something quick to supply oxygen to those in need, things are going to get worse.

The reason for the lack of efficiency is the oxygen plant not being able to manage loads due to the scorching heat. The hospital, in order to prepare for the worse, is planning to purchase 50 more cylinders to add to the 97 already at the hospital.

Oxygen problems in other parts of the province

The plant can produce only 60 oxygen cylinders a day. The demand is over 100.

The shortage of oxygen is likely to hit Nepal in the same way it did in India. Managing oxygen is becoming a problem in most hospitals in the Sudurpaschim province.

Mahakali Hospital in Kanchanpur is one of them. The hospital brings oxygen from Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj, but with the number of cases rising, it is been facing difficulties to manage oxygen and patients are facing trouble due to it.

The hospitals Covid-19 in-charge Dr Govinda Rokaya says the facility used to purchase 40 cylinders a day. But now, due to increasing demand, the hospital is having a hard time purchasing 15.

There are 60 Covid-19 patients here, out of which six are in the ICU and 15 in the HDU. Likewise, 25 others are on oxygen support, Rokaya says, Almost everyone needs oxygen and if the trend continues to increase, well have a hard time managing it.

The reason he says the hospital is facing trouble purchasing oxygen is others need it too. He fears people might be hoarding it.

Hoping against hope

The number of pneumonia patients in Sudurpachim province in the past two weeks has risen significantly.

The Social Development Ministry of the Sudurspachim government has said it has asked the provinces health authority to help the hospitals manage oxygen and asked producers to produce more if they can. The ministrys spokesperson Narendra Karki says that the officials are talking to various companies to increase the capacity of producing oxygen at the Seti Provincial Hospital. He says the plan is to produce 100 cylinders a day.

There wont be any oxygen shortage, says Karki. I think the supply will increase when we have enough cylinders. Currently, we dont have enough cylinders. Were going to purchase more.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction Friday against Columbus police, barring officers' use of tear gas, pepper spray, wooden bullets and other so-called "non-lethal force" against nonviolent protesters.

In a decision favoring 26 protesters who alleged they were brutalized by officers during demonstrations last year, Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley wrote that some officers "had no regard for the rights secured by this bedrock principle of American democracy. This case is the sad tale of police officers, clothed with the awesome power of the state, run amok."

Marbley, who opened his 88-page decision Friday with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr., also barred police from inflicting pain or punishment to deter nonviolent protesters  those who are chanting, verbally confronting police, sitting, holding their hands up when approaching police, occupying streets or sidewalks, and/or passively resisting police orders.

Protesters disperse Downtown after Columbus police officers deployed tear gas on May 30.

The ruling requires Columbus police to ensure body and vehicle cameras are in good working order and used during every interaction with nonviolent protesters, and that officers badge numbers and/or identity cards are clearly displayed even when riot gear is worn.

Fractured skulls, lost eyes: Police break their own rules when shooting protesters with rubber bullets

John Marshall, lead attorney for plaintiffs in the case, said the decision will have a significant impact on the ability of the Columbus police to inflict violence against lawful protesters.

We captured through eye witness testimony and by combing through thousands of hours of video, including body cams, what really happened on the streets of Columbus during the Black Lives Matter protests, Marshall said. And what really happened was that the police vindictively attacked lawful and peaceful protesters, we believe, because they were protesting against the very violence that the police have long inflicted on communities of color.

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The protesters sued the city in U.S. District Court in Columbus, alleging they were brutalized by police during protests following the May 25 death of George Floyd last year at the hands of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, who was recently convicted of murder in the case.

Racial injustice protests over Floyd's death began in Columbus on May 28 and continued into July.

Plaintiffs said in court filings that they were dedicated to nonviolent protest, including civil disobedience of traffic, parade and mass-gathering regulations to generate urgent widespread public attention to the historic and continuing police violence directed overwhelmingly at communities and people of color condoned by mostly white police supervisors and administrators, according to documents.

'A fanciful reality': Trump claims Black Lives Matter protests are violent, but the majority are peaceful

Much of the118-page amended complaint, filed in September, described in detail incidents of what the plaintiffs say was police brutality against nonviolent protesters. The filing included photos of bloody gashes, broken bones and large bruises caused by wooden bullets or from protesters being thrown to the ground by officers, plaintiffs alleged.

Attorneys for the officers and other defendants countered that the city supports peaceful and lawful protest and already prohibits unjust or prejudicial treatment based on race or color as well as the use of excessive or punitive force.

They reiterated in court filings that policies and procedures were in place to protect and prioritize citizens right to peacefully and lawfully protest and prohibit police from retaliating against protesters based on their speech and from using excessive and punitive force.

They also noted that the city has revised policies to address issues raised in the lawsuit and that sizable protests pertaining to allegations of police brutality have taken place in Columbus with no uses of force at all.

Plaintiffs asked the court to issue an injunction barring Columbus police from using pepper spray, wooden bullets and other non-lethal weapons against nonviolent protesters, plus compensation for how they were treated by officers.

Similar lawsuits were filed elsewhere. A federal judge restricted Los Angeles police from using projectile launchers against protesters. A similar decision was issued by a federal judge in Oregon.

More than 800 complaints related to police actions during the Columbus protests were submitted to the city. A subsequent investigation by BakerHostetler, the law firm hired by the city, resulted in 49 reports, though only eight involved sustained allegations and one resulted in discipline. That officer was given documented counseling for not filing the proper paperwork.

The city also hired a retired FBI agent to investigate any potential criminal misconduct by officers during last years protests. To date, no charges have been filed.

Additionally, the city commissioned a $250,000 review of police response during last years protests by former U.S. Attorney Carter Stewart and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University.

'It seems systematic': Doctors group finds 115 cases of head injuries from crowd control weapons during nationwide protests

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus police barred from using nonlethal force on peaceful protests
FBI agents who raided Rudy Giuliani's home this week are allegedly probing whether he broke lobbying laws by getting former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch fired in exchange for information on the Bidens.

Sources told the New York Times investigators are trying to determine if Giuliani was acting on behalf of Ukrainian officials when he pushed for Yovanovitch's ousting.

Lobbying the US government on behalf of foreigners without registering with the Justice Department is a crime.

Yovanovitch was abruptly fired by Donald Trump in May 2019 following what she and many others said was a smear campaign against her orchestrated by Giuliani.

Trump's then-personal attorney was said to have wanted her out of the picture because she refused to help him dig up dirt on Joe Biden and his son Hunter regarding their dealings in Ukraine.

But several Ukrainian officials also wanted Yovanovitch removed from her role at the time due to her hardline stance to weed out corruption in the country.

And, some of those same people were those helping Giuliani seek damaging information about the Bidens to hurt the Democrat's White House run.

Yovanovitch's firing later became a focal point of Trump's first impeachment trial for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The federal investigators who raided Rudy Giuliani's (pictured) home this week are probing whether he broke lobbying laws by getting former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch fired in exchange for information on the Bidens

Giuliani's Manhattan home and office were raided by federal agents Wednesday and his electronic devices seized as an ongoing investigation into his dealings in Ukraine ramped up.

Giuliani's lawyer Robert Costello confirmed to New York Daily News Thursday that at least one of the search warrants obtained for the two raids was for communications between the former New York City mayor and both Trump administration officials and Ukrainian officials about Yovanovitch.

The Times said investigators are scouring the communications to determine if Giuliani was acting in his capacity as Trump's personal attorney or if he lobbied for Yovanovitch's firing on behalf of the Ukrainians.

If Giuliani pushed the agenda of the Ukrainian officials in exchange for help in smearing Biden, prosecutors could have a case that he broke lobbying laws.

On Thursday, Giuliani branded the new probe into him a 'disgrace' and claimed FBI agents were jealous of his glittering former career as a New York prosecutor.

Sources said investigators are especially focusing on Giuliani's relationship with Yuriy Lutsenko whose name was mentioned in at least one of the search warrants.

Lutsenko was a known foe of Yovanovitch and wanted her removed from her role.

Meanwhile, as the top prosecutor in Ukraine at the time, Lutsenko also had the power to open an investigation into Hunter's dealings with Ukrainian energy company Burisma - something Giuliani was pushing Ukrainian officials to announce at the time.

Giuliani compiled a dossier of false information about the ambassador and sent it to then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Trump later said she had been fired due to a lack of loyalty toward him.

Giuliani has denied working on behalf of Ukraine and has denied telling Trump to fire Yovanovitch.

However, at the time of her firing, Giuliani said in an interview with The New Yorker that he 'needed Yovanovitch out of the way' because 'she was going to make the investigations difficult for everybody.'

In another interview that year he said he believed the Trump administration 'relied on' the information he had fed to them about the ambassador in deciding to remove her from her post.

Sources told the New York Times investigators are trying to determine if Giuliani was acting on behalf of Ukrainian officials when he pushed for Yovanovitch's (pictured) ousting

In her testimony at Trump's first impeachment hearings in late 2019, Yovanovitch said she did not know Giuliani's 'motives for attacking me'.

'But individuals who have been named in the press who have contact with Mr. Giuliani may well have believed that their personal and financial ambitions were stymied by our anti-corruption policy in Ukraine,' she added.

The new details about the nature of the federal investigation come the same day it emerged the FBI warned Giuliani back in late 2019 that he was the target of a Russian campaign to interfere in the November presidential election.

Multiple current and former US officials told the Washington Post Giuliani was warned about Russia's attempts to potentially use him to push false claims to smear Biden during the White House race.

At the time, Giuliani was a key figure in Trump's reelection campaign and was seeking to unearth damaging information about Biden and his son Hunter over their dealings in Ukraine.

But, despite the warning, Giuliani plowed ahead with a trip to Ukraine that December where he met with a Ukrainian lawmaker who the US government later said was 'an active Russian agent' who had ran an 'influence campaign' to sway the outcome of the election.

The former New York City mayor and then-personal attorney to Donald Trump received the defensive briefing from counterintelligence agents, said the insiders, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Such briefings are given to warn people they are being targeted by foreign governments or 'to see how they respond to that,' Frank Figliuzzi, a former senior FBI counterintelligence official, told the Post.

Giuliani's Manhattan home was raided by federal agents as part of an ongoing investigation into his dealings in Ukraine

Lobbying the US government on behalf of foreigners without registering with the Justice Department is a crime

Then-national security adviser Robert O'Brien also warned Trump around that time that Giuliani was a target of a Russian influence campaign and that he had been communicating with people tied to Russia's intelligence agency.

He told the then-president to expect information from Giuliani to have been tainted by Moscow.

Giuliani's response was apparently to ignore the concerns and he flew out to Ukraine that December to meet Andriy Derkach, along with a crew from pro-Trump news outlet One America News (OAN).

The trip was organized with the help of former diplomat Andriy Telizhenko, who Giuliani also met with on multiple occasions leading up to the election, the Post reported.

Giuliani then met with Derkach another time last February for a podcast where Derkach pushed false claims that billions in US aid to Ukraine went missing while Biden was in charge of US's dealings with the country as VP.

In September, the Trump administration sanctioned Derkach and accused him of having been an active Russian agent for more than a decade and of maintaining 'close connections with Russian intelligence services.'

In January, Telizhenko was also sanctioned for trying to influence the 2020 election - which he denies.

Yovanovich was abruptly fired by Donald Trump in May 2019 following what she and many others said was a smear campaign against her orchestrated by Giuliani (Giuliani and Trump in August)

Several Ukrainian officials wanted Yovanovich removed from her role. Some of the same people were those helping Giuliani in his efforts to find damaging information about the Biden and Hunter (pictured together) in Ukraine to hurt the Democrat's White House run

Last month, a declassified intelligence report concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin of Russia authorized a campaign to try to damage Biden's chances of winning the 2020 elections.

The report also said that Russia tried to 'launder' its efforts through people close to Trump.

It did not name the Trump allies involved but sources said at the time that Giuliani was one of them.

It named Derkach as one of the people working with Russia 'to use prominent U.S. persons and media conduits to launder their narratives to U.S. officials and audiences.'

Derkach has denied being involved with a foreign intelligence agency.

Giuliani's lawyer did not respond to the Post's requests for comment but has previously said Giuliani did not rely on Derkach for information.

Giuliani's home and office in the Upper East Side of Manhattan was raided Wednesday by federal agents and his electronic devices including computers and cellphones were seized.

It is part of an investigation into Giuliani's dealings with Ukraine and into whether he violated federal lobbying laws.

The search warrants included an allegation that Giuliani failed to register as a foreign agent, a violation of lobbying laws.

In the run-up to the election, Giuliani dug for dirt on the Bidens to help Trump politically.

Rudy Giuliani's apartment building on the Upper East Side of Manhattan

Rudy Giuliani's Park Avenue office was also raided by federal investigators

No damaging information ever came to light, neither Biden has been charged with a crime and Hunter stepped down from Ukrainian company Burisma's board during the 2020 election.

Hunter is under a separate investigation over his taxes.

Giuliani, once celebrated for his leadership after 9/11, has been under federal scrutiny for several years over his ties to Ukraine.

Wednesday's searches sent the strongest signal yet that he could eventually face federal charges.

Giuliani has denied any wrongdoing.

He told Fox News Thursday the search warrant was 'illegal' and 'unconstitutional', claiming that he had offered to hand over his electronic devices willingly for the past two years, and insisting that he had never worked for a foreign national.

His lawyer Robert Costello said the warrants involved an allegation that Giuliani failed to register as a foreign agent and that investigative documents mentioned John Solomon, a frequent Fox News commentator with close ties to Giuliani.

Solomon pushed baseless or unsubstantiated allegations involving Ukraine and Biden during the 2020 election.

Meanwhile, Senator Ron Johnson, pro-Trump news outlet OAN and other unnamed members of congress also received warnings about being used as part of a Russian smear campaign, the Post reported.

Johnson spearheaded one of the committees investigating Biden and his son Hunter Biden's dealings in Ukraine in the run-up to the election, focusing on the younger Biden's role at Ukrainian firm Burisma and if it had led to a conflict of interest for his father when he was vice president to Barack Obama.

During the committee probe, Johnson made no secret of his political motive saying the committee report would prove Biden's 'unfitness for office.'

The investigation ultimately found no evidence of improper influence or wrongdoing by Biden.

Rudy Giuliani on Thursday night appeared on Fox News to discuss the raid on his home

Johnson confirmed to the Washington Post he had received a 'vague warning from FBI briefers last August' but suggested the warning was part of a plan to 'to falsely accuse me of being a tool of Russia despite warnings' down the line.

'Regarding reports that I received an FBI briefing warning me that I was a target of Russian disinformation, I can confirm I received such a briefing in August of 2020,' he said.

Johnson said the FBI provided no substance to back up the warning.

'I asked the briefers what specific evidence they had regarding this warning, and they could not provide me anything other than the generalized warning. Without specific information, I felt the briefing was completely useless and unnecessary (since I was fully aware of the dangers of Russian disinformation).

'Because there was no substance to the briefing, and because it followed the production and leaking of a false intelligence product by Democrat leaders, I suspected that the briefing was being given to be used at some future date for the purpose that it is now being used: to offer the biased media an opportunity to falsely accuse me of being a tool of Russia despite warnings.'
The company said it had received unanimous approval from the Regional Environmental Committee for the work

It means Los Andes can now sink, if needed, up to 350 holes on up to 124 platforms over the next four years

( ) (OTCMKTS:LSANF) (FRA:L41A) has marked a milestone for its Vizcachitas copper project in Chile, receiving the environmental approval needed to carry out drilling, which will allow it to complete the ongoing pre-feasibility study (PFS).

The company said it had received unanimous approval from the Regional Environmental Committee for the work. It means Los Andes can now sink, if needed, up to 350 holes on up to 124 platforms over the next four years.

"We are delighted with the unanimous approval received to carry out drilling at Vizcachitas. This decision is of particular significance as the drilling allows the company to complete the ongoing PFS," said executive chairman Fernando Porcile in a statement.

"As we continue to progress on delivering a robust PFS, we look forward to sharing positive updates in the coming months."

The deposit sits in a huge land package, spanning 308 square kilometres (sq km), of which only a small portion has so far been explored, and lies in the same geological belt as several other giant porphyry deposits.

The project is currently at PFS stage after a positive preliminary economic assessment (PEA) in 2019 showed compelling economics.

Using a copper price of US$3.50 a pound, the after-tax net present value (NPV) was pegged at US$2.7 billion, while the internal rate of return (IRR) was 26.7%. Initial capex needed was put at US$1.88 billion for a project with 3.4-year pay-back time and a mine life of 45 years.

Following this drilling go-ahead, Los Andes said the proposed work plan included infill drilling within the PFS open pit, drilling to extend the higher-grade mineralization to the north of the PEA pit, and to test the prospective geophysical targets identified in 2020.

Vizcachitas already hosts a measured and indicated resources of 11.2 billion pounds of copper, 400 million pounds of molybdenum and 43.3 million ounces of silver.

Additionally, there is 'significant' exploration upside with potential to increase the resource base beyond the initial 45year mine life modelled in the PEA, noted the company.

Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com
OneStream Software, a leader in corporate performance management (CPM) solutions for mid-sized to very large enterprises, and PwC Belgium announced today they have entered into a strategic alliance for the Belgian market. The partnership will leverage PwCs expertise as a leading business and technology consulting services provider and OneStreams unified and cloud-based CPM software to support activities ranging from project delivery to marketing and strategic business collaboration.

"Belgium is an important market for OneStream Software, and we are excited to welcome PwC Belgium to our partner ecosystem," said Stephanie Cramp, Vice President of Global Alliances at OneStream Software. "We look forward to working with PwC to help organizations in Belgium and across the EMEA region conquer complexity and transform their finance processes by leveraging our intelligent finance platform to replace multiple legacy applications, as well as point solutions and spreadsheets."

As part of the partnership, PwC Belgium will further develop its OneStream implementation practice to serve joint customers in Belgium, but also across the EMEA region. PwC Belgium will also leverage its industry and domain expertise to create compelling industry-specific solutions with OneStream for clients across the market.

"We believe that a combination of PwCs industry, functional and implementation expertise and OneStreams unified corporate performance management solution is a true enabler for making a significant change towards improved performance management, decision making, process efficiency and cost-effective growth for our clients," states Francois Jaucot, Partner, Enterprise Performance Management Lead, PwC Belgium.

"We are thrilled about our alliance with PwC Belgium, specifically due to the domain expertise and best practices this will bring to OneStream customers in this important market," says Matt Rodgers, Senior Vice President and EMEA Managing Director at OneStream Software. "This partnership will enable OneStream to extend its delivery capabilities in EMEA, and supports our mission of delivering 100% customer success worldwide."

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For more information on the PwC Belgium-OneStream alliance, visit: www.onestreamsoftware.com/about/onestream-partners and the PwC Belgium press room.

About OneStream Software

OneStream Software provides a market-leading intelligent finance platform that reduces the complexity of financial operations. OneStream unleashes the power of finance by unifying corporate performance management (CPM) processes such as planning, financial close & consolidation, reporting and analytics through a single, extensible solution. We empower the enterprise with financial and operational insights to support faster and more informed decision-making. All in a cloud platform designed to continually evolve and scale with your organization.

OneStream is an independent software company backed by private equity investors KKR, D1 Capital Partners, Tiger Global and IGSB. With over 700 customers, 200 implementation partners and over 750 employees our primary mission is to deliver 100% customer success, which weve done successfully since our inception. To learn more visit www.onestreamsoftware.com

About PwC

At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. Were a network of firms in 155 countries with more than 284,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

 2021 PwC. All rights reserved.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210428005181/en/

Contacts

OneStream Software

PAN Communications

Kristen Hyle

(401) 219-9494

onestream@pancomm.com



PwC Belgium

Management Consulting Finance

Francois Jaucot (Partner)

+32 473 65 89 84

francois.jaucot@pwc.com



Mathieu Van De Poel (Director)

+32 499 56 77 51

mathieu.van.de.poel@pwc.com
The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday appealed to Union Finance Minister for relief measures for the trade and industry to revive their businesses during the second wave of the COVID-19.

The local chapter of the Chamber, while making this appeal, said the Finance Act 2017 ruled that no person shall receive an amount of Rs 2 lakh or more from a person in a day in respect of a single transaction otherwise than by an account payee cheque or draft or other electronic mode.

This came into effect from April 2017, and now this law is being tested under unprecedented circumstances, the chamber said.

The Act provides for the Central government to relax to such class of persons or receipts as they deem fit from the rigours of the provisons, it said.

In this pandemic time, the chamber said, hospitals insist on advance payment through electronic mode from the COVID-19 patients.

The families of the patients depend on friends and relatives to support them through electronic transfer of funds, it said.

Further, there are families where the husband is in a serious condition while the wife or other members of the family are not in a position to carry out electronic transfer of funds to hospitals, the chamber said.

Therefore, it said, the Centre should come out with a notification immediately to address this difficult situation and relax the compliance with the provision.

The chamber president C Subramanian, in a statement, said the rates of TDS be reduced by 25 per cent of the prescribed rates as in the first phase of the pandemic for financial year 2021-2022 and the request is justifiable as the income that accrues would come down to the assessees in 2021-2022 which could match the reduced rates.

The rates of GST could also be reduced by 25 per cent for all commodities across all rates for a limited period like TDS direct tax laws, which would promote ease of doing business as well as improve cash flow in the system, the statement said.

Further relaxation could be considered for movement of essential commodities and hospital supplies, it said.

A special one-time COVID deduction upto Rs 50,000 may be given to individual/HUF tax payer only for the assessment year 2022-2023 and senior citizen be given additional deductions for dependents, the statement said.

Seeking to devise special tax incentive scheme for those MSMEs who do not avail themselves of any special benefits and comply with all tax and other obligations promptly, the statement said the deduction for interest on housing loans be increased by another Rs 2 lakh per annum to encourage investment in the housing sector.

The prices of raw materials could be fixed at 2019 rates distributed to MSMEs through government distribution channel with appropriate credit facility and the government should insist all PSUs to procure from MSMEs and monitor their payment schedules, it said.

The chamber appealed for sanction of certain relief also to the construction sector such as provisions of special relief by amending Section 80JJAA of the Income-Tax Act to fix upper limit of Rs 60 lakh for houses other than affordable housing at 5 per cent GST.

The chamber said the construction industry should be made as a priority industry to enable more credit facility to the sector.
Lucknow, April 30 : As the Covid cases continue to surge and the clock is also ticking away for the next Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, the state's lawmakers are getting increasingly restive.

Legislators, particularly those belonging to the ruling BJP, are now shedding inhibitions and talking openly about Covid mismanagement in the state.

Law Minister Brijesh Pathak was the first to blow the lid off the state of affairs in the state when he wrote a letter to senior health officials, expressing his anguish on the stressed-out health facilities amid Covid surge.

He also said that he tried desperately to save the life of noted historian and writer Yogesh Praveen but his efforts proved futile.

In his letter to Additional Chief Secretary, Medical Health, Amit Mohan Prasad and Principal Secretary, Medical Education, Alok Kumar, Pathak wrote: "I am shocked to see that private laboratories have been asked to stop Covid testing while government hospitals are giving reports after five to six days." In the one-page letter, Pathak, who is MLA from Lucknow, lamented that he had received a frantic call from the residence of Yogesh Praveen, informing him that his condition was critical and needed an ambulance. However, the ambulance did not reach and the historian died.

BJP MP Kaushal Kishore, who recently lost his elder brother to Covid, has written to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding action against Balarampur hospital and King George's Medical University doctors who have been "ignoring" patients. He claimed in his letter that ventilators were not in working condition in these hospitals.

Earlier, the BJP MP had sought deferment of panchayat polls in the larger public interest.

In another instance, BJP MP from Meerut, Rajendra Agarwal has written to Adityanath, complaining about inadequate arrangements, especially a lack of medical oxygen in the city.

Agarwal stated in his letter that both government and private hospitals in Meerut are staring at an acute shortage of medical oxygen.

He said that hospitals are unable to accept patients due to a shortage of oxygen, and demanded that the UP CM provide Meerut with the requisite medical oxygen.

Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Labour Welfare Council, and state minister Sunil Bharala, on the other hand, had protested about the lack of beds, oxygen, and life-saving drugs in Meerut and asked the Chief Minister to directly intervene on behalf of Covid-19 patients.

BJP MLA from Badaun, Dharmendra Shakya, has also written a letter to the Chief Minister, levelling serious allegations against the Badaun Medical College and seeking a probe into the matter.

The MLA alleged that an extortion racket was being run by the staff of the medical facility and patients were being fleeced.

Another BJP MLA, Dinanath Bhaskar from Bhadohi, has sent a letter to the Chief Minister seeking an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the death of local BJP leader Lal Bahadur Maurya.

The MLA said that Maurya was admitted to the Maharaja Balwant Singh hospital on April 22 after he tested positive for Covid. Maurya was not given the Remdesivir injection and neither was he given a bed in the ICU, despite his deteriorating health.

Bhaskar further said that the doctors were abusive and told the patient to get "Yogi Adityanath to treat you." BJP MLC Rajkumar Agarwal, who lost his son, Ashish, to Covid, has also filed a police complaint against a private hospital in Lucknow, alleging that his son was not given proper treatment.

Meanwhile, talking to IANS on condition of anonymity, a BJP legislator from a district adjoining Lucknow, said: "The situation is getting explosive and the problem is that the Chief Minister depends on feedback from his Team 11. I have been seeking an appointment but have not got one yet. More people in my constituency are dying due to lack of treatment than of Covid. Even the death rate among non-Covid patients is escalating because all facilities for them have been shut out. Doctors are now demanding a negative Covid report before even treating fractures." A senior BJP MP, meanwhile, said that elected representatives were facing massive public anger in their respective constituencies.

"The problem is that we are helpless because the bureaucracy does not listen to us. We have informed our leaders about the situation but no one is doing anything. We have to face public anger and I do not know how this will reflect in the upcoming Assembly elections," he said.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday said a clampdown on COVID-19 information will be treated as "contempt of court", and that directions should be issued to DGPs (director generals of police) of the country in this regard.

The SC bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud and also comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao and Ravindra Bhat ruled that there should be a free flow of information and voices of citizens should be heard. The apex court ruled that there should not be any presumption that grievances raised on the internet by citizens are false.

"I flag this issue at the outset. We want to make it very clear that if citizens communicate their grievances on social media and the internet, then it cannot be said to be wrong information. We don't want any clampdown of information. We will treat it as a contempt of court if such grievances are considered for action," Justice Chandrachud said, reported Bar & Bench.

The Supreme Court observed that the Covid-19 situation in India is "grim" and that even doctors and healthcare workers are not getting beds. As India battles everything from bed crunch to the shortage of critical hospital equipment, the SC ruled that hostels, temples, churches and other places should be opened to convert them into COVID-care centres.

On the issue of drugmakers raising prices of vaccines for those from 18-45 years of age, the SC told the Centre it should adopt a "national immunisation model" as poor people will not be able to pay for vaccines.

The SC observed that health infrastructure, which India inherited over the past 70 years, is not "adequate". It said the healthcare infrastructure in India has come to a breaking point and retired doctors or officials could be re-employed to manage the Covid situation effectively.

Even though the Centre plans to launch phase 3 of vaccination from May 1, most states have flagged concerns over the shortage of vaccines and have asserted that they'll not be able to start vaccination from May 1.

The Supreme Court said private vaccine manufacturers can't be allowed to decide which state should get how much (vaccine vials).

The SC ruling comes days after the Yogi Adityanath government in UP ordered strict civil and criminal action against those making "false" appeals via social media to seek Covid-related help. The Supreme Court was hearing a "suo motu case" to examine the Covid-19 situation in the country.

Also read: COVID-19 crisis in India: Wealthy Indians escape country by private jets as infections spiral

Also read: COVID-19 second wave: Delhi reports 395 deaths in last 24 hours, highest so far

Also read: 'Don't queue up at COVID-19 vaccination centres on May 1': Arvind Kejriwal

Also read: International flights ban extended till May 31

With PTI inputs
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Preparative And Process Chromatography Market Growth & Trends

The global preparative and process chromatography market size is expected to reach USD 17.26 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 11.65% from 2021 to 2028. High demand for monoclonal antibodies, coupled with the growing adoption of preparative chromatographic techniques in the bioprocessing industry, is anticipated to boost the revenue growth in the market over the forecast period.

Moreover, an increase in the number of R&D activities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries is driving the adoption of liquid chromatographic techniques in downstream assays, resulting in the anticipated market growth. In addition, technological developments to advance the final product recovery in terms of yield accelerate and augment the uptake of these techniques across various applications.

Furthermore, expanding application of these techniques has propelled the key players to make strategic investments to increase their revenue share in the space. Companies are actively engaged in the development of new products to meet the changing consumer demands. For instance, in November 2020, Shimadzu Corporation launched Advanced i-Series HPLC. This is an improved flagship liquid chromatography model to support remote work.

Chromatography columns are gaining increasing attention in the global space. Companies involved in prepacked chromatography columns consistently innovate new products to gain a reputed market share. Moreover, the integration of preparative chromatography in COVID-19 vaccine development has created lucrative opportunities for the key players to capture the untapped avenues of the market.

Preparative chromatographic techniques are anticipated to register the fastest CAGR throughout the forecast period due to the increasing application in medical research and the drug approval process. The food end-use segment is estimated to exhibit the fastest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the high use of analytical techniques for food safety and food authentication assessment.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Preparative And Process Chromatography Market Report

Preparative And Process Chromatography Market Report Highlights

By product, process chromatography accounted for the largest revenue share in 2020 owing to the growing research activities and adoption of automated systems in the field of biopharmaceuticals

On the basis of type, the liquid chromatographic segment dominated the market in 2020 owing to the high demand for preparative HPLC in the therapeutic development process

Based on end use, the pharmaceutical segment held the largest share in 2020 owing to increasing application in drug safety assessment as an analytical tool for qualitative and quantitative analysis

North America dominated the market in 2020 owing to increasing investments in the development of new resin for the isolation and purification of vaccines. Extensive COVID-19 vaccine development efforts in the region have spurred the market growth as the process significantly relies on the use of chromatography for the characterization

Asia Pacific is projected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. The growing biopharmaceutical sector in the region has increased the demand for antibodies and resins. Extensive R&D activities in the Asian pharmaceutical market result in the growing demand for chromatography products

Access Press Release@ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-preparative-process-chromatography-market

Preparative And Process Chromatography Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global preparative and process chromatography market on the basis of product, type, end use, and region:

Preparative And Process Chromatography Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

Process Chromatography System Multi-use Batch Chromatography Systems Single-use Batch Chromatography Systems Continuous Chromatography Systems Consumables Reagents Resins Affinity Resins Ion-exchange Resins Size-exclusion Resins Hydrophobic Interaction Resins Reversed Phase Resins Mixed-mode/Multi-mode Resins Columns Prepacked Columns Automated Columns Manual Columns Services Preparative Chromatography System Semi-preparative Chromatography Systems Other Chromatography Systems Consumables Reagents Resins Affinity Resins Ion-exchange Resins Size-exclusion Resins Hydrophobic Interaction Resins Reversed Phase Resins Mixed-mode/Multi-mode Resins Columns Prepacked Columns Empty Columns Services



Preparative And Process Chromatography Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

Liquid Chromatography HPLC Flash/Column Chromatography Ion-exchange chromatography Size-exclusion chromatography Affinity chromatography

Gas Chromatography

Thin Layer Chromatography

Paper Chromatography

Gel-permeation (Molecular Sieve) Chromatography

Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography

Preparative And Process Chromatography End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

Pharmaceutical

Biotechnology

Food

Nutraceutical

Others

Preparative And Process Chromatography Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

North America US. Canada

Europe Germany UK. France Italy Spain

Asia Pacific Japan China India

Latin America Brazil Mexico

MEA South Africa Saudi Arabia



List of Key Players of Preparative And Process Chromatography Market

GE Healthcare

Agilent Technologies

Danaher Corporation

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.

Merck KGaA

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Shimadzu Corporation

Novasep Holding S.A.S

Waters Corporation

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.
DUBLIN, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Next Generation Search Engines Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 - 2026)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The next-generation search engine market is forecast to register a CAGR of 25.5% during the forecast period (2021-2026). Over the last few years, the number of voice searches witnessed an exponential growth rate. Also, it is becoming less of a novelty and more like a new standard. Therefore, the next-generation search engines are more oriented toward voice-based search engines.

Next-generation search engines are also increasing because of deep neural networks, machine learning, and other advancements in AI technologies. Virtual assistants, such as smart speakers, are used for various applications across several end-user industries, such as retail, BFSI, and healthcare. One major consumer-facing application is as a personal assistant. It helps consumers accomplish various tasks. For instance, Apple's Siri offers an intuitive interface for connected homes or cars.

Voice search is expected to surpass text searches in the near future. It is expected to play a crucial role in search engine optimization. It is not only more convenient but also faster and more accurate. Backlinko's analysis of 10,000 Google Home results shows that voice search is faster. According to Location World, 40% of adults use voice search results. However, ComScore's predictions indicate that more than 50% of searches will be voice-based searches by 2020.

Moreover, the voice search mobility trend is growing at a high pace with the advancements in speech recognition technology or voice search technology. Google has a 95% accuracy rate when spoken correctly in English. Moreover, Google voice search on smartphones is available in over 60 languages.

Personalized responses are one of the famous use cases of voice search, which Google has attained to a large extent, as Google can know and guess the next question the users will be most likely to ask. On the other hand, Alexa cannot understand the context to the same extent as Google. Alexa relies on custom-built skills and protocols, whereas the Google Assistant can understand specific user requests and further personalize the response.

The Spring 2020 Smart Audio Report confirms that 77% of US adults had a change in their typical routine due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Moreover, voice-assistant usage expanded during these disruptions, which positively impacted the market growth.

Personal Segment to Witness the Highest Growth

Smart speakers in personal end-user verticals are expected to hold the majority share. The characteristics expected from a smart speaker nowadays include playing music and controlling smart home devices consisting of voice assistants ready to answer every question.

The technological enhancements in the development of consumer applications resulted in the integration of smart homes or connected homes. Smart homes' development pushed end users to adopt mobile internet and fast broadband connections across households in the market.

Voice-activated speakers have become part of people's routines. They provide the ability to use the technology while multi-tasking, as people speak more quickly than they can type (speed), and the increasingly "human" interfaces.

Voice users turn to their assistants to accomplish many tasks along their buying journeys, such as product research, price comparison and adding to cart. A study from Adobe announced the consumer's usage of voice throughout their shopping journeys. The top three activities included product search/research (47%), creating shopping lists (43%), and price comparison (32%).

The most well-known smart speakers are the Amazon Echo and Google Nest ranges of products, but there are plenty of third-party speakers, like the Sonos One, which come with both Alexa and Google Assistant built-in.

The United States remains a key market for smart speaker adoption. According to the latest Smart Audio Report from NPR, 24% of Americans aged 18 years or above own at least one smart speaker. The average owner has more than one. A majority of Americans owns Alexa. Since Amazon first introduced the Echo, it has become popular in the United States , and it continues to challenge top competitors.



Key Topics Covered:



1 INTRODUCTION



2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY



3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



4 MARKET INSIGHT

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

4.3 Impact of COVID-19 on the Next Generation Search Engine Market



5 MARKET DYNAMICS

5.1 Introduction to Market Dynamics

5.2 Market Drivers?

5.2.1 Increasing Focus to Improve Customer Experience Across Professional Services

5.2.2 Growing Demand for Self-service Options

5.3 Market Restraints

5.3.1 Increasing Preference for Live Person Interaction



6 MARKET SEGMENTATION



7 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Amazon.com Inc.

Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)

Alibaba Group

Sonos Inc.

Harman-Kardon Inc. /JBL

Apple Inc.

Bose Corporation

Xiaomi Inc.

Baidu Inc.

8 INVESTMENT ANALYSIS



9 FUTURE OF THE MARKET

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pumc1x

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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SOURCE Research and Markets

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ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (Company or Kraig Labs), the biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of spider silk, honors Arbor Day by funding the planting of more than 100,000 mulberry trees. While playing a vital role in purifying our air and stabilizing the soil, these trees also serve as a valuable, sustainable resource for the production of the Companys proprietary spider silk technology.

The Company believes that in pledging to do what is right for the environment, it can strengthen its business and expand future opportunities. Kraig Labs' business model is built on the utilization of renewable and sustainable mulberry leaves for the production of recombinant spider silk. Under the care of Prodigy Textiles, the Companys Vietnamese subsidiary, these trees are already supporting production operations and will continue to play a significant role in the commercialization of Companys recombinant spider silk technologies.

Through thoughtful design of our production systems, with an eye towards energy efficiency, a reduction in inorganic materials, and a low carbon footprint, we created a system that is in line with long honored cultural traditions, where eco-responsibly is a valuable byproduct of doing what is best for our business and our shareholders, said Jon Rice, COO. I am proud of the work our team has done to contribute to the more than two million acres of mulberry trees planted globally, as part of our efforts to bring materials of unparalleled performance to the textile markets.

To view the most recent news from Kraig Labs, including recent mulberry tree pictures at one of its co-op tree farms, and/or to sign up for Company alerts, please go to www.KraigLabs.com/news.

About Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (www.KraigLabs.com), a reporting biotechnology company, is a developer of genetically engineered spider silk based fiber technologies.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

Statements in this press release about the Companys future and expectations other than historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are made on the basis of managements current views and assumptions. As a result, there can be no assurance that managements expectations will necessarily come to pass. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as believes, plans, expects, anticipates, foresees, estimated, hopes, if, develops, researching, research, pilot, potential, could or other words or phrases of similar import. Forward looking statements include descriptions of the Companys business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions and goals. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Ben Hansel, Hansel Capital, LLC(720) 288-8495ir@KraigLabs.com

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories
Next fall, Athens teens will get the chance to learn and have fun while on excursions hosted by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Go Beyond program.
AMSTERDAM and OSLO, Norway, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MPC Energy Solutions NV, Amsterdam, ("MPC Energy Solutions", "the Company") today publishes its report for the financial year 2020. The Company only commenced its full operations with the equity capital raise and IPO in early 2021. The result and the balance sheet for 2020 therefore do not yet allow any conclusions to be drawn about the company's capitalization post-IPO and expected operating performance.

At the beginning of the year 2021, it was announced that MPC Energy Solutions had successfully raised a total of USD 100 million in advance of its listing on Oslo Stock Exchange's Euronext Growth segment on 22 January 2021. Since then, the Company has secured exclusivity for four projects in addition to the initial IPO pipeline, now totalling approximately 300 MW of operating, ready-to-build and development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The report is attached hereto and will be published on the Company's homepage at www.mpc-energysolutions.com. The Company will provide an update on the Q1 figures by the end of May.

Stefan Meichsner appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of MPC Energy Solutions NV

Stefan Meichsner has been nominated by the Supervisory Board to join the Management Board as CFO with the formal appointment subject to AGM approval. He takes up his duties on 1 May 2021. Stefan Meichsner has more than 12 years of combined experience in the finance and renewables industry. He started his career as strategy advisor for Siemens before moving into various M&A roles as advisor and principal at Roedl&Partner, Forum Media, and Dragerwerke across various industries incl. private equity, media and medical equipment.

Furthermore, Stefan worked at Stadtwerke Munich (municipal utility), which is the largest public investor in renewable energy in Germany. At Stadtwerke Munich, he was CFO for two subsidiaries with full management responsibilities for concentrated solar power, wind and solar PV assets in Spain and Germany. Stefan holds a MBA and Diploma in Economics.

Forward-looking statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements about the Company's financial and operating performance, business plans and prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from the expectations and projections set forth in those statements and, consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Media contacts



MPC Energy Solutions NV

Stefan Zenker, Gabriele Gottschalk

Investor Relations & Public Relations

Phone. +49 40 38022-4200

Email: [email protected]



Americas

Montieth & Company

Phone: +1 (646) 864.356

Email: [email protected]



United Kingdom

Charles Font

Montieth & Company

Phone: +44 020 38651947

Email: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/mpc-energy-solutions-n-v-/r/mpc-energy-solutions-publishes-annual-report-2020-and-appoints-cfo,c3337132

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/20542/3337132/1410896.pdf MPCES_Annual_Report_2020 https://news.cision.com/mpc-energy-solutions-n-v-/i/mpc-es-stefan-meichsner-high,c2907744 MPC ES Stefan Meichsner high https://mb.cision.com/Public/20542/3337132/b4e1efe2a4776ae8.pdf 2021-04-30 - Annual Report and CFO

SOURCE MPC Energy Solutions N.V.
Italian police handout shows a sticker with the symbol of the 'Italian National Socialist Workers' Party' that they say was seized in searches of properties of an extremist group who planned to create a new Nazi party, in an unidentified location in Italy in a picture released on Nov. 28, 2019. (Polizia di Stato/Handout via Reuters)

Banning Possession of Nazi, ISIS Flags Overkill: Australian Law Council

The Law Council of Australia is warning against criminalising the possession of extremist memorabilia, calling it overkill and saying it would have unintended consequences.

Richard Wilson SC, the co-chair of the Councils National Criminal Law Committee, was responding to comments yesterday by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) calling for new laws to address gaps in the monitoring of extremist activity.

One recommendation from the AFP was that the possession and sharing of propaganda, flags, and insigniaalong with online contentfrom extremist groups such as ISIS or the Nazis be criminalised.

Symbols and insignia shouldnt be criminalised, Wilson told the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security on Friday.

It seems overkill, he said. Criminalisation can, and does have unintended consequences, including fuelling extremism by heightening the sense of grievance and marginalisation felt by disaffected individuals, which made them susceptible to radicalisation in the first place.

He also argued that mere possession of such items did not mean a person would carry out an attack, and changing the law would remove a key safeguard for peoples rights.

Proof of such connection [between possession and intent to commit an act] is a deliberate safeguard which limits the scope of criminality, and associated police powers, he said.

The reputation of Australian institutions, including intelligence and police services, would also be damaged.

Meanwhile, Victorias Legal and Social Issues Standing Committee is examining state-level laws that would ban symbols like the swastika due to its Nazi connotations.

Dara McDonald, a research fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs, warned that banning symbols would not change peoples beliefs.

If they are going to hold an abhorrent view, they are going to hold it, regardless of whether the law says it or not, she said.

On Thursday, the AFP officers warned the committee that extremist material was reaching younger audiences in Australia.

I have a colleague of mine who describes the internet as a salad bar of hate in terms of what, even at a very young age, a person can access on the Internet, Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said.

The online environment, I think, is very much a force-multiplier for extremism, he said.

While the chief of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation, Mike Burgess, said a terrorist attack was likely to occur on Australian soil in the next 12 months.
New Federal Aviation Administration rules are expected to clear the way for expanded commercial use of drones, which are increasingly being used by insurers to assess property damage.

The updated Operations Over People rules, which took effect on April 21, allow certified commercial drone pilots to fly over people and moving vehicles while in transit and at night, subject to certain conditions. Drones must weigh less than 250 grams (0.55 pounds) and cannot contain rotating parts that can lacerate human skin.

The rules allow heavier drones to fly over people and vehicles if the operator can demonstrate to the FAA that their drones conform with performance standards, showing that they have mitigated the risk of harming people if they fall. The agency said it intends to release performance standards in the next nine to 12 months.

State Farm got a jump on the new rules when the FAA in late 2020 issued a waiver allowing the insurance carrier to fly its drones over roadways. State Farm spokesman Dave Phillips said the company has been using drones since 2015, primarily to assess damage after catastrophes and for roof inspections.

He said FAA rules that prohibit flying over roadways decreased efficiency.

We would have to land it and literally pick it up and carry it across the street, he said. It just wasnt making any sense.

State Farm persuaded the FAA to issue a rules waiver after working with Virginia Tech to demonstrate that drones will not crash through windshields at normal traffic speeds. Researchers flew a small, parachute-equipped drone into a salvaged automobile windshield at varying speeds. No damage was done until the speed of the vehicle reached 67 mph.

The slim margin between a virtually pristine windshield and a destroyed one drew a clear boundary around low-risk scenarios, State Farm said in a press release. The data showed that as long as potential relative impact speeds never exceeded 62 mph, flights over moving vehicles presented minimal risk.

No waiver will be required for the smallest drones under the updated rules that took effect last week, but operators of drones than weigh more than 250 grams will have to wait for the FAA to develop performance measures and then demonstrate that their drones are safe.

So realistically, there will be some period of time before operators will really be able to leverage the rule, Eleanor Nelsen, director of communications for Virginia Techs Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, said in an email.

More broadly, though, our perspective is that having a quantitative understanding of an operations potential risks is always valuable for determining how to conduct that operation as safely as possible, she said. Building a safety case for a particular waiver was the original motivation for the research, but to us, the most significant outcome of it are new test methods for rigorously evaluating impact risk.

The FAA rules allow operators to fly over people and roads but only incidentally while in transit. Sustained flight over a road is not allowed. Similarly, sustained flight over congregations of people is not allowed unless specific conditions are met, including a remote identification device that sends an electronic signal, similar to an aircraft transponder.

The FAA website shows that Chubb Insurance and Auto-Owners Insurance have also obtained rule waivers, both to allow nighttime drone operations.

About the photo: Virginia Tech studied the impact of a drone striking a vehicle windshield at various speeds. Photo courtesy of State Farm and Virginia Tech.
LOS ANGELES, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As the largest minority-led deployer of capital in COVID relief funding, Lendistry has been tapped by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as the sole community partner to help administer $28.6 billion in Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RFF) financing established by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Lendistry, a Black-led and operated lender, based in California, has created an innovative model for targeting funds to underserved communities and historically disadvantaged businesses that has proven successful in COVID relief funding established in California and Pennsylvania. The model is a unique fintech hybrid that merges AI data with community-based lending solutions.

Leaning on Lendistry's unique expertise, the SBA is prioritizing the first phase of RRF funding to restaurants and small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Restaurant applicants can apply through SBA-recognized Point of Sale (POS) vendors, but smaller restaurants may not have existing relationships with those vendors and will therefore be able to apply through Lendistry.

"Among the biggest challenges the government has faced when it comes to administering COVID relief to small businesses is balancing the need to move quickly with the need to ensure money gets into the right hands," said Everett K. Sands, Lendistry's founder and CEO. "The Biden Administration is clearly focusing on ways to do just that, and it's going to have a huge impact on businesses who need the help immediately."

Since the pandemic began, Lendistry has deployed nearly $1.5 billion in capital to underserved businesses hit hardest by this pandemic. The company was chosen by the state of California to administer over $2.5 billion in COVID relief to small businesses. Since the start of the year, more than $500 million has been deployed in California with 55% of grants going to minority-owned businesses and 53% of grants going to women-owned businesses so far.

Additionally, Lendistry has facilitated $300 million in financing via the Paycheck Protection Program, in partnership with financial institutions including Goldman Sachs, and has administered over $192.5 million in Pennsylvania.

All told, Lendistry is on track to equitably deploy upwards of $4 billion in capital since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund Details:

RRF will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location.

per business and no more than per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding if funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023 .

. For the first 21 days of the program, the SBA will prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Following the initial 21-day period, all eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications.

For application assistance and more information on application deadlines, grant requirements, and eligibility, please visit lendistry.com/restaurantrevitalizationfund .

About Lendistry

Lendistry ( lendistry.com ) is a minority-led and technology-enabled small business and commercial real estate lender with Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Entity (CDE) certification. Lendistry ranks second nationwide in SBA Community Advantage lending, providing responsible financing to small business owners and their underserved communities. Lendistry is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, headquartered in a Los Angeles Opportunity Zone. In 2020, Lendistry provided Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to small businesses in all 50 states and was selected by the State of California to administer the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, which distributed grants to the small businesses that lost significant revenues during the pandemic. Lendistry and its nonprofit partner organization, The Center by Lendistry, are dedicated to providing economic opportunities and progressive growth for underserved urban and rural small business borrowers and their communities.

SOURCE Lendistry
ALBERT LEA, Minn.  A fugitive southern Minnesota restaurant owner has been arrested in North Iowa.

Melissa Lisa Hanson, owner of The Interchange Wine & Coffee Bistro in Albert Lea was wanted on outstanding warrants for failing to appear for a court hearing. Shes facing criminal charges in Freeborn County and a civil lawsuit from the State of Minnesota for allegedly opening up her business in violation of Governor Walz coronavirus restrictions.

The Freeborn County Sheriffs Office says it has been working with the Albert Lea Police Department to monitor an Airbnb location in Clear Lake, Iowa. The Sheriffs Office says Hanson was arrested Thursday by Clear Lake police after being seen leaving the Airbnb.

Hanson was then taken to the Cerro Gordo County Jail.
New Delhi:

In a unique case reported from Kolkata, doctors have removed 639 nails weighing more than one kg from the stomach of a 48-year-old man.



The surgery was performed at the state-run Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.



The man is suffering from schizophrenia and had swallowed the nails over a period of time.



"The patient is from North 24 Parganas district's Gobardanga. He was suffering from schizophrenia and had swallowed nails and soil regularly over a period of time," Dr Siddhartha Biswas, who conducted the operation on Monday said.



"We made a 10 cm incision in the abdomen and removed the nails using a magnet. We have also extracted soil," Biswas said adding that the surgery lasted about an hour and 45 minutes.



The man complained of stomach ache during the last week of September and was taken to a private nursing home where X-rays revealed the presence of nails.



He was immediately referred to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital where X-rays and endoscopy had shown presence of nails around 2 to 2.5 inches long in the stomach.



"The patient is stable now. We are keeping him under observation before he is given a fitness certificate," Biswas said.
The streets of Callan have never looked so well - and its partly thanks to two young sisters who have taken on a project to Clean Callan while raising funds for charity.

Annamaria and Sara Ventimiglia are not only picking up litter around the town but also raising money for the Irish Cancer Society, because they want to help people with cancer and their families through a difficult time.



From the middle of April until the May bank holiday weekend the girls spent half an hour every day out picking litter. On some days they have had the help of friends and family, especially their mum Paulina and close friends Monika and Seba. They have cleaned up many different areas around their lovely town, from the SuperValu car park to the bushes around the medical centre and the area around their school, as well as central locations like Green Street, Mill Street, Chapel Lane and Collins Park.



The girls are raising money through their Just Giving page and are asking everyone to donate if they can. They began with a modest target of 300, which they have already hit! They would love to raise as much as they can for the Irish Cancer Society. Go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cleancallan



The sisters are pupils at Bunscoil McAuley Rice, where Annamaria (11) is in fifth class and Sara, who is nine, is in third class. Both are delighted to be back with their classmates, after lockdown, and couldnt wait to go back to school.

They live in Kings Court, Callan, with their family.

Last summer, during the first lockdown, Annamaria and Sara did a litter pick to raise money for endangered animals and the World Wildlife Fund. The girls did an amazing job and made lots of new friends in the town who admired their efforts. They hope to make their fundraising project an annual event.



The Irish Cancer Society is a community of patients, survivors, volunteers, supporters, health and social care professionals and researchers.

Together they are transforming the experiences and outcomes of people affected by cancer through advocacy, support services and research.
Gandhinagar, April 30 : Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat on Friday launched a three-pronged approach in the fight against coronavirus, comprising ration supply to Class-IV healthcare workers, providing oxygen concentrators to hospitals and spreading awareness about getting vaccinated. The first batch of ration supply was flagged off by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani from the governor's residence in Gandhinagar.

With the help of Yuva Unstoppable, a non governmental organization (NGO), the Gujarat governor has set out a plan for a massive grassroot level initiative to combat and manage the current situation and make a difference.

The focus pillars of the Sewa Yagya are 'SUPPORT' where Class-IV healthcare staff will be provided three months of ration supply, 'LIFE' under which hospitals will be supplied oxygen concentrators, and 'PREVENTION' wherein an awareness campaign will be rolled out across the smaller districts to sensitize people on the importance of being vaccinated.

In these tough times of the second corona wave, the frontline warriors like healthcare workers have been working tirelessly. The Class-IV healthcare workers who are at the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid are suffering the maximum and are still working and risking their health for others. In an effort to acknowledge their efforts, the governor through 'Corona Sewa Yagya' SUPPORT initiative will provide support to 1 lakh such Covid Warriors, which will include nurses, para-medical, support staff, ward boys, lab technicians, sanitation workers and others.

Acharya Devvrat said, "The government is working tirelessly and doing its best; so, we should join hands and support the government as one big team driven by one mission. Seeing the intensity of the second wave of the Covid-19 cases, we reached out to everyone without wasting any further time. This is just the start of the journey in the fight against Covid-19. The initiative will create a ripple effect by ensuring that maximum lives are saved, the morale of our healthcare workers remains high and dissemination of right information reaches to the grassroots level." Gujarat CM Rupani flagged off over 16 trucks from the governor's residence in Gandhinagar to Jamnagar carrying food supplies. The ration will be handed over to Class 4 Frontline healthcare workers to support them and their families' basic needs for three months.

To combat the shortage in the supply of medical oxygen and stabilise the healthcare infrastructure, the LIFE initiative will activate deployment of oxygen concentrators which can help buy crucial time when the patient's oxygen levels drop. This machine filters oxygen from the atmosphere and can help boost the oxygen level. Deploying oxygen concentrators at hospitals will also help in reducing dependence on refilling cylinders and their transport. The oxygen concentrators will be sent to Public Hospitals, Covid-19 Clinics, Primary Health Centres, Dedicated Covid Hospitals and Dedicated Covid Health Centres.

Through the third prong of the Yagya, PREVENTION initiative will ensure that awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated reaches the smaller towns and districts of Gujarat.

Amitabh Shah of the Yuva Unstoppable said, "We are grateful to the Governor, the Gujarat CM and our corporate partners for launching this campaign. We plan to continue our selfless endeavour till things return to normal for everyone."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt says Australia would be better as a nation if its children learned two or three languages.

The Hasluck MP also told a crowd of linguistics lovers and Liberal Party members in Fremantle last month that political parties needed to acknowledge the strength of Aboriginal languages for the greater good of the country and to help heal the past.

Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt says the federal government is committed to working with First Nations people. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Wyatt was speaking at an event hosted by the policy committee of the Liberal Partys West Australian division, which has gained more of a say in policy development in the state following its thumping March election loss, on the topic of Aboriginal language recognition and official languages for Australia.

The minister said it would take the same kind of community groundswell as the marriage equality issue to bring policy change for language in Australia.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kansas City Life Insurance Company recorded a net loss of $0.7 million or $0.07 per share in the first quarter of 2021 compared to net income of $0.2 million or $0.02 per share in the first quarter of 2020.

The largest contributors in the decline in net income in 2021 compared to 2020 were a decrease in premiums, net of reinsurance, and an increase in policyholder benefits. The increase in policyholder benefits reflected higher death benefits. In addition, an increase in income tax expense also contributed to lower net income. Partially offsetting these were an increase in net realized investment gains and lower amortization of deferred acquisition costs compared to the prior year.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted results in both the first quarters of 2021 and 2020. The primary impact during the first quarter of 2021 was a negative effect on mortality experience, which contributed to higher policyholder benefits. The primary impact of the pandemic during the first quarter of 2020 was increased financial market volatility.

Kansas City Life Insurance Company (OTCQX: KCLI) was established in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company's primary business is providing financial protection through the sale of life insurance and annuities. The Company operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, please visit www.kclife.com.

Kansas City Life Insurance Company Condensed Consolidated Income Statement (amounts in thousands, except share data)



Quarter Ended

March 31

2021

2020 Revenues $ 122,331

$ 123,035 Net income (loss) $ (668)

$ 150 Net income (loss) per share, basic and diluted $ (0.07)

$ 0.02 Dividends paid $ 0.27

$ 0.27 Average number of shares outstanding

9,683,414



9,683,414













SOURCE Kansas City Life Insurance Company

Related Links

http://www.kclife.com




By Lee Seo-hyun





North Korea is a poor country, but people who live in the capital live pretty well  residents there are said to live in "Pyonghattan," a combination of Pyongyang and Manhattan. When Pyonghattans learn about the outside world, they begin to face a moral dilemma: should they continue to live as part of the elite in the country, or take a chance to live in freedom?







Pyonghattans are the wealthiest people in North Korea, but they may also be the most watched people in the world. No matter where Pyonghattans are, at their organizations, at work, at home, they are being watched, and they know it. Every word and move is watched, even if they cry hard enough for the dictators. A higher position means higher levels of surveillance. It's very normal for Pyonghattan residents to have their phones and their homes tapped. I remember my mom and I whispering into each other's ears at home about Kim Jong-il having many wives. It's been six years since my family left North Korea, but my mom still sometimes whispers directly into my ears. And I remind her every time: "Mom! We're not in North Korea anymore!"







North Korea brainwashes us with propaganda and lies, tries to scare us about the outside unknown world, and makes it so difficult to escape. It puts one final barrier in our brains: guilt.







Once we learn how cruel the regime is, we realize what can happen to those left behind if we leave. It is another moral dilemma that the cruel regime forces on us with its "guilt by association" strategy of punishing entire families for the actions of one person.







North Koreans don't remain silent because they support the regime. North Korea's surveillance state and guilt-by-association strategy are the main reasons that North Koreans can't rebel and even those who left the country a long time ago remain silent.







Most of the elite in North Korea are also victims and slaves of Kim Jong-un the dictator. Of course, there are certain people who deserve to be punished along with Kim. However, the majority of Pyonghattanites are good people. When they learn the true reality of North Korea, they may find themselves with the moral dilemma: they can stay as the ruling class of the suppressive society or leave  which could jeopardize their families.







The lack of a revolution in North Korea does not mean the elite support Kim Jong-un or the nation's poverty. Those who have been brainwashed don't even have the opportunity to talk with a Chinese taxi driver. They are blocked from accessing both domestic and international information. Others remain quiet, for the sake of their families.







Pyonghattanites who are living well compared to other North Koreans may seem to be rulers in hell, but that isn't true. Once we learn about the outside world, we start to realize that we are serving in hell. Pyonghattanites aren't the ones who rule in hell; it is the dictator and his family who rule in hell and make North Korea a hell for everyone else there.





















Lee Seo-hyun is co-host of the

Her remarks were edited by Casey Lartigue Jr., co-founder of FSI.



Pyonghattan Youtube channel along with her brother Lee Hyun-seung. Her remarks are an excerpt from her speech at the International Freedom Conference held online on April 3 by Freedom Speakers International (FSI).
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany said on Friday it rejected Russia's decision to bar eight officials from European Union countries from entering the country in retaliation for sanctions imposed on Russian citizens by the EU.

"Unlike the measures imposed by the EU in March against Russian officials for serious human rights violations, the measures taken by the Russian Federation are unfounded in substance," a German Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

"They contribute to further straining relations with Russia in an unnecessary way," the spokesman added in a statement.

(Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Leslie Adler)
LOS ANGELES, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyperion Capital Partners LLC ("Hyperion") today announced it has completed the acquisition of United Cabinet Company, LLC dba Kabinart (the "Company") from the Murray family. Kabinart is a manufacturer of premium, semi-custom and custom cabinets for the high-end residential market.

Over the last four decades, Nashville, Tennessee-based Kabinart has established itself as a niche provider of high-quality cabinets. The Company sells its products through a network of third-party dealers across the Eastern half of the United States. All key members of Kabinart's management are remaining with the Company post-close.

The two Co-Founders and Partners of Hyperion said, "We are excited to partner with the Kabinart management team to continue the legacy built by the Murray family. By employing our operationally-focused approach, we look to guide the Company through its next phase of growth and profitability."

Shade Murray said, "My family and I have spent decades cultivating the Kabinart brand, and finding the right partner was of the utmost importance to us. Hyperion is the perfect fit to lead the Company into the future."

Financing for the transaction was provided by Oxer Capital and Salem Investment Partners. Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP served as legal advisor to Hyperion.

The sellers were advised by Three Twenty-One Capital Partners and represented by Bass, Berry & Sims PLC.

About Kabinart

Kabinart is a manufacturer of premium, semi-custom and custom cabinets for the high-end residential market. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Kabinart distributes its products through a network of third-party dealers across the Eastern half of the United States.

About Hyperion

Hyperion Capital Partners is an operationally-focused private equity firm based in Los Angeles that establishes and utilizes partnerships with management to produce substantial long-term value. Hyperion makes control investments in companies that generate between $20 and $200 million of revenue and that are headquartered in North America.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit hyperion-cp.com.

SOURCE Hyperion Capital Partners

Related Links

www.hyperion-cp.com


The state Motor Vehicle Commissions boss pulled no punches when asked by a legislator to grade the agencys performance during the coronavirus pandemic, giving it a D to an F for the long lines and waits drivers endured last year.

But she prefaced it by saying that grade did not apply to MVC front line workers, who processed 20% more transactions than in the pre-coronavirus years and cleared a backlog that other state DMVs are still plowing through.

When you talk about front line workers, that included the MVC workers, they did their level best, despite difficult circumstances, Sue Fulton said during Thursdays state senate budget and appropriations committee hearing. Id say the experience for customers in the first few months was a D or an F.

That grade was for what happened after agencies reopened on July 7 to a tremendous backlog of millions of transactions put off during the four months they were closed during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

That said, I am not downgrading the work of the agency, facility or IT teams, who made changes every week for customers, she said. It was difficult for customers and they rightfully should be angry.

Fulton, who could be leaving the position after she was nominated as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs by President Joe Biden, praised her staff for clearing the backlog of 7.2 million transactions by February.

I dont have one grade for our facilities team, who worked day and night, ordering plexiglass (barriers) in March before a shortage, and built and installed the barriers, she said. Im not going to down grade them. Im not downgrading our agencies who did 20% more work even with agencies closed.

She praised the Information Technology team for installing the hardware and software necessary to switch customers away from lining up to do walk-in transactions at agencies to a mostly appointment-based system before winter.

It was important to make it almost (all) appointments by winter, Fulton said. It was a looming deadline and if we didnt clear the lines (waiting outside agencies) when it got cold, it would be unacceptable.

When asked, Fulton said one fault was that the MVC could have done a better job communicating that more transactions, almost 80%, moved online to convince drivers to use the website instead of the agency.

We thought more would adopt to online transactions faster, she said. We didnt effectively communicate with people.

The appointment system isnt perfect, especially when agencies have to close due to employees testing positive for coronavirus. That means appointments at that location are canceled and drivers have to start the appointment process over.

There is frustration when facilities are closed, that is our biggest issue, said Senator Declan OScanlon, R-Monmouth, who echoed what other legislators said they are hearing from constituents about losing appointments.

We did a new download today (Thursday) on appointments, Fulton said.

Those changes to the system added many appointments at Licensing Centers, said William Connolly, an MVC spokesman.

Speeding up transactions at both Licensing and Vehicle Centers also opened up more appointments, he said.

Due to other operational changes, we expect the number of total transactions that require an agency visit to continue declining below where were at now, which is around 20%, he said. Increasing appointments while reducing required visits means greater in-person capacity, especially for new drivers.

Senator MIchael Tesla Jr., R-Cumberland, asked why MVC agencies have to be closed after an employee tests positive, while retail stores and supermarkets remain open under the same circumstances.

They (stores) dont have their employees in as tight a space, she said. The separation between checkouts and aisles is significantly more than our people have in agencies in little strip malls.

Even the newer, larger agencies have more space dedicated to customer waiting areas than behind the counter, she said.

The ultimate answer to reducing the average six to seven agencies closed a week due to COVID-19 is vaccinating front line MVC workers, she said. The MVC suspended administrating the Johnson & Johnson vaccine when the state put it on hold, and switched to Moderna vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has since been reinstated statewide.

Well be completed with the first vaccinations, across the board, next week, Fulton said.

The first shot of the Moderna vaccine has taken place at 14 other agencies, and officials expect to finish first shots of Moderna for all employees who serve customers by the end of next week, Connolly said. That schedule could change if agencies close after an employee tests positive for COVID-19, he said.

At this time, nine of 39 agencies have been able to get fully vaccinated, and are past the 14-days-after-final-shot point, so they are no longer subject to blanket closure, he said.

Other appointment slots at the MVC will be freed up since the federal Department of Homeland security pushed off the date that domestic air travelers will need a Real ID drivers license to use as identification at airports from later this year to May 2023, she said. Appointments that would have accommodated those customers can be switched to transactions that have a greater need, she said.

Still, some legislators said that in-person access to the MVC needs to remain for customers who dont have access to broadband, the internet or the technical skills to do their business online.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.
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Ford Motor in India has joined several other carmakers to offer help to tackle the Covid-19 menace in the country. The US-based carmaker has announced a relief package worth 1.48 crore to help counter the crisis.

Ford Motor Company Fund has announced that its wings will donate the fund for Covid-19 relief in India as well as in Brazil, both badly affected by the virus. The company will offer surgical masks, N95 masks among other kits as part of its relief package.





Ford is not the first vehicle manufacturer to join the battle against Covid-19 in India. Recently, both Maruti Suzuki India Limited and Hyundai Motor India announced steps to help the country in this hour of crisis.

Maruti Suzuki has announced that it will stop producing cars in the company's plants in Haryana between May 1 and May 9 to make oxygen available for the healthcare and medical sector. Maruti's efforts come at a time when states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh are facing challenges to meet rising demand for oxygen.

Hyundai has also announced that it will help set up oxygen plants in hospitals. As part of a 20-crore relief announced by the Korean carmaker, it aims to address the needs emerging out of the current crisis and help people and infrastructure cope with the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in India.

World's largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp has also announced support with a 122-bed Covid-19 hospital in fight against the virus. Hero has partnered with Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama & District Administration in Haridwar for 122-bed Covid-hospital. Besides this, Hero has also provided motorcycles and scooters for personal use by health workers in various hospitals in India.
The United States is alarmed by the Ukraine cabinet ministers' actions to dismiss the supervisory board of Naftogaz, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said during a press briefing on Thursday.

"We are deeply concerned by the Ukrainian cabinet ministers' recent actions to manipulate existing regulations to dismiss the supervisory board and replace the management of Ukraines leading energy company," Price said. "This calculated move using a procedural loophole to oust well-regarded experts from the boards of several key state-owned enterprises reflects a disregard for fair and transparent corporate governance practices and complicates long-standing efforts to reform Ukraines energy sector and improve its investment climate."

Ukraine's state energy company Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolyev said on Wednesday that he learned about his dismissal from the news and did not in fact tender his resignation. Earlier on Wednesday, lawmaker Olga Vasilevskaya-Smaglyuk wrote in her Telegram channel that the cabinet fired Kobolyev.

"Unfortunately these actions are just the latest example of ignoring best practices and putting Ukraines hard-fought economic progress at risk," Price said. "We will continue to support Ukraine in strengthening its institutions including advancing democratic institutions and corporate governance reforms but Ukraines leaders must do their part as well."

Ukraine's government appointed Yurii Vitrenko as the new chairman of the board of state energy company Naftogaz after terminating the contract with the former CEO. Vitrenko had served as acting energy minister from December 2020 until his appointment.
 US Sentencing Commission releases FY 2021 first quarter sentencing data showing COVID's continued impact on federal sentencings (and USSC data) | Main | Great example of clemency leading to more compassion ... in the form of compassionate release thanks to FIRST STEP Act reforms 

The title of this post is the title of this lengthy new report which, as the title explains, is a product of a working group of The Brookings Institution and The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. In addition to the full pdf, one can also access each part of this report online here, and here is are the closing sentiments authored by Rashawn Ray and Brent Orrell in the report's conclusion:

As we prepare to exit pandemic conditions, we recommend a strategic pause to gather data that will help us understand why criminal activity has gone up and inform both immediate responses as well as longer-term reform initiatives. There will be a temptation  on both sides  to argue that the recent spike confirms their prior understandings and policy preferences; either that the recent burst of crime can be effectively controlled by a ratcheting up tough-on-crime policies and practices or that it is exactly these practices that create the predicate for crime surges by disrupting lives, families, and neighborhoods through excessive reliance on force and incarceration. We should resist both of these views while we strive for a better understanding of the forces driving and shaping patterns of criminal offenses. It is entirely possible, given the unprecedented conditions of the past 12 months, we will find ourselves surprised by what we learn.

As is often the case, we may need an and approach rather than an or approach. Policies need to address recent rises in crime and overpolicing. This is why our report focuses on the criminal justice as a whole. Policing is the entree to the criminal justice system that sorts people based on race, social class, and place. Most people do not want less policing. They want equitable policing, and equitable treatment once interacting with the criminal justice system, either as a victim or perpetrator.

The sources of criminal activity and public safety challenges are multifaceted while our responses to them are often singular: more and tougher policing, prosecution, and incarceration. Not every public order challenge is a nail in need of a hammer. If we are to honor the dignity of every person and respect the sanctity of human life, we need a more balanced and diversified approach that recognizes confrontation and coercion are not the only, and often not the best, strategies for protecting our communities. Research-informed innovation that builds a more flexible and effective toolbox of responses is needed to move us towards the more peaceful, flourishing, and just society that is the shared objective of conservatives and progressives alike.

The essays in this volume and the recommended supplemental readings provide much food for thought about the major areas of criminal justice reform that should be at the top of the nations agenda. The recommendations are varied and informed by differing perspectives on how to better balance the requirements of community safety, civil liberty, policing and procedural protections, and supporting and achieving lasting changes in attitudes, behaviors, and outcomes among justice-involved individuals as befits a nation committed to the idea of rehabilitation and not just retribution. The authors in this volume will continue convening to discuss, debate, and research these complex issues, with a shared goal of identifying ways to improve our countrys criminal justice system. These are deeply interconnected issues requiring a thorough, thoughtful, and comprehensive response rather than an immediate reversion to long-held and -argued views that may fit recent history or current conditions. A nation that incarcerates so many at such a high cost in public resources and wasted human lives can ill-afford to do otherwise.
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio  Seven Bowling Green State University students, including a Cleveland resident, and another adult after facing multiple charges in connection with the hazing death of Stone Foltz in early March.

Daylen Dunson, 20, of Cleveland, has been charged with third-degree felony involuntary manslaughter, tampering with evidence, hazing, failure to comply with underage alcohol laws and obstructing official business, WTOL Channel 11 reports.

Also charged are Jacob Krinn, 20, of Delaware, Ohio; Troy Henricksen, 23, of Grove City; Canyon Caldwell, 21, of Dublin, Ohio; Niall Sweeney, of Erie, Pa.; Jarrett Prizel, 19, of Olean, New York; Aaron Lehane, 21, of Loveland, Ohio; and Benjamin Boyers, 21, of Sylvania. They face charges ranging from from involuntary manslaughter to hazing.

Lawyers for Foltzs family called the charges a step in the right direction. Still, they say legislators and university officials need to take more action to stop hazing.

How many injuries and deaths will it take for people in positions of power to do the right thing? lawyers Rex Elliott and Sean Alto said in a statement on behalf of the family, according to the Associated Press. We demand zero tolerance.

On March 4, Foltz, 20, attended a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity event at an off-campus location, authorities say. Anyone pledging the fraternity had to drink a handle, of liquor, which is about 40 1.5 ounce shots, a witness tells WTOL Channel 11.

Foltz was taken back to his house after the event and his roommates found him the following morning. He was first taken to Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green, then flown to ProMedica Toledo Hospital. He died three days later after he was put on life support after his family arranged for his organs to be donated.

Krinn was Foltzs Big in the fraternity, WTVG Channel 13 reports, and was one of the people who drove Foltz back to his apartment, authorities say. It was later discovered Foltzs blood-alcohol level was five times the legal limit.

Krinn is charged with first-degree felony involuntary manslaughter, third-degree felony involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, felonious assault, hazing, failure to comply with underage alcohol laws, and obstructing official business.

Wood County Prosecutor Paul Dobson said Thursday that Krinn is facing more serious charges because he was most directly involved in the incident, WTVG reports.

BGSU expelled the fraternity in early April. A statement from Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity says it supports the investigation and holding those accountable to the fullest extent of the law, the AP reports.

Alex Solis, deputy chief of staff and BGSU spokesperson, said in a statement that the university is appreciative of the hard work and diligence done by the prosecutor and a grand jury to seek justice and hold those accountable in the tragic death of student Stone Foltz.

Those charged are scheduled to make their first appearances in court on May 19.

More crime-related content on cleveland.com:

Appeals court overturns ex-East Cleveland police officers assault conviction

FedEx driver found guilty of running over, killing elderly Berea woman, court records say

Lorain man dies after being found in vehicle with gunshot wounds
The Senate on Thursday decried the dominance of foreign operators in the employment of personnel in the nations diving sector.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, Teslim Folarin, made the remark at an investigative hearing on a motion to ensure strict compliance with statutory regulations and provisions of the Nigerian Diving Sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, which was at the instance of the committee, was designed to investigate claims of contravention of relevant statutory provisions in the area of diving in the oil and gas sector.

Mr Folarin said the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010, provided that 70 per cent of divers in offshore energy projects must be Nigerians.

According to him, the sponsor of the motion indicated that the act on local content has not been complied with in the diving sector.

According to him, Section 28 sub-section (1) provides that Nigerians should be accorded first consideration for employment and training in projects to be executed by the operator in the oil and gas industry.

He, however, said foreign dominance had been alleged to have deprived indigenous divers their rightful place in line with the act.

This, he said, was unacceptable, particularly at a time when unemployment was high.

This, he further said, resulted in the invitation of some of the key operators in the oil and gas sector to give their perspectives on the issue.

He said it was important for a proper regulatory mechanism to be put in place to enable the diving sector thrive and benefit Nigerians more.

Mr Folarin said the hearing provided the needed platform for relevant stakeholders to brainstorm on how best to address challenges inherent in the sector and make appropriate legislative recommendations to revamp the diving sector.

He assured stakeholders that their views would be looked into dispassionately in the interest of Nigeria.

Mr Folarin said he was delighted that the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, had inaugurated the board in line with the diving Act Work Regulation 2018.

This is a clear demonstration that the minister is not oblivious of the fact that the inauguration is necessary for development of this sector, he said.

He, however, said it was important the minister briefed the committee on what the board had done since inauguration, along with plans to fulfil its statutory role.

Responding, Keyamo said it was discovered that there had been some lacuna in the regulatory activities of the diving sector.

He said the ministry inaugurated the board for regulation of the sector, which had the Permanent Secretary as the leader of the board.

According to him, members of the board comprised representatives of the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, among other stakeholder associations operating in the sector.

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He said the ministry through the board has designed a work plan for regulation of the sector, assuring that the ministry would work with agencies of government responsible to drive adherence to local content, particularly on employment and safety measures in the sector.

Shedding more information on the board, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Yerim Tarfa, said the board met three times to produce a work plan and budget line for regulation of the sector.

He decried the absence of a working budget to finance the activities of the board.

He said the ministry was looking at the possibility of using part of its overhead cost to finance the activities of the board.

(NAN)
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, says the regime of the President Muhammadu Buhari may be giving false impression that the Joe Biden...

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, says the regime of the President Muhammadu Buhari may be giving false impression that the Joe Biden administration will send United States troops to defend Nigerians.

The lawyer said rather than give the false impression, the Federal Government of Nigeria should embark on mass recruitment of military and police personnel, equip and motivate them to defend every part of the country.

Falana stated this on Thursday in a paper he presented at a public lecture to mark the 80th birthday of an academic, Prof Omotoye Olorode, in Abuja.

The paper was titled, Labour And The Quest For Nigerias Development: Reflections And Prognosis On The Way Forward.

Buhari on Tuesday sought foreign help to put a stop to the ceaseless bloodshed and kidnappings nationwide.

The former military head asked the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, for the support of the Biden administration to tackle the security menace in Nigeria.

Buhari, who warned of a likely spill over of insecurity to neighbouring West African states, also called on the US to consider relocating US Africa Command from Stuttgart, Germany, to Africa, nearer the Theatre of Operation.

Speaking Thursday on the request for help by the Buhari government, Falana said the government should strengthen the security forces and not wait for US support which may likely not come.

The senior advocate said, Regrettably, Nigeria is currently witnessing the virtual collapse of the security architecture of the neocolonial State due to the diversion of the huge fund earmarked for procurement of arms and ammunition for the armed forces and the police by successive regimes.

To prevent terrorists and bandits from sacking the government, President Buhari has appealed to President Joe Biden to come to the aid the ruling class in waging war against terror and banditry. And without consulting either the African Union or the ECOWAS the federal government has asked President Biden to relocate the US African Command (AFRICOM) in Germany to Africa.

Since 2009, the cry for help in prosecuting the counter insurgency operations had fallen on the deaf ears of the leaders of the West. As if that was not enough, the United States and her allies prevented Nigeria from acquiring vital security equipment to prosecute the war on terror due to the abysmal poor human rights record of the armed forces and the police.

Even though the Buhari administration was allowed to pay the sum of $329 million for 12 super Tucanofighter jets in November 2018 to aid the counter insurgency operations in the North East Zone the jets have not been delivered.

Instead of giving Nigerians the false impression that the United States is going to send troops to defend them the federal government should be compelled to embark on mass recruitment of military and police personnel, equip and motivate them to defend every part of the country. In addition, all state and local governments should proceed to set up defence committees constituted by young men and women in every community to collaborate with the Police in securing the lives and properties of all citizens.
Absentee ballots should be returned in person, via drop box for May 4 elections

Absentee ballots should be returned in person, via drop box for May 4 elections

APRIL 30, 2021

Visit Michigan.gov/Vote for election information

Voters in jurisdictions with an election on May 4 should return their absentee ballots as soon as possible, either by drop box or in person at their local city or township clerk's office. Those who have not yet requested a ballot, or have requested one but have not received it, should visit their clerk's office to request, fill out and submit their ballot all in one trip. Voters can find the operating hours, contact information and locations of their local clerk's office and drop boxes at Michigan.gov/Vote.

"Michigan voters have options to cast their ballot in person or absentee, with each being equally accessible and secure," said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. "Millions of citizens made their voices heard using absentee ballots and drop boxes last year, and voters can do so again in their local elections now."

Absentee ballot requests sent by mail must be received by the clerk by 5 p.m. today, though voters have until 4 p.m. on Monday, May 3 to request an absentee ballot in person at their local clerk's office. This close to the election, because of possible postal delays voters should not mail absentee ballots.

Voters who already have their ballot should fill it out at home, sign the back of the envelope and return it to a secure ballot drop box in their jurisdiction or their clerk's office as soon as possible. Voters may also allow an immediate family member or a member of their household to drop off their sealed and signed ballot for them. All ballots must be received by the voter's city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day, May 4, to be counted.

Voters will also have the option to vote in person at their designated polling location, where COVID-19 prevention safeguards - including social distancing and the use of personal protection equipment by election workers - remain in place.

Voters can find out if they have a May 4 election, track their absentee ballot, find their drop box and clerk office locations, and view sample ballots at Michigan.gov/Vote.

# # #

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).
Free beer, pot and doughnuts. Savings bonds. A chance to win an all-terrain vehicle. Places around the US are offering incentives to try to energize the nation's slowing vaccination drive and get Americans to roll up their sleeves.

These relatively small corporate promotion efforts have been accompanied by more serious and far-reaching attempts by officials in cities such as Detroit, where they're offering $50 to people who give others a ride to vaccination sites.

Public health officials say the efforts are crucial to reach people who haven't been vaccinated yet, whether because they are hesitant or because they have had trouble making an appointment or getting to a vaccination site.

This is the way we put this pandemic in the rearview mirror and move on with our lives," said Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky's public health commissioner.

Demand for vaccines has started to fall around the country  something public health officials had anticipated would happen once the most vulnerable and most eager to get vaccinated had the opportunity to do so. Now that most older Americans are fully vaccinated, the effort is moving into a new phase.

Read: US will share AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines with world

This will be much more of an intense ground game where we have to focus on smaller events, more tailored to address the needs and concerns of focused communities who have different sensitivities and different needs," Stack said.

Demand has dropped precipitously in the rugged timberland of northeastern Washington state, where Matt Schanz of Northeast Tri County Health District is at a loss for what to try next.

Seventy-six percent of residents remain unvaccinated in Pend Oreille County, and 78% in Ferry County, and a whopping 80% in Stevens County have not had even one shot, compared with a statewide average of 59%. On Wednesday, only 35 people in all three counties booked a first dose through the health agency, down from a peak of 500 daily appointments a few weeks ago.

Schanz ticks off the efforts so far in the three counties where he is the department's administrator: Newspaper ads, signs and mailers sent with utility bills. Drive-thru vaccination sites at fairgrounds and fire stations. A call center and online scheduling. Outreach to church pastors. Outreach to employers in the lumber industry and an aluminum boat manufacturer. Outreach to Republican elected leaders. TV and radio interviews.

Have we reached that point of saturation? Schanz asked. How many people do we have who are going to be the hard no's, and how many are the hesitators and the wait-and-see folks?

Uncertainty about the vaccine is the biggest barrier, Schanz said: People say, Geez, I don't want to be a government experiment.'

Cases are starting to climb again, and Schanz wonders if it will take people falling sick to revive interest in vaccines.

It's a here we go again' kind of feeling, he said of the case numbers. Vaccines were our hope of breaking that cycle.

Several companies have announced that employees can take paid time off to get vaccinated.

In Houston, 31-year-old Elissa Hanc works for one of those companies, 3 Men Movers in Houston.

It made getting the vaccine far more accessible, Hanc said. It wasn't necessary to make a choice between work and protecting myself, my family and my community.

Her employer started offering the benefit before President Joe Biden announced a tax credit for small businesses to provide paid time off for those getting vaccinated or recovering from side effects.

Hanc got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine April 6. She felt hot and achy the next day, and her supervisor, who noticed during a Zoom call that Hanc didn't look her best, told her to take the day off. Hanc appreciated that too.

I have a few friends who work where management is not making it a priority to get the vaccine, Hanc said. They've let me know in no uncertain terms how lucky I am to work where I do.

Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, said that employers should give paid time off and that other incentives are needed to boost vaccinations. He pointed to West Virginia, which is giving $100 savings bonds to young adults who get their shot.

We also need health systems and universities to mandate vaccination  that no one can be employed or on campus/medical facilities without having been vaccinated, Topol said in an email. He also said the nation needs to mount a counteroffensive against anti-vaccination websites and activists.

Other companies are getting into the spirit with marketing pitches.

Krispy Kreme began offering a free doughnut a day to anyone showing proof of having been vaccinated. In Cleveland, a movie theater is supplying free popcorn through the end of this month.

Several marijuana dispensaries around the country are giving out cannabis treats or free rolled joints. On April 20, marijuana advocates offered joints for jabs to encourage people to get vaccinated in New York City and Washington.

Some breweries around the country are offering shots and a chaser."

In Alaska, which traditionally has low vaccine confidence, the Norton Sound Health Corp., with a hospital in Nome and 15 clinics across western Alaska, has given away prizes, including airline tickets, money toward the purchase of an all-terrain vehicle, and $500 for groceries or fuel.
LONDON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- During a parliamentary address, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, revealed that the final agreement on the country's first international airport would be signed in May. The designs for the airport are currently ongoing, undertaken by reputable American firm Landrum and Browne. The Government has also arranged for new homes to be built for 32 families who will be impacted by the airport's construction, ensuring that no citizens fall through the cracks of the expansive project.

While the airport will receive backing from the People's Republic of China, it will primarily be funded by the nation's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. The CBI Programme, which invites foreign investors to become citizens of the country once investing in its economy, aims to fund national development projects. Over the last few years, the Government has channelled 5 million dollars monthly from the Programme into building an international airport. Once completed, the airport will vastly improve air access by accepting long haul flights and will undoubtedly boost tourism on the islands. Additionally, the airport will also allow the small island to diversify its economy by accessing new markets.

During the address, PM Skerrit noted that the "prudent and sensible approach [of the government] will no doubt limit the financial burden on the people of Dominica for the construction of the International Airport."

Last year, Skerrit also highlighted the opportunities the new airport will bring to the citizens and economy of Dominica: "[The airport] is going to be a major investment in our country, major opportunity for employment for a number of people, the engagement of people with heavy equipment and trucks. We are moving towards the proper registration of this, and we are looking to advance this."

The airport aligns with the small island's commitment to bolstering tourism on the island, particularly eco-tourism. In recent years, Dominica has become a top destination for nature-conscious travellers seeking health and wellness outlets. This feat has been supported heavily by the country's CBI Programme, which has funded significant initiatives on the island to expand its offering. This includes luxury eco-resorts from renowned hoteliers like Marriott, Hilton and Kempinski, and unique boutique hotels like the popular Secret Bay and Jungle Bay villas.

After coming to the island visitors, many decide to make Dominica their permanent home through the CBI Programme. American investors, particularly, have been choosing the small island due to its geographical proximity, vast economic opportunities and natural environment. Those who become Dominican citizens can enjoy travel to over 140 countries and territories, the right to live, work and study in the nation and lifelong citizenship rights, including access to social services like healthcare and education.

www.csglobalpartners.com

+447867942505

[email protected]

SOURCE CS Global Partners
OSLO, Norway, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Photocure ASA (OSE: PHO), the Bladder Cancer Company, announces the publication of its sustainability (ESG) report for 2020, renewing its commitment to transparency, corporate governance principles, sustainability and business ethics.

As a result of this commitment, Photocure has also recently become a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact.

Reflecting on ESG matters in 2020, Dan Schneider, President and CEO of Photocure said:

"At Photocure, our mission is to deliver transformative solutions to improve the lives of bladder cancer patients. We seek to do so in a responsible way. We will continue to build a high-performance corporate culture based on a foundation that values diversity, equality, and inclusion, and is respectful and operates with the highest level of integrity.

We are proud of our unique technology, making bladder cancer cells glow bright pink, which to date has helped treat over 500,000 patients worldwide. In 2020, the company had to deal with business volatility due to the global Covid-19 pandemic and I am pleased with how we managed through these unprecedented times and proud of our employees for adapting to changing working conditions and continuing to serve our patients and customers.

The most important impact is our positive contribution to patients' lives, and the economies and the societies in which we operate. This impact comes with a responsibility and requires that we comply with laws, regulations and guidelines, that we listen to our stakeholders and constantly strive to deliver quality products through responsible business operations. Being part of the solution rather than the problem is anchored in our DNA as we strive to give bladder cancer patients access to care in a sustainable way, while working to create value for our shareholders. Becoming signatory of the United Nations Global Compact anchors our commitment to doing things the right way, officially implementing the Ten Principles and holding ourselves and business partners accountable.

This year, we deliver Photocure's second sustainability report according to the GRI Standards core option. We are following up on the targets and progress for each material topic, as defined in last year's ESG report and we continue to set goals for how to improve our work in the future. I hope this report will provide valuable insights for our stakeholders and the essential information about our response to the sustainability challenges and opportunities for our business and society." Schneider concludes.

The full ESG report is attached and available at https://www.photocure.com/investor/reports-and-presentations/.

Note to editors:

All trademarks mentioned in this release are protected by law and are registered trademarks of Photocure ASA

This press release may contain product details and information which are not valid, or a product is not accessible, in your country. Please be aware that Photocure does not take any responsibility for accessing such information which may not comply with any legal process, regulation, registration or usage in the country of your origin.

About Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer ranks as the seventh most common cancer worldwide with 1 720 000 prevalent cases (5-year prevalence rate)1a, 573 000 new cases and more than 200 000 deaths annually in 2020.1b

Approx. 75% of all bladder cancer cases occur in men.1 It has a high recurrence rate with an average of 61% in year one and 78% over five years.2 Bladder cancer has the highest lifetime treatment costs per patient of all cancers.3

Bladder cancer is a costly, potentially progressive disease for which patients have to undergo multiple cystoscopies due to the high risk of recurrence. There is an urgent need to improve both the diagnosis and the management of bladder cancer for the benefit of patients and healthcare systems alike.

Bladder cancer is classified into two types, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), depending on the depth of invasion in the bladder wall. NMIBC remains in the inner layer of cells lining the bladder. These cancers are the most common (75%) of all BC cases and include the subtypes Ta, carcinoma in situ (CIS) and T1 lesions. In MIBC the cancer has grown into deeper layers of the bladder wall. These cancers, including subtypes T2, T3 and T4, are more likely to spread and are harder to treat.4

1 Globocan. a) 5-year prevalence / b) incidence/mortality by population. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed [April 2021].2 Babjuk M, et al. Eur Urol. 2019; 76(5): 639-6573 Sievert KD et al. World J Urol 2009;27:2953004 Bladder Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer.html

About Hexvix/Cysview (hexaminolevulinate HCl)

Hexvix/Cysview is a drug that preferentially accumulates in cancer cells in the bladder making them glow bright pink during Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC). BLC with Hexvix /Cysview improves the detection of tumors and leads to more complete resection, fewer residual tumors and better management decisions.

Cysview is the tradename in the U.S. and Canada, Hexvix is the tradename in all other markets. Photocure is commercializing Cysview/Hexvix directly in the U.S. and Europe, and has strategic partnerships for the commercialization of Hexvix/Cysview in China, Canada, Chile, Australia and New Zealand. Please refer to https://photocure.com/partnering-with-photocure/our-partners/ for further information on our commercial partners.

About Photocure ASA

Photocure: The Bladder Cancer Company delivers transformative solutions to improve the lives of bladder cancer patients. Our unique technology, making cancer cells glow bright pink, has led to better health outcomes for patients worldwide. Photocure is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: PHO). For more information, please visit us at www.photocure.com, www.hexvix.com, www.cysview.com

For further information, please contact:

Dan Schneider

President and CEO

Photocure ASA

Tel: + 1-609 759-6515

Email: [email protected]

Erik Dahl

Chief Financial Officer

Tel: +47 450 55 000

Email: [email protected]

David Moskowitz

Head of Investor Relations

Tel: +1 202 280 0888

Email: [email protected]

Media Enquiries:

Geir Bjrlo

Corporate Communications (Norway)

Tel: +47 91540000

Email: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/photocure/r/photocure-publishes-its-2020-esg-report,c3337220

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Public/17498/3337220/8abce19e3c7d6976.pdf Photocure - ESG Report 2020

SOURCE Photocure
Apartment buildings in Seoul / Yonhap



By Scott Shepherd




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 2021 Contact: Press@Michigan.gov PHOTOS: Gov. Whitmer Joins National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week Event in Clinton Township, Visits M-59 Rebuilding Michigan Construction Site LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited the M-59 Hall Rd. Rebuilding Michigan project in Clinton Township for a National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week event to encourage drivers to exercise caution in work zones as workers begin the construction season to repair our state's roads and bridges. She was joined by Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "We must all do our part to keep the roads safe for our workers during this construction season," said Governor Whitmer. "Stay alert in construction zones, follow all posted signs, and slow down to protect our construction workers and save a life. Orange construction barrels are a positive sign that we're fixing the roads, but they are also a reminder to exercise caution." National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual event that focuses national attention on worker and motorist safety in work zones. This year marks the 21th anniversary of the first national event, held in Virginia in 2000. The site where the kick-off event is held now alternates each year from being hosted in the Washington, D.C., area to different locations across the United States. MDOT hosted the 2021 National Work Zone Awareness Week kick-off event with the theme, "Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives." The M-59 project is part of a $63 million Rebuilding Michigan investment that would rebuild and improve approximately 4.5 miles of M-59 from Romeo Plank Road to I-94 and support 800 jobs. This project is expected to be completed in November 2022. In January 2020, the State Transportation Commission (STC) authorized MDOT to issue $3.5 billion in bonds over four years to finance infrastructure improvements, under authority granted by the Michigan Constitution and Public Act 51 of 1951. Funding raised through bond sales will finance new projects throughout the state, and frees up funding already dedicated to those project for other projects, expanding the scope of that work or advancing project schedules. ###
The Aiken City Council will meet Wednesday evening to consider rescinding the citys mask mandate, which was approved and instituted late last year as coronavirus cases surged across the U.S.

The special meeting, set for 5 p.m. at the downtown Municipal Building, was requested by Mayor Rick Osbon.

One of the reasons we put the mask ordinance in was to help prevent an overrun of our health care providers. Theyre not having an issue of being overrun with COVID. Our numbers of COVID are going down, the mayor told the Aiken Standard. I think this is a natural step.

If the resolution passes Wednesday as written, citywide mask rules would expire 6 a.m. Thursday. The timeframe, though, could be amended.

A simple majority  four out of seven, if all City Council members attend  is needed to pass a resolution.

City Council member Andrea Gregory on Friday said she would absolutely vote in favor of nixing the mandate. She had been in contact with Osbon about the matter.

It appears most people are in favor of just going ahead and moving forward, Gregory explained, and I support that.

City Council member Gail Diggs, on the other hand, said she would not support the measure; it was too soon, she argued, and premature action could unwind hard-fought progress.

We dont have enough people vaccinated yet, she said, adding, If we were at a higher level, yes, Id be in favor of it.

About 31% of South Carolina residents have been fully vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing the disease, especially severe illness and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

City Council first enacted mask rules in July, on an emergency basis, around the time Osbon tested positive for COVID-19. The emergency policy required a supermajority vote every two months for renewal  unwieldy in the long term and susceptible to preliminary data and mercurial public opinion.

City Council installed a more enduring mask mandate in November, a divisive move meant to combat the spread of the virus ahead of the busy holiday season.

S.C. Governor Henry McMaster in a recent tweet urged municipalities to repeal their respective regulations: "Local cities and counties need to drop any remaining restrictions they have in place. Its time to wrap this up or I will do it for them!" A memo from Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh acknowledged McMaster's threat.

Neither Aiken County nor North Augusta instituted a face-coverings requirement. Both, though, recommended the use of them.

Check back with the Aiken Standard. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Monday marked Memorial Day in Southern Rhode Island and, with it, the unofficial start of the summer season. With the worst of the coronavirus pandemic behind us and summer businesses in the area flourishing, now may be the perfect time to travel for the first time since early 2020. Do you plan to travel outside of Rhode Island this summer? Let us know in this week's poll question below.

You voted:
The 2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV will eventually be available at Carl Black Buick GMC of Roswell. Until then, shoppers can learn about the vehicle on the dealership's website!

After last years unveiling of the 2022 GMC HUMMER EV pickup truck, fans of the all-electric supertruck were eager for the reveal of its SUV counterpart, as the GMC brand announced the model would be available in both body styles. Earlier this month, that vehicle was indeed revealed, and it will be joining the lineup for the 2024 model year.

The staff at Carl Black Buick GMC of Roswell jumped at the opportunity to start providing details on the new 2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV to residents of Roswell, Georgia, and the surrounding area by adding a model research page to its website. This page highlights some of the specifications and features and other details regarding the vehicle and includes easy access to the dealerships inventory so that shoppers will be able to find it more easily once it arrives in the showroom.

Another page looks at both the HUMMER EV SUV and the HUMMER EV pickup truck in a side-by-side comparison, highlighting some of the similarities and differences between the two models. Shoppers interested in learning more about either version of the new GMC HUMMER EV lineup can find all sorts of information on the dealerships blog as well, highlighting many of the different specifications, features, technologies and other details of each vehicle.

Residents in the area interested in checking out either of these pages or finding the dealerships blog are encouraged to head over to its website, http://www.carlblackroswell.com. Specific questions about either vehicle can be directed to the sales team at 888-491-7859. Carl Black Buick GMC of Roswell is located at 11225 Alpharetta Highway.
YIRRAMBOI  tomorrow in the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung languages  is Australias only First Nations-led arts and cultural festival, and will feature more than 150 events across 11 days. Alongside cabaret, circus, theatre, music, and comedy, one of the highlights is Barring Yanabul, a city-wide takeover of the CBD across more than 40 locations. The only way my people can feel proud about ourselves in our own country is to actually see ourselves in it, says Martin. Credit:Simon Schluter Martin is a direct descendant of the Briggs family and her Boonwurrung ancestral lands extend from the Werribee River inland Melbourne, Port Phillip and Western Port Bays and along the coast to Wilsons Promontory. Were a fresh-water-and-seafood peoples. The whole of the peninsula is predominantly a midden site, created by my ancestors over thousands of years. We have two bays: Western Port, which is Merrin, and Port Phillip, which is Narrm  people think Narrm is Melbourne, but its actually the Boonwurrung word for Port Philip Bay.

On cue, an enormous plate of chili crabs and mussels appears, along with the necessary accoutrements. This is definitely not first-date food, says Martin, as we both struggle with our crab legs. Not first-date food: Claypots Chilli Crabs with mussels and rice. Credit:Simon Schluter Martins mother is Boonwurrung elder NArweet Carolyn Briggs, and her great-great grandmother is Louisa Briggs, born on the coast near Melbourne in 1835, and kidnapped from Point Nepean  near what is now Portsea  by sealers when she was a young girl. She was taken to an island off Tasmania and put to work for the sealers. Around the age of 18 she returned to Victoria with her husband, John Briggs, living first in the goldfields and then at the Coranderrk Mission, where she worked as Matron.

But Louisa also took on the stations administration, petitioning for an inquiry into the conditions, writing to colony officials regularly and was the first Aboriginal woman to be documented in Hansard. Loading I come from a very long line of strong women, she says. Louisa was also the first Aboriginal woman documented in The Argus [the first newspaper of the colony] and identified as a most resolute woman, says Martin. Martin had the privilege of growing up surrounded by other strong First Nations women  Aunty Marge Tucker, Aunty Molly Dyer, Aunty Eva Briggs ... I could go on  and of course her mum, who won National Female Elder of the Year in 2011 and last year completed her PhD. Shes incredible  theres a lot to live up to there! Martin has been doing just that since she was a teenager; at 17, she was chairperson of the Bendigo Local Aboriginal Education group, and at 19 vice-president of Bendigo Aboriginal Co-op. She then initiated and managed the Koorie Early Childhood Field Officer (KECFO) program with the Department of Human Services, to increase Koorie participation in mainstream pre-schools.

Before she and her team started, Koorie participation levels were 36 percent; within six months of the program, that increased to 68 percent. Loading I recognised back then that if our kids are growing up engaging with their culture in a culturally safe mainstream environment, from when theyre four and our cultures are being seen as the norm by the wider community, then theyll grow up through the mainstream education system, with a very different experience to us, she says. From there, she took on the role of manager of Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum, the first woman to lead it. During her 12 years there, she managed the development of the First Peoples exhibition, which has won national and international awards for best practice in community engagement and design. Much of Bunjilakas development was informed by the Churchill Fellowship Martin was awarded in 2009, with her chosen topic of intangible cultural knowledge and how to create tangible experiences  essentially, how to tell a story of a culture with a predominantly oral history with a scarcity of Victorian cultural material.

In Victoria, a lot of our cultural materials and ancestral remains were stolen and traded with other institutions around the world, says Martin. Or simply just destroyed. When I started, the museum actually said I couldnt tell the history of Koorie Victoria as there wasnt enough cultural material and no anthropological expertise. Martin recalls her swift response: The strength of my identity doesnt come from a boomerang but the longest surviving living oral culture in the world  and we are the experts of our own culture. Loading When she started in 2004, the Indigenous exhibitions were predominantly about people from the Top End of Australia, something she says has been problematic all over the world. This was because the anthropological experts only concentrated on these areas, as this is where the bulk of their research and cultural material was collected from. Because of these types of exhibitions, people tend to think we are one homogenous group that all play didgeridoos and do dot paintings and that real Aboriginal people come from central [Australia] and the Top End; with respect, we have our own distinct cultures and identity, and as a passionate Koorie, I wanted to create a space where people could learn about us, the history of what is now Victoria in Victoria. Martins Churchill Fellowship took her to London, Berlin, Finland, Paris, New York, Washington, and the Arctic Circle, and she found inspiration in immersing herself in Holocaust museums and the stories of migrants arriving in America.

Receipt for lunch at Claypots, St Kilda. The Holocaust museums enabled me the evidence, whereby you can tell a history without cultural materials, as most of their narratives were through a single suitcase; the biggest experience in First Peoples exhibition is Bunjils nest and the stunning narrative about our creator Bunjil, and as youll see that there are only a few but very significant cultural materials made from our ancestors  the majority is made up of new cultural material inspired by our ancestors and our oral history, she says. Its the only mainstream institution in the world that has an exhibition about First Nations peoples in our own narrative and not that of the museums. After leaving Bunjilaka, Martin set up her own cultural strengthening and consultancy business, Yalukit Marnang. Part of the business sees Martin facilitating programs for young First Nations women and girls who dont have many opportunities to engage with their culture. We take them on cultural camps and teach them the cultural importance of the areas we visit, through the wisdom of local elders, the importance of being proud of their identity, through story, language, dance and most importantly connection, she says. In late 2018, Martin was approached to head up YIRRAMBOI and sees it as a logical step in her goal of enabling her people to see themselves  when my people shine, I shine.
Shana Mathur Appointed Chief Strategy and External Relations Office of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) today announced that Shana Mathur, a recognized leader in the management of non-profit cultural institutions, has been named to the newly created position of Chief Strategy and External Relations Officer.

She will report directly to President and Director Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga and will be responsible for crafting the vision and executing the strategy for the NHMLAC brand and experience that attracts new fans, members, donors, and participants in life-long engagement; driving brand awareness and community engagement to increase the sphere of influence and market share for the museum in Los Angeles and beyond; and providing effective executive direction and management to the marketing strategy, communications, creative, enterprise and guest experience functions of NHMLAC, all while bringing a focus on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access to all aspects of her work. Mathur will join the Museums in July 2021.

NHMLAC is the organization that oversees the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) in Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall.

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Shana Mathurs deep experience in drawing the public toward leading cultural organizations and engaging Southern Californias diverse audiences will help NHMLAC heighten our service to our communities and enhance our ability to share our research and collections far and wide, said Dr. Bettison-Varga. We are excited to have her join our team and look forward to her energetic, expert support in fulfilling our mission to the public and the field.

Mathur was Chief Marketing Officer at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association from 2008- 2018, where she oversaw marketing, sales, and customer experience at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.

She produced record-breaking sales and audience growth through innovative campaigns, from the introduction of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel to the LA Phils Centennial. She built award-winning digital and audience engagement initiatives for the LA Phil and rebranded the organization to facilitate its evolution as a more inclusive partner to the communities of Los Angeles.

After leaving the LA Phil, Mathur was an independent consultant from 2018 to 2020, providing strategic planning, branding, marketing, communications, and operations counsel to cultural nonprofits including the San Francisco Symphony, Oregon Symphony, San Diego Symphony (for its new waterfront venue The Shell), filmmaker Ava DuVernays non-profit ARRAY Alliance, and others.

She is currently serving as Chief External Affairs Officer for The Broad Stage, a performing arts producer and presenter affiliated with Santa Monica College. In her role she leads development, marketing, and communications activity and is the organizations steward for equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. She will leave her post on June 1, 2021.

Mathurs commitment to cultural advocacy is amplified through her role as a Board member of Arts for LA, an organization that generates public will to support the arts. She is an adjunct faculty member at Claremont Graduate University, where she teaches a course in Marketing and Strategic Communications for the Arts. Mathur holds a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and an M.B.A. from Baruch Colleges Zicklin School of Business at the City University of New York.
China successfully launches core module for its space station, kicking off intense construction phase

(Global Times) 10:58, April 30, 2021

China has successfully sent the first section of its own space station - the Tianhe core module cabin - into preset orbit via a Long March-5B Y2 carrier rocket from Wenchang spaceport in South China's Hainan Province on Thursday, kicking off an intense construction phase of the project.

Encased in the extra-large fairing of the country's state-of-the-art Long March-5B launch vehicle, the 16.6-meter-long, 4.2-meter-diameter Tianhe (literally meaning Harmony in Heaven) core module, rose from the tropical island province of Hainan at 11:23 am on Thursday morning. After a flight time of around one hour, the solar panels onboard the spacecraft smoothly unfolded and functioned normally, marking the mission's complete success, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA.)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday offered his congratulationsregarding the successful launch of the core module of China's space station, noting that the mission's success marks the entry of China's space station construction into the full implementation stage, which lays a solid foundation for follow-up tasks.

Xi said in his congratulatory message, "I hope you will vigorously carry forward both the spirit of 'Two Bombs and One Satellite' and the spirit of manned spaceflight, be self-dependent and innovative to achieve victory in space station construction, and contribute to building a modern socialist country!"

The 22-ton Tianhe module will serve as the management and control center for China's future space station while hosting three astronauts for long-term in-orbit missions, the Global Times learned from the space station program contractor, the state-owned aerospace giant China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

The Tianhe module, the largest, heaviest and most complicated spacecraft that China has developed to date, will provide astronauts a living and working space of approximately 50 cubic meters. This space will increase to some 110 cubic meters once the other two experiment modules are in place, CASC said.

As China officially starts implementing construction of its own space station on Thursday, space analysts said they believe that the country has earned its last piece of the big ticket to join the space power club, as it has conquered the every threshold to be counted among the calibre.

There is no doubt that China has become one of the very few countries in the world that have successfully retrieved lunar samples, and managed to send a robotic probe into Mars' orbit, the rover, of which is also expected to land on the Red Planet soon, and at the same time mastered almost every key technology for manned space flight, said Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine.

Wang stressed that China has proceeded in a more pragmatic and measured fashion than both the US and the Soviet Union in their space race during the Cold War.

Dubbed the go-to rocket type for the space station module launch missions, the 53.66-meter-long Long March-5B, a shorter variant of Long March-5, has the largest 5.2-meter-diameter fairing of 20.5 meters in height, equivalent to a six-floor building, according to the rocket developer the China's Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) under the CASC.

Compared to the Long March-5 type, which is more suitable for deep space exploration tasks including the lunar and Mars missions, Long March-5B excels in its launch capability to the low Earth orbit, developers at the CALT told the Global Times.

As the first runner of this relay-like mission, Long March-5B successfully delivered the core module launch section to the set orbit that is some 120- to 600-kilometers in low Earth orbit, they said.

Photo: Su Dong

30-year pursuit

Tianhe will be the first section of China's three-module space station, which is expected to be operational by around 2022, exactly three decades after the nation approved the Project 921 to develop human spaceflight in 1992.

An intense schedule of 11 launches has been set for the construction of China's space station which started Thursday and go through 2022. Three will be for modules, four for cargo spaceships and four for manned spaceships.

Following the core module's launch, the cargo spaceship Tianzhou-2 is expected to be sent into space in May if the system evaluation goes smoothly. The Shenzhou-12 crewed spacecraft is scheduled for launch in June, sending three astronauts into orbit for about three months, during which the regenerative life support system and maintenance will be tested.

The Tianzhou-3 cargo spaceship and Shenzhou-13 manned spaceship will be launched in September and October respectively, and three astronauts onboard the Shenzhou-13 spaceship will spend six months in orbit, which will be the "new normal" for future crew deployment, according to CMSA.

CMSA has referred to the maiden flight of the Long March-5B rocket in May 2020 and the five launches this year as the "key technology verification phase," while six other missions, including those for two lab capsules, set for next year, will be the "in-orbit construction phase."

Once built, China's space station, slated to operate at a 400-kilometer low Earth orbit, will also mark the final phase of China's three-step manned space development.

The development of manned spaceships was the first part of the program, during which China also achieved human space entry and exit. China sent its first astronaut, Yang Liwei, into orbit in October 2003, marking the highlight of the first stage.

China has overcome technological breakthroughs including spacewalks outside the cabin, docking in space and astronauts' medium-term stays, in the second phase, marked by the Tiangong-1 and -2 space labs. The country also carried out successful verification for in-orbit supply transfers during this stage.

Tiangong-2 crew member Chen Dong spent 33 days in space, setting a new benchmark in China manned space missions.

Photo: CAST

Smaller but more advanced than ISS

China's space station will be an extendable T-shaped form, with the core module at the center, cargo and crewed spaceships at each end, and two lab capsules named Wentian and Mengtian on each side.

The leading developer of China's space station is tasked with "supporting astronauts for long-term stays and large-scale space experiments, to engage in international cooperation that contributes to the peaceful development of space, and to gain experiences for future deep-space crewed missions," China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) explained.

Compared to the International Space Station (ISS), which weighs some 420 tons and is the largest orbital platform to date developed and built by 16 countries including the US, Russia, Canada and Japan over 12 years, "China's space station may not be as big but is more cost-efficient and technologically advanced in some areas, which can fully meet the demands of various kinds of space applications, " Bo Linhou, vice chief designer of Tianhe core module, said in a group interview prior to the launch.

By completion, the three modules of the space station will weigh more than 60 tons, and the whole space station will reach some 100 tons in weight when the modules are connected with the docking manned and cargo spaceships, according to Hao Chun, director of CMSA.

One of the key technologies that will be used onboard China's space station and will be tested on the core module is the urine processing and regenerative system, said Li Jiandong, senior engineer in charge of the system.

Bo also cited a number of new technologies applied on the core module, including information technology that allows broader bandwidth between space and Earth, as well as smart home applications that can be controlled via phone apps, providing a cozier living environment for astronauts onboard. Wireless communication is also installed using adapted wi-fi and Bluetooth technologies.

The room for in-cabin activities has expanded greatly compared to the Tiangong-1 and -2, which is over 100 cubic meters compared to the previous 15 cubic meters.

The faster network speed also allows more complex experiments to be conducted in China's space labs, Bo added, something the previous Tiangong-1 and -2 could not realize due to limited bandwidth. Now, with the capability of downloading larger quantities of data from space to the ground, more types of experiments can be carried out on China's space station.

China's space station is set to operate for 10 years and can be extended to 15 years with proper repair and maintenance, CAST explained.

Steps to build China's space station Infographic: Jin Jianyu/GT

As for the software onboard, Bo said it will not need an upgrade under normal circumstances as the R&D team already took into consideration the parts where maintenance will be needed in the future before its rollout. But if an upgrade is required, the network speed should be fast enough to support a new version to be uploaded from ground control center to space.

Another purpose for building the space station is to accumulate experiences for future deep space missions, including those to the Moon. The renewable life support system to be tested in space will further explore the possibility of growing grain and vegetables, eventually realizing a self-sufficient cycle on the Moon, Bo said.

Elaborating on space cooperation, Bo told the Global Times that it will mainly be carried out in payload experiments.

"Scientists from China and other foreign partners could jointly develop a payload device that will be brought to the station by cargo spacecraft, and after experiments are completed in orbit, the data could be shared with the international community."

He added that for foreign astronauts intending to board the space station, they can either take China's Shenzhou manned spaceships or launch their own and dock it with the station, but a docking mechanism in line with Chinese standards is required, which is different from the mechanism currently used by the ISS.

The Global Times has also learned from CAST that the Tianhe core module, the control center of the station, is able to accommodate the parking of up to three spacecraft.

Photo:Shi Xiao

International platform

China has been engaged in exchange and cooperation with international space agencies including Russia's Roscosmos and the European Space Agency (ESA), which played a positive role in the construction of China's space station. "We are willing to work with any space institutes that are peace loving and devoted to the peaceful use of space," Hao Chun, director of the China Manned Space Agency, told the Global Times, when asked whether China has plans to work with international space agencies and scientists including NASA.

However, the US legal instrument known as the "Wolf Amendment," which restricts any exchange of information between NASA and the China National Space Agency or other Chinese space organizations, has brought an end to the China-US space cooperation, Hao noted.

Hao also disclosed that "there will be foreign astronauts participating in China's manned space flight, and working and staying in China's space station."

"Many of them have been learning Chinese for this purpose. And China will carry out work to select foreign astronauts for joint flight missions as our construction of the space station proceeds," he said.

"Many of them have been learning Chinese for such purpose. And China will carry concerning work to select foreign astronauts for joint flight missions, as our construction of space station proceeds," he said.

A Reuters report quickly following the successful launch of the Tianhe core module on Thursday, said that in contrast, the fate of the ageing ISS - in orbit for more than two decades - remains uncertain, as the project is set to expire in 2024, barring funding from its partners. Russia said recently that it would quit the project from 2025.

It is good news for humanity that China's space station will very likely fill the void, and even better news for developing countries that have yet to cultivate their own space capabilities, Wang'Yanan, told the Global Times.

Compared to the US-dominated ISS, which is more of a party of powers since beginning, China's space station would be more inclusive in getting developing countries involved, and provide a platform for anyone on the basis of equality, win-win cooperation and mutual respect, Wang explained.

China's space station program Infographic: Xu Zihe/GT

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
Pfizer will begin their shipment of U.S.-made COVID-19 vaccines to Mexico this week. The vaccine shipment that will be delivered to Mexico will be coming from the company's plant in Kalamazoo, Reuters reported. The shipment marks to be the first time the company will deliver abroad vaccines made from the United States.

READ NEXT: Mexico's COVID-19 Death Toll Becomes the World's 2nd Highest After Data Revision

Pfizer to Ship U.S.-Made Vaccines to Mexico

Mexico already received 10 million vaccine doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. Last Wednesday, Mexico's health ministry has confirmed that the country received more than a million doses from Belgium. Furthermore, the country is also waiting for another million doses this week.

Moreover, the health ministry of the country also confirmed with Reuters that it will receive two million vaccine doses from Pfizer this week. However, the outlet was not able to confirm if the anticipated two million doses will come from Pfizer's plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Pfizer will utilize their facilities in the United States to supply and deliver shots abroad while fulfilling its commitment to supply the country. Apart from the Michigan plant, Pfizer will also supply vaccines from their Belgium branch.

Reuters noted that the company expects to produce as many as 2.5 billion vaccine doses in 2021. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical giant has already agreements to supply more than a billion vaccine doses.

It can be remembered that Pfizer offers a 95 percent efficacy rate against coronavirus beginning 28 days after the first dose. It was consistent among age, gender, race, and ethnicity demographics. Meanwhile, it is 94 percent effective on adults aging 65 years old and older.

Pfizer Identified Counterfeit Version of their COVID-19 vaccines

Pfizer's shipment of their U.S.-made vaccine to Mexico follows the company's recognition of a counterfeit version of their vaccine jab.

Last week, about 80 people were reported to receive the fake Pfizer vaccine doses in Mexico, Wall Street Journal reported. The outlet pointed out that the individuals who received the fake vaccines are not physically harmed.

The pharmaceutical giant said in a statement, that because of the convenience of buying things online, fraud and counterfeit will be increased.

"Pfizer has extensive experience in criminal risk mitigation and is collaborating with BioNTech to make to take meaningful steps," said Pfizer adding that they will work on reducing the risk of illegal vaccine activity.

In the last 24 hours, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded 3,592 new COVID cases in Mexico. Meanwhile, 434 new COVID-related deaths were recorded by the organization in the same timeframe. Moreover, As of April 22, 2021, the country vaccinated a total of 11,622,868 doses.

Details on the exact time and day of the U.S.-made Pfizer vaccines shipment to Mexico are not yet available. But because of this, the pharmaceutical giant became the country's largest supplier of COVID-19 vaccine.

READ MORE: Mexico Unsure if Seized Russian Sputnik V Vaccines Are Real or Fake

WATCH: Watch how Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine is being distributed across the U.S.- from CNBC Television
The apartment company of Jared Kushner violated Marylands consumer protection laws numerous times at Baltimore-area properties by collecting debts without the required licenses, charging tenants improper fees, and misrepresenting the condition of rental units, a judge has ruled.

In a 252-page decision issued Thursday, Administrative Law Judge Emily Daneker found that violations by Westminster Management and the company JK2 were widespread and numerous.

Kushner  the son-in-law of former president Donald J. Trump  and his brother Joshua each held 50% interest in JK2, according to the legal filing. Westminster is the successor to that company.

Attorney General Brian Frosh, a Democrat, in 2019 sued Westminster and the 25 companies that owned apartment communities that it managed, alleging they took advantage of financially vulnerable consumers in Maryland.

While finding many violations of consumer protection laws, Daneker did not agree with all of the allegations of the attorney generals offices Consumer Protection Division.

She found the division did not establish that the companies violated the law by misrepresenting their ability to provide maintenance services. She also said they were not committing some violations during the entire period alleged by the division.

The Kushner Cos. characterized the decision as vindicating Westminster, which it owns.

Kushner respects the thoughtful depth of the Judges decision, which vindicates Westminster with respect to many of the Attorney Generals overreaching allegations, the Kushner Cos. general counsel, Christopher W. Smith, said in a statement to The Baltimore Sun.

Westminster has repeatedly alleged that Froshs case was politically motivated.

In her ruling, Daneker found no evidence of that.

The evidence does not establish differential treatment or selective enforcement based on any politically motivated basis, as opposed to motivation to protect Maryland consumers, she wrote.

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Froshs office did not comment on the ruling, citing the ongoing litigation.

The wide-ranging case dealt with issues from maintenance problems such as mold and rodents, to fees charged to the consumers.

Daneker heard months of testimony, from September to December. Witnesses included government officials and numerous current and former tenants and employees of the apartments in question.

Most of the properties are located in Baltimore County, including the communities of Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River and Randallstown. There are also some in Baltimore City and Prince Georges County.

Daneker found Westminster charged illegal fees thousands of times.

Maryland law only allows landlords to charge up to $25 to process an application. But the properties in the case charged between $35 to $50 to at least 15,289 consumers, according to Danekers decision.

Westminster and JK2 also charged tenants $12 agent fees related to court filings, for costs the companies had not actually incurred. The companies did this more than 28,000 times, with the wrongly charged agent fees totaling more than $332,000, the judge wrote.

In addition, the companies charged tenants at Dutch Village and Pleasantview in Baltimore $80 as a pass-through fee for court costs, even though the amount incurred was only $50.

This occurred a total of 2,642 times over the course of more than two years, Daneker wrote. These circumstances do not support a finding that this was the result of isolated or inadvertent mistakes.

The judge found that tenants were misled frequently about the conditions of the apartments before they moved in. Often, they were only shown model units and werent allowed to see their actual apartment until move-in day.

One man described his experience at the Charlesmont apartments in Dundalk in 2014. He was shown a unit that looked like it had just been remodeled, but the unit he got had dirty carpet and smelled like a litter box. His kitchen ceiling collapsed the night he moved in. Management never made repairs despite repeated complaints, so the man bought supplies at Home Depot and fixed the ceiling himself. His employer paid for the carpet to be cleaned.

Another woman testified that in 2013, she was shown a nice, newly painted and updated unit at the Carriage Hill apartments in Randallstown. But when she moved in, she found mouse holes in the apartment they gave her. The rodents were an ongoing problem, with the woman finding droppings on her stove and counter, and hearing mice in the walls.

In another finding, Daneker said that Dutch Village and Pleasantview at times lacked the proper city rental licenses. During these periods, the properties were not legally permitted to offer units for rent, or to charge or collect rent.

Both sides have 30 days to file responses to Danekers decision.

An official with the Consumer Protection Division will issue a final order, which could address penalties and restitution. Either side could appeal that ruling to state court.

Frosh has previously estimated the damages could total millions of dollars.

Kushner Cos. recently said it would sell about half of its Baltimore-area apartment complexes, including some named in the attorney generals lawsuit.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-01 00:08:38|Editor: huaxia

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FREETOWN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The economic and cultural ties between Sierra Leone and China have further deepened over the past 50 years, a senior Sierra Leonean official said Friday.

Abass Bundu, Speaker of Sierra Leone's Parliament, made the remarks during a symposium organized by the Chinese embassy in Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists.

He underscored that China's experience of economic development also holds lessons for the West African country, saying Sierra Leone is also capable of doing the same with the help of the experience.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Sierra Leone.

On his part, the Chinese ambassador to Sierra Leone Hu Zhangliang said the past 50 years have proven that China and Sierra Leone are genuine friends with tangible developmental results.

He noted China has provided supports in difficult times, such as the Ebola outbreak in 2014, the mudslide disaster in 2017, and under the current COVID-19.

"During the 50 years, Sierra Leone has also been providing valuable support to China," said Hu, adding that Sierra Leone has always been an active member of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and contributed positively to the development of the FOCAC mechanism.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Foreign Affairs in Sierra Leone Ibrahim Ben Kargbo said China has played a key role in promoting world peace and the cordial ties between China and Sierra Leone which have come a very long way will continue to flourish. Enditem
In 1923, the British military governor of Jerusalem named intersecting downtown streets after King George V and Hebrew lexicographer Eliezer Ben-Yehuda.

(Israel21C via JNS) - Jerusalem is a city of history. Much of that history can be found in the ancient structures of the Old City.

However, there's an aspect of Jerusalem's history that is much more subtly integrated into its geography: its street names.

Many roads throughout the capital city are named after important figures in local and Jewish history. While there are obvious ones, such as Herzl Street and Balfour Street, many names on street signs pay tribute to lesser-known personalities.

ISRAEL21c brings to you 10 streets in Jerusalem named after influential individuals of the past.

B...
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VANCOUVER, BC, April 30, 2021 /CNW/ - CubicFarm Systems Corp. (TSXV: CUB) ("CubicFarms" or the "Company"), a local chain agricultural technology company, today announced its financial results for the transition year1 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2020.

CubicFarm Systems Corp. Logo (CNW Group/CubicFarm Systems Corp.)

"CubicFarms is well-positioned for scalable growth in 2021 with the addition of several key members in our sales, technology, engineering, and operations teams," said Dave Dinesen, CEO of CubicFarms. "CubicFarms is a research-driven technology company that recently formed a Scientific Advisory Board with some of the world's best minds working on our technology to feed a changing world. With the SAB's expertise, our R&D spending has increased by 197% and are continuously improving our CubicFarms and HydroGreen growing systems, resulting in new customers within Canada, the U.S., and internationally. We're attracting top talent like Edo De Martin, formerly of Microsoft, as our Chief Technology Officer. CubicFarms has a clear ESG strategy, solidifying our status as a significant player in the Controlled Environment Agriculture industry and a leader in local chain ag-tech."

"The Company made significant operational progress in the second half of calendar 2020 and afterwards," said Tim Fernback, Chief Financial Officer at CubicFarms. "As we look ahead in 2021, we have a solid financial footing with a great balance sheet and 157 CubicFarms modules under contract, valued at an estimated USD$21 million to the Company. Another significant advancement is the contract signing of the beta test of our commercial scale HydroGreen Vertical Pastures fresh livestock feed growing technology at a beef and dairy cattle farm in Wyoming with a herd size of 17,000. Research and data collection from the HydroGreen Vertical Pastures will be ongoing on farm and will contribute to our plant and animal science understanding as well as how the HydroGreen technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions."

Story continues

Six Month Fiscal 2020 Financial Results

During the six months ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $624,774 in revenue, compared to $560,841 for the three months ended December 31, 2019, representing an increase of 11 per cent.

The Company's net loss of $10,125,563 for the six-month period ended December 31, 2020, increased by approximately 138%, compared to a net loss of $4,267,196 during the same period in the previous fiscal year.

During the six months ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded general administrative expenses of $5,630,856, compared to $3,216,366 for the six months ended December 31, 2019, representing an increase of 75% per cent.

The Company's research and development expenses of $2,355,931 for the six-month period ended December 31, 2020, increased by approximately 197%, compared to $792,012 during the same period in the previous fiscal year.

The Company's selling expenses of $745,390 for the six-month period ended December 31, 2020, increased by 241%, compared to $218,731 during the same period in the previous fiscal year.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $16,206,535, compared to $3,604,412 as of June 30, 2020, representing an increase of 350%.

Six Month Fiscal 2020 Operational Highlights

On October 8, 2020, the Company announced the appointment of Dan Schmidt as Senior Vice President of Global Sales. In Schmidt's new role, he is responsible for growing and leading the Company's global sales strategy as it enters its next phase of rapid growth.

On November 23, 2020, the Company announced the sale of a commercial scale CubicFarm System to Aright Greentech Canada Ltd. ("Aright"), a British Columbia-based agriculture investor-operator, to grow commercial quantities of fresh produce for retail markets in the Abbotsford and Chilliwack regions in B.C., Canada. Aright is an international company with interests in environmentally focused companies in India and other countries, and this B.C. launch is a soft pilot project with the potential for a future international roll-out. The Company's commercial agreement with Aright for the sale of 16 CubicFarm modules includes 14 growing modules, two propagation modules, and an irrigation system, representing a total value of approximately C$2.8 million (including installation and shipping) in sales revenue to the Company. The system is expected to be installed in Abbotsford by August of 2021.

On November 25, 2020, the Company announced sale of commercial scale system to Vertical Acres Farm LLC ("Vertical Acres"), an Indiana-based produce company, to grow commercial quantities of fresh produce for the region. The Company's commercial agreement with Vertical Acres is for the sale of 21 CubicFarm System modules, including 17 cultivators, three propagators, and one fertigator. The agreement, which includes a deposit received from Vertical Acres, represents approximately C$3.8 million in anticipated revenue to the Company. The technology is expected to be installed in Indiana in the first half of 2021.

On December 14, 2020, the Company announced the sale of commercial scale systems in Metropolitan Vancouver to 1241876 B.C. Ltd., doing business as FutureLife Produce ("FutureLife"). The sale of 10 CubicFarm System modules represents approximately C$1.7 million in sales revenue to the Company. FutureLife is constructing CubicFarms' largest vertical farming system installation to date with a 100-module project currently planned to operate in Surrey, B.C., and wishes to install an additional 10 modules at a strategic location to service the local food services market. The Company is in the preliminary stages of equipment selection and overall site selection with FutureLife, which may result in a modification of the overall equipment needs to accommodate sales of produce within the metropolitan Vancouver market.

On December 15, 2020, the Company announced that it entered into an agreement with Raymond James Ltd. as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, the "Underwriters"), pursuant to which the Underwriters agreed to purchase, on a "bought deal" basis, 11,111,111 common shares (the "Common Shares") in the capital of the Company at a price of C$0.90 per Common Share (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of approximately C$10,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Company agreed to grant the Underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Common Shares issued under the Offering at the Issue Price, exercisable in whole or in part at any time for a period ending 30 days from the closing of the Offering. In addition, CubicFarms entered into a subscription agreement with existing shareholder Harry DeWit, CEO and President of BlueSky Farms, LLC ("BlueSky Farms"), a Texas and Ohio-based dairy and farming business, pursuant to which BlueSky Farms will purchase common shares on a private placement basis at the Issue Price for gross proceeds to CubicFarms of up to C$5,000,000 (the "Concurrent Private Placement"). The net proceeds from the Offering and Concurrent Private Placement will be used to support CubicFarms' continued global growth, R&D efforts to optimize module yields, automation, and functionality, to expand addressable crop varieties, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

On December 21, 2020, the Company announced the closing of its equity financing consisting of the Offering and Concurrent Private Placement. Pursuant to the Offering, the Company issued a total of 12,777,777 Common Shares at a price of C$0.90 per Common Share for gross proceeds to the Company of C$11,499,999, which includes the exercise, in full, by the Underwriters of the over-allotment option granted by the Company to purchase an additional 1,666,666 Common Shares at a price of C$0.90 per Common Share. In addition, CubicFarms closed the previously announced Concurrent Private Placement with existing shareholder Harry DeWit, CEO and President of BlueSky Farms, pursuant to which Blue Sky Farms purchased 5,222,300 Common Shares at a price of C$0.90 per Common Share for gross proceeds to CubicFarms of C$4,700,070.

Highlights Subsequent to The Transition Year Ended December 31, 2020

On March 2, 2021, the Company announced the appointment of Edoardo De Martin as Chief Technology Officer. Prior to joining CubicFarms, De Martin spent 10 years at Microsoft working in various roles including General Manager of the Microsoft Vancouver Development Centre, as well as driving innovation as GM of Dynamics Mixed Reality Applications on HoloLens.

As a proven technology leader with more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry, De Martin brings significant experience to advancing artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and mixed reality technologies supporting the Company's innovative growing technologies. De Martin will be creating the Tech team, which will be working on the projects in AI, automation, and machine learning initiatives, and creating the next generation of indoor growing technologies.

On March 18, 2021, the Company announced the appointment of a Scientific Advisory Board ("SAB") to guide and advise CubicFarms. The SAB is comprised of top experts in the fields of agriculture and technology and is primarily responsible for making recommendations to the Company's senior leadership team regarding R&D priorities.

External SAB members include:

Dr. Lenore Newman (SAB Chair), Director of the Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley (UVF) where she holds a Canada Research Chair in Food Security and Environment.

Dr. Tammara Soma, MCIP RPP, an Assistant Professor at the School of Resource and Environmental Management (Planning program) at Simon Fraser University and Research Director of the Food Systems Lab.

Dr. Laila Benkrima, Director of LB Plant Biosciences Research and Consulting Inc. at Simon Fraser University.

Dr. Evan Fraser, PhD, a full professor at the University of Guelph, the Director of the Arrell Food Institute, a Fellow of the Trudeau Foundation, and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society.

On April 5, 2021, the Company announced that pursuant to a non-brokered private placement, Burnett Land & Livestock Ltd., (Burnett) has agreed to purchase 1,464,622 common shares of the Company at a purchase price of CA$1.29 per common share for gross proceeds of US$1,500,000 (approximately CA$1,886,427).

On April 6, 2021, the Company announced an agreement with Burnett, for 12 HydroGreen Vertical Pastures Grow System beta modules, daily feed production supply, and includes collaboration on a research program and feed analysis with HydroGreen.

On April 6, 2021, the Company announced the appointment of Thomas Liston as Vice President (VP) of Corporate Development. Liston will provide CubicFarms with strategic business development and capital markets advisory services in his role as VP of Corporate Development. Liston is a technology investor, advisor, and a Chartered Financial Analyst with over 20 years of experience in capital markets.

On April 20, 2021, the Company was awarded a Nexus Innovation Award for HydroGreen's Vertical Pastures Grow System, an automated, on farm fresh livestock feed technology. HydroGreen's unique automated technology was selected by dairy farmers because with this technology, dairies can gain more control over feed production and conserve water and land, without the need for chemicals or fertilizers.

On April 23, 2021, the Company announced the sale of 18 modules of the CubicFarm System automated onsite indoor growing technology at a sale price of US$2,700,000 to BoomA Food Group. BoomA Food Group will use these modules to grow commercial scale amounts of produce in New South Wales, Australia, specializing in herbs and microgreens. With this installation, BoomA Food Group will operate the first commercial sale vertical farming system in Australia.

On April 29, 2021, the Company amended its loan with BDC Capital Inc. The amendment includes cancelling the second $2,500,000 tranche and adjusting the principal instalments to 47 monthly instalments of $25,000 commencing July 15, 2021, with a balloon payment of $1,325,000 payable on June 15, 2025. The variable loan bonus was also replaced with a fixed bonus of $425,000, consisting of $225,000 in cash and $200,000 in common shares. The payment of the fixed bonus will take place as early as possible, and no later than 10 days after the filing of the Company's December 31, 2020 financial statements.

CubicFarms' three- and six-month financial statements and management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the period ending December 31, 2020, will be issued and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com on April 30, 2021, and will be available on the same day on CubicFarms' website at https://cubicfarms.com/investors/.

Forward-Looking Commentary

CubicFarms Systems Sales

The Company has entered into sales discussions with a number of companies in Canada and internationally and has developed significant sales leads for the purchase of additional modules. It also expects to expand sales with at least one current customer in the coming year. The Company's sales pipeline currently includes individuals and companies in Canada, Ireland, the United States, Africa, Puerto Rico, Europe, the Middle East, and China. There can be no assurances that any of these pipeline opportunities will lead to sales of modules or identification of partner farms.

Sales and Deposits

The Company currently has a total of 157 modules under contract and deposit. The amount of system sales orders that are pending manufacturing and installation is approximately USD$21 million.

The table below shows the projects under contract and deposit:







Project Location Number of Modules Value, $USD Surrey, Canada 100 $ 12,561,538 Montana, USA 21 $ 2,930,816 Abbotsford, Canada 16 $ 2,129,815 Indiana, USA 20 $ 2,969,500 Total 157 $ 20,591,669

During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company signed contracts and received deposits for the projects below:







Project Name Number of Modules Value, $USD Abbotsford, Canada 16 $ 2,129,815 Indiana, USA 20 $ 2,969,500 Total 36 $ 5,099,315

Status of recent projects contracted during in the calendar year ending Dec 31, 2020:









Project Name Number of

Modules Value, $USD Status Calgary, Canada 22 $ 3,154,000 Installed, Trained, Start-up Armstrong, Canada 14 $ 2,381,400 Installed, Trained, Start-up San Diego, USA 1 $ 143,500 Installed Total 37 $ 5,678,900



Revenue from system sales is dependent on the transfer of legal title upon the completion of the sales and delivery process, consisting of signing the purchase agreement, customer deposit, manufacture of modules, customer's site preparation, shipping, and installation of the system. Unforeseen delays attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic and the global recovery efforts employed by both individual companies and countries may delay the Company's completion of the module sales and delivery process. Based on the Company's operating plan identified within the MD&A dated November 30, 2020, the Company's results in the October  December 2020 period are in alignment with management's expectations. The Company does not expect to start delivering modules for the Surrey, Canada project until 2022, due to the large scale of the expected CubicFarm System and the time for the chosen site to be prepared.

The Company considers a sales order to have taken place when a binding equipment purchase agreement is signed and a first deposit has been provided. This forward-looking order volume estimate is based on the Company's current sales pipeline and internal estimates of module demand and is subject to several risks and uncertainties. See "Forward-Looking Statements."

Footnotes

1On January 19, 2021, the Company announced a change of financial year-end. The Company has changed its fiscal year-end from June 30 to December 31 to align the financial year-ends of the Company and all its subsidiaries, as well as with its peers. For details regarding the length and ending dates of the financial periods, including the comparative periods of the interim and annual financial statements to be filed for the Company's transition year and its new financial year, reference is made to the Notice of Change in Financial Year-End filed by the Company on SEDAR pursuant to Section 4.8 of National Instrument 51-102, a copy of which is available electronically at www.sedar.com.

University research article Hydroponic fodder and greenhouse gas emissions: a potential avenue for climate mitigation strategy and policy development was published by Canadian Science Publishing in FACETS, the official journal of the Royal Society of Canada's Academy of Science. It is available at https://www.facetsjournal.com/doi/full/10.1139/facets-2020-0066.

About CubicFarms

CubicFarms is a local chain, agricultural technology company developing and deploying technology to feed a changing world. Its proprietary ag-tech solutions enable growers to produce high quality, predictable produce and fresh livestock feed with HydroGreen Nutrition Technology, a division of CubicFarm Systems Corp. The CubicFarms system contains patented technology for growing leafy greens and other crops onsite, indoors, all year round. CubicFarms provides an efficient, localized food supply solution that benefits our people, planet, and economy.

For more information, please visit www.cubicfarms.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Dave Dinesen"

Dave Dinesen, Chief Executive Officer

Cautionary Statement on Forward-looking Information

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, without limitation, statements with respect to CubicFarms' expected revenue recognition, and the completion of the sale and installation of the system by the customer. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of CubicFarm Systems Corp., or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict", and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken, occur, or be achieved.

These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance, and results and speak only as of the date of this news release. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except as required by securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if the Company's expectations regarding future events, performance, or results change.

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 CubicFarm Systems Corp.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2021/30/c6884.html
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China's Ministry of National Defense has lodged solemn representations to the United States over a U.S. warship's interference in Chinese naval training exercises, a military spokesperson said on Thursday.

The ministry's spokesperson Wu Qian made the remarks in response to a query about frequent activities of U.S. warships and aircraft in waters and airspace near China.

Referring to the destroyer USS Mustin's close reconnaissance of China's Liaoning aircraft carrier fleet which was carrying out a normal training mission, Wu said the action seriously threatens the safety of ships and personnel of both Chinese and U.S. sides. The U.S. vessel was later urged to leave.

Since the current U.S. administration took office, U.S. warships have been 20 percent more active on sea areas around China compared with the same period last year, and reconnaissance aircraft have been 40 percent more active, Wu said.

The Chinese side firmly opposes such actions that escalate regional militarization and threaten peace and stability in the region, said Wu.

"We urge the U.S. side to strictly restrain its frontline troops and comply with regulations, such as the Rules of Behavior for the Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters and the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, so that such dangerous incidents do not reoccur," he said.
STOCKHOLM, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Impressive Q1 performance across all product segments

Double-digit sales and operating profit growth across all product segments in local currencies.

For the Smokefree product segment, continued momentum for ZYN drove strong US performance and in Scandinavia good underlying development was further enhanced by timing effects on shipments and COVID-19 related channel mix effects.

For Cigars, record volumes, sales and operating profit on the back of strong category growth and improved price mix.

No major operational COVID-19 related disruptions and COVID-19 related effects in aggregate are estimated to have elevated the reported financial performance.

In local currencies, sales increased by 23 percent for the first quarter. Reported sales increased by 11 percent to 4,455 MSEK (4,029).

In local currencies, operating profit from product segments1) increased by 40 percent for the first quarter. Reported operating profit from product segments increased by 26 percent to 2,092 MSEK (1,659).

Operating profit, which includes a settlement income of 300 MSEK related to a previously ongoing arbitration concerning nicotine pouches, amounted to 2,354 MSEK (1,601) for the first quarter.

Profit after tax amounted to 1,780 MSEK (1,168) for the first quarter.

Earnings per share increased by 57 percent to 11.25 SEK (7.18) for the first quarter. Adjusted earnings per share2) increased by 36 percent to 9.74 SEK (7.18) for the first quarter.

1) Excludes Other operations and larger one-time items.

2) Excludes larger one-time items net of tax.

For the full report: www.swedishmatch.com/Investors/Financial-reports/Interim-reports/

Swedish Match telephone conference

A telephone conference will be held today, Friday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m. (CET), (1:00 p.m. UK time). At this time we will review and comment on the results. Participants will include Lars Dahlgren, Anders Larsson, and Emmett Harrison.

Listen to the telephone conference: www.swedishmatch.com/Investors/Presentations/Webcasts-and-audiocasts/

Telephone conference presentation: www.swedishmatch.com/Investors/Presentations/

Contacts:

Lars Dahlgren, President and Chief Executive Officer

Phone +46 8 658 0441

Anders Larsson, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President Group Finance

Phone +46 10 139 3006

Emmett Harrison, Senior Vice President Investor Relations

Phone +46 70 938 0173

This information is information that Swedish Match AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 08.15 a.m. CET on April 30, 2021.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/swedish-match/r/interim-report-january---march-2021,c3337411

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/2004/3337411/1410472.pdf Swedish Match Q1 2021 ENG

SOURCE Swedish Match
EU regulators accused Apple on Friday of distorting competition in the music streaming market, siding with Spotify in a case that could lead to a hefty fine and changes in the iPhone maker's lucrative business practices.

The tech giant is accused of 'abusing its dominant market position' by making music app developers use Apple's in-app purchasing system to distribute their services.

App developers have to pay Apple 30% commission on all subscriptions that come through the App Store under its licensing agreement.

The EU's preliminary findings are the first time Brussels has levelled anti-competitive charges against Apple, although the two sides have had bruising clashes in the past, most notably a multibillion-dollar tax dispute involving Ireland.

Apple, Spotify and other parties can now respond. If the case is pursued, the EU could demand concessions and potentially impose a fine of up to 10% of Apple's global turnover - as much as $27 billion, although it rarely levies the maximum penalty.

EU regulators accused Apple on Friday of distorting competition in the music streaming market, siding with Spotify in a case that could lead to a hefty fine and changes in the iPhone maker's lucrative business practices

Apple found itself in the European Commission's crosshairs after Sweden-based Spotify complained two years ago that the U.S. tech giant unfairly restricted rivals to its own music streaming service Apple Music on iPhones.

The EU competition enforcer, in its so-called statement of objections setting out the charge, said the issue related to Apple's restrictive rules for its App Store that force developers to use its own in-app payment system and prevent them from informing users of other purchasing options.

European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said there were clear signs Apple's App Store rules were affecting music streaming rivals' business development and affecting app developers more widely.

'They (app developers) depend on Apple App Store as a gatekeeper to access users of Apple's iPhones and iPads. This significant market power cannot go unchecked as the conditions of access to the Apple App Store are key for the success of app developers,' she told a news conference.

Vestager said Apple should end restrictive practices and refrain from doing anything that would replicate them.

She also said other authorities were looking into the issue.

'We have contact with other jurisdictions doing similar cases, that could be the Dutch, the Australians, the Americans,' she said, adding she was also interested in the app gaming market, although it was early days.

European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said there were clear signs Apple's App Store rules were affecting music streaming rivals' business development and affecting app developers more widely

Apple rebuffed the EU charge.

'Spotify has become the largest music subscription service in the world, and we're proud of the role we played in that,' it said in a statement.

'They want all the benefits of the App Store but don't think they should have to pay anything for that. The Commission's argument on Spotify's behalf is the opposite of fair competition,' it added.

Spotify welcomed the EU move, describing it as 'a critical step toward holding Apple accountable for its anticompetitive behavior, ensuring meaningful choice for all consumers and a level playing field for app developers.'

Spotify, one of Europe's few global success stories in consumer technology, is the market leader in music streaming with 356 million active users and 158 million paid subscribers.

Apple Music, launched more recently in 2015, is estimated to have more than 70 million subscribers although the company does not give a separate figure for that part of its business.

Apple found itself in the European Commission's crosshairs after Sweden-based Spotify complained two years ago that the U.S. tech giant unfairly restricted rivals to its own music streaming service Apple Music on iPhones

Competition between the two companies has intensified in recent weeks, with both seeking to build their customer base via supremacy in the market for podcasts.

'Europe's consumers expect and deserve access to a full range of music streaming services without their choices being restricted or prices being inflated unfairly by internet gatekeepers,' said European consumer organisation BEUC.

The EU charge comes a week before Apple's face off with Epic Games in a U.S. antitrust trial following a lawsuit by the 'Fortnite' creator alleging that Apple has abused its dominance in the market for mobile apps.

Epic has complained to the Commission on the same issues.

Last month, the UK Competition and Markets Authority opened an investigation into Apple after complaints the iPhone maker's terms and conditions for app developers were unfair.
As federal investigators searched the phone records of a violent extremist in California last August, they discovered an unexpected voice of authority joining in a group chat with racist slurs and threats.

In texts with a group that called itself "Shadow Moses," a Georgia sheriff's deputy boasted about beating a Black man during an arrest, threatened to falsely charge Black people with felonies so that they could not vote, and advocated for killing politicians and others he viewed as political enemies, the FBI said in court documents.

This week, Cody Richard Griggers pleaded guilty to a weapons charge after federal agents uncovered his ties to a violent extremist group and found 11 unregistered firearm at his home and in his police car, the Department of Justice said in a statement on Wednesday. Griggers, 28, who was fired by the Wilkinson County Sheriff's Office last November, faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and will never work as a police officer again.

"This former law enforcement officer knew that he was breaking the law when he chose to possess a cache of unregistered weapons, silencers and a machine gun, keeping many of them in his duty vehicle," Acting U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said in a statement. "Coupled with his violent racially motivated extreme statements, the defendant has lost the privilege permanently of wearing the blue."

Wilkinson Sheriff Richard Chatman told the Macon Telegraph that Griggers's stories about targeting Black people while on the job did not hold water and he suspected Griggers had lied to impress the other people in the extremist group's chat.

"That never happened," Chatman told the newspaper on Wednesday of Grigger's claim that he violently beat a Black man in an arrest.

The ex-deputy, who lived in Montrose, Ga., connected in chats with well-known extremists in California to fantasize about a "theoretical civil war" against liberals and Black, Muslim and other non-White Americans, according to charging documents filed by federal investigators. In a group chat, Griggers used racist slurs and echoed white supremacist ideas.

"On one hand it infuriates me," Griggers said in one text rant about his desire to see violence and chaos in America. "On the other hand I wanted to go ahead and fast-forward so I can enjoy the suffering of the abortion that is the American population."

Griggers told his associates in August 2019, more than a year before the 2020 general election that flipped two Georgia senate seats blue and helped cinch the presidency for Joe Biden, that he would target Black people with arrests in an effort to strip them of their voting rights.

"I'm going to charge them with whatever felonies I can to take away their ability to vote," he wrote.

In another exchange, Griggers boasted that he had "beat the s--- out of" a Black man he had arrested for allegedly stealing ammunition from a local gun store. He used slurs and described the attack as "sweet stress relief," according to federal investigators.

"Sheriff's dept said it look like he fell," Griggers told his group chat.

But Chatman said sheriff's office had no records of an arrest or call for service matching that description.

"We don't even have a gun shop here," he said. The sheriff added that Griggers had worked in the county jail and had never had a complaint filed against him.

In addition to the racist tirades, Griggers plotted to help an extremist group obtain weapons, including some devices that are only legal for law enforcement officials to use, the FBI said. He also shared videos that showed him shooting firearms on camera.

The group chat messages also revealed Griggers had discussed killing liberal politicians and minorities. He offered to teach another man how to build explosives and suggested he steal police supplies to sell to the group.

"I want to get [law enforcement] only stuff like flashbangs and entry charges and say I used them in training when I pocketed them," Griggers texted.

"Yeah I'll pay big money for bang [and] boom," Grey Zamudio, a member of a California-based group called Defend East County wrote back, according to an FBI affidavit. "I'm ready to terrorize."

Federal investigators found the incriminating messages after obtaining a warrant for Zamudio's phone last August, according to court records. Zamudio was a member of a large online group based in southern California called Defend East County, which had openly advocated in Facebook posts for attacking Black Lives Matter protesters and shared videos of people beating demonstrators and running people over with vehicles on Facebook, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported last year. Facebook eventually removed the group in October, the newspaper reported.

Federal officials also charged Zamudio last August for possessing unregistered firearms and silencers. According to court records, Zamudio pleaded guilty in December.

Griggers is scheduled to be sentenced on July 6.
Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Mostly cloudy in the morning followed by partly cloudy skies and gusty winds during the afternoon. High 97F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph, becoming WNW and increasing to 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
As the growing humanitarian crisis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues with estimations that it could last several months, UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean has mobilized USD 300,000 from UNDP Core Funding towards the relief efforts.





This initial funding will be channelled towards Pillar One and Two of The UNDP Crisis Response and Recovery Programme for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).





Pillar 1 prioritizes the execution of Household and Building Damage Assessments (HBDA) which will allow for data-driven and evidence-based decision-making processes. While Pillar 2 addresses more immediate needs of cleaning volcanic ash, clearing debris and supporting economic reactivation in the most affected areas while providing emergency employment to over 2,000 households directly impacted by the volcano eruption.





The funds are part of the anticipated resources needed to support coordination and assessments in Barbados and Saint Vincent and Grenadines and facilitate the cleaning of ash and debris in SVG. The UN launched a USD 29.2 million global funding appeal to secure the necessary assistance to mitigate the impacts of the eruptions.





Reaffirming UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbeans commitment to assist national institutions and impacted communities recover from the impact of the volcanos eruption. Valerie Cliff, Resident Representative, UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, stated, "As UN global lead on recovery, we have extensive experience in crisis operations, including in Dominica and the Bahamas.





We remain steadfast in our support to the government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines throughout this crisis, and will ensure that our recovery efforts are inclusive, sustainable, meet the needs of the most vulnerable and build more resilient communities. (Source: UNDP  Barbados)
A 28-year-old who is dating a man 48 years her senior admits that strangers regularly mistake her for her 76-year-old boyfriend's caregiver - but she insists that the couple are blissfully happy, despite her fears that he will die in just a few years.

Kelsey Hopeful, from La Jolla, San Diego, met widower Guy BonGiovanni, from Anchorage, Alaska, in a yoga class - which he attended in the hopes of finding some inner peace after the devastating loss of his wife of 42 years.

After striking up a conversation post-class, special education teacher Kelsey and photographer Guy quickly became firm friends - and while they admit now that there was an instant attraction between them, they say it was not love at first sight.

However, over the next two years, Guy and Kelsey's friendship began to develop into a romance - and the couple are now in a live-in relationship, despite admitting that they have faced criticism from family members over their large age gap.

Unlikely romance: A 28-year-old woman has opened up about her age-gap romance with a man who is 48 years her senior

Sparks: Kelsey Hopeful, 28, and her boyfriend Guy BonGiovanni, 76, met in a yoga class - which he was taking to try and get over the loss of his wife of 42 years

Kelsey and Guy now share beautiful times together, whether it be watching plays, going for hikes or exploring new cities and states. However, for Kelsey, these wonderful moments have been tinged with sadness because she knows that she is unlikely to grow old with the love of her life.

For the first year of their relationship, Kelsey did not tell anyone that she had met Guy - concerned that her friends and family would respond negatively at the news that she was seeing a man almost half a century her senior.

However, Kelsey has been gradually learning the art of not being concerned about what others think and in the spring of 2020, decided to tell her family, one at a time, about their relationship.

According to Kelsey, the hardest person to tell was her 76-year-old grandma - who had herself married a much older man and has struggled to cope with the loss of the love of her life in the 26 years since his death.

When out together, Kelsey and Guy admit that strangers might think that she is his caregiver but when they have introduced themselves as a couple, they fortunately have received no snarky remarks. This is something that Kelsey believes is because strangers realize how happy they are together regardless of their age gap.

'On a Thursday evening, I decided to try something new and chose a yoga class at my local gym,' said Kelsey. 'I started to examine my surroundings and the people in the class.

'Eventually, my eyes made contact with a man I thought was actor and comedian George Carlin. He picked up his mat and moved it right next to me. I thought, "Uh oh."

Slow build: The duo initially formed a friendship, but over the course of two years, they developed romantic feelings for one another

Under cover: Kelsey admits that she kept her romance a secret for a year, over fears that her family and friends would judge the age gap

Fears: She was particularly worried about telling her grandmother - who is the same age as Guy - because she also married an older man, and was left heartbroken when he passed away

'Once the class was over, Guy asked if I would like to be his friend. I was taken aback because it was a simple question, one that I have seen children ask of other children.

'We talked alone in that gym for two hours and when he said his goodbyes, he just walked away. There were no phone numbers asked for, nor last names, no guarantees that we would ever see each other again. That is how the story of us began.

'It was not love at first sight but more of a recognition of each other.

'We took our time walking our way into love. At first, the attraction for me was the sound of his voice and his ability to tell a story. I could listen to him for hours.

'In the earliest steps of our relationship, I would cry alone about our 48-year age gap.

'We had beautiful times together watching plays, going for hikes, or finding pastry shops, but tears would come.

'I can remember we were eating pastries in Santa Monica and I began to cry in front of him and not because I had just tasted the best rum-ball in my life, but because I was experiencing joy on another level and then suddenly I remembered that he is 48 years older than me and he has fewer summers ahead of him than I do.

'I now tell him when I am scared of losing him, because one day there is going to be a time in my life that he won't be with me anymore and I want him to know now that I was always open and real with him and that he feels my appreciation and love. I pray for that each day.

Whoops: Kelsey and Guy say they are blissfully happy - despite admitting that strangers will mistake Kelsey for her boyfriend's caregiver

Upset: Special education teacher Kelsey also admits that she has cried over their age gap, because she knows it means that Guy will likely die before her

Opening up: 'I now tell him when I am scared of losing him, because one day there is going to be a time in my life that he won't be with me anymore,' she explained

'Guy, being old and wise, tells me that there is no point in crying about death until it happens and that we need to be here now and love each other as much as we can.

'When the friendship blossomed into us becoming lovers, it was important to me that we kept the opinions of others away from my ears, especially in the beginning.

'When we first met, I was a person who was concerned about the opinions of others and was a people-pleaser.

'For the first year of our relationship, I didn't tell anyone.

'After getting to know Guy, he became my greatest motivator to learn how to live more true to my heart and not be afraid to be who you are.

'I knew I would have to learn how not to be concerned about society's rules and what others may think about me or why they think I am in a relationship with an older man.

'When it was time for me to share with my family about my relationship with Guy, it was because of the pandemic.

'The COVID-19 virus was mostly infecting the elderly and I was worried, so I chose to discuss our relationship one at a time with my family.

'The most complicated talk for me was with my maternal grandmother because she fell in love with a man 18 years older and she has been his widow for 26 years.

'She would confide with me in my teens that at times, she wished she could have found a companion to spend more time with her.

Bond: The couple share a passion for the great outdoors, and regularly go on hikes together

Lessons: Kelsey says that Guy has taught her not to fear age

Inspiration: 'He is the most important person in my life and the best example of how to age healthy and be happy at any stage in one's life,' she said

'I think I felt I would be just like her, with only one love in my life.

'When we are in public, there is a good chance that people from a distance may think I am Guy's caregiver.

'Even when we explain we are a couple, we have received no snarky comments or facial expressions of horror.

'We're better together and I think people feel that when they meet us and see how happy we are.'

For Kelsey, one of the best things about being in an age gap relationship is learning to value the time the couple spend together and any previous fears she had of growing old have all but dissipated since meeting Guy. The couple are inseparable and are even considering getting married.

'Another benefit to our age gap is that we think about what's my time worth on earth today,' Kelsey said.

'Guy has an ocean's worth of life experiences, but he shares his wisdom with spontaneity and care.

'He is the most important person in my life and the best example of how to age healthy and be happy at any stage in one's life.

'I am no longer afraid to grow into an old woman anymore.'
(Natural News) Hospitals all over India are struggling to get more oxygen for their Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) patients as supplies continue to dwindle in the country.

In Western and developed nations, hospitals usually produce their own oxygen. But in India, the hospitals have to rely on trucks and cargo trains that travel long distances to replenish their liquefied oxygen tanks or cylinders. (Related: New Delhi records highest ever single-day tally of 357 coronavirus deaths that are most likely caused by dangerous vaccines.)

Normally, about five percent of hospital inpatients in India require oxygen support. But these days, the majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients need oxygen. This has put a strain on the countrys complex logistics network, which was not strengthened when the coronavirus pandemic began in India last year.

Inox Air Products, a supplier of industrial gases and oxygen, estimated that before the pandemic Indias demand for medical oxygen was around 700 tons per day. During the first wave last year, demand rose to 2,800 tons. Now, it has soared past 5,000 tons.

The countrys logistics fleet has been unable to cope with the demand. This has made state and local government officials compete with hospitals and desperate families for dwindling oxygen supplies.

The situation has gotten so terrible that the governments in the states of Delhi and Haryana have accused each other of commandeering oxygen deliveries. Both states have sent police escorts to guard tankers filled with medical oxygen.

India now has the worst oxygen crisis in the world, said Leith Greenslade, coordinator of the Every Breath Counts Coalition, a group that advocates for better medical oxygen provision and works with developing countries like India to reduce pneumonia deaths.

We didnt get ahead of this, said Greenslade. The international community was so focused on vaccines and diagnostic tests, theyve missed oxygen.

Hospitals in New Delhi on the verge of collapse due to a lack of oxygen supplies

The situation has been most felt in the capital of New Delhi, where thousands of new cases and hundreds of deaths are being reported every day. On Wednesday, April 28, the city had just 13 intensive care beds available.

People with sick relatives have taken to expressing their plight on social media, where they beg people to help them find hospital beds, oxygen, medicine and other essentials.

In Moolchand Hospital in central New Delhi, Dr. Ali Raza, head of the emergency and trauma department, has no time to think about when the next delivery of oxygen will arrive because 12 of his 20 doctors are down with COVID-19 and the flood of patients has not abated.

We always anticipated a second wave in April and May, said Raza. But we never knew it would hit us so hard and so fast. They arrive gasping and they all need oxygen.

Gagandeep Trehan from the northern state of Punjab drove nearly 200 miles to Moolchand to find a bed and oxygen for his COVID-positive uncle, who was struggling to breathe. Six hospitals, including Moolchand, had already turned him away by the time he spoke with a reporter from Bloomberg.

I am scared he wont live if he isnt treated, said Trehan. I am ready to pay any amount for a hospital bed.

The 1,000-bed Moolchand Hospital is one of the main private COVID-19 care facilities in New Delhi. The situation there has gotten so bad that the company was forced to beg for oxygen on Twitter on Saturday, April 24.

We have less than 2 hours of oxygen supply, explained Moolchand in a tweet calling for help. We are desperate have tried all the nodal officer numbers but unable to connect. Have over 135 COVID [patients] with many on life support.

The tweet tagged the Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Vibhu Talwar, managing director of the Moolchand HealthCare Group, made the decision to go on social media to beg for aid after his staff alerted him at 2 a.m. that the hospitals oxygen supplies were only a few hours away from being completely used up.

By 7 a.m. we were left with just an hour and I pushed the panic button, said Talwar. Obviously those hours between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. were the most stressful time for me, my management team and our doctors and nurses. We have close to 150 COVID patients, there was a lot of panic  something I hope we never go through again.

Moolchand still has to deal with dangerously low medical oxygen supplies. This situation is compounded by the lack of certainty regarding when the next delivery will be.

We try not to think about when the next oxygen tanker will come, said Raza. Every hospital is running short of oxygen. Whatever limited resources we have, we have to work with that.

Similar situations can be seen in other hospitals around the capital. In St. Stephens Hospital, a 600-bed private hospital in northern New Delhi, the situation got so bad for its 300 seriously ill COVID-19 patients that, at one point, the hospitals giant oxygen tank had just four to six hours of piped oxygen left.

St. Stephens was only able to avert a disaster after it made frantic calls to the hospitals medical oxygen supplier coupled with desperate public appeals. Despite this effort, the piped oxygen still ran out several days after this incident, forcing the hospital to rely on oxygen cylinders for several hours.

Theres no oxygen, said Dr. Mathew Vargese, one of St. Stephens senior physicians. The system is broken down and were losing patients. We dont know what to do. Were used to saving lives but were watching people die.

The oxygen crisis has even resulted in several deaths. On April 23 in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the center of the capital, at least 25 COVID-19 patients succumbed to asphyxiation due to a severe shortage of oxygen. All the while, hospital authorities had been publicly pleading for help.

Dr. Sanoj Chacko, a manager in Moolchand Hospitals nursing unit, explained that his team is struggling every day to keep COVID-19 patients alive.

In this situation, we have to fight for [their lives], he said. Its like a war situation.

Learn more about the oxygen crisis and the state of the coronavirus pandemic in India by reading the latest articles at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

Bloomberg.com

FT.com

DownToEarth.org.in
Kate Garraway was lost for words during Friday's Good Morning Britain after being lauded for her resilence amid her husband Derek Draper's Covid battle.

The presenter, 53, who has spoken openly about her husband's health struggles, gushed it was 'so kind' of Sergeant Brian Wood after he branded her an 'incredible woman.'

It comes after Kate revealed that her husband Derek is still unable to speak after being brought home from hospital to continue his recovery from coronavirus.

Touching: Kate Garraway was lost for words during Friday's Good Morning Britain after being lauded for her resilence amid her husband Derek Draper's Covid battle

Sergeant Wood was a guest on GMB to discuss his involvement in the BBC drama Danny Boy, which comes in the wake of a public inquiry into accusations of prisoner mistreatment by the British Army in Iraq.

Wood himself was accused of war crimes after serving overseas, but in 2017 the Iraq Historic Abuse Team (IHAT) was shut down.

During his interview, which comes ahead of Danny Boy's broadcast, Wood praised presenter Kate for maintaining such a positive outlook in the wake of Derek's lengthy Covid battle.

Challenging: The presenter who has spoken openly about her husband's health struggles, was branded an 'incredible woman'

Amazing: Kate had been interviewing Sergeant Brian Wood, ahead of a BBC drama depicting the soldier after he was accused of war crimes in Iraq

Stating he'd be buying a copy of her book The Power Of Hope, he said: 'Kate epitomises ''Keep Attacking''. Keep attacking has a very subliminal meaning. It is one that is very unique to the individual.

'So if you want to be the best in your arena, whether it be sport, business, then you've got to go an earn that. If you're going through some challenging times, you have to show up each day.

'You have to take that step forward and attack the day the best you can. We launched it from what we had gone through to try and inspire others to grow and stay positive and look forward. And you know what, it went supersonic.

'We all go through it and as I said what an ambassador Kate is.'

Sweet: During his interview Wood praised presenter Kate for maintaining such a positive outlook in the wake of Derek's lengthy Covid battle

Sweet: He said: 'I will certainly be buying your book because you're an incredible woman'

Kate and her co-host Ben Shephard were visibly stunned by his words, with the mother-of-two saying: 'Wow, I don't know about that.'

Wood then added: 'Absolutely, and I will certainly be buying your book because you're an incredible woman.'

Clearly touched, Kate said: 'Oh that's so kind of you, my goodness. Thank you so much indeed.'

Kind: Clearly touched, Kate said: 'Oh that's so kind of you, my goodness. Thank you so much indeed'

After Wood's tribute, Kate appeared to be in good spirits as she headed to work at Smooth Radio in London.

She opted for a stylish white jumper with a swanky royal insignia on the front, along with comfy blue jeans, white boots and a navy blue blazer.

Keeping herself safe during the Covid pandemic, Kate opted for a medical face mask as she arrived at Global Studios.

Happy: After Wood's tribute, Kate appeared to be in good spirits as she headed to work at Smooth Radio in London

Off to work! She opted for a stylish white jumper with a swanky royal insignia on the front, along with comfy blue jeans, white boots and a navy blue blazer

Protected: Keeping herself safe during the Covid pandemic, Kate opted for a medical face mask as she arrived at Global Studios

It has been confirmed that Derek is Britain's longest surviving Covid hospital patient after he was first admitted with breathing difficulties on March 30 last year.

He was put on a ventilator and spent months in a form of coma before uttering his first word - 'pain' - in October last year.

The father-of-two's body has been 'universally affected' by the condition, which means that it targeted his lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas.

Lobbyist Derek spent more than a year in intensive care but returned to the couple's home in north London on April 7 and burst into tears when he saw his kids.

Challenging: Kate revealed earlier this week that Derek is still struggling to speak since returning home from hospital

A long way to go: She said: 'He isn't really able to speak at the moment so he can't tell him off, I have to be the bad guy! They are besides themselves to have him home. They are my heroes'

Kate revealed earlier this week that Derek is still struggling to speak since returning home from hospital, but praised her children for knowing how to interact with him.

She explained on BBC Radio 2 on Wednesday: 'He isn't really able to speak at the moment so he can't tell them off, I have to be the bad guy!

Kate praised her 'heroic' children Darcey, 15, and Billy, 11, for knowing 'how to communicate' with their father throughout his recovery.

The broadcaster added: 'They know instinctively how to talk to him but not ask too much from him. In a way that grownups want to see the old Derek, they have an instinct, there is a lot of love there.'
New York, April 30 : The US State Department has denied that it has issued new guidance to American citizens in India to leave the country as reported by some media.

Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Thursday that there has been "some misreporting, perhaps a misperception, that we provided revised guidance to private American citizens in India. That is not true." He clarified that the department had only reissued a routine travel advisory for India that also applies to "80 per cent of the countries." He said, "There was a 'pro forma' reissuance of the travel advisory, the Level 4 travel advisory that had previously been in effect, given Covid (is) not only in India but also globally as well." "I believe 80 per cent of countries around the world - are now at Level 4 Travel Advisories," he said.

"So when it comes to our guidance to Americans in India, that did not change. What did change was the ability of American (diplomatic) family members to depart India on a voluntary basis should they choose to do so," he explained.

Price also said that a notification by the State Department approving voluntary departure of family members of US government employees in India did not amount to requiring them to leave the country.

He clarified that the "'authorised departure' doesn't force anyone to leave; it doesn't require anyone to leave. It gives these family members the option to depart if they wish. Departure, again, is not required." Asked if the US considered stopping all flights from India, Price said that decision "is something that is determined in close coordination and under the advice of public health professionals at CDC (Centres for Disease Control) and HHS (Department of Health and Human Services).

The CDC has four levels of Covid-19 risk assessment for countries, ranging from Level 1 "low" to Level 4 "very high." India is one of about 135 countries currently on CDC's Level 4 list which includes most developed countries like Britain, the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.

The countries in the other three less riskier levels are almost all developing nations with the exception of a few like Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Iceland.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme (STEP) notification issued on Wednesday that Price referred to said that "US citizens who wish to depart India should take advantage of available commercial transportation options," but did not say they should leave as claimed in some media reports." Citing the CDC's Level 4 Travel Health Notice for India due to Covid-19, notification said, "Do not travel to India due to Covid-19. Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism." It also adviced against travel to parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the border with Pakistan, Northeastern states and in areas with Naxalite activities.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
( ) CEO Mike Nall tells Proactive it is partnering with the Foundation for California Community Colleges to make coronavirus testing available for the states 116 community colleges and its more than 2.1 million students.

Through the Foundations CollegeBuys program, Naill said its PCR-based COVID-19 test is now available for community colleges to purchase for students, faculty, and staff.

Separately, the group recently hosted a Neuro-Oncology KOL Webinar, which can be accessed on Biocept's website.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday (April 30) posed a string of questions in front of the central government regarding vaccine pricing and distribution.

A bench comprising Justice DY Chandrachud, LN Rao and SR Bhat asked the Centre to not let the private manufacturers dictate the pricing and distribution of vaccines and take the responsibility to do so itself.

Do not leave the vaccine pricing and distribution to the manufactures, This is equity over public goods. You need to pick up the responsibility for this, the court was quoted as saying by Live Law.

Justice Chandrachud asked why should the vaccine manufacturers get to decide which states get how many vaccine doses.

Can this question of equity be left to the private sector? he asked.

Justice Bhat said that since the government has spent on the development of vaccines it should have a say in the matter.

Rs 4500 crores were funded to the organisation for the development of the vaccine. Then we also own the product! said Bhat.

Calling the pricing issue is extraordinarily serious, the judge went on to ask why there is a difference in price of vaccines for the states and the central government.

The same manufacturer is saying Rs 150 to you and 300-400 to the states! At a bulk level, the price difference will be of Rs 30,000 to 40,000 crores. Why must the nation pay this? he said.

Why cant the central government get it in bulk and then have the states it picked up?" continued the judge.

Justice Bhat further cited the prices of vaccines in the United States and the European Union that are much lower compared to that in India.

"It is $2.15 in the US and it is low even in the EU. Why must it be Rs 600 to the states and Rs 1200 to the private hospitals in India? Our drug consumption parallels no one! We are the largest consumer," said Justice Bhat.

Live TV
GREENWICH  With more than 1.3 million Connecticut residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the race to make appointments for getting a shot is slowing.

Starting this weekend, Greenwich Hospital will allow walk-ins at its vaccination clinic at Brunswick Schools King Street campus. Anyone arriving between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday will not need an appointment, Greenwich Hospital President Diane Kelly said.

Also, the hospital has dropped its Connecticut residency requirement for getting vaccines at the site.

Some of our neighbors here in Westchester (County in New York) should be able to be vaccinated if they still need to do that, Kelly said.

Walk-in appointments began Tuesday at the clinic run by Family Centers at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center. Heather Dawson, vaccine coordinator for the nonprofit, said walk-in clients are welcome from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Connecticut residents seeking a vaccine should bring an ID card and an insurance card, if they have them.

We wanted to be able to open it up to people who still need appointments or maybe have had a difficult time accessing them through the online system, Dawson said. Now we can just do it for them.

To encourage residents to get the vaccine, Family Centers is also doing more outreach in the community, including at its clinic in Wilbur Peck Court, she said.

We want to get the people that may be hesitant or who were having trouble with access, she said. Were hopeful (that allowing walk-ins) will help. At the least it will give people another avenue.

This week, Family Centers also resumed offering the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Use of the J&J vaccine had been halted after six women reported they had serious blood clots after receiving the one-dose vaccine. But last week, the federal government said the vaccine could be used again.

Dawson said residents have not been hesitant to receive the J&J vaccine despite reports of blood clots.

There were people who were really interested in just Johnson & Johnson and I dont think its really changed, Dawson said. I think they had their heart set on it and were waiting for it to be reinstituted. People coming in seem pretty comfortable with it.

All state residents age 16 and up are eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
The name Zoe Roth might not ring any bells. But chances are youve seen her photo.

One Saturday morning in 2005, when Roth was four years old, her family went to look at a house on fire in their neighbourhood in North Carolina. Firefighters had intentionally set the blaze as a controlled fire, so it was a relaxed affair: neighbours gathered and firefighters allowed children to take turns holding the hose.

A meme is born: disaster girl. Credit:Dave Roth

Roth remembers watching the flames engulf the house when her father, an amateur photographer, asked her to smile. With her hair askew and a knowing look in her eyes, Roth flashed a devilish smirk as the fire roared behind her. Disaster Girl was born.

In the years since Dave Roth, Zoes father, entered it in a photo contest in 2007 and won, the image has been edited into various disasters from history, with Roth grinning impishly as a meteor wipes out the dinosaurs or the Titanic sinks in the distance. Now, after more than a decade of having her image endlessly repurposed as a vital part of meme canon, Roth has sold the original copy of her meme as a non-fungible token, or NFT, for nearly $US500,000 ($642,000).
For most people, getting to the stars is nothing more than a dream. On April 28, 2001, Dennis Tito achieved that lifelong goal  but he wasnt a typical astronaut. Tito, a wealthy businessman, paid US$20 million for a seat on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft to be the first tourist to visit the International Space Station. Only seven people have followed suit in the 20 years since, but that number is poised to double in the next 12 months alone.

NASA has long been hesitant to play host to space tourists, so Russia  looking for sources of money post-Cold War in the 1990s and 2000s  has been the only option available for those looking for this kind of extreme adventure. However, it seems the rise of private space companies is going to make it easier for regular people to experience space.

From my perspective as a space policy analyst, I see the beginning of an era in which more people can experience space. With companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin hoping to build a future for humanity in space, space tourism is a way to demonstrate both the safety and reliability of space travel to the general public.

The development of space tourism

Flights to space like Dennis Titos are expensive for a reason. A rocket must burn a lot of costly fuel to travel high and fast enough to enter Earths orbit.

Another cheaper possibility is a suborbital launch, with the rocket going high enough to reach the edge of space and coming right back down. While passengers on a suborbital trip experience weightlessness and incredible views, these launches are more accessible.

The difficulty and expense of either option has meant that, traditionally, only nation-states have been able to explore space. This began to change in the 1990s as a series of entrepreneurs entered the space arena. Three companies led by billionaire CEOs have emerged as the major players: Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and SpaceX. Though none have taken paying, private customers to space, all anticipate doing so in the very near future.

British billionaire Richard Branson has built his brand on not just business but also his love of adventure. In pursuing space tourism, Branson has brought both of those to bear. He established Virgin Galactic after buying SpaceShipOne - a company that won the Ansari X-Prize by building the first reusable spaceship. Since then, Virgin Galactic has sought to design, build and fly a larger SpaceShipTwo that can carry up to six passengers in a suborbital flight.

The going has been harder than anticipated. While Branson predicted opening the business to tourists in 2009, Virgin Galactic has encountered some significant hurdles  including the death of a pilot in a crash in 2014. After the crash, engineers found significant problems with the design of the vehicle, which required modifications.

Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, respective leaders of SpaceX and Blue Origin, began their own ventures in the early 2000s.

Musk, fearing that a catastrophe of some sort could leave Earth uninhabitable, was frustrated at the lack of progress in making humanity a multiplanetary species. He founded SpaceX in 2002 with the goal of first developing reusable launch technology to decrease the cost of getting to space. Since then, SpaceX has found success with its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. SpaceXs ultimate goal is human settlement of Mars  sending paying customers to space is an intermediate step. Musk says he hopes to show that space travel can be done easily and that tourism might provide a revenue stream to support development of the larger, Mars-focused Starship system.

Bezos, inspired by the vision of physicist Gerard ONeill, wants to expand humanity and industry not to Mars, but to space itself. Blue Origin, established in 2004, has proceeded slowly and quietly in also developing reusable rockets. Its New Shepard rocket, first successfully flown in 2015, will eventually offer tourists a suborbital trip to the edge of space, similar to Virgin Galactics. For Bezos, these launches represent an effort at making space travel routine, reliable and accessible to people as a first step to enabling further space exploration.

Outlook for the future

Now, SpaceX is the only option for someone looking to go into space and orbit the Earth. It currently has two tourist launches planned. The first is scheduled for as early as September 2021, funded by billionaire businessman Jared Isaacman. The other trip, planned for 2022, is being organized by Axiom Space. These trips will be costly, at $55 million for the flight and a stay on the International Space Station. The high cost has led some to warn that space tourism  and private access to space more broadly  might reinforce inequality between rich and poor.

Blue Origins and Virgin Galactics suborbital trips are far more reasonable in cost, with both priced between $200,000 and $250,000. Blue Origin appears to be the nearest to allowing paying customers on board, saying after a recent launch that crewed missions would be happening soon. Virgin Galactic continues to test SpaceShipTwo, but no specific timetable has been announced for tourist flights.

Though these prices are high, it is worth considering that Dennis Titos $20 million ticket in 2001 could pay for 100 flights on Blue Origin soon. The experience of viewing the Earth from space, though, may prove to be priceless for a whole new generation of space explorers.

[Over 104,000 readers rely on The Conversations newsletter to understand the world. Sign up today.]

Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, US Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Leading electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure company ChargePoint is adding support for Android Auto to its app. Starting today, Android smartphone users can search and navigate to a nearby ChargePoint charging station right from their cars infotainment screen. They dont need to pick up their phones to launch the ChargePoint app while driving.

ChargePoint says your cars dash display will show a map with all its nearby charging stations. You can select the station list for more detailed information, find directions to a station, and begin a charging session once you arrive, all from the cars infotainment screen.

The app also lets you filter the stations by charging speed, availability, and cost. You can also check the station status and compatibility with your EV make and model. Moreover, if a station is busy, a Notify Me button will notify you when the station becomes available again.

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Of course, for all this to work, you must have the ChargePoint app installed on a connected Android smartphone running Android 6.0 or above. Your vehicle also needs to be compatible with Android Auto.

ChargePoint is one of the largest networks of independent EV charging stations. Founded in 2007, the company currently operates more than 114,000 charging stations across Europe and North America. ChargePoints Android Auto support is available for users in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.

We know that the shift to electric mobility relies on driver experience, and ChargePoints Android Auto app is another pivotal step in the evolution already underway, driven by software and increased connectivity, said Bill Loewenthal, Senior Vice President of product at ChargePoint. By integrating essential charging data directly into the vehicles infotainment system, drivers are even more empowered and informed.

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ChargePoint arrives in Android Auto, as promised

Back in August 2020, Google announced that it is working with developers to expand third-party app support on Android Auto beyond media and messaging apps, including navigation, charging, and parking. ChargePoint was one of the names that the company mentioned in that announcement.

Android Auto eventually added support for these categories in October, allowing developers to start building. Earlier this month, Google moved that support out of the beta phase. And now, ChargePoint is officially available on Android Auto.

In November last year, ChargePoint had also updated its iOS app with support for CarPlay. That update brought the same EV charging functionality inside the vehicle to iPhone users. A few months later, Android users can now enjoy the same benefits as well.
The United States Justice Department (DoJ) has filed federal hate crime charges against the three white men who murdered 25-year-old African American jogger Ahmaud Arbery near Brunswick, Georgia, on February 23, 2020.

Travis McMichael, his father Gregory McMichael, and William Roddie Bryan were charged with one count of interference with civil rights and kidnapping, with the McMichaels being charged with one count each of using, carrying, and brandishing firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence. Georgia is one of a handful of states in the United States without its own hate crime laws.

From left, Travis McMichael, his father Gregory McMichael, and William Roddie Bryan Jr.

The McMichaels and Bryan chased and murdered Arbery while he was on a run through the Satilla Shores neighborhood. Neighbors testified that they had seen Arbery jogging for years and that it was not an unusual occurrence. The McMichaels pursued him under the baseless pretext that he had been burglarizing a construction site, claiming a series of burglaries had occurred in the area. The owner of the site stated this was false and that only trespassing by various people had occurred, not just Arbery, including a man and women and two small children. The only crime recorded in the area in the weeks prior to the killing of Arbery were the theft of a firearm from one of the McMichaels vehicles and one instance of trespassing on the construction site.

The federal indictment charges that the McMichaels, while aiding and abetting one another, did willfully, by force and threat of force injure, intimidate, and interfere with Ahmaud Arbery, an African American man, because of Arberys race and color and because he was running on a public street.

The DoJ in its release on April 28 states that Counts One and Two of the indictment allege that the defendants used force and threats of force to intimidate and interfere with Arberys right to use a public street because of his race. Count One alleges that the offense resulted in Arberys death, and Count Two alleges that Bryan joined the chase and used his truck to cut off Arberys route. Bryan admitted on police body camera after the killing to attempting to block Arberys route. Count Three is that all three defendants attempted to unlawfully seize and detain Arbery, with Counts Four and Five relating to the carrying, use, and blandishment of a Remington shotgun and a .357 Magnum revolver by Travis McMichael and Gregory McMichael, respectively.

Ahmaud Arbery (Family photo)

In June 2020, during a hearing in which a magistrate court judge determined sufficient probable cause to support murder charges against the three men, a Georgia investigator testified that Travis McMichael used a racist slur seconds after killing Arbery, who was unarmed, point blank with a shotgun.

The DoJ release also states that the defendants were charged in a separate state proceeding with malice murder [when an individual unlawfully and with malice, that is intentionally commits a murder], felony murder, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and criminal attempt to commit a felony.

Gregory McMichael has extensive ties to local government and police agencies. He was a Glynn County police officer in the 1980s and, at the time of the shooting, had just retired after 20 years as an investigator for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney.

The McMichaels were arrested on May 7, 2020, more than two months after they killed Arbery. Police interviewed the killers just after the shooting and allowed them to return home, filing no charges. Police at the time told Arberys mother that her son was involved in a burglarya blatant lie.

The Brunswick District Attorney, Jackie Johnson, who previously worked with Gregory McMichael, recused herself, handing the case to the Ware County District Attorney, Gregory Barnhill, who advised police there was insufficient probable cause to arrest the McMichaels. The death and effort at a cover up sparked nationwide protests over the killings after footage, taken by Bryan, was released two months after the killing. The case against the killers was only launched after Barnhill recused himself and the video of the shooting went viral.

Additionally, plans have been announced by the DoJ to pursue federal hate crimes against the four officers who killed George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The federal prosecutors plan to ask a grand jury to indict three of the officersJ. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thaoin connection to the killing of Floyd, while Derek Chauvin will be charged in connection with Floyds murder and the 2017 brutalization of a 14-year-old during an arrest related to a domestic assault. Body-camera footage shows Chauvin wordlessly beat the boy repeatedly with his flashlight after he refused to get off the floor, choke him unconscious, then drive his knee into the boys back for several minutes while ignoring the boys pleas that he could not breathe.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune, illustrating the concerns of the government and ruling elite motivating the decision, drew on sources from within the Justice Department familiar with the planning discussions. They explained that the civil rights charges were initially conceived as a contingency plan that DoJ officials came up with in the case that Chauvin were found not guilty on all counts or the case ended in a mistrial in order to avoid the riots many feared could engulf the city once again.

Speaking to the urgency with which the state apparatus viewed the situation surrounding the Chauvin case, the plan involved arresting Chauvin by criminal complaint so that so they could arrest him immediately, and then asked a grand jury for an indictment.
Lily, a single mother from Vancouver, British Columbia, recently spoke to the World Socialist Web Site about her experiences after getting infected with COVID-19. Having likely caught the virus from one of her two kids, who were forced to attend school by the reckless policy pursued by the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) government, Lily has become a vocal advocate for the closure of all schools to bring the pandemic under control and save lives.

Protester at rally last summer against unsafe reopening of BC schools. (Facebook)

We have not been one bit protected, she told us, referring to the NDP governments response to the pandemic. I am so angry! Getting COVID-19 was the worst experience of my life.

It makes me so livid! They said schools are safe. They said kids cannot get it. Liars! They dont care about the amount of deaths and sickness they are causing. They are to blame for not closing the schools and businesses.

Describing her own experience, Lily explained how she was largely left to fend for herself. I have two boys. The six year old is in a Grade 1 class, and the seven year old is in a Grade 2 class in a public school, she said. In January, we were all feeling tired. The kids were grumpy and irritable. Being a single parent I cant afford a car. One day I went to get the boys at school, and another parent offered me a ride home. I was grateful for the ride.

That night, the school emailed out a notice of exposurethere was COVID in the school. We were not told anything specific. I emailed the principal: Should I send them to school, is it a good idea? She said I should if they are not showing symptoms. So they went for the rest of the week. I do not blame her. She is in the same boat as me, and Public Health said it was safe. Public Health did not contact me for four days to tell me I was a close contact of someone with COVID-19. I was not even isolated! I went about my business as usual. I took the bus. Who knows how many I infected? Contact tracing is a joke.

We were not given any details. So I called another mom. She told me her sons class was isolated too. She had driven to get a COVID test, and it was positive. I could not believe it. I told her I had a behavioral interventionist appointment for my child at my house. The woman put on masks and came in. She took all precautions as put forth by Public Health, but due to the lag in reporting we were unaware that we had to isolate until after the appointment. And by the time we received notice from the school and Public Health, we had exposed her. At 9:30 p.m. Friday, my six year olds whole class was finally told to self-isolate.

I called Public Health to say we were sick and asked for them to come and test us. They refused and told me to take transit or a taxi to get tested. They suggested I isolate the seven year old from the six year old, but how does a single mother do that? By Sunday I was unable to smell or taste anything. I called my friends and family in Ontario. I could not feel my face. My sons were vomiting. I was worried that I would die at one point.

Lilys kids returned to school in February. I only sent my kids to school 14 days, not consecutive days either, during the whole semester, but unfortunately they kept being exposed to COVID, she continued. My seven year old was exposed in school so we spent from February 20 to March 8 self-isolating. On March 12, I sent them back to school after the Family Day long weekend. My other son got exposed again after three days of being back, and we had to isolate again. I was by now worn down with fatigue.

Although I am very poor, after the third isolation I hired a babysitter for an hour a day to pick the boys up after school and walk them home because I was just too weak to do it. It was the Easter weekend. On the Monday I had to take my six year old to the doctor, and I emailed the babysitter to only pick up my seven year old. The school called and said there was no one to pick him up. I had to go. I kept emailing the babysitter. On the Friday, she finally messaged me that she had COVID and said, Public Health will call you, but they never did.

Months after Lilys illness, her family is still struggling with the impact of the infection. I still have symptoms, she said. I am told I have what they call long COVID.

The consequences for her kids also concern her. I worry about how the situation will affect them emotionally, she said. It was so scary for all of us. They are always tired and cranky. My seven year old asked me if I heard that ringinghe seems to hear ringing in his ears. What other health conditions will we face because of this? Small children cannot express how they feel. They just cry or say they are dizzy.

Lily also discussed how difficult it is to raise a family in Vancouver, where the cost of rent is among the highest in any city in the world. I cannot afford to order groceries online, she said. I have to check my bank balance every day. I cannot afford a taxi, and I am scared of the bus. Plus, I have to take my kids with me, unless they are in school.

The amount of support they gave workers on the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit), $2,000 a month, was a joke. And it is cruel that the disabled are made to live on about $1,600 a month, all the time. Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities. I have not been able to work for the past seven years. My husband left me when I was pregnant the second time, and I had a one year old. We lived for years in a one-bedroom flat because that is all I can afford.

Lily believes that the open economy/open schools policy serves the interests of the rich, and that none of the established political parties represents her interests. The poor have to go out to work and to school, to get the bus, she told us. Parents suffer because kids exposed at school bring home the virus and get whole households sick. That is why people should have been advocating for school closures from the beginning.

The 29-39 year old age group is all getting P1 [the more contagious Brazilian variant] now because we have kids at school. The kids go to school, pick it up and bring it home. The parents and whole family get sick. The school staff bring it home with them. We all spread it everywhere we shop. Schools are a vector for transmissiona superspreader event.

While noting that it is too late now to prevent my family being sick, Lily firmly believes that the pandemic can be contained and thousands of lives saved. The smart idea is to close schools until everyone is vaccinated, she told us. Closing all the schools is not going to be easy, but it is for the better good.

I cannot understand people who do not want the schools shut down. A full closure would be brilliant. Why not take the opportunity to vaccinate everyone? So many people spewing misinformation: children cannot get it, and young people do not get it. But they do and they die from it.

But they do not have to if we close the schools and compensate everyone to stay home and get the vaccine. Kids are still in schools right now for economic and political reasons. BC Public Health and the NDP government are indifferent. I cannot keep my kids safe, and neither can their teachers.

The only way to make us all safe is to have the whole world vaccinated, including the kids. I support the Socialist Equality Partys call for immediate school closures.
McDonald's Offers Free Drink to Educators

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - Local McDonald's restaurants will celebrate area teachers by offering a free beverage May 3-14 in the drive-thru.National Teacher Appreciation Day is May 4. Local McDonald's Owner/Operator Mike Love says that supporting teachers is always a top priority."McDonald's has a long history of recognizing teachers as a key part of children's lives," Love said. "This is just one way we can say thank you for their hard work, dedication, and commitment during such a challenging school year."McDonald's is extending this offer of thanks to local educators in the Drive Thru only. To redeem, teachers must show a valid educator ID when ordering. No purchase is necessary. Hours may vary by location, and the offer is valid at participating locations while supplies last.
Howard Zlotkin is under fire after going on a rant against his Jersey City high school students over Zoom on Wednesday

A high school teacher in New Jersey was removed from the classroom with pay and is being investigated after he went on a vulgar rant aimed at his own students.

Dickinson High School students were subjected to the hateful tirade during a remote lesson conducted over Zoom.

The conversation on Wednesday was initially about climate change before landscape and design teacher Howard Zlotkin took it in a different direction.

'If you think I'm privileged then f*** you, because my daughter thinks I'm privileged and I don't speak to her,' Zlotkin said to the class, which was recorded.

At one point, he allegedly says 'f*** you' to a student while pointing his middle finger at them.

Zlotkin then delved into racial territory, commenting on George Floyd and decrying the Black Lives Matter movement.

'I hear people whining and crying about Black Lives Matter, but George Floyd was a f*****g criminal and he got arrested and he got killed because he wouldn't comply and the bottom line is we make him a f*****g hero,' Zlotkin says.

Senior Timmia Williams, 17, also told NBC New York that Zlotkin demanded essays from four of the black female students in the class, though it's not clear what those essays would've been about.

Howard Zlotkin, a Jersey City teacher, was caught going on a racist rant on Wednesday

The teacher called George Floyd a 'f*****g criminal,' saying that he wasn't a hero

Williams and her mother contacted officials at the school and board of education to discuss the incident, but didn't initially hear back.

Zlotkin was back teaching on Thursday, when he allegedly took aim at Williams for refusing to write the essay he demanded.

'I don't think you can make a case,' Zlotkin said. 'You know what Timmia? You're full of s**t, too.'

Williams cried to her mother about the vulgar incident.

'She was crying,' Williams' mother, Margie Nieves, told NBC New York. 'She came to me, tells me, 'Mom why is it there's a problem with my skin?''

Zlotkin also allegedly pointed his middle finger at a student during the Zoom class

Timmia Williams, 17, was the direct recipient of some of Zlotkin's verbal attacks

At that point, the Jersey City Public Schools district finally stepped in and removed Zlotkin from his teaching role, putting him on paid suspension.

'The school was in the process of taking statements from students today before proceeding with disciplinary actions, and then the second video surfaced,' the district said in a statement.

'The teacher will not have access to students or the school as we proceed. We are appalled by the statements, profanity, disrespect and treatment of students.'

Superintendent Franklin Walker also commented on the teacher, calling his conduct 'unacceptable.'

He told NJ.com that 'some of it could be at the same level as a hate crime.' Students at the school will be offered counseling.

'We know it affected them some type of way,' Walker stated. 'If this is the way this [teacher] feels then it means that there are other things that certainly may have gone on, things that were said to address what his personal feelings are, which have no place in the classroom with our children.'

Zlotkin, who has not commented on the videos, is also an adjunct professor at Hudson County Community College and New Jersey City University, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Zlotkin is a teacher at Dickinson High School, where he has been suspended from with pay

He has been put on paid suspension at Hudson County Community College as a result of this incident.

HCCC spokeswoman Jennifer Christopher said he was in violation of the anti-harassment policy and professional conduct policy at the school.

Zlotkin's directory page on the New Jersey City University website no longer appears to be active.

He has been working at Dickinson High School for 20 years, teaching other courses in biology and science over his two decades with the school.
BATH, England, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pioneering digital science publisher SelectScience has been honored with the UK's most prestigious business award  the Queen's Award for Enterprise.

From its global HQ in Bath, UK, SelectScience provides trusted online information to scientists around the world at the forefront of advancements across multiple scientific disciplines, including critical fields such as COVID-19, cancer research, drug discovery, sustainability, food quality, clinical diagnostics and many others.

The company wins the coveted 2021 Queen's Award for International Trade for the second time, in recognition of its outstanding performance over the past three years.

SelectScience CEO Kerry Parker said: "What an incredible honor and proud moment for all of us at SelectScience. I'd like to thank every member of our outstanding team for their passion and commitment to delivering high-quality information, great content and exquisite service.

"Now more than ever, we are seeing the importance of effective communication within the science industry, and we feel privileged and humbled to be able to play our part in that."

SelectScience has been spearheading digital communication in science for more than two decades, connecting scientists and scientific manufacturers through peer-to-peer product reviews and resources such as webinars, eBooks and revolutionary video platform, The Scientists' Channel.

When coronavirus struck in early 2020, it responded rapidly to support the industry through the crisis as the usual global calendar of physical conferences was canceled.

After launching a series of new virtual events and other online tools to help ensure scientific collaboration could continue, the company has been having its best year on record, building an international audience of more than 5 million scientists.

The SelectScience team has chosen to dedicate its prized Queen's Award to the scientists, healthcare professionals and scientific manufacturers who have risen to the challenges of the pandemic with such resilience and innovation.

"COVID-19 has shown that only by working together can we solve the world's biggest problems, so this award feels like recognition for the science industry as a whole, for how it has united to deliver fast, effective solutions that will protect health, save lives and make a better world," said Kerry.

She added: "Without our many scientist members and partner manufacturers, we wouldn't be the thriving digital community we are today, so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them all for putting their trust in SelectScience."

Founded in 1998 and renowned for its innovation, the business has established an enviable market position, serving high-quality digital marketing solutions to the science industry, including the world's top 10 manufacturers of scientific laboratory equipment. Earlier this year, it announced an exciting new investment partnership with Vespa Capital.

The SelectScience Virtual Summit on Cancer and Immunology Research 2021 launches on May 11, with more to follow.

About SelectScience

SelectScience is an innovative digital publisher and marketing company within the science industry, providing vital information to scientists around the world through rich editorial content, virtual events and fully moderated peer-to-peer lab product reviews. The SelectScience team is passionate about promoting scientists and their work, as well as enabling online conversations to help accelerate critical research and scientific excellence.

For more information, please visit https://www.selectscience.net/aboutus

SOURCE SelectScience
Daniel J. Lohrmann is an internationally recognized cybersecurity leader, technologist, keynote speaker and author.

During his distinguished career, Dan has served global organizations in the public and private sectors in a variety of executive leadership capacities, receiving numerous national awards including: CSO of the Year, Public Official of the Year and Computerworld Premier 100 IT Leader.

Lohrmann led Michigan governments cybersecurity and technology infrastructure teams from May 2002  August 2014, including enterprise-wide Chief Security Officer (CSO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) roles in Michigan.

Dan currently serves as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Chief Strategist for Security Mentor, Inc. Lohrmann is leading the development and implementation of Security Mentors industry-leading cyber training, consulting and workshops for end users, managers and executives in the public and private sectors. He has advised senior leaders at the White House, National Governors Association (NGA), National Association of State CIOs (NASCIO), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), federal, state and local government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and non-profit institutions.

Dan has more than 30 years of experience in the computer industry, beginning his career with the National Security Agency. He worked for three years in England as a senior network engineer for Lockheed Martin (formerly Loral Aerospace) and for four years as a technical director for ManTech International in a US / UK military facility.

Lohrmann is the author of two books - Virtual Integrity: Faithfully Navigating the Brave New Web and BYOD For You: The Guide to Bring Your Own Device to Work. He has been a keynote speaker at global security and technology conferences from South Africa to Dubai and from Washington D.C. to Moscow.

Lohrmann holds a Master's Degree in Computer Science (CS) from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and a Bachelor's Degree in CS from Valparaiso University in Indiana.

Follow Dan on Twitter at: @govcso
Reno, Nevada, city officials said they have reached a tentative agreement to pay $4.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by residents whose homes in the community of Lemmon Valley were flooded north of town in 2017 after the city diverted excess storm water into a local lake basin.

The city council is expected to approve the payment on May 12 after announcing the agreement last week, which would resolve all existing state and federal lawsuits, the Reno Gazette Journal reported.

Donna Robinson, one of the original Lemmon Valley property owners who sued Reno, said residents are generally relieved the legal battle is ending.

Some of the residents are happy theyre getting some money, Robinson told KOLO-TV. There should have been more, but we know how the settlement process works.

A judge ordered the city on March 15 to pay $1.1 million to three Lemmon Valley residents for damages plus interest for four years of court fees. They will receive their payouts as part of the $4.5 million the city will pay to settle the 30 claims in state and federal court.

More than 60 homes in Lemmon Valley were damaged in 2017 when the city pumped or diverted excess storm water into the Swan Lake basin following unusually heavy rain on top of heavy snowpack.

A jury in 2019 found the city was responsible for the flooding and should be responsible for paying financial damages to residents.

Though still liable for the damages, the city moved in 2020 to decertify the class of homeowners that banded together for the class action lawsuit.

City officials argued that having the claim declared a class lawsuit did not serve the interest of justice and each resident needed to provide proof of how much they had suffered financially because of the damages to their homes.

Washoe District Judge Barry Breslow ruled in favor of the city and to decertify the class, but rejected city officials arguments that compensation should be limited to the rental value of the properties. He said residents should be reimbursed for the rental value at the time of the flooding, plus damages, relocation costs and attorneys fees.

This global settlement is a significant step forward for proper stewardship of our delicate ecosystem in the North Valleys and underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts regarding sustainability in the Biggest Little City, the city of Reno said in the statement announcing the settlement.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Flood Nevada
The Manitoba ombudsman has weighed in on the largest data breach in the provincial government's history.

The Manitoba ombudsman has weighed in on the largest data breach in the provincial government's history.

Its 61-page investigative report, which includes recommendations, looked into what happened in August when Children's Disability Services sent information on about 8,900 clients not just to the Manitoba advocate for children and youth (which it had been intended for) but also to about 100 service agencies and community advocates.

"This privacy breach was unprecedented in scope for this province," ombudsman Jill Perron said in a statement Thursday.

"When those affected are vulnerable children and youth, the impact of a privacy breach of sensitive personal health information for those children and their families can be devastating."

Most of the report's recommendations have already been fully implemented, Families Minister Rochelle Squires said Thursday. New software, which the department will now use to share information with independent agencies, will be in place by next week.

"I want to apologize to all the children and families that were impacted by this privacy breach," said Squires.

"Weve implemented a better system to ensure that when we do share data with relevant independent offices, we do so in a way that is free from any opportunities to breach privacy information."

On Aug. 13, 2020, unnamed staff in the disability program accidently sent an email to not just the advocate's office, but also to 114 service agencies and community advocates. The email was recalled minutes later and didn't have any personal client information attached.

On Aug. 26, another email sent to the advocate's office  also accidently sent to the service agencies and community advocates  contained encrypted personal information for thousands of children with disabilities.

Minutes later, a second email went out to all the same recipients, containing a password allowing them to open the encrypted information, which included the name, address, age, gender and home address of the child living with disabilities, the name of the child's case worker, what services were being provided and the nature of the child's disability.

The data included whether the client was going to child care or after-school programs, the name of the program they attended, whether the family received respite and how much funding was being paid out or received for all three services on a monthly basis.

The investigation concluded the data breach was "unintentional and resulted from human error."

The emails went to 12 community advocacy groups, six organizations which provide services for children with disabilities, 94 organizations which help adults with disabilities, and two which give services to both children and adults with disabilities, the ombudsman's report said.

"All trustees have a duty to protect the personal health information of the citizens they serve," said Perron.

"This investigation provides the department with guidance to increase compliance with the act and the opportunity to strengthen its privacy protection practices across all of its programs."

The recommendations include requiring department employees to complete training courses on privacy and confidentiality.

 with files from Larry Kusch

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
"Atlassian would like to congratulate and thank this years Partner of the Year award recipients ", said Martin Musierowicz, Atlassian's Head of Global Channels.

Atlassian announced today that Praecipio Consulting has received Atlassian Partner of the Year 2020 Enterprise Services for their outstanding contribution and achievements during the calendar year 2020. This includes exceptional efforts in developing new business, thought leadership, and products and services that complement Atlassian.

Praecipio Consulting was one of 16 solution partner recipients honored as Partner of the Year for our continuous effort throughout the year.

"Atlassian would like to congratulate and thank this years Partner of the Year award recipients ", said Martin Musierowicz, Atlassian's Head of Global Channels. "Solution Partners play an instrumental role in our customers' success and we are excited to be able to highlight some of our top partners who go above and beyond to provide innovative solutions and Atlassian services to our customers."

About Praecipio Consulting

Praecipio Consulting is a leading business process and technology consulting firm based in Austin, Texas that helps organizations successfully achieve their digital transformation goals. Specializing in process frameworks, including Agile, IT Service Management (ITSM), DevOps, and Enterprise Service Management, Praecipio Consulting serves as a strategic partner to industry leaders and organizations of all sizes across various industries to optimize business processes by leveraging Atlassians robust product suite along with other technologies. As an Atlassian Platinum Enterprise Solution Partner, Praecipio Consulting offers integrated business and technology solutions that help clients deliver a delightful customer experience, increase costs savings, and improve business performance. Since establishing an official partnership with Atlassian in 2008, Atlassian has recognized Praecipio Consulting as their Partner of the Year for five consecutive years, in addition to naming them as ITSM Partner of the Year.

To learn more, visit http://www.praecipio.com and listen to The Digital Transformation(ists) podcast. Join the Praecipio Consulting community on linkedin.com/company/praecipio-consulting, https://www.instagram.com/praecipio/, https://www.facebook.com/praecipio/, and https://twitter.com/praecipio/
The Ananda Wellness Bliss programme in the Himalayas is a great way to introduce yoga and relaxation into your daily routine, via online appointments. Over the course of 12 one-on-one sessions, I, a near-beginner in yoga, was introduced to a wide range of practices, going from joint stretches to sun salutations and more complicated sequences. I first had to fill out a form about my health habits, from nutrition to digestion and my sleeping pattern. This then led to a one-on-one consultations with one of the spa's GPs, who gave me personalised recommendations following the ancient Indian Ayurveda system. I then had yoga sessions with Head of Yoga at Ananda, Sandeep Agarwalla, who introduced me to the basics of yoga. While nothing beats a trip to the Himalayas, the Zoom sessions were easy to integrate to my everyday routine and a great introduction to yoga.
FRANKFURT - Europe's economy shrank 0.6% in the first three months of the year as slow vaccine rollouts and extended lockdowns delayed a hoped-for recovery - and underlined how the region is lagging other major economies in rebounding from the coronavirus pandemic.

FILE - In this March 17, 2021 file photo, a refinery of BP is steaming at night in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The European Union statistics agency Eurostat announces first-quarter growth figures for the 19 countries that use the euro. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

FRANKFURT - Europe's economy shrank 0.6% in the first three months of the year as slow vaccine rollouts and extended lockdowns delayed a hoped-for recovery - and underlined how the region is lagging other major economies in rebounding from the coronavirus pandemic.

The fall in output for the 19 countries that use the euro currency was smaller than the 1% contraction expected by economists but still far short of the rebound underway in the United States and China, two other pillars of the global economy.

Figures announced Thursday showed the U.S. economy grew 1.6% during the first quarter, with business supported by strong consumer demand. On an annualized basis, the U.S. grew 6.4%.

FILE - In this April 30, 2020 file photo, an employee wearing a face mask to protect against the spread of the new coronavirus attaches a Mercedes emblem as he works on a Mercedes-Benz S-class car at the Mercedes plant in Sindelfingen, Germany. The European Union statistics agency Eurostat announces first-quarter growth figures for the 19 countries that use the euro. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

In Europe, it was the second straight quarter of falling output, meaning the region fell back into a recession despite a rebound in growth from July to September of last year. The latest data covers the quarter that ended March 31 and economists say the economy is on the verge of an upswing.

France showed unexpected growth of 0.4% compared to the quarter before, while the main negative surprise came in Germany, the continent's largest economy. Activity there shrank by a larger-than-expected 1.7% as the manufacturing sector was hit by disruption of parts supplies on top of the hit to services and travel from pandemic-related restrictions on activity.

French authorities are anticipating the COVID-19 outlook in the country to be better next month, when a greater proportion of the population will be vaccinated. The government is slowly starting to lift partial lockdowns, despite still-high numbers of coronavirus cases and hospitalized COVID-19 patients. President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that the outdoor terraces of Frances cafes and restaurants will be allowed to reopen on May 19 along with museums, cinemas, theatres and concert halls under certain conditions.

Worry about a potential second straight lost vacation season has clouded the outlook for Mediterranean countries Italy, Spain and Greece, which rely heavily on tourism. Greece has lifted quarantine restrictions on visitors from EU countries and will allow restaurants and cafes to reopen for outdoor service from May 3. Travel receipts there sank 75% last year.

FILE - In this Monday, March 29, 2021 file photo, lights burn in some offices of the buildings of the banking district in Frankfurt, Germany. The European Union statistics agency Eurostat announces first-quarter growth figures for the 19 countries that use the euro. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, file)

Economists said they expected an upturn in the coming weeks as vaccinations accelerate. The International Monetary Fund forecasts growth of 4.4% for the eurozone for all of this year.

Todays GDP data for the first quarter suggests a fair resilience of the blocs economy and sends encouraging signs surrounding the near-term outlook, said economist Maddalena Martini at Oxford Economics.

Katerina Grapsa, owner of a decorative items shop in Athens, expressed optimism as she arranged her wares including candles for Orthodox Easter, which is Sunday.

From now on, we hope that things will get better, because of the vaccines, because of the measures," she said. "If tourism comes and they don't bring us COVID but leave us money, it will be much better.

Andreas Iosifidis, egg vendor at the Athens produce market, said that it is better because last year was unprecedented. This year, it is coming to an end a little, and we are used to it, and we get out shopping.

Thus far, Europe's unemployment rate has increased only gradually to 8.1% in March, thanks to extensive furlough support programs that help companies keep workers on. The US saw its jobless rate fall to 6.0% after spiking as high as 14.8% during the worst of the pandemic.

A major factor holding back the recovery in Europe is the slow vaccine rollout, which has led to prolonged lockdowns. Another is less fiscal support for the economy from new government spending. U.S. President Joe Biden's $1.9 billion relief package, coupled with spending from earlier support efforts, will mean additional cash support of about 11-12% of annual economic output for this year, according to economists at UniCredit bank. By contrast, the European fiscal stimulus amounts to about 6% of gross domestic product, even after Europe's more extensive social safety net is factored in.

China was hit first by the pandemic but got it under control through strict public health measures and was the only major economy to grow in 2020. The U.S. was hard hit by the virus but has rolled out vaccinations at a rapid pace.

Associated Press journalists Srdjan Nedeljkovic and Lefteris Pitarakis contributed from Athens.
Thirty-seven Republicans led by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell demanded that the U.S. Department of Education not teach the 1619 Project because it puts a 'divisive agenda' over accuracy.

Politico Playbook first reported that McConnell penned a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on behalf of himself and 37 Senate Republican colleagues asking the nation's education chief not to include The New York Times' controversial project in a curriculum update.

'This is a time to strengthen the teaching of civics and American history in our schools,' McConnell argued. 'Instead, your Proposed Priorities double down on divisive, radical, and historically-dubious buzzwords and propaganda.'

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell wrote a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona asking that the 1619 Project not be included in American curriculum

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell directed the letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona

The 1619 Project - first published in August 2019 to mark 400 years since the first enslaved Africans came to American shores - takes slavery and puts it in the center of the American narrative.

A number of historians have knocked the project for putting ideology ahead of historical understanding.

McConnell wrote that the project has come 'infamous for putting ill-informed advocacy ahead of historical accuracy.'

'Actual, trained, credentialed historians with diverse political views have debunked the project's many factual and historical errors, such as the bizarre and inaccurate notion that preserving slavery was a primary driver of the American Revolution,' the Kentucky Republican wrote.

The Education Department isn't mandating the 1619 Project be taught in public school classrooms, but it has proposed offering grants to schools that teach it and other educational materials that 'take into account systemic marginalization, biases, inequities, and discriminatory policy and practice in American history.'

McConnell is stepping into the culture war on this issue - as former President Donald Trump did before him - as Trump continues to complain that McConnell should be cut from the head of the party.

'McConnell has not done a great job, I think they should change Mitch McConnell' Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network's Maria Bartiromo Thursday morning.

Trump and McConnell's relationship ended once Trump refused to concede the election and only got worse thanks to the January 6 insurrection.

In response to Trump's most recent criticism, McConnell said, 'we're looking to the future, not the past.'

He pointed to Sen. Tim Scott, who delivered the Republicans' response to President Joe Biden's first Congressional address Wednesday night.

'He's the future. That's where we're headed. We're not preoccupied with the past but looking forward,' McConnell said.

Scott, the only black Republican member of the Senate, spent a large chunk of his speech talking about race making a similar point as McConnell.

'Americans never decided our children should be taught that our country is inherently evil,' McConnell wrote.

Scott argued it's just as racist to teach white kids that they're 'an oppressor.'

Scott said that kids are still being taught that the color of their skin defines them.

'And if they look a certain way, they're an oppressor,' he noted. 'From colleges to corporations to our culture, people are making money and gaining power by pretending we havent made any progress,' he claimed.

'Hear me clearly: America is not a racist county,' Scott said.

'It's backwards to fight discrimination with different discrimination. And its wrong to try to use our painful past to dishonestly shut down debates in the present,' he said.
By Gavin Jones and Stephen Jewkes

ROME (Reuters) - The European Union is billing its 750-billion-euro pandemic Recovery Fund as the opportunity of the century to transform the region's economy and help it lead the world in reducing carbon emissions.

But a closer look by environmentalists at the spending plans prepared by Italy - the biggest recipient of EU cash - raises questions about how green Rome's contribution will be, how it will be measured and even what investments can be classed as "green".

They have criticised the plan presented to parliament this week as falling well short of the revolution that was promised.

Mario Draghi's government aims to submit the 273-page document to Brussels on Friday to obtain more than 200 billion euros ($242 billion) from the kitty aimed at making the bloc's 27-member states more ecological, digital and resilient.

The EU requires the largest slice of the investments in each country - some 37% - to go towards projects that will green the region's economy. But ecological lobbyists and think tanks say Italy's plan does not meet the threshold.

"A not very green Plan," is the headline of a report by Greenpeace Italia, which gathered outside parliament this week with other Green advocates to protest against what they see as a lack of ambition on the environment.

Draghi's document offers 59 billion euros of EU money under the ecological transition heading, to be spent over the six years of the plan - some 10 billion less than the draft prepared by his predecessor Giuseppe Conte, who lost power in January.

That amounts to 31% of the EU funds, versus the 37% prescribed. Draghi has topped this up with 9 billion euros of separate government borrowing, but lobbyists point out this money will not be subject to Brussels' scrutiny and can therefore easily be revoked.

Draghi told parliament this week green policies feature in several of the six chapters of his plan, not just the "Green Transition" one, meaning that Brussels' 37% target was met.

Story continues

The European Commission has two months from the moment it gets a national scheme to check it meets the criteria. EU finance ministers then have another month to evaluate them.

One official said this week many countries were planning to spend as much as 50% of their funds on green projects but that in any case, all plans would be carefully scrutinised.

ELECTRIC TRANSPORT

More specifically, objectors say Draghi's plan offers little for conversion to electric transport, vital for the cities of Italy's industrial north which are among the most polluted in Europe, or for a conversion to organic, less intensive farming.

The plan provides just 750 million euros to develop charging stations for electric cars and 300 million for electric buses.

Rome has raised doubts about forcing the pace on electric cars if batteries are not charged by power from renewable sources.

Ecological Transition Minister Roberto Cingolani argues that with a polluting public transport system and ageing car pool, Italy's priorities are clear. "We need to fix public transport first," he told Reuters. "That's an absolute emergency."

Yet Greenpeace Italia said that is not even being done. Draghi's plan to extend Italy's urban public transport lines by some 240 kilometres (150 miles) is adequate for Rome alone, it said.

Germany will receive much less EU Recovery Fund money than Italy, but plans to use more than 5 billion euros of it for measures to favour electric and hybrid vehicles.

Electric transport is also a cornerstone of the Spanish plan, which dedicates 6.5 billion euros to "sustainable, secure and connected mobility" in cities.

"Draghi has allocated just 3.6 billion euros to developing public transport lines and 24 billion to high-speed trains without any CO2 impact assessment," said Matteo Leonardi, co-founder of Italian energy and climate change think-tank ECCO.

ECCO also accuses the government of having "no strategy for renewable energy."

Its goal to install 4,200 extra megawatts from renewable power sources is only sufficient to ensure Italy meets the quota of renewable energy recommended by the EU for a single year, the think tank said in a report.

SLOW PROCESS

Italian energy firms say the real problem is a labyrinthine process which means it can take years to get permits for new solar and wind capacity.

Italy's biggest utility Enel reckons at current rates it would take some 100 years to reach solar power targets for 2030.

"We have the strength to install 6-8 gigawatts a year but to do that we have to change the rules... and now," says Cingolani.

Much of the Recovery Plan's energy strategy is based around the use of hydrogen, but environmentalists complain it does not spell out how the gas must be produced.

Hydrogen is not necessarily "green" because it can be generated from fossil fuels that Italian energy companies continue to invest in.

Green hydrogen, made by electrolysis using renewable power from wind and solar, is currently too expensive for widespread use and Enel has previously said electrolysers need to cost six times less to make it viable.

ECCO said that with no decisive push towards renewable energy or electric transport, Italy's plan risked being mere

"greenwashing, in the interests of state companies that aim to maintain a system based mainly on fossil fuels."

On taking office Draghi created a new Ecological Transition ministry headed by Cingolani, a prominent physicist who was previously head of innovation at Italy's state-owned defence company Leonardo.

Cingolani's illustrious scientific career has focused on areas such as robotics and nanotechnologies rather than climate change. Some observers suggested he may have been a better fit at the infrastructure ministry which went to Enrico Giovannini, who is instead a prominent expert in sustainable development.

In his maiden speech to parliament in February Draghi said "we want to leave a healthy planet, not just a healthy currency." Some environmentalists doubt the former European Central Bank chief's Recovery Plan matches that commitment.

($1 = 0.8280 euros)

(Reporting by Gavin Jones in Rome, Stephen Jewkes in Milan; Additional reporting by Jan Strupczewski in Brussels; editing by Mark John and Elaine Hardcastle)
The Maldives is still welcoming Bollywood stars and other rich Indians to its secluded beaches and crystal-clear lagoons even as countries ban flights because of a brutal Covid surge.

The Indian Ocean archipelago of more than a thousand islands reopened its international borders in mid-July after being shut for three months, and Indians have accounted for the most visitors.

This week, as a string of other countries banned visitors from India, the Maldives government made only slight changes to its rules for passengers from its giant neighbour.

Holidaymakers arriving from India now can only stay at a resort or a safari boat and are not allowed to check into guest houses in inhabited islands where locals also live.

"The geographical location of our islets help us to minimise the (virus) risk," Thoyyib Mohamed, the head of the country's tourism authority, Visit Maldives, told AFP.

"Each islet is a self-contained single resort. Even if we have a few cases popping up here and there, we can contain it within the resorts without exposing the local population."

- Tourism workers vaccinated -

Thoyyib said that they have also launched a campaign to vaccinate the entire workforce of 50,000 in the tourism sector and many others providing services relating to the hospitality trade.

"We want to be the first fully vaccinated tourism sector in the world," Thoyyib told AFP by telephone. He said about 90 percent of workers were already vaccinated.

Media reports have suggested that the Maldives might even offer Covid vaccines to foreign visitors.

But officials said they had no such immediate plans until all Maldivians and resident non-nationals had received both doses of the AstraZeneca or the Sinopharm vaccine.

More than two-thirds of its 330,000 population has already received their first dose, according to health ministry figures.

It has reported just over 29,000 virus infections with 73 deaths, although case numbers have been rising sharply in recent weeks.

- Yoga on Insta -

Thoyyib said there was a decline in the number of Indians visiting in the past week but they remained the largest single group of visitors to the archipelago this year.

Bollywood stars escaping India in recent weeks include Alia Bhatt, her partner Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, who posted Instagram photos of herself doing yoga at sunset at a Maldives resort.

Press reports suggest that private jet firms have seen a surge in demand to Europe, the Middle East and the Maldives, including from people clubbing together to hire an aircraft.

"It's not only the ultra rich," Rajan Mehra, head New Delhi-based private plane firm Club One Air told The Print. "Whoever can afford to take a private jet are taking private jets."

India on Friday reported 385,000 new cases in the past 24 hours -- a new global record -- and almost 3,500 deaths, according to official data that many experts suspect falls short of the true toll.

With the surge blamed on new virus variants and huge religious and political gatherings in recent months, India's hospitals are struggling to cope, particularly but not only in the capital New Delhi.

The Maldives attracted a record 1.7 million foreign tourists last year, a 15-percent increase from 2018, according to the government, with China the biggest source of visitors.

The numbers fell to 555,494 last year because of the pandemic, but was showing signs of a recovery. Some 381,000 tourists have visited so far this year. China has now dropped below the top 10.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Key Executives of the Atebubu-Amanten NPP Council of Elders; Mr Adjei Mathew, Chairman of the Council of Elders and Mr. Gyan John, Secretary of the Council of Elders have granted an interview to a local radio stations in Atebubu-Amanten to diassociate themselves from an earlier Press Conference that was done by some members of the Atebubu-Amanten NPP Council of Elders.



Some few days ago, a group of people known as members of the Atebubu-Amanten NPP Council of Elders, led by Mr Alfred Antwi did a Press Conference calling on the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo not to reappoint their incumbent MCE, Hon. Edward Owusu.



During the press conference, they alleged among other things that; their MCE, Hon. Edward Owusu does not have very good relationship with the rank and file of the party, he is divisive, he has not been able solve their long standing water crisis, he has taken his wife and kids to the United Kingdom so that they would not feel the hardship of the water crisis, he has amassed wealth and currently has over thirty(30) tipper trucks, etc.



However, during an interview on a local radio station in Atebubu-Amanten, the Chairman and the Secretary of the Atebubu-Amanten NPP Council of Elders diassociated themselves from the said Press Conference



In unison, the duo said they are not aware of any Press Conference by the Constituency Council of Elders. They maintained that they being key members of the Council of Elders, thus Chairman and Secretary, nothing of that sort could happen without their prior knowledge. As Council, they have not held any meeting to discuss the organisation of any such Press Conference so the public should disregard the said Press Conference.



Moreover, they maintained that, as Council of Elders, their core mandate is to ensure that there is peace and unity in the party in order for the party to be more appealing to the public so that they could win elections, however, the purported Press Conference would rather bring division in the party therefore, they disassociate themselves and condemn it without mincing words



Again, they maintained that even if those elders of the party who had the Press Conference has any reservation about the MCE, the party has several internal mechanisms that could be explored in order to address their concerns amicably but the Press Conference was indeed a bad option since that is tantamount to the "washing of our dirty clothes in the public".



The duo again maintained that, as key members of the Party, they can say without equivocation that the current MCE, Hon. Edward Owusu has done his best in terms of Infrastructural development. He also has a very good working relationship with the rank and file of the party and they do not have any problem with him



The duo concluded by saying that they recognise that the President is the only one mandated to appoint an MCE and it is only one person that would get appointed and whoever gets appointed, in the interest of the party, they and the rank and file of the party would support the person



They therefore pleaded with all the party members to cease fire and desist from Press Conferences and behaviours that would bring disunity in the party since "divided, we fall but together, we stand"

Source: Kwabena Manu/Peace fm/Bono East correspondent.









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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On April 18, Guilherme Boulos, the foremost figure within the Brazilian pseudo-left, held a private political meeting with the president of the Republicanos party, Marcos Pereira, a federal House deputy.

The Republicanos leadership includes two sons of Brazils fascistic President Jair Bolsonaro who are elected officialsSenator Flavio and Rio de Janeiro Councilor Carlosand serves as a political front for the businesses of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (IURD). The IURD is a neo-charismatic church which is based in Brazil but has international branches and is firmly aligned with Donald Trumps faction of the US Republican Party.

Guilherme Boulos

IURDs leader, Edir Macedo, is the wealthiest evangelical preacher in the country, listed by Forbes as worth 2 billion reais (US$ 350 million). He and his closest allies in the IURD leadership face an extensive list of accusations in the US, Europe and Africa, from money laundering to child trafficking and forced sterilization of church functionaries.

The purpose of the meeting was to reassure these fascistic forces led by President Bolsonaro that they have nothing to fear from Boulos Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL) as they gear up to suppress working class opposition.

On the contrary, with its approach to the far right, the PSOL is attempting to prove itself as a critical factor in avoiding the collapse of the whole edifice of Brazilian capitalist rule, under conditions of a raging pandemic that is adding 3,000 victims a day to a total of almost 400,000 dead. This has been combined with a skyrocketing of social inequality, with 60 percent of Brazilians facing food insecurity and over 20 million thrown into poverty, even as the billionaires have increased their wealth by 72 percent over the past year of mass death.

With the promotion of the Republicanos and the fascistic right as legitimate political partners of self-proclaimed socialists, the PSOL aims to disarm and disorient working class opposition to the open and escalating fascistic conspiracies of President Bolsonaro and divert mass opposition from posing a threat to capitalism as a whole.

Billionaire preacher Edir Macedo and President Jair Bolsonaro (Credit: Alan Santos/PR)

Boulos meeting with Pereira has all the hallmarks of a political conspiracy. It has not been publicly addressed by either the PSOL or Boulos, who gave evasive answers when questioned by CNN and other media outlets, stating that the discussion merely showed that the left and the evangelicals seek dialogue.

In reporting the meeting, CNN quoted Boulos aides as claiming he had asked wealthy allies within Sao Paulo business circles to help him dispel the image, created by the right-wing, that if elected to an executive office, he will support the invasion of houses. Behind this dismissive and stupid press brief is the desire of Boulos to enter into closed-door talks with the Brazilian right with the aim of dispelling any association between himself and the PSOL with the slightest challenge to private property and the profit system.

A more honest version of the meeting was given by Republicanos leader Pereira two days later on April 21. In an article on the Poder360 website, he praised Boulos acute intelligence and claimed that the conversation reassured him that the way forward to a more just and efficient country is moderation, i.e., nothing should be feared from the socialist Boulos.

To the extent that that criticism has been raised within the PSOL over the meeting, it has been limited to objections over the talks being made public. PSOL House member Samia Bomfim decried the fact that the party was making the talks known. She posted a reply to a quote from Boulos on social media defending the rapprochement with evangelicals saying: I dont understand why this quote is on the partys page. There is a lot of discomfort in the rank and file with what happened and this goes into PSOLs official social media? Far from a denunciation of Boulos, Bomfims concern is that the publicizing of his open embrace of the fascistic right will undermine the PSOLs efforts to act as a left buffer against rising popular anger over the social situation in Brazil.

Boulos was elevated to international prominence by pseudo-left mouthpieces last year as he led PSOL, a party with just 10 out of 594 members in the Brazilian Congress, to receiving 40 percent of the votes and placing in second in the mayoral elections in Brazils largest city, Sao Paulo, outflanking the Workers Party (PT) in all but two districts and almost tying with the reelected mayor Bruno Covasin some of the wealthiest districts in the city.

During the elections, the international pseudo-left, led by Jacobin magazine, promoted Boulos as a socialist. Jacobin posted a glowing profile of Boulos under the title, Brazils Largest City May Soon Have a Socialist Mayor. It described him as a rising left, grassroots challenger to the Workers Party (PT) from 2003 on, as the PTs unabashed pro-business policies, rampant corruption and brutal austerity provoked a desertion of working class members, particularly its youth.

Central to Jacobins arguments was Boulos longstanding involvement with the Homeless Workers Movement (MTST). The MTST is one of Latin Americas myriad social movements, promoted for decades by the Stalinists and Pabloites. It has focused on occupying unused urban property owned by highly indebted speculators and pressuring the state to hand them to construction giants in order to build houses.

Despite some radical-sounding phraseology against financial interests and land speculation, the MTST has always acted as a middleman for construction profit interests. It lent a left cover to the vast subsidies provided by the PT to the same construction monopolies that would later be at the center of the corruption scandals overseen by the party.

Folha de S. Paulo recognized the procapitalist character of Boulos MTST, praising him as qualified for the office of mayor of Brazils financial center after years of experience in leading popular movements.

In his Folha de S. Paulo column published a day after the meeting with the Republicanos, Boulos defended his turn towards the fascistic right, invoking the Stalinist and left nationalist promotion of liberation theology in Latin Americas Catholic Church during the second half of the 20th century.

He cynically portrayed the image of a depressed society where millions are humiliated in order to claim that 40 years ago, the Catholic Church had a strong experience with the care network of the base ecclesial communities (CEBs).

CEB members, many self-sacrificing youth drawn by the Stalinists and Pabloites into the dead end of guerrilla warfare, suffered brutal repression at the hands of the Latin American dictatorships in coordination with the Church itself. Significant layers of the leadership of the Workers Party and the dissenting currents, which would later form the PSOL in 2004, were drawn from these movements as the Stalinists and Pabloites attempted to stem the revolutionary tide in Latin America with a myriad of illusions in bourgeois nationalists and unconscious Marxists. In 2020, Boulos chose as his running mate in Sao Paulo the 86-year-old former PT Mayor Luiza Erundina, who had been herself recruited from the CEBs movement, with the stated goal of reviving those religious illusions.

In the 60s and 70s, the turn towards the CEB was justified in the name of approaching their mass membership, either in the peasantry or the young proletariat being drawn from the countryside under conditions of Catholic domination. Now, decades after the collapse of CEB membership in parallel with that of the so-called social movements, unions, and, more generally, bourgeois nationalism, these same forces are turning to the fascistic multimillionaire evangelical fakers to once again divert the working class from the struggle for socialism.

Such a swing towards virulent Christian chauvinist forces by the PSOL, a party aggressively promoting gender and racial politics, might appear as a contradiction. Even more so as in Rio de Janeiro, the PSOLs main electoral base, it has for years allied itself on the basis of identity politics with the Democratas, the successor to the ruling party of the former military dictatorship, in opposition to the Republicanos. The Republicanos candidate, the millionaire IURD preacher Marcelo Crivella, won the 2016 election for mayor of Rio, beating the PSOLs candidate, Marcelo Freixo.

The driving force behind the PSOLs maneuver is the deep crisis of Brazilian capitalism. The PSOLs constituency in the petty bourgeoisie, while in conflict with dominant sections of the Brazilian ruling class over the distribution of wealth among the top 10 percent of society, is more fearful of the working class and of a real socialist movement than it is of the fascists. In the final analysis, the Christian chauvinism of the IURD and the identity politics of the PSOL serve the same goal: to divide the working class along religious, gender and racial lines and prevent it from uniting in a conscious struggle against capitalism under a socialist leadership.

As the WSWS warned during the last election, the PSOL is consciously preparing the same kind of betrayal carried out by its international counterparts, such as Podemos in Spain, Syriza in Greece and the Left Party in Germany. In the case of the latter two parties, this has meant an open embrace of fascistic forces, with Syriza bringing the ultranationalist Independent Greeks into its government coalition in 2015, and the Left Partys formation of numerous de facto fronts with the neofascist Alternative for Germany across the country.

The 2020 elections saw the PSOL adapt itself to Bolsonaros fascistic agitation by running a pro-business and militarist campaign, claiming it could bring in more investments by being more trustworthy to national and international capital. It launched dozens of police officers as candidates across the country, with Boulos promising to hire 2,000 more cops in Sao Paulo, where he ran for mayor. While campaigning, Boulos refused to acknowledge the eruption of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PSOLs current effort to ally with the far right expresses a logical development, albeit a qualitative one, on this political trajectory, as the party closes ranks with the Republicanos against the rising tide of working class opposition, embodied in the growing strike activity against mass death and immiseration.
In a new analytical report posted this morning we learn that the US smartphone market delivered 19% year-over-year (YoY) growth in Q1 2021 due to sales from 5G smartphones from Apple, Samsung and OnePlus. The market had sold over 53 million 5G devices at the end of Q1 2021 with 5G sales up 57% year-over-year mostly due to an iPhone 12 'Super-Cycle' as noted in the Counterpoint chart below.

(Click on image to Enlarge)

The report further noted that Apple had another record-breaking quarter, with North America revenues growing 35% YoY. All these factors point towards renewed strength in the smartphone market demand and 5G adoption. However, we are also watching for component shortages and how this might affect the market going forward. Inventory has been very tight, but supply has been able to meet demand so far. Bigger OEMs such as Apple and Samsung seem to be less affected, but smaller Tier 2 and Tier 3 OEMs may feel the impact to a greater extent going forward.

In the Bigger Picture  Global Smartphone Revenue

Of course where it really counts, global smartphone revenue share, Apple led the way n Q1 2021 with 42%, according to Counterpoint's revenue chart below.

Counterpoint's Senior Analyst, Harmeet Singh Walia: Highlighting the revenue dynamics, Walia noted, "Global smartphone segment clocked a record first-quarter wholesale shipment revenues of $113 billion, up 35% YoY. This is coming at a time when the industry was facing supply chain constraints. Apple captured a record first-quarter revenue share driven by the strong performance of the iPhone 12 Series and demand spill-over from the previous quarter due to delayed launch. The popularity of its higher-end variant, the Pro Max, in countries like the US and Europe also boosted Apples revenue growth.
Chandigarh, April 30 : Facing criticism over delays in treatment of coronavirus patients owing to the Chief Minister's visit to a hospital to review arrangements, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij on Friday said all Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) must ensure that the treatment and admission of Covid patients should not be affected during the movement of VIPs in the hospitals.

The first priority was the patients and their treatment, Vij said in tweet.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday visited the Civil hospital in Jind town where two patients had to wait as the police had restricted the entry in the hospital during the visit.

Later, the Chief Minister too directed the Chief Medical Officer that the patients should not suffer owing to security reasons.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ben F. Windham P.C., Henry County Ga Personal Injury Attorney, Was Chosen by Super Lawyers as One of Their Top Lawyers of 2021

HENRY COUNTY, GA / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Ben F. Windham, P.C. is proud to announce that Founding Partner, Ben Windham, has been selected to the 2021 Georgia Super Lawyers list. This year marks the third consecutive year that Mr. Windham has been named to the prestigious list. Super Lawyers, a Thompson Reuters company, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

"I consider it quite an honor to be named to the esteemed Super Lawyers list for the third time," says Windham. "Our firm is dedicated to provide high-quality legal representation, and this recognition is a true reflection of our passion for our clients and for our work in the personal injury field. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients and consider it a privilege to advocate for victims who have suffered as a result of another party's negligent actions."

Super Lawyers selects only 5% of practicing attorneys on an annual basis using a patented multiphase selection process that includes research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. To choose their winning attorneys, Super Lawyers evaluates candidates' verdicts and settlements, experience, bar involvement, honors and awards, pro bono and community service, and other qualifications on an annual, state-by-state basis. Their mission is to create a credible and comprehensive list of exceptional attorneys that can be used as a resource for lawyers and consumers searching for legal counsel. The yearly list results in featuring profiles of attorneys across the nation who exhibit excellence in their practice areas. To be selected to the Super Lawyers list speaks volumes about the reputation attorneys have cultivated among their peers, as well as their professional achievements and exemplary ethical conduct.

Super Lawyers does not permit attorneys to pay to be on the list, and no purchase of any product is required for inclusion on Super Lawyers. The process is entirely objective and results in a list that the public can use with confidence to find truly exceptional lawyers in their area. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit https://www.superlawyers.com.

About Windham Law

Ben has been a lawyer in Henry County for almost twenty years, starting in McDonough and having offices in Stockbridge until moving to Locust Grove on the south side of the county in 2013. Ben F. Windham and the attorneys of Ben F. Windham, P.C., serve personal injury clients throughout Henry County and all counties in Georgia. They specialize in seeking justice for individuals who have been injured by the negligence of others and litigate against all insurance companies providing tenacious and honest representation. Their approach is hands-on and much different from the high-volume TV and billboard lawyers. Clients of Ben F. Windham, P.C. work directly with an attorney during all phases of their case. At Ben F. Windham, P.C. expect a collaborative team with an entrepreneurial mindset determined to meet and exceed their client's expectations each step of the way towards obtaining justice.

To learn more about Ben F. Windham P.C. Trial Attorneys, or for a free case evaluation please visit https://windhamlaw.com or call 833-236-9467.

Ben F. Windham P.C.

Address: 3838 GA-42, Locust Grove, GA 30248

Contact Name: Ben Windham

Website: https://windhamlaw.com

Email: Ben@windhamlaw.com

Phone: 833.236.9467 (833-BENWINS)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1833BENWINS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bewindham/

Twitter: @benwindham

SOURCE: Ben F. Windham P.C.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643662/Henry-County-Personal-Injury-Lawyer-Ben-Windham-Named-to-Super-LawyersR-2021-List
Activists demanded the resignation of the OPPD Chief this week and it seems like the outcry yielded results given this important bit of municipal compliance.

Read more . . .
In mid-October, the doctor called.

I was in the park with my two young sons, giving 15-month-old Julian his bottle and watching Santiago, 4, zip down a slide. Over the phone came the words I never thought Id hear: "You have cancer."

That night, I stood in the kitchen with my husband Jose, trying to make sense of the news and prepare myself for the months of physical and mental distress that would follow.

But thats not where my story begins.

A trouble spot

Back in May 2020, I noticed a very slight pain in the back of my mouth. I thought I had bitten my tongue and figured it would heal.

When it was still there a few weeks later, I assumed it was a stubborn ulcer caused by stress  specifically, the stress of being quarantined with an infant and a toddler, while my physician husband worked the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

Once summer arrived, the sore was merely a nuisance I noticed every now and then  mostly if I had been talking all day or eating spicy food.

But when the pain was still there in October  now joined by a sore throat  I scheduled an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor. I brought Julian with me, thinking I would be in and out, equipped with a prescription.

I bounced my baby on my knee as the ENT peered into my mouth and then told me with unmistakable concern in his voice that hed like to biopsy the sore right away  even if it meant having me drop by after office hours.

Eager to rule out anything serious, I said that was fine.

So the following day, he removed a tiny piece of my tongue for diagnostic evaluation. A week later, he revealed that the sore was not an ulcer after all; it was a squamous cell carcinoma  a type of cancer that can develop almost anywhere in the body.

A tough journey

I was shocked. Im 36, and I dont have any risk factors linked to oral cancer. But I accepted the verdict and began my fight.

I had 40% of my tongue and 65 lymph nodes removed during an eight-hour operation. Since my throat was so swollen, the surgeons made a hole in my neck  a tracheostomy  to help me breathe. But despite all of this, a post-pathology report revealed that cancer had already spread to one of those lymph nodes.

So I then endured 30 sessions of radiation and six sessions of chemotherapy. I lost my ability to taste and talk. I could barely swallow. For several weeks, I was totally dependent on a feeding tube.

I dropped 15 pounds from my 100-pound frame. I was tired, weak and nauseated. I felt like I couldnt take care of my kids. I cried.

In short, I went through hell and back, and painfully witnessed my loved ones  my family and friends  suffer with worry along the way.

They were always there for me. Santiago even gave me a stuffed lion  a lovey to sleep with  so that I could stay brave. They helped me cross the finish line.

Just bad luck?

Nearly three months post-treatment, Im finally beginning to feel like myself again. A recent head and neck scan revealed that I no longer have cancer.

So I want to remind everyone that cancer does not discriminate  even cancers associated with certain lifestyles. Doctors say that oral cancer can be caused by years of smoking and HPV, for example, but my doctor ruled out those risk factors.

Squamous cell carcinomas can be caused by genetic factors, which do exist in my family, and excessive sun exposure. Heavy drinking can also increase a persons chance of developing cancer, and Ill be the first to admit, I do enjoy my wine!

But at the end of the day, my doctor doesnt know why this happened. He literally said it was bad luck, and something he sees a few times a year. He also said instances of oral cancer in patients with little to no risk factors are increasing; he does not know why.

All I know is that no one deserves this.

Early detection saves lives

According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, an estimated 54,0001 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed this year.

Of those individuals, 43-percent will not survive longer than five years, and many who do survive suffer long-term problems, such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties with eating and speaking," the Foundation says. "The death rate associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancers remains particularly high because the cancers routinely are discovered late in their development.

The foundation also says that exams by an oral health professional remain the best way to detect oral cancer in its early stages.

Based on the size of my tumor, my doctor believes he detected the cancer in its infancy, and that I have a strong shot of putting this behind me.

I still worry about the cancer returning, however, and I probably always will. Im self-conscious about my scars and my lisp. My taste buds are out of whack, and I have trouble chewing food.

But Im also more talkative than ever, because Im thrilled to be alive. Im quickly regaining the weight Ive lost, as well, because Im always hungry for more.

And I still sleep with a lion lovey.

Suzanne Pfefferle Tafur is a writer for The Advocate/Times-Picayune/NOLA.com. She lives in New Orleans.

+3 Summer camps find creative ways to offer kid-friendly experiences safely this year For nearly 40 years, Metairie Park Country Day School has offered a dynamic summer program with visual and performing arts, culinary arts and
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A Staten Island construction company and its two owners were convicted Thursday of withholding overtime wages from employees and failing to pay unemployment contributions to the New York State Department of Labor (DOL), the states attorney general announced.

Michael Murphy and James Murphy Jr., owners of Premier Builders, were each convicted of one count of failure to pay wages, said the office of Attorney General Letitia James. The company was convicted of one count of fourth-degree grand larceny and one count of first-degree falsifying business records.

New Yorks construction workers, who risk their lives building our communities, are often cheated out of their fair pay by greedy employers, said James.

These convictions serve as a clear warning: Any employer that attempts to exploit workers will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law, added James. My office will continue to do everything in our power to ensure no New Yorker is cheated out of their hard-earned money and that those who steal off the backs of their workers are held accountable.

A joint investigation by James office and the DOL discovered that the construction company did not accurately report to the DOLs Unemployment Insurance Division how many employees worked between Jan. 1, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2016.

As a result, the attorney generals office said the company significantly underpaid in its unemployment contributions.

Separately, between Nov. 1, 2013 and March 31, 2015, Premier Builders failed to pay its workers the proper rate of time-and-one-half after workers surpassed 40 hours in any given workweek, instead only paying a straight time rate, according to the attorney generals office.

Mike on James Murphy are both hard-working professionals and craftsmen, and their company, Premier, did its very best to pay all of its workers a fair wage, said Vincent Martinelli, the companys defense attorney. When minor discrepancies arose, they immediately recognized it and paid full restitution.

No worker was cheated out of a penny, he added . Maybe the AGs office should focus on corruption in Albany instead of driving essential employers out of business so that they can no longer fairly employ the many workers who need jobs in these tough times.

The companys owners have paid $300,000 in restitution to date, according to the attorney generals office, and have agreed to pay an additional $280,000. Additionally, the two men have paid $151,915 in restitution to be paid out to 76 employees who were owed overtime wages during the aforementioned span.

An additional $148,085 has been paid to the states unemployment insurance fund, and the court entered confessions of judgement against both men and the company for an additional $289,695 owed to unemployment insurance contributions.

Let this serve as a reminder to unscrupulous employers everywhere: Unemployment Insurance fraud will not be tolerated in New York state, said DOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon. There is no excuse to steal from a system that is helping New Yorkers during their greatest time of need, especially during a global health pandemic. I thank the Attorney Generals office and our many law enforcement partners for joining us in our ongoing fight to eradicate fraud.
On this weeks episode of Segue, Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles weekly radio program exploring the lives and work of the people on campus and beyond, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Kevin Leonard, PhD, interviews Ashton Speno, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Mass Communications.

This episode of Segue airs at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 2. Listeners can tune into WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound or siue.edu/wsie.

Speno earned a bachelors from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a masters from the University of Delaware, and her doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia, all in communication and media studies. She joined the SIUE faculty in 2017, and her research primarily focuses on issues of gender and sexualization in the media, adolescent experiences with new media technologies, and media effects on attitudes, behaviors, health outcomes and self-concept.

Recently, Speno was awarded the 2021-22 Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award, which recognizes faculty members whose research has the promise of making significant contributions to their fields of study, their respective school or department, and to SIUE in general. The award will support her project entitled, An Examination of the Intersection of Gender and Race in Tween Television Programming.

How did you become interested in communication and media studies? inquires Leonard.

I was the undergraduate student that changed their major six or seven times, says Speno. I made the rounds across the social sciences and found myself in a media in society course, and became fascinated with the how people learn from the media.

My professor discussed how women are sexually objectified across the media, how this impacts the way we think of ourselves as women and how others treat women. I love the abstract thinking associated with the major. We spend a third of our lives with screen media and rarely study it.

Now, Speno teaches a similar entry-level mass communications course at SIUE with the same enthusiasm she had as a student during her lectures.

Was there a pivotal moment in which you realized that you wanted to devote your career to this area? asks Leonard.

I did two internships as an undergrad, but they didnt have the social science element I was searching for, responds Speno. Afterwards, I made an appointment with my advisor who asked me what I enjoy doing, money aside. I told her that I loved our classes and learning, and she helped me apply for graduate school. Im first and foremost a learner, and thats what has kept me coming back for more.

Because of her experience, Speno pushes her students to apply for internship opportunities to learn what they like and dislike about the communications field.

What personal experiences have helped guide your research? asks Leonard.

A main vein running through my research deals with objectification theory, and Im also interested in sexism and gender portrayals, shares Speno. My experience growing up with dance helped me understand objectification. In shows such as Dance Moms, young girls wear skimpy outfits at a young age. Jean Kilbourne calls this adultification, which is also something Ive studied throughout my research.

Spenos experiences with sexism have also helped her understand gender and sexism across mediums. As a pregnant woman, she is currently interested in how motherhood and postpartum celebrity culture impacts thoughts about the self during pregnancy.

Is there a set of questions that have guided your research over the course of your career? inquires Leonard.

My main question is what do young people learn from media? says Speno. Another question that has lingered throughout my research is what are the effects of media sexual objectification on individuals? Finally, I ask what types of media production people are creating and why.

What conclusions have you drawn from your research? asks Leonard.

I have found that girls are underrepresented in tween television programming, and that they are generally portrayed as being more attractive and concerned about their appearance, Speno explains. Girls learn early on that appearance is the most important thing, and that it is appropriate and even desirable for others to comment on their looks. Ive learned that sexual objectification of women and girls is prevalent and has negative effects such as self-objectification and reduced cognitive abilities.

Tune in at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 2, to WSIE 88.7 The Sound to hear the entire conversation
ROCHESTER, Minn- Future RCTC students might be able to receive free education. During his speech Wednesday, President Joe Biden unveiled his American Families Plan, an investment impacting children, families, and the economic future. The plan which can impact millions of Americans, includes free community college nationwide.

To make it free, the federal government would cover about 75-percent of the average tuition cost in each state, with states picking up the rest.

"Creating a program where students wouldn't have to worry about tuition would erase yet another barrier to be able to get that college education," said RCTC Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Nate Stoltman.

According to The White House, about 5.5 million would pay nothing in tuition and fee, if the plan passes.

"We'd love to see this. We'd love to see more students having the ability to come to college and learn those skills to go onto a better and brighter future," Stoltman tells KIMT New 3. "We know this is not a snap your fingers and it's going to happen tomorrow. This could take weeks, months, years before it actually happens."

Under the American Families Plan, pre-K would also be free for children ages three and four.
Every so often, Matt Gertz attracts attention because of who hes notspecifically, Matt Gaetz, the Republican US congressman from Florida. Since the latters rise to national prominence as a firebrand politician in 2017, the two have often been mistaken on Twitter, where their handles differ by only a few letters. In early April, after news broke that the Department of Justice was investigating Gaetz for alleged sex trafficking and relations with a 17-year-old girl, messages intended for Gaetz flooded Gertzs mentions. Yesterday evening, after the Daily Beast further developed the Gaetz story, Gertz readied himself:

The irony is rich: Gertz, a senior fellow at Media Matters for America, a progressive media watchdog, has tracked right-wing disinformation and Fox News influence on the Republican Party for 14 years; he considers Gaetz a member of what he calls the Fox News caucus. CJR recently spoke with Gertz about the evolution of Fox News, how it aided the rise of the Tea Party and Trumpism, the role of Media Matters, and what it was like to become a minor character in media coverage of the investigation into Gaetz. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

CJR: How has the right-wing media ecosystem evolved since you started tracking it in 2007?

Matt Gertz: I think what weve seen over the years is a fusion of these two spheresthe world of Republican politics and the world of right-wing media have become one in the same.

When I started, Media Matters paid attention to Fox News, which we viewed as an outlet that was promoting right-wing talking points and having a lot of influence. But we did not yet see it as a sort of bedrock part of the institutional Republican Party in the way it is today.

After Barack Obama was elected, Roger Ailes made a conscious decision to turn the network into an arm of the Republican Party. He would tell people that Fox was the Alamo, and they were fighting back as the voice of opposition against Barack Obama and his administration. As the Obama years went by, they were really mobilizing a lot of grassroots Republican energy around their particular obsessionsaround immigration, and Muslims, and Obamas birth certificate, and so on. This was a time period in which Glenn Beck was becoming an increasingly influential figure, a sort of forerunner of the more conspiratorial programming that was to come in later years.

Donald Trump began weekly appearances on Fox and Friends in 2011; the show gave him a platform to speak directly to that Fox audience, which he would later come to see as his personal political base. He was following a fairly well-trod path at that point: You had a variety of Republican politicians, or would-be politicians, who had spent time at Fox News and used their platform to build relationships with its audience before running for office. Newt Gingrichs presidential run in 2012, or Ben Carsons presidential run in 2016, likely would not have been possible if they hadnt been kept in the public eye for so long by Fox News.

CJR: For the politicians that have come up through the Fox News pipeline in the last 10 years, how do you think their experience at that network shapes them as politicians?

MG: I think that they understand that Fox is creating a very particular demand from its audience by engaging in a particular type of demagoguery, by playing on particular themes. The network is creating a scenario where the Fox viewership, which is effectively the Republican base, comes to demand that from its politicians, as well. So the politicians who are successful in the Republican Party are ones who can command the attention of that base by feeding them the same stuff that Fox does. The best way to do that, of course, is to go on Fox News regularly.

I think that there is not a left-wing press with the same influence on the Democratic Party that you see the right-wing press having on the Republican Party. Donald Trump watched hours of Fox News at all times. That single network shaped his worldview to a tremendous extent, and he really shaped federal policy around the distorted coverage he saw on Fox. You had more than a dozen Trump Administration officials who previously had Fox on their resume.

If you look at Trumps handling of the Coronavirus, thats something that was very much shaped by what right-wing commentators were telling him through his television set. His obsession with hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malarial medication, followed coverage from Fox News. His desire to reopen the economy as soon as possible out of fear that the response to COVID-19 was going to be worse than the problem itself this followed coverage from Fox, as well. He hired Scott Atlas, a radiologist, to be on his Coronavirus Task Force after seeing him on Fox News. These sort of direct, real-world implications of the power the right-wing media, and Fox news in particular, has on the Republican Partyand, through it, the governmentare really quite substantial, worrisome, and worthy of study and review.

CJR: Tucker Carlsons apparent embrace of the great replacement conspiracy theory has made a lot of headlines in the media world.

MG: Fox News has often reflected the elements of the Republican party that are in ascendence. As Trump became the standard bearer, you had this rise of the alt-right, and this sort of fringy, white nationalist-inflected group of commentators who were gaining influence along with Trump. Tucker Carlson was someone who, I think, saw that energy and glommed onto it. I wrote my first story about the affinity that white nationalists have for Tucker Carlson back in 2017. They thought that he was mainstreaming talking pointstaking these white nationalist ideas, changing the wording just enough to have a speck of deniability, and then passing it out to an audience of three to four million people every night. Thats been a long time coming; its not the first time that hes invoked the idea of replacement, of Democrats or elites trying to replace the current Americans as some sort of way to gain power.

CJR: After news broke that Matt Gaetz was under investigation for allegations of possible sex trafficking, Gaetz gave an interview to Carlson in which Gaetz said he was the victim of a smear campaign, accused a 25-year-retired DOJ employee of extorting him, and recalled a dinner he once had with Carlson and a woman he alleged to be involved in the probe. Later, Carlson called it one of the weirdest interviews Ive ever conducted. What about that interview surprised you?

MG: Honestly, not much of it surprised me. Its a natural attempt for Carlson to try to get attention for his show. Its a natural attempt for Gaetz to try to get attention for himself.

CJR: How do you see Fox News covering the breaking story around Matt Gaetz?

MG: Well, theyre not. Thats the easiest way to say it.

By our count, Gaetz has done 310 weekday Fox News appearances since August 2017, which is when our database begins. Almost half of them were on Sean Hannitys show127 interviews on just that single primetime program. So, historically, Fox News has loved talking about Matt Gaetz and having him on. But since this scandal broke, its been basically radio silence. There was the Carlson interview, and then about 24 hours of uneven coverage of that interview, and since then theyve basically abandoned him altogether.

CJR: You obviously have your own role in this story now. There have been headlines about you being confused with Matt Gaetz.

MG: Its pretty weird, I have to say. Im used to a certain level of dystopia around media coverage of stuff that I do. My biggest focus of the last several years was just being the guy who deciphers Donald Trumps tweets and figures out which Fox News segment he is responding to. So Im used to getting talked about around some weird stuff. But the way my Twitter mentions tend to dissolve into anarchy whenever Matt Gaetz does something particularly outlandish does seem very interesting to a lot of people. Its unusual to have members of your family say that theyve read about your Twitter mentions in the New York Times. Thats odd.

What I like about it is that Ive tried to make my own response to it fairly light. Ive tried to make it a joke that people on Twitter can share together. And people who are in on the joke are quite kind about it. They are quick to tell other people that they see in my mentions that they have got the wrong guy. And they do so very politely, as I have asked them to do. It becomes a sort of shared Twitter experience that is more positive than, I think, the typical level of bile that one sees on that particular website.

ICYMI: Unraveling the Protest Paradigm

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Ian W. Karbal is a CJR fellow.
Infosys Ltd is quoting at Rs 1367.1, up 0.79% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 102.92% in last one year as compared to a 59.38% jump in NIFTY and a 92.99% jump in the Nifty IT.

Infosys Ltd is up for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 1367.1, up 0.79% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 0.56% on the day, quoting at 14811.85. The Sensex is at 49391.32, down 0.75%. Infosys Ltd has slipped around 0.07% in last one month.

Meanwhile, Nifty IT index of which Infosys Ltd is a constituent, has slipped around 0.43% in last one month and is currently quoting at 25874.3, up 0.35% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 36.28 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 91.71 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark May futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 1371.55, up 0.79% on the day. Infosys Ltd is up 102.92% in last one year as compared to a 59.38% jump in NIFTY and a 92.99% jump in the Nifty IT index.

The PE of the stock is 32.09 based on TTM earnings ending March 21.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Dadasaheb Phalke, who is known as the father of Indian Cinema was born on April 30, 1870, in Nashik, Maharashtra. Today, on the occasion of the legendary filmmaker's birth anniversary, let's honour him and his unmatched contribution to Indian cinema.

His real name was Dhundiraj Govind Phalke and it is believed that he was the one who created the interest for cinema among people.

Dadasaheb Phalke's Career

Initially, Dadasaheb started off his career as a photographer but after he watched a silent French movie 'Life of Christ', his life changed. It became the turning point in his life which persuaded him to opt for filmmaking as his career and for that he went to London to pursue his dream. After returning from London, he made Raja Harishchandra in 1913, which was considered a first-of-its-kind Indian feature film and that was just the beginning of Indian Cinema. He made almost 100 movies in his 25-year long career and after that he took retirement. During his career span, he donned many hats from being a producer to director and also to a screenwriter.

Dadasaheb Phalke's Achievements

In order to honour Dadasaheb for his immense contribution to Indian Cinema, the government of India instituted one of the most prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969. This award is just not a mere award, it is presented annually by the president of India to the people who have contributed their part to Indian Cinema.

Dadasaheb Phalke's Contribution to Indian Cinema

Phalke gave us some of the best movies of all time. Some of his films include Lanka dahan (1917), Shri Krishna janma (1918), Sairandari (1920), and Shakuntala (1920).

He left filmmaking in 1930 and later breathed his last on February 16, 1944.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  We found her  right before her family found me.

Faithful readers of this column will recall the story of little Donna Lee Vigil, who was 3 when she survived a near-drowning in the Santa Fe River on May 5, 1958, because of the heroism of Glen Malin, a 44-year-old World War II Navy veteran.

Malin, a shy hero as the Santa Fe New Mexican called him, had not been one to talk about his gallantry. That day at the river he had jumped into the water, scooped up the lifeless child and began resuscitation efforts.

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When others arrived to help, he slipped away before anybody could get his name. His identity might have never been known had his boss not contacted the newspaper for what became a front-page story.

But Larry Malin, the youngest of his four sons, thought people should know about his fathers selfless act nearly 63 years ago. He also hoped that telling his fathers story could lead to finding Donna Lee to learn how the life his father had saved turned out.

I have wondered about her for years, he said. I always hoped she had a good life.

Several of you contacted me after the first column was published on April 15 with leads on several Donna Lees, but never the right one.

But one super sleuth kept looking, and on April 21, the same day a second column on Malin was published, she located birth records for an unnamed female Vigil, who would have been 3 in 1958.

I was on the phone with the womans husband confirming her identity when my other phone started ringing and my Facebook Messenger started dinging.

Two of her four children living thousands of miles from each other had just seen the column.

Thats my mom! daughter Tania Martinez said. This is exciting news for our family!

She and the other members of her family spoke gleefully, gratefully, eager to learn more about Glen Malin, who until then they had known only as the sailor.

Hes the reason we are all here, Donna Lees oldest son, Casey Martinez Jr., said. We wouldnt be here if he hadnt saved our mom.

She is Donna Lee Martinez now, more subdued than her ebullient family. Like Glen Malin, she is shy and modest.

Unlike him, she has shared her story so many times it had taken on almost mythic proportions.

Yet she hadnt known the story at all until her aunt shared it with her years later. She remembers nothing of the river, how she got there, how she survived.

What she was told was that it was afternoon, almost time for her older sister, Linda, to return from school at Gonzales Elementary on West Alameda, just north of the Santa Fe River and a block south of their home at 901 Alto.

My auntie said I asked my mother if I could sit on the porch to wait for Linda and she said I could but not to go any farther, Martinez said.

She went farther.

She was on the bridge above the swift waters when boys came from behind and pushed her, she said. She fell, face down, her tiny body lodged between two boulders.

I couldnt swim, she said. I still cant.

She took swimming lessons when she was about 12. But once she reached the deep end of the pool, she panicked and began sinking to the bottom. She never went near deep water again.

But I made sure all my kids had swimming lessons when they were very young, she said. Theyre all excellent swimmers.

Her life turned out pretty excellent, too. The little girl whose nickname was  and still is  Peanut grew up, met her husband, Casey Martinez, in high school, moved to Albuquerque to attend business school, got married and raised two boys and two girls  two with college degrees, two with their own businesses. She has been happily married for 45 years and is the proud grandmother of nine with a 10th due any day.

She is blessed, she said. And she knows none of it would have been possible had the sailor not saved her.

Ive always said how I tried to get in touch with that sailor to thank him, she said. I tell everybody that hes my hero, that angels sent him to me that day.

The guidance of a guardian angel is what Larry Malin remembers his mother telling him about how his father came to be at that river, late to pick up his two oldest sons at Gonzales Elementary but just in time to save Donna Lee.

That was one of the few times either of his parents had mentioned that day at the river. He was 8 months old then. Years later, he found a copy of the front-page article about his dads heroism tucked away in a desk.

That one shining moment at the river had been something good to hold onto during a turbulent childhood. It is something to hold onto even after his fathers death in 1994.

Our dad may have had many transgressions in his life, but I feel in my heart that when he reached the pearly gates of Heaven and the Book of Life was read, those transgressions were forgiven because he gave life back to the little girl that day, he said.

He was overjoyed when he learned Donna Lee had been found.

Sister, if youve never seen happiness, I was grinning ear to ear, he said.

Someday, Malin and Martinez say they hope to meet in person, but for now they are thankful enough to have that final piece of a story they have shared for years.

I cried tears of joy when I found out that you had been contacted, have a wonderful family and have had a full life, Malin recently wrote Martinez. Your story and being contacted has drawn the family together after we had sort of drifted apart and plan to have a reunion. My plan is to hold the brothers to a yearly remembrance and celebration on the anniversary of your rescue, May 5.

He signed the letter Larry Glen Malin  The Sailors Son.

UpFront is a front-page news and opinion column. Reach Joline at 730-2793, jkrueger@abqjournal.com, Facebook or @jolinegkg on Twitter.
by Shafique Khokhar

Fr Mario Rodrigues, parish priest at St Judes, said that we must trust and believe that God is with us, even at such a sad hour. He also prayed for donors, in particular Caritas Italia and Caritas Pakistan Karachi.

Sindh (AsiaNews)  I cried in front of those who came to demolish my house, where we lived for almost 50 years, said Razak Masih, a father of five, who go to nearby school. Now he lives in a rented house paying 16,000 rupees (US$ 105), a huge burden for him, since he is the only breadwinner in a family of seven.

His is one of many such cases of distress. To cope with the situation, Caritas Pakistan Karachi has provided some help delivering food packages.

According to Adnan Qadir, president of the Urban Development Department, the latter had decided to widen the Mehmoodabad, Gujjar and Orangi canals (nullahs).

As planned, the government tore down some 4,000 houses on both sides of the Gujjar canal. About 450 Christian families living in the area were also affected.

Aware of the situation, Caritas Pakistan Karachi (CPK) on Wednesday handed out food and nutrition packages to 80 of the most vulnerable Christian families, with disabled, sick and widowed members, in Kuasur Naizi Colony and at the Gujjar nullah. This was done as part of a micro project involving Karachis St Judes parish with the support of Caritas Italia.

As a result of the governments action, houses built along the banks of the large Gujjar storm-water drain, which runs through the length of Karachi, Christian families were left homeless.

Caritas Pakistan executive director Amjad Gulzar was present at the distribution along with St Judes parish priest Fr Mario Rodrigues, his assistants Fr Ashir Laiqat and Fr Shahzad Arshad, and CPK executive secretary Mansha Noor.

Director Gulzar expressed concern for and solidarity with the families affected, noting that as the social arm of the Catholic Church, Caritas provides immediate relief to the families affected any natural or man-made disaster.

Caritas means love and Caritas always reaches out to the vulnerable and marginalised, to those who suffer from misfortunes.

St Judes pastor, Fr Mario Rodrigues, said that we must trust and believe that God is with us, even at such a sad hour, and that he has sent a mediator in the form of Caritas. Hence, we must praise and thank God for all that we have received today.

The clergyman also prayed for donors, in particular Caritas Italia and Caritas Pakistan Karachi for their financial support and relief support.

Fr Rodrigues added that he and his group are doing their best to defend peoples right to a home. With this mind, they urged the Sindh government to provide the homeless with alternate housing and compensation.
The terrifying final moments of a young man have emerged after he died from nearly 40 stab wounds inflicted by his Tinder date's jealous ex.

Canberra man Frankie Victor Prineas, 27, was on a first date with a woman he had met online and had gone back to her house to watch Netflix when he was fatally attacked.

Jayscen Anthony Newby, 27, whom the woman had dated, was boozed up from a day of drinking when he caught a taxi to her Charnwood house in the city's north shortly after 1am on January 11 last year and let himself inside.

Frankie Victor Prineas (pictured), 27, was on a date with a women when he was attacked by her jealous ex who surprised them after sneaking into her house

Jayscen Anthony Newby (pictured), then 26, was boozed up from a day of drinking when he caught a taxi to the woman's Charnwood house in Canberra's north just after 1am on January 11 of last year

Newby fronted a packed ACT Supreme Court on Friday having already pleaded guilty to murder.

The court heard after hearing noises from the bedroom, he grabbed a 25cm knife from the kitchen, made his way to the room, opened the door and turned on the light.

'The offender was angry and was holding the knife,' according to a statement of facts read to the court, the ABC reported.

He then began to attack Mr Prineas, who was naked, as the woman screamed for him to stop.

An autopsy later revealed Mr Prineas had suffered 37 stab wounds to his head, neck, chest, arms and leg.

'The offender stopped the attack, dropped the knife on the bedroom floor and left the room... he had not said anything during the incident,' the court heard.

An injured and bleeding Mr Prineas remained conscious long enough to tell the woman he could not breathe.

Mr Prineas (pictured) had only just met the woman the night he was attacked

An ambulance arrived and rushed him to Canberra Hospital where he died about an hour after the attack.

Newby drove to his mother's house that night and confessed to her.

The next day he also confessed to two friends before handing himself into a Canberra police station that afternoon where he was charged with murder.

He pleaded guilty in January.

The police investigation found after they split up he had become increasingly obsessed with the woman, who had been talking to Mr Prineas online for months before the horrific night, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Speaking in court on Friday, Mr Prineas' mother, Phillipena, said she 'aches' for her son who was a popular and caring person - with his Canberra funeral attended by hundreds.

Outside court his father, Victor, said he wanted Newby's sentence to serve as a deterrent so others are spared from the pain he has gone through.

'His last hours will haunt us forever. Completely caught by surprise, imagine for a moment the terror and pain that he went through,' he said.

He said he did not want sympathy but rather justice for his son.

Newby will be sentenced on June 2.
A new effort to measure the levels of benzene, a cancer-causing air pollutant, along the perimeters of U.S. refineries found that five of the 13 facilities with the highest levels are in Louisiana.

What's more, the refinery with the worst emissions was Delek USA's Krotz Springs refinery, located 45 minutes west of Baton Rouge along the Atchafalaya River, according to the report by the Environmental Integrity Project, a national environmental nonprofit.

There, fenceline monitors measured an average net concentration of 31.1 micrograms per cubic meter of benzene. That's more than triple the level allowed before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency steps in.

A 2015 EPA rule requires oil refineries to install air pollution monitors on their fencelines to measure how much benzene is escaping into surrounding areas. If the annual average exceeds 9 micrograms per cubic meter, refineries must search for the cause and take steps to fix it.

Benzene is a component of oil and gasoline, and Eric Schaeffer, the nonprofit's executive director, said it's not surprising to see it leak out of industrial plants.

"You're always going to have some, a little bit of benzene in the air around refineries and chemical plants," he said. "But it's also a very potent carcinogen."

Studies have found that lifetime exposure to heightened levels of benzene can cause respiratory issues. Air containing more than 13 micrograms per cubic meter presents a heavily increased risk of cancer such as leukemia.

+10 Worker exposure to dangerous chemicals at Rubicon plant in Geismar linked to poor maintenance record Ryan Housley had just finished repairing a pipeline inside one of the manufacturing units on Rubicon LLCs 81-acre campus in Geismar when his 

There are 16 refineries in Louisiana, 11 of which did not exceed the federal threshold, according to the report. Along with Delek, the four others that did exceed that level include Phillips 66 Lake Charles plus three facilities in the New Orleans metro area: Shell Norco Manufacturing, Chalmette Refining and Phillips 66 Alliance.

Of those, the Shell Norco refinery was the only one over the threshold believed to significantly increase cancer risk, at 14.6 micrograms per cubic meter.

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

"Clearly we are in a calamitous situation here in Louisiana, with five refineries on this list," said Anne Rolfes, executive director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade. "If you want to know why Louisiana leads so many of the bad lists for health and wealth, look no further than this."

For refineries like Delek and Chalmette Refining, which have exceeded the unacceptable threshold for two years, there's more pressure to reduce their benzene emissions, said Schaeffer. Nationally, just seven refineries exceeded the 13 micrograms per meter level.

Nathan McBride, the regulatory affairs manager for the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, said that threshold tells refineries that there may be a leak onsite of benzene and other emissions. It doesn't necessarily mean there is a danger to public health. Given the prevalence of benzene throughout the refining process, it can be an indicator of fumes escaping without the refinery's knowledge.

"They're just trying to find leaks to drive down emissions, period," he said. "Benzene was just the widest net they could cast to locate those emissions sources."

Since submitting a corrective action plan in June 2020, Delek has upgraded several storage tanks, removed others from use, relocated some products to areas with better emissions control and used gas imaging cameras to identify sources of benzene, both onsite and offsite like barges, among other steps. A spokesman said the efforts have made a big difference.

Delek is focused on serving as a good steward of the environment and supportive member of the communities in which we operate. We implemented a number of effective changes at the Krotz Springs Refinery in September of 2020," said a Delek spokesman. "Since taking those steps, the refinerys two-week average fenceline monitoring results for benzene have been below the 9 micrograms per cubic meter threshold. We anticipate the refinerys rolling 12-month average will fall below 9 micrograms per cubic meter by this summer.

The environmental group's report also asserts that residents near refineries could be exposed to higher concentrations of benzene than reported, because the EPA rule allows companies to subtract emissions from benzene storage tanks and nearby facilities.

Nationally, poor people and people of color are disproportionately exposed to excessive levels of benzene, an environmental justice issue that the Biden administration could address in its infrastructure plan, say activists.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct Nathan McBride's quote.

+2 Shintech expansion follows agreements to pay $356K to settle Louisiana, federal violations The Jan. 26 announcement by state and company officials of a $1.3 billion Shintech plastics expansion in Plaquemine came just eight weeks afte
Srinagar, April 30 : An army porter slipped to death on Friday in J&K's Kupwara district.

Police sources said an army porter, identified as Munir Ahmad, slipped and fell into a deep gorge while he was on his way from Ravan Gali to Nat Gali in Karnah sector of the line of control (LoC) in Kupwara district.

The porter was retrieved in a critical condition and he was airlifted to army's base hospital in Srinagar.

Doctors at the hospital said he was dead on arrival. After completion of legal formalities, the body has been handed over to the family for last rites, sources said.
Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee they're worried about President Biden's plan to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan, with Rice suggesting the U.S. may need to go back, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The position puts two former secretaries of State  from the Obama and Bush administrations  at odds with one of Biden's most significant foreign policy moves to date.

The new president has vowed to complete the withdrawal by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack. U.S. forces were sent to Afghanistan by Rice's then-boss, former President George W. Bush, to destroy havens used by the attack's organizers.

Clinton and Rice offered their reactions during a members-only Zoom call Wednesday, two attendees told Axios.

Rice's office did not want to comment on a private briefing. Clinton's spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

What they're saying: "We had Secretaries Clinton and Condi Rice Zoom today with the committee," one committee member told Axios. "A little disagreement on Afghanistan, but they both agreed we're going to need to sustain a counterterrorism mission somehow outside of that country."

"Condi Rice is like, 'You know, were probably gonna have to go back,'" amid a potential surge in terrorism, the member said.

Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas), the top Republican on the committee, told Axios: "With the potential for an Islamic State, coupled with what they're going to do to our contractors in Yemen and Afghanistan is, sadly, it's going to be tragic there and we all see it coming."

Another member of the committee confirmed both Clinton and Rice raised concerns about the potential fallout from a quick removal of all U.S. troops.

Both also expressed concerns about protecting U.S. diplomats on the ground following the withdrawal and what the move will mean for the global war on terrorism.

Background: Both Rice and Clinton supported military intervention in the Middle East following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Tucker Carlson says influential Americans like Kamala Harris, Jeff Bezos and Susan Rice are using George Floyd's death to make themselves more powerful and divide the country along racial lines.

In a wide-ranging interview with DailyMailTV to promote his new podcast and documentary series Tucker Carlson Originals, Carlson opened up about the recent conviction of Derek Chauvin after he was found guilty of killing Floyd in Minneapolis last year.

The Fox News host said while police officers who abuse their power should be punished, those with more power - such as politicians and business leaders - who leveraged Floyd's death were 'far scarier'.

'What I'm really struck by is the use of George Ford's death to make people in power more powerful and to do that by dividing the country along racial lines, which is clearly what they're doing,' Carlson said.

'When the verdict came down, you'd think the people who were rooting for the murder charge, rooting for the guilt of Officer Chauvin, would have been thrilled. No, they weren't. They were even madder.

'This was just the beginning ... you hear peopele say, well, actually, it's not one officer who's guilty. It's America was guilty. Really? I'm not guilty.

'People using the death, the sad death, the tragic death of someone to make themselves more powerful is far scarier than anything the Minneapolis Police Department has ever done.'

Tucker Carlson gave a wide-ranging interview with DailyMailTV on Friday to promote his new podcast and documentary series Tucker Carlson Originals

He specifically called out Vice President Harris, Biden adviser Susan Rice and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

'Susan Rice is out of control. Kamala Harris is out of control. I mean, those are the people you should be afraid of. The people with actual power are the ones you should be paying very close attention to... Jeff Bezos. Not some cop who makes 60 grand a year.

Chauvin was convicted on April 20 on all three counts related to Floyd's death after he pinned the black man to the ground for nearly nine minutes.

Three other officers, who have all been fired from the police department, face trial in August.

When asked if he thought the other officers should also be convicted, Carlson said he would hold off judgement until he had seen the evidence at trial.

'Anybody in authority who abuses power should be punished, period. You know, we give the police an awful lot of power and we should make certain that they don't abuse it,' he said.

'I'm not sure looking at the trial that they proved he meant to kill. I'm not in (Chauvin's) mind. I don't know what he meant to do.'

When asked about whether there was a systemic issue of racism built into how policing is performed in the US, Carlson said he was open to someone explaining - and offering evidence - of what systemic racism is.

Chauvin was convicted on April 20 on all three counts related to George Floyd's death after he pinned the black man to the ground for nearly nine minutes

'If someone could explain to me what systemic racism is and then show that it exists, I mean, I would believe it. I believe anything. I don't know what systemic racism is exactly. No one has ever defined it,' he said.

'I've seen people use the term in order to make themselves more powerful. That's the point of it. But I've never seen anybody tell me precisely what it is.'

How 'wokeness' in private schools is now nationwide and the richest are 'the most racist'

Carlson went on to say that he believes 'wokeness' in schools was becoming a nationwide issue.

'The private schools are out of control,' he said, adding that his children were already out of school but he hears about it each day.

'The most expensive schools in the country are the most racist. By racist, I mean judging people, assigning value in the basis of skin color, which is like the one thing we agreed we wouldn't do. It's immoral.

'We've got a lot of people, 350 million people, in the country - they don't have a lot in common, they don't look alike, share the same religion, maybe even the same language.

'So you have to keep them united somehow and the only way you do that is by emphasizing their common humanity: They're all human beings.

'By emphasizing their common Americanness, we're all in this together. We're all American. If you take those things out of the formula, then you just have warring tribes fighting each other and things fall apart.

The Fox News host said while police officers who abuse their power should be punished, those with more power - such as politicians and business leaders - who leveraged Floyd's death were 'far scarier'. He specifically called out Vice President Harris and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos

'I feel like a lot is at stake here, an awful lot, and we should stay on this.'

Carlson admitted he didn't know how to unite the country, saying only: 'I want people to see each other as human beings not as, you know, rival members of warring tribes on the other side.'

Social media: How it is distorting fair trials and effecting the way we think

Elsewhere in the interview, Carlson touched on social media and the effects it can have today on everything from fair court trials to highlighting divisions in the country.

'Social media are so new, relatively speaking, that they're distorting effects not just on trials but on the way that we live, in the way that we think,' he said.

'We do know that most of our life experiences at this point are filtered through digital media of some kind and I don't think that we have spent enough time thinking about the effects of that.

'My sense is that it's civilization ending. My sense is that it's destroying everything that we valued and that it's worse than any pandemic. That is probably the worst thing in human history. That's my gut sense. I can't prove that.

'We seem to be serving technology. We're no longer served by technology. We're servants and I'm really bothered by it.'

He went onto to say that he believes you don't get a sense of what a person is like when the human experience is filtered through digital media.

'I would never force a mask or a vaccine on anyone': How people are being shamed for their COVID opinions

Carlson, who has repeatedly questioned why people are still wearing masks outside, also touched on the COVID-19 pandemic and the shame people have received for questioning health officials.

He spoke after the CDC changed guidelines this week to say vaccinated Americans no longer have to wear masks outside.

'If vaccines work and everyone who wants a vaccine can get a vaccine - and that's what they're telling us and I believe them - then why is anyone wearing a mask?' he said.

'If you're afraid of COVID, you can get a vaccine. And if you're not afraid of COVID, you don't have to get a vaccine. And then we're kind of fine and we can return to normal life.

'I would never force a mask or a vaccine on anyone.'

Carlson stopped short of saying whether he had received the vaccine but said he was big supporter of it.

'I believe vaccines are the single most effective life saving advance in the history of medicine. So I'm completely for vaccines. All my kids have been vaccinated. I'm grateful that we were able to do that as Americans. I couldn't be more for the vaccine,' he said.

'I'm the opposite of an anti vaxxer.'

Carlson said he was wary, however, of not receiving straight answers when asking questions about the vaccine.

'You see certain people are more afraid to take the vaccine because they don't feel like they're getting straight answers or because the government is targeting them. I mean, the efforts to get African-Americans vaccinated... I'm not against making sure everyone can get the vaccine. But targeting black people for the vaccine seems to have scared the hell out of a lot of black people,' he said.

'I mean, the vaccination levels for African-Americans, as far as I know, are considerably lower than for whites, for example. And I totally get that.

'I mean, I understand why if someone's like, oh, no, you must have this. You're like, wait a second, why are you singling out it would make you nervous? I think that's totally human.'

Tucker's new video Podcast and long-form documentary series 'Tucker Carlson Originals' available on FOX Nation, FOX News Media's streaming platform.
Travis Scott is back with another overpriced and overwhelming collaboration.

THE KING OF COLLABS: Travis Scott signs creative deal with Playstation

I've begun to believe that a lot of the success the Missouri City native has experienced with his big-brand partnerships over the last is more smoke than substance. I think people are infatuated with anything "Travis Scott," regardless of whether what he's selling is any good see Cacti Agave Spiked Seltzer.

The latest in the rapper's too-pricey collaborations is a shoe deal with Air Jordan. The rapper worked with the mega-brand to create the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 Retro SP "British Khaki."

Courtesy Nike

According to Joshua Espinoza at Complex, "the Houston rapper replenished his online store with a range of new merch inspired by the world of motorsports."

I'm a big fan of neutrals, but this colorway is absolutely disgusting. Clearly, it's not for me to like, but this hypebeast-esq release is just hideous.

Undoubtedly, the release stays true to the Cactus Jack aesthetic, with his signature browns and beiges. To supplement the shoe release, the "Astroworld" rapper included new merchandise  graphic tees, and hoodies, as well as rugby sweaters and backpacks. Like the shoes, the merchandise offering comes in dark brown colors with splashes of red.

Courtesy Cactus Jack

PRICEY MERCHANDISE: Here's how you can win a rare Travis Scott action figure in Houston

The merchandise is available on Scotts online store but now shows that almost everything, with the exception of a few shirts and bags, is sold out. Fans were able to receive raffles for the Air Jordan release, but that is currently sold out as well. The collaborative shoe is set to drop on Scott's 29th birthday this Friday.

Despite the shoe having an ugly color pattern, it's sure to feature another hallmark of any merch Travis Scott puts his name on: Insane resell value. Because of all the hype that comes with a Travis Scott releaseand the losses many users take on merchandise apps like SNKRS and GOATthese ugly shoes retailing at $250 could easily end up selling for thousands on the secondary market.

I'll be back with an update of however much money people are willing to spend on the high-demand shoe.
We appreciate the selfless commitment that leaders and entrepreneurs make to their brand. We are honored to award great companies our DotCom Magazine 2021 Impact Company of The Year Award.

DotCom Magazine today announced that Life Imaging has been selected to join its annual Impact Company of The Year List For 2021. The DotCom Magazine Impact Company Of The Year 2021 Award celebrates the most important segment of the economy  Americas privately owned companies whose Founders, CEOs and Amazing Team Members are making an important impact in the economy.

DotCom Magazine has honored Life Imaging as making a positive difference in an incredibly unique year. The DotCom Magazine 2021 Impact Company of The Year Awards celebrates shapeshifting entrepreneurs and their companies. When a company makes an impact, not only are they helping their clients, but they are also helping the world become a better place.

Andy Jacob, CEO of DotCom Magazine says, We appreciate the selfless commitment that leaders and entrepreneurs make to their brand. We are honored to award great companies our DotCom Magazine 2021 Impact Company of The Year Award. At DotCom Magazine, we believe entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of the world in so many ways. We believe it is a world where risk takers must be lauded, saluted, and respected. 2021 is an incredibly unique year in so many ways. Companies have so many ways to make an impact, and thats why each companys unique impact is so much more important than ever before. Our award winners have courage and an unyielding passion to grow and contribute in very unique ways.

Jacob continues, In 2021, everyone talks about uncertain times. In 2021, we believe it is the leaders of impactful companies that stick their head up above the crowd, and say we can do this, we will get it done, we will make this happen, we are willing to pay the price, and we will turn uncertainty into opportunity. Our award winners are selected for leadership. Their company leads and their business system leads, we consider our award winners lamplighters. We believe we need more courageous entrepreneurs bringing light into the world by building compelling companies that make a difference.

About Life Imaging:

Headquartered in Deerfield Beach, FL, Life Imaging is a health screening service that takes the guesswork out of preventative care. Their mission is to educate and provide an affordable early detection system for the two deadliest diseases known to mankind, heart disease, and cancer. Life Imaging uses an FDA-approved state-of-the-art low-dose GE ct scanning that is accurate and painless and can help prevent many diseases and help protect our loved ones. Life Imaging is currently conducting a Reg CF Campaign on the equity crowdfunding platform StartEngine, where everyday investors can learn more about the technology and potentially invest in the company at an early stage. Find out more about the Life Imaging solution and the offering at https://www.startengine.com/life-scan

About DotCom Magazine:

DotCom Magazine is a leading news platform providing news and unique interviews with newsmakers, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. At DotCom Magazine, we put people with entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of every story. We take an entrepreneur's first approach in everything we report and every interview we conduct. We cover real entrepreneur stories from visionaries that are making a difference. Regardless of who the entrepreneur is, where they live, or what they are doing, if it's interesting and newsworthy, DotCom Magazine covers it. The people at DotCom Magazine considers the newsworthiness of the story and what our readers want to learn about. If something is important to our readers, it's important to us. We report in a reliable and easy to understand voice. DotCom Magazine offers news with our locally staffed newsroom and is digitally read throughout the world. We are committed to listening to our readers to make sure we're as open and responsive as possible.

About the DotCom Magazine Impact Company of The Year Awards:

DotCom Magazine celebrates the remarkable achievements of todays entrepreneurial superstars  the privately held small businesses that drive our economy. At DotCom Magazine, we believe that the entrepreneurs of the world are the real superstars. We celebrate the risk takers that are committed to building a great company. From startups to more mature companies, from companies just putting income on the books to companies with revenues in the millions and tens of millions, if a company is making an impact, DotCom Magazine is going to report on it. The 2021 Impact Company Awards are open to all companies for consideration. For more information visit http://www.DotComMagazine.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tom Graham

tom(at)thesavingsfirm(dot)com

727-773-6675
"Team affiliations" are hurting Formula 1, according to McLaren supremo Zak Brown.

The Woking based team switched to Mercedes power for 2021, but the lack of the German carmaker's branding on the McLaren livery is conspicuous.

It's a clear sign by the British team amid a phenomenon referred to by Brown as "team affiliations".

He is referring to the fact that Mercedes is closely aligned with Aston Martin, Ferrari with Haas and Alfa Romeo, while Red Bull owns Alpha Tauri.

"It is not in the best interests of competition if two rivals, or even three, share assets and align strategically," Brown insisted.

"I do not wish to see the number of teams in F1 reduce, but team affiliations remain an issue because they do not promote a level playing field."

One major issue, he said, is that the 'affiliations' often vote together when the sport is making key decisions.

"There have even been instances when an affiliated team, to satisfy its bigger partner, has voted in favour of a clear disadvantage to itself," said Brown. "This isn't sport. This isn't putting the fans first.

"It is a situation that must be addressed and so we call for secret ballot voting to be implemented in all F1 Commission meetings with immediate effect."

(GMM)
Rebranding

30 April 2021

The Thai group will open its first Anantara-branded property in France in 2022, on the French Riviera in Nice. For this occasion, Minor Hotels and Covivio have taken a big step forward by renovating one of the most iconic hotels on the Cote d'Azur.

The Plaza opened in 1850 and offers a remarkable Belle Epoque architecture, facing the Promenade des Anglais and the Jardin Albert 1er. After two years of work, the establishment will now offer 151 rooms and suites (including a 75m presidential suite and 36 suites of at least 40m) and will compete directly with the luxury hotels on the Promenade des Anglais.

Designed by the London-based David Collins Studio, the rooms and suites will be chic and refined, and some will have a view of the Mediterranean Sea. Ideally located at the entrance to Nice's Golden Square, the hotel has retained its famous rooftop, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Baie des Anges and Old Nice. Guests will also be able to enjoy a new spa with five treatment rooms, as well as a fitness area and a seminar space with seven meeting rooms and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 300 guests.
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Incredible. Amazing. Awesome.

The four-part Disney+ series Secrets of the Whales, directed with award-level skill by Brian Armstrong and Andy Mitchell, is among the finest nature documentaries Ive ever experienced. This is an astonishingly well-photographed deep dive into the worlds of orcas, belugas, sperm whales, narwhals and humpbacks  essentially disparate species with their own communities and friend groups, their own unique languages and culture, their own unique family dynamics and their own special histories. The Disney+/National Geographic crews take us to the far ends of the waters of the Earth to capture these beautiful and intelligent creatures, with visuals so stunning and locales so exotic, its almost as if we were on another planet  or wed traveled back in time.

Whales have culture, says narrator Sigourney Weaver (a perfect choice) at the outset of the series. Each family speaks a unique language. They love deeply, play with joy and mourn their dead. Whales are just like us. That sounds like a dash of the ol Disney anthropomorphic hyperbole, but by the time the journey reaches its conclusion, were all-in on that statement.

Filmed over three years in two dozen locations ranging from the coasts of New Zealand and Australia to Antarctica to the Azores and Sri Lanka, Secrets of the Whales devotes each episode to a particular species.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Episode 1, titled Orca Dynasty, follows a pod of orcas as they navigate the waters of Antarctica, the harshest place on Earth, and another family of orcas as they root out stingrays with clever hunting methods in New Zealand. In the second episode we follow humpback whales as they embark on the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth and communicate through intricate and complex sounds and songs.

Its off to Greenland for Episode 3, where we meet beluga whales and the narwhal, a species that resembles the offshoot of a strange union between a whale and a unicorn. (At one point, the belugas in effect adopt a narwhal to save its life.) In the finale, Ocean Giants, were reminded that Moby Dick was a sperm whale, portrayed as a monster.  They may be more than 50 tons, but sperm whales are gentle giants. They have deep family connections. Generations of females learn from each other, and groups of families share a common language.

The sights and sounds in Secrets of the Whales are dazzling throughout, thanks in large part to the epic camera work by Brian Skerry, who captures the whales with such intimate detail, there are times when it appears as if theyre looking right at us. From time to time, we pull back from the world of the whales to check in with Skerry and with the scientists who are studying their languages, and at the end of each episode, executive producer James Cameron does a mini-recap of highlights. For all of Camerons experiences with underwater photography, he sounds genuinely amazed at this next-level work, and justifiably so. All great respect to the humans who bring us this story, but theyd be the first to tell you the whales are the real stars of the show.

SECRETS OF THE WHALES

4 stars

WHEN: Now streaming

WHERE: Disney+
Unintended cation cross-over and precipitate formation in alkaline anolyte-fed zero-gap CO2 electrolysers. Credit: Nature Energy (2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-021-00813-w

A team of researchers from the University of Szeged has developed a zero-gap GDE-based electrolyser that has better stability than others in its category. In their paper published in the journal Nature Energy, the group describes their work, which involved attempting to improve the prospects of using electrolysers as a means for creating fuel sources. Klaas Jan P. Schouten with the University of Amsterdam has published a News & Views piece describing the work in the same journal issue.

As Schouten notes, most of the materials that are currently used to make fuels are carbon-based, which, of course, has led to problems with pollution and global warming. So scientists have begun to look for other ways to make them. One approach is the use of electrolysers to convert carbon dioxide to a desired fuel. He notes that water-fed electrolysers allow for producing both chemicals and fuels using only carbon dioxide, water and a source of renewable energy. He also notes that there are four main ways of using electrolysers for such applications, but only one of them has both high selectivity and high efficiencyone based on gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs). Unfortunately, prior attempts to produce fuel using GDEs have been hampered by cathode precipitate formation, which reduces stability.

In this new effort, the team in Hungary has found a way to sidestep that problem, and in so doing, has created an electrolyzer that is more stable than prior efforts. They used it to create carbon monoxide as a fuel. The technique involves using a silver carbon dioxide reduction catalyst dispersed on the carbon dioxideit was pushed against an anion exchange membrane. Also, the anode was made by coating titanium with IrO x placed against the other end of the membrane. The researchers call the result an operando activation and regeneration process. The carbon dioxide reduction to carbon monoxide was conducted by applying electric current.

Over a 200-hour run, the approach proved capable of producing carbon monoxide matching other techniques based on alkaline electrolytes. The researchers also tried their approach with five kinds of electrolytes and three kinds of membranes, and found it worked just as well. They suggest their approach could be easily scaled up to meet manufacturing needs.

Explore further Carbon nanospike catalyst splits water, carbon dioxide and recombines atoms into heavier nanocarbons

More information: B. Endrodi et al. Operando cathode activation with alkali metal cations for high current density operation of water-fed zero-gap carbon dioxide electrolysers, Nature Energy (2021). Journal information: Nature Energy B. Endrodi et al. Operando cathode activation with alkali metal cations for high current density operation of water-fed zero-gap carbon dioxide electrolysers,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-021-00813-w

 2021 Science X Network
Police officers (L) stand guard at an entrance of a high school as a senior student walks past in Wuhan City of Hubei province, China on May 6, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Beijings New Anti-Spy Regulations Includes Pre-Departure Training for Students and Scholars

Beijings top intelligence agency has rolled out a new anti-espionage regulation, subjecting institutions and companies to tighter surveillance, including on students and scholars going abroad from China.

This announcement was made on the same day that the United States announced that in the national interest it will allow entry for students and scholars from certain countries, including China, Iran, Brazil, and South Africa. They will be exempt from existing travel bans.

The Chinese regimes first anti-spy regulations, which were announced and took effect on April 26, allow the Ministry of State Security, the intelligence agency, to compose a list identifying key institutions and companies that are susceptible to foreign infiltration.

Once included on the list, social groups, institutions, and enterprises are required to educate staff with access to sensitive information or those working overseas. The premise for those staff to take on their jobs is to sign a letter of obedience.

According to the new rules, special types of anti-spy equipment and infrastructure will be deployed for the listed key entities. The intelligence agency will have the right to examine their technological equipment, including electronic communications tools, devices, facilities, or networks.

While scant on details about names on the list, the new regulation makes specific mention of requirements for schools and research institutions.

Further, students, scholars, and teachers participating in overseas study, exchanges, or visiting programs are required to carry out pre-travel education before they leave China and must undertake a debriefing on return.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) mouthpiece Global Times, reported that a staff member in charge of foreign affairs at the headquarters of a state-owned enterprise said that pre-departure training methods for students or personnel working abroad might include seminars or watching movies about cases of foreign intelligence work.

According to the report, Chinese authorities ask organizations and staff in critical areas to leave electrical devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and USB drives, which usually contain sensitive information, at home and bring new ones when they go abroad.

The regulation claimed this was in response to intensified infiltration by foreign spies and intelligence agencies and other hostile forces, the report quoted an intelligence official who was not identified.

But in recent years, several Chinese students and scholars have appeared as defendants in a string of cases involving U.S. universities and their connections to the CCP.

In June 2020, a Chinese scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles, was convicted of shipping semiconductor chips used in missile and fighter jets to his homeland.

In late January 2020, a former Boston University student was accused of visa fraud after allegedly failing to disclose her status as a lieutenant in the Peoples Liberation Army.

In 2019, a Chinese student at Chicagos Illinois Institute of Technology was charged with helping to recruit spies for his countrys spy agency to steal trade secrets from U.S. aerospace companies.

The 2019 Open Doors Report showed that Chinese students accounted for 34 percent of all international students enrolled at U.S. schools.
DAVISON TWP, MI -- A group of Davison Township residents are protesting the possible construction of a 200-unit apartment complex in between the Brier Crest and Turtle Creek Subdivisions.

Residents have gone door-to-door to ask neighbors in their subdivisions to sign a petition opposing the construction of the apartment complex on Davison Road, one that they say will bring more traffic, hurt their property values and cut off their backyards.

When we purchased our home in 2019, we were told that nothing would be built over there because it was zoned for single-family homes, which is a big reason why we bought the house, Turtle Creek resident Jade Mills said.

Mills and Beth Moffatt, a local business owner and Brier Crest resident, would both prefer single-family homes in the area instead of apartments. Temporary housing doesnt help the community, they said.

Moffatt was actually interested in purchasing two lots when she originally purchased her home, however, the property owner wasnt willing to split up the area in between the subdivisions.

We have horrible roads as it is and nobody has addressed the issue that we have now  its just going to get worse, Moffatt said.

In 2019, a similar scenario happened with different township board members, Mills said. The proposed apartment complex was shut down then, too, and city leaders said they wont rezone that area, Moffatt said.

The group of opposing residents also points out that Davison Township already has the highest percentage of multi-unit housing when looking at comparable townships.

More than 30% of Davison Township housing is multi-unit, while the next highest, Grand Blanc Township, has only 26%. Mundy Township, Fenton Charter Township and Lapeer Township all have less than 5% multi-unit housing, according to U.S. Census Bureau 2019 data.

Redwood Living, the apartment complex developer, operates more than 20 apartment complexes and Michigan and more around the country. The nearest Redwood apartment complex is in Grand Blanc.

The new apartments would connect the two subdivisions via road for emergency vehicle access. Current plans call for nearly 50 townhouses to be constructed at the location of a former racetrack.

The property will be considered for rezoning from residential urban to residential multiple low-density at a May 12 Davison Township planning commission meeting.

If approved, the rezoning would then have to be approved by the Davison Township board, planning and zoning administrator Charm Healy said.

Messages left by MLive-The Flint Journal with Redwood Living and Davison Township Supervisor Jim Slezak for comment were not returned.

The residents will be presenting their petition, which already has more than 200 signatures from neighbors, at the upcoming May meeting.

Mills is hoping the property gets shot down in the planning stages, but her group is willing to fight this as much as possible, she said.

Read more on MLive:

Local Eats: New Crazy Legs location in Grand Blanc Township features crab legs, more chicken wing flavors

Davison community celebrates remarkable feat by state wrestling champions

Group of Davison parents hosting private prom for seniors

After years-long wait, Culvers opens Monday in Davison Township
NASHVILLE  The Tennessee State Fire Marshals Office joins the Tennessee Department of Agricultures Division of Forestry to raise awareness among home and property owners regarding the importance of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

The threat of wildfires are becoming increasingly prevalent and dangerous, posing greater risks to people and property as a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. Every year during the spring and fall seasons, wildfires occur across Tennessee. In Tennessee in 2019, there were 529 wildfires that burned over 5,300 acres.

On Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, fire departments, homeowners and communities can take action together to protect personal property from the risk of wildfires. Created by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Wildfire Community Preparedness Day campaign encourages people and organizations everywhere to come together on a single day to take action to raise awareness and reduce the risks of wildfire.

From Tennessees rural farming communities to our more urban areas, the threat of wildfires pose a risk to thousands of Tennesseans, said Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Assistant Commissioner for Fire Prevention Gary Farley. I encourage all home and property owners to take time today to evaluate their risks of wildfires and take steps to help prevent a fire that could lead to tragic consequences.

The Tennessee Department of Agricultures Division of Forestry is a proponent of wildfire hazard reduction programs. The Division has partnered with NFPA and its federal partners to promote the Firewise Communities program since 2002. The Division actively promotes Fire Adapted Communities  in which a multitude of programs and concepts work hand in hand to increase community wildfire safety.

Research shows there are proven methods for preparing properties for withstanding the devastating impacts of a wildfire. During Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, consumers can take steps to protect their homes and families by eliminating vulnerabilities, particularly in the immediate 5-foot zone around a residence. Whether it's replacing wood chips with gravel or reimagining a homes entire landscape design, the steps taken on Saturday can have a long-lasting impact. Additionally, consumers should remember the following wildfire preparation tips:

Know two ways out. Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place before a wildfire threatens your area.

Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place before a wildfire threatens your area. Protect your home from embers. Clear needles, leaves and other debris from roofs, gutters, porches and decks.

Clear needles, leaves and other debris from roofs, gutters, porches and decks. Move firewood piles. Firewood piles can ignite from wildfire embers and then ignite your home. Keep piles of firewood at least 30 feet away from buildings.

Firewood piles can ignite from wildfire embers and then ignite your home. Keep piles of firewood at least 30 feet away from buildings. Maintain landscaping. Keep lawns mowed and hydrated. Dry grass and shrubs are easily ignited by wildfires.

Keep lawns mowed and hydrated. Dry grass and shrubs are easily ignited by wildfires. Screen vents to reduce ignitions. Install metal mesh screening in attics and crawlspace vents to reduce potential wildfire ignitions.

Install metal mesh screening in attics and crawlspace vents to reduce potential wildfire ignitions. Be ready. When wildfire threatens, remove all flammable outdoor items from decks and porches (cushions, door mats and portable propane tanks).

To help improve consumer fire safety at home, the State Fire Marshals Office began the Get Alarmed, Tennessee! program in 2012. Since its inception, over 244,000 free smoke alarms have been distributed to Tennessee fire departments and partner organizations across Tennessee. So far, at least 314 residents have been alerted to fires in their homes and escaped without serious injury thanks to smoke alarms installed through the program. Consumers should contact their local fire department and ask if the department participates in the Get Alarmed program.

###
The Northshire Bookstore was founded in 1976 and later moved into the former Colburn House at the corner of Main and Bonnet streets in Manchester. The Morrow family announced the sale of the business Thursday.
Companies in Paraguay are showing interest in producing Russia's coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in the country, Ambassador in Asuncion Alexander Pisarev told Sputnik on Friday

BUENOS AIRES (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th April, 2021) Companies in Paraguay are showing interest in producing Russia's coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in the country, Ambassador in Asuncion Alexander Pisarev told Sputnik on Friday.

Earlier this week, a health ministry source told Sputnik that Paraguay was negotiating production of the Russian coronavirus vaccine with private companies. The country is said to be ready to fill the vaccine into vials and package it, but a complete transfer of technology will take at least four months.

"Several companies that would like to organize the production of Sputnik V in Paraguay have reached out to me.

The RDIF [the Russian Direct Investment Fund] is set to evaluate capabilities of the local production base, proposals have been handed down to [the RDIF]," Pisarev said.

The ambassador noted that the attitude toward the Russian vaccine in Paraguay was very positive.

Russia's Sputnik V the world's first coronavirus vaccine registered in August has been approved in 60 countries, becoming the second top vaccine in terms of approvals across the world. According to the latest analysis of data on the post-vaccination infection percentage among 3.8 million vaccinated Russians, the vaccine shows 97.6% efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 cases.
Pro-Islamic State Filipino militants carried out more attacks in Maguindanao province in the southern Philippines, injuring two pro-government militia members and a civilian, the military said Friday.

Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) carried out the attacks because they oppose a peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a former rebel group which controls an autonomous region in the south, according to officials and observers.

We have three more casualties in attacks by these terrorists, regional military spokesman Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar told BenarNews.

He said BIFF militants detonated a homemade bomb on Friday morning along a road near a residential area in Kitango, a village in the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan. The blast injured a civilian.

One day earlier, militants exploded an improvised bomb that targeted a group of pro-government militia, injuring two.

The violence began Wednesday when a pair of explosions killed two women and injured six people, including four soldiers in the remote area of Maguindanao province.

The military identified the women as Bahria Alon, 40, and Lagabai Mohalidin, 24, who were traveling with BIFF spokesman Abu Jihad were killed when a bomb he was carrying prematurely exploded, adding Jihad was able to escape.

The blast forced at least 549 families to evacuate their homes for safer grounds, local disaster officials reported.

Attacks aimed at peace effort

The BIFF attacks were meant to derail the establishment of a joint peace and security team (JPST)  composed of police, military, and former MILF fighters, Baldomar said. The main job of the team is to pursue fighters linked to Islamic State (IS), including the BIFF.

The formation of the team, which is to serve until 2022, was part of an effort by the Philippine government and the MILF to sustain the peace process.

Despite the violence since earlier this week, we have finally set up the JPST in Kitango, Baldomar said. Our enemies have been opposing the establishment as their movement will become limited.

Our troops now are concentrating along the road, but we can still provide support in flushing out militants if needed, he said.

A conflict monitoring group said the hostilities showed the failure of efforts linked to the peace deal between the government and the MILF.

These clashes are the result of the serious flaws and fractures in the normalization agreement that is fueling non-stop violence and conflict in the region, said Francisco Lara Jr., a senior adviser to International Alert Philippines, the local office of the London-based NGO that focuses on peace-building and conflict resolution efforts in hotspots worldwide.

The normalization process is in bad shape  a complete mess based on what weve heard from those directly involved in it, he said. Those implementing it and those enabling its failed processes ought to stop now, take stock and reverse its disastrous policies and processes or share the blame for its tragic effects.

He called the JPST a part of the normalization process that should have led to the decommissioning of all the MILFs firearms.

As of last year, only about 30 percent of the estimated 40,000 firearms held by MILF members were surrendered and destroyed. Officials have said the former rebels have more firearms in their armory than claimed officially.

Behind schedule

In a report issued earlier this month, the International Crisis Group noted that the normalization process was behind schedule.

Two years into a three-year transition period mapped out in a 2014 peace agreement, progress toward these goals, which the deal describes as normalization, is lagging, the report said.

There are plenty of armed groups in the Bangsamoro that might exploit the moments fragility. A loss of momentum could also threaten what are currently reasonably peaceful relations among the majority Moro Muslims, Christians and other ethno-religious groups, the report said.

Analysts and observers said some MILF members maintain ties to other militant fighters, including from the BIFF. The clashes were preceded by a meeting between the BIFF and one MILF commander ostensibly to discuss the joint monitoring team, Lara said, citing his own sources.

Whether the meeting took place or not, the important issue here is that the military is being unfairly blamed for the violence and is being subjected to the ceasefire protocol by the same peace partners who now hold the reins, Lara said, referring to the MILF-controlled Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Since January, International Alert has recorded more than 66,000 people displaced because of armed clashes in the towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Salibo, Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha, all in Maguindanao province.

Philippine authorities have blamed the BIFF, which splintered from the MILF and declared support for the IS, for the attacks.

In January, BIFF militants carried out two roadside bombings in the south that killed three and injured scores of people. In 2019, the group carried out a series of bomb attacks in the south targeting a market and a restaurant that injured more than two dozen people.
Teachers and volunteers at the SMSS have been working round the clock to prepare relief packages for displaced student and their families.

There are twenty-five students of the St Martins Secondary School and their families, all from the Red Zone, who were evacuated as a result of the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, which began on April 9.

Those students and their families are not forgotten.





In an interview with Mr. Yohance Gibson, Principal of the St. Martins Secondary School, THE VINCENTIAN learned that by February, 2021, with the possibility of an eruption looming large, the schools counsellor, Mrs. Lucy Theobalds, had already contacted the twenty-one families living in the Red Zone, and developed an evacuation plan for each household. Further data revealed that four other families lived within the Orange Zone.





"Immediately after the first eruption, Gibson explained, "contact with families was made on April 10. We started from Sunday 11 to provide some sort of relief that the school had amassed and that has continued right up to today.





He noted that the school, through early preparation, had positioned itself to make a prompt response.

"We have been making preparation for relief for students in the danger zones throughout the last term. We have been asking parents to hold/store items which could be quickly gathered and packaged out for relief as needed for the students, if there was an eruption, the Principal disclosed.





The packages include food items, water, clothing and in some instances, medication particularly for asthmatic students.





Mr. Gibson lauded the parents for their generous responses and highlighted that past students have also been generous.





"We have a shipment of items coming to us, including medication for asthma and other ailments; as well as school items: uniforms, cloths, toiletries and so forth. The Class of 93 and other benefactors have given funding and with that we were able to continue to buy foodstuff for the students affected, Gibson detailed.





Notwithstanding the commitment to the ongoing need, Principal Gibson believes that the institution should now look at a Phase II.





"While still providing support for those students, we are looking to provide support to households of our students who are supporting people from the Red Zone. (There are instances where families of students in safe zones are housing students and their families from the Red or Orange Zones.) Additionally, we are not closed to providing support to other students and other schools as well, Gibson said.





And even as he assessed the current school year as "tremendously difficult for the entire school population, the concerned Principal was not despaired.





"It has been extremely challenging and required a lot of adjustments from the norm,  . We are beginning to look at ways in which we can assist them (students and families) to cope with all of these changes that are fast-coming and to return to some level of normal - education, living, interacting, socialization, church, religious values and so forth - without any further impediment to their development.





He admitted that things have changed a lot but the school is ready to help in the re-building process.





"As adults, all of us will have to take the brunt of this change, Gibson proffered.
GREENWICH  The Greenwich Public Schools is losing a top administrator, as the districts coordinator of humanities for K-12 announced she will be taking a new regional position.

Lori Elliott is leaving Greenwich to be the director of professional development services at Cooperative Educational Services, a Trumbull-based Regional Educational Service Center, effective July 1. Shell replace Esther Bobowick, who is retiring.

Elliott has been in her role at Greenwich Public Schools since 2017.

GPS administration wishes Lori the best in her next role and the position will be posted shortly, Greenwich Superintendent of Schools Toni Jones said.

An Easton resident, Elliott has 12 years of experience organizing professional development opportunities for educators and 15 years of experience designing curriculum at the district and state level, according to a CES statement. She has previously worked in Connecticut, Texas and Arizona.

I am honored to join Cooperative Educational Services as the director of professional development services. Knowing Ms. Bobowick is leaving very big shoes to fill, I am truly humbled by this appointment, Elliott said, in the CES statement. I look forward to working with the entire CES team to continue the mission of providing innovative, cutting-edge programs and services to help support the educators, students, families and communities across the region.

During her time in Greenwich, Elliott helped to redesign the districts professional development model to include full-day conferences for all subject areas, grade levels and educator roles, according to the statement. Elliott has presented at educational conferences around the country.

We are excited to have Lori join our team. She brings a high level of regional perspective, visionary leadership, understanding of adult learning, and evidence of innovative and creative practice to the agency, said CES Executive Director Charles Dumais. With Lori guiding Professional Development Services, we will be better able to support our organization and our member districts in a manner that supports professional agility, a commitment to equity and inclusion, highly relevant and responsive programming, and a culture of courageous risk-taking.

Elliott holds a bachelors degree in English from the University of Texas, a masters in education in curriculum and instruction from Southern Methodist University and a doctorate of education degree in teaching, learning and culture from Texas A&M.

The Professional Development Services department at CES provides a wide variety of programs to support curriculum and staff development for the schools and communities of the agencys region, which covers much of Fairfield County.

This is the second administrator to announce their departure this month. Mary Forde, who for 24 years has led the department that oversees special education in Greenwich Public Schools, tendered her resignation earlier in April, effective June 30.

No reason for the resignation was stated in the school districts statement, though Forde said through a district spokesperson that it is time to explore new adventures and options.

justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586
The New York Yankees open a nine-game homestand Friday when they welcome the Detroit Tigers to Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees return to the Bronx after a 5-3 road trip which ended on a downer, losing Thursday to the Baltimore Orioles, 4-3 in 10 innings.

New York easily couldve swept the series at Camden Yards, and for WFANs Mike Francesa, thats a real problem, tweeting, Splitting four games against Os doesnt cut it.

Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers

Indeed, the Yankees and Orioles are tied for last place in the American League East with identical 11-14 records. However one cant help but wonder if things might be different had right fielder Aaron Judge been in the starting lineup Thursday.

Manage Aaron Boone held Judge out of the lineup for a second consecutive day with lower-body soreness. Boone said he was being proactive with the right fielders health as opposed to reacting and something getting out of hand.

It is vague, Boone said regarding Judges injury. It is non-specific right now. Aaron and I have a really good dialogue and conversation about things and are pretty honest and direct with each other.

However Boone went on to praise Judge, calling him as tough as they come. And that didnt sit well with Francesa:

Hard to listen to Boone tell us that Judge is as tough as they come. Never plays.

Yes, Judge is injury-prone. But its an over-exaggeration to say the 29-year-old slugger never plays. Judge has seen action in 22 of the Yankees 25 games this season. And hes second on the team with five home runs.

But Francesa does have a point. Judge hasnt been able to stay healthy since his rookie season. And if he cant find a way to stay in the lineup on a regular basis, Judge could see the Yankees low-ball him when he approaches free agency after the 2022 season.

Get Yankees text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text during games with beat writers and columnists. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day. Sign up now.

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

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
A Romanian national who was convicted for the sixth time of driving without insurance was sentenced to four months in prison and was disqualified from driving for eight years.

Liviu Burcea, 9 Woodbrook Place, Greens Lane, Carlow was convicted of the offence at Templemartin, Kilkenny on August 23, 2020.

Disqualified

The court heard that at 12.35pm on the date in question the vehicle was stopped by gardai. Gardai at the scene were aware that the defendant was disqualified from driving at the time through using a garda mobility app and the car was seized.

The court heard that the defendant has 25 previous convictions, including five previous convictions for driving without insurance.

Solicitor Chris Hogan told the court that his client apologised to the court and accepts that he should not have been driving at the time of the offence.

Instructions

Mr Hogan said that his client had instructed him that at the time of the offence he was driving his daughter, who has epilespy to hospital but gardai had no record of this from speaking to the defendant at the time of the offenced.

Background

He is a Romanian national and he has been living in Ireland for the past eight years and is a qualified welder. He is a married father of three and has no other matters pending before the court.

Previous convictions

Judge Geraldine Carthy told the court that the defendant comes before the court with five previous convictions for driving without insurance and that he was disqualified from driving in 2020 for a period of six years.

The court must take it very seriously the amount of offending. In 2020 the court was urged not to put this man into custody on that occasion and the court afforded him an opportunity,  she said.

Judge Carthy convicted him under section under section 56 of The Road Traffic Act and sentenced him to four months in prison. She also imposed a disqualification order for a period of eight years.
The FUTURE ARMENIAN public initiative was launched Thursday, which intends to foster a dialogue that leads to a common framework of understanding around the sustainable development of Armenia and Armenians as a nation.

The Initiative group includes Richard Azarnia (France), Artur Alaverdyan (Armenia), Noubar Afeyan (USA), and Ruben Vardanyan (Russia). 380 people have already joined, including Nicolas Aznavour (Armenia), Garo Armen (USA), Levon Aronian (Armenia), Ruben Arutyunyan (Russia), Anthony Barsamian (USA), Georgi Derluguian (United Arab Emirates), Atom Egoyan (Canada), Eduardo Eurnekian (Argentina), Ruben Enikolopov (Russia), Stas Namin (Russia), Eric Nazarian (USA), Artem Oganov (Russia), Alice Petrossian (USA), Mari Papazian (USA), Paul Polman (Switzerland), James Tufenkian (USA), Ralph Yirikian (Armenia).

The FUTURE ARMENIAN: 15 GOALS

1. Vision Setting: Define and own Armenias future collectively.

2. Assured Sovereignty: Acknowledge our threatened security and construct a more effective and forward-looking defense system.

3. Historic Responsibility: Honor the memory of the victims, the survivors and saviors of the Armenian Genocide through global advocacy and humanitarian support to prevent, combat or heal from all acts of violence against humanity.

4. Free Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)]: Guarantee Artsakhs physical security and establish its legal status.

5. Armenia-Diaspora Unity: Transform the relationship between Armenia and the Diaspora into one based on mutualism and trust.

6. Strong Diaspora: Update and enhance Diasporas institutions and structures to ensure their vitality and preserve Armenian worldwide heritage.

7. Strong Alliances: Counter isolation and gain relevance through strategic partnerships regionally and globally.

8. Exponential Growth: Foster a competitive economy that attracts human and financial capital.

9. Growing Population: Address Armenias demographic challenges by ensuring population growth, repatriation and skilled immigration to secure its future.

10. Excellence in Education: Prioritize education as the highest societal value for Armenians worldwide.

11. Preeminence of Science, Technology and Creativity: Invest in science, technology and creativity to drive innovation and development especially in health, environment and knowledge economies.

12. Good Governance: Develop effective and accountable institutions, commit to excellence and professionalism in government and society.

13. Just Society and Reduced Inequalities: Eradicate poverty, achieve openness and fairness in society.

14. Preserved Heritage: Build upon our unique identity and historic experiences and use them to inspire and guide our future.

15. Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Demand from leadership and society that national decision making be based on facts rather than illusions.

Although the timing of our launch coincides with the parliamentary election campaign in Armenia, this Initiative is beyond any political objectives and ambitions. Even while Armenia elects its future leaders, this Initiative intends to encourage open debate to select a future that would appeal and galvanize the collective forces of Armenia and Armenians globally.

The initiators also plan to organize public debates and discussions during the upcoming months, in various locations as well as virtually. The objective is to allow a broad outreach, participation and engagement on each Goal to collectively discuss how best to reach them.
Tab Content - One FACULTY AND PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS Simmons Bank Field Faculty and program participants should enter the stadium through gates 6.



All faculty and program participants are required to comply with a security check. If a faculty member or program participant leaves the holding area, he or she must go through security a second time.



Program participants and platform guests will assemble in the Tommy May Field House.



ORDER OF PROCESSION: (A University marshal will precede each group.)

Platform Participants

Administration/Faculty and Staff

Graduates Pine Bluff Convention Center The Faculty/Staff Senate President, academic deans, departmental chairpersons, and faculty advisors for graduate degree candidates should check-in at the usual faculty corridor. All other faculty are encouraged to livestream the Commencement.



Shoes The seating for graduates, faculty, and program participants is on the football field turf. The physical distancing of the graduates necessitates a much longer walk to the stage. All graduates, faculty, and program participants are asked to wear flats. Attendees must wear shoes with a flat surface (i.e. flats, wedge), but heels are not permitted on the turf. If you arrive in high heels, you will not be permitted on the field. Faculty and program participants should enter the stadium through gates 6.All faculty and program participants are required to comply with a security check. If a faculty member or program participant leaves the holding area, he or she must go through security a second time.Program participants and platform guests will assemble in the Tommy May Field House.(A University marshal will precede each group.)The seating for graduates, faculty, and program participants is on the football field turf. The physical distancing of the graduates necessitates a much longer walk to the stage. All graduates, faculty, and program participants are asked to wear flats.

Tab Content - Two Graduates Any graduate, faculty, staff or guest who test positive for COVID-19 within the 7-day window before commencement CANNOT ATTEND the commencement rehearsal or exercises.



Any graduate, faculty, staff or guest experiencing symptoms within 48 hours before the rehearsal or commencement or identified by ADH or a medical provider as a close contact of a COVID-19-positive person CANNOT ATTEND. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of a COVID-19-positive individual for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more throughout a 24-hour period.



Commencement Rehearsal Commencement rehearsal is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.  4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7th at Simmons Bank Field.



In the event of inclement weather, Commencement rehearsal is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7th at the Pine Bluff Convention Center for graduates from the Schools of: Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS), Business and Management (SBM), Education (SOE), and University College (UC). Commencement rehearsal is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7th at the Pine Bluff Convention Center for graduates from the School of Arts and Sciences.



Check-In Simmons Bank Field All graduates and faculty will check-in at the Registrars Office tent.



Graduates, faculty, and staff who are participating in the graduation exercises should enter through Gate 6. All faculty, staff, and graduates are required to comply with a security check. A graduate or faculty member who leaves the holding area, must go through security a second time.



Pine Bluff Convention Center Graduates should enter through the main entrance and report to the Banquet Hall for Check-in.



Cap and Gown Information All candidates are required to wear appropriate academic regalia.



Regalia and ticket distribution will take place from May 5-7, 2021 at the Academic Records windows in the Administration Building of the University. Pick-up details are below:

Last Name A-J 9:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.

Last Name K-Z 1:00 p.m.  5:00 p.m.

Afterhours pick-up is scheduled for May 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.



Regalia and tickets will be available for graduates to pick up on the morning of the ceremony as follows:



Simmons Bank Field Gate 6 7:30 a.m.  8:30 a.m.



Pine Bluff Convention Center Banquet Hall 8:30 a.m.  9:00 a.m.

or

Pine Bluff Convention Center Banquet Hall 1:30 p.m.  2:00 p.m.



Shoes The seating for graduates, faculty and program participants is on the football field turf. The football field dictates a much longer walk to the stage. All graduates, faculty, and program participants are asked to wear comfortable shoes. Attendees must wear shoes with a flat surface (i.e., flats, wedge); heels are not permitted on the turf. If you arrive in high heels, you will not be permitted on the field.



Accommodations for Graduates with Accessible Services Requests If you are a graduate and need accessible services for the graduation ceremony, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at (870) 575-8471 or academicaffairs@uapb.edu by May 3, 2021 to request accommodations.



All students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior consistent with UAPB's Code of Conduct and dress code for official events.



The Ceremony After remarks from the University of Arkansas System (U of A) President, the U of A System Board of Trustees Chairman, UAPB Chancellor, UAPB Provost, student speaker, and the keynote address, graduates will walk to the stage to receive their diploma jacket.



Marshals assisting with the flow of graduates will let your row know when it is time to stand and move forward. Please keep physical distancing by standing next to the chairs as you advance. Move one chair or row at a time until reaching the Golden Lion spacing dots near the stage.



Please wear your mask until you reach one of the ready spots. You may remove your mask for photos afterwards. ORDER OF PROCESSION: (A University marshal will precede each group.)

Platform Participants

Administration/Faculty and Staff

Graduates To reduce crowding at the end of the ceremony, students are asked to depart the stadium after crossing the stage and taking their official graduation photograph. All students -- including members of fraternities, sororities, and other student organizations --.are asked not to gather in the stadium or the parking lot.



All students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior consistent with UAPBs Code of Conduct and dress code for official events.



Any graduate, faculty, staff or guest who test positive for COVID-19 within the 7-day window before commencement CANNOT ATTEND the commencement rehearsal or exercises.Any graduate, faculty, staff or guest experiencing symptoms within 48 hours before the rehearsal or commencement or identified by ADH or a medical provider as a close contact of a COVID-19-positive person CANNOT ATTEND. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of a COVID-19-positive individual for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more throughout a 24-hour period.Commencement rehearsal is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.  4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7th at Simmons Bank Field.In the event of inclement weather, Commencement rehearsal is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7th at the Pine Bluff Convention Center for graduates from the Schools of: Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS), Business and Management (SBM), Education (SOE), and University College (UC). Commencement rehearsal is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7th at the Pine Bluff Convention Center for graduates from the School of Arts and Sciences.All graduates and faculty will check-in at the Registrars Office tent.Graduates, faculty, and staff who are participating in the graduation exercises should enter through Gate 6. All faculty, staff, and graduates are required to comply with a security check. A graduate or faculty member who leaves the holding area, must go through security a second time.Graduates should enter through the main entrance and report to the Banquet Hall for Check-in.All candidates are required to wear appropriate academic regalia.Regalia and ticket distribution will take place from May 5-7, 2021 at the Academic Records windows in the Administration Building of the University. Pick-up details are below:Last Name A-J9:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m.Last Name K-Z1:00 p.m.  5:00 p.m.Afterhours pick-up is scheduled for May 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Regalia and tickets will be available for graduates to pick up on the morning of the ceremony as follows:Simmons Bank FieldGate 67:30 a.m.  8:30 a.m.Pine Bluff Convention CenterBanquet Hall8:30 a.m.  9:00 a.m.orPine Bluff Convention CenterBanquet Hall1:30 p.m.  2:00 p.m.The seating for graduates, faculty and program participants is on the football field turf. The football field dictates a much longer walk to the stage. All graduates, faculty, and program participants are asked to wear comfortable shoes.If you are a graduate and need accessible services for the graduation ceremony, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at (870) 575-8471 or academicaffairs@uapb.edu by May 3, 2021 to request accommodations.All students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior consistent with UAPB's Code of Conduct and dress code for official events.After remarks from the University of Arkansas System (U of A) President, the U of A System Board of Trustees Chairman, UAPB Chancellor, UAPB Provost, student speaker, and the keynote address, graduates will walk to the stage to receive their diploma jacket.Marshals assisting with the flow of graduates will let your row know when it is time to stand and move forward. Please keep physical distancing by standing next to the chairs as you advance. Move one chair or row at a time until reaching the Golden Lion spacing dots near the stage.ORDER OF PROCESSION: (A University marshal will precede each group.)To reduce crowding at the end of the ceremony, students are asked to depart the stadium after crossing the stage and taking their official graduation photograph. All students -- including members of fraternities, sororities, and other student organizations --.are asked not to gather in the stadium or the parking lot.All students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior consistent with UAPBs Code of Conduct and dress code for official events.

Tab Content - Three GUESTS SEATING: Graduates who indicated their attendance via the Graduate RSVP website will be allotted 8 guest tickets for Commencement. Seats will be grouped in sets of eight (8) and guests are encouraged to sit with groups for their respective graduates.



Groups will be distanced from other groups. With the exception of reserved seating, seats are available on a first come/first serve basis.



While guests may see many empty seats as a result of the physical spacing, guests should not sit in restricted areas.



Children who can sit in the lap of an adult (under two years of age), will not be required to have a ticket, but must sit in the adults lap for the duration of the ceremony.

Graduates who indicated their attendance via the Graduate RSVP website will be allotted 8 guest tickets for Commencement. Seats will be grouped in sets of eight (8) and guests are encouraged to sit with groups for their respective graduates.Groups will be distanced from other groups. With the exception of reserved seating, seats are available on a first come/first serve basis.While guests may see many empty seats as a result of the physical spacing, guests should not sit in restricted areas.Children who can sit in the lap of an adult (under two years of age), will not be required to have a ticket, but must sit in the adults lap for the duration of the ceremony. Seating will be available on both sides of Simmons Bank Field.



Masks All graduation attendees are asked to wear a mask or face covering, at all times.



Parking Free parking as available in any unrestricted parking lot on campus.



ADA Accommodation: Seating and Parking For our guests needing mobility accommodations (ADA), accessible services are available. ADA Parking and Seating are available on a first come, first serve basis. Early arrival is encouraged. Accessible Services section is reserved for guests needing accessible seating and one additional guest. Contact Public Safety at 870-575-8102 if you have questions. Guests who need to be seated in a wheelchair during the ceremony should bring a wheelchair, as wheelchairs will not be provided for use throughout the ceremony.



Where is ADA seating located? Simmons Bank Field- All of the ADA seating for our guests is in Row five (5) of Sections of BB, CC, DD, EE, FF, GG, HH, UU, TT, VV and WW. We are unable to accommodate any guests on the field.



Pine Bluff Convention Center- ADA seating will be available in a designated area on the arena floor.



Smoking Policy Smoking is not permitted on the grounds of UAPB.



Guests who cannot attend graduation in person can watch the Commencement via livestream at Free parking as available in any unrestricted parking lot on campus.For our guests needing mobility accommodations (ADA), accessible services are available. ADA Parking and Seating are available on a first come, first serve basis. Early arrival is encouraged. Accessible Services section is reserved for guests needing accessible seating and one additional guest. Contact Public Safety at 870-575-8102 if you have questions. Guests who need to be seated in a wheelchair during the ceremony should bring a wheelchair, as wheelchairs will not be provided for use throughout the ceremony.Simmons Bank Field- All of the ADA seating for our guests is in Row five (5) of Sections of BB, CC, DD, EE, FF, GG, HH, UU, TT, VV and WW. We are unable to accommodate any guests on the field.Pine Bluff Convention Center- ADA seating will be available in a designated area on the arena floor.Smoking is not permitted on the grounds of UAPB.Guests who cannot attend graduation in person can watch the Commencement via livestream at https://www.youtube.com/user/uapbtelevision

Tab Content - Four Safety and Security Information Please note the following safety procedures are in place.



All carried-in items will be searched by security personnel prior to entering the venues. Prohibited items must be returned to the owner's vehicle or discarded. Items left at the entrance will be discarded. Any unlawful items are subject to confiscation, and the person in possession of such items is subject to arrest.



Guests should allow extra time for entry. Metal detectors will be located at the main entrances to each venue. Before screening, guests will empty their pockets of cell phones, keys, and metal objects. In the event of inclement weather, the temperature of each attendee will be checked prior to entry at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Individuals with a temperature of 100.4 will not be permitted to enter the building. The venue will open to guests approximately 60 minutes prior to the start of the commencement exercises. As a reminder, the processional will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.



Medical lanes will be available for guests who require alternate screening methods.



Clear Bag Policy Please note that the Universitys clear bag policy will be enforced at Simmons Bank Field and at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Click



Every bag allowed into the stadium will be checked.



Permitted Items Clear plastic bags (1 per person) no larger than 12" x 6" x 12"

One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (1 per person)

Non-transparent clutch purses or wallets no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" (1 per person)

Bags necessary for approved medical equipment



*No other bags or purses, including diaper bags, are permitted and the limit on bags is one per person. Approved family care items (diapers, formula, etc.) must be in a clear plastic bag.



Please note the following safety procedures are in place.All carried-in items will be searched by security personnel prior to entering the venues. Prohibited items must be returned to the owner's vehicle or discarded. Items left at the entrance will be discarded. Any unlawful items are subject to confiscation, and the person in possession of such items is subject to arrest.Guests should allow extra time for entry. Metal detectors will be located at the main entrances to each venue. Before screening, guests will empty their pockets of cell phones, keys, and metal objects. In the event of inclement weather, the temperature of each attendee will be checked prior to entry at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Individuals with a temperature of 100.4 will not be permitted to enter the building. The venue will open to guests approximately 60 minutes prior to the start of the commencement exercises.Medical lanes will be available for guests who require alternate screening methods.Please note that the Universitys clear bag policy will be enforced at Simmons Bank Field and at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Click HERE for the full policy.Clear plastic bags (1 per person) no larger than 12" x 6" x 12"One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (1 per person)Non-transparent clutch purses or wallets no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" (1 per person)Bags necessary for approved medical equipment*No other bags or purses, including diaper bags, are permitted and the limit on bags is one per person. Approved family care items (diapers, formula, etc.) must be in a clear plastic bag.

Tab Content - Five Prohibited Items Prohibited items must be returned to the owners car or discarded, and any unlawful items are subject to confiscation. The following items are prohibited inside the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Athletic Facilities:

Alcoholic beverages (in all forms)

Animals (except service animals)

Baby seats

Baby strollers

Backpacks or any large bags*

Balloons

Banners

Signs

Balls or any object that can be used as a projectile.

Cigarettes, Chewing tobacco ore-cigarettes.

Coolers or containers

Explosives

Folding chairs or stools

Food and beverages*

Ice chests

Laser pointers

Noisemakers of any type (i.e., bells, horns, whistles, etc.)

Personal heaters

Pets (except for service animals used by disabled guests)

Toilet Tissue

Selfie sticks, bi pods, monopods, etc.

Stadium seats with armrests and/or over 16-inches wide

Umbrellas

Weapons (i.e., knives, guns) One-Time Exceptions *To help with the social distancing, the standard prohibition of outside water will be waived at Simmons Bank Field. Guests in the stands are encouraged to bring their water in the original and sealed containers. The usual restrictions against outside food remain in place. Glass containers are prohibited.



Prohibited items must be returned to the owners car or discarded, and any unlawful items are subject to confiscation. The following items are prohibited inside the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Athletic Facilities:*To help with the social distancing, the standard prohibition of outside water will be waived at Simmons Bank Field. Guests in the stands are encouraged to bring their water in the original and sealed containers. The usual restrictions against outside food remain in place. Glass containers are prohibited.
New Delhi: India is set to get 5 million doses of Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V by June, even as the vaccine is set to be rolled in the country from the 1st of May. Sputnik V is the 3rd vaccine India has given approval to after the University of Oxford, AstraZeneca vaccine COVISHIELD and Indian Vaccine manufactured by Bharat Biotech--COVAXIN.

Announcing the development, the Indian envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma said, "We expect between 150,000 to 200,000 ready-made vaccines to be available very quickly in the early part of May. But this will be increased by middle and the latter part of May and perhaps by May itself total sputnik V Numbers will be probably more than 3 million." Adding, "So, it's a very substantial number. This will steadily increase to 5 million in June, 10 million, correspondingly we wish to take it forward"

Gamaleya Research Institute vaccine which developed the vaccine has in a recent study said that the vaccine is effective against mutant forms of the covid. The arrival of the Sputnik V vaccine coincides with India will open up vaccination for the entire adult population from the 1st of May. Envoy Venkatesh said Sputnik V "will be providing a contribution to India's vaccination efforts" and " as the scale of vaccination increase in India, its manufacturing will happen"

Russian sovereign wealth fund Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which has funded the vaccine has signed a pact with 5 Indian companies to produce 850 million doses of the vaccine. The production begins in May. The India-produced Russian vaccine will not only be used in India and Russia but will also be exported to 3rd country. Envoy highlighted, "We expect in the months ahead more than 60-70 % of Sputnik vaccine produced anywhere will be produced in India".

RDIF is in talks with Indian regulators to do a combination of vaccines like first can be AstraZeneca, second can be Sputnik V. The Envoy Varma pointed while its, "not been approved as yet" but if that "combination is possible then that is an additional benefit". Russia is also expected to make an announcement on Sputnik Lite.

Russia extended support to India earlier this week by sending 22 tonnes of grant assistance to deal with the ongoing covid crisis. The assistance includes 20 oxygen production units, 75 lung ventilators, 150 medical monitors, and 200,000 packs of medicine. Russian Emergencies Ministry had sent Two Il-76 aircraft with supplies, which envoy Venkatesh said, "is extremely valued" and this "assistance will live in our memory as one more standing testimony of very close friendship" between India and Russia.

Asked about any travel ban between the 2 countries amid the covid crisis in India, Envoy dismissed that saying, "as present no plans for restricting air travel" between India and Russia. 2 flights are being run by Aeroflot and 2 by Air India between both the countries even has Moscow authorities have taken additional precautions including conducting additional test from travelers coming from India. Several countries have imposed restrictions on travelers from India due to the covid crisis.

Live TV
Actor Huma Qureshi is set to make her Hollywood debut with Army of the Dead. The trailer of the Zack Snyder film released earlier this month but fans were disappointed as they couldn't see Huma in the video. Snyder's Army of the Dead will be available on a popular streaming platform starting May 14th.

The actor recently shared the motion picture of the film featuring herself and spoke about how it pains her to do this during the current COVID-19 crisis in India. "My heart bleeds as my country and my fellow Indians fight personal loss, hurt, pain and devastation everyday because of the Covid-19 pandemic. I stand alongside them in sharing every bit of it with them. With a heavy heart however, in keeping with my duties as a professional. I share my work for all of you to view Army Of The Dead, the Zack Snyder film I shot through 2019. Releasing on May 14th 2021 in select theatres and 21st May on Netflix," the actor wrote.

"Urging those who are safe to continue staying safe and follow every possible regulation in these torrid times, while dedicating my work to those who have encountered the wrath of this pandemic and wishing them health and peace," she added.
By Marie Albiges of Spotlight PA

This article is part of a year-long reporting project focused on redistricting and gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. Its made possible by the support of Spotlight PA members and Votebeat, a project focused on election integrity and voting access.

HARRISBURG  The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will pick the chair of a powerful redistricting panel after the General Assemblys top leaders deadlocked on who should cast the likely tie-breaking vote on new legislative maps.

The selection of the chair has fallen to the court in almost every decade since the Legislative Reapportionment Commission was first convened in 1971 to draw the states House and Senate maps. The four caucus leaders who serve on the panel interviewed more than 30 people for the position, but said in a letter Friday they were unable to make a decision.

While we were unable to find consensus on one individual to serve as chair, we were thoroughly impressed by the field of applicants who came forth to testify, the lawmakers  Republicans Sen. Kim Ward and Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, and Democrats Sen. Jay Costa and Rep. Joanna McClinton  wrote in a letter to Chief Justice Max Baer.

The state Supreme Court has until May 30 to make its choice, and the person it picks could have major implications for what the state House and Senate maps look like for the next decade.

The current maps, drawn by Republican leaders and approved by four of the panels five members in 2012, skew toward the GOP, according to multiple mathematical tests. The state Supreme Court, which was majority Republican at the time, rejected the commissions first maps for splitting too many municipalities in violation of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

The chair typically serves as mediator and referee between the four legislators, who historically have submitted maps that benefit their own party. The chair also serves as the tie-breaker vote in the event of an impasse.

The court isnt limited to picking someone from the list of people who applied and were interviewed earlier this week. Past chairs have included Republican Stephen McEwen, a retired Superior Court judge from Delaware County; former U.S. District Judge Robert Cindrich; and James Freedman, a former dean of the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

The deadlock over the chairperson comes after two days of public interviews with lawyers, IT professionals, engineers, educators, and former judges who threw their names in the ring for the job.

Picking someone from the public  a regular person, as one candidate put it  to lead the commission would have been a step toward fixing democracy and restoring trust in the election process, many applicants said.

Its overwhelming being a citizen of the country these days, seeing the mess that were in, Eric Randall, an engineer from Pittsburgh, said during his five-minute interview. To me, its a chance to say, I didnt just hunker down at home or complain about the political system but I had a chance to do something about it.

It was only the second time in the commissions history that the public was invited to apply, and more than 60 people submitted their names for consideration, according to the panel.

The applicants called themselves apolitical, neutral, and nonpartisan, with no preconceptions about what the districts should look like. They said they would represent all Pennsylvania voices and serve as the bridge between citizens and the legislators.

Some talked about how good theyd be at running meetings and keeping members on track to meet the tight deadlines; others touted their ability to successfully mediate and settle disputes.

Others were critical of the legislators themselves and the ones who came before them.

The goal should not be to keep one legislator in one district for one lifetime, said Joseph Venti, a Philadelphia lawyer. The goal is to serve the people, to give them the best representation we can.

The commissioners letter to the state Supreme Court included a list of criteria they want the justices to consider when selecting the chair. The lawmakers said the court should pick someone who is a fair and neutral arbiter of this process, essentially a baseball umpire calling balls and strikes.

Simply put, a chair should possess the qualifications that would enable them to resolve disagreements in a fair and transparent manner, they wrote.

And they want someone who isnt in the political game, hasnt run for office recently, and hasnt lately worked as a lobbyist.

This will ensure the chair of the commission will come into this process dissociated from partisan politics, the commissioners wrote.

Advocates for reforming how the lines are drawn have thrown their support behind two bills they said would hold lawmakers accountable and provide more transparency. The first, a bill by state Sen. David Argall (R., Schuylkill), requires similar guardrails to what the commissioners are asking justices to consider.

The second, known as the Legislative and Congressional Redistricting Act, would require the commission to hold public hearings, allow anyone to submit their own redistricting plan, and require the panels members to explain their rationale for how they draw the maps. It also outlines measurable map-drawing criteria and incorporates Argalls chair qualifications.

The once-a-decade process of redrawing the states legislative maps to reflect changes in population is already facing problems. The U.S. Census Bureau cant deliver the necessary data for the new districts until at least mid-August. That leaves the commission only a few months to win the state Supreme Courts approval on the maps before the March 2022 candidate primary filing deadline.

Pennsylvanias new congressional map, meanwhile, will be drawn by Republican lawmakers as part of legislation that must go to Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf for approval. Should they fail to reach an agreement, the high court will likely be asked to step in.

WHILE YOURE HERE... If you learned something from this story, pay it forward and become a member of Spotlight PA so someone else can in the future at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
Seven years ago, Food Lover's Market co-founder Brian Coppin roped his son Travis Coppin, a trained chartered accountant, into the family retail business.

Travis Coppin, Food Lovers Market managing executive for marketing and buying, with Lisa Currey, managing director of Hamiltons Advertising.

As Food Lovers Markets managing executive for marketing and buying, what does your role entail exactly, and what does your average day at work look like?

Youre a chartered accountant, so how did you end up working for the family business, and whats that like?

Describe the Food Lovers brand in a sentence.

#BehindtheBrandManager: Adidas SA's Estee Jardim fuels a positive brand attitude Jardim chats to us about her fulfilling career with Adidas South Africa, and why Impossible Is Nothing is a statement the brand stands by...

What would you say are the core tenets of the general Food Lovers Market marketing strategy?

Whats on your wish list of brand objectives for 2021?

Can you share some of your favourite Food Lovers campaigns and brand activities that youve worked on?

The Village Market Africa triumphs in Food Lover's Seeds of Change initiative The Village Market Africa is the winner of Food Lover's Market's Seeds of Change Supplier Development Partnership, launched to create an opportunity for social enterprises to join the retailer's supplier network...

In your opinion, what skills and qualities are key to being a successful brand custodian?

What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned from your experience in the retail sector?

Starting out as a fresh produce buyer, Travis has grown with the business and today enthusiastically occupies the dual-focused position of managing executive for marketing and buying at Food Lover's Market.Here, he fills us in on the principles that guide Food Lover's brand strategy, and what it takes to survive and thrive in the competitive grocery retail business.The core output of my role is to set and deliver the sales budget for the year and to ensure we increase our market share by creating a fantastic shopping experience for our customers.Daily, Im focusing on buying better quality products, selling it at a far better price than our competitors, and employing innovation in our stores to make it the best shopping destination  all to offer more value and deliver on a great consumer experience.My dad (Food Lovers Market CEO and co-founder, Brian Coppin) called me on the first day after I completed my articles and said, The vacation is over. Be at the Epping market tomorrow at 4:45am, its time to start working. This was in January 2014 and my first role in the business was as a fresh produce buyer.Working in the family business is the best thing in the world.Food Lovers Market aims to be the best one-stop shopping destination in the communities we operate by consistently delivering a 'theatre of food' that is driven by innovation, value and fantastic quality products  which includes an expansive range of both fresh and grocery items.The core tenet of our business is to be the 'Best in Fresh', which means fruit, veg, butchery, seafood, bakery and deli  whilst offering the consumer a full grocery basket at incredibly affordable prices.We want to offer value and create a huge amount of theatre for the consumer. We believe that shopping at a Food Lovers Market must be fun. So, we have invested intensively in creating stores that have a unique market feel, with food destinations dotted around the store, all underpinned by value.To continue driving the Food Lovers Market brand promise, which is to be the 'Best in Fresh'. Our newer stores, such as Food Lovers Market Boksburg, William Moffett in Port Elizabeth, and Waterfall Ridge in Midrand, are testament to this objective. All of these stores boast innovative design, a fantastic fresh produce offering, as well as a full grocery section.The expanded grocery range allows for a full-service shopping experience and provides more convenience for customers. Customers can now expect to get the same value on groceries as they have come to enjoy in other departments, such as fruit, veg and butchery.We have always been passionate about unique price points and offering insane value. We enjoy planning campaigns such as the Double Whammy Wednesday promotion, Ten Buck Tuesday or Fifty Buck Friday because were able to tangibly show the customer that we deliver on our promise to offer value. Our Summer and Winter Carnival campaigns have always been bookmarked by customers as in-store campaigns that must not be missed.In recent years weve started offering rewards programmes, such as the popular Goodness Gang, Thomas Knives and Thomas Cutlery. These have all been fantastic campaigns to work on and the response from shoppers has been amazing.We will be launching our exciting Marvel Mugs rewards campaign in May and were confident consumers young and old will love it.As the brand custodian, I want Food Lovers Market to be the most loved and adored brand for food lovers across South Africa. For me, it's about having a great work ethic and that is something I have definitely inherited, but still work hard at as its key to building any brand.There needs to be an obvious passion and a sense of living the brand everyday. A very clear understanding of the company values that needs to shine through in all of the marketing is important, and of course adaptability and constantly thinking future-forward.Retail is not for the weak. You have to love what you do to survive retail.The South African consumer expectation is evolving at a very fast pace, especially as far as value, convenience, variety and the overall shopping experience are concerned. Within this tough new economic climate, we see customers becoming far less predictable and better informed, with value for money being the biggest factor when considering a purchase decision.Increased health consciousness as a result of the pandemic has also steered consumers toward buying more fresh food and eating at home. Our challenge, which we are happy to meet, is to ensure that our offering is the best quality in fresh and grocery, affordable, and consistently available.The introduction of rewards programmes has also enabled us to generate greater loyalty  but only if we offer the right reward. Consumers want something fun, that is also practical and of great quality.
In First 100 Days, Biden's Level of Funding Available for Abortion is 19 Times Obama Levels

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Family Research Council

April 29, 2021



WASHINGTON, April 29, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- Coinciding with President Biden's 100th day in office today, Family Research Council is releasing a new resource, "Tracking the Biden Administration," that reports President Biden has made at least $479.9 billion available that can subsidize abortion and abortion businesses -- more than 19 times the level set under President Obama.

Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package made $467.8 billion available for abortion and abortion businesses. By comparison, within President Obama's first 100 days, he had signed a stimulus bill that included $24.7 billion in subsidies for employer-sponsored plans that cover abortion. These funds made available by the Biden administration expressly exclude existing prohibitions on abortion funding, including the Hyde amendment and Helms amendment. In his first 100 days, President Biden has also funded abortion and abortion businesses by delivering an additional $12.1 billion through executive actions.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins issued the following statement:

"On his 100th day in office, it's more than clear that President Biden has not only returned to the pro-abortion policies of the Obama administration, and is eliminating many of the Trump administration's pro-life policies, but he has expanded abortion funding far beyond the level of any previous administration.

"In his 100-day sprint to the Left, President Biden has forced taxpayers back into a partnership with the abortion industry, both at home and abroad. He has made clear that he places no value on the inherent dignity of human life. His actions deny the truth that every human life, born and unborn, possesses inherent dignity and deserves to be treated with respect.

"As Senator Tim Scott noted in his remarks last night after the Biden address, this is a president who has failed to find the common ground he promised. Instead, President Biden has prioritized spending taxpayer dollars on abortion, making Obama look moderate by comparison," concluded Perkins.

Connor Semelsberger, Director of Federal Affairs for Life and Human Dignity at Family Research Council, added:

"The level of federal taxpayer funds made available to the abortion industry in President Biden's first 100 days is unprecedented. As a senator from Delaware, Joe Biden consistently supported key provisions like the Hyde and Helms amendments, which prohibit funding for abortion at home and abroad. But as president, Joe Biden signed a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that expressly excluded these longstanding provisions in key areas, despite members of both parties coming together to maintain abortion funding restrictions in the five COVID-19 relief packages signed by President Trump."

For more information, please visit: www.frcaction.org/biden.



SOURCE Family Research Council



CONTACT: J.P. Duffy or Joshua Arnold, (866) FRC-NEWS or (866)-372-6397


Microsoft follows Google and Apple's footsteps as it plans to reduce their cut from independent PC video game developers. The reduction of fees will happen in August, according to a statement by Microsoft via the New York Times.

The development comes at a significant time.

The revenue share of Apple and Google has come under fire since last year. Apple has been battling a lawsuit that was filed by Epic Games in 2020. It claims that the iOS developer abused their dominance in the mobile app market.

After Microsoft implements their decrease in charges to game developers, the latter could keep 88% of their revenue. It is a 12% increase from before.

Read also: 'Fortnite' Maker Still 'Firm' in its Decision to NOT Go Back to Apple, Over 30% Commission Direct Payment

Microsoft Helping Game Developers

According to Matt Booty, head of Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios, via a post in the official Xbox blog, the move is part of Microsoft's "commitment to empower every PC game creator."

Booty also acknowledged that "game developers are the heart of bringing great games to our players." He wanted them to be successful as they stay on their platforms.

It could be a huge gain for the Microsoft store as it is likely to increase the attraction of prominent independent game developers from competitors like Steam and Epic.

Steam still charges up to 30% to game developers, while Epic takes 12%.

Microsoft As a Leading Gaming Platform

"We want to make sure that we're competitive in the market," Sarah Bond, Microsoft Vice President of Gaming Ecosystem said, as per the New York Times.

Bond added that the objective of Microsoft is to be the number one platform in gaming.

Aside from the cut in fees, Microsoft also plans to revamp its store. It would include more options for collaborative gaming and social tools similar to Epic and Steam.

Epic vs. Apple Trial

Microsoft's announcement comes at an interesting time -- a few days before the trial of Epic and Apple. It is set to happen in person, on May 3, as it is important for both companies.

It started when Apple booted "Fortnite" from the App Store last August, after Epic tried to bypass the fees by letting players pay directly for their purchases.

The trial was a form of retaliation from Epic's part after Apple kicked out "Fortnite."

Google also removed "Fornite" from its store for the same reason and received a separate lawsuit.

Apple also alleged that Epic used the lawsuit to draw attention to "Fornite." It was supposed to increase the declining monthly users of the app.

Apple, according to the New York Times, has since then reduced its fees to 15% from 30% for smaller developers. Google also followed through with the same reduction.

It would be an advantage for Microsoft as it would have lower fees than other giant gaming platforms.

Related Article: Microsoft Windows 10 Update Fix: Gaming Performance Issues, KB5000842 and KB5001330 Fixed

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Teejay Boris

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
On the 23rd of April, 2013, Tonaton.com made its entry into the Ghanaian online marketplace space.



Before its entry, the Ghanaian online marketplace industry could be described to be under-served.



Salt side which is on a mission to create leading marketplaces in under-served markets made a bold decision to bring online buying and selling to the Ghanaian people through Tonaton.com.



Starting with 0 ads and 0 users, the platform has grown into one of the top sites in the country.



Tonaton.com has been one of the most visited websites in Ghana receiving more than a million monthly unique visitors. These users spend an average of 10.54 minutes daily buying and/or selling on the platform.



Over its 8 years of existence, Tonaton has been recognized through several awards including Winner of 2015 Excellence in E-commerce Award  Maiden Ghana Auto Awards. The company was also honored as the Best Oil and Gas online jobs platform in the Oil and Gas Ghana Awards scheme.



To commemorate Tonatons 8th anniversary, the company has expanded to the Central and Western regions of Ghana, which aligns with its mission to bring the online marketplace experience to underserved markets. The company has over the years operated only from the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions.



Tonaton.com has gained prominence due to its large listings of used and brand new items; from cars and vehicles, fashion, electronics, property, home appliances to beauty products. Tonaton, which means buy and sell in the Ghanaian Twi language has grown to become Ghanas Largest Marketplace for buying and selling anything.









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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US President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress as Speaker of the House US Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (L) looks on in the House chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on April 28, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

GOP Lawmakers Urge Biden to Take Tougher Stance on Chinese Regime After First Speech to Congress

Republican lawmakers have criticized President Joe Bidens first speech to Congress for not taking a tough enough stance against the Chinese communist regime, especially over its severe human rights abuses.

Biden, in remarks to a joint session of Congress on April 28, warned that Chinese leader Xi Jinping is deadly earnest on becoming the most significant, consequential nation in the world.

Were in a competition with China and other countries to win the 21st Century, Biden said, adding that these countries were closing in fast on the United States due to falling domestic investment in research and development.

Recalling his first phone conversation with Xi in February, Biden said he told the Chinese leader that the United States was not looking for conflict with the regime. But I made absolutely clear that we will defend Americas interests across the board, Biden said. This included standing up to the regimes unfair trade practices and its theft of American intellectual property, he added.

Biden said the United States will maintain a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. He added that America wont back away from our commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Some Republicans however were not impressed with Bidens statements with regards to the Chinese regime, saying he could have sent a stronger message against Beijings abuses.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said Bidens remarks on China did not meet the moment.

He missed an important opportunity to rally our nation against the greatest foreign threat to the United States, Cotton wrote in a tweet on Wednesday.

Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) said in a tweet that if Biden would hold China to the same tough standards that he wants to apply to Russia, he would gain stronger support in Congress.

Other lawmakers called out Bidens failure to mention Beijings rampant human rights abuses in Xinjiang, which was designated by the United States as genocide earlier this year.

President Biden completely refusing to call out China for their egregious Uyghur genocide in Xinjiang, Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) wrote in a tweet.

Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) urged Biden to hold the regime accountable for its horrific human rights violations against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. America must continue to be tough on China, she said in a tweet.
The Warsaw Office of Greenberg Traurig was awarded the prestigious International Financial Law Review (IFLR) Poland Firm of the Year at the highly esteemed IFLR Europe Awards 2021. The IFLR Europe 2021 Awards celebrate the most innovative law firms and transactions of 2020 and the winners were announced in a virtual ceremony held on 29 April 2021.

This marks the third time in the last four years that the Warsaw team has been recognized with this title by IFLR and the ninth time in total.

Greenberg Traurig impressed in 2020 with its continued growth and forward-thinking initiatives in areas such as legal tech. The firm was also quick to react to the difficult environment, among other things launching a novel COVID-19 pro bono programme to support SMEs in Poland. This innovation was reflected in GTs innovative transactional work, best exemplified by its role advising the large group of underwriters in the landmark Allegro IPO. The deal broke new ground in several ways, most notably by using a Luxembourg registered company and passporting the prospectus into Poland to list Allegro on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. In helping to bring Polands largest ever IPO to a successful end, the team also employed entirely new processes to cater for the restrictions of COVID-19, said James Wilson, IFLRs Commercial Editor.

Clients continue to praise Greenberg Traurig for its efforts citing excellence, dedication, experience and very extensive knowledge as key traits defining the Warsaw Office in 2020.

Greenberg Traurig is honored to be selected as the 2021 IFLR Law Firm of the Year for Poland  this exceptional award affirms all of our efforts undertaken in such an unprecedented year. Winning would not have been possible without the trust of clients, dedication from our remarkable Warsaw team and continuous inspiration from the other nominees. We sincerely thank you and hope to see you all in person at next years IFLR Gala, said Lejb Fogelman, Senior Partner of the Warsaw Office of Greenberg Traurig.

With innovation becoming the key driver for the entire legal market  last year precisely showcased not only how we can adapt to new circumstances, but also thrive in this challenging environment. We continue to spearhead this process  providing excellent client service, while maintaining our focus on the safety of our team and clients. This has been Greenberg Traurigs formula for success. While uncertainty is still present, I firmly believe in a positive outlook ahead. With such great recognition for 2020 from IFLR, we are looking forward to the future, said Jarosaw Grzesiak, Managing Partner of Greenberg Traurig in Poland.

The IFLR Europe 2021 Virtual Awards celebrate the most innovative transactions of 2020 and the teams and lawyers behind them. Now in its 22nd year, the IFLR awards provide an unrivalled opportunity to celebrate European firms and individuals who have performed exceptionally at both local and national levels. IFLR focuses on legal innovation in cross-border deal making. The awards showcase transactions that break new legal ground, set precedents and develop the legal environment for cross-border corporate finance. in during the research period. Based on editorial objectivity, the awards ceremony is the culmination of months of research, analysing countless submissions and interviewing hundreds of lawyers.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

Greenberg Traurig, LLP is an international, multi-practice law firm with approximately 2200 attorneys serving clients from 40 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Greenberg Traurig Grzesiak sp.k. was named the 2019 and 2018 Most Innovative Law Firm of the Year Award for Poland by International Financial Law Review (IFLR) and the 2017 Law Firm of the Year in Poland by Chambers and Partners. The Warsaw office of Greenberg Traurig, LLP provides legal services to clients in Central Europe and beyond and consists of approximately 100 lawyers. Team members are regularly recognized as leaders in numerous practice areas. Chambers Global, Chambers Europe, IFLR1000 and EMEA Legal 500 consistently rank them among the top tiers the areas of Corporate/M&A, Capital Markets, Real Estate, Private Equity, Tax, Banking and Finance, Project Finance, Energy, Dispute Resolution and TMT.

For additional information, please visit http://www.gtlaw.com.
Alessandra Ambrosio is officially vaccinated!

The 40-year-old supermodel proudly revealed the news on her Instagram Story by giving her followers a clear look at her COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.

Shortly after getting her dose, Ambrosio was seen running errands in Beverly Hills, California.

Vaccinated: Alessandra Ambrosio proudly revealed on her Instagram Story that she received the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday

Continuing to adhere to coronavirus protocols, Alessandra kept her face concealed with a zebra print mask for the duration of her outing.

The Brazilian-born beauty put her toned arms on display in a loose fitting white tee that she tucked into the waistband of her grey capri leggings.

Ambrosio strolled down the sidewalk with her cellphone pressed to her ear in a pair of white sneakers with light pink and yellow detailing.

She wore her brunette tresses in a romantic half up half down hairdo and fastened a single half moon pendant chain around her neck.

Out and about: Shortly after getting her second dose, Ambrosio was seen running errands in Beverly Hills, California

Alessandra shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of aviator shades and carried her belongings in a beige handbag tucked under her arm.

The former Victoria's Secret Angel's outing on Thursday afternoon comes just days after she appeared on Instagram in a glamorous get-up in celebration of the 93rd Academy Awards, which were held this past Sunday.

'Playing dress up for an unconventional Oscar night in my backyard!' she wrote in the caption of three photos she shared showing her decked out in a shoulder-less sequin mini dress.

Academy Awards: The former Victoria's Secret Angel's outing on Thursday afternoon comes just days after she appeared on Instagram in a glamorous get-up in celebration of the 93rd Academy Awards, which were held this past Sunday

Stunning: 'Playing dress up for an unconventional Oscar night in my backyard!' she wrote in the caption of three photos she shared showing her decked out in a shoulder-less sequin mini dress

'Not the typical oscars, for many reasons, but moving in the right direction. Lets get healthy, celebrate diversity and celebrate our own lives.'

Along with continuing to model and managing her Gal Floripa swimwear brand, Ambrosio is busy co-parenting her two children: daughter Anja, 12, and son Noah, eight.

She shares Anja and Noah with her ex-fiance Jamie Mazur, whom she split from in 2018 after being together for about 10-years.

Motherhood: Along with continuing to model and managing her Gal Floripa swimwear brand, Ambrosio is busy co-parenting her two children: daughter Anja, 12, and son Noah, eight; Anja, Alessandra, and Noah pictured in January

Alessandra went on to date the co-founder of Italian luxury knitwear brand Alanui, Nicolo Oddi. She often shared images of herself and Oddi to Instagram.

The pair appear to have split in the latter end of 2020, with Alessandra now in a relationship with fellow model Richard Lee.

The new couple just celebrated Alessandra's milestone 40th birthday on April 11.

Moving on: Alessandra is currently dating fellow model Richard Lee; the pair pictured earlier this month
Jacksonville Public Library will host a fireside chat via Zoom with filmmaker, author and journalist Alex Kotlowitz moderated by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich at 6 p.m. May 7

Kotlowitz is known for such books as An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago and There Are No Children Here.
A research team led by Dr Chao Chen of Monash University has developed an autonomous harvest robot that can identify, pick, and deposit apples in a mere seven seconds. The robot, says Dr Chen, can address Australias labour shortage and future food crisis.

An autonomous harvest robot capable of identifying, picking, and depositing apples in a span of seven seconds at full capacity has been developed by Dr Chao Chen with his research team from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in Monash University.

Were told, following extensive trials in February and March at Fankhauser Apples in Drouin, Victoria, the robot was able to harvest more than 85% of all reachable apples in the canopy as identified by its vision system.

Of all apples harvested, less than 6% were damaged due to stem removal. Apples without stems can still be sold, but dont necessarily fit the cosmetic guidelines of some retailers.

When the robot was set to half its maximum speed, the median harvest rate was 12.6 seconds per apple. In streamlined pick-and-drop scenarios, the cycle time reduced to roughly nine seconds.

At full speed, individual apple harvesting time can drop to seven seconds.

Dr Chen, Director of Laboratory of Motion Generation and Analysis (LMGA), says: Our developed vision system can not only identify apples in a tree within its range in an orchard environment by means of deep learning, but also identify and categorise obstacles, such as leaves and branches, to calculate the optimum trajectory for apple extraction.

While automatic harvest robots are promising for the agricultural industry, it pose challenges for fruit and vegetable growers.

Robotic harvesting of fruit and vegetables require vision system to detect and localise the produce. To increase the success rate and reduce the damage of produce during the harvesting process, information on the shape, and stem-branch joint location and orientation are also required.

To counter this problem, researchers created a state-of-the-art motion-planning algorithm featuring fast-generation of collision-free trajectories to minimise processing and travel times between apples, reducing harvesting time and maximising the number of apples that can be harvested at a single location.

Dr Chen claims the robots vision system can identify more than 90% of all visible apples seen within the cameras view from a distance of approximately 1.2m. The system can work in all types of lighting and weather conditions and takes less than 200 milliseconds to process the image of an apple.

We also implemented a path-planning algorithm that was able to generate collision-free trajectories for more than 95% of all reachable apples in the canopy. It takes just eight seconds to plan the entire trajectory for the robot to grasp and deposit an apple, Dr Chen says.

The robot picks apples with a specially designed, pneumatically powered, soft gripper with four independently actuated fingers and suction system that grasps and extracts apples efficiently, while minimising damage to the fruit and the tree itself.

In addition, the suction system draws the apple from the canopy into the gripper, reducing the need for the gripper to reach into the canopy and potentially damaging its surroundings. The gripper can extract more than 85% of all apples from the canopy that were planned for harvesting.

Dr Chen says the system can address the challenges of solving the current labour shortage in Australias agricultural sector and the future food crisis as population grows and decreased arable land.

He says technological advances could also help increase the productivity of fruit and attract younger people to working in farms with this technology.

The research team consists of Dr Wesley Au, Xing Wang, Hugh Zhou, and Dr Hanwen Kang, and led by Dr Chen. The project is funded by the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme.
MANISTEE, MI  A scaled down version of the Manistee National Forest Festival is set to return to Northern Michigan this summer after the event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers announced.

Forest Fest Lite will include most of the staple events that draw visitors and residents to First Street Beach and Douglas Park in Manistee over the long Fourth of July weekend. The festival is scheduled for July 1-5.

The festival is not only a favorite of many, but directly impacts our local economy and businesses, said Stacie Bytwork, president and CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. We hope everyone will be flexible and understanding as we are doing our best to plan a festival in a two-month period with many unknowns moving forward.

So far, the festival is expected to include Fourth of July fireworks, a carnival, the Jaycees Beach Bash, a concert by the Scottville Clown Band, the marketplace, Timber Art, family day, Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo, and an Independence Day flag raising ceremony.

For updates, check the Manistee National Forest Festival website and follow the Facebook page.

READ MORE:

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PITTSBURGH, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney proudly announces new leaders for the firm's Labor, Employment, Benefits & Immigration section, Real Estate and Bankruptcy practice groups, as well as its Pittsburgh office.

Christian Antkowiak is assuming the role of co-chair of Buchanan's Labor, Employment, Benefits and Immigration section and will serve alongside current co-chair Joe Centeno. With more than 60 lawyers nationwide, Buchanan's Labor & Employment team is a diversity leader both in range of practice offerings to clients and personnel. Antkowiak represents clients nationwide in complex litigation, for which he has built a reputation as a premier class and collective action litigator. He also counsels numerous clients on topics such as FMLA and ADA accommodation, FCRA compliance, separations of employment and restrictive covenants. In this capacity, he serves as their de facto general counsel.

Tim Palmer will lead Buchanan's Bankruptcy practice group, which focuses on representing financial institutions and secured creditors in chapter 11 and chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings, receiverships, foreclosures, collection actions and out of court loan restructurings. Palmer has substantial experience in the areas of creditors' rights, bankruptcy, commercial loan restructuring and insolvency issues, primarily representing secured lenders, commercial banks and special servicers. He is a frequent speaker on creditors' rights issues.

Adele Stone will chair Buchanan's Real Estate practice group in addition to her current role as head of the firm's Ft. Lauderdale office. Stone is one of South Florida's most recognized and experienced real estate attorneys, Board Certified in Real Estate Law by the Florida Bar, and an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association. She assists clients in all phases of commercial transactions and works closely with real estate owners, investors, developers, landlords, tenants and individual clients. Stone is active in professional and pro bono organizations, including serving as a member of the Florida Chapter of NAIOP Emeritus Board and as past president of Attorneys' Real Estate Council of Broward County, Inc.

Buchanan's real estate group works with regional and national clients on the full range of issues related to real estate development, land use, financing and transactions. Their clients are real estate developers, homebuilders, investors, brokers, financial institutions, and more.

Jaime Tuite will serve as the new head of Buchanan's Pittsburgh office. In addition to this leadership role, Tuite represents clients across a range of industries  including finance, higher education, life sciences, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, energy, pharmaceutical and hospitality  defending them in discrimination, whistleblower and wage and hour lawsuits. She also routinely litigates restrictive covenant cases, obtaining injunctions for employers protecting trade secrets and enforcing employment agreements.

With the naming of Tuite to lead the firm's largest office, Buchanan now has women installed as office heads in one-half of their locations.

"Adele, Jaime, Christian and Tim each are considerable contributors to Buchanan's success. They represent significant additions to Buchanan's leadership ranks as we execute on our strategic priorities of growing in service offerings to clients, geographic reach, depth of talent, innovative approaches and overall diversity," said Joseph A. Dougherty, CEO and Managing Director, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney.

About Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney is a national law firm with a proven reputation for providing progressive, industry-leading legal, business, regulatory and government relations advice to regional, national and international clients. We service a wide range of businesses, but have especially deep experience in the finance, energy, healthcare and life sciences industries. Our 450 attorneys and government relations professionals across 15 offices proudly represent some of the highest profile and innovative companies in the nation, including 50 of the Fortune 100. We bring to clients intimate knowledge of the players, market forces and political and regulatory landscape, and use our full-service capabilities to protect, defend and advance our clients' businesses.

SOURCE Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

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Ahmedabad, April 30 : Punjab Kings (PBKS) batsman Nicholas Pooran has managed a dubious record with his fourth duck at this year's Indian Premier League (IPL). He now has a duck without facing a ball, a golden duck, a second-ball duck and a third-ball duck.

The left-handed batsman got a third-ball duck on Friday night in the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to go with his three earlier ducks.

While there are four other batsmen who managed four ducks in a season in previous years during the IPL, Pooran's series of ducks are unusual.

He started the tournament with a one-ball duck against Rajasthan Royals followed by a second-ball duck against Chennai Super Kings.

He was then run out without facing a ball against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). On Friday, he was dismissed for zero on the third ball he faced.

In between he has had scores of nine and 19. He didn't get to bat in the match against Mumbai Indians.

Herschelle Gibbs (2009), Mithun Manhas (2011), Manish Pandey (2012) and Shikhar Dhawan (2020) are the previous batsmen to have got four successive scores of ducks.

The Trinidadian Pooran on Friday decided to donate a portion of his salary to Covid-19 relief in India.

"Although many other countries are still being affected by the pandemic, the situation in India right now is particularly severe. I will do my part to bring awareness and financial assistance to this dire situation," the 25-year-old West Indian said in a video on Twitter on Friday.

"To all my fans and supporters, I realise I am in a safe and privileged position here in India at the IPL. But it is heart-breaking to be so close to the tragedy that is surrounding us. I would like to donate a portion of my IPL salary towards this (Covid-19) crisis in India," added Pooran in the video.

Latest updates on IPL 2021
Texas lawmakers could ban race-based hair discrimination in schools and work places  such as dress codes that dont allow dreadlocks  under a bill known as the CROWN Act, which got its first hearing before the House State Affairs Committee on Thursday morning.

"I believe people should not be forced to divest themselves of their racial cultural identity by changing their natural hair in order to adapt to their workplace, school, or home," said Rep. Rhetta Bowers, D-Garland, in a statement prior to the hearing. "People should not miss out on opportunities or success because of the way they choose to wear their natural hair."

The CROWN Act was first introduced in 2019 to eliminate hair discrimination across the country as part of a national movement driven by the CROWN Coalition. So far, nine states have passed the legislation. In Texas, Bowers has proposed House Bill 392, which states that schools, colleges and employers may not discriminate against a hair texture or protective hairstyle commonly or historically associated with race.

OPINION: Stop policing people of color's hair and pass the CROWN Act

The movement was largely inspired by the experience of DeAndre Arnold, who spoke about his experience during the hearing and has been growing his dreadlocks for years. In January 2020, as a senior at Barbers Hill High School outside of Houston, school administrators told him he would have to cut his hair to attend prom or his spring graduation ceremony.

At the time, Barbers Hill Independent School District Superintendent Greg Poole said Arnold was violating a district policy that limits hair length for male students, according to reporting from CNN. Arnold said he wears dreadlocks to honor his fathers Trinidadian heritage.

My hair has nothing to do with my behavior or my capacity to learn, Arnold said. I never knew that my identity would hold me back from graduating with the friends I had since elementary school.

Over the summer, a judge ruled that the Barbers Hill ISD hair policy was discriminatory.

Peoples professional lives and earning potential have been negatively impacted by this issue because they have lost jobs or opportunities due to their natural hair, Bowers told The Texas Tribune. There have been too many cases where students have missed valuable time in the classroom because of this form of discrimination.

Hair discrimination has become a problem for students and employees across the state. Earlier this month, Troy ISD put 11-year-old Maddox Cozart in in-school suspension for 11 consecutive days because his braided hair violated the school dress code. His mother, Hope Cozart, testified at Thursdays hearing on the CROWN Act, saying that school officials told her and Maddox that he could only wear his hair in a way that laid down.

Tashara Parker, a broadcast journalist in Dallas, also testified to the committee about her experiences being targeted and insulted for choosing to wear her hair naturally. After viewers said her hair style wasnt professional, she posted a viral video that posed the question Why does my hair offend you?

Aisha Davis, a former teacher and a member of the Texas State Board of Education, told the committee that there are about 684,000 Black students in the state. Last year, Black students alone were given 195,000 in-school suspensions, which demonstrates a massive opportunity gap between Black students and other K-12 learners in Texas, she said.

Were here with a message thats simple: we deserve the right to show up in the full authenticity of who we are even if that is contrary to what you understand to be necessary, said Stephanie Boyce, a professor at the University of Houston. Its just true that we can show up fully unassimilated and fully authentic every single day and do a great job at school, do a wonderful job at work. And our professionalism is not determined by the hairstyle that we wear on our head.

After the hearing Thursday morning, the bill was left pending in committee, but supporters believe the legislation has bipartisan support to pass through the legislature by the end of this session.

Your crown is your glory, and you should protect it, Bowers said. The time is now for Texas to take up this civil rights legislation and protect people from racial discrimination.

Disclosure: University of Houston 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.
Rescuers search for survivors after a landslide killed at least three people near a Chinese-backed power plant in South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, Indonesia, April 30, 2021.

At least three people were killed and nine missing, officials said Friday, when torrential rains unleashed a landslide near the construction site of a controversial China-backed hydropower plant in Indonesias Sumatra region.

This is the second deadly landslide near the site of the U.S. $1.5 billion Batang Toru plant, which is being built in a rainforest where endangered Tapanuli orangutans live.

In Thursdays landslide, piles of mud and debris spilled from a 50-meter (164 feet) high cliff and swept away locals and some workers below, said a senior official at the regional disaster mitigation agency (BPBD). The slide occurred after three consecutive days of heavy rain.

This morning, three bodies were found and they have now been taken to the hospital for an autopsy, Handi Febrial Batubara, the head of mitigation at the agency, said in a statement to BenarNews.

The three who perished were a woman and two children.

Dozens of emergency personnel, including soldiers and police, took part in the search for the missing in Marancar, a village in North Sumatras Tapanuli Selatan regency, Handi said.

According to an initial report, nine people were missing, but the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) fears the death toll may rise because more people may be buried under mud and debris, spokesman Raditya Jati said.

The team is still searching for the missing people, Raditya told BenarNews.

The Batang Toru hydropower plant is operated by a consortium, PT North Sumatera Hydro Energy (NSHE). Chinas ZheFu Holding Group owns a majority stake in it.

Two of the missing nine people  one Indonesia and one Chinese national  are NSHE employees, said company spokesperson Firman Taufick.

More than 120 of the 1,200 employees constructing the 510-megawatt project are Chinese nationals, a senior NSHE adviser told BenarNews last year.

Firman said the company would do its best to search for victims who may be buried under debris.

We hope that the search can run smoothly. The company will do its best. Last night it was impossible for us to do a search because the terrain was tough so it only started this morning, he said.

The hydropower plant in Sumatra is one of several infrastructures projects being built across the Indonesian archipelago as part of Chinas One Belt, One Road (OBOR) scheme. The ambitious scheme aims to build a 21st century Silk Road by weaving a network of railways, ports, bridges, and dams linking China with Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia.

Construction of the plant was suspended last February because Chinese workers were unable to fly to Indonesia due to a travel ban instituted by Jakarta after the outbreak of COVID-19.

Commercial activities of the plant were scheduled to begin next year, but NSHE has requested the projects underwriter to allow it to start operations in 2025, citing manpower issues.

Building activity resumed last November, and a month after, a torrent of mud swept away a worker who was operating the companys excavator to clean the site. Search teams found the heavy equipment downstream, but could not find the body, local media reported.

Firman said that Thursdays landslide was a natural disaster caused by heavy rainfall, not construction activity.

Many ecological impacts

Meanwhile, a local environmentalist said that his group had been warning that Batang Toru was highly unsuitable for building a hydropower plant.

In addition to the risk of landslides, the area is susceptible to earthquakes and the plant is located near an active fault line that runs across the length of Sumatra Island, said Doni Latuparisa, from the North Sumatra chapter of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI).

Since this project was announced, we have been saying there will be many ecological impacts due to the Batang Toru hydropower landscape. One of them is floods and landslides, Doni told BenarNews.

Thats why WALHI urged that this project be stopped This incident is proof of the concern that we have conveyed.

In 2018, WALHI filed a lawsuit against the North Sumatra administrations decision to issue permits for the hydropower project, citing its potentially harmful impact on the rainforest.

The court rejected the lawsuit a year later, saying the permits were granted according to established procedures and did not violate any regulations.

Environmentalists and scientists are also against the project because the Batang Toru Ecosystem is the only known home to the Tapanuli orangutan, which was first observed in 1939.

These great apes were identified as a distinct species in 2017, and were listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Environmental groups say the power plant would divide the habitat of about 800 Tapanuli orangutan and increase the risk of their extinction.

NSHE had said the project would not threaten protected animals, including the orangutan.
By David Jackson CEO, Colliers Vietnam

In the past year, Vietnams economy which showed resilience amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and was one of a few countries to register GDP growth in 2020 and is forecast by the World Bank that GDP will increase 6.81 per cent in 2021. This creates higher confidence amongst buyers in the real estate market of Vietnam.

Branded residences attract foreigners, overseas Vietnamese, and rich Vietnamese people alike. Grand Marina Saigon that is backed by Marriott International has created confidence among customers both locally and abroad. When it was launched in Hong Kong most recently, many customers invested without visiting the project or showroom.

The well-known brand has attracted many buyers, and Vietnams real estate has attracted many foreign investors who are looking at alternative markets with higher upside potential when investment opportunities in their own countries are becoming saturated.

Hotel-branded apartments are easier to rent out due to their quality and brand name, and the hotels may have databases of potential tenants. With many favourable factors such as prime location, quality construction, unique design, wide range of utilities, dedicated service, lifestyle benefits, and trusted global brand name, it is likely that the value of the property will remain high and appreciate over the long term.

Vietnams urban branded residence price is similar to projects in Bangkok, but significantly lower than those in Hong Kong, which can fetch more than $45,000 per square metre.

In terms of numbers, Vietnam is only at the infancy stages of the branded residences concept, whereas many other countries already have many projects.

For example, the US has at least 130 projects, Europe has over 50, China has more than 30, and Dubai and Bangkok have at least 15 projects. Approximately three-quarters of the branded residences are in urban areas while the remaining quarter are located in resorts.
PHILADELPHIA, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aberdeen Standard Global Infrastructure Income Fund (NYSE: ASGI) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund, today announced that it paid on April 30, 2021, a distribution of US $0.1083 per share to all shareholders of record as of April 23, 2021 (ex-dividend date April 22, 2021). As announced on August 31, 2020, the Fund will pay a fixed monthly distribution at an annualized rate of 6.5% on the initial public offering price of $20.00 for the 12 months ending September 30, 2021.

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. At Aberdeen, asset management is our business. We only manage assets for clients, allowing us to focus solely on their needs and deliver independent, objective investment advice. We know global markets from the local level upwards, drawing on more than 1,900 staff, across 32 offices in 23 countries. Investment teams are based in the markets or regions where they invest, delivering local perspective in a global investment environment. (PRNewsFoto/Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.)

Your Fund's distribution policy is to provide investors with a stable monthly distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital.

Under U.S. tax rules applicable to the Fund, the amount and character of distributable income for each fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related Rules, the Fund may be required to indicate to shareholders the estimated source of certain distributions to shareholders.

The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distribution for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the Rules adopted thereunder. The table has been computed based on generally accepted accounting principles. The table includes estimated amounts and percentages for this distribution and for the cumulative distributions relating to fiscal year to date (10/01/2020 - 03/31/2021), from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital. The estimated composition of the distributions may vary from month to month because the estimated composition may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and currencies.



Estimated Amounts of Current Monthly Distribution per share ($) Estimated Amounts of Current Monthly Distribution per share (%) Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative Distributions per share ($) Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative Distributions per share (%) Net Investment Income $0.0227 21% $0.1592 21% Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains* $0.0661 61% $0.4624 61% Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains - - - - Return of Capital $0.0195 18% $0.1365 18% Total (per common share) $0.1083 100% $0.7581 100%

*includes currency gains

Story continues

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."

Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of the Fund's current distributions or from the terms of the distribution policy (the "Distribution Policy").

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions in 2021 will be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The following table provides information regarding the Fund's total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods compared to the Fund's annualized and cumulative distribution rates.

Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5 Year Period Ended 03/31/20211,2 13.57% Annualized Distribution Rate on NAV as of the Fiscal Period Ended 03/31/20213 5.92% Fiscal Year to Date (10/1/2020 to 03/31/2021) Cumulative Total Return on NAV1 16.90% Cumulative Distribution Rate on NAV2 2.96%



1 Return data is net of all Fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. 2 The Fund launched within the past 5 years; the performance and distribution rate information presented reflects data from inception (July 29, 2020) through March 31, 2021. 3 Based on the Fund's NAV as of March 31, 2021.

While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market.

Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2010, the Fund may distribute any long-term capital gains more frequently than the limits provided in Section 19(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder. Therefore, distributions paid by the Fund during the year may include net income, short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains and/or a return of capital. Net income dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, while generally taxable at ordinary income rates, may be eligible, to the extent of qualified dividend income earned by the Fund, to be taxed at a lower rate not to exceed the maximum rate applicable to your long-term capital gains. Distributions made in any calendar year in excess of investment company taxable income and net capital gain are treated as taxable ordinary dividends to the extent of undistributed earnings and profits, and then as a return of capital that reduces the adjusted basis in the shares held. To the extent return of capital distributions exceed the adjusted basis in the shares held, capital gain is recognized with a holding period

based on the period the shares have been held at the date such amount is received. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the terms of the distribution policy. The final determination of the source of all distributions will be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund's net assets. A decrease in the Fund's net assets may cause an increase in the Fund's annual operating expense ratio and a decrease in the Fund's market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund's net asset value per share. The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund's investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold, for the purpose of paying the distribution. The Fund's Board of Directors has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund's market price per share. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances.

Circular 230 disclosure : To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

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 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 If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact Investor.Relations@aberdeenstandard.com

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SOURCE Aberdeen Standard Global Infrastructure Income Fund
A girl from Britain who was trafficked to Islamic State territory in Syria and then raped and impregnated by her jihadi 'husband' is among former UK nationals stranded in a refugee camp.

Campaigners Reprieve say the majority of British women in the country were sexually exploited, with many under the age of 18 at the time.

A report by the group, which has accused the Government of 'failing' trafficking victims, says among those in a camp is a girl known as Nadia who was taken to Syria by a male relative at 12 and was repeatedly raped until she fell pregnant at 15.

The Times reported she escaped with her sister and mother.

The British girl, who was trafficked to Syria at the age of 12, is among former UK nationals waiting in camps (stock picture)

Tory MP Andrew Mitchell said in the group's report titled Trafficked to Syria: 'We cannot wash our hands of these Britons, abandoning them in ungoverned space.'

Last year he said in an open letter, also signed by David Davis, Tom Tugendhat and Tobias Ellwood: 'We are concerned that their current indefinite detention in increasingly precarious Kurdish detention camps poses a significant security challenge to the UK, as well as significant harm to the children involved.

'We urge you to ensure that these individuals are brought back to the UK so that any adults accused of crimes can be fairly prosecuted with due process, and the children's safety is ensured.'

MP Andrew Mitchell says we 'cannot wash or hands' of the Britons trapped abroad

'We believe that a policy of family separation would undermine any prospect of reintegrating returning children into UK society, while doing nothing to resolve the risk of losing track of the adults in north-east Syria, or secure justice for any crimes they may have committed.'

Maya Foa, the director of Reprieve, who has visited the camps, said: 'These are victims who have been abandoned. I find it cruel, callous and cynical. It is not lawful, not humane and not in our security interests. On every level it is counterproductive.'

Earlier this year the Supreme Court ruled Shamima Begum cannot return to the UK to pursue an appeal against the removal of her British citizenship.

Shamima Begum cannot return to the UK to pursue an appeal against the removal of her British citizenship

Begum was 15 when she and two other east London schoolgirls travelled to Syria to join ISIS in February 2015.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said at the time: 'The Supreme Court has unanimously found in favour of the Government's position, and reaffirmed the Home Secretary's authority to make vital national security decisions.

'The Government will always take the strongest possible action to protect our national security and our priority remains maintaining the safety and security of our citizens.'
Bangladesh: Embankment breach at Koyra: Saltwater intrusion worries coastal people in Khulna

by Hedait Hossain Molla

April 30,2021 | Source: Dhaka Tribune

The already dilapidated Kopotakkho River embankment protecting Koyra upazila of Khulna has now developed multiple breaches, causing tidal water to enter the region. Fear has gripped the coastal people of the area as they worry that the embankment might suddenly collapse, impeding their ceaseless struggle to protect their lives and property from natural disasters every year. In May last year, tidal waters flooded the homes of thousands in Maharajpur union after the Super Cyclonic Storm Amphan hit coastal Koyra upazila and breached its Kopotakkho River embankment. Although 11 months have passed since then, a sustainable embankment has yet to be built in the region to protect its people from another potential disaster this monsoon. Allegations have surfaced that a certain quarter with vested interest has been delaying the construction of a sustainable embankment despite a sufficient fund allocation from the government. According to several local sources, the 3km dam from Koyras Dashalia to Hogla is currently extremely vulnerable. The embankment has been breached at multiple points and tidal water has been entering the area, seeping through several small and big holes. Some locals were seen working at several points of the embankment to plug the leaks on Tuesday.



A local fish farmer Matiar Rahman said he was extremely worried about the structural integrity of the embankment. At any moment the embankment could collapse and inundate the region, washing away all the fish from my fish enclosure at a moments notice, he added. Md Nasir, another fish farmer, said he had suffered a loss of Tk2 lakh when the super cyclone Amphan struck the region in May last year. I have yet to recover from last years losses. On top of that, if another disaster strikes the region this time I will suffer big time, he added. Wishing anonymity, some locals said the government had allocated sufficient funds for the repair of the embankment following the cyclone Amphan but the work had been delayed for 11 months. As a result, people remain vulnerable to flooding. Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) Koyra Section Officer Mashiul Abedin said he was aware of the embankment breach and the intrusion of saltwater in the region. The BWDB has already launched emergency measures to repair the breach. Hopefully, there won't be any serious repercussions, he added.
Three heavyweight banks have provided their analysis

The black horse appears to be galloping to the front of the field in the banking sector

There were upgrades across the board for PLC ( ) following its first-quarter update Wednesday, which smashed expectations.

While much of the upside in the numbers came from the write-back of previously taken provisions, there was enough there (particularly around the net interest margin) to buoy sentiment.

JP Morgan Cazenove, for example, increased its price target to 54p a share from 51p, while maintaining its overweight stance.

We continue to see top-line recovery ahead of market expectations alongside best-in-class efficiency ratios, it said in a note to clients.

upped its valuation to 54p too, but from 50p, as did . Both have positive calls on the stock (respectively outperform and buy).

Scale winner

Credit Suisse in an earlier, in-depth note predicted Lloyds could become a scale winner in the banking sector.

We see gathering evidence of that from the first-quarter results, it added in Thursdays update.

NIM [net interest margin] is improving faster than we were expecting and the confident tone on loan growth gives us confidence that mortgage market share trends may have inflected positively.

Credit Suisse also increased its above-consensus statutory profit estimates by 15% for 2021 and 6% for both 2022 and 2023.

On Wednesday Lloyds posted first-quarter numbers that came in well ahead of forecasts and impressed market commentators.

Antonio's swansong

It was chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio's last update before he heads off to chair Credit Suisse and the consensus was he is leaving on a high note.

Profits were 1.9bn helped by a sizeable write-back of bad debts, but Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, added: Net interest margin (NIM) is better than expected, being the difference between what it earns from interest charged on loans and interest paid on savings deposits.

Costs are also better than expected, which might come as a surprise given how difficult it is to streamline a business the size and complexity as Lloyds.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 30)  Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto on Friday gave a stern reminder to the public against using antiparasitic drug ivermectin to treat COVID-19 despite repeated warnings from health experts.

He urged the public to listen to the advice of those who know medicine best  the doctors and epidemiologists -- and take it slow on reading about conspiracy theories surrounding the unregistered drug's effectivity.

"Relax-relax lang tayo sa mga conspiracy theory," Sotto said in a media briefing hosted by the Department of Health. "Ang mga gamot na tine-take natin at pine-prescribe ng mga doktor, dumadaan yan sa matinding proseso, hindi yan basta-basta."

[Translation: Let's take it easy on conspiracy theories. All medicines prescribed by doctors go through a stringent process.]

The mayor supported the stand of health experts that there is no solid evidence that it can treat COVID-19 patients.

"Just because there is a little bit of positive news or a little bit of possibility or may nakitang konting scientific basis, hindi yun sapat para sabihin na, 'Okay na yan, pwede na yan.'" he said. "Hindi tayo mga doktor, hindi tayo medical expert. Makinig tayo sa kanila, makinig tayo sa mga eksperto."

[Translation: Just because there is a little bit of positive news or a little bit of possibility or some scientific basis, it's not enough. You cannot say, 'That's good enough.' We are not doctors. We should listen to the experts.]

Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano, meanwhile, said different politicians may have different stands on the use of ivermectin. But he stood pat that he will wait for the go signal from health experts and regulators.

"Kapag dumating ang panahon na inaprubahan yan ng [Once it is approved by the] FDA, Department of Health, by all means we will not just support it, we will buy it," he said.

On Thursday, congressmen Rodante Marcoleta and Mike Defensor worked with some doctors to give away compounded ivermectin capsules to the public.

The FDA, DOH, and several health experts, including the World Health Organization, have cautioned the public against using ivermectin for COVID-19 prevention or treatment.

Experts said there is not enough proof the drug can be used to treat or prevent COVID-19. They also warned high doses could cause brain damage in humans, or even death.

Dr. Marissa Alejandria, president of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, reiterated the recent findings of fellow Filipino medical experts that there is insufficient evidence for now to recommend or prohibit the use of ivermectin.
NEW DELHI: Former Attorney General of India and veteran jurist, Soli Sorabjee passed away on Friday morning, aged 91. According to his family sources, he died due to COVID-19 related complications.

The veteran jurist was born in 1930 in Bombay. The 91-year-old Constitutional law expert was recently infected with COVID-19, family sources said.

He was admitted to a private hospital in South Delhi after getting infected with COVID-19.

Former Attorney General of India, Soli Sorabjee passes away at the age of 91 years. (File photo) pic.twitter.com/FB3ATuisz8  ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2021

Condoling his death, President Ram Nath Kovind said, "In the passing of Soli Sorabji, we lost an icon of India's legal system. He was among a select few who deeply influenced the evolution of the constitutional law & justice system. Awarded with Padma Vibhushan, he was among the most eminent jurists. Condolences to his family & associates."

In passing of Soli Sorabji, we lost an icon of India's legal system. He was among select few who deeply influenced evolution of constitutional law & justice system. Awarded with Padma Vibhushan, he was among most eminent jurists. Condolences to his family & associates: President pic.twitter.com/JHNaL8W0oW  ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2021

PM Narendra Modi also expressed shock over his death. "Shri Soli Sorabjee was an outstanding lawyer and intellectual. Through the law, he was at the forefront of helping the poor and downtrodden. He will be remembered for his noteworthy tenures as Indias Attorney General. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers," the PM said.

Shri Soli Sorabjee was an outstanding lawyer and intellectual. Through law, he was at the forefront of helping the poor and downtrodden. He will be remembered for his noteworthy tenures Indias Attorney General. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 30, 2021

Soli Jehangir Sorabjee had served as the Attorney General of India from 1989-90 and then from 1998-2004. Sorabjee began his legal practice in the year 1953 at the Bombay High Court.

In 1971, he was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India. He became the Attorney General of India, first from 1989-90 and then from 1998-2004.

He was also a renowned human rights lawyer. The UN appointed him as a Special Rapporteur for Nigeria, in 1997, to report on the human rights situation in that country.

Following this, he was made a member and later Chairman of the UN-Sub Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, from 1998 to 2004.

He was a member of the United Nations Sub-commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities since 1998. He has also served as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague from 2000 to 2006.

Sorabjee was a champion of freedom of speech and expression and had defended freedom of the press in many landmark cases in the Supreme Court.

During his illustrious career, Sorabjee was also involved in many cases, defending the freedom of speech and expression and has been instrumental in revoking censorship orders and bans on publications.

He had penned several books on this subject - The Laws of Press Censorship in India (1976); The Emergency, Censorship and the Press in India, 1975-77 (1977).

The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Vibhushan in March 2002 for his defence of freedom of speech and the protection of human rights.

He has appeared before the Supreme Court in certain landmark cases like Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), SR Bommai v. Union of India (1994), BP Singhal v. Union of India (2010), etc.

Live TV
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Police officers honored as role models

Xinhua) 16:05, April 30, 2021

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 93 police officers from around China have been awarded the title of Model Worker or Exemplary Individual since 2017, the Ministry of Public Security said at a press conference on Friday.

The honorary titles are typically granted to outstanding individuals from any sector of society as the country marks International Labor Day on May 1 each year.

Ministry spokesperson Jia Junqiang also said that 18 members of the Chinese police have since 2017 received the May 4 Youth Medal for the remarkable performance of duties.

Other groups and individuals from the police have been honored for their roles in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic and eliminating poverty, Jia added.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
DALLAS (dpa-AFX) - AT&T Inc. (T) said that each of the 12 nominees to the company's board of directors were reelected for one-year terms, at its annual meeting of stockholders on Friday. AT&T stockholders approved the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the company's independent auditor. In an advisory vote, the compensation of AT&T's executive officers received 48.9% of votes cast in favor. A stockholder proposal regarding stockholder action by written consent was defeated with 71.7% of votes cast against. 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.
Al Salem Johnson Controls (York) has manufactured over 95,000 HVAC Units over the past 20 years, since the opening of its Jeddah York Factory in addition to designing and manufacturing the units corresponding control panels.



The company also plans to carry on toward achieving the "Made in Saudi" Programs goals, and to contribute to raising the Saudi non-oil exports from 16% to 50% by 2030, said Dr Mohanad AlShaikh, CEO of York.



Dr. AlShaikh said that the "Made in Saudi" program is in line with Vision 2030, and will contribute to starting a new era for the Saudi industry, enabling and increasing the competitiveness of the national product locally, as well as increase production for export.



He stressed that the company aspires to localize the manufacturing of HVAC Units, in line with Kingdoms directives to manufacture high-efficient products, as one of the key pillars of the national non-oil economy. Furthermore, the company will work towards attracting Saudi engineers and technicians, who will play an active role in achieving the goals of the "Made in Saudi" Program.



Al Salem Johnson Controls (York) has succeeded in exporting 30% of its Saudi-made Units to more than 20 countries in the region, as part of several strategic projects, including: Abu Dhabi International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, Atlantis Dubai, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Bahrain International Circuit, Patchi factory in Lebanon, and Microsoft offices in India.



Moreover, the relocation of Al Salem Johnson Controls (York) Factory - scheduled for the second quarter of 2021 - to King Abdullah Economic City, will play a role in transforming the Kingdom into a leading industrial destination, as it is the largest York Factory in the Middle East.



Through this factory, the Company seeks to expand local manufacturing by doubling its production lines, and raising the percentage of locally made product exports to Regional and international markets. The move is in line with the Kingdoms plan to localize the industry, aiming to raise the quality of the local products and paint a positive image about locally made products to grow the sense of pride of local consumers.



Al Salem Johnson Controls (York) is exerting all efforts to develop and implement an integrated strategy with the aim of increasing local content and export revenues, in terms of products, services, assets, technologies, and manpower, enabling the Company to play a pioneering role in achieving the goals of the "Made in Saudi" Program and Vision 2030.



The Company is keen to develop the national cadres working in the HVAC Sector, both inside and outside the Company; through implementing of a number of training and development programs, such as the Saudi Engineers Development Program and the Saudi Technician Development Program. In recent years, it has also conducted a number of training courses and workshops for engineers and technicians working for clients, in addition to signing several memorandums of understanding with a number of technical colleges around the Kingdom.



To enhance local specialized manufacturing capabilities, the Company's R&D and Product Management Departments developed two Infection Control Units, the first of their kind in terms of local manufacturing. The Units eliminate viruses, bacteria and airborne contaminants that exist on surfaces and are airborne, in order to combat infectious diseases in general, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in particular.



A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the Saudi Company for Ground Services to provide one of these Infection Control Units to disinfect and sterilize all Saudi airports and aircraft cabins, using ultraviolet light, in order to ensure a safe and healthy environment for travellers and airport staff. - TradeArabia News Service
A man who murdered his housemate and dumped her body in Sydney bushland has had his 'manifestly inadequate' jail term increased by appeal court judges.

Shuo Dong, then 21, was jailed in September for 18 years with a non-parole period of 13 years and six months after pleading guilty to murdering Qi Yu, 28, who disappeared from her Campsie unit in June 2018.

But the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Friday allowed a crown appeal and increased his term to 21 years with a non-parole period of 15 years and eight months.

The three judges accepted that Acting Justice Peter Hidden had failed to take into account the protection of the community and had imposed a 'manifestly inadequate' term.

Shuo Dong (pictured) has had his jail sentence increased for the murder of Qi Yu in 2018

The motive for the murder of Qi Yu remains a mystery, with her body callously dumped in bushland in Sydney

Ms Yu's body was found two months after she vanished, 43 kilometres away from her home near an emergency stop area on a highway near Mount Kuring-gai.

Justice Hidden said while the Chinese national had never explained his motive for killing Yu, he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt the murder was premeditated.

Dong spent the evening of June 8, 2018 bickering with Ms Yu over bond money he owed her and over his lease being cut short.

Police later found a 15-centimetre red stain 'consistent with blood' on the staircase, along with more red spots and flecks on a nearby landing, while Ms Yu's car was found a few kilometres away with more blood stains on the rear driver's side.

Two days before the murder, Dong did an internet search for 'how would homicide be sentenced in Australia' and visited related web pages including 'criminal offence sanction between China and Australia'.

The appeal court noted the judge had found Dong committed premeditated murder for no apparent motive 'while under the operative effect of a mental illness'.

'His prospects of rehabilitation were poor, he had limited insight into his condition and while in custody he had been involved in violence and on some occasions not taken his medication.'

The sentencing exercise needed to expressly address 'the need to protect the community against the potential danger posed by a respondent who committed a premeditated and apparently motiveless murder, and who has poor prospects of rehabilitation'.

In also finding the sentence was manifestly inadequate, the court noted the apparently motiveless and senseless murder involved 'significant contempt for the deceased being shown by the manner in which her body was disposed of'.

Ms Yu's distraught parents said she was an 'intelligent, beautiful, lovely, lively and innocent girl' who came to Australia in 2009 as an international student.

She obtained her bachelor degree in electrical engineering, a master's degree in telecommunications and joined an electronics company, On-Track Technology.
Editor's note: This is part of a weekly column focusing on local TV personalities, producers and everyone that makes TV news happen in San Antonio. Want to learn more about a specific personality? Send us a note!



The revolving door continues to swing in San Antonio TV news.



After nearly two years, KENS 5 investigative reporter Mariah Medina will be signing off from the CBS affiliate on April 30.



But that doesn't mean she is leaving the Alamo City. Medina will join the San Antonio Police Department as their public affairs manager.



"Its my understanding its a newly created position. While the job description says one thing, conversations Ive had with the Chief and members of the hiring panel tell me it will be many things dealing with communications: designing graphics, editing videos, writing statements, doing interviews," she said. "Though, Im used to wearing many hats, so Im prepared for whatever comes my way."

MORE FROM CANDICE: KENS 5 Bill Taylor gives a glimpse into his life behind the scenes



This will be one of Medina's first jobs outside of local TV news.

Medina got her first start of journalism during her freshman year in high school. She says being in the industry has given her a different perspective from what she's learned in school.



"For the last decade Ive been hearing that journalism is a dying profession. My experience, however, has been that its transforming profession," she told MySA. "Im sure there was a time, decades ago, where people couldve never imagined the day household names like Deborah Knapp and Don Harris would be a social media message away."



Born and raised in San Antonio, Medina has the opportunity to work alongside folks she grew up watching on TV, like Randy Beamer.



"Randy called me by my name. I looked at him stunned and asked, You know my name? He looked at me somewhat confused, and after a few months there I understood why: He made the effort to make everyone feel like they were part of the team," she said.



When Medina accepted a job at KSAT 12, Beamer wished her well and went to her going away party.



"I was an assignments editor and digital content producer and the fact that someone like Randy Beamer took the time to make someone like myself feel like a valuable part of his team meant so much," Medina said.



She said the same happened with her colleagues at KSAT 12 before taking the job at KENS 5.



"When I left KSAT 12, that same hospitality and friendliness was again evidenced when I got calls and texts from people like Isis Romero and Steve Spriester wishing me well at KENS 5. Now, my friends at KENS 5 are doing the same as I move on to my next adventure."

MORE SAN ANTONIO TV NEWS: Former KENS 5 daytime host gets candid about life after leaving San Antonio



With no prior on-air TV experience, KENS 5 gave Medina her first shot at being an on-air reporter.



"James Keith and Jack Acosta, my news managers, really took a gamble when they hired me," she said. "On paper, I probably had no business being in front of a camera, but they trusted me when I told them they would be getting a news Swiss Army Knife. So while I felt lucky to get my start in a top market, it came with a tremendous amount of responsibility to give it 110% every day."



Medina however, proved herself countless times, especially on her first day.



While new hires go through an on-boarding process, she didn't. Medina said she was on TV her first day with breaking news story she got a tip on, even before she was on the payroll at KENS 5.



"What quickly took away the fear of TV news reporting was that I had a supportive team of managers, producers, reporters, photographers and anchors that were always there to give me feedback on my editing, writing and delivery."



She notes veteran anchor Deborah Knapp pulled her aside after a show one day and gave her feedback on her live shots and solutions to the problems she was seeing.

"From there, I felt comfortable going to her for advice as I got my footing. Aaron Wright would also reach out to me after watching my stories with feedback on how it could have looked better, or things he would have done differently," she said. "Looking back, I feel like Ive made massive strides thanks to that welcoming and constructive environment."



I asked Medina about whether she would miss the news industry.



"Whats great about this role at the San Antonio Police Department is that its the intersection of so many of my passions: Communications, criminal justice and the legal system as a whole."



The Texas State University alum, who has a minor in criminal justice, is also currently enrolled in law school at St. Mary's University.



"I started law school with the aspiration of one day applying to the FBI upon graduation. This role allows me to use my knowledge of crime, courts and procedure to better communicate the many complex issues news outlets cover on a regular basis."



Medina is expected to graduate from law school Spring 2022.



"People always ask me if I will practice law after I graduate, in fact, many people speculated I would be focusing on a legal career when I announced I was leaving KENS 5," she said "Although I intend on taking the bar exam, I am so infatuated with the fast-paced environment of news and communications that I couldnt see myself leaving communications."



Criminal justice is not only a passion of Medina's, it's something personal.



"While many only see or read accounts of the impacts the criminal justice system: I lived it. My dad struggled with alcoholism for most of his adult life, racking up numerous arrests through the years," she said. "In fact, he was once arrested by San Antonio Police in front of me and my sisters when we were younger. In 2019, he died from health issues stemming from his alcoholism while serving out a prison sentence."



She sought out the position because she hopes to bring a different perspective.



"Across the country theres a well documented history of major entities  both public and private  hiring people who arent representative of the communities they serve, she said. "I feel that this very personal understanding of the criminal justice system can help bring an informed perspective to the ongoing national conversation on law enforcement and policing."
The government is considering sealing the inter-state borders to curb the spread of the infection.

Home Minister Narottam Mishra said during a review meeting on the Covid-19 situation under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, that in accordance with efforts being made to control the infection across 16 districts in the state, the emphasis was being laid on breaking the Covid chain.

He said with the stoppage of bus services along the borders of Uttar Pradesh, measures are being taken to prevent the infection spreading from people travelling along the borders of other states. The process of breaking the chain of infection due to traffic on the borders is paying dividends, hence the plan to seal the inter-state borders.

Mishra said the Chief Minister has assured that the general public will not be inconvenienced.

--IANS

snp/rjs/khz/bg

(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.)
"When we launched our first franchise in 1990, we had the vision to bring a premier early learning experience to children across America. What I could not have imagined is that we'd be celebrating the opening of our 450th school as we continue to navigate a global pandemic," said Jo Kirchner, CEO of Primrose Schools. "After the year we have been through, milestones seem to mean more. The incredible importance of what we do has become apparent to everyone, and we're more energized than ever to prepare our next generation of leaders."

Primrose School of Arlington is owned by sisters Saniya Dhala and Zahra Isani. Driven by their shared experiences and dedication to the Arlington community, the sisters made the decision to leave the finance and food industries to open their own Primrose school and help address the growing demand for quality early education and care in their community. They chose Primrose Schools because of its proven model that has been trusted for nearly 40 years.

"My sister and I both share a passion for providing working parents with quality childcare solutions because of the personal challenges experienced trying to find early education and care options for children," said Saniya Dhala, Primrose School of Arlington Franchise Owner. "There are so many busy working parents like myself in the heart of the D.C. metro area who desire high-quality early education and care near their homes and jobs and we are excited to provide the educational experience and nurturing environment they're seeking."

Primrose Schools opened 28 new schools in 2020, with more aggressive growth goals set nationwide in 2021. And across the Washington metropolitan area the five new Primrose schools will join 11 existing locations .This footprint and planned growth underscore the increased demand for quality early education programs that provide parents with peace of mind about returning to work. As the lines between home and work environments remain blurred with continued remote working options, residents and working parents especially want a community where they can have it all. The high-quality early learning and care Primrose Schools provides is a key component to a thriving "Live, Work, Play, Learn" community like Arlington.

"We are thrilled to welcome Primrose School to Arlington," said Katie Cristol, Vice Chair of the Arlington County Board. "There continues to be a great need for high-quality early education and child care options in our community and Primrose Schools delivers that in a convenient setting, close to neighborhoods and businesses."

Primrose School of Arlington is located next to Colonial Village on Wilson Boulevard in a multi-use, LEED certified complex that was built between 1986 and 1999. The project, consisting of three buildings, is 750,158 square feet. The construction of the school contributed approximately $2.5 million to the local economy and will create approximately 20 jobs once it reaches full capacity. The school can accommodate up to 185 children.

Learn more about real estate or franchise opportunities with Primrose Schools.

About Primrose Schools

Primrose Schools is the leader in providing premier early education and care to children and families in the United States. Founded in 1982, there are 450 Primrose schools in 32 states today. Each school is independently owned and operated by Franchise Owners who partner with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life. Primrose believes who children become is as important as what they know. The Primrose-exclusive Balanced Learning approach is created from the best early education wisdom and balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. For more information, visit www.PrimroseSchools.com, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, explore our blog, sign up for our Pointers for Parents emails and find a Primrose school near you.

SOURCE Primrose Schools

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CALGARY, Alberta, April 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tornado Global Hydrovacs Ltd. (Tornado or the Company) (TGH: TSX-V) today reported its audited consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The audited consolidated financial statements and MD&A have been filed on SEDAR and can be reviewed at www.sedar.com and on the Companys web site www.tornadotrucks.com .



Financial and Operating Highlights (in CAD $000s except per share data)

Three months ended December 31 Year ended December 31 2020 2019 2020 2019 Revenue (1) $ 5,186 $ 11,854 $ 30,832 $ 49,598 Cost of sales (1) 4,505 9,712 25,557 40,293 Gross Profit 681 2,142 5,275 9,305 Selling and general administrative expenses 1,269 1,600 4,151 6,075 Depreciation and amortization 461 772 1,769 1,856 Impairment write-down (reversal) 66 2,242 (108) 2,242 Stock-based compensation - 68 - 129 Net finance expense (income) 51 (20) 168 144 Accretion expense 92 - 142 - Other 1 (1) 2 (1) Loss before tax (1,259) (2,519) (849) (1,140) Income tax recovery (expense) 224 2 182 (494) Net loss $ (1,035) $ (2,517) $ (667) $ (1,634) Net loss per share - basic and diluted $ (0.008) $ (0.020) $ (0.005) $ (0.013) EBITDAS (2) $ (588) $ 614 $ 1,124 $ 3,230 EBIT (2) $ (1,116) $ (2,601) $ (538) $ (997) Total assets $ 27,626 $ 23,830 $ 27,626 $ 23,830 Shareholders Equity $ 14,829 $ 14,990 $ 14,829 $ 14,990

1 As described in the Financial Statements and MDA for the year ended December 31, 2020, the 2019 comparative figures presented have been restated, with a reduction to both revenue and cost of sales of $10.8 million. There was no effect on basic or diluted net loss per share and did not have any effect on the Companys consolidated statement of financial position or consolidated statement of cash flows.

2 Earnings (loss) before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization, impairment write-down and stock-based compensation (EBITDAS) and earnings (loss) before interest and tax (EBIT) are not defined by IFRS. The definition of EBITDAS does not consider gains and losses on the disposal of assets, fair value changes in foreign currency forward contracts and non-cash components of stock-based compensation. While not an IFRS measure, EBITDAS is used by management, creditors, analysts, investors and other financial stakeholders to assess the Companys performance and management from a financial and operational perspective.

2020 Overview

Prior to COVID-19, the Company was facing sales demand greater than its manufacturing capability. To address this and plan for the expiry of the Companys lease of its production facility located in Stettler, Alberta (Stettler Facility) in June 2021, the Company made the strategic decision to acquire a production facility located in Red Deer, Alberta (Red Deer Facility). This acquisition closed on February 3, 2020.

Revenue of $30,832, decreased 37.8% compared to $49,598 in 2019. The Companys revenue was negatively impacted by COVID-19 from March 2020 onward.



Gross profit of $5,275, decreased by $4,030 compared to $9,305 in 2019 due to decreased revenue from the North American Operations, offset by recoveries from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (the wage subsidy). Gross profit was positively impacted by the increased benefits from cost savings on parts sourced from China during the year.



EBITDAS of $1,124, decreased by $2,106 compared to $3,230 in 2019, due to decreased revenues and gross profit in North America, offset by the wage subsidy of $1,936.



Net loss of $667, decreased by $967 compared to a net loss of $1,634 in 2019. This was due to the factors discussed above, offset by a decrease in income tax expense related to the North American Operations of $676 and a gain on impairment reversal related to the China Operations of $152. In 2020, an impairment reversal of $108 was recorded compared to an impairment write-down of $2,242 for 2019.



During 2020, hydrovac truck parts sourced by Tornado China were sent to Canada for the production of hydrovac trucks.



4Q/2020 Overview

The North American Operations continued to be negatively affected by COVID-19 during Q4/2020. This is discussed in more detail in the Outlook section.



Revenue of $5,186, decreased 56.3% compared to $11,854 in Q4/2019 reflecting the negative impact of COVID-19.



Gross profit of $681, decreased by $1,461 compared to $2,142 in Q4/2019 due to decreased revenue from the North American Operations, offset by the wage subsidy.



EBITDAS of negative $588, decreased by $1,202 compared to positive $614 in Q4/2019, due to decreased revenues and gross profit in North America.



Net loss of $1,035 decreased by $1,482 compared to a net loss of $2,517 in Q4/2019. This was due to the factors discussed above, offset by a decrease in income tax expense related to the North American Operations of $222. An impairment write-down of $66 was recorded in Q4/2020 compared to an impairment write-down of $2,242 in Q4 2019.



Segmented information (in CAD $000s)

Year ended December 31, 2020 North America China Corporate Total Revenue $ 30,832 $ - $ - $ 30,832 Cost of sales 25,557 - - 25,557 Selling and general administrative 2,988 561 602 4,151 EBITDAS $ 2,287 $ (561) $ (602) $ 1,124 Three months ended December 31, 2020 North America China Corporate Total Revenue $ 5,186 $ - $ - $ 5,186 Cost of sales 4,505 - - 4,505 Selling and general administrative 789 226 254 1,269 EBITDAS $ (108) $ (226) $ (254) $ (588)

Outlook



The Company continues to evaluate its business operations in the context of COVID-19, with a focus on health and safety of its employees, current company operations, business continuity and managing liquidity. As permitted by current government regulations, the Company continues to operate its manufacturing facilities with strict cleaning protocols and social distancing measures in place. In April 2020, the Company reduced truck production and put in place an aggressive program to conserve cash. The Company was outsourcing approximately 1/3 of its production before the pandemic and this has been discontinued entirely. This outsourced production is expected to be performed in the Red Deer Facility once it is fully operational in 2021. Production at the Stettler Facility was reduced by approximately 60% for Q3 and Q4 of 2020 and for Q1 2021. As at December 31, 2020, approximately 20% of the Companys employees had been permanently laid off.

These measures are intended to allow the Company to conserve cash and maintain its workforce through a period of lower production. The cost savings generated by the temporary layoffs and salary reductions are intended to protect the Company's balance sheet and to allow the Company to quickly ramp-up production once the pandemic has passed. The service and parts team are expected to remain unaffected so they can continue to assist customers.

As a result of the (i) spread of COVID-19 in all relevant jurisdictions to the Companys supply chain and customer base; (ii) impact of government measures imposed to help manage the spread of the virus; (iii) actions undertaken by the Company to ensure the well-being and safety of its employees; and (iv) uncertainty over the duration of business disruptions as a result of COVID-19, management expects that the Companys consolidated financial results in 2021, including its financial performance and liquidity, may be negatively impacted.

Management recognizes that while it continues to respond to and navigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the Companys business, the situation continues to evolve especially with respect to the impact of the roll out of vaccinations in the United States and Canada. At this point, the Company has access to debt and other forms of government support available to businesses impacted by the pandemic. As the Companys production and revenue increase, the Company will add staff as needed. As a result of an increase in production and a corresponding increase in revenue, the Company expects that the Companys access to government support currently available will be reduced or eliminated.

COVID-19 may also continue to impact customer demand. Notwithstanding the current impact of COVID-19, management believes the underlying fundamentals of the Companys business remain strong and once the pandemic has passed, the Company expects its production and sales of hydrovac trucks in North America to recover and return to and eventually exceed the level achieved in 2019 over the long term for the following reasons:

Increased spending on infrastructure in North America, particularly in the US as a result of recently announced proposed infrastructure programs, is anticipated post COVID-19 to support the market demand of hydrovac trucks in North America.

Management believes the Companys commitment to continuous improvement of its hydrovac truck design has compelling advantages over hydrovac trucks currently offered in the market, including having a lighter weight and more debris capacity making it easier to comply with the road weight laws of Canada and the US.

Manufacturing and production efficiencies from the Red Deer Facility, which is expected to become fully operational in mid 2021.

Management anticipates the continued expansion of parts and services business in the Red Deer Facility.

Cost savings from the Companys strategic supply chain from China for certain hydrovac truck parts.

The Company expects that the weak Canadian dollar will continue to positively impact profit margins because a significant number of the Companys hydrovac trucks are sold in US dollars while manufactured in Canada.

About Tornado Global Hydrovacs Ltd.

The Company designs and manufactures hydrovac trucks in Canada and sells hydrovac trucks for excavation service providers to the municipal and oil and gas markets in Canada and the USA. Hydrovac trucks use high pressure water to pulverize soil and turn it into mud, and then vacuum up the resulting mud into its tank. Tornado currently operates in North America. In China, the Companys subsidiary is used principally to source certain parts to the Companys North American operations.

For more information about Tornado Global Hydrovacs Ltd., visit www.tornadotrucks.com or contact:

Bill Rollins

Chief Executive Officer

Phone: (403) 204-6333

Email: brollins@tghl.ca Al Robertson

Chief Financial Officer

Phone: (403) 204-6363

Email: arobertson@tghl.ca

Advisory

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of the words anticipates, should, may, expected, expects, believes and other words of a similar nature are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Although Tornado believes these statements to be reasonable, no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. Such statements include those with respect to: (i) the Companys outlook for the 2021 fiscal year; (ii) the expectation that prior outsourced production will be performed in the Red Deer Facility once it is fully operational in 2021; (iii) cost saving measures intended to allow the Company to conserve cash maintain its workforce through a period of lower production and quickly ramp-up production once the COVID-19 pandemic has passed; (iv) the expected negative impact of COVID-19 on the Companys financial results and liquidity in 2021; (v) the expectation that the Companys access to government support currently available will be reduced or eliminated as the Companys production and revenue increases; (vi) managements belief that the underlying fundamentals of the Companys business will remain strong over the long term; (vii) the expectation that long term production and sales of hydrovac trucks in North America will recover and eventually exceed the levels achieved in 2019; (viii) the anticipated increased spending on infrastructure in North America post COVID-19 to support the market demand of hydrovac trucks in North America; (ix) managements belief that the Companys commitment to continuous improvement of its hydrovac truck design has compelling advantages over hydrovac trucks currently offered in the market; (x) the anticipated manufacturing and production efficiencies from the Red Deer Facility, once it becomes fully operational in mid 2021; (xi) managements anticipation of continued expansion of parts and services business into the Red Deer Facility; (xii) cost savings from the Companys strategic supply chain from China for certain hydrovac truck parts; (xiii) the expectation that the weak Canadian dollar will continue to positively impact profit margins; (xiv) managements anticipation that the Company could raise additional funds in the short term and long term through either the issuance of additional equity, acquisition of additional debt, or a combination thereof. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Tornado. Although Tornado believes these statements to be reasonable, no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Tornados expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change after such date. Tornado 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 may be required by applicable securities regulations.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Approximately 26,000 policemen, gendarmes, border policemen, firemen and Internal Affairs Ministry pilots will be ready to intervene, during the Easter Holidays, to maintain public order, prevent antisocial activities, support citizens in emergency situations and discourage activities or behavior that may favor the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the Internal Affairs Ministry (MAI) informed on Thursday, report agerpres.

According to a release of the MAI, the Internal Affairs Ministry mobilized additional personnel on the routes which are usually crowded in such period, but also in the localities that expect a numerous presence of people, namely in the tourist resorts on the seaside or the mountainside and in localities hosting places of worship that attract thousands of believers yearly.

"In the are of the over 12,300 Orthodox places of worship around the county, where the participation of 1.7 million persons is estimated, public order measures, as well as fire prevention and extinguishing measures will be ensured by approximately 14,000 personnel of the MAI. Nearly 10,000 policemen will serve, on average, per day, in integrated system, together with the Romanian Gendarmerie and the other state institutions with attributes in ensuring public order, as well as respect for public health measures, while for the prevention of road accidents and alleviating traffic on public roads, nearly 1,600 traffic policemen will serve. Their missions will be supported by the pilots of the General Inspectorate for Aviation of the MAI, which will ensure the aerial surveillance of road traffic on the most transited routes in the country," the release mentions.Saturday evening and Sunday, particular care will granted to ensuring the safety of citizens in the area of places of worship, where policemen and gendarmes will support and guide the faithful that participate in religious services. Firemen will be prepared to intervene to grant emergency medical assistance, put out fires and save persons, and for these missions, over 5,000 firemen will be mobilized, per day.The Border police will also mobilize, in this period, for surveillance and border control activities, nearly 4,200 border policemen.The Ministry of Internal Affairs also mentions that starting on April 30, 23:00 (Romanian time), until May 2, Sunday, 23:00 (Romanian time, the travel of freighters with a capacity larger than 7.5 tons is restricted on Hungarian territory, as a consequence of Labor Day celebrations and the Sunday that follows. In the mentioned period, the travel of people and cars through the border crossing points will take place in normal conditions. Romanian and Hungarian authorities will keep constant contact, in view of establishing joint measures, so that the border control activity run operatively.In order to prevent infection with the novel coronavirus, authorities recommend citizens respect physical distancing rules and avoid crowded places or the forming of pedestrian groups larger than six persons if they are not part of the same family and reminds them that the protective mask is mandatory and must be worn so that it covers the mouth and nose in all public spaces, inside and outside, thus also in places of worship and adjacent areas.On the night of the Resurrection service, the travel of believers in the 20:00-5:00 hrs interval to participate in religious services is allowed. MAI personnel will have an active presence on the street in this period, in the entire country, their main concern being the prevention of incidents and antisocial behaviors and not the fining of citizens, the quoted source assures.
Hartselle police say they have arrested a Cullman man who reportedly threatened to return to Walmart with a homemade bomb.

Christopher Lee Brown, 46, was arrested Thursday on a warrant for making a terrorist threat. His bond was set at $2,500.

According to police, Brown went to Walmart Thursday to return several small propane bottles. The store was unable to provide a refund for the bottles.

According to employees, Brown said he would return with the bottles after he fashioned a bomb with them.

Police said employees were concerned about their safety and the safety of the customers after the threat was made.
News of a major drug bust off the coast of Central America has been making the rounds in Brandon.

News of a major drug bust off the coast of Central America has been making the rounds in Brandon.

Kingston-class maritime defence ship HMCS Brandon was behind the seizure of approximately $55 million in illicit drugs.

The ship was named after the Wheat City and maintains a bond with the city to this day.

Its official sponsor was Brandons own Betty Coleman, a community steward in many respects who played a central role in establishing the citys link with the ship.

She undertook a medically assisted death following an inoperable injury she suffered during a fall that limited her mobility.

She spent her final years on Vancouver Island, close to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, where the HMCS Brandon is ported when its not deployed.

George Haggarty was on the commission committee that helped establish the citys link with the ship in 1999, and said the effort was kicked off by the contribution of a barbecue, a ships bell and pictures to adorn the ship.

Every year, he said Coleman would give sailors a Christmas gift, which would include things like a City of Brandon coffee mug.

"She was great that way," he said.

Brandon Salutes member-at-large Brian Midwinter was also on the original commissioning committee, and said subsequent years found crew members from the HMCS Brandon visit the Wheat City on a number of occasions.

They helped with a Habitat for Humanity build and contributed toward a meal program at local schools.

Its a "tremendous honour to have a warship named after you as a city," Midwinter said, adding this is why its so important the link be maintained.

This is also why the crews successes are celebrated locally.

The drug seizure took place March 21, according to a report by Department of National Defence public affairs officer Capt. Sarah Harasymchuk.

The ship was patrolling its assigned area of operations as part of Operation CARIBBE  Canadas participation in the U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operation in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

LS Syney Huyghe and MS Donald Merlo from HMCS Brandon hand out meals at Helping Hands in Brandon in 2017. (File)

A suspicious "go-fast" vessel was spotted, which the HMCS Brandon was well positioned to intercept.

Two rigid hull inflatable boats with members of the U.S. Coast Guard on board were launched from the HMCS Brandon.

According to Harasymchuk, the suspected smugglers were seen jettisoning what appeared to be multiple bales of contraband, which were later recovered.

Warning shots were fired, followed by the incapacitation of the vessels motors via disabling fire.

"This is an example of what the Navy can do for Canada," HMCS Brandon commanding officer Lt.-Com. Maude Oullet-Savard said, according to Harasymchuks report. "Its a mission that demonstrates the navys capability in a tangible way and creates real results that we can all be proud of."

This pride extends to Brandon, where an effort is being made to recognize the ships efforts.

The official sponsor role Coleman held is non-transferrable, but this doesnt mean the link ends, Midwinter said.

"We truly do miss her, but the connection with the ship is important  its an honour," he said. "Its been as robust a relationship as these things can be given time and distance."

There are "several people" currently involved in trying to fill Colemans very big shoes, he added.

"The connection we had with the ship through Betty  the whole West Coast fleet was just in awe."

Midwinter is currently drafting a proclamation he hopes to see Mayor Rick Chrest sign. Although its nuances have yet to be hashed out, it will strive to recognize the efforts of the HMCS Brandon. From there, he hopes to see more done locally to affirm the citys connection to the ship.

"I think the navy is interested, but there are some challenges we need to overcome," he said.

The pandemic has limited discretionary spending that might go toward things like crew trips to Brandon.

Correspondence campaigns remain a possibility, he said, adding this is always an effective way of boosting the effort.

"You get kids involved and theres an immediate connection with the crew."

 tclarke@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB
Vietnam logged three domestic infections on Friday morning, all linked to a man who had returned from Japan and tested positive after finishing centralized quarantine.

Two of the new patients were logged in Hung Yen Province and one in Hanoi, the Ministry of Health said in a report the same morning, when the country starts celebrating Reunification Day.

The case in the capital city had come into direct contact with a 28-year-old man, coded patient No. 2,899, at a party in Ha Nam Province.

One of the two patients, a two-year-old girl, in Hung Yen had also been exposed to patient No. 2,899.

The other case is the girls grandmother, who frequently had direct contact with her.

Patient No. 2,899 was confirmed on Thursday, at a time when Vietnam had gone 33 days without any community transmission.

He landed in Da Nang on board flight VJ3613 from Japan on April 7 and was sent to centralized quarantine upon entry.

The patient finished his quarantine on April 21 after having tested negative for the novel coronavirus three times.

He left Da Nang on April 21 and came home in Ha Nam on April 22.

Two days later, he coughed, ran a fever, and had a sore throat before testing positive for the first time in the province on Wednesday.

His retest returned positive in Hanoi one day later.

His parents, wife, and daughter were diagnosed with COVID-19 on Thursday.

Another man who lives in Ho Chi Minh City and had come into close contact with him was also confirmed as a coronavirus case the same day.

Vietnam has registered 2,914 COVID-19 patients, including 1,580 locally-transmitted cases, since the pathogen first struck the nation on January 23, 2020, according to the health ministrys data.

Recoveries have hit 2,516 while 35 patients have died, most having suffered critical pre-existing conditions.

The Southeast Asian country has administered the first shot of AstraZeneca vaccine to more than 504,000 people, including over 78,400 on Thursday, since it rolled out mass immunization on March 8.

Those inoculated were medical staff and other frontline workers.

On Friday, Vietnamese begin celebrating Reunification Day and International Workers Day (May 1) in a long holiday weekend that will stretch through Monday.

People from urban regions are coming back in droves to their hometowns as always, despite COVID-19 risks.

Health authorities have warned of a possible fourth wave of infections in Vietnam as the virus is taking a toll on its neighbors Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

The third outbreak started blindsiding Vietnam in January this year, with nearly 1,000 local cases confirmed.

The remainder hit the nation last year.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
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New Delhi:

The Congress on Tuesday termed spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar a government agent, saying that the latter is representing Modi governments interests in the Ram Temple dispute in Ayodhya.

Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said, Sri Sri is representing the government interests.

His reaction came when asked about the mediation being done by the Art of Living Foundation head in the Ram Temple issue in Ayodhya.

The Congress leader said the Supreme Court had made it very clear that a settlement was possible, but he asked as to who had appointed people like the Art of Living Foundation chief to take charge.

Now the whole issue is, if they are government agents working towards this, I think that defeats the very purpose the Supreme Court mentioned, the Congress leader said.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has offered to mediate in the Ram Temple row for an out-of-court settlement, to which the Supreme Court is not averse.

Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board chairman Waseem Rizvi met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on the Ayodhya issue in Bengaluru today and apprised him of the Boards stand that a Ram temple should be built at the site.

I met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and apprised him of the (Shia) Boards stand that a Ram temple should be constructed at the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, Rizvi told. (With PTI inputs)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
For the less adventurous pets that still want to celebrate the great outdoors, PetSmart launched its new Grrreen collection, featuring toys, collars and apparel made from recycled water bottles. Items like the Earth Plush with Rope Dog Toy or the "Keep Our Sea Plastic-Free" Dog Tee are perfect for pet parents looking for sustainable, Green Leaf certified products, verified by an accredited laboratory to confirm sustainability and recycled content they're made with, for quality time outdoors with their pets.

Arcadia Trail Collection

"When Arcadia Trail launched last year, pet parents loved having innovative, outdoor gear to take their pets along for the adventure," said Kristin Shane, senior vice president of merchandising for PetSmart. "Now, our team is very excited to offer new products to the collection that are not only safe and functional, but also fashionable making pet parents and pets excited to hit the trails."

For pet parents eager to escape into the outdoors, it is important to have a proper collar, harness, and leash for hiking with pets. PetSmart offers a neoprene, water-resistant and highly visible Arcadia Trail Leash that is perfect for keeping dogs safe on a hike. This leash pairs perfectly with the Arcadia Trail Neoprene Sport Harness that features snap buckles and extra comfort for dogs. Pet parents can choose from a variety of functional collars and leashes, made from materials that are water-resistant, reflective or nylon to ensure safety and comfort for your pet.

Outdoor Tips

No matter where pets are going, being prepared is key to ensuring they are safe and happy until they return home, according to Dr. Jennifer Freeman, DVM, PetSmart's resident veterinarian and pet care expert. She compiled a list of tips for pet parents getting ready to take their furry friends into the great outdoors:

Before leaving on any outdoor adventure, ensure your pet is protected against fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease.

Check that the destination you're visiting is pet-friendly before arriving. Keep your pet on a leash or tie-out, like the Arcadia Trail Packable Tie Out & Leash.

Pack extra food, treats, and water.

Pack your pet's favorite toys and blankets.

Include a tent, like the Arcadia Trail Ultimate Shade Tent, in your packing list to provide shade and comfort while your pet lounges and recharges from the heat.

For camping, pack crates, beds, medication, and first aid equipment.

Ensure your pet has an ID tag and is microchipped with up-to-date pet parent information in case your pet were to become lost or separated from you.

For more information on gear to pack for your next outdoor adventure with your pet, check out the Arcadia Trail Collection: https://www.petsmart.com/featured-brands/arcadia-trail/

For more information on the Grrreen Collection visit: https://www.petsmart.com/search/grrreen/?q=Grrreen

About PetSmart

PetSmart LLC is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart's passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they, together, can live more fulfilled lives. This vision impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates and how we give back to our communities.

PetSmart operates approximately 1,650 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel dog and cat boarding facilities. The retailer provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and products, as well as services such as dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp and pet adoption.

PetSmart, PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada work with nearly 4,000 animal welfare organizations to bring adoptable pets into stores so they have the best chance possible of finding a forever home.

Through this in-store adoption program and other signature events, PetSmart has facilitated more than 9 million adoptions, more than any other brick-and-mortar organization.

SOURCE PetSmart

Related Links

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By Baek Byung-yeul







LG Electronics and Mirae Asset Group said Friday they have agreed to create a fund to invest in promising startups both at home and abroad as part of their efforts to find new business opportunities.







The two companies held a signing ceremony in Seoul, Thursday, participated in by LG Electronics Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Cho Ju-wan and Lee Man-hee, head of Mirae Asset Capital.







Under the agreement, LG Electronics and Mirae Asset Capital will each invest 50 billion won ($45 million) to establish a 100 billion won fund. Mirae Asset Group will raise its 50 billion won from its affiliates, including Mirae Asset Capital and Mirae Asset Securities. Mirae Asset Capital will manage the fund over the next 10 years.







"To respond swiftly to the rapidly-changing market environment, the two sides plan to make strategic investments in venture companies in emerging sectors such as electric vehicle ecosystems, digital healthcare and data-related businesses," LG Electronics said. "The fund's goal is to find growth engines for the future, while exploring open innovation between large companies and venture companies."







The move is in line with efforts to actively cooperate with businesses, universities and research labs boasting competitive edges in various areas, the company added. LG Electronics recently announced its withdrawal from the smartphone business and has been actively seeking new opportunities.







In January, LG acquired Silicon Valley-based startup Alphonso to improve its competitiveness in television software. Established in 2012, Alphonso is a TV data analysis startup. With its artificial intelligence (AI) technology-based image analysis software, Alphonso possesses TV viewing data on 15 million households in North America.







Mirae Asset Group also has invested in prominent overseas startups such as Grab, a ride-hailing giant in South Asia.







They expect the fund to contribute to revitalizing the business ecosystem of venture companies. "We will focus our capabilities on core businesses that can secure competitive advantages through choice and concentration, and at the same time accelerate our preparation for new businesses for future growth," the LG CSO said.


The whole apartment smells of smoke and is filled with the burnt remains of furniture, clothing, personal possessions and photographs. The paint on the walls, the domestic appliances, the ceiling, the doors: everything is covered in ash, except in one bedroom which was not affected by the flames. This is where 81-year-old Vera Lucia Martinez is living. She is the widow of Rogelio Urro, the 76-year-old who died in the fire at their home on 23 March. The property was left uninhabitable.

Vera Lucias state of health is very delicate, and living amid all this isnt helping. We have rung the insurance company, but nobody is doing anything, says Olfat, a friend of the family, who is trying to help her to sort everything out. She says the insurers, Linea Directa, are partly responsible for the situation, but sources there told SUR that when there are fatalities the investigations take time and the insurers have to analyse a large number of factors before paying the claim.

Vera Lucia. / SUR

Vera Lucias case is becoming widely-known because Olfat published a video of the apartment. Im a bit overwhelmed by all this, says Vera Lucia, explaining that everything has smelled of smoke since the fire.

I dont know why the insurance company isnt doing anything. They havent even been to see the state of the place, they dont answer the phone, its terrible, she says.

Nobody gives us an explanation, adds Olfat. She has no water, no electricity, nowhere to cook, there is absolutely nothing here," she says, standing amid the ruins. "It is really disgraceful". They have now been in touch with the town hall and Social Services have offered Vera Lucia alternative accommodation while the situation is sorted out. Sources at the town hall say they contacted her directly, as soon as they were aware of the problem.

It is over a month since the fire occurred, but every day Vera Lucia keeps reliving the blaze in which Rogelio died. He had mobility problems and she had gone out to buy his medication. When I came back I saw the apartment was on fire and there were police cars and fire fighters everywhere. The whole place was alight and he couldnt move. He couldnt walk, she says. Two other people suffered smoke inhalation as a result of the fire.

Rogelio, who lost his life in the fire, was retired and had done a bit of everything to make a living, from household repairs to carpentry and painting. They met 20 years ago in a bar where Vera Lucia, who is from Brazil, was working as a waitress. They fell in love and spent the rest of their lives together until the fire put paid to everything. Now, Vera Lucia just wants to live a quiet life, and no longer be surrounded by the smell of smoke and devastation.
Jessica Phelps /Staff photographer

San Antonio residents will now be able to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at one of the citys largest vaccination sites without an appointment.

Beginning Friday, April 30, locals aged 16 years and older can receive a free vaccine by simply showing up to the Alamodome.
(CNN)  Brazil's Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga has asked countries that have extra COVID-19 vaccine doses to share them with Brazil "as soon as possible."

"We reiterate our call to those who have extra doses of vaccines so that they can share them with Brazil as soon as possible to allow us to succeed in advancing our broad vaccination campaign to contain the critical phase of the pandemic and avoid the proliferation of new strains and variants of the virus," said Queiroga during a virtual World Health Organization press conference.

Queiroga also nodded to China, the main supplier of Active Pharmaceutical Input (IFA) of the vaccines that have been used in Brazil. "We count on the fundamental cooperation of the People's Republic of China," he said.

Brazil has faced difficulties in importing the IFA from Chinese factories that produce the CoronaVac and AstraZeneca vaccines in March and April. So far, they are the only ones being used in Brazils vaccination campaign. A 1 million-dose batch of the Pfizer/Biontech vaccines arrived on Thursday in Brazil and is expected to be applied over the next few days.

Only about 6% of Brazils 210 million people have been fully vaccinated, according to the country's health ministry  a rate that lags some neighboring countries like Chile and Uruguay, even as Brazils outbreak is one of the worst in the world.

Despite the slow vaccine rollout, Queiroga said he expects that the Brazilian population will be "fully vaccinated" by the end of the year.

Read more live updates here.
PORT WASHINGTON, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Systemax Inc. (NYSE:SYX), today announced that Barry Litwin, Chief Executive Officer, and Tex Clark, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will be attending the Wells Fargo 2021 Virtual Industrials Conference. The Company will participate in a fireside chat at 2:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 6, 2021. The live virtual broadcast and replay will be made available via webcast, which can be accessed by visiting the investor relations section of Systemax's corporate website. Management will host one-on-one meetings with investors on Thursday, May 6, 2021. Investors interested in meeting with management should contact their Wells Fargo representative.

About Systemax Inc.

Systemax Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is a provider of industrial products in North America going to market through a system of branded e-Commerce websites and relationship marketers. The primary brand is Global Industrial.

Investor/Media Contact:

Mike Smargiassi/Ryan Golden

The Plunkett Group

212-739-6740

mike@theplunkettgroup.com

ryan@theplunkettgroup.com

SOURCE: Systemax

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643449/Systemax-to-Present-at-Wells-Fargo-2021-Virtual-Industrials-Conference
Vilnius, Lietuva, 2021-04-30 08:35 CEST -- According to audited unconsolidated data, Capitalica Baltic Real Estate Fund I, a real estate (RE) fund managed by SBA Group company Capitalica Asset Management, earned a net profit of EUR 1.88 million in 2020, assets grew by 21.2 percent - to EUR 34.3 million, the net value of assets increased by 6.8% and reached EUR 29.6 million. "Last year's COVID-19 pandemic caused a number of challenges for many businesses in the world, including the segment of commercial real estate. By reacting quickly to the situation and making the right decisions, we adapted to new circumstances and ended the year profitably. The results show that our chosen strategic direction of investment in sustainable, environmentally friendly real estate is right and successful," said Andrius Barstys, Head of Capitalica Asset Management. According to the audited data of the international audit and consulting company Ernst & Young Baltics, the assets managed by Capitalica Baltic Real Estate Fund I grew by 21.2 percent and increased from EUR 28.3 million to EUR 34.3 million. Last year's results were achieved from the usual activities of commercial real estate lease, in addition to the increase in the value of assets due to the completion of the business centre Kauno Dokas, which generated most of the profit last year. Accordingly, in 2020, the net profit ratio decreased from EUR 4.44 million to EUR 1.88 million. "Despite the influence of COVID-19, the company's business objectives have been achieved. By actively working with current and new customers, we have increased income from lease and maintained 99.7 percent occupancy of commercial space even during the year of the pandemic," commented Barstys. The area of real estate managed by Capitalica Baltic Real Estate Fund I reached 33.7 thousand sq. metres. At the end of 2020, the occupancy of the managed business centres Kauno Dokas and 135 was 100 percent, and the occupancy of the shopping centre Luize (Klaipeda) was 98 percent. Income from lease of these properties increased by 10.3 percent, from EUR 4.37 million to EUR 4.82 million. "The pandemic has become a great paper which allowed us to test the business stability. After a detailed analysis of the situation in the Baltic markets, we are optimistic about the possibilities of the real estate market and continue to rapidly develop the initiated strategic projects," said Barstys. According to him, the main priority of the company in 2021 is an environmentally friendly complex of two Class A business centres VERDE in the Skanste district of Riga, the construction of which has already started at the end of last year. The first stage of the exclusively designed VERDE office complex, which is being built in accordance with the BREEAM Excellent standard, will open its doors in the second quarter of 2022. EUR 60 million will be invested in the business centres with an area of 45 thousand square metres, along with an underground garage. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided a EUR 22 million loan for the construction of the Verde green office complex, with funding from the investment package to combat climate change, as the business centre is planned to be a nearly zero-energy building. The project is also financed by commercial banks and the real estate fund Capitalica Baltic Real Estate Fund I. Last year, the fund successfully distributed a EUR 3 million, three-year bond issue for the development of the Verde office complex in Riga. In 7 days, the issue attracted more than 80 private and institutional investors. At the end of May, the company plans to issue the first consolidated report of Capitalica Baltic Real Estate Fund I, which will include a detailed set of financial statements. Capitalica Asset Management, which manages Capitalica Baltic Real Estate Fund I, is engaged in the management of commercial real estate in the Baltic States. The investment management company was established in 2016. Its controlling shares (70 percent) belong to one of the largest Lithuanian capital business groups SBA, 30 percent of the shares belong to Mr Barstys' company Fox Holdings. More information: Andrius Barstys, CEO of Capitalica Asset Management" Andrius.Barstys@capitalica.lt +370 612 30260 Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=856035
Perhaps no challenge is as dire as the maelstrom of child welfare obstacles in our state. The safety of vulnerable Texans hangs in the balance, yet many state leaders didnt notice until days ago.

The bills considered this session dont address the problems, and not much attention has been paid to Child Protective Services.

Consider what Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, told us from the Senate floor: Despite investing funding and developing policies to improve child welfare during the past two sessions, leaders were caught off guard by the crisis, so pronounced in Bexar County with the closure of a childrens emergency care center.

We werent prepared, he said. We thought we were on the right track, but COVID has taken a bad problem  child abuse and neglect and foster care  and put it on steroids.

The states recent temporary closure of the Childrens Shelter emergency shelter program is a glaring sign of crisis. More children are at risk of being abused, neglected and removed from their homes partly because of COVID-19 hardships. And there are not enough safe foster care homes  especially for teenagers with serious, complex needs.

Some child advocates are signaling the need for an emergency session. We support this.

Across Texas in March, 237 children spent at least two nights in the state agencys offices  up 51 compared with February and more than in any other month in at least five years, state officials said. The number of children lacking placement has exceeded 100 each month since October.

Allegations of child abuse and neglect in Bexar County were down last year, with 25,656 cases in fiscal year 2020, a decrease from 28,350 the previous year. But fewer allegations do not mean less abuse or neglect.

Because COVID-19 closed schools that are a major source of reports, it was anticipated that official cases would decrease. Now, reports are rising. In March, overall CPS report intakes had returned to pre-COVID numbers, especially for online reports, which increased by 24 percent from March 2020 to March 2021.

This is fueling removals. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 in Bexar County, 464 children were removed from their homes  nearly double that of other areas. These numbers are not unprecedented.

Removals require placement. Local and state leaders and child advocates say Texas foster care system  which in fiscal 2020 included more than 5,100 children in the Bexar County region  also is in crisis, especially because of a lack of capacity.

Texas child welfare problems are not new, but projections are harrowing. Child advocates say cases have grown more severe and complex since the beginning of the pandemic, yet across Texas, more than 1,000 foster beds have been lost, including 475 in Bexar County.

This brings us to the Childrens Shelter. On April 23, the state temporarily closed the Childrens Shelter of San Antonio facility, which opened in August 2018, after major criticism from federal court monitors. In a news conference Wednesday, leaders at the 120-year-old Childrens Shelter were resolute in their service, providing details about a plan of action they submitted to CPS to correct deficiencies.

In a letter Monday to Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner Jaime Masters, the Childrens Shelter vehemently disputed allegations.

The organization, which announced Thursday it planned to furlough 68 emergency shelter staff beginning Wednesday, has been transparent about similar struggles in the past. When its Whataburger Center for Children and Youth was closed, its leaders said the facility was overwhelmed, racking up too many deficiencies for problems rooted in lack of capacity.

Its clear that the historically embattled and underfunded Texas Department of Family and Protective Services lacks the resources to meet the needs of our most vulnerable children. Among other exceptional items, CPS is asking for $10 million to expand prevention services. Its doubtful that even this is enough.

Menendez is setting up a meeting with the chair of the health and human services committee, governors office and others to develop a plan for safeguards and funding. We all need to do a better job. Im unbelievably frustrated with the whole system, he said. Children pay the price.

That is the story of child welfare in Texas. Children pay the price for failures of adults.
Good morning, its Friday April 30, 2021, the day of the week I pass along quotations intended to be inspirational or thought-provoking. Todays comes from George Washington, who was inaugurated in New York City 232 years ago today.

Although his inaugural address was flowery and over-modest, the events we are concerned with took place more than a decade earlier when Washington led the Continental Army. If Gen. Washington had been less decisive in the face of a viral epidemic sweeping through New England and the Eastern Seaboard -- if he had failed to heed the science, in todays parlance -- there never would have been a President Washington, let alone a 1789 inauguration ceremony.

The Americans, as the restive Colonials were already calling themselves, faced two worthy enemies in the fateful summer of 1776. The first was the British army, a well-trained fighting force accustomed to imposing its will on the people of its far-flung empire. The second was an incapacitating and often lethal virus called smallpox. When the Colonials were lured into wasting their precious military resources with incursions into Quebec, it was the microbe as much as musket fire and British artillery that decimated the Americans at engagements such as the Battle of the Cedars outside Montreal.

Our misfortunes in Canada are enough to melt a heart of stone, John Adams wrote to Abigail Adams on June 26, 1776. The Small Pox is ten times more terrible than Britons, Canadians, and Indians together. This was the cause of our precipitate retreat from Quebec, this the cause of our disgraces at the cedars.

Adams told his wife that he wished every town in New England had a hospital where citizens and soldiers alike could be inoculated. The small Pox! The small Pox! he added with dismay. What shall We do with it?

Well, George Washington knew what to do with it, as well see in a moment. First, let me point you to RealClearPolitics front page, which presents our poll averages, videos, breaking news stories, and aggregated opinion pieces spanning the political spectrum. We also offer original material from our own reporters, columnists, and contributors, including the following:

* * *

What If Domestic FDR Biden Becomes Wartime FDR? Myra Adams compares the past effect of expanded government spending -- including during WWII -- on the national debt to the projected impact of Bidens new programs, with an eye on Chinas belligerence toward Taiwan.

America Should Follow Europes Lead on Patents. At RealClearHealth, Kenneth E. Thorpe warns against nullifying intellectual property protections on COVID-19 vaccines.

Conditioning Aid to Israel Is Flawed Foreign Policy. At RealClearDefense, Richard Natonski and Erielle Davidson assail a bill introduced in Congress last week.

PRO Act Is a Biden Tax Increase on the Middle Class. At RealClearPolicy, Dave Trabbert argues that, by stripping employees of their right to not join a union, the bill forces them to pay hundreds of dollars in annual dues against their will.

Cash-Strapped Illinois Gets Federal Reserve Bailout. Also at RCPolicy, Adam Andrzejewski reports that the state, which was unable to secure credit accommodations from commercial banks, has tapped $3.2 billion in bond guarantees from the reserve.

Renewables Can Help Communities Recovering From Flooding. At RealClearEnergy, Jane Marsh advocates solar-powered sump pumps and other alternative remediation tools.

The Net-Zero Shell Game. Also at RCE, Rupert Darwall asserts that Joe Bidens setting of a 1.5-degree global warming limit has nothing to do with science and everything to do with politics.

* * *

In July 1775, in his second day as commanding general of the American rebels, George Washington made a momentous decision. As the British were laying siege to Boston, Gen. Washington issued orders to quarantine any soldiers and civilians who showed signs of smallpox infection. Non-combatants were isolated in the nearby borough of Brookline; soldiers were moved to a hospital beside a Cambridge pond.

No Person is to be allowed to go to Fresh-water pond a fishing or on any other occasion as there may be a danger of introducing the small pox into the army, wrote Washington on July 4, 1775.

This all had to be done in secret: Smallpox incapacitated fighting men, and if the British found out that the virus was coursing through the American ranks they might have overrun the town. But the secret held, and Washingtons men lived to fight another day. But the shadow of smallpox remained and a year and a half later, in the winter of 1776-1777, it threatened the American army once again while forces were encamped in Morristown, N.J.

This time, Gen. Washington came up with an even more intrepid plan, which he outlined in a Feb. 5, 1777, letter to John Hancock, who served as president of the Second Continental Congress.

The smallpox has made such Head in every Quarter that I find it impossible to keep it from spreading thro the whole Army in the natural way, Washington wrote. I have therefore determined, not only to inoculate all the troops now here, that have not had it, but shall order Dr. Shippen to inoculate the recruits as fast as they come into Philadelphia.

Modern methods of vaccinations had not yet been invented, so inoculating human beings was a daring, even dangerous, gambit. But it worked. Such boldness is often what it takes to win a war. Sometimes, its needed to win the peace, too, as weve learned in our own time. In any event, thats our quote of the week.

Carl M. Cannon

Washington Bureau chief, RealClearPolitics

@CarlCannon (Twitter)

ccannon@realclearpolitics.com
New Delhi: Hearing the suo motu case on Covid management across the country, the Supreme Court on Friday (April 30) said that if citizens are voicing concerns and grievances on social media, there cannot be any clampdown on them. The division bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud, Nageswara Rao, and S Ravindra Bhat Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance on issues related to an oxygen supply, drug supply, and various other policies in relation to the #COVID19 pandemic.

Justices DY Chandrachud is quoted by ANI as saying, "Why can't the Centre follow national immunization program policy with respect to COVID vaccines." He said that a "national immunization policy" must be followed, asking Cente why it is not buying 100% of COVID-19 vaccine doses as it is in the best place to determine equity, and disburse."

"We want to make it very clear that if citizens communicate their grievance on social media, then it cannot be said it's wrong information. We don't want any clampdown of information. We will treat it as a contempt of court if such grievances are considered for action," the bench is quoted as saying.

Justice Chandrachud said, "We'll also hear citizens crying for oxygen cylinders. The ground situation in Delhi is, oxygen isn't really available and it's the same in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Govt has to tell us what difference will be there from today and the next day of the hearing."

Observing that even frontline doctors and healthcare workers were not getting beds for treatment, the bench said the healthcare infrastructure inherited over past 70 years was not sufficient and the situation was grim. It said that hostels, temples, churches and other places be opened for converting them as COVID-19 care centres.

It further asked, "What happens to the marginalised and SC/ST population? Should they be left to the mercy of private hospitals," The apex court said the healthcare sector has come to a breakpoint and retired doctors or officials could be re-employed in this crisis.

n its last hearing on April 27, the bench had asked the state governments to file a report on their health infrastructure and did not restrain the High Courts from passing any order on Covid.

The Apex Court asked the state governments to file their responses by Thursday with regard to their health infrastructure and said that the High Courts are not restrained from passing any directions as they are hearing the cases in their respective states and they know the ground situation better.

The bench had also asked the Centre to explain the basis and rationale behind the pricing of anti-Covid vaccines and other necessary items. It had also fixed the matter for hearing on their responses and said that the Supreme Court is here to complement the High Courts.

(With Agency Inputs)

Live TV
Our performance continues to strengthen...with a sharpened focus on our future. -- Johnson Controls CEO George Oliver Tweet this

"Our performance continues to strengthen as we emerge from the global pandemic with a sharpened focus on our future," said chairman and CEO, George Oliver. "I am incredibly proud of our employees' leadership and commitment through this time. The strategic actions we have taken to address future profitability, expand into key growth markets through disciplined capital allocation, deliver on sustainability, and expand our digital and service offerings, are all evidence of how we are executing our strategy," Oliver continued.

"Momentum in many of our end markets continues to build. Volumes in our Global Products business are recovering nicely, led by continued strength in Residential, while order activity in our non-residential businesses is accelerating and the pipeline is expanding further as we enter the second half of our year. Based on our year-to-date performance, the strength and resilience of our backlog, and the outlook for the remainder of the year, I am confident we are positioned to deliver on all of our commitments."

Cost Savings Program

In addition to the multi-year SG&A actions designed to further optimize the overall cost structure and enhance operational efficiency that was announced in February, the company announced this morning the details of its multi-year Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) actions which are expected to deliver annualized net savings of $250 million. Together, these cost savings programs are expected to deliver a net $550 million in annualized net savings by fiscal year-end 2023. Additional details related to the COGS actions are included in the slide presentation.

Income and EPS amounts attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders

($ millions, except per-share amounts)

The financial highlights presented in the tables below are in accordance with GAAP, unless otherwise indicated. All comparisons are to the second fiscal quarter of 2020.

Organic sales, total segment EBITA, adjusted segment EBITA, adjusted corporate expense, EBIT, adjusted EBIT, adjusted net income from continuing operations, adjusted EPS from continuing operations and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures and detail of the special items, refer to the attached footnotes. A slide presentation to accompany the results can be found in the Investor Relations section of Johnson Controls' website at http://investors.johnsoncontrols.com.



Fiscal Q2

GAAP Adjusted

2020 2021 2020 2021 Sales $5,444 $5,594 $5,444 $5,594 Segment EBITA 617 711 619 711 EBIT 308 650 440 537 Net income from continuing operations 213 343 317 373









Diluted EPS from continuing operations $0.28 $0.48 $0.42 $0.52











SEGMENT RESULTS

Building Solutions North America



Fiscal Q2

GAAP Adjusted

2020 2021 2020 2021 Sales $2,175 $2,092 $2,175 $2,092 Segment EBITA 251 266 253 266 Segment EBITA Margin % 11.5% 12.7% 11.6% 12.7%

Sales in the quarter of $2.1 billion decreased 4% versus the prior year. Organic sales also declined 4% versus the prior year, driven by continued weakness in project installations due primarily to the slower order intake experienced throughout much of the pandemic. Strong growth in Performance Solutions resulting from increased demand for our energy savings performance contract business, was more than offset by a decline in Fire & Security and Applied HVAC & Controls.

Orders in the quarter, excluding M&A and adjusted for foreign currency, increased 5% year-over-year. Backlog at the end of the quarter of $6.0 billion increased 3% compared to the prior year, excluding M&A and adjusted for foreign currency.

Adjusted segment EBITA was $266 million, up 5% versus the prior year. Adjusted segment EBITA margin of 12.7% expanded 110 basis points versus the prior year driven by significant cost mitigation actions and restructuring benefits as well as positive mix, which more than offset the impact of the volume decline.

Building Solutions EMEA/LA (Europe, Middle East, Africa/Latin America)



Fiscal Q2

GAAP Adjusted

2020 2021 2020 2021 Sales $850 $897 $850 $897 Segment EBITA 85 86 85 86 Segment EBITA Margin % 10.0% 9.6% 10.0% 9.6%

Sales in the quarter of $897 million increased 6% versus the prior year. Organic sales were flat with the prior year as a modest increase in project installations was offset by a modest decline in service. Strength in our Industrial Refrigeration and Applied HVAC & Controls businesses was offset by a low-single digit decline in Fire & Security. Modest growth in Europe, despite continued headwinds related to the pandemic, was offset by declines in the Middle East and Latin America.

Orders in the quarter, excluding M&A and adjusted for foreign currency, increased 5% year-over-year. Backlog at the end of the quarter of $1.9 billion increased 7% year-over-year, excluding M&A and adjusted for foreign currency.

Adjusted segment EBITA was $86 million, up 1% versus the prior year. Adjusted segment EBITA margin of 9.6% declined 40 basis points over the prior year, including a 40 basis point headwind related to foreign currency. Adjusting for foreign currency, EMEALA's underlying EBITA margin was flat with the prior year, as the benefit of mitigating cost actions was offset by lower equity income.

Building Solutions Asia Pacific



Fiscal Q2

GAAP Adjusted

2020 2021 2020 2021 Sales $525 $603 $525 $603 Segment EBITA 65 74 65 74 Segment EBITA Margin % 12.4% 12.3% 12.4% 12.3%

Sales in the quarter of $603 million increased 15% versus the prior year. Organic sales grew 9% versus the prior year with growth in both service and project installations, driven by strong growth in Applied HVAC & Controls. China continues to recover sharply, with the rest of Asia still mixed.

Orders in the quarter, excluding M&A and adjusted for foreign currency, declined 1% year-over-year. Significantly improved demand in China was offset by further declines in countries such as Japan, Korea and South East Asia. Backlog at the end of the quarter of $1.7 billion increased 4% year-over-year, excluding M&A and adjusted for foreign currency.

Adjusted segment EBITA was $74 million, up 14% versus the prior year. Adjusted segment EBITA margin of 12.3% declined 10 basis points versus the prior year including a 20 basis point headwind related to foreign currency and a divestiture. Adjusting for this, Asia Pacific's underlying EBITA margin increased 10 basis points as the benefit of volume leverage was mostly offset by geographic mix.

Global Products



Fiscal Q2

GAAP Adjusted

2020 2021 2020 2021 Sales $1,894 $2,002 $1,894 $2,002 Segment EBITA 216 285 216 285 Segment EBITA Margin % 11.4% 14.2% 11.4% 14.2%

Sales in the quarter of $2.0 billion increased 6% versus the prior year. Organic sales also grew 6% versus the prior year driven by growth in Residential HVAC and to a lesser extent Fire & Security. This growth was partially offset by a moderating decline in Commercial HVAC and Industrial Refrigeration.

Adjusted segment EBITA was $285 million, up 32% versus the prior year. Adjusted segment EBITA margin of 14.2% expanded 280 basis points versus the prior year driven by volume leverage, increased equity income, the benefit of mitigating cost actions, and positive price/cost partially offset by negative mix.

Corporate



Fiscal Q2

GAAP Adjusted

2020 2021 2020 2021 Corporate Expense ($118) ($70) ($82) ($70)

Adjusted Corporate expense was $70 million in the quarter, a decrease of 15% compared to the prior year, driven primarily by mitigating cost actions and continuous structural cost reductions.

OTHER ITEMS

For the quarter, cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $0.6 billion and capital expenditures were $0.1 billion , resulting in free cash flow from continuing operations of $0.5 billion .

and capital expenditures were , resulting in free cash flow from continuing operations of . During the quarter, the company repurchased approximately 6 million shares for $315 million .

. During the quarter, the company increased its regular annual cash dividend to $1.08 per share, and its share repurchase authorization by $4 billion .

per share, and its share repurchase authorization by . During the quarter, the company repaid $257 million , in 4.25% senior notes that matured in March. This was replaced with a zero coupon 200M one-year bank loan.

, in 4.25% senior notes that matured in March. This was replaced with a zero coupon 200M one-year bank loan. In early April, Johnson Controls announced an agreement to acquire Silent-Aire for up to $870 million , including an upfront payment of approximately $630 million and additional payments to be made subject to the achievement of post-closing earnout milestones.

FY21 THIRD QUARTER AND FULL YEAR GUIDANCE

Johnson Controls initiated fiscal 2021 third quarter guidance:

Organic revenue growth up mid-teens year-over-year

Adjusted segment EBITA margin up slightly, year-over-year

Adjusted EPS before special items of $0.80 to $0.82 ; represents 19 to 22% growth year-over-year

The company raised fiscal 2021 full year guidance:

Organic revenue growth up mid-single digits year-over-year

Adjusted segment EBITA margin expansion of 70 to 90 basis points, year-over-year

Adjusted EPS before special items of $2.58 to $2.65 ; represents 15 to 18% growth year-over-year

CONFERENCE CALL & WEBCAST INFO

Johnson Controls will host a conference call to discuss this quarter's results at 8:30 a.m. ET today, which can be accessed by dialing 888-324-9610 (in the United States) or 630-395-0255 (outside the United States), or via webcast. The passcode is "Johnson Controls". A slide presentation will accompany the prepared remarks and has been posted on the investor relations section of the Johnson Controls website at https://investors.johnsoncontrols.com/news-and-events/events-and-presentations. A replay will be made available approximately two hours following the conclusion of the conference call.

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.

Johnson Controls International plc Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Johnson Controls International plc has made statements in this communication that are forward-looking and therefore are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are, or could be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this communication, statements regarding Johnson Controls' future financial position, sales, costs, earnings, cash flows, other measures of results of operations, synergies and integration opportunities, capital expenditures and debt levels are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "forecast," "project" or "plan" and terms of similar meaning are also generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Johnson Controls cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond Johnson Controls' control, that could cause Johnson Controls' actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to: Johnson Controls' ability to manage general economic, business, capital market and geopolitical conditions, including the impacts of natural disasters, climate change, pandemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; the strength of the U.S. or other economies; changes or uncertainty in laws, regulations, rates, policies or interpretations that impact Johnson Controls' business operations or tax status; the ability to develop or acquire new products and technologies that achieve market acceptance; changes to laws or policies governing foreign trade, including increased tariffs or trade restrictions; maintaining the capacity, reliability and security of our enterprise and product information technology infrastructure; the risk of infringement or expiration of intellectual property rights; any delay or inability of Johnson Controls to realize the expected benefits and synergies of recent portfolio transactions such as its merger with Tyco and the disposition of the Power Solutions business; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; the ability to hire and retain key senior management; the tax treatment of recent portfolio transactions; significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities associated with such transactions; the availability of raw materials and component products; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; work stoppages, union negotiations, labor disputes and other matters associated with the labor force; the cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements. A detailed discussion of risks related to Johnson Controls' business is included in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Johnson Controls' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2020 fiscal year filed with the SEC on November 16, 2020, which is available at www.sec.gov and www.johnsoncontrols.com under the "Investors" tab. Shareholders, potential investors and others should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and should not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date of this document, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, Johnson Controls assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this communication.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

The Company's press release contains financial information regarding adjusted earnings per share, which is a non-GAAP performance measure. The adjusting items include restructuring and impairment costs, transaction costs, integration costs, net mark-to-market adjustments, Power Solutions divestiture reserve adjustment and discrete tax items. Financial information regarding organic sales, EBIT, EBIT margin, adjusted EBIT, adjusted EBIT margin, total segment EBITA, adjusted segment EBITA, adjusted segment EBITA margin, adjusted corporate expense, free cash flow, and adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations are also presented, which are non-GAAP performance measures. Adjusted segment EBITA excludes special items such as integration costs because these costs are not considered to be directly related to the underlying operating performance of its business units. Management believes that, when considered together with unadjusted amounts, these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in understanding period-over-period operating results and business trends of the Company. Management may also use these metrics as guides in forecasting, budgeting and long-term planning processes and for compensation purposes. These metrics should be considered in addition to, and not as replacements for, the most comparable GAAP measure. For further information on the calculation of thee non-GAAP measures and a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures, refer to the attached footnotes.

JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC











CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in millions, except per share data; unaudited)



























Three Months Ended March 31,



2021



2020











Net sales $ 5,594



$ 5,444 Cost of sales 3,651



3,643

Gross profit 1,943



1,801











Selling, general and administrative expenses (1,253)



(1,451) Restructuring and impairment costs (96)



(62) Net financing charges (44)



(59) Equity income 56



20











Income from continuing operations before income taxes 606



249











Income tax provision 209



13











Income from continuing operations 397



236











Income from discontinued operations, net of tax -



-











Net income 397



236











Less: Income from continuing operations









attributable to noncontrolling interests 54



23











Less: Income from discontinued operations









attributable to noncontrolling interests -



-











Net income attributable to JCI $ 343



$ 213











Income from continuing operations $ 343



$ 213 Income from discontinued operations -



-











Net income attributable to JCI $ 343



$ 213











Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.48



$ 0.28 Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations -



- Diluted earnings per share $ 0.48



$ 0.28











Diluted weighted average shares 721.3



757.1 Shares outstanding at period end 716.7



743.9

JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC











CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in millions, except per share data; unaudited)



























Six Months Ended March 31,



2021



2020











Net sales $ 10,935



$ 11,020 Cost of sales 7,264



7,416

Gross profit 3,671



3,604











Selling, general and administrative expenses (2,547)



(2,878) Restructuring and impairment costs (96)



(173) Net financing charges (103)



(111) Equity income 114



63











Income from continuing operations before income taxes 1,039



505











Income tax provision 270



78











Income from continuing operations 769



427











Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 124



-











Net income 893



427











Less: Income from continuing operations









attributable to noncontrolling interests 99



55











Less: Income from discontinued operations









attributable to noncontrolling interests -



-























Net income attributable to JCI $ 794



$ 372











Income from continuing operations $ 670



$ 372 Income from discontinued operations 124



-











Net income attributable to JCI $ 794



$ 372











Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.93



$ 0.49 Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations 0.17



- Diluted earnings per share $ 1.10



$ 0.49











Diluted weighted average shares 723.9



765.6 Shares outstanding at period end 716.7



743.9

JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC









CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (in millions; unaudited)























March 31,

September 30,



2021

2020 ASSETS





Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,883

$ 1,951 Accounts receivable - net 5,167

5,294 Inventories 1,994

1,773 Other current assets 1,160

1,035

Current assets 10,204

10,053







Property, plant and equipment - net 3,015

3,059 Goodwill 18,124

17,932 Other intangible assets - net 5,259

5,356 Investments in partially-owned affiliates 1,045

914 Noncurrent assets held for sale 179

147 Other noncurrent assets 3,354

3,354

Total assets $ 41,180

$ 40,815









LIABILITIES AND EQUITY





Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt $ 444

$ 293 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 4,234

3,958 Other current liabilities 4,062

3,997

Current liabilities 8,740

8,248









Long-term debt 7,323

7,526 Other noncurrent liabilities 6,360

6,508 Shareholders' equity attributable to JCI 17,698

17,447 Noncontrolling interests 1,059

1,086

Total liabilities and equity $ 41,180

$ 40,815

JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in millions; unaudited)





















Three Months Ended March 31,

2021



2020 Operating Activities







Net income attributable to JCI from continuing operations $ 343



$ 213 Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests 54



23









Net income from continuing operations 397



236









Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to cash provided by

operating activities:











Depreciation and amortization 212



207



Pension and postretirement benefit income (253)



(40)



Pension and postretirement contributions (8)



(15)



Equity in earnings of partially-owned affiliates, net of dividends received (55)



(19)



Deferred income taxes 84



(58)



Non-cash restructuring and impairment costs 54



62



Other - net (7)



40



Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and divestitures:















Accounts receivable (57)



7







Inventories (113)



(147)







Other assets (20)



(58)







Restructuring reserves 10



(71)







Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 419



(107)







Accrued income taxes (18)



118









Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations 645



155



















Investing Activities







Capital expenditures (106)



(124) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (10)



(10) Business divestitures, net of cash divested 8



- Other - net 26



19









Cash used by investing activities from continuing operations (82)



(115)



















Financing Activities







Decrease in short and long-term debt - net (13)



(177) Stock repurchases (315)



(816) Payment of cash dividends (187)



(199) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (101)



- Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 102



18 Cash paid to acquire a noncontrolling interest (14)



- Employee equity-based compensation withholding (8)



(12) Other - net 4



-









Cash used by financing activities from continuing operations (532)



(1,186)



















Discontinued Operations







Net cash used by operating activities (1)



(14) Net cash used by investing activities -



- Net cash used by financing activities -



-









Net cash flows used by discontinued operations (1)



(14)



















Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 20



7 Changes in cash held for sale -



- Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 50



$ (1,153)

JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC



















CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in millions; unaudited)



















































Six Months Ended March 31,











2021



2020 Operating Activities







Net income attributable to JCI from continuing operations $ 670



$ 372 Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests 99



55



















Net income from continuing operations 769



427



















Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to cash provided by

operating activities:











Depreciation and amortization 419



414



Pension and postretirement benefit income (299)



(80)



Pension and postretirement contributions (25)



(27)



Equity in earnings of partially-owned affiliates, net of dividends received (107)



(11)



Deferred income taxes 25



(61)



Non-cash restructuring and impairment costs 54



116



Other - net (32)



56



Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and divestitures:















Accounts receivable 167



244







Inventories (211)



(261)







Other assets (90)



(150)







Restructuring reserves (24)



(38)







Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 510



(605)







Accrued income taxes 4



642









Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations 1,160



666



















Investing Activities







Capital expenditures (197)



(250) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (10)



(58) Business divestitures, net of cash divested 19



- Other - net 69



20









Cash used by investing activities from continuing operations (119)



(288)



















Financing Activities







Decrease in short and long-term debt - net (33)



(167) Stock repurchases (661)



(1,467) Payment of cash dividends (377)



(402) Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 133



39 Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (101)



(5) Cash paid to acquire a noncontrolling interest (14)



- Employee equity-based compensation withholding (29)



(32) Other - net 3



(2)









Cash used by financing activities from continuing operations (1,079)



(2,036)



















Discontinued Operations







Net cash used by operating activities (37)



(208) Net cash used by investing activities -



- Net cash used by financing activities -



-









Net cash flows used by discontinued operations (37)



(208)



















Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 9



64 Changes in cash held for sale -



- Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ (66)



$ (1,802)

FOOTNOTES

1. Financial Summary





The Company evaluates the performance of its business units primarily on segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization (EBITA), which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, restructuring and impairment costs, and the net mark-to-market adjustments related to restricted asbestos investments and pension and postretirement plans. The financial results shown below are for continuing operations and exclude the Power Solutions business.









(in millions; unaudited)



Three Months Ended March 31,

Six Months Ended March 31,







2021

2020

2021

2020







Actual

Adjusted

Non-GAAP

Actual

Adjusted

Non-GAAP

Actual

Adjusted

Non-GAAP

Actual

Adjusted

Non-GAAP

Net sales



































Building Solutions North America



$ 2,092

$ 2,092

$ 2,175

$ 2,175

$ 4,126

$ 4,126

$ 4,342

$ 4,342

Building Solutions EMEA/LA



897

897

850

850

1,803

1,803

1,778

1,778

Building Solutions Asia Pacific



603

603

525

525

1,218

1,218

1,154

1,154

Global Products



2,002

2,002

1,894

1,894

3,788

3,788

3,746

3,746

Net sales



$ 5,594

$ 5,594

$ 5,444

$ 5,444

$ 10,935

$ 10,935

$ 11,020

$ 11,020







































Segment EBITA (1)



































Building Solutions North America



$ 266

$ 266

$ 251

$ 253

$ 521

$ 521

$ 509

$ 512

Building Solutions EMEA/LA



86

86

85

85

181

181

175

175

Building Solutions Asia Pacific



74

74

65

65

153

153

137

137

Global Products



285

285

216

216

498

498

419

420

Segment EBITA



711

711

617

619

1,353

1,353

1,240

1,244

Corporate expenses (2)



(70)

(70)

(118)

(82)

(137)

(137)

(236)

(163)

Amortization of intangible assets



(104)

(104)

(97)

(97)

(208)

(208)

(193)

(193)

Net mark-to-market adjustments (3)



209

-

(32)

-

230

-

(22)

-

Restructuring and impairment costs (4)



(96)

-

(62)

-

(96)

-

(173)

-

EBIT (5)



650

537

308

440

1,142

1,008

616

888

EBIT margin



11.6%

9.6%

5.7%

8.1%

10.4%

9.2%

5.6%

8.1%

Net financing charges



(44)

(44)

(59)

(59)

(103)

(103)

(111)

(111)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes



606

493

249

381

1,039

905

505

777

Income tax provision (6)



(209)

(66)

(13)

(52)

(270)

(122)

(78)

(105)

Income from continuing operations



397

427

236

329

769

783

427

672

Income from continuing operations attributable to



































noncontrolling interests



(54)

(54)

(23)

(12)

(99)

(99)

(55)

(49)

Net income from continuing operations attributable to JCI

$ 343

$ 373

$ 213

$ 317

$ 670

$ 684

$ 372

$ 623







(1) The Company's press release contains financial information regarding segment EBITA, adjusted segment EBITA and adjusted segment EBITA margins, which are non-GAAP performance measures. The Company's definition of adjusted segment EBITA excludes special items because these costs are not considered to be directly related to the underlying operating performance of its businesses. Management believes these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in understanding the ongoing operations and business trends of the Company.





A reconciliation of segment EBITA to income from continuing operations is shown earlier within this footnote. The following is the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 reconciliation of segment EBITA and segment EBITA margin as reported to adjusted segment EBITA and adjusted segment EBITA margin (unaudited):







(in millions) Building Solutions

North America

Building Solutions

EMEA/LA

Building Solutions

Asia Pacific

Global Products

Consolidated

JCI plc



2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

Segment EBITA as reported $ 266

$ 251

$ 86

$ 85

$ 74

$ 65

$ 285

$ 216

$ 711

$ 617

Segment EBITA margin as reported 12.7%

11.5%

9.6%

10.0%

12.3%

12.4%

14.2%

11.4%

12.7%

11.3%











































Adjusting items:







































Integration costs -

2

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2











































Adjusted segment EBITA $ 266

$ 253

$ 86

$ 85

$ 74

$ 65

$ 285

$ 216

$ 711

$ 619

Adjusted segment EBITA margin 12.7%

11.6%

9.6%

10.0%

12.3%

12.4%

14.2%

11.4%

12.7%

11.4%







The following is the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 reconciliation of segment EBITA and segment EBITA margin as reported to adjusted segment EBITA and adjusted segment EBITA margin (unaudited):







(in millions) Building Solutions

North America

Building Solutions

EMEA/LA

Building Solutions

Asia Pacific

Global Products

Consolidated

JCI plc



2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

Segment EBITA as reported $ 521

$ 509

$ 181

$ 175

$ 153

$ 137

$ 498

$ 419

$ 1,353

$ 1,240

Segment EBITA margin as reported 12.6%

11.7%

10.0%

9.8%

12.6%

11.9%

13.1%

11.2%

12.4%

11.3%











































Adjusting items:







































Integration costs -

3

-

-

-

-

-

1

-

4











































Adjusted segment EBITA $ 521

$ 512

$ 181

$ 175

$ 153

$ 137

$ 498

$ 420

$ 1,353

$ 1,244

Adjusted segment EBITA margin 12.6%

11.8%

10.0%

9.8%

12.6%

11.9%

13.1%

11.2%

12.4%

11.3%







(2) Adjusted Corporate expenses excludes special items because these costs are not considered to be directly related to the underlying operating performance of the Company's business. Adjusted Corporate expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 excludes $36 million of integration costs. Adjusted Corporate expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2020 excludes $73 million of integration costs.





(3) The three months ended March 31, 2021 exclude the net mark-to-market adjustments on restricted investments and pension and postretirement plans of $209 million. The six months ended March 31, 2021 exclude the net mark-to-market adjustments on restricted investments and pension and postretirement plans of $230 million. The three months ended March 31, 2020 exclude the net mark-to-market adjustments on restricted investments of $32 million. The six months ended March 31, 2020 exclude the net mark-to-market adjustments on restricted investments of $22 million.





(4) Restructuring and impairment costs for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 of $96 million are excluded from the adjusted non-GAAP results. Restructuring and impairment costs for the three months ended March 31, 2020 of $62 million are excluded from the adjusted non-GAAP results. Restructuring and impairment costs for the six months ended March 31, 2020 of $173 million are excluded from the adjusted non-GAAP results. The restructuring actions and impairment costs related primarily to workforce reductions, plant closures and asset impairments.





(5) Management defines earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) as income (loss) from continuing operations before net financing charges, income taxes and noncontrolling interests. EBIT is a non-GAAP performance measure. Management believes this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors in understanding the ongoing operations and business trends of the Company. A reconciliation of EBIT to income from continuing operations is shown earlier within this footnote.





(6) Adjusted income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2021 excludes tax provisions from a Mexico valuation allowance adjustment of $105 million and net mark-to-market adjustments of $53 million, partially offset by tax benefits related to restructuring and impairment costs of $15 million. Adjusted income tax provision for the six months ended March 31, 2021 excludes tax provisions from a Mexico valuation allowance adjustment of $105 million and net mark-to-market adjustments of $58 million, partially offset by tax benefits related to restructuring and impairment costs of $15 million. Adjusted income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2020 excludes tax benefits from tax audit reserve adjustments of $22 million, net mark-to-market adjustments of $7 million, integration costs of $6 million, and restructuring and impairment costs of $4 million. Adjusted income tax provision for the six months ended March 31, 2020 excludes tax benefits from tax audit reserve adjustments of $22 million, restructuring and impairment costs of $20 million, integration costs of $11 million and net mark-to-market adjustments of $4 million, partially offset by tax provisions related to Switzerland tax reform of $30 million.





2. Diluted Earnings Per Share Reconciliation





The Company's press release contains financial information regarding adjusted earnings per share, which is a non-GAAP performance measure. The adjusting items include transaction/integration costs, net mark-to-market adjustments, restructuring and impairment costs, Power Solutions divestiture reserve adjustment and discrete tax items. The Company excludes these items because they are not considered to be directly related to the underlying operating performance of the Company. Management believes these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in understanding the ongoing operations and business trends of the Company.





A reconciliation of diluted earnings per share as reported to adjusted diluted earnings per share for the respective periods is shown below (unaudited):









Net Income Attributable

to JCI plc

Net Income Attributable to

JCI plc from

Continuing Operations

Net Income Attributable

to JCI plc

Net Income Attributable to

JCI plc from

Continuing Operations



Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

Six Months Ended



March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,



2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020



































Earnings per share as reported for JCI plc $ 0.48

$ 0.28

$ 0.48

$ 0.28

$ 1.10

$ 0.49

$ 0.93

$ 0.49



































Adjusting items:































Integration costs -

0.05

-

0.05

-

0.10

-

0.10

Related tax impact -

(0.01)

-

(0.01)

-

(0.01)

-

(0.01)

Net mark-to-market adjustments (0.29)

0.04

(0.29)

0.04

(0.32)

0.03

(0.32)

0.03

Related tax impact 0.07

(0.01)

0.07

(0.01)

0.08

(0.01)

0.08

(0.01)

Restructuring and impairment costs 0.13

0.08

0.13

0.08

0.13

0.23

0.13

0.23

Related tax impact (0.02)

(0.01)

(0.02)

(0.01)

(0.02)

(0.03)

(0.02)

(0.03)

NCI impact of restructuring and impairment -

-

-

-

-

(0.01)

-

(0.01)

Power Solutions divestiture reserve adjustment -

-

-

-

(0.21)

-

-

-

Related tax impact -

-

-

-

0.04

-

-

-

Discrete tax items 0.15

(0.03)

0.15

(0.03)

0.15

0.01

0.15

0.01

NCI impact of discrete tax items -

0.01

-

0.01

-

0.01

-

0.01



































Adjusted earnings per share for JCI plc* $ 0.52

$ 0.42

$ 0.52

$ 0.42

$ 0.94

$ 0.81

$ 0.94

$ 0.81





* May not sum due to rounding







The following table reconciles the denominators used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share for JCI plc (in millions; unaudited):











Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended



March 31,

March 31,



2021

2020

2021

2020

Weighted average shares outstanding for JCI plc















Basic weighted average shares outstanding 717.1

754.8

720.1

762.4

Effect of dilutive securities:















Stock options, unvested restricted stock















and unvested performance share awards 4.2

2.3

3.8

3.2

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 721.3

757.1

723.9

765.6







The Company has presented forward-looking statements regarding adjusted corporate expense, adjusted EPS, organic revenue, adjusted segment EBITA margin and free cash flow conversion, which are non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are derived by excluding certain amounts, expenses, or income from the corresponding financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The determination of the amounts that are excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures are a matter of management judgment and depends upon, among other factors, the nature of the underlying expense or income amounts recognized in a given period, including but not limited to the high variability of the net mark-to-market adjustments and the effect of foreign currency exchange fluctuations. Our fiscal 2021 full year and third quarter guidance for organic revenue also excludes the effect of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency. Our fiscal 2021 full year and third quarter guidance for adjusted segment EBITA margin, adjusted EPS and amortization expense also excludes the effect of the announced acquisition of Silent-Aire. We are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of the aforementioned forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures because such information is not available and management cannot reliably predict all of the necessary components of such GAAP measures without unreasonable effort or expense. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on the Company's third quarter and full year 2021 GAAP financial results.





3. Organic Growth Reconciliation





The components of the changes in net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021 versus the three months ended March 31, 2020, including organic growth, is shown below (unaudited):







(in millions) Net Sales for the

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2020

Base Year Adjustments -

Divestitures and Other

Base Year Adjustments -

Foreign Currency

Adjusted Base Net

Sales for the Three Months Ended

March 31, 2020

Acquisitions

Organic Growth

Net Sales for the

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2021

Building Solutions North America $ 2,175

$ -

-

$ 13

1%

$ 2,188

$ -

-

$ (96)

-4%

$ 2,092

-4%

Building Solutions EMEA/LA 850

-

-

42

5%

892

4

-

1

-

897

6%

Building Solutions Asia Pacific 525

(2)

-

30

6%

553

-

-

50

9%

603

15%

Total field 3,550

(2)

-

85

2%

3,633

4

-

(45)

-1%

3,592

1%

Global Products 1,894

(62)

-3%

51

3%

1,883

-

-

119

6%

2,002

6%

Total net sales $ 5,444

$ (64)

-1%

$ 136

2%

$ 5,516

$ 4

-

$ 74

1%

$ 5,594

3%







The components of the changes in net sales for the six months ended March 31, 2021 versus the six months ended March 31, 2020, including organic growth, is shown below (unaudited):







(in millions) Net Sales for the

Six Months Ended

March 31, 2020

Base Year Adjustments -

Divestitures and Other

Base Year Adjustments -

Foreign Currency

Adjusted Base Net

Sales for the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2020

Acquisitions

Organic Growth

Net Sales for the

Six Months Ended

March 31, 2021

Building Solutions North America $ 4,342

$ -

-

$ 16

-

$ 4,358

$ -

-

$ (232)

-5%

$ 4,126

-5%

Building Solutions EMEA/LA 1,778

-

-

63

4%

1,841

13

1%

(51)

-3%

1,803

1%

Building Solutions Asia Pacific 1,154

(4)

-

58

5%

1,208

-

-

10

1%

1,218

6%

Total field 7,274

(4)

-

137

2%

7,407

13

-

(273)

-4%

7,147

-2%

Global Products 3,746

(133)

-4%

88

2%

3,701

-

-

87

2%

3,788

1%

Total net sales $ 11,020

$ (137)

-1%

$ 225

2%

$ 11,108

$ 13

-

$ (186)

-2%

$ 10,935

-1%





4. Free Cash Flow Reconciliation





The Company's press release contains financial information regarding free cash flow which is a non-GAAP performance measure. Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. Management believes this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors in understanding the strength of the Company and its ability to generate cash.





The following is the three months and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 reconciliation of free cash flow for continuing operations (unaudited):







(in millions) Three Months Ended

March 31, 2021

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2020

Six Months Ended

March 31, 2021

Six Months Ended

March 31, 2020

Cash provided by operating activities from continuing

operations $ 645

$ 155

$ 1,160

$ 666

Capital expenditures (106)

(124)

(197)

(250)

Reported free cash flow $ 539

$ 31

$ 963

$ 416





5. Net Debt to EBITDA





The Company provides financial information regarding net debt to adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP performance measure. The Company believes the total net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio is useful to understanding the Company's financial condition as it provides a review of the extent to which the Company relies on external debt financing for its funding and is a measure of risk to its shareholders. The following is the March 31, 2021 calculation of net debt to adjusted EBITDA (unaudited):







(in millions) March 31, 2021

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt $ 444

Long-term debt 7,323

Total debt 7,767

Less: cash and cash equivalents 1,883

Total net debt $ 5,884







Last twelve months adjusted EBITDA $ 3,312







Total net debt to adjusted EBITDA 1.8x













The following is the last twelve months ended March 31, 2021 reconciliation of income from continuing operations to adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP performance measures (unaudited):







(in millions) Last Twelve Months

Ended

March 31, 2021

Income from continuing operations $ 1,137

Income tax provision 300

Net financing charges 223

EBIT 1,660

Adjusting items:



Integration costs 58

Net mark-to-market adjustments 22

Restructuring and impairment costs 706

Acquisition related compensation charge 39

Adjusted EBIT (1) 2,485

Depreciation and amortization 827

Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 3,312







(1) The Company's definition of adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA excludes special items because these costs are not considered to be directly related to the underlying operating performance of its businesses. Management believes this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors in understanding the ongoing operations and business trends of the Company.





6. Trade Working Capital as a Percentage of Net Sales





The Company provides financial information regarding trade working capital as a percentage of net sales, which is a non-GAAP performance measure. Trade working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities, excluding cash, short-term debt, the current portion of long-term debt, the current portion of assets and liabilities held for sale, accrued compensation and benefits, and other current assets and liabilities. Management believes this non-GAAP measure, which excludes financing-related items, non-trade related items and businesses to be divested, is a more useful measurement of the Company's operating performance. The following is the March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 calculation of trade working capital as a percentage of net sales (unaudited):







(in millions) March 31, 2021

March 31, 2020

Current assets $ 10,204

$ 9,955

Current liabilities (8,740)

(9,509)

Total working capital 1,464

446



















Less: cash and cash equivalents (1,883)

(1,006)

Less: assets held for sale -

(91)

Less: other current assets (1,160)

(1,336)

Add: short-term debt 248

344

Add: current portion of long-term debt 196

1,086

Add: accrued compensation and benefits 817

694

Add: liabilities held for sale -

39

Add: other current liabilities 2,352

2,627

Trade working capital $ 2,034

$ 2,803











Last twelve months net sales $ 22,232

$ 23,745











Trade working capital as a percentage of net sales 9.1%

11.8%





7. Income Taxes





The Company's effective tax rate from continuing operations before consideration of transaction/integration costs, net mark-to-market adjustments, restructuring and impairment costs and discrete tax items for the three and six months ending March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 is approximately 13.5%.



8. Restructuring and Impairment Costs





The three and six months ended March 31, 2021 include restructuring and impairment costs of $96 million related primarily to workforce reductions and asset impairments. The three months ended March 31, 2020 include restructuring and impairment costs of $62 million related to indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments primarily related to the Company's retail business. The six months ended March 31, 2020 include restructuring and impairment costs of $173 million related primarily to workforce reductions, plant closures and asset impairments.

SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc

Related Links

https://www.johnsoncontrols.com


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Behind the Headlines, Daniel Andreas Sagers thrilling look at how German investigative journalists triggered a political earthquake in Austria that toppled the countrys government, is having its world premiere at Danish doc fest CPH:DOX, where its competing for the Fact Award, before unspooling at Torontos Hot Docs Festival and opening next months DOK.fest Munchen.

Sager is now at work on his next documentary project, a film that will accompany international peace mediators, workers and analysts from the battlefield to the European Parliament and UN Security Council.

Behind the Headlines focuses on two main protagonists, Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier of German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung  the reporters who broke the Panama Papers story in 2016. Sager remained embedded at the SZ for two years, initially following various journalists as they conducted research, interviews and followed up on potentially explosive leads. He traveled with Obermayer and Obermaier to Paris, Malta, Israel, Washington, D.C., and even tagged along with them and their colleague Georg Mascolo to Moscow to interview Edward Snowden.

The film touches on a number of stories on which the reporters are working, including the mysterious murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galicia, who reported extensively on the Panama Papers scandal and its connections to Maltas political establishment, and the hunt by U.S. and Israeli spooks for a cunning arms dealer who, they allege, is supplying Iran with key missile technology.

Sager developed the project with producer Marc Bauder and the two spent a year in discussions with the SZ to get access to its investigative news team and approval for the project.

We didnt know what the cases were that they were working on but we were clear about wanting to show the journalistic craft, and really provide an open view of how journalists work, the processes, how they argue and discuss issues in the newsroom, Sager tells Variety. Its an approach that makes the film very cinematic in look and narrative. We wanted to show how journalists work and not just talk about it he adds.

It was very important to have this long pre-production process to build up trust with them because everything is about safety and security and trust, Bauder says. We needed a long time span, at least one year with Daniel being embedded [with the investigative team]. These were the guys behind the Panama Papers story, so we were sure that a similar story would pop up.

While the film originally intended to provide a more general look at investigative reporting and follow a number of journalists and newspapers working in the field, Sager chose to concentrate on the SZ and dig deeper at the one paper rather than taking a broader approach, Bauder adds. I think its more interesting to have the time to really get inside of the daily work.

The directors focus narrowed on Obermayer and Obermaier after they received a secret video that would eventually bring down the Austrian government. The video appeared to show a meeting on the Spanish island of Ibiza between Austrian Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache and Johann Gudenus, a deputy leader of their right-wing Freedom Party, and a woman pretending to be the niece of a Russian oligarch, in which they discussed possible political favors in exchange for financial support.

While Sager originally planned to spend one year with the SZ reporters, he ended up shadowing them for two years due to the slowly unfolding story. A lot of the time was just waiting for something to happen, he recalls. It was a long process.

Sager says the experience of making the film left him with great appreciation for the amount of fact-checking that goes into the reporting at the SZ. Every fact gets checked from five different people. They put so much effort, so much passion, so much work into each story, and at the end its just two pages of text.

Sager also praised the SZ for its continued commitment to investigative journalism at a time when other leading international news organizations have cut back significantly on investigative reporting.

I think we need more investigative editorial teams everywhere and more financial opportunities for journalists to dive deep into research. The Suddeutsche Zeitung is the biggest daily in Germany, so of course they have the biggest budget for those kinds of things, but it would be good to have more of that.

As part of CPH:DOXs live event series, Obermayer and Obermaier were due to take part in a discussion on Thursday on how investigative journalists navigate legislation and stories while protecting sources.

Cologne-based New Docs is handling world sales for Behind the Headlines.

Sager is in early development on his next project, which will examine the role of international peace mediation and the role of peace workers. The director plans to follow peace workers and analysts into war zones, in their meetings with victims and fighters, and trace how the information they gather reaches decision makers and influences policy decisions at the highest levels of government.

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Paducah Schools Creates Chief Equity Officer Job

By Bill Hughes

PADUCAH - Paducah Public Schools is actively searching for a district-wide chief equity officer.The school board approved the new position at their April meeting, and Assistant Superintendent Will Black said they hope to have the position filled sometime in May.Black said, "We're excited to add that position to our cabinet and really work toward improving the state of racial equity in our district."He said they have been discussing the idea of adding this position for a couple of years.Following online circulation of an 18-year-old photo of Donald Shively in blackface - long before he became superintendent - the district issued a statement in December saying they wanted to have an equity audit completed by the University of Kentucky's Education and Civil Rights Initiative.Black said the audit involves stakeholder surveys and focus groups, along with a policy review, and is done in cooperation with a local committee that includes some staff and a good representation from the local community.Black said, "This Chief Equity Officer position will be an asset in that process. We'll be able to really engage in the issues that come up or the goals that come out of this audit at a faster pace."He said the district wanted the job posted in the spring because they have seen better pools of applicants at this time of year.The officer will offer equity guidance on a wide array of topics, from curriculum to personnel to any new issues that arise.Black said the person that's hired will be in, "a position that helps us keep equity in focus in terms of everything we do There's a narrow focus over a broad area of responsibility."He said these types of positions are becoming increasingly common in public school districts, and the Kentucky Department of Education just hired someone for this role within the past school year."We look forward to the challenge and we can't wait for the audit to wrap up so we can begin forming our initial goals," Black said.On the Net:
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An angry mob, mostly youth, on Friday set ablaze property of a suspected kidnapper, simply identified as Ramoni, in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

Some of the properties that were torched by the mob included two private cars, two houses and a hotel structure belonging to the suspected kidnapper.

Ramoni, a herder and hotelier, was reportedly whisked away by soldiers along with an accomplice herbalist, Bunmi Popoola, for their alleged involvement in a kidnapping saga in Odo-Owa, Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara, on Thursday.

An unnamed hunter in Odo-Owa reportedly prevented the payment of ransom to secure the freedom of a kidnapped victim, who was tied down in a Fulani settlement called Ruga and alerted security agencies.

Some of the kidnappers reportedly fled the scene while Ramoni, who was in his car with Bunmi heading toward Ruga at the time, were suspected to have a hand in the incident and were promptly arrested and whisked away by soldiers.

The 27-year-old Popoola, Ramonis alleged accomplice, was formerly a kingmaker in Odo-Owa community but was in October 2016 expelled by the Odo-Owa Traditional Council for criminal activities.

He was accused of raping a 27-year-old girl, Joke, under the guise of curing her of an ailment.

Joke, an agricultural science graduate of the College of Education, Lafiagi, was reportedly afflicted with a strange disease in 2014, which defied orthodox medication and was referred to Popoola for treatment.

Jokes mother had told the police then that Popoola always used a handkerchief to wipe the private part of her daughter each time he had sex with her and threatened her with death, if she revealed what he did.

Popoola was later arraigned before an Ilorin Magistrates Court, presided over by Ahmed Immam, and ordered to be remanded in prison custody over a one-count charge of murder.

Ramoni on the other hand was reportedly on the radar of the youths in the community and was being observed for allegedly belonging to a kidnap syndicate.

The aforementioned past scenarios involving the two suspects angered the youths.

NAN gathered that the soldiers arrested the two suspects and took them to an unknown destination on Thursday to prevent them from being lynched and also prevent the razing of the Odo-Owa Police Division where they were initially detained.

The youths had stormed Ramonis residence and hotel premises in Omu-Aran as early as 9 a.m on Friday and set the property ablaze.

NAN reports that cases of kidnappings had become rampant in most of the communities in Kwara South and had created tension and anxiety among the populace.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Kwara Police Command, Ajayi Okasanmi, said he was yet to be briefed about the development.

Mr Okasanmi, however, promised to get back to NAN after hearing from officers at the Omu-Aran division, where the incident took place. (NAN)
The guidelines being studied essentially call for officers to make more careful decisions about chasing suspects, especially without backup, and only when they have legal justification to stop or arrest a person. The document outlines the inherent danger in the chases, and includes proposing officers not separate from their partners during chases unless there are exigent circumstances and make attempts to contain those being pursued to cordoned-off areas if possible with the help of additional police resources.
(JTA)  In the late 1800s, the Ottoman Empire was looking to conscript men into its army, including the several thousand young Jewish ones who were living in the city of Baghdad.

The Jewish community didnt like the idea of the imperial forces taking away its young men, so it arranged to pay authorities for exemptions. Rabbi Shlomo Bekhor Husin of Baghdad documented the exemptions, carefully jotting each down name in medieval Rashi script.

In the following decades, many of those names vanished or morphed as the Jews living there dispersed across the globe. But the lists survived and...
A South Jersey woman was killed Thursday morning when her SUV collided with a dump truck at a Gloucester County intersection, authorities said.

Brooke Hansen, 35, of Williamstown, was traveling south on West Malaga Road in Franklin Township around 11:30 a.m. when witnesses said she failed to stop at a traffic signal and struck the dump truck, which was traveling west on Coles Mill Road, according to township police.

Hansen was trapped in her vehicle, they said.

Emergency responders were able to get to her through the drivers door and paramedics and EMTs made life-saving attempts, but were unsuccessful, police said in a statement.

The driver of the dump truck, a Delran man, suffered a minor leg injury in the crash, police said.

The accident remains under investigation, police said.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
Announcement of Periodic Review: Moody's announces completion of a periodic review of ratings of Bank of IrelandGlobal Credit Research - 30 Apr 2021London, 30 April 2021 -- Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") has completed a periodic review of the ratings of Bank of Ireland and other ratings that are associated with the same analytical unit. The review was conducted through a portfolio review discussion held on 28 April 2021 in which Moody's reassessed the appropriateness of the ratings in the context of the relevant principal methodology(ies), recent developments, and a comparison of the financial and operating profile to similarly rated peers. The review did not involve a rating committee. Since 1 January 2019, Moody's practice has been to issue a press release following each periodic review to announce its completion.This publication does not announce a credit rating action and is not an indication of whether or not a credit rating action is likely in the near future. Credit ratings and outlook/review status cannot be changed in a portfolio review and hence are not impacted by this announcement. For any credit ratings referenced in this publication, please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for the most updated credit rating action information and rating history.Key rating considerations are summarized below.The A2 long-term bank deposit and long-term senior unsecured debt ratings of Bank of Ireland (BOI) are driven by (1) the bank's Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) of baa2; and (2) three notches uplift from Moody's Advanced Loss Given Failure (LGF) analysis. Moody's assumption of a moderate probability of support from the Government of Ireland (A2) results in no additional uplift, given the ratings are already at the same level as the ratings of the government. Bank of Ireland Group plc's (BOI Group) long-term senior unsecured debt ratings are Baa2, positioned at the same level of BOI's BCA, and benefits from no uplift from the results of Moody's Advanced LGF analysis.BOI's baa2 BCA reflects its (1) moderate asset risk, and track record of successful loan restructuring and portfolio sales, putting it in a good position to manage the coronavirus related-induced economic disruption; and (2) moderate core profitability, though weaker due to coronavirus economic stress which Moody's expects it to recover. Despite these headwinds, BOI maintains strong capitalisation and leverage, as well as strong liquidity, with low market funding reliance.This document summarizes Moody's view as of the publication date and will not be updated until the next periodic review announcement, which will incorporate material changes in credit circumstances (if any) during the intervening period.The principal methodology used for this review was Banks Methodology published in March 2021. Please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com for a copy of this methodology.This announcement applies only to EU rated, UK rated, EU endorsed and UK endorsed ratings. Non EU rated, non UK rated, non EU endorsed and non UK endorsed ratings may be referenced above to the extent necessary, if they are part of the same analytical unit.This publication does not announce a credit rating action. For any credit ratings referenced in this publication, please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for the most updated credit rating action information and rating history. Arif Bekiroglu Vice President - Senior Analyst Financial Institutions Group Moody's Investors Service Ltd. One Canada Square Canary Wharf London E14 5FA United Kingdom JOURNALISTS: 44 20 7772 5456 Client Service: 44 20 7772 5454 Laurie Mayers Associate Managing Director Financial Institutions Group JOURNALISTS: 44 20 7772 5456 Client Service: 44 20 7772 5454 Releasing Office: Moody's Investors Service Ltd. One Canada Square Canary Wharf London E14 5FA United Kingdom JOURNALISTS: 44 20 7772 5456 Client Service: 44 20 7772 5454  2021 Moodys Corporation, Moodys Investors Service, Inc., Moodys Analytics, Inc. and/or their licensors and affiliates (collectively, MOODYS). All rights reserved.CREDIT RATINGS ISSUED BY MOODY'S CREDIT RATINGS AFFILIATES ARE THEIR CURRENT OPINIONS OF THE RELATIVE FUTURE CREDIT RISK OF ENTITIES, CREDIT COMMITMENTS, OR DEBT OR DEBT-LIKE SECURITIES, AND MATERIALS, PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND INFORMATION PUBLISHED BY MOODYS (COLLECTIVELY, PUBLICATIONS) MAY INCLUDE SUCH CURRENT OPINIONS. MOODYS DEFINES CREDIT RISK AS THE RISK THAT AN ENTITY MAY NOT MEET ITS CONTRACTUAL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS AS THEY COME DUE AND ANY ESTIMATED FINANCIAL LOSS IN THE EVENT OF DEFAULT OR IMPAIRMENT. SEE APPLICABLE MOODYS RATING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS PUBLICATION FOR INFORMATION ON THE TYPES OF CONTRACTUAL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS ADDRESSED BY MOODYS CREDIT RATINGS. CREDIT RATINGS DO NOT ADDRESS ANY OTHER RISK, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: LIQUIDITY RISK, MARKET VALUE RISK, OR PRICE VOLATILITY. CREDIT RATINGS, NON-CREDIT ASSESSMENTS (ASSESSMENTS), AND OTHER OPINIONS INCLUDED IN MOODYS PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT STATEMENTS OF CURRENT OR HISTORICAL FACT. 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Eddie Marsan appeared to be in great spirits as he spent another day filming ITV's upcoming drama The Thief, His Wife And The Canoe in County Durham on Friday

The actor, 52, stars as conman John Darwin, the fraudster who faked his own death by going missing while canoeing off the coast of Seaton Carew in 2002.

A bearded Eddie was seen chatting with the actors playing his sons while his co-star Monica Dolan, who plays Anne Darwin, embraced them during a Christmas scene.

Elsewhere during the shoot in Hartlepool, a bright orange canoe was seen arriving at the location.

Having fun? Eddie Marsan appeared to be in great spirits as he spent another day filming ITV's upcoming drama The Thief, His Wife And The Canoe in County Durham on Friday

Eddie beamed as he enjoyed a little downtime between takes and chatted with the other actors, who are playing John Darwin's sons Mark and Anthony.

Making sure to stay warm while waiting for their calls, the three men donned padded winter jackets over their costumes.

Monica was also spotted on location during the day as she shot a scene which was set at Christmas time.

On-screen family: Monica Dolan, who plays John's wife Anne Darwin, embraced the actors playing the couples' sons Mark and Anthony during a Christmas scene

The main character: The all important canoe was also seen arriving on set during the shoot

The actress sported a pair of thin glasses and wore her grey locks in a short bob-style cut similar to the real-life Anne's hairstyle.

She cut a smart figure in grey slacks and a green zipped jacket styled with a blue rain jacket and pink T-shirt.

Her on-screen sons, one of which is thought to be being played by actor Mark Stanley, also looked laid-back as they carried presents into the house.

John went missing in March 2002 and reappeared alive in December 2007. It is not know which Christmas period the ITV cast and crew were filming.

Quick break: Eddie seemed cheery as he enjoyed some downtime between takes and chatted with the other actors

Family's all here: Monica joined the trio for a quick chat before shooting started

Staying warm: They all donned padded winter jackets over their costumes

On Thursday, Eddie was seen walking along the street stony-faced with two bags of shopping for a scene in the upcoming four-part show.

Eddie donned a pair of blue jeans and a grey half zip sweater as he got into character as the conman.

He matched the long leather jacket with a pair of shiny black brogues and pulled on a wooly beanie hat for the filming in Hartlepool.

Clutching his shopping on the quiet street, Eddie put on a concerned expression as he portrayed the famous criminal.

Looking the part: The actress sported a pair of thin glasses and wore her grey locks in a short bob-style cut similar to the real-life Anne's hairstyle

Here they come: Monica threw on her navy jacket as she stepped out of the house, showing a glimpse of a Christmas tree

Visiting: John went missing in March 2002 and reappeared alive in December 2007. It is not know which Christmas period the ITV cast and crew were filming (Monica is pictured filming)

Costume: She cut a smart figure in grey slacks and a green zipped jacket styled with a blue rain jacket and pink T-shirt

Bonding: The Darwins actors all seemed to be getting along well as they shot during Friday

The actor sported a grey beard - just like John did in the picture used on his fake passport.

Actress Monica Dolan, 52, will join Eddie in the upcoming series as his wife Anne who became an accomplice to his fraudulent activity.

The ITV drama will focus on how Anne became complicit in her husband's deception to convince the world he'd gone missing in an attempt to claim life insurance and avoid bankruptcy.

However, the crime was to take its toll on Anne who lied to their sons, Mark and Anthony, for five years whilst her husband, in the early days of the fraud, secretly lived in a bedsit next door to the home he shared with Anne.

Devastated by the loss of their father, neither son had an inkling their parents were capable of such treachery and being involved in a 679,000 insurance scam.

Filming: A man was seen carrying the bright orange canoe across the street

Real life: John Darwin faked his own death by going missing while canoeing off the coast of Seaton Carew in 2002 (pictured a canoe arriving on location in Hartlepool this week)

Gifts: Her on-screen sons, one of which is thought to be being played by actor Mark Stanley, also looked laid-back as they carried presents into the house

Smart: The actor wore a green jumper and shirt (left) for the scene but added a beige padded jacket while waiting around

Rugged: Eddie sported a unkempt grey beard as he continued filming on Thursday

Anne and John, now 70, eventually decided to leave Seaton Carew and move to Panama City to start a new life together before their secret was exposed by the discovery of a photo of them posing in a Panama real estate office in July 2006.

John had been travelling back and forth between Panama and the UK and turned up at a London police station in 2007 claiming he'd been suffering from amnesia.

At her trial Anne pleaded not guilty, arguing that she had been coerced into the plot by her husband, but the jury didn't believe her.

John was ordered to serve six years and three months in prison while his wife, who police described as a compulsive liar, got six years and six months. She was released from prison in 2011.

Since the astonishing case, the couple have divorced, with John remarrying, and Anne opting for a quiet life away from the headlines.

And in January 2021 it was reported that the former teacher has settled into a new life in the Philippines with new wife Mercy May, who at 47 is 23 years his junior.

Inspiration: The actor's facial hair made him look just like conman John did in the picture used on his fake passport (left) after he faked his own death for an insurance pay out in 2002

Starring role: He donned a pair of blue jeans and a grey half zip sweater as he got into character as the conman

The couple married in 2015 after striking up a romance online.

John receives a state pension of around 134 a week, while his wife, a mother-of-three, sub-lets a clothing stall and owns another shop.

She told The Mirror: 'I have a new business. I've had it for three years now. Boom. Making money.'

While in 2016 his ex-wife Anne wrote a book about the scandal, revealing she been disowned by their two sons.

Writing in Out of my Depth, the so-called 'Canoe Wife,' wrote: 'Why did I do it? That is the question I still ask myself today. Why, when I got home, did I make that phone call to the police?

Fraudster fashion: He matched the long leather jacket with a pair of shiny black brogues and pulled on a wooly beanie hat for the filming in Hartlepool, County Durham

Serious: Clutching his shopping on the quiet street, Eddie put on a concerned expression as he portrayed the famous criminal, who was aided in the fraud by his wife Anne Darwin

'I was never motivated by money. That wasnt the reason. Incredible though it may sound, the only reason I had was my loyalty to John.'

She has since reconciled with her sons, and was last known to be working for the RSPCA in York after gaining qualifications in IT and business while in prison.

ITV's drama The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe is based upon the unpublished manuscript written by journalist David Leigh who was the first journalist to track down Anne as she was on the verge of setting up a new life in Panama.

Stars Monica and Eddie will be joined in the cast by Mark Stanley (White House Farm) and Karl Pilkington (Sick of It, Derek), whose roles have not yet been revealed.

Real life: John and Anne tried to convinced the world that John had gone missing whilst canoeing but were rumbled by a snap of them in a Panama estate agent in July 2006 (pictured)

Plot: The upcoming drama will focus on how Anne (left) played by Monica Dolan (right) became complicit in her husband's attempt to claim life insurance and avoid bankruptcy

Speaking about his new role, Eddie said: 'I'm so thrilled to be working with Chris Lang, one of our greatest writers and to get the chance to work with Monica Dolan.

'The story of how and why John Darwin faked his own death to defraud insurance companies is fascinating, and if it weren't fact, you'd think it unbelievable.

'I can't pretend to understand what was going on in his head when he made those choices, but I'm going to do my absolute best to portray him, and I can't wait to get started.'

And Monica added: 'The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe tells the story of surely the most outrageous fraud of modern times - and my favourite kind of drama is when the outrageous comes from the prosaic.

'As breath-taking as their managing to pull this deception off in the first place, is how spectacularly the couple wrecked it for themselves as soon as they had got away with it.'

The real life story is written by acclaimed screenwriter Chris Lang, who said: 'I am beyond delighted to be working with two of the finest actors of their generation.

Family: Devastated by the loss of their father, the couple's sons Mark and Anthony had no inkling that their parents were capable of lying (pictured at the trial in 2008)

Shocking: Anne lied to their sons, Mark and Anthony, for five years whilst her husband, in the early days of the fraud, secretly lived in a bedsit next door to the home he shared with Anne

'I have admired them both from afar for many years (not in a creepy way though) and cannot wait to see them bring Anne and John Darwin to life.'

The four-part drama is produced by Story Films, the company founded by three times BAFTA-winner David Nath and fellow award-winning director Peter Beard.

Susie Liggat (Giri/Haji) also executive produces, with Alison Sterling (The Windermere Children) producing.

They will be joined by the celebrated screenwriter of Unforgotten and Innocent Chris Lang who also executive produces the four part series. BAFTA winning director, Richard Laxton, (Honour, Mrs Wilson, Mum) directs each of the four episodes.

The drama has been commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama Polly Hill and will be produced in association with All3Media International.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

We have been struck by how COVID-19 has affected the health and wellbeing of ethnic minority groups disproportionately. Individuals from these communities are more likely to have severe disease requiring intensive care admission and sadly succumb to infection than those from a white ethnic background. This is independent of age, gender or socioeconomic factors. However, vaccine uptake has been low in certain communities and for lots of different reasons. These include specific concerns about vaccine safety, increased exposure to misinformation, reduced access to vaccines and historical distrust with institutions. Asylum seekers have cited negative experiences with authorities, and some don't trust public health messaging related to vaccines. Central government often use one-way messaging, which will sometimes miss these groups. Promoting vaccination through celebrity adverts, videos via social media and community champions may also not reach disaffected communities who feel marginalized during the pandemic. We encourage a two-way dialog in the hope that these groups can trust us with providing evidence-based answers to queries and enable informed decision making before getting a vaccine.

We found approximately 200 community organizations online that provide community, religious or social support to individuals and groups across the UK. We approached these organizations to invite us to any online meetings being held during the lockdown in order to provide information about the vaccine, answer questions and encourage dialog. Our intention has been not to overwhelm individuals with information and so we do not use slides or overly scientific language. The majority of our meetings are therefore spent listening to concerns or questions, addressing these directly and encouraging two-way conversation.

We have spoken to organizations that support asylum seekers, refugees, interfaith groups and elderly ethnic minority citizens. Concerns have ranged from the risk of deportation by registering for a vaccine, addressing misinformation that has circulated in specific communities and discussing a range of vaccine safety concerns.

This initiative is conducted by Dr. Seilesh Kadambari and Dr. Samantha Vanderslott. We are based at Oxford Vaccine Group and use information and materials from the Vaccine Knowledge Project.

The Vaccine Knowledge Project has also worked with the British Islamic Medical Association to develop FAQs about vaccines and vaccine ingredients translated into over 100 different languages and available on the website. This resource has been shared through these online conversations and their communities. The calls are facilitated by the organizations that we have reached out to. We have benefited from having a medic able to address safety issues and health conditions and a researcher able to address vaccine policies and misinformation.

What works for us?

Most importantly, this work has highlighted the importance of connecting with individuals and groups directly. We ensure that every opportunity is taken to answer questions and that individuals can make an evidence-based decision on whether to receive a vaccine. The meetings, facilitated by community leaders, are held at convenient times for different organizations. For example, in the afternoon for an organization supporting elderly women of South Asian background, in the evening after work for a group supporting asylum seekers and on a weekend before Ramadan for Muslim organizations. It has been deeply humbling and thoroughly enjoyable work. Our aim has been to provide individuals with sufficient confidence to receive a vaccine and therefore ensure protection against a pandemic that has exacerbated disparities in these vulnerable groups.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

More information: For information and materials on vaccination, see the Vaccine Knowledge Project: For information and materials on vaccination, see the Vaccine Knowledge Project: www.ovg.ox.ac.uk/research/vacc  ne-knowledge-project
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 21:07:19|Editor: huaxia

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LUANDA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 513,000 people have been vaccinated against the COVID-19, Angola's Health Minister Silvia Lutucuta said Friday.

Lutucuta revealed when the President of the European Council, Charles Michel visited the COVID-19 vaccination center in Angolan capital Luanda to assess the degree of implementation of the vaccination plan in the country.

"We had the opportunity to share with the President of the European Council the two stages of the vaccination plan and we explained that we started the vaccination on March 2 of this year", Lutucuta said.

The Health Minister said earlier this week that Angola is on the verge of a second wave of the pandemic, taking into account that the country is experiencing a rapid increase in cases, including new variants of the virus.

The minister, who fears a worse scenario than the one registered in October 2020 when the number of daily cases increased rapidly, appealed to the public the need for strict compliance with biosecurity measures to avoid greater damage.

According to her, the most worrying thing is the fact that most cases of the new variants are symptomatic and have affected hundreds of families at the same time.

Lutucuta urged people to change the behavior, stressing that if there is no change, not even the application of the vaccine will save the country from the increase in the number of daily cases.

Angola registered 263 new cases of the COVID-19 on Thursday, making the total tally to 26,431 with 594 deaths. Enditem
Penneys in Portlaoise is among the stores to announce 'shopping by appointment'.

The shop in Laois Shopping Centre will like all the Irish shops be open on May 17.

However in a surprise announcement this Friday April 30, the company has announced it will temporarily offer 'shopping by appointment' in all its Irish stores in the week prior to full reopening.

"We cannot wait to welcome our customers back and our incredible retail team will be working hard to get our stores ready" they say.

The company recently sought new staff to work in the Portlaoise store.

Penneys say they will release more details on how to book your shopping appointment soon.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday assured that the COVID-19 vaccination drive for those aged above 18 will commence in the state from May 1 itself. However, this will be limited to 10 most-affected districts and will cover the entire State as soon as the vaccine availability increases.The state is set to celebrate Gujarat Foundation Day on May 1.

"CM Shri @vijayrupanibjp in a video message assures people about the commencement of corona vaccination for the 18+ people from tomorrow, May 1, the Gujarat Foundation Day, in 10 most-affected districts and will cover the entire State as soon as the vaccine availability increases," CMO Gujarat tweeted.

Vaccination drive for people above 18 years will commence from May 1. It will include people falling in the age group of 18-44 years.

Earlier, Chief Minister dedicated 150 new '108' ambulances equipped with oxygen and other emergency facilities, procured in record one-week time to ferry COVID-19 patients that will be allocated to various districts and cities of the State.

Meanhwile, to combat the current COVID-19 situation, a 57-member Naval medical team from the Western Naval Command has been deputed to the PM COVID Care Hospital at Ahmedabad, the Ministry of Defence said.According to the Defence Ministry, the team consisting of four doctors, seven nurses, 26 paramedics and 20 supporting staff has been deputed to Ahmedabad on April 29.The initial deployment of the team is for two months period, which would be extended if required.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BEIJING  Chinese financial watchdogs on Thursday summoned 13 internet platforms engaged in finance business, including heavyweights Tencent and ByteDance, to order them to strengthen compliance with regulations, the central bank said.

The move by the four regulators is part of widening efforts by Beijing to rein in the countrys massive internet platform economy, which includes an ongoing antitrust clampdown backed by President Xi Jinping.

The countrys platform economy has grown rapidly and covers whole range of e-commmerce activities ranging from banking to shopping and food delivery.

Internet platforms have played an important role in improving the efficiency of financial services and broadening the access of financial services to more people, the Peoples Bank of China said in a statement.

At the same time, some financial services were running without licenses, and there are serious rule violations in areas such as regulatory arbitrage, unfair competition and damaging consumers interests, it said.

The companies will have to set up financial holding companies if they meet requirements to do so, as Alibabas fintech affiliate Ant Group was recently forced to do, a move that tightens capital requirements.

They should also draft business rectification plans to comply with regulations, cut improper links between their payment tools and other financial products, break monopolies in holding data, and prevent risks in internet mutual aid businesses.

They should be more compliant with their issuance of asset-backed securities, and overseas listings, the central bank said in a statement following the meeting between regulators and the companies.

Tencent and ByteDance did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Other companies targeted by regulators on Thursday include Du Xiaoman Financial, which is backed by Baidu Inc. , as well as Meituan, Ping An-backed Lufax, 360 DigiTech, Trip.com, Xiaomi Corp. and JD.coms JD Digits.

None of these companies immediately responded to requests for comment.

Alibaba and Ant, the original targets of Chinas squeeze on what was until recently a loosely regulated internet economy, were not among those named by regulators on Thursday.

Beijings crackdown on fintech was triggered by an October speech by Alibaba founder Jack Ma criticizing the countrys regulatory system, which led to the scuppering of Ants record $37 billion initial public offering that continues to reverberate.

Tighter supervision is not only aimed at the Ant Group, and the problems of the Ant Group are definitely not an exception, the state-run China News Service wrote in a Thursday commentary.

Many platform companies have irregularities to varying degrees behind their rapid expansion over the years.

Earlier this month, Chinas antitrust watchdog called in nearly three dozen internet companies to warn them to stop using any banned practices, such as forcing vendors to use their platform exclusively.

(Reporting by Tony Munroe and Cheng Leng; additional reporting by Yingzhi Yang and Pei Li; editing by John Stonestreet and Jane Merriman)

Topics InsurTech China
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The Kaduna State Government has explained why its leadership would not succumb to pressure to negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, bandits and other criminals terrorising the state.

The fact that criminals seek to hold us by the jugular does not mean we should surrender and create an incentive for more crime, Muyiwa Adekeye, the spokesperson to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES.

In todays Nigeria, it has become fashionable to treat the unlawful demands of bandits as worthy of consideration and to lampoon people who insist that outlaws should be crushed and not mollycoddled or availed the resources they can use to unleash further outrages.

Mr Adekeye said the Kaduna government regretted the recent killing of abducted students but warned that surrendering to the criminals might worsen the insecurity challenges facing the state.

We mourn the dead students and we offer our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, the Kaduna government spokesperson said.

The ruthless and heartless resort of the kidnappers to murdering these young persons is part of their effort to further their blackmail and compel us to abandon our no-ransom, no-negotiation policy. Are people bothering with the consequences of state surrender to hoodlums, or is the continued politicization of security challenges not going to make all of us ultimately victims of the insurgents?

READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW.

Following the violence unleashed by criminal elements on the people of Kaduna State, some commentators have responded by blaming KDSG for asserting that the duty of the state is to uphold the law and not to reward hoodlums for violating the lives, property and liberties of citizens.

Those pushing that kind of narrative are sharing a video clip of a 2014 interview in which Malam Nasir El-Rufai called on the government of President Goodluck Jonathan to use all options, including negotiation, to rescue the Chibok girls. The years since 2014 may have led some people to forget the denial and doubt that defined the FGs response to the Chibok abductions, especially the initial refusal to acknowledge that it happened. That was the context under which civic pressures were brought on the government.

Nigerias journey since the 2014 Chibok tragedy has proven that the solution to violent crimes, including terrorism and banditry, is a robust response from the state and its coercive agencies. The quantum of money paid as ransom following many negotiations with bandits have not stopped kidnappings, reduced their frequency or deterred the criminals.

The experience of many states in the Northwest of Nigeria since 2015 has included cattle rustling, kidnappings, killings and the devastation of communities by criminals. Several states sought to negotiate their way out of the problems by talking to bandits, paying them money or offering them amnesty. This has not worked and has only encouraged the criminals to press ahead for a surrender of the public treasury to them. That is clearly not in the public interest.

Mass abduction was like in novelty in 2014. But the facts have changed since then. Negotiations and ransoms have been undertaken, but these have not stopped the criminals. It has only encouraged them. It is only prudent to review ones position when the facts change, and the suggestion made by a citizen years ago cannot be taken as the immutable answer to a serious problem which has evolved since 2014, no matter the viral replays of the said video clip.

The Kaduna State Government has been consistently transparent about its security challenges. It has supported and continues to resource the security agencies in the state. We are engaging the Federal Government to have security responses that move away from reactive response of repelling bandits towards a comprehensive, proactive offensive that takes the battle to the criminals and uproots them. As a sub-national, with no direct control of any of the security agencies, we cannot make this task more difficult by giving criminals the resources to acquire more arms.

KDSG regrets the recent kidnaps and killings of students from tertiary institutions in our state, and we sympathize with their families with whom we share the aim of the safe return of all the students. We mourn the dead students and we offer our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. The ruthless and heartless resort of the kidnappers to murdering these young persons is part of their effort to further their blackmail and compel us to abandon our no-ransom, no-negotiation policy. Are people bothering with the consequences of state surrender to hoodlums, or is the continued politicization of security challenges not going to make all of us ultimately victims of the insurgents?

The fact that criminals seek to hold us by the jugular does not mean we should surrender and create an incentive for more crime. In todays Nigeria, it has become fashionable to treat the unlawful demands of bandits as worthy of consideration and to lampoon people who insist that outlaws should be crushed and not mollycoddled or availed the resources they can use to unleash further outrages.

Signed

Muyiwa Adekeye

Special Adviser to the Governor (Media & Communication)

27th April 2021
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka.

Wednesday, April 28

11:12 p.m.  Deputies were dispatched to a Lee Township residence in reference to a 31-year-old woman posting suicidal comments on social media. The woman was transported to the MidMichigan Medical Center for a mental petition without incident.

8:32 p.m.  A 63-year-old Detroit man was stopped for speeding. The drivers license was suspended and he was cited for speeding and driving while license suspended. The vehicle was towed by Beehrs, and the driver was dropped off and later picked up by a friend.

7:59 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Larkin Township location for a report of two suspicious unknown individuals who appeared to be throwing items at cars. A deputy searched the area and did not locate the individuals.

7:58 p.m.  Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the 700 block of Waldo Avenue.

3:44 p.m.  Deputies responded to a car fire in Porter Township.

2:50 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Lee Township location for a report of a semi-truck driving erratically. The deputy located the truck and spoke with the 46-year-old male driver, who said his trailer blew a tire. The semi-truck was off the roadway and the man did not need assistance from the deputy.

2:19 p.m.  Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the 2800 block of Ashman Street.

12:48 p.m.  A student resource officer spoke with a 40-year-old Jerome Township man with regard to his teen son and his son's relationship with a teenage girl. The man was upset about this relationship and wanted advice in order to prevent continued problems that had evolved through social media after the pair had "once again" broken off their relationship with each other. The man indicated he, his wife, daughter and son no longer wanted contact with the girl, and requested the deputy relay this information to the former girlfriend. The deputy made contact with all parties involved, who were advised and agreed to end all contact with each other in order to prevent continued issues. All parties were satisfied with this agreement.

12:15 p.m.  A deputy spoke with a 27-year-old Lee Township woman, who reported her 38-year-old female neighbor was sending her unwanted messages over Facebook, and yelling at her from her yard. The deputy recommended the caller block the other woman on Facebook to avoid further unwanted messages, and explained the process of filing for a personal protection order. The deputy contacted the 38-year-old woman and advised her to end contact with the caller.

11:41 a.m.  An Animal Control deputy received a complaint of a raccoon that was wandering around in the middle of the day in one of the parking lots near the Tridge. The caller thought that by its behavior, it may be rabid or have distemper, and was concerned that in might bite another animal or person. Animal Control checked the area and was unable to locate any raccoon.

9:03 a.m.  Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Warren Township.

8:21 a.m.  A deputy euthanized an injured deer in Ingersoll Township.

8:01 a.m.  Deputies responded to a Greendale Township residence regarding a disorderly 14-year-old teenage male. Deputies spoke with the teen and his mother, who were arguing over rules that were not being followed. The situation was calm and the mom was going to check on counseling for her son. The mother was taking the juvenile to school for the remainder of the day.

7:41 a.m.  A deputy responded to a car-deer crash in Larkin Township.

7:24 a.m.  A deputy responded to a car-deer crash in Porter Township.

12:31 a.m.  A 38-year-old Greendale Township woman reported her 37-year-old husband was suicidal. The man was later located in Mount Pleasant, and taken to the emergency department for treatment and a mental health petition.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden, once a regular Amtrak rider, is set on Friday to help the nations passenger rail system celebrate 50 years of service.

As a U.S. senator, Biden was a fixture on Amtrak trains between his home in Wilmington, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., when the Senate was in session. He continued riding Amtrak as vice president. He has sometimes been referred to as Amtrak Joe.

But with a presidential train trip unlikely because of security concerns, Biden instead will fly to Philadelphia for Amtraks celebration at its busy 30th Street Station. He is to be introduced by a conductor who worked the route when Biden was a regular passenger, while the next generation of Amtraks high-speed Acela train, scheduled to enter service next year, will be on display.

He knew just about everybody that worked in the station and the conductors and other people and Amtrak folks who were on the train for those many, many years that he rode the rail, Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn said of the president.

He regularly engaged with them and knew quite a bit about them, and I think thats why he was anxious or willing to be part of our 50th anniversary, Flynn said.

Bidens appearance in Philadelphia, his third visit to Pennsylvania while in office, comes as he marks his first 100 days as president. It also follows his speech to Congress on Wednesday, when he outlined his $2.3 trillion jobs and infrastructure plan and previewed some $1.8 trillion in proposed spending on education, child care and other family needs.

The Amtrak party will be Bidens latest stop in a post-speech tour to sell the infrastructure, jobs and families plans. He campaigned in Atlanta on Thursday and plans a stop in Yorktown, Virginia, on Monday.

The infrastructure proposal would devote $621 billion to improving roads, bridges, public transit and other transportation infrastructure. Of that, $80 billion would go toward tackling Amtraks repair backlog, improving service along the Northeast Corridor and expanding service across the U.S.

Amtrak said after Biden announced the plan that the corporation would upgrade and expand service, including by adding 30 new routes and adding trains on 20 existing routes across the U.S. by 2035. New service would begin in portions of northeast Pennsylvania including Scranton, where Biden was born, as well as Nashville, Tennessee; Columbus, Ohio; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Houston; Dallas; and Austin, Texas, if approved by Congress.

But while the $80 billion represents a significant investment, the money would not go far in terms of funding high-speed rail. Amtrak has estimated that it has a $31 billion repair backlog for its trains in the Northeast Corridor alone, and transportation analysts say adding new lines in that region could easily use up the funds that remain.

A Senate Republican counteroffer to Bidens plan, totaling $568 billion, would devote a much slimmer $20 billion to U.S. rail service.

Amtrak was formed after President Richard Nixon signed the Rail Passenger Service Act in 1970.

Bidens lifelong association with Amtrak began soon after rail service began in May 1971.

His first wife and baby daughter were killed in a car accident in Delaware, weeks after he was elected to the Senate. His young sons Beau and Hunter were seriously injured.

Biden considered not taking his Senate seat, but ultimately took office. He then decided to return home every night from Washington to be with his sons  and Amtrak was the vehicle. He made the round trip every day the Senate was in session, for the 36 years he held the seat, through his remarriage to current wife, Jill, and the birth of their daughter, Ashley.

He also rode the train when he was President Barack Obamas vice president. After he and Obama were elected, they rode an Amtrak train together into Washington for the inauguration.

Biden also rode Amtrak during the 2020 campaign. He had wanted to recreate the 2009 train ride for his own inauguration in January, but those plans were shelved after the insurrection at the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

When he returned to Delaware after the Obama administration ended, Biden estimated to CNN that he had taken more than 8,200 round trips and had traveled more than 2 million miles on Amtrak.

Amtrak renamed its Wilmington, Delaware, train station after Biden in 2011.

___

Associated Press writer Hope Yen contributed to this report.
DGAP-News: Gojek / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

Gojek Pledges to Achieve Zero Emissions, Zero Waste & Zero Barriers by 2030 in First Annual Sustainability Report



30.04.2021 / 12:25

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Press release

Gojek Pledges to Achieve Zero Emissions, Zero Waste & Zero Barriers by 2030 in First Annual Sustainability Report



Report is the first to be compiled by a Southeast Asian Internet company in alignment with international standards (GRI and SASB)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach - 30 April 2021 - As part of its sustainability mission to create positive impact and long-term value for people and the planet, Gojek, Southeast Asia's leading mobile on demand services and payments platform, today announced commitments to Three Zeros: Zero Emissions, Zero Waste and Zero Barriers, to be achieved by 2030. Gojek unveiled these pledges in its first annual Sustainability Report, which detailed its progress to date and way forward in implementing thorough environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.





Focusing on where the company can make the biggest impact for all of its stakeholders in line with pressing environmental and social issues, Gojek's approach will be structured around three specific areas: environmental sustainability (GoGreener) to achieve Zero Emissions and Zero Waste, as well as socio-economic progress (GoForward) and equality and inclusion (GoTogether) to achieve Zero Barriers.

Gojek's ESG report is the first to be compiled by a Southeast Asian Internet company in alignment with international standards.[1] Select disclosures relating to the relevant material issues have been assured by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Indonesia[2]. Gojek is leading the region's tech industry in integrating ESG best practices across its business and voluntarily disclosing its performance on material ESG issues.

Kevin Aluwi, Co-CEO, Gojek, said, "We have always been a company that is focused on finding the intersection of what is good for society and company growth. It is part of our DNA and the reason people come to work at Gojek. As we've grown, it has become more important to develop a way to make sure we hold ourselves to account and are constantly pushing forward and leading the industry on issues that are so important to us and society as a whole. That's why we are scaling our efforts to embed environmental and social considerations into the very heart of our organization. In doing so, we hope to create lasting, impactful change for our communities, partners and the world we live in, ensuring we can live up to our mission for the long term."



Andre Soelistyo, Co-CEO, Gojek, added, "There is a pressing need for the private sector to take action and help address the most critical environmental and social issues that plague our planet and communities today. As Gojek continues to grow in size and strength, with millions relying on our platform daily, we have a responsibility to do so sustainably. Through the integration of industry-leading ESG practices, we are ensuring we do business better across our entire ecosystem, while paving the way for other companies in the region to do the same. These are issues that are of increasing importance to stakeholders everywhere and we are determined to exceed their expectations for the good of Indonesia, Southeast Asia and the rest of the world."



Gojek is already making significant strides towards its targets, which will be reviewed and disclosed annually:

GoGreener Committed to conducting an annual inventory for scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions[3], and waste accounting, to commence in 2021

Launched the GoGreener Carbon Offset in-app feature - the world's first for B2C carbon offsetting in the ride-hailing industry

Commissioned feasibility studies and pilot projects to accelerate the adoption of EVs, with the ambition to transition to 100% EVs by 2030

Launched the GoTransit service to better integrate its first and last mile transportation with public transportation

Joined the steering committee of the National Plastic Action Partnership for Indonesia, managed under the World Economic Forum's Global Plastic Action Partnership

13+ tons of single-use plastic waste prevented through a paid cutlery program (since August 2019); 6.3+ tons of single-use plastic waste collected through various pilot programs in 2019, with several new pilots commencing in 2021 GoForward Helped 530,000+ driver partners save on their daily expenses through the Swadaya program (benefits program for driver partners)

Diversified income-earning opportunities for driver partners through collaboration with PromoGo and the launch of GoCek[4]

Launched the GoFood Partners Community (with over 54,000 merchant partners) to help hone business and digitization skills for micro and small businesses GoTogether Signed the UN's Women Empowerment Principles for advancing gender equality and committed to only hosting gender diverse panels for Gojek speaking events

Established an employee-led Council to steward corporate diversity, equality and inclusion policies and programmes

Developed processes and infrastructure for employees to launch Employee Resource Groups[5]

The report embodies Gojek's commitment to supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To ensure greater accountability, the company is also forming a Sustainability Advisory Council, comprising impartial external experts from various organizations including UN Women, ASEAN Centre of Energy, University of Indonesia and more.



"With less than 10 years to achieve the SDGs, we have to act now. By using the best available science, aligning with global standards and accreditations and applying a data-driven approach to our methodology, we are ensuring our strategy is as robust, relevant and impactful as possible. We also know we cannot achieve this alone and will leverage our network of like-minded partners to accelerate our progress through innovative and transformative expertise and capabilities," said Tanah Sullivan, Group Head of Sustainability, Gojek.

Dr. Allinnettes Adigue, Head of the ASEAN Regional Hub of GRI, said: "Corporate sustainability is good for the people, planet and long-term profitability of a company because in the end, no one can do business in a dead planet. It is no longer a question of whether companies should report on their sustainability impact. Sustainability reporting is here to stay. It is now a question of whether what companies report are accurate and relevant, and clearly communicates their impact on the economy, environment and society. These issues matter to a wide range of stakeholders, not just the narrow interests of a few.



"GRI Standards, as the most widely used reporting standards in the world, is not just a reporting blueprint but more importantly, it provides organisations a global common language to set their sustainability goals and regularly measure, analyse and report on their progress. In turn, this allows them to continuously improve their sustainability performance. The GRI Standards encourages companies to focus on material topics that reflect their most significant sustainability impact through the use of quantitative data, narrative assessments and indicator-based systems."

Protecting livelihoods and sustaining the community amid COVID-19

Gojek also helped to minimise the impact of COVID-19 across its ecosystem, ensuring the health and safety of stakeholders, developing new products and services to meet changing needs and creating alternative income opportunities for merchants and driver partners. In 2020, Gojek founded the Anak Bangsa Bisa Foundation (YABB) to support its partners and the wider community affected by the pandemic, raising IDR 100 billion from senior leadership and GoTroops and IDR 20 billion from corporate donations and other donation programs[6].

Gojek also protected consumers and the wider community, leveraging the scale of its network to keep consumers up to date on health and safety guidelines as well as launching several app features and initiatives to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support frontline workers.

The full Sustainability Report can be found here.



---

About Gojek's Sustainability Report

This is Gojek's first annual Sustainability Report, to disclose its performance on material ESG topics to all stakeholders. Following this year, the report will be published on an annual basis as part of the company's ongoing voluntary disclosure of ESG performance and related metrics.



This report has been externally assured by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards as it represents the global best practice for sustainability reporting. Gojek has also applied two sector-specific reporting standards by SASB, 1. Internet Media and Services and 2. Road Transportation, to guide its disclosures on the financial materiality of sector-specific ESG issues.

More information about the different disclosures presented in the report and how they align to GRI and SASB standards can be found in pages 42 and 46 of the Sustainability Report.

About Gojek

Gojek is Southeast Asia's leading on-demand platform and a pioneer of the multi-service ecosystem model, providing access to a wide range of services including transportation, food delivery, logistics and more. Gojek is founded on the principle of leveraging technology to remove life's daily frictions by connecting consumers to the best providers of goods and services in the market.

The company was established in 2010 focusing on courier and motorcycle ride-hailing services, before launching the app in January 2015 in Indonesia. Since then, Gojek has grown to become the leading on-demand platform in Southeast Asia, providing access to a wide range of services from transportation, to food delivery, logistics and many others.

Gojek now operates across main cities in four Southeast Asian countries. As of March 2021, Gojek's application and its ecosystem have been downloaded more than 190 million times by users across Southeast Asia.

Gojek is dedicated to solving the daily challenges faced by consumers, while improving the quality of life for millions of people across Southeast Asia, especially those in the informal sector and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The Gojek application is available for download via iOS and Android.

Gojek

For media enquiries, please contact:

Reisha Nagrani, Gojek

reisha.nagrani@gojek.com



[1] Gojek's first Sustainability Report is aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

[2] KAP Tanudiredja, Wibisana, Rintis & Rekan, the Indonesian member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers' global network, has undertaken a limited assurance engagement on the selected disclosure according to the relevant GRI standards in response to Gojek's material ESG issues.

[3] The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol defines Scope 1 emissions as all direct GHG emissions, Scope 2 emissions as indirect GHG emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam and Scope 3 emissions as all other indirect emissions that are not covered in Scope 2.

[4] The collaboration with PromoGo enables two-wheel driver partners to earn additional income by carrying advertisements on their vehicles while GoCek is an in-app feature that enables Gojek driver partners to work on additional tasks (such as validating the onboarding of new GoFood merchants) in their spare time to earn more income.

[5] Employee Resource Groups are voluntary, employee-led groups that provide a safe, supportive space for individuals with shared experiences.

[6] Equivalent to approximately US$6.9 million from senior leadership and GoTroops and US$1.4 million from corporate donations and other donation programs, at time of reporting.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  An Edgewood woman was killed in a crash on Interstate 25 south of Belen on Thursday evening, according to New Mexico State Police.

Megan Cashman, 22, died in the single-vehicle rollover that happened around 6 p.m. near mile post 183, about a mile south of the Valencia/Socorro county line.

According to a State Police news release, Cashman was driving going south on I-25 when her SUV left the roadway  for unknown reasons  and rolled. Cashman, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and died at the scene.

A 1-year-old passenger was injured and taken to a hospital. Seat belts were properly used on the child, police said.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation, the release said.

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MASON CITY, Iowa  A guilty plea is entered in a North Iowa case of threats at gunpoint.

Anthony Scott Moore, 28 of Beattyville, Kentucky, has pleaded guilty to one count of extortion.

Law enforcement says that when Moore was living in Mason City as a homeless man, he threatened a woman with a gun and demand money from her. Investigators say on January 20, 2021, Moore took a handgun belonging to his victim, held it to her head, and demanded she write him a check for $50,000 or he would kill her. Court documents state this happened in the 1600 block of 6th Street SW.

Moores sentencing is scheduled for June 21.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 30)  The Power for People Coalition (P4P) is optimistic the proposed coal-fired power plant of the Manila Electric Company in Atimonan, Quezon will not push through.

This, as an energy consortium pulled out from financing the 660-megawatt Subic coal project which is under Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy). It is a joint venture between Meralcos generation arm Meralco PowerGen, Aboitiz Power Corporation, and Taiwan Cogeneration Corp.

"We hope the shelving of the Subic project means Meralco is finally starting to see sense and would soon have more coal cancellations to announce," Gerry Arances, convenor of P4P, said in a statement.

The energy consumer advocate representative said this development should push the Pangilinan-led power firm to reassess its proposed 1,200-megawatt coal plant in Quezon, which is under its unit Atimonan One Energy (A1E).

Arances claimed that the loans of RP Energy and A1E from Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands, amounting to $632.58 million and $1.056 billion, respectively, "did not push through".

Last week, the listed lender said it seeks to cut by half its loan financing for coal power-fired plants in the next five years.

"With this and on top of the deadly, dirty, and costly impacts of coal to people and the environment, theres no reason why an announcement of A1Es cancellation shouldnt be just around the corner as well," Arances said.
Think tank's report exposes Western lies on Xinjiang

China Daily) 13:59, April 30, 2021

People walk in the "Dove Lane" in the old town Tuancheng of Hotan city, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, May 26, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

A report has been issued by the China Watch Institute, China Daily's think tank, that offers a comprehensive view on how anti-China narratives and a coercive geopolitical agenda were developed through hyping issues related to China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The report, "Things to Know About All the Lies on Xinjiang: How Have They Come About?", which is over 10,000 words long, provides readers with facts including names, statistics, archive material and quotes from a range of reliable sources.

It aims to help readers better understand why and how the fight against terrorism and the remarkable improvements in human rights in Xinjiang came to be misunderstood as "genocide" and "forced labor" in the West.

To help readers better understand why some Western countries, led by the United States, chose Xinjiang as their target, the report provides information from historical archives, as well as evidence and testimony from the officials involved, to shed light on those countries' long record of support and funding for separatist and terrorist groups in the region since the second half of the 20th century.

The report highlights the role played by organizations such as the US-based National Endowment for Democracy in financing, supporting and cooperating with separatists.

Some so-called researchers, such as Adrian Zenz in Germany, have risen to fame rapidly in recent years on the back of ill-founded reports and comments about Xinjiang making headlines. The China Watch report sheds light on how these individuals have engaged in the fabrication and manipulation of facts and how they colluded with a number of influential media outlets such as the BBC.

To debunk the so-called "Xinjiang Victim Database" compiled by anti-China forces, the report gives a detailed analysis on the actual identity of those named to show how the database whitewashed some separatists in exile and how it is mostly a list of nonexistent people, convicted criminals and regular people living normal lives.

Commenting on those peddling such ill-founded "research" and "reports", Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday that "they essentially are trying to do everything they can to disrupt Xinjiang and contain China".

"But lies can't cover up the truth. Now, more and more people in the world are speaking out to expose these lies concocted by the West. This routine of making and spreading lies to sling mud at China is doomed to fail," he added.

In a virtual dialogue on April 23 with the US foreign policy think tank the Council on Foreign Relations, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: "There hasn't been a single terrorist attack in Xinjiang for over four years. People of all ethnic groups now live a safe and happy life. The claims of so-called 'genocide' and 'forced labor' are nothing but lies driven by political motives."

Read more

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
A federal judge on Thursday sought to make Pacific Gas and Electric Co. pay closer attention to trees that could fall on its power lines as the company tries to avoid causing more calamitous wildfires this year.

U.S. District Judge William Alsup issued a series of court filings that aim to improve PG&Es pre-emptive power shut-off program while pushing the company to clear enough vegetation to reduce the risk of it colliding with electric wires and setting off new catastrophes.

The judge recommended that PG&E specifically consider which circuits are near hazardous trees and branches when considering whether to turn off electricity because of fire danger. He also modified one of the companys probation conditions to clarify when it is required to trim or remove trees. And he directed a court-appointed lawyer who monitors PG&Es activities to continue randomly inspecting power lines.

Alsup oversees PG&Es probation arising from the deadly 2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion and has taken a strong interest in the companys responsibility for disasters such as the historically ruinous 2018 Camp Fire and many of the 2017 Wine Country wildfires.

PG&E was sentenced to five years probation in the pipeline case in early 2017, so this is the last year Alsup has the ability to impose restrictions on the company, and this spring marks his final opportunity to weigh in before fire season escalates.

In one court filing Thursday, the judge called out PG&Es disastrous track record in recent years, specifically focusing on last years deadly Zogg Fire, which started in September when winds knocked a tree into a PG&E power line outside Redding. Four people died and more than 200 buildings were destroyed.

Alsup wrote that PG&E had robbed its tree clearance budget in previous years to enhance the bottom line. That resulted in a power grid overgrown with hazard trees ready to strike onto PG&Es lines during windstorms, the judge said. He blamed the company for failing to consider a gray pine tree that was looming at a steep angle over the power line responsible for the Zogg Fire, which resulted in the company keeping the electricity on during a windstorm with fatal consequences.

The judge said he agreed that fire safety power shut-offs, which have been hugely controversial, should be a last resort.

Due to PG&Es neglect over many years, however, our power grid remains overgrown with hazard trees poised to strike during windstorms and unleash catastrophic wildfires, Alsup wrote. So our backs remain against the wall and last resorts are necessary.

Alsup had proposed requiring PG&E, when deciding where to turn off electricity because of fire danger, to note which electric lines were most at risk of being damaged by hazardous trees. PG&E would have to shut down those risky lines unless it could detail specific reasons why it believed there was no safety issue.

After months of back and forth with the company, state officials and others, the judge ultimately did not impose his proposals as firm requirements but instead issued similar versions of them as recommendations. While he said PG&E had incorrectly promoted the idea that the proposals would drastically expand fire safety power shut-offs, Alsup chose to defer to concerns from state authorities.

In a separate order, the judge updated one of PG&Es probation conditions to say that PG&E must adhere to state officials interpretation of certain vegetation management requirements. California fire officials and utility regulators had told the court that state law required utilities such as PG&E to cut or remove trees leaning dangerously close to power lines, even if theyre healthy, based on experts determinations.

Interactive Vaccine Tracker: Latest developments Detailed information about the coronavirus vaccines as it becomes available.

In another order, Alsup told Mark Filip, an attorney appointed by the court to monitor PG&E, to continue random inspections of the companys tree trimming along power lines. He also said that Filips team should prepare a final report by Nov. 19 explaining the ways PG&E had been rehabilitated by its probation and ways the company still needs to improve.

Alsup said the report should include the names, ages and death dates of everyone killed in the San Bruno explosion and all wildfires PG&E has caused since then, along with the number of buildings and acres burned.

PG&E spokesman James Noonan said in an email that the companys operations were guided by a desire to keep its customers and communities safe. He said the company was still reviewing Alsups orders.

We disagree with certain of the courts characterization of our actions, but we share the aim of advancing public safety, and we will continue working with the court and all stakeholders to advance this shared objective, Noonan said.

PG&E is set to appear before Alsup at a hearing Tuesday because of the Sonoma County district attorneys recent decision to prosecute the company over its responsibility for the 2019 Kincade Fire. Federal probation officials sought the hearing because they said the charges gave them probable cause to believe the company had violated a probation condition that it not commit another federal, state or local crime.

J.D. Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris
Robert Lawrence has completed his new book After Midnight: a macabre collection of fourteen terrifying tales to enjoy after dark. Lawrence was born in Oregon. He is a former law enforcement officer and served six years in the U.S. Army. He is now retired and living in Goodyear, Arizona, with his wife and two dogs and spends much of his time crafting gruesome tales to entertain and terrify.

Published by Page Publishing, Lawrences book After Midnight is a collection of chilling stories and poems that showcases the authors morbid imagination. In these fourteen tales, readers will meet a blood-thirsty cougar (The Hunter), an infestation of flesh-eating bugs (Joes Last Letter), a sinister serial killer (Spirit in the Sky), and many more tales that are best read after dark.

After Midnight is a ghoulish collection to be enjoyed by genre fans and enthusiasts looking for a new voice in horror. Those who dare to enter the world of the macabre, the eerie, the darkness, and evil will enjoy Lawrences twisted imagination.

Readers who wish to experience this gruesome anthology for themselves can purchase After Midnight at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Over 200 miners at Anglo-Americans underground Grosvenor Mine, amounting to around 75 percent of the workforce, have signed a petition calling for the dismissal of the sites senior leadership team. The mine, located in Central Queensland, was the site of a massive methane gas explosion on May 6 last year that left five workers with horrific injuries.

The petition, instigated by the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU), declares that since the explosion, management at Grosvenor have given us no reason to believe they have addressed the culture of poor safety or that they have put in place measures that will prevent a repeat disaster.

Anglo Americans Grosvenor Mine (Source: Australasian Mine Safety Journal)

There can be no doubt that the overwhelming response to the petition by workers expresses their deep felt anger over unsafe conditions at the mine and the desire to ensure that those responsible for the May 6 disaster are held fully accountable. The motives of the CFMMEU, however, are very different.

The timing of the petition is significant. It comes as the second tranche of hearings at the Board of Inquiry into the disaster have been adjourned, with a final report to be handed to the Queensland state Labor government by May 31.

The inquiry, which has received the enthusiastic backing of the CFMMEU, is a cynical attempt at damage control. Its purpose has been to damp-down widespread public outrage over the explosion, and the conditions that have resulted in multiple fatalities and life threatening accidents across Queenslands mines and quarries.

Like all such official investigations into industrial disasters, the Board of Inquiry was designed to take the spotlight off the Labor governments own scandalous record on mine safety and prevent any genuine probing of the underlying causes of the May 6 disaster that ultimately lie in the subordination of safety to the drive for profit. The immediate aim has been to absolve the company and the government of responsibility.

This agenda became increasingly clear as the inquiry proceeded. Hence the CFMMEUs sudden attempt to distance itself from the farce that it heralded when the inquiry was announced mid-last year as an opportunity for a thorough, wide-ranging and independent examination of the shocking events.

In the petition the union notes that members of the senior leadership team opted not to appear before the board of inquiry, claiming self-incrimination. This has added greatly to our fears of the senior management not being open and transparent about what happened in 2020.

Just who does the CFMMEU think it is kidding? Did the union leadership really believe for a minute that the inquiry would result in an open and transparent disclosure of the conditions that resulted in the May 6 tragedy?

Anglo-American managers began refusing to testify on the grounds of self-incrimination in August, just months into the inquiry. The CFMMEU, however, treats this as though it were a shocking new revelation.

The preparations for a cover-up, moreover, were apparent from last July when Australian National University health and safety expert Professor Andrew Hopkins was forced to recuse himself from the inquiry. This demand of Anglo-American, supported by the Queensland Labor government, was never opposed by the CFMMEU.

Hopkins removal came after a media interview, in which he rightly compared what had occurred at Grosvenor to the1994 BHP Moura disaster in which 11 miners died. It seems, Hopkins stated, that there were consistently high levels of methane gas being recorded at that mine [in Grosvenor], explosive levels of methane gas, and this was apparently one of the main causes of this accident. This was known beforehand, there were concerns raised beforehand, and nothing effective was done. In that respect, this was very like the Moura accident. This was an accident waiting to happen, but nothing was done about it.

The truth of these observations was confirmed by compelling evidence to the inquiry given by injured miner Wayne Sellars on April 7. He pointed to the precarious conditions in the mine in the weeks leading up to the explosion including the high presence of methane in the area of the long wall operation. Sellars also spoke of the unsatisfactory response of management to other safety concerns raised by workers. In some cases, requested measures were not undertaken, apparently because of the impact they would have had on production.

The CFMMEU, which has members at Grosvenor, would have known about the dangerous conditions in the mine, but clearly did nothing to prevent the accident waiting to happen. The union also knew from the outset that the Board of Inquiry was called for the purpose of orchestrating a cover-up and were in full support of this agenda. This is why the union has continued to participate in it, even as management has refused to give full testimony.

The CFMMEU was as anxious as the government and the company to ensure a cover-up so as to prevent any critical examination of its own role in undermining safety. This record includes overseeing ever greater levels of casualisation in the mining workforce, and enforcing the introduction of ever more onerous shifts and around-the-clock working hours, all of which are major contributors to the undermining of safety.

Assisting the coal companies to impose such conditions, the CFMMEU has systematically sought to isolate and betray every attempt by miners to oppose the decades-long assault on jobs and working conditions, as well as the gutting of safety standards.

In dispute after dispute, the CFMMEU has acted as the indispensable industrial policemen for the mining companies, suppressing workers opposition by enforcing the anti-strike provisions of the draconian Fair Work industrial laws introduced by Labor in 2009 with full union support.

Among the struggles sold out by the union was the protracted fight in defence of conditions by workers locked out at Glencores Oaky Creek coal mine in Queensland in 2018. One year before, the union worked to impose an agreement at Griffin Coal in Western Australia that slashed pay rates by 25 percent and ripped up other conditions. Such betrayals have set new exploitative benchmarks to be imposed across the coal mining sector.

One other warning must be made regarding the CFMMEUs decision to issue the petition. Operations at the Grosvenor mine are currently suspended. The company is looking to restart production at the mine by at least the second half of this year, a schedule that would no doubt have raised consternation among mine workers.

The CFMMEUs call for the replacement of the current leadership team, could well be used for a cosmetic facelift aimed at ensuring a restart at the mine.

Anglo-American responded to the petition by declaring that the CFMMEU officials have open door with management to make any suggestions to improve safety.

In effect, the union has operated as a wing of management, collaborating with it behind the backs of workers, ensuring that production continues, regardless of unsafe conditions, and then collaborating in the whitewash of an inquiry. The CFMMEUs newfound hostility to management is an attempt to cover this up, as well as the responsibility of its allies in the big business Labor government, who have presided over the lax safety regime.

The issues confronting miners will not be resolved through the replacement of one set of managers with another. The experiences at Grosvenor and throughout the industry have demonstrated that basic social rights, including to a safe working environment, are incompatible with the insatiable drive for profit.

The fight for decent conditions and safety measures must be directed against all of those who defend the subordination of production to profit, from the companies, to Labor and the unions. New organisations of struggle, including independent rank-and-file committees, must be established to enforce safety, and to coordinate a joint struggle throughout the sector against the decades-long undermining of basic conditions.

The necessity of a socialist perspective, aimed at placing the major mining companies under public ownership and democratic workers control, to meet social need, not corporate profit interests, is directly posed.

The WSWS and the Socialist Equality Party appeal to miners at Grosvenor and throughout the country to contact us today to discuss the way forward, and to share information of your own experiences, including the rampant safety violations in the sector.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens to a question from a reporter during a news conference in Ottawa, Friday April 30, 2021. Ontario is seeking to suspend the arrival of international students in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
On April 29, Mnet aired Episode 5 of "Kingdom" and it featured the three remaining performances for Round 2 of the competition. The initial rankings for the second round have also been unveiled.

Round 2 of Mnet's "Kingdom" involves the six participants - iKON, The Boyz, BTOB, SF9, ATEEZ, and Stray Kids - switching songs for the "RE:BORN" battle.

Mnet "Kingdom" Episode 5: ATEEZ, BTOB, & Stray Kids Perform for Round 2 Battle

On Thursday, April 29, the second part of "Round 2: RE:BORN" was aired via the "Mnet K-pop" YouTube channel. The recent broadcast presented the stages of ATEEZ, Stray Kids, and BTOB.

ATEEZ, who first took the stage on that day, performed iKON's "Rhythm Ta." Following the motif of the Spanish drama television series "The House of Paper," also known as "Money Heist" the members who transformed into robbers created a dramatic performance from the beginning of the operation while wearing a mask to the moment of successfully opening a safe.

In addition, the hourglass props in the ending show that their "Rhythm Ta" stage is a prequel to their pirate-themed "WONDERLAND" performance in the first contest, presenting a more narrative presentation.

BTOB took on a new challenge by choosing the song "Back Door" by Stray Kids, a group that has a very different concept from them. Through the track, the four members - Minhyuk, Peniel, Changsub, and Eunkwang - displayed their individualities. In addition, the group used a knocking sound as a killing point and added an explosive ad-lib line that is the signature of BTOB's image.

Meanwhile, Stray Kids, who performed BTOB's "Pray (I'll Be Your Man)," challenged themselves on their first emotional stage after their debut. The members were immersed in the story of protecting an important person as described in the song. One of the main highlights of the song was Seungmin and Han hitting the high notes toward the end of the song while Changbin did the rapid rapping.

Previous Round 2 performances were SF9 with The Boyz's "The Stealer," The Boyz with SF9's "O Sole Mio," and iKON with ATEEZ's "INCEPTION."

Mnet "Kingdom" Episode 5: Temporary Rankings for Round 2 Performances Unveiled

Following the stages of ATEEZ, BTOB, and Stray Kids, TVXQ Changmin revealed the initial rankings for Round 2. These involve the points for self-evaluation of the six competing groups and the votes of experts (composers, lyricists, and popular music critics).

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Mnet 'Kingdom' Episode 2: Stray Kids Grabs First Place in 100-Second Performance Battle

ATEEZ, who took first place in the temporary rankings in Round 1, once again claimed the top spot in Round 2 with 2,155.172 points, a combination of 1321.839 points for self-evaluation and 833.333 votes from experts.

Coming in second place is SF9, who was in sixth place in the initial tally in Round 1. The boy group scored 2,136.015 points that comprise 747.126 points for self-evaluation and 1388.889 votes from experts. Next is BTOB with 2021.073 points that include 632.184 self-evaluation points and 1388.889 'experts' vote.

iKON claimed fourth place with 1695.402 points, consisting of 862.069 points from the participants and 833.333 votes from professionals. After them is Stray Kids with 1072.797 points, the sum of 517.241 points from the contestants, and 555.556 'experts' vote.

In the last place is The Boyz, who was in the middle of the rankings before. The band only earned 919.540 points from self-evaluation and none from the experts' vote.

For more news updates about other K-Pop news, always keep your tabs open here at Kpopstarz.

Owned by Kpopstarz.

Written by Mhaliya Scott
The five-metre crocodile launched itself into boat and attacked four fishermen

A fisherman is lucky to be alive after a monster five-metre crocodile jumped into his boat and tried to eat him in front of his three mates.

The attack took place inside Kakadu National Park, in the Northern Territory, on April 24.

NT Health said the man, 32, from Wollongong, NSW, was injured after the reptile launched itself into the boat and attacked a seat where he had been sitting.

The victim was incredibly fortunate to escape with minor injuries, and was treated at Jabiru Health Centre on Anzac Day for body grazes.

A group of fishermen in the Northern Territory should buy a lottery ticket after a monster crocodile jumped in their boat and attempted to eat them (stock image)

The chilling attack was at the Kakadu National Park (pictured) in the Northern Territory on April 24

The man and his three friends had stopped on the river near the banks of Mud Island to cook dinner when the attack happened.

The smell of the food on board the boat is said to have 'motivated' the hungry reptile.

Crocodile expert Adam Britton described the behaviour as 'unusual'.

'It can happen, especially if they've got something to rest against like the side of a boat,' he told ABC News.

He also said he had heard that the crafty croc pushed itself over the gunnels before attempting to attack the terrified man.

Dr Britton went on to warn fishermen to remain vigilant as the recent wet season had filled river systems, making it easier for crocodiles to freely roam.

Kakadu rangers are now on the lookout for the crocodile, which is likely to be removed if found.

There have been six crocodile attacks on humans this year across Australia, with one fatality in north Queensland.

Remains of Andrew Heard, 69, were found inside a four-metre crocodile in February.

The keen angler had gone on a fishing trip to Gayundah Creek, located between Cairns and Townsville, in a tiny dinghy boat.

The large reptile was later euthanised.
Kings BBQ is open for business at Burke Road in Pasadena across from the Kroger supermarket on Spencer Highway. Located in the same shopping center as Bayou City Wings, the casual dining and take-out restaurant and catering business offers a full menu.

The restaurant has steaks, meats by the pound, including smoked brisket, ham, turkey, chicken, pork shoulder, ribs, and sausage, as well as wings, baked potatoes, shrimp, crawfish, soups, and other items. Kings also has a selection of platters with a variety of sides and appetizers like fried okra, pickles and mushrooms, and dirty rice. Homemade desserts include cobblers, hummingbird cake, pies, Tres Leches and banana pudding.

According to manager Jonathan Carcano, Kings BBQ offers a down-home feel and service.

The restaurant opened in March and joins locations in La Porte, Deer Park and Baytown.

Location: Bayshore Plaza, 3800 Spencer Hightway, Suite 100, Pasadena.

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3t2aZdW

Website: https://bit.ly/332FYf6

Menu: https://bit.ly/2SgjqFM

Online ordering: https://bit.ly/3eG5uMJ

Contact: 832-582-8382

Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Deer Park Chamber of Commerce to host annual business expo

The Deer Park Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Chamberville Business Expo on May 20 at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center. This years Wild West theme serves as an invitation to attend in full western attire. More than 50 local businesses are expected to participate.

The in-person event, which will include games, prizes, awards, and a silent auction, is an annual congregation of area businesses, from restaurants, mom-and-pop boutiques and other retail stores to healthcare facilities and fitness clubs.

The free event is open to the public.

If a business would like to reserve a booth, the fee is $250 for chamber members. Others interested in participating can contact the chamber at 281-479-1559 for more information.

When: 4-8 p.m. May 20

Location: Jimmy Burke Activity Center at Jimmy Burke Activity Center, 500 W 13th St., Deer Park

Fee: Free to the public

More event/vendor/booth information: https://bit.ly/3xwkq8V

Deer Park Chamber of Commerce: https://bit.ly/335mbM4

Contact: 281-479-1559

Email: melissa@deerparkchamber.org

Special Strong brings adaptive fitness to League City

Special Strong will host a grand opening May 22 at Jumping World in League City.

The grand opening event is free to the public and will provide a glimpse into its science-based adaptive fitness programs for children, adolescents, and adults with physical, mental and cognitive challenges.

Special Strong specializes in customized physical therapy and exercise programs to help those with mental and cognitive limitations obtain higher functioning physical skills.

The Southeast Houston grand opening will include food, games and the opportunity to meet Special Strong trainers and learn about programs, including those that are customized for people with multiple sclerosis, spina bifida and Parkinsons disease.

The franchise was founded in 2016 by Daniel and Trinity Stein. Daniel Stein was diagnosed with a learning disability, mood disorder and autoimmune disease at an early age and used specialized exercises to overcome his challenges.

The Special Strong League City (Southeast Houston) gym, owned by Mike Lutey, is part of a franchise expansion that includes three other locations in Dallas and North Carolina.

Grand opening: 3:30-6 p.m. Saturday, May 22

Location: Jumping World, 100 Gulf Freeway N., League City.

Price: free

Website: https://bit.ly/3gOyPat

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3xy09jh

Contact: 832- 856-0158

Email: Mike.lutey@specialstrong.com

yorozco@hcnonline.com
In early April, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reported findings of a study done on patients at its Hillman Cancer Center that showed people with cancers affecting the blood, bone marrow or lymph nodes were at a higher risk of COVID-19 vaccine failure, and that the risk was particularly acute among those with chronic lymphomatic leukemia, such as Sporn.
DEERFIELD, Ill., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) will hold a virtual annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday June 9, 2021 at 8 a.m. (Central Daylight Time).

Shareholders owning Caterpillar common stock at the close of business on April 12, 2021, or their legal proxy holders, are entitled to participate, submit questions and vote on several items at the virtual annual meeting. Attendance and registration details, as well as information on items of business to be addressed at the meeting, can be found on page 62 in Caterpillar's 2021 proxy statement at https://www.caterpillar.com/en/investors/financial-information/proxy-statement.html.

About Caterpillar:

With 2020 sales and revenues of $41.7 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Since 1925, we've been driving sustainable progress and helping customers build a better world through innovative products and services. Throughout the product life cycle, we offer services built on cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise. These products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value to help our customers succeed. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments  Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation  and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/social-media.

SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.

Related Links

https://www.caterpillar.com


South Africa: Protecting children from cyber bullying

Cybersecurity experts have urged adults to play an active role in protecting youngsters from cyber bullying.

Briefing the media on Thursday, researchers of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) put the spotlight on the negative effects of cyber bullying and provided some solutions to the problem.

CSIR Senior Researcher, Sipho Ngobeni, said many people still do not see the harm associated with cyber bullying, which takes place through online communication platforms.

He cited recent incidents such as that of Lufuno Mavhunga, 15, who committed suicide, allegedly after a video of her being grievously assaulted went viral.

The teenager from Mbilwi Secondary School who has been accused of assaulting Mavhunga was released on R1 500 bail on Thursday. The teen will appear in court again on 27 May.

Ngobeni also pointed out that singing sensations from KwaZulu-Natal, Viggy and Virginia Qwabe, continuously face a barrage of cyber bullying.

They are often labelled as ugly and memes are created using their photos. Recently, someone published old pictures from when they first appeared on Idols SA and compared them to how they look now. The side-by-side pictures were captioned money has power to change everyone and went viral on WhatsApp, among other social media platforms.

The senior researcher called on everyone to get involved  youth, parents, educators, counsellors, youth leaders, law enforcement, social media companies, and the community - to fight the scourge.

According to Ngobeni, this is the key to dealing with this problem, adding that parents are often oblivious to their childrens online behaviour.

In addition, educators do not know when and how to intervene in online behaviours that occur away from school, but still involve their learners. Law enforcement is often also hesitant to get involved unless there is clear evidence, he said.

According to research, Instagram accounts for 42% of bullying that occurs online, while 37% occurs on Facebook, 31% on Snapchat, 12% on WhatsApp, 10% on YouTube and 9% on Twitter.

Meanwhile, statistics show that about 41% of kids develop social anxiety after being bullied, 37% battle with depression, 26% have suicidal thoughts and 25% engage in self-harm.

In addition, 24% stop using social media altogether, 20% start skipping classes and 14% develop eating disorders, while 9% begin to abuse alcohol and drugs.

What parents can do

Another expert, Rofhiwa Netshiya said there is a need for public education about all forms of cyber bullying.

We need to educate children that all forms of cyber bullying are wrong and can lead to serious discipline.

Netshiya advised parents to install internet-monitoring software on their childrens computers to be able to track their activities on social media.

There are low-cost products that can invisibly monitor the activities of your kids and privately email you the results as often as you like. These are very important to track Internet sites visited, downloads, chat room conversations and instant messaging.

Parents are also advised to reinforce positive morals and values and educate their children about appropriate online behaviour.

These include the use of account privacy settings, reporting the bullying to the police and providing unconditional support to children if they experience cyber bullying.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-04-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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Market Research Future Published a Half Cooked Research Global Sulfuric Acid Market Research Report - Forecast to 2022 - Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast up to 2022.

Sulfuric Acid Market  Market Overview

Sulfuric acid is a mineral acid and is one of the largest volume industrial chemical produced across the globe. Fertilizer production, especially phosphate fertilizer from wet-process sulphuric acid, is the major end use market fort sulfuric acid. The major application area of sulphuric acid covers fertilizers, chemical manufacturing, refinery, textile, pulp & paper manufacturing, metal processing and others.

Agricultural economies holds the greater importance in this market, as fertilizer production considered as a key focused area for the consumption of sulpfuric acid. Increasing demand for fertilizer to attain the higher agriculture yield had a significant impact on this market over the past few years and set its uplifted usage in the coming years. China, alone acquired almost half of the global market in terms of sulphuric acid production resulting into domination of Asia Pacific over the global market. In addition to this, fertilizer consumption of India represents massive number on account of presence of large agriculture base and is driving the demand for sulphuric acid. Apart from the, automotive industry expected to provide higher gains to key industry players in this market during the forecast period. This is due to use of sulfuric acid in the automotive batteries which has triggered automotive application of sulfuric acid. However, volatility in the raw material prices and growing consumption of phosphate based fertilizer limited the growth scope of this market.

Sulfuric Acid Market- Competitive Landscape

Global Sulfuric Acid market is highly concentrated as well fairly competitive in nature. The key industry participants operating in this market are Agrium, Akzo Nobel, Bayer, BP, Chevron, Cytec Industries, Dupont, Evonik Industries, Honeywell and Solvay. The major companies in this market are seen adopting collective market strategies to such as mergers, acquisition and joint-ventures in order to consolidate their product portfolio and to strengthen their market presence. Several production capacity expansion has also witnessed across the various developed markets to strengthen market penetration into emerging markets and exploit untapped markets. The overall effect of market competition observed in global sulphuric acid market is observed as high and is expected to get even higher due consistent increase in the production activities.

Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:

May 18, 2017- Yidu Xingfa Chemical and DuPont tied in an agreement for an engineering and technology license for a 3,600 Mtpd MECS MAX3 sulfuric acid plant. The collective effort has taken to build one of the largest sulfuric acid plant in China in order to cater the ongoing demand. Xingfa is expanding its existing site, located in the Hubei province near Yichang city, with the aim of roughly doubling the phosphate fertilizer capacity. The new MECS MAX3 sulfuric acid plant will process 1.2 MMtpy of sulfuric acid, as well as support the production of an additional 400,000 tonnes/yr of phosphoric acid, 400,000 tonnes/yr DAP and 35,000 tonnes/yr of potassium phosphate monobasic. The overall expansion activity expected gain market effectiveness while bridging the demand supply gap of sulfuric acid.

October 10, 2017- Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd and Jordanian Phosphate Mines Company has formed joint venture to build largest sulfuric acid plant in India. The agreement has undertaken by investing overall amount of USD 860 million. The plant will come as a huge relief to Indias agricultural sector requirements in view of meagre availability of phosphates in India. Phosphoric acid produced at the plant will be exported to the Kandla port in Gujarat from Jordans Aqaba port, which is close to the location of the plant.

November, 2017- Leading chemical industry player BASF has launched new sulfuric acid catalyst. BASF has introduced the new sulphuric acid catalyst O4115 Quattro into the market. The new, cesium-based catalyst is unique due to its geometrical shape  a combination of four strands  leading to a 30 percent greater catalytic surface area compared to conventional sulphuric acid catalysts. The newly launched catalyst has 30 % greater catalytic surface area and helps to improve performance during the sulfuric acid production.

August 31, 2016- Jacobs Engineering Group Inc, Acquires BAYQIK Sulfuric Acid Converter Technology from Bayer AG. The company has acquired patented technology from Bayer AG, under the term of agreement the overall technology shift includes transfer of relevant Bayer technical, commercial and market information to Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. BAYQIK technology enables more efficient conversion of process gas with high sulphur dioxide concentrations. Therefore, it altogether expected to provide growth offerings in the Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. growth offering.

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A popular British painter has been jailed for four years after a 'predatory stalking campaign' dating back to 2008.

Walter Kershaw, 81, who was dubbed Britain's 'original Banksy', repeatedly hounded Catherine Mitchell, 51, after their affair ended in 2007.

Rochdale-born Kershaw conducted a 'predatory' stalking campaign lasting 13 years, which included pursuing his ex-lover around their hometown and telling her she was beautiful.

The painter would also send life model Mitchell love letters and romantic cards and would drive slowly passed her home blowing kisses at her.

Despite Mitchell's best efforts, which included taking taxis around town and using muddy fields at the back of her home, she could not avoid her prolific stalker.

Kershaw was jailed for four years at Minshull Street Crown Court after admitting to breaching his restraining order and stalking.

English painter Walter Kershaw, 81, (above) was once dubbed 'The Original Banksy', but the disgraced artist was jailed for four years after he admitted breaching his restraining order and stalking his ex-lover

The Original Banksy who hit fame in the 1970s with house murals that were displayed as far afield as Brazil Walter Kershaw shot to fame in the 1970s with his large-scale murals of North English houses.

An expert in oils and watercolours, English-born Kershaw was once dubbed 'The Original Banksy'

The popular painter's work has featured as far afield as Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Kershaw was once a fixture on BBC TV and radio shows, and counts George Best and Bob Monkhouse as close friends. Advertisement

The couple's relationship began in 2006, after former life model Mitchell asked 'unpredictable and controlling' Kershaw to paint her portrait.

The following year she broke up with Kershaw after she was hit by a motorbike and suffered life-threatening brain and leg injuries in a collision outside his gallery.

But Kershaw - who once counted George Best and Bob Monkhouse as friends - continued pursuing Miss Mitchell around the town and put an oil portrait in the front window of his art gallery in Littleborough, Greater Manchester.

The court heard how he would drive past Miss Mitchell's home on a regular basis, and would blow kisses towards her and also sent her love letters and cards.

He began to attend church where she and her mother were members of the congregation and appear regularly in their local supermarket.

When Miss Mitchell moved out of her mother's house into her own place, he would turn up on her doorstep uninvited and ask to take her out.

Police issued Miss Mitchell with a hand-held panic alarm and she used it when he turned up outside the house.

Eventually in January 2009 he was spoken to by police and warned not to contact her and in the following year Kershaw was instructed not to contact Miss Mitchell and her mother.

In 2013, the father of two was ordered to pay the two women compensation after he approached Ms Mitchell as she was sat in her car but in 2015 was given a suspended sentence for hounding her again.

Life model Catherine Mitchell, 51, (pictured) began her affair with Kershaw in 2006 after asking him to paint her portait

He was eventually jailed for 26 weeks in 2017 after he approached Ms Mitchell at a Co-Op supermarket and tried to strike up a conversation with her saying: 'You've got a new cat and so have I.

'I think about you all the time. Let's pick up where we left off'.

But after being freed, Kershaw accosted her again over the Christmas period of 2018 when she was shopping in the town and told her: 'I adore you and I spent every day in prison thinking about you and I never meant any harm'.

The following year he was sentenced 20 weeks, suspended for 12 months and banned from contacting her for life, but in 2020 he twice flouted the order and was given another 12 weeks jail suspended for two years.

The latest incidents took place between July and August last year, just ten days after the suspended sentence was imposed.

An expert in oils and watercolours, English-born Kershaw saw his work (pictured) featured as far afield as Sao Paulo, Brazil

Walter Kershaw was dubbed one of Britain's first graffiti artists. Pictured above is work from his Littleborough, Greater Manchester studio

The 'predatory' stalking record of Britain's first Banksy 2006 - Catherine Mitchell and Walter Kershaw begin affair after she asked him to paint her portrait.

- Catherine Mitchell and Walter Kershaw begin affair after she asked him to paint her portrait. July 2007 - Mitchell and Kershaw split.

- Mitchell and Kershaw split. 2009 to 2013 - Police repeatedly warn Kershaw about his conduct.

- Police repeatedly warn Kershaw about his conduct. November 2013 - Kershaw issued with two year restraining order after he admitting to stalking Mitchell.

- Kershaw issued with two year restraining order after he admitting to stalking Mitchell. April 2015 - Kershaw admits twice breaching restraining order which is made indefinite. Sentenced to 16 weeks, suspended for two years.

- Kershaw admits twice breaching restraining order which is made indefinite. Sentenced to 16 weeks, suspended for two years. August 2015 - Eight weeks of his suspended sentence activated following further breach.

- Eight weeks of his suspended sentence activated following further breach. August 2017 - Breach of a restraining order - 18 weeks jail.

- Breach of a restraining order - 18 weeks jail. May 2019 - Breach of a restraining order - 20 weeks jail suspended for 12 months.

- Breach of a restraining order - 20 weeks jail suspended for 12 months. July 2020 - Breach of restraining order - 12 weeks jail suspended for two years.

- Breach of restraining order - 12 weeks jail suspended for two years. April 2021 - Kershaw jailed for four years after 'predatory' stalking campaign Advertisement

In a statement to police Miss Mitchell who called Kershaw 'the Devil man' said she was so terrified of the artist she had to quit her home and subsequently spent 65,000 building an extension at the home of her mother Marjorie, 77, so she could move in with her.

Ms Mitchell said: 'Walter Kershaw has continued to stalk us relentless to the present day.

'The very fact he has dismissed the various restraining orders we have against him as mere folly is a sure sign that he only lives by his own rules in a self-centred untouchable world where the law is irrelevant.

'The last time he was sent to prison we felt free and it felt like a release from the perpetual panic and anguish which has sadly become a customary aspect of our lives.

'When he was in jail, no longer was it necessary to take expensive taxis or cross a muddy field as avoidance strategies.

'We desire to live our lives without the continuous worry for this arrogant, predatory person who has affected out peaceful lives for over a decade with his narcissistic attitude and behaviour.

'His behaviour is obsessive distressing, disturbing and alarming and we simply do not know where or when we will encounter him next.'

Kershaw had shot to fame in the 70s with his large-scale murals on houses and later was dubbed 'the Original Banksy' with his work displayed as far afield as Sao Paolo in Brazil.

In mitigation, defence lawyer Anthony Morris said: 'There does not seem to be anything done that is intentionally malicious.

'There is no offer of violence and no physical intimidation. From his point of view, he was trying to build bridges and was not consciously aware of the fact the victim was suffering from psychological distress.

'He lived in the hope that he could break down barriers and build a friendship again.'

The full details of Kershaw's 13-year 'predatory' stalking campaign against Catherine Mitchell were heard at Minshull Street Crown Court

But sentencing Judge Mark Savill told Kershaw: 'It is extremely sad to see a gentleman with a great skill as an artist before the court for such serious matters.

'Catherine was doing what any normal citizen should be allowed to do and yet you have caused very serious harm or distress.

'Your age does not justify your appalling behaviour in this case.

'Two women have had to suffer with their lives blighted and ruined by your selfish behaviour.

'The time has come where you must receive the message from this court that this behaviour cannot continue.'
The risk of catching coronavirus in a pub or restaurant is 'relatively low', the Government's scientific advisers have admitted.

Analysis by SAGE found the chance of contracting the virus in hospitality settings appeared slightly higher than in gyms or shops, but concluded the risk was still small.

The admission came in a review of studies and data from the UK and around the world into the threat of the virus in the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors.

SAGE found there had been just 226 outbreaks in pubs and restaurants in England since the pandemic began, despite the sector being heavily penalised throughout the Government's Covid response.

But the number of clusters rose to 343 when fast food outlets, cafes, bars and other eateries were included, according to the data up to February.

Writing in the paper, submitted to ministers at some point in the last two months, SAGE said: 'Overall, data suggest that the hospitality sector, compared to leisure and retail sectors seems to be associated with greater risk of transmission.

'But, overall, population attributable fractions (fraction of all cases in a population that is attributable to the setting) associated with transmission in hospitality, retail and leisure are relatively low.'

The finding will raise questions about why the hospitality sector faces another three weeks of closure, despite Covid infection numbers being at record lows.

But experts say closing hospitality was essential to prevent indoor mixing - the biggest driver of Covid spread.

They highlight the number of outbreaks in the sector may be artificially low because venues have been shut for months.

The risk of catching coronavirus in a pub or restaurant is 'relatively low', the Government's scientific advisers have admitted (file)

The SAGE report found the chance of contracting the virus in hospitality settings appeared slightly higher than in gyms or shops, but concluded the risk was still small. Waiters and bar staff were found to be the most at risk. The chart above breaks down how many Covid infections (as a percentage of all cases) were found in each sector in three periods - last summer, during the tiered restrictions in autumn (period 1), during the second lockdown (2), during the tiered restrictions in winter (3) and the third lockdown (4)

Department of Health bosses posted another 2,381 cases today, with the outbreak remaining stable. Last Friday there were 2,678 infections

Pubs and restaurants across the UK have been repeatedly forced to shut through the numerous national lockdowns, firebreakers and tiered restrictions.

The British hospitality sector is said to have lost an average 200million per every day since the crisis first hit.

Since April 12, pubs and restaurants in England have been allowed to serve people outdoors but they are not due to fully open until May 17.

Gyms, shops and hairdressers have also been reopen since April 12 but the Government wants five weeks to make sure those relaxations have had no effect on infection rates before giving hospitality the green light.

THIRD of Britain has seen ZERO Covid deaths this month Around 22million people are living in areas across the UK where there have been no coronavirus deaths so far in April, official figures revealed today. Data from the Government's Covid dashboard suggests the threat of the virus has almost been eradicated in a third of the country, despite everyone still being subjected to harsh lockdown restrictions. It marks a seismic shift from the UK's dire situation in January at the height of the second wave, when fewer than 50,000 Britons were in places with zero coronavirus victims during that month. Analysis by BBC News shows some areas have gone even longer than a month without reporting a Covid death  Plymouth last recorded one 57 days ago and Oxford and Maidstone, in Kent, have gone two months. The statistics, which go up to April 29, shows fewer than 600 deaths within 28 days of a positive test have been reported this month, compared with more than 30,000 throughout the same period in January. Advertisement

In its report published today, SAGE warned it was 'extremely difficult' to accurately work out how much transmission takes place within a specific sector.

The group said it was hard to disentangle cases who caught the virus in a restaurant compared to those who contracted it while travelling there and back.

But the review suggested restaurants were more risky than shops and gyms because there were more clusters detected and people spent longer dining in them.

It added that sitting down to eat in close proximity to strangers, often with little fresh airflow, posed a greater risk than in gyms or shops where people move around more.

But SAGE noted the findings on clusters should be 'interpreted with caution' because some sectors were forced to have Test and Trace in place while others weren't.

For example, pubs and restaurants during the tiered restriction phase last year were legally required to report it if a customer tested positive in the days before or after visiting. Some gyms did too, but most shops did not keep records of its customers.

The review drew on data from a number of national surveillance studies ran by the Office for National Statistics and Public Health England, as well as the centralised contact tracing system.

It said that the reports 'offers an opportunity to understand the environments where people spend time, but does not give definitive information on where, when and how transmission occurred'.

While the risk of catching Covid in all three sectors was deemed relatively low for customers, the SAGE paper said staff in these places were at a 'significantly higher risk of infection'.

Hospitality staff were at the highest risk and venues that had little space for social distancing and poor ventilation were more likely to have high levels of transmission.

It is unclear exactly when the review was carried out but data in the report spans from the start of the pandemic until February.

The analysis was published today by SAGE as part of a weekly release of papers used to help guide the Government through the crisis.

Sir Patrick Vallance, who heads up the advisory panel, admitted to MPs last year that there was very little proof showing that targeting pubs, bars and restaurants with lockdown actually worked.

He said there were strong indications that hospitality settings drive transmission, but admitted 'we cant give specific data on that and neither can anyone else around the world'.

The Government attempted to justify the brutal restrictions on hospitality in a paper published in November.

It referred to studies in South-East Asia in the early parts of the pandemic but made no assessment of the 500million measures implemented by British venues to make themselves Covid-secure.

Pubs and restaurants were forced to bring in a host of infection control measures last summer, including proving they had a clean supply of ventilation and enough space to social distance.
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Under Minnesota sentencing guidelines, the presumptive sentence for second-degree unintentional murder for someone with no criminal record like Chauvin would be 12 1/2 years. Judges can sentence someone to as little as 10 years and eight months or as much as 15 years and still be within the advisory guideline range. To go above that, Judge Peter Cahill would have to find that there were aggravating factors, and even if those are found, legal experts have said Chauvin would likely face a maximum of 30 years.
Kingdom of the Gogs: a wonderful tale of the strange and magical as Brodie, together with his friends, protects a dragon scale from the evil Dayton. Kingdom of the Gogs is the creation of published author R.K. Donne, a brilliant writer and a parent of three magical children.

Donne shares, Kingdom of the Gogs is the first book in a series about a young boy named Brodie, who is on the autism spectrum and feels outcasted and very different. He travels to Walesthe birth country of his mother, Katrin. Brodies curiosity leads him on a magical journey that forever changes the small boy. He faces many mysterious and challenging tasks with the help from Grub, a grouchy changeling, and Kol, a mischievous Welsh mining goblin.

The three set out to prevent a power-hungry wizard named Dayton from attaining a magical dragon scale that lands in Brodies possession. The secret of the dragon scale gives Brodie the power to transform, but is it really the scales magic that enables this valiant child to outmaneuver Dayton and his evil henchmen, or has something awoken deep within him?

Skipping through realms and history and encountering witches, fairies, and other enchanted and frightening characters, Brodie soon discovers that it is not the dragons magic he must protect from Dayton but his own.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, R.K. Donnes new book brings the readers, young and old, on an extraordinary exploration into realms filled with things and creatures beyond the natural world. This novel surely is a must-read for an extranormal and wondrous experience.

View a synopsis of Kingdom of the Gogs on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Kingdom of the Gogs at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Kingdom of the Gogs, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
The capsized lift boat Seacor Power is seen seven miles off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico Sunday, April 18, 2021. The vessel capsized during a storm on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Strengthening Floridas Right to Farm law minimizes nuisance lawsuits and claims, enabling farmers to focus on the mission of providing food and remaining in business.

On behalf of Floridas farmers and ranchers, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation applauds Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their support of Floridas Right to Farm legislation.

Strengthening Floridas Right to Farm law minimizes nuisance lawsuits and claims, enabling farmers to focus on the mission of providing food and remaining in business. Across the state, more than 47,000 family farms are committed to growing the food that we need to survive.

The Right to Farm bill signing ceremony included Florida farmers, Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick, Senate President Wilton Simpson and bill sponsors, Sen. Jason Brodeur and Rep. Jayer Williamson, highlighting the strong bipartisan support of SB 88.

The Right to Farm bill will take effect July 1, 2021.

Florida Farm Bureau, the states largest general agricultural organization, represents more than 137,000 member-families. We serve to enhance farm enterprise and improve rural communities.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 01:12:33|Editor: huaxia

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Police officers check a passenger's HES code required for traveling in Ankara, Turkey, on April 29, 2021. The strictest lockdown declared so far since the beginning of the pandemic to curb COVID-19 in Turkey began on Thursday at 7 p.m. local time (1600 GMT). Intercity travel is banned except for compulsory cases, and all commercial businesses are closed, with several exceptions, during the complete lockdown which will last until May 17. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

ISTANBUL, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The strictest lockdown declared so far since the beginning of the pandemic to curb COVID-19 in Turkey began on Thursday at 7 p.m. local time (1600 GMT).

Intercity travel is banned except for compulsory cases, and all commercial businesses are closed, with several exceptions, during the complete lockdown which will last until May 17.

With the start of the restraint, security forces started patrolling the empty streets and squares in Turkey's biggest city, Istanbul, establishing over 300 checkpoints.

Additional security forces have also been deployed at the entrances and exits of the city.

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said more than 400 gendarmerie forces and nearly 3,000 police officers would be on constant duty across the metropolis.

Meanwhile, many Istanbulites have left the city, either going to their summer houses, hometowns in smaller cities, or hotels in resort towns.

Istanbul Provincial Health Director Kemal Memisoglu warned that those who will spend the lockdown outside the city should be on high alert about the social distancing rule.

The director also noted that the number of COVID-19 cases in Istanbul with a population of over 16 million has decreased by 30 percent in the last 10 days.

The daily number of patients who are discharged is more than those who are under treatments in hospitals, including intensive care units, according to Memisoglu.

Turkey has long been striving against the increasing number of COVID-19 cases on a daily basis despite the ongoing mass vaccination program which started in mid-January. Enditem
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University saw a three-year high of reported rapes on campus in 2019, according to the latest annual security report.

There were 18 incidents of rape reported on-campus and an additional two incidents reported on non-campus property in 2019, according to the Annual Security Report released in December 2020.

In the year prior, there were seven incidents of rape reported on campus and two incidents reported off campus. In 2017, there were a total of 13 incidents of rape reported on campus and five incidents reported off campus, the report said.

There were five cases of fondling reported in both 2019 and 2018 and six incidents of fondling reported in 2017, the report said.

Recent coverage of drink tampering allegations at the Y Bar near campus has reignited conversations around sexual assault on campus. Students held protests near the bar calling for accountability and a boycott of the establishment.

The bar is currently under police investigation, and reports show that multiple women alleged sexual assault after drinking at the bar.

Related: Woman told police she was sexually assaulted after her drink was drugged at Y Bar in Kalamazoo

WMU Police Chief Scott Merlo credits greater education for the increased reports of sex crimes on campus.

Nationally, its an underreported crime, Merlo said.

Students who experience sexual violence have a few different options for reporting, he said. They can report only to the universitys Office of Institutional Equity, to campus police for a criminal investigation or to both, Merlo said. The two departments compare data at the end of the year to include all reported incidents in the annual crime stats report, he said.

Felicia Crawford, Title IX coordinator for WMU, said there isnt one factor university officials can point to that explains the increase in rape reports from 2018 to 2019, but the data helps inform education and prevention efforts.

Prevention efforts include mandatory education for incoming freshmen on sexual assault prevention and alcohol. Freshmen are also given lessons on healthy relationships and the importance of bystander intervention, she said.

If welcomed by the survivor, her office is responsible for conducting an investigation alongside police and issuing sanctions if appropriate. When a student or third party reports an incident to her office, the first step is to reach out for more information, she said.

We follow up with email or a secure service that we use to learn more, Crawford said. This has been reported, were concerned and we want to help. Would you be willing to talk with us to help us better understand what happened? That may not get a response.

The statistics arent representative of the total number of sexual assaults on campus because it is an underreported crime, Crawford said. Nationally, one in five college-age women will experience sexual assault, she said.

I dont think that you can ever get rid of interpersonal violence and power-based violence, Crawford said. I think its a community problem, and I certainly think were never going to stop trying.

Educating young people needs to begin even before they move into their college dorm, Crawford said.

How do (students) understand healthy relationships? How do they understand sex? Do they know that consent is important and valid and something they need to see in every interaction every time? Crawford said.

Its such a multi-dimensional problem that its not something that can be solved in a one dimensional way, she said.

According to the report, other crimes such as robbery or motor vehicle theft remained low between 2017 and 2019. There were four reports of motor vehicle theft in 2019, and 1 reported robbery in the same year.

For more information about the Office of Institutional Equity or to report an incident of sexual violence on campus, visit wmich.edu.

Also on MLive:

Few have faith in the Michigan Legislatures sexual harassment and discrimination policies. Can that be fixed?

Butt pinches, threesome requests and a glass ceiling: sexism is systemic in Michigans political culture

4 charged with sex crimes against victims under 13

Michigan police association cancels event with controversial killology trainer after viral video sparks complaints
Online tickets for the Palace Museum in Beijing were all sold out

(Bloomberg)  Tickets for everything from domestic flights to theme parks are rapidly selling out in China ahead of its Labor Day holiday as the nations recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic gathers pace.

Bookings for seats on planes, hotel rooms and car rentals over the five-day break starting Saturday have all surged, surpassing those for the same period in 2019, according to Trip.com Group Co. People will make an estimated 200 million trips, a record for the national holiday, and tickets for Shanghai Disneyland have also sold out for most days.

Chinas early success in tackling the pandemic has helped to underpin its economic rebound, and while the Asian nation has had the odd virus flare-up around other holidays this year, its ability to contain sporadic outbreaks has given millions of people the confidence to make domestic travel plans.

This five-day holiday will fully release the suppressed demand for air travel, said Shang Kejia, an official with the Civil Aviation Administration of China at a monthly briefing April 16. The Labor Day Golden Week is a good time to travel all over the country.

Congestion on the nations highways is expected to be 10% higher than for the Labor Day holiday period in 2020, according to estimates by map service company AutoNavi. Saturday is projected to be the busiest day, with a record traffic volume on Chinas roads.

Sold Out

Bookings for seats on planes were up 23%, for hotels 43% and for car rentals 126% compared with same period in 2019, according to April 14 estimates from Trip.com. Online tickets for the Palace Museum in Beijing were all sold out, while those for Shanghai Disneyland were available for only one of the five days as of Thursday, according to its WeChat ticketing system.

The desire to travel over the holiday is forcing some to make alternative plans after missing out on tickets. Victor Li, a 32-year-old investment manager, decided to drive to Taiyuan from Beijing to visit his family after train seats sold out. The trip will take seven hours by car, compared with three by rail.

Railway ticketing service 12306 sold 3.15 million tickets for the first day of the holiday two weeks ahead of time, according to a CCTV report, with people posting screen shots on social media platform Sina Weibo of the app freezing due to high demand. The average price of plane tickets doubled compared with 2019 to 1,050 yuan ($162), according to a report by China Tourism Newspaper, run by Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Oil Boost

The pick-up in consumption is flowing through to Chinas oil sector, which has remained a bright spot for the market as other regions grapple with a virus resurgence. The Labor Day holiday will return the countrys demand back to normal, said Yuntao Liu, an analyst with London-based Energy Aspects.

Strong gasoline consumption has helped underpin a boost in refining margins for the nations independent processors to 500 to 600 yuan per ton, the most since September, said Wang Luqing, an analyst with industry consultant SCI99. Thats prompted some to delay or cancel planned maintenance, Wang said.

Wholesale gasoline prices have climbed to the highest since September 2019, while diesel is near the strongest since February 2020, according to government data. Crude stockpiles are also draining at ports in Shandong province, where most Chinese private refiners operate, dropping to the lowest level in 11 weeks through April 23, figures from SCI99 show.

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The Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe aka Abronye DC has appealed to the government to find a lasting solution to the issues between Private Lottery Operators and National Lottery Authority (NLA).



According to Abronye, the unresolved issues are potential threat to the nations security.



Contributing to UTVs Adekye Nsroma, Abronye iterated that the government should not sit down unconcerned as if all is well.



"I personally disagree with those who have the power to calm situations and have refused to do so.



The Private Lotto Operators have accused some staff of NLA of demanding money from them. This is a pure corruption allegation which the government should not sit unconcerned. Even if the issues raised by the private operators are not true, the government should still listen to them and declare its position for peace to prevail. This issue is a national discourse and the government with immediate effect should step in to resolve the problem.



Abronye stressed that the issue between the two entities might somehow affect the government if nothing is done about it.



He also suggested the government must set up an independent committee to launch investigations into the matter.

Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[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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Scott Lee Peterson, 48, is seeking to have his 2004 murder conviction overturned

Scott Peterson's attorneys have new evidence, new witnesses and the names of his pregnant wife's true killers, they claim as they seek to get his murder conviction tossed out.

Peterson, 48, appeared remotely in San Mateo County Court in California on Tuesday, where his attorneys sought to overturn his 2004 conviction, claiming a juror failed to disclose key information before trial.

In a case that spawned a media frenzy and inspired the Ben Affleck film Gone Girl, Peterson was sentenced to death for killing his wife Laci Peterson and their unborn son Connor, but his death sentence was overturned last year over questions about jury selection.

Now, his attorneys seek to win Peterson a new trial, and say they have suspects who were Laci's real kidnappers and killers. They also claim to have new witnesses who saw her alive after the time authorities said she was murdered, according to CBS News, which will feature the case in a new episode of 48 Hours.

Peterson, a fertilizer salesman, said that he went fishing in San Francisco Bay when his 27-year-old wife Laci, who was eight months pregnant, vanished from their Modesto home

Peterson was convicted of killing his wife and unborn son after their bodies were found in the Bay, and Amber Frey revealed he'd had an affair and told her his wife was dead

Peterson's appeals attorney Cliff Gardner did not immediately respond to an inquiry from DailyMail.com on Friday seeking more information about the new witnesses and suspects.

Peterson, a fertilizer salesman, said that he was fishing in San Francisco Bay when his 27-year-old wife Laci, who was eight months pregnant, vanished from their Modesto neighborhood on Christmas Eve 2002. Her body was found in the bay months later.

Amber Frey came forward and revealed that Peterson was having an affair with her and lied about being married, then claimed his wife was dead.

The case sparked intense speculation and debate, with Peterson's defenders pointing out that the case against him was entirely circumstantial, with no direct forensic evidence tying him to the murder.

After Tuesday's hearing, Peterson attorney Pat Harris addressed the press, insisting on his client's innocence.

'Scott is sitting in a cell and he's innocent. From the moment I met him, from the first three months I sat in a jail cell with him in Modesto every single day, he was always telling the exact same story,' Harris told KRON-TV.

'It never, ever changed, it never contradicted. It was amazing because every client I've ever had, you can almost always pick up contradictions in their stories. Never did with him. He's always been very truthful with me,' added Harris.

Peterson, 48, appeared remotely in San Mateo County Court in California on Tuesday, where his attorneys sought to overturn his 2004 conviction

Peterson has already won a new sentencing trial, and now seeks to have his conviction tossed

He also said national news headlines painting Peterson as a 'psychopath' are false.

Harris was on Peterson's original trial team alongside celebrity attorney Mark Geragos.

Last August, the California Supreme Court said Peterson's death sentence could not stand because potential jurors were improperly dismissed from the jury pool after saying they personally disagreed with the death penalty, but would be willing to follow the law and impose it.

In the second ruling, the court ordered a San Mateo judge to decide whether the conviction itself must be overturned because one juror failed to disclose that she sought a restraining order in 2000 while she was pregnant.

Juror #7, Richelle Nice, failed to disclose domestic violence incidents when asked if she had ever been the victim of a crime, and Peterson's defense team argued that she is a 'rogue juror' who already made up her mind about his guilt before the trial.

Harris said Nice was biased toward Laci because both women were victimized while pregnant. Nice insisted she didn't view her history as relevant.

Juror #7, Richelle Nice, failed to disclose domestic violence incidents while she was pregnant when asked if she had ever been the victim of a crime, leading Peterson's attorneys to call her a 'rogue juror' who already had decided on his guilt

Scott Peterson is seen with defense attorneys Mark Geragos (left) and Pat Harris at his 2004 trial. Harris now argues that Nice was biased toward Laci because both women were victimized while pregnant

Scott Peterson trial jurors, including Richelle Nice, arrive at the San Mateo County Superior Courthouse on February 25, 2005 in Redwood City, California

After the trial, Nice exchanged dozens of prison letters with Peterson in which she expressed her grief for Laci and Conner.

'The spot where your beautiful wife washed ashoreand YOU robbed her & your beautiful son of a life with each other,' Nice wrote in one letter.

'What pushed you so far to the limit, where you felt that you needed to kill someone who not only loved you so much, but someone who was carring [sic] part of you inside her?' the letter continued.

'My heart aches for your son. Why couldn't he have the same chances in life as you were given. You should have been dreaming of your son being the best at whatever he did in life, not planning a way to get rid of him!' wrote Nice.

Now, San Mateo Judge Anne Christine Massullo will have to decide if that was juror misconduct, and if so whether it was so prejudicial that a new trial is warranted.

Prosecutors have already announced that they will seek to re-impose the death penalty, which will require a new sentencing phase of the trial.

Scott and Laci Peterson are seen on their wedding day in 1997. Laci was eight months pregnant with their son when she disappeared from their home in Modesto

Despite throwing out the death penalty, the Supreme Court said there was considerable incriminating circumstantial evidence against Peterson, including that he researched ocean currents, bought a boat without telling anyone, and couldn't explain what type of fish he was trying to catch that day.

He also sold his wife's car, considered selling their house, and turned the baby nursery into a storage room before their bodies were found, the court said in August, all indicating that 'he already knew Laci and Conner were never coming back.'

Detective Jon Buehler, one of the original investigators on the case, told 48 Hours that no new evidence has emerged to convince him of Peterson's innocence.

'Well I guess it's possible,' said Buehler. 'But you know, there's still people that believe the earth is flat, too.'

California has not executed anyone since 2006 because of legal challenges, and Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom issued a moratorium on executions for as long as he is governor.

Peterson is currently incarcerated at San Quentin, and due back in court in June for a hearing on his petition for a new trial.

The 48 Hours episode on the case will air this Saturday at 10pm ET on CBS.
The 2021 Edison Awards was celebrated this year in Ft Myers, Florida in the brand new, state-of-the-art, Caloosa Sound Convention Center on April 22nd.

The Edison Awards have recognized and honored some of the most innovative new products, services, and business leaders in the world since 1987. Following a comprehensive review by the esteemed steering committee, winners are selected by 3,000 innovation leaders from the fields of product development, design, engineering, science, marketing and education, including professional organizations representing a wide variety of industries.

The day prior to the event the Edison Award finalists and their guests enjoyed a casual celebration at the beautiful and historic Edison/Ford Winter estate. Participants were able to tour the grounds which included cottages, frozen in time, with all the same fixtures, furniture & artwork etc. A highlight of this tour is Edisons laboratories and museum.

We believe this gold medal, awarded in the consumer goods category, is the first in the mattress industry and a great achievement and well deserved honor for our company based in South Korea," shared Scott Shamley VP of Global Sales & Operations for iOBED International. "Our Body Sensing Technology took over 5 years to commercialize."

The highlight of the evening gala was hearing the announcer call the Silver Award for our category and it wasnt iOBED! beamed Scott Smalling EVP of Global Sales & Marketing. "With the recent award shows in Hollywood airing this month, I liken an Edison Gold Medal Award for innovation to what it must feel like to win a similar award for acting or directing a film," continued Smalling.

Thomas Edison actually has a loose connection to the bedding industry while he was trying to create a synthetic rubber to help with the auto industry, he worked with natural tree rubber that we know today as Latex foam rubber.

"Congratulations to iOBED International on winning the 2021 Edison Gold Award," said Ryan Trainer, president of the International Sleep Products Association. "Products that help people lead a healthy and happy life have a positive impact on the world. The bedding industry is fortunate to have many creative companies that are using technology to give consumers a better night's sleep. As our industry responds to the changing needs of the bedding customer, it is exciting to see iOBED recognized for its innovative and inspired design."

The Edison awards is an annual international event celebrating the best in innovations from all over the world.

iOBED International currently has partnerships with KING KOIL in the United States and RESTONIC in Canada.

For more information or to partner with iOBED please contact Raymond Chung VP of Global Business Development. Ray@iobed.com


Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
MOSCOW  A border clash this week between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan killed more than 40 people, government officials said Friday, significantly raising the death toll for an episode that began as a dispute over irrigation water.

The outbreak of violence comes at a delicate time for the United States after the Biden administration announced a full withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, which borders Tajikistan to the south, by September. The nations of Central Asia provide an alternative to Pakistan as an overland route to withdraw American military equipment.

The fighting around a Tajik enclave in southwestern Kyrgyzstan briefly resumed on Friday before the countries presidents spoke on the phone and agreed to meet next month. The sides had agreed to a cease-fire Thursday.

The office of Kyrgyzstans president, Sadyr Zhaparov, issued a statement saying it was confident that mutually beneficial cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will continually and fruitfully develop on the basis of traditional and centuries-old friendship and honesty between the peoples.
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Video recorded at the Lag B'Omer festival where at least 45 Othodox Jews were crushed to death overnight shows thousands of people dancing along to music just moments before the fatal stampede took place.

The footage appears to have been recorded in an amphitheatre next to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai on Mount Meron, a focal point of the celebrations, which filters out into a narrow stairway where the crush is thought to have taken place.

Five children have now been confirmed among the dead with at least 150 injured including six in critical, 18 seriously hurt, eight in moderate condition, and 80 lightly injured - though some Israeli media reported up to 28 in critical. The stampede is one of Israel's deadliest peace-time disasters.

Investigations into what caused the incident are just beginning, but initial indications are that the crush happened on a narrow stairway exit from the Mount Meron site which has been known for years as a bottleneck, the Times of Israel reports.

Some witnesses said police barriers had blocked or restricted the stairway, leading to a crush in which people fell and were then trampled by those piling in behind in a deadly 'domino effect' - described by one witness as a 'human avalanche'. Police have sought to downplay blame, amid calls for an inquiry.

Officers pointed out that up to 100,000 people had attended the festival, which is far fewer than in previous years but far more than had been anticipated this year amid ongoing Covid restrictions. Cops had warned of over-crowding even before the stampede took place, telling late-comers to stay away.

Parts of the site, including an area where traditional bonfires are held, had been limited to just 10,000 this year with police barriers in place to try and restrict the numbers.

Gatherings elsewhere in Israel are still limited to 100 people, but an exception had been granted for Lag B'Omer - a festival celebrating the life of 2nd century sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai - which was the largest event to have been allowed in Israel since Covid restrictions started to ease following the country's world-beating vaccine drive.

During lockdown, there had been friction between the Israeli government and Orthodox Jewish community which continued to hold mass events despite the restrictions - including the funerals of two rabbis back in January.

As Israel came to grips with the tragedy today...

Families separated from their loved ones amid the crush launched desperate online appeals for news, with an American - identified as Daniel Morris, from New Jersey - among the missing

A blame game began as festival attendees accused police of erecting barriers which led to the crush, while officers deflected blame amid calls for an independent inquiry

Families were called to forensic hospitals near the festival site to help identify the bodies of those killed as medics warned that many will be unaware their relatives are dead

Witnesses described hearing the phones of those killed and injured in the disaster ringing as mobile phone services - which broke down amid the chaos - were slowly restored

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led Israeli politicians paying tribute to the victims before travelling to the site to pay his respects, where he declared a day of national mourning

Messages of condolence poured in from around the world as foreign ministers of Germany, Australia, the EU, Ukraine, India and other nations paid tribute to those killed and injured

Video taken moments before the disaster at the Lag B'Omer festival, in northern Israel, show a huge crowd of Orthodox Jews dancing along to music in an amphitheatre area near the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai

This is thought to be the area where the crush began when people slipped and fell on a stairway before others piled on top of them due to the sheer weight of numbers, meaning they were unable to get up

 :             pic.twitter.com/b2pMQsXv1z    (@moshe_nayes) April 29, 2021

People desperately searching for their loved ones following the stampede turned to social media for information, with one of the missing named as American Daniel Morris, from New Jersey (pictured)

Orthodox Jewish festival-goers look at part of the stairway where the crush is thought to have begun - with police saying that barriers erected to maintain Covid rules created unanticipated bottlenecks in the crowd

A police officer walks through the area where dozens of people were crushed to death in a stampede at the Orthodox Jewish festival of Lag B'Omer in northern Israel

Smashed glasses pinned up against one of the barriers are seen in the early morning hours after the stampede, which is thought to have begun around 1am

Israeli rescue teams carry a body bag into an ambulance following a stampede which killed dozens at Mount Meron

At least 44 were killed in the tragedy and many more wounded, some of the critically, though exact numbers varied as medics struggled to access the overcrowded site

An Orthodox jewish man prays after dozens of people were crushed to death at the festival of Lag B'Omer in Israel

What is Lag B'Omer, the festival where dozens where crushed to death? Lag B'Omer is a festival that occurs on the 33rd day of the Omer, a 49-day period between the Jewish holy days of Passover and Shavuot. While Jews of many different sects and denominations mark the day, Orthodox mystics celebrate it as a day of transition between the mourning period of Omer and a more celebratory time. They believe that on the 30 April in the second century, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai revealed the deepest secrets of kabbalah in the form of the Zohar, or Book of Splendor, a landmark text of Jewish mystics. Others mark the day as the end of a plague which killed all but five of Rabbi Akiva's disciples - one of whom was Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Some also observe Lag B'Omer as the day of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's death. The rabbi's followers traditionally light bonfires at Mount Meron, where his tomb is located, to symbolise the spiritual light that can be found within his teachings. Other traditions include Jewish men giving their sons their first haircuts, and it is also a day of weddings - with Lag B'Omer being the only day during Omer that the ceremonies are permitted, according to some traditions. Zionist Jews also mark the event with bonfires, though for a different reason, believing they represent the Bar Kochba rebellions. Advertisement

Northern District Commander Shimon Lavi, who signed off on security at the festival, said he was willing to take 'full responsibility' as calls for an independent probe mounted, but added that the crush was 'definitely not' the responsibility of individual officers who he praised for going into the crowd to help the wounded and dying.

On Twitter, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a 'heavy disaster' and added: 'We are all praying for the wellbeing of the casualties.'

Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom said over 250 ambulances and helicopters had been called to the site to help rescue the wounded, including helicopters of the Israeli Air Force.

The chaos was further compounded when mobile phone services set up at the site crashed, leaving people unable to call for help and separating children from their parents.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was helicoptered in to the scene in Israel's far north, said the 'Mount Meron disaster' was 'one of the worst to befall' the country since its foundation seven decades ago.

'What happened here is heartbreaking. There were people crushed to death, including children,' he tweeted.

Closed last year due to coronavirus restrictions, this year's pilgrimage drew tens of thousands of people who were seen packed together joyfully singing, dancing and lighting bonfires before the deadly crush.

In a cruel irony, the B'Omer holiday celebrates the end of a plague that killed thousands of Talmudic students at the time of Rabbi Bar Yochai.

'This year, as we continue to inch closer to the end of a modern-day plague, I encourage everyone to find meaning and joy in celebrating the end of a different plague that occurred many years ago,' a rabbi wrote in the Jerusalem Post before Friday's tragedy.

Witnesses pointed a finger of blame at police.

'There is an iron ramp going down from the site of a bonfire... It was very crowded... people had to walk down on this ramp in order to exit,' said Shmuel, an 18-year-old.

The police 'closed it (the ramp). Then, more people arrived, and more and more... and police wouldn't let them exit, so people started to fall on top of each other', he told AFP.

They 'didn't open it (the passageway) until it crashed and all the crowd was blown away to the sides. Tens of people were crushed'.

Motti Bukchin, ZAKA paramedic volunteer at the site told the Mail Online: 'I have worked with ZAKA for 23 years. Never have I witnessed such a scene so horrific, of such magnitude.

'There were bodies everywhere, paramedics administering CPR, so many children, so many people without identifying details on them.

'Families came to celebrate and now, their loved ones will return home in body bags. This is beyond comprehension.'

Jay Shultz, 44 from Tel Aviv, added: 'We were at the height of ecstasy and joy, dancing at the largest gathering of Jewish people worldwide.

'Then, suddenly, there were ambulances, stretchers, and bonfires were being extinguished as we had moved from happiness to tragedy.

'Quickly, the music turned off, and I saw rescue workers carrying away dead and injured.'

'Earlier I had noticed police were erecting barriers in places they don't normally put them, seemingly for crowd control. But these create pressure and meant the normal ebb and flow of people was not possible, and when there is more concentration of people this is when tragedy can happen.'

At least 44 people have died and 150 have been injured, some of them critically, in a 'human avalanche' at an Orthodox Jewish religious festival in northern Israel caused when people slipped and fell in an overcrowded stairwell

Orthodox worshippers were taking part in late-night bonfires at the Lag B'Omer festival in northern Israel when a crush of people in an area surrounded by police barriers caused some people to fall, before others piled on top of them

Some 250 ambulances and medical helicopters rushed to the site as paramedics tried desperately to evacuate the wounded, but were hampered by the sheer number of people

Up to 100,000 people are thought to have crammed into the festival site, parts of which are only designed to hold 10,000, in what was the largest gathering allowed to go ahead since Israel began relaxing its Covid restrictions

Paramedics carry away a wounded man after the crush at the Mount Meron festival site. Witnesses said the site is largely segregated by gender, and the crush happened in one of the men's areas

Israeli security officials and rescuers inspect the dead bodies of dozens of people who died during an event in Mount Meron, Israel, on April 29

An Israeli Army helicopter arrives at the scene of the tragedy, near Mount Meron, to help carry away the wounded

Emergency services arriving at the scene. The Magen David Adom (MDA) ambulance service said 103 people had been injured, including dozens fatally, while Channel 12 TV put the number of dead at 38 in the early hours of this morning

Ten thousand people had been authorised to attend the tomb compound, but Israeli media outlets said 90,000 massed at the site, a figure that could not be immediately confirmed from official sources.

'There were 38 dead at the scene but there were more at the hospital,' Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said, adding 150 were injured, including six in serious condition.

Another six deaths were recorded at the north's Ziv hospital.

'It took me back to the period of (Palestinian militant) bombings. There was chaos, people trying to save themselves as they crushed each other,' Dov Maisel of the United Hatzala rescue services told army radio.

With the launch of an inquiry into the disaster, the regional police chief told reporters: 'I, Shimon Lavi... take upon myself the overall responsibility, for good and for bad, and I am ready for every inspection'.

The army and emergency services deployed helicopters to evacuate the wounded.

Scenes from Meron hours after the accident showed an ultra-Orthodox Jewish crowd in distress, the men in long black coats and wearing black hats, and debris scattered across the ground.

Survivors lit candles for the victims while others prayed. A row of bodies covered in plastic bags on the ground.

'I have not seen anything like this since I entered into the field of emergency medicine,' said Lazar Hyman of the United Hatzalah volunteer rescue service.

Festival attendees wait to be evacuated from the site on buses, with extra train services also laid on to help survivors away

Orthodox Jewish men gather early Friday in the Israeli town of Meron at the scene of a stampede which took place overnight

Israeli policewomen help to carry away items lost during the stampede including sacks full of hats on Friday morning

Hundreds of Orthodox Jewish worshippers are seen making their way through the town of Meron as they attempt to leave the Lag B'Omer festival site on Friday morning

Jewish families make their way out of the festival site early Friday after a stampede which killed dozens the previous evening

Yehuda Gottleib, a first responder from United Hatzalah, said he saw 'dozens of people fall on top of one another during the collapse'.

'A large number of them were crushed and lost consciousness.'

The injured were flown by helicopter to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where funerals were to be held later Friday.

Britain, France and the European Union offered their condolences.

'Devastating scenes... in Israel. My thoughts are with the Israeli people and those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy,' British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted.

In a statement, France sought to assure 'the Israeli people of its deep solidarity in this ordeal'.

'We wish you strength and courage to get through these difficult times,' tweeted European Council President Charles Michel.

Israel has fully vaccinated more than half of its 9.3 million population against the coronavirus, but restrictions on massive public gatherings remain in place to stem the spread of the virus.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews, known in Israel as haredim, have throughout the pandemic shown resistance towards health and safety measures mandated by the government.

Around 5,000 police had been deployed to secure the event.

After the stampede, police closed access to the area to prevent a crowd from building further, while rescue workers and security forces worked to clear the area and identify victims.

An image taken during Lag B'Omer celebrations in 2014 shows Orthodox Jews making their way through the festival site
Kris Jenner celebrated 40M followers on Instagram by throwing it back to her very first post from nine years ago.

The 65-year-old momager extraordinaire shared the black and white photo of herself from 2012 as she greeted her much smaller community: 'Hello instagram world!,' while embarking on a new frontier.

Fast forward to 2021, the platform has become she and her family's bread and butter as a lucrative source of revenue and a means for self-promotion  the matriarch even citing social media as one reason they closed the chapter on Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Time flies! Kris Jenner, 65, celebrates 40M followers on Instagram by throwing it back to her very first post from 2012

Flashing back to a time where Instagram was a foreign entity to the mother of six, she took a trip down memory lane in her post, as she marveled at how far she's come while thanking her hefty following.

'I have 40 MILLION reasons to be excited and thankful!!! 40 MILLION followers WOW!!! I can't believe it's been 9 years since I posted my first Instagram, and here we are, 40 million followers and 5900 posts later!!

'Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty, support, positivity, brutal honestly, humor and love, for all of these years. Over 14 years of making our show, the biggest blessing has been creating relationships with our followers and our fans, and I am so grateful that we have this amazing place to communicate, connect, and share our lives.

'I feel so completely blessed and honored that you have been there for me through thick and thin... and my, you have seen it ALL! hah! You have also supported all the hopes and dreams that not only I have had, but that my kids have had as well. Thank you for following me... I'm honestly humbled and grateful. I love you guys!!!!,' she said, adding: '(This is my first ever Instagram post nine years ago!!'

Well-versed: Fast forward to 2021, the platform has become she and her family's bread and butter as a lucrative source of revenue and a means for self-promotion  the matriarch even citing social media as one reason they closed the chapter on Keeping Up With The Kardashians

Momager: With Kris' guidance the family has learned how to control their image in lucrative ways and they have become Hollywood royalty

Momager: 'You have also supported all the hopes and dreams that not only I have had, but that my kids have had as well. Thank you for following me... I'm honestly humbled and grateful. I love you guys!!!!,' she shared in her celebratory post

Their hit E! show is rounding out its 20th and final season and her brood has now become synonymous with social media culture.

From photoshop scandals to pricey endorsement deals, Instagram has been a catalyst for the good and the bad over the years, while solidifying their undying stardom.

Collectively Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Kylie, and Kendall have over 861M followers on the platform alone, and the family rarely goes a day without posting a glimpse into their lavish lives.

On the business front, Kim has streamlined all advertisement for her SKIMS and KKW Beauty brands on the platform, as well as Khloe with Good American, Kourtney with Poosh, Kylie with Kylie Cosmetics and Kendall Jenner now with the elusive 818 tequila and modeling campaigns.

KKW Beauty: Kim has streamlined all advertisement for her SKIMS and KKW Beauty brands on the platform

Poosh: Kourtney's wellness brand Poosh has become a daily facet of her social media posts and it recently celebrated its second anniversary

Good American: Khloe's has found great success with her inclusive denim line and the images she posts of herself in the product get people talking

Model moments: The eldest Jenner uses Instagram to showcase her various modeling campaigns and recently announced she had embarked on the tequila space with 818

Kylie Skin: The once-purported billionaire has taken over the beauty space with her line of lip kits which expanded into a full beauty line

Speaking about KUWTK coming to an end after becoming a pop culture fixture, the Jenner Communications founder told WWD Beauty that the ability to deliver real-time content to their massive audience was just one of many forces at play.

'When we first started, there was no Instagram or Snapchat or other social media platforms. The world has changed. Now there are so many, the viewer doesn't have to wait three or four months to see an episode. We can give them all of the information anyone would ever want to know in real time,' she shared.

The Safely founder added: 'Social media is the fastest and most controlled way to get the message out. The consumer gets to see the products the girls are working on in real time, and they know we're going to get it out the door pretty quickly. The girls want them to be part of the journey to keep them engaged.'
Boston Dynamics' robot police dog has been dropped by the New York Police Department (NYPD), along with its contract being severed due to "aggressive tactics" of the device. Previously, the SpotMini robot dog has been criticized for being a scary-looking robot that resembles a "headless dog" which is mechanical and "robotic."

And while Boston Dynamics has revealed themselves and created a new design for the robot dog, it just was not enough for people to buy it, especially as it costs more than $74,000, the same price as a Tesla Model S. Perhaps households would not have enough use for the robot dogs as of now, especially as it is not yet in-demand for the home environment.

This led for the device to be adapted to industrial, corporate, and public service settings, with different clients like the Alberta Shell Refinery, and as a sheepherder in New Zealand. These settings are perfect for SpotMini and Boston Dynamics' tech, with its popularity leading to its use for the boys in blue's (police) public services.

Read Also: The Real-World AI: All The Hints Elon Musk Has Been Dropping Since Last Year

NYPD's Robot Police Dog: Aggressive Tactics?

Amidst the pandemic season, the police have enforced a new sheriff in town, and they are inanimate objects that are controlled by technology, computers, and AI to function. NYPD's enlistment of the Boston Dynamics' robot police dog, SpotMini, has been nicknamed "Digidog" by the police and has been the center of criticism.

According to CNet, it was initially claimed by the NYPD that this technology can be used or deployed to areas with complete darkness and get a good view of what is going on inside. This means that using the Digidog can help the police gather intel on places or situations that remain unknown, and would not risk any injuries or fatalities among its ranks.

However, while it was not used for entering deep into enemy territory, it was used by the NYPD to survey different communities in New York, where it was criticized by its representative, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez. Here, the NYPD has defended its use of the robot, saying that they have been using tech (robots) since the 70s for bombing and hazmat situations.

Please ask yourself: when was the last time you saw next-generation, world class technology for education, healthcare, housing, etc consistently prioritized for underserved communities like this?  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 25, 2021

NYPD Drops Boston Dynamics' Tech

The NYPD has been using robots since the 1970's to save lives in hostage situations & hazmat incidents. This model of robot is being tested to evaluate its capabilities against other models in use by our Emergency Service Unit and Bomb Squad. https://t.co/134Xl0ezox  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) February 25, 2021

Shortly after the tweet by AOC last February, things have been shaky for the NYPD, and the controversies that surrounded the use of Digidog or Boston Dynamics' SpotMini has been unfavorable. The New York police have dropped the $94,000 leasing contract with Boston Dynamics last Thursday, Apr. 22, amidst the backlash against it.

Related Article: 'Spot' Robot Creator Boston Dynamics Gives Glimpses of its Workshop-- Next-Gen Robots Are the Future?

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A Liverpool nightclub will open its doors on Friday for the first time in over a year.

Circus, at the Bramley-Moore Dock warehouse, will welcome 6,000 clubbers over two nights in a test event to research the impact of large gatherings on the spread of coronavirus.

The First Dance event will not require any social distancing or face coverings, and it is hoped it will pave the way for more clubs to open across the country.

DJ Yousef Zahar is co-owner of Circus and will be DJing at the event. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the event would be "monumental".

He said: "It's the first time in a long time I've allowed myself to be excited about anything. It's monumental.

DJ and producer Yousef Zaher (DJ Yousef) will perform at the UK's first nightclub event in more than a year on Friday. (Future Music Magazine/Future via Getty Images)

"Once people are over the threshold it's back to pre-COVID conditions  no masks, no social distancing.

"We're very excited but the serious point is to take the information and try to move towards June 21st."

The event is part of the national Events Research Programme (ERP), which will provide data on how events for a range of audiences could be permitted to safely reopen as part of the roadmap out of lockdown.

Ticket holders have had to take a lateral flow test 24 hours before the event and will be required to produce a negative result to gain entry.

Liverpool's director of culture, Claire McColgan, told Sky News: "This hasn't been an easy process, and it's particularly hard as the night-time sector hasn't been open for over a year.

Once inside the club revellers will not be required to wear face coverings or keep their distance from other people (Getty images)

"It will be a different event to what people are used to  from the ticketing process to getting a negative lateral flow test before you're allowed entry.

"But anyone who attends will not only be helping to get clubs up and running in Liverpool, they will be pioneers for the whole country."

Other acts appearing over the weekend include DJs Fatboy Slim and Jayda G.

COVID-19 pilot schemes have already been trialled at the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium, with further trials to take place at the FA Cup final and a screening at the Luna Outdoor Cinema in Liverpool.

Story continues

Information garnered from the trials will be used to assist the UK government with its plan to remove all social distancing restrictions by 21 June.

Restrictions have slowly begun to ease since March, with schools reopening first, followed by non-essential retail, then hospitality, gyms and theme parks.

Boris Johnson has said he expects the next stage of reopening will proceed as planned on 17 May, with all restrictions hopefully lifted on June 21.

"There's no question that we're starting to get the pandemic really well under control at the moment, but we've got to stick to our cautious approach and go through the steps of the roadmap," he said.

Watch: How England will leave lockdown
30 April 2021

ANANDA DEVELOPMENTS PLC

("Ananda" or the "Company")

TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS

In accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules, Ananda announces that the Company has 590,538,886 ordinary shares of 0.2p each in issue ("Ordinary Shares"), each share carrying the right to one vote.

This figure of 590,538,886 Ordinary Shares may be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

-Ends-

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

ANANDA DEVELOPMENTS PLC

Chief Executive Officer

Melissa Sturgess



Investor Relations

Jeremy Sturgess-Smith +44 (0)7717 573 235

ir@anandadevelopments.com PETERHOUSE CAPITAL LIMITED

Corporate Finance

Mark Anwyl

Allie Feuerlein



Corporate Broking

Lucy Williams

Duncan Vasey +44 (0)20 7469 0930

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
In fishing industry, women face hidden hardships: study

April 30,2021 | Source: Conservation

The fishing industry is facing a reckoning. Journalists and researchers in recent years have uncovered slavery, child labor and human trafficking on fishing vessels, spurring a global push to address human rights abuses on the high seas.



However, what happens after the fish are caught has remained largely hidden. According to researchers, millions of onshore fish workers  predominantly women  spend long hours cleaning and packaging fish in factories, maintaining community fish farms and often filling low-paying positions throughout seafood supply chains around the world. And in these roles, they face a different  but equally egregious  suite of human rights abuses, the researchers write in a recent paper.



In an interview, Conservation News spoke to the papers lead author, Conservation International scientist Elena Finkbeiner, about the hardships that women endure in the fishing industry  and the steps needed to address them.



Question: Fishing is widely considered a male-dominated industry. What jobs do women fill?



Answer: The best way to describe the fishing industry is male-dominated but female-intensive.



Men are typically seen on industrial fishing vessels, but that type of work accounts for just a fraction of jobs in the industry. Women fill 90 percent of land-based jobs at fisheries  including managing local fish farms, working in seafood processing plants, marketing products and even collecting snails or crabs, which feed communities while fishers are sea.



Women are the unseen backbone of seafood supply chains, supporting local food security and ensuring that fish are processed and packaged for sale at regional and national markets. Unfortunately, women are rarely chosen for leadership or managerial roles in seafood supply chains, meaning that they often do not have a voice in decisions, including working conditions and fair compensation. Our recent paper highlights how systemic discrimination and a lack of representation and recognition in the seafood industry worldwide makes women more vulnerable to abuse.



Q: What types of human rights abuses are women in the fisheries sector currently up against?



A: Sexual harassment and gender-based violence are hugely pervasive across many fishing communities  there are even accounts of women being forced to exchange sex for access to fish markets.



Lesser known yet extensive inequalities also persist in the essential roles that women play in fish processing factories. If a woman is able to find a job in this part of the industry, its likely that the position will be temporary and unsalaried, meaning that her job is not as secure and she will not qualify for benefits such as health insurance, childcare or a severance package if she is let go. Additionally, post-harvest female fish workers are often exposed to dangerous conditions in factories with poor ventilation, limited breaks and crowded facilities  which has been especially harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic because working in close quarters can increase the risk of transmission.



These abuses and inequities inhibit the ability of women to access more secure and better-paying positions in the fishing industry, further marginalizing their roles, and exacerbating vulnerabilities to external shocks such as public health crises and natural disasters.



Q: What needs to change for the fishing industry to address gender inequality?



A: The seafood sustainability movement has made significant strides toward tackling human rights abuses on the high seas, but these efforts must also include a greater focus on the rights of women and communities who participate in seafood supply chains onshore. Governments must invest more resources toward creating and applying policies to protect gender equity and developing social safeguards that reach women and small-scale fishing communities. For example, Costa Rica is an early adopter among countries striving to embed guidelines for sustainable, equitable and socially responsible small-scale fisheries into national law, with Ecuador and Peru closely following suit.



Seafood businesses  from producers and processors to suppliers and retailers  also have a responsibility to ensure that their policies and practices protect women from gender-based violence, promote gender equality and support fare wages throughout their supply chains. One way they can do this is by committing to follow the Monterey Framework for Social Responsibility, which is aimed at protecting human rights and improving food and livelihood security in the fishing industry.



A few of the recommendations outlined in the framework include providing equitable opportunities for all fish workers, improving environmental sustainability across production lines, and protecting human rights to ensure that seafood is sourced without harm to the people involved in producing, processing and distributing it.

Theme(s): Fisheries Resources, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Communities and Organisations, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats, Others, Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Landing Centres.
In February last year, two days after his 84th birthday, my father drove his car into a vacant shop at his local shopping centre. Dad panicked after another driver tooted him for being slow, pressing so hard on the accelerator that the car jumped a low concrete barrier and smashed through the glass front before ending up inside the shop.

Incredibly, it was the only unoccupied store in the row. A couple of metres left or right, and my father would have certainly killed someone. The incident was a massive blow to Dads confidence. He knew he wouldnt drive again, and I knew Id become my parents driver and, inevitably, their carer.

Looking after an elderly parents emotional demands can be more difficult than their physical challenges. Credit:Jim Pavlidis

Mum stopped driving decades ago and has been in a slow decline since. She depends completely on my father who, while being mentally pretty sharp, is wonky on his feet. Looking after them might feel manageable now, but its a situation thats definitely not going to get easier.

A friend likened my new role to the plight of Sisyphus, the doomed mythological Greek king who was forced to roll a large boulder up a hill only to watch it roll back down, a task he would repeat forever.
BUCHANAN, N.Y. (AP)  Indian Point will permanently stop producing nuclear power Friday, capping a decades-long battle over a key source of electricity in the heart of New York Citys suburbs that opponents have called a threat to millions living in the densely packed region.

The retirement of the Indian Point Energy Center along the Hudson River could increase New Yorks short-term reliance on natural gas plants, despite the states goal of reducing carbon emissions. But Gov. Andrew Cuomo and others who fought for its shutdown argue any benefits from the plant are eclipsed by the nightmare prospect of a major nuclear accident or a terror strike 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of the city.

There are 20 million people living within 50 miles of Indian Point and there is no way to evacuate them in case of a radiological release. And the risk of that is quite real, said Paul Gallay, president of the environmental group Riverkeeper.

The actual shutdown will be straightforward: a control room operator for Indian Points Unit 3 will push a red button to shut down the reactor Friday night. It will complete a contentious closing of the plants two reactors years in the making.

The Unit 2 reactor shut down exactly a year ago under a 2017 agreement among the Cuomo administration, Riverkeeper and the plants operator, Entergy Corp. Unit 3s shutdown under the same agreement paves the way for a decommissioning that is projected to cost $2.3 billion and take at least 12 years. The tall twin domes visible from the river will eventually be demolished.

The two reactors, which went online two years apart in the mid-70s, had generated about a quarter of the electricity used in New York City and the lower Hudson Valley.

They also generated controversy.

Environmentalists faulted the plant for killing fish by taking in massive amounts of river water for cooling. Critics said the plant was antiquated and pointed to a safety history that included faulty reactor bolts and radioactive tritium detected in groundwater onsite.

Fears that Indian Point could be a terror target intensified after one of the planes hijacked for the Sept. 11 attacks flew by the plant on its way down the river to the World Trade Center.

In theory, the plant was built to withstand an airplane crash in the 70s, Cuomo told reporters recently. Who knows what would happen now with Indian Point?

Entergy spokesperson Jerry Nappi said Indian Point has run reliably and safely virtually without interruption since 1962, when the first long-since-retired reactor went online at the site of an old amusement park.

Entergy says low wholesale energy prices and operating costs factored into its 2017 decision to close Indian Point. Nuclear plants have been closing in recent years amid low natural gas prices, slow growth in electricity demand and competition from renewables.

Village of Buchanan Mayor Theresa Knickerbocker, a lifetime resident, said the plant operators are good neighbors and its sad to see them go. The village is among the local beneficiaries of annual payments from Entergy and there were still 750 workers employed there this month.

We were always known as one of the smallest communities with a nuclear power plant. We were kind of proud of that, Knickerbocker said. People would make fun of us, `Oh, you glow in the dark? and were like, `Yeah, we do.

Indian Points exit is not expected create reliability problems for New Yorks electrical grid. But it comes as the Cuomo administration works to increase the share of electricity generated by clean renewables like wind and solar. The state aims to get 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Indian Point proponents say its retirement will require New York to rely more heavily on fossil-fuel burning natural gas plants. They note that natural gas generation in New York already increased last year after Unit 2 closed.

Now were going to double the damage when Indian Point 3 shuts down, taking us even further backwards, said Keith Schue of New York Energy and Climate Advocates.

Backers of the closure say any potential bump up in New York natural gas generation needs to be considered in context of a decrease in fossil fuel generation since 2016, as well as progress in renewables and energy efficiency. New York has more than 20 large-scale renewable energy infrastructure projects that will be under construction this year with more planned.

Tom Congdon, chairman of Cuomos Indian Point closure task force, said the state has been preparing for the retirement for years and the state remains on target for its clean air goals. He said a fluctuation in natural gas generation is possible.

But whatever that change is, its temporary in nature because of this tremendous pipeline of renewable energy projects that are all coming online over the next few years, Congdon said.

Pending state regulatory approval, Entergy will transfer Indian Point to New Jersey-based Holtec International for decommissioning. Spent fuel is being moved to gigantic onsite dry casks until it can go elsewhere.

Holtec said it will provide job opportunities more than 300 Indian Point employees, and local communities will have access to payments and assistance to ease their post-nuclear transition.

Knickerbocker hopes that some of the 240-acre site will eventually be used for residential and commercial development.

Its the end of an era for us, she said.

About the photo: A sign warning of radioactive materials is seen on a fence around a containment building, which houses a reactor, at Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, N.Y., Monday, April 26, 2021. Indian Point will permanently stop producing nuclear power Friday, capping a long battle over a key source of electricity for nearby New York City that opponents called a safety threat to millions in the densely packed metropolitan region. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 20:36:46|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Mongolian government said Friday it has decided to provide 1 million U.S. dollars in humanitarian aid to India, which has been hit hard by a drastic increase in COVID-19 cases.

"Through the humanitarian aid, Mongolia is expressing solidarity with the Indian people during this difficult time," the press office of the government said in a statement.

India, the world's second most populous nation, has been experiencing a deteriorating COVID-19 situation.

On Friday, India reported its largest daily increase of 386,452 new COVID-19 cases since the outbreak of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the country saw around 3,500 virus-related deaths over the past 24 hours.

The surge in India is said to be fueled by a new COVID-19 variant dubbed the "double mutant" and scientifically identified as the B.1.617 variant. It was "detected at increasing prevalence" among the new cases in the country, according to the World Health Organization. Enditem
The 36th Leadership Plainview class officially graduated last week after a year-long hiatus prompted by COVID-19.

The class originally came together in the fall of 2019 and was supposed to finish last spring. Due to COVID-related delays, the class didnt meet for a year.

On April 21, the group met at Mias Italian Restaurant to celebrate the end of their Leadership Plainview journey.

Leadership Plainview is a course created to share an insight with local leaders regarding the different industries and major businesses in Plainview. Participants polish their leadership skills, network and learn about the community, according to a news release from Leadership Plainview. Participants take part in discussions and take trips throughout the area to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at these facilities or businesses around the community.

The program is sponsored by the Plainview Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Tonya Keesee calls the program a shining star.

Leadership Plainview participants meet the second Wednesday of each month from September through May. The cost to participate is $350 and includes meals, charter bus transportation, a framed diploma upon completion of the program and other amenities. Applications for the 37th class will be accepted starting in July. Those interested in learning more can call (806)296-7431.

M. Shane Harrell chaired the 36th term and was assisted by Homer Marquez, alumni services director.

Graduates of the 36th class include:

* Philip Field - Vice President - Happy State Bank  (recognized with a perfect attendance award)



* Erica Gonzales - Front Office Coordinator - Central Plains Center



* Brad Henderson - University Store Director - Wayland Baptist University



* Victoria Huffhines - Advisor - South Plains College



* Norma Juarez - Councilmember - City of Plainview



* Ashley Mayberry - Associate Executive Director - Plainview YMCA  (recognized with a perfect attendance award)



* Nikki McCarthy - Owner, Gebos



* Emily Parker - Agent - Higginbotham Insurance



* Ryan Pierce - Loan Officer - Plains Land Bank



* Denise Smith - Wealth Management Office Assistant - Happy State Bank  (recognized with a perfect attendance award)



* Jason Stehlik - General Manager - Culligan of Plainview



* Braden Sutterfield - Bank Officer - Vista Bank



* Sonny Urrutia - Personal Banker - Prosperity Bank



* Phyllis Wall - Community Volunteer



* Ram Zambrano - Maintenance Supervisor - Corteva Agriscience
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 22:39:26|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Friday logged two more deaths from COVID-19 and 761 new confirmed cases in the last 24 hours, its Ministry of Health said in a statement.

The latest deceased patients were a 41-year-old Chinese man and a 55-year-old Cambodian woman, raising the national death toll to 93 from the coronavirus epidemic, the statement said.

The new infections included one imported case and 760 local cases, which included 408 reported in the capital Phnom Penh, 144 in Kandal province, 83 in Preah Sihanouk province, and 67 in Banteay Meanchey province, it said.

The imported case was reported in a 29-year-old Cambodian man who returned from Malaysia on Thursday.

An additional 166 recovered patients were recorded in the Southeast Asian nation, bringing the total number of recoveries from the COVID-19 pandemic to 5,152, according to the statement.

Cambodia has so far reported 13,402 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 8,150 active cases. Enditem
In the US, Labor Day has been celebrated in September since the 1880s. Efforts have been made to move the day to May to align with the international celebration, but the remnants of Cold War tensions have soured this endeavor.

A brief history of International Workers Day

While the United States does not celebrate International Workers Day, events from the US labor movement inspired the Marxist International Socialist Congress to chose May 1st for their day of action. In 1890, in Paris, the Marxist International Socialist Congress chose the first of May to commemorate the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago.



On 1 May 1, 1886, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, which later changed its name to the American Federation of Labor, called on its members to strike for an eight-hour workday. In Chicago, workers at the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company participated in a strike to encourage leadership to implement the workday change. More than four hundred police officers guarded the factory to prevent the entrance of the workers on strike. On the third day of the strike, a few protestors tried to break through the police line to confront the strikebreakers, and they were shot upon. Local anarchist groups quickly released a pamphlet detailing the event and encouraged workers to join a rally at Haymarket Square the following day.

Details on the number of workers who participated in the rally are unclear and range from 600 to 3000. The attendants chanted, marched, and listened to speeches. Towards the end of the day, police moved into the area to disburse the protestors, and before they reached the crowd, a bomb was thrown in the direction of the police. The officers quickly began shooting, creating a stampede and chaos that left six officers dead and sixty wounded. As for the protestors, two deaths were confirmed, but the total death and injury count was never released.

Repression of the labor movement swiftly followed the events, but later, the event would be recognized as a critical moment in the US movement for an eight-hour workday.

Attack on organized labor in the 20th century

The Marxist and Socialist ties to International Workers Day made it popular among organized labor in the US in the early part of the 20th century. Throughout the 20th century, as the Cold War progressed and the Red Scare motivated the attack on organized labor, the idea of moving the US labor day to May, became politically toxic.

Unionization in the United States reached its peak in 1950. That year more than a third of all workers in the US were card-carrying union members. Union membership was popular as organized labor had led to the establishment of the eight-hour workday and the five-day workweek. Additionally, muckrakers, activists, and unions had improved the safety conditions of workers and encouraged that laws be passed to protect children from exploitive labor practices.

After World War II, Cold War politics motivated the US government to restrict the power of organized labor and laws like the Taft-Hartley Act, made it illegal for unions to contribute to political campaigns. Today this idea seems ludicrous to many as the Citizens United Supreme Court decision allows corporations to donate to campaigns.

Additionally, the law severely limited the ability of unions to encourage striking, saying that the practice formed a threat to national security. The bill was also influenced by Macathism and required that union leaders state that they were not tied to the Communist Party and that they had no intention to overthrow the government. This provision of the bill was deemed unconstitutional in 1965, but by then, many had been accused of communist loyalties and been removed from their post.

Today the impacts of the Taft-Hartly and other anti-union bills are clear as union membership in the US has hit the historic low of 11.9%.

How do countries celebrate?

Countries mark the day in different ways and often relate to their labor and social struggles. For example, in South Africa, the day is tied to the fight to end apartheid. In Kenya, the government announces and approves an increase to the countries minimum wage each year.

In many other countries, the day is filled with parades and events that feature politicians and labor organizations. Many events and protests are also organized to rally support for labor reforms.




A new blow-by-blow account of the raid that got Osama bin Laden and the harrowing decision to go in reveals new details of how President Barack Obama finally got firm evidence the terror mastermind had been killed in a U.S. operation.

'Congratulations, you killed Osama bin Laden,' Pakistani military chief of staff Gen. Ashfaq Kayani told the president in the hours after Navy Seals undertook the daring raid that resulted in bin Laden's death in an Abbottabad compound where bin Laden was hiding out.

Pakistani military personnel had showed up at the bin Laden family compound and gotten confirmation from family members, according to a new account on the 10th anniversary of the May 2011 raid published in Politico.

A new oral history recounts the raid that got Osama bin Laden

The U.S. would ultimately obtain highly scientific confirmation  as well as coarse efforts to eyeball the situation.

Admiral Willam McRaven, who oversaw special forces carrying out the raid, asked a Navy SEAL to lie down next to bin Laden's corpse, now ensconced in a body bag, to get a rough measurement of his height.

'I knew that bin Laden was about 6-foot-4. I saw some young SEALS standing nearby and I said: Hey son, how tall are you? He said, Sir, Im 6 2. I say, I need you to lie down here.

McRaven recounted the episode in his own book, 'Sea Stories,' and Obama included it in his own, 'A Promised Land.'

SEALS had crossed over into Jalalabad, Afghanistan with bin Laden's body, but it was hours before the White House would announce the raid.

Former President Barack Obama solicited views from top advisors including former Vice President Joe Biden on the decision to go in, scene here from the situation room on May 1, 2011

The compound, within which al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed, is seen in flames after it was attacked in Abbottabad in this still image taken from video footage from a mobile phone May 2, 2011

President Barack Obama (R) leaves together with Vice President Joe Biden (L) after he addressed the nation publicly for the first time since the shock election of Donald Trump as his successor, on November 9, 2016 at the White House

According to Mike Leiter, former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Obama broke the ice with a quip on a video conference.

'You just blew up a $65 million helicopter and you dont have enough money to buy a tape measure?' he joked to McRaven.

The new oral history by Garrett Graff also describes the difficult decision to decide whether to go ahead with the raid.

The contours of that advice is already known: with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reluctantly urging action, and former Vice President Joe Biden stressing caution.

According to former deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes, Biden's role in a key Thursday strategy session before Obama authorized the raid was partly the role of 'devil's advocate'  just hours before a raid that had to take place between Friday and Monday because there would be no moon.

Retired General Ashfaq Kayani

Biden, the former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stressed the potential for blowback in Pakistan  whose government was infuriated by the incursion into its territory. The U.S. feared providing notice could cause a leak that would botch the operation.

'Biden had worked a lot on Pakistan over the years, and he really laid out the risk of this going wrong and the potential for confrontation with the Pakistanis,' said Rhodes.

'Our embassy being overrun, the fallout that could ensue. I dont remember it as being firmly against as much as it being about like, Im going to point out the downsides that you need to consider from the perspective of Pakistan.

Said former CIA Director John Brennan: 'I think Joe Biden was most concerned about if it was a failed mission, what it would mean for Barack Obama and his prospects for a second term.'

Following the Situation Room discussion that Rhodes called 'incredibly dramatic,' Biden pulled Rhodes and chief of staff Denis McDonough into a small conference room.

You guys think hes going to do this? Biden asked.

'We both said, Yes, absolutely. He always said he would.'

'What was interesting about that is that Biden said, Look, I see my role as trying to stretch out his options. In a sense, Biden was just trying to make sure that Obama had a bunch of room for his decision-making. That always made me think that while he was opposed in the meeting, that some of his opposition was this role he saw for himselfhe took a position against the grain to just create space,' said Rhodes.

Word jumped around Washington and the internet even as President Obama prepared to tell the nation the hunt was over  and his aides scrambled to try to get reporters to the White House and set up a Sunday night speech.

In an odd twist, one of the first to get wind of what happened and publicly reveal it was Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson.

He tweeted at 10:24 pm on May 1, 2011: 'Just got word that will shock the world - Land of the free...home of the brave DAMN PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!'

Said Rhodes after the fact: 'Were like, How the hell did The Rock know about this? I have no idea where The Rock gets his information, but its pretty good information.'
Part of the Canadian pledge will go towards a specific effort to safeguard the health of displaced women and children. (Credit: unicef.org)

A release from the Canadian High Commission in Barbados made available on Monday, announced that the Government of Canada has pledged CAD$440,000 in immediate aid to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, in the wake of the volcanic eruption.





The funds, to be channelled through Global Affairs Canada, are expected to provide for the basic needs of displaced persons, including those in shelters, with a contribution of $50,000 to support the work of Rapid Relief Team SVG.





The World Pediatric Project (WPP) Caribbean will receive $50,000 to help to meet the health needs of displaced women and children.





A sum of $90,000 will go to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross via the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to support shelters for evacuees and to provide relief supplies and first aid services, the release said.





Canada has also mobilized a $250,000 contribution to the World Food Programme (WFP) following the UN Flash Appeal for assistance to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This funding will allow WFP to scale-up its life-saving operations for the next three months to provide food security, logistics, and emergency telecommunications.





This emergency assistance, first announced by Global Affairs Canada on April 25, complements Canadas long-term disaster preparedness and readiness initiatives with partners such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Canadian Red Cross, Pan-American Health Organization, World Bank, and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).





Canadas $8.2 million project with CDEMA not only provides support for strengthening regional disaster preparedness and response efforts, but also includes an Early Recovery Fund, which will be mobilized to provide at least $400,000 to support early recovery efforts. (CHC, Barbados)




In a blog post, the Head of Xbox Game Studios, Matt Booty, has announced that the Microsoft Store will soon reduce their commission for in-store purchases to 12%. Microsoft is also working on upgrading the Store in the coming months with more features, and has promised to improve install reliability and download speeds.

The reduction in store fees down to 12%, which will go into effect starting 1st August 2021, is great news for game developers and will hopefully encourage more developers to list their games on the Microsoft Store. A 12% commission would bring the Microsoft Store in line with the Epic Games store, and it puts more pressure on to Valves Steam.

Steam continues to take a 30% cut for the first $10 million, after which it takes a 25% cut, and then 20% after the sales cross $50 million. This is still significantly higher than the 12% that Epic Games takes, and what Microsoft will take in the future.

Reducing the commission may not be enough to entice developers as the Microsoft Store is not very feature rich in comparison to other online stores. To increase the appeal of the Store, Microsoft has committed to improve the download speeds, increase install reliability and will even open to the store any Windows application, including Chrome and Firefox.

Source
The U.S. is keen to arrange the trilateral meeting despite icy relations between Korea and Japan over historical issues that have spilled over into trade and other areas. It will be 15 months since such a meeting was held in February last year.

The foreign ministers of Korea, Japan and the U.S. will probably sit down together on the sidelines of the upcoming G7 foreign ministers' meeting, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported Thursday.

There has been no meeting between foreign ministers of Korea and Japan since the government of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was inaugurated in September last year. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has refused even to talk on the phone with his Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong, who took office in February.

Korean Ambassador Kang Chang-il, who arrived in Tokyo in January, has not yet been able to present his credentials to the Japanese emperor.

The U.S. now hopes to break the ice with the trilateral foreign ministers' meeting. Washington is eager to restore trilateral cooperation in its drive to keep China's growing power in the Asia-Pacific region in check.
ALBANY  Albany County is launching two new vaccination efforts designed to make it easier for residents to get the coronavirus shot.

The county will begin offering vaccinations to people without appointments at its Department of Health complex, located at 175 Green St. in Albany, County Executive Dan McCoy announced Friday. Walk-ins were welcomed Friday, and will be this coming Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m to 3 p.m., he said. The county hopes to extend the service beyond that, as well.

We are hoping next week to be able announce that that is going to continue, said county Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen at a Friday news briefing.

One benefit of offering vaccines at the county Department of Health building is that certified health educators will be on site for anyone who may have questions about the vaccine, Whalen said.

We know theres a tremendous amount of misinformation in the press right now and on social media, and we really need people to get the right information to make an informed decision, she said. So if youd like to come down and just speak to a health educator to better get an idea of what the best decision is for you and your family  we encourage you to do that.

The county will also provide free transportation to residents over the age of 60 whod like to get vaccinated at the site, McCoy said. Interested residents should call 518-447-7198 to arrange the service, he said.

McCoy also announced Friday that the county is launching a mobile vaccination program with Albany-based health insurer CDPHP. The company will provide a van for the initiative, and the goal is to bring vaccine directly into marginalized and hard-to-reach communities such as the county's remote Hilltowns, he said.

This is about getting into target communities or to people who dont want to come out or go into bigger (vaccine sites), he said.

Staff from both the county and CDPHP will conduct outreach and oversee the operation of the mobile clinics throughout the region. Potential locations include faith-based organizations, shelters, community centers and housing sites, among others, officials said.

The first clinic got underway Friday morning at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Albany, located at 275 State St., said Kathy Leyden, vice president for community engagement at CDPHP.

We have folks on site there who are ready to talk to community members, provide the facts about the vaccine and  if they are open to it  actually get vaccinated on the spot, she said. So we love this type of mobile, flexible approach and we hope that this is the first of many opportunities to partner up with the county on these mobile clinics.

Just over 53 percent of Albany County residents had received their first dose of vaccine as of Thursday, and 40 percent had completed their vaccine series, state data show.

But new data released this week show that distribution has hardly been equitable. ZIP codes in rural areas and among Albanys communities of color have some of the lowest rates of vaccination against COVID-19 in the county.

Just 19 percent of residents in the rural hamlet of Coeymans Hollow and 36 percent of residents in the rural town of Berne, for example, have received their first shot of vaccine. Rates are also low in Albanys West Hill and South End ZIP codes, where residents of color make up 67 and 72 percent of the population, respectively. Those communities have respective first-dose vaccination rates of 27 percent and 31 percent, the data show.

Public health experts have said at least 75 percent of the population needs to be vaccinated (or immune due to recent COVID-19 sickness) in order for the threat of outbreak to fade away.
Kiah Morris speaks during a media conference in 2019. Her husband, James Lawton, is at right, and Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan at left. The town of Bennington has settled a complaint before the Human Rights Commission filed by Morris and her family, alleging the police department inadequately investigated her complaints of racially motivated harassment.
Chandigarh, April 30 : Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said on Friday that 112 oxygen concentrators are being sent to the state by the US India Foundation.

Vij said he has spoken to Union Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri regarding the arrival of the oxygen concentrators for which he has given the consent to get them airlifted from the US without any cost.

Vij said the US-based foundation has assured to send more concentrators and ventilators to the state.

He said the Central government has increased the oxygen quota of the state from 70 metric tonnes to 232 metric tonnes.

Also, additional oxygen tankers will be provided by the government from Odisha. This will support increasing the availability of oxygen in the hospitals of the state, he added.
Maitland resident Pearl Metz celebrated her 90th birthday in a very unique way. As a birthday present, Maitland Mayor John Lowndes presented her with a proclamation declaring April 22, 2021, Pearl Metz Day in the city of Maitland. Not only did she receive a certificate, a yard card was placed in her front yard.

Born in New York, New York, she met her husband, Bill, in February 1954 on a blind double date  only he wasnt her date! They were married five months later on July 4, and celebrated 59 years with fireworks on their anniversary until Bill died in 2013.

She and Bill m...
Sadly, the pandemic hasn't improved table manners in this town's 2nd nicest enclave and a recent beef at this breadmaker reveals on the upscale side of the KCMO Troost dividing line.

Read more . . .
(Photo : Flickr/Bella Thomas) Roku TV and YouTube TV

Roku's deal to distribute YouTube TV expired on Apr. 30, and amid its standoff with Google, Roku removed YouTube TV from its channel store.

For now, Roku stated it is continuing to provide access to YouTube TV for its existing subscribers unless Google takes actions that require the full removal of the channel.

YouTube TV Removed from Roku

Roku had warned its customers that has access with YouTube TV that the service may go dark because of the ongoing dispute between the companies, according to Variety.

On Apr. 30, Roku sent a notice to their customers about the removal of YouTube TV from the channel store, which means that the app can't be installed or reinstalled on a Roku device.

Roku alleges that Google is seeking anticompetitive terms.

According to Roku, Google is demanding that if a Roku user has the regular YouTube app open, the platform can't display search results from third-play services like Disney Plus, Netflix, or HBO Max.

Also Read: Roku Debuts 'Cypher' Series for Free, First Exclusive Show to Air in the Platform-Following Netflix and MORE; How to Watch

The regular YouTube app remains available on Roku and it is not affected by the current dispute. Google is also currently asking for special access to Roku user data and wants the ability to dictate hardware requirements to Roku in the future for running its apps, as per Roku.

A Roku representative said in an emailed statement that Roku has not asked for one dollar of additional financial consideration from Google to renew YouTube TV. Because of Google's conduct, new subscriptions will not be available going forward until an agreement is reached.

The Roku spokesperson added that it is well past time for Google to embrace the principles that have made streaming so popular for millions of users by giving consumers control of their streaming experience, and by embracing fair competition and by ceasing anticompetitive practices.

Representatives for Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

However, in a statement earlier this week about the dispute, Google denied that it has asked for access to Roku user data, or that it is seeking to interfere with the search results for Roku in its platform.

Google has stated that they are working on resolving this issue for the sake of their mutual users, according to The Verge.

YouTube TV Subscription

YouTube TV is currently available in the U.S only, and it costs $65 a month after a price hike last summer.

The internet pay-TV service gives the user more than 85 channels, including CBS, ABC, NBC TV, and Fox in almost all markets.

YouTube TV also gives a DVR with unlimited storage space, plus up to six accounts per household and up to three concurrent streams, USA Today reported.

Carriage disputes between pay-TV operators and networks is not a new issue, and Roku has had it share of disagreements with content providers.

In 2020, the dispute held out for months before reaching deals for WarnerMedia's HBO Max and NBCUniversal's Peacock and adding those apps to its platforms.

Roku argues that the current fight with Google is about Google abusing its dominant position with YouTube, in an effort to extract unfair content-search advantages and put Roku's hardware business at the mercy of Google's technical demands.

Related Article: Loop Media Teams Up With Roku for New Streaming Channels and Loop Music Video App

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Story Highlights Black investors have below-average tolerance for investment risk

Have above-average expectation for retirement income with own business

Have typical money goals, like saving for retirement, paying off debt

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- According to the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup investor survey, Black investors have similar financial goals as U.S. investors generally and are just as optimistic about saving for retirement, while differing in the following ways:

Having lower risk tolerance when it comes to investing

Putting greater emphasis on entrepreneurship and pensions for retirement income while putting less emphasis on inherited money

Giving more frequent financial support to friends and family

Black Investors Less Comfortable With Risk in Investing

Thirty-eight percent of Black investors, contrasted with 47% of investors overall, say they are willing to take on "a lot" or "fair amount" of risk in the hopes of generating higher investment returns. A 54% majority of Black investors, versus 47% of all investors, are most comfortable taking on "only a little" risk, and 7% of both groups opt for no risk at all.

U.S. Investors' Tolerance for Risk As you may know, investments with higher risk offer more growth potential than investments with less risk. Are you someone who is willing to take on a lot of risk, a fair amount of risk, only a little risk, or no risk at all in the hopes of generating higher returns on your investments? Black U.S. investors Total U.S. investors % % A lot of risk 3 6 Fair amount 35 41 Only a little 54 47 No risk 7 7 A lot/Fair amount 38 47 Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index, Feb. 8-16, 2021 Gallup Panel

The latest results are based on the Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index survey conducted Feb. 8-16. The poll was conducted by web using the probability-based Gallup Panel and includes an oversample of Black investors weighted to their correct proportion of the population.

For this poll, investors are defined as U.S. adults with $10,000 or more invested in stocks, bonds or mutual funds. According to Gallup analysis, approximately two in 10 Black adults meet this criterion, versus approximately 45% of national adults.

Different Expectations for Affording Retirement

Overall, Black investors are just as confident as investors overall about having enough income in retirement, with 73% and 69%, respectively, saying they are highly or somewhat confident. But how they plan to go about funding it is slightly different.

Among non-retirees, Black investors are more likely than investors generally to say entrepreneurship, such as starting their own business, will be a major or minor income source for them in retirement, 33% vs. 23%, respectively. They are also more likely to say a work-sponsored pension will be part of their retirement security. At the same time, Black investors are less likely to say an inheritance will be an income source.

None of these three sources is a leading expected income source for non-retired investors, but on a relative basis, Black investors put more weight on entrepreneurship (33%) than on an inheritance (19%), while the reverse is true for investors at large (28% inheritance vs. 23% entrepreneurship).

Meanwhile, there is no statistical difference between non-retired Black investors and non-retired investors as a whole in their expectations for relying on a regular savings account, part-time work, rental income, Social Security, family support, a 401(k) or other retirement account, or home equity.

Non-Retired Investors' Expected Sources of Retirement Income When you retire, how much do you expect to rely on each of the following sources of money -- will it be a major source of income, a minor source of income, or not a source at all? % Major or minor source Black U.S. investors Total U.S. investors Difference % % pct. pts. 401(k), 403(b), IRA or other retirement account 94 94 0 Social Security 89 88 +1 Regular savings account or CD 73 67 +6 Part-time work 63 60 +3 Equity built up in your home 56 61 -5 Work-sponsored pension plan 53 44 +9 Entrepreneurship such as starting own business 33 23 +10 Rental income 24 21 +3 An inheritance 19 28 -9 Financial support from family 8 7 +1 Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index, Feb. 8-16, 2021 Gallup Panel

Helping Family Financially More Routine Among Black Investors

Providing "significant or routine financial help" to at least one relation or friend in the past few years is more common among Black investors (69%) than U.S. investors as a whole (57%).

Much of the difference is explained by Black investors' financial assistance to extended family members, as nearly twice as many Black investors as investors as a whole say they have provided this help. But they are also more likely to have given money to their adult children, parents and friends.

Percentage of U.S. Investors Providing Financial Help to Each Relation Now thinking about money, in the past few years have you provided significant or routine financial help to each of the following? (% yes, shown) Black U.S. investors Total U.S. investors Difference % % One or more adult children, aged 18+ 49 41 +8 One or more parents or parents-in-law 20 14 +6 Other extended family members 29 16 +13 Friends 17 11 +6 Total one or more relation/friend 69 57 +12 Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index, Feb. 8-16, 2021 Gallup Panel

Although serving as a financial safety net is more common among Black investors than the general investing public, the average amount they report giving to their personal relations in recent years is lower: approximately $17,000 among Black investors compared with roughly $25,000 among all investors.

Investors' Financial Goals Are Broadly Shared

The survey asked investors how much progress they have made on six financial goals some people set for themselves, or to say if each is not a goal, At least four in five investors, including Black investors, say that saving for retirement, paying off debts and buying a home are goals they have. Similar proportions of both groups also say they have either completed that goal or made a lot of progress toward it.

Just over half of investors say saving money to leave an inheritance to their children is a goal, while about a third have completed it. Closer to four in 10 indicate that saving for a child's college education is one of their goals, while about a quarter say owning their own business is a goal. Black investors' orientation to all of these financial goals closely mirrors that of the broader universe of U.S. investors.

U.S. Investors' Financial Goals and Progress Toward Completing Total have this goal Completed/Lot of progress^ % % Saving enough to live comfortably in retirement Black U.S. investors 98 36 Total U.S. investors 98 42 Paying off debts Black U.S. investors 88 63 Total U.S. investors 88 68 Buying own home Black U.S. investors 83 80 Total U.S. investors 86 84 Saving to leave money (an inheritance) for children Black U.S. investors 57 33 Total U.S. investors 55 36 Saving for a child's college education Black U.S. investors 37 46 Total U.S. investors 42 40 Having own business Black U.S. investors 28 46 Total U.S. investors 25 52 Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index, Feb. 8-16, 2021

^Amount of progress based on investors who have each goal Gallup Panel

This alignment is further seen in how investors rank their financial goals. Saving for retirement dominates among both groups, followed by paying off debts. Only when factoring in investors' top three goals out of the six rated does some differentiation appear. Black investors (17%) are more focused than investors generally (10%) on owning their own business, while they are less focused on saving for a child's college education.

Rank Order of U.S. Investors' Financial Goals Which of these is your most important savings goal right now? Black U.S. investors Total U.S. investors % % Top mention Saving enough to live comfortably in retirement 55 60 Paying off debts 24 23 Saving to leave money (an inheritance) for your child(ren) 10 6 Buying your own home 6 6 Saving for a child's college education 3 3 Owning your own business 1 1 Top three mentions Saving enough to live comfortably in retirement 93 95 Paying off debts 70 67 Saving to leave money (an inheritance) for your child(ren) 54 53 Saving for a child's college education 22 32 Buying your own home 31 29 Owning your own business 17 10 Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index, Feb. 8-16, 2021 Gallup Panel

Financial Resources and Safety Nets

Black investors are also similar to investors as a whole in the types of financial safety nets they have created for themselves. Approximately nine in 10 Black investors report having a 401(k) or other retirement savings plan (87%), three-quarters report having a three-month emergency savings fund (76%), more than four in 10 say they have a written financial plan (44%), and a similar percentage have a will (43%).

At the same time, Black investors are slightly less likely to report having access to bank loans (78% of Black investors versus 85% of all investors) as well as to have at least $1,000 in credit available on credit cards (89% vs. 96%).

Bottom Line

U.S. Black investors have the same broad goals for their financial lives as U.S. investors generally, with saving for retirement being chief among them. Black investors are also on par with the broader investor community when it comes to confidence in reaching their retirement goals. However, they have slightly different expectations for how their retirement will be funded, including greater intent to use their entrepreneurial skills to produce income. In terms of passive income, Black investors' avoidance of risk in investments could be limiting. While risk avoidance can be a virtue in some settings, it can be a risk to investing itself, given the value risk can have in achieving higher investment returns over the long term.

Learn more about how the Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index works.
Update, May 12  Alcohol to-go is official, folks. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed this bill into law, allowing restaurants to sell alcohol along with pickup and delivery orders.

---

Texas, we're one signature away from having to-go booze be a permanent thing.

On April 28, the Texas Senate passed a bipartisan bill that will allow restaurants to sell alcohol along with pickup and delivery orders. The bill would make permanent an executive order signed last year by Gov. Greg Abbott as a way to bolster the hospitality industry and become arguably the only good thing to come out of the pandemic.

Now that it's passed almost unanimously (there was one nay vote, according to the Houston Chronicle, but it remains unclear who the party pooper is), it heads to Abbott's desk where it's almost guaranteed to be signed into law.

READ MORE: Willa Eatery settles into downtown San Antonio with vegan-friendly bites

Texas restaurants first got a waiver to sell booze during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was then extended indefinitely. What was meant as a temporary measure quickly picked up support from both the industry and consumers (who doesn't want to order a margarita to go with their tacos?) and was formally introduced as a bill in the beginning of the 2021 legislative session.

"The Texas Restaurant Association and our members applaud Chairman Hancock, Chairman Geren, and all of the restaurant allies whose support resulted in the filing of SB 298 / HB 1094 today, said Emily Williams Knight, President and CEO of Texas Restaurant Association, in a January release. Without Governor Abbotts temporary waiver allowing restaurants to safely sell alcohol with their to-go food orders, Texas would have seen many more restaurants  small and large  close their doors and lose their employees because of this pandemic."

As for Abbott, he's made no secret about where he stands on the new law. In January, in celebration of National Beer Can Appreciation Day, Abbott publicly announced his support for the bill, tweeting the classic Dos Equis catchphrase "Stay thirsty, my friends" while ironically holding a can of Austin Beerworks, a rather small Austin-based craft brewery.

Abbott has 10 days to sign the bill into law. Now if only we could do something about that pesky no alcohol before noon on Sundays rule.
Rantoul, IL (61866)

Today

Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High around 80F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy during the evening. A few showers developing late. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
Brynn Anderson

I disagree with John Faso's letter "Georgia voting law changes not racist," April 22. The former representative omitted significant changes that need to be addressed.

The window to request absentee ballots has been slashed from 180 to 78 days. State-issued identification has replaced a simple signature. It is now illegal for election officials to mail out absentee applications to all voters. In four major Atlanta counties, drop boxes have been slashed from 94 to at most 23; all have been moved indoors, away from 24-hour access. Mobile voting centers are not allowed unless the governor deems an emergency that warrants their use. The new law also doesn't require the availability of early voting on Sundays, leaving it up to counties.
GIRARDVILLE  A fire in the borough Thursday morning left four people homeless and claimed the lives of their seven pets.

Girardville Fire Chief Frank Zangari Jr. said firefighters were called to 235 A St. around 7:30 a.m. for a report of a house fire and found heavy smoke coming from the rear of the home, prompting a second alarm.

Firefighters from Girardville, Ashland and surrounding communities managed to contain the fire to the home where it started, with little damage to other occupied homes.

The fire was declared under control at 8:22 a.m., Zangari said.

The chief said the fire is believed to have started in the kitchen and that he and state police fire marshal Trooper John Burns of the Frackville station will be conducting the investigation into the cause and origin.

Left homeless were John Squires, his wife, Terry Rosenburger, their daughter, Amanda Hallsey, and their son, Michael Hallsey.

The chief said the pets that perished were two dogs, two cats, two birds and a hamster.

Believe me, this family loved their animals; its a big loss, he said.

Zangari said Squires was alerted to the fire by his daughter and also by smoke alarms, and was able to get everyone out of the house uninjured.

He recalled her (his daughter) yelling fire, fire, fire, Zangari said. He added that when firefighters arrived, every smoke alarm inside the home was activated.

Zangari said that when Squires exited his home he found Girardville Police Chief Fred Lahovsky, who called the Schuylkill County 911 Center to report the fire.

Lahovsky was about a block away in the 200 block of East Ogden Street for a drug raid that resulted from an arrest warrant served around 6 a.m.

An attached home at 237 A St. was occupied by the chiefs elderly aunt, Dorothy.

Zangari said she was able to get out safely and that her home sustained minor smoke and water damage.

Im just glad she got out and I was able to talk to her on the street, he said.

He said a home at 239 A St. occupied by a husband and wife sustained minor smoke damage and that a vacant home at 233 A St. sustained some fire, smoke and water damage.

Zangari said the American Red Cross Tri County Chapter will assist victims who need help with food, clothing and shelter.

Zangari said the speedy response by fire companies made it possible to keep the fire from spreading.

This was in the middle of a row. Im very blessed with our mutual aid companies, he said.

In addition to Girardville and Ashland firefighters, volunteers from Mahanoy City, Shenandoah, Englewood, William Penn and Mount Carmel responded, as did EMS units from Ashland and Shenandoah.

PPL crews were also on scene to cut electrical service to 235 A St.
Kevin Chief gestured to a cluster of tents draped in orange tarps opposite the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre on Higgins Avenue.

Kevin Chief gestured to a cluster of tents draped in orange tarps opposite the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre on Higgins Avenue.

The centre opened a vaccination clinic Thursday morning, and the former Point Douglas MLA was illustrating the importance of having the walk-in site for inoculation.

"These are some of the most vulnerable people that are living in our community. Theyre our relatives. We see them," he said. "The ability to go over and ask them to come over to get a vaccine. You know what that represents to me? That represents kindness, compassion."

Nine people lined up and filled out consent forms on red clipboards. Some had appointments, others had come unannounced.

Chief was the first to get vaccinated.

"I was very proud to do it," he said.

The centre offers a pragmatic solution to increasing access to vaccines for Point Douglas residents, he said. Indigenous people make up about 29 per cent of the neighbourhoods population. Setting up in an established centre, where many people already visit for services, can encourage people to come, he said.

"Its symbolic of trust," said Chief. "People have to feel like they belong not only when they walk through the door do they feel like they belong, but then they become ambassadors who provide encouragement to other Indigenous people."

Community leaders such as himself must step up to inspire trust in vaccines, he said, "especially when theres legitimate concerns because of such a difficult history. You need to use people that are trusted, that are known to show people that you can trust this, that vaccines save lives."

He was confident the centre would increase the rate of vaccination in the area.

"Were not guessing on this. Thunderbird House became a very effective, efficient place to get people tested," he said, with a faint smell of burning wood and cardboard in the air from a warming fire at Thunderbird House, which is down the street.

"We know that health and wellness, with some enhanced supports, there is a very unique opportunity with an Indigenous-led organization to provide the services."

Setting up in an established centre where many people already visit for services can encourage people to stop in to get a vaccine, said Kevin Chief. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Another Indigenous-led site, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre on McGregor Street, offered walk-in vaccinations on Thursday, too.

Provincial NDP Leader Wab Kinew got his needle at 9 a.m. after staff smudged the vials with sage.

"To me it was really nice to start that way because its treating the vaccine like a sacred medicine," he said, "how we would in traditional Anishinaabe culture."

He clarified: "Its not sacred in the sense of a religious thing, just sacred in the sense of something important to our community."

Kinew encouraged all those eligible to get their shot right away and to spread photos of themselves getting it on social media to combat vaccine hesitancy.

"You might have more weight with friends and family than an official like Dr. Roussin," he said.

The province should tap into that concept by reaching out to influencers, athletes, entertainers and religious figures  anyone with influence in the community  to enlist them to spread pro-vaccine messages, he said.

Canadas history of mistreating Indigenous people, including running medical experiments on them, may understandably foment mistrust in government-promoted vaccines, he noted.

"But the thing we have to recognize is now is different. I just went into an Indigenous-run facility where they had an Indigenous medical doctor and Indigenous elders, all collaborating together to give me and other members of the Indigenous community a chance to do our part to bring the pandemic to an end," Kinew said.

He encouraged the Indigenous community to reach out to and place trust in Indigenous experts, such as Dr. Marcia Anderson, who inoculated Kinew and who has for years advocated to improve Indigenous health supports.

Vaccination campaigns, for Indigenous specifically or for the overall population, need to take an "all-of-the-above approach," said Kinew.

"We should just be trying to get as many people vaccinated as possible, and that means supersites, local clinics, pop-ups  any way that we can get the vaccine out there, we should be taking advantage of those opportunities," he said.

The Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre at 181 Higgins Ave. and Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre at 363 McGregor St. are open to book appointments or for walk-ins. Residents and select workers over the age of 18 in both Point Douglas North and Point Douglas South are eligible to be vaccinated.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca
[April 30, 2021]

Recently launched MagicHub.io offers free datasets for machine learning

BEIJING, April 30, 2021 /CNW/ -- MagicHub.io was launched on April 15. As the founder, Magic Data Tech, lays the leading position in the amount of conversational speech data and becomes the first China company to release open-source datasets on an independent website, which might change the way users get data.

Massive, diversiform datasets are released on MagicHub.io. The datasets are subdivided into multiple dimensions, offering AI engineers a more efficient way to find datasets for their various AI models, thereby reserves more energy on algorithm optimization.

Magic Data Tech. welcomes all data producers of discoverers to join and release datasets on MagicHub.io. We, together, could build a better ecology for open source. Please contact us if interested.

MagicHub.io has released more than 30 open-source datasets, including Mandarin Chinese, English, and Shanghai Dialect (Wu Chinese) conversational speech, NLP textual corpus, TTS corpus, and lexicons. All datasets are divided by language, scenes, and industries as possible.







The company is releasing high-quality datasets and more content on MagicHub.io, and they always appreciate comments, sharing, or any form of support. Let's together make MagicHub.io a better place for inspiration and the spirit of sharing.

In 1969, Unix released source code on Unix Community, initiating the first "open-source act" in human history.

In 1991, the Linux kernel was released.

In 1998, Netscape Communications released the source code for its Communicator suite, which defined the word "open source."

In 2005, a source-code management system called Git came out, which gave rise to the managed Git code warehouse.

Since the conception of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was put forward in the Dartmouth Summer Research Project, it suffered countless ups and downs. Internet, big data, cloud computing, 5G, numerous new technologies came out and played increasingly important roles.

AI opened a new era, and open source comes up. Platforms for machine learning have been emerging. Developers, generation by generation, contribute their intelligence to the evolution of AI in the spirit of openness, freedom, and cooperation. An increasing number of governments, NGOs, companies, academic institutions, and individuals release their image, textual, and audio data to the public and formed platforms like Kaggle, UCI, OpenML, ImageNet, OpenSLR. Data has yet to become the core driver for AI development.

Contact: Magicdata, +86-13552961476

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/recently-launched-magichubio-offers-free-datasets-for-machine-learning-301281062.html

SOURCE Magic Data Technology
TORONTO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 29th April, 2021) The Federal government is launching an independent review of the seemingly rampant culture of sexual misconduct in the Canada's armed forces, Minister of National Defense Harjit Sajjan announced on Thursday.

The review follows months of political turmoil after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct were leveled at the country's former Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance and his successor, Admiral Art McDonald, was forced to temporarily step from his post last amid a probe into misconduct allegations dating back to 2010.

"Louise Arbour, former Supreme Court Justice, has agreed to lead an independent external comprehensive review of our institutional policies and culture," Sajjan said.

Arbour's work will focus on implementing an external reporting system, outside of the chain of command, Sajjan said. Arbour will be able to make interim recommendations throughout the course of the inquiry, he added.

The upcoming inquiry will be the second comprehensive review of the toxic culture within the Canadian military in the past decade. In 2015, retired Supreme Court justice Marie Deschamps delivered her report that shed light on rampant misconduct within the armed forces, which primarily targeted women and sexual minorities, and called for several policy changes, including an external reporting system.

Canada's defense minister was repeatedly asked about the Deschamps report, including why the military still hasn't implemented an external reporting system, with the minister admitting that the CAF has much work to do in fully realizing the past report's recommendation but emphasizing that the Trudeau government want to take "bolder" action to address the culture long-term.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sajjan have faced questions about what they knew and didn't know about Vance's misconduct, and are facing mounting criticism for alleged inaction upon learning of the claims.

Trudeau has asserted that he and his government handled misconduct allegations against the country's former top soldier appropriately. The Prime Minister, who vowed to take a zero-tolerance approach for sexual conduct allegations upon taking office, has stated that his office was aware of complaints but not the nature of the allegations.

However, the opposition said they are skeptical of Trudeau's assertions, accusing the Prime Minister of a cover up citing testimonies from former officials, including Maj. Kellie Brennan, the mother of two of Vance's children, who said the former top soldier believed himself to be "untouchable" and that he "owned" the military police that would have been in charge of investigating him.
The guest list for a celebration at Becker College on Monday resembled a roster of VIPs within Massachusetts. It included four college presidents, two lieutenant governors (one current, one former), a congressman, a mayor and a city manager.

They all gathered in Worcester in the courtyard behind the Colleen C. Barrett Center at Becker College to discuss  of all things  crushing candy, Super Smash Bros. and other video games.

Specifically, the celebration was dedicated to video game development and the 10th anniversary of the Massachusetts Digital Games Institute.

Have you ever been to a gathering with so many people with lofty titles before? U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern asked. But it really shows you how important this effort is to our community.

The gravitational pull of MassDigi has been growing ever since it was established in 2011 as a statewide center merging academics, entrepreneurship and economic development into a video game ecosystem.

For the last 10 years, MassDigi has called Worcester home at Becker College. With the institution permanently closing its door, MassDigi became a free agent and had offers to dart elsewhere. This weeks event also acted as a new beginning for the organization, revealing it Worcester Polytechnic Institute would be its new home.

Were so excited to have the next 10 years and the 10 years after that and the 10 years after that to be right here in Worcester, where it belongs, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said.

The excitement from MassDigi remaining in the city is because of the reputation its built outside of Worcester. In an industry valued at nearly $200 billion with platforms ranging from mobile to augmented reality, MassDigi has stood out.

Ive seen hundreds of resumes, thousands of portfolios and the energy and talent that comes through here is second to none, said Bill Gardner, the creative director of Deep End Games.

One of those resumes that will land on the desk of game developers soon is that of Emma Lowry.

The senior at WPI set to graduate in a few weeks and participated in a MassDigi summer program two years ago.

The program lasted about 15 weeks. For eight hours each day on the campus of Becker College, Lowry joined other students to work on a game full time.

Graduating is always scary because its a big change, but I feel really prepared thanks to MassDigi, Lowry said. It was a total turning point for me in my education.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute senior Emma Lowry said she feels as prepared as she'll ever be to graduate thanks to MassDigi's summer program.

Lowry, a native of Framingham, enrolled at WPI unsure of what career path to follow. While she played video games in high school, her passion was art.

Through video game development, Lowry discovered a different canvas for creativity. Instead of a pencil and paper, video game development offered a world where her creations came to life.

Just getting to sculpt a character in 3D and then getting them to move and come to life, its a really indescribable, surreal feeling to see that, Lowry said. Or to walk around in an environment that you built and have it feel like the size of this building, and to be in it, thats why I fell in love with game art.

The feeling may not be unique within game development courses across the country, however, the hands-on experience offered by MassDigi is not as common.

At a lot of schools, theres a lot of theory, which is good. Theres a lot of value in that, Gardner said. But when you actually apply that to something and you say I built this thing, and you hold it up and I can see how you built it from soup to nuts, that really helps students stand out.

Gardner described MassDigi as having the ability to show students what its like in the trenches of game development. Its not only about creating games, but working within strict deadlines and through collaboration.

The only way to develop those skills is to experience them. MassDigi allows for that.

Sometimes youll look at someones portfolio and there is some fantastic work there, Gardner said. But you dont have a sense of whether or not that was built within the constraint of development.

Last year, the gaming industry was valued at about $180 billion and is responsible for nearly 500,000 jobs. It was one of the few sectors that continued to surge in growth even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

College presidents along with city, state and federal officials are taking notice of those numbers.

What I learned early on in the process, while it was really fun, the things they were working on and creating games, what they were really doing is mastering the essentials that are needed for the future of work and the future of our success of the commonwealths innovation economy, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito speaks at a celebration commemorating MassDigi's 10th anniversary and new home at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

To foster the growth even further, Polito announced a MassTech Game Prototype Matching Fund grant of $100,000. The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative awarded the funding. The grant will supply funds over the next two years to match private-sector investment in MassDigis Summer Innovation Program Extension.

Tim Loew, MassDigi founder and executive director, envisions only more growth within the gaming industry in the future. When MassDigi was formed, mobile gaming represented a sliver of the industry. Now its as large as any.

The emergence of augmented reality could follow a similar rise.

Industry is always pushing whats going to happen next, Loew said. And we bring that back to campus with us.

Timothy Loew, MassDigi founder and executive director and Worcester Polytechnic Institute President Laurie Leshin pose for photos following the celebration at Becker College.

The only campus MassDigi has called home during its first years was Becker College. Following the initial feelings of sadness that the school was closing, Loew said MassDigi tried to view the future of the organization as a chance for a fresh start with a new institution.

Things happen and were fortunate to have as many great partners as we had going into that moment, Loew said. It allowed us to have great conversations with folks and I think were coming out of that situation stronger.

Loew said in his mind WPIs game development and interactive media program ranks among the best in the country.

So while the second decade of MassDigi will begin at a new school, it will remain in Worcester and only build on its reputation of producing high-quality talent that the gaming industry comes to expect.

As an institution. [WPI] has a platform that is unrivaled in a lot of ways, Loew said. Theres so much that a place like WPI offers, in many ways this is sort of like a dream come true.

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The mobile IT solutions company also announced a reduced net loss to C$76,839, versus C$206,947 during the same period in 2020

It also reduced operating expenses to C$822,749 from C$1,054,051 in the year-ago period

Inc ( ) ( ) is reporting record revenue of C$2.8 million for its third quarter.

The mobile IT solutions company that services small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada and the US noted it had banked revenue of C$2.7 million in the year-ago quarter.

Other financial highlights for the quarter ended February 28 include:

Reduced net loss to C$76,839, compared to C$206,947 during the same period in 2020.

Reduced operating expenses to C$822,749 from C$1,054,051 in the year-ago period.

"We have been building NERD from the ground-up with our franchise model delivering consistent and stable revenues in each quarter, said CEO Charlie Regan in a statement.

Our strategy of providing IT solutions to small business owners and residential clients has proven so successful that we recently signed a country-wide partnership with Staples Canada. We believe that 2021 is a breakthrough year for the company as we are well on the path towards profitability in the second half of the year."

Contact the author: patrick@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMGraham
Two tenants filed lawsuits in state court this week alleging an Elizabeth landlord, who is facing a host of criminal charges and a Department of Justice lawsuit, tried to use his position to illicit sexual favors in exchange for housing.

In their separate lawsuits, a man and a woman allege that Joseph Centanni, 73, of Mountainside, tried to use his position as a powerful landlord to exchange housing benefits if they performed sexual acts, though both say they refused Centannis advances.

One victim, according to the lawsuit, said Centanni attempted to evict him after refusing his advances, while the other alleged that Centanni grabbed her breast and made sexual comments to her. She feared reporting Centannis behavior because of the possibility of losing her subsidized housing and becoming homeless again, according to the lawsuit.

NJ Advance Media is not identifying either person because they are alleged victims of sexual abuse.

The behavior outlined in the lawsuits of how Centanni allegedly tried to coerce the two tenants fits the pattern described in the criminal charges he faces.

The Union County Prosecutors office filed 13 criminal complaints against Centanni, who owns hundreds of rental units in Elizabeth, alleging he used his power as a landlord to prey on tenants or prospective tenants in tenuous financial situations and used housing to coerce them into performing sexual favors.

Centanni was charged with eight counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of second-degree attempted sexual assault and 14 counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact between 2016 and 2020.

Centannis attorney was not aware of the lawsuits and declined to comment, though Centanni has denied allegations made against him.

One of the victims in the lawsuits filed this week said he moved into an apartment owned by Centanni in February 2019. At the end of the year the man said he became delinquent in his rent. According to the lawsuit, Centanni allegedly offered to clear his owed rent by demanding sexual favors, as a quid pro quo.

The man said he eventually obtained the owed rent, but Centanni refused to accept it and initiated eviction proceedings, according to the lawsuit. The matter settled in court and the man stayed in the apartment, the lawsuit says.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the man once again fell behind in his rent. Centanni allegedly said we can fix matters, according to the lawsuit, and again demanded sexual favors.

The man refused, but has since suffered and continued to suffer emotional trauma and consequential damages due to Centannis alleged predatory behavior, according to the lawsuit.

In the second lawsuit, the woman alleges Centanni subjected her to repeated discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, including unwelcome and severe or pervasive sexual harassment, on multiple occasions.

In August 2018, the woman went to Centannis office to pay rent. According to the lawsuit, he told her he needed to speak to her and led her to the laundry room near his office.

While there, according to the lawsuit, Centanni allegedly was fondling the string of her blouse and touching the side of her breast. He then allegedly made multiple sexually explicit comments to her, according to the lawsuit.

The woman left the room nervous and shaken, according to the lawsuit.

She did not report his behavior, according to the lawsuit, out of fear of retribution and losing her housing.

Centanni is now beginning to face mounting civil lawsuits.

The Department of Justice has also filed a lawsuit against Centanni alleging he violated the Fair Housing Act for sexually harassing tenants and prospective renters for more than a decade. The lawsuit is on pause as the criminal charges play out.

A third lawsuit filed in State Superior Court was filed by a woman last August, alleging Centanni forced her to perform non-consensual oral sex on (Centanni) whenever she was late or short on her rental payment in order to not face eviction proceedings, according to the lawsuit.

The law firm Fritz, Grosswald & Walters, of Orange, is representing all three clients who have filed cases in state Superior Court.

(We are) seeking justice to be served for our clients as we believe in fighting for the rights of all people under the law, said attorney Sean Branigan. It is our honor to serve the people of New Jersey and we are prepared to go to trial in this matter to protect the victims rights of this matter cannot be resolved amicably.

Branigan said the firm planned to file a lawsuit on behalf of a fourth victim in the near future.

Centanni is out on bail as the criminal case proceeds, and a judge ruled he could continue to run the day-to-day operations of his sprawling real estate business in Elizabeth.

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

Joe Atmonavage may be reached at jatmonavage@njadvancemedia.com.

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Jubilee Party vice-chairman David Murathe finally appeared before the Public Investments Committee on Thursday to answer questions about his involvement in the KEMSA graft scandal.

Murathe, who had been summoned last week, denied any involvement in the business dealings of Kilig and Entec, the two firms at the heart of the Ksh7.8 billion scandal.

It is very sad when we allow this kind of innuendo. I have never supplied, not even a single mask or PPE. It is so sad people think I am Covid-19 millionaire and everybody is calling me for money, he said.

Murathe explained that his only involvement was being a guarantor for Kilig Limited.

He said he was requested by Kilig  then under the directorship of Wilbroad Gachoka and a Chinese national Zhu Jinping  to guarantee payments to a Chinese firm trading as ENTEC Technology Limited, the PPE kits supplier, so that the firm would be compensated once KEMSA completed the procurement process.

Kilig was awarded a Sh4 billion tender to supply 450,000 personal protective equipment to Kemsa.

When asked to explain how he gave a guarantee without knowing the amount of money involved, Murathe said he only guaranteed the supply of 50,000 PPE kits.

The use of the word guarantee was not contractual, it was simply a word of comfort that yes, I do know these people. I am not and never been involved in the business of Kilig or Entec, I had no way of influencing KEMSA to pay, Murathe said.

At the same time, Murathe dragged Deputy President William Ruto into the scandal, claiming that Kilig Limited is owned by allies of the Deputy President and a Chinese national.

I am not the director of Killig, I did not receive a contract from KEMSA and I did not supply KEMSA. Killig is a company owned by people connected to the DP; they approach people who can finance the company through the lawyer and transfer ownership to the new owners, Murathe stated.
Pfizer's Covid vaccine will protect against mutated Covid variants because it produces such a massive immune response, a study has claimed.

Researchers at Imperial College London studied the impact of a single dose of the Pfizer jab against different types of virus and found it gives broad protection.

Although responses were weak after a single jab in people who had never had Covid, those who had caught the virus in the past saw 'enormous' levels of immunity and could even be considered 'totally safe' from serious disease.

And they hope two doses of the vaccine will have the same effect.

There had been fears that the South African, Brazilian, Indian or even the Kent variants could make vaccines less effective and prolong the pandemic even more.

But scientists now say that the body's response to the Pfizer vaccine is so strong that it develops immunity that is likely good enough to fight off any strain of the virus.

Professor Rosemary Boyton, who led the research, said people who had recovered from Covid then got a jab had 'massive' immune responses.

The team did warn, however, that second doses are especially vital for people who have never had Covid before, who could otherwise be left 'pretty vulnerable', said Imperial's Professor Danny Altmann.

There are currently around 19.7million people in the UK who have had a single dose of a vaccine - though not all of them Pfizer's - while 14.5m have had both jabs.

Although the study did not praise the effectiveness of a single shot, they appear to be working in the real world to bring down Covid cases and hospital admissions. The researchers said they could not explain this from their lab data and said it may be adding to a herd immunity effect even if individuals didn't get great protection.

Pfizer's vaccine is the second most used Covid jab in the UK and has been given to more than 11million people already

In their study the Imperial College researchers, along with experts from Queen Mary University and University College London tested the blood of NHS staff.

There were 731 health workers in the study who had been tracked since the start of the pandemic in March last year, all of whom were given a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Some of them had Covid before they got the jab while others didn't, and the researchers tested the reactions between blood samples and different variants of the virus.

People who had been infected with the virus before getting their first vaccine had such extreme immune responses that they would almost definitely not get sick no matter which variant they were exposed to.

The reason for this appeared to be that, for most people, the vaccines produced multiple times of immunity.

They triggered antibodies, which latch onto the virus and block it but are super-specific so less effective against some mutations, but also white blood cells called T cells and B cells, which are less specific and better able to recognise variants.

ONE DOSE OF A VACCINE HALVES THE SPREAD OF VIRUS A single dose of vaccine slashes the risk of spreading coronavirus by up to half, a major study has revealed. Not only does the jab reduce a person's chance of catching Covid in the first place, it greatly reduces their chances of passing it on, should they get infected. The research by Public Health England (PHE) which involved almost 1.5million adults is the first of its kind to confirm the effectiveness of the vaccines in curbing the virus's ability to spread. The new study on transmission of the virus found that adults who received the Pfizer vaccine  but still caught the virus  were 49 per cent less likely to spread it to other household members than those who weren't inoculated. The results for the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab were not quite as good but nonetheless, those who received it were 38 per cent less likely to transmit it to others in their household. But the fact that both vaccines dramatically reduce the virus's ability to spread  as well as preventing serious illness  offer renewed hope that they hold the key to a return to normal life. They have already been shown to reduce coronavirus hospitalisations and deaths by 80 per cent after one dose, rising even higher after full immunity. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: 'This is terrific news, we already know vaccines save lives and this study is the most comprehensive real-world data showing they also cut transmission of this deadly virus.' Advertisement

Speaking about fears the variants would weaken immunity, Professor Altmann said in a briefing: 'There have been lots of papers about how bad your immune response drops and how alarmed you should be and they've probably confused everybody no end.

'Now the dust has settled, what we've seen on the whole is that people who have had any of the good vaccines in two doses, it looks to us that most people, most of the time, have made such a good immune response that they've got a good enough response to survive Kent or South Africa or, from what we've seen, Brazil, so I think we probably don't need to panic excessively about that.

'We're not as well covered as we thought we were but we're still well covered.'

Although the study only specifically looked at the South Africa, Kent and Wuhan variants, the Brazilian and Indian strains are so similar to South Africa that the researchers expect the jabs will have the same effect.

Professor Altmann said it was still worth making variant-specific jabs to give extra protection.

Despite the good news, the researchers did raise concerns that the vaccine wasn't very effective after one dose in people who had never had Covid.

They claimed it offered 'weak' protection against the Kent variant, which is dominant in the UK, despite real-world data suggesting single doses work well.

The study suggested the level of antibodies able to destroy the Kent or South Africa variants were 11 to 25 times lower than they were against the Wuhan virus after a single dose.

But real-world data suggests a single dose of the jab cuts the risk of illness and also of transmitting the virus. Public Health England research this week revealed a single dose of vaccine slashes the risk of spreading coronavirus by up to half.

Data from 1.5million people in the general population found that a dose of Pfizer's jab cut the risk of spreading by 49 per cent while for AstraZeneca it was 38 per cent.

The Imperial researchers said their results couldn't explain why a single dose appeared to perform poorly against the Kent variant in the lab but well in reality.

Professor Altmann added: 'You would say [from this research] that one dose of Pfizer doesn't really work very well, doesn't really produce measurable immune responses.

'But the real life data has been that there's been an enormous impact of one dose. Although it is hard because it has been one dose and a very strong lockdown.'

Professor Rosemary Boyton, who led the research, added: 'Our findings show that people who have had their first dose of vaccine, and who have not previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2, are not fully protected against the circulating variants of concern.

'This study highlights the importance of getting second doses of the vaccine rolled out to protect the population.'

The research was published in the journal Science.
The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday said it will start the first phase of vaccination for the 18-44 age group from Saturday in seven districts that have more than 9,000 active COVID-19 cases.

"From May 1, vaccination for people between 18-44 years will also start. In the first phase, which will be extended to other cities also, the government will start the vaccination in seven districts that have more than 9,000 active cases," Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Amit Mohan Prasad said.

The COVID-19 vaccination drive will start in Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Meerut and Bareilly, he said.

The software made for this exercise will be tested in these districtsbefore being used elsewhere, Prasad said.

He, however, did not elaborate on the availability of vaccines in the state and the number of registered beneficiaries.

The state government, which decided to vaccinate all those above 18 years, had on Thursday decided to float global tenders to purchase four to five crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

"The state government has decided to float global tenders for carrying the vaccination drive effectively. Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have been given orders of 50 lakh vaccine doses each. A global tender should also be floated to purchase four to five crore vaccine doses. This should be taken forward," Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said.

So far, over 1.23 crore vaccine doses have been administered in the state. It includes 1.01 crore people who have taken the first dose and over 22.33 lakh who have taken the second dose also, Prasad said.

All those who are eligible should take the vaccine, he further said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Racist and homophobic stickers were found throughout a San Ramon high school last month according to a letter sent to parents on Thursday.

California High School did a thorough investigation since the incident happened but does not know who left the stickers, according to San Ramon Valley Unified School District Superintendent John Malloy. They were placed across campus late at night, and removed as soon as they were found.

In the letter, the schools administrative staff apologized for waiting a month before communicating with the community. That was a mistake and we are deeply sorry, it read.

Unfortunately, issues of racism or discrimination of other kinds, is a part of our schools, Malloy said. He added that,we do not tolerate issues of racism or discrimination of any kind, and we will communicate and we will support those who are impacted.

A portion of students returned to California High for hybrid instruction in mid-March and switched to four full days of in-person instruction at the end of March.

Malloy said the district is taking a number of steps to combat discrimination in its schools, including working to create a handbook to clarify the districts expectations its schools when responding to incidents of discrimination and hate. He explained that it will include guidance directing schools to communicate as soon as something happens. The handbook will be ready during the summer and made public to the community.

Each school will also be expected to create their own plan for addressing incidents of racism and discrimination. At California High School for example, Malloy said the staff is taking part in trainings and revising the student code of conduct to name issues of racism, sexism and homophobia.

Our district is committed to doing this work, Malloy said. We understand the impact that racism and discrimination has, and we know that we have to provide effective communication strategies to support those who have been harmed.

According to the letter, information about the incident can be shared anonymously using the anonymous tipline, linked on the homepage of California Highs website.

Emma Talley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: emma.talley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EmmaT332
Lawyer for Navalnys Foundation arrested, charged with unlawful disclosure of information

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12:51 30/04/2021

MOSCOW, April 30 (RAPSI)  Investigators accused arrested Ivan Pavlov, the lawyer for Alexey Navalnys Foundation, of disclosure of certain information pertaining to a preliminary investigation, Pavlovs attorney Yevgeny Smirnov told RAPSI.

Under the respective articles of the Russian Criminal Code, the charges brought against the lawyer envisage punishment in the form of compulsory work for up to 480 hours, or correctional labor for up to two years, or detention for up to three months.

On Friday, it became known about a search in Pavlov's house and his arrest.

The arrested lawyer is known for his work for human rights association "Team 29", which provides legal assistance to journalist Ivan Safronov, accused of high treason, and Navalnys foundation (recognized by the Ministry of Justice as a foreign agent); prosecutors seek that it was recognized as an extremist organization.

The Moscow Lefortovsky District Court is to decide today on the extension of detention of the former Kommersant newspaper journalist.
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish police have instructed officers to prevent people filming or recording security forces on smartphones while they are on duty, Turkish media reported on Friday.

Critics of the move said the decision, circulated in a notice by Turkey's police headquarters, was unlawful and would make it more difficult to identify rights violations at demonstrations or other events where police were deployed.

The notice, reported by OdaTV news website, said personnel should not allow voice or video recording without permission "while executing (their) duties", because it violated personal privacy and could involve unlawfully sharing personal data.

It said action could be taken against people who record or film police.

"These violations that reach a level that prevents the execution of duty, are published from time to time on digital platforms in a way that damages the personal rights and security of our personnel or citizens," the notice said.

Turkish police did not immediately confirm the report.

Lawyer Mehmet Durakoglu, head of the Istanbul Bar Association, criticised the move, saying the issue should be addressed by legislation, not a police edict.

"It is not correct to prevent the identification of human rights violations due to personal data," he said.

Scuffles between citizens and police are common during protests in Turkey, which are generally broken up by force using tear gas, water cannons and batons - actions which are frequently filmed and posted on social media.

"We have to make the right decision," Durakoglu said. "Is it important for us to identify the violation, or do we need to consider the personal data of police?"

(Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Dominic Evans, William Maclean)
Among the many changes to emphasise Australian indigenous heritage, students who previously studied mainly European and north African ancient history will now study Australias ancient history as a core subject, alongside one other overseas civilisation. Year 4 students will study the significance of trade to First Nations Australians, rather than a world navigator, while year 10 students will study how popular culture encouraged First Nations Australians to become provocative  citing Bangarra Dance Theatre as an example  rather than post-World War II popular culture. Year 9 student Dujuan Hoosan, the subject of documentary film In My Blood It Runs, which told his story of disengagement from Australias education system, said the new content couldnt come soon enough. I hope they make [it] quick while Im still at school, he said.

I feel real happy about those changes because that would mean we are actually telling the truth ... I think this will change peoples lives  all kids lives. So they wont have to grow up thinking that Aboriginal people just gave up this country, he said.

Co-ordinator of the National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition, Darumbal woman Hayley McQuire, said young people had been calling for these changes. Its really important that all young Australians are grounded in the truth of our past, she said. This is actually about justice and healing, and how we want to move forward together as a country. There are already references to invasion in the NSW HSC Aboriginal Studies and history syllabus. NSW has its own curriculum, which is also being reviewed. NSW is ... working alongside ACARA to ensure that the Australian Curriculum Review process aligns with the work already under way in the NSW Curriculum Reform, a spokeswoman for the NSW Education Standards Authority said. Loading

Changes to maths prompted debate when the proposals were revealed on Thursday. They included moving times tables from year 3 to 4, linear equations from 7 to 8, and telling the time from 1 to 2. A proposal to emphasise mathematical problem-solving has raised concerns among some educators that the subject will be dumbed down, with opponents of the new approach warning that it is introducing vague, unteachable concepts. Maths was a priority after Australia tumbled further down international rankings in the most recent Programme for International Student Assessment scores. But the emphasis on problem-solving worried some teachers such as Greg Ashman, an advocate of direct teaching and a PhD candidate at the University of NSW. He said problem-solving was a vague, unteachable notion, as if there is a type of maths teaching that somehow does not involve solving problems, and said the curriculum was suggested a particular style of teaching known as inquiry, or student-led learning.

John Sweller, an emeritus professor at UNSW, agreed. As soon as you start putting inquiry learning into the curriculum, you are inevitably dumbing it down, he said. Kids will end up learning even less than they learn now. In that sense, its an astonishing document. However, leading maths groups such as the Australian Association of Mathematics, have argued that teaching content alone is no longer sufficient and problem-solving must be central to the new curriculum. ACARA chief executive David de Carvahlo said the changes aimed to ensure students knew the basics, but also deepen their understanding. Problem-solving is at the core of the Singapore mathematics curriculum, and it is no coincidence that they are among the top performers when it comes to mathematics performance, he said. Content across the curriculum has been reduced by about 20 per cent in a bid to declutter the curriculum. Mr de Carvalho said it had been given the Marie Kondo treatment  so that regardless of how much content is left in the curriculum, it is properly organised, logical in its presentation and sequence, coherent, clear and easily accessible.
SUV

AMG

Today, TheStraightPipes changed all that by reviewing some of the most expensive German SUVs in a comparison that you'll want to watch for no reason at all. Maybe now we'll know for sure if Rolls-Royce has anything to worry about.We have trouble taking either vehicle seriously. They're just so expensive and the branding is different from a normal BMW or Mercedes model. The reviewers aren't taking things too seriously either as they bounce the Maybach GLS on its air suspension like it's part of a rap video.This system is designed to get the new Mercedesunstuck in off-road situations. But it's mostly a flex, and TheStraightPipes even managed to rock a newborn. Who says it's just a gimmick?The Alpina XB7 doesn't come with a bouncing suspension, right? But the fight is not over yet, because performance still matters a little bit and the Maybach is lagging in that department. Under the hood of the GLS 600 is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 550 horsepower and 538 lb-ft (729 Nm) of torque. Meanwhile, Alpinas are known for supercar-rivaling top speeds, and this XB7 still manages to put down an impressive 612 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque from its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8.Maybachs aren't meant to be driven; they're supposed to be enjoyed from the back. If you want a fast GLS, Mercedes-will gladly offer you the GLS 63 with more power.When it comes to the looks, we think both of them fail to measure up to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, though they are cheaper. While Maybach went ahead and modified the front end of the GLS, some people think this makes it look cheaper. But having all that chrome does tie in with the notion of being "balla/gangsta."So what about the luxury, the stuff that makes you look rich on social media? Well, we think the Maybach has it covered. Not only is the Mercedes part of the dashboard more flashy, but the GLS 600 has a certain air of custom-built that you just don't get in the 3-row Alpina.
Photo: Vancouver Coastal Health

British Columbians whove reached the half-century mark will be able to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments beginning next week.

The Ministry of Health revealed Friday that people 50 and up can expect email or text notifications imminently, albeit on a staggered basis depending on the year they were born:

 Friday, April 30: 56 and up (1965 or earlier)

 Sunday, May 2: 54 and up (1967 or earlier)

 Tuesday, May 4: 52 and up (1969 or earlier)

 Thursday, May 6: 50 and up (1971 or earlier)

Eligible British Columbians must first register for a vaccination online by visiting https://www2.gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated.html.

Once registered, they will receive a notification once they are eligible for a booking.

Residents can also book in person at a Service BC location or else phone the new provincial call centre at 1-833-838-2323.

As of Thursday afternoon, 1,659,079 British Columbians  or 39% of the eligible population of 4.3 million people  have received at least one dose, while 90,296 have received second doses.

With more than 4.5 million doses due to arrive in B.C. by the end of June, health officials will be ramping up second doses for British Columbians.
Kristen Stewart has found her next project, joining Viggo Mortensen and Lea Seydoux in the latest from filmmaker David Cronenberg.

Stewart, 31, Mortensen, 62, and Seydoux, 35 have joined the cast of Cronenberg's sci-fi thriller Crimes of the Future, according to Deadline.

Production is slated to begin this summer on the film, which will be Cronenberg's first film since 2014's Map of the Stars, and a film with his first original script since 1999's eXistenZ.

New project: Kristen Stewart has found her next project, joining Viggo Mortensen and Lea Seydoux in the latest from filmmaker David Cronenberg

Co-stars: Stewart, 31, Mortensen (above), 62, and Seydoux, 35 have joined the cast of Cronenberg's sci-fi thriller Crimes of the Future, according to Deadline

Director: Production is slated to begin this summer on the film, which will be Cronenberg's first film since 2014's Map of the Stars, and a film with his first original script since 1999's eXistenZ

The story is set in the 'not-too-distant future' where humankind is learning to adapt to their 'synthetic surroundings.'

The evolution moves humans behind their 'natural state' and into a new metamorphosis that alters their biological makeup, known as Accelerated Evolution Syndrome.

While some have embraced what is known as 'trans-humanism' and its limitless potential, others have tried to police it.

Story: The story is set in the 'not-too-distant future' where humankind is learning to adapt to their 'synthetic surroundings'

Potential: While some have embraced what is known as 'trans-humanism' and its limitless potential, others have tried to police it

The story centers on Saul Tenser, a performance artist who has embraced Accelerated Evolution Syndrome and has sprouted new limbs on his body.

Tenser and his partner Caprice have used the removal of these organs to thrill their audiences, though they're forced to re-consider their most shocking performance to date when the government and an emerging sub-culture taking notice.

The cast also includes Scott Speedman, Welket Bungue, Don McKellar and Lihi Kornowski, though no details about their characters were given.

Character: The story centers on Saul Tenser, a performance artist who has embraced Accelerated Evolution Syndrome and has sprouted new limbs on his body

Partner: Tenser and his partner Caprice have used the removal of these organs to thrill their audiences, though they're forced to re-consider their most shocking performance to date when the government and an emerging sub-culture taking notice

'I have unfinished business with the future,' writer-director Cronenberg said in a statement.

Robert Lantos is producing, marking his fourth collaboration with the director following Eastern Promises, eXistenZ and Crash.

'To work with David Cronenberg is to embark on a journey exploring terrain where no one has gone before,' Lantos said in a statement.

Unfinished: 'I have unfinished business with the future,' writer-director Cronenberg said in a statement.

Journey: 'To work with David Cronenberg is to embark on a journey exploring terrain where no one has gone before,' Lantos said in a statement

'Each of our collaborations has been an exhilarating adventure and Davids unwavering vision is what real cinema is all about,' he added.

This film is also the fourth collaboration between Cronenberg and Mortensen, following A History of Violence, Eastern Promises and A Dangerous Method.

Cronenberg also acted in Mortensen's directorial debut, Falling, which Mortensen also starred in.

Stewart most recently starred in Happiest Season and Underwater, and she'll next be seen as Princess Diana in Spencer, which is in post-production.

Mortensen will next be seen in Thirteen Lives with Colin Farrell and Joel Edgerton and Lea Seydoux will next be seen in Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch.

Collaboration: This film is also the fourth collaboration between Cronenberg and Mortensen, following A History of Violence, Eastern Promises and A Dangerous Method

Coming soon: Stewart most recently starred in Happiest Season and Underwater, and she'll next be seen as Princess Diana in Spencer, which is in post-production
Fire services have been stood down following a fire onboard the MV Alta Ghost Ship which is stranded on the coast of Ballycotton.

A spokesperson for Cork County Council said: "Cork County Councils Fire Service returned to the scene for a brief period this morning to liaise with An Garda Siochana and verify that no issues had arisen overnight. Fire Crews have now stood down."

Last night the fire had been substantially extinguished and it was decided to further assess the situation again this morning.

Cork County Council and An Garda Siochana are appealing to members of the public to avoid the area and not to attempt to gain access to the wreck which has been further damaged by the fire and is in an unsafe condition.

The ship, which washed up off the coast of Ballycotton in February 2020, was reported to the Fire Services at around 4pm on Thursday by concerned locals who saw smoke coming from the vessel.

Two units of the County Fire Service from Midleton and Youghal attended the scene.

A fire service spokesperson said the vessel was well alight by the time the fire service arrived on scene.

Yesterday, a statement from Cork County Council said:

"Two units of Cork County Council's Fire Service are currently in attendance at the scene of a fire on board the shipwrecked MV Alta near Ballycotton, Co. Cork.

"Fire Crews are currently monitoring the fire ensuring there is no danger to the public.

"There are no reports of any casualties and Fire Crews will continue the monitor situation in this difficult to access location.

"An Garda Siochana and the Irish Coastguard are also in attendance and the public are asked to avoid the area while the Emergency Services deal with this incident."
GARDAI in Limerick are warning that a large number of people have been targeted by fraudsters this Friday claiming to be a employee of the Department of Social Protection.

Gardai at Henry Street say they have received in excess of 30 complaints in relation to 'cold calls' which were received from an 083 number this afternoon.

According to gardai, the caller in each case sought personal information such as dates of birth, bank details and PPSNs.

Some of those who received calls were threatened with deportation if they did not cooperate while others were told they may face prosecution for money laundering offences.

A garda spokesperson told the Limerick Leader that the calls were not genuine and that gardai are advising anybody in Limerick who receives such a call not to share sensitive information over the phone.

"The Department of Social Protection, An Garda SIochana and the Attorney General's office will not call you in such a manner and you will never be asked for personal information over the phone or by email or text," he said.

Anybody who has received a suspicious phone call today is asked to report the matter to gardai.

Investigations are ongoing.
The target is to create unrest between refugees and the population in Germany, Mr. Mfouapon said of the far right and right-wing news media in a recent interview in his home in Gelsenkirchen, a city outside Essen in western Germany. Theyre trying to show how criminal refugees are. And this is what they started to do with me. I decided that if I let this hatred stand, it would very soon take on other refugees.

The online abuse came as Mr. Mfouapon (pronounced mm-FWA-pon) sought to process the difficult, yearslong journey that had brought him to Germany in the first place.

He was born in the village of Kouti in western Cameroon, but mostly grew up living with his uncle in the nations largest city, Douala, where he studied business and marketing at the citys Ecole Superieure de Gestion. His father worked as a civil servant preserving local cultures and traditions, a role he was expected to take over when his father died but turned down.

He and his then-wife, Fleur, left Cameroon with their baby son Darel in 2014 to escape religious persecution: His decision to marry outside his religion (he is Muslim, she is Christian) brought problems and threats for the couple, and the local police refused to intervene.

The family went first to Algeria and then on to Libya, where Mr. Mfouapon was thrown in jail upon crossing the border. His wife and son, by then two years old, continued on, hoping to make it to Europe. She did, but it wasnt until he finally made it to Italy himself that Mr. Mfouapon learned that his son had drowned during the crossing after their boat capsized.
The portrait "The Capel Family" owned by the National Portrait Gallery, London, is being displayed at the National Museum of Korea through Aug. 15. Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery, London





By Park Ji-won







A portrait of Ed Sheeran / Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery, London





The National Museum of Korea (NMK) has unveiled 78 portraits of the National Portrait Gallery, London created between the 16th century and 21st century.







The large-scale exhibition, titled "Icons and Identities from the National Portrait Gallery, London," is the first of its kind in Korea and will run through Aug. 15, featuring portraits of well-known and historic figures such as William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth I, Charles Darwin, Issac Newton, the Beetles and Ed Sheeran. The exhibition aims to offer a rare opportunity to visitors through portraits of figures who have shaped the history and culture of Britain and the world over the past 500 years.







Consisting of five themes  "Fame," "Power," "Love and Loss," "Innovation," and "Identity & Self-portrait"  the exhibition also shows the changes in styles ranging from paintings executed on wooden panels dating back to the sixteenth century through to holographic imagery of the present.







"This special exhibition was organized in the midst of the global COVID-19 crisis. We hope it will serve to assuage our thirst for the arts and culture from other parts of the world that we have been missing over the past year," Min Byoung-chan, director general of the National Museum of Korea, said in a statement.







Director Nicholas Cullinan of the National Portrait Gallery, London was also quoted as saying, "Icons and Identities offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see a selection of the gallery's most cherished portraits together internationally, while the building in London is temporarily closed for our Inspiring People redevelopment. It is the first time that many of these works have left the U.K. and the first time that out exceptional collection will travel to Korea, giving audiences there an unprecedented opportunity to encounter some of the most accomplished portraits produced in the last five hundred years."







Seen is Korea's National Treasure No. 299, a giant hanging scroll painting of Rocana Buddha being displayed in the new exhibition, "The Buddha Illuminates the World," at the National Museum of Korea (NMK). Courtesy of NMK





Meanwhile, the NMK also unveiled Korea's National Treasure No. 299, a giant hanging scroll painting of Rocana Buddha, in its new exhibition, "The Buddha Illuminates the World," which will run through Sept. 26 in celebration of Buddha's birthday which falls on May 19.







The 17th-century painting called "gwaebul" has never been taken to Seoul before from Sinwonsa Temple where it has been preserved. The temple has long been known as a sacred place to pray for national peace and well-being.







Painted on a canvas made by joining 19 pieces of hemp cloth, it is some 10 meters high and 6.5 meters wide, and weighs over 100 kilograms, according to the NMK.







The painting displays the characteristics of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and Buddhist artwork. The large hanging scrolls for massive outdoor temple events were created by monk artists. When not in use, the scrolls are kept in wooden containers at temple halls, so they are not ordinarily available for public viewing, according to the NMK.


The Australian company behind a password manager that was subjected to a supply chain attack is blaming customers who post its advisories about the attack on social media, claiming this may lead to related attacks.

Adelaide-based Click Studios said in an advisory posted on Wednesday: "The number of affected customers is still very low. Only customers that performed In-Place Upgrades between the times stated above are believed to be affected.

"Customers are requested not to post Click Studios correspondence on Social Media. It is expected that the bad actor is actively monitoring Social Media, looking for information they can use to their advantage, for related attacks."

Click Studios said on 25 April that its customers passwords could have been harvested through a supply chain attack. It advised those who had upgraded between 8:33 PM UTC on 20 April and 0:30am UTC on 22 April (6.33am AEST on 21 April and 10.30am AEST on 22 April) that they could be at risk.

If it wasn't for customers posting the email to social media, we might not have heard about the breach for several critical days.

We've emailed Click Studios CEO Mark Sandford several times for comment and received the same canned autoresponse. pic.twitter.com/7e5sPxudZe  Zack Whittaker (@zackwhittaker) April 29, 2021

In the latest advisory, Click Studios said: "Customers were sent an email, subject: Confirmation of Malformed Files and Essential Course of Action on Friday 23rd at 1:41PM ACDT. Unfortunately, some customers have posted copies of this email on social media.

"It is expected the bad actor is actively monitoring social media for information on the compromise and exploit. It is important customers do not post information on Social Media that can be used by the bad actor. This has happened with phishing emails being sent that replicate Click Studios email content."

And it added: "We have been advised a bad actor has commenced a phishing attack with a small number of customers having received emails requesting urgent action. These emails are not sent by Click Studios and can be confirmed as not legitimate by:

"The sending email has a strange domain suffix  (note this may change over time);

"Wording  Urgent there is a bug in the last upgrade, you have to download another file to overwrite it;

"The download location is a subdomain; and

"The checksum provided is not legitimate for our software.

"Customers are reminded to stay vigilant and ensure the validity of any email sent to them. If you are unsure if an email is from us, send it to Technical Support as an attachment, for confirmation."
Sonu Sood Appeals To Government To Provide Free Education For Students Who Lost Their Parents During The Pandemic

Bollywood actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood appealed to the Centre and charitable organisations to think about the future of the children who have lost their parents in the pandemic. Taking it to Instagram, Sonu Sood shared a video, appealing to the government and the charitable organisations to think about the future of the children who lost their parents in the pandemic.

Sood, who recently recovered from coronavirus, said, "I would like to request the government, the state government, central government or whichever institutes that are trying to help, that there should be a rule that whosoever has lost family members during COVID-19, the education of their kids, from school to college, be it in a government school or private school, should be free of cost." Alongside the video that garnered more than 1 million views within a few hours of being posted, he wrote, "Need to come together for every individual who has lost a loved one in this pandemic."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonu Sood (@sonu_sood)

Scores of fellow celebrities and fans chimed to the comments section and appreciated the star for bringing out the issue in public. Many stars like Varun Dhawan, Sonakshi Sinha and others reshared his post, appealing to the government for the same cause. Sonu, who has been in the limelight because of his philanthropic work, on April 17 was added to the list of Bollywood celebrities to be diagnosed with COVID-19 after Manish Malhotra, Katrina Kaif, Akshay Kumar, among others. He finally recovered from the deadly virus on April 23.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonu Sood (@sonu_sood)

On a related note, the Dabangg actor took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Apollo Hospital, in Punjab on April 7. The actor took to his social media accounts to share a picture from the hospital. Along with getting vaccinated against the deadly infection, the actor had also launched 'Sanjeevani - A Shot of Life', an initiative to encourage people to get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus and raising awareness about the inoculation drive in the country. He recently also got a critically ill Covid-19 patient airlifted in an air ambulance from Nagpur to Hyderabad, to get the special treatment done.

Separately, on the film front, Sood recently announced a new movie titled Kisaan, to be directed by E Niwas and backed by filmmaker Raaj Shaandilyaa. Apart from that, he will also be featured in Chiranjeevi-starrer upcoming Telugu movie Acharya. Sonu will also be seen in Akshay Kumar-starrer Prithviraj, which is slated to release on November 5, this year.
CHICAGO, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Nishay K. Sanan is to act as lead trial attorney in the criminal matters facing John McAfee in the Western District of Tennessee and the Southern District of New York. He will be working closely with Mr. McAfee's previously obtained counsel, The Gordon Law Group, in Mr. McAfee's defense.

In his more than 25 years as a criminal defense attorney, Sanan has experience with high profile cases involving clients who, like Mr. McAfee, are viewed as controversial figures. Given Mr. McAfee's lambasting of the SEC and IRS's mere existence, it's not difficult to determine that this is a personal vendetta against him by the powers that be. As celebrities and billionaires have begun pumping specific crypto currencies with no recourse, the Department of Justice hopes to make an example of Mr. McAfee in the ever-developing "Crypto law." The Gordon Law Group and Attorney Nishay K. Sanan will do everything to make sure that the Department of Justice fails in this endeavor. Mr. John McAfee strongly maintains his innocence.

SOURCE Sanan Law

Related Links

www.sananlaw.com


The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed that health insurers have to decide or clear requests for cashless treatment and final discharge from hospital within one hour of receipt of the request. The instructions come into force with immediate effect.

The IRDAI has now issued specific norms to all insurance companies on settlement of Covid-19 health insurance claims. All the general and health insurance companies have been asked to convey their cashless approvals to the concerned hospitals and establishments within a maximum time period of one hour.

This welcome move from IRDAI comes in the wake of the Delhi High Courts order on 28th April, directing IRDAI to advise insurers to communicate their cashless approvals to the concerned hospitals and establishments within a maximum time period of 30 to 60 minutes so that there shall not be any delay in discharge of patients and hospital beds do not remain unoccupied.

The insurance regulator also added that notwithstanding the one-hour outer limits of timelines specified, the insurers are advised to process such requests quickly so that both authorisations for cashless treatment and discharge of the patient can be hastened to the maximum extent.

The insurance companies will also have to issue appropriate directions to their respective third-party administrators (TPAs) for ensuring compliance with the timelines as specified.

The regulators move comes as a boon to policyholders even as Covid-19 cases are surging across the country. There were many reports of Covid related claims taking time to get settled and this often delayed the patients discharge from the hospital.

In view of this new move of settling claims within 60 minutes, by setting an outer limit, the customers might find it easier to deal with the Covid-19 expenses. The flip-side is that it could put pressure on health insurers from operational perspective.

Cashless treatment refers to a feature in health insurance policies whereby the customer is not required to pay any cash, and the bills are directly settled between the hospital and the insurer.

Last week, the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman also had asked IRDAI to direct companies to prioritise Covid-19 claims. She also said there were reports about some hospitals denying cashless insurance are being received.

Earlier on 18 April 2021, the insurance regulator had issued a note where a fixed turnaround time (TAT) of two hours for granting both cashless pre-authorization and for final discharge of the insured patient was specified. The same day, IRDAI also directed insurers to take action against hospitals if they refused to provide cashless facility for Covid-19 claims.

Insurers have been reportedly unhappy that hospitals are not following the standard card rates issued in June 2020 by the General Insurance Council. The government had capped rates for Covid-19 treatment in hospitals. Hospitals have argued that it is not possible to put all patients under capped rates. Since all hospitals are not following these rates, insurers have been repeatedly asking the pre-agreed terms to be followed, leading to a dogfight between insurers and hospitals while the common man suffers in between.

Considering the current chaotic state-of-affairs, where there are thousands of Covid cases being diagnosed daily in every city, along with widespread anxiety and panic among people, the implementation of the new norms might get challenging. It can be implemented only if the hospitals and insurance companies work in tandem with each other.
CHICAGO, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE) today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2021.

"We are off to a strong start this year with continued momentum across the company, achieving quarter-over-quarter increases in net revenue and trading activity for each business segment, as well as meaningful progress executing on multiple growth opportunities. We were excited to announce plans to acquire Chi-X Asia Pacific, enabling us to broaden our geographic and asset class presence, while helping us to further extend the distribution of our product offerings to our global network of customers," said Edward T. Tilly, Cboe Global Markets Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We remain confident in our ability to achieve our targeted mid-term organic net revenue growth of 4 to 6 percentage points and to drive additional organic net revenue growth longer-term through our ongoing investment in attractive market opportunities, as demonstrated by the increase in our organic growth target for recurring non-transaction revenue. Cboe has a strong foundation and I am confident that we have the team and capabilities to drive value-enhancing growth as we remain focused on our commitment to create long-term value for our customers and our shareholders."

"We reported a quarter of strong results, although earnings declined year-over-year against difficult comparisons to last year's record results. Our robust cash flow generation allowed us to return nearly $93 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in the first quarter," said Brian N. Schell, Cboe Global Markets Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. "We continue to balance our long-standing disciplined capital allocation priorities to responsibly grow our business while maintaining a healthy balance sheet and preserving financial flexibility to further enhance shareholder value. Our priorities remain focused on prudent organic capital investment, value-enhancing acquisitions, and the return of capital to shareholders."

*All comparisons are first quarter 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.

(1)A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables.

(2) Specific quantifications of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the company's organic growth guidance, adjusted operating expenses guidance and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings guidance are not available. The company believes that there is uncertainty and unpredictability with respect to certain of its GAAP measures, primarily related to acquisition-related revenues and expenses that would be required to reconcile to GAAP revenues less costs of revenues, GAAP operating expenses and GAAP effective tax rate, which preclude the company from providing accurate guidance on certain forward-looking GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations. The company believes that providing estimates of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the range of the company's organic growth, adjusted operating expenses and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors for the reasons identified above.

Consolidated First Quarter Results -Table 1

Table 1 below presents summary selected unaudited condensed consolidated financial information for the company as reported and on an adjusted basis for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.













































Table 1 Consolidated First Quarter Results























1Q21

1Q20



($ in millions except per share)



1Q21

1Q20 Change

Adjusted1

Adjusted1 Change Total Revenues Less Cost of Revenues



$ 365.5



$ 358.3

2 %

$ 365.5



$ 358.3

2 % Total Operating Expenses



$ 160.9



$ 131.9

22 %

$ 124.6



$ 98.6

26 % Operating Income



$ 204.6



$ 226.4

(10) %

$ 240.9



$ 259.7

(7) % Operating Margin %





56.0 %



63.2 % (7.2) pp



65.9 %



72.5 % (6.6) pp Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders



$ 136.8



$ 157.0

(13) %

$ 164.8



$ 182.3

(10) % Diluted EPS



$ 1.27



$ 1.42

(11) %

$ 1.53



$ 1.65

(7) % EBITDA1



$ 246.8



$ 264.9

(7) %

$ 250.2



$ 265.7

(6) % EBITDA Margin % 1





67.5 %



73.9 % (6.4) pp



68.5 %



74.2 % (5.7) pp

Total revenues less cost of revenues (referred to as "net revenue") of $365.5 million increased 2 percent, compared to $358.3 million in the prior-year period, primarily reflecting increases in access and capacity fees and market data fees and a decrease in royalty fees, offset somewhat by lower net transaction and clearing fees 1 . Incremental net revenue in the first quarter of 2021 from acquisitions closed in 2020 was $26.8 million .

increased 2 percent, compared to in the prior-year period, primarily reflecting increases in access and capacity fees and market data fees and a decrease in royalty fees, offset somewhat by lower net transaction and clearing fees . Incremental net revenue in the first quarter of 2021 from acquisitions closed in 2020 was . Total operating expenses were $160.9 million versus $131.9 million in the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted operating expenses of $124.6 million increased 26 percent compared with $98.6 million in the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to acquisitions closed in 2020, resulting in higher compensation and benefits and technology support services.

versus in the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted operating expenses of increased 26 percent compared with in the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to acquisitions closed in 2020, resulting in higher compensation and benefits and technology support services. Operating income decreased by 10 percent to $204.6 million and adjusted operating income decreased by 7 percent to $240.9 million . The operating margin for the first quarter was 56.0 percent versus 63.2 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The adjusted operating margin was 65.9 percent compared to 72.5 percent in the first quarter of 2020.

and adjusted operating income decreased by 7 percent to . The operating margin for the first quarter was 56.0 percent versus 63.2 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The adjusted operating margin was 65.9 percent compared to 72.5 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2021 was 28.9 percent compared with 27.6 percent in the first quarter of 2020 and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was 27.9 percent compared with 27.0 percent in last year's first quarter. The higher effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2021 was primarily due to decreased benefits from foreign derived intangible income as a result of final Section 250 Treasury regulations.

Diluted EPS for the first quarter of 2021 decreased 11 percent to $1.27 . Adjusted diluted EPS 1 of $1.53 decreased 7 percent compared to 2020's first quarter results.

. Adjusted diluted EPS of decreased 7 percent compared to 2020's first quarter results. The EBITDA margin for the first quarter was 67.5 percent compared to 73.9 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The adjusted EBITDA margin was 68.5 percent compared to 74.2 percent for the same period last year.

Business Segment Information:























Table 2 Total Revenues Less Cost of Revenues by



















Business Segment



















(in millions)

1Q21

1Q20 Change Options

$ 181.7

$ 188.5



(4) % North American Equities



96.1



86.6



11 % Futures



30.6



40.1



(24) % Europe



42.1



26.2



61 % Global FX



14.7



16.9



(13) % Corporate



0.3



-



100 % Total

$ 365.5

$ 358.3



2 %

(1) A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables.

Discussion of Results by Business Segment:

Options:

Options net revenue of $181.7 million was down $6.8 million , or 4 percent, from the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to a decrease in net transaction and clearing fees 1 , as a result of lower trading volume in index options. This decrease was offset somewhat by an increase in access and capacity fees, higher market data fees and lower royalty fees.

was down , or 4 percent, from the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to a decrease in net transaction and clearing fees , as a result of lower trading volume in index options. This decrease was offset somewhat by an increase in access and capacity fees, higher market data fees and lower royalty fees. Net transaction and clearing fees decreased $18.2 million , or 12 percent, reflecting a 19 percent increase in total options average daily volume ("ADV"), offset by a 24 percent decrease in total options revenue per contract ("RPC") compared to the first quarter 2020. The decrease in total options RPC was due to a mix shift, with multi-listed options representing a higher percentage of total options volume. The RPC for multi-listed options increased 26 percent, primarily due to pricing changes and a shift in customer concentration. The RPC for index options increased 3 percent, primarily reflecting a shift in mix by order type.

, or 12 percent, reflecting a 19 percent increase in total options average daily volume ("ADV"), offset by a 24 percent decrease in total options revenue per contract ("RPC") compared to the first quarter 2020. The decrease in total options RPC was due to a mix shift, with multi-listed options representing a higher percentage of total options volume. The RPC for multi-listed options increased 26 percent, primarily due to pricing changes and a shift in customer concentration. The RPC for index options increased 3 percent, primarily reflecting a shift in mix by order type. Cboe's Options business had total market share of 30.2 percent for the first quarter of 2021 compared to 38.3 percent in the first quarter of 2020, primarily reflecting a mix shift resulting from a lower percentage of ADV from index options. In addition, Cboe's multi-listed options market share for the quarter decreased to 26.9 percent compared to 31.9 percent in the first quarter of 2020.

North American (N.A.) Equities:

N.A. Equities net revenue of $96.1 million was up $9.5 million , or 11 percent, due to the additions of BIDS Trading and MATCHNow, which contributed $12.4 million in net revenue and was the driver of a 9 percent increase in net transaction and clearing fees 1 for the quarter.

was up , or 11 percent, due to the additions of BIDS Trading and MATCHNow, which contributed in net revenue and was the driver of a 9 percent increase in net transaction and clearing fees for the quarter. Cboe U.S. Equities exchanges had market share of 15.0 percent for the first quarter of 2021 compared to 16.7 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The decrease was primarily due to new highs set in off-exchange trading volume in the first quarter of 2021, averaging 45.2 percent of total market volume compared to 37.6 percent in the first quarter of 2020.

Futures:

Futures net revenue of $30.6 million decreased $9.5 million , or 24 percent, primarily due to a decline in net transaction and clearing fees 1 .

decreased , or 24 percent, primarily due to a decline in net transaction and clearing fees . Net transaction and clearing fees decreased $10.3 million , or 29 percent, reflecting a 23 percent decrease in ADV and a 6 percent decline in RPC. The RPC decline was primarily due to the addition of Mini-VIX futures, which are one-tenth the size of the standard VIX futures and have a lower fee per contract. The RPC variance also reflects higher volume from corporate bond index futures and associated lead market maker incentives.

Europe:

Europe net revenue of $42.1 million increased by 61 percent, primarily reflecting the addition of EuroCCP, which contributed $12.1 million in net revenue. Average daily notional value ("ADNV") for the overall market was down 13 percent during the quarter and ADNV traded on Cboe European Equities was 7.5 billion, down 18 percent from last year's first quarter, while net capture increased 16 percent, reflecting a shift in the mix of volume by order book type.

net revenue of increased by 61 percent, primarily reflecting the addition of EuroCCP, which contributed in net revenue. Average daily notional value ("ADNV") for the overall market was down 13 percent during the quarter and ADNV traded on Cboe European Equities was 7.5 billion, down 18 percent from last year's first quarter, while net capture increased 16 percent, reflecting a shift in the mix of volume by order book type. For the first quarter of 2021, Cboe European Equities had 16.8 percent market share, down from 17.7 percent in the first quarter of 2020, primarily as a result of temporary market profile shifts immediately following the Brexit liquidity transition at the start of the quarter and as activity was re-established in Swiss securities following their re-introduction on Cboe UK order books in February, which increased the aggregate pan-European market volume used to measure market share.

Global FX:

Global FX net revenue of $14.7 million decreased 13 percent, primarily as a result of lower net transaction and clearing fees. ADNV traded on the Cboe FX platform was $37.1 billion for the quarter, down 14 percent from last year's first quarter and net capture per one million dollars traded was $2.65 for the quarter, down 1 percent compared to $2.69 in the first quarter of 2020.

decreased 13 percent, primarily as a result of lower net transaction and clearing fees. ADNV traded on the Cboe FX platform was for the quarter, down 14 percent from last year's first quarter and net capture per traded was for the quarter, down 1 percent compared to in the first quarter of 2020. Cboe FX had market share of 16.5 percent for the quarter compared to 15.7 percent in last year's first quarter.

(1)A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables.

2021 Fiscal Year Financial Guidance

The company updated or reaffirmed its guidance for the 2021 fiscal year as noted below. This guidance does not take into account the company's planned acquisition of Chi-X Asia Pacific, which is subject to regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. The company plans to further update its guidance for 2021 after the acquisition closes, which is expected in the second or third quarter of this year.

Recurring non-transaction revenue, defined as access and capacity fees plus proprietary market data, is now expected to increase by 11 to 12 percent, from a base of $342 million in 2020, up from previous guidance of 7 to 8 percent, with organic growth targeted in a range of 10 to 11 percent versus previous guidance of 6 to 7 percent.

in 2020, up from previous guidance of 7 to 8 percent, with organic growth targeted in a range of 10 to 11 percent versus previous guidance of 6 to 7 percent. Reaffirmed that it expects acquisitions closed in 2020 to contribute net revenue growth in a range of 4 to 6 percentage points in 2021.

Reaffirmed that adjusted operating expenses are expected to be in the range of $531 to $539 million . The guidance excludes the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets of $122 million , the company plans to reflect the exclusion of this amount in its non-GAAP reconciliation.

to . The guidance excludes the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets of , the company plans to reflect the exclusion of this amount in its non-GAAP reconciliation. Reaffirmed that depreciation and amortization expense, which is included in adjusted operating expenses above, is expected to be in the range of $38 to $42 million , excluding the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets of $122 million .

to , excluding the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets of . Reaffirmed that the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings for the full year is expected to be in the range of 27.5 to 29.5 percent. Significant changes in trading volume, expenses, federal, state and local tax laws or rates and other items could materially impact this expectation.

Reaffirmed that capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $60 to $65 million , which includes expenditures associated with the company's trading floor relocation planned for the first half of 2022.

Capital Management

At March 31, 2021, the company had adjusted cash2 of $263.9 million. Total debt as of March 31, 2021 was $1,187.8 million.

The company paid cash dividends of $45.3 million, or $0.42 per share, during the first quarter of 2021 and utilized $47.6 million to repurchase 0.5 million shares of its common stock under its share repurchase program at an average price of $96.97 per share. As of March 31, 2021, the company had approximately $352.5 million of availability remaining under its existing share repurchase authorizations.

Earnings Conference Call

Executives of Cboe Global Markets will host a conference call to review its first-quarter financial results today, April 30, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. CT. The conference call and any accompanying slides will be publicly available via live webcast from the Investor Relations section of the company's website at www.cboe.com under Events & Presentations. Participants may also listen via telephone by dialing (877) 2554313 from the United States, (866) 4504696 from Canada or (412) 3175466 for international callers. Telephone participants should place calls 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. The webcast will be archived on the company's website for replay. A telephone replay of the earnings call also will be available from approximately 11:00 a.m. CT, April 30, 2021, through 11:00 p.m. CT, May 7, 2021, by calling (877) 3447529 from the U.S., (855) 6699658 from Canada or (412) 3170088 for international callers, using replay code 10153209.

(1) Specific quantifications of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the company's organic growth guidance, adjusted operating expenses guidance and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings guidance are not available. The company believes that there is uncertainty and unpredictability with respect to certain of its GAAP measures, primarily related to acquisition-related revenues and expenses that would be required to reconcile to GAAP revenues less costs of revenues, GAAP operating expenses and GAAP effective tax rate, which preclude the company from providing accurate guidance on certain forward-looking GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations. The company believes that providing estimates of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the range of the company's organic growth, adjusted operating expenses and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors for the reasons identified above.

(2) A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See "Non-GAAP Information" in the accompanying financial tables.

About Cboe Global Markets

Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE) provides cutting-edge trading and investment solutions to investors around the world. The company is committed to defining markets through product innovation, leading edge technology and seamless trading solutions.

Cboe offers trading across a diverse range of products in multiple asset classes and geographies, including options, futures, U.S., Canadian and European equities, exchange-traded products ("ETPs"), global foreign exchange ("FX") and volatility products based on the VIX Index, recognized as the world's premier gauge of U.S. equity market volatility.

Cboe's subsidiaries include the largest options exchange and the third largest stock exchange operator in the U.S. In addition, the company operates one of the largest stock exchanges by value traded in Europe, and owns EuroCCP, a leading pan-European equities clearinghouse, BIDS Trading, a leading block-trading alternative trading system ("ATS") by volume in the U.S., and MATCHNow, a leading equities ATS in Canada. Cboe also is a leading market globally for ETP listings and trading.

The company is headquartered in Chicago with a network of domestic and global offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia, including main hubs in New York, London, Kansas City and Amsterdam. For more information, visit www.cboe.com.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue," and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the impact of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic, including changes to trading behavior broadly in the market; the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products; economic, political and market conditions; compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; price competition and consolidation in our industry; decreases in trading and clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our exchanges; legislative or regulatory changes; our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security risks, cybersecurity risks, insider threats and unauthorized disclosure of confidential information; increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities; our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties; fluctuations to currency exchange rates; our index providers' ability to maintain the quality and integrity of their indexes and to perform under our agreements; our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights; our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel; our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit and default risks, associated with operating a European clearinghouse; our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases, without failure or degradation of performance of our systems; misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions; challenges to our use of open source software code; our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing potential conflicts between our regulatory responsibilities and our for-profit status; our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges; damage to our reputation; the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks; our ability to manage our growth and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt obligations; our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating; impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets; and the accuracy of our estimates and expectations. More detailed information about factors that may affect our actual results to differ may be found in our filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other filings made from time to time with the SEC.

We do not undertake, and we expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

The condensed consolidated statements of income and balance sheets are unaudited and subject to reclassification.

CBOE-F

Trademarks

Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, Bats, BIDS Trading, BZX, BYX, EDGX, EDGA, EuroCCP, MATCHNow, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

Key Performance Statistics by Business Segment







































1Q 2021 4Q 2020 3Q 2020 2Q 2020 1Q 2020 Options































Total industry ADV (in thousands)



41,974



32,197



29,535



28,243



28,014

Total company Options ADV (in thousands)



12,681



10,299



9,569



9,944



10,731

Multi-listed options



10,779



8,705



8,136



8,354



8,069

Index options



1,902



1,595



1,433



1,590



2,663

Total Options Market Share



30.2 %

32.0 %

32.4 %

35.2 %

38.3 % Multi-listed options



26.9 %

28.5 %

29.0 %

31.4 %

31.9 % Index options



99.0 %

99.3 %

98.9 %

99.4 %

99.2 % Total Options RPC:

$ 0.177

$ 0.182

$ 0.173

$ 0.182

$ 0.234

Multi-listed options

$ 0.067

$ 0.068

$ 0.056

$ 0.051

$ 0.053

Index options

$ 0.803

$ 0.809

$ 0.842

$ 0.870

$ 0.781



































North American Equities































U.S. Equities - Exchange:































Total industry ADV (shares in billions)



14.7



10.5



9.9



12.4



11.0

Market share %



15.0 %

15.1 %

15.1 %

16.1 %

16.7 % Net capture (per 100 touched shares)

$ 0.015

$ 0.015

$ 0.017

$ 0.025

$ 0.026

U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange:































ADV (touched shares, in millions)



99.5



N/A



N/A



N/A



N/A

Net capture (per 100 touched shares)

$ 0.121



N/A



N/A



N/A



N/A

Canadian Equities:































ADV (matched shares, in millions)



71.4



45.2



40.0



N/A



N/A

Total market share %



3.1 %

3.3 %

3.3 %

N/A



N/A

Market share % - TSX listed volume



4.6 %

4.7 %

4.7 %

N/A



N/A

Net capture (per 10,000 shares, in Canadian Dollars)

$ 7.184

$ 8.300

$ 8.200



N/A



N/A



































Futures































ADV (in thousands)



256



159



172



144



331

RPC

$ 1.639

$ 1.575

$ 1.527

$ 1.743

$ 1.750



































Europe































Equities:































Total industry ADNV (Euros - in billions)

 44.8

 37.5

 31.5

 40.1

 51.5

Market share %



16.8 %

17.5 %

17.7 %

15.8 %

17.7 % Net capture (bps)

 0.284

 0.259

 0.245

 0.248

 0.244

EuroCCP:































Traded cleared (in thousands)



298,223.5



290,181.9



255,293.1



N/A



N/A

Fee per trade cleared

 0.011

 0.011

 0.011



N/A



N/A

Net settlement volume (shares in thousands)



2,423.2



2,132.7



1,952.3



N/A



N/A

Net fee per settlement

 0.865

 0.803

 0.785



N/A



N/A



































Global FX































Market share %



16.5 %

16.7 %

15.9 %

16.4 %

15.7 % ADNV ($ in billions)

$ 37.1

$ 33.7

$ 30.2

$ 31.8

$ 43.3

Net capture (per one million dollars traded)

$ 2.65

$ 2.64

$ 2.70

$ 2.77

$ 2.69



ADV = average daily volume; ADNV = average daily notional value.

RPC, average revenue per contract, for options and futures represents total net transaction fees recognized for the period divided by total contracts traded during the period.

U.S. Equities - Exchange, "net capture per 100 touched shares" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments and routing and clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BZX, BYX, EDGX and EDGA and the number of trading days. U.S. Equities  Off-Exchange data reflects Cboe's acquisition of BIDS Trading, effective December 31, 2020. For U.S. Equities  Off-Exchange, "net capture per 100 touched shares" refers to transaction fees less order and execution management system (OMS/EMS) fees and clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BIDS Trading and the number of trading days for the period.

Canadian Equities data reflects the acquisition of MATCHNow effective August 4, 2020. Canadian Equities, "net capture per 10,000 shares" refers to transaction fees divided by the product of one-ten thousandth ADV of shares for MATCHNow and the number of trading days. Total market share represents MATCHNow volume divided by the total volume of the Canadian Equities market. TSX listed volume market share represents MATCHNow volume divided by the total volume in TSX listed equities.

European Equities, "net capture per matched notional value" refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in British pounds divided by the product of matched ADNV in British pounds and the number of trading days. EuroCCP data reflects the acquisition of EuroCCP effective July 1, 2020. "Trades cleared" refers to the total number of non-interoperable trades cleared. "Net settlement volume" refers to the total number of settlements executed after netting.

Global FX, "net capture per one million dollars traded" refers to net transaction fees divided by the product of one-millionth of ADNV traded on the Cboe FX market, the number of trading days, and two, which represents the buyer and seller that are both charged on the transaction. Market Share represents Cboe FX volume divided by the total volume of publicly reporting spot FX venues (Cboe FX, EBS, Refinitiv, and Euronext FX).

Average transaction fees per contract can be affected by various factors, including exchange fee rates, volume-based discounts and transaction mix by contract type and product type.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020



















Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions, except per share amounts)

2021

2020 Revenue:











Transaction and clearing fees

$ 763.2

$ 661.5 Access and capacity fees



66.4



57.7 Market data fees



63.8



56.2 Regulatory fees



101.5



136.8 Other revenue



15.9



9.3 Total Revenues



1,010.8



921.5 Cost of Revenues:











Liquidity payments



501.8



392.4 Routing and clearing



27.1



16.0 Section 31 fees



91.9



127.4 Royalty fees



20.3



27.4 Other



4.2



 Total Cost of Revenues



645.3



563.2 Revenues Less Cost of Revenues



365.5



358.3 Operating Expenses:











Compensation and benefits



72.3



53.3 Depreciation and amortization



42.0



40.5 Technology support services



17.2



11.9 Professional fees and outside services



15.6



14.9 Travel and promotional expenses



1.6



2.1 Facilities costs



5.3



4.1 Acquisition-related costs



3.4



0.8 Other expenses



3.5



4.3 Total Operating Expenses



160.9



131.9 Operating Income



204.6



226.4 Non-operating Income (Expenses):











Interest expense, net



(12.3)



(7.3) Other income (expense), net



0.6



(1.6) Total Non-operating Income (Expenses)



(11.7)



(8.9) Income Before Income Tax Provision



192.9



217.5 Income tax provision



55.7



60.1 Net Income



137.2



157.4 Net income allocated to participating securities



(0.4)



(0.4) Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders

$ 136.8

$ 157.0 Net Income Per Share Allocated to Common Stockholders:











Basic earnings per share

$ 1.27

$ 1.42 Diluted earnings per share



1.27



1.42 Weighted average shares used in computing income per share:











Basic



107.3



110.4 Diluted



107.4



110.6

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

March 31, 2021 and 2020



















March 31,

December 31, (in millions)

2021

2020 Assets











Current Assets:











Cash and cash equivalents

$ 263.3

$ 245.4 Financial investments



95.5



92.4 Accounts receivable, net



374.8



337.3 Margin deposits and clearing funds



1,260.0



812.1 Income taxes receivable







53.1 Other current assets



39.5



26.5 Total Current Assets



2,033.1



1,566.8













Investments



40.7



42.7 Property and equipment, net



83.4



82.6 Property held for sale



13.0



13.0 Operating lease right of use assets



108.5



111.0 Goodwill



2,898.0



2,895.1 Intangible assets, net



1,698.1



1,729.0 Other assets, net



83.3



76.3 Total Assets

$ 6,958.1

$ 6,516.5













Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity











Current Liabilities:











Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$ 247.5

$ 250.0 Section 31 fees payable



92.2



152.9 Deferred revenue



21.2



10.2 Margin deposits and clearing funds



1,260.0



812.1 Income taxes payable



7.2



4.2 Current portion of long-term debt



49.0



68.7 Current portion of contingent consideration liabilities



17.0



15.2 Total Current Liabilities



1,694.1



1,313.3













Long-term debt



1,138.8



1,135.2 Unrecognized tax benefits



174.2



164.7 Deferred income taxes



372.0



377.6 Non-current operating lease liabilities



129.1



132.1 Contingent consideration liabilities



15.1



17.5 Other non-current liabilities



30.6



27.2 Total Liabilities



3,553.9



3,167.6













Stockholders' Equity:











Preferred stock







 Common stock



1.3



1.2 Treasury stock at cost



(1,303.7)



(1,250.4) Additional paid-in capital



2,725.1



2,713.3 Retained earnings



1,901.7



1,809.8 Accumulated other comprehensive income, net



79.8



75.0 Total Stockholders' Equity



3,404.2



3,348.9













Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$ 6,958.1

$ 6,516.5

Non-GAAP Information

In addition to disclosing results determined in accordance with GAAP, Cboe Global Markets has disclosed certain non-GAAP measures of operating performance. These measures are not in accordance with, or a substitute for, GAAP, and may be different from or inconsistent with non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The non-GAAP measures provided in this press release include net transaction and clearing fees, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, organic net revenue, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income allocated to common stockholders and adjusted diluted earnings per share, effective tax rate on adjusted earnings, adjusted cash, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin.

Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release, including adjusted operating income, organic net revenue and adjusted operating expenses, provide additional and comparative information to assess trends in our core operations and a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by management are provided as additional information to investors in order to provide them with an alternative method for assessing our financial condition and operating results.

Organic net revenue, organic non-transaction revenue and organic net revenue guidance: These are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude or have otherwise been adjusted for the impact of our acquisitions for the period or guidance, as applicable. Management believes the organic net revenue growth and guidance measures provide users with supplemental information regarding the company's ongoing and future potential revenue performances and trends by presenting revenue growth and guidance excluding the impact of the acquisitions. Revenues from acquisitions that have been owned for at least one year are considered organic and are no longer excluded from organic net revenue from either period for comparative purposes.

Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets: We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Amortization of intangible assets is inconsistent in amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of our acquisitions. As such, if intangible asset amortization is included in performance measures, it is more difficult to assess the day-to-day operating performance of the businesses, the relative operating performance of the businesses between periods and the earnings power of the company. Therefore, we believe performance measures excluding intangible asset amortization expense provide investors with an additional basis for comparison across accounting periods.

Acquisition-related expenses: From time to time, we have pursued acquisitions, which have resulted in expenses which would not otherwise have been incurred in the normal course of the company's business operations. These expenses include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence and other third-party transaction costs. The frequency and the amount of such expenses vary significantly based on the size, timing and complexity of the transaction. Accordingly, we exclude these costs for purposes of calculating non-GAAP measures which provide an additional analysis of Cboe's ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Cboe's performance between periods.

The tables below show the reconciliation of each financial measure from GAAP to non-GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of those items detailed below and are referred to as adjusted financial measures.

Organic Net Revenue Reconciliation

















Table 3

Three Months Ended

(in millions)

March 31,

Reconciliation of Revenue Less Cost of Revenue to Organic Net Revenue

2021

2020

Revenues less cost of revenues (net revenue)

$ 365.5

$ 358.3

Less acquisitions:













Acquisition revenue less cost of revenues

$ (26.8)

$ 

Organic net revenue

$ 338.7

$ 358.3



Reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP Information





















Three Months Ended

Table 4

March 31,

(in millions, except per share amounts)

2021

2020

Reconciliation of Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders to Non-GAAP (As shown on Table 1)













Net income allocated to common stockholders

$ 136.8

$ 157.0

Non-GAAP adjustments













Acquisition-related expenses (1)



3.4



0.8

Amortization of acquired intangible assets (2)



32.9



32.5

Total Non-GAAP adjustments



36.3



33.3

Income tax expense related to the items above



(8.2)



(7.6)

Net income allocated to participating securities - effect on reconciling items



(0.1)



(0.4)

Adjusted net income allocated to common stockholders

$ 164.8

$ 182.3

















Reconciliation of Diluted EPS to Non-GAAP













Diluted earnings per common share

$ 1.27

$ 1.42

Per share impact of non-GAAP adjustments noted above



0.26



0.23

Adjusted diluted earnings per common share

$ 1.53

$ 1.65

















Reconciliation of Operating Margin to Non-GAAP













Revenue less cost of revenue

$ 365.5

$ 358.3

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above









Adjusted revenue less cost of revenue

$ 365.5

$ 358.3

Operating expenses (3)

$ 160.9

$ 131.9

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



36.3



33.3

Adjusted operating expenses

$ 124.6

$ 98.6

Operating income

$ 204.6

$ 226.4

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



36.3



33.3

Adjusted operating income

$ 240.9

$ 259.7

Adjusted operating margin (4)



65.9 %

72.5 %















Reconciliation of Income Tax Rate to Non-GAAP













Income before income taxes



192.9



217.5

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



36.3



33.3

Adjusted income before income taxes

$ 229.2

$ 250.8

















Income tax expense



55.7



60.1

Non-GAAP adjustments noted above



8.2



7.6

Adjusted income tax expense

$ 63.9

$ 67.7

Adjusted income tax rate



27.9 %

27.0 %

(1) This amount includes professional fees and outside services, severance, facilities expenses, impairment charges and other costs related to the company's acquisitions. (2) This amount represents the amortization of acquired intangible assets related to the company's acquisitions. (3) The company sponsors deferred compensation plans held in a trust. The expenses or income related to the deferred compensation plans are included in "Compensation and benefits" ($0.4 million and $2.1 million in expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively), and are directly offset by deferred compensation income, expenses and dividends included within "Other expense, net" ($0.4 million and $2.1 million in income, expense and dividends in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively), on the consolidated statements of income. The deferred compensation plans' expenses are not excluded from "adjusted operating expenses" and do not have an impact on "Income before income taxes." (4) Adjusted operating margin represents adjusted operating income divided by adjusted revenue less cost of revenue.

EBITDA Reconciliations

EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) and Adjusted EBITDA are widely used non-GAAP financial measures of operating performance. EBITDA margin represents EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues (net revenue). It is presented as supplemental information that the company believes is useful to investors to evaluate its results because it excludes certain items that are not directly related to the company's core operating performance. EBITDA is calculated by adding back to net income interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding back to EBITDA acquisition-related expenses. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as substitutes either for net income, as an indicator of the company's operating performance, or for cash flow, as a measure of the company's liquidity. In addition, because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be calculated identically by all companies, the presentation here may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenue.

































Table 5

Three Months Ended

(in millions)

March 31,

Reconciliation of Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (Per Table 1)

2021

2020

Net income allocated to common stockholders

$ 136.8

$ 157.0

Interest expense, net



12.3



7.3

Income tax provision



55.7



60.1

Depreciation and amortization



42.0



40.5

EBITDA

$ 246.8

$ 264.9

EBITDA Margin



67.5 %

73.9 %















Non-GAAP adjustments not included in above line items













Acquisition-related expenses



3.4



0.8

Adjusted EBITDA

$ 250.2

$ 265.7

Adjusted EBITDA Margin



68.5 %

74.2 %































Table 6













(in millions)

March 31,

December 31,

Reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents to Adjusted Cash

2021

2020

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 263.3

$ 245.4

Financial investments



95.5



92.4

Less deferred compensation plan assets



(24.0)



(24.5)

Less cash collected for Section 31 Fees



(70.9)



(103.0)

Adjusted Cash

$ 263.9

$ 210.3



























































































Table 7





































































(in millions)





































































Reconciliation of Net Transaction and Clearing Fees Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

Consolidated

Options Segment

N.A. Equities Segment

Futures Segment

Europe Segment

Global FX Segment

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020 Transaction and clearing fees $ 763.2

$ 661.5

$ 308.7

$ 284.2

$ 381.8

$ 304.0

$ 25.6

$ 35.9

$ 34.7

$ 22.3

$ 12.4

$ 15.1 Liquidity payments

(501.8)



(392.4)



(166.0)



(124.3)



(330.5)



(261.4)











(5.3)



(6.7)







 Routing and clearing

(27.1)



(16.0)



(5.5)



(4.5)



(17.3)



(11.5)











(4.3)











 Net transaction and clearing fees $ 234.3

$ 253.1

$ 137.2

$ 155.4

$ 34.0

$ 31.1

$ 25.6

$ 35.9

$ 25.1

$ 15.6

$ 12.4

$ 15.1

SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cboe.com


The government says it will retry former Pilot Flying J president Mark Hazelwood and two co-defendants next February after an appeals court threw out their convictions in a fraud case in Chattanooga that lasted for months.

A three-judge panel of the federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to void the convictions based on an inflammatory tape that the jury was allowed to hear. It involved a Pilot sales meeting at a Hazelwood lake house, where a racist country song was played and racist remarks were made.

Judge Curtis Collier said the jury will be picked starting at 9 a.m. next Feb. 1. It will again be held at the Federal Courthouse on Georgia Avenue.

Hazelwood, Scott Wombold and Heather Jones were convicted on some of the charges they faced in connection with cheating trucking companies out of promised rebates.

Hazelwood was in home confinement at his Knoxville mansion until restrictions were lifted after the Sixth Circuit ruling.

Judge Collier said it is anticipated that the trial will take about 30 court days to complete, which would be considerably shorter than the initial trial.

A guilty plea deadline is Nov. 5.

Pilot is based in Knoxville.
FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2020, file photo, Mark and Patricia McCloskey leave following a court hearing, in St. Louis. The McCloskeys, accused of waving guns at racial injustice protesters in the summer of 2020, are due back in court Friday, April 30, 2021, when a judge will consider whether to send the case back to a grand jury to decide if they should have been indicted in the first place. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File) PHOTO:AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File

MO Couple Who Confronted Protesters Back in Court

By The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS - A St. Louis couple accused of waving guns at racial injustice protesters last summer are due back in court Friday, when a judge will consider whether to send the case back to a grand jury to decide if they should have been indicted in the first place.

A St. Louis grand jury indicted Mark and Patricia McCloskey in October on felony charges of unlawful use of a weapon and tampering with evidence. Their attorney, Joel Schwartz, filed a motion this month seeking to remand the case to the grand jury, citing bias in St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardners office that he said tainted the grand jury process.

It wasnt clear ahead of Friday's hearing when Circuit Judge David Mason would issue a decision. Schwartz and Special Prosecutor Richard Callahan  who was appointed months after the October indictment  declined to speculate.

Demonstrators were marching to the home of then-Mayor Lyda Krewson on June 28, amid nationwide protests after police killed George Floyd in Minneapolis. The protesters ventured onto a private street that includes the McCloskey mansion. The couple, both of them attorneys in their early 60s, said they felt threatened after protesters broke down an iron gate and ignored a No Trespassing sign. Protest leaders denied damaging the gate and said the march was peaceful.

Mark McCloskey came out of his home with an AR-15-style rifle and Patricia McCloskey emerged with a semiautomatic handgun. Cellphone video captured the confrontation.

Gardner said the display of guns risked bloodshed. A police probable cause statement said protesters feared being injured due to Patricia McCloskeys finger being on the trigger, coupled with her excited demeanor.

Schwartz, from the outset, alleged that the prosecution was politically motivated.

Callahan, a longtime judge and former U.S. attorney, was appointed special prosecutor after a judge in December ruled that Gardner created an appearance of impropriety by mentioning the McCloskey case in fundraising emails before the August Democratic primary. Gardner went on to win reelection.

The McCloskeys emerged as celebrities in conservative circles. They spoke on video during last summers Republican National Convention, and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has vowed to issue pardons if they are convicted.

Politico recently reported that Mark McCloskey is considering running for the Senate in 2022, after Republican Sen. Roy Blunt announced in March he would not seek reelection.
Indian actor Anupam Kher as Dr. Vijay Kapoor and actor Tyler Labine as Dr. Iggy Frome in the NBC medical drama, New Amsterdam. Kher, who was part of the shows cast since the beginning of the series in 2018, has quit the show. (Peter Kramer/NBC photo)




Dozens of people were killed in a stampede at a Jewish pilgrimage site in the north of Israel on Friday, rescue services said.







Magen David Adom, the Israeli emergency service, posted the updated toll on Twitter, adding "MDA is fighting for the lives of dozens wounded, and will not give up until the last victim is evacuated."







The stampede occurred as tens of thousands of mainly ultra-Orthodox Jews were participating in an annual pilgrimage for the feast of Lag BaOmer, in Meron, around the reputed tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a second-century Talmudic sage.







Emergency services deployed six helicopters to evacuate the injured.







Israeli media published an image of a row of bodies covered in plastic bags on the ground.







Authorities had authorised 10,000 people to gather at the site of the tomb but organisers said more than 650 buses had been chartered from across the country, bringing 30,000 pilgrims to Meron.







Around 5,000 police had been deployed to secure the event, the country's largest public gathering during the coronavirus pandemic. (AFP)




CM Yogi tests negative, disbands 'Team 11' (file photo) In a major development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, disbanded his 'Team 11" that had been involved in Covid management since the past one year. The Chief Minister also tested negative for Covid on Friday.



'Team 11' had been drawing considerable flak for its inability to handle the crisis and failure to provide relief to the people in the pandemic.



According to the government spokesman, the Chief Minister has now formed 'Team 9' that will be headed by Minister for Medical Education Suresh Khanna and Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh.



The new committee will be accountable for providing necessary 'relief to the common man and dealing with the situation in a sensitive manner'.



Later, the Chief Minister went to inspect the under construction DRDO hospital in Lucknow.












Nifty futures on the Singapore Exchange traded 185 points lower at 14,746, indicating a gap-down start for the benchmark indices on Friday.



Here are the top stocks that are likely to be in focus today:

Q4 earnings: A total of 27 companies are slated to post their March quarter numbers including Reliance Industries, IndusInd Bank, YES Bank, Marico and Can Fin Homes.

Mukesh Ambani-led is expected to witness an increase of 8 per cent (on average) in its consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) in the March quarter (Q4), led by a strong improvement in the profit of Jio, its telecom business. READ HERE

Titan: The company reported a 66 per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 568 crore for the March quarter of FY21. Its margins, however, contracted to 10.9 per cent from 13 per cent posted in the same quarter last year.

Ambuja Cement: The company's profit jumped 71 per cent YoY to Rs 947.21 as against Rs 554.25 crore posted in the corresponding quarter a year ago. The revenue climbed 23 per cent YoY to Rs 7,714.81 crore.

Ujjivan Financial Services: A special resolution to appoint Samit Ghosh as CEO of was defeated as it didnt get the requisite share of votes.

Wipro: The IT major revised its IT services revenue guidance to $2,324-$2,367 million for April-June quarter of FY22, which translates to a sequential growth of 8-10 per cent. The revision in guidance comes on the back of completion of Capco deal.

Union Bank of India: The company board has approved the extension of validity of the bank's FY21 capital raising plan till July 31, 2021.

IndiaMart InterMesh: The company's net profit for Q4FY21 stood at Rs 55.7 crore as against Rs 44.3 crore posted in the same period last year, translating into a growth of 26 per cent YoY. The company also recommended a final dividend of Rs 15 per share.

Motilal Oswal Financial Services: The broker said it has posted its highest-ever quarterly net profit of Rs 448 crore for the March 2021 quarter, driven by a Rs 264 crore investment gains. The company had posted a loss of Rs 253 crore in the year-ago quarter.

JK Tyre: Care Ratings revised the long-term rating on the company's bank facilities to to A from A-.

Page Industries: The company informed of temporarily suspending manufacturing operations in Karnataka due to Covid-19 situation.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories: The drug maker said it has launched generic Albendazole tablets, used in the treatment of a variety of parasitic worm infestations, in the US market.

AU Small Finance Bank (SFB): The SFB reported an over 38 per cent rise in net profit at Rs 168.98 crore for the last quarter of fiscal ended March 2021. The lender had posted a net profit of Rs 122.32 crore in the same quarter of 2019-20.

Escorts: Farm equipment major Escorts said it will temporarily shut down its manufacturing operations on a selective basis between May 1 and May 3 amid the deteriorating Covid-19 situation in the country.

Equitas Small Finance Bank: The SFB reported a 162 per cent jump in its profit after tax to Rs 113 crore in the quarter ended March 31, 2021. The small finance lender had posted a profit after tax of Rs 43 crore in the year-ago quarter.

Zensar Technologies: IT company Zensar Technologies reported a 27.6 per cent rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 90.5 crore for the March 2021 quarter. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 70.9 crore in the January-March 2020 period, Zensar said in a regulatory filing.
MUNICH, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Yadea Technology Group Co., Ltd. ("Yadea", 01585.HK), a leading electric two-wheel vehicle brand, has revealed that the cumulative sales from its electric motorcycles, electric mopeds, electric bikes and electric kick scooters have helped cut carbon dioxide emissions by 32.4 million tons to date. The news comes in the month of Earth Day 2021 and reflects the company's commitment to do its part in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The announcement was made during a presentation at its most recent global press conference, where the company officially launched its international brand. The presentation highlighted Yadea's achievements since its inception: the company has sold over 50 million products, reduced fuel consumption by 8.52 million tons and helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 32.4 million tons - the equivalent of planting 32.4 billion trees.

"Electric two-wheel vehicles provide an eco-friendly, energy-saving and convenient solution for daily commuting, so at Yadea, we believe we are doing a great thing. With more than 20 years of advocating for green energy technology, we are the world's leading brand in the electric two-wheeler industry. As we celebrate World Earth Day, we look forward to helping more people electrify their lives and reduce their footprint with Yadea," said Heidi Zang, Vice General Manager of Yadea.

According to the United Nations, electric two- and three-wheeler vehicles can help contribute to clean air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and are the first priority in moving to electric mobility. Calculations show that a shift to 90 percent battery-powered electric motorcycles by 2030 could result in a reduction of CO2 emissions by as much as 11 billion tons between now and 2050.

With lower fuel and maintenance costs, electric two- and three-wheeler vehicles can help to achieve a number of SDGs, including Climate Action; Affordable and Clean Energy; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

With the irreplaceable advantages of electric two-wheelers in environmental conservation and industrial development, Yadea has strengthened its commitment to provide leading integrated solutions that promote green travel around the world. An industry pioneer, Yadea plays a pivotal role in leading the electric mobility revolution. As the company launches its global brand, it hopes to inspire other companies to do their part to achieve the SDGs.

Yadea launched its international brand on April 15 with the theme ElectrifyYourLife. During the press conference, the company unveiled its diversified global product matrix, which includes electric motorcycles, electric mopeds, electric bikes and electric kick scooters - providing a leading integrated solution to meet the different travel needs of users around the world.

At the same time, the company continues to sound the call for more people to help create a greener world: On Earth Day 2021, Yadea shared a post on Facebook inviting netizens to make the planet a better future with the company's zero-emission vehicles.

About Yadea

Yadea is a global leader in developing and manufacturing electric two-wheel vehicles including electric motorcycles, electric mopeds, electric bicycles and electric kick scooters. Yadea's mission is to use its market leadership to inspire a movement towards greener travel solutions and its vison is to create world-leading electric vehicle solutions by building innovative technologies that meet and exceed international standards for safety and quality.

For more information, visit our:

Official Website: https://www.yadea.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yadea.Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/YADEA.GLOBAL/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YadeaGlobal

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1499757/Yadea0429.jpg
The Central Regional Police Thursday rounded up 340 suspected criminals in and around the Kasoa township.

The suspects, mostly Nigerians included five females, reports Graphic Online's Emmanuel Bonney.



Nine of the suspects were found in possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp [weed].



Items retrieved included 245 laptops, 142 assorted mobile phones, and six Nigerian passports.



The police swooped on them at various locations in Buduburam, Adade, CP, Akwele and Ofaakor.



At a press briefing after the arrests, the Central Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mrs Habiba Twumasi-Sarpong, said the police and personnel from the Ghana Immigration Service were screening and profiling the suspects after which those found culpable would be put before court.







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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Kolkata, April 30 : A spike in illegal narcortics from the 'Golden Triangle' to South and Southeast Asian countries as a result of pandemic-related supply gluts and a likely increase in production is worrying Myanmars neighbours, including India.

The 'Golden Triangle', located in northeastern Myanmar bordering Laos, Thailand and China, is one of the two biggest global sources of narcotic drugs.

Anti-narcotics authorities in neighboring Thailand have seized more than 80 million methamphetamine pills, or yaba, in the past six months, a record haul that they blame partly on a supply glut caused by the Covid-19.

The Assam Rifles that guards India's borders with Myanmar has also reported a significant rise in drug seizures in northeastern states like Manipur and Mizoram but many feel the 'seizures are mere tips of the iceberg".

Assam Rifles DG Lt Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan told IANS during a recent seminar that his traditional counter-insurgency force is "fully geared to meet the drug threat from Myanmar." "We started by focusing on couriers who cross the border carrying headlines but now we are focusing on the organized cartels operating on the long Frontier. Our pro-active intelligence driven operations are helping bust the drug smuggling rackets," Sangwan said.

Some big seizures in Mizoram and Manipur by Assam Rifles may have turned the heat on the drug cartels operating on India-Myanmar border , but the boom in production is Myanmar remains a cause for worry.

2020 was boom year for Myanmar's drug trafficking syndicates, with the United Nations Office on Drugs on Crime (UNODC) reporting a sharp drop in the price of methamphetamines in East and Southeast Asia to its lowest level in 10 years.

That was because the market was overwhelmed with supply.

This boost owes to cartels in 'Golden Triangle', like the United Wa State Army (UWSA), developing the ability to produce the ingredients to manufacture various synthetic drugs, including amphetamine-type stimulants like crystal meth and yaba, as well as synthetic opioids.

This innovation has enabled drug traffickers to avoid restrictions on the import of precursors such as pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, particularly from China.

"This development has allowed transnational criminal networks to flourish and expand their operations despite the economic recession prompted by COVID-19," said an UNODC report.

The steady increase in meth production has been reflected in the region's seizures: Asian anti-drug authorities confiscated a record 139 tons of meth in 2019, up from 127 tons in 2018 and 82.5 tons in 2017, according to UNODC data. Data for 2020 was not available but UNODC say they will be close to 150 tons.

The UNODC has warned that the region should brace for a larger flow of illegal drugs as the crisis in Myanmar deepens, and the formal economy all but collapses amid strikes, protests, and increasingly violent crackdowns by the security forces.

Organized drug cartels and their militias in eastern Myanmar will consolidate their control, thriving on the chaos unleashed by the February 1 military takeover, Jeremy Douglas, who heads the UNODC office in Bangkok, told IANS.

"If past actions are an indicator of what's coming, then we're likely to see another increase in synthetic drug production," Douglas said.

"The best way to make big money fast is the drug trade, and the pieces are in place to scale up." As with Covid-19, chaos for Myanmar is opportunity for the region's drug trafficking syndicates.

Over the past two decades, meth production has jumped up in Myanmar, displacing the opium and heroin production in the 'Golden Triangle' .

Much of this is concentrated in Shan State, especially in regions controlled by dozens of micro-militias linked to the Myanmar military, as well as in regions under the sway of non-state armed groups like the United Wa State Army.

The International Crisis Group puts the total value of the Golden Triangle drug trade at around $40 billion per year.

The worry for India and Bangladesh emerges from a dynamic shift in the Burmese illicit drug industry. Smaller cartels like the Wei Brothers, Zhang Ming group and Lo Hsin Nian group have moved their production facilities to Western Myanmar on borders with India and Bangladesh .

They were forced to do so over the years by bigger cartels like Khun Sa's Mong Tai Army (top heroin producer) and UWSA (top meth producer).

These smaller cartels enjoy the protection of the Burmese military and they often use some northeastern rebel groups and Rohingya militants to transport narcotics into India and Bangladesh.

" The presence of these cartels on our borders , their links to Burmese military and their use of some of our insurgents, creates new challenges for our drug enforcement agencies and border guarding forces," says former Intelligence Bureau official Benu Ghosh.

He says Indian agencies and forces like Assam Rifles must gear up to meet the challenge by developing greater inter-agency coordination and drug-related intelligence must be beefed up.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The World Health Organization's Europe Regional Director Hans Kluge reported Thursday the number of new COVID-19 infections in the region dropped significantly in the last week for the first time in two months.

Speaking from WHO regional headquarters in Copenhagen, Kluge said hospitalizations and deaths were also down in the past week. He also said as of Thursday, 7 percent of Europeans have been totally vaccinated, more than the 5.5 percent of the population that has contracted COVID-19.

Kluge cautioned that while that is good news, the virus remains a threat, as infection rates remain high in several areas. He said individual and collective public health and social measures remain dominant factors in shaping the pandemic's course.

But he also noted that in those areas where high-risk groups such as health and other frontline workers were prioritized with vaccines, admissions to hospitals and death rates are falling. Kluge said in the context of the pandemic, it is a combination of vaccines and strong public health measures that offer the clearest path back to normal.


How reforestation could relate to atmospheric carbon concentrations. Credit: Science (2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abf3870

An international team of researchers has found evidence showing that forest regrowth in Amazonia began prior to the arrival of Europeans in South America. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes their analysis of fossilized pollen retrieved from lake beds in the region.

Prior research has found that during the mid-16th century, there was a dip in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere above South Americathe dip has been attributed to forest regrowth that occurred after Europeans arrived. Not long after Europeans arrived in South America, the population of Indigenous people began dropping. This was due to the introduction of diseases, slavery and warfare. As the population dropped dramatically, crop fields that had been attended by Indigenous people were abandoned, allowing the land to revert back to forest. The addition of new forest, it has been believed, pulled increased amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. But now, this scenario has come under question as the researchers with this new effort have found evidence suggesting that farmers in Amazonia began abandoning their fields hundreds of years before the Europeans arrived.

The work involved collecting pollen fossils from the bottoms of 39 lakes across Amazonia embedded in sediment. The depth at which they were found in the sediment was used to measure their age. In looking at the pollen fossils, the researchers found that forest regrowth was occurring in the Amazon basin approximately 300 to 600 years before the dip in carbon dioxide levels occurred. They also did not see evidence of reforestation occurring in the two centuries following the arrival of the Europeans. They note that for the years 950 to 1350, the pollen fossils showed that there were more places in Amazonia that were gaining forest than were losing it. The farmers had clearly begun abandoning their fields long before the Europeans arrived.

The researchers did not find any evidence to explain why the early farmers began abandoning their fields, but suggest that climate change may have played a role. They also note that political unrest might have been a contributing factor, as well.

Explore further Indigenous land-use reduced catastrophic wildfires on the Fish Lake Plateau

More information: M. B. Bush et al. Widespread reforestation before European influence on Amazonia, Science (2021). Journal information: Science M. B. Bush et al. Widespread reforestation before European influence on Amazonia,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abf3870

 2021 Science X Network
At least 45 people have died and 150 were injured, 40 in a critical condition, in a crush Friday at a religious celebration on Mount Meron in northern Israel. It is one of Israels worst civilian disasters.

The Lag BOmer festivities at Meron, where a second-century Jewish sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai was buried, usually attracts hundreds of thousands of people who dance, sing, and make bonfires around his tomb. Attendance this year is estimated at 100,000.

Mourners carry the body of a person who died during Lag B'Omer celebrations at Mt. Meron in northern Israel, at his funeral in Jerusalem on Friday, April 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

While the cause is not yet entirely clear, it appears that the crush was precipitated at about 1.00am Friday morning after some celebrants slipped on steps, causing dozens of people to fall over and the many hundreds behind to fall on top of them in a human avalanche.

Photographs later in the morning show the scene covered with thousands of blue plastic bottles, crushed by the crowds that had stepped on them, that may have caused the crowd to slip and fall.

Witnesses described scenes of total confusion and chaos, with Eliyahu, who was injured in the crush, telling Haaretz, We tried to leave, but the police had closed all kinds of areas and werent letting us leave. We begged them to open the gates to get out, but the police for some reason didnt let people leave and everyone was pushed, and people were simply trampled to death. I didnt understand what was happening and fainted, he added.

Two other witnesses told Haaretz that a police barricade had prevented people from leaving, contributing to the overcrowding. Rabbi Aharon Boimel said he avoided the compound the entire evening fearing disaster, saying, We've warned of overcrowding there in the pastand what we feared most happened. If police had not positioned barricades at the compound the disaster would have been greater.

According to TV news Channel 12, it was the bottleneck where the disaster started rather than the number of total worshipers at the site that drove the tragedy. The entire site has only one entrance through one access road that meant that the police5,000 had apparently been deployed to steward the eventshould have been able to control the number of people entering the site. Film showed police officers trying to stop people from fleeing the scene, either because they did not appreciate the extent of the danger or because they were trying to prevent a stampede from spilling out into other areas of the site. Television images showed a side door in the passageway that had been locked shut.

According to the police, while the site had the same capacity as usual, bonfire areas had been cordoned off as a Covid-19 precautionthey had been banned last yearpossibly creating unexpected chokepoints for the participants.

Hours after the crush, the families of those who had lost their lives had yet to be notified amid a complicated effort to identify the victims.

Attendance at the event was higher than last year when restrictions were in place to halt the spread of the virus, but very much lower than usual because there were few overseas visitors and non-Hasidic Israelis.

Despite warnings from Israeli health officials that the mass celebrations could become a super spreader event, the authorities, having lifted restrictions on social gatherings after the third lockdown, allowed the event to go ahead. It was the largest gathering since the start of the pandemic.

The police have started an investigation, while the Attorney General said that an inquiry had started into the policing of the event, with the Department for Internal Investigations already at the scene to determine whether there was any criminal culpability on the part of the police. Major General Shimon Lavi, the Northern District police chief, declared that he bore full responsibility for the deadly event. However, a senior police official pinned responsibility for the tragedy on the government and public officials for allowing unrestricted access to the celebrations, resulting in overcrowding and the tragic stampede.

He said, This narrow passageway was approved by engineers, pointing to the location of the crush, adding, The Northern District of the police was prepared for any eventuality ahead of the Thursday holiday celebrations. Major General Lavi toured the site in advance and told organizers he was worried that barriers put in place were dangerous for children. He also met with religious leaders on the scene who demanded a larger participation be allowed but he resisted. Imagine how much worse things could have been. He said, It is the responsibility of the state.

A police spokesperson Commander Eli Levi, told Ynet that all relevant government authorities had approved the passageway where the crush occurred and Everyone understood that after festivities were banned last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, there would be large crowds at Mount Meron this year. Indeed, officials had said prior to the event that hundreds of thousands would be allowed to participate.

There were chaotic scenes as people tried to leave the scene of the disaster, with masses of people, including small children waiting for hours for transport. A massive bussing operation was being rolled out in a haphazard and ill-directed way, causing people to stop passing buses to ask their destinations and adding to the already enormous traffic jams and confusion in the narrow lanes around Mount Meron.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who toured the site on Friday morning with Public Security Minister Amir Ohana and police, described the tragedy as a heavy disaster. According to reports in the Hebrew media, some of the worshipers who remained at the site booed and heckled the prime minister and chanted slogans against him.

Israel, a member of the OECD, the club of the worlds richest nations, is famous for its high-tech inventions, has the most powerful air force in the region and a huge arsenal of nuclear bombs, and has long threatened to bomb Iran, a thousand miles away. Yet it could not manage the mass gathering safely.

It follows the entirely avoidable deaths during the pandemic of nearly 6,500 people in Israel and 3,231 Palestinians living in the territories illegally occupied by Israel since 1967, and the untold suffering of hundreds of thousands more as Netanyahu, like his counterparts across the globe, put profits before lives.

The ultra-orthodox communities had been particularly badly hit. Already among the poorest members of Israeli society, living in overcrowded conditions, they were always going to be vulnerable to the coronavirus. Their unemployment ratethey are largely employed in low skilled, low wage sectors if they work at all and most do notrose twice as much as the rest of the population due to the lockdowns, while their infection rate was nearly five time higher.

The ultra-orthodox or Haredim, by no means a monolithic bloc, are made up of numerous sects and leaders, each with their own customs and traditions. While the religious parties have been instrumental in keeping Netanyahu in power, the Haredim are enormously distrustful of the government and secular, public authorities.

Netanyahu, in return for their support, has made numerous dispensations, including allowing them to keep their schools open, which do not teach a core curriculum of math, science, and English but focus on religious studies, and granting de facto exemptions from social distancing and lockdown restrictions, as well as exemption from military service.

This has served to heighten tensions between religious and secular Israelis, which Netanyahu and the ruling elite have encouraged as a means of dividing opposition to economic and social policies that have created one of the most unequal countries within the OECD.

The latest tragedy demonstrates once again that the existential threat to Israeli working people lies not with Palestinians or its neighbours in the region. Israels Palestinian citizens in nearby towns and villages set up stalls, handing out free food and drink for the thousands of Jewish worshipers trying to make their way out of the area in the wake of the tragedy.

The threat lies with the readiness of Israels financial oligarchy to sacrifice the lives and welfare of Israeli workers and their families for its own selfish interests.
It took two years of pestering for Highland Park ISD to formally evaluate Kylie Virag for dyslexia in the spring of 2019.

After the test showed Kylie, then 8, had the reading disorder, her mother, Stephanie Virag, thought she would receive special services like she did for her previously diagnosed speech issues.

Officials in the Dallas district, however, refused to include dyslexia in Kylies individualized education plan, a federally required document that outlines goals and services for students who receive special education services. They said dyslexia was not a specific learning disability, and that Kylie would receive more minor accommodations.

Despite the limited help, Kylie failed to improve, prompting her parents to sell their house and move to another school district.

I wasnt going to put Kylie back in that situation, when teachers were not running the program right, Virag said. We just wanted help. We wanted them to help her learn.

More than three years after federal authorities called out Texas dyslexia practices in a sweeping investigation into special education, state officials finally may be poised to act on the U.S. Department of Educations orders.

More Information Texas kept thousands of disabled kids out of special education at public schools. Read our investigative series at houstonchronicle.com/denied See More Collapse

Legislation that would require school districts to fully evaluate students suspected of having dyslexia and meet with parents afterward to discuss options will be heard by the full Texas House of Representatives in the coming weeks, following unanimous approval by the Committee on Public Education.

The State Board of Education has pledged to add an action item to its June meeting to overhaul parts of its Dyslexia Handbook.

And the Texas Education Agency has flipped its position on how the state and local school districts should handle the learning disability, acknowledging for the first time this year that the states guidance for evaluating students for the disorder is flawed. That change came after a letter from the U.S. Department of Education last year that said that guidance was confusing for districts.

While the pending actions represent a shift in the states view of the disorder, parents and advocates say many school districts still are violating dyslexic students rights under federal disability law by refusing to consider them for special education.

The Department of Education ordered wholesale changes to Texas dyslexia practices in January 2018, following a federal investigation that found significant deficiencies. Among them: some districts refused to consider any dyslexic students for special education, practices for evaluating and serving dyslexic students varied across the state, and confusion about the states polices was rampant.

The federal probe was launched after a Houston Chronicle investigation found the state systematically kept disabled students out of special education by placing an artificial cap on the percentage of students each district could serve.

Investigators found about 20 percent of dyslexic students received special education services, while many more were given reading interventions or offered minor accommodations.

Little has changed.

A TEA presentation from October 2020 showed a little more than 25 percent of Texas dyslexic students are served through special education, while about 75 percent are given lesser services.

Federal law  the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA  classifies dyslexia as a specific learning disability that could qualify students for special education services.

In Texas, however, state law and guidance does not require districts to test dyslexic students through IDEA. Instead, the state allows districts to evaluate students through a program known as Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act. Students that have those so-called 504 plans typically receive lesser accommodations, such as the use of speech-to-text software or additional time on tests. They do not guarantee specialized instruction and goals to make sure dyslexic students are on track to learning how to read, unlike the guarantees afforded through IDEA.

Advocates say without those guarantees, schools are able to do little to help students with dyslexia and similar disabilities, and can halt services whenever they choose. Those issues have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools have struggled to provide resources for all disabled students. Advocates say many schools simply stopped providing extra help to dyslexic students with 504 plans and other accommodations.

That is what happened with Kylie when her Highland Park ISD school closed in March 2020.

They stopped services for Kylie, period, her mother, Stephanie said. We got a tutor and probably spent $20,000, not even counting the moving.

Highland Park ISD officials issued a statement acknowledging dyslexia services did stop briefly due to COVID-19, but said they resumed virtually. All students who missed out on services during that pause will be eligible for make-up services to help them catch up, they said.

The district also said it honors all parent requests for special education evaluations, but students do not always qualify.

No student in HPISD identified with dyslexia  regardless of whether through Section 504 or the IDEA  is refused services for dyslexia, officials wrote.

Qualifying

At the heart of the issue: Should students with dyslexia and related disorders be considered for special education?

Not every dyslexic student needs or wants special education services. Some do fine with minor accommodations and reading interventions. The problem, some advocates and parents say, is that without the protections offered by IDEA, districts can take those accommodations away from students without their parents permission and refuse to provide potentially beneficial therapies.

A 504 guarantees you nothing, said Sally Shaywitz, co-director of Yale Universitys Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. It says you can have accommodations, but it doesnt guarantee you things under IDEA. It doesnt guarantee you instruction that will make a difference.

Even with special education services, some dyslexic students have still struggled to get the help they need.

Rebecca Al-Bannays daughter, Amelia, originally was denied special education in November of 2018 when officials at her North East ISD school near San Antonio told Al-Bannay her daughter did not qualify because she was only one grade level behind.

After months of her mother fighting the district, Amelia qualified for special education in May 2019. The services she was getting, however, came to a halt during the pandemic. Desperate to get Amelia help, Al-Bannay enrolled her in a charter school last fall. After a week and a half, the school told her its special education teacher would not be certified to teach dyslexic students until January.

Al-Bannay enrolled her in another charter school, only to see it to ignore much of Amelias individualized education plan, refusing even to provide her with class notes and materials.

Ultimately, Al-Bannay put Amelia back at her original NEISD campus. Now, she said she is fighting for Amelia to keep access to assistive technologies, such as speech-to-text software, in her education plan.

They only have us for two more weeks of fifth grade,  Al-Bannay said. Why fight so hard to take things away from her?

Handbook flaws

School staffs get almost all of their guidance on how to evaluate and help dyslexic students from one source: The Texas Dyslexia Handbook.

It has been rewritten several times over the decades, most recently after the U.S. Department of Education ordered changes in 2018.

Advocates and parents, however, say issues remain baked into the newer version approved by the State Board of Education in 2018. For example, the handbook tells schools they can evaluate students through the 504 process without letting parents know they have the option of having their children evaluated for special education, or explaining the difference between the two programs.

In a February 2019 letter, members of the TEAs Continuing Advisory Committee wrote the new dyslexia handbook predetermines educational need without requiring a full evaluation. The Texas Association of School Psychologists, Disability Rights Texas, Decoding Dyslexia and the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education also have called for changes to the handbook.

The State Board of Educations Committee on Instruction heard testimony April 15 from disability advocates and parents of dyslexic students who urged the committee to eliminate all mentions of the processes for screening from the handbook.

Angela Bolton Smith, from the Dallas area, said her school district refused to provide any help to her son until he was in second grade.

My son began to gradually change during the school year, he was no longer happy to go to school, Smith said. He began to hate school, and he began to give up on learning. Just imagine a 6-year-old child calling himself dumb daily.

Justin Porter, the TEAs special education director, said Texas is the only state to have two different identification routes for dyslexia, prompting confusion.

TEA responsibility

Sonja Kerr, an Austin-based special education attorney, said the TEA could have cleared up the confusion around dyslexia years ago by providing clear guidance to school districts, monitoring their compliance with IDEA, and coming down on districts that violate the law.

Theyve been punting this issue by saying Under state law, this and that, but they cant do that, Kerr said. Theyve gotten away with it for many, many, many years, but they cant punt this back and forth between (the State Board of Education) and the lege. They have a specific duty.

TEA issued a statement in which officials said the State Board of Education has regulatory oversight of statewide dyslexia resources, and that they are advocating for the board to make changes to the handbook. It also said the agency is engaged in an ongoing review of dyslexia services in Texas.

Meanwhile, parents have stepped up to try to fill the void.

Virag and four other parents in her area  who call themselves the kitchen table moms  spent last Monday and Tuesday in Austin talking to lawmakers and testifying before the House Committee on Public Education about HB 3880, which they drafted with some help from statewide dyslexia organizations.

If passed, it would require schools to give students suspected of having dyslexia a full individual evaluation under IDEA. Afterward, schools officials would be required to meet with parents to discuss the results and their options, including whether they would want their children given special education services or other accommodations.

Robbi Cooper, state leader for policy with the Decoding Dyslexia advocacy group, said the legislation would not automatically force dyslexic students into special education. Instead, she said, it would give parents more information about their students strengths and weaknesses so they can decide whether they should be served through special education or another route.

Right now, parents dont even know what theyre agreeing to, Cooper said of districts offering more minor accommodations through 504 plans rather than special education. Its an evaluation, its a standalone thing. Once the evaluation comes back, then the school and you go through and make decisions about placement and eligibility all under the umbrella of protection offered by IDEA.

That already is a requirement under federal law, but Kerr, Virag and other advocates say they hope districts will be more inclined to honor families rights if they are enshrined in state law.

Were just keeping our fingers crossed that it finally goes through, said Elizabeth Wilson, one of the Kitchen Table Moms. And were going to work to make it go through.

shelby.webb@chron.com
GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lauridsen Skatepark will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 7 at 4:30 p.m. to celebrate its grand opening. The Skatepark is the largest in the country and will open to the public in Greater Des Moines (DSM) in advance of hosting a national event later this month.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the Skatepark at 901 2nd Ave. in Downtown DSM. The Skatepark is centrally located at the north end of the Principal Riverwalk next to the Des Moines River. Media and the public can pay to park at the Iowa Events Center parking lot or find a paid street parking spot close to the Skatepark. All attendees will need to enter through Bobber Park on the south side of the Skatepark. Masks will be recommended per CDC guidelines.

Following the ribbon cutting, the Skatepark will be open to the public beginning 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Friday night, and will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. each day. The opening will provide a sneak peek for the community before setup begins for the Dew Tour competition set to take place from May 20 - 23. Set up for the Dew Tour begins at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 10. The Skatepark will be closed to the public from May 10 - 27 while the Dew Tour set-up, competitions and clean-up take place. The only exception is that some skating elements are open to those with Dew Tour tickets from May 20 - 23.

The Dew Tour event will include World Skate sanctioned men's and women's skateboarding Street and Park competitions, serving as the only U.S. based global Olympic skateboard qualifying events for 2021. Skateboarding will make its debut at the Olympic Games this summer in Tokyo, which were rescheduled in 2020 for July 23 - August 8, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

No public registration is required. Members of the media interested in attending are asked to contact Courtney Shaw at cshaw@dsmpartnership.com and Jon Cahill at Jonathan.Cahill@PolkCountyIowa.gov.

Contacts:

Courtney Shaw

cshaw@DSMpartnership.com

(405) 747-8757

Learn More About DSM USA

Jon Cahill

Jonathan.Cahill@PolkCountyIowa.gov

(515) 822-3039
CATSKILL  The war games at The Friar Tuck Inn are off, at least for this weekend.

The town of Catskill on Thursday was granted a temporary restraining order to stop the planned military re-enactment that was to begin on Friday and run through the weekend at the long-shuttered resort.

This action presents an unfortunate circumstance, Acting State Supreme Court Justice Adam Silverman said Thursday, less than a day before the event, to be put on by Connecticut businessman Thomas ORourke, was scheduled to start.

Silverman blasted ORourke for ignoring weeks of calls by the town about code violations and other problems at the 200-acre Friar Tuck resort. But he also criticized the town for seeking a restraining order so late in the process.

The court battle began in March after town officials said they noticed people in military fatigues with replica AK-47 rifles and fake grenades with simulated explosive discharges at the resort.

It turned out to be the early version of what was billed on the internet as the Catskills Crusade in which re-enactors would pay $180 to participate in the war games.

Will Waldron / Albany Times Union

After the town sought an injunction halting the activity, though, ORourke, of the Military Experience Museum in Wallingford, Conn., said they were actually planning to film the event, with plans to sell it to a video game maker.

ORourke earlier said he had talked to the Greene County film commission, which encourages filming in the county, and was encouraged. But he said the town balked when it was asked to sign a confidentiality agreement in order to protect the intellectual property regarding the event.

ORourke could not be reached for comment Friday.

The town, represented by its attorney Theodore Hilscher, said ORourke would need a special use permit for the event, while ORourkes lawyer said that wasnt needed since the war games actually were a training activity.

Thursdays conference and decision in State Supreme Court in Greene County came against the backdrop of what could be described as a troubled history for the 200-acre Friar Tuck property since it was purchased last September by a New York City investor who said she planned to turn the hulking, empty property into a mindfulness resort.

Friar Tuck was a landmark in the 1970s when, in addition to its hotel rooms, the facility played host to regular concerts featuring Tom Jones and other stars.

By 2009, however, the resort was in bankruptcy. In September, Queens Realtor Elena Fu purchased it for $5.8 million. The new owners initially said they planned to have hotel rooms open by this spring.

Will Waldron / Albany Times Union

Instead, the building amassed a slew of violations including lack of a septic system, asbestos and other problems. Neighbors said illicit gambling may have been going on there and there was a report of a bear shot on the property.

The town of Catskill noted the violations were under the purview of the state Labor and Environmental Conservation departments. Michael Brandi, attorney for ORourke, however, said those agencies had said they wouldnt be getting involved since plans for the event had moved outside, not in the building.

But Hilscher ultimately argued, successfully, that a town permit was required for the event which could have drawn 400 people.

Will Waldron / Albany Times Union

Silverman said he was leaving the door open for further talks between ORourke and the town. But Brandi said he doubted he would be interested after todays decision.

Rkarlin@timesunion.com
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday (April 30) said that there is no need for a more 'strict lockdown' in the state as people are following the restrictions. "There is no need for a more strict lockdown in the state, people are following the restrictions. We have been to contain the spread of COVID-19 due to restrictions and lockdown. Our estimate was that there might be 10 lakh positive active patients, but now it is 7 lakh cases," Thackeray said at a press conference.

He also reviewed the progress made on the package announced for countering COVID-19 and stressed the need to deal with the third wave of the pandemic. "The economy of the state should not halt. So I have held meetings with industrialists, representatives of labour unions and taken their inputs about how to tackle the third wave of COVID-19," he said.

The state government earlier in the day extended the ongoing restrictions until May 15. Restrictions imposed to curb the infections were in place until May 1.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Secretary of the state, the decision has been taken as Maharashtra continues to be threatened with the spread of COVID-19.

The statement said it was imperative to continue the emergency measures to prevent and contain the spread of the virus. Essential services have been exempted from the purview of the restrictions. Local train services in Mumbai and public transport are open only for essential services staff of the government.

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Quarterly Activities Report

Brisbane, April 30, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The March 2021 Quarter saw the beginning of a defining half-year for State Gas ( ASX:GAS ). In January we commenced production testing the newly drilled Nyanda-7 & Nyanda-8 wells, and re-established production testing at Nyanda-4.Quarter Highlights:- Production testing commenced at Nyanda-7 and Nyanda-8 wells, and recommenced at Nyanda-4- Nyanda-4 achieving up to 700,000 standard cubic feet of gas production per day- Encouraging gas production levels at Nyanda-7 and Nyanda-8- Commencement of civil works for drilling of Rougemont wells on new Rolleston-West Project (ATP2062)Logs of the Nyanda-7 provide further positive data for future gas production, with approximately 38.2 metres of net coal confirmed (compared with 30.9 metres at Nyanda-4), with numerous open fractures apparent through the coal seams. Since the commencement of production testing the well has produced nearly twice as much water as did Nyanda-4 during the same period of its initial testing, with the pathways through the coals created by the open fractures the likely explanation for this enhanced production. These fractures are expected to enhance permeability and future gas production. With no offset wells to help the de-watering process (as is common for early-stage production tests) we expect Nyanda-7 will take longer for significant gas flows to eventuate. Nonetheless, it is currently producing approximately 5,000 cubic feet(cft) /day. As de-watering commonly takes between 3-6 months, we are anticipating that the well will begin to show its worth by the end of this financial year.Gas production at Nyanda-8 is increasing and currently approaching 50,000 cft/day, and likewise, should pass the expected economic threshold by the end of this financial year.The corehole drilling undertaken by the Company at its Reid's Dome Project has shown exceptional gas contents in deep coals. The dome structure in the geology of the area indicates natural uplift, and as a result, fracturing, of the formations. These fractures (evident in the image logs obtained to date in the wells), suggest the potential in these deep coals for not just enhanced production pathways, but also "free gas" in the fractures available to be liberated during production. This potential has been corroborated by the production behaviour of Nyanda-4. In this regard, where natural fractures were intersected in the well, production reached over 700,000 cft/day, after which production resumed at the economic rate of around 100,000 cft/day. This production pattern suggested that the free gas in the intersected fractures had been drained. We prognose that this is the rate at which gas is produced from the natural matrix of the coal. Over time, the coal should shrink through production of gas and water, enhancing permeability by connecting an increasing number of fractures. When this occurs we expect to see sustained higher production rates.On April 7 we re-commenced production testing of Serocold-1, reducing the water level and pressure through pumping to enable gas production. The well has commenced producing measurable volumes of gas even though the water level has not yet reduced below the top of the coal - an extremely positive sign.Whilst fully appraising PL231 is important, particularly given the urgent need for more east coast gas in 2023 (as the ACCC has observed), the additional contribution from the Company's new Rolleston-West Project (ATP 2062) could define State Gas as a meaningful participant in the Australian Gas Market.On April 29, the civil works within ATP 2062 necessary to provide access to the Company's two proposed Rougemont wells commenced. The target formation for the Rougemont wells is the Bandanna Coals, which have proved economic (even without the geological advantages of plunging noses) to the north and south of our acreage. The Rougemont wells will be logged and tested to determine the thickness and permeability of the coal seams, and cores will be taken to assess gas content.Within Rolleston West we have sizeable acreage of over 1400 square kilometres (nearly 8 times the area of PL 231). Accordingly, should the core-holes prove successful ATP 2062, the Rolleston West Project will be developed as part of the development of Reid's Dome/PL 231, sharing certain infrastructure and benefits from economies of scale. We are anticipating meaningful results at Rougemont in June. What a transformation this may prove.Financial PositionAt the end of the Quarter the Company had cash at bank of $6.27m, after expending $6.14m in Project development costs, and $0.07m in other costs.To view tables and figures, please visit:About State Gas Limited

State Gas Limited (ASX:GAS) is a Queensland-based developer of the Reid's Dome gas field, originally discovered during drilling in 1955, located in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland. State Gas is 100%-owner of the Reid's Dome Gas Project (PL-231) a CSG and conventional gas play, which is well-located 30 kilometres southwest of Rolleston, approximately 50 kilometres from the Queensland Gas Pipeline and interconnected east coast gas network.

Permian coal measures within the Reid's Dome Beds are extensive across the entire permit but the area had not been explored for coal seam gas prior to State Gas' ownership. In late 2018 State Gas drilled the first coal seam gas well in the region (Nyanda-4) into the Reid's Dome Beds and established the potential for a significant coal seam gas project in PL 231. The extension of the coal measures into the northern and central areas of the permit was confirmed in late 2019 by the Company's drilling of Aldinga East-1A (12 km north) and Serocold-1 (6 km to the north of Nyanda-4).

State Gas is also the 100% holder Authority to Prospect 2062 ("Rolleston-West"), a 1,414 km2 permit (eight times larger than PL 231) that is contiguous with the Reid's Dome Gas Project. Rolleston-West contains highly prospective targets for both coal seam gas (CSG) and known conventional gas within the permit area. It is not restricted by domestic gas reservation requirements.

The contiguous areas (Reid's Dome and Rolleston-West), under sole ownership by State Gas, enable integration of activities and a unified super-gasfield development, providing economies of scale, efficient operations, and optionality in marketing.

State Gas is implementing its strategic plan to bring gas to market from Reid's Dome and Rolleston-West to meet near term forecast shortfalls in the east coast domestic gas market. The strategy involves progressing a phased appraisal program in parallel with permitting for an export pipeline and development facilities to facilitate the fastest possible delivery of gas to market. State Gas' current focus has been to confirm the producibility of the gas through production testing of the wells.
The Morning Show host Larry Emdur has shared a photo of his son Jye on his 27th birthday.

The 56-year-old posted the image on Instagram, alongside a sweet photo of himself with Jye when he was just a baby.

'Im not exactly sure where those 27 years have gone . Happy birthday (yday) to my best buddy in the universe,' he wrote.

Father and son: TV host Larry Emdur, left, sent fans wild on Friday when he shared a photo of his VERY handsome lookalike son Jye, right, to celebrate his 27th birthday

'Jye weve still got lots of fun to have and lots of lifes mountains to climb and Im looking forward to all of it. Thunder buddies for life.'

The current photo of Jye sent his fans into a tailspin, with many commenting on how 'handsome' and 'hot' Larry's son was.

Larry recently enjoyed a well-deserved getaway to his stunning eco getaway cabin in Sydney's Kangaroo Valley.

But his delightful escape was cheekily interrupted, as a wild wombat rudely did his business on the shocked host's doorstep.

Way back then: The 56-year-old posted the image on Instagram, alongside a sweet photo of himself with Jye when he was just a baby

The TV host documented the incident on Instagram, where he exclaimed: 'Seriously buddy??? Theres absolutely nowhere else for you to do a poo? You gotta do THAT on my doorstep?'

He added the funny hashtags 'cute but s**ty' and 'up close and personal'.

Fans in their masses were quick to comment on the hilarious video, with one writing: 'That's gold!'

'Think of it as wombat renovation. He saw a need to add something to the door step to give it character,' another quipped, while a third added: 'It's meant to be lucky!'

Larry and his wife Sylvie own the eco getaway cabin, purchasing it for $2.15million in October last year.

Cheeky: Larry recently enjoyed a well-deserved getaway to his stunning eco getaway cabin in Sydney's Kangaroo Valley, but his delightful escape was cheekily interrupted, as a wild wombat rudely did his business on the shocked host's doorstep.

Hilarious: He added the funny hashtags 'cute but s**ty' and 'Up close and personal'

Meanwhile, Larry was recently confirmed as the new host of Seven's top-rated afternoon game show, The Chase, after the show's previous presenter Andrew O'Keefe was dumped by the network after a domestic violence charge was brought against him.

Following the news, Larry told The Daily Telegraph: 'I've had a love affair with quiz shows for most of my working life, and the opportunity to host one of the TV worlds greatest formats is incredibly exciting.'

The TV presenter - who will keep his 'dream job' on The Morning Show alongside Kylie Gillies - also spoke out about Andrew's departure from the show.

Nice digs! Larry and his wife Sylvie bought the eco getaway cabin for $2.15million in October last year

Moving forward: Meanwhile, Larry was recently confirmed as the new host of Seven's top-rated afternoon game show, The Chase, after the show's previous presenter Andrew O'Keefe was dumped by the network after a domestic violence charge was brought against him

He said: 'Its a tumultuous time, but shows move on and productions move on and over the years many hosts have been replaced with many other hosts.

'Its happened very quickly. Theres no doubt about it, theres lots of focus on it, but in keeping with what the network wants me to do, I have to aim for the blue sky and look forward.'

Larry was approached by the network two months ago, and wowed bosses with his audition.
Regional

Mnp police arrest 3 rebels, recover 34 hand grenades

Three rebels arrested by police in Manipur with hand grenades on Friday.

Correspondent IMPHAL, Apr 30 | Publish Date: 4/30/2021 1:04:38 PM IST

Manipur police on Friday recovered 34 hand grenades in a follow up action to the arrest of three cadres of a rebel group in Thoubal district.

Thoubal SP Dr S Ibomcha Singh said that the 34 hand grenades were found hidden at a banana farm belonging to one of the arrested identified as Soibam Lemba Singh (34) at Tekcham Mayai Leikai under Khongjom police station of the district Friday afternoon. He identified the other two arrested cadres as Moirangthem Megha Singh (48) of Heirok Part-II and Maibam Rajkumar (22) of Tentha Khunjao village. They were cadres of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), he added.

Two of the cadres Soibam Lemba and Maibam Rajkumar were arrested together by one of the several teams of police commandos deployed at different places of the district based on specific information.

The police commandos launched the operation based on specific information that cadres of the outfit were planning to attack some government offices and private brick farms for failing to meet their monetary demands, he said.

One of the teams of the police commandos deployed near the Thoubal DC office intercepted the two youths coming on a motorcycle. When checked, three monetary demand letters were recovered from a bag in their possession. On spot questioning, the police came to know that they were cadres of the UNLF and they concealed hand grenades at a banana farm belonging to one of the cadres (Lemba) at Tekcham Mayai Leikai.

The police commando team immediately rushed to the spot and conducted a massive search in the farm and recovered a total of 34 hand grenades, the SP claimed. The SP alleged that Lemba and Rajkumar were working under Lt Heishingba of the UNLF. As instructed by Heishingba, he and Rajkumar have served many demand letters to government offices, brick firms etc.

They had also exploded hand grenades at some government offices, brick firms and residences of government officials who did not fulfil their monetary demand, the SP claimed.
Behind the proclamations of a new dawn in the United States, Bidens speech Wednesday night to a joint session of Congress provided a portrait of panic, crisis and desperation on the part of the American ruling class.

And more significant than the various calls for reform measures, a far more important and sinister strategic perspective was elaborated throughout: to create the political framework for a confrontation with China to maintain, if necessary through war, the global hegemony of American imperialism.

President Joe Biden speaks to a joint session of Congress Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Michael Reynolds/Pool via AP)

After decades in which it has become ritualistic for presidents to declare in their annual addresses to Congress that the State of the Union is strong, Biden presented a frank admission that the social situation in the US is nothing less than catastrophic: The worst pandemic in a century. The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War. If one simply isolated the sentences in which Biden depicted the reality of American society, it provides an appalling portrait of poverty, hunger and desperation facing millions of workers in the US.

The listener may have been surprised to hear Biden speak of the massive concentration of wealth, as if he were reading from an article on the World Socialist Web Site. Twenty million Americans lost their jobs in the pandemic, working- and middle-class Americans. At the same time, roughly 650 billionaires in America saw their net worth increase by more than $1 trillion, in the same exact period.

Moreover, while he referenced his first 100 days in office, more revealing of the real state of American society is the 114 days since the January 6 fascistic insurrection that nearly resulted in the overthrow of the government. Even as he spoke, the streets around the Capitol building were closed and patrolled by police and National Guard troops.

According to Biden, the situation has already drastically changed in just his first 100 days in office. I can report to the nation, America is on the move again. Turning peril into possibility, crisis into opportunity, setbacks into strength. Millions, however, are still being infected by COVID-19 and face the threat of death. Millions are still jobless and poverty-stricken. And none of those politically responsible for the attack on the U.S. Capitol have been brought to justice. On the contrary, they occupied nearly half the seats in the audience Biden addressed, referred to by Biden as my friends across the aisle.

Aware of the deep social anger building up in the United States, Biden promised two multitrillion-dollar programs he called on Congress to adopt. The American Jobs Plan, he claimed, would help millions of people get back to work and back to their careers, including through major infrastructure projects. The American Families Plan, he said, would ensure a good education for everyone, including two years of free community college; quality, affordable child care for all parents; 12 weeks of guaranteed paid medical leave; and the expansion of child tax credits.

There is a lot less to Bidens proposals than meets the eye, and even less that will ever actually be implemented, if anything passes through Congress.

Bidens politics is the politics of the golden meaneverything for everyone. Inequality will be combatted, he promised, while proclaiming at the same time, I think you should be able to become a billionaire and millionaire. All the changes Biden is proposing will somehow be achieved without any inroads into the wealth of the financial oligarchy or changes in the forms of property ownership.

He pointed to the gross inequality of the 2017 Republican tax cut, with 55 of the largest corporations paying zero federal tax although they made $40 billion in profit. But his solution was raising the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent (reversing only half of Trumps tax cut) and restoring the income tax rate for the superrich to the level that prevailed under George W. Bush (up from 37 percent to 39.6 percent).

All of these proposals were framed around the essential issue: to defend the global position of American imperialism.

A major theme of the speech was that the measures Biden proposed were necessary for America to win the 21st century from other powerful countries and, above all, China. There is simply no reason why the blades for wind turbines cant be built in Pittsburgh instead of Beijing, Biden said, in one of half a dozen references to Chinese economic competition.

Under President Xi, China was deadly earnest about becoming the most significant, consequential nation in the world, Biden said. He sought to enlist working people in the imperialist war drive, constantly invoking American nationalism. Under his legislation, he declared, American tax dollars are going to be used to buy American products made in America to create American jobs.

When one cuts through the acoustical changes in tone and rhetoric, Bidens economic nationalism, trade war measures and militarist buildup, targeting China in particular, largely conforms to Trumps own slogan, America First.

Within the ruling class and its thinktanks, the overriding concern is to establish the domestic political framework for American imperialism. The most recent edition of Foreign Affairs is devoted to this question. In The Home Front: Why an Internationalist Foreign Policy Needs a Stronger Domestic Foundation, Charles Kupchan and Peter Turbowitz worry that despite Bidens pledge that the US is again ready to lead the world, the political foundations of US internationalism [that is, US imperialist hegemony] have collapsed.

The authors state, What Biden needs is an inside out approach that will link imperatives at home to objectives abroad. Much will depend on his willingness and ability to take bold action to rebuild broad popular support for internationalism from the ground up.

Bidens bold action will, in the end, amount to little. It is well known that Lyndon Johnsons Great Society was wrecked by the Vietnam War. In the decision between guns and butter, the ruling class decided for guns. Who can believe that under Biden, under conditions of a vast erosion in the global position of American capitalism and as the ruling class is preparing war on a far greater scale, that the result will be any different?

Biden is attempting to create a political framework within the US to wage war abroad. This is the essential significance of his administrations aggressive promotion of the official trade unions, which are to be incorporated into a national labor front based on economic nationalism and militarism.

In the first direct appeal for legislation in the course of his speech, Biden declared, So thats why Im calling on Congress to pass the Protect the Right to Organize Actthe PRO Actand send it to my desk so we can support the right to unionize. The PRO Act has nothing to do with securing the interests of workers and everything to do with institutionalizing the official unions as corporatist instruments of the ruling class and the state.

The trade unions have for half a century worked systematically to isolate and suppress every manifestation of working class opposition to inequality and exploitation. Over the past year, they have opposed any struggle against the homicidal policies of the ruling class in response to the pandemic, collaborating in the reopening of factories and schools.

Now, the executives that control these organizations are to be even further integrated into the state apparatus. As Trotsky noted in the founding document of the Fourth International, In time of war or revolution, when the bourgeoisie is plunged into exceptional difficulties, trade union leaders usually become bourgeois ministers.

Last week, the Biden administration announced that it was forming a White House task force to encourage the institutionalization of the trade unions, in line with the administrations aggressive backing of the union campaign at Amazon. The task force will include Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the Treasury Secretary and former Fed Chairman Janet Yellen. That is, it will include the two chief representatives of American imperialism and finance capital.

The reformist pretenses of Biden will, sooner rather than later, be exposed. The outbreak of class struggle will be met with ferocious political repression. Biden and the Democrats hope that they can suppress the class struggle and restore the supremacy of American imperialism to win the 21st century. Their efforts will prove futile.

For the working class, the critical question is to develop a counteroffensive against the policies of all factions of the ruling class. At its May Day Rally on Saturday, the International Committee of the Fourth International will motivate its call for the formation of an International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees to unify workers throughout the world against all efforts to pit worker against worker, nation against nation.

The development of a powerful counteroffensive must be connected to the building of a socialist leadership in the working class. We urge all of our readers to join this effort and register today to attend the International May Day Rally.
Jammu: Police on Friday (April 30) arrested an absconder wanted in a 33-year-old rape case in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar district, officials said. Ghulam Mohd alias Gulla of Kherkote Banihal was underground and on the run for the last 33 years after registration of a rape and abduction case against him in police station Mahore, they said.

On a specific information, the wanted criminal was arrested from Srinagar city, they said. The accused absconder after committing the crime in 1988 was constantly evading arrest by changing his location and identity, the officials said. A chargesheet had been produced against him in the court of law, they said.

A warrant was issued by the court of principal district and sessions judge in Udhampur on 22/06/1989 and is executed after his arrest from the Kashmir valley, they said. While tracing footprints of the crime, the Reasi Police developed a specific input regarding the accused's presence in Safakadal area of Srinagar and arrested him with the help of Srinagar Police, the officials said.

Other accused in the case including Amkala, Ghulam Mohd Sheikh and Sonaullah of Kherkote, tehsil Banihal were arrested long back. They have secured bail from the court, they said.

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An anesthesiologist is being investigated by the New York State Board for Professional Conduct over the death of a 26-year-old woman during childbirth last year, which has sparked protests over higher mortality rates for black mothers.

Sha-Asia Washington, a teacher's aide from Canarsie, Brooklyn, died of cardiac arrest just two hours after delivering a healthy baby girl, Khloe, via C-section at Woodhull Hospital in Bedford-Stuyvesant in July 2020.

According to documents, Dr Dmitry Shelchkov, then working as an anesthesiologist at Woodhull, 'deviated from medically acceptable standards' when he administered an epidural to Washington, and is accused of failing to appropriately give her oxygen when she experienced difficulty breathing, and then lying about his actions.

Sha-Asia Washington, 26 (left), died after undergoing a C-section in Brooklyn in July 2020. Dr Dmitry Shelchkov, 60 (right), who was Washington's anesthesiologist, had his license suspended in March pending an investigation by health officials

Washington's boyfriend, Juwane Lopez, has been raising daughter Khloe on his own

Shelchkov, 60, is also being investigated in connection with the treatment of three other patients, including a 31-year-old pregnant woman who ended up having a C-section without anesthesia, a 62-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man.

The New York Department of Health on March 2 suspended Shelchkov's medical license, stating that the doctor's professional activity 'constitutes an imminent danger to the health of the people...'

Shelchkov is facing eight professional misconduct charges, including gross negligence, incompetence, fraudulent practice, false report and failure to maintain records.

Documents reviewed by DailyMail.com state that on July 2, Sha-Asia Washington was admitted to Woodhull Hospital for induction of labor. At 9.36pm, Shelchkov administered an epidural, and said that she 'tolerated the procedure well.'

Shelchkov said that a minute after he gave Washington a test dose of epidural, he administered additional anesthetic medication, namely, fentanyl.

Shelchkov has been accused of improperly administering an epidural to Washington, failing to properly give her oxygen, and they lying about his actions. The 26-year-old mom, pictured during her pregnancy, suffered multiple cardiac arrests and died two hours after delivery

Two minutes later, Washington reported difficulty breathing and became 'unresponsive and pulseless.'

Washington delivered her baby daughter via C-section at 9.45pm. In the next two hours, the new mom suffered several cardiac arrests and was pronounced dead at 11.51pm. She never got a chance to hold Khloe.

According to the state Board for Professional Medical Conduct, Shelchkov deviated from medically accepted standards by improperly inserting the epidural catheter; failing to wait an adequate period between the test epidural dose and additional medication; failing to keep accurate records of Washington's treatment, and failing to appropriately administer an oxygen mask.

Shelchkov is also accused of lying 'with intent to deceive' about the details of Washington's treatment during a December interview with the Office of Professional Medical Conduct.

Washington's boyfriend, Juwan Lopez, has been raising their daughter on his own. In November, he filed a notice of claim signaling his intent to sue Woodhull Hospital and Shelchkov.

Desiree Williams, Lopez's mother, told The City that while the doctor's suspension does not bring them justice, she is comforted knowing that Shelchkov 'can't hurt anybody else.'

She added: 'I dont think that we ever will feel that we received justice, because it was carelessness that took her away.'

Williams said that her son and Washington had been together for two years, and that he planned to propose marriage to her within days of welcoming their first child together.

She added that Washington, whom she described as 'caring' and 'humble,' was excited to become a mother and 'did everything right' during her pregnancy.

In the days after her death, Washington's loved ones and maternal health activists staged a rally outside Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, demanding justice for the young mother.

Khloe was handed to her father in the hospital. She never got to meet her mother

Lopez, pictured with her daughter, who turned 9 months on April 2, is suing the hospital and Shelchkov

'She's 26 years old. How does your heart stop at 26? How? She was healthy - there was nothing wrong with her, her whole pregnancy,' Washington's best friend Jazmin Lopez, Juwan's sister, told ABC 7 NY.

Celebrities, including Amy Schumer, took to Instagram to raise awareness of Washington's case and highlight racial disparities in maternal mortality rates.

'Scream her name,' the Trainwreck star wrote to her 10.5 million followers.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black women in the US are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. In New York, women of color are 8 to 12 times more likely to die from childbirth complications.

A spokesperson for Woodhull Hospital released a statement after Washington's death.

'We are saddened by this death, and our condolences go out to the family of the deceased. The Citys public health system recognizes the disproportionate increased burden that black and brown patients face during childbirth. We are devoted to understanding the causes and are committed to addressing this unacceptable disparity,' the statement read.

Just three months before Washington's death, Amber Rose Isaac, a black Puerto Rican woman from The Bronx, also aged 26, died from complications during a C-section at Montefiore Medical Center. Like Washington, she never got to meet her son, Elias.

Isaac's boyfriend said that in the days and weeks before her death, she voiced concerns about her condition during pregnancy to her doctors, but nobody listened.

Isaac and Washington's deaths galvanized social justice and health advocates, who are calling on local and national health officials to address the racial disparity in mortality rates for women of color.

Khloe is pictured in front of a mural dedicated to her late mother, which was unveiled in Brooklyn in September

Meanwhile, Washington's daughter, Khloe, who turned nine months old on April 2, is said to be healthy and happy. She has a pillow with Washington's photo printed on it, and greets her mother every morning.

She also gets to see her mom whenever she visits a mural dedicated to Washington, which was unveiled last fall in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

'My main reason to getting this done is to Spread Awareness of Birth Mortality so no other Black Mother should suffer and not be able to raise their child,' wrote Lopez in an Instagram post accompanying a photo of himself holding Khloe in his arms in front of her mother's mural. 'My Second reason for getting this done is for your Princess to let you know your Mommy was a loved person and she will be with us forever.'
With intentions to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, the administration of the U.S. President Joe Biden made an announcement on Thursday to ban those tobacco products.

Based on the Food and Drug Administration, the studies suggest that the ban on menthol would help individuals to quit smoking. The FDA noted that menthol makes tobacco more palatable and the flavor facilitates progression to regular smoking, especially to youth and young adults.

According to CBS News, the acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock M.D. stated that the banning of menthol, which is the last allowable flavor in cigarettes, and banning all flavors in cigars will help save lives. She also added that the move will help lessen those affected by these deadly products.

Moreover, the acting FDA Commissioner stated that the actions will help significantly reduce youth initiation, increase the chances of smoking cessation especially those current smokers, and address health disparities experienced by communities of color, low-income populations, and individuals who more likely use tobacco products.

In addition, Woodcock expressed that the hope and belief that these bans would put them on a trajectory that would end diseases and death related to the usage of tobacco in the U.S.

Ban on Menthol Cigarettes Will Lead to More Quitters

Also, the FDA mentioned in their statement that a study suggests that the banning of menthol cigarettes in the U.S. would lead to at least 923,000 smokers quitting their smoking habits. It includes 230,000 African Americans in the first 13 to 17 months after the menthol ban goes into effect, Reuters reported.

ALSO READ: Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi Make History as 1st Women Behind a President at Joint Address

Meanwhile, on Thursday, it was a court-imposed deadline for the FDA to respond to a 2013 petition advocated by the citizen regarding the ban. The FDA data shows that approximately 20 million Americans smoke menthols.

Even the public health organizations like the American Medical Association also favored the 'menthol ban' for the same reasons cited by the FDA. The data also showed their disproportionate impact on the health of racial minorities and young individuals, NPR reported.

Furthermore, advocates of the menthol ban shared that the decision regarding the ban was ultimately by President Biden.

On the other hand, the banning of menthol cigarettes and cigars also has Democratic support in Congress. Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois and Representatives Bobby Rush and Raja Krishnamoorthi argued recently that the FDA has a duty to ban menthols. They also told that the administration failed to protect children, especially those African American children, from a path to addiction that are inexcusable.

The House also passed a bill last year that bans all flavored e-cigarettes and menthols. However, the legislation did not clear the Senate. This is not the first time that flavored cigarettes have faced prohibition. The FDA banned other flavored cigarettes in 2009.

The ban will not be put in place immediately, but they're subjected to a potentially years-long rule-making process and then could face legal challenges from the industry.

The president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Matthew Myers, praised the move. He also mentioned that the action is historic in protecting kids from tobacco addiction and advancing health equity, especially among Black Americans.

RELATED ARTICLE: Ex-Trump Aide Stephen Miller's Group Sues Biden Admin Over Discrimination Against White Farmers

WATCH: Biden administration expected to seek ban on menthol cigarettes| ABC7 - ABC7
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Ma'Khia Bryant, the 16-year-old girl shot dead by a Columbus police officer on April 20, was laid to rest on Friday as it was revealed more than a dozen 911 calls were made from her foster home since 2017, including one call made by her sister two weeks before the tragedy.

The family said their final goodbyes to the teenager on Friday at the First Church of God in Columbus, where two other funerals were held in recent months for black people shot and killed by police.

Bryant was shot dead by a cop while she was swinging a knife at two people during an fight outside the home.

Since her death is has been revealed that 911 calls had been made from her foster home for the past four years, which Bryant's lawyer said shed a light on issues with the state's foster care system.

On March 28, just a few weeks before Bryant was killed, her biological younger sister, Janiah, 15, told a 911 dispatcher, 'I don't want to be here no more,' according to records obtained by the Associated Press.

She told police she wanted to be placed in a different home.

Informed that wasn't something police could do, 'The victim then became irate and stated that if she does not get to leave, then she was going to kill someone in the home,' a police report said. The girl was later taken to a hospital for an evaluation.

Jeenene Hammonds, Ma'Khia's grandmother, and Ma'Khia's sister release butterflies during the funeral

Myron Hammonds and Paula Bryant, the father and mother of Ma'Khia Bryant, hold a photo of their 16-year-old daughter during the funeral

Khalil Bryant, Ma'Khia's brother, in tears during his sister's funeral at the First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday afternoon

Ma'Khia's remains are carried from the chapel in a silver casket following Friday's funeral service

Family and friends of Ma'Khia said their final goodbyes 10 days after she was shot dead by a police officer in Columbus

Pallbearers carry the Bryant's casket out following Friday's service, as it was revealed Bryant's sister dialed 911 from their foster home a fortnight before she was killed

Mourners are seen wearing shirts with Ma'Khia Bryant's picture as they arrive for the funeral for the 16 year old on Friday

Mourners embrace outside of the First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio, at Friday's funeral service for Bryant

A speaker delivers a eulogy at Bryant's funeral, while a mourner holds a program for the service, billed as a 'homecoming celebration'

Bryant, pictured, was shot dead the day Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd, with an investigation into her death continuing

Questions remain about what could've been done differently in the years before Officer Nicholas Reardon, a white cop, shot Bryant, a black teenager, after he responded to a fight involving Bryant.

The shooting heightened tensions in Ohio's capital city over fatal police shootings of black people, but Bryant's lawyer was more focused on how the state's foster care system failed Bryant.

Bryant's family lawyer, Michelle Martin, called for an investigation of the system and whether girls in the foster home were properly supervised.

Most of the 911 calls made from the home were made by Angela Moore - the home's foster mother - looking for help with foster girls who left without permission or didn't return after being out, according to documents and 911 calls obtained by The Associated Press through a records request.

'The whole world has placed Ma'Khia on trial based on this one incident,' Bryant's lawyer Michelle Martin said. 'But why 'aren't we looking further and figure out who were those girls?'

'How did this develop so quickly? What trauma was not being addressed within the home?' Martin said. 'I mean so many questions that have to be answered.'

Bryant had only been in the home since February, but Martin said she had been in the foster care system for too long.

Ma'Khia's biological mother Paula Bryant, 42, told DailyMail.com that she lost custody of Ma'Khia along with three other children four years ago. Her last words were at a supervised visit at a child care center five days the teenager was killed.

The treatment of black children by Ohio's foster care system is already under scrutiny. Last month, a review ordered by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine found it was infused with racial inequity.

Ma'Khia Bryant is seen holding a knife while lunging toward another girl in police bodycam footage taken in Columbus, Ohio, on April 20

Bryant is pictured on the ground after the shooting

Paula Bryant, 42, Ma'Khia's biological mother, told DailyMail.com that her younger daughter, Janiah, 15, 'has said to me it happened so fast. Ma'Khia was her best friend, they were almost like twin sisters. She's crying constantly, she's grieving. She said, mommy, I couldn't save Ma'Khia'

Among other findings, the childrens services system sometimes failed to value black voices and experiences and poorly equipped foster parents to raise multiracial families, sometimes resulting in the children in their care experiencing racism.

REVEALED: Six of the 13 911 calls made from Ma'Khia's foster home since 2017 Feb. 12, 2017: An 18-year-old woman told police that she was going to kill herself because Moore won't let her leave. Moore said the woman's biological mom was at the house trying to take her daughter. July 6, 2018: Moore reported that a child, who was in the home since March, left with a friend and didn't return. July 13, 2019: Moore reported that two foster children, 14 and 17, left the home Nov. 8, 2020: Moore reported that a 13-year-old foster girl left the house after an argument with her Dec. 9, 2020: Moore reported that she needed a 10-year-old boy removed because he was knocking things off a Christmas tree. 'He's 10 years old. He's turning on me,' Moore says in a 911 call over the boy's screams. April 7 (two weeks before Bryant's fatal shooting): More reported that a 13-year-old foster girl had left the home Advertisement

The system also left foster youth unprepared for adulthood and foster parents struggling to help them, the report found. In response, the state has launched a new approach to recruiting and retaining foster parents and ordered caseworkers to take racial equity training.

Advocates say the review barely scratched the surface of the racial inequity that pervades every corner of the system.

'The foster care system in Ohio failed Ma'Khia on a number of levels,' said Dot Erickson-Anderson, administrator for the advocacy group Ohio Family Care Association. 'It's a system that has been struggling for a long time with our image of what a family is.'

But Erickson-Anderson, who is also a former foster parent, said Franklin County, where Bryant lived, is actually one of the state's better counties in terms of working through the 'racism that is embedded' within the system.

Records show the children in Moore's care were all black, as is Moore. Records involving foster homes and their parents are not public under state law.

It shouldnt be a surprise when children leave their foster homes because typically theyre not happy to be there in the first place, said Michelle Johnson-Motoyama, a professor at Ohio State Universitys College of Social Work.

'Most children want to go home, regardless of what might have happened at that home,' Johnson-Motoyama said. 'They want to get back to their friends, they want to get back to their schools, whatever is familiar to them.'

Two days after Bryant was killed, Franklin County Children Services said it has an obligation to make changes.

'We are committed to ensuring that our programming and services most appropriately address the needs and concerns of those we serve,' the agency said. 'We continue in our efforts to dismantle the practices that have historically created barriers for those who are marginalized, especially our children.'

A week after Bryant's death, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther invited the Justice Department to review the police department for possible 'deficiencies and racial disparities.'

Nicholas Reardon has been identified as the Columbus PD cop who shot and killed Bryant. He is also a member of the Air National Guard

Critics of police use of force and witnesses of Bryants shooting - including Bryants father and grandmother - have demanded to know why the officer, Nicholas Reardon, didnt use other tactics to stop Bryant short of shooting her, such as deploying a stun gun.

But many use of force experts and even some civil rights attorneys have said the officer followed his training and may have saved the girl Bryant was attacking. The national Fraternal Order of Police called the shooting 'an act of heroism, but one with tragic results.'
The U.S. Postal Services law enforcement arm began monitoring social media posts following the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted in Minnesota and across the nation after George Floyd was killed in police custody in May 2020, according to congressional aides and lawmakers who attended a briefing this week on the program.

Last week, Yahoo News revealed that analysts with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service have been trawling Americans social media posts to track political protests as part of its Internet Covert Operations Program, known as iCOP. The news prompted more than two dozen Republican lawmakers to demand that the USPS provide information on the program.

Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

During a Wednesday briefing before the House Oversight Committee, Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale told lawmakers that iCOP began in 2017 to investigate potential crimes, such as drug and firearms trafficking transported by the mail system, but then moved into monitoring protests last spring because of the potential threat to Postal Service workers and buildings. An uptick in threats against Postmaster General Louis DeJoy was also a factor in iCOPs continued focus on monitoring protests, according to a GOP aide who attended the briefing.

A leaked intelligence bulletin from March about iCOPs work largely focused on social media posts on the right-leaning Parler platform, as well as Facebook and other sites. According to those who attended the hearing, Barksdale would say only that the work was incident-specific, but did not provide further details.

The chief postal inspector was unprepared to the point of incompetence, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., told Yahoo News. He couldnt tell me when this program started, how much money is spent on it or where the authority to spy on Americans came from.

The complete inability to give us answers to basic questions was unacceptable, Mace added.

Still, new details about iCOPs work did emerge, according to several people who attended the briefing. Barksdale began his testimony with a dramatic video of a mail truck engulfed in flames during the protests that erupted in Minnesota after Floyd's death.

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The footage was intended to illustrate why iCOP resources were dedicated to tracking protests on social media, according to a GOP aide.

Marchers in Brooklyn on June 5, 2020, protesting the killing of George Floyd. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Concerns about the USPSs social media surveillance comes amid a series of controversies surrounding the agency. During the 2020 presidential campaign, Democrats accused DeJoy, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, of removing mailboxes and sorting machines to influence the November election, which had a record number of mail-in ballots.

Yet now its Republicans leading the charge against the USPS, after it emerged that iCOP was monitoring right-wing social media accounts following the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. Its unclear if news that the program was also tracking protests related to Black Lives Matter will prompt Democratic lawmakers, who have so far been silent about the program, to join their GOP colleagues in asking for more answers.

Barksdales appearance Wednesday did not appease Republican lawmakers. I was not satisfied with their answers, Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., told Yahoo News.

Their theory of the case is, theyve got to protect their workers and properties, Biggs said. I asked, 'If you already have engagement with other agencies like FBI, Homeland Security, NSA, whatever, then why arent you asking them for help?'

Why not just call the agencies whose job it is, who are probably already surveilling American citizens? he said.

The chief postal inspector told lawmakers those agencies would not cooperate, so the USPS made an executive decision to have iCOP patrol social media, searching for potential threats from upcoming protests, Biggs told Yahoo News.

Biggs said legislators were also told that iCOP analysts use keyword searches in social media to identify any potential threats, such as rioting or looting.

Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz. (Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

A GOP aide told Yahoo News that Barksdale noted that the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security could not be relied upon to do this work because they dont have the ability to send text messages alerting mail carriers to nearby danger. Its unclear, however, if the information gleaned from iCOP has ever been used for that purpose.

The Postal Inspection Service did not respond to Yahoo News request for comment.

Barksdale also discussed the iCOP intelligence bulletin obtained by Yahoo News, which said analysts were looking for inflammatory posts, pointing out that was not language normally used in the bulletins.

Between December 2020 and March 2021, iCOP produced seven other similar bulletins on its social media investigations of upcoming protests, Barksdale said at the briefing. Those bulletins were shared with other federal agencies, which disseminated them to local and state law enforcement.

Barksdale said iCOP would continue its surveillance work but would no longer produce the bulletins.

Its really uncomfortable to think you can look on any event [page] and youre going to do keyword search on social media thats related  that seems pretty broad to me, Biggs told Yahoo News. If you think your mandate includes this, your mandate is too broad.

Biggs said hed back legislation that "would either have to narrow their mandate or youd have to find some kind of way to prevent them from having this blanket authority.

In a sign that bipartisan support for such legislation is unlikely, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the ranking member of the Oversight Committee, blamed Democrats for iCOPs focus on protests, claiming their criticism of DeJoy contributed to violence. Though questions remain about the expansion of the iCOP program, its clear Democrats reckless rhetoric has led to increased danger to postal property and individuals forcing the postal inspectors to divert from their main mission as a law enforcement entity, Comer said in a statement following the briefing.

Rep. James Comer, R-Ky. (Carlos Barria/AFP via Getty Images)

While Comer offered no evidence to support that claim, it does appear that DeJoy was personally involved in the programs shift toward social media surveillance. A GOP aide said that after DeJoy was appointed postmaster general in 2020, he reallocated some of the eight-person iCOP team, currently staffed with only five analysts, to focus on protesters.

Biggs said he asked Barksdale during the hearing: How diverted does this small group get from its mandate to spy on Americans?

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Read more from Yahoo News:
We get pretty worked up when a new, premium smartphone shows up. And Id be lying if I said playing with expensive hardware wasnt one of the best parts of this job. Its especially nice because, more often than not, the last thing I want to do is pay for some of the things we test.

Which brings me to an important question: how much should anyone actually shell out for a new smartphone? The short answer is as much as youre comfortable with. Thankfully, companies are working to make their more affordable devices flashier than ever. Case in point: Ive spent a few days with Samsungs new A52 5G, and while it might not satisfy those with flagship tastes, it gets pretty close sometimes.

Youd expect a $500 smartphone to be rife with compromises, and youd be right. While Samsungs cringe-worthy launch event showed off the A52 5G in a handful of awesome hues, only the plain black model is coming to the US, and its mostly plastic body doesnt inspire a ton of confidence. Granted, it packs a polished aluminum frame and its rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, but that matte black finish picks up fingerprints like no ones business. And Ive already put a few distracting nicks into its cover glass. Theres no wireless charging here either, and the pack-in power adapter is limited to charging speeds of 15W. Thats not bad, but youre in for a wait when you plug this thing into the wall.

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G hands-on

But in other ways, the A52 5G manages to punch above its weight. For one, it has a proper headphone jack, a feature all but extinct in more expensive models. The clearest example here, though, is Samsungs choice of screen: a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel running at 1080x2400. Beyond the immediate benefits a big screen offers, it was generally bright enough to be visible under the harsh Oakland sun. That said, this screen is super-reflective, so some people will have trouble seeing it well regardless of brightness.

Like some of Samsungs more expensive displays, it features a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz for ultra-smooth action on screen. That said, it doesnt pack the same clever on-the-fly refresh rate switching youll find in devices like the Galaxy S21 series. Its set to the full 120Hz out of the box, but you can manually dial it down to a more commonplace 60Hz for improved battery life. Oh, and theres not much to worry about if youre wary of big cut-outs for front-facing cameras either; the hole Samsung used to accommodate its 32-megapixel sensor is pleasantly tiny.

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Samsung Galaxy A52 5G hands-on

Speaking of cameras, the A52 also has a flexible quad-sensor array sitting high on its back. Youll probably spend most of your time with the 64-megapixel main sensor which, in typical Samsung fashion, produces vivid, eye-catching 16-megapixel stills when shooting in bright conditions. (If you really wanted to, you could shoot 4:3 photos at 32-megapixels but its usually not worth it unless you plan to tweak the image in post and print it out.) Thankfully, low-light performance has been surprisingly solid too, and Samsungs Night mode generally does a good job combating noise.

Now, I didnt have my full complement of comparison devices to test the A52s, and thats partially why I dont consider this a full-fledged review. Still, considering its mid-range ambitions, the A52s primary sensor hasnt left me wanting. Of course, a lot of that boils down to personal preference.

Over the years, Ive come to appreciate Samsungs aggressive approach to colors, and as usual, the A52s photos are punchier and more contrasty than real life. Photographers whod prefer a more neutral approach may walk away disappointed, but I suspect most people shopping for phones on a budget wont mind too much.

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G hands-on

That said, there are still a few other cameras we need to talk about. The 12-megapixel ultra-wide does a commendable job capturing more expansive scenes, but the sensors limited resolution means you probably wont find much in the way of fine detail. Its especially bad in low-light. Samsungs image processing expertise couldnt prevent noise from creeping into images shot at night.

Rounding out the package is a solid 5-megapixel macro camera for shooting exceptionally close images (though, I dont know anyone who uses features like this regularly) and a 5-megapixel sensor for capturing depth data. You cant shoot directly with that depth camera; instead, Samsung uses it to better isolate people from the background for portrait photos. It also plays an important role in the cameras Fun mode, which you can use to paint people in photos with layers of virtual makeup and accessories. All of the Snapchat-developer filters Ive tried so far do exactly what they promise, but lets be real  this feature is clearly for the young and young-at-heart. (Unfortunately, I am neither.)

Samsung Galaxy A52 main camera sample

Ultimately, none of this would matter if the A52 ran like a dog, but Qualcomms Snapdragon 750G chipset does a respectable job keeping everything running at a solid clip. That said, I suspect the 6GB of RAM Samsung went with here holds things back a bit. Jumping between apps and minimizing YouTube videos is sometimes interrupted by noticeable lag. On the whole, though, the A52 has been more than competent at keeping up with my frenzied Slacking and prolonged periods of playing Lichtspeer poorly.

With that in mind, Samsungs software continues to be a source of confusion. I dont mean that One UI is difficult to wrap your head around  it isnt. Really, its the little things that continue to feel unpleasant and weird. No one wants ads in their stock weather app, for instance, but Samsung shoves them in there anyway. And while using the A52s big screen to its fullest all but demands gesture navigation, it isnt on by default  youll have to jump into the phones settings to switch away from Samsungs classic (and arguably dated) three-button navigation scheme.



















Samsung Galaxy A52 5G hands-on Samsung Galaxy A52 5G hands-on photos

Normally, this is where Id moan about Samsungs lackluster long-term software support, but at least that is changing. The company confirmed earlier this month that, like its portfolio of premium phones, the A52 5G will get three years of full Android updates  that means this Android 11 phone should get the Android 14 update. Well, eventually anyway. (Compared to other smartphone makers, Samsung is still pretty slow at producing those updates and getting them certified and distributed.)

Now, because Ive only had the A52 for a few days, there are some things I havent been able to test as thoroughly as Id like. For one, the phones 4,500mAh battery has been more than enough to get through full working days  even with the screens refresh rate set to its full 120Hz  but Im waiting to get a better sense of how far I can push the phone before it conks out. And if Im honest, testing 5G in the Bay Area hasnt been great either. This is a purely sub-6 5G device, which isnt unusual for phones in this price range, but more than a few times I struggled to find a 5G signal outside San Francisco proper.

Ultimately, how impressive the A52 5G really is kind of depends on what youre comparing it against. Apples answer to these kinds of high-powered, low-cost Android phones is the 2020 iPhone SE, which pairs a design straight out of 2016 with one of the companys most powerful mobile chipsets, the A13 Bionic. What the iPhone SE lacks in style it makes up for with nearly flagship-grade performance that the A52 5G simply cant match. Then again, its hard to argue with Samsungs big, excellent screen and the bevy of cameras around back. Its a very flexible package for the price, and worthy of serious consideration if youre of the Android persuasion.

And of course, theres our favorite inexpensive Android phone of the moment, Googles $350 Pixel 4a. It too is quite a bit smaller than the A52 5G, but its pair of rear cameras still shines thanks to Googles well-honed computational photography chops. If it were me, Id personally stick with a Pixel because of its remarkably clean software, but theres still a lot to like in Samsungs maximal approach to its One UI interface.

Samsung Galaxy A52

So, based on these first impressions, would I actually buy an A52 5G? Honestly, probably not  and thats all because of Samsung. I really enjoyed last years S20 Fan Edition, with its high-powered Snapdragon 865 chipset and a camera setup copied almost directly from the rest of the S20 lineup. The A52 would be a whole lot more tantalizing if deals on that higher-performance device were hard to come by, but theyre not. As I write this, the comparable unlocked S20 FE sells for just $100 more than the A52 on Amazon, and you could score even more significant savings if you had an old phone you dont mind trading in. Like I mentioned much earlier, it's worth buying the best phone you can comfortably afford, and in this case the S20 FE's extra performance is almost certainly worth the splurge.

All told, the A52 is one of Samsungs strongest mid-range options to date, and is certainly worthy of your attention if you still shudder at the idea of dropping four figures on a phone. If you're fairly sure this phone is going to be your next purchase, just remember that time is your friend  the A52 is a solid value buy now, but that deal will only get sweeter over time.
JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. -- As new cases and deaths of COVID-19 in the state and Jackson County remained relatively low, the Mississippi Gaming Commission announced this week that COVID some safety restrictions placed on casinos last year would end at 5 p.m. Friday.

Mississippi casinos were ordered to close for two months after the COVID outbreak in Mississippi began, but were allowed to reopen on May 21, with safety protocols in place, including mandatory masks for all customers and employees, unless actively eating or drinking.

With Thursdays announcement by the commission, masks will no longer be a requirement inside casinos. Casinos are required to follow other state and local rules relative to the virus and are free to set their own guidelines.

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs did not mention casinos but he said Thursday on Twitter that he has seen some resurgence of anti-mask non science.

We look forward to diminishing mask use as vaccinations increase and COVID cases drop. But masks do work, Dobbs wrote.

According to data from the Mississippi Department of Health, there were 1,551 new cases of COVID-19 across the state during the 7-day period ending Friday, down from 1,612 the previous week. Deaths from the virus continued to drop, with 24 in the past week compared with 36 the week prior.

Mississippi now totals 311,900 cases and 7,199 deaths.

In Jackson County, new cases ticked slightly upward for the second straight week to 109, an increase of 11 from the previous week. Deaths dropped from two to one. The county now totals 13,363 cases and 246 deaths.

Harrison County also saw an increase in new cases, from 75 to 88. After three deaths reported last week, there were none in the county this week. Harrison County totals 17,735 cases and 306 deaths.

The Mississippi coast totaled 222 cases, up from 189 the week prior, but deaths fell from five to two. The coast now totals 34,857 cases and 642 deaths.

Other data from the MDH shows there were 186 people hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide as of Friday, with 52 of those in intensive care, up from 46 a week ago.

Locally, the news continued to be good, as Ocean Springs Hospital and Singing River Hospital had only five total COVID patients, with one in ICU at Singing River Hospital.

The health department now reports 300,323 Mississippians are now presumed recovered from COVID-19, with 4,378 known active cases, up from 4,108 a week ago. Total testing stands at just over 2.7 million, with the positive rate remaining steady at 11.5%.

Almost two-thirds of Mississippi residents 65 and older have now received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Still, overall numbers of inoculations are lagging in recent weeks, reflecting a lack of buy-in on the vaccine by younger people.

The MDH reported more than 132,000 people in Mississippi were vaccinated the week of Feb. 27. Since then, numbers of vaccinations have dropped each week. During the past week, 71,172 new doses were administered statewide.

The health department reports 788,078 people have been fully vaccinated, an increase of 51,933 from a week ago and representing roughly 26% of the state population.

In Jackson County, 69,485 total doses have been administered and 32,482 people are now fully vaccinated -- 1,673 more than a week ago and representing 23% of the county population.

Harrison County has seen 102,179 total doses administered, with 47,552 residents now fully vaccinated -- an increase of 3,144 over a week ago and also 23% percent of the county population.

As a whole, the Mississippi coast now has 88,539 residents fully vaccinated, up by 5,212 from a week ago, and representing 11.2% of the statewide total.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Compulsory jabs plan for helpers 'very, very unjust'

A migrant workers advocacy group says helpers feel like they are being singled out. Image: Shutterstock

A migrant workers advocacy group on Friday branded as "very, very unjust" the government's plan to make it a requirement in future for foreign domestic workers to be vaccinated against Covid, and an order for all helpers to take tests in the next nine days as "unfair" and "disheartening".



Why, again, are domestic helpers being singled out and being blamed for the spread of Covid-19? asked Eni Lestari, chairperson of the International Migrants Alliance.



Health Secretary Sophia Chan said the citys hundreds of thousands of domestic workers would need to be tested before May 9, after a 39-year-old helper from the Philippines has been found to be carrying a more infectious variant of the virus.



Chan said the woman met up with other foreign domestic workers and because of the risk of further transmission, all helpers need to be tested.



Lestari said this was not the case when outbreaks were detected at gyms or restaurants, but even one single domestic worker, if there is one who is infected, the whole community is being blamed and sacrificed so this is very, very unacceptable.



Lestari said the plans for mandatory vaccines for helpers was another example of unfair treatment.



The truth is, a lot of employers also do not get vaccinated because of health, personal, or even political reasons, and therefore they do not even force their workers to be vaccinated, she said.



Why are domestic workers always being targeted, every time there is an outbreak? There is no scientific evidence that migrant domestic workers, when we gather or when we get together in the community, are actually causing the outbreak.



She said there was general support for getting vaccinated within the migrant worker community, because they wish to protect themselves or they are working for elderly people or toddlers.
Houston police respond to a house with more than 90 people packed inside in what appears to be an alleged human smuggling case in Houston, Texas, on April 30, 2021. (Houston Police Department)

More Than 90 People Found Packed Inside Texas Home in Possible Human Smuggling Operation

Houston police discovered a house with more than 90 people packed inside, in what appears to be an alleged human smuggling case, according to authorities on Friday.

At a press conference, Houston Police Assistant Chief Daryn Edwards said the Houston Police Department responded to a kidnapping call at a separate location on Thursday night. They were eventually led to the home on Friday morning.

Police then entered the building and found about 90 people huddled together, he said.

According to Houston police, the incident may possibly involve human smuggling, while Edwards said its definitely more of a smuggling thing and not a trafficking thing.

There were no serious injuries reported, the spokesman added, but he cautioned that there may be some positive COVID cases inside the house.

Authorities noted that some have fevers, while some have lost their sense of smell and taste, which are symptoms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. The local health department is now doing rapid testing.

No children were inside the house, Edwards noted. About five are women while the rest are men, he added.

Many had not eaten in a while, he said, adding that the youngest person was in his or her early 20s. They were provided food and water.

Police said the people were sitting next to each other and wearing basic clothes and showed no signs of being tied up. The home is two stories, and people were packed together on both floors.

Authorities believe a family member of a person inside the home contacted them and reported the incident as a kidnapping.

No information about a possible suspect was available, Edwards said. Homeland Security Investigations is leading the case.

The incident has not yet been confirmed as a human smuggling situation. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has drawn flack for rescinding a number of Trump-era executive orders and for his messaging, although the president has defended his immigration response and claimed it is more humanitarian than his predecessors.

Earlier this week, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas promised to disrupt human smuggling operations by coyotes based in Mexico and Central America.

We know all too well that these [criminal] organizations put profit over human life with devastating consequences, he told reporters on April 27. He added, We intend to disrupt every facet of the logistical network that these organizations use to succeed. Operation Sentinel will focus on disrupting the transnational criminal organizations that smuggle migrants into the United States.
Washington National Cathedral installs stone carving of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel

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A sculpture of Elie Wiesel, the famed Jewish human rights activist, Holocaust survivor and author of the bestselling book Night, was recently installed at Washington National Cathedral.

The Washington, D.C.-based Cathedral announced this week the addition of the Wiesel stone carving to its Human Rights Porch, which includes Rosa Parks and Mother Teresa.

Kevin Eckstrom, chief communications officer for the National Cathedral, told The Christian Post that the process began in 2019 at the behest of the Cathedral Dean, the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith.

The proposal was reviewed by several committees and ultimately approved by the Cathedrals board, known as the Chapter, Eckstrom said.

Wiesel was chosen because of his lifelong witness; after surviving the worst of humanity, he called each of us to fight for the protection of all humanity.

Funded through private donations, the carving was completed on April 8, which is Holocaust Remembrance Day, with an official public dedication ceremony to be held sometime in the fall.

A native of Romania, who was put in concentration camps during World War II for being Jewish, Wiesel died at age 87 in 2016 and was widely mourned.

Anti-Israel activists frequently criticized Wiesel for his staunch support of the modern state of Israel. This included Wiesels backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his denouncing of then-President Barack Obamas call for an end to Israeli settlements.

Ali Abuminah, co-founder of the pro-Palestinian blog Electronic Intifada, took to Twitter in 2016 to claim that Wiesel will be remembered by Palestinians for his racism and his propaganda services to their oppressors, ethnic cleansers and killers.

While Israel carried out slow motion genocide in Gaza, Elie Wiesel didn't maintain his famous silence. He loudly supported it, Abuminah tweeted at the time.

Regarding possible objections to the Wiesel carving, Eckstrom told CP that the proposal to add the sculpture to the Cathedrals Human Rights Porch had universal support.

Ultimately, the decision to include Elie Wiesel or anyone else in the Cathedral rests with the Dean. When the Cathedrals governance was presented with the idea for input, there was universal support, Eckstrom said.

When we look at the span of Elies life from the tragedy to the Holocaust to a powerful voice working to prevent genocide, we see someone who belongs among the other figures included in the Human Rights Porch.

Eckstrom added that he hopes future visitors to the Cathedral will see the Wiesel carving as part of a universal calling for people to to look inward to our individual and collective responsibility to guard against hatred, genocide and indifference.

The figures in the Human Rights Porch all require visitors to look up; in that sense, they focus our eyes upward and toward our highest aspirations, he said.

Wiesel will now keep watch over the Cathedral for eternity, a guardian against indifference to suffering. As a person of deep and visceral faith, he also reminds us, like Job, that God does not cause our suffering yet God is present and can be found in the midst of our darkest hours.
A midweek evening shortly after the first lockdown started, and Ballinteer-based Evelyn Byrne was still getting used to working from home.

Married to Eoin and mum to six-year-old Conor, she works for a pension investment company. In a bid to cheer herself up and distract herself from the strangeness of lockdown, she headed to her bedroom to put on some fake tan.

I twisted around to check Id covered my shoulder and I caught sight of something very dark  on my shoulder under where my bra strap would be. I could see this small dark circle. Eoin was in the bedroom too  I asked him did I always have that? He thought I had, that it had been there ages, but I felt Id never had something so dark on my shoulder  or anywhere.

Bryne recalls feeling a niggle of worry, particularly as her Australia-based sister has had basal cancer, which  along with squamous cell cancer  are the two non-melanoma skin cancers. Non-melanoma is the most common skin cancer type, though the least aggressive. Melanoma skin cancer, however, is less common but more aggressive.

A few days later, Byrne caught sight of the dark circle again and decided it needed checking with the GP. Ive a notes app on the phone and I put it on my GP list. I was nervous about going because Covid case numbers were very high. I just wanted to wait a while, she says, explaining shes on medication for an auto-immune condition.

It was two months later, towards late May, when she visited her GP, who said it didnt fit the typical profile of melanoma skin cancer  it was round, not misshapen, 4mm, where theyre usually 6mm  but because of its colour referred her to a specialist.

Im so lucky she did, says Byrne, aged 39 at the time, adding that she felt nervous but also optimistic. She met the specialist a month later and an appointment was set to have the mole cut out. Again, she was positively reassured  the specialist didnt think it looked like melanoma.

Lonely experience

Some weeks later, three days into a family holiday in Wexford, Byrne was on the beach when she got a phone call that devastated her. The specialist confirmed melanoma. I needed to drive back up to Dublin the following Friday for a Covid test and have the operation on Monday  further skin excision to check it hadnt spread.

Heading in for surgery alone due to Covid restrictions on that mid-July morning, she felt very lonely. At a time like that, you want your husband there.

Prior to surgery, her melanoma had been staged at 2A. If I hadnt waited two months, would it have been 1A, she wonders. This staging also required the removal of a lymph node to check for further signs of cancer.

It was August before she got the good  and bad news. The melanoma hadnt permeated through other layers of skin. But they hadnt actually got the lymph node  it was in an awkward place. I needed a second operation.

Removal of the lymph node in September left an extensive scar. They found nothing alarming and they were able to largely say I should be OK. I got this news in early October just before my 40th birthday. It was the best present ever, says Bryne, whod taken time out from her job  everybody at work had been hugely supportive.

Conor started school last September. Minding him while attending hospital was tough, especially without support of both sets of grandparents  all are in their 70s and were cocooning. The families of his friends were fantastic, looking after him whenever I had to go to hospital. I just told Conor Id something on my shoulder and the doctors wanted to make sure it wouldnt make me sick.

Melanoma risk

Pale and freckled, Byrne isnt a sun-worshipper, though she sun-bathed once or twice in Australia with her sister. I wouldnt generally sit out in the sun.

Bernie Carter, assistant director of nursing at Marie Keating Foundation and an oncology nurse, warns against deliberately trying to get a suntan. A tan is a sign DNA in the skin has been damaged. Three or more sunburns before age 20 increase melanoma risk by two to four times later in life.

Skin cancers the most common type of cancer in Ireland, with more than 13,000 cases diagnosed annually. It accounts for over one-third of all cancers diagnosed here each year. According to the most recent National Cancer Registry statistics, we now have twice the number of cases we had 10 years ago  and its expected to double again by 2045 from what it is now.

Carter would like to see sunbeds banned outright in Ireland as they are in Australia. Just one sun-bed session a year increases risk of melanoma by 20% - each additional sun-bed session in that year adds an extra two per cent.

Young people are at particular risk  the WHO says the risk of melanoma increases by 75% when sunbeds are used before age 30. Average skin cancer risk from sunbeds can be more than double that of spending the same length of time in the Mediterranean summer sun at midday, says Carter.

Check it out

Signs of non-melanoma skin cancer include any new lesion in the skin thats present for three weeks  or any change in a lesion you already have. These always warrant a GP check. For melanoma red flags, think A, B, C, D, E (A-symmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving) in relation to moles or birthmarks. Watch out for changes in symmetry, border, colour and diameter. Is it evolving in any way  growing, sticking out more, oozing, itching or bleeding?

Carter says melanoma  the most aggressive type  if caught in time has a very good cure rate: 91% five-year survival. Were not the best in Europe but were getting better all the time.

Byrne, who now has consultations with her dermatologist every three months, urges everybody to get to know their body and not to delay visiting the GP with any health concern. Until I went to the specialist, I never realised something so small could be so serious.

*Marie Keating Foundation Talks Cancer podcast series is free  a safe space for people navigating cancer. It covers topics including risk reduction, diagnosis and treatment. It offers straight-talking conversations with professionals working in cancer, as well as patient stories. This season, Talking Melanoma explores Irelands most dangerous skin cancer type. The eight-episode series features dermatology specialists, as well as a psycho-oncologist. It launches in May  available to stream wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit www.mariekeating.ie/podcast

Be sun smart
[April 30, 2021] "Digital Financial Revolution National Charitable Tour" Kicking Off From Los Angeles

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Revolution will be Digitized  Marking the close of Financial Literacy Month, Award-Winning Actor, Author and former U.S. Presidential appointee, Hill Harper and business partner, Najah Roberts prepare for the significant 33-market charitable tour, The Black Wall Street "Digital Financial Revolution National Charitable Tour." Earlier this month, Harper and Roberts announced the launch of The Black Wall Street (TBWS), the first Black-owned DigitalWallet and cryptocurrency exchange platform in North America. The Black Wall Street's mission is to address the racial wealth gap in the United States and Harper & Roberts are positioned to build the world's largest investment and financial literacy curriculum and toolkit expressly for Black communities across the diaspora. The Black Wall Street Digital Financial Revolution National Charitable Tour begins in Los Angeles on Friday, April 30th at Leimert Park (3333 W. 43rd Place) and will culminate with Centennial activities in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 31st and June 1, 2021. The tour will visit 33 disenfranchised communities and introduce financial literacy, cryptocurrency and tech-based strategies for financial empowerment. Additionally, millions of Satoshis (fractile shares of Bitcoin) will be given to participants. The Black Wall Street Digital Financial Revolution National Charitable Tour is the first of its kind in launching a digital platform, focusing on Bitcoin education and adoption within Black and Brown Communities. Informational Pop-Up Rallies will take place outdoors and follow all COVID-safety protocols. All Rallies are organized and peaceful, Free and Open to the Public . Families/Parents are encouraged to bring their children ! The Tour will be led by Hill Harper's partner, Najah Roberts as Hill is in production on ABC's hit drama series, The Good Doctor in Vancouver. The charitable tour also includes Crypto Kids Camp (https://www.cryptokidscamp.org/) with a performance by 12-year old Navonne Love, performing his kids' version of Roddy Ricch's hit single High Fashion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMzwW_uDCo0). All are invited to bring rally signs (like #EQUALPAY #KILLPADDAYLOANS) or other signs that make a statement of economic justice for all.



The goal of the tour is to introduce Black communities to The Black Wall Street App & DigitalWallet and foster a movement ushering in greater financial literacy, increased financial capacity and adoption of digital currency within Black communities. Appointed by the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce as the Honorary National Co-Chair of The Redevelopment of Black Wall Street, Hill Harper's vision for The Black Wall Street DigitalWallet is rooted in his commitment to address the digital divide and economically uplift underserved communities.

The Black Wall Street - Black Cash Matters "With The Black Wall Street Technology, we seek to make obsolete payday lenders and other financial predators plaguing our communities, while simultaneously creating cross-generational wealth transfer for people who have historically been taught to work for our wages instead of making our wages work for us...because Black Cash Matters." - Hill Harper Unlike traditional financial institutions, The Black Wall Street's sole purpose is to provide Black and Brown communities the opportunity to be involved in the transfer of wealth with cryptocurrency and decentralized finance. The Black Wall Street encourages everyone to visit www.theblackwallstreet.com and join the wait-list by signing up to be among the first to download The Black Wall Street App & DigitalWallet! About Najah Roberts | @NajahRoberts

Najah Roberts is a pioneering tech entrepreneur, Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, NFT expert, and community activist. She is Founder & CEO of Crypto Blockchain Plug, the first Black-owned cryptocurrency exchange, and one of just three brick and mortar digital cryptocurrency businesses in the U.S. We thank our in-kind brand sponsors R.H. Boyd Publishing in Nashville, Tennessee, and the Black Bitcoin Billionaires. The Black Wall Street - www.TheBlackWallStreet.Com. Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: @BlackCashMatters Press Inquiries

Allison Queen | Makensy Smith

Allison.Queen@gmail.com | Hello@MakensySmith.com

(310) 849-3820 | (323) 333-7813 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-financial-revolution-national-charitable-tour-kicking-off-from-los-angeles-301281232.html SOURCE The Black Wall Street

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This artist's conceptual drawing released June 13, 2002 depicts a Jupiter-mass planet orbiting the star, 55 Cancri, about 41 light years from Earth. A possible moon around the planet is shown because such moons are thought to be common around this type of planet, but no moon has been detected. (Photo : Photo by Lynette Cook/NASA/Getty Images)

The first quarter of the year is over, and many cosmic events had occurred. However, it's still only just the first quarter. There are two more. Here are some of the astronomical events everyone should look forward to witnessing in the 2nd quarter of 2021.

Related Article: NASA-Approved Facts About Earth



Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower (May 6,7)

At its height, the Eta Aquarids will emit up to 60 meteors per hour. Dust particles left behind by comet Halley are causing the shower. It reaches its high on May 6th night and 7th morning.

New Moon (May 11)

The Moon and the Sun will be on the same side of the Earth. At 19:01 UTC, this process begins.

Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation (May 17)

The planet Mercury reaches the greatest eastern elongation of 22 degrees from the Sun.

Full Moon, Supermoon (May 26)

The full Moon will be on the other side of the Earth from the Sun. At 11:14 UTC, this process begins. Since the Moon will be nearing its nearest approach to the Earth, it will appear slightly bigger and lighter.

Total Lunar Eclipse (May 26)

When the Moon moves entirely into the Earth's dark shadow, it is called a total lunar eclipse.

New Moon (June 10)

The Moon and the Sun will be on the same side of the Earth.

Annular Solar Eclipse (June 10)

When the Moon is too far away from the Earth to entirely block the Sun, an annular solar eclipse occurs. During an annular eclipse, the Sun's corona is obscured.

June Solstice (June 21)

At 03:21 UTC, the June solstice happens. The Earth's North Pole will be tilted against the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the first day of summer.

Full Moon, Supermoon (June 24)

Around 18:40 UTC, the Moon will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. Early Native American tribes dubbed the full Moon the Strawberry Moon. It falls right in the middle of the strawberry harvest season.

Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation (July 4)

In the morning atmosphere, Mercury will be at its peak point above the horizon.

New Moon (July 10)

The Moon and the Sun will be on the same side of the Earth. Since there is no moonlight to interfere, this is the greatest time of the month to detect faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters.

Full Moon (July 24)

Around 02:37 UTC, the Moon will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The Buck Moon was named by early Native American tribes because this was when male buck deer began to raise their new antlers.

Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower (July 28,29)

At its height, the Delta Aquarids will emit up to 20 meteors per hour. It's made up of comet debris left behind by Marsden and Kracht. This year, it peaks on the evening of July 28 and the morning of July 29.

Saturn at Opposition (August 2)

The ringed world would be nearest to Earth at this time. It will shine brighter than at any other time of year, and it will be apparent all night.

New Moon (August 8)

The Moon will be located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun.

Perseids Meteor Shower (August 12,13)

The Perseids are known for their abundance of light meteors. The shower occurs every year between July 17 and August 24. It reaches its highest this year on August 12th and 13th, the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13. After midnight, the best visibility is from a dark spot.

Jupiter at Opposition (August 19)

The giant planet will be nearest to Earth, with the Sun completely illuminating its shadow. It will shine brighter than at any other time of year, and it will be apparent all night.

Full Moon, Blue Moon (August 22)

Since the big sturgeon trout of the Great Lakes and other major lakes were more readily captured at this time of year, early Native American tribes dubbed this full Moon the Sturgeon Moon.

Also Read: 7 Of the Most Iconic Images In NASA's Copyright Free Gallery

For more Space news, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
Baby Ollie is in Italy and his journey toward a healthy, long life has just begun.

Ollie Rasberry, a local baby from The Woodlands, is in Milan, Italy, with his mother Victoria for a pioneering medical treatment only available in Europe.

His family needed to raise more than $500,000 for a medical treatment for his rare disease, a debilitating and rare genetic condition called metachromatic leukodystrophy.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Woodlands family overwhelmed by donations for infants medical care

Thats when local television reporter Lauren Talarico highlighted the Rasberrys plight in a KHOU series, leading to a surge in donations that eventually pushed the family past the $500,000.

The outpouring of support after the TV segment and an article in the Houston Chronicle was joy-inducing, Victoria said. The family passed the $500,000 mark in early April.

(The media coverage) was so important, I dont think we could have done it without it, Victoria said.

Now in Italy, the mom and son medical adventure is underway.

We are good, aside from the time difference. We arrived (April 27), the flight went really well and Ollie did really good, he slept most of the flight, Victoria said.

Victoria said two donations in particular helped surpass $500,000; one in February where an anonymous donor matched $50,000 that was raised from other donors, and a more recent donor who contacted the family asking how much was needed to surpass the $500,000 level.

We had a donor who called my sister because of our GoFundMe. She asked my sister how much we needed to reach our goal and my sister told her, and she donated the rest of the money (needed), she said. It was such as blessing. We were screaming and jumping up and down, it was an amazing, amazing blessing.

Journey of hope

Victoria traveled to Italy with Ollie and her husband, Zackery, but he has since returned to The Woodlands to care for the couples other children, including sister Addi, who also has MLD but has progressed beyond the point of being able to receive medical treatment like Ollie is.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Half of Texas adults have now had at least one shot of the COVID vaccine

The Rasberry family, which includes Victoria, father Zack, who is a firefighter at Emergency Services District 3 in Conroe; and their six children  Addi, Max, Noah, twin sisters Lily and Madi, and Ollie  has been challenged by the diagnosis of both Addi and Ollie with metachromatic leukodystrophy.

The family relocated to The Woodlands more than three years ago to be closer to the Texas Childrens Hospital.

The journey of Baby Ollie to Italy and also Addis challenges have been detailed on on social media sites such as Tik Tok, Facebook and Twitter, where followers can follow the siblings trials, tribulations and now, jubilation.

Mom and son are currently residing in an apartment near the hospital in Milan where Ollie will receive treatment and care.

We had our first Italian pizza and it was good, she said.

Victoria said she is looking forward to eating more Italian food and sightseeing when possible, but all focus is on the five-months of testing and treatment Ollie will hopefully be able to fully undergo.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Half of Texas adults have now had at least one shot of the COVID vaccine

They gave us a day to rest, then well have a meeting to go over all were going to do, and then well have evaluations. For the next two weeks they make sure he is healthy enough to go through the treatment, Victoria added. We have appointments until (May 18) and if he is all clear, well start treatment.

Rare condition

The rare condition metachromatic leukodystrophy can only be treated before the diseases symptoms and side effects begin. Sister Addi was not able to get the treatment, and Victoria said the family works hard to make her life the best it possible can be.

Now, the hope is that Ollie has not shown any symptoms and can begin the intensive therapy soon.

If all goes well, well be here for five months or so. Ill know more on the time line after all the initial evaluations. Hell go into the hospital, shortly after (May 18) that is when they take his cells, Victoria said. Then we go back to the apartment and it takes two to three weeks to make the gene therapy (medication) to alter his cells. Then well be there five weeks as an inpatient. The time frame on that depends on how well he is responding to he treatment.

Victoria said the whole family is overjoyed at the support and help from strangers.

It has been very hard the last couple months with everything with Addi, to know Ollie gets this chanceI dont even have the words to describe it, she said. I am so excited or Ollie that he gets his chance after everything Addi has gone through.

jeff.forward@chron.com
Group Chat is In The Knows advice column, where our editors respond to your questions about dating, friendships, family, social media, wellness, shopping, beauty and beyond. Have a question for the chat? Submit it here and well do our best to reply.

Hey, Group Chat,

My cousin invited me to his destination wedding, which is going to cost me a lot of money to attend. However, I just found out he plans to save money by catering the wedding with tons of fast food options. The bride thinks it's cute, but I'm heated and want to skip the event. What should I do? Am I allowed to give them a cheaper gift because of this?

Credit: ITK

Dear Doesnt Want Fries With That,

Chase Hill, a petty fast food dipping sauce connoisseur, says A fast food destination wedding during a panorama, we love (hate) to see it. Thats, in my opinion, the bigger ask out of all of this right now. Regardless of what your vaccination status is, only about a quarter of the country is completely vaccinated. Think about all of the people youll be coming in contact with on your way to the fast food buffet.

Now Im petty, so Id RSVP: No, unless theres a variety of dipping sauces. Theres a 50 percent chance they wont stay together, but a 100 percent chance I will flip a table if they dont provide sauces for the nuggets. If I wanted fast food Id stay at home, put on The Wedding Planner and eat cold takeout that took an hour to arrive.

If youre going to actually go, just suck it up, smile and eat what youre given. Isnt it supposed to be about them, or their day or whatever (eye roll emoji)? Eat as much of the free food as you can and hope its not a cash bar (this event has cash bar vibes FOR SURE).

As far as the gift goes, get them plastic cutlery or paper napkins  something equally as petty as a fast food wedding dinner.

Christine Wallen, who loves luxury, says Everyone has different visions for their wedding day, and if your cousins includes fast food, then who are we to judge?

Story continues

I think having a destination wedding sounds dreamy and romantic. However, the effort in getting to that destination wedding can be super pricey, so if you have to roll back on the gift, I am sure the happy couple will understand and take you showing up as its own gift! If the night ends with French fries, that isnt the worst. Actually, a lot of nights should end with French fries.

Matt Mataxas, who is a former Chick-Fil-A employee, says Go to the wedding! Depending on where it is, you can go ahead and make a lil vacation out of it.

Spend a few days beforehand doing what you wanna do, then close out your week with a bang at your cousins wedding. Nothing goes better with dancing and drinking than having some fast food to munch on. It might even mitigate your hangover.

Katie Mather, who has never been married and has only been to one wedding  but considers herself an expert anyway, says Not to make a sweeping generalization, but this is typically why men shouldnt plan anything. Although, if the bride thinks its cute, then maybe theyre a match made in heaven.

Im not sure what possessed your cousin to think something like, Im going to make everyone fly out to Hawaii to eat McDonalds Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, but hes insane. I have mixed feelings about this: On one hand, if I showed up to a fancy wedding and they surprisingly unveiled Taco Bell served on fine china, maybe Id think it was funny (obviously there would need to be an open bar, that goes without saying). Here though, hes telling you ahead of time, as if to warn you to lower your expectations.

Why even do a destination wedding then? This is like throwing a Halloween party and not wearing a costume, then charging all the guests $600 for wearing a costume. Still, because its your cousin, I reluctantly think you need to go. If it was your freshman year roommate, Id feel totally different, but this is blood. Get them an avocado cuber  it looks fancy, but it isnt.

TL;DR Whether its sirloin or McNuggets on the table, if youd already planned to go  and, first and foremost, if its safe to do so  then you should probably follow through. As far as the present goes, might we suggest a Taco Bell gift card?

In The Know is now available on Apple News  follow us here!

If you liked this article, check out more of Group Chat and click here to submit your own question.

More from In The Know:

Should I dump my date over their astrological sign?

Do I still have to tip my hairstylist, even if she makes a good salary?

I need help handling my roommate from hell

Should I give a man who ghosted me for a full year a second chance?

The post Can I skip a wedding just because I dont like the catering? appeared first on In The Know.
WALTHAM, Mass., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Therapeutics is a Boston based drug discovery and development company. The lead asset BLUE-181 is approaching IND and has successfully provided the proof of concept and the blueprint for the R2i platform. Based on the concept of receptor-interactomicsTM the R2i platform opens up a new dimension for drug discovery. Blue has developed an early pipeline of disruptive opportunities which demonstrate the broad applicability of the technology across receptor classes and diseases. To leverage the full potential of the platform and enter the clinical phase with BLUE-181 the company is now opening a window into their science and business model in the context of their Series A raise.

"The fundamental science comes down to the fact that the interaction between receptors creates new drug targets in their own right. They play a much more important role in the biology of many diseases than the single, individual receptors the industry has been historically focusing on," explains Ajay Yekkirala, CSO, founder and inventor of the company's core technology. "With the right compounds  we call them interaction modulators or iMods  receptor interactions can be selectively manipulated while preserving the physiological function of the individual receptors. This results in distinct and unique pharmacology with improved efficacy and better tissue and disease selectivity and thus eliminating many side-effects we see with current treatments."

Targeting the novel HM2K receptor, BLUE-181 is on a de-risked path to become a highly differentiated treatment option in the lead indication Irritable Bowel Syndrome as well as in a range of anxiety disorders. Besides very strong efficacy, the highlight of BLUE-181's profile is the complete lack of tolerance development or risk for addiction. The further preclinical stage pipeline comprises programs in infectious diseases (including SARS-CoV2), breast cancer and Parkinson's disease.

Blue Therapeutics has been successfully working in an essentially virtual model and has been funded exclusively by public grants of almost $7 Mio to date. Stefan Bluemmers, President & CEO and seasoned industry executive, explains the departure: "We have maxed out the virtual and grant funded model and with the data we have for BLUE-181 and the exciting pipeline we now need to build a company that can effectively drive opportunities forward in parallel. And while we have a very focused pipeline we also know we are really just scratching the surface of a new dimension of drug targets."

Follow us on www.bluetherapeutics.com or on LinkedIn: Blue Therapeutics

For further information, please contact:

Stefan Bluemmers, President & CEO

[email protected]

Blue Therapeutics Inc., 203 Crescent St, Waltham, MA 02453, USA

SOURCE Blue Therapeutics

Related Links

www.bluetherapeutics.com


BULELENG, Indonesia (AP)  Indonesia's military and family members on Friday paid their last respects to the 53 submarine crew members who died when their vessel sank and broke apart in the depths off the resort island of Bali.

The ceremony included relatives casting flowers into the ocean from the navys hospital ship.

Indonesia is planning to recover the KRI Nanggala 402 with the help of a Chinese navy ship that's capable of lifting objects 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) deep.

The navy said the submarine sank April 21 to a depth of 600-700 meters (2,000-2,300 feet), much deeper than its collapse depth of 200 meters (655 feet), at which point water pressure would be greater than the hull could withstand.

President Joko Widodo met the families of the 53 crew members on Thursday and expressed his condolences.

The German-built diesel-powered submarine had been in service in Indonesia since 1981 and was carrying 49 crew members and three gunners as well as its commander, the Defense Ministry said.

Indonesia, the worlds largest archipelago nation with more than 17,000 islands, has faced growing challenges to its maritime claims in recent years, including numerous incidents involving Chinese vessels near the Natuna islands.

___

Tarigan reported from Jakarta, Indonesia.
STORY: At Sea Migrants Rescue - Group rescues dozens off coast of Libya

LENGTH: 02:32

FIRST RUN: IN

RESTRICTIONS: Must credit: Fabian Melber/Sea-Watch

TYPE: Natsound

SOURCE: FABIAN MELBER/SEA-WATCH

STORY NUMBER: 4323605

DATELINE: 29 April 2021 - Mediterranean Sea

SHOTLIST:

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: MUST CREDIT FABIAN MELBER/SEA-WATCH

++PRELIMINARY SCRIPT++

FABIAN MELBER/SEA-WATCH - MUST CREDIT FABIAN MELBER/SEA-WATCH

Mediterranean Sea  29 April 2021

1. Various of migrants being rescued and brought to Sea-Watch

STORYLINE:

Forty-four migrants were rescued off the coast of Libya on Thursday by non-profit rescue ship, Sea-Watch 4.

The group said they rescued an additional 77 migrants on Friday bringing the total on board to 121.

++MORE TO FOLLOW++

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Mumbai: Bollywood colleagues and family took to social media to pay tributes to late actor Rishi Kapoor on his first death anniversary on Friday.

Niece Kareena Kapoor dropped a heart emoji on Rishi Kapoor's picture on Instagram story. Kareena's sister Karisma, too, shared a picture on Instagram story of Rishi Kapoor in his younger days with a heart emoji.

Randeep Hooda shared a picture of the late actor on Twitter and captioned it: "#RishiKapoor", while Arjun Kapoor share a picture with Rishi Kapoor on Instagram and wrote: "My constant reaction when I was next to him...Mouth shut ears open. Miss you Chintoo uncle. Cheers to that twinkle in your eyes...Always & forever."

Actor-host Maniesh Paul posted an image with the late star shot during their New York meeting and wrote: "Miss you sir...love you sir...."

Divya Dutta recalled working with the actor.

"Childhood was you. And your movies!! That handsome face!! Dancing n singing and acting like a dream !! Cherish each moment of working with you, learning from you, knowing you!! You lived life beautifully!! All heart! That's what you are!! Miss you #RishiKapoor," she wrote.

Childhood was you. And your movies!! That handsome face!! Dancing n singing and acting like a dream !! Cherish each moment of working with you, learning from you, knowing you!! You lived life beautifully!! All heart! Thats what you are!! Miss you #RishiKapoor @chintskap pic.twitter.com/TCuQjURz6s  Divya Dutta (@divyadutta25) April 30, 2021

Actress Payal Ghosh, who worked with Rishi Kapoor in the film "Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi", shared a picture from their promotions of the film and tweeted: "Remembering #RishiKapoor Sir on his first death anniversary, he was really a gem of a person. You will always be missed Rishi uncle."

Remembering #RishiKapoor Sir on his first death anniversary, he was really a gem of a person. You will always be missed Rishi uncle. pic.twitter.com/dKYlPuwHzr  Payal Ghosh  (@iampayalghosh) April 30, 2021

Late veteran actor Rishi Kapoor passed away a year ago on May 30, after a two-year battle with leukaemia.
Former prime minister Julia Gillard is set to be honoured by the Japanese government for her service to the nation.

Ms Gillard will receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, being one of 117 non-Japanese from 46 countries to be honoured in the spring.

She told Japans NHK in an online interview it was an award for the people of Australia.

Ms Gillard was the first foreign leader to visit the north-eastern Tohuku region hit by the 2011 tsunami and earthquake.

In the immediate aftermath, Australia provided food aid packages, donations and relief teams.

But since then many reconstruction projects have been funded and Australias relations with Japan have considerably strengthened.
A politician named after murderous Russian dictator Joseph Stalin is poised to win power in Indian state elections on Friday.

Exit polls suggested M.K. Stalin's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party would win the elections across Tamil Nadu in southern India by a big margin.

The party's chief was named after Stalin in a tribute to the communist dictator by his father M. Karunanidhi, a left-wing four-time chief minister of the state.

MK Stalin, a politician named after murderous Russian dictator Joseph Stalin, was poised to win power in an Indian state on Friday

Born just days before his namesake died in 1953, the Indian Stalin - a committed democrat - admitted in a 2019 newspaper interview that his name had caused some awkward moments in Russia.

'As soon as I landed at a Russian airport, I was asked to mention my name. When I said 'Stalin' many people at the airport started looking at me,' he told the Times of India.

'While checking my passport, officials asked me several questions before I was allowed in,' he said of the 1989 trip.

'Many people in Russia didn't like Joseph Stalin.'

Exit polls suggested M.K. Stalin's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party would win the elections across Tamil Nadu in southern India by a big margin.

MK Stalin joins an elite group of two politicians know for being named after murderous dictators, sharing the dubious honour with Namibia's own Adolf Hitler.

Adolf Hitler Uunona, 54, was catapulted into an unlikely international stardom when his party won a regional election in November.

In a list of candidates printed i the government's gazette his name was abbreviated to 'Adolf H', but it appeared in full on an official results website.

The 54-year-old has bristled at the attention and accused opposition parties of conspiring to discredit him.

He told The Namibian his father 'didn't understand what Adolf Hitler stood for' when he named him after the German dictator.

'I didn't have a choice. I was a baby when my father gave me that name, There is nothing that I can do to change the name', he said.

'It does not mean I have Adolf Hitler's character or resemble that of Adolf Hitler of Germany. I am not like him.'

Left: Adolf Hitler Uunona, who won a seat at a Namibian regional election in November; right: the dictator of Nazi Germany delivering a speech in 1934

Tamil Nadu's election results are due to be announced on Sunday, along with those of several other states including Kerala, Assam and most significantly West Bengal in eastern India.

A first victory in West Bengal for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would be of seismic importance in Indian politics.

Modi and his close aide Amit Shah have campaigned aggressively across the state, including holding dozens of rallies involving sometimes hundreds of thousands of people.

Tamil Nadu's election results are due to be announced on Sunday, along with those of several other states including Kerala, Assam and most significantly West Bengal in eastern India (pictured, women wait to vote in West Bengal)

A first victory in West Bengal for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would be of seismic importance in Indian politics

These events, as well as those held by other parties, have been blamed in part for the brutal explosion in coronavirus cases in India.

Exit polls suggested the race in West Bengal between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of Mamata Banerjee, a fierce Modi critic, was too close to call.

But the polls indicated Modi's BJP will retain power in Assam and secure victory in Puducherry, handing twin defeats to Congress, the main national opposition party.

In Kerala in the south, where the BJP until now has played only a bit part, a left-wing alliance was predicted to retain power with a comfortable victory over a Congress-led coalition.
The British government has given details on the massive Royal Navy/Royal Air Force Carrier Strike Group being sent to the Indo-Pacific region. The mission, described as a truly global deployment, from the North Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific, provocatively includes sailing through the South China Sea. It could depart as early as May 18.

British aircraft carriers HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth moored at Portsmouth harbour, November 2020 (credit: WSWS media)

The NATO-backed mission is being led by the UKs new 3.2 billion aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, on its first operational deployment. The carrier, the navys largest and most powerful warship ever, was launched in October 2017 and has been involved in sea trials and operational training since. It is described by the Navy as being able to strike from the sea at a time and place of our choosing

No Royal Navy force has been mobilised on such a scale since the 1982 Falklands/Malvinas war. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it would be the 'largest concentration of maritime and air power to leave the UK in a generation. The Spectator noted the significance of the Royal Navy sending a battle fleet to Asia for the first time since the start of the Korean War in 1950.

With the end of the Cold War, Britains Royal Navy surface fleet of frigates and destroyers was scaled down and now contains just 19 vessels. But spending is being hiked up again by tens of billions of pounds across all the armed forces as part of the MoDs Defence in a Competitive Age review.

The Indo-Pacific mission enlists much of the current strength of the entire navy. The aircraft carrier will have 18 F-35B stealth fighters on board and be backed by the Type 45 destroyers, HMS Defender and HMS Diamond; Type 23 anti-submarine frigates, HMS Kent and HMS Richmond; and the Royal Fleet Auxiliarys logistics ships, Fort Victoria and Tidespring. These will be backed by a latest Astute-class nuclear submarine armed with Tomahawk Cruise missiles. Also participating will be 14 naval helicopters, eight RAF fast jets and a company of Royal Marines.

The carrier group will visit more than 40 countries over 28 weeks covering 26,000 nautical miles. It will take part in 70 engagements, including exercises with NATO and non-NATO partners when sailing through the Mediterranean to the Suez Canal. The US is participating with a destroyer, USS The Sullivans, and a squadron of 10 US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

The Royal Navy strike group will stop for a week at Duqm, the UKs Joint Logistics Support Base in Oman. It will then conduct Indian Ocean operations with the Indian navy as well as joint exercises with South Korea and Singapore. Operations will be completed with up to two weeks of joint exercises with American and Japanese armed forces. The flotilla will carry out its provocative sailing of the South China Sea.

The UKs Integrated Review, Global Britain in a Competitive Age, and the Defence Review both identified China and Russia as major adversaries and economic threats. The Integration Review describes China as a systemic competitor. Chinas increasing power and international assertiveness is likely to be the most significant geopolitical factor of the 2020s. It stated, the UK will deepen our engagement in the Indo-Pacificestablishing a greater and more persistent presence than any other European country. The region is already critical to our economy and security; is a focal point for the negotiation of international laws, rules and norms; and will become more important to UK prosperity over the next decade.

In line with US imperialisms designs on the region, with the UK acting as a junior partner, the MoD said the mission was part of the UKs tilt towards the Indo-Pacific region it will help achieve the UKs goal for deeper engagement in the Indo-Pacific region in support of shared prosperity and regional stability.

The mission was described by Defence Minister Ben Wallace as part of post-Brexits Britains strategy to secure markets: When our carrier strike group sets sail next month, it will be flying the flag for Global Britain, projecting our influence, signalling our power, engaging with our friends and reaffirming our commitment to addressing the security challenges of today and tomorrow The deployment showed that Britain was ready to play an active role in shaping the international system of the 21st century.

Last week, after an extended campaign by leading warmongers within the political establishment, MPs voted, based on unsubstantiated claims, that China is carrying out genocide against Uyghur Muslims. Britain joins the US government and just three other legislatures, in Belgium, the Netherlands and Canada in accusing Beijing of genocide.

The House of Commons passed unanimously a non-binding motion put forward by Tory MP Nusrat Ghani, stating, Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region are suffering Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide; and calls on the Government to act to fulfil its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide and all relevant instruments of international law to bring it to an end.

Ghani was one of five UK MPs sanctioned by China last month, along with several anti-China front groups such as China Research and the Conservative Human Rights Commission. This was in response to co-ordinated sanctions by the UK, European Union, US and Canada against Chinese officials designed to escalate geopolitical tensions.

On behalf of the opposition Labour Party, Shadow Foreign Office minister Stephen Kinnock said the party backed the motion as 'genocide can never be met with indifference or inaction'.

The vote marks a new ascendency of anti-China hawks, led by former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith. They have tried without success to introduce a Bill that would empower the UKs High Court with the right to decide whether a country is committing genocide. In March, Smith failed for the third time to secure an amendment to the Trade Bill, with the aim of using it to escalate sanctions and other measures against China based on the genocide claims. Prime Minister Boris Johnsons has tried to balance between Washington and Beijing.

Indicative of the escalating war fever among the imperialist powers, with China and Russia in their cross hairs, was the bellicose response of leading Tory MPswith close connections to the militarywho insisted that Mays mission to the South China Sea was not provocative enough. Chiming in with recent statements from the Biden administration and US Pacific Fleet commander, Adm. John Aquilino, that Taiwan was the most significant flashpoint now that could lead to a large-scale war between the US and China, the MPs insisted that the strike group also enter the Taiwan Strait as part of the onward voyage up to Japan.

Duncan Smith told the Telegraph, I'm pleased the Aircraft Carrier is deploying in the South China Sea but they need to complete this process by letting the Chinese know that they disapprove of their very aggressive actions against their neighbours by sailing through the Taiwan Strait.

He was backed by Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Defence Select Committee, who said the Indo-Pacific mission had been rolled out as such an important statement of intent but was worried it could be diminished over fear of offence. Avoiding the Taiwan Strait defeated the operations purpose, which is to stand up to the authoritarianism of China.

Such comments offer insight into the unhinged thinking in sections of ruling circles and among the military top brass, who are contemplating armed conflict with nuclear powers.

Following the UKs Defence Review, the Telegraph published a special report by senior foreign correspondent Roland Oliphant, China and Russia's military arsenals are terrifying in scalebut how would they perform in combat?

It describes Chinas navy as already the largest in the world with approx 350 ships and submarines, including over 130 major surface combatants. It is expected to have five aircraft carriers afloat by 2030 and is rapidly expanding its fleet of destroyers. It has developed long-range precision cruise and ballistic missiles, early warning radars and air defence systems to allow it to dominate airspace far into the Pacific. Moreover, it recently unveiled hypersonic weapons designed to take on US carrier groups.

All this was no big deal, he added, as the Peoples Liberation Army [active personnel over 2 million and reserve personnel over 1 million] is not necessarily invincible. The military faces major personnel challenges, struggling to recruit, train and retain professional soldiers and facing down a morale problem fuelled by perceived corruption. And it has not fought a war in more than 40 years.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Port Richmond Avenue was busier than usual Wednesday afternoon.

Paired with the typical afternoon neighborhood affairs, NBCs The Blacklist took over street parking and a portion of the sidewalk to film an upcoming episode of the TV series.

NBC's "The Blacklist" films inside Los Potrillos, a restaurant in the Port Richmond area of Staten Island April 28, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

The American crime thriller, made popular by its cast and reputation, has already aired for eight seasons.

The Blacklist includes Liz Keen (Megan Boone), Donald Ressler (Diego Klattenhoff), Harold Cooper (Harry Lennix), Dembe Zuma (Hisham Tawfiq), Alina Park (Laura Sohn) and Aram Mojtabai (Amir Arison). However, none of the main characters were seen on set Wednesday.

NBC's "The Blacklist" films inside Los Potrillos, a restaurant in the Port Richmond area of Staten Island April 28, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

Notices were posted throughout the area, warning those in the neighborhood that the production would temporarily block parking during its shooting days. The notice also warned those in the area about the potential for stunt work and specific costumes worn on set.

In the show, a criminal mastermind aids the FBI in bringing down a network or previously unknown villains and syndicates, the notice read. Please be advised [that] stunt work will be in progress, actors will be in police uniforms, vehicles will be moving and prop weapons will be used.

During the Wednesday afternoon shoot, crew filmed inside of Los Potrillos restaurant. Cameras and equipment took over the restaurants side alley way as well.

NBC's "The Blacklist" films inside Los Potrillos, a restaurant in the Port Richmond area of Staten Island April 28, 2021. Pictured is signage on Port Richmond Avenue. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

This isnt the first time The Blacklist filmed on Staten Island. In 2016, the show filmed at Holtermanns Bakery in Great Kills. The power of television turned the bakery into an old time automotive repair shop in Cuba.

Apparently, back in 2013, a scout for The Blacklist was surfing the web and fell in love with the layout of the Island institution, which has been whipping up breads, old-fashioned cookies, danishes and other treats from its Arthur Kill Road location for more than 130 years.

The scout visited Holtermanns to see the location live and that clinched it, according to bakery manager Jill Holtermann Bowers, who said actor James Spader and the crew couldnt have been nicer.

NBC's "The Blacklist" films inside Los Potrillos, a restaurant in the Port Richmond area of Staten Island April 28, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

The show also has filmed at Borough Hall in St. George several times. According to signage in Port Richmond, The Blacklist was expected to film in the area Thursday as well.
Former President Donald Trump expressed his displeasure on the FBI's investigation on his attorney, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, whose Manhattan home and office was raided by authorities on Wednesday. Trump condemned the probe, calling it "very, very unfair" for someone he considered a "patriot."

"Rudy is a patriot who loves this country and I don't know what they're looking for, what they're doing," the 74-year-old former President of the United States told Fox Business Network during a phone interview, as per Reuters. "Rudy loves this country so much."

The report also revealed how the FBI is escalating its investigation of Giuliani's involvement in the Ukraine political scandal. In 2019, a grand jury subpoena revealed Giuliani's financial records, which showed FBI agents were looking into "possible money laundering, wire fraud, campaign finance violations, making false statements, obstruction of justice, and violations of the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act."

Giuliani, who was Trump's personal attorney, was once lauded as the mayor of New York City whose exemplary leadership after the 9/11 attacks were unparalleled. The 76-year-old later joined Trump's legal team in 2018 during which he defended the former president in a federal investigation regarding alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections, when Trump was pitted against Hillary Clinton.

During the FBI raid, authorities confiscated mobile phones and computers and other items that were deemed evidence. Giuliani's lawyer, Robert Costello, believed that the investigation into his client was "politically motivated," a fact that the White House has denied. CNBC reported that President Joe Biden was not informed beforehand of the FBI raid and that he "made a pledge I would not interfere in any way" with the Justice Department's investigation.

"It's so unfair and it's like a double standard like I don't think anybody's ever seen before," former President Trump commented, as per the Western Journal. Trump went on to accuse the Biden family for having overseas business interests that are not supported by proper documentation.

The former president spoke out in defense of Giuiliani while throwing accusations at the Biden family, saying that "they did a lot of work with other countries" but "to the best of everybody's knowledge, they didn't file" the necessary documents for these dealings.

Trump was obviously speaking about Hunter Biden's dealings with China and Ukraine, which were exposed via reports from the New York Post. Joe Biden was also implicated in these deals.

Trump expressed his disappointment over the FBI raid and investigation, questioning why the Justice Department would go after Giuliani when there are "things going on in our country with the corruption and the problems."

South Carolina's Republican Senator Lindsey Graham also came to Giuliani's defense, condemning the FBI raid and commenting that "Because somebody issues a search warrant doesn't mean you're guilty."

According to the New York Post, Costello fired back against the FBI raid in a statement accusing the justice system of "Trump Derangement Syndrome," in which "hatred has driven this unjustified and unethical attack on the United States Attorney and Mayor who did more to reduce crime than virtually any other in American history."
DANBURY  COVID-19 vaccination rates in underserved communities continue to lag across the state, but Danbury saw an uptick of at least 4 percent in the last week of people who have received at least their first dose.

The increase is a sign that at least some of the measures state and local officials are taking - targeted vaccination sites, multilingual messaging and social media outreach - are paying off.

I think weve been doing a pretty good job, said Mayor Joe Cavo, adding that the ability for people to now get vaccinated without appointments has made things much easier.

The barriers have all been dropped. You dont have to sign up through VAMS, have a computer or make an appointment, he said. You can get into the Danbury clinic or drive up to the clinic at the mall.

As of Wednesday, nearly 26 percent of Danburys population had been fully vaccinated and about 43 percent had received at least one vaccine dose. Nearly 100 percent of those over the age of 65 in Danbury have received at least one dose and 64 percent ages 45-64 have received one dose. But only 34 percent of those 15-44 have received at least one dose.

Nearly half of Connecticuts population had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot as of this week, although the vaccination rate in vulnerable ZIP codes, including in Danbury, lag. In towns that surround Danbury, those receiving at least one dose includes 59 percent in Ridgefield, 54 percent in Redding, 48 percent in Bethel, 55 percent in Brookfield and 50 percent in New Fairfield.

In an effort to get more residents vaccinated, officials in Danbury have been working to simplify accessibility and get the word out about the importance of getting vaccinated.

Not only has Danbury started accepting walk-ins at COVID vaccine clinics, but a mobile vaccination van from the Federal Emergency Management Agency started administering appointment-free doses in Danbury this week.

Cavo said the city has also been trying different forms of outreach, like targeted social media posts, to encourage residents to get vaccinated.

Weve worked with social media groups to target specific groups with posts from the health department that describe the process and how easy it is to get vaccinated, he said.

Cavo said the city also releases vaccine information in three languages  English, Spanish and Portuguese  and has been targeting neighborhoods with low vaccination rates.

The other day, we set up a FEMA trailer downtown in the train station because the neighborhood that backs up to it was one of the neighborhoods identified as being not well vaccinated, he said.

Although turnout was low at the site, Cavo said the citys efforts to vaccinate more residents continues.

Next week, were going to have vans from Griffin Hospital setting up in neighborhoods that the state has identified as not being as well vaccinated as other parts of Danbury and the state, he said. Theyll be walk-up vans, so people can just walk up and get their shot.

Cavo said the city has applied for grants to address vaccine equity and help encourage people to get vaccinated. If awarded, he said, the grant money would be used to set up more mobile vaccination sites in neighborhoods with low vaccination rates.

Officials have also been in regular contact with local churches and social groups to figure out ways to encourage people to get vaccinated, Cavo said.

Theres a lot going on, but we need to incentivize and get people to feel more comfortable about getting the vaccine, he said. The biggest part is getting people to understand how important it is.
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A blue whale, the biggest animal on Earth, has washed up in Africa for the first time in recorded history.

Measuring 60ft (18.2m) long, the Antarctic blue whale drifted ashore in Namibia, 5,000 miles from its traditional feeding grounds, after it was mortally wounded in a suspected collision with a ship.

The breached creature was pictured with a gruesome fin injury and was haemorrhaging blood in several places when it drifted ashore near Walvis Bay on Tuesday.

A blue whale, the biggest animal on Earth, has washed up in Africa for the first time in recorded history. The animal is believed to be 5,000 miles from its Antarctic feeding grounds

Namibian Dolphin Project (NPD) conservationist Simon Elwen said: 'It's the first stranding of this sub-species, the Antarctic blue whale, in southern Africa,

'It's probably the first in all of Africa, but I don't have access to all relevant databases.'

He continued: 'We are as confident as we can be without a full necropsy that the cause of death was a ship strike.

'It looks like the ship hit the flank, then the animal was rolled and the fin was broken too. It likely died very quickly.'

As a species, blue whales can reach nearly 100ft (30 metres) long and weigh up to 150,000kg (150 tonnes)  suggesting that this animal was a juvenile.

Measuring 60ft long, the Antarctic blue whale drifted ashore in Namibia, 5,000 miles from its traditional feeding grounds on Tuesday

The breached animal was mortally wounded in a suspected collision with a ship before it drifted ashore near Walvis Bay, Namibia

Blue whales are classified as endangered and their numbers have dwindled to less than one per cent of what they were before commercial whaling began

Bridget James, who measured the mammal for the NDP, said: 'This is the first blue whale I've ever seen and it's incredibly sad to see such a large, young animal dead from human actions.'

However, Tess Gridley  a scientist representing the NDP and its parent organisation, Sea Search  said there was also reason to be encouraged.

Blue whales are classified as endangered and their numbers have dwindled to less than one per cent of what they were before commercial whaling began.

But, Dr Gridley, a British expat living in South Africa, believes the stranding could be a sign of population growth.

'Research in the Antarctic has revealed the population of blue whales is increasing,' she said.

'Acoustic monitoring of whales off northern Namibia and west of Cape Town has detected regular blue whale calls during these winter months, mostly from May to July. So this is overall good news for the population.'

She added: 'It's very difficult to prevent ship strikes from occurring, particularly in areas close to ports and shipping routes.

'Unfortunately, where humans and whales overlap there is always a chance for impact. It is still unusual, but direct strikes have been seen more often recently.'

As a species, blue whales can reach nearly 100ft (30 metres) long and weigh up to 150,000kg (150 tonnes)  suggesting that this animal was a juvenile

The species is known to travel north away from its Antarctic feeding grounds when it is winter in the southern hemisphere, but it is still rare to see a blue whale so close to the shore

Dr Elwen said there was rising concern around this issue, especially near the busy ports of South Africa.

He said he was especially worried about ship strikes 'around Durban, Cape Town and Saldanha, where were have very large numbers of humpback whales seasonally.'

Local authorities are planning to remove the blue whale from Walvis Bay but have not yet decided how to do so.

Blue whales are usually found well offshore, so its unclear why this one came close to land.

However, the species is known to travel north away from its Antarctic feeding grounds when it is winter in the southern hemisphere.

The NDP has taken a range of samples from the whale for further analysis.

Dr Gridley said: 'We are currently fundraising to support our education and outreach officers, and to continue our conservation work  please do consider supporting us.'
LOS ANGELES - Bad news, knowing no time zones, arrives in a jarring burst of messages, calls and posts informing millions of members of India's worldwide diaspora that yet another loved one has been sickened or lost to the coronavirus.

Ankur Chandra, 38, shows various websites he uses to keep track of coronavirus news in India as he talks about his father's experience with COVID-19, during an interview Tuesday, April 27, 2021, in New York. The New York-based consultant's father is now recovering from COVID-19, alone in an apartment in Indias national capital region of Gurugram. (AP Photo/David Martin)

LOS ANGELES - Bad news, knowing no time zones, arrives in a jarring burst of messages, calls and posts informing millions of members of India's worldwide diaspora that yet another loved one has been sickened or lost to the coronavirus.

Sometimes it comes in a barrage of WhatsApp messages first thing in the morning, and sometimes it lands in the middle of the night, as it did for Mohini Gadre's father. A 3 a.m. call at his San Francisco Bay Area home let him know that his octogenarian mother  who had tested positive in Mumbai  was too weak to say her morning prayers, setting off a mad scramble to find her the hospital bed where she remained for days.

In the U.S., where half of the adult population has gotten at least one COVID-19 shot, the talk has been of reopening, moving forward and healing. But for Indian Americans, the daily crush of dark news from desh, the homeland, is a stark reminder that the pandemic is far from over.

Were seeing life slowly start to get back to normal in small ways, and youre feeling like a bit of hope  like with spring. You know that things are improving, its been a year, Gadre, 27, said. And meanwhile theres this tinderbox thats been ignited in India.

The more than 4.2 million people like Gadre who make up the Indian diaspora in the U.S., according to census estimates, have watched in horror as the latest coronavirus surge burns through India, killing thousands of people a day and catapulting the death toll to more than 200,000  the fourth-highest in the world.

In a culture that generally makes no distinctions between cousin and sibling, biological aunt or close friend, family is family. Many Indian Americans are wracked with guilt over emerging from more than a year of isolation as relatives overseas struggle to find vaccines, hospital beds and, fatefully, their breath.

Like India itself, the diaspora is striated by religion, caste, class, mother tongue and other factors that continue to divide. But now many of its members are united in frustration and helplessness with little recourse. The State Department issued a do not travel advisory for India last week, citing COVID-19, and on Friday, the Biden administration restricted travel from the country. That leaves families few options except to try to arrange resources from afar and persuade relatives to keep safe.

In the U.K.  home to about 1.4 million Indians  the government has added India to its red list of countries, banning arrivals for anyone from India except for U.K. citizens and residents. That adds to a sense of isolation and helplessness for many who feel cut off from loved ones.

Apart from raising funds, being generous with donations and going to offer prayers, theres not much else we can do at the moment, said Yogesh Patel, a spokesperson at one of the U.K.s largest Hindu temples. We cant go and console family and friends, everything is happening online.

Compounding the frustration is the struggle by many in the diaspora to convince family and friends in India to abide by basic social distancing and masking protocols.

The problem is twofold and cultural: A certain generational hierarchy means elders are not inclined to heed the advice of their children, grandchildren or outsiders. And misinformation spreads widely through the same social channels that are vital to co-ordinating help and bridging the gap across oceans.

My dad, he was all over the place, and I told him: Youve got to stay at home, youve got to wear masks, but, you know, they dont listen, said Ankur Chandra, 38, a New York-based consultant whose father is now recovering from COVID-19, alone in an apartment in Indias national capital region of Gurugram.

Shivani Nath, a Manhattan-based interior designer for hotels who was born and raised in New Delhi, offended relatives when she expressed horror instead of congratulations at pictures of a complete five-day, traditional Indian Hindu wedding in the family  no masks in sight.

My cousin was like, You Americans are so arrogant and look at your own country and you have over 500,000 people who have died. And she actually told me  shes like, Indians have herd immunity. We are born with herd immunity, Nath recounted.

Her cousin later apologized, after several wedding attendees were diagnosed with COVID-19.

Vijaya Subrahmanyam, 58, typically travels to India every six months to see her family, including her older sister and 91-year-old mother in Hyderabad, in the southern state of Telangana. Because of the pandemic, she hasnt been back in almost two years, and her summer plans to visit were scrapped at her own mothers advisement.

The same week that the Atlanta-based college professor received her second dose of the vaccine, her mother and sister both tested positive for COVID-19. Her mother had not left her home, but her sister took a two-minute diversion to the mall to purchase a handbag after picking up some medicine, and that's where Subrahmanyam suspects she got infected.

Initially, we were like, Whats wrong with you? she said. But Subrahmanyam realized her sister probably felt worse about it than anyone else  and recognized that she was the one still in India, tasked with taking care of their mother.

Some of those who feel similarly helpless are channeling their energies into mutual aid projects.

Anand Chaturvedi, 23, is from Mumbai but now works in New York. Coming from a tech background, he volunteered to help the same websites he himself has used, including an open-source site that helps search for virus-related resources.

In Seattle, Sanjay Jejurikar, 58, is leveraging his connections and using his familiarity with India to connect people to assistance, everyone from a 75-year-old mentor to young employees of his India-based education technology startup.

In India, things are a little bit chaotic, right? said Jejurikar, whose mother died of COVID-19 in July in India. I mean, on one hand, theyre very bureaucratic and rule-based, and all that stuff, which is good. But on the other hand, quite a few people are left on their own devices, like they dont have any support.

After losing her grandmother to COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic, 23-year-old Farheen Ali, a grad student from Texas, moved back to Hyderabad in August to help her parents.

Having experienced a pandemic peak and a Ramadan in each country, Ali thinks one of the biggest differences is the confidence she had that it wont get that bad or the system wont break as bad in the U.S. She also believes she would have been vaccinated by this point if she had stayed in Texas.

While she doesn't necessarily regret coming to India, the embers of hope are dying out: I dont think theres any trust in the government or the public that theyre going to try to get this down because I still know people that dont want to take the vaccine because of stupid WhatsApp messages or dont believe that corona is still a thing, even though people are dying at this rate.

Associated Press Staff Writer Sylvia Hui in London contributed to this report.
UW Receives DOE Funding for Carbon Ore, Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Initiatives in Wyoming

The University of Wyoming will receive nearly $3 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for research focused on expanding and transforming the use of coal and coal-based resources to produce coal-based products, using carbon ore, rare earth elements (REE) and critical minerals (CM).

Two separate projects submitted by UWs School of Energy Resources (SER) Center for Economic Geology Research (CEGR) were selected by the DOEs Office of Fossil Energy and announced this week. The funds will cover research in the Powder River Basin (PRB) of Wyoming and Montana and the Greater Green River and Wind River basins (GGRB-WRB) of Wyoming and Colorado.

The selected UW projects are among 13 nationwide announced totaling $19 million. Some of the other regions selected for study include the Appalachian Basin, the San Juan River-Raton-Black Mesa Basin, the Illinois Basin, the Williston Basin, the Uinta River Basin, the Gulf Coast Basin, and in Alaska and Kansas.

SER is thrilled to have received these grants from the Department of Energy, says SER Executive Director Holly Krutka. We are honored to collaborate with stakeholders around the state and region to lead a research program focused on building the tools needed to support a rare earths and critical minerals industry.

The production of REE and CM is vital for use in electronics, magnets, batteries, phosphors for lighting, as well as applications in national security and clean energy production -- including the manufacturing of wind turbines.

The U.S. has been heavily reliant on imports of REEs from China, which has dominated the global market. As the demand for REEs has been on the rise, the U.S. has engaged in finding alternative domestic sources.

The feasibility of recovering REEs from coal-based resources has been expanded through efforts led by the DOE and the National Energy Technology Laboratory. The state of Wyoming, and particularly the PRB and GGRB-WRB, are well positioned to support carbon ore, REE and CM research.

I couldnt be more excited for these projects, says CEGR Director Scott Quillinan. Wyoming, Colorado and Montana have vast natural resources, and we are just beginning to learn the full potential of REE and CM resources associated with coal seams. It is interesting even though the two projects overlap much of Wyoming, the rare earth element and critical mineral resources located in each of the basins are very different. These projects will lay the framework for new industries in each of these basins.

SER and other project partners have extensive experience in characterizing and interpreting REE and CM in coal and coal byproducts. Previous studies by CEGR and collaborators also have looked to other unconventional sources for REE deposits, such as uranium, produced water and in sedimentary phosphate deposits.

Additionally, UW has existing programs and facilities dedicated to the development of coal products and coal-to-products to support these grants.

Serving as the principal investigators for the projects are SERs Erin Phillips, a senior research scientist, who will lead the collaborative team in the PRB, while Davin Bagdonas, an associate research scientist, will head up the efforts in the GGRB-WRB.

The PRB CORE-CM project is an outstanding opportunity to investigate all aspects of carbon ore, REE and CM resource development in the PRB, with the goals of catalyzing economic growth and promoting job creation, Phillips says. I am honored to lead this effort and look forward to working with our many committed project partners.

CORE-CM stands for carbon ore, rare earth and critical minerals.

With the expertise of Phillips and Bagdonas, SER has influenced the direction of coal research nationally and internationally, making SER one of the preeminent leaders of REE characterization and extraction.

In addition to decreasing the reliance on REE imports, UWs transformative research is intended to catalyze regional economic growth and stimulate workforce development and technology innovation, while using the full potential of natural resources -- including coal -- across U.S. basins.

CORE-CM is a strong step forward for the needed diversification of domestic resources and paired technology growth, Bagdonas says. The fact that these programs focus not just on REE/CM and carbon ore products derived from coal and coal byproducts, but entire supply chain considerations with associated development at the community level shows a well-thought-out and holistic approach to diversifying and modernizing coal use. This is so important for not just our local communities across Wyoming, Colorado and Montana, but the United States as a whole.

Phase 1 of both projects will run for two years when the teams assemble an assessment of CORE-CM resources; evaluate existing field data; prepare initial plans for economic development activities; as well as develop outreach and education plans. If successful in these preliminary activities, the projects will be able to apply for additional funding in Phases 2 and 3.

The projects will play a critical role in advancing the directive set forth by Gov. Mark Gordon to strive toward net-negative carbon emissions.

We are grateful for the support from the Wyoming federal delegation, state Legislature and executive branches, UW research support, Wyoming Energy Authority and our many collaborators in helping to advance our mission, Krutka adds.

For the complete DOE media release about CORE-CM awards, go to www.energy.gov/articles/doe-awards-19-million-initiatives-produce-rare-earth-elements-and-critical-minerals.
Press Release

30 April 2021

The following is a statement from Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), on President Biden's first joint address to Congress.

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"Last night, President Joe Biden laid out his agenda for helping our national economy recover; getting the pandemic under control; continuing the vaccine rollout and supporting working families in his first address before a joint session of Congress and the American people.

"Several of the proposals outlined by the President include many provisions that affect small businesses and employers. AHLA will be following the tax and workforce proposals in these plans closely to assess their impact on the lodging industry.

"Following the worst year on record for our industry, America's hotel industry supports bipartisan policies that will help our industry survive and thrive and get our employees get back to work. Just yesterday, AHLA and Unite Here, the largest hospitality workers union in North America, joined forces to call on Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act. The bill, introduced by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-Fla.), provides a lifeline to hotel workers and hoteliers, providing critical assistance to bring back workers and to bridge the gap until travel returns.

"With the vaccination rollout well underway, consumers are eager to begin traveling once again. We encourage the President to continue working with Congress to find workable and lasting solutions to address America's critical economic concerns, including the urgent action that is required to support the hotel industry with targeted relief to keep hotel workers employed."
OTTAWA, ON, April 29, 2021 /CNW/ - The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, will participate in a virtual event with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce to discuss Budget 2021 investments in small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Event: Minister Ng to give remarks at the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce.

Date: Friday, April 30, 2021

Time: 9:00 a.m. (EDT)

Note: Journalists can register with Youmy Han (youmy.han@international.gc.ca) to access the event.

Stay connected

Follow Global Affairs Canada on Twitter: @CanadaTrade

Like us on Facebook: Canada's International Trade  Global Affairs Canada

For business-related news, follow @CanadaBusiness on Twitter and Facebook and download the Canada Business app.

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2021/30/c0110.html
Reaching hundreds of vulnerable people in rural Uganda is posing a major challenge for the country's vaccination campaign.

Lake Bunyonyi, Africa's second deepest lake, is located in the western district of Kabale.

The area is dotted with islands that are home to some 2,500 people.

It's also one of the hardest places for health workers to get to.

Reaching to the islands involves a 30 minute boat ride either on a traditional canoe or costly speedboat.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation even more difficult for island residents who relied on tourism as their major source of income.

Dr. Edward Arineitwe, assistant district health officer for Kabale district, regularly travels to Bwama island's Health Centre III, which provides basic health services for island communities.

Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, many living on the island have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19.

To ensure that all vulnerable people and high risk categories are vaccinated, Uganda's Ministry of Health together with UNICEF arranged for the vaccine to be delivered on to the island this week.

Catherine Ntabade, communications office for UNICEF, says funds have not been available to provide for travel to and from the islands up until now.

The exercise in Bwama saw over 200 people get vaccinated on Wednesday, the first day of the drive.

Authorities hope to reach 1,000 of the islands' most vulnerable inhabitants.

Uganda started its coronavirus vaccination campaign on 10 March, targeting more than 20 million people who pose the highest risk of infection.

The vaccination drive targets health workers, teachers, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, as well as refugees.

So far over 300,000 Ugandans have received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

But for many in areas that are difficult to access, protection against COVID-19 remains uncertain, and vaccine hesitancy remains a significant hurdle.

Safety concerns relating to the AstraZeneca vaccine, often the main shot available under the donor-backed COVAX programme to ensure access for developing countries, have left some worried.

Vaccine-related suspicions have been spread widely on social media, driven partly by a general lack of trust in authorities.

Uganda's health minister had to refute allegations she faked receiving a shot, even posting a video of herself getting the jab on Twitter, along with the admonition: "Please stop spreading fake news!"

Africa, whose 1.3 billion people represent 16% of the world's population, has received less than 2% of the COVID-19 vaccine doses administered around the world, according to the World Health 0rganisation (WHO).

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
After a year in which the pandemic shined a harsh spotlight on the stark inequities in New York Citys school system, the city announced Thursday that, once again, only tiny numbers of Black and Latino students had been admitted into top public high schools. The numbers represent the latest signal that efforts to desegregate those schools while maintaining an admissions exam are failing.

Only 9 percent of offers made by elite schools like Stuyvesant High School and Bronx High School of Science went to Black and Latino students this year, down from 11 percent last year. Only eight Black students received offers to Stuyvesant out of 749 spots, and only one Black student was accepted into Staten Island Technical High School, out of 281 freshman seats.

Over half of the 4,262 offers this year went to Asian students. The schools have enormous significance for thousands of low-income Asian-American students who attend them, many of them immigrants or the children of immigrants. Efforts to change the admissions system have been seen by some as disregarding the accomplishments of those vulnerable students. Accusations of bias from Asian-American New Yorkers have made the debate over whether to keep the exam as the sole means of entry into the schools extremely fraught.

Though Black and white students made up the same percentage of test takers  about 18 percent each  less than 4 percent of Black students received offers, compared with nearly 28 percent of white students, a clear sign that having large numbers of Black students take the exam is not leading to more equitable outcomes.
State Sen. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, moved a bill Tuesday, April 27, 2021, that would restrict law-enforcement officials from using no-knock warrants and chokeholds.

.

sponsored the legislation that resulted in the constitutional amendment on higher education boards that voters will decide Dec. 5.
We have to allow science to dictate to a great degree what were doing even if it looks like its attacking our liberties, Biggs said. I think the vaccine, for the vast majority who get it, it wont harm them, just like the vast majority of people who get the virus wont be harmed.
This job expired on 14 May 2021.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) in Northern Ireland and the Health Service Executive (HSE) in the Republic of Ireland are urging people to stick to key public health advice and exercise caution over coming weeks, particularly with regard to cross-border activity. The call comes as Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland progress on the easing of their respective lockdowns.



Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: As lockdowns ease in different ways either side of the border, we really want people to continue to exercise caution and restraint to help limit the spread of coronavirus. Some border communities have seen high levels of COVID-19 infection during the pandemic, so we need to act responsibly to help keep case numbers down and ultimately save lives.



We know there is a temptation to travel either side of the border to engage in activities as lockdowns ease, but if we see large number gathering or people abandoning public health advice, we could see cases rise significantly on both sides of the border. Viruses dont recognise borders, so we all need to act with caution.

Sticking to public health advice and behaving responsibility is the best way to help keep COVID-19 case numbers down and ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of easing lockdowns as safely as possible.

The PHA and HSE are warning that if we collectively fail to stick to public health guidance, viral transmission will increase and we will inevitably see increased cases reappear  no-one wants lockdown measures being reintroduced, so everyone has a responsibility to continue to adhere to the guidance.



Dr Anthony Breslin, Director of Public Health for HSE North West, said: The key advice around getting vaccinated when eligible, washing your hands, keeping your distance and wearing a face covering when appropriate still apply. By sticking to these steps, we can help ensure that as restrictions ease, we can enjoy the benefits while also keeping ourselves and those around us safe on both sides of the border.



It is also important not to move beyond what the guidelines permit at any given time or to take advantage of differing circumstances either side of the border in a way which could increase risk.

We also shouldnt become complacent as vaccination continues to be rolled out. Vaccines have an important role to play, but can never provide 100% protection, which is why the other public health steps are still important.



The opportunities we have for more normality are a positive, but could very quickly become a negative again if we put ourselves and others at risk by forgetting about the key steps to help stay safe. The last thing we want is to see restrictions being reintroduced, so it is important that every one of us does what we can to avoid that.



The core advice around what we can do to reduce our risk of getting COVID-19 or passing it on has been in place since the start of the pandemic and it is really important that we continue to follow these steps as we society starts to open up again:Wear a face covering indoors where social distancing isnt possible, or where its required, such as in shops, shopping centres, taxis, public transport and banks.

It is also essential to wear a face covering properly and to handle it appropriately with clean, or else it wont provide the maximum level of protection.



You should also maintain a social distance of at least 2m (around 6ft) between you and anyone outside of your household, to minimise your exposure to the virus and reduce the potential of spreading the infection.

It is also important to wash your hands properly, as this is one of the most effective things you can do to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Wash hands regularly, and use sanitiser outside your home when hand washing isnt possible

If you are indoors, try to keep the area well-ventilated.

If you sneeze or cough, catch it, bin it, kill it.

Dr Waldron concluded: The advice is simple, but its there for a reason  to help keep us and those around us safe. Dont take unnecessary risks, exercise common sense, and take every step available to help protect yourself, your loved ones and communities on both side of the border.

Lets all make sure we do what we can to stay safe.

Also read: Farmers can return to mart rings from May 17
[April 30, 2021] The Call of Duty Endowment Announces #CODEMedicalHeroes Campaign to Raise $3 Million for Veteran Employment

In celebration of Military Appreciation Month, the Call of Duty Endowment today announced the #CODEMedicalHeroes campaign to honor veteran medics and hospital corpsmen and to bring attention to the difficulties that they face finding jobs in the civilian healthcare industry. Through a series of Call of Duty: Warzone in-game activations, exclusive content packs, and partnerships beginning today and throughout the month of May, the #CODEMedicalHeroes campaign aims to raise a total of $3 million to fund veteran employment efforts, placing over 5,800 veterans into jobs. The centerpiece of the campaign is the Call of Duty Endowment Battle Doc Pack, now available in both Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Call of Duty: Warzone. All of Activision's (News - Alert) net proceeds for the pack will go to the Endowment. The pack features a brand-new Operator Skin created in partnership with Army Veteran Combat Medic Timothy Hobbs Jr., an avid Call of Duty player who the Endowment helped place into a high-quality job through our grantee Still Serving Veterans. Sergeant First Class Timothy Hobbs was deployed on four combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and on one humanitarian mission in Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. "The Call of Duty Endowment is dedicated to unlocking the value that veterans can bring to the civilian workforce," said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard. "Unemployment and underemployment have often hit veterans hard, even more so during the ongoing pandemic, and we want to support our amazing partners who work tirelessly transitioning former service members into meaningful employment." "The #CODEMedicalHeroes campaign will reach a wide audience of Call of Duty players through in-game activations and a new content pack, all to raise awareness and honor our veteran medics and hospital corpsmen," said Dan Goldenberg, Executive Director of the Call of Duty Endowment. "Veterans bring incredible value to the workforce, and we want to do our part to help find them high-quality jobs." #CODEMedicalHeroes will also honor mdical servicemembers in-game through the Revival Challenge in Call of Duty: Warzone. From now until May 9, players who revive five people while playing Warzone will unlock a unique Call of Duty Endowment calling card. If one million players complete the challenge, a double-XP Day will be given to all Call of Duty: Warzone players. Additionally, Activision Blizzard will donate $1 to the Endowment for each player that completes the challenge, up to $1 million.



"There is a disconnect for transitioning medical servicemembers. Many highly qualified veterans are being left out of the hiring process because they lack the proper civilian certifications, but I hope we can change that," said Timothy Hobbs Jr. "As a success story and a believer in the Call of Duty Endowment, I applaud the work the Endowment is doing for the medical servicemember community to help them address this growing issue." Pilot Company, one of the largest operators of travel centers in North America and a key supporter of the Endowment, continued to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to veteran employment by donating $100,000 in honor of Military Appreciation Month. Their contribution will fund the placement almost 200 veterans into high-quality jobs.

The Call of Duty Endowment has funded the placement of more than 81,000 veterans into high-quality employment since its inception and aims to place 100,000 veterans into meaningful jobs by 2024. The Endowment's 2020 cost to place a veteran was $515, providing employment at about 1/6 the cost of US Department of Labor efforts. For more information on the Call of Duty Endowment Battle Doc Pack and the Revival Challenge, please visit the Activision Blizzard Blog: https://activisionblizzard.com/newsroom/2021/04/Honoring-Veteran-Medic-and-Hospital-Corpsmen-Military-Appreciation-Month To help get veterans back to work, please visit: www.callofdutyendowment.org/help. About the Call of Duty Endowment The Call of Duty Endowment is a non-profit organization co-founded by Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard. The Endowment seeks to help veterans find high-quality careers by supporting groups that prepare them for the job market and by raising awareness of the value vets bring to the workplace. For more information about the Call of Duty Endowment, please visit www.callofdutyendowment.org.  2021 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, WARZONE and CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005459/en/

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KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI  Mail and packages are being stolen from Kalamazoo County homes.

The Michigan State Police Paw Paw post has received multiple complaints about thefts from mailboxes and front porches in the area, according to a news release from the post.

Investigation shows that most of the thefts are focused in and around Kalamazoo County, are homes are being targeted by thieves stealing both packages and mail, police said.

Though the recent reports are in Kalamazoo County, police said people everywhere should be on high alert.

To help deter thefts, residents should consider installing security cameras and motion-activated lights, police said.

People should also track packages until a delivery is successful. The USPS Informed Delivery is a free service that can help, police said.

A request for a signature with package delivery is also helpful, police said. People can also consider shipping packages to a secure place, such as the workplace, instead of their home.

If people see something suspicious, they should report it to police.

A new Michigan law that took effect in 2019 made mail theft a state crime, with the first offense resulting in a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, up to a $500 fine or both.

Related: Stealing mail is now a state crime in Michigan

The U.S. Postal Service offers several tips on how consumers can further protect themselves from mail theft, including:

Promptly pick up mail or arranging to schedule a pickup

Follow up with the sender if important mail is overdue

Avoid sending cash in the mail

More from MLive:

Kalamazoo officers train to rescue people dangling off buildings: Were like an insurance policy

One man injured in rear-end crash in Cass County

Kalamazoo city park gates, restrooms, and water fountains to open in May
Guangzhou port inaugurates sea-rail transport service to Europe

Xinhua) 10:23, April 30, 2021

GUANGZHOU, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Guangzhou Port in south China's Guangdong Province on Thursday launched a combined sea-rail transportation service to Europe.

A 50-wagon cargo train loaded with high-end electronics left the port for Poland, marking the inauguration of the service.

The cargo worth 150 million yuan (about 23.2 million U.S. dollars) had been shipped to the port from two plants of tech giant LG, one in Guangzhou and the other in Vietnam, according to the port.

The train will arrive in Poland in 15 days, 20 days quicker than the normal sea-transport route.

Huang Bo, general manager of the Guangzhou Port Group, said the service provides a stable international logistics passage.

China-Europe freight-train services have played a significant role in stabilizing international railway logistics amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which greatly disrupted sea and air transport services.

According to the China Railway Guangzhou Group Co., Ltd., Guangdong has operated a record of 107 freight trains between the province and Central Asia or Europe so far this year, delivering more than 5,300 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of goods.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls has reached across the political aisle with an offer to lend a hand to President Joe Biden in reforming the criminal justice system.

Following Bidens address to Congress on Wednesday, the Texas Republican  a freshman lawmaker and former sheriff of Fort Bend County  approached the president and offered to help his administration in its endeavor to overhaul the justice system.

Mr. President, Im a sheriff from Texas, the most diverse county in the entire country, Nehls said. I want to help with the criminal justice reform. I want to be part of it. So I dont know how to reach out to you, but I have the experience.

Ill reach out to you, the president replied.

Related: U.S. Rep. Nehls, former Fort Bend County Sheriff, discusses divided government, viral Capitol riot photo

During his Congressional campaign, Nehls vowed to help reform the criminal justice system.

Im keeping that campaign promise by working on legislation to set up programs that will reduce recidivism among non-violent inmates, Nehls said. We have a real problem with jails being revolving doors, and we have to work together to address it.

Nehls said he already has some ideas to improve the system, and many of them are based on programs he helped institute in Fort Bend County.

I had great success with my HVAC and welding training programs at the Fort Bend County jail, Nehls reported. We were able to reduce the two-year arrest rate of participating inmates by over 30 percent. I want to see programs like that get off the ground across the country, and Im working on legislation to do just that.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston Rep. Dan Crenshaw back at work after emergency eye surgery

He added, The data is there on how to do it. Vocational training and other forms of education are proven to greatly reduce recidivism.

While Nehls was one of 17 Texans in the House that objected to Bidens election results, Nehls said that Congress is united in its efforts for justice reform.

Congress is divided on many things, but one thing I believe theres consensus on is the need to reduce recidivism in our prisons and jails, he said. Congress just needs to act and thats what Im doing.

Nehls said that Biden has already made good on his promise to reach out. The White House staff have already been in touch, Nehls reported. Weve arranged a call to discuss next steps on how we can work together on criminal justice reform.

claire.goodman@chron.com
Jeff Taibes deep love for Southeast Asian cuisine has been unwavering for more than two decades, stemming from his time living and cooking abroad in Singapore and Thailand.

When Taibe and Steph Sweeney originally opened Taproot in Bethel in 2017, they initially focused on farm-to-table, chef-driven new American cuisine. But Taibes mind was still on the flavors he loved best  coconut, lemongrass, chilis, star anise  and he kept discussing the possibility of introducing new dishes with Sweeney, even well before COVID-19 disrupted the entire industry.

It wasnt the pandemic that caused the change; Steph and I had been talking about it for two years or so, he said. It was the not knowing what the end would be...every day theres a new barrier. It was me kind of wanting to finally change it up, and yes, it is takeout-friendly. Its fun and interesting.

A lot of restaurants are doing that new-American style, Sweeney said. It was more just to kind of branch out from the norm and do a little something different.

In February, Taibe and Sweeney closed Taproot temporarily and relaunched with a fresh menu, featuring the flavors of Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

A lot of it was nostalgic for me...things that I fell in love with when I was there, Taibe said of his menu construction. Dishes like lobster mee goreng, with spicy fried noodles, egg and bean sprouts, and lamb murtabak (a stuffed Indian-style flatbread) evoked memories of his time in Singapore. Others, like a fried tofu banh mi sandwich and chicken satay, are more universally recognized.

Taproot offers bites and small plates ($9 to $14) with best-sellers like hot oil pork dumplings and smoked mushroom spring rolls. Vietnamese chicken wings are prepared with fish sauce caramel, and laab nua dib features beef tartare with fish sauce, lime dressing, shallots, aromatic herbs and ground rice. Miang kum is served with crispy pigs ear, lettuce wraps and a coconut-tamarind sauce.

Veggies and sides ($4 to $14) include Indonesian gado-gado with charred cabbage and fried tofu; som tum nong moo (mortar and pestle mixed green papaya salad with dried shrimp, pork rinds, chilis, garlic, long beans and peanuts) and choy sum belacan, Chinese flowering broccoli cooked with housemade chili sambal.

Taproots shiok burger is both a nod to the popularity of fast food in Singapore and a relic of the original Taproot menu, Taibe said, available in single or double patties ($12 to $16) with sesame bun, beef patty, American cheese, special sauce, onion and lettuce.

I just put a fun name on it, he said. Shiok is a term used in Singapore to express excitement or joy over food.

Larger plates ($18 to $34) include goat rendang: goat braised in coconut, chilis, lemongrass, lime leaf and galangal; crab fried rice topped with a fried egg, half or whole chicken slow-braised in soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon, sherry; and whole fried sea bass, glazed with fish sauce caramel and served with green mango slaw. Noodle dishes ($17 to $23) include chicken khoa soi, a curry noodle soup originating from Chiang Mai; shrimp wonton mee, with a Thai-style street broth; and pad mushroom woon sen with glass noodles.

The cocktail list is a collaboration between Taibe and Sweeney  me knowing the flavors a bit more, but her coming up with some really cool combinations, he said. The Gin Slinger is Taproots version of a Singapore Sling, and the menu also offers takes on a mai tai and Thai tea, with spiced rum and oat milk. Others feature flavors like Thai basil, pandan, yuzu and tamarind.

Taibe said the new concept has been well-received, particularly since many diners knew him as the opening chef at Kawa Ni, his brother Bill Taibes Japanese restaurant in Westport. As a chef at Oak & Almond in Westport, he also played with Asian flavors.

Its not a surprise for people that we did this, and I think I got the trust from a lot of people through those dishes, even before we had the final OK, lets go for it, he said. So I think people who knew us were very comfortable with it, and then the people who didnt necessarily know us were very excited to have a new style of Asian food in the area.

Taibe and Sweeney said theyll keep following COVID protocols to make their customers feel safe and comfortable. Even as restrictions lift in May, Taibe doesnt plan to fill all 37 seats in the dining room. With the Bethel Cinema next door closed permanently, theyre able to offer extended space for outdoor dining.

Taproot has partnered with Nit Noi Provisions in South Norwalk, which carries a few of its menu items: smoked mushroom spring rolls, chicken khoa soi, cold woon sen and som tum nong moo, along with a dessert of khanom chan.

Taibe is also joining forces with Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield, launching an on-site food truck at its new biergarten. Hell be there five days a week, he said, offering more American-style cuisine with a variety of changing items.

Well just keep the menu rotating, he said. I think thats a big advantage of me being over at Nod Hill. Im able to kind of do multiple cuisines and Im not stuck to one thing.

Taproot Restaurant is at 269 Greenwood Ave. in Bethel. Its open Tuesday through Thursday, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. 475-329-5395, taprootct.com.
The Newly Institute's world class advisory boards will drive innovation in revolutionizing mental health treatment and delivery.

The Medical Advisory Board is comprised of psychiatrists and physicians who are leaders in ketamine and depression, trauma, anxiety, pain, addiction, toxicology.

The Corporate Advisory Board consists of decorated veterans, first responders, psychotherapists, disability specialists, and First Nations advocates.

Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - Aspen Island Therapeutics Inc. DBA The Newly Institute ("The Newly" or the "Company"), an Alberta-based corporation on track to become Canada's largest and premier operator of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy clinics, is pleased to announce its medical and corporate advisory boards.

The mission of The Newly Institute is to heal the minds of our veterans, first responders, and fellow Canadians suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health indications by utilizing innovative and proprietary psychedelic assisted psychotherapy modalities.

"It is a true privilege to welcome each and every member of the advisory boards to The Newly family. We deeply appreciate their commitment in contributing their expertise, guidance, and shared vision as the Company accelerates the opening of its psychedelic assisted psychotherapy clinics across Canada," said Arthur H. Kwan, Chief Executive Officer of The Newly Institute.

"As highly respected and seasoned medical professionals with extensive depression, trauma, toxicology, addiction, and pain experience, the members of the medical advisory board's insights and expert engagement will be invaluable in achieving our goal to revolutionize mental health treatment through psychedelic assisted psychotherapy," said Dr. Robert L. Tanguay, Chief Medical Officer of The Newly Institute.

The Newly Institute's Medical Advisory Board is comprised of:

Adrian Norbash, MD, CCFP, FRCPC

Dr. / Major Norbash is a Psychiatrist with the Canadian Armed Forces and currently serves as the clinical lead in mental health for the military bases in Western Canada and the Arctic. He was deployed to Afghanistan in early 2006 and is a veteran of over 20 patrols "outside the wire" in the Kandahar area. He currently consults for the Calgary Police Service and Edmonton Police Service, and is an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine and Clinical Lecturer at the University of Alberta.

Annabel Mead, MD, MBBS, FAChAM, DABAM

Dr. Mead is currently the Director of the St. Paul's Hospital Goldcorp Addiction Medicine Fellowship with the BC Centre on Substance Use, a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Department of Family Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC), a Consultant Physician for the Complex Pain and Addiction Service at Vancouver General Hospital, and an Addiction Medicine Physician with the St. Paul's Hospital Addiction Medicine Consult Service. Over the span of her medical career, Dr. Mead has developed clinical expertise in addiction medicine, complex pain management, concurrent psychiatric disorders, and women's health, with a consistent focus on integrating teaching activities that foster excellence in clinical practice, leadership, research, and advocacy within the next generation of healthcare professionals. Dr. Mead has maintained certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine since 2015.

Atul Khullar, MD, MSc, FRCPC, DABPN

Dr. Khullar is a psychiatrist who specializes in the combined management of sleep, mood and anxiety disorders, as well as sleep apnea in non-traditional populations. Dr. Khullar graduated from medical school at the University of Alberta and completed a sleep and mood disorders fellowship at the University of Toronto, as well as additional sleep medicine training at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Khullar also has provided sleep, anxiety and mood management strategies to organizations such as the Canadian Winter Olympic Team and the Edmonton Oilers.

Eric McGillis, MD, FRCPC

Dr. McGillis is an emergency physician at Alberta Health Services in the Calgary Zone. Dr. McGillis is a Clinical Lecturer in the department of emergency medicine at the Cumming School of Medicine. Dr. McGillis completed his Medical Toxicology Fellowship at Health Partners Institute in St. Paul Minnesota and at the Minnesota Poison Information System, Minneapolis MN.

Jennifer N. Swainson, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Swainson has a focus on treatment-resistant depression and has expertise in the use of ketamine in this area, has been a leading force in developing one of the original IV ketamine programs in Canada, and was a key contributor in the development of a provincial protocol for the use of IV ketamine for depression within Alberta Health Services. Dr. Swainson has also provided consultation to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta regarding the need for safe and accessible use of ketamine in psychiatry. Dr. Swainson is one of the lead authors of the recently published Canadian Network of Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Ketamine Task force update, a national document to guide the profession on use of ketamine for depression.

Kaitlin Chivers-Wilson, MD, MSc, FRCPC

Dr. Chivers-Wilson is the Clinical Medical Director and a consulting psychiatrist at the Carewest Operational Stress Injury in Calgary, serving veterans and RCMP officers, with a focus on biological and trauma-informed psychotherapy treatments for PTSD. Dr. Chivers-Wilson has a long-standing interest in traumatic stress disorders, completing a masters degree in psychiatry at the University of Alberta and focusing on the neuroendocrine impacts of traumatic stress in women. Dr. Chivers-Wilson approaches her clinical practice from a trauma-informed perspective and has additional training in a variety of psychotherapy modalities including Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy.

Marie-Claire Bourque, MD, MSc, FRCPC

Dr. MC is an award-winning psychiatrist, speaker and educator. A Master's level kinesiologist and former elite athlete, Dr. MC regularly combines her knowledge of exercise physiology with emotional and mental health and practices therapeutic modalities that involve the Mind-Body diathesis. Dr. MC is currently implementing Mental Health and Peak Performance programming with the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) and Toronto Marlies (AHL).

Wiplove Lamba, MD, FRCPC, ISAM, DABAM

Dr. Lamba completed his residency in Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and a fellowship in Addiction at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Dr. Lamba is currently an addiction team doctor at St. Michael's Hospital. Dr. Lamba was the Chair of Ontario Psychiatric Association Section on Addiction Psychiatry.

The Newly Institute's Corporate Advisory Board consists of:

Arron Victory

Arron was born and raised on Cape Breton Island just outside of Sydney, NS. He left in 2002 after joining the Canadian Armed Forces where he served for over 13 years in an infantry unit spending a large portion of that time in Recce/Sniper platoons including a 6-month combat mission to Afghanistan with Task Force 1-07, as well as a deployment to Haiti in support of OP Halo in 2004. Arron still maintains strong ties to the Canadian veteran community and was a member of Team Canada at the 2017 Invictus Games where he competed with over 500 other injured military athletes from all over the world.

Carl MacAulay, BA



Carl retired from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) after 25 years of service. He obtained extensive training in criminal investigations, suspect interrogations, public relations, drug techniques, weapons, and serious crime case management. Carl spent 10 years in Burnaby, BC at one of Canada's largest and busiest RCMP Detachments where he investigated and supervised a wide range of criminal investigations ranging from frauds to homicides.



Colleen E. Clark, MSW, RSW

Canada's Certified Trainer for Accelerated Resolution Therapy. A new transformative 9 step therapy for PTSD; trauma; anxiety; depression; and more. Colleen has been in clinical private practice since 1994 and a social worker since 1985. Colleen is: a Diplomat American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, Board Certified in Bereavement Trauma, Board Certified in Sexual Abuse, and a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Social Work.

Joan Hollihan, BComm

Joan built her 36 year career with Aon and Mercer where she consulted to clients regarding their employee benefit programs in terms of the design, underwriting and management of the programs by bringing innovation and cost management strategies forward to meet their needs. She also held a number of leadership positions with both organizations. Joan worked closely with group insurance companies and benefit providers to build strong partnerships to ensure the most favourable terms and services were secured on behalf of clients, especially in the areas of disability claims and financial management, as claims and the related costs continue to increase significantly each year in the industry.

Sat Parhar, M.O.M.

Deputy Chief (retired) Parhar joined the Calgary Police Service in 1991 and retired after 29 years of service. Deputy Parhar also holds several certifications including the Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command Certification from the United Kingdom, the Senior Police Administration Certificate from the Canadian Police College and was a member and co-ordinator of the Hostage Barricade Negotiation Team (HBNT); he also completed the Major City Chief's Executive Development Certificate. Deputy Parhar is a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, Calgary Police Service Distinguished Service Medal, Alberta Police Long Service Recognition Medal, Police Exemplary Service Medal the Life Saving Award and Member of the Order of Merit Police Forces, Calgary Police Service.

Trevor Berard, CCAC, RCAS, ACD

Over the past 25 years, Trevor's focus has been doing humanitarian work in helping individuals, families, and communities deal with mental health and addictions issues. He is an Indigenous Addictions Specialist and has mostly worked with First Nations' communities. Trevor received a National Award in 2016 for exemplary clinical practice and commitment to community service over many years from the Canadian Addiction Counselors Certification Federation.

About The Newly Institute

The Newly Institute believes that mental health treatment is in drastic need of a paradigm shift and our practice was founded to provide long-lasting change within this industry, our community, and with our clients. By fusing a bio-psycho-social-spiritual treatment model with psychedelic-assisted therapies, patients can overcome deeply embedded traumas that prevent them from living fully in their everyday lives. Our programs are based on evidence and data but our approach is personal because we know it is vital that people feel safe to be vulnerable during this process.

With locations opening in Calgary, AB and Fredericton, NB, as well as several more Canadian cities, The Newly Institute's goal is to become Canada's largest and premier operator of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy clinics.

For additional information on the Company:

Arthur H. Kwan

President & CEO

Fax: 1-800-334-1087

Email: ir@thenewly.ca

Website: www.thenewly.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated openings of The Newly's psychotherapy clinics in Canada, and Newly becoming Canada's largest and premier operator of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy clinics, are "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, timing to complete renovations, hire staff and open psychotherapy clinics in Canada; the Company's limited operating history and lack of historical profits; reliance on management; the Company's requirements for additional financing, and the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability, including closing of future financings. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.

SOURCE: The Newly Institute

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82323
Government sometimes needs help. It cant do everything and it most certainly cant do everything well. What we learned of late is that some Americans have stepped up and use their resources and expertise to help the government function more effectively.

An example of this is Michael Bloombergs efforts to fund Special Assistant Attorneys Generals in actual Attorneys Generals offices in half a dozen large cities across the country. These SAAGs focus specifically on climate change and act as liaisons between AG leadership, NGOs, and other interested parties. The goal is to step up and move the issue of climate change forward in the face of Congresss refusing to act.

Another more recent effort to address government dysfunction had to do with voting. After the chaos of 2000, the Russian influence scandal of 2016, and complaints about lines and closed precincts after almost every election, it was clear that Americas voting system could use some assistance.

As might be appropriate for the high-tech world in which we live, it was a master of the Silicon Valley universe who stepped into the breach to provide assistance to the very low tech world of voting: Mark Zuckerberg. He and his wife contributed over $350 million to the nonprofit Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) to pay election workers, drop boxes, foreign language information, train poll workers, rent polling locations, and count votes during the 2020 elections.

The result was a far more robust election functionality in the locales where Zuckerberg focused his money. It was what you would call a home run. Take Maricopa County Arizona, for example. The county, with its 2,000,000 votes  including Phoenix  represents over 60% of Arizonas electorate. CTCL spent approximately $3 million in the county. The result? Much higher turnout. Donald Trump received 995,665 votes, 250,000 more than he did in 2016 for a 33% increase. Joe Biden garnered 1,040,774 votes, a whopping 340,000 or 48% more than Hillary Clinton did four years before. Zuckerberg and CTCL certainly had an impact.

To see how much, look at the rest of Arizona where CTCL spent 30% less. Trumps 2020 total grew by 32% (compared to 2016) while Biden improved on Clintons total by 38%, a difference of 6%. And again, in Maricopa County, Zuckerbergs $3 bought a 15% differential between the candidates. CTCL essentially boosted Maricopa Countys turnout by 9% compared to the rest of the state.

If a difference of 9% between Maricopa and the rest of the state doesnt sound like much, remember that billion-dollar casino empires have been built on games where the house has much less of an advantage and trillion-dollar empires have been built with less than half that.

That CTCL model also played out in a handful of states that gave the election to Biden: Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Georgia. In each state, CTCL spent millions of dollars in heavily Democrat counties and drove almost unprecedented increases in voter turnout, along with troubling vote irregularities.

Today, half the country might suggest that Zuckerbergs spending was Constitutional. In fact, it wasnt.

In the 1960s, the United States was having an upheaval of monumental proportions, with most of the nation challenging genuine racism and Jim Crow laws  that is, people really were being treated differently with the governments imprimatur. The Civil Rights and the Voting Rights Acts were passed specifically to ensure the Constitutional requirement that people were treated equally. MLKs I Have a Dream speech epitomized the goal of the journey that the United States embarked on over the next few decades.

Fundamentally, Americans understood that people should be treated equally, particularly by government. Government has a power over you that no store or restaurant or hotel does. Government can raise your taxes, affect your ability to open a business, dictate where your kids go to school, and most importantly, put you in prison.

As such, Americans expect government to treat everyone equally and, according to a report released by the Amistad Project, Zuckerbergs CTCL not only didnt do that, the expenditures directly violated federal law:

This privatization of elections undermines the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which requires state election plans to be submitted to federal officials and approved and requires respect for equal protection by making all resources available equally to all voters. The provision of Zuckerberg-CTCL funds allowed these Democrat strongholds to spend roughly $47 per voter, compared to $4 to $7 per voter in traditionally Republican areas of the state.

While there are most certainly areas of government where private / public partnerships can play a role -- things such as feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and substance abuse aid -- none of those things involves the governments police power or methods for determining representation in the government itself. Bloombergs efforts involve the former and Zuckerbergs impact the latter.

Government is supposed to be objective when executing the laws. By illegally allowing private entities to take over the states core functions, the government is essentially putting its thumb on the scales that keep the Republic balanced. Just as it would be unconstitutional for Exxon to fund the EPAs enforcement actions, the NRA to fund ATF agents, or the Proud Boys to do enforcement work for the Border Patrol, its equally unconstitutional for billionaires or anyone else unaccountable to the people to be bankrolling election processes and activities.

No doubt, if Donald Trump had won with similar assistance from a nonprofit funded by Larry Ellison, John Schnatter, or the late Sheldon Adelson, the nation would be subject to wall-to-wall cries that the election was fraudulent and that Donald Trump was a fascist dictator. And indeed, that would have been true.

Had GOP-aligned nonprofits provided training and helped count votes in predominantly red counties and precincts, Antifa, BLM, and Democrats would have protested and likely burned Washington to the ground. Instead, as it was, in the face of the clear theft of the most important election of our time, a few hundred Trump supporters broke into the Capital and took selfies with the Capitol Police, put their feet up on Nancy Pelosis desk, and caused minor mayhem.

And so today, as we celebrate the first 100 days of the fraudulent Biden administration, it might be useful to sit back and recognize exactly what Mark Zuckerbergs purchase of the 2020 election foretells. Unless this unconstitutional election is somehow set aside, or laws are put in place to make sure the theft is never repeated, we will have crossed the Rubicon into a post-Augustan Rome, one in which the Imperial Throne is up for grabs to the person who comes up with the most gold for the vote takers and counters. Given that Kamala Harris is the next in line, it wouldnt surprise me if we didnt have our own Year of the Four Emperors.

IMAGE: Mark Zuckerberg by DonkeyHotey. CC BY 2.0.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
(Newser)  Rudy Giuliani's successful push to have the American ambassador to Ukraine removed may have come back to haunt himagain. Sources tell the New York Times that the effort to oust Marie Yovanovitch, which was raised during Donald Trump's first impeachment trial, is a main focus of the investigation that led to raids on Giuliani's home and office Wednesday. Yovanovitch was abruptly fired in May 2019. The sources say federal investigators suspect that Giuliani pushed for Yovanovitch's removal not just on behalf of Trump, but on behalf of Ukrainian officials and oligarchs who also wanted her out. Insiders say one of the warrants for Giuliani's electronic devices cited the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires people lobbying the government on behalf of foreign officials to register with the Justice Department.

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In a statement denouncing the raids, Giuliani attorney Robert Costello said the warrants included "one indication of an alleged incident of failure to register as a foreign agent." Biden told NBC Thursday that he has not been briefed on the Giuliani investigation and did not have advance knowledge of the raids. He said the Justice Department was politicized under Trump, but he has pledged not to interfere in any federal investigations. "The Justice Department is the people's lawyer, not the president's lawyer," Biden said. (Note: This summary originally included reporting by the Washington Post that the FBI briefed Giuliani in late 2019 that he was being targeted by Russian intelligence agents working to spread disinformation on Joe Biden ahead of the election. However, the Post later corrected its story to remove the assertion Giuliani received such a briefing.)
People living with a child who attends school in-person have an increased risk of reporting evidence of COVID-19, but teacher masking, symptom screening, and other mitigation measures in schools may be able to minimize that excess risk, suggests a study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

For their study, the researchers analyzed nearly 600,000 responses from an ongoing Facebook-based COVID-19 symptom survey in the United States over two periods between November 2020 and February 2021 before vaccines were widely available in the U.S. The researchers found that those living with a child engaged in full-time, in-person pre-K-to-12 schooling were about 38 percent more likely to report COVID-19-like symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, compared to those living with a child schooled exclusively in a home setting.

A key finding was that school-based mitigation measures--the survey asked about 14 mitigation measures--were associated with less risk per mitigation measure. For example, 9 percent less risk of COVID-related illness per measure, and 7 percent less risk of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test per measure. Each additional mitigation measure reduced risk. Teacher masking and daily symptom screening appeared to be the strongest risk reducers.

The study was published online April 29 in Science.

The analysis included three outcomes as reported by survey respondents: COVID-19-like illness, i.e., fever and respiratory symptoms within the last 24 hours; loss of taste or small within the last 24 hours; and a positive COVID-19 test in the last 14 days.

The survey responses indicated that most pre-K-to-12 schools had some mitigation measures in place, such as mask mandates for teachers, daily screening of students and teachers for symptoms, and curtailment of extracurricular activities. The researchers found that when schools used seven or more mitigation measures, the excess risk associated with in-person schooling mostly disappeared--and completely disappeared when 10 or more mitigation measures were reported.

These findings support the idea that mitigation measures at schools can greatly reduce the excess COVID-19 risk to adults living with children who attend school in-person." Justin Lessler, Study First Author and Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University

The issue of in-person schooling has been much debated in the United States from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to different school policies across the country. This policy diversity effectively set in motion a "natural experiment" with schooling and COVID-19 risk in the U.S. population. A chief concern has been that children going to school every day, even if they are not very susceptible to COVID-19 themselves, may bring home the virus to parents and other adult family members who are at higher risk of disease.

To examine these issues, Lessler and colleagues used the COVID-19 Symptom Survey, an ongoing Facebook-based survey managed by Carnegie Mellon University's Delphi Group in collaboration with Facebook that garners about 250,000 responses per week. The researchers looked at responses during two recent periods--roughly from Thanksgiving to Christmas last year and mid-January to mid-February this year--from respondents in households where at least one child was enrolled in a school, from pre-kindergarten through high school. Of the 576,051 people in this group, about 49 percent, or 284,789, reported being in a household with a child attending pre-K-to-12 school in-person rather than online or homeschooled.

In their analysis, Lessler and colleagues examined how the in-person school group differed from the online or homeschooled group in terms of reported COVID-19-related symptoms and outcomes. They adjusted the results to account for obvious confounding factors such as differences in local COVID-19 rates.

In addition to the 38 percent increase in the odds of getting a COVID-19-related illness among respondents in households with an in-person-schooled child, the researchers found a 21 percent increase in the odds for the loss of taste or smell--one of the core symptoms of COVID-19--and a 30 percent increase in the odds for testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the previous two weeks.

The strength of these associations appeared to increase with grade level. At the K and pre-K level, the association with COVID-19 outcomes was not significant for all outcomes, but the strength of those associations rose steadily, peaking at the grade 9-12 level--where the excess risk of a recent positive SARS-CoV-2 test for household members was over 50 percent.

These findings are consistent with past studies suggesting less susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 illness among younger children compared to older ones.

The survey data included responses about COVID-19 mitigation measures in schools attended by children in the respondent's household. These mitigation measures included mask mandates for teachers and students, extra space between desks, suspension of school clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities, and daily symptom screening among teachers and students. Respondents with a child in their household attending school in person reported a mean of 6.7 mitigation measures at school--with significant variations in that figure across the country, from a mean of 4.6 measures in South Dakota schools to 8.9 in Vermont schools.

The analysis also suggested that most of the increased COVID-19-related risk was concentrated in schools with fewer than seven mitigation measures, and that in-person schooling was not associated with increased risk for any COVID-19-related outcomes among respondents living with children in schools with ten or more measures.

"Because the study is based on a self-reported symptom survey and a setting where we can't randomize students to different schooling modes and mitigation measures, it has limitations," Lessler says. "But having hundreds of thousands of respondents and the ability to control for geographic and individual-level characteristics helps make up for those limitations."

He and his colleagues plan to follow up with studies of how in-person schooling and school-based mitigation measures affect community-wide spread of COVID-19.

"Household COVID-19 risk and in-person schooling" was co-authored by Justin Lessler, M. Kate Grabowski, Kyra Grantz, Elena Badillo-Goicoechea, C. Jessica Metcalf, Carly Lupton-Smith, Andrew Azman, and Elizabeth Stuart.
Education experts say planned changes to the Australian curriculum mandating that students learn about consent and the role of power in relationships for the first time are a positive development but could more explicitly link those themes to sexual relationships and gender-based violence.

Guidance on teaching about respectful relationships, sexuality and consent has been strengthened in the proposed kindergarten to year 10 national health and physical education syllabus, released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority on Thursday.

Chanel Contos has been campaigning for better sex and consent education in school curriculums., Credit:Liliana Zaharia

Specific teachings around consent first come in years 7 and 8, where students will now be asked to examine how respect, consent, empathy and valuing diversity can influence the nature of relationships. In year 9 and 10, this is expanded to include the role of power and strategies for challenging disrespectful attitudes.

In a revised non-mandatory section, there are further examples of how teachers can deliver this content. For kindergarten to year 2 students, this includes suggestions on asking permission, negotiation, assertiveness skills and interpreting verbal cues and body language. In years 3 to 6, this might involve consent in the context of sharing information or images on social media and understanding the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.
The Keystone Trails Association (KTA) and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awards the State Forest Trails Award to anyone who hikes all 798 miles of 17 trails in Pennsylvanias state forest.

The KTA launched an annual Hiking Awards Program in 1961 to recognize hikers whose enjoyment of Pennsylvanias trails might serve as an example and inspiration to their peers.

Over the years, hundreds of individuals have demonstrated their dedication to hiking and, in no small part, to preservation of trails by applying for and receiving the various KTA awards.

In addition to the State Forest Trails Award, the KTA offers:

the Appalachian Trail Award for those who hike the entire trail in Pennsylvania,

the Merit Award for who hike the trail in Pennsylvania and 200 or more miles on any of a select group of Pennsylvania,

the Merit II Award for those who meet the requirements for the Merit Award plus 200 or more additional miles from the trail list,

the Pennsylvania Award for those hiking 500 miles on trails found in Pennsylvania Hiking Trails (KTAs statewide hiking guide),

the Western Pennsylvania Award for those hiking 200 miles or more on any trails on the KTAs western trails list

and the Young Hiker Award for anyone 12 years and younger who hikes 25 miles on any trail in Pennsylvania.

Heres a rundown on the 17 trails of the State Forest Trails Award, based on information from DCNR.

The 141-mile Baker Trail is a moderate-to-strenuous, point-to-point trail on forest paths, old jeep trails, farmlands, rivers and creeks running from Freeport into Allegheny National Forest. It has 9 campsites with open-front Adirondack-type shelters on side trails and numerous primitive campsites along the mail trail. The nearest town is Freeport. The original trail section was established in 1950 and named for Pittsburgh attorney Horace Forbes Baker. It is maintained in part by the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy.

The Black Forest Trail is a 42.1-mile, moderate-to-strenuous, loop trail near Slate Run in the northwest corner of Lycoming County. The trail features many steep climbs and vistas overlooking Slate Run, Morris Run, Big Dam Hollow, Naval Run and Pine Creek.

Bucktail Path is a 34-mile, moderate, point-to-point trail through the heart of Elk State Forest, including the Johnson Run Natural Area, which is a 200-acre area of old-growth hemlock and hardwoods. It runs from Sizerville State Park to Sinnemahoning. The trail is maintained in part by the Keystone Trails Association.

Chuck Keiper Trail is a 53-mile, strenuous, 2-loop trail in Sproul State Forest. The east loop is suitable for a 2-day backpack, while the west loop can be done in 3 days. The trail traverses Burns Run Wild Area, Fish Dam Wild Area, East Branch Swamp Natural Area, Cranberry Swamp Natural Area and the Two Rock Run Wildfire area. There are many no-bridge stream crossings. The trail is named for Charles Keiper who was the Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife conservation officer for Western Clinton County from 1951 until his death in 1973. Its maintained in part by the Keystone Trails Association. The nearest town is Renovo.

The 90-mile Donut Hole Trail heads north from Bucktail State Park through Kettle Creek State Park toward Tamarack, then turns south in the Sproul State Forest towards Hyner, passing through Hyner Run State Park before continuing south to Farrandsville. It is a moderate-to-strenuous, point-to-point trail. Its maintained in part by the Keystone Trails Association.

The Golden Eagle Trail is an 8.9-mile, strenuous, loop trail constructed in the Pine Creek region of Lycoming County by DCNRs Bureau of Forestry and the Waterdale Youth Group. The trail features vistas overlooking Pine Creek Gorge, interesting rock formations and remnants of old logging camps. As locations for overnight camping along the trail are extremely limited, it is not permitted. The nearest town is Cammal.

The John P. Saylor Trail is an 18-mile, easy, relatively flat, loop trail in Gallitzin State Forest. In spring, the trail is very wet with many springs and streams leading to marshy areas. The trail features well-preserved evidence of former railroad grades over swamp areas, a former logging camp and a narrow suspension bridge over Clear Shade Creek into Clear Shade Wild Area. The nearest town is New Ashtola.

The 26-mile, easy-to-moderate, point-to-point Lost Turkey Trail was built in 1976 by the Youth Conservation Corps cutting through Gallitzin State Forest, state game lands and Blue Knob State Park. It includes a cable bridge across Bobs Creek along a cable bridge and a monument to 2 children who got lost in the mountains and perished in 1856. The nearest town is Windber.

The Loyalsock Trail is a wilderness footpath that runs from Route 87 near Montoursville to Route 220 at Ringdale, a distance of 59.3 miles. Known from its many fine vistas, the trail parallels Loyalsock Creek, mostly following ridges, but also passing mountain streams, waterfalls, lakes and ponds. It is a strenuous, point-to-point trail maintained in part by the Alpine Club of Williamsport. The current northern terminus is at the West Rim Trail on Bohen Run north of Blackwell and the southern end is a junction with Green Ridge Hiking Trail in Maryland at the Mason-Dixon line. It includes a covered bridge built in 1879, Huntingdon and Broad Top Railroad grade, 2 scout camps, 2 fire towers, 3 state forest wild areas, 8 state forest picnic areas, 8 state parks, 8 state forest natural areas, Penn States Stone Valley Recreation Area, the Woolrich Factory Outlet Store, the Frankstown to Burnt Cabins Indian Path and the Great Island Indian Path. It is maintained in part by the Mid-State Trail Association.

The Old Loggers Path is a 27-mile, easy-to-moderate, loop trail in the heart of the Loyalsock State Forest. It is located entirely on state forest lands that formerly were owned by the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company. It is maintained in part by the Keystone Trails Association. The nearest town is Masten.

The 26-mile, strenuous, loop Pinchot Trail in Pinchot State Forest features a scenic overlook of expansive forests, a path sheltered by hemlocks next to a gurgling creek and bog areas that contain some plants not common to Pennsylvania. The nearest town is Thornhurst.

The Quehanna Trail is a 75-mile, strenuous, loop trail through some of the wildest country in Pennsylvania. From Parker Dam State Park, the trail goes east into the famous Quehanna Wild Area then north toward Sinnemahoning and finally west past the Marion Brooks Natural Area back to Parker Dam. The trail is maintained in part by the Quehanna Area Trails Club. The trails Mosquito Creek Bridge on is temporarily closed due to flood damage.

The 4-mile Rocky Knob trail is an easy-to-moderate, loop trail, partly built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1937 and completed by the Youth Conservation Corps in 1976. The nearest town is Caledonia.

Susquehannock Trail is an 85-mile, easy-to-strenuous, long-distance, loop trail incorporating existing foot trails, old and new logging roads and abandoned logging railroad grades through forests of black cherry, hemlock, planted pine and Norway spruce. DCNR recommends that hikers allot at least a week to do the entire trail, which does not have any overnight shelters. The trail is maintained in part by the Susquehannock Trail Club. The nearest town is Coudersport.

The Thunder Swamp Trail system is a moderate, 45-mile network of interconnecting hiking trails built by the Youth Conservation Corps during the 1970s across ridges, through valleys and around wetlands. DCNR warns that the trail surface is often wet, uneven and rocky and recommends a hiking boot that affords ankle protection and reduces water penetration. The trail is maintained by the Keystone Trails Association and the Pocono Outdoor Club.

The 250-mile (110 in Pennsylvania) Tuscarora Trail was created as a new route for the Appalachian Trail (AT) and still joins the AT at many points. Its a moderate, point-to-point, ridgetop trail. The nearest town is Bedford. It is maintained in part by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club - North Chapter.

The West Rim Trail is a 30-mile, moderate, point-to-point trail adjacent to the western rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. It offers spectacular views of the canyon, and in some spots follows the very rim of the canyon. The nearest town is Ansonia.

DCNR maintains a State Forest Hiking Trails webpage with links to maps for all these trails.

For more information on the State Forest Trails Award and other Pennsylvania hiking awards, visit the Keystone Trails Association website.

For more outdoor coverage, subscribe to Marcus Schnecks free, weekly Outdoor Pennsylvania newsletter right here:

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You also can contact Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.
The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case over the desecration of a monument to the Soviet soldier-liberators in the Czech city of Brno, the committee's spokeswoman, Svetlana Petrenko, said on Thursday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 29th April, 2021) The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case over the desecration of a monument to the Soviet soldier-liberators in the Czech city of Brno, the committee's spokeswoman, Svetlana Petrenko, said on Thursday.

On April 21, unidentified individuals painted inscriptions on the pedestal of the monument to Soviet warriors in Brno's Moravian square park.

"The Main Investigations Directorate of the Russian Investigative Committee has filed a criminal case over ... public desecration of symbols of Russia's military glory," Petrenko told reporters.

The official noted that the Investigative Committee was taking all necessary measures, including within the framework of existing international norms, to identify the perpetrators.
In a recently published article on BGR, the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department's data network was hacked by a ransomware community known as Babuk and threatened to release sensitive and confidential data.

The Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department said that it acknowledged reports about the data breach. It also added that it was aware of the unauthorized access to its software and have already asked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to help investigate the hacking incident.

The law enforcement department raised a concern about the recent hacking because the group said it would release the informants' details, which will compromise their security and their families.

Read Also: Joe Biden First Address: Critical Issues That Are Not Discussed

Russian Hacking Group Threatens To Release Sensitive Data

According to a published report on BBC News, Babuk threatened to leak the classified data it obtained on police informants if it is not contacted within three days. Reports quoting the Washington DC police department said that the FBI is probing the scope of the breach.

Ransomware is software that is used to encrypt computer networks and steal data. Babuk, a Russian-speaking ransomware group that appeared earlier this year, claimed to have downloaded "enough material" from the police department's internal networks. Screenshots allegedly released by the organization on the dark web and circulated on social media seemed to indicate that it had obtained access to statistics on organized gang violence and police intelligence files.

James Smith, the CEO of the UK-based cyber-security firm Bridewell Consulting, said that even though a ransom was paid, a danger will still exist for businesses and organizations.

Hackers Published Extensive Dossiers in Extortion Attempts

Cybercriminals attempting to extort the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, have released lengthy private dossiers on five current and former officers, reported NBC News.

The files that are about 100 pages long each have been labeled "Background Investigation Documents" and "confidential," along with the department's seal. It provides a wealth of personal documents, as well as criminal histories, housing and financial records, polygraph reports, and detailed information about their qualifications and job experience.

The hackers are one of many established ransomware gangs who hack an entity, then lock or attempt to release the data if a ransom fee is not charged. Many hackers post proof of their exploits on dedicated dark web websites to put pressure on their victims to pay, the same as what Babuk is doing with the police department.

The leak comes as ransomware attacks are beginning to wreak havoc on public and private institutions around the United States, including colleges, hospitals, businesses, and local government websites, resulting in an estimated loss of $3.6 billion in the country in 2020.

The administration of President Joe Biden intends to implement a ransomware policy that relies on foreign law enforcement collaboration, although this is yet to be revealed.

Related Article: Elon Musk, Mark Cuban Tweets Spark Dogecoin Surge, Will Crypto Become a Bubble?

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LORAIN, Ohio  A Lorain resident died Thursday night after he was found inside his vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds following a car crash, police say.

Edwin Guzman, 36, was taken to Mercy Hospital by an ambulance but he died of his wounds, according to police.

Officers were called at about 7:45 p.m. after receiving reports that a car had struck several other vehicles before coming to a stop in the yard of a residence at the intersection of East 29th Street and Gary Avenue.

Police did not release further details on the shooting, saying it remains under investigation. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information can call Det. Chris Colon at 440-204-2105.

More crime-related content on cleveland.com:

Appeals court overturns ex-East Cleveland police officers assault conviction

FedEx driver found guilty of running over, killing elderly Berea woman, court records say
Campaigners have vowed to fight on after MPs failed to protect leaseholders from the crippling costs of the cladding scandal.

They hit out at the 'indefensible' Fire Safety Bill, which leaves leaseholders liable to bills of up to 150,000 each for repairs.

It follows a parliamentary battle over who should pay to fix fire-trap flats following the Grenfell disaster. Boris Johnson faced a major backlash over the bill.

But after several defeats in the Lords and two Tory rebellions in the Commons, it became law yesterday.

They hit out at the 'indefensible' Fire Safety Bill, which leaves leaseholders liable to bills of up to 150,000 each for repairs

The bill means leaseholders are still legally liable for the cost of fixing unsafe cladding and other fire safety defects.

Campaign group End Our Cladding Scandal said: 'Yet again government has voted to punish leaseholders  also known as 'taxpayers' and 'voters'  for regulatory failings and dodgy developers who they allowed to prioritise profits over safety.

'We have the right to be angry. But the fight isn't over yet.'

More than a million private flats are thought to be affected by safety defects identified after the 2017 Grenfell blaze in west London, which claimed 72 lives.

It follows a parliamentary battle over who should pay to fix fire-trap flats following the Grenfell disaster. Boris Johnson faced a major backlash over the bill

Taxpayer funding was more than trebled in February to 5.1billion. But the cash is only for those living in buildings above 60ft with unsafe cladding.

Ministers announced a loan scheme for smaller buildings, but hundreds of thousands of leaseholders may have to borrow up to 600 a year for repairs.

Survivors' group Grenfell United said: 'The Government's position on this is indefensible.'

A Government spokesman said ministers were prioritising the tallest blocks with the most dangerous cladding, but for lower-rise buildings the loan scheme would cap bills at 50 a month.
CHICAGO --- Itch torments its sufferers and can be as debilitating as chronic pain.

But it's a hard symptom to measure -- particularly for the 10 million U.S. children with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. They can't always verbalize or quantify their suffering via a survey or scale.

It can also be difficult to objectively measure itch for adults with liver disease, kidney disease and certain cancers who experience its symptoms.

So, it's hard to track how well treatments and drugs are working.

But now there is a soft, wearable sensor that actually quantifies itch by measuring scratching when placed on the hand developed by Northwestern University scientists. While it was tested in patients with atopic dermatitis, it can be used in any condition that causes itch. The novel sensor can support clinical trials for new treatments, track treatment response and monitor for disease worsening -- all in the home setting.

This is the first sensor able to capture all forms of scratching -- finger, wrist and elbow motion related. It also is the first validated in a pediatric population where conditions like atopic dermatitis are the most common.

"Itch torments so many patients across so many conditions. It can be as debilitating as chronic pain," said lead author Dr. Shuai "Steve" Xu, assistant professor of dermatology and of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "If we're able to quantify scratching accurately, then we have the ability to objectively quantify itching. This is really important in patients -- like children -- who can't always verbalize or quantify their suffering."

The paper will be published April 30 in Science Advances.

Xu also is an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science and medical director of the Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, both at Northwestern.

About 10 million U.S. children have atopic dermatitis. The hallmark symptom is itch leading to sleep disturbance, poor neurocognitive development and, on average, a full night of sleep lost per week.

"Atopic dermatitis is so much more than just itchy skin," Xu said. "It is a devastating disease that causes tremendous suffering worldwide. The quality of life of severe atopic dermatitis (not only for the child but also the parent) is equivalent to many life-threatening diseases.

"Patients with atopic dermatitis are 44% more likely to report suicidal thoughts as a result of the itch compared to controls. Thus, the ability to quantify their symptoms is really important to help new drugs get approved, but also support their day to day lives. In some ways -- it's like measuring glucose for diabetes...measuring itching in an atopic dermatitis patient may be just as important."

"This is an exciting time for children and adults with atopic dermatitis -- or eczema -- because of the flurry of activity in developing new therapeutics," said Dr. Amy Paller, chair of dermatology at Northwestern. "Nothing is more important to measure a medication's effectiveness for eczema than itch, the symptom that both defines eczema and has the greatest impact on quality of life. This sensor could play a critical role in this regard, especially for children."

In addition, clinicians and parents have the ability to track how well itch is being controlled in patients at home to monitor for treatment response, as well as early signs of worsening disease, Xu said.

This sensor marries advances in soft, flexible electronics that wrap seamlessly around the hand with machine learning algorithms that specifically identifies scratching without being tricked by similar motion-related movements (e.g. hand waving). The sensor measures both low-frequency motion and high-frequency vibrations from the hand to significantly improve accuracy compared to wrist-watch tools.

The sensor was accepted into the Food and Drug Administration's Drug Discovery Tool program. This program allows novel devices like this sensor to be qualified to aid in the approval of new drugs.

The study was conducted in two parts. The first part involved training the sensor to pick up scratching in healthy adults doing voluntary scratching behaviors. The second part tested the sensors on pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis. Parents set up an infrared camera to serve as the "gold standard". The algorithm and sensor were then used to count scratches in this pediatric patient population. More than 300 hours of sleep data was manually reviewed and scored for scratching and linked to the sensors.

###

Other Northwestern authors are Keum San Chun, Youn J. Kang, Jong Yoon Lee, Morgan Nguyen, Brad Lee, Rachel Lee, Han Heul Jo , Emily Allen , Hope Chen , Jungwoo Kim , Lian Yu , Xiaoyue Ni , KunHyuck Lee , Hyoyoung Jeong, JooHee Lee, Yoonseok Park, Ha Uk Chung, Alvin W. Li, Peter A. Lio, Albert Yang, Anna B. Fishbein and John A. Rogers.

The research was supported by FDA grant U01FD007001), Pfizer ASPIRE award and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. The work was also supported by the Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics at Northwestern University.
As reported by Moneylife , a growing number of corporates are helping the government and citizens fight COVID-19 and provide facilities and supply materials during the second wave of the pandemic. While some are setting up healthcare facilities, others are busy in the procurement of essential materials like oxygen and medicines.

ITC Ltd, a diversified conglomerate with businesses spanning fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), hotels, paperboards and packaging, agriculture business and information technology (IT), is setting up a 200-bed medical facility in Kolkata with support from Medica Superspecialty Hospitals for COVID-19 treatment. The Kishore Bharati Stadium, provided by the West Bengal government, was converted into a makeshift hospital in record 72 hours, the company says.

ITC is humbled by the opportunity to support the setup of a 200-bed medical facility in Kolkata by Medica Superspecialty Hospitals for COVID-19 treatment. The Kishore Bharati Stadium, provided by the West Bengal Govt, was converted into a makeshift hospital in record 72 hours! pic.twitter.com/tM7sXXuB6L  ITC Limited (@ITCCorpCom) April 30, 2021

In addition, ITC is also airlifting a large number of oxygen concentrators. "To serve the national priority and governments effort in easing the bottleneck of medical oxygen supply to hospitals, ITC is airfreighting 24 cryogenic ISO containers from Asian countries in collaboration with Linde India Ltd," it says.

ITC's paper unit in Bhadrachalam has already commenced supply of oxygen to neighbouring areas.

State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest lender will be setting up makeshift hospitals with intensive care unit (ICU) facilities for COVID-19 patients in some of the worst affected states. SBI has earmarked Rs30 crore for this and is talking with some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and hospital managements.

SBI chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara told PTI, the bank intends to put in place 1,000 beds with 50 ICU facilities in the states that are the worst affected. "We have put in place an action plan. We have earmarked Rs70 crore plus out of which we are giving Rs21 crore to 17 circles for COVID-19 related initiatives," he says.

After Maharashtra, the Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), through the Reliance Foundation, is setting up a 1,000-bed capacity Covid hospital at Jamnagar in Gujarat that will also have oxygen supply facility. The hospital will provide relief to people living in Jamnagar, Khambhalia, Dwarka, Porbandar and other regions of Saurashtra.

In a statement, Nita M Ambani, founder and chairperson of Reliance Foundation says, "As India fights the second wave of COVID-19, we are committed to helping in every way we can. Additional healthcare facilities are one of the most critical needs of the hour. Reliance Foundation is setting up a 1000-bedded hospital with oxygen for COVID-19 patients in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The first phase of 400 beds will be ready within a week and the other 600 beds in another week. The hospital will provide quality care free of cost."

RIL is already providing free of cost COVID-19 care in Mumbai where 875 COVID-19 beds are managed by the Reliance Foundation Hospital. Between Jamnagar and Mumbai, the company will set up and manage 1,875 beds for COVID-19 care, RIL says.

Covid cases are surging & pressure on health infrastructure & frontline health warriors is increasing. To reinforce safety, #RelianceFoundation, through #MissionCovidSuraksha, is providing masks to frontline warriors & communities across the nation. Lets #MaskUp pic.twitter.com/Rga4ji1nm5  Reliance Foundation (@ril_foundation) April 28, 2021

Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic arm of Hyundai Motor India, is offering infrastructural assistance worth Rs20 crore to the states most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which include Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

To provide meaningful respite across the most impacted states and cities, Hyundai says it will deploy its resources for setting up oxygen generating plants in hospitals, to aid critical patients and help hospitals become self-sufficient in oxygen supply.

Hyundai Motor India will also install medicare facilities and provide support staff to various hospitals and cater to their operational cost for the next three months and further too, if needed.

Under its #OxygenForIndia initiative, digital financial services platform Paytm is set to airlift 21,000 oxygen concentrators (OCs), which is expected to reach India during the first week of May.

"These devices would be immediately sent to government hospitals, COVID-19 care facilities, private hospitals, nursing homes as well as resident welfare associations. The company has already raised Rs5 crore from citizens for the initiative and has matched rupee for rupee making it Rs10 crore," Paytm says.

Retail giant Walmart says it will donate up to 20 oxygen-generating plants and 20 cryogenic containers for oxygen storage and transportation to India, as well as more than 3,000 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders for delivering oxygen therapy to patients at home or in hospital.
Fiscal Y-T-D Sales Total $12.2 Million

CHICO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / AmeraMex International, Inc. (OTCQB:AMMX), a provider of heavy equipment for logistics companies, infrastructure construction and forestry conservation, announced that it has received equipment orders totaling $199,000. These orders push year-to-date sales over the $12.2 million mark.

The first order is for an ASV RT-50 Posi-Track Loader being shipped to a logistics customer in Nome, Alaska. The equipment is expected to ship the week of May 2, 2021.

The ASV RT-50 offers exceptional digging and pushing power from its Posi-Power system combined with a 50-horsepower class engine and high efficiency drive system. This smooth-running 3-cylinder diesel engine provides power with an efficient cooling system and robust hydraulic system with 3,000 psi of auxiliary pressure and 50 LPM flow.

ASV RT-50

The second order is for an ASV RT-120 Forestry Posi-Track Loader with a mulching head and a four-in-one bucket. The equipment is shipping to a company involved in fire suppression and will be used to clear underbrush. The equipment is expected to ship in the second quarter.

The RT-120 Forestry achieves superior performance over competitive machines.

With a rated operating capacity of 1699kg and a tipping load of 4853 kg, the RT-120 also features ASV's patented Posi-Track rubber-track suspension - well known for its smooth ride - and includes both suspended wheels and axles, allowing it to achieve faster speeds over all types of terrain.

The fully flexible track and suspended wheels conform to the ground, ensuring maximum traction in the roughest conditions. The features, combined with the RT-120's 381mm of ground clearance, allows the unit to work where others can't.

ASV RT-120 Forestry

About AmeraMex International

AmeraMex International sells, leases, and rents heavy equipment to companies within multiple industries including construction, logistics, mining, and lumber. AmeraMex, with a US and international customer base, has over 30 years of experience in heavy equipment sales and service. Follow AmeraMex on Twitter @ammx_intl and visit the AmeraMex website, www.AMMX.net or www.hamreequipment.com for additional corporate information, online heavy equipment inventory/ pricing and videos.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Investor and Media Relations

McCloud Communications, LLC

Marty Tullio, Managing Member

Office: 949.632.1900 or Marty@McCloudCommunications.com

SOURCE: AmeraMex International, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643485/AmeraMex-International-Receives-Equipment-Orders-Totaling-199000
President Joe Bidens top labor official said most gig workers in the United States should be classified as employees deserving of related benefits, in what could be a policy shift that is likely to raise costs for companies that depend on contractors such as Uber and Lyft.

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, a son of Irish immigrants and a former union member, has been expected to boost President Bidens efforts to expand workers protections and deliver a win for the countrys organized labor movement.

We are looking at it but in a lot of cases gig workers should be classified as employees in some cases they are treated respectfully and in some cases they are not and I think it has to be consistent across the board, Walsh told Reuters in an interview on Thursday, expressing his view on the topic for the first time.

Uber, Lyft, Other Gig Firms Worried About U.S. Push to Reclassify Workers as Employees App firms are pushing to keep drivers independent contractor status, albeit with additional benefits.

These companies are making profits and revenue and Im not (going to) begrudge anyone for that because thats what we are about in America but we also want to make sure that success trickles down to the worker, he said.

Major Impact

His work at the Department of Labor is expected to have a major impact on U.S. workplace laws and regulations, including vigorous enforcement of occupational safety and health rules, overtime payments and proper administration of employee benefit plans.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2017 that 55 million people in the United States were gig workers  or 34% of the workforce  and was projected to rise to 43% in 2020.

Walshs views on the issue could usher in new rulings from the department, which sets legal guidelines for how employers treat workers. Before his appointment, the Labor Departments Wage and Hour Division (WHD) proposed rescinding a rule adopted in January that would have made it easier to classify workers as independent contractors.

Walsh said the Department of Labor will have conversations with companies that employ gig labor in the coming months to make sure workers have access to consistent wages, sick time, health care and all of the things that an average employee in America can access.

The Departments decision could have far-reaching implications on ride-hailing services such as Uber Inc, Lyft and food delivery apps such as Grubhub Doordash and Postmates. The companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Gig workers are independent contractors who perform on-demand services, including as drivers, delivering groceries or providing childcare  and are one-third more likely to be Black or Latino, according to an Edison Research poll.

Walsh also spoke about the risks that result from not having gig companies paying unemployment insurance for such workers  a scenario that has played out during the pandemic, leaving the U.S. government to foot the bill.

If the federal government didnt cover the gig economy workers, those workers would not only have lost their job, but they wouldnt have had any unemployment benefits to keep their family moving forward wed have a lot more difficult situation all across the country, he said.

The last decade has seen a surge in the number of gig workers, indicating broad economic and demographic shifts and raising concerns around long-term financial security for a growing share of the workforce, according to some experts.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Chris Sanders, Heather Timmons and Dan Grebler)
S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster has never been as aggressive as wed like about using his authority to help fight COVID-19, but by todays political standards, hes been generally responsible.

He hasnt been a COVID denier, and he spent much of the past year modeling good mask behavior, urging people to mask up and even, for a time, urging local governments to enact their own mandates.

That's been hugely important because one thing we've learned is that while sending everyone home certainly slows the spread of COVID, wearing masks and keeping a respectable distance in public can do nearly as much good, without the devastating damage to our economy and our children.

Even Mr. McMasters premature order lifting mask requirements in restaurants and state government buildings acknowledged the importance of masks.

But all of that changed on Wednesday, when the governor declared that it was time to be done with this whole COVID thing: that theres no reason for cities and counties to continue to require masks and that parents, not school districts, should decide whether their children wear masks in the schools that our state now (appropriately) requires to offer in-class instruction five days a week.

He even called it absurd and totally unreasonable for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to continue calling for fully vaccinated people to wear masks indoors and in outdoor crowds.

The CDCs guidelines are only that  guidelines, which carry no force of law. So if our governor wasn't precisely denying that vaccinated people need to wear a mask anymore, he was doing his best to give that impression.

Unless he has an epidemiological background that hes somehow managed to hide through four decades in public service, and unless hes been staying up every night reviewing the latest scientific data, he is not qualified to make such a sweeping statement. Neither, by the way, are we. And neither are the vast majority of you, no matter which side you come down on.

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And in making such a statement, he was lending his voice to the fringe effort to delegitimize one of our essential institutions. One that, with nuanced exceptions in both cases, by and large has taken a consistent approach to COVID-19 across two administrations that had nearly diametrically opposed views of the pandemic.

So perhaps we shouldnt be surprised that the governor would threaten to overrule the decisions of elected city and county councils and state Education Superintendent Molly Spearman and force even more South Carolinians to retreat to their homes if they want to protect themselves and their families from the waning but still quite present risk of infection with a deadly virus.

Yes, we do know, as Mr. McMaster noted, that even at the height of the pandemic, it was safer for kids to be in school than out in the community. But that was precisely because the schools were the one place they were all required to wear a mask, and keep their distance.

As for his complaint that South Carolinians are pent up and that theres no reason for cities and counties to hold them back anymore, were not aware of any S.C. governments that require anything more than mask wearing in public places, which doesnt prevent anybody from going anywhere.

The COVID deniers will applaud the governors diatribe. But if the few remaining government mask requirements are removed, a lot of other people will become a lot more hesitant about returning to normal life. And if businesses take the governor's complaint about absurd and totally unreasonable mask requirements as a reason to lift their own, even more people will pull back to their cloistered existence. And our economy will suffer.

About a third of South Carolinians have been vaccinated, and most no longer have to struggle to get a vaccination appointment. But there are still thousands of people getting their first dose every day, and thousands more getting their second dose, and most people arent considered fully protected until two weeks after the second dose of a two-dose regimen. So even if our only goal is to protect the individuals who want to be protected from infection, were close  a few weeks? maybe a couple of months?  but we are not yet at the place where everyone we encounter has either been vaccinated or made a deliberate decision not to be vaccinated.

India thought it had weathered the worst of the pandemic last year. Deaths and infections plateaued, and the government declared victory and encouraged people to shed their masks and return to their festivals and election rallies. Today much of that country is in lockdown, as the hospitals struggle to find oxygen supplies and bodies pile up outside crematoriums.

No, were not India. Half of the U.S. adult population is vaccinated  compared to less than 2% in India. But Indias early victory declaration created an opening for mutations that are making it easier for the virus to spread and to evade antibodies, be they from a previous infection or a vaccine. Thats what we need to avoid here. Its what were so close to avoiding here. And its an effort that our governor seems determined to sabotage.
Shelley Robinson has experienced many ups and downs over her daughter Rubys life.

The 18-year-old Ruby has Global Developmental Delay and Autism, and Shelley had been worried about her future for some time.

Leaving school was one of those worries. She was concerned about how her daughter would transition into the real world  a world filled with many physical, social and attitudinal obstacles.

Research shows that when people with disabilities finish school, it can be incredibly challenging to embed into communities, to find paid employment and make money to enable self-worth and to live well.

Shelley wanted to do something about this. She set up the Chrome Cafe in Katikati over three years ago with the intention to employ as many people with a disability as she could.

Her next big dream was to set up a community collective where individuals with and without disabilities could work alongside each other to create products for sale. But she was held back by a lack of energy and support.

It was only after attending a conference last year with families and agencies around the school transition that she connected with a charity that would help turn her dream into a reality.

"I ended up sitting with Jane Ford from Parent to Parent, and I found her really engaging. She was there to learn as well as offer support to families and liaison between all groups represented," says Shelley.

"By the end of the two days, I was really quite overwhelmed and relieved that I may have found a way forward for my daughter as well as many others. Jane has since been supporting me with all the advice and information I need to help bring my idea to life."

Now, the Chrome Collective is almost ready to open up. Entrepreneurs with a disability will use the workspace and retail space to come up with an idea and create goods for sale.

By creating this employment and training opportunity and encouraging participation from different groups within our community, Shelley hopes social barriers can be broken down, and acceptance and support can be created.

She says it wouldnt have been possible without the support of Parent to Parent.

Parent to Parent is so valuable because they are working really hard to support us parents with a true understanding of how challenging it can be.

I really needed this to happen, to have belief and faith that we can actually lead meaningful lives. Because this is a very real concern for all families who have someone with a disability. I am very excited to be setting up this venture and would like to see it in every community.

We are working very closely now with the Taiao here in Katikati and through networking have major community support. From my perspective, the fact that I have been supported by Parent to Parent, even with just a phone call if I need to, has kept the momentum and focus going in the right direction.

Parent to Parent is a charity that empowers families of people with disabilities and health impairments through free information and support.

One of Parent to Parents most unique service offerings is their parent support network, where specially-trained volunteer support parents are connected to those families new to the world of disability.

Through their own journey and lived experience caring for a child or family member with a similar disability, support parents are able to provide a listening ear and practical solutions.

Another core part of Parent to Parents work revolves around providing the latest research and information to families.

With three dedicated researchers in their national office, they are able to provide information on nearly 4000 conditions - from the very rare to the more common.

The charity also runs family activities, therapeutic womens retreats, a mens chat group, and a wide range of programmes and workshops; from camps for children who have a sibling with a disability, to courses in self-advocacy, navigating the system, and understanding a childs entitlements at school.

Jane Ford is the Parent to Parent Coastal Bay of Plenty Regional Coordinator.

She says their work with 1996 families in the Western Bay of Plenty is important for the families wellbeing.

What you find is a lot of the parents are just so lonely as they are busy trying to survive, trying to keep their family together.

Being able to connect parents together so that they can be with like-minded people that understand is so important - theyve got so much information to give themselves to the other parents. Whats really special though is the friendships with the children, siblings and parents.

TECT has supported Parent to Parent Coastal Bay of Plenty since 2004 with more than $50,000 in funding. Jane says the funding helps the charity make a real difference in families lives.

"TECTs funding is so vital as we get no government support. It makes such a huge difference, as it covers our operating costs, and we can put that towards any of our programmes here in the Bay.

"It has supported things like our Tane Talks mens chat group, with some of the funding last year helping us take the guys out on a fishing trip.

"The men really feel like they should be the strength in the family, so it is really isolating for them. It was beautiful to see them connecting on this trip, to share experiences and know they arent alone."

Jane says seeing Shelley come such a long way has also been a special experience.

"When I met Shelley at a workshop a year ago, she had no faith in the system. Now she has come so far and is supporting other families. Thats pretty special and cool for me to see. TECTs funding is making it happen."

To learn more about Parent to Parent, visit https://parent2parent.org.nz/coastal-bay-of-plenty/.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  By the time bells start ringing at St. Peters R.C. Church in St. George at 1 p.m. each Wednesday, the doors are open. Inside the narthex, without fail each week, volunteers hand out bags of food to anywhere between 150 to 250 Staten Islanders. After 21 years, this feeding machine seems to work seamlessly but the regular crew of 65-plus year old workers worry about carrying on its future  they hope for a new generation of helpers.

Proteins, fresh produce and dairy are part of the pickup packages at St. Peter's each Wednesday. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri

The main issue with the location is the up and down stairs, say volunteers. They arent interested in moving the food pantry  they just need assistance shuttling canned goods and other dry goods back and forth from storage. Right now inventory is kept in the basement of the rectory, the only feasible space thats closed to its distribution point.

Weve been blessed with people making donations of food and money. And now our biggest thing is that were all aging at the same time, said Margaret Moschetto who helped establish the pantry in 2000.

She added, If theres anybody in better shape that has the time and inclination were open to it.

Part of volunteer work at a food pantry includes sorting and organizing canned and dry goods. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri

While Moschetto continues her ministry as a memeber of the rank and file volunteers, she relinquished leadership two years ago as, she said, I knew it was time to let go of some responsibility but not abandon the parish.

A lead coordinator of the effort said, Were working on creating a lift of some sort so that we can roll the donations down to the pantry without carrying them. Sometimes those boxes are 25 pounds apiece.

SUPPLYING THE DEMAND

Moschetto said she knows there is a large demand for this particular feeding effort. She commented on a recent Wednesday after handing out bags of groceries, People come early and wait on line. The people that come, they wouldnt come stand out in the sun if they didnt need it. Thats how I feel, anyway.

She added after a pause, We were happy to have a new volunteer there today  you couldnt tell it was his first day. But, again, were all seniors. Thats my concern  how long can this particular group keep going?

Now retired from the court system, Nancy Hally commits about six hours a week to the pantry as a co-coordinator. She reported how busy the operation has been lately and determined, It has increased in the pandemic. The number of people using the pantry has greatly increased. We have to ask for more donations, go buy more food. We run strictly on donation.

And she echoed the sentiment of her colleagues with a chuckle, Most of us are getting up there in age.

But the pantry work is rewarding on many levels, she encouraged.

It can challenge your mind thinking about different ways to make it more efficient, how to spread the word for more donations and  helping is the best, said Hally.

Canned goods for the pantry are stored in the rectory basement. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri

AN INTERESTING HISTORY

As churches have closed and merged the pantrys latest home is a combination of three former parishes. The steady volunteers note the change in demographics. It started in 2000 at St. Pauls under the supervision of the late Msgr. Vincent Bartley with a mostly Spanish-speaking audience and the elderly residents of nearby Cassidy Homes. In 2007, it morphed into Assumption-St. Paul with a similar clientele makeup.

As of 2015, it has been overseen by Fr. Michael Cichon, the pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul and Assumption. Now, steadies for pickup speak dozens of languages.

St. Peter's R.C. Church in New Brighton coordinates a food pantry each Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Pick up is at the front of the church and open to anyone. The volunteers ask only for zip codes. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri

We need someone who can cover us from Bangladesh, said Suzette. She said a good swath of clientele come from Korean and Chinese backgrounds; people still come from the Cassidy Homes. There is a large need for halal food, based on requests. At St. Peters church, Masses are celebrated in English and the Ghanian dialect of Twi. And at Assumption, priests deliver the service in Spanish and English.

Moschetto said, The North Shore can be a model for different nationalities getting along. Its a tapestry, a bouquet of all little flowers. Each flower has its strongpoint and all together it makes a pretty pattern. A bouquet of many flowersit was the way we were meant to be. She said that from the day the pantry was established, There was always a welcoming spirit.

Fr. Cichon said, Its what the Gospel called us to do. Jesus, the Master, fed the poor, healed the sick and welcomed the stranger. Were just doing what he did to the best of our ability.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer can call the rectory at 718-727-2672 or email assumptionstpaulsi@gmail.com. Work obligations would include two days a week for two hours and the main activity happens Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.
SOUTH ABINGTON TWP.  School counselor Jackie Bailey comforted a crying student Wednesday.

Bailey knelt down to ask the student at the Scranton School for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Children why she was upset.

So what do you need if youre sad? Do you need a hug? OK, she said before embracing the kindergartener.

Bailey let her know it was OK to have those feelings.

After a difficult year for both educators and students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school in South Abington Twp. decided to focus efforts on students mental health.

Principal Dean Pettinato and Bailey planned a year full of social and emotional supports for students to help them achieve not just academically but also emotionally. The result: zero detentions so far in the school year and a Student Wellness Day on Wednesday to help students get outside for some self-care.

After a compressed morning schedule, the students in grades pre-K to 12 moved outside to cook smores, tie-dye T-shirts, play kickball and yard games, and participate in a scavenger hunt.

We wanted to say thank you, Pettinato told the students. Seated on the grass in the back of the schools grounds, the students, some in American Sign Language, said thank you back to their administrators, teachers and staff.

The school pivoted to full online learning in March 2020 and began the first four weeks of this school year virtually, with a hybrid option available for families. They briefly went back to online learning after the holidays.

We realized its going to be a harder year for our kids so we really pushed to take care of their mental health first, said Bailey. We realized not much learning and achievement can happen if their mental health isnt great.

Throughout the year, Bailey reached out to every family, calling home once a month or a quarter. She set up ways for students to reach out remotely and held virtual office hours.

We made sure to be more intentional about checking in, she said.

Pettinato said a big concern for the administrators, teachers and staff during the school shutdown was knowing their students wanted to spend time with their friends, to socialize at school and to be engulfed in their language, ASL.

We wanted to make sure we addressed some of their needs as they came back and any kind of anxiety they might have with the coronavirus, he said.

The school is using a discussion before detention philosophy that uses restorative justice to build a culture of safety, empathy and respect, Bailey said. If a student gets in trouble, the staff discusses the behavior with them to help the student build a sense of empathy for not only themselves, but others too.

We help them realize if they did something wrong, why it was wrong, and we discuss that rather than just disciplining, Bailey said. Dean and I made an effort to say, Whatever behaviors are coming to school are probably in response to whats going on in the world.

Like all schools, the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children adapted to best fit the students needs.

Being all deaf-ed or special-ed teachers, were not trained to teach online so we really tried to think of what we can do to develop an online program, said Pettinato.

The school trained with Agora Cyber Charter School over the summer to teach online and while back in the building staff members wear clear masks to help students who read lips and teach in face shields.

Stresses from the past year are in no way unique to the institution.

Its hard for us as adults to wrap our minds around the past year, so I think all kids are struggling right now, said Bailey. Its definitely not unique to our school, the kids are having a hard time with the pandemic in general.

Preschoolers Lexi Lopatofsky and Cate Wintermule took a break from learning about roads and the letter W to play outside Wednesday. Every morning the students choose how theyre feeling.

Im feeling loved, Cate said. Lexi agreed.
An AstraZeneca boss has hit back at the European Union in the vaccine supply row and denied over-promising as Brussels takes the pharmaceutical giant to court.

Pascal Soriot, who is under intense fire from the European Union over the delivery of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccines, said the drugmaker he runs had not overpromised on the supply of shots.

The European Commission has launched legal proceedings against the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker, alleging that it did not respect its contract or have a 'reliable' plan to ensure timely deliveries of coronavirus shots.

AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot (pictured) said the company had no overpromised to the European Union as legal proceedings are launched in the latest update in the vaccine supply row

The European Commission has launched legal proceedings against AstraZenaca, alleging that it did not respect its contract or have a 'reliable' plan to ensure timely deliveries of coronavirus shots (file image)

AstraZeneca's chief executive Soriot said it did its best to deliver as many doses as possible to the EU, and while disappointed not to have delivered more, he was proud of the company's work and was 'totally committed' to increasing supply.

'We never overpromised, we communicated what we thought we would achieve at the time,' Soriot told a media briefing, adding that AstraZeneca will have delivered 50 million doses to the EU by the end of April.

Asked if he agreed that AstraZeneca had not overpromised, Irish Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told national broadcaster RTE: 'Not for a second. No, absolutely not.'

'They made very clear commitments, they have failed to deliver on those commitments and that's one of the reasons Ireland has joined the EU Commission legal case,' he said.

AstraZeneca, which had delivered only a quarter of what it had committed to the EU by the end of March, has said it plans to ship a total of 100 million doses to the bloc by the end of June, far below the 300 million foreseen in the contract.

So far, 300 million doses of the shot had been made available in 165 countries, the drugmaker said.

AstraZeneca delivered only a quarter of what it had committed to the EU by the end of March

When AstraZeneca agreed to work with Oxford University on its COVID-19 vaccine a year ago it 'never pretended that we were going to be perfect', Soriot said.

Soriot contrasted AstraZeneca's experience with the more than 100 COVID-19 vaccine candidates listed as under development last year. Only a handful are being rolled out.

'Where are all those vaccines? They are nowhere,' he said.

And the CEO also pointed to the situation in India, which is experiencing a devastating wave of COVID-19 infections, where AstraZeneca's vaccine makes up 90% of the shots available.

'Imagine without our vaccine what India would look like. Imagine if we had not stepped up, imagine if we had said no.'

'We don't regret anything because ... we have made an enormous difference,' Soriot said.
Mr. Weinstein, you are appearing remotely from the Wende Correctional Facility. Your attorney is appearing remotely from his office. I am in the courtroom and the assistant district attorneys are also in the courtroom. Did you have a chance to speak with your attorney privately about appearing remotely for todays proceedings? Yes, I did. All right, and do you consent to appearing remotely, then for this proceeding this morning? Yes, I do. I realize that the defendant wants future litigation, but the statute is very clear, today is the starting date. Hes been served. Hes indicated hes not waiving. And now, that section that I cited goes into effect in 30 days. And so your position is we dont need to come back. He has 30 days to contest, essentially the arrest in this, although hes already detained, incarcerated  or to have the governor disapprove of the transfer within the 30 days. We have the right to appear back before a court in Erie County on the issue of the temporary request of California. While I might agree that the 30 days has commenced, that doesnt alter the right of the person requested to be brought before a court on the new application, not on the one we are here on today. I dont know what you mean by appearing before a court hes before a court right at this moment on this paperwork. Well, hes before the court on another matter and not the paperwork that was filed last week or this week. I think my only recourse, given the district attorneys position is I will be filing a new writ of habeas corpus. All right. I think thats where we have to leave things for today. So I will await paperwork from you then, if you so choose, and otherwise of the 30-day period has begun, which would be until May 30.
Actress Megan Cusack is set to make her debut on Call The Midwife as the young Irish nurse Nancy Corrigan

But the rising star, 24, is no stranger to crossing paths with big names, given she is a member of the Cusack acting dynasty which has produced an slew of screen and stage thespians.

Among them is the respected theatre star Niamh Cusack who she boasts as an aunt, as well as her uncle Jeremy, who has appeared in a slew of big roles including The Lion King and Die Hard With A Vengeance.

Coming soon: Call The Midwife star Megan Cusack has been revealed to be a member of the much-respected Cusack acting dynasty

Ahead of her screen debut, Megan told The Mirror she does feel the pressure to succeed in her pursuit of acting thanks to her famous family.

She said: 'There are two sides to it and  not from them  but you do feel a certain pressure.

'It's the worry people think you're only getting somewhere because of them but then the benefit is they know the industry so well.

'It was the first bit of TV, proper kind of something that I was doing. The biggest challenge was just keeping the nerves in check.'

Screen star: The actress' aunt Niamh Cusack had a three-year stint on 60s police drama Heartbeat in the 1990s, and recently had a guest spot in BBC's Death In Paradise

Iconic: Megan also boasts Oscar winner Jeremy Irons as an uncle, who is known for a slew of big Hollywood roles

Period drama: The rising star will make her debut later in Call The Midwife's 10th series as young pupil nurse Nancy Corrigan

Who are the Cusack acting dynasty? Call The Midwife newcomer Megan Cusack is a member of the Cusack acting dynasty which boasts some of the most respected names in the industry. But who are they? Here's a look at some of the member's of Megan's famous family. NIAMH CUSACK Niamh is a veteran stage actress who has appeared in multiple productions for the National Theatre and The Royal Shakespeare Company. She also had a three-year stint on 60s police drama Heartbeat in the 1990s, as well as a guest spot on BBC's Death In Paradise. Niamh is married to Dublin-born actor Finbar Lynch who has had a slew of recurring appearances including Game Of Thrones, Foyle's War and Inspector George Gently. SORCHA CUSACK Sorcha, 72, appeared in Coronation Street as Helen Connor and most recently the BBC daytime series Father Brown which focuses on a Roman Catholic Priest who assists in murder investigations. In 2011 she also played Hillary Nicholson in the first series of Mrs Brown's Boys, and she also briefly starred on Casualty in the mid-1990s. SINEAD CUSACK Sinead was part of the Royal Shakespeare Company and won the Critic's Circle and Evening Standard Awards for her performance in Our Lady of Sligo. She has also earned two nominations for Tony Awards, for Much Ado About Nothing in 1985 and again in Rock 'n' Roll, as well as five Olivier Award nominations. Among her television work was an appearance in ITV's Marcella, and the miniseries North And South, and she has been married to respected star Jeremy Irons since 1978. JEREMY IRONS Jeremy himself is no stranger to the big screen, having famously voiced Scar in the 1994 film The Lion King, and played the villainous Simon Gruber in the third Die Hard film in the series. He won an Oscar for Best Actor in 1990 for his performance in Reversal of Fortune, and has also received a Tony, three Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe and a SAG Award. Jeremy has also starred in Shakespeare productions including The Winter's Tale, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing and Richard II, and most recently has played Alfred Pennyworth in the DC Cinematic Universe. MAX IRONS Jeremy and Sinead's son Max has become a well-known actor in his own right with various TV and film roles. He starred in the 2017 drama film The Wife as well as the 2016 ITV miniseries Tutankhamun. Max also married Tatler fashion director Sophie Pera in 2019. CATHERINE CUSACK Megan's fourth aunt Catherine is best known for playing the demented Nanny Carmel Finnan in Coronation Street from 1992 to 1993. She has also had a selection of stage roles including King Lear and Mill on the Floss. CALAM LYNCH Megan's cousin Calam, who is the son of Niamh Cusack and Finbar Lynch, is set to join the cast of Netflix's Bridgerton for its upcoming second series, and he has previously appeared in the Christopher Nolan war epic Dunkirk. Advertisement

Megan is the niece of four acting sisters, Niamh, Sorcha, Sinead and Catherine Cusack, with the first being a veteran stage actress who has appeared in multiple productions for the National Theatre and The Royal Shakespeare Company.

Niamh, 31, also had a three-year stint on 60s police drama Heartbeat in the 1990s, and recently had a guest spot in BBC's Death In Paradise.

She is married to Dublin-born actor Finbar Lynch who has had a slew of recurring appearances including Game Of Thrones, Foyle's War and Inspector George Gently.

Lauded: She is the niece of respected theatre actress Sinead Cusack, who was a part of the Royal Shakespeare Company

Acclaimed: Sinead has also earned two nominations for Tony Awards, for Much Ado About Nothing in 1985 and again in Rock 'n' Roll in 2008

Mr and Mrs: She has been married to Jeremy since 1978, and they even co-starred together in the film Waterland (pictured in 2016)

Megan's aunt Sorcha, 72, has appeared in Coronation Street as Helen Connor and most recently the BBC daytime series Father Brown which focuses on a Roman Catholic Priest who assists in murder investigations.

In 2011 she also played Hillary Nicholson in the first series of Mrs Brown's Boys, and she also briefly starred on Casualty in the mid-1990s.

Her third aunt Sinead was part of the Royal Shakespeare Company and won the Critic's Circle and Evening Standard Awards for her performance in Our Lady of Sligo.

Taking to the stage: She is pictured starring in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Romeo and Juliet opposiute Sean Bean

She has also earned two nominations for Tony Awards, for Much Ado About Nothing in 1985 and again in Rock 'n' Roll, as well as five Olivier Award nominations.

Among her television work was an appearance in ITV's Marcella, and the miniseries North And South.

Sinead has also been married to respected star Jeremy Irons since 1978, with the pair even co-starring in the 1992 film Waterland.

Jeremy himself is no stranger to the big screen, having famously voiced Scar in the 1994 film The Lion King, and played the villainous Simon Gruber in the third Die Hard film in the series.

Performer: Megan's aunt Sorcha, 72, has appeared in Coronation Street as Helen Connor and most recently the BBC daytime series Father Brown (pictured in 2009)

He won an Oscar for Best Actor in 1990 for his performance in Reversal of Fortune, and has also received a Tony, three Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe and a SAG Award.

Jeremy has also starred in Shakespeare productions including The Winter's Tale, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing and Richard II, and most recently has played Alfred Pennyworth in the DC Cinematic Universe.

His and Sinead's son Max Irons, 35, has also become a well-known actor in his own right, and starred in the 2017 drama film The Wife as well as the 2016 ITV miniseries Tutankhamun.



Megan's fourth aunt Catherine is best known for playing the demented Nanny Carmel Finnan in Coronation Street from 1992 to 1993, and has also had a selection of stage roles including King Lear and Mill on the Floss.

Her cousin Calam Lynch is set to join the cast of Netflix's Bridgerton for its upcoming second series, and he has previously appeared in the Christopher Nolan war epic Dunkirk.

Megan's grandparents Maureen and Cyril were also praised actors during their heyday, becoming two of the biggest names of the 1940s.

TV favourite: Catherine Cusack has also had a selection of stage roles including King Lear and Mill on the Floss

Freaky: She is best known for playing the demented Nanny Carmel Finnan in Coronation Street from 1992 to 1993

Actor: Megan's grandparents Maureen and Cyril (pictured) were also praised actors during their heyday, becoming two of the biggest names of the 1940s

Cyril appeared in a long list of film and television productions in a career that spenned seven decades, including roles in Fahrenheit 451 and the 1973 television film Catholics.

His last stage performance was in Chekhov's Three Sisters, which also starred three of his daughters before his death in 1993 at the age of 82.

Cyril's first wife Maureen, who died in 1977, was best known for her roles in the 1947 film Odd Man Out and the 1971 war film Von Richthofen and Brown.

She also appeared in theatrical productions for The Viscount of Blarney in 1944, and Wife to James Whelan three years later.

It comes after Call The Midwife bosses confirmed that the much-loved drama will return for three more series after its series 10 premiere.

TV star: Jeremy and Sinead's son Max has become a well-known actor in his own right with various TV and film roles including The Wife and Tutankhamun

Together: He also married Tatler fashion director Sophie Pera in 2019

The show is set in the 1950s and 1960s in London's East End - and focuses on a group of midwives in a nursing convent.

A TV source told the Sun: 'Call The Midwife may have been around for nearly a decade but it is still going strong and providing the Beeb with a Sunday night ratings winner.

'There was no way the corporation were going to axe a show which has such a strong following and so much more scope for story lines.'

'Continuing the show into series 12 and 13 sees the programme enter one of the most exciting periods in recent history.'

Call The Midwife continues on Sunday at 8pm on BBC One.
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.
Musings Of A Persecuted Soul: a thought provoking examination of religion and science. Musings Of A Persecuted Soul is the creation of published author, Mark Ewing.

Mark writes, Musings of a Persecuted Soul is a story about spiritual catharsis, a search for answers to questions often avoided by Christians and rarely discussed from church pulpits. The author presents his lifelong quest to find spiritual equilibrium between his Christian beliefs and his secular education and personal observations in the natural world. Grounded in the Berean example of Acts 17:11, to search the scriptures for truth, the author will take you on a thought-provoking journey, investigating topics guaranteed to provoke spiritual debate. Whether you are a strict traditionalist or a scriptural freethinker, Musings of a Persecuted Soul will challenge your established beliefs and breathe new spiritual life into your soul.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Ewings new book is a personal journey in search of spiritual equilibrium between his scientific training and his abiding faith in Christ

Readers will find themselves considering many provocative points made by the author as he elucidates upon his private journey of faith.

View a synopsis of Musings Of A Persecuted Soul on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Musings Of A Persecuted Soul at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Musings Of A Persecuted Soul, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
1.0 World Immunization Week 2021

As Nigeria marks World Immunization Week for 2021 celebrated from April 24th  30th every year, it is important to highlight the use of vaccines in mitigating vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) and to measure the progress of Nigerias journey for self-reliance. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the primary objective of the week is to emphasise the value of vaccines in preventing diseases that were hitherto perceived as life-threatening. This World Immunization Week seeks to highlight the importance of vaccines as a public good that saves lives and protects health whilst also allowing development. The theme of 2021 is Vaccines bring us closer. This theme seeks to illustrate how vaccines, by preventing disease, can bring us closer to global health goals of eradicating vaccine preventable diseases as well as furthering health equity through universal immunisation coverage.

In Nigeria, the positive impact of vaccines is evidenced in Nigerias polio-free status. Nigeria was officially free of polio recently after a longstanding battle with the serious infectious disease. Disease control measures and principally, the emphasis on the polio vaccine led to this new status.

Evidence shows that each year, immunisation prevents 2- 3 million deaths globally.

However, child mortality (under-five mortality rate), a relevant marker with respect to vaccines persists in Nigeria. Nigeria ranks the highest in the number of under-five deaths as a direct result of VPDs. This is according to the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) figures which indicate that in 2019, 858,000 under-five deaths occurred in Nigeria. The 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) also estimated that the under-five mortality rate in Nigeria is 132 per 1,000 live births; which is about 1 in 8 Nigerian children.

It is estimated that the 1 in 4 deaths that occur in children under-five in Nigeria are entirely preventable with recommended vaccines. Overall, immunisation coverage in Nigeria varies amongst Nigerian states but is still below average. In particular, Nigeria committed to the goals of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) which aims to ensure that individuals, regardless of where they are or live, can equitably access vaccines. Nigerias coverage is below the GVAP goal. The 2016/17 National Survey of routine immunization coverage shows that 2 in 3 children in Nigeria do not receive three doses of pentavalent vaccine.

Annually, World Immunisation Week, is an opportunity for International Organisations, to highlight the significance of immunization by creating campaigns and building awareness on universal immunisation coverage. In 2020, the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and European Union for the Ministry of Public Health saw to the expansion of programmes on Immunisation that resulted in 597,000 routine vaccines procured for a particularly vulnerable  children under-five. In 2021, UNICEF, in a press release committed to pledge $1 for every like, share or comment in a social media campaign till April 30th. The rationale being to create online advocates and disseminate the information on vaccine effectiveness. The United Nations Foundations Shot@Life campaign and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation intends to also donate US$5 million to ensure all children get access to life-saving vaccines. In addition to this, UNICEF ambassadors alongside healthcare workers, vaccine experts and supporters are scheduled to have a series of online discussions which aim to address this important subject matter.

2.0 PACFaH@Scale (PAS) and the National Immunization Strategy (NSIPSS)

The guiding framework for Immunization in Nigeria is the National Strategy for Immunization and PHC system Strengthening (NSIPSS), a document developed by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in 2018 with inputs from multiple development partners and Nigerian CSOs including PAS partner  the National Association for Primary Health Practitioners of Nigeria (NACHPN) whose representatives participated in all NSIPSS development meetings.

In addition to supporting the NSIPSS development, NACHPN also convened a high-level stakeholders dissemination of the Strategy in collaboration with the NPHCDA in 18th August 2018. At the meeting, the ED/CEO, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib NPHCDA, represented by Dr. Abdullahi Garba, Director of Planning Research and Statistics in the NPHCDA stated that  the NPHCDA has entered a new era of accountability and openness exemplified by collaboration with partners and other groups. Using the recent MICS results, he noted that available data do not match the increased funding for immunization. Consequently, civil society groups were in a unique position due to their independence from government to advocate for increased allocation and judicious use of resources. This, he stated is especially important since plans to directly fund health facilities using the Nigerian State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) model are being developed. He confirmed that partners like GAVI are willing to support the implementation of the NSIPSS strategy, which he acknowledged, had significant input from stakeholders. The willingness by partners to support the strategy was due to its clear framework for accountability.

Link to meeting report: Report Of The High-level Strategic Dialogue Of PAS CSOS, States And Vital Voices On NSIPSS (2018-2028): CSO Engagement, Accountability, Roles & Expectations  dRPC (drpcngr.org)

The Strategy (2018  2028) aims to achieve sustainable immunisation outcomes within a strengthening the primary healthcare system and presents the countrys plan for transitioning to financial ownership of the immunisation and primary health care health system over a ten-year period. This is in line with Nigerias proposed timeline for graduating from Gavi support.

Although Nigeria is one of the largest recipients of GAVI grants in Africa, having received US$770 million and US$707 million in approvals and disbursements respectively from 2001 to June 2017, the relationship between the Nigeria and Gavi continues to be an important and valuable for reaching millions of children whose lives can be saved by immunisation.

Nigeria has pledged ownership of the immunisation programme and has outlined programmatic strategies and innovations and sustainable financing solutions, to address inequities in access to vaccines and ensure every eligible child are reached with vaccination.

Sustaining immunisation coverage and equity, the NSIPSS builds on progress that has already been made in recent times and also on strategies that have the best potentials to achieve sustainable immunisation coverage.

Supporting the NSIPSS in recent times are high-level policy pronouncements of the Presidency, Ministries, National Assembly, State Governors, Development Agencies and Civil Society. At the national level, the Federal Government, has shown concrete commitment to RI through an official Letter of Commitment that outlined its planned funding mechanisms including increased annual budgetary allocation for immunisation, Service Wide Votes, First-Line Charge, and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). Overall, the federal government committed to spending $3 billion to scale up immunization in the country through Nigerias Strategy on Immunization and PHC Systems Strengthening (NSIPSS). Additional funding sources include World Bank loans and donor funding. The country has also committed to a schedule of payments to full responsibility for its co-financing of routine vaccines on a vaccine-by vaccine basis.

At the level of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) there have been significant changes in financial management. In June 2017, the agency declared a state of National Emergency on Routine Immunisation, elevating the political importance of the programme and putting in place a tightly managed structure dedicated to driving measurable change in the 18 lowest performing states and sustaining the gains in the better performing states. In January 2017, the President officially launched the governments Primary Healthcare Revitalization programme. In February 2018, the President also launched the Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPS) programme to strengthen PHC demand generation and service delivery. In 2020,

3.0 FINANCING OF ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION AT NATIONAL LEVEL & IN PAS FOCAL STATES  KANO KADUNA, NIGER, AND LAGOS

The policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria provides immunization services and potent vaccines, free to all populations at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.

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At national and sub-national levels, routine immunization financing is typically used for vaccination costs such as procurement of vaccines & storage of vaccines, transportation of vaccines to state Central Medical Stores (CMS), maintenance of cold chain, immunization outreach to hard-to-reach areas, program management for immunization, advocacy, communications and social mobilization.

3.1 Routine Immunization Financing Mechanism in PAS focal states

The Nigerian health system is generally funded from the federations account. Funding of immunization services is the collective responsibility of all tiers of government through statutory budgetary allocation from the Federal, State and Local Government Areas.

Other sources include external donors, development partners, private sector and the community.

State Governments finance RI through their annual health budgets and Basic HealthCare Provision Fund (BHCPF). Co-funding for the immunization by state governments, donor agencies and the private sector may exist for example, mechanism such as Tripartite MoU signed in 2017 in Kaduna and Kano states with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation, in Niger with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation bilateral funding.

3.2 Routine Immunization Funding at The National and PAS States from 2018-2021

3.2.1 Federal Government Routine Immunization Funding

The Federal government has increased the routine immunization fund over the years. It was increased significantly from N17 billion in 2018 to N57 billion in the Approved 2021 budget. This shows an increase of 234.95%. The Gavi/Immunization alone was raised from N21 billion in 2018 to N45 billion in 2021 (112%). This is a huge commitment on the part of the government. Similarly, the overall routine immunization allocation to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) budget increased from 4.18% in 2018 to 10.50% in 2021; to overall health, it increased from 4.12% in 2018 to 9.55% in 2021. As per the budget size, it increased to from 0.18% in 2018 to 0.42% in 2021. The increase in immunization funding over the years indicates some level of commitment on the part of the government.

BUDGET LINES 2018 2019 2020 2021 Procurement of RI Vaccines, Devices & Operational Cost 8895.46 7630.95 533.58 2678.33 Polio Eradication 1204.19 100 4800 2204.95 Procurement of Nonpolio SIA Vaccine, Device and Operational Cost 540 1263.72 615.21 639.23 procurement of Outbreak (Emergency)response Vaccine, Devices and Operational Cost 1500 292.97 0 643.16 Procurement of Travelers and Pilgrims Vaccines 174.57 201.19 0 286.95 Vaccines Distribution and Transport (National to States & Health Facilities) 301.06 319.66 393.72 Vaccines Supply Chain Governance 1428.52 70.68 76.94 81.45 Immunization Supply Chain Strengthening at NSCS and Zonal Cost Stores 0 72.54 81.18 106.18 Development of the National Vaccines Policy (NVP) Document Validation of the NYP Draft, Printing and dissemination of Policy Across the 6 Geopolitical Zones of Country 0 28.01 21 29.71 Gavi Immunization 0 21250.42 26843.06 45191.85 Counterpart Funding for Donor Supported Programmes including Global Health/Refund to Gavi 3500 3500 5500 5500 Total 17242.74 34711.54 38790.63 57755.53 % to total FMoH budget 0.0418 0.0818 0.0935 0.105 % to Overall Health Budget 0.0412 0.0768 6.74 0.0955 % to Budget size 0.0018 0.0038 0.0035 0.0042

3.2.2 Subnational Level Routine Immunization Funding

At the Subnational level routine immunization funding is being supported by both the National and donors, apart from the dedicated programs in the annual state health budget.

Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF)

The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) was created under section 11 paragraph (2) of the National Health Act, 2014 . Basic minimum package of health services to be provided free of charge at the PHC through BHCPF include:

maternal health intervention for pregnant women (ANC, labor delivery, emergency obstetric and neonatal care and family planning); intervention for under 5 (curative and immunizations); malaria treatment for the general population; and non-communicable diseases screening (high blood pressure and diabetes).

Saving One Million lives for Result Programme (SOML)

Launched in 2012, in response to the poor health outcomes in the country. It is an ambitious and comprehensive initiative to scale up access to essential primary health services and commodities for Nigerias women and children. The pillars of SOML are  improving maternal, newborn and child health; improving routine immunization coverage and achieving polio eradication; elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV; scaling up access to essential medicines and commodities; malaria control; and improving child nutrition.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Support for PHC System Strengthening & the CHIPS program in Niger State

This is part of sub-national level funding from donors (BMGF). This funding mechanism was legitimized by the MoU signed between the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Niger state government in 2017 to span for four years.

Building on the Federal level PHC revitalization agenda, this support aimed to bolster the NPHCDA-promoted transformation agenda at the sub-national level organized around a health systems approach focused on seven thematic areas including governance and accountability, human resources for health, infrastructure, drugs and commodities, financing and sustainability, data management and use, service integration, community service and demand creation including the introduction of Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPS) program to Niger state to bring health services to the community.

This MoU represents funding support for program areas such as routine immunization, family planning, nutrition and maternal, neonatal and child health in Niger state.

UNICEF Hard to Reach

According to UNICEF, most children are denied their fair chance at a healthy life because they are not immunized. 17 teams, with 85 well-trained health workers were deployed in Niger State to deliver integrated, mobile outreach services to targeted communities . This is to ensure that children receive vaccinations against measles, meningitis, and other diseases. They also provide basic health services, including medications to fight infections, and health promotion activities.

3.3 States Routine Immunization Budgetary Allocation 2018-2021

3.3.1 KADUNA STATE

The Kaduna state government entered into an MOU in 2018 where it committed the sum of N199,812 million to routine immunization and system strengthening as counterpart funding between 2019 and 2021 and the sum of N285 million between 2022 and 2023. The state government kept this promise in 2019 and 2020 with the allocation of the N200 million to the budget line.

In 2018 and 2019, there was a clear provision for the RI and system strengthening with N200 million allocated in each year under the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) recurrent budget. The sum of N41 million and N26 million was also allocated for Immunization Plus Days in 2018 and 2019. In the same period, there was a provision of Counterpart Funding with the sum of N720 million in 2018 and N550 in 2019 million under the SPHCDA capital budget. The purpose was not clearly stated but a further inquiry shows that the sum of N570 million and N199 million was released for RI under the fund respectively. It is believed that the N199 million released in 2019 is for the RI and system strengthening which fell under the recurrent budget as part of the N199 million committed in the 2018 MOU.

Lack of clarity has created some confusion in making sense of the state governments commitment to RI funding. For instance, having removed all dedicated RI budget under the recurrent expenditure in the approved 2021 budget, the counterpart funding for the RI committed by the state government under 2018 MOU would be funded under the N817 million for the Provision of Counterpart Funding (PHC MOU, RSSH MOU, IMPACT Project, CHAI, BHCPF {25%} etc.) as part of the State new PHC integrative funding mechanism . This scenario indicates an end to the Kaduna state government routine immunization funding through recurrent expenditures. The question remains that, was the RI funded under the same budget in 2020, if yes, how much fund goes to RI under N1,946 billion budgeted for the same budget line in the 2020 fiscal year, and how much will go to it in the 2021 fiscal year from N817 million? The response to the question will remove all suspicions.

YEARS COUNTERPART FUNDING UNDER THE SPHCDA CAPITAL BUDGET AMOUNT BUDGETED ACTUAL RELEASED OTHER RI ALLOCATION UNDER RECURRENT SPHCDA BUDGET AMOUNT ACTUAL RELEASED BUDGETED 2018 Provision of Counterpart Funding 720 570.23 Immunization Plus Days 41.46 N.A RI & System Strengthening 200 N.A 2019 Provision of Counterpart Funding 550 N.A Immunization Plus Days 26.95 N.A RI & System Strengthening 200 199 2020 Provision of Counterpart Funding (PHC MOU, TCF MOU, RSSH MOU etc) 1946.19 N.A Immunization Plus Days 10.5 N.A RI & System Strengthening 200 199 2021 Provision of Counterpart Funding (PHC MOU, RSSH MOU, IMPACT Project, CHAI, BHCPF {25%} etc) 817.8 N.A Nil - -

It is important to note that other funding mechanisms for the RI in the state include the Saving One Million Lives program for result (SOML) and Basic Health Care Provision Fund, although the actual amount allocated and released for RI from the programs over the years cannot be ascertained.

Budget Lines 2018 2019 2020 2021 Saving One Million Lives program for result (SOML) 552 552 50 N.A Basic Health Care Provision Fund. Nil 200 Nil N.A

3.3.2 KANO STATE

Similar to Kaduna State, the Kano State government has also been consistent in routine immunization funding. In 2018, the sum of N370 million was allocated for both the routine immunization and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Out of this amount, N256 million was released and utilized. Similarly, N500 million was allocated for the two budget lines in 2019: N230 million in 2020 and N330 million in 2021. However, while N342 million was released in 2019, the sum of N276 was released in the 2020 fiscal year and nothing is yet to be released for the year 2021 fiscal year as of the time of writing the report.

BUDGET LINES 2018 RELEASED 2019 RELEASED 2020 RELEASED 2021 RELEASED ALLOCATION ALLOCATION ALLOCATION ALLOCATION Routine Immunization 300.8 256 430 313.85 230 276.58 330 Nil Global Polio Eradication 70 70 70 28.47 50 Nil 50 Nil Initiative Total RI 370.8 326 500 342.32 280 276.58 380 - Total RI Budget as % 0.0234 0.0328 - 0.0233 - 0.0231 - of Health Capital Budget Total RI Budget as % 0.0115 - 0.0149 - 0.0104 - 0.0123 - of Health Budget Total RI Budget as % 0.0015 - 0.0022 - 0.002 - 0.0021 - of Budget size

In addition to the state governments commitment, RI was also funded through the Saving One Million Lives Program for Result (SOML) and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. The state government released the sum of N304 million in 2018, N664 million in 2019, and N180 million in 2020 for the various programmes and activities under the SOML including routine immunization. The share of the RI from the fund cannot be ascertained. Similarly, N946 million was released as Basic Health Care Provision Fund in 2019, it is believed that aspects of the fund were spent on the routine immunization activities. This is because RI is one of the basic minimum packages to be provided at the PHC from the fund.

BUDGET LINES 2018 ACTUAL 2019 ACTUAL 2020 ACTUAL RELEASED 2021 ACTUAL ALLOCATION RELEASED ALLOCATION RELEASED ALLOCATION ALLOCATION RELEASED Saving One Million Lives Program for Result 500 304.97 500 664.37 1314 180.23 1314 Nil (SOML) Basic Health Care Provision Fund. - - Nil 948 950 Nil Nil Nil

3.3.3 NIGER STATE

In Niger State there is no dedicated line item for routine immunization strengthening. However, in 2019 and 2020, the State allocated the sum of N200 and N100 million, respectively, in lumpsums for Nutrition, Safe Motherhood, Family Planning, Adolescent Health, Women in Health, Immunization, MNCH Week, DRF, Environmental Health, IMCI, and Health Promotion. With no specific states funded immunization programs, there are budget lines for donors funded programs/activities immunizations as could be seen in table below.

TABLE 6: NIGER STATE FG AND DONOR SUPPORTED RELATED ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION IN MILLIONS OF NAIRA BUDGET LINES 2018 2019 2020 2021 Saving One Million Lives program for result (SOML) 28.25 306 230.25 1,500, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Support to CHIPs & PHC system strengthening 50 157.06 238.37 238.37 UNICEF Hard to Reach. UNICEF: UNICEF Support to Immunization/ Health Promotion Activities 250 178.6 470.07 118 Basic Health Care Provision Fund. 1300 1500 750 -

Therefore, out of the N250 million pledged by UNICEF to support the RI in 2018, the sum of N96.18 million was released. The state also released N16.80 million out of the N17.86 million as counterpart funding. For the BHCPF, the state released the sum of N964 million in 2020 even though only N750 was allocated for the budget line in the year.

On the other hand, the Niger state government also contributed N20 million as part of the counterpart funding to the Saving one million live FG fund in 2018; N40 million and N39 million were paid in the 2018 and 2019 respectively as the state contribution to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Support to CHIPs & PHC system strengthening; N50 million and N17 million were contributed in 2018 and 2019 respectively to UNICEF Hard to Reach. UNICEF: UNICEF Support to Immunization/ Health Promotion Activities; N45 million and N100 were contributed in 2018 and 2019 respectively to Basic Health Care Provision Fund. Thus, no contribution was made in this regard in the year 2020 and that of 2021 cannot be ascertained 2021 in the year budget document.

STATE CONTRIBUTIONS 2018 2019 2020 2021 Saving One Million Lives program for result (SOML) 20.1 Nil Nil N.A Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Support to CHIPs & PHC system strengthening 40 39.26. Nil N.A UNICEF Hard to Reach. UNICEF: UNICEF Support to Immunization/ Health Promotion Activities 50.5 17.86 Nil N.A Basic Health Care Provision Fund. 45 100 Nil N.A

3.3.4 LAGOS STATE

Given the tradition in Lago state of only making budget summaries available to the public the amount allocated to the routine immunization program in 2018 cannot be ascertained. However, the states allocated the sum of N100 million and N234 million for the RI in the year 2019 and 2020 respectively. Out of this N38 million and N126 million were released. The 2021 routine immunization budget in Lagos State includes the counterpart fund-support for the first and the seconds round of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) with N14 million each; N39 million counterpart funding for the national integrated measles campaign; and N20 million counterpart fund for the supply chain performance impact in public health

YEAR BUDGET LINE ITEMS AMOUNT ALLOCATION ACTUAL RELEASED 2018 Routine immunization N.A N.A 2019 Routine immunization 100 38 2020 Routine immunization 234.81 126.73 Counterpart fund-support for first round National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) 14000 N.A Counterpart fund-supports for 2nd round National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) 14000 N.A Counterpart fund-national integrated measles campaign 39000 N.A 2021 Counterpart fund-supply chain performance impact in public health facilities in Lagos state 20000 N.A Subtotal 87000 N.A

4.0 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE NATIONAL AND SUBNATIONAL ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION FUNDING 2018-2021

The Federal government routine immunization budget has seen the increase over the years; this is not the situation at subnational level. At subnational level  Kano, Kaduna, Niger, and Lagos States have seen allocations fluctuate. In Kano state, the RI funding was reduced from N500 million to N276 million in 2020 and subsequently increased to N380 million in 2021. In Niger state, the state contribution to RI Immunization/ Health Promotion Activities reduced from N50 million in 2018 to N17.8 million in 2019, and there was no such dedicated budget line for such contribution in the year 2020 and 2021 fiscal years. The 2021 Lagos state budget revealed N87 million allocated for various RI activities. This amount was less than the N100 and N234 million allocated for RI in the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years. In Kaduna State, Immunization Plus Day was reduced from N26 million in 2019 to N10 million in 2020. This budget funding and the RI & System Strengthening were subsequently removed in the 2021 budget.

Unlike the Federal government and Kano State where the RI budget has consistently appeared in the budget document between 2018 and 2021, this was not the case with Kaduna, Niger and Lagos state. In Kaduna State in 2018 to 2020 the government initially made good efforts to capture the RI budget in a clear term using performance budgeting based on functions, actives, however, in 2021 this was not the case. This was because the allocation for the routine immunization was lumped under the N817 million provision of Counterpart Funding. The amount allocated for the RI under this budget line cannot be ascertained. In Niger state, apart from the UNICEF donor-funded hard-to-reach programme, the state has no dedicated budget line for the RI between 2018 and 2021. The 2018 and 2019 allocation for RI was lumped with other programmes which include family planning, nutrition, womens health among others. Also, the summary nature of the Lagos state government often creates problem of ascertaining budget allocation to the routine immunization.

Aside from the Federal government and the Lagos State 2021 RI budget where the specific activities to be funded under the routine immunization are stated, the RI budgetary allocation in Kaduna, Kano, and Niger States did not states in a clear term, the relative programmes, and activities under which the allocated fund for RI will be used for. For instance, FG tied the N639 million to the Procurement of Nonpolio SIA Vaccine, Device and Operational Cost, N81 million to Vaccines Supply Chain Governance which are activities under the routine immunization, etc. Likewise, Lagos State 2021 budget, the N14 million is tied to the Counterpart fund-support for first round National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs), and another N14 million to the second round. This was not the case in the Kano State where a significant amount of money was allocated to routine immunization without a breakdown. Kaduna and Niger States are also not exception.

4.1 Over dependency on donor/partners

A cursory look at Federal and states governments budgets shows that they all receive donor funds to implement the immunization programmes and activities. While the FG received strong financial support for immunization from donors such as Gavi, the states also have received financial supports from donors such as UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation (BMGF), Dangote Foundation, etc. Through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), the federal government also provides vaccines, immunization Guidelines, and technical support to the states and LGAs. State and local governments are responsible for funding and implementing immunization programs at the subnational level.

There is consistency in the PAS States with funding their RI from external supports (e.g., like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Support to CHIPs & PHC System Strengthening) and Federal government-supported interventions (e.g., BHCPF, SOML among others). States like Niger State depend largely on the donors/partners to implement routine immunization programmes. This was evidenced in Tables 6 and 7 above. The state has no independent identifiable programs on the related issues in its annual health budget.

Thus, From the external RI supports, one thing that is observable in all the states is the non-disclosure of the actual amount that goes to the RI from the external/partners supports in the annual budget. For instance, the SOML has several pillars which include HIV, essential medicines and commodities, malaria control, child nutrition, routine immunization coverage, polio eradication, etc. None of the States explain in clear terms, how much will go to routine immunization from the external supports/FG intervention in their annual budget. The same applies to all others that are not programme specific.

Accountability of RI funding

Still on accountability, Kano and Niger States to some extent publish their respective RI budget releases in their budget document, whereas Kaduna, Lagos and Federal government do not publish the releases for the routine immunization allocation in their budget document. Also, none of the states including the Federal government published the routine immunization releases in their quarterly budget implementation report or annual financial statement. This raised the issue of accountability as there was no information whatsoever on the issue.

Timely releases of RI funding

There is also evidence of untimely releases of funds for the RI at the national and subnational levels. It is one thing to allocate funding for RI, it is another thing to ensure that the allocated funds are released for effective utilization. Most times, the fund allocated are not released and those released are not in full or delayed. This is evidenced in the Kano, Niger, Kaduna, and Lagos State RI funding releases in the previous years. At the Federal level, the FG has been allocating fund to the budget line entitled Development of the National Vaccines Policy (NVP); Document Validation of the NYP Draft, Printing and dissemination of Policy Across the 6 Geopolitical Zones of Country since 2019. What happens to the fund, was it released, has the document been produced, when, was it been disseminated? These are some of the burning questions that come to mind. Delay and none release of fund to RI could have a greater implication on the RI programs and activities.

Irregularity in the RI funding in some states may suggest three things; poor government revenue generation and unrealistic projection, dependency on external funds, and relaxation of the funding under a notion that the war against wild poliovirus and other related diseases have been won, hence, no need for huge funding. The latter point could only be justified if the government at either the national and subnational levels have not entered into any contractual agreement with anybody or that such agreement has been reviewed in line with the current budget line. When these are not in affirmative, the state still has the responsibility to fulfill her side of the agreement.

4.1 Risk in Underfunding Routine Immunization at the National and Subnational States

Inadequate and untimely releases of funding to immunization related activities could lead to non or under-vaccination of the under-5 children in the 2021 fiscal year. This could in turn create a potential risk for the outbreak of some other preventable diseases in the state.

With no dedicated budget lines for RI in 2021 especially in the Niger State approved budget, whatever the intention of the state government, this will not only send a wrong signal to donors or other potential parties interested in supporting the government on the issue of child health, but it could also lead to underfunding of the RI activities including training of Human of Resources for Health (HRH), transportation of logistic to health facilities, maintenance of cold chain, etc.

A poor priority on health-related issues especially on child health is a risk to a nations socio-economic development. This is given the fact that the country is now the home of the under-five children in the world having overtaken India (UNICEF).

There is also an issue of sustainability of the donor-funded or supported immunization programmes. In every part of the world, donor supported or funded programmes have a lifespan. When they end, the beneficiary government is expected to take ownership with adequate funding commitment and releases. Kaduna State PHC MOU will end by 2023, the state is expected to take full financing with N285 million for RI starting 2022. The question that comes to mind, whether or not state will fund the programme with optimal level, not only with allocation but releases given its current revenue challenges which have resulted in the sack 4000 workers. The Niger and Kano State government also have related MOUs in this regard to expire by 2021 and 2023 respectively.

Thus, sustaining such efforts through adequate funding will sustain the gains already made by polio resources and help ensure a safer environment for the children given the current public health crisis. Hence, the national and subnational level government must understand that this is not the time to take its foot off the accelerator rather its a period to give routine immunization a vital boost through dedicated budget lines and adequate funding.

5.0 PROGRESS ON ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION COMMITMENTS BY PAS FOCAL STATES

A comparative analysis of routine immunization commitments and performance in the four PAS states (Lagos, Kaduna, Niger and Kano) was conducted by the PAS project with a focus on 11 indicators. The MoU commitments amongst three PAS states (Kaduna, Kano and Niger) and adapted for Lagos state were tracked by key indicators using a checklist adapted from the tripartite agreement and VTC MoU signed by various states. PAS CSOs held key personnel interviews with top RI government officials for data collection in Kano, Kaduna, Niger and Lagos states. The findings below provide significant insights on the progress in the states in the context of Covid-19.

1. Conduct intensified catch up campaigns to reach all the children missed during the COVID-19 surge with RI and PHC

This activity is meant to close the gaps of missed vaccination that occurred during the covid 19 pandemic period in order to reach the missed children in the states. Lagos conducted the RI intensification catch-up campaigns from October to December 2020 to reach underserved communities, Kaduna had same activities in the last two quarters of last year (2020) in three LGAs (Kachia, Kaura and Jamaa), while facilities in Kano state are presently conducting daily sessions in high volume PHCs and has also embarked on monthly oral vaccinations (MOVs) which is ongoing in 248 facilities in the state. Niger state has also set out a plan to intensify the RI campaign to reach underserved communities in 5 identified LGAs (Bida, Lavun, Magama, Mashegu and Paikoro) from May to December, 2021.

2. Deploy and monitor performance of phase 1 CHIPS agents at HF, LGA and State levels

Community health influencers promoters and services (CHIPS) agents are important personalities in the communities who can drive behavioural and attitudinal changes in their various communities to improve acceptability and uptake of routine immunization. The Kano and Kaduna state Government have launched and deployed the CHIPS agents to all local government in the state. Kano has even reached the stage of assessing the performance of the phase 1 of CHIPs Agent which was conducted in March 2021. Niger state has launched the program but its yet to commence full-service delivery at community level while Lagos state is yet to launch the program.

3. Number of Outreaches and fixed session conducted (Oct 2020-Mar 2021)

To improve the RI coverage, it is necessary to conduct outreach and fixed session campaigns to reach many children who will not come to the facilities for vaccination in the states. Kano state conducted the highest number of outreaches with 19153 fixed sessions and 19153 outreach sessions in Q3 and 7828 fixed sessions and 7828 outreach sessions in Q4 of 2020, Lagos state conducted about 39,198 outreaches and fixed sessions exercise between Oct 2020 and Mar 2021, Kaduna state also conducted four outreach per month in all the facilities while the number of outreaches and fixed sessions could not be ascertained for Niger state.

4. Development and implementation of polio ramp down strategy which leverages polio structures to drive PHC services

Niger state has developed and implemented the polio ramp down strategy designed by WHO and in Kano, the EOC has leveraged on the polio structure to conduct surveillance on Covid19, and the strange aliment that was killing people in the State. Kaduna and Lagos states have also leveraged on polio legacies to strengthen RI, AFP surveillance and community engagement strategies.

5. Development and implementation of state-wide human resource for health plan

All the PAS states have fulfilled this commitment through different strategies. In Niger state, the department of planning research and statistics of the SPHCB carry out this exercise every year while Lagos has an exit-replacement strategy in line with the public service rules in the State. Kaduna state also have this done yearly.

6. Timely funds release and allocation for SIAs

Fund release is important to carry out the SIA activities. This continues to be a challenge for states. Supporting partners and State counterpart funds are usually eventually released for the SIA in the states, Lagos state claims its releases fund are usually timely but acknowledges the challenge of not getting adequate notice about changes in programme from the NPHCDA which affects budgeting and subsequent release of required funds.

7. Numbers of SIAs conducted

The frequency of the SIAs varied across the four states due to availability of funds. Lagos conducted 2 in Q4 of 2020 and 1 in Q1 of 2021, Kaduna conducted 2 in the last two Quarters of 2020, Niger conducted 2 in Q1 of 2021 while that of Kano is unknown.

8. The RI antigen coverage in the state

The RI coverage for the states varies and its recorded on Quarterly basis. The latest record shows that Lagos state is at 70% overall coverage, Kano at 93.3% and 87.7% for penta 1, penta 3 respectively. Niger state is at 91% for Penta 3 coverage while Kaduna state data was not available.

9. Timely release of State and LGA counterpart funds and continue providing oversight on PEI activities in LGAs through Task Force meetings and monitoring of SIAs

All states release the counterpart funds but not all LGAs fulfil this commitment. In Lagos state, funds are released as soon as received and monthly RIWG meetings are held to monitor PEI activities to resolve challenges. Also, some LGAs in Niger state have support for the rounds and task force meetings held at LGAs and reactivation process at state level. Kano state released money about 8 months before the exercise. Kaduna also releases counterpart funds as at when due.

10. Leveraging on polio legacies to strengthen RI, AFP surveillance and community engagement strategies

All the PAS states fulfilled this part of the commitment with their various forms of collaborations and leveraging on polio legacies in the states. For example; the Kano SPHCMB used the polio strategy to conduct MI-MOP which targeted the low RI LGAs. Lagos, Niger and Kaduna also use all polio structure at the wards/community levels to reach all the community with RI services and surveillance approaches.

11. Supportive supervision using the revised optimized RISS Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for conducting supportive supervision at state and sub-levels

Routine supportive supervision is one of the important indicators of the commitment. It is structured to provide onsite mentoring and assessment of RI activities at various facilities and posts using the RISS SOP in the states. In Lagos; each team member and partner are assigned to specific LGAs and prioritise HFs with unresolved challenges. Supervisors use logbooks at the health facility to document feedback and to-dos. The RISS is done fortnightly in Kano with other PHC services also leveraging on the exercise. Niger state conduct it on weekly basis where the state team visit the LGA/Facilities and LGA team visit Health facilities. This also happens routinely in Kaduna state.

5.1 Bureaucratic Challenges of Routine Immunisation implementation in the PAS focal states

Each state has its own peculiar challenges and bottlenecks affecting the RI activities in the state.

In Kaduna state; tracking of defaulters, lack of support from LGA and poor attitude of the health care workers are the major challenges. Niger faces challenges ranging from inadequate funding for routine immunization activities particularly at the lower levels to irregular conduct of fixed and outreach sessions and inadequate human resources for health. Others include poor motivation of health workers due to irregular payment of salaries, insecurity in compromised communities and lack of regular social mobilization and demand generation activities. The challenges in Lagos state are minimal and has to do with poor data on population and increasing migrant population. The main bureaucratic challenge in Lagos is inadequate financing of the RI program while that of Kano is the delay in approving the RI work plan as the 2021 RI work plan is still undergoing bureaucratic processes.

6.0 THE ROLE OF PAS MONITORING THE ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION COMMITMENTS IN PAS FOCAL STATES

Tracking of the commitments

PAS CSO partners in all the four states monitors the efforts of each government towards meeting the commitment as agreed. Routine data on activities carried out in line with the agreed indicators are collected. These evidences inform their advocacies to the stakeholders to ensure fulfilment of the commitments.

Active on SERICC platforms across the states

PAS CSO partners in priority states are active stakeholders and supporters of SERICC. PAS regularly contributes to solving issues on this platform and other routine immunization technical working groups and sub-committees.

Routine Immunization Supportive supervision

PAS partners are supporting the states and participating in the routine immunization supportive supervision targeting low performing LGAs. In Kano state, PAS partners conduct RISS in partnership with SERICC. This supports the states effort to expand vaccine coverage.

Trainings and Capacity Building

PAS is supporting Kano state to conduct capacity building activities targeted at traditional and religious leaders in fulfilment of commitment to include them as vaccine promoters in their constituencies. Most recent was the capacity building for the Bichi Emirate committee members supporting them to be more effective, producing an operational work plan. Members of the Bichi Emirate council, KSMOH and Bichi LGA officials were in attendance. The Emir of Bichi chaired this event. The event was held between 15th  16th April 2021 at FCE(Technical), Bichi.

7.0 CONCLUSION

As Nigeria approaches the mid-point of the 10-year Immunization Strategy, government at all levels should ensure that they fulfil their funding obligations in adequate and timely terms. Despite the gains so far, Nigeria must work to improve upon the shortcomings for routine immunization strengthening through the PHCs. There is a role for civil society organizations to catalyse transparency and accountability at all levels to ensure Nigeria stays on track to meeting her targets.

8.0 REFERENCES

 2018 Appropriation Act, Https://Www.Budgetoffice.Gov.Ng/Index.Php/2018-Appropriation-Act/2018-Appropriation-Act/Download

 2019 Appropriation Act, Https://Www.Budgetoffice.Gov.Ng/Index.Php/2019-Appropriation-Bill-V2/2019-Appropriation-Bill/Download

 2021 Appropriation Bill Final, https://budgetoffice.gov.ng/index.php/2021-appropriation-bill/2021-appropriation-bill/download

 Ahmadu Baba Idris. EU/UNICEF covered over 1,050 settlements on hard-to-reach medical treatments, https://guardian.ng/news/eu-

unicef-covered-over-1050-settlements-on-hard-to-reach-medical-treatments/

 Alyssa Sharkey. Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) to improve child health: Key implementation challenges and potential solutions, https://chwcentral.org/integrated-community-case-management-iccm-to-improve-child-health-key-implementation-challenges-and-potential-solutions/

 Appropriation Act (Repeal and Enactment) Act, 2020 Https://Www.Budgetoffice.Gov.Ng/Index.Php/Appropriation-Repeal-And-Enactment-Act-2020/Appropriation-Repeal-And-Enactment-Act-2020/Download

 http://mepb.lagosstate.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2019/11/Y2019-Abridged-Budget.pdf,

 https://lagosstate.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/LAGOS-STATE-Y2020-REVISED-BUDGET-08.pdf

 https://www.measureevaluation.org/prh/rh_indicators/family-planning/fp/unmet-need-for-family-planning

 Kaduna State 2018 Approved Budget, https://kdsg.gov.ng/download/2018-approved-budget/

 Kaduna State 2018 Approved Budget, https://kdsg.gov.ng/download/2018-approved-budget/

 Kaduna State 2020 Budget, https://kdsg.gov.ng/download/kaduna-state-2020-budget/

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 Kaduna State 2020 Revised Appropriation Law, https://kdsg.gov.ng/download/2020-revised-appropriation-law/

 Kaduna State 2020 Revised Appropriation Law, https://kdsg.gov.ng/download/2020-revised-appropriation-law/

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 Kaduna State 2021 Final Budget Draft, https://kdsg.gov.ng/download/2021-final-budget-draft/

 Kaduna State Approved 2017 Budget, https://kdsg.gov.ng/download/2017-approved-budget/

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 Kaduna State Half Year Report, https://finance.kdsg.gov.ng/half-year-report/

 Kaduna state Q1 Budget Performance, 2020 https://lagosstate.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/3RD-QUARTER-FOR-Y2020.pdf

 Kaduna State Q3 Budget Performance, 2020 https://finance.kdsg.gov.ng/q3-budget-implementation/

 Kano State 2020 Revised Appropriation Law, https://kanobudget.org/budget/

 Kano State 2021 Proposed Appropriation Bill, https://kanobudget.org/budget/

 Kano State Approved 2021 Budget, https://kanobudget.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/kano-2021-approved-budget.pdf

 Kano State Third Quarter Budget Performance Report, https://kanobudget.org/2020/10/17/third-quarter-2020-budget-performance/

 Lagos State Revised 2020 Budget, https://lagosstate.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/LAGOS-STATE-Y2020-REVISED-BUDGET-08.pdf

 Niger State 2020 Approved Revised Budget, https://nogp.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/NIGER-STATE-APPROVED-REVISED-2020-

BUDGET.pdf

 Niger State Approved 2019 Budget, https://nogp.nigerstate.gov.ng/niger-state-approved-2019-budget/

 Niger State Government 2021 Approved Budget, https://nogp.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NIGER-STATE-2021-APPROVED-BUDGET.pdf

 Niger State governor Assented 2020 Revised Budget, https://nogp.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/NIGER-STATE-GOVERNOR-ASCENTED-

2020-REVISED-BUDGET.pdf

 Nigeria launches Saving One Million Lives by 2015 initiative, https://www.who.int/workforcealliance/media/news/2012/1mlives/en/

 Signed Lagos State 2021 Appropriation Bill. https://lagosstate.gov.ng/documents/scancopyofSIGNED2021AppropriationBill.pdf

 UNICEF Canada (2019) Bringing healthcare to hard-to-reach communities in Nigeria, https://www.unicef.ca/en/blog/bringing-healthcare-hard-reach-communities-nigeria

 UNICEF: In Nigeria, mobile medical teams save lives in hard-to-reach communities, https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/stories/nigeria-mobile-medical-teams-save-lives-hard-reach-communities

 Using collective voices to create state-level accountability. Case Study No. 11 | March 2018, https://www.mnch2.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/TSC-MNCH2-CS_11_SLAMs_single-1.pdf
More than $50 million worth of methamphetamine linked to a Mexican drug cartel was seized in a months-long drug operation of Florida's Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

According to WWSB, it was the largest meth seizure in Polk County's history so far. In a statement, Polk County Sheriff's Office said six people involved in the drug trafficking operation with a Mexican drug cartel were arrested.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the HSI initiated a joint probe of a drug trafficking organization with ties to the Juarez Mexican drug cartel early this year, WFLA reported.

READ NEXT: $1.3 Million Methamphetamine Confiscated by the US Customs and Border Protection

Florida's County Sheriff's Office Makes Largest Meth Bust

Juarez Cartel is one of the oldest drug cartels and most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico. The said Mexican drug cartel is responsible for smuggling tons of narcotics from Mexico into the U.S.

Dubbed "Operation Dirty Water," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the investigation started on Jan. 14 when investigators found a package shipped from Quebec, Canada, containing roughly 2,500 Xanax pills.

After the parcel was intercepted, the Polk County Sheriff's Office made a controlled delivery to a home in Winter Haven. It resulted in the arrest of 37-year-old Amber Cayson and the seizure of 24 pounds of THC edibles, 2.4 pounds of marijuana, and a pound of meth.

As the investigation moves forward, investigators learned of a suspected drug trafficker in Georgia, who is Brian Stanton, 37, known as "Lil B."

Police said Stanton, who arranged for the sale and delivery of methamphetamine in Polk County, is currently imprisoned in a federal prison in Atlanta, Georgia.

The organizations teamed up to prove Stanton's role even inside the jail. They said the suspect coordinated a shipment of about 26 pounds of methamphetamine from Georgia to Polk County, Florida.

One of the suspects, identified as Jennifer Meers of Stone Mountain, Georgia, allegedly delivered on Mar. 13 a suitcase with 12 large bags containing 26 pounds of meth to an undercover detective at a hotel in Lakeland, Florida.

After the delivery, the 43-year-old suspect, who is on federal probation for drug trafficking, returned to Georgia. On Mar. 19, Stanton arranged for another 35 pounds of methamphetamine to be delivered again by Meers to undercover detectives.

The detectives arranged to pick up the drugs from inside Meers' truck near her place of employment in Atlanta on Mar. 30. When they got the drugs from Meers' truck, they found a suitcase with 16 bags containing about 35 pounds of meth.

After being arrested, the female suspect told the detectives that Stanton would arrange the delivery of the meth and pay her $500 for every kilo or 2.2 pounds that she delivered.

Authorities said that Meer's arrest led to the location of three meth conversion labs in Georgia. And it resulted in the arrest of three people and the seizure of 1,416 pounds of crystalized and liquid meth.

Drug Trafficking Organization With Ties to Mexican Drug Cartel

Key suspects arrested in this drug trafficking operation with ties to the Juarez Mexican drug cartel were Meers, Stanton, and Cayson.

Stanton is still at the Atlanta U.S. Penitentiary. He is being charged with conspiracy traffic in methamphetamine, trafficking in methamphetamine, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Authorities said that Stanton's criminal history includes 26 arrests in Georgia, including charges of trafficking in methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, furnishing alcohol to a minor, threatening a law enforcement officer, and numerous parole and probation violations.

Stanton's current sentence runs through 2040. Other related arrests include Crescencio Ornelas-Loza, 30; Luis Ornelas-Martinez, 50; and Isidoro Palacios; 59.

Reports said that the subsequent raid of the meth lab also unveiled an illegal rooster fighting ring belonging to Palacios.

READ MORE: Mexican Cartel Smuggles More Than 1100 Pounds of Meth to Miami

WATCH: Operation Dirty Water: Full Sheriff Judd Press Conference on Meth Bust - From Fox 13
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, by unanimous vote, Commissioners of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights have concurred in President Joseph R. Biden's appointment of Norma V. Cantu as Chair, marking a milestone for the Commission as the first Latina to serve as Chair.

Ms. Cantu is a Professor of Education and Professor of Law at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and education law. Ms. Cantu joins the Commission with a distinguished record of public service, including eight years as the Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights in the Clinton Administration and most recently, as a member of the Biden-Harris Transition's "Agency Review Team" for education.

The Chair and Commissioners of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights serve six-year terms.

The Commission offers heartfelt thanks to former Chair Catherine E. Lhamon for her four years of tireless service to the Commission. Ms. Lhamon continues working to defend the civil rights of all Americans as Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council for Racial Justice and Equity.

"I am looking forward to advancing the mission of the Commission on civil rights matters facing our Nation today, in collaboration with my esteemed colleagues on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights," said newly appointed Commission Chair, Norma V. Cantu.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is the only independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights and reporting annually on federal civil rights enforcement. Our 51 state Advisory Committees offer a broad perspective on civil rights concerns at state and local levels. For information about the Commission, please visit www.usccr.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Media contact: Angelia Rorison

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 202-376-7700

SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

Related Links

http://www.usccr.gov


Police officers on Wednesday night shot and killed two suspected gangsters who were terrorizing members of the public in Kawangware, Nairobi.

According to a police report, the officers were on foot patrol within stage 56 when they encountered a gang of three.

The gang had allegedly attacked and robbed an unidentified man at gunpoint.

The report said the police officers ordered the thugs to surrender but they shot at them, triggering a fierce shootout.

Two of the suspects died in the shootout while a third escaped on a motorcycle whose identification was concealed.

Police recovered a firearm with one round of 9mm caliber and handed it over to DCI ballistic experts for examination.

Bodies of the two suspects were taken to the City Mortuary.
At first glance the Instagram posts look innocuous: pastel-hued sunsets overlaid with text, a black and white shot of a couple embracing in a field of grass.

The imagery and the bucolic aesthetic sits well with the type of content posted regularly by countless wellness and parenting influencers. But theres a catch, as the underlying messages embedded in these posts can be dangerous, spreading baseless QAnon conspiracy theories about child sex trafficking rings or anti-vaccination information.

The rise of this content dubbed pastel QAnon by extremism researcher Marc-Andre Argentino is posing a challenge for graphic design platforms such as $19 billion Australian startup Canva and international tech giant Adobe, with both grappling with the problem of their software being used to spread misinformation.

Canva co-founder Cliff Obrecht is concerned about the use of the platform to spread disinformation.

Canvas co-founder and chief operating officer Cliff Obrecht says he is alert to the problem and there are inevitably going to be some questionable designs in the 250 million created every month by its users.
Coinbase said Friday it has agreed to buy data analytics platform skew, allowing the leading cryptocurrency exchange to beef up its offerings to its growing base of institutional clients.

Financial terms werent disclosed.

The data analytics platform will be integrated with Coinbase Prime, allowing the crypto exchange to provide real-time data analytics to its institutional clients.

Coinbase had $112 billion of assets from institutions as of the end of March, which is more than half of the total assets held on its platform ($223 billion).

Institutional trade volume has outstripped retail trades every quarter since the second quarter of 2019. By the fourth quarter of last year, the split grew to 64% of trade coming from institutions.

Skew was founded in 2018 with the aim of making crypto markets more accessible to institutional investors, and it now counts more than 100 customers, including hedge fund One River Asset Management.

The firm launched a trade execution platform in April 2020 and raised $5 million in a funding round led by London-based venture capitalists Octopus Ventures.

The deal is expected to close in the second quarter.

See also: Coinbase Pro Delays Rollout of Tether Trading Citing API Issues

Related Stories
YEREVAN, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS. The Ukrainian Bees Airline low-cost airline launched flights between Ukraine and Armenia on April 29.

The commercial director of the airline Oleksandr Dzhydzhora was one of the passengers on the first flight.

Dzhydzhora said at a news conference that the return flight from Yerevan to Kiev has already taken place.

Opening the flight to Yerevan is a significant event for us, we love this country very much and we want as many Ukrainians as possible to have the chance to get to know Armenia. Weve arranged the flights in a way so that Ukrainians are able to visit Armenia for 3 days or a week and visit the historic-cultural sites, try the wonderful cuisine. We expect tourists from Armenia in the same way. We offer Armenians affordable flight, to be in Kiev, in other cities of Ukraine, to have good time, get to know the culture and of course focus on the cuisine and drinks, Dzhydzhora said.

Sky Service Director Arsen Babajanyan, the main partner of Bees Airline in Armenia, said that this is a good opportunity for the Armenian community of Ukraine to travel to Armenia with affordable flights.

The airline flies to several European directions. Namely to Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece. Summer is ahead, the holiday season, and these three countries I mentioned are active tourism destinations. The Bees Airline has Boeing 737-800 planes, which are known for their comfort, he said, adding that the flights are carried out from Kievs Igor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany).

The Kiev-Yerevan-Kiev flights will be operated on Mondays and Fridays.

Sales and Booking specialist Shushan Avetisyan said a one way ticket without luggage for the upcoming May 3 flight costs 45,000 drams, and 74,000 for a round-trip ticket.

The airline plans to operate the Odessa-Yerevan-Odessa flight in the beginning of summer.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
It was a first date out of a horror movie.

Priscilla Castro, a 32-year-old from Vallejo, was headed to Vacaville on a Wednesday evening in August to meet Victor Serriteno, a 28-year-old she'd met through an online dating app.

But instead of romance, the interlude ended in multiple deaths and hundreds of thousands of fire-scorched acres, prosecutors say.

Vacaville man held for allegedly starting deadly wildfire to cover up a homicide The suspect is accused of starting the Markley Fire in Vacaville last August that merged with fires in five other counties, including Napa, to become the LNU Lightning Complex.

The person behind all the crimes, authorities say, is Serriteno, whom Solano County sheriff's deputies arrested again Wednesday on suspicion of arson and murder in connection with the Markley fire, which killed two people and merged into last year's devastating LNU Lightning Complex fire. Serriteno was already in the county jail after authorities alleged he killed Castro.

"We believe Serriteno deliberately set the Markley fire in an attempt to conceal his crime," Solano County Sheriff Tom Ferrara said at a news conference Wednesday.

The day after Castro and Serriteno's planned meeting, ash began raining down on Vacaville. Dozens of residents were forced to evacuate their homes, and smoke and darkness blanketed the region for days.
Rivers are defined as flowing bodies of freshwater that drain into seas, oceans, lakes, and reservoirs. Rivers serve as important sources of drinking water, irrigation, transportation, hydroelectric power generation, and various recreational activities such as boating and swimming. There are numerous rivers as well as their tributaries that flow through the countries of the European continent. This article highlights some of the most significant European rivers.

Contents:

Danube River

Map of the Danube River.

The Danube River has a length of about 2,850 km and is considered the second-longest river in the European continent. It rises at the confluence of the Brigach and Breg rivers, near the German town of Donaueschingen in the Black Forest region of Germany. The river flows across major portions of central and southeastern Europe, passing through the 10 European nations of Germany, Austria, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Moldova. There are many tributaries of the Danube river including Lech, Isar, Inn, Enns, Raba, Drava, Mlava, etc. The Danube River finally drains into the Black Sea via the Danube Delta.

The Danube River serves as one of the most significant commercial waterways on the European continent and acts as an important source of drinking water, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, fishing, and navigation, for the 10 countries that share its waters. The 171 km-long Rhine-Main-Danube Canal connects the Danube River with the North Sea.

Dnieper River

Map of the Dnieper River.

The Dnieper River has a length of about 2,200 km and is the fourth-longest river in Europe. It originates in the Valdai Hills located near the Russian city of Smolensk. The river then flows in a southerly direction through the western part of the Russian Federation and the European nations of Belarus and Ukraine before draining into the Black Sea. It has been estimated that there are more than 32,000 tributaries of the Dnieper River. Some of these tributaries are Berezina, Bilozerka, Drut, Desna, Prypiat, Sozh, Myareya, Samara, Sula, and Vyazma.

Don River

Map of the Don River in Russia emptying into the Sea of Azov.

The Don River has a length of about 1,870 km and is the fifth-longest river in Europe. It originates in the Russian Tula oblast near the city of Novomoskovsk. It then flows in a southeasterly direction towards the Volga river, but abruptly turns in the west to join the Gulf of Taganrog in the Sea of Azov. Some of the tributaries of the Don River include Chir, Seversky Donets, Chyornaya Kalitva, Krasivaya Mecha, Khopyor, and Medveditsa. The 101 km-long Lenin Volga-Don Shipping Canal links the Don River with the Volga River.

Elbe River

Dresden, Germany on the Elbe River.

The Elbe River has a length of about 1,112-km and originates in the southern part of the Krkonose Mountains which is located near the boundary between Poland and the Czech Republic. It then flows through Bohemia in the northwestern part of the Czech Republic and enters Germany through its eastern side and finally ends in the North Sea near the town of Cuxhaven. Some of the major tributaries of the Elbe River include Saale, Mulde, Ohre, Vltava, Schwarze Elster, Havel, and Alster.

Loire River

Map of the Loire River and it tributaries.

The Loire River has a length of about 1,006 km and is recognized as Frances longest river. It rises from the foothills of the Massif Central in the Cevennes mountain range which is located in the French department of Ardeche. It then flows across the northern and western areas of France and finally drains into the Bay of Biscay. Some of the major tributaries of the Loire river include Erdre, Nievre, Maine, Cher, Vienne, Sevre Nantaise, Allier and Indre. Located in the central part of the Loire river valley is the Forest of Orleans which encompasses an area of 94,480 acres and is considered as the largest forest in France. About 164 bird species and 57 fish species are found in the Loire River basin.

Oder River

The Oder River has a length of about 840 km and is the second-longest river in Poland. It originates in the rugged mountains of the eastern Czech Republic and flows through the western part of Poland where it forms a border between Poland and Germany. The main branch of the river empties into the Szczecin Lagoon and its other three branches, the Peene, Swina, and Dziwna drains into the Baltic Sea.

Po River

Turin, Italy on the Po River.

The Po River has a length of about 652 km and is Italys longest river. It rises from the upper reaches of the Cottian Alps and flows from west to east across the northern portion of Italy and eventually drains into the Adriatic Sea. The Po River flows through several major Italian cities including Cremona, Milan, Ferrara, Piacenza, and Turin. The cities of Milan and Turin, which serve as major industrial centers in the country, utilize the waters of the Po River for industrial purposes. The river is fed by a total of 141 tributaries such as Rotaldo, Pellice, Grana del Monferrato, Nure, Adda, Chisola, and Dora Riparia.

Rhine River

Map of the Rhine River.

The Rhine River has a length of about 1,230 km and originates from the southeastern part of the Swiss Alps in the Canton of Grisons, Switzerland. The river then flows northwards through the large Rhine Valley and forms the international boundary between Switzerland and Liechtenstein and later the boundary between Switzerland and Austria. In Austria, the river flows into Lake Constance. The river then flows westwards out of the lake as High Rhine and forms Switzerlands northeastern border with Germany. The river then falls over 22 m and is then known as the Rhine Falls. In the city of Basel in Switzerland, the river turns in the northward direction and is referred to as the Upper Rhine. This part of the river forms the boundary between Germany and France. Then, the Rhine flows into the Netherlands where it is divided into three branches (Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt). The river then finally empties into the North Sea. Some of the notable tributaries of the Rhine river include Aare, Tamina, Moselle, Erft, Rein da Tuma, Plessur, Rotach, and Wiese. The principal cities that are located along the Rhine river include Dusseldorf, Basel, Rotterdam, Cologne, and Strasbourg.

Rhone River

Pont Saint Benezet on the Rhone, Avignon, France.

The Rhone River has a length of about 813 km and originates in the Rhone Glacier of the Swiss Alps. This fast-flowing river flows into the eastern end of Lake Geneva and then moves in the southward direction through the southeastern part of France. Before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea, the Rhone river divides into two sections, namely the Great Rhone and Little Rhone, at the French city of Arles.

River Shannon

River Shannon map.

The Shannon River has a length of about 360.5 km and is the Republic of Irelands longest river. It rises from the Shannon Pot, a small pool on the slopes of the Cuilcagh Mountain. The river then flows southwards through a series of lakes and turns west to eventually drain into the Atlantic Ocean via the Shannon Estuary. The river passes through 11 Irish counties that are situated in the massive Shannon River Basin that covers about one-fifth of the total land area of Ireland.

Tagus River

Map of the Iberian Peninsula with the Tagus marked.

The Tagus River measures about 1,007 km long and is the Iberian Peninsulas longest river. It originates from the Montes Universales mountain range in the eastern part of Spain and flows westwards across the country. It then enters Portugal and flows in the southwestward direction before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near the Portuguese capital city of Lisbon. Some of the major tributaries of the Tagus river include Gallo, Alberche, Jarama, Alagon, Algodor, Guadiela, Ibor, and Almonte.

Volga River

Map of European Russia with the Volga River marked.

The Volga River is about 3,531 km in length and is the longest river on the European continent. The Volga is also widely considered as the National River of the Russian Federation. It originates in the Valdai Hills and flows through the central part of Russia to its southern part where it eventually drains into the Caspian Sea. The Volga River is fed by numerous tributaries, notable among which are Sura, Oka, Vetluga, and Kama. During Soviet rule, many hydroelectric reservoirs were built on the Volga River. Some of these reservoirs are Volgograd, Saratov, Uglich, Gorky, and Cheboksary.
Gurugram, April 30 : To provide oxygen in a time-bound manner the Gurugram district administration has released a control room number for the supply of oxygen cylinders at different hospitals in the district. An emergency cylinder requirement can be availed of by calling 01242971110.

This control room will work 24x7.

To avail of this facility, when any hospital calls the control room, the name of the hospital, the driver's name and the mobile number, the number of the vehicle, how long is backup of oxygen left in the hospital, how many cylinders are required etc, all information will have to be provided to the control room.

Recently, it came to light that several leading hospitals in Gurugram had asked for urgent supply of oxygen by tweeting for help.

"We have also issued an order regarding oxygen supply to hospitals. Any hospital will have to inform the district administration six hours before they need oxygen. Also to meet the demand for liquid medical oxygen in private hospitals, we have asked all hospitals and nursing homes to fill up a Google form which appears on clicking the website 'covidharyana.in'," said Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Yash Garg.

The district administration has clarified that efforts would be made to provide oxygen only to those hospitals and nursing homes registered with it.
LOS ANGELESClandestine Devices, maker of the popular Mimic and Mimic + Plus personal massagers, as well as the new Companion, on Thursday announced that Lulu Shwartzer has joined the company as its Internal Operational Manager.



Im very excited to be working with Clandestine Devices and Ashley who already has an amazing product line but also has a great vision for the future, says Shwartzer. This is my 32nd year in the adult novelty industry working at every level of product production and sales after taking a one-year hiatus to pursue educational goals.

The self-proclaimed Toy-Geek loves the industry, and missed it with all of her heart for the last year. Lulu is excited to be working on the new product launch, and to increase the brand recognition for the company, both domestic and internationally.



The most recent release of the Companion has shown the forward thinking and attention to detail that I have always respected and loved in the Mimic and Mimic +," Shwartzer continues. "Clandestine hits the mark on every level including packaging, quality, materials, innovation and so much more.



Lulu brings an abundance of expertise to the company, and looks forward to making everyone aware of the new and existing line.

I am happy to be coming on board during the release of the Companion, which is our top-of-the-line panty vibe," she adds. "The soft silicone, rumbly vibrations and cool yet functional remote makes it stand out amongst the competition. Anyone who knows me knows that I am all about quality in adult novelties and through training and education of our customers to pass on to the consumer, I feel that together we can take our products to the next level!



Shwartzer can be contacted directly at Shwartzer can be contacted directly at [email protected]
MOSCOW, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia's sovereign wealth fund) announces that the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey has registered the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus in the country.

The vaccine has been registered in Turkey under the emergency use authorization procedure (EUA). Turkey has become the 63rd country to authorize the use of Sputnik V. Total population of the countries where Sputnik V is approved for use exceeds 3.2 billion people.

Post-vaccination studies in a number of countries demonstrate that Sputnik V is the safest and most effective vaccine against coronavirus. Sputnik V ranks second among coronavirus vaccines globally in terms of the number of approvals issued by government regulators.

RDIF had earlier reached an agreement with Turkey's Viscoran Ilac pharmaceutical company to cooperate on production of Sputnik V in the country. Viscoran Ilac has carried out necessary studies for localization of the product and aims to launch the production in the country in the upcoming months at several facilities.

To date Sputnik V has also been approved in Russia, Belarus, Argentina, Bolivia, Serbia, Algeria, Palestine, Venezuela, Paraguay, Turkmenistan, Hungary, UAE, Iran, Republic of Guinea, Tunisia, Armenia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Republika Srpska (entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina), Lebanon, Myanmar, Pakistan, Mongolia, Bahrain, Montenegro, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Gabon, San-Marino, Ghana, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, Guyana, Egypt, Honduras, Guatemala, Moldova, Slovakia, Angola, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Sri Lanka, Laos, Iraq, North Macedonia, Kenya, Morocco, Jordan, Namibia, Azerbaijan, Philippines, Cameroon, Seychelles, Mauritius, Vietnam, Antigua and Barbuda, Mali, Panama, India, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said:

"Russia and Turkey have been actively cooperating in the joint fight against coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic and RDIF welcomes the decision by the Ministry of Health of Turkey today to authorize Sputnik V. The vaccine is used in dozens of countries around the world and post-vaccination studies in many of them demonstrate that Sputnik V is the safest and most effective vaccine against coronavirus. The Russian vaccine will contribute to saving lives, preventing the spread of coronavirus and creating a long-term immunity among the population in Turkey and will help to return to normal life soon."

Sputnik V has a number of key advantages:

Efficacy of Sputnik V is 97.6% based on the analysis of data on the coronavirus infection rate among those in Russia vaccinated with both components of Sputnik V from December 5, 2020 to March 31, 2021 ;

The Sputnik V vaccine is based on a proven and well-studied platform of human adenoviral vectors, which cause the common cold and have been around for thousands of years.

Sputnik V uses two different vectors for the two shots in a course of vaccination, providing immunity with a longer duration than vaccines using the same delivery mechanism for both shots.

The safety, efficacy and lack of negative long-term effects of adenoviral vaccines have been proven by more than 250 clinical studies over two decades.

There are no strong allergies caused by Sputnik V.

The storage temperature of Sputnik V at +2+8 C means it can be stored in a conventional refrigerator without any need to invest in additional cold-chain infrastructure.

The price of Sputnik V is less than $10 per shot, making it affordable around the world.
The Israeli Army has ordered a new guided 120mm mortar shell, Iron Sting, that can use GPS or laser guidance to hit targets with greater precision than any existing guided shell. Iron Sting is also equipped to work with a new digital fire control system that is also entering wide use in the Israeli military. That means 120mm mortars, which are vehicle mounted, can receive target location data from any Israeli ground, air or naval source and quickly program and fire Iron Sting shell at anything within twelve kilometers. While GPS guidance is reliable enough to put the shell within a few meters (ten feet) of the target, laser guidance can reliably hit individual vehicles, bunkers or snipers in buildings. The laser guidance requires someone within a few thousand meters of the target to aim the laser at the target and keep it there for the laser guided shell to hit the reflected laser light. Another advantage of laser guidance is that is harder to jam than GPS. Some GPS jammers can disrupt GPS guidance within several thousand meters. Laser signal disrupters are more expensive and only provide protection for individual vehicles and similar size targets. Israel has been using GPS guided 120mm shells since 2015 and they cost about $33,000 each. Iron Sting is more expensive but considered more effective due to the laser guidance and integration with the new fire control system.

The Israeli guided mortar program became a competitor of the earlier American ATK guidance kit, which entered service with 155mm artillery shells in 2010 with American forces. A decade later a 120mm mortar version was introduced. ATK guidance systems were contained in a separate guidance system designed to replace the fuze that all artillery and mortar shells have, and is screwed into the front of the shell. The ATK devise is a larger fuze containing the precision guidance system (first GPS, then laser) and fins that move to put the artillery or 120mm mortar shell closer to the target. All you need to convert existing artillery or 120mm mortar shells to GPS guidance is the ATK or Israeli fuzes, which handles the usual fuze functions (setting off the explosives in the shell) as well as guidance.

To use the fuze type GPS systems, you place each fuze into a device that transfers the target GPS coordinates, then screw the fuze into the shell, and fire the shell. It would also be possible to program each fuze once it is screwed into the shell, via a metal probe that fits in a hole in the fuze, transfer the data, and signal that that the transfer was accurately made. The GPS guided fuze can put the shell within 6-10 meters (20-30 feet, and usually much less) of the coordinates entered. The new Israeli guidance system fuzes for mortars can be programmed more quickly.

Because of the GPS fuze, guided 120mm shells got a lot cheaper and easier to use. This is particularly crucial for 120mm mortars, which are used by units close to the front lines, where not a lot of ammo can be carried, and resupply is riskier since the enemy is so close. A guided 120mm shell means fewer shells getting fired to get the job done. Most vehicle mounted 120mm mortars carry about fifty 120mm shells and those vehicles can carry a dozen or more of the guidance fuzes to turn any of those fifty shells into a GPS or laser guided versions for use against targets that require only one or two shells rather than a barrage of a dozen or more shells landing over a wider area.

Unguided mortar shells cannot put the first round very close to the target, which means firing several rounds to adjust aim before one gets one on target. A guided mortar round is very useful in urban warfare, where a miss will often kill civilians. The 120mm mortar round has about 8 kg (17 pounds) of explosives, compared to 10 kg (22) pounds in a 155mm shell. The smaller explosive charges reduce collateral damage to civilians. Normally, an unguided 120mm shell will land anywhere within a 136-meter circle (on the first shot). All GPS guided rounds land within a ten-meter circle and laser guided shells land within a one-meter circle. The GPS guided mortar shells ares popular with the troops as are the earlier GPS guided 155mm artillery shells, 227mm rockets and JDAM bombs.

Excalibur, the first effective and widely used GPS guided shell did not enter service until 2007 with the guidance system built into a 155mm shell. In 2011 Excalibur 1A-2 became available as an extended range version. Excalibur 1A-2 could hit targets with precision up to 40 kilometers away with the M777 howitzer or 60 kilometers or more with guns using longer barrels or rocket boosted shells. Excalibur 1A-2 was particularly useful in Afghanistan, where the older (23 kilometer) shell was restricted by its short range. Guided rocket and shells have a longer effective range because unguided projectiles become less accurate the farther they go. With affordable and reliable projectiles, it was not possible increase the range these weapons could be used. This was particularly true of mortars, which never had much range to begin with.

In 2013 Excalibur got some cheaper competition from the ATK M1156 Precision Guidance kit that is screwed into the front of the shell like a fuze would be. The ATK fuze cost less than half as much as an Excalibur shell. Initially Excalibur shells cost $100,000 each. That has since been reduced to less than $70,000 a shell as has the cost of ATK fuzes. Excalibur is more accurate that the ATK approach, but not enough to prevent ATK fuzes from outselling Excalibur. Israel was slow to introduce guided shells for their 155mm artillery because Israel already had a growing number of small guided missile systems that seemed to take care of targets that had to be hit with the first attempt. For that reason, 120mm guided mortar shells entered Israeli service before guided 155mm artillery shells.

ATK first introduced its GPS guidance fuze for 120mm mortar shells in 2011 and this proved very popular (and successful) with the troops. This was because mortars are considered very effective infantry weapons, and most nations equip their troops with 120mm mortars as well as larger numbers of smaller caliber (50mm-82mm) mortars that are carried by infantry. While light enough to move with the troops, mortar ammunition has to be carried as well. A 120mm mortar shells weighs about 16 kg (35 pounds), which is why 120mm mortars are transported in and often fired from a vehicle. Only a few dozen shells are carried with each vehicle and ammo resupply is more difficult for the infantry than for the larger (105mm-155mm) artillery that is usually ten kilometers or more behind the infantry. The 120mm mortar guided shell is much more important because far fewer (one instead of six or more) shells are needed to deal with a target. When fewer shells are needed the limited supply of shells carried with a 120mm mortar can deal with more targets.

Oddly enough the modern mortar did not show up until Britain developed it in 1915, during World War I. This was in response to troops requiring some kind of artillery they could use from the trenches and carry with them when they advanced. At that time artillery was horse drawn and troops transmitted target information via telephone lines. Althugh these telephone wires were designed to lie on the ground and be deployed or repaired quickly, in combat the lines were frequently cut by enemy artillery fire. Thus, the need for portable artillery support, which the lightweight British mortar provided. These infantry mortars were widely adopted and improved after World War I. The first large American mortar was an 107mm model based on the British four-inch (102mm) mortar. The 120mm mortar was invented in France during the 1930s, and widely copied and used ever since.

The original 120mm mortar was too heavy, at 150-200kg (330-440 pounds) for the troops to carry long distances, but it was lighter than regular artillery and as effective as the 105mm howitzers which provided most of the firepower during World War II. Some 120mm mortars were mounted on wheels and could be pulled by horses or troops. In Western armies the 120mm and 107mm mortars were often carried in light trucks or jeeps and set up next to the vehicle for firing. Some of these heavy mortars were mounted and fired from armored personnel carriers, which were first used during World War II.

The US did not have a 120mm mortar during World War II and only had a 107mm (4.2 inch) model because that weapon was designed just for delivering chemical shells. Since chemical weapons were not used during World War II, with a few minor exceptions, the 107mm mortars didn't have much to do except deliver smoke shells, which some considered a "chemical" weapon, even though they provided concealment for friendly troops rather than casualties among the enemy. By the end of World War II, the 107mm mortar was firing high-explosive shells most of the time.

By 1944, it was recognized that the M2 4.2 inch (107mm mortars) were useful as artillery and they were used as such, even though they had a range of only 3-4 kilometers. Each "chemical" battalion contained 32 mortars and these were assigned to corps. This was quite different from the practice in other nations, where regiments were given 120mm mortars. One benefit of their past mission was that the battalions were equipped with white phosphorous (WP) shells. The WP shell created a lot of smoke, but the burning phosphorous caused nasty casualties. The Germans made noises about illegal use of "chemical weapons" when they realized what WP could do, but this did not result in the use of chemical weapons in retaliation. Nor were the Germans able to use many WP shells themselves because of raw material shortages.

As the war went on, it became the American practice to assign one mortar company (eight 4.2" mortars) to an infantry battalion. Not all infantry battalions got mortars, preference being given to units involved in attacks. An improved 107mm mortar, the M30, was developed after World War II and widely exported. Many nations still use it and the Americans did not adopt the 120mm mortar until 1991 when the Israeli Soltam was selected to replace the 107mm models. Israel, like most other nations, adopted 120mm mortars and Israel soon became a pioneer in developing new 120mm mortars, fire control systems and guided shells.
A report said that an underground waste tank is leaking a radioactive liquid at a Washington nuclear site. Estimates are that gallons are leaking into local soil daily.

Underground Waste Tanks Leaking at Nuclear Sites are Dangerous

Officials say that a chemical waste tank full of radioactive material is leaking, a cause for concern, reported UPI. State officials said an underground chemical waste tank stored in southeast Washington is leaking gallons of liquid a day into the soil.

According to the Department of Ecology for Washington, which reported a leak in a statement last Thursday, tank B-109 was found at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, 170 miles from Spokane.

One department official said that the leaking tank is very old compared to other chemical tanks on site. It is roughly 75 years old and has been dripping at least 3.5 gallons a day since March 2019, with an estimated 1700 gallons in total; the leak is a cause for concern.

Hanfoed nuclear site released the following statement:

"The tank holds 15,000 gallons of liquid waste after the majority of its contents is drained, leaving only a very small amount of liquid waste in the tank."

Read also: Iran Builds New Construction at Underground Nuclear Site with US Tension

Laura Watson, Ecology Director, stated that the underground waste tank is leaking a radioactive liquid, and dangerous chemical waste is a serious concern. She added, "According to the information we already have, the leak presents no immediate danger to staff or the general public, but it did add to the ongoing imminent hazard to the environment at Hanford."

The Hanford nuclear site started during the second world war, as it produced weapons-grade plutonium used for the atomic bomb over imperial Japan, said the website.

Way back in 1984, it was confirmed that the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Washington State Department of Ecology had reached a deal to clean up the Hanford site, making it one of the world's most significant nuclear cleanup initiatives.

A statement by the Hanford Nuclear Reservation said that one of its tanks is leaking when monitoring teams saw a drop in the suspected tank level. It followed a formal leak assessment starting in July 2020 and was completed Thursday.

Another statement from the site administrators said that contamination in the area is not new, and mitigation actions were taken throughout the decades of operation to protect the workers, the public, and the environment.

Any contamination from the tank would take more than 25 years to reach the water table, between 210 and 240 feet underneath it, said officials.

Other remarks about the nuclear leak from the state ecology department mentioned the Columbia River is miles away, so there should be no worries.

Watson also stated," This leak is contributing to the estimated 1 million gallons of tank waste in the Hanford site's soil." She made an additional remark, "This reinforces the crucial need for investment to fix Hanford's deteriorating tanks, which will continue to degrade and leak over time."

An advocacy group called the Hanford Challenge asked politicians to clean and repair the Hanford site and fix the underground waste tanks at the nuclear site.

Related article: Iran Pursues Nuclear Production and Nuclear Submarines If the US Reset Sanctions

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The Blenheim Estate in Oxfordshire is inviting farmers to apply for three 10-year tenancy agreements on 1,100 acres of arable farmland.

Successful farmers will be offered lengthy agreements to implement the estate's new land strategy using a sustainable farming approach.

The 1,100 acres on offer is split into three lots  two with bare Grade 3 farmland and one including buildings and a grain store.

The lots comprise varying field sizes and are located in and around the villages of Woodstock and Stonesfield.

Applications are open today (30 April) through property agency Carter Jonas, with occupation from September 2021.

The Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site set out plans to change the way it managed and farmed its 12,000 acres in 2019 as part of a wider land strategy.

The strategy seeks to place value on its natural capital, while recognising the role land has to play in becoming the first carbon negative estate in the country.

The 1,100 acres on offer is split into three lots

Blenheim Estate director Roy Cox said: Finding the right partners for this land and enabling them to thrive, continues our clear direction set out two years ago as part of our ambitious land strategy.

"Put simply we cannot meet the needs of our area today if our land and those who farm it are not helping.

According to Oxford University, the estate stores half a million tonnes of carbon and could also slow down 12,000 tonnes of flood water.

With that in mind, Mr Cox said he would like to see farmers who can provide the 'very best' of land management by 'challenging the status quo' and identifying opportunities to improve the local environment.

Were committed to working in partnership with our farm tenants to unlock the potential of produce from the land, improving our natural capital, encouraging techniques that hold carbon and measure the health of our soils."

Ross Kent, partner at Carter Jonas, noted that rented farmland in Oxfordshire 'is always in high demand'.

The Blenheim Estate has unveiled an ambitious vision for its farmland

"This is a unique opportunity to secure a 10-year Farm Business Tenancy with the Blenheim Estate which has an ambitious vision," he said.

At a time of huge change this tenancy will provide the successful farmers with certainty, security and the chance to be at the forefront of the changes which are happening in agriculture and land management.

We expect interest from local farmers to be high, but the size and nature of the opportunity will appeal to those from further away too.

To request a tender pack email Ross.Kent@carterjonas.co.uk. The deadline for applications is 17 June 2021.
Shirley Ballas put on a brave face as she left the BBC's London studios on Friday evening following her appearance on The One Show.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 60, put on an animated display for as she donned a rose print shirt-dress teamed with black footless tights and red heels.

Opening up on the show about the loss of her father George Andrew Rich at the age of 83 last week, Shirley said: 'He'll be missed but never forgotten.'

Brave: Shirley Ballas, 60, put on a brave face when she left BBC's London studios on Friday following her appearance on The One Show

Touching upon her beloved father's funeral, which took place on Monday, the talented dancer added: 'We buried my father on Monday, which was really quite sad.'

Shirley looked radiant during her appearance, making her outfit pop with a swipe of red lipstick.

She wore her shoulder-length hair in loose curls.

It comes days after Shirley revealed her father, George - known as Andy - passed away suddenly last week.

Animated: Donning a gorgeous rose print shirt-dress teamed with black footless tights and red heels, the Strictly Come Dancing judge put on an animated display for photographers

Gorgeous: Shirley looked radiant during her appearance, making her bold look pop with a swipe of red lipstick

Jewellery: The star accessorised with show-stopping diamond earrings and wore a delicate silver necklace

Staying warm: Shirley kept the chilly evening weather at bay with a stylish black coat as she strolled through the capital

Shirley revealed the sad news over Instagram on Sunday as she shared fond memories and a series of pictures of them together.

She paid tribute to her father's wife of over 40 years, Liz, who she described as 'the love of his life' and admitted she was struggling to 'find the right words' in her grief.

Shirley wrote: 'With sadness and a heavy heart my father George Andrew Rich fondly known as Andy, has passed away suddenly.

All in the details: The Strictly Come Dancing star wore a silver ring on one of her right fingers and a red watch on her left wrist

Playful: Shirley struck a series of playful poses for photographers as she wrapped up her The One Show interview

'My heart goes out to his wife Liz the love of his life who was with him for over 40 years and to all who knew him.

'It's hard to find the right words at this moment, my father lost two sons in his lifetime and I hope you can all find each other in the after life.

'So many things left unsaid, RIP Dad you will be missed but not forgotten.'

In the pictures she shared on her page, the Strictly star beamed with her late father and other family members.

Make-up: Aside from her bold red lip, Shirley opted for minimal glam and pulled a cheeky face for the camera

Shirley was born in Wallasey in the north of England, to parents Audrey and George, and her father left home when she was two years old.

She reconnected with him following the death of her brother David, who took his own life aged 44, in 2003, after a battle with depression.

In a previous interview with the Radio Times, she revealed: 'My dad wasn't part of my life until David died, when we grew closer. Now I love him to bits.'

Candid: Opening up on the show about the loss of her father George Andrew Rich at the age of 83 last week, Shirley told hosts Rylan and Alex Scott: 'He'll be missed but never forgotten'

Shirley has had a tough few weeks as she recently got COVID-19, despite getting the vaccine back in February.

The dancer is now in her seventh week of her recovery and has revealed she's been feeling so 'exhausted' since getting coronavirus that she now has to go to bed at 7pm.

Speaking on BBC's Morning Live which she guest hosted last week, Shirley said: 'Lots of people recovering from COVID, including myself, feel tired.

'I've had it for weeks, I'm going into week six. I'm normally a sprightly person going morning until night.

'I'm exhausted, I'm tired. And sometimes by seven o'clock, to be quite honest, I just have to go to bed.'

Sad news: Shirley revealed on Sunday that her father, George Andrew Rich - known as Andy - has passed away 'suddenly' aged 83
Cleveland Clinic, Lifebanc and Transplant Connect have designed and launched a fully automated donor referral system to streamline the process for hospital staff identifying and evaluating potential organ, tissue and eye donors.

The new process was launched successfully throughout the Cleveland Clinic health system in northeast Ohio in February 2021, following a successful pilot at Cleveland Clinic main campus and Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital in 2020. To implement a donor referral process that would work with each of the organization's platforms, Cleveland Clinic collaborated with Lifebanc, the non-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) for northeast Ohio, and Transplant Connect, a medical software company specializing in donation-transplant software.

One person's donation can save the lives of up to eight people and enhance the lives of 50 more. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandates that every U.S. hospital refer all deaths and imminent deaths to its designated OPO in a timely manner. When using the existing manual process, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming, hospital staff must identify each potential donor, place a call to notify the OPO and communicate relevant information to allow the donation evaluation to proceed.

"Our clinical and technical caregivers at Cleveland Clinic are continuously working to make improvements to identify candidates for organ donation," said Brent Hicks, senior director of digital and clinical health at Cleveland Clinic. "This resulted in significant workflow and time-saving improvements but still required a lengthy phone call to the OPO. With the new process, a phone call is no longer required. The entire donor referral process is now automated and in use in all of our northeast Ohio locations."

A Cleveland Clinic team of nurses, end-of-life care professionals, and technology experts worked together to automate the internal process while maintaining quality, privacy, and patient safety. The project came to fruition with support from a Cleveland Clinic Caregiver Catalyst Grant that rewards with funds the innovation and initiative of Cleveland Clinic caregivers.

"We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, safe care, and keep looking for ways to innovate," said Meredith Foxx, executive chief nursing officer at Cleveland Clinic. "Working closely with Lifebanc and Transplant Connect, we made improvements to our organ-donation process to benefit patient care, which translates into our nurses spending more time at the bedside with the patient and their family."

Transplant Connect's electronic medical record software, known as iTransplant, is used by Lifebanc and most other OPOs in the United States. It facilitates nearly 75% of U.S. organ transplants from deceased donation. Its automated donor referral interface, known as iReferral, is currently in nationwide rollout with many hospitals and OPOs. The iReferral interface allows for donor referrals to be sent immediately and securely from the hospital's electronic medical records system to the OPO's iTransplant system.

"This iReferral launch with Cleveland Clinic and Lifebanc is the largest deployment of automated donor referral technology to date," said John Piano, founder and chief executive officer at Transplant Connect and inventor of the automated donor referral.

"We are honored to have worked through this process with Transplant Connect and Cleveland Clinic," said Lifebanc's Chief Executive Officer Gordon Bowen. "By streamlining the organ donation referral process, the results will lead to more donors and more organs for those waiting for a life-saving gift."

###

About Cleveland Clinic: Cleveland Clinic - now in its centennial year - is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation's best hospitals in its annual "America's Best Hospitals" survey. Among Cleveland Clinic's 70,800 employees worldwide are more than 4,660 salaried physicians and researchers, and 18,500 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,500-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 19 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities, and locations in southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2020, there were 8.7 million total outpatient visits, 273,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 217,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic's health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/ClevelandClinic. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.

ABOUT LIFEBANC: Lifebanc is Northeast Ohio's non-profit organ, eye and tissue recovery organization with a mission to save and heal lives. The organization serves over 4 million people and works with 80 hospitals in a 20-county area. Lifebanc facilitates the organ, eye and tissue recovery and donation processes, provides extensive care and support services to donor families, as well as coordinates community outreach and education programs to encourage registration on the Ohio Donor Registry. For more information on Lifebanc or to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor visit http://www. lifebanc. org

ABOUT TRANSPLANT CONNECT: Transplant Connect is a socially-conscious medical software enterprise based in Los Angeles. Its iTransplant Donation-Transplant Ecosystem Software Platform is used to facilitate nearly 75% of all deceased donation in the U.S. as well as across a number of other countries and is relied upon every day by many thousands of medical professionals at hospitals, OPOs, transplant centers, tissue banks, eye banks, transport companies and other organizations. Integrated with the iTransplant Platform, its iReferral Hospital EMR Interface technology is in wide U.S. rollout and is disrupting and replacing the previous, inefficient and time-consuming manual donor referral process between hospitals and OPOs.

ABOUT ORGAN, TISSUE AND EYE DONATION: Despite the increase in organ, eye and tissue donors there remains a critical organ shortage in the United States. There are currently 118,195 people waiting for a life-saving organ transplant across the country. There are 1,655 people waiting in Northeast Ohio alone. In 2020, 360 people in Northeast Ohio either died waiting for an organ or became too sick to transplant.

The best chance those still waiting have at receiving the life-saving transplant they need is by increasing the number of people who register their wishes to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. In 2020, over 47,712 people in Northeast Ohio registered for the first time on the Ohio Donor Registry.

To learn more about what it means to be an organ, eye and tissue donor and to register online, please click here:
"In 2020, employees of the Royal Canadian Mint demonstrated their ability to innovate and deliver great products in a very challenging operating environment" said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Their hard work contributed to the Mint's success. Employees pivoted quickly in the face of disruption allowing the Mint to generate strong profits."

"The Mint continues to respond to the unprecedented situation with COVID-19 in a proactive way that prioritizes the health and safety of our employees. We have adapted our production to be able to continue delivering critical services in support of the essential mining and financial sectors, while adhering to strict new protocols to ensure our work environment is a safe one."

"One very special initiative in 2020 was our Recognition Medal, created to recognize frontline workers while raising money for the Breakfast Club of Canada's COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Employees donated their time to this project and thanks to their generosity and the contrinutions of thousands of Canadians, the Mint was able to make a $400,000 donation to the Breakfast Club in 2020."

The financial results should be read in conjunction with the Mint's annual report available at www.mint.ca. All monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

Financial and Operational Highlights

The Mint increased its revenue by 74% in 2020 as a result of exceptionally strong global market demand for bullion while consolidated profit before income tax and other items was $27.5 million for the year (2019  $42.3 million ). Higher bullion volumes sold in 2020 increased the Mint's revenue and cost of sales proportionately; however, the Mint's profit margin was impacted in 2020 by lower revenue from its other businesses, without a corresponding decrease in costs. In particular, the Mint continued to pay its employees and did not reduce any fixed costs during the periods of suspended or modified production as a result of the pandemic impacting the Mint's profit margin in 2020 by approximately $6 million .

for the year (2019  ). Higher bullion volumes sold in 2020 increased the Mint's revenue and cost of sales proportionately; however, the Mint's profit margin was impacted in 2020 by lower revenue from its other businesses, without a corresponding decrease in costs. In particular, the Mint continued to pay its employees and did not reduce any fixed costs during the periods of suspended or modified production as a result of the pandemic impacting the Mint's profit margin in 2020 by approximately . Consolidated revenue increased to $2,527.6 million in 2020 (2019 - $1,453.4 million ).

in 2020 (2019 - ). Gold bullion volumes increased more than 100% year over year and were 982.8 thousand ounces (2019  483.0 thousand ounces) while silver bullion volumes were 29.5 million ounces (2019  22.8 million ounces).





Sales of numismatic products decreased to $91.9 million in 2020 (2019 - $116.8 million ) due mainly to the temporary suspension of numismatic product production as a result of COVID-19 in 2020.

in 2020 (2019 - ) due mainly to the temporary suspension of numismatic product production as a result of COVID-19 in 2020.



Revenue from the Foreign Circulation business decreased 2% to $64.2 million (2019 - $65.4 million ) with production and/or shipments of 838 million coins in 2020 and blanks compared to 1,308 million coins and blanks in 2019.

(2019 - ) with production and/or shipments of 838 million coins in 2020 and blanks compared to 1,308 million coins and blanks in 2019.



Canadian circulation coins produced and sold to the Department of Finance for inventory were 229 million pieces in 2020 (2019  385 million pieces) while coins sold to financial institutions to meet demand decreased 8% year over year.

Operating expenses, overall, increased 4% year over year to $98.5 million (2019  $94.5 million ) as the Mint focused on enhanced organizational resiliency in 2020 and the development of its updated long-term strategic vision and the strategy for the Mint's future business transformation.

(2019  ) as the Mint focused on enhanced organizational resiliency in 2020 and the development of its updated long-term strategic vision and the strategy for the Mint's future business transformation. Cash and cash equivalents increased to $67.3 million ( December 31, 2019 - $65.5 million ) after the Mint declared and paid a $20 million dividend to its Shareholder, the Government of Canada , in 2020. Cash and cash equivalents remain at the level required to support the Mint's operations.

Consolidated results and financial performance

(in CAD $ millions for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019)







Year ended

December 31,

2020 December 31,

2019 $

Change %

Change Revenue $ 2,527.6 $ 1,453.4 $ 1,074.2 74 Profit before income tax and other items1 $ 27.5 $ 42.3 $ (14.8) (35) Profit before income tax and other items margin

1.1%

2.9%





Profit for the period $ 37.7 $ 34.8





(1) A reconciliation from profit for the period to profit before income tax and other items is included on page 35 of the Mint's 2020

annual report.







As at

December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ Change % Change Cash and cash equivalents $ 67.3 $ 65.5 $ 1.8 3 Inventories $ 57.6 $ 94.9 $ (37.3) (39) Capital assets $ 161.1 $ 173.9 $ (12.8) (7) Total assets $ 379.4 $ 429.9 $ (50.5) (12) Working capital $ 112.9 $ 102.5 $ 10.4 10

As part of its business continuity plan, the Mint continues to actively monitor its global supply chain and logistics networks in support of its continued operations. Despite its best efforts, the Mint expects COVID-19 to continue to affect its performance in 2021.

To read more of the Mint's annual report for 2020, please visit www.mint.ca.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high-quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Earnings Release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's expectations regarding the Mint's objectives, plans, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "plans", "anticipates", "expects", "believes", "estimates", "intends", and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not facts, but only estimates regarding expected growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities (assumptions). While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on available information, they may prove to be incorrect. These estimates of future results are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what the Mint expects. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those risks and uncertainties set forth in the Risks to Performance section of the Management Discussion and Analysit in the Mint's 2020 annual report, as well as in Note 9  Financial Instruments and Financial Risk Management to the Mint's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. The forward-looking statements included in this Earnings Release are made only as of April 30, 2021, and the Mint does not undertake to publicly update these statements to reflect new information, future events or changes in circumstances or for any other reason after this date.

Alex Reeves, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Tel: (613) 884-6370, [email protected]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1500959/Royal_Canadian_Mint_Royal_Canadian_Mint_Reports_Profits_and_Perf.jpg

Related Links

https://www.mint.ca/



SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint
Commentary: China's space station to house more int'l cooperation

Xinhua) 16:46, April 29, 2021

The Long March-5B Y2 rocket, carrying the Tianhe module, blasts off from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, April 29, 2021. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

WENCHANG, Hainan, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China successfully launched the core module of its space station on Thursday, opening a new foothold for humanity in space.

China's space station, guided by the idea of building a community with a shared future for humanity, will become a common home transcending Earthly bonds and an outpost for countries worldwide to explore the universe through cooperation.

Tianhe, the name of the core module, means Harmony of the Heavens in Chinese, which conveys China's sincere hope to promote mutual trust and peace through international partnerships aboard the space station.

The universe is vast and exploration of it will never end.

As humanity has accumulated technologies to live and work in space, political bias and costs of space exploration are holding some countries back.

China considers its space dream as a part of the dream for all humankind, and its space station a common home in space for everyone.

China's peaceful commitment to outer space has always been crystal clear and consistent.

A white paper published in 2016 stated that China adheres to the principle of using outer space for peaceful purposes and opposes the weaponization of or an arms race in outer space.

In 2016, China signed an agreement with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to offer its space-related technologies and experience to UN member states, in particular developing countries.

In 2018, China welcomed all UN member states to use the space station, from growing plants to accommodating astronauts. The move further demonstrates China's unwavering belief that outer space is the common resource of humankind.

In 2019, the China Manned Space Agency and the UNOOSA announced nine international projects selected for China's space station.

As foreign space agencies have brought up cooperative intentions, China is looking forward to seeing foreign astronauts participate in its space flight missions, working and living in its space station in the future.

Well-structured international cooperation can lower the costs for individual nations, contribute significantly to the goals of each participant, and promote international understanding and a peaceful future.

Space exploration promises a higher perspective on the challenges and problems on Earth. R&D in space have significantly advanced many technologies and make audacious goals come true.

Through cooperation, China's space station is bound to become a scientific research platform shared by the world and benefiting all mankind.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
Data from tropical lakes in the Philippines, including from Lake Yambo, pictured here, help scientists better understand methane dynamics in tropical systems. Credit: Barrera Marquez, CC BY 3.0

Methane is not the most abundant greenhouse gas in our atmosphere, but it is among the most potent. Roughly a quarter of global methane emissions come from natural sources, and freshwater ecosystems are the largest source of atmospheric methane. Most of the data on methane dynamics in aquatic ecosystems come from boreal and temperate environments. Less is known about the fate of methane in tropical lakes.

To fill that gap, Mendoza-Pascual et al. tracked methane storage and other physiochemical properties in three volcanic crater lakes in the PhilippinesYambo, Pandin, and Calibatowhere the northeast and southwest monsoons drive the regional climate. The team examined the impact of both weather fluctuations and mixing on methane concentrations. The three lakes are located relatively close together on Luzon Island and thus experience similar weather conditions but differ in physical characteristics, including maximum depth and thermal stratification.

The team collected water samples once a month between April 2018 and February 2019 at various depths in each lake and created vertical profiles of dissolved methane concentration, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels. They used data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration to track temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and air pressure over the same period.

The team found that mixing events, driven by changes in air temperature or pressure as the monsoon seasons progressed, affected methane storage in all three lakes. Strong stratification in the deeper lakes, the authors note, was more conducive to methane production and storage.

Water temperature was also linked to methane production, and higher concentrations of methane can be found in the profundal, or deep, zones of tropical lakes compared to temperate or subtropical lakes. Overall, the study suggests that lakes with higher water temperatures may contribute more to methane emissions, with tropical lakes emitting between 58% and 400% more methane than lakes in more temperate zones.

More information: Milette U. MendozaPascual et al. Controlling Factors of Methane in Tropical Lakes of Different Depths, Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences (2021). Milette U. MendozaPascual et al. Controlling Factors of Methane in Tropical Lakes of Different Depths,(2021). DOI: 10.1029/2020JG005828

Provided by Eos

This story is republished courtesy of Eos, hosted by the American Geophysical Union. Read the original story here.
MEDFORD, Ore.  Officers from the Medford Police Department will be staking out the intersection of Jackson Street and N Keene Way Drive on Friday, with a focus on drivers who fail to yield for pedestrians in the crosswalk. The operation runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

MPD said that the "Targeted Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation is intended to raise awareness of pedestrian safety by enforcing right-of-way laws, using a decoy pedestrian at the chosen location. This applies to both marked and unmarked crosswalks  and the intersection of Jackson and N Keen Way has each.

Violations of pedestrian right-of-way laws at both kinds of crosswalks carry a presumptive fine of $265.

"Drivers should be reminded there is a crosswalk at every intersection, regardless if it is marked or unmarked," MPD said.

This intersection is also within a designated school zone, where speeds are posted at 20 miles per-hour. Fines double within a school zone.

"Drivers are reminded of the Oregon laws that require a driver must stop and remain stopped if a pedestrian is walking in your lane of traffic or the lane adjacent, remembering this applies on single and multi-lane roadways," MPD concluded. "Oregon law also prohibits passing a stopped vehicle at a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection if the vehicle is stopped to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway."
STAMFORD, Conn., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ReneSola Ltd ("ReneSola Power" or the "Company") (www.renesolapower.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading fully integrated solar project developer, today announced preliminary unaudited financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Preliminary First Quarter 2021 Results

Based on preliminary unaudited results, the Company now expects revenue for the first quarter of 2021 to be more than $20 million, up from the previously announced guidance range of $18 million to $20 million. Gross margin for the first quarter of 2021 is expected to exceed 15%, compared to prior guidance of 10% to 11%. In addition, the Company expects a profitable first quarter with positive non-GAAP net profits.

Mr. Yumin Liu, ReneSola Power Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Business momentum continued in the first quarter. We successfully completed the sale of our 10 MW portfolio of solar projects sooner than expected, which positively contributed to our Q1 results. Solid revenue, coupled with our continued focus on prudent cost control, has enabled us to deliver positive bottom-line results. We are excited about the expanding pipeline of project activity, and are optimistic about our outlook for 2021."

ReneSola Power plans to release its first quarter 2021 financial results in the last week of May 2021. The first quarter 2021 financial results included in this press release are preliminary. Actual results are subject to the completion of ReneSola Power's financial closing procedures and review procedures by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm.

ReneSola Power filed its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2021. The Annual Report on Form 20-F can be accessed on ReneSola Power's investor relations website at http://ir.renesolapower.com or on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

About ReneSola Power

ReneSola Power (NYSE: SOL) is a leading global solar project developer and operator. The Company focuses on solar power project development, construction management and project financing services. With local professional teams in more than 10 countries around the world, the business is spread across a number of regions where the solar power project markets are growing rapidly and can sustain that growth due to improved clarity around government policies. The Company's strategy is to pursue high-margin project development opportunities in these profitable and growing markets; specifically, in the U.S. and Europe, where the Company has a market-leading position in several geographies, including Poland, Hungary, Minnesota and New York.

SOURCE ReneSola Ltd.

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WASHINGTON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 9, the Delegation of the European Union to the United States and the Embassies of the EU Member States celebrate Europe Day, the founding moment of today's EU. This year, we help satisfy your Wanderlust by taking you on a virtual tour across Europe with special events that can be enjoyed online and outside. We kick off the festivities with Europe House Live, a virtual concert experience featuring over 20 performances brought to you in real time by musicians in Europe. This event launches our month-long Outside With EU celebration  a variety of activities that provide inspiration to go outside, including podcast episodes showcasing popular European outdoor activities and a scavenger hunt to explore local Washington, DC, European cultural landmarks.

Europe House Live

On Saturday, May 8 at 5:00 PM (ET), we ring in Europe Day with music. Join European Union Ambassador to the United States Stavros Lambrinidis and EU embassies accompanied by our Master of Ceremonies, Italian-American Actor, Activist, Producer, and UNICEF National Ambassador, Alyssa Milano, as we kick off our celebration with Europe House Live, a virtual concert featuring special performances brought to you from across the EU in real time. Meet the artists as we dial in to country after country, and cheer with us as we usher in Europe Day 2021 at midnight Central European Time. Register on Facebook.

Outside with EU Podcast Episodes

From petanque to mushroom hunting, get inspiration for your outside experience. Three podcast episodes take you across Europe, highlighting outdoor activities enjoyed in our Member States at this time of year.

Outside with EU Scavenger Hunt

From May 9 through May 31, Washington, DC, locals are invited to go outside and explore European landmarks across the city. Organized by the EU Member States, our scavenger hunt features 25 destinations. Play the EU Treks Scavenger Hunt game on the GooseChase app. for a chance to win prizes provided by the EU embassies.

Where: OutsidewithEU.org / EUintheUS Facebook / @EUintheUS #OutsideWithEU #EuropeDay

***

SOURCE Delegation of the European Union to the United States

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Cindy Crawford was Malibu chic when she was spotted out in the swank area for dinner with gal pals this Thursday night.

The 55-year-old, who rose to fame as one of the great Supermodels of the 1990s, slipped into fashionably soft salmon blazer.

She tucked a simple white blouse into a high-waisted pair of skintight faded jeans that showed off her sensational legs to full advantage.

Looking fab: Cindy Crawford was Malibu chic when she was spotted out in the swank area for dinner with gal pals this Thursday night

Cindy heightened the effect by balancing expertly on a pair of nude heels as she made her way across the parking lot.

Letting out her animal instinct with a leopard print face mask, she added a splash of glitz to the look with a necklace.

The brunette bombshell was heading to dinner at the Malibu outpost of the steakhouse Lucky's which started life in Montecito.

Although the Malibu location originally opened for takeout last year it was only able to begin indoor dining this month, LA Eater reports.

Place to be: The brunette bombshell was heading to dinner at the Malibu outpost of the steakhouse Lucky's which started life in Montecito

Cindy's latest outing comes just a couple of days after she was glimpsed stepping out to dinner to celebrate her husband Rande Gerber's 59th birthday.

The stylish couple were accompanied by their children Kaia, 19, and Presley, 21, who have both followed their mother's footsteps into the modeling business.

Rande and Cindy have been married since 1998 before which she spent a couple of years married to movie star Richard Gere.

'Wishing you laughs and hugs today and everyday!': Cindy recently wished a happy 59th birthday to her sizzling husband Rande Gerber whom she married in 1998

Meanwhile Kaia is currently involved with Australian actor Jacob Elordi who is known for his roles in the Kissing Booth movies on Netflix.

Although she celebrated her husband's birthday recently Cindy has also been mourning the loss of her grandmother Ramona.

'She had a long and meaningful life,' Cindy reflected on Instagram this Sunday alongside an Instagram album of herself with her grandmother.

'A long and meaningful life': Although she celebrated her husband's birthday recently Cindy has also been mourning the loss of her grandmother Ramona

'She was one of eight sisters to popcorn farmers in Minnesota - my great grandparents Frank and Hazel Hemingway,' Cindy added.

'She made the best grilled cheese sandwiches on her electric skittle and always had our favorite chocolate chip cookies in a Folgers coffee can in the freezer. She was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother,' wrote she.

'On our last trip together, she came with me to Europe on my ancestor trip for Who Do You Think You Are? She and I made up a drink we called the Whisper vodka with just a whisper of cranberry juice. Ramona... I am raising a glass to you today on a life well lived. You are loved and will be missed. I love you!'
NEW MILFORD  Local farmers have concerns over proposed agricultural regulations, with some saying they dont want any additional regulations added while others question whether they are in their best interest.

The towns Farmland and Forest Preservation Committee had been asked by the mayor and other town officials to come up with some fresh guidelines for things like farm stands, and to define what counted as farming activity versus what did not in the town.

The regulations, as they existed, werent necessarily clear, said Chairman Steve Kleppin of Windswept Tree Farm said at Wednesdays meeting.

The document proposes incorporating local farm product and parking lot requirements, requiring agritourism occur at established agricultural operations, and the use of zoning permits or site plan applications for farm product stands and farm stores, among other stipulations. The draft also included a list of proposed definitions for certain farming activities, products, buildings and structures like farmers markets, farm stands, and farm stores.

After the committee spent several months drafting the new regulatory proposals, their first draft was met with opposition from many in attendance.While the committee members said theyre trying to promote and protect New Milfords farmers, some feel it may do the opposite.

The argument boils down to those who believe regulation is in the best interest of local farmers, and those who dont want any added rules and restrictions placed on the towns agricultural community.

Were not in favor of really any impediments that the town of New Milford wants to create on local farmers, farm stands, and local agriculture, said Joe Quaranta, who owns a farm in the area and has been trying to grow his agriculture business.

We support the blocking of any and all impediments that theyre trying to create.

The committee held the first open forum on the drafted proposals to get feedback from the community Wednesday, and said theyre willing to revise the proposal based on the comments and concerns raised there.

The proposal is just the first step. After it is completed, the recommendations would be handed over to the Zoning Commission, which would decide whether they were items the commission was interested in discussing and possibly enacting.

Our organization is not a regulatory agency, were an advisory committee. We dont set policy. So we came up with some initial guidelines, some initial text, and then wanted to get input from others, said Kleppin.

The committee previously drafted what became the 2008 Right to Farm Ordinance in New Milford, which was later adopted at the state level, Kleppin said.

While some attendees raised specific issues they had with various sections, others were more general in their criticism or attended in support of frustrated farming friends.

During the meeting, resident Emily Harvey asked for clearer definitions for terms to ensure no confusion.

Meredith Quaranta, wife of Joe, drew issue with the possibility of having to obtain permits for certain agricutlural activities and was worried about the added time and monetary cost to farmers.

It doesnt seem like were trying to protect them. It sounds like were trying to turn them over to the Zoning Department, Meredith Quaranta said of suggested regulations.

Others were in favor of the regulations and supported the work done by the committee.

Margery Feldberg of De Hoek Farm is a frequent attendee at the committee meetings and said that she supported the committees efforts, even if the draft wasnt perfect.

[The regulations] give farmers an affirmative right to sell their goods, just as the Right to Farm Ordinance gave farmers an affirmative right to farm despite other zoning and noise considerations, Feldberg wrote in an email to the News-Times. A careful read of the proposed [regulations] indicates that they are positive for farming, not negative.

She argued that the regulations would offer legal protection to farmers in the area, providing them a barrier to legal issues that might arise be it an accident at a farm stand, or other liabilities that come with selling products for consumption.

Feldberg also said that more defined product regulations would elevate the quality and the perception of local foods, which she felt would be good for farms, but that permit costs are also a legitimate concern.

Can the document be improved? Of course it can be, and I think the committee was extremely open to hearing those comments, Feldberg said.

Kleppin said that the meeting brought up some good questions and valid concerns about the proposal that the committee is hoping to address before bringing the document back for a second round of feedback.

While a second meeting date has not been officially set, Kleppin said hes aiming for the end of September, when farmers might have more time to attend the meeting.

Theres no urgency on passing this, Kleppin said. I think it's just something that if we evaluate it further and we still feel there's a benefit to going forward with this, then we'll keep going forward with potential changes.

In the meantime, Quaranta has already created an online petition, Save Our Farmstands, that asks for farm stands to be added to the Right to Farm Ordinance without further zoning regulations, and is trying to plan the towns first Farm Fest on May 29, celebrating local agriculture with live music and food trucks. The price of entry is a signature on the petition.

Currently, we have 2,500 signatures on our petition, Quaranta said. And we're hopeful that by the end of May, and after our event, we will have considerably more.
Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/30/2021 -- The global EV Battery Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25.3% from USD 27.3 billion in 2021 to USD 67.2 billion by 2025. The base year for the report is 2020, and the forecast period is from 2021 to 2025. With the increasing stringency of government mandates regarding emissions caused by vehicles, the automotive industry focuses on efficiency, emission-free propulsion, and innovative technologies. The increasing adoption of electric vehicles and improved charging infrastructure (in terms of network, charging technologies, and capacity) in countries is expected to boost the EV battery market in the coming years.



In the EV battery market, by material type, the lithium segment is expected to capture the largest market share during the forecast period. This can be attributed due to the use of lithium as a material in batteries undergoes several developments and supply contracts, which adds to its high penetration in the market. Panasonic is one of the major players in this market. As a supplier to Tesla and Toyota, the company deployed more lithium batteries in 2019 than all of its competitors globally. CATL quadrupled its lithium batteries deployment year-over-year to 4,800 tons in 2019. In 2020, CATL also successfully tested its liquid cooling battery energy storage system (BESS) based on lithium iron phosphate and cleared the entire safety test.



Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=100188347



Asia Pacific presents a significant growth opportunity for EV batteries as it is expected to be the largest market during the forecast period. The region is not only home to top players of the market such as Panasonic, LG Chem, Samsung, and CATL but also many OEMs that are dominating the global EV market. Japan also plays a vital role in battery technology in Asia Pacific. With advancements in technologies such as BEVs and PHEVs, the Japanese EV battery market is expected to grow. In October 2020, China's BYD and Hino Motors from Japan entered into a joint venture to set up a new company in China in 2021 for the development of commercial battery electric vehicles. Also, China imported 50,102 tons of lithium carbonate in 2020 according to customs data. This non-cobalt trend in the power battery industry of China, which accelerated in 2020 following initiatives by US electric vehicle (EV) producer Tesla and Chinese auto manufacturer BYD, has boosted the developments in the LFP battery sector. Already, the country's production and sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) increased in 2020. The market has begun to recover in the second quarter of 2020 because of the government's stimulus measures to encourage the use and purchases of NEVs, following Covid-19 disruptions in the first quarter. These factores are expected to boost the EV battery market in the region.



Europe is estimated to be the second largest EV battery market during the forecast period. Major battery manufactures have been expanding their networks in the European region that has allowed significant growth of EVs and batteries. For instance, in 2017, Samsung SDI has invested about USD 1.3 billion to expand its factory in Hungary. This allowed Samsung to start production in 2018 on the Hungary plant, which produced batteries for 50,000 EVs that year.



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In the EV battery market, by propulsion, the HEVs segment is projected to lead during the forecast period. Batteries used in these vehicles are cost-effective and offer improved charging times. Governments around the world are undertaking initiatives to encourage the adoption of non-polluting vehicles. All these factors fuel the growth of the HEVs segment. A large number of HEV car models are similar to their ICE counterparts, as only certain components like the battery and related systems are added to them. Only a handful of companies were manufacturing them when BEVs came into the market, hence, prominent models are distinct from other ICE models. Prominent examples of HEVs are Tesla Roadster, Tesla Model 3, Daimler eCitaro, and Jaguar I-Pace.



Key Market Players



The global EV battery market is dominated by major players CATL (China), Panasonic (Japan), LG Chem (South Korea), BYD (China), and Samsung SDI (South Korea).The key strategies adopted by these companies to sustain their market position are new product developments,merges & acquistions, supply contracts, partnerships, expanisons, collaborations, acquisitions, and contracts & agreements.



COVID-19 Impact on EV battery market:



Although, the overall production and sales of new vehicles came to a halt across the globe due to the outbreak of COVID-19, however the impact on electric vehicles was positive. The number of EVs sold in 2020 was more than the total EVs sold in 2019. However, component manufacturing was affected negatively, and small Tier II & Tier III manufacturers faced liquidity issues.



However, the industry witnessed a slow recovery from the second half of 2020, with global deliveries of BEVs and PHEVs increasing 43% year-on-year, though the global light vehicle market witnessed a decline in growth by 14%. According to EV-Volumes, the global EV market share increased from 2.5% in 2019 to 4.2% in 2020. Almost 1.4 million plug-in EVs were sold in Europe in 2020, 137% more than in 2019. Key factors for the growth in Europe were new models; incentive boosts by green recovery funds; the 95g CO2 emission mandate; and the intense promotion of plug-in EVs. In China, NEV sales recovered in the second half of 2020, with a growth rate of more than 80% year-on-year from July to December. EV sales in the US increased by 4%, despite the Tesla Model-Y launch. A decline in EVs sales was witnessed in countries like Japan, Canada, and Australia.



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Alive (green) and dead (red) myeloma cells under the microscope. Credit: Auner lab

The resilience of cancer cells and their ability to survive in extreme conditions is a large part of what makes cancer so difficult to treat.

But being such effective survivors may come at a cost.

A group of Cancer Research UK-funded scientists are beginning to discover new vulnerabilities in cancer cells, which emerge when they enter "survival mode."

Down, but not out

The research team, based at Imperial College London, looked at the effects of chemotherapy on multiple myeloma cells, an aggressive cancer that starts in the bone marrow.

They saw the expectedsome of the cells were killed immediately, whilst others survived.

They assumed that some of these survivors came away reasonably unscathed. But the group they were most interested in, were those cancer cells that survived, but only just.

"I thought that this group of cells must have come away with some level of stress," explains Dr. Holger Auner, head of the Imperial team.

"To survive in the long term, they must have had to deal with that stress by repairing the damage and restoring processes that allow them to function as effective cancer cells again."

Stress resolution at a cost

An 'effective' cancer cell is one that can grow, divide and has the potential to spread to other areas of the body, in a process called metastasis.

Maintaining these processes is one thing, requiring a huge amount of a cancer cell's energy and resources. But having to restore these processes while recovering from the toxic effects of chemotherapy is even more taxing.

And with finite resources available to the cancer cells, they are forced to sacrifice less essential processes to recover and survive.

"The cells need to put energy and effort into resolving that stress," says Auner. "And in nature, there is this principle of a trade-off which means every biological system is usually limited in its resources."

Auner compares this trade-off process to what the human body experiences after intensive exercise.

"If you go for a long run, you are putting your body under a high level of endurance stress, and your body will use a lot of energy and resources to prevent you from collapsing during your run.

"But if you then try lifting weights, you will find this is more difficult than if you hadn't gone for a run first. That's because your body has had to allocate energy for endurance, leaving it with less to use for strength."

The same is true of cancer. Which begs the questiondo these trade-offs open up vulnerabilities in the stressed cancer cells?

The team went hunting.

Seeking vulnerabilities

One of the most promising vulnerabilities the team found was myeloma cells dependency on a molecule that plays a vital role in how cells respond to stress or a lack of nutrients, known as GCN2.

Dr Paula Saavedra-Garcia, lead author of the paper, running a gel in the lab. Credit: Auner lab

GCN2's key purpose is to prevent the cell from producing too many proteins when amino acidsthe building blocks for proteinsare scarce.

Which has a big impactproteins, as well as making up our muscles and bones, play a key role in every single process that occurs in our cells.

It may seem counterproductive to switch off production of such a vital component at such a critical time. But it's all about damage limitation.

Because for proteins to successfully carry out a complex array of jobs inside our cells, their structureand therefore their productionmust be finely tuned.

If the assembly line becomes stressed, it becomes unproductive and can even start making mistakes. Resulting in broken or misfunctioning, misshapen products.

This is not only a big waste of energy for the cell, but it's bad for the cell. The build-up of these misshapen proteins can be toxic.

By stopping the protein factories running at full capacity, activated GCN2 helps keep the number of misshapen proteins down, and ensures the cell uses resources carefully, while it recovers."

This period of recovery took several days, during which the cells lay low and GCN2 halts protein production. So timing, as always is everything.

"We have to make sure we hit the cells when they are already down," says Auner. The team are now focused on the GCN2 molecule and its potential as a drug target.

In theory, giving people a drug to target and deactivate GCN2 after chemotherapy could tip stressed cells over the edge, helping to mop up cells that were affected by chemotherapy, but not quite killed by it.

And for Auner, this starts with multiple myeloma.

Pushing back myeloma

Auner's lab is focused on blood cancers, specifically multiple myeloma.

Whilst myeloma can go into remission, meaning the person has no physical signs of the disease, it's very likely to come back. Whether after a matter of months or years.

"When I started out 20 years ago, I found doing the myeloma clinics really hard because there was so little we could do for the patients.

"Today, many patients live a decade or even more."

The current treatment approach to multiple myeloma aims to 'push it back' as Auner describes. Myeloma treatments are often given in weekly doses that will kill a fraction of the myeloma cells each time, but not all of them.

Auner's research could help to increase the number of cells wiped out after each round of treatment, possibly adding years to people's lives.

"It's not likely to be a cure," says Auner, "but it might be another step in the right direction for myeloma patients and we can't underestimate how important extra months or years of life is for a person."

And it doesn't stop there. Myeloma cells aren't the only ones that get stressed when bombarded with chemotherapy.

"By looking at stress induced vulnerabilities in one cancer, you could identify some really good drug targets that we haven't thought about before in other cancers," says Auner.

"We've found a way to turn cancer's incredible ability to survive in the harshest of conditions, into something we can use against it."

Explore further One drop of blood brings progression of multiple myeloma into better view

More information: Paula Saavedra-Garcia et al. Systems level profiling of chemotherapy-induced stress resolution in cancer cells reveals druggable trade-offs, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2021). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Paula Saavedra-Garcia et al. Systems level profiling of chemotherapy-induced stress resolution in cancer cells reveals druggable trade-offs,(2021). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2018229118
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 22:51:07|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has started COVID-19 vaccination for foreign nationals in the country, the Foreign Ministry said Friday.

"Foreigners living in Mongolia are being vaccinated against COVID-19 on a voluntary basis. Foreign nationals who wish to be vaccinated can recieve doses of COVID-19 at nearby vaccination sites," the ministry said in a statement.

There are now around 14,500 foreign nationals in Mongolia who have permanent residency permits.

Mongolia launched its national vaccination campaign in late February, with the aim of vaccinating at least 60 percent of its 3.3 million population. So far, 811,452 people have been vaccinated against the virus. Enditem
If just one untidy home in a community catches fire, it can be enough to put all the surrounding structures in danger. It's not uncommon to find an entire subdivision burned to the ground while large pine trees loom nearby relatively unscathed.

Robert Garant knows this and so does the Julian community. The 94-year-old recently had a pacemaker put in his chest. With his landscaping routine on hold, the couple fretted about the increasingly overgrown state of their property, especially as the days warmed.

"We tried to do it ourselves," said Gladys Garant, 86. "He did the best he could every day. I used to drive the tractor and mow. It's hard. That's all I can say."

The Garants said there's no way they could afford to pay for the work on their limited income. The cost, which included removing numerous dead oak trees, topped $14,000.

Luckily, the couple lives next to a family that started the successful Pope Tree Service. The neighbors helped them qualify for a financial-assistance program, and a crew of workers overhauled their property a few weeks ago.

"I know what this means when they come over here and do this work," Robert Garant said, still gripping an old chainsaw. "I pray to God, 'Thank you for sending these guys.'"
MONROE COUNTY, MI  A driver accused of killing two women on the side of the road and driving away is going to prison.

Ryan Paul Miettinen was sentenced Thursday, April 29, by Monroe County Circuit Judge Michael A. Weipert, to serve at minimum two consecutive 9-40 year terms in prison for deaths of Melissa Williamson and Coleen Huling who were hit by Miettinen on June 26, 2020, according to the Monroe County Prosecutors Office.

Miettinen, 22, of Willis, pleaded no contest in February to two felony counts of failure to stop at the scene of a crash when at fault resulting in the deaths and entered a sentencing agreement calling for a minimum sentence of nine years on each count.

Michigan law allows the sentencing terms to be served consecutively which was requested by prosecutors and granted by the court.

Given the horrifying loss of life, Miettinens recklessness and his choice to flee the scene, and his extensive criminal history, 18 years to 80 years is rightfully among the longest sentences ever imposed for this type of offense, Monroe County Prosecutor Michael Roehrig said.

2 women killed in hit-and-run near border of Washtenaw and Monroe counties

Miettinen admitted he was driving high on marijuana, going 60 in a 45 mile-per-hour zone on Milan Oakville Road near Gooding Road in London Township when he tried to pass a car in a no passing zone and quickly reentered his lane to avoid a head-on crash, prosecutors said.

He lost control of his SUV and drove onto the shoulder crashing into Williamson, 25, of Ypsilanti and Huling, 29, of Whitaker, who were biking on the shoulder, officials said.

Miettinen continued driving and did not stop. Both women died as a result of the crash, prosecutors said.

Police, with the aid of witnesses, were able to identify and locate Miettinen, which led to his arrest and arraignment, officials said.

The Monroe County Prosecutors thanked investigators with the Michigan State Police for their efforts in solving the case.

Miettinen was on probation for felony domestic violence third offense, assaulting a pregnant woman, at the time of the crash, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.

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OSHA Cites Dollar Tree Store for Safety Hazards

Beverly Hills, FL Dollar Tree was cited $265,265 in penalties.

Dollar Tree workers have been exposed to hazardous working environments in stores across the country for years. OSHA hasnt turned a blind eye. Since 2016, the administration inspected company locations more than 300 times.

An October inspection in 2020 at a Dollar Tree store in Beverly Hills, Florida found the company exposed workers to fire, entrapment and struck-by hazards, blocked exit routes, improperly stacked boxes and other materials that may fall and injure workers. OSHA proposed $265,265 in penalties.

Nationwide, Dollar Tree inspections resulted in proposed penalties of more than $9.3 million in solely the past five years. More than $1.3 million coming from Dollar Tree stores in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee since 2018.

Dollar Tree Stores have a history of not taking the safety of its workers and customers seriously, said OSHA Area Director Danelle Jindra in Tampa, Florida. Until appropriate precautions are taken to protect their employees from these well-known and frequent hazards, OSHA will continue to hold them accountable.

The company has 15 days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Information on OSHAs requirements for keeping exits clear is on the Emergency Exit Routes fact sheet. To assess hazards in the workplace, visit OSHAs Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs page.
1.

The Los Angeles Police Department arrested five suspects on Thursday in connection with the dognapping of Lady Gaga's French bulldogs and shooting of her dog walker  and among them was the woman who turned the pets in. Three of the five suspects were allegedly involved in the robbery and shooting and were charged with attempted murder, while two of them were accused of being accessories after the crime, police said. One of the two alleged accessories was Jennifer McBride, 50, who police said reported that she found the dogs, brought them to the LAPD, and responded to an email address that was offering a $500,000 reward. Police said the four other suspects, whose ages range from 18 to 40, were allegedly "all documented gang members." All involved have reportedly pleaded not guilty. [ABC News, The Week]

2.

Victoria Beckham, who once recoiled in horror at the mere thought of being photographed by the paparazzi while wearing flats, will not be putting the lavender Crocs sent to her by noted Croc lover Justin Bieber anywhere near her feet. That didn't stop the high-heel-wearing icon from polling her fans about if she should wear the shoes, though: "This is so kind," she said in her Instagram Stories, revealing, to absolutely no one's surprise, that "I've never worn a pair of Crocs." The "no" option barely won the poll, with 57 percent. "Well that was close!" a clearly relieved Beckham wrote as a follow up. "I think I'd rather die but thank you anyway @justinbieber." [Harper's Bazaar, Vogue]

3.

We've all been on Zoom calls that feel painfully laborious, but Kelly Rowland's second son, Noah Jon, gave a whole new meaning to "Zoombombing" when he was born on a video call between Rowland and her Destiny's Child "sisters" Beyonce and Michelle Williams. "We had our family join [the birth] on Zoom," Rowland told People. "They were able to see Noah come into the world. It was beautiful." Beyonce's mother Tina Knowles and Rowland's mother-in-law were also on the call. "Being able to share space with Michelle and Bey is truly a gift," Rowland later told Entertainment Tonight, adding: "I'm just so grateful for them and they are a highlight of my life. Not professionally, but our friendship and our sisterhood  you're going to make me cry." [People, Entertainment Weekly]

Story continues

4.

Brad Pitt did his research. Mank actress Amanda Seyfried thanked the actor on Instagram on Thursday for the "correct pronunciation of 'Seyfried'" when Pitt read off her name as one of the nominees for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress on Sunday. Though Amanda's last name is commonly pronounced "Say-freed" or "Say-frid," the proper way to say it is "Sigh-frid," as demonstrated by Pitt here. Seyfried wasn't the only name Pitt got right: Korean actress and Minari star Yuh-Jung Youn also praised Pitt for paying attention to pronunciation. "I can tell he practiced a lot  he didn't mispronounce my name," she said. [Just Jared, E! News]

5.

Oprah is back with another must-watch interview  this time, with Elliot Page. In his first on-camera interview since he announced his transition, Page described how the promotion for Juno had been a particularly "intense time" for him, because "it felt so impossible to communicate with people about how unwell I was. There is so much excitement, the film unexpectedly became a big hit, I became quite known." Page recently had top surgery, and he wiped away "tears of joy" as he told Oprah that now, "getting out of the shower and the towel's around your waist, and you're looking at yourself in the mirror and you're just like, 'there I am' and I'm not having the moment where I'm panicked." Watch the full interview at Apple TV+ here. [Apple TV+, USA Today]

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Justin Trudeaus minority Liberal government, which has boasted of its special partnership with the trade unions since coming to power in 2015, is ramming through parliament a draconian law that will criminalize the strike 1,150 Port of Montreal dockers launched Monday morning.

The Liberals back-to-work law was adopted by the House of Commons in the early hours of Thursday morning thanks to the votes of the opposition Conservatives. It is set to be approved by the Senate and receive royal assent, making it law, later today.

Striking Port of Montreal workers (CUPE)

The Maritime Employers Association and big business as a whole have been baying for weeks for the government to strip the Montreal longshore workers of their legal right to strike. As with numerous previous back-to-work laws at both the federal and provincial level, the Liberal legislation empowers a government-appointed arbitrator to impose the sweeping concessions demanded by the employer. It is meant to send a message to all workers that any challenge to the big business assault on wages and working conditions will confront the full force of the capitalist state.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the dockers in contract talks, has already made abundantly clear that it will do nothing to resist the strikebreaking legislation. Instead, it is telling workers to put their faith in a pro forma challenge of the laws constitutionality before the courts.

CUPE only authorized this weeks strike after the port operators mounted a long series of provocations. Moreover, whilst it has been clear for a year or longer that the employers were banking on the government outlawing worker job action, the union has done everything to isolate the dockers and straitjacket their struggle within the pro-employer labour relations system.

Members of CUPE Local 375, the Montreal dockers have been labouring without a contract since 2018. They are seeking improvements to scheduling, an end to speed-up, the hiring of more workers to make workloads more manageable, and an end to the employers brutal disciplinary regime that has resulted in dozens of firings since it was introduced in 2013. The workers voted repeatedly for strike action from late 2018 onwards. But they were prevented from waging a struggle against the bosses both by an interminable series of bureaucratic, state-mandated collective bargaining procedures and by CUPE foot-dragging.

In justifying its back-to-work legislation, the Liberal government demonized the dockers for allegedly holding Canadian companies to ransom. The strike would cost $40 million to $100 million per week and risk the loss of 19,000 jobs, charged Labour Minister Filomena Tassi during a late night parliamentary debate Wednesday. This claim ignores the fact that the strike was provoked by the port operators, represented by the Maritime Employers Association, who are determined to increase the ports competitivenessthat is profitabilityat workers expense. The MEA is demanding a 30 to 50 percent increase in workloads, including by lengthening shifts.

Tassi also resorted to flat-out lies, claiming that the strikers were holding up emergency medical supplies related to the care of COVID-19 patients. In reality, CUPE Local 375 had announced prior to the strikes launch that its members would continue to handle emergency shipments and COVID-19 supplies throughout their job action. If this is not taking place, this can only mean that the employer is refusing to allow the strikers to perform such activities so as to provide the government with a pretext to suppress the strike.

The slanderous accusation that the strikers are hindering efforts to combat COVID-19 is all the more cynical coming from a government that has overseen a murderous open economy/open schools policy that has resulted in more than 24,000 deaths since the pandemic began.

The social-democratic New Democratic Party (NDP) did its best to outdo the government in hypocrisy and cynicism. Knowing full well that the strikebreaking law would pass with the votes of the Tories, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and his caucus made a show of voting against it. Singh and deputy NDP leader Alexandre Boulerice will no doubt use this incident in stump speeches for months to come as evidence of how the NDP stands up for workers rights.

The truth behind this charade is that the only reason the Liberal government remains in power and is able to outlaw the dockers strike is because the NDP has propped it up on every key confidence vote since the pandemic began. On Monday, when it was already public knowledge that the government intended to illegalize the Port of Montreal strike, the NDP gave the Trudeau government the votes that it needed to secure passage of the federal budget.

Joining the NDP in its token opposition to the Liberal back-to-work bill were the Bloc Quebecois, the Greens and three Liberal MPs. Significantly, so as not to spike the ire of big business and the corporate media, none of the 61 MPs who went on record as against the legislation made use of the many available parliamentary procedures to delay its quick passage.

In addition to criminalizing the strike, the back-to-work law, officially titled An Act to Provide for the Resumption and Continuation of Operations at the Port of Montreal, provides for a mediator to assist in reaching a negotiated settlement. If talks fail, a government-appointed arbitrator will dictate all outstanding contract clauses. In other words, the employer merely has to stall the talks and wait for a pro-corporate government appointee to impose most or all of its demands.

Chief responsibility for putting the workers in this position lies with CUPE and the entire trade union bureaucracy. CUPE repeatedly smothered efforts by workers to take strike action, so that it was only some 18 months after their labour contract had expired that the first limited strike action took place in July 2020. The union then sabotaged a powerful 12-day strike in August that demonstrated the immense social power of the dockers and could have become the spearhead of a broader counteroffensive of private and public sector workers for job security and against speed-up, all concessions and the dismantling of public services. Instead, CUPE concluded a rotten truce with management that gave the employer seven months to refine its strikebreaking strategy. Already in early March, reports emerged of suppliers and shippers moving their cargo to other eastern ports to avoid a potential strike.

CUPE Local 375 leader Michel Murray offered to call off the current strike up until the last minute if management agreed to return to the bargaining table and withdrew some of its most egregious provocations, including the abolition of shift patterns as of April 26.

The dockers isolation has been enforced by the Canadian Labour Congress, which has virtually blacked out their strike. While Canadas largest union federation has yet to publish a single article on the dispute in recent weeks, it found time on April 19 to laud the strikebreaking Liberals 2021 budget just hours after its presentation. Throughout the pandemic, the CLC has deepened its close collaboration with the Liberal government, summed up by the declaration on its homepage, In Canada, weve weathered the pandemic by sticking together and supporting each other.

As for CUPE, which with more than 700,000 members is Canadas largest union, it posted a terse report on the back-to-work legislation that barely filled four paragraphs. While describing the measure as an affront to all workers in the country, its opposition was limited to empty rhetoric.

Striking dockers should not be surprised by CUPEs role in isolating and seeking to sell out their struggle. The unions are not genuine workers organizations, but stand on the same side of the barricades as the bosses and capitalist governments. Their primary concern is preserving their close collaboration with the Trudeau Liberals and big business, which is codified in the labour relations systems administered by the federal government and the provinces. These very regulations, which guarantee the privileges of the union bureaucracy, have served as one of the key mechanisms in preventing dockers from waging a successful struggle.

Across all sectors, the unions have policed dozens of back-to-work laws over the past three decades. All of the major parties, including the NDP and the Parti Quebecois, the BQs sister party, have employed such laws, virtually outlawing the right to strike, at least when a powerful section of the working class takes action. Since 2017, such laws have been used to illegalize a construction workers strike in Quebec and break strikes by college lecturers in Ontario and teaching assistants at York University. In 2018, the Trudeau Liberals criminalized rotating strikes by 50,000 Canada Post workers.

There is no contradiction in the Trudeau governments claim to have a special partnership with the unions, and its ruthless suppression of worker opposition to capitalist austerity and wage cutting. Their partnership consists in their joint efforts to impose the dictates of big business and the financial oligarchy on the working class, dressed up with fraudulent propaganda about caring for the middle class and collective bargaining. As Tassi put it in a tweet Sunday, back-to-work legislation was the governments least favoured option, and the government still believes in collective bargaining.

If she were to be more frank, Tassi would have said that the Liberals support collective bargaining so long as it results in the imposition of managements demands by the pro-corporate unions. But when a strategic section of the working class with enormous economic clout challenges this set-up, and threatens to trigger a broader social explosion because the issues over which they are striking are common to hundreds of thousands of workers across Canada, the capitalist state apparatus must crush it with an iron fist.

To take their struggle forward, dockers must prepare to defy the governments back-to-work legislation. This requires a broadening of their struggle to other sections of the working class, including autoworkers, transport workers, educators, public sector employees, and manufacturing and mining workers, all of whom confront the same attacks on their jobs and living standards. To conduct this struggle, strikers should elect a rank-and-file strike committee, organized independently of and in opposition to CUPE and the entire union bureaucracy.

The first task of this committee will be to mobilize workers in a unified struggle for job security, wage increases, protection against COVID-19 and against capitalist austerity. This fight is a political struggle, requiring a frontal assault on the financial oligarchys domination of social and economic life, and irreconcilable opposition to all of their bought-and-paid-for political hirelings. It must also be conducted as an international fight, since the conditions of ruthless exploitation faced by Montreal dockers are replicated not just at worksites across Canada, but at ports across North America and Europe, and in the transportation and logistics industries around the world.

To organize such a global worker counteroffensive, the International Committee of the Fourth International has called for the formation of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. To launch the fight to build this organization, which will enable workers to coordinate their struggles against the capitalist class on a global basis, the ICFI is hosting an online May Day rally tomorrow at 11 a.m. EDT. We strongly appeal to all striking dockers and their supporters to make plans to attend.
"The Leapfrog Group assigns safety grades A through F to all U.S. general hospitals. Earning Leapfrogs top rating for patient safety is further evidence of Mercys commitment to protecting our patients," said Dr. David N. Maine, President and CEO, Mercy Health Services, Mercy Medical Center.

Mercy Medical Center has received an A grade in the spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing Mercys achievements protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. Mercy was one of 13 hospitals in Maryland and one of six hospitals in Baltimore City to receive an A, ranking it among the safest hospitals in the United States.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assigns an A, B, C, D, or F grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospitals prevention of medical errors and other harms to patients in their care.

Mercy Medical Center also received Leapfrogs A rating in the spring and fall of 2019. The 2021 distinction follows on the heels of Mercys recognition by Healthgrades in 2020 as among Americas 250 Best Hospitals, placing Mercy in the top 5 percent of more than 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for superior clinical performance.

Mercy is guided by our daily mission to provide top quality care in a compassionate setting. To achieve this goal, ensuring patient safety is a must. Earning Leapfrogs top grade is indicative of Mercys success as we remain committed to delivering the best care possible for our patients, said Dr. David N. Maine, President and CEO, Mercy Health Services, Mercy Medical Center.

An A safety grade is an elite designation that your community should be proud of, said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. The past year has been extraordinarily difficult for hospitals, but Mercy shows us it is possible to keep a laser focus on patients and their safety, no matter what it takes.

"We are very pleased to have been awarded an 'A' in the Spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction made all the more noteworthy given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," Dr. Maine added. "The Leapfrog Group assigns safety grades A through F to all U.S. general hospitals. Earning Leapfrogs top rating for patient safety is further evidence of Mercys commitment to protecting our patients."

Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grades methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

Mercy was awarded an A grade today when Leapfrog updated grades for spring 2021. To view Mercys full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.

About The Leapfrog Group

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrogs other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.

About Mercy Medical Center

Founded in 1874 in downtown Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 183-licensed bed acute care university-affiliated teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized as a top Maryland hospital by U.S. News & World Report; a Top 100 hospital for Womens Health & Orthopedics by Healthgrades; and is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet Hospital. Mercy Medical Center is part of Mercy Health Services (MHS), the parent of Mercys primary care and specialty care physician enterprise, known as Mercy Personal Physicians, which employs more than 200 providers with locations in Baltimore, Lutherville, Overlea, Glen Burnie, Columbia and Reisterstown. For more information about Mercy, visit http://www.mdmercy.com, MDMercyMedia on Facebook, Twitter, or call 1-800-MD-Mercy.
Lugano, Switzerland, April 29, 2021  Helsinn, a Swiss pharmaceutical group focused on building quality cancer care and rare disease products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mary Lynne Hedley as a new member of its Board of Directors, effective April 28, 2021.



Dr. Hedley is an immunologist and cancer cell biologist, with a vast level of experience within the pharmaceutical industry, specifically within the field of oncology. Most recently, Dr Hedley was Director, President and Chief Operating Officer at TESARO, a biotechnology company she co-founded in 2010, focused on the development and global commercialization of oncology therapeutics. During her time at TESARO the team built up a pipeline of early and late stage drug candidates including the commercial product niraparib, a PARP inhibitor that changed the treatment paradigm for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The company was acquired by GlaxoSmithKline in 2019 for $5.1 billion.

Prior to founding TESARO, Dr. Hedley was Executive Vice President and CSO of the biotechnology company, Abraxis Bioscience, responsible for R&D, Operations, Medical Affairs and Business Development. Elsewhere she was Executive Vice President of Eisai Inc, with a focus on the global reorganization of its R&D program and building a global oncology strategy. She was also Executive Vice President, as well as CSO, responsible for R&D, at MGI PHARMA (MGI) until its acquisition by Eisai in 2008. In addition, she was Co-Founder, Director, President and CEO of ZYCOS prior to its acquisition by MGI in 2004. Dr. Hedley received her bachelors degree in Microbiology from Purdue University and her PhD in Molecular and Cellular Immunology from UT Southwestern Medical Center, USA. Following this, Dr. Hedley carried out her postdoctoral training at Harvard University in the areas of Immunology and Gene Regulation.

Dr. Hedley currently sits on the board at Veeva and Centessa Pharmaceuticals and is a board member of the Youville Assisted Living Communities and WITH (Women Innovating Together in Healthcare).

Riccardo Braglia, Helsinn Group Vice Chairman and CEO, commented: I am delighted to welcome Dr. Hedley to Helsinns Board of Directors and look forward to benefitting from her many years of biopharmaceutical industry experience. Helsinn Group is a leading cancer care and rare disease product company and her scientific expertise, as well as her leadership and board level know-how, will be invaluable as we continue to progress and deliver our innovative pipeline of oncology and rare disease products to patients.

Dr. Mary Lynne Hedley, newly appointed member of the Helsinn Board of Directors, commented: Helsinn is a company that has proved its long-standing commitment to providing patients with first-in-class cancer care, whether that be through supportive care or therapeutics. The teams dedication to improving patients quality of life is something I share, and I am thrilled to be working with Riccardo and the whole Board as we work towards this mission.

About the Helsinn Group

Helsinn is a privately-owned Swiss Pharma Company which, since 1976, has been improving the lives of patients, guided by core family values of respect, integrity and quality. The Group has an extensive portfolio of marketed innovative cancer and rare disease therapies, a robust drug development pipeline and ambitions to further accelerate its growth through in-licensing and acquisitions to address unmet medical needs. Helsinn operates a unique integrated licensing business model, achieving success with long-standing partners in 190 countries, who share its values. The Groups pharmaceutical business (Helsinn Healthcare) is headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland with operating subsidiaries in the U.S. (Helsinn Therapeutics US) and China (Helsinn Pharmaceuticals China) which market the Groups products directly in these countries. The Group has additional operating subsidiaries in Switzerland (Helsinn Advanced Synthesis, an active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturer) and Ireland (Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals, a drug product manufacturer). 3B Future Health Fund (formerly known as Helsinn Investment Fund) was created to enhance the future of healthcare by providing funding and strategic support to innovative companies.

Helsinn Group plays an active and central role in promoting social transformation in favor of people and the environment. Corporate social responsibility is at the heart of everything we do which is reinforced in the company's strategic plan by a commitment to sustainable growth.

To learn more about Helsinn Group please visit www.helsinn.com

For more information:

Helsinn Group Media Contact:

Paola Bonvicini

Group Head of Communication

Lugano, Switzerland

Tel: +41 (0) 91 985 21 21

Email: Info-hhc@helsinn.com
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.
In the grand picture, the Loyola Maryland mens lacrosse team did not need a win against No. 6 Georgetown to determine its postseason fate. That will depend largely on if the Greyhounds can win the Patriot League tournament and the automatic qualifier that comes with it to ensure a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Nonetheless, a victory Thursday night was welcomed with open arms.

Loyola picked up its best win of the season after upending the visiting Hoyas, 11-9, at Ridley Athletic Complex in Baltimore.

The victory lifts the Greyhounds to 7-5 overall and sets the table for Tuesdays Patriot League tournament quarterfinal against No. 12 Navy (5-2) at Ridley Athletic Complex at 5 p.m. The game will be a rematch of an April 17 tilt that the Midshipmen won, 14-12.

Trailing 6-4 at halftime, Loyola outscored Georgetown 7-3 in the second half. The Greyhounds took advantage of a three-goal spurt in a 60-second span to close the third quarter and then opened the fourth quarter with another goal to assume a 9-7 advantage with 11:38 remaining.

The Hoyas responded with back-to-back goals from graduate student attackman Jake Carraway. The Annapolis resident and St. Marys graduate finished with game highs in both goals (four) and points (five) and knotted the score at 9 with 4:34 left.

But 72 seconds after Carraways second goal, graduate student midfielder Peter Swindell collected a feed from Lindley and hammered home a shot from the left point with 3:22 remaining. Loyola then added an insurance goal when Swindell zipped the ball from the left point to senior attackman Aidan Olmstead in the right alley with 45.8 seconds left.

Lindley (three goals and one assist) and Swindell (two goals and two assists) paced the Greyhounds, who also got two goals from sophomore Adam Poitras, who started at attack in place of sophomore Evan James due to an unspecified injury.

Senior goalkeeper Sam Shafer made a game-high 13 saves, and senior defenseman Matt Hughes shut out freshman attackman TJ Haley in the final three quarters after the Shady Side resident finished the opening frame with four assists.

Story continues

In addition to Carraway and Haley, Georgetown (10-2)  which lost for the first time in seven games  got three goals from sophomore midfielder Graham Bundy Jr. in the first half and 12 stops from senior goalie Owen McElroy.

Loyola opened the scoring with freshman short-stick defensive midfielder Seth Higgins (St. Pauls) feeding Poitras moving up the right alley for a quick turnaround goal with 11:19 left in the first quarter.

The two sides then went back-and-forth with two-goal bursts. First, Georgetown got goals from junior attackman Dylan Watson and Bundy just 75 seconds apart.

Then the Greyhounds answered with tallies from Swindell and junior midfielder Liam Bateman (Loyola Blakefield). Finally, the Hoyas closed out the frame with goals from Bundy again and Carraway.

Georgetown opened up a three-goal advantage in the second quarter. Carraway converted a pass from sophomore short-stick defensive midfielder Will Godine with 11:59 left, and Carraway then fed Bundy for a rocket from the right point that completed his hat trick with 4:05 remaining.

Loyola finally ended the scoreless drought of 16:46 when junior midfielder Riley Seay curled the left post and scored off a question mark dodge with 2:35 left before halftime.

Patriot League quarterfinal

NO. 12 NAVY@LOYOLA MARYLAND

Tuesday, 5 p.m.

Video: ESPN+
PHOENIX  Gov. Doug Ducey is calling on the federal government to identify and treat groundwater contamination near four current and former military air bases in metro Phoenix and Tucson.

Ducey wrote Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about contaminations found in water near Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, the former Williams Air Force Base in Williams and the Arizona Air National Guard base at Tucson International Airport, Ducey's office said Wednesday.

The letter dated Tuesday cited contamination by chemicals used in firefighting materials.

Ducey called for sharing of data and taking other steps to protect public drinking water systems, including stopping spread of underground plumes of contaminants.

Ensuring that all Arizonans have the cleanest possible drinking water from public water systems today and for our future is critical for our health and well-being and a top priority of our state, Ducey wrote.

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.
United Nations:

More than 13 million people inside Syria still need humanitarian assistance and nearly half are in acute need as a result of having fled their homes, of hostilities, and of limited access to food, health care and other basic needs, the UN humanitarian chief has said.

Mark Lowcock told the Security Council the number of Syrians who have been displaced within the country for a long time has dropped from 6.3 million to 6.1 million. But he said levels of new displacement remain high, with 1.8 million people reportedly forced to leave between January and September.

Since just the offensive began in November 2016 that ousted the Islamic State extremist group from the city of Raqqa, its self-proclaimed capital, airstrikes and clashes resulted in over 436,000 people being displaced to 60 different locations, Lowcock said, speaking via video conference from Amman, Jordan.

In the eastern province of Deir el-Zour, he said, heavy fighting and airstrikes continue to cause civilian deaths and injuries as well as large-scale displacement. The International Organization for Migration reported some 350,000 people forced to flee since August, including more than 250,000 in October, he said.

Lowcock said airstrikes on the city of Al Mayadin in Deir el-Zour in mid-October left hospitals and medical facilities inoperable, depriving about 15,000 people of health care. He said the UN childrens agency UNICEF and the World Health Organization reported that the attacks destroyed a cold room where at least 140,000 doses of UN provided measles and polio vaccines were destroyed.

ALSO READ | Syrian regime responsible for sarin attack: UN report

This is a particular setback for efforts to check one of the worlds largest polio outbreaks in recent memory, an outbreak which continues to plague Deir el-Zour in particular, with new cases continuing to be reported, Lowcock said.

He said nearly 3 million people continue to live in besieged and hard-to-reach areas where the UN faces considerable challenges in meeting humanitarian needs.

Lowcock said there was an expectation that progress in de-escalating fighting would result in increased humanitarian access but this has yet to materialise.

On average, he said, only 10 percent of people in besieged locations were reached with U.N. assistance every month this year.

In the eastern Ghouta suburbs of Damascus, one of the four de-escalated areas where nearly 95 percent of Syrias besieged population lives, shelling has been reported in recent weeks and humanitarian access has been severely curtailed for months, Lowcock said.

Since the start of the year, 110,000 people have received food assistance, out of an estimated population of nearly 400,000, he said. Today, the UN and partners delivered food, nutrition and health assistance to 40,000 people.

Lowcock said an alarming number of child malnutrition cases have been reported in eastern Ghouta and more than 400 people with health problems need medical evacuation. Britains UN ambassador, Matthew Rycroft, called the situation in eastern Ghouta atrocious, saying de-escalation should not mean bombardment.

What we fear is that the de-escalation zone is becoming a starvation zone, Rycroft said. So we call on the Syrian regime and their allies to lift the blockade to allow humanitarian aid to get through.

ALSO READ: US-backed forces claim to have captured Raqa from ISIS

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(Newser)  A police commander is taking responsibility for the stampede that killed at least 44 people in Israel early Friday and injured more than 100, including 38 critically. Witnesses were quick to fault police for blocking an exit from the base of Mount Meron, where 100,000 mostly ultra-Orthodox Jews had gathered for the Lag B'Omer festival, per the Times of Israel. The exit is reportedly at the end of a narrow, slopping, metal-floored walkway, "which had for years been seen as a dangerous potential bottleneck," per the BBC. The Times notes one person died at the site in 2015 when a stampede broke out during a funeral. In this case, a group reportedly slipped on the walkway shortly after midnight, falling into others, including children. A first responder told the BBC it was "a terrible disaster of people who came to celebrate ... and unfortunately were literally crushed to death."

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The tragedy occurred during Israel's largest gathering since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Sharon Alroy-Preis, head of public health services at the Health Ministry, who'd raised concerns about the spread of the virus at the event, says police weren't enforcing gathering restrictions. "It is the responsibility of the police to enforce the laws of the State of Israel" and "the number of people allowed to gather outside is restricted to 100," she says, per the Times. Police said they were unable to enforce restrictions due to the crowd's size. Police commander Shimon Lavi, who oversaw security arrangements for the event, told reporters, "I bear overall responsibility, for better or worse, and am ready for any investigation." He said officers saved lives during the incident, too. Meanwhile, police sources tell Haaretz that people slipping is "out of our control." (Read more stampede stories.)
Japan's Nippon Yusen (9101.T) subsidiary NYK Cruises Co said on Friday that its luxury cruise ship "Asuka II" was returning to port after a passenger tested positive for the coronavirus.

The ship's 295 passengers and 425 crew members will reach Yokohama, just south of Tokyo, around Saturday noon, an NYK Cruises spokeswoman said.

All passengers tested negative prior to the cruise, but the company conducted another round of tests at its boarding reception on Thursday, she said.

The infected passenger is stable and recovering in a cabin that has been isolated, NYK said in a statement, adding that only one other person had been in close contact.

The ship had been scheduled to stop at Aomori and Hokkaido prefectures and return to port on May 5.
The most commonplace items of commuting  an E-ZPass, a Metrocard and a token  will be among the artifacts eventually unearthed from a thermos-sized time capsule, placed in a stone monument Friday morning to commemorate the Port Authority of New York and New Jerseys centennial.

A section of original George Washington Bridge cables, recently replaced, and other smaller artifacts were included to represent the bi-state authority that built airports, four bridges, two tunnels, created the nations first container terminals, constructed two twin towers and their replacements after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Bi-state residents of the next century might better judge the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey by the World Trade Center campus buildings around the monument, and other new construction, which by the authoritys 200th anniversary, may be historic icons.

Created by an act of Congress on April 30, 1921, the bi-state agency was the nations first public authority and served as the blueprint for many that followed.

The centennial anniversary for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey took place with a time capsule ceremony on Friday, April 30, 2021 at the World Trade Center Oculus Plaza. These are some of the artifacts that went into the capsule, to be opened in 100 years..

How do you sum up 100 years? What do you say to commemorate properly what has occurred in the most amazing agency that has ever been created in these United States? said Kevin OToole, Port Authority board chairman.

Many speakers tried. But OToole reached back to 1942 and how a then 21-year-old authority responded to a tug of war between New York and New Jersey by hiring its longest-serving executive director Austin Tobin. He and agency planners drafted a 40 page manifest of what a Port Authority does.

Shenanigans were being played, OToole said. They talked about the future and said, we need to harness the new forces of technology and make the port the gateway of world commerce. Thats what they said 78 years ago and thats what were doing here today.

While name-checking the enormity of the authoritys facilities, OToole and others paid tribute to the dedicated service agencys roughly 8,000 employees for making it happen, from police to senior staff.

It was the blood, sweat and tears of thousands. The Port Authority suffered great tragedy, two wars, two bombings, Hurricane Sandy, he said. It has to be judged on how it has endured those crises.

As he spoke, structural steel was rising behind the time capsule site for the World Trade Center performing arts center.

Dont judge us on today or tomorrow, but in 100 years, OToole said.

The time capsule was placed in a stone vault on West Broadway by Robert Alwell, assistant manager of payroll accounting, who joined the agency in 1965 and is the authoritys longest-serving employee.

Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford looked ahead to President Joe Bidens $2 trillion infrastructure plan and what it could mean for the Authoritys second century of growth.

The authoritys $37 billion capital plan to restore and re-envision out irreplaceable transportation infrastructure could assist other agencies to follow when it comes to rebuilding our nations infrastructure, he said.

The authority can share what we learned from a century of mistakes and best intentions and how we corrected them, often by trial and error, Lynford said.

The authoritys past achievements can communicate that Bidens $2 trillion jobs plan isnt just about money, but its about people.

Our human infrastructure is equally as essential to maintain our institutional strength and our mission of keeping the region moving, Lynford said. The Port Authority organized both kinds of infrastructure to transport the more than 450 million riders who travel with us annually.

Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton recalled how the authority was formed to bring unity to the bi-state ports and rail lines that served them.

One hundred years ago, New York and New Jersey signed a bi-state compact with great hopes and ambitions, he said. Over the past 100 years, the agency has lived up to those hopes and ambitions.

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

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.
New Delhi, April 30 : Cracking its whip on the people involved in preparing false Covid reports, the Delhi police on Friday said it had arrested five people, including a doctor, from Malviya Nagar area for preparing Covid reports using forged means.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), South Delhi, Atul Bhatia said that police have arrested Praganand aka Nihal, Himanshu Sharma, Dr Manish Kumar Singh, Satender and Nikhil in connection with the case.

The DCP said that the police had received a PCR call on Thursday wherein it was mentioned that Genestrings lab in Malviya Nagar were involved in preparing fake Covid reports.

He said that on reaching the spot caller Vipul Saini stated that in April this year he along with his 45 relatives had given their samples for Coivid testing to Himanshu and Pragyanand Sharma.

On April 25, their known Rishab Shukla gave his sample to them and on April 26 he tested positive for Covid, but he did not show any symptom of Covid, he claimed.

The officer said that on April 28 Shukla again gave his sample to SPICE Health Laboratory where he tested negative.

The officer claimed that on April 29, Saini along with Himanshu Sharma and Pragyanand went to the Genestrings Lab and cross checked from above lab and found that the Covid report of Shukla was not in the records of this lab.

"Himanshu then stated that he alongwith his cousin Pragyanand used to collect home samples and give it to Singh working in Genestrings Lab without making any entry in the record of Genestrings Lab. Dr Singh used to share the result with Pragyanand through excel sheet and then Pragyanand would print the result on the fake letter of Genestrings Lab which was provided to him by the doctor," Bhatia said.

He said that by adopting this modus operandi the five accused persons have committed the crime of cheating and forgery by creating the Covid results on fake letter head of Genestrings Lab and by not entering the data of the virus infection samples in the lab.

Explaining the modus operandi of the accused, the DCP said, "Accused Himansu and Prgyananad are lab technicians who used to collect Covid samples from houses and later hand over the said samples to Dr Singh, application scientist at Genestrings Lab without making entry in the lab records.

" Singh with the help of his colleagues Satender and Nikhil used to telephonically send the report to Himanshu and Prgyanand, who used to prepare the reports on their laptop using the letter head of the above named lab. This latter was provided to them by Singh," he added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
(Natural News) John Kerry has run down his country ever since he was a young man.

Though Kerry admirably served in Vietnam, when he returned home he threw away all his medals and ribbons in a left-wing publicity stunt and then lied to a congressional hearing that U.S. soldiers routinely murdered Vietnamese civilians.

His lies shocked and angered a bitterly divided nation already tired of a pointless war that left some 58,000 Americans dead, left a stain on the U.S. military for decades to come, and helped launch his political career.

Not only didnt Kerry apologize for his fact-less testimony, he has doubled and even tripled down on harming the nation he once served very early in his life.

During the Obama administration, then-Secretary of State Kerry was the point man for a lousy deal which essentially paid off the Iranian regime to produce nuclear weapons at some point down the road. The Obama administration, with Kerry in the lead, went to great lengths to make the deal, which included paying for American hostages (a policy theretofore shunned by prior administrations) and literally flew a pallet of cash to Iranian contacts in Eastern Europe in the middle of the night.

After Obama left office and Donald Trump became president, Kerrys meddling in U.S. foreign affairs to the detriment of his own country, as well as those of our allies, continued. His obsession with empowering Iran with nuclear weapons became obvious after he was caught multiple times negotiating with Tehran to save the nuclear deal while at the same time undermining the Trump administration.

The meddling was so bad that Trump publicly warned Kerry, via Twitter, to stay away from Iran because he was hurting his country. It was also so bad that Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) even asked the Justice Department to launch an investigation.

Today I urged the DOJ to investigate whether former Secretary of State John F. Kerrys actions since leaving office related to the #Iran nuclear deal violate the Logan Act or FARA > https://t.co/yxq4O2bmke pic.twitter.com/V52wxcd5mL  Senator Rubio Press (@SenRubioPress) May 13, 2019

But of course, the DC swamp takes care of its own, so nothing ever happened to Kerry, just like he paid no political or legal price for anything he had done to his country up to that point.

What about now? Will he finally be held accountable now, after The New York Times reported this week that an audio featuring Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif who said he was shocked that Kerry informed him of some 200 times Israel struck Iranian interests in Syria (killing Iranian troops and Iran-backed forces).

Zarif said John Kerry informed him that Israel had attacked Iranian interests in Syria at least 200 times, which caused great astonishment to the foreign minister, according to The National Pulse.

The outlet adds:

In the audio, Zarif confesses the Revolutionary Guards Corps  a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO)  calls the shots in Iran, ignoring and even overruling both advice and official government decisions.

Zarif further admits the assassination in Iraq of Maj. Gen. Qasem Suleimani, who was commander of the Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force, under the Trump administration was a major blow to Iran, more damaging than if it had wiped out an entire city in an attack.

Republicans were incensed  again  over Kerrys remarks.

If this tape is verified, it would signal catastrophic and disqualifying recklessness by Envoy Kerry to Foreign Minister Zarif that endangered the safety of Americans and our allies, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said.

And it would be consistent with his long pattern of empowering Irans regime. Kerry poured hundreds of billions of dollars into the Ayatollahs terrorist bank accounts, was a close confidant with Zarif during the Obama administration, and was caught repeatedly meeting with him during the Trump administration (notwithstanding the Logan Act)  and has never publicly accounted for what they discussed, he added.

Trump Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added that Zarifs comments are in line with what Ive said for years: That [Zarif] continued to engage with former secretary of state Kerry on policy matters after Kerrys public service and, according to Zarif, Kerry informed the Iranians of Israeli operations.

Kerrys is a criminal act and John Kerry must be immediately investigated and PROSECUTED. President Biden must immediately remove John Kerry from any government or advisory position, GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York wrote on Twitter.

Clearly; but where is Joe Bidens Justice Department?

Sources include:

USAFeatures.news

TheNationalPulse.com

NaturalNews.com
(Newser)  On the UK Parliament's website, the official ways to contact Prime Minister Boris Johnson are listed. But for the past 15 years, his personal cellphone number has also been openly accessible, thanks to a long-ago press release that has stayed up on the internet, reports the BBC. The celebrity gossip newsletter Popbitch first noted the prime minister's digits remained online after originally being printed in 2006 in a think tank release about his then-role as a shadow higher-education official. Johnson had encouraged reporters to use the number to get in touch with him for further comments. Critics are now saying his number being so accessible could pose a number of risks, including for national security. Lobbyists could also use it to reach out to Johnson, as could potential blackmailers, one Labour MP notes. What's even more baffling to some, however, is that Johnson never bothered to change the number.

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It should've been an "elementary security precaution" for him to dump it once he became prime minister, former national security adviser Peter Ricketts tells the BBC, which notes that when someone becomes prime minister, they're allowed to hang onto their personal devices, despite being issued a government phone. The Independent reports that Simon Case, the head of the UK's Civil Service department, had tried to persuade Johnson to get a new number, but that the prime minister "is understood to have ignored the advice." Some officials, however, aren't concerned: Finance chief Rishi Sunak says that, to his knowledge, "all security protocols have been followed." ABC News notes that, as of Friday, the number seems to be out of commission, with callers hearing a message that it's been "switched off," and that they should send a text or try to call back later. Downing Street hasn't officially given word that Johnson will retire it for good. (Read more Boris Johnson stories.)
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Armenia News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 30.04.21:

AZERBAIJANIS

https://news.am/eng/news/641482.html

8-10 Azerbaijanis in civilian clothes have crossed over to the area between military posts.

On April 28 at around 11:40 a.m. at the maintenance station of N military unit of the Armed Forces of Armenia located in the northeastern sector of the countrys state border, trespassing the line of contact from the side of the Azerbaijani Alibeyli settlement, 8-10 persons dressed in civilian clothes crossed over to the territory between military posts, bringing with them 30-40-meter long tubes, probably for the purpose of delivering water from the specific territory to the nearby Azerbaijani military post.

RUSSIAN FM

https://news.am/eng/news/641476.html

From May 5 to 6, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov will pay a visit to Armenia.

This is posted on the Facebook page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

TATOYAN

https://news.am/eng/news/641589.html

Armenia Ombudsman's Office analyzed nearly 300 videos showing tortures of Armenians

The Office has analyzed nearly 300 videos showing the tortures of Armenians, translated the words and phrases into Russian and English, and forwarded all the videos to international organizations along with the materials.

KOCHARYAN

https://news.am/eng/news/641583.html

https://news.am/eng/news/641587.html

https://news.am/eng/news/641591.html

Armenian ex-president Robert Kocharyan held talks with his supporters.

He touched upon the issue of Armenian snap parliamentary elections and noted that 'elections are a very specific technology, and I believe there is not much to invent here.'

According to him, 'the elections will not be easy, there will be a need for huge campaigning. I understand that we have specialized in a street struggle; I believe there will probably be a need for such a struggle. I hope that after the resignation [of acting PM Nikol Pashinyan], our law enforcement system will behave in a more restrained way, realizing that this person has no chance of being re-elected,' Kocharyan said.

He noted that the reaction to rigging Armenia elections shall be aggressive and decisive.

Kocharyan also said that if Armenia is not made the most organized, the most modernized, modern country in this region, we will not succeed in the Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] issue.

COVID-19

https://news.am/eng/news/641534.html

As of Friday morning, 536 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 216,064 in the country.

Also, 21 more deaths from COVID-19 were registered, making the respective total 4,108 cases.

The number of people who have recovered over the past one day is 964, the total respective number so far is 198,135.
A group of Massachusetts police officers helped an elderly woman avoid falling victim to a scammer who tricked her into sending thousands of dollars via the United Parcel Service with a so-called grandchild in jail scheme, according to authorities.

Dracut police received a call from a woman in Florida who told them she believed her mother was the victim of a scam and had sent $25,000 to an address in the Massachusetts town, officials said.

The daughter explained how her mother received a call saying her grandson was arrested and that money needed to be sent to a lawyer for him to be released, according to a statement from Dracut Chief of Police Peter Bartlett.

The woman also told officers that the UPS package of cash her mother sent to the address in Dracut hadnt yet been delivered, Bartletts statement said.

Members of the Dracut Police Department then worked with UPS to intercept the package before it was delivered. The cash will now be returned to the grandmother, according to the statement.

For their work, police Sgt. Lawrence Flynn, Lt. Wilmer Buote, Detective Megan Farley and Dispatcher Andrew Talmacci will be recognized with letters of commendation. The victims daughter expressed her appreciation for their efforts, Bartlett noted.

The ability to recover funds for the victim of a scam is an incredibly rare occurrence, the police chief said. I am very proud of these officers and Dispatcher Talmacci for their dedication and thorough work, which resulted in the recovery of a large sum of funds for a well-meaning person who had unfortunately been targeted by someone with ill intentions.

He added: Id also like to credit the victims daughter for her attentiveness and for contacting police as soon as she learned of the possible scam. We are thankful that an oftentimes irreversible situation ended positively.

Scammers often target seniors by coaxing them into sending money by claiming that a relative is in trouble, Bartlett explained. These claims may include a relative being arrested and in need of bail money and other family emergencies and troubling situations. However, people of all ages can be targeted by scammers.

For instance, 30-year-old Samantha Cookis, a social worker from Chicopee, received a call from someone claiming to be an officer with the U.S. Social Security Administration, telling her a car had been pulled over in Texas registered under her name and that she was going to face money laundering and drug trafficking charges. The scammers also claimed her Social Security number was suspended.

Complying with the scammers demands, Cookis took $2,500 out at the bank, used the money to buy a slew of Target gift cards and read the barcodes aloud to the caller. The cards were later cashed after the Chicopee woman realized she fell victim to a scam.

Authorities across the U.S. have said theres been an uptick in scam calls since the coronavirus pandemic began, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting more than $174 million lost to government imposter schemes last year.

Romance scams have also proven problematic for so many Americans. These schemes involve scammers using online dating apps and websites to build trusting relationships with victims, who they then persuade to send money or share personal and financial information.

Throughout the country, victims of these schemes lost around $605 million last year. In New England, victims lost roughly $11.7 million, with Massachusetts residents alone losing around $8 million. There were 361 victims in the Bay State.

Related Content:
At the beginning of May, China will commence a five-day Labor Day Holiday, an annual festival worldwide to celebrate the achievement of workers.



The holiday comes amid a drive to boost China's consumption, an integral aspect of economic recovery and growth. Local authorities are aiming to make up for the lost ground by encouraging retail sales during this extended period, including a goods expo in the island of Hainan.

Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing are also coordinating a vast sales drive with e-commerce retailers.

Consumption has long been singled out as one of the most important components of China's economic growth and development, that is, the ability for people to buy, spend and consume goods of various kinds.

The country has long been aiming for a transition from being purely a manufacturing economy, to one in which manufacturing and consumption compliment and feed into each other, attaining perpetual growth.

With 1.4 billion people, China already boasts the world's largest domestic consumer market which has not yet grown to its full potential, promising opportunities ahead for certain sectors.

Although China's economy has rebounded following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in exports and industrial profits, the rate of consumption is yet to recover completely due to public hesitancy associated with the minimization of social and commercial activities.

As a result, there needs to be an effort to kickstart consumption and rekindle public confidence. The country is, therefore, coordinating a consumption spree during the Labor Day weekend in order to retake lost ground and support retail.

Pivotal to China's consumption development, and this specific holiday, is Hainan. Over the past few years, the government have been initiating special measures in order to transform it into a tourist and consumption resort, building a new form of economy in Hainan.

The island is to firstly become China's "free trade port"  a category of free trade zone differing from other areas on the mainland, which will be completed in 2025.

It is to be given lower income tax rates, reduced corporate tax, no import duties, and relaxed visa requirements for foreign visitors. In developing these plans, China is promoting domestic tourism to the island and encouraging consumption there accordingly, including through the aforementioned goods expo. Numerous luxury brands are already consolidating their presence on the island, all of which are part of developing China's future consumer and tourism driven economy.

With consumption being a keystone of China's future economic growth, the government is prioritizing the expansion of this sector to overcome the impact of the COVID-19 on consumer confidence and to reinvigorate the expansion of retail and tourist business in China.

This is not just a country where people make things and sell them to the world, this is a country where people ultimately also spend, and such a premise represents ample opportunity for the world's leading brands and goods, who continue to consolidate China as the pinnacle of their international marketing and strategies. Hainan island is set to be a big part of 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.
I should have spoken out more, but back then if you spoke out, people wouldnt work with you, Campbell admitted.

Naomi Campbell is known for walking the walking and telling it like it is, but now, she wishes she would have been more outspoken earlier in her career, especially in regards to racism.

The supermodel recently spoke with designer Marc Jacobs for Interview Magazine and opened up about how she regrets not speaking up more about racism in the modeling industry when she was coming up. When Jacobs asked Campbell what her biggest mistake was, she replied with: So many. I should have spoken out more, but back then if you spoke out, people wouldnt work with you.

Read More: Naomi Osaka models new swimwear collection with Frankies Bikinis

He follows up with, You mean speaking out in terms of your views on people of color? She simply responds, Yeah.

The model is no stranger to racial bias. In 2019, Campbell said she was turned away from a French hotel due to the complexion of her skin. Although she has one of the most recognizable faces globally, Campbell was turned away from a Cannes Film Festival event because she was Black.

I was recently in a city in the south of France, at the time of the Cannes Film Festival, where I was invited to participate in an event in a hotel whose name I will not mention, she revealed at the time to the Paris Match. (The doorman) did not want to let my friend and I in because of the color of my skin.

The fashion icon recalls the doorman letting other people in, despite telling her and her friend that the party was at capacity. Campbell was the first Black supermodel to cover French Vogue in 1988.

PARIS, FRANCE  FEBRUARY 24: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) British model Naomi Campbell walks the runway during the Kenneth Ize show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2020/2021 on February 24, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Thierry Chesnot/Getty Images)

In the interview, Campbell and Jacobs mention model and activist Bethann Hardison as someone who is a big advocate for diversifying the fashion world and the person the cover girl gives credits to for helping her maneuver the industry.

Bethann was my rock. Being 17 or 18, I was calling her and telling her everything. She gave me her ear, but she also gave me the courage to speak out, Campbell shared.

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The fashion industry is well-known for its lack of diversity and inclusion, and in recent years, fashion magazines are just starting to diversify their editorial teams. In 2020, Samira Nasf was named the first Black editor of Harpers Bazaar, and in 2017, Elaine Welteroth became the first Black editor-in-chief at Teen Vogue.

Campbell also explained that she is working on a docuseries with fellow models, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford, about the lack of rights models have to their images and overall work.

One of the things thats really come to surface right now for me is that we dont have any control over our image as models, and thats really sad. When I was doing my book with Taschen, there were a few photographers whose names I wont say, but who we do know and who Ive worked for over the years for, like, one dollar, who came back saying they wanted all this money to be in the book. And I was like, Excuse me, youve forgotten, shared Campbell.

She goes on to add: Its our legacy that were talking about. Im bringing this up because I feel like its going to come up sooner than later, so it might as well come up now. When we signed papers giving our lives away, no one ever explained anything back then, and when youre younger, you want so much to be in a magazine or to do the shoot, so you just sign these things, but no one ever really, really explained what the small print was about.

LONDON, ENGLAND  SEPTEMBER 14: Naomi Campbell walks the runway during the Fashion For Relief catwalk show London 2019 at The British Museum on September 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion For Relief)

Read More: Kerry Washington models with her mom in new campaign for jewelry line

The 50-year-old model of Afro-Jamaican descent said she is spending most of her time in Africa and rocking caftans these days. She also lets it be known she only wears heels when it is necessary.

When Jacobs asked if she ever walked the runway in clothing she did not like, Campbell admitted yes but added that she knows when to draw a line. There were a couple of times back in the day in Europe when I had to say, No, Im not going to wear this outfit, because it was very stereotypical, and I wasnt doing it. Im not going to go on the runway looking like a Rastafarian, said Campbell.

Known for being candid and outspoken, when the fashion icon covered Vogue back in 2019, she opened up about how she felt about the angry Black woman stereotype that comes with knowing what she wants.

I am quite over it, she told the publication. Is it now that we have permission to speak? Well, I have always spoken.

As the interview with Jacobs comes to an end, when asked, Naomi Campbell is the British actress and businesswoman finished the sentence by simply stating, Real.

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Photo: The Canadian Press

With a ramp of vaccine delivery to British Columbia expected over the next few weeks, along with the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine, Dr. Bonnie Henry says the province will be in a different space with vaccine availability soon.

The Pfizer vaccine has long been the province's most supplied COVID-19 vaccine, accounting for about 68 per cent of the vaccines administered to British Columbians so far. This week, B.C. received 138,060 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, but that number is expected to double next week.

I believe that we are going to be in a different space hopefully when the Pfizer starts arriving on Monday, where we will have enough vaccine to really accelerate those clinics, Dr. Henry said Thursday.

As things speed up in the next few weeks, [the vaccine roll-out] will go down in age very quickly.

She noted that at this pace, every adult in B.C. will be offered a vaccine by mid-June.

As of Thursday, British Columbians 58 and older are eligible to book their vaccination appointment through the age-based rollout, while another 200,000 extremely clinically vulnerable people are also eligible. Health Minister Dix said by May 6, everyone 50 and older will be able to book their appointment.

Those 30 and older are eligible for the AstraZeneca vaccine from local pharmacies, but it could be hard to find any left.

About 180,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered through pharmacies across the province, but with about 10,000 doses left, Dr. Henry said she doesn't know when more will arrive.

We don't have any indication that we're going to be receiving more [AztraZeneca vaccine] in the short term, she said. For people who've received it already we do have guarantees that we will get some of it to be able to provide second doses for everybody who needs one.

The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which was approved by Health Canada last month, is expected to begin arriving in B.C. next week. Dr. Henry said she'll have more information on where those vaccines will be used early next week.

The worker rollout of vaccines, which was previously delayed, will continue over the next few weeks, targeting police officers, firefighters and teachers. While some of these workers have been vaccinated already, in hot spot areas like Surrey, Dr. Henry said all of the people in these professions should be vaccinated by mid-May, regardless of their age. She hinted that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may be used for other frontline workers as well.

The Central Okanagan school district announced Thursday that local teachers are now eligible.

Add Dix said that 25 mostly rural local health areas in the province have had more than 50 per cent of their populations vaccinated, through the whole community vaccination approach. These regions include Revelstoke, Windermere, Prince Rupert and Whistler.

Thursday, Interior Health said 275,000 doses of the vaccine have been administered in the region. This makes up about 15.7 per cent of all the doses administered in the province.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Adrian Oros, declared, on Friday, in Zlatna that the only realistic long-term measures for all farmers the crops of which are affected by unfavorable weather, be it drought or freezing, are a sustainable system of insurance and mutual funds, report agerpres.

Present in the inauguration of agrifood hall, Adrian Oros was asked by a journalist if the Ministry he is leading intends to approve short-term support measures for farmers affected by unfavorable weather.

"The only realistic measures, which we discussed with the farmers' association, on the long-term are a sustainable system of insurance, in which they would all participate, and mutual funds, as there is everywhere in the world and in all EUrope. We started discussions with the large farmers' association to build in Romania a system of managing these natural risks, be them drought, or hail, or freezing, because this is the only realist solution and that works everywhere in Europe," said Oros.The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development was present on Friday at the inauguration of an agrifood hall in the city of Zlatna, an investment done with European funds and money from the local budget. The hall is in a building that served as a thermal plant and which was disaffected sometime in the past decades.
South Indian actor Siddharth, who starred in the Bollywood film Rang De Basanti, is a popular hero in Tamil and Telugu film industries, and is known to not shy away from expressing his views on matters, even if it is against state or central ruling parties.

 Netflix

However, the 42-year-old actor on Thursday (April 29) shared how he has been a victim of harassment at the hands of the members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu and its IT cell.



The actor alleged that the BJP IT cell leaked his personal mobile number after which he and his family have been continuously receiving calls "abuse, rape and death threats".

"My phone number was leaked by members of TN BJP and @BJPtnITcell Over 500 calls of abuse, rape, and death threats to me & family for over 24 hrs. All numbers recorded (with BJP links and DPs) and handing over to Police. I will not shut up. Keep trying. Siddharth said in a tweet, in which he tagged Indian PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah.

My phone number was leaked by members of TN BJP and @BJPtnITcell

Over 500 calls of abuse, rape and death threats to me & family for over 24 hrs. All numbers recorded (with BJP links and DPs) and handing over to Police.



I will not shut up. Keep trying.@narendramodi @AmitShah  Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) April 29, 2021

The actor also went on to share the screenshot of a social media post by a purported BJP TN member, who had leaked his number. The tweet said,



"Ivan inimela vaaye thirakka koodathu (this fellow must never open his mouth again),

We might survive Covid. Will we survive these people?

This is one of many social media posts by BJP TN members leaking my number yesterday and telling people to attack and harass me.



"Ivan inimela vaaye thirakka koodathu" (this fellow must never open his mouth again)



We might survive Covid. Will we survive these people? pic.twitter.com/dYOQMsEewi  Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) April 29, 2021

Following the incident, Siddharth received a large number of support from several actors and fans.

This is outrageous  Shreya Dhanwanthary (@shreya_dhan13) April 29, 2021

This is outrageous  Shreya Dhanwanthary (@shreya_dhan13) April 29, 2021

#IStandWithSiddharth ~ Lets stand with the Real Star of Indian Cinema pic.twitter.com/RI9QUlzHxG  zap_tha (@saptharag) April 29, 2021

#IStandWithSiddharth who is the only hero from rang de basanti who has the spine and have the guts to raise his voice against the odds  Jai Kisan (@BhaktonkiMaa) April 29, 2021

Yes We stand with him ...

He have guts to speak Truth ...He even supported Farmers agitation when other paid Celebrities were standing with Govt. #IStandWithSiddharth #Resign_PM_Modi #ResignModi pic.twitter.com/uKUoN5bkdI https://t.co/OURe6x1lXs  vikram vaid (@vikramvaid3) April 29, 2021

One of the only few celebs in India to have a spine ! We are with you sid ! Fascists go back! #IStandWithSiddharth  Abhishek bhatt (@Abhishe35228799) April 29, 2021

Siddharth stood up against government in rang de basanti now he is doing it in real life.fearless#IStandWithSiddharth pic.twitter.com/AoTvnrRMnh#Anti_India_Facebook  Nandkishor Kaushik (@NandkishorRAGA) April 29, 2021

After the calls for standing in unity with the actor, Siddharth thanked his fans in a tweet saying,

"My mother is afraid. I had no other words to give her courage and reassurance so I read her some of yours from your tweets. Thank you for telling me I'll be ok. We are very normal people from very simple backgrounds. Your words mean the world. Let's get back to work and help."

My mother is afraid. I had no other words to give her courage and reassurance so I read her some of yours from your tweets.



Thank you for telling me I'll be ok. We are very normal people from very simple backgrounds. Your words mean the world.



Let's get back to work and help.  Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) April 29, 2021




The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on Friday made a move to enforce its ongoing strike nationwide strike in Lagos State, where the industrial action was partially suspended on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that staff members of Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates Court in Lagos were chased out of the premises by JUSUN officers on Friday.

The staff members, according to NAN, were asked by the JUSUN unionists to suspend court activities and vacate the premises.

JUSUN had embarked on the nationwide strike on April 6 demanding judiciarys financial freedom from the executive arm of government at both the state and federal levels.

Courts shut

This newspaper reported how the courts in Lagos State partially opened on Thursday as workers were asked to be at their duty posts and join the nationwide strike only on Mondays and Tuesdays of every week.

The national leadership had immediately issued a directive for a full compliance with the strike.

Jimoh Musa, the National Treasurer also informed this newspaper that officers of the union in neighbouring states, had been mobilised to restore the strike in full force in Lagos on Friday.

A national officer of JUSUN on Friday shared a video clip with PREMIUM TIMES to show how the strike was being enforced at a court premises in Lagos State with a notice of the industrial action being pasted to the wall and the gate appearing shut.

NAN reports that some staff members of the Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates Court were seen hanging around the court premises while others left for their homes.

One of them who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the courts were initially opened on Thursday but the magistrates did not show up; today again in the morning we resumed activities but we were told to halt all activities and vacate the premises and wait for further instructions.

Although we have been coming every other day, we always hang around because they deny us access to the court premises; hopefully the strike yields a positive result soonest, we are tired of being idle, he said.

Lagos controversy

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the partial reopening of the courts in Lagos State followed a directive by the Director, Administration and Human Resources, of the state judiciary, Kamal Sanusi. He had ordered the workers to be at work on Wednesdays to Fridays, and stay at home on Mondays and Tuesday of every week, in partial suspension of the nationwide strike in the state.

The directive echoed the plan for partial suspension of the strike earlier announced by the chair of JUSUN in Lagos State, Shobowale Kehinde, who claimed government and judiciary authorities were at the verge of meeting his members auxiliary demands in the state.

But following the objection of the national leadership of JUSUN to the plan, Mr Kehinde later backtracked saying it was a mere proposal by the Lagos State government and required the approval of the unions national body

But some court officials who spoke with NAN said they resumed duties on Thursday on the directive of Lagos State JUSUN.

Strike

The union, through its strike which started 25 days ago, is demanding the implementation of section 121(3) of the Nigerian constitution and the January 2014 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja conferring financial autonomy on the third arm of government.

Nigerian governors, through the Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, who is the chair of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), had promised to begin to comply with the unions demand by May ending.

But the union had dismissed the pledge which they say is not being matched with action.

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(NAN)
By Lucille Sherman, The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) (TNS)

North Carolinians can still sue a person who has an affair with their spouse, after a handful of lawmakers killed a bill that would have repealed a state law at least a century old.

In a hearing Wednesday morning, members of a House judiciary committee split in a 4-4 vote on whether to advance House Bill 485 and eliminate the states criminal conversations law. The tie vote kept the bill from moving forward.

This isnt the first time lawmakers have attempted to remove North Carolina from a list of just six states where husbands or wives can sue a third party for having an affair with their spouse. England abolished the centuries-old law, which originated when men still considered women as property, in the 1850s.

The law is harsh, cruel and has been not been used as intended, said Rep. Billy Richardson, a Democrat from Fayetteville, in the committee hearing Wednesday.

Thats extortion, he said.

Democrats sponsored the legislation, signaling it likely wouldnt have passed the Republican-majority General Assembly even if it had advanced further. At least one Republican, Rep. Jon Hardister, a Republican from Whitsett, vocally supported the bill and voted in favor of it Wednesday, however.

I want to preserve marriages as much as the next person, but it is between two spouses, Hardister said in the hearing.

Former state Sen. Rick Gunn, a Republican from Burlington, was sued in his final months in office, accused by his legislative assistants husband of having an affair with her and destroying their marriage.

The lawsuit, filed in August, said Gunn alienated the affection of his assistant, Karen Johns, from her husband, Arthur Johns. The lawsuit was settled.

Several people spoke against the bill in the committee Wednesday, saying if it were signed into law, North Carolina would be legalizing adultery.

Marriages are worth protecting, said Jere Royall of the North Carolina Family Policy Council.
Samsung heirs appreciated for donating inherited assets



Heirs of the late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee said Wednesday they would pay 12 trillion won ($10.7 billion) in inheritance tax on the deceased tycoon's assets estimated at 26 trillion won. They also promised to donate 1 trillion won for medical research and healthcare as well as 23,000 pieces from the late chairman's art collection. Although the tax payment is a legal obligation, it is appreciable as most scions of other family-run conglomerates try to pay less than required.



It also shows how transparent Korean society has become, and that the Samsung owner family has accepted this change. We hope the decision will serve as an occasion that pushes all chaebol families to honestly pay due taxes and rectify their unfair practice of the tax-free inheritance of wealth. The 12 million won tax is the largest amount not only in Korea  three times higher than the country's total inheritance tax revenue of 3.9 trillion won last year  but also in the world.



Equally significant is the heirs' decision to donate 1 trillion won to support the fight against contagious diseases and research into rare childhood illnesses. Their plan to donate their father's art collection is also noteworthy. The collections' appraised value is estimated at 3 trillion won; but the real market value of the works could be more than 10 trillion won. It will be the donation true to its name, breaking away from the previous make-believe donations of establishing foundations effectively managed by the chaebol family concerned. The scale of donation is also unprecedented, meeting the purpose of "returning wealth to society."



However, the Samsung family should not forget the record-high tax payment and donation cannot clear it of all blame accruing from the previous unlawful hereditary transfer of corporate control. The three children of the late tycoon have stocks worth 13 trillion won aside from inheriting their father's assets, resulting from "illegal" wealth transfers using Samsung Everland convertible bonds and Samsung SDS bonds with warrants.



Lee Jae-yong, the group's de facto leader, is serving two-and-a-half years in prison for bribery and is on trial for the alleged illegal merging of Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries to secure management control of Korea's largest conglomerate. Some critics link the tax payment and donation to soliciting a special pardon for Lee. It is wrong to combine the two entirely separate issues to call for Lee's release as it would undermine the meaning of such rare good deeds.


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The early church was a socialist church.

So said the Rev. Raphael Warnock in 2016, four years before the citizens of Georgia elected him as a U.S. senator.

Its a strange statement, least of all because the description socialist church is an oxymoron. Not only would the Church fathers be puzzled by it, but so would socialisms fathers.

Everyone must be absolutely free to  be an atheist, wrote Vladimir Lenin, which every socialist is, as a rule.

Religion and communism are incompatible, both theoretically and practically, noted Nikolai Bukharin, founding editor of Pravda. Communism is incompatible with religious faith. On behalf of the Bolsheviks, he insisted: A fight to the death must be declared upon religion. We must take on religion at the tip of the bayonet.

That they did. They knew that religion and socialism/communism were incompatible.

(For the record, Marxism-Leninism defines socialism as the final transitionary step into communism. As Lenin explained: And this brings us to the question of the scientific distinction between socialism and communism. What is usually called socialism was termed by Marx the first, or lower, phase of communist society. Communism shares the exact same goal of socialism, namely: common ownership of the means of productionthe literal definition of socialism even by Merriam Webster. We call ourselves Communists, stated Lenin. What is a Communist? Communism is a Latin word. Communis is the Latin for common. Communist society is a society in which all thingsthe land, the factoriesare owned in common and the people work in common. That is communism.)

Nonetheless, statements like Warnocks are not unusual among the social justice Religious Left. Ive written about this here before, and clearly will need to continue to address it again and again, but I write now because of the recent New Testament reading from the Lectionary, which prompted one person to ask me to clarify how that reading from the early church (as Warnock would describe it) does or does not support socialism.

Heres the passage from Acts 4:32-35:

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

Its this passage that Warnock was clearly invoking. He told Atlantas Ebenezer Baptist Church back in 2016:

"The early church was a socialist church. I know you think thats an oxymoron, but the early church was much closer to socialism than to capitalism. Go back and read the Bible. I love to listen to evangelicals who stand on the Bible. Well, they had all things in common. They took everythingIm just preaching the Biblethey took all of their things and they had all things in common. But even the folk who say they just follow every word of the Bible, theyre not about to do that. But if we would just share what we have, everybody can eat, everybody ought to have water, everybody ought to have healthcare. Its a basic principle."

Well, its certainly not a socialist principle.

Lets start with indeed the most basic principle, which is this: this passage from Acts is not socialism. Socialism/communism does not bear witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, or to belief of God. Likewise, do not be deluded by the phrase distributed to each according to need. Karl Marx, as he often did in his aping and mockery of religion, appropriated that line and rewrote it as, From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.

How does this passage bear no resemblance to socialism/communism? For many reasons, but above all, the religious believer reading this passage must understand that the passage deals with a religious movement. Socialism/communism is an anti-religious movement.

Communism begins where atheism begins, explained Marx. He wrote: Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people. He and Engels in the Communist Manifesto said that communism represents the most radical rupture in traditional relations. It seeks nothing less than to abolish the present state of things. He and Engels closed the Manifesto by calling for the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions. (Click here to read about Marx on Christianity, Judaism, and Evolution/Race.)

That included religion above all. Socialism/communism is a revolutionary ideology that completely rejects religion.

There is nothing more abominable than religion, declared Vladimir Lenin. He said that all worship of a divinity is a necrophilia. He echoed Marx: Religion is opium for the people. Religion is a sort of spiritual booze.

I could list quotes like this one after another. Heres one more example:

William Z. Foster was the first major public face as well as chairman of what became known as (and remains) Communist Party USA, prior to which he had been with the Socialist Party of America. Note this 1930 exchange he had with Congressman Hamilton Fish during sworn congressional testimony:

Fish: Does your party advocate the abolition and destruction of religious beliefs?

Foster: Our party considers religion to be the opium of the people, as Karl Marx has stated, and we carry on propaganda for the liquidation of these prejudices amongst the workers.

Fish: To be a member of the Communist Party, do you have to be an atheist?

Foster: In order to bethere is no formal requirement to this effect. Many workers join the Communist Party who still have some religious scruples, or religious ideas; but a worker who will join the Communist Party, who understands the elementary principles of the Communist Party, must necessarily be in the process of liquidating his religious beliefs and, if he still has any lingerings when he joins the party, he will soon get rid of them.

He must get rid of them because one could not be a communist and a Christian. (For the record, in the USSR, one had to be an atheist to be a member of the Communist Party, as the party militantly pursued what Mikhail Gorbachev described as a wholesale war on religion.)

As for the passage from Acts, there have long been religious communities that engage in common ownership. Those communities are driven by religious motivation. They are voluntary movements of free will. Members agree to sell property and share things by their own choice, not under compulsion by a coercive socialist/atheistic state which insists that every citizen, under threat of punishment, sell and share all resources.

An even cursory read of the Communist Manifesto or the brute decrees of Lenin and Stalin and Mao and the Kims and Castro shows no similarity with the language of the Old and New Testaments. The fact that certain passages of Scripture, or certain guidelines of religious orders, express forms of communalism doesnt mean theyre thus practicing the perverse and destructive 19th century ideology known as communism/socialism. Thats a really silly simplification.

From the Acts of the Apostles to, say, the Franciscans, these groups were forged on a Christian model; religion served as their anchor, their rudder, their animating force  the very spiritual force that communism ridicules, rejects, and seeks to abolish. Read any writing by Marx or Engels or Lenin vs. Jesus Christ or Paul or St. Francis; theyre completely different in every meaningful respect.

Moreover, the Bible offers vigorous defenses of property rights, as rudimentary as the understanding implicit in the Creators 10 Commandments: thou shalt not steal. To steal is to take someones property, a basic right according to biblical and natural law. The assertion by Marx and Engels in the Manifesto that the entire communist program may be summed up in the single sentence: abolition of private property is completely antithetical to the teachings of God.

I could go on and on with examples. In the New Testament, individuals like the Good Samaritan or Zacchaeus or the vineyard owner all voluntarily give their own wealth or earnings as free-will acts of benevolence, not as forced responses to state fiat. (Read on in Acts 4, which in the next line speaks of the first of two disciples who voluntarily sold a piece of property that he owned).

Ill close with a word of advice to Rev.-Sen. Warnock. It comes from the landmark encyclical by Pope Pius XI, Quadragesimo Anno. Religious socialism, Christian socialism, are contradictory terms, stated Quadragesimo Anno, no one can be at the same time a good Catholic and a true socialist.

Pius XI advised: Those who want to be apostles among socialists ought to profess Christian truth whole and entire, openly and sincerely, and not connive at error in any way. If they truly wish to be heralds of the Gospel, let them above all strive to show to socialists that socialist claims, so far as they are just, are far more strongly supported by the principles of Christian faith and much more effectively promoted through the power of Christian charity.

As Pius XI noted, theres no reason to become socialists.

Indeed. In other words, just become a Christian  and please stop with the nonsense about Christian socialism.

Originally published at Crisis magazine
The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford brought in $275 million in sales from about 68 million doses delivered in the first three months of this year, AstraZeneca reported on Friday.

AstraZeneca disclosed the figure, most of which came from sales in Europe, as it reported its first-quarter financial results. It offers the clearest view to date of how much money is being brought in by one of the leading Covid vaccines.

AstraZeneca, which has pledged not to profit on its vaccine during the pandemic, has been selling the shot to governments for several dollars per dose, less expensive than the other leading vaccines. The vaccine has won authorization in at least 78 countries since December but is not approved for use in the United States.

The vaccine represented just under 4 percent of AstraZenecas revenue for the quarter; it was nowhere near the companys biggest revenue generator. By comparison, the companys best-selling product, the cancer drug Tagrisso, brought in more than $1.1 billion in sales in the quarter.
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PHOENIX  Arizona lawmakers are moving to limit the role of civilians in reviewing police misconduct, approving Wednesday several measures backed by police unions in the wake of a national reckoning over racial injustice.

Senate Republicans approved a bill requiring that sworn officers control at least two thirds of the seats on police review boards, prohibiting civilian-led panels that some cities have adopted. The Senate also backed a measure requiring 80 hours of law enforcement training for civilians on police review panels.

It has all the trappings of making it look like the fox is watching the henhouse here, said Sen. Kirsten Engel, a Tucson Democrat.

A third bill would give cops a chance to fight their placement on the Brady list, a database maintained by prosecutors of dishonest law enforcement officers. To comply with the 1963 Supreme Court case Brady v. Maryland, prosecutors must tell defense attorneys when police involved in a case have a history of dishonest conduct.

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Placement on the list can limit an officers career prospects because their testimony can be called into question by defense lawyers. The measure prohibits disciplinary action solely for being placed on the list, though police agencies could still punish officers for the underlying offense.

All three bills, which have already passed the House, cleared the Senate in party-line votes.

Republicans say officers should be evaluated by their peers who know the challenges of the job.

Theyre in situations where they have to make split-second decisions to save lives, said Sen. Sonny Borrelli of Lake Havasu City. To question their integrity I think is appalling.

The measures are advancing a week after former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, was convicted of murder for pressing his knee into the neck of George Floyd, a Black man. Video of Floyds death sparked protests around the world against police brutality and killings of Black people.

Civil rights advocates say the measures are a step back from the growing trend of having civilians oversee police discipline to ensure public accountability.

What we need the most is a truly civilian led oversight, said Sen. Martin Quezada, a Glendale Democrat. This will restore trust in our community. This will make our communities safer.

The Senate is also poised to vote on a measure giving prosecutors new tools to bring felony charges against protesters. The measure, which has already passed the House, would elevate a variety of misdemeanor offenses  such as blocking a highway, criminal damage, public nuisance or vandalizing a monument  to felonies if theyre committed during a violent or disorderly assembly.

Republicans supporting the measure say current laws arent doing enough to dissuade violence at protests. The sponsor, GOP Rep. Bret Roberts, said its meant to give people a moment of pause before participating in a protest.

Civil rights advocates say the bill would chill free speech and lead police and prosecutors to arrest people of color. They point to severe gang charges brought last year against Black Lives Matter protesters in Phoenix, which were later dropped by Maricopa County prosecutors under public pressure.

Meanwhile, the Senate also voted Wednesday to require a criminal conviction before police and prosecutors can take property, a process known as civil asset forfeiture. Lawmakers around the country from both parties have become increasingly uncomfortable with the power of the government to take property that authorities say is tied to crime.

___

This story has been updated to correct that Sen. Martin Quezada is a Democrat, not a Republican.
In Somalias complex context, a very small Christian community continues to live notwithstanding the various difficulties and challenges.

Agenzia Fides  Mogadishu, Somalia

For thirty years Somalia has been a divided country, without stable institutions, crossed by fundamentalist turmoil. In this complex context, a very small Christian community continues to live which, amidst a thousand difficulties, continues to move forward with its faith. It is led by Bishop Giorgio Bertin, a life dedicated to Somalia first as a Franciscan missionary, then as Bishop of Djibouti and Apostolic Administrator of Mogadishu.

Somaliland

The Bishop is well aware of both the conditions in which Christians live and the political and economic situation of the country of the Horn of Africa. The Somali Catholic community is very small: in the entire country there are just a few dozen who secretly profess Christianity. Nevertheless, among members of international organizations and military contingents present in the territory, the number of Christians is slightly greater. Just think of the Italian, Burundian and Kenyan contingents.

In Somaliland, a state declared independent, but not recognised by the international community, there is a more stable presence. There is a priest with a sizeable community of the Catholic faithful. However, these are forced to profess their faith at home or indoors.

Christians have gradually been marginalised

Somalis have always professed a tolerant Islam. They have always been open to dialogue and have never had tense relations with Christians. "Somalis have never been anti-Christian," says Bishop Bertin, "indeed, in the past they viewed us in a benevolent way. Since the fall of Major General Siad Barre (President of the Somali Democratic Republic from 1969 to 1991), perhaps even a little earlier, with the arrival of an Islamism that seeks to rebuild society on the basis of Islamic law, Christians have gradually been marginalised. Currently politicians, although not hostile to the Church, tend not to guarantee a space for Christians because they fear being accused of favouring 'the crusaders'. These are rhetorical formulas that, unfortunately, however, are becoming fashionable," explains Bishop Bertini.

Catholics present through Caritas Naxariis (mercy)

Catholics are present on the territory through Caritas Somalia, which works at a social level providing humanitarian assistance to the population in difficulty, especially vulnerable groups such as children and women. When Cyclone Gati, the strongest tropical cyclone on record to make landfall in Somalia, devastated the country in 2020, Caritas worked in Puntland, the northwestern region of the country, assisting 3,500 people. It was not an easy intervention because it was carried out in an area where the presence of jihadists is strong.

In Somaliland, Caritas Somalia, takes the name Caritas Naxariis (Mercy), and works on an educational project for 35 displaced children.

Somali politics: Interests of regional and international actors.

With the arrival of the covid-19 pandemic, Caritas Somalia also began working in Mogadishu, Garowe and Bosaso with educational programs to prevent the spread of the virus. Operating in Somalia is not easy. The political situation is very complex. "To simplify," observes the prelate, "we have before us a central power, which is trying to resurface and assert itself, but is at the same time facing federal states which, in turn, are trying to make their voice heard. In fact, this confrontation has immobilized the country. The Somali political situation is influenced by the interests of regional and international actors. The price of this situation is the instability paid by the civilian population."

Al Shabaab sowing hatred and terror

In this political complexity, it is necessary to deal with a very strong Islamic fundamentalism: "Al-Shabaab, concludes Bishop Bertin, is present in the interior of south-central Somalia, but it also has cells in the main Somali cities. Besides Al Shabaab, there are groups inspired by the Islamic State, especially in Puntland. Both, in addition to imposing a comprehensive vision of Islam, sow hatred and terror in the territory. Thirty years after the fall of the Siad Barre regime, the context is still very difficult. Institutions are weak, sometimes absent, and often quarrelsome. The country needs a programme to build a State capable of providing its citizens with security and basic services. Paradoxically, in areas controlled by al-Shabaab and militia linked to al-Qaeda, this security and these services exist  all under a regime of terror that limits any form of freedom," said Bishop Bertini.
Umrahme, a leading online travel agency for business and consumer travel packages for Umrah, has digitally transformed travel experiences for millions of Muslim religious pilgrims, thanks to real-time solutions from Salesforce, the global leader in CRM.

Aligned with Saudi Arabias government-led Saudi Vision 2030 goals and the Smart Hajj initiative, the kingdom expects to host a record-high 30 million pilgrims by 2030.

Supporting innovation in pilgrimages, since 2017, Umrahme, part of Traveazy Group, has been a leading online travel agency for business and consumer travel packages. Umrah is a religious undertaking similar to the Hajj pilgrimage, but Umrah is shorter and can be done any time of the year.

Managing bookings for millions of pilgrims from more than 40 countries worldwide relies on multiple touchpoints and third-party vendors. Umrahme needed highly responsive service teams, fast access to information, and a unified journey across the whole company.

Before the pandemic, Umrahme handled more than 7 million bookings per month, with Salesforce solutions helping to grow its market share from 25 per cent to 80 per cent in only a matter of months. Umrahmes customer satisfaction score is also an impressive 90 per cent.

To prepare for exponential growth of pilgrims, Umrahme needed to replace manual processes with greater automation and find smarter ways of running the business, said Bechir Omran, Head of Growth, Holidayme. With Salesforce, we can help more agencies manage travel and accommodation bookings for their customers as they complete their pilgrimage to Mecca.

Thanks to its digital transformation with Salesforce and channel partner Smaartt Digital Consulting, Umrahme has gained 360-degree visibility across the customer travel journey.

Umrahme has simplified bookings with joined up processes and greater efficiency, and now has a single dashboard that supports around-the-clock customer services. Preparing reports, which used to take hours to collect and analyse the data, is now done in real-time.

The pandemic accelerated digital transformation for everybody, but Salesforce made it seamless for Umrahme to onboard new members of the team remotely, added Bechir Omran. The user-friendly interface meant our staff needed minimal training to use the platform.

Umrahme has adopted Salesforce solutions including Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Pardot for B2B marketing automation, and Tableau for data visualization reports. AppExchange apps are also integrating both telephony and real-time chat features. With Umrahmes abandoned cart feature, the companys sales teams can follow-up with prospects to complete the transactions.

Umrahme has mastered the perfect blend of optimisation and preserving traditions for millions of Muslims across the world, with its digital transformation, said Thierry Nicault, Area Vice President  Middle East and North Africa, Salesforce. We are enabling Umrahme to give customers world-class and seamless experiences, along with a single source truth for real-time data reporting.

In the next phase of its digital transformation, Umrahme is looking to deploy Datorama for artificial intelligence-powered marketing intelligence, Einstein for artificial intelligence in marketing, and Social Studio for social media marketing. - TradeArabia News Service
Government

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Cruise bill heads to governor

Stung by a last-minute political maneuver that pushed a bill reversing Key Wests limits on large cruise ships across the state legislative finish line, supporters of ship restrictions were licking their wounds Thursday morning and putting their last hopes on Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto the bill.

The odds of that happening, however, may be slim. Not only has DeSantis filed a lawsuit against the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to force the agency to restore ship sailings in the United States, his political action committee, Friends of Ron DeSantis, last month accepted 11 donations totaling $995,000 from Mark Walsh, owner of Pier B, which handles a majority of cruise ship traffic in Key West, according to a story in the Miami Herald this week. Walshs company, Pier B Development Corp., had filed a lawsuit against Key West last year to stop ship and passenger limits referenda from being placed on the citys November ballot.

We are going to know two things. Is DeSantis a pay to play politician and does he really care about the environment or has it always just been about the money? I couldnt think of a better test for a guy who talks tough and wants to be president, said charter fishing boat Captain Will Benson, a member of the National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council and who campaigned in favor of last Novembers referenda in Key West that imposed limits on cruise ship size and daily passenger and crew disembarkations.

This is a thinly veiled attempt to overturn three voter referendums in Key West with legislation to help one mega donor [Walsh] who just contributed $1 million before session. Its a shame that the future of the Great Florida Reef is at risk to help one man with a vendetta get richer, said Arlo Haskell, treasurer of the Key West Committee for Safer, Cleaner Ships, which sponsored the November referenda.

Gov. DeSantis now has 30 days to sign the larger transportation bill that the cruise amendment was attached to Wednesday. If he takes no action, the bill automatically becomes law in 30 days.

State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Florida Keys, had voted against the transportation bill because of the cruise bill amendment, as did state Rep. Jim Mooney. Rodriguez said on U.S. 1 Radio Thursday morning that the new bill may give DeSantis political coverage because the amendment expands state control of Floridas seaports to any city or county that passes local laws restricting cruise ship traffic. The previous bill, which on Wednesday was expected to fail, was written to apply only to Key West.

The fact it is not just Key West anymore, its focused on cities and counties. that broadens it to the extent that he [DeSantis] may be in the clear, so to speak, if theres no appearance of a conflict, Senator Rodriguez said. If it had just been Key West in this bill then he would be in a bigger bind.

However, the amendment does single out Key West. Although it says any local ballot initiative or referendum may not restrict maritime commerce at any of the states 15 seaports, Key West is the only port to have done so and the bill applies retroactively to the citys three referenda passed in November that restrict visiting ship size to 1,300 passengers and crew and total daily passenger/crew disembarkations to 1,500. The third referendum gave berthing priority to cruise lines with the best environmental and health records.

The earlier bill, sponsored in the House by Rep. Spencer Roach, R-Lee County, and in the Senate by Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, had been withdrawn and was on the verge of dying in this years legislative session when Boyd added the cruise amendment to a broad and unrelated transportation package. The Senate passed the transportation bill by a 21-17 vote Wednesday. Because of the new cruise ship amendment, the transportation package went back to the House late Wednesday evening, where it passed by a 75-40 margin, with four Republicans, including Mooney, voting against it.

Josh Aubuchon, a lobbyist representing Safer, Cleaner Ships, said debate on the transportation bill and cruise amendment went on for almost 90 minutes, an unheard-of amount of time on the House floor.

People were pretty amped up about it. It was very spirited, he said about the debate, adding, We were happy the bills were dead Tuesday. But there were vehicles to bring it back and one of the vehicles was the transportation bill.

Perhaps adding insult to injury in Key West, where the three cruise ship referenda passed overwhelming, the CDC announced Wednesday that it was committed to allowing the cruise industry to resume sailings in the United States by mid-summer. That statement came a week after Alaska, which hosts a large cruise line trade, joined Floridas suit to overturn the CDCs previous decision approximately a year ago to halt cruise operations in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Florida Ports Council, which had vigorously lobbied against the initial proposed cruise legislation when it would have impacted all 15 of the states deep-water ports, issued a statement after Wednesdays vote, saying the amendment was taking steps to help ensure Floridas seaports remain a major economic driver.

With thousands of cruise-related employees still sidelined, and cruise ships still unable to sail, its vital that local seaports are not further restricted in their ability to conduct business and create economic development opportunities, according to a written statement from council Vice President of Governmental Affairs Michael Rubin.

psowers@keysnews.com
A more recent publication of this set of statistics is available. Latest publication: Index of turnover of construction 2021, April

Published: 30 April 2021

Preliminary data: Turnover of construction enterprises decreased in March

According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, the working day adjusted turnover of construction enterprises fell by 5,9 per cent in March 2021 compared with March 2020.

Annual change in working day adjusted turnover of construction, % (TOL 2008)

Turnover decreased compared with the previous month

According to the preliminary data, seasonally adjusted turnover in construction decreased by 0.4 percent in March 2021 from February. In February, seasonally adjusted turnover fell by 0.3 per cent and in January turnover grew by 1.4 per cent from one month ago.

Change in seasonally adjusted turnover of construction from the previous month, % (TOL 2008)

The calculation of indices of turnover of construction is based on the Tax Administrations data on self-assessed taxes, which are supplemented with Statistics Finlands sales inquiry. The monthly turnover of construction enterprises can have even large variations due to invoicing practices. The final invoice for major projects may be recorded in the sales of one month, even if the project had required the work of several months or years.

The factors caused by the variation in the number of weekdays are taken into account in adjustment for working days. This means taking into consideration the lengths of months, different weekdays and holidays. In addition, seasonal variation is eliminated from seasonally adjusted series, on account of which it makes sense to compare observations of two successive months as well.

The data for the latest month are preliminary and are released at a delay of around four weeks. The data may become significantly revised particularly in coming months.

Source: Index of turnover of construction, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Lauri Pullinen 029 551 3043, Maija Sappinen 029 551 3348, rakennus.suhdanne@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Katri Kaaja

Publication in pdf-format (231.3 kB)

Updated 30.04.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Index of turnover of construction [e-publication].

ISSN=1798-5935. March 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 7.6.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/rlv/2021/03/rlv_2021_03_2021-04-30_tie_001_en.html
Mumbai: Ahead of the commencement of the Phase 3 mass vaccination drive from May 1, the Maharashtra government has said that it cant carry out the vaccination for 18-44 group without 30 lakh COVID-19 vaccine vials.

States Health Minister Rajesh Tope said, Unless Maharashtra gets 25 to 30 lakh vaccine vials, it will not commence inoculation drive against COVID-19 for people in the 18-44 age group.

The nationwide vaccination for people in the 18-44 age group is scheduled to start from May 1 and registration for the same is open on the CoWin app.

Speaking to reporters, Tope said, "Unless Maharashtra gets vials between 25 lakh and 30 lakh, we will not commence vaccination drive for the 18-44 age group. The stock should be sufficient for at least five days to start the vaccination drive."

Tope has been complaining about a shortage of Covishield and Covaxin, the vaccines being used in the ongoing drive for people aged 45 and above.

On several occasions, the state had to suspend vaccination due to a shortage of doses.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has clearly informed us (the state cabinet) as well as the vaccine makers that he is willing to pay the entire purchase amount of vaccine doses with just one cheque.

"But he needs assurances of smooth and uninterrupted supply of vaccines to the state, he said. Tope said Maharashtra has capacity to inoculate eight lakh people daily if adequate vaccines are provided to the state.

Maharashtras wastage of the COVID-19 vaccine is as low as 1 per cent. This is due to the careful management of distributors and our staff on the ground, he said.

We will be giving out vaccines mainly to government hospitals from May 1 for inoculation of people in the above 45 age category, he said.

Live TV
SPRINGFIELD  Students and staff at Samuel Bowles Elementary School joined local officials in celebration of Arbor Day on Friday with a tree planting in memory of paraprofessional Lynne Ainsworth.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno were among those taking part in the annual Arbor Day celebration. They praised Springfields stewardship and protection of trees and the citys designation as a Tree City USA 35 years ago when Neal was mayor.

The dedication of the tree in memory of Ainsworth, who died in 2020, was provided by teachers Holly Martin and Laura Stuart-Wonderlie. It stated: May the roots of this tree spread strong and grow deep, just as her love did for every soul she touched. Lynnes memory will live on in our Bowles School Family as this tree blossoms and grows.

Students provided their thoughts about the importance of trees and read poems including Trees! Trees! Trees! that touched on benefits from berries to cherries, from apples to grapes, adding, we give them love, we give them care.

The students shared information including that an average tree absorbs 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, and that there are more trees today than there were 100 years ago through proper forest management.

Neal said Arbor Day is a reminder of the challenges facing the world, not the least of which is climate change. The trees do not just provide shade but also help prevent soil erosion and protect groundwater, he said.

Sarno, who was again wearing a necktie fashioned from wood, said trees help maintain a strong environment. He compared the students with trees, saying they sprout strong trunks and branch out.

Others taking part in the speaking program were principal John Doty, city forester Alex Sherman and Jose Delgado, director of Gov. Charlie Bakers Western Massachusetts office.

Sherman told the students they are part of the younger generation that must continue to care for trees. The city provided students with new trees to plant at home.

In response to the continuing coronavirus pandemic, the ceremony involved a smaller number of students in spaced-out seating and wearing masks. Other students were able to watch via Zoom.

Ainsworths family members were also present for the ceremony.

Related content:
A celebrated pianist accused of sexually abusing a girl over four years from the time she was 14 says their 'relationship' was always consensual.

Jeremy So has been charged with 18 sex offences which allegedly took place when he was studying at Sydney's Conservatorium of Music.

His barrister, Phillip Boulten SC, told Central Local Court on Thursday everything that happened between his client and the underage girl was consensual.

'There was no doubt there was a relationship between them,' Mr Boulten said.

'When they first met he was still either 16 or 17 and when most of the offences are said to have occurred he was still a very young person.

'It became clear to everybody that knew them, including both sets of parents... there was a real affection shown by both of them to each other.'

Piano virtuoso Jeremy So has been charged with grooming and sexually abusing a teenage music student at Sydney's Conservatorium High School. The 30-year-old (pictured) says the relationship was always consensual

So's barrister Phillip Boulten said his client had been in a loving relationship with the girl he is accused of assaulting. 'It became clear to everybody that knew them, including both sets of parents... there was a real affection shown by both of them to each other,' he said. So's parents are pictured at court

Jeremy So is charged with 18 child sex offences which allegedly took place between 2009 and 2013 when he was studying at the renowned Sydney Conservatorium of Music (pictured)

So began using Facebook Messenger to 'manipulate and control' the girl when she was just 13, a court has previously heard.

His alleged victim was a student at Conservatorium High School, which is next door to the Conservatorium of Music.

Police allege the award-winning virtuoso first sexually assaulted the girl when she was 14 and he was 18.

The now 30-year-old has been in custody since his arrest last month and appeared on Thursday for a bail application via audio-visual link wearing prison greens and spectacles.

He sat upright with his hands clasped on the table in front of him before slumping and bowing his head late in the hearing. His parents sat at the back of the court.

Mr Boulten, instructed by solicitor Bryan Wrench, said So was suffering from depression in jail and his incarceration was causing him 'great grief'.

The court heard So feared being raped or bashed behind bars where he was kept in his cell almost 24 hours a day and was nonetheless subject to bullying.

He had only one pair of socks and underwear and was forced to use his hands to eat meals because he was not allowed cutlery.

Jeremy So's alleged victim was a student at Conservatorium High School, which is next door to the University of Sydney's music school. The 30-year-old pianist is pictured

Court documents allege So first contacted the alleged victim via Facebook when he was at the selective Conservatorium High School. Their first face-to-face meeting allegedly took place after So graduated to the University Conservatorium of Music next door

Mr Boulten said most of the charges So faced, including sexual and indecent assault, would be hard to prove due to relevant laws.

'These are all charges that require proof of lack of consent and knowledge of lack of consent,' Mr Boulten said.

'They relate to a period when [the alleged victim] was under 16 but that does not mitigate the need to prove lack of consent.'

Mr Boulten said the case 'may well boil down to an appropriate set of charges' that dealt with a relationship between a man aged 18 to 20 with a girl aged 14 to 16.

'At all relevant times every single part of their relationship was consensual,' Mr Boulten said.

Mr Boulten said it was a relationship 'completely understood by the complainant and her family, that was completely understood by the accused and his family.'

'They were still together when the complainant was in her 20s.'

Police allege the sex that is the subject of the charges was not consensual but a prosecutor said it was irrelevant if the pair was in a relationship.

'People in a relationship can be subject to non-consensual sex,' he said. 'Even consensual sex with a person in that age bracket is a serious offence.'

Police allege So directed the teen to perform sex acts at his apartment, as well as her home and inside the practice rooms of the Conservatorium High School. Students at the high school use the Conservatorium's Verbrugghen Hall (pictured)

Mr Boulten said his client's maturity level was lower than would be expected for his age when he was in a relationship with the girl.

He said it was not a case of the girl being raped over a number of years and the charges would be 'hotly contested'.

'We will demonstrate she was in fact in a loving, caring relationship,' Mr Boulten said. 'We say these charges are wrong and they're not likely to be sustained.'

The alleged offences occurred between 2009 and 2013 and the complainant came forward to police in the past six months.

So has performed at the Sydney Opera House and international music venues

A police document tendered at an earlier appearance stated So's alleged victim only felt safe to report her claims against him after she had left the music industry.

The statement of facts allege So first contacted the girl on Facebook when he was at the selective Conservatorium High School.

'This was the beginning of a manipulating and controlling relationship [in which the pair spent] long hours talking on MSN Messenger,' the statement said.

The pair's first face-to-face meeting allegedly took place after So graduated to the University of Sydney's music school.

The relationship then allegedly continued after So took up a job with the Conservatorium High School where he tutored piano and chamber music.

So, who is a keen computer gamer when not performing or practising piano, is alleged to have urged the girl to 'keep the relationship secret' in their messages.

He is also accused of controlling aspects of the girl's life, including having disputes about her wearing a bikini. So allegedly described their relationship as 'raunchy'.

When the girl turned 15, So allegedly warned her in a message, 'I can get arrested for everything we've done so far I think it's a decade in prison.'

The statement of facts allege So first contacted the girl on Facebook when he was in Year 12 at the selective Conservatorium High School. Stock image

He allegedly also sent her a legal definition of sexual abuse of a child, adding, 'You're almost 16'. The girl allegedly responded: 'Almost isn't the same as being.'

Among the charges are seven counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 16 and one count of aggravated sexual assault causing actual bodily harm.

He is also charged with three counts of indecent assault as well as procuring a child under 14 for unlawful sexual activity and inciting a child under 16 to commit an act of indecency.

Police allege So directed the teen to perform sex acts at his apartment, her home and inside the practice rooms of the Conservatorium High School when she was aged 14 to 16.

So has performed at the Sydney Opera House and other prominent venues where he has competed in international piano competitions.

He was arrested at his home in western Sydney on March 26 when a search warrant was executed and his electronic devices were seized for forensic examination.

Jeremy So has been charged with 18 child sex offences which allegedly took place between 2009 to 2013 when he was studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (pictured)

Hong Kong-born So graduated from the Conservatorium with first class honours before undertaking degrees at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Detectives from the Sydney City police area command established Strike Force Millard in February to investigate his alleged victim's claims.

Magistrate Margaret Quinn noted there was only one complainant and So was no longer in contact with her.

She granted bail on conditions including that So's parents provide a $350,000 surety and their son live in their home.

So must surrender his Hong Kong passport, abide by a 9pm to 6am curfew and report every day to the nearest police station.

He will appear at the Downing Centre Local Court next month.
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The Russian states reputation is taking some hits abroad, with rejections of its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, mounting evidence of nefarious acts by its military intelligence agency across Europe, and anger over a buildup of military forces that sent tensions skyrocketing. At home, its hitting out hard at imprisoned Kremlin opponent Aleksei Navalnys already marginalized organizations, seemingly seeking to annihilate a force that President Vladimir Putin fears ahead of parliamentary elections in September.

These actions have been accompanied by what one analyst called increasingly unhinged rhetoric from top Kremlin allies: The parliament speaker claimed without evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic was unleashed in a leak from a U.S.-backed lab, while the longtime foreign minister was called out for presenting Russians with a false choice between personal well-being and national pride.

Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward.

Crossing The Line

In his annual speech to the nation last week, President Vladimir Putin growlingly warned foreign countries not to cross Russias red lines -- without stating where those lines lie, or much of anything else about them aside from their color.

At home, in the months before Putins speech and the week and a half since, his government has been crossing what its opponents, rights activists, and a substantial number of Russians may see as their own red lines.

Specifically, the state, having imprisoned its vocal opponent Aleksei Navalny earlier this year based on a parole-violation claim that was widely seen as a show of clumsy legal acrobatics -- he was faulted for failing to report to the authorities but he had been in Berlin at the time, recovering from a weapons-grade nerve-agent poisoning he blames on Putin -- took aim at the anti-corruption crusaders organizations nationwide.

Prosecutors and courts are speeding through a process that seems likely to end soon with Navalnys three main organizations -- the Moscow-based Anti-Corruption Foundations (FBK), which has authored numerous reports revealing evidence of profligacy and graft in the highest circles around the Kremlin; the lesser-known Citizens' Rights Defense Foundation (FZPG); and his network of regional offices across Russia, the meat and bones of an opposition party that is not recognized by the state -- outlawed as extremist groups.

This outcome would clearly mark a major step in what Kremlin critics say is Putins campaign to both sideline Navalny -- to push him to the political margins and beyond -- and to silence him.

The pressure on Navalny has intensified greatly in the past eight months, starting with his poisoning in Siberia last August. But it goes back at least as far as December 2011, when Navalny helped lead protests prompted by anger over evidence of election fraud that benefited the Kremlin-controlled United Russia party and dismay at Putins plans to return to the presidency in 2012 after four years as prime minister.

In 2013, Navalny ran for Moscow mayor and came in second to the Kremlin-backed incumbent, with almost one-third of the vote. A prison sentence on financial-crimes charges he contends were fabricated was suspended to allow him to campaign -- but that was the last election he contested. He sought to challenge Putin in the 2018 presidential election, setting up regional campaign headquarters across Russia to support the bid, but was barred from the ballot due to a conviction in a separate fraud case in 2013.

It is that constellation of offices that prosecutors are seeking to label extremist, along with the FBK and the FZPG -- and that the Navalny aide who heads them, Leonid Volkov, announced on April 29 had been forced to disband -- though he added that some would now operate independently.

"This is a punch in the gut, a blow to the heart itself," Volkov said.

Putins main motive, at least in the short term, may be the desire to avoid a body blow -- or even a scrape -- in the elections to the lower parliament house, the State Duma, in September. United Russia is deeply unpopular, and Navalny has exposed weaknesses in the Kremlins electoral strategies with his Smart Voting initiative, which has helped defeat Kremlin favorites in several local elections in the past few years.

'Incompetent Rule'

Longer-term, Putin may be determined to clear the field -- or to clear Navalny off the field -- ahead of 2024, when the next presidential election is due. Last year, he pushed through a raft of constitutional amendments that many critics saw as an ineffective smokescreen for a single amendment: the one that lets him run for a six-year term in 2024 and again in 2030, a full three decades after his first election, if he chooses.

Navalny, who is usually on the wrong side of verdicts, delivered a judgment on Putins first two decades in power as president or prime minister during a court hearing on April 29.

Your emperor has no clothes, and millions of people are already shouting about it -- not just one little boy, he told the judge by video link from prison, looking rail-gaunt in his first appearance on camera since he ended a hunger strike that his doctors said would have killed him very soon. Twenty years of incompetent rule have led to this result: Theres a crown thats slipping off his head, there are lies on television, we have wasted trillions of rubles and still our country is sliding into poverty.

Navalnys court appearance is hard to explain, in a way: He is already serving a 2 1/2-year prison term, so why another hearing? Answer: Its another case, another part of what Navalny and his opponents say is a baseless bid to -- while physically blunting his challenge by separating him from society and shuttering his organizations -- paint him as an unpatriotic enemy of the people and a puppet used by Washington and the West to undermine Russia.

The court was hearing Navalnys appeal of his February conviction on a charge of defaming a World War II veteran -- a politically and emotionally charged issue in countries that used to be part of the Soviet Union, which lost an estimated 27 million people in what Russians call the Great Patriotic War.

Navalny, who had been charged after he mocked people who appeared in a Kremlin-organized promotional video involving the war, which Putin often uses as a rallying cry for patriotism, lost the appeal, as expected.

Meanwhile, Navalnys backers reported that in examining the prosecutions case in the extremism allegation, they discovered that Navalny, Volkov, and another senior associate are facing a criminal investigation on suspicion of creating an NGO that infringes on the personality and rights of citizens.

Details of the accusation were unclear, but the investigation came under a statute that Putin, last May, added to a list of crimes that bars anyone convicted from running for public office for five years -- a period that would cover the 2024 election.

But wait, theres more Navalny crackdown news, as one journalist put it: Also on April 29, a court in the city of Arkhangelsk convicted a former associate of the opposition leader of distributing pornography, seven years after he shared a video by the German rock band Rammstein on the Internet in 2014.

Amnesty International has described the case as utterly absurd, a statement that exemplifies expressions of outrage abroad over the plight of Navalny and his supporters, which has further damaged already severely strained ties between Moscow and the West.

Explosions And Expulsions

And as the legal onslaught rumbled on in Russias courts, the European Parliament on April 29 passed a resolution threatening action against Moscow over its treatment of Navalny, its recent military buildup in Crimea and near the border with eastern Ukraine, and what the lawmakers described as "Russian attacks in the Czech Republic."

The latter was a reference to a snowballing dispute that erupted after the Czech government accused the Russian military intelligence agency known as the GRU of being behind an October 2014 explosion in the town of Vrbetice that set off 50 metric tons of stored ammunition and killed two people.

The accusations, based on Czech intelligence findings, focus on the same two purported GRU operatives -- Aleksandr Mishkin and Anatoly Chepiga -- whom Britain says carried out a poison attack on former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England, in March 2018.

The dispute has led Prague and Moscow to trade large-scale diplomatic expulsions and is reverberating in several European countries, including Bulgaria, which is investigating six Russian citizens suspected of involvement in a series of blasts at four weapons and armament facilities in that country in the past decade.

Alongside traditional diplomacy, Russia has also suffered setbacks in vaccine diplomacy -- its effort to promote the Sputnik V coronavirus shot in countries around the world, even as it struggles to get its own citizens vaccinated.

Earlier in April, Slovakia reported problems with the doses it received, saying they differed from those being reviewed by a European regulator and also apparently from those whose testing resulted in a positive review from the respected medical journal The Lancet.

And on April 27, the health regulator in hard-hit Brazil rejected calls by state governors struggling with a deadly second wave to import the Russian-made vaccine, citing what it said were "inherent risks," serious defects, and a lack of evidence guaranteeing that it is safe and effective.

The next day, the European Union accused Russia and China of conducting "state-sponsored disinformation" campaigns denigrating Western-developed coronavirus vaccines while promoting their own, suggesting that Moscow and Beijing had adopted a Cold War-style zero-sum game logic on a vital health-care matter.

'Increasingly Unhinged'

Russia, at least from some quarters close to the Kremlin, countered with ire and more disinformation. State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, a former Putin deputy chief of staff responsible for domestic politics, recycled a baseless claim that the source of the COVID-19 pandemic was a leak from a U.S.-backed lab.

Volodin also said, erroneously, that worldwide more people have been killed by the coronavirus than had died in World War II. The global COVID death toll is about 3.2 million.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, meanwhile, faced criticism for remarks in which he took aim at liberal views and suggested that Russians who have criticized the government and his ministry for aggravating relations with the West are selfish ingrates who care too much about themselves and too little about their country.

Foreign policy analyst Vladimir Frolov said the remarks were an example of increasingly unhinged statements from Lavrov, who has been foreign minister since 2004 and is the longest-serving minister in Putins government.

In an article published on April 28, Yelena Chernenko, a prominent journalist with the daily Kommersant, accused Lavrov of presenting what the headline called a false choice between well-being and national pride.

I see no contradiction at all in wanting to live well and experiencing patriotic feelings, Chernenko wrote. After all, the better citizens live, the more reason they have to be proud of their country.
JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: DRC Country Representative and Country Program Manager of MSSFPO program

PROGRAM(S) / DEPARTMENT(S): MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics

REPORTS TO (Title Only): Regional Representative (Dotted line to Project Director, MSSFPO Director)

COMPANY SUMMARY:

About EngenderHealth

EngenderHealths vision is a world where sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are respected as human rights, and women and girls have the freedom to reach their full potential. To achieve transformational change leading to true social and economic progress, EngenderHealth collaborates with diverse organizations across sectors with the shared goals of highlighting womens value to sustainable development.

About MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics

MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics is a new USAID funded program initiated in September 2020 and active through September 2025. Through a consortium of partners led by EngenderHealth, this project expands awareness of, equitable access to, and appropriate use of quality, voluntary surgical maternal health (MH) and family planning (FP) services that are essential to reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity and promoting reproductive health (RH). MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics focuses on surgical obstetric care, including safe and indicated cesarean delivery (CD) and peripartum hysterectomy; prevention and treatment of obstetric and iatrogenic fistula; and voluntary long-acting reversible contraceptives and permanent methods (LARCs/PMs). In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics builds on EngenderHealths long history of successful program implementation with government and civil society partners, including the USAID Fistula Care and Fistula Care Plus projects, as well the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Funded Expand FP and Expand FP and Expand FP II projects

JOB SUMMARY:

The country representative (CR)/MSSFPO Country Program Manager will have programmatic and overall management oversight of all EngenderHealth programs in DRC. S/he will serve as a key liaison with officials at high levels and manage the critical relationships with the Government of DRC and other national partners, being the primary liaison with all key stakeholders, including other USAID implementing partners in DRC. The CR/project director is a recognized technical expert on local and global best practices and ensures that project activities are implemented using state-of-the-art interventions.

The CR/MSSFPO Country Program Manager will lead the USAID MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics project in DRC, devoting approximately 80% level of effort to lead and manage the program. Responsibilities will include ensuring that the project meets all key benchmarks and oversight of the technical, program, managerial and fiscal for day-to-day management of the project.

The CR/MSSFPO Country Program Manager will also have overall responsibility for the countrys program portfolio, including achieving program results, financial management, accounting, and reporting, ensuring compliance with all EH and donors contractual matters and other applicable laws and regulations. She/he will be responsible for the development of EngenderHealths country program and support new business opportunities that arise.

The CR/MSSFPO Country Program Manager will report to EngenderHealths Regional Representative and will have a strong dotted line reporting to the Global project Director, and direct responsibility for supervision of DRC country office staff. She/he will foster close teamwork in the DRC country office. This role is likely to require up to 25% travel.

REQUIREMENTS: Must possess the following requirements with or without a reasonable accommodation:

Advanced degree in public health, clinical medicine, nursing, social sciences, international development or related field.

5-10 years of experience in implementing MH/FP programs in public and/or private health sector in West or Central Africa, preferably DRC.

Experience in working collaboratively with Ministry of Health to scale up and implement national and preferably reproductive health programs.

Experience in managing and supervising individuals and teams.

Ability to be strategic and entrepreneurial, and to foster a cultural environment of innovation and collaboration.

Flexible and adaptable with proven capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to a changing environment.

Excellent partnership and relationship building skills, with proven results in working with multiple collaborators.

Excellent understanding of international public health landscape in developing countries in areas related to Maternal Health , Family Planning, SRH/R, quality improvement and assurance.

Strong knowledge of the donor landscape within the health sector and potential investors for quality assurance.

Excellent interpersonal, writing, and oral communications skills.

Ability to travel within DRC and internationally approximately 25% of the time (equivalent of 16 weeks annually) to work with EngenderHealths field staff and partners.

Experience in integrating reproductive health interventions in public and/or private sector interventions.

Experience in representing organizations in global technical fora.

Comfort with a matrix management approach

Fluency in French including business and healthcare terminology.

ESSENTIAL SOFT SKILLS

Comfortable working in a fast  paced environment and being held accountable for meeting ambitious targets.

Leadership skills to work with autonomy while still being collaborative, prioritize tasks, and positively influence others to follow directives and meet deliverables with global stakeholders

Systems-thinker whose strength is proactively finding the slightest weakness in a process and implementing a solution.

Problem-solver mentality, with the ability to adapt seamlessly to changing priorities

Ensuring compliance with programmatic and clinical standards, as well as donor expectations regarding alignment with the broader MOMENTUM suite of programs and branding/marking guidance.

Cross-cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in different socio-cultural contexts.

Organized, high level of accuracy, and meticulous attention to detail.

Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and share information effectively with colleagues.

Able to develop strong working relationships in virtual and remote environments.

PREFERRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS:

Ability to use knowledge of the organizational and political climate to solve problems and accomplish goals.

Experience in advocating for the integration of MH/FP/SRH standards and practices into national policies, systems and training frameworks.

Experience in technical tools and materials development.

Experience in program monitoring and reporting.

Experience with budgeting and expenditure monitoring

Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations.

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The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Employees can be asked to do other comparable duties as assigned.

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The last date of submission for applicants is 28th May 2021.
New Delhi: Even as the country is moving towards phase 3 of the vaccination drive against COVID-19 in which people in the age group of 18-45 years would be inoculated, several states have conveyed their inability to start the rollout due to a shortage of doses.

Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary on Friday (April 30) discussed the growing list of people demanding vaccines and why they will have to wait a bit longer.

About two and a half crore people aged between 18 and 45 years have registered for vaccine since April 28. These numbers are increasing by the hour. But none of these people have got a date to get the vaccine. And that's why we are calling it the waiting list of the vaccine.

The reason for this is that the states do not have sufficient stock to start the drive.

According to the government of Maharashtra, Serum Institute of India, which makes Covishield, has asked them to wait till May 15 for the doses. The state has ordered 7 crore doses of the vaccine.

In Delhi too, the vaccination drive will not start from May 1. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that if Delhi gets the vaccine by May 3, the vaccination will start.

Other states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have also said that they will not be able to start vaccination from tomorrow due to shortage of stock.

At present, the total vaccine doses produced by the two manufacturers SII and Bharat Biotech is 7 to 8.5 crore per month.

But is that enough? According to an estimate, if 80 percent of the country's population is to be vaccinated by the end of this year, then 17 crore doses will be required every month, whereas in the present situation, the total production of both vaccines is not even half of it. This is the reason why we are witnessing a vaccine crisis in the country.

It is very important to increase the production of vaccines and for this, the vaccine needs to be patent-free.

A patent is a type of legal right that gives an organization or person a monopoly on a product, design, discovery, or a particular service. But we believe that this benefit rule should not apply to the vaccine.

A few days ago the Government of India asked the WHO to make COVID vaccines patent-free. The matter is still under consideration.

Apart from this, a petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court seeking an increase in the production of vaccines. It has demanded that the Government of India issue Compulsory License to the third-party companies so that they can also make the vaccine.

Section 92 of The Patents Act, 1970, states that the Government of India can give license to third-party companies to make any goods, equipment, or medicines in the public interest at the time of any natural calamity or epidemic. This means the government can make vaccines patent-free.

There are over three thousand pharmaceutical companies in India, which have about ten and a half thousand factories in the country. But the COVID vaccines are being made in just two as the others do not have a license for it.

The government must work in this regard and thus help to grow the production of vaccines to meet the demand.

Live TV
Workers and young people in Britain spoke to the World Socialist Web Site about why they are attending the International Online May Day Rally being held by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) on Saturday, May 1. We urge all to attend this important event by registering here.

James, a mental health worker from Bradford, said, As a key worker in mental health, I am attending the May Day online rally for the purpose of expressing solidarity for workers, not only, but especially under conditions of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The surge in infections across the world, and the wake of misery and death thus resulting, is not a medical but a political phenomenon.

It is the product of the policy of herd immunity: that is, the systematic exposure of workers to the deadly coronavirus with no recourse to safety measures, implemented by capitalist governments the world over and designed to maintain profit accumulation, at the expense of workers lives, to the financial and corporate oligarchy.

A homicidal policy that has been followed in lockstep by the bureaucratized trade unions which have, at every turn, utterly blocked any and all struggles. Hence the urgent need for a conscious counter-offensive on the part of the working classone that has originated in rank and file safety and action committees in workplaces, one that is fully independent of the trade union bureaucracy, and one that will be guided and developed through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-file Committees (IWA-RFC).

It is necessary to unify, as workers, against capitalist exploitation and oppression, because only then can we combat the policy of herd immunity and bring the global COVID-19 pandemic, at last, under control.

WSWS reader Joe Leibnitz, a 21-year-old unemployed musician from Inverness in Scotland, said, I believe the Mayday rally serves as a tool to broaden my perspective of global events. I think the international dynamic of drawing together the analysis of Marxists from all over the world gives it a truly internationalist character.

I feel this is extremely important in a period when the bourgeoisie are increasingly turning to nationalism. Living in Scotland, I witness a great deal of political confusion caused by the drive of the Scottish National Party and the pseudo-left to a second Scottish independence referendum. In the context of a global pandemic, I feel events like the May Day rally are vital in combatting this political confusion.

I recently attended an online rank and file committee meeting [in Britain]. I felt it was very powerful as it provided a platform for everyone from carers to students to National Health Service workers to voice their experiences and perspectives. I thought it was striking to hear how common many of the experiences of health workers were. It was extremely interesting to see how much money the unions actually made. It made me question why the unions are not holding an event such as this, and why they wouldnt use their funds to oppose the re-opening of the economy. I support the call of the Socialist Equality Parties and the ICFI for the formation of rank-and-file committees internationally. It is important for workers to join the May Day rally to understand the importance of protecting their lives against the policies of the ruling class.

Ken, a former building worker, reader of the WSWS and supporter of the SEP said, I am attending the international May Day rally, because I believe that the International Alliance of rank and file committees is the way forward to building a revolutionary party in the working class.

Malcolm, a former coal miner from South Yorkshire in the north of England and long-time supporter of the ICFI stated, 'I'm attending the May Day online rally to listen to the perspective for the building of international rank and file committees.

Having been a worker who in 1984-85 was involved in the British miners' strike, I have followed the WSWS ever since it was launched. Many workers start from understanding who their real enemies are, for example their employer, or an opposition party, or a specific MP, for example Margaret Thatcher; all these are true. But Marxists explain the crisis of revolutionary leadership. In other words, their enemies are much closer to home than workers realise. To understand these questions, the ICFI insist on a grasp of history for workers. The WSWS provides an invaluable archive record of the workers movement to draw on.

Today's unions are corporatist unions. Unions run as businesses and mainly falling into line with the corporations they serve. Today, as the WSWS has stated, these organisations cannot even come close to calling themselves workers organisations. This dreadful pandemic has exposed capitalisms allies and the unions for what they really are. The unions defend profits over the health and safety of the working class and hide their real political intentions behind the backs of workers.

This is taking place amid a drive to world war with Russia and China. The working class requires a perspective to fight for its interest and this can only be found through the ICFI and the SEPs around the world and the fight to build international rank and file committees.'

Lee, from southwest England, is employed in a large distribution depot for a major supermarket chain which employs 3,000. He said, I have never attended a May Day rally before. I steered away from politics until Jeremy Corbyn was elected Labour Party leader in 2015. He spoke a language I could understand. But I feel let down. People have been crying out for socialism although they do not fully understand what it means. He betrayed that. Even if he had been elected to power, it would not have changed anything as we would have been stuck with capitalism.

I have only come into revolutionary politics through meeting the Socialist Equality Party and coming across the World Socialist Web Site .

Internationalism is all about tearing down national barriers. Its always been in the back of my mind, I thought it was a great idea but not practical. But I think we can do it now.

Ive been looking at history, looking right back to the Peasants Revolt in 1381. The names have changed but the issues are the same. It is about equality. Then it was the peasants, now it is the working class in revolt.

When I heard about [Prime Minister Boris] Johnsons comments about letting the bodies in their thousands pile high, a picture came into my head of the British Generals in World War 1 sending working class lads over the top into the slaughter. There is a parallel with the pandemic and World War 1.

At my workplace we have now received Lateral Flow Test kits and are testing twice a week. We were left with three dead from Covid-19 and around 68 infections last year. Meanwhile the company reported a profit increase of 8.4 percent. We did not even receive a Christmas bonus! I worked over the Easter holidays and only got the normal weekend rates. We are getting an 8 pay increase but its probably going to be funded by not paying us for our half hour lunch breaks.

The union at my place has a no strike policy. In fact, I would not call it a union, it is just an extension of management.

I saw an interview with Bill Gates defending the patent for the vaccines. Its sickening. It is all simply about profit. The aid being sent to India is pitiful, people are dying in their hundreds outside hospitals and through lack of oxygen.

Since the Arab Spring there have been continual workers uprisings including the Yellow Vests in France. But these struggle have not been linked up. That is what needs to happen. I believe it can.
As St Georges church bell rang out 60 times from the tower in Gate Pa, three cadets stood at attention and heads were partly bowed as people silently reflected on the Battle of Pukehinahina 157 years ago.

Commemorations were held on Thursday afternoon for the Battle of Gate Pa. Services began at 4pm.

Before the bells rang out, Rev'd John Hebenton welcomed everyone to the commemoration service and led the reflections on the battle.

As well as members of the public, the service was also attended by Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, Labour list MPs Angie Warren-Clark and Jan Tinetti, and Tauranga commissioners Anne Tolley, Shadrach Rolleston and Bill Wasley.

Kanarahi Poharama, 10, and her cousin Kororia Ngatai, 11, both from Merivale School, spoke about their great-great-great-great-grandfather Taiaho Ngatai. Ngatai Road in Otumoetai is named for him, and for the pa that was once there.

Kanarahi Poharama age 10, and Kororia Ngatai age 11, spoke about their ancestor Taiaho Ngatai.

A time of reflection followed with an audiovisual presentation featuring sand art by Marcus Winter and a further audiovisual presentation of historical photos. During this time the bell rang out 60 times.

The Battle of Gate Pa, also known as the Battle of Pukehinahina, fought near Tauranga on April 29, 1864, was notable for the ferocity of the fighting, the repulse of the British forces, and an act of chivalry by one of the defenders, Heni Te Kiri Karamu, who at some risk to her own life gave water to a dying British officer and other wounded men.

There are several memorials to the participants in Mission Cemetery in Marsh Street.

These include the Tauranga 1st Waikato Militia NZ Wars memorial, Tauranga 43rd Regiment NZ Wars memorial, Tauranga Naval NZ Wars memorial, individual memorials to Hori Ngatai and Rawiri Puhirake, and the Tauranga Maori NZ Wars memorial.

The pa site was garrisoned by men of the 68th Regiment after the battle, and by the colonial Armed Constabulary in the late 1860s.

In the 1870s the redoubt was abandoned, Cameron Road was cut through the site, and the remaining trenches were filled in.

As Peri Kohu prayed for the future of Tauranga, the theme of reconciliation came through his words, and he was followed by LTCDR Garth Mathieson, who read out the naval prayer in Maori and by SLT Justin Young who read it in English.

LTCDR Evan Dines, SLT Justin Young and LTCDR Garth Mathieson.

NZ Army officer and military historian Cliff Simons who is also a member of St Georges church prayed remembering Maori and Pakeha who fought and died at Gate Pa 157 years ago.

His prayer included acknowledgment of the emotional suffering for the families from both sides, and that society would turn from violence to peace. Cliff has co-authored a book on the history of the battle.

Rev'd John Hebenton introduced Puhirake Ihaka who spoke of how Rawiri Puhirake who was born about 1808 at the foot of Mauao had been captured in 1818 as still a young boy, and taken up north.

There, near the Bay of Islands, he was trained in the art of warfare along with two others, and on returning to Tauranga about a decade later in their early 20s, the proficiency at warfare and trench construction became a significant factor during the Battle of Gate Pa.

When Rawiri died, he was taken from where he fell back home to Matapihi where he laid for 50 years, before being moved to the Mission Cemetery in Marsh Street, where a monument was erected in his honour.

The service ended in prayer, followed by refreshments in the attached church hall.

Puhirake Ihaka at Battle of Gate Pa commemoration.

Revd John Hebenton at Battle of Gate Pa commemoration .
Goose Creek, SC (29445)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then cloudy skies late. High around 85F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. Low 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Timeline of China's manned space program

Xinhua) 11:23, April 30, 2021

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China launched on Thursday the Tianhe core module of its space station, a key mission in the third step of the country's manned space program.

Here are some key facts of China's manned space program, which started in 1992 with a three-step strategy.

FIRST STEP

The first step was to send astronauts into space and bring them back safely.

The country's first experimental manned spacecraft, Shenzhou-1, was launched with no crew in November 1999, heralding the beginning of China's foray into manned space exploration.

The main goal of the Shenzhou-1 launch was to examine the performance and reliability of the launch vehicle, a Long March-2F carrier rocket, and evaluate key space exploration technology.

In January 2001, Shenzhou-2 was launched, conducting experiments in the areas of materials science, astronomy and physics in a microgravity environment.

Shenzhou-3, launched in March 2002, carried human physical monitoring sensors and "dummy astronauts." It was also equipped with escape and emergency rescue functions.

Nine months later, Shenzhou-4 was launched, featuring radiation-proof facilities and manual emergency rescue systems, despite the fact that the vessel was unmanned.

The launch of Shenzhou-5 in October 2003 was another milestone for China's manned space program, as the mission successfully sent astronaut Yang Liwei into space, making China the third country to send a man into space after the Soviet Union and the United States.

In October 2005, China sent two astronauts into space aboard Shenzhou-6. The astronauts carried out scientific and medical experiments onboard the craft.

SECOND STEP

The second step was developing advanced space flight techniques and technologies including extra-vehicular activity and orbital docking. This phase included the launch of Tiangong-1, a transitional platform to test the docking technology, and the Tiangong-2 space lab.

In September 2008, China achieved its first spacewalk for 19 minutes and 35 seconds, conducted by astronaut Zhai Zhigang, with the launch of Shenzhou-7. China thus became the third country in the world to conduct extravehicular activity in space, following the Soviet Union and the United States.

In September 2011, China launched its experimental space lab, Tiangong-1. The main task of the Tiangong-1 was to test the technologies in rendezvous and docking between spacecraft, and to accumulate experience for developing a space station.

About one month later after the launch of Tiangong-1, China sent Shenzhou-8 into orbit with no crew. In November 2011, Tiangong-1 and Shenzhou-8 accomplished the country's first automatic rendezvous and docking at a height of 343 km above Earth.

In June 2012, the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft was thrust into space to dock with the orbiting Tiangong-1. This was China's first manned rendezvous and docking mission. Two docking tests, one automated and one manual, were accomplished between Shenzhou-9 and Tiangong-1.

Launched in June 2013, Shenzhou-10 docked with Tiangong-1 twice, once through automatic operation and the other manually, aiming to further test technologies designed for docking and supporting astronauts' stay in space. Three astronauts spent 12 days in Tiangong-1, where they conducted space medical experiments and technical tests.

In September 2016, China launched Tiangong-2, an improved version of Tiangong-1 that is considered China's first space lab.

About one month after the launch of Tiangong-2, China successfully launched the manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11 carrying two astronauts who would stay in space for 33 days, the longest mission in the country's manned space program to date. On October 19, 2016, Tiangong-2 and Shenzhou-11 completed an automated docking in orbit.

In April 2017, Tianzhou-1, China's first cargo spacecraft, successfully conducted automated docking with the orbiting Tiangong-2 and then carried out their first in-orbit refueling. Another two dockings and two further refuelings were completed later.

THIRD STEP

The third step is to assemble and operate a permanent manned space station.

In May 2020, China's new large carrier rocket Long March-5B made its maiden flight. Long March-5B is mainly used to launch the modules of China's space station, and the successful flight inaugurated the "third step" of China's manned space program.

On Thursday, China sent into space the core module of its space station, kicking off a series of key launch missions that aim to complete the construction of the station by the end of next year.

China will also send the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft and Shenzhou-12 manned craft this year to dock with the core module, Tianhe. Three astronauts will reach the core module aboard Shenzhou-12 and stay in orbit for three months.

Tianzhou-3 cargo craft and Shenzhou-13 manned spaceship will also be launched later this year to dock with Tianhe, and another three astronauts will then begin their six-month stay in orbit.

After the five launch missions this year, China plans six missions, including the launch of the Wentian and Mengtian lab modules, two cargo spacecraft and two manned spaceships, in 2022 to complete the construction of the space station.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Humanities category has gone in this thirteenth edition to Gerald Holton "for his numerous seminal contributions to the history of 19th and 20th century science"

The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Humanities category has gone in this thirteenth edition to Gerald Holton "for his numerous seminal contributions to the history of 19th and 20th century science, in which he has shown a special sensitivity to cultural, philosophical, and sociological and gender contexts," says the committee in its citation.

Holton, it continues, has developed "a reasoned analysis of the complex phenomenon of anti-science, and its role in totalitarianism."

The citation refers also to "his innovative contributions to science education, his decisive role in the preservation of Albert Einstein's documentary legacy, and his studies into the fate of children forced to flee Nazi Germany."

Holton, a professor of Physics and History of Science at Harvard University (United States), is a towering figure in the study of how science shapes a society's culture, and the ways in which the cultural matrix of each historical period intimately conditions the practice of science by informing the elaboration of theories and models.

The new laureate explains that he has sought to show in his work "how science is infused with its background, instead of treating it as if it had come down from heaven all by itself." His way of practicing science history is to place the focus on its conceptual and cultural dimension. "Science," he has written, "should treasure its history and historical scholarship should treasure science."

Gerald Holton was born in Berlin in 1922. The rise of Nazism forced his family to move to Vienna, where he spent most of his childhood and adolescence. At age 16, he found himself fleeing once more after Austria was annexed, first to the United Kingdom and two years later to the United States, which became his home and where he has spent his entire academic career. He is one of the bare 7% of Jewish children, out of 1.6 million, who survived the Holocaust. An experience that underpins much of his later work.

Science shapes culture and vice versa

Holton's work upholds the role of science in shaping the culture of each age, without ever falling into scientificism, the belief that beyond scientific language lie only irrationality and meaningless. On the contrary, he argues that many fields, art and literature among them, are instrumental in giving form and content to a society's culture. He sees science, however, as an essential civilizing force, contributing not only to economic growth and societal welfare but also, at a deeper level, to the configuration of modes of thinking, decision-making and behavior in each time period, on both the individual and collective plane.

The pillars of science - he reminds us - are truthfulness, objectivity and the generation of knowledge that is not immutable but subject to scrutiny by others, and therefore always subject to revision in the light of new evidence or more elegant and general conceptual models. So as well as health, economic growth and technological efficiency, science fosters rationality and thus adds to society's ability to solve its problems. Yet his work has also shown how science itself does not develop in a capsule, isolated from the cultural (not just socioeconomic) fabric, but rather permeates through it in breadth and depth. Or as Holton puts it, "science is part of a tapestry, it is woven into a culture."

The physicist, historian and now Frontiers of Knowledge laureate in Humanities was one of the first voices calling for an urgent and imperative effort to relay scientific culture to the general population, a cause he has advocated for over half a century in a way that is both perceptive and respectful of other sources of general culture. And not just because of the immediate utility of technoscientific knowledge, but of how scientific thought can aid in cognitive orientation, and the construction and development of society's mental maps or mindset. Holton's extensive body of work has foregrounded the fundamental role of scientific culture as a unifying force for all humanity.

"Themata" in Einstein and other great scientists

As a scholar of science history and how scientific discoveries are made, one of Holton's greatest contributions has been the identification of what he called "themata," the crystallization of very general ideas that emerge recurrently - often unconsciously from their place in the underlying cultural fabric - in the thought of history's most creative scientific minds; among them symmetry, causality and the search for the unity of fundamental forces.

Holton picked up on these "themata" in the course of studying Albert Einstein's papers, which he was the first to archive and make available to the scientific community. Following the death of the German physicist in 1955, a colleague at Harvard had suggested he prepare a history of Einstein's discoveries for a forthcoming tribute event. Finding that there had been little work done on the subject, he approached the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton, where Einstein spent the closing years of his career and where all his writings and correspondence were kept (a total of over 40,000 documents).

With the aid of Einstein's secretary, Helen Dukas, Holton spent two years classifying and analyzing this material. Realizing its incalculable value, he became the first researcher to study this legacy from the standpoint of the conceptual history of science. "I thought, it's a moral obligation to try to put this into an archive that scholars can use," he recalled in an interview. In fact through his study of the great man's scientific publications, correspondence and other papers, Holton would make Einstein himself an object of study, as Newton or Darwin were before him. It was while doing so that he identified the themata that show the stamp of cultural ideas and metaphors in scientific thought, the footprint of culture in science.

"It became clear to me - to my surprise, I was not prepared - that Einstein obeyed an inner epistemological compulsion, as do so many scientists, of seeing science through certain keyholes, certain lenses. I called them themata - themes - namely, ideas which are so imprinted in them that they may not have been fully aware of them; these determine the basic underlying structure of their work."

In Einstein's case, among the most repeated concepts were the search for unity in nature's forces; formal rather than phenomenological explanations; causality; completeness; and continuous versus discrete phenomena. These same concepts are at the core of the work done by other great scientists, from Johann Kepler to Niels Bohr, as Holton documented in his book The Thematic Origins of Scientific Thought (Harvard University Press, 1973).

Themata, in sum, are constructs emanating from each scientist's particular cultural matrix, which they incorporate, at times unconsciously, into their work, and that condition their style or manner of thinking. Holton defines them as ideas that act as a kind of conceptual template, allowing a scientist to focus on certain objects, phenomena or connections.

The danger of "anti-science"

Holton is also one of the authors who has most incisively pinned down the phenomenon of "anti-science," most visibly present in the rise of science-denying social movements, while alerting to the manifold dangers it poses. In a number of his articles, he insists that although science may advance in the laboratory, and, through technology, in people's lives, there is no guarantee that a society's general culture will advance in the same direction. As was brutally evident in Nazi Germany, advances in science may be accompanied by values and doctrinal currents that set their face against scientific rationality, objectivity and truth, while exalting emotions and impulses uncoupled from or even at odds with ideas subject to formal, empirical scrutiny.

Holton witnessed the rise of Nazi barbarism with his own eyes in an apparently civilized society, and from that early experience has opined with the utmost force and clarity - particularly in his work Science and Anti-Science - that the exaltation of irrationality, when combined with populism and nationalism, is an equation whose result all too easily leads to totalitarian movements and regimes.

"The record from Ancient Greece to Fascist Germany and Stalin's USSR to our day shows that movements to delegitimate conventional science are ever present and ready to put themselves at the service of other forces that wish to bend the course of civilization their way - for example, by the glorification of populism, folk belief and violence, by mystification, and by an ideology that arouses rabid ethnic and nationalistic passions. (...) Parasciences by themselves may be harmless enough except as one of the opiates of the masses, but when they are incorporated into political movements they can become a time bomb waiting to explode," he wrote in The Advancement of Science, and Its Burdens (1986).

For Holton, we can never assume that scientific progress will automatically be accompanied by a parallel advance in a society's cultural and civilizational framework. Rather, he has alerted to the danger of pathological currents among the intellectual class, who may see scientific knowledge as a mere social construct, just one more discourse that has no special claim to deciding what is true. This was the case, for instance, with postmodernism and certain trends in the social sciences, humanities and essayism. As Holton sees it, this phenomenon betrays a perilous, irrational delegitimization of the whole scientific auctoritas, "a throwback to Nietzsche, in his most extreme form, where everything is all the same to everyone, everything is open to opinion."

As he warned in his 1992 paper, "How to think about the 'anti-science' phenomenon": "It is prudent to regard the committed and politically ambitious parts of the anti-science phenomenon as a reminder of the Beast that slumbers below. When it awakens, as it has again and again over the past centuries, and as it undoubtedly will again someday, it will make its true power known. Those who care to learn the lessons of the past may be well advised to try to defang the counter-vision even in its present, less virulent state."

As well as the substantive content of Holton's extensive output and his love of rationality as a force for peaceful coexistence, the committee remarked that "his body of work, with its transparent prose, stands as a milestone in the essential task of uniting the two cultures, the scientific and the humanistic."

A life marked by Nazism

By the time of Holton's birth, in 1922 Berlin, fascist gangs were already attacking Jewish politicians and intellectuals, a dramatic situation that led his family - the father a lawyer, the mother a physiotherapist - to take refuge in their native Austria. Holton grew up in Vienna, but by 1938 the tentacles were spreading, as evidenced by the terrifying Night of Broken Glass.

By pure chance - children's destination was decided by a draw - Holton, his brother and a further 10,000 children were able to leave without their parents for the United Kingdom, with the aid of the Quaker organization Kindertransport. There Holton studied electrical engineering until in 1940 he was able to rejoin his family in the United States. At the time some American universities were offering places to European refugees, and Holton was able to enroll at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, where he earned a physics degree in 1941, and a master's in the same discipline in 1942.

During the Second World War he was invited, as were many other physicists, to join the Manhattan Project working on the atomic bomb at Los Alamos (New Mexico). Holton turned it down, a decision he ascribes to his respect for the spiritual values of the Quakers who had cared for him in Britain. He did, however, contribute to the war effort in what he considered a defensive role, teaching navy officers how to use radar, and forming part of the military research team stationed at Harvard.

After the war, in 1947, he obtained his PhD from Harvard with a study on the structure of matter at high pressure, under the supervision of Percy Williams Bridgman, a brilliant scientist distinguished with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1946. His association with Harvard has continued to this day.

Science education as part of culture

At the age of thirty, in 1952, Holton got to head his own laboratory of high-pressure physics. But he was also teaching what was then a left-field subject, an introduction to physics as culture, combining strictly scientific contents with others drawn from the history and philosophy of science. This would provide the seeds for his first book, Introduction to Concepts and Theories of Physical Science, now considered a seminal work with its focus on science history, the nature of discovery, reasoning and the elaboration of concepts as inherently fascinating themes, and not just a way to make the content more attractive.

"When I got my position at Harvard and had to teach physics I thought that I would write a book and in this book, unlike any other book at the time - it was very courageous and maybe stupid - I also put in the history of science, technology and the other sciences, not just physics but chemistry and astronomy as well, and a little bit of biology (...). The students really appreciated it."

Decades later, Holton would publish a revised edition of this landmark work, which he titled Physics. The Human Adventure (2001). In it, he stresses the value of including humanities content, like the history and philosophy of science, in the science curriculum: "...so if one of your skeptical colleagues, on hearing you might engage in such a plan in your science teaching, came to you, horrified about it all, saying 'There is no time for such extras...' you have an answer: The humanistic approach to science teaching has been tried, and it works. If I were to leave out what you regard as extras, I would be apt to teach dead science, and my students would know it. Instead, I shall take on the more difficult task that my sense of obligation to my students requires, and they will thank me for it."

Holton says he has the humanistic education he received in Vienna to thank for this integrating vision of science and culture: "In my high school period, in my gymnasium in Vienna, you had to go very seriously into everything from mathematics to poetry, from biology to history and so on, (...) and it was very important to me to get the idea of the continuity of culture across the whole field from poetry through mathematics."

Scientific culture as a mainstay of society

His passion for science history fueled his conviction that scientific culture is one of the mainstays of society. In 1956 Holton entered the U.S. Academy of Arts and Sciences and was asked to take on the editorship of the magazine Daedalus. He decided to use it "to give the intellectual community a strong voice of its own," opening its pages to current issues like disarmament of the ethics of human experimentation.

In the mid-1960s, he had the following to say about strengthening scientific culture to better confront society's challenges: "We must change our culture in order that it may be more conducive to turning out enough intelligent administrators, educators, etc., for they are needed to operate the vastly accelerated worldwide scientific revolution without which we are not likely to survive the major threats." (Science for Nonscientists. Criteria for College Programs, 1964).

In 1981 Holton was the first scientist to deliver the prestigious Jefferson Lecture, invited after a selection process by the independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Not long afterwards, he took up the presidency of the History of Science Society.

Women scientists and successful immigrants

His later career stage has been no less productive. In the 1990s, Holton became aware of how few women were working in the majority of science areas, and joined forces with the sociologist of science Gerhard Sonnert to launch the research collaboration Project Access, whose findings were set out in two publications: Who Succeeds in Science?: The Gender Dimension (1995), and Gender Differences in Science Careers: The Project Access Study (1995)

In a 2015 interview Holton explained one of the main conclusions of this effort: "We took a group of men and women and asked them to submit what they regarded as their best work, and took away their names and submitted it to a group of distinguished scientists to give the quality. And it turned out that on average what the women were working on was as good or better than what the men were working on, and it had an additional thing, namely that the women tended to look for really difficult problems, and worked on them for a long time, whereas the men looked for solvable problems and got many publications out of it. So to the men it's more of a career in science and to the women it's more of a calling in science."

Another area where Holton has done pioneering work is the question of how immigrants can transform a society. Again with Sonnert, he began an exhaustive study of the life stories of children who had reached America fleeing from the Nazis. Both admitted their surprise at the conclusions of the project: despite the dreadful obstacles these children had had to overcome, they ended up [on average] with highly successful professional careers.

Humanities committee and evaluation support panel

The committee in this category was chaired by Carmen Iglesias, Director of the Real Academia de Historia, with Jose Manuel Sanchez Ron, numbered member of the Real Academia Espanola and Emeritus Professor of History of Science at the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid acting as secretary. Remaining members were Ignacio Bosque, numbered member of the Real Academia Espanola and Emeritus Professor of Spanish at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid; Isabel Burdiel, Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Valencia; Violeta Demonte, Emeritus Professor of Spanish at the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; and Jose Maria Fernandez Cardo, Professor of French at the University of Oviedo.

The evaluation support panel of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) was coordinated by M. Victoria Moreno, the Council's Deputy Vice President for Scientific and Technical Areas, and formed by: Jon Arrizabalaga Valbuena, research professor at the Mila i Fontanals Institution (IMF); Esther Hernandez Hernandez, scientific researcher at the Institute of Language, Literature and Anthropology (ILLA); Ignacio Montero Ruiz, Deputy Coordinator of the Global Society Area and scientific researcher at the Institute of History (IH); Consuelo Naranjo Orovio, research professor at the Institute of History (IH); and Fernando Rodriguez Mediano, scientific researcher at the Institute of Languages and Cultures of the Mediterranean and the Near East (ILC).
Two people were shot on Thursday night while dining outside at New York's famed Peter Luger steakhouse, as shootings in the city soar 76 per cent, year on year.

Thursday's shooting saw two innocent bystanders injured, when a family feud spilled over at the Williamsburg restaurant, which opened in 1887.

The gunfire broke out at about 9:45pm - before the rowing family members had even eaten their food, The New York Post reported.

Two diners at a table of 11 got into a heated argument, and one of them, a 24-year-old man, pulled a gun and started firing toward his rival.

New York Police Department officers are seen outside the Peter Luger steak house on Thursday

Officers were on the scene in moments, after gunfire broke out at 9:45pm on Thursday

Peter Luger steak house is a New York institution, having opened in 1887

Instead of hitting his target, two men eating outside were hit - a 30-year-old struck in the shoulder, and a 57-year-old hit in the stomach.

Both men were taken to Bellevue Hospital, where they were expected to survive, the paper reported.

With servers and customers ducking for cover, someone inside the steakhouse called 911, and police officers monitoring a nearby anti-police demonstration responded in seconds.

The gunman was arrested with the help of his cousin, who identified him.

The gun was recovered from a garbage can around the block, on South 10th Street, police said.

The shooting came as New York City continues to reel from a surge in gun violence.

The week that ended on Monday was the bloodiest so far this year, with 50 people shot across the city.

That is a 257 per cent spike from the same time last year, when the pandemic forced New Yorkers into their homes.

Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York, is accused by critics of ignoring gun violence in the city

The weekend was particularly violent.

From 12am on Friday until midnight on Sunday, 31 people were wounded in 28 shootings, and six killed.

Earlier this month, a concerned Brooklyn mother called Nicole confronted the mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, during a radio phone-in about shootings, and asked him: 'What's being done?'

The mayor blamed COVID-19 for the crime spike, saying: 'I think it comes back to this horrible combination of things we saw, you know, people didn't have jobs, almost a million people lost their jobs, schools were closed, houses of worship were closed. Things really were falling apart.'

De Blasio went on to hail reopening measures, which he claims will cut crime as people return to work, and also cited his 'community based solutions to gun violence.'

He cited two anti-gun crime initiatives, called Cure Violence Movement and Crisis Management System.

Cure's website claims it 'leverages young men of color' to act as 'credible messengers of an anti-violence message' in areas hit hard by gun crime.

Crisis Management System deploys mediators to try and cool down brewing conflicts before they spill into violence, and connect 'high risk individuals' to services aimed at stopping them from offending.

De Blasio oversaw in June a $1 billion reduction in New York Police Department's $6 billion budget, at the height of the 'defund the police' protests.

The deal involved moving school safety agents, who are unarmed but wear police uniforms, into the Department of Education; canceling a July class of roughly 1,100 police recruits; and shifting certain homeless outreach operations away from police control.

Critics say it has made the city less safe.

De Blasio has been met with widespread disdain by New York's officers, and will complete his second and final term as mayor in office in November.
STAMFORD  Three law firms hired by OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma have agreed to collectively relinquish $1 million in fees earned from the Stamford-based firms bankruptcy, as part of a settlement to resolve concerns about the adequacy of their disclosures during the bankruptcy proceedings, the Department of Justice announced Thursday.

The Justice Departments U.S. Trustee Program, which focuses on protecting the integrity of the bankruptcy system, alleges that in their applications to be retained by Purdue during its bankruptcy the firms did not disclose that before the companys September 2019 bankruptcy filing they each had entered into a written joint defense and common interest agreement on behalf of Purdue with other parties, including members of the Sackler family. Purdue is owned by several Sackler members.

The United States trustee (representing the Justice Department in Purdues bankruptcy) informally raised the issue with the firms. The firms acknowledged the importance of having systems to identify and consider connections to ensure compliance with (federal Bankruptcy) Rule 2014, the department said in a motion Thursday seeking bankruptcy court approval of the settlement. The firms, however, did not consider disclosing the common interest agreement as a connection at the time of their applications and do not believe that the common interest agreement is a connection required to be disclosed under Rule 2014. The United States trustee and the firms disagree on this issue.

Those three firms are Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP; and Dechert LLP. A spokesperson for Dechert responded Friday to an inquiry from Hearst Connecticut Media, but did not provide an on-the-record comment about the settlement. Messages left for Skadden and WilmerHale were not immediately returned.

Purdue said in a statement Friday that we are pleased that the United States trustee and law firms have agreed to settle their dispute regarding disclosure under Bankruptcy Rule 2014.

A message left for a spokesperson for the Sacklers who own Purdue was not immediately returned.

During its bankruptcy, Purdue has invoked the common interest agreement to avoid turning over documents to a creditors committee examining the companys conduct, according to the Justice Department.

These disclosure violations are particularly concerning because a central question in these cases has been the independence of Purdue from the Sackler families, U.S. Trustee Program Director Cliff White said in a statement. This agreement reflects the USTPs ongoing efforts to police law firms and other bankruptcy professionals who fail to disclose connections that may raise questions about their ability to perform their duties free of conflicts of interest.

Among other settlement terms, the three firms have agreed to file a supplement to their retention applications to reflect any common interest or joint defense agreement the firms entered into on behalf of debtors (Purdue) with any party in interest identified in the most recent list provided by debtors bankruptcy counsel, thereby enhancing the transparency of professional connections in these cases, the Justice Department said in its motion Thursday.

Through its bankruptcy, Purdue is trying to settle approximately 3,000 lawsuits filed by local and state governments.

Those complaints allege that Purdue fueled the opioid crisis with deceptive OxyContin marketing, but the company denies those allegations. Nonetheless, Purdue has offered a settlement that it values at more than $10 billion.

We remain focused on achieving a global settlement that would deliver more than $10 billion in value, including 100 percent of Purdues assets and millions of doses of opioid addiction treatment and overdose reversal medicines, to claimants and communities across the country affected by the opioid crisis, Purdue said in its statement.

The companys plan has been rejected by a 24-state group, including Connecticut, that sees the offer as an inadequate response to the opioid crisis.

pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott
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Last week, the U.S. Department of Education approved the states request to waive accountability requirements tied to standardized testing  a move that makes sense given the unimaginable challenges children, parents and educators have faced this year.

This waiver will allow New Mexico educators to get the student achievement data we need to guide accelerated learning programs without adding stressful consequences at the end of an already stressful school year, state Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart says.

Normally, students take federally required tests annually in third-through-eighth grades and once in high school.

Due to the pandemic, schools didnt have to do end-of-year testing last school year. This spring, however, our students are taking standardized tests to the greatest extent possible.

Resuming the testing and then waiving the accountability are both good moves. They will allow parents and schools to see where students are academically without penalizing either following 13 months of a patchwork of learning and teaching methods for students and teachers alike.

The Department of Education letter tells the state that when posting the assessment results for this year, it should provide context including the limitations due to the pandemic. And the state agrees to make public important data in such areas as absentee rates and student and teacher access to technology devices and high-speed internet.

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The intent of these accountability waivers is to focus on assessments to provide information to parents, educators and the public about student performance and to help target resources and supports, the letter says.

It is important that as many students as possible are tested, which will provide parents and teachers data they need to make informed decisions about their childs education.

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.
Kolkata, April 30 : China is planning to develop a massive defence logistics infrastructure in Tibet that will turn the once independent kingdom into a military hub to dominate the Himalayas.

The plans were approved during the plenary session of China's National People's Congress (NPC) in March this year and also by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The Tibet infrastructure development projects have been included in the 14th Five Year Plan (2021-2025).

The Long Range Objectives-2035 additionally identifies a number of strategic military projects for completion by 2025 and 2035.

The G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway and the G219 and G331 national highways will be upgraded and extended to run along China's southwestern border.

The new 1,800-km Chengdu-Lhasa high-speed railway network will be the second strategic railway connecting from Tibet to the Mainland, reducing travel time from Chengdu to Lhasa to just 10 hours.

Chengdu is now the headquarters of the integrated Tibet-Sichuan military command that makes it possible for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to move strategic reserves swiftly from the borders with other Southeast Asian nations to beef up both offensives and strategic defence on the India front.

Shigatse (Rikaze), Tibet's second-largest city, will emerge as a rail transportation hub as work has begun on railways to link Shigatse with Jilong in Guizhou province and Hotan in Xinjiang province.

To make up for aerial defence weakness, China will construct at least 20 new border airports by 2025 in Tibet, in places like Tashkurgan and Longzi.

Tashkurgan, the last stop before the Karakoram Pass, is under the jurisdiction of the South Xinjiang Military District and the PLA could easily threaten the Daulat Beg Oldi and the Depsang Plains from there.

The airport at Longzi in Tibet's Shannan County will also boost the capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in the middle sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Analysts like Jayadeva Ranade, former Cabinet Secretariat's Chiba expert, say that "in just over a decade, China will have a much-improved strategic border defence infrastructure".

"The considerably enhanced Chinese military presence will be a long-term potential threat for India," Ranade said.

Ranade has closely studied the 142-page, 70,000-character "14th Five Year Plan (2021-2025) and the Long Range Objectives through the Year 2035 for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China", whose English version is yet to be released.

"The document clarifies China's national strategic intent and identifies the core areas of national security and development. It has a definite focus on strategic science and technology programmes in the frontier areas. The document details the projects that have direct implications for India," said Ranade.

He said that India's worst concern is over the Chinese plan to construct a massive dam on the Great Bend on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra).

Serious discussions on diverting the waters of the Brahmaputra had started in the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics in Beijing in 1995.

Details of a comprehensive plan emerged in a book authored by former military officer Li Ling titled 'Tibet water can save China', which was published in 2005.

The 14th Five Year Plan (2021-2025) and the Long Range Objectives-2035 confirms that a number of hydroelectric projects will be built along its lower reaches and a massive dam three times the size of the Three Gorges Dam in Sichuan province will be constructed on the Great Bend on the Tsangpo.

"The dams constructed on the fragile Himalayas will pose a constant danger to those living downstream and adversely impact the livelihoods of over a billion people residing in the Indo-Gangetic plain," said Ranade.

He said the planned infrastructure projects in Tibet and the anticipated huge influx of labour and engineers will raise the temperature on the Tibetan Plateau and accelerate the retreat of Tibet's glaciers.

These glaciers are the source of the Indus and a number of rivers that feed into the Ganges. This will seriously reduce the flow of water even leading to the rivers drying up.
New space with international flavor settles down in Qibao old street

By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-04-30 10:39

An old renovated house has caught the attention of many tourists and residents in Minhangs Qibao Old Street. With both Chinese elements and a global flavor, the building is where the newly-launched Overseas Innovation Space is situated.

The Overseas Innovation Space, which was officially put into use on Thursday April 28, aims to become a new attraction in Qibao, a town with nearly 1,000 years of history.



Taking up an area of 300 square meters, the two-storiedbuildingis welcoming both local and overseas guests. It is to be turned into an innovation-oriented base with three functions: a business communicationplatform for CIIE (China International Import Expo); a cultural and tourism exchanges platform between home and abroad; and acommercial and innovation platform for overseas Chinese.

The OIS was inaugurated by Executive Vice President of the Shanghai Chinese Overseas Friendship Association,Ms. Wang Jue,and Deputy Party Secretary of Minhang District Committee and District Mayor Mr. Chen Yujian.

Under the framework of the Overseas Innovation Space, the Hengli Road section of the Qibao Old Street also started renovation on April 28. As planned, a cultural fair will be held each month, as a window tohigh-quality products and cultural and tourist resources from overseas, so as to bring CIIE to the doorstep of Qibao and Minhangs residents.

The art director of the Space is Singaporean artist Chung. As a Chinese descendent, he has a deep feeling for China. Heintegrated his affection for Shanghai, a city he has lived in for over a decade, in his design. Chung has also curated a themed exhibition called The Heartbeat of Qibao Old Street, which is on public display on the first floor, in which he recounts Qibao stories in his eyes through photography and art. He would liketo see more Qibao stories written by people who come here.

(Photos by Jiang Meiqing)
Around 100 people arrested over deadly violence around last years presidential election in Ivory Coast have been released, prosecutors said Friday, while a similar number are still in jail.

The people released were freed provisionally or under judicial supervision, prosecutor Richard Adou told reporters in the capital Abidjan.

Meanwhile 102 people still under investigation remain detained, he added, although they could be freed under the same conditions later.

August and November violence linked to the presidential vote in Ivory Coast left around 100 people dead and 500 hurt.

Opposition candidates boycotted the election, saying incumbent Alassane Ouattaras bid for a third term was unconstitutional.

That left the path clear for Ouattaras reelection in the first round.

One prominent civil society figure released Friday, Pulcherie Gbalet, called for true national reconciliation after her eight months in jail.

Tensions have eased in Ivory Coast since the presidential poll, with legislative elections last month going ahead calmly and including opposition candidates.

Under a national reconciliation scheme by Ouattaras government, several supporters of former president Laurent Gbagbo returned to the country Friday after 10 years in exile.

More than 3,000 people were killed in months of fighting after Gbagbo disputed Ouattaras win that year and refused to stand down.

After Gbagbo himself was last month acquitted by the International Criminal Court of crimes against humanity during the fighting, Ouattara said he would be allowed to return to Ivory Coast.

While the former president has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in his home country, prosecutor Adou said that it was time for reconciliation

Justice is a tool of reconciliation, he added.
Kaia Gerber has recently ventured into the acting world, after landing a role in the upcoming season of Ryan Murphy's anthology series American Horror Story.

But the 19-year-old model took a break from her busy schedule on Thursday afternoon to stock up on healthy goods at Erewhon in Los Angeles, California.

Gerber put her slender physique on display in a loose fitting white romper that highlighted her glowing tan.

Errand run: Kaia Gerber took a break from her busy schedule on Thursday afternoon to stock up on healthy goods at Erewhon in Los Angeles, California

The daughter of Cindy Crawford styled her romper with a pair of white sneakers and matching ankle socks.

Kaia wore her golden brown hair parted in the middle and her face appeared to be completely devoid of makeup.

After parking her luxury vehicle, she emerged with an ice coffee in one hand and a brown leather pursed tucked under her arm.

Before entering the store, Gerber made sure to put on a face mask. She also slipped on a pair of designer shades.

Glowing: Gerber put her slender physique on display in a loose fitting white romper that highlighted her glowing tan

Run in: Though she entered the popular health food store alone, Gerber exited Erewhon with a male pal by her side

Though she entered the popular health food store alone, Gerber exited Erewhon with a male pal by her side.

The pair enjoyed an animated conversation as they walked through the parking lot to Kaia's vehicle.

Prior to her midday errand run, Gerber used Instagram to unveil her latest campaign shoot for Louis Vuitton.

'@louisvuitton twist by @mikaeljansson @marieameliesauve,' captioned Kaia, who looked edgy for the 80s inspired photoshoot.

She posed with a Louis Vuitton handbag in her lap, while donning an oversized tank top tucked into a pair of patterned trousers.

Kaia also recently lent her image to Calvin Klein's latest My Calvins campaign, which saw the model posing in various sporty bra and underwear sets.

As for her recent acting venture, Kaia has remained tight lipped about her role in the upcoming season of American Horror Story, but she was seen filming scenes for the series in Burbank earlier this week.

Details about the upcoming tenth season have been kept mostly under wraps. However, executive producer Ryan Murphy, 55, revealed that the show would follow two different stories for the first time.

Her Calvins: Kaia also recently lent her image to Calvin Klein's latest My Calvins campaign, which saw the model posing in various sporty bra and underwear sets

He posted a video to his Instagram account last month teasing the aptly-titled American Horror Story: Double Feature.

'Two horrifying stories... one season,' read the captions in the video. 'One by the sea... One by the sand. More to come...'

On Wednesday night, Kaia was seen enjoying some family time as she stepped out to celebrate her father Rande Gerber's 59th birthday in Venice.

Kaia's mother Cindy Crawford, 55, brother Presley, 21, and his girlfriend Cameron Rorrison were all in attendance at Rande's birthday dinner held at Gjelina restaurant.

Birthday boy! Kaia took to Instagram on Wednesday to wish her father Rande Gerber a happy 59th birthday

Prior to heading out for the evening, Kaia took to Instagram to pay tribute to her father on his birthday.

'happy birthday to my best friend, the reason I listen to the music I do, watch the movies I watch, and the person who showed me how to stay forever young,' captioned the runway maven, followed by: 'I love you dad '

She included several photos of Rande, including a sweet selfie of herself and Casa Migos co-founder enjoying a day at the beach.


Some local landlords haven't seen rent in a year, from tenants whose circumstances didn't change and who have not suffered a pandemic-related hardship. They say some tenants flaunt the fact that they can't make them leave....or....evict them. On Monday, state lawmakers will vote on extending the eviction moratorium through August.

"I don't support this. I didn't support it in December," says Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon. "I have worked with many of my colleagues in the Assemby as many agree as I that we need to do something different. This is not the answer."

Senator Joseph Griffo, too, has concerns.

"I don't know what the final bill will look like. I am hesitant right now to support the bill as it was presented to continue the moratorium, based upon the fact that I believe there has to be a balance with the tenant and the landlord," says Senator Griffo.

Oneida County officials say help is on the way for unpaid landlords; $6.7, which they expect will be available mid-May, through and online portal. Tenants or landlords can apply, but the money won't go through the tenants.

"The checks are gonna be cut to the landlords so the money is going directly to the landlords; it's not passing through the tenants," says Oneida County Department of Social Services Commissioner, Colleen Fahy-Box.

Tenants, however, will have to be involved in the process, at a minimum, to attest to the fact that they live in a certain apartment or house. Oneida County will work with an outside vendor to provide outreach to hesitant tenants, explaining why it's in their best interest to work with landlords.

"It doesn't negatively impact the tenant to do it," says Commissioner Fahy-Box. "It's still a debt they owe, so they're gonna owe this debt, it could follow you, if you got a job, you could have your paychecks sanctioned or whatever."
Near the French city of Marseille, youll come across a gorgeous town named Chateauneuf-les-Martigues, which is where we find Florian Taverne's and Christophe Klings Taverne Motorcycle. In the past, we visited this workshops portfolio to drool over the  Hornet Queen  - a custom Honda CB600F that keeps things looking seriously brutal.Today, well be analyzing yet another one of this firms sensational undertakings, namely a ferocious Buell M2 Cyclone with cafe racer DNA. In fact, let me be more precise; this extraordinary feat began with an M2s powerplant, so the Taverne duo faced the painstaking task of outsourcing the other components, including the frame, wheels and suspension modules.The Cyclone is put in motion by an air-cooled V-twin predator that prides itself with two pushrod-actuated overhead valves per cylinder and a humungous displacement of 1,203cc. This malicious piece of Harley-bred machinery is good for up to 93 hp at 6,100 revs, along with 83 pound-feet (113 Nm) of fiendish twisting force at about 5,600 spins.A five-speed gearbox transmits this oomph to the rear 17-inch hoop by means of a Kevlar belt final drive. Ultimately, this state of affairs enables Buells mechanical brute to run the quarter mile in no more than 11.9 seconds, while its top speed is rated at a healthy 135 mph (217 kph). In stock form, the M2 tips the scales at 434 lbs (197 kg) on an empty stomach.Sure enough, this wild monstrosity is one hell of a starting point for a bespoke exploit! To kick things off, Tavernes craftsmen busied themselves with obtaining a stock Cyclone frame, as well as a Triumph Daytona 955is forks and a Buell X1s repurposed swingarm, which adds an extra 3.15 inches (80 mm) to the bikes wheelbase in comparison to a standard setup. Rear suspension duties are handled by a top-shelf monoshock unit that hails from Shock Factorys catalog.Next, an Aprilia RSV4s wheels have been transplanted onto TMs machine. Their rims are hugged tightly by grippy ContiSportAttack 2 tires from Continentals range, while the hubs wear a premium selection of Berringer braking components. With these items installed, the Frenchmen turned their attention to the bodywork department.Above the revised frame, you will find a magnificent monocoque item that merges the gas chamber and tail section into a single piece of flawless aluminum artwork. Furthermore, we also spot an alloy belly pan, minute side panels and a neat fender covering the front tire. In between the fork legs, the beast comes equipped with a hand-shaped fairing made of sheet metal, which houses an aftermarket headlight.In terms of accessories, the creature flaunts a single gauge from Motogadgets inventory and an array of CNC-machined parts developed by USV Racing, such as clip-on handlebars and rear-mounted foot pegs, to name but a couple. To round it all out, Tavernes moto architects tasked a local tattoo artist with engraving the engine covers.Speaking of the mill, Cyclones monstrous V-twin was honored with a Mikuni HSR carb and a high-flow air filter. On the opposite end of the combustion cycle, a one-off exhaust system wraps up the powertrain modifications. Last but not least, the two-wheeled spartan has been nicknamed  Project X .What are your thoughts on Taverne Motorcycles incredible masterpiece?
Texas lawmakers could ban race-based hair discrimination in schools and work places  such as dress codes that dont allow dreadlocks  under a bill known as the CROWN Act, which got its first hearing before the House State Affairs Committee on Thursday morning.

"I believe people should not be forced to divest themselves of their racial cultural identity by changing their natural hair in order to adapt to their workplace, school, or home," said Rep. Rhetta Bowers, D-Garland, in a statement prior to the hearing. "People should not miss out on opportunities or success because of the way they choose to wear their natural hair."

The CROWN Act was first introduced in 2019 to eliminate hair discrimination across the country as part of a national movement driven by the CROWN Coalition. So far, nine states have passed the legislation. In Texas, Bowers has proposed House Bill 392, which states that schools, colleges and employers may not discriminate against a hair texture or protective hairstyle commonly or historically associated with race.

OPINION: Stop policing people of color's hair and pass the CROWN Act

The movement was largely inspired by the experience of DeAndre Arnold, who spoke about his experience during the hearing and has been growing his dreadlocks for years. In January 2020, as a senior at Barbers Hill High School outside of Houston, school administrators told him he would have to cut his hair to attend prom or his spring graduation ceremony.

At the time, Barbers Hill Independent School District Superintendent Greg Poole said Arnold was violating a district policy that limits hair length for male students, according to reporting from CNN. Arnold said he wears dreadlocks to honor his fathers Trinidadian heritage.

My hair has nothing to do with my behavior or my capacity to learn, Arnold said. I never knew that my identity would hold me back from graduating with the friends I had since elementary school.

Over the summer, a judge ruled that the Barbers Hill ISD hair policy was discriminatory.

Peoples professional lives and earning potential have been negatively impacted by this issue because they have lost jobs or opportunities due to their natural hair, Bowers told The Texas Tribune. There have been too many cases where students have missed valuable time in the classroom because of this form of discrimination.

Hair discrimination has become a problem for students and employees across the state. Earlier this month, Troy ISD put 11-year-old Maddox Cozart in in-school suspension for 11 consecutive days because his braided hair violated the school dress code. His mother, Hope Cozart, testified at Thursdays hearing on the CROWN Act, saying that school officials told her and Maddox that he could only wear his hair in a way that laid down.

Tashara Parker, a broadcast journalist in Dallas, also testified to the committee about her experiences being targeted and insulted for choosing to wear her hair naturally. After viewers said her hair style wasnt professional, she posted a viral video that posed the question Why does my hair offend you?

READ MORE: Texas House OKs bill reducing criminal penalty of possessing small amounts of marijuana

Aisha Davis, a former teacher and a member of the Texas State Board of Education, told the committee that there are about 684,000 Black students in the state. Last year, Black students alone were given 195,000 in-school suspensions, which demonstrates a massive opportunity gap between Black students and other K-12 learners in Texas, she said.

Were here with a message thats simple: we deserve the right to show up in the full authenticity of who we are even if that is contrary to what you understand to be necessary, said Stephanie Boyce, a professor at the University of Houston. Its just true that we can show up fully unassimilated and fully authentic every single day and do a great job at school, do a wonderful job at work. And our professionalism is not determined by the hairstyle that we wear on our head.

After the hearing Thursday morning, the bill was left pending in committee, but supporters believe the legislation has bipartisan support to pass through the legislature by the end of this session.

Your crown is your glory, and you should protect it, Bowers said. The time is now for Texas to take up this civil rights legislation and protect people from racial discrimination.

Disclosure: University of Houston 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.
Brittany Higgins broke down in tears during a meeting with Scott Morrison as she described the intense isolation she felt in the months after her alleged rape.

The former Liberal staffer met the Prime Minister on Friday afternoon to discuss her plans to make workplaces safer for employees at the Commonwealth Parliamentary offices.

The hour-and-a-half meeting was 'emotional' for the 26-year-old who admitted she found it difficult to return to her former workplace.

While speaking to Mr Morrison about the 'failings in the system', she revealed she briefly lost her composure.

'It was explaining how insular the system is when you've gone through a trauma and trying to report it and how vulnerable you are and how few protections you have,' Ms Higgins told news.com.au.

Brittany Higgins has met with Scott Morrison on Friday afternoon in their first conversation since she made her allegations (pictured after the meeting)

'Explaining that, as someone who was really at the bottom of the food chain.'

After their discussion, Ms Higgins told the media the conversation had been 'difficult'.

'The Prime Minister acknowledged that the system has let me down and we were in agreement that there needs to be reform,' Ms Higgins said.

'It was a difficult conversation to have on a personal level. It was very hard to come here. We discussed that there needs to be better safeguards for staffers where there are power dynamic issues between parliamentarians and individual staffers.'

Former political staffer Brittany Higgins (centre) alongside boyfriend David Sharaz (right)

Ms Higgins asked Mr Morrison to show leadership to ensure staffers are protected and to overhaul the culture in parliament house, telling him she wanted to ensure 'no other person would have to go through the trauma that I experienced.'

She also said they had discussed the establishment of a new workplace overseer.

'We had a robust discussion about the need for an independent authority on human resources,' Ms Higgins said.

'It was a difficult conversation but in the end there was a consensus that reform needs to happen.'

Ms Higgins first made her allegations two months ago, sparking a movement calling for more protections for women that culminated in March4Justice rallies across Australia attended by tens of thousands.

Mr Morrison was criticised last month for not meeting Ms Higgins earlier with their meeting only finalised last week.

Asked if she thought the Prime Minister 'gets it' - referring to claims being made about the culture in Canberra - Ms Higgins responded that she 'hoped he would do the right thing by women'.

Among the requests made by Ms Higgins were moves to address a 'culture of silence that has allowed bullying and harassment to go unchecked'.

Others included amending a law known as the MOP(S) Act so that MPs can no longer be allowed to fire employees without reason and changes to the process of how staffers are hired.

On Friday evening, the PM issued a statement saying he was pleased to meet Ms Higgins and was committed to the process to bring about changes in workplace culture.

The former Liberal staffer, who claims she was raped by a colleague in Parliament House in 2019, met Mr Morrison at the Commonwealth Parliamentary offices in Sydney on Friday afternoon

Ms Higgins had already met with Labor leader Anthony Albanese and was pictured leaving his offices alongside her boyfriend, former journalist David Sharaz.

After their meeting, Mr Albanese described Ms Higgins as 'impressive and courageous.'

'It was a very constructive discussion. Brittany Higgins is a very impressive woman. She has shown extraordinary courage in coming forward to be a voice, to be a voice standing up for women, standing up for issues that need real solutions,' he told reporters.

'Brittany Higgins will be putting forward to the prime minister a range of reforms that are necessary... we need to listen to women and to listen to their concerns, to listen to the experience that they've gone through, and to listen to their views about solutions.'

Ms Higgins' ideas to improve workplace safety include updating rules for parliamentary security to encourage them to block drunk staff from entering the building and 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 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.

Ms Higgins' proposal for an independent complaints body would replace the current system where victims make complaints through the Department of Finance.

Brittany Higgins has met with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss her plans to make workplaces safer for employees

Ms Higgins (pictured centre) appeared in high spirits as she earlier left Opposition leader Mr Albanese's office in the Sydney CBD

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

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.

'As I made clear in my public statements, I consider this an incredibly important opportunity to fix a broken system and ensure no other staffer has to experience something similar in Parliament House again,' she wrote in the letter.

'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.'

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.

Senator 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.

Police are investigating Ms Higgins' allegations.

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
Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong arrives at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts over illegal assembly and violation of an emergency law banning face coverings last year, in Hong Kong, China on Sept. 30, 2020. (Tyrone Siu/REUTERS)

Hong Kong Activist Joshua Wong Pleads Guilty Over June 4 Illegal Assembly

HONG KONGHong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong was among four people who pleaded guilty on Friday of participating in an illegal assembly on June 4 last year to commemorate the 1989 crackdown on protesters in and around Beijings Tiananmen Square.

It was the first time the vigil had been banned in the global financial hub, with police citing, as it did for all demonstrations last year, coronavirus restrictions on group gatherings. It is expected to face a similar fate this year.

Still, tens of thousands of people lit candles across the city in what was largely a peaceful event last June, bar a brief skirmish with riot police in one neighbourhood.

Wong, already in prison after he was found guilty of participating and organizing an unauthorized assembly during the mass 2019 pro-democracy protests, pleaded guilty in the District Court.

The other activists who pleaded guilty were Lester Shum, Jannelle Leung, and Tiffany Yuen. Another activist, Eddie Chu, asked for an adjournment and his case will be heard on June 11, with 19 others facing similar charges.

The June 4 anniversary struck an especially sensitive nerve in the former British colony last year, falling just as Beijing prepared to introduce new security legislation which punishes anything China sees as subversion, secession, terrorism, or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

While in prison, Wong was arrested in January on suspicion of breaking the new law, which was introduced in July 2020, by taking part in an unofficial vote to pick opposition candidates for a since-postponed election, which authorities describe as a vicious plot to overthrow the government.

This year, the June 4 event is particularly awkward for Beijing, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, asked whether commemorating the victims of Tiananmen would violate the new security law, said this week it was important to show respect to the Party.

Commemorations of the Tiananmen crackdown are banned in mainland China, but Hong Kong traditionally held the largest vigils globally every year, having been promised certain freedoms when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, including rights of expression and assembly.

China has never provided a full account of the 1989 Tiananmen Square violence. The death toll given by officials was about 300, most of them soldiers, but rights groups and witnesses say thousands of people may have died.

By Marius Zaharia
HANGZHOU, China, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 28, the "All Quality Matters" Solar Congress 2021 and "All Quality Matters" Award Ceremony hosted by TUV Rheinland Group ("TUV Rheinland") and co-organized by the PV Committee of China Green Supply Chain Alliance (ECOPV) was held in Hangzhou. It brought together nearly 300 experts, scholars, and business representatives from the PV industry chain to discuss development trends in the PV industry during China's 14th Five-Year Plan period through a combination of online and offline methods, and to provide suggestions for the growth of the industry and improvement of competitiveness.

Shi Dinghuan, former Counselor of the State Council and former Chariman of the China Renewable Energy Society delivered a speech, saying "in realizing the goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, the photovoltaic industry mainly relies on technological innovation, improvement of conversion efficiency, extension of product lifetime, reduction of costs, and expansion of applications. In this process, quality plays the most important role as guarantee. I hope the 'All Quality Matters' Solar Congress has a very long life, thereby sustainably promoting the high-quality development of the industry."

Wong Yushun, President and CEO of TUV Rheinland Greater China, stated that, "Under the global background of achieving carbon neutrality, it has already become a trend to carry out new international cooperation and international division of labor, and to formulate new international standards. China's PV market is going to enter a new stage of rapid development, which will make contributions to the energy revolution in China and even the world. The Solar Congress has now successfully entered its 7th year, and has become a platform for communication and exchange in the industry and connected China's PV industry with the global market. I'd like to thank industry experts, scholars, and partners for your support and trust over a long period. We look forward to working with all parties to help China's PV industry establish a standardized system, improve product quality, and lead the sound and sustainable development of the industry."

Focusing on industry development trends during China's 14th Five-Year Plan period and leading the transformation of the PV industry

Today, China's PV industry ranks first in the global market in terms of installed capacity, technical level, manufacturing, and corporate strength. At the same time, with vigorous development of the domestic market and continuous expansion of overseas markets, it has taken the lead in realizing "dual circulation," and become China's business card in the new era.

In March this year, the ninth meeting of the CPC Central Committee's Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs clearly proposed that the goal of peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality should be incorporated into the general layout of ecological civilization construction, and that efforts should be made to build a new power system dominated by new energy. It can be predicted that the 14th Five-Year Plan period will be a critical window period for peak carbon emissions, during which renewable energy will become the main force for power generation. The proportions of PV power generation and installed capacity will hit new highs, with optimistic overall growth trends.

During the forum, Yu Zhenhua, Executive Vice President of the China Energy Storage Alliance, gave a keynote speech on the "current situation and development trends of global energy storage industry." A number of enterprise representatives shared insights on topics such as energy interconnection - "smart energy storage+," evolution trends for PV modules, industrialization and application of ultra-high power modules, the logic of prioritizing LCOE in module design, and quality and risk over the full life cycle of PV power stations. In the two panel discussions, experts from TUV Rheinland and more than ten opinion leaders from the upstream and downstream segments of the industry chain shared their opinions on the topics of "capacity expansion in the PV industry" and "large scale application of energy storage," pooling wisdom and effort for the sound development of the industry during the 14th Five-year Plan period.

Energy Storage System White Paper 2021 released to promote high-quality development of new energy storage

In recent years the energy storage industry has achieved rapid development, and witnessed big changes in technical routes and market structure. On April 21, 2021, the Guiding Opinions of the National Reform and Development Commission and the National Energy Administration on Accelerating the Development of New Energy Storage (Draft for Comments) was published, arousing new attention in the market regarding energy storage.

Within this context, TUV Rheinland cooperated with the China Energy Storage Alliance to release the Energy Storage System White Paper 2021. On the basis of investigation and analysis of global and Chinese energy storage markets, it dives into topics such as the market size, technology development trends, application scenarios, and business models of the global energy storage industry, and the quality, safety, and global access of energy storage systems.

At the event, Li Weichun, Global Head of Power Electronics Business Segment and General Manager of Greater China Solar & Commercial Products at TUV Rheinland, issued the contents and survey results of the White Paper to the industry, helping energy storage enterprises find market positions, identify application scenarios, optimize system design, overcome market barriers, and avoid security risks, while accelerating the high-quality development of new energy storage.

Joining hands with Sungrow and Wanbang Digital Energy to launch "PV+Energy+Charging" Digital Energy Zero Carbon project

During the forum, Zhao Wei, Senior Vice President of Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. ("Sungrow"), Zheng Junyi, Vice Chairman and Co-founder of Wanbang Digital Energy Co., Ltd. ("Wanbang Digital Energy"), and Xia Bo, Vice President of TUV Rheinland Greater China Business Stream Products, signed a strategic cooperation agreement on behalf of the three companies and officially launched the "PV+Energy+Charging" Digital Energy Zero Carbon project.

In the future energy revolution, PV, energy storage, and charging piles will play important roles. However, the rapid development of emerging technologies is accompanied by huge security challenges. As leaders in the fields of PV, energy storage, charging piles, and testing and certification, Sungrow, Wanbang Digital Energy, and TUV Rheinland will join hands to launch a benchmark project to build a system integrating PV, energy storage, and charging piles by virtue of their respective technological advantages and market influence in relevant fields. Through these initiatives they will strengthen the idea of "safety first," and provide pioneering and visionary practical experience for the industry.

Bringing together outstanding benchmark enterprises and announcing "All Quality Matters" Award winners

As one of the highlights of the annual Solar Congress, TUV Rheinland announced the "All Quality Matters" Award 2021 winners at the scene. Through its years of efforts, the award that aims to standardize product quality and establish quality benchmarks has brought together outstanding benchmark enterprises in the PV industry chain. Highly regarded by the industry for its objective and credible evaluation process and authoritative neutral selection mechanism, it has now become a competitive stage for enterprises in the PV industry involved in PV modules, inverters, energy storage systems, components, etc.

This year, "All Quality Matters" Award winners continued to be selected from the four categories, namely PV components, PV modules, PV electronics, as well as PV power plant and systems. The scope of selection was also expanded beyond this with the addition of various new awards, including PV cables, energy storage lithium-ion battery cells, battery energy storage systems, green hi-efficient PV module conversion efficiency, PV power plant EPC service contractors, etc. This fully demonstrated TUV Rheinland's technological capability and influence covering the upstream and downstream segments of the industry chain. In the end, 31 enterprises in the PV industry chain stood out, winning honors in the different award categories.

Since its inception in 2015, the "All Quality Matters" Solar Congress has continuously focused on the PV revolution against the backdrop of the Asia-Pacific and global economy, built an authoritative communication platform in the PV industry, and witnessed the development and progress of the industry. Chris Zou, Vice President of TUV Rheinland Greater China Solar, stated that, "As a leading technical service provider worldwide, TUV Rheinland is committed to working with industry experts and partners to contribute to the vigorous development of the PV industry by virtue of its nearly 40 years of experience in the PV field and a global service network."

SOURCE TUV Rheinland Greater China
Musician and composer Hainbach originally took to YouTube to work on his improvisation skills. Over the years, though, his channel has morphed into an essential resource for musicians with a taste for the experimental. His videos exploring techniques for using tape loops, as well as esoteric instruments like the Ciat LonbardeCocoquantus have wracked up hundreds of thousands of views. But hes perhaps best known for repurposing old lab equipment as musical instruments.

Hainbach can often be seen coaxing surprisingly musical drones and rhythms out of ancient looking pieces of gear with decidedly unmusical names like function generator, frequency analyzer and lock-in amplifier. Theres even a video dedicated to building a thudding electronic track using test equipment from a nuclear lab.

In November of 2019 he took some of the more obsolete and, lets say, unruly, pieces in his collection and turned them into a playable sculpture called Landfill Totems. Those stacks of half broken and forgotten gear eventually became the basis for his new album and a virtual instrument built in collaboration with Spitfire Audio, which share the Landfill Totems name. Hainbach sat down (figuratively at least  he actually stood through most of the interview) to talk about the origins of the album, his recent run of VST collaborations, and how learning to make music on obsolete scientific instruments has changed his creative process.

Some answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Julian Moser

Terrence O'Brien:

Tell me a bit about the album, walk me through the origin story of the Landfill Totems as a piece and how it became this.

Hainbach:

The whole thing started out when I got into test equipment use for music. I saw that this friend, Dennis Verschoor in Rotterdam [a musician who also works with test equipment]... and the first thing I thought was, This is madness. I'm not going to ever do that because it just always means a huge amount of heavy stuff that can do surprisingly little. And it seemed to me such a waste. But I've always been fascinated by the topic because I studied music history and people like Stockhausen, Pierre Schaeffer, the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, they used to work with these test equipment instruments and were in parts adamant about them being more interesting than synthesizers in the case of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

So I just went around and started looking for anything that I could lay my hands on that could potentially make a sound. And I bought stuff cheaply, and I bought a lot of stuff, and the stuff was huge and heavy. And there's a video where I say, "Oh yeah, just get a bit, I'm not going to put more than this because I need this space." And it quickly got into a full wall of that stuff.

It was a bit shaky and unsafe, which added to the whole charm.

So I kept buying more and more stuff and I quickly ran into space problems. And then a gallery asked me, PNDT art gallery in Berlin, if I want to do a three months residency. I said, "Oh cool. Now I get a storage space." And I could justify keeping buying stuff and trying it out and then putting aside when it didn't work. Because I know, well, there's this space where I can put all that stuff.

My original idea of just making like a playable wall where people could interact with everything and would be something interactive, I had to discard that and I thought about other things. So I started stacking them up in different shapes and the obvious shape at first is a tower. And I did that. And suddenly after half an hour, I realized this had become something humanoid. It reminded me of Johnny 5, that robot from that old film. Then it reminded me of totems because there appeared all these faces all over, because test equipment is all these round dials and they have some sort of design that is always humanoid.

I think within like two hours, I had the statues up. And then it was just a case of putting them to music because I'm a musician, I'm not a sculptural artist. Though, in this case, I was that also. So I patched them all together and they were all stacked rather haphazardly. So it was a bit shaky and unsafe, which added to the whole charm of them because they looked wonky and dangerous. They looked like something that is thrown away or like a marker from a civilization from the past that I could see as some sort of Mad Max kind of wild sci-fi thing.

But the main process for me was actually turning them into a musical composition. And that was a fun struggle because those were like not the super musical things from my collection. The super musical things of course stayed in my studio where I needed them to work all the time. These were more wild and it's hard to tickle some sounds out of them. So that provided me with a unique challenge in then making them into a 35-minute live performance. I was really happy that worked out, and the performance went really well.

So when Spitfire Audio approached me to, if I want to do one of their library slash album releases, I thought, I want to hear them sing again  I want to hear Landfill Totems sing again. So I put them up in a venue that a friend of mine has. It's not a venue, it's a synthesizer shop basically, Patch Point in Berlin. And there I could set them up because the shop was closed to the public, mostly due to Corona. And then I could work on music for an album and also work on making new versions. Because every time I had to change something these things kept dying on me sometimes right after I recorded.

But also Funktionsverlust, the first track of the album, is actually the sound of a dying function generator. And that only sounded so good because it was dying, because one thing that these things do is usually go [imitates a sine tone] a flat line straight note is what they like to do. But when this thing went, [hums a complex rhythmic pattern] I thought, Wow, that's an interesting Latin pattern. But that was its swan song.

I started to record the album, and because the whole atmosphere of everything in the lockdown was much darker and heavier than usual and I had just exhausted my capacity to hope with the previous album, which was called Assertion. I thought, now, let's go dark. And I went really dark with that album and they went to hopeless and stark places. Yeah. And that is reflected in the German song titles, which tell a little story of the times on their own.

Terrence:

The stark contrast between Assertion and this album is really kind of stunning. Was that something that was a conscious choice to go in a much darker place? Or was that just where you felt yourself being naturally pulled by the sound of these instruments?

Hainbach:

Yeah. I mean, usually things don't come from one center, but yeah. These things, they demand something, because they are higher than me. They're like two meters, but they have a certain sense of  they want to be respected in a way, and that's something that's in them. And it is easier for them to drone and to transmit stuff like code, which already sounds strange and alien. So it's in their nature to sound that way. But I mean, the things that I have here also, in regards to test equipment, I can more easily tune them to have little sunrise in here, but there in that form, I couldn't. And then of course, I didn't feel motivated to do so because yeah. I'd just done something very bright in a very short time and a one or two go, No, no, let's go dark.

Terrence:

How much similarity is there between the original performances and what kind of ended up on the album?

Hainbach:

I think the thing that is similar to the original live performance is that that was also pretty heavy and pretty dark, but a bit more humorous. Like in the performance, I had a few humorous moments. At least I found them funny, and I think the audience found them funny. There was one unit that I couldn't connect, audio-wise, but had its own little speaker. So when I finished everything in a big blast of noise. And then I went to that unit and just went beep boop. There was that contrast, like everybody, after having to listen to like heavy bass and drones. And, ah, this was a moment of relief.

So that comedic aspect is not so much in the Landfill Totems album. But also one thing, because these are really tracks and I had more time to work on them and work each of them as a single piece, they're a bit richer because in a live performance, I couldn't like... It's physically hard to re-patch these things. It's BNC connectors, they're wobbling, and it's a dangerous thing to re-patch. So that first performance was basically a composite. One track with different movements over the whole statues, while this is like pictures at an exhibition. There's a common theme, but each of them uses the full color palette that is possible.
The United Nation is following the Kyrgyz-Tajik border situation with concern, Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq said.

"We have seen these reports, and we do follow this with concern. We are also aware that there has been announcement by the two countries, by Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, that a ceasefire has now been agreed," he said.

If that is the case, that would be welcome, and we would encourage both sides to continue direct negotiation to resolve any outstanding issues in a peaceful manner," Haq added.

The situation on the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan escalated on April 28, after a conflict sparked between residents of the two countries border areas. On April 29, a firefight between Kyrgyzstans and Tajikistans military servicemen broke out. Both sides have reported injuries among their officers. According to Bishkek, Tajik military servicemen used machine guns and mortars during the firefight.
The new San Rafael spot of San Franciscos craft-beer destination Monks Kettle didnt open until Saturday, but it already looks to be one of Marin Countys most popular restaurants.

Within 20 minutes of opening the reservation line, on Wednesday, the weekend was fully booked, said Christian Albertson, one of the partners.

He believes thats because there just isnt anything like Monks Kettle in this part of the North Bay yet: high-quality but casual bar food, a vibe thats as welcoming to kids as to adults and, most of all, a killer beer selection.

Albertson and business partner Nat Cutler opened the original Monks Kettle in the citys Mission District in 2007. For the new location, theyve teamed up with Jeff and Allison Jordan, owners of Giordano Brothers, the Pittsburgh-style sandwich shop across 16th Street from Monks Kettle. The four partners have tapped Derek Lau, a veteran of San Francisco kitchens including Suppenkuche, Biergarten, Benu and Saison, as executive chef.

Their 4,000-square-foot restaurant in the Terra Linda neighborhood of San Rafael will feature 30 tap handles  20 for beer, 10 for other drinks including wine, cider, kombucha and cold-brew coffee  plentiful outdoor seating and a mezzanine designed for private parties.

Christian Albertson

Initially, Monks Kettle Terra Linda will limit seating to outdoors, though they plan to introduce seating at the indoor bar on May 26, by which point the entire staff will be vaccinated against COVID-19, said Albertson. The outdoor area will eventually seat 86 people, but for now the 6-feet-apart spacing of the tables means that it can house only 60.

Monks Kettles true calling card is its beer menu. The draft list at Terra Linda will feature some local breweries like Moonight, Seismic, HenHouse and Ghost Town, but also includes breweries from throughout the U.S. (Oxbow in Maine, Prairie in Oklahoma) and Europe (Belgiums St. Bernardus, Germanys Erdinger). European producers are even more heavily represented on the long list of bottles and cans, especially strong in Belgian-style ales.

In addition to the bars signature Monks Burger, which is topped with aioli, gruyere and onion jam, Lau has added a new Terra Linda Burger to the menu, which features dill aioli, cheddar and crispy onions. Other items on the menu include housemade pickles, a pretzel knot with beer cheese, a Lyonnaise salad, plus a not for kids only menu with baked Bolognese, fried summer squash and more.

Currently, the food and drink menus are pared-down versions of what theyll eventually become, Albertson said. The team plans to expand offerings as COVID restrictions ease and theyre able to host more customers.

Christian Albertson

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

But, he added, theyre already getting an overwhelmingly positive reception from the neighborhood, including Marin residents who used to frequent the Mission District location. We joke  heres all these people who had their first date at Monks in the city, then they moved up here, and now they cant wait to go to Monks with their kids, Albertson said.

This feels very much like opening Monks in the city in 2007, he said. In the sense that when we opened it, there was nothing else like it.

Monks Kettle Terra Linda. Outdoor dining. Open 3-8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 2-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 655 Del Ganado St., San Rafael. 415-991-5103 or www.monkskettle.com

Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley
Rueful, lyrical phrases roll off Steve Kilbeys tongue as he describes the disappointment of Bluesfest being cancelled and the dearth of live performance. He could almost be singing lines from a song by the Church.

It ended up being tantalisingly close ... and we all miss that feeling, he says. It would have been his bands first show in two years had Bluesfest gone ahead last month.

Steve Kilbey of The Church. Credit:James Brickwood

Even rehearsing for the festival became a logistical nightmare as borders closed again  the bands members live in three different states. Eventually the popular Byron Bay festival was cancelled a day before starting.

I was in a room with our drummer [Tim Powles] and his drum kit set up, my bass guitar in the corner and it was so close; as Tim ruefully said afterwards I was almost starting to feel like I was in a band again.
Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reese sent out a special order to deputies allowing people arrested for misdemeanor crimes, including reckless burning and criminal mischief, to be booked into jail.

Previously, police officers issued a citation for the misdemeanor crimes and ordered the person to appear at a future court date. The change in booking criteria took effect on April 23, according to a memo signed by Reese.

Sheriffs office spokesperson Chris Liedle explained the changes were in the interest of public safety and will have little to no impact on the corrections system.

The special order comes after a string of violent demonstrations in Portland that resulted in several businesses and public buildings being vandalized.

Since the changes in booking criteria took effect on April 23, three people have been booked on second-degree criminal mischief charges, according to a sheriffs office spokesperson.

On Friday, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler asked residents to stand together and unmask the demonstrators.

Once they cross that line and engage in criminal destruction, they are no longer protesters they are criminals, said Wheeler during a Friday afternoon press conference.

Wheeler asked the public to call police and share information about the demonstrators, including writing down their license plate numbers and sharing video from security cameras.

Last week, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt also expressed frustration with the destructive protests.

The violence and property destruction weve seen in Portland nearly 11 months is unacceptable, said Schmidt. As district attorney, I will always defend a persons right to free speech but I will not defend, nor support anyone who knowingly or recklessly or intentionally destroys property or engages in violence.

Last weeks stern public comments from both the district attorney and Portlands mayor marked a shift in tone. Wheeler hopes an aggressive crackdown will stop the small group of demonstrators who have broken windows, spray-painted graffiti and set fires.

People are sick and they are tired of this criminal destruction, said Wheeler.

 Kyle Iboshi, KGW (8)
By William Schwartz | Published on 2021/04/29

On April 28th CJ ENM announced that actor Song Joong-ki would be the face of their new online shopping platform CJ ONSTYLE. A representative for the corporation described Song Joong-ki's selection as being due to his ability to project a refined, soft image. Song Joong-ki's appeal in the 35-54 year old women's demographic was also cited as being in line with CJ ONSTYLE's target audience. CJ ONSTYLE will launch on May 1st, and has been described as a hybrid form of TV and Internet shopping.

The news comes at a peak moment for Song Joong-ki's popularity. The actor is currently appearing in "Vincenzo" as a Korean-born Italian mafia lawyer. The drama has posted strong domestic ratings and also has an impressive international presence via Netflix. The final two episodes of "Vincenzo" will air this weekend. Song Joong-ki will next appear in the feature film "Bogota" which has had its filming delayed due to COVID-19 limiting access to its planned international location shooting.

Written by William Schwartz
Hyzon Motors, a supplier of hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered commercial vehicles, jointly with Modern Industrial Investment Holding Group (Modern Group), a Saudi industrial conglomerate, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NEOM Company on a hydrogen vehicle value chain, including a demonstration fleet and assembly facility with annual capacity of up to 10,000 vehicles. NEOM is a $500-billion giga-project in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea.

Following this announcement, Hyzon expects to have its zero-emission hydrogen-powered vehicles/operations on four continents this year.

NEOM is committed to becoming fully sustainable, powering itself through the use of 100% renewable energy and with net zero emissions by 2030. A green hydrogen ecosystem will play a role both for the export of renewable energy and for net-zero carbon technologies for power and transportation in NEOM.

Various global corporations have already committed to invest more than $5 billion to produce green hydrogen in NEOM in the worlds largest hydrogen production plant. It is expected NEOM will become an area with one of the highest concentrations of green hydrogen production and investment in the world.

Hyzon aims to be at the forefront of providing heavy-duty commercial fleet vehicles into NEOM which would act as a showcase to the wider Kingdom and beyond.

Hyzon, Modern Group and NEOM Company plan to work closely over the next 18 months to finalize plans and specifications for the new regional assembly facility, with an anticipated annual capacity to assemble up to 10,000 vehicles.

To facilitate construction of the new facility, Hyzon and Modern Group plan to incorporate a joint venture company, Hyzon Motors Middle East (ME), which would focus on supplying locally-built, Hyzon-branded zero-emission commercial vehicles throughout Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

NEOM is part of the diversified portfolio of Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world.

The MoU sets out the current aims of the parties with respect to the assembly facility and vehicle delivery, but such aims will not constitute binding obligations on any party thereto until definitive agreements are executed.
Michigan to receive additional federal resources to help get more Michiganders vaccinated faster, at governor's request

Michigan to receive additional federal resources to help get more Michiganders vaccinated faster, at governor's request

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2021

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

Michigan to receive additional federal resources to help get more Michiganders vaccinated faster, at governor's request

LANSING, Mich. - As a result of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's request of the federal government to help get more Michiganders vaccinated as quickly as possible, more than 200 federal personnel will be arriving in Michigan this week to assist at three mass vaccination sites: DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Ford Field in Detroit and TCF in Detroit.

"We appreciate the support from our federal partners, especially adding additional boots on the ground to allow for more shots in arms more quickly," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "We are still fighting this virus, and we must continue masking up, socially distancing, washing our hands, and crucially, getting vaccinated. I will continue fighting to make sure Michigan gets the support it needs so we can get back to normal sooner."

Personnel will serve both clinical and non-clinical roles at the vaccination sites. They are being deployed from the Department of Defense, U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Forest Service. In addition, support is being provided to hire additional ambulance personnel for these sites. They began arriving Wednesday, April 21 and are expected to be fully operational no later than April 28.

"Getting shots into the arms of Michiganders as quickly as possible is essential to combating this pandemic. That is why I urged FEMA to support Governor Whitmer's request for additional federal resources and personnel who can help administer more COVID-19 vaccines to folks all across our state. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, I'm focused on ensuring that Michigan has the resources needed to slow the spread and ensure vaccines are widely available in every community," said U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. "Even as more Michiganders get their shots - we'll still need to continue wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding large crowds to help prevent infections and save lives."

"This deployment is a part of our continued commitment to support the State of Michigan's vaccination effort," said Kevin M. Sligh, FEMA Region 5 Acting Regional Administrator. "Along with these personnel, FEMA will work together with the state to identify any additional resources that can be brought to bear to vaccinate Michiganders as quickly as possible."

Michigan recently reached a milestone of 6 million doses of the safe and effective vaccines distributed in just over four months, with the most recent one million vaccines administered in a record 11 days. To date, 47% of Michiganders have received at least one dose, with 33% of Michiganders being fully vaccinated, moving the state closer to its goal of equitably vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible. The state has repeatedly hit its daily dose goal of 100,000 shots.

Michiganders eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can find and schedule appointments in several ways:

Find a vaccination location and schedule an appointment with the CDC COVID Vaccine Finder .

Check the website of your local health department or hospital to find out their process or for registration forms.

Check additional vaccination sites, such as local pharmacies like Meijer , Rite Aid , Walgreens , CVS , Kroger , Walmart (Mid/Central and Northern MI) or Snyder Drugs (U.P. residents).

Residents who don't have access to the internet or who need assistance navigating the vaccine scheduling process can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

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The Texas Department of Public Safety does not have enough evidence to support criminal charges against a lobbyist accused of drugging a Capitol staffer, the agency and the Travis County District Attorney announced Thursday.

DPS has conducted a thorough investigation, the department said in a release. Together, we have concluded that there is not enough evidence to support these allegations and that criminal charges are not appropriate. No crime occurred in this instance.

It wasnt clear Thursday what led them to that conclusion, and DPS would not immediately provide a copy of records in the case.

Reports surfaced over the weekend that a lobbyist allegedly used a date rape drug on the legislative staffer during an off-site meeting earlier this month.

HillCo Partners, an influential Austin lobbying firm, identified one of its employees as a person of interest in the investigation. The lobbyist accused of the drugging, whose identity has not been released publicly, had denied the complaints through his attorneys, David and Perry Minton.

IN-DEPTH: Drugging case prompts Texas lawmakers call for lobbyist sexual harassment training

In a Thursday statement, the lawyers said the man had been wrongly accused, and the story that he had drugged a staffer was made up in order to cover the personal misconduct of another individual. They said the client paid for lawyers, passed a polygraph test and cooperated with DPS in an effort to clear his name and that of HillCo Partners.

Based upon the false information provided to law enforcement against our client and subsequently printed in the press, some State of Texas officials went as far as to ban our client from entering their offices to perform his job, the lawyers said.

The Department of Public Safety has withheld details about the alleged incident, including where and when it was reported to have occurred, how many people were involved, or who went to the authorities.

Bill Miller, a co-founder of HillCo Partners, said in a statement Thursday that the DPS investigation confirms our own internal investigation into the issue, which it had launched after the group was informed of the accusations late last week. The firm hired outside counsel and a retired law enforcement official to investigate.

We noted in the DPS statement today that neither HillCo nor the person of interest associated with our firm had absolutely anything to do with the recent drugging allegation, Miller said. Furthermore, we are informed, both our firm and the individual are named as victims in the final report.

Miller declined to say whether the person is still employed by HillCo Partners, saying the firm does not discuss personnel matters.

Still, the incident has roiled the Texas Legislature, which responded this week with proposed bills to require sexual harassment prevention training for lobbyists.

In the House, Speaker Dade Phelan also said he would create a new email hotline to report allegations of misconduct and move the chambers online sexual harassment training to instead take place in person.

Phelan issued a joint statement late Thursday with Reps. Donna Howard, D-Austin, and Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, reaffirming support for those changes despite the investigations findings.

While the legal process may be over, the conversation about how best to keep our Capitol family protected must continue, they said. The Texas House remains firm in our commitment to move forward with legislation and administrative policy changes that create a safer work environment and culture for our entire Capitol community.

cayla.harris@express-news.net
It is a way to reward old friends and win new ones

IN JANUARY, AS many rich countries were rolling out covid-19 vaccine programmes, others were being left behind. Today its harder to get the vaccines than nuclear weapons, complained Aleksandar Vucic, Serbias president. Mr Vucic compared the situation to the sinking of the Titanic, where everyone wanted a lifeboat only for themselves. Serbia has now surged ahead of many of its European neighbours in the vaccination racemostly because it gained easier access to Chinese and Russian jabs and signed deals to produce them. But many countries are still scrambling to get their hands on jabs.

This is especially true in poor parts of the world. According to a recent tally by Agence France-Presse, a news agency, of the more than 1bn doses of vaccines that have been administered worldwide, just 0.2% have gone to people in low-income countries.

Many have turned to China and Russia for help. A report published on April 28th by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a sister company of The Economist, shows how the two countries are filling a vaccine vacuum by helping poor economies secure doses. They have shipped millions of jabs to developing countries stuck at the back of the global queue. Such vaccine diplomacy is designed to bolster the two countries global standing, improve bilateral relations and gain strategic influence. The EIU estimates that the Russian government intends to send shots to around 70 countries, mostly in Asia, eastern Europe and Latin America.

By April 22nd China had distributed or planned to export vaccines to around 90 countries (see map). In comparison, the rich worldnotably, America and the EUare providing little, and COVAX, a global vaccine-sharing initiative, is hampered by Indias recent restrictions on vaccine exports.

To ensure they gain a foothold in places where Western influence is declining, both China and Russia are setting up vaccine-production facilities abroad and training local workers. The two countries are playing a long game. But, besides enhancing their global prestige, they may also be using vaccines to reward loyal friends or secure particular favours. The EIU report points out that Russian officials began talks with the Bolivian government about access to mines producing rare-earth minerals and nuclear projects shortly after Russia had delivered a batch of its domestically produced Sputnik V vaccine. And Chinas generosity to Cambodia and Laos may be partly explained by gratitude for their backing for Chinas position on the South China Sea.

For all their diplomatic success, China and Russia have fared less well at home. Chinas enormous population may stymie its own vaccination drive, and its Sinovac jab yielded an efficacy rate of just 50.7% in recent phase-three trials conducted in Brazil, barely above the 50% threshold set by the World Health Organisation for covid-19 vaccines. Meanwhile, Russias inoculation campaign has been sluggish because of vaccine hesitancy and production problems at home. So far both countries have administered only 0.2 shots per 100 people per day, compared with almost three times as many in Britain and France and five times as many in America.

The EIU reckons that Russia will achieve widespread vaccination only in mid-2022, and China not until late that year.

: economist.com
YEREVAN.  The tunnelleading to the Yerevan Children's Railwayis completely covered with smoke; cables are burning. Artur Voskanyan, an official from the Rescue Forces Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) of Armenia, told this to reporters in the area.

The tunnel is covered with black smoke, and the latter has covered the entire area.

According to Voskanyan, an inspection is being carried out at the moment. "The source has been found, we are redeploying the forces to put out [the fire]. Probably there was a high voltage, a fire broke out due to the heat. Firefighting works are underway. We will start the extinguishment work in ten minutes. The inspection will come out, will report, we will make a decision. There are 30 cables [there] with a voltage of 6,000 volts," he said, adding that power has been cut in the whole area.

The MES official informed that the report on this smoke was received about 2.5 hours ago.

Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA) general director Karen Harutyunyan is also at the scene. He noted that those cables are an alternative source of additional electricity to virtually the entire downtown Yerevan. "But we have an alternative source, and now everyone should have electricity. It was possible to switch to additional source very quickly; there is no need to worry," he added.

But a local resident stated that their power was cut off since 5am and has not been restored yet.
Gage's eighth retail location is currently welcoming medical patients and will serve adult-use customers in the coming weeks

DETROIT, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Gage Growth Corp. ("Gage" or the "Company") (CSE: GAGE), a leading high-quality craft cannabis brand and operator in Michigan, today announced the grand opening of its eighth provisioning center located in Battle Creek. This announcement comes on the heels of Gage's recent retail expansion in February when the Company opened Cookies Kalamazoo. Patients and customers in Western Michigan will now have access to two Gage provisioning centers. Furthermore, the Company also announced the addition of a provisioning center (dispensary) to its retail portfolio.

Battle Creek Opening

Located at 48 Main Street, Battle Creek, MI, 49014, Gage Battle Creek is currently serving patients with a valid Michigan Medical Marijuana ID and expects to begin welcoming adult-use customers in the coming weeks. The newest location will carry Gage's entire selection of products, as well as award-winning Cookies branded offerings that are exclusively available at Gage locations.

The 4,600+ square-foot location is expected to create 20+ new jobs in Battle Creek. The Company aims to build a robust cannabis business community in Michigan through its social equity program that awards $50,000 to cannabis entrepreneurs in 20 social equity cities designated by the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency. The application process is open to Michigan residents year-round.

"Michigan's cannabis market continues to experience unprecedented growth, especially after sales topped $146 million in March alone, and Gage is determined to continue expanding our retail presence in order to meet this growing demand," said Fabian Monaco, CEO of Gage. "Our Battle Creek team is eager to work with new patients and consumers, as well as community stakeholders, to showcase the mental, physical and social benefits of cannabis."

Additional Retail Location

Gage is also pleased to announce that the Company has added another provisioning center (the "Dispensary") to its portfolio. The addition of the Dispensary to the Company's portfolio is aligned with the Company's growth strategy to identify, acquire, and operate licensed cannabis provisioning centers, positioning Gage as the leading cannabis brand in the state of Michigan.

The Dispensary is expected to open within 30 calendar days with projected revenue of US$10-12 million in the next twelve months. The transaction is expected to be accretive to Gage on a revenue and Adjusted EBITDA basis.

About Gage

Gage Growth Corp. is innovating and curating the highest quality cannabis experiences possible for cannabis consumers in the state of Michigan and bringing internationally renowned brands to market. Through years of progressive industry experience, the firm's founding partners have successfully built and grown operations with federal and state licenses, including cultivation, processing and retail locations. Gage's portfolio includes city and state approvals for 19 "Class C" cultivation licenses, three processing licenses and 13 provisioning centers (dispensaries).

For more information about Gage Growth Corp., visit www.gagecannabis.com.

Instagram: @gagecannabis

Facebook: @gageusa

Twitter: @gagecannabisco

Gage Contact:

1-(833)-455-GAGE (4243)

[email protected]

Sources: Gage Growth Corp., Marijuana Regulatory Agency.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

This press release refers to "Adjusted EBITDA" which is a non-IFRS financial measure. This non-IFRS financial measure does not have a standardized definition under IFRS, nor is it calculated or presented in accordance with IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company defines "Adjusted EBITDA" as net income (loss) from operations, as reported, before interest and tax, adjusted to exclude extraordinary items, non-recurring items, other non-cash items, including stock-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, foreign exchange and acquisition related costs, if applicable.

The Company has referenced this non-IFRS financial measure as supplemental information and believes it provides a valuable additional measure to use when analyzing the operating performance of the business. As other companies may calculate this non-IFRS measure differently than the Company, this metric may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We caution readers that Adjusted EBITDA should not be substituted for determining net loss as an indicator of operating results, or as a substitute for cash flows from operating and investing activities.

Explanatory Note Regarding the Company's Operations

References in this news release to the Company and its operations and assets are inclusive of the operations and assets of certain licensed cannabis operators that operate under the Gage brand pursuant to contractual arrangements with the Company. For additional information, please refer to the Company's long form prospectus dated March 26, 2021 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

Caution Regarding Cannabis Operations in the United States

Investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. While legal in certain states, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute or possess cannabis. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable U.S. federal money laundering legislation. Investors should carefully read the risk factors and disclosures contained in the Company's long form prospectus dated March 26, 2021 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

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 Gage's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Gage'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 may include, but are not limited to, statements about the opening and financial performance of the Dispensary.

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, Gage 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, Gage has made certain assumptions. Although Gage 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: unexpected costs or delays in the completion of the Company's proposed dispensaries and other operations; negative results experienced by the Company as a result of general economic conditions or the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; delays in the ability of the Company to obtain certain regulatory approvals; unforeseen delays or costs in the completion of the Company's construction projects; adverse changes to demand for cannabis products; ongoing projects by competitors that may impact the relative size of the Company's operations; adverse changes in applicable laws; adverse changes in the application or enforcement of current laws, including those related to taxation; increasing costs of compliance with extensive government regulation; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; and the other risks disclosed in the Company's long form prospectus dated March 26, 2021 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Gage 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.

Third Party Information

This press release includes market and industry data that has been obtained from third party sources, including industry publications. The Company believes that the industry data is accurate and that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of this data. Third party sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. Although the data is believed to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this press release or ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon by such sources.

SOURCE: Gage Growth Corp.

Related Links

https://gagecannabis.com

SOURCE Gage Cannabis Co.

Related Links

http://www.gagecannabis.com


Scott Disick's girlfriend Amelia Gray Hamlin continues to heat up Instagram just in time for summer.

The 19-year-old model flashed her toned frame in a tie dye bathing suit and matching skirt for influencer-centric brand boohoo on Friday.

Her eyes on warmer weather and more romantic vacations with her reality star beau, 37, she captioned the photo: 'it's beginning to look a lot like summer.'

Summer time: Scott Disick's girlfriend Amelia Gray Hamlin, 19, looks a vision of summer as she shows off her toned frame in a tie dye bathing suit set

The daughter of Real Housewife Lisa Rinna perched herself on a white chez as she flashed her long legs in the pastel set.

Though tie dye seemed to be a fleeting trend amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she continued to prove that it can go the distance nearly a year later.

The pink and orange bustier accentuated her perky bust, and the coverup will certainly get lots of use as she continues to jetset to various tropical beaches with the Talentless designer.

In the photos she wore her brown locks down and seductively looked away from the camera in one shot before staring intently into the lens in another.

Vacation vibes: The pink and orange bustier accentuated her perky bust and the coverup will certainly get lots of use, as she continues to jetset to various tropical beaches with the Talentless designer

Heating up: It was said that things were definitely 'getting serious,' between the pair and she recently revealed she has a nickname for he and Kourtney's daughter Penelope, adoringly calling her 'Peesh' on one of Disick's instagrams; pictured April 7

Scott's house: The model has continued to be ingested into his famed circle of nightlife connoisseurs and has posted many photos from the Keeping Up With The Kardashian star's expansive Hidden Hills mansion; pictured April 19

And Amelia has been spending lots of time with Disick since they first stepped out in October, recently joining him on extended Miami stay as it was reported he was looking to temporary relocate to South Beach.

She has continued to be ingested into his famed circle of nightlife connoisseurs and has posted many photos from the Keeping Up With The Kardashian star's expansive Hidden Hills mansion.

It was said that things were definitely 'getting serious,' between the pair and she recently revealed she has a nickname for he and Kourtney Kardashian's daughter Penelope, adoringly calling her 'Peesh' on one of Disick's instagrams.

Though it was reported this age gap relationship is different than his last with Sofia Richie, 22, in that he was spending more time with Amelia than Kourtney, reports have emerged that he has taken issue with the Poosh founder's piping hot relationship with longtime friend Travis Barker.

True romance: The longtime friends turned lovers recently escaped to Utah for a vacation without their kids as things continue to get serious after he professed his love for the Poosh founder on her birthday; pictured April 26

'It's uncomfortable for Scott to see Kourtney in a serious relationship, although he knew this day would come,' a source told E!. 'He is glad she is happy, but it's definitely been hard on him. He doesn't like to bring it up and it's a weird convo for him.'

Additionally the insider added that in turn he has 'really distanced himself' from Kourtney substantially, and that all communication revolves around their three children Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six.

Kourtney and Travis' relationship came as a bit of a shock to Disick who has been open about lingering feelings and hopes of rekindling their romance on their reality show.

But as the duo continue to pack on the PDA on social media, with both having said 'I love you,' and Barker even inking her name on his chest, Scott has come to realize that a future romance between them is 'never going to happen.'

'At one point, the family was really encouraging Scott and Kourtney to try the relationship again and it's a bit of an eye opener for him, that it's truly never going to happen,' the insider shared.
Highlights In a strongly-worded statement, Supreme Court said that it doesn't want any clampdown of information.

The Court added that it would treat it as a contempt of Court if such grievances are considered for action.

In its statement, the Supreme Court sent out a message to all the states and DGP of states.

The Supreme Court on Friday came done heavily on some state governments that were taking action against people seeking help for medical assistance or oxygen supplies for their families or friends, charging them for spreading misinformation. Lately, social media has been one great medium for Covid patients or their families or independent volunteers to amplify their appeal to get medical assistance.

The Supreme Court raised the issue of the threat of civil or criminal action against people putting SOS messages on social media asking for help with regards to oxygen supply shortage or availability of medicines.

The Supreme Court said, "We want to make it very clear that if citizens communicate their grievance on social media and the internet, then it cannot be said its wrong information."

In a strongly-worded statement, the Supreme Court on Friday added, "Let a strong message go across to all states that we will consider it a contempt of this court if any citizen is harassed for making a plea on social media/media for making an appeal for oxygen/beds etc. Clampdown on information contrary to basic precepts. No state can clampdown on information."

Justice DY Chandrachud, alongside Justice L Nageswara Rao and Justice S Ravindra Bhat, hearing the suo moto case related to Covid-19 issues on Friday, stated to all states and DGP of states.

"We are not projecting ourselves in a bad light, we are projecting information. We are in a position of a national crisis. Let us hear the voices of our citizens," the Supreme Court further added.

The second wave of Covid-19 in India has been devastating, to say the least. With the availability of hospital beds, as well as medical supplies, reportedly limited, this has forced people who are infected or their families to post appeals on various social media platforms for oxygen supplies and other medical assistance.

In these times, some state governments like the UP government were clamping down on Covid patients or their families to appeal for help on social media. Some reports claim the state government was charging people under the false pretext of spreading misleading information online to tarnish the government image.

Social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, have become a steady front that's coming forward to get help to whoever requires it. There are thousands of users posting their medical requirements, including shortage of oxygen supply or bed availability in a hospital. The good thing is celebrities and influencers are amplifying the social posts so that help reaches people at the right time.

There have been many posts on social media platforms sharing their experience in hospitals with limited availability of medical supplies and, in some cases, the exorbitant price charged by hospitals. In a recent viral video, a girl from Lucknow who lost her father dared UP CM to arrest her, reacting to reports that the state government may take action against those spreading misinformation in the name of seeking help.
By Troy Stangarone





Last month, Hyundai Motor announced its plans to address its declining market share in China. A shift in Chinese consumer preferences toward SUVs, together with retaliation for the deployment of THAAD, resulted in a decline in the automaker's sales from 1.14 million vehicles in 2016, to less than 686,000 in 2019.



For much of the last two decades, China has been one of the world's most promising markets. Initially firms looked to China as a source for production. Since 2000, South Korean firms have set up nearly 23,500 operations in China to produce goods for sale in the global market or domestically in China.



However, the hope has always been that in time, China would become a new market of consumption  similar to the United States  that would drive the global economy.



Over the last two decades, China has grown into the world's second largest economy and largest market for new automobile sales. Its population of 1.4 billion possesses a large and growing urban middle class that has access to the disposable incomes to spend on beauty products, flat-screen TVs, smartphones and other consumer goods.



While rural China remains relatively poor, prior to the pandemic, consulting firm McKinsey estimated that the urban middle class accounts for more than 60 percent of China's GDP growth, and is increasingly important outside of the first-tier cities. Coupled with China's strong rebound from the pandemic, it is the type of market no firm can afford to ignore.



But challenges have been emerging in recent years that undermine China's strength as part of global supply chains and as a growing consumer market.



The ongoing conflict between the United States and China over trade and technology has become a factor in the ability to use China as a production platform. While the current conflict involves issues of national security related to certain technologies, such as semiconductors, it also relates to Chinese investment practices that have required firms to share their intellectual property with local partners, as well as Beijing's "Made in China 2025" plan.



Under "Made in China 2025," Beijing aims to make China self-sufficient in certain cutting-edge technologies, such as semiconductors, green energy, and green vehicles. Its goal is to develop domestic firms to be leaders in these and other areas.



This policy direction has had implications for Korean firms. As part of China's efforts to grow its own domestic firms for electric batteries, electric vehicles equipped with Samsung and LG batteries weren't eligible for government subsidies until last year. Reports indicate that Hyundai may go with a Chinese producer due to these subsidy rules.



Electric vehicles will be critical to Hyundai's longer-term strategy in China. Beijing has set a target for 40 percent of new vehicle sales to be electric vehicles by 2030, as well as to phase out the sale of all vehicles powered only by combustion engines by 2035.



Tesla's Model 3 was the top-selling electric vehicle in China over the last year, but a series of new Chinese models, along with domestic nationalism, are beginning to erode Tesla's position.



The New York Times recently noted that, as Chinese firms are becoming more technologically savvy and improving their quality, they are increasingly appealing to nationalism to convince Chinese consumers to switch to Chinese brands. According to JD Power, nearly half of all expected car buyers in the next six months plan on purchasing a Chinese model, up from around 20 percent in 2016. For those 35 and under, the number rises to 60 percent.



As the smartphone industry attests, quality products do not assure success in China. Samsung, along with Apple, is the world's top seller of smartphones. Samsung accounted for 23 percent of all smartphone sales globally during the first quarter of this year, and 19 percent for all of 2020. Samsung's share in China, however, is only around 1 percent.



International politics is also becoming an issue for doing business in China. Beyond China's informal sanctions over Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), Australia has faced economic consequences for its call for an independent investigation into the origin of the pandemic, while Western firms are now having their logos blurred on Chinese TV, over issues related to concerns about labor practices in Xinjiang.



Whether it is the competition between great powers, domestic Chinese policy, domestic nationalism, or international politics, China is becoming an increasingly challenging market for Korean and other international firms. But it is ultimately a market that Korean firms cannot ignore. In time, some of these issues may abate, but Korean firms should expect to be less profitable for the foreseeable future as they navigate these and other challenges.





Troy Stangarone (ts@keia.org) is the senior director of congressional affairs and trade at the Korea Economic Institute.
The logo is seen on the bonnet of a new Ford Aspire car during its launch in New Delhi, India, on Oct. 4, 2018. (Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters)

Ford to Decide on India Investment Plan in Second Half of 2021

NEW DELHIFord Motor Co expects to firm up capital allocation plans for India in the second half of 2021, a senior executive said in an email to staff, as the automaker overhauls its strategy in a loss-making market.

Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford has tasked senior executive Steven Armstrong with evaluating investment plans for India in his new role as transformation officer, South America and India, the automaker said in a separate statement this week.

We have a lot of work to do as we continue to assess our capital allocations in the market, Dianne Craig, president of Fords International Markets Group (IMG), said in an email to staff on Wednesday, referring to India.

While we expect to have an answer in the second half of this year, the appointment of Stevenwill help focus our efforts and speed up the process, she said.

IMG includes India, where the company employs more than 16,000, and 100 other markets.

Ford India head Anurag Mehrotra will report to Armstrong, who previously headed the Changan Ford joint venture in China and will take on his new role from May 1, the company said.

Confirming that the company expects to reach a capital allocation decision in the second half of the year, a Ford India spokesman said that the country is an important market and a source of global powertrains for its Ranger SUV.

Ford has said previously it will allocate capital consistent with its plan to generate consistently strong cash flows and achieve an 8 percent company adjusted EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) margin.

The automaker beat Wall Streets first quarter profit estimate late on Wednesday, telling investors all its markets under IMG were profitable except for India.

CEO Jim Farley, who is overseeing an $11 billion global restructuring of Ford, wants to boost profits in India but the country is a lower priority than some other markets, sources told Reuters previously.

Employees of Ford India Private Limited work in a factory of the company in Chengalpattu, India, on July 9, 2003. (Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP via Getty Images)

Struggle

Ford is not the first western automaker to struggle to win over Indias frugal buyers and turn a profit in a market dominated by Suzuki Motor Corps and Hyundai Motors extensive line-up of mainly low-cost cars.

General Motors exited the domestic market in 2017 after 20 years, while Harley-Davidson Inc packed up last year after a decade of unsuccessful efforts to gain a foothold.

Ford entered India 25 years ago but has a less than 2 percent share of the passenger vehicles market in the worlds second most populous nation, where car penetration is lower than in the United States and China.

A tie-up with domestic automaker Mahindra & Mahindra, now called off, would have ended most of Fords independent operations in India but allowed it to launch new vehicles faster, at a reduced cost and with lower investment.

The two companies planned to develop at least three new SUVs and share powertrains.

Ford will now need to pick vehicles from its global portfolio to sell in India, or develop new ones, a source said.

The joint venture would have also helped Ford tackle low plant utilization in the country, which remains one of its biggest problems, the person added.

Two years ago Ford used only around 60 percent of its total annual production capacity of 440,000 units across two Indian plants, with the pandemic reducing it to as little as 20 percent last fiscal year.

By Aditi Shah
The Winnipeg Airports Authority revealed a particularly grim outlook of their consolidated financial statements at their annual public meeting Thursday morning.

The Winnipeg Airports Authority revealed a particularly grim outlook of their consolidated financial statements at their annual public meeting Thursday morning.

A year marred by COVID-19, executive members from the airports authority said urgent support is needed from the federal government to save them from their dire future beyond the pandemic, outlining the many ways in which Ottawa has failed regional airports like Winnipeg's so far.

Nicole Stefaniuk, vice-president of finance and administration, said 2020 was the worst year in the airport's history  mostly because passengers typically make up about 90 per cent of airport revenue and because almost 80 per cent of costs are fixed items the authority has to continue paying (such as utilities, personnel employment and taxes).

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport saw passenger traffic fall from an average of 12,300 travellers per day to less than 250 people on a good day  a symptom of mandated lockdowns, border closures and travel restrictions across Canada.

Passenger traffic fell from an average of 12,300 travellers per day to less than 250 people on a good day for Winnipeg's airport  a symptom of mandated lockdowns, border closures and travel restrictions across Canada.

That reduction translated into a $73.5-million decrease for the companys revenue which is 52.6 per cent lower than 2019. The airport ended 2020 with a net loss of $40.3 million compared to a net income of $3.5 million in 2019.

"We've tried to cut down wherever we could just to make do," said Stefaniuk. "We assessed every light, thermostat, piece of equipment and process to find efficiencies and even delayed all non-safety related capital projects to make cuts. There were a lot of unfortunate decisions and we're still at a hefty loss."

Part of those cuts meant saying goodbye to almost 20 per cent of the airport's 150-person staff, who were either laid off or retired in 2020. Pay reductions were implemented for non-unionized employees, and the airport even accessed the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program to pay out some salaries.

"But what are you supposed to do when no-one is travelling and when your federal government just isn't helping you out like other countries?" Barry Rempel, CEO and president of the airport authority, told the Free Press in an interview.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Barry Rempel, president and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority, said Canada has provided its aviation and air transportation industry with the most minimal support compared to other G7 countries around the world.

Canada has provided its aviation and air transportation industry the most minimal support compared to other G7 countries around the world. That's going to cause a much costlier recovery for the sector in this country and also result in much higher airfares with fewer route options for travellers, said Rempel.

"In reality, we were aviation leaders before this pandemic," he said. "This lack of aid continues to hurt our countrys competitive edge in the whole world, especially when you see the U.S. handing out billions of dollars through several legislative packages to their airports."

Earlier this month, the Trudeau government announced $1.5 billion in targeted support from the federal budget for pandemic-battered travel and tourism industries.

"But what are you supposed to do when no-one is travelling and when your federal government just isn't helping you out like other countries?"  Barry Rempel, CEO and president of the airport authority

"Canada clamped down on travel to keep Canadians safe, but we will be providing support where COVID has struck hardest," Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters, touting the $465 million dollars earmarked under that budget item for air travel and airports.

However, Rempel said none of those details have yet been identified.

The emergency funding is "quite little to begin with, because it's intended to be for all airports all across the country," he said. "Certainly, I can say none of us know at this stage where it's going and if any of that will be coming to Winnipeg."

Winnipeg's airport isn't so keen about support or lobbying from the Manitoba government either. "Have they successfully vocalized our plight on our behalf?" said Rempel.

"You can look at our finances and obviously see the answer."

Winnipeg began last year with direct service to 43 destinations across Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. That number has drastically reduced to 14 domestic connections and direct service to only one U.S. destination: Minneapolis-St. Paul.

On top of that, four airlines  Sunwing, Air Transat, Swoop and United Airlines  have stopped servicing the airport altogether.

Since the federal wage and rent subsidy programs were the only supports provided to the airport in 2020, the company is now exploring alternative methods for relief. They commenced a bondholder consent solicitation process in December and have secured short-term financial relief for the next two years, with a year-end issuing $100 million of bonds.

"I know there is light at the end of this because in all my years in this industry, I've seen the desire to go places always returns," said Rempel.

"But this isn't just about Winnipeg's airport. This whole process of building back and recovery will take years and years without the right policies or government support."

temur.durrani@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @temurdur
An 81-page document issued by a so-called Ransomware Task Force makes no mention of Windows or Microsoft, apart from the fact that one of the co-chairs who drafted this document is from this company.

This is the best indicator of exactly what this exercise in verbiage is all about; it is merely another eyewash to divert attention away from the fact that practically all the attacks that have caused the private and public sector enormous grief have been on systems running Windows.

Recognising the cause is the best way to get rid of the effects, but naming the main culprit would have put more than a few noses out of joint. Hence, we have this exercise, which was described by one cynical security industry person as "all fart and no poo".

I remain genuinely concerned that a small number of apex ransomware groups are getting hundreds of millions of US dollars in payment each year.



That gives them more money to buy zero day exploits than many big nation states.



It's like giving rocket launchers to YouTuber fans.  Kevin Beaumont (@GossiTheDog) April 29, 2021

It is testimony to Microsoft's clout in the security industry and its ability to spin and hire the best PR people that it has not invited the wrath of those who have suffered from ransomware attacks.

The, a non-profit under whose aegis this document was drafted, says it is "dedicated to advancing solutions to national security challenges".

And further, "our goal is to provide the tools and insights needed for companies and governments to outpace emerging global security threats. Our non-traditional approach has a bias towards action, as we build trust across domains, provide unprecedented access, and deliver and implement solutions".

The working group co-chairs of the Ransomware Task Force.

The organisation has a very nice-looking website, but makes no mention of where it gets its funds, though it does solicit money.

One of the major recommendations made by this group is tighter regulation of the cryptocurrency sector, a favourite bete noire of the US Government. "Governments should require cryptocurrency exchanges, crypto kiosks, and over-the-counter trading 'desks' to comply with existing laws, including Know Your Customer, Anti-Money Laundering, and Combatting Financing of Terrorism laws," it says.

Ransomware Task Force reveals comprehensive framework "Make it 1997 again through Science or Magic" pic.twitter.com/0cBxjzNorx  J. A. Guerrero-Saade (@juanandres_gs) April 29, 2021

The other major recommendations are (in the language of the RTF): "Co-ordinated, international diplomatic and law enforcement efforts must proactively prioritise

ransomware through a comprehensive, resourced strategy, including using a carrot-and-stick approach to direct nation-states away from providing safe havens to ransomware criminals;

"The United States should lead by example and execute a sustained, aggressive, whole of government, intelligence-driven anti-ransomware campaign, co-ordinated by the White House. In the US, this must include the establishment of 1) an Interagency Working Group led by the National Security Council in coordination with the nascent National Cyber Director; 2) an internal US Government Joint Ransomware Task Force; and 3) a collaborative, private industry-led informal Ransomware Threat Focus Hub;

"Governments should establish Cyber Response and Recovery Funds to support ransomware response and other cyber security activities; mandate that organisations report ransom payments; and require organizations to consider alternatives before making payments; and

"An internationally co-ordinated effort should be developed to develop a clear, accessible, and broadly adopted framework to help organisations prepare for, and respond to, ransomware attacks. In some under-resourced and more critical sectors, incentives (such as fine relief and funding) or regulation may be required to drive adoption."

The RTF has backed off even the most common advice offered by people who deal with ransomware attacks: stop paying ransoms. About this, the wishy-washy recommendation is "...the Ransomware Task Force did not reach consensus on prohibiting ransom payments, though we do agree that payments should be discouraged as far as possible." In other words, two bob each way.

The report is a waste of time, repeating all that has happened over the past few years and offering nothing new. Had the RTF, for instance, suggested that the US improve its relations with Russia to the point where US President Joe Biden could ask his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to take a harsher line towards the ransomware gangs that operate from Russia, that would have been worth highlighting.

It is well known that the Russian Government line towards ransomware gangs operating from within its borders is to let them do what they want, provided no Russian entity is put in danger.

The RTF document is nicely formatted, with illustrations and the Institute for Security and Technology will surely earn some funds, both public and private, from this marketing exercise which will ensure it can keep its sinecures filled.

This is another document that will gather digital dust on some hard drive deep in some establishment. Meanwhile, the security industry will be licking its lips at the prospect of what can be earned from the next ransomware hit.
Idaho State Department Implements VoIP/Contact Centers with CherryRoad Technologies

In an effort to provide improved statewide call during he COVID19 pandemic, Idahos state department sought the services of IT service provider CherryRoad technologies for new VoIP and contact center solutions.

Utilizing CherryRoads GoToConnect software, the company was able to quickly deploy a low-maintenance solution package that will assist the states 150+ remote agents. The project also incorporated technology developed by SaaS provider LogMeIn (News - Alert) to offer a flexible, low maintenance unified communication platform to handle the surging demand.

"Working in conjunction with LogMeIn to implement their cloud-based VoIP and contact center system, GoToConnect and CherryRoad have delivered greater manageability, cost-effectiveness, and productivity to the State of Idaho's Department of Labor," said Stephen Lange, President and COO of CherryRoad Technologies Inc. "Leveraging a cloud-based communication system eliminates hardware and maintenance costs while providing an extremely scalable and reliable solution."

The project was signed under the NASPO ValuePoint (News - Alert)  Participating Addendum, considered to be the nations most significant public contact cooperative.Idahos deployment is consistent with the nation-wide trend of governments and businesses quickly modernizing their communication infrastructures to adapt to the remote workforce. Although COVID restrictions are generally easing up, organizations are preparing for a future that sees remote access as a permanent fixture for years to come.

Edited by Maurice Nagle
California Mayors Seek $20 Billion for Homeless Funding

LOS ANGELESMayor Eric Garcetti joined a coalition of mayors from Californias 13 largest cities April 29 in calling on state officials to provide cities with $20 billion over five years to address the statewide homeless crisis.

This is the biggest crisis in California. We see it on our underpasses and overpasses, we see it under our bridges, and unfortunately, its not just there anymore in the shadows, its in front of businesses and homes, it is everywhere, Garcetti said.

The Big City Mayors coalition includes mayors from San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Riverside, Santa Ana and Stockton.

The coalition is seeking $4 billion a year for five years to directly fund cities as they continue their work to combat the homeless crisis.

Were not coming in empty hats in hand, were coming with hard hats on and pockets already full of investments, Garcetti said. Behind each one of us, you see how we spend it: Its for shelter, its for permanent housing, its for cleanups, its for services, its for everything that we need to address the complexity of homelessness.

The call comes a day after the city and county of Los Angeles filed an emergency request to a federal appeals court to place a hold on U.S. District Judge David O. Carters order that all indigent persons in Skid Row be offered shelter within six months. The mandatory order set a timetable for offers of shelter to be made to about 2,000 homeless people in Skid Row over the next 120 days.

Carter called the area a decades-old byproduct of systemic racism that left Black peopleespecially Black womeneffectively abandoned on the streets. Such governmental inertia has affected not only Black Angelenos, not only homeless Angelenos, but all Angelenosof every race, gender identity and social class.

Carter also ruled that the city must in the next 60 days put $1 billion into escrow to be used for homelessness. The day before the ruling, Garcetti announced his budget proposal for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which includes about $950 million to combat the citys homelessness crisis.

Attorneys for the city and county filed for a hold on Carters order and argued that it violates the constitutional separation of powers by usurping the role of local government.

During his meeting with the Big City Mayors April 29, Garcetti and the other mayors emphasized that the homelessness problem is larger than individual cities in California and needs a consistent state response to be properly addressed.

We cant solve this problem in one fiscal year, its going to take that repeated commitment of state, federal and local leadership to get the job done, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said.

While about 568,000 people in the United States are experiencing homelessness, about 151,000 are in California, according to 2019 data from the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

I know that when we talk about $20 billion, a big number, well its a big issue, right, and we have to have a proportional response to that issue, Santa Ana Mayor Vicente Sarmiento said.

Were blessed to be living in a state that I think theres an understanding, and theres a humanity, that we all want to deliver these services, he said. But I think the moment is now and I think that we all have to band together and use this opportunity.
Report rejects "internment camps" fabrication by Adrian Zenz

Xinhua) 16:24, April 30, 2021

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The claim made by Adrian Zenz, a so-called German scholar, that 1 million Uygurs were held in internment camps in China's Xinjiang has no factual basis, according to a report released by the Xinjiang Development Research Center on Friday.

The report, titled "Slanderer Adrian Zenz's Xinjiang-related Fallacies Versus the Truth," says, The Grayzone, an independent news website, said in an article published in December 2019 that the claim about 1 million Uygurs being held in internment camps was first proposed and then spread by the website of the Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), a Washington D.C.-based non-governmental organization supported by the U.S. government, and the CHRD made the estimate by interviewing only eight Uygurs and rough estimation.

The report quotes The Grayzone as saying that Adrian Zenz made the estimate of 1 million Uygurs held in internment camps in Xinjiang, based on his own conjecture and a questionable media report. He himself had also acknowledged the uncertainty in his claim, according to The Grayzone.

In fact, the report points out, the vocational education and training centers in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were essentially the same as the Desistance and Disengagement Programme (DDP) established in the United Kingdom and the de-radicalization center in France, and were fully in line with the principle and spirit of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.

By October 2019, all trainees in the vocational education and training centers had completed their studies and have now mostly achieved stable employment and improved life quality, the report says.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
The author says that with inventory low, the usual, easily spotted for sale signs in front of homes across the Berkshires are few, even though springtime is normally high season in the real estate market.
National Aviation University (NAU  Kyiv, Ukraine) and Robinson Patman Law Firm (Kyiv, Ukraine) signed a memorandum on the launch of a social educational project aimed at consolidating efforts to train highly qualified lawyers in air and space law.

The memorandum was signed within the legislative framework relating to public-private co-operation in education and science.

From the side of National Aviation University the memorandum was signed by the Rector Maksym Lutskyy, and from the side of Robinson Patman by the Managing Partner Dmytro Vidsota.

According to the memorandum, Robinson Patman Law Firm is included in the official curriculum of the National Aviation University.

Within the framework of the signed memorandum, Robinson Patman experts began to provide a part of lectures and practical classes for students of the Law Faculty of NAU from April, this year. In the course of preparing the lessons, special attention was paid to the practical experience of resolving litigation with the participation of airlines, the specifics of resolving issues related to plane crashes, legal support of insurance claims in air and space law, topical issues of antimonopoly legislation, etc. Also, NAU students will have the opportunity to undergo practical training at Robinson Patman under the guidance of experienced lawyers.

This example of public-private co-operation provides for Robinson Patmans participation in the development of modern education technologies, as well as in the professional and practical training of NAU students. This social project is a response to the educational system's request in terms of training qualified lawyers who are required to have an exceptionally high level of relevant knowledge, competence and practical skills.

Maksym Lutskyy, Rector of National Aviation University:

The reform of the education system is dictated by the requirements of the time, the globalization of the economy, the introduction of innovative technologies and is intended to be carried out, including through constant co-operation between the state and business. The Law of Ukraine On Education determines the prospects for the participation of leading private sector companies in the development of modern education technologies, as well as their participation in the professional and practical training of students. Such participation is an important component of public-private co-operation. In a number of provisions that designate the strategic priorities of Ukraine's economic development, public-private partnership is defined as the main system for the development of both the economy in general and education at all levels in particular. Therefore, the development of a methodology for the implementation of such co-operation in education is an important background for achieving the goals of Ukraine's economic development. In this context, on behalf of National Aviation University, I would like to express my gratitude to the management and staff of the Robinson Patman Law Firm for agreeing to take on some of the important social obligations in the process of training high-class specialists, which NAU has always been known for.

Iryna Sopilko, Dean of the Faculty of Law of National Aviation University:

The symbiosis of scientific and practical approaches to the educational process is designed to improve the overall professional level of training of students of the Law Faculty of NAU. I am confident that this social educational project will contribute to the purposeful development of a culture of protecting the interests of Ukrainian aerospace enterprises at the international level.

Dmytro Vidsota, Managing Partner of Robinson Patman Law Firm:

The aerospace industry development in the leading countries of the world is so dynamic that it requires an immediate response from all participants in the Ukrainian market, as well as legal expertise that would meet global realities. For Ukraine, as a space state, the protection and representation of its interests  in particular at the international level  is one of the basic elements of successful development and global competitiveness. Based on the above, Robinson Patman company, with its exceptional experience in air and space law, is interested in the training of highly qualified lawyers specializing in the aerospace industry, and for its part, will in every possible way assist NAU as a profile Ukrainian university.

Robinson Patman Law Firm specializes in such practices as international trade, antitrust and competition law, government relations. Robinson Patman is focused on providing professional legal support in the shortest possible time and on flexible conditions. Robinson Patman provides unique and effective solutions necessary to achieve strategic goals.
They jetted to Dubai in the first week of December last year and stated they were staying 'for the foreseeable' for work reasons.

And Gabby Allen and her boyfriend Brandon Myers were seen publicly in the UK for the first time since jetting home on Friday, after returning earlier this month.

The Love Island star, 28, cut a casually chic figure in a quirky high-neck jumper as she and her beau, 24, left Young LDN salon in London's Notting Hill.

Look who's back: Gabby Allen and her boyfriend Brandon Myers were seen publicly in the UK for the first time on Friday since jetting home from the United Arab Emirates city earlier this month

Gabby flashed a hint of her washboard abs in her asymmetric top, which she teamed with gleaming white trainers and a loose-fitting beige jacket.

Her sleek cropped blonde tresses were swept to one side, while she sported a radiant, make-up free complexion following her facial.

Model Brandon meanwhile kept things casual in a blue top, light baggy jeans and white trainers.

Out and about: The Love Island star, 28, cut a casually chic figure in a quirky high-neck jumper and khaki leggings as she and her beau, 24, left Young LDN salon in London's Notting Hill

The loved-up couple appeared in great spirits as they chatted and held hands while making their way down the street.

Over the past few months, Gabby has been littering her social media with stunning sun-soaked snaps from her getaway to Dubai.

While more recently, she's also shared a plethora of envy-inducing bikini snaps from their holiday in the Maldives.

Style: Gabby flashed a hint of her washboard abs in her asymmetric top, which she teamed with gleaming white trainers and a loose-fitting beige jacket

Chilled: The loved-up couple appeared in great spirits as they chatted and held hands while making their way down the street

In January, the fitness fanatic had to defend her reasons for being in Dubai, telling her fans that her boyfriend Brandon's business is based in the city and that she would also be working there for the 'foreseeable.'

The TV personality wrote: 'Hey guys, just to let you know, we made the decision to fly out to Dubai as my boyfriends business is based here & luckily allows us to travel.

'We were both fit to travel with negative PCR tests [for COVID-19]. I wanted to come on here and acknowledge this to my followers as it was a difficult decision for me.

Sizzling: Over the past few months, Gabby has been littering her social media with stunning sun-soaked snaps from her getaway to Dubai

Hot stuff: While more recently, she's also shared a plethora of envy-inducing bikini snaps from their holiday in the Maldives

'I really hope you can understand that it was an opportunity I had to take.

'I will be working over here for the foreseeable until we decide what to do next. Sending so much love to you all. Gabby x.'

Their trip came at a time when reality stars and influencers were greatly criticised by the public after jetting off to sunnier climes such as Dubai while the country was in another lockdown.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2021 ) :Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Relief, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Muhammad Iqbal Wazir Friday said that pragmatic steps are being taken to expand the scope of emergency services of RESCUE-1122 to every Tehsil of merged district of Waziristan.

During his visit to the newly established RESCUE-1122 centre in sub division Wanna of North Waziristan, he appreciated the efforts of the district administration in ensuring the functioning of 1122 in Wana Tehsil.

Talking to media on the occasion he assured the district administration of full support in making the RESCUE-1122 all services operational and provision of necessary facilities in this connection.

Assistant Commissioner Wana Bashir Khan briefed the Minister regarding the performance of the RESCUE-1122 Wana Center and the existing facilities.

The Minister met with RESCUE-1122 personnel and inspected various stalls and equipment used in emergencies. He commended the officers and officials of 1122 over excellent performance in a short span of time.
by Thanh Thao

Vietnams deputy foreign minister and Indias ambassador meet in Hanoi, pledging to renew mutual support. Shipping oxygen, medicines, drugs and equipment is under consideration. About a thousand Vietnamese nationals have been repatriated in the past few days. ASEAN and India expect bilateral trade to reach US0 billion next year.

Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews)  The COVID-19 pandemic is raging in India, crippling its health system. Hundreds of thousands of new cases are reported each day with thousands of deaths. As a result, apocalyptic scenes show ordinary Indians turning to makeshift funeral pyres to burn the bodies of the dead.

In light of this situation, the Government of Vietnam, with the help of ASEAN, announced that it is prepared to help India. Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quec Deng made the pledge to Indian Ambassador Pranay Kumar Verma during a meeting in the Vietnamese capital last Tuesday

The Indian diplomat thanked Vietnamese authorities and people for their support, noting that his government would ensure favourable conditions for Vietnamese who study and work in India.

For his part, Vietnams Foreign Ministry spokesman Le The Thu Heng noted that India is in dire need of oxygen supplies, medical equipment, drugs and other equipment and must speed up the vaccination campaign. With this in mind, Vietnam plans to share and support the Indian people in this difficult time in order to stabilise the pandemic and bring it under control.

Meanwhile, in the past few days Vietnams Foreign Ministry organised the safe repatriation of at least a thousand Vietnamese nationals from India, while another hundred are still waiting to come home.

At the Tuesdays meeting, the Vietnamese Deputy Minister and the Indian Ambassador also discussed the 23rd ASEANIndia Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) scheduled for the next day

Held via videoconference, the high-level meeting saw participants express cautious optimism, stressing that India will soon be able to bring the pandemic under control with the contribution of its neighbours.

India's Deputy Foreign Minister Riva Ganguly Das thanked ASEAN for its show of solidarity and expressed renewed support for cooperation and strategic partnership between the two parties, in particular sharing information about the pandemic experience, diagnostics, treatment, as well as vaccine production and distribution.

Despite its health emergency, India pledged again a million dollars for the ASEAN fund to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, ASEAN members states pledged to work closely with India to promote a global and sustainable recovery for the region and Asia as a whole.

As part of the 2021-2025 five-year action plan, the parties plan to promote trade and investments worth US$ 200 billion next year as well as connectivity, marine cooperation, science and technology exchange, innovation and creativity to prevent and counter natural disasters and meet the challenge of climate change.
MOSCOW  The lead lawyer defending the Russian opposition leader Aleksei A. Navalny in an extremism case that could outlaw Mr. Navalnys opposition movement was arrested on Friday, the latest instance of a remarkable escalation by the Kremlin in its long-running campaign to stifle dissent.

The lawyer, Ivan Pavlov, was detained after Russias Federal Security Service, or F.S.B., raided his Moscow hotel room at 6:40 a.m., his colleagues said. He stood accused of disclosing details of a law-enforcement investigation unconnected to Mr. Navalny and faced three months of prison time. Mr. Pavlovs colleagues said agents also searched their groups St. Petersburg offices and broke down the apartment door of their technology manager.

Mr. Pavlov, one of Russias best-known human rights lawyers, has frequently represented high-profile defendants in cases involving the F.S.B., a successor to the K.G.B. that wields enormous influence in Russia. His arrest shook Russias activist community because lawyers have, for the most part, been able to continue to operate even as the authorities have intensified their crackdown on the opposition.

Ivans arrest is connected to his professional activity, a group of lawyers said in an open letter Friday. We believe that these actions by law enforcement are aimed exclusively at scaring Ivan and his colleagues in order to force them to reject an active position in defending their clients.
Mister President,

Members of the Cabinet,

Members of Parliament,

The hour is late, France is in peril, threatened by several mortal dangers. Though retired, we remain soldiers of France, and cannot, under the present circumstances, remain indifferent to the fate of our beautiful country.

Our tricolor flags are not simply a piece of fabric; they are a symbol of traditionthe tradition of those who, throughout the ages, whatever the color of their skin or their religion, served France and gave their lives for her. On these flags, in golden letters, is inscribed the motto, Honor and Fatherland. Today, our honor rests on denouncing the crumbling-apart of our fatherland.

Crumbling-apart through a certain kind of anti-racism, which has an explicit goal: to sow malaise on our soil, up to and including hate between communities. Today, some speak of racialism, of indigenism, and of anti-colonial theories, but with these words, those hateful and fanatical partisans seek to foment a racial war. They despise our country, her traditions, her culture, and want to watch her dissolve by tearing her away from her past and her history. Thus, by attacking statues and analyzing words from several centuries ago, their true goal is to undermine our ancient civil and military glories.

Crumbling-apart through Islamism and the hordes from the Banlieues. Several patches of our nation have been detached and turned into territories put under submission to dogmas contrary to our Constitution. Every Frenchman, regardless of belief or non-belief, must be everywhere at home in France; there cannot and must not exist any city, any neighborhood, where the laws of the Republic do not have writ.

Crumbling-apart, when hate replaces fraternity during protests, when the regime uses police as jackboots and scapegoats, against yellow-vest-wearing compatriots who seek only to express their hopelessness. This even though ski-mask-wearing individuals infiltrate those protests, destroy businesses, and threaten the police. And yet, the police only follow the sometimes-contradictory policies set out by you, holders of political office.

The peril rises, violence increases every day. Who could have predicted, ten years ago, that a teacher could one day have his head cut off as he left his middle school? As servants of the Nation, who have always been ready to pay the ultimate price for our service, we cannot remain passive spectators of such actions.

Therefore, the leaders of our country must absolutely find the courage required to eradicate those dangers. To do so, it is often necessary only to apply existing laws without weakness. Do not forget that, like us, a great majority of our fellow citizens is incensed by your cowardice and your guilty silences.

As Cardinal Mercier, Primate of Belgium, once said: When prudence is everywhere, courage is nowhere. Ladies and Gentlemen, stop equivocatingthe hour is late, the work ahead is immense. Do not lose time, and know that we are ready to support political leaders who would undertake the rescue of the Nation.

However, if nothing is done, heedlessness will continue to spread its poison throughout society, inexorably. In the end, there will be an explosion, and our comrades in active military service will be forced to step in and undertake the perilous mission of protecting our civilizational values and the lives of our fellow citizens.

It is easy to see that the time for hesitation is over. Otherwise, tomorrow, civil war will put an end to this growing chaos, and there will be thousands of deaths, of which you will bear responsibility.
You are here: World

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The Chinese commission of the Joint Commission on Mongolia-China Border has donated medical supplies to Mongolia to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, Mongolia's Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

The anti-pandemic supplies include face masks and shields, goggles and protective suits.

The assistance will be distributed to four provinces, namely Dornogovi, Umnugovi, Dornod and Sukhbaatar which border China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the ministry said in a statement.

Mongolia has so far registered a total of 34,623 COVID-19 cases, with more than 100 deaths.

The number of daily new COVID-19 cases in Mongolia has risen sharply since the beginning of April, and around or more than 1,000 cases have been reported per day in the country.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) speak after President Joe Biden addressed a joint session of congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, on April 28, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Pelosi Is Very Confident Democrats Will Hold Majority After 2022 Midterms

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said that she believes Democrats will hold the majority in the House after the 2022 midterm elections, saying that her confidence stems from recent census results.

According to the Census Bureau, Texas gained two seats in the House, while Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon gained one seat. Meanwhile, California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia lost one seat each.

Elections are always a contest, and you see what happens in them, Pelosi told CBS News on Thursday. But I feel very confident that the Democrats will hold the majority after the next election. I think that werefor all the huffing and puffing the Republicans are doing, these numbers were not as good for them as they had hoped. They wanted three in Texas, two in Florida, and the rest.

Pelosi added that much of the growth in many of these places that picked up more numbers, moremore members in Congress, the growth was from Hispanics, African-Americans and the rest, so well see where those votes go.

Typically, the party of the president loses seats during midterm elections. Democrats were able to reclaim the House majority in 2018, coming two years after former President Donald Trumps 2016 victory.

At the same time, Pelosi has an extremely thin majority, leading the slimmest one since World War I. The House is currently split at 218 Democrats to 212 Republicans with five vacancies, meaning Pelosi can only lose twobut not any moreDemocratic votes to pass legislation, and if there is a tie, the bill fails.

But this is right now, Pelosi told CBS. The best politics of all is to get the job done for the American people, the blueprint that was put forth by the president last night to meet the needs of the American people. Thats what were about. Were not worrying about whos going to be speaker two years from now.

In mid-April, Pelosis majority shrunk after Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) was sworn into office. And so far, three Democrats have left the House of Representatives to join the Biden administration, including presidential adviser Cedric Richmond, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge, and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.

Earlier this month, longtime Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) died after a battle with cancer, and there is one vacant seat for Republicans after Rep. Ron Wright died in February.

Top Democrats in the House have expressed optimism that they can push through their favored bills.

Frankly, were doing OK as Democrats as you look at this quarter, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said in March about their slim majority.
High River, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - The Western Investment Company of Canada Limited (TSXV: WI) ("WICC" or "Western") announces that it has filed its Q4 / year end financial statements and MD&A on SEDAR.

WICC CEO, Scott Tannas provided the following commentary:

"The past year was a battle. It seemed every day brought new challenges and required skills and endurance beyond any previous measure. I'm pleased to report that WICC and its portfolio companies have come through intact and are ramping up for a strong 2021. While our 2020 year end results show a net loss of $3.615 million, the majority of this is a non - cash write down of goodwill taken during the turbulent and uncertain days at the onset of the pandemic. With that difficult period behind us, our team is focused on achieving a record year for sales and net income in 2021.

Portfolio Report

- The pace of growth at Fortress Insurance continued in Q4, more than doubling the insurance premiums realized in Q3. Our early 2021 sales continue to mount at a similar rate. Our little insurance company continues to grow its policies and premiums with a network of strong western Canadian broker partners. In addition, Fortress recently added a new partnership with a global reinsurer that will further fuel growth in the coming months. The insurance market in Canada continues to provide favourable opportunities for nimble, innovative companies like Fortress.

-The team at GlassMasters finished 2020 with a very strong result, increasing EBITDA and net income substantially over 2019 levels despite the difficult retail environment. Roger Tulk and his team are carrying that momentum into 2021, and are already engaged in the busy spring and summer season. Our first location in Regina, Saskatchewan opened in February and early results are positive. The focus continues to be on growing same store sales, managing margins and optimizing inventory. GlassMasters is poised for a record year, with pent up demand from 2020 adding to their continuing efforts to increase market share.

- As we described in previous updates, Ocean Sales continues to endure a significant reduction in revenue as their exhibition and tradeshow operations await the removal of restrictions on large public events. As that day draws closer, the team is ready to get back into the rhythm of summer and fall fairs and tradeshows. Happily, there have been some bright spots for the company. New online sales channels provided vital cashflow in 2020 and brought a whole new future opportunity to light. Necessity is the mother of invention, and Ocean Sales dealt with adversity by finding new ways to survive in 2020 that will help them thrive in 2021 and beyond. In addition to online sales, their long standing partnership with a big box retailer gained momentum in Q4 and achieved significant sales growth in the early stages of this year.

- Sales at Foothills Creamery finished up 7% over 2019. However the mix of business was heavily skewed to retail butter sales, which together with other temporary factors created a 25% drop in our 2020 margins. In Q4 and into early 2021 we worked to provide Foothills with extra resources, including hiring a seasoned CEO, to make sure that we properly rebalance the business mix and get profit margins back to normal in 2021. Retail Ice cream sales are an area of focus for the coming year, in addition to the spring and summer push to grow product sales to shops in tourist towns where our ice cream is sold by the scoop.

- The resident vaccination program is complete in our Golden Health Care seniors homes. This company added to its already stellar reputation by its successful record of protecting their residents from COVID-19 through the pandemic. Zero point five percent infection rate and 100% recovery of residents in their care. A remarkable and heartwarming story of excellence in care for Saskatchewan seniors continues. Despite added costs for PPE and other required items, Golden Healthcare continued to provide steady returns to shareholders.

Outlook

We see signs of economic recovery within all our business segments. That said, we know risks remain. We will continue to focus our efforts on making sure that our portfolio of companies continue to accelerate sales and earnings throughout 2021. We remain confident in our resources and abilities to meet the challenges, and opportunities, ahead."

About The Western Investment Company of Canada Limited

Western is a unique publicly traded, private equity company founded by a group of successful Western Canadian business people dedicated to building and maintaining ownership in successful Western Canadian companies, and helping them to grow. Western's shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol WI.

For more information on Western, please visit its website at www.winv.ca.

CONTACT INFORMATION - The Western Investment Company of Canada Limited

Scott Tannas President and Chief Executive Officer (403) 652-2663 stannas@winv.ca

Advisory

This news release may contain certain forward-looking information and statements, including without limitation, statements pertaining to future plans, acquisitions, financings and returns. Statements containing the words: 'believes', 'intends', 'expects', 'plans', 'seeks' and 'anticipates' and any other words of similar meaning are forward-looking. All statements included herein involve various risks and uncertainties because they relate to future events and circumstances beyond Western's control. 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 Western's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Western does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82450
New Delhi: Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2021 is most likely to get postponed amid the COVID-19 crisis.

According to the reports, the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced Committee has discussed the possibility of postponing the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Entrance Examination. The exam was scheduled to be held on July 3, 2021.

Speaking to a news agency, JEE Advanced committee officials said, "a three-member committee during a meeting on April 27 discussed the prevailing pandemic situation in the country and conducting JEE Advanced on July 3. The panel is of the view that the situation is not conducive to conduct the exam. "

An official from JEE Advanced office privy to the development told the portal said that "the decision regarding the postponement of exams will be discussed again, and communication will be sent to the education ministry. The education minister will take the final call, and will communicate it to the candidates."

Debashish Chakraborty, Chairman of JEE Advanced 2021 asserted that as things stand, examination dates are like to change from July 3 as there has to be a reasonable gap period between Mains and Advanced.

It is important to note that, the current COVID crisis has cast a long shadow on the overall examinations including class 10 and 12 boards and other competitive exams. Since the coronavirus cases were rising exponentially, the third and fourth session of JEE Main was deferred.

Along with it, all state boards along with CBSE and CISCE have cancelled their class 10 boards and postponed class 12 examinations.

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will be sending Remdesivir, an anti-viral medicine being used in COVID-19 treatment, along with other medical supplies to India next week, said country's Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.

"India sought Remdesivir [from us]. We have taken measures to send it," Dhaka Tribune quoted Momen said on Thursday.

The demand for the drug has recently increased in India, as the country witnessed a sudden rise in cases.

The worsening COVID-19 situation has seen a surge in the demand for medical oxygen, drugs and beds for the COVID-19 patients and many states are reporting an acute shortage in essential medical supplies.

Last week, the Indian government waived import duty for the Remdesivir vials and the raw materials.

Foreign Ministry on Wednesday offered to dispatch emergency medicines and medical equipment supplies for the people of India who are fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The supplies include about 10,000 vials of injectable anti-viral, oral anti-viral, 30,000 PPE kits, and several thousand zinc, calcium, vitamin C and other necessary tablets

About the risks of the Indian triple mutant Covid-19 variant entering Bangladesh, the foreign secretary said: "The situation in the country will be manageable if the infection rate goes down."

on April 25 closed its border with India for 14 days to control the spread of the deadly virus.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 56-year-old woman decided to have some tacos with her co-workers at a Chicago-area warehouse in October, and died just over one week later from COVID-19.

Twenty-three other employees also tested positive for the virus in the days following the taco luncheon, and the Midwest Warehouse and Distribution System office in Naperville, Illinois was temporarily shut down on November 4.

Now, the Occupation Safety and Health Administration says it is fining the company $12,288 for failing to 'take immediate steps to identify, inform, isolate and quarantine all potentially-exposed employees.'

The outbreak began after an employee volunteered to pick up tacos for her co-workers after getting permission from one of her supervisors for a luncheon on October 23, Midwest Warehouse and Distribution System CFO Tim Nelson told the Chicago Tribune.

More than 23 employees at a Naperville, Illinois warehouse tested positive for the coronavirus in November, after an employee brought her co-workers tacos

Some employees ate the tacos at their desks, but others enjoyed them in the break room

The tacos were individually-wrapped, according to Aaron Gelb, a Chicago-based lawyer who will represent the company at an upcoming hearing to contest the fine.

Some employees took the tacos back to their desks, he said, and others ate them in the break room.

The following Monday, Nelson recounted, some employees began to call in sick, and the first COVID case was confirmed the following day.

The 56-year-old female employee, whom company officials would not name, died on November 3 from complications of the viral disease.

'The individual who passed away was the second person to report symptoms,' Nelson said. 'It's not like someone who contracted it a week later while continuing to work at the facility.'

But by November 9, 23 employees had tested positive for the virus.

'This case is a tragic reminder of the importance of fully implementing coronavirus prevention measures that include wearing face coverings, physically distancing and quarantining workers who exhibit symptoms to protect other workers from coronavirus exposure,' Jake Scott, the OSHA area director, said in a statement.

Aaron Gelb is representing the company in its hearing contesting the fine

Company executives, however, said they had followed all of their safety protocols, which include taking every employee's temperature upon arrival, mandating every employee wear masks and social distance 'wherever feasible,' according to Gelb.

They are not allowed to share any food until the pandemic is declared over, Nelson added.

'As a company, safety has always been a paramount pillar of our company and we've taken COVID seriously since day one,' he told the Chicago Sun Times.

'We've always felt like we've been on the cutting-edge of OSHA standards,' he said. 'We strictly adhere to CDC guidelines. Safety is of vast importance to our company.'

Midwest Warehouse and Distribution System has more than 500 employees at more than a dozen Chicago-area warehouses, according to the Chicago Tribune. At the Naperville location, there are more than 100 warehouse employees and 20 office workers.

This is the only serious outbreak the 39-year-old logistics company has had since the pandemic began.

'We value the safety and well-being of our associates first and foremost,' said Nelson.

'This OSHA citation is just disheartening.'
Chandigarh, April 30 : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday directed the Water Resources Department to identify more areas for relining of canals to check seepage and save the precious water resource.

Underlining the need for urgent replacement of 72 abandoned tubewells in the Kandi belt to augment irrigation facilities in the region, the Chief Minister directed Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan to allocate the necessary funds for these on priority.

Reviewing the works of the department through virtual conference, the Chief Minister asked the department to expedite the ongoing canal relining projects, including the relining of Rajasthan Feeder (41 km), Sirhind Feeder (45 km), as well as the rehabilitation of Bis Doab Canal system and Banur Canal system.

While significant progress has been made on these projects, the balance work should be speeded up, he said.

Pointing out that 33 new schemes, worth Rs 473.15 crore, had been included in the budget 2021-22 having the total outlay of Rs 156.48 crore, the Chief Minister said that the relining works were a major priority for his government in view of the state's depleting water resources.

The Chief Minister was informed that rehabilitation of Kandi canal stage 1, renovation and modernization of regulator structures and rehabilitation, renovation and modernization of Lahore branch system along with allies works in districts of Gurdaspur and Amritsar were partly executed, while the remaining will carried out in the current and next fiscal.

Punjab has a total canal network length of 14,500 kilometers. In the year 2021, approx. 2,800 km drains will be cleaned for Rs 40 crores and flood protection works amounting to Rs 60 cr will be executedA before the onset of monsoon.

Work to release 200 cusecs of fresh water into Budha Nallah from Sirhind Canal through Neelon escape in order to reduce the pollution in Budha Nallah with estimated cost of Rs 8.95 crores is under progress, the department further apprised the meeting.

Further, the Chief Minister was apprised that 65 per cent of the work on the main Shahpurkandi Dam, which was restarted after over four years of suspension by the Jammu and Kashmir government, had been completed.

The work of powerhouse has been started and civil works will be completed by June 2023 and power works will be completed by July 2024. Power generation of the project will start in August 2024, yielding direct benefit to the tune of Rs 800 crore.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A member of the notorious Hamzy family has been granted bail despite police warning his release from custody poses an unacceptable risk to the community.

Ghassan Amoun, the brother of underworld figure Bassam Hamzy, was arrested in February for allegedly breaching a court-imposed serious crime prevention order restricting his activities and communications.

The brother of underworld figure Bassam Hamzy has been granted bail despite police concerns.

The 34-year-old was one of four men hit with the sweeping orders in December to clamp down on an escalating conflict between the Hamzy and Alameddine crime families.

Mr Amoun was allegedly found two months later to be in possession of three mobile phones that were not declared to police, which would be a breach of the order that restricts the number of devices he can use.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Working from home has become the norm for many people during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its prompting Ann Arbor officials to consider new regulations for operating home-based businesses.

Its been a topic of discussion at recent city meetings and the Planning Commission voted April 6 to recommend City Council approve new rules banning several types of home-based businesses, such as machine shops, metal working, recording studios, body piercing/tattoo parlors and furniture refinishing.

The commission also recommended types of home-based businesses to permit, such as computer repair, marijuana cultivation, hair salons, therapy/counseling, personal fitness training, architecture and accounting/tax preparation.

But after several residents complained the proposed changes are too restrictive  particularly the ban on home recording studios and metal working/machine shops  the commission voted April 20 to take a step back and reconsider.

The home-based business ordinance is now due back on the commissions agenda May 18 before it could advance to City Council, and officials are welcoming more input.

Ann Arbor musician John Churchville was among several residents who spoke at a recent meeting, telling commissioners he has worked from home the last year, doing virtual shows from the music studio in his basement.

Ive gone in one year from 50-plus gigs a year down to one in the last year, and I work in my home studio, and it is  I would consider  a recording studio, he said.

Hes also a music teacher and has spent a decade teaching students how to set up home recording studios, he said.

I have students who have music on Spotify who have won national awards creating music with their laptops in home studios, he said, urging city officials to reconsider prohibiting home-based businesses like recording studios.

Planning officials continued to discuss the issue in committee this week. Rather than list specific types of home-based businesses to permit and prohibit, theyre now leaning toward just having standards for all home-based businesses to follow, said Sarah Mills, Planning Commission chair.

That includes restrictions on size, hours, noise, dust, odor, vibrations, outside storage and customer trips.

There are current restrictions stating a home-based business can have no more than one non-resident employee and officials are considering keeping that.

Theyre also considering keeping language from the draft approved April 6 stating mechanized equipment can be used only in a completely enclosed building.

The April 6 draft also included regulatory exemptions for certain types of home occupations, including artists, sculptors, composers and crafters not selling their products on the premises, home offices with no client visits and phone answering/messaging services.

As for deliveries to home-based businesses, officials considered limiting them to the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but theyre now backing away from that, given that a home-based business cant control, for example, when Amazon delivers a package.

Still, client visits would be limited to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. under whats being discussed, Mills said.

She expects the next ordinance draft to allow up to four client visits at a time, but no more than about 20-24 client visits per day. That would be an increase from the current limit of 10 business-related vehicle trips per day.

Existing city code states no more than 25% of a home can be used for a home business. Officials have proposed keeping that, though allowing them to be bigger  potentially up to 2,000 square feet, though no bigger than the home  if in an accessory structure such as a garage. But there could be no outside storage of goods or heavy equipment.

Officials emphasize the rules would apply to people running operations from which they earn income, not hobbyists.

Brett Lenart, the citys planning manager, explained the impetus for updating the rules for home-based businesses at the Planning Commissions April 6 meeting.

This was brought to my attention sort of in the context of, Ill say, a crazy year perhaps, and specifically a year where a lot more people are probably working from home, he said.

The existing city code lists some types of occupations that may or may not be approvable as home-based businesses, but theres ambiguity, Lenart said, explaining his reason for proposing longer lists of specific types of permitted and prohibited home-based businesses to be more clear.

Other proposed changes aim to address questions that have come up regarding enforcement of rules for home-based businesses. For example, the current code allowing up to 10 business-related trips per day doesnt really distinguish between customer visits and deliveries, Lenart said.

Mills said she cant speak for the full Planning Commission, but she doesnt think there are any specific types of home-based businesses the commission wants to ban at this point, though it would be tricky for some to meet the proposed standards.

The citys move to revisit the ordinance didnt come about because of complaints or problems about specific types of home-based businesses, she said.

It was more that, in this move to work from home, people had questions and some of the standards were vague, and the list of enumerated occupations that were allowed dont cover all of the things that people may be doing from home now, she said.

In the process of trying to modernize the ordinance, officials took a model example from the American Planning Association, Mills said.

Commissioners said theyve heard loud and clear from the public the ordinance needs more work, they made a mistake in voting on it earlier this month, and they welcome more input.

For example, though home dentist offices are not allowed under current city code, they could be under changes now being considered, Mills said, adding it would be helpful for the commission to know how residents feel about that.

Ann Arbor resident Julian Carpenter told commissioners he has started a small specialty manufacturing company in the city and has an industrial property for it, but he works with several people with home-based machine shops.

And they, across the board, are contributors to the community and the economy of this area, he said, adding theyre very respectful and their home-based operations are quiet.

Most people dont even know that they have any equipment in their home to make things, he said. And these are old physics professors from the university, extremely specialized machinists from the industry who have a different career now. But as a manufacturer in the area, I and our other partner companies use these home machine shops occasionally and regularly for one small job here, one small job there, and they are a larger part of this community and economy than you might think.

Ann Arbor resident Michael Flynn, owner of FunExhibits.com, said he makes amazing and fun toys and art exhibits for museums, using metalworking tools to make prototypes in his garage before his products are sold around the world.

In Ann Arbor, there really should be a haven for inventors, he said, cautioning against enacting any regulations that could shut down such home-based operations.

The existing city code states these occupations may qualify as allowable home-based businesses: accountant, architect, artist, author, consultant, tailor, individual musical instrument instruction, individual academic tutoring, millinery, preserving and home cooking. And it explicitly prohibits only vehicle repair or painting; office, medical or dental.

MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:

Ann Arbor leads effort to secure $7.4M for land and water conservation

Ann Arbor council member proposes community forum on Palestinian human rights

Millennials, seniors predicted to drive more housing demand in downtown Ann Arbor

Empty lot by Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor listed for sale for close to $600,000

Grades 4-12 returning to in-person learning May 3 at Ann Arbor Public Schools
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  More than a dozen students from schools across Grand Rapids spoke Friday about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental during the annual KidSpeak forum.

The Grand Rapids Mayors Youth Council hosted the 10 a.m. virtual event with Our Communitys Children that gave young people the opportunity to speak to a listening panel of elected officials and community leaders. Students also spoke about the toll remote learning and racial injustice has affected their health.

Mental health deterioration in Grand Rapids and nationwide has been a separate pandemic on its own. Its the cold harsh truth we are facing two pandemics at the same time, said Alex Miranda, the youth council president and an 11th grade student at Grand River Preparatory High School.

Fifteen community, city and state leaders heard from students in sixth through 12th grade during the two-hour event.

Related: Mental health struggles are surging in Michigan families during the pandemic. Here are their stories.

East Kentwood High School freshman Kennedy Williams talked about the stress of remote learning and being isolated from his friends during the pandemic.

I felt like I was trapped in a big box. I needed to talk to other people than my mom and my sister who are essential workers, so they were not there as I needed to fill that void, Williams said.

The listening panel included Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, state Rep. Rachel Hood, D-Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Board of Education President Jen Schottke and Matt Gillard, president of Michigans Children Matt Gillard.

Joshua Beckford, a sixth grader from Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, highlighted the challenges students faced adjusting to remote learning and made suggestions to school board leaders.

If they make a decision to send students back to school full time, for example, maybe hiring tutors for youth who need help, he said.

Officials say the shift to remote learning, requiring students learn from home and pausing extracurricular activities, affected the mental health of students across Michigan.

With students having been separated from school support systems for so long, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced in February a new Student Recovery Advisory Council in February. The 29 members will make recommendations on how to help students recover. Those recommendations will include addressing students academic, physical and mental well-being.

Related: The pandemics psychological toll on our children

The KidSpeak forum also heard from local youth on racial injustice issues  from the disparities in COVID-19 cases in minority communities to last years movement against police brutality and systemic racism following the death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, two Black people killed in separate police incidents last spring in May and March, respectively.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, was recently found guilty in the death of Floyd, after kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes. Taylor, a Grand Rapids native, was fatally shot in her Louisville, Kentucky home by police executing a search warrant for a suspect who did not live in her apartment.

Anna Kalumbula, a 10th grade student at CA Frost Environmental Science Academy, asked how the community can move forward in the wake of those incidents.

How are we helping prevent prejudice here in Grand Rapids, Kent County and in the state of Michigan when it comes to police targeting one ethnic group over others, she challenged the listening panel.

A couple of students also discussed how the pandemic had a positive effect on their mental health. City High senior Jordan Orr said a pause at the beginning of March 2020 provided a much-needed break from a tremendous workload.

Members of the listening panel applauded the students for having the courage to share their thoughts and experiences publicly. They also mentioned that past KidSpeak forums had result in changes be made by state legislators and school boards.

Young people have a real impact on the decisions that are made that affect them in their everyday lives in their communities, said Gillard.

The full KidSpeak 2021 virtual event can be seen on the City of Grand Rapids Facebook page.

More on MLive:

Cancer treatment innovator coming to Grand Rapids, expected to create 200 jobs in $30 million investment

School bond proposals in Reeths-Puffer, Fruitport and Ravenna to be decided by voters May 4

Western Michigan University sees 3-year high in rape reports in 2019
The hearing, which was previously continued earlier this week, took about an hour, much longer than usual bond hearings, because Goudys attorney, Cathryn Crawford of the Lawndale Christian Legal Center, brought up several objections, including the revealing of Goudys juvenile record. Crawford said she was not provided 75% of what Deboni was detailing and wanted to be in the same room with Goudy for the hearing, all of which Navarro denied.
It is such an honor to be recognized by my actual patients and Find Local Doctors. I truly enjoy providing pain relief for my patients and solving their knee joint problems. says, Dr. Buechel.

Dr. Frederick Buechels superb reviews from his patients have helped him earn this distinguished award from Find Local Doctors. Find Local Doctors is a user-friendly online directory, helping consumers connect with skilled physicians in their area who are well known for their expertise. Dr. Buechel is an experienced and meticulous knee arthroscopic surgeon and treats patients with various meniscus and knee injuries. Dr. Frederick Buechel's specialized Manhattan practice, the Robotic Joint Center, treats many conditions, including early to advanced knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, meniscus injuries and cartilage injuries. Dr. Buechel is an expert in Mako robotic partial knee and total knee replacement. He is one of the worlds most experienced users and an international surgeon instructor. Partial knee replacement is a subspecialty that Dr. Buechel has been a pioneer in with Mako Robotics for the past decade. Dr. Buechel performs outpatient Mako partial robotic knee surgery and outpatient or short-stay total knee replacement in New York City at Lenox Hill Hospital and Midtown Surgery Center in Manhattan.

It is such an honor to be recognized by my actual patients and Find Local Doctors. I truly enjoy providing pain relief for my patients and solving their knee joint problems. says Dr. Buechel

More about Frederick F. Buechel, Jr. MD:

Frederick F. Buechel, Jr. MD, is a board certified orthopedic surgeon. He graduated from Rutgers University Medical School and attended Drexel University in Philadelphia for his orthopedic surgery residency. Dr. Buechel then completed his fellowship training at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the founder of the Robotic Joint Center, located at Park Avenue and 71st Street in New York City and Taipei Postal Hospital in Taiwan. Dr. Buechel was in private practice where he started the Mako robotic program in Naples, FL, in 2009. Dr. Buechel's experience, skill and deep understanding of the robotic system's capabilities, makes him a sought-after surgeon by patients wanting the best outcome for their knees, the first time. Dr. Buechel recently spent 5 years living in Singapore and Taiwan as a surgeon and consultant, operating and teaching surgeons in Asia and Australia how to perform Mako robotic knee and hip replacement. Dr. Buechel has also helped surgically launch Mako robotic joint replacement programs in the USA, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Greece, Turkey and Italy.

Dr. Buechels NYC practice is located at 737 Park Avenue 1C in New York, NY. For more information or to schedule a consultation please call 212-308-3089 or visit http://www.roboticjointcenter.com.


Repatriation flights from India will resume as soon as possible after the federal governments mandated three-week pause, with Labor calling for purpose-built quarantine facilities to be built in every state and territory to help bring more Australians home.

There were meetings of both national cabinet and the countrys health ministers on Friday as the deep crisis in India continued, with confirmed infections topping 18 million and almost 205,000 deaths, with a record 380,000 cases and 3645 deaths on Thursday.

A mourner cries during the cremation of a person who died from COVID-19 in India. All flights from India to Australia have been halted for at least three weeks. Credit:AP

Australia is sending 1000 non-invasive ventilators and 100 oxygen concentrators and tanks to India on May 5, and is willing to send 2000 more ventilators if needed. While Australia has also offered to send personal protective equipment, Indias most urgent need was oxygen supplies.

UNICEF India representative Dr Yasmin Ali Haque, who is based in Delhi, said the number of cases and deaths was most likely under-reported as the countrys health system had been stressed and stretched by the second wave of the pandemic.
Authorities in Atlanta have launched a manhunt for man who escaped from police custody while shackled just hours after a murder suspect fled from officers nearby in almost identical circumstances.

Devonte Detuan Ross was being transported Friday morning by Clayton County sheriff from Fresno, California to a Jackson, Georgia state prison.

Two deputies transporting Ross stopped at a QuikTrip gas station to get a bite to eat near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

While at the gas station, Ross jumped out of the vehicle and fled while cuffed in the front with waist chains, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Ross' escape came after murder suspect Jsaan Carlos Strover, 20, was arrested when a local TV crew spotted him hiding in the bushes while covering the story.

Officials are searching for Devonte Detuan Ross. He is 5 ft, 135 lbs. with tattoos all over his face and neck including a cross under his eye. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants and black shoes with orange stripes

Two deputies transporting Ross stopped at a QuikTrip gas station to get a bite to eat near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport when he escaped

This map shows the close proximity in College Park, Georgia where the escapes of Ross and Strover occurred

Ross is believed to be in the area of North Clayton High School, just south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Ross had served time in prison for burglary and narcotics trafficking charges, and was being returned to prison for violating requirements of his sentence.

Officials say Ross is 5 ft, 135 lbs. with tattoos all over his face and neck including a cross under his eye.

He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants and black shoes with orange stripes.

'Ross should still be cuffed in the front with waist chains if he has not found a way to release them,' officials said.

The manhunt has placed multiple Clayton County schools in a soft lockdown for staff and students until further notice.

North Clayton High School, North Clayton Middle School, Northcutt Elementary School, Oliver Elementary School and, West Clayton Elementary School, according to officials.

Police have also placed a large presence at the The Park at Leeds Apartments. Ross is familiar with the area and could have friends nearby, added officials.

Officials ask people not to approach Ross. Instead, officials ask people to call 911 or Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477), text information to 274637 or by visiting StopCrimeATL.com.

Ross' escape came after murder suspect Jsaan Carlos Strover, 20, was arrested when a local TV crew spotted him hiding in the bushes while covering the story. Stover is seen being arrested

Reporter Matt Johnson said he and Joe Booker were in their live truck when Strover ran by and into some bushes

Jssan Carlos Strover, 20, was barefoot, handcuffed in the front of his body and shackled at the waist when he escaped

Strover was barefoot, handcuffed and shackled at the waist while being escorted by two Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia when he made his escape.

He was in the process of being extradited to Arizona from Georgia.

Officials say the two deputies removed Strover's leg restraints to walk him down stairs at a rental car facility and he then powered past them.

After a manhunt, a reporter and photojournalist with WSB-TV said they saw Strover while they were driving down a road near the airport at 11.15pm on Thursday.

Reporter Matt Johnson said he and Joe Booker were in their live truck when Strover ran by and into some bushes.

Johnson said police were nearby, so they flagged down an officer and then started filming as the suspect was arrested.

Strover was wanted for murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault in Arizona.

He is wanted in connection with a shooting that left one man dead and another injured at a bar in Phoenix on February 19.

He was arrested by US Marshals in the Atlanta area on April 12 on other charges, but was already wanted in Arizona.

Fulton County, Georgia, Sheriff Patrick Labat told reporters Strover had run away after deputies unshackled his legs so he could walk down stairs.

'They removed the leg restraints to escort him down the steps and at that point he pushed past them,' Labat said.

Dozens of officers from multiple agencies had searched for Strover with dogs and helicopters Thursday.
Ping An Leading Digital Revolution in Healthcare

Pandemic accelerating shift to online/offline service delivery

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (hereafter "Ping An" or the "Group", HKEX: 2318; SSE: 601318) is investing in a holistic strategy in digital healthcare to address the challenges of China's rapidly aging population, rising public healthcare costs and a shortage of medical professionals.

Digital healthcare spending last year was about 7% of total healthcare spending in China, but the COVID-19 pandemic has driven wider acceptance of online healthcare services among the government, regulators, health care professionals, consumers and companies, Ping An Group Co-CEO Jessica Tan said on McKinsey's Future of Asia podcast.

"We believe perhaps 20% to 25% [of healthcare services in China] could be online or even part of it can be online, but then the bulk is still going to be offline. You still need to solve the offline problem, and we believe that technology can be used to empower these professionals," Ms Tan said.

Ping An has used its financial and technology expertise to create a closed-loop healthcare ecosystem with 12 Group entities supporting the government, healthcare service providers, medical professionals, social and commercial health insurers, and consumers.

"Healthcare services is a critical and differentiating part of our insurance, so we've bundled our insurance and healthcare services together," Ms Tan said. "We're one of the largest online healthcare providers, and we believe that this digitization of healthcare services is coming, and we would like to be one of the leading players in this area."

China's healthcare market is expected to grow from RMB6 trillion in 2019 to RMB16 trillion in 2030, she said. There is rapid growth in demand from an aging and increasingly affluent population and a supportive policy and regulatory environment in line with the national Healthy China 2030 initiative. However, there are major challenges: with 3.8 million doctors, 4.4 million nurses for population of 1.4 billion, there is a shortfall of as many as 700,000 doctors and millions of nurses, compared to Western countries. Rising costs must also be controlled: Chinese consumers are spending as much as 10% of their disposable income on health expenses, compared with 7% for US consumers. At the same time, government social health insurance expenditures are growing faster than income, so commercial insurance, which only represents about 7% of the payments, can grow to relieve the burden of the out-of-pocket expenditure, Ms Tan said.

Ping An Good Doctor, the first pillar of Ping An's healthcare strategy, is already the leading online healthcare services portal in China, for 24/7 online consultations, health management, prescriptions, second medical opinions and drug delivery. As of December 31, 2020, Ping An Good Doctor had 373 million users, and partnered with more than 3,700 hospitals and 151,000 pharmacies.

The second pillar is to support medical professionals working offline, with tools such as AskBob Doctor, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven clinical decision support system and AI medical imaging and analysis. AskBob Doctor is already supporting 250,000 medical institutions and 750,000 doctors, for faster, more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment recommendations. These tools were developed by Ping An Smart Healthcare, affiliated to Group subsidiary Ping An Smart City. Ping An Smart Healthcare supports the development of China's health care system by improving institutional management by health and medical authorities, assisting doctors in diagnosis and treatment, supporting the public health system to manage epidemics and chronic diseases, and facilitating pharmaceutical research.

For the Ping An Group, the healthcare ecosystem plays a key role in growing the Group's core financial business. Each year for the past four years, between 15% and 20% of Ping An's new financial customers were sourced from the health care ecosystem. Those customers held an average of 3.2 financial contracts and RMB39,100 in AUM per capita, compared to an average 2.1 financial contracts and RMB17,300 in AUM per capita for those who did not use the healthcare ecosystem.

About Ping An Group

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. ("Ping An") is a world-leading technology-powered retail financial services group. With over 220 million retail customers and 611 million internet users, Ping An is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. Ping An focuses on two over-arching domains of activity, "pan financial assets" and "pan health care", covering the provision of financial and health care services through our integrated financial services platform and our ecosystems; in financial services, health care, auto services and smart city services. Our "finance + technology" and "finance + ecosystem" transformation strategies aim to provide customers and internet users with innovative and simple products and services using technology. As China's first joint stock insurance company, Ping An is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate reporting and corporate governance. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. In 2020, Ping An ranked 7th in the Forbes Global 2000 list and ranked 21st in the Fortune Global 500 list. Ping An also ranked 38th in the 2020 WPP Kantar Millward Brown BrandZTM Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands list.

For more information, please visit www.group.pingan.com and follow us on LinkedIn - PING AN.
Flight is a stressful situation for the body. Takeoff, landing, turbulence zones strongly affect your vestibular system. But beyond the expected possible nausea, dizziness, and pressure changes, even more serious health problems can occur. What to do if you feel sick on a plane or come sick for boarding? Let's figure it out.

Risk Zone

Flight can negatively affect various organs and systems of a person. There are certain groups of passengers who are at risk health zone during the flight.

Blood and pressure. Due to the low pressure at altitude, the blood is more slowly oxygenated. This can affect people with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and blood clotting diseases.

Breath. Excessively humid or dry air in an aircraft, as well as low pressure, can harm your respiratory system. Passengers with sinusitis, inflammation of the respiratory tract, pneumonia, or asthma should be attentive to their state of health and, if necessary, use vasoconstrictor drops.

Edema. If the flight is long, there is a risk of acquiring edema due to the sedentary state.

Mental condition. Fears and phobias intensify during the flight. This can cause subsequent diseases and disorders of the body. Therefore, people with mental illness are better off minimizing flights or not flying long distances.

Who Is Contraindicated in Flying?

Depending on the airline, some seriously ill people are prohibited from flying. In some cases, the passenger may even be led away if airport staff notices his or her critical condition.

According to general medical guidelines, flying is contraindicated to:

people who have recently undergone major surgery

individuals who have recently experienced a stroke, heart attack, hypertensive crisis

women pregnant at 28 weeks or more

newborns without a doctor's presence

According to the Montreal Convention, the airline is responsible for the health of the passenger during air travel. Thus, you can address the airline for insurance coverage in the case of an accident on board.

Ticket Is Your Insurance

The air ticket is automatic insurance for the passenger on board. If you received equality during the flight, all moral and material responsibility lies with the airline. In some cases, depending on insurance, the air carrier is also responsible for the health of the passenger on board. It is important to document the incident in writing on board. This way, you have a better chance of getting your insurance payments in a short time.

However, the main document for ensuring the safety of the passenger, as well as providing quality medical care if necessary, is a boarding ticket.

Who Will Help You?

If a passenger becomes ill onboard the aircraft, the flight attendant is obliged to report this incident over the speakerphone. The flight attendant asks if there are paramedics on board. Usually, doctors, nurses, or paramedics meet on the plane. This happens in more than every second airplane.

If there is no such person on board, flight attendants provide first aid themselves.

The entire crew of the aircraft is trained to provide medical assistance. Flight attendants will help with colds, injury, or poisoning. They are also able to detect shock, stop bleeding, and perform rescue breathing or chest compressions. Flight attendants are even trained to deliver in-flight, although women who are more than 28 weeks pregnant are usually not allowed on board.

If the situation is urgent, the pilot will make an emergency landing at the nearest airport, where doctors will provide the passenger with qualified assistance.

Can You Fly with a Cold?

There are no official bans on flights with cold symptoms such as cough or runny nose. However, you should take care of your body before the flight so as not to get unwanted complications.

If you have a cold, it is best to cancel or reschedule your trip. Doctors strongly advise against flying in this condition. With a cold, a person's immunity decreases, and the mucous membrane swells strongly.

During air travel, pressure drops occur, which can lead to barotitis, nasal and ear congestion, and dizziness.

If the flight cannot be rescheduled, take care of your health in advance. Contact the doctor before the flight, buy the necessary medications at the pharmacy for the trip. Doctors recommend using vasoconstrictor drops and sanitizing wipes to reduce mucosal edema.

If your health condition has deteriorated sharply before the flight, it is better to take tickets for other dates. Many services offer great flights discounts. Thus, you will be healthy and will not lose any extra money on tickets.

Take are in Advance

If you know that your health condition may deteriorate during the flight, consult your doctor in advance to not get sick. Ask your doctor for written advice on what to do in an emergency. Translate these guidelines to English and several other popular languages.

Get all the medications you need. Before you start your flight, tell the flight attendant about the medication and instructions from the doctor. Such actions will help you keep your health and even life.
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2021 ) :Kyrgyzstan said Friday that its death toll in armed clashes with Central Asian rival Tajikistan had reached 13, after the pair agreed a ceasefire following the worst fighting at their disputed border in years.

Kyrgyzstan's health ministry said in a statement that it had suffered 134 casualties "including 13 fatalities", with two of the injured in a serious condition.

Among Kyrgyzstan's casualties was a girl "born in 2008", it added.

Military units from the two countries began exchanging fire on Thursday, but later that day a ceasefire was announced by Kyrgyzstan's foreign ministry from 8:00 pm (1400 GMT), with armed forces returning to their bases.

Tajikistan acknowledged the ceasefire in a statement published by its state information service early on Friday, saying the two sides "came to a mutual agreement to end the armed conflict, to withdraw personnel and military equipment to places of permanent deployment".

The clashes that erupted along the border between the two poor, mountainous countries were the heaviest in years, and had raised fears they might escalate into a wider conflict.

A representative of the police in Kyrgyzstan's Batken region, which borders Tajikistan, told AFP by telephone that shooting had continued during the night "but not intensively".

The police representative did not confirm whether the shooting was between civilians or soldiers. He said that residents of Maksat village had been evacuated during the night.

Tajikistan, a closed authoritarian state, made fewer statements as the clashes unfolded, noting only earlier on Thursday that two citizens had been admitted to hospital, with one in a serious condition.

Border disagreements between three countries that share the fertile Fergana Valley -- Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan -- stem from demarcations made during the Soviet era.

The knotting, twisting frontiers left several communities with restricted access to their home countries.
(Newser)  A local TV news crew in Atlanta became part of the story Thursday night as they reported on an escaped murder suspect. WSB-TV reports that its reporter Matt Johnson and photojournalist Joe Booker were preparing their story on fugitive Jsaan Carlos Strover when the man ran past their truck and into some bushes. They called police and the 20-year-old, who was wanted in Arizona on charges including first-degree murder, was soon located and arrested, with the news crew filming. More than 100 police officers with helicopters and dogs had been searching the area for Strover after his escape at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Thursday morning.

story continues below

Strover, who was arrested on other charges in Atlanta on April 12, escaped from two Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies Thursday morning after they dropped off a rental car at the airport, CNN reports. Police said Strover, who was handcuffed, ran into some woods after the deputies removed his leg restraints so he could walk down stairs. After the escape, relatives of Walter Woods, the 32-year-old Phoenix man Strover is accused of shooting in February, told Fox 10 that they had been waiting weeks for the extradition and they were "mad and disappointed" that he had managed to escape. (Read more fugitive stories.)
The United States Trustee settled with three large law firms that failed to disclose the nature of their relationship with the Sackler Family Purdue when they were engaged by Purdue in its bankruptcy. The result is that these firms will return $1 million in fees. This action has produced headlines like "Bankruptcy Watchdog Bares Teeth at BigLaw in Purdue Ch. 11," but I have a completely different take on the story. I see this settlement as an indictment of the US Trustee Program as a complete failure in chapter 11.

When was the last time you saw the UST file a motion to dismiss a case because of improper venue? No such filing with NRA, with BSA, or even with Purdue, where the case should not have been assigned to Judge Drain under the SDNY Local Rules. And when was the last time the UST filed a motion for a trustee or an examiner even in cases that cry out for one, such as NRA and Purdue? What set of facts would be required before the UST filed such a motion?

The problem here is that the UST has developed a Javert-like obsession with professionals' fees (and consumer debtors' concealing assets), while failing to weigh in on the big issues affect the fundamental integrity of the bankruptcy process. If an attorney double bills for an hour, yes, it's stealing from the estate, but it's not a threat to the system's integrity, and the compliance costs for firms when preparing their billing statement could well exceed the costs of overbilling. But there is a real threat to the system's integrity when debtors can handpick their judge or move for DIP financing that gives away the farm or get away with having a supposedly "independent" board committee manage investigations or get endless 105(a) injunctions against creditor suits against nondebtors or file a "plan" that is facially deficient ("analysis to come") and use it to claim continued exclusivity, or do a 24-hour in-and-out bankruptcy. That sort of behavior has become regularized to the point that attorneys and judges take it for granted. And because so many of the big cases appear before just a handful of carefully shopped judges, no chapter 11 professional in his right mind would dare raise the problem because he knows that he's likely to be back in front of that same judge in another case in the next year and doesn't want to piss off the judge. So who does that leave to defend the integrity of the system? The United States Trustee. And the US Trustee is off hunting rabbits when there's a wolf on the loose.

Now to be sure, there is the occasional surprise, when the UST does spring into action. For example, I was heartened to see the UST object to Belk's 24-hour in-and-out bankruptcy. But then the UST settled for a "due process preservation order" that didn't actually preserve due process, but shifted the burden of proof onto creditor to show that they've been prejudiced, when the Bankruptcy Rules give the creditor an entitlement of certain minimum process. Was Belk really going to have to liquidate if it had to stay in Chapter 11 for a month or two? A short stay in the chapter doesn't melt the ice cube, as GM and Chrysler showed.

The US Trustee Program has adopted an exceedingly narrow vision of what it means to protect the integrity of the bankruptcy process, and it's a vision that is unduly deferential to creditors and bankruptcy professionals. The UST's attitude tends to be that if creditors don't raise an issue themselves, then there really isn't a problem. In other words, the UST has drunk the "market knows best" Kool-Aid in big chapter 11s. The problem with that approach is that there's a host of reasons why the large chapter 11 market doesn't work perfectly, starting with conflicts that arise from having a small repeat-player bar appearing before just a handful of the nation's 375 bankruptcy judges.

It's really time for the UST program to be revitalized.
Fears were raised today that Boris Johnson is at risk of hacking by Russia or China after the revelation that his mobile number has been freely available online for 15 years.

Former UK national security adviser Lord Ricketts is among those warning of the threat from 'hostile states' after the PM's personal number was highlighted by a popular gossip site.

Downing Street refused to say whether Mr Johnson will now be changing the number. There were claims earlier this month that Cabinet Secretary Simon Case had advised him to switch following concerns over the ease with which lobbyists and others from the business world were able to contact him.

Former UK national security adviser Lord Ricketts said Mr Johnson needs to be more 'digitally secure' - saying there was an 'increased risk' of potential action by hostile states or criminal gangs if a phone number is widely available.

The number, which the PM hasn't changed in the 15 years since, is available on the internet

'I know that modern systems like WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted  nonetheless, I think one would be worried if a hostile state who had sophisticated capabilities, had the mobile phone number itself,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'That must increase the risk that they're able to eavesdrop on some at least of the communications that are going on, and possibly other non-state actors as well, like sophisticated criminal gangs.

'So, there is no way of knowing whether that's true, but there must at least be an increased risk if the number is widely available.'

Home Office minister Victoria Atkins tried to play down the issue, criticising the media for highlighting the number's availability.

'The Prime Minister, more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security,' she told Times Radio Breakfast.

'I'm slightly surprised that a national broadcaster felt it appropriate to advertise the fact that that mobile phone is on the internet, if indeed it is.'

Popular gossip newsletter Popbitch gave its readers clues on how to find the Prime Minister's number, pointing them to a press release from his time as MP for Henley in 2006.

The number, which the PM hasn't changed in the 15 years since, is written on the bottom of the press release.

Mr 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.

Attempts to call the number have been met with an automated message saying the phone was 'switched off' and an invitation to 'please try later or send a text'.

Popular gossip newsletter Popb**** gave its readers clues on how to find the Prime Minister's number

On website Phonefinder, under an entry for the PM's supposed number, dozens of users poked fun at the revelation.

One, using the username Dominic Cummings joked they received a call from the PM's phone and were told his famous hair 'is fake'.

Another referenced the scandal over the Prime Minister's flat renovations, joking the called 'sl**** off my John Lewis furniture'.

Cabinet Secretary Simon Case is said to have raised the issue of the PM's number with him

Others took aim at Brexit while one user posed as Keir Starmer to slam Mr Johnson for not answering questions.

It is the latest headache for the PM, who came under fire for the 'Wallpapergate' row, as well as 'sleaze' claims over text messages he sent to billionaire Sir James Dyson and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Last week, Boris Johnson mounted a furious defence as he came under fire over the leaked private texts in which he promised Sir James he would 'fix' a tax rule so the tycoon's staff could help make ventilators for the NHS.

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 was 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.

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

This included texting Mr Sunak in an unsuccessful effort to secure coronavirus loans.

Hitting back at the BBC's report, Sir James wrote in the Daily Telegraph: 'There were myriad questions, from the technical to medical and compliance.

'It was in this context that we wrote formally to the Chancellor on March 15 for clarification on how UK tax rules would apply during this period of unprecedented upheaval. Far from concealing the text exchanges, we shared them explicitly with officials at the Treasury and No10 via email on March 28.'

A BBC spokesman said: 'The BBC has led the way on reporting a significant story which is clearly in the public interest. Sir James Dyson has informed us he is not a prominent Conservative supporter.'

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer today trolled Boris Johnson by sampling wallpaper at John Lewis as he gently fanned the flames of the Downing Street flat row.

The Labour leader was seen picking out wallpaper at the department store's Manchester site, in a subtle dig at his Conservative adversary.

It comes as an incensed Mr Johnson furiously defended himself at yesterday's Prime Minister's Questions over the 'Wallpapergate' row - in which he is accused of using 58,000 of Tory funds for a lavish refurbishment of his Downing Street flat.

Yesterday a clearly rattled Mr Johnson used Downing Street to insist he paid for the renovations himself and had abided by the ministerial code.

His animated Commons performance sparked an explosion of memes on Twitter, as people poked fun at the politician's visible fury.

And today, Sir Keir, slightly late to the party, decided to have a go at a humorous take on the row.

It has been claimed that Mr Johnson and partner Carrie Symonds labelled the Downing Street flat - which he inherited from Prime Ministerial predecessor Theresa May- a 'John Lewis nightmare'.

And Sir Keir made a subtle dig at the claims by browsing wallpaper at John Lewis at at the Intu Trafford Centre in Manchester.
The countrys leading manufacturer of earthmoving and construction equipment, JCB India, announced on Friday that it was suspending operations for 10 days across all its manufacturing facilities in in the counrty. The company cited the rising number of cases as the reason for this pause.

Due to an increase in the infection rate around us, the health and safety of our colleagues and their families has become even more important. We have decided to pause manufacturing operations for 10 days, starting May 1, 2021. This is a precautionary measure and applies to all our manufacturing locations at Ballabgarh, Pune and Jaipur, said Deepak Shetty, chief executive officer and managing director,

The company said it had sufficient inventory levels to support the demand for products during this pause period.

We do not foresee any challenges in the availability of JCB products for our customers in India or for our export markets. All our customer and dealer facing functions will operate normally, while adhering to local guidelines. There will be no disruption in product support for equipment being used by our customers due to this pause, the company said in a statement.

JCB has a dealership network with over 700 outlets across India.

It is important to break the chain of the infection. Most of our employees in our offices are already working from home and this temporary pause of Manufacturing activities will further help in lowering the active number of cases in and around our manufacturing facilities, Shetty said.

manufactures over 60 products in nine product categories, which are sold in India and also exported to over 110 countries. The company has the largest design centre outside of the UK in Pune where it develops new technologies for the future.
The outgoing Lord Speaker has piled the pressure on Boris Johnson to launch a formal public inquiry into the Government's handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Lord Fowler, who is stepping down today after five years in the role, said a probe should be held 'as soon as possible' and before 'memories fade'.

Lord Fowler, who served as Tory health secretary between 1981 and 1987 in Margaret Thatcher's government, said the inquiry should be 'automatic' and should focus on whether there was a 'delay' to announcing the first lockdown last March.

The peer is the latest high profile figure to call on the Prime Minister to launch the inquiry after Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said the same earlier this month.

Mr Johnson has committed to holding a probe into the crisis but he is yet to set out a timetable for it to begin.

Lord Fowler, who is stepping down today after five years as Lord Speaker, said a probe in the Covid crisis should be held 'as soon as possible' and before 'memories fade'

Boris Johnson has committed to holding an independent inquiry into the Government's handling of the pandemic but he is yet to set out a timetable

Asked for his view on the Government's handling of the pandemic, Lord Fowler told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'Well, obviously the vaccine thing has gone extremely well.

'I think that what concerns me is that I would support those who are saying that there should be an inquiry into the early stages of whether there was a delay in the lockdown.

'Because if there was we would want to know why and if it was in the face of medical advice then that is quite a hurdle because I think that politicians need to be guided by the best medical advice in positions of this kind.

'So I would back an inquiry into this area. Incidentally, inquiries of this kind should be automatic.

'But what I also think is that the inquiry should take place as soon as possible.

'What we don't need is an inquiry in several years' time when memories are fading and the rest. So let's have an inquiry but let's do it now.'

His comments echo those of Mr Welby who said the time for an independent probe 'must be coming close'.

He said a formal investigation should focus on 'lessons to be learned' and it must be 'very independent' and 'very wide-ranging'.

The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign group 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 pandemic 'as soon as it is right to do so'.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said earlier this month that the time for an independent probe 'must be coming close'

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.'
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 20:48:47|Editor: huaxia

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GABORONE, April 30 (Xinhua) -- In 2019, 31-year-old Koketso Majuta quit his job at Gaborone Private Hospital, one of Botswana's largest hospitals, and opened his own medical clinic in the small town of Palapye.

Little did he know then that his presence and services would benefit the growing town greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic that followed.

"We decided early on that we needed to play our part in the fight against the pandemic," said Majuta, founder of Toro Clinic Medical Centre.

To serve the town effectively during Botswana's lockdowns, curfews and other assortments of COVID-19 restrictions, Majuta introduced a home delivery of medication, a service that largely benefited his elderly clients during the lockdowns as they were able to receive their medication from the comfort of their homes.

His latest service on offer is the COVID-19 rapid testing.

"Testing has always been the cornerstone of the public health response. We also wanted to position ourselves as a clinic that is responsive to the current needs of our clients," he said.

The reception of the clinic in Palapye has been good as it has changed the way the residents access healthcare, he said.

"They are now assured that they can get quality healthcare similar to that which they would get in the big city," he said.

Responding to the challenges of the pandemic the way he did not expect after opening his clinic, Majuta said it has benefited his business greatly.

"We have never closed our clinic for a single day during the State of Emergency, even during lockdowns. This has cemented our position as a reliable clinic that is responsive to our patients' needs," he said.

The clinic that offers general practitioner consultations until midnight and linked to a pharmacy has also become popular within the Greater Palapye, Tswapong region, and other parts of the country.

"We offer occupational medical health services and consultancy to the mining, energy, transport and logistics companies in the region," he said.

Majuta's drive emanates from the fact that he has always dreamt of seeing every Botswana citizen in every village having access to a private quality healthcare of their choice, and of having every local within an hour from a hospital for definitive care.

Though Botswana has good healthcare coverage with the majority of the population having access to basic healthcare services, its Universal Health Care is plagued with challenges such as poorly deployed and underutilised human resource, limited physical access to services, and poor quality of services due to inadequate resources.

This has since increased challenges associated with quality care and incapacitated the delivery of services provided by the hospitals.

Some of these issues hampering Botswana's national health system became rather pronounced when the country had to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Majuta, who was inspired to venture into the medical profession by the realisation that almost all doctors were foreign during his visits to Nyangabwe Referral Hospital where his grandmother worked when he was kid, is striving to contribute to the transformation of the healthcare system, ensuring the efficacy of Botswana's universal health care.

Had it not been for his young age, Majuta could have achieved more to date.

"I initially left my government job in 2017 with the aim of starting an aeromedical evacuation company at the age of 26. I had convinced Fly Mission Services to partner with me, but then we needed an approval license from Ministry of Health, which they refused to give me as they said I was too young," said Majuta.

After being turned down, Majuta went to work for the Okavango Air Rescue, hoping he could be allowed to set up a company independently some day.

However, he eventually left for Gaborone Private Hospital, where he worked briefly until August 2019 when he finally opened his own clinic in Palapye. Enditem
Local lawmakers have mixed opinions on the new president's plans.

In his first address to Congress Wednesday night, President Joe Biden declared America is rising anew, and called for an expansion of federal programs to alleviate damage done by the COVID-19 pandemic, and extend social benefits for years to come.

Republican's have already taken issue with the new administration's view of the future.

"When Joe Biden was vice president, he oversaw the slowest economic recovery in modern American history," said Congressman John, R-Midland, in a statement.

Moolenaar felt Biden's most recent proposals, including a number of tax hikes targeting corporations, would be "more of the same," potentially hurting Michigans economy and slowing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are already seeing employers in mid and northern Michigan have problems hiring workers because the $2 trillion spending bill President Biden signed in March pays people an extra $300 a week to stay home instead of going to work," Moolenaar said. "I would also like to invest in our nations infrastructure, but President Biden has proposed cutting the Army Corps of Engineers annual budget by a billion dollars. We need the Army Corps to be fully funded so it can manage Great Lakes water levels, stop Asian carp and invasive species, and build a new lock at the Soo Locks."

Moolenaar said he will be working to stop Biden's cuts to the Army Corps, so the organization will have the resources to invest in infrastructure and support Michigan's lakes.

On the other side of the political fence, reception to Biden's address was more positive.

President Biden inherited a nation in crisis, including a raging pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression," said Congressman Dan Kildee, D-Flint, in a statement. "But with just 100 days in office, President Biden has already delivered results for the American people to defeat COVID-19 and get our economy back on track."

Kildee said Biden is driven by results, not partisanship or showmanship. Kildee praised Biden and Democrats in Congress for passing the American Rescue Plan  a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill  in March.

"This relief means more money in workers pockets, faster vaccine distribution, getting our kids back in the classroom safely and providing support for small businesses," Kildee stated. "Under the presidents leadership, America is now leading the world in vaccine distribution, with more than 200 million shots in arms.

Kildee also praised the Biden administration's "American Jobs Plan," through which the country can rebuild roads, bridges and water systems to make the nation's economy more competitive.
The Midlands Evaluation Center where some youths are sent after criminal convictions. It also works provides other youths with social, educational and psychological evaluations at the order of a judge. File/Lauren Petracca/Staff
Just last week Hamilton Fish Parks outdoor pool opened its summer season, but when September rolls around and the pools close, there could be something new taking flight at Ham Fish.

The Trapeze School New York hopes for an expansion on the LES. The companys winter contract at the Pitt Street recreation center will be up for discussion at Community Board 3s parks committees meeting a week from Thursday. According to news reports following the citys decision to seek bids last year, the trapeze school would operate over the empty swimming pool beginning as early as this September and extending through the spring.

In February, via its Facebook page, the trapeze school announced it had been awarded the contract but added, there were a whole lot of construction issues to overcome. The school is accustomed to dealing with complications; securing permits in New York City is neigh impossible due to space and height requirements.

Trapeze School New York was founded in 2001 and already operates two locations in the city  at Pier 40 and the South Street Seaport. They also have schools in Boston, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Chicago.

CB3s parks committee meets Thursday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. at 59 East 4th Street.
John Kerry disclosed millions in income and a massive stock portfolio that he's liquidated since taking office as President Bidens special climate envoy, according to a financial filing obtained by Axios on Friday.

Why it matters: Kerry is among the wealthiest members of the Biden administration. He maintains significant influence over U.S. energy and environmental policy as Biden's climate envoy, a role that comes after he advised a number of firms in the space following his time as secretary of State.

The State Department, where Kerry officially works again, says he has divested assets that could pose a conflict of interest, and signed an ethics pledge barring him from participating in specific policymaking decisions that could affect his former clients and employers.

The big picture: Kerry received millions of dollars in salary, consulting fees and honoraria, according to the filing, which covers 2020 and most of January 2021.

He drew a $5 million salary from Bank of America. He was tapped as chairman of the bank's global advisory council months after his tenure as Barack Obama's second secretary of State.

He landed $382,400 in speaking fees from entities including Deutsche Bank, Waste Management and Cornell University.

Kerry also reported compensation "in excess of $5,000" for more than a dozen other speeches in 2019, including ones to Barclays, Zurich Insurance and the foundation run by Ukrainian oligarch Victor Pinchuk.

Kerry also reported receiving $125,000 in consulting fees from The Rise Fund, an investment firm with a significant renewable energy portfolio, just one of the entities in the energy and environment space to which he reported business ties.

Kerry was the advisory board chairman for Climate Finance Partners, which "creates innovative and globally needed finance solutions that address climate change."

He was also the president of the Vietnam Sustainable Energy Corporation.

In addition, Kerry reported receiving more than $5,000 in compensation as an advisor to the New York-based investment firm Ripplewood, which specializes in leveraged buyouts. The firm is run by his friend Tim Collins.

Kerry's huge stock portfolio was largely held through a trust affiliated with his wife Teresa Heinz Kerry, heiress to the Heinz food processing fortune.

He reported liquidating between $4.2 million and $15 million in stock holdings last month.

Federal ethics rules could permit Kerry to defer capital gains taxes on those sales by reinvesting the money in "permitted" assets such as treasury bonds or exchange-traded funds. It was not immediately clear whether Kerry had done so or planned to.

What they're saying: "The State Department's Ethics Office reviewed Special Presidential Envoy Kerry's assets and investments upon his appointment to identify holdings that could pose a significant risk of a conflict of interest," a State Department spokesperson told Axios.
(Newser)  In Georgia to build support for the plans he announced the night before to Congress, President Biden stopped to visit a predecessor on Thursday. Biden and his wife, Jill, visited former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, at their home in Plains, the New York Times reports. Carter, 96, who has lived longer than any other president, did not make it to Washington in January for Biden's inauguration. "This is a longstanding friendship," a White House spokeswoman said. "They said that they were going to try to see each other after inauguration." The Democrats, who chatted for about 45 minutes, have been allies since 1976, when Biden became the first senator to endorse Carter for president. Biden explained his thinking in a recent documentary. "Jimmy's not just a bright smile," Biden said. "He can win, and he can appeal to more segments of the population than any other person." Most of Plains turned out to welcome Biden's motorcade.

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Biden's other appearances included a drive-in rally in Duluth to celebrate his 100th day as president. He noted Georgia's support in voting for him and flipping Senate control to Democrats. "We owe a special thanks to the people of Georgia," Biden said, per the Journal-Constitution, adding, "If you ever wonder if elections make a difference, just remember what you did here in Georgia." Protesters interrupted him briefly, calling for Biden to shut down the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and private prisons. The president joked about turning over the microphone, then said, "Give me another five days!" per the Washington Post. Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and other administration officials will travel to promote the agenda he laid out Wednesday night through next week. (Walter Mondale, Carter's vice president who left his mark on the office, died last week.)
KOMU 8 Reporter/Digital Producer

My name is Drew Cusumano and I'm a senior Mizzou student studying Journalism with an interest area in Sports TV & Radio Broadcasting. If you need to contact me you can e-mail me at dvc62f@mail.missouri.edu
Bengaluru, April 30 : Retail giant Walmart on Friday announced that it will donate up to 20 oxygen-generating plants and 20 cryogenic containers for oxygen storage and transportation to India, as well as more than 3,000 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders for delivering oxygen therapy to patients at home or in hospital.

These are being sourced globally and will be donated to hospitals and NGOs in India for distribution as the country gasps for oxygen amid the lethal second Covid wave.

Walmart, the Walmart Foundation, Flipkart and PhonePe, along with Walmart's Global Technology and Sourcing hubs, are collaborating to counter oxygen shortages.

"Walmart is a global family. We feel the impact of this devastating surge on our associates, families and friends across India, and it's important that we come together to support however we can," said Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart.

"We are working hard to combine Walmart's global capabilities and Flipkart's distribution network to ensure vital oxygen and supplies are made available to those who need them most. Our hearts are with everyone in India," he said in a statement.

Walmart, Flipkart and PhonePe continue to step up efforts to encourage COVID-19 vaccination, including setting up on-site vaccination clinics, at no cost, for associates and their households, as well as Flipkart and PhonePe's full-time contractors and delivery workers - more than 200,000 people.

"We and our colleagues at PhonePe are committed to doing our bit to help people in this challenging time, leveraging our logistics capabilities and mobilizing resources towards the most critical needs of patients and healthcare professionals," said Kalyan Krishnamurthy, CEO of Flipkart.

Extending these efforts, the Walmart Foundation is donating Rs 148.2 million to support various NGOs in India.

A total of about Rs 74.1 million will be allocated through the Walmart Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, a donor advised fund, to recommend support for Doctors for You to operate isolation centres and temporary hospitals, as well as provide personal protective equipment for frontline medical workers.

The other Rs 74.1 million will be allocated to GIVE Foundation Inc to support GiveIndia's COVID response fund, which will support physical infrastructure and equipment for the medical sector in India, prioritizing the most impacted and vulnerable communities, Walmart said.

Flipkart is also partnering with GiveIndia to raise funds to provide critical medical supplies such as oxygen, PPE kits, hand sanitizers and other essentials at COVID-19 centres, charitable hospitals and for healthcare workers in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have also committed to fund an additional 2,500 oxygen concentrators as part of the US-India Business Council and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum's joint relief effort.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
A review has been ordered into a COVID-19 breach at Brisbane Airports international terminal but the states Chief Health Officer says the risk of new restrictions is minimal.

One of the two travellers who entered a common area of the airport returned a positive coronavirus test result on Friday morning, igniting fears of more widespread transmission.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty

The man and his travel companion who were transiting through Brisbane from Papua New Guinea on a red flight, spent about two hours among about 400 passengers of three New Zealand-bound flights.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said staff who served the pair at Hudsons Coffee cafe at Brisbane Airport had been placed into quarantine, but other customers had been told to monitor their symptoms.
Essence, a global data and measurement-driven media agency which is part of GroupM, today announced the launch of Essence Impact, a pro bono initiative that helps non-profit organisations raise greater awareness, attract more donations and recruit new volunteers via their websites to support their causes and effect accelerated change.

Essence Impact was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid non-profit organisations in their digital transformation, as many historically depended on tentpole physical fundraising events for their operational needs. As part of the initiative, Essence helps eligible charities apply for Google Ad Grants which provides up to US$10,000 per month of in-kind search advertising. Leveraging Essences best-in-class digital, data, analytics and technology capabilities, the agency also assists the organisations in setting up, managing and optimising their advertising campaigns to drive traffic to their websites. The Essence team comprises diverse employees who volunteer and contribute to the initiative in roles including business development, client services, marketing, media activation and project management.

Originating in APAC, Essence has since piloted Essence Impact for ACRES which supports animal protection, Bethesda Care Services which serves children, youths, families and the elderly in need in the community, and Club Rainbow which supports and empowers children with chronic illnesses and their families. Following a discovery meeting with these organisations, Essence created Google Ads campaigns targeting local and regional audiences, and set up keywords, ads and bidding based on the agencys best practices for clients. Essence further partnered with the charities to optimise the campaigns and expand reach to attract more visitors to their websites, and continue to collaborate with them to improve visitors onsite experience through website audits and conversion rate optimisation.

ACRES

With campaigns commencing in December 2020, ACRES saw a 140% year-on-year increase in its website traffic in February 2021. As the top traffic-driving media channel, search advertising accounted for 45% of all traffic in February 2021 and over 8,000 new online visitors in less than three months.

Suriya Ashokan, Communications Executive at ACRES Singapore, said, Working with Essence has been a great opportunity for ACRES. Through periodic meetings, updates and professional guidance, we have learnt a lot more about the benefits of having an online presence. As part of our advocacy efforts, making our advisories visible when the public seeks help online during human-wildlife conflict situations in Singapore is key. As Singapore evolves into a City in Nature, there is a pressing need for more individuals to be aware of wildlife etiquette.

Bethesda Care Services

Campaigns went live in November 2020 and Bethesda Care Services website traffic grew by 288% year-on-year in January 2021, with search advertising contributing to 56% of all traffic that month. The efforts resulted in over 3,000 new online visitors in less than three months.

Kai Lin Sng, Digital Marketing Specialist at Bethesda Care Services, said, Working with Essence has been a great learning experience for the Bethesda Care Services Communications team as we have gained much technical insight. Meetings are effective and reviews are detailed yet concise. The Essence team is patient to listen and understand our organisations objectives, and includes our inputs in the execution of our campaigns. We are extremely grateful to the Essence team for helping us to be more effective in our ultimate goal to care for our community.

Club Rainbow

Following the start of campaigns in November 2020, Club Rainbow experienced a jump in website traffic by 133% year-on-year in January 2021. Search advertising garnered 45% of all traffic in January 2021 and more than 4,000 new online visitors in less than three months.

Dr. Sashikumar Ganapathy, President at Club Rainbow (Singapore), said, Working with Essence enables us to amplify our online presence. Club Rainbow is looking forward to a closer partnership with Essence, further strengthening our online marketing strategy, and driving greater awareness and support for our children and their families.

Matt Holland, Associate Vice President, Client Services, APAC at Essence, who leads Essence Impact in the region, said, It has been challenging times for charities amid COVID-19 and its resulting lockdown restrictions, as the organisations have not been able to carry out their usual fundraising events. Essence Impact is supporting charities to help drive increased awareness, donors and volunteers online, as the organisations pivot their activities to be more digitally-led.

Monica Bhatia, Senior Vice President, Client Partner, APAC and Managing Director, Singapore at Essence, said, Google Ad Grants helps non-profits share their causes with the world via Google search ads. In line with Essences mission to make brands more valuable to the world, we also believe in using our abilities for social good and that we have a responsibility to make the world a better place. With Google Ad Grants and Essence Impact, we are delighted to help non-profits transform and accelerate their efforts in the pandemic and beyond, while providing our teams with opportunities to learn new skills and give back to society.

With Google Ad Grants available in 68 countries around the world, Essence aims to roll out Essence Impact across APAC and globally via its network of offices. Interested non-profit organisations can contact the agency for support at charities-apac@essenceglobal.com.
FILE PHOTO: The exchange rates and logos of Bitcoin (BTH), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC) and Monero (XMR) are seen on the display of a cryptocurrency ATM of blockchain payment service provider Bity at the House of Satochi bitcoin and blockchain shop in Zuri

(Reuters) - Venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz is looking to raise a fund of as much as $1 billion to invest in cryptocurrencies and crypto start-ups, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

The new fund is aiming to raise between $800 million and $1 billion from investors, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Andreessen Horowitz did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The news of the development comes as cryptocurrencies surge in value this year, with a clutch of top-tier firms including Tesla Inc diving into the space.

(Reporting by Akanksha Rana; Editing by Aditya Soni)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 23:27:17|Editor: huaxia

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PARIS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- France will gradually start easing its COVID-19 restrictions starting next week, even though concerns over a virus resurgence remain.

People can venture outside without signing a document, and a ban on intra-regional travel will be lifted on May 3, while the 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew will remain, according to a timetable President Emmanuel Macron posted on Twitter on Thursday evening.

From May 19, the night curfew will be pushed back by two hours to 9 p.m., then to 11 p.m. from June 9, before being removed later in June.

By mid-June, non-essential shops will reopen. Restaurants and cafes will be able to receive customers on terraces with a maximum of six people per table. Museums, theaters, cinemas and sport facilities will also reopen, with a limit of 800 people indoors and 1,000 outdoors.

Gyms will reopen and foreign tourists will be allowed to enter the country beginning on June 9 with a "health pass." All restrictive rules to contain the virus will be lifted by the end of June.

"The measures will be implemented nationwide, but we will be able to activate health 'emergency brakes' in areas where the virus is circulating too much," Macron told regional daily Ouest France early Thursday.

The calendar to exit from the confinement would be delayed in the regions where the incidence rate exceeds 400 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and intensive care units are close to saturation, he added.

The announcement of a gradual return to normalcy came amid positive domestic developments regarding the virus, including a slowdown in the number of new cases and a decline in hospitalizations for coronavirus infections.

On Thursday, 26,538 people tested positive for COVID-19, less than over 30,000 in the past days. The cumulative total of infections across the country stood at 5.59 million.

Daily admissions to hospitals and the number of critically ill patients -- key indicators to evaluate the domestic health system's capacity to cope with the health crisis -- fell for the third straight day.

Asked whether he expected the end of the pandemic this year, Macron said, "if there are no new, uncontrolled variants, yes."

"Maybe we will have to live with the virus for years and get vaccinated again every year," he added.

In France, some 15.2 million people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, representing 29 percent of the adult population, and 6.25 million have completed their vaccinations, according to the health ministry.

"Now our fight is to vaccinate as quickly as possible to increase our level of collective immunity," said Macron.

The lockdown exit plan has brought hope to the catering and cultural industries, which have been suffering economic losses during the months-long curfew.

"Finally, some good news," Alain Fontaine, head of the restaurateurs' association told Le Figaro newspaper. "The nightmare of seeing the chairs on the tables will end."

French bars and restaurants have been forced to close since the end of October when the country started a second month-long nationwide lockdown, and did not reopen in December as the government had planned earlier due to a surge in new COVID-19 cases.

For Olfa Hamzaoui, a doctor at Antoine-Beclere hospital's resuscitation unit in Clamart, the gradual reopening plan was "reasonably" satisfying.

"The right choice is to de-confine gradually, in stages, with intermediate evaluations, so as to be able to continue de-confinement or not," she told LCI local television channel.

Catherine Hill, an epidemiologist, was less optimistic though. She warned that it could be an "extremely catastrophic idea" to ease restrictions as the situation was still really not that good.

"It's a political decision ... which looks very nice on paper, but in reality it is a disaster," she told France info radio.

"Instead of further slowing down (the virus spread) and getting organized to massively screen the population and isolate those who are positive before they have symptoms, we are going to allow the virus to circulate again and I fear the worst," she said.

An Elabe survey released on Wednesday showed that nearly 47 percent of French people approved of the government's de-confinement strategy, while 25 percent said it was too early to reopen amid the current situation. Enditem
Sentencing of ex-policemen accused of planting drugs on journalist Golunov set for May 28

 Moskva city news agency

15:39 30/04/2021

MOSCOW, April 30 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court will deliver sentence against ex-police officers charged with planting drugs on journalist Ivan Golunov on May 28, lawyer Sergey Badamshin has told RAPSI.

Prosecutors earlier demanded 16 years behind bars for the former drug control police department chief for Moscow's Western Administrative District Igor Lyakhovets, who had allegedly headed the arrest of Golunov, 12 years in custody for Maxim Umetbayev, Akbar Sergaliyev, Roman Feofanov each and 7 years for Denis Konovalov, who had confessed and given testimony against the others.

Golunov case

Golunov was arrested in Moscow on June 6, 2019. On June 8, the Nikulinsky District Court of Moscow placed him under house arrest for 2 months. According to the Interior Ministrys official statement, police seized nearly 4 grams of methylmethedrone from Golunov. The journalist pleaded not guilty, insisted that the drugs were planted on him during the arrest and claimed that his prosecution is related to his journalistic investigations. According to his defense, an examination showed no drugs in his biomaterial.

On June 11, 2019, charges against Golunov were dropped because of a lack of evidence that he participated in the crime, and the journalist was released. On June 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed two generals of police on the back of the arrest of Golunov.

In late December 2019, investigators opened the case over arrest of Golunov. The journalist was recognized as an injured party. All five defendants in the case were dismissed from police. Investigators believe that they planted drugs on Golunov. Thus, they falsified the results of operative search activity that later became inculpatory evidence against Golunov in a drug dealing case; however, the drugs had been earlier illegally bought and kept by the police officers, according the Investigative Committee.

The defendants are charged with abuse of power, evidence tampering and illegal drug trafficking. Only Konovalov pleaded guilty and testified against the others. He was later released from detention and put under house arrest.




New Delhi, April 30 : Rohit Sardana, senior journalist and one of the top anchors of Hindi news channel Aaj Tak passed away on Friday, according to people close to him.

Rajdeep Sardesai took to twitter and wrote, "More terrible news friends. Well known Tv news anchor Rohit Sardana has passed away. Had a heart attack this morning. Deep condolences to his family. RIP." Sardana had joined Aaj Tak in 2017 after he left Zee News. He hosted the debate show "Dangal" on Aaj Tak.

Sardana was a recipient of the 2018 Ganesh Vidyarthi Puraskar Award. He was among the most popular faces of TV news journalism in India.

After the news of death of Sardana, condolences started pouring in.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala in a tweet said, "Deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the demise of Aaj Tak journalist Rohit Sardana. It's simply unbelievable. Rohit had recovered from Covid-19 and was back at work. My heartfelt condolences to the family members and Aaj Tak group." Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill also took to twitter and wrote, "Completely shocked on hearing the news about passing away of my dear friend Rohit Sardana - spoke to him last Sunday and he was in great spirits!! Still can't come to terms with this - will forever cherish our after debate conversations, rest in peace "bhaji"."
John Kerry, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and former Massachusetts Senator, disclosed millions in income, including $5 million from Bank of America as well as a stock portfolio of up to $15 million, according to documents obtained by Axios.

The disclosures reveal Kerry is one of the wealthiest members of the Biden administration.

The State Department, according to the report, said Kerry has divested assets that could pose a conflict of interest, and signed an ethics pledge barring him from participating in specific policymaking decisions that could affect his former clients and employers.

One of the largest disclosures came via a $5 million draw from Bank of America, where Kerry served as chairman of the banks global advisory council after his tenure as secretary of state ended in the Obama administration.

According to the documents, Kerry received $125,000 in consulting fees from The Rise Fund, an investment firm with a renewable energy portfolio.

Other environmental agencies Kerry reported financial interests in included acting as the advisory board chairman for Climate Finance Partners and the president of the Vietnam Sustainable Energy Corporation.

Among the disclosures, Kerry also racked up more than $380,000 in speaking fees from entities ranging from Waste Management to Cornell University.

Kerrys stock portfolio, Axios reported, was largely held through a trust affiliated with his wife Teresa Heinz Kerry, heiress to the Heinz food processing fortune.

Kerry liquidated between $4.2 million and $15 million in stock holdings last month, the report said.

The State Departments Ethics Office reviewed Special Presidential Envoy Kerrys assets and investments upon his appointment to identify holdings that could pose a significant risk of a conflict of interest, a State Department spokesperson told Axios. Special Presidential Envoy Kerry agreed to divest the assets identified by the Ethics Office and has done so.

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She's instantly recognisable thanks to her long auburn tresses.

And Nicola Roberts looked comfy but stylish as she stepped out for a healthy green juice in London on Friday.

The Girls Aloud star, 35, bundled up in a grey tracksuit that she paired with a stylish gingham coat with fur-esque sleeves.

Keeping it casual: Nicola Roberts looked comfy but stylish as she stepped out in a grey tracksuit for a healthy green juice in London on Friday

Nicola accessorised the casual outfit with a black Ralph Lauren cap that featured the brand's iconic polo player logo.

Unafraid to mix and match designers, she paired her Champion tracksuit with a pair of white Adidas platform trainers.

And the Love Machine hitmaker kept things covid-safe as she donned a protective face mask while strolling along the street with her friend.

Completing a morning of errands, Nicola clutched her drink, a toastie, and a new stylish cardigan that she'd picked up earlier as she walked.

Busy morning: The Girls Aloud star paired her Champion tracksuit with a pair of white Adidas platform trainers and clutched her drink, a toastie, and a new cardigan as she ran her errands

The outing comes after Nicola's former bandmate Sarah Harding announced that she is battling aggressive breast cancer.

Sarah, 39, revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer that had subsequently spread to other parts of her body in August 2020.

She has since revealed that her cancer treatment is 'moving in the right direction' and her tumours have reduced in size since in the months following her announcement.

Writing in autobiography Hear Me Out, she confirmed: 'MRI scans at the end of December revealed that the tumours in my brain and in my lung have shrunk a bit with the treatment.

Sad: Nicola's outing comes as her bandmate Sarah Harding, 39, continues her battle against aggressive breast cancer

'With this news under my belt, I was able to enjoy a relaxing quiet Christmas with mum and yes, I got plenty of lovely Christmas pressies.'

She added: 'At the moment, I'm just grateful to wake up every day and live my best life, because now I know just how precious it is.'

As Sarah looked back at the start of her journey, she added: 'At first I thought it was just a cyst. The trouble was the pain was getting worse. It got so bad that I couldn't sleep in a bed. Eventually my skin started to bruise. By now I was terrified.

Sharing an update: In January, Sarah told her Instagram followers that she had a 'lovely but quiet' Christmas with her mother and their dogs, rounding out a 'strange' year

Tragic: Sarah previously revealed her diagnosis, and told fans she'd been battling the disease for several months with weekly chemotherapy sessions

'One day I woke up realising I'd been in denial. Yes there was a pandemic but it was almost as if I'd been using that as an excuse not to face up to the fact that something was very wrong.'

Sarah went on to detail her experience of being put into a coma for an extended period of time, and added that she struggled to form speech even when she was taken out of it.

Sarah explained: 'With both my lungs and kidneys failing, doctors decided to put me into an induced coma. Even once I was off the ventilator I couldn't speak properly. All I could do was make noises like a chimpanzee trying to communicate.'

Sarah went to to say that her priority now is to spent as much time as possible with her mother and friends before she dies, while the star is also hoping to throw a huge party to say 'goodbye' to her loved ones.
Swaths of the city have a militarized feel. Photo: Christopher Mark Juhn/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

As jurors began their second day of deliberating in the Derek Chauvin murder trial on Tuesday, Minneapolis and surrounding areas made preparations for possible civil unrest in the aftermath of a verdict.

The Washington Post reports that more than 3,000 National Guard troops and at least 1,100 other public-safety agency employees have been called in to assist local police in a show of force dubbed Operation Safety Net. The militarized presence on the streets of the city  even in residential areas  is an effort to avoid a repeat of the scenes last summer after George Floyds death, in which rioters burned down a police station and caused widespread damage around the city.

But heavy-handed tactics by police officers during that time alienated plenty of residents and politicians, and many are not thrilled with the authorities current posture.

Kenza Hadj-Moussa, the public affairs director for the progressive organization TakeAction Minnesota, told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that the heavy police presence was just compounding the trauma, especially with what Black Minnesotans are going through right now.

Minneapoliss city council  which pledged to abolish the police last year  voted overwhelmingly to curb law enforcements combativeness, including the use of tear gas, but it does not have the power to enforce such measures. The citys mayor, Jacob Frey, has tried to walk the line between the two sides, endorsing the measures as a temporary solution.

Police-protester tensions have been recharged in the area after the killing of Daunte Wright earlier this month. As part of Operation Safety Net, cops have arrested dozens of people, used tear gas liberally, and aggressively detained journalists during clashes in the town of Brooklyn Center, about ten miles from Minneapolis. Their tactics have drawn a rebuke from the towns mayor.

In another sign of Minneapoliss caution around the Chauvin verdict, the citys public schools have been closed for in-person learning from Wednesday through Friday.

Local authorities will get an assist from Facebook. The company said on Monday that it had deemed Minneapolis a temporarily high-risk location and would limit content that could lead to civil unrest or violence, which will include posts that encourage bringing arms into the area.

Chauvins trial, which lasted four weeks and included days of gut-wrenching testimony that revisited the grim details of Floyds death, wrapped up on Monday afternoon.

Chauvin faces three charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. If convicted, his sentence will be decided by the judge in the case, with a wide range of prison time possible depending on which charge, or charges, are in play.
On April 26, Walled Lake police responded to a 911 call that three people had broken into a home and threatened to kill the people inside, including two children. A racial slur also was used by one of the intruders, the prosecutors office said.
By Ritah Kemigisa

Police have started investigating the murder by shooting of Robert Kagolo, a UBC journalist which occurred last night at around 8pm at Bugembejembe village, Wakiso District.

The Kampala Metropolitan police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire says it is alleged, that , while Kagolo was returning from the village after his brothers burial, he hurriedly entered the lates home which was being guarded by LDU personnel after he suspected that some people were following him and he knocked the gate with his motor vehicle while gaining entrance .

Owoyesigyire says a disagreement between the LDU personnel ensued and police are now studying circumstances that led to the shooting.

He says Kagolo was first rushed to St Joseph Hospital Wakiso where he succumbed to the injuries and his body is yet to be taken to the city mortuary.

Owoyesigyire says the shooter identified as Mamuli Rashid and his colleague have been arrested.
Insurers have increased their estimates of the cost of the three hurricanes that struck Louisiana by 25 percent since the end of last year, Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said.

Insurance companies now expect to pay $9.6 billion on claims of all types from hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta in Louisiana, up from $7.7 billion at the end of last year, according to the latest round of information from insurers quantifying paid and reserved losses through March 31.

Policyholders have now filed 311,266 claims of all types from the three storms through the first quarter of this year. Of those, 192,045 claims, or 62%, were closed with payment as of March 31, garnering $6.9 billion in payments for damage caused by the three hurricanes.

This data underscores just how devastating the 2020 storm season was in Louisiana, Commissioner Donelon said. The increase in the reserves backs up what Ive been counseling policyholders about their claims  it isnt a one-shot deal. If you find additional damage or increased costs after your original claim, you can file supplemental claims until your repairs are complete, as there is no release applicable to first party claims except under unique circumstances.

Last fall, the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) issued a data call requiring all authorized property and casualty insurers, including surplus lines insurers, to submit their claims data on hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta in Louisiana at regular intervals until October 2021. The figures represent insurance claims from both personal and commercial insurance.

They do not include claims or payments from the National Flood Insurance Program, which is not regulated by the Louisiana Department of Insurance. They also do not include uninsured losses and what people paid out of pocket to cover the deductibles on their insurance policies. As such, the true cost of the three storms is much higher.

The 2020 storm season was the most active ever in Louisiana, with three hurricanes plus tropical storms Cristobal and Marco striking the state. The 2020 storm season was also the second most expensive for Louisiana behind the 2005 storm season. Hurricane Laura has now displaced Hurricane Rita in 2005 as the second most costly storm in Louisiana history.

Policyholders have filed 170,956 claims from Hurricane Laura, which struck Southwest Louisiana on August 27 as a Category 4 storm. Calcasieu, Rapides, Beauregard, Ouachita and Vernon parishes had the most claims from the storm.

As of March 31, insurers had closed 83% of the claims from Hurricane Laura, 65% of which were closed with payment. Total paid losses plus reserves on reported claims from all surveyed lines of insurance for Hurricane Laura at the end of March were $8.3 billion, accounting for the vast majority of damage from the record 2020 hurricane season in Louisiana.

Policyholders have filed 85,834 claims from Hurricane Delta, which made landfall in Southwest Louisiana on October 9 as a Category 2 storm. Calcasieu, Lafayette, Acadia, St. Landry and East Baton Rouge parishes filed the most claims from the storm.

At the end of March, insurers had closed 89% of all Delta claims, and 60% of those claims were closed with payment. Insurers have paid or reserved $752.8 million to cover losses from reported claims from all surveyed lines of insurance for Hurricane Delta as of March 31.

Policyholders have filed 54,476 claims from Hurricane Zeta, which made landfall in Terrebonne Parish on October 28 as a strong Category 2 storm. Most of the claims came from Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Tammany and Lafourche parishes.

As of March 31, insurers had closed 88% of reported Zeta claims, and 54% of those claims were closed with payment. Total paid losses plus reserves on reported claims from all surveyed lines of insurance were $566 million for Hurricane Zeta in the most recent report.

Data for the 2020 hurricanes through March 31 can be found at www.ldi.la.gov/datacallresults.

The LDI will continue to collect data from property and casualty insurers to monitor the claims process. The final deadline for data is Oct. 8, 2021.

Source: Louisiana Department of Insurance
China sets national standards on basic public services

11:12, April 30, 2021 By Lu Ya'nan ( People's Daily

Students attend a class in a primary school in Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi province, March 25, 2021. Left-behind children, or children who remain in rural regions while their parents leave to work in urban areas, make up 80 percent of the school's students. (People's Daily Online/Zhu Zhenqiang)

China recently released its new national standards on basic public services.

The new standards marked a major institutional innovation for China to guarantee and improve people's livelihood, said Zhao Chenxin, secretary general of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner.

The standards cover 80 public services of 22 categories and nine aspects, including education, employment, medical services, elderly care, and housing.

They serve as important references for governments at all levels to fulfill their responsibilities in basic public services and guarantee that the Chinese people enjoy corresponding rights and interests, the secretary general explained. The standards are an important measure to advance the equalization of basic public services, he added.

In recent years, China has been witnessing increasingly improved basic public services. There are 6.51 hospital beds available per 1,000 people, and the country's radio and television services cover over 99 percent of its territory. Compulsory education is developing in a balanced manner in most of China's counties. Critical illness insurance program, social assistance system, elderly care, and other major mechanisms that concern the minimum standard of living have been gradually established optimized.

Besides, China has also built the world's largest social security system. As of the end of the last year, the per capita basic living allowance in urban areas of the country had reached 678 yuan ($105) per month and 5,962 yuan per year, and the number of Chinese covered by insurance against old age, medical problems, unemployment, and work injuries had reached 999 million, 1.36 billion, 217 million and 268 million, respectively.

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 proposed to obviously improve the equalization of basic public services by 2025, and that basic public services must be equalized by 2035.

According to the new standards on basic public services, local governments shall offer lifestyle and health assessment, physical examination, auxiliary examination and health guidance services for citizens aged 65 years and older once a year, and offer them traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physique analysis and health guidance once every year.

In addition, children aged between 0 and 6 can receive 13 free physical examinations, and those between 0 and 3 can get TCM recuperation twice a year.

The new standards request to offer subsidies for eligible seniors. For instance, the government shall subsidize elderly care services for seniors experiencing economic hardships, and offer nursing subsidies for those who can't take care of themselves because of illnesses. Senior citizens aged 80 years and above shall enjoy advanced age allowance.

According to incomplete statistics, by the end of the last year, a total of more than 30 million senior citizens across China had received subsidies, which practically solved the problems faced by many seniors.

The new standards stipulate that permanent residents aged 35 years and above who suffer from primary hypertension and type 2 diabetes shall be offered free health management services by health care organizations. Such patients can visit community health care centers, township hospitals and village clinics for corresponding free health services.

To meet people's expectation for housing, the new standards specified basic public service items about public rental houses, renovation of rundown urban areas, and renovation of rural dilapidated houses, which will help meet the basic housing demand of those living in poverty.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
[April 30, 2021] Advocado Partners HUAWEI CLOUD And 4Paradigm AI To Roll Out First-of-its-Kind AI Enabled CRM For SMEs Across SEA

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global ICT provider HUAWEI, AI unicorn 4Paradigm and Singapore-based startup Advocado today announced a landmark partnership to launch a first-of-its-kind AI-enabled CRM solution. By integrating 4Paradigm's Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and HUAWEI CLOUD capabilities into Advocado's existing CRM software, a new smart solution, AdvocadoINSIGHTS will empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and retailers across Singapore to personalise and automate customer engagement. This will also help businesses to digitise and scale across Southeast Asia (SEA) by providing them with access to next-gen machine-learning technology. Making AI Accessible For Singapore's SMEs Launched in 2016, Singapore-based startup Advocado is the leading SaaS provider of CRM software for SMEs in the city. Advocado has served over 1.5 million customers in 800 outlets across the island, with traction in Thailand and Malaysia. SMEs and retailers on Advocado's CRM platform can now look forward to data-driven and intelligent customer experience solutions, enabled by 4Paradigm's AI and machine learning systems. 4Paradigm's fully automated (close-looped), integrated customer data and AI services will reduce customer acquisition costs and increase total customer lifetime value for businesses across SEA. Bespoke machine learning models are created for each client in partnership with 4Paradigm. Currently, Singapore-based businesses like 20-outlet bed linen chain Linen Gallery by Epitex have already adopted custom AI solutions to automate their marketing campaigns. "Epitex has been leveraging AI to enable our digital transformation, gain insights into consumer behaviour and create personalised customer experiences. With the implementation of Advocado's AI-driven Electronics Direct Mail (EDM) campaign, we have seen a 3 times increase in click-through rate. We are pro-actively exploring ways to scale our business, especially as the pandemic hinders physical footfall to our outlets," says Judy Zhang, CEO of Epitex. "At Advocado, we believe that AI technology isn't just reserved for billion dollar companies - it should be within reach of businesses big or small." said Eric Chia, Founder and CEO of Advocado. "Our new AI solution offering, AdvocadoINSIGHTS, and our robust cloud CRM software will empower SMEs and retailers to build better customer engagement processes and boost their revenue. We are committed to serving Advocado's customers faithfully, especially in these trying times."



Integrating AI With Retail This partnership marks another successful foray for 4Paradigm into the SEA marketplace. The China-based AI Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) provider has been hailed as the leader in the AI space, and is best known for its end-to-end industry-grade AI platform 4Paradigm Sage.

With 4Paradigm's integrations into AdvocadoINSIGHTS, retailers can segment customer demographics, manage omnichannel sales leads, and create personalised and targeted content like automated product recommendations on Advocado. 4Paradigm's integrations can also create a unified customer profile based on data collected via websites, social media, mobile apps, payment gateways and more. These integrations improve customer retention rates and help businesses bridge the gap between digital and physical sales channels. 4Paradigm has the number one AI platform market share in China according to IDC MarketScape?, and its retail clients include the world's top enterprises, such as YumChina, Zegna, DHL, Budweiser and KERASTASE. Having just raised US$700 million in funding in a Series D funding round earlier this year, 4Paradigm now intends to herald its regional entry into SEA with Advocado to spearhead the digital transformation of businesses in Singapore. "Today, 3 out of 4 consumers expect a fully personalised and immediately satisfying customer experience journey when they walk into a store. Unless you have AI that can iterate next steps for your business based on a large set of data, it will be difficult for any business to capture consumer interest," says Mark Chen, Head of APAC, 4Paradigm. "4Paradigm's machine learning solutions provide SMEs with a no-fuss way of optimising their CRM strategies, in collaboration with Advocado." Accelerating Cloud Adoption Across SEA As Covid-19 accelerates digitisation, the rise of "Cloud 2.0", where governments and enterprises are facilitating the large-scale shift of data and digital services into the cloud, has become the new norm. HUAWEI CLOUD is leading this shift as the fastest growing Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS) provider in the world, and the 6th fastest in the global market. The Chinese tech giant is actively incorporating SMEs into its cloud services, with SMEs in the SEA region joining their European counterparts through the tripartite partnership with Advocado and 4Paradigm. By supporting the regional ambitions of Singapore's SMEs, HUAWEI CLOUD's service enables SMEs to accelerate digitisation and scale at speed. Advocado's entry into the HUAWEI CLOUD Partner Network (HCPN) will allow businesses to develop AI and CRM tech solutions that leverage HUAWEI CLOUD Elastic Cloud Server (ECS), Elastic Volume Service (EVS), Elastic Load Balance (ELB), Relational Database Service (RDS) and Object Storage Services (OBS) services. "As HUAWEI CLOUD continues to expand presence in SEA, we will empower small businesses across the region to grow rapidly. We have faith that this venture with Advocado will empower SMEs with the capabilities to supercharge their digital transformation and bolster their market expansion," says Nicole Lu, General Manager, HUAWEI Asia Pacific Partner Ecosystem, Cloud and AI. HUAWEI CLOUD is now available in 170 countries and has launched over 210+ cloud services and solutions. 3,500 applications are available on the HUAWEI CLOUD marketplace, with offerings from over 18,000 partners and three million clients, who are developing cloud services with the tech giant. About HUAWEI Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have more than 194,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. For more information, please visit https://www.huawei.com/en/ About 4Paradigm 4Paradigm is an AI platform and technology services provider. With machine learning technology, 4Paradigm helps enterprises to realise intelligent transformation. 4Paradigm has the number one AI platform market share in China according to IDC MarketScape? and has been named as one of the 50 Smartest Companies by MIT Technology Review. 4Paradigm has been promoting the rapid and scaled industrial application of AI relying on its technology and enterprise-level AI PaaS platforms and AI technology including AutoML and transfer learning. Currently, 4Paradigm has extended the AI application in over thousands of cases in the fields of finance, retail, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, the internet, media and more, facilitating every industry with AI innovation. For more information, please visit https://www.4paradigm.com/ About Advocado Advocado is a leading Cloud CRM SaaS for retailers in South East Asia. We help B2C businesses in F&B, retail, beauty and wellness to generate more revenue and regulars through growing, managing their customer base, and bringing loyal customers back again and again with marketing automation and AI. For more information, please visit https://advocadoapp.com/ SOURCE Advocado

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OTTAWA, ON, April 29, 2021 /CNW/ - Budget 2021 is the Government of Canada's plan to finish the fight against COVID-19 and ensure a robust economic recovery that is inclusive of all Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, met virtually with small and medium-sized enterprises from Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to discuss investments in businesses and broadband from Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience. They discussed the Government of Canada's investments to support workers and employers, as well as plans to grow and strengthen rural economies like those in the North and the important role of rural Canada in the recovery.

The COVID-19 recession is the steepest and fastest economic contraction since the Great Depression. It has disproportionately affected low-wage workers, young people, women and racialized Canadians. For businesses, it has been a two-speed recession, with some finding ways to prosper and grow but manyespecially small businessesfighting to survive. Budget 2021 is a historic investment to address the specific wounds of the COVID-19 recession, put people first, create jobs, grow the middle class, set businesses on a track for long-term growth, and ensure that Canada's future will be healthier, more equitable, greener and more prosperous.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada acted swiftly to support and protect Canadians and businesses, adapting its response as the pandemic evolved. The government's broad suite of support measures has protected jobs and helped families and businesses across Canada. More than eight of every ten dollars spent to fight COVID-19 and support Canadians continues to come from the federal government.

From extending emergency measures like the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to incentivizing rehiring in recovery through a new Canada Recovery Hiring Program, Budget 2021 includes significant investments to support businesses in getting online and hiring back workers, commits to decisive action on lowering credit card fees, and improves support for exporters.

Budget 2021 also includes an additional $1 billion over six years for the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF), bringing the total available through the UBF to $2.75 billion, to improve high-speed Internet in rural and remote areas of Canada.

The Government of Canada's top priority remains protecting Canadians' health and safety, particularly given the aggressive variants of the virus during this third wave of the pandemic. Vaccine rollout is under way across Canada, with federal government support in every province and territory. Budget 2021 invests in Canada's biomanufacturing and life sciences sector to rebuild domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity and has a plan to put in place national standards for long-term care and mental health services.

Budget 2021 is a plan to bridge Canadians and Canadian businesses through the crisis and towards a robust recovery. It will support almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities, including 215,000 opportunities for youth; support businesses in our most affected sectors, such as tourism and arts and culture; and accelerate investment and digital transformation at small and medium-sized businesses. Budget 2021 is a plan that puts Canada on track to meet its commitment to create 1 million jobs by the end of the year.

Canada entered the pandemic in a strong fiscal position. This allowed the government to take quick and decisive action, supporting people and businesses, and put it in the position to make historic investments in the recovery.

Quote

"The number one job of Budget 2021 is to get people back to work. We will do that by conquering COVID-19, getting vaccines into arms and supporting those hardest hit by the pandemic. We heard from business owners in the North today that to be competitive in the 21st century, they first and foremost need access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet. They also shared how important it is to support women and Indigenous entrepreneurs, skills training, the tourism sector and the unique needs of Canadian northern communities. With this budget and with Canada's Connectivity Strategy, our government has a plan to deliver supports and meet its commitment to create 1 million jobs, while finishing the fight against COVID-19."

 The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

Quick facts

Budget 2021 includes $101.4 billion over three years in proposed investments as part of the Government of Canada's growth plan that will create good jobs and support a resilient and inclusive recovery. Key measures include:

over three years in proposed investments as part of the Government of growth plan that will create good jobs and support a resilient and inclusive recovery. Key measures include: Extending emergency supports to bridge Canadians and Canadian businesses through to recovery, including:



Extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support until September 25, 2021 .

Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support until .



Introducing the new Canada Recovery Hiring Program for eligible employers that continue to experience qualifying declines in revenues relative to before the pandemic.





Extending the number of weeks for important income support for Canadians, such as the Canada Recovery Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.



Supporting small and medium-sized businesses through transformative initiatives, such as:



Launching the new Canada Digital Adoption Program that will directly help over 160,000 businesses adopt new technology and get online. It will provide them with the advice they need to get the most of new technology with the help of nearly 28,000 young Canadians who will be trained to work with them.





Allowing Canadian small businesses to fully expense up to $1.5 million in capital investments in a broad range of assets, including digital technology and intellectual property. This represents an additional $2.2 billion investment in the growth of Canada's entrepreneurs over the next five years.

in capital investments in a broad range of assets, including digital technology and intellectual property. This represents an additional investment in the growth of entrepreneurs over the next five years.



Enhancing the Canada Small Business Financing Program:





Increasing annual financing of $560 million , supporting approximately 2,900 additional small businesses.

, supporting approximately 2,900 additional small businesses.





Amending the Canada Small Business Financing Act and its regulations by:

and its regulations by:





Expanding loan class eligibility to include lending against intellectual property and start-up assets and expenses.









Increasing the maximum loan amount from $350,000 to $500,000 and extending the loan coverage period from 10 to 15 years for equipment and leasehold improvements.

to and extending the loan coverage period from 10 to 15 years for equipment and leasehold improvements.







Expanding borrower eligibility to include non-profit and charitable social enterprises.









Introducing a new line of credit product to help with liquidity and cover short-term working capital needs.



Supporting diverse entrepreneurs through additional investments to make our economy more inclusive, including:



An additional $51.7 million investment in the Black Entrepreneurship Program on top of previous investments of $93 million .

investment in the Black Entrepreneurship Program on top of previous investments of .



A further investment of $146.9 million in the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.

in the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.



Investments for Indigenous entrepreneurs. This is part of the greater action our government is taking to make our economy more inclusive and bridge the gaps that racialized entrepreneurs have faced for too long.



Establishing a Canada -wide early learning and child care system, in partnership with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners, which will help all families access affordable, high-quality and flexible child care, no matter where they live, and no longer shoulder the burden of high child care costs. The budget proposes new investments totalling up to $30 billion over the next five years. Combined with previous investments, a minimum of $9.2 billion per year ongoing will be invested in child care, starting in 202526.

-wide early learning and child care system, in partnership with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners, which will help all families access affordable, high-quality and flexible child care, no matter where they live, and no longer shoulder the burden of high child care costs. The budget proposes new investments totalling up to over the next five years. Combined with previous investments, a minimum of per year ongoing will be invested in child care, starting in 202526.

Investing an additional $1 billion over six years, starting in 202122, in the Universal Broadband Fund to support a more rapid rollout of broadband projects in collaboration with provinces and territories and other partners.

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Stay connected

Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media.

Twitter: @ISED_CA, Facebook: Canadian Innovation, Instagram: @cdninnovation and LinkedIn

Follow @CanadaBusiness on social media for business-related news: Twitter, Facebook

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For further information: Marie-Pier Baril, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, [email protected], 613-295-8123; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home


The headquarters of Kyobo Life Insurance in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. / Korea Times file



By Lee Kyung-min



Deloitte Anjin officials denied charges, last week, that it had exercised discretion to help inflate the value of put options to be sold by Affinity Equity Partners, a Hong Kong-based private equity firm (PEF), saying prosecutors' claims lacked the logic to indict its accountants.



This is the latest development in the years-long dispute between Kyobo Life Insurance Chairman Shin Chang-jae and the company's financial investors represented by a consortium led by the Hong Kong-based PEF.



The dispute is over whether the consortium can exercise a put option at nearly double the price Shin was willing to pay. A put option is a contract giving the owner the right to sell _ or sell short _ a specified amount of an underlying security at a predetermined price within a specified time frame.



During the hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court, last week, an attorney representing the accountants said the prosecution failed to identify how the indicted officials violated related laws in appraising the value of the put options in question.



The prosecution believes that Anjin accountants received 120 million won ($108,400) from Affinity executives in return for overvaluing the insurer's equity capital.



"The initial complaint took issue with how the accountants skirted related laws to draw valuations favorable for their clients, but the indictment mainly concerns the mere fact that the accounting firm and its clients exchanged opinions," Anjin's lawyer said.



"The valuation report of the case was written by the defendants and experts in the field without editorializing. It is therefore unreasonable to assume that the defendants received undue financial gains when the money was fair compensation for providing a service following a legal contract."



A lawyer representing Affinity also denied charges that the two of the firm's executives colluded with the Anjin accountants. He instead claimed that the trial was initiated by Chairman Shin as a stalling tactic to delay the firm from exercising the put option contract. Kyobo filed a complaint against the defendants with the prosecution.



"The firm executives did not decide on the method of price evaluation, nor did they exchange opinions with Anjin officials in any way to influence the outcome of the evaluation report."



The next hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. on June 2. Apart from this trial, arbitration is ongoing at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to determine the valuation of the put option. The consortium argues it should be at least 409,000 won per share, which was rejected by Shin who views the mid-200,000 won range as more than enough.






Eight people were indicted Thursday in the death of Bowling Green State University student Stone Foltz, who died after drinking at a fraternity event, prosecutors said in a news release.

"The indictments stem from an alleged Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity event the evening of March 4th at an off-campus house which Mr. Foltz was required to attend along with the other new members," according to the release from Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Paul A. Dobson.

Foltz was later found unresponsive in his apartment, said the prosecutor's release. "The Lucas County Coroner ruled the death an accident as the result of a fatal level of alcohol intoxication during a hazing incident," according to the release.

The autopsy showed that Foltz died from fatal alcohol intoxication and that he had a blood alcohol content of .35, which is over four times the legal limit.

Eight people, who are between 19 and 23, face a variety of charges including felony involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, hazing, failure to comply with underage alcohol laws, obstruction and tampering with evidence, said the release.

Dobson said at a news conference Thursday afternoon that a number of fraternity members had "provided misinformation and disposed of evidence" in an attempt to protect themselves.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said after 20-year-old Foltz's death that he supports a bill to reform hazing laws in the state.

The most serious manslaughter charge carries a maximum penalty of 11 years in prison, according to the prosecutor's release.

"Some of the alcohol-related offenses involve providing alcohol to underage persons, while others reference permitting that activity at their residence," said the release.

There are multiple misdemeanor counts of hazing and failure to comply with underage alcohol laws which "reflect the allegation that those defendants participated in providing copious amounts of alcohol to Mr. Foltz and the other new members," according to the release.

The men are scheduled to appear in court on May 19, Dobson said.
PHILADELPHIA, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is being issued by Kroll Business Services regarding the Clover Valley ground coffee settlement.

A proposed Settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit known as Mike Allen, et al. v. Dolgencorp, LLC, et al., Case No. SUCV2020000385, Superior Court, White County, Georgia.

The lawsuit claims that Dollar General Corporation and Dolgencorp, LLP ("Dollar General") deceptively and unlawfully labeled, packaged, and marketed Clover Valley ground coffee, overstating the amount of coffee each package can actually make. The lawsuit claims Clover Valley ground coffee does not contain enough ground coffee to make the stated number of cups when following the brewing instructions on the label. Dollar General denies any wrongdoing.

Who is a Class Member?

You may be a Class Member in the proposed Settlement if you purchased any Clover Valley ground coffee products from Dollar General in the United States between January 1, 2015 and April 1, 2021.

What does the Settlement Provide?

Business Practice Changes: Dollar General will work with manufacturers to remove or revise any allegedly misleading labeling on Clover Valley ground coffee Products. Money to pay Consumer Claims: Dollar General will provide up to a maximum of $3,100,000 to pay Valid Claims under Tier 1 or Tier 2. You must submit a Claim Form to get money from the Settlement. Claim Forms must be submitted online by July 6, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET Time or, if mailed, received no later than July 6, 2021 .

Tier 1 - Claims Without Proof of Purchase : You can file a Claim without proof of purchase under penalty of perjury. You can get $0.85 per Product purchased up to 4 products ($3.40 maximum). You can only submit one claim per household.

Tier 2 - Claims With Proof of Purchase : You can file a Claim with proof of purchase for each Product bought between January 1, 2015 and April 1, 2021. You can get $0.85 per Product purchased up to a total of 20 Products purchased ($17 maximum). You must also submit a Claim Form with the Proof(s) or Purchase, which will be verified by the Settlement Administrator.

You can file a claim under either Tier 1 or Tier 2, but not both.

What are my rights?

You must submit a Claim Form to get money from the Settlement. Claim Forms must be submitted online by July 6, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET or, if mailed, received no later than July 6, 2021 .

or, if mailed, Do nothing , stay in the Settlement, get no money, and give up your rights to sue.

, stay in the Settlement, get no money, and give up your rights to sue. Exclude yourself , keep your right to sue about the claims in this lawsuit, but you get no money. You must submit your exclusion request postmarked by June 29, 2021 .

, keep your right to sue about the claims in this lawsuit, but you get no money. You must submit your exclusion request postmarked by . Stay in the Settlement but tell the Court why you don't like it. You must submit your objection by June 29, 2021 . Details on how to object are on the website.

A Final Approval Hearing will be held in The Superior Court of White County State of Georgia, 59 S. Main Street B, Cleveland, Georgia 30528 in the courtroom of the Honorable Joy R. Parks on July 1, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., to decide whether to approve the Settlement and to award Class Counsel Attorneys' Fees and Expenses of up to $930,000 and up to $3,250 for each Class Representative. All briefs and materials filed in support of the Settlement and the Application for Attorneys' Fees and Expenses will be posted on the Settlement Website. You may hire an attorney, at your own expense, but you don't have to. Claims will be paid only if the Settlement is approved and all appeals are resolved.

This is only a summary. For more information visit www.clovervalleycoffeesettlement.com, or contact the Settlement Administrator toll free at 833-326-0774, or by writing to the Settlement Administrator at Allen v Dolgencorp, LLC c/o Settlement Administrator, PO Box 161, Warminster, PA 18974-0161.

Source: Kroll Business Services

SOURCE Kroll Business Services
Establishing a targeted student vaccine goal might also be tricky, as unlike standard childhood immunizations that are mandated and tracked by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the COVID-19 vaccine for those 16 and over, while recommended, remains optional, Fox said, adding: But we want to know, and we want to figure out an easier way to grab hold of that data.
Initially focused on the voluntary carbon credit segment, XELS launched its blockchain platform and eponymous digital asset earlier this month. The startup's tokenized offset credits, which exist on an immutable public ledger, are designed to boost both transparency and participation in carbon markets. Unlike traditional carbon credits, XELS cannot be modified or double spent, and the process of "burning" used tokens ensures the credit is retired forever.

Anyone with access to a computer and an internet connection - from eco-conscious individuals to corporations that wish to show consumers they're serious about tackling climate change - can buy and trade XELS. By working with Redshaw Advisors, XELS will be able to ensure the legitimacy of each credit it tokenizes, while also providing an additional record of the credit's retirement in the Redshaw Advisors' registry account. Upon retirement, Redshaw Advisors will also issue certificates that XELS' clients can use to show the exact amount of CO2 they've neutralized.

"We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to advise, consult, and procure for XELS across carbon markets - compliance and voluntary - and renewable energy," stated Bill Goldie, Head of Voluntary Market at Redshaw Advisors.

In the future, XELS seeks to offer regulated "compliance" credits in addition to voluntary offset credits. The startup is in advanced discussions with multiple listed Japanese corporations that wish to significantly curtail their environmental impact, in line with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's goal of reaching net zero domestic emissions by 2050.

"In many ways, Japan is playing catch up with the rest of the world, and the European Union in particular," explains XELS founder and CEO Takeshi Nojima. "XELS will become the easiest, most transparent way for businesses to join the fight against global warming, and we'll be able to provide clear proof of their commitment - backed by Redshaw Advisors. That's something consumers will appreciate, and eventually demand from the companies they support."

XELS was founded in 2017 and is a member of the Climate Chain Coalition. XELS tokens can be obtained on the Bittrex Global and MXC cryptocurrency exchanges.

Redshaw Advisors, founded in 2014, with a long track record of success in the European carbon markets, has a growing presence in voluntary markets. Among numerous industry accolades, Redshaw Advisors was named 2020's Best Trading Company and Best Advisory/Consultancy for EU ETS credits and Renewable Energy Certificates, as well as Best Trading Company for the Voluntary Carbon Market.



XELS website: www.xels.io .

SOURCE XELS Limited

Related Links

http://www.xels.io


WASHINGTON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost one-third of small businesses (31%) said their main financial challenge in 2020 was declining revenue, according to new report from Clutch, the leading B2B research and reviews firm.

The data reveals that the most common financial challenge for small businesses last year was declining revenue, but that unforeseen business expenses (11%), lack of accounting tools (10%), and the challenges of receiving federal business aid (8%) were also common issues.

Declining revenue was the most common business challenge in 2020, finds new report from Clutch. New Clutch survey reveals that larger businesses are more likely to receive financial assistance from the federal government than small businesses.

Experts say that small businesses should accept that financial challenges and unexpected circumstances are part of the cost of doing business.

"Businesses can never be quite sure when the cost of their raw materials will shoot through the roof, their rent will increase substantially, or crucial equipment will break down and need to be replaced," said Omer Reiner, a licensed realtor at Florida Cash Home Buyers, a real estate company. "Small businesses must be able to adapt to their ever-changing business landscape."

Finding the Right Financial Tools Can Be Challenge for Small Businesses

1 in 10 small businesses (10%) said that their main financial challenge in 2020 was lacking financial tools or expertise.

Experts say that lacking financial tools is typically a matter of misallocating resources.

"Many small businesses don't have a handle on their finances because it's not where they invest resources," said Ann Martin, director of operations at CreditDonkey, a ratings site for business finance providers. "But running payroll, doing taxes, and preparing for an audit are specialized skills."

Businesses often use accounting software to handle these specialized skills, especially QuickBooks.

Investing in the right financial tools provides small businesses the expertise necessary to effectively manage their finances.

Securing Financial Assistance From Federal Government Was Easier for Larger Businesses

Nearly half of small businesses (46%) received financial assistance or loans from the federal government in 2020.

Larger businesses, however, more commonly received federal assistance: 71% of companies with 251 to 500 employees received assistance, compared to only 30% of companies with 1 to 10 employees.

Rob Chamberlin, president of Security 101, a security company, gave 3 reasons larger companies received assistance:

Larger businesses have bigger payrolls and needed more support. Larger companies were more likely to have accountants and a specialized payroll staff to complete necessary paperwork. Larger companies had relationships with local banks and demonstrated creditworthiness that helped to obtain loans.

In general, the government is better able to support the financial needs of larger companies.

In 2021, businesses will continue to grapple with financial challenges and consult with experts to overcome them.

Read the full report here: https://clutch.co/accounting/resources/financial-challenges

For questions about the survey or comments on the finding, contact Seamus Roddy at [email protected].

About Clutch

The leading B2B research, ratings, and reviews firm, Clutch connects small and medium businesses with the best-fit agencies, software, or consultants they need to tackle business challenges together and with confidence. Clutch's methodology compares business service providers and software in a specific market based on verified client reviews, services offered, work quality, and market presence.

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60%

Website mashhad.ir uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery and Php. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 40658 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS. The main html page has a size of 197962 bytes (193.32 kb uncompressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-03-22, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.
A majority of French voters have said they agree with the generals who threatened a coup if Emmanuel Macron cannot prevent the rise of radical Islam, according to new a poll.

Published last week in right-wing magazine Valuer Actuelles (Today's Values), the explosive letter warned of the 'disintegration' of France because of radical Islamic 'hordes' living in the suburbs.

More than 1,000 retired soldiers signed the letter, including at least 18 serving officers, who were condemned as 'absolutely revolting' by Macron's top general.

But, in signs of a deepening chasm between the president and the electorate, a new poll published by news channel La Chaine Info has found that 58 per cent supported the letter, while 42 per cent were opposed.

Among respondents who vote for Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National (RN) party the proportion of those who supported the letter rose to 86 per cent.

Chief of France's Defence Staff General Francois Lecointre yesterday condemned those who signed the letter, calling it 'absolutely revolting' (Lecointre is pictured standing beside Emmanuel Macron in a car during Bastille Day ceremonies in July last year)

Army Corps General Christian Piquemal, 80, was the lead signatory of the 20 retired generals who backed the letter. He is pictured at an anti-Islam rally in Calais in 2016.

Division General Emmanuel De Richoufftz during his visit to the central Ivory Coast area of Sakassou August 29, 2003. Gen. De Richoufftz was also among the 20 generals to sign the letter.

Among voters for the centre-right Les Republicains, 71 per cent were in favour of the declaration, while even among supporters of Macron's La Republique en Marche, 46 per cent backed the letter.

The lead signatory was Christian Piquemal, 80, who commanded the Foreign Legion before losing his privileges as a retired officer after being arrested while taking part in an anti-Islam demonstration in 2016.

It was written by Jean-Pierre Fabre-Bernadac, a former officer, and signed by 1,000 others who were in lower ranks.

The incendiary letter reads: 'France is in danger. Several mortal perils threaten her. Even in retirement, we remain soldiers of France and cannot in the present circumstances remain indifferent to the fate of our beautiful country.'

The retired officers claimed that France was 'disintegrating with the Islamists of the hordes of the banlieue [suburbs] who are detaching large parts of the nation and turning them into territory subject to dogmas contrary to our constitution'.

Macron's government strongly condemned the letter, which was published on the 60th anniversary of a failed coup d'etat by generals opposed to France granting independence to Algeria, its former North African colony.

Prime Minister Jean Castex said the letter by military figures was 'against all of our republican principles, of honour and the duty of the army'.

And Florence Parly, the Defence Minister, said: 'This is unacceptable. There will be consequences, naturally.

Le Pen was among the first politicians to welcome the letter, writing in response: 'I invite you to join us in taking part in the coming battle, which is the battle of France.'

The RN leader, who would become head of France's Armed Forces if she replaces Macron as president next year, was widely criticised by her opponents on both the Left and Right for her words.

However, she was yesterday joined in her support by centre-right politician Rachida Dati, mayor of Paris' 7th arrondissement.

'What is written in this letter is a reality,' Ms Dati told France Info radio today. 'When you have a country plagued by urban guerrilla warfare, when you have a constant and high terrorist threat, when you have increasingly glaring and flagrant inequalities ... we cannot say that the country is doing well.'

Rachida Dati, mayor of Paris' 7th arrondissement, said that the concerns expressed in the letter to Emmanuel Macron were valid. Ms Dati told France Info radio today: 'When you have a country plagued by urban guerrilla warfare, when you have a very regular and very high terrorist threat, when you have increasingly glaring and flagrant inequalities ... we cannot say that the country is doing well'

The 55-year-old was raised in a devoutly Muslim household by an Algerian mother and father. She has made a name for herself as a politician who takes no prisoners, infuriating left-wingers with her law-and-order crackdown as justice minister, and brushing off critics when she decided to take just three days maternity leave after the birth of her daughter.

She said that 'the police have become a target for terrorists.'

A policewoman was stabbed to death last week in Rambouillet southwest of Paris.

Anti-terror officers said the suspect, a Tunisian national, had been watching jihadist propaganda videos prior to the attack.

Ms Dati continued: 'I am afraid that the police will break down one day.'

Referencing the military officers' letter, she added: 'And if they crack, we go well beyond the disintegration of society.'

The 55-year-old served as justice minister under Nicolas Sarkozy from 2007 to 2009.

Raised in a devoutly Muslim household by Algerian immigrant parents, Ms Dati is no stranger to ruffling feathers and has been tipped to run against Macron in 2022.

She is renowned for taking no prisoners, infuriating left-wingers with her law-and-order crackdown as justice minister, and brushing off critics when she decided to take just three days maternity leave after the birth of her daughter.

Asked in September what her plans were over the next two years, Ms Dati told The Times: 'To win the 2022 presidential election.'

France's current Fifth Republic has been threatened by military coups in the past, notably by far-Right activists who were eventually defeated as they tried to keep Algeria in the early 1960s.

There are some five million Muslims in France - the largest community of its kind in western Europe - and many have backgrounds in former colonies, such as Algeria.

The Rassemblement National used to be called the Front National (National Front), and was founded by Ms Le Pen's father, the convicted anti-Semite, racist and Islamophobe, Jean-Marie Le Pen.
RESTON, Va., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LDOS) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per outstanding share of common stock of Leidos Holdings, Inc. The cash dividend is payable on June 30, 2021 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 15, 2021.

About Leidos



Leidos is a Fortune 500 information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 39,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $12.30 billion for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2021. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Media contact:

Melissa Lee Duenas

(571) 526-6850

[email protected]

Investor Relations:

Peter Berl

571.526.7582

[email protected]

SOURCE Leidos

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Highlights Samsung Galaxy S20 phones facing issues.

Users sue smartphone maker over broken glass.

Users likely to get some compensation.

Samsung is facing a lawsuit for allegedly hiding a widespread defect in the camera glass on all Galaxy S20 models, including the Ultra and FE models. Several users have sued the South Korean electronics giant for selling phones that have defected camera glass. The smartphone maker had initially launched the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus and Galaxy S20 Ultra in February last year before adding the Fan Edition to the line-up later.

The lawsuit alleges that Samsung breached its warranty, committed fraud, and broke several consumer protection laws by selling Galaxy S20 phones whose camera glass shattered without warning or abuse. The users have also accused that Samsung refused to cover the problem under warranty even though its staff were aware of the flaw.

The problem has been faced by Samsung users in the United States, who eventually ended up paying as much as $400 for repairs, only to have the glass break again. All these users may get compensation if the lawsuit moves ahead and the decision goes in favour of buyers. The compensation may cover both loss of value and further damages.

However, the users should not expect a huge payout. The claims in these cases are usually diluted by attorney costs and the number of claimants. There's no guarantee you'll get enough to cover repairs.

If true, this is a very irresponsible move by one of the biggest tech companies in the world but, it hasn't stopped Samsung from selling more phone. In fact, it has taken back the crown from Apple as the world's biggest smartphone producer, accounting for a fifth of overall global sales in the first quarter, market research firm Canalys said.

China's Xiaomi Corp clocked its best quarterly performance ever, with shipments surging 62 per cent to 49 million phones and market share to 14 per cent, taking it to the third position after Samsung and Apple. Overall, global sales surged 27 per cent to 347 million units in the first quarter.

The positive numbers are largely a result of the Chinese economy opening up again after the pandemic and a swift vaccine rollout in the United States.A
Federal health officials said Friday that more than 100 million people in the United States had been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, a milestone that represents almost 40 percent of the nations adults. But concern continues to build among health officials over reaching more people who have not received shots.

The 100 million mark is almost double what the nation had registered at the end of March. The federal government also shipped its 300 millionth dose this week, according to Jeffrey D. Zients, the White Houses Covid-19 response coordinator.

The Biden administration is beginning a critical stage of its vaccination campaign that requires finding ways to inoculate those who remain hesitant or skeptical, or have had trouble accessing a vaccine. Officials repeatedly emphasized at a White House news conference on Friday that the next phase, as Mr. Zients referred to it, called for targeted, local and personalized efforts. President Biden recently called on employers to give workers paid time off to get vaccinated.

Polls have shown resistance to the vaccine is more deeply rooted among white people who live in rural areas, especially those who vote Republican, or describe themselves as evangelical Christians. Campaigns aimed at Black and Latino communities have made striking gains, though public health experts have said obstacles to access deserve much of the blame for disparities seen in their vaccination rates.
Medical researchers at Flinders University have established a new link between high body mass index (BMI) and breast cancer survival rates - with clinical data revealing worse outcomes for early breast cancer (EBC) patients and improved survival rates in advanced breast cancer (ABC).

In a new study published in a top breast cancer journal- researchers evaluated data from 5 thousand patients with EBC and 3496 with ABC to determine associations between BMI and survival rates across both stages.

Researchers say the results present an 'obesity paradox' which will impact the survival outcomes of the 19,807 women and 167 men diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia in 2020.

Natansh Modi, a NHMRC PHD Candidate at Flinders University, says understanding the biological reasons obesity impacts early and advanced breast cancer survival rates differently will be the key towards developing more effective treatments.

"Higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of developing many types of cancer including breast cancer as a result of elevated levels of circulating sex hormones such as estrogen, estrone, and testosterone, high serum leptin, and chronic inflammation that are associated with high BMI."

Co-author Dr Ashley Hopkins, a Senior Research Fellow at Flinders University, says the study utilises high quality contemporary medicines data to demonstrate higher BMI as independently associated with worse survival in EBC and paradoxically improved survival in advanced disease.

"This is world first evidence of an obesity paradox in breast cancer and highlights an urgent need to understand the biological basis of obesity impacts throughout breast cancer diagnosis and treatment."

###

The paper by Natansh D. Modi, Jin Quan Eugene Tan, Andrew Rowland, Bogda Koczwara, Ahmad Y. Abuhelwa, Ganessan Kichenadasse, Ross A. McKinnon, Michael D. Wiese, Michael J. Sorich & Ashley M. Hopkins (2021) is 'The Obesity Paradox in early and advanced HER2 positive breast cancer: pooled analysis of clinical trial data'.'
US Catholic Bishops expected to advise denying communion to pro-abortion politicians

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United States bishops are considering formalizing their opposition to pro-abortion Catholic politicians receiving communion as they continue to speak out against President Joe Biden, a Catholic, over his support for abortion.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, scheduled to hold a national meeting in June, is considering approving a draft document that would advise Catholic politicians who support abortion not to receive communion. The consideration of the document comes as Biden continues to advocate for liberal abortion policies that directly conflict with the teachings of his faith, specifically, that all human life is sacred from natural conception until natural death.

According to Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, who chairs the USCCBs Committee on Pro-Life Activities, advocacy for abortion constitutes a grave moral evil. Naumann told The Associated Press that Because President Biden is Catholic, it presents a unique problem for us.

It can create confusion  How can he say hes a devout Catholic and hes doing these things that are contrary to the churchs teaching? Naumann asked. The Catholic Churchs Code of Canon Law teaches that those who are obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion.

According to the USCCB website, The body of bishops meets typically twice a year for a General Assembly to transact its business and address matters of concern within its civil and canonical mandates. This years USCCB Spring General Assembly will take place from June 16-18.

Naumann told the AP that at the General Assembly, the bishops will vote on whether to continue working on the document, so it can be presented to the public at a later date. The rules of the General Assembly require proposals to receive a two-thirds majority vote of those bishops present and voting.

Even if the USCCB approves the document, it would still leave decisions on withholding Communion up to individual bishops. Individual churches and dioceses have taken different approaches regarding communion for Catholic politicians who support abortion.

A priest in South Carolina refused to give Biden communion when the then-presidential candidate visited his church on the campaign trail, citing his support for abortion as the reason for withholding communion. However, Cardinal Wilton Gregory of the Archdiocese of Washington said that he would allow the then-president-elect to receive communion despite his advocacy on behalf of a practice that the Church steadfastly opposes.

While Catholic bishops as a whole have demonstrated opposition to allowing Biden to receive communion, a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed two-thirds of American Catholics believe that Biden should be able to receive communion despite his position on abortion.

Biden, the second Roman Catholic to serve as president, has frequently found himself at odds with the Church and the broader Catholic community due to his positions on social issues extending beyond abortion. This divide has manifested itself in exchanges between EWTNs White House Correspondent Owen Jensen and White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki at the White House press briefings.

Most recently, on Tuesday, Jensen asked Psaki to react to criticism of Biden from the USCCB over his administrations decision to lift the ban on researchers using fetal tissue from elective abortions.

Psaki rejected the USCCBs contention that it's deeply offensive to millions of Americans for our taxpayer dollars to be used for research that collaborates with an industry built on the taking of innocent lives.

I think the White House  respectfully disagrees and we believe that its important to invest in science and  look for opportunities to cure diseases, she responded. In addition to his support for abortion, Biden has come under fire for his support for the Equality Act, a wide-reaching legislative initiative that critics warn has negative implications for religious liberty. Jensen has repeatedly pressed Psaki about Bidens position on such concerns.

At a White House press briefing earlier this month, Jensen asked Psaki if Biden had a message for Catholic doctors, [and] Catholic institutions who are fearful that if the Equality Act passes, it has the potential to trample on their conscience rights. In her response, Psaki maintained that the president has a difference of opinion with those who have those concerns while reiterating that he has been a supporter of the Equality Act, and he also is a practicing Catholic and attends church nearly every week.

In March, Jensen told Psaki that pro-life groups were very concerned about the phrase pregnancy discrimination in the Equality Act  that it would force doctors to perform abortions even if it violates their conscience. Also mentioning concerns that the legislation would force doctors to perform gender transition surgeries and sterilizations, again, even if it violates their conscience, Jensen inquired as to whether the president wanted to address the aforementioned concerns.

Psaki did not directly answer the question, instead describing Biden as a long supporter of Roe v. Wade and highlighting his consistent belief that [Roe] should be law. She also declined to respond when Jensen asked if the president wanted to weigh in on conscience concerns.
The court asked the Centre why it cant buy vaccines and embark on the lines of the national immunization programme

SC made it clear that police involved in the coercive action against people for writing distressing social media posts relating to Covid treatment will be hauled up for contempt. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday warned that any coercive action by the police against people in distress sharing their plight or information on the shortage of oxygen, hospital beds, doctors and essential medicines on social media and seeking help will be contempt of court.

Pointing out that free flow of information on the deficiencies and needs during a humanitarian crisis helps in dealing with it effectively, Justice Dhananjay Y. Chandrachud recalled that during the 1970 famine it was this flow of information that helped the government in tackling the problem effectively in contrast to the clampdown in 1918 Spanish flu pandemic.

Making it clear that police involved in the coercive action against people for writing distressing social media posts relating to Covid treatment will be hauled up for contempt, Justice Chandrachud, heading a three-judge bench also comprising Justice L. Nageswara Rao and Justice R. Ravindra Bhat, said, Let a message go out loud and clear to DGPs not to take action against citizens for social media posts about shortage of beds, oxygen shortage, condition of Covid care centres and hospitals etc during pandemic.

Having warned the police against any action against the people for writing social media posts critical of the governments handling of the second wave of Covid pandemic, Justice Chandrachud speaking for the bench said, I flag this issue at the outset. We don't want any clampdown on information If citizens communicate their grievances on social media and the Internet, it can't be said it's wrong information.

Having sent an unequivocal message that any attempt to gag people from airing their grievances or concerns over the difficulties being encountered by them in the treatment of Covid patients, the court in another dig at the Centre sought to know the rationale behind the different pricing of the vaccine for the Centre and the states.

Describing as very disturbing the different pricing for the Centre, states and private hospitals, the court asked, What happens to the marginalised and SC/ST population? Should they be left to the mercy of private hospitals.

The court asked the Centre why it cant buy vaccines and embark on the lines of the national immunization programme.

Telling the Centre not to leave vaccine pricing to the manufacturers, the court said, Dont leave it to the manufacturers. How will they determine equity? Invoke your powers to see that additional facilities are created for vaccine manufacturing.

The court also observed that AstraZeneca is providing vaccines at far lower price to US citizens then why should we be paying so much.

On the shortage of essential medicines, the court said that under the existing legal regime, India can side-step the patent regime and import Remdesivir from Bangladesh or produce it in India under license from Bangladesh.

The court also expressed concern over overworked doctors, nurses and other medical staff attending to Covid patients. The court said that be it government hospitals or private, the doctors and nurses attending Covid patients are reaching a breaking point and must be paid more.

On the conclusion of the four-hour-long hearing which commenced at 12 noon and ended at 4.20 PM with half-an-hour break, the court said that it will pass an interim order which will be uploaded on the top courts website on Saturday.
04/29/2021



The winning logo design created by PRSSA students for Apple Defense Solutions.

JSUs chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) hosted its first Small Business Campaign Competition this spring.

Two teams of PRSSA students worked on a campaign to increase digital exposure and brand awareness for Apple Defense Solutions (ADS), a safety awareness business located in Jacksonville, Ala. Throughout the semester, the students met with the owner of ADS, Paul Apple, for mentorship and consultation. Both teams developed logo designs, flyers and social media content for his business.

All students who participated in the competition received gift cards and certificates for safety courses hosted by ADS, while the winning team was awarded registration in an additional four-hour safety course. But the true reward was earning work samples for their professional portfolios.

PRSSA partnered with its professional advisor, JSU alumna Cristina Almanza, and the universitys Small Business Development Center to coordinate with ADS. Faculty advisor, Dr. Breann Murphy, said the chapter hopes to bring the competition back next academic year.

Housed in the Department of Communication, PRSSA is a student-led professional public relations organization open to all majors interested in learning more about public relations and networking with professionals in the field. For more information, contact Dr. Murphy at bmurphy5@jsu.edu or follow the chapter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Biden administration has confirmed that the US will restrict travel from India starting on Tuesday in response to the surge of coronavirus cases and variants being observed in the country.

'On the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Administration will restrict travel from India starting immediately,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement on Friday. 'The policy will be implemented in light of extraordinarily high COVID-19 caseloads and multiple variants circulating in the India. The policy will take effect on Tuesday, May 4.'

The administration will issue a 212(f) order restricting entry into the US for foreign nationals who have been in India within the previous 14 days, a source familiar with the move said. Airlines have been told of the decision, a source said.

The new policy will take effect on Tuesday at 12:01 am ET.

The policy will not apply to American citizens, lawful permanent residents or other people with exemptions. As with all international travelers, individuals who fit that criteria traveling from India must still test negative prior to leaving the country, quarantine if they have not been vaccinated and test negative again upon reentering the US from India. The restrictions also do not apply to humanitarian workers.

The White House informed congressional offices on Friday of the move.

Before boarding Air Force Two on a tarmac in Kentucky on Friday afternoon, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the travel restrictions.

Harris is the first Black and South Asian Vice President, with family members still living in Delhi, India. Asked what her sense is for people with loved ones in India who hear about restrictions and have concern, she said, 'People are worried. No question. People are worried.'

'It is important to note, as I said earlier, that we have a responsibility as the United States in particular, as it relates to the people that we have partnered with over the years, to step up when people are in a time of need,' Harris continued. 'And as it relates to the people of India, we have long standing decades old relationship with India, with the Indian people, in particular around public health issues.'

She added said that on Friday night, the US would be sending a plane of supplies, including oxygen, 'with an expectation that that will provide some level of relief.'

India recorded 386,452 Covid-19 cases on Friday, another record daily rise of cases, according to a CNN tally of figures from the Indian Ministry of Health.

Friday's tally is the ninth day in a row the country has added more than 300,000 cases a day, bringing the total number to more than 18.7 million. The country also reported 3,498 deaths, bringing the death toll to 208,330.

A day before the US' upcoming travel restrictions on India were announced, India's national airline, Air India, had said it was planning to reintroduce near pre-pandemic frequency of direct flights to the US in the first half of May. A number of countries -- including the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada -- have placed travel restrictions, ranging from quarantines to outright bans on travel from India.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that India accounted for 38% of global coronavirus cases recorded in the week leading up to April 25.

As of Thursday evening, more than 152 million vaccine doses have been administered. More than 26.7 million people have received their second doses, which is approximately 2% of India's 1.3 billion population being vaccinated, according to a press release issued by the health ministry on Thursday.

India launched its vaccination drive on January 16 and will open up vaccinations to everyone above the age of 18 on Saturday, but some states have indicated that they will not be ready for that vaccination rollout. Mumbai's municipal administration also announced the suspension of all Covid-19 vaccinations across the city Thursday evening due to a shortage.

The Indian government on Friday invoked special provisions and granted emergency financial powers to the Armed Forces to combat the second wave of Covid-19 in the country, the country's Defense minister, Rajnath Singh, announced on Twitter.

Earlier in the week, Biden pledged to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the United States would provide 'a range of emergency assistance, including oxygen-related supplies, vaccine materials, and therapeutics.'

And the White House said Wednesday it was delivering supplies worth more than $100 million in the coming days to provide urgent relief to India. US shipments of personal protective equipment, oxygen, coronavirus test kits, masks have been sent to the country.

The President and the White House have also indicated they would ship doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to other countries, including India, in the coming months after passing a safety review by the US Food and Drug Administration.

This story has been updated with additional reporting
By Tom Purcell





My recent trip to Florida was glorious for one simple reason: It was normal.



You see, I had been hungering for a friendly social gathering for months  any gathering involving family, friends, business colleagues or old classmates would do.



I had been hungering for the simple ability to freely assemble with my fellow humans, as I did routinely before COVID struck.



My family is still smarting over the loss of our Thanksgiving feast. For the first time in six decades, my parents' house wasn't packed full of 30 to 40 people.



My holiday dinner last fall involved me showing up with Thanksgiving takeout for four.



We did count our many blessings. We were all healthy and well. But it was surreal to be in such an empty house eating processed turkey and stuffing.



This spring, as the COVID vaccines are being rolled out, our family gatherings began to approach normalcy.



My mother and father were able to host a modest Easter event attended mainly by family members who had got their COVID shots.



All of us were thankful to finally be able to enjoy some semblance of social "normality" again.



But it wasn't until I flew to Florida recently to visit a few high school pals that I was reminded of how enjoyable our pre-COVID lives were.



My first trip anywhere since February of 2020, Florida gave me a taste of the basic freedoms many of us have been missing for two reasons:



First, before I flew to Pensacola, I had received both COVID vaccine shots.



Second, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had eased many COVID restrictions in his state long ago.



For instance, in Florida masks are not required by law. Schools have been open for in-person learning since last August.



Restaurants?and bars have been operating at 100 percent capacity since September. And the beaches were never closed.



Unlike my state, Pennsylvania, life in Florida was already semi-normal before the vaccines arrived.



Given his anti-lockdown sentiments, it's not surprising that DeSantis thinks the messaging on vaccines from our public health experts has been "horrific"  and backwards.



"The messaging should be, get a vaccine because it's good for you to do it," he says. "It works. You're not going to have to be doing anything abnormal. You can live your life."



DeSantis says that the "get-back-to-normal" message is muddled when you tell people after they've got the vaccine that they still have to wear masks, social distance and avoid social gatherings larger than a bridge club.



Whether you agree or disagree with DeSantis, you have to admit that he's correct when he says the official messaging on vaccines has been confusing  and still is.



According to?Business Insider, just two weeks ago Dr. Fauci said "it's important for all Americans  both vaccinated and unvaccinated  to continue avoiding crowds and socially distancing until we know for sure that vaccinated people don't spread the virus."



I'm glad I'm not Governor of Florida. I'm certainly glad I don't have his and Dr. Fauci's responsibilities.



I don't know when  or, at this point, if  our lives will ever get back to some semblance of normalcy.



All I know is that for a few days I was able to sit outside in the warm Florida sun enjoying live music  and enjoying the simple freedom to gather and converse in a way I hope we'll all be free and safe to do again soon.





Tom Purcell (Tom@TomPurcell.com), author of "Misadventures of a 1970's Childhood," a humorous memoir available at amazon.com, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist. His article was distributed by Cagle Cartoons Inc.


GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lauridsen Skatepark will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 7 at 4:30 p.m. to celebrate its grand opening. The Skatepark is the largest in the country and will open to the public in Greater Des Moines (DSM) in advance of hosting a national event later this month.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the Skatepark at 901 2nd Ave. in Downtown DSM. The Skatepark is centrally located at the north end of the Principal Riverwalk next to the Des Moines River. Media and the public can pay to park at the Iowa Events Center parking lot or find a paid street parking spot close to the Skatepark. All attendees will need to enter through Bobber Park on the south side of the Skatepark. Masks will be recommended per CDC guidelines.

Following the ribbon cutting, the Skatepark will be open to the public beginning 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Friday night, and will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m.  10:30 p.m. each day. The opening will provide a sneak peek for the community before setup begins for the Dew Tour competition set to take place from May 20  23. Set up for the Dew Tour begins at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 10. The Skatepark will be closed to the public from May 10  27 while the Dew Tour set-up, competitions and clean-up take place. The only exception is that some skating elements are open to those with Dew Tour tickets from May 20  23.

The Dew Tour event will include World Skate sanctioned men's and women's skateboarding Street and Park competitions, serving as the only U.S. based global Olympic skateboard qualifying events for 2021. Skateboarding will make its debut at the Olympic Games this summer in Tokyo, which were rescheduled in 2020 for July 23  August 8, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

No public registration is required. Members of the media interested in attending are asked to contact Courtney Shaw at cshaw@dsmpartnership.com and Jon Cahill at Jonathan.Cahill@PolkCountyIowa.gov.

Contacts:

Courtney Shaw

cshaw@DSMpartnership.com

(405) 747-8757

Learn More About DSM USA

Jon Cahill

Jonathan.Cahill@PolkCountyIowa.gov

(515) 822-3039

Related Links

http://www.desmoinesmetro.com



SOURCE Greater Des Moines Partnership
Cano said this about his book: "We are living in very decisive times where the human being is simply betting their lives in eternity in an alarming way. It is necessary that we pause to question ourselves, what is happening to us? If we go back to see our history, we see that we have only had around twenty-five to thirty years of peace. It seems to be that we have always been at warat war between countries, at war with ethics, at war between social classes, at war with gangs, at war between families, and even at war with ourselves. There is a point where you find yourself arguing with your own self and hate is growing all around us and we ask ourselves what is going on with humanity? Who could have the answer to this question? Is there someone that will end the enmity? I believe all these questions deserve a reasonable answer so we can unmask the one who is to blame."

Published by Page Publishing, Joel Cano's new book Sin Is My Name hopes to enlighten the readers on the damage humanity experiences when giving in to anarchy and loss of emotion and critical thinking.

Consumers who wish to understand the deepest sentiments of the human heart and mind can purchase Sin Is My Name in any bookstore or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

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Brittany Higgins will meet with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss her plans to make workplaces safer for employees.

The former Liberal staffer, who claims she was raped by a colleague in Parliament House in 2019, is due to meet Mr Morrison at the Commonwealth Parliamentary offices in Sydney on Friday afternoon.

She has already met with Labor leader Anthony Albanese and was pictured leaving his offices alongside her boyfriend, former journalist David Sharaz.

Former political staffer Brittany Higgins (centre) alongside boyfriend David Sharaz (right)

The former Liberal staffer, who claims she was raped by a colleague in Parliament House in 2019, is due to meet Mr Morrison at the Commonwealth Parliamentary offices in Sydney on Friday afternoon

After their meeting, Mr Albanese described Ms Higgins as 'impressive and courageous.'

'It was a very constructive discussion. Brittany Higgins is a very impressive woman. She has shown extraordinary courage in coming forward to be a voice, to be a voice standing up for women, standing up for issues that need real solutions,' he told reporters.

'Brittany Higgins will be putting forward to the prime minister a range of reforms that are necessary... we need to listen to women and to listen to their concerns, to listen to the experience that theyve gone through, and to listen to their views about solutions.'

Ms Higgins' ideas to improve workplace safety include updating rules for parliamentary security to encourage them to block drunk staff from entering the building and 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 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.

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.

Brittany Higgins will meet with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss her plans to make workplaces safer for employees

Ms Higgins appeared in high spirits as she left Mr Albanese's office in the Sydney CBD

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

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.

'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 in the letter.

'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.'

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.

Senator 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.
MOSCOW (AP)  A cease-fire on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan largely held Friday following a day of intense fighting between the two ex-Soviet Central Asian neighbors that killed about 40 people and wounded about 175.

More than 7,000 Kyrgyz residents have been evacuated from the area engulfed by the fighting as troops from the two countries exchanged gunfire around a water supply facility near the village of Kok-Tash, located in western Kyrgyzstan on the border with Tajikistan.

Both nations have claimed the area around the water supply facility in Kok-Tash, a dispute dating back decades to when they were both part of the Soviet Union.

Kyrgyz officials reported firing on the border early Friday but later said the truce was being observed.

Kyrgyzstans deputy health minister, Jalalidin Rakhmatullayev, told the Interfax news agency that 31 people died and 154 others were injured in the clashes, which marked the worst outbreak of hostilities between the two countries since they gained independence in the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

Local officials in Tajikistans city of Isfara, which is near the area of the clashes, reported eight dead and over 30 wounded.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov spoke by phone Friday with his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rakhmon, to discuss measures to quickly de-escalate the situation on the border, Zhaparovs office said in a statement.

A large part of the Tajik-Kyrgyz border remains unmarked, fueling fierce disputes over water, land and pastures. Kyrgyz and Tajik delegations have held several rounds of talks in recent years but failed to end the border controversy.

The latest conflict erupted Wednesday when Tajik officials attempted to mount surveillance cameras to monitor the water supply facility amid the tensions over water distribution, and Kyrgyz residents opposed the move. The Kyrgyz and the Tajiks began hurling stones at each other and troops quickly entered the fray.

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are both members of the Russia-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization. The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday voiced concern about the conflict and urged them to negotiate a lasting settlement.

The European Union on Friday welcomed the cease-fire deal and emphasized the need for a lasting and peaceful solution.

Both sides will need to undertake all the necessary steps to avoid any conflict in the future, EU spokesman Peter Stano said in a statement, adding that the EU stands ready to provide technical assistance on border and water management as well as political support.
From fish farms bobbing in the Straits of Johor to industrial warehouses and the rooftops of hotels downtown, urban farming is all the rage in Singapore. (PHOTO: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

(Bloomberg Opinion)  From fish farms bobbing in the Straits of Johor to industrial warehouses and the rooftops of hotels downtown, urban farming is all the rage in Singapore. Covid-19 has given the country, which produces only a tiny fraction of what its people eat, a big scare. Dependence on neighbours for sustenance is a huge vulnerability the government says it's determined to rectify.

Developing agriculture almost from scratch doesn't come easy. Obstacles include a shortage of labor, competition from lower-cost economies elsewhere in Asia and a chronic scarcity of space. How the nation addresses these hurdles will say a lot about whether food self-sufficiency is a fad or a smart deployment of state muscle.

The Singapore Food Agency is dispensing millions of dollars to solve this existential challenge. While food supplies have held up during the pandemic, some shelves were emptied of staples like rice and instant noodles in the early days. A few months ago, truckloads of chickens from Malaysia perished while drivers waited for hours at Covid checkpoints.

Nobody contemplated the Causeway shutting down or air freight becoming more difficult, said Benjamin Swan, co-founder and chief executive officer of Sustenir Group, referring to one of two road links to Malaysia. His company, whose backers include sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings Pte., grows vegetables vertically in a warehouse in Singapore's northern suburbs. We got lucky this time. Next pandemic, who knows?

All farming in Singapore is urban. One of the most densely populated countries, you can drive across it in about half an hour. At independence in 1965, roughly a quarter of the city-states land was devoted to agriculture. Now it's closer to 1%. In the decades between, mile after mile was cleared for high-rise public housing, malls, schools and highways.

The population has also swollen to 5.7 million from about 2 million as the republic grew from a backwater to a commercial hub. Gross domestic product per capita is about US$65,000, among the highest in the world. For all that success, Singapore is heavily reliant on suppliers overseas for the basics of modern life: food, electricity, water and labor.

Story continues

The government has been working quietly for years to reduce this reliance on neighbours, with whom relations have oscillated. (Indonesia violently opposed the creation of Malaysia in 1963, of which Singapore was briefly part.)

The nations food goal is nominally modest: source 30% of nutrition needs locally by the end of the decade, up from about 10% now. But after years of prioritising finance, aviation, shipping, petrochemicals and tourism, it's a significant shift of emphasis. For years, Singapore didn't have to think about providing its own food, said Farshad Shishehchian, chief executive officer of Blue Aqua International Pte., which rears shrimp and fish in vast tanks. The view was: I have money, I can buy it. Now there is a realisation, especially after Covid hit, that food is more essential than anything.

The governments focus is on eggs, vegetables and marine fare. (For now, those famous chicken rice dishes at the local hawker center will still rely on foreign birds.) With global food demand projected to climb by more than half by 2050, the republic needs to put meals on the table while trying to figure out how much land to reclaim for its existing population. Climate change is a particularly grave threat for a small island nation. While Singapores drive to secure the food chain preceded the pandemic, the government is now urging producers to  grow more and grow faster.

From his farm on the northern tip of Singapore  my cell phone told me I was in Malaysia  Shishehchian produces about 120 tons of shrimp a year, a drop in the bucket compared with the roughly 30,000 tons imported. His edge isn't price  shoppers can buy frozen shrimp from Indonesia, Malaysia or Thailand for far less. But his inventory is fresh: Every day at about 6 a.m., trucks leave his farm for supermarkets across the city-state. And hes planning additional facilities, which should boost production to 450 tons of fish for consumption and 320 tons of shrimp a year. Blue Aqua has received S$1.2 million ($900,000) from the Singapore Food Agency since 2019.

Like farmers in Sussex or South Dakota, Singaporeans tending the land and water wish that office dwellers had a better appreciation for what they are up against. Some gently grumble about shortages of labor, and the cost of power and water. There are huge risks, explained Ong Jong Yang, owner of Smith Marine, whose farm rearing seabass, grouper and snapper sits in the narrow waters separating Singapore from Malaysia. These include tidal surges, pollution and changes in water temperature. Toxic algae blooms wiped out 500 tons of fish in scores of coastal fish farms in 2015, according to the Straits Times.

Still, thanks to all the buzz, everyone wants to be in agriculture these days, Ong grouses. Many won't make it, despite generous grants from the government, he says from the shed of the outboard motor business he also runs. Grants can be helpful, but also a burden if people can't get the job done, said Ong, who received about S$30,000. He didn't want to attract attention by turning one down. I don't want to look special.

It's great to have fish protein that can rumble down the Central Expressway to supermarkets. But fish don't just appear from thin-air. The fingerlings from Ong's operation come from Malaysia. Blue Aqua's brooding stock travels all the way from Florida and Hawaii. So what will food self-sufficiency ultimately mean?

The idea isnt to replace overseas suppliers entirely  that isnt realistic  but to have a buffer for a couple of months if required, said William Chen, a professor of food science at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. In that light, the idea of 30 by 30  that is, 30% of nutrition sourced locally by 2030  is a realistic goal. Chen reckons S$144 million has been allocated by the Singapore Food Agency to related projects, including urban farming, alternative protein and other innovation.

At Sustenir, the vertical farm, going inside the plant requires donning white plastic overalls, hair nets and gloves, not unlike visiting a clean room in a semiconductor factory. As I drove home, buildings that spoke to Singapore's industrial history, emblazoned with signs for 3M Co. and Seagate Technology Plc, whizzed past  symbols of the era of manufacturing globalisation. One of the founding ideas of the country's development was to focus on economies of scale and what it could do best, while outsourcing the rest. Singapores big investment targeting modest results turns this model upside down. But thats all the more reason it can succeed.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Daniel Moss is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asian economies. Previously he was executive editor of Bloomberg News for global economics, and has led teams in Asia, Europe and North America.

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
Amy Schumer gave a hilarious - and graphic - answer after comedian Kevin Hart asked her to share what has 'changed the most' about her since getting married.

'My p***y. It's honestly just like, huge now and just garbage,' the 39-year-old jokingly declared during Thursday's episode of Hart's Comedy Gold Minds podcast.

'It's just street trash. Yeah, I would say my street trash p***y is probably [the biggest change],' continued Schumer, with Hart replying with laughter: 'Is it?'

Changes: Amy Schumer gave a hilarious - and graphic - answer after comedian Kevin Hart asked her to share what has ' changed the most' about her since getting married; Schumer pictured in 2019

Schumer married Massachusetts-born chef Chris Fischer, 41, during a private ceremony in February 2018, which was attended by famous pals like Jennifer Lawrence.

Since then, the couple have welcomed their first child, son Gene, who will turn two-years-old next month.

The I Feel Pretty actress also told the Jumanji actor that since getting married she 'doesn't go out anymore' like she used to.

'I mean, it's also the pandemic, but I'd be down at the Cellar every night doing standup, and now it's like, if a friend is like, "Want to meet out at 8:00 PM?," I'm like "8:00pm?! Sorry, I'm in" I mean, I'm not in bed, I stay up, you know' she explained.

Married life: Schumer married Massachusetts-born chef Chris Fischer, 41, during a private ceremony in February 2018, which was attended by famous pals like Jennifer Lawrence; Amy and Chris pictured in 2018

During her interview with Hart, Schumer said that her and Fischer still make time for intimate moments, despite their busy schedules and parenting duties.

'We probably have sex every seven to 10 days,' she revealed, with the father-of-four concurring her answer with: 'That's about right.'

Amy explained that when her and Chris do settle down and have sex, it makes them realize they 'need to do that more,' but more pressing matters often send intimacy further and further down the couple's to-do list.

Sometimes the couple are just not on the same page, with Schumer recalling one time where she asked Fischer if he 'wants to have sex' and he just wasn't in the mood.

Yikes! 'My p***y. It's honestly just like, huge now and just garbage,' the 39-year-old jokingly declared during Thursday's episode of Hart's Comedy Gold Minds podcast; Amy and Chris pictured in 2019

Homebody: The I Feel Pretty actress also told the Jumanji actor that since getting married she 'doesn't go out anymore' like she used to; Schumer pictured on Saturday

'I go, "Do you want to have sex?" And he makes this face. He kind of pictured it, and like, winced.

'He's imagining it and he made a face kind of like he ate something bad,' she joked.

Amy said that after putting some thought into it, Chris asked her '"How about tomorrow?"' to which she replied: 'Great. Thank you. I feel really good.'

The stand-up comic recently opened up about plans to expand her family with husband Chris.

When asked about having baby number two by guest host Ashley Graham on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she said: 'Oh God, I hope so. We're trying to figure it out. I mean, you know, it's like there's nothing better. Yeah. What about you?'

Expanding: The stand-up comic recently opened up about plans to expand her family with husband Chris, whom she already shares one-year-old son Gene with; Gene and Amy pictured in 2020

Hopeful: When asked about having baby number two by guest host Ashley Graham on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she said: 'Oh God, I hope so. We're trying to figure it out. I mean, you know, it's like there's nothing better. Yeah. What about you?'; Chris, Gene, and Amy pictured in 2020

Amy previously said she wouldnt be able to carry any future children after the process of welcoming Gene via IVF was 'really tough' on her.

In August, she explained: 'We did IVF and IVF was really tough on me. I don't think I could ever do IVF again. "I decided that I can't be pregnant ever again. We thought about a surrogate, but I think we're going to hold off for right now.'

Schumer has been hard at work on the set of her forthcoming Hulu comedy series Life & Beth, which she is starring in, directing, and producing.

Amy plays the series' title character, who is described as a woman whose 'life looks pretty great on paper,' but takes a turn as she dives into her past, according to the streaming service.

Life & Beth: Schumer has been hard at work on the set of her forthcoming Hulu comedy series Life & Beth, which she is starring in, directing, and producing; Amy pictured on set on April 27

On set: Amy plays the series' title character, who is described as a woman whose 'life looks pretty great on paper,' but takes a turn as she dives into her past, according to the streaming service; Amy pictured on set with Gene on Thursday

'Impressive to everyone she grew up with. She makes a good living as a wine distributor.

'Shes in a long-term relationship with an attractive, successful guy and lives in Manhattan. When a sudden incident forces Beth to engage with her past, her life changes forever,' the synopsis continued.

'Through flashbacks to her teen self, Beth starts to learn how she became who she is and who she wants to become. Well go on her journey toward building a more authentic life.

'Learning to express herself and living in an intentional way. A trip down memory lane is a strong source of trauma, comedy and moving forward,' it concluded.

Michael Rapaport recently signed on to play teenaged Beth's father, with Michael Cera also receiving a role in the comedian's new show.
BRIDGEPORT  Armando Perez admitted Thursday in court that he had been in a desperate situation.

It was the same description he gave two weeks ago when he admitted in federal court to cheating on the police chief exam. But this time Perez was testifying in state court on the procedure he used to select Rebeca Garcia as assistant police chief in December 2019.

Perezs testimony began Thursday afternoon in the civil trial that could determine the future of Garcia, the citys first female police chief.

Three police captains  Brian Fitzgerald, Steven Lougal and Roderick Porter  claim in a lawsuit against the city that the appointment of Garcia to assistant chief was unlawful and invalid and in violation of the citys charter because she was appointed instead of going through a competitive process.

Perezs live testimony was streamed from an unidentified office, as the trial before Superior Court Judge Barry Stevens is being held remotely.

The trials other participants  the plaintiffs lawyer, Thomas Bucci; Deputy City Attorney John Bohannon Jr.; former city personnel director David Dunn; current Acting Personnel Director Eric Amado; former Police Chief Thomas Gaudett; former assistant police chief James Nardozzi; and Garcia  filled small boxes on the video screen.

Perez was the fourth witness called by Bucci on Thursday. It was the first public appearance for Perez and Dunn since Perez was sentenced to a year and a day in prison and Dunn to four months in prison after they pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to rig the examination process that made Perez chief and lying to the FBI about it. Both are scheduled to surrender to federal prison officials next month.

I had requested help from the mayors office and the mayor and the CAO (chief administrative officer), he testified. I was getting killed on the overtime, it was a lot and I knew it... Every Friday there used to come this memo out of the CAOs office telling me something I already knew that youre over budget, you are not managing the department. I was managing the department. I had a finite number of officers and crime was up.

Perez initially testified he had gotten a list of candidates for assistant chief from Dunn but then revised that. He said he was holding the weekly command staff meeting and announced he was looking for an assistant chief and two deputy chiefs. He told the assembled deputy chief and captains that if they were interested, they could submit a resume and cover letter. He said nearly everyone at the meeting applied.

Perez said that he sent the resumes to former Washington D.C. Police Chief Charles Ramsey, who had been hired in April 2019 as a consultant to the police department by Mayor Joe Ganim. He said he didnt want anyone to claim favoritism.

Ive worked with these guys for 35 years, I know them all, Perez continued without being asked a question. I know their strong points, I know their weak points, I know their families, there was nothing in that resume that I didnt already know.

He said Ramsey later called him and told him all the applicants were qualified for the position of either deputy or assistant chief.

Perez said he was looking for a candidate that would complement him. That had integrity, that had no agenda. That had the best interests of the citizens of the city of Bridgeport, he said.

He said he later met with the city CAO, the mayors chief of staff, the city attorney and Dunn before selecting Garcia as assistant chief. He said there were no interviews of the candidates.

This is in sharp contrast to what Nardozzi testified he went through when he was selected assistant police chief in 2012.

Nardozzi, who is currently suing Perez and the city claiming he was defrauded out of the police chiefs job by the cheating scandal, said he applied for the job after getting an email that applicants were being sought for the position.

He testified he then went through a thorough selection process, even though he had been favored for the job by then-chief Gaudett. He took an essay exam, had three interviews before being told he had gotten the job over two other candidates. He was fired in 2016 when Ganim became mayor.

Gaudett, who now heads emergency communications for the city of Stamford, testified that he picked Nardozzi as his assistant chief over a retired major of the state police and an assistant police chief in New Haven. He said he believed that he had to go through a process with civil service to hire an assistant police chief and that the process included an exam and interviews.

Much of the mornings session of the trial was taken up with verbal jousting between Bucci and Amado over each of the mens interpretation of the city charter on the hiring of an assistant police chief.

Bucci contends that under the charter the position must be selected competitively following a search, an exam, and interviews. But Amado retorted that the position is noncompetitive and selected at the pleasure of the police chief.

Testimony is to continue Friday.
Soon after prisoners in New York correctional facilities sued Gov. Andrew Cuomo and won, they began receiving hard-won COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision wrote in a statement to City & State that it began offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to all incarcerated individuals on April 6. As of mid-April, 894 incarcerated individuals and 23 staff members had been vaccinated through this effort.

But then those vaccinations stopped, as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was put on pause by the federal government on April 13. The department had been using the Moderna vaccine since February.

Getting shots in the arms of inmates to begin with, however, has been a battle. On March 30, a judge ordered the state to administer COVID-19 vaccines to prisoners after a lawsuit from a coalition of advocates argued that Cuomo and state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker had unfairly denied prisoners access to the vaccine.

Meghna Philip, a staff attorney at the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, one of the groups who brought the suit, was involved in every stage of the litigation and argued the case before the judge.

Philip said that her organization had tried contacting the governor and his office and advocate in any way we could. But after receiving no response time and time again, they resorted to legal action. When other organizations had the same problem, they banded together and brought the suit.

In affidavits submitted to the court, prisoners described their living conditions and their fears. Charles Holden, a 52-year-old man incarcerated at the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island, said his 50-bed dormitory had 48 beds filled. He said in the affidavit that the beds were mere inches apart, that he ate communally where inmates were unable to wear masks, and that he shared toilets, sinks, showers, televisions, telephones and recreational spaces with dozens of other incarcerated men.

Another complainant was Alberto Frias, a 24-year-old man incarcerated at the Otis Bantum Correctional Center on Rikers Island. Frias said in his affidavit that shared items like remotes, mops and an electric kettle were not sanitized between uses. He added that incarcerated people in his unit didnt wear masks in the shared spaces of the housing area. Even if he stayed in his cell to avoid them, he couldnt stop other inmates or staff from entering his cell when he wasnt there.

Philip said part of the suit cited the fact that people in every other kind of congregate setting were eligible for the vaccine and that the exclusion of incarcerated adults felt intentional. She found it mind-boggling that those in juvenile detention centers were even eligible, along with prison staff, but adults who were incarcerated (and didnt have another qualifier for the vaccine) were not allowed to get the vaccine.

The judge, in ruling with the coalition of advocates, agreed. She wrote that the state irrationally distinguished between incarcerated people and people living in every other type of adult congregate facility, at great risk to incarcerated peoples lives during this pandemic. In her decision, she said there was no acceptable excuse for this deliberate exclusion as COVID-19 does not discriminate between congregate settings.

In response, Philip said, Its worth noting that the judges decision really underscores the fact that the state was neglecting its duties to incarcerated people for several months. It is a reflection of, throughout this pandemic, the deprioritization of the lives and safety of incarcerated people.

Philip said that one of the complainants, Holden, actually received his first dose the day after the ruling was handed down. She added that her organization had heard from clients and advocates across the state that vaccine appointments were being made available to prisoners.

According to Jeanette Merrill, director of communications and intergovernmental affairs at Correctional Health Services, the direct health care provider in the citys jails, CHS was the first in the state to offer the vaccine to people in custody.

We were thrilled to be able to offer the vaccine to every patient in our care following the March 2021 court ruling, Merrill said in a statement to City & State. We had advocated that every person in custody should have access, not based on health or age, but due to the very nature of the congregate carceral setting.

As of mid-April, Merrill said CHS had vaccinated more than 1,700 inmates. Before the March ruling, she said CHS received approval to vaccinate a smaller percentage of their population based on health or age. Those vaccination efforts started January 7, so by the time of the court ruling, they had already vaccinated about 1,100 people. Regarding staff, over 2,000 employees had been vaccinated.

When it comes to state-level vaccinations prior to the lawsuit, the state corrections department began vaccinating staff and incarcerated individuals 65 years and older on February 5 using the Moderna vaccine. Through that qualification, 77% of incarcerated individuals who qualified had agreed to take the vaccine.

Regarding staff, as of April 13, 7,475 staff members had gotten both doses. But because the vaccine was not mandatory, staff were not legally required to report if they had received the vaccine outside of work  so that number could be higher.

The vaccine was also already being offered to incarcerated individuals with comorbidities. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list of eligible comorbidities, there were about 3,575 incarcerated individuals who met that criteria for the vaccine. As of April 13, 2,552 incarcerated individuals with at least one comorbidity had received the first vaccine, and 1,766 had received their second dose.

But the pandemic isnt over, and the disease continues to be infectious. Philip issued a reminder to all as the pandemic continues.

Its important for the state to continue to keep in mind the importance of protecting incarcerated people, who are extraordinarily vulnerable to infection because of the circumstances that theyre living in, she said.
UN judges will give their verdict on June 8 on an appeal by former Bosnian Serb military chief Ratko Mladic against his genocide conviction over the 1995 Srebrenica massacre.

Mladic was sentenced to life in prison in 2017 for overseeing the massacre of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys, and for war crimes and crimes against humanity in general during the 1992-95 Bosnian war.

The judgement on the appeals in the present case shall be pronounced in public in The Hague, The Netherlands, on Tuesday, 8 June, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals said in a statement.

The prosecution have also appealed, seeking to overturn Mladics acquittal on wider genocide charges.

The court, which deals with cases left over from the now-closed UN war crimes court for the former Yugoslavia, held hearings on Mladics appeal in August last year.

During the hearings, the frail-looking former general raged that he had been pushed into war and dismissed the court as a child of western powers.

In a rambling speech that dug up centuries of historic grievances, Mladic said he remained a target of the NATO alliance and accused prosecutors in The Hague of showering me with satanic, snaky, devilish words.

 Victory walk 

The two-day appeal hearing had been delayed several times after Mladic needed surgery to remove a polyp, and then because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dubbed the Butcher of Bosnia, Mladic was convicted of orchestrating a campaign of ethnic cleansing to drive Muslims and Bosnians out of key areas to create a Greater Serbia as Yugoslavia tore itself apart after the fall of communism.

Prosecutors said he personally oversaw the massacre at Srebrenica as part of a campaign of ethnic cleansing to drive out Muslims from the UN-protected enclave.

It was the worst single act of bloodshed on European soil since World War II.

Srebrenica was Mladics operation, prosecutor Laurel Baig told the court last August, saying he had carried out a victory walk through the town.

Mladic was captured in 2011 after years on the run, and convicted following a three-year trial.

He was the military face of a trio led on the political side by ex-Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic and former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic.

Milosevic died of a heart attack in his cell in The Hague in 2006 before his trial had finished.

Karadzic is serving a life sentence for genocide in Srebrenica and other atrocities after appeals judges increased his sentence from an original jail term of 40 years.
(Natural News) One of the most censored men in America right now, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell recently took the time to talk to the Health Ranger about the current state of our country under Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) tyranny.

Lindell is being not only censored but also mocked for taking a stand against election fraud, defending President Donald Trump, and more recently, coming out as a Christian.

During the segment  listen below  Lindell shares with the Health Ranger how talk show host Jimmy Kimmel devoted an entire bit on Kimmels late-night show to mocking him for his beliefs.

Lindell also discussed what he describes as a spiritual battle of good versus evil taking place all around us in society. Much of it currently centers around the push to get everyone vaccinated for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19), using force or coercion if necessary.

Were living in the most amazing time in history, at least in 2,000 years, Lindell told the Health Ranger. This is a spiritual battle.

Lindell: People are looking for hope and that hope is Jesus

Lindell has been fighting the good fight, at great expense to himself, in an effort to save this country from being taken over by the communists. The more God is removed from society, he says, the easier it becomes for the communists to achieve their goal.

As many were over the past several months, Lindell and his company got banned from Twitter for talking about the fraudulent 2020 election online. This is a big no-no now that Beijing Biden is in charge.

Lindell was also censored by Newsmax during a post-election broadcast, prompting him to storm out of the studio in disgust.

Thankfully, Lindell is a fighter who does not give up easily. He also has thick skin and does not seem to care what losers like Jimmy Kimmel think about him  this being a necessary trait in order to rise above todays toxic cancel-culture environment.

Unless they take him out completely, Lindell has no plans to stop what he is doing and will continue to make appearances whenever he is given the opportunity.

Lindell admits that he is not the best spokesperson for freedom as he is not the greatest orator. He believes, however, that God chose him to take a stand now that this country has reached a critical juncture concerning its future.

With God all things are possible, Lindell says about his newfound lot in life. I give God the glory and everyone, if they can see by my story the miracles, everyone has a calling.

An ex-crackhead, as he describes himself, Lindell recognizes that God often uses the lowly in society to do his bidding. While Lindell is now a success story with a thriving company, it certainly did not start out that way.

By embracing what he believes God called him to do, however, Lindell has reached great heights, even being invited to the White House to sit at the same table with Trump to discuss important matters relevant to our time.

People are looking for hope and that hope is Jesus, Lindell says.

Lindell actually started a faith-based treatment group called the Lindell Recovery Network that helps people struggling with addiction to find hope in Jesus, rather than the false secular hope that the world offers.

What a great man and an awesome patriot, wrote a commenter at Brighteon about Lindell and his inspirational message.

I have bought pillows and sheets as well, wrote another about Lindells company. His products are awesome.

Also, be sure to check out the latest Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) news at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

Brighteon.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com

LindellRecoveryNetwork.org
A Brighton man entered a no-contest plea Thursday in connection to an assault last fall in which police say he threw a sandbag off an overpass and hit a car that was driving by. According to WXYZ Detroit, David Garcia withdrew his plea of insanity before eventually entering the no-contest plea to multiple charges, including assault with intent to do great bodily harm and malicious destruction of property, the station reported.

Garcia is accused of throwing the 40-pound sandbag off the overpass at at I-96 near Old Plank Road on Oct. 4 around 11 p.m. The sandbag hit the car of a woman traveling along westbound I-96. The sandbag crashed through her cars windshield and caused severe injuries. The woman still has shards of glass in her eyes from the incident, she told the TV station.

Shortly after throwing the sandbag, police say Garcia stopped another motorist and asked for a ride. The passerby gave Garcia a ride to his house in Brighton and the motorist told police Garcia bragged about what hed done.

During his court appearance Thursday, Garcias lawyer told the judge his client did not remember what happened that night and that is why he wanted to enter a no-contest plea. While a no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt, it is treated as such during sentencing in criminal court. However, if a civil lawsuit were to be filed, Garcias no-contest plea in the criminal matter could not be treated as an admission of guilt.

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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.
During the March quarter, the company continued to promote the potential of the Amersfoort project to be developed as a significant scalable onshore gas producer in South Africa, close to multiple markets and surrounded by energy infrastructure.

Completed upgrade to road and terminal landing with flaring Well KA-03PTR.

( ) enjoyed a productive March quarter that has set the stage for first production and revenues in the near term at its Amersfoort Project in South Africa.

Activities at the project are carried out through Afro Energy (Pty) Ltd, in which Kinetiko holds 49%, and during the quarter as a result of being granted a bulk gas production and removal permit, Afro Energy began preparing a short-term pilot gas production program.

This is expected to see gas produced from well KA-03PTR and possibly well KA-03PT2 (adjacent) sold to domestic CNG trader(s) for transportation from the well site for distribution to industries in the Johannesburg region.

As part of this planning the two wells underwent workovers to maximise gas flow rates and recovery.

Pilot production well workover

The well workover program in preparation for pilot gas-to-CNG production was successfully completed and subsequent gas testing has confirmed commercial flow rate and quality to offtake specifications.

Afro Energy intends to apply for full production rights for ER56 as soon as possible after the commencement of production of well-KA 03PTR and seek certification of maiden gas reserves.

At this stage, the company is on track to begin production later this quarter or early in the third quarter.

Commissioning work completed

The company completed the upgrade, testing and commissioning of surface and sub-surface equipment on Well KA - 03PTR during the period, as well as the completion of upgrades to the access road and terminal landing in preparation of a gas-to-CNG pilot project under the bulk sampling permit.

Kinetiko subsequently commenced with controlled well flow clean-up periods to clean and condition the well in anticipation of controlled testing of initial gas flow rates, average stabilised gas flow rates, methane content, casing pressure, and other measures.

In addition, upgrades to the access road and terminal landing was completed in anticipation of pilot gas production.

Platform set for first production

With the recent successful gas flow rate testing on Well KA-03PTR, Afro Energy is strategically positioned to complete an offtake agreement and commence commercial production.

On achieving commercial production Afro Energy is primed for the booking of first revenues and to obtain certification of maiden gas reserves.

Kinetiko anticipates that these significant milestones can be reached during this current quarter and in quarter three of 2021.

Aeromagnetic survey area and Amersfoort Project exploration licences.

Aeromagnetic survey confirms continuity

The latest aeromagnetic survey completed links together the two previous surveys for a combined 965 square kilometres of gas-prone Karoo sediments and intruding dolerite bodies and interpretation has confirmed the continuity of gas prospective geology.

Six new potential gas compartments have been identified in the survey area ranging in size from 5.7 square kilometres to 22.5 square kilometres and in total 77 square kilometres.

The total gas compartments identified on the Amersfoort Project have now reached 37 and 257 square kilometres.

This extensive area of high-resolution aeromagnetic data will guide the sequence of exploration drilling to evaluate the gas compartments potential to host production fields.

New non-executive director

In February, Tom Fontaine was appointed to the Kinetiko board as a non-executive director.

Fontaine is a professional engineer with more than 25 years' technical and commercial experience in the international oil and gas industry including start-up, running and building resource companies.

In the mid 2000s, he co-founded Pure Energy Limited whose primary endeavour was to secure prospective coal bed methane acreage in Queensland and develop a resource.

Pure Energy successfully drilled more than 40 wells to prove over 1 trillion cubic feet of gas, which enabled the company to be sold to British Gas for over A$1 billion in 2009.

Strong funding initiatives ongoing

Kinetiko has continued to promote the potential of the Amersfoort project to be developed as a significant scalable onshore gas producer in South Africa close to multiple markets and surrounded by energy infrastructure.

The achievements delivered during the March 2021 quarter and the ongoing development of the Afro Energy joint venture have elicited a number of positive responses from potential funding institutions both inside South Africa and abroad to fund and participate in the Amersfoort project development - in particular the potential development of a pilot production field.


Joe Manning turned his efforts to genealogy, identifying hundreds of mill children photographed a century ago by Lewis Hine for the National Child Labor Committee. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Joe Manning, chronicler of the heart and soul of the city of North Adams, died Tuesday, April 27, at the age of 79 after a short illness.

Manning first discovered the Steeple City 25 years ago and became a frequent and beloved visitor. The author, historian, genealogist, freelance journalist, poet, photographer, and songwriter made the city his "spiritual home" even though he never lived here.

His writings included "Steeples: Sketches of North Adams," published in 1997 and featuring a collection of oral histories, photographs, essays, and poetry inspired by interviews and conversations with local people, "Disappearing into North Adams," a personalized retrospective of changes to the former mill town, and a book of similarly informed poetry "Gig At The Amtrak."

Manning also was a contributor to iBerkshires with his "Bytes from the Bean," a column he often wrote from his favorite coffeeshop, the former Appalachian Bean, and kept a blog called "Mornings on Maple Street."

He settled in Florence but fostered strong connections and relationships in North Adams, was a champion of the city, and a volunteer within the community, particularly working with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. In 1998, he helped plan and run the coalition's annual Neighborhood EXPO and was later named a North Berkshire Hero.

In 2001, he was presented the "key to the city," by then Mayor John Barrett III. "It's something that I'll treasure for the rest of my life," he told the former North Adams Transcript. "You don't often get something like this."

Manning was fascinated by the buildings and courtyards at the former print works that's now Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum two years ago installed "Joe Manning: Looking at North Adams," which encourages visitors to look out the windows with labels explaining the city's history and highlighted by his prose.

He took an interest in the city's history, saving the old letters from the former J.J. Newberry's and donating them to the local museum, and tracking down mill children photographed by Lewis Hine. He identified hundreds of children , including most famously Addie Card, the little Pownal, Vt., girl who inspired author Elizabeth Winthrop's "Counting on Grace" novel. His efforts identifying local children was featured in the "Mill Children," an exhibit that ran in North Adams and Adams.

City Councilor Keith Bona took to Facebook Wednesday night to remember the longtime friend and collaborator. "I was honored to work closely with Joe Manning designing and producing his first two books 'Steeples' and 'Disappearing Into North Adams.' Never a resident of North Adams but more committed and connected to our community than most our natives. He made friends with many of us, embraced our history, and loved working with our students. Joe passed this week and will deeply be missed in North Adams. Thoughts and prayers to his wife Carole, family and friends."

Manning spent years interviewing and talking with local residents but found the tables turned when he was interviewed for high school history project

"It was kind of fun being on the other end of an interview," he said. Though it was tough at first to answer the questions "because I'm thinking more academically as a historian." But he realized it was about sharing experiences. "I just opened up and said exactly how I felt," he said. "It's fun to be interviewed."

Manning was born in Washington, D.C., son of Joseph and Mary Chaney Manning, and grew up in Maryland. He served four years in the Air Force as a medical corpsman.

In 1970, he received a bachelor's degree in sociology from the State University of New York at Cortland. He was a caseworker for the Connecticut Department of Social Services from 1970, until his retirement in 1999.

Manning lived with his wife, Carole, in Florence but was never far from North Adams. Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters, and many friends in North Berkshire.
Local automobile businesses are dependent on major foreign car manufacturers and their core technologies, a sticking point for true progress, photo Le Toan

Vietnam has received praise for its control of the pandemic, which has also contributed to its prestige among South Korean businesses. Vietnams auto parts sector has reached an export scale of $5 billion and an import volume of $4 billion, thus attracting many South Korean businesses during the past three years, said Lee Jong Seob, president of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (Kotra) in Southeast Asia-Oceania and general director of its branch in Hanoi. Seob came to Vietnam under a special entry programme nine months ago.

According to Seob, Vietnams auto part exports are in the high growth group. In 2020, these exports grew by 48.6 per cent but have not yet entered a stable period, Seob pointed out, adding that the development of the auto-business in Vietnam is based on the understanding of the governments policymakers, promoting a business strategy that is consistent with the reality of Vietnam.

Lagging behind

In mid-April, VinFast  a subsidiary of Vingroup  announced that it would sell three electric car models in the US market in 2022. Previously, VinFast introduced the Sedan Lux A 2.0 and SUV models. The Lux SA 2.0 participated in the international exhibition of the Paris Motor Show, one of the largest auto events in the world, and received an enthusiastic reception from the international public.

Vietnam may already be on the map of the worlds auto industry, but there is still a lot to do to gain a firm foothold in the global market, such as the right policies to develop the production of auxiliary automobile products.

A panorama of Vietnams auto industry was faithfully described by Pham Tuan Anh, deputy director of the Ministry of Industry and Trades (MoIT) Industry Agency at a seminar hosted by the ministrys Trade Promotion Agency and Kotra that took place last week.

Vietnams car production has increased steadily in recent years, from around 287,000 vehicles in 2018 to 323,000 in 2020  figures which include manufactured and assembled vehicles. The responding growth rate of the industry amounted to 2 per cent per year. However, despite the increase, Vietnams automobile industry remains behind other regional countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Vietnam has 50 companies operating in automobile assembly, 45 companies manufacturing chassis and vehicle bodies, and over 200 companies producing spare parts, data from the MoIT shows. However, local businesses are only participating in the lower ends of the value chains in the automobile industry and are heavily dependent on global automobile manufacturers as they are not yet proactive in the development of core technologies.

The production and assembly of Vietnamese automakers have not yet met the criteria in the global industry and have not created links among businesses in manufacturing, assembling and spare parts, as well as with large-scale suppliers of raw materials.

While some companies are participating in the global supply chain, domestic automakers are still dependent on technological factors and the designation and distribution decisions of major manufacturers worldwide. Similarly, domestic suppliers only produce basic components, mainly for welding and painting.

Meanwhile, one of the MoITs regulations on the development of the countrys supporting industries lists conditions for companies to enjoy tax incentives. The Industry Agencys deputy director Anh said, South Korean supporting businesses make good use of an overwhelming number of incentives from the Vietnamese governments auto industry development policy.

The domestic automobile industry  with one of its focal points being spare parts  is one of the important industries for the nations industrialisation and has thus been given special incentives by the government, such as the prime ministers Decision No.1168/QD-TTg from 2014 and the new Law on Investment, which reaps not just investment incentives for the industry but also additional ones to develop assembly activities.

Roadmap for localisation

Vu Ba Phu, director of the MoITs Trade Promotion Agency, sees a great opportunity for Vietnamese industrial parks and manufacturing enterprises to connect with South Korean businesses and invest in and cooperate in developing the value chain manufacturing auto parts.

In Vietnam, the production capacity of Hyundai Thanh Cong reaches 100,000 units. We plan to develop more auto parts in Vietnam as the government has issued policies to focus on localisation, said Yang Yun Goo, general director of Hyundai Thanh Cong.

Currently, the company does not directly manufacture auto parts itself but cooperates with local businesses to gather supplies of components.

The government already has preferential programmes for imported parts. However, the support of these programmes is not enough to lower car prices as the current tax remains relatively high compared to regional countries.

As the nation is further opening its market, Vietnam signed many free trade agreements (FTAs), but the implementation of technical factors under these schemes has received many reactions from several countries around the world.

Regulations on importing vehicles into Vietnam are an example of the remaining barriers. Luong Duc Toan, deputy director of the Industry Agencys Department of Processing and Manufacturing, believed that Vietnam has been unlucky, similar to Thailand, when developing its industry at a time of blossoming bi- and multilateral FTAs as well as increased barriers. However, the application of technical measures by the Thai government has not suffered as many harsh reactions as Vietnam.

According to Toan, regulations on the production of spare parts imported by the Thai government in the 1980s did not receive any negative response. At that time, investing in manufacturing components in Thailand always followed the conditions of the supply chain.

The kingdoms market capacity of around one million vehicles per year has also been an important factor contributing to the development of supporting industries and a sharp reduction in the cost of domestically produced vehicles.

Thailand had chosen the best time to become a country with a developed automobile industry in ASEAN, Toan said, with most major automakers wanting to enter Thailand as they turned the country into a car hub.

Meanwhile, Vietnams consumption of about 600,000 vehicles per year will increase to one million units by 2030. Companies like Hyundai Thanh Cong see this the reason to open cooperation with partners and speed up the localisation of spare parts manufactured in Vietnam as they hope that the localisation rate will increase to 40 per cent.

We have had many visitors looking for opportunities to cooperate with spare part manufacturers in Hanoi and other regions, said Kim Kwang Young, regional deputy director of Hyundai Thanh Cong. The localisation rate of 40 per cent cannot be achieved in the short term. Instead, the government needs a roadmap to develop supporting automotive industries sustainably.

Currently, the Vietnamese market is still small, and even if it is localised, the costs will not be reduced in the short term but may even increase over time.

Young pointed out that it may be simpler and less risky to let foreign enterprises invest in Vietnam and import components for assembly than building ancillary factories. However, the initial investment costs are huge, and these procedures also take a lot of time. That is why foreign businesses remain cautious in expanding investments in Vietnam.

According to Youngs observations, domestic manufacturers do not have much incentive to import complete units. On the contrary, we have to bear many costs related to building factories or training workers. This situation leads to difficulties for businesses who want to invest in the Vietnamese market, he added.

Kim also hopes that the government will soon have appropriate incentives to develop a supporting industry network, helping businesses of both countries to use each others products, which could benefit to local customers and contribute to the development of Vietnams automobile industry.
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Editors note: This story was originally published by Searchlight New Mexico, a nonprofit investigative news organization found at searchlightnm.org.

Copyright  2021 Searchlight New Mexico

Since last year, the department tasked with overseeing foster care and child welfare in New Mexico has been encrypting and routinely deleting its communications, making much of its work essentially untraceable.

The leadership of the Children, Youth and Families Department has directed staff to use Signal, a secure communication app, and has set chats to automatically delete.

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In contrast to standard text messages or emails  which could be accessed by attorneys, reporters and members of the public under the states open records laws  messages sent via Signal are all but impossible to retrieve. Once deleted, virtually no trace of a Signal conversation remains, even on the companys server.

Attorneys and child advocates say the practice likely violates state open-records laws and could hamper any investigation into the department, which has been subject to lawsuits and massive criticism for its management of the foster-care system.

Records of employee communications have been central to journalists coverage of state agencies.

You cant just encrypt and automatically delete communications between state employees, said Melanie Majors, executive director of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government. Thats no different than putting official documents in the shredder at the end of every day.

Improper destruction of public records is a fourth-degree felony, she added.

On Wednesday, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas confirmed his office is looking into the CYFDs use of Signal.

It is highly concerning that public employees are potentially deleting public information without a thorough legal process, and we are reviewing the matter, Balderas said in a statement.

The announcement came a day after House Republicans sent a letter to Balderas calling for an investigation into the systematic deletion of government communications in the CYFD. The same letter asked Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to provide a report detailing whether her office staff and or Cabinet level staff have been using data encryption and data dumping.

In an interview with Searchlight, CYFD Secretary Brian Blalock said the department began using Signal near the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move was part of an agency-wide information technology upgrade, which Blalock said was needed in order to protect confidential records of children in state custody and to facilitate secure, remote communications.

Blalock acknowledged CYFD routinely deletes communications on Signal, but said that the information was not subject to New Mexicos Inspection of Public Records Act.

We destroy records every day because we have to; otherwise, wed run out of space, Blalock said, adding that the department also shreds paper communications and deletes conversations on other messaging software used by employees.

Our lawyers have thoroughly vetted the use of all of our platforms, he said. None of our new technology is designed to make anything less transparent.

Barring personnel records, medical records and several other narrowly defined exceptions, New Mexico law defines public records as those that are used, created, received, maintained or held by or on behalf of any public body and relate to public business, regardless of physical form.

Tripp Stelnicki, communications director for Lujan Grisham, did not return multiple requests for comment as to whether the governors office was aware of CYFDs Signal use or whether other agencies have similar practices.

Blalock, who serves as the administrator for encrypted group chats between employees, has set at least some messages to automatically delete after 24 hours, according to screenshots of Signal messages and app settings shared by sources. Those screenshots reveal extensive conversations between employees  including Blalock and Deputy Secretary Terry Locke  about issues ranging from problems with private contractors to coordination during the 2021 legislative session.

Child advocates and attorneys interviewed for this story expressed alarm at the practice, saying that transparency is an integral part of the child-welfare system. Court-appointed child guardians, special advocates and attorneys regularly turn to agency records to ensure a childs case is being handled appropriately.

Those records can include communications between CYFD staff members, attorneys interviewed for this story said. But if records are destroyed, theres no way to access them or to know whether they might be relevant to a given case.

By law were supposed to have access to all of these records, said Bette Fleishman, executive director of Pegasus Legal Services for Children, a nonprofit law firm that represents children in CYFD custody.

Our job and our obligation is to investigate, and do whats best for the children. In order to keep the children safe, we need to have access to all the information. To have the state routinely deleting any sort of communications is outrageous.
Lena Headey is adding to her packed list of upcoming projects with a new high-profile limited series about the Watergate scandal.

The 47-year-old Game Of Thrones star will join Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux in HBO's five-episode series The White House Plumbers, about the 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committees headquarters, Variety reported on Thursday.

She'll be appearing in the show as Dorothy Hunt, the wife of Nixon administration 'plumber' E. Howard Hunt.

New project: Lena Headey, 47, has lined up a main role in HBO's Watergate limited series The White House Plumbers, according to Variety; seen in 2019 in LA

The White House Plumbers will focus on Hunt and fellow Watergate break-in mastermind G. Gordon Liddy.

Harrelson will play, Hunt, a former CIA officer and the husband to Headey's character.

Theroux will star as Liddy, who died on March 30 of this year.

The co-conspirators and their fellow operatives unintentionally ended the presidency of their boss Richard Nixon, while forever hollowing out American's trust in their government.

Star power: Woody Harrelson will star as E. Howard Hunt, one of the masterminds of an illegal plot against the Democratic Party in the lead-up to Richard Nixon's 1972 reelection; seen in 2019

Stacked cast: Justin Theroux also leads as Hunt's co-conspirator G. Gordon Liddy, who helped plane the break-in to bug the Democratic National Committee offices at the Watergate Office Building in 1972; seen on April 23

In early 1972, Hunt and Liddy devised a plan of illegal intelligence activities against the Democratic Party in order to secure the reelection of Nixon, a Republican.

Their plan was shared with senior members of the administration, including Attorney General John Mitchell and Presidential Counsel John Dean.

But after five men were arrested during an attempt to bug the DNC Headquarters at the Watergate Office Building, the administration's attempts to cover-up their activities eventually led to Nixon's resignation, while Hunt, Liddy and others went to prison.

Heady will be playing Hunt's wife Dorothy, who juggled being a mother of four while also serving as an active CIA asset.

She's forced to keep her family together while contending with the aftermath of his husband's assault on democracy.

Criminals: Hunt and Liddy (pictured) were in league with members of Nixon's administration, and several went to jail for their crimes. Liddy died in March

Long gone: Headey plays Hunt's wife Dorothy, who died in a plane crash in December 1972 with $10,000 in cash in her suitcase; seen in 2019

The real-life Dorothy Hunt died not too long after the break-in during a December 1972 plane crash.

The crash was later attributed to crew error, though Hunt was notably found to have $10,000 in cash in her suitcase.

Headey will be working with HBO again after their success with the blockbuster fantasy series Game Of Thrones, which she starred in from 2011 to 2019.

She was one of the show's breakout stars as the scheming queen Cersei Lannister.

Reunited and it feels so good: Headey will be working with HBO again after their success with the blockbuster fantasy series Game Of Thrones, which she starred in from 2011 to 2019

Staying busy: Last month, it was reported that Headey would star in and produce the science-fiction series Beacon 23 for Spectrum Originals and AMC; pictured in 2019 in Park City, Utah

Last month, it was reported that Headey would star in and produce the science-fiction series Beacon 23.

The show will be exclusive to Spectrum cable subscribers for nine months, before heading to AMC.

Headey will portray Aster, a woman who somehow makes her way to a 'lonely beacon keeper on his lighthouse in the darkest recesses of space.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting with the council of ministers on Friday as coronavirus cases surge at an alarming rate in the country. The meeting is expected to be attended by some of the top government officials and Union ministers.

The meeting, to be held virtually on Friday morning, will be the first one of the council of ministers after the second wave of COVID-19 hit India. The ministers and officials are expected to discuss the issue of vaccination phase-3, under which all above the age of 18 are eligible for vaccination.

During the meeting, ministers could be asked to reach out to people to look into their issues. PM Modi has held several rounds of meetings with chief ministers and top government officials to deliberate on the COVID-19 situation in the past few days.

Since the second wave hit India, the prime minister has been holding meetings with pharma industry leaders, oxygen suppliers, heads of the three armed forces, and other dignitaries to discuss ways to tackle the COVID-19 situation in the country.

India is currently battling the second wave of coronavirus. As the healthcare system crumbles, people have taken to social media to seek help. The social media site is replete with posts of people seeking help organising hospital beds, medical oxygen, drugs and other facilities.

On Thursday, India recorded 3,79,257 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours. The health ministry's latest data suggests India recorded the highest deaths at 3,645 in the same period.

Also Read: 39 vaccines to battle Covid-19 by December; 6 from India

Read here: Coronavirus in India: COVID-19 lockdown may cost the economy Rs 8.76 lakh crore; here's how

Also read: Covid-19 crisis: US to dispatch 20 million of its Covishield doses to India

Also read: Lockdown unviable, COVID-19 vaccine the only solution; here's why
This was the scene a year ago at Pier 42  a rally organized by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and State Senator Daniel Squadron to urge the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. (LMDC) to fund the revitalization of the East River Waterfront. Tomorrow morning you can expect a very similar photo op at the pier, which is now being used as a parking lot. Almost exactly a year after that initial rally/news happening, the politicians will be back on the Lower East Side for a big announcement: the LMDC is poised to allocate $14 million of its remaining 9/11 recovery funds to refurbishing Pier 42.

In a story given exclusively this evening to the Wall Street Journal (full text hidden behind the dreaded paywall), Schumer boasts, this is the missing link in the dream of having a ribbon park around Lower Manhattan. The LMDC, which has about $20 million left to spend, will take up the funding issue on Monday. The $14 million will be enough to demolish a 600 foot shed that sits on Pier 42. The grand plan of turning the stretch of waterfront into a park is expected to cost about $42 million. Finding the rest of the money will be a tall order at a time in which government at all levels is straining to fund even essential services.

But theres no denying the decision is a big win for the Lower East Side. The community board and a coalition of neighborhood groups have complained bitterly about the citys heavy emphasis on West Side projects, as sections of the East River waterfront languished.

Squadron, who was once a Schumer aide, has made Pier 42 revitalization a major priority. He told the Journal the shed demolition would likely be completed nect year. The LMDC grant will provide funds to allow the Parks Department to conduct a community-based master plan process for the final design of the pier, the newspaper reported.
Burma Two Mandalay Journalists Seized by Myanmar Junta Forces

Ko Nay Myo Lin (left) and Ko Shine Aung (right)

Two journalists from the Mandalay-based news agency, the Voice of Myanmar, were detained by the military regime on April 27, bringing the numbers of detained journalists to 43.

Editor in chief Ko Nay Myo Linn and reporter Ko Shine Aung were seized by junta forces and taken to the army camp at Mandalays palace, according to a relative.

Relatives have not been able to contact the detainees.

Ko Nay Myo Linns wife Ma Zarni Mann said: I have learned they are in good health. They are still under interrogation.

But I am worried for them as we know little about their condition, she said.

The security forces also raided the house of Bawi Uk Thang, chief editor of the Chinland Post in Hakha, Chin State, on April 29.

They could not find the chief editor at the house and instead detained his brother-in-law, Salai Robert.

On Monday, junta forces also detained a former cameraman from the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) at his house in Pazundaung Township, Yangon.

Writer and media trainer Ma Tu Tu Tha and her family were detained by the regime at her home in Thanlyin Township, Yangon, last Saturday night.

Since the Feb. 1 coup, the junta detained 73 journalists, of which an estimated 43 remain in detention or have been charged.

The regime also revoked the publishing licenses of 7Day News, Myanmar Now, Mizzima, DVB and Khit Thit Media.

Only 7Day News has abided by the military orders and ceased publishing.



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Many people expressed relief when a jury last week found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd.

Leila Mottley, a Black 18-year-old activist from Oakland, wasnt one of them.

I feel grateful that the family got as much solace and hope from that as they could, but I dont think it changes anything on a systemic level, Mottley told The Chronicle. I think sometimes these small victories can be the state giving us false hope so there will be less rebellion.

A year after Floyds death mobilized a new generation of activists across the Bay Area, many say they arent done rebelling.

Last summer, local high school and college organizers led some of the largest protests against police brutality, with youth-led demonstrations erupting along the Golden Gate Bridge, in the Mission District, across Berkeley and in San Jose.

Now, in the wake of Chauvins April 20 conviction, young activists of color continue to envision a future free of police oppression. Many of these organizers, skilled in mass mobilization via social media, said that abolishing the police is their ultimate goal  and theyre prepared for a lifelong struggle.

Were playing the long game here when you think of how steeped our culture is in white supremacy and this reliance on punishment, Mottley said.

Dwayne Davis, 18, said he attended seven protests last summer before deciding to organize one of his own, because he believes in strength in numbers. He and Jessica Ramos, an 18-year-old senior at Oaklands Skyline High School, led crowds to Oakland Mayor Libby Schaafs house to demand that she defund the citys Police Department and reopen the case of Oscar Grant, a Black man killed by BART police in 2009.

The fact that Grants case was subsequently reopened, Ramos said, attests to the power of young protesters.

We got a lot of friends together to write emails to the D.A.s office to reopen the case. We as youth came together to do it, Ramos said. With protests we can amplify and pass the word.

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy OMalley ultimately declined to file charges against the second former BART officer involved in Grants death. But the Oakland City Council did promise reductions to the $330 million police budget, partly to address a citywide deficit.

Mottley said she also attended many, many protests last summer. She volunteered outside Santa Rita Jail in Dublin to offer water and rides home to protesters whod been arrested. The experience, Mottley said, showed her how to pace herself for the struggle ahead.

It was exhausting and I tried to remind myself that martyrdom is not helpful, Mottley said. I went every other day because I needed rest.

While protests and direct action have long been tools used by Black activists, Gen-Z organizers stand out for their adeptness with social media, which became increasingly crucial during the pandemic. Outrage over Floyds death permeated more peoples online bubbles, compelling those who otherwise might not address police brutality to march for the first time.

But young organizers also caution that social media activism can turn performative. On popular platforms like TikTok and Instagram, some influencers earned ridicule for treating protests like photo shoots. And the popular Blackout Tuesday trend, in which users posted black squares in solidarity with the movement, was criticized for drowning out information about protests and donations. Meanwhile, online photos of protests were used by police to identify and arrest participants.

There was trendiness and fear and protection of self-image when it came to black squares and reposting, Mottley said. This belief that, What if I get canceled if I do not participate in this movement? I think all of that creates a culture on social media that isnt actually contributing to the movement but is performative.

The contours of the movement are not always clear. Some want to change police practices, while others seek to dismantle a law enforcement system that they believe cant be reformed.

Were past the point of reform, said Xavier Brown, a 20-year-old activist and UCLA sophomore.

What the police was founded upon was slave catchers. Thats the history of the police in the U.S., Brown continued. We dont see the police as protecting and serving; they hold a lot of fear.

The same week that Chauvin was convicted, 26-year-old Mario Gonzalez died after being restrained by Alameda police, 16-year-old MaKhia Bryant was killed by Columbus, Ohio, police and a 17-year-old autistic teen was forcefully arrested in Vacaville. At least two protests Saturday, both set to start in Oaklands Oscar Grant Plaza, are being planned to continue driving home that point. One has a stated goal of abolishing the police profession altogether.

I dont want police roaming through communities of color looking for youth to arrest, said Yasmine Mabene, a 19-year-old activist and Stanford University freshman. I want increased funding to keep kids in schools. Id like for our government to increase funding for public health needs such as food, housing and health care.

Like her peers, Mottley thinks shes fighting for a future she wont see.

Its going to take a lot of organizing to get to a place of abolition, she said. I dont necessarily expect it will happen in my lifetime.

Malavika Kannan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: malavika.kannan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @malavikawrites
New Delhi: AAP MLA Shoaib Iqbal on Friday demanded imposition of President's rule in Delhi in view of the massive surge in COVID-19 cases.

The Matia Mahal MLA, who left the Congress and contested the Delhi Assembly polls last year on an AAP ticket, said neither he nor the government is able to offer any help to the people affected by the second wave of COVID-19.

No immediate reaction was available from the Aam Aadmi Party on Iqbal's demand.

"I feel embarrassed being an MLA since I cannot be of use to anyone, our government is unable to stand with the people. Despite being a six-time MLA, there is no one to listen to(me) and I cannot contact anyone," Iqbal said in a video message.

A Senior MLA of @AamAadmiParty, Mr. Shoaib Iqbal citing failure due to the incompetence of @ArvindKejriwal demands President's rule in Delhi. He blames Kejriwal govt for Delhis suffering. #KejriwalFailsDelhi pic.twitter.com/PSJerh0FS1  Goa Congress (@INCGoa) April 30, 2021

He urged the Delhi High Court to impose the President's rule in the national capital with immediate effect for three months. "Delhi is in a very bad situation, I request the Delhi High Court for the imposition of President's rule in Delhi with immediate effect otherwise there will be dead bodies across the city," the AAP MLA said.

"I feel like crying, I have lost my sleep. People are desperate and unable to find medicines and oxygen. I cannot help even a friend who is in hospital without oxygen and medicines," Iqbal said.

The national capital on Thursday had recorded 395 deaths due to coronavirus, the highest since the pandemic began a year ago, and 24,235 cases with a positivity rate of 32.82 per cent, according to a bulletin issued by the city health department.

This was the eighth day in a row that Delhi had recorded over 300 deaths due to COVID-19. Iqbal said his demand for the President's rule was not against his party.

"It's not a matter of this or that party. People are dying due to COVID-19 and saving them should be the only priority," he said. If the Centre can accept help from other nations, then why can't there be President's rule or use of the Army to save people?" the MLA asked.

Live TV
Rohit Sardana, a well-known anchor and senior journalist with Aaj Tak, passed away today due to COVID-19. This was informed by Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor-in-Chief, Zee News, in his tweet.

Sardana was admitted to the Metro Hospital on Thursday as he had tested positive for COVID-19. He suffered a heart attack today and passed away a short while back.

Sardana had joined Aaj Tak in 2017, where he was hosting Dangal, a debate show.

Prior to that, he had a long association with Zee News, where he used to host Taal Thok Ke, a popular debate programme on contemporary issues in India.

From his Twitter feed, one can see that till April 29, 2021, Sardana was tweeting about COVID-19 patients in urgent need of Remdesivir injections, plasma, and oxygen. Therefore, his passing away has come as a shock to his peers.

Tributes are pouring in for Sardana on social media. India Today Groups Rahul Kanwal tweeted, Rohit Sardana was the sharpest young anchor I have met. Superb command over Hindi, brilliant with his turn of the phrase, precise questions, clear in his thinking, loved by the masses, warm and humble off the screen, he was destined for great things. Our newsroom is in deep shock.

While offering his deep condolences to Sardanas family, Rajdeep Sardesai recalled, Rohit and I had differing political views, but always enjoyed debating without any rancour. We did a show one night that finished at 3 am (think it was SC verdict on Karnataka) after which he said, boss aaj maza aa gaya! He was a passionate anchor journalist. RIP Rohit Sardana.
MEDELLIN, Colombia, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bancolombia S.A. ("Bancolombia") (NYSE: CIB) announces that it has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

The annual report can be downloaded from the SEC website www.sec.gov.

It can also be downloaded from Bancolombia's website at https://www.grupobancolombia.com/wps/portal/about-us/corporate-information/investor-relations

If you need a hard copy of our Form 20-F, please contact IR@bancolombia.com.co

Contacts



Mauricio Rosillo Rojas Jose Humberto Acosta Carlos Daniel Raad Corporate VP Financial VP IRO Tel.: (571) 4885675 Tel.: (571) 4885934 Tel.: (571) 404183

Cision

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bancolombia-sa-announces-filing-of-the-2020-annual-report-on-form-20-f-301281340.html

SOURCE Bancolombia S.A.
Job Title: Portfolio Relationship Manager

Organisation: Financial Sector Deepening Uganda (FSD Uganda)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About US:

Financial Sector Deepening Uganda (FSD Uganda) is an independent not-for-profit company committed to promoting greater access to Financial Services in Uganda. FSD Uganda seeks to develop a more inclusive Financial sector with a focus on low-income individuals supporting innovation, conducting research, and supporting regulatory processes that shape the Financial sector.

About Deal Flow Facility

The Deal Flow Facility, a first of its kind in-country, being incubated at FSD Uganda, is being set up with the support of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Uganda and the European Union. This match-making facility between investors and potential investees has the ambitious target of facilitating at least 40 investments in five years.

The key role of the DFF is making medium-to-large enterprises investment worthy and attractive to potential investors. The Facility is sector-agnostic and is looking to solve a critical constraint in the market  The Lack of Long-Term Finance, impeding the growth of enterprises, consequently resulting in slower job growth and economic development.

Expectation of the DFF

The primary objective of the DFF is to match-make investors to high-quality investment-ready enterprises. It is expected to achieve this by stitching together a fragmented investment ecosystem of various actors, including tax advisors, investment bankers, legal advisors, auditors, accounting firms, and more  all necessary to enable successful investments. The Facility that will run multiple cohorts for enterprises each year, will build the tools and capacity building curriculum that will make participating enterprises stronger and put them on a fast-track to seeking investments when ready. Currently, the Facility is designed to be a catalyst and not make investments itself.

Job Summary: The Portfolio Relationship Manager will be tasked with engagement with businesses for whom the interventions in the Facility are designed. The role holder needs to have a demonstrable track record of sourcing and building a pipeline of businesses. He/She will come with extensive networks and relationships inside and outside Uganda that will enable her / him to quickly build a strong pipeline of businesses and engaged investors. The PRM will ultimately balance the concerns and needs of the business with the offering of the Facility.

The PRM will report to the Director  DFF. They will support the Director in developing and driving the strategy for engagement with DFFs network, including investors, enterprises, fund managers, regulators, DFIs and the financial industry

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategy Development and Execution:

Along with the Director DFF build a strong value proposition for enterprises and investors that distinguishes and attracts them to the DFF.

Establish exceptional relationships with enterprises that enter the DFF and alumni after they graduate.

Ensure a pipeline of strong enterprises for each training cohort at the DFF.

Build a network of investors, investees, mentors, and trainers.

Program Management and Delivery:

Conduct diagnostic assessments/evaluations to identify relevant enterprises that will be admitted into the capacity building program.

Source, recruit and manage contractors, ecosystem support partners that will be required in delivering various program activities of the facility with the ultimate aim of providing genuine value to the enterprises that are part of the facility.

Manage expectations of and hold participants, investors and mentors to a high standard of quality and methodology of work outputs.

Coordinate with the different partners in the implementation of the diverse program interventions.

Effective closure of program interventions/cohorts.

Client Experience and Communication:

Develop a stakeholder engagement and management process that is client centric (whether enterprise or investor) before, during and after their engagement with the facility.

Develop and maintain a contact database and a communication plan that targets key stakeholder groups.

Broaden awareness as well as increase visibility across key audiences through media relations, public engagement, and marketing initiatives.

Knowledge Management and Thought Leadership:

Coordinate and participate in program engagements such as workshops, roundtable discussions.

Write and publish blogs, research papers, policy briefs and other publications relevant to the DFF.





Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The facility is looking for a candidate who has demonstrable experience that she/he can bring to bear immediately to the program. This could be either through incubators, innovation facilities, or as part of an investment outfits or trade association or other experiences.

Minimum of 7 years of experience working within the SME investment ecosystem preferably within accelerator/incubation hub set-ups.

Demonstrable experience in building relationships and managing a diverse range of stakeholders.

Ability to deliver and communicate complex issues clearly and succinctly, and in a compelling manner.

A background in private equity, venture capital, investment banking, capital markets or building similar facilities like the Deal Flow Facility would be of advantage.

Masters degree would be an advantage.

Self -motivated, confident, energetic, team player and creative

Desired:

Demonstrable experience in marketing and communication with the ability to develop and implement a strategic social media/marketing/communications plan.

Persons of all gender, race, sex, orientation, age, and identity are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

All candidates should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
BETHESDA (dpa-AFX) - Lockheed Martin (LMT) said the U.S. government and the company submitted an F-35 best and final offer to the Finnish government in support of its competition to replace its current fighter fleet. The F-35 offering is a total package that includes F-35A aircraft and a sustainment solution tailored to meet Finnish security of supply requirements. Bridget Lauderdale, F-35 Program vice president and general manager, said: 'The production work will continue for more than 20 years, and the F-35 sustainment work will continue into the 2050s. Not only will Finland support its own F-35s, but it will directly support the global fleet of F-35s through the production of major components.' Lockheed Martin noted that, to date, the F-35 has been selected by 13 nations and operates from 27 bases worldwide. 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.
MYRTLE BEACH  While a flier posted on an official Carolina Forest High School Facebook page indicates that virtual students could be penalized for not taking end-of-course exams on school grounds, the Horry County Schools District Office says that isnt entirely accurate after questioning from The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach.

In a post on a page dedicated to Carolina Forests counselors, the school stated that all students enrolled in English 2, Algebra 1, Intermediate Algebra and U.S. History will be required to take the test in person due to the need of being on the districts servers.

The post went on to describe potential consequences for not taking the test:

It is imperative that students enrolled in an EOC course be present on exam day, EOC scores will count for 10% of the students final grade in the course.

Students enrolled in virtual courses listed above will need to report to campus for EOC testing, SC State EOC exams CANNOT be administered remotely. Location, date and report time will be communicated to students and parents via email prior to test date.

While not revealed publicly to date by the district, thousands of HCS Virtual students  8,156 overall, with 2,518 at the high school level according to HCS  will indeed have the option to indicate that health is a concern and therefore can choose not to return to campus for their respective test.

HCS was quick to point out that this is not an "opt-out" situation, instead based on a family's determination over their personal situation.

According to (HCS) Learning Services, students will be expected and encouraged to take the state tests. However, while we recognize the importance of administering the assessments and encouraging students to participate, we cannot penalize students whose families determine it is unsafe for them to attend school for the sole purpose of taking the test, an HCS spokesperson said.

"The student will not be asked to take an additional assessment this year.

This now echoes the directive from State Superintendent Molly Spearman, who originally petitioned the U.S. Department of Education to rid the state of the mandated tests, only to lose that battle. She instead utilized her authority under Act 135 to waive the 20 percent requirement for EOC assessments taken this school year, which is inclusive of Fall 2020, Spring 2021 and Summer 2021.

While we encourage all students to participate, we are relying on and empowering families to make the best decision for their child when it comes to end-of-the-year tests," Spearman said. "If a family determines that it is unsafe for a student to attend school for the sole purpose of taking a test, we will not penalize them, their teacher, or their school.

The U.S. DOE used similar wording in support of Spearmans directives.

Spearman's memorandum did allow for individual districts to determine the percentage, if any, the EOCEP would count toward a students grade, meaning HCS could have opted to not allow for EOC exams to impact final grades whatsoever, putting both virtual and brick-and-mortar students on the same plan.

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The state also indicated that a district can also choose to offer a teacher-made exam or a secure online assessment and apply the percentage for students who do not take the EOCEP.

Cori Canada, an HCS virtual teacher and parent to three HCS students, says that there are a plethora of reasons why the tests shouldnt occur at all, but also bristled at the idea that virtual students were being forced into an environment that have been kept from all school year  adding further stress to an already stressful situation.

Im not happy with the fact that this means more kids in the building. Where will they put them? These tests should not be happening during a pandemic. Canada said.

It isnt equitable. There are students that have been virtual all year for various reasons. Making everyone take this test widens the gap between virtual and brick and mortar. There are too many extenuating factors that are at play and these tests will not be accurate.

Ryan Brown, chief communications officer with the South Carolina Department of Education, says that the DOE has devised a system to record students that have not tested this year due to being unable to safely attend school and exempt them from current and longitudinal assessment accountability measures.

In explaining that state-mandated tests must be taken on its servers, the district was essentially forcing students into the classroom due to technological concerns.

The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach asked HCS why VPN technology had not been installed on district-distributed laptops to HCS Virtual students at the beginning of the school year, which would allow students to log in to the servers remotely.

HCS did not immediately offer comment on this question.

For Jenny Leckey, a former HCS Teacher of the Year and current high school teacher, it all stems from a lack of empathy from those ultimately making the decisions.

I feel I need to address that its heartless that any child has to take the exams in the first place given the trauma theyve endured having to survive and adapt to learning during this pandemic, said Leckey, who teaches English 2 at HCS Early College High School and will be involved with the EOC exams.

So, it tracks with that madness when virtual kids have to come into a building to test. Yes, I get that its a trickle-down effect from federal mandates to state to local; this is spotlighting all of the problems with the public school system as a whole and how district leaders have been trained to operate. The decisions arent heart-centered. Instead, its all policy, all data.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 09:38:28|Editor: huaxia

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ACCRA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian health authorities cautioned nationals here Thursday about traveling to countries identified as COVID-19 hotspots.

An advisory from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration said Ghanaians should either cancel or postpone all non-essential travels to countries with high COVID-19 infection rates.

"In the face of the alarming rate of COVID-19 infections in some countries around the world, including Asia and South America, the GHS wishes to advise the public to either cancel or postpone all non-essential travels to countries with exceedingly high COVID-19 infection rates," said the advisory.

Health officials at the Kotoka International Airport had alerted authorities last weekend of the upsurge in confirmed COVID-19 infections among travelers arriving in the country. Enditem
The federal government will be able to fine and jail anyone who tries to enter Australia from India amid that countrys COVID-19 crisis.

Australias borders have been closed since March last year and, this week, the government clamped down even further, banning all flights, including repatriation dashes, from India.

A crematorium in Delhi on Thursday where multiple funeral pyres were burning for victims of COVID-19. Credit:Getty Images

There are at least 36,000 Australians stuck abroad who are trying to get home but cannot because of the strict quarantine limits on how many people can enter the country per week.

At least 9000 of those are in India and more than 600 are classified as vulnerable.
Chicago's police watchdog, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, has finished a 16-month investigation into the police raid of Anjanette Young, a social worker who was handcuffed naked by police when they wrongfully targeted her home to serve a search warrant for someone else.

CBS Chicago first reported on Young's case as part of an investigation into a pattern of Chicago police raids on the wrong residences. In Young's case, the target of the raid actually lived next door, the station reported, and was wearing an electronic monitoring device which police should have been able to track.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability, commonly referred to as COPA, said its investigation involved more than 30 interviews, hundreds of pages of evidence and hours of video material, and revealed "significant deficiencies" in Chicago police policy and training on how to acquire and execute search warrants.

The investigation also produced nearly 100 allegations of misconduct stemming from the actions of more than a dozen officers, a COPA spokesperson said.

A report with full details of the investigation will be published after the city's police superintendent has finished a review and officers have been served with resulting charges.

Anjanette Young / Credit: CBS News

The investigation documents troubling details that were seen on police bodycam video first obtained by CBS Chicago in December. As officers entered Young's home on February 21, 2019, she was changing out of her clothes and was immediately handcuffed while naked. An officer attempted to cover her with a jacket, then covered her more fully with a blanket, a COPA spokesperson said, but Young remained handcuffed for nearly 10 minutes before she was allowed to get dressed, then was handcuffed again, COPA found. In total, she was handcuffed for nearly 17 minutes.

The video shows Young telling officers over and over, "You've got the wrong house."

"The raid of Ms. Young's home was truly painful to watch," said COPA Chief Administrator Sydney Roberts. "Given the significance of this investigation, COPA assigned this case to a uniquely constructed 10 member team to evaluate the critical Fourth Amendment issues raised in this complaint. While we cannot fully heal the pain Ms. Young experienced on that day and ever since, we hope that our investigation and recommendations will enable the healing process."

Story continues

Over the course of its investigation, COPA issued three letters to the Chicago Police Department highlighting concerns about its training and search warrant policies. In a statement Thursday, COPA urged Chicago police to afford equal attention to those concerns, along with the investigative findings and recommendations laid out in the report.

Young told CBS Chicago on Thursday that she has been waiting for someone to be held accountable for the wrong raid on her apartment.

"I am annoyed, you know, that it took as long as it did," she said. "It's hurtful."

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Chief Minister on Friday said he has tested negative for COVID-19.

The chief minister had isolated himself on April 13 after some officials he came in contact with tested positive for He tested positive the next day.

"Due to your good wishes and doctors' care, I have tested negative for I thank you all for your cooperation and good wishes for me," Adityanath said in a tweet in Hindi.

During his over two-week isolation, the chief minister carried on his work virtually.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A third narcotics detective with the Baton Rouge Police Department is under criminal investigation amid a widening corruption probe that already has resulted in the arrests of two officers.

Cpl. Jacob Cowart has been placed on administrative leave, BRPD spokesman Sgt. L'Jean McKneely confirmed Friday. He declined to provide additional details about why BRPD leaders put Cowart on leave, citing the pending investigation.

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III said his office is working with BRPD leadership. He also confirmed there is an active criminal investigation into Cowart.

Out of 12 detectives assigned to the narcotics division, seven have now been removed: two remain on leave, one quit earlier this week and four supervisors were recently transferred to street patrols.

BRPD narcotics officer resigns after being arrested, then accusing others of misconduct A narcotics detective has resigned from the Baton Rouge Police Department months after he was arrested for buying stolen property, allegations

The detective who resigned is Jeremiah Ardoin. He left the department after issuing widespread misconduct allegations against his colleagues in the narcotics division, prompting the inquiry now underway. He made the accusations after receiving a misdemeanor summons for buying stolen property in December.

Ardoin wrote in a memo to the chief that narcotics officers routinely stopped and searched Black people without probable cause, planted drugs on suspects and coerced prostitutes into setting up drug dealers. He also accused his colleague Jason Acree of stealing drugs from the evidence room.

Weeks later, investigators arrested Acree for stealing marijuana seized as evidence and giving the drugs to a friend. He was booked into jail on possession with intent to distribute and malfeasance in office. Acree was later arrested again as investigators sought to add an obstruction of justice charge, using largely the same evidence.

Not long after his first arrest, the BRPD administration transferred four narcotics supervisors to street patrols, effectively cutting the division in half, removing its leaders and suspending normal operations.

Ardoin wrote in the memo that supervisors sometimes participated in the misconduct and tried to cover it up.

Alleged corruption in BRPD narcotics unit includes stolen drugs, illegal searches, planted evidence After a Baton Rouge police officer was accused of purchasing stolen electronics several weeks ago, he sat down and drafted a memo alleging wid

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Acree remains on leave.

Little information was available Friday about the criminal investigation against Cowart, though two sources said it involves alleged mishandling of evidence. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Cowart was relatively new to the narcotics division, having joined almost a year ago, according to BRPD officials. He has served with the department itself for four years.

After BRPD corruption probe halts 100+ cases, will narcotics officers change who they arrest? After local prosecutors dismissed more than 100 cases involving two Baton Rouge police officers recently accused of misconduct, the sheer numb

Though details remain scarce about the possible criminal wrongdoing, Cowart was mentioned in memo Ardoin sent to the chief, which presents him in a somewhat positive light.

The memo says that in November 2020, Cowart complained to his supervisors about "the way Det. Acree had been acting, and stated that he could not be around him at the time."

The two supervisors, who have since been pulled from the division, told Cowart and Acree to go inside the narcotics processing room together and "either talk about their issues or fight," according to the memo.

Ardoin said the two got into an argument that turned physical, then left the room and started talking to one of the supervisors, who stood between them. While Cowart had his hands in his pockets, Acree reached around the supervisor and "punched Cowart in the face," the memo says.

Ardoin claims the supervisors later wrongly accused Cowart of being the aggressor and wrote him up for fighting, while Acree faced no consequences. Recent attempts by The Advocate to obtain a copy of the write-up via public records request were unsuccessful.

BRPD officials declined to say when Cowart was placed on leave, or whether additional criminal investigations are expected.
Sonic Automotive Reports Record First Quarter Revenues and Earnings Per Share







CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Sonic Automotive, Inc. (Sonic or the Company) , one of the nations largest automotive retailers, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. The financial measures discussed below are results for the first quarter of 2021 with comparisons made to the first quarter of 2020, unless otherwise noted. Certain metrics are also compared to the first quarter of 2019 to exclude the effects of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic on comparative results.

First Quarter Highlights

Record first quarter revenues of $2.8 billion, up 20.7%, and record first quarter income from continuing operations before taxes of $72.6 million, compared to a loss before taxes of $243.2 million in the first quarter of 2020, which included a $268.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge (excluding the effect of this prior year goodwill impairment charge, pre-tax earnings increased 193.1%)

Record first quarter reported earnings from continuing operations of $53.7 million ($1.23 per diluted share), compared to a loss of $199.1 million (loss of $4.67 per diluted share) and adjusted earnings from continuing operations* of $17.6 million ($0.40 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2020

Record first quarter selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of gross profit of 72.2%, a decrease of 830 basis points from 80.5% in the first quarter of 2020

All-time record quarterly total Finance & Insurance (F&I) gross profit per retail unit of $2,045, up 8.5%

Reported EchoPark results include: All-time record quarterly EchoPark revenues of $507.1 million, up 52.9% All-time record quarterly EchoPark retail sales volume of 19,670, up 40.6% EchoPark pre-tax earnings of $2.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA* of $6.2 million

Same store Franchised Dealerships Segment operating results include: Revenues up 16.4%, gross profit up 11.1% (up 13.9% and 12.3%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2019) New vehicle unit sales volume up 13.8% (up 7.5% compared to the first quarter of 2019); new vehicle gross profit per unit up 34.3%, to $2,831 (up 25.4% compared to the first quarter of 2019) Retail used vehicle unit sales volume up 6.2% (up 8.6% compared to the first quarter of 2019); retail used vehicle gross profit per unit down 11.3%, to $1,111 (down 13.0% compared to the first quarter of 2019) Parts, service and collision repair gross profit down 1.8% (up 0.1% compared to the first quarter of 2019); customer pay gross profit up 1.6% (up 6.8% compared to the first quarter of 2019); gross margin up 150 basis points, to 50.2% (up 180 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2019) F&I gross profit up 18.7% (up 27.4% compared to the first quarter of 2019); reported Franchised Dealerships Segment F&I gross profit per retail unit of $1,910, up 8.5% (up 24.1% compared to the first quarter of 2019)

Sonics Board of Directors approved a 20% increase to the Companys quarterly cash dividend, to $0.12 per share, payable on July 15, 2021 to all stockholders of record on June 15, 2021

Sonics Board of Directors increased the Companys share repurchase authorization by $250.0 million, to a total of $277.3 million of available authorization

Commentary

David Smith, Sonics and EchoParks Chief Executive Officer, commented, Fiscal 2020 was a record-setting year from an adjusted earnings perspective, and this momentum has continued into 2021, where we generated record first quarter revenues and earnings driven by strong performance in both our franchised dealerships and EchoPark segments. EchoPark continues to set new records, achieving better than projected all-time record quarterly revenues and retail sales volume. The first quarter results at both our franchised dealerships and EchoPark stores reflect a strong demand environment which has persisted into the second quarter of 2021 to date. We remain confident in our goal of more than doubling total revenues to $25.0 billion by 2025, while also substantially improving our expected profitability as we continue to apply the efficiencies we have realized over the past year.

Jeff Dyke, Sonics and EchoParks President, commented, We believe EchoParks swift growth demonstrates the long-term value proposition of this unique, pre-owned vehicle shopping concept, as a growing number of guests visit us in-store and online at EchoPark.com for the exceptional pricing, diverse inventory selection and guest-centric buying experience we offer. At the same time, we continue to develop our digital retail and delivery model, enabling consumers to purchase their next vehicle in an efficient way best tailored to their needs. With recent store openings in Phoenix, Arizona and Birmingham, Alabama, in addition to opening our latest delivery center in Charleston, South Carolina just last week, we remain committed to reaching a 140-point nationwide distribution network by 2025, which we expect to retail over half a million pre-owned vehicles annually by that time. With our progress to date, we believe we are well on track to reach $14.0 billion in EchoPark revenues by 2025.

Heath Byrd, Sonics and EchoParks Chief Financial Officer, commented, During the first quarter, we continued our commitment to fundamentally improving operating efficiencies and managing expenses throughout our entire organization, reducing SG&A expenses as a percentage of gross profit by 830 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2020. At the same time, we took steps to further strengthen our balance sheet position by replacing our existing revolving and floor plan facilities with a new four-year, $1.8 billion revolving and floor plan credit facility. The credit facility was substantially oversubscribed, with strong support from both new and incumbent financial institutions. We are very pleased with this transaction, which has extended our debt maturities, improved our borrowing costs and increased our total available liquidity and floor plan capacity to facilitate our growth plans.

*Adjusted earnings from continuing operations, adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. The tables included in this press release reconcile these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

Dividend

Sonics Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share payable on July 15, 2021 to all stockholders of record on June 15, 2021.

First Quarter 2021 Earnings Conference Call

Senior management will hold a conference call on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. (Eastern). Investor presentation and earnings press release materials will be accessible beginning the morning of the conference call on the Companys website at ir.sonicautomotive.com.

To access the live webcast, please go to ir.sonicautomotive.com. For telephone access to this conference call, please register in advance using this link: http://www.directeventreg.com/registration/event/1090549. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email that includes dial-in numbers and unique conference call and registrant passcodes for entry. Registration remains available through the live call, however, to ensure you are connected for the full call we suggest registering at least 10 minutes before the start of the call.

A conference call replay will be available one hour following the call for 14 days at ir.sonicautomotive.com.

About Sonic Automotive

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the nations largest automotive retailers. Sonic can be reached on the web at www.sonicautomotive.com.

About EchoPark Automotive

EchoPark Automotive is a growing operating segment within the Company that specializes in pre-owned vehicle sales and provides a unique guest experience unlike traditional used car stores. More information about EchoPark Automotive can be found at www.echopark.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Included herein are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding anticipated future revenue levels, future profitability, projected SG&A expense levels, pre-owned vehicle sales projections and the opening of additional EchoPark points. There are many factors that affect managements views about future events and trends of the Companys business. These factors involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or trends to differ materially from managements views, including, without limitation, economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, new and used vehicle industry sales volume, anticipated future growth in our EchoPark Segment, the success of our operational strategies, the rate and timing of overall economic expansion or contraction, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and related government-imposed restrictions on operations, and the risk factors described in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other reports and information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information, except as required under federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release and the attached financial tables contain certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under SEC rules, such as adjusted earnings from continuing operations, adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations, and Adjusted EBITDA. As required by SEC rules, the Company has provided reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the schedules included in this press release. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures improve the transparency of the Companys disclosures and provide a meaningful presentation of the Companys results.

Sonic Automotive, Inc. Results of Operations (Unaudited) Results of Operations - Consolidated Three Months Ended March 31, Better / (Worse) 2021 2020 % Change (In thousands, except per share amounts) Revenues: New vehicles $ 1,156,317 $ 959,489 20.5 % Used vehicles 1,090,097 850,052 28.2 % Wholesale vehicles 74,809 48,543 54.1 % Total vehicles 2,321,223 1,858,084 24.9 % Parts, service and collision repair 320,914 334,680 (4.1) % Finance, insurance and other, net 144,661 115,292 25.5 % Total revenues 2,786,798 2,308,056 20.7 % Cost of sales: New vehicles (1,086,852) (914,074) (18.9) % Used vehicles (1,059,229) (817,922) (29.5) % Wholesale vehicles (73,960) (48,700) (51.9) % Total vehicles (2,220,041) (1,780,696) (24.7) % Parts, service and collision repair (165,864) (176,782) 6.2 % Total cost of sales (2,385,905) (1,957,478) (21.9) % Gross profit 400,893 350,578 14.4 % Selling, general and administrative expenses (289,356) (282,156) (2.6) % Impairment charges  (268,000) 100.0 % Depreciation and amortization (23,687) (22,297) (6.2) % Operating income (loss) 87,850 (221,875) 139.6 % Other income (expense): Interest expense, floor plan (5,113) (10,508) 51.3 % Interest expense, other, net (10,285) (10,965) 6.2 % Other income (expense), net 101 100 1.0 % Total other income (expense) (15,297) (21,373) 28.4 % Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes 72,553 (243,248) 129.8 % Provision for income taxes for continuing operations - benefit (expense) (18,864) 44,117 (142.8) % Income (loss) from continuing operations 53,689 (199,131) 127.0 % Discontinued operations: Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes 720 (285) 352.6 % Provision for income taxes for discontinued operations - benefit (expense) (187) 83 (325.3) % Income (loss) from discontinued operations 533 (202) 363.9 % Net income (loss) $ 54,222 $ (199,333) 127.2 % Basic earnings (loss) per common share: Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ 1.29 $ (4.67) 127.6 % Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations 0.02 (0.01) 300.0 % Earnings (loss) per common share $ 1.31 $ (4.68) 128.0 % Weighted-average common shares outstanding 41,541 42,615 2.5 % Diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ 1.23 $ (4.67) 126.3 % Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations 0.02 (0.01) 300.0 % Earnings (loss) per common share $ 1.25 $ (4.68) 126.7 % Weighted-average common shares outstanding 43,542 42,615 (2.2) % Dividends declared per common share $ 0.10 $ 0.10  %

Franchised Dealerships Segment - Reported

Three Months Ended March 31, Better / (Worse) 2021 2020 % Change (In thousands, except unit and per unit data) Revenues: New vehicles $ 1,156,317 $ 959,489 20.5 % Used vehicles 661,534 566,888 16.7 % Wholesale vehicles 56,204 42,440 32.4 % Total vehicles 1,874,055 1,568,817 19.5 % Parts, service and collision repair 308,077 324,501 (5.1) % Finance, insurance and other, net 97,525 83,029 17.5 % Total revenues 2,279,657 1,976,347 15.3 % Gross Profit: New vehicles 69,465 45,415 53.0 % Used vehicles 31,996 32,314 (1.0) % Wholesale vehicles 736 (83) 986.7 % Total vehicles 102,197 77,646 31.6 % Parts, service and collision repair 155,265 158,096 (1.8) % Finance, insurance and other, net 97,525 83,029 17.5 % Total gross profit 354,987 318,771 11.4 % Selling, general and administrative expenses (250,076) (256,418) 2.5 % Impairment charges  (268,000) NM Depreciation and amortization (20,376) (19,589) (4.0) % Operating income (loss) 84,535 (225,236) 137.5 % Other income (expense): Interest expense, floor plan (4,117) (9,608) 57.2 % Interest expense, other, net (9,958) (10,599) 6.0 % Other income (expense), net 83 99 (16.2) % Total other income (expense) (13,992) (20,108) 30.4 % Income (loss) before taxes 70,543 (245,344) 128.8 % Add: impairment charges  268,000 NM Segment income (loss) $ 70,543 $ 22,656 211.4 % Unit Sales Volume: New vehicles 24,358 21,724 12.1 % Used vehicles 27,236 26,038 4.6 % Wholesale vehicles 6,832 6,910 (1.1) % Retail new & used vehicles 51,594 47,762 8.0 % Used-to-New Ratio 1.12 1.20 (6.7) % Gross Profit Per Unit: New vehicles $ 2,852 $ 2,091 36.4 % Used vehicles $ 1,175 $ 1,241 (5.3) % Finance, insurance and other, net $ 1,910 $ 1,760 8.5 % NM = Not Meaningful

Franchised Dealerships Segment - Same Store

Three Months Ended March 31, Better / (Worse) 2021 2020 % Change (In thousands, except unit and per unit data) Revenues: New vehicles $ 1,156,317 $ 950,589 21.6 % Used vehicles 661,534 560,796 18.0 % Wholesale vehicles 56,204 42,103 33.5 % Total vehicles 1,874,055 1,553,488 20.6 % Parts, service and collision repair 306,190 321,295 (4.7) % Finance, insurance and other, net 92,246 77,692 18.7 % Total revenues $ 2,272,491 $ 1,952,475 16.4 % Gross Profit: New vehicles $ 68,956 $ 45,115 52.8 % Used vehicles 30,273 32,141 (5.8) % Wholesale vehicles 736 (49) 1,602.0 % Total vehicles 99,965 77,207 29.5 % Parts, service and collision repair 153,682 156,465 (1.8) % Finance, insurance and other, net 92,246 77,692 18.7 % Total gross profit $ 345,893 $ 311,364 11.1 % Unit Sales Volume: New vehicles 24,358 21,410 13.8 % Used vehicles 27,236 25,635 6.2 % Wholesale vehicles 6,832 6,838 (0.1) % Retail new & used vehicles 51,594 47,045 9.7 % Used-to-New Ratio 1.12 1.20 (6.6) % Gross Profit Per Unit: New vehicles $ 2,831 $ 2,107 34.4 % Used vehicles $ 1,112 $ 1,254 (11.3) % Finance, insurance and other, net $ 1,807 $ 1,672 8.1 % Note: All currently operating franchised dealership stores are included within the same store group as of the first full month following the first anniversary of the stores opening or acquisition.

EchoPark Segment - Reported

Three Months Ended March 31, Better / (Worse) 2021 2020 % Change (In thousands, except unit and per unit data) Revenues: Used vehicles $ 428,563 $ 283,164 51.3 % Wholesale vehicles 18,605 6,103 204.9 % Total vehicles 447,168 289,267 54.6 % Parts, service and collision repair 12,837 10,179 26.1 % Finance, insurance and other, net 47,136 32,263 46.1 % Total revenues 507,141 331,709 52.9 % Gross Profit: Used vehicles (1,128) (184) (513.0) % Wholesale vehicles 113 (74) 252.7 % Total vehicles (1,015) (258) (293.4) % Parts, service and collision repair (215) (198) (8.6) % Finance, insurance and other, net 47,136 32,263 46.1 % Total gross profit 45,906 31,807 44.3 % Selling, general and administrative expenses (39,280) (25,738) (52.6) % Impairment charges    % Depreciation and amortization (3,311) (2,708) (22.3) % Operating income (loss) 3,315 3,361 (1.4) % Other income (expense): Interest expense, floor plan (996) (900) (10.7) % Interest expense, other, net (327) (366) 10.7 % Other income (expense), net 18 1 1,700.0 % Total other income (expense) (1,305) (1,265) (3.2) % Income (loss) before taxes 2,010 2,096 (4.1) % Add: impairment charges   NM Segment income (loss) $ 2,010 $ 2,096 (4.1) % Unit Sales Volume: Used vehicles 19,670 13,986 40.6 % Wholesale vehicles 2,861 1,765 62.1 % Gross Profit Per Unit: Total used vehicle and F&I $ 2,339 $ 2,294 2.0 % NM = Not Meaningful

EchoPark Segment - Same Market

Three Months Ended March 31, Better / (Worse) 2021 2020 % Change (In thousands, except unit and per unit data) Revenues: Used vehicles $ 333,577 $ 283,164 17.8 % Wholesale vehicles 15,555 6,103 154.9 % Total vehicles 349,132 289,267 20.7 % Parts, service and collision repair 10,103 10,145 (0.4) % Finance, insurance and other, net 36,823 32,263 14.1 % Total revenues $ 396,058 $ 331,675 19.4 % Gross Profit: Used vehicles $ (1,485) $ (184) (707.1) % Wholesale vehicles 122 (74) 264.9 % Total vehicles (1,363) (258) (428.3) % Parts, service and collision repair 7 (197) 103.6 % Finance, insurance and other, net 36,823 32,263 14.1 % Total gross profit $ 35,467 $ 31,808 11.5 % Unit Sales Volume: Used vehicles 15,128 13,986 8.2 % Wholesale vehicles 2,230 1,765 26.3 % Gross Profit Per Unit: Total used vehicle and F&I $ 2,336 $ 2,294 1.8 % Note: All currently operating EchoPark stores in a local geographic market are included within the same market group as of the first full month following the first anniversary of the market's opening.

Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses - Consolidated

Three Months Ended March 31, Better / (Worse) 2021 2020 Change % Change (In thousands) Reported: Compensation $ 188,492 $ 174,422 $ (14,070) (8.1) % Advertising 12,169 14,135 1,966 13.9 % Rent 13,744 13,865 121 0.9 % Other 74,951 79,734 4,783 6.0 % Total SG&A expenses $ 289,356 $ 282,156 $ (7,200) (2.6) % Adjusted: Total adjusted SG&A expenses $ 289,356 $ 282,156 $ (7,200) (2.6) % Reported: SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit: Compensation 47.0 % 49.8 % 280 bps Advertising 3.0 % 4.0 % 100 bps Rent 3.4 % 4.0 % 60 bps Other 18.8 % 22.7 % 390 bps Total SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit 72.2 % 80.5 % 830 bps Adjusted: Total adjusted SG&A expenses as a % of gross profit 72.2 % 80.5 % 830 bps

Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations - Non-GAAP Reconciliation

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Weighted- Average Shares Amount Per Share Amount Weighted- Average Shares Amount Per Share Amount (In thousands, except per share amounts) Diluted earnings (loss) and shares from continuing operations (1) 43,542 $ 53,689 $ 1.23 42,615 $ (199,131) $ (4.67) Pre-tax items of interest: Impairment charges $  $ 268,000 Total pre-tax items of interest $  $ 268,000 Tax effect of above items $  $ (51,295) Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) and shares from continuing operations 43,542 $ 53,689 $ 1.23 43,432 $ 17,574 $ 0.40 (1) Basic Weighted-Average Shares Used For Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Due To Net Loss On GAAP Basis

Adjusted EBITDA - Non-GAAP Reconciliation
The missing 15-year-old daughter of a Newark anti-violence activist was kidnapped and killing after leaving her home in South Carolina, a local sheriff said.

The three-week search for Sanaa Amenhotep ended early Thursday when investigators discovered her body in a wooded area of Lexington County, South Carolina, according to officials.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka called the killing a tragedy and offered his condolences to Sanaas father, Sharif Malik Amenhotep, a member of the citys Brick City Peace Collective.

On behalf of the people of Newark, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Sharif Malik Amenhotep, on the tragic loss of his beautiful and intelligent Black daughter, Sanaa Amenhotep, who was kidnapped and murdered in South Carolina, Baraka said.

Mr. Amenhotep works tirelessly to increase justice and reduce violence in our neighborhoods through our Brick City Peace Collective, helping us to re-imagine public safety and prevent tragedies such as this from taking place in our very own community, the mayor said in a statement. No parent should ever have to bury their child. It is an inexplicable loss that defies imagination.

We hope that the South Carolina authorities can bring the suspects in this case to justice. Our entire city is joining with the Amenhotep family in their grief and pain, Baraka added.

In South Carolina, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott told reporters a juvenile was arrested in Sanaas disappearance while authorities were seeking Treveon Jamar Nelson on a kidnapping warrant in the case. The two have not been charged with her death.

Investigators believe Sanaa initially left her Northeast Columbia home voluntarily April 5 with two acquaintances before she was held against her will, according to authorities.

The sheriff released few details on the circumstances surrounding her kidnapping or how she possibly knew the two suspects. He confirmed the teen was slain, but officials declined to comment on a cause of death ahead of an autopsy scheduled for Friday.

Officials urged anyone with information about Nelsons whereabouts to call authorities.

We need him. He needs to be arrested. I am urging him to turn himself in, Lott said.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN? Treveon Jamar Nelson is wanted for kidnapping in connection with the missing persons case of Sanaa Amenhotep. Anyone with information is asked to submit a tip to Crime Stoppers at https://t.co/vpbEOdqfLS, 888-CRIME-SC, or call 911. pic.twitter.com/EGXeKABfau  Richland County Sheriff's Dept. (@RCSD) April 29, 2021

Officials investigated the case for weeks and quickly began to fear that Sanaa was in danger after she was reported missing, according to the sheriff.

I cant tell you how tragic and sad this case is when we lose a 15-year-old like we lost this one, Lott said at a news conference. I know deputies and police officers are not supposed to get emotionally involved in cases, but there is no way that when we work a case like [this], our people dont get emotionally attached to this case.

Family members, authorities and others in South Carolina and New Jersey shared missing persons posters of Sanaa, and her father flew to Richland County to join the weeks-long search.

She means everything to me, I just truly miss her, Sharif Malik Amenhotep told WIS, a Columbia, S.C., television station, earlier this month.

Lott said Sanaas parents were told of her death Thursday morning.

I told the parents that we would bring her home and weve done that, the sheriff said. Unfortunately we didnt bring her home the way that we all had prayed and wished that we could.

The investigation into her slaying was being led by the sheriffs office in Lexington County, where her body was recovered.

Lexington County sheriffs officials on Twitter confirmed an investigation was underway and there were no immediate arrests. The agency did not immediately release more information.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.

More:

Man accused of killing Pa. woman had been in jail, ordered to anger management after 2016 assault

5 dead, including 2 sheriffs deputies, after N.C. standoff
In his words: "I am just a professional writer, which means I don't do blogs and try and get money for whatever I write."

Despite its anti-phonic spelling, English has become the language of many nations  albeit through colonisation and conquest

Superstition they said provided cures

And now we know its a deadly disease

Yet belief in miracles endures

We sing their hymns and litanies

We want the lame to walk again

And the blind be made to see

Martyrs court their deaths and then

Find that they have ceased to be.

From Jagnus Paradoxes by Bachchoo

The Inturnashunul Inglish Speling Kongress has this week voted to propagayt sumthing kold Trudishunul Spelling RivIzd. Thay wont a noo set of rools to bekum dhu noo norm

I suppose, gentle reader, youve got the drift and are, like me, a stick-in-the-mud antideluvian dinosaur, then perhaps I ought to spell it out for you: An outfit called the International English Spelling Congress (IESC) wants to perpetrate a new simplified English spelling. They want to make it as phonic as possible. So, for instance, they want to get rid of the w from wrong. And this in order to make it simpler for the dim to learn. Patronising or what?

Several names from my beloved city of London will no doubt engage their attentions: names like Knightsbridge, Cheapside, Marylebone and Holborn? All the common words with redundant unsounded letters such as know, knock and knife or pseudo and psychiatry will be easy to modify. But what will they do with P.G. Wodehouses characters like Featherstonehaugh, pronounced as Fanshaw -- and what about our own Willy Dalrymple who told me at the beginning of our friendship that it may be spelt that way but should be pronounced Drimple?

Very many English names are notorious for not sounding the way they look. St. John is sinjin; in Oxford and Cambridge Magdalene and Magdalen are both maudlin; Menzies is, incredibly, pronounced ming.

Some of these absurdities, meyrey yaaron (phonic pronunciation), make one side with the IESC, whoever these bods be -- but no! This revision is a foolish idea for two very good reasons. The first, pretty obvious one, (witch enny ful can c) is that one cant legislate for a change in language, neither in vocabulary nor in spelling.

Language evolves through necessity breeding invention, through absorbing words, meanings and nuances from other languages, and through sheer misuse becoming common practice and therefore part of the accepted and official, dictionarised thing. See? I just invented a verb, meaning to appear in dictionaries. I dont know if any dictionary yet recognises that cool means hot or wicked means desirable or hot means compellingly attractive. When I speak to the young and ask them if they want more spinach, they say I am good! -- by which they mean I dont want any and perhaps even thank you. If you ask them how they are, they profess their moral rectitude, instead of telling you that they are well. And then, all and sundry, including the late Princess Diana in a televised interview, use the word hopefully, which used to strictly be an adverb -- to mean I hope that. A sort of Inshallah.

One accepts it, language changes and evolves through usage and not through committees and self-appointed sages legislating for it. One may, in evidence for this argument, cite the cases of Esperanto and Volapuk. These were languages invented to take the place of all others so that humanity could be one huge communicating family. No doubt this would bring a uniformity to our troubled planet, but wouldnt it be the most boring place on earth? (Earth is the planet you fool  Ed).

I must confess that when I and some of my friends were sixteen, we embraced this ideal and thought wed make a start by teaching ourselves Esperanto. I still remember how to ask someone if they spoke it. Its Chu vi parolas Esperanto? and I still remember that boys were called knabo, with the k pronounced and girls were called sitabo -- I always imagined after our Hindu goddess/princess of the Ramayan.

The second reason to reject the attempt to turn English phonic is a bit more subtle, but as readers and writers, gentle reader, of phonic Indian Devnagari scripted languages, you wont find it hard to follow. When I read Hindi in the Devnagari script, or even when it is written in Roman script, I have to read every letter and absorb its meaning through the sound. I find it impossible to just look at the shape of the word and understand what it is a hundred per cent of the time.

Is that perhaps because the reading brain doesnt just recognise meaning through the sound of a word, but rather through a combination of sound and the shape of the word in sight? I would argue that it does. I may be wrong and only a linguistic psychologist will be able to judge, but I find I can skim a sentence when reading English, but have to sound the words internally and swiftly, even subconsciously, when reading Hindi.

Despite its anti-phonic spelling, English has become the language of many nations  albeit through colonisation and conquest, but it has also become the language of global communications even in a continent like America. I dont just mean that people with the intelligence of Donald Trump can sort of read and even write and say bigly and other words like that. I mean that there were contending languages such as Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, German and French. And English won.
Reliance Industries Ltd is quoting at Rs 2030.6, up 0.32% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 42.83% in last one year as compared to a 59.38% spurt in NIFTY and a 44.35% spurt in the Nifty Energy.

Reliance Industries Ltd is up for a fifth straight session in a row. The stock is quoting at Rs 2030.6, up 0.32% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 0.56% on the day, quoting at 14811.85. The Sensex is at 49391.32, down 0.75%. Reliance Industries Ltd has risen around 1.37% in last one month.

Meanwhile, Nifty Energy index of which Reliance Industries Ltd is a constituent, has risen around 1.02% in last one month and is currently quoting at 18063.1, up 1.7% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 35.86 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 78.6 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark May futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 2032.25, up 0.15% on the day. Reliance Industries Ltd is up 42.83% in last one year as compared to a 59.38% spurt in NIFTY and a 44.35% spurt in the Nifty Energy index.

The PE of the stock is 49.93 based on TTM earnings ending December 20.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
OTTAWA - More than 2,000 people returning to Canada since the federal government brought in mandatory hotel quarantines have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than a quarter of them were infected with a variant of concern.

A person stands in the window in a room at a government-authorized COVID-19 quarantine hotel in Richmond, B.C. on Sunday, February 28, 2021. More than 2,000 people returning to Canada since mandatory hotel quarantines began have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than a quarter of them were infected with one of the variants of concern. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

OTTAWA - More than 2,000 people returning to Canada since the federal government brought in mandatory hotel quarantines have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than a quarter of them were infected with a variant of concern.

Data supplied to The Canadian Press by the Public Health Agency of Canada show that between Feb. 22 and April 22, 557 international air travellers tested positive for a variant of concern. Most of them, 518 cases, are the B.1.1.7 variant first identified in the United Kingdom, which is the dominant variant in Canada.

Another 27 passengers tested positive for the B.1.351 variant first identified in South Africa, and 12 tested positive for the P.1 variant identified in Brazil.

The viruses mutations become "variants of concern" when they are confirmed to spread more easily, cause more severe illness or be resistant to known treatments or vaccines.

Data is not available to show if those passengers are believed to have infected anyone after arriving, but at some point, all of those variants arrived in Canada via travellers, and then spread. There are now almost 95,000 confirmed cases of B.1.1.7, as well 578 cases of B.1.351 and more than 2,000 of P.1.

Those numbers have opposition parties and provincial governments begging Ottawa to take even more steps to keep travellers from bringing COVID-19 into Canada with them.

"Im pleading with the federal government to stop all non-essential travel to Canada before new variants overwhelm our ICUs completely," Ontario Premier Doug Ford wrote on Twitter April 24.

Last week, Canada did bar flights from India and Pakistan for a month after too many planes landed carrying infected people. But they are far from the only source.

Between April 7 and April 24, the public health agency identified 165 flights from 19 countries, with at least one passenger who later tested positive for COVID-19.

Forty-three of the flights came from India, 29 from the United States, 30 from Europe and 17 from the United Arab Emirates. Only one flight originated in Pakistan.

Epidemiologists agree the border measures should be strengthened, but say keeping COVID-19 from spreading requires more than just border closures.

"I think the border control restrictions and monitoring is only the beginning, it's only one cure," said University of Saskatchewan epidemiology professor Nazeem Muhajarine.

"It has to be complemented with a whole suite of measures. That alone is not going to actually amount to anything, really."

He said rapid testing and good contact tracing is a must, as is swift action to contain outbreaks when they are identified.

Ottawa has required a two-week quarantine for international arrivals since March 2020, but only since Feb. 22, have air passengers had to spend three days of that in a quarantine hotel. As the variants arose, Canada also began requiring negative COVID-19 tests before boarding a plane, and from air and land border travellers upon arrival.

Another test is now required at day eight. It was day 10 until April 23.

Health Canada has not been able to provide data for how many passengers tested positive after leaving hotel quarantine. It also can't provide test results for any of the 297 people who paid a $3,000 fine for failing to stay in the quarantine hotel.

Susanne Gulliver, an epidemiologist at NewLab Clinical Research in St. John's, N.L., said part of the issue is that for all land travellers, and for most of the quarantine period for air passengers, they're on their own.

Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea, all with much lower COVID-19 rates than Canada, require travellers to quarantine for two full weeks after arriving.

Gulliver said three days with supervised quarantine is not enough.

"It should be supervised for the entirety, for both their protection and the protection of the public," she said, noting if someone gets sick in quarantine they can be monitored to ensure they get medical help if they need it.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defends the government's policies as among the strongest in the world, and says most of the travellers are Canadians who cannot be refused entry.

He also said less than two per cent of all Canada's confirmed cases of COVID-19 are from travellers, or someone who came into contact with a traveller.

Muhajarine said however that a single case from a traveller, can infect several people in Canada which starts a cascade of community spread that aren't labelled as travel cases once they're passed on more than once.

Muhajarine and Gulliver both point to the Atlantic bubble as a place where restricting entry, even to Canadians from other provinces, worked well because they were accompanied by quick government action to lock things down if an outbreak occurred.

Gulliver noted quick action shut down an outbreak of the B.1.1.7 variant in Newfoundland in February. Nova Scotia implemented a provincewide lockdown Wednesday the day after a record 96 cases were reported in the province.

Australia is similar. Perth and a neighbouring region brought down the hammer for three days recently after just two cases were reported. Similar lockdowns have happened many times in Australia, which has confirmed fewer than 30,000 cases of COVID-19 overall, a rate of 117 for every 100,000 people.

Canada, conversely, has 1.2 million cases, a rate of 3,200 for every 100,000 people.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2021.
MADRID (AP)  The bodies of two Spanish journalists and an Irish wildlife activist killed by jihadists in Burkina Faso this week while they were filming a documentary on poaching were flown home Friday as several European countries vowed to keep fighting extremism in Africa's Sahel region.

David Beriain, 44, and Roberto Fraile, 47, journalists with long experience in conflict zones, had joined Irish conservationist Rory Young on an anti-poaching patrol led by a special military wildlife force in eastern Burkina Faso when their convoy was ambushed Monday by jihadists.

The three Europeans and one Burkinabe soldier were killed, according to Spanish authorities. The government of Burkina Faso said six other people were wounded in the attack and one is still missing.

The bodies of the Europeans were flown overnight from the capital of the African nation, Ouagadougou, on an Airbus provided by the Spanish military. A guard of honor carried their coffins out of the aircraft at a military airport near Madrid, where relatives of the Spanish journalists awaited with Spanish officials and the Irish ambassador to Spain.

It's a sad day, Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said following a brief ceremony on the tarmac. David and Roberto went to lengths to give voice to those who don't have them, to make visible hard realities surrounding us and to strengthen democracy."

The minister announced the two journalists would be awarded Spain's Order of Civil Merit, which recognizes extraordinary contributions by individuals.

The two-person crew was making a documentary on how Burkina Fasos authorities are tackling poaching, also focusing on the people living in the park. Young, the director of the Chengeta Wildlife Foundation, was leading the patrol in Arly National Park, the group said on Facebook.

Two soldiers wounded in the attack said they tried to protect the foreigners during fighting that lasted three hours, but were outnumbered by the jihadists. One foreign worker of the wildlife foundation did survive, the soldiers told The Associated Press, insisting on anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Story continues

Burkina Faso has been overrun by attacks linked to Islamic extremists that have killed thousands and displaced more than 1 million people.

Violence has surged this week in hard-hit eastern and northern parts of the country. The same day the anti-poaching patrol was ambushed, 18 people were killed by gunmen in the Sahel region. In a statement this week, the government said terrorists have carried out acts of intimidation, looting and assassinations" on civilians.

The governments of Spain, France, Germany and Italy said in a joint statement that they were committed to supporting the violence-struck region with military training and supplies, but also with humanitarian aid to provide much-needed stability there.

The area is one of enormous turbulence, with great geostrategic risks for our country, said Gonzalez Laya of Spain.

Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said the fight against terrorism is not going to stop, we want to be relentless." She also said Spanish intelligence officials were on the ground supporting the Burkinabe governments investigation into the killings.

Her ministry later said in a statement that the journalists had taken all precautions but that Burkinabe forces who succeeded at first in repelling the attack were later overwhelmed by the firepower of the attackers. In an initial assessment of the attack, the ministry concluded that the weapons and means used were not of traffickers or furtive hunters, but of one of the jihadist groups operating in the region.

Rights groups say there must be a thorough and impartial investigation of the killings.

"(We need to know) the circumstances surrounding their deaths, (which) can help prevent such tragic killings in the future, said Corinne Dufka, West Africa director for Human Rights Watch.

__

Mednick reported from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Coal is falling out of favor across the developed world because of concerns over pollution and climate change, but it remains a growing energy choice in many parts of Southeast Asia driven by Chinese investment.

While many markets, including the United States, Europe, and East Asia, shift away from coal, Chinese banks, energy and construction companies remain committed to financing and building dozens of plants in Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

Thats despite growing concerns about environmental degradation, electricity oversupply, and air pollution. Coal is widely considered the dirtiest fossil fuel for electricity generation, with the highest greenhouse gas emissions, and widespread air, water, and soil quality issues due to mining, burning, and coal waste.

Its definitely true that China is the main investor for coal in Southeast Asia, said Isabella Suarez, a Philippines-based analyst for the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). If you look at overseas investment portfolio for Chinese coal, Indonesia and Vietnam are second- and third-highest in the world.

Coal accounts for 56 percent of electricity generation in Indonesia, 34.3 percent in Vietnam and 29.3 percent in Cambodia.

A tugboat pulls a coal barge along the Mahakam River in Samarinda, Indonesia, March 2, 2016. [Reuters]

China dominates overseas coal

Increasingly, China is the only country actively pursuing coal investments. Chinese financial institutions including China Construction Bank, Bank of China, ICBC, and the Agricultural Bank of China, are ranked as the top 11 financiers of coal-fired power and the top 10 financiers of coal mining.

Thats according to Banking on Climate Chaos, a report released in late March by a coalition of international NGOs including Rainforest Action Network, Sierra Club, and Oil Change International.

The report found that in total, Chinese banks account for US$244.7 billion in total coal-related financing since 2016, more than the largest American, European, Japanese, Korean and Canadian banks combined.

Chinese-funded projects in Southeast Asia include the 625 megawatt (MW) Unit-8 of the Banten Suralaya power station and the 1200 MW Bangko Tengah SumSel 8 plants in Indonesia; the 1980 MW Vinh Tan-3 plant in Vietnam; the 700 MW Botum Sakor power station in Cambodia; and the 668 MW Dinginin power station in the Philippines.

Local communities actively oppose many of these projects because of environmental and social impacts. The Sumsel 8 plant is especially concerning as it is a mine-mouth facility, in which the coal-fired power plant is built near the coal mine.

When the plant is in operation, then the community nearby will face double impacts, said Pius Ginting, the Jakarta, Indonesia-based executive director of Aksi Ecologi Dan Energi Rakyat (AEER), a domestic NGO advocating against Chinese coal projects. One from the air/water pollution from the power plant, and second is from the mining itself, because the coal mine is in the same area.

AEER, whose name translates as Ecological Action and People Energy, sent a letter in early 2021 expressing these concerns to the main financier, the Export-Import Bank of China, the lead company building the project, China Huadian Corporation, and the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta. AEER has yet to receive a response.

Besides the environmental impacts, Ginting fears that Chinese funding for coal makes it harder for Indonesia to invest in renewables.

There could be an opportunity for renewable energy to thrive, but these are overcome by the presence of Chinas investment in Sumsel 8 and other coal plants, said Ginting.

Pollution and financial concerns

Another concern is air pollution. Southeast Asian cities including Jakarta and Hanoi are regularly ranked among the most polluted in the world, and coal is a driver due to the proximity of existing and planned Chinese-funded coal plants.

According to a 2020 report from CREA, trans-boundary air pollution from coal power plants in neighboring provinces, like the Chinese-funded one in Banten, could result in significantly higher health impacts in Jakarta. Similarly, their March 2021 analysis of Vietnam found that the 24 planned coal plants, the majority of which are backed by Chinese investment, could result in 70,000 premature deaths in the country.

A big factor is lax standards of pollution control.

The coal plants that are being built overseas are generally more polluting and less efficient than the plants that are built [in China], said Suarez.

Another concern is that the deals put the financial burden, in the long term, on the receiving country, by locking them into long-term payments even if the plant is not needed. When considering the long life of coal-fired power plants  up to 50 years  countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia could be paying China for dirty energy for decades.

For China its an easy game. Provide the working capital, build a plant with my own labor force, my own companies, and then the other side will pay me back, so I get my loan back, said Ghee Peh, a Hong Kong-based coal energy finance analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).

According to IEEFA, most Chinese overseas coal funding utilizes a mostly Chinese labor force, Chinese contractors, and Chinese technology, putting into question how much the local economy actually benefits from these deals.

A thick blanket of smog covers the Hanoi skyline, Sept. 27, 2019. The city - along with Jakarta  is regularly ranked as one of the most polluted in the world. [AFP]

Waiting for Chinas green promises

In the past year, the second- and third-largest funders of coal-fired power plants in Southeast Asia, South Korea and Japan, announced plans to gradually reduce coal investments. Then, earlier this year, Malaysia's CIMB bank announced it would also phase out coal from its portfolio by 2040, the first bank in Southeast Asia to make such a move.

There have been efforts to incorporate green and sustainable principles into China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in nearly 70 countries around the world. There were also hopes that China's adding the term "ecological civilization" into its constitution in 2018 as part of its sustainable economic development agenda would also mean less investment in coal.

In Southeast Asia, however, thus far, there is no sign that China will follow its neighbors and stop exporting and funding dangerous, polluting coal technology to the region.

Until there are actual policy guidelines for these entities that are investing, we are not going to see change, and thats why a green BRI hasnt really happened, said Suarez. Its good for their domestic institutions to be investing abroad, and its helped their economy.
The American Jobs Plan presented by President Biden is a comprehensive plan to modernize transportation infrastructure, one that is necessary and long overdue, Ports of Indiana will keep a close watch on segments of the plan that is (sic) most relevant to improve our infrastructure network and to increase the competitiveness in the market, Ports of Indiana CEO Vanta E. Coda II and COO Andrea Hermer said in a joint statement.
Days after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was revealed to have said he would rather let the bodies pile high in their thousands than implement a lockdown, the focus of the media and the Labour Party has shifted to questions over the renovation of his Downing Street flat. A campaign against sleaze is being used to cover up crimes of social murder.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressing the nation from No10 Downing Street, on the January Covid-19 national lockdown restrictions. (picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street-FlickR )

Johnson is now at the centre of a corruption scandal swirling in the Conservative Party. Earlier this month, former Tory Prime Minister David Cameron was exposed for having extensively lobbied the government on behalf of Greensill Capital, in which Cameron held shares. Health Secretary Matt Hancock was quickly implicated and separately revealed to have been gifted shares in a company in February 2019, with the firm winning a National Health Service contract the next month.

A few weeks later, texts between Johnson and British billionaire Sir James Dyson were leaked showing Johnson promising to fix a tax issue for Dysons employees.

More details were leaked about the refurbishment of the Downing Street flat Johnson shares with his partner Carrie Symonds. The prime minister is given 30,000 a year by the state to renovate the flat, but usually adds their personal funds to the budget. Johnson and Symonds reportedly spent 200,000, creating a high society haven to replace a John Lewis furniture nightmare, according to super-rich lifestyle magazine Tatler referring to the upmarket department store. Tory donor Lord Brownlow was revealed to have contributed 58,000, a donation Johnson failed to declare and only now claims to have covered with his own money.

Downing Street responded by accusing Johnsons former chief adviser Dominic Cummings, ousted last November, of being the prime suspect behind the leaksand also of leaking plans for a national lockdown last Octoberleading to front-page splashes in the Times, the Telegraph and the Sun. Johnson reportedly phoned newspaper editors personally to make the accusations.

This prompted a counterattack by Cummings, who published a blog post denying responsibility and attacking Johnson and his office for falling far below the standards of competence and integrity the country deserves. He accused the prime minister of having sought to prevent an internal inquiry into who leaked the lockdown plans because it looked likely to point the finger at a close friend of Symonds. Cummings claimed he had stopped discussing Johnsons plans for the flat renovation with him because they were unethical, foolish, possibly illegal and almost certainly broke the rules on proper disclosure of political donations.

The Cummings blog post and denials by various government ministers have dominated the newspaper front pages for the last week. On Wednesday, the Electoral Commission launched an investigation into the refurbishment, stating there were reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred.

Johnson is already under scrutiny for other indiscretions. An ethics investigation into a 15,000 ten-day holiday he and Symonds took to the Caribbean island of Mustique is ongoing. Johnson registered the trip as coming courtesy of Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross, who owns a villa on the island. It is unclear who, if anyone, paid an additional island levy to the Mustique Company which owns the private island.

Meanwhile, the High Court has agreed to look into Johnsons decision last year not to hold Home Secretary Priti Patel responsible for breaking the ministerial code. An inquiry had found that Patel unintentionally broke the code with behaviour that can be described as bullying. The FDA, the senior civil servants union, is bringing a case against Johnson for refusing to take action against her.

These events are a window into the routine corruption and entitlement that prevails in the ruling class. But they are dwarfed in political significance by the revelation that Johnson was so bitterly opposed to closing sections of the economy last October that he loudly swore no more f***ing lockdowns and said he was prepared to see bodies piled high instead. This is precisely what happened. The disputed November lockdown was entirely inadequate and ended prematurely to make way for Christmas trading, leading to a second surge of the virus more deadly than the first.

Cummings is due to appear before a joint parliamentary committee inquiry on coronavirus on May 26, where he is expected to give an insiders account of the support in the government for a herd immunity strategy during the first days of the pandemic. This is a policy he is reported to have initially backedat a behind closed doors February 2020 meetingwith the words, Herd immunity, protect the economy, and if that means some pensioners die, too bad.

Johnsons murderous comments were reported on Sunday to mass popular outrage, with #Boristhebutcher and #BodiesPiledHigh trending on Twitter. After a day of frontpage coverage, however, the media relegated the story to a supporting role in the Downing Street flat scandal. Headlines a day later read, in the Guardian, PM urged to come clean about cash for No 10 revamp, in the Mirror, Cash for Curtains, and in the Daily Mail, Boris Painted into a Corner.

The Labour Party is playing the same diversionary game. At Prime Ministers Questions this Wednesday, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer devoted just one of his questions to Johnsons bodies piled high outburst, asking did he make those remarks or remarks to that effect? When Johnson claimed he did not, Starmer moved on to ask four questions on the refurbishment of his flat and one on sleaze, cronyism and scandal.

In any genuinely democratic society, Johnsons comments, corroborated by multiple sources, would have meant the downfall of his government. They are an outright confession of the policy of social murder favoured by the ruling class that is now essentially official policy. But the Labour Party, fully complicit in these crimes as a de facto coalition partner of the government, is acting to suppress all social opposition by restricting political discussion to curtains and wallpaper.

If this campaign has any impact, which is unlikely, it will be to lend a hand to a faction fight in the Tory party and oust Johnson in favour of one of his colleagues, most likely the too-rich-to-be-bribed Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak or the endlessly scheming Michael Gove, a long-time ally of Cummings. None of the problems facing the working classabove all the pandemic and its economic fallout, will be the altered one iota.

The inability and refusal of any section of the ruling class to even nominally oppose the avowed mass murderer in Downing Street is a mark of the highly advanced collapse of democracy in the UK. When the pandemic began, the World Socialist Web Site drew a parallel between the coronavirus crisis and World War One. At that time, the Labour, Conservative and Liberal parties joined forces to enforce four years of bloody slaughter, in which the working class gave their lives in their thousands every day to advance the geopolitical interests of the ruling elite. The same brutalisation of society is taking place today.

In this May 24, 2020 file photo, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson's senior aid Dominic Cummings leaves 10 Downing Street, in London. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, File)

The lives of the working class are considered so cheap that the British prime minister can openly endorse squandering thousands and have the worst criticism he faces that week be an admonishment of his personal finances. The affluent middle class, whose interests define the vast bulk of political life, were more incensed by the snobbish denigration of John Lewis than the desire to sacrifice lives on the altar of corporate profit.

If there is a difference between the two periods, it is that the ruling class today feels even more at liberty to announce its own savagery. This is thanks above all to the unprecedented suppression of the class struggle by the Labour Party and the trade unions.

A reckoning with Johnsons murderous government demands the organisation of the working class independently of these rotten organisations, in their own interests, and on an international basis. At its online May Day Rally today, the International Committee of the Fourth International will call for an International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees to carry forward this struggle.
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President Joe Biden took planes, automobiles - but not trains - to Philadelphia to mark Amtrak's 50th anniversary on Friday.

The president, who earned the nickname 'Amtrak Joe' during his Senate career, stood in front of a new Acela train outside of 30th Street Station and gushed about his 'family' of train workers while warning cuts to the service 'would be a disaster for our environment and our economy.'

'I want to tell you these guys, women they work like the devil. They really, really, really do. And Amtrak wasn't just a way of getting home, it provided me - and I'm not joking - an entire other family,' Biden said at a speech attended by real members of his family, his granddaughters Finnegan and Maisy.

'We've shared milestones of my life and I've been allowed to share milestones of theirs,' he continued. 'I've been to an awful lot of weddings and christenings and unfortunately some burials as well. We're family.'

He pitched what $80 billion - the number in his American Jobs Plan he's proposed for Amtrak - could do for rail travel in the U.S.

'Imagine a two-hour train ride between Atlanta and Charlotte, going the speeds of 220 miles an hour, and a two and a half hour trip between Chicago and Detroit,' Biden said. 'Or faster and more regular trips between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, a route that I imagine could be pretty popular on Fridays.'

President Joe Biden speaks at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station Friday to mark Amtrak's 50th anniversary

A new Acela train is on the track behind President Joe Biden as he speaks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Friday

President Joe Biden (cdenter) arrives at an Amtrak event in Philadelphia alongside granddaughters Maisy (left) and Finnegan (right). Maisy is wearing a vintage Joe Biden t-shirt

Maisy Biden's t-shirt had a photograph of her grandfather, President Joe Biden, when he was 26 years old

President Joe Biden talked about his Amtrak 'family' at a speech Friday, but his real family tagged along too - granddaughers (from left) Maisy and Finnegan

Reporters sit and work on railroad tracks as President Joe Biden's speaks at Amtrak's 50th anniversary event

President Joe Biden, wearing a blue ballcap, steps off a Northeast Regional train car and walks to the podium Friday to deliver remarks

President Joe Biden (left) helps his granddaugther Finnegan Biden (right) off an Amtrak train car in Philadelphia on Friday

Biden said funding Amtrak would create jobs and help the environment.

'Amtrak carries four times as many riders between Washington and New York City as every single airline does within 15 miles of the shore from Florida all the way up the coast,' Biden said. 'A single day without the Northeast Corridor, for example, would cost the economy $100 million. If you shut down all passenger service on the Northeast Corridor ... you'd have to add seven new lanes of highway on I-95.'

Biden made the trek to sell his American Jobs Plan infrastructure bill - but also because the quasi-public railroad service is part of his political brand as the Delaware senator who commuted to Washington daily so he could kiss his kids goodnight.

He couldn't resist telling some Amtrak anecdotes before getting to the meat of his speech.

'The fact is, in the past when I've ended up in the 30th Street Amtrak Station , it's probably because I took the late train back from Washington and slept through the Delaware stop, literally,' the president recalled.

President Joe Biden's staff was holding in an Amtrak cafe car during his speech Friday in Philadelphia

'I only did it about four times,' he added.

It's a small number if either of his figures cited Friday were correct. He said a newspaper article had estimated he had taken 7,000 Amtrak round trips during his years in the Senate. He later quoted a former Amtrak employee who suggested he rode 1,151,000 miles on the rails.

'I used to have a Christmas party for Amtrak employees at my home. It got so big we ended up having a summer party because family and retirees kept coming back,' he recalled.

He said one year, when daughter Ashley was only six, she was upset because her father wouldn't be home on his birthday to enjoy the cake she had made due to late Senate votes.

Biden said he approached GOP Leader Bob Dole with the problem.

'I said well my daughter is really upset that I'm not going to be able to be home for the birthday cake she made for me,' he said. 'He said, "What do you need?" I said, "I need just time to catch the 5 o'clock metro and I can get the 6:28 coming back.'

That gave the then-Delaware senator enough time to meet his family on the Wilmington station platform.

'I got off the train, my wife Jill was standing there. My daughter had the cake, the candle lit. I blew them out, gave me a kiss. I walked across and got on the southbound,' he said. 'So it has been part of my life. I've been riding Amtrak almost as long as there's been an Amtrak.'

President Joe Biden (left) and first lady Jill Biden (right) arrive in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Friday afternoon where he'll deliver remarks at Amtrak's 30th Street Station

On a blustery Friday, President Joe Biden (left) and first lady Jill Biden (right) are seen walking off Air Force One at the Philadelphia International Airport

President Joe Biden (right) will take planes, automobiles - but not trains - to Philadelphia Friday to mark Amtrak's 50th anniversary. Here he leaves the White House with first lady Jill Biden (center)

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden board Air Force One on a windy Friday. They're traveling to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to mark Amtrak's 50th birthday

Then Vice President-elect Joe Biden (left) and President-elect Barack Obama (right) wave to crowds on their Whistle Stop Train Tour from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. on January 17, 2009 - a trip they took in advance of inauguration

Then Democratic nominee Joe Biden (left) and wife Jill Biden (right) took Amtrak through parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania in late September as he campaigned for the presidency

Democratic nominee Joe Biden gets onboard an Amtrak train in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in September as he campaigned to win the White House over President Donald Trump

He wanted to ride Amtrak into D.C. before his inauguration, but the plans were scrapped for security reasons as the swearing-in happened just weeks after the Capitol riot.

That ride would have been an homage to the pre-inauguration train trip he took on January 17, 2009 with President-elect Barack Obama, with the Obamas picking up the Bidens in Wilmington, Delaware, where the Amtrak station is named after Joe Biden.

His most recent Amtrak trip came this fall, when as the Democratic nominee he took the train line through portions of Ohio and Pennsylvania after the first presidential debate.

Biden was introduced by a conductor who worked the route the president traveled when he was a regular passenger, Blake Weaver, whose father also worked for Amtrak.

'One of my first lessons my father taught me as a conductor was to look out for one of Amtrak's most frequent riders, Senator Joe Biden,' Weaver recalled.

Upon first meeting, Weaver said Biden stopped what he was doing and made Weaver sit with him on the train for a chat.

I'd like to thank you for all the support you have given Amtrak. I'd like to thank you for all the miles you added up over the year,' Weaver said. 'I'd like to thank you for being part of the Amtrak family, I would like to thank you for being part of my family.'

Amtrak released a map that shows new service and enhanced service that would be possible if the $80 billion in Amtrak funds that are part of President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan get approved by Congress

The next generation of Amtrak's high-speed train, the Acela, was behind the president during the event.

Biden mentioned he had helped secure the funding for the new trains - all made in the U.S. - in 2016 before leaving office.

Biden's infrastructure proposal gives $80 billion to rail.

The money would be used for repairs, to improve service along the highly trafficked northeast corridor and to expand service elsewhere.

The price tag for all transportation infrastructure stands at $621 billion, but Biden has signaled he's more willing to work across the aisle on this bill than the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill he signed into law in March.

A Republican counteroffer for Amtrak funds stands at $20 billion.

Even with $80 billion Amtrak isn't expected to make much progress enhancing high-speed rail in the U.S., which is currently limited to the Acela trains traveling the Northeast Corridor.

The service did say with the funds Amtrak could add 30 new routs and add trains to 20 existing routes by 2035.

New service could begin in places like Scranton, Pennsylvania, where Biden was born, the AP said.

Additionally routes could be added to Nashville, Tennessee, Columbus, Ohio, Phoenix, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as Houston, Dallas and Austin, Texas if green-lit by Congress.

Amtrak started service on May 1, 1971.

Biden started frequently riding the rails after being elected to the U.S. Senate in November 1972.

A month later his wife and baby daughter were killed in an automobile accident.

Biden decided to keep his Senate seat, but to commute to and from Washington so he could be there for sons Beau and Hunter.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in, left, and U.S. President Joe Biden / EPA-Yonhap



South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Joe Biden will hold their first summit talks on May 21, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Thursday, adding the meeting will highlight the "ironclad" alliance between the two countries.



"President Biden looks forward to welcoming Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in to the White House on May 21," Psaki said in a statement. "President Moon's visit will highlight the ironclad alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea, and the broad and deep ties between our governments, people and economies."



The countries earlier said the summit will be held in the second half of next month.



It will mark Biden's second in-person summit with a foreign leader since he took office on Jan. 20.






ANKARA,30 April (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2021 ) : Turkey has taken a host of steps to protect both workers and businesses from the long-term economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, and may do more if further needs emerge, the chair of parliament's Health, Family, Labor and Social Affairs Commission told Anadolu Agency.

While taking measures to protect public health amid the pandemic, Turkey launched a social assistance program in March 2020 to minimize the fallout of the virus on the labor market, Recep Akdag said ahead of Saturday's May Day holiday, which honors workers nationwide.

In the months that followed, the country expanded the framework of the program in line with subsequent developments.

The support provided so far by Turkey's Social Protection Shield program to cater to public needs during the pandemic has topped 60 billion Turkish liras ($8.1 billion), he said.

The aid includes short-time work allowances, unpaid leave cash support, unemployment benefits, and normalization support.

More than 30 billion Turkish liras ($4.05 billion) was paid to 3.7 million people under the short-time work allowance, Akdag stressed, adding that nearly 10 billion Turkish liras ($1.4 billion) was given to workers who took unpaid leave.

Turkey also introduced a ban on employee layoffs while encouraging unpaid leave and increased the duration of the compensatory working practice.

Some 22 different insurance premium incentives, supports, and discounts are applied to protect and boost employment amid the pandemic, according to data compiled by the Turkish Presidency.

The government encouraged businesses to increase employment with an Additional Employment Incentive, Return to Work Incentive, and Premium Support for Women, Young People and Vocational Qualification Certificate, the presidency said.
Curro has shown it is possible to build a technologically advanced high school, run it on a government budget, and still make a profit.

Curro opened its DigiEd school in Delft in January 2020, offering an innovative approach to learning at an affordable price.

The school features open-plan classrooms that promote interaction between teachers and learners and a state-of-the-art IT laboratory.

It has a unique e-learning model which uses project-based learning programmes that emphasise science, mathematics, and technology.

Instead of delivering daily lessons, learners use e-learning material with teachers and tutors providing one-on-one assistance where needed.

Learners watch instructional videos, receive multimedia-based material, and have access to remote tutor assistance via the internet.

By moving the teachers away from the whiteboard, learners can get more immediate and personal assistance to understand a particular concept before moving on, Curro said.

Curro Delft has longer school hours  from 07:00 to 17:15  and a no-homework policy to accommodate the schedules of working parents.

Apart from its innovative teaching model, Curro Delft is also unique for offering private education in a traditionally low-income area.

Curro founder Chris van der Merwe has previously offered his services to the government to build and operate schools.

He said he could build government styled and funded schools, on time and within budget, and run it on behalf of the government.

His offer, however, did not get much attention from the government.

Curro Delft now shows what is possible by using the latest technologies and not wasting money. It provides affordable school fees without compromising high academic standards.

The government currently spends around R20,000 per learner in a government school, with sub-par education in many cases.

Curro Delft, in comparison, charges R20,520 per year for a private school education with superior facilities.

Phil Snyman, executive head of Curro Delft, said they were able to bring affordable education to a community which never thought it was possible to get private schooling.

The area was hungry for Curros private education and we adapted our model to lower our fees and give hope to the community, he said.

Snyman said their new model, where kids work on their own through prepared lessons and access to teachers and tutors when needed, prepares learners for the future.

It teaches the kids to be responsible, diligent, and do things on their own, said Snyman.

The tremendous demand for places at Curro Delft shows that the model is working and that parents are willing to pay to get their kids into a private school.

Curro Delft is fully subscribed and has waiting lists for the grades it offers.

Phil Snyman interview
BIRMINGHAM, England, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Orlo is excited to announce that it is one of just two social media management platforms to be procured as an official supplier to the Police Digital Service (PDS) Social Media Management & Engagement Framework.

The PDS exists to harness the power of digital, data, technology and the policing workforce to better protect the communities policing serves. It is the delivery vehicle for the National Policing Digital Strategy 2020-2030, and aims to deliver the capabilities to create a smarter, more digitally enhanced police service whose workforce can more fully exploit data and technology to inform improved decision-making, strengthen operational effectiveness, drive value for money and most importantly better safeguard and protect the public. The Social Media Management & Engagement Framework is part of the PDS commercial service and aims to support provision of more choice in how the public engage with the police, using the channels, media or devices that are most relevant to them, as well as enabling officers and staff through digital.



Via a competitive tender process starting in December 2020, Orlo submitted evidence of how their digital conversations platform can be used to execute these new social media best practices in policing. With features designed with police forces in mind, the Orlo platform enables Police to comply with the European Electronic Communications Code, meet citizen expectations around being able to report crimes and non-emergency incidents via social media, and professionalise their approach to digital comms.



"We're proud to already help a quarter of all UK police forces in achieving a mature social media strategy," said Phil Evans, Managing Director of Orlo. "Now as a PDS official supplier we hope to assist many more in their digital transformations as they implement the National Policing Digital Strategy."



"We're pleased to have Orlo on board as an official supplier to the framework," said Ian Bell, CEO of the Police Digital Service. "Having met the requirements set by the tender, we're confident our framework suppliers can provide technology to help forces deliver key aspects of the National Policing Digital Strategy in relation to public interaction."

One of Orlo's recently onboarded policing clients is Dyfed-Powys. Their Digital Communications Officer, Ben Cole added: "After a competitive tender process, Orlo were our chosen supplier to help support our work to use social media as a contact channel, and as a management platform for social media use right across our organisation. We've had great support right throughout this process from the Orlo team who really understand the unique challenges we face in policing and the tools we need to overcome these, especially as we take our first steps into a new way of being accessible to our communities. It's been great to have Orlo on board as we've gone through the biggest changes we've ever made to social media in Dyfed-Powys."

To find out more about Orlo in Policing, visit: https://hubs.la/H0MhLCs0

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1500745/Orlo.jpg

Media Contact: Jen Morris, +44-7368-306-180, jen.morris@orlo.tech
The outbreak of COVID-19 has revealed the widespread effects a pandemic can have on all spheres of life from health, to social life, to the economy. The main thrust of efforts to control the spread has been to decrease the reproduction rate to flatten the curve of the total number of infected individuals per day in order to reduce overload on the health system.

The most widely implemented response to the exponential growth of the infection has been widespread quarantine and lockdown. While isolation is an effective tool to decelerate the spread, repeatedly imposing complete quarantine for a relatively long period of time until the virus is suppressed has negative effects on people's lives and on the economy.

Moreover, if proper population monitoring is not enforced further waves of the disease may ensue. Therefore, early detection of positive test results is of paramount importance to suppress the spread of COVID-19 as soon as possible.

A second component in fighting the pandemic is to devise better testing policy. Today, health systems around the world prioritize the administration of tests to people who have had direct contact with an infected person or who are symptomatic.

Some countries are implementing extensive resources to test people widely and randomly to detect areas where the pandemic is likely to spread. Nevertheless, these strategies do not use resources effectively.

A recent study, published in the journal Scientific Reports by Prof. Amir Leshem, from the Kofkin Faculty of Engineering at Bar-Ilan University, and Dr. Kobi Cohen, of Ben-Gurion University, offers a more effective method for the prioritization of tests using a feedback methodology.

The key to the proposed method is to test individuals with a high probability of being infected and identify them before symptoms appear. The probability of individuals being infected acts as an input to selecting additional individuals for testing. Those with the highest probability of infection are selected. Their test results then act as feedback to update the probability of other individuals being infected, and so on.

By reducing the lapse in time between contact with an infected person and taking a COVID-19 test, it has been demonstrated that the proposed method, when combined with contact tracing, may reduce the rate of isolation and mortality by up to 50% compared to existing methods.

The key is to test individuals with a high probability of being infected before symptoms appear. These probabilities are updated based on contact tracing and test results. Proper use of the controlled testing methodology significantly improves the outcome for any testing capacity. However, the most significant results are when daily testing capacity is between 0.3% of the population and 3% of the population.

The authors also demonstrated that for small, new outbreaks, controlled testing can prevent the large spread of new waves. Tracing and quarantining only those at risk -- for instance those in close contact with an infected individual, depending on the duration of contact and distance - can contain epidemics without using aggressive lockdowns using surveillance." Amir Leshem, Professor, Kofkin Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University

"There are two elements to halting epidemics: quarantine and testing," explains Prof. Leshem. "One approach is to test only those who have symptoms, as was done during Israel's first lockdown, but this proved ineffective. Another approach is to randomly perform as many tests as possible. According to calculations, random tests will only be effective if 5% of the population is tested. In our article we propose acceleration by initiating the test rather than waiting for people to do them. Technological means, such as contact tracing, can facilitate this."

If within a day people suspected of being infected were called in for testing based on data regarding their proximity to someone known to have contracted the virus, infection rates and morbidity would be reduced, unnecessary tests would not be performed and less unnecessary isolation would be imposed.

Prof. Leshem and Dr. Cohen propose the use of technology that is not based on GPS and does not involve tracking geographical locations, but rather depends on proximity between devices that transmit waves at short distances, such as Bluetooth. With this less-intrusive method, the individual's identity is random and stored in the device, and is "exposed" only if he has been in the vicinity of a person who has tested positive within his Bluetooth range.

People will be called in for a test based on the number of infected people who have been around them and the length of time they were in the same vicinity. The risk will be calculated using a dedicated algorithm.

Furthermore, the adoption of control testing methods may prevent new outbreaks (as a result of variants or other viruses) in the early stages and in widespread outbreaks. For example, in a scenario of a single outbreak in a population of 100,000 people, which takes into account that only 70% of the population will comply with the isolation provisions and that the tests are only 80% reliable.

Existing methods have been found to require more than a million cumulative days of isolation until the spread is completely eradicated, while mortality reaches about 2,000 people. In contrast, the method proposed by Leshem and Cohen found that only half a million days of isolation were required until the spread was completely eradicated, while mortality reached only about 1,000 people.

While existing policies taken by governments around the world have failed to control the outbreak and led to full lockdowns, in terms of the economic cost, the proposed method can save around 8 percent of GDP, for each month of full lockdown that can be saved.
Corp (CVE: FCC- OTCQX: FTSSF) CEO Trent Mell joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share details the company has been awarded funding from the US Department of Energy's Critical Materials Institute for research on innovative mineral processing techniques for the Iron Creek copper-cobalt project in Idaho. First Cobalt was one of only four projects selected for funding.

Mell telling Proactive the funding will be for 600,000 over a two-year period to work with the Kroll Institute for Extractive Metallurgy at the Colorado School of Mines to optimize the recovery of cobalt. First Cobalt was one of only four projects selected for this funding.
TEL AVIV - Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has announced that elections slated for May have been postponed "until voting in East Jerusalem as well will be possible".

"We have decided to postpone the elections," media quoted Abbas as saying during a meeting of Palestinian leaders in Ramallah, "until the participation of East Jerusalem residents will be possible." From Gaza, Hamas criticised the decision and said that Abbas's party Fatah is "fully responsible for this decision and its consequences".
AG Nessel Announces Annual Payment From Tobacco Industry Settlement

AG Nessel Announces Annual Payment From Tobacco Industry Settlement

Lynsey Mukomel 517-599-2746 Attorney General

April 30, 2021

LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today that the state is receiving more than $312 million as part of an ongoing 1998 settlement with major tobacco companies.

Nessel sent a letter to leaders of the Michigan Legislature and Gov. Whitmer announcing the payment, which is provided annually through the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA).

In 1995, Michigan and several other states filed lawsuits against major domestic tobacco companies for allegedly misleading the public about the dangers of tobacco.

Three years later, the companies entered into the MSA with 46 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and four territories.

In exchange, the states and other plaintiffs dropped their claims and the tobacco companies agreed to make annual settlement payments in perpetuity, fund a national foundation devoted to public education about the dangers of tobacco use, and adhere to certain restrictions of their advertising, marketing and other practices.

"Since the MSA's signing, cigarette sales have decreased more than 20 percent nationally and there's greater understanding of tobacco's harmful effects," Nessel said. "This ongoing settlement not only means a significant amount of money for Michigan each year, it also serves as ongoing accountability for the tobacco industry and betterment of our country's health."

This year's payment represents a combined total received by the Michigan Department of Treasury Receipts Processing Division and the Trustee for the Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority.

Michigan has received more than $6.2 billion since the MSA was adopted.
Morgan County

Sheriff

ACCIDENTS

 Matthew M. Lynos, 27, of Carlinville was treated at Passavant Area Hospital after being injured in a traffic crash at 10:11 p.m. Wednesday on Loomis Lane in Franklin. Lynos was driving south on Outing Club Road when he lost control of his vehicle, hit an incline near a railroad crossing and struck a sign.

Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 A 17-year-old boy was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge at 6:57 p.m. Wednesday after being accused of brandishing a toy gun during an argument on Dunlap Court. He also was arrested on a charge of resisting or obstructing a peace officer after police said he ran from them before being caught in the 200 block of College Avenue. Two other juveniles involved in the altercation  a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy  were cited on city ordinance violations for fighting, police said. An adult, Tad M. Mitchell, 35, of Jacksonville, was cited on a city ordinance violation against fighting after police accused him of aiding and abetting the fight.

 Five people  Dylan M. Elliott, 25; Derek M. Jones, 27; Brittany L. Carroll, 20; Mikayla N. Weatherby, 23; and Tristan N. Allen, 20, all of Jacksonville  were cited on violations of a city ordinance against fighting after police said they were involved in an altercation at 1:21 a.m. Thursday at Church Street and College Avenue.

 Scott C. Jarvis, 51, of 205 W. Court St., Woodson, was arrested on a charge of criminal trespass to state-supported land after police said he was at a Hoagland Boulevard location at 9:10 a.m. Wednesday despite being told he could not be there.

 Cory A. Floyd, 21, of 446 S. Main St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 11:44 p.m. Wednesday on a burglary charge.

ACCIDENTS

 Maria A. Santana, 70, of Jacksonville was cited on a charge of failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident after the car she was driving and one being driven by Karen S. Crabtree, 65, of Roodhouse collided at 9:02 a.m. Thursday in the 500 block of Woodland Place.

THEFTS, BURGLARIES

 Two red-and-black minibikes were stolen between 2:20 and 5 a.m. Wednesday from outside of a business in the 1200 block of West Morton Avenue, according to a report filed at 4:01 p.m. Thursday.

 A vehicle was stolen between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday from the parking lot of Reynolds Consumer Products at 500 E. Superior Ave.

 Multiple packages and other items were removed from the porch of a residence in the 1000 block of South East Street, according to a report filed at 12:19 p.m. Wednesday.



Calhoun County

Sheriff

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Austin W. Clark, 22, of Pleasant Hill was booked into Greene County Jail at 6:18 p.m. Sunday on a violation of an order of protection.



Greene County

Sheriff

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Ashley M. Schmidt-Belless, 38, of Canton was booked into Greene County Jail at 1:46 p.m. Thursday on a Jersey County warrant accusing her of possession of a controlled substance and a Greene County warrant accusing her of failing to appear in court.

 Kayla M. Farris, 32, of Roodhouse was booked into Greene County Jail at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of criminal trespass to land.

 Johnnie L. Blackketter, 36, of White Hall was booked into Greene County Jail at 1:20 p.m. Sunday on a warrant accusing him of failing to pay child support.

Carrollton Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Kevin J. Patton, 24, of Kane was booked into Greene County Jail at 1:03 p.m. Saturday on a Scott County warrant accusing him of theft.

 Brian K. Kieffer, 39, of Carrollton was booked into Greene County Jail at 12:22 a.m. April 23 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and driving while license is revoked or suspended and on a Calhoun County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court.

 Kara R. Retherford, 41, of Carrollton was booked into Greene County Jail at 11:45 p.m. April 22 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of adult-use cannabis in a motor vehicle.

Greenfield Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Robert L. Talkington, 24, of Winchester was booked into Greene County Jail at 10:07 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended.

 Karissa A. Moore, 27, of Granite City was booked into Greene County Jail at 11:45 p.m. Saturday on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended.



Pike County

Sheriff

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Evan C. Bright 38, homeless, was arrested at 11:47 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, speeding and obstructing justice after being accused of driving a car reported stolen from Marshall. He also was accused of crashing a car reported stolen from Terre Haute, Indiana, and crashing it after eluding police earlier.

Compiled by David C.L. Bauer and Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree
BOSTON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fish & Richardson obtained a settlement and license agreement for Skull Shaver, LLC, the market leader in uniquely designed and patented handheld electric shavers and personal grooming products, in a patent infringement lawsuit against Magicfly LLC.

In October 2020, Skull Shaver filed suit against eleven entities, including Magicfly, before the United States International Trade Commission in Washington, DC and the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 8,726,528 ("the '528 Patent"). Skull Shaver alleged infringement of the '528 Patent, which protects Skull Shaver's novel electric shaver that provides versatility in handling and sensory feedback while shaving to allow users to Feel As You Shave, by Magicfly's importation and sales of the Magicfly Women's Painless Hair Remover and Magicfly Rechargeable Waterproof Instant Hair Remover.

As part of the confidential settlement and license agreement, Magicfly and its affiliate entities agreed to take a license to the '528 Patent for the past importation and sales of the accused Magicfly products. Magicfly and its affiliate entities also agreed to discontinue sales of the accused products moving forward. The investigation and district court case remain active against the remaining companies accused of infringing Skull Shaver's '528 Patent.

The Fish team included Betty Chen, Benjamin Elacqua, Jeremy Saks, Thomas Fusco, Tracea Rice, and Rose Sun.

"We are thrilled to have secured this favorable settlement and license agreement for Skull Shaver," said Chen, principal in Fish's Silicon Valley office. "We look forward to continuing to represent Skull Shaver in their efforts to protect and assert the '528 Patent against companies who have infringed on this novel product."

Fish & Richardson, the premier global intellectual property law firm, is trusted by the world's most innovative and influential companies. From patent, trademark, and copyright prosecution and counseling to our full-service litigation practice, we work together to provide our clients with exceptional advocacy across the life cycle of intellectual property needs in the U.S. and around the world. Our deep bench of attorneys with first-chair trial experience in every technology makes us the go-to firm for the most technically complex cases. Fish was established in 1878, and now has more than 400 attorneys and technology specialists in the U.S., Europe, and China. Our success is rooted in our creative and inclusive culture, which values the diversity of people, experiences, and perspectives. For more information, visit fr.com or follow us at @FishRichardson.

Contact:



Ada Oni-Eseleh

Coston Consulting

(646) 685-8075

[email protected]



OR

Moses Ehlers

Fish & Richardson P.C.

(612) 204-4651

[email protected]



SOURCE Fish & Richardson
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida Supreme Court this month refused to hear an appeal from the ex-wife of international oil executive Todd Kozel, ending a divorce case in which Ashley Kozel had sought an additional $38 million after receiving more than $100 million in her original divorce settlement.

The Supreme Court decision came 16 months after a December 2019 appellate court ruling that overturned ex-wife Ashley's $38 million judgment against Todd.

Ashley and her attorney, Jeffrey Fisher of West Palm Beach, appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court, which refused jurisdiction and ordered Ashley to pay Todd's attorney fees.

"This is a fitting end to this costly and unnecessary litigation,'' said John Crabtree, appellate lawyer for Todd Kozel.

The case began not long after the Kozels divorced in 2010. Ashley received in excess of $100 million in stock in the divorce, but she went back to court seeking more money as "damages" because certain shares weren't transferred on the original due date. Todd had, instead, transferred the stock shortly after the due date and paid Ashley an agreed additional sum for the late delivery exactly as provided in the divorce agreement.

In 2016, a Sarasota judge sided with Ashley and imposed a $38 million post-divorce judgment against Todd. While Todd was appealing that judgment, Ashley and her attorney used the ruling to pursue Todd and his new familygoing so far as to challenge payments Todd made to a fertility clinic where he and his current wife, Inga, were attempting to conceive a child.

"Ashley Kozel could not tolerate that her ex-husband married a younger woman,'' said attorney Jeffrey Crockett, who represented Todd Kozel in related matters. "Filled with jealousy, she tried to destroy them both. Sadly, the only winner so far in this saga is Ashley's attorney, who, no doubt, has reaped millions of dollars in legal fees by exploiting his client's insecurities.''

In 2018, federal prosecutors in New York indicted Todd Kozel, claiming he had hid assets to avoid paying the (now-vacated) judgment in Ashley's favor. Those charges have been withdrawn.

"Todd is grateful to have this chapter behind him,'' Crabtree said. "Now, he and his team will pursue his rightful claim to legal fees in this litigation.''

SOURCE Todd Kozel
Weeks after the New York Times failed in its motion to dismiss Project Veritas's defamation suit, the NYT was forced to answer the allegations in writing. The answers were recently made public. Though carefully tailored to reveal as little as possible, the answers betray incredible insight as to how the "Newspaper of Record" works behind the scenes, as well as the division of labor in the manufacturing of American political propaganda.

In September 2020, Project Veritas ran a story featuring unedited video clips of Mr. Liban Mohamed, a Minneapolis political operative working for Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, conducting an illegal ballot-harvesting racket and bragging about it in his native language of Somalian. The videos, taken and uploaded to social media by Mr. Mohamed himself, feature stacks of ballots in his vehicle as he boasts "numbers dont lie! and All these here are absentee ballots. Can't you see? Look at these  my car is full." "Money is the king in this world... and a campaign is driven by money." In another video, Mr. Mohamed flaunts a stack of ballots in his hand as he burns the midnight oil: "Two in the morning. Still hustling."

In response, Maggie Astor of the NYT wrote an article claiming that the "deceptive video" made claims "through unidentified sources and with no verifiable evidence" and "was probably part of a coordinated disinformation effort." The article also contained false claims about the legality of ballot-harvesting, despite Minneapolis law stating that no person may be a designated agent for more than three voters to handle their ballots. The article was placed in the "A" news section and subsequently transmitted these defamatory claims to tens of millions of direct readers.

The damage did not stop there. The article was subsequently quoted by USA Today and other "independent fact-checkers" used by Facebook, Google, Twitter, and other "Big Tech" companies, which drew up notifications, red flags, ranking penalties, and other tools to suppress and delegitimize the voter fraud story while defaming Project Veritas.

Publicly, the NYT stood by its journalism, but under oath, its agents admitted that there was no journalism. "Defendants admit that Ms. Astor, her editors, and The Times did not reach out to Mr. Mohammed, Mr. Jamal, or Mr. Awed for comment" despite their being required to by their own Editorial Standards and Guidelines on Integrity.

Guidelines, indeed.

The NYT also admitted knowing that ballot-harvesting in Minnesota is illegal despite saying otherwise in its article. Additionally, the "Times's lawyers asserted that certain challenged statements in the Astor Article were plainly opinion and not actionable as a matter of law," yet the article did not appear in the opinion section. The NYT "admit that Ms. Astor is not an opinion writer for The Times and is a political reporter."

The most stunning admission by the NYT was its defense against Project Veritas's assertion that its reporters and editors acted with reckless or actual malice in their haste to publish the defamatory story. "The court finds that the documentary evidence submitted by Defendants fails to refute plaintiff's factual allegations. Notably, Veritas documented in its complaint metadata and screen shots that demonstrate the unlikelihood that Ms. Astor read and digested the EIP report/blog post, reviewed news reports on Minnesota ballot issues, viewed the Video online, obtained comment from Alex Stamos, wrote her own Article, submitted it to her editors, and had it posted online, all within 63 minutes."

In response, the NYT answered:

Defendants admit that researchers from Stanford University and the University of Washington published a blog post about the Video on September 29th as part of a joint project called the "Election Integrity Partnership[.]" ... Ms. Astor received an embargoed copy of the EIP Report before it was published ... after receiving a copy of the EIP Report  and before the publication of the September 29, 2020 article titled "Project Veritas Video was a 'Coordinated Disinformation Campaign,' Researchers Say"  Ms. Astor read and digested the EIP Report, contacted the authors of the EIP Report for comment, contacted other individuals for comment, submitted her draft article to her editors for review and approval, and finalized her story.

These admissions show that the NYT did not conduct an investigation, but instead deferred to the Election Integrity Partnership. In their own words:

The Election Integrity Partnership is a coalition of research entities focused on supporting real-time information exchange between the research community, election officials, government agencies, civil society organizations, and social media platforms. Our objective is to detect and mitigate the impact of attempts to prevent or deter people from voting or to delegitimize election results.

This would explain why the NYT did not disclose its reliance on the Election Integrity Partnership in its motion to dismiss Project Veritas's lawsuit, holding out until it had no choice but to reveal its backchannel.

Using Chairs of Journalism bought by the Knight Foundation for left-wing political operatives at Stanford and other universities, the Election Integrity Partnership is laundering the reputation of Stanford to help pass off opinion blog posts funded by billionaire tech titan Craig Newmark (Craigslist) and dark moneyed interests in the NYT as reliable sources to help "fortify" the 2020 election results. The false claims made by these third parties, legitimized by academia, were scooped up by their partners in the NYT and other media outlets to delegitimize proof of voter fraud. Afterward, "Big Tech" companies bolstered the "debunking" and censored the stories featuring proof of voter fraud. The division of labor and propaganda supply chain were orchestrated by groups such as the Election Integrity Partnership. The Election Integrity Partnership and similar groups introduced themselves four months before the 2020 election, meaning their incorporation and staffing occurred at least seven months before the election, their financing and conception at least twelve months before the election. How did these organizations know that voter fraud would be a serious issue and take a side an entire year before the election? For the first time, the public is getting a look at what the infamous Time magazine article called "The Shadow Campaign That Saved the 2020 Election."

Since the 1964 landmark Supreme Court Case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, institutional media have had a free pass to defame so long as the victim could not prove a set of highly subjective standards regarding "recklessness" and "malice" in a court district tremendously deferential to institutional power. In an era where readers are unwilling to pay for journalism, where the outcomes of elections decide the fate of trillion-dollar economies, institutional media have increasingly sought the patronage of political interests by means of proliferating their talking points, legitimizing institutional narratives, and defaming disruptive individuals.

"This was a coordinated hit between outside organizations and a so-called reporter from the New York Times," attorney and political commentator Robert Barnes noted during his weekly livestream. "They better be careful about their new business model of propagandizing Pravda-style and disguising it as investigative, fact-based journalism."

Grant Baker is an independent journalist whose work can be supported through his fitness brand.

Image: Adam Jones via Flickr (cropped).

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
[April 30, 2021] Award-winning carbon broker to assist XELS with offset procurement and strategy

TOKYO, April 30, 2021 /CNW/ -- XELS, a revolutionary blockchain-based carbon offset platform, today announced that it has joined forces with renowned carbon brokerage and risk management firm Redshaw Advisors. Under the collaboration, Redshaw Advisors will provide strategic advisory, consulting, and procurement of carbon credits for XELS. Initially focused on the voluntary carbon credit segment, XELS launched its blockchain platform and eponymous digital asset earlier this month. The startup's tokenized offset credits, which exist on an immutable public ledger, are designed to boost both transparency and participation in carbon markets. Unlike traditional carbon credits, XELS cannot be modified or double spent, and the process of "burning" used tokens ensures the credit is retired forever.



"We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to advise, consult, and procure for XELS across carbon markets - compliance and voluntary - and renewable energy," stated Bill Goldie, Head of Voluntary Market at Redshaw Advisors. In the future, XELS seeks to offer regulated "compliance" credits in addition to voluntary offset credits. The startup is in advanced discussions with multiple listed Japanese corporations that wish to significantly curtail their environmental impact, in line with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's goal of reaching net zero domestic emissions by 2050.

"In many ways, Japan is playing catch up with the rest of the world, and the European Union in particular," explains XELS founder and CEO Takeshi Nojima. "XELS will become the easiest, most transparent way for businesses to join the fight against global warming, and we'll be able to provide clear proof of their commitment - backed by Redshaw Advisors. That's something consumers will appreciate, and eventually demand from the companies they support." XELS was founded in 2017 and is a member of the Climate Chain Coalition. XELS tokens can be obtained on the Bittrex Global and MXC cryptocurrency exchanges. Redshaw Advisors, founded in 2014, with a long track record of success in the European carbon markets, has a growing presence in voluntary markets. Among numerous industry accolades, Redshaw Advisors was named 2020's Best Trading Company and Best Advisory/Consultancy for EU ETS credits and Renewable Energy Certificates, as well as Best Trading Company for the Voluntary Carbon Market.

XELS website: www.xels.io . View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/award-winning-carbon-broker-to-assist-xels-with-offset-procurement-and-strategy-301280234.html SOURCE XELS Limited

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You dont need to take your polling card to vote  but it will help make things quicker and more efficient

There is now only a few days to go until voters in Wrexham and Clwyd South head to the polls.

Across Wales the Senedd and Police and Crime Commissioner elections will be taking place on 6 May.

Due to the coronavirus restrictions in place, work has been carried out by election staff to ensure that polling stations are more safe places to vote.

Those voting in person are also being encouraged to keep themselves and others safe.





Be ready to vote by:

Wearing a face covering

Bringing their own pen or pencil

Cleaning their hands when entering and leaving the polling station

Keeping a safe distance

Voters should not attend the polling station if they have symptoms of Covid-19, or if they have been asked to self-isolate.

Anyone who develops symptoms, or is asked to self-isolate shortly before polling day, has up to 5pm on polling day to apply for an emergency proxy vote. This allows them to nominate someone they trust to vote on their behalf.

Ian Bancroft, Returning Officer for Wrexham and Clwyd South, said: Your poll card will tell you where to find your polling station.

Make sure you check the information on your polling card, as your polling station might have changed since the last elections. You do not need your poll card to vote, however, we encourage you to bring it with you to make the process quicker and more efficient.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 6 May.

Voters who have opted to vote by post must return their postal ballot pack by 10pm; they can hand it in at their polling station if they dont have time to return it by post.

Rhydian Thomas, Head of the Electoral Commission Wales, said: If you are voting in person, make sure you remember to bring your face covering and a pen or pencil with you.

At the polling station, help keep yourself and others safe by following the safety measures, including sanitising your hands and keeping a safe distance from others.

If you are self-isolating or become unwell as a result of Covid-19, you dont need to lose your vote. You will be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote so that someone you trust can vote on your behalf.

For further information on how to apply for an emergency proxy, voters should contact the electoral registration team on 01978 292020.

For further information on elections in their area, voters can visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.

Weve also invited all candidates from Wrexham and Clwyd South to take part in a Q&A ahead of next weeks elections. You can view their responses here.
DIDCOT, UK / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Altus Strategies Plc (AIM:ALS, TSX-V:ALTS, OTCQX:ALTUF) announces that in accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("DTRs"), the total issued share capital of the Company with voting rights is 80,391,535 Ordinary Shares of five pence par value each.

The Company does not hold any shares in treasury. This figure of 80,391,535 Ordinary Shares should be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the DTRs.

For further information you are invited to visit the Company's website www.altus-strategies.com or contact:

Altus Strategies Plc Steven Poulton, Chief Executive Tel:+44 (0) 1235 511 767 E-mail: info@altus-strategies.com SP Angel (Nominated Adviser) Richard Morrison / Adam Cowl Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 SP Angel (Broker) Grant Barker / Richard Parlons Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0471 Shard Capital (Broker) Isabella Pierre / Damon Heath Tel: +44 (0) 20 7186 9927 Yellow Jersey PR (Financial PR & IR) Charles Goodwin / Henry Wilkinson Tel: +44 (0) 20 3004 9512 E-mail: altus@yellowjerseypr.com

About Altus Strategies Plc

Altus Strategies (AIM: ALS, TSX-V: ALTS & OTCQX: ALTUF) is a mining royalty company generating a diversified and precious metal focused portfolio of assets. The Company's focus on Africa and differentiated approach, of generating royalties on its own discoveries as well as through financings and acquisitions with third parties, has attracted key institutional investor backing. The Company engages constructively with all stakeholders, working diligently to minimise its environmental impact and to promote positive economic and social outcomes in the communities where it operates. For further information, please visit www.altus-strategies.com.

TSX Venture Exchange Disclaimer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organisation of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Market Abuse Regulation Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 ("MAR") until the release of this announcement.

SOURCE: Altus Strategies Plc

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643441/Total-Voting-Rights
UI modernization may get more funding, oversight

To help states develop better technology to administer unemployment insurance, the Labor Department is asking for $100 million in fiscal year 2022 -- on top of the $2 billion already committed for UI modernization in the American Rescue Plan Act.

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh has been vocal about UI modernization since his nomination, noting that the antiquated systems in many states were unable to keep up with the flood of unemployment claims caused by the pandemic.

"These investments focus on deep needs  that have been clearly needed and often cruelly exposed by this pandemic, but they're not new," Walsh said during an April 28 House Appropriations subcommittee hearing devoted to the Labor Department budget. "God forbid we have a pandemic in the future. We have to have a system that works for everyone."

The ongoing UI modernization issue often feels like Groundhog Day -- where every single economic crisis, we have the same conversation about how broken our unemployment system is," Rep. Josh Harder (D-Calif.) said. "My question for you is how are we going to know if we fix it?"

Walsh replied: "One way you can tell if it's fixed is the way people are treated on unemployment. If they need unemployment benefits, they apply, they get them. And when they don't need them anymore they dont get them." When he was mayor of Boston, he added, "I heard every single day about somebody waiting to get unemployment benefits."

Walsh also stressed the importance of oversight.

"We, the Department of Labor, need to put a process, a check and balance in place so that we can monitor these systems across the country to make sure they're working because, again, a $2 billion investment and then I think we're asking for another $100 million in this budget, that's a large investment to make in a UI system and get nothing back for it."

There's interest in Congress in making sure the UI funding works to improve state systems. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) introduced a bill in February to overhaul UI technology by giving DOL funds to develop modular technology solutions to common UI problems  enrollment, eligibility, claims  that states can piece together to create modern systems. The bill's sponsors and other Democrats have encouraged Walsh to use their bill as a guide to spending the funds given in the American Rescue Plan.

This article was first posted to FCW, a sibling site to GCN.
A relative of a person who died of COVID-19 breaks down during cremation in Jammu, India, Sunday, April 25, 2021. AP



The foreign ministry said Friday it is considering raising the travel alert for India amid a massive spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.



The ministry is considering raising the alert by one notch to "red," recommending South Koreans leave India unless there are essential reasons, officials said.



"We are closely watching the situation in India and reviewing measures and what we can do," an official said when asked about the possibility of raising the travel advisory.






Naturally Splendid (CVE: NSP- OTC: NSPDF) CEO Craig Goodwin joined Steve Darling from Proactive to bring news the company has chosen Canadian-based CANEX Foods as Master Distributor for NATERA Plant Based Foods in Canada.

Goodwin telling Proactive the company will be seeing a number of benefits with this deal including increased storage capacity, daily scheduled delivery services, inventory management, as well as a working relationship with a wide selection of distributors including , Gordon Food Service, and Intercity Packers Meat and Seafood.

Goodwin also told Proactive that CANEX has placed an initial purchase order of fourteen pallets of NATERA Plant Based Foods to begin servicing their clients.
Jennifer E. Giovanni, Ph.D., MSN, MPH, RN , has been selected as the winner of the 2021 Finest Hour award, which recognizes the selfless achievements of an extraordinary nurse working to provide care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once again we are proud to honor nurses who are exemplary in their dedication to improving the lives of their patients

Lim and Giovanni were recognized last night during a virtual awards ceremony in conjunction with the 46th Annual ONS Congress. Award winning actor and producer Sterling K. Brown also served as the event's keynote speaker.

"We are very excited to, once again, recognize nurses who are exemplary in their dedication to improving the lives of their patients," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences, parent company of CURE Media Group. "CURE sincerely thanks all of our nurses, and especially Maria and Jennifer, who continue to bring hope and healing to patients with cancer and their loved ones every day."

Growing up in the Philippines, Lim dreamed of immigrating to the United States. She enrolled in a technical school, studied engineering and, after three years of instruction, began on-the-job training, installing speakers and paging systems on light rail trains. She soon realized she wanted to become a nurse instead. In 1993, Lim earned her RN from the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, Philippines. A nursing shortage in the U.S. facilitated her getting a job at the Hampton Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Niles, Illinois, and then the Lutheran Home and Services for the Aged in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Lim got her green card in the early 2000s, applied to the oncology department at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, and got her OCN and certificate in transplant nursing. Lim worked there for 16 years before moving to the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, where she works as an infusion clinical nurse. As a patient advocate, Lim gives her patients hope and helps them deal with psychological as well as physical issues.

Giovanni joined the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa, in June 1995, and served as a village health worker in the Sahara Desert. Following a tour of duty as a public health commander in the U.S. Air Force, Giovanni attended the UCLA School of Nursing. Keeping her promise to return to Africa, she went to Zambia, East Africa, to work with women and children with HIV/AIDS. Giovanni later received her doctorate in virology, which would prove essential during her year caring for patients amid the West Africa Ebola outbreak. This experience would prepare Giovanni for her current role: working in the intensive care unit (ICU) caring for patients with severe COVID-19. As a travel nurse for Aya Healthcare, Giovanni was among the first crisis response nurses deployed to New York City in the spring of 2020. She had the honor of serving with her fellow ICU nurses at New York University Langone Hospital-Brooklyn and continues to care for ICU patients in the New York City area.

"Bristol Myers Squibb is proud to continue our long-standing support of the Extraordinary Healer Award, which recognizes the exceptional dedication and service of oncology nurses who play a critical role at the heart of a cancer patient's care team," said Samantha Gothelf, Pharm.D., vice president, US Medical Oncology, Bristol Myers Squibb. "We are continuously inspired and uplifted by the unwavering commitment and compassion of the oncology nurse community to improving patients' lives, particularly amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Most especially, we celebrate the incredible work of Maria and Jennifer who we share in honoring with this year's awards."

"As a sponsor of the Extraordinary Healer Award, we're proud to recognize the remarkable achievements of nurses who serve on the frontlines and are at the heart of patient care," said Serge Messerlian, U.S. president, Janssen Oncology. "Now more than ever, it is so important to recognize the valuable contributions and heroism of the nursing community and the difference they make each and every day in the care they deliver to patients."

Founded in 2007, the annual Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing has received hundreds of nominations and it continues to grow each year. The men and women honored by the award during the last 16 years have been nominated by colleagues, patients, friends and family of outstanding oncology nurses from around the globe. The other 2021 finalists were Jessica Kelley, M.S.N., B.A., RN, CNL, and Katherine Gacek, B.S.N., RN, OCN.

For more information on how to nominate an oncology nurse for the 2022 Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing, click here.

This event is supported by Bristol Myers Squibb and the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

About CURE Media Group

CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website, CUREtoday.com ; innovative video programs, such as "CURE Connections" live events; and CURE magazine, which reaches more than 1 million readers, as well as the dynamic website for oncology nurses, OncNursingNews.com , and its companion publication, Oncology Nursing News. CURE Media Group is a brand of MJH Life Sciences , the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn , Twitter , YouTube , Facebook and Instagram .

CURE Media Group Contact

Alexandra Ventura, 609-716-7777

[email protected]

SOURCE CURE Media Group

Related Links

https://www.curetoday.com


Tofino, BC, April 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tofino Resort + Marina is proud to announce the distribution of over 6,000 cans of local, individually caught Pacific Albacore Tuna to food banks and communities-in-need across Vancouver Island, in partnership with St. Jeans Cannery & Smokehouse, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and the Tofino-Ucluelet Culinary Guild.

As one of Canadas last original canneries and seafood processors, were happy to have contributed to this donation, said Steve Hughes, president of St. Jeans Cannery & Smokehouse. Were thrilled to be a part of the West Coast experience and provide high quality local seafood to those in need.

The initiative comes as a result of Tofino Resort + Marina's Race for the Blue, Western Canadas annual Pacific Albacore Tuna tournament focusing on an exciting and sustainable fishery in BCs rarely visited offshore paradise. For the first time last year, participants had the opportunity to donate their tuna caught on the Thursday of the weeklong tournament to this initiative - now known as Thankful Thursday. As a result, more than 5,000 lbs of hand-packed tuna has been canned and distributed where it is most needed in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere region: local food banks, school meal programs, seniors and elders, emergency food programs and communities with reduced food access.

Identifying places of need and coordinating distribution is far easier said than done in a region with multiple communities that are highly isolated, only accessible by gravel forestry roads or by boat. Tofino Resort + Marina teamed up with the regions community foundation, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, to ensure the cans were received by those in need. With connections in all regional communities and a close working relationship with local food distributor Tofino-Ucluelet Culinary Guild, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust was the perfect partner.

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is committed to conservation and sustainable development, says Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Executive Director, Rebecca Hurwitz. Tofino Resort + Marina has proven to be a dedicated partner by using their strengths to support the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region.

The tuna distribution is not Tofino Resort + Marinas only collaboration with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust. In 2019, the resort took Fish for the Future - its annual catch-and-release, family-focused fishing event - and turned it into the Fish for the Future Fund, a donor-advised endowment fund at Clayoquot Biosphere Trust aimed at safeguarding wild salmon in Clayoquot Sound. 100% of all tournament revenue, dollar for dollar, now supports wild salmon protection and research projects. In partnership with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, Tofino Resort + Marina continues to raise revenue alongside guests who contribute 1% of all resort and restaurant purchases to the endowment fund which is distributed to keystone projects like Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society and Clayoquot Salmon Roundtable. To date, after establishing the fund and the charitable network it supports, the resort has raised over $100,000.

At Tofino Resort + Marina we are inspired by adventure, and that adventure couldnt exist without the protection and respect of our unique environment, says Tofino Resort + Marina President and Partner Willie Mitchell. We are passionate with a purpose - as we learn and grow as a business our impact on the community remains top of mind. Incorporating meaningful ways to give back into our signature events like Race for the Blue and Fish for the Future is a no brainer.

Fish for the Future returns September 3-5, 2021, followed by Race for the Blue September 10-18, 2021. More information will be announced in the coming months - follow along at @tofinomarina and @racefortheblue for the latest updates. For more information on Tofino Resort + Marinas involvement in the community and to learn how you can support visit: tofinoresortandmarina.com/community.

About Tofino Resort + Marina

Adventure seekers coming to battle the waves, foodies drawn to the unique tastes of Tofinos incredible culinary scene and ocean lovers looking for a hip home base - Tofino Resort + Marina is the perfect place to experience the spirit of the wild, west coast. Inspired by adventure, Tofino Resort + Marina is the only full-service resort situated on the inlet, and is just a short stroll from Tofinos artisan boutiques, surf shops and Pacific flavours of this ruggedly refined ocean-side community. Experience the on-site Marine Adventure Centre, offering ocean excursions that take travellers beyond the end of the road. Indulge at signature restaurant 1909 Kitchen showcasing ingredients sourced and foraged from Tofinos ocean, shoreline and forests, and enjoy West Coast rustic design and enticing food and drinks at The Hatch Waterfront Pub. Home to Tofinos largest private marina with 58 slips and space to moor vessels of up to 130 feet, plus Tofinos only waterfront fitness centre, Tuff Fit.

About the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is a registered charity based on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. Established in 2000, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is the only organization in Canada that is both a community foundation and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. We pair this spirit of community with the power of a global presence to bring more people together for a shared understanding. We are one of 1,800 community foundations worldwide implementing United Nations goals to reduce poverty, end hunger, ensure quality education and protect the environment. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust also oversees the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region, one of Canadas 18 UNESCO biosphere reserves, and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our team works to strengthen the development of all citizens, communities and the ecosystems on which we all depend, for a future we can all be proud of.

About St. Jeans Cannery and Smokehouse Ltd.

St. Jean's Cannery and Smokehouse Ltd. is a majority first nation-owned seafood processor providing custom services and products to sport fishers and consumers. Established in 1961 in Nanaimo, BC, it is now one of the last dedicated seafood canneries in Western Canada. Find Raincoast Trading seafood and Healthy Shores Pet Food in retail locations. St. Jean's products are available for delivery on their website.

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Hazleton, PA (18201)

Today

A few showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 86F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable.
Lucknow, April 30 : In a major development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, disbanded his 'Team 11" that had been involved in Covid management since the past one year.

The Chief Minister also tested negative for Covid on Friday.

'Team 11' had been drawing considerable flak for its inability to handle the crisis and failure to provide relief to the people in the pandemic.

According to the government spokesman, the Chief Minister has now formed 'Team 9' that will be headed by Minister for Medical Education Suresh Khanna and Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh.

The new committee will be accountable for providing necessary 'relief to the common man and dealing with the situation in a sensitive manner'.

Later, the Chief Minister went to inspect the under construction DRDO hospital in Lucknow.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 78F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Cloudy during the evening. A few showers developing late. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
By Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Decathlete Andrei Krauchanka says that seeing hundreds of people detained for their political views in his native Belarus has been as painful as competing with a torn Achilles tendon.

To support those behind bars and aid their families, the 2008 Olympic silver medallist has started a 10-day hunger strike and is auctioning his gold medal from the 2011 European indoor championships.

Belarusians protested for months after a presidential election last August that opponents say was rigged so that veteran leader Alexander Lukashenko won. He has denied electoral fraud and police have cracked down on protests, detaining thousands.

Krauchanka was briefly jailed last November and dismissed from the national team after signing an open letter demanding new elections. He now wants to draw attention to those still serving time.

"I had some kind of internal urge to do this because the repression isn't subsiding," Krauchanka, 35, told Reuters, days after starting his hunger strike this week. It's only intensifying."

Krauchanka, who said he had lost six kg (13 lb) in the first three days of his hunger strike, won the heptathlon gold medal at the 2011 European indoor championships despite acute pain from his torn Achilles.

"I'm free now, but I hurt for the people who are in prison," Krauchanka said. "I associate this medal with suffering, with pain. The people in prison are suffering, like I was when I won this medal."

On Friday, $1,625 stood as the highest bid for the medal on eBay.

Krauchanka, who contracted COVID-19 and missed his daughter's first birthday while in jail, had been attempting to make an Olympic comeback but lingering injuries dashed his hopes.

He wants to help shape the "Belarus of the future."

"That will be when you can say what you think and no one will repress you for it," Krauchanka said. "No one will put you in jail, fire you, kick you off the national team."

(Editing by Timothy Heritage)
TALENT, Ore.  Today Governor Kate Brown visited the Mountain View Estates mobile home park in Talent, the park was destroyed in the Almeda Fire and is now one of the first locations to near the end of the clean-up process.

Local officials with agencies that are working in tandem to clean up fire debris and rebuild homes were at Mountain View Estates to give the Governor an update on where the rebuilding process stands today.

The cleanup efforts started in earnest in mid-January. And we started off kind of slow. We did that on purpose because we wanted to understand the challenges, both operationally and safety, said Jerry Marmon, ODOT District Manager.

According to Marmon, about 1,200 sites have been fully cleaned up.

That represents about 70% of the entire place, said Marmon.

Right now, there are more than 20 debris crews working on clean up with 50-60 dump trucks on site.

The complexity of clean-up lead to a slower start with environmental testing, metal removal, ash and debris removal, the removal of structural concrete, soil analysis, and erosion prevention all a part of the multi-step process to ensure homes are being rebuilt on safe and solid ground.

Officials specified that just because sites are considered clean, that does not mean people are housed at those locations yet.

Marmon, stating that hes pleased with the pace of the debris removal and clean-up process, saying that the estimated timeline has always been 6 to 18 months and he feels confident that the timeline is moving at a pace closer to the 6-month mark.

Gov. Brown visited the fire area shortly after the Almeda fire tore through the cities of Talent and Phoenix and recalled her visit while seeing the progress thats been made, saying she remembered the pain and fear, saying, honestly, it looked like a hell of a lot of work.

Gov. Brown also acknowledge those that are still staying in hotels and struggling to rebuild, addressing the current housing situation in Southern Oregon saying, That's going to take a significant investment on the part of the state. I expect that to happen.

The legislature has made some significant investments at my request, in housing projects, we need more resources on the ground, said Brown, as you are well aware, some of these families are not eligible and have limited resource, they're not eligible for FEMA funding and they have limited resources; these families are part of our communities, they're part of the economic and cultural fabric of our communities. The state needs to step up and we need to get it done.

Today FEMA announced that they will be partnering with three mobile park owners that have parks in the fire area that were destroyed by the Alemda fire to rebuild. FEMA is going to move FEMA trailers into the Totem Pole Trailer Park in Talent, the Rogue Valley Mobile Village in between Phoenix and Medford, and the Coleman Creek Estates in Phoenix. The trailers will house fire victims once the clean-up process is completed.
Rumors about Valpos demise are greatly exaggerated, Jose Padilla, the universitys new president, told an audience of business and community leaders. We are open for business now. We are open for business in the fall, and we are going to be open for business for years to come.
Scientists have described a new species of the frog genus Brachycephalus from the forests of the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo.

Brachycephalus is a genus of miniaturized frogs that live in the forest leaf litter and are most active during daylight.

Commonly known as pumpkin toadlets, these frogs are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, eastern Brazil, and are spread along almost 1,700 km, from Santa Catarina to southern Bahia states.

Regardless of genus distribution, most species occur in restricted lowlands or mountains areas, where some representatives seem to occupy less than 100 ha of area.

The newfound species, named Brachycephalus rotenbergae, inhabits the south Mantiqueira mountain range and the semidecidual forests in the municipalities of Mogi das Cruzes, Campinas and Jundiai, in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo.

The description of Brachycephalus rotenbergae is based on an integrative approach, coupling external morphology, coloration, osteology, vocalization, and genetic data, said lead author Dr. Ivan Nunes from the Universidade Estadual Paulista and colleagues.

Brachycephalus rotenbergae has a bright orange overall coloration, a robust body, a wide head, and a short snout.

Color is the same among adults, but different between adults and juveniles: the juvenile specimens are slightly darker, as reported for other Brachycephalus species.

Adult males are between 1.35 and 1.6 cm long and females are between 1.6 and 1.8 cm.

Brachycephalus rotenbergaes colors may work as a camouflage in their microhabitat, since there are great amounts of tiny yellow and orange leaves, mushrooms and seeds on the ground, especially during the active season, the researchers said.

Together, these elements make the specimens bright colors not as conspicuous as they may seem.

During our field surveys, it was quite common to mistake a specimen for other yellow/orange small things on the landscape.

Like other Brachycephalus species, Brachycephalus rotenbergae presented fluorescence when backlighted by a UV flashlight, they added.

The new species is predominantly active by day on the forest floor and, occasionally, on low perches up to 50 cm.

Males usually hold a territory for advertisements by acoustical and visual signals.

We detected gaping defensive behavior in three specimens that were manipulated, and we saw them opening their mouths widely, the scientists said.

The gaping and the flee away strategies were the two defensive displays that Brachycephalus rotenbergae presented during our study.

The discovery of Brachycephalus rotenbergae is reported in a paper in the journal PLoS ONE.

_____

I. Nunes et al. 2021. Hidden by the name: A new fluorescent pumpkin toadlet from the Brachycephalus ephippium group (Anura: Brachycephalidae). PLoS ONE 16 (4): e0244812; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244812
In 2018 and 2020, voters sent three Asian American candidates to the council, including Suds Jain (above), who won his District 5 race in November 2020 to become the citys second Indian American councilman. (santaclaraca.gov photo)
By a bipartisan vote of 43-4, the state Senate passed legislation Tuesday to amend the state constitution to change how the lieutenant governor is selected in Pennsylvania, according to Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, the prime sponsor of the bill.

This legislation would more closely align the current process of selecting the lieutenant governor with how the vice president is selected in federal elections.

The two top members of our executive branch should always work as a team and have a unified vision for Pennsylvania, Argall said. We have seen in the past how our current system can create conflict, such as the embarrassing public rift between Gov. (Tom) Wolf and former Lt. Gov. Mike Stack that saw both individuals openly admitting that they didnt speak to each other for weeks at a time. This is unacceptable. Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve better.

The legislation was approved by bipartisan votes of 46-2 in the Senate last session and 10-1 this year in the Senate State Government Committee.

Sen. Sharif Street, D-Philadelphia, the minority chair of the State Government Committee, has spoken in favor of Senate Bill 106 due to its ability to reduce conflict in government.

In Pennsylvania, constitutional amendments must be passed in two consecutive two-year sessions of the Legislature and be approved by voters via a ballot question.

Senate Bill 106 was passed by both chambers last session and would now need to be passed by the House and approved by voters to take effect.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Borr Drilling Limited (the "Company") (NYSE and OSE: BORR) today files its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Year Ended December 31, 2020 (the "2020 Annual Report"). Simultaneously, the Company also releases its 2020 Sustainability Report and Corporate Governance Report. The reports are attached to this release.

Between the release of its unaudited financial statements on February 26, 2021 and the filing of the 2020 Annual Report, the Company has recorded a reduction of $12.4 million in its income from investments in its 49%-owned Mexican joint venture business accounted for under the equity method. The reduction is due to the recognition of a non-cash deferred tax expense and is not expected to affect the recoverability of the investments nor its ability to generate future profits or repay outstanding balances with the Company or other suppliers. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 following the adjustment was $317.6 million.

The Company's 2020 Annual Report can be downloaded from the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) from 6:00am EDT on April 30, 2021, and is also available on the Company's website (www.borrdrilling.com). Hard copies of the Company's 2020 Annual Report can be ordered, free of charge, upon request by writing to us at:

Borr Drilling Limited

S.E. Pearman Building, 2nd Fl,

9 Par-la-Ville Road,

Hamilton HM11,

Bermuda

Or by email to: [email protected]

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Questions should be directed to: Magnus Vaaler, CFO, +47 22 48 30 00

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/borr-drilling-limited/r/borr-drilling-limited-files-its-2020-annual-report-on-form-20-f-and-releases-its-sustainability-repo,c3337393

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/16983/3337393/1410495.pdf 2020 Annual Report (20F) https://mb.cision.com/Public/16983/3337393/a90c596bfac1af62.pdf Borr Sustainability Report 2020 https://mb.cision.com/Public/16983/3337393/9b7d54fb9b71d142.pdf Corporate Governance Report 2020

SOURCE Borr Drilling Limited
Senior Chinese official mourns President Deby at Chadian embassy

Xinhua) 16:25, April 30, 2021

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Hao Mingjin, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, on Friday visited the Chadian embassy in Beijing to mourn the passing of Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno.

Hao said President Deby had led the Chadian people to explore a development path suited to their national conditions, safeguarded the national sovereign security and territorial integrity, and played an important role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

Expressing deep condolences and extending sincere sympathies to President Deby's relatives, Hao said that the president had attached great importance to developing relations with China, and made important contributions to promoting the development of friendly and cooperative relations between China and Chad.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
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.
Thursday, April 29, 2021

Today is the last day of April which means tomorrow is May 1st, also known as May Day. May Day is a holiday to celebrate the festival of spring and is very popular throughout Europe but not so much here, and I want to know why. May Day is a fun party with Maypoles and ribbons and dancing and drinking, so why don't we celebrate it here? Since our current president is opening up our borders, I think we should accept the holidays they bring with them.

We already celebrate Cinco De Mayo so if we add May 1st as a holiday, we would potentially have an extra long holiday weekend. That's how it could be, #Dale4POTUS2024.

As a public service announcement, Mothers' Day is only a week away. Do not wait until the last minute to get your mother a gift or you will wind up with a card you bought at the gas station and flowers from the neighbor's yard. 'Nuff said. There is no need to go shopping for the weirdest stories in this week's news, they're already here in The Friday Funnies.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Have you ever wondered what they're going to do with you when you pass? Will you go in a casket, in an urn, frozen like Walt Disney? Now, your choices are greater than ever. The state of Washington has legalized human composting. Your body will be transformed into a rich nutrient for the soil so you can still grow tomatoes. Another company is taking composting a bit further in that they will put your composted corpse in a burlap bag with a sapling tree. You then plant the tree, bag and all, and your memory will live onuntil you are used for firewood. I think I would like to be cremated when I go, and I'd like to have my ashes given to everybody who comes to the funeral. They would each get a small baggie with a spoonful of me to take home. If nobody comes to the funeral, I think my ashes should be kept in the car trunk in case anybody gets stuck on the ice. I'm a giver.

FLORIDA FUN

A 28 year old woman was arrested this week in St.Petersburg, Florida and charged with disorderly intoxication. She was found outside a bar on Central Avenue offering to give strangers lap dances. Apparently a Ladies night special. The police were called and tried to escort the woman to her nearby apartment but she yelled out profanities and kept asking the police if they wanted to bang on the sidewalk. Olivia Taylor-Wahek was arrested and said that she was in town to compete with other women to be on the cover of Maxim magazine. It has a $25,000 grand prize and she needs the money to pay off her student loan and her bar tab.

KA-BOOM

Police in Lower Bavaria, Germany were called to inspect what was thought to be a grenade found in the woods. When police arrived, they found the alleged grenade. It was actually a rubber sex toy. Now I know you're asking, a grenade sex toy? That's because we are used seeing the usual "pineapple" hand grenades in the movies, but in Germany, they use German grenades which look like a hammer handle with a soup can on top. Now it all makes sense. Either way, never use any explosive device as a sex toy. Just a word of wisdom from me to you
Margaret Thatcher once 'booted the Queen out for the way' in order to make tea for herself, Susannah Constantine has claimed.

The fashion guru, who dated the Queen's nephew David Linley for eight years, said she witnessed the awkward encounter during a summer at Balmoral in the eighties and that the former Prime Minster 'just wanted control' and was 'incredibly bossy'.

Susannah said that the royal party were in a fishing hut on the grounds of the Scottish castle when Her Majesty was trying to serve her guests tea.

Margaret Thatcher once 'booted the Queen out for the way' in order to make tea for herself, Susannah Constantine has claimed. The Queen and Margaret Thatcher are pictured together in 1979 in Zambia

'The Queen would want to pour everyone's tea and I remember Margaret Thatcher almost booting her out of the way to pour the tea herself for everyone,' she told People magazine.

Series four of The Crown shows Margaret and Denis Thatcher's first visit to Balmoral, which took place in August 1979, showing the Tory leader 'failing' the so-called 'Balmoral test'

While The Crown's portrayal of the visit isn't completely accurate, the Prime Minister is said to have considered her early visits to Balmoral 'purgatory', according to the Queen's biographer Ben Pimlott, and would arrange to leave as early as possible on the final day of the visit.

Susannah dated Princess Margaret's son Viscount Linley, also known as David Armstrong-Jones, in the 1980s.

After they split, she remained close with the Queen's sister Princess Margaret until she died in 2002.

Speaking on Loose Women last year, the What Not To Wear star revealed how she suffered a spectacular wardrobe malfunction while dining at the royal palace.

Fashion guru Susannah Constantine who dated the Queen's nephew David Linley for eight years, said she witnessed the awkward encounter during a summer at Balmoral in the eighties and that the former Prime Minster 'just wanted control' and was 'incredibly bossy'. Susannah and David are pictured together in 1984

She said she was seated next to Prince Philip and Prince Edward, when she had a 'spectacular' wardrobe malfunction.

'I was in this wonderful Valentino dress that my dad bought me and I was eating this soup and suddenly I felt a breeze and realised the straps had ripped,' she recalled.

Luckily the royal household staff came to the rescue, as Susannah explained: 'My boobs were out, almost dropping into the soup, and without saying anything a butler came with two safety pins and fixed it in the back and I put my boobs back in place.'

She also explained that Margaret was 'fantastic and took me to the loo. She re-did [the pins] so that they weren't seen. We were laughing so much'.

After they split, she remained close with the Queen's sister Princess Margaret until she died in 2002. Pictured together in 1984

Susannah also touched on the close relationship she enjoyed with Princess Margaret, telling the Loose Women she 'had a big impact on my life in a very positive way,' adding that the late royal was particularly supportive after her mother was diagnosed with manic depression.

Speaking to People, Susannah also said that Margaret was one of 'the most emotionally intelligent people she's ever met'.

'I felt listened to by someone who I loved dearly and respected and admired,'

Susannah's friendship with the Countess of Snowdon outlasted her relationship with David, with the late royal even throwing her an engagement party ahead of her wedding to Danish businessman Sten Bertelsen.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 23:03:10|Editor: huaxia

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ANKARA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish social media account Clash Report recently posted a summary of the genocide history of the United States on its twitter account, which has triggered discussions among netizens.

In a timeline format, the summary posted on Wednesday listed out more than 20 events and descriptions about the genocide history.

In the U.S. genocide against Native Americans, "70 million Native Americans were slaughtered in their own land," it said.

It also included the Vietnam War, the coup in Iran in 1953, and the Iraq War. In the Vietnam War, for example, "the U.S. massacred 3 million Vietnamese civilians by using Agent Orange, a powerful herbicide," it said. Enditem
Press Release

30 April 2021

Vaccine skepticism coupled with COVID-19 concerns will continue to affect US outbound travel recovery in 2021 and potentially 2022, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

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COVID-19 concerns are high in the US. According to GlobalData's Q1 2021 consumer survey, 52% of US respondents stated they were 'extremely concerned' about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in general, which is 10% higher than the global average. However,GlobalData's Live Verdict Poll found that 23% of respondents in North America did not intend to take a vaccine against COVID-19. This was higher than any other region and suggests that a large proportion of the US population may not be vaccinated by this summer as hoped. Although 40% stated that they have already had a vaccination, those refusing to do so will affect outbound tourism recovery.

Johanna Bonhill-Smith, Travel & Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: "The rate at which a population is being vaccinated is expected to be a key driver of how quickly individuals will travel, but vaccine skepticism is currently being overlooked."

Vaccine Skepticism Should Not Be Ignored In Us Outbound Travel Recovery, Says GlobalData  Photo: GlobalData Plc

North America shows mixed responses from individuals across the US, Canada and Mexico, but vaccine skepticism has been seen in the US in the past. The US is the leader in terms of total vaccinations globally, however, it has lost its position in the top ten countries globally in the vaccination rate per 1,000 population, according to GlobalData. As it stands, 27.1% of its population is fully vaccinated, but with 23% expressing vaccine hesitancy, outbound recovery from the US could be slowed.

Bonhill-Smith continues: "The US has had one of the fastest rollouts of COVID-19 vaccinations worldwide. Its success has likely been led by those individuals who are eager to be inoculated against infection. The speed at which vaccinations have been rolled out, however, may not be sustained as many are skeptical of any form of COVID-19 treatment. This could be due to a myriad of reasons involving mistrust and general reluctance to have anything enforced. Therefore, the success of the vaccination program may slow and further delay US outbound travel."

News of an opening of travel between the US and Europe has recently emerged. Europe welcomed 35.3 million arrivals from the US in 2019 and the US features regularly in the top ten inbound source markets for individual European destinations. Outbound travel from the US to Europe declined 75.3% year-on-year (YoY) in 2020, according to GlobalData. Therefore, the resumption of travel will be welcomed by destinations that are heavily reliant on US tourists such as Italy, Germany, France and Spain.

Bonhill-Smith adds: "Arrangements like a 'travel agreement', 'corridor', 'travel bubble' or 'air bridge' however is never certain. Worldwide, agreements have been forming between destinations which are then later revoked or postponed due to an outbreak of COVID-19 or the spread of new variants. Demonstrable examples include Hong Kong-Singapore and Australia-New Zealand. The news of some form of agreement developing for summer 2021 provides hope but should be treated with caution as there are still numerous barriers."
Company Concurrently Pursuing Anticipated Uplist to OTCQB Venture Market

EL CAJON, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Solar Integrated Roofing Corp. (OTC PINK:SIRC), an integrated, single-source solar power and roofing systems installation company, today announced that it has submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a request to withdraw the Company's registration statement on Form 10 as filed with the SEC on March 11, 2021 (the "Form 10").

The Company is withdrawing the Registration Statement because the Company's board of directors has determined that audits of recent acquisitions cannot be completed before the Form 10 is deemed effective. Therefore, the Company has made a strategic decision to finalize pending acquisitions, perform necessary audits of the acquired entities and then refile Form 10 with the updated audited financial information as soon as is practicable.

"Our rapid pace of acquisitions to grow the Company have necessitated audited financials of each of the recently acquired entities, at which point we can refile our Form 10 with the SEC," said David Massey, Chief Executive Officer of Solar Integrated Roofing Corp. "Concurrent with this, the Company will proceed with pursuing an anticipated uplist to the OTCQB Venture Market tier of the OTC Markets Group quotation system. We believe this will provide enhanced liquidity and capital markets visibility for our common stock, helping to create sustainable, long-term value for our shareholders."

About Solar Integrated Roofing Corp.

Solar Integrated Roofing Corp. (OTC PINK:SIRC), is an integrated, single-source solar power and roofing systems installation platform company specializing in commercial and residential properties throughout the United States. The Company's broad array of solutions include sales and installation of solar energy systems, battery backup and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to roofing, HVAC and related electrical contracting work. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.solarintegratedroofing.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements made in this press release which are not historical facts contain certain forward-looking statements; as such term is defined in the Private Security Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning potential developments affecting the business, prospects, financial condition and other aspects of the company to which this release pertains. The actual results of the specific items described in this release, and the company's operations generally, may differ materially from what is projected in such forward-looking statements. Although such statements are based upon the best judgments of management of the company as of the date of this release, significant deviations in magnitude, timing and other factors may result from business risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the company's dependence on third parties, general market and economic conditions, technical factors, the availability of outside capital, receipt of revenues and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the company. The company disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in any forward-looking statement. This press release shall not be deemed a general solicitation.

Investor Relations Contact:

Lucas A. Zimmerman

Senior Vice President

MZ North America

Main: 949-259-4987

SIRC@mzgroup.us

www.mzgroup.us

SOURCE: Solar Integrated Roof Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/643454/Solar-Integrated-Roofing-Announces-Withdrawal-of-Form-10-Registration-Statement
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.
Ulrika Jonsson has revealed she is in the midst of a 'sexual awakening' and has even discussed her new found liberation with her children.

The doting mother, 52, explained: 'I am a sexual creature. It's something that I say regularly to my children  much to their horror.'

The TV personality also confessed her spontaneous nature means she 'wouldn't rule out' another marriage.

Honest: Ulrika Jonsson, 52, has revealed she is in the midst of a 'sexual awakening' and has even discussed her new found liberation with her children

When asked in an interview with The Sun whether or not she'd tie the knot again, Ulrika said: 'I'm a hedonist and a spontaneous person who believes in love. While it would feel strange getting married again, I can't ever rule it out for the future.'

Discussing her sex life, Ulrika added: 'I enjoy sex, I want to have sex and I am open to experience that. And it's difficult for women my age to say that without being seen in a certain way.'

Ulrika is mother to Cameron, 25, Bo, 20, Martha, 14 and Malcolm, 11.

In 2019 Ulrika announced her split from husband Brian Monet after eleven years of marriage.

Happy family: Ulrika is mother to Cameron, 25, Bo, 20, Martha, 14 and Malcolm, 11 - and proved no topic is taboo

Ulrika and Brian wed in 2008 and share Malcolm. They began their relationship in 2006.

In 2014, Brian also adopted her daughter Bo from the presenter's relationship with German hotel boss Markus Kempen.

The father of Ulrika's son Cameron is John Turnbull, who she was married to between 1990-1995.

Tough time: It comes after Ulrika daughter Bo - who has a congenital heart defect - was admitted to hospital

Martha's father is Lance Gerrard-Wright, Ulrika's husband from 2003-2005.

It comes after Ulrika's daughter Bo - who has a congenital heart defect - was rushed to hospital this week.

The former Gladiators presenter was left awaiting the test results for her ill daughter after she was admitted to hospital overnight, with Ulrika given hourly reports on her progress.

Brave: Ulrika was left awaiting the latest test results for her ill daughter after she was admitted to hospital overnight, with Ulrika given hourly reports on her progress

Bo has been in and out of hospital over the years as a result of her condition - she was born with double inlet left ventricle defect, a congenital defect that affects the valves and chambers of the heart.

As a baby, she had to undergo life-saving surgery on her heart - but Ulrika did not reveal what had caused Bo to be hospitalised.

Ulrika told fans about her sleepless night on Tuesday as she awaited word from the doctors.

Hospital: She later told fans Bo who she refers to as 'oldest female ungrateful' was no longer in hospital and that 'nothing has been solved yet'

She said: 'When your plan for an early good night's sleep goes Pete Tong. Hourly, Daughterly updates from hospital.

'Finally discharged will update later. Thank you for your kind messages.'

She later told fans Bo who she refers to as 'oldest female ungrateful' was no longer in hospital and that 'nothing has been solved yet.'

Family: Ulrika recently praised her Bo as she went to get a health check up last month

She also shared a picture of Boo saying: 'Miss you stoopid.'

Mailonline has contacted a spokesman for Ulrika Jonsson for comment.

Last month Ulrika hailed Bo as a 'warrior' as she went to get a health check up.

The TV presenter shared a series of snaps to her Instagram Stories of Bo lying down at the doctor's office as she received a liver scan.

Apart: Ulrika and Bo had to sit apart for some of the day as the star snapped her daughter sporting a white bandage in the waiting room

The former Celebrity Big Brother star posted a photo of the pair sat together in the waiting room as she called Bo her 'CHD Warrior'.

In another, Bo could be seen in the doctor's office sporting a face mask with Ulrika captioning the snap: 'Gonna be a loooong day'.

Ulrika and Bo had to sit apart for some of the day as the star snapped her daughter sporting a white bandage in the waiting room.

Heartwarming: In another photo, Bo rested her head against her mother's shoulder

In another photo, Bo rested her head against her mother's shoulder.

The former Gladiators star captioned the post: 'Always her shoulder (and everything else) #ungratefuls'.

It comes after Ulrika shared her delight and relief after her eldest daughter received a Covid vaccine in February.

Reunited: Ulrika has previously spoken about Bo's health condition and was delighted when they were reunited in December, weeks after Bo was admitted to A&E with medical issues

Ulrika has previously spoken about Bo's health condition and was delighted when they were reunited in December, weeks after Bo was admitted to A&E with medical issues.

Sharing a family picture, a smiling Ulrika posed a picture with Bo, who was casually flipping the bird in her pyjamas in the background.

Ulrika wrote: 'She's back home, full of the joys of spring.'

The doting mother-of-four revealed her heartache in November when Bo was hospitalised and she was unable to visit her amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The former weather presenter wrote at the time: 'The face of no sleep.

'Fireworks, oldest Ungrateful [the playful name she gives her children] ends up in A&E miles away and I can't go to her. Dog vomits, twice. #happythursday.'

While Ulrika didn't specify what was wrong with her daughter at the time, in September Ulrika admitted Bo was 'terrified' before Britain went into lockdown and was taking risks by going to university.

The TV star's daughter has a compromised immune system and an underlying cardiac condition and began her second year of university amid the pandemic.
An SNP election candidate has been forced to apologise for comments comparing supporters of a Jewish state to fascists.

Jewish leaders and anti-Semitism campaigners last night urged the SNP to launch an investigation into 'unacceptable' comments by Glasgow candidate Suzanne McLaughlin.

Among a series of foul-mouthed and abusive social media posts, Mrs McLaughlin, a prominent pro-independence campaigner, said: 'Lest anyone be in any doubt. Zionism is akin to fascism. #genocide'.

In another post on the same day, she said that 'Israel is a terrorist state.'

The SNP last night said Mrs McLaughlin had apologised for her 'choice of words' but denied that they could be construed as anti-Semitic.

It is the latest in a series of controversial comments to have emerged from SNP candidates in recent weeks, after two others were criticised for trivialising the Holocaust.

Jewish leaders and anti-Semitism campaigners last night urged the SNP to launch an investigation into 'unacceptable' comments by Glasgow candidate Suzanne McLaughlin (seen with Nicola Sturgeon)

It is also the second election in a row where one of the SNP's candidates has become caught up in an anti-Semitism row, after Neale Hanvey was suspended from the party during the 2019 general election campaign.

A spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: 'This is the third report of deeply concerning comments from an SNP candidate in as many weeks.

'The SNP has adopted the international definition of anti-Semitism, which clearly states that it is anti-Semitic to deny the Jewish people to their right to self-determination or compare Israelis to Nazis.

'Nobody should be making such comments, let alone a candidate in an election. Suzanne McLaughin must now face party discipline.'

Concerns were also raised about the SNP's vetting procedures.

The tweets were still on Mrs McLaughlin's Twitter page yesterday until the Mail contacted the party and they were deleted.

A spokesman for the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council said: 'This is unacceptable language for a parliamentary candidate to use.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (right) with SNP candidates Suzanne McLaughlin (left) and Sandra White during a campaign visit to the University Cafe in Glasgow

'We expect all political parties to have in place robust vetting procedures for their candidates. The SNP need to investigate the matter fully and take appropriate action.'

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism includes 'comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis'.

It also says anti-Semitism can be 'denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, eg by claiming the existence of a state of Israel is a racist endeavour'.

Mrs McLaughlin is on the national committee for Women for Independence and is an ex-publican who rebranded her Glasgow pub the Yesbar before the 2014 referendum.

She has a history of controversial posts on social media. In January 2020, she accused Labour's Lisa Nandy of having 'despicable fascist sympathies' because she said the UK should learn from Quebec and Catalonia, where 'narrow divisive nationalism' has been defeated by a 'social justice agenda'.

In July 2019, she also asked her Twitter followers: 'Why why why are there gay Tories? Or poor Tories? Why?? I don't get it.'

Mrs McLaughlin, a prominent pro-independence campaigner, said: 'Lest anyone be in any doubt. Zionism is akin to fascism. #genocide'

Annie Wells, Scottish Conservative lead candidate for Glasgow, said: 'It is not the first time in this election where an SNP candidate has been found to have made utterly crass remarks and the party appears to have a problem.

'We've become used to vile personal abuse from a significant, noisy and cowardly faction of intolerant Scottish Nationalists.

'It is the responsibility of Nicola Sturgeon to act quickly and decisively in this case. I echo the Jewish representative organisation's call for an immediate investigation to establish whether this candidate is considered suitable by the SNP.'

Recently, Colm Merrick, SNP candidate for Eastwood, was accused of trivialising the Holocaust when he suggested Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels was the 'potential source of its inspiration' for Labour's 2015 general election campaign.

Uddingston and Bellshill candidate Stephanie Callaghan likened a Tory block on an independence referendum to Hitler and the Holocaust.

Mrs McLaughlin declined to comment on the posts and referred inquiries to the SNP's press office.

An SNP spokesman said: 'Suzanne McLaughlin apologises for her choice of words in these six-year-old tweets, which she has now deleted.

'She remains a strong advocate for Palestinian rights, and at no point in her comments did she suggest that Israel has no right to self-determination.

'The SNP supports a two-state solution, as endorsed in the Jewish Manifesto for Scotland.'
Teachers in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, conducted a job action this week to fight against deadly school reopenings. One-hundred sixteen teachers called in sick across the school district on Wednesday, April 28, including 47 at Grosse Pointe North High School (GPN), in a coordinated sickout. Administrators at GPN were forced to gather students in the gym while they scrambled to find substitutes.

Michigan leads the US by far in the rate of daily new COVID-19 cases. The states rate of 47 new cases per 100,000 people per day is 60 percent higher than the next worst state, Minnesota. K-12 schools are the source of more outbreaks than any other settings, according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). However, schools remain open for face-to-face learning across the state on a district-by-district basis.

The sickout came two days after a school board meeting during which teachers asked to switch from full in-person learning to a hybrid model due to the ongoing statewide surge. Instead, the board voted 61 to not only continue full in-person instruction, but to also reduce the definition of close contact from six to three feet for the explicit purpose of keeping more students in the classrooms as the pandemic continues to spread.

The Grosse Pointe rule change, effective immediately, means that now when students or teachers test positive for COVID-19, only those who came within three feet of them are to quarantine or participate in contact tracing. This defies both the MDHHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which call for contact tracing and quarantining after exposure at six feet.

Also at Mondays board meeting, GPN teacher Sean McCarroll delivered a powerful resignation speech, which has been viewed more than 63,000 times in three days on YouTube. Youve done more damage to our students, our district, and our profession in the last 12 months than weve seen in the last decade, he said to board members.

Grosse Pointe North High School teacher Sean McCarroll resigns at school board meeting

Grosse Pointe Public School System (GPPSS) Superintendent Gary Niehaus supported the boards decision. Dismissing the danger of infection, he said in a statement on Tuesday, The numbers of students generated by the six-foot contact tracing were unsustainable. By those standards, a single COVID-positive high school student, in our seven-period day, could quarantine 1550 students.

The actions of these teachers to stop in-person learning to save lives have taken place outside of the trade unions, which have not lifted a finger to protect teachers or shut schools to slow the spread of the deadly disease. Grosse Pointe Educators Association (GPEA) union president Christopher Pratt confirmed to Fox 2 news that the sickout was not a union-sponsored activity.

Following the sickout, the independent group of teachers issued a press release signed Concerned GPPSS Teachers. It states that the recent decision by the Board of Education to go against federal, state, and local recommendations regarding contact tracing and quarantine procedureswas made despite the objections of the districts teachers, building administrators, and support staff.

Just last week, the statement continues, over 100 teachers co-signed a letter begging for help in our efforts to support our students. The letterread by every board member and district administratorreceived no response. Facing the insurmountable disappointment, neglect, and contempt from the district, many of our staff members felt the need to take this time to regroup.

The wildcat sickout of Grosse Pointe teachers is not the only recent independent action by Michigan workers against the unsafe conditions imposed by management and the state at workplaces and schools. On April 16, workers at nearby Jefferson North Assembly Planta Stellantis auto factory on the east side of Detroitstaged a protest and stopped the assembly line when a worker was sent home after testing positive for COVID-19. The entire shift was sent home early.

Conditions in Michigans schools resemble those in the auto plants with workers and youth packed closely together into badly ventilated spaces all day where an aerosolized virus like COVID-19 spreads rapidly. It is a matter of public record that schools and factories have been the top two sources of COVID-19 outbreaks in Michigan every week since late February when the latest surge began.

Michigans current surge is linked to the emergence of the B.1.1.7 variant, which is more contagious than wild-type COVID-19 and thrives among children. On April 29, a record 91 children were hospitalized across the state with severe COVID symptoms, more than twice the highest number seen in either the initial surge or the 2020 winter surge. Yet Governor Gretchen Whitmer continues to refuse to order a lockdown of schools and workplaces.
By Xinhua

African countries have acquired a total of over 37.1 million COVID-19 vaccines so far, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) disclosed on Thursday.

The Africa CDC, the specialized healthcare agency of the 55-member African Union, said 17.9 million COVID-19 doses have been administered, out of the over 37.1 million acquired by member states.

This figure corresponds to a coverage of just one percent, at the continental level with 0.37 of the population having received a full vaccine regimen, according to the Africa CDC. The Africa CDC further said five member states have administered the most doses of COVID-19 vaccines to their respective populations.

The north African country of Morocco comes first administering 8.9 million COVID-19 vaccines, with 11.4 percent of the countrys population fully vaccinated.

The west African country of Nigeria comes second administering 1.2 million COVID-19 vaccines, with 0.57 percent of the population fully vaccinated.

Ethiopia is in third place administering 908,578 COVID-19 vaccines, with 0.79 percent of the population fully vaccinated.
Drones stage a light show in Chongqing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, April 27, 2021. (Photo/China News Service)

Drones stage a light show in Chongqing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, April 27, 2021. (Photo/China News Service)

[ Editor: WPY ]
A Cook Islands woman has been placed in hotel quarantine after arriving in Perth from New Zealand without completing two weeks quarantine beforehand.

Under the trans-Tasman bubble rules, anyone arriving from New Zealand who previously travelled there from overseas must have quarantined for two weeks before flying to Western Australia.

A welcome back sign at Auckland International Airport to celebrate the quarantine-free Australia and New Zealand travel bubble. Credit:Bloomberg

The Department of Health is aware of a woman from the Cook Islands who arrived from Auckland to Perth today without spending two weeks in quarantine in New Zealand, a statement from WA Health on Friday said.

The Department of Health has advised that the woman would be transported to a Perth quarantine hotel. She will undergo a COVID-19 test while in quarantine.
TESS full-frame image in the cadence just before the BAT trigger (left) and at the peak flux of the burst (center). The emergence of the afterglow is apparent in the center of the image, indicated by the white arrow. The right panel shows the same region of the sky, with a slightly different orientation, in the Digitized Sky Survey (DSS); a small inset of TESS image is provided in the bottom left corner to demonstrate the change in orientation. Credit: The Astrophysical Journal

NASA has a long tradition of unexpected discoveries, and the space program's TESS mission is no different. SMU astrophysicist and her team have discovered a particularly bright gamma-ray burst using a NASA telescope designed to find exoplanetsthose occurring outside our solar systemparticularly those that might be able to support life.

It's the first time a gamma-ray burst has been found this way.

Gamma-ray bursts are the brightest explosions in the universe, typically associated with the collapse of a massive star and the birth of a black hole. They can produce as much radioactive energy as the sun will release during its entire 10-billion-year existence.

Krista Lynne Smith, an assistant professor of physics at Southern Methodist University, and her team confirmed the blastcalled GRB 191016Ahappened on Oct. 16 and also determined its location and duration. A study on the discovery has been published in The Astrophysical Journal.

"Our findings prove this TESS telescope is useful not just for finding new planets, but also for high-energy astrophysics," said Smith, who specializes in using satellites like TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) to study supermassive black holes and gas that surrounds them. Such studies shed light on the behavior of matter in the deeply warped spacetime around black holes and the processes by which black holes emit powerful jets into their host galaxies.

Smith calculated that GRB 191016A had a peak magnitude of 15.1, which means it was 10,000 times fainter than the faintest stars we can see with the naked eyes.

That may sound quite dim, but the faintness has to do with how far away the burst occurred. It is estimated that light from GRB 191016A's galaxy had been travelling 11.7 billion years before becoming visible in the TESS telescope.

Most gamma ray bursts are dimmercloser to 160,000 times fainter than the faintest stars.

The burst reached its peak brightness sometime between 1,000 and 2,600 seconds, then faded gradually until it fell below the ability of TESS to detect it some 7000 seconds after it first went off.

How SMU and a team of exoplanet specialists confirmed the burst

This gamma-ray burst was first detected by a NASA's satellite called Swift-BAT, which was built to find these bursts. But because GRB 191016A occurred too close to the moon, the Swift-BAT couldn't do the necessary follow-up it normally would have to learn more about it until hours later.

NASA's TESS happened to be looking at that same part of the sky. That was sheer luck, as TESS turns its attention to a new strip of the sky every month.

While exoplanet researchers at a ground-base for TESS could tell right away that a gamma-ray burst had happened, it would be months before they got any data from the TESS satellite on it. But since their focus was on new planets, these researchers asked if any other scientists at a TESS conference in Sydney, Australia were interested in doing more digging on the blast.

Smith was one of the few high-energy astrophysics specialists there at that time and quickly volunteered.

"The TESS satellite has a lot of potential for high-energy applications, and this was too good an example to pass up," she said. High-energy astrophysics studies the behavior of matter and energy in extreme environments, including the regions around black holes, powerful relativistic jets, and explosions like gamma-ray bursts.

TESS is an optical telescope that collects light curves on everything in its field of view, every half hour. Light curves are a graph of light intensity of a celestial object or region as a function of time. Smith analyzed three of these light curves to be able to determine how bright the burst was.

She also used data from ground-based observatories and the Swift gamma-ray satellite to determine the burst's distance and other qualities about it.

"Because the burst reached its peak brightness later and had a peak brightness that was higher than most bursts, it allowed the TESS telescope to make multiple observations before the burst faded below the telescope's detection limit," Smith said. "We've provided the only space-based optical follow-up on this exceptional burst."

Explore further Hubble studies gamma-ray burst with the highest energy ever seen

More information: Krista Lynne Smith et al, GRB 191016A: A Long Gamma-Ray Burst Detected by TESS, The Astrophysical Journal (2021). Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Krista Lynne Smith et al, GRB 191016A: A Long Gamma-Ray Burst Detected by TESS,(2021). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/abe6a2
After troubles in 2020 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Polish economy is back on track and set to expand in 2021. Software development is one industry that is especially anticipated to boom this year. Polish developers are widely considered some of the best in the world; every year, tech specialists and programmers from Poland rank highest in global contests like Microsoft Imagine Cup, Google Code Jam, and many others.

Due to the expertise, flexibility, and innovation of Polish software developers, international clients are turning to this country for recruitment. And Clutch, a B2B market research firm, has made it easy to find the best companies in the Polish development space. Clutchs list of the 100 top-performing developers in Poland contains leading organizations with exceptional industry expertise and availability to deliver.

Clutch identifies top-performing developers based on these criteria:

Industry Expertise



Former clients

Services offered

Case studies

Social media presence

Awards received

Ability to Deliver



Quality, number, and recency of Clutch-verified reviews

Types of clients the developers have worked with

Experience providing offered services

Brand visibility and reputation in the developers target market

Intetics met all of the above requirements and was ranked #49 in the Top 100 Polish Developers list. Intetics core strength is its complete dedication to clients and its drive to produce software even under incomplete specifications.

Our Clients are what matters most to us, says Boris Kontsevoi, President and CEO of Intetics.

At Intetics, the client always comes first. If you have an idea, the team will make it happen, no matter how complex it is. For expert software solutions from Intetics, reach out to Intetics Polish office, located in the Krakow Development Center: +48 (500) 448 770
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused a Nigerian cleric, Ejike Mbaka, against making statements that can destabilise the country.

Yekini Nabena, the ruling partys deputy national secretary, in a statement on Friday in Abuja threatened to report Mr Mbaka to the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church if he continued to cause disaffection for the Federal Government with his utterances.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Mbaka is the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, located in Enugu.

Mr Mbaka, who is seen as a celebrity by his numerous followers, is a force to be reckoned with in the religious circle in the Eastern region.

Accusations

The cleric recently allegedly called on the National Assembly to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari if he failed to resign over rising insecurity in the country.

Mr Mbaka, who was said to have made the call at a Church service, where he lamented the state of insecurity across the country, called on the presidency to address the numerous challenges facing the country.

The APC spokesperson said the man of God should have faced his spiritual calling rather than dabbling into politics, which he knew little or nothing about.

He advised the cleric to deploy all his known spiritual means to support the government in addressing various challenges in the country.

Mr Nabena, making reference to the book of Mark 4: 35-40 in the Holy Bible, where Jesus Christ calmed a raging storm, said Jesus did not blame anyone but prayed and calmed the storm.

He urged the cleric to emulate the Lord Jesus Christ, who he said, also obeyed and honoured a constituted authority by paying tax.

He advised Mr Mbaka to leave political messages for politicians, adding that calling on President Buhari to either resign or be impeached because of the countrys current challenges was ungodly.

The APC spokesman called on the clerics to emulate the likes of Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Pastor W.F Kumuyi of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.

He said they should also emulate other true men of God who would rather fast and pray to avert crises in the country instead of threatening the government of the day. (NAN)
Burma Ethnic Armed Groups Unite With Anti-Coup Protesters Against Myanmar Junta

KNLA troops on Karen Martyrs Day in Karen States Papun District in August 2018. / The Irrawaddy

In the month following the militarys Feb. 1 coup, many of Myanmars ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), which have been warring with the central government for decades, said they opposed the juntas overthrowing of the democratically-elected civilian government.

When the Myanmar military killed anti-regime protesters, people in urban areas longed for help from the EAOs in their fight against junta, believing that an armed response is the best hope of stopping the militarys atrocities against unarmed civilians.

But in the three months since the coup, only a few of Myanmars 20 EAOs have actually been helping pro-democracy supporters as they could not bear to watch the civilians being killed brutally by the junta. The majority have just paid lip service to backing up anti-regime protesters by saying that the regime will have to take responsibility for what they have done.

EAOs support for Myanmars anti-coup protesters takes several forms. Their attacks on the Myanmar military in border areas hits the regime as they have to deploy more troops to the frontlines, while also having to oppose anti-regime protesters. The EAOs are also providing shelter to those fleeing the junta and offering military training to the young and enthusiastic urban protesters who have gone underground to join the armed struggle against the military dictatorship.

So far, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), have been the most prominent in their support for toppling the junta.

Since March, fierce fighting between the KIA and the Myanmar military and between the KNLA and regime troops has erupted in several locations in Kachin State, northern Shan State, Karen State and Bago Region. News of the fighting has provided encouragement for people sick of the militarys atrocities against protesters and civilians.

In Kachin State, regime troops lost a strategic hill base to the KIA, while in the south, the Karen soldiers of the KNLA seized a military outpost near the Thai border. In both areas, regime troops have suffered mounting casualties and seen some soldiers captured.

Karen National Union and Karen National Liberation Army

The KNU, Myanmars oldest ethnic political party, has opposed the military regime since the coup. Its chairman, Padoh Saw Mutu Say Poe, has refused to meet with junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing until his troops stop killing civilians and release all people detained since the coup. The KNU rejected the regimes invitation to attend the Armed Forces Day parade on March 27.

The KNLA, the military wing of the KNU, seized an outpost near the Salween River in Thi Mu Hta held by the militarys Light Infantry Division 349 on the day of the juntas Armed Forces Day parade. The KNLAs Brigade 5 killed 10 soldiers, including an officer, and captured eight soldiers.

Brigade 5 is one of the KNLAs units that has not stopped fighting Myanmars military, despite the KNU signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement in 2015. For the past three years, the military has expanded its territory in the area controlled by Brigade 5 and launched systematic attacks on civilians. In December, the KNLA warned the military of severe consequences if they refused to withdraw their troops.

On April 27, exactly one month after capturing Thi Mu Hta, Brigade 5 overran a military border post on the banks of the Salween River in Thaw Le Hta, near the border with Thailands Mae Hong Song Province. At least a dozen of regime troops were killed. The military retaliated with airstrikes against the Brigade 5 area, as it did after the capture of Thi Mu Hta, causing some 30,000 local residents to be displaced.

Brigade 5 spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Saw Kler Doh told The Irrawaddy that the KNLAs attacks are to show support for civilians and the newly-formed National Unity Government set up by elected lawmakers from the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government.

Lt.-Col Saw Kler Doh said, We are doing what we can to show that seizing power by force and shooting unarmed people is unacceptable. We have to do what we can to support the people.

Kachin Independence Army

After a 17-year ceasefire broke down in Kachin State in 2011, the KIA has largely maintained a defensive position in clashes with the Myanmar military. However, after the coup, they began launching attacks against the regime in several key locations across Kachin States and northern Shan state with an intensity not seen since 2018.

The KIA have stormed more than a dozen military and police outposts in Kachins Waimaw, Momauk, Hpakant, Tanai, Mogaung, Shwegu and Injangyang Townships. Moreover, they have attacked a number of military convoys bringing reinforcements to troops fighting the KIA and launching crackdowns on anti-coup protesters in Kachin.

Soon after the coup, the KIA asked the militarys Northern Command via the Kachin-based Peace Creation Group not to harm peaceful Kachin people protesting against the junta. But two men died when the military opened fire with live rounds on anti-regime protesters in Myitkyina on March 8. Three days later, the KIA attacked a military outpost in the jade-mining hub, Hpakant.

The KIA threatened to step up its attacks if the junta continued to shoot peaceful protesters across the country. On March 15, the KIA raided another military outpost in Injangyang Township. Ten days later, the KIA occupied the strategic Alaw Bum base in Momauk Township near the border with China, which had been occupied by the military since the early 1990s.

Thousands of regime soldiers have been sent as reinforcements to Momauk Township and there have been almost daily airstrikes in their efforts to recapture the base. But the regime has lost more than 100 troops killed, including a battalion commander, and the KIA has also captured around 50 soldiers during the clashes.

In late March, the KIA attacked a police station in Kyaukgyi village-tract in Shwegu Township, Kachin State, saying that the attack was carried out because police are involved in lethal crackdowns on anti-military regime protesters.

The KIA also attacked two police outposts and a military base at Tarpein Bridge in Momauk Township on April 11. Following the attack, four civilians were killed when artillery shells fired by Myanmars military landed in Myohaung, Myothit and Sihike villages. On April 15, the KIA attacked a base in the area of Nam Byu in Tanai Township, which the military had captured from the KIA in 2018.

Currently, there is intense daily fighting in Momauk, Putao, Bhamo and Hpakant Townships. KIA information officer Colonel Naw Bu said the military has been especially active in its efforts to recapture the Alaw Bum base.

Colonel Naw Bu said the KIA would not recognize the junta. He said the KIA would take the upper hand by attacking the reinforcements sent to fight against them.

Showing support for K2K

Pro-democracy activists have expressed their support for the KNU and the KIA since the fighting began in Kachin, Karen and Shan States. Young people in major cities have taken to the streets holding placards reading We support KIA and KNU.

Until now, people living in Myanmars cities have not experienced the brutality of the regimes soldiers at first hand. But residents of the borderlands have long suffered at the hands of the military. Now, Myanmars peoples are coming together in unity to reject the military dictatorship.

I never thought that the majority of Burmese people would support the ethnic armed groups, Seng Bu, a Kachin activist based in Myitkyina, told The Irrawaddy. The situation has completely changed. Burmese people now realize what ethnic people have suffered for generations, she said. We are very united now, she added.

Growing Refugee Crisis

While the majority of Burmese people support the EAOs, thousands of ethnic people in Kachin, Karan and Shan States are fleeing from their homes as a result of the fierce fighting. In response to the KIA and KNLAs attacks on security outposts, the military has retaliated with airstrikes on villages in Kachin and Karen States.

There have been frequent airstrikes on villages in Momauk Township since mid-April. In the latest fighting, fighter jets bombed villages for six days, forcing 5,000 villagers to flee from their homes. Nearly three dozen homes in Myothit village alone have been destroyed by the airstrikes, according to residents.

More than 10,000 people have been displaced in Injangyang, Hpakant, Momauk, Myitkyina, Shwegu and Waimaw Townships in Kachin State, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and local humanitarian groups. Most of them have taken refuge in churches and monasteries in Momauk.

More and more residents are sheltering in churches. Churches are already flooded with people, a representative of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) said. We are expecting more people. But we dont have enough space, he said.

Rev. Dr. Hkalam Samson, the president of the KBC told The Irrawaddy that the coup has not only created a new humanitarian crisis, but also stopped the refugee repatriation process led by the Kachin Humanitarian Concern Committee (KHCC), a joint strategy team.

Formed by various Kachin religious and community-based NGOs under the NLD government, KHCC is trying to facilitate the return of refugees. More than 100,000 civilians have been displaced since 2011. Most of them are in camps or temporary shelters in both government-and KIA-controlled areas.

As long as the military is in power, the repatriation of refugees will not be possible. If the military hadnt staged the coup, the repatriation would have been very successful, Rev. Dr Hkalam Samson said.

As long as the fighting continues, the number of refugees will continue to rise, he added.

OCHA has estimated that around 40,000 people have fled their homes in Papun District in Karen State and Shwe Kyin, Kyaukkyi and Nyaunglebin Townships in Bago Region, following the coup and military airstrikes in the areas. An estimated 1,000 refugees  mostly elders, the sick, women and children  have taken refuge in Thailand.

On Thursday, a total of 41 Karen civil society groups asked the Thai government to grant temporary asylum to people displaced by the airstrikes.

Young People Take up Arms in Kachin and Karen States

The militarys brutal crackdown on anti-coup protesters  including killings, arrests and torture  has pushed some young people to take up arms against the regime.

Thousands of young people including students, doctors and engineers have sought refuge in ethnic areas, mostly in Karen and Kachin States. They are undergoing military training as most of them have a dream of fighting back against the regime and returning the country to civilian rule.

One human rights activist who believed in and conducted research on non-violent protest movements told The Irrawaddy that she no longer believes that non-violent protest will topple the junta.

You might say everything seems to be so depressing these days. You might ask me, has the regime already won? Absolutely not. People will fight against them. The people training in the jungle will restore our lost democracy, she said.

There is always a silver lining, she stressed. The people in the jungle are our silver lining.



You may also like these stories:

Two Mandalay Journalists Seized by Myanmar Junta Forces

Flashbacks: Three Months of Protest Against Myanmars Military Regime

Myanmars Economic Woes May Help Japan Persuade Junta to End Crisis
Press Release

30 April 2021

WTTC announce the Philippines as the next Global Summit host

Carnival Cruise CEO Arnold Donald named as WTTC's new Chair

Global Summit in Cancun Mexico hailed a success as world's first face-to-face meeting of global tourism leaders takes place post-COVID-19

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CANCUN, MEXICO: The world's leading private and public sector Travel & Tourism leaders took a united stand to safely restart international travel at the closure of the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) Global Summit.

They used the prestigious forum to share their experiences from the last 12 devastating months, which had ravaged the Travel & Tourism sector, and discussed how together they could safely restart international travel, whilst looking to an even more sustainable and inclusive future of the sector.

The Global Summit also named Carnival Corporation President and CEO, Arnold Donald, as new Chair of WTTC, which represents the global private Travel & Tourism sector.

Donald took over from outgoing Chair, Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton, after three successful years at the helm of WTTC.

Following the huge success of the three-day Cancun Global Summit, WTTC announced Manila, capital of the Philippines, will be the host of its next Global Summit, with dates to be confirmed.

Hundreds of the world's foremost business leaders, government ministers and key decision-makers from across the global Travel & Tourism sector gathered together in Mexico, to discuss the road to recovery for the embattled sector.

In a world-first, WTTC organised the event for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic - with tens of thousands more joining virtually - while complying with strict world-class health and hygiene protocols.

Regular testing was made available for all delegates attending for the duration of the summit to ensure their safety was paramount.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO said: "WTTC brought together exceptional leaders from across the private and public sectors throughout Travel & Tourism at our Global Summit, united in their desire to safely revive international travel.

"Our very presence here, shows that we can resume international travelling once more, by observing the latest health and safety protocols, which WTTC has helped develop for businesses large and small throughout the sector.

"Together we have shown that with a united front, both the private and public sectors in Travel & Tourism can drive change and get the world moving again so that we can start travelling, exploring and sharing our experiences face-to-face.

"We concluded our Global Summit here in Cancun, confident that together we can revive a sector which will generate the world's economic recovery and bring people back together thanks to the amazing benefits international Travel & Tourism can bring.

"I would like to thank Chris Nassetta for his dedication and commitment over the past three years. He has been instrumental in making WTTC what it is today.

"Now we embark on a new chapter with Arnold Donald as WTTC's next Chair and look forward to our next Global Summit which will take place in Manila in the Philippines later this year."

Under the theme of 'Uniting the World for Recovery', Tourism Ministers from around the world and senior Travel & Tourism business leaders agreed that the need for greater public and private collaboration.

At WTTC's Global Leaders Dialogue session they debated how the sector could tackle the pressing issues of protecting jobs, saving businesses, and supporting the global economy through the safe revival of international travel.

The growing importance of using digital technology, such as biometrics, a major force in the post COVID-19 world, was recognised as being critical to creating a contactless, safe and seamless traveller journey.

WTTC also committed to work towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. It pledged to advocate and advance gender equality and equity, and boost female representation in leadership roles by launching its Women's Initiative with the help of 18 Grand Slam singles title winner, Martina Navratilova.

The Global Summit saw the signing of the WTTC Women's Initiative Declaration, which recognised the contribution of women around the world and the importance of an equal equitable environment for women to thrive as leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

View the official Global Summit photography.

Want to catch up on sessions missed? Click here to register for our Virtual Global Summit.
Canadian GP organisers couldn't afford to push ahead with a Formula 1 'ghost race' this year.

Ultimately, it was governments' insistence that F1 personnel spend 14 days in quarantine that made racing in Montreal impossible for the sport in 2021.

But promoter Francois Dumontier said even a spectator-free event wouldn't have worked.

"I couldn't open a room and light it up without having someone to occupy it," he told Le Journal de Montreal. "It was impossible for us to do it without the presence of spectators."

Dumontier also played down rumours that Canada could have been permanently stricken from the sport's calendar if the two blank years - 2020 and 2021 - were not tacked onto the end of the existing race contract.

"I am not a party to the contract between Formula 1 and the backers," he insisted.

"So I'm not in a position to tell you if, as some have claimed, the race was in jeopardy if it was not extended for two years."

The most important thing, Dumontier said, is that Montreal will be back on the F1 schedule eventually.

"Other cities around the world are willing to pay more for the rights," he said.

"But this is the oldest grand prix outside of Europe, and Liberty Media - which is based in the United States - is very keen on the North American market and on Montreal."

(GMM)
Investors who lost over Rs1300 crore in the Anugrah and TejiMandi collapse were shocked to see a new twitter handle of the same name (@TejiMandiApp) actively soliciting business.

Moneylife received several messages asking if TejiMandi has been allowed to revive. Several people checked with Moneylife to ask if the scamming TejiMandi Analytics has now reincarnated in a new form to scam more gullible people. The regulators and exchange were just as surprised.

But, as the app says, TejiMandi which is now active on twitter is part of the Motilal Oswal group and not the one that decimated the savings of thousands last year. The choice of this brand name at a time when a bitter battle is being fought in the Bombay High Court has flummoxed one and all.

In February 2021, Motilal Oswal Financial Services through its subsidiary TM Investment Technologies launched TejiMandi, a stock market investment service for retail investors. Moneylife reached out to Mr Motilal Oswal who said, We had adopted the Teji Mandi name much before the Anugrah issue cropped up. He further said the firm had purchased the domain www.tejimandi.com in 2017, but the decision to launch a service in that name now, when so many have been cheated in 2020, has confounded many.

Moneylife first reported the failure of the stock broking firm Anugrah and its sub-broker/associate Teji Mandi Analytics Pvt Ltd in August 2020. Investors tell us that the bulk of the money raised through and illegal derivatives advisory service was through TejiMandi  which ran more like a Ponzi scheme offering extremely high returns. See Moneylife News Bites videos on this.

What makes it even more perplexing is that Teji Mandi offered services similar to those by the Motilal Oswal firm. The finance and investment business works on trust and brand value, built on that trust. For a large brokerage firm to actively choose to use a discredited brand name so soon after a major debacle is not only unusual, but is causing needless irritation among investors.

This is evident from messages that we received, asking if the same company was scamming people again.

Wait a minute. Don't you guys have an on going case ? Correct me if I am wrong. @suchetadalal Ma'am I remember hearing about them in one of your videos.  Agnelo Daniel (@The_Prodigal21) April 30, 2021

Teji Mandi responded to the tweet saying Hi, We are Teji Mandi -TM Investment Technologies Pvt Ltd & subsidiary of Motilal Oswal Financial Services. We are a SEBI registered investment advisor (INA000015303) and help people build a long term portfolio. We are not associated with any similarly named company in any manner.

Hi, We are Teji Mandi -TM Investment Technologies Pvt Ltd & subsidiary of Motilal Oswal Financial Services. We are a SEBI registered investment advisor (INA000015303) and help people build a long term portfolio. We are not associated with any similarly named company in any manner  Teji Mandi (@TejiMandiApp) April 30, 2021

Agnel Daniel (@The_Prodigal21) termed it a foolish branding strategy.

Such a foolish branding strategy imo  Agnelo Daniel (@The_Prodigal21) April 30, 2021

For those who came in late, heres the story in brief.

Anugrah Securities is a Mumbai-based brokerage founded by Paresh Kariya and was a trading member of NSE. Paresh Kariya was arrested by Mumbai police for defrauding investors last year and the stock exchanges declared Anugrah Stock and Broking as defaulter and expelled it from the exchanges.

Teji Mandi Analytics, the sub-broker of Anugrah, had come up with an algorithm-based trading system a few years ago, promising that the shares lying in their demat accounts can be used for derivative trading.

But investors claim that Anugrah and Teji Mandi started placing client securities in the brokerage pool accounts and used it for leverage purposes to execute their own trades. Most trades executed by Anugrah or Teji Mandi were illegal since they were not pre-authorised by the demat account holders and were misusing the power of attorney (PoA).

Investors have also alleged that margin statements and contract notes issued against the executed trades were false and had no correlation with actual trades or did not reflect the true position of the client securities.

Apparently the name Teji Mandi in Hindi can either mean rapid recession or boom and bust cycles. Only time will tell which of these two terms would hold good for this new company.
Lewis Hamilton is showing no sign of wanting to retire from Formula 1 at the end of 2021.

At the end of troubled negotiations, the seven time world champion recently agreed a deal for only one more year with Mercedes.

However, he then uncharacteristically agreed to stay behind at Imola last week to help Pirelli test 18-inch tyres for the new regulations in 2022.

When asked why, 36-year-old Hamilton said at Portimao: "Because I want to be here next year and help Pirelli deliver a better product.

"I guess it was the first time I've volunteered for a test," the Briton smiled.

"But it was important for me to learn how this tyre feels. We all want more grip and less wear, and I would say that the starting base is good."

Hamilton then clarified that he will actually make a "spontaneous" decision about whether to race in 2022, but he is currently enjoying the battle with Max Verstappen as well as "working with Mercedes".

"It's great that the team is becoming more inclusive and diverse, so if I continue to race, I will have more chance to influence the situation than if I left.

"So I do expect to stay, but for how long? I don't know yet."

Finally, Hamilton called out Formula 1 for not participating in this weekend's social media boycott in the interest of stopping online abuse.

"I'm really proud to hear that there are so many organisations getting involved," he said. "I'm not sure why Formula 1 is not part of that."

(GMM)
A judge ordered the National Rifle Association to provide the names Lloyds of London agents or employees who the gun rights group says have information backing its claim that New Yorks insurance regulator bullied the company into severing ties with the NRA.

Maria Vullo, who led the Department of Financial Services from 2016 to 2019, is entitled to know the names of those people if they are going to be held out by the NRA as key witnesses to the alleged backroom exhortations at the center of the case, U.S. Magistrate Judge Christian Hummel said at a Wednesday hearing in Albany, according to a court transcript.

The NRA in 2018 sued Vullo and Governor Andrew Cuomo claiming they were strong-arming banks and insurers to scrap business deals with the NRA and ultimately silence the organization as part of the states anti-gun agenda. Vullo and Cuomo deny the claims. Lloyds, the worlds oldest and biggest insurance market, stopped underwriting NRA products in 2018. The NRA suit has yet to go to trial.

We are surprised that the Magistrate Judge would compel the NRA to reveal names of confidential witnesses interviewed by counsel, the NRAs lawyer, William A. Brewer III, said in a statement. Naturally, the NRA is evaluating its options in response to this ruling.

The NRA said at the hearing that it had previously named two key witnesses. They are former Lloyds Chief Executive Officer Inga Beale, who left in 2018, and former U.S. General Counsel Joe Gunset, who left last year. It wasnt clear what Beale and Gunset would say, or whether the other witnesses were physically present at the alleged meetings. The NRA had argued other witnesses were worried about being retaliated against if they spoke out.

Tom Hazzard, a Lloyds spokesman, declined to comment.

Hummel also ordered the NRA to reveal to Vullo the names of the other insurers or banks that it claims were bullied by the former regulator, because the complaint and other court filings suggested there were several others. At the hearing, Vullos lawyer said the NRAs failure to identify any other companies suggests there are none.

They have alleged that there were communications with executives, plural, and institutions, plural, but it sounds to me like what were hearing today is that they have  that theres one institution that they actually have any basis to make that allegation about, Vullos lawyer, Debra Greenberger, said at the hearing.

Vullos alleged attempts to silence the NRA violated its First Amendment rights, the group argues.

New York has accused the NRA of acting as an unlicensed insurer by marketing Carry Guard insurance to residents in 2017. The product offered coverage for costs associated with the deliberate use of a firearm, prompting critics to dub it murder insurance.

The states probe into NRA-branded products also resulted in insurer Chubb Ltd. and insurance broker Lockton Cos. halting their programs for NRA members in 2018 and paying millions of dollars in fines.

Top Photo: Signage for the National Rifle Association Photographer: Aaron M. Sprecher/Bloomberg

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Legislation Claims New York
Access the Experts: Becky Lutte In this installment, Lutte answers the question: How big of an impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on the airline industry, and how will air travel change because of it? 

In This Installment of Access the Experts Aviation Institute Associate Professor Becky Lutte, Ph.D., answers the question: How big of an impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on the airline industry, and how will air travel change because of it? About Lutte A leading aviation expert with research interests in the areas of aviation safety policy, pilot supply, and outreach, recruitment, and retention of women in aviation, Lutte was among 30 industry professionals and experts named last year by then-U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Women in Aviation Advisory Board (WIAAB). Lutte was chosen from a pool of nearly 200 applicants to join the board alongside aviation professionals and executives from major airlines and aerospace companies, nonprofit organizations within the aviation industry, aviation and engineering business associations, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, aviation trade schools, and other institutions of higher education.

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New segments of Access the Experts air every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:46 A.M. and 6:46 P.M. If youre not sure how to tune in, visitNews Channel Nebraskas website to view their coverage areas.

View all segments on our Access the Experts page.

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Located in one of Americas best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraskas premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

Follow UNO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Mumbai, April 30 : Shooter Chandro Tomar, fondly known as Shooter Dadi, died after battling Covid on Friday. She was admitted to a hospital in Meerut earlier this week.

Actress Bhumi Pednekar, who played Chandro in the 2019 film "Saand Ki Aankh", says Chandro Tomar's death comes as a "personal loss" to her.

"It is completely devastating to know that Chandro dadi is not with us anymore. It really feels like a very big personal loss. She was someone who lived a very fulfilling life. She made her own rules, paved her own path and she had a beautiful sisterhood and a beautiful partnership with Prakashi dadi and together they left an impact on so many lives," says Bhumi.

The actress adds: "I feel so fortunate to have played her character, got a chance to learn about life from her and she has left a very big part of herself with me." The actress says that she will always remember her.

"My condolences to the family and everybody whose life she impacted because I know there will be many who will be grieving her passing away today. But she always said tann buddha hota hai, mann buddha nai hota. I know in spirit she will always be with us because her teachings are going to be with us. She will thoroughly be missed," she says.

Sharing a picture with her on Twitter, actress Taapsee Pannu, who played the role of Prakashi Tomar in the film, posted: "For the inspiration you will always be... You will live on forever in all the girls you gave hope to live. My cutest rockstar May the and peace be with you." She also wrote on her Instagram page: "But I learnt from you to never give up...Daadi will live on forever in the hearts of many girls like me who she was an inspiration to." Actor Randeep Hooda also posted on social media about how he was to meet her for the inauguration of a shooting ring, which got delayed due to Covid.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Reuters

With just a day to go for opening up the vaccination drive for those in the 18-45 age bracket, one state after another is coming out to announce it wont be able to start. The reason: inability to procure vaccine stocks, shortage of supplies and imperative to give the second dose to those over 45 before extending it to the 18-45 group. Read more



Questioning Vaccine Pricing To Warning Against Clampdown, What SC Said

PTI

On Friday, the Supreme Court said that there should be no clampdown on citizens seeking help on the presumption that they are raising false grievances on the internet. There should be free flow of information, we should hear voices of citizen," said a bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, and asked the Centre, states and all DGPs not to take any action against anyone posting a shortage of oxygen, beds or doctors as spreading rumour. Read more



Govt's New COVID Guidelines On Home Isolation, Use Of Remdesivir, Child Care

Reuters

The Union Health Ministry in its latest guidelines, came out with two key documents. One of them lists revised guidelines for home Isolation of mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, including on treatment and drugs that can be prescribed by doctors to them. The second is the protocol for the management of Covid-19 in the paediatric age group. Read more



Goa's COVID-19 Test Positivity Rate Is Now At An Alarming 51 Per Cent, The Highest In India

BCCL

With the addition of 3,019 new cases on Thursday, Goa's overall COVID-19 count went up to 88,028. The death toll mounted to1,146 as 36 patients succumbed to the viral infection during the day. This is for the second consecutive day that the number of coronavirus cases in the coastal state remained above the 3,000-mark. On Wednesday, it had reported 3,101 cases, while on Tuesday, the count was 2,110. Read more

This Kerala MP Is Leading Volunteers To Help COVID Patients, Even Cremating The Dead

Facebook

Dean Kuriakose, the MP from Idukki and formed a disaster management team in his constituency. Other than helping COIVD-19 patients, the volunteers also perform the last rites of those who die of the infection. On Wednesday, the MP himself led the funeral of a COVID-19 victim. According to the MP, the team of volunteers adheres to all COVID-19 safety norms including wearing PPE kits and follow the protocol laid down for the cremation of those dying from COVID-19. Read more
Dickinson High School teacher Howard Zlotkin targeted his Black students and used profanity as he complained about his privilege

A New Jersey teacher has been removed from the virtual classroom after going a profanity-laced rant against his students about race, Black Lives Matter and George Floyd.

Dickinson High School teacher Howard Zlotkin was instructing a lesson about climate change before the conversation turned to race, reports NBC New York. Zlotkin railed against those who perceived him to have white privilege, including his own daughter, telling them f you.

Dickinson High School teacher Howard Zlotkin (Photo: NBC New York)

If you think Im privileged then f you, because my daughter thinks Im privileged and I dont speak to her, he said on Zoom, which was recorded by a student.

Read More: Virtual classes exposing teachers racist remarks and bias, experts say

Dickinson High School senior Timmia Williams, 17, said Zlotkin became more irate as he yelled and cursed at students.

I hear people whining and crying about Black Lives Matter, but George Floyd was a fg criminal and he got arrested and he got killed because he wouldnt comply and the bottom line is we make him a fg hero, said Zlotkin. He specifically targeted four Black female students and demanded that they each write an essay.

Williams and her mother, Margie Nieves, said they contacted school officials but did not hear back from them until they contacted the news station.

Who does that? Who would curse, I dont even curse at my own daughter, said Nieves.

The mother and daughter said they were shocked to see that Zlotkin had returned to class and yet again cursed at students. He also called out Williams who had refused to complete the essay he asked her and the other Black students to write.

I dont think you can make a case. You know what Timmia? Youre full of st too, Zlotkin said during another recording of his remarks.

New Jersey mother Margie Nieves and her 17-year-old daughter Timmia Williams (Photo: NBC New York)

Nieves said her teenage daughter was left in tears after the virtual classroom incident. She was crying. She came to me, tells me, Mom why is it theres a problem with my skin?' she recalled.

Story continues

When contacted by NBC New York, Dickinson High School officials said that Zlotkin was temporarily removed from the classroom and school as they look into the incident, but did not indicate if there would be any further discipline.

The school was in the process of taking statements from students today before proceeding with disciplinary actions, and then the second video surfaced, the school said in a statement. The teacher will not have access to students or the school as we proceed. We are appalled by the statements, profanity, disrespect and treatment of students.

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The post New Jersey teacher curses at Black students, calls George Floyd criminal appeared first on TheGrio.
Some people told us after The Nutcracker that they really preferred it because it was very personal. They felt like the dancers were dancing literally for them so I think they will get that while still having some really wonderful dancing in Cinderella, Tuohy said.


FEDERAL WAY (dpa-AFX) - Weyerhaeuser Co. (WY), a private owner of timberlands, announced Friday an agreement to sell 145,000 acres of timberlands in the North Cascades region of Washington to Hampton Resources for $266 million. The company expects to recognize a gain on the sale and anticipates no tax liability in conjunction with the deal.



The Washington disposition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021.



Earlier this week, the company completed its acquisition of 69,200 acres of high-quality Alabama timberlands from Soterra, a subsidiary of Greif, Inc., for approximately $149 million.



The company noted that the Washington disposition is largely comprised of high-elevation terrain in the North Cascades range, with approximately 25 percent of the acres located in Chelan County on the east side of the mountains.



Weyerhaeuser acquired the property through the acquisition of Longview Timber in 2013. It primarily supplies Hampton's nearby lumber mill in Darrington, Wash., and does not supply Weyerhaeuser's internal mills or strategic export customers.



Devin Stockfish, president and chief executive officer, said, 'Our Alabama acquisition will grow our near-term and long-term cash flow, and the Washington sale completes our targeted large-scale divestitures of non-strategic acreage in the West.'



Separately, while announcing higher first-quarter results, Weyerhaeuser said it expects second-quarter Timberlands earnings and Adjusted EBITDA to be comparable to the first quarter.



For Real estate, Energy & Natural Resources, Weyerhaeuser anticipates second quarter earnings and Adjusted EBITDA will be moderately lower than first quarter 2021 due to the timing of real estate transactions. The company continues to expect full year 2021 Adjusted EBITDA for the segment will be approximately $255 million.



Further, for Wood Products, second-quarter earnings and Adjusted EBITDA are expected to be significantly higher than the first quarter.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

WEYERHAEUSER-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
Anton Rovenskyy, Master of International Relations, International Political Scientist

'Current Albanian parliamentary elections are decisive for the EU membership negotiations'  a typical media headline during the Albanian national election held on April 25. An electoral reform, as well as a democratic election process are among the key demands considering Albanian EU perspectives. Are there any prospects for the European integration of the Western Balkan nations, which was proclaimed in a 2018 'A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans' strategy? The previous EU membership target year  2025  now is highly unlikely due to the COVID-19 pandemics and might be corrected.

Serbia

Since 2012, Serbia has been an official candidate for EU membership. Such European pledges were a part of a so-called deal with the official Belgrade, who remained mostly silent during the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence. Meanwhile, for the last 9 years there were no significant steps towards Serbian EU membership.

Many political experts had high hopes on the official visit of Serbia and Kosovo leaders to the White House in September 2020, however a signed deal on the economic normalisation did not overcome political implications between the two parties. Any legal fixation of Kosovo's independence in documents, without which Brussels is not ready to give Serbia the green light to join the EU, will mean an instant collapse of a political career for those Serbian politicians without any slightest chance of revenge. In addition, European establishment in Brussels fears that Belgrade, if it joins the European Union, will become a lobbyist for the Kremlin's interests, relying on the historical ties between Serbia and Russia. In this regard, one should point out the fact that Serbia has become the only European country that has not joined the EU and US sanctions policy towards the Russian Federation.

Montenegro

One of the smallest European nations, famous for its tourism, Montenegro is the most likely candidate to become a member of the EU. Little population and a rather small economy, which will help the EU to cope with the Montenegrin integration painlessly, as well as the use of Euro as an official currency and NATO membership form a strong basis for the nation's EU perspectives. By now, Montenegro meets the largest number of the so-called Copenhagen criteria, a list of conditions to be met in order to gain EU membership.

Considering the prospects of the nation's European perspectives, the 2023 Montenegrin presidential elections are of particular importance. The current President Milo ukanovic, who has ruled the state for 30 years on various positions, was defeated in the parliamentary elections last year, having lost his monopoly on power. Further demonopolization of Montenegrin policy can give a new impetus to the development of the national economy and a qualitative transformation of social institutions, which will contribute to the implementation of the strategic goal to join the EU by 2025.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), which was formed in its modern shape as a result of the 1995 Dayton Accords, finishing the Bosnian war, is a unique European political entity. Due to the confederal structure of the state, which includes the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (sometimes referred to as the Muslim-Croatian Federation) and the Republika Srpska, BiH has become an extremely complex bureaucratic system of public administration, which practically excludes any possibility of quick and effective decision implementation, especially considering the norms aimed at transforming its political, economic and social systems. In turn, the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Annex 4 to the Dayton Accords, and the supreme authority is vested in the hands of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who has a UN mandate. At the same time, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska do not have a sufficient number of social and economic ties among themselves; in fact, they live on a separate agenda from each other.

In 2016, Bosnia and Herzegovina officially applied for EU membership. However, all parties to the process realize that the path depends on the nation's ability to overcome the economic, social, and demographic consequences of the civil war of the 1990s, which looks problematic due to the lack of sufficient internal and external resources. Both tasks of maintaining civil peace and overcoming the split between the largest communities remain relevant for BiH, especially when the interests of major geopolitical players, including the US, Germany, China, Russia, and Turkey, are closely intertwined in the republic.

Kosovo

Partially recognized Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008, remains the most problematic region of the Balkans. Weak state institutions, a high level of cross-border crime and migration, ethnic tensions along the Albanian-Serb line, high levels of poverty and unemployment - these factors do not provide any chance to talk about steady progress in achieving the Copenhagen criteria. Moreover, in recent years, the official Pristina for several times has demonstrated a deviation from the general course of the EU and NATO in trade, economic, socio-legal and military-political issues, which does not strengthen Kosovo's position on both EU and NATO integration tracks.

A brand new stage of Kosovo-EU relations may start after the total reload of the political power in Kosovo, including the current political elites. The first step towards this process were the last year accusations against Hashim Thaci, which had to resign from the post of the President of the Republic of Kosovo. Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague accused him of war crimes dated from 1998 to 2000.

Albania

Albania, which has led isolationist policy until the 1990s, became a member of NATO in 2009 and received a status of an official candidate for EU membership five years later. The main obstacles to the country's accession to the EU are the high level of corruption, the influence of organized crime on the public administration system and the high level of poverty. The lack of development resources in Albania is a constant cause of political squabbles: one should notice, from 2017 to the present day, the majority of opposition MPs did not take part in the parliamentary meetings, considering the last elections to be fraudulent.

However, the Albanian ruling class is rather optimistic on the matter: on the verge of April 25 parliamentary elections, Albanian PM Edi Rama stated, that he expects Albania to become the Balkan champion in the field of tourism and agritourism, economy and agriculture, as well as fast high-quality digital services. Time will show us the ability of the official Tirana to realize such a program. In the mid-term perspective (3-5 years), we do not expect any significant progress in the negotiation process between Albania and the EU. The elections on April 25 were recognized by the European Union as well-organized, lively and inclusive, but it is not clear whether the Albanian opposition will receive leverage over the actions of the executive branch. Let us note that following the results of the last elections, the Socialist Party, led by the above-mentioned Edi Rama, was victorious.

North Macedonia

The former Yugoslav republic, which changed its name to North Macedonia a few years ago, has been already a candidate for EU membership since 2005. However, since then, the republic has not made a proper breakthrough in terms of transforming public relations and economic development, and even the country's admission to NATO in 2020 is not indicative.

Relations between North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria, which are rather skeptical on the European integration of the former Yugoslav republic, remain tense. Meanwhile, in recent years the nation itself was on the verge of coup d'etat several times. The situation worsened in 2017, when Albanian became the second official language, which led to a negative reaction of a big part of North Macedonian society.

At the same time, the European integration perspective outlines a kind of 'red lines' for North Macedonia, which the ruling class cannot cross. These lines act as a safety net for the republic, saving it from far more serious political and social upheavals.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 19:46:45|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a message of condolences to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

In the message, Xi said China is willing to strengthen anti-pandemic cooperation with India, and provide support and help to the country.

Noting that he is very concerned about the pandemic situation in India, Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people as well as in his own name, expressed sincere sympathies to the Indian government and people.

The human race belongs to a community with a shared future, Xi said, adding that only through solidarity and cooperation can all countries across the world defeat the pandemic finally.

Xi said he believes that under the leadership of the Indian government, its people will surely overcome the pandemic. Enditem
Oracle Cloud VMware Solution was made generally available on August 6th, 2020, in all Oracle regions and Oracles dedicated region cloud@customer service offering. The Oracle Cloud VMware Solution is a customer-managed, VMware Cloud Verified environment consisting of vCenter Server, ESXi hosts, vSAN, and NSX. Also included is VMware HCX to provide seamless migrations, network extension capabilities, and more from on-premises to Oracle Cloud VMware Solution.

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We are proud to announce the availability of Oracle Cloud VMware Solution Hands-on-Lab where you will:

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As cloud technologies continue to evolve, common business challenges arise in migrating workloads seamlessly across on-premises and public cloud environments. Building an integrated infrastructure, management, and application development stack to manage workloads across on-premises and public cloud workloads is now a strategic imperative. A unified on-premises and public cloud platform empowers IT organizations to preserve their existing on-premises investments across tools, training, and operations while providing the agility, economics, and scale of modern public clouds. Oracle Cloud VMware Solution is an ideal solution, particularly for companies with Oracle applications or Oracle Cloud Infrastructure investments. Oracle Cloud VMware Solution Hands-on-Labs is free and a great way to explore Oracle Cloud capabilities.
Hyderabad, April 30 : Telangana Health Minister Eatala Rajender said on Friday that he is ready to face probe by a sitting judge, CBI or any other institution with regard to the allegations of land grabbing levelled against him.

Addressing a news conference a couple of hours after Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao ordered a probe into the allegations of land grabbing levelled by some villagers of Medak district, Rajender demanded the government to order a comprehensive inquiry to bring out the truth.

"Let there be an inquiry by a sitting judge, CBI or any institution into my character and my assets. If I am found guilty, I am ready to face any punishment," he said.

Rajender also said that self-respect is more important to him than any post. When asked if he would resign as a minister, he said the probe into the allegations against him has to be completed first.

Earlier, the Chief Minister had instructed Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar to get an inquiry done by the district collector on the complaints of encroachment of lands on the outskirts of Achampet in Masaipet Mandal in Medak district.

The CM also instructed Vigilance DGP Purnachandra Rao to find out the truth with regard to the allegations.

The Chief Minister ordered the probe after some farmers in Medak district submitted a complaint to him, alleging that the Health Minister forcibly took over 100 acres of their assigned lands to start a poultry industry.

Eight villagers from Achampet and Hakimpet villages had alleged that the minister and his followers had taken over their lands to start a poultry industry. They sought the intervention of the CM and appealed to him to ensure that the assigned lands given to them by the government are restored to them immediately.

The land grab charge against the Health Minister sent shockwaves in the political circles at a time when the state is in the grip of an intense Covid wave.

This is the first time that a minister in the TRS government faced allegations of land grabbing and the victims directly approached the Chief Minister against the minister following which an inquiry was ordered immediately.

Rajender, however, denied any wrongdoings and alleged that it is a planned attempt for his character assassination. He did not say who is behind this.

He said the people of Telangana have seen his clean image throughout the Telangana movement.

"When hundreds of students of Osmania University and other universities were arrested and we saved them, nobody asked where the money came from. There should also be an inquiry against those who came on a scooter and overnight made hundreds of crores," he said without naming any leader.

He also alleged that attempts are being made to target him in the name of caste.

The Health Minister said that some people surrendered their 20-25 acres of land to the authorities so that the same could be allotted for the expansion of the Jamuna Hatcheries set up by his son in 2016.

Rajender said since the government was allotting lands and giving subsidies for setting up industries, he too had approached the Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office, Narsing Rao, to suggest a way out as the lands surrounding the hatchery were assigned lands which nobody could sell or purchase.

He said Narsing Rao had told him that if the owners surrendered the lands to the government, the same could be allotted to the hatchery through the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC).

The minister said the owners of the assigned lands signed the surrender documents and gave the same to the Mandal Revenue Officer.

"At present the land is with the government. I have not occupied a single acre of assigned land. The allegations against me are false," he said.

Rajender also claimed that he and his wife had started poultry business in 1986 and they ran the business professionally and with honesty.
Rajasthan, April 30 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday appealed to the Central government to extend its help to the state, which is facing shortage of oxygen, Remdesivir and other life saving resources due to the huge surge in active Covid caseload in the state.

In a series of tweets, Gehlot said, "We are trying to make efforts so that the Centre and the state governments can work together to fight this pandemic. The oxygen and medicine crisis is extremely distressing. We are repeatedly requesting the Central government to help Rajasthan and other states by taking help from other states and foreign nations." "There are about 1.70 lakh active cases in Rajasthan. As per the standard, about 12 per cent of the patients require oxygen. That is about 20,400 patients in Rajasthan today need oxygen and on the basis of these active cases, Rajasthan requires 466 MT oxygen. But at present only 265 MT oxygen is available. So there is a shortage of around 201 MT," he said.

He further said that the infected cases in the state constitute 5 per cent of the total cases in the country, but oxygen allocation to the state is only 1.6 per cent. Rajasthan will require a total of 550 MT oxygen within a week. Therefore, the Central government is requested to allocate 201 MT oxygen to the state as an emergency measure, the Chief Minister said.

"The Central government has taken control of oxygen and medicine supply for better management. But if the states want to help each other, it should be allowed under the supervision of the government of India. We hence request the Centre to help Rajasthan as the state needs the Central assistance," he added.

Gehlot had also spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Principal Secretary to PM, P.K. Mishra, on Thursday and apprised them about the Covid situation in Rajasthan.
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China is under rising pressure to guard against imported COVID-19 cases and domestic resurgences, with the virus still ravaging many parts of the world, a health official said Thursday.

China has registered 364 confirmed imported COVID-19 cases since the beginning of April, an average daily increase of more than 20 percent over the previous month, Mi Feng, spokesperson with the National Health Commission (NHC), told a press conference in Beijing.

Mi also alerted the public to the long-term, complex and uncertain nature of epidemic prevention and control.

The number of new COVID-19 cases globally reached 5.75 million in the past week, of which more than 40 percent were in countries that have a land border with China, with several countries experiencing explosive surges, he noted.

Amid strengthened quarantine measures for inbound travelers, at least two kinds of reagents should be used for nucleic acid tests on the 14th day after their entry into China, said another NHC official Wang Bin, adding that the tests should, in principle, be carried out by different testing institutions to improve accuracy.

China requires people entering the country to undergo a 14-day period of quarantine and medical observation before continuing another seven-day health observation at home.

They should take nucleic acid tests on the day after the quarantine has been lifted, and again on the seventh day, Wang said. Enditem

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
Sophie Monk and Joshua Gross recently celebrated their engagement with a lavish party.

And on Thursday, the happy couple couldn't keep their hands off each other as they canoodled at Melbourne Airport.

Showing just how close they've become, the pair both carried matching Louis Vuitton luggage.

High flyers: Sophie Monk and fiance Joshua Grosse couldn't keep their hands off each other as they canoodled at Melbourne Airport on Thursday

The designer baggage is estimated to be worth about $2,500 a piece.

Sophie, 41, looked stylish in black skinny jeans, a matching tank top and beige-coloured coat.

She accessorised with a Louis Vuitton bag and a pair of oversized sunglasses, and flashed her giant diamond engagement ring on her hand.

PDA: The pair were basically joined at the hip as they put their arms around each other

How sweet: Sophie leaned in to Joshua and put her head on his shoulder

Robotics consultant Joshua, 40, put on a sophisticated display in dark blue denim jeans, a blazer and brown Chelsea boots.

The couple remained Covid-conscious as they made their way through the terminal in face masks.

Sophie confirmed her engagement to Joshua on January 15, after months of speculation he'd proposed.

Safety first: The couple remained Covid-conscious as they made their way through the terminal in face masks

Dapper chap: Robotics consultant Joshua, 40, put on a sophisticated display in dark blue denim jeans, a blazer and brown Chelsea boots

The couple first met on a flight from Europe to Australia in August 2018, and shared a kiss after enjoying 'three champagnes' in business class.

They grew closer when Joshua helped Sophie recover after endometriosis surgery in November. Around this time, she also began the process of freezing her eggs.

She has said the couple will adopt a child if she is unable to become pregnant.
Changes in daily average particulate matter in the month of August from 2000 to 2019. Points outlined in black indicate statistical significance. Credit: Kai Wilmot

From the Pacific Northwest to the Rocky Mountains, summers in the West are marked by wildfires and smoke. New research from the University of Utah ties the worsening trend of extreme poor air quality events in Western regions to wildfire activity, with growing trends of smoke impacting air quality clear into September. The work is published in Environmental Research Letters.

"In a big picture sense, we can expect it to get worse," says Kai Wilmot, lead author of the study and doctoral student in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences. "We're going to see more fire area burned in the Western U.S. between now and in 2050. If we extrapolate our trends forward, it seems to indicate that a lot of urban centers are going to have trouble in meeting air quality standards in as little time as 15 years."

Drawing the connection

Many of the West's inhabitants have seen smoky summer skies in recent years. Last year, dramatic images of an orange-tinted San Francisco Bay Area called attention to the far-reaching problem of wildfire smoke. Wilmot, a native of the Pacific Northwest, has seen the smoke as well and, with his colleagues, looked at trends of extreme air quality events in the West from 2000 to 2019 to see if they correlated with summer wildfires.

Using air measurements of PM 2.5 , or the amount of particulate matter in the air with diameters less than 2.5 microns, from the Environmental Protection Agency and the IMPROVE monitoring network, along with measurements of fire area burned and the PM 2.5 emitted from those fires, the researchers found consistent trends in air quality that correlated with wildfire activitybut that had different spatial patterns in August than in September.

Trends in August and September

Over the years studied, the researchers noticed that the mean air quality was worsening in the Pacific Northwest in the average August when sensors indicated wildfire smoke events.

"That's pretty dramatic," Wilmot says, "that extreme events are strong enough to pull the mean up so that we're seeing an overall increase in particulate matter during August across much of the Pacific Northwest and portions of California. The Pacific Northwest seems like it's just really getting the brunt of it."

The reason for that, he says, is that the regions around the Pacific Northwest, in British Columbia and Northern California, both experience wildfires around August. The mountainous Pacific Northwest, Wilmot says, sits in the middle.

But by September, the researchers found, wildfire activity slows in British Columbia and shifts to the Rocky Mountains. The smoke shifts toothe researchers saw emerging trends correlating wildfire smoke with declines in September air quality in Wyoming and Montana. "We see the PM 2.5 trends start to pick up a bit more in the Rockies and they become more statistically significant, a little bit stronger and more spatially coherent," Wilmot says.

What about Utah? The study findings show that the magnitude and significance of air quality trends increases as you go from the southern states of Arizona and New Mexico toward the Pacific Northwest. In Utah, Wilmot says, air quality trends are near the edge of statistical significance, with evidence for impact from wildfires, but evidence that's less robust than in the Pacific Northwest and California. "Thinking about events like the smoke transport from fires in the Bay Area this past summer," Wilmot says, "I would not be surprised to see trends in Utah become increasingly convincing with additional data."

Looking to the future

Other researchers in other studies have suggested that the future will bring more fire areas burned in the Western U.S., with an accompanying increase in wildfire smoke exposure throughout the West and the impacts of that smoke on human health.

Wilmot notes that the trends the researchers see in the Pacific Northwest in August are "pretty robust," he says, while the September trends in Montana and Wyoming are still "emerging."

"I think the concern is that, given more time, those emerging trends are going to start looking a lot more like what we're seeing in August," he says. "I hope that's not the case, but it seems entirely within the realm of possibility."

His next step is to develop simulation models to more precisely link wildfire emissions in urban centers to smoke source regions.

"The big picture," he says, "is aiming to help forest management in terms of identifying wildfire emissions hotspots that are particularly relevant to air quality in the Western U.S., such that if we had funding to spend on some sort of intervention to limit wildfire emissions, we would know where to allocate those funds first to get the most out of it."

Explore further Better warnings needed about health impacts of long-range wildfire smoke

More information: T Y Wilmot et al, Expanding number of Western US urban centers face declining summertime air quality due to enhanced wildland fire activity, Environmental Research Letters (2021). Journal information: Environmental Research Letters T Y Wilmot et al, Expanding number of Western US urban centers face declining summertime air quality due to enhanced wildland fire activity,(2021). DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/abf966
April 30 : It has been a year since veteran actor Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30 last year. While his friends and industry colleagues remembered their favourite friend, his daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni shared a couple of old pictures of herself with her dad Rishi Kapoor and remembered him on his first death anniversary. Rishi Kapoor died of cancer last year.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Riddhima shared two images, wherein the jewellery designer can be seen posing with the veteran actor. In one picture, a young Rishi Kapoor can be seen with a baby Riddhima. The other picture features a grown-up Riddhima posing with her dad.

Along with the pictures, Riddhima shared a heartfelt note remembering Rishi Kapoor. In the note, Riddhima expressed that she desires to be called Mushk once more by her dad. Riddhima is called Mushk by her family members. Using writer Dorothy Mae Cavendish's quote, she wrote how much she misses her father. Her note read as, If only I could hear you call me Mushk once more... 'Until we meet again we think about you always, we talk about you still, you have never been forgotten, and you never will. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain, to walk and guide us through our lives, until we meet again.- Dorothy Mae Cavendish. I love you always.

Earlier, on March 25, the Kapoor family held a small prayer meeting on 11 months of Rishi Kapoor's death. On the occasion, Riddhima took to social media and shared a picture, wherein she can be seen with her brother Ranbir Kapoor at the prayer meet. In the image, the siblings are seen taking part in a havan. Riddhima wrote, Always watching over us! We miss you, followed by a heart emoji.

On April 30, 2020, Rishi Kapoor passed away at the age of 67. Amitabh Bachchan broke the news on Twitter. Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2018. He spent more than a year in New York for his treatment. He had returned to Mumbai in September 2019 with his wife Neetu Kapoor. Due to the nationwide lockdown imposed last year to control coronavirus pandemic, Riddhima couldn't attend the funeral of her father. However, a day later, she travelled by road and reached Mumbai with her daughter to be with her mom Neetu Kapoor and brother Ranbir.
The remains of an Alabama soldier who died during the Korean Conflict have been identified.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that Army Cpl. Henry L. Helms, 24, of Collbran, in DeKalb County, who was killed during the Korean War, was accounted for April 16.

He will be buried May 22 in Ringgold, Ga.

In late 1950, Helms was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.

On July 27, 2018, following the June summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, North Korea turned over 55 boxes, purported to contain the remains of American service members killed during the Korean War. The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 1, 2018, and were sent to the DPAA laboratory for identification.

Scientists used anthropological analysis, circumstantial evidence and mitochondrial DNA to determine Helms identity.

His name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others who are still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
Federal Defence Minister Peter Dutton has shot down a Victorian plan to build a Commonwealth-funded quarantine facility in Melbournes north, just a day after it was announced by acting Premier James Merlino.

Mr Merlino said on Thursday morning that the state would set aside $15 million to design and plan a 500-bed quarantine facility to house international arrivals on federal land in Mickleham.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

But the federal government was unaware of the Victorian plans until, almost literally, the last minute. The business case was sent to the federal government at 9.42am on Thursday, moments before Mr Merlino fronted the media to announce the plan, which is entirely contingent on $200 million of Commonwealth funding.

On Friday morning, Mr Dutton indicated there was little support from the federal government for a purpose-built facility in Victoria.
DUBLIN, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Research Department Explosive Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Type and Application" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Increased Spending on Defense and Military Applications to Escalate Research Department Explosive Market Growth during 2020-2027



Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market was valued at US$ 8,061.38 million in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 10,363.27 million by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2020 to 2027.



Research department explosive (RDX) is hard, dissolvable in different solvents such as ethanol and ether, and insoluble in water. The manufacturing process of RDX comprises multiple stages, such as nitration, raw materials storing and feeding, filtration, disintegration, and transport.

Various manufacturers are investing comprehensively in research & development activities to build up pioneering products to support the defense forces and fulfill ever-escalating product demand. RDX is used in various military and typical applications such as fireworks and cast PBX charges.



The growing safety concerns and increasing need to protect the national borders and boundaries are inclining the government of different nations to spend more on their respective military, defense arms, and ammunition. In 2021, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute mentioned that the global spending on military and defense is US$1,917 billion, which mostly accounts for 2.2% of the global gross domestic product (GDP).

The US, India, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia are the top five spenders on defense and military applications and contribute to more than 60% of the global military spending. RDX is mostly used as an explosive in the military industry that can use with explosives such as TNT to make cyclotrons that produce bursting charges for mines, aerial bombs, and torpedoes well, as it can be used as a base charge for detonators.

The manufacturers are spending more on R&D activities to make innovative products to help the defense industry. RDX is used in a wide range of military applications such as bombs, munition of all calibers, plastic explosives, and missile warheads. Furthermore, the increase in the number of instances of terror attacks in different countries has led them to increase the spending on military and defense applications, which drives the growth of the research development explosives (RDX) market.



BAE Systems; Chemring Group PLC; Mil-Spec Industries Corporation; Nitro-Chem SA; Eurenco; PRVA ISKRA - NAMENSKA A.D.; Austin Powder; Dyno Nobel; Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc.; and Orica Limited are among the well-established players in the global research department explosive (RDX) market.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction

1.1 Study Scope

1.2 Research Report Guidance

1.3 Market Segmentation



2. Key Takeaways



3. Research Methodology

3.1 Scope of the Study

3.2 Research Methodology



4. Research Department Explosive Market Landscape

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 PEST Analysis



5. Research Development Explosive (RDX) Market - Key Market Dynamics

5.1 Market Drivers

5.1.1 Increased Spending on Defense and Military Applications

5.1.2 Usage of RDX in Mining and Construction Industry

5.2 Restraint

5.2.1 Stringent regulatory framework

5.3 Opportunity

5.3.1 Growing demand for RDX in Europe

5.4 Future Trend

5.4.1 Innovations in Developing Energetic Materials

5.5 Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints



6. Research Department Explosive - Global Market Analysis

6.1 Research Department Explosive Market Overview

6.2 Research Department Explosive Market -Revenue and Forecast to 2027 (US$ Million)

6.3 Market Positioning - Global Market Players



7. Research Department Explosive Market Analysis - By Type

7.1 Overview

7.2 Research Department Explosive Market, By Type (2019 and 2027)

7.3 Explosives

7.4 Pyrotechnics



8. Research Department Explosive Market Analysis - By Application

8.1 Overview

8.2 Research Department Explosive Market, By Application (2019 and 2027)

8.3 Military

8.4 Civilian



9. Research development explosive (RDX) Market - Geographic Analysis

9.1 Overview



10. Overview- Impact of COVID-19



11. Key Company Profiles

BAE Systems

Chemring Group PLC

Mil-Spec Industries Corporation

Nitro-Chem SA

Eurenco

PRVA ISKRA - NAMENSKA A.D.

Austin Powder

Dyno Nobel

Ensign- Bickford Industries , Inc.

, Inc. Orica Limited

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kxc3ju

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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By Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News (TNS)

NEW YORK  Beleaguered former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani claimed Thursday that federal investigators only raided his Manhattan apartment and office this week because theyre jealous of his erstwhile career as a prosecutor and cooked up a garbage case against him to smear his name.

Giuliani, who served as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York in the 1980s, unloaded on the feds in an appearance on his namesake radio show, his first public comments since FBI agents stormed his Upper East Side home and Midtown law firm at dawn Wednesday.

Ive done your job longer and much better than you have. You people have any convictions like I had when I was U.S. attorney? You havent had a person like me in the U.S. attorneys office since I left  no wonder youre jealous! Giuliani said on WABC.

New York City Police officers walk out of the apartment building where former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani resides, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in New York. Federal agents on Wednesday raided Giulianis Manhattan home and office, seizing computers and cell phones in a major escalation of the Justice Departments investigation into the business dealings of former President Donald Trumps personal lawyer. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)AP

His voice rising, Giuliani compared the feds investigating him to some of the high-profile criminals he prosecuted as U.S. attorney.

Ive been fighting crooks all my life. Im fighting crooks again. The only tragedy of it is they have titles from the government, but they are a disgrace. They are a complete disgrace to the office that I distinguished, said Giuliani, who was an attorney for former President Donald Trump. Did they get any Milkens or Boeskys or the five families of the mafia or two Nazis that I sent out of the country? Huh? They get threatened with getting killed by the mafia, the Colombian cartel wanting to cut my throat?

What have they done? he continued. Nothing, except come after me at 6 oclock in the morning with a piece of nonsense. No wonder theyre jealous. I mean its just ridiculous.

A spokesman for the Southern District declined to comment.

The Manhattan feds, operating out of the same downtown office once led by Giuliani, are investigating the former mayor over allegations that he committed foreign agent crimes by lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of Ukrainian government officials and oligarchs in 2019 without proper registration.

Its unknown if the investigation extends beyond alleged lobbying violations, and Giuliani has not formally been accused of any wrongdoing.

Journalists assemble outside the apartment building where former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani resides, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in New York. Federal agents on Wednesday raided Giulianis Manhattan home and office, seizing computers and cell phones in a major escalation of the Justice Departments investigation into the business dealings of former President Donald Trumps personal lawyer. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)AP

But the feds ramped up the probe significantly this week, seizing cellphones and computers at Giulianis pads and executing other search warrants on some of his associates who worked with him on Ukraine efforts.

Alongside his alleged lobbying transgressions, Giuliani was in Ukraine digging for politically compromising material on then-presidential candidate Joe Biden  an effort undertaken at Trumps direction that triggered the former presidents first impeachment.

In addition to accusing prosecutors of jealousy, Giuliani suggested on his radio show that they are going after him because theyre salty over his smear campaign against Biden.

I didnt collude with any Ukrainians ... I was there as a lawyer, he said. They dont care because theyre a bunch of liberals and they want to get rid of Trump. ... What theyre doing to me as a lawyer is unconscionable. I was representing my client when I did this. I wasnt representing any Ukrainians. I was representing Donald J. Trump.

More:

Rudy Giuliani is an idiot who will flip on Trump in a heartbeat, Michael Cohen says

Dominion Voting System sues Rudy Giuliani over baseless election claims
Chicken wings are seen before an eating contest in Washington. (AFP via Getty Images)

The demand for chicken in America  from sandwiches to wings  is so high that the country is starting to run low.

KFC told Bloomberg that it is struggling to keep up with the demand for its new sandwich. Responding to a customer, Bojangles said in a tweet that were experiencing a system-wide shortage : (But they will be back soon!)

Demand for the new sandwich has been so strong that, coupled with general tightening in domestic chicken supply, our main challenge has been keeping up with that demand, said David Gibbs, CEO of Yum Brands, which owns KFC.

Without mentioning any shortages, McDonalds also said that sales for its chicken sandwiches are exceeding our projections.

Experts have cited several reasons for the shortage, including disruptions in the market and supply chain because of the Covid-19 pandemic and an increased demand for a comfort food that can be easily packed for takeout or delivery, according to The Washington Post.

The poultry industry is also facing labor issues.

Fabio Sandri, chief executive officer of Pilgrims Pride Corp, the second-biggest US chicken producer, said the biggest challenge for them is labour. The company expects to pay $40 million (28 million) more this year to retain workers, according to Bloomberg.

Reports have revealed that workers have endured life-threatening conditions in meat and poultry plants during the pandemic, according to TheWashington Post.

Poultry plants in the US became coronavirus hotspots last year. About 60,000 meatpacking workers tested positive in the US and at least 291 died, according to data compiled by Food and Environment Reporting Network in last October.

Donald Trumps administration also allowed 15 poultry plants to increase slaughter line speeds during the pandemic, making it difficult for workers to distance from each other. The decision allowed the virus to spread more easily, according to an analysis by The Post.

Read More

Marjorie Taylor Greene to join under-fire Matt Gaetz at America First rally at retirement community in Florida

Police investigating after hangmans noose found at Amazon distribution centre construction site

Two police officers accused of punching Arab American teenager and then lying about it
Meghan Markle has told teenage girls to 'challenge injustice' during a virtual chat.

The Duchess of Sussex held an online roundtable with 13 to 18-year-olds  primarily girls of colour  and spoke of 'everyday struggles during Covid-19'.

Meghan said these included mental health, racism and 'identity loss and isolation'.

The duchess - joined by the leaders of Girls Inc and The National Women's Law Centre, which advocates women's legal rights - urged the 'young activists' to share the challenges their generation faced in order for their voices to be heard.

The group all have ambitions of being medical professionals, senators, and presidents, a post on the Archewell website  the foundation set up by the Sussexes  read.

It said the roundtable gave the young women a platform to 'help define a path forward and continue making an impact'.

It comes amid a Palace probe into allegations that Meghan - who is pregnant with a baby girl - bullied royal aides during her time as a senior royal.

Meghan Markle (pictured) has told teenage girls to 'challenge injustice' during a virtual chat

The group all have ambitions of being medical professionals, senators, and presidents, a post on the Archewell website (pictured)  the foundation set up by the Sussexes  read

The Duchess of Sussex is accused of 'driving out' two PAs and shattering the confidence of another member of Kensington Palace staff.

Meghan has denied the allegations and accused the newspaper of being 'used by Buckingham Palace to peddle a wholly false narrative' about her.

It also comes in the wake of Harry and Meghan's tell-all Oprah Winfrey interview - in which they accused the Royal Family of institutional racism.

Meghan, Prince Harry and their son Archie are currently living in an 11million mansion in California after the duke returned from the UK following Prince Philip's funeral.

Today's statement on the Archewell website reads: 'As young activists, these girls are already making an impact around education, social justice, and health and wellness in their own schools and communities.'

Pregnant Meghan, Prince Harry and their son Archie are currently living in an 11million mansion in California after the duke returned from the UK following Prince Philip's funeral

The Duchess of Sussex (pictured with Prince Harry) held an online roundtable with 13 to 18-year-olds  primarily girls of colour  and spoke of 'everyday struggles during Covid-19'

It continues: 'The girls who attended had strong and incisive perspectives on issues critical to girls today.'

The duchess also 'reflected on the impact of trailblazing women throughout history' and asked the group to share their female role models which 'embolden them to challenge injustice'.

Some of the responses included American civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, as well as Kala Bagai, one of the first South Asian women to immigrate to the US in the early 20th century.

The post said: 'Amid the pandemic, the duchess has been engaging with communities of girls and girl-serving organizations, taking an approach of listening to and learning directly from a new generation of leaders.

'All throughout the past year, she has convened conversations with women and girls, spoken with gender icons as well as new leaders, and partnered with key organizations advocating for a more equitable and just future.'

Prince Harry and Meghan attend a reception for young people, community and civil society leaders at the Residence of the British High Commissioner in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2019

Some of the previous events Meghan has taken part in included a virtual mentoring session with a teenage girl from volunteer group LA Works and the charitable trust 'I Have a Dream' Foundation during Women's History Month.

On Black History Month, she spoke with diverse young poets from the organisation Get Lit  Words Ignite that was focused on creating change through the power of words.

The post said: 'This work will continue as part of Archewell Foundation's commitment to building compassionate communities that uplift women and girls, and serves as a reflection of the long-standing record of advocacy by the duchess, who has been standing up for equity since she was a young girl herself.'
Jodi Daly, CEO of Comprehensive Healthcare, Jeff Thomas, CEO of Frontier Behavioral Health, and Patrick Evans, CEO of Sound, are all members of Fourfront Contributor, an advocacy and leadership collective of four of the largest community behavioral health agencies in Washington.
Mayfield Crash Leaves One Dead, Three Injured

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MAYFIELD - A two-vehicle collision in Mayfield Thursday left one person dead and three others injured.The Mayfield Police Department said a car driven by 90-year-old Mildred Tucker of Mayfield was traveling on KY 464 in heavy rain and low visibility when it crossed into oncoming traffic on the Dick Castleman Bypass. A van driven by 66-year-old Deborah Flowers of Mayfield was traveling on the bypass when it struck the driver's side of Tucker's car.Tucker and one of her passengers, 71-year-old Sonja Clark of Mayfield, were transported by ambulance to Mercy Health-Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Tucker was pronounced dead at the hospital. Clark was later flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.Flowers and another passenger in Tucker's vehicle, 69-year-old Sherry True of Water Valley, were taken to Jackson Purchase Medical Center. A passenger in Flowers' vehicle, a 7-year-old juvenile, was not injured.
LuxuryTrainTickets.com has announced a number of new luxury train journeys across the UK-based Northern Belle and British Pullman as well as the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, with dates available this year all the way until the end of next.

Offering an even greater choice of luxury train journeys amongst their already extensive list of trips, LuxuryTrainTickets.com are adding 27 new Northern Belle journeys, eight new British Pullman journeys and four new Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journeys.

The Northern Belle is a 1930s luxury train that departs across the Midlands and North of England. Offering a wide range of journeys including afternoon teas, dinners and excursions, the new range of 27 additional journeys add an even greater choice for customers. Just some of these journeys include Day trips to Windsor Castle, Glamis Castle and Winchester as well as a special Dartmouth Steam Railway & Paignton day trip.

Also travelling the UK is the British Pullman. Departing exclusively from London, the British Pullman adds journeys to seaside towns including Whitstable, Hastings and Broadstairs as well as a special dinner hosted by celebrity chef, Rayond Blanc.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is by far one of the most famous and luxurious trains in the world and now offers customers a number of new journeys. European destinations and departure points now include Rome, Florence, Geneva, Amsterdam, Brussels and Innsbruck.

LuxuryTrainTickets.com are also pleased to announce a 5% discount off any luxury train journey. Both new and existing guests can receive this discount off new or existing journeys by using code ORIENT5 in the checkout.

Darren Handley, Head of Sales & Customer Services at LuxuryTrainTickets.com says: "With many of our clients returning to us time and time again, we're excited to offer them a whole host of brand new journeys to choose from. Further more, these latest journeys strengthen our current catalogue giving those looking to experience luxury train travel an even greater choice."

Full details of the new journeys as well as existing journeys can be found on LuxuryTrainTickets.com.

About LuxuryTrainTickets.com:

Contact: Richard Oborne, https://www.luxurytraintickets.com/, 020 3640 8887

LuxuryTrainTickets.com specialises in luxury train journeys all over the world and are an authorised ticketing agent. Exclusive offers are regularly available including money off advertised travel prices.

Group bookings of four or more can also expect to receive a discount by request. LuxuryTrainTickets.com can also accommodate larger group bookings, private carriage hire as well as private charters.

LuxuryTrainTickets.com was founded in 2019 and is a trading name of Golden Moments, a gift experience brand founded in 1999. After realising a demand for luxury train journeys, LuxuryTrainTickets.com was created to focus purely on luxury train trips.
DALLAS (SMU) - NASA has a long tradition of unexpected discoveries, and the space program's TESS mission is no different. SMU astrophysicist and her team have discovered a particularly bright gamma-ray burst using a NASA telescope designed to find exoplanets - those occurring outside our solar system - particularly those that might be able to support life.

It's the first time a gamma-ray burst has been found this way.

Gamma-ray bursts are the brightest explosions in the universe, typically associated with the collapse of a massive star and the birth of a black hole. They can produce as much radioactive energy as the sun will release during its entire 10-billion-year existence.

Krista Lynne Smith, an assistant professor of physics at Southern Methodist University, and her team confirmed the blast - called GRB 191016A - happened on Oct. 16 and also determined its location and duration. A study on the discovery has been published in The Astrophysical Journal.

"Our findings prove this TESS telescope is useful not just for finding new planets, but also for high-energy astrophysics," said Smith, who specializes in using satellites like TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) to study supermassive black holes and gas that surrounds them. Such studies shed light on the behavior of matter in the deeply warped spacetime around black holes and the processes by which black holes emit powerful jets into their host galaxies.

Smith calculated that GRB 191016A had a peak magnitude of 15.1, which means it was 10,000 times fainter than the faintest stars we can see with the naked eyes.

That may sound quite dim, but the faintness has to do with how far away the burst occurred. It is estimated that light from GRB 191016A's galaxy had been travelling 11.7 billion years before becoming visible in the TESS telescope.

Most gamma ray bursts are dimmer - closer to 160,000 times fainter than the faintest stars.

The burst reached its peak brightness sometime between 1,000 and 2,600 seconds, then faded gradually until it fell below the ability of TESS to detect it some 7000 seconds after it first went off.

This gamma-ray burst was first detected by a NASA's satellite called Swift-BAT, which was built to find these bursts. But because GRB 191016A occurred too close to the moon, the Swift-BAT couldn't do the necessary follow-up it normally would have to learn more about it until hours later.

NASA's TESS happened to be looking at that same part of the sky. That was sheer luck, as TESS turns its attention to a new strip of the sky every month.

While exoplanet researchers at a ground-base for TESS could tell right away that a gamma-ray burst had happened, it would be months before they got any data from the TESS satellite on it. But since their focus was on new planets, these researchers asked if any other scientists at a TESS conference in Sydney, Australia were interested in doing more digging on the blast.

Smith was one of the few high-energy astrophysics specialists there at that time and quickly volunteered.

"The TESS satellite has a lot of potential for high-energy applications, and this was too good an example to pass up," she said. High-energy astrophysics studies the behavior of matter and energy in extreme environments, including the regions around black holes, powerful relativistic jets, and explosions like gamma-ray bursts.

TESS is an optical telescope that collects light curves on everything in its field of view, every half hour. Light curves are a graph of light intensity of a celestial object or region as a function of time. Smith analyzed three of these light curves to be able to determine how bright the burst was.

She also used data from ground-based observatories and the Swift gamma-ray satellite to determine the burst's distance and other qualities about it.

"Because the burst reached its peak brightness later and had a peak brightness that was higher than most bursts, it allowed the TESS telescope to make multiple observations before the burst faded below the telescope's detection limit," Smith said. "We've provided the only space-based optical follow-up on this exceptional burst."

###

About SMU

SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU's alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, communities and the world.
Radio Broadcaster and Presenter of Peace FM's Drive Time Show ''Ekwanso Brebre'', Odi Ahenkan has called for the immediate arrest of Kumawood actor, Big Akwes.



Popular fetish priestess who now says she is an Evangelist, Nana Agradaa was arrested twice by the Police and granted bail.



The first arrest came after the National Communications Authority took an action to shut down forty-nine (49) TV stations operating without authorization.



Nana Agradaa's TV stations, Thunder TV and Ice TV, were listed among the affected stations.



She was also reported for defrauding people, all playing a role in her first arrest.



The newly Evangelist, who goes by the name Patricia Oduro Koranteng, was granted a Ghc 500,000 bail but just before she could breathe fresh air outside Police cells, she was immediately arrested minutes after the bail following a report by famous preacher, Rev. Obofour.



The two, Nana Agradaa and Rev. Obofour, have constantly been at each other's throats and rained insults on themselves.



Big Akwes, aside his acting career, is also widely known for hosting the fetish programmes on Nana Agradaa's TV stations where he persuades victims seeking after quick money to visit the fetish priestess.



They call the quick money 'sika gari' and what happens is that the priestess claims to have the power to double money for her clients.



Big Akwes plays a vital role in finding people for Nana Agradaa's scam.



Odi Ahenkan argued that Big Akwes' role in Agradaa's 'sika gari' fraud should not be overlooked.



He emphasized that the Police must arrest the actor for aiding and abeting the crimes of Nana Agradaa.



"That boy should be arrested . . . he shouldn't go scot free. Big Akwes must be arrested. He contributed to the downfall of a lot of people; some people have died," Odi Ahenkan hollered on his show.





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
A white New York couple accused of beating a black hotel clerk in a racially motivated attack danced and blew kisses at Black Lives Matter protesters on their way into court.

While protesters chanted, 'Hey hey, ho ho, these racist folks have got to go,' Philip Sarner danced and gestured toward his crotch while Emily Orbay blew kisses.

They were caught on surveillance video allegedly beating Crystal Caldwell, a hotel clerk at the Quality Inn in Mystic, Connecticut, on June 26, 2020.

In the video, Sarner appears to punch Caldwell, shove her to the ground and kick her head. Orbay appears to hit Caldwell's head.

'He has no remorse. The only thing he is sorry about is that he was caught,' Caldwell's lawyer M. John Strafci told ABC after the couple's crude entrance into New London Superior Court in Connecticut on Wednesday.

Strafaci told ABC that Caldwell sustained head injuries, an eye injury and a concussion. He said she also suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and continues to have nightmares about the assault.

'It's gonna be a long, long time that I don't stop dreaming about his stepping and kicking, stepping on my head. It's going to be a long time,' Caldwell told WTNH outside the courthouse.

Scroll down for video.

While Black Lives Matter protesters chanted, Philip Sarner and Emily Orbaby, who are accused of beating a black hotel clerk, danced and blew kisses

Emily Orbay blew kisses at protesters while they chanted, 'Hey hey, ho ho, these racist folks have got to go'

The Long Island couple is accused of beating Crystal Caldwell, a black hotel clerk in a Connecticut hotel last June. During the alleged assault, Caldwell said Sarner called her an 'old monkey'

Protesters lined up outside New London Superior Court in Connecticut on Wednesday to greet the Long Island couple on their way into court

M. John Strafci (left), who is Caldwell's (right) lawyer Told ABC after the Long Island's entrance into court, '(Sarner) has no remorse. The only thing he is sorry about is that he was caught'

The Long Island couple were in court con charges of intimidation due to bias and assault in the attack that Caldwell claims was racially motivated.

Sarner also faces a further charge of harassment for allegedly making harassing phone calls to Strafaci.

The couple was staying in the Quality Inn in Mystic, Connecticut, at the time of alleged assault, which started because their hot water wasn't working.

Caldwell recounted her attack in an interview with The Day at the time, telling the news outlet that Sarner quickly angered after she told him the repairman woulkd check out the problem or she could move them to another room.

Sarner's allegedly said he and and his girlfriend were going to 'kick her a**,' Caldwell told The Day.

Caldwell hung up, but minutes later, Sarner showed up at her desk threatening Caldwell.

The hotel's general manager and executive housekeeper tried to diffuse the situation but Sarner allegedly continued his threats.

Caldwell responded, which angered Sarner and he allegedly ran at her and tried to hit her, Caldwell told The Day.

She fought back but was punched in the head repeatedly and sustained a concussion, swollen face and badly injured right eye. He called her an 'old monkey,' Caldwell said.

Police arrived and told Caldwell to wait in the employee lounge while they reviewed the surveillance tape.

She said she went into the hallway to get ice for her face when Sarner's girlfriend shouted at her, and the couple ganged up on her for round two.

They were seen on tape pushing her against the wall and then down onto the ground, kicking her in the back and injuring her ribs.

'It's one of the most vicious assaults that I've seen,' Caldwell's lawyer told ABC after the court hearing. 'Just a situation where you have a lady who's working at a hotel [who] hasn't done anything to deserve it.'

While Crystal Caldwell went to get ice for her face, the Long Island couple (bottom two people in the photo) followed her

The Long Island couple were caught on surveillance attacking Caldwell for the second time

'It's one of the most vicious assaults that I've seen,' Caldwell's lawyer told ABC after the court hearing

Sarner and Orbay are accused of beating Caldwell in an alleged racially motivated assault last June in a Connecticut hotel

The state's attorney's office offered a plea deal to Sarner and Orbay on Wednesday.

If they plead guilty to all charges, Sarner would be sentenced to nine years in prison, suspended after five years served, and three years probation, ABC reported.

Orbay would be sentenced to six years in prison, suspended after two years, followed by three years probation, Strafaci told ABC.

The couple is due back in court in July to either accept or reject the plea deals.

Sarner and Orbay's attorney Kevin Smith did not reply to DailyMail.com request for comment.

Smith said last August, 'We obviously would dispute the nature of the assault,' when arguing for reduced bond for the couple, according to The Day.
NCIS: Hawaii just released exciting cast news. It was recently announced Vanessa Lachey will be the lead agent on the new NCIS spinoff. Heres everything we know about Lachey and her new role.

Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant on NCIS: Hawaii

Vanessa Lachey | Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

Lachey will be the first woman to lead an NCIS spinoff. Her character is reportedly named Jane Tennant, and she will be the Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Pearl Harbor office, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Lachey took to Instagram to express her excitement about the new role. Honored is an understatement! wrote Lachey. To join the NCIS franchise as the first female lead and to do it on the Beautiful Islands of Hawaii. I still cant believe it! Thank You CBS for believing in me! Now lets get to work!

Vanessa Lacheys movies and TV roles

Vanessa Lachey starred on The Bold and the Beautiful. | Desiree Navarro/Getty Images

One of Lacheys early roles was in the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful. She played Amanda Wexler for eight episodes in 2001. That same year, she appeared in an episode of City Guys titled Dances with Malcolm. In 2003, Lachey appeared in the TV movie The Break, in which she played Malia. She made her film debut in the 2007 movie Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer.

In 2013, Lachey joined the cast of Dads. She played Camilla Whittemore for 19 episodes until 2014. She has also made appearances in Call Me Kat; Beverly Hills, 90210; Christmas Unleashed; Truth Be Told; and Hawaii Five-0.

Former NCIS: New Orleans producers will head up NCIS: Hawaii

Some familiar faces will join the NCIS: Hawaii team. NCIS: New Orleans showrunner Chris Silber will write and executive produce along with Jan Nash (also from NCIS: New Orleans) and Matt Bosack (known for SEAL Team), reports The Hollywood Reporter. Larry Teng, who is known for Nancy Drew, will be the director and also have a role as an executive producer. NCIS: Hawaii will use the production base used by Hawaii Five-0, reports Deadline.

What else is happening in the NCIS universe

Many fans are overjoyed to hear that NCIS has been renewed for season 19. McGee, Gibbs, Torres, and Bishop will be back for another round of solving crimes. Wilmer Valderrama (Nick Torres) says he is grateful CBS renewed the show.

Were very blessed and very excited that were able to return and give the fans a real season, says Valderrama during a TV Insider interview. Last year we stopped abruptly, so we werent able to give fans a real season finale and a real season opener.

NCIS: Los Angeles has been renewed for season 13. Fans will continue to see Sam, Callen, Kensi, Deeks, and the rest of the crew keep the streets of Los Angeles safe. One thing that isnt clear is whether Hetty (Linda Hunt) will be back. There have been hints that this could be her final season. Well have to stay tuned to see where her story line takes her.

Follow Sheiresa Ngo on Twitter.
Imagine a world where your fellow Canadians demand the government take away the fundamental rights of others, because of the 1%.



This is where we are today. We are being ruled by the 1% and it's not the rich and powerful... that's the other 1%. We're being ruled by the 1% chance of death.



I, for one, am proud that Kelowna is the "Protest Capitol"! If it wasn't for those weekly rallies and people holding signs every Saturday, I would have thought that I was alone. The first time I went to a protest I was almost overwhelmed by the positive energy and general goodwill I saw. It was the way things should be and almost saddened me when I came to the realization that "normal" had somehow become abnormal to me.



Seeing people hug and stand close while talking. Seeing faces, uncovered and smiling. It was strangely strange, but wonderful, and so desperately needed. I went home a refreshed version of myself.



If it wasn't for the brave people putting those events together, I wonder how depressed I would be, or how angry I would be. I wonder if I would be one of those people lashing out against my fellow Canadians and demand that the Government "do something about them" for choosing to take their destiny into their own hands and exercise their fundamental rights, as outlined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.



I wonder how my ancestors would feel about me if I was one of those people? I am glad to stand proud and say that I stand for and will uphold the rights that they so fervently fought for.

Michelle Cartmell


Advertisement

The 'dazzle' camouflage paint job applied to a new Royal Navy patrol ship was originally used on an array of vessels in the First and Second World War in the hope that it would confuse enemy German U-boats and ships.

Military chiefs have resurrected the colour scheme on HMS Tamar, which will head to the Asia-Pacific region later this year.

It boasts shades of black, white and grey in strange, jarring shapes which were added by shipwrights at the A&P yard in Falmouth, Cornwall.

Dazzle camouflage owes its existence to Royal Navy officer and artist Norman Wilkinson and the height of the first Battle of the Atlantic in 1917.

With Britain struggling to deal with the U-boat threat, Wilkinson came up with the idea of confusing skippers during patrols out of Plymouth.

He couldn't make ships invisible - the smoke belching from their funnels were an obvious give-away - but he could make it much harder to identify them, or judge their course and speed.

The paint job was used on WWI ships including HMS Furious and HMS Nairana before being appearing in the Second World War on HMS Badsworth and HMS Trinidad, among others.

Scroll down for video.

The 'dazzle' camouflage paint job applied to new Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Tamar was originally used on an array of vessels in the First and Second World War in the hope that it would confuse German U-boats

Dazzle camouflage was originally used in the First World War. Pictured: The paint job on WWI aircraft carrier HMS Argus

Historian Simon Stevens, the curator of the National Maritime Museum, told the BBC it was 'intriguing' that the Navy have opted to use the historic paint job once again.

Given that submarines are no longer solely reliant on periscopes to spot vessels, the colour scheme has much less value than it once did and so has not been used since World War Two.

However, the Royal Navy's Commander David Louis, who heads up the Overseas Patrol Squadron, said the new camouflage is about supporting the 'unique identity' of his unit.

In the First and Second World Wars, the different shapes, angles and colours were intended to confuse submariners peering through periscopes.

Dazzle camouflage owes its existence to Royal Navy officer and artist Norman Wilkinson and the height of the first Battle of the Atlantic in 1917

With Britain struggling to deal with the U-boat threat, Wilkinson came up with the idea of confusing U-boat skippers during patrols out of Plymouth. Pictured: WWI ship with HMS Nairana with the paint job

In the First and Second World Wars, the different shapes, angles and colours were intended to confuse submariners peering through periscopes. Pictured: WWI ship HMS Pegasus

It was also hoped the paint would make their calculations about targets' speed and direction incorrect  meaning any torpedo might miss.

Commander Wilkinson's idea was first tested on miniature model ships before being approved by the Admiralty and used on the real Navy fleet.

More than 2,000 ships received the strange livery before the end of the Great War.

Even though better rangefinders, and later radar, had come into use during World War Two, the dazzle scheme still remained in use until the fall of Japan in 1945.

Mr Stevens said on BBC Radio 4's PM programme: 'Lieutenant Commander Norman Wilkinson, who was a marine artist, came up with a scheme whereby he would design these patterns and paint the ships to confuse the profile of the ship so that when you were looking through the periscope from a U boat, you couldn't work out the outline of a ship in terms of "what sort of ship it was, the direction of travel and also the speed".

Commander Wilkinson's idea was first tested on miniature model ships before being approved by the Admiralty and used on the real Navy fleet. Pictured: WWI vessel HMS Furious

More than 2,000 ships received the strange livery before the end of the Great War. Pictured: WWI vessel HMS Kilbride

They're critical in determining your calculations on where and when you would fire your torpedo to sink that ship.'

Commander Wilkinson set up a unit in the basement of the Royal Society in London, where artists and draftsmen worked on models put under special lighting conditions to test the patterns.

'They didn't just use greys, they used pinks and blues, because they did an experiment with all the different light conditions,' Mr Stevens added.

'This is very curious, this is quite new to me that they've gone back to this system.

'Modern stealth warships are built with no flat surfaces so their radar signature is reflected away so it can't be read.

'Submarines still use periscopes when they're looking at warships today. But it's intriguing that they've gone back to this system which was used in the First and Second World War.'

Lieutenant Commander Michael Hutchinson, Tamar's Captain, said: 'We're really proud of our new paint scheme and the historical significance that it comes with.

Even though better rangefinders, and later radar, had come into use during World War Two, the dazzle scheme still remained in use until the fall of Japan in 1945. Pictured: WWII vessel HMS Badsworth

'Different styles of dazzle were used by the Royal Navy on ships in various stations throughout the world and were are pleased to have been given an iconic new look before we deploy in the summer.'

Commander Louis said that before dispatching Tamar on her Pacific patrol, the Navy had decided to give the River-class ships a distinct identity to recognise their extended missions.

The squadron's vessels are deployed for several years at a time, operating out of overseas bases and ports in areas key to UK interests, national security and prosperity: the Caribbean, Falklands, Mediterranean and West Africa, and now Asia-Pacific.

'Dazzle has much less military value in the 21st Century although there is still value in littoral environments when viewed against the background of land,' Commander Louis explained.

'It is very much more about supporting the unique identity of the squadron within the Royal Navy as part of their forward presence mission.'
Jill Biden confirmed the first couple's rescue pup Major is back in the White House after being banished for additional training after he bit two government employees.

'He is such a sweet, lovable dog. He really is,' the first lady said on NBC's Today Show in an interview that aired Friday.

She also confirmed the Bidens' much-anticipated cat - a female feline - is 'waiting in the wings' to join the White House menagerie.

'She is waiting in the wings,' Jill Biden said.

President Joe Biden made it clear that the cat was not his idea.

'No but it's easier,' he said with a smile on his face.

The cat is not at the White House yet but will be 'pretty soon,' Jill Biden told reporters on Friday when she planted a tree on the North Lawn of the White House for Arbor Day.

The Bidens announced before they moved into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue they would adopt a cat. No date has been given although White House press secretary Jen Psaki has joked the cat will 'break the internet' when it arrives.

And Jill Biden reassured people that Major Biden, their three-year old German Shepherd, will not harm the first feline.

'That was part of his training. They took him into a shelter with cats,' she said. 'He did fine.'

Jill Biden confirmed the first couple's rescue pup Major is back in the White House and the cat will be joining the first couple soon during an interview with President Biden on Today Show

The first lady called their rescue pup Major, who has bit two government employees, 'loveable'

At a tree planting ceremony at the White House, Jill Biden said the cat will join the family at the White House 'pretty soon'

'Who doesn't plant trees in high heels?,' Jill Biden said as she planted the Linden tree

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden reveal that their dog Major is back in the White House. pic.twitter.com/CJmTj0fInY  TODAY (@TODAYshow) April 30, 2021

In early April, Major was removed from the White House to undergo additional training after a second biting incident raised more questions about the dog's behavior.

The White House argued the dog is still adjusting to his new life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, which is why he bit two government employees.

Major has bitten two staff at the White House since moving into his new residence. Last month he bit a Park Service employee - the National Park Service maintains the White House lawns - and, in February, he bit a security guard.

In both incidents, the person was checked by the White House Medical Unit and there was no serious damage. White House officials defended Major as being 'surprised' and only nipping the person in question.

The Bidens' rescue pup Major (left) keft the White House to undergo additional training after a second biting incident; the Bidens' older dog Champ lays on the South Lawn at right

Major, 3, is on a leash when spotted at the White House while the older Champ, 12, shuffles and moves slowly

Major was sent to Delaware for additional training after the first biting incident to help him adjust to his new home. The 132-room White House sits on 18 acres in downtown Washington D.C. At his new residence, Major is constantly surrounded by aides and security officers.

The pup, who the Bidens adopted in November 2018 from an animal shelter, has been on a leash when spotted at the White House in the past few weeks. While Major is leashed, the Bidens' older German Shepherd, Champ, roams freely.

But Champ, who is 12, moves slowly and stiffly, often stopping to rest. He likes to lie on the South Lawn in the sunshine while Major runs around.

The dogs are often seen on the South Lawn, to get air and use the facilities. Major is rambunctious during the outings, often pulling at the leash and dragging his handler across the lawn.

President Biden gives Champ a pat; the Bidens adopted Major to be the older dog's companion

Jill Biden is seen with the two dogs during the presidential campaign

President Biden said they adopted Major on the advice from a vet, who said it would help keep the older dog more active.

Major is the first rescue dog to have lived in the White House, having moved in after Biden's inauguration in January.
SINGAPORE  Long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to, or transited in, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be barred from entering or transiting through Singapore from 11.59pm on Saturday (1 May).

In a press release on Friday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said border measures with respect to these countries were tightened as there have been recent sharp increases in cases reported by them.

The ministry added that the restrictions will also apply to those who had obtained prior approval for entry into Singapore. It will not apply to Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents.

In addition, all travellers with recent travel history to Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka who have yet to complete their 14-day Stay-Home Notice by 11.59pm on Sunday will need to complete an additional seven-day SHN at dedicated facilities.

"They will undergo COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests on-arrival, on Day 14 of their SHN, and another test before the end of their 21-day SHN period," the MOH said.

Travellers from Thailand to serve SHN at dedicated facilities

As there is now an increased risk of community spread in Thailand, all travellers entering Singapore, from 11.59pm on Sunday, with a travel history to Thailand in the past 14 days will be required to serve a 14-day SHN at dedicated facilities. They will no longer be allowed to opt out of dedicated SHN facilities, even if they have obtained approval to opt-out earlier.

The ministry said that travellers from Fiji and Vietnam are still allowed to apply to opt out of dedicated SHN facilities and serve their 14-day SHN at their place of residence, if they fulfil the following criteria:

Travelled to no other country/region than the above-mentioned countries (including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland China, New Zealand and Taiwan) in the last consecutive 14 days prior to entry to Singapore, and

Are occupying their place of residence (i.e. residential address) alone, or only with household members who are also persons serving SHN with the same travel history and duration of SHN.

COVID-19 PCR tests will continue to be administered before the end of the SHN.

Story continues

In recent days, Singapore has reported an increased number of community cases, with a total of 13 linked to a cluster at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

More Singapore news:

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More Singapore stories:

Teen slashed stranger at Boon Lay supermarket over refusal to buy cigarettes

COVID-19: Actor Terence Cao to plead guilty over 13-person gathering at his house
After four straight days of gains, investors on Dalal Street took profit off the table amid lingering concerns on the Covid front and roadblocks in the vaccination drive. A weak global market mood further exacerbated the fall with the selloff gathering steam in the late afternoon session as investors unwound positions ahead of the weekend.

India for the ninth day reported cases over 3 lakh with the caseload nearing the 4 lakh mark. In the last 24 hours, the total fresh Covid cases stood at 3,86,693. Meanwhile, delay in vaccination amid shortages of jabs is hurting sentiment on the Street as investors banked on India's economy to revive amid a faster inoculation programme. States like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi have flagged vaccine shortages.

Amid this backdrop, the BSE flagship index Sensex ended close to the day's low at 48,782, down 984 points with only five constituents in the green. Meanwhile, its NSE counterpart Nifty declined 264 points to shut shop at 14,631. In spite of today's fall, the benchmark indices added 2% for the week, snapping their three-week losing run.

HDFC twins, ICICI Bank, Kotak Bank, Asian Paints and M&M were among the top Sensex losers today, down in the range of 3-4%.

Meanwhile, ONGC, Sun Pharma, DRL, Bajaj Auto and Power Grid were the only five scrips that managed to hold their head above water as Sensex turned into a sea of red.

The story on the sectoral side was somewhat similar with Nifty Pharma as the sole gainer, up 1.28%. Nifty Financial Services and Nifty Bank were the worst performers, down nearly 3% each.

The broader mirrored weak sentiment seen in the benchmarks but the quantum of fall was somewhat lesser. The Nifty Midcap100 index declined 0.37% and Nifty Smallcap100 0.40%.

In stocks-specific action, shares of Wipro jumped to a record high of Rs 511.95 on the BSE after the company revised its IT services revenue growth guidance to 8-10% for Q1FY22 as against 2-4% projected earlier. The scrip settled the day up only 0.73% at Rs 493.50.

IndiaMart InterMesh plummeted 9.47% on the BSE on weak operational performance in the March quarter of FY21. The B2B e-commerce firm's total income increased just 1 per cent to Rs 190 crore during the reported quarter from Rs 187 crore in the corresponding period of 2019-20.

Tata Coffee shares settled 2% higher after jumping over 9% in intra-day session to a 52-week high of Rs 139.70 after the company reported 2 fold jump in March quarter profit at Rs 57.37 crore.

Shares of RIL declined 1.42% ahead of its March quarter results slated to be out later in the evening.

IndiGo and SpiceJet declined up to 2% as India extended the international flight ban by a month.

Meanwhile, in other

Christopher Wood, global head of equity strategy at Jefferies raised weightage on India in his relative-return portfolio even as he believes that the stock market is potentially vulnerable in the absence of concrete evidence that India's second wave has peaked. Chis Wood has increased weightage on Indian equities by two percentage points to 14%.

Lastly, a look at the global

Asian declined on Friday following a softer-than-expected survey on China's manufacturing. Mainland Chinese shares lost 0.25% while Japan's Nikkei shed 0.7%. MSCI's ex-Japan index declined 0.6%. In Europe, however, the Stoxx 600 gauge rose.

US stock-index futures also retreated as traders took a month-end breather amid a record high for the S&P 500 Index and some earnings disappointments. Futures on the S&P 500 Index dipped 0.3%, indicating a weak start to the Wall Street session.
The University of Hong Kong is shown in a university photo.

Authorities at a second Hong Kong university have cut ties with the student union, saying that it had become a "platform for political propaganda" following its involvement in recent protest movements.

"The Hong Kong University Students' Union (HKUSU) has become increasingly politicized in recent years, utilizing the University campus as a platform for its political propaganda," the University of Hong Kong (HKU) said in a statement on Friday.

"It has repeatedly made inflammatory and potentially unlawful public statements and unfounded allegations against the University," it said.

"The university strongly condemns HKUSUs radical acts and remarks," the statement said.

It said the university would stop collecting membership fees on behalf of HKUSU, and would "enforce its management rights" over the facilities currently used by the union.

"The University may also take further actions if necessary," it said, citing the need to protect "national security."

A draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from July 1, 2020 has targeted dozens of pro-democracy politicians and activists for "subversion" after they organized a primary election in a bid to win more seats in the city's legislature.

The law bans words and deeds deemed subversive or secessionist, or any activities linked to overseas groups, as "collusion with foreign powers," including public criticism of the Hong Kong government and the CCP.

Students oppose appointments

The HKU announcement comes after the union strongly opposed the appointment of two mainland Chinese scholars as vice presidents, saying that they would help to assert CCP control over the city's oldest university.

Max Shen, who has previously been listed as a member of a CCP committee at Beijing's Tsinghua University, and his former Tsinghua colleague Gong Peng started their jobs as vice presidents of research and academic development respectively from January 2021.

The severing of ties with the union comes after an article in the CCP's official newspaper, the People's Daily, denounced HKUSU for smearing the government's attempts to win public support for the national security law.

It called for "strong medicine to remove the malignant tumor in the ivory tower."

Labour Party chairman and former HKUSU president Steven Kwok said the university's action against the union appeared to have been triggered by the People's Daily article.

"I think their actions were instigated by [authorities in] mainland China," Kwok told RFA. "It's all part of the current political situation and carrying out Beijing's wishes."

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) severed ties with its student union Syzygia on Feb. 26, banning the union from using university facilities or staff and accusing it of failing to clarify "potentially unlawful statements and false allegations."

'Getting rid of anything risky'

Current affairs commentator Johnny Lau said universities have been tripping over themselves to demonstrate loyalty to the CCP since the national security law took effect.

"They are minimizing their risk by getting rid of anything risky," Lau said. "This is an active form of adaptation to the politicization process being instigated by mainland China."

He said the recent moves by HKU and CUHK show the ever-widening damage to freedom of speech and academic freedom in Hong Kong.

"The university management are the ones damaging HKU's rankings and reputation, not the students," Lau said.

Former student activist Joshua Wong -- currently serving a prison sentence on public order charges linked to the 2019 protest movement -- pleaded guilty in a Hong Kong court on Friday to "taking part in an illegal assembly" in connection with a vigil commemorating the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre in Victoria Park last year.

Wong, together with pro-democracy district councilors Lester Shum, Tiffany Yuen, and Jannelle Leung, pleaded guilty to the charges, with sentencing expected on May 6.

Wong, Shum, and Yuen also face "subversion" charges under the national security law after they took part in the democratic primary for the cancelled Legislative Council election in 2020. All three were returned to custody following the hearing.



Reported by Lu Xi, Gigi Lee, Chan Yun Nam and Lau Siu Fung for RFA's Mandarin and Cantonese Services. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
(ANSA) - ROME, APR 30 - President Sergio Mattarella said on the 39th anniversary of the Mafia assassination of Italian Communist Party (PCI) Sicilian regional leader Pio la Torre and his bodyguard Rosario Lo Salvo that public consciences should repudiate all violence.

In a message to the head of the Pio La Torre Study Centre, Vito Lo Monaco, Mattarella said "educating students to respect civic principles means laying the foundations to build a future community free form all forms of criminal conditioning.

"For this reason I show my appreciation for the educational project promoted every year by the Centre led by you, as a tangible contribution to the consolidation of a public conscience that repudiates all expressions of violence".

La Torre, 54, was assassinated in Palermo on April 30, 1982, after promoting a law on mafia conspiracy and seizing mafia assets, which was passed after the assassination on September 3 that year of Palermo Prefect and Carabinieri General Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa.

Mattarella added that the eradication of the mafia was an "ineluctable" process. (ANSA).


New Delhi, April 30 : Amid the confusion and a deluge of unverified data circulating on social media related to Covid help, Tech company Bobble AI claims to provide real time accurate nationwide information on ventilators, oxygen cylinders, ICU beds among others, all through the phone keyboard.

The Artificial Intelligence-powered innovation startup, which offers highly engaging smartphone keyboard solutions and personalised content for users, has introduced a section on the keyboard called aceCovid 19 Resources".A It provides information with telephone numbers and addresses segregated into sections: oxygen cylinders, concentrators, ICU beds, ventilators, Remdesivir, plasma donors, among others, the company said in a statement on Friday.

The information is being collated on a real-time basis picked up from government sources and tweets based on Covid related keywords, the company said.

The information can be accessed by all android users with default Bobble Indic keyboard across all over 120 Indic and international languages, along with IOS and users of Bobble's regional keyboards (including Marathi, Malayalam, Bangla and Hindi keyboards). Users of the platform can also share the links with others.A "The last few weeks have been exceptionally hard, with the second wave of the virus outbreak in the country, and depleting resources. Social media platforms have been filled with people seeking help,a Ankit Prasad, CEO, and Founder, Bobble AI, said in the statement.

"Seeing the massive need to provide essential sources of information and resources inspired us to collate a simple and easy-to-share database of important links for Covid-19 related resources. It is time that each organisation steps up and contributes in their own way in this hour of grave crisis," Prasad added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Derek Chauvins murder trial was the first Minnesota criminal trial to be broadcast live on television.

It wont be the last.

Some in the Minnesota legal system were apprehensive about allowing the live broadcast of Chauvins trial over the killing of George Floyd, but the video feed had no major problems and bolstered the publics understanding of the trial.

Minnesota Public Radio reports that a spokesperson for Hennepin County court system said an order from Judge Peter Cahill to allow the live broadcast will still apply to the August trial of the other three former Minneapolis officers charged in Floyds death, Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao.
PORT BYRON, N.Y.  In 1981, Auburn teacher Kathleen Phinney was looking for a return to her roots.

She had been raised on a farm near Phoenix, surrounded by animals and wanted a chance to reconnect with the soil and the land.

Where she had been living was not home, she said, nor was it comfortable to her.

About eight miles away in Port Byron she found everything which was.

The 19th century farmhouse at 254 Main Street, which was built when the village was a major hub on the Erie Canal, was perfect. The almost eight-acre property had plenty of room to raise horses, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, and more.

She calls the property her refuge and says that it is not just a house, it is a lifestyle.

Phinney said that the solid giant barn, made from the old lumber from other barns on the property, attracted her before the four-bedroom main house, which she admitted was pretty rough when she purchased the property.

It needed to be loved, she said.

She has updated and renovated the home as best she could, while maintaining what she calls the homes original dignity.

I just kept working away, Phinney said of her 40-year project.

She was impressed by the craftsmanship of the original owners.

Whoever built it put a lot of thought into it, she said. For an older house it has a great flow.

She maintained the hardwood floors, incredible kitchen cabinetry, and the original sink and cast-iron clawfoot bathtub in the upstairs bathroom.

She adores the homes many windows which keeps the interior bright and appreciates that they allow her to keep an eye on her animals and property from almost anywhere.

She had the new center island in the kitchen placed just the right spot so people could look out the big window over the sink at the property.

A pellet stove in the dining room, which could also burn wood, can easily heat the entire house, and creates a cozy reading nook for her at night.

Phinney built a wraparound porch onto the house, replacing one that was falling down when she moved in. It is the perfect place to watch the wildlife while enjoying your morning cup of coffee.

Outside, she added new windows, a new roof, and updated siding.

A new fishing pond was dug and stocked it with fish.

She designed a small cabin and had it built near the pond. She calls the charming small building, which has furniture and a woodstove inside, her camp and her girl cave and is a favorite place to read and relax.

(It is also harkened back to the propertys history when a pond on the grounds was a favorite meeting place for Port Byrons children, who would meet close by and ice skate on the pond that was once there.)

Phinney even started her own small business, Phinneys Happy Trails, on the grounds which held horse-riding lessons, birthday parties, and summer camps for children who wanted a taste of farm life.

Her admiration for her home is obvious and she says that the previous 40 years at the farm had blown by in a wink.

Now, though, she believes that the property is way too big for her now.

It needs a big family now for its next chapter, she said.

She says that everything is done all it needs is for the right people to move in.

It is waiting for you.

This rural property now qualifies for financing from the United States Department of Agriculture.

For more information about this property, please contact Realtor Denise Van Patten, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. Her contact info is below.

THE DETAILS

Address: 254 Main Street, Port Byron, N.Y. 13140

Price: $299,900

Size: 2,178 square feet

Acreage: 7.6 acres

Monthly Mortgage: $1,026 (based on this weeks national average rate of 3.11 percent, according to Freddie Mac, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20 percent down payment. Fees and points not included.)

Taxes: $3,711 (Based on assessed value of $145,000)

Built: 1850

School District: Port Byron

Kitchen: Owner Kathleen Phinney loves her spacious kitchen. The wall of cupboards is original to the house and she appreciates all the storage in the kitchen. The island is new and makes it easy to prepare foods for baking. It is invaluable, she said. She calls everything in the kitchen as handy. The large window looks out onto the property. The one-car garage has access to the kitchen for easy transport of groceries. A laundry room, with sink and full bathroom, is right off the kitchen.

Living areas: Phinney appreciates the original builders of this historic farmhouse. For an older house, it has great flow. The front living room was once the parlor where people gathered on Sundays and on holidays. Phinney keeps a small home office there. The home, like many older houses, has a front and back staircase. The dining room is very large and features a pellet stove which easily warms the house. She uses a portion of the room as a cozy reading nook. The enclosed sun porch is accessible from the kitchen and dining room. Original cabinetry and hardwood floors can be seen throughout. The home has many closets and widows.

Bedrooms: There are four bedrooms on the second floor. The master bedroom is very large and three large windows. A smaller bedroom nearby could be used as a nursery. Phinney used the master as room for her grandson because the space allowed for a bunk bed, which helped store his Legos and trains. She used another bedroom as her own because it allowed to keep an eye and an ear on her animals outside.

Bathrooms: There are two full bathrooms in the house, one of each floor. The upstairs bath has the homes original sink and cast-iron clawfoot bathtub. Phinney appreciates the large window in the room.

Outdoors: The almost eight-acre property dates back to the 19th century and the Erie Canal. Phinney says it is secluded by a long driveway surrounded by both sides by trees and believes that no one will ever build anything around it. She says that the property is not just a home, but a lifestyle. The property features a huge red barn with horse stalls, riding arena, a chicken coop, and a charming outdoor cabin near a stocked fishing pond. A quaint wooden bridge carries visitor over a creek. She says there are horseback riding trails and four-wheeler trails behind her property. Her children were able to walk to school and she says she often walks to the post office. It is very close to the Thruway and shopping at the Waterloo Outlet Mall. She is just eight miles from Auburn and two miles from boating on the Seneca River. Wild turkeys and deer are frequent visitors.

Agent: Denise Van Patten

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Address: 7575 Buckley Road, North Syracuse, N.Y. 13212

Phone: (315) 436-6992

Email: CNYrealestateconnection@gmail.com

Website: www.CNYrealestateconnection.com

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If you know of a beautiful or interesting house currently up for sale, please consider sending a nomination for it to be featured as a future House of the Week. Send an email with the listing to home@syracuse.com.

Do you know of any older homes in Central New York which have fallen on hard times but have a lot of potential should they be restored to their original grandeur? A fixer-upper with a lot of potential? Consider nominating them to our new feature, Save this Home, in which we will spotlight grand houses of the past around Central New York that need to be saved. Send nominations to home@syracuse.com.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference held in the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 27, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem Sues Biden Admin Over Independence Day Fireworks Cancellation

Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem sued the Biden administration on April 30 over their cancellation of Independence Day fireworks at Mount Rushmore this year.

Noem is demanding that the court restrain the banning of the fireworks permit and grant authorization expeditiously, she said in a statement.

Mount Rushmore is the very best place to celebrate Americas birthday and all that makes our country special, Noem stated.

After telling us theyd circle back, the Biden Administration has not responded to our request to uphold the Memorandum of Agreement between the State of South Dakota and the National Parks Service to host a safe and responsible national celebration and fireworks show.

Fireworks explode above the Mount Rushmore National Monument during an Independence Day event attended by President Donald Trump in Keystone, S.D., July 3, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

She filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, asserting that the Biden administration departed from precedent and reneged on this agreement without any meaningful explanation.

We are asking the court to enjoin the [Department of Interiors] denial of the fireworks permit and order it to issue a permit for the event expeditiously, she said.

The governor requested the Biden administration to maintain a 2019 agreement between the state and the National Parks Service that gave permission for the return of fireworks in 2020, after more than 10 years of prohibition of fireworks celebration at the site.

The National Park Service rejected the attempt to display fireworks during Independence Day this year over CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus concerns and opposition from local tribes.

Potential risks to the park itself and to the health and safety of employees and visitors associated with the fireworks demonstration continue to be a concern and are still being evaluated as a result of the 2020 event, the National Park Service stated.

The Epoch Times reached out to the White House for comment.

Former President Trump made a jubilant appearance with fireworks at Mount Rushmore in 2020, the first time that fireworks were displayed there since 2009.

Trump denied stories that the White House talked to the South Dakota governor about carving his image on the historic monument, but said that it would be a good idea.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for South Dakotas Independence Day fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore in Keystone, S.D., July 3, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

This is Fake News by the failing @nytimes & bad ratings @CNN, Trump wrote on Twitter last year.

Never suggested it although, based on all of the many things accomplished during the first 3 1/2 years, perhaps more than any other Presidency, sounds like a good idea to me!
A 26-year-old man, Moses Olaitan, has been arrested by the police in Lagos for impersonating the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdon, Saheed Elegushi, and allegedly defrauding his online lover N51 million.

The suspect was paraded at the Lagos Police Command on Thursday.

Narrating how he perpetrated the fraud, Mr Olaitan said he opened a Facebook account in Mr Elegushis name and used his pictures.

I used pictures of Saheed Oba Elegushi. She (the victim) come (sic) and meet me online, she said she wants to marry king and we start (sic) from there, he said.

Mr Olaitain, who is a resident of Epe and works as a painter, said he told the white woman she needs to perform some rites before marrying the king and it requires money.

I talked to her that if she wants to marry a king, she has to do some culture and she needs to do something. She told me to send account number, but I dont have account number, I meet (sic) Segun, he said, pointing to his accomplice.

Although Mr Olaitan is the prime suspect of the online fraud, he said he was not the one who received the money sent by the victim.

He added that he didnt know the total amount that was collected until he was arrested but the police said it was N51 million.

My share was N2.5 million. I came here, I didnt know the total amount because I was not the one receiving the alert, he said.

The accomplice, Segun Omosola, who was arrested alongside Mr Olaitan said he was brought into the deal.

The 48-year-old commercial driver said he has repented and now a new creature.

He was the one that introduced the woman to me, then I took him to collect the money from the woman.

It was when I came here that I know the money was N51 million, I was even shocked, I didnt know it got to that stage, he said.

Explaining how he was arrested, Mr Olaitan said the police tracked his cousin through his phone number and were able to get to him.

He was arrested on February 25, a day before his 26th birthday.

My birthday was February 26, my girlfriend came, I went out to arrange for the party before the police arrest me, he said.

The arrested suspect led the police to the house of his accomplice and he was also arrested.

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Addressing the press during the parade, the Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, said the police is working hard to reduce crime in the state.

He said the command has made several arrests between March and April, which form part of the achievements of the command.
The three deputies who shot and killed Andrew Brown in North Carolina have been identified.

The Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office named Investigator Daniel Meads, Deputy Sheriff II Robert Morgan, and Corp. Aaron Lewellyn as the deputies who fired their weapons while trying to execute a search warrant at Mr Brown's home in Elizabeth City.

Since the shooting, three deputies have left the sheriff's office and seven others were placed on administrative leave.

Four of the deputies, who the sheriff's office claims did not fire their weapons, were reinstated to active duty, though body camera footage of the encounter has not yet been released.

Pasquotank County Sheriff Tommy Wooten named the deputies on Thursday.

They will remain on administrative leave pending completion of the internal investigation and/or the criminal investigation being conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation, Mr Wooten said.

Mr Brown's death sparked nation-wide outrage, and his family - after seeing a 20-second video of the shooting - called it an "execution."

Police captured in footage by Elizabeth City Council cameras on their way to the home of Andrew Brown. (Elizabeth City Council)

Mr Wooten has asked for the body camera footage to be released, but a court ruling on Wednesday will prevent its release for at least 30 days, prompting outrage from the public and Mr Brown's family.

I promised the citizens of this county I would be transparent and accountable in this matter. I have been, Mr Wooten said. I asked the court to make the body camera footage public. I insisted on outside investigations to ensure impartiality. And now Im releasing the names of the deputies on the scene. Ill continue to be transparent whenever I canwithout interfering in the independent investigations.

Mr Brown's family's attorney said he had his hands on the steering wheel of his car when deputies shot and killed him.

Andrew Womble, Pasquotank County prosecutor, said Mr Brown's car "made contact with law enforcement" twice before he was shot.

However, an independent autopsy ordered by the family found that one of the shots was a "kill shot to the back of the head" that occurred while Mr Brown's hands were on the steering wheel.

On Tuesday, the FBI announced it was opening a federal civil rights investigation into the shooting to determine if any federal laws were violated during the encounter.

North Carolina's governor, Roy Cooper, has called for a special prosecutor to be assigned to ensure any "decision on pursuing criminal charges is conducted without bias.
A Harris County grand jury on Friday declined to indict an undercover deputy who fatally shot Joshua Johnson in a Missouri City neighborhood last year, finding insufficient evidence for a criminal charge.

Authorities said Deputy Tu Tran fired multiple times at Johnson, 35, in the early hours of April 22, 2020, in the 1500 block of East Ritter Circle. No body camera footage exists for the shooting, which prompted immediate questions from Johnsons family and caused Rep. Al Green to call for an independent probe through a special court of inquiry.

The congressman did not have an immediate comment. The family will be holding a press conference at 1 p.m. Saturday, family spokesman James Hudson said.

The sheriffs office deputy was part of a violent crimes operation to arrest a capital murder suspect from Dallas, believed to be in the neighborhood. Authorities say Johnson, who was not the suspect, approached the lawmans unmarked vehicle with his cellphone flashlight and a pistol, later found to be a BB gun.

When Johnson raised his weapon, Tran shot from his car, authorities said. Johnson ran away but died in a nearby driveway.

As with all officer-involved shootings, we presented all of the evidence to a grand jury and gave parties the opportunity to come forward to testify, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said Friday. The grand jury handed down a no-bill, declining to charge anyone with a crime. We appreciate the grand jurors who considered this case, and we respect their decision.

David Cuevas, president of the Harris County Deputies Organization, said the shooting resulted from an unfortunate reality of the job: When a law enforcement member feels their life is in danger, were going to defend ourselves.

I continue to stand firm on our position that our deputy was justified in the officer-involved shooting, he said. We believe all life is precious and no deputy or any member of law enforcement anticipates having to get into a shooting and take someones life.

Grand jury proceedings are secret, as mandated by state law. Ogg said the case was thoroughly and independently reviewed by her offices Civil Rights Division.

The DAs office went to the scene the morning of the shooting and hired a ballistics expert, Ogg said. Prosecutors cant reveal what they presented to grand jurors, although Ogg said evidence can include reports, recordings and records of testimony by witnesses.

Every bit of evidence was presented to grand jurors for their consideration, she said. We left no stone unturned; a grand jury is the civilian review board of the justice system and they have the power of subpoena to review everything.

Johnson was house-sitting for his parents hospitalized neighbor and had been concerned about a break-in in the days leading up to the shooting. He told another neighbor, Robert Pringle, that he recently found a window and door left ajar on the home, leading Pringle to speculate that Johnson might have thought the deputy was the intruder.

Johnson died at the scene. The deputy was not wearing a body camera.

Since the shooting, Johnsons family has produced information they say contradicts the official law enforcement narrative. A bullet hole in a neighbors garage door was out of reach from where police said the shooting occurred, they said. Last October, the family released surveillance footage that they believe shows the deputy leaving the shooting scene and returning minutes later  time that they say could have been spent aiding their son.

The sheriffs office handed over evidence to prosecutors after an internal probe.

The family attended multiple meetings with the sheriffs office and the district attorneys office but did not receive satisfactory answers, Rep. Green said earlier this week.

Johnsons loved ones want access to the ballistics report and question the original account of the shooting provided by Sgt. Allen Beall at the scene. Beall told them he had not spoken to Tran before providing them information, according to a recording of the interaction.

Tran is back on active duty. A grand jury declined to indict him in 2016 after fatally shooting a 24-year-old man outside a Houston night club while he and three other deputies were working an off-duty security job. He was disciplined the following year after a television news helicopter crew witnessed him striking a handcuffed suspect in the throat after a 85-mile chase that ended in Jefferson County.

Green last year suggested a court of inquiry in Johnsons case, a rare action which requires a district judge to appoint another district judge to hear evidence and determine if a state law has been violated, and if so, issue an arrest warrant.

Julian Gill contributed to this report.
Is it sex discrimination to require only men to register for the draft?

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Uttar Pradesh lockdown updates: Uttar Pradesh will be under a lockdown from the night of April 30 (Friday) till the morning of May 4 (Tuesday) due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the state.

Uttar Pradesh continues to remain among the 10 worst affected states in India. India's most populous state reported 25,613 recoveries and 2,936 active COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. The state reported 85 fatalities in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

Under this lockdown, markets, private and public offices will remain closed. Shopping malls and restaurants will also be closed from Friday night to Tuesday morning. Religious places shall also remain shut.

Those who are involved in providing essential services will be exempt from all the lockdown-related restrictions. Medical shops and hospitals will remain functional across the state during the course of this lockdown.

The Yogi Adityanath government has also urged people to stay indoors.

The orders by the Yogi Adityanath government come days after the Allahabad High Court tore into the state government over its handling of COVID-19 crisis and organising panchayat elections in the middle of a crisis like this.

The High Court observed, "It is now an open secret that the government had gone complacent due to weakening of virus impact by the end of 2020 in the state and the government got more involved in other activities including Panchayat elections."

Edited by Mehak Agarwal; with agency inputs

Also read: Yogi govt imposes full lockdown in UP from April 30; check out details
Laos Red Cross volunteers raise awareness on the symptoms of Covid-19 and the means to protect oneself from it, in a market in Vientiane, Laos, April 30, 2020. Photo by Laos Red Cross/Handout via Reuters.

Vietnam's Health Ministry will send experienced experts to Laos to help set up test systems and field hospitals for Covid-19 patients.

In a virtual meeting Thursday with Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long, his Lao counterpart Bounfeng Phoummalaysith said the pandemic has dramatically erupted in his country since April 20, spreading to 15 of 18 provinces.

The number of new cases in Laos has been steadily increasing, with a peak of 100 in a day. Epidemiological investigations show that the new infections are closely connections to illegal entrants.

In the Lao capital of Vientiane, central hospitals are full of patients, requiring field medical facilities to be mobilized to treat Covid-19 patients. The country has not recorded any death from the pandemic so far.

Laos needs 10 Realtime RT-PCR machines with a capacity of 40,000 samples a day, said Phoummalaysith, expressing his hope for Vietnams assistance with equipment, supplies and treatment.

"Laos wishes to have Vietnam's help with experts for testing and sharing other lessons," he said.

Long said Vietnam will provide Laos with 200 ventilators, two million masks, 10 tonnes of chloroquine and other equipment. Vietnamese experts will also go to Laos and help build test systems, field hospitals, especially intensive care units (ICUs) for severe cases. Vietnamese experts will support Lao colleagues in treating patients via telehealth systems, that are to be established at treatment facilities in Laos.

Long told Phoummalaysith that Vietnam has been carrying out all preventive activities with the motto of getting things done "in the quickest time possible" to contain the pandemic, particularly in cutting community transmissions. The country has been vigorously and thoroughly tracing people who'd had contact with positive cases, he said.

Vietnam has also been applying the combining sample strategy, which has a range of 5 - 16 samples depending on different areas.

"It helps to rapidly increase the testing capacity amid the lack of testing resources. The most prominent example is the third wave in the northern province of Hai Duong in February," he said, adding that the country has conducted two million tests so far.

Long said Vietnam has been asking people who have close contact with infected ones (F1) to go to quarantine centers to take pathogens out of the community, cutting off the transmission.

Patients with severe illness are treated at hospitals equipped with emergency resuscitation systems, cases without symptoms or having mild ones are treated at field hospitals, he explained.

Vietnam has also established remote medical examination and treatment systems connecting with facilities for Covid-19 patients. The country has 1,500 locations connected nationwide, allowing any case to get timely treatment with support of leading experts.

With serious cases, Vietnam conducts systematic consultations to find the most effective treatments. Therefore, during the third Covid-19 wave, the country had a high number of infections but no deaths.
Mumbai, April 30 : Television personality Kate Garraway recalls her daughter asking her if she would kill herself when her husband Derek Draper was battling Covid in the hospital.

Draper was infected with Covid last year and fought the disease as well as related problems for a year in the hospital. He is still fighting the aftereffects of the disease and is now in 24-hour care at home.

"They (the kids) were at times wondering if I was going to be okay, was I going to be able to keep going. Darcey at one point actually said, 'mum, are you going to kill yourself?' Out of the blue. The thing is, that sounds horrific, obviously. But if you know Darcey, she's really blunt. She will always go to the most awful thing you can imagine and work her way back," Garraway recalls, according to femalefirst.co.uk.

She adds: "She just came out with the sentence, and I said, 'oh my God, no. Why would you think that?' She said, 'I wasn't, but I just thought I better check.' And I said, 'If anything it's the absolute opposite. I can't imagine what would be more opposite. I'm so scared you thought of that." She said that the kids have been very supportive and have been helping her deal with the situation in her own way.

"I don't think I realised how much they were taking care of me quite a lot along the way," she said.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Libyan coast guard rescues 99 illegal immigrants off western coast

Xinhua) 09:29, April 30, 2021

Illegal immigrants arrive at a naval base in Tripoli, Libya, on April 29, 2021. The Libyan Coast Guard on Thursday rescued 99 illegal immigrants off the western coast of the town Mellitah, some 70 km west of the capital Tripoli, as their boat was about to sink. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)

TRIPOLI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan Coast Guard on Thursday rescued 99 illegal immigrants off the western coast of the town Mellitah, some 70 km west of the capital Tripoli, as their boat was about to sink.

On Wednesday, another 108 illegal immigrants were rescued off the country's western coast.

Libya is a preferred point of departure for thousands of illegal immigrants who attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea toward Europe.

Over 6,000 illegal immigrants have been rescued off the Libyan coast so far this year, including women and children, according to the International Organization for Migration.

The rescued were sent to overcrowded reception centers across Libya, despite repeated international calls for their closure.

(Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun)
WASHINGTON, D.C., (April 30, 2021) - New study results validate the effectiveness of the Medtronic Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) system for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR). The Harmony TPV is designed to be a less invasive treatment option for patients with irregularity in their right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) needing pulmonary valve placement to restore valve function. The results of this study are being presented as late-breaking clinical science today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2021 Scientific Sessions.

About 40,000 infants are born with CHD every year in the United States and approximately one in five CHD patients have an abnormality of their right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) . Prior to TPV technology, CHD patients were treated with invasive procedures such as open-heart surgery or opted for surgical valve replacement later in life. These procedures are associated with high risk for further complications and mortality. The Harmony TPV is designed to be a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment option for these adolescent and adult CHD patients.

The prospective, nonrandomized study was conducted at ten sites in the U.S., Canada, and Japan and included 67 patients who received the valve. Primary safety and effectiveness endpoints included freedom from procedure or device-related mortality at 30 days and percentage of patients with acceptable hemodynamic function at 6 months and no Harmony valve intervention.

Investigators analyzed two sizes of the Harmony valve, a 22-mm valve (TPV22) and a modified version of the original 25-mm valve (mTPV25). Clinical outcomes through one year included no mortality, endocarditis, major stent fractures or need for surgical intervention. One patient underwent a valve-in-valve intervention for residual stenosis. Over 90% of patients reported having little to no pulmonary regurgitation during follow-up visits.

"This is a brand-new class of cardiac devices designated to help a very specific patient population where no less-invasive, percutaneous treatment options were available until now," said Thomas Jones, MD, Principal Investigator and Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at Seattle Children's Hospital. "Unlike any other TPV, this novel technology is designed to expand into the enlarged RVOT in these patients while simultaneously deploying a suitable bioprosthetic pulmonary valve. The Harmony TPV system has the potential to fundamentally alter the lifetime management of CHD patients from here on out."

In March 2021, the Harmony TPV system was granted U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use in the U.S. Additionally, investigators plan to follow-up through 5 years. A post approval study will also be conducted with follow-up to 10-years.

###

About SCAI:

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions is a professional organization representing more than 4,000 invasive and interventional cardiology professionals in approximately 75 nations. SCAI's mission is to promote excellence in invasive/interventional cardiovascular medicine through physician education and representation, and advancement of quality standards to enhance patient care.
Grappling with problems in the property-insurance market, Florida lawmakers Friday passed a plan that could lead to larger rate increases for customers of the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp., and steps to curb roof-damage claims and lawsuits.

But the plan was not as far-reaching as a Senate proposal that would have effectively shifted more costs to many homeowners when they sustain roof damage.

Senate Banking and Insurance Chairman Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, said everybody had to give a little bit in negotiations over the bill (SB 76). But he said it would bolster an insurance market that has seen wide-ranging rate increases and policies pouring into Citizens Property Insurance.

I do believe it will help the market kind of rebuild itself, Boyd, the bill sponsor, said.

The bill, however, drew criticism from some lawmakers who said it went too far  and others who said it didnt go far enough. Sen. Annette Taddeo, D-Miami, complained about the prospect of increased rate hikes for Citizens customers.

There is no sugar-coating this, Taddeo said. It literally is going to raise the rates.

But Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, said the bill will not fix financial problems in the insurance market.

We are on an unsustainable trajectory, Brandes said. This bill is 40% of what it needed to be.

The Senate voted 35-5 to approve the bill, and the House followed with a 75-41 vote. The bill now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

A flurry of rate increases

The bill came against the backdrop of regulators last year signing off on dozens of rate increases topping 10%. Also, as the insurance market has tightened, Citizens has gained more than 120,000 policies during the past year.

The insurance industry points to problems such as litigation costs and questionable, if not fraudulent, roof-damage claims. Also, officials argue that Citizens, which was created as an insurer of last resort, often charges lower premiums than private insurers.

Story continues

Lawmakers such as Brandes argue that growth in Citizens poses a major financial risk to the state. But the issue of raising Citizens rates is tricky politically because homeowners in some areas have few  or no  other options for coverage.

The bill would make a series of changes. They include:

 Allowing larger annual rate increases for customers of Citizens. Such increases currently are capped at 10%, but that limit would be gradually raised to 15%.

 Preventing contractors from soliciting homeowners to file insurance claims, including offering incentives to homeowners to get their business. That part of the bill is intended to curb roof-damage claims. It also seeks to prevent public insurance adjusters from offering incentives to inspect for roof damage.

 Taking steps to try to limit fees of attorneys who represent homeowners in lawsuits against insurers. That involves using a formula that would look at how much money is awarded in court judgments and how much money was offered by insurers to settle claims before the lawsuits.

 Reducing from three years to two years the time to file claims, with an additional year for supplemental claims.

Roof damage changes were discarded

The Senate initially sought more far-reaching changes to attorney fees and roof-damage claims. In part, it proposed creating a reimbursement schedule that would have allowed insurers to sell policies that provide reduced payments for repairing or replacing roofs over 10 years old. For example, insurers could have reimbursed 70% of the costs for metal roofs over 10 years old and 40% of the costs for concrete-tile and clay-tile roofs.

The change would have led to shifting more costs to many homeowners when they have roof damage. But the House balked at the idea, which was not included in the final bill.

Like Brandes, Sen. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, said he is concerned that lawmakers continue to kick the ball down the road without making major changes.

But Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Lighthouse Point, likened the insurance industry to Chicken Little and disputed arguments about major financial problems among insurers.

Its a manufactured crisis  a completely manufactured crisis, Farmer said.
More countries are announcing that they will prohibit selling vehicles with internal combustion engines in the future. But if you have noticed, most of these countries are located in Europe, namely Germany, France, and United Kingdom. These countries have the infrastructure for EVs, making the transition a little bit easier.

So almost everyone was surprised when Thailand announced they would be doing the same by 2035.

With that, it brings one interesting thought. As Thailand plans to phase out the sale of cars with an internal combustion engine, does this mean we will see electric versions of popular Thailand-built diesel models such as the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Strada, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Navara by 2035? Better yet, would these models eventually land in the Philippines? Well, its possible.

The majority of the vehicles sold in the Philippines come from Thailand. As a result, whatever electric model Thailand produces could eventually make its way to the Philippines.

Its still too early to tell which Thailand-built models will be getting an electric version. Manufacturers still have 14 years to decide before the 2035 deadline. Sedans and small crossovers will also be the easier models to electrify. However, the same cant be said about the diesel-powered pick-up trucks and the PPVs. For starters, it will be difficult to convince people that an electric pick-up truck might be as good (or even better) than a diesel one. But, assuming manufacturers keep them in production, they will have to adopt some form of electrification. And if theres one automaker that already has an advantage over others, its Toyota.

Toyota has been reportedly developing a hybrid version for the Fortuner. Its not a pure EV, but it is still electric-assisted and could lead to the future development of a pure battery-electric Fortuner. Since the SUV shares the same platform as the Innova and Hilux, the powertrain could be shared as well. According to an insider, the Fortuner hybrid is slated for release sometime in 2022 and will use a hybrid version of the GD series diesel engine.

The announcement of Thailand going electric has opened up possibilities of new electric pick-up trucks and SUVs arriving in the future. Its going to be interesting to see which automaker will come out with the first EV pick-up and PPV before the 2035 deadline.
April 30 : Veteran actor Randhir Kapoor, father of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karisma Kapoor, who was hospitalised after he was tested positive for COVID-19, has been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Kokilaben Ambani hospital in Mumbai today.

The 74-year-old actor, who had earlier said that he had no breathing problems, had to be shifted to the ICU to get more coronavirus-related tests done. Speaking to a leading daily, the veteran actor said that the hospital staff is taking good care of him. The hospital is taking very good care of me and I thank Tina Ambani. Everything is under control. They are going all out for me. The doctors are around all the time, he said. Randhir Kapoor tested positive despite getting both the doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr Santosh Shetty of Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai, who is treating the actor, told PTI that Randhir Kapoor's condition is stable.

Randhir Kapoor reportedly told the daily that he is not aware how he contacted the virus. His entire staff of five members have also tested positive, and are also hospitalised in the Kokilaben Ambani Hospital. Randhirs wife Babita and their daughters Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor have tested negative for the virus.

Randhir Kapoor is the latest Bollywood actor to test positive for COVID-19. Earlier, several actors like Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kartik Aaryan, R Madhavan and many others were infected with the virus, which is at its peak in the country currently. The second wave of coronavirus infections teared through the film industry. However, Mumbai is slowly seeing a decrease in positive coronavirus cases. The virus has hit the Bollywood industry even last year, when Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwariya Rai Bachchan were among a number of actors who had tested positive and were hospitalised.

Randhir Kapoor is best known for his performances in films like Jawani Diwani, Kal Aaj Aur Kal, Raampur Ka Lakshman, Jeet, Lafange, Haath Ki Safai and many others.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
What to do if someone is at risk of dying by suicide
The condition of roads, paths and walls in a Portlaoise council estate has been criticised by one local councillor, but denied by another.

Cllr Noel Tuohy says that problems in Lakeglen, on the N80 Mountmellick road are many.

It is an old estate. It is looking well, a lot of work is being done, but there is water coming up through gullies. They have problems with paths broken in parts. A wall is moving away from its foundations.

This is not massive but is very important work. This is one of the older estates, adjacent to OMoore Place. I hope some money can be given to solve the problems, they are not insurmountable, Cllr Tuohy said.

He tabled a motion to the April meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, asking Laois County Council to have a look at the drains paths and damaged tarmac in Lakeglen.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded his motion but said she refutes that nothing has happened.

The wall was knocked on several occasions and was rebuilt on several occasions by the council. Piles of rubbish were dumped and we did a massive cleanup that cost thousands from the Housing Maintenance budget.

There has been a lot of work in the past six months by Irish Water and some of the paths were left in bad condition. I got onto Wes and Irish Water and they have gone back in and done the footpaths. I want to put that on the record. The state is looking quite well, Cllr Dwane Stanley said.

Cllr Tuohy agreed that it was looking well, and he thanked residents.

I accept that certain work is done, but important ones arent. Residents put forward to me what they see, he said.

Engineer Wes Wilkinson said he would meet Cllr Tuohy on site to examine the issues.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health released data Friday showing the number of fully vaccinated people who have subsequently contracted COVID-19.

As of April 27, there were 1,798 cases of people testing positive in Massachusetts after being fully vaccinated, officials said. That figure represents 0.1% of all fully vaccinated people in the state.

Health officials told MassLive that there have been no reported deaths from so-called COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases, but werent immediately able to confirm the number of hospitalizations. Massachusetts officials regularly report the number of breakthrough cases to the federal government, they said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on May 1 will begin reporting the number of breakthrough cases that result in hospitalization. The CDC says vaccine breakthrough cases occur in a tiny fraction of vaccinated persons.

A person is considered fully vaccinated more than two weeks after completely the required doses of COVID vaccine, which includes two rounds of either Modernas or Pfizers shot, and one dose of Johnson & Johnsons shot, officials said.

In Massachusetts, officials say they havent identified any demographic patterns associated with the known number of vaccine breakthrough infections.

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A prominent Oakland Chinatown leader was attacked while walking in Oakland Thursday afternoon in what appeared to be an anti-Asian attack.

Carl Chan, the president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, was running errands  including visiting an assault victim  when he was struck in the head by someone approaching him from behind.

Oakland police later found him on the pavement, barely conscious. Before he collapsed, he later said, he was able to take photos on his phone of the attacker.

He told KTVU that the attack took place near 8th and Franklin in Chinatown, and told multiple news outlets that the alleged attacker was shouting obscene, derogatory things to him during the attack.

Chan later identified a suspect in a lineup, where he was arrested and interviewed by police.

Bobby Hookfin, an Oakland police captain, told the San Francisco Chronicle that it remains unclear whether the assault was motivated by anti-Asian hate but that the investigation is currently underway. (SFGATE and the Chronicle are both owned by Hearst but operate independently of one another.)

Oakland police did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE.

"Carl  as tough as he is  he was able to take pictures of this guy, Hoofkin told the paper.

Chan has been a prominent figure in speaking out against anti-Asian violence in Oakland this year following a wave of vicious attacks on businesses and the elderly  and has advocated for more police forces in Oaklands Chinatown following the violence. He told the Chronicle he was worried he became a target because of his visibility in the community.

Chan did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has announced that it will cut consular services and staff after Russia imposed restrictions on foreign diplomatic missions.

The embassy said in a statement that starting from May 12, it will reduce consular services offered to only include emergency U.S. citizen services and a very limited number of immigrantion visas such as life-or-death emergencies.

It noted that non-immigrant visa processing for non-diplomatic travel will cease and it will stop offering routine notarial services, consular reports of birth abroad or passport renewal services for the foreseeable future.

'Effective May 12, U.S. Embassy Moscow will reduce consular services offered to include only emergency U.S. citizen services and a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas,' the embassy said in a statement published on its website.

'Non-immigrant visa processing for non-diplomatic travel will cease.' it added, and 'strongly' urged US citizens in Russia with an expired visa to leave the country before the June 15 deadline set by the Russian government.

The news comes as Russia-U.S. ties are at a post-Cold War low.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow (pictured) has announced that it will cut consular services and staff after Russia imposed restrictions on foreign diplomatic missions

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law to limit the number of local staff working at foreign diplomatic missions and other agencies.

It came in retaliation to a set of new U.S. sanctions imposed over Russian interference in the 2020 American presidential election and involvement in the SolarWind hack of federal agencies - activities Moscow has denied.

The new law also ordered the government to draw up a list of 'unfriendly' states that will be subject to the restrictions.

The embassy said its decision to cut the services offered by the consulate was forced by Russia's newly imposed restrictions.

'We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced us to reduce our consular work force by 75% and will endeavor to offer to US citizens as many services as possible,' the embassy statement said.

It also said that the provision of emergency services in Russia may be delayed or limited because the ability of staff to travel outside Russia had been constrained.

The embassy also urged U.S. citizens in Russia to heed a June 15 deadline set by the Russian government when a temporary extension to visas, residence permits and immigration documents expires.

Tensions between Russia and Western countries have been rising over the military build-up on the country's border with Ukraine, the jailing of opposition activist Alexei Navalny, and allegations of covert operations.

Washington and European countries have expelled a number of Russian diplomats in recent months, with Moscow responding with expulsions of its own.

Earlier this month, the U.S. kicked 10 Russian diplomats out of the country in connection with the 'SolarWinds' cyber attacks against government agencies, as well as for meddling in the 2020 presidential elections.

The massive Russian hacking campaign - familiarly known as the SolarWinds breach -targeted at least nine vital federal agencies, including the Treasury, Justice, Energy and Homeland Security departments. The scale of the hack is still being determined.

Russia quickly retaliated by ordering 10 U.S. diplomats to leave, blacklisting eight current and former U.S. officials and tightening requirements for U.S. Embassy operations.

The Kremlin said the new measures imposed by the U.S. would also reduce the chances of a summit between President Joe Biden and Putin taking place.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured on Tuesday) signed a law to limit the number of local staff working at foreign diplomatic missions and other agencies

The U.S. has also imposed a number of crushing sanctions on Russian entities, with Biden taking a tough stance against the country.

An executive order expanded an existing ban on US banks trading in Russian government debt, and according to the Washington Post, imposed sanctions on six Russian companies that support Russian spy services cyber hacking operations.

Earlier in April, the Czech Republic ordered most of the Russian staff at the Prague embassy after the country accused Russian intelligence officers of being behind a 2014 explosion at an ammunition depot, killing two Czech citizens.

In solidarity with the Czech Republic, former Soviet republics Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania also ordered several Russian diplomats to leave.

In a tit-for-tat response, Moscow on Wednesday ordered seven diplomats from the countries to leave the country, having previously expelled a number of Czech Diplomats.
Williamstown Planning Board Agrees to Minor Change to Cannabis Bylaw Proposal

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Planning Board on Tuesday discussed how to make one of its proposed bylaw amendments more palatable and how to make another more understandable.

The board has proposed four zoning changes to June's annual town meeting, where each will need a two-thirds majority vote for passage.

The one that has generated easily the most public discourse concerns the rules governing cultivation of cannabis. But that was not the only bylaw to get pushback from the Select Board at its Monday meeting.

That board voted, 4-1, against recommending that town meeting accept the pot bylaw as written. And one night later, the Planning Board agreed to propose an amendment at town meeting to address one of the concerns raised by the bylaw's critics at a public hearing earlier this month.

The Select Board took no action and instead sought more information about a less controversial Planning Board proposal, to rezone about 19 acres in and around the Westlawn Eastlawn Cemetery from Limited Industrial to General Residence to better reflect the actual and likely use of the land, most of which is municipally owned.

On the cannabis cultivation front, the Planning Board agreed unanimously to support an amendment to address a potential loophole pointed out during its public hearing.

"I was thinking about the comment that I think Andrew Skinner made regarding how it didn't look like there was anything in the bylaw that would prevent a landowner from leasing several portions of a property to end up with, effectively, more than Tier 11 [100,000 square feet] of canopy on a single property," Chair Stephanie Boyd said.

"So imagine you have 50 acres, and you leased out a couple of acres to one person and another couple of acres to another person  I don't think that's what we intended."

Boyd said she and Town Planner Andrew Groff consulted with the town counsel, who confirmed that Skinner was correct about the bylaw as drafted and approved by the Planning Board at the April 13 public hearing.

She also told her colleagues that she had heard from a couple of residents who asked what happened if the commonwealth increases the definition of Tier 11, the largest cannabis canopy allowed by the Cannabis Control Commission? If the local bylaw only references the CCC language, the town would be at the mercy of changes by the Boston body.

Boyd said both issues could be addressed with a single amendment to the proposed bylaw.

"Right in where we're talking about lot area, we'd add a sentence, 'The maximum total canopy on any single parcel of land shall not exceed the equivalent of Tier 11 or 100,000 square feet, whichever is less," Boyd said.

"I think this captures the spirit of what we all assumed we were talking about," Chris Winters agreed.

The other three members of the Planning Board agreed that the additional language will clarify the board's intent. Short of calling another public hearing and resubmitting a new bylaw at this late date, the floor amendment is the only way to write the new language into the proposal.

"[The land owner] could still subdivide their property," Boyd said, referring to the cap on total acreage. "But then they have to make sure they have the frontage rules and all those kinds of things. It puts some control, but not complete control, on how much you can grow on a property."

The Planning Board members were at a loss to understand the hesitancy of the Select Board to take a position on the proposal to reclassify the land on the Green River that includes part of a cemetery and Linear Park.

One member of the Select Board, Jeffrey Thomas, concerned about the potential of lost potential for industrial development in a town with very little property zoned for that use.

"It's kind of a point of economic development principle for me," Thomas said. "This could be developed into some job-creating opportunity."

Groff showed the Planning Board that between the cemetery, the park and a flood plain in the zone, there was little chance that more than two acres could be available for development.

Except for a small portion of the zone that is part of the Clover Field Farm property, "it's owned by the town, it's in active use as the cemetery, ancillary support for the cemetery and park land, which is likely subject to Article 97 protection from the state constitution," Groff said.

"This zoning designation dates from the 1963 Master Plan that had all sorts of stuff we'd look at now and be horrified by," Groff said.

Boyd explained that she and Groff discussed a bylaw amendment to properly classify the land this year because the cannabis bylaw allows indoor cultivation facilities in the Limited Industrial zoning district.

"The big motivation for doing this is when we bring the cannabis bylaw in, if someone sees, Oh my gosh, there's that big industrial property there, they're going to put a cannabis facility in the middle of town,' " Boyd said. "That's not going to go over."

Groff told the Planning Board he would discuss the issue with Interim Town Manager Charlie Blanchard, who will take over the job of advising the Select Board before its next meeting, about the issue. Boyd also indicated she would be available to help explain the reasoning behind the proposed zoning change to the Select Board; although she did attend Monday's meeting and did speak on the cannabis bylaw, she was not asked by the board to address the proposal to change the industrially-zoned property to residential.
Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Rain in the morning. Scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 79F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low 69F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
A shipment from containing 700 units of concentrators and 365 ventilators arrived here in India, as the country fights the second wave of

"International cooperation continues! Shipment containing 700 units of concentrators and 365 ventilators arrives from Deeply value the support from our EU partner and friend," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

The surge in the COVID-19 cases continues to affect India as the country on Thursday recorded 3,79,257 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. This is the highest single-day spike in the cases since the pandemic began last year.

The worsening COVID-19 situation in India has seen a surge in the demand for medical and beds for the COVID-19 patients. Several countries around the world have come forward to help India as it continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising cases.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had said that it has bolstered its COVID-19 response in India by redeploying 2,600 health experts from other programs to counter the recent daily spike in cases and deaths.
Vietnams former Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for violations in state asset management.

The Hanoi Peoples Court on Thursday gave Hoang the 11-year jail term for violating regulations on the management and use of state assets, causing losses and wastefulness.

The 67-year-old former official failed to attend the trial due to health problems.

Phan Chi Dung, former head of the Light Industry Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, was sentenced to nine years in jail for the same offense.

Eight other defendants who are former Ho Chi Minh City officials were sentenced to between 30 months and seven years behind bars for violating regulations on land management.

According to the indictment, the Saigon Beer - Alcohol - Beverage JSC (Sabeco), managed by the ministry, was given more than 6,000 square meters of land at 2-4-6 Hai Ba Trung Street in downtown Ho Chi Minh City for production and business operations.

Hoang and Dung, along with Ho Thi Kim Thoa, former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, who has fled the country, directed their subordinates at the ministry and Sabeco to establish Sabeco Pearl, a joint venture between the firm and a number of private enterprises.

Sabeco completed legal procedures for the joint venture to invest in a project on building a hotel, a commercial and convention center, and office space for lease on the land lot.

The ministry later ordered Sabeco to divest its entire stake at Sabeco Pearl.

Following these illegal transfers, the land lot became private property, resulting in losses worth VND2.7 trillion (US$116.8 million) to the state.

Hoang was Minister of Industry and Trade from 2007 to 2016.

During the trial, Hoang only admitted his responsibility as the head of the ministry, stating that Thoa was mainly responsible as she was the direct manager of Sabeco when the violations took place.

In addition to the prison terms, the trial panel also handed over the land lot to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee for further handling in accordance with the law.

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NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most rewarding contributions The GVTC Foundation makes to the community is scholarships. The GVTC Foundation has awarded two scholarships amounting in twenty thousand dollars to graduating high school students since 2015: the Ritchie T. Sorrells Leadership Scholarship and the Ola Armstrong Volunteer Scholarship. In 2019, the GVTC Foundation also added the Vocational/Technical Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes high school graduates who have demonstrated a commitment to continuing their education in pursuit of a degree or certification in a vocational or technical field.

The 2021 Scholarship Recipients

The GVTC Foundation granted $45,000 this year to three graduating seniors in GVTC's service area. Two students from Comal ISD and one student from North East ISD are the recipients of The GVTC Foundation's 2021 Scholarships.

The GVTC Foundation's 2021 Scholarships Awarded

With the help of the New Braunfels Area Community Foundation (NBACF), the three deserving recipients of this year's GVTC Foundation Scholarships were selected from a vast pool of applicants. The competition was extensive, but so were the outstanding accomplishments of each selected candidate.

Jasmine Hunter from Johnson High School and Daniel Lackey from Smithson Valley High School received The GVTC Foundation's $20,000 scholarships. Jasmine earned the $20,000 Ritchie T. Sorrells Scholarship for Leadership, and Daniel earned the $20,000 Ola Armstrong Scholarship for Volunteerism.

Wyatt Windham from Canyon Lake High School received the Vocational/Technical Scholarship worth $5,000.

Aspiring Students

Recipient of the $20,000 Ritchie T. Sorrells Scholarship for Leaders

Jasmine Hunter demonstrated her extraordinary leadership skills through multiple roles within the National Honor Society, Smart Driver's Club, Opt for Action, Project Team Worth, and the US/Germany Online Ambassador Program. She will attend Rice University in the fall and plans to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in International Studies. After college, she hopes to work in foreign service to help increase global relations and international cooperation.

Recipient of the $20,000 Ola Armstrong Scholarship for Volunteerism

Daniel Lackey - the recipient of the Ola Armstrong Scholarship for Volunteerism - showed his incredible community involvement through his extensive work volunteering for the Mammen Family Public Library, the Canyon Lake Animal Shelter, and the New Braunfels Food Bank. He will attend The University of Texas at Austin in the fall and plans to obtain a degree in English so he can become a teacher and help make a difference in the lives of students.

Recipient of the $5,000 Vocational/Technical Scholarship

Wyatt Windham demonstrated his commitment and determination to continue his education in construction. He will attend St. Philip's College, where he will be studying Construction Technology in the hopes of one day opening up his own business where he can eventually help others in his community.

GVTC Scholarships for Deserving Students

As a cooperative, GVTC is in a unique position to award scholarships throughout its communities from funds remaining from its Capital Credits program. Each year, GVTC awards these excess funds to high school students in need.

In 2021, GVTC will disperse $140,000 to fifty-six high school seniors nominated by their school's faculty and staff worth $2,500 each. As a local internet service provider, GVTC understands and values the meaning of being local, and with each contribution made, it hopes to enhance the quality of life for those throughout its communities.

A Bright Future Ahead

"GVTC and The GVTC Foundation believe investing in our youth is imperative to building and supporting the future of our communities, and we encourage everyone to help uplift, assist and encourage students," said Ritchie Sorrells, GVTC President & CEO.

We're excited to see a new wave of determination and hope in our recipients and each generation to follow. Congratulations, and good luck to all the scholarship recipients in their much-deserved success and future endeavors.

About GVTC:

GVTC is an award-winning fiber optics communications provider delivering high-speed Internet, digital cable TV, phone and interactive home security monitoring to residential and business customers in far north San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country, and South Central Texas. GVTC offers Internet connection speeds up to 1 Gbps and symmetrical broadband connections, up to 250 Mbps.

GVTC's wholesale carrier transport network delivers Ethernet data delivery between San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston, with access to remote Texas markets. The company's philanthropic arm, The GVTC Foundation, is celebrating more than a decade of charitable giving. More than $3.5 million in contributions have been given throughout GVTC's service area.

Contact:

John Hill

Manager Communications  Ecommerce

Office: (830) 8858282

[email protected]

www.gvtc.com

SOURCE GVTC

Related Links

http://www.gvtc.com


The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine banned from 24:00 on May 2 foreigners and stateless persons, who arrived from India or stayed on its territory for at least seven days in the last 14 days, to cross the border with Ukraine in connection with the spread of COVID-19 in this country, said Deputy Minister of Health, Chief State Sanitary Doctor Viktor Liashko during a press briefing in Kyiv on Friday.

"The government decided to prohibit the crossing of the state border from 24:00 on May 2 to foreigners and stateless persons who arrived from the Republic of India or stayed in its territory for at least seven days over the past 14 days," he said.

"Citizens of Ukraine, foreigners or stateless persons, who permanently or temporarily reside in the territory of Ukraine, are spouses or children of citizens of Ukraine who cross the state border to enter Ukraine and arrive from the Republic of India are also subject to mandatory self-isolation, regardless of the presence and result of PCR- testing," added Liashko.
After being a market laggard for more than a decade, Tata Steel has suddenly become one of the hottest stocks on the bourses. The companys market capitalisation is up 27 per cent in April, so far, and has trebled in value since the end of September 2020, against a 28 per cent rally in the benchmark BSE Sensex during the period.

The stock was one of the top performers among the index stocks on Thursday. It ended the day with gains of 6.1 per cent, to close at a fresh lifetime high of Rs 1,031.6. This was also the first time that the Tata Steel stock price broke into the ...
The name Zoe Roth might not ring any bells. But chances are youve seen her photo.

One Saturday morning in 2005, when Roth was 4 years old, her family went to look at a house on fire in their neighborhood in Mebane, North Carolina. Firefighters had intentionally set the blaze as a controlled fire, so it was a relaxed affair: Neighbors gathered and firefighters allowed children to take turns holding the hose.

Roth remembers watching the flames engulf the house when her father, an amateur photographer, asked her to smile. With her hair askew and a knowing look in her eyes, Roth flashed a devilish smirk as the fire roared behind her. Disaster Girl was born.

In the years since Dave Roth, Zoes father, entered it in a photo contest in 2007 and won, the image has been edited into various disasters from history, with Roth grinning impishly as a meteor wipes out the dinosaurs or the Titanic sinks in the distance. Now, after more than a decade of having her image endlessly repurposed as a vital part of meme canon, Roth has sold the original copy of her meme as a nonfungible token, or NFT, for nearly $500,000.

The meme sold for 180 Ether, a form of cryptocurrency, at an auction on April 17 to a user identified as @3FMusic. As with any currency, the value of Ether fluctuates, but as of Thursday, 180 Ether was valued at more than $495,000. The Roths retained the copyright and will receive 10% of future sales.

The market for ownership rights to digital art, ephemera and media known as NFTs, is exploding. All NFTs, including the Disaster Girl meme Roth just sold, are stamped with a unique bit of digital code that marks their authenticity, and stored on the blockchain, a distributed ledger system that underlies Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

In the meme hall of fame, Disaster Girl ranks alongside Ermahgerd, a pigtailed teenage girl posing with Goosebumps books; Bad Luck Brian, immortalized in a grimacing yearbook photo with braces; and Success Kid, a toddler on a beach with a clenched fist and an expression of intense determination.

In an interview, Roth said selling the meme was a way for her to take control over a situation that she has felt powerless over since she was in elementary school.

Before making the decision to sell, Roth consulted Bad Luck Brian himself  his real name is Kyle Craven  and Laney Griner, the mother of Success Kid.

Its the only thing that memes can do to take control, Roth recalled Craven telling her.

Disaster Girl memes have spread far and wide. Once, a group from Poland asked permission to use the meme for educational material about a dying Indigenous language. Someone in Portugal sent Roth pictures of a mural with the meme.

You just make it fit however you want to fit it, she said. I love seeing them because Id never make any of them myself, but I love seeing how creative people are.

Over the years, shes seen hundreds of iterations of her picture. One shared last summer during racial justice protests was among her favorites, she said.

Once its out there, its out there, and theres nothing you can do about it, Dave Roth said. It always finds a way to stay relevant with whatever new kind of awful, terrible bad thing is happening, so Ive laughed at a lot of them.

Roth, now 21, is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill studying peace, war and defense. She has never been recognized as Disaster Girl outright, she said, but most of her friends and acquaintances know of her meme fame.

People who are in memes and go viral is one thing, but just the way the internet has held on to my picture and kept it viral, kept it relevant, is so crazy to me, she said. Im super grateful for the entire experience.

Even so, she said, she hopes to one day do something meaningful enough to shift Disaster Girl to the second page of search results for her name.

After graduation, Roth plans to take a gap year before pursuing a graduate degree in international relations. She said she would donate the fortune she has made from her likeness  which is still in cryptocurrency form  to charities and to pay off her student loans, among other things.

When shes home, she often walks past the lot where it all started and wonders if locals know that its a meme place, she said.

People who are in memes didnt really have a choice in it, she said. The internet is big. Whether youre having a good experience or a bad experience, you kind of just have to make the most of it.

Ben Lashes, who manages the Roths and stars of other memes including Nyan Cat, Grumpy Cat, Keyboard Cat, Doge, Success Kid, David After Dentist and the Ridiculously Photogenic Guy, said his clients had cumulatively made over $2 million in NFT sales.

He said that NFT sales had helped establish memes as a sophisticated art form and serious pieces of culture.

I think anytime you can find a collector  no matter what the price is  who respects the art behind it and is going to cherish it, thats a successful sale, whether its one Ether or 200 or 300, he said.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Posts are showing up all over social media tying Covid-19 vaccinations to shingles and other painful skin disorders.

The source of one such post was Alex Berenson, an author and vaccine critic whose posts are sometimes cited for misinformation.

This story was produced in partnership with PolitiFact. It can be republished for free.

Berenson posted  first on Twitter, which then found its way to Facebook  a photo of a man covered in a severe rash. The man, according to the post, blamed the skin outbreak on a Covid vaccination he had weeks earlier. The post also included unsubstantiated information purported to be from the man's doctors, indicating a likely diagnosis of a type of rash usually triggered by medications or infections, such as herpes simplex. It led Berenson to draw the conclusion that "for #Covid vaccines, shingles and even more dangerous and painful skin conditions may be the new thrombocytopenia." That is a reference to a low blood platelet condition reported among some people who experienced blood clots after getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The post was flagged as part of Facebook's efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its news feed. (Read more about PolitiFact's partnership with Facebook.)

Without more information, it's impossible to know whether the picture was as described, or what might have led to the man's condition. We reached out to Berenson by email, but he did not respond. However, in a related Twitter thread, Berenson went on to discuss a study conducted in Israel that looked at six shingles cases occurring post-vaccination in a group of about 500 people with immune disorders.

The small Israeli study drew wide attention on social media and other outlets, and currently is the most-read article in the British Medical Journal's Rheumatology. Some outlets, including the New York Post, ran stories on its findings, often with misleading headlines.

That got us wondering: How strong is the science behind this connection?

First, a little background

Shingles, also called herpes zoster, occurs in people who had chickenpox, a virus that causes itchy blisters. (Shingles can be prevented by the two-dose Shingrix vaccine.)

After a person recovers from chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus that causes it can lie dormant in the body, and then reactivate years or decades later in the form of shingles. Both are part of the herpes virus family, which includes herpes simplex Types 1 and 2.

Type 1 commonly causes "cold" sores around the mouth and lips and is spread by kissing or sharing things like toothbrushes. Type 2 can cause genital herpes, which is spread via sexual contact.

Among the things that can reactivate these dormant herpes viruses are stress, drugs that suppress the immune system or simply aging.

Now, back to those social media posts

Neither the picture of the man with a rash or the findings of the small study in Israel prove cause and effect. In other words, just because a rash follows a vaccine by days or weeks does not mean the vaccine caused the rash.

Dr. William Schaffner, a professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, said it's natural for people to link events that occur within a short span of time, but he stressed it doesn't prove causality.

"Just because B follows A doesn't mean A causes B," he said.

In considering whether there are links between a treatment and a side effect, researchers often follow two large groups of similar people, one group getting a particular medication or vaccine, the other not. If the vaccinated or medicated individuals experience a side effect at a greater rate than those not treated, there may be a connection.

Safety is also monitored by tracking data on reported side effects.

In the United States, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System includes unverified reports from patients, doctors and others about possible illnesses or symptoms that occur following immunizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention watches those reports.

"So far, the data indicates that shingles and herpes are not occurring at an increased rate in the vaccinated population," said Schaffner, who encourages people who get a rash of any kind  or shingles  following vaccination to report it through that system.

But what about that Israeli study?

Even its authors said it was not designed to find a cause and effect.

Instead, the study followed 491 people  all of whom were being treated for underlying autoimmune inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, making them more susceptible to shingles in general.

Out of those, six women ages 36 to 61 developed shingles in the days and weeks after they received the Pfizer vaccination, for a prevalence rate of 1.2%.

The researchers noted in their article that vaccine-related reactivation of shingles has been seen with other vaccines, such as those for influenza, hepatitis A and rabies. But there were no reports of herpes-related rashes in the clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccines.

In the study, most of the cases were mild, five occurred after the first dose, and all five of those women went on to have their second dose with no additional adverse effects. The researchers said their observations cannot prove causality but should prompt "further vigilance and safety monitoring of Covid-19 vaccination side effects."

Some media outlets, including the New York Post, ran headlines such as "Herpes Infection Possibly Linked to Covid-19, Study Says."

That's simply "clickbait," said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

No one is getting infected with herpes from vaccinations, he said. "What the anti-vax community is doing is giving the impression that vaccinations are giving people herpes, which is simply not true."

Adalja objects to the headline and effort to scare people, but he also said it is plausible, if yet unproven, that vaccination could reactivate an existing herpes zoster virus.

Other types of rashes and injection-site redness have certainly been reported by people who have received a Covid-19 vaccine.

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, for example, reported on a group of 12 patients who had rashes that appeared four to 11 days after getting their first dose of the Moderna vaccine. Ice and antihistamines were used to treat most of the patients, half of whom experienced a rash again after the second shot.

And there have been reports on social media and in the press of people reporting similar rashes following vaccination. Still, experts say those rashes may simply be a sign that the immune system is working.

Such rashes are "pretty innocuous and easily treated," said Adalja.

Our ruling

An online post claims the Covid-19 vaccines cause shingles or other dangerous skin conditions.

Although it contains a sliver of truth, it ignores important information. For instance, the evidence to date indicates this is an area to continue monitoring, but no direct link has been established between Covid vaccination and shingles or other serious skin conditions.

The study cited was not intended to prove cause and effect, and it was looking at patients who already had suppressed immune systems that made them more likely to get shingles whether they had a vaccination or not.

We rate this statement Mostly False.
Renowned Hayes Valley spot 20th Century Cafe has announced it is shuttering after eight years, Eater SF first reported.

Chef-owner Michelle Polzine told customers about the closure in an email this week and posted the news to social media Thursday as word spread that the cafe will be closing.

"Ive been through a lot, I know we all have, and I dragged my half dead body in here week in and week out and made the best damn food I could for years, pushing myself so hard, every day, but enough is enough," Polzine wrote, in part, on Facebook. "I havent done every thing I set out to do, but I have done most of it, and to a very high standard, and now I ask no more of myself."

Polzine's cafe was renowned for its multilayered honey cake, which became a star dessert for the shop and the showpiece for her cookbook, which came out in October 2020. The cafe was also loved not only for its seasonal cakes, sourdough bagels and strudels, but also the European atmosphere, inspired by Polzine's travels through Prague, Vienna and Budapest.

Yue J. / Yelp

Polzine told Eater SF that the closure wasn't due to the COVID-19 pandemic (although it was a factor), instead telling the publication that it was more that she didn't want to run a small business in San Francisco. "San Francisco is not hospitable to small business owners," Polzine told Eater SF. "I love this city as a citizen. I still want to live here. But I no longer have any interest in owning a business here."

"Its a thing of love that would have worked really well 20 or 30 years ago in San Francisco, but business is very business-y now. The most unique thing is not the most valued thing, Polzine added in an interview with the Chronicle. (SFGATE and the San Francisco Chronicle are both owned by Hearst but operate independently of one another.) Id get writers and musicians and artists coming here all the time, and then that population diminished as years went by.

The end of 20th Century Cafe is still weeks away; Polzine has a few more things she has planned before she begins closing up the cafe for good. The cafe is set to close in a couple of months, and in that time she has some dine-in events "with the good china, and freshly polished silver" in the works, as well as some prix-fixe meals, brunches and perhaps some classes coming up before they shutter.

"We did a really good thing here," Polzine said in her social media post. "We created an oasis of weird and wonderful things. A magical place where you arent exactly sure how its going to go, but you come for the ride, and you fasten your seatbelt.

"... Im not finished, but Im finished being a business owner," Polzine added in her note. "I still love cooking, I can run circles around cooks decades younger than me, and I dont intend to disappear."

20th Century Cafe, at 198 Gough St. in San Francisco, is open for a limited menu on the weekends, for both preorders and walk-up service. Check their website for the latest details on offerings.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Doctors treating babies born with Turner syndrome need to look for heart rhythm abnormalities, in addition to the usual heart problems of high blood pressure or left-sided structural heart defects, according to Meena Bolourchi, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine.

Turner syndrome occurs in one out of 2,500 live female births and is caused by the complete or partial absence of one X chromosome. Compared to the general population, females with Turner syndrome have a three times higher risk of early death from cardiovascular disease.

In the general newborn population, cardiac arrhythmias occur in approximately 24.4 per 100,000 live births and may occur with or without congenital heart disease. The most common arrhythmia is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) (abnormally fast heart rate coming from the top chambers of the heart) with an incidence of one per 250 to one per 1,000 pediatric patients depending on the source. Atrial flutter occurs less often, with an incidence of 2.1 per 100,000 live births and typically does not reoccur after treatment. While one study of newborns with atrial flutter showed that 25 percent had a second atrial arrhythmia, none of them had an underlying genetic syndrome.

Now for the first time, researchers report on a newborn with Turner syndrome having atrial flutter followed by SVT. "This is the first case of a baby with Turner's syndrome who was found to have more than one type of arrhythmia. This case illustrates that arrhythmias from the top chambers of the heart (atrial arrhythmias) can be found in babies with Turner's syndrome," explains corresponding author Bolourchi.

To date, there had been no known associations between Turner syndrome and the development of atrial flutter with or without SVT. Bolourchi stresses that if a baby or child has been diagnosed with Turner syndrome, it would be important to look for heart rhythm abnormalities, in addition to the usual heart problems of high blood pressure or left-sided structural heart defects.

"This case illustrates that infants and children with Turner syndrome may be at risk for cardiovascular rhythm disorders, such as atrial flutter or supraventricular tachycardia. "Early and precise investigation of such cardiac abnormalities is important to reduce morbidity and mortality of these patients," adds Bolourchi, a pediatric cardiologist at Boston Medical Center.

These findings appear online in the European Heart Journal.

Explore further People with heart rhythm disorders warned over cannabis use

More information: Yeyoon Choi et al, Neonatal arrhythmias in Turner syndrome: a case report and review of the literature, European Heart Journal - Case Reports (2021). Journal information: European Heart Journal Yeyoon Choi et al, Neonatal arrhythmias in Turner syndrome: a case report and review of the literature,(2021). DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytab160
MPs are calling on the government to invest in the future of land-based education in England or face a 'skills crisis' in its plans to reach net zero.

Cross-party MPs on the EFRA Committee have written to the Department of Education urging an implementation of a national strategy for land-based skills.

They have criticised the 'clear dissonance' between plans for the UK's greener future and a dwindling skills provision.

The number of specialist independent land-based colleges has fallen by almost 80% in the last four decades.

This means many potential students have faced long journeys to reach colleges or having to move away from home.

Meanwhile, the high cost of delivering land-based courses has led to providers selling their valuable land and assets to ease financial strains.

MPs said the threatened Cumbria-based agricultural college Newton Rigg served as a 'vivid illustration' of the difficulties facing land-based institutions.

In response to the college's closure, the Committee called on the government to tighten the safeguards on the sale of land-based educational assets.

MPs also asked for confirmation about the details of the transfer of the college, which they said had caused controversy locally.

Neil Parish MP, EFRA chair, said it was 'obvious' that farmers would not be able to meet the UK net zero goal if there wasn't enough young people with the right skills.

"Over the past 40 years, the number of independent land-based colleges has shrunk from 50 to just 11," he explained.

"Government needs to take steps now to ensure that a robust strategy- and adequate funding- is in place to boost land-based education to meet the challenges we face.

"In recent years, we have seen education providers forced to sell off the family silver to stay afloat, hurting their students and local communities.

"Englands future is its young people and their enthusiasm and commitment to protecting the environment.

"The government needs to provide the leadership and investment to harness that."
Japanese automaker Honda has revealed the 11th generation of its longest running nameplate.

Touted as the best Civic ever, Honda claimed that the 2022 Honda Civic is the most fun-to-drive and technologically advanced Civic sedan in the models nearly 50-year history.

Powering the all-new model is either a 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC in-line four-cylinder or a 1.5-liter version with turbocharger. These are all paired to CVT (with paddle shifters for the performance lines). The powertrain produces a maximum output of 158hp on the lower trims (two-liter engine) and 180hp on the upper varieties (turbocharged 1.5).

2022 Honda Civic Sedan Sport

The Sport and Touring line offer the same three drive modes (Econ, Normal, Sport).

The 11th-gen Civic is 4,674mm long, 1,145mm tall, and 1,801mm wide with a 2,736mm wheelbase. The cargo volume is up to 111 gallons of space (108 gallons for the top-tier offer).

The latest Civic sports a thin and light body design as shown on the low hood and front fenders, and a low horizontal beltline.

2022 Honda Civic Sedan Sport

On the inside, vehicle occupants are greeted by an uncluttered cabin design found on the early generations of Civic with the new models interior features exceptional visibility, intuitive ergonomics, extraordinary passenger volume and driver-focused technology.

For its infotainment system of the all-new Honda Civic also has a seven-inch color touchscreen with volume and tuning knobs or the nine-inch HD color touchscreen with volume knob, customizable feature settings and smart shortcuts (touring variant).

The top-spec infotainment system is matched with a Bose Premium Sound System with 12 speakers, including subwoofer.

2022 Honda Civic Sedan Sport

Safety features such as Honda Sensing, Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) Body Structure, 10 airbags (including next-generation dual front airbags) are common throughout the four offerings.

The Civic sedan will be available in eight exterior colors, three of which are new: Meteorite Gray Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl and all-new Civic-exclusive Morning Mist Blue Metallic.

Story continues

Photos from Honda

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Myanmar protesters march with banners as they take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Insein township, Yangon region, April 29, 2021.

Two Myanmar air force bases in the cities of Meiktila and Magway were hit by rocket attacks Thursday, and several other cities were rocked by explosions, witnesses said, with unconfirmed social media reports saying as many as six government soldiers were killed.

While the 12-week-old military junta that overthrew Myanmars elected government threatened to fire striking teachers and arrested more regime opponents, witnesses told of rocket attacks on key military installations in the center of the country, far from regions controlled by ethnic armies.

Six improvised rockets were fired at the air force base in Meiktila, a city in Mandalay region that is home to the Myanmar Air Force Central Command, though only five exploded, and the other one was found later by soldiers, witnesses said.

There were attacks on air bases  one in Meiktila and another in Magway at around 4 a.m., a Magway resident said. They were not bomb explosions but improvised rocket attacks.

About 20 armed soldiers were later seen in the town stopping cars and motorbikes and searching for weapons, the person said.

We heard that three rockets hit Meiktila and five hit the Magway air base, and that at least two soldiers were said to have been killed in Meiktila, the Magway resident added.

Facebook posts said six troops had been killed in both attacks, but RFA was not able to confirm the deaths.

RFA could not reach the military juntas spokesman for comment on the attacks.

Several rockets flew over Meiktila air base and fell in a nearby village, though there were no casualties because they exploded in an uninhabited area, villagers said.

It is unclear who was behind the blasts in Meiktila, which hosts one of the largest air bases in the country.

The air force base in Magway, about 90 miles west of Myanmars capital Naypyidaw, also was attacked in the morning, a resident said.

A butcher who was riding a motorcycle to the market early Thursday was hit by a bullet, a Magway resident said.

Armory fire in Bago region

A fire broke out at the armory of the 35th Infantry Division based in Thayarwaddy, Bago region, following explosions Thursday morning, displacing some of the 100 people from military families who live there, local residents said.

At first, we thought it was thunder when we heard successive loud bangs, but after that we found out that there was a fire at the 35th Infantry Division, said one resident. The noises died down after about half an hour.

The military ordered the immediate evacuation of families living in the area, he said.

RFA reporters have been unable to confirm reports that the fire was caused by a power outage and extremely high daytime temperatures.

The incident was the first time in 40 years that an armory had exploded, local residents said.

In Yangons Hlaingthaya and South Dagon townships, sites of large anti-military protests and fierce crackdowns earlier this spring, improvised bombs exploded at local administration offices.

In Mandalay, a bomb exploded in front of the deputy mayors residence and outside the local headquarters of the military proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) headquarters, residents said, though no casualties were reported.

Myanmar protesters participate in a demonstration against the military regime in Kalay, northwestern Myanmar's Sagaing region, April 29, 2021. Credit: RFA





Teachers threatened

The junta that overthrew leader Aug San Suu Kyis elected government in a coup on Feb. 1 took aim Thursday at striking teachers who have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), threatening to fire them unless they returned to work for the start of the next school year in June.

More than 300,000 state education workers nationwide have joined the CDM  a mass walkout of medical professionals, bankers and public sector employees  with about two-thirds of them quitting the movement because of pressure from the junta, said a member of the Myanmar Teachers Federation.

There are over 400,000 employees in the entire country, and over 300,000 had taken part in the CDM earlier, the person said.

But now, with all kinds of pressure from the military, only about 100,000 are left in the movement, he said. In the past several days, [junta officials] have been approaching the striking school teachers to return to work.

Education Department officials say that schoolteachers still taking part in the CDM will not receive their April salaries, and they have asked them to repay their March salaries as well as any loans.

Educators involved in the CDM have been forced to sign a nonparticipation agreement under threat of being charged with incitement under Section 505(a) of Myanmars Penal Code, said a teacher in Bago.

Most of the teachers are not worried about other things except for the 505(a) threat, he said. Recently, the family members of those taking part in the civil disobedience movement have been harassed or arrested, and this had worried a lot of people.

Another teacher from Bago said that more than 30 of her colleagues from a state high school who are involved in the CDM had been threatened online and that they were in hiding.

One educator said she was forced to flee her home because the military was searching teachers houses.

We have been hiding at houses of friends or close students for some time now, she said. We were on the run because it would have been terrible to fall into their hands.

The junta claims that some workers were pressured into joining that CDM, and that no one should write incriminating posts on their Facebook pages about the military regime or their support for opponents of the junta.

Support for CDM drying up

Spearheading formal opposition to the junta is the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a group of lawmakers ousted in the coup, who formed a parallel National Unity Government (NUG) on Apr. 16.

The CRPH has said it is trying to support CDM members by collecting financial contributions from foreign donors.

But an NLD lawmaker who did not want to be identified said that the juntas ongoing arrests of CRPH members and legislators helping those who have joined the CDM have nearly ended the aid programs.

A member of the CDMs campaign support committee also said that the number of donors has dwindled since March, making it difficult to provide assistance.

Zaw Wai Soe, the NUGs minister of health and education, said in a recent speech that there was no need for striking workers in the CDM to worry about the junta repressing them.

The morale of the workers has been of paramount importance in the CDM and that pressure from the military council should not bother them, he said.

Everyone knows how many sacrifices our schoolteachers have made in joining the CDM, he said. All our Myanmar brethren overseas as well as the international community are very much interested in the movement and have helped in many ways, so we dont have to care much about the military council.

Win Myat Aye, NUG minister for humanitarian affairs and disaster management, wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday that his government was drawing up a budget that would include regular monthly salaries for striking workers participating in the movement.

But some educators already have felt the bite of the junta.

Education Department workers in Naypyidaw who lived in government-provided housing said they were forced out of their homes because they participated in the CDM and that they have had difficulty making ends meet.

The military junta said in a statement on Tuesday that it would consider appeals from civil servants who had been involved in the CDM movement if the appeals were submitted within six months.

A Myanmar protester flashes a three-finger salute of defiance as other protesters march during an anti-junta demonstration in Dawei, southern Myanmar's Tanintharyi region, April 29, 2021. Credit: AFP/Dawei Watch





Arrests of officials in Mogok

Junta forces on Wednesday night arrested Ko Ko Oo, local chairman of the former ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), in the town of Mogok, and Lwin Maung Maung, a lawmaker for the Meiktila constituency, said friends and relatives of the men.

Ko Ko Oo was taken from his home in Meiktila by about two dozen soldiers, said Soe Htay, said a friend of the local NLD official.

They are making unlawful arrests, he said.

A family member of Lwin Maung Maung said security forces who arrested Lwin Maung Maung came to the area to search for people who had joined the CDM.

If they could not find the people they wanted, then they arrested their family members, he said. And if they found knives, daggers and other such articles in the house, they would beat up the homeowners,

On Thursday, the junta leveled additional charges, including high treason and unlawful association, against Wai Moe Naing, a detained anti-coup leader who led demonstrations in the town of Monywa, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported.

There now are 10 cases filed against him since his arrest in mid-April while leading a motorbike rally, the journal said.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a Thailand-based rights group, said that as of Thursday, 759 people had been killed since the Feb. 1 coup, while 3,461 were detained. The junta outlawed the AAPP on Monday, accusing it of exaggerating casualties  a charge the group denied.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Matt Gaetz' so-called wingman Joel Greenberg allegedly penned a letter confessing that the pair paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a new media report.

The bombshell letter is said to have been given to Donald Trump's confidante Roger Stone in a bid to get a pardon from the then-President.

New messages between Stone and Greenberg allegedly show that the disgraced tax collector was willing to pay Trump's longtime friend - a convicted felon - $250,000 in bitcoin to help secure the pardon, the Daily Beast reported on Thursday.

One message - said to be from Stone - indicates Gaetz had privately turned on Greenberg and had advised Stone not to secure the pardon for Greenberg, the news website has claimed.

Another message reported to have been sent by Greenberg allegedly said he was pressured to 'flip' and cooperate with prosecutors.

'On more than one occasion, [the 17-year-old] was involved in sexual activities with several of the other girls, the congressman from Florida's 1st Congressional District and myself,' Greenberg wrote in the letter, according to Daily Beast.

Matt Gaetz' so-called wingman Joel Greenberg penned a letter confessing that the pair allegedly paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl, it has been claimed

Matt Gaetz, center, is pictured with Roger Stone, left, and Joel Greenberg

Gaetz has repeatedly denied having sex with a 17-year-old and said he has never paid for sex

Congressman Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and his girlfriend Ginger Luckey enter "Women for American First" event, Friday, April 9, 2021

The outlet says it obtained multiple drafts of the letter and had them evaluated by Wendy Carlson - a certified forensic document examiner and handwriting expert.

The Daily Beast has not shared copies of the letter itself, and DailyMail.com has been unable to verify its contents.

A spokesman for Gaetz vehemently denied the Daily Beast story after it was published, telling CNN: 'Congressman Gaetz has never paid for sex, nor has he had sex with a 17 year old as an adult.

'Politico has reported Mr. Greenberg's threats to make false accusations against others, and while The Daily Beast's story contains a lot of confessions from Mr. Greenberg, it does not add anything of substance, and certainly no evidence for the wild and false claims about Rep. Gaetz.

'In fact, the story goes some way to showing how Rep. Gaetz was long out of touch with Mr. Greenberg, and had no interest in involving himself in Mr. Greenberg's affairs.'

Greenberg's lawyer has refused to comment on the latest allegations, while Roger Stone has also questioned their accuracy.

He denied offering to help Greenberg, said he did not take any money, did not know of the existence of the alleged confession, and had never previously heard of Greenberg implicating Gaetz.

Stone added that texts seen by the Daily Beast are incomplete, and that he did not try to get Gaetz a pardon.

The Florida age of consent is 18 years old and sexual intercourse with anyone under 18 is statutory rape. However, the state has a so-called Romeo and Juliet law that allows minors who are 16 or 17 to have sex with someone who is at most 23 years old. Gaetz is 38.

Gaetz has not been criminally charged by federal prosecutors and has always denied having had sex with the underage girl.

'From time to time, gas money or gifts, rent or partial tuition payments were made to several of these girls, including the individual who was not yet 18. I did see the acts occur firsthand and Venmo transactions, Cash App or other payments were made to these girls on behalf of the Congressman,' Greenberg alleged.

Gaetz, center, and Greenberg are pictured together outside of the White House

Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida poses with President Donald Trump in photos from his official Facebook page

Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg leaves the federal courthouse in Orlando after making a first appearance following his indictment on a federal stalking charge

Joel Greenberg, a central figure in the ongoing investigation into Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, is likely to strike a plea deal with federal prosecutors, his attorney and prosecutors said

Greenberg and Stone's alleged messages, which would refer to Matt Gaetz as 'MG,' are said to have been sent on the encrypted messaging app Signal, but were apparently screenshoted by Greenberg, according to Daily Beast.

Greenberg was out of jail at the time the messages were sent after he was arrested in June 2020 on stalking charges. He now faces dozens of new charges including sex trafficking of the 17-year-old, cryptocurrency fraud, and identity theft.

'If I get you $250k in Bitcoin would that help or is this not a financial matter,' Greenberg allegedly wrote to Stone in one message

'I understand all of this and have taken it into consideration,' Stone is said to have replied. 'I will know more in the next 24 hours I cannot push too hard because of the nonsense surrounding pardons.'

'I hope you are prepared to wire me $250,000 because I am feeling confident,' Stone is then said to have wrote to Greenberg on January 13 - the same day Trump was impeached for the second time during his one-term presidency, which ended seven days later.

TIMELINE OF THE GAETZ SAGA MARCH 30: The New York Times reports that Gaetz is under investigation for a sexual relationship with an underage girl. Details are sparse but the relationship is said to have happened two years ago. Gaetz went on Tucker Carlson's FOX News show that night to deny the allegations and claim he was the victim of an extortion plot. He names David McGee as a DoJ official who is extorting him. McGee denies it. MARCH 31: Gaetz's father Don tells Politico that the extortion plot is real and that he was working with his son and the FBI to expose it APRIL 1: Texts emerge to support Gaetz's claim that he was being extorted and they introduce a new element to the saga - that the extortion plot was part of a ruse to rescue American hostage Robert Levinson from Iran. WHO'S WHO Rep Matt Gaetz Gaetz, 38, is the representative for Florida's 1st congressional district. He is a Trump ally who has ties to Roger Stone and he's been known to fan the flames of controversy in the past. He has DUI convictions, has been accused of inciting violence on Twitter and claimed that facial recognition technology proved some of the January 6 Capitol rioters were not Trump fans, but 'antifa' masquerading as them. Don Gaetz Gaetz's father who was a well-liked Senator. He sold his company with his partners for $406million in 2004. They had founded VITAS Healthcare in the 1980s. He was a senator for ten years from 2006 until 2016. David McGee McGee was a prosecutor with the Department of Justice but he is now a private practice attorney. According to his bio on his law firm's website, he spent six years as the First Assistant at the United States Attorneys Office and for seven years as the Lead Attorney for a United States Department of Justice Organized Crime Task Force. Bob Kent Kent is an Air Force intelligence officer whose involvement in the alleged plot was only revealed on Wednesday night through the texts. Robert Levinson Levinson spent 22 years working for the FBI before he vanished in Iran in 2007. The government claimed they knew nothing about it but later admitted he had been working there for the CIA. The last time he was seen alive was in 2011, when he appeared in proof of life photos. His family say that this month, they were given reason to believe he was dead. Advertisement

Stone confirmed to the Daily Beast that Greenberg had tried to hire him. However, Stone denied being paid or that he helped Greenberg beyond instructing him to prepare 'a document explaining his prosecution.'

'I made no formal or informal effort in regard to a pardon for Mr. Greenberg,' Stone told the outlet. 'I recall requesting a document explaining his prosecution The [sic] details of which I was unfamiliar with.'

He added: 'I never requested or received a penny from Mr. Greenberg. I recall him offering to retain me and I declined. To be clear I did advocate pardons for a number of people who I had [sic] been unfairly treated by the justice system and was compensated by no one for doing so.'

Stone then urged the outlet to be careful with its reporting and threatened to take legal action 'in the event that you publish anything that is false or defamatory.'

'My lawyers that I fired, know the whole story about MG's involvement. They know he paid me to pay the girls and that he and I both had sex with the girl who was underage,' Greenberg allegedly wrote to Stone on December 21.

However, in his alleged confession, Greenberg claimed that he and Gaetz believed the teen girl was 19 - above the age of consent - before they allegedly had sex with her.

Greenberg reportedly claims 'an anonymous tip' on September 4, 2017 informed him that the girl was underage and that Gaetz was 'equally shocked and disturbed by this revelation,' it was alleged.

'Immediately I called the congressman and warned him to stay clear of this person and informed him she was underage,' Greenberg allegedly wrote.

Greenberg is said to have alleged that the girl had lied about her age and that he confronted her about the 'serious' situation. He claimed he explained to her 'how serious of a situation this was, how many people she put in danger,' according to Daily Beast.

'She apologized and recognized that by lying about her age, she endangered many people,' Greenberg allegedly wrote.

'There was no further contact with this individual until after her 18th birthday.'

Greenberg reestablished contact with the girl about five months after she turned 18 when Gaetz allegedly told him to 'hit up' the teen, Daily Beast reported.

The outlet claims it talked to 12 of the more than 40 different women who allegedly received money from Greenberg and 'they all said they understood Greenberg was paying them at least in part for sex.'

Logan Circle Group, a public relations firm Gaetz has hired, provided a statement to Daily Beast on behalf of the Florida congressman.

'Congressman Gaetz has never paid for sex nor has he had sex with a 17-year-old as an adult. We are now one month after your outlet and others first reported such lies, and no one has gone on record to directly accuse him of either,' it reads.

The firm's statement noted a recent article in Politico which reported that an associate of Greenberg said he had warned friends that 'everyone is going to need a lawyer.'

'Politico, however, has reported Mr. Greenberg threatening to make false accusations against others, which seems noteworthy for your story and in fact sounds like the entirety of your story,' Logan Circle Group said.

'Congressman Gaetz has had no role in advocating for or against a pardon for Greenberg and doubts such a pardon was ever even considered.'

During the alleged months-long communications via Signal, Stone is said to have asked Greenberg to put his case forward, and appeared to try and damp down expectations when Greenberg expressed his hopes of a pardon, according to the newly-shared communications.

Greenberg is said to have eventually told Stone on December 21 that investigators were pressuring him to cooperate, including the 'FBI, DOJ, Secret Service and a bunch of people from DC,' but he declined, Daily Beast reported.

'They want me to flip. They have made offers which I've declined. I even fired my lawyers this week because they tried to convince me to cooperate and that a pardon was impossible,' Greenberg allegedly said, while noting that his former lawyers had called his story a 'golden ticket.'

Greenberg is then said to have continued: 'And while I have not had any communication with MG, he absolutely has to know that the sex charge they hit me with would be what they would hit him with.'

He also told Stone that he felt 'abandoned' by his allies and asked Gaetz if he thought 'MG is going to come visit me in prison?', it is claimed.

Just two days later, Stone received his own pardon from Trump but Greenberg came out empty-handed - even after his name 'repeatedly made it to the Trump White House for a presidential pardon,' the Daily Beast reported.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 08:28:27|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, April 30 (Xinhua) -- At least five people including four women were killed in a firing incident in Nowshera district of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday, local reports said.

Quoting police sources, the reports added that some unknown gunmen opened fire at the victims' house located in the downtown area of the district and fled the scene.

Police have filed a report of the incident and started investigations besides kicking off an operation to nab the fleeing miscreants, the reports added.

Police said that the incident might be an outcome of personal enmity, but possibility of a terrorist attack may also not be ruled out and they are investigating the matter from both angles.

No group or individual has claimed the attack.

One man was also critically injured in the attack and he has been shifted to a nearby hospital, the report added. Enditem
The project, which will capture RNG from dairy cow manure, is expected to start up in early 2022

The RNG project is expected to generate cash for Gevo of around $9 million to $16 million per year

( ) (FRA:ZGV3) has officially broken ground on its renewable natural gas (RNG) project in northwest Iowa.

The project will generate RNG captured from dairy cow manure, or what's called feedstock.

The Englewood, Colorado-based company has said previously that the feedstock for the RNG project will be supplied by three dairy farms involving over 20,000 milking cows with start-up expected in early 2022.

Breaking ground on this project is an exciting step in bringing Gevos Net-Zero strategy closer to life, said CEO Patrick Gruber in a statement. Upon completion of the project in 2022, the digesters are anticipated to generate approximately 355,000 MMBtu of RNG per year and reduce significant quantities of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from being released into the atmosphere.

Gruber added: After the methane is extracted from the processed manure, the remaining solids will be returned to the farmers as soil nutrients for use as fertilizer. This will allow the farmers to reduce their raw manure application, which will improve odor, water quality and nutrient management practices.

The RNG project is expected to generate cash for Gevo of about $9 million to $16 million per year, the company has said.

Contact the author: patrick@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMGraham
Integrated cardiothoracic residency continues to be most challenging specialty to match

Boston, MA (April 30, 2021) - Research presented today at the AATS 101st Annual Meeting, shows that the six year Integrated Cardiothoracic (CT I-6) residency continues to be the most challenging to match, while the pool of applicants has become more diverse. The study, which aimed to identify applicant characteristics associated with a successful match, used data from the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) for Thoracic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Otolaryngology (ENT), Plastic Surgery, and Vascular Surgery for 2010-2020.

Data compared number of applicants and residency positions, gender, race, and qualifications among CT I-6 applicants with those of other competitive surgical subspecialties, including Orthopaedic Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery, and Vascular Surgery. Competitive subspecialties analyzed included those that had (1) more United States (US) senior applicants than positions offered; (2) ? 5 positions available in the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP); and (3) United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score average of ?235 in the 2020 NRMP Match.

Number of applicants, number of positions, match rates, gender, race, and objective metrics including Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership, USMLE Step 1 and 2 CK scores, research productivity, and graduation from a top-40 NIH-funded US medical school were recorded. Descriptive statistics and Student t tests were calculated to compare applicant gender and race between surgical subspecialties.

Despite growth of 280 percent in PGY-1 positions over the ten-year period, CT I-6 continued to be the most difficult to match among all competitive surgical subspecialties, with the lowest match rates among total applicants. The number of female applicants has risen from 16 percent in 2015 to 28 percent in 2020. Furthermore, the diversity among I-6 program applicants has increased in all race and ethnicity categories from 2015 to 2019: White (+0.2 percent), Black (+2.1 percent), Asian (+2.1 percent), and Hispanic (+0.9 percent).

For all applicants, the greatest predictors of a successful match appear to be Step-2 CK, AOA membership, and graduation from a top-40 NIH-funded US medical school.

"Over the last 10 years, trends in the CT I-6 match have been very exciting," explained Lead Author Lauren Bougioukas, medical student at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. "I-6 has been recruiting very competitive, talented applicants. In particular, I am thrilled to see increased numbers of racially diverse and female applicants. I hope this study serves as a springboard for future research regarding the I-6 match, and also better informs aspiring cardiothoracic surgeons looking to pursue an I-6 residency."

###

"Characteristics in the Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery Match: Trends in Positions, Gender, Race, and Qualifications Among Applicants when Compared with those of other Surgical Subspecialties." Lauren Bougioukas, Alyssa Heiser, Adrian Berg, Marek Polomsky, Chris Rokkas, Fuyuki Hirashima. Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT; Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT

Presented by Lauren Bougioukas, April 30 at the AATS 101st Annual Meeting.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THORACIC SURGERY (AATS)

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) is an international organization that encourages, promotes, and stimulates the scientific investigation of cardiothoracic surgery. Founded in 1917 by a respected group of the earliest pioneers in the field, its original mission was to "foster the evolution of an interest in surgery of the Thorax." Today, the AATS is the premiere association for cardiothoracic surgeons in the world and works to continually enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality of patient care. Its more than 1,500 members have a proven record of distinction within the specialty and have made significant contributions to the care and treatment of cardiothoracic disease. Visit www.aats.org to learn more.

All references to "AATS 101st Annual Meeting" should link to: https:/ / www. aats. org/ aatsimis/ AATSEvent/ AM/ AM. aspx

This story has been published on: 2021-04-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
As solidarity has outpoured from across the globe, the United Kingdom confirmed to have dispatched vital medical equipment to India. Britain announced that they have arranged to send three oxygen generation units with producing capacity of 500 litres of oxygen per minute. In their previous consignments, the UK government had consigned ventilators and oxygen concentrators from surplus stock to the Government of India.

The first round of consignment from the UK had arrived in Delhi during early hours of April 29. The said consignment constituted of 95 Oxygen Concentrators and 100 Ventilators. The second round of consignment contained 120 Oxygen Concentrators while the third series of dispatchment consisted 280 oxygen concentrators, 40 ventilators.

The UK government had shared that the oxygen concentrators delivered to India and the quota in transit can extract oxygen from the air in the atmosphere so that it can be provided to COVID-19 patients. This takes the strain off hospital oxygen systems, thus, giving inflow of oxygen in situations where hospital oxygen supplies have conked off.

Amid raging COVID-19 figures, media reports, and gutting images of collapsing medical infrastructure, many countries have poured in their solidarity with India. Previously, United Kingdom, United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, European Union, Singapore, Bhutan amongst few others have come forward to provide assistance to India in procuring tonnes of liquid medical oxygen, transporting mobile oxygen plants, drugs, and vaccines against destructive COVID-19 second-wave. This would ensure requisite medical oxygen across states which are facing shortages. In the recent past, COVID-19 patients have succumbed to the virus due to a dearth of medical oxygen supply at hospitals.

The assistance by friendly States and compilation of supplies can be perused as follows.

COUNTRIES DATE OF ARRIVAL CONSIGNMENT DETAILS Mauritius 28 April, 2021 200 Oxygen Concentrators Singapore 28 April, 2021 256 Oxygen Cylinders Russia 29 April 2021 20 large Oxygen Concentrators, 75 Ventilators, 150 bedside Monitors, 200000 packs of Favipiravir UAE 29 April 2021 157 Ventilators, 480 BiPAPs, Coveralls, Goggles, Masks IRELAND 30 April 2021 700 Oxygen Concentrators, 365 ventilators Romania 30 April 2021 80 Oxygen Concentrators, 75 Oxygen Cylinders, 20 High Flow Humidify oxygen therapy devices USA 423 oxygen cylinders with regulators (200 Size D, 223 Size H), 210 pulse oximeters, 184,000 Abbott Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits, and 84000 N-95 face masks, 17 H-size (large) oxygen cylinders + 7,00,000 more Abott Rapid Tests

COVID-19 tally in India

India recorded 3,86,452 new COVID-19 infections in a span of 24 hours, the highest single-day rise so far, pushing the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,87,62,976, while active cases crossed the 31-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll increased to 2,08,330 with 3,498 new fatalities, as per data updated at 8 am showed.

The Centre has liberalised and accelerated Phase-3 strategy of COVID-19 vaccination and will be implemented from May 1 and registration for the new eligible population groups started on Wednesday.
Teton County Reporter

Previously the Scene editor, Billy Arnold made the switch to the county beat where he's interested in exploring Teton County as a model for the rest of the West. When he can, he still writes about art, music and whatever else suits his fancy.
Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba has said that one of the key topics of the upcoming visit of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Ukraine will be security, Radio Liberty reports.

"First of all, of course, we will talk about security. We will talk about the assistance that the United States can provide in reforms. We will certainly talk about the economy. But I would say that now we have several important topics, especially in the energy sector, which will be in the spotlight," Kuleba said in an interview to be published on the Radio Liberty website on May 1.

According to him, the ground for Blinken's visit to Ukraine is "well prepared."

"We've had a lot of conversations in fact. I don't remember that in the history of Ukraine there were so many contacts with the United States at all levels in such a short period of time. The president, the minister of defense, and my counterparts, and the head of the President's Office ... We will have a substantive conversation with the Secretary of State," the minister said.

Regarding the steps that are being prepared on the formats of Ukraine-U.S. cooperation in the security sphere, Kuleba said: "We are working on this."

As reported, Blinken announced his visit to Ukraine next week.
A former minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in Nigeria, Nduese Essien, has said that allowing oil-producing communities to participate in Nigerias petroleum industry would be the best option for the development of the troubled Niger Delta region.

Nigerias oil, exploited in the Niger Delta, is the major foreign exchange earner and the mainstay of the countrys economy. Its exploitation and export is controlled solely by the federal government.

The Niger Delta has been plagued by poverty and restiveness, despite the billions of dollars Nigeria has made from the oil in the region.

Mr Essien, a former member of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom State, said, 13% derivation to the oil producing communities, as well as the palliative added, can never replace the full participation of the communities in the Petroleum Industry.

He said the federal government took complete ownership of oil in the country at the peak of the civil war in order to use the resources to prosecute the war and probably as a stop-gap measure, but afterwards developments in the industry were manipulated to place the south, especially the Niger Delta region, in a disadvantage position.

Mr Essien said people from the Niger Delta have been excluded from participation in the oil sector, while other Nigerians have been made to become big players in the sector.

The former minister stated this in February when the joint committee of the National Assembly on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) visited Akwa Ibom State as part of its continuous engagement on the bill.

The text of the ministers presentation was forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES, Monday.

Flawed bill

Mr Essien, who serves as the political leader of the Akwa Ibom South District, where ExxonMobil and other oil companies operate from, said the Petroleum Industry Bill, in itself, would not bring succour to the Niger Delta when passed into law, except it is reworked upon to introduce some amendment like the definition of the host community.

Is it the village, the clan, the local government area, the state or whatever?

Failure to specify who the host community is will create further confusion and hamper the implementation of the PIB as it concerns the provisions for the host community, he said.

Mr Essien faulted the introductory sentence in the bill which says, The property and ownership of petroleum within Nigeria and its territorial waters, continental shelf and exclusive economic zone is vested in the Government of the Federation of Nigeria.

He said the sentence is a fundamental distortion and should, therefore, be addressed first in order to bring everybody in line for a smooth and peaceful functioning of the industry.

Mr Essien explained why the measures to tackle underdevelopment in the Niger Delta have failed in the past, and may continue to fail.

All these palliative measures have never involved the participation, control and management of the petroleum resources by the people of the Niger Delta region. That is why they have always failed.

The PIB presently under discussion is another palliative to set the host communities against each other for a share of 2.5% while the status quo of the impoverished continues, he said.

Continuing, the former minister said, The PIB has again concerned itself with development of the host community without their participation in the exploitation and management of the resources.

Transplanting controlled development from the administrative headquarters of the oil companies to the area of production does not ever yield full dividends. The handling charges, administrative cost and other interferences have always led to ineffective application of resources.

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The oil companies should live with the community, incorporate them in their activities, utilise their human resources in a manner that will lead to self-sustained growth.

Development of host communities can come easy when the companies live in the area, appreciate their conditions, grow and develop along with the communities.

This will lead to self-sustained development. This practice of distancing the oil company owners and their workers from the community is akin to colonial master and colony relationship.

It has never led to the development of the colonies.

The host communities host the petroleum resources exploration and exploitation. They host the environmental degradation and deprivation. They host the gas flare while all the revenue, gas flaring penalties and other accruals are paid to the Federation Account to be shared to all Nigerians.

Gas is flared only in the area of production. Penalty is collected and paid to the Federation account to be shared to allwhat an absurd arrangement.

Way forward

Mr Essien called for a review of the allocation of petroleum blocks in the country and transparent and sustainable efforts to ensure no such disparity ever occurs again in the industry.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has said Nigerias over-dependence on oil was stifling the development of other minerals in the country.

He urged the federal government to allow states to exploit their respective minerals and pay royalty to the central government.

Minerals play a great role in terms of raising revenue for any country, so our overemphasis on oil has reduced our impact on other minerals.

If the country fully harnesses the gold deposit in Zamfara as well as other minerals in other states of the federation, the country will make a lot of revenue from these minerals that can accelerate development, Mr Wike said.
New Holland Agriculture's innovation in combine harvesting has been recognized with a silver and a bronze medal at the SIMA Innovation Awards while the brand'sLoop MasterTM knotting technology for balers has won the gold medal at this year's edition of the Edison Awards.

London, April 30, 2021

SIMA AWARDS 2021

New Holland Agriculture, a global agricultural brand of CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE:CNHI / MI:CNHI), was awarded a silver and bronze medal at the SIMA 2021 Innovation Awards in recognition for its innovations in combine harvesting technology. The internationally renowned awards of SIMA, which hosts the bi-annual international farm machinery exhibition of the same name, honor the agricultural industry's most innovative equipment, products, techniques and services. They are conferred by an international jury panel of industry specialists who are assisted by a network of technical experts. The silver medal was awarded in the "From Harvest to Storage" category for NutriSenseTM, the in-harvest nutrient analysis system which collects agronomic data enabling the farmer to make informed decisions in order to maximize their sales. The integration of the Near Infrared (NIR) sensor enables the analysis, recording and mapping of crop composition during harvest. The bronze medal was awarded in the "Parts, Services and Onboard Electronics" category to the Cleaning system pressure sensors. This exclusive patented cleaning shoe pressure analysis system enables a faster harvesting speed while guaranteeing maximum quality. The system measures the pressure in the cleaning shoe of the combine and alerts the operator as to whether any adjustments are required enabling them to optimize the harvest.

EDISON AWARDS 2021

At the 2021 edition of the Edison Awards, New Holland Agriculture was awarded the gold medal for its ground-breaking Loop Master knotting technology featured on its BigBaler 1290 High Density and BigBaler PLUS range. Named after and inspired by Thomas Alva Edison, the annual Edison Awards recognize excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design and innovation. Winners are selected based on four criteria: Concept, Value, Delivery and Impact. The innovative knotting system uses a new type of secure double knot, which is stronger and has numerous advantages. The loop knotting process eliminates twine off-cuts from being discarded in the field resulting in cost and environmental benefits.

CNH IndustrialN.V.

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A man and his dog were shot and killed by police Wednesday evening when an animal-at-large complaint quickly escalated into an animal attack followed by a police shooting in Hillsdale County, Michigan, police say.

A Hillsdale County Sheriffs Office deputy was dispatched at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, to a dog-at-large complaint at a residence in Reading Township, according to the Michigan State Police.

The deputy arrived at the home and was immediately attacked by the dog and bitten, leading the deputy to fatally shoot the animal, police said.

The dogs owner, 32-year-old Oscar Herrera, was upset the deputy shot his dog and confronted him armed with a knife, according to police. The deputy shot Herrera as well, police said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The deputy was taken to a hospital to be treated for dog bites. Beyond stating the deputy has more than seven years of experience in law enforcement, he is not being identified at this time, police said.

Detectives with the Michigan State Police First District Special Investigation Section are investigating the shooting and will submit its finding to the Hillsdale County Prosecutors Office for review once completed.

The deputy is on administrative leave while the shooting investigation remains open, police said.
Ex-Fellowship Church manager bilked over $1M before she was caught

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When police first questioned 51-year-old Lara Lynn Ford about why she stole nearly $1.4 million from Ed Youngs Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, the congregations former business managers initial response was Umm stupid.

She was smart enough, however, to avoid being caught stealing from the church for more than a decade to support a bad spending habit which she sometimes indulged to help people, according to an April 2019 Grapevine Police Department report and court records reviewed by The Christian Post.

When [Officer] Villalobos asked Ford why she committed the theft, Ford replied, Umm stupid, and then elaborated that she has a spending problem. Ford then admitted she didnt have the money in an account, and she would buy things she doesnt need and would help people, Officer T. Karfs wrote.

Earlier this month, on April 16, Ford found out that her actions with the megachurchs money would cost her dearly. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to theft of property greater than $300,000 in value.

Ford was lucky though.

She was facing a maximum sentence of 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She hopes to press that luck even further in the coming months by seeking to avoid spending a decade in prison for stealing from her former church when she applies for shock probation.

Shock probation, which is only available to individuals who have received a sentence of 10 years or less, law firm Varghese Summersett notes, allows a judge to send a defendant to prison or jail for a short period of time. After that stint is served, the defendant is placed on probation.

The hope is that serving a brief time behind bars will shock the defendant into resuming life as a law-abiding citizen, the law firm explained.

The application for shock probation must be made before the defendant has been in custody for six months. And its success will also be based on how well Ford behaves in prison and other criteria.

Ms. Ford has, through the testimony of others, demonstrated that she is willing to work hard at changing her life, Lex Johnston, Fords attorney, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Thursday. The sentence puts the burden on her to prove that the change is real.

It is unclear how officials at Fellowship Church, a Southern Baptist congregation with a weekly attendance of more than 24,000, and one of the largest churches in the U.S., feels about this. They did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by CP on Thursday.

Fords theft was reported by the churchs Chief Financial Officer, Dennis Brewer Jr., who was once reported as lead pastor Youngs personal attorney, business partner and fishing buddy.

Grapevine Police Department said Brewer reported on April 12, 2019, that he was going through church payroll records when he noticed discrepancies with housing allowance payments. He explained that church employees receive a base pay plus housing allowance, but it was unclear if that benefit was extended to all employees, certain employees or what determined how much housing allowance each employee got. In 2010 for example, Young reportedly received a $240,000 a year parsonage allowance in addition to his then $1 million annual salary.

Starting in October 2018, Brewer said he noticed that Ford had been paying herself an extra $200 every two weeks from the housing allowance account. By January 2019, she increased the payments to an extra $500 every two weeks, also from the housing allowance account.

Brewer also had an email from Automatic Data Processing LLC (ADP), which manages some of the churchs payroll, mainly the housing allowance about 30 employees receive. Fords allowance was $1796.42 but she increased it [by] $200 to $1,996.42 on 10-03-18. On 01-04-19, it was switched back to the correct amount because Brewer believes Ford knew when Brewer conducted a yearly audit. On 01-08-19, Brewer increased Fords allowance to $2,043.27, however, the next day, 01-09-19, Ford increased it an additional $500 to $2,543.27, the police report said.

On 04-12-19, Brewer called Ford and confronted her about the change and at first Ford did not respond, but then admitted to increasing the allowance. This is when Ford responded to the church and confessed to additional thefts. Ford offered to pay back $6,400 to cover the extra funds she gave herself for the housing allowance, it further explained.

Brewer said Ford confessed to taking money from the church for the last seven to eight years. She confessed to making fake ACH transactions using her church-issued laptop, showing money being transferred to vendors from the church accounts when she was really placing money into several of her own accounts she held with Citibank, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

Brewer told police that Ford was once the finance manager in the accounting department at the church but had been demoted in the summer of 2018 after he began noticing shortages in the churchs Bank of America account. There were also questions about her accounting practices. She remained in the accounting department, however, and maintained access to the payroll account.

Villalobos said when he first spoke with Ford she revealed her pilfering at the church started small and with cash.

Ford stated she first began taking anonymous cash out of the church offering when the money was brought back to the counting room approximately seven to eight years ago. Ford said this occurred once every few weeks for less than a year, he wrote.

Ford, he said, confessed to taking between $50 and $200 each time.

When she gained access to the churchs bank accounts as part of her job in the finance department, an electronic token she received allowed her to approve ACH transactions to herself.

Ford said she observed she was able to manually send money to employees (if their direct deposit did not go through). Ford then began sending herself money using this method, Villalobos noted.

She used her laptop to make online payments to her accounts from an account for Allaso Ranch, an income-generating camp owned by the church as well as another unspecified Fellowship Church account. These payments of $1,500 to $1,700 were made sometimes weekly or once per month for seven to eight years.

Police noted that Hartford Insurance reported that they paid out a $250,000 claim to Fellowship Church in connection to the theft.

Further investigation showed that the total loss from Fords actions was $1,377,144.76.

Officer Karfs said in April 2019 he was contacted by Pete Evans, a private investigator with the Trinity Foundation, which monitors religious fraud. Evans explained that he got a tip about embezzlement at Fellowship which came from former Fellowship Church staffer who asked that her name be withheld for this report.

The former staffer told police that she worked at Fellowship Church from March 2012 to 2015 and Ford, who was her supervisor, was suspected of committing fraud even then.

[The former staffer] stated she heard Ford was manipulating accounts and transferring money to herself, and then providing false financial statements to Brewer to cover up the theft. I asked [the former staffer] if she witnessed any of this occurring, and [the former staffer] stated no, but she heard it via third party from someone close to Ford, who Ford allegedly confessed to, wrote Karfs.

Brewer told police that Ford should not have had access to the two accounts she stole money from and that the accounts were not as closely monitored as the churchs primary bank accounts.
Long-time Clayton County, Georgia, Sheriff Victor Hill was charged with four criminal offenses by a federal grand jury this month for brutalizing four detainees last year. Hill, who styles himself as a no-nonsense law and order sheriff, has been charged with abusing the civil rights of four detainees by ordering them to be strapped in restraining chairs for hours on end despite these individuals being fully cooperative and posing no threat.

Clayton County includes the southern suburbs of Atlanta and is the location of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the second busiest airport in the world.

Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill (Facebook)

The indictment against Sheriff Hill was unsealed on April 19 and he appeared in federal district court in Atlanta on Tuesday to plead not guilty. Hill is continuing to act as sheriff despite the indictment.

According to federal prosecutors, Hill directed his deputies to leave the four inmates, during different periods in 2020, tightly strapped to a restraining chair for long hours because either these detainees were deemed not submissive enough or Hill felt they were not respectful enough towards him.

One of the detainees, according to the indictment, was restrained for such a long duration and denied permission to go to the bathroom, that he urinated on himself.

Hill has also been accused of using his police force to intimidate and then arrest a landscaper identified as G.H. by sending a heavily armed squad of his deputies. The landscaper reportedly had engaged in an argument with a nearby Butts County deputy for non-payment of a bill for work the landscaper had performed at the deputys home.

After learning of this dispute, Hill called the landscaper, identifying himself as the Clayton County Sheriff, and asked why G.H. was harassing his deputy. Subsequently Sheriff Hill seems to have cooked up an unrelated misdemeanor harassing communication charge against the landscaper to arrest him. G.H. had placed several calls to Sheriff Hill using FaceTime in order to verify if it was indeed the Clayton County sheriff who had called him about a billing dispute.

Reflecting the all-too-common trait among leading police officials of unrestrained arrogance and a feeling of possessing untrammeled powers, Hill was quoted in the indictment as shouting at two of the victims using crude language to threaten even more torture.

Im a sit your ass in that chair for sixteen hours straight. Do you understand me? I need to hear from both of yall that yall not gonna show yalls ass in my county no more.

Each of the detainees have stated that their abusive treatment by Hill caused physical pain and resulted in bodily injury.

The latest revelation of wanton police abuse comes in the midst of a spate of police killings which have sparked popular protests just within the first four months of this year. This includes the cold-blooded execution of 13-year-old Adam Toledo on March 29 by a Chicago police officer and at least 265 other police killings as of April 14 throughout the US. The victims are invariably youth or workers, especially those that are socially deprived and suffering mental health issues.

This is not the first time that police in Clayton County have been caught meting out brutal treatment. Last September a deputy working under Hill was fired after he and his partner were caught on camera brutally beating 26-year-old Roderick Walker.

Hills attorney Drew Findling expressed his outrage, accusing the Department of Justice of prosecuting his client for politically motivated reasons. According to Findling the injuries were mild and do not merit any scrutiny because they were not brutal enough.

Sheriff Victor Hill is a beloved sheriff in his county. He is an anti-crime person. He wins overwhelming elections and the fact that these four innocuous allegations are the causation of a criminal case sends mixed messages from the Department of Justice, Findling stated. Continuing, he claimed, There are no physical injuries involved. Other cases that receive this type of indictment involve brutal injuries and crimesthere is nothing like that here.

According to Findling, the investigation was initiated by the Trump administration after Sheriff Hill refused to house undocumented individuals arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Clayton County jails. Sheriff Hill purportedly did this because of his concern that the constitutional rights of those arrested by ICE would be violated.

This picture of Hill as a great defender of basic constitutional rights flies in the face of the utter contempt he is documented to have displayed towards one of the detainees last year.

The federal indictment cites the following assault on one of the detainees, identified as J.A., that took place in February 2020.

J.A. was arrested without incident for assaulting two women during a dispute at a grocery store in Clayton County. When he was brought for booking, Hill asked him what he was doing in Clayton County since it was not his place of residence. The detainee responded by saying: Its a democracy, sir. Its the United States.

No, its not, not in my county, responded Hill, according to the indictment.

When J.A. asked the Sheriff if he was not entitled to a fair and speedy trial, Hill allegedly stated, Youre entitled to sit in this chair, and youre entitled to get the hell out of my county and dont come back. Thats what youre entitled to. You sound like a damn jackass

Far from this prosecution being a case of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) concerned for mitigating rampant police abuse or for protecting detainees constitutional rights, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which has overseen the Hill inquiry, revealed another motivationto restore trust in law enforcement.

Christopher Macrae, the FBI assistant special agent in charge, explained, Sheriff Hill is alleged to have abused his privileges and abandoned his responsibilities and the FBI is committed to restoring trust in law enforcement by holding him accountable  (emphasis added).

Former federal prosecutor Bret Williams told 11 Alive, the case will be difficult to prove, even if prosecutors have video from inside the jail. In other words, Hill will more than likely be let off scot free just like most of the police personnel who are prosecuted.

The claim of the Democratic Party and the mainstream media that racism explains police violence, and it can be mitigated by increasing the number of minorities on police forces and in leadership, is belied in this latest example of police abuse. Sheriff Hill is in fact the first African American elected to lead the Clayton County Sheriffs Department.

The police are the special bodies of armed men used by the ruling elite to protect their property interests and compel workers and youth to accept their exploitation even while the capitalists pursue policies to further the already obscene enrichment of the super-rich.

Only by overturning the capitalist system can the unending reign of police violence and murder be ended. This requires the mobilization of the masses under the leadership of the working class for socialism not just in the US but worldwide.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A window is opening for establishments to apply for money to aid in the pandemic recovery process and the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center is urging local owners to act quickly.

The Regional Director of the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, Courtney Chipol, says funding is available for businesses that had losses during the pandemic, as well as businesses that launched during the pandemic. Chipol tells News 10 there's a wider expense eligibility list than what has been allowed with previous recovery funds. The money can be used through March of 2023.

She says many local establishments will be eligible, but there may be a challenge for establishments that received previous recovery help because that money will be factored back in. Chipol says this could be especially helpful for businesses that didn't apply for other funds and businesses that have recently opened.

"Those people that got started in March or May, not knowing what was going on, they haven't qualified for a lot of the recovery programs, but they do qualify for this. So, I think that's the area here in our community that we're trying to help," said Chipol.

On Monday at noon, the Small Business Administration will start accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Awards will be given from $1,000 to $5 million.

Registration for the portal is open now. Chipol says restaurant owners who may be interested in applying should sign up for a username and password this weekend. A sample application and document list are available now.

According to the Small Business Administration, eligible entities who have experienced pandemic-related revenue loss include:

Restaurants

Food stands, food trucks, food carts

Caterers

Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns

Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars

Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)

Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)

Breweries and/or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)

Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)

Inns (onsite sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)

Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products

The West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center is available to answer questions from local establishments owners and help them determine eligibility.

The center will have appointments available next week and can be contacted at

(812) 237-7676. The center also hosted a webinar on Friday that's now viewable through Facebook.

Restaurant owners interested in applying can see more information online.
Aphro, an unapologetically African spirit, has been adjudged the Spirit of the Year in Ghana. The win was announced this weekend at the 2020 Ghana Beverage Awards, organized virtually as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.



The made-in-Ghana triple distilled spirit won the prestigious award just after a year of retailing on the Ghanaian market.



Commenting on the award, the Chief Executive Officer of Aphro Spirit, Charles Kojo Bucknor, said Aphro is not the palm spirit our ancestors knew. We have refined the quality and flavor profile; it is triple distilled and further infused with tropical fruits, herbs and spices indigenous to the African region. These, coupled with Aphros unique branding, and ability to be enjoyed by both young and old has made the Aphro Spirit resonates across generations



Aphro Spirit is available in two flavours: the Moor (Ginger Spice) and the Nubi (Pineapple Passion), in 25ml, 200ml and 750ml sized packaging. The premium palm spirits taste and distinctive branding was recognised by President Nana Akufo Addo in his second inaugural speech, during which he boasted that Aphro can compete in the most sophisticated markets in the world.



Mr. Bucknor explained his teams vision of making Aphro Spirit a global brand: Aphro is a product proudly made in Ghana. We believe the Africa Free Trade Agreement will be a significant enabler to the Aphro product gaining presence, scale and market share across the continent; our application to this convention is currently underway. This recognition by the organizers of the award, the Global Media Alliance Group, in our maiden year of operation is an honour and testament to the quality of product and innovation of the team behind the product. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and extend an ode to our ancestors- Aphro to the world!.



Aphro Spirit was launched in Ghana in star-studded event in December 2020. The Spirit is now one of the countrys fastest growing high end alcoholic beverages in the country.



Aphros soft launch in Nigeria in April 2021, demonstrated the Brands accelerated growth and pan African appeal. The beverages pre-orders reflect the fact that Nigeria will be a pivotal market for this product amongst the upwardly mobile and affluent.

The pre-launch tasting of Aphro in Lagos, hosted at stylish E Bar Metro in the Admiralty Way area of Lekki, was met with significant enthusiasm and market acceptance. Mr. Chike Agbakoba Obinna, The Owner of E Bar metro and the View Hotel stated that Aphro has the potential to be a market leader in Nigeria and the product packaging to rival any global brand that is available for sampling at our venues.



About Aphro Beverages



Aphro Beverages is an African beverage and lifestyle company currently headquartered in Accra, Ghana. It is the brainchild of a group of African business professionals and entrepreneurs and is 100 per cent self-funded by that consortium. It will also operate as a Free-zones entity with the goal of exporting much of the product to the rest of Africa and the diaspora. Aphro is available in select retail outlets in Accra such as; Say Cheers, CityDia, Baatsona Total, Evergreen Supermarket, Wine Shoppers and at Daddys Lodge in Kumasi.

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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AKKA (Paris:AKA) (BSE:AKA) (ISIN:FR0004180537) announces today the publication of its Annual Report for the year 2020.

This document is available on the company's website at https://www.akka-technologies.com/ on the Investor Relations page, under the heading "Financial Information Reports".

Next events:

Publication of first-quarter 2021 revenue: Thursday, May 6th, 2021 at 5:45 PM (CET)

Publication of half-year 2021 results: Wednesday, September 8th, 2021 at 5:45 PM (CET)

In case of discrepancy between the French and English versions of the press release, only the English version shall be deemed valid.

ABOUT AKKA

AKKA is a European leader in engineering consulting and R&D services. Our comprehensive portfolio of digital solutions combined with our expertise in engineering, uniquely positions us to support our clients by leveraging the power of connected data to accelerate innovation and drive the future of smart industry. AKKA accompanies leading industry players across a wide range of sectors throughout the life cycle of their products with cutting edge digital technologies (AI, ADAS, IoT, Big Data, robotics, embedded computing, machine learning, etc.) to help them rethink their products and business processes. Founded in 1984, AKKA has a strong entrepreneurial culture and a wide global footprint. Our 21,000 employees around the world are all passionate about technology and share the AKKA values of respect, courage and ambition. The Group recorded revenues of 1.5 billion in 2020. AKKA Technologies (AKA) is listed on Euronext Paris and Brussels segment B ISIN code: FR0004180537.

For more information, please visit: https://www.akka-technologies.com/

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005218/en/

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Tel: +33(0)6 47 85 98 78

stephanie.bia@akka.eu
At least 30 people have been killed by a huge explosion in Afghanistan this afternoon, a senior official has said.

As many as 60 other people were also injured by the car bomb which exploded around 7pm local time in Pul-a Alam, the provincial capital of Logar, provincial council leader Hasibullah Stanekzai said.

Stanekzai also said that the car packed with explosives targeted a guesthouse in the city where dozens of people were living - including university students.

In Afghanistan, guest houses are lodgings often provided for free by the government, usually for the poor, travelers and students.

Stanekzai said that among the casualties were highschool students who had been staying at the house, having travelled to the capital to sit their university entrance exam, as well as pro-government militia members who were staying there while waiting for air transport to another distinct.

The blast detonated near the home of the former head of the provincial council and not far from a hospital, Didar Lawang, the spokesman for Logar's governor, said.

As many as 60 other people were also injured by the car bomb which exploded around 7pm local time in Pul-a Alam, the provincial capital of Logar, provincial council leader Hasibullah Stanekzai said

Pictured: Security police stand guard outside of a hospital in Kabul where people have been transported with injuries from the site of the car bombing

A ministry of interior official and a spokesman for Logar's governor confirmed the blast but did not comment on the number of casualties.

It was not immediately clear who was behind the blast.

Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said that the death toll from Friday's blast could rise.

A ministry of health spokesman said around 40 people had been taken to hospital, some in a critical condition.

A large number of people in Afghanistan stand waiting outside of a hospital where their relatives and loved ones are being treated following a car bombing yesterday afternoon

A salesman wanders the street outside of a hospital in Kabul attempting to sell balloons to people waiting to see friends and relatives after a car bombing yesterday

The European Union's delegation to Afghanistan condemned the attack.

'In the holy month of Ramadan, horrible news on a car bomb in Pul-e-Alam, Logar province, killing and injuring innocent civilians, including students....this is a tragedy for the whole country,' it said on Twitter.

Violence in Afghanistan has escalated in recent weeks after U.S. President Joe Biden announced the U.S. would withdraw troops by September 11 to end two decades of foreign military presence.

There was no indication the bombing was connected to the pullout and there are no U.S. or NATO troops in Logar.

At least 30 people have been killed by a huge explosion near a hospital in the city of Pul-a Alam in the eastern Afghanistan province of Logar this afternoon, a senior official has said

President Joe Biden said he was pulling the remaining 2,500 U.S. forces out of Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks because the U.S. has 'accomplished' the mission.

'I said, along with others, we'd follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of Hell if need be. That's exactly what we did. And we got him ... That was 10 year ago. Think about that,' Biden said from the White House earlier this month.

'Since then, our reasons for remaining in Afghanistan have become increasingly unclear,' he said.

It would end America's Longest War that has cost more than $2trillion and taken the lives of more than 2,300 U.S, soldiers.

That decision angered the Taliban who had signed a deal with previous U.S. President Donald Trump that specified troops would be gone from the country by May 1 subject to certain security guarantees.

Pictured: A man arrives at the hospital in Kabul overnight to be treated for injuries following the car bombing in eastern Afghanistan yesterday

Many people are seen standing around on streets in Kabul outside of a hospital where their loved ones are being treated

Nearly all British troops will also be withdrawn from Afghanistan following Joe Biden's announcement that US forces would leave by September 11.

Britain has now drawn up plans to hand over control of the 'Sandhurst in the sand' academy in Kabul where troops help to train Afghan soldiers to the government, the Times reports.

There are about 750 British soldiers in Afghanistan who would struggle without US support because of the reliance on the country's bases and infrastructure, reports say.

As at July 2015, a total of 454 British forces personnel or Ministry of Defence civilians have died while serving in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001.

Of those, 405 were killed as a result of hostile action. 49 are known to have died either as a result of illness, non-combat injuries or accidents, or have not yet officially been assigned a cause of death.

Following a helicopter crash on 11 October 2015, 2 further UK personnel have died while serving in Afghanistan, taking the total number of military deaths to 456.

Most British troops in Afghanistan are involved in a mission in the capital involving transporting VIPs.
ATLANTA (AP)  Authorities were searching Friday morning for an inmate who escaped from custody while being taken to a state prison and residents in neighborhoods south of Atlantas airport were being asked to lock their doors.

Devonte Detuan Ross slipped away from a private transport company at a QuikTrip where they had stopped to get him something to eat, Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill said. Ross should still be cuffed in the front with waist chains unless he has found a way to release them, the sheriff said.

He was being taken to prison to serve time for burglary, narcotics dealing and violating his probation.

Police dogs were searching North Clayton High School and a nearby apartment complex. The area is just south of Atlantas airport, where authorities say an Arizona murder suspect escaped Thursday while being transported back to Arizona.

In the Thursday incident, Jsaan Carlos Strover had gotten away from two Maricopa County, Arizona, deputies at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport while they were dropping off a rental car. A local television news crew spotted Strover and flagged down police, resulting in the man being taken back into custody after a daylong search.

More:

Deputy kills attacking dog, then kills angry owner armed with knife, police say

Teen daughter of anti-violence activist was kidnapped and killed, sheriff says
UK's Truss expects Airbus-Boeing row to be resolved by July British trade minister Truss speaks to Reuters after a meeting with WTO Director-General Okonjo-Iweala in Geneva

By Emma Farge and Cecile Mantovani

GENEVA (Reuters) -British trade minister Liz Truss expects the trade dispute over Airbus and Boeing to be resolved by July when a freeze on tit-for-tat tariffs expires, she told Reuters on Friday.

The tariff battle involving the United States, the European Union and Britain relates to a row over state subsidies for the two planemakers. Britain is a party to the talks as a former EU member and manufacturer of key Airbus components.

The parties involved agreed in March to suspend retaliatory tariffs on goods such as Scotch whiskey for four months to give negotiations in the long-running row a chance.

Truss said they were now working on the details of a draft text of an agreement, with the negotiations focused on "subsidy disciplines" in the aerospace industry.

"I am determined to make sure the United Kingdom has a strong aerospace industry, that we reach a resolution with the U.S. - which I think there absolutely is a landing zone for," she said in an interview.

Asked if a permanent resolution was possible by the end of the temporary tariff freeze, she said: "Yes. I do. We are already in detailed discussions."

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai's office declined to comment. She told a Senate hearing this week she was "very serious" about resolving the dispute.

AUSTRALIAN DEAL

Truss was also upbeat about Britain concluding a free trade agreement with Australia by June, saying that "huge progress" had been made.

"There's just a few outstanding issues to deal with and I'm looking forward to my call with him (Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan) later today," she said, declining to give details.

Truss held her first in-person meeting with World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in an hour-long session at the group's Lake Geneva headquarters on Friday at which they discussed WTO reforms.

Britain gained an independent seat at the WTO last year after it left the EU and has since been more assertive.

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Truss said she was "hugely hopeful" of progress on reform of the 25-year-old trade body ahead of a major meeting in December, stressing that it was very important that its Appellate Body which rules on trade feuds be fixed.

The WTO's top appeals body was incapacitated in 2019 when President Donald Trump's administration blocked the appointment of new judges, leaving international trade's supreme court unable to issue rulings.

Truss stressed that a solution should be "binding", in an apparent contrast to a temporary, voluntary work-around backed by the EU and others.

WTO members are also due to discuss a temporary waiver on intellectual property rights for COVID-19 drugs and vaccines on Friday which London and other wealthy countries oppose.

Asked if she might change her stance amid rising pressure, Truss said: "I don't think we have the evidence that the TRIPS waiver would actually deliver practical results."

Technology transfers should instead be the focus, she said, naming AstraZeneca's voluntary licensing programme.

Truss also called for a WTO resolution on getting stronger industrial subsidy rules, including for China, a matter she is advocating while Britain holds the presidency of the G7 group of nations this year.

"It is in everyone's interests, including China's interest, that we resolve this issue," she said.

(Additional reporting by William James and Elizabeth Piper in London and Andrea Shalal in Washington; Editing by David Clarke)
Keep in mind, for so long now weve become so used to being isolated and at home, so you may need to test the waters a little bit and see how it feels to go to a hotel, go to the beach or be around other people.

As things stand now, it looks like the U.S. will be in much better shape than most of the world over the next few months. Travel is already bouncing back with holiday rentals and popular summer destinations already selling out, so I would plan to book quickly.

Europe said Americans can travel there this summer. Should I book a trip?

It feels a bit too early to make a commitment. The E.U. commissioner said that there was an expectation that Americans will be allowed back into Europe this summer, but thats quite optimistic, and there are no details about when and how. And that expectation could change based on how the pandemic goes in each country, because if the numbers are bad again, each country has the right to be able to go back into lockdown.

So its hard for me to say definitively, book that trip to Italy in August, itll be OK, because we just dont know that. However, what I will say is this. While I think its much safer to book domestically now, if you have the funds, wait and see what happens and then be ready to book in the future at the last minute. And another thing: Prepare for a longer season. People are so used to booking trips in July and August, but in Europe, especially in some Mediterranean places, theyre talking about extending the vacation season into November.

Do I need a vaccine passport to travel?

Right now, vaccine passports arent required anywhere. There are lots of different companies that are developing vaccine passports, but theres a lot to figure out and I think its going to take some time.
Police patrol the streets as Uyghurs leave the Id Kah Mosque in the old town of Kashgar in Xinjiang, on June 26, 2017. (Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images)

Former Chinese Executive Witnesses Shocking Uyghur Treatment in War Torn Xinjiang

A former Chinese executive says she was horrified by what she witnessed during a business trip to Chinas southern Xinjiang region in 2017, describing the entire locale as a super concentration camp for its Uyghur residents.

The experience shattered not only her musings of using the trip to enjoy the regions happy blue skies, tasty red dates, and big-budget opportunities, but also her belief in the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) propaganda.

Since that tour [to southern Xinjiang], Ive never believed in the CCPs propaganda, Ms. Wang, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said in an exclusive interview with NTD, an affiliate of The Epoch Times.

In 2017, Wang and a contingent of colleagues from the chamber of commerce in her province travelled to a southern Xinjiang city to meet with local government officials about state-assisted infrastructure projects potentially worth several billion yuan (over $300 million). They stayed in the city and visited local counties for over two weeks.

Upon reflection, Wang now says the international community has known more about what happens in Xinjiang than people inside China.

Many argue its impossible [for the CCP] to keep the Chinese people in the dark about [its] doings in Xinjiang, Wang said. But the fact is, they indeed know less than the outsiders.

I Was Exposed to a War-Torn Country

Upon arrival, Wang felt she had stepped into a war-torn country.

I found two groups of armed peoplethe Hans and the Uyghurs, who respectively held guns and bayonets toward arriving travelers, Wang said.

She noted that the security personnel of Uyghur ethnic background were not allowed to hold guns, unlike their Han Chinese counterparts.

The streets housed many small round structuressecurity posts which Wang surmised were there to maintain stability.

Police patrolled the streets in formation, moving back-to-back, with eyes scouting all directions at once. As a bystander, Wang said it made her feel quite uneasy.

Chinese paramilitary police ride in trucks and an armoured personnel carrier during a show of force ceremony in Urumqi, northwestern Chinas Xinjiang Province on June 29, 2013. (Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images)

At the hotel, they were met by more security and subjected to further screenings before they could enter the lobby. Their luggage was checked separately and, much like going through customs, they were asked about the purpose of their travel and what they planned to do.

Early each morning, Wang heard sirens screaming as police routinely patrolled the city four times a day.

Setting out to visit counties, their car was stopped and searched thoroughly several times. At a gas station, everyone was required to get out, show their ID, and subject themselves to facial recognition scans before they could refuel.

Han drivers had it easier than Uyghur drivers, Wang noted. The Han drivers did not have to stop at security posts.

What horrified Wang most was the sight that greeted her at the entrance to a local county government.

Right at the entrance stood a military tank, with three or four soldiers carrying loaded guns, Wang said, noting that it gave the impression Xinjiang had just survived a war and was trying to revive its economy from the battlefield.

Here, a local county official told Wang privately that anyone with a Xinjiang household registration would be examined by police within minutes of arriving at a non-Xinjiang city in China. This was a mandated requirement across the country which made migration extremely difficult, if not impossible, for Uyghurs.

The official also persuaded her against going out at night because it was unsafe.

Everything [there] horrified me, she said. Ive never lived in such a tumultuous city. So shocking! Why so different from my imagination?

Wang said that all of sudden she felt she was exposed to a war-torn country.

We Were Going to Build a Sweatshop: Wang

In 2017, billions of yuan were flowing into Xinjiang, attracting chambers of commerce from other parts of China and fueling a construction boom, Wang said.

Financial incentives were powerful! Wang said. One city had a multiple-billion-yuan budget; a province (Xinjiang) had a budget of more than ten billion yuan. That money all came from Xinjiangs funding to maintain stability.

At this time, satellite images showed that around 14 million square feet of new factories were built in 2018 alone, mirroring the internment of 1 million Uyghurs, Buzzfeed reported.

A suspected re-education camp in Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Province, at about 2.45 miles east of Shule City, identified by Google Maps as an image taken on Sept. 8, 2018. (Google Maps via Li Fangs Twitter)

The strict controls on the movements of Uyghurs, making it virtually impossible for them to relocate outside of the Xinjiang region, convinced Wang that the entire locale was like a super concentration camp.

She came to understand, by talking with local officials, that the factories and facilities she saw were sweatshops, though she never set foot in one.

I believe [there are] sweatshops in Xinjiang, she said. What we were going to build would probably be a concentration camp, as foreign media outlets put it.

Workers walk by the perimeter fence of a labor camp in Xinjiang on Sept. 4, 2018. (Thomas Peter/Reuters)

Wang asked a local official who would come to work in a factory if they built one.

She said the official told her: Xinjiang people are numerous! [We] will make arrangements and get things right.

Wang surmised that the boom in development, investment, and garment factories was due to forced labor. The CCP regime will never keep them alive for nothing, she said.

During their tour, Wang came across a small village by chance. There, she found all the children barefooted, and an elderly man with a red armband was leading a crowd of women shouting slogans.

Bizarrely, she recounted not seeing a single young man in the village. She wondered if all the local young men were out in factories.

The treatment of Uyghurs has become an international focal point in recent months, with the governments of the UK, Canada, and the EU formally recognising the Uyghur genocide. Former U.S. State Mike Pompeo led this charge on Jan. 19 when he officially declared the Uyghur genocide in the Xinjiang region.

The U.S. House of Representatives has since reintroduced a bill with bipartisan backing that would make it illegal to import into the United States all goods from Chinas northwestern Xinjiang region unless it can prove that forced labor was not involved in their production.

In Xinjiang, the statement Wang heard most from officials was: Stability is overriding, and more important than economic growth.

All of the new construction projects were being financed via local funding allocated to maintaining stability in the region, which was the CCPs ultimate goal, Wang said.

The CCP Is So Bad

One experience at an Uyghur cuisine restaurant left Wang and her contingent disgusted with the restrictions the CCP has placed on Uyghurs.

Upon arrival at the venue, they discovered that all Uyghurs were intrusively body searched, including a young mother with a little baby.

Kind of touching all parts of your body. Unbearably humiliating. I, also a young mother, was feeling equally awkward, Wang said.

At their table, they found that every knife was chained down. Uyghur cuisine requires knives for cutting, Wang explained, unlike the typical use of chopsticks.

Astonished, she was about to ask why? but swallowed the questions at the gesture of one of her colleagues.

The experience made the entire group uncomfortable, even the head of Wangs chamber of commerce, who exclaimed: The CCP is so bad!

Photos and Videos Mysteriously Deleted from Huawei Phone

During the tour, Wang took many photos and videos with her Huawei cellphone. She said she had 3G network available in Xinjiang but she couldnt send them out successfully while the locals had 2G network only.

More than half a month after the tour, Wang found that all the photos and videos she took were missing from her phone.

I didnt delete them. Nor did anyone else, Wang said. I clearly remember that police didnt delete them when I received security checks in Xinjiang.

The unexpected disappearance of her photos and videos made her alert. Since then, she began to suspect that Huawei cellphones could have backdoor as rumored.

Robert OBrien, then-U.S. National Security Adviser, told the Wall Street Journal on Feb. 11, 2020, that they had evidence that Huawei has the capability secretly to access sensitive and personal information in systems it maintains and sells around the world. The Australian government also banned Huawei from its 5G network.

Inter-Ethnic Barrier

Upon reflection, Xinjiang felt like a foreign country to Wang, where its elderly people spoke their own language, not Mandarin. But all of them lived in fear.

Wang said she sensed a wariness in the Uyghurs who were hesitant to speak their minds, she surmised it was out of fear they may be reported to the CCP. Under such circumstances, heart-to-heart communication was not possible, she said.

A local official told Wang in confidence: Dont show pity on them (Uyghurs). Theyre awfully bad.

Wang thought the official might be brainwashed by the CCP propaganda or was afraid to voice their innermost thoughts because they were hand-picked by the CCP authorities.

Wang was disturbed by the CCPs oppression of the Uyghurs and worried that discriminatory restrictions and security checks might create a greater inter-ethnic crisis.

Its the most inhumane to endlessly curb violence with violence and severely differentiate the Hans and the Uyghurs, she said.

Since that tour [to southern Xinjiang], Ive never believed in the CCPs propaganda.
A former star of The Apprentice won nearly 40,000 in compensation at a sex discrimination hearing, after she was banned from a Las Vegas work trip over fears there would be 'hanky panky'.

Elle Stevenson, who featured in series 11 of the BBC1 show alongside Lord Sugar in 2015, was subjected to vile messages and forced out of her position at a waste disposal firm.

The 27-year-old was also made to pick up dog mess, had a hard dog ball thrown at her head and had sexually explicit notes left on her computer at Eden Beck, based in Uxbridge, west London.

She was excluded from a 7,000 work trip to Las Vegas in 2017 - after firm director Stuart Mayall feared women on the jaunt would lead to 'hanky panky'.

Ms Stevenson, from Windsor, Berkshire, was 21 when she started working at Eden Beck and was expected to pick up dog mess left by her boss's pet.

A tribunal also heard how she was branded a 's*** employee' who 'couldn't arrange a period in a vagina'.

Former Apprentice star Elle Stevenson, 27, (above) won nearly 40,000 after she was the victim of 'humiliating' sexism while she worked as an office manager at Eden Beck Ltd

During a nearly three-year campaign of abuse, Ms Stevenson was told 'no bloke would touch you' and had notes calling her a 'c***' stuck on her computer.

The Apprentice star and her female colleagues complained that the 'male dominated' office was almost 'Dickensian' and male colleagues who went on the US break 'rubbed it in their faces' when they were left behind.

Following a hearing at Watford Employment Tribunal she was awarded a total sum of 39,731 in compensation.

In total, 10 male employees were sent on the free trip to Las Vegas paid for by bosses at the waste disposal firm when not a single female employee was invited.

And messages in a WhatsApp group titled 'EBK Office Crew' referred to 'dirty tramp' Ms Stevenson in a sexually explicit manner.

While on holiday she was told by one colleague that she should 'hit the gym' in reference to her weight at the time.

A panel of employment judges ruled in her favour for the accusations of sex discrimination, constructive dismissal and disability discrimination.

But her claims for harassment due to her sex and disability were dismissed.

Former office manager Elle Stevenson (pictured) was subjected to vile messages during her near three-year stint at Eden Beck Ltd - where she was made to pick up dog mess and excluded from a 7,000 Las Vegas trip

Mr Mayall said the company will no longer fund work trips abroad or Christmas parties and that other measures have been introduced to prevent sex discrimination.

After awarding the compensation for the proven allegations, Employment Judge Stephen Bedeau said: 'The sexual discriminatory treatment became so institutionalised, she thought it was normal behaviour.

'We have taken into account the manner of her treatment, in that it was sustained, degrading, and humiliating.

'She was the only female to have been treated by the male employees in the ways we have described in the liability judgment.

'The motive was her sex. She was singled out because of her sex, she was physically weaker than her male colleagues, and did not have the support of management as demonstrated by the way in which the joint complaint was dealt.'

In the build up to series 11 of The Apprentice, Stevenson described herself as a 'geezer bird'. She started working for waste disposal firm Eden Beck as a 30,000 a year office manager in 2016

Ms Stevenson featured on The Apprentice in 2015, where at 21 she was the youngest contestant and was fired in week six after failing to win a single task.

In the build up to the BBC show, Miss Stevenson described herself as a 'geezer bird' and said she is 'effervescent, passionate and maybe a little insane'.

She then went on to work for the waste disposal firm Eden Beck as a 30,000 a year office manager, then became regional accounts manager.

The near three years of abuse began in August 2016, within two months of Ms Stevenson joining the company, and ended with her resignation in June 2019.

In her witness statement, Ms Stevenson said: 'Overall I believe what I have experienced with the respondent will affect me for the rest of my life, both professionally and personally.

'I have to put myself out of my comfort zone socially on an almost daily basis and even basic social interactions or simple professional tasks can be emotionally distressing for me.'
By Tom Plate





It is still true, even in this speed-freak era of AI and machine-learning, that international diplomacy needs governments to station quality representatives in foreign capitals, and for international organizations to listen and learn, soak up the ineffable atmosphere, and interact with real people, especially those with "issues," and report back home.



Long-distance artificial intelligence calibrations suffice for a number problems and may work well enough for the Pentagon, but for the complex measurement of (sometimes insane) people and their crazy politics, AI comes up short precisely because of its artificial rationality.



Cut-rate diplomatic appointments can blow up in your face and trying to do things on the cheap with big-bucks campaign bozos or oily hacks who can insult the very host country with whom tensions are building.



In this sense, the Biden administration deserves praise: Two candidates who have emerged as the potential U.S. ambassador to China are Nicholas Burns and Charlene Barshefsky. The former is a pleasant but blunt-as-he-has-to-be career diplomat and former State Department official; the latter is an expert lawyer with international trade expertise second to none.



Foreign Service officer Burns is a graduate of the highly-regarded Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies; trade lawyer Barshefsky is famous for her amazing teamwork two decades ago with Premier Zhu Rongji on China's admission to the World Trade Organization.



As a former U.S. intelligence official said of Burns: "Anyone appointed is going to be hawkish on China, and Nick at least is a seasoned diplomat."



Russia and China, with their own mountains of problems, are ranked by the Biden administration as the main international challengers, but the true existential challenge comes not from afar but from within.



The U.S. economy may well be recovering but the American psyche is still mostly flatlining. Washington would do better with its time and money if it were to focus less on how to destabilize Beijing or Moscow and more on how to re-stabilize an America that seems lost at home and adrift abroad.



The big search  deep, broad and realistic  is about taking America in a better direction.

This cannot be accomplished by conventional thinking: not within the besieged ranks of the U.S. Foreign Service, for all the human gems it fields; nor within the pious sanctuary of the Council on Foreign Relations, scrambling for relevance; nor even from canonical American business schools (Harvard, etc), who can teach one plus one but not right from wrong.



The 2008 global meltdown spotlighted America's own legions of greedy wolf warriors, feeding at the trough. Neither America's nor China's wolf warriors offer happy returns, but only our best deep thinkers, it seems, know this.



One is Richard Falk who, in his just-published political memoir "Public Intellectual," is as successful as anyone in making the point that what's needed is not simply a course correction but a new course.



The renowned Princeton University professor emeritus of international law admires the famous quote from the late William Sloane Coffin (iconic clergyman and antiwar champion): "For the world is now too dangerous for anything but the truth and too small for anything but love."



No doubt such gooey sentiment will seem to our macho wolf warriors everywhere as mushy as the average Korean TV soap opera.



Not Falk, whose lifetime resume merits some kind of global peace prize for his recognition that "militarist approaches to the foreign policy of geopolitical actors have lost their effectiveness in most postcolonial contexts even while augmenting their destructiveness and human costs. The fact that China and Asia understand this, and the U.S. and the West do not, helps explain China's rise and the West's decline."



Deeply doubtful of the utility and validity of Marxism thanks to the Soviet disaster, but at the same time deeply alienated by presumptuous claims of American exceptionalism, Falk proposes that any Western evaluation of China should give it some credit, valid human rights issues notwithstanding, for marrying Marxism with market-driven thinking and transforming otherwise static state socialism into a "spectacular instrument of growth, influence and stature at home and throughout the world."



Falk, who nowadays divides his time between his wife Hilal Elver's Turkey and his adopted (and far warmer than Princeton) California, is no "Asianist," much less a stereotype-prone Orientalist.



He honed his intellectual chops at Yale Law School; his career took him to the stratospheres of international law  ecological and human rights in particular  and on noteworthy near-impossible peace missions with post-Shah Iran.



For years, as the fearless U.N. special rapporteur on Palestinian human rights, he bumped heads with the Israeli government almost as often as he has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize (annually since 2009).



Understanding China, he believes, requires a special effort. The good-versus-evil bifurcation produces policy astigmatism that clouds judgment. Naval-gazing  at China's build-up in the South China Sea  need not trigger regional warfare if China's motive is understood as strategically defensive rather than offensive, and if issues are negotiated, not militarized.



A bold statement was made recently by President Joe Biden. After 20 years in Afghanistan, American troops would be removed by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the attack on the Twin Towers.



Neither the al-Qaida attack, nor the prolonged American counterattack, accomplished much except to end the lives of many human beings. When will mankind learn?



Perhaps Biden, at 78, after such a long career, has it figured out: Humanity needs fewer militaristic answers to very deep questions. If the Xi Jinping government interprets the Afghanistan withdrawal as American weakness, this would be a blunder.



Understanding America, as it tries to get its proper personality pieced back together, will also take a special effort now, especially in Beijing. Very rare political memoirs such as Falk's can help both sides get things right.





Loyola Marymount University Professor Tom Plate (platecolumn@gmail.com) is the author of "In the Middle of China's Future" and "Yo-Yo Diplomacy," as well as founder of LMU's Asia Media International (asiamedia.lmu.edu). The original version of this column appeared in the South China Morning Post, where Prof. Plate is a regular contributor.


Blade, the French startup behind cloud gaming service Shadow, has been acquired by Octave Klabas fund following a commercial court order. Klaba is better known as the founder of OVHcloud, a French cloud hosting company. Hes acquiring Blade (and Shadow) through his investment fund Jezby Ventures  not OVHcloud.

Shadow is a cloud computing service for gamers. People can pay a monthly subscription fee and gain access to a gaming PC in a data center. You can connect to this PC from your computer, a smartphone, a tablet or a smart TV. You can see a video stream of whats happening on the screen and your actions are relayed to the server.

Unlike Google Stadia, Amazon Luna or even Nvidia GeForce Now, you can install whatever you want on your server. You get a full Windows 10 instance so it supports anything from Steam to Photoshop and Excel.

While the French startup has raised more than $100 million across multiple funding rounds, the company couldnt keep up with pre-orders, didnt generate enough revenue to be self-sustainable and couldnt find cash to expand its service. Despite attracting 100,000 paid users, Next INpact reported that the company had no choice but to go into administration with the commercial court.

Several companies and a group of people submitted takeover bids. In particular, Blade CTO Jean-Baptiste Kempf teamed up with other employees, while Octave Klaba submitted his own offer. Klaba plans to keep all employees except Jean-Baptiste Kempf.

Now, its going to be interesting to see how the service changes over the coming weeks. Subscriptions currently start at 12.99 per month in Europe or $11.99 per month in the U.S. Its unclear whether Shadow will remain available at this price point, how specifications are going to evolve and if the company is going to spin up more servers to attract new clients.
A woman who chipped in $100,000 toward a settlement after a car crash can sue her insurer to seek recovery of that cost, but cannot seek damages in excess of the policy limits for negligent failure to settle because there was no final judgment in the case, the Texas Supreme Court ruled.

Plaintiffs attorney Thomas G. Kemmy said during oral arguments that Texas high court has never before ruled on what recourse is available to a policyholder who faces the kind of dilemma that was imposed on his client Cassandra Longoria.

Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Co. refused to pay more than $250,000 to settle a liability claim even though the policy limit was $500,000. Longoria agreed to contribute $100,000 toward the settlement only because a jury verdict might have cost her up to $2 million, he said.

The insurers attorney argued that the Farmers owes nothing because there was no breach of contract and no negligence.

Farmers should not be bound to a settlement that it did not agree to, attorney Kent Chambers told the court.

The Supreme Courts 6-3 decision gave both sides less than they sought. The majority ruled that Longoria may proceed with her suit alleging Farmers breached the terms of its contract by forcing her to contribute her own money to the settlement. However, Longoria may not seek damages for Farmers alleged negligence in failing to settle the claim within policy limits.

Such demands are called Stowers claims in Texas, named after a 1929 state Supreme Court decision holding that insurers can be liable for damages in excess of the policys limits if they refuse a pay a reasonable settlement amount.

We agree with the insurer that the insured has no Stowers claim for negligent failure to settle because there was no judgment or settlement in excess of policy limits, the majority opinion says. But the insured can pursue her claim that the insurer breached its obligation to indemnify her for amounts she was legally responsible to pay under the settlement.

Gary Gibson was injured when Longoria rear-ended his vehicle. He sued Longoria seeking $1 million in damages. The case went to mediation and Gibson accepted the mediators suggestion that the case settle for $350,000. Farmers, however, refused to pay more than $250,000.

Longoria agreed to pay $100,000 toward the settlement after Gibson rejected the insurers counteroffer and advised that he would seek $2 million in damages. She then filed suit against Farmers alleging negligent failure to settle. She claimed that the carrier has mishandled the defense of Gibsons claim by failing to appoint an expert before trial. The suit states that Farmers either suggested or demanded that she contribute toward the settlement, even though Gibson had agreed to settle for less than the policy limit.

Farmers filed a motion to dismiss the case. Chambers said during oral arguments that the Supreme Court has established a bright-line rule that there can be no negligence for failure to settle a claim without a court judgment in excess of the policy limits.

While the Supreme Court accepted that argument, the majority held that Longoria may sue for the $100,000 that she was forced to contribute to the settlement.

Having solicited Longorias contribution, Farmers can hardly contend that it was unauthorized, the opinion says. In short, Farmers structured a within-limits settlement but did not pay it fully, giving rise to a claim whether its consent to settle contingent on the insureds payment breached its duty to indemnify her.

Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht, Jeffrey S. Boyd and Jimmy Blacklock dissented, in part, to the majoritys ruling. They wrote a separate opinion stating that Longorias breach-of-contract claim should also be dismissed.

Topics Texas
GOLD BEACH, Ore.  The Oregon Health Authority says that it will begin a requested takeover of public health services in Curry County next week, though the process is expected to take several weeks to complete.

OHA's intervention came at the request of Curry County's board of commissioners, which approved an amended resolution covering the transfer of responsibility on Wednesday. Both OHA and Curry County agreed to terminate their existing agreements.

Im very happy that Curry County is entering a new era in public health for our citizens, said commissioner Court Boice. We have been working closely with OHA to ensure a smooth transition and look forward to a strong future partnership.

Boice told NewsWatch 12 in an interview this week that Curry County Public Health has been struggling with short staffing and limited funds, particularly during the pandemic, and the agency was not "getting the job done."

Termination of the existing agreements is effective May 2, OHA said, and an exact date for transfer of public health authority has not yet been set. The agency said that it would be working with Curry County over the next several weeks on the transition of responsibilities.

Oregon law authorizes counties to pass public health authority to OHA. Though the law does not require that transfer to occur for 180 days, OHA indicated that the process would proceed quickly due to Curry County's staffing issues.

We recognize the Curry County Board of Commissioners has the legal ability to transfer local public health authority to OHA. We will work closely with the board and its staff during the shift from local to state provision of public health services, said Rachael Banks, M.P.A., director of the OHA Public Health Division. We will thoroughly examine and address any potential gaps in public health services that have been provided in the county."

Public health duties include the current COVID-19 pandemic response, monitoring other communicable diseases and controlling outbreaks, ensuring access to safe drinking water, access to health programs for women and children, and licensing and inspecting food, pools, and lodging facilities.
Pakistan has suspended its ambassador to Saudi Arabia following complaints by Pakistani laborers working in the kingdom.

Pakistans Foreign Ministry said on April 29 that Ambassador Raja Ali Ijaz has already returned to Pakistan and that six embassy and consular staffers were also being recalled pending an investigation into their work.

The government attaches high importance to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri told a press briefing in Islamabad, calling them our greatest asset.

According to official figures, there are around 2.6 million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia whose remittances are a huge boost to Pakistan's economy.

Officials said multiple expat laborers in the Persian Gulf kingdom had complained in recent months of mistreatment from embassy staffers.

Speaking to RFE/RL on April 30, Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia accused embassy staff of extorting money in return for services, among other things.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan told a meeting in Islamabad he had set up a special committee to investigate the matter.

The Embassy [staff] has not taken enough care of Pakistanisand action will be taken against those held responsible, Khan said.

His office said the committee will submit a report within 15 days.

Ambassador Ijaz was replaced at his post in Riyadh by retired Lieutenant General Bilal Akbar.
The first shipment of the coronavirus vaccine developed by US biotechnology firm Moderna has arrived in Japan.

A plane carrying the vaccine vials in six refrigerated containers arrived at Kansai Airport in western Japan from Belgium on Friday.

The Japanese government is expecting several more deliveries of the vaccine next month. It is awaiting approval by the health ministry, and will be stored in a warehouse.

The government has signed a contract with Moderna for 50 million doses, or enough for 25 million people, to be supplied by September.

In March, Takeda Pharmaceutical, which will distribute the vaccine in Japan for Moderna, filed an application for authorization to use the vaccine.

The government wants to use Moderna's vaccine at vaccination sites it plans to open in Tokyo and Osaka.

Health minister Tamura Norihisa said that the ministry is working on the screening process for the vaccine, and the vaccination process could begin as soon as it is approved. He said all screening data should be available in May, so the vaccine could be approved at that time.
Annualised Recurring Revenue (ARR) increased 20% QoQ ( $5.6m ) to $34m and 158% pcp ( $13.2m )

Revenue increased 54% ( $2.32m ) to $6.6m QoQ and 152% pcp ( $2.61m )

Operating cash receipts increased 54% ( $2.31m ) to $6.55m QoQ and 362% pcp

Dubber users now exceed 380,000

The Company has a strong balance sheet, with in excess of $37.7m as at 31 March 2021

Growth in all key metrics  Users and ARR

During the March quarter the Company's key metrics all experienced substantial growth.

User numbers grew at a record rate for Dubber's SaaS monthly subscriptions. The Company expects user growth to increase significantly in the current quarter due to new initiatives including the launch of its Foundation Partner Program. Foundation Partners embed Dubber services within their offering as a standard and in-built feature  from which both Dubber and the partner then benefit from upgrading users to richer functionality and offerings.

The March quarter represents a milestone period relating to comparative user growth quarter on quarter. The Company expects to receive Foundation and consumption-based revenues moving forward with larger and varying user attachment rates to those revenues. Therefore, as previously indicated, the key growth metric relating to short term growth is the Company's Annualised Recurring Revenue (ARR) which has grown by $5.6m, to in excess of $34m.

Telecommunications Networks Growth and Yield

The Company continued to expand its footprint of service provider networks along with increasing penetration and revenue yield from its current telecommunication and Unified Communication (UC) platform partners.

AT&T

During the quarter, the Dubber platform went live on three AT&T networks: AT&T IP Toll-Free, AT&T Hosted Voice Service (HVS), and Cisco Webex Calling with AT&T. All three of these networks target large enterprise, government, education, and business clients. The HVS and Webex Calling networks are already providing positive uptake in SaaS monthly subscription users and services.

AT&T's IP Toll-Free is a major global network carrying calls for the largest organisations in North America and is billed on a per minute consumption rate. Dubber's recording, API, transcription and AI services will also be billed on a per minute rate at accretive unit increments, thereby introducing meaningful consumption based revenue streams to Dubber.

Currently, AT&T and IBM are engaged with existing mutual large enterprise customers to demonstrate the value of the newly available services on the platform which add substantial insights to those organisations, enabling them to gain valuable business intelligence from their voice data.

The Company expects the Dubber platform to be live on additional AT&T networks in both the short and medium term.

Unified Call Recording Momentum

The Company has previously referenced Unified Call Recording (UCR) which defines the Company's unique value proposition of unifying call recording and voice data at scale. UCR reflects how businesses and individuals work today, particularly in Covid-19 driven 'work from home' settings and hybrid work environments.

The Company has recently become one of only two vendors certified for Compliant Call Recording for Microsoft Teams.

Dubber is already the embedded and only recording offering for Cisco's Webex Calling platform with the Company expecting to substantially extend its relationship and availability with Cisco Webex in the near term.

During the quarter, the Company also announced availability of a Unified Call Recording solution for Zoom that allows for secure compliance and voice intelligence call recording for Zoom Meetings as well as Zoom's recently launched cloud phone service, Zoom Phone.

Typical business communications usually involve the use of desk phones, mobiles, and UC services such as Cisco Webex, Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Dubber is uniquely placed to be able to capture recordings and voice data from all services and store them in a single location, the Dubber Voice Intelligence Cloud, where they can be managed centrally.

Behind these UC platform announcements is an industry trend whereby large global service providers are releasing their own network offerings in conjunction with cloud collaboration platforms like Zoom Phone, Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex Calling. Dubber has detected a pronounced acceleration of telecommunication services moving to a cloud environment, either from traditional telecommunications carriers or by stand-alone UCaaS services in the last two quarters. By virtue of its unique ability to be embed into the fabric of a network and operate at scale, the company is a significant beneficiary of this trend and we believe it will continue to accelerate globally in the quarters ahead.

Foundation Partner Program

The Dubber platform has been designed specifically for large scale availability across telecommunications networks, as opposed to legacy bespoke recording products for enterprises, which are largely tied to on premise equipment, capital expenditure and call centre environments.

The Company expects several of its service provider partners to deploy the Dubber platform as a standard feature across their network base as "Dubber Foundation Partners". The Company is actively engaged in discussions with major service providers to become Foundation Partners and expects the first initiative of this kind will take place in the current quarter.

This will provide the Company large scale customer reach into end user accounts for jointly upselling additional services, including extended storage, transcription, AI insights and more.

Steve McGovern, CEO, Dubber:

"We are delighted to have delivered such a strong quarter, achieving outstanding growth in all of our key metrics. The company is very well positioned to continue to take advantage of the major shift towards cloud based and 'work from anywhere' communications we are seeing in all our geographies. Governments and businesses understand the need to act on the requirement to capture conversations and voice data across their entire business. Ever expanding requirements to record and store conversations for proactive compliance and dispute resolution, and, revenue, customer and personnel intelligence all continue to drive the need for voice data and intelligence at scale. We remain very positive as to Dubber's growth and leadership."

Related Party Expenses

In line with requirements of lodgement of the attached Appendix 4C, the Company advises that payments shown in Item 6.1 of the Appendix 4C are in relation to Executive and Non-Executive Director remuneration (including superannuation) and form part of the operating expenses for the March quarter.

This ASX release has been approved for release to ASX by Steve McGovern, CEO & Managing Director.

About Dubber:

Dubber is unlocking the potential of voice data from any call or conversation. Dubber is the world's most scalable Unified Call Recording service and Voice Intelligence Cloud adopted as core network infrastructure by multiple global leading telecommunications carriers in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Dubber allows service providers to offer call recording for compliance, business intelligence, sentiment analysis, AI and more on any phone. Dubber is a disruptive innovator in the multi-billion-dollar call recording industry, its Software as a Service offering removes the need for on-premise hardware, applications or costly and limited storage.

Investors

Simon Hinsley

[email protected]

+61 (0) 401 809 653

Media

Terry Alberstein

[email protected].au

+61 (0) 458 484 921

UK Media: James Taylor | The PR Network

+44 (0)7796 138291

[email protected]

US Media:

Charlie Guyer, Guyer Group for Dubber

+1.617.599.8830

[email protected]

SOURCE Dubber
ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A 2020 FDA-funded report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) on the safety and utility of compounded hormones is compromised by potential bias, conflicts of interest and bad scienceso says an independent, third-party analysis of the NASEM report released today.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) touted the NASEM report, which recommended restrictions on compounded hormone therapy, as "independent" and "comprehensive," but in fact it was neither. That's one of the key findings in the white paper by Dr. Alyson Wooten, a director at the nonpartisan Berkeley Research Group (BRG). The paper is titled The Panel Put Policy-Making Before Patient Need: An Independent Analysis of the FDA-Commissioned NASEM Report, "The Clinical Utility of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: A Review of Safety, Effectiveness, and Use." The Pharmacy Compounding Foundation commissioned Dr. Wooten to conduct the third-party, independent review of the NASEM report.

"Given the strong potential bias influencing the Committee's recommendations and the omission from the final report of key data supporting the safety and efficacy of cBHT, we recommend that FDA not rely on or consider the NASEM Report," the white paper advises.

FDA commissioned NASEM in 2019 to undertake what it said would be an objective review of the safety and effectiveness of compounded hormones. After NASEM released the final report on July 1, 2020which included a recommendation for across-the-board restrictions on compounded hormonesFDA issued a public statement saying the agency would base its next steps on compounded hormones on the NASEM report.

What FDA did not saybut which Wooten's paper demonstrateswas that the agency exerted inappropriate influence and bias in almost every phase of the commissioned report, even recommending study committee appointees who had no expertise in prescribing or compounding hormones.

"This white paper shows how FDA inappropriately meddled in the composition of the NASEM committee, fed the committee selective research for its consideration and even advised the committee on its final recommendations for restricting compounded hormones," said Pharmacy Compounding Foundation CEO Scott Brunner, CAE. "And all so FDA could have a report that reflected its existing negative view of compounded hormone therapy. The white paper reveals an FDA much more interested in documenting its own biases than in actual objective science. And it was apparently willing to spend $1.3 million in taxpayer dollars to do it."

Dr. Wooten's review is a repudiation of an FDA staff that manipulated the process and NASEM committee members who lacked expertise in the subject matter they were engaged to study.

The white paper documents how:

Bias may have influenced the conclusions and recommendations of the committee.

The committee and its review team included individuals who may have been biased against compounded hormones.

The committee did not include any prescribers or pharmacists with substantive, patient-facing experience with compounded hormones.

Jane Axelrad , a former FDA official and outspoken critic of compounded hormones, played multiple key roles in the development of the NASEM report.

, a former FDA official and outspoken critic of compounded hormones, played multiple key roles in the development of the NASEM report. The committee's conclusions regarding the safety and efficacy of compounded hormones are flawed.

The definition of "clinical utility" developed and relied upon by the committee does not reflect an accurate or complete representation of the term.

The studies relied upon by the committee do not reflect an accurate or complete representation of compounded hormones.

The standards for evaluating the safety and efficacy of FDA-approved drugs cannot be reasonably applied to highly individualized compounded medications.

The committee relied on the discredited 2002 Women's Health Initiative study in developing its conclusions.

The committee ignored the body of evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of compounded hormones.

"These numerous flaws render the NASEM report so thoroughly compromised as to be useless in any discussion of compounded hormone therapy," said Brunner.

About the Pharmacy Compounding Foundation

The Pharmacy Compounding Foundation, affiliated with the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, promotes pharmacy compounding by:

Funding innovative programs and research initiatives that enhance the quality, safety, responsiveness, and credibility of compounding pharmacy;

Encouraging curricular endorsement of the fundamental proficiencies essential to compounding pharmacists through alliances with educational institutions and accreditation bodies;

Sponsoring public education programs that acquaint health care professionals and the public with the services and issues related to pharmacy compounding;

Supporting student participation in compounding professional development and advocacy programs to orient them about compounding and support compounding as a possible career path.

SOURCE Pharmacy Compounding Foundation
British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell is seen in a photo that was included in a court filing filed with the United States Courthouse by her lawyer Bobbi Sternheim, in New York, on April 29, 2021. (United States Courthouse court filing/Handout via Reuters)

First Photo of Ghislaine Maxwell From Jail Shows Unexplained Black Eye

The first photo of Ghislaine Maxwell in jail has been released in court papers and shows the British socialite with an unexplained black eye.

Maxwell, 59, is in custody ahead of her trial in New York City for accusations that she helped the late financier Jeffrey Epstein recruit and sexually abuse girls.

The photo was attached to a letter from Maxwells lawyer Bobbi Sternheim to U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan in Manhattan, who oversees Maxwells criminal case.

In his letter, Sternheim wrote that Maxwell noticed she had a black eye on the evening of April 28 and was then confronted by Metropolitan Detention Center officers who demanded to know how she got it.

Guards threatened to put her in a separate housing unit if she didnt explain its origin, the lawyer added.

Sternheim said Maxwell did not know where the bruise came from, but that it may be caused by her shielding her eyes with a sock or towel when corrections officers shine light into her cell every 15 minutes during wellness checks.

She was unaware of the bruise until she saw her reflection in nail clippers, according to the filing.

However, Sternheim stated that Maxwell has grown increasingly reluctant to report information to the guards for fear of retaliation, discipline, and punitive chores.

Sternheim has asked the court to direct the Metropolitan Detention Center to stop the wellness checks and argued that his client is being deprived of sleep.

He noted that Maxwell is classified as an inmate with no significant mental health care.

Ms. Maxwell continues to be disrupted throughout the night by guards shining a flash/strobe light into her cell, claiming that her breathing must be checked, Sternheim added. The myth that Ms. Maxwells conditions of confinement are related to her being a suicide risk was laid to rest during the oral argument: There is nothing to support that contrived claim.

Judge Alison J Nathan said prosecutors must explain within a week whether and why jail officials might be subjecting Maxwell to flashlight surveillance and whether she could be given an appropriate eye covering.

Maxwell has remained in federal custody since she was arrested in July 2020 in New Hampshire.

Prosecutors have accused the former socialite of grooming and paying a girl who, starting at age 14, gave Epstein nude massages and engaged in sex acts with him from 2001 to 2004, and said the girl recruited others to offer erotic massages.

Maxwell previously pleaded not guilty to charges she helped Epstein recruit and groom three other girls for him to sexually abuse from 1994 to 1997, and committed perjury.

Last week she pleaded not guilty to all charges in her first appearance before a judge. She was denied bail for a fourth time after lawyers complained that she has suffered from weight and hair loss in jail, which prosecutors have denied.

Nathan previously denied bail three times, calling Maxwell a substantial flight risk despite a proposed $28.5 million bail package.

She faces up to 80 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

Epstein, 66, killed himself in a Manhattan jail in August 2019, while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Reuters contributed to this report.
During the first wave of the corona pandemic, 36 per cent fewer men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in Sweden than in previous years. On the other hand, the number of patients receiving curative treatment for prostate cancer was unaffected. This is shown by a new register study led by Uppsala University researchers, whose results are published in the Scandinavian Journal of Urology.

We think the number of cases diagnosed fell because, early on, the Public Health Agency of Sweden urged older people to minimise their social contacts and, by the same token, refrain from non-urgent health care. At the same time, the working group for the Swedish guidelines for prostate cancer care recommended that only men with prostate cancer symptoms should seek medical attention. The results of the study indicate that the recommendations were heeded." Par Stattin, Professor of Urology at Uppsala University and register holder for the National Prostate Cancer Register (NCPR)

The study is based on data from NCPR, which contains particulars for 98 per cent of the approximately 10,000 men annually diagnosed with prostate cancer in Sweden. Also included in this register are detailed accounts of cancer characteristics and the primary treatment.

When the researchers compared the period of the first pandemic wave, March-June 2020, with the corresponding months in the years 2017-19, they found that a marked decrease in the number of registered prostate cancer cases had taken place in spring 2020. Most pronounced, 51 per cent, was the fall among men aged 75 and over. In men below the age of 70, the corresponding figure was 28 per cent. Preliminary, as yet unpublished data from autumn 2020 show that the number of cases declined less markedly during the second pandemic wave than in the first.

"The effect this decline will have on the prognosis for men whose cancer was not diagnosed in 2020 now depends partly on whether the health care services get a chance to 'catch up' in diagnosing them. Since most prostate cancer progresses slowly, it's reasonable to believe that some delay will have only a minor effect," Stattin says.

Simultaneously, the study shows that no change took place in the number of men who underwent surgery for their cancer. This can be explained partly by the fact that it was possible to shorten waiting lists for care when fewer diagnoses were made. The number of men being given curatively intended radiation treatment was as much as 32 per cent higher than in previous years. According to the researchers, this reflects a continuation of the upward trend in recent years, in which radiation therapy has been increasingly used in prostate cancer, in particular locally advanced cancer.

"Our study suggests that Swedish health care prioritised cancer treatment during the pandemic, and that prostate cancer care in this country was less affected than was reportedly the case in other European countries," Stattin says.
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain has been urged to publish its "green" list of countries where people from England will be able to travel as soon as possible as the May 17 date for the restart of holidays nears.

The parliamentary Transport Committee on Saturday called on the government to provide the details of its three-tier "traffic light" system for rating destination countries based on their COVID-19 safety.

Ongoing uncertainty over when and where people can travel could cost further jobs in the already battered travel, aviation and tourism sectors, warned the committee.

"There are just 16 days until international travel is expected to resume on 17 May. Incredibly, passengers and industry are still in the dark about which countries they can visit and the requirements to do so," Transport Committee chairman Huw Merriman said in a statement.

The government said in mid-April it would announce which countries were in which category in early May, ahead of a plan to allow holidays again from May 17 at the earliest.

Under the government plans, travellers returning from green countries will need to take a COVID-19 test just before arriving into the UK and another test on or before the second day of returning but will not need to quarantine. Amber country arrivals will require a period of self-isolation at home as well as the tests and red countries quarantine in a hotel plus tests.

Travel experts say that the initial list of green countries could be very limited with just Iceland, Malta, Gibraltar and Israel making it, although airlines are hoping that some larger destinations like the United States and Portugal will also feature.

(Reporting by Sarah Young, editing by Andy Bruce)
May Day Celebrations 2021 - Programme

Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, has announced the programme of events for this years May Day which will be broadcast on GBC TV and the GCS Facebook page.

The Programme begins on Saturday 1st May at 2pm:

 2pm - Dance & Music Variety Show

Transitions  JF Dance  The Showdance Company  Layla Rose  Nicholas Olivero  Brianna Crome  James Falzun

 3.30pm - Gibraltar Youth Choir (80s Classics)

 4pm - May Day Celebrations Speeches

 4.30pm - Local Bands

MAG Musicians (The Moxies)  Surianne & Levanter Breeze  Adrian Pisarello Band Universe
Soldiers chat at a scene where the roof protecting the "Casa de las Aguilas", part of the ruins of the Templo Mayor archaeological site, collapsed after heavy rain and hail, in downtown Mexico City, Mexico, on April 28, 2021. (Gustavo Graf/Reuters)

Storm Causes Structure Over Aztec Ruins to Collapse in Mexico City

MEXICO CITYA roof that partly protected one of Mexicos most important ancient sites collapsed under the weight of a major rain and hail storm late on Wednesday, causing minor damage to the ornate temple complex that once hosted the Aztec empires elite warriors.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador pledged on Thursday to repair any damages to the House of Eagles, which was covered by a large metal roof of modern construction that was toppled by the storm. The structure is adjacent to the ruins of the Aztecs holiest shrine, known as the Templo Mayor.

Mexicos culture ministry described damage to the ruins as minor, recoverable and restorable in a statement on Thursday, adding that removal of the collapsed roof will begin immediately.

The House of Eagles features elaborately-carved relief sculptures along its walls and benches, depicting warriors in procession and blood-letting rituals. Remnants of its painted murals have remained visible five centuries after the 1521 Spanish conquest of the Aztec capital and subsequent razing of the city.

In a post on Twitter, Leonardo Lopez Lujan, the Templo Mayors lead archeologist, expressed his relief that major damage to the structure and its decorations was avoided.

Im not superstitious, but blessed be Tezcatlipoca! he quipped, referring to a major Aztec deity associated with providence and sorcery.

Lopez Lujan told Reuters that three security guards who sought refuge from the storm under the roof miraculously escaped as it came tumbling down. One was lightly injured, according to the culture ministry.

The ruins of the Templo Mayor, which the Aztecs believed to be the center of the universe, are located just off the Mexican capitals main Zocalo plaza, next to a colonial-era Catholic cathedral.

The open-air ruins, along with an adjacent museum that houses monumental sculptures found at the site, have for decades been a major tourist draw.

By David Alire Garcia
(CNN)  Flames crackle over the wails and prayers of grieving families as they mourn loved ones laid on funeral pyres that burn through the night in New Delhi.

As India's second wave of coronavirus sweeps through the country, bodies are piling up faster than workers can cremate them or build new pyres.

"Before the pandemic, we used to cremate eight to 10 people (daily)," said Jitender Singh Shunty, head of the Seemapuri crematorium in eastern New Delhi. "Now, we are cremating 100 to 120 a day."

Demand is so high that Seemapuri crematorium has expanded into its parking lot, where dozens of workers construct new cremation platforms from bricks and mortar. There is so little space and so many bodies that families have to get a ticket and wait in line for their turn.

So many fires have been lit in New Delhi that wood stocks are running low.

On Tuesday, Jai Prakash, the mayor of North Delhi, wrote a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, asking that the forest department provide a steady supply.

In the meantime, families are having to pay for the wood to burn their relatives' bodies. Many see no choice, as they jockey for space at crowded crematoriums.

Cremation is considered an important part of Hindu funeral rites, due to the belief the body must be destroyed for the soul to proceed to reincarnation.

Barkha Dutt, a columnist at the Washington Post, lost her father to Covid-19 this week after he was ferried to the hospital on a faulty oxygen cylinder.

"When we went to cremate him, there was no space at the cremation ground -- there was a physical fight that erupted between multiple families," she said Wednesday. "We had to call the police to cremate my father."

"Despite my devastation, I was luckier than most Indians," Dutt added. "I think of the families that need cremation grounds, where bodies have been lying on the floor."

'They keep coming'

India reported almost 380,000 new infections on Thursday, marking yet another global record for the highest single-day case count. More than 3,600 people died.

Delhi's facilities have been cremating more than 600 bodies daily for the past week, according to the mayor of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation. This is double the official daily death toll for the city, and an indicator there may be a major underreporting problem.

"We start getting bodies in the morning and they keep coming in one after the other," said Suman Kumar Gupta, an official at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat cremation site, on Wednesday.

For workers and volunteers at the crematorium, handling hundreds of bodies daily and witnessing a constant outpouring of anguish takes a heavy toll. At the Seemapuri crematorium, a number of exhausted volunteers slumped against a wall, getting a little precious sleep before continuing with their work.

In between building the additional pyres and bringing out bodies, Shunty, the crematorium head, sits with grieving families to offer comfort and support.

"We have cremated 55 bodies in the last five hours ... (It) will be 100 by the end of the day," he said on Wednesday morning. "I am tired -- but this is not the time to get tired. This is the time to work for the nation, for humanity, and save lives."

The most harrowing part of his job, however, was seeing "young people die of Covid," Shunty said. "We have seen families who lost two to three young family members. I don't know what has happened to Delhi -- it's really disheartening."

Data from the government's Covid-19 task force suggests young people are being infected at similar rates as the first wave. But experts, medical workers, crematorium staff and politicians warn that the sheer number of new cases and deaths suggest young people are being seriously impacted.

"In this wave of coronavirus, the young people are getting infected," said Chief Minister Kejriwal in a video tweeted on April 15. "I appeal to all the young people to take care of themselves."

'We have been failed'

India's government is scrambling to take action as the virus spreads. Numerous states and cities have implemented new restrictions and shut down businesses in an attempt to contain the outbreak.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the procurement of 100,000 portable oxygen concentrators, in addition to hundreds of new oxygen generation plants.

International aid began arriving on Tuesday, with countries around the world sending oxygen cylinders, ventilators, medication and other essential supplies.

But these supplies need time to be distributed and oxygen plants need to be built. For some of the hardest-hit cities, such as New Delhi, the lack of immediate help and accessible resources means the bodies will keep piling up until assistance arrives.

Helplessness, frustration and anger toward the government's slow response is spreading among people on the ground -- especially those facing the deluge of death every day.

"The situation will worsen because Delhi doesn't have oxygen, beds, ventilators, plasma injections," said Shunty. "I am very angry, and at the same time guilty because we cannot do more. The people who should be dealing with this are missing in action. They made promises and vanished."

"We have limited resources with a fleet of 18 ambulances. We are picking up 50 to 55 dead bodies every day," he added. "So I am very angry because people who should be doing this are not doing it, and so volunteers are having to do it."

Families who have lost their loved ones, too, have been left with no closure or relief.

"I'm speaking as an angry Indian who feels betrayed at the callousness and the tone deafness and the complete denial I continue to see around," said Dutt, the columnist.

"We have been failed by policymakers, by politicians. We've been failed by the government that did not think to put in place a contingency plan for the second wave."

She pointed to Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who has continued to insist that despite the deepening crisis, which has long surpassed 2020's first wave, India is now better equipped to deal with the virus.

That assertion rings hollow in her loss and grief -- she has now lost both parents, and feels as if she has been "orphaned today," Dutt said.

"My father's last words to me were, 'I'm choking. Please give me treatment.' And I tried my best," she said. "I have nobody left."

This story was first published on CNN.com As India's crematoriums overflow with Covid victims, pyres burn through the night
(Alliance News) - The vacancy rate among UK retail properties rose again in the first quarter of the year, numbers on Friday showed, as the sector was mired by Covid-19 restrictions and marked three successive years of increasing vacancy rates.

The British Retail Consortium-Local Data Company vacancy monitor rose to 14.1% in the first quarter from 13.7% at the end of 2020.

"This marks three years of increasing vacancy rates, from Q1 2018," the BRC said.

BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson added: "After a third national lockdown, it is no surprise that the vacancy rate has continued to soar. The forced closure of thousands of shops during the first quarter of 2021 has exacerbated already difficult conditions for the retail industry. We estimate there are around 5,000 fewer stores since the start of the pandemic, meaning 1 in 7 shops now lie empty."

Numbers from the BRC showed all retail locations saw rising vacancy rates. In shopping centres, vacancy rates rose to 18.4% in the first quarter, from 17.1% at the end of 2020.

The high street vacancy rate rose to 14.1% from 13.7%, while at retail parks, it increased to 10.6% from 10.0%

LDC Director Lucy Stainton said: "The number of vacant units has continued to increase in the first three months of this year across the country, despite much of the market being temporarily closed for during the third lockdown. With this in mind, and despite these percentages increasing significantly, we would argue that we have not yet seen the true impact of this third lockdown and this will only be obvious once the market has had the chance to re-open fully."

By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Walmart is mobilising its global resources to help in India's battle with the devastating second coronavirus wave. Walmart, Walmart Foundation, Flipkart and PhonePe along with Walmart's Global Technology and Sourcing hubs have joined forces to help India counter oxygen shortage, support the vaccination drive as well as donate to organisations.

In order to plug India's oxygen shortage, Walmart businesses worldwide are working together to procure oxygen concentrators and other equipment. The company will donate up to 20 oxygen-generating plants and 20 cryogenic containers for oxygen storage and transportation. It will also donate more than 3,000 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders for delivery of oxygen assistance to patients at homes or hospitals. These will be donated to hospitals and NGOs for distribution, the company said.

Walmart and Walmart Foundation will also fund an additional 2,500 oxygen concentrators as part of the US-India Business Council and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum's joint relief work.

Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart Inc said, "Walmart is a global family. We feel the impact of this devastating surge on our associates, families and friends across India, and it's important that we come together to support however we can. We feel called to bring our resources to bear in times of crisis, and this moment is no different. We are working hard to combine Walmart's global capabilities and Flipkart's distribution network to ensure vital oxygen and supplies are made available to those who need them most. Our hearts are with everyone in India."

The Walmart Foundation has planned to donate $2 million to support various NGOs in the country. Out of that $1 million will be allocated through donor advised fund Walmart Foundation Disaster Relief Fund and the other $1 million will be allocated to GIVE Foundation Inc in order to support GiveIndia's COVID response fund.

Walmart, Flipkart and PhonePe will help in the vaccination drive by setting up on-site vaccination clinics for associates and their households, and Flipkart and PhonePe's full-time contractors and delivery workers.

Flipkart is also joining hands with GiveIndia to raise funds for COVID-19 relief and provide critical materials such as oxygen, PPE kits, hand sanitisers and other essentials at COVID-19 centers, charitable hospitals and for healthcare workers in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Flipkart customers can also use their SuperCoins to donate toward ambulance services and oxygen cylinder refills.

Flipkart CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy said: "Through the pandemic, we have endeavored to meet the needs of our customers while supporting our business partners through a safe supply chain and reliable platform. We and our colleagues at PhonePe are committed to doing our bit to help people in this challenging time, leveraging our logistics capabilities and mobilizing resources towards the most critical needs of patients and health care professionals. As people and corporations come together to gather resources to fight the pandemic, we remain steadfast in our belief that we will get through this together."

Also read: COVID-19 crisis in India: Wealthy Indians escape country by private jets as infections spiral

Also read: Covishield, Covaxin protect against 'Indian strain' of COVID-19, shows preliminary study
Radio host Mel Greig has spoken candidly about the infamous royal radio prank that changed her life forever.

The 38-year-old admitted she even considered suicide in the wake of the tragic 2012 on-air stunt on a nurse who later took her own life, during an interview with 9Honey.

Mel said she received so many death threats following the incident that 'I started to believe that I did deserve to die'.

Scroll down to see videos

Never the same again: Radio host Mel Greig has spoken candidly about the infamous royal radio prank on a hospital nurse in London, who took her own life two days later

In 2012, Mel and 2Day FM co-host Michael Christian posed as the Queen and Prince Charles to gain information about the Duchess of Cambridge during a hospital stay.

Jacintha Saldana was the nurse who took the call at King Edward Hospital in London. She took her own life two days later and mentioned the prank in the note she left behind.

Mel said the fallout left her 'in the most fragile mental state' and that at its height she was receiving over 1,000 threatening messages a day.

Some even suggested they would take the life of her mother.

Devastated: In 2012, Mel and 2Day FM co-host Michael Christian (pictured) posed as the Queen and Prince Charles to gain information about the Duchess of Cambridge during a hospital stay. On Friday, she admitted to suffering suicidal thoughts in the fallout

Tragic: Mel said the fallout left her 'in a fragile mental state' and that at its height she was receiving over 1,000 threatening messages a day. She is pictured here in a 2012 interview about the incident

The ex-model said that despite her own suicidal thoughts, she 'chose life' and now actively fights trolling online.

Mel is pushing changes to cyber safety and implores everybody to 'make sure we're not crossing that line into trolling.'

She advocates for a two-point ID verification for social media profiles and was the the face of the Troll Free Day movement in 2017.

The radio star is also a passionate advocate for body positivity.

Fallout: Jacintha Saldana was the nurse who took the call at King Edward Hospital in London. She took her own life two days later and mentioned the prank in the note she left behind

On Monday, Mel proudly showed off her 'chins' on Instagram and encouraged others to do the same.

'I want to give you a daily dose of realness and I want to introduce you to my chins because it's all about angles on social media and I've got four rippers,' she said.

'Just embrace it, don't worry about the angles. I love my chins, you should love yours too.'

Mel also captioned the post: 'Daily dose of keeping it real. Today I want you to meet my chins. Inspired by the @imperfectlyperfectcampaign mental health forum.'

Getting better: The ex-model said that despite her own suicidal thoughts, she 'chose life' and now actively fights trolling online

Her post comes after she accepted she may never get back to the weight she once was in her twenties and has thrown out her old garments.

She encouraged others to throw out their 'skinny boxes' too, and said: 'No I didn't get back to 68kg, and I don't intend to.'

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.

For confidential support in the UK, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit a local branch. See www.samaritans.org for details.

For confidential support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au. Alternatively, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
By Zhang Yan

Recently, Japan has jointly held a number of military exercises with the US and France, continuously strengthened security cooperation with Germany and France, and even intended to join the Five Eyes Alliance. Some analysts believe that Japan frequently cozies up to the US and other countries outside the region in the military in order to achieve its so-called important goal of becoming an influential military power.

According to Japan's Ministry of Defense, the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) will conduct a joint military drill with the French Army and the US Marine Corps from May 11 to 17. The drill, code-named ARC21, is the first joint military drill conducted by Japan, the US, and France in Japan, aiming to improve the joint combat capability during the defense of outlying islands.

There are two phases included in this the drill. The first phase is from May 11 to 13, during which the three countries will formulate an operation plan in Camp Ainoura (Nagasaki prefecture); the second phase is from May 14 to 15, during which they will conduct the drill at the Kirishima training ground (Miyazaki Prefecture and Kagoshima Prefecture).

The second phase will focus on subjects such as airborne operations, coordinated operations, and urban street warfare. The helicopters of JGSDF will conduct take-off and landing training on the warships of Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and French Navy. In addition, an all-weather drill will be held on May 15.

Japan and France will hold rifle shooting training at the Kirishima training ground on May 16. May 17 is the standby day for the drill. It is reported that four V-22 Osprey transport aircraft of the US Marine Corps will participate in the drill.

Some media reported that about 220 people will participate in the drill. The participating French troops are mainly from the Sixth Light Armored Brigade and will arrive at Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture aboard France's Jeanne d'Arc training fleet. The US participating troops are mainly from the 3rd Division of the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in Okinawa. France and the US each send about 60 people to participate in the drill. Japan dispatched about 100 people from the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade responsible for defending the Southwestern Islands and the Western Air Force to the drill.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga stressed that the Japan-US alliance is Japan's basic axis of diplomacy and security. He will inherit the "Indo-Pacific strategy" proposed by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2016 and create a "Japan-US+" alliance under the "free and open Indo-Pacific" framework.

On the one hand, Japan hopes to draw into European power, try to expand the influence of the "Indo-Pacific strategy", further dilute the power of the major powers in the Asia-Pacific region, build Japan into a so-called "buffer" and "safety valve" for maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region and attract more small and medium-sized countries. Recently, Japan has frequently interacted with European countries. Japan signed an agreement on sharing defense-related information with Germany in March and hosted the "2+2" ministerial-level consultations in April. In addition, the JMSDF and the French Navy have carried out four joint training this year.

On the other hand, the real purpose of Japan's frequent military exercises on the grounds of regional security threats is to enlist allies, conduct actual combat training, and improve military strength. Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi publicly stated that France is an ally of the US and Japan. France's participation in the joint drill can promote the partnership between the US, Japan, and France while enhancing defense capabilities.

France's participation this time has attracted attention from the outside world. As the Asia-Pacific region has increasingly become the focus and strategic frontier of competition among major powers, France is eager to get more involved in Asia-Pacific affairs. According to public information from Japan, the French Navy's Tonnerre amphibious assault fleet has launched military operations in the waters surrounding Japan and will participate in this military drill in May. In early April, the French Navy also led the military exercises in the Bay of Bengal, participated by Japan, the US, Australia, India, and France. Before the military exercise in the Bay of Bengal, the French military said that it would demonstrate France's capability in important strategic areas and strengthen military cooperation with partner countries in the Asia-Pacific region in the future. This shows that France is trying to gradually shift its military power to the Asia-Pacific region and demonstrate its frontier presence.

In recent years, Japan has continuously tried to win over neighboring countries and foreign forces and has made frequent moves in sensitive areas in an attempt to break through the restrictions of the peace constitution while accelerating the pace of militarization. Japan's move is not conducive to regional peace and stability and deserves great attention.
DNG Energy, a South African gas company, sued to halt the governments award of emergency power supply contracts, alleging that the process was tainted by corruption.

Some of the eight bid winners, especially Turkeys Karpowership, which operates mobile, vessel-based power plants, were granted unlawful exemptions from the tender requirements, DNG said in court documents.

Its lawsuit could hamper attempts to bring new generation capacity on line and address a crisis thats seen state utility Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. subjecting the nation to intermittent electricity outages.

Aldworth Mbalati, DNGs executive director, said in an affidavit to the High Court that he was approached by a businessman with close ties to Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe and government officials who offered assistance to win a contract.

Mbalati said he was told the outcome would be pre-determined, but rejected their proposal, according to the affidavit. He didnt identify the people who approached him because he intends filing a criminal complaint.

We strongly reject the allegation of impropriety on the part of Karpowership SA and as a consortium of local and international investors we have every confidence that the South African courts will deal with this appropriately, the company said in a response to queries.

The false allegations levied by a failed bidder are alarming. It is right to have robust debate around the best options for South Africas energy future, but these debates should be fact-based.

The tender winners have been contracted to generate 1,845 megawatts of electricity by August next year, projects the government expects to bring in 45 billion rand ($3.2 billion) of investment. The deals have yet to reach financial close.

Karpowership, a unit of the Turkish Karadeniz Energy Group, won the bulk of the contracts, which will run for two decades  a deal worth an estimated 218 billion rand. Thats sparked concerns that the countrys may fail to reach carbon emission reduction targets.

People who go to court are answered in court, Mantashe said by phone. Editors are not judges.

All procurement rules were complied with and DNGs lawsuit will be opposed, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, which Mantashe oversees, said in a statement on Friday.

The opposition Democratic Alliance party on Thursday had a motion, backed by environmental activists, to have a parliamentary probe of the contract rejected.

Karpowership was granted exemptions with regard to conducting environmental assessments prior to submitting a bid as well as a so-called local content requirement, designed to stimulate South African business.

The power vessels supplied by Karpowership were originally designed to supply electricity to countries with little to no electrical infrastructure such as war-torn countries, or countries which had suffered natural disasters, DNG said.

The fact that these short-term emergency ships would operate for 20 years in three critical ports further prejudices the development of liquefied natural gas terminals and severely prejudices the development of a gas economy.

Karpower said all bids followed the same transparent process.

AmaBhungane, a South African investigative news organization, reported on the court documents earlier on Friday.


Quarterly Activities and Cashflow Report 31 March 2021

Adelaide, April 30, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Resolution Minerals Ltd ( ASX:RML ) ( FRA:NC3 ) provide the Quarterly Activities and Cashflow Report 31 March 2021.Highlights- Positive assay results from trenching in 2020 at the Sunrise Prospect 64North Project Alaska, demonstrates the potential for a Fort Knox style mineral system- Follow up drilling program at the Sunrise Prospecto A 1400m long "fence line" of 27 shallow RAB drill holes at Sunrise Gold Prospect was completed in April. Results are expected in May.- Drilling (RC) of the East Pogo Prospect for pogo-style targets, set to commence early June.- A VTEM geophysical survey at the Wollogorang Copper Project (Northern Territory, Australia) set to commence shortly.- The Company locked in a 30% interest in the 64North Project and has taken charge as Operator.- Following the successful placement of $3.25m the Company is well funded with $3.05m cash at bank on 31 March 2021.Managing Director's CommentsWe are very pleased that the Company is positioned to be able to drill test gold and copper targets over the coming few months at our flagship 64North Project in Alaska and closer to home in the Northern Territory (Australia) at the Wollogorang Copper Project.In Alaska at the 64North Project our team in 2020 identified both compelling 50-150m deep drill targets at East Pogo via extensive geophysics programs and shallow Fort Knox style drill targets at the Sunrise Prospect. Both of these prospects can be tested with cost effective RAB and RC drilling. We have assays pending from the Sunrise Prospect from our recently completed RAB drilling program and are lined up to drill East Pogo from early June.The Company is also very fortunate to hold excellent copper and battery metal assets in the Northern Territory, Australia. RC drilling at the Gregjo and Running Creek Copper Prospects on the Wollogorang Project is planned for the dry season (May-November) with drilling permits in place. However, the unusually "big wet" season has pushed drilling back to mid-late July. The VTEM geophysics airborne surveys will not be affected by the wet season and are highly likely to identify further potential base metal targets in the prospective McArthur basin. We look forward to getting some boots on ground to verify and prioritise targets once the survey is completed and analysis undertaken alongside the RC drilling of existing Gregjo and Running Creek prospects.Resolution's mission is to hunt for big scale gold and battery metal targets in big country - in 2021 I believe the company is in great position to deliver discovery success.Duncan Chessell - Managing Director, Resolution Minerals LtdTo view the full quarterly report, please visit:About Resolution Minerals Ltd

Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML) is a mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and battery metals - such as gold, copper, cobalt, and vanadium.

The company is led by Managing Director Duncan Chessell and an experienced team with proven success in corporate finance, marketing, metallurgy and geoscience. This equips Resolution Minerals with the tools to meet the changing demands of the mining markets.

Resolution Minerals Ltd Listed on the ASX in 2017 with a focus on the exploration of the Wollogorang Copper Cobalt Project. It has since aquired the Snettisham Vanadium Project and more entered into a binding agreement witth Millrock Resources to earn up to 80% of the highly prospective 64North Gold Project.
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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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a message of condolences to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

In the message, Xi said China is willing to strengthen anti-pandemic cooperation with India, and provide support and help to the country.
Maple Gold completes winter drill campaign at Douay

Posted by Publisher Internet

Maple Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX-V: MGM) (OTCQB: MGMLF) (FSE: M3G)?(\Maple Gold\ or the \Company\  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/maple-gold-mines-ltd/) is pleased to report that a ~10,000-metre winter drilling campaign has been completed at the Douay Gold Project in Quebec, Canada, which is held by a 50/50 joint venture (the \JV\) between the Company and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. The Company has also received and interpreted initial assay results from the first drill hole of the campaign, which was an infill hole drilled on the eastern side of the Douay West (\DW\) Zone and the first hole to be drilled at the zone since 2017.

Highlights from hole DO-21-294 include:

80 g/t Au over 15 m (from 32 m downhole), including 4.51 g/t Au over 11 m (from 32 m downhole), corresponding to known near-surface mineralization;

45 g/t Au over 3 m (from 79 m downhole); and

98 g/t Au over 5 m (from 234 m downhole), corresponding to the actual hole target.

Fred Speidel, VP Exploration of Maple Gold, stated: ?These latest results not only confirm the continuity of higher-grade, near-surface mineralization at the DW Zone, but more importantly support the interpretation of the presence of a further, lower zone of mineralization at or below the current conceptual pit floor. This lower zone is interpreted to form part of a separate mineralized trend that remains open in multiple directions, including to the east-southeast where further step-out drilling may target resource additions and historical drilling remains widely spaced.?

Matthew Hornor, President and CEO of Maple Gold, stated: ?We are pleased to have achieved the JV?s original target of approximately 10,000 metres during this winter drill campaign despite COVID- and weather-related challenges, and to have the first drill hole return such promising results. Our winter campaign was designed in close collaboration with our JV partner with the aim of expanding resources at Douay and we anticipate seeing more positive results from the program in the weeks to come.?

Winter 2021 Drill Program

The Winter 2021 drill program was designed to expand the existing Douay mineral resource by both step-out and discovery drilling as well as to upgrade resources with several infill holes. The campaign was completed on April 19, 2021, with 22 diamond holes drilled (19 new drill holes and three extensions to deepen previously drilled holes) for a total of approximately 10,000 metres (see figure 1 for all drill hole locations).?

The first DW Zone drill hole (DO-21-294) was primarily designed to test the orientation and continuity of two significant past intercepts spaced approximately 100 m apart that support the potential for a lower zone near the base of the current DW Zone RPA 2019 conceptual pit at a vertical depth of approximately 170 m (Fig. 1):

Past drill hole DO-17-150 (located 37 m SE of DO-21-294) intercepted 1.48 g/t Au over 15 m from 204 m downhole, including 3.12 g/t Au over 3 m from 214.5 m downhole (Fig. 2).

Past drill hole D-116 (collared around 280 m SE of DO-21-294 and interpreted to lie along the SE plunge of the lower DW Zone) intercepted 7.63 g/t Au over 6.5 m from 206.5 m downhole and 2.43 g/t Au over 7.5 m from 321 m downhole (Fig. 3).

The average grade of mineralization at the DW Zone is significantly higher than the overall Douay mineral resource, with pit-constrained Indicated Resources of 286,000 ounces grading 2.13 g/t Au and Inferred Resources of 72,000 ounces grading 1.14 g/t Au (RPA 2019).

Results from DO-21-294 support continuity for the trend of the lower zone at DW and justify additional step-out drilling to test this zone further to the ESE, where drill hole spacing locally is greater than 100 m (Fig 3).

Additional assay results for the winter 2021 program will be released on a periodic basis over the coming months (May-July) once they are received, vetted, and interpreted.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical data contained in this press release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Fred Speidel, M. Sc., P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration of Maple Gold. Mr. Speidel is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Speidel has verified the data related to the exploration information disclosed in this press release through his direct participation in the work.

Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)

The JV implements strict Quality Assurance (\QA\) and Quality Control (\QC\) protocols at Douay covering the planning and placing of drill holes in the field; drilling and retrieving the NQ-sized drill core; drillhole surveying; core transport to the Douay Camp; core logging by qualified personnel; sampling and bagging of core for analysis; transport of core from site to the Val-d\-\-Or, QC, SGS laboratory; sample preparation for assaying; and analysis, recording and final statistical vetting of results. For a complete description of protocols, please visit the Company\-\-s QA/QC webpage at www.maplegoldmines.com.

About Maple Gold

Maple Gold Mines Ltd. is a Canadian advanced exploration company in a 50/50 joint venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited to jointly advance the district-scale Douay and Joutel gold projects located in Quebec?s prolific Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt. The projects benefits from exceptional infrastructure access and boasts ~400 km2 of highly prospective ground including an established gold resource (RPA 2019) that holds significant expansion potential as well as the past-producing Telbel mine.

The property also hosts a significant number of regional exploration targets along a 55 km strike length of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone that have yet to be tested through drilling, making the project ripe for new gold and polymetallic discoveries. The Company is well capitalized and is currently focused on carrying out exploration and drill programs to grow resources and make new discoveries to establish an exciting new gold district in the heart of the Abitibi. For more information, please visit www.maplegoldmines.com.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.

Forward Looking Statements:

This press release contains \forward-looking information\ and \forward-looking statements\ (collectively referred to as \forward-looking statements\) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation in Canada, including statements about exploration work and results from current and future work programs. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, uncertainties and management\-\-s best estimate of future events. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company\-\-s expectations and projections. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Maple Gold Mines Ltd.\-\-s filings with Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or the Company\-\-s website at www.maplegoldmines.com. The Company does not intend, 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 required by law.
Chinese President on Friday sent a message of condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the pandemic in India and offered to provide support and help to deal with the current surge of COVID-19 cases in the country.

President Xi sent a message of condolences to Prime Minister Modi over the COVID-19 pandemic in India, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

In his message, Xi said China is willing to strengthen anti-pandemic cooperation with India, and provide support and help to the country, the report said.

On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promised to do the utmost in supporting India's fight against the COVID-19 surge and said that anti-pandemic materials produced in China were entering India at a faster pace.

In his letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Wang said that the Chinese side "shares empathy for the challenges facing India and expresses sincere sympathy".

"The is the common enemy of mankind, and the international community needs solidarity and coordination for a concerted response. The Chinese side firmly supports the Indian Government and people in fighting the pandemic," he wrote in the letter, a copy of which was tweeted by Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong.

Wang said that anti pandemic materials produced in China are entering India at a faster pace to help India fight the epidemic.

"The Chinese side will continue to do its utmost to provide support and help according to the needs of India. We hope and believe that under the leadership of the Indian Government, the Indian people will surely prevail over the epidemic at an early date," he added.

The messages from President Xi and Foreign Minister Wang came even as the militaries of the two countries are yet to resolve the disengagement from the remaining areas of eastern Ladakh after the withdrawal from Pangong lake area in February.

India on Friday logged 3,86,452 new infections, the highest single-day rise so far, pushing the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,87,62,976, while active cases crossed the 31-lakh mark. The death toll increased to 2,08,330 with 3,498 new fatalities.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
There are many moving parts in these stories and EditShare helps us manage all of the parts in a way that we can easily index, search, use, collaboratively edit, and archive for later use. It's a media foundation that enables us to get to the next level of production.

EditShare, a technology leader that specializes in collaboration, security, and intelligent storage solutions, has been chosen by several large-scale houses of worship to provide each unique operation with an enterprise-strength media platform to sustain the fast-growing audiences seeking their church experiences online. The Potter's House in Texas, World Changers Church International in Georgia, and Hillsong Church in Australia are using EditShares EFS shared storage and FLOW media management to facilitate their hybrid video production needs and increase programming to boost engagement with congregants, anywhere and everywhere.

With the shift to online, connecting with our congregants in the digital world has become even more important. We want to share stories in a way that when they are seen, our members understand how we are giving back to the community. In order to engage congregants on this level, we needed to do more than stream Wednesday and Sunday services. We needed to think about the production value. Everything from the music we choose, to the way we light the scene, to how we shoot and layer in graphics to create an experience that our online congregants can engage with, states Antao Tywii Ayers-Allen, TV Production, The Potter's House of Dallas. There are many moving parts in these stories and EditShare helps us manage all of the parts in a way that we can easily index, search, use, collaboratively edit, and archive for later use. It's a media foundation that enables us to get to the next level of production.

Ministries are using EditShare solutions to produce and deliver church services as well as pre-recorded studio shows, documentaries, commercials, and educational programs over traditional, digital, and social channels. Unlike traditional networks, these shows, conferences, and podcasts are produced all in-house. Similar to conventional OTT streaming services, some ministries offer yearly subscriptions to their branded channel.

The day-to-day media operations of large-scale ministries increasingly resemble that of a fully-fledged 24/7 broadcast network with thousands of hours of content to manage, states Tracy Geist, chief marketing officer, EditShare. Using an off the shelf non-media solution to store and manage the content is not an option. EditShare provides the media optimized workflow infrastructure that enables them to redefine the content strategy and deliver the engaging experience they want for those attending the service in person or connecting online.

According to Barna research, 70% of churchgoers agree that even after the pandemic, houses of worship should continue to use digital resources to engage with congregants. EditShares media platform is the basis for cutting-edge workflows that are instrumental in helping houses of worship create engaging content at a higher quality. In what is likely in the future to be a hybrid model, where congregants participate in services both at the church and online, EditShare is the proven, optimized and productive foundation for large-scale video content production.

The lead Engineer for The Potter's House TV Department, Fletcher Garrett, explains the importance of a workflow platform: Engineers at houses of worship with responsibilities ranging from TV broadcasts, streaming and social media content want to know, How do I record live services and performances, and get it ready for distribution as fast as possible? This all comes back to the media platform you plug your cameras and editing system into. EditShare provides the automation and workflow efficiencies that let you capture directly to storage, automate tagging of content, making it immediately searchable to your editors for packaging and distributing over traditional, digital, and social channels. What is paramount is that the media system is secure, stable and dependable and I have found that EditShare's systems meet those demands!

In addition to facilitating production and post production media workflows for short and long form studio and live programs, ministries are using the advanced AI features of FLOW for speech to text transcription on every piece of video recorded. FLOW automates the logging, making it easily searchable and instantly available for repurposing and sharing. Geist adds, One of the biggest challenges is logging the massive amount of content these productions capture in a way that you can quickly and easily locate that special moment or important message. The AI capabilities of FLOW automate the entire transcription and logging process so editors can turn out more personalized programs faster.

For more information on EditShare solutions, please visit the website at http://www.editshare.com

About EditShare

EditShare is a technology leader in networked shared storage and smart workflow solutions for the production, post-production, new media, sports, and education markets. Whether you need on-prem, cloud, or hybrid solutions, our products improve efficiency and workflow collaboration every step of the way. They include media optimized high-performance shared storage, archiving and backup software, a suite of media management tools and a robust set of open APIs that enable integration throughout the workflow. Customer and partner success are at the heart of EditShares core values ensuring a world-class experience that is second to none.

2021 EditShare LLC. All rights reserved. EditShare is a registered trademark of EditShare.
Red River sold 6,700 DMT zinc concentrate, 1,484 DMT lead concentrate and 3,025 DMT copper concentrate during the March quarter.

Red Rivers Thalanga Operation is 65 kilometres southwest of Charters Towers in North Queensland.

Red River Resources Ltd ( ) (FRA:R1R) generated $26 million in revenue during the March quarter with $25.4 million from base metal concentrate sales at the Thalanga Project in Queensland and $600,000 from the new Hillgrove Gold Mine in New South Wales and is well-funded for further development at both.

The company has started processing data received from a microgravity survey at Thalanga, where Red River is targeting Thalanga-style volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VMS) deposits along the southern side of the Thalanga Range to the west of the Thalanga mine.

On completion of this process, the company will review the data generated in conjunction with previous exploration data (IP and surface geochemistry) to determine priority targets for follow-up drilling.

Red River is also seeking to enhance the base metals project's gold bounty through exploration and development at and around the operations.

Thalanga development

During the quarter, Red River continued mine design and scheduling activities at the Liontown project, with the focus being on a combined open pit and underground development with a conceptual mine life of more than 10 years.

Liontown, a high-grade, gold-rich polymetallic deposit, is set to be Red Rivers third deposit developed for mining at Thalanga.

The project has a mineral resource of 4.1 million tonnes at 0.6% copper, 1.9% lead, 5.9% zinc, 1.1 g/t gold and 29 g/t silver and is around 32 kilometres in a direct line from Red Rivers Thalanga operations and 107 kilometres by road.

Operations update

Thalanga Operations mined 87,000 tonnes at 1.2% copper, 1.4% lead, 4.3% zinc, 0.2 g/t gold and 43 g/t silver during the quarter and processed 95,000 tonnes of ore grading 1.1% copper, 1.7% lead, 4.4% zinc, 0.2 g/t gold and 49 g/t silver.

Zinc concentrate production decreased 6% from quarter two, with 6,959 DMT produced while zinc recovery to zinc concentrate averaged 89.1% for the period and a high-quality zinc concentrate grading 53.4% zinc was produced.

Lead concentrate production decreased 16% from quarter two, with 1,613 DMT lead concentrate produced while lead recovery to lead concentrate was 69.2%, with an average concentrate grade of 67.1% lead, 5.1 g/t gold and 1,541 g/t silver produced during the period.

Copper concentrate production was down 14% from quarter two, with 3,068 DMT of copper concentrate produced. Copper recovery to copper concentrate averaged 74.5% for the period, with an average copper concentrate grade of 25.7% copper, 1.7 g/t gold and 318 g/t silver.

Red River sold 6,700 DMT of zinc concentrate, 1,484 DMT of lead concentrate and 3,025 DMT of copper concentrate during the quarter.

Base metal concentrates were delivered under long-term offtake agreements to Trafigura (zinc and lead concentrate) and Glencore (copper concentrate).

Hillgrove development

At Hillgrove in northern NSW, Red River ramped up gold production during the quarter after acquiring the project in 2019 and commencing gold production in December 2020.

Bakers Creek Stockpile mining and trucking activities started, and the first ore was delivered to Hillgrove ROM Pad on December 23, 2020.

First ore was processed through the Hillgrove Mill on December 29, 2020.

During the quarter, Matt Breen commenced as general manager at Hillgrove operations.

Breen is a highly experienced mining engineer with more than 20 years experience in operations and development projects in Australia and Mongolia, with a proven track record in underground mining operations, drill and blast optimisation, business improvement and implementation of best practise mine production processes.

Hillgrove gold concentrate leaching

At Hillgrove, gravity gold concentrate leaching through the Acacia gold reactor to produce gold dore started at the end of February 2021.

Around 260 ounces of gold (contained in dore) was sold during the quarter and a total of 667 ounces of gold was produced into dore and flotation concentrates.

The flotation concentrate produced contains a higher-than-expected proportion of refractory gold.

Red River will begin selling the flotation concentrate in quarter four of 2021 as selling the concentrate will generate a greater return than leaching the concentrate, which will only recover the leachable gold in concentrate, on-site to produce gold dore.
Tammy Hembrow is known for her amazing figure.

On Friday, the Instagram superstar shared her workout with fans, revealing how she achieves her impressive derriere, which she insists is all natural.

The 27-year-old did a number of squats and lifts in the video, before explaining she likes to 'train smarter' not harder.

How does she do it? Tammy Hembrow (pictured) is known for her amazing figure. On Friday, the Instagram superstar shared her workout with fans, revealing how she achieves her impressive derriere

She explained: 'I love to start a workout with compound exercises like squats and lunges and then finish it off on the cables to really burn out the muscles'.

In the clip, Tammy showed off her incredible figure in a two-piece workout outfit consisting of black short-shorts and a crop top.

On Thursday, the Gold Coast influencer shared a mirror selfie to Instagram as she modelled one of her latest looks.

Work it: The 27-year-old did a number of squats and lifts in the video, before explaining she likes to 'train smarter' not harder

She explained: 'I love to start a workout with compound exercises like squats and lunges and then finish it off on the cables to really burn out the muscles'

Tammy wore Fendi jeans, which retail for about $1,400, which she paired with a Danielle Guizio corset that costs $180.

She accessorised with an $890 Jacquemus mini-bag and vintage Chanel sunglasses, for which she likely paid at least $800.

The mother of two completed her look with a pair of Bottega Veneta wedge mules, which cost approximately $1,300.

Bombshell: On Thursday, the Gold Coast influencer shared a mirror selfie to Instagram as she modelled one of her latest looks

Not so mellow yellow: Tammy wore Fendi jeans, which retail for about $1,400, which she paired with a Danielle Guizio corset that costs $180

Tammy captioned the post: 'Fendi on my body but my feet is in bottegaaa.'

The clothed photo is a change of pace for the Instagram superstar, who is known for her seemingly endless supply of bikini snaps.

The activewear mogul left little to the imagination on Wednesday when she wore a sheer dress over a tiny two-piece while posing on a balcony.
Many organizations have approached the first phase of digital transformation by embracing application modernization, DevOps, and cloud principles. While many have learned valuable lessons from these recent transformation efforts, the concepts within the application modernization space dont directly translate to the data and analytics space.

In this article, I will expand on those topics and ideas  and describe how organizations can think differently to successfully transform their data and analytics environments as they embark on the second phase of digital transformation. Thinking differently means they must consider changes in organization structure, operational processes, and technologies. Taking an industrialized approach to data and analytics should serve as the foundation for digital transformation efforts in data and analytics. Lets explore how this can be done.

Post-Hadoop Era

We have entered an era where Hadoop is past its prime, as evidenced by the consolidation in the market by Hadoop distribution vendors, the lack of data unification that was promised, and continued investments in existing enterprise data warehouses. In fact, the enterprise data warehouse market continues to grow, while traditional, on-premises HDFS-Hadoop solutions are being replaced with cloud-based deployments against other file and object systems. As organizations consider their next-generation data and analytics platform, a common theme has emerged for many of the workloads: Spark.

According to Wikipedia: Apache Spark is an open-source unified analytics engine for large-scale data processing. The key terms here are analytics engine and data processing which means Spark is a highly flexible platform supporting a variety of workloads in the data and analytics space.

As the technical landscape has evolved beyond Hadoop, so has Spark. Within the Hadoop ecosystem, Spark was deployed as part of a broader ecosystem of components and workloads managed within Spark via YARN (a Hadoop resource scheduler). Taking a cue from application modernization, organizations are looking to embrace open-source tools and cloud principles (as I mentioned in my previous article) such as on-demand provisioning and elastic scaling of resources. The requirement now for Spark is to run independent of Hadoop and managed via Kubernetes. Spark 2.3 was released in 2018 and provided support for running on Kubernetes. In the three years since, significant engineering effort has been put into the project with version 3.1.1 now generally considered ready for enterprise adoption!

The two primary workloads that Spark has been optimized for are: Data Engineering and Data Science, each with its own set of specific deployment patterns, processes, and workload-specific libraries to provide functionality to the respective users.

Data Engineering

In many organizations that I speak to, data platform teams have assigned data engineers to build out next-generation platforms that extend the lives of existing data platforms (e.g., Teradata, Oracle, and Hadoop) while enabling new capabilities to better exploit the value of data throughout the enterprise.

Although every organization is unique, the common engine and framework in every architecture is Spark. This is because Spark is a familiar framework with consistent APIs coming from the Hadoop ecosystem and has evolved quickly to meet the needs of data engineering workloads. What data engineers are looking for are ways to submit jobs via Apache Livy APIs against elastically scaling and serverless compute farms. With the release of Spark 3.1.1, that is now possible; the thing holding many organizations back is that Spark is now deployed via Kubernetes, not Hadoop.

Kubernetes brings an increased level of complexity to these environments and Ive found many data platform teams frustrated. These teams see the successful deployments of cloud-native applications using Kubernetes but are unable to leverage those successes because traditional data engineering workloads cant run Spark and those data platform teams are unable to deploy and support Kubernetes environments.

Data Science

I see the same challenges that data platform teams experience in data science organizations. It boils down to the following: data science teams want to iterate quickly using the latest open-source tools, libraries, and frameworks, but IT teams are unable to implement systems to support that due to the lack of cloud-native and Kubernetes solutions for data science workloads. Even if a data scientist can provision a development environment on their laptop or workstation, when it comes time to train or deploy the model, enterprise IT must be involved. That is because under the covers of that Jupyter notebook is usually an environment runningyou guessed it, Spark!

Spark serves as the execution layer of all that Python code and abstracts the complexity of the underlying infrastructure so that jobs run quickly and against large data sets. The trouble for IT teams is keeping up with the blistering pace of innovation and development from the open source community while deploying stable and secure environments, on-premises. The ecosystem of Spark-compatible libraries from Pandas to PyTorch and workflows like KubeFlow and MLflow have greatly simplified things for data scientists, but unfortunately that isnt the case for IT teams. Because these environments dont conform to the cloud principles and practices seen with cloud-native applications, most IT teams are stuck either manually configuring data science environments or writing cumbersome scripts that require constant updates and monitoring.

Considering the above, many organizations are looking to the public cloud for solutions that provide Spark on Kubernetes without being tied to a Hadoop vendor. Although there are maturing and compelling offerings in the cloud, from both the cloud vendors and independent software companies, all the options are either constrained to the environments managed by the former or are cloud-only and engineered versions of Spark by the latter. While organizations are considering the trade-offs between deploying and managing open-source Spark themselves or getting locked-in to an engineered version of Spark, they have failed to consider a third option.

HPE Ezmeral Spark

HPE Ezmeral provides the best of both worlds: A 100% open-source Spark on open-source Kubernetes with the full features, libraries, and workflows that data engineering and data science teams need, with 24/7 support for both the Spark Operator and Kubernetes deployments!

HPE Ezmeral delivers a number of pre-built open source applications as well as a marketplace of data science and data engineering solutions to meet the needs any organization. Those solutions are deployed in isolated tenants that come with pre-configured security, data access, source-code integration, and model registries. This allows the users to get straight to work without needing to build containers, wire-up workflows, or wait for IT tickets to be completed.

By adopting HPE Ezmeral, data engineering and data science teams can increase their productivity and focus on solving the critical data-centric problems of the organization. IT teams go from being the bottleneck to the enabler of the next stage of digital transformation.

____________________________________

About Matt Maccaux

As Global Field CTO for HPE Ezmeral software, Matt brings deep subject-matter expertise in big data analytics and data science, machine learning, application development & modernization, and IoT as well as cloud, virtualization, and containerization technologies.
Scott Distler: Finding a way out of 'the cave'
The plan is to begin commercial activities through its existing local distributor Divoc Health, the company said

genedrive PLC ( ) said its COVID-19 PCR test has been approved by the Indian regulator after it achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity in a performance evaluation conducted by the countrys Council of Medical Research.

The plan is to begin commercial activities through its existing local distributor Divoc Health, the company said, adding it will also be seeking additional routes to the market.

Chief executive David Budd told investors: Although the process took longer than anticipated, the performance data is excellent and will support the commercial process and customer engagement. Formal product approval is an excellent testament to our technology."

The 96 SARS-CoV-2 test uses a "ready-to-go" solid PCR bead format that eliminates the need for reagent preparation or cold temperature storage, making it ideal for use in hotter climate countries such as India.

It also streamlines laboratory workflow, allowing a patient sample to be mixed with a single bead and then tested on third-party platforms. The test is validated for use on certain Biorad, ThermoFisher, and Roche PCR systems.
Melody Black, from Minnesota, visits a memorial setup near the Capitol Building for Ashli Babbitt in Washington, on Jan. 7, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Lawyer for Ashli Babbitts Family Says They Will Seek $10 Million From US Capitol Police in Lawsuit

The family of Ashli Babbitt, the only person shot during the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol, plans to sue the police department and the officer who fired the gun for at least $10 million, their attorney said.

Terry Robert, the familys attorney told Zenger News David Martosko in a report first by published Newsweek, that they plan to sue both the Capitol Police and the officer for wrongful death, and will be seeking $10 million in damages in federal court.

The lawsuit comes after the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on April 14 that it would not file criminal charges against the officer who killed Babbitt.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and the DOJs Civil Rights Division decided jointly not to pursue charges against the officer, who has not been publicly identified.

Babbitt, a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, was unarmed when she joined others in storming the U.S. Capitol in Washington during a joint session of Congress in January.

An undated social media selfie photo shows Ashley Babbitt, also spelt Ashli. (Ashli Babbitt/Twitter)

The 35-year-old was shot while trying to climb through a broken window into the Speakers Lobby, adjacent to the House chamber.

She was transported to Washington Hospital Center, where she died, the DOJ said. She left behind a husband, Aaron, and four younger brothers.

Babbitts death was caused by the gunshot, which hit her left shoulder, the D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled earlier this month. The manner of death was homicide.

A rookie police officer would not have shot this woman, Roberts told the news outlet. If she committed any crime by going through the window and into the Speakers Lobby, it would have been trespassing. Some misdemeanor crime. All a rookie cop would have done is arrest her.

And he has plenty of other officers there to assist with arrest, he said of the shooter. You had officers on Ashlis side of the door in riot gear and holding submachine guns. And on the other side of the door you have another uniformed officer 6 or 8 feet away. Whose life is he saving by shooting her?  Shes not brandishing a weapon. Shes on the window ledge. And theres no reason to think shes armed.

Roberts said the $10 million figure was a good estimate and noted that economic losses from Babbitt death would likely total $2 million.

Non-economic claims, such as punitive damages, would push the sum far higher, he added.

Roberts added that within the next ten days he will serve notice to U.S. Capitol Police that he intends to file suit in Federal District Court in Washington, D.C.

Unlike some other jurisdictions, the District of Columbia has no practical monetary limit on the damages a family can recover in a wrongful death lawsuit.

The U.S. Department of Justice said in an April 14 press release that it had closed its investigation without filing criminal charges against the officer involved in the fatal shooting of Babbitt.

The press release said the investigation revealed no evidence to establish that, at the time the officer fired a single shot at Ms. Babbitt, the officer did not reasonably believe that it was necessary to do so in self-defense or in defense of the Members of Congress and others evacuating the House Chamber.

On Jan. 6, a group of rioters and some protesters breached the U.S. Capitol while lawmakers were counting Electoral College votes. Thousands of other protesters peacefully protested outside the building, while one protester was fatally shot by Capitol Police, onea lady was trampleddied from acute amphetamine intoxication, one died of a heart attack, and another from a stroke.

Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick died from a stroke on Jan. 7, and though Capitol Police originally linked his death to the Jan. 6 breach, Washingtons chief medical examiner declared his death was from natural causes.

The Capitol Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Drone photos of Northern California's Lake Oroville taken on April 27 depict alarmingly low water levels and signify looming drought in the Golden State after two consecutive dry winters.

The images show houseboats clustered together in the center of the lake, dwarfed by steep exposed cliffs. Oroville stretches out from its sides with long, narrow arms and fingers of water, and in these areas, the water levels are especially low, revealing a dry, cracked lake bed.

"Its definitely a reflection of the last two dry years we had," said Eric See, environmental program manager for the California Department of Water Resources. "Were entering into a drought period. Weve gone through this before. Its something thats part of the landscape of California. We have contingencies plans to deal with this and we know how to deal with this."

While its water supply is scarce this year, the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area is a popular summer destination that remains open for boating, camping and fishing.

"Lake Oroville is a very large reservoir, and even at the lower lake levels, theres plenty of lake surface for people to recreate on," said See.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The state's second-largest reservoir after Shasta Lake, Oroville is at 42% of total capacity and 52% of its historical average, according to the California Department of Water Resources. Its water level stands at 728.83 feet, as of Thursday.

"Whats significant to note is, it's springtime, and late April to June is when Oroville reaches its highest point," explained See. "It's when we get the snowmelt. This is about as high as the lake is going to get this year."

The lake dropped down to 695 feet in January, its second-lowest point in recorded history. This isn't surprising as winter 2020-21 was marked by weak storms and is going down in the record books as the third-driest. The Sierra-Nevada snowpack that helps feed the reservoir is well below-average.

The lake hit its lowest point ever in 1977 during a period of extreme drought, reaching 640 feet. In the most recent 2012-2016 drought, the lake got as low as 660 feet in 2015.

At full capacity, the reservoir holds 3.5 million acre-feet of water. To put that in perspective, an acre-foot would cover an acre with a foot of water  enough to supply two households of four people for one year.

Lake Oroville isn't the only reservoir suffering from dwindling water supply. Across the state, major reservoirs are on average at about half-capacity. Shasta Lake is at 50% of total capacity and 59% of its historical average.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Lake Oroville sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Butte County, 75 miles north of Sacramento. The reservoir stores spring runoff from three forks of the Feather River and supplies water to 29 state contractors. It also provides flood control, power generation, recreation and freshwater releases to help control the salinity of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and protect fish and wildlife.

The lake was formed in 1968 when the Oroville Dam was completed, impounding the Feather River and forming the head of the California's State Water Project that moves water from Northern California toward Southern California and supplies water to more than 27 million people. At 770 feet tall, the earthen dam is the tallest in the United States.

Lake Oroville made news headlines in 2017 when heavy rainfall damaged the main concrete spillway. The main spillway was rebuilt in 2018 and an emergency spillway completed, according to DWR.

Oroville Lake is massive with a main body of water, roughly 20 miles across from the upper end of the lake to the dam, and four main arms that radiate from its sides. The lake is the state's deepest man-made reservoir and the impact of lowering water levels is less dramatic within the main body. The upper parts of the lake's tributaries hold less water and the decrease in supply appears more extreme.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Oroville is prepared for this year's low water supply and in the last drought, a boat ramp was extended deeper into the reservoir to provide access even in drought years. See said a second boat ramp will be completed in a couple weeks.

Another popular attraction at the lake are floating campgrounds equipped with barbecues and stairwells that take you to an upper-level deck.

"These campsites are designed for a lake like Oroville," said See. "I hope people dont get discouraged. Its not as bad as it looks. Even at low levels, theres still plenty of surface level to use out there."
In The Style has handed back Government support gained under the furlough scheme after its sales more than doubled.

Reporting the first results since its float, the online fast fashion seller said sales for the year to March 31 would be 44.5million  a 130 per cent increase on the year before.

The firm was founded in 2013 by Adam Frisby, 33, who left his job at Burger King to start the business with 1,000.

Soaring sales: In The Style was founded in 2013 by Adam Frisby, 33, (pictured centre) who left his job at Burger King to start the business with 1,000

The Manchester-based business designs fashion collections with reality TV stars such as Love Island's Dani Dyer, and offers special discounts to bring people to its app.

The company hailed the 'phenomenal' early success of a tie-up with Stacey Solomon, 31, the former X Factor star, who has recently signed deals with Primark and Amazon.

Around 80 per cent of the I'm A Celebrity winner's range sold out within a day after launching on Tuesday.

Frisby said: 'We have nearly sold out of the whole collection.'

Bosses have also signed a partnership with Asda, which will put In The Style ranges into 100 stores.
(Newser)  Republican lawmakers in Florida have passed a controversial election overhaul bill despite the lack of problems in the state's 2020 election, which they say was the "gold standard" for the country. The state is the first swing state won by Donald Trump to introduce new voting restrictions following the Republican's election loss, reports the New York Times. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he plans to sign the bill, which passed the state's House and Senate largely along party lines Thursday. It includes, among other things new limits on the use of ballot drop boxes and restrictions on third-party voter registration groups, NBC reports. It also requires more identification from voters seeking absentee ballots, and requires voters to request an absentee ballot for each election.

story continues below

Black lawmakers accused Republicans of trying to suppress the minority vote, with Democratic state Rep. Omari Hardy calling it the "revival of Jim Crow in this state," the Washington Post reports. Critics said the restrictions would disproportionately affect minority voters, who are more likely to work nonstandard hours and rely on after-hours ballot drop boxes. They also noted that Democrats cast the majority of mail-in votes in 2020, and Republican lawmakers did not raise concerns about the process in 2016 and 2018, when more Republicans than Democrats voted by mail. "In 2020, there was no problem in Florida," said Kara Gross, legislative director for the ACLU Florida, per the Times. "Everything worked as it should. The only reason theyre doing this is to make it harder to vote." (Read more Florida stories.)




Video by Oh Jung-meen, Cho You-bin



Police and protesters clashed in Myanmar on Tuesday in the most violent day of demonstrations against a military coup that overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi, and a doctor said one woman was unlikely to survive a gunshot wound to the head.



The incidents marked the first bloodshed since the military, led by army chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, overthrew Suu Kyi's newly elected government on Feb. 1 and detained her and other politicians from her National League for Democracy (NLD).



Footage posted on social media of the woman who was shot showed her with other protesters by what appeared to be a bus-stop shelter some distance from a row of riot police as a water cannon sprayed and several shots could be heard.



The woman, wearing a motorbike helmet, suddenly collapsed. Pictures of her helmet showed what appeared to be a bullet hole.













A doctor in the Naypyitaw hospital said the shot woman had suffered what was most likely to be a fatal head wound. "She hasn't passed away yet, she's in the emergency unit, but it's 100% certain the injury is fatal," said the doctor, who declined to be identified. "According to the X-ray, it's a live bullet."



A man had a chest wound but was not in critical condition. It was not clear if he was hit with a bullet or rubber bullet.



"The use of disproportionate force against demonstrators is unacceptable," Ola Almgren, the UN representative in Myanmar, said.



This Friday, the UN Human Rights Council will convene a special session to discuss the crisis. (Reuters)
The European Parliament has approved the resolution on Russia with calls for sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project. 569 members of the European Parliament voted for approval of the resolution, with 67 against the approval.

The European Parliament "Demands that the EU should reduce its dependence on Russian energy, and urges the EU institutions and all Member States, therefore, to stop the completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and to demand a stop to the construction of controversial nuclear power plants built by Rosatom," the document says.

This resolution of the European Parliament, just like all others, is advisory by nature and is not binding on EU institutions.
New JSC Olainfarm strategy is approved

The Company reviewed operations in the main markets

JSC Olainfarm continued investments to modernize its operations and worked on clinical trials

Group's revenues in 2020 were EUR 122,157 thousand, net profit was EUR 9,478 thousand.

Group actively engaged to improve operations and financial results of subsidiaries





In 2020, JSC Olainfarm approved its new strategy "Forward! 2020-2025". The main goal is to become one of the TOP 10 largest pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Central and Eastern Europe by 2025, sustainably supplying healthcare products and services in specific therapeutic areas: cardiovascular diseases, neurology, psychiatry, and the treatment of urinary diseases.

"In 2020 Olainfarm Group continued the transformation process towards sustainable growth. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was a year of challenges to remain operational efficient, where innovative ways of thinking to break the traditional way of conducting business were key to ensuring availability of our products & services throughout the markets. We identified priorities and focused efforts to achieve what is set out in our 5-year strategy. We are grateful to our employees for their commitment to sustain the operational business and for their continuous involvement, and transforming the company in line with "Forward! 2020 - 2025" strategy! We keep building on the solid financial foundation from 2019 that is serving as a base for our growth. Strengthening research and development is a strategic priority for 2021 and beyond," said Jeroen Weites, Chairperson of the Management Board of JSC Olainfarm.

JSC Olainfarm revised its operational activities in its main-end markets, including its home market in Latvia. As a long-term investment, JSC Olainfarm established a subsidiary in Russia, providing the Company with a better understanding of events in the medication market as well as the ability to conduct its own market surveys to ensure that what the Company has to offer best matches customer expectations.

In 2020, a serialization of the products made for the Russian market began, thus ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements set for drug verification systems, product traceability and protection against counterfeiting.

In January 2020, JSC Olainfarm successfully completed the implementation and audit of the project "Experimental Technology for the Production of New Products in JSC Olainfarm". In total, 253 components of the experimental production line were delivered and installed within the project, which started in May 2017 with a total investment of EUR 6.4 million. This includes EUR 2.2 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

At the start of Covid-19 pandemic the company provided support to Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital by donating four artificial ventilators and isopropyl alcohol. During the year, JSC Olainfarm continued to provide support to limit the spread of Covid-19. Additionally, in 2020 JSC Olainfarm continued to support students in cooperation with the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University and Riga Stradins University.

Environment

In 2020, JSC Olainfarm built and commissioned a new, fully automated refrigeration plant supporting production processes, replaced external refrigeration lines by building new refrigeration units in production facilities. More than EUR 2.7 million has been invested in the modernization of the refrigeration and distribution infrastructure. The resulting savings are expected to be 1486.6 MWh per year, with a reduction in greenhouse gas (CO2 ) emissions of 235.6 tonnes per year.

In 2020, work began on the modernization of wastewater facility of the Company, with the preparation of the terms of reference for the development of an engineering design for the wastewater facility. The purpose of this project is to create a new, fully automated, closed wastewater treatment facility in 5 Rupnicu street in Olaine.

A partial modernization of lighting was carried out, replacing light bulbs and luminaires with energy-efficient LED bulbs, for savings of 30.4 MWh per year.

Heat insulation was replaced on the indoor cooling energy and heat energy lines within the production units in order to reduce energy losses. Savings: 59.5 MWh per year.

Social

In 2020, JSC Olainfarm employed an average of 1,217 people, of which 1,050 were employed in Latvia and 167 in other countries where JSC Olainfarm is represented.

In 2020, a new remuneration system was developed based on assessing all positions using an internationally recognized method and on allocating all positions into groups. The purpose of the new remuneration system is to provide equal remuneration for holding equivalent positions (internal fairness) and to promote JSC Olainfarm as an employer on the job market.

Corporate governance

A goal-orientated process to improve the Company's operations was started in 2020, with intention to improve corporate governance, update the product portfolio, and modernize the Company as a whole.

In 2020, JSC Olainfarm announced the convening of three shareholders' meetings and ensured that they were organized. The danger of spreading Covid-19 and its containment measures affected the timing of the shareholders' meetings.

After Remuneration policy was approved at the shareholders meeting the Company established Remuneration Committee. Its main functions are to support the Supervisory Council in determining the remuneration amount for the Management Board, to develop and assess compliance with work performance indicators and remuneration-setting criteria, to participate in drafting policy amendments, and to monitor the application of the policy.

Financial results

During the 12 months of 2020, the income of the Group reached EUR 122,157 thousand, with a year-on-year reduction of 11%. The gross profits were EUR 72, 404 thousand, which is EUR 12,403 thousand (14.6%) less than the gross profits in 2019. This reduction in gross profits can be explained by changes in the amount of time required for deliveries to Russia due to the negative effects of new regulations and the spread of Covid-19. Gross profitability in 2020 was 59.3%, with a 2.5% drop compared to 2019 (61.8%).

Group EBITDA in 2020 was EUR 24,861 thousand or 17% (EUR 5,098 thousand) less year-on-year. Group EBITDA profitability was 20.4%.

At the same time Group's net profit in the whole 2020 was EUR 9,478 thousand, which was impacted by drop in gross profit in Russia and negative fluctuations of Russian ruble exchange rate.

Business segments

In 2020, sales within production of medications segment amounted to EUR 74,701 thousand, with a 13% (EUR 11,416 thousand) reduction year-on-year. The proportion of this segment in the overall turnover structure of the Group during the reporting period was 61%, with a reduction of 2% compared to 2019.

The pharmacy segment rose by 4% year-on-year in 2020, reaching EUR 26,472 thousand. During the reporting period, the proportion of this segment in the overall turnover structure rose to 22% (+3% year-on-year).

The turnover of compression products segment in 2020 was EUR 6,474 thousand, a 26% drop compared with 2019. During the reporting period, the proportion of this segment in the overall turnover structure of the Group was 5% (-1%).

The wholesale of medications segment's turnover in 2020 was EUR 5,062 thousand, a 6% reduction compared with 2019.

The income of other activities segment in 2020 was EUR 9,448 thousand, or 18% less than in 2019. During the reporting period, the proportion of this segment in the overall turnover structure of the Group was 8%, the same as in the previous year.

During the 2020 reporting period, the main segments of the Group operated with a profit. The highest profits (before tax) were generated by the segment of pharmaceuticals and chemicals, generating EUR 13,346 thousand; EUR 2,143 thousand was earned through wholesale trade and EUR 781 thousand through retail. The compression material segment generated a loss of EUR 93 thousand before tax; in other segments, losses before tax were as high as EUR 389 thousand.

Clinical trials

During the reporting period, investments were made in preclinical and clinical trials of medications. In 2020, four (pharmacokinetics and bioavailability) clinical trials of Phase 1 were completed; because of the Covid-19 pandemic, one clinical trial of Phase 1 was moved to the first half of 2021. Planning for four clinical trials of Phase 3 was done in 2020. Due to the restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated risks when conducting clinical research, it is planned to begin the Phase 3 clinical trials (the clinical part) in 2021.

SC Olainfarm, a part of Olainfarm Group, is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the Baltic States offering high quality medicine and chemical pharmaceutical products. The business strategy "FORWARD" highlights the company's main vision - to become one of the TOP10 Central and Eastern European manufacturing companies by 2025.

With nearly 50 years of expertise, Olainfarm Group delivers sustainable healthcare products and services with added value to patients in more than 50 countries all over the world via its key subsidiaries - pharmaceutical company JSC Olainfarm, food supplement & medical device producer Silvanols, elastic & compression material producer Tonus Elast, pharmacy chain LatvijasAptieka and healthcare & diagnostics centresDiaMed & OlainMed.

Additional information:

Janis Dubrovskis

Investor Relations Advisor of JSC Olainfarm

Phone: +371 29178878

Email: janis.dubrovskis@olainfarm.com

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Frankfort, KY (40601)

Today

Cloudy with rain in the morning...then scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, mainly cloudy late with a few showers. Low 68F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
An officer from the New York Police Department places barricades outside the apartment building of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, personal attorney to former President Donald Trump, in New York City, on April 28, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

The Real Reasons Behind the Giuliani Raid

Commentary

Expectations that the FBI was investigating possible crimes documented on Hunter Bidens laptop were laid to rest last week when agents raided the home and office of Rudolph Giuliani, the man who made news of the laptop public.

According to reports, federal investigators are looking for evidence that the former mayor of New York City violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by illegally lobbying on behalf of Ukrainian officials. But thats just a pretext to search his communications and records to find something with which to take revenge against a man who helped uncover the corruption of Americas first family.

The compromising photos, emails, and texts found on Hunters laptop include accounts of financial arrangements with a Chinese businessman he called the spy chief of China. The documents, confirmed by a former Biden associate, implicate other members of the Biden clan, including, it seems, the president.

And so to hunt Giuliani, the commander-in-chief has deployed federal law enforcement authorities, which have their own reason to retaliate against one of the Department of Justices most famous former prosecutors. Giuliani helped thwart the FBI and DOJs plot to topple an American president.

He joined President Donald Trumps legal team in April 2018 to defend the president during former FBI director Robert Muellers special counsel investigation.

I wanted to make us a lot tougher against them, Giuliani told me in an interview for my 2020 book The Permanent Coup. We needed to get out front publicly because I believed it was not just a legal case. It was a political case.

Indeed, DOJ officials sanctioned the Mueller probe as a continuation, and coverup, of the illegal espionage operation targeting Trump and his associates that the FBI called Crossfire Hurricane. The investigation of Giuliani is yet a further extension of Crossfire Hurricane, even employing the same instrument it used to go after Trump aidesFARA.

Until recently, FARA was a seldom enforced law requiring representatives of foreign principals to register with the DOJ. Its intended to promote transparency but most Washington influence-peddlers disregard it and when found in violation are simply forced to register and pay a fine. All that changed in July 2016 when the FBI used alleged FARA violations as the basis to investigate Trumps presidential campaign.

According to official FBI records documenting the fraudulent Russia collusion probe, Carter Page was the only Trump campaign aide nominally investigated for his supposed ties to Russia. The FBI investigated Paul Manafort because of his work for Ukrainian officials, and retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn for his efforts on behalf of a private Turkish Dutch citizen. As for Crossfire Hurricanes other targets, the FBI claimed, incorrectly it seems, that George Papadopoulos was lobbying on behalf of Israel, and Walid Phares for Egypt.

It didnt matter if any of it was real. All the FBI wanted was a plausible reason to investigate Trump, and FARA provided one.

The mastermind behind the FBIs weaponization of FARA, as journalist Paul Sperry reported last year, was the former head of the Justice Departments counterintelligence and export control section, David Laufman. Now in the private sector, Laufman was a Crossfire Hurricane manager. He worked closely with its now-disgraced lead agent Peter Strzok, and gave the Russia dossiers supposed primary sub-source immunity in exchange for an official government interview meant to corroborate the false dossier allegations.

In trying to hang a Ukraine-related FARA violation on Giuliani, the Biden administration is giving more evidence that the Democratic Partys default criminal defense is to obscure their illegal activities by accusing their rivals of doing exactly what they are in fact doing. The most prominent example is Trumps 2019 impeachment, when House Democrats charged him with abuses that were committed by Joe Biden.

In 2016, the then-vice president threatened to withhold a $1 billion loan guarantee from the Ukrainian government if it didnt fire a prosecutor investigating an energy company paying his son Hunter more than $50,000 a month. When Trump got word in 2019 of the Bidens activities in Ukraine, he asked the Ukrainian president to brief Attorney General William Barr, as well as Giuliani, on the matter.

Democratic officials, U.S. spies, and the media categorized Trumps unrelated decision to put a hold on weapons system purchases by the Ukrainians as a quid pro quo. The anti-Trump operatives claimed that he had used a U.S. taxpayer-funded resource as leverage to get the Ukrainians to take action on an investigation. In other words, they very precisely hung Bidens abuses of power on Trump.

The same is so with the allegations that Giuliani took money to influence U.S. policy regarding Ukraine. The Ukrainian energy company had hired Hunter for just that purpose, and it workedeven his father said so. Joe Biden boasted in a January 2018 appearance that it was he, as vice president, who got the Ukrainians to cut the prosecutor loose or else. The lesson now is clearif you start asking inconvenient questions about the Bidens, youre going to pay the price.

Thus, in perspective, the FBIs failure to investigate Hunter Biden for the possible crimes described on his laptop is a minor detail in a much larger and darker shroud. With law enforcement authorities targeting the enemies of the presidents family, the Biden administration announces that the United States has formally embraced the politics and ethics of the Third World.

Around Thanksgiving of that year, Giuliani was approached by a source who claimed to have information about Ukrainian government collusion with Democrats to affect the 2016 election. In an interview I conducted with Giuliani last year, he told me: Im thinking hes going to get me exculpatory information thatll help me defending my client. At this point, I didnt even know Joe Biden was involved.

Lee Smith is the author of the recently published book The Permanent Coup: How Enemies Foreign and Domestic Targeted the American President.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
She's been one of the fashion industry's biggest stars for three decades.

And Kate Moss proved she was still a girl about town as she headed out for lunch with a pal in west London on Thursday.

The model, 47, opted for a stylish grey pinstriped shirt which she teamed with blue culotte jeans as she grabbed a bite to eat at a trendy cafe in Notting Hill.

Lunch time! Kate Moss proved she was still a girl about town as she headed out for lunch with a pal in west London on Thursday

Kate opted for the loose-fitting grey and white striped shirt under a smart black blazer as she headed to an office in the capital.

The model finished her look with the blue culotte jeans and black heeled boots as she headed to lunch with her friend during her day in the capital.

Opting for a large black weekend bag, Kate, who has been dating photographer Nikolai von Bismarck since 2015, could be seen chatting to her male pal as they headed out for lunch together.

Style star: The model opted for a stylish grey pinstriped shirt which she teamed with blue culotte jeans as she emerged from her car

Out and about: The model finished her look with the blue culotte jeans and black heeled boots as she headed to lunch with her friend during her day in the capital

Vintage: Displaying her androgynous sense of style, Kate opted for the stylish ensemble with her hair hanging in loose waves as she emerged from her car

Simple: She carried her essentials in a classic black handbag which matching her leather boots as she walked into the office in Soho

It comes after Kate reflected on enduring 'intimidating' photoshoots in her early modelling career and revealed that teen models are often pressured into posing nude in a new interview.

The supermodel, who was first scouted as a model in 1988 at age 14, admitted she felt 'terribly uncomfortable' during many shoots in her youth, explaining that some photographers will only work with models who agree to 'a nude element.'

Kate told Reader's Digest: 'There were many shoots in the early days where I felt terribly uncomfortable.'

Explaining how it's typical for a model to start their career at a young age, she said: 'That was the case with me, but even so there were some photographers who wouldn't agree to shoot you unless there was a nude element.

'That was very common then and still is now. For a very young woman that could be incredibly intimidating.'

Solo: Kate has been dating photographer Nikolai von Bismarck since 2015, but was alone as she headed to the meeting before joining her pal

Reunited: Later Kate headed out to join her pal for lunch at a swanky cafe in Notting Hill

Friendly: The pair were deep in conversation as they strolled through London together

Kate become synonymous with the 'heroin chic' aesthetic of the 1990s due to her skinny frame and pale skin, but branded the term 'awful with no positive interpretation'.

She added that her natural frame meant she was always 'thin and small' no matter what she ate, as she slammed similar criticism of lithe models in the present day.

Kate also said that her frame had changed after welcoming her daughter Lila Grace in 2002.
SHENZHEN, China, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 27, 2021, the "Challenge, Mars" China Manned Space Science and Technology Achievement Exhibition, hosted by Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen) and Shenzhen Media Group, was officially held at Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning. The opening gave audience a wonderful opportunity to explore the future and experience life on Mars. At the same time, Huntkey Group, as a partner of the China Manned Space Science and Technology Achievement Exhibition, brought its air purifier brand Oucica to the exhibition site, supporting to provide the clean air in China's manned space science and technology.

Huntkey Executive President Mr.Liu said that Huntkey Group has a long-term connection with space technology. China's aerospace industry has also experienced several important periods such as arduous entrepreneurship and going global. So far, Chinese aerospace industry has reached a considerable scale and level in the world. Mr. Liu is glad that the China Manned Space Science and Technology Achievement Exhibition can be held in Shenzhen City, and invites people to bring their families to experience the achievements of China in the aerospace industry. These achievements amaze the world and prove audience the brilliant achievements of the Chinese in the field of aerospace. At the same time, Huntkey Group has reached a strategic partnership with Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen) and reached cooperation in the formulation of national standards for photocatalyst air purifiers. Currently, it is actively promoting the formulation of national standards for photocatalyst air purifiers. Huntkey is confident for the future. From now on, Huntkey will do every step of the standard formulation to lay a solid foundation for the in-depth application of photocatalyst air purifiers in China's manned aerospace science and technology projects.

This achievement exhibition is the first aerospace science and technology achievement exhibition with the theme of manned spaceflight. The entire exhibition area covers an area of more than 1,800 square meters. There are multiple zones such as the Mars base camp, space training camp, and Mars base exploration. It is worth mentioning that for the first time, it has assembled many authentic products of Chinese spacecraft, as well as spacecraft and lunar exploration vehicles. Space Station, Long March series rocket family and many other models are displayed. The 2021 China Manned Space Science and Technology Achievement Exhibition will last from April 30 to July 24 and will be held at the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning.

The audience has chance to try the novel experience of starting from the earth and entering the "Mars Base Camp" wearing a space suit and sitting on the Mars base to experience the Martian storm and the tense Martian life at the center of the Mars energy crisis! They can also join the "Tiangong Special Training Department" basic theory, physical fitness, space environment adaptability training and other eight astronaut training programs, experience the astronaut scientific research training scene. Audience has chance to feel the secret and greatness of Chinese astronauts and visit the "Aerospace Museum" to see valuable space suits and giant return capsule parachute.

The Oucica KJ380 photocatalyst air purifier is one of the exhibits. It has the functions of anti-virus, sterilization, odor removal and aldehyde removal. The product adopts photocatalyst UVA decomposition technology and high-efficiency composite filter, which can play a role in disinfection and purification. At the same time, Oucica's photocatalyst air purifier products have obtained the "Sanitation License for Disinfection Product Manufacturers" issued by the Guangdong Provincial Health Commission. The main purpose is to produce medical-grade disinfection equipment "Photocatalyst Air Sterilizers". It means that Huntkey has the qualification to independently research and develop, produce and sell disinfection equipment products, and can bring reliable air purifier products to all users.

Travel through time and space to experience the development of China's aerospace industry and reveal the most important aerospace science and technology achievements. In the struggle of generations of Chinese astronauts, this is the pinnacle era of China's aerospace that you must never miss. It's a good chance to visit China Manned Space Science and Technology Achievement Exhibition to watch the development of aerospace. China's aerospace industry will move toward a brighter future.

We have longed for the exploration of space since we were young. Maybe we cannot touch the distant stars, maybe we cannot get rid of gravity and experience roaming space, maybe we cannot experience every wonderful moment of Chinese aerospace science and technology, maybe we cannot imagine looking at the earth in the starry sky of the universe.

Exhibition Time

April 30, 2021-July 24, 2021

Exhibition Place



Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning (First Floor)

Organizer



Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen)

Shenzhen Media Group

Partner

Shenzhen Huntkey Electronics Co.,Ltd.

Oucica Photocatalyst Air Purifier

Part of the content of this article comes from the organizer, if you have any objections or questions, please contact to delete

SOURCE Huntkey

Related Links

https://en.huntkey.com/


New Delhi:

Students of the Jamia Millia Islamic University on Monday accused the university administration of finding an escape route for not conducting student elections citing the matter as sub-judice.

The students are on a hunger strike since October 25, demanding students union elections ion the varsity.

The administration was also accused of not keeping its word to the Delhi High Court that the students union elections would be conducted as per the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations.

The Jamia administration has been looking for an escape route by stating that the case regarding the students union is sub-judice before the Delhi High Court. The reality is, Jamia had in 2012 assured the court that there is no discomfort and objection to elections as well as an elected student body, the students said in a statement.

ALSO READ: Najma Heptulla becomes first woman chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia

The varsity adminstration had also said that they would first conduct the students council election for the first two years and thereafter the JMI can hold the students union polls according to the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, they said.

Reacting to the administrations argument, the students also said that the person who had filed the writ petition regarding the election and nine others who had impleaded in the petition were no longer students of the university.

...hence the responsibilities lie with the JMI, they said, adding that the administration is guilty of contempt of court as it has shown reluctance in conducting elections.

ALSO READ: Sharad Yadav says NSUI winning DUSU polls indicates changing perception

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
(Newser)  Five people have been arrested in the alleged February kidnapping of two of Lady Gaga's dogs, which ended with the pop star's dogwalker, Ryan Fischer, shot. Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department don't think the suspects specifically targeted the dogs because they're Gaga's, but rather because they knew the breed, French bulldogs, could bring a high price if sold, the Los Angeles Times reports. One of the suspects is Jennifer McBride, the 50-year-old who actually brought the purebred dogs to an LAPD station, claiming to have discovered them and asking about the $500,000 reward being offered by Gaga. Police say she's in a relationship with Harold White, 40, who's also charged; they believe White recruited her to drop off the dogs after hearing about the reward.

story continues below

White's 19-year-old son Jaylin White is also among the suspects. Police say it was the younger White, along with the final two suspects (James Jackson, 18, and Lafayette Whaley, 27) who actually grabbed the dogs and attacked Fischer, with Jackson accused of being the gunman. Those three face charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and second-degree robbery, with Jackson facing two additional firearms charges and White facing an additional assault charge, TMZ reports. The older suspects face accessory after the fact charges, plus a firearms charge for the elder White and a charge of receiving stolen property for McBride. Fischer and the dogs are all OK now, and police had already advised Gaga not to pay out the reward. (Read more Lady Gaga stories.)
LONDON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a new investigation into the cost of redecoration of his Downing Street apartment, British media reported Thursday.

Britain's electoral watchdog Electoral Commission opened Wednesday a formal probe into whether an alleged donation to Conservative party funds, intended to pay for the revamp of Johnson's flat, should have been declared.

The watchdog said the probe would find out how the cost of the work was paid for and suspected that an offence may have occurred.

In a statement, the Electoral Commission said it had been in contact with the party since last month and had found grounds to launch a formal investigation.

"We are now satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred. We will therefore continue this work as a formal investigation to establish whether this is the case," it said.

Britain's top civil servant Simon Case has now been asked to review how the refurbishment was funded.

Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds carried out renovations on their private residence, the flat above No. 11 Downing Street. There has been speculation the cost was as much as 200,000 pounds (about 279,080 U.S. dollars), but Johnson only receives an annual public grant of 30,000 pounds (about 41,862 dollars) to spend on the flat.

Johnson's former chief adviser Dominic Cummings claimed the prime minister had planned to have donors "secretly pay" for the work on his flat.

In one of the toughest exchanges in his premiership Wednesday during his weekly Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons (lower house of the British parliament), Johnson insisted that he paid for the flat refurbishment personally, but refused to disclose who made the donation.

Labour leader Keir Starmer and Ian Blackford, the Commons leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), both fired tough questions over what some media is referring to as "Wallpapergate".

The Downing Street row dominated the front pages of most national newspapers in Britain Thursday, when Johnson, Starmer and senior politicians spent the day visiting various regions of Britain on the election trail. Enditem

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale

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Denpasar (152.8 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : Chair moved as if somebody was shaking it to grab your atention. Same with bed. Baby crib moved. | 4 users found this interesting.

146.5 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : I was sleeping on the bed. Woke up from horizontal shaking of the bed | 2 users found this interesting.

Denpasar (154.5 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) The earthquake didn't feel so strong, but it still can be felt. | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Seminyak (146 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : My villa shakes | One user found this interesting.

Nusa Dua / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Dont felt in down stairs. Felt in upper stairs | One user found this interesting.

Bali. Bandung , Canggu / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s :   . | One user found this interesting.

Bingin, Bali (137.1 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s : lasted a while | One user found this interesting.

Canggu / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating : Mild earthquake | One user found this interesting.

145.7 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s : Small | One user found this interesting.

sleeping / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : woke up and heard the rattling and felt the shaking | One user found this interesting.

Ubud / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : Herd objects bang in the cupboard | One user found this interesting.

144.5 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Uluwatu, Bali (131.9 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s : Quick jolt then vibrating

Uluwatu, Bali (131.9 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s : Quick jolt then vibrating

Ubud / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s

Sanur (155.8 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

145.7 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s : Small

947.7 km WNW of epicenter [ Map ] / not felt Tidak Terasah (reported through (reported through our app / not felt

Uluwatu, Bali (131.9 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s : Quick jolt then vibrating

138.3 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 5-10 s

Nusa Penida (180.6 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Canggu bali / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Bali (146.1 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / very short (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / very short

Malang (222 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / very short (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / very short

166.1 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s

Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s

Bali Legiian / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short

Ubud / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s

Ubud / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Ubud / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Bali / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s

ubud / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

145.4 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Canggu / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Nusa penida / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s

145.9 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Ubud (164.7 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Badung (146 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

135.9 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s

Nusa Dua (146.1 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

166.1 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s

132 km NNW of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III)

142.6 km ENE of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Denpasar (155.3 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s

146.7 km NE of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s
80%

Website sorge.pro uses latest and advanced technologies. It supports HTTPS. The main html page has a size of 52236 bytes (51.01 kb uncompressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-03-16, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.
The identity of the suspect involved in an alleged hate crime on a Berkeley delivery driver has been confirmed.

Julie Walrand, 35, was arrested on April 18 following an altercation in which she allegedly shouted racist slurs at a delivery driver. She faces charges of battery, false imprisonment and assorted hate crime charges, namely using offensive words and willfully threatening a person based on their perceived characteristics.

The delivery driver was identified by KRON as Kendall McIntosh. In footage obtained by the news outlet of the altercation, he was seen driving a vehicle for Amazon.

McIntosh told KRON that the incident left him scared and feeling unsafe, as he had previously been affected by a similar incident while doing deliveries.

I was just trying to do my job and she wouldnt allow me to, he told KRON. She closed both double doors in the van I was trying to leave out of.

At one point, he said, she jumped inside the Amazon truck and attempted to get control of the steering wheel at least twice.

Even though he later escaped, he said, the alleged harassment continued  and Walrand and her boyfriend began shouting the n-word and other obscenities at him.

But more than anything, he expressed gratitude to bystanders for recording the incident and ensuring his safety.

What constantly was running through my mind was, you know, it could be me in handcuffs instead of her, he said to KRON. If there wasnt a video, it wasnt being recorded, she probably couldve gotten away with saying this.

Berkeley police did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE.
The upcoming Netflix fantasy drama series Sweet Tooth will premiere on the streaming service on June 4, 2021.

And ahead of its debut comes the first official trailer, which invites viewers into a lush, post-apocalyptic world consisting of hybrids  babies born part human and part animal.

'No one knew which came first, the hybrids or the virus,' narrator Josh Brolin says in the teaser. 'But that question would become the biggest mystery of our lifetime.'

Teaser: The Netflix released the first official trailer for the upcoming fantasy drama series - Sweet Tooth - ahead of its premiere on June 4, 2021

The trailer begins with Dr. Aditya Singh (Adeel Akhtar) at work in the maternity ward of a hospital, seemingly startled to see the birth of the hybrids, and one in particular.

The sequence of events then leads to various glimpses of the title character, Gus (Christian Convery), on the run from murderous hunters looking to track him and others down.

'This is a story... about a very special boy,' Brolin continues. 'A boy we'd come to know... as Sweet Tooth.'

Fantasy drama: Sweet Tooth takes place in a lush, post-apocalyptic world consisting of hybrids  babies born part human and part animal

Shocking: The trailer begins with Dr. Aditya Singh (Adeel Akhtar) at work in the maternity ward of a hospital, seemingly startled to see the birth of the hybrids

Post-apocalyptic: 'No one knew which came first, the hybrids or the virus,' narrator Josh Brolin says in the first teaser

The title character: The story focuses on the hybrid Gus, a sheltered hybrid deer-boy

Based on a comic book of the same name by Jeff Lemire and created by Jim Mickle for Netflix, the drama is set 10 years after a deadly virus, dubbed The Great Crumble, has 'wreaked havoc on the world and led to the mysterious emergence of hybrids.'

The storyline follows Gus, a sheltered hybrid deer-boy (Christian Convery) who has been living in a secluded home in the forest because many humans fear and hunt the hybrids.

Unexpectedly, Gus befriends a wandering loner named Jepperd (Nonso Anozie) and the two set out on 'an extraordinary adventure across what's left of America in search of answers' about their origins.

Along the way, they are confronted with an array allies and enemies, all while Gus quickly learns the lush and dangerous world outside the forest is far more complex than he ever could have ever imagined.

Post-apocalyptic: Will Forte plays Gus' father some 10 years after a deadly virus

'Fairytale story: This is a story... about a very special boy,' Brolin continues. 'A boy we'd come to know... as Sweet Tooth'

Chaos: The world has been turned upside down following a deadly virus

Adventure: Unexpectedly, Gus befriends a wandering loner named Jepperd (Nonso Anozie) and the two set out on 'an extraordinary adventure across what's left of America'

Along with Brolin, Akhtar, Anozi and Convery, the series, consisting of eight episodes, also stars Aliza Vellani (Rani Singh), Stefania LaVie Owen (Bear), Dania Ramirez (Aimee Eden), Neil Sandilands (General Abbot) and Will Forte (Father).

Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan Downey serve as executive producers with Amanda Burrell, Linda Moran and co-showrunners Beth Schwartz and Jim Mickle.

'We wanted to make a show that offers escape and adventure, where nature is reclaiming the world and in many ways it feels like a fairy tale,' Mickle said in a statement released by Netflix.

'Sweet Tooth is a new kind of dystopian story, it's very lush and hopeful. We want people to come into this world where there's beauty and hope and adventure. This is a sweeping story  we ride on trains, climb mountaintops, run through forests. This is a show about what makes a family, what home really means, and why its important to keep faith in humanity.'

Behind it: Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan Downey serve as executive producers with Amanda Burrell, Linda Moran and co-showrunners Beth Schwartz and Jim Mickle

'We wanted to make a show that offers escape and adventure, where nature is reclaiming the world and in many ways it feels like a fairy tale,' ex, producer and co-showrunner Jim Mickle said in a statement released by Netflix

New take: 'Sweet Tooth is a new kind of dystopian story, it's very lush and hopeful,' Mickle added in the Netflix statement

New world: Christian Convery plays the role of Gus, or Sweet Tooth

What's underneath: The series looks at what really makes a family, what home really means, and why its important to keep faith in humanity,' according to Mickle
Job Title: Officer International Taxation (9 No Experience Fresh Graduate Job Opportunities)

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 International Taxation will mainly review related party transactions (cross border and domestic) to enhance compliance with the arms length Principle (Section 90), Transfer Pricing Regulation (2011) and analyse international payments for compliance with Income Tax Provisions and Tax treaties.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct the Risk Assessment process to determine taxpayer compliance with transfer pricing regulations and International taxation provisions.

Conduct the risk assessment of related party transactions to identify taxpayer for the Transfer Pricing Record Review.

Conduct the Transfer Pricing Record Review in order to determine cases for in depth audit (Transfer Pricing Risk Assessment  TPRR).

Conduct Transfer Pricing Records Reviews (TPRR) for assigned cases.

Initiate Transfer Pricing Record Reviews

Review Transfer Pricing Record documentations submitted by taxpayers

Prepare Transfer Pricing Record Review report with recommendation on way forward

Conduct transfer-pricing audits under the Supervisors leadership to ensure there are no revenue leakages.

Review of financial statements & Management accounts.

Gather information about the Industry / industrial analysis.

Gather information about the companies involved in related party transaction.

Perform a financial analysis of the related parties

Review the transfer pricing reports to identify and understand the related party transactions.

Review Job roles & performance evaluations.

Prepare functional interview questionnaires.

Conduct functional interviews.

Establish the functional profiles of the related parties.

Perform an economic analysis including selecting the most appropriate transfer pricing method and conducting a benchmarking study.

Validate taxpayers submissions with exchange of Information (EOI) requests where necessary.

Prepare position paper, Transfer Pricing report including transfer-pricing adjustment.

Raise assessments

Participate in Transfer pricing case resolution, settlement negotiations or Mutual Agreement Procedures (MAP).

Provide support to other business units, divisions and departments on International Tax and transfer pricing related matters.

Prepare opinions to other departments or business units on international tax and transfer pricing related matters

Recommend policy changes and amendments to tax provisions.

Identify and propose areas in the tax laws relating to international taxation that require amendment

Propose international best practice in International Tax that can be adopted.





Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The applicant for the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Officer International Taxation job opportunity must hold a bachelors Degree in law, Accounting, Economics, Statistics or business related courses from a recognized academic institution

A strong understanding of the national and international tax laws.

S/he should have good communication skills

S/he should have good customer care skills

S/he should have good Teamwork

S/he should have good report writing skills

S/he should have good Research and Analytical skills with attention to detail

S/he should have resilience and commitment to work

S/he should have impeccable integrity

Desirable Requirements

Full/ partial professional qualifications in any of the following; Taxation, Accounting, (ACCA, CPA, Advanced Diploma in International Tax (ADIT).

Training in any of the areas; data analysis, audit and research.

Experience in Tax related audits.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates who wish to join URA should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

Deadline: 15th 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
For tobacco control advocates, the STMAs lack of interest in public health measures is the problem. Copying its model wholesale for e-cigarettes could expose more people to a growing list of suspected harms that include hooking minors on nicotine. Photo: VCG

Public health advocates and e-cigarette makers dont agree on much.

But outspoken figures in both camps say Chinas powerful State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA)  which is in the enviable position of both regulating and effectively selling almost all of Chinas tobacco products should not also be given the power to regulate vapes.

Thats in the cards after the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which oversees the STMA, stopped soliciting opinions in April on a draft plan to do precisely that, which would end the booming markets regulatory free-for-all.

For vape-makers, the fear is the tobacco monopoly bureau will bind them in costly red tape, hike taxes and stifle the industry  perhaps while promoting the state-owned giant China National Tobacco Corp.s forthcoming brands of heat-not-burn cigarette alternatives. In the worst-case scenario, it could effectively nationalize their firms.

For tobacco control advocates, the STMAs lack of interest in public health measures intended to curb the harms of smoking is the problem. Copying its model wholesale for e-cigarettes could expose more people to a growing list of suspected harms that include hooking minors on nicotine.

Silence control advocates

Those concerns came to a head in an 11th hour submission by the Beijing Tobacco Control Association (BTCA), which criticized government plans to add a line to implementation guidelines for Chinas Tobacco Monopoly Law that brought e-cigarettes into the legislation.

That long-standing law gives the STMA power over the entire tobacco industry supply chain, from growing the broad-leaved herbaceous plants that become leaf tobacco, through to the production, sale, import and export of cigarettes through a complex licensing system.

The STMA shares staff and offices with China National Tobacco Corp., the worlds largest tobacco company.

The BTCA said the STMA had historically failed to protect people from the harmful effects of traditional cigarettes, and was essentially performing the corporate functions of a tobacco corporation.

In China, stakeholder submissions on proposed changes to a law are not routinely made public, so it was notable that the BTCA chose to publish the paper on its own website on April 20. The high-profile group was founded in 1987 as the Beijing Smoking and Health Association by tobacco control pioneer Dr. Weng Xin Zhi. Weng died in 2012 at the age of 93, 28 years after he published Chinas first national adult smoking survey. He also led the drafting of Chinas first tobacco control law in 1987, according to an obituary published in the BMJ.

Then as now, powerful forces benefited from Chinas titanic tobacco industry, which generates hundreds of billions of yuan for Beijing each year. The nation remains the worlds largest consumer and producer of cigarettes, some 18 years after it signed the World Health Organizations (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. China has no national indoor smoking ban, cigarettes are still relatively cheap, and tobacco-related disease kills 1 million people each year, according to the WHO.

One long term observer said given the already weak state of Chinas anti-tobacco efforts, incorporating e-cigarettes into the powerful monopoly system could further weaken control advocates.

In making the case the monopoly bureau is the wrong body to regulate e-cigarettes, the BTCA said that in the two decades since the National Law on the Protection of Minors banned the sale of cigarettes to young people, the monopoly bureau had not issued a single fine.

Giving the bureau authority over e-cigarettes just means the tobacco industry will gain even more power and be harder to rein in. It will become the groups responsibility to squeeze fatter profits from e-cigarettes, the submission says, comparing it to putting the fox in charge of the hen house.

Only when the tobacco monopoly system is separated into (separate) business and a regulator parts, will the tobacco bureau then seriously undertake its tobacco control responsibilities  only then can we discuss the question of them overseeing e-cigarettes too.

Oversight of e-cigarettes should instead go to Chinas National Medical Products Administration and the State Administrator for Market Regulation, the group said. Flavoring agents that can make the devices attractive to young people should be restricted or banned, ingredients and nicotine doses strictly regulated, and clear health warnings should be printed on packaging in the same way as with conventional cigarettes.

Protecting minors has been at the center of concerns about Chinas flourishing e-cigarette industry, which benefited from a hands-off approach by market regulators until two rounds of regulation in November 2019 and July 2020. The first was on sales to minors, while the second was a blitz on covert online sales of vapes.

The changes helped drive a broad consolidation of the sector around giants like RLX Technology Inc., now Chinas biggest vape manufacturer.

These safety concerns follow similar worries about the products in other jurisdictions.

Invented by Shenyang-born pharmacist Hon Lik in 2003 as a smoking cessation aid e-cigarettes consist of a battery, an atomizer and a cartridge holding nicotine-infused liquid or vape juice. The devices allow users to inhale the highly addictive neurotoxin rather than smoking it, thus avoiding inhaling tar and other byproducts of burning cigarettes.

But the devices bring their own safety concerns, with early evidence suggesting they increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and lung disease, and may be linked to seizures, particularly in young people.

Shockwaves

A 27-Chinese-character legislative amendment was all it took to slice the share price of recently-listed RLX in half. That was the length of the one-line proposed amendment announced by the MIIT on March 22, saying e-cigarettes and other new types of tobacco products would be regulated in reference to the rules for cigarettes.

Investors read the news as evidence of a looming regulatory crackdown on an industry that has long benefited from a soft touch. But there was no detail on what it would mean for licensing and taxation, leaving many scratching their heads.

Only one thing is clear now, an executive at a smaller e-cigarette firm told Caixin at the time. E-cigarettes will be under the control of the STMA in the future.

The goals of Chinas Tobacco Monopoly Law, as stated in its first article, are to ensure the tobacco industry is managed in an organized way, to improve the quality of tobacco products, and to safeguard consumer interests  and national revenue.

The last point is not lost on control advocates, who say the administrations incentives do not align with what has been exhaustively shown to be the severe health impacts of smoking. The tobacco industry is one of the Chinese governments most important single sources of revenue, with regular cigarettes contributing 1.2 trillion yuan to state coffers in profits and tax last year alone.

E-cigarettes currently attract a value-added tax of 13% in China, in line with other ordinary consumer goods. Regular cigarettes are subject to a litany of different taxes and levies that that can add up to between 55% and 80%. Many in the industry expect that under the changes, vapes are in line for similar treatment.

Children without a mother

Regulation was expected, but interviews with e-cigarette company insiders suggest that the March 22 proposal caught them off guard.

We only heard about this when you did. The rules havent been released, one e-cigarette brand CEO told Caixin that evening. Nobody knows which direction theyll go in.

What everyone fears most is monopolization (by China Tobacco), said the person, who Caixin chose not to name so they could speak candidly. They said they were worried that because cigarettes and e-cigarettes compete for a similar market, their products will be subsumed into the monopoly system and ultimately suppressed in favor of conventional cigarettes.

Others in the industry say that outlook is too pessimistic, and believe the monopoly administration will instead raise barriers to market entry and issue licenses for companies to produce, wholesale and retail e-cigarettes.

One vaping executive told Caixin that the lack of clarity on who regulates their products has caused issues for the company. We were like children without a mother. I didnt know who was in charge. Was it the monopoly bureau? The national health commission? The market regulator?

A source with knowledge of China Tobaccos workings told Caixin the mood within the company was that e-cigarettes must be monopolized in order to set a ceiling on their profits and sales. But this could also be done by restricting upstream raw materials  the nicotine in e-cigarettes often comes from tobacco leaf waste, they said.

Others still say the regulatory direction is more likely to be about quality and sales  setting standards for the quantity of nicotine and additives in e-cigarettes, for instance, and controlling sales to minors. Thats the view of Jiang Yuan, vice president of the Chinese Association on Tobacco Control, who says a big tax grab is unlikely to be the goal  her surveys suggest relatively few people in China use e-cigarettes, while about a quarter of the country smokes cigarettes.

Some in the e-cigarette industry have privately criticized the fact that like other global tobacco giants, China Tobacco is developing its own cigarette alternatives, including so-called heat-not-burn hybrids which are electronic devices that contain tobacco leaves. While these have not yet hit the market in China, these could make the state giant both player and referee.

Its now up to Chinas State Council to decide whether to approve the amendment. No timeline has been released.

Qu Yunxu, Wang Qian, and Cui Hao also contributed to this article.

Contact reporter Flynn Murphy (flynnmurphy@caixin.com) and editor Joshua Dummer (joshuadummer@caixin.com)

Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go.

Follow the Chinese markets in real time with Caixin Globals new stock database.
Passed in 2018, the First Step Act sought to address re-entry challenges for inmates in the federal prison system. The legislation called for developing an assessment tool to identify inmates for release who had the lowest likelihood of recidivism. A new study assessed how the tool was developed and is used, finding that a greater proportion of inmates could reduce their risk and become eligible for early release over time if they participated in a re-entry program and did not incur infractions. This finding has implications for efforts to reduce prison populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study, by researchers at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Baylor University, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Washington State University, appears in Justice Quarterly, a publication of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

"This federal initiative represents a substantial opportunity to reverse the tide of a decades-long trend of growing rates of incarceration," according to Zachary Hamilton, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, who led the study.

The First Step Act sought to reduce recidivism in federal prisons by giving lower-risk individuals the opportunity to earn time credits and participate in programs to improve success of re-entry into their communities. In this study, researchers determined that a tool being used by the Bureau of Prisons to identify inmates with the lowest risk of violent and nonviolent recidivism included items that did not predict recidivism.

They expanded the existing tool to create a new one, called PATTERN (the Prisoner Assessment Tool Targeting Estimated Risk and Needs). PATTERN, launched in January 2020, and was designed to be gender-responsive and customized to the Bureau of Prisons population. Among the factors measured by PATTERN are age, prior convictions, work programming, drug treatment while incarcerated, criminal history, history of escapes, and education.

Using PATTERN, roughly half the population sampled was identified as being immediately eligible for early-release time credits. A substantial portion of the other half could become eligible if they participated in re-entry programs, did not incur infractions, and exhibited positive behavior change when reassessed, the study found. In all, almost 72 percent of men and about 96 percent of women could be eligible for early-release credits during the course of their incarceration, according to the study's findings.

"If more programming to boost re-entry success were available in federal prisons and more prisoners participated in this programming, especially those in high-risk categories, the proportion of offenders eligible for early-release credits would rise," suggests Grant Duwe, non-resident scholar at Baylor University and director of research at the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

The study concluded that PATTERN demonstrates one of the highest levels of predictive performance, outpacing that of all contemporary assessments researchers reviewed. In addition, PATTERN was validated on the same population on which it was developed and tested on a large development sample, yielding more stable and reliable estimates. Finally, the tool was tailored to specific outcomes (general and violent recidivism) and groups (males and females), which improves its predictive performance. Tests for bias revealed that PATTERN further reduced race/ethnicity disproportionality.

The researchers identified limitations of the study, including constraints regarding the pool of items used to predict recidivism and tight timing due to a requirement to meet legislative schedules. They recommend that the Bureau of Prisons continue to expand the standardized set of needs-based items collected for all offenders, adding items to improve PATTERN's accuracy and potential for case management. The authors also point to the importance of creating optimized tools for correctional systems, making use of agency-specific data to create strategies that will reduce the prison population while prioritizing public safety.

###

The research was supported by the National Institute of Justice.
In honor of this milestone, we have asked The Dailys resident political expert Rachel Quester (you can read her producer profile here) to share the most significant takeaways from the administrations first few months.

How Joe Biden is trying to get things done: Before the 2020 campaign, Joe Biden spent his career developing a reputation as a bridge builder who could work across the aisle. When he ran for president, we heard a similar message  that he was the one to cut deals and get legislation passed. Considering the political climate were in, a question I had going into his presidency was: Whom exactly would he be cutting deals with? Would he work with Republicans like hed done as a senator? Or would his version of bridge building in this era mean bringing together different factions in his own party?

I think his first 100 days in office have begun to answer that question. The Biden presidency has thus far been about keeping the Democratic coalition together in an era where bipartisanship seems unattainable. One of the most interesting things throughout these first few months has been watching the calculations that Mr. Biden has made in order to try and follow through on his pledge to get things done in Washington.

The power of a single senator: So much of Washington, and the policies that will determine the direction of the country, hinge on Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia. American politics is usually dominated by tribalism and a competition to be the loudest voice in the room. Its interesting how, in these first 100 days, it is a single voice that seems to have reverberated the loudest, particularly when it comes to getting rid of the filibuster and the contents of the stimulus package. Im interested to see how President Biden will respond to this in the next 100 days, all while trying to get his massive infrastructure bills passed in Congress, address racial injustice, respond to a migration crisis at the southern border and convince the country of his version of government.

Convincing other countries that they can trust the United States: American politics can often be a pendulum every four to eight years  and the past few swings have been especially sharp. When Donald Trump became president, his agenda focused on undoing the Obama legacy. And when President Biden got into the White House, he immediately began undoing the undoing, reversing the Trump policies that had reversed the Obama policies.
Duggar fans were shocked when news broke on April 29 that Josh Duggar, Michelle and Jim Bob Duggars oldest son and former 19 Kids and Counting star, had reportedly been arrested on federal charges. The charges, which were not named as of press time, are expected to be announced on April 30.

Fans immediately thought of Anna Duggar, who just announced that she and Josh are expecting their seventh child. But Joshs cousin Amy Duggar Kings cryptic tweet only days earlier might mean the family saw this coming.

Former TLC star Josh Duggar in 2015 | Kris Connor/Getty Images

Josh Duggar was just reportedly arrested on federal charges

On April 29, news broke that Josh Duggar had reportedly been arrested on federal charges. Duggar was arrested in Washington County, Arkansas  where he calls home. According to Vulture, Duggar is being held without bond, though the charges for which he is being held remain unclear. The FBI has also reportedly denied any involvement in the case.

The news comes just days after Josh and Anna Duggar announced their seventh pregnancy. The couple has been through a lot, with Josh admitting to being unfaithful to his wife back in 2015. After several years of therapy, the couple worked things out; theyve had three more kids since Joshs affair.

Josh Duggar holds his daughter in 2013 | D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Extra

RELATED: Anna Duggar Says Josh Duggar is a Diligent Worker After Pregnancy Backlash From Duggar Family Fan

Amy Duggar Kings tweet might have hinted the family saw Josh Duggars arrest coming

When the news of Joshs arrest broke, people immediately thought back to Annas recent pregnancy announcement. Some started searching social media for answers  and what they found was hard to believe.

On April 26, three days before the arrest, Amy Duggar King tweeted a shoutout to all single parents. You are amazing and you do SO much and one day for [sic] kids will see all the sacrifice and will love you even more for it, Kings tweet read. I just felt like someone needed to read this tonight  Stay strong.

The tweet appears to almost directly refer to Anna as the someone, though there is no proof. But it lead Duggar fans, who discussed the post on Reddit, to suspect the family knew Joshs arrest would happen.

This may be intentional. Maybe she knew it was coming, one Reddit user theorized.

I think they knew it was coming. What if thats why they didnt renew [the show]? another person wrote, referring to TLC not having announced a premiere date for a new season of Counting On.

Shout out to those who are solo parenting. You are amazing and you do SO much and one day for kids will see all the sacrifice and will love you even more for it. 



I just felt like someone needed to read this tonight



Stay strong  Amy Rachelle King (@amyduggar) April 26, 2021

Some Duggar critics arent surprised by the news

Though most were in shock to learn of Joshs arrest, not everyone was surprised. This isnt Joshs first run-in with the law. In 2015, allegations of sexual abuse surfaced from the early 2000s; Josh admitted to the allegations, but no formal charges were ever filed.

In 2020, Josh was in a court battle regarding real estate and its rightful owner. Josh lost the case, and the plaintiffs attorney told Fox News that nothing surprises her in terms of Joshs behavior.

As I saw this [real estate] case progress, the tactics they used were very, very unethical and definitely not Christianlike, attorney Kesha Zaffino said.

Joshs charges are expected to be announced on April 30.
Serpico is bleeding. He is in the back of a patrol car, eyes wide open, a man on the precipice of mortality. He has been shot in the face. A siren wails, windscreen wipers beat against a dirty New York night. He is being rushed to hospital. The rain buckets down, on the city, on Serpicos life, on a career that began so brightly, on the tarnished reputation of the New York Police Department which he exposed as being riddled with corruption. So goes the opening scene of Serpico, the eponymous movie of Frank Serpicos life in which Al Pacino played the whistleblower cop.

Serpico was shot on the night of February 3, 1971. Over 50 years later, the bullet is still lodged in his head. He lives today in a log cabin in upstate New York, out in the wild, communing with nature but still railing against injustice.

Al Pacino played the whistleblower cop.

He is 85 now, but, over a call from his home, he sounds ready for road, fit to take on anything that has the smell of corruption off it.

Im getting on very well, thank you Mike, he says of his day. I love all things Irish, especially a little Jameson. The first thing I learned as a young man was Erin go brach.

"Listen, growing up, I hung out with a bunch of Irish kids.

Chipping away

He also encountered plenty of Irishmen in the NYPD and not all of them were dirty.

My first police partner was a man called John OConnor and he was a righteous, God-fearing man and an excellent detective. But every time I complained about the corruption that was going on he would say, Frank, you cant keep chipping away at the foundation with nothing to replace it and I would say, John, until the whole structure falls down and we start from the beginning, nothing is going to change.

Before winding the clock all the way back, what about the big policing issue today in the US? On April 21, former police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The verdict represented the first conviction for murder by a police officer of a black person, despite a whole raft of cases across the country in which African-Americans have been shot dead by cops in suspicious circumstances.

Serpico didnt fit the prototype cop of the era, with his hippie sensibilities and a fondness for classical music and opera. He lived down in the Village, where he didnt let on he was a cop

Serpico welcomes the verdict, but isnt confident that it signifies change.

I think its a drop in the bucket, he says. People will say were turning a corner now because his own buddies testified against him.

But I call it rats jumping off a sinking ship. They knew he would get convicted because this wasnt just national news but international news

Nobody can take another mans life and not be accountable. And yet this is what we have had (before now). Unless you are black you cannot imagine what they have been going through their whole lives. This is what has to change.

Racism among police has always been a sore on the American landscape, but at different periods of history it has taken different forms. Were cops as quick to use lethal action against minorities back in Serpicos day?

The racism was different then, he says. They had what they called the goon squad to rough up people. We (the NYPD) didnt shoot people the way they do today but it was there in different ways.

I was once on my way to work when I rescued two families and their dog during a fire. I climbed onto the second-floor landing and got them out. Nobody was really injured except me. I had smoke inhalation. And then my lieutenant comes along and I tell him, Sir I just did this. And he said go and put your uniform on. I never got the slightest recognition for it and you know why? Because the families were black. If they had been white the mayor would have given me a medal.

Loved the local cops

Serpico began life in Brooklyn, the youngest son of Italian immigrants. Growing up, he loved the local cops and the stories on the radio about detectives. Wearing the uniform was what it was about for him. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the US army and served in South Korea for two years, and travelled a bit, including to the land of his parents.

When he returned he enrolled in college and worked as a youth counsellor and other jobs before signing up for the NYPD.

He started work with the force in September 1959, assigned as a patrolman. From there he moved into plainclothes undercover work and did so throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and The Bronx. He didnt fit the prototype cop of the era, with his hippie sensibilities and a fondness for classical music and opera. He lived down in the Village, where he didnt let on he was a cop.

In the neighbourhood, they knew him as Paco. On the street, Serpico could police with the best of them. His zealousness for the job saw him make arrests even when he was off-duty, or had spotted a crime outside his own precinct district.

Corruption

Pretty soon, he came across the corruption. It was organised and widespread and, to a large extent, amounted to a protection racket.

They went around to the underworld and collected for police protection, he says. It was called the pad.

Everybody got a cut but straight away Serpico said hed no interest in taking the money. That set him apart, made some of his fellow cops uncomfortable.

Serpico the movie skillfully portrays how he came upon the racket and how he became increasingly frustrated as it superseded the basic business of policing, the job that he loved doing.

In the movie, my partner and I are chasing this big Black hulk of a man into a house and then hes hiding under a stairwell. We find him on his knees and my partner takes out his gun and starts hassling him, Serpico remembers.

My partner was complaining because the man was late on his pay-off. And he says to him, You son of a bitch, if youre late again and hes poking the man on his mouth with a gun. And the man says, Please give me time and my partner says, Ill give you all the time you want with life in prison.

Serpico was observing this criminality close up and it was interfering with his capacity to do the job. More than that though, it was wrong.

And for this Italian American there was no grey area between right and wrong when it came to cops shaking down criminals.

Honest cops and brick walls

By 1967, he was moving to do something about it.

Assisted by a colleague, David Dunk, whom hed known from his earliest days in the force, he tried to get the top brass to tackle the problem. Repeatedly, the honest cops hit brick walls. They went to a contact of Durks in the mayors office but, despite assurances, nothing came of it.

This went on four years, during which time Serpico was growing increasingly disillusioned, trying to continue with frontline policing, looking away when his colleagues were taking cash, struggling with the idea that the cops were the good guys.

Eventually, he and Durk took the decision to go outside the force.

In 1971, the New York Times published a series of articles after the pair went to reporter David Burnham. The news reports were sensational, charging that policemen in the city are receiving millions of dollars in graft and that top police officials and members of mayor John V Lindsays staff ignored specific allegations of grafting.

Lindsay appointed a veteran Irish-American, Patrick V Murphy, as commissioner to tackle the corruption. Murphys parents, both natives of Cork, had met and married at home before crossing the Atlantic and settling in Brooklyn.

He got to work cleaning up the force. Many regard him as the man who did get to the bottom of the grafting, but Serpico doesnt remember him in such fond terms.

He tried to belittle me, Serpico says.

He tried to undermine my credibility and yet he is heralded as the reforming police commissioner. How is the truth to get out when you have that?

Pretty soon, word spread through the NYPD that Serpico was the man behind the press headlines. He was transferred to narcotics, which he enjoyed because it allowed him to expand his experience. Meanwhile, Lindsay set up the Knapp Commission to examine the corruption allegations and Murphy got cracking on a cleanout.

Dirty night in Brooklyn

Then we come to the dirty night in Brooklyn when Serpico is one of a group of cops acting on a tip-off to hunt down a drug dealer. They had an address in an apartment block and they approached the door. Somebody suggested that Serpico knock on the door as he spoke Spanish and the suspect was Hispanic. Serpico rapped on the door, it opened and he barged towards it but there was an attempt to shut it. He was jammed now, pushing against the door. He took out his weapon. His fellow cops stood back and let him at it.

What happened was they never backed me up and I made the mistake of turning away from the perpetrator with my arm in the door and I was so enraged and then bang!

His colleague radioed for medical assistance, but even this was done in a way that was careless at best, intent on delaying medical assistance at worst.

There was no 10.13 call, which is highest priority, it means a man is down. The call was 10.10 which means shots fired and so they never called for a backup. They thought I was going to die. They expected me to die.

Bullet in the head

He spent a month in hospital recovering and was left with some wounds, including deafness in his left ear.

I have a bullet in my head. I skip down my driveway every morning and say, Thank you Lord. Ive survived and Ive no regrets. I have exposed the cancer and now its up to the physicians to remove it

They gave him his detectives shield, which he has to this day.

Later, he testified before the Knapp Commission, telling the members that the atmosphere does not yet exist in which an honest police officer can act without fear or ridicule or reprisal from his fellow officers".

The commission eventually reported that major corruption did exist and structures were put in place to keep the cops honest. For Serpicos career, that all came too late.

When he came out of hospital, he retired on a disability pension due to his wounds.

The movie ends with him leaving his home in the Village bound for Switzerland. In real life, thats what he did. He stayed there and travelled throughout Europe for the best part of 10 years.

He also co-operated on his biography with Peter Haas. The book sold three million copies and was adapted for the movie. The royalties ensured that Serpico wouldnt have to work again.

Return to New York

In 1974, he returned to New York briefly to endorse for US attorney general Ramsey Clark in a run for the senate. Serpico placed great faith in Clark as a man of integrity and they became firm friends.

In 2003, Clark came to Ireland to give evidence at the trial in Ennis, Co Clare, of activist Mary Kelly, who had damaged US planes in Shannon. The retired politician testified that the US had been engaged in a war in Iraq and Kellys action were justified. Kelly was convicted nonetheless, but the conviction was overturned on appeal.

Serpico didnt know about Clarks intervention in the Irish trial.

Its good to hear that, he says. Ramsey passed away recently. He was one of my best friends, a man of the highest integrity. I even produced a documentary a few years back called Citizen Clark... A Life of Principle.

And what did he think of the movie? I took issue with the director Sidney Lumet so I walked out in frustration, he says.

The problem occurred in the shooting of a scene in which a racist cop chases a black man and shoves his head down a toilet. Serpico, on set, shouted cut. He said that never happened. The director didnt want him on the set after that.

Pacino's problem? He overacted

And what about himself and Pacino?

Serpico actor Al Pacino.

I got on well with Al (Pacino). The problem was he overacted. I dont know if he was doing it or whether he was following the direction of Lumet.

Down through the years, Serpico has continued to stand with those fighting injustice. He left policing at a young age, but the sense of right and wrong that prompted him to enter the force in the first place has never left him. Whistleblowers seek him out. Groups intent on police reform use him as a sounding board. He has got involved in protecting the environment from rampant development.

The fire still burns.

Ive been blessed, he says.

I couldnt ask for anything more. I have everything I need. I dont want for anything. I live in the woods in a cabin and right now I look out and all I see are the birds and trees and flowers

He talks with some passion about the dandelion, the flower that some dismiss as a weed, its beauty, its power in a world where nature is so often dismissed and abused.

And then, finally, he gets back to his other passion, the one that defined his life. They were at it back when he was a young cop, those who will abuse power, prey on the weak, smother light with their dark motives. They are still at it today as far as Frank Serpico is concerned.

They wont leave me alone, he says. Thats why we have to keep fighting.

Al Pacino on Frank Serpico

One time we were out at my rented beach house in Montauk. We were sitting there looking at the water. And I thought, Well, I might as well be like everybody else and ask a silly question, which was, "Why, Frank? Why did you do it?"

He said, "Well, Al, I don't know. I guess I have to say it would be because...if I didn't, who would I be when I listened to a piece of music?" I mean, what a way of putting it! That's the kind of guy he was. I enjoyed being with him. There was mischief in his eyes.

Frank Serpico is the guest on this weeks Mick Clifford Podcast with the Irish Examiner.
An animal cruelty charge filed against a South Jersey man this week arose from an Instagram video, according to court documents.

Felipe Echevarria, 33, of West Deptford Township, was heard on a video posted to his Instagram page in which a dog is shown with a 10-pound weight tied around her neck, according to his affidavit of probable cause.

He allegedly ordered the dog to jump onto the hood of a car and then the roof of the vehicle, police said.

Echevarria provided a taped statement admitting to the incident, according to police.

The page on which the video appeared was not visible as of Friday afternoon.

Gloucester County SWAT served a search warrant at Echevarrias house early Thursday morning as part of the animal cruelty investigation.

Echevarria and Brittany M. Morgan, 34, also of West Deptford, were each charged with an animal cruelty violation and released on summonses pending future court hearings, police said.

Morgan admitted that she owned the dog with Echevarria and was aware of what he was doing with the animal, according to her affidavit of probable cause.

Several dogs were removed from the home and are being temporarily housed at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter.

Police declined to release additional details about the case.

Echevarria is slated to appear in municipal court on June 3.

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

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
Arun Kumar Singh, Bihar Chief Secretary, died at a local hospital in Patna on Friday due to complications arising from Coronavirus. A 1985-batch Bihar cadre IAS officer, Singh was appointed the Chief Secretary of Bihar only a couple of months ago on February 27, 2021.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sent his condolence to the family of Singh saying he was extremely pained by the sudden passing away of the Chief Secretary while also ordering a full state funeral for him.

In his condolence message Kumar said here that Mr Singh was an able administrator and his death was like an irrepairable loss to the administration and society.

Kumar had sent nearly identical, boilerplate condolences to state Industry Director Pankaj Kumar Singh who died due to coronavirus infection on April 28 and Mewalal Choudhary, Janata Dal  U legislator who also became the victim of COVID-19 on April 19.

Meanwhile, Bihar registered over 15,000 new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the last 24 hours on Friday with Patna topping the list with 2844 new cases followed by Gaya that registered 1203 new positive cases of the deadly virus.

Keeping up with the history of his working style that involves senior officials, bureaucrats, and a few trusted state ministers and legislators, the Chief Minister held yet another high-level meeting on Friday during which he cleared eleven agendas to deal with the ever-growing cases of Coronavirus in the state.

Kumar, who has been quick in announcing financial compensation to the family of any victim perhaps believing it absolves him of any other liability or responsibility towards the people of Bihar, said that a special pension has been created for the surviving families of any government official who succumbs to the pandemic.

COVID-19 is not showing any sign of slowing down in Bihar as well as across the nation thanks to a lack of any cohesive policy including reluctance to impose a complete lockdown that will likely break the chain as advised by medical fraternity worldwide.

Reports from Siwan said notorious gangster and former MP from Bihar Mohammed Shahabuddin was also found to be corona positive. He was shifted to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital in Delhi for treatment.
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 Thursday, in the morning, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey welcomed the Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland, and hosted a breakfast for overnight guests in support of Regional Queensland, and the Governor addressed guests.

Following, guests departed Government House.

Following, at 1 William Street, Brisbane, His Excellency presided at a meeting of the Executive Council.

In the afternoon, at Government House, His Excellency hosted an afternoon reception to officially launch the Queensland Corrective Services Officers' Mess, and addressed guests.
The company said a processing plant at the site is 97% complete at the end of the first quarter of 2021

( ) ( ) ( ) (FRA:W1D) updated investors in a quarterly report for the period to March 31 as it focused on completing the development of the Lake Way sulphate of potash (SOP) project in Western Australia.

The company said commissioning of a process plant commenced in March with the introduction of first harvest salts to the front end of the plant. At the end of the quarter, it said the plant was 97% complete on an earned value basis, including engineering which is 99% complete, procurement 99% complete and construction 90% complete. The firm added that the first SOP product is expected during the June quarter.

Meanwhile, the group said following the end of the period the five two-megawatt (MW) units in a gas power plant were successfully commissioned and that all major non-process infrastructure items have now been completed and are ready to support full-scale operations.

Salt Lake also said the and the have invested US$39mln and US$25mln respectively into its US$138mln senior debt facility, complementing existing investments led and arranged by Taurus Mining Finance Fund No. 2 L.P and the Australian Government's Clean Energy Finance Corp.

The firm has also unveiled a suite of SOP products designed to spread exposure across various SOP sub-markets and maximise premiums and revenue. SOP Precision will be sold into the premium-priced fertigation market while SOP Prime will target the direct application and compound nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) markets and SOP Premium will be a granular product, targeting basal applications and bulk NPK blending.

Salt Lake added that during the quarter it has successfully proved halite harvesting methodology, harvesting 93,000 cubic meters of halite salts from cells in Train 1 with pond cells maintained online throughout the harvesting.

The group said it had also conducted a share purchase plan as part of an equity capital raise in December which was upsized to A$8mln from A$5mln due to strong demand.

"Significant progress was made on Process Plant construction as well as financing and product positioning during the March quarter, setting the company up for first SOP sales in the June quarter. Our focus is now on successful commissioning and ramp-up of the process plant as we look to move into positive cash flow from our first operating SOP asset," Salt Lakes chief executive Tony Swiericzuk said in a statement.
[April 30, 2021] Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company Announces Dates Of Its 2021 First Quarter Earnings Release And Conference Call

GLEN ALLEN, Va., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (NYSE: HBB) today announced that it will release 2021 First Quarter financial results and file its First Quarter 10-Q after the close of the market on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, May 6, 2021 to discuss its results.







Conference Call: Thursday, May 6, 2021 Time: 9:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) Telephone: (833) 227-5844 (Toll Free) or (647) 689-4071 (International)

Conference ID: 2459787

(Call in at least five minutes before start time)

The conference call will also be webcast live over the internet. To access the call, go to www.hamiltonbeachbrands.com. Please allow 15 minutes to register, download and install any necessary software. An archive of the webcast will be available on the company website. About Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company

Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company is a holding company for Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc., a leading designer, marketer and distributor of a wide range of branded small electric household and specialty housewares appliances, as well as commercial products for restaurants, fast food chains, bars and hotels. The Company's consumer brands include Hamilton Beach, Proctor Silex, Hamilton Beach Professional, Weston, TrueAir and Brightline personal care products. Hamilton Beach licenses the brands for Wolf Gourmet countertop appliances and CHI premium garment care products. Hamilton Beach markets the Bartesian premium cocktail delivery system through an exclusive multiyear agreement. Commercial brands include Hamilton Beach Commercial and Proctor Silex Commercial. For more information about Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company, visit the Company's website at www.hamiltonbeachbrands.com . View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hamilton-beach-brands-holding-company-announces-dates-of-its-2021-first-quarter-earnings-release-and-conference-call-301280832.html SOURCE Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company

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The 2021 Toyota Highlander is ready to take on the competition has to offer. Also, don't forget to check out the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Toyota has been at the forefront of crossover SUV development for almost 20 years and the automaker shows no signs of letting go of that dominance. Two models in particular exemplify just how far out in front of the competition Toyota is, the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Both crossovers are class leaders in a number of areas, including passenger comfort, interior flexibility and overall capability. In fact, the Highlander was among the charter members of the original crossover SUV class and the RAV4 Hybrid was an early example of the automaker allowing its fuel-saving technology to evolve to other models.

There are not many auto industry segments more competitive than the one that contains three-row crossover SUVs like the 2021 Highlander and its rivals. When the latest version of the Highlander is compared to one specific competitor, the two models are very evenly matched in terms of performance output, passenger capacity and towing capability.

Owners of the 2021 Highlander start to gain an advantage over the other models in its class by offer the latest connectivity technology as standard equipment. All 2021 Highlander trim grades offer standard compatibility with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto suites of applications. However, so does its chief rival. Toyota ends the technology arms race by also including a standard 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and compatibility with the Amazon Alexa digital home assistant.

Drivers looking for the overall flexibility of the Toyota RAV4 but also the fuel economy performance of the Prius, can get the best of both worlds with the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Not much has changed for the current RAV4 Hybrid model for 2021, but the automaker has included a new mid trim grade, the XLE Premium. The latest addition to the hybrid crossover SUVs lineup will include:



18-inch wheels

Power rear liftgate

Upgraded upholstery

Sunroof

Multi-zone climate controls

Also, the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid can make up to 69.8 cubic-feet of cargo volume available, just like the standard version.

Anyone can view the entire Lexington Toyota inventory when they visit the dealerships website, http://www.lexingtontoyota.com. The showroom is located at 409 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA. Customers can start the pre-ordering process or schedule a test drive with either the 2021 Toyota Highlander or 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid today by calling, 781-325-8558.
The digitization of equipment and technical means is necessary to ensure the interoperability and sustainability of forces of a modern army, including here the equipment of infantry units, mentioned, on Friday, the Minister of National Defence, Nicolae Ciuca, report agerpres.

"The changing of coordinates of modern conflicts led, in time, to an adaptation and rethinking of the concept of integrated military actions and the joint use of capabilities. The digitization of technical means and equipment is necessary in order to ensure the interoperability and sustainability of forces of a modern army, including the equipment of infantry units," Nicolae Ciuca wrote on his Facebook page on the occasion of the Day of Romanian Infantry.

He thanked Romanian infantrymen for the effort and dedication they always showed in fulfilling their missions and bid them good health, strength in work, as well as many professional and personal achievements."The Romanian Army celebrates, on April 30, the Day of Romanian Infantry, a service branch tied to the appearance in Wallachia of the first 'footsoldiers battalions' and the first 'horse squadrons', in 1830. The history of our infantry was written, many times, in blood, a testament to it being all the great battles and moments of hardship that the Romanian Army saw, the War of Independence, the two world wars," the minister mentioned.
New Delhi:

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced that the Indian Army will construct three foot overbridges at railway stations in Mumbai. One FOB will be constructed at Elphinstone Road station where stampede took lives of 23 people.

Niramala Sitharaman along with Railway Minister Piyush Goyal did inspection of Elphinstone Road station on Tuesday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, senior officials of Indian Army and many leaders of Mumbai BJP were also present on the occasion.

Earlier on September 29, a stampede took place at Elphinstone Road station which claimed lives of 23 people and injured 32 others.

It is first occasion that the construction responsibility of foot overbridge at a railway station has been given to Indian Army.

Earlier, Indian Army used to be called for construction works in emergency situations only.

Defence Minister said that construction of foot overbridge at Elphinstone Road station has been considered as an emergency.

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Sheehan Winery is welcoming back guests with pairings of cheese and wine.

The winery, at 1544 Cerro Vista SW, is hosting one-hour wine and cheese pairings throughout May. The free pairings are by appointment only and can be scheduled at sheehanwinery.com/vineyards. Groups will be limited to six people, and COVID safe practices will be in place.

Theyre all seated tastings, owner and winemaker Sean Sheehan said. Weve got about an acre of land here. Most of the time nowadays, the weather is going to be pretty nice. So weve got a tent up, and people can go outside. We have a tent, and we also have kind of like a patio with a big shade structure over it. So we get some people under the tent and people under the shade structure. We leave our big garage door open in the winery. The winerys, like, 2,000 square feet, so we usually have, like, four or five tables set up, but theyre spaced out nicely. You know, weve got a couple outside ones and a couple inside ones, but theyre all (about) 15 feet (apart).

Guests will receive bottled water and two wine glasses, one to taste the sweeter wines and the other for the drier wines. The tasting servings of wine will be paired with five cheeses, including Dubliner, which resembles a sharp cheddar; Blarney Castle, a gouda-style cheese from Ireland; and Merlot Bellavitano, a rich, creamy cheese with berry and plum notes of merlot.

We were doing Dubliner cheese with our dry whites, which are sauvignon blanc and our Viognier, Sheehan said. We were doing the goat cheese, its kind of infused with figs and berries, with our dry rose and our Chambourcin wine, which is kind of like a pinot noir, kind of a lighter red. We were doing the Bellavitano cheese with our bigger reds. So we were doing, like, a reserve cabernet, a malbec.  And then for the gouda style, we were pairing it with our Malvasia Bianca, which is a semi sweet white wine. The havarti we were doing with our sweet red, which is called Danza del Fuego.

Sheehans Sauvignon Blanc features ripe guava, grapefruit and lemon with notes of lime zest. The Viognier features stone fruit, mineral and lemon with notes of lime zest and nectarine. The Malvasia Bianca has flavors and aromas of rich, ripe fruit and is incredibly floral with tropical fruit, jasmine and elderflower on the nose. It is semi-sweet on the palate with green apple, yellow plum and ginger, according to the winerys website.

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The Chambourcin presents a rose petal and light violet on the nose. Followed by raspberry, red cherry, cranberry and a light earthiness on the palate with a finishing of spice, dust and balanced tannins, according to the winerys website. Danza del Fuego is 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% black muscat. It has aromas of sweet berry and spice on the nose and soft and sweet layers of bright cherry and wild boysenberry on the palate, according to the website.

Sheehan said the winery has been successful doing small, private events. The one-on-one interaction guests have with their server may have something to do with it. The wine and cheese pairing will feature one server per table who is well versed in wines.

You get really a lot of information, a lot of back and forth a lot of personal attention, Sheehan said. Its, like, legit, like a private wine tasting. Its a nice vibe. Its a nice experience, especially for no charge. You know, were trying to get people back in the swing and incentivize people to remember about our winery in New Mexico wineries in general.

Sheehan plans to keep tastings free at the Cerro Vista SW location until the Sheehan Winery tasting room opens in Don Luis Plaza in Old Town. The tasting room is tentatively scheduled to open in July. The plaza will also feature a Noisy Water Winery tasting room, a beer taproom, an art gallery, spa and salon and more.
BERLIN (Reuters) - The German military in Afghanistan will finish training local forces on Friday and turn its attention to withdrawing from the country, as the United States and NATO wrap up their mission after almost two decades, the defence ministry in Berlin said.

U.S. President Joe Biden and the Western military alliance announced in mid-April that they will pull out the roughly 10,000 foreign troops still in Afghanistan by Sept. 11.

Germany has the second-largest military contingent with about 1,100 troops.

Berlin had deployed more than 100,000 soldiers to Afghanistan over the past two decades, many of them serving more than one tour in the country.

Fifty-nine German troops died in Afghanistan, with 35 of them killed in combat or as a result of militant attacks, making it Germany's deadliest military mission since World War 2.

Wrapping up the operation, Germany will have to redeploy the equivalent of around 800 containers of equipment such as armoured vehicles, helicopters, weapons and ammunition.

The multinational camp in northern Mazar-i-Sharif led by Germany has been reinforced with troops and mortars, ramping up security for the duration of the withdrawal to guard the base against attacks by the Taliban.

The Taliban severely curtailed women's and other human rights during their reign in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, when they were ousted by U.S.-led forces. Since then they have waged a long-running insurgency and now control wide swathes of territory.

(Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
The alleged Lady Gaga's dognappers have been put behind bars and received two separate legal counts.

After two months of searching for the culprits of the dognapping incident, the authorities finally arrested the suspects and gave them a variety of charges.

The report quoted by ABC News revealed that there were actually five people involved in the incident - three of which performed the robbery and shooting.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, James Jackson (18), Jaylin White (18), and Lafayette Whaley (27) were present during the encounter. They were also the ones involved in the shooting of Lady Gaga's dog walker, Ryan Fischer.

The other two suspects received charges for accessory to murder. One of the remaining culprits is reportedly the father of one of the reported dognappers.

Multiple law enforcement sources disclosed that the suspects received charges of attempted murder and robbery during Thursday's arrest.

Woman Who Returned Lady Gaga's Dogs Also Arrested

The woman, who returned the dogs and initially reported not connected to the crime, was also put under police custody. The "Bad Romance" advised the police at that time not to release the half a million-dollar reward since something was suspicious.

As expected, the police determined that the suspects dropped off the dog to a female friend to claim the reward.

"Jennifer McBride (the woman) responded to the reward email to return the dogs. She ultimately brought the dogs to LAPD Olympic Station. Detectives were able to establish McBride had a relationship with the father of one of the suspects, Harold White," the press release added, per People.

READ ALSO: Tristan Thompson Guilty? Khloe Kardashian's Beau Makes Shocking Move Following New Cheating Allegation

Previously, law enforcement thought that the suspects might be part of a gang. But later on, they changed the statement and disclosed that it might be a dog-stealing ring. In the past months, French Bulldogs have been on demand that people can resell the pets for a higher amount.

The new development came two months after Ryan Fischer suffered from the gunshot while walking Lady Gaga's dogs - Koji, Gustav, and Asia - in Hollywood.

He was shot in the chest and revealed that he almost lost his life as his lungs kept on collapsing.

"It became quite clear that my lung was not healing, and the bullet wound had scarred my tissue like a burn. It could take months, if ever, for the hole to seal," Fischer detailed on his Instagram account.

READ MORE: 'The Talk': Sharon Osbourne's Daughter Defends Mother Through Powerful Cancel Culture Statement

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
No more Thin Mints for Jersey City Council.

The City Council unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday supporting a local Girl Scout troops boycott of Girl Scout Cookies that contain palm oil, which is often produced with child labor. The resolution also calls for the Girl Scouts of America, the national organization, to seek an alternative to palm oil.

The two dozen members of Troop 12026 decided in January that they would not sell Girl Scout cookies this year, after learning how non-sustainable palm oil is made. The boycott means the troop will lose more than $1,000 in cookie sales that usually would have funded troop activities.

Troop leader Gina Verdibello and a few of her scouts, who range in age from 10 to 15 years old, spoke in favor of the resolution during the public comment portion of the councils meeting.

Verdibello, a member of the Jersey City Board of Education, said her troop is happy to see their boycott  or girlcott  progress.

I dont want it to die down, Verdibello said. Going forward, we are going to continue putting pressure, writing letters to the interim CEO at Girl Scouts.

A 2020 investigation by the Associated Press revealed that tens of thousands of children work alongside their parents in Indonesia and Malaysia harvesting palm kernels, earning little or no pay while routinely being exposed to toxic chemicals and other dangerous conditions. Some never go to school or learn to read and write.

The Girl Scouts of the USA did not initially respond to the AP reporting on the abuses. But after an onslaught of social media criticism, the organization sent out a tweet the day after the story published that called on its bakers and the nonprofit oversight organization Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil to act.

Olivia Chaffin, a 14-year-old scout from Tennessee needed more to be done. She stopped selling cookies, and started a Change.org petition urging the Girl Scouts to stop using palm oil, and it now has over 29,000 signatures.

Chaffin and Jersey Citys Troop 12026 arent the only scouts boycotting cookie sales. Verdibello said other New Jersey troops have reached out about taking a stand against the use of unsustainable palm oil.

The fight is not going to stop, because cookie season will come around again in January and we will be in the same boat, unless they change the ingredient, Verdibello said. To be honest, we wouldnt have made that much money anyway this year because you couldnt really do a booth sale. You couldnt go door to door [because of COVID-19].

Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, who sponsored the resolution, thanked the local Girl Scout group for boycotting the use of non-sustainable palm oil.

I applaud you all for stepping outside of the fundraising mechanism that might not bring money to your troop, but certainly bring attention to the cause, Prinz-Arey said. We cannot wait to see what you young ladies are going to do as local leaders moving forward.
CHICAGO, April 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Whole Beauty Institute team will join other experienced plastic surgeons at The Aesthetic Meeting 2021 to be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida. The event runs from April 29 to May 3 and consists of educational sessions, courses, and exhibits from industry colleagues. One of the featured events will be a lecture on the unique structural breast lift technique developed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Q. Cook. Structural mastopexy from the Chicago-based Dr. Cook is an advanced version of a standard breast lift. Unlike that long-used lifting technique, however, Dr. Cooks technique doesnt require implants and addresses some of the common issues patients have often had with lifts, including deformities.



Relying on weakened, loose skin to hold the breast up, as is typically done during a standard breast lift, often causes the upper part of the breast to appear thinner and more sunken in. Patients may want a firmer, more aesthetically pleasing breast than is possible with a traditional liftbut still not want to have breast augmentation surgery to get the fullness possible via implants.

For a structural mastopexy, a segment of the patients own breast tissue is reshaped and repositioned on a higher part of the chest. This results in a more rounded, compact, and perkier breast with an appearance similar to what can be achieved with implantsexcept no devices are inserted.

Members of The Aesthetic Society can once again meet up in person while following COVID-19 safety guidelines, as well as online through chat rooms and a meeting app. The focus for the 2021 meeting will be on discussing how the industry has changed over the past year, exploring the newest techniques and research in the cosmetic industry with the goal of improving physicians skills and expertise, and learning about how patient safety protocols can be enhanced during the pandemic.

Whole Beauty Institute provides many types of surgical and non-surgical procedures, including everything from facial treatments to breast and body-contouring surgeries.

Learn more about Dr. John Q. Cook, his structural mastopexy, and other details about his Whole Beauty Institute in Chicago by calling 312-751-2112 for the Chicago Gold Coast office or 847-446-7562 for the Winnetka office. It is also possible to contact the practice online.




Clive Palmer to Pay $1.5 Million to US Heavy Metal Band Twisted Sister Over Copyright Case

Businessman and former politician Clive Palmer was ordered today to pay $1.5 million to Twisted Sister, an American heavy metal band, for infringing the copyright of one of their songs.

Universal Music sued Palmer in February 2019 after he used rewritten lyrics of the 1984 hit Were Not Going to Take It for a political parody song, Aussies Not Gonna Cop it, as part of the advertising for United Australia Party (UAP), the party he founded in 2013, in the 2019 federal election campaign.

The federal court ruled that Palmer infringed the copyright of the musical and literary work of Twisted Sisters original track and ordered him to pay $500,000 for the notional licence fee and $1 million for additional substantial damages.

Palmer was also ordered to remove his parody song online, give all unauthorized reproductions of the song to Universal Music, and cover the legal cost of filing the lawsuit for the plaintiff.

Mr Palmers use of [the song] was opportunistic, Justice Anna Katzmann wrote in her judgment.

He saw political and personal advantage in both its notoriety or popularity and the message it conveyed, and he thought that he could get away with using it merely by altering some of the words, she said.

He was wrong.

While the businessman first argued that the song was a rip-off of O Come, All Ye Faithful, a Christmas carol, and then tried to use fair use for the purpose of parody or satire to defend himself, the justice concluded the music and lyrics of these two songs have a good deal in common.

The frontman of Twisted Sister Dee Snider, who wrote the music and lyrics and consistently denounced Palmer over his rip-off of the song, celebrated the victory of the band on Twitter, writing, Its over, baby! WE WON BIG!!

Another amazing highlight from todays court verdict against @CliveFPalmer and in favor of @deesnider and @ugm:

Palmers denials of copying defy common sense, fly in the face of the contemporaneous documents, and were contradicted by the evidence his own witnesses.  [197]  Dee Snider (@deesnider) April 30, 2021

Palmer reached out to Universal Music in 2018 over getting a license to use a re-recorded version of the original track with some changes in lyrics but abandoned the effort after a round of bargaining.

Palmer issued a brief statement over the judgment, saying that his legal team will consider an appeal.
Wanted Graves County Man Found in Jefferson County

By West Kentucky Star Staff

JEFFERSON COUNTY - The McCracken County Sheriffs office reported that Aaron Foss of Graves County has been taken into custody.The 32-year-old Foss was arrested in Jefferson County, Kentucky by the Shively Police Department.Foss has been sought for outstanding warrants out of McCracken County. He is also facing additional charges in Jefferson County.
As India gears up to vaccinate every citizen above 18 years of age and below 44 years of age against COVID-19 from May, the Indian School of Business (ISB) has said that the current level of supply of the jabs is not good enough to even sustain the inoculation rate witnessed in the first week of April. In its presentation to the NITI Aayog, ISB even stated that many states are likely to face a shortage of the life-saving vaccines till July-end.

Going by this presentation, an average of 34.6 lakh vaccinations were carried out per day on an average in the first week of April. This figure includes both those who received the first dose as well as those who got the second dose.

ISB's presentation on COVID-19 vaccine shortage and related issues before the NITI Aayog was prepared by Professor Sarang Deo, Professor Sripad Devalkar, and research associates Abhishek Reddy and Syed Junaid.

Also read: BMC suspends COVID-19 vaccination drive in Mumbai for three days as stocks run out

"The average vaccination rate marks considerable variability across rates. Typically, the vaccination rate is lower on Sunday and highest on Monday. In the first week of April, while the average daily vaccination rate was 34.6 lakh doses, it was only 17.3 lakh doses on April 4 (Sunday) and as high as 45 lakh doses on April 5 (Monday), " Professor Devalkar told Times of India.

According to ISB's Professor Sarang Deo, stocks of COVID-19 vaccines that were produced and distributed to all the states and UTs initially were sufficient enough since the vaccination rates were low. Deo further stated when vaccination rates started gaining momentum, stocks were only enough to meet the vaccination requirements in the the first week of April.

The government needs to be cautious of the limitations in vaccine delivery capacity as vaccination against COVID-19 has not penetrated beyond urban and semi-urban areas in most states, according to one of the researchers. He noted that routine vaccinations are being conducted at anganwadis which is notches below the primary health centre (PHC).

Edited by Mehak Agarwal

Also read: 'Don't queue up at COVID-19 vaccination centres on May 1': Arvind Kejriwal
Germany is returning hundreds of artifacts known as the Benin Bronzes that were mostly looted from west Africa by a British colonial expedition and subsequently sold to collections around the world, including German museums, authorities said.

Foreign minister Heiko Maas welcomed a deal reached with museums and authorities in Nigeria to work on a restitution plan for a substantial number of artifacts, calling it a turning point in dealing with our colonial history.

Minister for culture Monika Gruetters said the Benin Bronzes are a key test for the way the country deals with its colonial past.

We are confronting our historic and moral responsibility, she said.

Ms Gruetters said the goal is to contribute to understanding and reconciliation with the descendants of those whose cultural treasures were stolen in colonial times. The first returns are planned for next year, she said.

The devastation and plunder wreaked upon Benin City during the British military expedition in 1897 is fully acknowledged British Museum

A historian welcomed the plans, but said they do not go far enough.

Sadly, there is neither a precise time plan nor an unconditional commitment to restitute all looted artifacts, said Juergen Zimmerer, professor of global history at the University of Hamburg.

He also noted it is not yet clear how many objects will be returned, or whether there will be any recognition of the efforts by civil society groups that had called for the restitution.

A British colonial expedition looted vast numbers of treasures from the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin in 1897, including numerous bas-reliefs and sculptures.

While hundreds of artifacts ended up in the British Museum, hundreds were sold to other collections such as the Ethnological Museum in Berlin, which has one of the worlds largest collection of historical objects from the Kingdom of Benin, estimated to include about 530 items, including 440 bronzes.

The British Museum does not currently have plans to return parts of its collection.

The devastation and plunder wreaked upon Benin City during the British military expedition in 1897 is fully acknowledged, the British Museum said in a statement, adding that the circumstances around the acquisition of Benin objects is explained in gallery panels and on its website.

We believe the strength of the British Museum collection resides in its breadth and depth, allowing millions of visitors an understanding of the cultures of the world and how they interconnect over time  whether through trade, migration, conquest or peaceful exchange, it said.

But Prof Zimmerer, who has done extensive historical research on the Benin Bronzes, said the decision by Germany would be likely to affect the wider debate about how institutions in former colonial countries should handle such artifacts.

The pressure will grow, because the British position of simply not addressing the issue of restitution is no longer sustainable, he said.
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Hamilton County and the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council will salute military members in the 72nd annual Armed Forces Day parade and luncheon on Friday at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Chattanooga. Congressman Mark Green will be the keynote speaker at the post-parade luncheon at the Chattanooga Convention Center.Congressman Green is a West Point graduate, physician, businessman and combat veteran representing Tennessee's 7th District in Congress. He came to Tennessee in his last assignment in the Army as the flight surgeon for the premier special operations aviation regiment.As a Night Stalker, Congressman Green deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan in the War on Terror. His most memorable mission was the capture of Saddam Hussein. During the mission, he interrogated Hussein for six hours. Congressman Greens military awards include the Bronze Star and the Air Medal with V Device for Valor.At the noon luncheon, Congressman Green will share his view on the militarys ability to address threats to our nation, in terms of technology, funding and human resources. Purchase your table online at https://www.chattareaveterans.com Parade spectators will enjoy the sights and sounds of JROTC units, vehicles and service members from every military branch, civic and volunteer organizations, veterans groups and patriotic businesses. Due to pandemic restrictions, the mass band from area high schools will not be present this year, but JROTC units will march in the parade. The procession will travel northward on Market St. from MLK toward Aquarium Way.The pandemic has proven the resiliency and patriotism of the Chattanooga community, as weve adapted to safely gather and honor our veterans, said Charles Alsobrook, Hamilton County VSO. It is a tremendous honor to serve as military chairman of this committee, and I am sincerely thankful for the years upon years of hard work and dedication that all committee members have put forth. Thank you to everyone who has served in our armed forces and to those who participate in or attend the parade each year.
Vallarta Living



Please Continue to Support the Vallarta Food Bank



As everyone in Puerto Vallarta gets ready for the upcoming raining season, please consider donating to the Vallarta Food Bank, so they can continue the work they do for local families in need. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Founded by local restaurateurs Francie Nguyen, Jimmy Plouff & Frankie Victoria Banuelos in 2020, the Vallarta Food Bank continues to expand as volunteers work to try to make a positive change in the community that goes beyond feeding Puerto Vallarta families struggling to survive the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.



With the help of willing volunteers, Chef Victor and his small staff plan and prepare meals five days a week for 500-600 people. That's over 100,000 hot and healthy meals per year served out of the food bank kitchen. And, in just one year, the Vallarta Food Bank staff and volunteers have distributed over 400 metric tons of food all around the greater Puerto Vallarta area.



Frankie Victoria, speaking on behalf of the founders of this grassroots movement, tells us what's been happening, and what's to come, at the Vallarta Food Bank:



To date, we have made and distributed 67,000 bags of food, known as "despensas." Each bag provides a week's worth of food for a small family. Baby diapers, formula, adult diapers, dog food, etc. are distributed as well. We started the soup kitchen in August 2020 and have since served over 60,000 meals.



These numbers are possible because of your incredible generosity. Your monthly support is the lifeline that keeps Vallarta Food Bank going. But we've seen a steady decrease in sponsorship with 2-3 donors canceling each month. As we get ready for the upcoming raining season, please consider donating, so we can continue working for families in need.



If you would like to donate, the best way is by using our GoFundMe page.



We Are Excited to Announce the Vallarta Food Bank Online Bazaar!



Thanks to numerous and generous donors, we have set up a Vallarta Food Bank Online Bazaar on Facebook where you can purchase some unique items while supporting our non-profit organization.



The items will vary from artwork and knickknacks to household treasures, mechanical tools, electronics, patio furniture, etc. You name it, you'll probably find it! New items will be featured on a regular basis, so please check our shop regularly.



If you are interested in purchasing any of the items, or would like to donate something to help us raise funds, please contact Frankie at: vallartafoodbankbazar(at)gmail.com.



As always, to learn more, volunteer, or donate please visit vallartafoodbank.com, and be sure to like/follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on what we are doing!



The Vallarta Food Bank is 100% volunteer based, but all of their work would be impossible without the generosity of donors and supporters. If you would like to help the families of Puerto Vallarta get through these trying times, please visit - Founded by local restaurateurs Francie Nguyen, Jimmy Plouff & Frankie Victoria Banuelos in 2020, the Vallarta Food Bank continues to expand as volunteers work to try to make a positive change in the community that goes beyond feeding Puerto Vallarta families struggling to survive the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.With the help of willing volunteers, Chef Victor and his small staff plan and prepare meals five days a week for 500-600 people. That's over 100,000 hot and healthy meals per year served out of the food bank kitchen. And, in just one year, the Vallarta Food Bank staff and volunteers have distributed over 400 metric tons of food all around the greater Puerto Vallarta area.Frankie Victoria, speaking on behalf of the founders of this grassroots movement, tells us what's been happening, and what's to come, at the Vallarta Food Bank:The Vallarta Food Bank is 100% volunteer based, but all of their work would be impossible without the generosity of donors and supporters. If you would like to help the families of Puerto Vallarta get through these trying times, please visit vallartafoodbank.com for donation information. If you would like to receive a U.S. tax receipt for your donation, please visit casajojofoundation.org.



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The Head of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Kofi Agyekum has said what matters most is the intelligence and competence of Lawyer Kissi Agyabeng for the Special Prosecutor position but not his age.



The 45-year-old has been nominated by the Attorney General to take the position of Special Prosecutor.



However, critics including former Member of Parliament(MP) for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini says Mr Agyabeng is too young for the position.



Did the President search well enough and not found a worthy replacement for Martin Amidu other than Kissi Agyebeng? Why did the President settle on Agyabeng, when Agyabeng after seven years will be around 50 years? the former MP asked.



Reacting to this during a panel discussion on Peace FM's Morning show 'Kokrokoo', Professor Kofi Agyekum, popularly known as Opanyin Ayekum, Head of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Ghana, Legon queried: "what else do you want"



" . . this job is not an easy one; these same Ghanaians complained that the President was appointing people who are supposed to be on pension and now he's decided to appoint young ones; that too . . . but the most important thing is how knowledgeable he is."



Listen to him in the video below





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 29, 2021) - Farmers Edge Inc. (TSX: FDGE) - CEO and Founder, Wade Barnes, speaks about the company's technology that's designed to increase production and help farmers grow more with less.





If you cannot view the video above, please visit:

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Farmers Edge is being featured on BNN Bloomberg on May 8th - May 9th.

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About CEO Clips:

CEO Clips is the largest library of publicly traded company CEO videos in Canada and the US. These 90 second video profiles broadcast on national TV and online via 15 top financial sites including: Thomson Reuters, Bloomberg, Yahoo! Finance and Stockhouse.com.

BTV - Business Television/CEO Clips Contact: Trina Schlingmann (604) 664-7401 x 5 trina@b-tv.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82360
April 22

Police arrested 25-year-old Julio Cezar Chavez on April 22 at the 4000 block of Olton Road for two active out-of-county felony warrants from Hale County.

Officers responded to the 1300 block of Industrial on April 22 in reference to lost property.

Theft was reported at the 200 block of Austin St. on April 22.

A burglary was reported at the 1300 block of W. 15th Street on April 22. The burglar entered the residence and took several items including a firearm. The individual also caused damage to a lock used to secure a shed.

An assault was reported at the 500 block of Utica on April 22. A suspect intentionally caused injury to an ex-girlfriend during an argument. The male suspect was gone when police arrived.

April 23

Thirty-two-year-old Mark Flores was arrested on April 23 at the 1900 block of Galveston St. Flores was found to be in possession of a stolen vehicle. Once under arrest, Flores was found to be in possession of amphetamine. He was arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and with possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1, both of which are felonies.

Criminal mischief was reported at the 1600 block of Kokomo St. on April 23. A person scratched the paint of a vehicle that did not belong to them.

An assault was reported at the 700 block of Columbia on April 23. A known person slapped her kids father.

A crash was reported at the 3400 block of Olton Road on April 23. The driver sped through the parking area and hit a bench and building causing private property damage.

An assault causing bodily injury was reported at the 900 block of Ash St. on April 23.

April 24

A burglary was reported at the 1500 block of Houston St. on April 24.

Burglary of a vehicle was reported at the 1300 block of Xenia on April 24.

Burglary of a vehicle was reported at the 2000 block of W. 18th St. on April 24.

A threat was reported at the 1400 block of Smythe St. on April 24. The victim was threatened by an ex-spouse who said they would beat her up.

Two vehicles collided at the 2200 block of W. 19th St. on April 24. A white Pontiac Grand Prix collided with a white Ford Mustang. The Grand Prix was later found unattended at the 1800 block of Utica. The damaged parts left behind matched the vehicle. A black container inside the vehicle was found to have a green leafy substance that was tested and later found to be marijuana. A vape pen was also tested and found to have THC. The Grand Prix was towed.

April 25

Jeremy Arthur Williams, 43, was arrested on April 25 at the 4200 block of Ridgeway. Officers responded to the location after a report of a suspect chocking his spouse. Williams was charged with assault of a family/house member impeding breathing/circulation, which is a felony.

Criminal mischief was reported at the 1400 block of Yonkers St. on April 25. A bedroom window was found to be damaged.

An assault was reported at the 200 block of SE 10th St. on April 25. A person intentionally struck a vehicle and a recreational boat causing damage.

An assault was reported at the 200 block of SE 10th St. on April 25. A suspect struck and pushed a spouse.

Monday, April 26

Criminal mischief was reported at the 1300 block of Smythe St. on Monday. An unknown person threw a spark plug socket into a window and broke it. The estimated value of the damage is $300.

Criminal mischief was reported at the 900 block of Vernon St. on Monday. A person shot a BB gun at a vehicle window and broke the glass.

A sexual assault was reported on Monday.

Police responded to a location in Floydada to assist another agency with a sexual assault investigation. The assault occurred in Floydada about a decade ago.

Forgery of checks was reported at the 400 block of W. 5th St.

A burglary was reported at the 1400 block of W. 13th St. on Monday.

Two miscellaneous incidents were reported at the 1300 block of W. 15th St. and at the 3300 block of Quincy.

Tuesday, April 27

Officers arrested 28-year-old Ryan William Choate on Tuesday at the 800 block of Oakland. Choate allegedly entered a residence while the homeowners were home with the intent to burglarize it. When he was told to leave, he refused and assaulted the homeowner. The individual left and was later found by police and arrested.

An assault was reported at the 100 block of W. Brazier.

A report of identity theft was made from the 1300 block of Andy Taylor Road on Tuesday. The complainant told police an unknown person in Maine claimed unemployment in the name of the victim.

Harassment was reported at the 100 block of W. 9th St. on Tuesday. The complainant reported that a burglary suspects mother has been sending harassing messages over social media.

Theft was reported at the 300 block of S. Columbia on Tuesday. The reporting party told police a vehicle stolen from Lockney was spotted in Plainview.

An assault was reported at the 1400 block of Fresno on Tuesday and a 15-year-old was arrested. The individual ran away from home and assaulted a parent when they brought the individual back home and attempted to discipline the child.

A 22-year-old man was arrested at the 500 block of Oakland St. on Tuesday. A motorist called 9-1-1 to report an intoxicated driver. Officers made contact with the driver and stopped him after watching him drive against traffic heading south on the northbound lanes of the 500 block of Oakland. A breath test was conducted and his intoxicated level was found to be twice the legal limit over 0.15. The individual was charged with driving while intoxicated.

A threat was reported at the 2300 block of Norma. A known person approached the residence and knocked and yelled obscenities at the household. A homeowner grabbed a bat in defense of his family. The suspect then went to the street and told other people inside his vehicle to get the gun. The suspect then got back into the vehicle and left the scene.

Wednesday, April 28

A crash was reported at the intersection of W. 24th and Yonkers on Wednesday. Vehicle damage was reported.

A 33-year-old man was arrested at the 600 block of S. Broadway on Wednesday. A known person was arrested for criminal mischief after being found on the property where entrance was forbidden. The individual was charged with criminal mischief.

A burglary was reported at the 1700 block of W. 8th St. on Wednesday.

A 15-year-old was arrested Wednesday at the 1200 block of W. 9th St.
The most valuable asset that the Company owns is its net revenues royalty interest in the Scully iron ore mine located in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The royalty rate under this interest is 7.0% on iron ore shipped from the mine and 4.2% on iron ore shipped from tailings and other disposed materials, with a minimum payment of C$3.25 million per annum.

In 2017, a new operator acquired the Scully mine and has disclosed that it has since achieved a number of milestones, including completing a US$276 million financing and commencing operations at the mine in 2019. The Scully mine has a capacity of 6 million tonnes per annum and produces a premium iron ore product, with Fe content in excess of 65%.

Iron ore is primarily used to make steel, which is considered to be a critical commodity for global economic development. As such, the demand and consequently the pricing of iron ore are largely dependent upon the raw material requirements of integrated steel producers. Demand for blast furnace steel is in turn cyclical in nature and is influenced by, among other things, the level of global economic activity.

The operator of the mine has disclosed the Scully iron ore mine produces a high-grade ore in excess of 65% iron content that also has other favorable characteristics, such as relatively low contaminant ratios. Globally, steelmakers value high grade iron ore with low contaminants (such as silica, alumina, and phosphorus) because they improve environmental and financial performance through more efficient raw material utilization, higher plant yields, and lower emissions. Therefore, it is common and generally expected for 65% Fe iron ore, including the Scully iron ore mine's product, to sell at a premium to 62% Fe iron ore. In 2020, the Platts 65% Fe index price was at an approximately 12% (US$13) premium to the Platts 62% Fe Index price.

The Scully Iron Ore Mine

We are encouraged by the development of iron ore pricing and the production ramp up of the mine to date. The following is a three-year price chart of 62% iron ore.

The following table sets forth total iron ore products shipped (which include pellets, chips and concentrates by the Scully mine operator in 2019 and 2020:



H1 H2 Full Year (in thousands of tonnes) 2019 - 954,579 954,579 2020 1,459,162 1,539,492 2,998,654

CASH DIVIDEND POLICY

As a result of the positive developments at the Scully iron ore mine, going forward, the Company has determined to focus its efforts on enhancing shareholder value and maximizing earnings and dividends to its shareholders based upon its iron ore royalty interest. Aligned with this focus, the Company is pleased to announce that its board of directors has taken the first step by approving a policy for future cash dividends.

While no dividends have been declared or determined to date,the dividend policy is intended to maximize potential future dividends payable to holders of common shares after consideration of the Company's financial position, operating results, ongoing working capital requirements and other factors.

Any cash dividend payment will be made in accordance with regulatory requirements after the approval of our Board of Directors. Subject to board approval and dependent on the Company's results, financial position and other factors the Company currently expects that the first dividend payment under its Cash Dividend Policy to be made in the second half of 2021.

STOCK DIVIDENDS AND LIQUIDITY OF OUR COMMON SHARES

It has been and remains our goal and initiative to structure the group in a way that substantially eliminates the discount between the market price of our common shares and our stated net book value per share. For example, we believe that the value of our royalty interest in the Scully iron ore mine is not properly reflected in the price of our common shares. We believe that one of the reasons for this discrepancy is our complex group structure and diverse portfolio of assets with different economics, capital requirements, and growth prospects. One of the major obstacles for achieving this goal is the very limited liquidity in our common shares. This trading profile restricts many investors from acquiring shareholdings, as the illiquidity of our stock does not qualify us for institutional ownership.

C$'000s,exceptshareandpershareamounts 12/31/20 Currentassets 129,211 Non-currentassets 379,914 Current liabilities 16,137 Non-currentliabilities 124,264 Shareholders' equity 361,544



Sharesoutstanding('000s) 12,555 Bookvaluepershare(C$) 28.80 Bookvaluepershare(US$) 22.62 Marketprice per share(US$; 04/27/21 closingprice) 9.35 Price/Book 41.34%

To help address this issue of illiquidity with our common shares, our Board of Directors has approved two stock dividends which will increase the number of shares outstanding without diluting any individual shareholder position. The goal of these stock dividends is to improve shareholder value and liquidity and make our common shares more accessible to a broader base of investors. The details of the tax free stock dividends are:

a 9% stock dividend will be distributed on May 31, 2021 , to shareholders of record as at May 14, 2021 , where such holders will receive 9 common shares for every 100 common share held on the record date; and

a 9% stock dividend will be distributed on , to shareholders of record as at , where such holders will receive 9 common shares for every 100 common share held on the record date; and an 8% stock dividend will be distributed on November 30, 2021 , to shareholders of record as at November 15, 2021 , where such holders will receive 8 common shares for every 100 common share held on the record date.

The above stock dividends are subject to receipt of any requisite stock exchange approvals.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

To support the Company's core focus, the other two of our operating segments  Industrial and Merchant Banking will be classified as discontinued operations in our 2021 financial statements.

As a result of the discontinued operations accounting, beginning with our 2021 half-year financial results, our balance sheet will present the assets and liabilities of Industrial and Merchant Banking as assets held for sale, and liabilities associated with assets held for sale, respectively. Management is committed to a plan to rationalize these interests. As a result, all financial results of these two segments will be consolidated into one line on our income statement, being "Income (loss) from discontinued operations". This will result in our financial statements to be materially focused on our core royalty asset going forward.

December31,2020(C$'000s,exceptshareandpershareamounts) Royalty Industrial Merchant Banking AllOther ConsolidatedSRL Assets 226,645 153,240 107,440 21,800 509,125 Liabilitiesand non-controllinginterests 53,519 43,418 49,844 800 147,581 Equity 173,126 109,822 57,596 21,000 361,544











Revenuefromexternalcustomers 31,360 17,666 10,406 0 59,432 Income(loss)beforeincometaxes 25,293 (1,229) 832 (13,717) 11,179











Equity perShare (C$) 13.79 8.75 4.59 1.67 28.80 SharesOutstanding(in'000s) 12,555 12,555 12,555 12,555 12,555

Our discontinued operations have not produced returns commensurate to that of our royalty interest, and our board of directors believes that these actions provide compelling benefits to our shareholders and to all aspects and business segments of the Company. It simplifies the Company's corporate structure by separating its non-strategic assets and allows the independent business lines to focus on pursuing and operating their respective businesses.

Industrial

Our Industrial segment includes multiple projects in resources and services around the globe. It seeks opportunities to benefit from long-term industrial and services assets, with a focus on East Asia. This segment makes proprietary investments as part of its overall activities and we seek to realize gains on such investments over time. These investments can take many forms and can include acquiring entire businesses or portions thereof, investing in equity or investing in existing indebtedness (secured and unsecured) of businesses or in new equity or debt issues. These activities are generally not passive. The structure of each of these opportunities is tailored to each individual transaction. This segment also holds various production and processing assets, including production and processing assets.

The book value of our Industrial segment was C$109.8 million, or C$8.75 per share, as at December 31, 2020.

Merchant Banking

Our Merchant Banking segment comprises regulated merchant banking with a focus on Europe and the Americas. We own Merkanti Bank Limited, a licensed bank in Europe, which does not engage in general retail, commercial banking or any universal banking operations, but provides specialty banking services, focused on merchant banking, to our customers, suppliers and group members. In addition, we hold an interest in certain industrial real estate in Europe.

The book value of our Merchant Banking segment was C$57.6 million, or C$4.59 per share as at December 31, 2020.

DISPUTE WITH EUROPEAN BANK

As previously disclosed, in the second half of 2019, a European Bank made an application in the Cayman Islands on an ex parte basis (without any prior notice to, or participation by the Company), and was ultimately granted a temporary order which, among other things, restricts the Company from selling or disposing of certain shares in subsidiaries and other assets, without certain conditions or approvals being met.

This order is not a monetary judgement. The Company has appealed this order and currently expects the appeal may be heard in the second half of 2021.

The underlying dispute between the Company and the European Bank, which focuses its business in the CEE countries (including the Balkans and Russia), is related to an alleged guarantee of the former parent of the Group in the amount of approximately EUR 43 million. The Company disputes the validity of, and any liability under, this alleged guarantee and has received legal opinions that the alleged guarantee is invalid. The Company also has filed a counterclaim against the European Bank in excess of their claims. It is difficult to predict how long this matter will take to get to trial, though we believe it is unlikely that this dispute will be resolved in the near future.

This order has no implications on our ongoing daily businesses and our dividend policy and we do not currently expect that this dispute will ultimately result in a material impact on our financial results.

MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENTS

We are pleased to announce that our board of directors has appointed Samuel Morrow as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of the Company. Mr. Morrow replaces Michael Smith as President and CEO, who will be continuing with the Company as Executive Chairman going forward.

Mr. Morrow is a Chartered Financial Analyst and has been our Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer since June 2017. Prior to this, he worked in various functions for the Scully Group and its subsidiaries. Prior to joining the Scully Group, Mr. Morrow was Vice President of Tanaka Capital Management and Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Tanaka Growth Fund. Mr. Morrow is a graduate of St. Lawrence University in New York State.

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

The Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan promotes the creation of shareholder value by attracting and retaining key employees and directors, encouraging them to focus on the critical long-term objectives of the Company and aligning their interests with shareholders through increased share ownership. As at December 31, 2020, 426,000 option awards were outstanding and 129,403 future awards were available under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan.

The Company's Board of Directors and Compensation Committee have approved an amendment to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the total number of shares available for issuance by 1,326,591 shares. Our shareholders will be asked to approve these amendments at our annual meeting in 2021. Our Compensation Committee and board of directors also approved grants of stock options entitling the holders thereof to acquire up to 1,307,000 Common Shares of the Company, which options will have a term of 10 years, be granted effective on the second business day after the date of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 and have an exercise price equal to the closing price of our Common Shares on such date. Vesting of these Awards is subject to ratification of the amendments to the Incentive Plan at the next annual meeting of our shareholders in 2021.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

Michael Smith, Executive Chairman of the Company, commented, "We are very pleased about the actions and appointment announced today, which we believe will best position the Company to maximize value for our shareholders as we move forward."

STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

Management welcomes any questions you may have and looks forward to discussing our operations, results and plans with stakeholders. Further:

stakeholders are encouraged to read our entire annual report on form 20-F, which includes our audited financial statements and management's discussion and analysis, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 , for a greater understanding of our business and operations; and

stakeholders are encouraged to read our entire annual report on form 20-F, which includes our audited financial statements and management's discussion and analysis, for the fiscal year ended , for a greater understanding of our business and operations; and direct any questions regarding the information in this report to our North American toll-free line at 1 (844) 331 3343 or email [email protected] to book a conference call with our senior management.

Disclaimer for ForwardLooking Statements

This news release contains statements which are, or may be deemed to be, "forwardlooking statements" which are prospective in nature, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's business plans, future business prospects, future dividend practices, expectations regarding the timing and outcomes of litigation proceedings and the plans of the operator underlying its royalty interest and any statements regarding beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results, revenues, performance or achievements to differ materially from our expectations include, among other things:(i) economic and market conditions; (ii) future dividends, if any, are dependent on the Company's financial position and other factors and the Company may fail to declare dividends in the future or at all; (iii)any failure by the operator of the mine underlying the Company's interest to complete its plans as disclosed by it or at all; (iv) risks and uncertainties involving litigation; and (v) other risks set forth in our public disclosure, and other risks beyond our control. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in light of such factors. Other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations, the Company is not under any obligation and the Company 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. Additional information about these and other assumptions are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020, our report for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Scully Royalty Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.scullyroyalty.com


Sleep apnoea treatments maker ResMed has recorded a quarterly loss after sales of ventilators slowed across the globe and the firm reserved more than $300 million in cash in anticipation of settling a long-running tax dispute.

Chief executive Mick Farrell said despite the challenging business dynamics of a post-COVID world, he was even more confident about the companys long-term prospects than he had been the previous year.

ResMed chief executive Mick Farrell. The company has swung to a $US78.5 million loss for the March quarter. Credit:Luis Ascui

I think the long-term strategy has only been accelerated. Everyone is talking about remote care, remote health, he told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

The dual-ASX and NYSE-listed medtech firm had strung together multiple quarters of growth due to its rapid pivot to selling ventilators around the globe at the start of the pandemic. However, on Friday it told investors it had swung to a $US78.5 million ($101 million) loss for the March quarter, with ventilator sales slowing and a large provision set aside for an anticipated settlement with the ATO.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he will travel to Ukraine next week.

"Secretary of State Blinken tells CBS News he will travel to Ukraine next week amid rising tensions with Russia," broadcasting company journalist Norah ODonnell wrote in her Twitter account on Thursday.

Simultaneously, CBS aired a fragment of its interview with the top U.S. diplomat where he said that Washington registers that Russia pulled back some of its troops from the Ukrainian border.

"There are more forces amassed on the border with Ukraine than any time since 2014 when Russian actually invaded [the country]. <> What we have seen in the last few days is apparently a decision to pull back some of those forces and weve seen some of them in fact start to pull back," Blinken pointed out.
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The US government is finally set to enforce travel restrictions from India where medics say 30,000 people are dying every single day, bodies are piling up in the streets and three different types of its homegrown variant are ravaging the country.

The ban, which only applies to non-US citizens, won't come into effect until next Tuesday.

The announcement comes two days after the State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory, which is the highest alert of its kind, urging all Americans to leave India if they can because of the current COVID-19 outbreak there.

The alert also advises Americans not to travel to India as the country experiences a catastrophic second wave that is, in part, fueled by a deadly Indian variant known as B.1.617. India saw its deadliest day yet, with more than 3,600 Covid fatalities, on Wednesday. More than 380,000 new infections were reported yesterday.

Until now, there was no word on whether the US government would issue any travel restrictions despite there already being bans in place on the UK, South Africa, Brazil and a number of European countries.

Each day, 14 direct flights are arriving in the US from India, packed with people fleeing a catastrophic second wave.

Passengers flying back into the US from India on Thursday and Friday told DailyMail.com that the majority of their flights were full.

Health chiefs have now split the Indian variant, known as B.1.617, into three distinct variants because it has mutated into similar but genetically different viruses. Early research has suggested the vaccines are effective against B.1.617.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not consider B.1.617 a variant of 'concern,' like the UK, South African or Brazilian variants, or even slightly less worrisome 'variant of interest.' The agency does not publish tracking of B.1.617 variant, likely because it has a nominal presence in the U.S.

The State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory on Wednesday, which is the highest alert of its kind, urging all Americans to leave India if they can because of the current COVID-19 outbreak there. Pictured are passengers arriving in Chicago's O'Hare Airport on Thursday

The State Department put out its Level 4 travel advisory on Wednesday, urging all Americans in India to leave as soon as possible. Passengers arriving on flights from India on Thursday and Friday told DailyMail.com that the majority of their flights were full

A worker is seen turning over the funeral pyres at a crematorium in Delhi last night. The country of 1.4 billion is in the eye of the world's Covid storm, with funeral pyres burning around the clock in Delhi and Mumbai and hospitals under armed guard to protect oxygen supplies

The country is in deep crisis, with hospitals and morgues overwhelmed, medicines and oxygen in short supply and strict curbs on movement in its biggest cities

COUNTRIES ON THE US RESTRICTED LIST UK Brazil Ireland China Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Advertisement

The Indian COVID-19 variant has already been detected in the US with reports of cases in California and Tennessee.

According to Outbreak.info, which compiles information submitted to the international GISAID database of coronavirus genome sequences suggest that the B.1.617 variant represents less than 0.5 percent of US cases.

The site reports three cases identified in Kansas, four in Washington, two in Pennsylvania, seven in New York, four in California and one in Massachusetts.

Back in January, President Joe Biden added South Africa to a list of countries the US is restricting travel from after a COVID-19 variant started spreading rapidly there and was detected in various states.

The US, to date, has not banned flights from countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic but has restricted travel for non-citizens from somewhere the virus, or its variants, were spreading.

The ban prohibits foreigners who have been in a restricted country in the 14 days prior from coming to the US. The restrictions do not apply to American citizens returning to the US.

Other countries on the restricted list include the UK, Brazil, Ireland, China and 26 European countries that are part of the border-free Schengen zone.

They include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

A number of countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Dubai, have all canceled flights from India amid the current outbreak there.

It is not clear if the US plans to cancel flights from India.

There are currently 14 direct flights between India and the US per day.

The CDC issued updated guidance last week that put India on a list of about 100 countries that it recommends Americans should avoid traveling to.

The State Department put out its Level 4 travel advisory on Wednesday, urging all Americans in India to leave as soon as possible.

Those on direct flights from India were spotted arriving in Washington DC, New York and Chicago on Thursday and Friday.

'Flights were completely full because we came from India. Many flights were canceled,' one traveler, who lives in the US, said.

Second only to the US in total infections, India has reported more than 300,000 new cases daily for nine days in a row, hitting another global record of 386,452 on Friday

Total deaths in India have surpassed 200,000 as cities across the country run out of hospital beds, oxygen and medicine

The State Department is now urging US citizens to not travel to India or leave the country if they can amid the country's deepening COVID-19 crisis

According to CDC guidelines, any person flying into the US from another country, including citizens and fully vaccinated people, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result no more than three days before travel

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE INDIA VARIANT? Real name: B.1.617 When and where was it discovered? The variant was first reported by the Indian government in February 2021. But the first cases appear to date back to October 2020. What mutations does it have? It has 13 mutations that separate it from the original 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. Is it more infectious? 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. Advertisement

'India is getting worse day by day. Luckily we came here before the flights are banned.'

Another passenger, who also lives in the US but was visiting family in India, said: 'The airline tickets are skyrocketing. We were trying to get tickets for two hours.'

It came after a warning posted on the US Embassy in India website said some Americans had reported they were being turned away from hospitals in some cities because they are overrun.

'New cases and deaths from COVID-19 have risen sharply throughout India to record levels. COVID-19 testing infrastructure is reportedly constrained in many locations,' the warning said.

'Hospitals are reporting shortages of supplies, oxygen, and beds for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related patients. US citizens are reporting being denied admittance to hospitals in some cities due to a lack of space.

'Some states have enacted curfews and other restrictions that limit movement and the operation of non-essential businesses.'

According to CDC guidelines, any person flying into the US from another country, including citizens and fully vaccinated people, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result no more than three days before travel.

Upon arrival in the US, CDC guidance says unvaccinated people should quarantine for 10 days. They can cut that quarantine time to seven days if they test negative for COVID three to five days after arriving.

Vaccinated travelers should get tested three to five days after travel and monitor their symptoms, according to the CDC.

The TSA announced on Friday that it was extending mask wearing on planes and in airports through September this year.

The situation in India is becoming more dire with the country recording the world's sharpest spike in COVID infections this month that has seen cities run out of hospital beds, oxygen and medicines.

Second only to the US in total infections, India has reported more than 300,000 new cases daily for nine days in a row, hitting another global record of 386,452 on Friday.

Total deaths have surpassed 200,000 and cases are nearing 19 million - nearly 8 million since February alone as virulent new strains have combined with "super-spreader" events such as political rallies and religious festivals.

Medical experts say real numbers may be five to 10 times higher than the official tally.

Scientists are studying what led to an unexpected surge and particularly whether the variant is to blame. The variant has been reported in some 18 countries, raising global concern.

The US told citizens to leave India on any of the 14 daily commercial flights running between the two countries. Pictured is an arrivals boarding showing two flights from Delhi that arrived in Chicago on Thursday

Travelers, including passengers from an Air India flight from New Delhi, arrive at Newark Liberty International on Thursday

Passengers flying back into the US from India on Thursday and Friday told DailyMail.com that the majority of their flights were full

Those on direct flights from India were spotted arriving in Washington DC, New York and Chicago

Prominent US disease modeller Chris Murray, from the University of Washington, told Reuters that the sheer magnitude of infections in India in a short period of time suggests an 'escape variant' may be overpowering any prior immunity from natural infections in those populations.

'That makes it most likely that it's B.1.617,' he said.

Gravediggers in India are working around the clock to bury victims and hundreds more are being cremated in makeshift pyres in parks and parking lots.

The US started sending supplies worth more than $100 million on Thursday, including 1,000 oxygen cylinders, 15 million N95 masks and 1 million rapid diagnostic tests.

The US also has redirected its own order of AstraZeneca manufacturing supplies to India, to allow it to make more than 20 million doses, the White House said.

An ambulance overburdened with Covid victims in Maharashtra state is the latest grim evidence of the carnage unfolding throughout the country of 1.4 billion as a new mutation of the virus rips through the population

A cremation ground in New Delhi is prepared for the mass burning of the bodies of Covid victims

Relatives carry their loved one through a cremation ground in Delhi on April 29. The city is recording an average of 25,000 cases each day and struggling with a critical shortage of oxygen

A US Air Force Super Galaxy military transporter is seen on the tarmac after landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Friday

Patients suffering from the coronavirus disease) receive treatment inside the emergency ward at Holy Family hospital in Delhi

Battling to find hospital beds, distraught people are flooding social media and messaging apps with heartbreaking pleas for oxygen, medicines and room in intensive care units.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Canadians banking on COVID-19 vaccine generosity from their southern neighbours may have to wait a little longer.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the finer details are still being ironed out regarding efforts that would see mandatory quarantining waived for Canadians returning home from getting their jabs across the borders.

Conversations are still very much ongoing around waiving quarantine requirements. Thats something that I think all Canadians have a little concern around, he said during a Friday briefing, while acknowledging that workers such as truck drivers have not required mandatory quarantining upon entering the country.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister said Thursday teachers in his province would be permitted to travel to North Dakota to receive vaccinations following offers from that state, where vaccine doses are in more abundance.

B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said later that same day she has been talking to Washington state about potentials for cross-border vaccination efforts.

We are working to ensure that people get vaccinated right across the country as quickly as possible and well continue those conversations with Manitoba and others, Trudeau said.

Just under 15 million doses of vaccines have been distributed across the country as of Thursday morning.

The country is due to accept more than two million doses weekly from Pfizer beginning next week, with regular deliveries scheduled through to the end of June.

B.C. is due to receive between 275,000 and 329,000 doses weekly during that same period for a total of 2,741,310 doses.

So far, 1,659,079 British Columbians  or 39% of the eligible population of 4.3 million people  have received at least one dose, while 90,296 have received second doses.

Nearly 136,000 Moderna Inc. (NYSE:MRNA) doses are due to arrive in B.C. the week of May 10 as the country awaits updates about the pharmaceutical companys delivery schedule.

Its unclear how many of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) doses will be allocated to B.C. after the first delivery of 300,000 doses arrived in Canada earlier this week.

There are not presently any additional scheduled deliveries of the AstraZeneca plc vaccine.

With more than 4.5 million doses due to arrive in B.C. by the end of June, health officials will be ramping up second doses for British Columbians.
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The on Friday raised question marks over the Centres Covid-19 policy and said it should not leave the vaccine pricing and distribution to the manufactures.

The top court also said the manufacturers could not be allowed to decide which state should get how much quota, and that the Centre should procure it from them and distribute it to the states.

Whether the procurement is for the central government or the states, it is ultimately meant for the citizens. Why must we not adopt the model of the National Immunisation Programme? the court said, according to legal news portal LiveLaw.in.

Why can't the Centre acquire 100 per cent, identify the manufacturers and negotiate with them and then distribute to the states? We are talking about the centralisation of the procurement and the decentralisation of the distribution.



Terming the second wave of Covid-19 as a national crisis, the court warned authorities against silencing people and their pleas for help on the presumption that they were raising false grievances on the internet. The court made it clear that any attempt to clamp down on the free flow of information on social media, including the call for help from people, would be treated as contempt of court.

There should be a free flow of information; we should hear voices of citizens. This is a national crisis. There should not be any presumption that the grievances raised on the internet are always false. Let a strong message be sent to all the DGPs that there should not be any kind of clampdown, a Bench said.

The court's observations assume significance following the recent decision of the Uttar Pradesh administration to prosecute people under the National Security Act for allegedly raising false alarms on social media. The court also pulled up the Centre for not ensuring continuous supply of oxygen to Delhi and said you cannot sit tight and do nothing. My conscience is shaken. We cannot have 500 deaths on our hands. You have to do something urgently and supply deficit 200 mt oxygen to Delhi. Not all deaths in the hospitals here were due to oxygen shortage, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated, to which the Bench said that the Centre had a Constitutional obligation towards Delhi, which is the face of the country.

The remarks were made by the court during the hearing of a suo motu case for ensuring essential supplies and services during the pandemic. The Bench also pulled up the Delhi government and said, There should not be any political bickering. The Delhi government has to cooperate with the Centre to deal with the situation. Politics is for election but here at this time of humanitarian crisis; each and every life needs to be saved. The apex court suggested that hostels, temples, churches and other places be opened for converting them as Covid care centres. The court also said off-the-cuff remarks by high courts should be avoided and judges should maintain some judicial restraint.
Elvis Presley is known for his iconic outfits. For example, his his collars are famous to this day. His girlfriend, Linda Thompson, explained he dressed this way because of something his parents said to him.

Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

How Elvis Presleys parents made him self-conscious about a part of his body

After Elvis and Priscilla Presley separated and divorced, the former became involved with Linda Thompson, the former Miss Tennessee. Thompson gives a glimpse of all things Elvis in her book, A Little Thing Called Life. She describes much about her personal time with him as well as his onstage persona. Thompson said he sometimes spoke baby talk.

One time, he asked her Mommy, you know these high-collared outfits, and shirts and suits that I wear? Thomspon replied in the affirmative. He told her he always turned his collars up, even in his early career.

Elvis Presley with girlfriend Linda Thompson | Tom Wargacki/WireImage

RELATED: Ann-Margret Once Revealed That She and Elvis Presley Didnt Say a Word When They Listened to 1 Song  We Didnt Have To

Everybody thinks I did that because I think Im cool, he explained. Its really because when I was a little shaver, and I was sitting at the kitchen table, my mama and daddy used to come by and say, Look at that little chicken neck. Look at that little scrawny neck.

Elvis reveals he was always self-conscious about his neck as a result of his parents comments. He told Thompson The people dont understand that but you know because Im telling you. Thompson writes Elvis turning up his collar probably started the world-wide fad  all because he found his neck embarrassing.

Elvis Presley | NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

RELATED: Elvis Presley Tried to Bulldoze a House  Heres What Happened Next

Who designed Elvis Presleys high collared outfits?

This raises an interesting question  who was the designer of the famed high collared outfits? According to the Los Angeles Times, costume designer Bill Belew was behind the high collars. Belew began working with Elvis for his 1968 comeback TV special.

Belew said Elvis was a great person to dress. He had a terrific build at that point. Belew created the iconic leather outfit Elvis wore on the show. Belew actually had to help remove it off the King because he was so soaked in sweat.

Trying To Get To You from the 68 Comeback Special

RELATED: Harry Styles Once Discussed His Connection to Elvis Presley Music, Losing the Role of the King of Rock n Roll

Belew continued working with Elvis upon the latters return to Las Vegas in 1969. Belews goal was to create something the performer could easily move around in. The result were famous jumpsuits with the high collars, capes, and wide belts. Elvis joked at his concert in 1970 at the International Hotel If the songs dont go over, we can do a medley of costumes. The King of Rock n Rolls parents made him very self-conscious  and that helped him become a fashion icon.

RELATED: Elvis Presleys Former Bodyguard Once Claimed the King of Rock and Roll Had a Strict Rule About Priscilla Presley  And Those Who Broke It Got the Third Degree
I confess that like most Americans, I had no interest in watching Joe Biden's nonState of the Union address to a mostly empty House chamber hosting a joint session of Congress. That's why I missed a golden moment during the commentary afterward on Fox News Channel, one that surely stands as what the progressives like to call a "Profile in Courage."

You may have noticed that in recent weeks, FNC has been trying out various personalities from its stable of commentators as hosts of Fox News Primetime that airs in the 7 P.M. Eastern timeslot, the lead-in to Tucker Carlson's program, its (and cable news's) ratings leader. I presume that the personality who does what the executives deem the best job, or maybe gets the highest ratings, or the highest Q Score, will be rewarded with hosting duties on a regular basis. This would be a Very Big Deal for the person snagging the honor. Last week, the host of the program was Ben Domenech, co-founder of The Federalist.

With a potential plum like that a possibility, Domenech deserves a lot of credit for responding to Chris Wallace's praise for Biden's speech the way he did. I don't know why FNC regards Wallace so highly, but he does host Fox News Sunday and virtually always serves as a commentator after major political events. Somebody up there (on the executive floors of FNC) likes him.

Watch the 2-minute video embedded below while you can. It is quite obviously an unauthorized recording of the segment, shot by a camera recording a TV screen, and therefore subject to being pulled down for copyright reasons.

I found the clip via Ace, who found it at a site that is new to me: Love Breeds Accountability, which called it a "Master Class In Speaking Truth To Power As Ben Domenech Exposes Chris Wallace's Journalism Grift."

Wallace had just finished his regular routine of pretending to be totally oblivious to the lavish praise he heaps on America Lasters and the seething hatred he harbors for America Firsters. This time around, specifically, he was pretending to be really surprised at just how well he thinks Biden's speech went (shocker!), and how well he truly believes in his heart of hearts it will be received by the American people (shocker!). (snip) BlueAnon conspiracy theorist and America Last propagandist, Chris Wallace, wanted Fox News viewers to believe that Biden's speech was really something uniquely remarkable that will be remembered as such and well-received by an American public that's eager for what Demented Joe is selling. That's the reality that legacy news media propagandists like Chris Wallace are circling the wagons to convince Americans is the truth. But Ben Domenech, publisher of The Federalist and all-around baller, has a little something to say about Chris Wallace's history of "waxing eloquently" over Joe Biden speeches, alongside Wallace's record of getting so many things so spectacularly wrong.

Photo credit: YouTube screen grab.
AstraZeneca boss Pascal Soriot has hit back at critics in Brussels who complained about jab shortages, saying the business had 'done its best'.

He said Astrazeneca had been instrumental in getting vaccines to India and denied that the company had 'overpromised' in Europe, adding that 'we never pretended that we were going to be perfect'.

The French businessman, who has been holed up at his family home in Australia since Christmas, has faced attacks from the EU and various European governments over Astrazeneca's vaccine delivery.

Fighting talk: Pascal Soriot has faced attacks from the EU and various European governments over Astrazeneca's vaccine delivery

The EU, backed by all 27 member states, is taking legal action against the London-listed company for not respecting their contract to deliver 300million doses.

Soriot, 61, said that he was 'sorry' he had not been able to deliver as many jabs to Europe as expected, but that manufacturing the shots was a complicated business. He added: 'We never overpromised, we communicated what we thought we would achieve at the time.'

Soriot said that at the start of the pandemic 'everybody was talking about 120, 130 vaccines in development  we forget that. But where are all those vaccines? They're nowhere'. Astrazeneca has committed to making no profit from the vaccine during the pandemic, meaning the drug maker is likely to be supplying one of the only jabs to poorer countries.

Soriot said: 'We have made an enormous difference. A lot of people are very thankful. Would I have preferred to make a bigger difference? Of course. But at the end of the day, we did our best.'

The anger from the EU, which is set to receive 50million doses of the Astrazeneca vaccine by the end of April, comes even as several European countries have suspended use of the jab.

Denmark has stopped the rollout entirely, over blood clot fears, while Germany has limited use in the under-60s.

Some shareholders were miffed that Soriot chose to stay in Australia for the last several months, claiming that he may have handled the communications disaster better if he had been closer to colleagues in Europe.

On a video-streamed shareholder engagement call, he admitted: 'It's clear we have more to do in terms of communication and we need to make sure people know what we're doing.'

Share price: Astrazeneca shares rose 4.3% last night

But on a call with journalists, he brushed off suggestions that his decision to stay in Australia affected this.

He said: 'My life has been spent around 80 per cent on video over the past couple of years, because I manage a global network and have a team based in Sweden, Cambridge, the US, China.

'We've learned to work remotely, even more so, which by the way helps us to reduce our carbon footprint, so working digitally is certainly something we'll do even more in the future.'

Soriot, a father of two, is expected to return to Britain this month.

Astrazeneca shares rose 4.3 per cent last night.
JFS Orlando gives a warm welcome to their new Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry Assistant, Cameron Saldate.

As JFS Orlando's Pantry assistant, Saldate comes in three times a week to assist with the day-to-day operations of the Pantry, including maintaining inventory, processing food orders and donations, stocking the Pantry, and serving clients.

When asked about how his time at JFS Orlando has been so far, he said, "It's been great! Everyone is very welcoming, and it definitely feels like a family of sorts. It's great because if you have a great environment to work in, you're going to want to...
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 16:23:34|Editor: huaxia

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DHAKA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese telecoms giant Huawei has started a special event titled "Huawei Carrier Congress 2021" in Bangladesh with industry stakeholders from the country and elsewhere in the South Asia region.

The event was virtually inaugurated Thursday by Mustafa Jabbar, Bangladeshi minister of Posts and Telecommunications.

The congress which will last until almost the end of May aims to exchange views about technology trends and other aspects that may influence the tech world in the coming days.

Various MNOs (mobile network operators), including the telecom operators, partners, regulators, think-tanks, academia, from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal are expected to join this event in the next few days virtually, and also physically while maintaining precautions for COVID-19, a Huawei statement said.

As a global provider of ICT infrastructure, Huawei says it is committed to helping the industry expand the boundaries of their business and look for new paths that will ensure growth.

To explore these opportunities and more, Huawei said the event has been arranged where participants and discussants will exchange views about technology trends and business solutions.

In his speech as the chief guest, Bangladeshi Minister Mustafa Jabbar said they have established telecom industry as a significant sector of the country.

"And now we are relishing the outcomes of the direction we took."

In his welcome speech, Edward Zhou, vice president of Huawei's Global Public Affairs, said, "Bangladesh has our sincere commitment with our utmost capabilities and dedication to the digital journey of this country.

About the event, he said, "Huawei Carrier Congress will be showcasing almost all the latest solutions and ways of digital transformation around the globe and intensify the growth opportunity of ICT in Bangladesh.

"It can work as a bridge for collaborative and common understanding among the regulator, operators, and other business industry players."

Inspired by the theme "Lighting up the Future," the event will shed light on issues related to intelligent networks, the foundation for digital services, among others. Enditem
[April 30, 2021] GlossWire Partners with Cancer Cartel in the Battle Against Cancer

GlossWire CEO and Founder Kimberly Carney's commitment to connecting philanthropy to the beauty industry has been core to the DNA of the platform since day one. For the month of May, GlossWire will donate $1.00 USD for every download of the GlossWire mobile app to Seattle-based Cancer Cartel in support of their mission to provide financial relief for those fighting cancer by encouraging individuals to clean out their closets, allowing fashion and beauty to help fund the fight. "GlossWire is committed to supporting causes that strengthen the wellbeing of our communities and bring people together. I am proud to partner with the Cancer Cartel and support their efforts to help raise funds for a disease that impacts the lives of far too many people," stated Kimberly Carney, Founder & CEO of GlossWire. "As GlossWire further accelerates its philanthropic arm, joining forces with organizations such as the Cancer Cartel is central to our mission. Giving back by continuing to fuse together beauty and philanthropy is central to who we are." Recently launched GlossWire is a two-sided global marketplace offering a one-stop solution for personalization, innovation and real-time insights for the beauty industry. For the consumer, GlossWire offers organic discovery of worldwide beauty dedicated to curation, education and community through the same compelling experience. Beauty brands can leverage that feedback to further expand their offering to consumers to streamline their strategies and improve margins. "As the beauty industry evolves in the new D2C world, brands don't always have the same access and sales distribution platform as mass conglomerates," stated Karolina Kurkova, Supermodel and Co-Founder of Gryph + Ivy Rose and Co-Founder of Karolina Kurkova and Billie Blooms Masks for All Initiative. "A platform like GlossWire is so essential to two of the brands I am involved with: Gryph & Ivy Rose and the Karolina Kurkova x Billie Blooms Masks for All collaboration. Both Brands have limited access to global distribution channels with a well-established consumer base and I am thrilled to have them in the GlossWire marketplace."



Cancer Cartel allows generous individuals to help fund the organization's mission by collecting and donating high-end women's clothing, shoes, bags and accessories, which are resold on Cancer Cartel's website. Additionally, Cancer Cartel partners with fashion and beauty brands on mission-centric exclusive collaborations and has its own branded clothing and accessories line with 100% of the profits going back to the initiative. "At GlossWire, we seek to transform the beauty industry through innovative solutions while making a positive impact philanthropically," further stated Carney. "Cancer Cartel has created a way to be of service that resonates with our consumer who is passionate about discovery in the beauty space." "Our GlossWire consumers are looking to give back and make a difference every day while accomplishing their essential tasks," stated Samantha Yanks, Vice President of Brand Strategy at GlossWire. "As we look at our core partnership with Cancer Cartel and their give-back program, the synergy between our two organizations is clear. Providing financial resources and relief to those who are fighting cancer is at the root cause of our team."

With their deep and personal roots in the fight against cancer, Cancer Cartel's three founders Kerry Solmonsen, Katy Tinney and Shelly Tinney-Miller have all battled different types of the disease and embraced their journeys creating a life-saving nonprofit. "We're grateful to partner with GlossWire on this incredible give-back campaign for a cause that so profoundly impacts the lives of women," stated the founders of Cancer Cartel. "We deeply understand the people we are trying to help, and our dedication is unmatched. We all three have firsthand knowledge of the financial impact created by cancer. Cancer Cartel is a true grass-roots organization with our goal to give away 100% of raised funds directly to people fighting cancer. They need us now more than ever." To donate $1.00 USD to Cancer Cartel, download the GlossWire mobile apps by visiting the GlossWire App Store and Google Play Store. About GlossWire GlossWire's recently launched app and web-based shopping platform provides its portfolio of beauty brands real-time insight into consumer shopping behavior patterns. A two-sided global marketplace, GlossWire's B2B data hub aims to navigate consumer demand and increase profitability. For Consumers, the B2C shopping side is powered by consumer preferences using personalization to connect consumers to brands. Giving beauty brands real-time valuable insights through a fun and seamless experience for users is what makes the GlossWire platform the digital front runner in real-time consumer global business intelligence. The company is owned by Fashwire, Inc. and has raised $ 3M (News - Alert) to date and is backed by a range of all-star private angel investors in the beauty, fashion and tech spaces. For more information, visit www.glosswire.com. About Cancer Cartel: Cancer Cartel was founded with the important mission to provide financial resources and relief to those fighting cancer. Those in the fight should be able to focus 100% on getting well, not how much cancer is costing them. Cancer Cartel funds their mission by collecting and selling donated, luxury designer handbags, shoes, jewelry, clothing and accessories on their website and at events. Cancer Cartel also has a branded clothing line which donates 100% of the profit back to our initiative. The organization accepts monetary donations and funds their operation with grants from community foundations and individual donors. From gas money to groceries, power bills to mortgage payments, Cancer Cartel is cleaning up the cost of cancer. Cancer Cartel's three female founders Kerry Solmonsen, Katy Tinney and Shelley Tinney-Miller are all cancer survivors and activists. Learn more, make a donation and get involved at cancercartel.com. Important Note to Editors: Please use any part of this announcement with our compliments and full permission. We require that you credit us as the source and convey our name as GlossWire. You may also direct your audience to our website glosswire.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005480/en/

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Jihadism leads French military officers to suggest coup against Macron

The "laxism" of President Macron's government toward the threat of jihad from Muslim extremists has led hundreds of French military officers, including 20 retired generals to write an open letter to French President Macron suggesting the military should oust his government if it continues to fail to act. Eighteen serving officers signed the letter and all were fired from their positions. The letter was organized by retired French Corps General Christian Piquemal.

The letter gained support among some political leaders including Rachida Dati, Mayor of Paris' 7th arrondissement. Mayor Dati, who was raised in a strict Muslim household herself, and served as Justice Minister (equivalent to Attorney General is the US) in the government of immediate past French President Sarkozy, warned that France was "plagued by urban guerrilla warfare" and faced "a very regular and very high terrorist threat."

France has a presidential election next year, and polls are showing Marine LePen, leader of the populist nationalist anti-immigration National Rally leading incumbent center-left President Macron
Chandigarh, April 30 : Ruling out a complete lockdown in the state for now, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday directed the Deputy Commissioners of the six worst-affected districts to further tighten the micro-containment strategy and ensure 100 per cent testing.

Lockdown is not a solution, as it will lead to exodus of labourers and force them to go to states with even lesser medical facilities, said Amarinder Singh, as he directed the district administrations to enforce all restrictions strictly and to stop dine-in facility in all high positivity areas, with Covid testing of staff in restaurants by the health department.

Urging the industry to set up its own Covid treatment centres and makeshift hospitals, he stressed on teamwork to fight the battle. He also directed the Chief Secretary to look into encouraging retired doctors and nurses, along with final year MBBS students, to rejoin for handling facilities and suggested setting up of temporary healthcare facilities in halls and gymnasiums, etc.

The Chief Minister was chairing a virtual emergency meeting to review the Covid situation in the six worst hit districts of Ludhiana, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Jalandhar, Bathinda, Patiala and Amritsar.

Expressing concern over the fewer number of containment zones in Mohali and two other districts that were among the most badly hit six districts, the Chief Minister ordered steps to strengthen the containment and testing mechanism.

Micro-containment strategy must be strictly implemented and encouraged, he said, directing all district officers to give this their highest priority to control the spread.

Even as he appreciated the good work being done by the officers despite these challenging times, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the fact that 14 districts in the state currently had over 10 per cent positivity rate, while five had more than 60 per cent bed occupancy.

A prefabricated 100-bed hospital will come up at Mohali and a 250 bedded temporary hospital is being set up near the Bathinda refinery, with oxygen supply from the refinery, he said, urging all departments to be prepared for the peak and identify areas in the various districts for establishment of temporary hospitals.

Taking note of the shortage of Fateh Kits, mainly on account of lack of oxymeters, he acceded to the Chief Secretary's suggestion to request recovered patients to return their oxymeters for use in kits after proper sanitisation.

K.K. Talwar, who heads the Covid expert group advising the state, said all hospitals had been provided detailed guidelines to check oxygen wastage.

Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan said the Panjab University in Chandigarh has been advised not to hold senate elections at present in view of the grave situation.

Earlier, Health Secretary Hussan Lal, in a brief presentation, pointed to the rising positivity and case fatality ratio, and said Punjab's positivity rate currently stood at 12 per cent, with Mohali district reporting the highest rate at 22.9 per cent.

Mohali district has been showing 90 per cent bed occupancy, the meeting was informed, with Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan disclosing that a large number of patients had come from Delhi-NCR.

With other regions in the tri-city not agreeing to a weekend lockdown, the situation was grim, he added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
"It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world"...

Yes! That's the name of a movie I watched on television recently. It starred many, many, many, many (I got carried away) Jewish comedians.

To name but a few, Leonard Hacker was one. (You may have known him as Buddy Hackett. Brooklyn born (like me), he died in 2003.

Also, Milton Berle, Sid Caeser, Carl Reiner and Phil Silvers (to name a few more) ... all from either Manhattan, Brooklyn or the Bronx. (of course!)

(What talent! What great comedy minds! Will there ever be more like them?)

Strong Partnership ...

I read this in a recent issue of the World Jewi...
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Three scoring systems used in hospital intensive care units to predict risk of death overestimate it for Hispanic and African Americans, a new study finds. This could potentially affect the care patients receive when resources are scarce, as has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The widely used scoring systems were "imperfect" for all patients and tended to overpredict the risk of death in general, the study found. But this was particularly true for Black and Hispanic patients, prompting the researchers to urge "extreme caution" in using the results for individual patient care decisions.

"Our finding is a bit inconvenient for those who use these systems for risk adjustment," said researcher Dr. David J. Stone, of UVA's Departments of Anesthesiology and Neurosurgery and the Center for Advanced Medical Analytics. "But the data were quite clear, and our major take-home point is that these supposedly objective tools should not be used to make clinical care or triage decisions for individual patients."

Intensive Care Scoring Systems

Stone and colleagues evaluated three different severity scoring systems used in hospital ICUs: Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Iva, or APACHE Iva; Oxford Acute Severity of Illness Score, or OASIS; and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, or SOFA.

To determine if the systems were susceptible to ethnicity-based bias, the researchers analyzed patient scoring information from two large ICU databases. These databases include de-identified information on more than 166,000 ICU patients in the United States between 2001 and 2015.

The authors found that all the scores demonstrate a degree of ethnic bias in their standardized mortality-ratio calibrations in that there was a consistent pattern of overprediction of mortality for African American and Hispanic patients (compared to Asian and white patients). If these scores were used for purposes of triage for individual patients, African American and Hispanic patients could be unfairly denied appropriate access to ICU beds, ventilators and other such resources.

"Extreme care must be taken in the application of current scoring systems for triage decisions in individual patients," they write, "if they are to be used at all for these purposes in their present states."

UVA's Call to Action

The authors go on to call for improved scoring systems that are more useful for making treatment decisions for individual patients. These systems, they say, need to better reflect the communities ICUs serve and the patients they treat. "Our detection of inadvertent, but undeniable, bias in severity scores would seem to indicate that it is time to develop scoring systems that are more precise than the current one-size-fits-all systems," they write. "Incorporating precise socioeconomic and geographical parameters, along with a set of specific biomarkers for a given disease, into future prediction models might make such models less biased and more robust."

In addition to the potential effect on individual patients, the scoring systems may be giving a flawed impression of how well ICUs are serving their patients in general, the researchers say. An ICU with a predominantly Black patient population, for example, could appear to be outperforming expectations if fewer patients die than predicted. This could ultimately feed into incorrect assumptions about health disparities and undermine medical research.

"This was not a case of bias in terms of the designs of the scoring systems. We do not know exactly why these findings occurred, but suspect they are a result of pre-existing socio-economic and long-term health care issues that are not taken into account by the score input values," Stone said. "We don't currently have the pre-admission data to analyze this hypothesis, but as medicine becomes increasingly digitized, such data will become increasingly available.

"The lesson is, don't assume that tools like these are 100% objective and complete, because they only capture one small snapshot of an evolving and dynamic clinical and human situation."

The researchers have published their findings in The Lancet Digital Health.

Explore further Racial bias in mortality prediction scores could divert critical care resources away from Black patients

More information: Rahuldeb Sarkar et al. Performance of intensive care unit severity scoring systems across different ethnicities in the USA: a retrospective observational study, The Lancet Digital Health (2021). Rahuldeb Sarkar et al. Performance of intensive care unit severity scoring systems across different ethnicities in the USA: a retrospective observational study,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/S2589-7500(21)00022-4
Two teenagers have been charged with assault after a 74-year-old pensioner was kicked into the River Mersey.

The pensioner had been magnet fishing when youths kicked him into the water at the riverbank in Warrington at around 2:30pm Sunday afternoon, leaving him with cuts to his face.

Benjamin Bridgeman, 18, was charged with assault by beating after handing himself in at a police station on Wednesday.

Another teen, a 15-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with common assault after handing himself in on Thursday.

Youths targeted the elderly gentleman as he was fishing on the banks of the famous waterway in Warrington on Sunday afternoon

This is the moment a gang of feral schoolboys pushed a 74-year-old pensioner into the freezing River Mersey

Both are due to appear at Warrington Magistrates Court on May 19.

A 15-year-old who was arrested on Wednesday has been released with no further action for the assault. He is under investigation for the offence of possession with intent to supply cannabis.

An image taken from a video of the incident shows a boy charging into the back of the man as he is fishing, catapulting the pensioner into the river.

As the 74-year-old pensioner floundered in the waters the cowardly trio ran away, laughing at the assault.

Friends Khloe Woods (right) and Ellie Hughes (left), both 14, heard the man's cries for help

Friends Khloe Woods and Ellie Hughes, both 14, heard the man's cries for help and immediately formed a human chain to pull the pensioner out of the freezing water.

The daughter of the victim, Jacinta, told MailOnline that she plans to take the two brave girls 'for coffee and cakes this weekend' to say thank you.

Jacinta said: 'They literally saved him, held his head out of the water and struggled to pull him out whilst his down jacket filled with water.'

She added: 'It has been really hard for the family to be honest, my father goes fishing almost daily along various rivers in Warrington and I fear it will stop him living his normal daily life now from fear.

As well as being shaken up by the incident the pensioner, who does not wish to be named, lost a 'silver dollar keyring' in the river, which was his only connection to his father he never knew

'He has been in real shock since and according to my brother been crying since.

'He recounted the story to us and was in floods of tears saying how he thought he was going to die.

'At first he didn't know what had happened, he thought he had had a heart attack and didn't know what was going on he'd gone in head first.'

As well as being shaken up by the incident the pensioner, who does not wish to be named, lost a 'silver dollar keyring' in the river, which was his only connection to his father who he never knew.

The daughter said: 'It's a really little thing but sad, my dad never knew his father but had a silver dollar from him that he had made into a keyring.

'He has kept the all his life and it's the only thing he has that is a connection to him and he has lost it in the river.'
Nature & Weather, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases, Politics

By Chris Boyle Published: April 30 2021

The Green Key Card will cost $15 for all Healthcare workers.

Recently, the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously passed Legislation aimed to thank Healthcare workers for all they have done for the residents of Suffolk County throughout the pandemic. IR 1174 Introduced by Freshman Legislator Anthony Piccirillo of Holtsville, and co-sponsored by more than five Legislators reduces the Green Key card rate for Suffolk County parks and beaches for Healthcare workers who reside in Suffolk County. The Legislation reduces the Green Key rate by 50% for those who are Healthcare workers. Healthcare workers in Suffolk County have gone above and beyond over this past year putting their health and mental well being on the line for our residents, this is just a small gesture to say thank you said Legislator Piccirillo.

The Green Key Card will cost $15 for all Healthcare workers. The reduced rate will for a one period from May 1st, 2021 to April 30th, 2022. Each Green Key is valid for three years and can be acquired by going to one of the designated County Parks sites and showing a valid work id. Healthcare workers have worked exceptionally hard under difficult circumstances, and I hope they accept this small gesture as a token of our appreciation said the Legislator. As the weather begins to get warmer, I hope that all of our healthcare workers in Suffolk County will take advantage of this program and explore our county parks and beaches added the Legislator.

In addition to this bill, Legislator Piccirillo sponsored two bills aimed to honor Healthcare workers. Earlier this year he passed a bill to honor Healthcare workers from each Legislative District every year during the June General Meeting. In 2020, Legislator Piccirillo passed legislation designating June in Suffolk County as Healthcare Heroes Month. On every June 8th, the H. Lee Dennison Building is lit up blue in Honor of all of the sacrifices healthcare workers have made during the coronavirus. While we were told to stay home these heroes went to work everyday and put themselves and their families in harms way. I sincerely thank all of our healthcare professionals and appreciate all that they have done and continue to do for us said Piccirillo.
Evangelist Franklin Graham criticized Joe Biden on his statements during the joint session of the 117th United States Congress, saying that the very problem former President Donald Trump was aiming to eradicate is actually what's currently ruling the nation.

In his Facebook post, Rev. Graham articulated his concern over the emergence of socialism and warned about its devastating effect on the country and its economy.

"As President Biden was giving his speech last night, I couldn't help but think that the swamp has won. When President Trump came into office, he said he was going to drain the swamp. Well, sadly, it looks like the swamp rules," Graham began.

Metro News explained that Mr. Trump used the phrase "drain the swamp" to describe his plan of fixing problems in the federal government.

The evangelist further said that America enjoyed the "strongest economy" it ever had "in more than 50 years" in just first two years of Trump's presidency.

He also took note of the current administration's plan to spend much money on rebuilding the country. Rev. Graham pointed out that in accordance with his observation, the country does not need to be rebuilt.

"President Biden and the Democrats are proposing a once-in-a-lifetime spending frenzy to rebuild our country. I've flown from coast to coast and have driven from coast to coast, and I wasn't aware that America needed rebuilding."

He is concerned that the plan to spend such large amount of federal fund, supported by lawmakers, would be disastrous to the nation's economy.

"Unfortunately, most of our representatives in Congress will probably go along with it, and this kind of spending will eventually be devastating for our economy and our nation."

Rev. Graham offered an advice, stating that in order for the United States to prosper, the government must "stay out of the way".

He also observed that America is now turning into a socialist government.

"What we are witnessing firsthand is the onset of socialism, where those in leadership want to teach Americans to look to the government to meet all of their needs. It just doesn't work that way."

The evangelist highlighted that the nation was built on hard work and by the grace of God. He said that people must turn to God for help and not from the government.

"This great nation was built on hard work and sacrifice-and most importantly, by the grace and blessing of Almighty God. We need to look at Him for help, not to the government. Pray for our nation and our leaders," he concluded.

Rev. Graham has a legitimate reason to be concerned about socialism. The fall of Venezuela, once known as South America's wealthiest country, is a cautionary example of socialism's danger.

The poverty that hit Venezuela was believed to be the consequence of the socialist policies that were put in place by former president Hugo Chavez and his successor, current president Nicolas Maduro.

Chavez implemented three policies that were blamed to have caused the country's current crisis. These include nationalization of private industries, currency and price controls, and "fiscally irresponsible" welfare program expansion.
The Army has fired the commander of Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington after the completion of an investigation into undisclosed allegations against him.

Col. Christopher Warner, who has been suspended from the job since Oct. 5, was "officially relieved" March 1 by Lt. Gen. Randy George, commander of I Corps, Lt. Col. Neil Penttila said in an Army statement.

George ordered the investigation "when allegations came to light in late September 2020 that were unrelated to Madigan, its personnel, or JBLM," Penttilla said.

Penttilla would not release further details about the allegations against Warner because of privacy concerns.

Read Next: Pentagon Preparing for Taliban Attacks During US Withdrawal

The News Tribune first reported this story.

Col. Scott Roofe is serving as the acting Madigan commander and will continue in that capacity, according to Penttilla said in the statement.

On Wednesday, 10th Mountain Division Maj. Gen. Brian J. Mennes fired the Fort Drum, New York unit's 1st Brigade Combat Team commander for alleged misconduct.

Col. J.T. Eldridge was relieved "due to a loss in trust in his ability to command." Fort Drum officials would not discuss the allegations against Eldridge but said they were not connected to an equal opportunity complaint, allegations of sexual misconduct or a toxic work environment.

Lt. Col. Dwight Towler, commander of the 10th Brigade Support Battalion, is assuming command of the 1st BCT until a permanent replacement has been chosen.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Related: Fort Drum Commander Fired over Alleged Misconduct
The gunman who opened fire outside of Brooklyn's famed Peter Luger Steakhouse during a family feud Thursday night has been charged with two counts of attempted murder.

Arkies Sommerville, 24, walked out of the restaurant after fighting with one of the 11 people at his table and allegedly opened fire from the sidewalk, hitting two innocent diners in the cross fire, the NYPD said.

He was arrested a few blocks away from the steakhouse on Bedford Avenue and S. 10 Street and was in the hospital Friday morning for an 'unknown reason,' according to the NYPD, which delayed the formal charges.

In addition to the attempted murder charges, he was also charged with two counts of criminal use of a firearm and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.

The gunshots sent diners scrambling. Travis, a diner from Arizona, told The New Daily News that when shots rang out, 'People hit the ground and were crawling on top of one another.'

This is the scene the morning after a shooter opened firing outside of Brooklyn's popular Peter Luger Steakhouse, hitting two innocent diners in the cross fire

The scene outside Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn is a lot quieter Friday morning following Thursday night's shooting created a chaotic scene

Police tape is pictured outside the famed Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn

Thursday's shooting saw two innocent bystanders injured, when a family feud spilled over at the Williamsburg restaurant, which opened in 1887.

The gunfire broke out at about 9:45pm - before the rowing family members had even eaten their food, The New York Post reported.

Two diners at a table of 11 got into a heated argument, and one of them, later identified as Sommerville, allegedly pulled a gun and started firing.

Instead of hitting his target, two men eating outside were hit - a 30-year-old struck in the shoulder and a 57-year-old hit in the stomach.

Both men were taken to Bellevue Hospital, where they were expected to survive, the paper reported.

With servers and customers ducking for cover, someone inside the steakhouse called 911, and police officers monitoring a nearby anti-police demonstration responded in seconds.

The gunman was arrested with the help of his cousin, who identified him.

The gun was recovered from a garbage can around the block, on South 10th Street, police said.

Police are seen outside the restaurant following the shooting in Brooklyn on Thursday

Thursday's shooting outside the upscale Brooklyn restaurant comes amid a surge in gun violence in New York City following the bloodiest week so far this year, with 50 people shot across the city.

That is a 257 per cent spike from the same time last year, when the pandemic forced New Yorkers into their homes.

Last weekend, 31 people were wounded and six were killed in 28 shootings.

Earlier this month, a concerned Brooklyn mother called Nicole confronted the mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, during a radio phone-in about shootings, and asked him: 'What's being done?'

The mayor blamed COVID-19 for the crime spike, saying: 'I think it comes back to this horrible combination of things we saw, you know, people didn't have jobs, almost a million people lost their jobs, schools were closed, houses of worship were closed. Things really were falling apart.'

De Blasio shifted to the focus to the city's reopening measures, which he says will cut crime as people return to work.

He also cited his 'community based solutions to gun violence' and two anti-gun crime initiatives, called Cure Violence Movement and Crisis Management System.

New York City has seen 257 per cent spike in gun violence from the same time last year

CURE's website claims it 'leverages young men of color' to act as 'credible messengers of an anti-violence message' in areas hit hard by gun crime.

Crisis Management System deploys mediators to try and cool down brewing conflicts before they spill into violence, and connect 'high risk individuals' to services aimed at stopping them from offending.

De Blasio oversaw in June a $1 billion reduction in New York Police Department's $6 billion budget, at the height of the 'defund the police' protests.

The deal involved moving school safety agents, who are unarmed but wear police uniforms, into the Department of Education; canceling a July class of roughly 1,100 police recruits; and shifting certain homeless outreach operations away from police control.

Critics say it has made the city less safe.

De Blasio has been met with widespread disdain by New York's officers, and will complete his second and final term as mayor in office in November.
English Lithuanian

The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Grigeo AB (trading code GRG1L, ISIN code LT0000102030, hereinafter - the Company) was held on 30 April 2021. The rights accounting day of the shareholders of the General Meeting of Shareholders is 14 May 2021. The proprietary rights will be held by the persons who, at the close of the tenth working day after the General Meeting of Shareholders which adopted the appropriate decision, i.e. on 14 May 2021, will be the shareholders of the Company. Proceeding from the above, the ex-date is 13 May 2021. From that date the new owner of the shares, which were acquired on stock exchange with settlement cycle of T+2, is not entitled to dividends for the year 2020, as well as not entitled to the newly issued ordinary shares.

The Company will pay dividends allocated by the decision of the General Meeting of Shareholders of 30 April 2021, i.e. EUR 7 884 thousand for total volume of shares in the amount of 65,700,000 (what makes EUR 0.12 per share) starting from 24 May 2021.

From 24 May 2021 the dividends are paid out in the following order:

to the shareholders, whose shares of the Company are accounted by a financial brokerage company or credit institutions, which provide securities accounting services, the dividend amount, after deduction of Personal or Corporate withholding income tax applicable by the laws of Lithuania, will be transferred to the shareholders accounts held with a respective financial brokerage company or credit institution;

to the shareholders, whose shares of the Company on behalf of the Company are accounted by the authorised custodian, the dividend amount, after deduction of Personal or Corporate withholding income tax applicable by the laws of Lithuania, will be transferred to the shareholders account (IBAN) at bank or financial institution as indicated by the shareholders (requests with account indications should be submitted to any branch of Siauliu bankas AB)

Gintautas Pangonis

President of Grigeo AB

+370 5 243 5801
Pool/Getty Images

At 26.9 million, President Joe Biden's first address to Congress was the smallest audience since at least 1993, but San Antonio was watching.

Mike Mulvihill, executive vice president and head of strategy and analytics at Fox Sports, shared an interesting ratings takeaway on Thursday via Twitter.
German author Anke Stelling makes her English language debut with Higher Ground  a swingeing screed against the privilege and hypocrisy of those who sell their souls to get ahead. Resi is a writer in her 40s. Pursuing an artistic life with her painter husband, she lives in a rented apartment in Berlin with their four children. Resis circle of friends were all leftists when they were young, but are now wealthy, card-carrying members of the bon bourgeois. They have compromised themselves  part of a wave of commodification and gentrification in contemporary Berlin  and when Resi writes a successful book that viciously critiques them, seeking to tear away their self-delusion and false comforts, she is evicted from her home. A merciless tirade of a novel about class, so energised by rage and wit, its impossible to tear your eyes from the page.

Nothing to See is the latest from New Zealand author Pip Adam, whose award-winning novel The New Animals tackled the fashion world through competing teams of jaded Gen Xers and upbeat millennials. This one is not an easy read. It is easy to read  Adams syntax and lexicon are earthed in the familiar, the dialogue sounds overheard  but she brings a fractured surrealism to her study of identity (and particularly the way trauma, addiction and technology influence it) that will disorientate readers. It begins with an affecting, darkly humorous portrayal of Peggy and Greta, who appear to be two alcoholics trying to dry out, until our perception of them changes. Like their road to sobriety, Adams novel is a labyrinth of sorts. Hidden inside is too much to see, and Adam gives us glimpses of an elusive clarity hovering just out of reach.

Huda and Me

H. Hayek, Allen & Unwin, $14.99

Credit:

Running away from home is one thing, but the kids in Huda and Me are running towards their parents. H. Hayeks cheeky childrens own adventure follows 12-year-old Akeal and his younger sister Huda, two of six Lebanese-Australian siblings who, left in the care of a dreaded aunt, hatch a daring plan to steal her credit card and fly half a world away to Beirut, where their parents have suddenly travelled. To find their parents, Akeal and Huda must navigate several airports, not to mention the dangers and delights of Lebanon, a country they have often imagined but never seen. The author delivers a hair-raising, heart-warming, and often humorous adventure story that younger readers will revel in.

Tussaud

Belinda Lyons-Lee, Transit Lounge, $32.99
LONDON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday evening (28 April 2021), Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, spoke in support of international eye care charity Orbis, at a virtual event to discuss delivering eye care to those most in need during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Countess, as Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, listened as representatives from the charity outlined how they adapted at the start of the pandemic to ensure they could effectively support their partners across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, where the majority of those with vision loss in the world live.

Globally, 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, and 90% is avoidable. Orbis has been transforming lives through the prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness for nearly four decades. With a close network of partners, they mentor and train local eye care teams - from community workers to doctors and nurses - so that they can save and restore vision in their communities.

Orbis does this through their long-term programmes, on the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, a state-of-the-art ophthalmic teaching hospital on board a customised aircraft, and through their telemedicine platform, Cybersight.

The panel of Orbis experts included:

Derek Hodkey , President and Chief Executive Officer of Orbis International

, President and Chief Executive Officer of Orbis International Dr. Rob Walters , Trustee of Orbis UK

, Trustee of Orbis UK Lucia Nadaf , Country Director of Orbis Zambia

Supporters were told how, due to the pandemic, Orbis made the difficult decision to postpone in-person Flying Eye Hospital projects. But, while the Flying Eye Hospital may not be travelling, Orbis's mission is still in flight. The charity quickly adapted to provide virtual Flying Eye Hospital projects through Cybersight to ensure that eye care professionals could continue to grow their skills.

In 2020, Orbis trained 26,036 eye health professionals in 192 countries/regions through Cybersight - which is over three times more individuals and nine more countries than in 2019.

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex spoke to the audience about her previous visits to Orbis projects in India and Bangladesh. There she saw first-hand the impact of training at local hospitals and on board the Flying Eye Hospital, as well as spoke to children who had received surgery and witnessed their reaction as their bandages were removed.

Her Royal Highness said: "The care given by the Orbis team is absolutely wonderful. The children, they're going to have a procedure that is slightly uncomfortable, but actually at the end of the day, when they suddenly realise that they can see and the people around them are so friendly and are just there to help them, this is an experience that goes beyond the surgery.

"I love the way that Orbis always trained local doctors, for local needs and leaves a legacy behind wherever it goes. It's a self-fulfilling legacy and that's the beauty of Orbis. You don't just bring new techniques and new technology into countries that need help, Orbis trains eye surgeons and ophthalmologists to actually do it for themselves, working with what they have."

The panel of Orbis experts highlighted other areas of their work, including training teams in Zambia, delivering eye care to the refugee population in South East Bangladesh, and tackling trachoma in Ethiopia.

Trachoma is an infectious cause of blindness; repeat infections can result in a painful condition in which a person's eye lashes scrape against their cornea. This can be prevented and treated with access to clean water, antibiotics, and surgery. In December last year, Orbis supported healthcare workers to deliver a staggering 7.5 million doses of antibiotics to 87 districts in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region in Ethiopia.

The Countess acknowledged the challenges brought about by the pandemic and thanked Orbis donors for their ongoing support. She added: "We have a long way to go, and COVID has really not helped, we can't forget that actually these eye health issues continue to happen.

"If you haven't seen the restoration of sight being given to somebody, it's truly one of the most incredible, beautiful and wonderful things that you will ever witness. And it can be done so easily and so simply. We just need the ability to do it and the opportunity, and that's what many people at this event have allowed Orbis to do. Thank you on behalf of every individual whose sight has been restored by Orbis and the team."

Rebecca Cronin, chief executive of Orbis UK, said: "We were delighted to host Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex at our virtual event. Her Royal Highness is an incredible advocate for sight worldwide, and we have been honoured to welcome her to our projects in India and Bangladesh.

"The world as we know it changed in 2020, as did Orbis programmes. We are proud of our partners, who have been delivering vital treatments in difficult circumstances during the pandemic. Our medical volunteers, who would normally deliver face-to-face training, have worked hard with our team to develop virtual programmes, supporting doctors and nurses across the world, in order to deliver more sight-saving surgeries.

"All of our work is only possible with the help of our hospital partners and donors. Their generosity and dedication over the years have brought vital services closer to home for those who need it most."

To support the work of Orbis visit: www.orbis.org.uk.

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1500779/Orbis_UK_Video.mp4

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1500776/Orbis_UK.jpg
MIAMI, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading health law firm McDermott Will & Emery is hosting its annual Physician Practice Management and ASC Symposium on May 6-7, 2021. The virtual event features two days of unmatched insights with industry experts addressing the latest market trends, new investment models, lessons learned from the pandemic and significant issues shaping today's Physician Practice Management (PPM) and Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) industries.

"With the multitude of issues facing the healthcare industry today, this symposium comes at a critical point," said Jerry Sokol, chair of McDermott's Health Transactions Group. "If you work in or invest in the growing PPM and ASC sectors you won't want to miss these industry experts as they share their perspective on the state of the market and the opportunities on the horizon."

Conference speakers come from some of the notable healthcare companies across the PPM and ASC segments including Solaris Health, Physicians Endoscopy, EyeCare Partners, Dental Care Alliance, Surgery Partners, U.S. Urology Partners, GI Alliance, National Spine & Pain Centers and United Surgical Partners International. Speakers will address a variety of topics, including:

The current state of the PPM and ASC industries, including the evolution of the market, transaction terms, critical legal issues and opportunities on the horizon

The latest trends in PPM transactions, with a look at pipeline opportunities, valuations/multiples and evolving sell-side process strategies

Examples of innovation in the ASC industry, such as the rise in de novo ASCs and creative ASC/PPM collaborations

Sessions include:

May 6, 2021 - DAY 1: ASC PROGRAM

STATE OF THE ASC INDUSTRY: PERSPECTIVES FROM LEADERS OF THE TOP ASC MANAGEMENT COMPANIES: This panel of senior leaders from the largest national ASC management companies will offer a "view from the top," featuring their exclusive insights into what's next for the ASC industry and an inside look at their company's latest investment strategies.

ASC TRANSACTION OUTLOOK: THE RACE TOWARDS VALUE CONTINUES: The COVID-19 pandemic and the continued emphasis on value based care has re-emphasized the ASCs essential role in the healthcare delivery system, increasing transactional activity in an already competitive marketplace. Our panelists will provide an outlook on transactional activity in today's ASC industry, with a look at deal terms, pipeline opportunities, and valuations/multiples.

INNOVATIONS IN THE ASC INDUSTRY: This panel will discuss recent innovations that are shaping the future of the ASC industry, including an uptick in de novo ASCs, unique ASC/PPM partnerships, the continued migration of surgical procedures to the outpatient setting, and a fresh look at bundled payments.

May 7, 2021 - DAY 2: PPM PROGRAM

STATE OF THE PPM INDUSTRY: PERSPECTIVES FROM LEADERS OF THE TOP PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES: CEO's from leading PPM's representing a wide range of specialties will provide their insight, vision and strategies as the stewards of their companies and will address important macro issues including overall physician acceptance of the PPM model, movement towards risk-based contracting and other critical issues that will impact the future success and profitability of PPM's.

PPM BUY-SIDE TRANSACTION OUTLOOK: DEAL VOLUME ACCELERATES: Following a distinct pause in transaction activity initially caused by the acute impact of COVID and continued as a result of uncertainty and issues with valuation, PPM transactions have come roaring back. Our panel of Chief Development Officers from transactionaly active PPMs will discuss current market trends, including deal terms, pipeline opportunities and valuations/multiples, as well as their strategies for getting deals done in today's environment.

PPM SELL-SIDE TRANSACTION OUTLOOK: This panel of active healthcare investment bankers who focus on the PPM industry will discuss the positive impact that COVID had on physicians desire to affiliate with PPMs, evolving sell-side process strategies, and an overall sense of the physician practice market deal terms, including discussions of the hottest physician specialties.

THE PHYSICIANS' PERSPECTIVE FROM THE TOP: Hear from physician leaders who have sold their practices and are now senior executives of a PPM. These panelists will discuss how things have played out relative to their expectations, physician sentiment towards PPMs now that the "honeymoon" is over, and struggles and opportunities for the industry.

PHYSICIAN ALIGNMENT: This panel will discuss the latest strategies to ensure physician alignment and long-term commitment to the PPM. We will address maximizing alignment with both creative compensation arrangements, including the return of profits interest, and with the cutting-edge terms of the practice acquisition transaction.

Media are invited to attend the event. Visit the conference web page for more information.

McDermott Will & Emery is the nation's leading health law firm. The Health Industry Advisory group is the only health practice to receive top national rankings from U.S. News  Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms," Chambers USA, The Legal 500 US and Law360. PitchBook recently recognized McDermott as the most active firm in healthcare private equity for the fourth consecutive year, handling 41 more healthcare private equity transactions in 2020 than its nearest competitor.

ABOUT MCDERMOTT

McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effectiveand often unexpectedsolutions that propel success. More than 1,200 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.

SOURCE McDermott Will & Emery

Related Links

http://www.mwe.com


Theologian Hans Kung, a key figure in the Second Vatican Council who later challenged church teaching on a host of issues and was banned from teaching other Catholic priests, died earlier this month.

Kung died on April 6 in Tubingen, Germany. He was 93.

In 1962 he was appointed by Pope John XXIII at age 34 as the youngest expert theological advisor to participants in the Second Vatican Council through its conclusion in 1965.

Kung rejected the doctrine of papal infallibility and was banned in 1979 by Pope John Paul II from teaching Catholic theologians.

He was also critical of clergy celibacy, favored opening the clergy to women and wrote in favor of a Christian theology of euthanasia, arguing people had the right to end their own lives if physical pain or dementia made living unbearable.

In 1963, he visited President John F. Kennedy at the White House.

In 1981, he appeared on the Phil Donahue Show, then the most popular daytime talk show in the United States.

In an interview with The Birmingham News shortly after the 1991 German publication of his book Judaism, Kung summarized Christian culpability in the persecution of Judaism.

Nazi anti-Semitism would have been impossible without nearly 2,000 years of Christian anti-Judaism, Kung said in an interview on the balcony of his home overlooking Tubingen, Germany.

Kung, then director of the Institute for Ecumenical Research at the University of Tubingen, wrote extensively on the relationship of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, all aimed at providing a basis for peace among the religions. He was a professor at the University of Tubingen from 1960 to 1996. He wrote more than 30 books.

The English translation of his book Judaism traced the history of Judaism, the Holocaust, conflicts over observance of religious law and simmering theological and political questions.

He was a strong critic of the role Christianity played in the historic persecution of Jews.

It is no longer permissible for any Christian theology to see Judaism in salvation-historical terms as superseded, or to exploit Judaism as a mere legacy in order to heighten its own profile, Kung wrote. No Christian church is any longer allowed simply to put itself in the place of the old Israel, as the new Israel. No Christian has the right to ignore the reality of living Judaism and the challenge not only of the ongoing existence but also the dynamic renewal of this people and its organization of itself into an independent state.

Anti-Jewish measures enacted as canon law from the Synod of Elvira in 306 to the Council of Basel in 1434 would echo in later measures passed by the Nazi regime in Germany, he wrote.

Kung noted Adolf Hitlers Catholic upbringing and addressed the important influence of Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer who wrote a tract late in his life that called for the repression of Jews. Luthers book would have tragic repercussions when its suggestions were followed by Hitler and Himmler.

Though Kung addresses all aspects of Judaism and especially its relationship with Christianity, his commentary on the Holocaust may be most important.

On Kristallnacht, Nov. 10, 1938, Wichard von Bredow, president of the East Prussian district of Schlossberg, received word that the synagogues in Germany were being burned and police and firefighters were not to intervene. Von Bredow put on his army uniform and told his wife it was his duty as a Christian and a German to prevent damage to the synagogue in Schierwindt. When the Nazi thugs arrived to set it afire, von Bredow drew his pistol. The arsonists departed and the synagogue was the only one in the region left intact.

Kung went on to say that while there are similar instances of bravery and heroism, he was concerned with a more noteworthy question: What would have happened had even the active Christians, pastors, bishops and the pope shown more Christian courage?

Further, What would have happened if the Vatican, instead of being the first foreign power to give Hitler respectability with a concordat as early as July 20, 1933, had warned Germany and the world again of a man whose devastating intentions had quite unambiguously been presented in Mein Kampf and in the 24 points of his partys program?

Ever hopeful but not unrealistic about the prospects for peace and global cooperation among the major world religions, the prolific Swiss-born author continued to seek rapprochement by analyzing history, theology and politics.

Kung made these presuppositions for peace in the Middle East:

On the basis of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, Jews and Christians should work together for the dignity of the Arab and Islamic peoples, who do not want to be the last colonies on this Earth.

On the basis of the Koran and the New Testament, Muslims and Christians should work together for the right to life of the Jewish people, which has suffered more than any other people in the last 2,000 years and came close to being exterminated.

On the basis of the Hebrew Bible and the Koran, Jews and Muslims should work together for the threatened freedom of Christian communities in some lands of the Near East and Middle East.
Elizabeth Fitch and Mark Pendleton Elizabeth and Mark have proven themselves time and again, and were proud to select them for this honor.  Leland de la Garza, Hallett & Perrin Managing Shareholder

Hallett & Perrin, P.C., is proud to announce the promotion of Elizabeth Fitch and Mark Pendleton to shareholders of the firm. Ms. Fitch and Mr. Pendleton both joined Hallett & Perrin as attorneys in 2016 and 2013, respectively.

When we hire new attorneys, we dont simply fill gaps in a roster, said managing shareholder Leland de la Garza. We select attorneys who not only have a commitment to their individual practices, but also to the forward momentum of the entire firm. Elizabeth and Mark have proven themselves time and again, and were proud to select them for this honor.

A member of the firms litigation section, Ms. Fitch has experience at every level of dispute resolution, from the initiation of a lawsuit through appeal. While she represents both individuals and companies in a broad range of matters, her emphasis is on commercial and construction litigation, as well as employment law. In addition to a J.D. with honors from the University of Texas School of Law and a bachelors degree from Southern Methodist University, Elizabeth received an M.A. in journalism from New York University. More information is available here: https://www.hallettperrin.com/attorneys/bio/elizabeth-fitch

Mr. Pendleton is a member of the firms corporate section and focuses his practice on the energy industry. He advises clients on myriad regulatory matters, sales and acquisitions of companies and their assets, mergers and financing transactions, general corporate governance, and other types of corporate transactions. He earned his bachelors degree and J.D. from Wake Forest University and received his LL.M. from Southern Methodist Universitys Dedman School of Law, where he studied international and domestic energy law and policy and graduated cum laude. More information is available here: https://www.hallettperrin.com/attorneys/bio/mark-pendleton

About Hallett & Perrin, P.C.

Hallett & Perrin, P.C. is an established, Dallas-based business law firm specifically positioned to serve business clients with multiple legal needs. Our bench of purposefully selected attorneys excel at forming lasting relationships built upon exemplary service, proven expertise, and a level of efficiency and value that only experienced lawyers can achieve. For more information, visit https://www.hallettperrin.com/.
Tapping the geothermal energy stored beneath the Earth's surface as a way to generate renewable power is one of the new visions for the future that's captured the attention of environmentalists and oil and gas engineers alike.

That's because it's not only a way to generate power that doesn't rely on greenhouse gas emitting hydrocarbons, but because it uses the same skillsets and expertise that the oil and gas industry has been honing and refining for years.

At least that's what drew the former completion engineer (it's not what it sounds like) Tim Latimer to the industry and to launch Fervo Energy, the Houston-based geothermal tech developer that's picked up funding from none other than Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures (that fund... is so busy) and former eBay executive, Jeff Skoll's Capricorn Investment Group.

With the new $28 million cash in hand, Fervo's planning on ramping up its projects, which Latimer said would "bring on hundreds of megawatts of power in the next few years."

Latimer got his first exposure to the environmental impact of power generation as a kid growing up in a small town outside of Waco, Texas near the Sandy Creek coal power plant, one of the last coal-powered plants to be built in the U.S.

Like many Texas kids, Latimer came from an oil family, and got his first jobs in the oil and gas industry before realizing that the world was going to be switching to renewables and the oil industry -- along with the friends and family he knew -- could be left high and dry.

It's one reason he started working on Fervo, the entrepreneur said.

"Whats most important, from my perspective, since I started my career in the oil and gas industry, is providing folks that are part of the energy transition on the fossil fuel side to work in the clean energy future," Latimer said. "Ive been able to go in and hire contractors and support folks that have been out of work or challenged because of the oil price crash... And I put them to work on our rigs."

Story continues

Fervo Energy chief executive, Tim Latimer, pictured in a hardhat at one of the company's development sites. Image Credits: Fervo Energy

When the Biden administration talks about finding jobs for employees in the hydrocarbon industry as part of the energy transition, this is exactly what they're talking about.

And geothermal power is no longer as constrained by geography, so there are a lot of abundant resources to tap and the potential for high-paying jobs in areas that are already dependent on geological services work, Latimer said (late last year, Vox published a good overview of the history and opportunity presented by the technology).

"A large percentage of the worlds population actually lives next to good geothermal resources," Latimer said. "[There are] 25 countries today that have geothermal installed and producing and another 25 where geothermal is going to grow."

Geothermal power production actually has a long history in the Western U.S. and in parts of Africa where naturally occurring geysers and steam jets pouring from the earth have been obvious indicators of good geothermal resources, Latimer said.

"Fervos technology unlocks a new class of geothermal resource that is ready for large-scale deployment. Fervos geothermal systems use novel techniques, including horizontal drilling, distributed fiber optic sensing and advanced computational modelling, to deliver more repeatable and cost effective geothermal electricity," Latimer wrote in an email. "Fervos technology combines with the latest advancements in Organic Rankine Cycle generation systems to deliver flexible, 24/7 carbon-free electricity."

Initially developed with a grant from the TomKat Center at Stanford University and a fellowship funded by Activate.org at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's Cyclotron Road division, Fervo has gone on to score funding from the DOE's Geothermal Technology Office and ARPA-E to continue work with partners like Schlumberger, Rice University and the Berkeley Lab.

The combination of new and old technology is opening vast geographies to the company to potentially develop new projects.

Other companies are also looking to tap geothermal power to drive a renewable power-generation development business. Those are startups like Eavor, which has the backing of energy majors like bp Ventures, Chevron Technology Ventures, Temasek, BDC Capital, Eversource and Vickers Venture Partners; and other players including GreenFire Energy and Sage Geosystems.

Demand for geothermal projects is skyrocketing, opening up big markets for startups that can nail the cost issue for geothermal development. As Latimer noted, from 2016 to 2019 there was only one major geothermal contract, but in 2020 there were 10 new major power purchase agreements signed by the industry.

For all of these projects, cost remains a factor. Contracts that are being signed for geothermal that are in the $65 to $75 per megawatt range, according to Latimer. By comparison, solar plants are now coming in somewhere between $35 and $55 per megawatt, as The Verge reported last year.

But Latimer said the stability and predictability of geothermal power made the cost differential palatable for utilities and businesses that need the assurance of uninterruptible power supplies. As a current Houston resident, the issue is something that Latimer has an intimate experience with from this year's winter freeze, which left him without power for five days.

Indeed, geothermal's ability to provide always-on clean power makes it an incredibly attractive option. In a recent Department of Energy study, geothermal could meet as much as 16% of the U.S. electricity demand, and other estimates put geothermal's contribution at nearly 20% of a fully decarbonized grid.

Weve long been believers in geothermal energy but have waited until weve seen the right technology and team to drive innovation in the sector, said Ion Yadigaroglu of Capricorn Investment Group, in a statement. Fervos technology capabilities and the partnerships theyve created with leading research organizations make them the clear leader in the new wave of geothermal.

Fervo Energy drilling site. Image Credits: Fervo Energy
A $3 billion pumped-water energy storage project has been proposed along Isabella Lake that would help even out power delivery from California
China continuously improves mechanisms for protection of rights, interests of persons with disabilities

11:06, April 30, 2021 By Zhang Zidong ( People's Daily

An employee of an innovation and entrepreneurship center for persons with disabilities in Xuanhua District, Zhangjiakou, North China's Hebei Province sells commodities on a livestream show with sign language, Dec. 3, 2020. (People's Daily Online/Chen Xiaodong)

Persons with disabilities are equal members of humanity, and the cause of persons with disabilities is a systematic social undertaking. The Law of the Peoples Republic of China on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, enacted on May 15, 1991, is the first specialized law in China that comprehensively protects the rights and interests of persons with disabilities. Over the past three decades since the enacting of the law, China has continuously improved the mechanisms for the protection of rights and interests of persons with disabilities.

So far, the protection of rights and interests of persons with disabilities has been written in 80 of all laws approved by the National People's Congress and its Standing Committee, and 70 of all administrative laws and regulations approved by the State Council. Nearly 30 terms in the Civil Code are directly related to the protection of the rights and interests of persons with disabilities. During the past five years, legal assistance for persons with disabilities has been constantly enhanced. A total of 2,600 organizations of legal assistance coordination and 2,318 legal aid centers were established across the country for this group during the period.

By constantly improving people's livelihood, China is bringing more assistance to the development of the cause of persons with disabilities and guaranteeing their rights and interests. Zhang Shundong and Li Guoxiu are a couple that have only one hand and one pair of feet and used to live in poverty. Thanks to the minimum living allowance, employment subsidies, and the government's supporting policies for persons with disabilities, they finally found a path leading to prosperity. Apart from shaking off poverty themselves, they are also helping farmers sell farm produce on e-commerce platforms. Last year, they were awarded an honorary title for their contributions to the poverty alleviation cause. During the past five years, China has removed over seven million persons with disabilities from the poverty list. It is doing as much as possible to advance the cause of persons with disabilities, and overcoming its deficiencies in a targeted manner, so as to help the group better fit into the society and share the outcomes of economic and social development.

According to China's Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, the country will work to better guarantee the basic rights and interests of women, minors and persons with disabilities, and improve the capability of persons with disabilities to support and develop themselves. It is believed that new achievements will be made by China in its cause of persons with disabilities.

(Zhang Zidong is from China Administration of Sport for Persons with Disabilities.)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
YWCA opens Tacoma apartment for violence victims

Photos by William P. Wright, William Wright Photography [enlarge] The building is named for Dorothy Irene Height, an American civil rights and womens rights activist.





[enlarge] The rooftop deck has views of Commencement Bay.





Residents in February began moving into the 55-unit Dorothy Height Apartments in Tacoma, which provides permanent housing for survivors of domestic violence.

The YWCA Pierce County developed and owns the seven-story building at 402 Broadway.

The project cost $23.2 million to develop, according to press materials from SMR Architects.

SMR said it designed the building to fit in with the more upscale apartments downtown. It has 10 studios, 17 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom and nine three-bedroom apartments. One unit is for a resident manager.

SMR said the apartments are spacious and full of light with views of Commencement Bay and Mount Rainier. Seventy-five percent of them are reserved for individuals and families exiting homelessness, with the remainder allocated to low-income families or those with disabilities and other barriers to permanent housing. Thirty of the units are tied to Section 8 housing vouchers.

The YWCA hosted an adopt a room drive to support the tenants who are exiting homelessness. Donors contributed bathroom, kitchen and bedroom supplies.

The building has a rooftop deck and gathering spaces, including a community room and kitchen that opens onto a courtyard with a play structure and picnic tables. There's a separate entrance for 3,000 square feet of commercial space for the expansion of YWCA programs, including a therapy room, conference room and offices. There's also 46 parking spaces.

SMR said art elements in the building conjure the natural world. The artwork includes a mural of the Salish Sea by local artist Claudia Riedener.

The building was constructed on a former parking lot. SMR said low levels of contaminated soils on the site were cleaned up and disposed of properly.

It said the building design and construction adhered to the Evergreen Sustainable Development Standards. The project has energy-efficient insulation and windows, air leakage control, heat recovery ventilation and solar panels. The interior finishes and HVAC systems create and support healthy indoor air quality and the building envelope minimizes the loss of air. The plumbing layout delivers hot water quickly to all units, minimizing water wasted at the tap.

Native plants were incorporated in the landscape, and efficient irrigation controls used.

The project leveraged public funds from state and local partners, and was partially funded by the Washington State Housing Trust Fund.

SMR said the project team was able to stay on pace despite construction during a pandemic, as the building was considered essential.

The building is named for the late Dorothy Irene Height, an American civil rights and women's rights activist who focused on the issues of African American women. She was president of the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years and had a long association with the YWCA. She was instrumental in the YWCA adopting its Interracial Charter in 1946, pledging it would fight against injustice based on race.

Coast Property Management manages the residential part of the building.

The project team includes Beacon Development Group, development consultant; Korsmo Construction, contractor; Sitewise Design, civil engineer; AHBL, landscape architect; Swenson Say Faget, structural engineer; Sider + Byers Associates, mechanical engineer; TFWB Engineers, electrical engineer; 4EA Building Science, envelope consultant; United Building and Engineering Services, smoke control consultant; and Glumac, commissioning agent.




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - Dinamic IP Holdings Inc. (formerly, 1169077 B.C. Ltd.) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that on April 22 , 2021 it changed its name and underwent management changes.

Effective April 22, 2021:

The Company's changed its name from 1169077 B.C. Ltd. to Dinamic IP Holdings Inc. The Company's new CUSIP and ISIN for its common shares post the name change are now "25443D103" and "CA25443D1033", respectively.

Mr. Dai stepped down as the Company's chief executive officer ("CEO"), and Mr. Michael Galloro resigned as the Company's director. Mr. Dai continues to act as a director, chief financial officer ("CFO"), and corporate secretary for the Company. Mr. Galloro no longer holds any positions with the Company. Management thanks Mr. Galloro for his services and wishes him success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Jonathan Gilbert joined the Company as its new CEO and a director, and Mr. Michael Petter joined as a director. The Company welcomes Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Petter who are experienced businessmen bringing in their prior private and public company experiences to our management.

As of April 22, 2021 the Company's board of directors and management consisted of the following:

Jonathan Gilbert, CEO and Director

Mike Dai, CFO, Director & Corporate Secretary

Michael Petter, Director

Shahnewaz Shahidi, Director

For further information please contact:

Mike Dai, CFO, Corporate Secretary, & Director

E-mail: mdai@aloefinance.com

Cautionary Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking information and statements ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, that are not based on historical fact, including without limitation regarding the Company and statements containing the words "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "intends", "will", "should", "expects", "continue", "estimate", "forecasts" and other similar expressions. In particular, this press release contains such forward-looking information regarding the implied positive affect of changes in its board of directors, management and its name change with respect of future business and operations of the Company. There is guarantee that any of these changes together or alone will be positive, negative, or result in no change to the Company's business, finances and/or operations. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking information in this press release are reasonable, such forward-looking information has been based on expectations, factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control such as the future state of the economy. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and is made as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

THIS PRESS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82578
During a speech before the Nebraska legislature, Democratic state senator Justin Wayne promised to vote against a school choice bill if his colleagues agreed to send their kids to the public school system.

I will vote to kill this bill if you send your kids to one of the kids schools in my district that were waiting to turn around, Wayne offered to the lawmakers.

Wayne, who is black, acknowledged that he struggled with the issue and rejected a school choice bill his freshman year in the Nebraska chamber.

My community cant wait anymore, he said.

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The bill currently on the table in the Nebraska senate is titled LB364 Adopt the Opportunity Scholarships Act and provide tax credits.

The only people who are opposing school choice today are the same people who have choice. And many of them exercise that choice, Wayne remarked.

The Nebraska Democrat insisted that his anti-school choice counterparts take their kids out of expensive private schools and enroll them in public schools, so they can witness the under-resourced learning environments first hand and have a stake in improving them for all students.

When they fall behind, when they dont have the resourceswhen theyre dealing with suspensions and things like that, then we can all go through it together, he said in reference to the senators kids.

Dont make a choice that you wont allow anybody else to make just based off of income, Wayne implored his fellow legislators.

More from National Review
President Joe Biden stated that all schools for children up until 12th grade should 'probably' be opened by the fall.

His statement, made in an interview with NBC's 'Today' show Friday, comes despite his acknowledgement that vaccines would not likely be provided to young children by that time  and following stepped up criticism by Republicans to tar him for parents suffering at home with school-age children.

'Based on the science and the CDC, they should probably all be open,' Biden told the network.

'Based on the science and the CDC, they should probably all be open,' President Joe Biden said Friday when asked about reopening schools

He cited a growing body of scientific evidence that child-to-child transmission is low in school settings there schools take steps to provide distancing, students wear masks, and other mitigation is in place.

'There's not overwhelming evidence that there's much of a transmission among these people, young people,' Biden added. He spoke as U.S. infection rates were finally on a downward trajectory amid increased vaccination rates  but with many public schools still closed or in 'hybrid' models to keep students apart.

He was responding to a question from NBC's Craig Melvin, who asked: 'Should all schools in the country be open this fall?' The show tweeted out the exchange.

Health officials have raised the possibility that emergency use authorization could be available for children as young as 12 to take the Pfizer vaccine shot by the spring, but experts are still studying doses and effects on younger children.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) slammed Biden on schools in his response to Biden's speech to Congress

A students checks his temperature at a check point at James Madison High School on March 22, 2021 in the Madison neighborhood of the Brooklyn

In this Oct. 20, 2020, file photo, students sit in a distanced pattern from their classmates during the coronavirus outbreak in a Kindergarten class at School 16, in Yonkers, N.Y.

Natalya Murakhver, a New York City Upper West Side mother of two started a GoFundMe to raise funds to hire a lawyer to sue New York City to reopen schools to in person learning 5 days a week.

Biden has faced pushback from teachers' unions on reopening, but last month urged schools to reopen after the Centers for Disease Control released new social distancing guidelines with three feet of distance  making it much easier to get more kids into buildings.

South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott hammered Biden on the school issue in his GOP response to Biden's speech to Congress Wednesday.

'I'm saddened that millions of kids have lost a year of learning when they could not afford to lose a single day. Locking vulnerable kids out of the classroom is locking adults out of their future. Our public schools should have reopened months ago. Other countries' did. Private and religious schools did,' said Scott.

'Science has shown for months that schools are safe. But too often, powerful grown-ups set science aside,' he added. He bashed Biden's $1.9 trillion covid relief bill for having 'no requirement to reopen schools promptly.'

Some teachers are resisting returning to the classroom despite being vaccinated amid new variants and health concerns.

Biden in his own speech touted re-openings as a sign of hope.

'Parents seeing the smiles on the kids' faces, for those who are able to go back to school because the teachers and the school bus drivers and the cafeteria workers have been vaccinated. ... It means everything. Those things mean everything,' he said.

Biden last month urged schools and school districts to move quickly to reopen, as vaccines and new research came online.

'My message is: Help is here,' Biden said. 'Help is here for schools to purchase PPE, hire additional personnel, like nurses, counselors, custodial staff, improve ventilation, sanitation, avoid educator layoffs and give students extra support,'

'Help is here to help students make up for lost time and lost learning. Unless we act quickly, this pandemic could have a devastating long-term impact on our kids who have gone through this, including on their mental health,' he said.

Biden set a 100-day goal of having half of all schools open for in-person learning.

According to Burbio, which tracks reopenings, about two-thirds of students are now attending public schools in-person. But many schools that remain closed to in-person learning are in struggling neighborhoods where educators fear students will be at a grave disadvantage.

U.S. public schools are controlled by local school boards, but many look to federal scientists and policymakers for guidance.
Authorities with the Chinese Communist Party are now punishing those who provide worship venues for believers as religious persecution continues to escalate in the country.

According to Asia News, a Catholic in the town of Wangli in the Zhejiang province was fined last month for offering his private chapel to the bishop of Wenzhou diocese, Msgr. Peter Shao Zhumin.

Zhumin is only recognized by the Vatican, not by the Chinese Communist Party.

On March 16, Huang Ruixun, 56, offered his chapel to Shao and about 20 Catholics. Shortly after that, he was sentenced to a hefty fine of 200,000 yuan (the equivalent of about $30,000) under the charge of hosting the bishop for illegal religious activities, also providing him with lunch, a rest room, etc.

Source:The Christian Post
Its true that the American public loves to say that it loves bipartisanship. Take the latest CNN poll of the country, released on Thursday: More than seven in 10 respondents said that congressional Democrats, Republicans and President Biden should prioritize finding common ground over standing firm on their ideals. Asked if bipartisanship was generally a good thing, closer to nine in 10 said yes.

Americans are prone to choosing divided government, so I do think that holding Biden accountable for pledging to be bipartisan is smart, Curbelo said. The Biden administration, I really do think, needs to do one thing with Republicans. They have to give Republicans something, because otherwise hes going to lose a lot of credibility.

But ask any political strategist, and theyll tell you that the public really loves a humming economy, and a strong leader at the helm, more than arguably anything else. Which puts the Republican Party in a complex position as it searches for a strategy while Biden pushes ahead with major legislation, and rides the wave of a speedy economic resurgence.

Curbelo noted that its highly rare for a first-term presidents party to come out on top in the midterm elections, but he said that Republicans should seriously consider the possibility that Democrats might retain their slim House and Senate majorities in 2022, if the economy is roaring, and if they can show that they did try to heal the country  that they did try to work with Republicans.

Coughlin said that since midterm elections are typically about driving turnout from each partys base, more than winning over voters at the margins, Republicans could benefit from emphasizing the partisan nature of Bidens proposals, and framing them as a threat to Republican values.

The only thing that matters is who votes. And traditionally, without regard to party, the incumbent party turnout is less enthusiastic, he said, adding that Biden was responding to the same pressures. Hes hoping to stimulate that activist progressive base to turn out as they did in the presidential cycle.

Taxing and spending

Scott also accused the administration of using infrastructure legislation as a Trojan horse for a partisan wish list. He called the American Families Plan even more taxing, even more spending, to put Washington even more in the middle of your life  from the cradle to college.
The president of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, has painted a worrying picture of what will follow from 9 May when Spain's state of alarm ends.

Moreno claims that, from then onwards, the Andalusian government will be without the possibility of dictating measures such as the night curfew, the perimeter closures or meeting limits.

"If tomorrow we have an outbreak in a municipality we will run out of tools," he said.

Moreno issued the warning during his appearance before the regional parliament. In response to a question posed by the socialist spokesman, Jose Fiscal, he said that when the state of alarm ends there will be a situation of "enormous confusion" in the regions because the central government has not proposed alternative legal tools and has ignored the requests of the regions.

According to the Andalusian president, the Government of Spain gave up on the responsibility of exercising "the few powers it had to coordinate, plan and lead, and the sad consequence will be seen as of 9 May with enormous confusion because the government is hiding in the face of the pandemic," he said.

Moreno claimed that after 13 months of the pandemic, the Government had not anticipated this situation or sought an alternative formula so as not to rely on judicial decisions.

Does it seem reasonable that in a pandemic situation in which decisions must be made quickly and with legal certainty we should know whether or not a court will allow a certain decision?" he asked.

Moments before, the president had described as unforgivable that the central government has not yet put forward an alternative that gives legal certainty to the regional governments to make decisions in the face of the pandemic when there is little more than a week before the current state to alarm ends.

Therefore, he insisted that Spains PM Pedro Sanchez should urgently convene a conference of presidents to address this situation.

What the Government has to do is establish regulations for the whole of the country," insisted Moreno.
Looking for a mind-blowing distraction on the web?

Look no further than Amazon Prime Videos latest release  Tom Clancys Without Remorse. The much-awaited movie finally hit the digital screens and is every bit as explosive and entertaining as one expected.

Starring the dynamic Michael B Jordan, this Stefano Sollima action thriller takes you into a modern-day Tom Clancy universe with the origin story of US Navy SEAL John Kelly (Clark) from the Jack Ryan-verse.





The movie begins with the high-octane drama in Syria, as John Kelly takes on a rescue mission that brings him face-to-face with the ex-Russian militia. What unfolds after a successful mission on-ground is a tragic and action-packed tale of revenge and justice.

While you microwave the popcorn for a Tom Clancy movie night, we bring to you 5 reasons (besides Michael B Jordan, of course!) to fall in love with Without Remorse.

Choreographed Action Sequences

Amazon Prime Video

This action-packed thriller has volatile fight sequences thatll keep you on the edge of your seat. But what really works for the film is the swift and seamless choreography that made these scenes an interesting watch. From break-ins to prison fights, the momentum remains high through the raw and gritty sequences of the film.

Intense Build Up Before Explosive Scenes

Amazon Prime Video

Without giving away any spoilers, heres what we can say  the intense screenplay builds up the anticipation for the unexpected explosive encounters. For instance, just a minute into a serious conversation on board an aircraft, the flight is attacked and crash-landed into the ocean. The visuals and screenplay for the scene are stunning.

Perfect Balance Of Drama & Action

Amazon Prime Video

The movie adaptation takes the drama from the Tom Clancy bestseller and makes it concise, offering a perfect balance in this action thriller. The political deliberations, negotiations, and drama dont overshadow the mortal combat and keeps viewers entertained through the film.

A Power-Packed Ensemble

Amazon Prime Video

While Michael B Jordan sure leads the show, the equally energetic ensemble cast that included Jamie Bell, Jodie Turner Smith, Luke Mitchell, Jack Kesy, and others, made the movie into a successful combat thriller.

Opens Up A Whole New Franchise

Amazon Prime Video

If youve loved the Jack Ryan franchise, chances are youll look forward to this extended Tom Clancy universe. Without Remorse closes with John Kelly taking on a new last name Clark as he disappears for the best.

Got the popcorn ready? Start streaming Tom Clancys Without Remorse on Amazon Prime Video right away!
While US lawmakers muddle through yet another congressional hearing on the dangers posed by algorithmic bias in social media, the European Commission (basically the executive branch of the EU) has unveiled a sweeping regulatory framework that, if adopted, could have global implications for the future of AI development.

This isnt the Commissions first attempt at guiding the growth and evolution of this emerging technology. After extensive meetings with advocate groups and other stakeholders, the EC released both the first European Strategy on AI and Coordinated Plan on AI in 2018. Those were followed in 2019 by the Guidelines for Trustworthy AI, then again in 2020 by the Commissions White Paper on AI and Report on the safety and liability implications of Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and robotics. Just as with its ambitious General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) plan in 2018, the Commission is seeking to establish a basic level of public trust in the technology based on strident user and data privacy protections as well as those against its potential misuse.

OLIVIER HOSLET via Getty Images

Artificial intelligence should not be an end in itself, but a tool that has to serve people with the ultimate aim of increasing human well-being. Rules for artificial intelligence available in the Union market or otherwise affecting Union citizens should thus put people at the centre (be human-centric), so that they can trust that the technology is used in a way that is safe and compliant with the law, including the respect of fundamental rights, the Commission wrote in its draft regulations. At the same time, such rules for artificial intelligence should be balanced, proportionate and not unnecessarily constrain or hinder technological development. This is of particular importance because, although artificial intelligence is already present in many aspects of peoples daily lives, it is not possible to anticipate all possible uses or applications thereof that may happen in the future.

Indeed, artificial intelligence systems are already ubiquitous in our lives  from the recommendation algorithms that help us decide what to watch on Netflix and who to follow on Twitter to the digital assistants in our phones and the driver assist systems that watch the road for us (or dont) when we drive.

The European Commission once again has stepped out in a bold fashion to address emerging technology, just like they had done with data privacy through the GDPR, said Dr. Brandie Nonnecke, Director of the CITRIS Policy Lab at UC Berkeley, in an interview with Engadget. The proposed regulation is quite interesting in that it is attacking the problem from a risk-based approach, similar to that used in Canadas proposed AI regulatory framework.

These new rules would divide the EUs AI development efforts into a four-tier system  minimal risk, limited risk, high risk, and banned outright  based on their potential harms to the public good. The risk framework they work within is really around risk to society, whereas whenever you hear risk talked about [in the US], it's pretty much risk in the context of like, what's my liability, what's my exposure, said Dr. Jennifer King, Privacy and Data Policy Fellow at the Stanford University Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. And somehow if that encompasses human rights as part of that risk, then it gets folded in but to the extent that that can be externalized, it's not included.

Flat-out banned uses of the technology will include any applications that manipulate human behavior to circumvent users' free will  specifically those that exploit the vulnerabilities of a specific group of persons due to their age, physical or mental disability  as well as real-time biometric identification systems and those that allow for social scoring' by governments, according to the 108-page proposal. This is a direct nod to Chinas Social Credit System and given that these regulations would still theoretically govern technologies that impact EU citizens whether or not those folks were physically within EU borders, could lead to some interesting international incidents in the near future. There's a lot of work to move forward on operationalizing the guidance, King noted.

Jochen Eckel / reuters

High-risk applications, on the other hand, are defined as any products where the AI is intended to be used as a safety component of a product or the AI is the safety component itself (think, the collision avoidance feature on your car.) Additionally, AI applications destined for any of eight specific markets including critical infrastructure, education, legal/judicial matters and employee hiring are considered part of the high-risk category. These can come to market but are subject to stringent regulatory requirements before it goes on sale such as requiring the AI developer to maintain compliance with the EU regs throughout the entire lifecycle of the product, ensure strict privacy guarantees, and perpetually maintain a human in the control loop. Sorry, that means no fully autonomous robo surgeons for the foreseeable future.

The read I got from that was the Europeans seem to be envisioning oversight  I don't know if it's an overreach to say from cradle to grave, King said. But that there seems to be the sense that there needs to be ongoing monitoring and evaluation, especially hybrid systems. Part of that oversight is the EUs push for AI regulatory sandboxes which will enable developers to create and test high-risk systems in real world conditions but without the real world consequences.

These sandboxes, wherein all non-governmental entities  not just the ones large enough to have independent R&D budgets  are free to develop their AI systems under the watchful eyes of EC regulators. They "are intended to prevent the sort of chilling effect that was seen as a result of the GDPR, which led to a 17 percent increase in market concentration after it was introduced, Jason Pilkington recently argued for the website Truth on the Market. But its unclear that they would accomplish this goal. The EU also plans to establish a European Artificial Intelligence Board to oversee compliance efforts.

Nonnecke also points out that many of the areas addressed by these high-risk rules are the same that academic researchers and journalists have been examining for years. I think that really emphasizes the importance of empirical research and investigative journalism to enable our lawmakers to better understand what the risks of these AI systems are and also what the benefits of these systems are, she said. One area these regulations will explicitly not apply to are AIs built specifically for military operations so bring on the killbots!

Ben Birchall - PA Images via Getty Images

At the other end of the spectrum, limited-risk applications include things like chatbots on service websites or featuring deepfake content. In these cases, the AI maker simply has to inform users up front that theyll be interacting with a machine rather than another person or even a dog. And for minimal risk products, like the AI in video games and really the vast majority of applications the EC expects to see, the regulations dont require any special restrictions or added requirements that would need to be completed before going to market.

Should any company or developer dare to ignore these regulations, theyll find out that running afoul of them comes with a hefty fine  one that can be measured in percentages of GDP. Specifically, fines for noncompliance can range up to 30 million or 4 percent of the entitys global annual revenue, whichever is greater.

Its important for us at a European level to pass a very strong message and set the standards in terms of how far these technologies should be allowed to go, Dragos Tudorache, European Parliament member and head of the committee on artificial intelligence, told Bloomberg in a recent interview. Putting a regulatory framework around them is a must and its good that the European Commission takes this direction.

Whether the rest of the world will follow Brussels' lead in this remains to be seen. With the way the regulations currently define what an AI is  and it does so in very broad terms  we can likely expect to see this legislation to impact nearly every aspect of the global market and every sector of the global economy, not just in the digital realm. Of course these regulations will have to pass through a rigorous (often contentious) parliamentary process that could take years to complete before it is enacted.

And as for Americas chances of enacting similar regulations of its own, well. I think we'll see something proposed at the federal level, yeah, Nonnecke said. Do I think that it'll be passed? Those are two different things.
IRVINE, Calif., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ManifestSeven Holdings Corporation (CSE: MSVN; OTCMKTS: MNFSF) ("M7" or the "Company"), California's first integrated omnichannel platform for legal cannabis, today announced financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended February 28, 2021. M7's first quarter financial results reflect the continued demand for the Company's integrated regulated operationsits business-to-business and direct-to-consumer divisions, respectively, Highlanders Distribution and Wedenwhich seamlessly integrate the cannabis supply chain directly with end-users in major metropolitan markets throughout California.

All financial information in this press release is provided in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

First Quarter 2021 Fiscal Quarter Financial Highlights

Generated consolidated revenue of $3.8 million during the first fiscal quarter, compared to $4.1 million for the same prior year period. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decline in revenue generated from ancillary product sales due to a disruption in one of the Company's third-party e-commerce distribution channels that caused extended delays in the delivery time of products to customers and was partially corrected following the conclusion of the first fiscal quarter. During the first fiscal quarter, M7 also placed greater emphasis on generating revenue from regulated product sales, which increased slightly year-over-year and is expected to yield greater long-term revenue growth.

during the first fiscal quarter, compared to for the same prior year period. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decline in revenue generated from ancillary product sales due to a disruption in one of the Company's third-party e-commerce distribution channels that caused extended delays in the delivery time of products to customers and was partially corrected following the conclusion of the first fiscal quarter. During the first fiscal quarter, M7 also placed greater emphasis on generating revenue from regulated product sales, which increased slightly year-over-year and is expected to yield greater long-term revenue growth. Reported consolidated gross profit of $1.1 million during the fiscal first quarter, compared to $1.3 million for the same prior year period. The decrease in gross profit is directly attributable to the decline in revenue generated from ancillary product sales and a shift in product mix from ancillary to regulated products as described above, while gross profit generated by the Company's regulated segment increased by 9% year-over-year.

during the fiscal first quarter, compared to for the same prior year period. The decrease in gross profit is directly attributable to the decline in revenue generated from ancillary product sales and a shift in product mix from ancillary to regulated products as described above, while gross profit generated by the Company's regulated segment increased by 9% year-over-year. The Company's gross profit margin remained relatively stable at 30% for the fiscal first quarter, compared to 31% for the same prior year period, while gross profit margin for the Company's regulated segment increased slightly from 29% to 30% year-over-year. The Company expects gross profit as a percentage of revenue to fluctuate going forward as the Company continues to implement its business model and further refine its product mix.

M7 continued to optimize its cost structure, resulting in operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization and share-based payment expense) of $3.5 million during the first fiscal quarter, a decrease of 28% from the same prior year period.

Operational Highlights and Key Updates to the Quarter

The Company entered into distribution partnerships with some of the state's leading finished goods brandsincluding Eel River Organics and Cream of the Cropsignificantly expanding Highlanders Distribution's brand portfolio across all key product categories.

The Company opened its scaled, multi-use facility in Brisbane , which functions as M7's centralized distribution and logistics hub serving the Northern California cannabis market and significantly expands Highlanders Distribution's operational capabilities and logistical efficiency in the region.

, which functions as M7's centralized distribution and logistics hub serving the cannabis market and significantly expands Highlanders Distribution's operational capabilities and logistical efficiency in the region. M7 expanded its distribution infrastructure by more than tripling the size of its vehicle fleet, augmenting Highlanders Distribution's logistics capabilities and increasing its capacity to transport finished goods and bulk wholesale inventory across virtually all product categories at scale throughout California .

. Highlanders Distribution continued to grow its customer base, having served 259 licensees since the start of fiscal year 2020, with the number of licensees served in the first fiscal quarter increasing by 62% over the same prior year period.

Weden's retail customer base throughout California continued to expand, with the number of unique customers served by Weden increasing by 10% during the first fiscal quarter and more than doubling since the end of the same prior year period. Meanwhile, the average transaction size of Weden orders during the first fiscal quarter increased by nearly 14% over the same prior year period.

continued to expand, with the number of unique customers served by Weden increasing by 10% during the first fiscal quarter and more than doubling since the end of the same prior year period. Meanwhile, the average transaction size of Weden orders during the first fiscal quarter increased by nearly 14% over the same prior year period. M7 completed a non-brokered private placement in March 2021 , resulting in the Company's receipt of gross proceeds of approximately C$3,314,605 .

Management Commentary

Sturges Karban, M7's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "M7 continues to focus on executing core strategic initiatives, including the development of Highlander's wholesaling, distribution, and transportation capabilities and the optimization of our internal processes to enhance our seamless full-service distribution and retail operations. We are actively evaluating acquisitions and strategic partnerships that will drive shareholder value by focusing on top- and bottom-line growth. Our entry into 2021 demonstrated our single-minded focus on advancing each of these areas as our B2B and B2C cannabis superhighway continues to support increasing demands for efficient and reliable cannabis distribution and delivery in California."

Karban added, "2021 and beyond presents an opportunity for M7 to capture even greater market share and as we recognize increased demand for seamless and compliant distribution and retail operations from both of our core business segments. We are strategically enhancing our infrastructure to support anticipated growth in regulated sales as California's cannabis market continues to mature. As we capture more business opportunities through Weden's suite of on-demand delivery services and build new portfolio partnerships through our Highlanders division, M7 will continue unlocking key potential as we build towards the world's first cannabis superhighway."

About ManifestSeven Holdings Corporation

ManifestSeven Holdings Corporation (CSE: MSVN; OTCMKTS: MNFSF) ("M7" or the "Company") disrupts the California cannabis landscape by seamlessly integrating proprietary distribution, retail, and delivery operations into a unified statewide platform that supports compliant and efficient commerce, both for cannabis enterprises and consumers. M7 offers local on-demand delivery through a growing portfolio of delivery hubs and storefront dispensaries in the state's major metropolitan markets through its direct-to-consumer division, Weden. Through its business-to-business division, Highlanders Distribution, the Company provides a comprehensive suite of commercial and compliant services to licensed cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers operating throughout California. M7's 1-800-CANNABIS portal ties the Company's integrated operations together with a centralized gateway through which businesses and consumers can access M7's comprehensive suite of products and solutions. M7 is a publicly listed company on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") trading under the ticker symbol "MSVN". Additional information is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

For the latest news, activities, and media coverage, please visit www.manifest7.com . To receive Company updates and be added to the email distribution list, please sign up here , or connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or Telegram.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS:

This press release contains "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 and assumptions regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. This forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions made by management and other factors used by management in developing such information. 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. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. 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. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

The Company's securities referred to in this press release 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. Accordingly, the Company's securities may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any Company's securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE ManifestSeven

Related Links

https://www.manifest7.com


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In a departure from our normal war crimes fare we are looking at advocacy for justice, truth and reparations in Ireland. For decades thousands of unmarried women were forced into mother and baby homes run by the church or the state. Thousands of babies died in the homes and those that did survive were regularly (illegally) adopted and often went to industrial or reform schools, which are also subject to a separate reports on abuses there.

For the Mother and Baby Homes a special commission was set up to look into what happened. After six years of work, it concluded that this was part of a general societal problem; Ireland was an especially cold and harsh place for women at the time. But the actions were supported by, contributed to, and condoned by, the institutions of the State and the Churches, the report concludes.

Janet and Stephanie spoke to Mary Harney who was born in a Mother and Baby Home in Bessborough in Co. Cork. She was illegally taken away from her mum, forcibly adopted and later sent to an industrial school. Mary is a recent law graduate in Galway, and shes currently a current tutor in the Human Rights Law Clinic at the National University.

Also joining us was Maeve ORourke, lecturer in human rights law and director of the Human Rights Law Clinic at the National University of Ireland in Galway.

Mary and Maeve are both speaking about the final report of the Irish governments enquiry into the Mother and Baby Homes which was released in January this year.

The report has been heavily criticised by survivors for not including human rights language and not allowing access to the materials they based their findings on.

For those who want to learn more about the advocacy work done by Maeve and the Human Right Clinic, she points to the Clann project, the Justice for Magdalenes research and the Adoption Rights Alliance.

Besides her go-to escapism books of Agatha Christie Mary also recommends the book Banished Babies: Secret History of Irelands Baby Export Business by Mike Milotte which centres on the trafficking of babies, but she warns its not light reading.

Mary Harney (left) and Maeve O Rourke (right) invited by Asymmetrical Haircuts
State Treasurer Tim Pallas has proposed a financial sweetener of up to $5000 for 10,500 people who buy new electric vehicles, as part of the governments push to see its controversial electric vehicle tax become law.

But the proposed subsidy has been greeted with incredulity by some in the automotive industry, and was described by the managing director of Volkswagen Group Australia, Michael Bartsch, as a thought bubble response to placate justified criticism of a thought bubble tax.

Tim Stewart lives in a regional area and bought a plug-in hybrid for flexibility but says the electric vehicle tax would make it expensive. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

On Wednesday the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, which represents car manufacturers and importers, emailed its members with information about the proposed subsidies it had been given by Mr Pallas office.

This email, seen by The Age, says Mr Pallas is considering these incentives as part of the electric vehicle user charge bill currently before Parliament. The bill is expected to be debated in the lower house on Tuesday.
Now Open

30 April 2021

Daxton Hotel opens its doors in Birmingham, MI, located just 30 minutes north of Detroit. The hotel serves as a magnet for cultured locals and modern travelers alike within the vibrant city of Birmingham which has long been tied to luxury with its high-end shopping and dynamic art scene. Daxton is the latest hotel to launch in the Aparium Hotel Group portfolio and the group's first collaboration with owner, Mark Mitchell, a local entrepreneur and lifelong metro Detroit area resident. The 151-room Daxton Hotel brings a modern vision of Birmingham luxury incorporating some of the finest art, wellness, dining and retail that hospitality can offer.

Each guest room is stylishly outfitted with a WANT Les Essentiels customized tote, exclusively made for the hotel and inspired by an internationally sold out design. Guests can utilize the Daxton Tote as their own personal shopping bag during their visits to the elegant shops of Birmingham. In addition to featuring WANT Les Essentiels curated retail in the Daxton Parlors, Shinola Detroit, Mills Apothecary, 1701 Bespoke and D.S. & Durga round out the local and worldly retail offerings. Guests can indulge in the hotel's exclusive Pillow Menu, a collaboration with the leading experts in European-style comfort, Scandia Home, setting a new standard for sleeping with the luxurious menu available to guests year-round.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

New research published in Diabetologia (the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes [EASD]) suggests an hour of hiking with hunting gear may be enough to help control blood glucose levels in Arctic Inuit with a faulty copy of the TBC1D4 gene, which increases their risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings, made by scientists in Denmark and Greenland, open the door to lifestyle precision medicine for the population, with the potential to help thousands across the Arctic region.

Around four percent of the Greenlandic Inuit population carry two copies of this genetic variant. Now, the researchers have discovered that a simple exercise intervention seems to stave off the negative health effects.

"We are very excited by the findings, which could improve the lives of many people living with type 2 diabetes in the Arctic region," says Professor Torben Hansen from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) at the University of Copenhagen. The study involved a close collaboration between the Hansen Group and the University of Greenland, the National Institute of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark, and Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen.

An hour of hunting with hunting gear does the trick

Greenland, with a small population of just 57,000, has experienced a dramatic rise in rates of type 2 diabetes over the past 25 years. Reporting in Nature in 2014, researchers from the same collaboration identified the faulty variant of the TBC1D4 gene in the Greenlandic Inuit population, which makes carriers less able to control their blood glucose levels, resulting in type 2 diabetes. Left untreated, the carriers of the gene mutation might be at increased risk of nerve damage, blindness and heart disease.

The latest study examined whether physical activity can help carriers with the faulty gene to control their blood glucose levels. They drew on data from a population cohort of 2,655 Greenlandic Inuit, which was collected as a general health survey of the Greenland population. The data included information on their variant of the TBC1D4 gene, physical activity collected by a questionnaire and a wearable device and blood glucose levels that were measured two hours after consuming a sugary drink.

They discovered that carriers with two copies of the gene merely needed to carry out moderate daily physical activity to reduce glucose levels to only slightly elevated levels. In a real-life setting, this equates to an hour of hiking with hunting gear.

"Our finding opens the door to lifestyle precision medicine, in the form of physical activity, that might benefit the 1 in 25 of the Arctic Inuit population who carry two copies of the faulty TBC1D4 gene," says Postdoc Theresia Schnurr from CBMR.

A positive outlook for thousands of Arctic Inuit

The main limitation of the study is that it was limited to the analysis of the general health survey data. The scientists propose an exercise-intervention trial of Greenlanders to quantify the clinical impact of physical activity in carriers of the faulty gene, with which to recommend personalised treatment.

However, given the initial findings and the prevalence of the faulty TBC1D4 gene in the Inuit Arctic population, the findings present a positive outlook for thousands among this population with type 2 diabetes across the Arctic region.

Explore further TBC1D4 mutation common in north american inuit

More information: Theresia M. Schnurr et al. Physical activity attenuates postprandial hyperglycaemia in homozygous TBC1D4 loss-of-function mutation carriers, Diabetologia (2021). Journal information: Diabetologia Theresia M. Schnurr et al. Physical activity attenuates postprandial hyperglycaemia in homozygous TBC1D4 loss-of-function mutation carriers,(2021). DOI: 10.1007/s00125-021-05461-z
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One Dead, Several Injured as NYC Driver Slams Into Outdoor Dining Area

One person was killed and several others were injured in New York City late Thursday when an SUV jumped a curb and slammed into an outdoor dining structure on Ditmars Blvd in Astoria, Queens, police said.

A 29-year-old man who was on a Yamaha scooter when he was struck by the driver shortly before 8 p.m. was rushed to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly later.

Its not clear what led to the crash, however, the driver of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz, a 60-year-old woman, was transported to Elmhurst Hospital Center, police said.

A 32-year-old woman who was dining at Rosatoro restaurant was taken to Mount Sinai Queens in stable condition with injuries to her legs.

According to officials, the driver crashed into two parked vehicles before striking the 29-year-olds moped and the outdoor dining area.

Video footage from the scene published on Twitter shows people being loaded into an ambulance on stretchers and debris scattered across the street thats lined with outdoor seating amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It also showed a dark-colored car stuck inside a wooden structure.

Kevin Sales, Rosatoros general manager, told The New York Times that the driver was likely slowed down by a tree and an electrical pole near the restaurant.

Or else she would have been inside the restaurant, Sales said.

The New York Police Departments Twitter account for the 114th Precinct urged residents to avoid the area of 35th Street and Ditmars Blvd due to police activity.

Thursdays crash occurred as officials announced that the city aims to fully reopen on July 1, after more than a year of closures and capacity restrictions implemented to curb the transmission of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

We are ready to bring New York City back fully on July 1, Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters at a news briefing Thursday. Now we can see that light at the end of the tunnel.

De Blasio said he had not discussed the citys reopening date with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, but his announcement came a day after Cuomo set out a timeline for which he would lift restrictions such as curfews for outdoor and indoor dining, and capacity limits. The state has the power to impose or lift CCP virus-related restrictions.

I think the best way to proceed here is to set out the citys vision, de Blasio said.

Asked about New York Citys reopening plan at a press conference later, Cuomo said he was reluctant to set a date but was hopeful it could happen even before July 1.

I dont want to wait that long, said Cuomo. I think if we do what we have to do, we can be reopened earlier.

Reuters contributed to this report.
I love a good carb, like anybody, he says. So fries. I love a good pub meal. We dont have pub culture in America so I love sitting down with a good beer, even a Carlton or something simple. Im not fussy about craft beer. And I like a good parma or burger, [although thats] not very healthy. Hallberg grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, where giant portions, Coca-Cola and McDonalds rule. But Im a 6 foot 2 guy so when I allow myself, I can really go for it. Having hung up his performance shoes, the former principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre who was headhunted by Russias Bolshoi Ballet and regularly guest starred at the Paris Opera, Londons Royal Ballet and Milans La Scala is not burning up as much as I used to. It used to just go. He snaps his fingers. The stress, the rehearsal, the sweat, the performance. I couldnt keep weight on me. Now honestly I dont feel as guilty. Things stay on a bit longer but I just live a little bit more now. Tofu poke bowl at the Opera Kitchen Credit:Janie Barrett Hallberg is a captivating companion and a thoughtful conversationalist. When we move to more serious topics he often pauses to frame, or even re-frame, his answer. His sentences are lyrical with a distinctive rhythm; he uses repetition for emphasis. His is a quick but gentle wit. I am trying not to do ballet, he says at one stage, looking slightly embarrassed when his long arms stretch into a pose to make a point. Today Hallberg orders a selection of dishes. I chose things that were photographic, he explains helpfully. A tofu poke bowl, prawn gyoza and a pork katsu sandwich. You can help me eat them. I order a salmon poke bowl with additional seaweed salad.

Now 38, Hallberg started dancing as an eight-year-old. Fred Astaire was my idol. I just wanted to be like him. I started dance classes and became quite obsessed with tap, I was tapping everywhere. Then, when I was 13, so quite late, I found ballet and that was my calling. There is a long pause. It sounds sort of head-in-the-clouds but it really was a calling. It was something stronger than myself. I had to dance. I didnt question it. It was a force stronger than me. Then there is a question of responsibility to the talent you have been given. Some people adhere to that responsibility and some people dont. Some people dont want to work.And then it became a question for me of how hard can I work with this? It cant just be talent, it cant just be hard work. They have to pair. It seems to be glamorous and of course it was  I got to see great parts of the world, dance in the best opera houses. But it was also very lonely. David Hallberg His parents, Bruce (a businessman) and Colleen (a retired hospital administrator), couldnt have been more on board. They just supported me. I was very bullied. They just supported in that. Then when I came out, nothing but supportive. They are one of the most loving, accepting, patient [sets of ] parents and they are going to come visit when they are allowed in. Having farewelled their son to train in Paris at 17 (another difficult and isolating experience for him), the couple have travelled the world to see him dance. And now they will travel to see me direct a company. Pork Katsu Sandwich. Credit:Janie Barrett Hallberg says of his arrival at the Australian Ballet when push came to shove, it just felt very right. I knew the time was now. I just felt it. I am happy to be here and happy, to be honest, not to travel so much. It got relentless, the living out of a suitcase. It seems to be glamorous and of course it was  I got to see great parts of the world, dance in the best opera houses. But it was also very lonely, very transitory.

There was a particular connection with the Australian Ballet too. In 2015 an ankle injury and subsequent botched surgery in New York proved disastrous and, potentially, career ending. In desperation he came to Australia to seek help from the world-leading artistic health team at the Australian Ballet who were horrified by the magnitude of the injury. Combined persistence paid off. He returned to the stage in 2017. How is your foot now? I ask. Foot is good. Foot is really good. I had a deep connection, he continues. It wasnt just that I had been here before and liked it. I spent over a year [with the company] as a non-performer getting to know everyone in the building. And then I came as a guest artist, many many times. When the former artistic director David McAllister decided to step away from the role it became the perfect storm. In ballet you are like a soldier ... I am trying to instil a culture of less obedience and more drive. David Hallberg The new artistic director is excited by the opportunities. But I dont want to rush in. I dont want to make any rookie moves. But he does intend to push the envelope. I tell him that the previous week at the Opera House I had overheard a horrified conversation from teenage ballet fans in the ladies loos. Hallbergs first production, the triple bill New York Dialects, included an adventurous new dance work, Watermark, by New York choreographer Pam Tanowitz, flanked by two more traditional and crowd-pleasing ballet pieces by 20th century icon George Balanchine, Serenade and The Four Temperaments.

Pams work was a test for the audience. I knew some people would really like it and some would want to know the meaning behind it. And there is no meaning. It is just dance. But for me, the fact that it sparks discussion is what makes an arts organisation vibrant. A reaction is good. I am glad it has sparked this standing-in-line conversation. He believes Sydney audiences are adventurous, schooled by the Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance Theatre. I do find an eagerness in the public, an openness to new art here. They are not bogged down with this historical weight like the Bolshoi, the Paris Opera or the Louvre. I mean Napoleon occupied the Louvre! A self-confessed art geek who loves wandering around galleries, Hallberg is currently a bachelor after the break up of his long-term relationship before he moved to Australia. I am getting my bearings and learning about the cultural scene here. Not just the dancing. That is my job now. To keep my ear to the ground. I really want to push Australian artists in general. Not just commissions for choreographers, but visual artists, musicians. Cant help himself: David Hallbergs ballet arms demonstrate a point over lunch. Credit:Janie Barrett I think the Australian Ballet has that kind of responsibility which I am happy to take on but I have to learn first. Who is around? Who is who? Yes, we will be doing Swan Lake, we will be doing Romeo and Juliet but we will also be presenting work which is for now, which is relevant and necessary for an arts organisation today.

The bill for lunch at the Opera Kitchen. Credit:fairfax Hallberg takes the daily class with his 76 dancers and participates in rehearsals. I also can still demonstrate what I mean which will become harder the older I get. My main objective now is to really nurture the talent, to set it on the right course. I am not itching to get back on stage but I am changing a lot of the aesthetic. In classical ballet the arms, the port de bras, can be boxed in. I am teaching them to expand their arms ... (Here he demonstrates while seated above his poke bowl). I am also talking more about risk taking. I think I spent so much of my career with a fear of risk, a fear of falling, a fear of messing up. I want to instil an acceptance of mistakes, of vulnerability, a sense that they are allowed to take a risk and not feel they are doing something wrong. In ballet you are like a soldier. You are always told how to stand this way, to have this arm. It is ingrained to be obedient. I am trying to instil a culture of less obedience and more drive, if that makes sense. Loading Hallberg is hugely excited that the next production, Counterpointe, which opened this week, juxtaposes the1898 classical work Raymonda, choreographed by the Russian grandfather of classical ballet Marius Pepita and requiring exquisite technique with living genius William Forsythes 1984 piece Artifact Suite which has never been performed in Australia.
Former President Barack Obama is joining in the Biden administrations fight against vaccine hesitancy by urging young people to get vaccinated.

In a new PSA that first appeared on the Yahoo News TikTok account Friday, Obama touted the safety of the countrys COVID-19 vaccines, which are now available to every American over the age of 16.

I want to talk about you getting yours, Obama says in the 35-second video on TikTok, the social media platform that has taken off among younger people. Its safe. Its effective. Its free. I got one. Michelle got one. And you can get one too.

Its the only way were going to get back to all the things we love, the former president continues, from safely spending time with grandparents, to going to concerts and watching live sports.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 100 million Americans have been fully vaccinated, or about 30 percent of the total U.S. population and 68 percent of those over the age of 65.

The rollout of the U.S. vaccine program initially targeted older Americans, who are more vulnerable to severe symptoms of COVID-19. But now the focus has turned to young adults, all of whom became eligible for the vaccine earlier this month.

And there appears to be just as much vaccine hesitancy among Generation Z as there was among other age groups.

A recent Stat-Harris poll found that 21 percent of young adults ages 18 to 24 were not willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Another 34 percent said they would wait awhile and see before getting vaccinated.

Another study, conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan, found that although most of the 14- to 24-year-olds they polled were willing to get the vaccine, about 20 percent were unwilling to do so.

Laura Ramirez-Feldman contributed reporting to this story.

____

Read more from Yahoo News:
As India's richest state Maharashtra continues to reel under the second COVID-19 wave, state health minister Rajesh Tope has made a grim forecast. Tope said according to epidemiologists, Maharashtra is likely to witness a third wave of the contagion in July or August.

The minister added the state is likely to reach the plateau level of COVID-19 cases by May-end but if a third wave hits the state by July or August, it would amplify the challenges before the state administration.

Tope said Maharashtra was looking at being self-sufficient in terms of the availability of medical oxygen by July or August. He noted the state administration won't tolerate any complaints about non-availability of oxygen when the state is hit by a third wave.

He was talking to the press after attending a review meeting with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on COVID-19 management and vaccination. District collectors and divisional commissioners also attended this meeting.

The health minister said, "During this discussion, the chief minister stressed on setting up 125 pressure swing absorption (PSA) plants for generating medical oxygen at the earliest for treating patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection."

He said the current medical oxygen requirement was being met through local generation and supplies from the Centre.

He said the state faced a shortage of 10,000 to 15,000 vials of Remdesivir and doctors have been asked to use it judiciously.

He added the chief minister has told business houses and corporates that if they spend on setting up COVID-related facilities like oxygen generator plants, oxygen concentrators and providing equipment like CT scan and MRI machines, they can avail CSR spending-related benefits and this will also ease the financial burden on the state.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra has reported over 45.39 lakh COVID-19 cases and 67,985 fatalities. The state has been placed under lockdown-like restrictions till May 15.

Edited by Mehak Agarwal; with PTI inputs

Also read: India records 3.8 lakh new Covid-19 cases, 3,498 deaths

Also read: BMC suspends COVID-19 vaccination drive in Mumbai for three days as stocks run out
New Delhi: Ahead of the third phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, several states and union territories have issued notices informing the people that due to the shortage of COVID-19 vaccines the vaccination for the 18-44 age group is likely to be delayed.

The Union government earlier this month opened up vaccination for the entire adult population starting from May 1, but several states are facing supply constraints.

No vaccination against COVID-19 will be held in Mumbai for the next three days as the existing stock of doses has been exhausted, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Thursday (April 30) evening.

The vaccination drive for the 18-44 age group, which was supposed to start from May 1 earlier, was likely to be deferred too, it said in a statement.

The Delhi government decided to procure 67 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine, three lakh of which will be delivered by May 3, after its Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Thursday the city currently doesn't have vaccines for the 18-45 age group whose immunisation is set to start on Saturday.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said the state will start inoculation of those in the 18-45 age group against COVID-19 "as and when" vaccine doses are available.

The vaccination drive for the 18-44 age group will not start on May 1 in Madhya Pradesh as the manufacturers can not supply enough vaccine doses in time, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Thursday.

Odisha is facing acute shortage of Covishield vaccines as well and are forcing people to wait for a second dose of the jab for a week.

Against the requirement of 6.3 lakh doses of Covishield to give a second dose to beneficiaries, the state is having only 1.1 lakh doses of this variety.

Meanwhile, the total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered across the country has crossed 15.21 crore with over 20 lakh shots being given till 8 pm on Thursday, the Union Health Ministry said.

Also, the total registrations on CoWIN portal for phase three vaccination has crossed 2.28 crore in just two days, according to data till 9:30 pm, it said.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 15,21,05,563 according to the 8 pm provisional report.
Secretary of State Tony Blinken told Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in a phone call on Friday that the Biden administration would not reverse President Trump's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara, at least for the time being, two sources familiar with the call told me.

Why it matters: Trump's recognition of the Western Sahara as part of Morocco reversed decades of U.S. policy regarding the disputed territory, and was part of a broader deal that included the renewal of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel.

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The U.S. decision last December was a long-sought diplomatic breakthrough for Morocco. The kingdom was concerned it could be reversed once Biden took office.

Israel was also concerned that a reversal of the policy would harm the normalization process with Morocco.

The U.S. is the only Western country to recognize Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara, which was annexed by Morocco in 1975 after former colonial power Spain surrendered control.

The backstory: There had been almost no contact between the Biden administration and the Moroccan government over the first three months of the new administration.

Ten days ago, Biden's Middle East advisor, Brett McGurk, spoke to Bourita and gave the impression that there would be no change in the U.S. policy on Western Sahara, a source familiar with the call told me.

The State Department readout of Blinken's call with Bourita on Friday didn't mention Western Sahara, but two sources familiar with the call confirm that it was discussed and that Blinken said the Biden administration would not reverse Trump's policy for now.

According to the State Department readout Blinken "welcomed Moroccos steps to improve relations with Israel and noted the Morocco-Israel relationship will bring long-term benefits for both countries."

The state of play: Senior White House and State Department officials have held multiple discussions on this issue over the last few weeks.

The decision that emerged from these discussions was not to reverse Trump's policy but to work with the Moroccans on appointing a new UN envoy for the Western Sahara in order to try and resume talks on possible autonomy for the sparsely populated territory, according to two sources familiar with those discussions.

The State Department referred Axios to the official readout, and did not offer further comment.

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RVK Architects of San Antonio has a new line of business: Helping companies remodel their offices with socially distanced floor plans.

Six clients have hired the firm to help them find ways to safely return employees to their office desks, said Christina Davis, who oversees the firms interior design studio. The matter might be as simple as staggering the employees work schedules so no two are sitting close to each other at one time, she said. In other cases, the companies might have to install new technology to conduct web meetings, or to buy mobile furniture so employees can hold impromptu meetings in an open office rather than in tight conference rooms. Sometimes, walls need to come down.

One of the big things people want to know is, what is everyone else doing in the city? Whenever I talk to a particular client, theyre like, Are we doing it the same as other people? Davis said. My answer, always, is that there is not a right or wrong answer as far as how you bring people back  Every company has to decide to do things for themselves, and its going to be a response to, What is the work that we do, and how do we need to do our best work?

More than a year after the initial COVID-19 lockdown sent workers home, and with over 571,000 Bexar County residents now fully vaccinated against the virus, local companies are considering ways to get their employees back into the office, where they can more easily collaborate with their co-workers. In line with a nationwide trend, many are looking at adopting hybrid models in which employees would work some days at home and others at the office.

At Broadway Bank, 50 percent of corporate employees are now coming into the office on any given day, and the company plans to be operating normally in July, CEO David Bohne said. The company has created a task force that is coming up with guidelines for a new working environment that will likely include flexible working arrangements.

Ultimately, thats what were looking to do: How do we create a workspace that maintains our culture, our creativity, our innovation, our camaraderie? Bohne said. It all comes down to balance. What does workforce flexibility look like? What can we do for our employees to create a work environment that allows us and them to be flexible?

Some possibilities could be that employees would work from home one or two days a week, or work from home in the mornings, he said.

We know needs come up, we know emergencies come up; but in the day-in day-out, we want to make sure they do have the flexibility to meet their family needs but also their business needs, he said.

At USAA, only about 5 percent of employees have returned to the office, Pat Teague, the companys chief human resources officer, said in a statement. In May, USAA plans to begin presenting employees with a choice, depending on their position, of working only in the office, only at home, or in the office some days and at home on others.

The company has adopted new safety measures including socially distanced desks, and is using a mobile app developed by employees as part of a health screening process.

Working together in a physical location pays great benefits in building our USAA culture and sense of community, Teague said. We also know our employees value flexibility in how and where they work as well as the balance theyve been able to achieve working at home.

At Frost Bank, as employees get vaccinated, some are choosing to divide their time between working remotely and being in the office, spokesman Bill Day said in an email. The company has asked its departments to keep their occupancy levels below 75 percent.

Like every other employer, were studying the possibilities of what the future workplace will be like, he said.

A survey published in January by consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers found that 83 percent of employers said the shift to remote working had been successful for their companies. Most said they planned to adopt hybrid working models after the pandemic eases.

But employers still placed importance on communal office working, with 68 percent saying a typical employee should be in the office at least three days a week to achieve a distinct company culture.

There also was support among employees for working remotely, with 55 percent saying they would prefer to work at home at least three days a week. Yet 87 percent of employees said the office was important for collaborating with co-workers.

One concern about working remotely is that new employees will have trouble building relationships and assimilating into a companys culture, said Cristina Banks, director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Healthy Workplaces at the University of California, Berkeley.

We dont have spontaneous interactions with people over a water cooler, the various versions of that, and thats essential for people feeling the culture of an organization and feeling committed to that organization, feeling their importance for being part of that culture, she said. It doesnt just come from an online training program. The lifeblood of the company is the mix of people, the spontaneous interactions.

A big question for companies using a hybrid model is whether they can curate the employees who are present in the office so they still have these spontaneous interactions, she said.

After working from home for much of the last year, Americans are coming back to their offices with different expectations, Banks said.

Many dont want to go back to enduring long commutes back and forth, she said. On top of that, employees are coming out of the pandemic more emboldened to look for work elsewhere or start their own company. In response, companies across the U.S. are adopting a hub-and-spoke model in which they open satellite offices closer to employees neighborhoods, often in flexible work spaces such as WeWork.

They have felt some autonomy from the mothership is the way I put it, and that makes people reluctant to come under control of the mothership again, Banks said. The effect of that is that the talent that companies were able to recruit and hire may be not so anxious to go back to that company when the dust settles. The shift in power is real.

Representatives of USAA and Broadway said they are encouraging employees to get vaccinated but not requiring it. Banks said many companies are worried about the legal implications of requiring vaccines  whether it might be considered discrimination if an employee decides not to be vaccinated due to religious objections, for example.

During the pandemic, Broadway Bank has ramped up its resources to employees for physical health and stress management, with events such as virtual recipe demonstrations and 5K races, said Rhonda McGown, the companys chief strategy officer. The company had health programs before the pandemic but has been able to use technology to make them available to more employees than before.

We are ramping up some of the resources that we want to give to our employees and their families just to help take care of not only the physical attributes but the mental well-being and stress management as well. Its just been such a crazy time, I think, and people are trying to figure out how to adapt.
Relatives grieve during the burial service for Monica Cristina, 49, who died from complications related to COVID-19, at the Inahuma cemetery in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Some 2,400 people have died every day over the past week, triple the amount in the U.S. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

Brazil on Thursday became the second country to officially top 400,000 COVID-19 deaths, losing another 100,000 lives in just one month, as some health experts warn there may be gruesome days ahead when the Southern Hemisphere enters winter.

April was Brazil's deadliest month of the pandemic, with thousands of people losing their lives daily at crowded hospitals.

The country's Health Ministry registered more than 4,000 deaths on two days early in the month, and its seven-day average topped out at above 3,100. That figure has tilted downward in the last two weeks, to less than 2,400 deaths per day, though on Thursday the Health Ministry announced another 3,001 deaths, bringing Brazil's total to 401,186.

Local health experts have celebrated the recent decline of cases and deaths, plus the eased pressure on the Brazilian health care systembut only modestly. They are apprehensive of another wave of the disease, like those seen in some European nations, due to a premature resumption of activity in states and cities combined with slow vaccination rollout.

Less than 6% of Brazilians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to Our World in Data, an online research site. President Jair Bolsonaro, who is now being investigated by a Senate panel over his administration's handling of the crisis, has repeated he will be the last to get a shot and he has attacked mayors and governors who enforce restrictions to control the virus' spread.

A family attends the burial service for David Ferreira Gomes, who died from complications related to COVID-19, at the Campo da Esperanca cemetery in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, April 16, 2021. Brazil marked a milestone of 400,000 COVID-19 deaths Thursday, April 29, 2021, the world's second-highest tally, with the majority recorded in just the last four months. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Shortly after the grim landmark was published, Bolsonaro said in a live broadcast on his social media channels that "a big number of deaths has been announced," adding that he is "sorry for every death." But he repeated his stance against social distancing measures.

"I pray to God so there is not a third wave" of the coronavirus, the president said. "But if the lockdown policies continue this country will be dragged to extreme poverty."

Epidemiologist Wanderson Oliveira, one of the Health Ministry's top officials at the start of the pandemic, said he expects a third wave to hit by mid-June. He told radio station CBN on Tuesday that the country's immunization effort won't prevent a new surge because many people won't receive shots before winter, when indoor gatherings and activities are more common even in the tropical nation.

In this March 31, 2021 file photo, cemetery workers work hours past sundown, as they lower the coffin that contain the remains of a COVID-19 victim into a freshly dug grave at the Vila Formosa cemetery in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Nighttime burials at Vila Formosa and three other cemeteries in Sao Paulo were suspended Wednesday, April 28, after two weeks of declining deaths. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine, File)

In this March 16, 2021 file photo, healthcare workers leave a home after vaccinating residents with the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine, during a house-to-house vaccination campaign in the Kalunga Vao de Almas quilombo on the outskirts of Cavalcante, Goias state, Brazil. The country's vast size and deficient infrastructure make getting coronavirus vaccines to far-flung communities of Indigenous peoples and descendants of slaves a particularly daunting endeavor. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres, File)

In this March 19, 2021 file photo, a healthcare worker lends against a wall in the corridor of an ICU unit for COVID-19 patients at the Hospital das Clinicas, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The number of Brazilian states with ICU capacity above 90% has slipped from 17 months ago, according to data from the state-run Fiocruz medical research institute. (AP Photo/Jefferson Bernardes, File)

"Our vaccination is such that in 2022 maybe we will have a much less tragic summer than we did now," he said, referring to the last few months.

He added he expects limited help from local leaders' partial shutdowns, which have yielded weaker results than European-style lockdowns. Many Brazilians flouted social distancing recommendations and partial shutdowns even in the throes of the pandemic's peak.

Brazil's vaccination program, though a far cry from its triumphant campaigns of decades past, has slowed the pace of deaths among the nation's elderly, according to death certificate data published on Monday. Younger people remain unprotected, and have begun falling ill in far greater numbers as a more transmissible variant circulates in Brazil.

Adding to concerns, Brazil's Health Ministry has repeatedly cut its outlook for vaccines in the short term. The country's two biggest laboratories are facing supply constraints for imports from producers in China and India, which has become the pandemic's global epicenter.

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.
So-called "Han settler colonialism" in China's Xinjiang a total lie: report

Xinhua) 14:22, April 30, 2021

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The so-called "Han settler colonialism" in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is a mere fabrication by Adrian Zenz, a so-called German scholar, said a research report released by the Xinjiang Development Research Center on Friday.

Adrian Zenz claimed the natural population growth rate of the Han ethnic group in the Gulbagh subdistrict of Hotan City was 151.7 per 1,000 in 2018 while the rate of the natural population growth for Hotan County was 2.22 per 1,000.

But the statistics provided by Hotan Prefecture showed the natural population growth rate of the Han ethnic group in the subdistrict was just 1.2 per 1,000 in 2018, while the natural population growth rate in Hotan County was 5.29 per 1,000, according to the report titled "Slanderer Adrian Zenz's Xinjiang-related Fallacies Versus the Truth."

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
The management of FBN Holdings PLC, the parent company of First Bank, says the holding company and the bank will cooperate with the new directive from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The company made this known on Friday through a corporate disclosure to the Nigerian Exchange Limited. The statement was signed by the company secretary, Seye Kosoko.

The regulator sacked the board of the bank and its holding company on Thursday, in a dramatic move that came a day after the bank named a new managing director.

First Bank, Nigerias premier bank, has for years been plagued by bad credit decisions, significant and non-performing insider loans and poor corporate governance practices, the CBN said Thursday.

In a speech to journalists, CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, said First Bank maintained healthy operations up until 2016 financial year when the CBNs examination revealed that the bank was in grave financial condition with its capital adequacy ratio and non-performing loans ratio substantially breaching acceptable standards.

First Bank has over 31 million customers with deposit base of N4.2 trillion, shareholders funds of N618 billion and NIBSS instant payment (NIP) processing capacity of 22 per cent of the industry.

In his speech, Mr Emefiele announced the reinstatement of Sola Adeduntan as the managing director and chief executive officer of the bank, a day after he was removed by the board.

He said the regulator learned about the removal through the media.

In a response Friday, First Bank said it will cooperate with the regulator and that its operations are unhampered.

Read the banks statement below:

STATEMENT TO THE NGX ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN FBN HOLDINGS PLC AND FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA LIMITED

In accordance with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) Rule Book, we hereby notify the NGX and the investing public of recent developments in FBN Holdings Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Limited.

Further to the press Conference held by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele on Thursday, 29 April 2021, the Boards of FBN Holdings Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Limited were dissolved and new Boards reconstituted, pursuant to the powers vested in the Central Bank of Nigeria as the primary regulator of both companies.

The Board of Directors of FBN Holdings Plc is now comprised as follows:

1. Mr. Remi Babalola  Chairman

2. Dr. Abiodun Oluwole Fatade

3. Mrs. Kofo Dosekun

4. Mr. Remi Lasaki

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5. Dr. Alimi Abdulrasaq

6. Mr. Ahmed Modibbo

7. Mr. Khalifa Imam

8. Sir Peter Aliogo

9. UK Eke, MFR  Managing Director

The Board of Directors of First Bank of Nigeria Limited is now comprised as follows:

1. Mr. Tunde Hassan-Odukale  Chairman

2. Mrs. Tokunbo Martins

3. Mr. Uche Nwokedi

4. Mr. Adekunle Sonola

5. Ms. Isioma Ogodazi

6. Mr. Ebenezer Olufowose

7. Mr. Ishaya Elijah B. Dodo

8. Dr. Sola Adeduntan  Managing Director

9. Mr. Gbenga Shobo  Deputy Managing Director

10. Mr. Remi Oni  Executive Director

11. Mr. Abdullahi Ibrahim  Executive Director

We wish to confirm that the Bank and the Holding Company are both cooperating with the Central Bank of Nigeria and other regulators while the operations of the Bank and the Holdco are not hampered or hindered and are in fact running smoothly.

We wish to reassure the investing public, our esteemed customers and other stakeholders in the words with which the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria concluded his press conference on 29 April 2021: The CBN hereby reassures the depositors, creditors and other stakeholders of the bank of its commitment to ensuring the stability of the financial system. There is therefore no cause for panic amongst the banking public, given that the actions being taken are meant to strengthen the bank and position it as a banking industry giant.

In closing, we wish to advise investors that, we are aware of our responsibilities to our shareholders and will work to discharge those responsibilities in the manner expected of a company listed on the Premium Board of NGX Exchange Limited.

For: FBN HOLDINGS PLC,

Seye Kosoko

Company Secretary
WASHINGTON - Republicans rallied Thursday behind comments on race made by Sen. Tim Scott as part of his response to President Joe Biden's address to Congress, embracing what they hoped was an effective message in an ongoing debate over the role of racism in America that has sometimes left them struggling to articulate a clear position.

Scott, delivering the official GOP response Wednesday, suggested that liberals are using race as a political weapon, defining all White people as oppressors and seeking to use the language of civil rights to rig elections.

"Hear me clearly: America is not a racist country," Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, said in the televised GOP rebuttal to Biden's speech. "It's backwards to fight discrimination with different types of discrimination. And it's wrong to try to use our painful past to dishonestly shut down debates in the present."

Republicans, who have sometimes found themselves on the defensive in recent months when it comes to race, praised the South Carolina senator for addressing the notion that Democrats and Black activists are too quick to shout down those who disagree with them by calling them racists.

Sen. John Neely Kennedy,R-La., said Scott did a good job articulating the role race plays in the current political climate.

"Clearly we have people in America who feel contempt for our country," Kennedy said. "They should feel gratitude, but they feel contempt. There are people who believe that America was wicked in its origins and it's even more wicked today. They believe that most Americans - at least White Americans - are racist and misogynistic and ignorant."

Democrats generally treated Scott's words with caution, but many Black activists, who publicly criticized Scott into the wee hours Thursday, deemed him the latest in a line of Black apologists who give political and racial cover to White grievance.

On Twitter, Scott was compared to figures like conservative commentator Candace Owens, who has spoken of George Floyd's drug use and criminal history.

"Trotting out sycophantic Black folks who will serve as apologists for white supremacy is a tried-and-true tactic that racists have used for centuries," said Bishop Talbert Swan, president of the Greater Springfield, Mass., chapter of the NAACP. He was among those who spent the hours after Scott's speech tweeting using the #UncleTim hashtag, a derisive reference to Uncle Tom.

"These are your go-to people for white supremacists to put in front of Black people and say, 'See, even your own people are saying we're not racist, that America isn't racist,' " Swan said.

Scott's comments, and the ensuing furor, marked the latest twist in the debate over the role race plays in American society - and the role political leaders should play in eradicating the effects of prejudice.

Biden has said equity will be the lodestar of his administration, and he has vowed to play an active part in dismantling systemic racism. Congress is considering legislation that would protect minority voting rights and revamp a criminal justice system that disproportionately targets Black people.

Running through it all, as the Scott controversy shows, are competing premises about how far the nation needs to go to fix racial fissures - and how bad the problem still is.

Scott, who said he has personally experienced "the pain of discrimination" - being pulled over for no reason and followed around in stores - said too many people suggest the country has gained no ground when it comes to civil rights.

"From colleges to corporations to our culture, people are making money and gaining power by pretending we haven't made any progress," he said.

Republicans seized on the notion that Democrats are only too happy to criticize America.

Scott was able to "articulate that America has moved forward," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who called Scott's racial critique "beyond outstanding."

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said Scott's words could make it easier for people to offer competing views about racially charged issues without the discussion becoming a question of character.

"Every argument [it] seems like we have in this country deteriorates, with somebody's finger pointing and accusing somebody of being a racist, and that's just - I mean, it's a, it's a cop-out," Thune said. "And it detracts from having a really honest discussion, and frankly, maybe even an argument about the big issues of the day, if as soon as you disagree with somebody they're a racist."

Some Democrats fired back that they can call out racism and still love America.

"Well, first of all - no, I don't think America is a racist country," Vice President Kamala Harris said on "Good Morning America." "But we also do have to speak the truth about the history of racism in our country and its existence today."

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., who is currently enmeshed in negotiations with Scott over the shape of a policing reform bill, declined to detail his thoughts about Scott's speech.

"I'm in negotiations with Tim Scott. I have nothing to say about his speech - I have something to say about our friendship," said Booker, who is African American. "We've gotten a lot of very good things done together, and I appreciate that he's an honest broker."

Scott is the lead Republican negotiator as Congress tries to hash out the criminal justice bill, and other Republicans have signaled they are likely to follow his lead if he reaches a compromise with Democrats. He's also a member of a Senate evenly divided between the parties, meaning Democrats and Republicans will likely have to compromise to pass the legislation.

But Scott is also a rarity, one of a handful of Black Republicans in a Congress where the great majority of Black Americans are Democrats and the great majority of Republicans are White.

The caution shown by some Democratic lawmakers in responding to Scott was a nod to the sensitive, often volatile nature of the debate on race.

During a call to Floyd's family after the police officer who killed him was convicted, Biden promised to get something done on criminal justice reform. And in Biden's joint address, he urged Congress to pass a reform bill before the anniversary of Floyd's death. Harris was one of the sponsors of the bill that bears Floyd's name.

But while many members of both parties say they want changes to policing practices, gaping fault lines remain. Republicans, for example, do not want to get rid of qualified immunity, a legal shield that often protects police officers from civil lawsuits if they kill someone in the line of duty.

"We're trying to drive change. We're trying to get police departments to up their game," Graham said. "But we all still need to have a legal system to strike that legal balance."

As lawmakers tried to hash out a deal to overhaul policing practices, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) met Thursday with relatives of four Black men who have died after encounters with police - including Floyd's brother.

Asked about his message to the families as he left the meeting, Schumer said, "We're with them." He added that he wants a "strong, strong bill" - signaling that he was not ready to narrow the scope of the House-passed George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a measure that is opposed by Republicans.

Attending the meeting were Philonise Floyd, Floyd's brother; Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, who was killed in New York in 2014; Tiffany Crutcher, the sister of Terence Crutcher, who was killed in Tulsa in 2016; and Alissa Charles-Findley, the sister of Botham Jean, who was killed inside his Dallas apartment in 2018.

Also attending the meeting were civil rights attorney Ben Crump, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) and Bakari Sellers, an attorney and former South Carolina state lawmaker.

"This legislation has my brother's blood on it and all the other families' blood on it," Philonise Floyd said, adding that the family members came to the Capitol "to just get our point across and let them know that we're hurting, we're still in pain."

Crutcher added that she believed "we have a huge opportunity to push this across the finish line. We can't bring our loved ones back, but we can make sure that no one else has the same fate as my brother."

After meeting with Schumer, the group headed to the office of another key senator in the debate: Tim Scott.
UPDATE: Man charged with animal cruelty after forcing dog to jump with 10-pound weight on its neck, cops say

Two South Jersey residents were charged with animal cruelty this week after a SWAT team served a warrant at their home.

Gloucester County SWAT served a knock and announce search warrant at a home in the 1600 block of Atkins Avenue in West Deptford Township around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to township police.

The warrant stemmed from an animal cruelty investigation conducted by West Deptford police, the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office and county animal control.

Felipe Echevarria, 33, and Brittany M. Morgan, 34, both of West Deptford, were charged with animal cruelty violations and released on summonses pending future court appearances, police said.

Several dogs were removed from the home and are being temporarily housed at the Gloucester County Animal Shelter.

Authorities declined to release additional details about the case.

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

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
Earlier this week, news out of Europe stated that the EU would issue charges against Apple later this week over concerns that the rules it sets for developers on the App Store breaks EU law. Today, the EU Commissioner issued Apple a formal 'Statement of Objections' which is a warning prior to delivering a formal conclusion with charges.

The European Commission has informed Apple of its preliminary view that it distorted competition in the music streaming market as it abused its dominant position for the distribution of music streaming apps through its App Store. The Commission takes issue with the mandatory use of Apple's own in-app purchase mechanism imposed on music streaming app developers to distribute their apps via Apple's App Store. The Commission is also concerned that Apple applies certain restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iPhone and iPad users of alternative, cheaper purchasing possibilities.

The Statement of Objections concerns the application of these rules to all music streaming apps, which compete with Apple's music streaming app "Apple Music" in the European Economic Area (EEA). It follows-up on a complaint by Spotify.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "App stores play a central role in today's digital economy. We can now do our shopping, access news, music or movies via apps instead of visiting websites. Our preliminary finding is that Apple is a gatekeeper to users of iPhones and iPads via the App Store. With Apple Music, Apple also competes with music streaming providers. By setting strict rules on the App store that disadvantage competing music streaming services, Apple deprives users of cheaper music streaming choices and distorts competition. This is done by charging high commission fees on each transaction in the App store for rivals and by forbidding them from informing their customers of alternative subscription options."

Statement of Objections on Apple's rules for distribution of music streaming apps

The Commission preliminary finds that Apple has a dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps through its App Store. For app developers, the App Store is the sole gateway to consumers using Apple's smart mobile devices running on Apple's smart mobile operating system iOS. Apple's devices and software form a closed ecosystem in which Apple controls every aspect of the user experience for iPhones and iPads.

Apple's App Store is part of this ecosystem and the only app store that iPhone and iPad users can use to download apps for their mobile devices. The Commission found that users of Apple's devices are very loyal to the brand and they do not switch easily. As a consequence, in order to serve iOS users, app developers have to distribute their apps via the App Store, subject to Apple's mandatory and non-negotiable rules.

The Commission's concerns, as outlined in the Statement of Objections, relate to the combination of the following two rules that Apple imposes in its agreements with music streaming app developers:

The mandatory use of Apple's proprietary in-app purchase system ("IAP") for the distribution of paid digital content. Apple charges app developers a 30% commission fee on all subscriptions bought through the mandatory IAP. The Commission's investigation showed that most streaming providers passed this fee on to end users by raising prices.

"Anti-steering provisions" which limit the ability of app developers to inform users of alternative purchasing possibilities outside of apps. While Apple allows users to use music subscriptions purchased elsewhere, its rules prevent developers from informing users about such purchasing possibilities, which are usually cheaper. The Commission is concerned that users of Apple devices pay significantly higher prices for their music subscription services or they are prevented from buying certain subscriptions directly in their apps.

The Commission's preliminary view is that Apple's rules distort competition in the market for music streaming services by raising the costs of competing music streaming app developers. This in turn leads to higher prices for consumers for their in-app music subscriptions on iOS devices. In addition, Apple becomes the intermediary for all IAP transactions and takes over the billing relationship, as well as related communications for competitors.

If confirmed, this conduct would infringe Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) that prohibits the abuse of a dominant market position.

The sending of a Statement of Objections does not prejudge the outcome of an investigation.

Background and Procedure

Article 102 of the TFEU prohibits the abuse of a dominant position. The implementation of these provisions is defined in the Antitrust Regulation (Council Regulation No 1/2003), which can also be applied by the national competition authorities.

The Commission opened the in-depth investigation into Apple's App Store rules on 16 June 2020.

A Statement of Objections is a formal step in Commission investigations into suspected violations of EU antitrust rules. The Commission informs the parties concerned in writing of the objections raised against them. The addressees can examine the documents in the Commission's investigation file, reply in writing and request an oral hearing to present their comments on the case before representatives of the Commission and national competition authorities. Sending a Statement of Objections and opening of a formal antitrust investigation does not prejudge the outcome of the investigations.

There is no legal deadlines for bringing an antitrust investigation to an end. The duration of an antitrust investigation depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent to which the undertakings concerned cooperate with the Commission and the exercise of the rights of defense.
Following the principles of strategic partnership and alliance with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Russia is ready to assist in resolving any controversial issues between the countries by political and diplomatic methods in every possible way, official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova said, according to the ministry's website.



"We urge the parties to reach stable and long-term agreements through further negotiations that will allow normalize the situation, take effective measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents," the statement said.



It also noted that the Russian Foreign Ministry supports the decision of Bishkek and Dushanbe to set up a joint working group, whose tasks will include information work with the population as well as patrolling and monitoring the situation in the border zone.



In addition, Zakharova stressed that Russia welcomes the agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to end the conflict on the border. The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry called on the countries to come to long-term agreements on normalization and prevention of clashes in the future.
The proposal also comes just weeks after Biden put forward the American Jobs Act, a $2.3 billion bill that takes an expansive view of "infrastructure" investment by plowing money into traditional projects like roads and bridges, but also into improving schools and health care facilities, expanding renewable energy, and creating job training programs.

It follows a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill, the American Rescue Plan, that in addition to sending hundreds of billions in cash relief payments to individuals, also used changes in the tax law to create a monthly basic income for families with children and allowed some 800,000 additional Americans to receive health insurance through programs established by the Affordable Care Act.

The proposal Biden outlined on Wednesday, called the American Families Plan, is the latest move by his administration to substantially transform the relationship between the federal government and the American people. It would be paid for by increasing tax revenue through rate hikes and stepped-up enforcement targeting wealthy tax evaders.

Speaking to a socially distanced audience in the House chamber, where more seats were empty than were occupied, Biden described "a once-in-a-generation investment in our families -- in our children" that would help the United States in the competition with the rest of the world to "win the 21st century." Biden's plans, while they poll well with the general public, are still remarkably ambitious in a country where political divisions often trump even voters' professed policy preferences.

In an address to a pandemic-diminished joint session of Congress on Wednesday night, he took a further step in his effort to remake the relationship between the federal government and the American people with a $1.8 trillion proposal to expand Americans access to education, provide financial support to families with children, guarantee paid family and medical leave for workers, and reduce healthcare costs.

In his first 100 days as president of the United States, Joe Biden has governed less like a chief executive whose party is clinging to the barest of majorities in the House and Senate, and more like a transformative figure with a broad public mandate for societal change.

 From FDR to 'JRB?'

Dan Mahaffee, senior vice president and director of policy at the Washington-based Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, said the totality of the measures Biden has signed into law and proposed in his first 100 days in office -- if they were all to be enacted -- would invite comparisons to other transformational chief executives, such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Lyndon Baines Johnson. Should that happen, he said, Biden -- whose full name is Joseph Robinette Biden -- might "join FDR and LBJ as 'JRB,' one of the [presidents] who gets known by his initials for expanding government on the scale of the New Deal or the Great Society."

Todd Belt, a professor at George Washington University who directs the Political Management program at the school's Graduate School of Political Management, noted that Bidens description of his plans in terms of their ability to help the U.S. compete on the world stage amounted to an effort to shield them from policy-related objections from Republicans in Congress.

"Joe Biden was making unifying arguments without saying the word unity," Belt said. "He was packaging his policies as patriotic competitiveness. Who could be against that? Packaging his infrastructure bill as the American jobs plan and talking repeatedly about jobs. Again, who could be against those types of things?" All of that, he said, was aimed at deflecting criticism from the other side of the political aisle. Unsurprisingly, that didn't work.

 'Even More Taxing, Even More Spending'

Republicans in Congress immediately tied the new proposal to the administration's previous efforts, noting their combined $6 trillion price tag and expansion of the federal government's role in American life.

"Tonight, we also heard about a so-called 'Family Plan' -- even more taxing, even more spending, to put Washington even more in the middle of your life, from the cradle to college," said Sen. Tim Scott, the South Carolina Republican who delivered his party's official rebuttal to the president's remarks. "The beauty of the American Dream is that families get to define it for themselves," said Scott. "We should be expanding opportunities and options for all families, not throwing money at certain issues because Democrats think they know best."

 Broad Changes Proposed

The change in access to education is the most wide-ranging element in the American Families Plan, theoretically making two years of prekindergarten instruction and two years of community college available to all Americans free of charge.

The plan would also extend some of the financial support to families put in place by the American Rescue Plan, a bill passed earlier this year in response to the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. Among other things, that bill provided families with refundable tax credits of between $3,000 and $3,600 per child paid out on a monthly basis. It would also guarantee that, for children up to the age of 5, American families pay no more than 7 percent of their annual income for child care, and would guarantee up to 12 weeks of paid medical and family leave for workers

 Paid for with Tax Revenue

The proposal would cost $1.8 trillion in total, with approximately $1 trillion in direct spending, and an additional $800 billion in targeted tax relief. However, the Biden administration insists that the plan would be paid for by changes to the administration of tax laws, and would deliver large economic benefits to the nation as well. The administration projects that an investment of $80 billion in the Internal Revenue Service's enforcement capabilities will generate some $700 billion in increased tax revenue in the coming decade.

Janet Holtzblatt, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Institute in Washington, called the increased funding for the IRS, which has been critically underfunded over the past decade, "a good investment." However, she said, "The question is whether it will get back as much money as the president has claimed it will. It's hard to say at this point because we don't have enough information."
SAO PAULO, 30 April 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ornare, one of the most sophisticated international high-end bespoke furniture brands, have announced an online auction of artworks to improve women's health. This year, the initiative, dubbed #MakeUpYourHeart2021, brings together 65 artists and professionals who will lend their talents to colouring in heart-shaped pieces. It hopes to raise $100,000 and donate the amount to Americas Amigas, an NGO which helps to reduce breast cancer-related mortality among the low-income population through early disease detection and diagnosis.

The artworks will be exhibited in two Ornare shows rooms in Manhattan (150 East 58th Street, 4th floor, NY) and in Southampton (98-100 Main Street, Southampton, NY). Those interested can see the pieces available and bid online at (https://one.bidpal.net/ornare/welcome) until May 7.

The heart shape was chosen as it symbolises feelings such as love, passion, wisdom, compassion, knowledge and support all over the world. The wood pieces were created with Ornare's sophisticated raw material, which is 100% certified with the FSC international seal. Each unit is 60 centimetres and has been painted in a personal style by established names such as Tarik Currimbhoy, Janaina Tschape and Marcos Chaves.

"It is a source of huge joy being the link between artists and initiatives that assist and protect people", says Esther Schattan, Ornare's managing director. She stresses that more than 300 people have already bought hearts in auctions, benefiting local institutions in every region where the exhibition has been organised.

"The 2021 edition of the event in New York should be a repeat of the success in 2020. Last year, we brought together Brazilians who are well-known internationally, such as Vik Muniz, Marcia Grostein and Francisco Costa", says Barbara Sobel, international president of the NGO Americas Amigas. The popular auction organiser, Helio Campos, is also positive about the event: "I am honoured to once again be at the forefront of a successful Ornare project, in collaboration with big names in architecture, decor and artists from a wide range of fields, on behalf of projects aimed at caring for the vulnerable in society".

Make your donation online (https://one.bidpal.net/ornare/welcome) and help thousands of people.

Planin  Ornare PR Agency

Angelica Consiglio, Beatriz Imenes and team

(11) 2138-8940  [email protected]

SOURCE Ornare
A judge granted Martin Phipps, a prominent San Antonio lawyer and businessman, a temporary protective order Thursday against T.J. Mayes, his former law partner, escalating a high-profile feud that began in January.

Phipps, 51, alleged Mayes threatened him and his children during a monthslong scorched-earth media campaign against me, my family, my business partners, my employees and several other local public officials in San Antonio.

Judge Cathy Stryker of the 224th Civil District Court issued the temporary order and set a hearing next month on Phipps request for a permanent one. Thursdays proceedings were held ex-parte, meaning that Mayes was not present.

On ExpressNews.com: Prominent San Antonio lawyer hit with protective order filed by his wife

Gabe Ortiz and Meagan Talafuse, attorneys with Phipps law firm, told Stryker that Mayes, 35, made threats amid a stream of social media statements designed to damage Phipps business and reputation. The attorneys submitted 191 pages of evidence, including Twitter and Instagram posts attributed to Mayes and discussions from a podcast belonging to Mayes.

As examples of threats, the attorneys cited a direct message sent to the law firm, along with two anonymous letters sent to Phipps home, one before Mayes wife filed an application March 31 for a protective order against her husband, and another one about a week later.

We are asking to stop the threats, Talafuse told the court. We have a postmarked envelope from a post office in his community, saying that, Martins day is coming, and dont let the children know your visitation day in prison.

On ExpressNews.com: Martin Phipps, a prominent local attorney and businessman, arrested by San Antonio police

Phipps application for the order said the public feud on social media has been going on since Mayes abruptly resigned from the firm on Jan. 11, and it accused Mayes of filing numerous false reports about Phipps to governmental entities.

Using his contacts in government, T.J. has initiated criminal, civil and regulatory investigations against me by the San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County District Attorneys Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Texas Attorney General and Child Protective Services, Phipps said in an affidavit accompanying the request.

The affidavit did not specifically mention Phipps arrest Feb. 8 on suspicion of telephone harassment, a Class B misdemeanor. It stemmed from a complaint involving a woman from a previous romantic relationship, sources told the Express-News.

Bexar County Sheriff's Office /

Phippss affidavit said he received a letter in the mail at his home in early February from an anonymous individual who identified my children by name, the partly redacted affidavit stated. He added that the postmark indicated the letter was mailed on Feb. 1 from a post office near Mayes residence.

Top hits: Get San Antonio Express-News stories sent directly to your inbox

Phipps cited a social media posting on Mayes Twitter page in which, he said, Mayes accused Phipps of threatening to kill Mayes wife.

To be clear, I have never threatened to harm or kill T.J.s wife. I barely know T.J.s wife. Regardless, T.J. took a publicly threatening posture toward me, implying that he had exacted his revenge against me for some imagined harm against his wife and that I would never forget it, Phipps affidavit stated.

Among numerous social media posts included in the court documents, Phipps also singled out a tweet and direct message sent to one of Phipps employees that said, Tell Martin that I have some new homeis from Juarez. If anything happens to me or [name redacted], they know what to do, the affidavit states.

Phipps also cited the protective order that Mayes wife, Laura Mayes, obtained on March 31 after she alleged her husband threatened her and their young daughter during domestic violence incidents. More than a week later, Phipps affidavit states, Phipps opened another anonymous letter sent to his home, the details of which were redacted.

Mayes family ties and business connections in San Antonio make it imperative that a protective order be granted, Phipps argued.

Stryker, in granting the temporary order, made the distinction between First Amendment rights of free speech and threats. She said she could not stop Mayes from expressing his opinion, but that the examples of threatening speech discussed in her court were enough to grant the temporary order.

It stipulated that Mayes could not stalk, physically harm, threaten or contact Phipps or his children or go near their home, the childrens schools, and Phipps office.

The public meltdown between the two men has startled observers. Mayes served on numerous civic boards, hosted KLRNs On The Record, and is a former chief of staff to both Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff and to Mayor Ron Nirenberg when Nirenberg was a City Council member. Laura Mayes is a spokeswoman for the city of San Antonio.

Phipps law firm was one of two in San Antonio hired in 2017 by Bexar County to sue opioid drug manufacturers and distributors alleged to be responsible for contributing to the citys addiction epidemic. He owns Paramour, a rooftop River Walk bar in the building that houses his firm.

In January, Mayes and five other employees at the firm gave Phipps a letter demanding immediate measures to cure the hostile work environment, according to a copy of it obtained by the Express-News. Days later, Mayes resigned, alleging that Phipps appeared to be part of a scheme to defraud several creditors, according to another letter obtained by the newspaper.

In her March 31 protective order application, Laura Mayes wrote in an affidavit that her husband repeatedly requests that I use my professional position for his personal gain, which would cause me to violate city policy and put mine and my daughters livelihood at risk.

T.J. Mayes, in emails sent or copied to the Express-News, has referred to mental health issues. On Thursday, he sent a reporter a copy of an email to an attorney in which he described a recent 10-day stint in a pair of psychiatric hospitals in Louisiana.

I am under doctor's orders not to work or check email until June, the email said.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size At about half-past five in the afternoon on August 31, 2020, I received the call that changed everything. I was in my office, furiously tapping out a big story, when my phone rang. It was one of the managers from International News back in Sydney. His tone serious, he told me that DFAT  the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade  had just called the ABC. And two other media outlets. F, f, f! Im just about to file this and they must be ringing up all the media to leak it, I exclaimed down the phone. It was a major scoop exposing just how dire the situation had become in China. The manager was confused. He wasnt ringing about that, or any other story. Im calling to tell you that the Australian government wants to get you out of China, he said. We were talking about the same topic and didnt even realise it. Hours before, Id stumbled upon what appeared to be a massive escalation in Chinas aggression towards Australia. Although I felt I was like the last person in Beijing to know about it, the story somehow hadnt been reported. Id learnt that Cheng Lei, a Chinese-Australian TV anchor well known to Australians in Beijing, had been taken from her apartment and detained by state security police. Cheng, a mother of a 10-year-old girl and eight-year-old boy, was sociable, down-to-earth and irreverently funny. Well-liked and respected, she didnt feel the need to defend the more egregious propaganda editorial lines of her employer, CGTN, Chinas government-mouthpiece TV network. As an anchor and business reporter, she was a step removed from CGTNs more political roles, and she had no problem taking the piss out of her situation as an Australian fronting Chinas highly nationalistic voice. I knew her personally but not particularly well. I wasnt aware that her close friends and colleagues had been harbouring increasing concerns for her welfare. My first inkling of a major diplomatic crisis had come from an unlikely source. Zoe Daniel, the former ABC Washington bureau chief, messaged me out of the blue to ask if I knew Cheng Lei. Yes, why?

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Journalists from CGTNs Washington bureau had told Zoe that they couldnt reach Cheng, and her WeChat Moments feed [similar to Facebooks Timeline] had gone silent. Her last post had been about the opening of Shake Shack in Beijing  about two weeks earlier. Her friends knew the silence online was uncharacteristic. Zoe wanted to know if I knew anything. Her inquiry surprised me. I doubt Cheng Leis in trouble, I said. Everyone always assumed the worst in China when often there was an innocuous explanation. I went straight to someone who would know if anything was wrong. This person told me that Cheng had gone back to Australia due to a pretty serious personal crisis, which explained why her employer was hushing up her sudden departure. I bought the story. In hindsight it had some pretty big holes in it. Flying from China to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic wasnt easy. I messaged Zoe to tell her what Id been told, joking, Glad she hasnt been taken by the Chinese cops. Those nonchalant words were still on my message screen five days later when Zoe texted again. Her contacts at CGTN had noticed that Chengs presence on CGTNs website and social-media accounts had been meticulously purged. Page by page, video after video. I asked around again, and learnt that the concerns about Cheng were real. She had been taken from her apartment, her computer and devices had been seized, and Australian diplomats had already held their first consular visit with her over video chat. She was being held in Beijing under the dreaded residential surveillance at a designated location, an Orwellian legal procedure unique to China that seeks to mask enforced disappearance as something akin to house arrest. Officially you havent even been formally arrested, let alone charged. Investigators can shut off suspects from the outside world and interrogate them for six months while they build a case. Its an unimaginably powerful legal tool for authorities to use and abuse. Being held in RSDL could only mean one thing: Cheng was being investigated for national security crimes. Australias Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne planned to issue a statement publicising the case and I was asked if I would hold off breaking the news until then. No one could imagine Cheng doing anything that would genuinely harm Chinas national security. Politics was at play.

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Detained Australian journalist Cheng Lei. Credit: Cheng Lei wasnt known to audiences in Australia, but she was an unusually high-profile Australian for China to target. It wasnt just her presence as a face of a Chinese government news channel, but also her close ties to the Australian community in Beijing. She was a promotional ambassador for Australian education. She spoke at International Womens Day events. Few visiting politicians or international business bigwigs would get through a China visit without sitting down to be interviewed by her. There really wasnt anyone I could think of who better epitomised the idea of Australia-China engagement than Cheng Lei. Australias relations with China were worsening by the week as Beijing slapped bans on various Australian exports in apparent retaliation for Australias hardening stance towards its biggest trading partner. Chengs arrest would send a shock wave through Australias political and business community. I was waiting on a response from the Foreign Ministers office when the manager from ABC International, back at home, told me DFAT had rung him instead. They want you to prepare to leave China as soon as possible. Loading His words made no sense. I had a big story ready to break, and whatever it was about, Chengs detention had absolutely nothing to do with me. The manager had no idea about the Cheng case and, after hearing me explain it, he told me I should have immediately notified HQ when I learnt the details hours earlier. It hadnt occurred to me that the sudden detention of an Australian-Chinese state-media employee would have any bearing on my safety, I said. No foreign journalist had been detained by state security police before and Chengs case didnt change that. The manager maintained that DFATs advice had been delivered as a matter of urgency. Perplexed, I started to think someone had overreacted, and that it would quickly be sorted out. For five years Id watched the relationship between Australia and China unravel little by little, but surely it hadnt reached a point where Australian journalists needed to flee the country. And yet the wheels for my departure were already in motion.

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Bill Birtles, at left, with Beijing-based cameraman Steve Wang. Credit:Courtesy of Bill Birtles I had slept relatively well despite breaking the news to my partner, Yinan, that the Australian Government wanted us to pack up our lives and evacuate from her country with immediate effect. Whats the actual reason? she asked me. I couldnt tell her. The ABC bosses couldnt tell me. DFAT wouldnt tell them. Wed spent the evening talking in circles about what was likely going on, punctuated by calls to close friends. The most likely speculation was that the Australian authorities were planning to take some sort of investigative action against Chinese state-media journalists in Australia and they wanted me out before they started. Perversely, Yinan and I took some comfort from how sudden and unexplained it was. Having first met in Beijing through foreign media circles, we had built a relationship, moved in together, adopted cats and made plans for children, knowing we would one day leave China to head to the next posting. Uncertainty was always present in our plans. But leaving under these circumstances was more than we bargained for. Before we went to sleep, we convinced ourselves that it must be a misunderstanding. The Australian embassy was a relatively stylish understated 1990s building, far nicer than the brown brick bunkers of the neighbouring Canadian and German embassies. We were taken to the ambassadors office  a first for us  and the solemn tone of the briefing sapped my optimism immediately. Everyone present was dead serious. We were told in no uncertain terms that we were in danger of being detained by the Chinese police, and that we should make arrangements to get on a flight out of China as soon as possible. We werent told exactly why, but it appeared to be linked to Chengs case.

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How long do we have? A senior diplomat looked at his watch. Well, its 11am now  A chill went through me. They were talking hours, not days. Once we flew out, they told us, You will not be coming back. Shit, its over, I thought, tears starting to well in my eyes as the reality dawned. Just like that, my time in China was to finish. Loading With the briefing nearly wrapped up and having received assurances that Yinan would very likely be granted an exemption to enter Australia, I told them what was really rattling me. My partners pregnant, I blurted out. Wed only started trying for a baby a few months earlier after confirming I would extend my posting in Beijing for another year. It was still early days, and we hadnt told others yet. One of the embassy employees broke into a tight smile, exclaiming Congratulations, the most bittersweet of expressions glinting in her eyes. Twenty-four hours after the briefing at the embassy, I still refused to believe we would be forced to go.

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NEW YORK, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Growing anti-Asian atmosphere in the United States has chilled Chinese scientists working in the country, with some being forced to abandon their careers and work in other nations instead, according to an article published on American weekly magazine Bloomberg Businessweek.

Rising anti-Asian sentiment, inflamed by some U.S. leaders and institutions, is deterring Chinese talents from coming to the United States to study and work, said the article published on Monday by San Francisco-based writer Peter Waldman.

It also poses a serious danger to the nation's research base, the article quoted some of the most prominent American scientists and academics as saying.

Peter Michelson, a physics professor and senior associate dean for the natural sciences at Stanford University, blamed FBI Director Christopher Wray's "whole-of-society" hyperbole for whipping up anti-Chinese fervor at some companies and campuses, and fueling exaggerated mistrust of Chinese graduate students and engineers, according to the article.

Earlier, Wray claimed that China has taken a "societal approach to steal innovation."

"You don't cast a broad net like that. That's profiling," said Michelson, who co-chairs a project of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences to strengthen international science partnerships.

"We're trying to attract talent to this country, but I think some of his rhetoric, while perhaps unintended, puts a target on people's back. Words do matter," he noted. Enditem

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
[April 30, 2021] KOVR - New Edmonton-Developed VR Software Helping Diabetes Patients Now Being Tested on Ophthalmology Patients

The team at Edmonton-based KOVR tested the beta version of its new VR software platform, Stratos (News - Alert) , and its first piece of education software, the Diabetic Retinopathy Module (DRM), this past month to a select group of patients. This beta phase enabled clinicians to introduce the software to their diabetic patients and provide a real-world test sampling before the larger DRM release later on in 2021. Through this technology, diabetic patients can be better informed about the ramifications of vision loss from diabetic retinopathy so they realize the importance of getting regular eye exams to manage their health. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005614/en/ KOVR is patient testing its new VR platform, Stratos, and the first piece of health care software, the Diabetic Retinopathy Module. (Photo: Business Wire) The Canadian Diabetes Association and Canadian Ophthalmology Society estimate that 11 million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes, and only approximately 30% of them have regular eye exams. Diabetic patients who have their eye health routinely monitored so that issues can be identified early, before their vision loss progresses, can ultimately enjoy an improved quality of life while also helping to significantly reduce costs to the health care system.



"The main issue we heard from physicians was how they could more effectively educate their patients on the negative impact their diabetes can have on their vision and the increased risks of not having regular eye exams for preventing and treating vision loss," says Robert Lennon, President and Creative Director with KO Group, KOVR's parent company. To create an accurate depiction of the common patterns of vision loss associated with diabetic retinopathy, KOVR worked closely with Dr. Karim Damji, Chair of the University of Alberta's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and lead ophthalmologist with the Eye Institute of Alberta, and Dr. Matthew Tennant, clinical professor with the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Alberta. With input from Dr. Damji and Dr. Tennant, the KOVR team developed a simulation where users complete simple everyday tasks as their vision begins to obscure while wearing a VR headset.

"The DRM goes beyond any pamphlet or poster informing diabetic patients why paying attention to their eye health is important," says Dr. Damji. "Being able to show how their vision can deteriorate and enabling them to experience it in a simulated virtual reality manner can better instill in our diabetic patients how critical it is for them to regularly monitor their eye health to prevent or mitigate future vision loss." Alberta Innovates provided support through its eXtended Reality Health Economic Acceleration and Development (xR HEAD) program. The program supports digital solutions which enhance patient care or supports the training of health professionals. The DRM is also the first of many education programs to be developed for Stratos. "We are excited to see the great strides that have been made in developing the Stratos platform and the Diabetic Retinopathy Module to assist those living with diabetes," says Bindi Ferguson, Director, Portfolio Management-Health, Alberta Innovates. "This project exemplifies how digital and data-enabled technologies can deliver more affordable, accessible, and high-quality health care for all Albertans." For KOVR, the developers are actively looking for new partners to continue expanding Stratos' library of modules and utilizing VR to its fullest educational potential. "If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's that digital technologies are no longer the future of education or health care - they're the present," says Lennon. "Through VR, there's no limit to what can be shown and who it can inform." See KOVR's Stratos program on YouTube. About KOVR KO Group is one of Canada's premiere video production companies. Founded in 1993 as KO Productions, we produce hundreds of television commercials each year, as well as corporate and marketing videos, 3D animation and web content. Through our VR and AR technology division, KOVR, we are developing groundbreaking sales, marketing and training applications for many industries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005614/en/

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A Mount Pleasant woman who spent years keeping the books for a thriving Charleston real estate group has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $1 million from the company.

Karen Rhett, 58, faces up to 20 years in prison. Her sentencing date is pending.

Rhett had worked for Simmons Realty Co. for decades by the time authorities accused her of wire fraud and tax evasion. Since the mid-1990s, federal authorities said, she faked business ledgers to move company money into her personal accounts. Eventually, she began padding her own salary and stealing from other employees' paychecks.

The FBI and IRS examined the hard drive that Rhett used while working at Simmons and found detailed spreadsheets that showed how she shifted the money around. According to court records, more than $1 million was missing from Simmons and its partners.

"The Simmons family is relieved that this is the beginning of the end," said the company's attorney, Bart Daniel. "Justice is finally going to be served."

Rhett never reported the income on her taxes, authorities said, failing to pay more than $380,000 on the illicit income.

As part of her guilty plea, which was entered April 28, Rhett agreed to forfeit more than $640,000. Tax records show she recently sold a Mount Pleasant home for more than $980,000.

Rhett didn't respond to questions from The Post and Courier. Court records show she was released from custody April 28 on $25,000 bond.

Her defense attorney, George Rutledge DuRant, could not be reached for comment.

Gregory Yee contributed to this report.
Jersey Shore star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro's arrest this month for felony domestic violence was reportedly initiated by a call to police from his girlfriend Saffire Matos.

Ortiz-Magro, 35, was arrested after police on the seen spotted bruises and injuries on Matos that appeared to be from the alleged altercation, TMZ reported Thursday.

The new information seems to conflict with social media statements from the reality star and his girlfriend, both of whom have tried to downplay the arrest.

New details: Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, 35, was arrested for felony domestic violence after his girlfriend Saffire Matos called the police on him, TMZ reported on Thursday; seen in 2017 in LA

According to law enforcement sources, Matos was frightened enough by the alleged altercation for her to call the police for help.

The two had reportedly been in a shouting match that turned physical.

The responding officers spoke to both parties and concluded that Ortiz-Magro was responsible for the alleged assault.

According to the sources, there were multiple factors that led them to arrest the reality star, but the most compelling were visible injuries on Martos.

Injured: Law enforcement sources say Matos called the police in response to an argument that turned physical, and police arrest Ortiz-Magro after they saw visible injuries from the fight on Matos

New story: Despite being frightened enough to call the police, Matos took to Instagram four days later with a statement bashing reports as 'false accusations' and saying the two were 'fine'

Despite feeling the need to call the police, Matos posted a statement to her Instagram stories four days later in which she tried to downplay the whole thing while calling reports of the arrest 'false accusations.'

'Ronnie and I are fine there is a lot misleading information floating around out there [sic],' she began.

'With anybody who reached out with concern I appreciate it with all my heart, but everything that's being portrayed out there are not facts,' she continued.

'I don't think it's fair that people are using false accusations to gain attention. Please leave Ron and I alone. You don't know what someone is going through at the end of the day. Don't believe everything you hear or read online.'

She concluded with a request for privacy and thanks for her supporters.

Out of the loop? Ortiz-Magro's attorney Scott Leemon claimed to not know the details of the incident in a statement to TMZ. 'We are still investigating the incident of last week and have not yet received any of the police reports,' he said

Ortiz-Magro's attorney Scott Leemon claimed to not know the details of the incident in a statement to TMZ.

'We are still investigating the incident of last week and have not yet received any of the police reports. Therefore, we will continue not to comment while our investigation is still ongoing. As we have all learned in the past, initial reports can be and are often incorrect,' he said.

The Jersey Shore star was previously charged with felony domestic violence after a physical altercation with his onoff girlfriend Jen Harley on October 4, 2019, and he later pleaded no contest to charges of domestic battery and resisting arrest.

He's currently on probation after pleading to seven misdemeanor counts that included criminal threats, brandishing a weapon and resisting arrest.

Harley was in Las Vegas at the time of her ex's arrest, so she drove to Los Angeles to pick up their three-year-old daughter Ariana Sky, who had been with Ronnie at the time of the altercation.

The Jersey Shore star was previously charged with felony domestic violence after a physical altercation with his onoff girlfriend Jen Harley in 2019

Giving gratitude: Ortiz-Magro shared a statement three days after his arrest on Instagram in which he praised friends for staying with him through his multiple domestic abuse arrests

Ronnie also moved to downplay the situation with an Insta Stories statement three days after his arrest.

'I am grateful for all of my real friends,' he wrote. 'Thank you for being by myself the last few week. I take all experiences as lessons. You learn who really cares about you when your down and out and than you see who doesn't [sic]!'

He added, 'But I guess they call it the weeding process. Thank you to my real friends who haven't left my side and haven't betrayed me!'

Ronnie was released at 7:18 p.m. on Thursday after posting a $100,000 bail, TMZ reported.
A paedophile who admitted the rape and kidnap of a 13-year-old girl in south-west London needed plastic surgery after he was attacked within seconds of arriving in jail.

Kadian Nelson, 27, pleaded guilty to kidnap, rape and making a threat to kill, at Kingston Crown Court on Monday.

Just hours later he was taken to Wandsworth prison in South London where another inmate set on him causing serious injuries that required plastic surgery.

A source told The Sun: 'It was a brutal attack by a prisoner who had arrived in the same van. Everyone knew what he had done. It was clearly targeted.'

Kadian Nelson, 27, followed the 13-year-old before creeping up behind her and sexually assaulting her in Mitcham, south-west London last year

On November 3 last year Nelson followed a 13-year-old before creeping up behind her and putting one hand over her mouth and another on her head.

The CPS said Nelson also threatened to kill the girl and forced her to walk towards an alleyway in Mitcham, just after 7am.

He told her to take off her coat and school blazer before sexually assaulting her, then put his own jacket on the victim.

Police were alerted when a woman called 999 saying her daughter had seen a man grab a young girl. When one of the woman's relatives interrupted Nelson, he told her the victim was his sister, the CPS said.

Prisoners stand outside their cell on the A wing at Wandsworth prison in South West London (stock image)

HMP Wandsworth where another inmate attacked Nelson in a 'targeted' attack within seconds of him arriving (stock image)

The case was widely shared on social media at the time with furious local residents told not to take the law into their own hands after angry groups gathered at addresses in the area.

A Prison Service spokesperson told The Sun: 'A prisoner was treated in hospital for an injury to his cheek  police are investigating.'

Nelson is due to be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on August 13.
Chinese vice premier stresses production, supply of COVID-19 vaccines

Xinhua) 10:05, April 30, 2021

Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a local vaccination site, learning about the organization, service and medical security of the inoculation process in Beijing, capital of China, April 29, 2021. Sun inspected the inoculation and production of the vaccine in Beijing on Thursday. (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan on Thursday called for speeding up the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring quality and safety and promoting vaccination among the public to build an immune barrier.

Sun, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when inspecting the inoculation and production of the vaccine in Beijing.

During the inspection, Sun visited a local vaccination site, learning about the organization, service and medical security of the inoculation process.

Noting that the vaccination campaign is the largest since the founding of New China, with over 50,000 vaccination sites set up across the country and over 240 million doses of vaccine administered, Sun called for efforts to ensure vaccination safety for people and enhance vaccination publicity and education.

Sun also heard a report on the production and supply of vaccines, and learned about the vaccine production operations of relevant enterprises through video links.

She stressed giving priority to the quality and safety of vaccines, calling for efforts to guide enterprises in arranging production in a scientific way and increase and stabilize production.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
Japanese Ambassador to India Satoshi Suzuki on Friday informed that the country will provide 300 generators and as many ventilators to India which is currently facing the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

Taking to Twitter, Suzuki said that stands with India in its "greatest time of need".

" stands with India in her greatest time of need. We have decide to proceed with the procedure to provide 300 generators and 300 ventilators," he tweeted.

On Thursday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said that has been a "close partner" in international cooperation and has been responsive to many of India's requirements.

"Japan has been a very close partner in whatever areas of importance that are there in terms of international cooperation and (we are) very happy that Japan has been responsive to many of our requirements and here Japan has offered a number of items including concentrators, ventilators and pharmaceutical products," he said in a special media briefing.

India on Friday morning received coronavirus-related assistance from Romania and the United Kingdom.

Taking to Twitter, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has received 80 concentrators and 75 oxygen cylinders from Romania, while it received 280 oxygen concentrators from the UK.

The surge in the COVID-19 cases continues to affect India as the country on Thursday recorded 3,79,257 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. This is the highest single-day spike in the cases since the pandemic began last year.

The worsening COVID-19 situation in India has seen a surge in the demand for medical oxygen and beds for the COVID-19 patients. Several countries around the world have come forward to help India.

(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 United States is imposing new travel restrictions on India starting Tuesday because of the devastating wave of COVID-19 cases across the Asian nation.

President Joe Biden's administration made the determination on the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

"The policy will be implemented in light of extraordinarily high COVID-19 caseloads and multiple variants circulating in India," Psaki said Friday.

The restrictions will bar most non-U.S. citizens in India from entering the United States, according to the Reuters news agency.

The United States already has similar travel bans in place for most non-U.S. citizens who have been in other coronavirus hot spots within the past 14 days, including South Africa, Brazil, Britain, Ireland, the European Union, China and Iran.

U.S. citizens in India will be allowed to fly home, but like all international travelers flying into the United States, they will be required to show proof of a negative coronavirus test or recovery from COVID-19.

The CDC also recommends that all international travelers get a COVID-19 test three to five days after arriving in the United States and quarantine themselves at home for at least seven days, even if they test negative for the virus.

Other countries, including Britain, Germany and Singapore, have imposed similar travel restrictions on India.

On Friday, India reported 386,452 new coronavirus cases, the ninth day in a row that the country has exceeded 300,000 new cases. Indian media reports said some public health experts believe the actual tally of new infections may be at least five times higher.

India on Friday also reported 3,498 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the country's official death total to 208,330.

Aid from the United States and other countries arrived Friday in India. U.S. assistance included oxygen supplies, rapid diagnostic tests and vaccine manufacturing materials.

The second wave of the coronavirus in India has overwhelmed the country's health care system, with hospitals at full capacity and an acute shortage of oxygen aggravating an already desperate situation. Many parks and parking lots have been converted into makeshift crematories that are working day and night.
On the conclusion of polling by 5 pm, the turnout was 49.25 per cent in Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation, 57.91 per cent in Khammam municipal corporation and 67.18 per cent in Siddipet municipality, among others. (DC file photo)

HYDERABAD: Barring stray incidents of clashes between members of the ruling TRS and opposition parties, polling for Warangal and Khammam municipal corporations and five other local bodies in the state ended on a peaceful note.

Stray incidents of clashes were reported in Greater Warangal and Khammam municipal corporations. However, the police intervened and brought the situation under control.

An average of 50 per cent polling was reported in all urban local bodies (ULBs). Under directions from the Telangana High Court, the State Election Commission (SEC) took various measures to ensure strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines during the polling process.

Fighting scorching temperatures, voters turned up right from morning at polling booths in Greater Warangal and Khammam municipal corporations and five municipalities  Siddipet, Jedcherla, Atchampet, Kothur and Nakrekal. Polling was also held for by-elections to four wards in four municipalities and one ward in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

On the conclusion of polling by 5 pm, the turnout was 49.25 per cent in Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation, 57.91 per cent in Khammam municipal corporation and 67.18 per cent in Siddipet municipality, among others.

Polling began at 7 am across all ULBs where officials made arrangements to ensure strict adherence to Covid-19 protocol, such as wearing masks and physical distancing. Sanitisers were made available at the entry point of polling stations. Sanitisation of polling booths, use of Arogya Sethu app by all those involved in elections, distribution of kits containing one mask, sanitiser and face shield to every polling personnel, were among the other guidelines that were followed.

A total of 11,59,112 voters, including 5,84,963 women, were eligible to cast their votes in these elections. As many as 1,307 candidates, including 480 independents, are in the fray overall. Around 1,539 polling stations were set up and 9,809 polling personnel were deployed to ensure smooth conduct.

State Election Commissioner C Parthasarathi monitored the polling process from Hyderabad and instructed the concerned officials at regular intervals to ensure that Covid-19 norms were being followed. He also instructed them to arrange transportation to polling and police personnel from reception centres to their destinations after handing over the election material with 50 per cent occupancy in buses.
She is the former Celebrity Big Brother star who has spent an estimated 100,000 on plastic surgery.

And Chloe Khan put on an eye-popping display as she stepped out to grab a coffee in London on Friday afternoon.

The beauty, 28, struggled to contain her surgically-enhanced assets in a plunging white blazer, as she strutted her stuff along the pavement.

Wow! Chloe Khan put on an eye-popping display as she stepped out to grab a coffee in London on Friday afternoon

Chloe left little to the imagination in the daring jacket which was cinched in at the waist to show off her enviable curves.

She teamed the blazer with matching smart trousers and accessorised with a white leather bag and strappy heels, as she headed to Starbucks in Westminster.

Her sleek raven tresses were styled poker straight with fluttery lashes and a touch of rose gloss accentuating her visage.

Commanding attention: The beauty, 28, struggled to contain her surgically enhanced assets in a plunging white blazer as she strutted her stuff along the pavement

Style: Chloe left little to the imagination in the daring jacket which was cinched in at the waist to show off her enviable curves

The star has been open about having nose jobs, lip enhancements, breast augmentations and even a bottom enlargement.

In 2018, the star appeared on Good Morning Britain to debate with Aisleyne-Horgan Wallace about corrective plastic surgery.

Chloe locked horns with the beauty when she argued the NHS shouldn't fund corrective procedures.

Aisleyne said: 'People don't go abroad and think, I'm going to have real bad problems when I come back, I'm going to have to turn to the NHS.'

Bombshell: She teamed the blazer with matching smart trousers and accessorised with a white leather bag and strappy heels as she headed to Starbucks in Westminster

Glam: Her sleek raven tresses were styled poker straight with fluttery lashes and a touch of rose gloss accentuating her visage

Honest: The star has been open about having nose jobs, lip enhancements, breast augmentations and even a bottom enlargement

Chloe bit back: 'Do you not think that people should take responsibility for a choice, if you have surgery, it's your choice, you're taking a risk, you know that.

'I myself have had a very bad cosmetic surgery and I would never dream of looking to someone else to pay for it. It was abroad.'

Aisleyne didn't hold back when she called out Chloe for getting expensive cosmetic procedures for free by advertising them.

She called out: 'But you get your surgery for free because you advertise it!' leading Chloe to retort 'So, you've had things done for free as well! I've paid for surgery too.'
In the latest development, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against Samsung for providing defective rear camera glass in Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphones  Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 Ultra, and Galaxy S20 FE.

According to the law firm Hagens Berman, consumers reported sudden unwarranted breaking, cracking, and shattering of rear camera glass without any external cause.

As a result, the South Korean tech giant is being accused of fraud, breach of warranty, and violations of several consumer-protection laws. The lawsuit was filed on April 27, 2021, in the U.S. District Court of the District of New Jersey.

According to the lawsuit, The phones, sold with professional camera quality were made and sold with a defect affecting the back camera modules glass covering that shatters  spontaneously, with no external force applied  and even when the phone is encased in a protective case.

The lawsuit also states that the defect also plagued other Samsung phone models.

Samsung sold its Galaxy S20 as a high-end option for consumers, with a professional grade camera, charging upwards of $1,600 per device, only to have them suddenly lose a major aspect of their functionality, said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman and attorney for consumers in the class action. During a time of social-distancing and increased use of online access, consumers are especially in need of a reliable mobile device, yet Samsung has refused to deliver the reliability it promised its customers.

According to consumers, Samsung refuses to cover the issue under its warranty and asking to pay $400 to send the phone back to Samsung to investigate the issue or $100 under purchased Samsung care device insurance to repair the shattered glass. Other consumers have reported to paid hundreds of dollars out of pocket at third-party repair providers.

However, Samsung admitted and acknowledged the defect. In the Samsung consumer forum, a Samsung Care Ambassador stated: This happened to one of our ambassadors. After many complaints about the issue, we found out that it has to do with pressure buildup underneath the glass and not customers banging it against something.

Even after acknowledging the defect, Samsung failed to initiate a recall and continues to deny customer warranty claims, says the attorney. The suit also seeks compensation for affected consumers regarding a loss of value in the product.

Source | Via
TORONTO, April 30, 2021 /CNW/ - CIBC announced today it is donating $100,000 to UNICEF to assist with on-the-ground humanitarian relief in India, following the deadly surge in COVID-19 infections.



CIBC (CNW Group/CIBC)

"The pandemic is having a devastating impact in India as COVID-19 outbreaks overwhelm the healthcare system and communities across the country," said Victor G. Dodig, President and Chief Executive Officer, CIBC. "We are committed to doing our part to help those who are working tirelessly to provide immediate relief and save lives."



CIBC's support will go toward boosting access to critical oxygen supply in hospitals for critically ill COVID-19 patients and the purchase of accurate testing tools to speed up identification and treatment.



"As we work to support India during the devastating and deadly second wave of COVID-19, UNICEF Canada is grateful to corporate partners like CIBC for standing alongside us. Together, we will work to increase access to critical life-saving medical care and supplies," said David Morley, President and CEO, UNICEF Canada.



Canadians wishing to support relief efforts can donate to UNICEF Canada. With UNICEF's established supply chains and expertise, teams in 14 field offices across India are ready to procure and distribute these life-saving essentials. Funds raised will enable UNICEF to provide the best care to those in need during such a critical time.

About CIBC

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 10 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc/media-centre.html.

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SOURCE CIBC

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2021/30/c7183.html
BRANFORD  Close friends and loved ones are mourning the loss of the 69-year-old Branford truck driver who died Thursday as a result of an accident on Interstate 91.

Dentist Karen Peterson Gallo, Andrew Rogers and Jimmy Ahearn, who graduated from high school in 1971 with the late Richard Vining, grew up together in Hamden.

He was my brother from another mother, Gallo said of the hilarious man who lived at her familys home for a time.

Vining, who friends called Ricky, was driving a dump truck for Cherry Hill Construction of North Branford, Peterson Gallo said, when he hit a disabled vehicle between I-91 southbounds exits 19 and 20 in Middletown, and his vehicle rolled down an embankment, hitting a guardrail.

State police said Vining had just gotten on the on-ramp and was in the acceleration lane when his Peterbilt truck collided with a GMC van for an unknown reason.

He worked for Cherry Hill for 20 years. Thursday was his birthday.

To know him was to love him, Peterson Gallo said of Vining, an AA member who was so proud of his two decades of sobriety that he would help people better their lives.

Vining had retired from the town of Hamden, but so loved his work that he took a new position, and had little plans to retire, although he dabbled with the idea, Peterson Gallo said. He really enjoyed his work.

An avid motorcyclist, vehicle enthusiast and dog lover, Vining always had the most meticulous truck in the yard, she said.

Vinings brother, Jay Vining, said, affectionately, his kind and friendly brother was a pain in [the rear end], who loved cars and riding his motorcycle. He was very generous  to a fault, and would help people he didnt know, doing it just because they needed help and he could help them.

Any time Vining had something a friend could use, he would offer it, his brother said, admitting his grief comes in waves.

Its not what weve lost in life, its what were blessed by God to have, Jay Vining said.

Richard Vining, who had many convictions in sobriety, would say, its not the years in your life, its the life in your years, according to his brother, who spoke with him right before the accident.

Vining, who had three beloved canines, loved dogs as much as people, roommate Jim Ahearn said. He last saw his friend when they left for work Thursday at 5:30 a.m. The two had been particularly close for the last 15 years.

Vining, the life of the party, and a fun guy, would always be dressed to the nines in a hat and sport coat, and bring two-dozen Italian pastries to special occasions, no matter how many people were there, Peterson Gallo said.

Hed be delivering cannolis to everyone, Ahearn said. Its strange to think now, but if you had a sick family member or a loss, you had two-dozen pastries on your doorstep.

Peterson Gallo intended to call Vining for his birthday Thursday, but got distracted with other things. Noting the cruel irony of the accident, she said, the day you were born is the day you die.

Vining was a family guy who was giving of his love, Ahearn said. He would give you the shirt off his back if it made your life better.

Vining was godfather to Andy Rodicans son, and funny as hell, Rodican said. I talked to him every day for 20 years, except maybe 10.

Ricky was extremely giving of himself, a caring person. He would do anything for anybody, Rodican said. They had spoken on the phone just two hours before the crash.

Rodican said Vining told his three friends, who were all in recovery, Im not going to be the one to break the link, by drinking again, Rodican said. He remembers the time, just after 9/11, when Vining was driving a rental car on vacation with him in Hawaii. They saw snipers on the rooftops after security had been beefed up at the airport.

Vining, who was very stubborn, drove to the gate despite the potential for danger, Rodican said, laughing. Weve got memories for life with him.

One year, on Easter, Vining came to an AA meeting in a pastel green jacket. Rodican quipped his friend wasnt Tiger Woods at the Masters [Tournament]. It could be pink, purple, green  whatever, Rodican said. Every Easter, he had that jacket.

His sobriety was Vinings greatest achievement in the world  the thing he was most proud of, Ahearn said. He always said, If I die, I want to die a sober man. Hell be terribly missed.

Peter Yankowski contributed to this story.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 19, 2021. (Graeme Jennings/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaker Pelosi: We Cannot Require Someone to Be Vaccinated Against CCP Virus

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that she cant call for the members of Congress to get vaccinated against the CCP virus.

Pelosi was asked on April 29 why lawmakers werent required to get a COVID-19 vaccine before attending President Joe Bidens joint address to congress the day before in the House Chamber.

We are guided by the Capitol attending physician and the sergeant at arms, but science demands why we still have masks on still, Pelosi said at a press conference. We cannot require someone to be vaccinated, thats just not what we can do.

The issue involved the matter of privacy which she said meant she cant go to the Capitol physician to ask for the names of the lawmakers that arent vaccinated in order to encourage them to get the jab or make it known to others that they havent.

So we cant do that, but you would hope that science would guide them, to protect themselves, their family members, and be good colleagues in the workplace to get vaccinated, and the sooner that that happens the better for everything, Pelosi said.

When asked, Pelosi roughly calculated that about 75 percent of Congress had been vaccinated against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

COVID had us in a room where normally 1,600 people would be gathered for the address by the president of the United States1,600 people [reduced] to 204 people because the Capitol physician insisted that social distancing, that mask-wearing, were necessary, she said.

President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress, with Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on the dais behind him at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on April 28, 2021. (Melina Mara/ Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

If we could, but we cant, require vaccinations for the members much less for the American people, Pelosi said.

Some people want to say, Dont come into my store unless you are vaccinated, this or that. It causes commotion.

Across the nation, legislators are pushing forward with measures to prohibit COVID-19 vaccine passports that could be required from businesses and schools.

REVIV USA West Coast Operations Manager Kari Armamento uses a cell phone and an iPad to demonstrate the HELIIX Health Passport at REVIV at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 7, 2021. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Governors from Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Texas have taken a stance against so-called vaccine passport measures to different extents. Also more recently Indiana passed a bill to prevent government institutions, but not businesses, to require vaccine passports.
The Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia has thoroughly studied the remarks of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The Office has analyzed nearly 300 videos showing the tortures of Armenians, translated the words and phrases into Russian and English and forwarded all the videos to international organizations along with the materials. This is what Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan said during todays discussion on the 2020 Annual Report of the Office of the Human Rights Defender held as part of the session of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly of Armenia.

According to the Ombudsman, with this, the Office showed that, in essence, the remarks of the President of Azerbaijan inspired employees in Azerbaijan during the years of war and provoked them to commit certain crimes, referring to war crimes.

The tortures and atrocities were a part of the general state policy, not actions committed by particular soldiers. Evidence of this is the fact that after all that, Azerbaijan highly appreciated those actions, and the authorities and other figures even encouraged those actions, Tatoyan said.
Tens of thousands of people had gathered on Mount Meron for the Jewish holiday of Lag BaOmer. This is the first mass event authorized by the authorities since the start of the pandemic. According to some sources there was a number three times higher than the authorized one. A rescuer: One of the worst tragedies I've ever experienced. The condolences of the Church of the Holy Land.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - The first mass religious gathering in Israel since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has become a tragedy. For over a year, the emergency limited - if not completely cancelling - gatherings and pilgrimages to the holy land for Jews, Christians and Muslims.

The provisional toll from the accident that took place shortly after midnight on Mount Meron, in Galilee, is of at least 44 victims and 150 injured.

Some people reportedly fell from the bleachers, dragging other participants in the Jewish festival of Lag BaOmer with them, to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

The accident, perhaps caused by a structural failure - but this has yet to be verified - triggered a mass stampede in which dozens of people were crushed or overwhelmed.

According to medical and institutional sources it is one of the most serious civilian disasters in the history of the country, for the number of victims and people involved. The event was attended by tens of thousands of people, mostly Orthodox Jews, who benefited from the easing of the restrictions imposed so far to contain the new coronavirus, thanks to a massive vaccination campaign that sees Israel as the world leader.

Before the pandemic, every year on the occasion of the holiday commemorating the Jewish rebellion of 132 AD. against the Roman legions, up to 100 thousand Orthodox Jews went to the mountain to pray at the tomb of the rabbi and mystic. He would be the author of the text "Zohar" (splendour) and the commemoration represents the most important and participated mass event of the annual calendar, with presences of up to half a million.

This year the authorities had given the green light to the event, albeit with numerous restrictions which, however, proved insufficient in the face of massive participation. Among the traditions linked to the festival are the lighting of bonfires, community prayers and dances that may have contributed to the collapse of the structure. A similar incident had already occurred in 1911, when the collapse of a building adjacent to the rabbi's tomb caused dozens of victims.

The army and emergency departments have deployed dozens of helicopters to evacuate the wounded. "This is one of the worst tragedies I have ever experienced," said Lazar Hyman of the United Hatzalah Volunteer Rescue Service, who was at the scene of the accident that occurred around midnight.

According to some unconfirmed sources, three times more people were present at the event than those authorized. Interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of a "serious disaster" and assured he is praying for the wounded" and support for family members. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called it a "terrible disaster" and a "sad" night for the nation.

The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land sent a letter of condolence to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin this morning. The members of the assembly also expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and their prayers for the speedy recovery of the dozens of people injured in the accident.
WASHINGTON  Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Kyiv next week, a clear signal of the Biden administrations support for Ukraines government against threats from Russia.

In a statement announcing the trip, the State Department said Mr. Blinken would reaffirm unwavering U.S. support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russias ongoing aggression.

Mr. Blinken will meet in Kyiv on Wednesday and Thursday with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, senior officials and civil society representatives. His visit will be preceded by a three-day stop in London.

Mr. Blinken will be the most senior American official to visit Kyiv since Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled there in February 2020, soon after Congress impeached and acquitted President Donald J. Trump on charges that he abused his power by leveraging U.S. policy toward the country in an effort to incriminate Joseph R. Biden Jr., then a Democratic candidate for president, and his son, Hunter.
Josh Duggar's defense attorneys said after his arrest this week on child pornography charges that they intend to fight the accusations in court.

"He has pled not guilty to both charges and we intend to defend this case aggressively and thoroughly," the attorneys, Justin Gelfand, Travis W. Story and Greg Payne, said in a statement.

"In this country, no one can stop prosecutors from charging a crime. But when you're accused, you can fight back in the courtroom  and that is exactly what Josh intends to do," his legal team said.

The 33-year-old former 19 Kids and Counting star and eldest son of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar  who faced a previous scandal after reports in 2015 that he molested five underage girls when he was a teenager  was arrested by agents with Homeland Security on Thursday, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

RELATED: Jill Duggar Dillard Speaks Out After Brother Josh Duggar's Arrest  'It Is Very Sad'

Josh appeared for his initial hearing, via Zoom, on Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.

His attorney declined to have the judge read the charges against him, though federal prosecutors said he faces one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

He pleaded not guilty and remains in custody pending a bail hearing on Wednesday.

Kris Connor/Getty Images Josh Duggar

If released, he would not be allowed to live with minors, the judge said.

Federal prosecutors said in a news release that Josh "allegedly used the internet to download child sexual abuse material  [he] allegedly possessed this material, some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, in May 2019."

Listen below to the episode of our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day for more on Josh Duggar.

The indictment against him, reviewed by PEOPLE, specifies those dates further, to between or around May 14 and May 16, 2019, in the Duggars' home state of Arkansas.

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Josh could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison or a $250,000 fine per charge, if convicted. The investigation is being led by Homeland Security and the Northwest Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, prosecutors said.

RELATED: What We Know About the Child Pornography Case Against Josh Duggar, Which He Denies

In a statement to PEOPLE, TLC, which aired 19 Kids and Counting and first brought the Duggar family to national prominence, said:

"TLC is saddened to learn about the continued troubles involving Josh Duggar. 19 Kids and Counting has not aired since 2015. TLC cancelled the show on the heels of prior allegations against Josh Duggar and he has not appeared on-air since then."

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Officially, the main points on the summit agenda will be the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Cheong Wa Dae on Friday said Moon and Biden will hold their first summit on May 21. White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement, "Moon's visit will highlight the ironclad alliance between the United States and [Korea], and the broad and deep ties between our governments, people and economies."

A government official on Thursday said Korea "has decided to partially join the Quad by cooperating with the forum in coronavirus vaccines, climate change and new technologies." President Moon Jae-in is expected to make the agreement with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden when they meet in Washington late next month, he added.

Korea has settled for a half-in, half-out solution under pressure to join the U.S.-led Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad, an informal anti-China alliance with Australia, India and Japan.

The Quad has been expanding cooperation in various fields such as vaccine deliveries and diversifying the supply chain of semiconductors away from over-dependency on China.

The U.S. wants to turn it into a "Quad Plus" with the Philippines and Vietnam and has repeatedly put pressure on Korea to join through various channels. But Seoul has been reluctant and insisted there has been no "formal request" from Washington yet.

"The U.S. is asking us to join a Quad Plus," a ruling party official said. "But we think we can cooperate with the Quad countries on a case-by-case basis in fields where we have a contribution to make." Another official said, "We're partially joining the Quad at the request of the U.S. because we need to secure more vaccines. But it's not full membership."

The government is wary of China, which has repeatedly asked Korea if it intends to join. Beijing accuses the Quad of being "cliquish" and taking a "cold-war-era approach."

It remains to be seen whether the halfway house the government has settled on will satisfy either side.
Hong Kong activists plead guilty over banned Tiananmen vigil Tens of thousands of people defied a ban last year to join the annual vigil for the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown

Jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong pleaded guilty alongside three others on Friday to joining a banned candlelight vigil for victims of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown.

The annual June 4 vigil had been held in Hong Kong for the last three decades drawing massive crowds, but it was banned for the first time last year by police, citing the coronavirus situation.

Tens of thousands defied the ban and massed at the vigil's traditional site in Victoria Park.

Since then prosecutors have brought charges against 24 prominent activists who showed up at the vigil, the latest in a string of criminal cases that have ensnared the city's beleaguered democracy movement.

At a pre-trial court hearing on Friday, Wong pleaded guilty alongside district councillors Lester Shum, Tiffany Yuen and Jannelle Leung.

Unlawful assembly charges can carry up to five years in prison.

Wong, one of the city's most prominent activists, is currently serving a jail sentence for taking part in a protest during the months of huge and often violent democracy rallies that rocked Hong Kong in 2019.

Shum and Yuen were already in custody on national security charges, which Wong also faces.

Leung was remanded into custody after her plea and the four will be sentenced on May 6.

The other defendants -- who include some of the city's most prominent activists, many of them also jailed or in detention -- will be tried later this summer.

The annual Tiananmen vigil remembering victims of the 1989 suppression of pro-democracy protests has taken on particular significance as many Hong Kongers chafe under Beijing's increasingly authoritarian rule.

Crowds grew in size in recent years, often chanting slogans like "End one party rule" and calling for democracy in China.

But it is unclear if Hong Kong will ever see another legal Tiananmen vigil.

Last year Beijing imposed a sweeping new national security law that has outlawed much dissent with broadly-worded provisions against committing acts deemed "subversion" or "secession".

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Officials have already signalled that this year's rally will be refused permission both as a security risk and because of the coronavirus.

Some have also suggested chanting "End one party rule" and other slogans could now be illegal under the new law.

"Just chanting the slogan may not necessarily violate the law, but one has to look at the evidence, what was said and done beforehand and afterwards," former justice secretary Elsie Leung told reporters on Wednesday.

Chow Hang-tung, a barrister and member of the HK Alliance that organises the Tiananmen vigil, said this week that the security law was being used as "a tool for political persecution".

yz/jta/mtp
SHANGHAI, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LAIX Inc. ("LAIX" or the "Company") (NYSE: LAIX), an artificial intelligence (AI) company in China that creates and delivers products and services to popularize English learning, today announced that the Company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F that includes its audited financial statements for three years ended December 31, 2020 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2021. The annual report is available on the Company's website at ir.laix.com.

The Company will provide a hard copy of the annual report, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon written request. Requests should be directed to Investor Relations, LAIX Inc., Floor 3, Building B, Changyang Chuanggu, 1687 Changyang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200082, People's Republic of China.

About LAIX Inc.

LAIX Inc. ("LAIX" or the "Company") is an artificial intelligence (AI) company in China that creates and delivers products and services to popularize English learning. Its proprietary AI teacher utilizes cutting-edge deep learning and adaptive learning technologies, big data, well-established education pedagogies and the mobile internet. LAIX believes its innovative approach fundamentally transforms learning. LAIX provides its products and services on demand via its mobile apps, primarily its flagship "English Liulishuo" mobile app launched in 2013. On the Company's platform, AI technologies are seamlessly integrated with diverse learning content incorporating well-established language learning pedagogies, gamified features and strong social elements to deliver an engaging, adaptive learning experience. LAIX provides a variety of courses inspired by a broad range of topics and culture themes to make English learning more interesting and is committed to offering a fun, interactive learning environment to motivate and engage its users.

For more information, please visit: http://ir.laix.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

LAIX Inc.

Investor Relations

Email: [email protected]

The Piacente Group Investor Relations

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

Email: [email protected]

Emilie Wu

Tel: +86-21-6039-8363

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE LAIX Inc.

Related Links

www.liulishuo.com


As COVID-19 cases continue to surge in India, there is a growing shortage of beds, oxygen, medicines and plasma donors. The healthcare system is reeling under pressure as a second wave threatens to cause damage that could have far-reaching consequences.

But in the midst of crisis, good Samaritans are chipping in to provide help, in any way they can. Now, a doctor in Bengaluru has donated convalescent plasma for the ninth time.

BCCL

52-year-old Dr Srikanth V, a senior consultant plastic surgeon from Manipal Hospitals, was found COVID-positive in August last year. Post recovery, he has been a regular plasma donor with the hospital's blood bank.



While it is not clear how long COVID-recovered patient can donate plasma, the only criteria observed is the spike protein antibody levels detected prior to the donation, Times of India reported.

Also read: This Is Why You Should Not Panic Looking For Plasma Or Remdesivir For COVID Positive Patients

Representational Image/AP

Convalescent plasma therapy or CPT involves transfusing blood from a recently recovered COVID-19 patient to another patient infected with the disease. Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their blood, which could help others fight off the infection.



The lack of plasma banks and education regarding the subject, has rendered plasma an orphaned therapy.

Also read: Visit These Websites To Check Availability Of Remdesivir, COVID Beds In Hospitals & Plasma

Representational Image/Reuters

Dr Srikanth, however, has debunked misconceptions and said that COVID antibodies do not wane with plasma donation. Dr Srikanth undergoes the mandatory COVID spike protein antibody test every time before donating the plasma. And so far, they have remained much higher than the permissible limits in his case.



The Bengaluru-based doctor has urged everyone who has recovered from COVID to donate their plasma saying it's the need of the hour, considering drug shortage.

Also read: Woman Allegedly Finds Plasma Donor For Her Covid-Positive Friend On Tinder
We hereby inform you that on the initiative and by the decision of the Board of AB Klaipedos nafta, legal entity code 110648893, registered address at Buriu str. 19, Klaipeda (hereinafter - the Company), an Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company was convened on 30 April 2021 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the registered office of the Company at Buriu str. 19, Klaipeda.

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, held on 30 April 2021, adopted the following resolutions:

On the approval of the audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year 2020:

"To approve the audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year 2020."

On the appropriation of profit (loss) of the Company for the year 2020 (alternative):

"To allocate profit of the Company in the following order:

No. Ratios Amount in EUR thousand 1. Retained earnings of previous financial year at the end of financial year 77 2. Total comprehensive income 33.195 3. Profit (loss) for the financial year not recognised in the statement of comprehensive income - 4. Transfers from restricted reserves - 5. Shareholders' contribution against losses - 6. Profit for allocation (1+2+3+4+5) 33.272 7. Share of profit allocated to legal reserve 3 8. Share of profit allocated to own shares acquisition - 9. Share of profit allocated to the reserve for the allocation of shares - 10. Share of profit allocated to other reserves 25.654 11. Share of profit allocated to dividends 7.538 12. Share of profit allocated to tantiems - 13. Non-allocated profit (loss) at the end of the financial year carried forward to next financial year (6-7-8-9-10-11-12) 77

On the approval of the Report on remuneration of the Company:

"To approve the Report on remuneration of the Company."

On the election of the audit company that shall perform the audit of the Financial Statements for the year 2021 and 2022 and conditions of payment for audit services:

"1. To elect "KPMG Baltics", UAB (hereinafter - the Auditor) as the Company's audit firm to perform the audit of thestatutory separate and consolidated Financial Statements, to verify Regulated Activities report of the Company and to assess its Annual Report for the years 2021 and 2022;

2. To set the following payment conditions for the audit services: audit fee that should be paid for the audit services is EUR 164 000,00 excluding VAT (hereinafter - the Audit Fee).

The Auditor shall issue invoices for the Audit fee, as follows:

For audit of the Client's statutory separate and consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ending 31 December 2021 and issuance of an auditor's report - 55 000 EUR excluding VAT; For audit of the Client's statutory separate and consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ending 31 December 2022 and issuance of an auditor's report - 55 000 EUR excluding VAT; For audit of the KN Acu Servicos de Terminal de GNL LTDA statutory separate financial statements as at and for the year ending 31 December 2021 and issuance of an auditor's report thereon - 14 000 EUR excluding VAT; For audit of the KN Acu Servicos de Terminal de GNL LTDA statutory separate financial statements as at and for the year ending 31 December 2022 and issuance of an auditor's report thereon - 15 000 EUR excluding VAT; For the regulated natural gas activity report for the yar ended 31 December 2021 - 12 500 EUR excluding VAT; For the regulated natural gas activity report for the yar ended 31 December 2022 - 12 500 EUR excluding VAT;

The Company shall pay the invoices within 30 days as of receipt of the invoices."

Jonas Lenksas, Chief Financial Officer, tel.: +370 694 80594
Dear reader,

Welcome to Gandhara's weekly newsletter. This briefing brings you the best of our reporting from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

If youre new to the newsletter or havent subscribed yet, you can do so here.

China hedges its bets in Afghanistan

Reid Standish and Ajmal Aand report on what China might be planning for Afghanistan, which shares a land border with Beijing and is potentially a major security headache if Muslim Uyghur separatists establish a foothold in the remote region bordering their Xinjiang homeland.



Afghanistan is probably more trouble than it's worth, said Raffaello Pantucci, a senior associate fellow at London's Royal United Services Institute, explaining Beijings cautious approach to developments in Kabul. Unless things calm down, Beijing will look to keep the countrys problems at arms length.

Iran's double-edged sword

Another neighbor, Iran, has deep cultural and religious ties to Afghanistan. As Golnaz Esfandiari reports, the U.S. withdrawal might position Tehran as a major powerbroker while exposing it to security and economic threats such as the return of a hard-line Sunni clerical Taliban government and an influx of Afghan refugees.



"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, Colin Clarke, director of research and policy at the Soufan Group, told us. "For the Iranians, I'd say, 'Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.'"

Balochistans brewing humanitarian crisis

In an incisive report, Kiyya Baloch takes us to meet the thousands of fuel carriers who are stuck along Pakistans southwestern border with Iran since Islamabad closed all border crossings to build a 900-kilometer fence.



"We have never witnessed anything like this, Gulzar Dost, the general secretary of the Border Trade Union in Turbat, told us. He warned of a mounting death toll amid sweltering desert temperatures that have claimed the lives of four drivers so far.



The illegal fuel trade is a major lifeline for many in the impoverished province, which shares ethnic ties and underdevelopment with Sistan-Baluchistan Province in Iran.



The border was sealed without any warning, and the thousands of traders and drivers stuck there have run out of their food supplies and are sleeping rough, Dost said.

Is the U.S. repositioning in Central Asia, Pakistan?

As U.S. and NATO forces begin their withdrawal from Afghanistan, Bruce Pannier takes a deep dive into Washingtons options for retaining a military presence in Afghanistans Central Asian neighbors, where logistics hubs have supported Western troops for two decades.



He finds pressing domestic incentives for Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, thousands of whose citizens have joined shadowy armed Islamist groups in northern Afghanistan. This has sparked worried flashbacks to the 1990s, when the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan thrived under Afghanistans Taliban regime. The bases will also allow Washington to reposition counterterrorism resources not far from Afghanistan.



There is talk Washington might resume using drone strikes as a way of checking in on terrorist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, meeting with Pakistani army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa this week, emphasized the importance of regional stability and the desire for the United States and Pakistan to continue working together on shared goals. Until late 2011, Islamabad leased a remote airfield to Washington to target Al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders.

Waziristan protest

Radio Mashaal has followed a little-reported protest in South Waziristan where residents successfully protested to hold accountable security personnel they accuse of killing two teenagers.



One of the protests leaders, Rahmat Shah Maseed, told RFE/RL that the head of the paramilitary Frontier Corps admitted that the youngsters were shot mistakenly, adding that the security forces will evacuate the local houses.



After protesters refused to bury the dead, authorities agreed to pay compensation to the victims families and provide jobs for their relatives. A murder case was registered against the accused paramilitary personnel. The broader issues of illegal killings by security forces, however, continue.

Remembering a slain colleague

In a moving video report, RFE/RL pays tribute to Radio Free Afghanistan reporter Mohammad Ilyas Dayee, who was killed in November 2020 in a targeted attack in his native Helmand Province. In Dayee, we lost an intrepid journalist whose life and promising career were violently cut short as part of the Talibans crusade of intimidation and silencing of Afghanistans embattled media and civil society.



Colleagues and others in his field remember Dayee -- who was 33 and left behind a wife, a 2-year-old daughter, and a large extended family -- as a brave and committed professional who dedicated 10 years of his life to reporting on the Taliban insurgency, the opium trade, and other urgent and poignant issues. An outpouring of grief and outrage followed his death in the country, where a string of targeted killings has led many media organizations to self-censor and journalists to abandon their profession.

I hope you enjoyed this weeks newsletter, and I encourage you to forward it to colleagues who might find it useful.



If you havent subscribed yet, you can do so here. Until next week, I encourage you to visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Yours,

Abubakar Siddique

Twitter: @sid_abu



P.S.: You can always reach us at gandhara@rferl.org.
CPS Energy announced on Friday, April 30 that it restored power to customers, but to prepare for more outages.

Wednesday evenings storms hit San Antonio and the surrounding areas, causing numerous weather-related power outages. CPS Energy announced Friday that it had finished restoring power to customers who had reported a disruption in service.

The company said the restoration had been completed as of 4 a.m. Friday, meaning that some customers were without power for more than a day.

Our crews are committed to working through the dark of night and in the storm to get the power back on, said Rudy Garza, the companys chief customer engagement officer, in a press release. We sincerely thank our impacted customers for their patience as our crews worked around the clock to restore power.

But wait, theres more!

There is a flash flood watch for San Antonio and surrounding areas through Saturday evening, which may bring multiple inches of rain to the area, according to the National Weather Service. The energy provider also advised customers to prepare for the inclement weather and potential power outages.

READ MORE: Flash flood watch issued for San Antonio and surrounding areas

CPS Energy is asking customers to report outages online or by calling 210-353-4357; keep cell phones, battery-operated LED lights, flashlights, and batteries available; and have an emergency plan of where to go if you have an extended outage (isnt that reassuring?). The company also gives tips related to power outages, including keeping the refrigerator door closed, discarding perishable foods, staying away from power lines, and checking your breakers.

Customers are also encouraged to follow CPS Energys Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates, in case youre wondering why your energy isnt back a day later.

No matter your concern, you can find more information here.
Isabel Solis, a 36-year-old teacher in Seville who received the first AstraZeneca dose in March. PACO PUENTES / EL PAIS

On Tuesday, May 4, it will have been 84 days since the first doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine were administered in Spain. Thats 12 weeks  the maximum time that the technical sheet for the Covid-19 vaccine recommends between the two injections necessary to offer full protection. The Public Health Commission, which is made up of the central Health Ministry and the countrys regions, met today to decide what course of action to take for the more than a million under-60s who have received their first dose and have been left in limbo ever since the Spanish health authorities opted to use the medication exclusively for the 60-69 age group given concerns over the tiny risk of blood clots associated with AstraZeneca. In the end the health authorities have opted to delay the decision for another four weeks.

The only way to move forward with such uncertainty is to follow the indications from the professionals, and do what the doctors say Isabel Solis, 36-year-old teacher in Seville

The group affected is made up of essential workers who began receiving the vaccine from February 9 onward. Around a million of them had got their first shot when the Health Ministry took the first decision to suspend the use of the vaccine on March 15. When the process restarted, the vaccine was being given to the same group as well as among the general population up to the age of 65.

But on April 7, when 2.1 million people had been given the shot, its use was halted once more leaving the under-60s in limbo (the ministry has not supplied information on exactly how many people are affected). The ministry decided to only use AstraZeneca on the 60- to 69-year-old group, given that the blood clot cases that had been registered were mostly among younger people.

This left the remaining essential workers without their first shot, and those who had been vaccinated with the first dose in the dark about what would happen next. The ministry stated that it would study the situation to decide whether to administer another AstraZeneca shot, use a different vaccine or simply skip the second injection altogether.

Germany and France have opted to use the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in these cases, while in the United Kingdom and Italy they are sticking with a second shot of AstraZeneca. Spain had let time pass without making a decision, despite the recommendation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the second dose of AstraZeneca to be used, given that, in its opinion, the benefits greatly outweigh the risks.

On April 19 the Carlos III Institute began a study to examine the effectiveness and safety of combining two different vaccines so that a decision could be taken based on that evidence. But earlier this week, Fernando Simon, the director of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts (CCAES), admitted that the volunteers needed for the research had still not been recruited.

Germany and France have opted to use the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as the second shot, while in the United Kingdom and Italy they are sticking with AstraZeneca

In the end, the Public Health Commission decided on Friday to wait for the results of this study, which will show the effectiveness and safety of using a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine after a first dose of AstraZeneca, before making a decision. Essentially, this means that some people will now not get their second dose of vaccine until 16 weeks after the first.

The Commission pointed out on Friday that the first dose of AstraZeneca has an 80% level of effectiveness. The Health Ministry justified its decision with the following statement: Spain, like Ireland, and following the principle of caution, is opting to wait until it has more information from the studies that are underway and the experience of other countries. It added: The under-60s have a lower risk of serious illness [from Covid-19] and the priority right now is to vaccinate the over-60s as fast as possible to avoid hospitalizations and deaths in an epidemiological situation of rising cumulative incidence.

Meanwhile, the people affected by the delay are still without news about their future. They are police officers, members of the military, teachers, prison workers and front-line healthcare workers, many of whom have complained about the uncertainty that surrounds them right now.

I am pro-vaccines but the whole thing is happening in such a way, said Isabel Solis, a 36-year-old teacher in Seville, Andalusia. She was given her first dose of AstraZeneca on March 2 and says that she has felt that sense of uncertainty ever since the second dose was suspended. The only way to move forward with such uncertainty is to follow the indications from the professionals, and do what the doctors say, she added. The Andalusian regional government wants the under-60s to be vaccinated with the second dose of AstraZeneca, albeit on a voluntary basis. I would take it, said Solis.

English version by Simon Hunter.
President Bidens affinity for President Franklin D. Roosevelt is well documented. Both men took office during unprecedented economic crises and sought vast historical expansions of government programs and spending to address the turmoil.

During Bidens first address to a joint session of Congress Wednesday night, he tried to justify tax increases on the wealthy to pay for $4 trillion in proposed initiatives -- after the passage of a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill -- by noting that 85% of Americans received $1,400 rescue checks.

Naturally, Biden turned to his big-government mentor, saying, "In another era when our democracy was tested, Franklin Roosevelt reminded us: In America, we do our part. We all do our part. That's all Im asking."

Describing the speechs tenor, Axios Jonathan Swan wrote, I'm told Biden deliberately echoed the empathetic, quietly impassioned tone of FDR's Fireside Chats on the radio from 1933-44.

Continuing that theme, the president validates the new spending as a once-in-a-generation investment in America itself and the largest jobs plan since World War II.

Herein lies the problem: Biden is attempting to become the modern incarnation of FDR without the equivalent of World War II. According to the U.S. Debt Clock, the national debt is $28.2 trillion, but the gross domestic product is only $21.6 trillion. Thus, the debt-to-GDP ratio is 130%. According to The Balance financial site, that number surpasses the two back-to-back ratio records set during, and just after, the war  114% in 1945 and 118% in 1946.

Given that comparison, what if, while channeling FDR, Biden is thrust into a war that threatens our national survival?

During his speech, he patriotically talked up competing with China to win the 21st century as another justification for record spending and taxing. But, while briefly touching on foreign policy, he never mentioned defending Taiwan. Nonetheless, Biden said that President Xi Jinping is deadly earnest on China becoming the most significant, consequential nation in the world. He and other autocrats think that democracy cant compete in the 21st century.

As Biden spelled out, the U.S. needs domestic transformation, unification, and modernization to remain the worlds leader, but he should not ignore war clouds gathering over Taiwan. Defense leaders believe it is not if but when China will test the new president in what could begin a military showdown to win the 21st century. Such a confrontation would cost untold trillions at the most inopportune time. Worse, simulated war games show the U.S. would not be victorious.

Chinese leaders watching Bidens speech had to be delighted that he did not voice support for Taiwan. Is Biden sending a signal of weakness, increasing a threat comparable to what FDR faced in 1939 when Hitler invaded Poland?

Here is the situation as seen by Adm. John Aquilino, nominated to lead the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command while testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee in late March. Asked when he thought China would militarily overtake Taiwan, he answered, "My opinion is this problem is much closer to us than most think." Later he added, Washington's credibility as an ally to places like Japan and the Philippines is at stake if the island were to fall to Beijing.

Even more perilous, Aquilino testified that a Chinese military presence on Taiwan would give Beijing sway over two-thirds of global trade, which passes through the sea lanes near the island.

How would a confrontation with China impact U.S. spending? For comparison, lets look at the debt increases FDR incurred after the start of World War II. At that time, 1939, the U.S. national debt was $40 billion, rising to $72 billion in 1942. In 1943, at the heart of the war, debt was $137 billion. Then those debt records were set in 1945 with $259 billion and $269 billion in 1946.

If China seizes Taiwan, expect the following three questions to loom large.

First, how can the U.S. afford a war over Taiwan? At current Debt Clock projections, by 2025, our national debt will be $50 trillion with GDP at $26 trillion  a debt-to-GDP ratio of 192%. The extent to which added military spending would heighten that imbalance is mind-boggling to fathom.

Second, for the reasons stated by Adm. Aquilino, can the U.S. afford not to defend Taiwan?

Third, do the American people have the stomach for such a war? As we wind down two decades fighting in Afghanistan, you can practically hear the question on Main Street and in Washington: Is this another quagmire halfway around the world?

There are no good solutions. The U.S. is a racially, politically polarized nation drowning in debt, and some say that our best days are in the rear-view mirror. Meanwhile, China -- now with the worlds largest navy -- is itching to test Biden. If you want a reality check, read this threat assessment document from the director of national intelligence.

Then consider this: If China attacks Taiwan and the U.S. does not defend our ally, China may be emboldened and, like Hitler, continue conquering until stopped.

While emulating the New Deal FDR, Biden could also become the wartime FDR  with real fireside chats after our critical communications infrastructure is hacked.
Bebout, Greear Join Enhanced Oil Recovery Commission

A former longtime state legislator and the current speaker pro tempore of the Wyoming House have been appointed to the states Enhanced Oil Recovery Commission, which oversees the University of Wyomings Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute.

Eli Bebout and Rep. Mike Greear, R-Worland, succeed outgoing commission members Ron Baugh and Sen. Drew Perkins, R-Casper.

Bebout, from Riverton, served as both president of the state Senate and speaker of the House during his lengthy legislative tenure. The Republican was his partys nominee for governor in 2002.

During his legislative service, Bebouts committee assignments included chairing the Joint Minerals Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, as well as the Joint Appropriations and the Senate Appropriations committees.

Bebout earned his bachelors in engineering from UW in 1969. In addition to his political career, he has worked as a petroleum engineer and a drilling contractor, and was the owner of Nucor Oil and Gas Inc.

Greear represents District 27, Big Horn and Washakie counties, in the state House. He also is the president and CEO of Wyoming Sugar Co.

He attended Sheridan College and later graduated with a bachelors degree in economics from UW, then a law degree from UWs College of Law in 1994.

Before assuming office, Greear was a partner with Worrall & Greear P.C. and served as a special assistant attorney general for the state of Wyoming from 1996-2001. Prior to attending school, Greear served two years in the U.S. Army.

His committee assignments include: chairman of the House Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee; and member of the Management Council and House Rules and Procedure Committee. He also is a member of UWs Energy Resources Council.

Other members of the Enhanced Oil Recovery Commission are Gov. Mark Gordon, State Geologist Erin Campbell, Chad Brister, Ken Hendricks, Robert King and UW Trustee Dave True.
Starline Social Club is going to survive, after all.

Music lovers across the Bay Area lamented the bleak news last October that the popular Oakland music venue hosting touring DIY acts, live comedy, DJ sets and more was going up for sale in an effort to avoid the possibility of foreclosure following numerous pandemic-related challenges. It had been in operation for five years.

"The venue was more than a lot of plants and delicious drinks, it was home to so many people of all walks and backgrounds," DJ Bryson Wallace told SFGATE at the time. "So many stories and even more performances will always fill that space with love and memories and I hope that whomever takes over continues the mission for everyones sake. I dont want to know what Oakland is like without Starline."

Now, Wallace won't have to. The venue has announced it is staying put.

Co-owner Drew Bennett confirmed with SFGATE that the bar, club and restaurant would return to its original space located inside a historic three-story Victorian on 2236 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in September.

Were very excited, he said.

A press release shared on the venues Instagram account on Thursday afternoon revealed that Starline is undergoing renovations and plans to transform its business into a worker-owned co-op when it reopens, as KQED first reported.

The uncertainty and stress of the times cast a devastating line across many lives, businesses, and folks of all types, read the statement, continuing, From the ashes of that flaming dumpster fire that was 2020 we rise, a glorious phoenix, made of a 130 year old building and many, many friends.

The venue added that its resuscitation was made possible by SBA forgiveness loans, and the hope that it will secure a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, which San Francisco venues like the Balboa Theater and Bottom of the Hill have also applied for.

Programming for later in the year has yet to be determined, though the venue said it is working toward a full slate of events, concerts and parties.

The Starline will be firmly owned and in the hands of the workers who are making it fly."

SFGATE food reporter Madeline Wells contributed to this report.
Two Sydney men have been extradited to Queensland to face charges over a plot to import 850kg of MDMA worth more than $300 million into Australia from the Netherlands.

The Australian Federal Police said the investigation began in 2019 when they tipped off Dutch authorities.

The AFP and Queensland police worked with officers in The Netherlands and Belgium to intercept the huge haul in the Dutch city of Rotterdam in August 2019.

Two Sydney men have been extradited to Queensland to face charges over a plot to import 850kg of MDMA worth more than $300 million into Australia from the Netherlands (Stock)

Three months later, Dutch authorities raided 15 locations in those two countries earlier this month, uncovering drug labs disguised to look like barns from the outside.

Hundreds of kilos of hard and liquid drugs and other drug paraphernalia were concealed within fake walls, floors and ceilings of the buildings.

In all, 850kg of MDMA was seized, along with 548L of MDMA oil and 400L of precursor chemicals.

The AFP said that's enough to make 15 million MDMA pills with a street value of more than $300 million.

Australia is a primary market in the global drug trade because locals are willing to pay a high price for substances that cost a mere fraction elsewhere.

An MDMA pill that costs 20 cents in Amsterdam will fetch $20-$30 on Australian streets.
Biden has repeatedly pressed his contention that his plans would put Americans back to work, restoring the millions of jobs lost to the virus. In his speech to Congress, he laid out an extensive proposal for universal preschool, two years of free community college, $225 billion for child care and monthly payments of at least $250 to parents. His ideas target frailties that were uncovered by the pandemic, and he argues that economic growth will best come from taxing the rich to help the middle class and the poor.
This month he briefly committed his administration to maintaining Mr. Trumps parsimonious annual cap on the number of refugees the United States will accept (though in response to criticism the White House now claims that it will reconsider the issue next month). Under the terms of an obscure health statute from 1944 also favored by the Trump administration, more Haitian nationals were deported over a few weeks this year than during the whole of 2020, and about 26,000 people in total appear to have been deported since his inauguration.

Mr. Bidens suggestion, made during his primary campaign, that entering the United States illegally should no longer be treated as a criminal offense, his promise to end construction of the border wall and his pledge that not a single deportation would take place during his first hundred days in office  tis gone, and all is gray.

In foreign affairs, too, it certainly looks as if Mr. Biden shares his predecessors willingness to eschew both neoconservative hawkishness and conventional liberal internationalism in favor of something more nakedly self-interested. Between announcing that the remaining 2,500 American troops would return from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, he has carried out airstrikes in Syria, spoken equivocally about our shameful adventures in Yemen and largely ignored the genocide being carried out in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

After a brief interlude in which members of his party seemed to be calling for something like a second Cold War in response to exaggerated claims of Russian interference in the 2016 election, he seems to have accepted that the 1980s really did want their foreign policy back after all, which is why little has been done in response to the jailing of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The United States may be on the verge of returning to the Obama administrations nuclear weapons accord with Iran, but when it comes to North Korea, the nation is also, in the words of Lloyd Austin, Mr. Bidens secretary of defense, ready to fight tonight, presumably with fire and fury.

All of this befits an inward-looking administration more interested in a foreign policy of convenience than in do-gooderism or even justifiable humanitarian action for which there is little broad-based popular support.
New Delhi, Apr 30 (UNI) Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Friday said he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

"I have tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms. Have isolated myself since the onset of symptoms and all those who were in contact with me have been tested," the Lieutenant Governor informed through Twitter.

Mr Baijal further said that he will continue to monitor the National Capital's situation from his residence. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, quoting Mr baijal's tweet, wished him a speedy recovery and good health.

Notably, Mr Baijal was administered the first dose of COVID vaccine on March 4 at Tirath Ram Shah Hospital here.

The National Capital, which has been from past several weeks reeling under a severe COVID induced crisis, on Thursday registered 24,235 new cases of COVID-19 along with nearly 400 deaths. Meanwhile the country, in the last 24 hours, recorded 3,86,452 fresh infections, the highest single-day spike since the pandemic began. As many as 3498 people succumbed in the same period.

UNI JAL SB 1555
Biden Tries to Rally Support in Georgia for $4 Trillion in Spending Plans, Paid for by Tax Hikes

President Joe Biden spoke at a drive-in rally in Georgia on Thursday, seeking to build public support for $4 trillion in new spending on infrastructure and a vast expansion of the federal social safety net, to be paid for chiefly by tax hikes on corporations and wealthy Americans.

Moments after Biden took to the stage at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth, a suburb of Atlanta, he was interrupted by protesters calling for an end to private prisons, chanting, end detention now!

Biden acknowledged the demonstrators, saying, I agree with you, to which the protesters responded with cheers. There should be no private prisons, period, Biden added. They should not exist and we are working to close all of them.

Speaking on the 100th day after taking office, Biden touted his administrations response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including on the distribution of vaccines and relief checks that were part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. Biden then pitched his proposed $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan and newly unveiled $1.8 trillion American Families Plan, calling them once-in-a-generation investments and pressing his contention that the plans would rebuild the nations crumbling infrastructure, restore the millions of jobs lost amid the pandemic, and help families with education, and health and child care.

We need to invest in things our families care about and need the most, Biden told the crowd in Duluth, vowing to put corporations and wealthy Americans on the hook for the tab.

Its about time the very wealthy and corporations start paying their fair share, Biden said. Im not going to bore you with the details, but no one making under $400,000 a year is going to pay a single additional penny in tax, Biden said.

Biden plans to pay for his proposals by hiking the corporate tax rate and changing provisions that let multinational companies reduce their tax burden by investing offshore and shifting profits. He also plans to raise the top income and capital gains tax rates, changing the taxation of wealthy estates and ramping up IRS enforcement to cut down on tax evasion.

Both spending proposals have drawn sharply critical reactions from Republicansand more muted criticism from some Democratsfor their lofty price tags. If adopted in their current form, the proposals would, along with the American Rescue Plan, bring the Biden administrations early-term spending to a massive $6 trillion.

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), known for his willingness to work across the aisle, took aim at the spending level in an April 29 tweet: In his first 100 days, the President has proposed $6 trillion in new spendingabout 4x our total federal budget! Romney argued that the sky-high spending would saddle future generations with decades of interest costs and jeopardize their future.

Bidens proposals also represent a dramatic shift from the kind of politics that seek to contain government.

Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), a member of the Republican leadership, called Biden well-intentioned, but added that the proposals he made are overwhelming in terms of a new footprint for the government, and a new level of government spending.

Critical reactions on the part of some Democrats, though far more muted than Republicans, suggest Bidens push for $4 trillion in new federal spending is a major gamble.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who holds a key swing vote in the evenly-split Senate, said on April 28 that hes very uncomfortable with the overall cost of Bidens proposals, citing concerns about public debt.

A lot of moneythat makes you very uncomfortable, youre going to find how youre going to pay for it, you know? Manchin told a CNN reporter on Capitol Hill.

I dont know how much more debtwere $28.2 trillion now in debt. Theres a balance to be had and we got to work that out, he added.

Biden is scheduled to travel to Pennsylvania and Virginia in the days ahead to promote his spending and tax plans.
A grime artist whose music has featured on Coronation Street and Radio 1 has been jailed for 15 years after he admitted sexually abusing a toddler.

Rapper MistaKay, real name Kieran Cunliffe, 25, live-streamed the horrific abuse online in the US, a court heard.

Cunliffe, also known as Kieran McGowan, was today jailed and handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order by Sheffield Crown Court.

The court heard an undercover officer with Homeland Security came across a website and chat group in which a man sent videos of abuse.

There was also 'concerning intelligence' that suggested abuse was being live-streamed onto a chat room, police said.

Homeland Security alerted cops in the UK and the IP address was traced to a property in Doncaster, South Yorks., where Cunliffe was arrested later that day.

Rapper MistaKay, real name Kieran Cunliffe (pictured), 25, live-streamed the horrific abuse online in the US, a court heard

When he was interviewed he denied any involvement and answered no comment. He initially denied the charges but eventually changed his plea to guilty.

He admitted six counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of taking indecent images of a child and two counts of distributing indecent images of children.

The charges relate to one victim and were committed around October 6 in Doncaster.

Cunliffe also entered guilty pleas to offences in a separate case dating back to 2017.

He admitted two counts of making indecent images of a child and possession of indecent images during a hearing at Lewes Crown Court in December 2020.

Sheffield Crown Court heard Cunliffe was first arrested when he was living in Crawley, West Sussex, in November 2017.

Police executed a warrant and search his home and he was also arrested while at work. When his phone was seized indecent images were found.

Prosecutor Nicola Quinney moved onto the offences when he was living in Yorkshire, stating that an undercover officer with Homeland Security came across a website and chat group in which Cunliffe had sent videos of abuse.

The website used by Cunliffe stated that those browsing it all had the common belief 'all humans are capable of sexual enjoyment regardless of age, sex or gender'.

He also messaged the group asking if anybody on the chat was into young children.

The Homeland Security officer then took steps to alert authorities in the UK and steps were taken to make sure he was arrested.

When he was interviewed he denied any involvement and answered no comment.

James Gould, defending, said Cunliffe has expressed 'revulsion and disgust' in himself and a real sense of remorse.

Mr Gould says the contents of pre-sentence reports and psychiatric reports add some context to the offending, pointing to his childhood and upbringing.

He added that Cunliffe is 'receptive to help' and, given his guilty pleas, has accepted responsibility.

Cunliffe (pictured) admitted six counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of taking indecent images of a child and two counts of distributing indecent images of children. The charges relate to one victim and were committed around October 6 in Doncaster

Cunliffe, who cried multiple times through the hearing, had 'boasted' in the group chat about the abuse he subjected the youngster to.

One of the users on the app described the victim as 'sexy'. Another user asked him to record the abuse and he replied that he would try.

Recorder Eckersley said Cunliffe's crimes were 'motivated by his perverted sexual interest in children' and that he poses a risk to children.

He handed Cunliffe an extended sentence of 15 years. He will also be on the sex offenders' register for life.

Cunliffe has more than 1,000 subscribers on YouTube and has released tracks with a number of artists.

His music has been played on BBC Radio One and 1Xtra and one of his songs was also played during an episode of Coronation Street.

One of his songs released in September, called 'Where I Came From', focused on the estate where he grew up in Doncaster.

Cunliffe also claims to have had involvement in campaigns for Adidas, Oasis Drinks, Lipton Ice Tea, Red Bull and Derby County FC.

Detective Constable Helen Cobley, of South Yorkshire Police, said: 'Cunliffe's abuse of a vulnerable child is absolutely appalling and it is only right that he receives a custodial sentence for his crimes.

'We had to act fast upon receiving the information someone was possibly live-streaming horrific abuse, and we were able to secure a warrant for Cunliffe's arrest and property searches quickly.

'He is a dangerous individual who poses a significant risk to children and I hope the community are reassured by the swift action taken to apprehend Cunliffe and charge him with multiple child sexual offences.

'While he did plead guilty to these horrific offences and accept responsibility for his crimes, this will do little to repair the harm and trauma caused to his victim.

'The impact of sexual abuse on victims and their families can be devastating, and to commit such atrocious offences against a child is inexcusable.

'We're absolutely committed to bringing shameless offenders like Cunliffe to justice, his crimes have had a significant impact on his victim, and I truly hope that they are able to recover from this traumatic time in their life knowing that he is now behind bars.'
[April 30, 2021] Major General Barbara Fast, U.S. Army, Ret. Joins Clarifai as a Senior Advisor

FORT LEE, N.J., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Clarifai announced that Major General Barbara Fast, U.S. Army, Ret. has joined the company as senior advisor and member of its Public Sector Advisory Council. Clarifai is a leading Computer Vision and NLP AI provider that helps government defense and civilian agencies transform unstructured image, video, text and audio data into structured data. "Major General Fast is known for her military and commercial leadership while trailblazing new understandings of military intelligence," said Dr. Matt Zeiler, Clarifai's CEO. "Her deep expertise in intelligence and cybersecurity, combined with over a decade of leading federal defense businesses for commercial companies like Boeing and CGI, makes Major General Fast uniquely suited to partner with Clarifai as we help the U.S. government adopt AI for Intelligence, Security & Reconnaissance, predictive maintenance, signal fusion and other strategic use cases." Major General Barbara Fast, U.S. Army, Ret., is a member of the Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame. Her expertise spans 32 years serving the U.S. Army across intelligence and cybersecurity. She was the first female to command an Army Military Intelligence Tactical Exploitation Battalion and the first female Intelligence Officer/G2 of a combat division. Her other tours included serving as the Deputy Chief, Army Capabilities and Integration Center and G9, U.S. Army Intelligence Center; C2 (Director of Intelligence), Combined Joint Task Force-7 and Multi-National Forces-Iraq; J2 (Director of Intelligence), and Central Security Service and S1, National Security Agency. Major General Fast earned an M.S. degree in Business Administration from Boston University and was given an honorary Doctorate of Law degree from Central Missouri University. Sh is a graduate of the Army War College and the Armed Forces Staff College.



"I am happy to join a team that has been helping the Department of Defense advance its artificial intelligence programs since their inception. Accelerating AI innovation at home is a critical part of winning the global technology arms race. I am looking forward to partnering with Clarifai in helping government agencies enhance intelligence, scale operations efficiently and reduce risks," said Major General Fast. Major General Fast joins Lieutenant General (Retired) Robert P. Ashley, Jr., former Director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, who joined Clarifai earlier this year as a senior advisor and members of its Public Sector Advisory Council.

Clarifai continues to serve the missions of the U.S. federal government, including the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community and Civilian agencies, with state-of-the-art vision, language and audio artificial intelligence technologies. In Q1, Clarifai partnered with Palantir to deliver AI/ML algorithms for their data management platform to the U.S. Army's Ground Station Modernization program in support of its Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) program. Clarifai's use cases range from recognizing and tracking threats, detecting objects via aerial and satellite imagery, multispectral analysis, optimizing equipment maintenance, finding victims in disaster zones to enhancing security at borders and airports. About Clarifai

Clarifai offers a leading computer vision, NLP, and deep learning AI lifecycle platform for modeling unstructured image, video, text and audio data. It helps both public sector and enterprise customers solve complex use cases through object classification, detection, tracking, geolocation, facial recognition, visual search, and natural language processing. Clarifai offers on-premise, cloud, and bare-metal deployments. Founded in 2013 by Matt Zeiler, Ph.D, Clarifai has been a market leader in AI since winning the top five places in image classification at the 2013 ImageNet Challenge. Clarifai, headquartered in New York City, has raised $40M from top technology investors and is continuing to grow with more than 100 employees and offices in New York City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Tallinn, Estonia. For more information, please visit www.clarifai.com. Contact: alfredo.ramos@clarifai.com

https://www.clarifai.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/major-general-barbara-fast-us-army-ret-joins-clarifai-as-a-senior-advisor-301281251.html SOURCE Clarifai

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Specials Flashbacks: Three Months of Protest Against Myanmar's Military Regime

An anti-regime protester in Batman attire flashes a three-finger salute of defiance in Yangon on Feb. 15. / The Irrawaddy

Myanmars ongoing Spring Revolution against the countrys military regime will be three months old next week.

Since a predawn military coup in the capital Naypyitaw on Feb. 1, the country of 54 million people has been plunged into uncertainty, despair, oppression, bloodshed and chaos.

Soldiers and armored personnel carriers are deployed in Naypyitaw on Feb. 2, one day after the coup. / The Irrawaddy

The uniformed coup makers claimed they staged the takeover in response to mass electoral fraud in last years general election, in which the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory. Furious about the militarys worthless claim, millions of peoplethe majority of whom voted for the NLDtook to the streets across the country to demand the regime respect our votes. The protesters have unanimously rejected military rule in the country and called for the restoration of their stolen democracy. They baptized their movement the Spring Revolution as it took place in February, when the weather is beginning to warm up in Myanmar.

Myanmars first anti-regime protest takes place in Mandalay on Feb. 4, three days after the takeover. / The Irrawaddy

During the revolution, Myanmar has seen a unity among its people that the country last experienced 33 years ago during the 88 Uprising, which toppled the then socialist regime. Since the first week of February, streets of the major cities in the country have reverberated with anti-regime slogans. At the same time, doctors at government hospitals have stopped going to work; bank tellers have stayed at home and trains havent left the stations as most civil servants refused to work under the regimerendering the junta barely functional.

Anti-regime protesters march in Yangons Hledan on Feb. 5 for the first time since the coup. / The Irrawaddy

The regimes early veneer of tolerance for the protests shattered in late February when it started cracking down on demonstrators with lethal force. Over the course of three months, more than 700 protesters and bystanders have been slain, including childrenmany of them shot in the head. Unsurprisingly, the killing spree has attracted international condemnation and sanctions against the coup leaders.

Three months on, following the regimes fatal crackdowns and mounting arrests, its true that the streets are no longer packed with protesters, as was seen in February and early March.

Anti-regime protesters gather in Hledan, Yangon on Feb. 6. / The Irrawaddy

However, Myanmar is unwavering and unbowed. While large-scale protests have fizzled out in the large cities, residents of provincial towns and villages have kept the Spring Revolution alive by pouring out into the streets. Even in the cities, young people still stage sporadic guerrilla-style protests to avoid crackdowns. With some protesters taking up arms with homemade weapons, the regime still struggles to maintain law and order. In the countrys hilly northwest, residents killed regime troops with rudimentary hunting rifles as they came to crush protesters in the towns. In other words, Myanmars civilian resistance against the junta is still in full bloom as its Spring Revolution continues.

Doctors at Yangon General Hospital flash three-finger salutes of defiance on Feb. 3 as part of their campaign against military rule. / The Irrawaddy

On the eve of the revolutions 90-day mark next week, here are images of moments of defiance from the past three monthstestaments to the Myanmar peoples unyielding rejection of military rule.

Yangon residents bang pots and pans on the night of Feb. 4 to show their opposition to the regime. Three months on, it remains a nightly ritual for democracy supporters across the country. / The Irrawaddy

Commuters raise three-finger salutes of defiance against the regime in downtown Yangon on Feb. 6. / The Irrawaddy

Riot police cordon off some parts of downtown Yangon on Feb. 6. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters in downtown Yangon on Feb. 8. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters in downtown Yangon on Feb. 8. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters gather in Myanmars capital Naypyitaw on Feb. 8.

Anti-regime protesters confront security forces in Myanmars capital Naypyitaw on Feb. 8. / The Irrawaddy

Security forces disperse anti-regime protesters with a water canon in Naypyitaw on Feb. 8. / The Irrawaddy



Anti-regime protesters confront security forces at Hledan Junction in Yangon on Feb. 9. / The Irrawaddy



Anti-regime protesters gather at Hledan Junction in Yangon on Feb. 9. / The Irrawaddy

An anti-regime protester in Yangon on Feb. 10. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters step on coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaings picture in Yangon on Feb. 12. / The Irrawaddy



Myanmar people stage a protest outside the Russian Embassy in Yangon on Feb. 14 to denounce Moscows warm relations with the military. / The Irrawaddy



Anti-regime protesters gather in front of the US Embassy in Yangon on Feb. 14 to call for intervention against the junta by the US and UN. / The Irrawaddy



Yangon people stage a protest against the regime amid a heavy presence of security forces on Feb. 15. / The Irrawaddy



An anti-regime protester in Batman attire flashes a three-finger salute of defiance in Yangon on Feb. 15. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters urge staff from the Central Bank of Myanmars Yangon office to join the civil disobedience movement amid a heavy presence of security forces in Yangon on Feb. 15. / The Irrawaddy



Staff of the government-owned Myanma Railways join an anti-regime protest in Mandalay on Feb. 15. / The Irrawaddy



People in Mandalay call on civil servants to join the civil disobedience movement on Feb. 15. / The Irrawaddy



Young people stage a protest against China in front of the Chinese Embassy in Yangon on Feb. 11 to denounce Beijings silence on the Myanmar coup. / The Irrawaddy



People gather outside the government-owned Myanmar Economic Bank in Mandalay to urge staff to join the civil disobedience movement. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters gather in downtown Yangon on Feb. 17. / The Irrawaddy



An anti-regime protester in downtown Yangon on Feb. 17. / The Irrawaddy



Members of Myanmars various ethnicities stage a protest against the junta in downtown Yangon on Feb. 18. / The Irrawaddy

Police and soldiers attack protesters with slingshots in Mandalay on Feb. 15. / The Irrawaddy



Civil servants in Naypyitaw join the civil disobedience movement on Feb. 10. / The Irrawaddy

The body of Mya Thwet Thwet Khine is taken from a hospital in Naypyitaw on Feb. 19 after she was pronounced dead. The 19-year-old woman was shot by security forces and suffered a critical head injury amid a crackdown on anti-regime protesters in the capital 10 days earlier. She was the first casualty of the juntas crackdown on anti-regime protests. / The Irrawaddy



An anti-regime protester holds a portrait of Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, the first anti-regime protester killed by security forces, at a memorial in Naypyitaw on Feb. 20, one day after her death. / The Irrawaddy

People carry a wounded man after police and soldiers open fire on civilians at a shipyard in Mandalay on Feb. 20. / The Irrawaddy

A man shows a bullet casing collected after police and soldiers open fire on civilians at a shipyard in Mandalay on Feb. 20. / The Irrawaddy

People hold a candlelight vigil in Yangon on Feb. 21 for those killed by regime troops. / The Irrawaddy



Anti-regime protesters gather in Mandalay on Feb. 22.



Anti-regime protesters gather in Mandalay on Feb. 22. / The Irrawaddy

People stage a protest in front of the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon on Feb. 23 over Jakartas reported push for ASEAN member states to agree to a rerun of the election by the Myanmar junta. The report was later denied by Indonesias Foreign Ministry. / The Irrawaddy

Riot police threaten a pregnant woman in Yangon amid their crackdown on anti-regime protesters on Feb. 27. / The Irrawaddy



Riot police prepare to crack down on anti-regime protesters in Yangon on Feb. 27. / The Irrawaddy

Riot police fire teargas to disperse anti-regime protesters in Yangon on Feb. 27. / The Irrawaddy

Despite security forces use of violence in previous days, anti-regime protesters take to the streets in Yangon on Feb. 28. / The Irrawaddy

Despite security forces use of violence in previous days, anti-regime protesters take to the streets in Yangon on Feb. 28. / The Irrawaddy

A civilian wounded amid security forces crackdown receives treatments at a hospital in Mandalay on Feb. 28. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters run for shelter after being teargassed in Yangon on March 2. / The Irrawaddy

Amid escalating crackdowns on anti-regime protesters, fully equipped soldiers are deployed in Yangon on Mar. 2. / The Irrawaddy

People stage a protest against the regime behind makeshift barricades in Yangon on Mar. 3. Following polices use of violence in late February, demonstrators place roadblocks to deter security forces advance. / The Irrawaddy



A policeman kicks a man who is detained amid a crackdown on protesters in Mandalay on Mar. 3. / The Irrawaddy

A family member mourns over the body of Kyal Sin, 19, who was shot in the head when police and soldiers launched a crackdown on anti-regime protesters in Mandalay on Mar. 3. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters resist a crackdown by police and soldiers in Mandalay on Mar. 3. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters in Mandalay show solidarity with the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CPRH), a shadow government formed by deposed NLD lawmakers, on Mar. 6. / The Irrawaddy



Members of the Buddhist Monk Union in Mandalay take to the streets to protest against the regime on Mar. 6. / The Irrawaddy

Due to security forces use of violence against them, anti-regime protesters use protective gear and makeshift shields in order to protect themselves from tear gas and rubber bullets in Mandalay on Mar. 6. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters take cover behind makeshift barricades in Yangon on Mar. 7. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters in Mandalay on Mar. 7. / The Irrawaddy

An anti-regime protester rests behind roadblocks in Yangon on Mar. 13. / The Irrawaddy

Medical professionals and students stage a protest against the regime in Yangon on Mar. 13. / KH

An anti-regime protester walks past a heap of burning tires on a flyover in Yangon on Mar. 16. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters respond to regime troops crackdown on a flyover in Yangon on Mar. 16. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters in Yangon on Mar. 17. / The Irrawaddy

Riot police challenge protesters in Yangon on Mar. 17. / The Irrawaddy

A demonstrator reaches out to a fellow protester who was shot by security forces in Yangon on Mar. 17. / The Irrawaddy



Anti-regime protesters hold flaming torches in defense against regime troops in Yangon on Mar. 19. / The Irrawaddy



The funeral of a young protester who was shot dead by security forces on March 20. / The Irrawaddy



Mourners flash three-finger salutes at the funeral of a young protester shot dead by security forces on March 20. / The Irrawaddy



People stage a nighttime protest against the regime on Mar. 13 in Yangon. / The Irrawaddy



Downtown Yangon is nearly deserted on Mar. 24 as people across Myanmar observe a Silent Strike against the regime. / The Irrawaddy



Residents of Ye U in Sagaing Region stage a protest against the regime on Mar. 25. / Phyo Min Ko



Residents of the UNESCO World Heritage town Bagan stage a protest against the regime on Mar. 26.



People set copies of the military-drafted 2008 Constitution alight on April 1 after the CRPH, the shadow government, announced the charters abolition.



Young people stage guerilla-style anti-regime protest in Yangon on Apr. 2 to avoid crackdowns. / The Irrawaddy



Downtown Mandalay is deserted on Apr. 13, the eve of Myanmars traditional water festival, answering the nationwide call to boycott the festival to honor those slain by the regime.People stage a guerrilla-style protest against the regime in downtown Yangon on Apr. 23. / The Irrawaddy



People stage a guerrilla-style protest against the regime in downtown Yangon on Apr. 23. / The Irrawaddy

Anti-regime protesters in Yangon on March 23. / The Irrawaddy

An anti-regime protester resists junta forces during a crackdown in Yangon on Mar. 23./The Irrawaddy
From 2018-19 to 2021-22 you can see that things are improving, but we have not recovered, Potter said, describing the proposal as a bridge to stabilize finances while Napa awaits the return of pre-pandemic revenue levels, a recovery not forecast to be completed until 2024, after the completion of wide-ranging vaccination and the lifting of travel and crowd restrictions.

The strategy is intended to provide enough funding to fill 63 of 80 unfilled city jobs by June 2022, including 28 positions the council froze last spring. Fifty-two other positions have been left empty as former workers departed.

While Napas personnel costs continue to rise at about the same rate as in past years and account for more than 72% of expenditures, Potter said revenues will take longer to bounce back during the economic recovery of hotels and tourist-aimed businesses that until recently had filled nearly a quarter of the budget. So extreme has the fall-off been that funding from the citys transient occupancy tax has dropped by more than half over two years  from $22.66 million in 2018-19 to a projected $10.87 million for the current year ending in June  leaving bed taxes the third-largest revenue source behind sales tax ($17.04 million) and property tax ($37.23 million).

+2 Leisure visitors returning to Napa; hotel occupancy way up Lower COVID-19 case numbers and growing vaccination protection are making visitors more willing to resume travel.
Journalist Harriss The State Must Provide (Ecco, Aug.), examines the legacy of racial discrimination in higher education.

Where did this book begin?

The seeds of the book began when I got to college at Alabama A&M University. I had fantastic professors and a really nurturing environment, but I noticed some things were fundamentally different from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, right down the street. UAH had newer facilities; potholes in the road were filled. The maintenance of the campus, the books in the libraryeverything seemed like it had been revamped. After I joined the staff at the Chronicle of Higher Education and really dug into higher education policy, I learned that my experience was not an anomaly but part of a broader reality for students at historically Black colleges and universities, which generally receive fewer resources.

How did you select which people and institutions to focus on?

I wanted the book to be comprehensive over a span of history, but I also didnt want it to be a dry laundry list of facts. The book starts with the story of Berea College because of how different things were there, as the first interracial college established in the South [in 1855]. Some of the characters came naturally, as representatives of the efforts that were underway at the time. But the institutions become characters, tooIowa State University, for example, which George Washington Carver attended in the 1890s. The selection was a matter of making sure the primary characters could carry the narrative I wanted to tell, which is how the current inequalities in higher education have evolved.

Which conversations left the biggest impression on you?

The people I spent the most time in conversation with were involved in more recent cases, like the case filed by Jake Ayers [against the state of Mississippi in 1975] and the Mary- land case [filed by the Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Edu- cation in 2006]. My purpose was to show that these challenges arent just in the past; they have a current, present impact that we see playing out in cases that have yet to be decided.

What do you hope readers take away from the book?

The knowledge that these inequities between institutions are not one-offs. There are structural reasons why these inequities exist across higher education; federal and state governments played an explicit role in shaping the system we have. I want readers to question. When we have institutions that have benefitted from or allowed inequalitylike Georgetown, which profited from the sale of enslaved peoplehow do we deal with that? Its up to the government to remedy that intentional century of discrimination. Policy created these inequities in the higher education system, and only policy will fix it.




Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong will attend an in-person Group of Seven (G7) ministerial meeting in Britain next week to discuss access to COVID-19 vaccines, climate change and other global issues, a ministry official said Thursday.







The first face-to-face gathering of G7 foreign and development ministers in over two years is set to take place in London from Monday to Wednesday. Though not party to the group, South Korea, Australia, India, South Africa and Brunei, the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, have been invited as guests.







The agenda for the meeting includes joint efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines, recover from the pandemic, support girls' education in underdeveloped countries and tackle climate change, the official said.







On the sidelines of the session, Chung is expected to conduct diplomacy to secure international cooperation in addressing safety concerns over Japan's planned discharge of radioactive water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.







"Our basic stance is that we will continue to carry out diplomatic activities related to the Fukushima plant water issue in a possible context whether that's bilateral or multilateral," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.







The ministerial session is part of preparations for the G7 summit scheduled to take place in the seaside resort of Carbis Bay in Cornwall from June 11-13. President Moon Jae-in plans to attend the summit. (Yonhap)


JERSEY CITY  The night before Dwayne Redmon returned to School 20 for the first time in 402 days, he couldnt stay asleep. He woke up thinking about school, he said.

He was up at 4:30, his grandmother Renee Peterson said. He got anxiety today. Yesterday and today.

Clutching his grandmothers hand, the 8-year-old was one of the first students to arrive at School 20 in the morning.

Soon, the rest began to arrive. Music started blasting, and a dancing dolphin, the schools mascot, began greeting the young students before a school day like no other.

The Jersey City school district just reopened for in-person schooling for the first time in nearly 14 months. The schools closed amid coronavirus precautions in March 2020, and reopening dates were repeatedly pushed back. As recently as 11 days ago, Superintendent Franklin Walker announced they wouldnt reopen at all this year, then changed course three days later.

The district was ready today, though, Walker said on a visit to School 24. He said his favorite moment was seeing youngsters lined up to enter their building.

Even with a mask, you can see them smiling and excited, added Board of Education President Mussab Ali.

The district is doing a phased reopening. Today was the first day back for students in pre-K through third grade. Their older peers are scheduled to return May 10.

Most of the districts approximately 4,500 staff members were on site to join their students in person. Only 190 did not report to their buildings on Thursday. About 25% of pre-K through third graders have chosen to return to school buildings, according to attendance and enrollment data.

Pre-K teacher Thao Bui and her aide Brenda Randolph had only three students in her first cohort of in-person students Thursday, just slightly below School 20s four-students-per-cohort average. She spent the first 10 minutes of class teaching them the ways of the classroom before their classmates at home signed on.

If we need anything, this is what were going to do: Were going to raise our hands, Bui said. So can we practice that? Lets put our hands in the air.

The three students tentatively lifted their arms. It was like the first day of school, except in April.

Never put paper towels inside of the toilet bowl, guys, Randolph told the class after the first student experimented with the bathroom.

Then, the virtual students began arriving to class, popping up one by one on Buis laptop screen.

Uh, Ms. Bui? one of the first said. My stomach hurts.

Upstairs, drama teacher Melissa Jaymes students in the classroom and online did arm circles.

Across the city at School 16, Jackie Coxs twin kindergarteners Marty and Olney walked into their classrooms for the first time. Cox was amongst the most vocal parents who advocated for schools to reopen.

I had the first day jitters, Marty said. I was nervous and excited.

The schools performed temperature checks on each person entering the building, and none, as far as Walker heard, had fevers. Parents also filled out a digital questionnaire that morning about their childs current health.

Nine parents called throughout the day and asked School 20 Principal Hani Ileya to have their students added to the in-person roster, he said. Of the 390 students in pre-K through three, 49% have so far opted for in-person learning.

At pick up, School 20 parents said they had been slightly nervous to send their children off since the pandemic isnt over, but they wanted them to be able to socialize and learn in the classroom.

Some said they had carefully trained their children for the new safety protocols. Anna Lacrete packed Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer and extra masks in her third graders backpack and was nervous sending her off.

But her daughter Anaylah Lacrete said school went well despite the many differences.

The hallways are emptier and playtime is less, Anaylah said. You get less equipment to play with and you cant play on the playground.

Nonetheless, recess was her favorite part of the day. She played tag and ran around, something she doesnt do during virtual school.

Kids need to socialize, her mother said. Theyre not supposed to learn just at home.

Jersey Journal staff writer Joshua Rosario contributed to this report
A group of aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Zamfara, has formed a faction of the party named True PDP. The chairman of...





A group of aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Zamfara, has formed a faction of the party named True PDP.

The chairman of the faction, Alhaji Bilyamin Badarawa, disclosed this at a media briefing in Gusau on Friday.

This is to inform the general public that following some irregularities observed in our beloved party, the PDP in Zamfara, and as true and genuine members of the party, we have decided to form a faction named True PDP.

We decided to form the faction to salvage the party from sinking and deteriorating under the chairmanship of Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, especially considering the way and manner its affairs were being handled, he said.

Badarawa alleged that the state PDP leadership under Danfulani has not accorded respect to members, elders and other patrons of the party.

We suffered to ensure PDP won election in Zamfara and since then, we have been neglected by the leaders of the party who were in other political parties when we won the election.

We are totally disappointed with the suspension of Alhaji Faruku Shatiman-Rijiya, the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Badarawa said.

He commended Gov. Bello Matawalle for his tireless efforts to rid the state of all form of criminality and banditry.

Reacting, the state PDP Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, dismissed the groups claim, saying that the state chapter of PDP remained intact under the leadership of Danfulani.

As I speak with you, we dont have a crisis in the state PDP, therefore we are not aware of any faction in the state, Umar said.
The British advertising of the 1830s was hard for women to resist. Travel to Australia! Free passage is offered, lucrative work awaits and Sydney has five men to every woman.

So seductive was this promotional campaign that 3000 single, free women voyaged to the colonies of New South Wales and Van Diemens Land to even up the gender balance. Yet disembarking wasnt quite what the brochure promised.

When they stepped onto the pier in Sydney they were met by 2000 men baying at them and jeering, says songwriter Helen Begley, creator of the new musical theatre production Voyage. They had to run the gauntlet of these men to get to their accommodation, with barely half a dozen police to protect them.

From left: Carly Ellis, Penny Larkins and Helen Begley chart the journey of single British women to the burgeoning colonies. Credit:Justin McManus

Begley, who discovered the hopes and horrors of the womens voyages in historian Elizabeth Rushens book Single and Free, believes this chapter of Australian history should be better known.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said Thursday that while the outlook for an aerospace rebound remains complex globally, the outlook for the U.S. is quite bullish and looking for a very strong summer and that a ramp-up in demand for single-aisle jetliners, such as those it builds in Alabama, is coming sooner now.

Faury spoke Thursday during a conference call on the companys first-quarter financial results. While optimistic, Faurys remarks also were cautious. For the remainder of 2021, the company isnt escalating production plans beyond what it had already forecast. The company aims to deliver the same number of commercial aircraft as it did in 2020.

Based on everything we see today, we keep our guidance unchanged, he said. He went on to explain that what the company sees is a fragmented world where some countries are recovering from the COVID slump more quickly than others, and some are struggling to make forward progress.

Global air traffic started weaker in 2021 than industry forecasts, he said. This weakness was driven by deterioration in most international markets, including domestic China, where citizens were requested to stay at home during the traditional Chinese New Year travel period. Since then, domestic travel in China has rebounded strongly, he said. Signs are positive in North America, he said, but Europe is considerably lagging behind.

International traffic globally remains at a very low level, and the recent decay in the sanitary situation in India reminds us of the fragility of the recovery, he said.

The company still expects full recovery to pre-COVID air traffic levels will come somewhere between 2023 and 2025, Faury said.

In a potential positive sign for Airbus U.S. jetliner assembly operations in Mobile, Faury said he expects demand for single-aisle jets to increase sharply in 2022.

Airbus assembles the single-aisle A320 family in Mobile as well as the newer, smaller single-aisle A220 family. In 2019 the company was cranking out 60 A320s a month, the combined output of Mobile and three other locations, and was aiming to increase production rates even more. By contrast its current rate is about 40 per month with plans for slow growth to 45 per month by years end.

Single-aisle jets, particularly long-range versions, are expected to be in demand as passenger traffic slowly returns to pre-COVID levels. The demand for widebody jets is expected to return much more slowly.

Faury said the challenge is preparing the single aisle ramp-up to be ready for when the market recovers, and thats coming sooner now. To capitalize on the increased demand it expects to see next year, Airbus is making efforts to ensure that its suppliers are ready with the necessary engines and other components, he said.

In response to a question about the A220, Faury confirmed the program has not yet reached its break-even point.

Weve always said that we need to ramp basically both factories in Mobile and Mirabel [Canada] to a decent loading level to come to break-even operationally, said Faury. Now thats the key question, how quickly can we do that? You can make the math, you will see that to come to full load it will probably be some 170 or so a year. But we dont need all that, we probably need probably slightly less than that to come to break even. And it will take us several years to get there, because you know the rates we currently have are much lower than that.

According to its 2020 summaries, Airbus delivered 38 A220s last year compared to 446 A320s. The young program is still building momentum, and it was June 2020 before the Mobile assembly lines first Alabama-built A220 made its first flight. That jet was delivered to Delta in October.

Airbus has reported delivering 38 A220s in 2020 and 9 in the first quarter of 2021. Those figures do not break down how many were built in Mobile and how many in Quebec.

In a February interview with the Globe and Mail, Faury spoke in more detail about the A220 programs course to profitability. According to that report, the maximum anticipated production is 14 per month or 168 per year, with break-even expected mid-decade.
In its preliminary conclusion, the EU Commission has found Apple guilty of breaching the competition law. The commission found that while Apple Music competes against other music streaming services, Apple has an unfair advantage over its rivals by charging them high commission fees and forbidding them from using alternative subscription methods.

The findings are a result of Spotify filing an anti-trust complaint against Apple in 2019. It alleged that Apple was using its dominant position to promote Apple Music over other music streaming services.

Our preliminary conclusion: @Apple is in breach of EU competition law. @AppleMusic compete with other music streaming services. But @Apple charges high commission fees on rivals in the App store & forbids them to inform of alternative subscription options. Consumers losing out.  Margrethe Vestager (@vestager) April 30, 2021

Apple charges other music streaming apps on the App Store a 30% cut of any transaction. It also prohibits them from using any alternative subscription service. This gives the companys own Apple Music an unfair advantage over the competition as the likes of Spotify end up passing the additional fees to customers, which ends up making it more expensive than Apple Music.

Spotifys monthly Premium plan is priced at $9.99, but the company charges customers $12.99/month if they subscribe directly from within the App Store.

Apple has already issued a statement about the ruling to The Verge:

Spotify has become the largest music subscription service in the world, and were proud for the role we played in that. Spotify does not pay Apple any commission on over 99% of their subscribers, and only pays a 15% commission on those remaining subscribers that they acquired through the App Store. At the core of this case is Spotifys demand they should be able to advertise alternative deals on their iOS app, a practice that no store in the world allows. Once again, they want all the benefits of the App Store but dont think they should have to pay anything for that. The Commissions argument on Spotifys behalf is the opposite of fair competition.

Spotify is not the only one that has to pay this Apple tax. Netflix and other streaming services on the App Store also have to pay this Apple Tax, which ends up giving Apples own streaming services an advantage.

Since this is the result of the EUs preliminary investigation, Apple will have a chance to respond to all the allegations levied against it. If the company is indeed found guilty, it will have to pay up to 10% of its annual revenue as a fine. It could also be forced to change its business model to level the playing field.

[Via European Commission
New Jersey on Friday reported another 1,686 coronavirus cases and an additional 26 deaths, while the statewide rate of transmission plummeted to its lowest point in nearly a year as 6 in 10 adults in the state have now received at least one vaccine shot.

Statewide hospitalizations fell below 1,600 for the first time since November, the latest statewide positivity rate was below 5% for the first time since October, and Gov. Phil Murphy once again teased that he will have more information Monday on further easing restrictions and ramping up vaccinations.

Were not out of the woods, but the numbers are getting better, Murphy said while announcing the update at an unrelated event in Lyndhurst. Theres just no two ways about it, thank God.

On Monday, you should expect to hear from us on how we see the continued reopening of the state, as well as what we are doing to ensure the vaccine progress continues and that we reach every nook and every corner of our state, the governor added. So stay tuned.

Murphy made the remarks a few hours before he is scheduled to received his second dose of the Pfizer vaccine in Atlantic City.

The statewide transmission rate fell to 0.63, down from 0.72 a day earlier. Thats the lowest point since the state was still in lockdown mode during the pandemics first wave. The rate hit a low of 0.60 last May, according to the state Department of Health.

Any number under 1 indicates the outbreak is slowing and each new case is leading to less than one additional case.

New Jerseys seven-day average for new confirmed positive COVID-19 tests dropped to 1,824, down 32% from a week ago and 51% from a month ago, as the states third wave of the outbreak continues to recede while vaccinations increase.

Slightly more than 3 million people have been fully vaccinated in New Jersey as of Friday  roughly 44% of the states 6.9 million adults. The states goal is to have 70% of the states eligible population  about 4.7 million people  vaccinated by the end of June. Slightly more than 4.2 million people  about 61% of adults  have received at least one vaccine dose.

State officials have expressed confidence about reaching the 70% goal but have said they will need to be proactive about encouraging people to get their shots because demand has started to subside.

New Jersey announced Thursday that all six of its coronavirus vaccine mega-sites will offer walk-in vaccinations without an appointment from now on.

There were 1,564 coronavirus patients hospitalized across New Jerseys 71 hospitals as of Thursday night. Thats the lowest number since Nov. 8.

That number is coming down, and its coming down meaningfully, Murphy said.

The latest statewide positivity rate for tests conducted on Monday, the most recent day available, was 4.96%.

New Jersey has now reported 872,927 confirmed coronavirus cases out of more than 13.5 million PCR tests in the nearly 14 months since the state reported its first case March 4, 2020.

There have also been 124,296 positive antigen tests during the outbreak. 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 9.2 million people has reported 25,554 residents have died from complications related to COVID-19  including 22,929 confirmed deaths and 2,625 fatalities considered probable.

New Jersey has the most coronavirus deaths per capita among American states.

Across the Hudson River, restaurants in New York City can increase their indoor dining to 75% of capacity starting May 7, in line with the rest of the state, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday. Personal services, including hair salons and barber shops, can expand to 75% capacity starting May 7 as well, Cuomo said. Gyms in New York City can go to 50% capacity starting May 15.

In New Jersey, restaurants, gyms, and personal services are still limited to 50% capacity.

Nw York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday he expects to see COVID-19 restrictions lifted and the city fully reopen by July 1. The mayor, however, doesnt have unilateral power to lift remaining pandemic restrictions. Cuomo has maintained throughout the pandemic that decisions on when restaurants, theaters, offices and other places can open at full capacity are his alone.

Murphy has so far resisted releasing a broad timeline for New Jersey and has announced incremental steps instead. He announced Monday that outdoor gathering limits in the state will increase from 200 to 500 people starting on May 10, in time for college and high school graduations. Plus, private catered events such as weddings and proms will go from 35% to 50% of a venues capacity with a maximum of 250 people, up from 150.

But Republicans have pushed Murphy to move more quickly or to at least release target dates. On Friday, a fellow Democrat, state Sen. Dawn Addiego, D-Burlington, called on the governor to lift all capacity limits in the state by July 1.

People and businesses need time and resources to plan the launch of our new normal, Addiego said.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

HOSPITALIZATIONS

There were 1,564 patients hospitalized with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday night  127 fewer than the previous night, according to state data.

That included 348 in critical or intensive care (19 fewer), with 224 on ventilators (three fewer).

There were 250 COVID-19 patients discharged Thursday

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 263 in-school coronavirus outbreaks, which have resulted in 1,157 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 (22.6%), 18-29 (19.9%), 65-79 (10.1%), 5-17 (9.8%), 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 (46.57%), followed by those 65-79 (32.97%), 50-64 (15.99%), 30-49 (4.06%), 18-29 (0.39%), 5-17 (0%) and 0-4 (0.02%).

At least 8,027 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 218 facilities, resulting in 2,469 active cases among residents and 3,295 among staffers. Those numbers have slowed as vaccinations continue at the facilities.

GLOBAL NUMBERS

As of early Friday afternoon, there have been 150 million positive COVID-19 tests across the globe, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. More than 3.16 million people have died from coronavirus-related complications.

The U.S. has reported the most cases, at 32.3 million, and the most deaths, at more than 575,200.

EDITORS NOTE: This story originally said the new transmission rate is the lowest since the beginning of the pandemic. But its actually the lowest in nearly a year.

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Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com.
With a few hours to go for the third phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive for all adults in the country, the Punjab government on Friday deferred the inoculation for this category due to "non-availability" of the vaccine.

Authorities in Union Territory of Chandigarh said they had already started the registrations, but as the vaccines were awaited, they would not be able to start the inoculation for the 18-plus category according to the schedule on May 1.

However, Haryana's Home and Health Minister Anil Vij told PTI that the vaccination for the 18-45 years category in the state will be started from Saturday.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh deferred Phase III of vaccination, which was slated to begin on May 1, for the 18-45 age group.

Singh made it clear that "due to non-availability of vaccine, Phase III of vaccination for the 18-45 age group cannot be started as scheduled".

He also said all vaccinations at private health facilities will remain suspended from Saturday.

The chief minister said as the balance of unutilised vaccines had to be returned to the Government of India by all private health facilities by Friday evening, these facilities would have no vaccines to administer from Friday for 45+ population, while they could not vaccinate 18-45 age group as they had no supplies for the same.

According to an official statement, Singh said his government was pursuing the matter of vaccine shortage with the Centre, as the situation was critical. "The state had received two lakh doses but that was not sufficient even to meet the two days' requirement of the 45+ age group," said Singh, while reviewing the COVID vaccine situation at a virtual meeting.

Punjab is among the states which has been worst-hit due to the second wave of COVID-19.

Union Territory Chandigarh's Home-cum-Health SecretaryArun Gupta when asked about the vaccination for 18-45 category rolling out in Chandigarh from May 1, said, "We have not received the vaccines, so without the vaccines we cannot start it".

"We have started the registration, but the slots will be allotted only after we receive the vaccines," Gupta told PTI.

He said they are awaiting confirmation about the delivery of one lakh vaccines from the Serum Institute of India (SII).

However, Haryana MinisterAnil Vij said, "We have got the message from the SII and more vaccines are reaching us. The rollout for the 18-45 year category will start tomorrow as scheduled".

Vij further said Haryana has sought 40 lakh doses from the SII and 26 lakh from Bharat Biotech, the manufacturer of Covaxin.

"We will get these in phases," he said.

Like Punjab, both Haryana and Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, has seen a surge in cases in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Amarinder Singh said the Punjab government is trying to secure supply for 45+ population from the Centre on priority, and also making efforts to strategise Phase III vaccination based on an interim report of an expert group led by Dr Gagandeep Kang.

The meeting was informed by the officials that an order for procurement of 30 lakh doses of Covishield for the age group of 18-45 years was placed with the SII on April 26, only to be told that the availability of vaccine will be known in four weeks.

Further, the SII had asked the Punjab government to indicate demand for the next three-four months, with advance payments to be made. They had informed the government that supplies would be delivered in a phased manner, every month, the statement said.

According to the state health department data, of the six worst hit districts, while Mohali, Jalandhar and Ludhiana were doing well in terms of vaccination, Amritsar, Bathinda, Patiala were running short of targets. The chief minister directed these three districts to step up efforts.

There has been a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases in Punjab in the recent weeks.

Punjab had on Thursday reported 138 more deaths, pushing the toll to 8,909, while 6,812 fresh cases took the infection count to 3,64,910 in the state, according to a medical bulletin.

(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.)
Viewpoint viewers were turning off in their droves on Thursday night in the wake of sexual harassment allegations against show star Noel Clarke.

The actor, 45, was suspended by Bafta after 20 women accused him of sexual harassment, groping and bullying, with the claims levelled against him in The Guardian.

And as the show aired as usual on ITV hours after the accusations came to light, furious viewers hit out at the channel for still opting to broadcast it.

Switching off: Viewpoint viewers were turning off in their droves on Thursday night in the wake of sexual harassment allegations against show star Noel Clarke

Married Noel, who plays DC Martin Young, has strongly denied the allegations, with the incidents claimed to have taken place between 2004 and 2019.

But Viewpoint viewers were 'put off' tuning into drama series amid the scandal, with one writing: 'I can't watch knowing what I know.'

Taking to Twitter, one fans said: 'Suspended my viewing re Noel Clarke allegations #Viewpoint.'

While another asked: 'In light of the Noel Clarke allegations, who's suddenly stopped watching #Viewpoint tonight then.'

Accused: The actor, 45, was suspended by Bafta after 20 women accused him of sexual harassment, groping and bullying, with the claims levelled against him in The Guardian

'Sorry but I can't watch knowing what I know now. And also, being a woman, it's so much more difficult' tweeted a third.

While a fourth shared: 'I thought the only good thing about #Viewpoint was Noel Clarke. After reading all the allegations Ive just changed my mind and the channel.'

'Yes he could be totally innocent but at this moment in time, I feel physically sick just looking at him. I just can't continue to watch, it's totally against my principles and it's also in defence of his possible victims' came the response from a fifth.

Not impressed: As the show aired as usual on ITV hours after the accusations came to light, furious viewers hit out at the channel for still opting to broadcast it

With another agreeing: 'Omg straight put off rest of #Viewpoint now Ive seen what trending on here about Noel, total shock, well done to all the girls to speak up!!'

Meanwhile, ITV have faced backlash from angry viewers who believe they should have pulled Viewpoint from TV schedules after the allegations came to light.

'ITV should be ashamed of airing #Viewpoint, totally wrong and disgusting, knowing what we know about Noel Clarke' fumed one unimpressed person.

With another exclaiming: 'Oh god you can't show this with Noel Clarke!!!'

No thanks: Viewpoint viewers were 'put off' tuning into drama series amid the scandal, with one writing: 'I can't watch knowing what I know'

And a third adding: 'I feel like, given the allegations that have recently surfaced, ITV should have pulled #Viewpoint from tonight's schedule.'

As well as suspending his Bafta membership, the academy said in a statement it had also suspended his outstanding British contribution to cinema award, which he was handed earlier this month at the Royal Albert Hall, until further notice.

The claims were levelled against the TV star best known for appearing in Doctor Who and for co-creating The Hood Trilogy, in The Guardian.

Noel vehemently denied the allegations in a statement to the newspaper.

Backlash: Meanwhile, ITV have faced backlash from angry viewers who believe they should have pulled Viewpoint from TV schedules after the allegations came to light

He said: 'In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me.

'If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.'

The statement from Bafta said: 'In light of the allegations of serious misconduct regarding Noel Clarke in The Guardian, Bafta has taken the decision to suspend his membership and the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award immediately and until further notice.'

Shock: Bafta has suspended Noel Clarke's membership following allegations of misconduct. The claims were levelled against Clarke in The Guardian. (Pictured on April 10 with his Bafta Award)

Management and production company 42 M&P said it stopped representing Clarke earlier this month.

A spokesman said: 'Noel Clarke was a client of 42 M&P until April this year but the company no longer represents him.'

Clarke, who is married to former make-up artist Iris Da Silva with three children, wrote and starred in the acclaimed film trilogy Kidulthood, Adulthood and Brotherhood, and directed two of them.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The NYPDs Hate Crimes Task Force has opened an investigation into vandalism discovered at a historic Black church in Rossville this week, while the 123rd Precinct vowed to step up patrols in the area.

Members of Rossville AME Zion Church, a historic landmark that is part of Sandy Ground and has well over a century of rich history, found the front door fractured and a side window broken while arriving at the 584 Bloomingdale Road location Tuesday night.

The bottom portion of the glass front door to the church suffered what appeared to be impact damage. Inside the kitchen of the building, shards of glass were strewn across the floor where a separate window was shattered and a brick was found nearby.

Vandals shattered the church's front door. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

Rev. Jacqueline Nolton, the pastor of the church, told the Advance/SILive.com on Wednesday that the act, represents the evil that is permeating this nation.

Expressing disdain that other religious buildings on Staten Island have also faced acts of vandalism in recent years, Rev. Nolton said there seems to be no boundaries, including to houses of worship.

On Thursday, the NYPD announced that its Hate Crimes Task Force was investigating the vandalism, and asked for the public to come forward with information.

The HCTF is investigating this crime in @NYPDstatenIslnd. Call @NYPDTips 1-800-577-TIPS(8477) with any information. Shattered glass, shaken members: Act of vandalism strikes historic Black church in Rossville - https://t.co/RucjXi3CMV https://t.co/sc0nBKCiKX  NYPD Hate Crimes (@NYPDHateCrimes) April 29, 2021

In addition, top officials from the 123rd Precinct vowed they would be increasing patrols in the area, and said that any acts of vandalism would not be tolerated.

We were happy to meet with Rev. Jacqueline Nolton of Rossville A.M.E. Zion church in regards to the recent act of vandalism that occurred at her church. We will be increasing patrols in the area and any acts of vandalism will not be tolerated. pic.twitter.com/3P3DksqKHw  NYPD 123rd Precinct (@NYPD123Pct) April 29, 2021

Rev. Nolton said that her concern is not centered on the front door of the church, but the person that perpetrated the act.

My concern is not just about the shattered glass but the shattered person who thought that they had the right to do that to such as sacred building, said Rev. Nolton.

The churchs congregation has been gathering virtually since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic last spring, and the destruction was discovered when one of its trustees went to the building Tuesday night to work.

Debra Santulli-Barone, who has been a parishioner at the church for 23 years, said she learned of the vandalism on Facebook and was upset that the act took place at a site where she has enjoyed safety and camaraderie within the neighborhood.

A brick was found in the vicinity of the shattered kitchen window. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

We used to keep the doors unlocked when we were doing stuff downstairs in the rectory, and you know, these days, I always tell the reverend if youre going to be there alone, lock the door, said Santulli-Barone.

Its scary, she added. I am very concerned.

A RICH HISTORY

Once a flourishing community of over 150 Black families, Sandy Ground now has multiple structures which are designated as New York City landmarks, including AME Zion Church.

Sandy Ground is the oldest continuously free African-American settlement in the United States.

Sandy Ground was founded in 1827 as a farming village, originally called Harrisville, by people who were freed from enslavement. It later served as a haven for oystermen from Chesapeake Bay fleeing the restrictive industry laws of Maryland.

The church was known as an important stop on the Underground Railroad, and Capt. John Jackson, the first person of African descent to own property on Staten Island, ferried slaves to Staten Island and New Jersey aboard the ferry boat he owned and operated.

Just years ago, more than 500 unmarked graves were discovered at the Rossville churchs cemetery  a stunning find that deepened the already-profound depths of history tied to the area.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public also can submit tips on the Crime Stoppers website, or on Twitter @NYPDTips.
The lyrics are catchy throughout, fusing rap, house, pop and electro all into one tight dancefloor anthem. This song is as alive in a nightclub as it is in a thumping gym.

Stream Cat Clubs Moves Like That - http://www.catclubmusic.com/links.html

Watch Cat Clubs Moves Like That official music video - https://youtu.be/RLBKLgsIlcc

Bright. Energetic. Inescapable. Electronic dance music (EDM) DJ/production duo, Cat Club, creates music to make a body groove, and their latest single does just that. Cat Clubs Moves Like That (Cat Club Records) is out now.

With a bold, distorted synth intro, Moves Like That roars in and never lets up. Its 4/4-beat thunders into three huge radio-ready drops, each filled with bold rap swagger and buttery-smooth vocal hooks: Tell me how your body gonna move like that / How a girl like yous got moves like that. The lyrics are catchy throughout, fusing rap, house, pop and electro all into one tight dancefloor anthem. This song is as alive in a nightclub as it is in a thumping gym. Moves Like That was mixed and mastered by GRAMMY-nominated mix/mastering engineer, Luca Pretolesi (Steve Aoki, Dillon Francis, Major Lazer) at the famed Las Vegas studios of Studio DMI.

About Cat Club

The electronic music duo known as Cat Club consists of the sleekly helmeted artists known simply as J and M, based in San Francisco, California and New Orleans, Louisiana, respectively. As multi-instrumentalists and producers, Cat Clubs style is marked by dark beats, lush synthesizers and pop vocals. Progressive-house, bass, dub, hip-hop, 90s techno, pop, and rock influence this genre-bending pair. Cat Club captivates live audiences by rocking-out on DJ turntables, samplers, drum pads and synthesizers, all while wearing their signature helmets. Pre-pandemic, the pair frequented clubs in the Bay Area like HUE in San Francisco, CA, and Elbo Room Jack London in Oakland, CA, drawing dance and indie-electronic music crowds. M, an art school graduate from Sacramento, CA, and designer at Apple by day, met his counterpart, J, at a San Francisco party in the mid 2010s. J, a film school graduate from Cleveland, Ohio, was a producer, shooting commercials with the likes of Lil Wayne and LeBron James. Connecting over a shared love of music, they began hitting San Francisco nightclubs together and trading song sketches, each improving the others creations. Ms eye for design paired with Js production prowess informed the bands futuristic aesthetic. And thus, Cat Club was born. They designed their futuristic helmets to keep the audience focused on what matters most: the music. The duo weaves elements of their childhood favorites of Top40 pop, rock, and hip-hop into their songs. More importantly, the influences of Justice, Deadmau5, Booka Shade, Major Lazer and other electronic giants permeate their sound. From French house to German minimal, once they experienced the dark side of electronic music, they never looked back. Newer inspiration comes from array of artists like Meduza, Black Tiger Sex Machine, KLOUD and SACRE. Cat Club loves to experiment by mashing-up opposing styles, having fun and bringing a sense of humor to their music and performances. Each new release is a mystery, but one thing is certain: its always unmistakably dark, sexy and driving with a pop vocal finish.

Follow Cat Club online.

Official http://www.catclubmusic.com/

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/CatClubMusic

Instagram http://www.instagram.com/CatClubMusic

Twitter https://twitter.com/CatClubMusic

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/4P2ceBRJOR2HQ4mR4uAymF

PRESS CONTACT (U.S.)

EMILY TAN MEDIA RELATIONS | EmilyTan@EmilyTanMediaRelations.com | +1(917) 318-3758

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Footsie finished Friday ahead by around eight points, or 0.12%, at 6,969,

FTSE 100 closes around eight points higher

top blue-chip riser

US benchmarks seeing red

5.05pm: FTSE closes ahead

FTSE 100 closed on the front foot at the end of the trading week, with drugs giant and much-in-the-news COVID-19 vaccine producer ( ) the top dog.

Footsie finished ahead by around eight points, or 0.12%, at 6,969, with the psychologically significant 7,000 level now coming back into view.

Over the week as a whole , the FTSE 100 added around 0.45%.

shares closed up over 4% at 7,715p as traders welcomed an upbeat first quarterly results statement, which showed sales of US$7.3 billion, around 15% higher compared to the first quarter of 2020.

On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed around 211 points at 33,848; the S&P 500 lost 25 points at 5,186 and the Nasdaq shed 62 points to 14,019.

3.40pm: closes the week with impressive run

FTSE 100 trimmed its gains before close, rising 28 points to 6,999.

AstraZeneca PLC ( ) extended its gains and was up 5% to 7,760p in the afternoon after a 3% jump in the morning.

It is quite the leap for such a massive company, worth 101.7bn based on Thursdays closing price of 7,398p.

Albeit suffering from reputation issues in the EU due to issues with the COVID-19 vaccine supply, the stock is well liked by investors for its pipeline beyond the jab and other coronavirus treatment.

In fact, the pharma giant reckons trading will be even better as infections drop in its markets, so restrictions will no longer hinder performance.

Full-year revenue is forecast to jump 11-12%, which doesnt include any revenue or profit impact from sales of the COVID-19 vaccine, nor the proposed acquisition of rare disease firm Alexion, which will close in the third quarter.

The Anglo-Swedish group also released quarterly results that beat expectations, with revenue climbing 15% to US$7.3bn in the quarter ended 31 March.

2.45pm: Proactive North America headlines:

Numinus Wellness Inc ( ) ( ) ( ) ends 2Q with C$28.5M after closing Mindspace Wellbeing acquisition

( ) (FRA:ZGV3) officially breaks ground on its renewable natural gas project in northwest Iowa

Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd ( ) (OTCPINK:NSPDF) (FRA:50N) appoints CANEX Foods as master distributor for NATERA Plant Based Foods in Canada

KushCo Holdings Inc ( ) reveals the future leadership team following its merger with Greenlane Holdings

( ) ( ) (FRA:SL4A) to undergo 10:1 reverse stock split in effort to earn Nasdaq listing

( ) (OTCMKTS:LSANF) (FRA:L41A) receives environmental approval for drilling, allowing it to complete PFS at Chile copper project

Inc ( ) ( ) (FRA:7CR) goes live in South Africas $2.9B gaming market with Intelligent Gaming

( ) ( ) (FRA:20Q) extends Tiria-Shimpia target in Ecuador to 22km after discovering Shimpia North

Empress Royalty Corp ( ) ( ) (FRA:53G) funds silver stream agreement on Tahuehueto project in Mexico

Marble Financial Inc (CSE MRBL) ( ) (FRA:2V0) partners with 55Rush and its 1.1M Parent Life Network to build audience for financial literacy tools

2.38pm: Wall Street opens in the red

Markets on Wall Street have opened lower on Friday morning as traders stood back and took a breather after Thursdays blockbuster session.

Shortly after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.45% at 33,907 while the S&P 500 dropped 0.55% to 4,188 and the Nasdaq fell 0.6% to 13,997.

While the wider market was negative, shares in Amazon jumped 1.3% to US$3,515 in early deals following the ecommerce giants strong quarterly numbers overnight.

Back in London, the FTSE 100 was heading in the opposite direction to Wall Street, rising 37 points to 6,998 at around 2.40pm.

2pm: Apple breaks competition rules, says EU Commission

FTSE 100 swung back in the green in the early afternoon, up 26 points to 6,987.

Apple Inc ( ) was found in breach of competition rules, the EU said.

Our preliminary conclusion: @Apple is in breach of EU competition law. @AppleMusic compete with other music streaming services. But @Apple charges high commission fees on rivals in the App store & forbids them to inform of alternative subscription options. Consumers losing out.  Margrethe Vestager (@vestager) April 30, 2021

The Commission said it abused its dominant position for the distribution of music streaming apps through its App Store.

Thats because music streaming app developers have to use Apple's own in-app purchase mechanism to distribute their apps via Apple's App Store.

The Commission also expressed concerns that Apple prevents app developers from informing iPhone and iPad users of alternative, cheaper purchasing possibilities by imposing restrictions.

1pm: Wall Street to open softer after stellar week

FTSE 100 clawed back its losses and was down only 3 points to 6,958.

US futures are pointing to a softer start, with Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all expected to shed a few points at open as they simmer down after a stellar run on Thursday.

Its been a tech-focused week in New York, with Amazon Inc ( ) ending the release flurry with a blockbuster set of quarterly numbers as a boom in online shopping during lockdowns across the world sent profits surging.

Net income more than trebled to US$8.1bn in the three months to 31 March compared with US$2.5bn a year ago, while net sales jumped 44% to US$108.5bn.

Twitter, instead, saw its shares drop after second-quarter forecasts fell short of expectations, after guiding down on its monetizable daily active user average growth rate.

Friday will see the release of the latest personal spending and income numbers for March, which are expected to see a skew as a result of the second round of stimulus payments, according to Michael Hewson at CMC Markets.

Given we already know that retail sales numbers for March were very good, its not too much of a stretch to see similar strong numbers here. In February we saw personal income decline -7.1% after a 10% rise in January, he said.

The March stimulus payments are expected to see personal income rise by 20%, however regarding spending the estimates appear to be much more conservative, with an expectation of a 4.2% rise, after a February decline of -1%.

12pm: on the rise after posting bullish update

FTSE 100 dipped in the red at midday, shedding 11 points to 6,950.

PLC ( ) rose 3% to 7,653p after posting a strong set of quarterly results and forecasting a boost in performance in the second half.

The pharma giant expects full-year revenue to jump 11-12%, which doesnt include any revenue or profit impact from sales of the COVID-19 vaccine, nor the proposed acquisition of rare disease firm Alexion, which will close in the third quarter.

The firm, which made US$275mln in sales of the COVID-19 vaccine, has seen its trading hindered by restrictions worldwide and hospitals postponing non-essential treatment.

Analysts at Hargreaves Lansdown said the company is in a good place.

A robust looking pipeline gives it options in the future and Alexion will be an extra shot in the arm on that front. Meanwhile the distribution network looks in good health, giving it options when drugs mature that many other pharmaceutical giants lack, they noted.

The newly acquired expertise in vaccines is no bad thing either in a world which will be far more aware of viruses going forwards. If the group can nudge up its free cash flow as pandemic headwinds subside it will be in a sweet spot few pharmaceutical groups enjoy.

11am: jumps over 40% on first day of trading

FTSE 100 held its gains in the late morning, rising 11 points to 6,973.

PLC (LON:DARK) rose to highs of 360p on its first day of trading, an over 40% jump from its IPO price of 250p per share.

The flotation price valued the cybersecurity group at 1.7bn, which is well below the initial estimates when it first announced it would join the market earlier this month.

When the British tech first announced it would float on 19 April, valuations had gone as high as 3.6bn but signs that it was proving a struggle to get away came last week with reports the price had been cut to between 2.4-2.7bn.

The disastrous recent float of Deliveroo, which slumped after being shunned by a raft of high profile institutional investors and also the presence of controversial Autonomy founder Mike Lynch as a backer were said to reasons investors were being cautious.

Cyber security firm has made a stealthy entry onto the London market and its shares surged, opening up 40%. Strategy of pricing IPO lower to avoid Deliveroo debacle pays off. But is an altogether more complex tech beast with artificial intelligence at its core  Susannah Streeter (@StreeterNews) April 30, 2021

9.50am: House prices up by largest monthly increase since 2004

FTSE 100 trimmed its gains in mid-morning and was up 13 points to 6,974.

House prices increased by 2.1% in April compared to March, the largest monthly increase since February 2004.

The previous Nationwide report showed a 0.3% month-on-month dip in March.

The year-on-year gain in house prices rebounded to a four-month high of 7.1% after slowing to 5.7% in March from a peak of 7.3% in December, the highest since November 2014.

The already strong housing market was given a boost by supportive measures announced by the Chancellor in the Budget on 3 March, including the extension of the stamp duty holiday and government-backed 5% mortgages.

Howard Archer, chief economic advisor to the EY ITEM Club, said the positive outlook may be short-lived.

The EY ITEM Club suspects house prices will lose momentum again later on this year and could well be flat year-on-year by early 2022 with some quarters of falling prices as the Stamp Duty benefit ends, unemployment rises and there is a waning of pent-up demand, he said.

Housing market activity may also be affected from the latter months of 2021 by growing expectations that interest rates could start to rise before long.

8.50am: Barclays sold off after costs shock

The FTSE 100 made a tentative but positive start to proceedings as traders resisted the end-of-month profit-taking urge.

Instead, they focused on the positives, including the economic benefits from the UKs emergence from lockdown.

On the market, the tail-end of the banking reporting season provided a surprise.

Barclays ( ) went off-script to register an increase in its cost-to-income ratio, which was at sharp variance to the positive quarterly updates from its rivals.

On the up was ( ), whose report card for the first three months of 2021 was more impressive than under siege rival GlaxoSmithKlines ( )  at least from an investor standpoint. The shares rose 2.5%.

Among the small-caps, genedrive ( ) stood out with a 17% rise following Indian sign-off for its Covid PCR testing kit.

Proactive news headlines

( ) said its COVID-19 PCR test has been approved by Indian regulator after the 96 SARS-CoV-2 kit achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity in the performance evaluation conducted by the countrys Council of Medical Research.

( ) said it landed a new US$1.1mln rental contract from an existing North American customer. The customer will rent Enteq's core Measurement While Drilling (MWD) technology for a minimum of eight months.

( ) chief executive Richard Marsden said he was delighted by the findings from a phase II study of 221 hospitalised and home-based Covid patients.

( ) said it has now received its CE mark approval for its MED3000 erectile dysfunction gel formulation as a Class 2B approved medical device.

( ) has acquired a package of assets in Louisiana, marking its first deal in a newly identified central regional focus area (RFA).

( ) has updated investors on the outcome of its strategic implementation review while also unveiling a number of changes to its board.

( ) has reported improved losses during 2020 as the company said it had successfully navigated the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic due to its multiple revenue stream business model, with revenues remained relatively steady at 10mln.

( ) informed that the board has exercised its discretion to waive the requirement for a mandatory offer for the company by Labro Investments Limited upon the acquisition of up to 10,000,000 ordinary shares in the company.

PLC ( ) said it came out of 2020 stronger than it went in and expects to make progress across its portfolio with the possibility of additions.

( ) has inked a strategic research agreement with the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E) that gives it secure access to 1.2mln patient records.

Salt Lake Potash Limited ( ) ( ) ( ) (FRA:W1D) has updated investors in a quarterly report for the period to March 31 as it focused on completing the development of the Lake Way sulphate of potash (SOP) project in Western Australia.

(LON:COPL, TSE:XOP) described a remarkable year as it filed its full year results. The first half of the year was difficult, but was truly outstanding at year-end, said Arthur Millholland chief executive said in a statement.

( ) has introduced a Carbon Policy that sets out its commitments relating to the management of carbon emissions, low-carbon targets and initiatives.

( ) said its next phase of work will comprise drilling at Ragged Range, its US uranium-vanadium project in Colorado, and resource extension work and ISR test work at Alford East.

( ) said it has eleven active non-disclosure agreements in force currently with opportunities across mineral sands, lead, nickel, copper, gold, zinc, cobalt, potash, and iron ore.

( ) said it has appointed its interim chief financial officer Mike Gant to the position permanently and to the board with immediate effect.

( ) said Richard Withers has tendered his resignation as chief financial officer to pursue a project outside of the group.

( ) announced that it was notified on 29 April 2021 that on that same day, Nick Rodgers, chairman of the company, purchased 1,511 shares at a price of 148.7p apiece.

( ) said Vulpes Life Sciences Fund, a person closely associated with non-executive director Martin Diggle has purchased 400,000 ordinary shares in the company at a price of 20.4p apiece.

Curtis Banks PLC ( ) announced that its annual general meeting will be held on Thursday 27 May 2021. Due to Covid-19, shareholders are strongly recommended not to attend the AGM in person and are instead requested to complete their form of proxy or submit their votes electronically.

Shanta Gold PLC ( ) notified that chief executive Eric Zurrin and chief financial officer Luke Leslie will provide a live investor presentation via the Investor Meet Company platform at 10:30am BST on Wednesday 5th May 2021.

6.50 am: End of month profit-taking in store?

It looks like we could be in for a bit of end-month profit-taking, with UK equities again looking sedate compared to US stocks.

Spread betting quotes indicate the FTSE 100 will slide 14 points to 6,947 at the open.

Meanwhile, across the pond, the tech giants continue to make out like bandits  well, except for Twitter.

Amazon followed in the wake of Apple and Facebook by comfortably topping expectations, with revenues of US$108.5bn and earning per share of US$15.79 (versus the consensus forecast of US$9.54). The shares roared ahead in after-hours trading.

Twitter remains the ugly duckling of the US tech scene; although its revenues and earnings were better than expected, investors were disappointed in the growth in the number of what are called monetisable daily users.

Twitters earnings per share came in at 16 cents, compared to expectations of 14 cents.

All of that came after US markets had powered ahead, with the Dow rising 240 points to 34,060 and the S&{ 500 leaping 28 points to 4,211.

In Asia this morning, both the Nikkei 225 and the Hang Seng have caught a spring chill.

The Nikkei 225 was down 220 points at 28,834 and the Hang Seng was off 447 points at 28,856.

China Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Indices (PMIs) for April came in at 51.1 and 54.9, respectively, well below expectations.

Conversely, the China Caixin Manufacturing PMI rose above expectations to 51.1. The Caixin index is more narrowly concentrated, encompassing a population of SME's weighted towards the Eastern seaboard, than the broader official PMIs. Divergence isn't unusual, and the Caixin number should limit the damage from the fall in the official index, although it may play catchup next month, speculated Jeffrey Halley at OANDA.

In London, PLC ( ) and ( ) are the big names scheduled to report earnings.

UBS is forecasting total revenues of US$7.07bn for , which puts it above the consensus forecast of US$6.95bn.

It goes for a core operating profit of US$2.76bn (consensus: US$2.55bn) and core earnings per share of US$1.54 versus a consensus forecast of US$1.45.

We expect the COVID-19 vaccine might negatively impact the margin in Q1, UBS said.

We will also look for any commentary around further COVID-19 impact for the rest of the year. Even though the Alexion/AZN deal obtained FTC approval recently we dont expect an update quite yet, UBS said.

is expecting first-quarter sales of US$6.85bn and core earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of US$2.49bn.

As for ( ), investment bank revenues are expected to be strong in the quarter, while loan impairment charges in the quarter are expected to be low.

Barclays own banking analysts expect the discussion to increasingly focus on the potential for write-backs of loan loss provisions.

is forecasting net interest income of 1,923mln, gross operating income of 5,842mln, profit before tax of 1,835mln, net profit of 1,188mln and common equity tier 1 ratio of 14.5%.

Around the markets

Sterling: US$1.3941, n/c

Gilt: 0.845%, up 4.42 basis points

Gold: US$1,767.90 an ounce, down 40 cents

Brent crude: US$67.66 a barrel, down 39 cents

Bitcoin: US$54,109, up US$1,103

6.50am: Early Markets - Asia / Australia

Stocks in the Asia-Pacific region were lower on Friday as Chinas factory activity expanded at a slower-than-expected pace in April with the official manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index falling to 51.1, from 51.9 in March.

The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong fell 1.77% while the Shanghai Composite in China slipped 1.11%.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 dipped 0.86% and South Koreas Kospi retreated 0.83%.

Shares in Australia declined, with the S&P/ASX 200 trading 0.89% lower.

READ OUR ASX REPORT HERE

Proactive Australia news:

Buru Energy Limited ( ) (OTCMKTS:BRNGF) (FRA:BUD) has received firm commitments from institutional, professional and sophisticated investors to raise a total of $15 million at 15 cents per share.

( ) ( ) has completed the placement of fully paid ordinary shares to various institutional and sophisticated investors raising approximately A$8.578 million.

Auteco Minerals Ltds ( ) ( ) successful March quarter, which saw drilling returning a host of high-grade results from the Pickle Crow Gold Project in Canada, will underpin a resource update planned for July.

Cellmid Ltd ( ) has received Chinese import permits for its Jo-Ju and Lexilis branded shampoos from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).

( ) (OTCMKTS:EEYMF) (FRA:N9F) has received encouraging high-grade results from drilling of satellite deposits that are set to further enhance the growing gold bounty of the Morila Project in Mali.

s ( ) results from a CEP-1 study (Chemotherapy Enhancement Program) Phase 1a/1b trial that shows the success of Veyonda as a booster of chemotherapy in late-stage cancer patients have been published in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal Current Therapeutic Research.

Red River Resources Ltd ( ) (FRA:R1R) generated $26 million in revenue during the March quarter with $25.4 million from base metal concentrate sales at the Thalanga Project in Queensland and $600,000 from the new Hillgrove Gold Mine in New South Wales and is well-funded for further development at both.

( ) ( ) (FRA:9EM) has confirmed further zones of tin mineralisation in its current drilling and optimisation campaign aimed at increasing the confidence of the mineral resource at its flagship Oropesa Tin Project in Spain.

( ) has received the remaining assay results from a 21-hole drilling program at Pennys Find Gold Mine Joint Venture with ( ) (FRA:GG2) that returned further high-grade intercepts.

( ) enjoyed a productive March quarter that has set the stage for first production and revenues in the near term at its Amersfoort Project in South Africa.
DANBURY  When Linda DoVale was a little girl, shed arrive at her parents Portuguese bakery in Danbury around 3 a.m. and curl up on the flour beds in the flour room while her mother prepared for the day ahead.

The young girl didnt like being home at night without her parents, so when theyd head to the bakery, she would ask to go too.

When it was time to go to school, Linda would rise from the flour beds and walk over to South Street School.

As she grew, Linda helped out around the bakery, rolling out the dough, shaping the stores famous grinder rolls by her mothers side. When she got married, her husband, Alfredo DoVale, would join the family business, learning the ropes from his in-laws, working the ovens and rolling the Grinders under his mother-in-laws discerning gaze.

The couple officially took over the store in 1980s, changing the name from Liberty Bakery to Ele-Fant Bakery and moving locations. But through all four generations and over 60 years of service, the essence of the store remained the same.

5 1 of 5 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 5 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 5 of 5









Now, after decades of 3 a.m. wake-up calls and more bread rolls than they can count, Linda, 63, and Alfredo, 68, are retiring from Ele-Fant Bakery, selling the store and handing the reigns over to a new owner, Eder Moreira.

Plagued by ongoing health issues that started several years ago, the couple is finally ready for less active days spent with children and grandchildren, rather than dough and flour.

Linda and Alfredo both said theyd miss their employees and customers the most.

Its hard, Linda said. I have to say, Im grateful for my kids and brother-in-law. If it wasnt for them, we would have been closed from the time we were sick.

Alfredo said he would also miss the baking. His favorite has always been the braided egg breads he and his brother make on Easter. The DoVales son, Nelson DoVale, translated for his father.

Moreira officially took over the store the first Monday after Easter, but it has been a soft transition to new ownership and the DoVales still come to the store almost every morning.

When the couple announced their retirement on Facebook, the response was overwhelming.

With 580 reactions, nearly 200 comments and 75 shares, the Danbury community thanked the DoVales for their years of fresh bread and mourned the DoVales departure.

A lot of our regulars are really from my fathers time, and theyve kept up with us Linda said. It used to be mostly Portuguese customers, but now its been a mixture of everything.

Many recalled not just the baked goods, but the family traditions and memories that came along with them from picking up goodies with a grandfather in the 1960s and 70s to carrying steaming rolls home from mass on Sundays.

For Elaine Lagarto, the bakery was like a part of her family.

I can still picture my dad sitting at the kitchen table, breaking apart his Cavacas and dunking pieces into his bowl of coffee, Lagarto wrote in a message to The News-Times.

Lagarto said Lindas father was her dads best friend, and also served as the best man at her parents wedding. When her father died, the seven-year-old Lagarto said the bakery and Sunday dinners with the Viega family brought her solace.

Going to the bakery helped me to keep my memories of my dad alive through the taste and smell of Cavacas and bread.

Nelson DoVale, one of Linda and Alfredos three children, works as an electrician now and said that when he mentions growing up with the family bakery, he often gets enthusiastic responses from clients. People in Redding, Greenwich, Wilton, and Ridgefield all know and love the bakery.

I was just amazed at how often people knew about it, he said. People saying they came here when they were kids.

New owner Eder Moreira, who has a Portuguese background, has big plans for the bakery, but is also cognizant of the stores history and roots. While he plans to expand the menu items, add outdoor seating and increase the baking space, he will continue to use the same recipes and offer the same breads and beloved pastries that have sustained the town for generations.

I promised to them I was going to continue the same thing, same quality, same employees, Moreira said.

After four generations of family ownership, the store is passing out of the family. It was a conscious choice for the DoVales.

Nelson DoVale said that after growing up in the store and watching how hard their parents worked, he and his sisters werent interested in owning the store. It wasnt the career or lifestyle they craved.

Weve never vacationed together as a family like most families have done, Nelson said. The bakery schedule was just too demanding.

We made up our decisions a long time ago, he said.

On holidays, the DoVale kids would wake up early with their parents and go help out at the bakery until the afternoon. While Nelson didnt much enjoy the early wake-up at that age, he said working holidays with his family at Ele-Fant are now some of his favorite memories.

With retirement on the horizon, the family can finally plan a trip together. They havent picked a spot yet, but it will include all the kids and grandchildren.

And the couple will probably still bake from time to time at home.

My husband is a bread eater, Linda said. He wont eat a dinner without bread on the table.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-01 00:48:08|Editor: huaxia

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KAMPALA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Uganda on Friday banned all flights originating from India until further notice due to the surging number of COVID-19 cases in the Asian country, a top government official said here.

Ruth Aceng, minister of health told reporters that all passengers and passenger flights originating from India, as of May 1, midnight are suspended until further notice.

"No travelers from India shall be allowed into Uganda regardless of the route of travel," said Aceng.

"All travelers who may have been in India or traveled through India in the last 14 days regardless of the route taken shall not be allowed into Uganda," she added.

The minister said all travelers arriving from India before the suspension date regardless of the route of travel will be expected to be in possession of a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate, which is digitally verifiable and conducted within 120 hours from the time of sample removal.

She said travelers from category two countries which are United States of America, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Tanzania will be subjected to a PCR COVID-19 test at the points of entry.

Aceng said individuals from those countries who have received their full COVID-19 vaccination and are asymptomatic will be allowed into the east African country without the need for testing on arrival. Enditem
Buses line up to take students home after a half day of school at Pittsfield High School on Monday. Gov. Charlie Bakers office announced Friday that Massachusetts schools will receive more than $70 million to support summer programs for students affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
OKLAHOMA CITY, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- While others were living in isolation and staving off boredom by binge-watching Tiger King during the quarantine, two life-long friends, Ron Cisneros (Edmond, OK) and Michael Padjen (Greensboro, NC), decided to do something they had never attempted. Since traveling was out of the question, Ron and Mike decided to create their own excitement for mystery and global intrigue by writing a book.

Ron Cisneros Michael Padjen

The miles between them didn't matter. Nor did Mike's battle with Multiple Myeloma, who chronicled his arduous journey in an impressive blog. Recognizing his friend's talent, Ron, who had already started writing the story, sent his first chapter to Mike to read and a challenge for him to write the second chapter.

Mike accepted the challenge and sent the second chapter to Ron about a week later  taking the story in an unexpected direction. That's when the volleying took on momentum. Ron wrote the next chapter and sent it to Mike. This relay continued for months until they finally agreed that they needed to have daily conversations discussing the characters and where to take their story.

Nine months later, the result was "Untruthful Speech, A Nick Griego Story," a fictional thriller about the theft of a genetically engineered super coronavirus vaccine designed to stop natural or human-made viruses from spreading in one part of the world while increasing in another. The story is taken out of today's headlines, with Bar Harbor, Maine, Bangkok, Thailand, and Shanghai, China as the backdrops.

It was an excellent project for the two to reconnect. Originally hailing from Midvale, a small town in Utah, the pals graduated from Hillcrest High School. After that, life took them in different directions. Ron ended up in Oklahoma, where he attended the University of Central Oklahoma and Mike in North Carolina after graduating from The University of Utah. These old friends, with their vastly different careers, will be able to provide an interesting response to the question, "What did you do during the pandemic?"

You can find their book on Amazon Prime. For more information about the authors and their book, visit www.anickgriegostory.com.

Media Contact:

Ron Cisneros

(405) 436-9655

[email protected]

SOURCE Ron Cisneros

Related Links

http://www.anickgriegostory.com


English Lithuanian

Siauliu Bankas AB, company code 112025254, domicile address Tilzes st. 149, LT-76348 Siauliai, Lithuania.

Siauliu Bankas Group earned EUR 12.4 million of unaudited net profit during Q1 this year

New credit agreements signed amount to EUR 250 million (56% more than a year ago)

Loan portfolio increased by 3% and reached EUR 1.82 billion, with both corporate and private clients financing growing

Number of digital channel users is increasing, and more and more processes in the Banks daily activities are being automated

Weve started this year with a new three-year strategy of Siauliu Bankas Group which defines our goals both at the Bank and Group level. As before, we will keep focusing on business and private clients financing, moreover, mortgage loans and modernization of multi-apartment buildings have been included into our main strategic goals. We believe that we are strong and competitive in each of these areas. We will also continue to keep our promise to be closer to our customers - we have recently introduced the updated digital channels and plan to develop them further; the Bank will not close, but adapt the customer service network to the new clients habits formed by the pandemic, together with constantly improving remote customer service, - said Vytautas Sinius, CEO of Siauliu Bankas.



The Siauliu Bankas Group earned EUR 12.4 million of the unaudited net profit in the Q1 of this year (which is 48% more than a year ago, when net profit amounted to 8.4 million euros). Operating profit before impairment losses and income tax amounted to EUR 15.6 million, which is by 3% more than in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Operating income remained almost unchanged compared to Q1 2020: net interest income amounted to EUR 18.4 million (EUR 18.5 million last year), net fee and commission income remained the same as last year - EUR 4.1 million.

In response to the quarantine restrictions tightening, the Bank signed the moratoriums on temporary loan repayment deferral in January, however, only EUR 3 million of loans were restructured under their terms by the end of the moratoriums (31st March). There were no signs of significant deterioration in the remaining loan portfolio, therefore provisions for possible impairment losses of EUR 0.1 million were formed in the first quarter of this year.

The cost-to-income ratio was 42.4% at the end of the Q1 (44.0% in the corresponding period of the last year), and the return-on-equity (ROE) was 14.2% (11.0% in Q1 2020). The capital and liquidity positions remain sound and the prudential requirements are met with a large reserve - with a liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) of 294%* and a capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 19.6%*.

Overview of Business Segments

Business and Private Clients Financing

In the first quarter, with increasing economic certainty, in anticipation of the relaxation of quarantine measures and a rapid vaccination process, not only the private clients were actively financed, but the demand for the business financing also returned. The new credit agreements were signed for EUR 250 million, which is 56% more than during corresponding period of the last year (EUR 160 million). The loan and finance lease portfolio of the Group increased by 3% (EUR 56 million) and reached EUR 1.82 billion.

The amount of business financing loans signed were twice as high as in the first quarter of last year - amounted to EUR 148 million. The increased volumes of the new agreements signed in recent quarters will contribute to the higher interest income in the future.

The first quarter of the year was a record high in terms of residential mortgage loan sales. EUR 42.4 million of the new credit agreements were signed (+57% compared to Q1 2020). The number of applications submitted by customers continues to grow (twice as many as last year), which allows to expect that high sales volumes will remain in the coming months. The mortgage loan portfolio increased by 10% (EUR 30 million), to EUR 327 million.

Active consumer financing was influenced by declined consumption needs due to the pandemic. Consumer financing agreements were signed for EUR 26 million (EUR 32 million last year), the portfolio decreased by 3%, to EUR 156 million during Q1. In order to provide high-quality and fast financing to customers remotely, SB Lizingas has successfully refocused to the fully automated process of issuing consumer loans on-line.

The demand for financing energy-efficient projects continues to grow, with multi-apartment modernization agreements for EUR 28 million signed during the quarter (+231% annual change); the Bank has already signed agreements for more than EUR 600 million. Changes that will facilitate the process of administering modernization loans were introduced in Q1. It was also required while launching the new EUR 200 million multi-apartment modernization fund, scheduled for the second half of 2021.

During Q1, a deferral period applied to EUR 24 million of corporate loans deferred due to COVID-19 had expired and only 1% of them have applied for additional restructuring. EUR 17 million of corporate loans, deferred due to COVID-19, had not reached the end of deferral period.

Daily banking

Net fee and commission income increased by 2% to EUR 4.1 million compared to Q4 last year. The activity of customers using the Bank services was influenced by the declined economic activity related to restrictions in the trade and service sectors as well as the restrictions of moving within the country.

Due to decreased physical customer visits and increased capacities of the Bank to provide remote service, 7 out of 59 customer service units were closed and the employees were assigned to perform remote customer service functions. As quarantine conditions ease, the Bank gradually opening units that were temporarily closed. Incoming calls and remote requests remain steadily increasing since the beginning of the pandemic. A remote identification service has been introduced to customers since January. Digital channels are being further developed, with the number of electronic channel users increasing by 4% over the quarter to more than 194,000 and with the number of logins growing by 6%. Accordingly, the constantly growing number of transactions stipulates to look for ways to streamline processes, therefore, the Bank is automating more and more processes in its daily activities.

The number of customers subscribed for service plans with monthly commissions fees exceeded 164 thousand and the number of payment cards increased to 174 thousand. Compared to the end of the year, the number and turnover of card payments decreased by 6% and 10%, respectively. The demand for cash decreased - the number of cash operations decreased by 14% and the turnover by 15%.

Saving and Investing

The deposit portfolio has increased by 7% (EUR 155 million) over the quarter and amounted to EUR 2.5 billion. The demand deposits accounting for most of the portfolio increased by 12% or EUR 174 million, while the term deposits decreased by EUR 19 million (-2%). With high liquidity ratios, the Bank focuses on the more efficient cost of funding management. Access to new sources of funding is also being expanded, with a deposit service will be offered in the Austrian, Spanish, Dutch and French markets. With the Bank maintaining a strong capital position, ensuring sustainable profitability, and successfully managing asset risk and risk appetite, Moodys affirmed its long-term credit rating at Baa2 in March, changing its outlook from stable to positive.

*- preliminary data

Siauliu bankas invites shareholders, investors, analysts and other stakeholders to join its investor conference webinar scheduled on May 5th, 2021 at 4:00 PM (GMT + 3). The presentation will be held in English. For more information click here .

Additional information:

Head of Finance and Risk Management Division

Donatas Savickas +370 41 595 602, donatas.savickas@sb.lt

Attachment
The sign at the main entrance to the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus is seen Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Fairbanks. Caitlin Miller/News-Miner
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Basic Grain Products, Inc. issued a recall for 6.56-ounce bags of Kroger and Stop & Shop brand's Caramel Rice Cakes as they may contain undeclared milk, according to a statement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA. Consumption of the product by those allergic or having severe sensitivity to milk could run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. The undeclared milk was discovered by internal control systems. However, the Coldwater, Ohio-based company said it is yet to receive any illness or adverse reports involving the product on recall. The recalled Caramel Rice Cakes comes in a 6.5-ounce, plastic bag. The Kroger Caramel Rice Cakes with Best if Used By dates DEC1521 and DEC1621 were shipped to retail distribution centers in the U.S. states of Colorado, Indiana and Kansas. Meanwhile, the Stop & Shop Caramel Rice Cakes with Best if Used By date DEC1521 were shipped to retail distribution centers in the U.S. states of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The company urged consumers with a milk allergy or sensitivity who have purchased the affected product not to consume it and dispose of it or return it to the point of purchase. 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.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 23:07:19|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor to Pakistani Prime Minister for Commerce and Investment, said on Friday that Pakistan intends to develop the Gwadar port as a regional trade and transit hub which helps countries in the region including landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian republics reach the outside world.

A statement by the Pakistani Ministry of Commerce said Dawood made the remarks in his meeting with visiting Hungarian Minister of Foreign affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto.

Dawood noted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the flagship infrastructure project in Pakistan that aims to promote regional connectivity through the Gwadar port, which is located in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province.

According to the statement, he told the visiting Hungarian minister that investment incentives in nine special economic zones (SEZs) will be developed under the framework of CPEC and open to all trading partners for investment, and that Pakistan would welcome joint ventures including with Hungarian businesses.

Dawood also highlighted the friendly investment regime and the incentives the Pakistani government provides for foreign investors in the SEZs.

The Hungarian side expressed interest in cooperation in sectors including railways, cybersecurity, agro and food processing, dairy and livestock and fisheries, according to the commerce ministry statement. Enditem
Steep drop in national security surveillance during pandemic View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  The number of targets of secretive surveillance in national security investigations fell sharply last year in large part because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a government report released Friday.

The drop in eavesdropping targets under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which among other things empowers the FBI to monitor the communications inside the United States of people suspected of being agents of a foreign power, followed a decline the year before after several years of substantially larger numbers.

U.S. officials say the statistics are known to fluctuate from year to year because of various factors, but that in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic likely influenced target behavior, which in turn may have impacted some of the numbers reported for that year.

The pandemic was the single event with the biggest impact to human behavior worldwide since the Second World War, said Ben Huebner, the civil liberties chief at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees the nations spy agencies. That means it also had an impact on our appropriate foreign intelligence targets.

The report from the ODNI is the eighth annual version of a document that was first released in the aftermath of disclosures of classified programs by former contractor Edward Snowden. It is designed to lend transparency to how the government wields some of its most intrusive and powerful national security surveillance powers.

Officials who briefed reporters said the restrictions enacted around the world on movement and large gatherings may have decreased the number of potential people or groups to surveil. They declined to elaborate further on how the pandemic affected intelligence gathering.

While there has been renewed scrutiny of the FBIs wiretapping authorities arising from the fallout of its investigation into ties between Russia and Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign, there was no discernible change in courts willingness to approve surveillance warrants or any directive from Trump administration officials not to use those authorities, officials said.

The number of surveillance targets, under provisions allowing for surveillance with warrants of people suspected of being agents of a foreign power, dropped from 1,059 in 2019 to 451 last year, according to the report.

But targets under a National Security Agency warrantless surveillance program that enables intelligence collection on non-Americans abroad fell slightly last year. The report counts 202,723 targets under the program last year compared with 204,968 the previous year.

An opinion released earlier this week from the court overseeing foreign surveillance found apparent widespread violations by FBI agents who improperly accessed NSA-obtained material. Judge James Boasberg scolded the FBI for what the agency described as errors but said its practice of querying NSA data could continue with ongoing monitoring and auditing.

The FBIs use of its authority to eavesdrop on subjects in terrorism and espionage investigations came under intense scrutiny in late 2019 after the Justice Department inspector general revealed significant errors and omissions in a series of applications targeting former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page during the investigation into Russian election interference.

The FBI subsequently announced dozens of corrective actions aimed at improving the accuracy and thoroughness of its applications.

Another politically charged metric cited in the report is the number of times the NSA disclosed, or unmasked, the identity of an American referenced in an intelligence report in response to a specific request from another agency.

Such identities are ordinarily concealed before intelligence about surveillance of foreign targets is distributed to administration officials. U.S. officials can ask the NSA to unmask the name if they believe knowing the identity is vital to understanding the intelligence.

Unmasking is fully legal and a standard practice in the national security community. But the issue nonetheless became an election-year rallying cry for Trump supporters after the release of declassified documents showing that multiple Obama administration officials had asked the NSA to disclose the name of an American whose identity was concealed in intelligence reports but who was revealed to be Michael Flynn, Trumps first national security adviser.

According to the report released Friday, the number of people unmasked in 2020 in response to a request from another agency dropped to 9,354 from 10,012 the year before.

By NOMAAN MERCHANT and ERIC TUCKER

Associated Press
Sandi Trainor and her husband, Dick, live downtown in one of the buildings serviced by The Jewish Pavilion. They do not have grandchildren of their own, so they were eager to become adoptive grandparents, allowing them to connect to Jewish youth. Sandi said about her experience so far, Being part of this wonderful program that will allow us to connect with adoptive grandkids makes us feel like we are part of a family and that we are accepted as grandparents.

Some of their more memorable experiences include their weekly virtual visits. We do FaceTime once a week. One time th...
Scott Morrison stepped onto contested ground when he chose to make a speech about morality and community. The Prime Minister condemned identity politics for pitting Australians against each other, called for a stronger sense of community and argued against people defining themselves by a sense of entitlement.

We cannot allow what we think we are entitled to, to become more important than what we are responsible for as citizens, he said on Thursday night.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for Australians to focus on community. Credit:James Alcock

Morrison put faith at the heart of his message about morality and personal freedom. He quoted Alexis de Tocqueville: Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith. He quoted Friedrich Hayek: Freedom has never worked without deeply ingrained moral beliefs.

Critics see a threat from Morrisons personal faith in language like that, especially after the leak of a speech he gave to Christian church leaders on the Gold Coast last month. Those who dislike his Pentecostal beliefs even see a risk to the separation of church and state.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Despite the apparent miscommunication leading up to the fatal shooting of New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrott in February, officials say the agency will continue to work with Homeland Security Investigations.

Documents released to the Journal late last Friday reveal that Jarrotts involvement in the case stemmed from a breakdown in information. Another State Police officer who had been briefed on the operation and had backup was supposed to stop Omar Felix Cueva  a man with an extensive criminal history, and who HSI agents knew to be armed and on his way to a drug deal.

Instead, Jarrott was sent in to do the job. Jarrott, apparently unaware of the danger Cueva posed, was alone and nonchalant when he stopped him on Interstate 10 outside of Deming. Cueva shot the 28-year-old father at least six times in the head, neck, chest and back, and then took off.

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As he sped from the scene, he called the undercover agent he was meeting to tell him he didnt give the officer a chance and still wanted to meet up to sell five pounds of methamphetamine. Cueva was killed in a shootout with law enforcement about 30 miles away in Las Cruces.

Both Department of Public Safety Secretary Tim Johnson and NMSP Chief Robert Thornton declined to do an interview with the Journal about the case or the documents.

Instead, they sent statements.

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety and New Mexico State Police continue to work with all of our local, county, state and federal law enforcement partners, Johnson wrote. We are committed to providing the highest quality of public safety services for the State of New Mexico.

Thornton said no officers have left the department as a result of the shooting. He said many of the details in the case are still being investigated.

Officer Darian Jarrott bravely gave his life doing what he loved, serving and protecting the citizens of this state, Thornton wrote. We as State Police officers continue to honor his sacrifice by picking up where he left off. We remain committed to working with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners to provide the same professional level of service that Officer Jarrott gave his life for.

State Police spokesmen did not respond to questions about whether any officers were under an internal affairs investigation. They also did not respond to questions about whether the agency has participated in similar operations with HSI agents since the shooting or if it plans to in the future.

Questions posed to HSI were also not answered.

As a matter of policy, Homeland Security Investigations does not comment on pending litigation, an HSI spokeswoman wrote in a statement. However, lack of comment should not be construed as agreement with or stipulation to any of the allegations. As part of the Department of Homeland Securitys homeland security mission, our trained law enforcement professionals adhere to the Departments mission and values, and uphold our laws while continuing to provide the nation with safety and security.

Jarrotts widow, Gabriella Jarrott, is planning a lawsuit that alleges he was told to do a dangerous traffic stop, but wasnt informed of the suspects criminal history or of the details of the operation.

The documents released to the Journal last week lay out the NMSP investigation into how everything unfolded.

According to the report, an HSI Special Agent in Charge expressed concerns to another agent about what Jarrott knew or didnt know.

During this meet, the SAC advised him he (SAC) saw the video of Ofc. Jarrotts traffic stop, the report states. Based on what the SAC observed, he was concerned that Officer Jarrott did not have all the information (with) reference (to) HSIs knowledge of Mr. Cueva.

HSI Agent Hector Huerta, an acting supervisor for the Deming Office, told investigators that, a couple of weeks before the shooting, a confidential informant told agents about Cueva and how he wanted to sell a large amount of narcotics.

HSI set up a buy and, on Jan. 28, an undercover agent met with Cueva at a truck stop in Las Cruces, and bought a pound of methamphetamine and 4,000 fentanyl pills. Cueva had a AR-style weapon with an optic and collapsible buttstock between his drivers seat and console, and he told the undercover agent that he had it for his protection.

The report states that HSI didnt bust Cueva then because they wanted to wall off the undercover agent and confidential informant  ensuring that Cueva didnt figure out they were working with authorities.

Instead, HSI decided to do a buy/bust at a later date. In an HSI meeting where no NMSP officers were present, agents were told that Cueva had said he was not going to go back to jail. HSI sent out a be on the lookout advisory on Feb. 2 since Cueva was traveling on Interstate 10 between Arizona and New Mexico.

The plan was for State Police officer Leonel Palomares, a K-9 officer, to make the high-risk stop. He was told everything they knew about Cueva and had arranged to have backup.

On Feb. 4, officer Palomares would pull over Cueva on I-10 and a group of HSI agents in an armored SUV would be nearby, ready to act. If, however, State Police couldnt find Cueva on I-10, when he reached the meeting place in Las Cruces, an undercover agent would give the signal and tactical agents would arrest Cueva there.

Instead, HSI agent Matthew Rodriguez texted NMSP Sgt. Mark Madrid that morning, saying the agents were doing surveillance at a house and watching for Cueva to leave. He asked if anyone was available to assist and Madrid replied that he only had one officer  Jarrott.

He said he asked Jarrott to look out for Cueva, and warned him of the BOLO and that he was supposed to be armed.

Sgt. Madrid stated he was never informed by anyone of the HSI operation, the report states. He was never informed of him being armed with a rifle. The only information given was what was on the BOLO. Sgt. Madrid stated he knows the BOLO states he is possibly armed and dangerous, but all the BOLOs they receive say this.

Around noon, Jarrott told dispatch he was pulling over a white Chevrolet pick-up truck. Two HSI agents in an armored vehicle watched the traffic stop from about 200 yards away. They said they didnt want to alert Cueva to their presence so as not to blow the operation.

They suddenly observed a black silhouette on the dirt shoulder area and assumed that Officer Jarrott had Mr. Cueva on the ground, the report states. They then see Mr. Cuevas white pickup truck suddenly drive off, so they  approached Officer Jarrotts location.

Thats when they realized Jarrott had been shot. He died at the scene.
Alexandru-Dorinel Fuiorea, 29, was stopped by police and the National Crime Agency at the Medway Services in Gillingham, Kent

A Romanian man who was caught trying to smuggle 17 migrants out of the UK in the back of a lorry has been jailed for three years.

Alexandru-Dorinel Fuiorea, 29, was stopped by police and the National Crime Agency at the Medway Services in Gillingham, Kent, as he travelled on the M20 last October.

Inside his trailer - which could only be opened from the inside - authorities found 16 men and one woman of Indian, Pakistani, Tunisian, Moroccan, Bangladeshi and Afghani nationalities.

Fuiorea had made no attempt to hide the migrants and there was no legal cargo onboard the lorry, Maidstone Crown Court heard today.

Prosecutor Emin Kandola said this was due to the fact a vehicle leaving the UK 'would not normally expect to be searched'.

Asked why the migrants were leaving the UK, she said: 'There are a number of reasons but no evidence of which.

'One is they have claimed asylum (and failed), are fleeing to visit relatives in another country, or fleeing from the authorities in this country.'

Fuiorea, from Luton, Bedfordshire, admitted assisting unlawful immigration and possession of a small amount of cannabis found in his lorry cab on arrest.

He was jailed for three years and eight months.

Inside his trailer - which could only be opened from the inside - authorities found 16 men and one woman of Indian, Pakistani, Tunisian, Moroccan, Bangladeshi and Afghani nationalities

Fuiorea had made no attempt to hide the migrants and there was no legal cargo onboard the lorry, Maidstone Crown Court heard today

Fuiorea, a professional driver, had been in the UK for more than 10 years and had no previous convictions ahead of this charge, the court heard.

He claimed to be 17,000 in debt and been threatened with the sack by his employers if he did not carry out the human trafficking journey.

Miss Kandola said although Fuiorea acted 'no higher' than a driver, the prosecution did not accept his account that he was pressurised by his bosses or that they were behind the operation.

'It was an unsophisticated offence but it clearly undermines cross-border security,' she told the court.

'He has played an important role and trafficked 17 human beings, attempting to transport them out of the country.'

A total of 900 was also found in his cab but the court was told this did not relate to people-smuggling and there will be no confiscation proceedings.

In 2015, an undercover BBC investigation revealed migrants were paying to leave the country to evade deportation and with the intention of returning to the UK again.

Once on the continent, they could apply for asylum and if successful, were likely to be returned to an EU country of choice rather than their homeland.

The lorry (above) contained 17 migrants, 16 men and one woman, when Fuiorea was stopped last October

Passing sentence, Recorder Alistair Webster said the number of migrants involved was a seriously aggravating factor.

He told Fuiorea: 'It appears you may have been taking them out of the country to facilitate their entry into another EU country. Whether they had come in recently to be taken out makes no difference in terms of sentence.

'This represents trafficking of vulnerable people who are desperate for various reasons and exploited largely by people associated with organised crime.

'I accept your role was only that of a driver and you would have limited understanding of what was going on further up the line.

'I also accept any financial profit out of this would have been a modest one and those who would have made the substantial profits were again higher up the line.

'It's a pity you did not feel able to assist the police and NCA in identifying those who were responsible.

'It needs to be understood that all those playing a significant role in the trafficking of human beings will attract severe and significant sentences.

'This is exploitation of desperate people, it places significant stress on border controls and resources, and undermines cross-border security.

'You knew about the people in the back of the lorry, you knew they were being trafficked. You may have been under some pressure but the fact is you took them knowingly.'
The number of Kyrgyz nationals who died in the recent clash on the border with Tajikistan has increased to 13, the Kyrgyz Health Ministry said Friday.

"Thirteen citizens of the republic died during the conflict on the border with Tajikistan," a spokesperson for the ministry said. According to her, 134 people were injured on the Kyrgyz side.

The ministry also notes that 25 injured people were rushed to Bishkek hospitals, two of them are in critical condition, TASS reported.

The situation on the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan near the Golovnoy water intake facility escalated on April 28, after a conflict sparked between residents of the two countries border areas. On April 29, a firefight between Kyrgyzstans and Tajikistans military servicemen broke out. Both sides have reported injuries among their officers. According to Bishkek, Tajik military servicemen used machine guns and mortars during the firefight. Bishkek also accused Dushanbe of attempting to seize the water intake facility.

On the evening of April 29, the sides agreed to establish a ceasefire and withdraw their military units to their places of permanent assignment.
Revenues Up 59 Percent Compared to Previous Twelve Months

Cash on Hand Improves 531 Percent Over January 31, 2020

Total Assets Improve 273 Percent vs. January 31, 2020

Products Achieving Success in New Geographic Markets

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2021 / Golden Matrix Group Inc. (OTC PINK:GMGI), a leading developer and licenser of full-service internet gaming platforms, systems and gaming content, today announced that for its fiscal 2021 year ended January 31, 2021, the Company reported revenue of $5,223,059, a 59 percent improvement on revenue of $3,288,575 reported for the previous twelve months.

The Company reported EBITDA* for fiscal 2021 of $2,366,344, compared to EBITDA* of $2,476,361 for the previous twelve months.

The Company increased its total cash on hand to $11,706,349 at January 31, 2021, an improvement of 531 percent compared to total cash on hand of $1,856,505 at January 31, 2020. Total assets at January 31, 2021 were $13,814,574, an increase of 273 percent compared to total assets of $3,706,719 at January 31, 2020. Total liabilities at January 31, 2021 were $552,610, a decrease of 55 percent compared to total liabilities of $1,233,521 as of January 31, 2020.

Shareholders' equity at January 31, 2021 was $13,261,937, representing an increase of 436 percent of shareholders' equity of $2,473,198 at January 31, 2020.

"We are extremely pleased with the Company's financial performance in fiscal 2021," said Golden Matrix CEO Brian Goodman who further stated, "We believe that our accelerating revenue and continuing profitability clearly demonstrate the acceptance and reputation of GMGI's powerful state-of-the-art gaming platform and popular gaming content."

"The Company has also benefitted from enhanced product and geographic diversification and we have seen strong levels of interest in our products in all of these regions," stated Mr. Goodman.

"Since our business model is highly scalable, the Company's goal in fiscal 2022 is to continue to expand our customer base globally and to launch additional synergistic products. We will also seek to make acquisitions in the gaming space that are accretive to our overall business," further stated Mr. Goodman.

* EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See also "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of Net Income attributable to Golden Matrix Group, Inc., to Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Stock based compensation" included at the end of this release.

"Above all, we will remain committed to delivering shareholder value by generating sustainable growth in revenue while maintaining marginal increases in expenses," said Mr. Goodman.

* EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See also "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and Reconciliation of Net Income attributable to Golden Matrix Group, Inc., to Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization" included at the end of this release.

For additional information on Golden Matrix's fiscal 2021 performance, please refer to the Company's Annual Report on 10-K for its 2021 fiscal year, filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/GMGI/disclosure and www.sec.gov.

A summary of the Company's performance and highlights can be found at

www.goldenmatrix.com/highlights.

About Golden Matrix

Golden Matrix Group, based in Las Vegas NV, is an established gaming technology company that develops and owns online gaming IP and builds configurable and scalable white-label social gaming platforms for its international customers, located primarily in the Asia Pacific region. The gaming IP includes tools for marketing, acquisition, retention and monetization of users. The Company's platform can be accessed through both desktop and mobile applications.

Our sophisticated software automatically declines any gaming or redemption requests from within the United States, in strict compliance with current US law.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements represent the Company's current expectations or beliefs concerning future events and can generally be identified using statements that include words such as "estimate," "expects," "project," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "forecast," "likely," "will," "target" or similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company; the need for additional financing, the terms of such financing and the availability of such financing; the ability of the Company to manage growth; disruptions caused by acquisitions; the Company's reliance on its management; the fact that the Company's chief executive officer has voting control over the Company; related party relationships; the potential effect of economic downturns and market conditions on the Company's operations and prospects; the Company's ability to protect proprietary information; the ability of the Company to compete in its market; the Company's lack of effective internal controls; dilution caused by efforts to obtain additional financing; the effect of future regulation, the Company's ability to comply with regulations and potential penalties in the event it fails to comply with such regulations; the risks associated with gaming fraud, user cheating and cyber-attacks; risks associated with systems failures and failures of technology and infrastructure on which the Company's programs rely; foreign exchange and currency risks; the outcome of contingencies, including legal proceedings in the normal course of business; the ability to compete against existing and new competitors; the ability to manage expenses associated with sales and marketing and necessary general and administrative and technology investments; and general consumer sentiment and economic conditions that may affect levels of discretionary customer purchases of the Company's products. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any of the forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, made in this release or in any of its Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks and uncertainties. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results is included from time to time in the "Forward-Looking Statements," "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of the Company's periodic and current filings with the SEC, including the Form 10-Qs and Form 10-Ks, filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise that occur after that date, except as otherwise provided by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA, which is disclosed below, is a "non-GAAP financial measure" presented as a supplemental measure of the Company's performance. EBITDA is not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. EBITDA represents net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented because we believe it provides additional useful information to investors due to the various noncash items during the period. EBITDA is not recognized in accordance with GAAP, is unaudited, and has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as substitutes for analysis of the Company's results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are: EBITDA does not reflect cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures, or contractual commitments; EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital needs; EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on debt or cash income tax payments; although depreciation and amortization are noncash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and other companies in this industry may calculate EBITDA differently than the Company does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. The Company's presentation of these measures should not be construed as an inference that future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section titled "Reconciliation of Net Income attributable to Golden Matrix Group, Inc., to Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Stock based compensation" at the end of this release.

Connect with us:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/GMGI_Group

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goldenmatrixgroup/

Golden Matrix Group

CONTACT:

Scott Yan

info@goldenmatrix.com

www.goldenmatrix.com

GOLDEN MATRIX GROUP, INC

Consolidated Balance Sheets

January 31, 2021 2020 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,706,349 $ 1,856,505 Accounts receivable, net 1,040,410 791,340 Accounts receivable - related parties 656,805 1,058,874 Prepaid expenses 410,983 - Total current assets 13,814,547 3,706,719 Total assets $ 13,814,547 $ 3,706,719 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 78,913 $ 25,621 Accounts payable - related parties 208,521 660,682 Advances from shareholders 99 1,000 Accrued interest 123 41,964 Customer deposit 149,640 - Consideration payable - related party 115,314 - Settlement payable - related party - 290,000 Convertible notes payable, net of discounts - 30,000 Convertible notes payable, net- in default - 10,000 Promissory note-related party - 174,254 Total current Liabilities 552,610 1,233,521 Total liabilities $ 552,610 $ 1,233,521 Shareholders' equity: Preferred stock, Series A: $0.00001 par value; 19,999,000 shares authorized, none outstanding - - Preferred stock, Series B: $0.00001 par value, 1,000 shares authorized,1,000 and 1,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively - - Common stock: $0.00001 par value; 40,000,000 and 40,000,000 shares authorized; 22,741,665 and 18,968,792 shares issued and outstanding respectively $ 227 $ 190 Additional paid-in capital 38,320,729 27,944,652 Stock payable 7,420 - Stock payable - related party 7,420 - Accumulated other comprehensive loss (978 ) (683 ) Accumulated deficit (25,072,881 ) (25,470,961 ) Total shareholders' equity 13,261,937 2,473,198 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 13,814,547 $ 3,706,719

GOLDEN MATRIX GROUP. INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations
Panaji, April 30 : With restaurants and wet markets allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity during a four-day lockdown in Goa, questions are being raised by the Opposition as well as a cabinet minister, about the seriousness of the preventive measures enforced to control the Covid-19 surge in the coastal state.

The four-day lockdown was imposed in the state after much dithering by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant from Thursday night to Monday morning.

"This lockdown is to pull wool over the eyes of the people of the state. Shops, private factories, establishments are open, buses are functioning, restaurants and even wine shops are open. How is this a lockdown?" Progressive Front of Goa spokesperson Hridaynath Shirodkar said.

Carlos Ferreira, who heads the legal cell of the Congress, said that the orders issued by District Magistrates ordering the lockdown were flawed.

"Nowhere do these orders issued by them mention the word lockdown," he said, adding that the administrative orders were ambiguous in nature.

Markets in Goa were largely closed on Friday, even as several stores including shops selling non-essential goods like even plywood and liquor were open in several areas, according to Ports Minister Michael Lobo.

"Plywood shops, glassware shops, liquor shops were open in the morning. They were told by the police and other officials to shut down later. I feel that the North Goa Collector has to come out with clear orders under Section 144," he said.

The Minister said that the Covid-19 situation was spiralling out of control in the state.

"There are no beds with oxygen at the District Hospital and the Goa Medical College. It is difficult to give patients oxygen flow in this situation," Lobo said, adding that he would request Chief Minister to extend the preventive measure for nine more days at least, to break the Covid-19 chain.

Sawant, however, has maintained that the lockdown would end on Monday morning.

"Lockdown will not be extended. People should stay home and co-operate with the government," he said.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Temple Israel is proud to host a Zoom talk from Rabbi Mikie Goldstein, titled "Halachic Challenges and Responses for LGBT People in the 21st Century" on Sunday, May 2, at 10 a.m. The Zoom meeting ID is 830 4261 6327, and the passcode is B8ieDz.

Rabbi Mikie Goldstein is originally from Liverpool, UK, and made aliyah in 1989. He received his rabbinic ordination in 2014 from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, returning immediately to Israel to fill the position of rabbi at Adat Shalom-Emanuel, the Masorti congregation in Rehovot of which he had previously been a member.

Before turni...
A national nonprofit that wants to provide free prescription glasses to thousands of low-income students in Charleston has been thwarted by a group of eye doctors in South Carolina and an obscure state law that restricts where mobile clinics are allowed to operate.

Vision to Learn, which already runs nonprofit mobile clinics in 10 states and has provided 240,000 pairs of free eyeglasses to children across the country since 2012, has been met with opposition from optometrists in other states before. But the hurdles it faces in South Carolina are unique due to an existing state law that prohibits a mobile van from conducting simple eye exams on a school campus.

Henry Blackford is a retired Charleston banker who has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars since 2018 to launch Vision to Learn in the Lowcountry after he and his wife Sherry watched a segment about the organization on PBS. Blackford wants the state law changed even as the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association has lobbied lawmakers to maintain the status quo.

"What gets me is the program is operating very successfully in Charlotte and in Atlanta. It's frustrating," Blackford said. "The optometrists have been a huge stumbling block. Then we ran into the pandemic."

In a prepared statement provided to The Post and Courier, the state optometrists' association said it opposes the fact that Vision to Learn doesn't dilate a student's eyes during an exam.

"While we are not opposed to the idea of mobile clinics, it does raise serious concerns regarding the quality of care that would be provided," the group wrote. "In the absence of a dilated exam, the chances of missing serious medical conditions and issuing inaccurate glasses prescriptions goes up substantially."

Jackie Rivers, executive director of the S.C. Optometric Physicians Association, said no one from the association or its board was available to be interviewed for this article. The association's prepared statement went on to call Vision to Learn "unwilling to compromise" and said, "No child, especially our most vulnerable, deserves substandard care, simply because of where they live or their socioeconomic status."

But Blackford, and others associated with Vision to Learn, have argued that the students it seeks to help are falling through the cracks of the existing health care system.

"I dont think, quite honestly, (the optometrists) are worried about these 7,500 low-income Title 1 students who need glasses but dont have them. Nobody is serving them," Blackford said.

He believes the doctors' group is more concerned about a future that would allow for-profit mobile clinics to set up shop outside retirement communities and nursing homes, potentially cutting into the optometrists' margins down the line.

"That's just my suspicion," he said. "I cant figure out what else it could be."

Joan Chu Reese is the executive director of Vision to Learn. Like Blackford, she said the organization shouldn't be viewed as a threat to the optometrists' business model. In fact, she said, Vision to Learn is identifying patients who will likely need lifelong eye care  the doctors' future client base.

"Theres the natural fear that were going to take customers from an optometrist," said Reese, who is based in Los Angeles. "Vision to Learns job is not to see these kids forever. Were finding kids who are outside the optometric world and bringing them in.  Its so unfortunate that we got hung up here in South Carolina with this issue."

Dilating the eyes

It's not only the state's optometrists' association that believes dilation is necessary during every eye exam. The S.C. Board of Examiners in Optometry, made up of mostly optometrists, refused in 2019 to license the Vision to Learn mobile clinic for the same reason.

This doesn't mean all doctors agree on the issue. Dr. Soyung Ailene Kim, a staff optometrist who works for Vision to Learn in Atlanta, said the exams conducted inside the Vision to Learn mobile clinics are usually sufficient to determine the level of prescription a student with vision problems needs. Furthermore, because these exams are conducted on the school campus during the school day, dilating a student's eyes would impair their vision for several hours, Kim explained.

"The reason why we dont dilate the children in the van is, timewise, it doesnt work," she said. "Their near-vision will also be gone pretty much for the rest of the day."

That said, Kim sees about 20 students each day and said at least a few of them inevitably need a more comprehensive exam than Vision to Learn is able to provide. When that's the case, she refers them to an outside optometrist in the community. "If I feel any doubt  I always refer them."

The question about dilation eventually became so fraught in South Carolina that lawmakers asked Attorney General Alan Wilson to weigh in. In January 2020, Wilson's office issued a 13-page opinion finding that Vision to Learn could dispense prescription eyeglasses to students without violating the state's existing eye care statute. And while the state's Board of Examiners in Optometry established guidelines that call for dilation during a comprehensive eye exam, the Legislature has imposed no such requirement, Wilson's office wrote.

"Its not a court ruling, but it is from the highest legal office in South Carolina," said Reese. "It says the type of operation were proposing should be allowed."

The S.C. Society of Ophthalmologists has not publicly expressed an opinion about Vision to Learn. Ophthalmologists, unlike optometrists, are medical doctors. Optometrists attend optometry school, not medical school.

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'Wow' moment

After Henry and Sherry Blackford first saw that PBS segment about Vision to Learn in 2018, they wanted to learn more.

"It was a 'wow' moment for both of us," Henry Blackford said.

So they started exploring the idea of launching the program here in Charleston. That process eventually led them to Charlotte, where Hugh McColl III and his wife Renee had already established a branch of Vision to Learn. The McColls invited the Blackfords to attend "Distribution Day" at a school in Charlotte, where hundreds of students were presented with their new glasses.

"When you watch one of these kids put a pair of glasses on and they can read a book or see a tree or the school board, its life-changing," McColl said. "My wife and I  weve both raised money for lots of different organizations and Id say this was probably the easiest one Ive come across."

Blackford found it fairly easy, too. In less than a year, he was able to secure more than $600,000 in commitments from national and local funders, including The Post and Courier Foundation, Roper St. Francis Healthcare and the Storm Eye Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina. MUSC, in fact, made a verbal pledge of $110,000 to buy the mobile van and outfit it with equipment.

Blackford said MUSC, and other groups, withdrew their pledges when the pandemic hit. He estimated he still has about $300,000 in commitments.

It's an easy mission to get behind, Blackford said, because the pitch is straightforward. The need is obvious and the solution is simple.

The latest Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative report on education shows deep disparities in academic performance among Black and White students, Blackford pointed out.

In third grade, he said, 68 percent of White students are reading at grade level, compared with only 28 percent of Black students.

"It gets worse by eighth grade," he said.

The report doesn't address any issues related to eyesight, but Blackford said he can't help but wonder if thousands of free prescription glasses might help close that reading gap.

He's not the only one. School nurses support the Vision to Learn model, too.

"Its one thing to say 'I know I need glasses,' and its another thing to get the glasses and have them," said Ellen Nix, director of nursing services for the Charleston County School District. That's why Vision to Learn works, she said.

"They come in and are able to provide those glasses to the child."

In a 2019 in-house survey completed by 90 nurses employed by the Charleston County School District, more than 95 percent of them agreed that free exams and free glasses provided by a mobile vision clinic would benefit their students.

It will require a change in state law to make that happen. Existing rules only allow these mobile clinics to operate outside health care facilities.

Reps. Joe Bustos and William Cogswell, both Charleston Republicans, filed a bill in February that would make an exception for nonprofit mobile clinics to offer vision services outside Title 1 schools. It was written specifically with Vision to Learn in mind, Cogswell said.

And while it has been referred to a committee for consideration, the legislative session is winding down in May and it's unlikely the bill will come up for discussion before next year.

But there's still hope this spring for Vision to Learn. The state Senate added an amendment this week to its version of the annual budget that would provide a one-year pass for mobile eye clinics to operate outside Title 1 schools. If the amendment passes with the budget, it would give Vision to Learn a chance to launch in Charleston this fall, while buying more time for the Legislature to change the law permanently in 2022.

But the House must agree to the budget amendment, too. Negotiations start in May.
TORRINGTON  A growing number of students need help learning to speak, read and write English, and school officials are adding teachers in a move to improve those skills.

According to the school district, its most recent demographics show that Torringtons student population is 54 percent white, 33 percent Latino/Hispanic and 5 percent Black. The remaining 8 percent includes students from Asian countries and others.

Superintendent of Schools Susan Lubomski said the school districts approach to helping English language learners during Wednesdays public hearing with the Board of Finance to review the proposed 2021-22 schools budget.

The updated 2021-22 budget totals $77,502,179, reduced from an initial proposal discussed with the Board of Education in February of $78 million. Approved spending for the current year was $76.5 million.

Weve really tried to go bare-bones, but its just not possible to do so this year, Lubomski said.

Driving the budget increase this year are salaries and benefits, as well as requests for additional teachers, paraeducators and social workers in all the schools.

We have added an English language coordinator for grades K-12, and six English language teachers to help build language skills, the superintendent said. We need additional support because there are learning gaps for the English language learning students.

English language learners, she said, are a critical group that will need help when they return to school in September, in part because may not have received enough English instruction while learning remotely. .

The budget includes two bilingual language tutors at the high school, and two bilingual paraeducators to assist them. The district is hiring a full-time human resources staff member, to help with an educator recruitment effort.

We want to make sure were hiring a diverse population (of teachers) to meet the needs of our students, Lubomski said. That person would also work on general functions in the human resources office.

The district is adding more teaching staff at Torrington High School, where it is responding to a state mandate for seniors to graduate with 25 credits instead of 20.

We have to meet graduation requirements, which means we have to have enough courses for the students to take, the superintendent said. Predominantly those are core content areas in English, science and social studies.

The budget also addresses the effects of the pandemic on students during the last year, when remote learning and hybrid learning schedules  limiting time in the actual classroom  have made it difficult for students to adjust. When they return to their school buildings full time, the superintendent said, theyll need to adjust again.

Were finding that students have gone through crisis periods during COVID-19, she said. Its been a very difficult time for some students, with isolation and instability. Its been tough.

Mayor Elinor Carbone said the school districts efforts are an investment in the students.

The investments youre proposing relieve some of the stressers on your teachers, she said. The English Language Learning program is something that can really help.

Two years ago you (Lubomski) came to the Board of Finance and said, if we invest in the ELL program, youd see your special education budget go down, Carbone said. She added that students sometimes end up in special education classes when they really needed a tutor or more specialized academic help.

Lubomski agreed. This is a problem, and it has been growing for a long time, she said. This will make a significant difference.

The Board of Finance did not vote on the budget, but the public hearing was closed. The Board of Finances next meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 18.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank officially opened an office in Tianjin on Thursday. The move out of its headquarters in Beijing has significance for supporting steady operation of the AIIB and promoting Tianjin's higher-level opening-up, officials said.



"We will further deepen China's all-round cooperation with the AIIB and continuously enrich the ideas and practices of international development cooperation," said Zou Jiayi, China's vice minister of finance, at the inauguration ceremony for the office.

The multilateral development bank is looking forward to strengthening cooperation with Tianjin to support coordinated and sustainable development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, said Jin Liqun, president of the AIIB.

"The AIIB shoulders the mission of promoting the prosperity and sustainable economic development of Asia. We will keep adhering to international, normative and high-standard principles, push for opening-up and cooperation, and make contributions to promoting common development," Jin said.

Ma Shunqing, executive vice mayor of Tianjin, said: "The AIIB's establishment of an office in Tianjin will have a deep impact on the municipality's efforts to strengthen communication and cooperation with international financial organizations, and also on the efforts to accelerate the fulfillment of Tianjin's role as a financial innovation operation demonstration zone."

The AIIB started cooperation with Tianjin in December 2019. The bank offered a $500 million loan to support the construction of reception, storage and regasification facilities of liquefied natural gas, with the aim of promoting regional energy structure adjustment and reducing air pollutant emissions.
Scranton School District administrators will meet Monday with school board members prior to a scheduled vote on a new compensation and benefit package.

The meeting, which will take place before the boards regularly scheduled meeting, resolves a court action the administrators filed this week that sought to compel the full board to hold the gathering.

Frank Tunis, attorney for the administrators, said they have several concerns with the five-year deal, including salary and a change in how health care benefits are managed. Because they are not unionized, they cannot strike. The meeting will give them the chance to more fully discuss concerns with the board, he said.

The meeting is not open to the public because it involves negotiations over compensation.
Queen Letizia of Spain stunned in a red an white outfit today as she attended the Educational Congress on Rare Diseases in Totana, Murica.

The royal, 48, nailed springtime chic in the simple outfit, with she paired with a facemask to stay Covid-safe.

The mother-of-two who was recently pictured at the Urgent Spanish Foundation kept her outfit simple in a plain white T-shirt with pretty embellishments.

Queen Letizia of Spain stunned in a red an white outfit today as she attended the Educational Congress on Rare Diseases in Totana, Murica

The royal, 48, nailed springtime chic in the simple outfit, with she paired with a facemask to stay Covid-safe

Showing off her sartorial prowess, the former journalist opted for a statement wide-leg red trouser with gold brass buttons and a slim fit white top with a bold arm puff.

Keeping jewellery to a minimum, Letizia coordinated with patent red shoes with a simple heel while enjoying the Spanish sun.

The monarch kept her brown hair down and loose with a simple curl at the end, and showed off her natural beauty by keeping her make-up simple.

Opting for a gentle smokey eye, Letizia stayed Covid-safe covering most of her face with a mask.

Mother-of-two who was recently pictured at the Urgent Spanish Foundation kept her outfit simple in a plain white T-shirt with pretty embellishments

Showing off her sartorial prowess, the former journalist opted for a statement wide-leg red trouser with gold brass buttons and a slim fit white top with a bold arm puff

It comes just a week after King Felipe VI's wife attended Royal Academy of the Language in Madrid.

Former journalist Letizia attended a discussion hosted by the FundeuRAE (Urgent Spanish Foundation), which was founded in February 2005 to help promote the proper use of Spanish in the media.

Looking typically stylish, Letizia teamed her 333 black and white coat, from Spanish brand Mirto, with an elegant white blouse.

Keeping jewellery to a minimum, Letizia coordinated with patent red shoes with a simple heel while enjoying the Spanish sun

The monarch kept her brown hair down and loose with a simple curl at the end, and showed off her natural beauty by keeping her make-up simple

Letizia enjoyed a long career in TV and newspaper reporting before marrying her husband King Felipe, 53, in 2004.

She worked for the La Nueva Espana before moving on to the ABC, a popular national newspaper.

She then worked for the EFE news agency, a Mexican local paper Siglo 21, the Spanish version of Bloomberg, before moving to CNN+.

Opting for a gentle smokey eye, Letizia stayed Covid-safe covering most of her face with a mask

Letizia enjoyed a long career in TV and newspaper reporting before marrying her husband King Felipe, 53, in 2004.

She worked for the La Nueva Espana before moving on to the ABC, a popular national newspaper. She then worked for the EFE news agency, a Mexican local paper Siglo 21, the Spanish version of Bloomberg, before moving to CNN+.

When she met her husband-to-be, Letizia was working for the popular TV channel 24Horas as both a breaking news reporter and anchor for their popular Telediaro 2 evening news bulletin.

She met Felipe VI at a dinner party in 2002, and the pair enjoyed an instant connection, leading to their royal wedding in May 2004.

The former newsreader is the granddaughter of a taxi driver and the eldest daughter of Jesus Jose Ortiz Alvarez, a journalist, and first wife Maria de la Paloma Rocasolano Rodriguez, a nurse and hospital union representative.

She attended public high school and did a degree at the Complutense University of Madrid. She later gained an MA in Audiovisual Journalism at the Institute for Studies in Audiovisual Journalism.

King Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 in favour of his son, now King Felipe VI.

She met Felipe VI at a dinner party in 2002, and the pair enjoyed an instant connection, leading to their royal wedding in May 2004.
Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge says hes concerned by the level of emphasis given to teaching First Nations perspectives in the draft national curriculum, while the proposed changes have also been criticised by some Christian groups.

As the revised curriculum fired up debate over the teaching of nations foundations, Mr Tudge said he would be looking for some changes before hed be prepared to give it his approval.

I think it is a good development that the draft national curriculum includes more emphasis on Indigenous history. I think we should honour our Indigenous history and teach that well, Mr Tudge said on Sky News on Friday.

Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge says he is concerned about some of the proposed changes to the national curriculum. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Equally, that should not come at the expense of dishonouring our Western heritage, which has made us the liberal democracy that we are today. We have to get the balance right and Im concerned that we havent in the draft thats been put out.
A woman has claimed that her boyfriend of two years told her he had COVID and then disappeared, leading her to discover that he had been using a fake name their entire relationship.

Kathryn Ver Brugge, 30, from New York, stunned TikTok with her story when she responded to a viral video asking: 'What is the worst way you've ever been ghosted?'

'Oh this sound was made for me. I was with a man for two years, and I thought I was going to marry him, have his babies, and spend the rest of our lives together,' she explained.

Scroll down for video

Say what? Kathryn Ver Brugge, 30, from New York, stunned TikTok when she claimed her boyfriend of two years told her he had COVID-19 and then disappeared

Unbelievable: After filing a missing persons report, she learned that he had been using a fake name the entire time they were together

'But then COVID hit and he unfortunately told me that he thought he had it. He said he was thinking about going to the hospital because he felt so bad, then miraculously he was starting to feel better.'

Kathryn said she never heard from him again after that, and she started to worry he was being hospitalized with COVID or possibly dead.

'He suddenly stopped responding to all my calls, all my texts,' she recalled. 'A week later, his phone went right to voicemail. I freaked out. I started calling the hospital thinking maybe something happened and he's at the hospital. He wasn't there.

'I called all the hospitals in the area and he wasn't there. I called the police and filed a missing persons report, and you know what they told me? They told me my boyfriend did not exist.

'So not only did my boyfriend ghost me by faking his own death, he also had lied to me for two years about his real identity.'

Kathryn's video has been viewed more than 2.8 million times and has received thousands of comments ranging from sympathetic to judgmental.

'100 percent chance he was married. Then had to work from home,' one person deduced, while another wrote: 'Probably married...stay at home order...can't hide it.'

'So he lied about his name, but you need to stay positive, maybe he did die,' someone else shared.

Kathryn had actually opened up about the situation in a series of videos last year, and she revealed in the comments that she now knows his real name, but she didn't feel comfortable sharing it.

In the clips, she explained how she met her ex on a dating app when they were both living in Honolulu, Hawaii, in the summer of 2018. He told her his name was William James Khan (pronounced Khan) and went by Will  as in Will Khan.

'I am highly aware of the irony of that last name,' she noted.

Double life: Kathryn's video has been viewed more than 2.8 million times and has received thousands of comments ranging from sympathetic to judgmental

Kathryn said they chatted on the app for a few weeks and then met in person in June 2018. While they 'hit it off,' he told her he was busy with work and didn't have too much time to meet up with her  the first red flag in their relationship.

She wasn't concerned at the time because she wasn't looking for anything serious either, but then she quickly fell in love with him. They would meet once a week, and she insisted he was the 'best lover' she had ever had, which clouded her judgment.

'Because I was so in love, I easily ignored all of the obvious red flags that are very apparent to me looking back,' she admitted, saying they only met at hotels.

He claimed he had a roommate who had a child, and he didn't want the kid to hear them having sex. Kathryn also had roommates at the time and accepted the explanation.

Will also said he didn't have social media, and she never met any of his friends or family the two years that they dated.

Kathryn recalled how he gave her a beautiful peacock feather one day and told her this romantic story about how he found it and wanted to give it to the most beautiful woman he knew.

Memories: Kathryn had opened up about the situation in a series of videos last year, explaining how she met him on a dating app when they were both living in Hawaii in the summer of 2018

Liar, liar? Kathryn said he told her his name was William James Khan (pronounced Khan) and went by Will  as in Will Khan

'I was so touched,' she said.

But then a few weeks later, he gave her another peacock feather and told her the same exact story  another red flag.

When they celebrated her birthday that year, he told her he had a really romantic and sentimental gift for her, but he was afraid it would scare her off because they had just started dating.

'Would you like to guess if I ever saw that present or not?' she asked: 'Spoiler alert: You'll find there are a lot of things that Will says that never happen.'

By September 2018, she told Will she was falling for him, and he said he loved her. Right after they exchanged 'I love yous,' he told her his mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and he had to move back to New Jersey.

Kathryn admitted she ended up cheating on him, and she was grateful that he wanted to keep seeing her because he had acted really hurt and upset by her betrayal.

She started traveling to New York City once a month, and he would put her up in a hotel for all of their rendezvous. She kept telling him she wanted to meet his mom and family and friends, but he always had an excuse as to why she couldn't.

While she started to get frustrated by the fact that he would never keep his plans with her, she thought he was just stressed because of his sick mother.

Awkward: Kathryn admitted that there a lot of reg flags that she had ignored, saying he claimed not to have social media and he wouldn't let her meet his family or friends

They started talking about getting married, having kids, and building their lives together in 2019, but that summer he'd go a week without texting her and would never call.

Kathryn's friends warned her that he was 'probably cheating' on her or married with a 'family he wasn't telling her about.'

'The truth is I just didn't want to believe it,' she said. 'I couldn't understand how this love could be fake.

Will then told her that his dad had tuberculosis. When they finally saw each other, he claimed he had been struggling with depression all summer. Any time she would question his behavior, he would tell her he was having a hard time.

Kathryn moved to New York City to be with him in 2020, but she still didn't see him very often. On March 31, 2020, he told her had a high fever and a bad cough, saying he thought he might have contracted COVID-19 from his brother.

Every time she offered to bring him medicine, he would ignore her. He stopped answering her phone calls and texts on April 12, 2020. Worried that he was seriously ill, she called every hospital in New Jersey looking for him, but there was no William Khan at any of them.

Opinion: Kathryn believes Will is a sociopath and was mimicking and manipulating her emotions their entire relationship

Coming clean: 'I am sharing all of my pain in the last two years in hopes that someone watching can be aware of the red flags and avoid my mistakes,' she said

Kathryn started getting suspicious and began searching for him online, trying everything from tax records to reverse photo searches. She filed a missing persons report in May 2020 and was told the man she was in love with did not exist.

She noted in one of her videos that she felt vulnerable telling her story because a number of people have victim-blamed her and asked her how she could let this happen to herself.

'Trust me, I was thinking the exact same thing,' she said. 'I have my degree in psychology and I am highly aware of human behavior, yet here I am.

'Some people on the first video were saying, "Just let it go!" And trust me. I'm usually very quick to move on; however, not only is this cathartic for me, but I also feel compelled to speak out about it,' she continued.

'Most importantly, as an empathetic, trusting human being, I think it's important that people like myself speak out against people who try to take advantage of people like us.

'I am sharing all of my pain in the last two years in hopes that someone watching can be aware of the red flags and avoid my mistakes. You deserve to be happy and treated with respect.'

Kathryn believes Will is a sociopath and was mimicking and manipulating her emotions their entire relationship, but she noted there was a benefit to that.

'In processing all of this, I've realized something pretty cool. Will always reflected what I was giving to him, so in essence I was able to experience what it was like to love myself,' she said. 'He would always follow my lead in the depth and speed of our relationship, which means whatever I gave, I got right back.'
Photograph: Susan Stocker/AP

The head of the Florida school district that saw the nations deadliest high school shooting is standing down amid a secretive corruption inquiry and competing claims that his downfall was orchestrated by political foes who blame him for the loss of 17 lives.

Robert Runcie, superintendent of the Broward school district for nine years, confirmed his resignation on Thursday, just over three years after a former student killed 14 teenagers and three staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school (MSD) in Parkland.

Related: Parkland survivors call for GOP extremist Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation

Runcie, 59, was arrested on a felony perjury charge a week ago, accused of lying to a grand jury that was ordered by Floridas Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, to investigate the 14 February 2018 mass shooting.

The panel later widened its inquiry into school safety issues and alleged mismanagement of hundreds of millions of dollars of district funds.

Runcie has pleaded not guilty and earlier this week announced his intention to stay on, in a video message sent to parents and employees of the countrys sixth-largest school district.

I am confident that I will be vindicated, and I intend to continue to carry out my responsibilities as superintendent with the highest degree of integrity and moral standards as I have done for nearly 10 years, he said.

But a special meeting of the nine-member Broward school board, which includes two relatives of Parkland shooting victims, elected after the shooting, discussed suspending or firing Runcie on Tuesday.

Having lost the confidence of the board, Runcie announced he would stand down from his $356,000-a-year position.

Also resigning is the districts long-serving legal counsel, Barbara Myrick, 72, who was indicted on a felony charge of unlawful disclosure of grand jury proceedings, which she denies.

I know youve been in enormous amounts of pain that none of us can ever imagine, Runcie told Lori Alhadeff, a board member whose daughter, Alyssa, 14, was killed at her school.

Story continues

I guess Im part of the source of that in some ways. If its going to give you the peace youre looking for, I will step aside, he added.

His words were condemned by Alhadeffs fellow board member, Debra Hixon, whose husband, Chris, was the MSD athletic director.

To drop that on Loris lap and say, I am sacrificing myself for you was so disingenuous and disrespectful to those of us that lost people on February 14 [2018], she told ABC10 news.

Alhadeff was one of Runcies most vocal critics on the board, and several of the Parkland families blame him for creating the conditions that they believe allowed the gunman, Nikolas Cruz, then 19, to return to the school from which he had been expelled and commit the killings with an assault rifle. He is charged with murder.

After vandalizing a middle school bathroom in 2013, Cruz was assigned to the districts Promise program, a Runcie-endorsed diversionary initiative that allows students who commit non-violent misdemeanors to avoid a criminal record. Other Parkland parents have been critical of the program.

DeSantis empanelled the grand jury in February 2019, a month after taking office and suspending the elected sheriff of Broward county, Scott Israel, whose deputies hid as the shooting unfolded. Israel was later fired, but DeSantis conceded he had no authority to remove Runcie.

Precise details of the charges against Runcie and Myrick have not been disclosed, amid the secrecy of the grand jury inquiry. In court filings, the Florida state attorneys office appears to link them to the arrest of the Broward school districts former information chief Tony Hunter, who was arrested in January and charged with bid rigging and bribery over a $17m technology contract. Hunter denies the charge.

Speculation has also centered on a controversial $800m bond program approved by voters in 2014, which was intended to fix dilapidated school buildings but which is years behind schedule and millions of dollars over budget.

Runcies lawyer, however, is certain the case is politically motivated.

This grand jury proceeding was not searching for the truth about whats happening with construction projects, the bond issue, the MSD murders, or anything else in the Broward county schools, Johnny McCray told the Florida Courier.

Its all about one thing: running Robert Runcie out of the Broward county school district by any means necessary.

Runcie, who is Black, won several awards and earned praise in the years before the shooting for helping to close the achievement gap between white and minority students.

When he took over in 2011, only 61% of Black students reached graduation in Broward county compared with 81% of whites, a disparity that had narrowed to a little more than 10 percentage points by 2018.

In that time the 261,000-student district as a whole achieved an all-time-high graduation rate above 90%.

During his tenure, the superintendent forged close ties with business and religious leaders and community groups representing minorities, many of whose leaders appeared at a support rally for Runcie in Fort Lauderdale last week.

You have a community that stands with Bob Runcie, a community that questions this indictment, the mayor of Miramar, Wayne Messum, said.

Runcie and Myrick appeared before an emergency meeting of the Broward school board on Thursday, at which the panel authorized the chair, Rosalind Osgood, to begin negotiations over the financial terms of their departure.

An interim superintendent is expected to be appointed soon.
Congratulating the winners of the Prize, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan highlighted the significance of the achievement, stating: " This is an important development and aligns with the objectives of the India Cooling Action Plan that the Government of India officially released in 2019 to bolster our R&D efforts in global climate leadership. We are proud to achieve the outcome that requires far less operational energy, utilizes refrigerants with low or no ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential, and will also be cost-effective at scale. "

Both winning teams, Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai with partner Tsinghua University, and Daikin with partner Nikken Sekkei Ltd., achieved more than 5X reduction in climate impact against the baseline unit, meeting the primary criteria of the Prize. The Prize administrators also concluded that whilst both teams' technologies would likely have an initial up-front cost on introduction to the market at two to three times more than the baseline units, lifecycle cost of ownership would be around half that of the baseline unit. This means consumers would experience a simple payback on the higher first cost after just over three years of operation. The administrators also noted that the technologies' ability to better control the indoor environment would provide increased comfort.

Congratulating the winners of the competition, Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group said: "A market transformation opportunity for the cooling sector is now a reality, which can help combat the warming of our planet. As this incredible achievement begins to be recognized and applauded, it's time for regulators to focus on the policies and standards that will help us bring these technologies to the markets."

The other Finalist teams were led by some of the world's largest air conditioner (AC) manufacturers and promising startups from India, China, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The teams (in alphabetical order) include Barocal Ltd.; Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. with partner A.T.E; Kraton with partners Infosys, IIT Bombay, and Porus Labs; M2 Thermal Solutions; S&S Design Startup Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; and Transaera with partner Haier.

In November of 2019, the eight Finalists were awarded US$200,000 each to develop their prototypes, and showcased a wide range of promising technologies, including smart hybrid designs of vapor-compression designs, evaporative cooling designs, and solid-state cooling technologies that use little or no global warming refrigerants.

In August of 2020, amidst the global pandemic, five of the eight Finalist teams successfully developed and delivered two working prototypes of their technology to the designated test locations in India. To demonstrate the performance and scalability of the Finalists' solutions, one prototype from each team was installed and tested under a real-world setting at the Tata New Haven Bahadurgarh site near New Delhi. The second prototype was tested in a sequential manner under controlled conditions at CEPT University in Ahmedabad, India. Finally, the prototypes were sent to Danfoss' National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited lab in Chennai, India for an Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) test. [Details in the annexure].

RMI Chief Executive Officer Jules Kortenhorst highlighted how collaboration across governments, industry, and civil society organizations, resulted in the success of the initiative. "What the Global Cooling Prize demonstrates is that collective effort can help combat our most critical and urgent problems," explained Kortenhorst. "In this decisive decade, let this herald a new era of collaboration to spur innovations and the discovery of viable solutions in the other sectors that are yet to move towards low-carbon, efficient, and clean technologies. Now governments must support industry to bring these climate friendly technologies to market."

The Prize Finalists, which collectively produce well over 20% of the world's residential room ACs, are determined to bring them to market within the next few years. Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai, a winner of the Prize, and Qingdao Haier Air Conditioner Gen Corp. Ltd., a partner of Finalist Transaera Inc., have announced their intention to join in the COP26 "Race to Zero Breakthrough" for the cooling sector.

Ms. Dong Mingzhu, chairperson and president of Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai, stated: "We are pleased that we were selected as a winner of the Prize and we are committed to delivering the Race to Zero Breakthrough for Cooling: to bring to market affordable residential AC units using this new cooling technology (which has 5X lower climate impact than today's units) by 2025."

Mr. KJ Jawa, MD & CEO Daikin India, Member of the Board & Regional General Manager, AC business, India and East Africa Daikin Industries Ltd., said, "Daikin's selection as a winner of the Global Cooling Prize is consistent with our "Environmental Vision 2050," which provides a roadmap for the company to carbon neutrality by 2050. In line with that vision, Daikin is committed to the research and commercial development of technologies that reduce energy consumption and refrigerant impact for the benefit of global communities and the environment."

The winners will share the prize purse of US$1 million equally.

Media Inquiries please contact:

Vindhya Tripathi, Director of Communications, M: +919810537978, E: [email protected]

About RMI

RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world's most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.

More information on RMI can be found at www.rmi.org or follow us on Twitter @RockyMtnInst.

Annexure

Additional Quotes by Prize Supporters

Nigel Topping

UK's High-Level Climate Action Champion COP26

"Cooling accounts for approximately 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so we won't get to net zero emissions without climate friendly cooling, especially residential air conditioning. The success of the Prize will make a critical contribution on the pathway to net zero cooling. I congratulate the winning teams and welcome the commitment that Team Gree has made to help deliver the race to zero cooling breakthrough to bring 5X more climate friendly & affordable air conditioning units to the market by 2025."

Patrick Child

Deputy Director-General, Research and Innovation, European Commission and Chair of Mission Innovation Steering Committee

"In the face of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the existential threats of climate change, we can never have enough international cooperation; the Global Cooling Prize is a great example of this. We urgently need zero carbon cooling technologies that can work at scale, and this is a key goal of the Mission Innovation Challenge 7 on heating and cooling in buildings. Prizes like The Global Cooling Prize are one of the ways we can bring countries together like never before."

Background Information

A global coalition led by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; RMIa leading global research institute; and Mission Innovationa global initiative of 24 countries and the European Union to accelerate global clean energy innovationlaunched the Global Cooling Prize in November 2018. The Prize's aim is to spur the development of a radically more efficient, climate-friendly residential cooling solution. The initiative is also supported by Conservation X Labs, Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), CEPT University, and a coalition of over 30 leading international non-profit organizations.

Global Cooling Prize Winners and Technology Descriptions

Country Organization Technology Type Japan/India Primary: Daikin Partner/s: Nikken Sekkei Ltd. Advanced vapor compression technology with efficient dehumidification and integrated direct evaporative cooling, advanced controls, and ultra-low GWP refrigerant China Primary: Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai Partner/s: Tsinghua University Advanced vapor compression technology with efficient dehumidification and integrated direct evaporative cooling and solar PV, advanced controls, and low GWP refrigerant

Prototype Testing Protocol

The Testing Protocol consists of three different testing methods including the (i) field test, (ii) lab simulated year-round performance test, and (iii) Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) laboratory test.

To demonstrate the performance and scalability of the Finalists' solutions, one prototype from each team that participated in the field test was installed in an apartment building at the Tata New Haven Bahadurgarh site. For this field test, one prototype per team, along with two baseline units, were installed on separate floors of the 14-story apartment building and their performance was monitored for the full month of October under real-world conditions in India. Multiple of the Finalists' prototypes met or exceeded the climate criteria of the Prize throughout the 31 days of testing.

Following the field test, the prototypes were sent to the NABL-accredited lab of Danfoss in Chennai for an Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) test. The cooling capacity and power consumption were assessed under standard test conditions to determine an equivalent ISEER rating of the prototypes.

The second prototype delivered by Finalists to India that was not utilized for the field test underwent a full-year simulation-based performance lab test at the state-of-the-art testing facility at CEPT University in Ahmedabad, India. The prototypes were tested in the lab environment for a period of 10 days. For each of the 10 test days, a unique weather profile was then identified, which when aggregated with appropriate weighting factors, represents a full year of operation.

Following the testing phase of the Prize, the Technical Review Committee met to review the performance of each team's prototypes and determined the grand winners of the Prize.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_IwemPA2M4

SOURCE Rocky Mountain Institute
The Republic of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev holds a video summit with Korean President Moon Jae-in in this Jan. 28 photo. Courtesy of Embassy of Uzbekistan to Korea





By Doniyor Turaev







Four years ago, the Action Strategy in the five priority areas of development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021 (the Action Strategy) was adopted. Today there is no doubt about its constructability, as evidenced by the results of the reforms successfully carried out under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.







Today, conclusions can be drawn regarding the results achieved by assessing how the effectiveness of the parliament's (Oliy Majlis) activities has increased.







In Uzbekistan, over the past four years, the powers and participation of the parliament in the implementation of reforms, in solving the most important socio-economic, political and legal problems have significantly increased. It should be emphasized that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the activities of the Uzbek parliament in exercising its powers did not stop; to the contrary, it has intensified compared to previous years.







In particular, the following results have been achieved over the past four years:







First, the material and technical, information and analytical support of parliamentarians has been improved.







In July 2017, at a meeting with parliamentarians and representatives of parties, the Uzbek President raised a number of problematic issues that slow down the implementation of reforms and hinder the activation of the roles and proactivity of parliamentarians, local representative bodies and political parties in solving the socio-economic problems of the population, and also identified specific tasks for their elimination.







Since 2018, the Legislative and Parliamentary Research Institute has been doing its job of providing scientific, data and analytical support to the chambers of parliament. It provides assistance in improving parliamentary and legislative activities, taking into account the best practices of foreign countries and develops proposals for the implementation of international standards into national legislation, especially in the field of human rights.







Second, the quality of the legislative activity of parliament has improved.







In order to improve the legal support of ongoing reforms, systematize the legislative framework, improve the quality of rule-making activities, introduce modern digital technologies and elements of "smart regulation" into this process, the Concept for Improving Rule-Making Activities was adopted. Based on its requirements, the legislative activity of parliament is being improved, work is being coordinated to systematize and codify regulatory legal acts, revise the framework, and address inactive legislative acts.







Third, parliamentary oversight mechanisms have been strengthened.







In order to strengthen the mechanisms of parliamentary control, the provisions of the Law "On Parliamentary Control" (2016) have been improved. In particular, the changes were aimed at expanding the subjects, objects and forms of parliamentary control. Thus, the parliamentary control over the adoption and execution of the State budget has changed. For the first time in 2019, the State budget was adopted in the form of a law. The practice of reviewing the report of the Cabinet of Ministers on the progress of the implementation of the state program for the corresponding year has been introduced. Along with hearing information from members of the government at meetings of chambers, the practice of hearing information from heads of state economic enterprises was also introduced. The practice of hearing reports from the heads (khokims) of regions, districts and cities on the development of the respective territory at meetings of the Senate has also been introduced, and the norms governing parliamentary investigations have been elaborated.







Fourth, parliamentary powers in addressing the tasks of the country's domestic and foreign policy have been broadened.







Taking into account the practice of democratic countries, in order to increase the responsibility of members of the government to parliamentarians who have received a mandate directly from the people, a procedure has been established for approval of members of the government by the lower house.







Today, the Legislative Chamber considers and approves, upon the proposal of the Prime Minister, candidates for members of the Cabinet of Ministers (the Government) for their subsequent approval by the President.







In order to improve the legal foundations of parliamentary powers in solving the issues of country's foreign policy, the Concept of Parliamentary Diplomacy was adopted. It is aimed at determining the priorities, strategic goals and principles of the Oliy Majlis in implementation of country's foreign policy and parliamentary diplomacy.







Fifth, the parliamentary mechanisms of dialogue with citizens are being improved and the openness of the parliament is increasing.







Over the past period, a multidimensional dialogue of parliamentarians with people has been formed, including such areas as involvement of citizens in law-making, parliamentary control, work with citizens' appeals and accumulation of their initiatives.







It should be noted that at the initiative of the head of state, the "Mening Fikrim" ("My Opinion") portal of collective appeals was launched in 2018. Citizens can use the portal to submit appeals on issues related to the life of society, legislation, etc. The appeals that have received a sufficient number of supporting votes from the public are considered by the competent authorities  parliament, Cabinet of Ministers, local representative bodies.







Summarizing the above, one may note that the tasks defined in the Action Strategy are being implemented in a timely manner and step by step. Progress has been made in strengthening the role and effectiveness of the Oliy Majlis. These positive results indicate the need to continue and support the initiated course of reforms.







Doniyor Turaev is Deputy Director of the Legislation and Parliamentary Research Institute under the Oliy Majlis, the parliament of Uzbekistan.


AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

A limestone head of Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winning author Elie Wiesel, carved by Sean Callahan from a clay sculpture by artist Chas Fagan, is almost complete in the Human Rights Porch of the Washington National Cathedral, on April 16. Wiesel, who died in 2016, was the author of 57 books including Night, which is based on his experiences as a Jewish prisoner in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps. He became an outspoken advocate for human rights causes around the world, helped found the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986.
SPRINGFIELD  The citys License Commission has revoked the liquor license of the Malecon Restaurant & Bar at the Apremont Triangle in the wake of Christmas night shooting.

The incident was compared by a city lawyer to the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Arizona in 1881.

Malecons lawyer, Daniel Hagan of Springfield, said Thursday that the 3-0 vote to revoke the license was a terrible decision, and the business will appeal to the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission or through court action.

In the meantime, Malecon will stay open but will not serve alcohol, Hagan said. The liquor license revocation takes effect Friday.

The vote for revocation on Wednesday was by commission members Andrew Case, Rosa Espinosa and chairman Peter Sygnator.

Melecon, 137 Chestnut St., was found in violation of its license for failure to call police to report a disturbance and failure to provide adequate security, allowing armed patrons to enter the premises, the commission ruled.

Sygnator said the evidence  including a video from an exterior camera  showed people coming in and out of the Malecon with guns, and shots fired outside. No calls came from the restaurant for a police response, police said.

Public safety is the top priority for the Police Department, mayor and commission, Sygnator said following the vote Wednesday night.

The board saw the need to take immediate action to prevent any further violations such as this and bring peace to the Armoury Quadrangle Neighborhood, Sygnator said.

Hagan was unable to convince the commission to stay the revocation until the outcome of the appeal.

A meeting was held, but the outcome appeared pre-determined, Hagan said. The decision may have been based on emotion, and personal opinions, but nothing resembling the law. We expect this to be flipped on appeal.

During the hearing, city lawyer Alesia Days and Springfield police said the shooting occurred directly outside the club, while Hagan argued that it was down the street, and that there was no disturbance inside the club.

Days said there was basically a gunfight outside as revealed in the video.

What the video does reveal, however, is that it was basically an O.K. Corral outside of Malecon that night, Days said. And I would suggest to you that there was no call, not one call from Malecon (to police).

The manager is listed as Genesis Laura Pujols and the restaurant-bar is family-owned. The managers son, Josue Pujols, testified that he was watching over the restaurant that Christmas night and saw no altercation nor heard of any altercation from the staff.

Commission members and Days said it was not believable, with two security people at the entrance to Malecon, that there was no knowledge of a dangerous altercation outside, and guns and gunfire being involved.

No victims were found, but gun shell casings were found on the sidewalk outside the business, police said.

The club was required under its license to call police if there was any threat to safety of patrons or staff, Days said. In addition, an unidentified security employee said there had been a disturbance inside prior to the shooting, which Hagan described as hearsay, citing the absence of the persons name.

Days said license revocation was also justified given that the December incident marked the fifth time in three years that Malecon was found in violation of requirements.

The License Commission shut down Malecon for 13 days, from Oct. 23 to Nov. 4, 2020, after it was deluged by complaints last summer about parking lot gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sygnator said at the time there were large groups of customers being served despite COVID-19 restrictions, and music at concert levels, according to neighborhood complaints.

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Natwest raked in bumper profits in the first three months of this year after fewer people defaulted on loans than expected during the pandemic.

The bank made a profit of 946million, up from 64million the same time last year when it was setting aside billions of pounds to prepare for coronavirus defaults and losses.

But the lender, formerly known as RBS, sounded the alarm bell over the money-laundering scandal which is set to drag the bank to court next month.

Natwest boss Alison Rose said Britain was still 'very early' into its recovery, and that the bank would reconsider its projections for the economy when it released its half-year results in July

Natwest said the criminal proceedings, which has been brought by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), could result in 'substantial costs'.

Representatives of the bank are due to appear in Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 26 for an initial hearing.

The FCA has accused Natwest of failing to monitor the account of a customer, understood to be Bradford-based gold dealership Fowler Oldfield.

Fowler Oldfield is alleged to have deposited 365million, including 264million in cash, in 'increasingly large' sums between November 2011 and October 2016.

After a police raid in 2016 Fowler Oldfield was shut down and liquidated. At the time, 12 people were arrested for money-laundering offences.

Chief executive Alison Rose, who was not in charge when the incidents occurred between 2011 and 2016, said: 'We're very disappointed with the situation.

'We take anti money-laundering very seriously and we've invested very significantly  we have over 4,000 people across the organisation whose job is to keep our customers safe.'

She declined to comment on whether the breaches of anti money-laundering rules may turn out to be more widespread.

Natwest's first-quarter results were boosted by a release of 102million, which had originally been set aside last year to cover bad loans, as fewer customers were defaulting on their debt than expected.

In total, Natwest set aside 3.2billion in 2020 as it prepared for a slew of borrowers to be hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

But its 102million release for the first three months of the year was smaller than rivals including HSBC and Lloyds Bank, as Natwest refused to revise its growth forecasts for the economy until the summer.

Rose explained that currently Britain was still 'very early' into its coronavirus recovery, and that Natwest would reconsider its projections for the economy when it released its half-year results in July.

She added that the bank was waiting to see what would happen as more of the Government support schemes such as furlough started to taper off, and customers who had borrowed taxpayer-backed loans had to start paying interest.

Rose said: 'As the Government schemes taper off, you're judging whether the speed of the economic recovery has been enough to pull those business up that were struggling, or are you going to see the level of defaults coming up at the back end of the year?'

If Britain's bounce-back does proceed in line with the bank's optimistic projections, Natwest will be able to release 844million that it is holding to cover bad loans.

Even though Rose was cautious on the UK's recovery, she said there were promising signs that economic activity was beginning to pick up.

Households have been squirreling away money since the pandemic began, with little to spend it on  Natwest's deposits were up at 451billion by the end of March, after rising 62.5billion last year and another 11billion in the first quarter of this year.

But Rose, 52, said credit and debit card transactions were beginning to return to more normal levels, after months of lacklustre spending.

Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane has previously said the economy is like a 'coiled spring' waiting to rebound when households have the opportunity to get out and spend.

Natwest shares slipped 3.4 per cent, or 6.85p, to 196.65p.

The bank is still 59.8 per cent owned by the taxpayer following its bailout during the financial crisis.
School & Education, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases

By Chris Boyle Published: April 30 2021

Students wrote and illustrated haikus which they mailed to Legislator Birnbaum.

Nassau County Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum (D - Great Neck) recognized youngsters at Herricks School Districts Searingtown School on Wednesday, April 14 for their contributions to their recent Poetry Day observance.

Students in teacher Diane Corgans third-grade class were presented with Nassau County certificates commending them for writing and illustrating haikus which they mailed to Legislator Birnbaum after her March 3 video-chat visit to their class.

It was a pleasure to visit Diane Corgan and her students to personally thank them for their beautiful letters to me which included wonderful haikus, Legislator Birnbaum said. As the spring season continues to blossom, I hope they will keep drawing inspiration from the world around them for their future literary and artistic pursuits.
by Emanuele Scimia

Yesterday the US President said that the confrontation with China is the battle of the century. Chinese spokesman tells Washington to be more rational and abandon its Cold War mentality. For Chinese affairs expert Zhiqun Zhu, Beijing's rise will disrupt the international order.

Rome (AsiaNews)  The Chinese government is not seeking a confrontational relationship with the United States. Instead, it wants to cooperate peacefully on the basis of mutual respect. That said, China will firmly protect its sovereignty and interests. In responding to yesterdays speech by US President Joe Biden to US Congress, this morning Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin followed Chinas standard canons.

Speaking for the first time to a joint session of Congress, the US president said the US and China are vying to win the 21st century in a battle that is primarily technological and over the values the two countries express.

Hitting back at Biden, Wang emphasized that democracy is the common value of all mankind, and not a 'patented product' of one single country.

By contrast, the US leader noted that the US-China confrontation is a broader clash between democracy and autocracy. Washington and its allies accuse Beijing of distorting democratic practices to justify its police state.

According to Wang, it is natural for the two sides to have competition in some fields, but we should advocate fair competition. In fact, China has accused the United States of violating international rules, both in trade and military spheres.

Wang urges the Biden administration to look at Chinese development from a more rational perspective and abandon its Cold War mentality.

Like his predecessor Donald Trump, Biden has taken a tough approach to relations with China, especially over human rights violations in Xinjiang, the repression of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong and Taiwans defense.

Yesterday, China's Defense Ministry reported that since Biden took office, the US has increased its military activity in areas China claims as its own  the Taiwan Strait and the China seas. Ostensibly, activity by US Navy ships is up by 20 per cent and US planes by 40 per cent.

President Biden is apparently using competition from China as an impetus for the United States to become stronger and more competitive and to regain its leadership role in world affairs, said Zhiqun Zhu, a professor of political science and international relations at Bucknell University in the United States.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Prof Zhu notes that China insists that with its rise it is not trying to replace the United States as the world's leading country, but to modernise the country and make it rich and powerful.

The problem, Zhu explains, is that regardless of what China says, the United States as the dominant power will always be wary of a challenger and will do everything possible to maintain its global supremacy.

What is more, in his view, no matter what China's real intentions are, its growing power will disrupt and test the current world political and economic order. Thus, competition and conflict between the two major powers are inevitable unless they can figure out how to co-exist peacefully.
Yves here. Englehardt describes how US war-making has been a continuing exercise starting with World War II. Its important to recognize that before that, US military budgets were modest both in national and global terms. But with manufacturing less specialized, the US was able to turn a considerable amount of its productive capacity to armaments in fairly short order.

A second point is as someone who was in Manhattan on 9/11, I did not experience the attacks as war. I saw them as very impressive terrorism. However, I was appalled at how quickly individuals in positions of authority pushed sentiment in that direction. The attack was on a Tuesday (I had a blood draw and voted before I even realized Something Bad had happened). I was appalled to see the saber-rattling in Bushs speech at the National Cathedral on Friday. On Sunday, I decided to go to the Unitarian Church around the corner. I was shocked to hear more martial-speak. And because the church was packed, I had to sit in the front on the floor, which meant I couldnt duck out.

By Tom Engelhardt. Originally published at TomDispatch

Heres the strange thing in an ever-stranger world: I was born in July 1944 in the midst of a devastating world war. That war ended in August 1945 with the atomic obliteration of two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, by the most devastating bombs in history up to that moment, given the sweet code names Little Boy and Fat Man.

I was the littlest of boys at the time. More than three-quarters of a century has passed since, on September 2, 1945, Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and General Yoshijiro Umezu signed the Instrument of Surrender on the battleship U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay, officially ending World War II. That was V-J (for Victory over Japan) Day, but in a sense for me, my whole generation, and this country, war never really ended.

The United States has been at war, or at least in armed conflicts of various sorts, often in distant lands, for more or less my entire life. Yes, for some of those years, that war was cold (which often meant that such carnage, regularly sponsored by the CIA, happened largely off-screen and out of sight), but war as a way of life never really ended, not to this very moment.

In fact, as the decades went by, it would become the infrastructure in which Americans increasingly invested their tax dollars via aircraft carriers, trillion-dollar jet fighters, drones armed with Hellfire missiles, and the creation and maintenance of hundreds of military garrisons around the globe, rather than roads, bridges, or rail lines (no less the high-speed version of the same) here at home. During those same years, the Pentagon budget would grab an ever-larger percentage of federal discretionary spending and the full-scale annual investment in what has come to be known as the national security state would rise to a staggering $1.2 trillion or more.

In a sense, future V-J Days became inconceivable. There were no longer moments, even as wars ended, when some version of peace might descend and Americas vast military contingents could, as at the end of World War II, be significantly demobilized. The closest equivalent was undoubtedly the moment when the Soviet Union imploded in 1991, the Cold War officially ended, and the Washington establishment declared itself globally triumphant. But of course, the promised peace dividend would never be paid out as the first Gulf War with Iraq occurred that very year and the serious downsizing of the U.S. military (and the CIA) never happened.

Never-Ending War

Consider it typical that, when President Biden recently announced the official ending of the nearly 20-year-old American conflict in Afghanistan with the withdrawal of the last U.S. troops from that country by 9/11/21, it would functionally be paired with the news that the Pentagon budget was about to rise yet again from its record heights in the Trump years. Only in America, as retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and historian William Astore wrote recently, do wars end and war budgets go up.

Of course, even the ending of that never-ending Afghan War may prove exaggerated. In fact, lets consider Afghanistan apart from the rest of this countrys war-making history for a moment. After all, if I had told you in 1978 that, of the 42 years to follow, the U.S. would be involved in war in a single country for 30 of them and asked you to identify it, I can guarantee that Afghanistan wouldnt have been your pick. And yet so its been. From 1979 to 1989, there was the CIA-backed Islamist extremist war against the Soviet army there (to the tune of billions and billions of dollars). And yet the obvious lesson the Russians learned from that adventure, as their military limped home in defeat and the Soviet Union imploded not long after  that Afghanistan is indeed the graveyard of empires  clearly had no impact in Washington.

Or how do you explain the 19-plus years of warfare there that followed the 9/11 attacks, themselves committed by a small Islamist outfit, al-Qaeda, born as an American ally in that first Afghan War? Only recently, the invaluable Costs of War Project estimated that Americas second Afghan War has cost this country almost $2.3 trillion (not including the price of lifetime care for its vets) and has left at least 241,000 people dead, including 2,442 American service members. In 1978, after the disaster of the Vietnam War, had I assured you that such a never-ending failure of a conflict was in our future, you would undoubtedly have laughed in my face.

And yet, three decades later, the U.S. military high command still seems not faintly to have grasped the lesson that we taught the Russians and then experienced ourselves. As a result, according to recent reports, they have uniformly opposed President Bidens decision to withdraw all American troops from that country by the 20th anniversary of 9/11. In fact, its not even clear that, by September 11, 2021, if the presidents proposal goes according to plan, that war will have truly ended. After all, the same military commanders and intelligence chiefs seem intent on organizing long-distance versions of that conflict or, as the New York Times put it, are determined to fight from afar there. They are evidently even considering establishing new bases in neighboring lands to do so.

Americas forever wars  once known as the Global War on Terror and, when the administration of George W. Bush launched it, proudly aimed at 60 countries  do seem to be slowly winding down. Unfortunately, other kinds of potential wars, especially new cold wars with China and Russia (involving new kinds of high-tech weaponry) only seem to be gearing up.

War in Our Time

In these years, one key to so much of this is the fact that, as the Vietnam War began winding down in 1973, the draft was ended and war itself became a voluntary activity for Americans. In other words, it became ever easier not only to not protest American war-making, but to pay no attention to it or to the changing military that went with it. And that military was indeed altering and growing in remarkable ways.

In the years that followed, for instance, the elite Green Berets of the Vietnam era would be incorporated into an ever more expansive set of Special Operations forces, up to 70,000 of them (larger, that is, than the armed forces of many countries). Those special operators would functionally become a second, more secretive American military embedded inside the larger force and largely freed from citizen oversight of any sort. In 2020, as Nick Turse reported, they would be stationed in a staggering 154 countries around the planet, often involved in semi-secret conflicts in the shadows that Americans would pay remarkably little attention to.

Since the Vietnam War, which roiled the politics of this nation and was protested in the streets of this country by an antiwar movement that came to include significant numbers of active-duty soldiers and veterans, war has played a remarkably recessive role in American life. Yes, there have been the endless thank-yous offered by citizens and corporations to the troops. But thats where the attentiveness stops, while both political parties, year after endless year, remain remarkably supportive of a growing Pentagon budget and the industrial (that is, weapons-making) part of the military-industrial complex. War, American-style, may be forever, but  despite, for instance, the militarization of this countrys police and the way in which those wars came home to the Capitol last January 6th  it remains a remarkably distant reality for most Americans.

One explanation: though the U.S. has, as Ive said, been functionally at war since 1941, there were just two times when this country felt war directly  on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and on September 11, 2001, when 19 mostly Saudi hijackers in commercial jets struck New Yorks World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

And yet, in another sense, war has been and remains us. Lets just consider some of that war-making for a moment. If youre of a certain age, you can certainly call to mind the big wars: Korea (1950-1953), Vietnam (1954-1975)  and dont forget the brutal bloodlettings in neighboring Laos and Cambodia as well  that first Gulf War of 1991, and the disastrous second one, the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Then, of course, there was that Global War on Terror that began soon after September 11, 2001, with the invasion of Afghanistan, only to spread to much of the rest of the Greater Middle East, and to significant parts of Africa. In March, for instance, the first 12 American special-ops trainers arrived in embattled Mozambique, just one more small extension of an already widespread American anti-Islamist terror role (now failing) across much of that continent.

And then, of course, there were the smaller conflicts (though not necessarily so to the people in the countries involved) that weve now generally forgotten about, the ones that I had to search my fading brain to recall. I mean, who today thinks much about President John F. Kennedys April 1961 CIA disaster at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba; or President Lyndon Johnsons sending of 22,000 U.S. troops to the Dominican Republic in 1965 to restore order; or President Ronald Reagans version of aggressive self-defense by U.S. Marines sent to Lebanon who, in October 1983, were attacked in their barracks by a suicide bomber, killing 241 of them; or the anti-Cuban invasion of the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada that same month in which 19 Americans were killed and 116 wounded?

And then, define and categorize them as you will, there were the CIAs endless militarized attempts (sometimes with the help of the U.S. military) to intervene in the affairs of other countries, ranging from taking the nationalist side against Mao Zedongs communist forces in China from 1945 to 1949 to stoking a small ongoing conflict in Tibet in the 1950s and early 1960s, and overthrowing the governments of Guatemala and Iran, among other places. There were an estimated 72 such interventions from 1947 to 1989, many warlike in nature. There were, for instance, the proxy conflicts in Central America, first in Nicaragua against the Sandinistas and then in El Salvador, bloody events even if few U.S. soldiers or CIA agents died in them. No, these were hardly wars, as traditionally defined, not all of them, though they did sometimes involve military coups and the like, but they were generally carnage-producing in the countries they were in. And that only begins to suggest the range of this countrys militarized interventions in the post-1945 era, as journalist William Blums A Brief History of Interventions makes all too clear.

Whenever you look for the equivalent of a warless American moment, some reality trips you up. For instance, perhaps you had in mind the brief period between when the Red Army limped home in defeat from Afghanistan in 1989 and the implosion of the Soviet Union in 1991, that moment when Washington politicians, initially shocked that the Cold War had ended so unexpectedly, declared themselves triumphant on Planet Earth. That brief period might almost have passed for peace, American-style, if the U.S. military under President George H. W. Bush hadnt, in fact, invaded Panama (Operation Just Cause) as 1989 ended to get rid of its autocratic leader Manuel Noriega (a former CIA asset, by the way). Up to 3,000 Panamanians (including many civilians) died along with 23 American troops in that episode.

And then, of course, in January 1991 the First Gulf War began. It would result in perhaps 8,000 to 10,000 Iraqi deaths and only a few hundred deaths among the U.S.-led coalition of forces. Air strikes against Iraq would follow in the years to come. And lets not forget that even Europe wasnt exempt since, in 1999, during the presidency of Bill Clinton, the U.S. Air Force launched a destructive 10-week bombing campaign against the Serbs in the former Yugoslavia.

And all of this remains a distinctly incomplete list, especially in this century when something like 200,000 U.S. troops have regularly been stationed abroad and U.S. Special Operations forces have deployed to staggering numbers of countries, while American drones regularly attacked terrorists in nation after nation and American presidents quite literally became assassins-in-chief. To this day, what scholar and former CIA consultant Chalmers Johnson called an American empire of bases  a historically unprecedented 800 or more of them  across much of the planet remains untouched and, at any moment, there could be more to come from the country whose military budget at least equals those of the next 10 (yes, thats 10!) countries combined, including China and Russia.

A Timeline of Carnage

The last three-quarters of this somewhat truncated post-World War II American Century have, in effect, been a timeline of carnage, though few in this country would notice or acknowledge that. After all, since 1945, Americans have only once been at war at home, when almost 3,000 civilians died in an attack meant to provoke  well, something like the war on terror that also become a war of terror and a spreader of terror movements in our world.

As journalist William Arkin recently argued, the U.S. has created a permanent war state meant to facilitate endless war. As he writes, at this very moment, our nation is killing or bombing in perhaps 10 different countries, possibly more, and theres nothing remarkably out of the ordinary about that in our recent past.

The question that Americans seldom even think to ask is this: What if the U.S. were to begin to dismantle its empire of bases, repurpose so many of those militarized taxpayer dollars to our domestic needs, abandon this countrys focus on permanent war, and forsake the Pentagon as our holy church? What if, even briefly, the wars, conflicts, plots, killings, drone assassinations, all of it stopped?

What would our world actually be like if you simply declared peace and came home?
NEW DELHI :US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Indian foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday to reaffirm the strength of the US-India partnership in the face of the covid-19 pandemic," the US State Department said in a readout.

Expressing his appreciation for Indian assistance in Americas time of need, Secretary Blinken reviewed comprehensive ongoing US government efforts in support of the Indian governments covid-19 response operations," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

Blinken also noted the outpouring of support from US industries, non-governmental institutions, and private citizens for covid-19 relief efforts in India."

The Secretary offered condolences and noted our concern for those who have lost friends and loved ones during this difficult period. Secretary Blinken and Minister Jaishankar agreed to remain in close contact," it said.

The call comes as two US military aircraft ferried assistance in the form of elements to manufacture vaccines, personal protective equipment, rapid diagnostic kits and tranches of anti-viral remdesivir to India. A third military aircraft is expected to fly in more assistance on Monday.

The US is among 40 countries that have offered India assistance in its battle against a vicious second wave of infections that is causing an unprecedented surge in daily infections with the daily death tolls also mounting.

Hospitals have complained of lack of oxygen supplies to treat the critically ill as well as a shortage of drugs like remdesivir, favipiravir and tocilizumab.India is sourcing cryogenic oxygen containers and others for the transport of oxygen to centres that need it most. Simultaneously, it is also seeking oxygen concentrators and other related equipment to meet the requirements of patients.

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The worsening coronavirus pandemic in Thailand has forced performers of Chinese opera, an artistic tradition here dating to the late 1700s, to adapt to new protocols.

After a five-month moratorium, the operas have returned under strict protocols.

We have to adapt so that the show can go on. This is the only profession that I have, said an actor who worried that Thailands third outbreak of COVID-19 could have a devastating impact on the opera.

Called Ngiew, the operas feature a mixture of singing, dancing and acrobatics to chronicle a piece of Chinese history. Immigrants brought Ngiew to Thailand in the late 18th century.

The operas have become a part of important celebrations and are staged in Chinese temples or in ethnic Chinese communities. As the popularity has declined and audiences have aged, most troupes perform only at temple festivals.

Over the years, the number of Chinese opera troupes in Thailand have dwindled to about 10.

As of this week, the shows were still going on despite a third wave of coronavirus infections, where the number of daily cases has soared in recent days.

When performing, I have to wear a face shield all the time. It is very hot, Im constantly sweating and the paint I apply to my face comes off. But what can I do? If we dont do this, they wont let us play, the actor told BenarNews.


Successful Completion of Placement

Ballarat, April 30, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Further to its ASX announcement of 21 April 2021, White Rock ( ASX:WRM ) ( OTCMKTS:WRMCF ) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the placement of fully paid ordinary shares (Shares) to various institutional and sophisticated investors which raised approximately $8.578 million (before costs) (Placement).A total of 16,820,664 Shares have been issued under the Placement at an issue price of $0.51 (51 cents) per Share. The Shares issued under the Placement will rank equally with existing shares.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.White Rock's MD & CEO Matt Gill said: "With this injection of funds, we are now in the wonderful position of being fully funded for the entire 2021 season, allowing us to execute our aggressive three drill rig exploration program. The three drill rigs will be used to expand our significant high-grade silver-zinc VMS deposit at Dry Creek, test our large IRGS gold anomaly at Last Chance and drill test recently identified VMS targets never before drilled."Our exploration program kicks off in earnest this week when we will be flying airborne geophysics."This can only be described as an exciting time for White Rock and its Shareholders."Viriathus Capital Pty Ltd (Viriathus) and Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd (Sanlam) are acting as Joint Lead Managers to the Placement. For further details about the Placement refer to White Rock's ASX announcement of 21 April 2021.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.
Ahmedabad, April 30 : Left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar had a dream first match in this season's Indian Premier League (IPL) as he picked up the wickets of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers to help Punjab Kings (PBKS) romp to a 34-run win against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday night.

After putting up a challenging total of 179/5, PBKS managed to restrict RCB to 145/8 in their 20 overs.

Brar, who had played only three IPL matches before Friday, scalped 3/19 in his four overs to run through the power-packed RCB middle-order.

Before that, Australian pacer Riley Meredith had dealt the first blow to RCB by sending opener Devdutt Padikkal's off-stump flying.

Kohli (35) and Rajat Patidar (31) then took their time and added 43 for the second wicket to set the platform for Maxwell and de Villiers. However, Brar spoiled all the plans.

He first removed Kohli, who looked to charge down the wicket but missed the line as the ball kept low. Then the tweaker from Moga spun one to beat Maxwell and hit the top of his off-stump. In the next over, he had de Villiers caught at cover.

RCB were suddeenly reduced to 69/4, needing 111 runs off 47 balls, which proved too much for the lower order batsmen.

Earlier, skipper K.L. Rahul's unbeaten 91 (57 balls, 7x4, 5x6) powered PBKS to 179/5.

At one stage, PBKS looked like struggling to put up a competitive total, but Rahul's onslaught helped the team amass 40 runs in the last two overs of Harshal Patel which saw them post a challenging target.

The Punjab franchise had lost opener Prabhsimran Singh (7) early before Chris Gayle (46 off 24 balls) and Rahul took charge. Gayle's knock comprised six fours and two sixes and took the team's score to 99 in the 11th over. After Gayle's dismissal, PBKS lost three quick wickets which set them back and threatened to restrict the team to under 150.

However, Rahul and Brar (25 not out off 17 deliveries) then put up an unbeaten stand of 61 runs for the sixth wicket that took PBKS to their eventual score. Brar hit two sixes off Patel.

Brief scores: Punjab Kings 179/5 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 91 not out, C Gayle 46, K Jamieson 2/32, D Sams 1/24) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore 145/8 in 20 overs (V Kohli 35, H Patel 31, R Patidar 31, H Brar 3/19, R Bishnoi 2/17).

Latest updates on IPL 2021
Stephanie Lak, 36, has allegedly admitted to sending and receiving about 100 files of child sexual abuse materials and discussing child sex abuse online

A Boston-area nanny has allegedly admitted to sending and receiving about 100 files of child sexual abuse material and discussing child abuse with others online.

Stephanie Lak, 36, of Roxbury, Massachusetts, was arrested on Tuesday, just over a week after authorities raided her home and seized a laptop and three smartphones.

She later confessed to using the Kik messaging application and the username, SallieDallie69, associated with a nationwide investigation into child pornography, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office reports.

Lak is now being charged with possession of child pornography and distribution of material of a child in a sex act.

'The alleged perpetrator in this case is a woman,' Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said in a statement.

'We as a society need to unlearn many of our ingrained assumptions regarding who commits, and who can be a victim of, sexual assault and rape.'

According to court documents, Lak began taking lewd photos and video of children on Christmas Eve 2020. The documents detail the disturbing videos showing toddlers and young children being sexually abused that Lak allegedly sent by messaging app, CBS Boston reports.

In one virtual conversation, Rollins' office said, Lak allegedly encouraged a caregiver from Minnesota to harm children in his care, and offered suggestions for how he could do so.

'The defendant is having these conversations with someone who is actively sexually abusing his children and encouraging him to do that, and ways that he should do that,' a prosecutor said at Lak's arraignment on Wednesday, noting that Lak may have more victims who have not yet come forward.

'It's clear she has access to children,' the prosecutor said. 'She has a long history of being a nanny.'

Lak had been working as a babysitter and nanny for several years

She remained active on sittercity.com, a website where she was able to find employment as a caregiver. The site said they did a background check on Lak and found no criminal activity

The FBI is now asking for any parents or guardians who may have used Lak as a nanny or babysitter email LakInvestigation@FBI.gov

Lak remained active on the website sittercity.com, an online marketplace for nannies and sitters, until last month, Rollins said, using the site to find work as a local nanny and babysitter over the past few years.

The company told CBS Boston that it did a background check on Lak when she joined the site and 'no criminal information was ever discovered.'

'There is no bigger betrayal than people tasked with teaching, protecting or caring for children sexually exploiting them and violating them,' Rollins said in a statement.

'And to be very clear, possessing and disseminating child pornography hurts children,' she said. 'Do not be fooled. Each still image or video chronicles an act of violence, sexual assault and/or rape. And when those images or videos are shared with other pedophiles online, that child is abused and victimized in perpetuity.'

The alleged victims were 5- and 3-year-old girls who have not been named to protect their identities, according to WCVB.

Lak's actions were discovered in March, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children contacted the Boston Police Department, reporting that eight separate images of child sexual abuse were being trafficked over an IP address in Roxbury.

The Center had received a CyberTip from Kik that a user had uploaded and shared files believed to be child sexual abuse material.

FBI agents in Minneapolis were also investigating the caregiver there, when they recovered a chart linking back to Lak.

The police and the FBI then joined forces for the April 15 raid on Lak's home, shocking some neighbors, one of whom told CBS it was 'very alarming, especially since we have children of all ages ... living on the property.'

That same man also NBC Boston, 'I would never expect to see her doing anything of being accused of such a horrific act.'

Lak's actions were discovered in March when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children contacted the Boston Police Department, reporting that eight separate images of child sexual abuse were being trafficked over an IP address in Roxbury.

Police traced the IP address back to Lak's home, and recovered a computer and three phones. She was arrested on Tuesday, and is now out on bail

Lak isn't permitted to be near children or work in childcare as conditions of her bail package

Lak was active in the Boston arts scene, organizing an annual three to four-day festival of 'improvisational sound, movement and video' known as X-Fest.

The event has since been taken over by her co-organizer who identified themselves as Dei Xhrist on the event's Facebook page.

Xhrist wrote that 'as a member of the Lowell/Boston arts scene,' Lak 'played a significant role in keeping X-Fest going.'

'I aided them with on-site organization and took over the event entirely after she disappeared during 2019's site negotiations,' Xhrist wrote in a post yesterday. 'I know them well enough to understand that they have significant psychological problems, but this is unprecedented and unforgivable.'

The FBI is now asking asking any parents or guardians who may have been in contact with Lak to email LakInvestigation@FBI.gov and provide a name and the best contact information to get in touch with the investigative team.

All identities will be kept confidential, Rollins' office said, and victims may be eligible for 'certain services and rights under state and/or federal law.'

Lak is now out on a $5,000 bail, which includes a series of conditions, including she stay away from children under 18 and have no employment involving childcare.

She is due back in court on May 25.
This image captured by a real-time infrared camera shows a wild giant panda walking in the forest at the Wolong area of the Giant Panda National Park in Wolong, Sichuan Province. (Photo provided to China News Service by the Giant Panda National Park)

It is the first time in China to combine ultrashort wave transmission technology with panda face recognition in wildlife monitoring and wireless transmission.

This image captured by a real-time infrared camera shows a wild giant panda walking in the forest at the Wolong area of the Giant Panda National Park in Wolong, Sichuan Province. (Photo provided to China News Service by the Giant Panda National Park)

[ Editor: WPY ]
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid Review by Larry Nutson +VIDEO

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Performance plus efficiency

By Larry Nutson

Executive Editor and Bureau Chief

Chicago Bureau

The Auto Channel

Back in the Spring in this year of the pandemic I drove Toyotas 2020 RAV4. In closing out my review I wrote a bit more excitement is coming in the form of the 302-horspeower Toyota RAV4 Prime, a 2021 model that will arrive in summer 2020. Itll be the most powerful and quickest RAV4 ever while also being the most fuel-efficient.

Well, its here and I just drove it.

Toyota says the RAV4 Prime can do 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and says its the quickest four-door model in the Toyota lineup.

Its the first-ever RAV4 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Specific tuning of the regular RAV4 Hybrids 177hp 2.5L 4-cylinder paired with more-powerful motor-generators provides a total system output of 302hp. With a newly developed high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery and a booster converter, the 2021 RAV4 Prime PHEV yields an 83hp jump in total system output over the RAV4 Hybrid and has the most horsepower in its segment.

An electronically controlled CVT drives the front wheels and a separate rear-mounted electric motor powers the rear wheels for all-wheel drive performance when needed.

Theres an estimated 42 miles of pure-electric driving range. The EPA rating is an estimated 94 MPGe. EPA fuel economy ratings are 40mpg city and 36mpg highway. Center console mounted drive mode controls allow for gas engine only operation to save battery charge, for example for in-city use.

The 5-seat RAV4 Prime is plenty roomy with 33.4cuft behind the rear seat and 63.1cuft with the rear seat folded. The battery is mounted under the floor so that cargo space is not compromised. Theres 8.1in of ground clearance for deep snow or occasional off-road driving. A Trail mode can be engaged making it possible to get unstuck by braking a spinning wheel and sending torque to the grounded wheel.

Two well-equipped trims are offered: the sporty SE priced at $38,100 and the sportier XSE priced at $41,425, plus $1,120 for shipping and handling. Of note, RAV4 Prime customers also may qualify for an $7,500 federal tax credit as well as various state incentives. Look at: https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/state

I drove the XSE trim equipped with the Weather with Audio and Premium Package which added $5,760.

The RAV4 Prime is equipped for the performance driver. With a sport-tuned suspension plus the all-wheel drive (AWD) system driving dynamics are very well balanced. The AWD helps to reduce understeer in corners. Theres a decent level of fun in this SUV.

The 302hp gives you plenty of go-power with AWD helping to launch cleanly. Selectable drive modes provide for normal, economy and sport driving. Theres a lot of performance packed into this hybrid.

Both trims are nicely equipped. If you want leather seating the XSE is the only choice. Plus, it has the unique two-tone paint scheme with the black roof. Also, the optional navigation can only be had on the XSE. However, both trims have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability to use your mobile phone mapping.

Toyotas Safety Sense 2.0 suite of advanced driver-assist safety (ADAS) equipment is standard. The XSE Premium Package adds rear cross-traffic braking and front and rear parking assist with automated braking.

A number of premium features are available including head-up display, JBL premium audio, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, digital rearview mirror, kick-type hands-free power rear hatch, and a 360-degree view camera.

Whats nice about the RAV4 Prime is both trims provide the same level of performance and then its left to the customer to add features as they wish.

More information and details on the RAV4 Prime PHEV can be found at www.toyota.com.

I charged the RAV4 Prime's battery at a free public charging station near my home adding about 26 miles of range in about 2 hours. The battery can be fully charged in about 12 hours by plugging the charging cable into a standard household outlet. (120V 12A) When using a public charging station (240V), RAV4 Prime can be fully charged in as little as 4 hours and 30 minutes (16A), or 2 hours and 30 minutes with the 6.6 kW onboard charger on Prime XSE (32A).

In around-town stop and go driving, regenerative braking works well to restore charge. City-type driving brings out the strength of a hybrid and delivers the lowest overall fuel consumption due to a high percentage of electric driving.

The ideal set-up is to have your own 240v charger at home so the battery can conveniently be charged. One of the hurdles in electrified vehicle ownership impacts those who live in multi-unit dwellings and the need to provide charging ability in large garage complexes or for those who park on the street. The planners are working on solutions.

 2020 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
More than 90 immigrants  many hungry and at least five testing positive for COVID-19  were found Friday crammed inside a southwest Houston house in what police said appears to be a human smuggling operation.

SWAT team members discovered the immigrants huddled together and mattresses lining the walls of the two-story home in the 12200 block of Chessington Drive. The people in the residence were in deplorable conditions, could barely stand and needed medical attention, said Patricia Cantu, assistant chief of the Houston Police Department.

Many told detectives they hadnt eaten in days, had to ask permission to use the restroom and some were dehydrated, Cantu said.

This is very unnecessary and very cruel, she said. It is heartbreaking to see people treated that way. They are human beings, and regardless of citizenship, they deserve to  be treated respectfully.''

The discovery came after police executed a search warrant as part of a reported kidnapping case, said HPD assistant chief Daryn Edwards.

It was a big surprise when we got in the house and saw what we saw, Edwards said.

No one was seriously injured, but several reported experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, including fever and loss of smell. One man was taken from the property on a stretcher.

The Houston Health Department planned to conduct rapid coronavirus testing, and anticipated transporting victims elsewhere pending the results, Edwards said. By Friday evening, five people had tested positive for COVID-19, Cantu said, but the total number of those infected was not known.

We consider this a health and safety issue, said Cantu of the potential spread of the virus. She did not disclose where the people were being transported.

The group included five women and 85 men, the youngest of whom is in their early 20s, Edwards said. Some captives told police they were from Central America.

Federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations and HPD are working to determine who is responsible for the smuggling operation. Edwards said authorities do not believe the victims were being trafficked.

Its really strange that so many people can be inside a house, and we didnt notice. We really need to be more vigilant, said Kai Lynch, who resides a few blocks from the house.

Neighbor Chandra Price, who takes her 8-year-old son on a bike ride past the house daily, said that the operation surprised everyone in the quiet neighborhood.

This is a middle-class neighborhood with a lot of retired people. You wouldnt think that something like this could happen here, but who knows, maybe thats why whoever was doing this chose this because nobody would suspect it, she said.

Another neighbor, Flor Anderson, said a family member of an immigrant inside the house called the police because they were being extorted to free their loved one.

Just before 5 p.m., neighbor Martha Landreneau, and other residents, brought food and water for the immigrants. Landreneau dropped off a care package that included T-shirts, pants, tortillas, soup and bottled water. She said she did that at the request of police officers at the scene.

I am bringing all I could find in my house to help these people, she said. This is so sad.

Cantu said police officers also bought pizza and water with their own money for those in the house.

In January, police investigated a separate possible human smuggling operation involving two dozen people held captive in roughly the same area of southwest Houston.

Late last year, also in a nearby neighborhood, police discovered more than two dozen people inside a residence after a man escaped the home in his underwear. Federal officials charged a Honduran man in that case.
JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. -- Four Singing River Health System hospitals are the only Mississippi hospitals south of Jackson to earn an A rating for patient safety.

The four facilities -- Singing River Hospital, Ocean Springs Hospital, Ochsner Medical Center - Hancock, and Singing River Gulfport Hospital all received top ratings for patient safety in the spring Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, released Thursday.

All four facilities are operated through a partnership between SRHS and Ochsner Health. The A grade signifies each of the hospitals achievement in protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

Under the guidance of a National Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Group tracks and analyzes patient safety data of more than 2,700 U.S. hospitals, assigning each hospital a letter grade A through F focused on how well the hospital protects patients over a six-month period.

SRHS Chief Executive Officer Lee Bond expressed pride in the dedicated people who staff the four hospitals, noting that the A rating comes despite a year-long battle with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Singing River achieved straight As during a year when we faced the pandemic fearlessly, when our financial ability to make ends meet was highly stressed due to CoViD, Bond said in an email to employees and community leaders, a time when only the strongest stuck it out, and when the ones who cared the most about our local community worked extremely hard to ensure quality was maintained, infections were avoided, and service was still focused.

These awards speak to the heart and soul of our people who carry out our Mission to Improve Health and Save Lives every day, and a true testament to our partnership with Ochsner and how together we will provide greater access to safe, high-quality care to the people of South Mississippi and surrounding areas.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only rating program based exclusively on hospitals prevention of medical errors and other harms to patients in their care, becoming the gold standard measure of patient safety, cited in MSNBC, The New York Times, and AARP The Magazine.

An A safety grade is an elite designation that your community should be proud of, said Leapfrog president/CEO Leah Binder. The past year has been extraordinarily difficult for hospitals but Singing River, in partnership with Ochsner Health, shows us it is possible to keep a laser focus on patients and their safety, no matter what it takes.

The Hospital Safety Grade methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and results are free to the public. Full results can be viewed at hospitalsafetygrade.org.

Continuing to receive the highest honor for patient safety  a Leapfrog A  at all our hospitals is an incredible tribute to our hard-working, dedicated team members who make it possible, said Dr. Randy Roth, Singing Rivers Chief Medical Officer. It is especially gratifying to receive this recognition right before Nurses Day and Hospital Week - when we recognize the best in healthcare our community has to offer.

Singing River and Ochsner share a truly unique culture of caring communication, commitment to quality, service, and safety - this award is a reflection of that culture.

This rating is reflective of the hard work and relentless dedication of our team members to our core value of Quality is in our DNA, Bond added. It is a measurable reflection of their commitment to excellence.

These awards speak to the heart and soul of our people who carry out our mission to improve health and save lives every day, and a true testament to our partnership with Ochsner and how together we will provide greater access to safe, high-quality care to the people of South Mississippi and surrounding areas.
YEREVAN, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS. The delegation led by Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia, Lieutenant General Artak Davtyan met with the delegation led by Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia/First Deputy Defense Minister, General of the Army Valery Gerasimov on April 29 in Moscow, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Defense Ministry of Armenia.

Issues of strategic partnership were discussed during the meeting.
International leisure travel from England resumed on 17 May under a traffic light system in which countries are classified as green, amber or red, according to the perceived risk of travellers importing new cases of Covid-19 into the UK.

Green countries carry the lightest restrictions: no quarantine, but passengers will need to take one pre-departure and one post-arrival test when travelling back to the UK. Arrivals from red list countries must enter hotel quarantine for 11 nights at their own expense, while amber list arrivals must self-isolate at home for 10 days and take three tests (one pre-departure, two post-arrival).

The government is currently advising that Britons only head to green list countries on holiday.

There are just 12 destinations on the green list, and 43 on the red list; the rest of the world, including most popular summer holiday destinations, is amber.

Follow live: Green list for travel could be reviewed today

However, the same colour designation might not apply to entire countries in the next review. The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, has said that an islands approach, similar to 2020, will be adopted this summer.

He told the BBC's Today programme: Ive always said that of course its desirable where an aircraft can fly direct to an island, for example, and that island is therefore accessible in that you dont need to go via the mainland, that you look at that differently. Thats what we did last year as well.

And the aviation minister, Robert Courts, recently said British tourists could be given the go ahead to visit islands through the traffic light system.

Independent MP Margaret Ferrier asked transport ministers in a written question whether the traffic light system would include an island policy to reopen routes to relatively low-risk regions of nations as was implemented in summer 2020.

Mr Courtss response, first reported by The Telegraph, stated: The government will take an island approach for border measures where possible.

Changes to the traffic light country system will be reviewed and implemented every three weeks, unless concerning evidence means we need to act faster to protect public health.

So which holiday islands could be green?

What happened in 2020?

A number of countries in Europe were given travel corridor status in July last year, which meant travellers didnt require quarantine or testing on arrival back into the UK.

In September, the approach was modified so that islands that had a lower rate of infection than their related mainland countries could be separately classified as travel corridors.

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.

Which countries are already on the green list?

The green list is currently comprised of just 12 destinations: Ascension Island, Australia, Brunei, the Falkland Islands, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Iceland, Israel, New Zealand, Portugal (including Madeira but not the Azores), Tristan da Cunha, St Helena, Singapore, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

The green list is not reciprocal: many of the locations are closed to British travellers, and others will accept only tourists who have been fully vaccinated. Portugal and Gibraltar are the most obvious holiday candidates letting in Brits with few requirements other than testing; Iceland is only letting in British tourists who can prove they are fully vaccinated.

The Department for Transport has not yet taken an islands approach, but this could be implemented in the next review of the lists, due to take place on 3 June.

Which islands could be on the green list in the next review?

One clue for island additions could be found on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice pages. The FCDO has in place a blanket advisory against all non-essential travel, which it has exempted a number of destinations from. Obviously, most of the green list nations are exempt; but there are also some amber list exemptions, particularly islands that are faring better than their mainland counterparts.

Among these are Spains Canary Islands and the Greek islands of Rhodes, Kos, Zante, Corfu and Crete. The FCDO says it has lifted its advisory based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks, which could mean these destinations meet the criteria to move from amber to green in June.

According to the Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, 14-day and seven-day new case rates per 100,000 inhabitants stand at 80.29 and 40.76 respectively.

Meanwhile, the Balearic Islands, which include the popular islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, have posted even lower infection rates of 36 and 18.

Vaccination is also a factor  and Greece is taking its own islands approach when it comes to its vaccine rollout. Islands are being prioritised and done in order of size, smallest to largest, so that entire islands will be vaccinated.

The plan to vaccinate inhabitants of more than 80 islands by 25 June was revealed by the country's prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, building on an existing scheme implemented in April to vaccinate those living on islands with under 10,000 residents.

We are giving our islands priority... by opening up vaccination of their entire adult population earlier than the rest of Greece, said Mitsotakis. My message is clear. We are open again.

What about other European islands?

The Italian government previously announced a plan to create Covid-free islands. Authorities plan to vaccinate all residents on the holiday islands in order to tempt tourists back.

The Italian plan prioritises residents of islands  including Sicily, Capri and Elba in Tuscany  to get vaccinated in order to help boost tourism.

The mayor of Capri, Marion Lembo, is also hoping that this could enable a Covid-free island this summer.

However, at present, new case rates on these islands dont look low enough to grant them separate green status and they are likely to remain amber, along with the rest of Italy.

And how about the Caribbean?

Many Caribbean islands have very low levels of infection, thanks to rigorous testing and quarantine requirements, and several are expected to make the green list in the next update.

The contenders are thought to include Grenada, the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Turks and Caicos and Anguilla.

And even further afield?

The Seychelles had a well-publicised reopening to tourists, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, in mid-March.

Meanwhile, the Maldives reopened its borders in July 2020 and does not require tourists to quarantine - merely to submit a negative Covid PCR test result issued no more than 96 hours prior to departure. It has also announced plans to offer tourists the opportunity to get vaccinated on arrival as part of its drive to lure back holidaymakers.

However, although the Maldives vaccine rollout is happening at speed, case rates in both island nations are nowhere near low enough to suggest they would be strong candidates to go green.
Papercast Wins Queen's Awards for Enterprise It is an immense honour to have won this most prestigious award which recognises the global nature of our business. We are proud to have developed a product with international appeal, and have experienced a really strong response to the sustainable, superior design of our products.

Papercast, the worlds leading provider of e-paper information display systems, is one of 205 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise.

Announced today (Thursday 29 April), Papercast has been recognised for its excellence in International Trade for Outstanding Short Term Growth in overseas sales over the last three years.

Headquartered in London, Papercast was set up in March 2017 to design, develop, manufacture and support battery and solar powered e-paper information display systems. It has since demonstrated outstanding year-on-year overseas growth to become the worlds leading supplier of this technology. With customers in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Americas and Australasia, exporting is of paramount importance to the business and represents over 90% of revenues.

Robert Bicket, CEO of Papercast: It is an immense honour to have won this most prestigious award which recognises the global nature of our business. We are proud to have developed a product with international appeal, and have experienced a really strong response to the sustainable, superior design of our products. Achieving this award is a result of an impressive team effort and a strong entrepreneurial culture driven by innovation.

Papercast was initially developed for public transport and bus operators looking for innovative, energy efficient and cost effective solutions to deliver real-time information to passengers at bus stops. The company has since developed its product portfolio and diversified into other modes of transport as well as other sectors that needs to share dynamic digital content with the public.

Now in its 55th year, the Queens Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in the UK, with winning businesses able to use the esteemed Queens Awards Emblem for the next five years. The awards celebrate the success of exciting and innovative businesses which are leading the way with pioneering products or services and showing their commitment to excellent sustainable development practices.

This award is recognition to our team for their part in making Papercast the successful global business that it is today. It is an incredible boost for us and an exciting time for the business, concludes Robert.

This prestigious accolade joins other awards including International Institute for Information Design (IIID) Awards 2020 - Silver in the Traffic and Public Transport category and the ITS Australia National Awards 2019 - Automated Vehicle Award.

-- ends --

ABOUT PAPERCAST

Papercasts next generation bus stop passenger information solution uses wireless solar powered e-paper displays, with a comprehensive content management system developed exclusively for public transport needs. The platform enables transport providers to effortlessly keep passengers informed on real-time and advance service information at bus stops in a clear and user-friendly format.

http://www.papercast.com

Share this story and follow Papercast on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube

CONTACT INFORMATION

Kerry Marchbank

Marketing Manager

+44 (0)7817 916654

kmarchbank@papercast.com
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Image via Getty/Marcus Ingram

Ja Rule is reportedly facing more money problems. And his longtime foe 50 Cent is clearly amused.

Earlier this week, Radar Online reported that the IRS was suing Ja and his wife, Aisha Atkins, over unpaid federal taxes totaling more than $3 million. The IRS has reportedly made many attempts to get the money, which is owed from 2005-2010 and 2012-2017, but the couple has allegedly refused to cough up the dough, prompting the government to take legal action.

Per Radar Online:

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Its reported that Ja has yet to file a response to the IRS lawsuit, but has hired an attorney for the legal battle. The Livin It Up rapper has not publicly commented on the purported case.

This isnt the first time Ja has faced tax issues. The 45-year-old entertainer was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion in 2011. However, he clearly didnt learn his lesson, as it was revealed in 2019 that Ja still owed the IRS $2 million in back taxesa report that prompted a gleeful response from 50: LOL come on, Fif wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post. I know he not that bright but damn.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 18:10:01|Editor: huaxia

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SUVA -- Fiji announced on Friday night a curfew in the Suva-Nausori area after the island nation reported one new COVID-19 case, the seventh straight day of registering new COVID-19 cases.

According to Fiji's Health Ministry, the new case on Friday makes the total number of three cases in Rakiraki, a district about 163 km north of capital city Suva, forming two clusters. (Fiji-COVID-19-Curfew)

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HONG KONG -- Joshua Wong, an instigator of the Hong Kong riots, on Friday pleaded guilty to participating in an unauthorized assembly last year.

Wong and three other anti-China disruptors pleaded guilty at the District Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Friday to charges of participating in an illegal assembly in June 2020 in Victoria Park of Hong Kong. (Hong Kong-Illegal Assembly-Trial)

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NEW DELHI -- Commercial international flights to and from India shall remain suspended until May 31, officials said Friday.

According to a circular issued by the country's civil aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday, the restriction shall not be applicable for international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA. (India-Flights-COVID-19)

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YANGON -- Myanmar military extended its non-operation period across the country to May 31, according to a statement released by the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services on Friday.

The military will continue suspending all military operations across the nation except for the period when security and administrative machinery of the government in addition to state defense and administrative measures are encroached on, the statement said. (Myanmar-Military-Ceasefire)

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JAKARTA -- New batches of COVID-19 vaccines produced by Chinese pharmaceutical companies arrived at Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Friday, an Indonesian official said.

"Today, 6 million doses of bulk COVID-19 vaccine from Sinovac Biotech Ltd and 482,400 ready-to-use vaccines from the China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) have arrived," Minister of Communications and Informatics Johnny Plate said. (Indonesia-China-Vaccines) Enditem
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Overturning a National Labor Relations Board ruling, a federal appeals court said janitors in San Francisco were illegally fired for picketing an office building.

The janitors worked at 55 Hawthorne St., between Howard and Folsom streets. Upset with wages and working conditions, and with what they described as sexually coercive comments by a manager, they carried picket signs outside the building for two days in October and November 2014 that called their employer unfair and demanded a living wage and no more sexual harassment.

The pickets called for support from KGO radio, a tenant of the building. It was not a strike, but the marchers were joined by members of Service Employees International Union Local 87.

In response, Rafael Ortiz, the manager accused by the janitors of harassment, fired four of the pickets. The janitors employer, Preferred Building Services, terminated its contracts with Ortizs company, Ortiz Janitorial Services, and with the buildings management company, Harvest Properties, 30 days later, and many of the remaining janitors were laid off.

The union then asked the National Labor Relations Board to order reinstatement of the four fired janitors with back pay, citing federal labor laws that prohibit punishment of employees for picketing peacefully. But the NLRB, whose members had been appointed by President Donald Trump, said the janitors had been engaged in illegal secondary picketing aimed at coercing KGO and Harvest Properties to stop doing business with Preferred Building Services.

The labor board cited leaflets the pickets handed out to passersby, which mentioned that their jobs included cleaning KGO offices and called on the radio station to take corporate responsibility in ensuring that their janitors receive higher wages and better treatment. The board said the leaflets misled the public into thinking that KGO was their employer.

But the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said Wednesday the pickets had acted legally and were entitled to seek support from building tenants.

The leaflets clearly identified Preferred Building Services as the janitors employer, and the picket signs never mentioned KGO or anyone else not directly involved in the labor-management dispute, Judge Paul Watford said in the 3-0 ruling.

The objectives of any picketing include a desire to influence others to take actions favorable to the employees cause, Watford said, citing language from a 1961 Supreme Court ruling. He said the pickets and the union never engaged in any coercive conduct targeting Harvest (Properties) or any of the buildings tenants.

Last month, the same union, SEIU Local 87, organized a three-day strike by about 700 janitors in San Francisco calling for workplace safety measures and other changes, including protections against sexual harassment.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing deepest condolences over numerous casualties as a result of a tragedy at a religious festival, the Kremlin press service reported on Friday.

"Russia shares the sorrow of the friendly people of Israel," Putin noted in the telegram.

Earlier, it was reported that as a result of a walkway collapsing during the Lag BOmer religious celebration in the vicinity of Mount Meron near Safed in northern Israel, 44 people were killed and 150 were injured.
The N.C. Sheriffs Association is calling for the state to end the pistol permit system that arbitrarily regulates the ability for citizens to purchase handguns in the state and empowers and requires the sheriff to approve or deny applications for purchase permits.

The association made the proposal Tuesday, after years of opposing such reforms supported by gun rights advocates, and legislation is already moving to repeal the system.

In North Carolina, anyone who wants to buy a handgun from a retail location, must first apply for and obtain a permit from their local sheriff. The process is supposed to be expedient, as required by law, but can be drawn out to such a degree as to constitute a violation of the law (and citizens second amendment rights). During the last year in Wake County, the permit applications were so backed up that the sheriffs was sued and a court had to order them to pick up the pace.

The Sheriffs Association now views the permit system as redundant and burdensome, being that background checks at the point of purchase are now advanced and comprehensive.

Trending: DA: Bodycam Footage Shows Brown Ram Car Into Approaching Deputies Twice Before Shots Fired

Now that those records are uploaded, the [National Instant Criminal Background] check and the pistol permit are duplicative, said Executive Vice President and General Counsel Eddie Caldwell. The issue is: Does the pistol purchase permit provide any significant public safety? It did at one time but not now with the [background check] improvements.

Of course, Lefty sheriffs (like Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker) dont support the proposal. The again, Baker and other like minded sheriffs also dont support cooperating with ICE, or detaining violent criminal illegal aliens, and so on. Also predictable, during debate on the legislation to repeal the system, Democrats made nonsensical points about private sales, and other such hypotheticals, that are already completely unaffected by this redundant system.

The bill has already gained initial approval, and comes up again in the N.C. House next week. Follow its progress here.
Major General Mahbubur Rahman, Director General of Bangladesh's Directorate General of Drug Administration, made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Dhaka, April 30 (IANS) Bangladesh's drug regulator has authorised the emergency use of China's Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine.

"We've issued emergency use approval for the Chinese-made jab."

Mahbubur Rahman further said hopefully within 1-1.5 weeks, Bangladesh will receive a batch of Sinopharm vaccine as a gift.

The Bangladeshi government on Wednesday gave the green light to a proposal of producing Chinese and Russian Covid-19 vaccines in the country.

Bangladesh's Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal to produce the vaccines -- China's Sinopharm and Russia's Sputnik V.

The country's drug regulator had earlier cleared the emergency use of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

Shahida Akhter, a senior Cabinet Division official, said on Wednesday that several leading Bangladeshi pharmaceutical firms in collaboration with the Chinese and Russian companies will produce the vaccines.

The decisions came days after Dhaka suspended the first dosing of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on a supply crunch.

Amid uncertainty over the timely arrival of the next Covid-19 vaccine shipment from India, the Bangladeshi government halted administering the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine across the country from Monday.

Nearly six million people have so far received the first dose of the vaccine in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country's Covid-19 vaccination drive on January 28 to rein in the pandemic that has so far spread to nearly every Bangladeshi district.

To limit the second wave of the pandemic, Bangladesh on Wednesday extended the ongoing lockdown again by one week to May 5.

--IANS

int/rs
On April 28, a delegation from the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Kuwait, Bahramjan Alayov, arrived at the headquarters of the External Relations Department in Qamishlo.

The delegation was received by the co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department, Abdel-Karim Omar, the two vice co-chair, Fanar Kaait and Abeer Elia, and the Director of the Presidency Office, Naveh Muhammad.

Today, the co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration, Abdul Karim Omar, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Kuwait, Bahramjan Alayov, signed a document of receiving 92 women and children from ISIS families of Uzbek nationality.

The co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration, Abdul Karim Omar, said during a press conference held in the department that they had delivered 68 children, including 7 orphan children, and 24 women of Uzbek origin, to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Omar said, "Our policy in the Autonomous Administration is based on the file of extradition of ISIS families to their countries, the delivery of orphaned children, and children who have special cases to be treated abroad after the written consent of their mothers."

He explained that the Autonomous Administration repeatedly calls for holding a court for persons involved in the crimes of ISIS mercenaries of foreign origins, to be tried on the territory of the region.

For his part, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Kuwait, Bahramjan Alayov, said that they had documented the names of 180 people of Uzbek nationality in the camps.

He added: "The Uzbek government has prepared special programs to rehabilitate returnees to their country, in order to facilitate their return to their normal lives," noting that the children will be under the auspices of the President of the Republic.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Kuwait expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Autonomous Administration for facilitating and securing the process of transferring ISIS families from the Uzbek nationality to their country.

J.O

ANHA
A pro-choice doctor took to Twitter to accuse a pro-life center for kidnapping a woman and forcing her to push through with her unwanted pregnancy.

A Missouri OB-GYN earlier this month accused an unnamed "crisis pregnancy center," more known as pro-life centers, of kidnapping a woman who wished to have an abortion. In a series of 17 tweets posted to Twitter, Dr. Amy Addante, who was raised in Chicago and trained in St. Louis, Missouri, recounted how a "sobbing patient" was "traumatized by a crisis pregnancy center (CPC)."

Dr. Addante described these pro-life centers as "fake health centers ran by predominantly religious right groups whose goal is to dissuade patients from having an abortion" and facilities that "masquerade as women's health providers and target women seeking an abortion."

The Missouri OB-GYN explained that a patient came to her distraught over her experience in one of the many pro-life centers in the area. The patient, who was determined to terminate her pregnancy, shared how the facility forced her to have an ultrasound, called her "mommy" the entire time, and spoke to a "counselor" who said she should pray and that the pro-life center's staff would pray for her too.

Dr. Addante, who is an abortionist doctor, proceeded to share unsubstantiated kidnapping claims, saying that her patient was "locked in a room with her ultrasound video on loop while they continued to berade and guilt her into continuing a pregnancy that she knew she did not want to."

Staff at the pro-life center also allegedly lied to the patient about how far along she was into the pregnancy. The abortionist doctor recounted how her "traumatized" patient was held hostage for "hours" and was only let go when she agreed to accept a package of baby products.

The abortionist doctor who insisted on unsubstantiated kidnapping claims did not disclose the location or the name of the supposed pro-life center, making many wonder how much truth there was to her statements. It was also unclear if she called the authorities on this matter. She did however, proudly share that she provided abortion services to her "traumatized" patient.

Pro-life advocate Petra Wallenmeyer of Heartbeat International spoke to the Western Journal about the abortionist doctor's unsubstantiated kidnapping claims, saying that it was merely a "sob story" that people were expected to believe "merely because she's a doctor."

"In reality she was just regurgitating disproven pro-choice talking points," Wallenmeyer accused the abortionist doctor. Another questionable "fact" from Dr. Addante's story is how the patient consulted a doctor that she had no previous history with "while in a state of distress or trauma," licensed counselor Robin Atkins said in an email to the Journal.

Atkins argued that the patient should have had access to "compassionate counseling" before making such a "life altering decision." Atkins countered that an abortionist doctor such as Dr. Addante is not a trained therapist and that there is a "built in conflict of interest in this scenario."

According to the Guttmacher Institute, Missouri saw an 8% decline in abortion rates from 2014 to 2017. Missouri abortion makes up only 0.5% of all abortions in the U.S.
ALBANY  Albany County has agreed to pay $25,000 to a county jail officer whom sheriffs deputies charged with falsely reporting a firework attack on his New Scotland home  only for the charges to be dropped.

The officer, Ryan M. Lawson, 31, who filed a false arrest suit against the county, is back working at the Albany County jail, according to people with knowledge of the situation.

Last June, Lawson and his wife, Josey, told deputies they were watching television with their 4-year-old daughter when a person opened their front door and threw a firework into their living room, burning a rug. But deputies alleged that the firework was thrown from inside the house by a member of their family.

Lawson, who was suspended without pay for a time, faced the possible loss of his job. People familiar with the case said it may have been the result of a misunderstanding.

"Ryan is grateful for the support he received from his friends, union and the sheriffs department, and their hard work in resolving a difficult situation, Lawsons attorney, Paul DerOhannesian, told the Times Union. This resolution has allowed him to continue the work he enjoys so much and to serve the community."

A special prosecutor, former Albany County Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Bauscher, now in private practice, reviewed the case and said there was not enough of evidence to prosecute Lawson.

Sheriff Craig Apple, whose office runs the jail, relayed a statement from the countys attorney that said the lack of evidence resulted in a favorable outcome for Lawson.

"This outcome provided Lawson with sufficient grounds to place the county on notice of his intent to commence an action to recover damages for his criminal defense expenses and potential civil rights violations, the statement said. The claim was evaluated and settled for monetary considerations. The negotiated settlement amount was a fraction of the countys potential exposure in damages for damages awarded by a sympathetic jury together with the risk of having to pay Lawsons attorneys fees in a civil rights action.
South Africa: Remembering Charlotte Mannya Maxeke

With South Africa commemorating The Year of Charlotte Maxeke, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has paid tribute to the struggle stalwart, describing her as a trailblazer who chose to walk in many an uncharted territories.

Some have even tended to refer to her as a woman of many firsts. Until her remarkable feat at Wilberforce University in Ohio, the United States, no black woman had obtained a degree on our shores, Mthethwa said on Friday.

He was addressing the media launch of The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke, in Tshwane, which was also attended by Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu.

Maxeke will become the second woman to be memorialised and honoured in this way since 2018, when struggle icon Albertina Sisulu was honoured. This year marks 150 years since the birth of the struggle icon.

Maxeke made an indelible impact in many areas, including education, faith and politics.

When the African intelligentsia, faith and traditional leaders met to form what was later to be known as the African National Congress (ANC) way back in 1912, uMama Maxeke was the lone brave female voice in that conference.

She held her head high and made a contribution, undeterred by perceptions and societal norms that sought to relegate women to subservient roles in society, Mthethwa said.

The Minister said she is counted as one of the first women to ever establish a school  which later became a formidable educational institution, offering the highest standards of education, much to the chagrin of the racist colonial rulers of the time.

Since the declaration by Cabinet that 2021 be dedicated to Mama Maxeke, we have been engaging each other as various role players in government, with very specific mandates, he said.

The Minister announced the following interventions and activations as part of the annual Programme of Action by government:

The Department of Women will erect a bust in honour of Maxeke and plans are underway to have this bust unveiled at the local AME Church in Botlokwa, Limpopo. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, as the custodian of the nations heritage estate, will remain available to offer technical assistance, as may be required from time to time.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, through its Heritage Promotion and Preservation branch, has already started exploratory work that would culminate in the mounting of the giant statue of this phenomenal woman. The actual location of the giant statue would be part of the consultation with the Institute, the family and heritage authorities.

The national days programme is one of the strategic interventions that promote social cohesion and nation building. To that end, Cabinet has decided that the entire national days programme will be anchored around uMama Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke.

There is ongoing work on promotion of African filmmaking through the National Film and Video Foundation (the NFVF). For this year in particular, the project will be dedicated to uMama Maxeke, as part of preserving her legacy, and in highlighting the role of women in this industry, which remains male dominated. This work is envisaged to extend well beyond 2021 since work on Maxekes legacy need not be confined to one calendar year if it is to make the much-needed impact.



Zulu said her department will work together with the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute on some of the planned activities, with specific focus on raising awareness on gender-based violence and femicide in the 30 hotspot areas.

The liberation of our country cannot be complete when the majority of our national population, which is women, is still confined to the margins of mainstream society because of disempowerment, violence, poverty, and lack of access to indispensable resources.

We cannot claim to be free from oppression when we read daily in the media harrowing accounts about the killing of women and children in our communities, the Minister said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-04-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Indonesian military pays last respects to submarine crew View Photo

BULELENG, Indonesia (AP)  Indonesias military and family members on Friday paid their last respects to the 53 submarine crew members who died when their vessel sank and broke apart in the depths off the resort island of Bali.

The ceremony included relatives casting flowers into the ocean from the navys hospital ship.

Indonesia is planning to recover the KRI Nanggala 402 with the help of a Chinese navy ship thats capable of lifting objects 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) deep.

The navy said the submarine sank April 21 to a depth of 600-700 meters (2,000-2,300 feet), much deeper than its collapse depth of 200 meters (655 feet), at which point water pressure would be greater than the hull could withstand.

President Joko Widodo met the families of the 53 crew members on Thursday and expressed his condolences.

The German-built diesel-powered submarine had been in service in Indonesia since 1981 and was carrying 49 crew members and three gunners as well as its commander, the Defense Ministry said.

Indonesia, the worlds largest archipelago nation with more than 17,000 islands, has faced growing challenges to its maritime claims in recent years, including numerous incidents involving Chinese vessels near the Natuna islands.

___

Tarigan reported from Jakarta, Indonesia.

By EDNA TARIGAN and DICKY BISINGLASI

Associated Press
JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- About 100 people turned out on Friday, April 30 to honor Sgt. Matthew R. Soper at a sign unveiling and dedication ceremony.

Roughly two miles of M-60 in Jackson County, from Fairway Drive to Emerson Road, will now be known as the Sergeant Matthew R. Soper Memorial Highway after a bill sponsored by State Rep. Julie Alexander, R-Hanover, was signed by the governor on Dec. 29.

Its so important that we stop and reflect on those that have served and have given the ultimate sacrifice, Alexander said Friday. And he was one of our hometown people. Everyone knows the Soper family.

The roughly 35-minute ceremony included a color guard and speakers from the Michigan National Guard, the Soper family and Alexander, among others.

Funds for the signs were raised in the community with the help of John Hays and Connecting the Dots.

Our community absolutely stepped up, Alexander said.

Soper, 25, died when an improvised explosive device hit his patrol vehicle in Baiji, Iraq on June 6, 2007, while he was serving his second tour in Iraq for the Jackson-based Michigan Army National Guard 1461st Transportation Company. His funeral service brought thousands to Jackson who came to honor a local man who died while serving his country.

Soper received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service.

Sopers parents, Warner and Shirley Soper, called the sign unveiling and dedication a great thing.

This day to us is a happy day, Warner Soper said. We are so honored to have this happen.

MORE JACKSON NEWS:

2 walk-up clinics offering vaccines in Jackson Friday

Big summer events returning to Jackson, police shooting in Hillsdale County: Jackson headlines April 24-29

Boil water advisory lifts in Jackson County township
JACKSONVILLE  Tom Brewer has been trekking across Illinois on foot for the past four years in a bid to raise funds and awareness for OSF HealthCare Childrens Hospital of Illinois and the Heller Center for Kids with Cancer.

On Wednesday evening, Brewer, 75 and a great-grandfather, left his footprints in Jacksonville before heading north on Thursday morning to Virginia.

His mission  Toms Walk4CHOI (Childrens Hospitals of Illinois)  is to walk a path across Illinois in the form of a religious cross to bless and support the healthy development of young lives. He will take the final steps in that mission at noon May 8 as he walks onto the OSF HealthCare Childrens Hospital property in Peoria.

We have two flags while walking, Brewer said. One has the childrens hospital logo; the other honors all of the first responders.

Brewer started out Saturday in Alton, making his way to Jacksonville via Jerseyville, Carrollton, White Hall and Murrayville. His path will continue through Virginia to Chandlerville before stopping in Havana.

Weve reached our halfway point, Brewer said.

Brewers wife, Stella, is helping with the journey, meeting him at his end points to pick him up and taking him back the next day to continue his trek from where he left off.

We average about 15 miles a day, Tom Brewer said. It gets a little complicated.

Once arriving in Havana, Brewer will take a two-day break before putting his walking shoes back on and heading to Duck Creek.

These old feet need a break, Brewer said. I plan on paying some bills and mowing the yard.

Brewer has raised $47,000 since he began his journey in November 2018. He expects to add another $20,000 this year.

Brewer was inspired to begin his walk after listening to a talk about the hospital in 2018. It was a choice between raising money for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or OSF HealthCare, specifically the Heller Center for Kids with Cancer, an organization that helps kids thrive after a cancer diagnosis.

They help them get back to society, Brewer said.

The Heller Center helps educate both patients and families who are dealing with cancer and provides long-term counseling to address treatment side effects.

Brewers final journey will total 153 miles, making his four-year journey cover 526 miles.

Along his route, Brewer has met the most wonderful people, he said, singling out a woman who didnt have much money but approached him and said, All I have are the eight quarters  thank you for what youre doing.

I still have those eight quarters, Brewer said. She was giving from her needs, not her extras.

The people he has met also have stayed in his life.

During his first walk in November 2018, he was resting at a car stop when a woman approached him, introduced him to her daughter, Cloe, and thanked him for raising money because the hospital had helped Cloe.

Cloe has a lot of issues, Stella Brewer said. But shes 2 now.

As Brewer approaches the end of his journey, hes not thinking about putting his feet up.

My mind is going, What should I do next, he said.
On May 12, the Tribune and the BGA will host a virtual event that takes a deeper look at the accountability issues raised by the investigation. Hear from housing safety activist Eric Patton Smith, whose daughter died in the Roseland fire; former Department of Buildings general counsel Mark Limanni, and ChangeLab Solutions senior attorney Greg Miao. Reporters Reyes and Hopkins will moderate the conversation.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  An Omaha police officer has been charged with felony counts and placed on leave after being accused of using a gun to threaten teens who pounded on doors in the officer's neighborhood late at night.
Denton, TX (76205)

Today

Thunderstorms in the morning, then variable clouds during the afternoon with still a chance of showers. Locally heavy rainfall possible early. High 81F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Rain showers in the evening with scattered thunderstorms arriving overnight. Low 71F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
BP wants to be your power supplier, too.

The oil and natural gas giant is seeking permission to become a retail electricity provider to homes and businesses initially in Illinois, Ohio, Texas, California and Pennsylvania, according to a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission filing issued last week. BP Energy Retails affiliates own or control more than 2,000 megawatts of wind generation.

It gives BP a huge new branding opportunity, said Tyson Slocum, director of Public Citizens energy program. They are already a massive power trader. Locking up tens of thousands of retail customers helps boost their trading by locking in a bunch of customers with fixed supply contracts.

The move isnt wholly unexpected as the global push to electrify everything from cars to home heating and invest in renewable energy to combat climate change is breaking down traditional energy silos, particularly among European oil majors.

BP, the largest physical gas marketer in North America, has branded retail gasoline stations across the country and is already a significant wholesale power trader.

Two years ago, rival super major Royal Dutch Shell said it aims to become the worlds single largest power generator.

The move coincided with what the company said was the peak of its oil production.

Shell has said its oil output peaked in 2019, and it has laid out a plan to transform its fossil fuels business into a clean-energy provider to meet its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company, with 8,000 employees in the Houston area, said in February that it will invest as much as $6 billion a year in renewable energy projects while selling off its stakes in oil exploration and production projects to the tune of $4 billion a year over 10 years.

We must give our customers the products and services they want and need - products that have the lowest environmental impact, CEO Ben van Beurden said in a statement. At the same time, we will use our established strengths to build on our competitive portfolio as we make the transition to be a net-zero emissions business in step with society.

The Anglo Dutch supermajor in January agreed to buy a 51 percent stake in an Irish project to develop a floating wind farm in the Celtic Sea. Shell has been involved in offshore wind since 2000 and has more than 6 gigawatts of wind projects in development, according to its website.

Also in January, Shell bought the U.K.s largest public electric vehicle charging network.

Meanwhile, French oil major Total is planning to develop a dozen solar and energy storage projects in the U.S., including five in Texas.

Total on Thursday said it inked a deal with 174 Power Global, a wholly owned subsidiary of South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group, to develop 1.6 gigawatts of solar projects nationally. The first project started production in 2020, and the remainder will come online in 2022 and 2024, the companies said. Three of the projects will be in West Texas, one in central Texas and one in south Texas.

Total last year set a goal to become a net-zero emissions company by 2050, and is rebuilding its energy portfolio so that renewables and electricity will become up to 40 percent of its sales by 2050.

U.S. oil majors such as Exxon Mobil and Chevron have been slower to jump on the energy transition, betting that the worlds growing population will continue to fuel oil and gas demand as it has for the past century. Instead of diving into alternative energy sources, the U.S. oil giants are focusing on adapting oil and gas operations to capture carbon emissions and to make it commercially viable.

Fuel Fix staff contributed.
People in the Madrid region go to the polls next Tuesday (4 May) to choose a new regional president. The vote was called after sitting president, Isabel Ayuso, of the conservative PP ended her coalition with Ciudadanos.

Polls have repeatedly shown Ayuso with a strong lead over other parties but likely to need the support of Vox to form a majority regional government. Ciudadanos may not gain a single seat this time.

The second biggest party is expected to be the Socialist PSOE with Unidas Podemos under ex- deputy PM, Pablo Iglesias, polling fewer than Vox.
Twitter allowed the racial slur Uncle Tim to trend for hours about Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., an African American, after he delivered the GOP rebuttal speech to President Joe Bidens first address to a joint session of U.S. Congress on Wednesday.

"Hear me clearly: America is not a racist country," Scott said in his speech, which emphasized the importance of common sense and common ground. The address was praised by conservatives.

Not long after Scott delivered a speech on the American dream and his hope for Americas future, the political left took to Twitter to call him Uncle Tim, a reference to the slave character in the 1852 novel Uncle Toms Cabin.

According to Merriam-Webster, the derogatory term Uncle Tom is often used to comment about a black person who is overeager to win the approval of white people.

Source:The Christian Post
SEOUL, South Korea, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 2021 has been a breakthrough year for the Korean startup ecosystem despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Korean Chat API startup Sendbird raised $100 million in Series C funding with a valuation of $1.05 billion. Sendbird is now one of the 12 unicorn startups based out of South Korea. South Korea's largest e-commerce company, Coupang, raised around $4.6 billion in the biggest US initial public offering (IPO) this year. In the first quarter of 2021, at least 34 companies (many of which were tech startups), have applied to the Korea Exchange (KRX) for IPOs. South Korea wants to grow its tech ecosystem and digital economy by making it easier for startups from abroad to expand in the country. The South Korean government aims to attract global startups to set up operations in South Korea.

KSGC 2021

Startups from around the world are now able to apply to K-Startup Grand Challenge 2021, South Korea's government-backed global acceleration program. The program started accepting applications from April 15, 2021. The program represents an unparalleled opportunity for startups to expand into the South Korean and wider Asian markets.

KSGC 2021 will offer 60 teams and entrepreneurs an all-expenses-paid, 3.5-month residency program in South Korea that includes access to expert guidance, co-working spaces, state-of-art R&D labs, corporate partnerships, entry to Asian markets, and more.

The acceleration program is hosted at the startup campus in Pangyo Techno Valley, a tech hub near Seoul. The top ten chosen startups will also win grants worth $320,000, with the first-placed team receiving $120,000. To apply, startups must be less than seven years old, and their representative must be of foreign nationality. They must also demonstrate a clear interest in expanding into the Korean and East Asian markets.

The program first launched in 2016, aims to promote the expansion of an open entrepreneurship ecosystem in Asia and assist in South Korea's evolution into a prominent startup and business hub in the region. In the year 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the program saw a 58% surge in applications, with 2,648 teams applying from 118 countries.

Texas-based health-tech startup Ommo technologies spread its reach to the Asian markets with participation in the K-Startup Grand Challenge 2020 program. Since joining the KSGC program in the summer of 2020, Ommo technologies has raised US $3M led by Korean investors. Kyul Ko, Co-founder & COO, Ommo technologies shared - "KSGC helped pave the way for us to reach out to potential investors and partners. Not only does the Korean government support domestic startups, but it also helps international startups help find their home in Korea to take advantage of the support it provides, KSGC being the epitome. Once you are able to run your business successfully in Korea, then all of Asia is within reach."

For further information and to apply for the K-Startup Grand Challenge, visit the website - https://www.k-startupgc.org. Check the Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/kstartupgc) and the LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/company/kstartupgc) for more information and further updates.

Press contact: [email protected]

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South Africa's Zulu queen died suddenly today just weeks after she was made regent when her husband King Goodwill Zwelithini passed away, forcing officials to deny rumours she was poisoned.

Queen Mantfombi, 65, became the interim leader of the ethnic group after her husband's send off last month.

Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu monarch Mangosuthu Buthelezi, 92, said: 'It is with the deepest shock and distress that the Royal Family announces the unexpected passing of Her Majesty Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, Regent of the Zulu Nation'.

He has dismissed rumours that the queen had been poisoned, but promised to provide more details on the cause of death.

'This has taken us by surprise and left us utterly bereft,' he said.

The Queen is the third senior Zulu royal to be buried in recent months following the death of Zwelithini's eldest son in November, and his own death in March.

Queen Mantfombi, 65, died suddenly today just weeks after she was made regent when her husband King Goodwill Zwelithini passed away

King Zwelithini left behind six wives (pictured in shrouds at his memorial service on March 18), 28 children and a thorny question on succession

The 92-year-old prime minster had raged against the royal family in the days before the queen's death.

He denounced Zwelithini's siblings Prince Mbonisi and Princess Thembi for taking part in 'mischievous, parallel meetings' on the subject of who would assist Queen Mantfombi in her duties.

In a statement cited by the Times, he said: 'It appears that such action seeks to torpedo His Majesty the King's own wishes and arrangements'.

Queen Mantfombi was admitted to hospital last week, exactly a month after she was elected regent, and only weeks after her husband's death.

An woman leads Zulu maidens in dance during the memorial of King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo royal palace in Nongoma, South Africa, on March 18

Men known as 'amaButho', or Zulu regiments, followed the women in traditional leopard skins and ostrich feathers - wielding spears, shields and clubs known as knobkerries

They stopped for a brief vigil outside the town hall where they were joined by locals, some still in their work uniforms

The procession marched and sang as they made their way to the mortuary to receive the body of King Goodwill Zwelithini

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, delivers his eulogy during the memorial service for Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini

Members of the royal household attend the memorial service for Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini in Nongoma

Kwazulu Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala, left, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, centre, and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi arrive for the memorial service for Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini in Nongoma

Charlene of Monaco looks on during the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma

Zwelithini passed away on March 12, aged 72 after half a century on the throne, following a battle with diabetes-related illness.

Although the title of Zulu King does not bestow executive power, the charismatic Zwelithini had moral influence over more than 11 million Zulus, nearly a fifth of South Africa's population.

As the most influential of traditional leaders, he advised legislators and met with powerful politicians throughout his rule.

He left behind six wives, 28 children and a thorny question on succession.

Although she was Zwelithini's third wife, Dlamini-Zulu held the title of 'great queen' - a status determined by her dowry. She was the sister of Eswatini's King Mswati III.

She leaves behind eight children, including five sons, who she had with Zwelithini.

Some speculated that her eldest son, Prince Misuzulu Zulu, 46 - whose name can be loosely translated as 'strengthening the Zulus' - could be heir to the throne.

She was elected regent on March 24 for a three-month mourning period before the next monarch is named.

Although she was Zwelithini's third wife, Dlamini-Zulu held the title of 'great queen' - a status determined by her dowry

Buthelezi on Thursday assured that while the royal household was grief-stricken at the death of Queen Mantfombi, 'there will be no leadership vacuum in the Zulu nation'

Although she was Zwelithini's third wife, Dlamini-Zulu held the title of 'great queen' - a status determined by her dowry (pictured, King Zwelithini marries his bride Zola Mafu of Swaziland in July 2014)

Buthelezi on Thursday assured that while the royal household was grief-stricken, 'there will be no leadership vacuum in the Zulu nation.'

President Cyril Ramaphosa overnight expressed deep condolences to the royal house saying South Africa was standing by the family 'in this hour of compounded grief.'

'We extend our thoughts, prayers and hearts once more to the Royal Family who, in the midst of mourning the passing of the beloved King, are now called upon to bid farewell to the Regent in sadly short succession.'
If Gov. Andrew Cuomo thought he could buy time for his deceptions and abuses of power to fade from the publics memory, he thought wrong. The case against him just gets worse with every revelation.

It was already apparent that the governor and those around him sought to keep the Legislature and the public from knowing the full extent of COVID-19 deaths among nursing home residents. It was clear the administration stalled a legislative request for complete data for months, including the deaths of nursing home residents in hospitals.

We saw how Health Commissioner Howard Zucker kept saying that getting the numbers was so very complicated. We saw how the state suddenly produced those numbers when Attorney General Letitia James issued a report that concluded the administration had grossly understated them  and that the death toll was as much as 50 percent higher.

And we knew that a top aide to the governor, Melissa DeRosa, claimed in a meeting with Democratic lawmakers that the administration froze out of fear that the U.S. Justice Department under then-President Donald Trump was looking to do a politically motivated probe of the matter  and even that wasnt true. The decision to cover up the deaths well preceded Justices interest.

Now comes reporting by The New York Times that behind the scenes Ms. DeRosa and others repeatedly overruled the states own health officials in an effort to prevent disclosure of the true death toll of nursing home residents. The Times found that the state had compiled the data months before it was finally released in the face of the attorney generals damning report. It found that publication of a scientific paper was blocked. So were several Health Department attempts to answer the Legislatures inquiry.

Rather than some 6,000 deaths, the real number, the Health Department found, was 9,739 by the end of May. But rather than release that number, the administration kept saying it wasnt convinced it was accurate. And, as had been long suspected, aides worked to ensure a July report emphasized that a March directive, which instructed nursing homes not to turn away patients discharged from hospitals after treatment for COVID-19, did not contribute to nursing home infections or deaths.

All this intrigue, we know from previous reporting, was going on while the governor was trying to seal whats believed to be a multi-million-dollar book deal on his handling of the pandemic. Oddly, he still wont reveal the nature of the deal, but it doubtless hinged on his widely acclaimed handling of the pandemic  an image that would have been severely diminished if it turned out New Yorks nursing home deaths werent all that low in comparison to other states.

For all the twists and turns and spin, the bottom line of this deception is apparent: money and power. Millions of dollars, right into the governors pocket, arent petty stakes. Nor are the political prospects of a governor who may have seen his well-regarded performance as a springboard for a presidential run.

The more light that shines on this, the clearer it becomes: On a matter of public health concerning the deaths of thousands of people, Mr. Cuomo put his personal financial gain and political prospects ahead of his obligation as a public official to be honest. For once in this sordid story, he  and all those who enabled him  should do the right thing, and resign.
She has been turning heads with her fashion forward wardrobe ever since moving back to Australia this year.

And Lara Worthington (nee Bingle) stepped out in yet another stylish ensemble during a shopping trip in the trendy suburb of Double Bay on Wednesday.

The model and mother-of-three, 33, stunned in a low-cut black bustier top with sleeves and a quirky shirt-style neckline.

Peekaboo! Super slender Lara Bingle shows off a hint of her cleavage in a very low-cut stylish bustier top as she goes shopping in Sydney

She teamed the top with some stylish black trousers and a pair of chunky boots.

Lara shaded her eyes with retro style sunglasses and flashed her simple Cartier wedding ring.

The beauty entrepreneur's flawless visage was accentuated with minimal makeup and her blonde locks were neatly straightened.

Fashion forward: The model and mother-of-three stunned in a low-cut black bustier top with sleeves and a quirky shirt-style neckline

Flawless: The beauty entrepreneur's flawless visage was accentuated with minimal makeup and her blonde locks were neatly straightened

After living in LA and New York for years, Lara and her husband Sam Worthington returned to Sydney several months ago.

They are joined by their three sons, Rocket, five, Racer, four, and River, ten months.

Sam just recently finished his run in the Sydney Theatre Company production of the black comedy Appropriate.

The Wesley Enoch-directed play, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, ran at the Roslyn Packer Theatre from March 15 to April 10.

He is also involved in the ABC series Fires, about last year's devastating bushfire season, which started filming this month in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Sam reportedly wrapped filming the Avatar sequels in New Zealand late last year.

While Sam focuses on TV and theatre projects, Lara is doing various modelling jobs in Australia, including a recent campaign for Seafolly.

Earlier this month, Lara said her sole focus was on her family and children since settling Down Under in January.

'At this stage of my life, with my sons as the total priority, I'm focused on wellbeing, motherhood and taking care of my family,' she told Body + Soul.
My North Star has always been to serve our community, drive real results and help build a better future. As I have rounded each new decade of my career, Ive taken time to reflect on how I can best serve. Thats how, 10 years ago, I decided to run for Congress. And its why, today, Im announcing I will not seek reelection after completing this term, said Bustos, who will turn 60 in October.
Highlights Google IO is set to take place from May 18 to May 20.

It will be a completely virtual event.

Registration for Google IO 2021 is live now.

Google IO is back in 2021 after being cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The upcoming Google event is slated to take place from May 18 to May 20. It will be an online-only event, free for everyone.

This is where Google unveils a few things that it has been working on over the past 12 months. Google IO has been the home to many of the brand's biggest announcements, and the same is expected for this year.

We have frequently seen leaks around the Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel Watch, Pixel Buds A, Android 12 and more in recent time. Google may likely go out and release some of these products in the upcoming event.

Now that Google IO is just around the corner, we decided to detail everything about this event along with the expected hardware and software announcements.

How to watch Google IO 2021

Like mentioned before, this year's conference is taking place online from May 18 to May 20. You can register on the Google IO website to attend this three-day event for free. Google will be streaming this complete event on its official youtube channel. You need to tune in to the youtube channel to watch the event live.

Google IO 2021 Attendee Badge earned after registration

While the entire timeline hasn't been released, Google has given cues so as to how the virtual event will pan out. Consumer and developer keynote will focus on company and product news and can be rewatched on demand. Technical Sessions are meant for product announcements. Google will also be hosting Workshops and Ask me anything sessions where users will be able to interact and ask product related questions.

But that's not it there are a few more events like meetups, Interactive Sandboxes and Codelabs, Learning Pathways. Meetups will allow visitors to connect and interact with each other, whereas Interactive Sandboxes is an innovative effort to try Google's latest products and features through a virtual hands-on experience. Finally, Codelabs and Learning Pathways are self-guided learning sessions that will help users adopt new Google technology.

Everything expected at Google IO 2021

There's a lot that we might see at this year's Google IO, that's also because the last event was cancelled. Through the leaks and rumours, we have a fair idea so as to what Google might show off during this event. Here are the highlights.

Android 12

Android 12 is still in the developmental phase, with improvements being made every now and then. Currently, we are on the Developer Preview 3, which Google released a couple of weeks ago. We are pretty sure that Google will talk about the features coming to Android 12 as the Public beta is slated to drop in during the same time.

Android 12 will bring improvements to split-screen, notifications, lock screen, widgets, privacy, and a lot more from what we have learned.

Pixel 5a

Photo Credit- Onleaks, Pixel 5a render

Pixel 5a has been leaking for quite some time, and we have plenty of details about this smartphone. We do not exactly know if Google will release the Pixel during this event. Several leakers do suggest that the Pixel midrange will make way at the Google IO. But we offer you take this information with a pinch of salt as Google made an official statement that the Pixel 5a will be released "later this year". This statement came soon after rumours around the cancellation of the upcoming Pixel 5a popped up.

The Pixel 3a was launched at Google IO 2019, and Google might have launched the Pixel 4a during the same time last year if the circumstances were in control. As per the current information, the possibility of Pixel 5a's launch at Google IO is pretty bleak.

Renders suggest that the Pixel 5a will look akin to the Pixel 4a 5G. Also, we know that the smartphone will be powered by Qualcomm's midrange 5G chipset 765G, which also powered the Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5. Google also revealed that the Pixel 5a would only be exclusive to the US and Japan.

Pixel Watch

Photo Credit- Jon Prosser, Pixel Watch render

Google has been working on a smartwatch for quite some time. However, it is only recently that we have seen some concrete information about this device. Jon Prosser, a credible leaker, has helped us with the complete design of the Pixel Watch.

The renders of the Pixel Watch available on the Internet look impressive. Google seems to have taken cues from both Apple and Samsung's offerings to build this watch. Elements like the addition of the digital crown, display wrapping around the frame, and the silicone strap are reminiscent of the same.

The Pixel Watch is expected to be powered by Google's very own chipset like the Pixel or the newly launched Snapdragon Wear 4100+.SoC.

As for the launch is concerned, rumours suggest that the smartwatch will make way alongside the Pixel 6 in October.

Pixel Buds A

Upcoming Pixel Buds A and the current Pixel Buds

The next rumoured product is the Pixel Buds A, this product is supposed to be an affordable version of the Pixel Buds. These upcoming earbuds will look similar to the Pixel Buds. Google recently revealed the Pixel Buds A in an email to those on the Google Nest mailing list. The image showcases the upcoming Pixel Buds A in a green colour option.

Google is likely to cut down a few features to reduce the upcoming Pixel Buds A pricing. The last Pixel Buds were announced in the Made by Google event in 2019. However, they were later released in April 2020. Through which we can predict that we could hear about the Pixel Buds during the Google IO.

Fitbit and WearOS updates

Google hasn't revealed much of its plans since it bought the fitness wearable brand Fitbit. Also, there hasn't been any buzz around a new Fitbit product, but we have heard about improvements in the WearOS. Now that the launch of the Pixel Watch is on the cards, Google will certainly look to address the caveats in WearOS. We hope that Google will talk about the improvements and changes coming to the WearOS during the Google IO.

Chromecast

A new FCC listing reveals that Google is working on a new Chromecast with a rechargeable battery. The upcoming Chromecast will likely bring support for Google Stadia. Additionally, it may have an in-built Ethernet port and better app streaming support.

Google Assistant and Google App updates

Not to miss reports also suggest that Google Assistant will see some major updates. Finally, Google may bring some privacy features. For instance, Google translate may see more language compatibility and real-time translation features. Updates to some of Google's major apps, as well as Android Auto apps, are possible.
Vietnams achievements at the UNSC  the UNs most important body responsible for maintaining world peace and security  were fulfilled amid the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising conflicts, and a serious political crisis in Myanmar, which like Vietnam is a member of ASEAN.

Three high-level discussions initiated and chaired by Vietnam - the High-level Open Debate on "Cooperation between the UN and regional organisations in enhancing confidence-building and dialogue in conflict prevention and resolution, the open debate on Mine action and sustaining peace: Stronger partnerships for better delivery, and the in-person and online debate on Protection of Objects Indispensable to the Survival of the Civilian Population - have been hailed by the international community.

At the first one, chaired by State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on April 19, Vietnam expressed its strong commitment as a country that always strives to build trust and dialogue, act as a bridge to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts around the world via the UN Charter, international law, and closer joint work between the UN, organisations and multilateral mechanisms.

As the only ASEAN representative at the UNSC, Vietnam upheld the spirit of the bloc, prompting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to recognise the importance of Southeast Asia in reconciliation diplomacy, conflict prevention, and the building of international peace. He also affirmed ASEANs important role when the region faces a crisis such as that being seen in Myanmar.

Head of the EU Delegation to the UN Olof Skoog said the topics selected by Vietnam for discussion came at the right moment amid complex developments around the world.

Achievements in partnerships between the UN and regional organisations can be seen in various areas, he went on, from reconciliation, anti-terrorism, and the maintenance of peace to the protection of human rights, climate change response, and COVID-19 prevention.

The UN Secretary General hailed Vietnams initiative to lift ties between the UN and regional organisations to greater heights and to further uphold a spirit of multilateralism.

He also committed to supporting Vietnams proposal to trust building and dialogue on conflict prevention, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Vietnam also left positive impressions on the international community when selecting mine action as a discussion topic at a high-level debate on April 8. In 2020, the UN recorded 7,000 deaths and injuries from bombs and mines, including nearly 2,000 children.

Speaking highly of the initiative, Secretary General Guterres expressed his belief that dealing with this issue not only at the national but also at the regional and global levels will be the first solid step towards achieving real stability and peace.

At the debate on Protection of Objects Indispensable to the Survival of the Civilian Population, chaired by Vietnam on April 27, a resolution the country drafted was co-sponsored by 15 UNSC members and over 50 UN member states.

This issue was rarely put up for debate at high-level UNSC meetings in the past, showing that many member states have begun to understand the importance of the issue after witnessing humanitarian law violations in many countries, especially war-torn areas such as Yemen, Syria, Tigray (Ethiopia), South Sudan, Ukraine, and Nigeria.

The open debate on Women, peace and security  Sexual violence in conflict, held on April 14, was also a highlight among Vietnams initiatives in its capacity as UNSC Chair.

According to the UN, there were 2.500 cases of sexual violence in armed conflicts last year, mostly targeting women and girls.

Many called on the international community to make a strong commitment to seeking justice for the victims of sexual violence, protecting them and helping them lead normal lives.

Vietnam successfully promoted its priorities and commitments during its tenure, affirming itself as a partner for sustainable peace that seeks sound and sustainable solutions to disputes and promotes dialogue towards addressing disputes by peaceful means, strengthening the role of regional organisations and creating humanitarian policies for the people.

According to Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnam Mission to the UN, Vietnams biggest achievement was affirming its prestige and image in the minds of international friends.

Successfully assuming its role during the Month of UNSC Presidency vividly reflects the effective implementation of the foreign policy set in the resolution adopted by the 13th National Party Congress.
ABC screening an upcoming UK drama, Viewpoint, just got a whole lot more complicated after headlines surrounding star Noel Clarke (Bulletproof, Doctor Who).

Clarke apologised after a report by the Guardian made numerous sexual harassment and bullying allegations by 20 women.

The Guardian spoke with 20 women who have worked with Clarke in a professional setting, all of whom have made a number of allegations. They include: sexual harassment, unwanted touching or groping, sexually inappropriate behaviour and comments on set, professional misconduct, taking and sharing sexually explicit pictures and videos without consent, and bullying between 2004 and 2019.

Clarke has, through his lawyers, denied all the allegations, except for one allegation. He has admitted to once making inappropriate comments about one woman, and later apologising.

He said in a statement: In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me. If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologize. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.

But the saga has nonetheless had considerable fallout.

BAFTA, which had awarded him an Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award, suspended his membership.

BAFTA said in a statement: In light of the allegations of serious misconduct regarding Noel Clarke in The Guardian this evening, BAFTA has taken the decision to suspend his membership and the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award immediately and until further notice.

All3Media, backers of Clarkes production company Unstoppable Film and Television, is conducting its own probe of Clarke.

We have a zero tolerance approach to abuse, bullying and harassment, said an All3Media spokesperson. We take allegations of this kind extremely seriously and are looking into this as a matter of urgency.

ITV has boldly decided to hold off screening the final episode of Viewpoint, but will offer the final episode online for a limited time for viewers wanting a conclusion.

ITV has a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and victimisation and robust procedures in place to investigate and deal with any complaints. We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment, a statement read.

In light of the very serious nature of the allegations against Noel Clarke raised by 20 women in the Guardians report, ITV has decided it is no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode of the drama Viewpoint on ITV main channel this evening.

Sky TV has also halted work with Clarke on Season 4 of Bulletproof and any other projects.

Sky stands against all forms of sexual harassment and bullying and takes any allegations of this nature extremely seriously, a Sky representative said. Effective immediately, we have halted Noel Clarkes involvement in any future Sky productions.

Bulletproof co-star Ashley Walters said, My thoughts are with the women who have come forward and told their awful stories. Im in shock and deeply saddened by what I have heard on a multitude of levels, said Top Boy star Walters in a statement shared to social media on Friday afternoon.

I could never condone behaviour of this nature neither in nor out of the workplace, and whilst Noel has been a friend and colleague for several years, I cannot stand by and ignore these allegations. Sexual harassment, abuse and bullying have no place in our industry. Every woman has the right to a safe workplace and moving forward I pledge my dedication to this.

Viewpoint was recently picked up for screening in Australia by ABC.

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LOS ANGELES (AP)  A California man pleaded guilty Tuesday in a scheme to bilk the Afghanistan government out of more than $100 million with a phony bid to build an electric grid, authorities said.

Saed Ismail Amiri, 38, of Granite Bay, entered a plea in Los Angeles federal court to one count of wire fraud, the U.S. attorney's office said in a statement.





. . .
A 64-year-old New Jersey woman critically injured after being struck by a FedEx van on Manhattans Upper East Side last month died in a New York City hospital this week, officials said.

Debbie L. Friedman, of Edgewater was hit as she crossed Madison Avenue at the corner of East 76th Street just after 1 p.m. on March 30, according to the New York Police Department.

The 47-year-old van driver was making a left turn onto Madison Avenue. She stopped, cooperated with police and has not been charged.

Friedman died on Tuesday, police said.

Born in Hawaii, Friedman attended UCLA and spend most of her adult life in the New Orleans area before she and her husband moved to New Jersey to be near her two adult daughters and their grandchildren, according to an online obituary on NOLA.com. She is also survived by two sisters and their families.

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

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
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Esme Bianco, a British actress who appeared on Game of Thrones, filed a federal lawsuit against Marilyn Manson on Friday accusing him of rape and other acts of sexual violence.

Bianco first came forward on Feb. 10, as more than a dozen other women were also making allegations against Manson. At the time, she told The Cut that Manson had subjected her to psychological abuse, whipped her, cut her and chased her around his apartment with an ax.

The lawsuit lays out Biancos allegations in similarly shocking detail. She alleges that Manson  whose legal name is Brian Warner  raped her in May 2011. She also alleges that he repeatedly used drugs, force and threats to coerce her into other sexual acts. She accuses him of spanking, biting, cutting and whipping her without her consent during sex acts.

According to the complaint, Manson flew Bianco to Los Angeles in 2009 for what she thought would be a music video shoot. The lawsuit describes the four-day shoot as a harrowing experience, in which she was kept in Mansons home and made to wear lingerie the entire time. She alleges that Manson would fly into rages and destroyed camera equipment. She also claims that he locked her in a bedroom, tied her to a prayer kneeler and whipped her, and subjected her to electric shocks. The music video was never produced.

She says that later that year, Manson visited her in London and they began a consensual sexual relationship. But she also alleges that Manson enforced a strict dress code on her, bit her without consent, groped her in public and tried to have a minor come back to their hotel.

In 2011, Bianco alleges that Manson invited her to come stay with him in L.A., and offered to cast her in a film called Phantasmagoria. She spent two and a half months with him, the suit states, enduring constant abuse.

Mr. Warner controlled Ms. Biancos movements and threatened to interfere with her visa process, the suit alleges. Mr. Warner alternately kept Ms. Bianco awake for days at a time and then would lock her out of the apartment overnight.

She alleges that Manson kept the apartment at 63 degrees, and got mad if she tried to adjust the thermostat. Bianco also states that the apartment was kept in near total darkness, with violent and sexually explicit movies playing throughout. She states that she once escaped the apartment while Manson slept, and that he became angry and threatened to have her visa revoked. Bianco also claims that he chased her with an ax and cut her with a Nazi knife during sex.

It took Ms. Bianco years to understand the extent of Mr. Warners physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse, the suit alleges. Her career suffered due to the deterioration of her mental health caused by Mr. Warner. She deals with complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks to this day as a result.

The suit accuses Manson of sexual assault and battery, and of violating the federal anti-trafficking law.

On Feb. 1, Evan Rachel Wood accused Manson of horrifically abusing her over the course of several years, and said she was brainwashed and manipulated into submission.

Manson responded later that day on Instagram, saying the allegations were horrible distortions of reality.

My intimate relations have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners, he wrote. Regardless of how  and why  others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth.

He has not posted since.

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Sitting on a stool several feet from a long-armed robot, Dr. Danyal Fer wrapped his fingers around two metal handles near his chest.

As he moved the handles  up and down, left and right  the robot mimicked each small motion with its own two arms. Then, when he pinched his thumb and forefinger together, one of the robots tiny claws did much the same. This is how surgeons like Dr. Fer have long used robots when operating on patients. They can remove a prostate from a patient while sitting at a computer console across the room.

But after this brief demonstration, Dr. Fer and his fellow researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, showed how they hope to advance the state of the art. Dr. Fer let go of the handles, and a new kind of computer software took over. As he and the other researchers looked on, the robot started to move entirely on its own.

With one claw, the machine lifted a tiny plastic ring from an equally tiny peg on the table, passed the ring from one claw to the other, moved it across the table and gingerly hooked it onto a new peg. Then the robot did the same with several more rings, completing the task as quickly as it had when guided by Dr. Fer.
(HealthDay)A pill to treat COVID-19 is being developed by Pfizer and could be available by the end of the year, company CEO Albert Bourla says.

In March, Pfizer launched an early-stage clinical trial of a new antiviral drug for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, CBS News reported. The drug reduces the production of enzymes the virus needs to multiply in human cells.

If clinical trials are successful and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the drug, it could be available across the United States later in 2021, Bourla told CNBC on Tuesday, CBS News reported.

Last month, Mikael Dolsten, M.D., chief scientific officer and president, worldwide research, development, and medical of Pfizer, said it is possible that the new drug could be prescribed "at the first sign of infection, without requiring that patients are hospitalized or in critical care."

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

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Farmers markets help Stohrs introduce goat dairy products to SD

Stohr Diary invests in the dairy goat industry. Helps grow awareness to the benefits of goat dairy within South Dakota.
US indicts 3 on hate crime charges in death of Ahmaud Arbery

The Justice Department brought federal hate crimes charges Wednesday in the death of Ahmaud Arbery, charging a father and son who armed themselves, chased and fatally shot the 25-year-old Black man after spotting him running in their Georgia neighborhood.

Travis McMichael and his father, Gregory, were charged along with a third man, William Roddie Bryan, with one count of interference with civil rights and attempted kidnapping. The McMichaels are also charged with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

The case is the most significant civil rights prosecution undertaken to date by the Biden administration Justice Department and comes as federal officials have moved quickly to open sweeping investigations into troubled police departments as civil rights takes center stage among the departments priorities.

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The indictment charges that the McMichaels armed themselves with firearms, got into a truck and chased Arbery through the public streets of the neighborhood while yelling at Arbery, using their truck to cut off his route and threatening him with firearms. It also alleges that Bryan got into a truck and then chased Arbery, using the vehicle to block his path.

Arbery, 25, was killed on Feb. 23, 2020, by three close-range shotgun blasts after the McMichaels pursued him in a pickup truck as he was running through their neighborhood. Arbery had been dead for more than two months when a cellphone video of the shooting was leaked online and a national outcry erupted.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case the next day and swiftly arrested Travis McMichael, who fired the shots, his father, and Bryan, a neighbor who joined the pursuit and took the video. The three men remain jailed on state murder charges and are due back in court in May.

S. Lee Merritt, an attorney for Arberys mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, applauded the hate crimes charges Wednesday, tweeting that the federal case would serve as a fail-safe to the state prosecution.

Hate claimed Ahmauds life, Merritt tweeted. Our justice system must combat intolerance.

The McMichaels lawyers have said they pursued Arbery, suspecting he was a burglar, after security cameras had previously recorded him entering a home under construction. They say Travis McMichael shot Arbery while fearing for his life as they grappled over a shotgun.

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Local prosecutors have said Arbery stole nothing and was merely out jogging when the McMichaels and Bryan chased him.

The Justice Department alleges that the men used force and threats of force to intimidate and interfere with Arberys right to use a public street because of his race.

In pretrial court hearings in Georgia, prosecutors have presented evidence that racism may have played a role in the mans death.

Last June, an agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation testified Bryan told investigators that Travis McMichael uttered a racist slur right after the shooting as he stood over Arbery, who was bleeding on the ground.

Mr. Bryan said that after the shooting took place before police arrival, while Mr. Arbery was on the ground, that he heard Travis McMichael make the statement, f-ing n-er, GBI agent Richard Dial testified.

Travis McMichaels attorneys have denied that he made the remark.

During a bond hearing in November, prosecutors introduced evidence that Travis McMichael had used racist slurs in a text message and on social media.

At the time Arbery was killed, Georgia was one of just four U.S. states without a hate crimes law. Amid the outcry over his death, Georgia lawmakers quickly passed a law allowing for an additional penalty for certain crimes found to be motivated by a victims race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or mental or physical disability.

The men charged with murdering Arbery wont face hate crime penalties at the state level because the law was changed after the killing.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said the state case remained a priority, and he commended this positive development and the continued push to get answers for Ahmauds family, community and our state.

Attorneys for Travis McMichael said they were disappointed that the Justice Department bought the false narrative that the media and state prosecutors have promulgated.

There is absolutely nothing in the indictment that identifies how this is a federal hate crime and it ignores without apology that Georgia law allows a citizen to detain a person who was committing burglaries until police arrive, attorneys Bob Rubin and Jason Sheffield said.

Gregory McMichaels attorneys, Frank and Laura Hogue, did not immediately respond Wednesday to an email seeking comment.

Bryans attorney, Kevin Gough, said he was disappointed by federal prosecutors decision to seek an indictment against Bryan.

Roddie Bryan has committed no crime, Gough said in a statement. We look forward to a fair and speedy trial, and to the day when Mr. Bryan is released and reunited with his family.




The number of foreign visitors to South Korea dropped nearly 11 percent in March from a year earlier amid the coronavirus pandemic, data showed Friday.







A total of 74,604 foreigners visited the country last month, down 10.7 percent from the same month a year earlier, according to the data from the Korea National Tourism Organization (KNTO).







Chinese arrivals were the largest number at 18,980, followed by Americans with 12,321 and citizens from the Philippines with 9,268.







Visitors from China rose 14.4 percent on-year in March due to a base effect, while those from the Americas and Europe both shrank 16 percent due to travel restrictions in those areas due to the COVID-19 pandemic.







Meanwhile, 73,999 South Koreans made overseas trips in March, down 48.4 percent from a year earlier, according to the data. (Yonhap)


Scientists support the Brazilian drug regulator's decision to block the import of the Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V due to seeing it carried a live version of a common cold-causing virus.

Top virologist Angela Rasmussen said that it raises concerns on the integrity of the manufacturing processes, according to a CBS News report.

Rasmussen added that it could be a safety issue for people with weaker immune systems if it were widespread.

Brazil's health authority announced earlier this week that it would not recommend importing the Russian COVID vaccine despite the urgent need for vaccines in the country.

All five of Anvisa's directors voted against the importing of the vaccine, according to The New York Times report.

Gustavo Mendes Lima Santos, Anvisa's manager of medicine and biological products, said that Sputnik V's efficacy was "uncertain.

Santos added that crucial questions had been unanswered, including the adverse side effects of the vaccine.

READ MORE: Mexico Unsure if Seized Russian Sputnik V Vaccines Are Real or Fake





Brazil on Sputnik V

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov, said that the Russian government would try to win over the Brazilian regulators' minds about the vaccine's safety.

Peskov said that contact will continue.

"If data is missing, it will be provided. There should be no doubt in this," Peskov was quoted in a report.

Brazilian states had contracts to buy almost 30 million doses of Sputnik V, putting huge pressure on Anvisa over their decision.

An Anvisa director, Alex Machado, said that the days of yes to the vaccine and treatment available are celebrated. However, he noted that there will also be days of no.

One of the states that procured Sputnik V's doses was Ceara.

Gov. Camilo Santana said he respected Anvisa's decision but argued that the vaccine is being used in other countries as well.

Santana said he will keep fighting for this authorization in a safe manner while following the rules.

Meanwhile, Anvisa's director, Antonio Barra Torres, said that the agency had been accused of lying, acting unethically, and spreading fake news.

Torres said they refute the said allegations, according to a Channel News Asia report.

Torres cleared that they are not closing the door on using the vaccine, adding that the data presented can be revised, corrected, and presented again.

Russia's COVID vaccine

Slovakia had concerns over the composition of Sputnik V vaccines earlier this month.

It said that they did not match the samples that were used in clinical studies, according to an AFP News report.

American chemist Derek Lowe commented on the matter, saying that it puts a question over the entire manufacturing and quality control process.

He added that he can see why the Brazilian regulators are concerned.

Lowe also said that Sputnik V's makers should address the issues directly with transparency and work to find a solution.

Sputnik V vaccine uses different adenovirus vectors to do its work on protecting individuals against the COVID pandemic.

It is also given in two shots like other vaccine candidates, except Johnson & Johnson.

Gamaleya Institute had argued that the vaccine contained no replicating virus.

READ NEXT: Brazil Health Regulator Rejects Russia's COVID Vaccine

WATCH: Brazil health regulator rejects Russia's Sputnik COVID-19 vaccine over "serious" defect - from Global News






If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
(Natural News) Brazilian scientists discovered a serious issue with Russias Sputnik V covid vaccine. This serious issue could lead to a new public health crisis, which is why Brazilian regulators have banned the import of this vaccine.

The vaccine in question was developed by Russias Gamaleya Institute. Like the AstraZeneca and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the Sputnik V covid vaccine uses a genetically modified adenovirus to carry genetic instructions into the cells of human recipients. Once inside the cells, these genetic instructions force the cells to develop the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2. If the process goes as planned, immune-responsive cells are supposed to respond to this new influx of spike proteins, which are delivered on the surface of the cells.

In the wild, the adenovirus normally causes mild respiratory illness in humans. The adenovirus used in the vaccine is genetically modified and disabled, so it cannot replicate in human tissues. But this is not always guaranteed. The vector can revert to LIVE form in some people, destroying the vaccines methodology, causing new infections, and contributing to community spread.

Adenovirus-vectored vaccines can revert to LIVE form, putting the immunocompromised at risk

Brazils drug regulatory agency, Anvisa, tested samples of the Sputnik V covid vaccine. They found that the genetically weakened adenovirus is still replication-competent and can rapidly multiply once its injected into humans. Once the adenovirus begins to replicate, the DNA code that it was supposed to carry into the cells becomes disabled, rendering the shot ineffective as a covid-19 vaccine.

Top virologist Angela Rasmussen said this finding raises questions about the integrity of the manufacturing processes. If the genetically modified adenovirus reverts to a live, infectious form in the human body, it can make people sick, especially those with weaker immune systems. The live virus can then contribute to community spread of new respiratory viruses, creating new public health challenges.

For most people this probably wont be a big deal because adenoviruses are generally not thought of as really important human pathogens, said Rasmussen. But in people who are immune compromised  there could be a higher rate of adverse effects because of it, including potentially serious ones.

This unbeknownst adenovirus replication also gives the vaccinated person a false sense of security, because the intended encoding process for spike proteins never occurs and never provokes an immune response.

The fallibility of adenovirus-vector vaccines is well known

At some point in the vaccine manufacturing process, the adenovirus is recouping all the genes it needs to restore its ability to replicate. The Brazilian scientists believe this is occurring during the manufacturing process called recombination. When the inactivated adenovirus is grown in aborted fetal cells, it can secretly gain back the genes it needs to continue its replication process. Once inside human test subjects, the adenovirus can begin replicating, leading to adverse events, sickness and community spread of a new respiratory virus. It is also unknown whether the DNA code for the spike protein is being disabled during this manufacturing process. The vaccine might be intended to create herd immunity, but it could inadvertently weaken herd immunity and promote the spread of new infectious virus material in the community.

The Sputnik V vaccine was developed as a two-shot protocol, which isnt validated in the scientific community. The first shot contains adenovirus type 26 and the second shot contains adenovirus type 5. The immune responsive cells quickly become familiar with adenoviruses. A different adenovirus is used for each shot in an attempt to trick immune responsive cells. This familiarity makes re-vaccination less effective as immune responsive cells disable the adenovirus vector before it can convey genetic instructions to the cells.

The booster shots for adenovirus-vector vaccines are not nearly as effective as the original vaccine and contribute to the mutation of live viruses that cause symptoms of the common cold in healthy people and more serious health issues for people with weak immune systems. If immune responsive cells recognize the vector, the intended process of encoding spike proteins is thwarted, rendering the vaccine protocol ineffective and making the vaccine recipient more susceptible to colds and other coronavirus infections in the future.

Sources include:

France24.com

ClinicalTrialsArena.com

NaturalNews.com
The death of Chads President Idriss Deby has inevitably alarmed foreign and national security policymakers in Nigeria, the West African region and as far as France.

The 68-year-old Deby was killed on the frontline in northern Chad across the border with Libya where Chadian troops have been battling the foreign-backed rebel group Front pour IAlternance et al Concorde au Tchad.

A transitional military council headed by Debys son, Mahamat Deby, has since taken over the reins of power.

Deby had been in power since 1990 and had recently declared victory in elections that gave him his sixth term in office. The official result said he had garnered nearly 80% of the vote. The poll was boycotted by the opposition, and fell short of qualifying as a free and fair election.

But his sudden death has serious implications for regional stability and the war against insurgency in the troubled Lake Chad Basin and the broader Sahel region in West Africa.

It is also being keenly felt by two countries that play significant roles in the region  Nigeria and France.

For Nigeria, the dangers posed by Debys death are very close to home. This is primarily because of the potential proliferation of weapons into its borders from Libya, via Chad and possible collaborations between violent extremist groups and rebels.

As the region and the rest of the world looks to Nigeria, Abuja owes it to Nigerians, as well as countries in the Sahel, to take a leading role in ensuring instability doesnt spread. But to do so it needs to act immediately and decisively. Time is of the essence.

Uncertainty

Deby was a close ally of Nigeria, the regions sole hegemon.

Under his rule, Chad contributed significantly to regional efforts through the Multinational Joint Task Force aimed at defeating Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State in the West African Province (ISWAP). Chad also committed 1,000 troops to the Sahel region.

The fear is that Debys death could affect Chads future commitments. If this happened, Nigerias ability to prosecute the ongoing war  domestically and across the Lake Chad Basin area  would be compromised.

Nigerias Defence Minister, Bashir Magashi, has already expressed concerns, warning that if there was insecurity in Chad there would be a lot of problems.

With the largest armed forces in the region, the stakes are high for Nigeria. Not only is it engaged in fighting insurgencies in the Lake Chad Basin region, it is also grappling with its own internal security challenges.

These range from the threat posed by Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province, in its North East region to armed banditry across the North-west and North-central regions.

There is also an emerging threat in the South-east by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra. And there are potential spill-overs of the farmer-herder clashes in the North which have the potential to further complicate the spate of kidnappings across the South-west region.

Another state actor with significant interests in the region that has lost a staunch ally is France. Paris provided Deby with solid backing during his 30-year rule.

France was quick to demonstrate its willingness to support and work with the military leaders who have assumed power.

This, in turn, raises questions about the countrys commitment to the rule of law and democracy in the region. This also has consequences for the continued support of other world powers who have kept a keen interest on developments in the region such as the European Union and the U.S., who may be a bit reluctant to work with Chads unconstitutional military junta.

An issue of concern with dire consequences is the fact that Deby was killed by rebels, who are non-state actors. This could potentially embolden other dissidents and terrorist groups who thrive on exploiting local grievances. Their efforts are invariably met by intensified efforts at enforcing peace and security by states in the region.

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The problem with this is that it could further reinforce an already militaristic approach to regional stability, at the expense of non-militaristic approaches such as socio-economic and political factors.

What next

The timing of his death poses significant challenges for security forces. Troops across the region already have their hands full assisting with enforcing lockdown measures while the activities of extremist groups continue unabated.

Theres also a danger that some ISIS-affiliated violent extremist groups could seize the moment to intensify their activities across the Sahel region. They may also capitalise on his death to seek expansion through renewed recruitment and disinformation on social media.

Despite these uncertainties and concerns, Nigeria has a role to play in stepping up to the plate to provide the region with the leadership it needs at this time.

Nigerias leadership in the region in the past has been crucial to state survival as well as regional peace, security and stability. Nigeria for example led the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) interventions in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

With the vacuum created in the region following the death of Deby, Nigeria must act decisively now more than ever, to promote regional peace, security and stability.

To do this efficiently and effectively, Nigeria must expend its diplomatic and political capital in mobilising key regional partners. Dispatching a Special Envoy to the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel regions would be first step. It must also provide renewed reassurances of its continued commitment to security cooperation with the Multinational Joint Task Force and other West African states.

Its much needed leadership efforts must also reflect the mutually linked security concerns of the states in the region and their societies for it to stand the test of time. Hesitation on the part of Nigeria will have dire consequences for its own internal peace. It will also have a negative domino effect across the broader region.

The Conversation is Premium Times syndication partner. We have its permission to republish content
ROME - Enel Green Power Italia (GPI) has commissioned a wind farm in Partanna, Sicily.

The company said in a statement that the facility, located in the Trapani province, consists of six 2.4 MW wind turbines, with a total capacity of 14.4 MW. The plant, it noted, will produce around 40 GWh/year from renewable resources, corresponding to the supply of energy for approximately 10 thousand homes, avoiding the emission of roughly 33,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year.

Enel Green Power chief executive Salvatore Bernabei said: "The commissioning of the Partanna wind farm marks another milestone in our strategy to develop new renewable energy capacity in Italy, and contributes to the ambitious decarbonisation goals of the Enel Group and the country.

"Today Enel's production of energy from renewable sources, both globally and in Italy, already exceeds that of its thermoelectric plants." The statement noted that the Partanna facility "is part of the allocation awarded in the GSE tender in Italy, which includes the construction of new capacity and the upgrading of existing plants". Construction took only eight months, the company said, despite difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemia.

On April 14, Enel GPI connected the wind farm to the high-voltage grid, marking a key step towards the energy transition started by ENEl in Italy as part of a process to reduce carbon emissions as foreseen at the European level by a 'green deal' signed in 2019.
MALTA - Guests at a Malta hotel were arrested on April 15 for allegedly trying to steal a pickup truck belonging to a hotel employee as well as construction equipment and supplies used in hotel renovations, the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office said.

The two, a 26-year-old man from Colonie and a 20-year-old woman from Schenectady, were charged with burglary, attempted grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, deputies said.
Assay checks verified that the 4N purity value was 99.9934% containing 66 ppm of impurities - which is below the 100 ppm impurity threshold for 4N HPA.

( ) has completed additional internal and external High Purity Alumina (HPA) purity assay checks to verify the previously reported production of HPA at >4N (99.99%) purity.

To help ensure quality control and quality assurance, three sets of assay checks were undertaken on the HPA samples:

Source Certain International (SCI) produced a new HPA Batch (HPA 7) which was assayed by SCI using the Microwave digest ICP-MS and ICP-AES1 method.;

SCI completed multiple repeat assays of HPA Batches 2-7 by the Microwave digest ICP-MS and ICP-AES1 method; and

An independent laboratory assayed HPA Batches 2-6 by the fusion-X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) and fusion-Laser Ablation (LA) Mass Spectrometry (MS) methods.

HPA Batch 7 Results

SCI produced another 4N purity HPA result from HPA Batch 7 using a new sample of high purity Precursor that was calcined then washed by a simplified process designed to reduce costs. HPA 7 was analysed using the Microwave digest ICP-MS and ICP-AES1 assay method.

The 4N purity result was calculated by the addition of all the assayed element impurities that reported above the detection limit then subtracting this result from 100%.

The 4N purity value was 99.9934% containing 66 parts per million of impurities which is below the 100 parts per million impurity threshold for 4N HPA.

The main contaminants in HPA Batch 7 are silicon, potassium, sodium and iron, plus low levels of niobium and chromium which, together with some of the iron, may be the result of contamination from the furnace heating elements.

Repeat assays

SCI completed repeat assays using the Microwave digest ICP-MS and ICP-AES1 method on separate aliquots selected from HPA Batches 2 to 6 and the new HPA 7 batch.

Five to eight analytical duplicates per HPA sample were completed giving a total of 40 analyses.

The HPA purity in all the subsamples is 4N, with impurities summing to less than 100 parts per million.

Variability in the results is due to differences in the test sample and the analytical precision. The main impurities are silicon, potassium, sodium and iron.

The graph shows the impurities are less than or equal to 100 parts per million and the purity above the 99.99% threshold line for 4N purity HPA.

Independent laboratory assays

HPA Batches 2 to 6 were analysed by an independent laboratory using the fusion-XRF and fusion-Laser Ablation assay methods.

The results reported >4N purity in Batches 2 to 5 with Batch 6 under 4N.

Most of the major element impurity levels, determined using the XRF method, were higher especially silicon, but potassium was lower, in the independent check assays when compared with the SCI Microwave ICP-AES results.

In general, the XRF method reports lower accuracy and precision and more variability at these low analyte concentrations than the ICP methods.

The other minor elements assays determined, using the Laser Ablation-MS method, compared very closely with the SCI Microwave digestion ICP-MS results.

A phase analysis on HPA Batch 4 to confirm the crystal structure is still pending due to workloads by the independent consultant.

Pre-feasibility study updates

The company has continued investigations with government agencies and private owners for an appropriate industrial site in the Kwinana area, 30-40 kilometres south of Perth in Western Australia.

The industrial estate is close to a skilled and productive workforce, hosts specialist centres for chemical and resource-based processing, marine engineering and shipbuilding, and has industrial land areas specifically set aside for companies wishing to invest in downstream processing and other heavy or strategic industrial activities, including the Lithium Valley concept plan.

Como Engineers Capex and Opex estimates are pending some final modifications of the HPA washing circuit and on completion, the pre-feasibility study documentation will be finalised for release to the market.

Mini pilot plant

KRR has named its HPA refining process the ARC HPA process route, to highlight the aluminium chemical feedstock, the use of only recrystallisation steps in purification, and final calcination.

Work has commenced on the development of a mini-pilot plant to demonstrate the ARC HPA process works at a larger scale for the definitive feasibility study (DFS) and to produce market samples.

The process flowsheet and mass balances have been used to scale the mini-pilot plant and enquiries with vessel vendors are underway.

The 1500C rotary tube furnace, used for the calcination stage of the process, is currently undergoing checks by the supplier in Australia and is expected to be delivered shortly.

In addition, metallurgical HPA test-work will be ongoing to further refine the ARC HPA process for the DFS with the current focus on further improving the precursor product to simplify the final calcination stage.

Test-work is also ongoing into extracting high purity vanadium and titanium products from the Speewah vanadium deposit suitable as intermediate products for battery and master alloy applications.
Palmdale, CA (93550)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
The Ministry of Energy has reacted to the call by the Minority in Parliament to utilise $1 billion sovereign bond to resolve what it said was an energy crisis.



The Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Mr John Jinapor, had urged the Ministry of Finance to utilise the $1 billion sovereign bond borrowed in 2020 to address the financial challenges of the energy sector.



He also urged energy sector players to be proactive and inform electricity consumers who would be affected by power outages in advance so that affected customers could take remedial steps to mitigate the effects of such outages.



But in a response, the Ministry of Energy said, it shall not be drawn into a needles war of words that tends to politicise the situation.



"However, the Ministry welcomes constructive feedback from all sections of our society," it added.



"Government appreciates the patience of affected Ghanaians and respectfully craves their forbearance as these necessary works are undertaken in order to achieve their objective," it added.



Below is a copy of the Ministry's response



Accra, 29 April 2021



STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO MINORITY IN PARLIAMENTS STATEMENT ON POWER SITUATION



The attention of the Ministry of Energy has been drawn to a statement yesterday 28th April 2021 by the Minority in Parliament over the current power outage situation in the country.



In the said statement a number of claims were made on a variety of issues in the power sector.





The Ministry wishes to put on record the following facts;



 Intermittent Power Outages



Since the beginning of the year, there have been some intermittent outages in parts of the country due to the following:



 Feeder outages in Kumasi arising from low water levels in the Bui Dam enclave. 1Bui is a peaking plant for transmissions services to Ashanti, Bono regions and the Northern parts of Ghana. Bui is crucial, in that it is able to energise the low voltages in power being supplied from the south into Ashanti and the north).



 Prestea-Obuasi Transmission line trips, leading to a total system shutdown (the line that tripped affected other adjacent lines. This curtailed supply and caused a system shutdown).



 Gas flow challenges upstream  arising from challenges in the WAPCo supply line.



 Gas Compressor faults reported by Ghana Gas.



 Localised outages within the distribution chain

Despite inherent challenges in the transmission and distribution aspects of the power sector, systematic plans have been put in place by government and our developmental partners like MCC, Siemens and AFD to support the overall stability and create consistency and reliability for the country.



For the record, there has been no nationwide load shedding in the country, neither has there been an attempt to embark on one because there is no need to.



Some of the projects ongoing in Accra and Kasoa, for example, will require outages for some days. The Pokuase timetable is out, starting from May 10 to May 17th 2021.

That of Kasoa is yet to be published, and shall be released at the appropriate time when the necessary arrangements and consultations with the relevant stakeholders have taken place. The only reason these outages are being carried is to allow for the contractors to tie in their works into the existing transmission lines.



It is therefore false to claim, as the Minority in Parliament has, that political pressure has been brought to bear on the publishing of a load shedding timetable.



 Ongoing Key Projects to salvage situation  Transmission



 Pokuase substation (BSP) - The US$60m Pokuase BSP, the fourth Bulk Supply Point in Accra designated as A4BSP, and its associated 33kV and 11kV interconnecting lines will address power supply challenges, such as frequent outages and low voltages resulting from increased power demand in Accra and the surrounding towns. On completion, the quality of power supply and reliability in Pokuase, Kwabenya, Legon, Nsawam and its environs will improve significantly.



 Kasoa GIS BSP - A US$50m project to improve reliability and quality of supply to Kasoa and its environs, including Senya Bereku, Bawjiase and Nyanyanu and also increase power availability to meet growing demand in that area. There will also be significant reduction in transmission and distribution losses. Upon completion, the programme will benefit 241,508 ECG customers by vastly improving GRIDCos power transmission system.



 Kumasi - Kintampo transmission line project - funded by AFD at a cost of US$173m. It will ease the load on the Kumasi substations and become the instrument of power transmission to the north. The substations in Kumasi can then focus on transmissions to areas within the Ashanti and Bono regions.



 Purchasing of a US$15m Static VAR Compensator - it will help sustain high voltages in the transmission system.



 Transfer of AMERI Plant to Kumasi  To stabilize the power in Kumasi and also support the voltage in the northern part of the country which has become worse because of Buis outage.



 Work on the Tema to Accra transmission line upgrade project. Installation of new transmission lines is to increase power transfer capacity from 400 megawatts (MW) to 1,900MW to reduce redundancy of power in the transmission lines



It is obvious that these works cannot be carried out without the relevant financial arrangements in place, for which reason the Minority in Parliaments claim of financial limitations with respect to the current situation is wholly without merit and should be disregarded.



Project Timelines



The Ministry rejects the Minority in Parliaments assertion that different timelines have been given from different outfits in respect of the schedule of works. This is false. It is important to note the following;



Pokuase Bulk Supply Point July 2021



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.



Read also: Pokuase Bulk Power Supply Point to be ready in July 2021



Kasoa Bulk Supply Point  August 2021



Sixty per cent of construction work has so far been done on the $50-million gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substation, with engineers assuring the minister that the infrastructure will be ready by the end of August this year.



The project, which is part of a nationwide rehabilitation of lines, started three years ago under the Agence de France de Development financing of $173 million and is expected to be completed by September 2021.



Related: Rehabilitation of transmission lines will improve power supply GRIDCo



It is expected that by the end of 2021, all these and other projects would have come to fruition and the power situation would have been resolved. These different conclusion dates for the various projects cannot by any stretch of the imagination be construed to mean that different and contradictory dates have been issued on when the power situation would be resolved.



 Bui Dam



Bui remains a crucial stakeholder and client of Ghana Grid Company.



It is undeniable that Bui Dams role as a peaking plant remains a significant point in the transmission process. Once the water level drops, this hampers transmission to the Ashanti region and beyond, due to the low voltages that are the resultant effect.



 AFD Loan & Projects



The principal reason for the halt in loan disbursements by Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) was to pave way for the agencys access to a government guarantee.



The projects have all resumed following the provision of the necessary requirements needed by the French Development Agency.



President Akufo-Addos vision for the power sub-sector is safe, dependable, and affordable power to bring relief to Ghanaians and also to serve as a solid base for an industrialized economy.



The Ministry of Energy, in furtherance of this vision, is working hard to bring it to fruition and remains focused on delivering this important mandate. The Ministry shall not be drawn into a needless war of words that tends to politicize the situation. However, the Ministry welcomes constructive feedback from all sections of our society.



Government appreciates the patience of affected Ghanaians and respectfully craves their forbearance as these necessary works are undertaken in order to achieve their objective.

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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Real estate developer Laurence Seiterle can say he knew Hackberry Market back in the day, before it grew into the hottest new food hub on the near East Side. He used to cut the grass and change lightbulbs as a kid at the property his family owned at North Hackberry and East Houston, when it was a plasma donation center with a dirt parking lot and rusted fences.

But Seiterle saw something there, a place to bring in restaurants and food operations that were small and local and looking for a start. He began to rehabilitate the property through his Zurich International Properties, and by 2018, hed attracted six tenants to what would become a symbol of growth and enterprise in an area with a strong connection to the past but an uncertain view of the future.

The momentum started when Credit Human signed on, and the credit union was followed by the street-smart Truth Pizzeria, the pocket-size Korean cafe The Magpie, the artisan chops of The Farmers Butcher, fresh local beer from Black Laboratory Brewing and vegan bakery goods from the soon-to-open Cake Thieves.

I think in Dignowity Hill, the secret is obviously out, Seiterle said. The foodies have arrived.

In an area east of downtown called the Eastside Promise Zone, bordered roughly by Interstate 37 to the west and Loop 410 to the east, there are at least 170 bars and restaurants representing a wide mix of styles, said Tuesdae Knight, president and CEO of the nonprofit San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside, or SAGE.

Those businesses look like everything, Knight said. Theres Ma Harpers and Sweet Yams. Smoke moved from Sunset Station. Theres just a very wide range.

Along with Creole cooking at Ma Harpers, barbecue and views at Smoke BBQ + Skybar and Sweet Yams health-forward Southern cooking, that range of existing bars and restaurants includes the eclectic fried chicken, sandwiches and barbecue of Dignowity Meats, awe-inspiring brisket creations at The Dakota East Side Ice House, burgers at Marks Outing, Southern specialties at Tony Gs Soul Food, even Japanese ramen at Cherrity Bar.

Over and over, business owners interviewed for this story said they were drawn to the East Side for two key reasons: its proximity to downtowns business and tourism district and more affordable rent than the more trendy parts of town such as Southtown and Midtown around the Pearl.

The zone is also one of the 10 fastest-gentrifying neighborhoods in the country, according to a report by Realtor.com, raising questions about whether the near East Side can hold onto its historically Black population, businesses and culture as it grows.

Gentrification doesnt live just on the East Side, Knight said. It lives on the West Side, it lives on the South Side. That is the curse of development: If you build it they will come. If they come, there will be change.

On ExpressNews.com: Review: The Magpie restaurant aims small, scores big with Korean-inspired food on San Antonios East Side

Historic East Side

To know San Antonio is to know that the near East Side is the historical heart of the citys Black community, home to the Carver Community Cultural Center, Bethel AME Church and a number of Black-owned restaurants and bars.

Its also a part of the city thats largely been passed over for large-scale economic investments and development, where neither the Alamodome nor the AT&T Center generated the kind of economic activity city leaders had hoped for.

Sunset Station next to St. Paul Square offered a glimmer of hope when it opened in 1999 with an outdoor concert venue that drew high-profile artists such as Pat Green and Maroon 5. The area thrived with restaurants and bars until big tenants moved out. Ruths Chris Steakhouse left St. Paul Square in 2013, and Aldacos left Sunset Station in 2015, leaving behind empty storefronts and parking problems for the businesses that remained.

Business owners, restaurants and customers looking for opportunities near downtown turned their attention to neighborhoods such as Southtown and the Pearl, and with that interest came higher rents and formidable investment hurdles.

In that churn, interest has turned now to the East Side, where space is more readily available, rents are more approachable, and customers and restaurateurs alike are more willing to get it on the ground floor.

Robin Jerstad /Contributor

East Side opportunity

Where some are concerned about the surge of new bars and restaurants on the near East Side changing the character of the neighborhoods, the owners of two established Black-owned restaurants there see opportunity.

Mark Outing started Fattys Burgers on East Commerce in 2005, changing the name in 2012 to Marks Outing, where he sells leaning towers of burgers that defy gravity, always with a free side of beans. He said an influx of new customers has been good for business, especially as the pandemic recovery continues.

The East Sides always been here, Outing said. Its just a matter of people seeing opportunity and taking advantage of that. Theres nothing wrong with that.

Restaurant owner Tony Gradney has seen two sides of the near East Side, starting when he opened Tony Gs Soul Food in St. Paul Square in 2015. After two years of making some of the citys best fried chicken, collard greens and candied yams at that spot, he moved Tony Gs farther east to its current home on South Hackberry. The moves been beneficial for a couple of reasons, he said.

When were talking about the African American community, there was a stigma about going across the tracks to St. Paul Square, he said. It was a win-win to move deeper into the community, and I was able to buy the building instead of renting.

Business has been good enough that Gradney plans to open Tony Gs Southeast on East Southcross the first week of June.

Tuckers Kozy Korner, an East Side institution that started as a Black music club on East Houston in 1948, has soldiered on through a handful of tenants in the last 10 years who arent Black but have tried to honor and build on Tuckers legacy. The most recent tenant is prolific bar owner Steve Mahoney, who reopened Tuckers in November 2019.

It doesnt really matter whos running it, as long as theyre showing the love for the people who come, said Julio Cepeda, Mahoneys general manager at Tuckers. Theyve kept the old jukebox and the framed prints of Ebony and Life magazine covers, as well as a painting of late founder John Tucker.

We turn on and turn off his light (under the painting) every night out of respect, Cepeda said. If it hadnt been for him, Tuckers never wouldve been here.

On ExpressNews.com: Skyline: East Side soul food restaurant Mrs. Kitchen moving to Windcrest

Chuck Blount / Staff file photo

Drinks and dining

In 2020, Sunset Station rebranded itself as The Espee in the hopes of becoming a concert destination again, and St. Paul Square has come back as a destination for dining and drinks. In 2018, the owners of Spanish restaurant Toro Kitchen + Bar chose the square for its second location, along with their modern cocktail bar Cellar Mixology.

They followed those openings there with the second location of Toros sister restaurant Cuishe Cocina Mexicana last year. And Mahoney doubled down on his commitment to the East Side by opening a cocktail bar in St. Paul Square called Lillys Greenville in 2019.

There are still vacant storefronts  and yet still not enough parking  but the upscale bars and restaurants have breathed new life into the stretch of East Commerce.

A half-mile away on Montana, David Malley created his own dining and drinks destination in an area of vacant lots and old homes with rusted roofs and peeling paint. In the shadow of the Alamodome, but with a great view of the Tower of the Americas, he transformed a quiet block into Cherrity Bar, a sprawling warren of buildings with a bar, a Japanese ramen restaurant and enough outside courtyard space to survive the rigors of social distancing at the height of the pandemic.

And not just survive, but thrive, with regular crowds of 150 and more seated throughout the complex, which often features live music and yoga.

Malley, who co-owns Cherrity Bar with chef Ernest Bradley, started the business in part for philanthropy  Cherrity donates a share of proceeds to charity  but also because he was tired of eating the same old things. I spent 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. working on the East Side, and I got tired of Bill Millers or tacos, he said.

Malley sees expansion prospects on the block around Cherrity Bar, where he owns several other properties. In the coming years, he envisions a Montana Street Dining District with six or seven restaurants and studio housing, a district to rival Southtown or Austins Rainey Street district.

Another bar is driving business to an underdeveloped part of East Houston Street. Cocktail savant Benjamin Krick and business partner Lucas Bradbury opened their bar Pastiche in a 1930s cottage in 2019, hoping to evoke Europes artsy La Belle Epoque era with vintage decor, aperitifs, liqueurs and complex cocktails. It came shortly after their downtown bar Jet-Setter opened.

Both bars rode the pandemic waves of bar shutdowns, social distancing and food service, then closed for a reset in January. Jet-Setter has reopened, with Pastiche to follow in the coming weeks.

The concept for Pastiche was born before they found the East Side cottage, Krick said. The place fit it perfectly, Krick said. We left some of the imperfections, like its been there almost 100 years, because it has.

The near East Side was a good choice, Krick said, because its not far from the Alamo, the Convention Center and major hotels. Plus, he said, the area has soul, that unquantifiable yet indispensable commodity that makes the East Side a destination for so many dreams.

On ExpressNews.com: 5 San Antonio restaurants for great fried chicken

Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer

Hackberry Market

The newest food-oriented development on the near East Side, Hackberry Market is the most innovative and unlikely. In the last year, the market has seen the rise of the Truth Pizzeria, one of the Top 10 pizzerias in the San Antonio Express-News 52 Weeks of Pizza series; a meat market called The Farmers Butcher, committed to pasture-raised animals; first-class beer from Black Laboratory Brewing; and a Korean cafe called The Magpie that the Express-News praised for its heart, soul, flavor and style.

But Hackberrys magic isnt just the individual businesses. Its a daisy chain of synergy. The pizzeria draws customers to the brewery, which sells beer to the butcher for brats, and the butcher sells cross-cut ribs to the Korean restaurant.

Putting a cluster of specialty food businesses in the same small complex resonates with Kelley Escobedo, who owns The Farmers Butcher with her husband, Mark. They specialize in sausage, making more than 30 varieties, but their cases are full of beef steaks and the cuts of pork theyve mastered through their South Texas Heritage Pork business.

Laurence (Seiterle) wanted it to be a mini version of the Pearl, Escobedo said, and that became an attractive part of the pitch that brought the craft butcher shop to Hackberry after more than a decade at the Pearl Farmers Market, where they still sell sausage on the weekends.

This is our chance to get into the next Southtown, Escobedo said. I hate to compare it to another neighborhood, but its kind of like that. Hackberry allowed them to open the shop without the million-dollar commitment of a downtown location, she said.

Tim Castaneda, who co-owns Black Laboratory Brewing, a craft beer taproom, with Jeff Weihe, said that after a few years of being courted by Seiterle to call Hackberry home, they finally opened  just a few days before the states COVID-19 restrictions shut down bars. They retooled, added food and started selling beer in aluminum crowler cans to go.

As the brutal grip of the pandemic eases up, Castaneda still sees the business and the location as a good bet.

We saw a vision that in the next five years, this area would be surrounded by lofts, more restaurants, more bars, he said. I think that this area of town is going to explode.

Hackberrys location was a selling point for John Winkler, who rebranded his Sulla Strada Pizza truck as Truth Pizzeria when he moved into his brick-and-mortar space last year. Any place thats close to downtown is eventually going to be good. The South Side, the West Side, any side, he said.

Winkler said hes grateful that pizza is a business well equipped to survive COVID-19, one that can convert exclusively to takeout, if need be, and one not wholly dependent on tourists like it would have been if hed opened on the River Walk instead of the East Side.

That was the point of Hackberry Market all along, to be different, not to be Anywhere USA, as Seiterle puts it. This isnt just anywhere; its the new East Side.

msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking | Instagram: @fedmanwalking
Eleven Scholarships Awarded by Flaglers Women of Vision for 2021-2022

Eleven deserving female students at Flagler College have recently been awarded scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year by the Women of Vision Advisory Board of Flagler. The value of this years awards is $32,000.

Because of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic during the past year, many families are still experiencing economic hardships, and the financial need among students is greater than ever, said Linda Allen-Hawkins, chair of the Women of Vision Advisory Board. We were delighted to be able to help these exceptional young women who have maintained competitive GPAs, while actively participating in campus and volunteer work.

The Flagler scholarship program was introduced in 2015 and was paid for by a fundraiser called the Power of the Purse. The event involved a silent auction of designer handbags, a raffle and a luncheon featuring a speaker in the Ponce de Leon Grand Dining Hall. It continued as a sold-out success for five years, but had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, because of the generosity and support of donors, volunteers, sponsors, board members and the community, the Women of Vision Board was able to fund 12 scholarships for 2020-21.

Although we arent able to have the fundraiser in the Grand Dining Hall again this year, said Janice Long, vice chair of the Women of Vision Advisory Board, we will sponsor a very special virtual Power of the Purse on May 3-6, 2021. The virtual auction is open to the public and may be accessed by visiting www.flagler.edu/POP on May 3-6. Impressive auction items include not only designer purses, but also totes, gourmet baskets, childrens items, spa packages, restaurant gift certificates and more.

Included in the recent awards was the special Robin Cooper Women of Vision Scholarship honoring the organizations co-founder, who passed away in 2018. Chosen for the award was Emma Wilkinson, a senior who exemplifies Robin Coopers legacy of generosity and genuine concern for others through community service and campus engagement.

A native of Northbrook, Illinois, Emma is majoring in Coastal Environmental Science, with a minor in Mathematics. She volunteers with the Matanzas Riverkeeper and the St. Johns County Audubon Society, and monitors the health of the local ecosystems. Emma is also involved with the Flagler College Archaeology Club and is helping to build enthusiasm for a new science club called FSTEAM. She was asked to speak at the first meeting of Flaglers Science Advisory Board.

Also receiving Women of Vision scholarships are:

Fernanda Bascope, Cochabamba, Bolivia  A senior majoring in business administration and international business.

Abigail Belchior, Berkley, Massachusetts  A senior majoring in coastal environmental science.

Grace Bishop, Deland, Florida  A sophomore majoring in criminology.

Sophia De Cesare, Palm Coast, Florida  A senior majoring in sociology.

Taylor Hogan, Daytona Beach, Florida  A sophomore majoring in business administration.

Sofia Irigoyen, Palmetto Bay, Florida  A junior majoring in fine art.

Svetlana Kendrick, Winter Springs, Florida  A senior majoring in English education.

Lavinia Lenssen, Deland, Florida  A sophomore majoring in international studies and tourism management.

Gracie Molzer, Ponte Vedra, Florida  A sophomore majoring in strategic communication.

Baylee Zimmerman, Lakeland, Florida  A sophomore majoring in marketing.

It was very difficult for the scholarship committee to select the eleven winners, said Shia Pleasant-Doine, Flagler Colleges financial aid director. The applicants were all very talented and deserving.

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The strike of 2,000 New York University (NYU) graduate students is nearing the end of its first week. As the United Auto Workers (UAW), with which the Graduate Student Organizing Committee (GSOC) is affiliated, is stepping up efforts to shut it down as quickly as possible, the Democratic Party is heavily intervening in the strike.

A vote at Columbia University on a sell-out contract negotiated by the UAW behind the backs of the membership is ending today, on April 30. Many graduate students are opting to vote no and there is widespread anxiety about a possible rigging of the vote, something for which the UAW is notorious. At NYU, finals are beginning next week, the UAW is clearly pushing to shut down the NYU strike as quickly as possible.

NYU graduate students on the picket line on Thursday (WSWS media)

On Wednesday, NYU accepted the federal mediator, Todd Austin, that had been proposed by the GSOC Bargaining Committee (BC) after it had accepted NYUs offer of mediation on the first day of the strike. Prior to joining the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), Austin had been on staff of the 1199 SEIU union at Montefiore Medical Center, a hospital in the Bronx, where devastating cuts have been implemented with the help of the union.

At the bargaining session on Thursday, NYU predictably continued to take a hard line, refusing to respond to proposals from GSOC. The NYU administration is no less unwilling to make any concessions than Columbia University or any other employer. For these institutions, which represent the ruling class as a whole, the negotiation is an opportunity to further impose austerity. Their strategy is to wait for the union to drop one demand after another.

As always, the UAW did not disappoint the NYU administration. The UAW representative and president of Local 2110, Maida Rosenstein, has repeatedly pressed for a further dropping of demands, and suggested that only one more membership meeting be held. She stressed that this should be done as fast as possible, The turnaround needs to be fast, because people are on strike, and thats a concern.

By the end of the day, GSOC accepted the NYU proposal for a health care fund to cover out of pocket costs. While NYU had proposed $200,000 to cover out-of-pocket costs, which would amount to less than $100 per unit member per year, GSOC now asked for a fund of $500,000 to be raised to $1 million by the end of the contract.

Members of the BC also stressed that bargaining should proceed as swiftly as possible in order to avoid a continuation of the strike. Notably, one BC member advocated lowering of demands that very day pointing, as a reason, to the scheduled virtual appearance of Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders on the picket line on Friday.

In fact, GSOC has done everything to involve Democrats in the strike, above all the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a pseudo-left faction within the Democratic Party.

From day one of the strike, GSOC-UAW invited Democratic Party representatives to the picket line to cheer on the union. The picket line has become a red carpet for various Democratic Party politicians running for city council and other positions, as well as members of various pseudo-left organizations. On Friday, Bernie Sanders is set to virtually address GSOC on the picket line.

The same Democratic Party that dominates NYUs Board of Trustees of multi-millionaires and billionaires, that are pushing for concessions from the graduate students, is now pretending to be on the side of the striking graduate students.

On Tuesday, Sanders had tweeted: I stand in solidarity with @GSOCUAW graduate workers at NYU who are on strike for living wages, affordable health care, and decent working conditions. We are fighting for college for all and dignity for the workers who make our universities great. Graduate students should ask themselves: What is really behind the intervention of Sanders, one of the most experienced bourgeois politicians in the US, in this strike?

The Democratic Party, one of the oldest capitalist parties in the world, has overseen decades of social austerity and imperialist wars. In the US, major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City, all Democratic-ruled, are the sites of a staggering social catastrophe. In New York City, more people have become unemployed on average than in any other major city in the US due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with at least 630,000 jobs destroyed. Over 1.6 million rely on food stamps.

A Democratic governor, Andrew Cuomo, and a Democratic mayor, Bill de Blasio, have overseen a devastating spread of the pandemic in New York state which was long the center of the pandemic in the US. So far, the pandemic has claimed the lives of over 50,000 people in New York alone, many of them transit workers and health care workers who were denied essential protective equipment while battling the virus in overburdened hospitals.

The Democratic administration of Joe Biden, which left Democrats like Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez promote on a daily basis, has continued and expanded the Trump administrations war preparations against China and is also continuing its brutal policy against desperate immigrants fleeing violence and poverty on the US-Mexican border.

If Bernie Sanders is now intervening in the strike, it is above all to politically prepare its sell-out and to stifle any opposition from graduate students to the union and capitalist politics more broadly. They lend their support not to the graduate students and their struggle but to the union which is scrambling to contain growing working class opposition, including among auto workers, teachers and oil workers.

In fact, the intervention of Sanders in the strike, much like the appearance of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the picket line of the striking Hunts Point workers in January, is a sign that preparations for the sell-out of the strike are very well advanced.

The NYU strike is taking place amidst an enormous radicalization of the working class internationally. One year into the pandemic, which has exposed the failure of the capitalist system to provide for even the most minimal necessities of lifeand life itselfworkers and young people are not only traumatized but also angry.

The graduate student strikes at NYU and Columbia are part of a much broader upsurge of struggles of the working class and a turn to the left by broad sections of the population. In the US, this found an expression most recently in the response to the exposure of the WSWS and SEP of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs right-wing political record and her denunciations of socialist opponents of the Biden administration.

This is why the Democratic Party, working in cahoots with the union, is so concerned with shutting down this strike and preventing graduate students from turning to a genuinely Marxist perspective. By contrast, the IYSSE is intervening in this struggle precisely to fight for such a Marxist orientation and the building of a genuinely socialist leadership.

Graduate students must not rely on capitalist politicians who are not on their side and instead turn to a mobilization of the entire working class, in New York, across the US and internationally. This means a conscious break not just from the union but from the pseudo-left politics of forces like Sanders and the DSA, which ultimately represent the interests of privileged layers of the upper middle class.

This is the only way to not just prevent another betrayal by the union, but, most importantly, to develop an offensive by the international working class to put an end to the pandemic and the capitalist system. Graduate students interested in this perspective should reach out to us and make plans to attend the May Day Rally of the International Committee of the Fourth International on Saturday.

To read more about the politics of the pseudo-left, study the WSWS topic page.
The Washington Post has been slammed for describing President Joe Biden as 'very Catholic' in an article about his row with bishops over abortion rights.

On Thursday, the newspaper shared the article on Twitter, writing: 'A rising group of right-wing U.S. Catholic bishops is colliding with a very Catholic president who supports abortion rights.'

Biden's pro-choice stance on abortion conflicts sharply with the Catholic Church's official view, which is pro-life.

The article came a day after the Associated Press reported that US Catholic bishops will be deciding at their next national meeting in June whether to tell Biden and other Catholic politicians not to receive Communion if they continue advocating for abortion rights.

The Washington Post has come under fire for describing President Joe Biden as 'very Catholic' in an article about his row with bishops over abortion rights

On Thursday, the newspaper shared the article on Twitter, writing: 'A rising group of right-wing U.S. Catholic bishops is colliding with a very Catholic president who supports abortion rights'

Many social media users criticized the Washington Post's characterization - both of Biden and of the bishops.

Some claimed that a person could not be 'very Catholic,' while others questioned what exactly 'very Catholic' meant and mocked what they saw as a media fixation with Biden's faith.

Other users said that it was incorrect to describe bishops whose views on abortion are in line with official Church positions as 'right-wing'.

A few on social media argued that Biden can be both a practicing Catholic with his own private views on abortion, and be against legislating abortion based on religious arguments.

'Biden is 'very' Catholic but Catholics who are pro-life are right wingers. Our media is garbage.' David Harsanyi, a writer for the conservative magazine National Review, wrote.

'It's not 'ring wing' for a Catholic to follow the Church's definitive and unambiguous stance on abortion nor it is 'right wing' to acknowledge that publicly promoting a gave moral evil puts you in a state of mortal sin that makes you ineligible to receive communion.' a Twitter user named Nick wrote.

'They're sticking to this Catholic thing, aren't they?' Geoffrey Ingersoll, from the right-wing news and opinion site The Daily Caller, wrote.

Bethany Mandel, editor of 'centre-to-right' website Ricochet shared an image of a VHS tape labelled 'Bethany,s Christening'.

'I too am 'very Catholic' according to the Washington Post. See? Very. Catholic.,' she wrote.

A Twitter user named Phyllis was among those who argued Biden was free to practice his faith without having it influence his decisions as President.

'He is pro-life personally & through faith but pro-choice as to government trying to govern our bodies & choices. Take a seat,' she wrote.

'Religion is a personal choice. It does not entitle anyone to legislate a woman's choices for her own womb. Stop it. Religion is dangerous used as a control mechanism over people, men or women. Believe what you want FOR YOU! Nobody else should be included,' a Twitter user with the handle @BidenHarrisWon2 wrote.

The comments came in response to the tweet by the Washington Post that accompanied an article titled 'Biden's abortion rights stance triggers coming debate among Catholic bishops on Communion'.

The article said that Biden's religious practice 'is powerful to millions of American Catholics' but added that 'to millions of others, a Catholic U.S. president enacting one policy after another in favor of abortion access is a source of shame.'

Such a stance, by a public figure, is 'a grave moral evil,' according to Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop's Committee on Pro-Life Activities and believes it's necessary to publicly rebuke Biden on the issue.

'Because President Biden is Catholic, it presents a unique problem for us,' Naumann told The Associated Press. 'It can create confusion. ... How can he say he's a devout Catholic and he's doing these things that are contrary to the church's teaching?'

The Vatican has not ruled on the specific matter of Communion and politicians supporting abortion in a major teaching document, though the church's in-house canon law says people in a situation of persistent sin shouldn't be allowed to receive Communion. It has also issued guidelines for the behavior of Catholics in political life exhorting them to uphold principles consistent with church doctrine. Pictured: Biden attends mass with the First Lady Dr Jill Biden on inauguration day [File photo]

The Vatican has not ruled on the specific matter of Communion and politicians supporting abortion in a major teaching document, though the church's in-house canon law says people in a situation of persistent sin shouldn't be allowed to receive Communion.

It also issued guidelines for the behavior of Catholics in political life exhorting them to uphold principles consistent with church doctrine.

The then-head of the Vatican's doctrine office, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, told U.S. bishops in 2004 that priests 'must' deny the sacrament if a politician goes to receive Communion despite an 'obstinate persistence in manifest grave sin,' including the sin of consistently campaigning for permissive abortion laws.

The Washington Post had not commented on the response to the tweet as of Friday morning.
The 5th Generation F-35 provides unmatched capabilities, security of supply and industrial opportunities for Finland. Tweet this

"The F-35 will provide Finnish industries high technology job opportunities that no other competitor can offer," said Bridget Lauderdale, F-35 Program vice president and general manager. "The production work will continue for more than 20 years, and the F-35 sustainment work will continue into the 2050s. Not only will Finland support its own F-35s, but it will directly support the global fleet of F-35s through the production of major components."

Through indirect industrial participation projects outside of F-35 production, Lockheed Martin will also build partnerships with Finnish companies and academic institutions that offer opportunities focused on developing and advancing security collaborations.

With stealth technology, supersonic speed, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and increased range, the F-35 is the most advanced, survivable and connected aircraft in the world. It is also the most affordable solution for the Finnish Air Force's future fighter fleet as the only 5th Generation fighter at the cost of 4th Generation aircraft.

To date, the F-35 has been selected by 13 nations and operates from 27 bases worldwide, with nine nations operating F-35s on their home soil. More than 630 F-35s are in service today, with more than 1,300 pilots and 10,380 maintainers trained on the aircraft.

For additional information, visit www.f35.com .

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Press Release

30 April 2021

Earth Day 2021 will be a moment of reflection for travelers around the world. Instead of reminiscing about the trips they have taken in the past 12 months, it will be a milestone moment for many to reflect on how their future travels can have a more positive impact, both on the environment and on local communities. We have leveraged our recent research* to unearth an uplifting trend of a heightened desire to travel responsibly, which means we can expect to see travelers having a more eco-conscious mindset throughout 2021, and beyond, as it becomes safe to travel again.

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Following the halt that the pandemic has put on travelers' plans, people's eyes to their own impact on the environment and local communities have no doubt been opened. Over half of global travelers (53%*) admitted that because of Coronavirus they want to travel more sustainably, with travelers in Colombia (74%*), Brazil (71%*) and India (70%*) being especially committed to this.

From having an amped awareness on the need for sustainable travel, travelers have been reevaluating what steps to take, whether small or large, to ensure they are playing their part in helping to protect the planet. 63%* of travelers intend to stay away from crowded tourist attractions, half (51%*) of global travelers will avoid traveling during peak season and a further 48%* of travelers will visit alternative destinations to prevent overcrowding.

But travelers aren't just carefully considering their destination choices, they are also thinking about how their trips can have a more long-term, regenerative effect and actually help rebuild communities. With new research from Booking.com revealing that over two-thirds (68%**) of travelers want the money they spend when traveling to go back to the local community. Along with a further 43%* of travelers intending to support local communities and economies through more thoughtful travel choices.

This eco-conscious determination is having an impact on travelers' behaviors even once they arrive at their destination, as global travelers are pledging to continue to act with sustainability in mind. Booking.com's research shows that 81%** of global travelers are vying to stay in an eco-accommodation at least once. This number increases to 100%** for travelers from Vietnam, 98%** for travelers from Colombia and 98%** for Indian travelers. Meanwhile, 84%** will be on a quest to reduce their waste and recycle plastic when visiting a destination, a number that increases for travelers from Thailand (94%**), Croatia (91%**), Brazil (91%**) and Argentina (90%**).

Whilst it's likely that travelers can finally get excited about being able to travel safely again in the not so distant future, research shows the pause in globetrotting has inspired 83%** of travelers to make sustainable travel a priority in the future. An optimistic indication that travelers will be more considerate when making decisions about future travel, while keeping in mind that every (sustainable) step they take will help to reduce their footprint on the environment. No matter how small it may be...

To delve deeper into our predictions for the Future of Travel including the Impact Awakening and the rise of responsible travel, please visit: https://www.booking.com/articles/category/future-of-travel.html

*Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who have traveled for business or leisure in the past 12 months, and must be planning to travel in the next 12 months (if/once travel restrictions are lifted). In total 20,934 respondents across 28 countries and territories were polled (including from 999 USA, 496 from Canada, 497 from Mexico, 997 from Colombia, 999 from Brazil, 499 from Argentina, 995 from Australia, 499 from New Zealand, 999 from Spain, 996 from Italy, 996 from France, 999 from UK, 996 from Germany, 498 from Netherlands, 499 from Denmark, 499 from Sweden, 498 from Croatia, 1001 from Russia, 498 from Israel, 997 from India, 994 from China, 499 from Hong Kong, 497 from Thailand, 496 from Singapore, 499 from Taiwan, 997 from South Korea, 500 from Vietnam and 995 from Japan). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2020.

** Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of of 29,349 respondents across 30 countries and territories (1,000 from USA, 1,007 from Canada, 1,000 from Mexico, 964 from Colombia, 1,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 999 from Australia, 941 from New Zealand, 1,001 from Spain, 1,000 from Italy, 1,000 from France, 1,000 from UK, 1,000 from Germany, 1,003 from Netherlands, 986 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 997 from Croatia, 1,005 from Russia, 1,003 from Israel, 1,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 1,005 from Hong Kong, 968 from Thailand, 963 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,005 from Vietnam, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 1,002 from South Africa, 500 from Kenya ). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months and must be planning to travel in 2021, and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in March 2021.
Washington, April 30 : The White House has said the US military will send additional forces to Afghanistan to protect US and coalition forces during the withdrawal.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One that "a drawdown is underway," saying that the US military would deploy additional military assets to Afghanistan and the region to cover the withdrawal, Xinhua reported.

"Elements of an Army Ranger Task Force will temporarily deploy to Afghanistan to assist with the force protection of forces on the ground as we initiate withdrawal operations," she noted.

Jean-Pierre also said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had directed that a carrier strike group would provide sustained additional force protection capabilities in the region throughout the withdrawal.

"While these actions will initially result in increased forces levels, we remain committed to having all US military personnel out of Afghanistan by September 11, 2021," she added.

The Pentagon last week said that B-52 bombers and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier will deploy to the region to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they withdraw from Afghanistan.

Citing defense officials, CNN reported that fewer than 100 troops and military equipment had been pulled out of the country largely by aircraft to implement the withdrawal order announced by President Joe Biden earlier this month.

The US State Department on Tuesday ordered non-essential staff to leave the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. US Charge d'Affaires to Afghanistan Ross Wilson tweeted that the departure was approved "in light of increasing violence & threat reports in Kabul." Biden previously announced the withdrawal would begin on May 1, the deadline date for a full U.S. withdrawal under an agreement reached between the former Donald Trump administration and the Afghan Taliban.

The Taliban had warned of consequences if the Biden administration fails to follow through that deadline.

There are roughly 3,500 US troops in Afghanistan, and about 7,000 NATO troops in the country rely on US logistics and security support.
Lets face it; Dressing gowns and Roses Chocolates are getting old and although some of us never get sick of chocolate, your mum probably doesnt want to fake another surprised reaction when she sees the rectangular box in the place of where an excellent, unique and practical gift could be.



See below for some gift ideas that mum will actually enjoy opening this Mothers Day!

1. Skincare set from Mecca Beauty

Mecca Beauty offer a wide range of luxurious gift-sets that would be the perfect treat for the maternal figure in your life after an especially stressful year.

We love this Limited Edition Origins essential skin-care set for a refreshing and radiance-boosting routine.

However if youre spoilt for choice (or just have NO idea where to start) play it safe and opt for a Mecca gift card so your mum can make the decision for you.
Question is how to lure North Korea back to dialogue



U.S. President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his position on how to deal with threats from North Korea and Iran. He has stressed the importance of diplomacy and deterrence to better respond to such threats by stepping up cooperation with America's allies.



In his address to a joint session of Congress, Wednesday, Biden called the nuclear programs of Pyongyang and Tehran a "serious threat" to America and the world. "We are going to be working closely with our allies to address the threats posed by both of these countries through diplomacy, as well as stern deterrence," Biden said a day before marking his 100th day in office.



Such remarks from Biden are nothing new. Yet they are noteworthy as he is in the final stage of drawing up his North Korea policy after conducting a review on the country, which is balking at abandoning its nuclear weapons program. By focusing on diplomacy, he is apparently trying to send a message to not only North Korea but also Iran that the U.S. is ready to resume dialogue with them to find diplomatic solutions.



At the same time, Biden is seeking to send a warning to them that they should refrain from any provocative acts. By using the expression "stern deterrence," he has made it clear that the U.S. will not sit idly by if North Korea or Iran flex their military muscles. They should take seriously what Biden said and return to negotiations sooner rather than later.



Biden's foreign policy is based on multilateralism, a major shift from the unilateralism of his predecessor, Donald Trump. Since his inauguration, the U.S. president has pledged to strengthen America's alliances with other countries, advocate democratic values and restore the U.S.'s global leadership. As he pointed out, the U.S. cannot go it alone in dealing with global issues, including terrorism, nuclear proliferation, climate change, pandemics and cybersecurity.



One such matter is the North Korean nuclear program. Trump failed to achieve the denuclearization of the North, although he held a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018 in Singapore. His top-down approach fell apart when their second meeting in Hanoi in February 2019 ended without a deal. This shows how difficult it is to make real progress in prodding the Kim regime to move toward peace.



Against this backdrop, Biden is certain to take a new approach which is very different from that of Trump. His North Korea policy is expected to be finalized before he has a summit with President Moon Jae-in in Washington next month. Biden and Moon should have closer consultations and coordination to map out a new strategy to push for the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the North.



Yet the question is how to lure the recalcitrant North back to dialogue. The Kim regime has shown no signs of accepting any peace overtures from Seoul or Washington. We hope the upcoming Moon-Biden summit will be an occasion to cement the bilateral alliance and restart stalled denuclearization talks with Pyongyang.


Beauty therapist Melissa had been growing her luscious blonde hair for a decade before meeting the hairdresser

A 'dodgy' Melbourne hairdresser has been accused of supergluing $750 hair extensions to his female clients and forcing them to give glowing reviews for his handiwork.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, runs a business with more than 470,000 Instagram followers and uses hundreds of allegedly 'scripted' testimonies from customers to attract more business.

Beauty therapist Melissa claims he refused to answer her calls after she was forced to shave all her hair off as a result of his 'shoddy' work.

'A few weeks later I noticed the glue started to bind with the other bits of my hair,' she told A Current Affair.

'I went to my hairdresser and he said: 'He's used Gorilla glue, it's impossible to get out'.

'He just needs to be stopped.'

The disastrous affects of Gorilla glue on hair were highlighted earlier this year when American woman Tessica Brown, 40, put the adhesive in her own hair instead of hairspray, in a video that made global headlines.

Her hair was only saved when celebrity surgeon Michael Obeng spent four hours painstakingly removing it.

Melissa, who grew her luscious blonde hair for over a decade, said she was concerned about his behaviour from the start.

Melissa says he used Gorilla glue to hold her $750 hair extensions in place. This is the hair she was left with after having to get it cut off and fixed up

'He gave me a different address and came out of nowhere and got me,' the beauty therapist said.

'He took me across the road, into some alleyway and into these apartments.'

She claimed the hairdresser asked clients to transfer him a $50 deposit labelled as a 'gift', before demanding cash in person after he completes the extensions.

Melissa confronted him on the streets of Melbourne, where he attempted to conceal his identity by wearing a hoodie and ran from TV cameras.

He eventually reached into his pocket and pulled out $700 in cash and handed it to Melissa before sprinting off through the city's CBD.

'I'm happy I got my money back but I have no hair, so girls look out for him, do not go to him,' she said.

'He's the worst hairdresser.'

Melissa and ACA confronted him on the streets of Melbourne, who attempted to conceal his identity by wearing a hoodie and ran from cameras

Another unsatisfied customer, Tara, claimed he quoted her less than he demanded when speaking through Instagram then 'followed' her to the ATM to watch her withdraw the extra money.

'He staying right behind me the whole time, it was really weird,' she told the program.

Tara also claims the glowing reviews left on his Instagram page are fabricated and he pressures women to sit in front of a camera and read a carefully worded statement.

'Towards the end of it he had my sit down and gave me a script he wanted me to go off, told me what he wanted to say and hit record,' she said.

There are hundreds of reviews on the hairdresser's Instagram page.

However, not everyone was on their side, saying that was the risk people took when using supposedly low-cost operators.

'That's what happens when you don't go to a reputable hairdresser.... she is carrying on like she has no hair,' one wrote social media.

'You don't have bald patches or anything. You still have a full head of hair, just short. Why not just have patience and grow it. This is what happens when you go artificial.'

The man runs a business with more than 470,000 Instagram followers and hundreds of 'scripted' testimonies from customers

Another wrote: 'For God's sake. She went to a unit. She knew something was dodgy about him. Yet she still gave him over $700.

'Then decides to assault him and is all smiles when she gets most of her money back. Atrocious. She has no one to blame but herself. No sympathy here.'

Others criticised how aggressive Melissa was when confronting the hairdresser in the street.

'Might have felt a little sorry for her own silly mistake but grabbing him, pushing him and screaming in his face is inexcusable and wouldn't be tolerated If it were a man. It is physical assault on camera and aired,' one wrote.

Another wrote: 'I don't care what he did, she can talk to him without physically assaulting him. It's not right, shouldn't be acceptable just because he's a man. Karen gonna Karen, I guess.'
Middlefield Canadian Income PCC Net Asset Value

Middlefield Canadian Income PCC

Middlefield Canadian Income - GBP PC

(a protected cell company incorporated in Jersey with registration number 93546)

Legal Entity Identifier: 2138007ENW3JEJXC8658

Net Asset Value

As at the close of business on 29 April 2021 the estimated unaudited Net Asset Value per share was 119.82 pence (including accrued income, which excludes an amount of 1.275 pence per share in respect of the quarterly dividend to be paid on 30 April 2021).

Investments in the Companys portfolio have been valued on a closing price basis.

Enquiries:

JTC Fund Solutions (Jersey) Limited

01534 700 000




NEW YORK, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Signature Aviation US Holdings, Inc. (the "Issuer"), a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Signature Aviation plc ("Signature"), announces its election to redeem in full (the "Redemption"), subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, its outstanding $500,000,000 5.375% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "Notes") upon the terms of, and subject to the conditions set forth in, the Notice of Full Conditional Redemption sent to the holders of the Notes on April 30, 2021 (the "Redemption Notice") in accordance with the requirements under the indenture related to the Notes (the "Indenture").

The date fixed for Redemption is June 1, 2021 (the "Redemption Date"). On the Redemption Date (which may be delayed as described below), the Notes will be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 102.68750% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but not including the Redemption Date (the "Redemption Price").

The Redemption is being made in connection with, and is expressly conditioned upon, (i) the consummation of the previously announced proposed acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Signature (the Issuer's parent company and a guarantor of the Notes), other than shares in Signature owned or controlled by Cascade Investment, L.L.C. and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust, by Brown Bidco Limited ("Bidco") and Brown Group Holding, LLC, newly formed entities to be indirectly and jointly owned by joint offerors comprising (i) funds advised by Blackstone Infrastructure Advisors L.L.C. and funds advised by Blackstone Core Equity Management Associates L.L.C., (ii) Global Infrastructure Management, LLC and (iii) Cascade Investment, L.L.C., to be effected by means of a court-sanctioned Scheme of Arrangement under Part 26 of the U.K. Companies Act 2006 (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time) (the "Acquisition Condition") and (ii) the receipt by the Issuer from Bidco or its affiliates of an amount equal to the Redemption Price (the "Financing Condition").

Because the Redemption is conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver of the Acquisition Condition and the Financing Condition, none of the Notes shall be due and payable by the Issuer on the Redemption Date unless and until the Acquisition Condition and the Financing Condition are satisfied or waived by the Issuer and, as permitted by the Indenture, the Issuer intends to delay the Redemption Date, as needed to so coincide with or immediately follow the satisfaction or waiver of the Acquisition Condition and the Financing Condition, which may be more than 60 days after the date of the Redemption Notice. The Redemption may not occur and the Redemption Notice may be rescinded by the Issuer in its sole discretion in the event that the Acquisition Condition and the Financing Condition are not satisfied or waived by the Issuer by the Redemption Date, or by the Redemption Date as so delayed.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell any securities or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities. The Redemption is being made only pursuant to the Redemption Notice dated April 30, 2021.

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. is acting as trustee and paying agent (the "Trustee and Paying Agent") for the Redemption. Questions or requests relating to the Redemption may be directed to the Trustee and Paying Agent at The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., 4655 Salisbury Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

About Signature Aviation plc

Signature is a leading global fixed-base operator ("FBO") network for business and general aviation ("B&GA") travelers and provides premium, full-service flight support, including fuel and non-fuel services, ground handling and technical support for passengers, crew and aircraft. Signature serves customers at more than 360 FBO locations covering key markets in North America, Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Following the sale of Ontic on October 31, 2019 and with the ongoing process to sell its engine repair and overhaul business, the Board of Directors of Signature elected to rename the group from BBA Aviation plc to Signature Aviation plc to better align it with its most significant brand in its core market.

Complementary to the core Signature Flight Support FBO business, Signature also comprises EPIC and TECHNICAir. EPIC provides fuel and fuel related services at FBOs across North America including fuel purchasing cards and transaction processing. TECHNICAir provides aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul with locations throughout the United States and Europe, specialising in small to mid-size, turbine-powered business aircraft.

Signature is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Signature is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales and is registered under company number 53688. Signature's registered office is located at 105 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 1QY, England.

The Issuer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Signature and is the issuer of the Notes.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable federal securities laws. The forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements concerning the Redemption, the Acquisition Condition and the Financing Condition. Forward-looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections of the management of the Issuer, Signature and Bidco about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The Issuer, Signature and Bidco expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in expectations or events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

SOURCE Signature Aviation plc
Most Americans, regardless of their race or ethnicity, know that we live in a racist country. What we disagree on is whether anything should be done about it. The question never has been whether America is racist; rather, do we need laws, government programs and other protections to help targeted groups thrive in spite of it?
A new bipartisan bill proposed by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) hopes to ease military service members' path towards student loan forgiveness, Yahoo Finance has learned.

Service members take enormous risks to protect our freedoms, and it is unacceptable that members of the military can return home after active duty and not be any closer to receiving loan forgiveness, Senator Hassan said in a statement provided to Yahoo Finance. This bipartisan bill is a commonsense fix to help some of our countrys most deserving public servants get out from under the burden of their student debt more quickly.

The Recognizing Military Service in PSLF Act, officially introduced on Thursday, aims to help military borrowers leverage the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) by counting military student loan deferment or forbearance during deployment "as qualifying payments to PSLF so that service members who deploy have their periods of service appropriately counted toward their loan forgiveness."

The PSLF program enables government and non-profit employees with federally-backed student loans to apply for forgiveness after proof of 120 monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.

A graduate celebrates after receiving her diploma during the U.S. Naval Academy's Class of 2019 graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, U.S., May 24, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Through January 2020, according to a recent Government Accountability (GAO) report, there were 176,906 active-duty service members with federal loans eligible for PSLF.

However, few have applied and only a handful of those have been cancelled. Furthermore, loans placed into deferment or forbearance during a deployment currently do not count as PSLF qualifying payment.

Currently, active-duty members of the military who pause student loan payments during a deployment get the short end of the stick when it comes to benefitting from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, Senator Rubio said in a statement to Yahoo Finance. This shouldnt be the case  our service members make an incredible sacrifice to serve our country, and we should do everything in our power to recognize their service and provide them with the option for loan forgiveness.

Story continues

If the bill is signed into law, the DoD and Education Department (ED) would decide how to implement the change for the impacted service members and whether it would be automatic for future applicants or require an opt-in. It's unclear how many active-duty service members would be affected by the legislation.

U.S. National Guard members stand guard near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the United States, on April 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Ting Shen via Getty Images)

'A major warning sign'

The sheer level of failure of the PSLF program, both generally and for service members, is stunning.

Upwards of 98% all of the applications from the general public  including teachers, firefighters, police, and other public servants  are rejected.

We have quite a history documenting how the promise of public service loan forgiveness has been broken for borrowers around the country, Seth Frotman, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC), told Yahoo Finance in November 2020. But the failures of the student loan administration have in particular harmed military borrowers, both service members and veterans.

(Source: Education Department)

Of the 176,906 active-duty service members with federal loans eligible for PSLF, according to the recent GAO report, only about 19,000 service members opted in to PSLF. (The majority of these applications came from service members in the Army, followed by the Air Force, the Navy, and the Marine Corps.)

Among those who applied and qualified for forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments  which requires borrowers to submit an Employment Certification Form (ECF) on an annual basis or when borrowers changes employers  only 124 military service member applications were approved. (The most common reason for denial, according to the GAO report, was "not enough qualifying payments, missing information such as a signature on the form, and no eligible loans.")

The fact that only 124 active duty service members had their loans discharged via PSLF "is a major warning sign," Mike Saunders, director of military and consumer policy at Veterans Education Success told Yahoo Finance. "More than 200,000 currently serving have federal student loans. It has been over four years since the PSLF program should have started forgiving the student loans of those who are performing the quintessential public service."

(Source: Education Department)

Military service members hold roughly $3 billion in student loan debt, according to the SBPC.

What is so infuriating about this is that the Department of Education knows every single military borrower, because they have to do the match for purposes of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Frotman told Yahoo Finance. The federal government has all the information they need to figure out and determine who is eligible for public service loan forgiveness. But instead they have allowed  for over a decade  members of the military to just languish in this broken system.

Saunders added that Veterans Education Success "is calling on the Education Department to use existing congressional authority to make sure federal student loan holders who have served on active duty since 2007 get credit for PSLF. And we welcome more bipartisan congressional action to make sure that from now on, more active duty service members get the credit for PSLF that they have earned."



Aarthi is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. She can be reached at aarthi@yahoofinance.com. Follow her on Twitter @aarthiswami.

Read more:

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Editor's note: This story was updated to say there were 2 tons of trash after last week's storms

After major rainfall, it is not unusual for strange items to end up in the San Antonio River.

The 8-mile river is sometimes a temporary home for all sorts of garbage that has to be cleaned up, the San Antonio River Authority said. Aside from the normal trash like Styrofoam cups, bottles and plastic bags, crews have come across items such as mattresses, highway signs, ice chests and bicycles.

"There is some crazy stuff that people leave lying around that ends up in the river," said Yvi Hernandez, a spokeswoman for the River Authority.

There were no reports of strange items ending up in the river after the Wednesday night and early Thursday morning storms. However, the smaller items can be a big hassle. Crews spend days cleaning up trash that accumulates. Hernandez said last week's storms yielded more than 2 tons of trash.

The river's trash comes from litter left on the ground that eventually washes into drainage ditches and creeks that feed into the San Antonio River.

"Even if you don't live near the river, it doesn't mean the trash isn't yours," Hernandez said. "It is a community-wide issue that we all can do something about."

San Antonio River Authority

She said residents should be mindful of littering and to make sure trash is properly disposed of so that it doesn't end up back on the ground. Other ways to keep trash minimal are to make sure public trash cans aren't overfilled, keep trash from flying out of truck beds and securing private trash bins, Hernandez said.

Volunteers are welcomed to help the River Authority with trash cleanup. Visit its website to sign up.

taylor.pettaway@express-news.net
A single-vehicle wreck on Bailey Avenue late Thursday night has left the 29-year-old female passenger dead and the driver in custody.

Christopher A. Patterson, 32, was charged with vehicular homicide and DUI.

At approximately 10:57 p.m., the Chattanooga Police Traffic Division responded to a vehicle crash in the 2400 block of Bailey Avenue.

Police said a Kia was travelling east on McCallie Avenue when it approached the intersection at Bailey Avenue. The vehicle continued straight, then left the roadway and dropped down a hill, where it came to rest.

She had not been wearing a seat belt. Hamilton County EMS responded and pronounced the passenger dead at the scene.She had not been wearing a seat belt.

An officer said Patterson smelled of an alcoholic beverage. He said they had been coming from Alan Gold's bar, where he said he had two drinks. The officer said his eyes were glassy and bloodshot and his speech was slurred. He performed poorly on field sobriety tests. A blood draw was taken and the results will be received later.

Patterson was taken to the jail. He gave his address as Church Street, Athens, Tn.
Number one is present. Number two is present. And so on until number 56. After the roll call, the guards handed everyone a pen and a small booklet. As the inmates were supposed to take notes, their handcuffs had already been removed when they went to fetch food, and now hung clinking loosely from one wrist. Over the course of the day, the prisoners filled out the exam questions in the booklets. A detention facility in the Kunshan Industrial Park in Artux in western Chinas Xinjiang region. Credit:AP At first I couldnt squeeze out a single word. It was like my throat was clamped shut  but compassion was forbidden. On pain of death. Spinning on my heel, I grabbed the blackboard and started writing in chalk, speaking in a rough voice. When I turned back around, I kept my eyes fixed on the back wall. I couldnt bear looking into those faces. The walls were crudely plastered in grey concrete, like the walls of a factory.

There was a red line drawn on the floor in front of me, which I couldnt cross without permission from the guards  and then only if I had something important to do on the other side. It was a way of avoiding any familiarity or relationship developing between me and the prisoners. I was never allowed to get close to them. A table and a basic plastic chair were provided for me, but oddly the guards moved them aside at the beginning of every lesson. Both women and men had to sit ramrod-straight on their stools, staring straight ahead. No one was allowed to drop their head. Anyone who didnt follow the rules was immediately dragged away. To the torture room. Hes doing it on purpose! Hes refusing to fall into line and resisting the power of the state!  that was the standard accusation. Loading From 7am to 9am, it was my job to teach these poor, maltreated creatures about the 19th Party Congress and Chinese customs. When a Chinese person gets married or has a family, its different than with us Muslims, I began, keeping it as simple as possible. Many farmers had no idea, because in the mountains theyd never experienced anything except their own culture. For them, I had to explain every single step of these ceremonies. At Chinese weddings, the guests always have to say the same set phrases when they congratulate the couple, I added. For example I wish you both much happiness and I hope you have a baby soon.

They sat in front of me with dismal faces, those shaven-headed living dead, and there I was, teaching them ways to say congratulations in Chinese. From 9am to 11am I went through the material again so I could check it afterwards. Its time for everyone to check their notes now! a guard told me, and I translated for the prisoners. If anybody didnt understand something, they were supposed to ask. A February protest against Chinas internment policy in Istanbul. More than a million members of Chinas Muslim minorities, including Uighurs and Kazakhs like Sayragul Sauytbay, have been jailed in the name of counter-terrorism. Credit:AP When a hand was raised, I first looked at the armed guard to my right, making sure the question was allowed. Once permission was granted, the shackled prisoner would ask his question in his mother tongue, assuming he didnt speak Chinese well enough. If so, I first had to translate the question for the guard and wait to be told if and how I should answer. I was constantly switching between Uighur or Kazakh and Chinese. Occasionally, individual prisoners were called on by the guards to stand up and recite what they had learned. Those who made progress earned points. If you learn well, youll be released sooner, they were promised, so everyone tried to absorb the material as fully as possible; only the elderly and the sick, mostly between 60 and 80, found it atrociously difficult.

Most understood little or no Chinese. You could tell how badly they were struggling: the characters danced before their eyes, getting mixed up and tied into knots. It was an impossible task  how were they supposed to cope? How were any of them ever supposed to get out? They wanted to scream and cry, but all of them knew they had to conceal their inner turmoil. Loading Later on, their answers would be checked by Chinese staff, who would decide who to move down. Anyone who broke the rules outside of class also lost points, which could eventually lead to them being taken to another floor. Infringements, according to the guidelines, were to be punished increasingly harshly. These included moving in the wrong way, not knowing something or crying out in pain. Like the woman who had undergone brain surgery before being interned at the camp, whose untreated wound grew large and weeping. Or the people who couldnt sit down after being tortured  reason enough to drag them off and torture them again. Those who were moved up or down were assigned a different uniform and a different floor. I soon noticed that prisoners in different-coloured uniforms were being led away in groups. Those wearing red, such as imams or very religious people, were branded serious criminals. Less serious crimes were signalled by light-blue clothing. Those accused of the more minor infractions wore dark blue. On my floor, all the prisoners wore light blue, a colour that seemed uglier in my eyes with every passing day. One by one, the less educated and the elderly lost more and more points, until finally they were sorted out like bad peas. Their places were immediately filled with new prisoners.

Loading At 11am the guards handed out one A4-sized cardboard box per prisoner, each inscribed with a phrase in colourful script. Number one held his over his head and said it aloud, and everybody repeated it several times in a row: Im proud to be Chinese! Then the next person held up theirs: I love Xi Jinping! Those who were not Han Chinese were considered by the Party and the government to be subhuman. Not just Kazakhs and Uighurs, but all other races across the globe. Holding up the next box, I had to add my voice to the clamour: I owe my life and everything I have to the Party!

Meanwhile the thought whirling around in my head was: The entire Party elite have lost their minds. Theyre all completely nuts. My gaze wandered aimlessly over their faces, when suddenly I froze. That man with the bald head  I knew him! Yes, he was a Uighur who had been arrested in Aksu in summer 2017 for celebrating a religious festival. It had caused quite a stir locally. At that moment I could see him still, a decent family man, roughly 25 years old, bringing his children to my kindergarten. Hed been such a genteel, happy person. And now? Who was he now? Dead-eyed, open-mouthed, screaming Long live the Party! Suddenly, a guard jabbed me with his machine gun. Why are you goggling at him like that? Frightened, I shouted the next phrase even louder: Long live Xi Jinping! Inwardly, I gave myself a good few mental slaps. There were two guards in the room, not to mention several cameras. How could I have been so stupid?

The Chief Witness by Sayragul Sauytbay and Alexandra Cavelius. On and on it went. The Party, its helmsman Xi Jinping, China. Everyone was screaming as though with one mouth: I live because the Party has given me this life! and Without the Party there is no new China! Their plan was to reshape us into new people, to brainwash us until every single person was convinced. The Party is everything. It is the most powerful force in the world. There is no god but Xi Jinping, no other almighty country, and no other almighty force in the world but China. There were, of course, some weak personalities whose resistance dissolved as though in acid after a while in the camp. But I dont think this method really works. Lots of the prisoners were simply doing whatever it took to get out of that hellhole. They only pretended to change, acting as though their faith in the goodness and strength of the Party and its leaders made them happy. After the abuse theyd suffered, they couldnt possibly believe all that nonsense. Speaking for myself, I never lost my faith in God. Sometimes I risked a glance at the tiny double-barred window on the exterior wall. It was forbidden to look out, but you couldnt see much anyway. No patch of sky. Only barbed wire.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- When the deadline for a technology refresh at a southwestern utility company was suddenly shortened, the LRS IT Solutions team at work on the project did what they always do: find a way to get the job done.

That work has been honored by being named a finalist for the IBM Beacon Award for Most Innovative Client Experience on Z.

Now in its 22nd year, the IBM Beacon Awards is IBM's highest honor for recognizing Business Partners that have created exceptional solutions using IBM products and services

The LRS team configured a solution consisting of a z15 mainframe and DS8000 disk storage as the solution for performance, resiliency, cost, and security. The z15 offers simplified implementation and management of encryption and security keys, System Recovery Boost for faster IPLs, lower energy costs and reduced footprint. That combination would be installed at the utility's production facility and also at its disaster recovery site.

Implementing the solution during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the utility's employees were working from home, was a challenge. That challenge intensified when the original six-month installation timeframe was shortened to about 60 days.

"It's an unbelievable honor to be a finalist for a Beacon Award," noted Diane Arnold, Managing Director, LRS IT Solutions. "Our team has a history of overcoming obstacles to meet a customer's needs, and I'm extremely excited to see them getting the recognition they deserve."

For complete details of the project, go to www.LRSITSolutions.com.

About LRS

LRS is a privately-held U.S. company with corporate headquarters located in Springfield, Ill. Remote offices are located throughout the United States and in key geographic regions around the world. Since 1995, the LRS IT Solutions division of LRS has been dedicated to creating Information Technology solutions for customers. Our solutions incorporate the best IT products along with valuable services delivered by our outstanding staff of IT professionals. For more information, visit www.LRS.com.

 Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. All rights reserved. LRS is a registered trademark of Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. IBM is a registered trademark and z Systems is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States, other countries or both. All other brand and product names are trademarks or service marks of their respective holders.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Mary Howe

Channel Marketing Manager

LRS IT Solutions

217-793-3800, x1218

[email protected]

SOURCE LRS Consulting Services

Related Links

https://www.lrs.com/


The campus and city news desks have compiled a list of events going on throughout the upcoming week that are open to the public. The list features de-stressing activities, live performances and a day of remembrance and recognition for the enslaved people of Athens.
A woman has flown to Perth from the Cook Islands without quarantining in New Zealand on her way in the latest breach of the trans-Tasman travel bubble.

The Western Australia Health Department and Air New Zealand confirmed the Cook Islander did not quarantine in Auckland prior to her flight to Perth, despite her being required to.

She arrived on Air New Zealand flight NZ175 at 1.30pm Perth time on Friday and was transported to a quarantine hotel in the city.

A series of breaches of the trans-Tasman travel bubble have put quarantine-free travel between Zealand and Australia at risk - including one case where a woman from overseas flew from Auckland to Perth without first going into quarantine

She will stay there for 14 days and undergo mandatory Covid tests.

'We have been made aware of a passenger on board NZ175 Auckland-Perth today who is ineligible for quarantine-free travel to Australia,' a statement from Air NZ said.

The airline said it was working with WA authorities and the next steps were up to them.

A WA Health spokesperson confirmed the passenger should have quarantined in NZ before flying - although the Cook Islands has recorded no positive Covid cases.

'The Department of Health is aware of a woman from the Cook Islands who arrived from Auckland to Perth today without spending two weeks in quarantine in New Zealand,' it said in a statement.

But because 'it is very unlikely the passenger could have COVID-19', passengers were allowed to disembark in the usual manner.

Passengers were not tested for Covid-19 or told to self-isolate until they returned a negative test.

Passengers at Sydney airport head towards their quarantine-free flights to New Zealand

'Use of PPE and cleaning at Perth Airport and on the plane today are standard practice,' WA Health said.

The breach comes after two passengers from Papua New Guinea - considered a high risk location for Covid-19 - mixed with travellers before their quarantine-free flights to NZ from Brisbane airport.

One of the two PNG nationals later tested positive for Covid-19, leading to a requirement for all casual contacts who came near the man to self-isolate until they returned a negative test.

Passengers from Brisbane airport on Qantas and Air NZ headed to NZ were asked to self-isolate in NZ after poetntially coming into contact with a positive Covid case in the airport

Authorities believe 390 people from three Air NZ and Qantas flights from Brisbane to Auckland and Christchurch were potentially affected - although the likely number of people in the vicinity of the PNG passengers was smaller.

The incident was considered a 'green zone breach', as PNG is a red zone or high risk country while the New Zealand is a low risk country.

The trans-Tasman bubble allows for quarantine-free travel between the green zone nations of Australia and New Zealand.

Before that breach, a Perth man flew to Auckland while his hometown was in lockdown on Tuesday.

NZ authorities later said he should not have flown.
By KATHY GANNON, The Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  After 20 years, America is ending its forever war in Afghanistan.

Announcing a firm withdrawal deadline, President Joe Biden cut through the long debate, even within the U.S. military, over whether the time was right. Starting Saturday, the last remaining 2,500 to 3,500 American troops will begin leaving, to be fully out by Sept. 11 at the latest.

Another debate will likely go on far longer: Was it worth it?

Since 2001, tens of thousands of Afghans and 2,442 American soldiers have been killed, millions of Afghans driven from their homes, and billions of dollars spent on war and reconstruction. As the departure begins, The Associated Press takes a look at the mission and what it accomplished.

FILE - In this Dec. 24, 1998, file photo, al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden speaks to a selected group of reporters in the mountains of Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Rahimullah Yousafzai, File)AP

FIGHTING TERROR

In the early days after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks in the U.S., the mission seemed clear: Hunt down and punish the perpetrators.

The U.S. determined that al-Qaida and its leader, Osama bin Laden, had plotted the attack from the safety of Afghanistan, protected by its radical Taliban rulers. At the time the Taliban were a pariah government, under U.N. sanctions and vilified in the West for their rule by a harsh interpretation of Islamic law.

Until 9/11, the U.S. had watched Afghanistan from a distance, occasionally requesting the Taliban to hand over bin Laden and once in 1998 firing a couple of cruise missiles at an al-Qaida base in eastern Afghanistan.

Now America was leading an invasion, dubbed Operation Enduring Freedom, with the mission of removing the Taliban and destroying al-Qaida.

Washington turned to the only allies in Afghanistan it could  a collection of warlords, most of whom were former mujahedeen backed by the U.S. in the 1980s in the fight against the invading Soviet Union. Rallying around the U.S. after 9/11, NATO joined the coalition.

After only a couple of hours after both towers had fallen, part of the new New York City skyline is evident as viewed from a ferry on the Hudson River. The World Trade Center in New York, NY, was attacked when 2 planes are hijacked by terrorists and flown into the two towers, causing them to fall. Aristide Economopoulos / The Star-Ledger, 2001Aristide Economopoulos / The Star-Ledger

Within weeks of the invasion and aerial bombardment, the U.S.-led coalition had pounded the Taliban into submission and driven them from power. Its leadership fled, its fighters lost control of the entire nation. Al-Qaida as well fled underground, crossing into neighboring Pakistan.

The hunt for bin Laden took 10 years. Finally, he was tracked to his hideout in Pakistan, barely 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Islamabad. A U.S. Navy Seals team went in under cover of darkness and killed him.

But in the interceding decade, America and NATO had been dragged into a dramatically expanded mission. Then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld at first said America was not in Afghanistan to nation-build. That would change.

When the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003, it took its eye off Afghanistan. It left it to the former warlords, pre-occupied with wealth and power. The first post-Taliban president, Hamid Karzai, raised the idea of talks with the Taliban to work out a peace, and the crushed militants put out signals they wanted to reach an accommodation.

But American officials blocked any negotiations with the Taliban, convinced the insurgents could be militarily destroyed.

Instead, the militants re-emerged in a long insurgency, and the U.S. found itself pouring in money and manpower to help the Afghan government fight and to rebuild the war-shattered nation. With the flood of billions of dollars, corruption only grew in the U.S.-backed government, only growing worse as the years went on.

Meanwhile, al-Qaidas ability to strike the U.S. and the West has been severely damaged. But the group has spread in branches in multiple countries fighting in insurgencies.

FILE - In this Jan. 25, 2021, file photo, President Joe Biden answers questions from reporters in the South Court Auditorium on the White House complex, in Washington.AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File

Biden explained his decision to pull out the last 2,500-3,500 American soldiers from Afghanistan, saying Americas security concerns had evolved.

Bin Laden is dead, and al-Qaida is degraded in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said, arguing that the terror threat has metastasized into a global phenomenon, not to be fought with thousands of troops on the ground in one country but with new technology. The U.S., he said, must be freed to fight the 21st centurys more sophisticated challenges, including competition from Russia and China.

For the situation in Afghanistan, he said he didnt see how continued American military presence would bring a turnaround. When will it be the right moment to leave? One more year, two more years, ten more years? he said.

Not now  thats how we got here.

FILE - In this file photo, Afghan security force members stand outside a USAID compound in Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, Friday, July 2, 2010 after it was stormed by militants wearing suicide vests. After 20 years America is ending its forever war in Afghanistan. Theres conflicting views even among U. S. military minds as to whether the time is right. For others there is another lingering question: Was it worth it? (AP Photo)AP

WHAT NOW FOR AFGHANISTAN?

The U.S. and NATO leave behind an Afghanistan that is at least half run directly or indirectly by the Taliban  despite billions poured into training and arming Afghan forces to fight them. Riddled with corruption and tied to regional warlords, the U.S.-backed government is widely distrusted by many Afghans.

Washington and its international allies are putting heavy pressure on the government and the Taliban to reach a peace deal. The hope is that both sides realize military victory is impossible and that peace together is the only way forward.

The best case scenario is some sort of government including the Taliban that can pave the way for a drawing up a new constitutional system for the future, including some form of elections.

The very possible worst case scenario is that peace talks fail, and Afghanistan is plunged into a new chapter of its decades of civil war. That new phase could be more brutal than ever, with not only the Taliban but the countrys other, multiple warlords and armed factions battling it out for power.

The past 20 years since the Taliban were ousted have unquestionably seen gains for the Afghans. But they are fragile and risk being wiped away as the Americans step away  whether frittered away under a new government or crushed by continued war.

Girls are allowed an education, which had been banned under the Taliban. Still, at least 3.6 million children, the majority of them girls, are not in school, according to UNICEF.

Women are working and are in Parliament. Their voices are strong yet still Afghanistans Parliament has been unable to pass The Violence Against Women bill because religious conservatives dominate. The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security has consistently ranked Afghanistan as one of the worst countries in the world to be a woman.

FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2009 file photo, United States Marine LCpl. Franklin Romans of Michigan, from the 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines "Warlords" searches a house during an operation in the Garmsir district of the volatile Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer, File)AP

Before the war in 2001, the Taliban had eradicated opium production in Afghanistan, according to United Nations figures. Today, it produces more opium than every other opium-producing country combined, despite the U.S. spending millions to eradicate drug production.

The opium industry in 2019, the latest available figures show, earned between $1.2 billion and $2.1 billion, outstripping the value of the countrys legal exports, according to John Sopko, the U.S. governments watchdog on Afghan reconstruction. More than $14 million of that went into the coffers of the Taliban, who tax drug movement throughout the country.

Despite billions in U.S. humanitarian and reconstruction aid, more than half the population of 36 million lives under the World Bank-set poverty line of $1.90 a day  and millions more live not much above that level. Unemployment is at 40%. The U.N. and Red Cross say nearly half of all Afghan children face the danger of hunger.

The majority of Afghans hold out little hope for their future according to a 2018 Gallup poll.

Afghanistan is bordering a failed state status and is sure to enter the category immediately after the withdrawal of the foreign forces absent a better political arrangement, said Torek Farhadi, a political analyst and former government adviser. That is the reality of Afghanistan.

More:

Lt. Col. Kenneth Dwyer throws out first pitch at Carlisle game to his son in continuation of the story of recovery

Harrisburg-based Marine killed in Afghanistan was firefighter in Maryland, FDNY

Pa. soldier, 25, killed in Afghanistan had been eager to join military, had the guts: family
MIDDLETOWN  Two fledgling businesses will be moving into the citys incubator space at the old Remington Rand typewriter company factory in the North End: a barbecue catering endeavor and skate shop/screen printing operation.

Economic Development Commission members unanimously approved the measures this month. The Common Council will consider the resolution at its Monday night session.

The two new businesses, to be located at the The R. M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park at 180 Johnson St., are moving from Cromwell: Skatz Smokez BBQ & Catering will be leasing a 1,000-square-foot space, while Found Apparel, a skate shop and screen-printing business, will be leasing a 3,000-square-foot area.

Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media

The Found Apparel lease will generate a minimum of $223,572 over two decades, according to documents filed for the upcoming Common Council meeting. The Skatz Smokez BBQ & Catering contract will generate a minimum of $29,200 over its terms.

Spoke + Spy/Kiro Bespoke cidery will be moving to a new location inside the building, expanding to 2,000 square feet; and 860 Brewing/Forest City Brewing, which currently leases 1,000 square feet of space plus an additional 400 for storage, is expanding in the adjacent space.

The Forest City lease will generate a minimum of $137,030 over its term, and Spoke + Spys will net the city at least $63,709 over five years.

Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media

Tenant agreements are between five and 10 years, with the option to extend the contract for two five-year terms.

Its definitely exciting, Mayor Ben Florsheim said. It really is important for Middletown, because so much of our economic strength comes from two areas: Main Street and the immediately surrounding area, and the Industrial Park Road manufacturing corridor (where FedEx and other companies are located).

Incubator spaces at the city-owned facility are offered to small business owners at a reduced rate to help them grow, Planning, Conservation and Development Director Joseph Samolis has said.

This building is so unique, within the neighborhood, and the city, in terms of its structure and what it offers to the business community, Florsheim said. Its a space to get started and potentially expand, as many of have  either on site (such as Forest City) or they outgrow the space and move into their own facility.

A couple of entities that formerly occupied the old factory have done the latter, the mayor said.

The build-out of these new spaces totals nearly $100,000, according to Samolis. At the same time, local leaders are working with the office of U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3 , to find federal dollars to help in the cost of renovations, Florsheim said. If that happens, its going to be even more of an anchor for the neighborhood and more of a destination for visitors.

There are many more areas that can be developed for tenants, the mayor said. Its such an enormous building. Theres a lot of space thats very raw. There could be a lot more in there than there is now, and thats the hope. The seeds have been really well-planted there.

The Keating site is occupied by several gyms, a lightning company, another brewery, kettle corn, lawn care and other entities.

Those are all doing well, but there could be quite a lot more activity happening in and around that building if we get the funding to finish that work, Florsheim said.

The public can visit Stubborn Beauty and Forest City to get cold brews and even sit outside. The mayor anticipates these sorts of places will lure visitors from the area and beyond. The hope is it becomes a multipurpose, indoor/outdoor destination.

There are other nearby attractions, such as the Phil Salafia Canoe & Kayak Launch just steps away, something the mayor calls one of the hidden gems of Middletown. It takes you out on the one of the most beautiful spots on the Coginchaug River that gets a lot of love from the people who are there.

Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo /

People who visit the breweries and cidery, for example, may see the river and return to Middletown to enjoy the outdoors. Next time theyre out, theyre back with their canoe or kayak. Thats all the better, Florsheim said.

Trail work will soon be conducted in the area, making it enjoyable for recreation enthusiasts of all types. Paving that lot, getting some grass, and landscaping is definitely a goal for the future to make it more of a place where people can come and gather, and have a variety of activities available to them, the mayor said.

The Common Council meeting will be streamed live on WebEx Monday at 7 p.m. For information, visit middletown.granicus.com.
In the latest trading session, eXp World Holdings (EXPI) closed at $34.36, marking a -1.35% move from the previous day. This move lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.72%.

Heading into today, shares of the company had lost 23.15% over the past month, lagging the Finance sector's gain of 5.47% and the S&P 500's gain of 6.13% in that time.

Investors will be hoping for strength from EXPI as it approaches its next earnings release, which is expected to be May 6, 2021. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $594 million, up 118.85% from the year-ago period.

For the full year, our Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $0.25 per share and revenue of $2.63 billion, which would represent changes of +19.05% and +46.39%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for EXPI. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the company's business outlook.

Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection has moved 45.06% lower. EXPI is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #5 (Strong Sell).

Valuation is also important, so investors should note that EXPI has a Forward P/E ratio of 139.32 right now. For comparison, its industry has an average Forward P/E of 21.16, which means EXPI is trading at a premium to the group.

The Real Estate - Operations industry is part of the Finance sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 225, putting it in the bottom 12% of all 250+ industries.

Story continues

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Fearful that a temporary ban on new federal leases onshore and offshore won't be lifted and could become permanent, the top executive for the American Petroleum Association has been in Louisiana this week voicing a desire to sway the Biden administration towards softening what they consider abrupt policies against fossil fuels.
Reporter

Heather Bellow, a member of the investigations team, joined The Eagle in 2017. She is based in the South Berkshire County bureau in Great Barrington. Her work has appeared in newspapers across the U.S.
New Delhi: In a big development, the government on Friday (April 30) gave Armed forces emergency financial powers to set up COVID quarantine units, perform urgent medical tasks. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh invoked special provisions and granted emergency financial powers to the armed forces to empower them and speed up their efforts to tide over the prevailing Covid situation in the country, said an official statement.

"These powers will help Formation Commanders to establish and operate quarantine facilities/hospitals and undertake procurement/repair of equipment/items/material/stores, besides provisioning of various services and works required to support the ongoing effort against the pandemic," said the statement.

Under these powers, Vice Chiefs of Armed Forces including Chief Of Integrated Defence Staff To The Chairman Chiefs Of Staff Committee (CISC) and General Officer Commanding-in-Chiefs (GOC-in-Cs) and equivalents of all three services have been given full powers, whereas Corps Commanders/Area Commanders have been delegated powers up to Rs 50 lakh per case and Division Commanders/Sub Area Commanders and equivalents have been delegated powers up to Rs 20 lakh per case.

"These powers have been devolved initially for a period of three months from 1st May to 31st July 2021. These are in addition to the emergency powers delegated to the Medical Officers of the Armed Forces last week," it added.

As the country is struggling with the second wave of the novel coronavirus infection and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds, the Indian Air Force has flown supplies to Lucknow to set up a hospital for COVID-19 patients in the capital city, according to an official statement.



"The Indian Air Force (IAF) is continuing to carry out sorties from within India and abroad to cater to the requirement of oxygen in the country, amid the current COVID-19 situation," said the office of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Twitter. It further said, "An IL-76 aircraft landed in Lucknow carrying supplies for setting up of COVID hospital in the city."

Earlier on April 29, IAF carried out 23 sorties from abroad, airlifting 39 oxygen containers with 670 metric tonnes of capacity, while from within the country, it carried out 124 sorties, airlifting 87 containers with 1,798 metric tonnes capacity, added the statement.

According to the Union health ministry data on Friday, India witnessed 3,86,452 new coronavirus infections in a span of 24 hours, the highest single-day rise so far, pushing the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,87,62,976, while active cases crossed the 31 lakh-mark.

Live TV
In a rare event, the Lahore High Court on Wednesday reprimanded the Pakistan Army, calling it the biggest land grabber" in the country. Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Mohammad Qasim Khan, during the hearing of a land grabbing case said the way the Army occupies the properties of people is nothing but land grabbing.

"The Army seems to have become the biggest land grabber in the country. The uniform of the Army is for service and not to rule as a king," he said.

The bench was hearing petitions of three citizens seeking an order against the Armys Defence Housing Authority (DHA) to not occupy the land they had obtained on lease from the Evacuee Trust Property Board.

Lamenting that the Army had also grabbed a piece of land owned by the High Court, Justice Khan said that he would direct the HC registrar to write a letter to the Chief of the Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa on the issue. He added that the Corps Commander of Lahore could be summoned to verify the land grabbing facts.

Lahore HC slams Pakistan Army

The Army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, had earlier gained considerable power in several matters of security and foreign policy. The court observed that the Army had an attractive post-retirement welfare plan for its personnel, which lacked in other institutions like police and judiciary.

Is it only the Army that makes sacrifices? Do other institutions like the police, lawyers and judges not make sacrifices? the chief justice asked. Justice Khan said that no one has ever refused to file a response in his court during his 11-year stay in the Lahore HC.

On a separate question, the counsel for the housing authority states that retired Army officers work in the DHA, but its administrator was a serving officer. The chief justice directed the DHA administrator and Lahore police chief Ghulam Mahmood Dogar to appear before the court.

Justice Khan asked Dogar to leave the job if he could not take any action against the land grabbing by the DHA. He ordered the police officer to lodge an FIR if he received any application against the DHA.

(With inputs from agency)


China says it has successfully launched the first part of a planned new space station it aims to complete by the end of 2022.

State media reported the module was carried to space Thursday by a Long March 5B rocket. It was built to house Chinese astronauts during stays of up to six months.

The module is called Tianhe, which means Harmony of the Heavens in Chinese. It is one of three main parts China plans to use to build its first self-developed, permanent space station.

Chinese officials have said 11 space missions will be necessary to complete the space station, which will orbit Earth at an altitude of 340 to 450 kilometers.

Chinas President Xi Jinping praised the launch as an important pilot project in the building of a powerful nation in both technology and in space, state media reported.

China aims to become a major space power by 2030. It has been expanding its space program in recent years, with successful crewless missions to the moon and Mars.

In December, China landed its third spacecraft on the moon and said the vehicle successfully collected material from the lunar surface. The country also has a spacecraft orbiting Mars that is expected to land on the planet around the middle of next month.

Currently, the only other space station in service is the International Space Station (ISS). It is backed by the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan and Canada. China was banned from taking part in ISS operations by the United States.

Future of ISS unclear

The future of the aging ISS is currently unclear. The project is set to end in 2024 unless its international partners approve new financing to keep it going.

NASA officials have signaled that a continuation of the ISS beyond 2024 is likely. But its other main supporter, Russia, has said it is considering quitting the project as early as 2025 to build its own space station.

Earlier this month, the head of Russias space agency, Dmitry Rogozin, told the state-run Interfax news agency the country had been making plans to build its own space station. He added that the project would aim to launch into orbit by 2030 if Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the plan.

A new Russian space station would bring an end to more than 20 years of close cooperation between Russia and the United States. Russian cosmonauts have worked on the ISS with astronauts from the U.S. and 16 other countries since 1998.

Space has been one of the closest fields of cooperation between Russia and the U.S. Relations between the nations have worsened in recent years over human rights, cyberattacks and other issues.

Rogozin said Russia would be willing to consider permitting foreign crews to visit a new space station, but added, the station must be national... If you want to do well, do it yourself."

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press and Reuters reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

___________________________________________________

Words in This Story

module  n. a part of an object that can operate alone, especially a part of a spacecraft

mission  n. an important project or trip

altitude  n. the height of something above sea level
On Wednesday, the New York Times broke a story that was very 2019. FBI agents raided the New York City home and offices of Rudy Giuliani, President Trumps attorney, seizing computers and cellphones. Apparently, the feds arent investigating Giulianis history of butt-dialing journalists, but rather communications related to his anti-Biden escapades in Ukraine and his (successful) push to oust Marie Yovanovitch, the US ambassador there, in possible violation of foreign-lobbying laws. The raids quickly became a big story. CNN and MSNBC invited Michael Cohenwho knows a bit about working for Trump, getting raided by the FBI, and how that can endto weigh in. It may start with just the Ukraine, but thats not where its gonna stop, Cohen said, on MSNBC, because Rudy is actually a stupid guy. Reporters flocked to Giulianis building to gather eyewitness accounts. I just saw people, and I saw all of you, and I said, What is going on? Michele Herbert, Giulianis neighbor, told the press outside. My ex-husband called me and said, Have you seen whats going on? (The ex-husband was Larry Herbert, a Pantone color-matching mogul about whom Michele once said, I put my husbands money where my mouth is.) Her testimony was instantly iconic.

Then, yesterday, we heard from the principal eyewitness: Giuliani. It was predictably weird. Speaking on his radio show, he referred to officials in the US attorneys office in Manhattanwhich he used to lead, and is now investigating himas bullies who are jealous of his past prosecutorial successes. Later, Giuliani appeared on Tucker Carlsons show, on Fox News, where he alleged that the officers who raided his home had conspicuously declined to take away hard drives belonging to Joe Bidens son, Hunter, that Giuliani claims to have in his possession. The subpoena required them to take all electronics, but they decided to leave that behind, Giuliani said. And they were also completely content to rely on my word that these were Hunter Bidens hard drives. I mean, they could have been Donald Trumps. They could have been Vladimir Putins. They could have been anybodys. Giuliani also took a shot at Joe Biden, who said he had no advance knowledge of the raidsMaybe he doesnt remember, Giuliani said, Im not sure if he can retain anything for more than about the time it takes to read itand ended by arguing that the Justice Department officials probing him should themselves be under investigation. We might as well be in, you know, East Berlin before the wall fell, Giuliani said. This is tactics only known in a dictatorship, where you seize a lawyers records right in the middle of his representation of his client.

New from CJR: Unraveling the Protest Paradigm

Carlson backed Giuliani up: I agree with that uncritically, he said, of the East Berlin point. Its shocking. Other Fox personalities came to Giulianis defense, too. Sometimes you do have overzealous prosecutors youve got to be careful of, Sean Hannity said, on his radio show. You know, a lot of the legal system I dont like. On Foxs The Five, Jesse Watters said, I think I speak for everybody on the show when I say this: Rudy Giuliani is a national treasure. And Trump called into Maria Bartiromos show, on Fox Business, to discuss the raids, among other matters. Rudy Giuliani is a great patriot. He does these thingshe just loves this country, and they raid his apartment, Trump said. Its like, so unfair.

The right-wing media landscape is a part of the Giuliani story in ways that go beyond interviews and on-air support. According to Giulianis attorney, the FBIs search warrant sought communications between Giuliani and John Solomon, a former executive at The Hill and a Fox contributor who wrote a series of columns smearing the Bidens and career US diplomats in Ukraine, playing a central role in a scandal that would eventually get Trump impeached. (Giuliani has said that he turned his stuff over to John Solomon on Ukraine; Solomon has denied collaborating with Giuliani. After a review, The Hill sharply criticized Solomons work and pledged to reform its editorial processes.) And yesterday, the Washington Post reported that in 2019, the FBI warned Giulianialong with members of Congress and One America News, a pro-Trump channelthat they risked being played as conduits for Russian disinformation ahead of the 2020 election. (After this newsletter was published, the Post effectively retracted its reporting that the FBI warned Giuliani and OAN; the paper now reports that FBI officials planned to warn Giuliani as part of an extensive effort by the bureau to alert members of Congress and at least one conservative media outlet, One America News, that they faced a risk of being used to further Russias attempt to influence the elections outcome.) In December 2019, Giuliani and a team from OAN went to Ukraine to make a documentary about the Bidens, and spoke with Andriy Derkach, a former Ukrainian lawmaker whom the US Treasury Department subsequently identified as a longtime Russian agent.

For the reality-based press, the Giuliani raids echo what feels like an ancient storyline. Mar-a-Lago tittle-tattle aside, media coverage of Trump has plummeted to a surprising degree since he left office. To the extent hes stayed in the news, weve mostly talked about the insurrection he incited in January, which led to his second impeachment. Giuliani, despite prominently stoking Trumps election lies, has played only a supporting role, tied mostly to his appearance in libel suits filed by voting-tech companies that he smeared on TV. (Speaking of supporting roles, Giuliani was also recently in the news after he won a Razzie, for his unwitting shirt-tucking cameo in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.) The raids this week have retrained media attention on the clownish, convoluted sleaze that dominated so much coverage of Trumps presidencyuntil it was overshadowed, in our collective memory, by a frightening denouement. (As Ive written before, the Ukraine scandal was actually a crucial precursor to the insurrection, though its rarely been framed that way, and most outlets scarcely mentioned Trumps first impeachment in coverage of his second.)

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As well as being a throwback, the Giuliani story feels like an omen of news cycles yet to come. Since Trump left office, investigations targeting him and his inner circlewhich were predicted to be a major post-presidency storyhave mostly failed to dominate our attention; a Supreme Court ruling, in February, forcing Trump to hand his financial records to prosecutors, was a brief exception, but no new information has yet come to light as a result. The outlook has now started to change. The Giuliani story made for a jarring split screen this week, with President Bidens policy-packed address to Congress, and assessments of his first hundred days in office that have often emphasized his boringness, light media touch, and aversion to the tawdry drama of his predecessor. As that tawdry drama makes a comeback, the press should take care that it doesnt drown out coverage of the serious challenges Biden faces in addressing the everyday problems of American families. For most people, thats whats going on.

Below, more echoes of the Trump presidency:



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: The AP and the latest style

Update: This post has been updated to reflect changes that the Washington Post made to its story on Rudy Giuliani, One America News, and the FBI.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
(Natural News) Climate models, upon which the Biden administrations climate policies and green economic plans are based, do not reflect actual observations made by climate scientists in recent decades.

President Joe Biden identified climate change as one of his top priorities when he took office. In February, he had the country rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement to prove its commitment to tackling the climate crisis. In March, he also introduced a massive $2 trillion plan to generate jobs, rebuild the nations infrastructure, position the United States to out-compete China and mitigate the so-called climate crisis.

But computer model simulations used by the administration have produced average warming rates that are more than double what experts have observed over the last four decades.

Thats according to Roy Spencer, a principal research scientist for the University of Alabama in Hunstville. Spencer has served as a senior scientist for climate studies at the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

Writing in his personal blog, he warned that just about every climate claim made by politicians and some vocal climate scientists has either been an exaggeration or a lie.

Such a controversial claim would render him a climate denier to his detractors. Nonetheless, the fact remains that actual climate observations in recent decades are in disagreement with official climate models being promoted for the purposes of implementing expensive, economically damaging and poverty worsening energy policies.

Real climate observations disagree with climate models

Spencer has long been working on a project that shows real global ocean temperatures since the late 1800s. Data from that project showed that, since 1979, global warming has been occurring much more slowly than average climate models say it should have.

Take global ocean temperatures, for example. Ocean temperatures provide the best gauge of how fast extra energy is accumulating in the climate system.

In fact, two of the top-cited ocean temperature datasets have global warming trends near the bottom of the range of climate model simulations.

Deep ocean temperatures are another factor that climate alarmists have obscured. Spencer said the energy imbalance associated with deep-ocean warming in recent years is only about one part in 300 of the natural energy flows in the climate system. This is a very tiny energy imbalance.

That could mean that what is known as global warming could be largely natural. And humans would not even know it because of how insignificant that warming is. Furthermore, climate models paint a picture of global warming due to increasing carbon dioxide levels. But those models assume there is no other source of warming.

Logically, more carbon dioxide means some global warming. But Spencer pointed out that the amount of warming makes all the difference as to whether or not world leaders adopt global energy policies.

Seldom is the public ever informed of glaring discrepancies between basic science and what politicians and pop-scientists tell them, wrote Spencer. But these discrepancies matter greatly because they reveal that the climate crisis isnt real. There is simply no climate emergency.

Moreover, seldom are the benefits of a somewhat warmer climate system mentioned. Pop-scientists do not mention the benefits of more carbon dioxide, which is required for life to exist, in the atmosphere, too.

Spencer isnt the only real climate scientist who doesnt subscribe to climate change propaganda. Fritz Vahrenholt, one of the founders of Germanys modern environmental movement and a climate expert, said in a recent interview that the climate catastrophe expected to peak in the next 12 years is not taking place.

On the contrary, humans have roughly three generations time to pursue renewable energy sources. He pointed out that warmth and moisture have always been considered beneficial for mankind. It was the cold that humans had to look out for. Plus, atmospheric conditions now taking place are the result of natural phenomena that humans have no power to influence.

For instance, the sun has only now demonstrated such great activity. The planet was also three degrees warmer when civilization began. There was no tipping point then and there will be no tipping point in the near future. (Related: Climate change activist movement nothing more than rebranded 1970s myth.)

Go to FakeScience.news to learn more about climate change and other pseudoscientific phenomena.

Sources include:

WattsUpWithThat.com 1

WattsUpWithThat.com 2

WhiteHouse.gov
(Photo : Pexels/Pixabay) Australia anti-vaxx

An Australian man has been arrested after allegedly placing fake QR codes over official COVID-19 check-in signs in South Plympton, Adelaide.

Man Arrested for Fake QR Codes

When customers used their smartphones to check-in and place their information for COVID-19 tracking, they were instead directed to an anti-vaccination website, according to BBC.

The Australian man, 51-year-old Colin Mark Davies, has been charged with two counts of obstructing operations related to COVID-19. In Australia, anyone found tampering with COVID-19 QR codes faces arrest and a penalty of up to $10,000.

The country operates a similar system to that of the United Kingdom's Test and Trace scheme, which asks customers to check in to venues, so they can be notified if they come into close contact with COVID-19 patients, as per 9News.

Also Read: Aussie Anti-Vaxxers That Will Refuse COVID-19 Vaccine Could be Banned From Traveling Internationally

Getting his Message Out

Davis stated that he has since been released on bail on the condition that he does not carry any loose QR labels. He must return to court in July to be sentenced.

His lawyer said he wanted to get his message out to the public.

Davis has also been charged with possessing a prohibited weapon after police searched his home and found a double-sided knife. South Australian Police confirmed that no personal data had been breached during the incident.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, a lot of pubs and restaurants moved to install QR code systems in their respective establishments.

QR code systems can hold a massive amount of data compared to standard barcodes, reaching up to 2,500 numeric characters, compared to a barcode's 43.

That means useful information, including the user's name, location, and website addresses, can all be reliably and held in one small box without having to spend too much.

Australia's Anti-Vaxx

Anti-vaccination protesters have gathered across Australia due to the launch of the country's coronavirus inoculation program.

Numerous protests were held in different cities including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with participants saying that since it is their body, it should be their choice if they want to get vaccinated.

The rallies were peaceful, but the police made several arrests in Melbourne as some protesters clashed with the police, who were forced to use pepper spray and made several arrests. The police said that 15 people received penalty notices for breaching its COVID-19 laws.

Five others were charged for resisting arrest, hindering police and refusing to give details, according to ABC News.

The rallies were joined by a few thousand people all in all.

Former Australian celebrity chef Pete Evan, who has been banned from Instagram and Facebook for repeatedly sharing misinformation about coronavirus, was one of the people who spoke at the rally in Sydney back in February while protesters held signs denouncing the vaccine rollout.

The COVID-19 vaccine shots in Australia are free, but it is not mandatory for the citizens to have them.

The national rollout of the Pfizer vaccine began on February. Australia's medical regulator also granted provisional approval for the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, which was rolled out in March.

Both of the vaccines have undergone extensive safety checks and are already being used in several countries.

Related Article: Facebook's Fight Against Anti-Vaxxers May Not Be Enough as Pages Continue to Grow and Sell Merchandise

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
As India continues to battle a severe second wave of coronavirus, the healthcare system is facing the brunt with a shortage of medical supplies only adding to the woes.

Amid the mounting crisis, the demand for oxygen has been growing drastically. As people scramble to find the life saving gas, some people have been taking advantage of the dire situation to hoodwink people.

Uttam Nagar Police

Now, Delhi Police has arrested two people for tricking COVID-19 patients by selling them fire extinguishers instead of oxygen cylinders in the Dwarka area.

As per a report in India Today, Geeta Arora, a resident of Shishram Park, Bindapur in Delhi, alleged that two persons has sold her a fire extinguisher instead of an oxygen cylinder. She had been looking for an oxygen cylinder as her relative was down with COVID-19 and faced breathing issues with a low oxygen saturation level.

Delhi Police has arrested two people for tricking COVID-19 patients by selling them fire extinguishers instead of oxygen cylinders in the Dwarka area.



Also read: Jharkhand Man Drives 1,400 Kms To Noida With Oxygen Cylinder For His Friend Down With COVID-19

Representational Image/hseblog

Ashutosh, 19, and Ayush, 22, residents of Vikaspuri were arrested from west Delhi's Uttam Nagar and five fire extinguishers were seized from them. They were apparently selling each extinguisher as oxygen cylinder for Rs 10,000, police said.



Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka), Santosh Kumar Meena, said that duo had sold fire extinguishers to Geeta and when she tried to contact them about the fraud and demanded her money back, they stopped receiving her calls.

Also read: Have You Tested Positive For COVID-19? Don't Panic, Instead, Do This

Representational Image/Shutterstock

Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code at Uttam Nagar Police Station, TOI reported. On the bases of a tip-off, a joint team of special staff and Uttam Nagar Police Station arrested the accused on Thursday.

Also read: How Amazon India, Startups & NGOs Are Importing Oxygen Concentrators & Helping India Beat COVID
GM To Invest $1 Billion In EV Facility In Mexico - UAW Says So Much For US Benefit From $Billions In "Infrastructure" Subsidies For EV's - Hey Biden What Do You Think Of This?







Detroit April 29,2021; Reuters reported that General Motors said it will invest $1 billion in a manufacturing complex in Mexico, drawing immediate criticism from the union for U.S. autoworkers as it prepares to build electric vehicles in 2023 in the border state of Coahuila.

GM said it is building a new high-tech paint shop that will start operations from June at the Ramos Arizpe site, which currently assembles conventional internal-combustion vehicles, including the Chevrolet Equinox and Blazer models, along with engines and transmissions.

The United Auto Workers criticized GM's decision to build EVs in Mexico instead of using the union's members in the United States when Washington is considering large new incentives for electric vehicles.

"At a time when General Motors is asking for a significant investment by the U.S. government in subsidizing electric vehicles, this is a slap in the face for not only UAW members and their families but also for U.S. taxpayers and the American workforce," said UAW Vice President Terry Dittes in a statement, calling it "unseemly" to accept U.S. government subsidies and make vehicles outside the United States.

GM responded to the UAW statement by noting it has "recently announced nearly 9,000 jobs and more than $9 billion in new electric vehicle or battery cell manufacturing facilities in Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee."

The White House did not immediately comment, but President Joe Biden has called for $174 billion to boost U.S. EV production, sales and infrastructure.

On Wednesday, Biden told U.S. lawmakers "there's no reason why American workers cant lead the world in the production of electric vehicles and batteries."

GM issued a news release about the Mexican investment only in Spanish on its website and later provided an English translation when asked.

GM said it also plans to build batteries and electrical components at Ramos Arizpe and is making other improvements to its manufacturing complex.

GM did not say when it began building its new paint shop but previously came under criticism from former President Donald Trump for its Mexican operations. Trump had threatened to tax GM vehicles imported from Mexico.

GM aims to build two Chevrolet electric SUVs at Ramos Arizpe starting in 2023, according to Sam Fiorani, who tracks future vehicle production for AutoForecast Solutions.

A GM spokesman said the company was not announcing or confirming the electric vehicles that will be built in Coahuila, describing Fiorani's comment as speculation.

The automaker already makes electric vehicles at four locations in the United States and Canada. GM has said it aspires to halt U.S. sales of gasoline-powered passenger vehicles by 2035.

GM's Ramos Arizpe expansion will include new capacity to make batteries and other electronic components, which will begin during the second half of this year, the company said.

"I'm sure this investment will contribute to continue boosting Mexican manufacturing while bringing development to the region, the industry and the country," said Francisco Garza, president of GM's Mexican unit, during a webcast announcement.

Garza said he could not rule out adding a third production shift to the Ramos Arizpe facility in the near term, which would depend on meeting certain economic conditions.

The facility's current workforce has 5,600 direct employees.
Spains central Health Ministry reported 10,143 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, and added 137 Covid-19 deaths to the overall total. The 14-day cumulative number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants, a key data point used to monitor the progress of the pandemic in the country, held steady at 230 cases for the second day running, having fallen from 235.59 on Monday.

According to yesterdays report, a total of 3,514,942 official cases of the coronavirus have been detected in Spain since the pandemic began. There are currently 9,787 Covid-19 patients receiving hospital treatment, occupying 7.78% of beds across the country. These figures are down from 10,380 and 8.26%, respectively, in Mondays report. As for the pressure on intensive care units (ICUs), there are 2,320 critical patients according to Thursdays report, occupying 23% of beds. These figures have also fallen compared to Monday, from 2,356 and 23.55%, respectively.

The Basque Country continues to be in the worst situation, with a 14-day cumulative number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants of 516.68

The overall death toll in Spain from the health crisis now stands at 78,080, although the real figure is likely to be much higher given that many people died during the first wave before they could be tested for the disease.

By region, the Basque Country continues to be in the worst situation, with a 14-day cumulative number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants of 516.68. It is followed by Madrid, with 388.12 and Navarre, with 352.54. At the other end of the scale are Valencia, with 44.47, and the Balearic Islands, with 58.90.

In terms of the ongoing vaccination drive, which got off to a slow start at the end of December, the Health Ministry yesterday reported a new record for the number of vaccine doses administered in a day: 481,910 in a 24-hour period earlier this week. In total, according to the ministry, 15,859,772 doses have been administered, with 24.3% of the population having received at least one dose (11,520,146 people) and 9.3% of Spaniards having got both shots (4,413,784 people). The central government is aiming to have vaccinated 70% of the adult population in the country by the end of summer.

Speaking on Thursday, Health Minister Carolina Darias stated that so far there have been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus variant that has been detected in India, although there is one suspected case that is being studied. Speaking at a health commission in the Congress of Deputies on Thursday, she added that the Indian variant has two mutations that could be associated with greater transmission, although she added that the available data is not conclusive.

Catalonia

Meanwhile, in the northeastern Catalonia region, the authorities will begin the vaccination of National Police officers and Civil Guards from Monday. The process will start after the regional High Court ordered that the officers in question be immunized in the same proportion as the regional police. The Mossos dEsquadra, as the Catalan force is known, has seen 80% of its number receive the Covid-19 vaccine, compared to 9.9% of National Police officers and 6.6% of the Civil Guard. The court alleged that there was an appearance of discrimination in the way the security forces are being treated in Catalonia, which has in recent years been immersed in a drive for secession from Spain that culminated in a unilateral declaration of independence in late 2017. (An illegal referendum on independence in October of that year saw violent treatment of members of the public by the National Police and the Civil Guard, and there were even clashes and moments of tension between these officers and the Mossos.)

Police officers in Llores protest for equal treatment in the vaccination drive in Catalonia. Sign reads: "Enough of discrimination. David Borrat / EFE

The regional government began the vaccination process for National Police and the Civil Guard a month after that of the Mossos dEsquadra started. Initially, the central governments delegation in the region did not complain about the process, claiming that the different timescales were due to logistical issues. But several days ago, Health Minister Carolina Darias accused the Catalan government of being the only Spanish region not to vaccinate these officers. Since then, the administrations have been blaming each other for the delays.

The Generalitat, as the Catalan government is known, has called the court ruling ridiculous and accused the justice system of interfering in its handling of the pandemic. Police unions such as the SUP, however, have celebrated the decision. In Catalonia, there are around 7,000 active National Police and Civil Guard officers deployed.

With reporting by Rebeca Carranco.

English version by Simon Hunter.
Goodwell Investments, an Amsterdam, The Netherlands-based impact investment firm, launched Goodwell V, a 50m impact fund for Africa.

Following on from predecessor funds, Goodwell V aims to channel capital from private investors, family offices and foundations to fast-growing, scalable small and medium-sized companies across Africa.

The fund will build a new portfolio of companies across various sectors in Africa: at least a third will be invested in financial inclusion, a quarter in agriculture, and the remainder in mobility and other impact sectors such as education and healthcare. Goodwell V will also allocate follow-on funding to existing portfolio companies, such as Copia, MFS Africa, Good Nature Agro, Tomato Jos, and Nomanini.

The fund is the cornerstone feeder for a new institutional fund that the company plans to launch in the second half of this year.

The firms local teams in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa have made more than 20 investments across Africa over the last five years. In total, Goodwell Investments has already provided over 150m in funding to 35 inclusive businesses across Asia and Africa over the past 15 years.

FinSMEs

30/04/2021
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Italy has for the first time inoculated more than 500,000 people in a day, meeting a key coronavirus vaccinations target, the government said Friday.

Authorities initially hoped to reach the milestone by mid-April, but pushed back the objective as supply shortages stymied immunisation efforts across Europe.

"Yesterday more than 500,000 doses of the vaccine were administered in Italy," Health Minister Roberto Speranza wrote on Facebook, hailing the institutional "team work" that led to the result.

According to government statistics, some 19.5 million doses have so far been administered, and 5.75 million people have been fully vaccinated in a country of around 60 million residents.

The government's coronavirus commissioner, army general Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, told RAI public television that 60 percent of the adult population should be fully vaccinated by mid July.

The pace of inoculations has stepped up in recent days, but business daily Il Sole 24 Ore calculated that the seven-day average of daily inoculations is still only around 360,000.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Italy's vaccination efforts are slightly behind those of its larger European peers.

Just under 25 percent of Italians have received at least one dose of the vaccine, against 28.1 percent of Germans, 26.7 percent of French people and 27.6 percent of Spaniards.

Italy badly needs relief from the coronavirus.

Its economy suffered its biggest post-war recession last year, and the official COVID-19 death toll, standing at more than 120,000, is the second-highest in Europe after Britain's.

Under pressure from lockdown-weary businesses, the government eased restrictions on Monday, letting for example bars and restaurants reopen for outdoors service across much of the country.

Tighter restrictions remain in force only in a handful of regions with higher infection figures, including Sicily, Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata in the south.

All four are medium-risk "orange" zones, where people cannot leave their towns of residence and eateries are limited to takeaway and delivery service.

On Friday, Speranza announced a change in restrictions for two more regions, effective from Monday.

A partial lockdown is due to end on the island of Sardinia, with a move from the "red" to the "orange" category, while Val d'Aosta in the north is heading the other way, from "orange" to "red".

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
Small food-related protests took place in Phnom Penhs Meanchey district, as residents in red zones have started to complain about closed markets and no access to food aid.

Dozens of residents in Meanchey districts Phneat village, which has been designated a red zone for the last 12 days, came out of their homes Thursday evening to call for food donations to get them through the next five days, when the city will reassess the three-color zone system.

Residents hung banners from barricades used to block the village, reading my village is starving. Deputy Phnom Penh Governor Nuon Pharath attempted to calm the crowd and asked them to return to their homes.

At this hour, the most important thing is our health and life, Nuon Pharath told the crowd using a megaphone.

Of course, we need food to eat and stay alive, which is also important, but the authorities cannot let this virus infect this entire village, entire commune, and the entire district.

The deputy governor said food aid would go to people who need it the most.

Those of you who are rich should not pretend that you are poor. But if you are really poor, you need to tell your village chief so that food aid will be delivered to your doorsteps. And to those who have money please try to buy food on your own, he said.

In a video live-streamed on social media, people could be heard replying to Nuon Pharath that they were poor, living in rented rooms and desperately in need of food.

Thursdays protests inspired similar collective action in a neighboring village.

40-year-old In Sao, who is a garment worker at a factory that reported COVID-19 cases, said her family  she, her husband, and three children  was eating plain rice and fish sauce. The couple, who live in Stung Meanchey II, do not have any income and are struggling to buy baby formula for their 6-month old baby.

I am so worried about my next meal that I even cried myself to sleep last night, In Sao said. We are in an extreme shortage of foods. Today, we did not have food and money so I asked for a box of canned fish from my neighbor.

Amnesty International on Friday called on the Cambodian government to avert an impending COVID-19 humanitarian crisis and ensure residents have access to food and essential items.

The Cambodian authorities need to urgently change course by working with NGOs and UN agencies to facilitate humanitarian access to red zones. Everyone under lockdown must be provided access to adequate food, water, health care and other essential items, said Yamini Mishra, Amnesty Internationals Asia-Pacific Regional Director.

COVID-19 infections and lockdowns are currently concentrated in Meanchey and Por Senchey districts, which have a high density of garment factories and worker housing.

At least 1,700 workers at 206 factories have been infected with COVID-19, putting more than 17,000 other workers into quarantine.
By Mei Changwei

BEIJING, Apr. 30 -- The Peacekeeping Affairs Center under Chinas Ministry of National Defense and the Training Division of the UN Department of Peace Operations jointly held an online peacekeeping experience exchange meeting on April 29. Experts had in-depth exchanges on topics including difficulties and challenges in conducting peacekeeping training, improving training effectiveness, and supporting UN peacekeeping operations.

UN peacekeeping operations are an important means of maintaining international peace and security. The Chinese military and police have participated in nearly 30 UN peacekeeping operations and dispatched more than 50,000 peacekeepers. At present, more than 2,500 Chinese peacekeepers are performing tasks in the UN headquarters and eight mission areas. China has become the second-largest contributor to both peacekeeping assessment and UN membership fees, and the largest troop-contributing country (TCC) among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. China is hailed by the UN as a "key force in peacekeeping operations."

In March 2020, the UN Security Council passed the first resolution (Resolution 2518) on strengthening the security of peacekeepers promoted by China. The Group of Friends on the Safety and Security of UN Peacekeepers was established at the UN Headquarters in New York on April 27 of 2021, with China as its co-chair.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of Chinas lawful seat at the United Nations, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. China will host a series of commemorative activities in the fields of peacekeeping operations, economic development, social and humanities, poverty alleviation and poverty reduction, and ecological environment, in order to showcase China's actual actions in upholding the international system built around the UN and safeguarding the international order underpinned by international law.
The pledges and commitments were made at the end of the two-day high-level dialogue - Feeding Africa: leadership to scale up successful innovations. The event was hosted by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and the UN's International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in partnership with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the CGIAR System Organization, on 29 and 30 April.

The US$17 billion in financial pledges came from AfDB, IFAD, the Islamic Development Bank Group the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.

"Let us now forge, today, a stronger partnership: a partnership for greater scale! A partnership to take technologies and innovations to hundreds of millions of farmers," said African Development Bank president Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina in an address to leaders.

"We praise the African leaders' commitment to increase agricultural productivity and improve food security for millions of Africans," said IFAD President Gilbert F. Houngbo. "By modernizing African agriculture, small-scale farmers will be in a better position to bring more affordable food to consumers and create decent livelihoods for millions of young Africans involved in the processing, storage and marketing of food."

Sub-Saharan Africa has a quarter of the world's arable land but only produces 10 per cent of its agricultural output. The continent imports one-third of the calories consumed making food systems more vulnerable and dependent on external food supply chains.

Outcomes from this week's high-level dialogue will feed into discussions at a preparatory meeting in Rome in July, ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit scheduled for later this year laying the foundation for Africa to present a unified voice to step up efforts and partnerships towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Contacts:

African Development Bank: Amba Mpoke-Bigg| email: [email protected]

IFAD: Antonia Paradela | email: [email protected]

FARA: Benjamin Abugri | [email protected]

CGIAR: Valerie Poire | email: [email protected]

SOURCE International Fund for Agricultural Development
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A former 36-year-old Odessa firefighter pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to one count of possession of child pornography, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas.

Jeremy Lee Barrera, appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald Griffin, admitted to possessing child pornography and using his cell phone on the Odessa Fire Department network to access an online chat room where several videos were posted that depicted child pornography.
JERUSALEM - A stampede broke out early Friday at a Jewish religious festival attended by tens of thousands of people in northern Israel, killing nearly 40 people and leaving some 150 hospitalized, medical officials said.

Israeli security officials and rescuers carry a body of a victim who died during a Lag Ba'Omer celebrations at Mt. Meron in northern Israel, Friday, April 30, 2021. More than 100 people were injured, dozens critically, in a stampede at a Jewish religious gathering in northern Israel attended by tens of thousands of people, Israel's main rescue service said early Friday. (AP Photo)

JERUSALEM - A stampede broke out early Friday at a Jewish religious festival attended by tens of thousands of people in northern Israel, killing nearly 40 people and leaving some 150 hospitalized, medical officials said.

The stampede, one of the deadliest civilian disasters in Israeli history, occurred during the celebrations of Lag BaOmer at Mount Meron. Tens of thousands of people, mostly ultra-Orthodox Jews, gather each year to honour Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a 2nd century sage and mystic who is buried there. Large crowds traditionally light bonfires, pray and dance as part of the celebrations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a great tragedy, and said everyone was praying for the victims.

Media estimated the crowd at about 100,000 people.

Eli Beer, director of the Hatzalah rescue service, said he was horrified by how crowded the event was, saying the site was equipped to handle perhaps a quarter of the number who were there.

Close to 40 people died as a result of this tragedy, he told the station.

The incident happened after midnight, and the cause of the stampede was not immediately clear. Videos circulating on social media showed large numbers of ultra-Orthodox Jews packed together in tight spaces.

A 24-year-old witness, identified only by his first name Dvir, told the Army Radio station that masses of people were pushed into the same corner and a vortex was created. He said a first row of people fell down, and then a second row, where he was standing, also began to fall down from the pressure of the stampede.

I felt like I was about to die, he said.

Zaki Heller, spokesman for the Magen David Adom rescue service, said 150 people had been hospitalized, several dozen in serious or critical condition. Army Radio, citing anonymous medical officials, said the death toll had risen to 44.

That would match the death toll of a 2010 forest fire, which is believed to be the deadliest civilian tragedy in the country's history.

Heller told the station no one had ever dreamed something like this could happen. In one moment, we went from a happy event to an immense tragedy, he said.

Photos from the scene showed rows of wrapped bodies.

The Israeli military said it had dispatched medics and search and rescue teams along with helicopters to assist with a mass casualty incident" in the area. It did not provide details on the nature of the disaster.

It was the first huge religious gathering to be held legally since Israel lifted nearly all restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. The country has seen cases plummet since launching one of the world's most successful vaccination campaigns late last year.

Health authorities had nevertheless warned against holding such a large gathering.

But when the celebrations started, the Public Security Minister Amir Ohana, police chief Yaakov Shabtai and other top officials visited the event and met with police, who had deployed 5,000 extra forces to maintain order.

Ohana, a close ally of Netanyahu, thanked police for their hard work and dedication for protecting the well-being and security for the many participants as he wished the country a happy holiday.

Netanyahu is struggling to form a governing coalition ahead of a Tuesday deadline, and the national tragedy is sure to complicate those efforts.
A view of the One World Trade Centre tower and the lower Manhattan skyline of New York City at sunrise as seen from Hoboken, N.J., on Aug. 9, 2017. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Justice Department Ends Trump-Era Limits on Grants to Sanctuary Cities

WASHINGTONThe Justice Department has repealed a policy put in place during Donald Trumps presidency that cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

In an internal memo seen by Reuters, acting head of the Office of Justice Programs Maureen Henneberg said that prior grant recipients, including cities, counties and states that were recipients of the departments popular $250 million annual grant program for local law enforcement, will no longer be required to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a condition of their funding.

She also ordered staff to take down any pending Justice Department grant applications with similar strings attached and start the process over again.

In the memo, Henneberg, who leads the departments largest grant-making arm, said she had instructed staff to pull down and revise all solicitations that describe requirements or priority consideration elements or criteria pertaining to immigration.

These solicitations will be reposted and grantees will be required to reapply, she added.

It is one of a series of decisions by Attorney General Merrick Garland, an appointee of President Joe Biden, to break with policies put in place during the Trump administration.

Shortly after being sworn in, Biden overturned a Trump executive order that had allowed the Justice Department to pressure cities that refused to notify federal immigration authorities when people living in the United States illegally have been detained for criminal violations, including minor ones.

Garland on April 14 ordered the department to begin to implement the change.
As India is scheduled to enter its 3rd phase of vaccination drive tomorrow, several states have come out and reported that they might not be able to begin inoculating all adults from tomorrow.

India is set to begin the third phase of the worlds largest vaccination programme from May 1st which will designate all adults of age 18 and above as eligible for vaccination. However, this new phase brings with it the question of Indias capability in regards to vaccine inoculation. The second wave of coronavirus is ravaging the entire country with people lining up at crematoriums and graveyards for their loved ones final rites. There is no doubt that this phase will play a pivotal role in the war against coronavirus but can Indias vaccine supply support such a large vaccine rollout? The new vaccine agreement stipulates that the Central government will receive half the vaccines produced while the remaining are bound for the states and private hospitals and clinics.

A website for people to register for vaccination has been set up by the Centre titled CoWin. It can be accessed at cowin.gov.in but heavy traffic may be causing some minor issues.

The following is information regarding the vaccine rollout preparedness of some states:

Maharashtra

Maharashtra had been the origin of the second wave of coronavirus and has long requested the Centre to begin vaccination for all adults so as to ease its infection rate. The Maharashtra government also stated that it will purchase vaccines worth 6,500 crore from the Indian vaccine manufacturers Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech. Over 200 more government vaccination centres will be opened in Maharashtra for the third phase along with several private vaccination centres. However, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray stated that his administration will not be able to support the new vaccination drive starting tomorrow.

Tamil Nadu

The state of Tamil Nadu placed an order 1.5 crore vaccines for the third phase.

Kerala

The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, revealed that the state will order 1 crore vaccine doses. Of these doses, 70 lakh will be Covishield and the remaining 30 lakh Covaxin. The order costs 480 crore and is estimated by the state government to last for 3 months.

Rajasthan

Rajasthans government placed an order for 3.75 crore vaccine doses but it is quite unlikely that these will arrive on time for the state to start the third phase tomorrow.

Assam

The Assam government decided to purchase 2 crore vaccine doses, half from Serum Institute and the other half from Bharat Biotech.

Punjab

Although, Punjab ordered 30 lakh doses of Covishield from Serum Institute, it is expected that the vaccines will be delivered around the middle of May.

Delhi

As the consignment is yet to reach Delhi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that no vaccination will be done for 18+ category on May 1. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal stated that everyone will be administered with the vaccine free of charge during the third phase and had decided to purchase 1.3 crore vaccine doses.

Read More: Covid vaccine prices fluctuate: After SII, Bharat Biotech reduces price of vaccine doses for states
A new East End campus for the Center for Pursuit is nearing completion to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The campus, located at 4400 Harrisburg Blvd. at Eastwood Avenue, will initially house a 33,000-square-foot Welcome Center and Health and Wellness buildings totaling 36,000 square feet. Gensler designed the campus along with Houstons Mayfield and Ragni Studio.
New Delhi: Two American military aircraft on Friday brought to India large amounts of emergency medical supplies as part of the Joe Biden administration's support to the country's fight against a devastating wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The first consignment of the supplies was brought to Delhi in a C-5M Super Galaxy, one of the largest strategic airlift aircraft of the US Air Force, while the second shipment was delivered by a C-17 Globemaster.

The medical supplies included 423 oxygen cylinders with regulators, 210 pulse oximeters, 17 large oxygen cylinders, 8,84,000 Abbott rapid diagnostic test kits and 84,000 N-95 face masks, officials said. Hours after the shipments were delivered to India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, focusing on India's requirements of medical supplies. In a couple of tweets, Jaishankar said his discussions with Blinken focussed on Indian requirements to address the COVID-19 challenge "more effectively".

"Reviewed the flow of equipment and material from the US. Highlighted the importance of strengthening oxygen supply, expanding vaccine production and increasing Remdesivir supply. Appreciated the forthcoming response of the US in this regard," he tweeted. On his part, Blinken said he reiterated to Jaishankar continued US support for COVID-19 relief efforts in India. "Spoke with @DrSJaishankar to share my condolences and reiterate continued US support for COVID-19 relief efforts in India. The US government has stepped up to help our partners, just as the American private sector, NGOs, and citizens have also helped to meet this challenge," he tweeted.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said healthcare partnership between India and the US can help effectively tackle the global pandemic. "A strategic partnership of global significance! Our healthcare partnership can help effectively tackle the global pandemic. Deeply appreciate gift of 423 oxygen cylinders with regulators and other medical supplies from the USA," he said after landing of the first US aircraft. As India battles a devastating second wave of coronavirus pandemic, countries around the world have announced sending medical supplies to help it tide over the situation.

Several other countries also delivered to India medical supplies that included 280 oxygen concentrators and 40 ventilators from the UK and 700 oxygen concentrators and 365 ventilators from Ireland. Romania too supplied 80 oxygen concentrators, 75 oxygen cylinders and 20 high-flow humidify oxygen therapy devices, officials said. Several other countries including France, Germany, Australia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden, New Zealand and Kuwait are also sending assistance to India. On Thursday, Russia delivered to India 20 tonnes of medical supplies mainly comprising oxygen concentrators, ventilators and medicines.

According to European Union officials, Italy, Finland and Austria are also sending medical supplies to India. "We are working around the clock to channel EU assistance to India. It is in everyone's interest to support efforts at tackling the latest outbreak in the country," said EU's Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarci. "I thank France, Italy, Austria, Finland and Ireland for their latest offers of assistance. EU solidarity is fully in action," he said. Various EU member countries are sending assistance under the bloc's Civil Protection Mechanism.

Live TV
LYNCHBURG, Va., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New Story Schools (NSS), a respected name in special education throughout the east coast and owner of Rivermont Schools in Virginia, announced to its families, staff, and district partners this week the kickoff of a multimillion-dollar renovation and relocation campaign.

"We are so excited by the changes we will be implementing in Virginia," said New Story founder Dr. Paul Volosov. "Since we merged our companies last year, we have concentrated on doing what Rivermont always has done: providing a high-quality educational experience for our students. We believe that a quality environment enhances all aspects of education and facilitates child growth and development. This investment in Rivermont's facilities is the first step in our overall goal to provide more support to the special education community in Virginia."

NSS supports its students as they write new stories of success in school, at home, and in all aspects of life. New Story envisions all students growing and developing as individuals as they prepare for meaningful and contributing adult lives.

The slated Virginia projects include:

Relocating our NOVA campus into a larger, more modern building

Relocating the Covington campus to a new space better in line with our needs Extensively renovating our Roanoke Southwest campus

Upgrading other elements of many existing schools to better serve our students

Beth Ackerman, SVP of Rivermont Schools, shared her excitement, saying, "We are so happy to see this investment. We believe in the potential of all our students and know that upgrading our facilities will help us to further support students and their families."

Families were told via email early this week that drawings of the renovations are forthcoming and were encouraged to share their feedback. The email also committed to ongoing communications around other changes but promised that preserving the experiences of students remains the priority.

"We cannot wait for our improved facilities to help us serve more students on the autism spectrum, or with emotional support needs," said Ackerman. "However, we are working diligently to ensure our renovation and relocation projects are completed without altering the level of service and care our students currently receive."

Renovations will kick off this spring and carry on through early fall. For more information on New Story Schools visit newstoryschools.com.

SOURCE New Story Schools




[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.]

With numerous accolades as the best gaming headphone for next-generation consoles, the Audeze Penrose gets even better with the launch of the HQ app and firmware updates (version 0.1.10) adding QOL improvements and features including EQ change buttons, modified UI accessibility, mic/volume wheel adjustments and much more.

The planar magnetic technology of the Audeze Penrose delivers the best audio quality for next-gen gaming.

The new firmware update for the Audeze Penrose includes the following features:



New microphone EQ for improved voice clarity

Ability to adjust Bluetooth/wireless volume mix via headphone or app

Added EQ change and sidetone button commands with voice prompts

User Interface (UI) improvements to wheel buttons: Single press + Scroll volume wheel for BT/wireless balance Long press vol wheel to scroll through EQ presets with voice prompts Single press + Scroll mic wheel for game/chat balance Long press mic wheel to turn on/off sidetone with voice prompts

Penrose wireless headset comes with a USB dongle that can be connected to the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and desktop computer systems. Penrose can also be connected to mobile devices using Bluetooth 5.0; both wireless and Bluetooth connections can be activated simultaneously, allowing users to customize their Penrose sound settings in real time using the Audeze HQ app. With a microphone designed in partnership with Shure, the audio industrys most respected microphone brand, the Audeze Penrose delivers the most immersive gaming audio to elevate the next generation experience.



The Audeze Penrose (for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows and Mac desktops) and Penrose X (for Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Windows desktops) are available now for $299 at Audeze.com and major retailers in North America. For more information on the Audeze Penrose, follow on Audeze products, and visit the website at



Designed for the optimal gaming experience on next generation consoles, thewireless headset comes with a USB dongle that can be connected to the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and desktop computer systems. Penrose can also be connected to mobile devices using Bluetooth 5.0; both wireless and Bluetooth connections can be activated simultaneously, allowing users to customize their Penrose sound settings in real time using theHQ app. With a microphone designed in partnership with Shure, the audio industrys most respected microphone brand, thedelivers the most immersive gaming audio to elevate the next generation experience.The(for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows and Mac desktops) and(for Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Windows desktops) are available now for $299 at Audeze.com and major retailers in North America. For more information on the, follow on Twitter ,  Like  us on Facebook, subscribe to Youtube to see and hear video demonstrations ofproducts, and visit the website at www.audeze.com # # #
As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was addressing the state April 29 announcing the MI Vacc to Normal Challenge, Huron County residents were expressing concerns and frustrations with the announcement.

So shes trying to bribe people to get the vaccine, or should I say blackmail, Shaun Staniland of Bad Axe said on the Tribunes Facebook page.

Stanilands comment received numerous signs of support, including a comment from Karen Lapp adding that the governor is holding the state hostage.

However, not everyone agreed with Staniland and Lapp. Judy Rogers said people should get the vaccine and stop whining before adding that previous generations of people eliminated the prevalence of diseases like polio, measles, mumps, diphtheria and more by receiving vaccines for them.

The plan ties the coronavirus vaccination rate of Michigan residents over the age of 16 to a staggered reopening of the state.

Under the plan, as more people vaccinated, the state will allow returns to the office, relax indoor capacity limits and eventually lift health orders that were put into place to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

The MI Vacc to Normal plan is the first time the Whitmer administration has provided a measurable goal for the reopening of the state. Two weeks after each milestone is reached, the state will ease restrictions on various sectors as follows:

Step 1  55%

Lift requirements for employers to require remote work

Step 2  60%

Increase indoor capacity of stadiums to 25%

Increase indoor capacity at conference centers/banquet halls/funeral homes to 25%

Increase capacity at excercize facilities and gyms to 50%

Lift curfews on restaurants and bars

Step 3  65%

Lift all indoor capacity limits, requiring only social distancing between parties

Relax current limits on residential social gatherings

Step 4  70%

Lift Gatherings and Face Mask Order

No longer impose broad mitigation measures unless virus threatens to overwhelm medical system, or other unanticipated circumstances arise, such as the spread of vaccine-resistant variants.

Other commenters on the Tribunes Facebook stated the vaccines were not approved by the Federal Drug Administration, which is not true. The vaccines are being administered under an FDA Emergency Use Authorization, which is provided when the agencys experts determine the known and potential benefits of the vaccine outweigh its known and potential risks.

The vaccines were developed during the Trump Administrations Operation Warp Speed, which partnered the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense to help accelerate the vaccines development and production.

A U.S. Government Accountability Office, showed that COVID-19 vaccine development under OWS generally followed traditional practices, with some adaptations.

FDA issued specific guidance that identified ways that vaccine development may be accelerated during the pandemic, the GAO report reads. Vaccine companies told GAO that the primary difference from a non-pandemic environment was the compressed timelines.

According to the GAO, vaccine companies were able to simultaneously manufacture the vaccines while conducting clinical trials phases, which sometimes were combined or ran concurrently.

According to the states vaccination dashboard April 29, there was a statewide vaccine average of 49.6% of residents with the initial dose  less than 6% short of the first MI Vacc to Normal phase.

In the Upper Thumb, Huron County continued to lead the region in vaccination rates with 44% of the county population being fully vaccinated and 50.6% having the initial dose.

Tuscola County has 33.3% of its residents fully vaccinated and in Sanilac County 31.9% of the residents are fully vaccinated.

It is unclear when the state anticipates the first phase of the MI Vacc to Normal plan will be reached.
SYRACUSE, N.Y.  The 14-year-old accused of killing an 84-year-old former Westmoreland teacher in her Syracuse apartment in January allegedly stabbed the woman 43 times, according to the indictment filed Friday.

Jahkim Robinson is facing charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary. Robinson was arrested in late January, and indicted by a grand jury Friday.

Robinson, who was Fulds neighbor, allegedly broke into her apartment and attacked her around Jan. 20.

Police said Robinson was found with Fulds car and other belongings after her death. In January, police also said others may have been involved in the crimes, but no one else has been charged.

Fuld was a Spanish and French teacher in the Westmoreland School District until 1991.

The Westmoreland Alumni Association is setting up a scholarship fund in Fuld's honor for students with "an interest in pursuing a foreign language or an affinity for community service."

Anyone who would like to donate to this fund can write a check out to the Westmoreland Alumni Association, and mail it to:

Eva Fuld Scholarship Fund

c/o Westmoreland Alumni Association

PO Box 281

Westmoreland, NY 13490
Press Release

30 April 2021

Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may soon be able to add Europe to their summer travel plans. This, according to the European Commission, which said on Sunday that it is set to recommend a policy change to European Union member states that would again allow leisure travel to the region for vaccinated Americans.

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While everyone needs to continue to be responsible, this recommendation would open a whole new world of travel possibilities for guests looking to put their living rooms far in the rearview mirror this summer. In fact, after the EU's announcement, the number of Americans searching Airbnb for a place to stay in Europe grew over 25 percent compared to the previous day.

This will also drive significant demand for our current Hosts in Europe and even more opportunity for those considering hosting. New Hosts on Airbnb have already seen success. New Hosts with only one listing who welcomed their first guests during the pandemic have already earned more than $1.2 billion globally on Airbnb.

With our diverse supply mix, unique listings and better accommodations than hotels for group travel, Airbnb is well-positioned to help guests safely explore Europe this summer. We had more listings in France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and the Czech Republic combined at the end of 2020 than we did at the end of 2019.

Even before this news, in recent weeks, the most wishlisted stay by US guests is a Grecian villa in Sounio, Greece, showing that American travelers are increasingly dreaming of future international travel. If you are looking forward to traveling to Europe in the weeks and months ahead, here are some more of our most wishlisted listings in the region:

Photo: Airbnb, Inc.

Mountain Cottage (Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

Photo: Airbnb, Inc.
Ahora | El presidente @FSagasti participa, de manera virtual, en la ceremonia de conmemoracion por el 10. aniversario de la @A_delPacifico, mecanismo de integracion conformado por Chile, Colombia, Mexico y Peru.#10AnosAlianzaDelPacifico

?? En vivo: https://t.co/55BwuiU0AL
The consumer watchdogs court win over Google this month should serve as a warning to big tech that privacy and data settings must be made as transparent as possible, but more pressure will need to be exerted to dispel the opaque terms and conditions they impose on consumers.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had alleged that Android devices, in 2017 and 2018, were set up in such a way that someone creating a new Google account would not be adequately informed about whether their location would be tracked or not.

The location settings on Android phones and in Google Accounts can be confusing to navigate. Credit:Bloomberg

At the time, Google made it sound as though turning off location history  a service that maps wherever you go with your devices  would stop the company from collecting data about a users location. But consumers also needed to turn off another setting, one with no mention of location data - App and web activity, to completely stop Google from tracking their location.

ACCC chairman Rod Sims said the federal court decision in its favour earlier this month was an important victory for consumers, especially those concerned about their privacy online.
The government has grown increasingly concerned over the companies expanding influence over every aspect of Chinese life

Chinas financial regulators summoned 13 tech companies Thursday including Tencent Holdings Ltd. and ByteDance Ltd., imposing a raft of requirements on their financial businesses in an expanded effort to rein in the fast-growing fintech sector.

Earlier this month, financial regulators met with Jack Mas Ant Group Co., outlining a rectification plan consisting of similar requirements for the company to follow, including correcting unfair competition practices in its payment business, breaking down the information monopoly and applying to become a financial holding company.

The latest meeting with more internet companies signals that regulators are expanding the campaign to rein in tech titans aggressive foray into the financial sector. The government has grown increasingly concerned over the companies expanding influence over every aspect of Chinese life as well as the vast amounts of data theyve amassed through providing services like online shopping, chatting and ride-hailing.

Chinas fintech industry participants will have to adjust to tighter regulations that will have a broader and stronger oversight, leading to a period of moderating fintech growth and investment in the sector, Yan Li, an analyst with Moodys Investors Service, said in a report. The new regulations and rules will bring risks for fintech companies as the tightened regulatory environment would require significant changes to the business models of their financial services businesses.

China has rolled out a stream of regulations and rules targeting the tech sector, including measures to curb market concentration in online payments and prevent big tech companies from abusing their market dominance.

Companies called to the meeting Thursday also included the financial units of Baidu Inc., JD.com, Meituan, Didi Chuxing, Sina Corp., Suning.com and Lufax Holding Ltd., according to a statement (link in Chinese) published by the Peoples Bank of China.

Pan Gongsheng, a deputy governor of the central bank, chaired the meeting, with representatives from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

Regulators issued a list of requirements regarding big internet companies financial service operations, including stricter scrutiny of shareholders and transactions with connected parties, stricter compliance when listing abroad and curbs on information monopolies and the gathering of personal data.

Companies must obtain licenses to launch financial services, sever improper links between their payment services and other financial products, comply with rules when making investment in financial institutions and restructure their financial assets into holding companies to bring the businesses under proper supervision, the regulators said.

The meeting followed a series of regulatory measures targeting Ant, which scrapped a planned record initial public offering amid a tightening regulatory environment.

The rectification order will dramatically revamp Ants business and put it under similar supervision as a bank. The overhaul means Ant will have to cut off any improper linking of payments with other financial products including its Jiebei and Huabei lending services, blowing up a model in which the company used the digital payment function as a port of entry to attract users into more lucrative areas such as consumer lending.

Luo Meihan and Bloomberg contributed to this story.

Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bobsimison@caixin.com)

Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go.

Follow the Chinese markets in real time with Caixin Globals new stock database.
Lightfoots proposal in the Senate is sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood. Few members of the General Assembly have more experience in education policy than Lightford. Her plan would add elected representation to the board but retain overall authority over CPS in the hands of the mayors office. Under that plan, in 2026 two of the seven board members would be elected, while the rest would continue to be appointed by the mayor. In 2028, the boards size would grow to 11, with three elected and eight appointed.
A BUSINESSWOMEN who is alleged to have threatened to drive her vehicle through the front window of the offices of a receiver has told the High Court she wants the opportunity to clear her good name.

Receiver Declan Taite of the firm Duff and Phelps claims that Mairead Barry has engaged in acts of intimidation and had made threats against him, his family and certain employees of the company.

Last week Mr Taite's lawyers secured permission from the High Court to serve short notice of injunction proceedings against Ms Barry.

He seeks an injunction preventing Ms Barry and her servants and agents from behaving in a threatening, abusive, intimidating and insulting manner towards Mr Taite and his associates.

He also seeks orders preventing her from attending at or entering Mr Taite's company offices at Stephen's Green in Dublin 2.

When the matter returned before Mr Justice Allen on Friday Ms Barry, who represented herself during the brief hearing and who said she had never been in court before, said she wants to bring a "counterclaim" against the allegations made against her.

Those allegations, she said, were published in the media without anyone asking her about her side of the story.

She wants the opportunity "to clear my good name", the court heard.

She also told the court that she was prepared to give undertakings to stay away from the receivers' offices and to only communicate with them through their solicitors.

She did not want the case adjourned generally, but asked the court to adjourn the matter for six months on medical grounds.

Mr Justice Allen agreed to adjourn the matter to a date in late October.

In a sworn statement to the court Mr Taite says that he was appointed as receiver over three properties in Mallow, Co Cork belonging to Ms Barry's husband Mr Tim Sheahan.

Mr Taite said that he also had dealings with a company of which Ms Barry is a director over the sale of several apartments located at the St Lua's Apartment Complex at Iona Drive off the North Circular Road in Limerick.

Mr Taite said that his firm was appointed receivers over those properties but claims that an issue has arisen regarding that transaction.

Mr Taite said that when the receivers contacted Ms Barry about that issue her response was troubling.

He claims that when he spoke to her earlier this year, she was abusive and threatening in a sustained manner. He ceased all direct contact with Ms Barry, and said she was informed to only communicate through the receiver's solicitors.

Earlier this month Mr Taite said that she telephoned his employers and that she told the person she was speaking with that she would driver her vehicle through the front window of Duff and Phelps' offices.

Mr Taite said that arising out of the threats he made a complaint to the Gardai, who he said told him that her threats are credible and should be taken seriously.

Mr Taite said as an experienced receiver he was used to being involved in contentious matters.

Given the nature of the threats and the Garda response he was left with no option other than to bring proceedings before the High Court, he said.
In less than five months, more than 1 billion doses of coronavirus vaccines have been administered in more than 200 countries. So far, the vast majority of those doses have gone into the arms of those living in wealthy nations, and many developing nations are not expected to get widespread access to a vaccine until 2023.

At a time when COVID-19 is raging through India and South America, such a delayed timeframe could cost hundreds of thousands of lives and allow more time for the virus to develop potentially dangerous mutations.

There is a desperate need to increase the manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccine. Credit:Justin McManus

In a bid to speed up the manufacture and distribution of vaccines, India and South Africa, with the backing of more than 115 other countries, are appealing to the World Trade Organisation for a temporary waiver on enforcing patents on COVID-19 technologies, including vaccines. This would allow these products to be manufactured by any company with the required capacity until global herd immunity was achieved.

The idea hit a brick wall when it was first raised last year. Some of the worlds largest economies, including Australia, the European Union and the United States, with the backing of the pharmaceutical industry, rejected the plan. They argued a patent waiver would deter pharmaceutical companies from investing in vaccine development for future pandemics and would give Russia and China access to new Western technology.
Photo credit: Mike Marsland - Getty Images

Jon Snow has announced that he will be stepping down as presenter of Channel 4 News.

The veteran journalist joined the news broadcaster in 1989, and has seen the country through national tragedies, wars, royal weddings, elections and countless other massive stories.

Channel 4 News editor Ben de Pear announced Snow's departure on Thursday (April 29) while hailing his "fearless journalism, inherent compassion, a nose for a good story as well as sympathy for the underdog".

Snow himself said: "After three incredible decades on Channel 4 News, it is time to move on. I am excited by the many things I want to accomplish but I have to say I have enjoyed every minute of my time with the programme.

Photo credit: Mike Marsland - Getty Images

"It has brought me adventure, as well as sorrow in some of the stories that I have had to report and also joy in reporting others, but above all, it has brought me community in working with the most fantastic group of people who are bound in intellect, humour and understanding.

"Together, we have forged a wonderful service. I feel proud to have contributed to Channel 4 News let alone to have anchored the programme for the last 32 years. I'm looking forward to new adventures and new challenges."

He will leave as of December 31. Among the most significant stories Snow has covered in recent years has been bringing the nation up-to-the-minute news about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire - PA Images

Snow was forced to take a 14-day hiatus from Channel 4 News in March 2020 to quarantine because he and his crew had been in Iran covering its elections.

He announced happier news last month when he confirmed he'd be a dad again at 73, as he and his wife Precious Lunga will be welcoming a baby via a surrogate.

Digital Spy's digital magazine is back! Read every issue now with a 1-month free trial, only on Apple News+ .

Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter? Sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox  and don't forget to join our Watch This Facebook Group for daily TV recommendations and discussions with other readers.

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Australia has committed $170 million dollars or just a little over K460-million over a five-year period under a new gender program.

The gender program, Pacific Women Lead, is seen as a way forward by the Australian government to assist its partners within the region to address their respective gender equality challenges.

This commitment complements Australia's existing bilateral arrangements with respective Pacific island countries on gender development issues.

Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Marise Payne announced this during the opening session of the 14th Triennial conference of Pacific Women today.

She says its a flexible program designed to meet the needs of respective partners, but more importantly, focuses on women's leadership role.

The title of the program, Pacific Women Lead, reflects the importance of strengthening women's leadership, Minister Payne said.

NBC News / ONE PNG





Next : PNG Supports the Efforts to Restore Full Solidary of the Pacific Islands Forum
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 19:04:53|Editor: huaxia

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Brunei reported a new imported case of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the national tally to 225.

According to Brunei's Ministry of Health, the new case is a 37-year-old woman who arrived in the country from Egypt via Kuala Lumpur on April 16. Investigation and contact tracing have confirmed three close contacts for this case, who have all been instructed to undergo the COVID-19 virus tests.

The new case is being treated and monitored at the National Isolation Center with the other four active cases, who are all in a stable condition.

With the detection of this case, a total of 84 imported cases have been confirmed since the last local infection case on May 6, 2020. Brunei has recorded 359 days without local COVID-19 infection cases.

Brunei also reported two more recoveries from the COVID-19 pandemic on Friday, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 217.

There have been three deaths caused by the COVID-19 virus so far in Brunei. Enditem




30 April 2021

Acron Posts 2020 Annual Report on its Website

Today, Acron. To comply with the Russian law, the report is subject to approval by the annual general meeting.

Media Contacts:

Sergey Dorofeev

Anastasia Gromova

Tatiana Smirnova

Public Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 777-08-65 (ext. 5196)

Investor Contacts:

Ilya Popov

Investor Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 745-77-45 (ext. 5252)

Background Information

Acron Group is a leading vertically integrated mineral fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, with chemical production facilities in Veliky Novgorod (Acron) and Smolensk region (Dorogobuzh). The Group owns and operates a phosphate mine in Murmansk region (North-Western Phosphorous Company, NWPC) and is implementing a potash development project in Perm Krai (Verkhnekamsk Potash Company, VPC). It owns transportation and logistics infrastructure, including three Baltic seaport terminals and distribution networks in Russia and China. Acron subsidiary North Atlantic Potash Inc. (NAP) holds mining leases and an exploration permit for ten parcels of the potassium salt deposit at Prairie Evaporite, Saskatchewan, Canada. Acron also holds a minority stake (19.8%) in Polish Grupa Azoty S.A., one of the largest chemical producers in Europe.

In 2020, the Group sold 7.8 million tonnes of main products to 74 countries, with Russia, Brazil, Europe and the United States as key markets.

In 2020, the Group posted consolidated IFRS revenue of RUB 119,864 million (USD 1,661 million), with EBITDA of RUB 35,311 million (USD 489 million). Acron's shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange and its global depositary receipts are traded at the London Stock Exchange (ticker AKRN). Acron employs over 11,000 people.

For more information about Acron Group, please visit www.acron.ru/en.
Tamil Nadu: Kin of dead fishermen urge authorities to detain Singaporean boat

by C Shivakumar

April 30,2021 | Source: The New Indian Express

Denied fair and proper compensation and not even a single word of remorse, the family of two Tamil fishermen whose bodies were retrieved after their mechanised boat IFB Rabha was hit by Singapore flagship vessel MV APL Le Havre, have served a legal notice to the authorities to detain the vessel. Sumathi, wife of Henlin Alexander and daughter of Dasan Channappa, whose bodies were retrieved, has served a legal notice to Ministry of External Affairs, Director General of Shipping, Shipping Secretary and Indian Coast Guard seeking their intervention to initiate negotiations with the shipping company or P&I club or Flag State Administration to ensure that fair and proper compensation is paid to the victims family as the accident took place due to the ships rash and negligent navigation by violating Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972.



In her representation, Sumathi pointed out to the authorities that the collision by the foreign ship caused a damage to the Indian Citizen as per sections 443 and 444 of the M.S.Act, and hence the ship MV APL Le Havre should be detained till a fair and proper compensation is determined and settled to the victims families. We request you not to allow the ship to leave the waters of India, till a rightful compensation is settled, she said. There were 14 fishermen seven each from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in the mechanised boat IFB Rabah, owned by Mamentakathu Jaffar of Beypore in Kozhikode, when the collision happened 40 nautical miles west of new Mangalore on April 11, 2021.



While two members of the crew survived, bodies of three fishermen were retrieved, and the fate of the others is unknown. When Express contacted Director General of Shipping Amitabh Kumar, he said an investigation by police is ongoing. Sumathi, mother of a nineyear- old and a seven-year-old children and taking care of an aged mother, lost both the breadwinners of the family, whose bodies were handed over to her and thereafter no details were shared by the Fishing Boat owner. With no male member to take care, the family is left to struggle on its own. Usually, whenever my husband and father sail together, they are back by evening. This time they did not return.



We had been totally dependent on them for everything. How will I take care of my boys now? she says. Sumathi says the shipping company has not even sent a condolence to the victims families so far, nor have they contacted the grieving family on humanitarian grounds. She alleged that she was contacted by the boat owner and by some middle men to settle for a meagre compensation. Blaming the merchant vessel for negligence, Sumathi, in the legal notice, stated that her husband sailed as serang (Skipper) for past nine years and he was highly skilled and well-experienced, and never encountered any such incident in the high seas. The rash and negligent navigation and failure to comply with the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs) resulted in the MV APL Le Havre killing the fishermen, the legal notice stated.

 newindianexpress.com 2021
The Polar Vortex has weakened over the past two weeks, and is now in its last stage before disappearing for summer. But the final die-off is having an opposite effect of what you might think happens in the last days of the Polar Vortex.

Here is a forecast animation showing the stronger Polar Vortex quickly weakening. The Polar Vortex is more easily visible at the beginning of this animation, which is April 29. As the circulation around the Polar Vortex weakens, we can see the stretching of the vortex to an area covering Alaska to the Great Lakes by May 10. It might be easier for you to spot the Polar Vortex by looking for the darker blue circular area in northern Canada.

Forecast of the upper most part of the atmosphere where Polar Vortex resides. Forecast goes from April 29 to May 10.

Judah Cohen, Ph.D., Director, Seasonal Forecasting, Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER), a Verisk Business, has been studying the Polar Vortex for over 20 years. Cohen says after the Polar Vortex totally dies off, the expansive cold of winter isnt possible.

But the few weeks just after the die-off can have a lazy, slow meandering blob of chilly air drifting out of northern Canada and into the eastern U.S. Cohen and other forecasts show this cool spell lasting a couple of weeks.

Look at the animation above. Youll see how the cooler air drifts southeast to near the eastern U.S. in the first 10 days of May.

Cohen says not to worry if you are a summer heat lover. He doesnt feel a cool start in May has any correlation to the rest of summer temperatures.

Here is a series of surface temperature anomaly forecasts for the first two weeks of May. Notice Michigan and much of the eastern U.S. is projected to have cooler than normal temperatures.

Temperature anomaly forecast from May 5 to May 9

Temperature anomaly forecast May 10 to May 14.

It doesnt look extremely cold, just five to 10 degrees cooler than normal. In the first two weeks of May, the long-term normal high temperatures are in the low-to-mid-60s. So we will be experiencing early May high temperatures between 55 degrees and 65 degrees for most of the days. We could have a 70-degree plus day occasionally.

Cohen says the cool weather in early May will be a payback for our warm March in the eastern U.S. The warm March was brought on by a strong Polar Vortex sucking the cold air up toward the polar region. Typically the Polar Vortex is weakening at that point. The later die-off of the Polar Vortex has held the last blob of chilly air until now and early May.

Once this two week cool spell dissipates, we should be gradually heading into a summer pattern.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has asked all practitioners to join the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a virtual interaction with practitioners, late on Thursday evening, said that they should provide treatment to Covid patients.

doctors have been asked to coordinate with local administration and the Integrated Command and Control Centre to create awareness and offer treatment.

"There are currently 2.52 lakh people in home isolation and doctors of Ayush, homeopathy and Unani should be given access to them to give them consultation. The Ayush department should distribute kadha in every home," the Chief Minister said.

He further said that a team comprising Ayush, Homeopathy and Unani doctors should be set up in each district and this team should give advice on health to people. They should also be linked with tele-consultation services.

As part of these services, they should tell people about the simple treatment options against Covid-19 which are available to them.

said that in the present time, it was necessary to make people aware of the benefits of Ayush.

"Our ancient health systems are not only affordable but also more useful. We must extend the benefits of these to the most number of people through the monitoring committees which have been set up to keep a watch on those in home isolation and reach out to such persons," he said.

He also emphasized on the role of yoga in making one free of illness and said that Ayush doctors should tell people how their immunity can be boosted.

In 2020, an 'Ayush Kawach' app had been launched by the government.

The Chief Minister said that the app can be used to benefit people now.

"Yoga and prayanam have proven to be beneficial against Covid-19. People should be encouraged to follow these practices in their daily lives," he said.

--IANS

amita/rt

(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.)
Apr. 30FARMINGTON  A Massachusetts man accused of shooting a man during an argument Dec. 30 in Dallas Plantation was officially charged Thursday.

Jesse W. Duval, 46, of Westminster, Massachusetts, was indicted by a Franklin County grand jury on charges of elevated aggravated assault and reckless conduct with a firearm. A conviction for the assault charge is punishable by up to 30 years in prison; for the reckless conduct charge, up to five years.

An indictment indicates there is enough evidence for a case to proceed to trial.

Duval and another man were arguing inside a home on Lynn Way. The men, who were related by marriage, went outside, and the victim was shot, according to Franklin County Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr., who issued a news release at the time.

A Rangeley police officer and two U.S. Border Patrol agents responded to the 6:19 p.m. call for medical help and Duval was arrested. The Rangeley police officer administered first aid until NorthStar EMS ambulance personnel arrived. Firefighters from Rangeley Fire Rescue also assisted at the scene.

The victim, who has not been identified, was taken to Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington to be treated for wounds not considered life threatening.

Police recovered shell casings and a gun from the scene.
Dakar, Senegal (PANA)  A team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with the Senegalese authorities on economic and financial policies that could support approval of the third review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) and underpin an 18-month financing arrangement under the Stand-By Credit Facility (SCF) and Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), for a total amount of US$ 650 million (equivalent to CFAF 350 billion)
Heritage Florida Jewish News is accepting nominations for the 2021 Heritage Human Service Award, which will be presented at the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando this summer.

For more than 30 years, individuals who have made major, voluntary contributions of their talent, time, energy and effort to the Central Florida community have been honored with the selection and presentation of this award, said Jeff Gaeser, editor and publisher of the Heritage. Last years recipient was Hank Katzen. Former recipients have included Sarah Stern (2017), Howard Lefkowitz (...
The Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia considers the creation of a buffer zone in Syunik Province a current issue. This is what Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan said during todays discussion on the 2020 Annual Report of the Office of the Human Rights Defender held as part of the session of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly of Armenia.

According to him, this will allow to not only restore the rights of residents of Armenias borderline settlements, but also provide the opportunity to cultivate lands and use grazing fields.

Tatoyan mentioned that this also implies the dislocation of Azerbaijani soldiers and armed persons and the removal of Azerbaijani flags and panels, adding that the Office of the Human Rights Defender has submitted relevant facts to international organizations with the proposal to create a buffer zone.

The Ombudsman also stated that the aim is to let international organizations know that the Azerbaijani side is leading the same policy that was being led in the Ottoman era and is trying to erase the traces of history.
Despite stiff opposition from many in law enforcement, the Texas Senate took a step Thursday toward passing a bill that would allow people to carry handguns without a permit.

A key Senate committee voted 5-2 to advance the so-called constitutional carry bill to the full Texas Senate, though Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick continues to say that there are not enough votes in that chamber for it to pass.

But State Sen. Charles Schwertner, a Williamson County Republican, said he wasnt convinced thats true.

I personally refuse to accept that, Schwertner told members of the Constitutional Issues Committee that later voted to advance House Bill 1927.

The legislation would allow people 21 and older to carry a gun without getting a permit or being required to pass a training class. The bill does not apply to anyone with a criminal record.

Twenty other states have adopted similar measures. Texas would be by far the largest.

TWO WEEKS AGO: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says constitutional carry bill doesnt have the votes to pass Texas Senate

Over more than 7 hours of testimony on Thursday, lawmakers heard the familiar arguments from the public for and against the bill. Supporters say they have a constitutional right to have guns and the state requiring permits puts barriers in their way. Opponents say it would allow more access to guns and make it more dangerous for police.

Schwertner has become one of the most ardent supporters of the bill in the Texas Senate.

This bill is about permitless carry, he said. Restoring a constitutional right for individuals to carry a handgun, to protect themselves in this day and age.

Law enforcement officers across Texas are saying they cannot support the bill unless there are significant changes to it.

Ray Hunt, executive director of the Houston Police Officers Union, said the union is a hard no against the bill as it stands.

EARLIER THIS WEEK: Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez blasts permitless carry bill as it flounders in Texas Senate

Michael Matta, President of the Dallas Police Association said the bill will only make the jobs of officers on the street harder. Instead of an administrative process to determine who can carry a gun, police on the beat will have to make those judgments in real time.

This is not a good bill, he said.

Weeks ago, the Texas House passed HB 1927 on a vote of 84-56. It awaits action from the Senate.

The bills fate is still very much in doubt moving forward.

Patrick on Thursday appeared on a talk show hosted by former NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch in which he said he still doesnt have enough votes, but is working on it.

Im still a few short, Patrick told her but added that he is optimistic that he can wrangle the 18 votes needed to get the bill passed.

If the Senate passed HB 1927 without amendments, it would go to Gov. Greg Abbott, who earlier this week said he would sign it. If the bill is amended to get more Senators to vote for it, it could then be sent to a joint House and Senate committee to work out the differences between the two bills.

Time is fast becoming a factor. There are just over four weeks left in the 2021 Legislative Session. If the bill does not pass by May 31, it automatically dies.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
Bengaluru, April 30 : The opposition Congress in Karnataka has trounced the ruling BJP by winning 120 out of the 263 wards in 10 local bodies across eight districts that went to the polls on April 27.

Surprisingly, even the Janata Dal (S) performed better than the BJP by winning 66 seats as against the saffron party's 57 seats.

While the BJP has been able to retain the Madikeri City Council, the Congress retained the Ballari City Corporation, besides winning the Bidar City Council.

Last time in Bidar, the Congress in coalition with the JD(S) had retained the Ramangar City Council, besides trouncing BJP in the Bhadravati City Council and the Teerthahalli Town Council in Shivamogga district.

After a long gap, the Congress has now trounced JD(S) in the Beluru City Council in Hassan, which is considered to be a stronghold of JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda's family.

The Congress also won the Gudibande Town Panchayat, where the BJP drew a blank.

In the Madikeri Town Municpal, the Congress put up a below par performance, managing to win only one of the 23 seats, while the SDPI won five seats there.

The BJP's performance in Shivamogga, which is the home district of Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurapa and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa, was far below par, as it managed to win only four of the 34 seats.

The elections to the Bhadravathi Town Municipal Corporation had gained importance after local Congress MLA B. K. Sangamesh had created a furore during the budget session by taking off his shirt to protest against the 'highhandedness' of the BJP. In the local body polls this time, the Congress managed to defeat the BJP by a handsome margin in Bhadravathi.

The Congress also managed to win the Beluru City Council in Hassan, a stronghold of JD(S) strongman H.D. Revanna, besides winning the Ramanagara City Council, which is considered the pocket borough of former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy.

The Congress has retained the Ballari City Corporation, where the BJP improved its tally from zero to 13 seats.
To the congregation of St Owens in the village of Bromham, she was known as Reverend Paula and her dedication and kindness down the years endeared her to parishioners.

The 62-year-old softly spoken mother of two worked for good causes (the plight of Latin American street children was particularly close to her heart) and was a trustee of Hymns Ancient & Modern, a charity devoted to the advancement and promotion of religion.

She also gave talks on the importance of her own Christian beliefs.

She took services most Sundays, either at St Owens or at one of two neighbouring churches that make up the small Bedfordshire parish.

But outside the village, people saw a different side of Rev Paula.

Rev Paula  Paula Vennells  combined her part-time role as an associate minister in the diocese of St Albans with her full-time job as head of the Post Office, where she presided over the biggest miscarriage of justice in British legal history

Only now has it become apparent that many, even in her own flock, were unaware of the double life she led after being ordained as a deacon of the Anglican Church in 2005 and becoming a priest the following year.

Rev Paula  Paula Vennells  combined her part-time role as an associate minister in the diocese of St Albans (taking biblical inspiration, she said, from the young King Solomon, famed for his humility and wisdom) with her full-time job as head of the Post Office, where she presided over the biggest miscarriage of justice in British legal history.

And all the time she was preaching from the pulpit. Unbelievable irony or simple hypocrisy? It may have been both.

The scandal, which led to hundreds of sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses being wrongly accused and prosecuted for theft, fraud and false accounting between 2000 and 2014 because of the Post Offices defective computer system, did not begin on her watch.

But during her tenure at the top, as chief executive for most of the past decade, she did nothing to stop the hounding and fought tooth and nail to prevent the scandals innocent victims from receiving compensation.

The softly spoken 62-year-old took services most Sundays, either at St Owens or at one of two neighbouring churches that make up the small Bedfordshire parish. And all the time she was preaching from the pulpit. Unbelievable irony or simple hypocrisy? It may have been both

She resigned in March 2019, before the High Court awarded 58 million in damages to more than 550 brave men and women who had banded together to form a class action to clear their names.

The presiding judge criticised the Post Offices institutional obstinacy under Mrs Vennellss leadership and for behaving with no more moral scruples than a mid-Victorian factory owner.

For a chief executive who spent her career speaking about fairness in business and how her faith guided her decisions in the boardroom, it was a damning indictment.

The witch-hunt that destroyed so many lives reached a denouement last week when 39 of those convicted were cleared of all charges in the Court of Appeal, a victory that could pave the way for more similar verdicts.

A three-strong judicial panel ruled that the Post Office had steamrollered sub-postmasters and effectively sought to reverse the burden of proof: it treated what was no more than a shortfall shown by an unreliable accounting system as an incontrovertible loss, and proceeded as if it were for the accused to prove that no such loss had occurred.

The victims paid a dreadful price.

Many lost their homes and reputations. Marriages were destroyed. Some suffered physical and mental collapse. One sub-postmaster took his own life by stepping in front of a bus in 2013, a year after Paula Vennells was made CEO and six years after she first joined the Post Office as a senior executive.

Many of those whose reputations were traduced had striven to put the Post Office first. Tom Hedges, who ran the post office in Hogsthorpe, Lincolnshire, even risked his life trying to foil a robbery in 2007.

During her tenure at the top, as chief executive for most of the past decade, she did nothing to stop the hounding and fought tooth and nail to prevent the scandals innocent victims from receiving compensation. Pictured: Subpostmaster Noel Thomas (centre) with his family

He chased one robber out of the premises, flung himself on the bonnet of the gangs getaway car and was badly injured as it sped away.

Three years later, in 2010, he found himself in the dock accused of stealing 20,000 and received a suspended sentence, which has now been quashed.

Mrs Vennells was the Post Offices chief operating officer at the time, in charge of branches across the UK.

Im not vindictive but I want to see her at a public inquiry, holding a Bible in her hand and swearing to the judge on oath that she will tell the truth about her role in the computer system outrage that cost me my job, my livelihood and my reputation, Mr Hedges, a 67-year-old churchwarden, told the Mail, which has campaigned on behalf of the Post Office victims for years.

Yet in Bedfordshire, many, including the clerk to the parish council, had been ignorant of Rev Paulas role in the controversy.

I hadnt put two and two together until I saw her on the news the other day, said one member of the St Owens congregation. Another added: I knew nothing about her involvement. She had a double life.

Victims and MPs have called for the police to investigate Mrs Vennells and other Post Office bosses in the aftermath of the Court of Appeal decision. But it wont take a police investigation to uncover the terrible injustice of it all.

All but 12 million of the 58 million the sub-postmasters received for the Kafkaesque nightmare they endured was swallowed up by legal fees. The settlement, in the end, was worth about 20,000 each.

The presiding judge criticised the Post Offices institutional obstinacy under Mrs Vennellss leadership and for behaving with no more moral scruples than a mid-Victorian factory owner. Pictured: Janet Skinner (centre) celebrating outside the Royal Courts of Justice, London, after having her conviction overturned by the Court of Appeal

Paula Vennells walked away with around 5 million in pay and bonuses during her seven years at the helm of the Post Office.

In the 12 months before she left, she earned 750,000, including a 388,000 performance-related bonus, plus 63,800 cash in lieu of pension, leaving the business in much better shape, according to the chairman.

But instead of retiring to her sprawling 2 million Grade II-listed farmhouse, she then took up a portfolio of high-status, lucrative roles.

The first was a 55,000 post as chair of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, followed by non-executive directorships at retailers Morrisons (89,000 in fees) and Dunelm (30,000).

The biblical saying that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man [or woman] to enter the Kingdom of Heaven seems apt in the circumstances  especially if such riches were accrued in the scandal-hit Post Office.

Paula Vennells has now surrendered all her boardroom seats and agreed to step back from her duties as a C of E priest. MPs demanded this week that she should also be stripped of her CBE, awarded in the Queens 2019 New Year honours list for services to the Post Office and to charity.

Victims and MPs have called for the police to investigate Mrs Vennells and other Post Office bosses in the aftermath of the Court of Appeal decision. But it wont take a police investigation to uncover the terrible injustice of it all. Pictured: Subpostmaster Harjinder Butoy

Mrs Vennells, who exuded an aura of Radio 4 respectability, to quote someone who met her soon after she became chief executive, is an unlikely corporate villain.

She came from what she described as working-class Manchester and was a Girl Guide, going on from school to read Russian and French at Bradford University.

Starting as a graduate trainee at Unilever, she moved on to LOreal, Lunn Poly, then Dixons, Argos and finally Whitbread, where she was part of the team that opened a Costa Coffee on nearly every High Street. In 2007, she joined the Post Office, saying it appealed to her sense of public duty.

In a keynote speech for the charity Faith in Business, she said she saw many parallels between the Post Office and the Church of England, both highly valued national institutions playing a key role in local communities.

After being promoted to chief executive in 2012, a position she held until 2019, she sought to improve standards of courtesy and respectful listening and had introduced a mission statement that she admitted was based on Jesuss injunction to love thy neighbour as thyself, to improve the culture of the organisation.

Boris says sorry to Post Office scandal victims Boris Johnson yesterday apologised to victims of the Post Office IT scandal on behalf of the Government. He said he was appalled after hearing four postmasters tell their devastating personal stories on a video call. The four demanded a full public inquiry and compensation to acknowledge their financial losses as well as their trauma and loss of reputation. The Prime Minister promised to address the pitiful sums paid to some postmasters after being accused of not listening to their concerns. And he hinted that the Government would look into whether criminal investigations could be launched into the culpability of Post Office executives. Between 1999 and 2015, hundreds of postmasters were prosecuted for thieving from their own tills, when computer glitches were to blame. Last week 39 had their wrongful convictions for theft, fraud and false accounting quashed at the Court of Appeal. Judges shamed the Post Office for hounding its workers and then mounting a cover-up. The scandal has already cost taxpayers more than 250million. Tracy Felstead, who attended yesterdays meeting, was just 19 when she was wrongly jailed for false accounting after 11,500 went missing from her south London post office. The 37-year-old mother said: The Prime Minister seemed a bit shocked when I divulged everything that happened to me. He said Im giving you an official apology, Im sorry for what happened to you. A retired judge is conducting a review of the scandal but it lacks powers such as compelling witnesses to attend. Advertisement

How laughable that mission statement seems today, in light of the meltdown that followed the introduction of a computerised accounting system from Fujitsu, known as Horizon, to bring the Post Office into the 21st century.

After it was installed, sub-postmasters reported baffling shortfalls and discrepancies running into thousands of pounds.

Initially, he or she each assumed they were alone and didnt know other staff were being accused; the Post Office did little to disabuse them of this presumption.

In all, 736 sub-postmasters were pursued through the courts, an average of one successful prosecution a week for 14 years, and a further 2,400 say they were dismissed or asked to make up the phantom losses themselves.

Up and down the country, sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses were being criminalised on an industrial scale. Could any organisation on earth, except perhaps the Mafia, have employed so many dishonest people?

It was the one question no one seemed to ask. Or perhaps Paula Vennells and other Post Office top brass already knew the answer.

These were people with spotless records  not even a parking ticket, in many cases  who had undergone background checks.

Nor was there a scrap of evidence of conspicuous spending on, say, flash cars or expensive holidays.

But the Post Office is similar to the RSPCA in that it has statutory power to prosecute. Neither the police nor the Crown Prosecution Service has to be involved. If they had been, this travesty of justice could never have occurred.

In 2015, as convictions rose, Paula Vennells, in grey business suit and pearls, was hauled before a parliamentary committee.

We are a business that genuinely cares about people who work for us, she insisted. If there had been any miscarriages of justice, it would have been really important to me and the Post Office that we surfaced those. As the investigations have gone through, so far we have no evidence of that.

No evidence?

An investigation for BBC Panorama by freelance journalist Nick Wallis, who is now writing a book about the scandal, had uncovered internal Post Office emails from as early as 2010 highlighting Horizon bugs that made money simply disappear and corrupted branch accounts.

It was also possible, the programme established, for these accounts to be accessed and altered remotely.

One contributor to the Panorama programme was Ian Henderson, a director of forensic accountants Second Sight, the experts hired by the Post Office to conduct an independent review of Horizon.

He also sat alongside Paula Vennells during her appearance before MPs, when he accused the Post Office of refusing to give full access to the files.

Who told you that, Ian? Mrs Vennells asked him indignantly.

It came up at one of the working group meetings, at which you and I were present, he replied.

The truth might never have emerged were it not for a small group of campaigners who raised the funds to mount a class action against the Post Office  which spent tens of millions of pounds of taxpayers money fighting the disastrous case to the bitter end.

Mrs Vennells suggested she had been misled into believing Horizon was fundamentally sound and sought to shift the blame for the prosecutions onto her in-house lawyers in a recent letter to the Commons business committee. I wish to state for the record that I do not accept any personal criminal misconduct, she said.

Nevertheless, the Court of Appeal judges said the Post Offices failures of investigation and disclosure made prosecution of any of the Horizon cases an affront to the conscience of the court.

But what about the Rev Paulas own conscience?

Additional reporting: Nic North and Tim Stewart
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COLLEGE PARK, Ga.  Police were searching for a murder suspect near the Atlanta airport after he escaped from sheriffs deputies who were taking him back to Arizona.

Officials say Jsaan Carlos Strover got away from two Maricopa County deputies while they were dropping off a rental car at the airport.

The 20-year-old Strover is wanted for murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault in Arizona. He was arrested by U.S Marshals in the Atlanta area on April 12 on other charges, but was already wanted in Arizona.

Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat tells reporters that Strover ran away after deputies unshackled his legs so he could walk down stairs.

They removed the leg restraints to escort him down the steps and at that point he pushed past them, Labat said.

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Strover was last seen wearing a blue jacket, white T-shirt and black sweatpants but did not have shoes, according to police. He was handcuffed and shackled around the waist, with risk tattooed on the front of his neck.

Dozens of officers from multiple agencies were searching for Strover with dogs and helicopters Thursday.

Officials warn that Strover is dangerous, but say they dont believe he has a weapon. Police urge anyone who spots him to call 911.
Copper topped $US10,000 a tonne for the first time since 2011, nearing the all-time high set that year as rebounding economies stoke demand and mines struggle to keep up.

Prices rose as much as 1.3 per cent to $US10,008 a ton on the London Metal Exchange, before slipping back to trade near unchanged. The metal hit a record $US10,190 in February 2011.

Copper has been among the best performers in a month where metals ranging from aluminium to iron ore have surged to the highest in years.

The start of a new commodities supercycle? Copper prices have doubled from lows in March, along with a surge across raw materials from oil to agriculture. Credit:Belinda Pratten

The rally is being fuelled by stimulus measures, near-zero interest rates and signs that major economies are recovering from the virus pandemic. A push toward cleaner energy sources is also seen boosting consumption of copper, used in everything from electric vehicles to solar power systems, further straining supplies.
TEL AVIV - At least 44 people lost their lives and 150 were injured just after midnight on Mount Meron in Israel's Galilee during a crowded Israeli religious event.

Some of the attendees are thought to have slipped on the steps and caused others to fall, setting off a panicked attempt by the mass to flee in which dozens were crushed. Initial unconfirmed reports had claimed that structure at the site had collapsed. Many of the victims have not yet been identified.

The accident occurred on a day on which the Jewish holiday Lag Ba'omer is celebrated at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. As has been the case every year for the holiday, which commemorates the Jewish rebellion of 132 BC against Roman legions. on Thursday over 100,000 Jews had gone to Mount Meron to pray at the tomb of the famous rabbi from the second century BC who is thought to have been the author of the 'Zohar' ('The Splendor') mystical text.

For many years this has been the most crowded event in Israel and has often drawn up to half a million attendees. Last year it had been annulled due to the COVID pandemic but this year, after improvements in the public health situation of the country, it had been authorized to be held but with numerous restrictions.

In 1911, dozens had died in the same event con Mount Meron when a building close to the tomb of the rabbi collapsed.

Israeli radio stations on Friday were broadcasting citizens' requests to help find their missing relatives. Many cell phones of those attending the festival were lost during the stampede, as well as caps, glasses, shoes, etc.

Emergency services have asked Israelis to donate blood.

EU ambassador to Israel Emanuele Giaufret has sent his condolences to the families of the victims via Twitter.


04/30/2021

Photo (c) jonathanfilskov-photography - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 32,296,353 (32,235,827)

Total U.S. deaths: 575,270 (574,383)

Total global cases: 150,673,998 (149,766,134)

Total global deaths: 3,169,019 (3,153,812)

CDC issues Johnson & Johnson safety report

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a report on a safety review of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine made by Janssen, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. The study was undertaken after a few people who received the vaccine suffered a serious blood clot condition known as thrombocytopenia.

The report notes that nearly 8 million doses of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine had been administered by April 21. A review of safety monitoring data found that 97% of reported reactions after vaccine receipt were nonserious, consistent with preauthorization clinical trials data.

The CDC counted 17 thrombotic events resulting in at least two deaths. The report concludes that ongoing monitoring for rare and common adverse events after vaccination is important for evaluating the balance between risks and benefits for each authorized COVID-19 vaccine, including the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

Pace of vaccinations continues to slow

Even with all adults over the age of 16 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, the U.S. vaccination rate continues to fall. A month ago, the U.S. averaged 3 million shots a day. This week, the CDC said the rate fell to 2.6 million.

Even at a slower rate, the country is making progress. The CDC numbers show that 30% of the adult population is now fully vaccinated against the virus.

Vaccination levels vary widely by state. Maine appears to be doing the best job, with more than 38% of adults being fully vaccinated. Alabama is lagging in that area, with nearly 23% of adults being vaccinated.

With vaccinations slowing, children are next

Vaccinations have been open to all adults for only a couple of weeks, but health officials are already looking ahead to inoculating children against the coronavirus. Clinical trial data on the administration of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to children could be available soon, paving the way for a new vaccination effort.

We expect the data at the end of the summer or autumn of this year, Dr. Ozlem Tureci, the co-founder and chief medical officer of BioNTech, told CNBC.

Once the data has been gathered, Tureci says it will then be filed with regulators. Depending on how fast these officials act, its possible that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine might win approval to also immunize younger children.

WSJ: App usage shows that the pandemic is beginning to fade

You see it all around and may have experienced it yourself. As vaccinations increase, people are leaving their homes, movie theaters are reopening, and restaurants are beginning to be filled to their limited capacity.

The Wall Street Journal has analyzed a wide range of apps and social media platforms and determined that the pandemic is indeed beginning to recede from daily life. Here are some clues:

Use of the restaurant reservation app Open Table is up from average 2019 usage.

Ticketmaster usage is up, though it hasnt reached pre-pandemic levels.

Use of travel booking app Kayak is now slightly higher than at the start of the pandemic.

Flu has been missing in 2020-21

Do you know anyone who has had the flu this year? Researchers at the World Health Organization (WHO) are betting you dont.

According to Scientific American, cases of the flu reported to the WHO have dropped to minuscule levels. Scientists credit the public health measures instituted around the world that are designed to contain the spread of COVID-19.

But we could pay a price for that later on. Scientists note that todays toddlers have missed a chance to have their immune systems exposed to influenza viruses, perhaps making them more vulnerable later in life.

Around the nation
Junior Andre has announced he has tested positive for COVID-19 in an Instagram post shared on Thursday evening.

Junior, 15 - who is the eldest child of Peter Andre and ex Katie Price - shared a message with his followers that read: 'I have tested positive for COVID.'

In the message, which was posted on a black background, the teenager also included anguished and fuming emojis.

Bad news: Junior Andre, 15, has announced he has tested positive for COVID-19 in an Instagram post shared on Thursday

Announcement: Junior - who is the eldest child of Peter Andre, 48 and ex Katie Price, 42 - shared a message with his followers that read: 'I have tested positive for COVID'

It marks Junior's third brush with the virus. In March 2020, Junior revealed that he was showing symptoms of coronavirus, just hours after his father expressed fears over his children contracting it.

Taking to Instagram Stories, Junior said that while he has not been diagnosed, he was making sure he was staying safe.

Junior said: 'These aren't easy times as we know. I am videoing this to tell you I am showing symptoms of the coronavirus. It is not me saying I have it , I am showing symptoms.

'Everyone please stay safe these aren't easy times like I said.'

Wow: The teenager boats an impressive 429,000 followers on Instagram

Third time: It marks Junior's third brush with the virus. In March 2020, Junior revealed that he was showing symptoms of coronavirus (pictured with mum Katie last year)

In November, Junior was forced to isolate again due to a coronavirus outbreak at his school.

According to his dad, Junior was annoyed he still had to complete his lessons at home but luckily didn't have any symptoms.

The teenager splits his time between his father and mother's homes, as does his sister Princess Andre, 13, who Peter 48, also shares with Katie, 42.

Peter split from the former glamour model in 2009 after four years of marriage and went on to welcome Amelia, seven, and Theo, four, with his current wife Emily McDonagh, 31.

Katie is mum to Harvey, 18, from her relationship with Dwight Yorke. While she welcomed Bunny, six, and Jett, seven, with ex Kieran Hayler.

Unwell: Both Peter and his wife Emily McDonagh, 31, have battled COVID (Peter pictured with Emily and daughter Princess, 13, who he shares with ex Katie)

Peter himself tested positive for the respiratory virus in December, while his wife Emily - who has been working as a frontline NHS doctor during the pandemic - tested positive in June.

As for Junior's mum Katie, she received her first Covid vaccine this month alongside her beau Carl Woods, with both falling sick with a fever and nausea afterwards.

Katie's eldest son Harvey has now been fully vaccinated against the virus. The teen was rushed to hospital in February after his first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine caused his temperature to sky-rocket.

He has allegedly suffered little reaction to his second dose.

MailOnline has reached out to representatives for Junior's father Peter for comment.

Scary: It comes as it was also reported that Katie and her beau Carl Woods have fallen sick with a fever and nausea after receiving their first dose of the vaccine this month
For as destructive as the worlds combined nuclear arsenals could be, it sure seems like both the United States and Soviet Union were pretty cavalier about using them. The U.S. alone had 32 different nuclear weapons incidents, which includes straight-up losing six of them, none of which was ever found.

The Soviets, of course, had a far-from-perfect nuclear record. The USSR may have lost upward of a hundred weapons. It also would have launched a nuclear attack against the U.S. if it werent for one officer who recognized a malfunction in the early warning system.

As highly as we like to think of our military leadership, the launch code for World War III was 00000000 for 15 years. We shouldnt be surprised that a bear was nearly able to start that war by itself.

On Oct. 25, 1962, America was in the middle of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Soviets had begun to construct nuclear launch sites on the island of Cuba, allowing the USSR to target areas deep inside the American mainland. It also sparked alarm that a Soviet attack was soon to follow.

The U.S. government was livid, and for 13 days, it demanded the removal of the missiles. This response seems strange in retrospect, because the United States had been using the same tactic against the Soviets using missiles based in Turkey since 1961. The Navy was blockading Cuba, and Soviet ships were headed straight for the blockade. Things were pretty tense.

With all this going on, much of the U.S. military was at DEFCON 3, which meant the Air Force had to be ready to mobilize within 15 minutes. Strategic Air Command, the bulk of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, was at DEFCON 2, one step below a nuclear war.

At midnight on Oct. 25, a portly saboteur set off the intruder alarms at Duluth Sector Direction Center in Minnesota. A sentry fired shots at the intruder and raised alarms all over the area, believing the Soviets were making a move against the Air Force assets. In a frenzy, Volk Field Air National Guard Base in Wisconsin sounded the wrong alarm. Pilots were scrambling to get to their aircraft and to take nuclear weapons to World War III.

But almost as fast as the alarm was sounded, cooler heads prevailed as the presumed saboteur walked off into the woods on four legs. The guard realized that his perpetrator was likely a black bear, a creature native to the area. Most of the bases stood down their alert. The only base that didnt was Volk Field.

Pictured: Sabotage. (Greg Hume)

It turns out the alarm at Volk Field was a lot more serious than just warning of intruders. The airplanes that were about to head off into the night were armed and ready. The alarm that sounded would be rung only if the United States was going to war with Soviet Union.

To stop the pilots from potentially nuking the USSR, the base commander had to get one of his officers to drive a truck onto the flight line, right in the takeoff path of the jets. He was able to make it to them and abort the mission as they started their engines.

The black bear that almost ended civilization wasnt the only close call of the Cold War. It wasnt even the only time nuclear war almost started during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Despite all evidence to the contrary, it seems humanity doesnt want to commit nuclear suicide after all.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook.

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Japan is prepared to provide 300 respirators and 300 oxygen concentrators to India once talks are finalized, Japan's chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato said on Friday.

Kato did not specify when the respirators and concentrators would be delivered, saying that he hoped they would be provided "swiftly" once discussions with India were finalised.

India is struggling to secure hospital beds and medical oxygen as it battles a surge in coronavirus cases. The death count in India from the pandemic topped 200,000 on Wednesday.

Also read: 'Stand with India': First US flight with COVID emergency relief supplies lands in Delhi
Three days after she was admitted to hospital for a quick-spreading case of COVID-19, Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlaiss blood-oxygen levels are still on the decline.

Three days after she was admitted to hospital for a quick-spreading case of COVID-19, Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlaiss blood-oxygen levels are still on the decline.

The Winnipeg mother is hooked up to an oxygen machine in a COVID ward at Health Sciences Centre, separated from her newborn son. Robinson-Desjarlais cant take a few steps without struggling to catch her breath; shes developed COVID-related pneumonia on top of her asthma, and she is worried not enough oxygen is travelling to her organs to keep them from shutting down.

SUPPLIED Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais is in hospital on oxygen because of COVID. She tested positive after one of her sons is believed to have brought the virus home from daycare. It has meant shes had to be separated from her two-week-old newborn son Miller Christopher, who also tested positive.

"It feels like there is a 30-pound child sitting on my chest right now," she said in a phone interview from her hospital room. The weight of the infection, and the anxiety of being separated from her family, keeps her awake when she should be getting some sleep.

She tested positive for COVID-19 six days after giving birth, contracting a highly contagious variant thats believed to have spread via an outbreak at her older sons daycare. Until she stabilizes, shes been told her baby, Miller Christopher Desjarlais, who also tested positive, cant be with her. She and her husband named him in honour of their friend, who died of COVID-19 in December.

"He shouldnt have to suffer like that as a new life," said Robinson-Desjarlais, chairwoman of the board for the Bear Clan Patrol and a former TV broadcaster. "Its just been really difficult being away from him."

SUPPLIED Robinson-Desjarlais father, former NDP deputy premier and provincial cabinet minister Eric Robinson, with her newborn son Miller.

Now, after the virus rippled through her tight family bubble  her older son, newborn and father all tested positive, while her husband, eldest son and mother are being re-tested  Robinson-Desjarlais is speaking out about its devastating impact.

There are still too many people, she said, who dont believe COVID-19 is real.

"I wouldnt wish the suffering Ive been going through and my familys been going through on anybody," she said. "People seem to think that its a joke, and its not. It really hurts my feelings and disappoints me that our fellow human beings can be so ignorant and just disregard things like this because it doesnt directly affect them. I just think its childish."

SUPPLIED Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais with her newborn son Miller Christopher, before they tested positive for COVID-19.

Her father, former NDP deputy premier and provincial cabinet minister Eric Robinson, finished his isolation period Thursday and said his symptoms were likely much milder than they would have been if hed not received the first dose of vaccine before he tested positive. He and his wife were caring for their grandchildren while their daughter was in hospital giving birth, and thats believed to be when they contracted the virus from their two-year-old grandson.

He told the Free Press he wanted to use whatever platform he had to urge Manitobans to get vaccinated and get tested promptly if they have symptoms, because he is still encountering people who believe conspiracy theories about the virus and vaccines.

"This is a virus that knows no boundaries. It knows no race, gender or social standing or economic standing. Were all at risk," he said.

SUPPLIED Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais is in hospital on oxygen after testing positive for COVID-19.

"I hope that people can get some understanding based on our experience to try and do their best to look after themselves."

Robinson, who is from Cross Lake First Nation, said he remembers hearing stories passed down through generations about how the community suffered during the 1918 flu, and how "there was barely enough time to make the coffins in order to keep up with the number of people dying in our reserve and in northern communities." That history makes current conspiracy theories particularly hard to stomach, he said.

He wants to see Manitoba close schools, daycares and its borders.

"Manitoba has to get a little more agile on these things. And Im not trying to make it a political issue," he said, describing his daughter and newborn grandsons separation as "heartbreaking."

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Students look on during an assembly at Checotah High School to surprise students with more than $117,000 in new music instruments, a joint gift from Underwood?s C.A.T.S. Foundation and ACM Lifting Lives in Checotah, Okla. on Aug. 28, 2009. (Rick Diamond/Getty Images for ACM)

Oklahoma House Votes to Ban Teaching of Critical Race Theory in Public Schools

The Oklahoma House on Thursday voted to ban public schools and universities from teaching critical race theory in civics and history classes.

After hours of discussion and debate, the GOP-controlled House voted 70-19 in favor of the bill, HB1775, which now heads to Gov. Kevin Stitts desk to be signed into law.

It would prevent a number of topics, including that one race or sex is inherently superior to another, and that an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, from being taught in the state.

The sponsor of the bill, Republican state Rep. Kevin West said in a statement that students are being taught that because theyre a certain race or sex, theyre inherently superior to others or should feel guilty for something that happened in the past.

Were trying to set boundaries that we as a state say will not be crossed when were teaching these kinds of subjects, West said.

Democrats argued that the bill was a waste of time and addressed a problem that doesnt exist.

Instead of focusing on the real issues facing Oklahomans, the majority party continues their attack on anyone in Oklahoma who might not look, think, love, or act like them, said state House Minority Leader Rep. Emily Virgin, a Democrat from Norman.

Critical race theory has gradually proliferated in recent decades through academia, government structures, school systems, and the corporate world. It redefines human history as a struggle between the oppressors (white people) and the oppressed (everybody else), similarly to Marxisms reduction of history to a struggle between the bourgeois and the proletariat. It labels institutions that emerged in majority-white societies as racist and white supremacist.

Like Marxism, it advocates for the destruction of institutions, such as the Western justice system, free-market economy, and orthodox religions, while demanding that they be replaced with institutions compliant with the critical race theory ideology.

In February, the Chinese American Citizens Alliance of Greater New York condemned critical race theory, describing it as an outgrowth of the European Marxist school of critical theory that interprets American social and political life through the lens of a power struggle between the race of the oppressor and that of the oppressed.

Proponents of critical race theory have argued that the theory is merely demonstrating how pervasive systemic racism truly is.

In one of his first executive actions in the White House, President Joe Biden rescinded his predecessors ban of critical race theory in federal workplaces. Former President Donald Trumps September 2020 executive order declared that diversity and inclusion training for federal employees should not promote un-American and divisive concepts.

Biden instead issued an executive order stating that the federal government must pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all.

News of the Oklahoma vote comes days after Idado Gov. Brad Little signed into law a bill, H 377 (pdf), that would prevent the teaching of critical race theory in the Gem States public schools and universities.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last month denounced critical race theory as hateful.

Theres no room in our classrooms for things like critical race theory, he said, announcing that the states new civic curriculum will explicitly exclude critical race theory. Teaching kids to hate their country and to hate each other is not worth one red cent of taxpayer money.

Elsewhere, Republican lawmakers in Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, New Hampshire, and West Virginia have said that they aim to ban the teaching of critical race theory in schools, workplaces, and government agencies.

Gov. Stitts office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment by The Epoch Times.

Petr Svab contributed to this report.
Former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya in the erstwhile former President John Dramani Mahama has joined many stalwarts of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) calling for the comeback of former President Mahama as the next Presidential Candidate for the party in the 2024 general elections.



In recent publications, the Member of Parliament(MP) for Builsa South Constituency, Dr Clement Apaak has strongly indicated that the NDC stands to lose the 2024 general elections if the former President is not made the NDC Flagbearer.



On another account, the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman Constituency, Ernest Norgbey is insisting that Mr Mahama is the best candidate for the NDC in the 2024 general elections; adding that it would be unwise for the party to introduce a new candidate as that candidate would first have to be accepted by the partys grassroots before preparing to compete the government in power.



Responding to a similar question on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, the former DCE for Atwima Nwabiagya, Nana Asare Bediako noted that looking at the achievements of former President John Mahama which Ghanaians can relate to, bringing back Mr Mahama will help the cause of the NDC as a political party ready for power in the next general elections.



"In all honesty, if we look at what former President Mahama has done for Ghana which we all can attest to them, I can boldly say that NDC as a party if we want to progress and win power, we should bring back former President Mahama to lead the party in the 2024 general elections, he indicated.



He was of the view that, it will help us a lot and so I am one of those who are calling for the comeback of former President John Dramani Mahama to lead the NDC to the 2024 general elections.





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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Contractors will be hired to watch other workers disinfect Brisbane trains after dodgy cleaning practices were caught on CCTV.

Security cameras caught a number of staff, employed by contractor Alstom to do spot and deep cleaning aboard trains, sitting around not doing any cleaning.

Two staff have been fired for failing to clean Brisbane trains properly. Credit:Robert Shakespeare

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said, so far, two workers had been stood down.

Translink deputy director-general Matthew Longland said the findings were disappointing and more staff would be put on trains to monitor cleaners while the contractor conducts an internal investigation.
Indonesia's military and family members today paid their last respects to the 53 submariners who died when their vessel sank during torpedo drills off the coast of Bali.

Grieving relatives and sailors in ceremonial dress were seen casting flowers into the waters off Bali from the navy's Soeharso hospital ship.

The KRI Nanggala 402 disappeared last week shortly after it dived below the surface during torpedo-firing exercises. An official cause has not yet been determined.

Authorities have vowed to recover the sub from the seabed but are awaiting the arrival of a Chinese naval vessel capable of hauling objects from 3,000ft below.

High-powered magnets and air balloons are among a number of options on the table, but how the 1,400 ton sub loaded with missiles will be hauled to the surface remains unclear.

Relatives and colleagues throw flowers to pay tribute to the crew members of a sunken submarine KRI Nanggala during a ceremony on board the Indonesian Navy ship KRI Soeharso in the waters off Bali

Families of the sunken KRI Nanggala-402 submarine crew members mourn during a visit at the site of the crash to pay their tribute, on the deck of Indonesian Navy's KRI Soeharso in the northern waters off the island of Bali on Friday

Grieving relatives at the ceremony held in waters off Bali on Friday

Underwater photo released on Sunday by the Indonesian Navy shows parts of submarine KRI Nanggala that sank in Bali Sea, Indonesia

The crew are still believed to be inside despite its cracked hull, observed by an underwater rescue vessel supplied by Singapore.

The eerie images captured on Sunday were final confirmation that there was no hope of finding survivors.

President Joko Widodo met the families of the 53 crew members on Thursday and expressed his condolences.

The German-built diesel-powered submarine had been in service in Indonesia since 1981 and was carrying 49 crew members and three gunners as well as its commander.

It went missing last Wednesday while it was scheduled to take part in live torpedo training exercises.

The crew asked for permission to dive. It lost contact shortly after.

Later, search teams spotted an oil spill where the vessel was thought to have submerged, pointing to possible fuel tank damage and a catastrophic accident.

The military has yet to offer an official explanation for the sinking of the submarine.

Navy personnel salute during a ceremony remembering the crew of submarine KRI Nanggala that sank on April 21

Flowers are thrown overboard during the remembrance ceremony on Friday

Sailors and family members grieve the dead from the Navy's KRI Soeharso hospital ship

Flowers fall into the waters off Bali today as relatives and comrades grieve the 53 dead

Women embrace during the ceremony today

Sailors throw flowers overboard as grieving woman is held by another officer close to the ship's railing

It has said, however, that the reconditioned vessel was seaworthy and discounted the possibility of an explosion.

The navy has said that the submarine may have suffered a blackout and left the crew unable to perform emergency measures.

Its hull would have been torn apart as it sunk to depths far below what the KRI Nanggala was built to withstand, they said.

The submarine's former commander, Rear Admiral Muhammad Ali, has told local media that a so-called internal solitary wave could have been to blame.

The natural phenomenon occurs when different sea depths come together, creating forces that could have dragged the vessel down, he said.

Indonesian defence force officials believe an internal solitary wave may have been responsible for the sinking of the KRI Nanggala 402

The submarine was conducting a torpedo drill in waters 60 miles north of the island of Bali last Wednesday

Internal waves occur when deep water meets shallower seas, causing a huge shift in tides and massive movement of water (as seen off the coast of Trinidad)

Indonesian defence officials said images from a Japanese satellite confirmed large underwater waves were present in the area at the time of the KRI Nanggala 402 sinking, moving a huge mass of water that the vessel couldn't handle.

'It moved up from the bottom to the north, and there's a trench between two mountains,' commander of the Indonesian Navy, Rear Admiral Iwan Isnurwanto, said.

'The wave was about two nautical miles [in speed] and the volume of water was about two to four million cubic litres.'

Another admiral said the incident was 'nature's will'.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP)  A 40-year-old Chicago man who sold heroin to an Iowa woman who later died has been convicted of drug crimes.

Eric DeAngelo Griggs was convicted Thursday of distribution of heroin that resulted in death. Prosecutors said Griggs supplied heroin to people in the Waterloo area in 2018. A young Cedar Falls woman bought heroin from Griggs on Aug. 31, 2018, and later died of acute heroin intoxication.

Griggs was also convicted of using Facebook Messenger and a cell phone to facilitate the heroin distribution. Griggs was found not guilty of possession with intent to distribute heroin after the drug was seized from a vehicle he was traveling in.
HOUSTON  When Shalemu Bekele awoke on the morning of Feb. 15, the townhouse he shared with his wife and two children was so cold, his fingers felt numb.

After bundling up in extra layers, Bekele looked out a frosted window: A winter storm had swept across Texas, knocking out power to millions of homes, including his own, and blanketing Houston in a thin layer of icy snow.

It was beautiful, Bekele, 51, recalled thinking as he headed outside to snap photos of his two children, ages 7 and 8, playing in their first snow. After a few minutes, he sent them back inside to warm up under blankets as he cleared ice off his car, unsure if he would be expected to drive into work.

RELATED: ERCOT names new, temporary leader two months after deadly winter storm

Bekeles wife, Etenesh Mersha, 46, meanwhile, made a fateful decision, one repeated by scores of Texas residents who lost electricity that week. Desperate to warm up, she went into their attached garage and turned the key to start her car. As the engine hummed, it provided power to run the cars heater and charge her phone while she talked to a friend in Colorado  at the same time, filling her garage and home with a poisonous gas.

There was no carbon monoxide alarm in place to warn the family of the invisible danger. None was required under local or state law.

When Bekele went back inside 30 minutes later, he found Mersha slumped over in the drivers seat, poisoned by the fumes flowing from the cars tailpipe. Confused, he shook her and called her name. Still on the line, the friend in Colorado pleaded over the cars speakers for someone to explain what was happening.

Not knowing what else to do, Bekele, a devout Christian, ran and grabbed holy water from inside and splashed it on his wifes face, as his children cried and shouted: Whats wrong with Mama? Whats happening?

Thats when Mersha vomited. Suddenly starting to feel ill himself, Bekele wondered if theyd all been sickened by the eggs hed made for breakfast. Panicked, he sent the kids inside to grab towels to clean up their mother. Before they could return, both children collapsed onto the floor inside.

Bekele fainted next, landing with a thud on the garages concrete floor as the car continued to run.

After the power flicked off in millions of homes across Texas during the states historic freeze in mid-February, families like Bekeles faced an impossible choice: risk hypothermia or improvise to keep warm. Many brought charcoal grills inside or ran cars in enclosed spaces, either unaware of the dangers or too cold to think rationally.

In their desperation, thousands of Texans unwittingly unleashed deadly gases into homes and apartments that, in many cases, were not equipped with potentially lifesaving carbon monoxide alarms, resulting in the countrys biggest epidemic of CO poisoning in recent history, according to Dr. Neil Hampson, a retired doctor who has spent more than 30 years researching carbon monoxide poisoning and prevention. Two other experts agreed.

READ ALSO: Texas House targets power grid flaw that worsened February blackouts

In the aftermath of the unprecedented wave of poisonings two months ago, Texas lawmakers have taken few steps to protect residents from future carbon monoxide catastrophes. That choice caps more than a decade of ignored warnings and inaction that resulted in Texas being one of just six states with no statewide requirement for carbon monoxide alarms in homes, ProPublica, The Texas Tribune and NBC News found.

Instead, Texas has a confusing patchwork of local codes, with uneven protections for residents and limited enforcement, all of which most likely contributes to unnecessary deaths, health policy experts said.

At least 11 deaths have been confirmed and more than 1,400 people sought care at emergency rooms and urgent care clinics for carbon monoxide poisoning during the weeklong Texas outage, just 400 shy of the total for 2020. Children made up 42% of the cases. The totals dont include residents who were poisoned but did not seek care or those who were treated at hospitals and urgent care clinics that do not voluntarily report data to the state.

Black, Hispanic and Asian Texans suffered a disproportionate share of the carbon monoxide poisonings, ProPublica, The Texas Tribune and NBC News found based on a review of statewide hospital data. Those groups accounted for 72% of the poisonings, far more than their 57% share of the states population.

Over the past two decades, the vast majority of states have implemented laws or regulations requiring carbon monoxide alarms in private residences, often on the heels of high-profile deaths or mass poisonings during storms.

But in Texas, where top lawmakers often promote personal responsibility over state mandates, efforts to pass similar carbon monoxide requirements have repeatedly failed.

Lawmakers introduced a slew of bills aimed at overhauling the states electric grid after the storm, which had its most devastating effects from Feb. 14-17. Temperatures plunged into the single digits, nearly 4.5 million Texas homes and businesses lost power at the peak of the storm, and more than 150 people died, many of them frozen in their homes.

Demands for change triggered a series of resignations but, with virtually all of the media and legislative focus on the regulatory failures that caused the power outage, little attention was paid to carbon monoxide alarms. The result was a significant missed opportunity to pass reforms after an entirely preventable public health crisis, said Emily Benfer, a visiting professor at Wake Forest University School of Law in North Carolina who specializes in housing health hazards.

Lawmakers this year are considering a broader modernization of state building codes that is unrelated to Februarys storm. If the measure passes, it would require carbon monoxide alarms in some new homes and apartments, but not those built or renovated before 2022. And it would allow local governments to opt out.

Its completely shocking, Benfer said. In a single week we have concrete evidence of a state governments willful disregard for the health and safety of the most vulnerable residents of the state.

Public health disaster

Bekele and Mersha came to Houston from Ethiopia a decade ago with dreams of a better life for their family. For years, they lived in a small apartment and set aside their earnings as gas station clerks until they could afford to buy a home. In 2017, they purchased the three-bedroom townhouse in southwest Houston where they planned to watch their son, Beimnet, and daughter, Rakeb, grow up.

Shalemu Bekele with his wife, Etenesh Mersha, daughter, Rakeb, and son, Beimnet. Credit: Courtesy of Bekele Family

Looking back, Bekele doesnt remember if anyone notified them that the home lacked carbon monoxide alarms. State law requires that information to be disclosed when single-family homes are sold, but there is no policy in Houston or across Texas that would have required the previous owners to install one.

Ive never been told about carbon monoxide before, Bekele said, speaking through an interpreter in his native Amharic.

The first thing he remembers after passing out on the morning of Feb. 15 was waking up in the back of an ambulance. He thought hed only been knocked out for a few minutes, oblivious that it was now after midnight. He and his family had spent more than 12 hours unconscious inside while the friend in Colorado, unaware of their address, frantically searched on social media for family members who could direct emergency responders to their home.

Bekele started to ask the paramedics what happened to his wife and children but blacked out before he could get the words out.

The ambulance driver navigated ice-covered roads to deliver Bekele to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. The hospital was overrun with patients like Bekele. Medical staff were treating so many people for carbon monoxide poisoning that the department was running out of beds and oxygen tanks, said Dr. Samuel Prater, the medical director of the hospitals emergency department.

Weve never seen anything like this, Prater said later.

Each year, the Memorial Hermann Health System treats about 50 patients for carbon monoxide poisoning at its 20 emergency rooms in Houston and surrounding counties. But that Monday, staff at Praters ER alone treated more than 60. Across the Memorial Hermann system, one of the largest hospital chains in the Houston region, 224 patients sought care for carbon monoxide poisoning during the freeze and power outages  more than four times its annual volume of such patients, according to data provided by the hospital.

Prater worked quickly to get more oxygen tanks to the ER and to set up emergency triage protocols to prioritize the hospitals limited hyperbaric chambers. The chambers, which deliver oxygen at high pressure to more quickly flush carbon monoxide from patients bloodstream, are a standard treatment for halting the damage done by serious cases of CO poisoning.

With the power still out in millions of Texas homes and temperatures dropping, Prater asked the heads of media affairs at Memorial Hermann and UTHealths McGovern Medical School, where hes a professor, to reach out to news outlets to help warn residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide.

In no uncertain terms, this is a public health disaster, Prater said at a televised news conference a day later, urging people whod lost power not to bring charcoal grills or portable generators inside. Additionally, never run your vehicle inside your garage and then get inside that vehicle as an attempt to get warm.

In an interview later, Prater explained what was at stake: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that, at high concentrations, can kill within minutes. In serious cases, those who survive may suffer from permanent brain damage and other long-term health problems, including memory loss, blindness and hearing damage.

Almost 80% of patients treated at Memorial Hermann facilities for carbon monoxide poisoning that week were Hispanic or Black, even though those groups account for 55% of the population in the greater Houston region. The majority of patients came from neighborhoods that the hospital identified as home to vulnerable populations.

Part of this disparity is a result of where the power outages occurred. Across the state, areas with a high share of residents of color were four times more likely to lose power compared with predominantly white areas, according to an analysis of satellite and U.S. census data released by the Electricity Growth and Use in Developing Economies Initiative, a nonprofit collaboration among five universities.

Once their power went out, families in lower-income communities generally faced greater challenges. Few had relatives they could stay with. Some didnt have vehicles that could handle icy roads and others lacked awareness of local warming shelters. This left many trapped in freezing homes and at higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, said Melissa DuPont-Reyes, an assistant professor at Texas A&M who studies health disparities.

They have no other option to stay warm, she said. Theyre going to use whatever means possible, and unfortunately its toxic.

Benfer, the Wake Forest professor, agreed: The most marginalized communities are also marginalized from information, resources and a safety net they can fall back on in a time of crisis.

More than 24 hours after passing out, Bekele finally regained consciousness inside one of Memorial Hermanns hyperbaric chambers. He immediately asked about his wife and kids, he said. A nurse told him he was very sick and needed to rest.

But Bekele kept asking, he said, until finally a doctor sat down at his bedside. He cried when she delivered the news.

His son, Beimnet, was connected to a ventilator in the intensive care unit, the doctor told him.

His wife and daughter, the doctor said, had died before paramedics arrived, poisoned by a gas that until that moment Bekele had never heard of.

Pleading for help

As Bekele was recovering in the hospital, 911 calls continued flooding emergency operators across the state.

In Austin, the states capital, Franklin Pena felt increasingly powerless as he watched his 3-year-old son shiver from the brutal cold that engulfed his familys apartment. On the evening of Feb. 16, after two days without electricity, Pena brought in a charcoal grill to burn wood for warmth.

My desperation was such that I lost all fear or my head, Pena said in Spanish during an interview. The only thing I could think of doing was to bring the grill in.

Just after 6 p.m., Penas wife and two children started to throw up. His own legs shaking, Pena dialed 911.

Please help me, he pleaded with the operator in Spanish, according to a recording obtained via a public information request. His wife wailed in the background as he told the 911 operator that his older son, 12, who has a developmental disability, had fainted. Because of their high metabolic rates, experts say, children can be more vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide.

Is everyone out of danger? the operator asked as Pena explained that they had fled their apartment and were outside in the cold. They are breathing but they are not doing well, he responded.

For 30 excruciating minutes, the 37-year-old Mexico native struggled to answer the operators questions as his wife and 12-year-old son drifted in and out of consciousness. Please, se fuerte mami, he repeated between sobs, begging his wife to be strong.

An incident report later cited extreme levels of carbon monoxide in the familys apartment, which Pena said had no CO alarms.

None were required.

Texas has given local governments the discretion to establish their own carbon monoxide rules. As a result, requirements vary widely, and no single agency tracks them across the state.

Fort Worth and Dallas require the devices in newly constructed homes and existing multifamily units, but not in most single-family homes. Houston requires them only in new or renovated homes, though its now considering a broader requirement that will include existing homes. Most rural communities have less oversight.

Even in cities with stricter regulations, many homes lack the devices.

In 2017, Austin voted to become the first major Texas city to require carbon monoxide alarms in new and existing residences with fuel-fired appliances or attached garages. The change was prompted, in part, by an incident years earlier that left two residents dead.

Penas home only had electric appliances, which excluded his apartment from the requirement.

When emergency responders finally arrived at Penas home, they rushed him, his wife and 12-year-old son to the hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning. The 3-year-old was given oxygen but not hospitalized. Pena, who works painting and remodeling houses, said all have since recovered but occasionally suffer from headaches and the trauma of what they lived through that night.

Any time it gets cold, we become afraid, he said. If we see any kind of smoke coming out of the stove, we become afraid and everything that happened that day comes flooding right back.

Emergency room data provided by the state does not reflect the number of residents by city or county who visited hospitals for carbon monoxide poisoning. But 911 call records obtained and analyzed by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune and NBC News show that, in Austin and surrounding Travis County, the majority of the 60 emergency calls for carbon monoxide exposure came from vulnerable neighborhoods, where residents earn two-thirds that of Travis County overall.

The vulnerabilities were more pronounced around Rundberg Lane in North Austin, where Pena lives. A third of the citys carbon monoxide emergency calls came from the community, which has more than double the countys proportion of immigrants and refugees. About 4 in 5 residents in the area are people of color and nearly 2 in 5 are not proficient in English, according to an analysis of 911 calls and U.S. census data by the news organizations.

Three miles from Penas home, Lucila Montoyas family brought inside a gas-powered portable stove to cook lunch and a grill with burning charcoal to help keep their apartment warm, not realizing the white-hot coals still emit fumes even after the flames are down.

About an hour later, Montoya felt weak but thought it was her pregnancy. She was due in March. But then her daughter Tifany, 7, started crying and losing consciousness. Montoya grabbed the phone as her husband, Jose, threw the child on his back and took her outside in the freezing weather.

My little girl got sick, she started throwing up and is not responding, please, Montoya, a Honduras native, frantically told the 911 operator in Spanish through an interpreter. I need you to come quickly. ... Shes barely breathing.

The 28-year-old mother, who was hospitalized for a day along with her daughter, recalled Tifany saying she couldnt breathe. She felt like she was going to die, said Montoya, whose home didnt have a carbon monoxide alarm.

We were so naive  we almost ended her life and mine, added Montoya, who has since given birth to a healthy girl. As a mother, I dont wish this upon anyone.

Failed reform attempts

In the weeks and months after the outages, Texas lawmakers scrambled to introduce and pass bills aimed at overhauling the states electric grid, with the goal of preventing future disasters.

When I see people who die of hypothermia, or carbon monoxide poisoning, when I see the disruption to the business community, the people who cant get a hot meal, cant get water ... this cannot stand, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican who sets legislative priorities in the state Senate, declared in February.

But even as lawmakers demanded a wave of complex reforms, they did little to address one of the simplest changes: establishing a statewide requirement for carbon monoxide alarms in homes. The devices cost as little as $15 and health experts say they are critical to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.

The states top three Republicans  Gov. Greg Abbott, House Speaker Dade Phelan and Patrick  did not respond to questions about why carbon monoxide safety wasnt a legislative priority.

State Rep. Donna Howard, a Democrat from Austin and a member of the legislative committee where energy reforms were discussed, said carbon monoxide wasnt on her radar. But Howard said the findings from ProPublica, The Texas Tribune and NBC News show that it should have been.

Clearly weve had to have reminders throughout this discussion of the fact that people died, she said. We all know how tragic it is, but we get caught up in the politics of the policies and sometimes lose sight of that bottom line.

Legislation seeking to create statewide regulations for carbon monoxide alarms has repeatedly failed to pass the Texas Legislature, even following major storms that led to a surge in CO poisonings and deaths. A bill filed in 2019 that would have required the devices in rental housing didnt get a hearing.

Former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, a San Antonio Democrat, co-wrote a failed measure in 2007, a year after former state Sen. Frank Madla and his mother-in-law were killed in a house fire. His 5-year-old granddaughter, who was also in the home, died from carbon monoxide exposure.

The measure would have required smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed homes and older homes for sale if the residences had fuel-burning appliances.

But the bill did not advance despite the close connection many lawmakers had to Madla and supportive testimony from fire chiefs, an emergency room doctor and a poison control center representative.

Industry groups like the Texas Association of Builders at the time staunchly opposed it, criticizing carbon monoxide alarms as an unproven technology that would do more harm than good if required.

We believe mandating this would create a false sense of security for homeowners and would open up liability for homebuilders should they fail, Ned Munoz, vice president of regulatory affairs and general counsel for the group, said during a 2007 House hearing. Munoz also pointed out that the devices were not yet included in the international building codes that are widely adopted by state and local governments.

Van de Putte cant shake the feeling that the states failure to pass a statewide carbon monoxide policy cost lives in February.

We have so many things that protect the physical, the tangible, the property, Van de Putte, a pharmacist, said about current regulations. By not putting in carbon monoxide alarms, thats what were valuing. Were valuing property over life.

Since the failure of the 2007 bill, carbon monoxide alarms have become more reliable and are now required by most state governments and recommended by leading health and safety organizations. The International Code Council first recommended them for many newly constructed and renovated single-family homes in 2009 and apartment complexes in 2012.

In light of the new standards, the Texas Association of Builders has changed its position, said Scott Norman, the groups executive director. The group now supports requirements for carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed and renovated residences, Norman said.

Decades ago, there were questions about the reliability, he said. But the codes evolve.

Fire safety advocates and public health experts say that a statewide requirement for carbon monoxide alarms would better protect residents and help drive home the message about the deadly hazard.

You dont know if youre going to be exposed until its too late and youre sick or dead from it, said John Riddle, president of the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, which represents first responders. A statewide law or requirement would absolutely make things easier.

In some states that have passed robust statewide rules, theres been a significant reduction in poisonings, fire safety experts say.

When the state comes in and requires it, there is continuity across the whole state  there is one message, said Jim Smith, the state fire marshal in Minnesota, where emergency department visits for carbon monoxide poisoning fell by 45%  from 411 to 226  in the seven years after the state passed a sweeping law requiring alarms in most private residences. It is no different than a seat belt.

In early April, the Texas House passed a bill that would require cities to adhere to more recent health and safety codes for newly constructed and renovated residences. Under the measure, which has not yet been approved by the state Senate, carbon monoxide alarms would be required in homes built after 2022 that have fuel-fired appliances or attached garages. The requirement wouldnt apply to unincorporated areas unless counties chose to adopt the codes, and cities could opt out of the provision.

The legislation, as written, would not protect millions of Texans who live in already constructed homes and apartments.

Starting over

In Houston, Bekele was well enough to be discharged after a four-day hospital stay, but he did not go home. For days, he sat vigil at his sons bedside, leaving only to shower at a family members house, while a machine pumped oxygen in and out of the boys lungs.

Bekele was there, at Beimnets side a few days later, to mark his ninth birthday.

Initially doctors told him that his son had a very low probability to survive, Bekele said. Even if he did, doctors warned that hed likely suffer from permanent brain damage. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide had prevented oxygen from reaching his brain.

Day after day, Bekele held his sons hand and begged God to spare his boy.

Then, nearly two weeks after being admitted, Beimnet regained consciousness. Within days, he was off life support and was up and walking around the hospital, slowly getting stronger until he was finally well enough to leave.

Two months later, Beimnet takes pills to prevent a relapse of seizures like the ones he suffered as a result of his carbon monoxide exposure, but he otherwise shows no signs so far of permanent damage.

He is attending school now and is doing well, said Bekele, who has since returned to work at the gas station.

Bekele and Beimnet in April. Credit: Annie Mulligan for ProPublica/The Texas Tribune/NBC News

This month, Bekele sued nearly a dozen companies that supply power to the states electric grid, one of dozens of lawsuits that seek to hold Texas companies accountable for serious injuries and deaths caused by the winter outages. The power companies have not yet filed a response to Bekeles lawsuit in Harris County District Court but have denied responsibility for outage-related deaths in similar cases filed across Texas.

Bekele doesnt know what will happen with the case, but he said no amount of money can make up for what hes lost.

He still hasnt had the strength to return to the place he and his family called home before his wife and daughter died. Hoping for a fresh start, he took money raised by loved ones on GoFundMe and put it toward the security deposit and rent for a nearby apartment. Its smaller than their old townhouse, but enough space for just the two of them.

Not long after moving in, Bekele discovered a problem, one that he said he planned to fix as soon as possible: The apartment had no carbon monoxide alarms.

About the data: Statewide emergency room data is from Feb. 13-20 and came from the Texas Syndromic Surveillance system. Patients self-reported their race and ethnicity. A total of 11% of individuals who did not report their race or ethnicity were removed from the analysis. A separate analysis on patient ages removed less than 5% of individuals whose age was missing. Economic and demographic data is from the 2019 five-year American Community Survey and was analyzed at the census tract-level. Unless otherwise noted, areas with EMS calls were compared to the entire Austin-Travis County EMS service area.

Disclosure: Memorial Hermann Health System and Texas Association of Builders have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Joe McCann, 24, was shot dead as he ran from police and Army in Belfast in 1972

He said it was 'remarkable' that two ex-soldiers weren't interviewed by the PSNI

Judge said the statements could not be used in the case against the two men

Anna-Marie Bankier, 51, told MailOnline she was delighted the case had collapsed

The daughter of a British soldier killed by Official IRA leader Joe McCann was tonight delighted - after the controversial trial against two paratroopers accused of murdering the republican collapsed.

Statements from the pair of soldiers cannot be used as evidence in their hearing, destroying the much-criticised case levelled against them.

The court heard that the prosecution accepted that if they were excluded the charges against the defendants must fail, but have until 2pm on Tuesday to consider an appeal.

Anna-Marie Bankier, 51, told MailOnline she was delighted the case had collapsed.

She was just 23-months-old when her father Cpl Bob Bankier, 25, was shot dead in Belfast on May 22, 1971, becoming one of the first British soldiers to be killed in The Troubles.

The terrorists responsible were said to have been led by Official IRA commander Joe McCann who was shot dead by British troops in Belfast in April 1972.

She said this afternoon: 'I think it is great news. It is good for the soldiers, they are so old now and one of them has had a stroke so was unable to remember anything.

'I thought it was completely unfair it ever ended up in court.

'I think it is a double standard because if anyone was still alive who had killed my father, they would have got off scott-free  nothing would have happened to them, would it?

'If my father was alive he would have been disgusted that these two men had been taken to court, I was disgusted too, it goes without saying.

'What has happened was so long ago it should be just left.

'If anything was going to be done it should have happened in the first few years afterwards  not now.

'I am pleased this case has collapsed. It is the right thing to have happened.'

Mr Justice O'Hara described as 'remarkable' the fact the ex-soldiers had been prosecuted for 24-year-old Joe McCann's murder on the basis of a report by a police legacy unit, the Historical Enquiries Team (HET), and not as a result of a follow-up criminal investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

This was despite the HET telling the court this week - which is sitting without a jury over tamper fears - it did not think there was any evidence to reopen the case.

Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer - who left his ministerial role after expressing frustration at a lack of progress on legislation to protect British veterans who served during the Troubles from prosecution - reacted to the case today.

He wrote on Twitter: 'Great to be in Belfast again today supporting two elderly soldiers on trial for the alleged murder of an IRA commander in 1972.

'The case is close to collapse after the judge has ruled this morning that evidence is inadmissible.'

Proceedings against the paras - who are both in their 70s and of whom who cannot remember the shooting after suffering a stroke - had been described as a political witch hunt by critics.

It only went to court after Northern Ireland Attorney General, John Larkin, referred it to the Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Herron. This was despite the soldiers being told after the shooting they would not be prosecuted.

Even as recently as 2010 when they agreed to help the HET on the understanding it was to help give the McCann family gain some closure they were told again no prosecution would come from it.

Joe McCann, pictured above, 24, was shot dead by soldiers in the Markets area of Belfast in 1972 while dressed in disguise as he attempted to evade arrest at the hands of Royal Ulster Constabulary officers

Photograph said to show Joe McCann with an American M1 carbine during a gun battle for Inglis Bakery in Eliza Street in The Markets area of Belfast in 1972

Veterans and supporters pictured outside court as the trial began of two former British paratroopers charged with the murder of Mr McCann at Belfast Laganside Courts on April 26

Mr Justice O' Hara said during a discrete hearing on the admissibility issue: 'One of the remarkable features of the case is after the HET interviews they weren't interviewed by the PSNI, they weren't arrested, but they are in court on trial for murder.'

Today he ruled: 'What was required in this case, and what never took place was that the PSNI should have interviewed the defendant under specific caution to suspect a crime of murder.

'If that had been done, and if admissions had been made, then prosecutions would have been possible.'

He said it was not legitimate to put the 1972 evidence before the court 'dressed up and freshened up with a new 2010 cover'.

Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer - who left his ministerial role after expressing frustration at a lack of progress on legislation to protect British veterans who served during the Troubles from prosecution - reacted to the case today

IRA terrorist suspects are rounded up by British soldiers on Bloody Sunday in Londonderry

The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) detonated two 6-pound gelignite bombs at two pubs in Guildford, England. Police escort members of one of the families from the Old Bailey.

The relatives of Mr McCann and his widow Anne (front centre) arrive with solicitor Niall Murphy at Belfast Crown Court in Northern Ireland on April 26

Joe McCann's long IRA career in full over just seven years of attacks 1965 - Joins the IRA at the age of 17 Dec 3, 1965 - Convicted of possessing Army bayonets and being an IRA member and was sentenced to a year in prison. July 29, 1969 - Fined for assaulting a police officer. March 9, 1971 - Reports he was involved in the murder of Provisional IRA member Charlie Hughes. The Provisional IRA was a breakaway faction from the official IRA. It was formed in 1969 by a group of traditionalists who operated under paramilitary-style tactics. It was aided by weapons supplied by Irish American sympathisers and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. May 22, 1971 - Believed to have been part of the murders or two soldiers. June 28, 1971 - Convicted of breach of the peace at an IRA funeral and is sentenced to six months, but absconds on bail. August 10, 1971 - Involved in a bakery siege and subsequent firefight. September 21, 1971 - He is implicated in the attempted murder of four police officers. February 22, 1972 - Took part in the bombing of Parachute Regiment headquarters in Hampshire that killed seven civilians. February 25, 1972 - Implicated in the attempted assassination of home affairs minister Lord Kilcooney. April 15, 1972 - He is shot dead in the Markets area of Belfast. The Official IRA say he was responsible for killing 15 British soldiers. Advertisement

He said the prosecution had come 'nowhere near' proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the statements were not so obtained.

Mr McCann was shot dead as he ran away from police and Army on Joy Street in Belfast in April 1972.

The prosecution was taken following the Northern Ireland's Attorney General referral of the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions in 2014 after receiving the findings of the HET re-examination of the case.

During yesterday's hearing in Belfast Crown Court, it emerged that the prosecution had conceded that witness statements made by the accused veterans to the Royal Military Police in the immediate aftermath of the fatal shooting would be inadmissible as evidence if considered in isolation.

That is due to a series of deficiencies in how the 1972 statements were taken, including the fact the soldiers were ordered to make them, they were not conducted under caution, there was no access to legal representation and the Army policy of not asking soldiers to provide an explanation or rationale for their actions.

The focus of the legal wrangle over admissibility centres on statements and interviews the soldiers gave to the HET 38 years later.

In their engagements with the HET in 2010 both soldiers accepted that they made the 1972 statements.

Lawyers for the soldiers expressed concern that the prosecution was trying to 'launder' the inadmissible 1972 statements and get the evidence contained in them before the trial using the 'backdoor' of the 2010 statements and interviews.

They also highlighted flaws in the HET process.

They said the soldiers' lawyers were not told that the 1972 statements were inadmissible and the veterans were under the impression they were participating in a fact-finding exercise to benefit the McCann family, rather than a criminal probe.

Mr Justice O'Hara questioned why when the veterans were cautioned prior to their HET interviews they were not informed what offence they were suspected of committing, namely murder.

Prosecution barrister Louis Mably conceded the soldiers should have been told.

Who is Northern Ireland Attorney General John Larkin? John Larkin referred the two paratroopers to the Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Herron during his time as Northern Ireland Attorney General. This was despite the soldiers being told after the shooting they would not be prosecuted. Mr Larkin was the Attorney General between May 2010 and June 2020. He was intended to serve a four-year term in the role - but was reappointed in 2014 and 2015. He drew controversy after his tenure began over countless issues - including his views on abortion. He suggested banning any more prosecutions over events which preceded the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. John Larkin referred the two paratroopers to the Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Herron during his time as Northern Ireland Attorney General Advertisement

Who is Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Herron? Stephen Herron was appointed Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions in 2017, and took over the role in January the next year. He is a solicitor specialising in criminal law. In 2013, he became senior assistant director at the Public Prosecution Service. During this time, he lead criminal justice reform initiatives. Overall, he was responsible for 50,000 prosecutions each year. At the time of his appointment, he said: 'I am delighted to accept the post of DPP. I have worked in the service for the last 15 years and it is an honour to have the opportunity to take on this role.' Stephen Herron was appointed Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions in 2017 Advertisement

A plaque on the spot where Mr McCann was shot dead on Joy Street in Belfast. The image of it is based on a photograph of Mr McCann said to be taken in August 1971

MP Johnny Mercer seen arriving at Laganside Courts in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on April 26

How did it get to court? 1972 - After the shooting the three soldiers - one of whom who has now died - were told by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General they would not be prosecuted. 1973 - The Director of Public Prosecutions reviews the case and says there is no sufficient likelihood of conviction. 2010 - The surviving two soldiers give as best a statement they can to the Historical Enquiries Team after being reassured it would not lead to a prosecution in the absence of any further evidence. 2013 - The HET report finds soldiers were not justified in shooting dead McCann. 2014 - Northern Ireland Attorney General, John Larkin, refers case to the Director of Public Prosecutions 2016 - DPP announces that the two surviving soldiers will be charged over the murder of McCann. 2021 - After a protracted series of legal hearings the trial begins in Belfast, with it expected to run for four weeks, but collapses after just two days. Advertisement

'There were plainly deficiencies in the approach adopted by the HET,' he said.

Mr Mably insisted there was no set legal rule that evidence obtained as a consequence of the 1972 inadmissible statements was itself inadmissible as a consequence.

He said it depended on the circumstances of the case.

He said Soldier A 'voluntarily' relied on the 1972 statement in his 2010 engagement with the HET and he said Soldier C went further, offering new 'incriminating' evidence of his involvement in the shooting during interview.

The Crown lawyer acknowledged that the various statements from the soldiers were the only evidence available to court capable of proving that they fired shots at Mr McCann on the day.

In response, the judge asked: 'So without the interviews the case must inevitably fail?' Mr Mably replied: 'On that basis my lord, yes.'

Speaking outside Laganside Court in Belfast afterwards, solicitor for the McCann family Niall Murphy said they had 'very strongly held views' about the ruling.

He added: 'They are mindful that the matter is live before the court and looking forward to the exhaustion of an appeal.

'To that end, we will reserve comment until next Tuesday.

'They very much look forward to an appeal being launched.

'That's under consideration at present.

'We will know the position more clearly on Tuesday morning.

'There are very strongly held opinions in respect of what has transpired in this case.

'We will make those public at the appropriate time.'

IRA commander 'had already killed 15 British soldiers and tarred, feathered and shot informers before he was shot dead by two paratroopers' almost 50 years ago, their landmark murder trial heard

An IRA commander allegedly murdered by two former paratroopers almost 50 years ago was responsible for the deaths of 15 British soldiers, a landmark trial heard yesterday.

Joe McCann was shot dead by soldiers in the Markets area of Belfast in 1972 while dressed in disguise as he attempted to evade arrest at the hands of Royal Ulster Constabulary officers.

In Belfast, he was in charge of 'punishment' and 'reprisal' attacks which involved 'tarring and feathering' and shooting people, Belfast's Laganside Courts heard.

McCann lured Army patrols into an ambush before firing at them 'from cover' as his 'known modus operandi', the Daily Telegraph reports.

He was immortalised in Republican folklore after a photograph of him holding a rifle during a siege at a bakery during a firefight with the Army in August 1971 circulated around the world. It appears in two plaques in Belfast in his memory.

The 24-year-old, who was known as the 'Officer Commanding of the 1st Battalion of the Official IRA' and a member of the IRA Army Council, was at the time of his death suspected of the murder of two soldiers, including Corporal Robert Bankier, one of the first killed during the Troubles.

He was also wanted for the attempted murder of four policemen and suspected of being involved in the attempted assassination of the then home affairs minister Lord Kilclooney, facts agreed between the prosecution and defence in the case revealed.

The court heard that reports had linked the father of four to a bomb attack at the Parachute Regiment headquarters in Aldershot in February 1972 which killed seven civilians.

The court heard that police held a large amount of information on McCann at the time of his death.

As well as suspicion of his involvement in a number of murders, he was known as a 'well-skilled gunman'.
Representative image

Islamabad [Pakistan], April 29 (ANI): Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad has been put on high alert in the wake of intelligence reports that terrorists might strike in the city.

The security of high profile individuals including VVIPs, VIPs, diplomats and Chinese nationals has also been tightened, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported.

Moreover, the security was also tightened around important installations, hospitals and religious places.

The Central Police Office (CPO) of Islamabad had written letters to various departments of the city, asking them to upgrade security for personalities and installations, senior police officers told Dawn.

The security officials have also been directed to stay on high alert at all check posts and points.

Earlier this month, radical Islamist party the Tehrik-i-Taliban in Pakistan (TTP) had claimed responsibility for a deadly bomb blast at a luxury hotel in Quetta, hosting the Chinese ambassador, which led to the killing of four. (ANI)
People hoping for a break across the English Channel this year have been given a boost by reports that France will accept foreign tourists who have a "health pass" from 9 June.

Travellers who can prove they've had a vaccine or a negative Covid test are to be welcomed back to French cities and beaches in just over a months' time, according to a timetable published by local media outlets.

The reported measure is among a number outlined by President Macron as the country begins to chart a course out of its third national lockdown and reopen the economy.

Cafes, bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve customers outside and a nightly curfew is to be relaxed from 19 May, following weeks of harsh restrictions.

Mr Macron, who is under pressure from business groups and a Covid-weary public to resume normal life, announced the four-phase plan in an interview with the regional papers on Thursday.

The easing will come despite the numbers of new daily cases and coronavirus patients being treated in intensive care being far higher than when the two previous lockdowns were rolled back.

The president said the vaccine rollout made the relaxation of rules possible.

"I have never gambled on the health and safety of our citizens," he said. "I take responsibility for the choices I make, but these are never bets."

The plan says the nightly curfew being pushed back to 9pm from 7pm CET from 19 May, and to 11pm from June 9, before being scrapped completely on 30 June.

Museums, cinemas and theatres will also be allowed to reopen on 19 May, although the timetable is provisional and could be delayed on a region-by-region basis in areas where intensive care units are close to saturation or the virus incidence rate exceeds 400 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

"We will be able to pull an emergency brake in territories where the virus is too present," Mr Macron said.

The incidence rate in Paris and its surrounding areas was an average 459 per 100,000 people in the seven days up to 25 April and is falling, official data showed.

About 22 per cent of all French citizens have received at least one dose of a vaccine, according to a Reuters tracker. Accelerating the rollout in France, Europe and in developing countries is paramount to push back against the virus, Mr Macron added.

Additional reporting by Reuters
New Delhi:

Kabul's diplomatic zone in Afghanistan came under the garb of a heavy blast on Tuesday that rocked the compound leading to multiple casualties, witnesses said.

However, the cause of the blast has not been confirmed yet. Without giving further details, the Afghan interior ministry and police confirmed the explosion in the heavily fortified area. As per latest reports coming on the incident, Afghanistan's Health Ministry has confirmed 14 people have been killed and 13 wounded in the blast

It was the first attack targeting the Afghan capital's so-called "Green Zone" since a massive truck bomb ripped through the area on May 31, killing or wounding hundreds.

"Our initial information shows the suicide attacker was on a motorcycle. He made it through the first checkpoint but was stopped at the second checkpoint and detonated,"defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri told AFP.

"We don't know the target but it happened a few meters from the defence ministry's foreign relations office. No casualties to our personnel." A health ministry official confirmed the casualty toll.

AFP reporters heard a loud explosion around 4 pm just as workers would have been leaving their offices, followed by the sirens of emergency services. Witnesses told AFP they saw multiple casualties being carried from the scene of the blast and driven away in ambulances

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The marine worm Ramisyllis multicaudata, which lives within the internal canals of a sponge, is one of only two such species possessing a branching body, with one head and multiple posterior ends. An international research team led by the Universities of Gottingen and Madrid is the first to describe the internal anatomy of this intriguing animal. The researchers discovered that the complex body of this worm spreads extensively in the canals of their host sponges. In addition, they describe the anatomical details and nervous system of its unusual reproductive units, the stolons, which form their own brain when detached for fertilization, allowing them to navigate their environment. The results were published in the Journal of Morphology.

The research team found the host sponges and their guest worms in a remote area in Darwin, Australia, where these animals live. They collected samples, some of which are now located in the collections of the Biodiversity Museum at the University of Gottingen. For their analysis, they combined techniques such as histology, electronic optical microscopy, immunohistochemistry, confocal laser microscopy, and X-ray computed microtomography. This made it possible to obtain three-dimensional images both of the worms' different internal organs and of the interior of the sponges that they inhabit. The scientists show that when the body of these animals divides, so do all their internal organs, something that has never been observed before.

Furthermore, the three-dimensional models developed during this research have made it possible to find a new anatomical structure exclusive to these animals, which is formed by muscular bridges that cross between the different organs whenever their body has to form a new branch. These muscular bridges are essential because they confirm that the bifurcation process does not occur in the early stages of life, but once the worms are adults and then throughout their lives. In addition, researchers propose that this unique "fingerprint" of muscle bridges makes it theoretically possible to distinguish the original branch from the new one in each bifurcation of the complex body network.

In addition, this new study investigates the anatomy of the reproductive units (stolons) that develop in the posterior ends of the body when these animals are about to reproduce, and that are characteristic of the family to which they belong (Syllidae). The results show that these stolons form a new brain and have their own eyes. This allows them to navigate their environment when they are detached from the body for fertilization. This brain is connected to the rest of the nervous system by a ring of nerves that surrounds the intestine.

"Our research solves some of the puzzles that these curious animals have posed ever since the first branched annelid was discovered at the end of the 19th century," explains senior author Dr Maite Aguado, University of Gottingen. "However, there is still a long way to go to fully understand how these fascinating animals live in the wild. For example, this study has concluded that the intestine of these animals could be functional, yet no trace of food has ever been seen inside them and so it is still a mystery how they can feed their huge branched bodies. Other questions raised in this study are how blood circulation and nerve impulses are affected by the branches of the body." This research lays the foundations for understanding how these creatures live and how their incredible branched body came to evolve.

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Original Publication: Ponz-Segrelles G, Glasby CJ, Helm C, et al. Integrative anatomical study of the branched annelid Ramisyllis multicaudata (Annelida, Syllidae). Journal of Morphology. 2021;1-17. https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1002/ jmor. 21356

Contact

Dr Maria Teresa (Maite) Aguado Molina

Scientific Curator, Biodiversity Museum

University of Gottingen

Animal Evolution & Biodiversity

Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology & Anthropology

Untere Karspule 2, 37073 Gottingen, Germany

Tel.: 49 (0)551 39-25536

Email: aguadomolina@uni-goettingen.de

http://www. biodivmuseum. de/

http://www. uni-goettingen. de/ en/ 623758. html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - Edison Cobalt Corp (TSXV: EDDY) ("Edison Cobalt" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has arranged non-brokered private placements of 2,006,000 flow-through common shares (the "FT Units") at a price of $0.18 per Flow-Through Share, for gross proceeds of $361,080 and 19,878,000 non-flow-through units (the "non FT Units") at a price of $0.135 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $2,683,530.

Each FT unit will consist of one common share and one warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.24 per common share for a period of 24 months following the date of issuance.

Each non-FT unit will consist of one common share and one warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.18 per common share for a period of 24 months following the date of issuance.

In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay cash finders' fees to eligible finders of up to 7% of the gross proceeds received and may issue warrants equal to 7% of the Units placed ("Finders Warrants"). The Finders' Warrants will have the same terms as the Warrants forming part of the non FT Units.

Proceeds of the private placement will be used for work on the Company's mineral properties, future acquisitions and general working capital.

Certain insiders of the Company may participate in the Offering. The issuance of Units to insiders of the Company pursuant to the Offering will be considered related party transactions within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Company intends to rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of such insider participation, based on a determination that the fair market value of the participation in the Offering by insiders will not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

The common shares to be issued in connection with the above private placements and any common shares to be purchased on the exercise of warrants will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period from the closing date of the private placement. The closing of the private placement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

About Edison Cobalt Corp.

Edison Cobalt Corp. is a Canadian-based junior mining exploration company focused on the procurement, exploration and development of cobalt, lithium and other energy metals. Edison Cobalt Corp.'s acquisition strategy focuses on acquiring affordable, cost-effective and highly regarded mineral properties in areas with proven geological potential. The Company is looking to build a portfolio of quality assets capable of supplying critical materials to the battery industry. The Company intends to capitalize on and have its shareholders benefit from the renewed interest in the battery metals space.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

"Nathan Rotstein"

Nathan Rotstein

Chief Executive Officer, Director

For more information please contact:

Tel: (416) 526-3217

Email: info@edisoncobalt.com

Website: www.edisoncobalt.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82537
Highlights Google will soon add the NFC method for UPI payments in Google Pay app.

This new NFC-initiated UPI feature will be available for Google Pay app for India.

The feature will eliminate the need for scanning QR code.

Google Pay for India is soon adding the option to pay using UPI over an NFC connection. NFC, short for Near Field Communication, is one of the most popular methods for one-touch cashless payments in the world, but its adoption is not so high in India. Google began using NFC-initiated payments for credit and debit cards recently in India through the Google Pay app. With new NFC-powered UPI payments, Google is hoping to bring NFC to the mainstream in India.

The new NFC technology that Google will soon roll out for UPI payments will work very much like the regular NFC payments using cards. In a support page on its Google Pay website, as pointed out by Android Police, the software giant has explained how you will be able to make UPI payments using NFC. The mandatory thing here is a phone with NFC. Right now, there is a wide range of smartphones that support NFC. It is just that most of them are usually the premium ones, such as Samsung Galaxy S21. The next thing you need is a Google Pay account in India.

With both the requirements met, your Google Pay app will be able to make UPI payments over NFC. And for that, you will just need to tap or hold your phone close to an NFC terminal and the Google Pay app will open on your phone automatically. After this, you just have to enter the amount and enter the UPI pin to authenticate the transaction. According to the report, only Pine Lab terminals support Google Pay UPI NFC right now, but the range of PoS terminals will expand in the future.

NFC has several benefits over the regular methods, especially the Unified Payments Interface, or UPI, which -- although is India's leading digital payment platform -- requires you to either scan a QR code or enter a UPI address to continue with the payment process. With NFC, the need to interact with your UPI-based app for a QR code or a UPI address will become zero. But you will just need a high-end phone for that, which constituted about 5 per cent of the total smartphone shipments in the first half of 2020. As such, NFC payments using UPI on Google Pay are not going to be available to everyone. People with phones that do not have NFC will continue to use the regular UP payment process.

Google has not rolled out the NFC-initiated UPI payments yet in the Google Pay app for India, according to the report. We also could not see the feature in the app. Google has not said anything about when this feature will be available, but it surely will make way to Android phones soon in India. But, for iOS, there is no clarity.
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Bruce Levine, Thaddeus Stevens: Civil War Revolutionary, Fighter for Racial Justice, Simon and Schuster, New York, 2020

The name of Thaddeus Stevens is too little known today. Bruce Levine, professor emeritus at the University of Illinois, has provided a political biography of the leader of the Radical Republicans in Congress during the Civil War and the early years of Reconstruction that should help to bring this revolutionary figure broader recognition.

It is fitting that President Abraham Lincoln is remembered as the leader of the Second American Revolution that put an end to chattel slavery. But it was Stevens who, along with Frederick Douglass, best personified the uncompromising abolitionist struggle against slavery in the Civil War era, including the early years of Reconstruction after the defeat of the Confederacy.

What distinguished Stevens from his contemporaries was his implacable opposition to slavery and racism, and his fervent advocacy of the democratic principles spelled out in the Declaration of Independence. He was certainly among the most significant figures within the Radical Republicanswho constituted the left wing of American politics in the 1860sand, within the framework of the bourgeois-democratic revolution, perhaps the staunchest advocate of egalitarianism.

Levine quotes Douglass assessment of Stevens: There was in him the power of conviction, the power of will, the power of knowledge, and the power of conscious ability, qualities that at last made him more potent in Congress and in the country than even the president and cabinet combined. Like Douglass, Stevens prodded President Lincoln to take more decisive action, even as Lincoln masterfully assessed the political situation, responded to demands from Stevens and others, but waited until he judged the time ripe.

Stevens refused to be bound by what was considered realistic or widely acceptable. He created public opinion and molded public sentiment, according to one political associate. As chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, Stevens played a critical role in the financing of the war. At the same time, he fought to articulate the political goals of the war and pointed the way forward to victory. Stevens was among the very first political figures to call for recruiting Southern slaves into the Union Army, and as early as 1863 he was demanding the measure that would follow two years laterthe 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, not only emancipating slaves in rebel territory, but outlawing slavery forever within the United States.

Stevenss intransigence won him many enemies, and not only within the Confederacy. On the subject of Reconstruction, the New York Times wrote, Mr. Stevens must be considered the Evil Genius of the Republican Party. The New York Herald added, in 1868, that Stevens could be compared to the leaders of the French Revolution, displaying the boldness of Danton, the bitterness and hatred of Marat, and the unscrupulousness of Robespierre. The newspaper did not intend a compliment. A British journalist concurred, calling Stevens the Robespierre, Danton, and Marat of America, all rolled into one.

Stevens was born in 1792 in Vermont, a separate independent republic for more than a decade, before it became the 14th state of the Union in 1791. The young man was shaped by a spirit of agrarian radicalism, the struggles and sometimes violent battles of small farmers. He graduated from Dartmouth College, next door in New Hampshire, and soon moved to Pennsylvania, his home state for the rest of his life.

Portrait of Stevens by Jacob Eichholtz, 1842

This future leader of the Radical Republicans began his political career in the 1820s in Pennsylvania. He was active for several years in the Anti-Masonic Party, but by the mid-to-late 1830s had aligned himself with the newly formed Whigs, which became one of the two major political parties on a national level in the US until the early 1850s. The Whigs were bitterly divided on numerous issues, on none more irreconcilably than the burning question of slavery and its expansion.

Throughout his long career, Stevens was among the foremost champions of public education, or the common schools as they were called. Stevenss hatred of aristocracy linked his advocacy for the right of education to his fight against slavery. In 1835, Stevens fought off an attempt to repeal legislation for public education in Pennsylvania. He said that any such effort should rightfully be called An act for branding and marking the poor, so that they may be known from the rich and the proud. Stevens went on:

When I reflect how apt hereditary wealth, hereditary influence, and perhaps as a consequence, hereditary pride, are to close the avenues and steel the heart against the wants and rights of the poor, I am induced to thank my Creator for having, from early life, bestowed upon me the blessing of poverty.

It was as a Whig that Stevens first went to Washington as a member of the House of Representatives, elected in 1848. Militant in his anti-slavery stance, he clashed with pro-slavery Whigs, as well as party leader Henry Clay, the key force behind the Compromise of 1850. Increasingly under fire from those who sought to conciliate the southern slaveholding aristocracy, he chose not to run for reelection to the House in 1852.

The Whigs collapsed over the slavery issue by 1854. Stevens briefly associated himself with the nativist and anti-Catholic Know-Nothing Party, apparently willing to overlook its reactionary views in his search for a political home that could challenge the hegemony of the pro-slavery Democratic Party. In 1855, however, he finally found this home when he joined the newly formed Republicans, the party whose presidential candidate, Abraham Lincoln, would triumph only five years later.

As Levine writes, History seemed to speed up after the 1856 election. The irrepressible conflict over slavery was approaching, but few would then have predicted the bloody Civil War that would take the lives of roughly 750,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. Stevens, however, had long been preparing for a mortal struggle with slavery. He understood the significance of the Dred Scott decision of 1857, in which the US Supreme Court ruled essentially that Congress never had a right to limit slaverys expansion. By that standard, as Levine writes, the Northwest Ordinances of 1787 and 1789, the 1820 Missouri Compromise, and all territorial laws outlawing slavery had always been null and void.

John Brown

Two years later came John Browns famous raid at Harpers Ferry. Stevens, who had been reelected to the House in 1858, now as a Republican, denounced the act of revolutionary terror, through which Brown hoped to spark a slave rebellion, but only on the grounds that it was doomed to failure. He called Brown a hopeless fool, but a week after Brown was sentenced to death, Stevens was pressing for publication in booklet form of that mans powerful last letters, statements, and interviews. Stevenss words on the subject of John Brown led his pro-slavery opponents to physically threaten him on the House floor.

The election of Lincoln in November 1860 was soon followed by the secession of the slave states of the Deep South. When the Civil War began in April 1861, Stevens was almost 70 years old, a generation older than Frederick Douglass, and at least a decade older than all of the prominent abolitionists, including William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, Charles Sumner, Harriet Tubman and others.

But Stevens displayed the energy and determination of a much younger man. Levine quotes a Republican Congressional colleague of Stevens: To most men there comes, sooner or later, a period of inaction, inability for further progress. This is the period of conservatism, and usually comes with gray hairs and failing eye-sight. It converses with the past and distrusts the future. Its look is backward and not forward. The congressman continued, This period Mr. Stevens never reached. The slaveholders rebellion seemed to rejuvenate him and inspire him with superhuman strength.

Stevens predicted a long and bloody war. His views became more and more radical. Twenty-five years earlier, he was, as the author notes, [A] firm believer in the Norths free-labor capitalist society  who opposed the stoking of hostilities among its social classes as unjustified and dangerous to prosperity, social order, and republican government.

Stevens in the 1860s at the height of his power, photographed by Matthew Brady

Stevens certainly remained a defender of capitalism and of the system of wage labor in opposition to slavery. His years of struggle had made him more sensitive to the struggle against inequality, however, and he revised his earlier hostility to the French Revolution. In 1862, writes Levine, Stevens wished aloud that the ardor which inspired the French revolution might find its like in the United States. The revolutionaries of France, like others elsewhere, he recalled with admiration, were possessed and impelled by the glorious principles of freedom. This was required to carry out to final perfection the principles of the Declaration of Independence.

Stevenss willingness to challenge the status quo of racism and oppression was demonstrated in other ways. In the 1860 election campaign, both Democratic and Republican Congressmen had called for stepped-up attacks on Native Americans near the Texas and New Mexico borders. Stevens declared in response that he wish[ed] the Indians had newspapers of their own, because if they had, you would have horrible pictures of the cold-blooded murders of inoffensive Indians. You would have more terrible pictures than we have now revealed to us [of white casualties], and, I have no doubt, we would have the real reasons for these Indian troubles.

When Republicans in California enacted measures against the Chinese immigrant population, Stevens denounced them and said the treatment had disgraced the State of California. He reminded the House that China has been much oppressed of late by the European nations, which had recently made war upon China because it refused to consent to the importation of poisonous drugs that demoralize its society and destroy its people. He insisted on the rights of the Chinese migrants, adding, in words that are indeed appropriate today, long after the United States has become the leading world imperialist power, that the anti-Chinese legislation is a mockery of the boast that this land is the asylum of the oppressed of all climes.

As noted above, Stevens fought for the recruitment of blacks into the Union Army, tirelessly insisting that the logic of the conflict required the mobilization of the freed and escaped slaves in the fight for their freedom, the policy eventually adopted by the president. Stevens went on to fight for the necessary two-thirds majority in the House for the 13th Amendment, achieved on January 31, 1865, after the first vote had fallen just short of that margin. Steven Spielbergs Lincoln (2012) focused in part on the bargaining and political horse-trading that preceded this vote, but Levine explains that the Republican victory in the 1864 elections and the work of Stevens and his Radical Republican colleagues were also crucial to the victory.

Levine relates an anecdote that summarizes Stevenss forthright defense of revolution. When an Ohio Democrat taunted the Republicans, demanding that they admit they were a revolutionary party, Stevens praised the purifying fires of this revolution and proudly acknowledged, revolution it is.

After the assassination of Lincoln, just days after the surrender at Appomattox that ended the war, Stevens forged ahead, now leading the struggle in the early years of Reconstruction. He secured the necessary approval for the 14th Amendment in 1866, although it fell well short of his original proposals, including full voting rights for the former slaves. He also fought for civil rights legislation in answer to the notorious Black Codes and horrific attacks on freed slaves in Memphis, New Orleans, and elsewhere. The 1866 civil rights bill and the 1867 Reconstruction Act were enacted after Congress overrode vetoes by President Andrew Johnson, who had quickly revealed himself as a racist sympathizer of the defeated slaveholders.

Another indication of Stevenss radicalism in the early days of Reconstruction was his proposal to transfer land confiscated from the ex-Confederate aristocracy into the hands of the former slaves. This ambitious land reform proposal was resisted by the majority of his Republican colleagues. As the author points out, Republicans also wondered nervously whereif they began redistributing landed property to exploited and impoverished peoplethat road would lead. The New York Times, once again the rigid defender of the ruling elite, warned, It is a question  of the fundamental relation of industry to capital; and sooner or later, if begun at the South, it will find its way into the cities of the North. Levine continues, quoting Bostons Daily Advertiser:  there are socialists who hold that any aristocracy is anathema.

Harper's Weekly woodcut of Stevens making final argument to the House in Johnson impeachment

Stevens led the impeachment of Johnson in 1868, voted for overwhelmingly by the House. The president was acquitted by the Senate by a margin of only one vote. However, in May of that year. Stevens was already gravely ill, and he died on August 11, 1868, at the age of 76. Five thousand mourners, both black and white, came to pay their respects in the Capitol Rotunda. A crowd of between 15,000 and 20,000, also completely integrated, attended his funeral in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Following Stevenss death, Ulysses S. Grant was the successful Republican candidate for president, and Reconstruction continued under the protection of the federal authorities. By the early 1870s, however, the top leaders of the Republican Party, representing increasingly powerful Northern industrial capitalism, were already preparing a retreat. The stage was set for the 1877 Compromise that resolved the bitterly disputed presidential election of the previous November by installing Republican Rutherford B. Hayes in the White House, while at the same time withdrawing federal troops from the South. This in turn set the stage for the system of rigid Jim Crow segregation, along with lynch mob terror and the political disenfranchisement of the black population that continued for almost a century.

At this point, posed with the need for an explanation of the end of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow segregation, a serious weakness in Levines approach becomes clear. He laments that the Second American Revolution was left unfinishedin other words, that it did not complete its historical tasks.

What Levine has in mind is that the Civil War, despite its achievements, did not realize the world of racial equality that its most radical figures, including Stevens, envisioned. But this is to ask more of the past than was possible. Each one of the democratic revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries was unfinished, including the most progressive and liberating, such as the Great French Revolution and the Civil War. Their incapacity to fulfill the egalitarian promises on which they mobilized masses was a result of their class nature. The development of capitalism, which emerged out of these revolutions, could do no other than put on historys agenda a new class struggle, between capitalists and workers. And in that, the most fundamental sense, the Second American Revolution was completed. Destroying the economic system based on chattel slavery, it cleared the path for the development of capitalism.

Stevens' casket lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda. It is guarded by black soldiers.

Levine underlines his own confusion over Reconstruction when he states that the basic cause for the retreat from the goals of racial equality was the fact that the Northern public, never firmly devoted to racial equality, tired of the seemingly endless struggle in the South.

The public, however, is divided into classes. It was the ruling capitalist class, the commercial, manufacturing and financial interests, which turned away from the struggle. It had achieved its main aim of unifying the country on the basis of a free-labor economic system. The Northern victory gave a mighty impulse to the development of industrial capitalism. But with that came a new and existential challenge to bourgeois rulethe working class.

Maryland National Guard fighting workers in Baltimore, Maryland, July 20th, 1877

In this new context the Northern industrial bourgeoisie, including its most radical wing, quickly retreated from its headier egalitarian promises, including its commitment to voting rights and equal protection under the law for the freed slaves. Stevens did not live to see the full scope of this retreat, which eroded support within the Republican Party leadership for Grant and Reconstruction, culminating in the election Compromise of 1877 and the restoration of the southern Bourbonsnot incidentally, the same year as the Great Uprising of American rail workers. The enemy, in other words, was no longer the former slaveholders, but the militant working class. The authors reference to the public obscures this class reality.

Levines unfinished revolution thesis, which was first developed by historian Eric Foner, suggests that the great task of progressive forces in the US today is to complete it. It assumes that a more egalitarian society must be created under capitalism before there can be any talk of workers taking power. The task, however, is not to perfect capitalism, but to destroy it. Only this will end social inequality and all the ideologies, such as racism, that have always been used to justify it.

In any case, capitalist reaction was not confined to the South, precisely because the ruling class was faced with the need to divide and weaken the growing working class. Although taking a different form in the rest of the country, discrimination and second-class citizenship replaced the progress that had been made in the Civil War and Reconstruction. This project was facilitated by the historical falsification of Stevens, who became the object of decades of calumny. As Levine points out, when the notoriously racist D.W. Griffiths epic motion picture, The Birth of a Nation, appeared in 1915, Stevens was depicted in obvious caricature as a monstrous villain.

Stevens was depicted as the monster Austin Stoneman in D.W. Griffiths The Birth of a Nation

The shift was reflected in Civil War historiography. W.E.B. Dubois, the author of Black Reconstruction in America, which was published in 1935, praised Stevens for his grim and awful courage, but his account of this period was overwhelmed by vicious attacks on Reconstruction, which predominated in official histories from the turn of the 20th century onwards. Professor William Dunning of Columbia University, who called Stevens vindictive, truculent and cynical, was instrumental in propagating the Lost Cause myth of the Confederacy as a struggle for states rights

As late as 1955, future president John F. Kennedy could write, in his Profiles in Courage, in an assessment that reveals the racist pedigree of the Democratic Party, that Stevens was the crippled, fanatical personification of the extremes of the Radical Republican movement. It was not until the 1960s, amid the mass civil rights movement and broader struggles of the working class, that historians such as James McPherson began to correct the record on the role of Stevens and his co-thinkers. It was precisely the growth and the increasing integration of the working class, especially in the wake of the Great Migration of African Americans to the North, the great labor struggles of the 1930s, and the experiences of World War II, that made possible the heroic struggles for racial equality in the post-World War II period.

Stevens and the Radical Republicans still make the ruling class nervous today, for fundamentally the same reasons as 150 years ago. Some have found a different way of minimizing Stevens, of even ignoring his role entirely, or defaming him. The advocates of critical race theory, now increasingly dominant in the elite universities of the US, were promoted by the New York Times and its 1619 Project, which insisted that all American history must be seen as a racial conflict and as the manifestation of white supremacy, against which blacks fought back alone.

The life and struggle of Thaddeus Stevens are an irrefutable answer to this reactionary falsification of history. It is one more reason to welcome this new biography, despite its failure to fully explain the end of Reconstruction.

Speaking at the time of the passage of the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery, Stevens said, I will be satisfied if my epitaph shall be written thus: Here lies one who never rose to any eminence and who harbored only the low ambition to have it said that he had striven to ameliorate the condition of the poor, the lowly, the downtrodden of every race and language and color.

Stevenss legacy a program of common struggle of the oppressed of every race and language and colorshould be studied by all who seek to understand the past in preparation for new revolutionary struggles.
A Tuscaloosa man was sentenced to six years in prison this week on federal weapons charges.

U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced that Devontay Jerrod Hutt, 25, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon.

Hutt pleaded guilty in January of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a machine gun. Each count will be served concurrently with the other.

According to court documents, on Dec. 31, 2019, Hutt had an encounter with Tuscaloosa police officers at a restaurant. Officers said they received a tip that Hutt had a firearm. When officers arrived at the restaurant, Hutt and another individual fled, eluding officers during a foot chase.

Inspecting Hutts vehicle from the outside, officers said they saw two pistols and suspected drugs in plain view in the front seat. A search recovered a pistol that qualified as a machine gun, a second AR-style pistol, high capacity magazines, pills, and marijuana, officers said.

The ATF along with the Tuscaloosa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty prosecuted.

This post was updated at 3:38 p.m. April 29 to correct the sentence following information provided by the U.S. Attorneys Office.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 22:13:45|Editor: huaxia

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Aerial photo taken on April 30, 2021 shows the first freight train leaving Dulaying international land-sea logistics port in Guiyang City of southwest China's Guizhou Province. Dulaying international land-sea logistics port in Guiyang officially opened on Friday. Its construction was divided into two phases and the first phase project has been accepted in January this year. After completion, the annual cargo transport capacity of the first phase project is expected to reach 5 million tons. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Hail, high winds and record rainfall battered the San Antonio region Wednesday night, damaging homes and businesses, toppling utility poles and triggering dozens of water rescues by firefighters.

More rough weather is expected Friday and Saturday nights. Forecasts called for scattered storms, with the potential for hail and heavy rainfall along the Interstate 35 corridor and east of it.

The small community of DHanis, located 52 miles west of San Antonio in Medina County, took a heavy blow from Wednesday nights storm.

On ExpressNews.com: Another round of thunderstorms possible for San Antonio area on Friday and Saturday

Fire Chief Bobby Ibarra said 300 to 400 homes were damaged by hail and wind. The wind tore apart many mobile homes, splitting them down the middle, he said. Fifty to 75 of them were left uninhabitable.

It was ugly, said Ibarra, whose own house took a hit. The storm shattered windows and damaged his living room and bedroom.

The National Weather Service reported winds as high as 80 mph around 9 p.m. Wednesday.

The Salvation Army, the Texas Division of Emergency Management and other organizations are helping out any way they can, Ibarra said.

Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News

DHanis Independent School District, which serves around 300 children, reported extensive damage to buildings and vehicles. More than 50 windows were destroyed, roofs were damaged, and seven buses were knocked out of service, said superintendent Brian Thompson. Six other vehicles also were damaged.

Classes were canceled for Thursday and Friday. Thompson said the district planned to have students return Monday for state testing.

This is all physical stuff that can be fixed, Thompson said. Theyre more important than all of this.

In San Antonio, Comfort Cafe, a popular brunch spot on Bandera Road just inside Loop 410, took a battering. Co-founder Teri Lopez said the restaurant was flooded with a foot of water overnight. But repairs were under way, and the cafe will be open again Friday, she said.

On ExpressNews.com: Severe weather over for San Antonio, though showers still possible this morning

The San Antonio Fire Department conducted 54 water rescues, said spokesman Woody Woodward.

Total property damage and economic losses from the storm in Texas and Oklahoma will be around $3.5 million, said Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather senior vice president and chief meteorologist.

Some 197,000 CPS Energy customers were affected by the storm, and 99,000 lost power for five minutes or more Wednesday night, said John Moreno, a spokesman for the city-owned utility. Winds took down numerous utility poles, and many transformers were damaged by hail, he said.

There were 8,800 lightning strikes in the area Wednesday night, Moreno said.

Almost 8,700 CPS Energy customers were without power Thursday morning. By afternoon, the number was down to 1,253.

Rainfall at San Antonio International Airport was measured at 2.55 inches on Wednesday  a new record for the date, said National Weather Service meteorologist Constantine Pashos. The previous record for April 28 was 2.39 inches, set in 1888.

The highest rainfall total recorded Wednesday night was 4.77 inches, at a station southeast of Shavano Park. Other locations in San Antonio had 4 inches or more, Pashos said.

Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News

Showers and scattered thunderstorms are predicted for Friday night until Saturday night, with some pockets of heavy rainfall.

Severe storms are possible Saturday east of Interstate 35.

By Sunday, the turbulent weather will have departed, giving way to sunny skies, according to the weather service.

Homeowners with storm damage or fallen trees from Wednesdays storm can call 311 or use the 311 mobile app to report the damage to the city Development Services Department. The agency can assess the damage to see whether the property owner qualifies for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or other sources.

liz.hardaway@hearst.com | Twitter: @liz_hardaway
MEDFORD, Ore.  The Jackson County District Attorney's office will not pursue the prosecution of a local volunteer fire chief who was cited by Oregon State Police after picking up a black bear yearling east of Ashland earlier this month.

According to the DA's office, Oregon State Police troopers were dispatched to an area along Highway 66 near Ashland around 9 a.m. on April 7 for reports of a bear cub spotted in the area. Though a trooper did respond, they were unable to find the bear.

Around 11 a.m. that morning, Greensprings volunteer fire chief Gene Davies reported to dispatch that he had the bear cub. The trooper got in contact with Davies, who explained that he had heard about the bear appearing in the same area for three days. Davies told the trooper that he had lured the bear up a logging road, where it "laid down and took a nap," the DA's office said.

Davies was able to attach a leash to the bear, load it into a dog crate, and put it in his vehicle. He then took it back to his home.

"The responding trooper explained that Mr. Davies was not able to keep the bear at his residence and directed Mr. Davies to take the bear back to the area he found it and release the bear," the DA's office said. "Mr. Davies informed the trooper that he had already made arrangements to take the bear to Wildlife Images. The trooper explained that this was not possible and again reiterated that Mr. Davies needed to return the bear to the area it was found."

The OSP trooper contacted the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, giving them Davies' contact info. ODFW said that they contacted Davies, who assured them that the bear would be released back to where it was found. ODFW later told the trooper that Davies was still planning to take the bear to Wildlife Images.

Wildlife Images told ODFW the next day that Davies was also in contact with a different rehabilitation center in California to take the bear. By that afternoon, the OSP trooper and ODFW staff went out to Davies' home.

"Mr. Davies confirmed that he was going to take the bear to Wildlife Images that day, and that he had been in contact with a rehabilitation facility in southern California," the DA's office said. "Mr. Davies explained that despite the direction of the trooper the day before to return the cub to the area it was found, he did not believe it was a viable option. Mr. Davies said he wanted to do the right thing for everyone involved."

The bear was still held in a dog crate, and the OSP trooper reported that it did not appear to be afraid of humans. It was "easily transported" into an ODFW crate with the use of a catch pole. ODFW later said that it euthanized the bear due to its apparent habituation and poor health.

According to the Center for a Humane Economy, OSP cited Davies for criminal negligence and possession of wildlife without a permit. Davies' actions were defended by the Greensprings Rural Fire District board of directors, Representative Pam Marsh, and wildlife advocates  who also condemned ODFW for euthanizing the bear.

The District Attorney's office concluded this week that Davies did "commit a technical violation of the law," but determined that he was not acting with malicious intent and was trying to protect the bear.

"Citizens should know that taking wildlife from its habitat is dangerous, both for the person and for the wildlife," the DA's office said. "When wildlife is taken from a natural habitat, even if only for a brief time, the animal will become habituated to humans, and will likely never be able to be released back into the wild safely."
New Delhi:

The AAP has revoked the suspension of Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan, three days before the partys annual national council meeting, inviting a stinging backlash from its founder member Kumar Vishwas.

The move is expected to further alienate Vishwas within the party.

Khans suspension in May had capped a bitter spat within the party following a string of poll upsets. The MLA had called Vishwas an agent of the BJP while accusing him of plotting to split the AAP.

The party had formed a three-member committee comprising Ashutosh, Atishi Marlena and Pankaj Gupta to look into Khans issue. However, it was largely seen as an exercise to mollify Vishwas and prevent a split.

Ashutosh called me yesterday and told me that the party has decided to revoke the suspension. I think my services are required in the upcoming polls in Gujarat, Khan said.

ALSO READ: Arvind Kejriwal attends iftar with suspended AAP member Amanatullah, snubs Kumar Vishwas

However, Vishwas lashed out at the decision, suggesting that the party was merely trying to provoke him into reacting so that he can be thrown out in the guise of disciplinary action.

But I will not let that happen. Amanatullah is merely a mask. Such masks are used to sideline people politically, which has been done before, Vishwas said, refusing to name the face or faces behind the mask.

He also claimed that unlike the previous years, his name does not figure in the list of speakers at the November 2 meeting according to the draft of the agenda circulated by the party.

Calls to Ashutosh, Marlena did not elicit any response.

Khan, a member of the all-powerful Political Affairs Committee of the AAP, and a prominent Muslim face of the party was never out of the good books of the party leadership.

Even after his suspension, Khan found himself in crucial house panels of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Kejriwal also visited Khan during iftar, sending Vishwas a message.

ALSO READ | AAP crisis: Manish Sisodia meets suspended Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan at his residence

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Editor: This week is Water Week and water system failures in Texas, Flint, Michigan; and Newark, New Jersey; in recent years provide evidence that not all Americans have access to clean water.

Water quality reports across the country reveal severe inefficiencies in our tap water systems. It ranges from lead contamination, to E. coli and sludgelike biofilm. Millions of Americans often unknowingly are exposed to unhealthy drinking water.

To address this mounting problem, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates it will take about $750 billion to improve our water infrastructure over the next 20 years.

This Water Week lets demand that our legislators address Americas water woes and ensure clean drinking water for all communities. In the meantime, its important to prepare households for the unexpected. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends storing at least one gallon of bottled water per person per day for several days.

JAMES BOWERS

DISASTERCHECKLIST.ORG,

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Editor: On April 15, the Paycheck Fairness Act passed the U.S. House in a 217-210 vote.

Unfortunately, House Republicans voted against equal pay for women. The legislation aims at eliminating the gender pay gap, strengthening workplace protections for women and would bolster the Equal Pay Act of 1963. That law has helped to even the playing field, but still leaves far too many women in private sector and government jobs earning significantly lower pay than men, for equal work.

Women have been hardest hit by pandemic job losses, losing nearly 1 million more jobs than men. Couple that with the decrease in womens participation in the workforce due to a severe child care shortage and its plain to see that systemic inequalities have left women financially insecure.

Women in the U.S., on average, are paid just 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. This is unconscionable to me, especially as a woman who has been employed in a typically male profession.

The implications are far-reaching and cumulative for both men and women. We need a gender equitable recovery and the Paycheck Fairness Act would represent a positive step forward. Voters, especially women, deserve to hear why all 210 no votes were cast by Republicans.

LYSA HOLLAND

BOALSBURG,

CENTRE COUNTY

Editor: We all have heard about the life certainties of death and taxes. I believe that there are now two more.

It seems we are besieged on a daily basis about elections. Our senses constantly are bombarded with annoying political ads on television and radio and in newspapers. The highways and byways become littered with political signs. Many signs from previous elections remain.

Our fourth life certainty is the unholy ritual of mass killings. We are all sick and tired of hearing political platitudes about thoughts and prayers for those who died at the hands of armed lunatics. Unfortunately, we have become numb to hearing about them and we know that the next one is just around the corner.

Only God can straighten out the horrible mess of lifes certainties.

JAMES W. PATTERSON

ROARING BROOK TWP.

Editor: President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil recently suggested that the Biden administration should pay $1 billion to his country and then he would reduce the level of Amazon deforestation by 40%.

Reactions of various European governments have been skeptical because Bolsonaro consistently has trimmed funds for environmental protection agencies amid an increase in deforestation.

Lets not be naive here. The majority of this $1 billion would be diverted to line the pockets of the political elite in Brazil, with little or no reduction in deforestation. This is unadulterated environmental blackmail.

EUGENE M. OGOZALEK

SCRANTON

Editor: President Biden has proposed the most ambitious investment in American infrastructure in almost 100 years.

The American Jobs Plan would put trillions of tax dollars back into our communities through desperately needed upgrades to crumbling roads and bridges and by investing in education, child care, senior care and providing broadband internet service to every family  no matter where they live  at an affordable rate.

Republicans lined up in opposition to this, calling it a wish list of the radical left and arguing that billions of dollars of spending in the bill have nothing to do with roads and bridges. However, we cannot let a 1920s approach to infrastructure steal the future from generations of Americans to come.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, China spends approximately 10% of its gross domestic product on infrastructure and has for years  almost $4 trillion in 2020 alone, including $1.4 trillion in tech infrastructure. The United States spends only 2.4% of GDP on infrastructure and lags the world in providing internet to our citizens. China also spends billions more on education, taking care of its elderly and providing child care for working parents. This makes us less competitive and threatens our economic and national security in the long run.

Partisanship and distrust of our political opponents rarely has reached the levels that we see. However, this is an opportunity where both sides can agree that investing in America makes sense. I hope Republicans will support this common-sense legislation.

JARED DELOOF

SPRING MILLS, CENTRE COUNTY
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have decided to shut down local bars, discos, and karaoke parlors following the recent detection of a community-base COVID-19 infection.

Bars, discos, and karaoke parlors in the metropolis will be closed from 6:00 pm on Friday, the first day of the weekend holiday marking the Reunification Day (April 30) and International Workers Day (May 1), until further notice.

Other services are required to strictly comply with COVID-19 prevention and control measures, chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong said at a meeting on Friday morning.

He also required local authorities to conduct more patrols and sternly fine those who fail to wear face masks in public.

Ho Chi Minh City had gone through 75 days without documenting any community-base COVID-19 infection prior to the detection of patient No. 2,910 on Thursday evening.

The 28-year-old man had had direct contact with patient No. 2,899 in the northern province of Ha Nam before heading to the southern metropolis on April 27.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong speaks at a meeting on COVID-19 prevention and control, April 30, 2021. Photo: Tien Long / Tuoi Tre

Competent authorities have fenced off the alley at 20 Pham Dang Giang Street in Binh Tan District, where patient No. 2,910s tenanted house is located.

As of Friday morning, seven direct contacts of the patient have tested negative for the novel coronavirus once.

Bars, discos, and karaoke parlors in Ho Chi Minh City were previously shuttered when the third wave of infections hit the country during the Lunar New Year holiday in mid-February.

These venues were only allowed to reopen from March 19.

Vietnam has documented 2,913 COVID-19 cases as of Friday morning, with 2,516 recoveries and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

Ho Chi Minh City has recorded 255 coronavirus cases so far.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Republican Rep. Liz Cheney has responded to critics in her own party who criticized her for giving President Joe Biden a fist bump as he walked down the aisle of the House chamber before his first address to Congress.

'I disagree strongly w/@JoeBiden policies, but when the President reaches out to greet me in the chamber of the US House of Representatives, I will always respond in a civil, respectful & dignified way,' she tweeted Thursday night.

'Were different political parties. Were not sworn enemies. Were Americans,' she added.

Rep. Liz Cheney (right) was captured giving a fist bump to President Joe Biden (left) as he walked into the House chamber to deliver his first address before Congress Wednesday night

Donald Trump Jr. picked up on the gesture and tweeted a picture of it, calling her a 'warmonger' and asking why she was still in Republican leadership. Cheney voted to impeach President Donald Trump earlier this year over his role in the January 6 MAGA riot

Rep. Liz Cheney defended the fist bump, saying that while she might disagree with President Joe Biden 'We're not sworn enemies. We're Americans'

Donald Trump Jr. lead the fury against the embattled Cheney who has been facing increasing pressure in her own party.

'"Republican" warmonger Liz Cheney gives Sleepy Joe a fist bump after he delivered a radical socialist vision for the future of America. So glad shes in the GOP leadership, I guess they wanted to be more inclusive and put Democrats in there too?!?' he said.

She spoke out against Donald Trump after the Capitol, voted to impeach him and has been threatened with a primary challenge in Wyoming from the MAGA wing of the party.

Mitch McConnell also greeted Cheney with a handshake before Biden's address on Wednesday that Republicans have said was 'boring' and a list of 'socialist dreams'.

On Wednesday, president Trump tore into Cheney and said she would 'embarrass' her family by running for president.

He has also called her 'crazy' and has demanded she be voted out when she comes up for reelection in 2022.

'Liz Cheney is polling sooo low in Wyoming, and has sooo little support, even from the Wyoming Republican Party, that she is looking for a way out of her Congressional race. Based on all polling, there is no way she can win,' Trump said.

'She'll either be yet another lobbyist or maybe embarrass her family by running for President, in order to save face. This warmongering fool wants to stay in the Middle East and Afghanistan for another 19 years, but doesnt consider the big picture,' Trump said. 'Russia and China!' he wrote.

His 'warmonger' attack was an attempt to identify her with her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, and connect her to the decision to invade Iraq during the George W. Bush administration.

Cheney is floating a run for president herself. 'Im not ruling anything in or out  ever is a long time,' she said on Wednesday.
Eddyville Man Arrested on Child Porn Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

EDDYVILLE - An Eddyville man has been arrested on child pornography and weapons charges following a year-long investigation.According to News Edge, last May, Eddyville Police opened an investigation into a complaint at a business owned by 63-year-old Kenneth Swartz. The complaint alleged that Swartz was harassing an 11-year-old female and taking pictures.Police say Swartz was registered as a lifetime sex offender and not allowed to take pictures of juveniles without a parent's consent.In June, authorities learned of two audio recordings from the Crittenden County Jail. In the recordings, Swartz allegedly told his mother where to find his cell phone and to either hide it or destroy it.A search of his home reportedly uncovered three cell phones which were sent off for forensic analysis. Authorities say the investigation uncovered child pornography.Swartz was charged federally with possession of child pornography and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Police say he has prior sexual abuse convictions out of Bath County and a child porn conviction out of Fayette County. Additionally, he was convicted in 2016 of failing to comply with the sex offender registry in Lyon County and was sentenced to three years.On the Net:
CHICAGO, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE: TDS) and United States Cellular Corporation (NYSE: USM) will be webcasting their first quarter operating results conference call on May 7, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. central time.



The companies will release their financial results on May 6, 2021 after market close.



To listen to the webcast, please visit the events & presentations pages of investors.tdsinc.com or investors.uscellular.com . The presentations will be webcast both live and on-demand. It is recommended that you register at least 15 minutes before the beginning of the presentation to register, download and install any necessary multimedia streaming software.

About TDS

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS), a Fortune 1000 company, provides wireless; cable and wireline broadband, video and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses, UScellular, TDS Telecom, BendBroadband and OneNeck IT Solutions. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, TDS employed 9,200 people as of December 31, 2020.

For more information about TDS and its subsidiaries, visit:

TDS: www.tdsinc.com

UScellular: www.uscellular.com

TDS Telecom: www.tdstelecom.com

OneNeck IT Solutions: www.oneneck.com



SOURCE Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and United States Cellular Corporation
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Chinquapin Community making final stand against PA Prospect

JESS HUFF/Lufkin Daily News file photo The sun sets over Sam Rayburn Reservoir on a night in July. The PA Prospect Company is applying for a permit with the Texas Railroad Commission in hopes of building an oil and gas waste landfill in the headwaters of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The Chinquapin Community, which has fought against the permitting process for PA Prospect, will make its final stand this week and next.

Rural living has its perks  quiet, safe communities and acres upon acres of wide-open plains or dark-forested spaces. Mostly, its free from the crowds and the traffic.

But those perks end for many communities as they watch companies searching for the same perks move in. Residents quickly learn how little say they have in who or what lives next door.

Residents of the Chinquapin Community, a small unincorporated town in San Augustine County nestled near the headwaters of Sam Rayburn Reservoir, are discovering their fight against an oil and gas waste facility is not uncommon and their frustration not unfounded.

Since Thanksgiving of 2019, the PA Prospect Oil and Gas Waste Company, located in Montana, has been vying for a permit from the Texas Railroad Commission to store, handle, treat and dispose of non-hazardous oil and gas waste in the Chinquapin Community.

The Chinquapin Community, which has fought against the permitting process for PA Prospect, will make its final stand this week and next. The Texas Railroad Commission, charged with the regulation of oil and gas waste in Texas, will conduct hearings and ultimately make a decision on the permit by the end of May.

Permitting process

It really doesnt matter if a community opposes a companys request to locate next door, Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright told residents of Sabine and San Augustine counties in a campaign stop in July 2020 before being elected to the position.

You could go in, if you could fill out that permit, have it administratively complete, youre going to get that permit irregardless of whether you had 700,000 signatures, he said. Thats the rules, thats the way they are today.

He told residents they would have to hire engineers and geologists to fight this issue, adding residents need people who can point out flaws in the permit showing it could affect the groundwater.

Thats the only thing theyre going to recognize, he said. I wish I could stand up here and tell you something more, but thats the truth.

Wright would know. He has supported and opposed oil and gas waste facilities built across the state. He even faced scrutiny and criticism for a facility he partially owned at one point in South Texas that was shut down by the Railroad Commission in 2017 for waste stockpiled directly on the ground, leaking storage tanks and multiple unpermitted pits of waste, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Wright said he abandoned the facility to other leadership but agreed to settle the case with the Railroad Commission and clean up and reopen the facility, the Houston Chronicle reported.

And in response to Wrights advice, a few members, including Ann Bridges, whose home abuts the property PA Prospect hopes to use, connected with legal experts and intends to bring experts in. Bridges did not wish to comment in this story as she does not want to jeopardize the case.

In previous interviews she expressed dismay at what the facility would mean to Sam Rayburn Reservoir and the tributaries leading into the massive water source. She also said she does not want to live with the sight, noise or smell of the facility next door.

Oil and gas in Texas

There are a lot of oil and gas waste facilities in Texas. The state was the top U.S. producer of crude oil and natural gas in 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

As of January 2019, the 30 petroleum refineries in Texas were able to process about 5.8 million barrels of crude oil per day and accounted for 31% of the nations refining capacity, the organizations website stated.

The Railroad Commissions online permit documentation shows of Texas 66 oil and gas waste facilities, 50 are in cities and counties considered rural by the U.S. Census Bureau, with populations less than 50,000 people, and 21 are in cities and counties with populations less than 10,000.

San Augustine County was home to 1,889 people in 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Nationally, rural Americans have lower median household incomes than urban households but have lower poverty rates than their urban counterparts, according to the Census Bureau

Only 15 facilities are in communities with populations of more than 100,000, and only one is in a population of more than one million people.

Not all Texans are opposed to the oil and gas industry. Oil and gas companies employed 259,600, paying an average of $1,377 per week in 2020. Oil production tax collections are projected to generate $6.5 billion during the 2022-23 budget cycle  up 10.1% from 2020-21, according to Glenn Hegar, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Natural gas tax collections are expected to raise $3.5 billion, up 66.9%, he said in his biennial revenue estimates.

The forecast, however, remains clouded with uncertainty, he wrote in a press release. The ultimate path of the pandemic and the behavior of consumers and businesses during a resurgence are difficult to gauge. Its also unclear how theyll respond once the pandemic is fully under control.

In deciding permits, the Railroad Commission is guided by Rule 8, which states no facility can cause the pollution of surface or sub-surface water.

Rule 8 has to do with generally how we allow operators to treat, store, dispose of oil field waste. There are a number of different types of facilities governed by that rule, said Paul DuBois, the head of technical permitting for the Railroad Commission.

The Railroad Commission does not keep record of the facilities that faced community opposition, an open records request representative explained in response to a request by The Lufkin Daily News.

In 2020 the Railroad Commission had 25 new applications for facilities with disposal pits; 14 of those were approved, one denied, two sent to hearings and two withdrawn, according to R.J. DeSilva, director of the Railroad Commission communications division.

Chinquapin Community

PA Prospects proposed 256.7-acre facility would straddle state Highway 103 and host two creeks that lead directly to the Ayish Bayou and Sam Rayburn Reservoir. It would inject oil and gas refuse thousands of feet into the ground, passing through one of Texas largest underground water sources, the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer.

Several materials the company said it would accept are considered hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency

Wright told the Chinquapin Community during the July campaign stop that even if were elected he would have no say in where the facility can be built.

As long as they fit all those slots in the administrative process, then no, Wright said. Its not good. I advocated against it. Ive been against it. I will be against it if Im elected. But I dont have the power to sit there and say who gets a permit and who doesnt. Its staff that says this permit is administratively complete. The railroad commissioners have no authority to deny that.

Wright is not the first to make that statement.

Hundreds of miles southwest of San Augustine in the tiny community of Nordheim, all 316 community members fought to prevent a similar type of company from building a facility near their community.

Their fight to prevent a waste facility from being built next to a school garnered state and national attention for a short time.

Then they lost.

Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton, who was replaced by Wright following the 2020 election, said he did not like the site when the commission finally granted approval, the Texas Tribune reported in 2016. He had no choice but to approve it after experts within the agency determined the facility would not impact the groundwater.

The school was about from here to the other side of that highway, a grade school, the landfill was on top of a hill up here, Wright said. Why they ever got that permit, no rhyme or reason but they fit all the spots and they got issued a permit.

Those kids go to school right next to that landfill every day. Its a shame, its a travesty, because anybody can leave that imprint.

The Railroad Commission ensures everyone who could be impacted directly by the facility is notified of the facilitys attempt to obtain a permit, DuBois said, adding the permit cannot be automatically approved if an affected person protests. Railroad Commission staff also can deny a permit if it has deficiencies, he said.

The business owner proposing to build a facility then has two choices: push forward and go through the hearing process or withdraw.

DuBois said an application also can be denied if a site is not geologically suitable. Staff will evaluate the situation and can issue an opinion. However, DuBois said this system is not flawless.

I know there was a case out in West Texas where the site was located in an area subject to sinkholes, he said.

The permit was denied after the application was approved by staff. A geologist hired by the community pointed out the sink hole issue.

... It was located in an area that is susceptible to sinkholes, DuBois said. And the protestant was able to bring in experts with additional information that wasnt available to staff.

The Railroad Commission staff is composed of geologists, engineers and environmental scientists with experience and training in these areas, he said. They follow the rules and guidelines and ask for the information needed to ensure the permit complies with Rule 8, he said.

They dont worry about the unknowns, he said.
NEW YORK, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Churchill Capital Corp IV (NYSE: CCIV) between January 11, 2021 and February 22, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 28, 2021.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Churchill Capital securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Churchill Capital class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2083.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 28, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience or resources. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Lucid was not prepared to deliver vehicles by spring of 2021; (2) Lucid was projecting a production of 557 vehicles in 2021 instead of the 6,000 vehicles touted in the run-up to the merger with Churchill; and (3) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Churchill Capital class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2083.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com



SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

Related Links

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(CNN) Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, have released two new photographs to mark their 10-year wedding anniversary.

The couple, who married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, released the portraits on Wednesday ahead of their anniversary on Thursday.

The photographs were taken at Kensington Palace, in London, this week by the photographer Chris Floyd, who shared them on Instagram.

Floyd said he had recently visited Cambridge, eastern England, for the first time and that by "astonishing coincidence" on that same day he was asked to photograph the couple to commemorate their anniversary.

"It was a thrill to spend some time with them at Kensington Palace, especially as The Duchess is a rather keen photographer," Floyd wrote on Instagram, wishing the couple a "happy anniversary."

The couple also shared a video on Twitter to mark their anniversary, writing that they were "enormously grateful" for the support they had received over the past decade.

William and Catherine's star-studded ceremony 10 years ago was attended by around 1,900 guests and watched by millions across the world.

Catherine wore an ivory and white satin bridal dress with lace sleeves made by British designer Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, while William wore the uniform of a colonel of the Irish Guards, with a scarlet jacket and blue sash.

The couple waved to an audience of thousands from the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the ceremony, while many more lined the streets in celebration of the marriage.

The couple first met as students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Their status as a couple was made public in 2004 when they were photographed holidaying together in the Swiss ski resort of Klosters.

They have three children -- 7-year-old Prince George, 5-year-old Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who turned three last week.

Earlier this month, the royal family gathered for a more sombre occasion as the nation, and well wishers around the world, mourned the death of William's grandfather, Prince Philip.

The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral was held in an intimate service at St. George's Chapel, within the grounds of Windsor Castle, and was attended by 30 people including members of the royal family.

He died at the age of 99 on April 9 in Windsor Castle and had been married to the Queen for 73 years. He was the nation's longest-serving consort.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Prince William and Kate mark 10-year wedding anniversary with newly released pictures."
(Adds company comment)

April 30 (Reuters) - The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) again denied Mountain Valley Pipeline's (MVP) request for a water permit for its proposed Southgate natural gas pipeline project from Virginia to North Carolina.

The DEQ first denied the request in August 2020. MVP appealed that decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, which remanded the case back to the DEQ to "explain why the Department chose denial over conditional certification."

DEQ said in its second denial on Thursday that conditional approval "does not provide the reasonable assurance of compliance with water quality requirements."

"A conditional approval, as the states hearing officer recommended, would have satisfied the (DEQ's) concerns ... while meeting North Carolinians demand for natural gas," MVP Southgate said in response.

On its website, MVP says construction of the 75-mile (121-kilometer), 0.4-billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) Southgate extension was targeted to start in 2021 for completion in 2022.

Part of Southgate's problem is that the $5.8-$6.0 billion MVP mainline from West Virginia to Virginia is still under construction and there is no guarantee it will enter service after Dominion Energy Inc canceled its $8 billion Atlantic Coast gas pipe from West Virginia to Virginia and North Carolina in 2020.

MVP has said it expects to complete the 303-mile, 2.0-bcfd mainline by the end of 2021. Many analysts, however, expect it will be delayed until 2022.

MVP and Atlantic Coast are just two of several U.S. pipelines delayed by regulatory and legal fights with environmental and local groups that found problems with federal permits issued by the Trump administration.

When MVP started construction in February 2018, it estimated the project would cost about $3.5 billion and enter service by late 2018.

MVP is owned by units of Equitrans Midstream, NextEra Energy, Consolidated Edison, AltaGas and RGC Resources.

(Reporting by Scott DiSavino. Editing by Mark Potter and Alistair Bell)
(JNS)  Jewish groups reacted to the verdict on Tuesday of 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.

Some groups, however, also condemned the riots that erupted a...
TikTok has a new top executive who will maintain his job at Chinese parent firm ByteDance

The fast-growing video-sharing app TikTok named a new top executive Friday who will keep his responsibilities at Chinese parent firm ByteDance.

A statement said Shouzi Chew, ByteDance's chief financial officer, will now also become CEO of TikTok.

Vanessa Pappas, who has served as interim head, will formally take the role of TikTok chief operating officer, the company said, continuing with her current responsibilities.

The announcement was described as a "strategic reorganization to optimize TikTok's global teams and support the company's unprecedented growth."

"The leadership team of Shou and Vanessa sets the stage for sustained growth," said Yiming Zhang, founder and CEO of ByteDance.

"Shou brings deep knowledge of the company and industry, having led a team that was among our earliest investors, and having worked in the technology sector for a decade. He will add depth to the team, focusing on areas including corporate governance and long-term business initiatives."

The move comes after an effort by the administration of former president Donald Trump to ban TikTok in the United States or force a sale to an American-owned entity, over claims that the app could pose national security risks.

At least one report said the Biden administration had abandoned the Trump effort, which aimed to sell TikTok to US tech giant Oracle and retail power WalMart.

TikTok is believed to have some one billion users worldwide including more than 100 million in the United States, and is especially popular with young smartphone users.

Explore further TikTok Global to launch public offering, Chinese parent firm says

 2021 AFP
Separation: a devil of a human experience: a touching account that examines separation, its immediate effects, eventual scars, and lasting pain. Separation: a devil of a human experience is the creation of published author Glenda Glasser, a writer with a masters in humanities/literature from the University of California. Her most recent instruction is humanities in Western civilization for Liberty University Online. She has also written two other books.

Glasser shares, The land of the free, or America, has changed from a tight-knit country where family stuck together into a nation of separateness. Families, in our past, lived close. They grew stronger because of their closeness and knew they needed one another. Today most of that has eroded. Job transfers and moving are no longer rare. Divorce is at an all-time high. Children involved in a divorce situation are normally tossed from one parent to the other no matter how far from one another they are. Even our current view of viruses and diseases has created venues for separation.

Once loved ones stood by one another during times of illness and death. Today hospitals, in fear of spreading diseases, are not allowing loved ones to be together at these times. Some of the repercussions separating from the family has brought includes confusion, resentment, and hopelessness."

What is this all doing to us personally and as a nation? In order to investigate the consequences as well as the short-term affects, the author has examined the issue through the eyes of her parents love letters written during World War II. Both the immediate effect as well as the lifelong scars this occurrence creates are looked at. It was found that the stress of not being together often brings about total character changes. Some of those changes are good, but some are not so good. Those changes include becoming short-tempered, building walls of protection around the heart, and isolating from and becoming suspicious of others.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Glenda Glassers new book is an interesting and heartfelt read inspired by the sacrifices of the authors parents in the face of World War II. It holds a strong testimony of a vow and a love that held on even when others fell apart.

View a synopsis of Separation: a devil of a human experience on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Separation: a devil of a human experience at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

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BRIDGEPORT  Bridgeport is inviting graduating seniors to celebrate their accomplishments at staggered commencement ceremonies this June.

Bridgeport schools have selected a June 16 district-wide graduation date and are finalizing end-of-year plans for 12th graders, whose high school experiences were upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Superintendent Michael Testani told the Board of Education this week, We are just finalizing the logistics of it.

The districts high schools will graduate on the same day at a central location, likely the Bridgeport Amphitheater, according to a Twitter post.

We have a great location, said Testani. Were finalizing the details on that before it gets released to the public, but its an exciting day.

Everyone can mark their calendars, he said. Its going to be a great event.

Each school will host a ceremony at a designated time: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 pm. and 5 p.m. on that Wednesday. Harding High School will graduate at 1 p.m., according to social media, while Central High School, Bassick High School, Fairchild Wheeler and Bridgeport Military Academy have yet to announce their time slots online.

The event, which district officials say will still adhere to COVID-19 mitigation strategies, is positioned to look more like typical graduations than last years drive-up diploma hand-offs.

Im happy that were able to provide them with a more normal experience, given the fact that the governor is lifting restrictions beginning May 1st and even more on May 19th due to how well vaccinations are going here in the state of Connecticut and the responsible folks that are maintaining health and safety protocols, said Testani.

Gov. Ned Lamont assured Connecticut families earlier this month that outdoor commencements and parades could take place this school year, and the state Department of Public Health recently released guidance on mitigating the spread of COVID-19 at proms and graduations.

The district is also urging schools to host other safe events to celebrate Bridgeport students and reconnect them with their schools and each other. Harding High School has already announced a campus-based Senior Celebration on May 27, and Bridgeport Military Academy will host a Maskerade Carnival-themed prom on May 13 at Seaside Park.

The big push to end the school year really is to make sure kids have good experiences finishing out the school year, Testani said. Were encouraging all our schools to plan end of the year activities, get outdoors, field days, picnics  whatever they need to do just to get kids re-engaged (and) interacting with each other in a positive manner.
Napa County said 45 people tested positive for COVID-19 this week  the lowest weekly total since June.

This is a boost for Napa County moving to the state's least restrictive yellow tier, but that isn't going to happen immediately, Janet Upton, the county's public information officer, said Friday afternoon.

Napa's numbers have to remain low for two successive weeks, Upton said. In addition, there's a lag time before the state evaluates a county's improved COVID situation, she said.

The county moved into the orange tier on April 7, allowing an easing of the public health rules for many businesses and activities.

While cases were down this week, there were two deaths reported on Tuesday, a man under 65 and a woman over 65. There have been 80 deaths tied to COVID since March 2020.

The highest proportion of new cases  22% were youths 17 and under, while people in their 20s were the next largest group: 20%, the county said.

Women represented 51% of new cases while non-Hispanic whites were 61%, the county reported.

The county said 152,667 doses of COVID vaccines have been administered to county residents and people who work here, a jump of 10,234 doses for the week.

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 without charge 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.
Behind the scenes with our Cat and Dog teams and their canine sidekicks! 30 April 2021

As a supporter of Animals Asia you probably know about our work with bears! However, you might be less aware of the work we do with cats and dogs and other companion animals in Asia.

But this is all about to change!

Today, were going to visit our paw-esome Cat and Dog Welfare teams in China and Hong Kong SAR, who work incredibly hard to improve the lives of thousands of pets, or companion animals. So lets dive in and find out what theyve been up to so far this year.

Education, education, education!

A huge part of our teams mission is to change the lives of cats and dogs and other companion animals through - you guessed it - education!

The teams regularly visit schools and hold public outreach sessions to raise awareness of responsible pet care, rabies prevention and to encourage people to adopt rather than buy companion animals.

The Covid-19 pandemic meant our teams couldn't carry out their regular activities, as Karina OCarroll, Animal Welfare Education Manage explained: despite the turmoil and having to adapt and adjust to lockdowns and the closure of most of our regular venues, our programmes continued, with staff and volunteers providing online 'visits' and continuing to bring joy, hope and comfort to those in need.

Over the winter break, the China team recruited 122 university students to raise awareness of rabies in local communities and talk to people about the importance of getting their dogs vaccinated.

The tenacious team covered a whopping 14 cities, 61 counties, 113 towns and 143 villages, completing over 2,500 questionnaires and handing out almost 20,000 leaflets. Phew!

Working with children and animals!

As if thats not enough, the teams also managed to squeeze in 23 physical and virtual visits to local primary and secondary schools to deliver our established Professor Paws programme. The sessions aim to raise awareness of animal sentience, something children seem to inherently understand.

Karina explained, Professor Paws has some exciting new materials in the works, to extend learning beyond our visits and encourage empathy and compassion for all life that we share our planet with.

Counsellor Cats and Doctor Dogs

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy Bern Williams.

Anyone who has shared their life with a dog or cat, particularly over the past 12 months, knows just how much joy, support and unconditional love our furry friends give us.

Our teams deliver the well-established Dr Dog programme where we take well behaved dogs into nursing homes and hospitals to offer companionship to the residents and patients.

This year they have visited (virtually and in person) 44 venues and brought joy to the residents and the staff wherever they went! As Karina continues, we can't wait to see our wonderful dogs and their equally wonderful owners, bringing smiles and laughter back to so many people as its when we can touch and hold the dogs that the magic really happens.

Rescue is our favourite breed

Another big part of our companion animal teams work is supporting local shelters and rescue centres.

Suki Deng, China Cat and Dog Welfare Director told us, so far this year, our team here in China has fed 900 stray cats, neutered and returned 13 stray cats, vaccinated over 30 rescue dogs and supported the rescue of 15 Ragdoll cats who had been used for breeding.

Without the generous support of compassionate people around the world, we wouldnt be able to help as many animals or shelters as we do.

For example, this year weve already visited four cat and dog shelters who are in desperate need of support, and we are so pleased that we can help them.

A New Years miracle

Members of the bear and vet team at our Chengdu bear sanctuary were taking a New Years Eve stroll when they happened upon a shaking, emaciated and exhausted puppy. They gently coaxed the pup - who they named Syne - to come with them, then they rushed her back to the sanctuary.

Poor Syne was riddled with mites and was super skinny. After giving her lots of baths, medicine, good food and a whole lot of love, she was soon a picture of health. After a couple of weeks she moved in with her foster mum where she is patiently awaiting her fur-ever home.

Karina concludes, Many people have been severely impacted by the worldwide pandemic mentally, physically and emotionally, and we need to take care of each other more than ever. Through our education and animal therapy programmes, our team continues to share the messages of overcoming adversity, caring for one another and being kind to all life.

Keep checking our social media sites for updates on the incredible work of our brilliant teams in Hong Kong SAR and mainland China, and if you would like to help improve the lives of companion animals in Asia, please consider becoming a monthly donor today.

Woof, woof! Thank you :)

Read more:

Behind the scenes at our bear sanctuary in China

Animals Asias Cat and Dog Welfare programs



Professor Paws and Doctor Dog in action



How therapy dogs change lives



Cat and Dog welfare film and posters shown in Chinese metro
To stem migration from Central America, the Biden administration has a $4 billion plan to build security and prosperity in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador  home to more than 85 percent of all Central American migrants who arrived in the United States during the past three years.

The United States seeks to address the factors pushing people to leave their countries  namely, violence, crime, chronic unemployment and lack of basic services  in a region of gross public corruption.

The Biden plan, which will be partially funded with money diverted from immigration detention and the border wall, is based on a sound analysis of Central Americas dismal socioeconomic conditions. As a former president of Costa Rica, I can attest to the dire situation facing people in neighboring nations.

I also know that money alone cannot build a viable democracy. Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador make up Central Americas Northern Triangle  a poor region with among the worlds highest murder rates.

These countries need education, housing and health systems that work. They need reliable economic structures that can attract foreign investment. And they need inclusive social systems and other crime-prevention strategies that allow people to live without fear.

No such transformation can happen without strong public institutions and politicians committed to the rule of law.

Bidens aid to Central America comes with strict conditions, requiring the leaders of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to undertake significant, concrete and verifiable reforms, including with their own money.

But the United States has unsuccessfully tried to make change in Central America for decades. Every American president since the 1960s has launched initiatives there.

During the Cold War, the United States aimed to counter the spread of communism in the region, sometimes militarily. More recently U.S. aid has focused on strengthening democracy, by investing in everything from judiciary reform and womens education to agriculture and small businesses.

Story continues

The Obama administration also spent millions on initiatives to fight illegal drugs and weaken street gangs, called maras, whose brutal control over urban neighborhoods is one reason migrants say they flee.

Such multibillion-dollar efforts have done little to improve the regions dysfunctions.

If anything, Central Americas problems have gotten worse. COVID-19 is raging across the region. Two Category 5 hurricanes hit Honduras within two weeks in late 2020, leaving more than 250,000 homeless.

To imagine a way out of Central Americas problems, the history of Costa Rica  a democratic and stable Central American country  is illustrative.

Costa Ricas path to success started soon after independence from Spain in 1821. It developed a coffee economy that tied it early to the developing global capitalist economy. While other Central American countries fought prolonged civil wars, Costa Rica adopted a liberal constitution and invested in public education.

Costa Rican democracy strengthened in the 1940s with a constitutional amendment that established a minimum wage and protected women and children from labor abuses. It also established a national social security system, which today provides healthcare and pensions to all Costa Ricans.

These reforms triggered civil war. But the wars end brought about positive transformations. In 1948, Costa Rica abolished its military. No spending in defense allows Costa Rica to invest in human development. The country also created a credible electoral system to ensure the legitimacy of elected governments.

Over the next seven decades, consecutive Costa Rican governments expanded this welfare state, developing a large urban and rural middle class. Already a trusted U.S. ally when the Cold War began, Costa Rica was able to maintain progressive policies that, in other countries, the American government viewed as suspiciously socialist.

Today, Costa Rica invests almost 30 percent of its annual budget in public education, from kindergarten to college. Healthcare represents around 14.8 percent of the budget.

The United States is not a draw for Costa Ricans. It has, itself, received hundreds of thousands of Central American migrants.

The migrants are fleeing political systems that are repressive and prone to militarism, autocracy and corruption. In large part, thats because many Central American countries are dominated by small yet powerful economic and political elites, many dating back generations.

During the Cold War, they quashed popular revolutions pursuing structural transformations  from more equitable taxation and educational investment to agrarian reforms  that could end centuries of oppression and deprivation, often with U.S. support.

Biden adviser Juan Gonzalez says that the presidents plan requires the active participation of this predatory elite. In March, he told NPR that the administration would take a partnership-based approach in Central America, using both carrots and sticks to push powerful people who may not share the U.S. goals to help their own people. The United States will also enlist local human-rights organizations and pro-democracy groups to aid their cause.

Its too early to know if the expected partnerships with Central American leaders will materialize: The Salvadoran president recently refused to meet with Bidens special envoy to the Northern Triangle. Honduras president is named in a U.S. criminal investigation into his brothers alleged drug-smuggling ring.

Still, without the U.S. resources being offered, Central Americas troubles will persist. Money alone wont solve them  but it is a necessary piece of an enormously complicated puzzle.

Luis Guillermo Solis Rivera was the president of Costa Rica from 2014 to 2018.

The Conversation
Kylie Jenner obtained a restraining order against her sister Kendall Jenner's alleged stalker, who was arrested after he was caught skinny-dipping in the model's pool last month.

A judge ordered 27-year-old Shaquan King to stay at least 100 yards away from her for three years, according to TMZ.

Earlier this month, Kendall was granted her own five-year order of protection from King, which also extends to their mother Kris Jenner.

Stay away: Kylie Jenner obtained a restraining order against her sister Kendall Jenner's alleged stalker, who was arrested after he was caught skinny-dipping in the model's pool last month

King managed to get onto Kendall's property in late March, when he proceeded to get naked and jump in her pool.

He also banged on windows in her home before Jenner's private security apprehended him.

While King was arrested by Los Angeles police, his jail stay was brief, reportedly only six hours, due to COVID-19 protocols.

Staying safe: A judge ordered 27-year-old Shaquan King, who also attempted to break into the makeup mogul's gated community hours after he was released from jail for his nude swim, to stay at least 100 yards away from her for three years, according to TMZ

Tough year: Kendall also received a five-year restraining order from another man, named Maik Bowker, who allegedly planned to drive across the country and buy an illegal firearm to kill both the supermodel, and himself

A day and a half after his release, he made his way to Kylie's gated community and was arrested for felony stalking.

King is now forbidden from contacting all three of the Jenner's, 'directly or indirectly, in any way, shape or form.'

He is also forbidden from getting near all of their homes, workplaces and vehicles for the next five years.

Protecting her family: Earlier this month, Kendall was granted her own five-year order of protection from King, which also extends to their mother Kris Jenner (pictured in 2021)

King was not present at his hearing with Kendall, who was represented by her attorney, Kate Mangels.

Kendall also received a five-year restraining order from another man, named Maik Bowker, who allegedly planned to drive across the country and buy an illegal firearm to kill both the supermodel, and himself.

She was tipped off to the plan by an LAPD detective and went to court to attain the restraining order, which she was granted.

Hard time: Jenner has considerably beefed up her security after both incidents, and has even moved out of her home; seen in 2021

Jenner has considerably beefed up her security after both incidents, and has even moved out of her home.

It was reported in late March that she was packing up and leaving her Beverly Hills home because there was too much risk staying there, despite adding more security.

She has since moved to a 'safe location with armed security, and while she has no plans on returning to the home, it's unclear if she's selling it.
London, May 1 : Another 2,381 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,416,623, according to official figures released on Friday.

The country also reported another 15 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 127,517. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test, Xinhua reported.

More than 34.2 million people have been given the first jab of a coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest official figures.

Meanwhile, England's coronavirus reproduction number, also known as the R number, has risen slightly to between 0.8 and 1.1, up from between 0.8 and one last week, according to the British government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

This means that on average, every 10 people infected will infect between eight and 11 other people. When the figure is above one, an outbreak can grow exponentially.

SAGE scientists said the current figure does not suggest that the epidemic is increasing, but the possibility remains that it cannot be ruled out.

About 66,200 people in Britain tested positive for coronavirus in the week to April 24, down from 105,000 people the previous week, Britain's Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Friday.

The data suggested only 0.1 percent of Britain's population, or one in 975 people, tested positive during the week.

The ONS also said infections "decreased" in every major region of Britain, including in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acknowledged that the majority of scientific experts are of the view that there will be another wave of coronavirus 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.

In England, restaurants and pubs are expected to resume indoor service on May 17 and most rules on gathering outdoors are expected to be lifted.

The British government's four-step plan is expected to see all legal restrictions in England being removed by mid-June.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Phill Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images

The Plainview-Hale County Health Department will host Moderna COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.  noon and 1-4 p.m. at the Plainview  Hale County Health Department, located at 111 E. 10th Street.

Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 806.291.1201 or visiting www.plainviewtx.org. Clinics will continue as long as vaccines are available and everyone age 18 and up is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.
ANN ARBOR, MI  A grassy patch of earth ripe for development outside Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor can be yours for close to $600,000.

Here are some headlines you might have missed this week.

Remembering Reggie, the University of Michigans celebrity campus corgi, who has died

Reggie the Campus Corgi swam in the Pacific Ocean, hiked through Zion National Park and flew on airplanes across the country.

There was no place he was happier, though, than walking through the University of Michigan campus to brighten the days of students and staff alike, Reggies owner Michael P. Sola said.

Empty lot by Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor listed for sale for close to $600,000

The high cost of housing in Ann Arbor is a frequent topic of discussion among city leaders and community members, but whats the price of a vacant lot?

About $600,000, according to a real estate listing for a quarter-acre, grassy patch of earth in a residential neighborhood a stones throw from Michigan Stadium.

Teen accused of robbing Meijer shoppers with fake gun arrested, police say

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with two armed robberies reported at a Washtenaw County Meijer recently.

Police were called on two separate occasions to the Pittsfield Township Meijer, 3825 Carpenter Road, on Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24, for two reports of customers being robbed by a man with a gun.

The weapon used in both robberies was discovered to be an airsoft pistol designed to look like a real handgun.

Barricaded gunman situation in Ypsilanti ends with suspect nowhere to be found

A barricaded gunman believed to be inside an Ypsilanti home and allegedly assaulting a loved one could not be found when police entered the home, according to the Ypsilanti Police Department.

Officers were called to a domestic disturbance at 2 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, at a home in the 300 block of South Street in Ypsilanti where two individuals were fighting and one was believed to have a handgun.

The suspected allegedly pointed the gun at the caller and pulled the trigger, but it failed to fire, police said.

Ann Arbor Public Schools doesnt renew contract of Lawton Elementary principal who sued district

Ann Arbor Public Schools will not renew the contract of Shannon Blick, the Lawton Elementary Principal who filed a lawsuit against the district and has been on a paid leave of absence for nearly two years.

AAPS Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday, April 28, to not renew Blicks contract, which expires on June 30. Superintendent Jeanice Swift argued Blick was unfit to serve as an administrator due to failing to properly address the fraudulent practices of a school janitor.

She was a beautiful, caring person: Family, friends remember stabbing victim as woman of faith

Family and friends of Nyesha Mercedes Robinson gathered at Ellsworth Park Saturday afternoon to remember her as a fighter and a woman of faith.

Robinson, also known as Angel Mercedes Pritchard, died of injuries suffered in a triple stabbing that occurred in an Ann Arbor hotel on April 4. Robinson was one of three women stabbed in the incident

Jeff Hayner faces recall from Ann Arbor City Council for homophobic slur

Ann Arbor City Council Member Jeff Hayner is the target of a recall effort after he used a quote with a homophobic slur to attack journalists on social media.

Ariah Schugat, a registered voter in Hayners ward, submitted a recall petition Monday, April 26, said Ed Golembiewski, Washtenaw County elections director.

Washtenaw Countys roof replacement program to reopen waitlist

Washtenaw Countys Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) is reopening the waitlist for its roof replacement program at noon on Friday, April 30, the county announced.

The roof replacement effort is part of Washtenaw Countys owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program, which assists homeowners throughout the county with needed home repairs.

New manager wants to bring more diversity to Ann Arbor Farmers Market

The new manager of the Ann Arbor Farmers Market is hoping to develop a more diverse vendor community.

Stefanie Stauffer became Ann Arbors Farmers Market Manager in late May 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic raged. As she stepped into her new role, new protocols were put into place due to the pandemic.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  The lingering COVID-19 pandemic has made Filipinos become more forward-looking, and has driven them to set their sights on long-term preparations such as insurance and retirement planning, a recent study by Manulife revealed.

The latest Manulife Asia Care Survey polled around 4,000 people across the Asian region, about 520 hail from the Philippines. Of this number, 90% of Filipinos found retirement planning to have become more important since the health crisis began.

Above the regions 73% average, the company says the Philippine average reflects its residents' heightened focus on achieving financial security amid the uncertainty resulting from the pandemic.

We identified that the needs of Filipinos have changed. They definitely accelerated and looked much more towards retirement  as they recognized that they dont have sufficient retirement planning in place, Manulife president and chief executive officer Richard Bates told CNN Philippines The Exchange.

Given the heightened uncertainty amid COVID-19, Bates noted its essential that long-term planning products allow individuals to be flexible in mapping out their lives ahead. It will enable them to effectively shape the services to cater to their individual needs as much as possible, he said.

Everyone starts at a different point in their journey. With kids, without kids, planning for kidsand all of these elements must be taken into account when trying to find that right policy for you.

For instance, Manulife Freedom allows customers to choose between protecting themselves for 20 years or up to age 65 with a life insurance benefit equal to 200% of ones primary coverage, with payment periods lasting either for five or ten years, Bates said.

The survey also found 87% of Filipinos plan to purchase a new insurance plan in the next six months, higher than the overall average of 71%. Filipinos mostly have their eyes on health, hospitalization, and life protection, noted Manulife.

For these concerns, Manulife HealthFlex is the perfect fit, Bates said, adding that this critical illness product offers flexible different packages and sizes depending on the individuals needs

The customizable health plan allows an individual to choose and pay only for the health coverage they need and according to their budget, while providing benefits and protection from over 100 critical illnesses. For instance, a 30-year-old male can obtain Php300,000 worth of HealthFlex coverage, and pay premium at around Php900 a month.

The main thing is to make sure that youre looking for a policy that has the highest degree of flexibility around it. That means we can cover more and more Filipinos, added Bates.

Visit Manulifes website to learn more about their products.
The European Union is today moving forward with its case against Apple, saying that it is potentially in violation of EU law. Competition chief Margrethe Vestager said that her team believes there is enough evidence to open an antitrust case against the iPhone maker. Vestager tweeted that Apple Music compete [sic] with other music streaming services, but Apple charges high commission fees on rivals in he App Store and forbids them to inform of alternative subscription options.

Our preliminary conclusion: @Apple is in breach of EU competition law. @AppleMusic compete with other music streaming services. But @Apple charges high commission fees on rivals in the App store & forbids them to inform of alternative subscription options. Consumers losing out.  Margrethe Vestager (@vestager) April 30, 2021

The Commission has published its Statement of Objections, essentially a list of issues that officials feel warrant further investigation. The document says that Apples current policies distort competition in the market by raising the costs of competing music streaming. It says that such an act, if found true, would count as a violation of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU which prohibits "abuse of a dominant market position.

The EU's case hinges on two points: Apples 30-percent cut on the majority of in-app transactions made through the App Store, and the App Stores anti-steering provisions. The former, officials claim, could force Spotify and other rival services to raise their prices or stop offering service, distorting the market. The latter, focuses on how Apple blocks developers from communicating to users about the option of cheaper deals.

In response, Apple issued a statement saying that at the core of this case is Spotify's demand they should be able to advertise alternative deals on their iOS app, a practice that no store in the world allows. It added that Spotify wants all the benefits of the App Store but don't think they should have to pay anything for that. The Commission's argument on Spotify's behalf is the opposite of fair competition.

"Spotify has become the largest music subscription service in the world, and were proud for the role we played in that. Spotify does not pay Apple any commission on over 99% of their subscribers, and only pays a 15% commission on those remaining subscribers that they acquired through the App Store. At the core of this case is Spotifys demand they should be able to advertise alternative deals on their iOS app, a practice that no store in the world allows. Once again, they want all the benefits of the App Store but dont think they should have to pay anything for that. The Commissions argument on Spotifys behalf is the opposite of fair competition.

This particular skirmish with the EU began in 2019 when Spotify lodged an official complaint to the EU about how Apple runs its store. The Swedish streaming giant said that Apple wasn't playing fair with its competitors, both financially and technically. In an open letter, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said that Apple was acting as both player and referee to deliberately disadvantage other app developers.

It leveled the charge that the iPhone maker was charging Spotify a 30 percent commission on all in-app purchases. It said that such a fee forced it to raise its price, making it look less competitive compared to other streaming services. Similarly, Spotify took issue with the fact that, at the time, iOS could not use a third-party default and had limited access to products like the Apple Watch or HomePod.

Apple and Google both limit how companies can offer transactions to users, with a prohibition on encouraging users to use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase. This is the anti-steering provision that EU has paid specific attention, saying that Apple is limiting the ability of developers of informing users about such purchasing possibilities, which are usually cheaper.

It was this block on routing transactions through third parties that Epic Games has made a stand protesting against. The company deliberately added a payment workaround to Fortnite on iOS and Android, in violation of both App Store and Google Play rules. Consequently, the app was removed from both storefronts, and has led to Epic seeking legal recourse.

For its part, Apple has repeatedly said that the fees it charges for the App Store go to maintain its infrastructure, and that the rules are there for everyones safety and protection. In a statement made at the time, the company said that Spotify seeks to keep all the benefits of the App Store ecosystem [] without making any contributions to that marketplace. It added that Spotify distribute[s] the music you love while making ever-smaller contributions to the artists, musicians and songwriters who create it."

Broadly speaking, Apple takes a 30 percent cut from all transactions made through the App Store, with few exceptions. Small developers making less than $1 million a year through the marketplace only pay a 15 percent cut, with the higher rate kicking in once that threshold has been passed. Similarly, subscription products pay a 30 percent fee in the first year, which falls to 15 percent every subsequent year.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has defended the revenue split, saying that it is common in the industry and several other platforms do the same. Steam and Google, for instance, both do, although, at least in the eyes of Apples critics, is that neither Valve nor Google can prevent people from buying and installing apps from alternative sources on PC / Mac or Android. Epic Games, meanwhile, itself a PC-gaming platform to rival Steam, charges a 12 percent cut. Microsoft, which also adopted the 30-percent cut, announced on Thursday that it would reduce its fee to 12 percent, at least for PC games.

Several other companies have also spoken out in support of Spotifys initial complaint, including Tile, Telegram and Epic Games. The Coalition for App Fairness is a group founded by some of those companies, saying that the current rules on app stores may stifle competition. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, meanwhile tweeted to say that the EUs decision today was one step closer to creating a level playing field.

Like all EU investigations, this process is likely to take several years, and in a press conference, Vestager said that she had no issue with the 30 percent cut, but the potentially anticompetitive nature of the system as it presently stands.


Operations Update

Melbourne, April 30, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Vintage Energy Ltd ( ASX:VEN ) is pleased to provide a brief update on activities relating to Nangwarry-1 in the onshore Otway Basin and the Vali gas field in the Cooper Basin.- PEL 155: Downhole gauges collected and pressure data being analysed for updated volumetric assessment of Nangwarry reservoir- ATP 2021: Vali-2 drilling ahead at 2,403 metres in Toolachee Formation; gas shows observedOtway Basin - PEL 155 (Vintage 50%, Otway Energy Pty Ltd 50% and operator)Downhole gauges in Nangwarry-1 have been retrieved, with pressure data currently being analysed to provide an updated volumetric estimate of the Nangwarry reservoir. Once this work is completed a volumetric estimate for Nangwarry will be reported to the market as soon as possible.The current gross recoverable estimates for Nangwarry-1 carbon dioxide are: Low of 7.8 Bcf (3.9 Bcf net), Best of 25.1 Bcf (12.6 Bcf net), High of 82.1 Bcf (41.1 Bcf net) (refer ASX release dated 31 August 2020).Cooper Basin - ATP 2021 (Vintage 50% and operator, Metgasco Ltd ( ASX:MEL ) 25%, Bridgeport Cooper Basin Pty Ltd 25%)The Vali-2 well was spudded on 22 April and is currently drilling ahead in the Toolachee Formation at 2,403 metres. The safety performance to date has been excellent with no incidents to report. Pleasingly, gas shows have been observed at the base of the Nappamerri and top of the Toolachee formations. Total depth is expected to be reached around mid-May 2021.The primary objectives of Vali-2 are to appraise the extent of the Patchawarra Formation gas accumulation discovered in Vali-1 ST1, as well as assess the potential for gas in the Toolachee Formation four-way dip closure, not tested in Vali-1 ST1.To view the quarterly report, please visit:About Vintage Energy Ltd

Vintage Energy Ltd (ASX:VEN) has been established to acquire, explore and develop energy assets principally within, but not limited to, Australia, to take advantage of a generally favourable energy pricing outlook.


Actress, director, and visual artist Lucy Liu wrote a piece for the Washington Post reflecting on the highlights of her career as an Asian-American actress, the characters she played, and discusses some of the struggles that Asian-Americans have faced historically. In summary:



- Growing up the only Asian faces she saw on TV were Jack Soo from Barney Miller, George Takei in Star Trek, and actress Anne Miyamoto from the Calgon fabric softener commercial



- Says when she was a kid she and her friends would play and pretend they were Charlie's Angels and that she never dreamed she'd eventually be an Angel in a film



- Regarding her role as Alex Munday in Charlie's Angels, she says, I feel fortunate to have moved the needle a little with some mainstream success, but it is circumscribed, and there is still much further to go. Progress in advancing perceptions on race in this country is not linear; its not easy to shake off nearly 200 years of reductive images and condescension.

- Talks about how the first Chinese woman to have immigrated to the United States, Afong Moy, was a one-person traveling sideshow, showing off her traditional Chinese dress and tiny feet the size of an infant's (because they had been bound), and would sing traditional Chinese songs for American audiences. In France, chinoiserie and toile fabrics literally turned Chinese people into decorative objects, and Liu says that today the AAPI community are constrained by a more figurative box than the one Moy performed in but that our box is every bit as real and confining



- Expresses unhappiness at the way her character O-Ren Ishii was labelled a dragon lady by a recent Teen Vogue article on Hollywood's perpetuation of Asian-American stereotypes. Why not call Uma Thurman, Vivica A. Fox or Daryl Hannah a dragon lady? Liu asks, further stating that she believes the only reason the other three female protagonists, who are also assassins, are not deemed dragon ladies is because they aren't Asian and therefore seen as Other.



- Talks about how Anna May Wong lost roles to white actors in yellowface and was also banned from performing with white actors because of anti-miscengenation laws



- Hollywood frequently imagines a more progressive world than our reality; its one of the reasons Charlies Angels was so important to me. As part of something so iconic, my character Alex Munday normalized Asian identity for a mainstream audience and made a piece of Americana a little more inclusive.



- States that Asian-Americans and Asians face stereotypes that are not only constraining but also deadly, as The man who killed eight spa workers in Atlanta, six of them Asian, claimed he is not racist. Yet he targeted venues staffed predominantly by Asian workers and said he wanted to eliminate a source of sexual temptation he felt he could not control. This warped justification both relies on and perpetuates tropes of Asian women as sexual objects.



- Ends with How can we grow as a society unless we take a brutal and honest look at our collective history of discrimination in America? Its time to Exit the Dragon.









sources

i
Indian envoys and high officials posted across the world have been passed on the message that the one-sided story in global media about PM Narendra Modis incompetent handling of the second influx of the pandemic should be countered.

A virtual gathering of diplomats was held by the government because of the reports in worldwide papers and TV channels censuring the Indian Prime Minister for the governments response to the crisis overwhelming the country.

The Prime Minister is confronting a backlash for holding an election in the state of West Bengal that logged 16,403 fresh cases on Tuesday, and not cancelling the Kumbh Mela festival which was attended by 3.5 million pilgrims.

Numerous news sources have produced videos showing conditions outside medical facilities where individuals are wheezing as they run out of oxygen, along with clips of full crematoriums.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar explained to members to not get overwhelmed by negative media reports.

He said the present circumstances were not unique as the second surge was something nobody could have anticipated, and most progressive health systems in developed nations had come under similar strain at different times during the pandemic.

 Oxygen tank leak kills at least 22 Covid patients in India

Everyone in the meeting was asked to pass on the message that there could be no association between election campaign rallies and the rise in the number of cases.

Jaishankar also referenced how the biggest number of cases were in New Delhi and Maharashtra, where no elections were held.

Nonetheless, the minister failed to address the subject of Kumbh Mela, which has been depicted as a spreader event.
Chapa LaVia, who resigned in January and did not agree to be interviewed for the report, was cited in the report for her hands-off management style. The report found that she left her responsibilities to a nonmedical chief of staff who allowed local administrators to run their own homes, gave inaccurate guidance on the pandemic and refused to enlist outside help in the early stages of the outbreak.
Friday is the 100th day of Joe Bidens term. Traditionally, this period of a presidency involves media discussion of honeymoons, mandates, and ambitious agendas, but also of burgeoning scandals that threaten to stall the new administrations momentum. Biden, however, has kept his scandal quotient near zero by refusing to address topics besides his popular COVID and economic relief initiatives. While some real screw-ups have taken place, they have been outnumbered by faux controversies hyped ineffectively by Republicans desperate to get traction against a president who appeals to many Americans because they dont need to pay attention to what hes doing on a day-to-day basis. Weve ranked them all here, in order, from most to least legitimately suggestive of presidential dishonesty and/or incompetence. And yes, the hamburger thing is last.

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 The refugee cap. On April 16, the administration announced that it would not be raising the historically low annual cap on refugee admissions imposed by Donald Trump, despite Biden having promised to do so many times during the 2020 campaign. This was a moral and political error whose egregiousness was made clear immediately when it was criticized openly by basically every other elected Democrat, including centrist-minded senior figures like Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin. Biden seems to have reasoned that raising Trumps xenophobic refugee limit would draw attention to the administratively unrelated blame he is taking for an increase in undocumented MexicoU.S. border crossings that began in 2020blame that, however dubious, is understood by poll watchers as something that might weaken his standing with some swing voters. But everyone in the party except Biden seemed to believe that breaking a campaign promise in order to endorse an intentionally immigrant-hostile Trump policy was both bad governance and bad politics, and, after a few hours, the administration reversed its reversal.

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Subscribe to the Slatest Newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time.

 Hunter Bidens trash gun. In March, Politico reported on a 2018 incident in which a gun belonging to Bidens son Hunter was briefly lost in the trash outside a Delaware grocery store after Hallie BidenHunters sister-in-law, the widow of his late brother Beautook the gun away from Hunter and tried to dispose of it there. (It was eventually found by a man collecting recyclables.) Anonymous sources told the publication that, while the gun was still missing, Secret Service agents tried to take possession of gun-store paperwork that documented Hunters original purchase of the weapon. (The gothic slapstick of it all was undermined by the news that, according to a police report, Hunter believes Hallie confiscated the gun out of fear that he might harm himself.) Despite involving a facially credible allegation of an abuse of powerthe idea is that the Secret Service might have tried to take the paperwork to prevent Hunter from being linked back to the then-missing gun if it ended up being used in a crimethis story hasnt developed any further, perhaps because Republicans spent so much time crying wolf about Hunter Biden stories before and during the 2020 campaign. Congressional members of the GOP are, nonetheless, trying to keep it in the news.

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 Neera Tandens mean tweets. Yes, were on the third one of these and already using the phrase mean tweetsits been a wild three months! But it does in fact qualify as a scandal, or at least a misstep, by historical standards, that would-be Office of Management and Budget director Neera Tandens nomination was pulled because some Senate Republicans were upset that she had previously used Twitter to describe them with such vicious, graphic insults as the worst and Voldemort.

 T.J. Ducklo. This one is not funny even in a Veep kind of way, but ranks below Tanden because of how minor a figure was involved, namely T.J. Ducklo, a deputy press secretary who resigned after Vanity Fair reported that hed threatened to destroy a Politico reporter who was working on a story he didnt like; Ducklo also told the reporter that he believed she was jealous of him for some reason involving a different man not being interested in having sex with her (the reporter). Very convoluted, but unquestionably inappropriate for the workplace! He is gone now.

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 Andrew Cuomos handling of nursing homes. Its been established that Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo suppressed unflattering data that revealed the extent to which COVID-19 spread through his states nursing homes in the spring of 2020. This isnt funny either; it also doesnt have anything to do with Bidens administration despite the best efforts of right-wing media outlets to suggest a connection.

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 Major Biden. One of Joe Bidens rescue dogs keeps biting people at the White House, getting sent out for training, returning to the White House, and getting sent out for more training after biting more people. Now Jill Biden says theyre also gonna get a cat! No! Dont do it, Dr. Jill Biden!

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 Disrespecting the Space Force. In early February, two Republican congressmen made outraged statements accusing White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki of being too glib in answering a question about the Trump-founded Space Force military branch during a briefing. Her attitude, the GOP members said, evinced a troubling indifference to the upper-atmospheric threat presented by China, a warning that proved all too prescient this week, when D.C. was destroyed by Chinese UFO lasers.

 Canceling Dr. Seuss. In early March, Biden issued a proclamation about Read Across America Day that broke from precedent by not specifically mentioning Dr. Seuss. This coincided with the decision by Dr. Seuss Enterprises to stop publishing six Seuss books, none of which were among his best-known, because they contain anachronistic, racist imagery. In the right wings telling, this became an attempt by Biden, and social-justice Democrats generally, to erase Dr. Seuss from history, to which some conservatives responded by making a show of ordering Seuss books, which, in addition to proving tangibly that Dr. Seuss work is still widely available, means many of them now own work that celebrates anti-materialist communitarianism, environmentalism, and the rewards of trying foreign food.

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 Indoctrinating border children with Kamala Harris book. On April 24, the New York Post ran a cover story which reported that a 2019 childrens book published under Vice President Kamala Harris name was being included in welcome kits for unaccompanied immigrant minors at a shelter in Southern California. The entire basis for this claim was a photo of one of the books at the shelter, and it turns out it was a single copy that had been donated to a book and toy drive. Pretty bad job there, New York Post!

 If ground beef is outlawed, only outlaws will grind beef. Bidens climate-related proposals are not going to require rationing red meat to the point that Americans can only eat one hamburger a month, as Fox News claimed while intentionally mangling an academic study that had already been intentionally mangled by the Daily Mail. In fact, they dont mention red meat at all. This story, you might say, was just red meat for the easily angered right-wing base. Ha ha ha. Hahahahaha. How will the next 100 days ever top that? What a pickle! Get it? Like on aOK.
Unification Minister Lee In-young speaks during a press conference at the Office of the Inter-Korean Dialogue in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap



By Kang Seung-woo



Unification Minister Lee In-young said Thursday that the first half of the year would be the most opportune time to initiate progress in President Moon Jae-in's stalled Korean Peninsula peace process, saying the new American administration needs to engage North Korea as early as possible.



In addition, the minister expected the U.S. policy review on the North Korean regime will recommend adopting a synchronized and phased approach to eliminating Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program, adding that the United States could take a flexible stance on international sanctions following the totalitarian state's moves toward denuclearization.



"The government will make efforts to encourage the U.S. to engage North Korea at an early stage in a bid to normalize the Korean Peninsula peace process and achieve tangible results," Lee said during a press conference at the Office for Inter-Korean Dialogue in Seoul.



"As the U.S. policy review of North Korea is expected to be completed, which will lift uncertainty, I believe that the first half will be the best opportunity and perfect time for South and North Korea and the U.S. to move together toward Korean Peninsula peace progress," he said, adding there could be variables in the latter half of the year such as South Korean politics as the country enters its next presidential election race.



His remarks come as inter-Korean ties have been in deadlock since the Hanoi summit between the U.S. and North Korea ended without a deal in February 2019. Although Tuesday marked the third anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, April 27, 2018, the two sides remained low-key in their celebrations.



In that respect, Lee said the planned summit between President Moon and U.S. President Joe Biden next month would carry weight.



"I hope the summit will serve as momentum to advance the resumption of the peace initiative based on strategic coordination between South Korea and the U.S. on North Korea policy," Lee said.



The minister also expressed his hopes that the Biden administration will respect what the South Korean government's peace initiative has brought about so far and adopt it in its North Korea policy review.



"It is important for the U.S. government to respect the achievements of the peace process from a perspective of allies," he said.



Currently, North Korea has not responded to calls for talks from Washington as well as Seoul, raising speculation that the Kim regime may take action after the Biden administration's North Korean policy review is completed.



Lee echoed the view, saying any action from the North is likely to come after seeing the U.S. policy and the outcome of next month's summit between South Korea and the U.S., along with the coronavirus situation.



However, Lee also said South Korea cannot sit back, just waiting for the U.S. policy review.



"In order to normalize the inter-Korean ties, government-level efforts will be made in the first half of the year," the minister said, adding that Seoul is ready to sit down with the North anytime, anywhere and talk about anything.



The U.S. is now in the final stage of its North Korea policy review and the minster believes Washington will take the path of corresponding measures to the North's denuclearization rather than demanding that it dismantle its nuclear weapons program before receiving economic rewards.



He also vowed to continue efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to North Korea, saying that cooperation in such areas between the two Koreas could help create an atmosphere conducive to building peace and resuming denuclearization talks. The North, however, has not responded to the South's offer of assistance so far.


The relationship between India and the United States has intensified in the first 100 days of the Biden administration, a State Department official said in Washington. The engagement between the two countries during this period reflects a global comprehensive partnership, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, asserting that there has been a concerted focus on India over these 100 days.

"There's been a concerted focus on India over the past 100 days. President Biden, of course, did make mention of India in his (State of the Union) address last night, and I think you can look at that deep partnership and commitment to partnership through any number of lenses," Mr. Price said at his daily news conference.

Mr. Biden himself had an opportunity to speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently. Secretary of State Tony Blinken has engaged with his counterpart, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, several times as well, he said. There have been several high-level delegations. Special Envoy on Climate Change John Kerry was in India not all that long ago. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in India to discuss elements of India-US security cooperation, Mr. Price said.

"We have engaged with India in a multilateral context as well through the Quad, both at the ministerial level and, for the first time ever, at the leader level," he said.

"I have mentioned our climate cooperation, but also our health cooperation, and this was something that pre-dates the pandemic but has intensified with the onset of the pandemic and even further with the uptick in cases that we have seen in India in recent days," Mr. Price said.

"So, I think it is this engagement that reflects our global comprehensive partnership," he said in response to a question.

Also read: 'Stand with India': First US flight with COVID emergency relief supplies lands in Delhi

Also read: Indian envoy to US interacts with American business community on COVID-19 relief efforts
[April 30, 2021] Boqii to Open Its First Offline Store in Shanghai on May 1

SHANGHAI, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boqii Holding Limited ("Boqii" or the "Company") (NYSE: BQ), a leading pet-focused platform in China, today announced the Company will celebrate the opening of its first offline store on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Jing'an IMIX Park, one of the busiest shopping mall in Shanghai. Targeting at providing truly one-stop experience for pets and pet parents, such offline layout will provide Boqii users with a more complete service offering and comprehensive care for pet life. About Boqii Holding Limited Boqii Holding Limited (NYSE: BQ) is China's largest pet-focused platform. We are the leading online destination for pet products and supplies in China with our broad selection of high-quality products including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and our own private label, Yoken and Mocare, offered at competitive prices. Our online sales platforms, including Boqii Mall and our flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, provide customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet products and an engaging and personalized shopping experience. Our Boqii Community provides an informative and interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statments are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.



For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China:

Boqii Holding Limited

Investor Relations

Tel: +86-21-6882-6051

Email: ir@boqii.com The Blueshirt Group

Ms. Susie Wang

Email: susie@blueshirtgroup.com In the United States: The Blueshirt Group

Ms. Julia Qian

Email: julia@blueshirtgroup.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boqii-to-open-its-first-offline-store-in-shanghai-on-may-1-301281119.html SOURCE Boqii Holding Limited

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Just off Bourbon Street, a tiny new French Quarter bar is stepping into some very big shoes of New Orleans cocktail history.

Peychaud's debuts this weekend at 727 Toulouse St. as part of the Hotel Maison De Ville, extending into the lush courtyard of the small hotel. Its the latest from Neal Bodenheimer and his partners at Cure Co., which runs the Uptown bar Cure and the restaurants Cane & Table and Vals.

The name Peychauds should be familiar to anyone whos attempted to mix classic New Orleans cocktails or even just gazed over a properly stocked bar. Peychaud's Bitters is a foundational ingredient in countless drinks, including the most famous with New Orleans lineage, the Sazerac.

Its creator Antoine Amedee Peychaud was a 19th-century apothecary known to history as one of the most influential people in the realm of New Orleans cocktails and, therefore, the world of cocktails at large. He once lived at the address the new bar Peychauds now calls home. For a time, the property was known as Peychaud House.

I consider Peychaud the most important figure in New Orleans cocktails; his product is in everything, said Bodenhiemer. "For me, that connection was enough to want to do this."

The bartender he tapped to lead Peychauds made his own name in the ranks of the modern New Orleans cocktail world  Nicholas Jarrett, a longtime bartender at Cure, the Saint and other bars.

His drinks list proceeds with straight-up classics: a Sazerac, a Vieux Carre, an Ojen cocktail, a French 75 (here, made with aged gin) and some specialties like the gunshop fizz, a cult favorite at Cure made with an eye-popping amount of (wait for it) Peychauds Bitters.

Cafe brulot and Irish coffee and a large format version of the Ramos gin fizz will also be in rotation in the future.

The bar serves no food, focusing instead purely on the drinks. Bodenheimer sees it becoming a place that's an adjunct to dinner in the French Quarter or maybe a spot to go after a long lunch.

It's real simple, it's just a good French Quarter bar, he said. There's nothing here that's all that modern or different, we just want to add to the landscape of places for a great drink in the Quarter.

Food and restaurant news in your inbox Every Thursday we give you the scoop on NOLA dining. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Peychauds has a small bar, occupying a parlor-sized chamber in its historic building. At least to begin, the bar has no stools. Its a walk-up bar, with a collection of tables and banquette seating inside.

The courtyard in back is much larger, and stepping into it counts as one of the sweeping reveals of the French Quarter.

Entering from the street, you proceed down a narrow alley which opens to a flagstone square centered on a fountain and rising through a vista of low rooftops, the catwalk-like galleries of surrounding buildings and flowering trees stretching all the way through the block, including the wisteria-draped patio of the Court of Two Sisters next door.

The rumble of Bourbon Street is steps away but insulated by centuries of history.

The Sazerac Co., the New Orleans-based spirits giant, produces Peychauds Bitters now (including some at its grand, interactive Sazerac House museum on Canal Street). The new bar is using the Peychauds name under a licensing agreement with the Sazerac Co., Bodenheimer said.

Peychauds

727 Toulousse St.

Opens April 30, initial hours 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday

+21 Sazerac House opens its doors, and a new portal for New Orleans cocktail culture Wine aficionados can pursue their passion at vineyards and tasting rooms around the world. Breweries will draw beer hounds wherever they set up shop.

+4 New bar at Four Seasons Hotel will have caviar, Champagne, cocktails from French 75 alum When the Four Seasons Hotel opens, visitors will have much to explore inside the landmark building, the former World Trade Center at the foot 
"Our leadership status in the 2021 Fosway 9-Grid for Talent Acquisition solidifies our commitment to our EMEA customers" Tweet this

Global customer community : supporting the complex hiring needs of brands such as Wipro, Deutsche Bank, Bloomberg, HP and Astra Zeneca.

: supporting the complex hiring needs of brands such as Wipro, Deutsche Bank, Bloomberg, HP and Astra Zeneca. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) analytics : enabling talent teams to explore where historically underrepresented candidates are dropping off in the hiring process, viewing candidates by stage by their self-identified race, ethnicity and gender to understand where more inclusive measures need to be implemented and set goals for each hiring stage.

: enabling talent teams to explore where historically underrepresented candidates are dropping off in the hiring process, viewing candidates by stage by their self-identified race, ethnicity and gender to understand where more inclusive measures need to be implemented and set goals for each hiring stage. Video storytelling and engagement : reimagining the talent experience by showcasing an authentic employer brand through employee-generated video testimonials.

reimagining the talent experience by showcasing an authentic employer brand through employee-generated video testimonials. Seamless integrations : gaining local fit and flexibility via out-of-the-box integrations.

: gaining local fit and flexibility via out-of-the-box integrations. Extensive partner ecosystem: benefiting from partnerships with leading HCM and payroll software providers.

partner ecosystem: benefiting from partnerships with leading HCM and payroll software providers. Global support : delivering Premium Success Support with a 24/7 technical helpdesk for global companies; global implementations.

: delivering Premium Success Support with a 24/7 technical helpdesk for global companies; global implementations. Global recruiting tools : engaging with candidates across geographies and channels including Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and SMS; tailored country career sites; multilingual capabilities, and in-country and pan-regional compliance.

: engaging with candidates across geographies and channels including Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and SMS; tailored country career sites; multilingual capabilities, and in-country and pan-regional compliance. Investments in EU Data Security : achieving leading international privacy and information certification ISO/IEC 27701 led by our Data Protection Officer and privacy team.

: achieving leading international privacy and information certification ISO/IEC 27701 led by our Data Protection Officer and privacy team. Worldwide hosting & disaster recovery centers: providing eight hosting sites around the world and six data recovery centers designed for high availability to protect against disaster.

providing eight hosting sites around the world and six data recovery centers designed for high availability to protect against disaster. Global leadership: gaining expertise from iCIMS' growing European team and 2020 acquisitions of companies headquartered in France and Ireland .

"Global business leaders are facing new and evolving business priorities and challenges every day," said Mickael Cabrol, managing director of EMEA at iCIMS. "Having the right people is critical to success and access to the best talent requires optimum technology, a premier partner network and a global community of customers. Our leadership status in the 2021 Fosway 9-Grid for Talent Acquisition solidifies our commitment to our EMEA customers to provide the strongest portfolio of solutions to meet their needs, while contributing to our global growth in multiple regions."

David Wilson, CEO of Fosway said, "The disruption of the pandemic has opened opportunities for a new breed of talent acquisition systems to help organisations adapt to the constantly changing requirements in recruitment. iCIMS has significantly accelerated both its product innovation and its growth and customer advocacy in EMEA with its recognition in this year's analysis."

This recognition from Fosway Group follows additional industry recognition from Aptitude Research, Gartner and Josh Bersin.

About iCIMS

iCIMS is the talent cloud company that empowers organizations to attract, engage, hire, and advance the right talent that builds a diverse, winning workforce. iCIMS accelerates transformation for a community of approximately 4,300 customers, including 40 percent of the Fortune 100.

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(Natural News) Israel is now investigating a number of adverse reactions in some of its citizens who got the Pfizer/BioNTech Wuhan coronavirus vaccine.

Authorities in the Middle Eastern country said they identified more than 60 cases of heart lining and heart muscle inflammation in vaccinated Israelis. Israel administered the two-dose mRNA vaccine to a large portion of its population.

News outlet Channel 12 reported that the Israeli government identified 62 incidents of myocarditis or pericarditis, based on a study by the Israeli Ministry of Health. The condition reportedly developed in one out of 100,000 vaccinated Israelis. Two people died of the adverse reaction, while the rest recovered.

Israeli health officials are now examining whether the incidents are indeed connected to the two-dose vaccine.

The countrys coronavirus czar Nachman Ash confirmed the investigation during an April 25 interview with Israeli station Radio 103FM. He told the radio station: It looks like the benefit of the vaccine is so great  that even if we do find a connection between some of the cases and the vaccine, it wont be justified to take any action.

Ash added that information regarding the cases has been forwarded to Pfizer. The pharmaceutical firm meanwhile confirmed in a statement that it is aware of the myocarditis reports in Israel. However, the company insisted that there is no evidence  that myocarditis is a risk associated with the two-dose vaccine.

We have not observed a higher rate of myocarditis than what would be expected in the general population. A causal link [between heart inflammations and] the vaccine has not been established, the Pfizer statement said.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Health Ministry has also responded to questions regarding the heart inflammation cases. It said that its study doesnt show with certainty that there is a higher mortality rate or an increased prevalence of either myocarditis or pericarditis with the vaccine.

The reports of cardiac inflammation after vaccination add to the dangers associated with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) School of Public Health Director Nadav Davidovitch seconded Ashs sentiments regarding the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. He said that even if a correlation between the heart inflammation cases and the vaccine were established, it did not appear to merit suspending the vaccines use.

[In] an interim analysis, it seems the risk of getting sick from COVID-19 is much higher than from the vaccines adverse events. [The] risk of pericarditis [or] myocarditis following the vaccine is low and temporary, Davidovitch remarked. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that its a situation that should be looked into.

The reports of pericarditis and myocarditis followed a concerning study that the vaccine may ultimately be unable to provide protection against the Wuhan coronavirus. A team of Israeli researchers found that two so-called variants of concern had a higher chance of infecting vaccinated people compared to those who were not.

Researchers from Tel Aviv University (TAU) and Israeli health provider Clalit Health Services examined 800 positive COVID-19 test results for their paper. Half of the results came from vaccinated Israelis, while the other half came from unvaccinated ones. They found that the South African B1351 variant was eight times more prevalent in people who completed two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine compared to unvaccinated one  5.4 percent vis-a-vis 0.7 percent.

The researchers also found that the U.K. B117 variant had a higher prevalence in those who received only one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. But the prevalence of the British strain in those who completed two doses was no different from its South African counterpart. The study authors remarked that the B1351 strain made up about one percent of the COVID-19 cases they scrutinized.

Lead researcher and TAU professor Adi Stern said: We found a disproportionately higher rate of the South African [B1351] variant among people vaccinated with a second dose, compared to the unvaccinated group. Based on patterns in the general population, we would have expected just one case of the South African variant  but we saw eight. Stern commented that her teams study suggested that the B1351 strain could bypass vaccine-induced immunity to some extent. (Related: South African B1351 coronavirus variant affects vaccinated patients more easily than the unvaccinated, warn Israeli researchers.)

Visit VaccineDamage.news to read more about the different risks associated with the Pfizer/BioNTech Wuhan coronavirus vaccine.

Sources include:

BloombergQuint.com

LifeSiteNews.com
A glance at some of the day's highlights from the Proactive Investors newswire

( ) said it has acquired Drawnite.com, a fan website for the video game Fortnite in another expansion of its digital media arm.

( ) said its COVID-19 PCR test has been approved by Indian regulator after the 96 SARS-CoV-2 kit achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity in the performance evaluation conducted by the countrys Council of Medical Research.

( ) said it landed a new US$1.1mln rental contract from an existing North American customer. The customer will rent Enteq's core Measurement While Drilling (MWD) technology for a minimum of eight months.

( ) chief executive Richard Marsden said he was delighted by the findings from a phase II study of 221 hospitalised and home-based Covid patients.

( ) said it has now received its CE mark approval for its MED3000 erectile dysfunction gel formulation as a Class 2B approved medical device.

( ) has acquired a package of assets in Louisiana, marking its first deal in a newly identified central regional focus area (RFA).

( ) has updated investors on the outcome of its strategic implementation review while also unveiling a number of changes to its board.

( ) has reported improved losses during 2020 as the company said it had successfully navigated the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic due to its multiple revenue stream business model, with revenues remained relatively steady at 10mln.

(FRA:M8H, ) said its aim is to continue growing through acquisitions at a similar pace to the previous two years.

( ) informed that the board has exercised its discretion to waive the requirement for a mandatory offer for the company by Labro Investments Limited upon the acquisition of up to 10,000,000 ordinary shares in the company.

PLC ( ) said it came out of 2020 stronger than it went in and expects to make progress across its portfolio with the possibility of additions.

( ) has inked a strategic research agreement with the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E) that gives it secure access to 1.2mln patient records.

Salt Lake Potash Limited ( ) ( ) ( ) (FRA:W1D) has updated investors in a quarterly report for the period to March 31 as it focused on completing the development of the Lake Way sulphate of potash (SOP) project in Western Australia.

(LON:COPL, TSE:XOP) described a remarkable year as it filed its full year results. The first half of the year was difficult, but was truly outstanding at year-end, said Arthur Millholland chief executive said in a statement.

( ) has introduced a Carbon Policy that sets out its commitments relating to the management of carbon emissions, low-carbon targets and initiatives.

( ) said its next phase of work will comprise drilling at Ragged Range, its US uranium-vanadium project in Colorado, and resource extension work and ISR test work at Alford East.

( ) said it has eleven active non-disclosure agreements in force currently with opportunities across mineral sands, lead, nickel, copper, gold, zinc, cobalt, potash, and iron ore.

( ) said it has appointed its interim chief financial officer Mike Gant to the position permanently and to the board with immediate effect.

( ) said Richard Withers has tendered his resignation as chief financial officer to pursue a project outside of the group.

( ) has noted associate Cobre Limiteds quarterly statement for the three months to end-March 2021. London-listed MTR owns 16.6%, a stake that will rise to 21% after completion of a recent fundraise by Cobre.

( ) announced that it was notified on 29 April 2021 that on that same day, Nick Rodgers, chairman of the company, purchased 1,511 shares at a price of 148.7p apiece.

( ) said Vulpes Life Sciences Fund, a person closely associated with non-executive director Martin Diggle has purchased 400,000 ordinary shares in the company at a price of 20.4p apiece.

Curtis Banks PLC ( ) announced that its annual general meeting will be held on Thursday 27 May 2021. Due to Covid-19, shareholders are strongly recommended not to attend the AGM in person and are instead requested to complete their form of proxy or submit their votes electronically.

Shanta Gold PLC ( ) notified that chief executive Eric Zurrin and chief financial officer Luke Leslie will provide a live investor presentation via the Investor Meet Company platform at 10:30am BST on Wednesday 5th May 2021.

Scotgold Resources Ltd ( ) lost A$2.6mln during the six months to 31 December 2020 as the company made substantial progress towards putting its Cononish gold mine in Scotland into operation.

( ) has delivered its half-year results as the companys new chief executive looked to draw a line under the past business.


Susan Wright, a congressional candidate for the US House of Representatives from Texas, said anonymous robocalls were accusing her of murdering her husband, who died of coronavirus in February (Susan Wright campaign Facebook)

A race for a vacant seat in the US House of Representatives has set a new low for negative campaigning.

Susan Wright, a Texas Republican running to fill the House seat left vacant by her deceased husband, was shocked to learn that her supporters had been receiving calls from her opponent insinuating that she murdered her spouse.

Politico reported that she was "seeking help from federal law enforcement" the day before special elections are scheduled to take place in order to address the robocalls.

"Wright's campaign reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice on Friday after discovering robocalls baselessly alleging that she had 'murdered' her husband, the late GOP Rep. Ron Wright. Wright is running in the special election to succeed Wright, who passed away in February after being diagnosed with coronavirus," the report stated.

The robocalls were sent by a blocked number.

The calls reportedly begin with a female voice claiming that Ms Wright "murdered her husband" and was running for Congress to "cover it up."

The voice then cites "confidential sources" and claims that Ms Wright "obtained a $1m life insurance policy on the life of her husband ... six months before his death."

Ms Wright's husband, former US Rep. Ron Wright, died at age 67 from the coronavirus in February.

The call claims that she "tearfully confided in a nurse that she had purposely contracted the coronavirus" in order to pass it to her husband.

According to the strange call, the hospital "has made a formal criminal referral to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and they have no opened a formal criminal inquiry into the matter," before saying "it is clear the voters of Texas' 6th Congressional District deserve to know the truth about Susan Wright and her involvement in the dead of her husband."

The calls do not have a "paid-for" attribution common in political advertisements.

Story continues

To make matters worse for the congressional candidate, anyone casually searching Google to confirm the claims using terms like "Susan Wright" and "murder" will be directed to a host of articles about another Susan Wright who actually did murder her husband in 2003.

Ms Wright has been backed by former President Donald Trump, and is facing former professional wrestler Dan Rodimer, former Trump official Brian Harrison, Michael Wood, a businessman, and Jake Ellzey.

Mr Ellzey said that the calls were "unbelievable that anybody would stoop so low."

Mr Harrison also condemned the call, saying voters were "sick of candidates resorting to disgraceful negative attacks."

The candidate said her aides learned of the robocalls on Friday morning. The special election is scheduled for Saturday.

"This is illegal, immoral, and wrong. Theres not a sewer too deep that some politicians wont plumb," Ms Wright said in a statement.

Read More

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The chairman said the plans unveiled today will reset the company and its capital structure, including a new 6.9mln equity raise

( ) said it will convene an extraordinary general meeting and reveal a number of material changes to the business including a 6.9mln capital raise, a new chief executive, and a rebrand to Challenger Energy Group PLC.

Challenger Energy will in the near-term focus on cashflow and production whilst managing a cost cutting initiative to reduce its operational cost by at least 20% to 30%.

Eytan Uliel, currently commercial director, will become the companys new chief executive and Simon Potter is to transition to a non-executive director role, effective from May 20.

The company is to raise 6.9mln with an open offer to qualifying shareholders, issuing some 1.96bn new shares priced at 0.35p. Shareholders will be able to buy 1 new share for every 2.46 shares they hold. Any shares not taken up will be sold to institutional investors at the same price.

The equity issue will be followed by a 1:10 share consolidation.

"The company is focussed on restoration, renewal and refreshment, said chairman Bill Schrader.

In this context, the company's forward business strategy for the coming 12-18 months has been firmly set, on significantly increasing oil production and thus cashflow from our assets in Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, which the board considers to be the most effective manner in which to restore value and create a foundation for future value growth.

Much of the detail in Challengers operations have previously been announced.

The Saffron-2 appraisal well, in Trinidad, will be a highlight as drilling gets underway in May or June.

The well is budgeted to cost US$3mln and is expected to yield 200 to 300 barrels of oil per day (bopd), to generate US$1.8mln to US$2.6mln of cashflow per year and set up a full-field development programme which could establish a base of 1,000 to 1,500 bopd, for US$8mln to US$12mln per year.

A longer term development of Saffron would comprise up to 30 wells to achieve peak production of around 4,000 bopd, it noted.

Separately, an appraisal well at the Weg Naar Zee project in Suriname is slated for July, budgeted at US$0.7mln, to potentially tee up an initial development producing 100 bopd for US$1mln of cashflow per year. A longer term development scenario is projected to generate more than US$2.5mln per year.

Challenger will also continue its schedule of ongoing production maintenance and enhancement work in Trinidad and Tobago where five producing fields currently average production between 450 and 500 bopd, for US$3mln of annual cashflow.

The company said it intends to continue low-cost exploration activities meanwhile a farm-out is sought for the groups Bahamas asset.

In Uruguay, the company is conducting initial technical work and in the future it will consider options to farm-out a stake in the project.

Along with the chief executive switch, the company will also see non-executive directors Adrian Collins and Ross McDonald step down, and, Stephen Bizzell will join.

I would like to welcome both Eytan Uliel and Stephen Bizzell on their prospective appointments to the board, as respectively CEO and non-executive director, Schrader said.

Shareholders will already be familiar with the contribution of Eytan to the organisation over the last seven years, and Stephen is highly credentialled in the industry, having successfully assisted many similar companies with significant capital raisings and transformational corporate transactions, as well as having actively supported the funding of this company for the past two years.

Simon Potter stays with us as a non-executive director, where his skills and experience remain available to the organisation.

The chairman added: Taken together, the steps being announced today represent what the board considers to be a coordinated approach to charting a viable and value-restorative future course for the company.

Eytan Uliel, chief executive designate, meanwhile, said: Our company has a diverse full-cycle portfolio of production, development and exploration assets.

The work program for 2021 and beyond is busy, and contains many value triggers.

The re-set proposed today will enable us to get after that value, through building production and cashflow. I am excited by the prospect of leading Challenger Energy Group, and I look forward to engaging with all our stakeholders over the coming months."
Rudy Giuliani says he offered FBI agents Hunter Bidens laptop hard drives during the early morning raid at his New York apartment.

Donald Trumps lawyer told Tucker Carlson on Fox News that despite his offer the agents refused to take the hard drives from him.

The former mayor of New Yorks apartment in Manhattan was searched by agents earlier this week and they reportedly removed electronic equipment with a warrant.

Mr Giuliani described the FBI agents as somewhat apologetic and very professional as they carried out the raid at his Upper East Side home on behalf of federal prosecutors.

They decided to leave those behind and were quite content to take my word that they were Hunter Bidens hard drives, I mean they could have been Donald Trumps, they could have been Vladimir Putins, they could have been anybodys, said Mr Giuliani.

He then complained about the early morning timing of the raid, which took place at around 6am.

What? Im going to destroy the evidence? Ive known about this for two years, Tucker. I could have destroyed the evidence years ago, said Mr Giuliani, before adding that there was no need to as the evidence is exculpatory.

Mr Giuliani tried to create a scandal surrounding Hunter Bidens laptop in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election in an unsuccessful attempt to damage Mr Bidens campaign for the White House.

The now-presidents campaign strongly denied allegations from Mr Trump and his associates that Hunter Bidens business dealings in Ukraine had influenced Mr Biden when he was Barack Obamas vice president.

Federal investigators from the US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, which he used to run, are reportedly looking into Mr Giulianis dealings with politicians and business leaders in Ukraine and whether he violated the law on lobbying for foreign countries.

Mr Giuliani has insisted that all his work in Ukraine, where he tried to secure an investigation into Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden, was done on the behalf of Mr Trump.

He went on to mention Hunter Bidens name so many times during the interview that at one point he accidentally called Carlson by that name.

The US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York has refused to comment on the raid or investigation.
A prison governor said Fishmongers' Hall attacker Usman Khan was a 'completely reformed prisoner' before he went on to fatally stab two Cambridge graduates.

Will Styles was in charge of HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire before Khan's release in December 2018.

The inquest jury was shown a police document which stated a prison governor - believed to be Mr Styles - spoke glowingly about Khan at Whitemoor in summer 2019, which Khan was invited to attend as a guest upon his release.

The document said: 'The prison governor told Julia Nix (a Department for Work and Pensions employee) that Khan was a completely reformed prisoner.'

Mr Styles said he did not recall the conversation, but he may have said it.

Nick Armstrong said the comment was 'completely inappropriate' for a governor to make when the last risk assessment suggested Khan was still a risk.

Mr Styles said: 'I didn't know Mr Khan particularly well, which leaves some doubt in my mind whether it was me it (the police document) was referring to.

'I may have said Khan is a reformed character.'

Usman Khan (pictured) during a 'thank-you' message for a Learning Together event in Cambridge in March 2019

He said senior prison staff decided Khan should be allowed to join a creative writing course run by Learning Together.

Months later he was invited to a Learning Together celebration event in central London on November 29 2019, a year after his release from prison, where he fatally stabbed Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23.

Mr Styles said he was confident he was 'given a picture' of Khan's behaviour in prison at the time, adding he was aware the convicted jihadi was 'a difficult and risky character'.

But he said the decision was made to allow the 28-year-old, from Staffordshire, to join. Khan would go on to be considered a 'success story' for Learning Together, the inquests previously heard.

Khan leaving his home in Stafford before heading to London, which was shown in court at the inquest into the terror attack at the Fishmongers' Hall in London

Giving evidence at the inquests into the deaths, at City of London's Guildhall on Friday, Mr Styles said: 'The concern was he was a (terror) offender. Consideration was given to risk, opportunity, benefit.

'Some of the coursework involved ethics, and there was discussion whether someone with a history of extremist ideology would be able to participate respectfully in a discussion about ethics.'

He said it was concluded that Khan should be able to join Learning Together, despite intelligence Khan had been involved in radicalisation inside prison, and that he was considered something of a gang member.

Khan was invited to a celebration event in central London on November 29 2019, a year after his release from prison, where he fatally stabbed Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt (left), 25, and Saskia Jones (right), 23

He said: 'I thought the risks presented were controllable and the potential benefits for Usman given his fairly imminent release - I thought it was a positive opportunity for Usman and for us.'

Mr Styles said although Learning Together was no longer running at Whitemoor, its impact had been 'amazing'.

He said: 'It's very difficult to set aside the impact of the Fishmongers' Hall attack, but if I was able to do that I would say the feedback of everybody involved - staff, Learning Together attendees, prisoners - was absolutely outstandingly positive.

'Amazing, actually.'

Mr Styles, under examination from Nick Armstrong representing Mr Merritt's family, said he regretted there was no documentation of the discussion to allow Khan onto the creative writing course.

Mr Armstrong said: 'This is an important conversation to have, whether we can put a terrorist on this programme... but there is no documentation of this conversation.'

Mr Styles replied: 'In the circumstances we are in today, I regret there isn't... but we don't have a risk record of every decision we make allocating a prisoner to an education or employment programme.'

Khan, 28, on a train to London on the day of the attack. He wore a black jacket to hide his fake suicide vest

Khan was pursued onto nearby London Bridge by three bystanders who were armed with a fire extinguisher and a narwhal tusk in an attempt to disarm him

The inquest jury previously saw images of Khan wearing a coat - bought the day before, in a size larger than he would normally wear - at the Learning Together event. Pictured, the day he bought the coat

The inquest jury also saw a draft of a letter in February 2019, two months after Khan's release into the community, seeking an award for Learning Together's work in Whitemoor, specifically regarding Khan.

It said: 'The unusual circumstances of the imminent risk of a high-risk offender (Khan) has presented opportunities to reflect upon engagements that have contributed towards enabling students to prepare to go out into the community and make positive contributions.'

Terrorist Usman Khan told officials he was no longer having 'dark thoughts' as he tried to find a job, jury hears Usman Khan promised Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff he had moved away from terrorism, and was no longer having 'dark thoughts' following his eight-year sentence in prison for plotting a jihadi training camp in his parents' homeland of Pakistan. Even in the days before he fatally stabbed Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones at a prisoner education event at Fishmongers' Hall, Khan was protesting he had put his old ways behind him, telling DWP area manager Julia Nix: 'I'm 100% positive, I don't have any terrorist thoughts at all.' Ms Nix told the inquests into their deaths at City of London's Guildhall that Khan spoke only briefly about the crimes which resulted in him being classified a high-risk category A prisoner. She said: 'He (Khan) said he had done something serious. 'But on a scale of A-Z he felt, although it was terrorism, it was on the 'A scale' because it was purely fundraising.' She added: 'He was quite articulate... (he said) he had moved away from individuals, he had purposefully put himself in a place that he would not be influenced. 'He had no dark thoughts, he promised me he had no terrorist thoughts.' Ms Nix said she sought to help Khan get a job, but was unsuccessful. She said she was concerned Khan may be having suicidal thoughts in October 2019, due to the nature of a text message he sent her disclosing his frustrations. She said: 'He wanted to thank me very much for all my help and support but (he) had to be realistic that in spite of all my efforts he might never get a job. 'I phoned him. 'I thought the urgency was quite great because I didn't know if he was having suicidal thoughts. 'He was very grateful, very relieved to hear my voice. 'I was happy to engage with him and motivate him.' She said she spoke to Khan in the days before the atrocity, telling him she had passed his CV to a network of employers supporting ex-offenders. 'He was absolutely delighted,' she said. Advertisement

Mr Armstrong accused Mr Styles of 'using very giddy language' and ignoring the 'hard-headed' risk analysis.

Mr Styles said: 'I stand by the spirit of that statement. Mr Khan's engagement with Learning Together demonstrated that it did more than anything else in his time at Whitemoor... to help him desist and disengage with extremist behaviour.

'I think it was reasonable to conclude Learning Together had been a very, very positive experience in developing protective factors for Mr Khan.'

Nick Armstrong suggested those involved with Learning Together sought to use Khan as a 'poster boy' for the programme in order to support applications for financial grants.

Will Styles said: 'Learning Together had been a hugely positive experience, and it is fair to say Usman Khan had been seen as a success story - I wouldn't say a poster boy - at that point in time.

'I was enthusiastic about Learning Together, I am enthusiastic about anything we can bring into a prison which helps rehabilitate men because most of those men will be, at some point, living in your town, in your city, in your street.'

Jo Boulton, Usman Khan's offender supervision officer at HMP Whitemoor, also returned to give evidence.

Ms Boulton agreed with Philip Rule, counsel for the family of Ms Jones, that Khan routinely challenged and denied the intelligence against him.

She said: 'The (intelligence of) taqiya (telling lies) he was very unhappy about, the radicalisation he was very unhappy about, he was always adamant he was never involved in that.

'He would minimise it and try and give a different explanation.'

Mr Rule said evidence of Khan telling lies to staff included denying wanting to live in Pakistan - despite discussing it with his mother in a recorded telephone conversation.

He was also reported to have shouted through the two minutes' Remembrance Sunday silence in November 2017.

Ms Boulton said: 'He gave an explanation that he was talking on the telephone.'

Inquest jurors were shown a prison service email from October 2018, two months before Khan was released, during which Khan apparently suggests filming something for a prison-focused television channel called Wayout TV.

The email said: 'He (Khan) had a powerful story to tell about how education has changed his life and is willing to record something for Wayout TV.'

Mr Rule, for Ms Jones' family, told the inquests: 'He is being taken at his word as a success story in October 2018 within the prison system.'

The inquests, at City of London's Guildhall, also heard evidence that Ms Boulton discussed Khan's attitudes to drugs in June 2018, during which he said he had no problem with other people using drugs, but was not a drug user himself.

The inquests previously heard toxicology evidence that Khan had used cocaine and heroin in the weeks leading up to the Fishmongers' Hall atrocity.

The inquest jury previously heard evidence of how Khan's behaviour improved in the final year of his eight-year sentence for plotting a terror training camp in Pakistan, where his mother and father were from.

Khan armed himself with kitchen knives while hiding in a toilet at Fishmongers' Hall, before emerging to kill two guests - including Mr Merritt, who he had worked with extensively - and injure three others, before being chased and disarmed on nearby London Bridge by three men armed with a fire extinguisher and a narwhal tusk.

He was then killed by police.

The inquests continue.

A Metropolitan Police photograph of an improvised explosive device which was shown during the inquest
The roots of the modern gross-out comedy can be traced to EC Comics and Mad Magazine, giddily demented publications devoured by kids in the middle of the last century, some of whom went on to create movies like Animal House and American Pie. This led to an arms race of vulgarity with increasingly rote bursts of taboo-busting along with hilarious landmarks: the contagious vomiting in Stand By Me, the hair gel in Theres Something About Mary, and the wildly influential Jackass franchise. (One of its creators, Jeff Tremaine, is a producer of Bad Trip.)

Bad Trip is firmly in this tradition, but updated for an era in which reality and fiction increasingly blur. Its no surprise that Nathan Fielder and Sacha Baron Cohen, who have used the tools of documentary features to expand the palette of comedy, helped consult. Bad Trip, which has elements of a buddy movie, a romance and a prank show, spills every imaginable bodily fluid and stomps on delicate sensibilities, but manages to do this with warmth and earned sentiment.

Key to its success is the benevolently mischievous charisma of Eric Andre, an anarchic performer who always seems on the verge of accidental destruction, whether in his standup or his brilliantly experimental talk show. He moves through Bad Trip like a giant pane of glass in a silent movie. His fragility earns your sympathy right from the start.

In the first scene, his character, Chris, working at a Florida carwash, chats with a customer when he spots in the distance a woman who was his high school crush. Mouth agape, soupy music in the background, he explains how nervous he feels seeing her, before accidentally stepping toward a vacuum that suddenly sucks off his jump suit. Hes left naked as the girl approaches. He and the woman are actors, but the stranger watching this unfold is not, and this entire stunt is engineered to find comedy in his reaction while setting the gears of the plot in motion. Its secondhand cringe comedy.
By Jana Kadah

Bay City News Foundation

California's Big City Mayors, a coalition of mayors from the 13 largest cities, are calling on the state to allocate half of its $40 billion surplus to local governments to curb and end homelessness.

The ask: $4 billion per-year, five-year investment for a total of $20 billion in flexible funding as part of the state budget.

"There's no question it's a big investment," coalition chair and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said at a virtual news conference on Thursday. "But spending half of a surplus on the biggest problem we faced in California, and making that commitment last for a half decade, that's money well spent."

With the combination of the state's $26 billion in federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan and the record surplus, mayors see this as a unique opportunity to make drastic impacts for the states 161,000 unhoused residents.

Mayors are calling the surplus a "generational opportunity," because, economic challenges make it difficult to identify an ongoing revenue source.

If approved, the funding would be roughly 10 times greater than any funding the cities have received in the past, Sacramento Mayor Darell Steinberg said.

Steinberg noted that even with a fraction of what they are asking for now, cities have been able to house hundreds of residents with state money from Project Roomkey, Project Homekey and other initiatives.

In a letter to State senate and assembly leaders, mayors wrote that through Project Homekey, cities were able to create transitional housing at $148,000 per unit.

"Based on the average cost of our Project Homekey success, a four-year allocation of $16 billion that we've outlined could create more than 100,000 homes--or enough to permanently house nearly every Californian who entered a homeless shelter in 2020," the letter reads.

Steinberg also noted that additional resources could support those dealing with rent struggles, prevent evictions and prevent people from losing their homes - essentially preventing homelessness.

"Imagine a California with these kinds of investments," he said.

Mayors emphasized that the funding would need to be flexible because every city has unique ways in addressing and combatting homeless.

In San Jose, the city utilized state funding to build three interim housing sites on neglected public land within months, Liccardo said.

"Building apartments in the Bay Area typically costs about $700,000 per apartment unit and requires four or five years to build in a development cycle," Liccardo said. "We've shown we can do this... in less than six months at a fifth of the cost."

San Francisco used its state funding to create more than 9000 permanent housing placements through initiatives like purchasing hotels, its Mayor London Breed said.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf also touted her city's success by pointing to a couple of "unique initiatives" that have allowed the city to double the number of residents sheltered over the last year.

Initiatives include creating safe RV parks, buying and transforming an old college dormitory into housing and even purchasing single-family homes to create a haven for homeless seniors to live together.

"We know how to fix this problem. Each of our jurisdictions have done detailed analyses and have regional plans in the Bay Area," Schaaf said. "We just need the resources."

Schaaf pointed to the regional Bay Area action plan created by nonprofit All Home that seeks to shrink the region's homeless population by 75 percent in three years by following the 1-2-4 framework.

Essentially, this means for every one unit of interim housing built, there should be two units of permanent housing and four units of homeless prevention interventions to keep people housed.

The last part of the framework, which could look like accelerated cash payments, income-targeted rental assistance and other housing support, is the most important aspect she said.

"What we're seeing is we're getting people out of homelessness, but new people are becoming homeless at a faster rate," Schaaf said.

She continued that a solution to homelessness is what residents wanted too.

Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln echoed this sentiment as well.

"Over 80 percent of Stockton residents view homelessness as a humanitarian crisis affecting the quality of life for all Stocktonians," Lincoln said.

So how likely is it that the Big City Mayors get their request met?

Well, already State Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Speaker Anthony Rendon have voiced their support, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

The $4 billion yearly funding for housing and homelessness is also listed as budget priorities, released earlier this week, for both the state assembly and state senate.

If passed, the funding would likely be split between cities and counties, with more funding going to entities with more homelessness, Liccardo said.

"The allocation typically is based on a formula that combines both point in time, homeless counts and population and so we expect those kinds of formulas to continue," Liccardo said. "And we'll be certainly advocating to ensure that the hardest hit cities, after all it's large cities that have suffered most from homelessness, are in fact, front and center."

It won't be an easy road, but the mayors said they are hopeful.

"We just have a sense of optimism here," Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. "We can begin to move the needle, we can begin to make a change."

The Big City Mayors coalition includes Mayors from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Riverside, Santa Ana and Stockton.

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.
LEBANON  Scott Anderson, a McKendree University political science major from East Alton, has been inducted into the Alpha Zeta Epsilon chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha national political science honor society at McKendree University.

Pi Sigma Alpha recognizes academic excellence and brings together students and faculty interested in the study of government and politics.
Lucknow, April 30 : The State Election Commission (SEC) has announced that action would be initiated under the Calamity Management Act, 2005, against anyone found violating the Covid safety norms during counting of votes for panchayat elections on May 2.

The SEC also announced a complete ban on victory processions by the candidates and their supporters. It also made it mandatory for the candidates to submit the list of counting agents to the district electoral officers by Friday evening.

State Election Commissioner Manoj Kumar has issued a slew of directives that include negative RT-PCR or rapid antigen test report - conducted 48 hours before the counting - by the candidates or their representatives attending the counting.

The announcement came two days after the Allahabad High Court pulled up the poll panel over deaths of 135 teachers who were deployed on poll duty during the four-phase panchayat election.

The commission said that the district administration will ensure no crowding takes place at the place of counting.

It also banned entry of persons not wearing masks and having symptoms like fever, cold and cough at the place of counting of votes.

Kumar said that all persons will be subjected to thermal scanning and proper sanitization before being allowed entry at the counting hall.

A medical help desk will be set up in all counting centres to deal with emergencies, if any.
Project permits initially stalled by the pandemic never came through, U.S. Steel has added capacity elsewhere, and now it must shift its focus to its goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities by 2050, it said.
LODI TOWNSHIP, MI  A property line dispute between neighbors in Southeast Michigan led to the construction of a 250-foot-long wall of poop  or a compost fence, FOX 2 Detroit reports.

The cow manure is normally spread out on the farmers field next door, said Wayne Lambarth, who owns the adjacent property in Lodi Township, Washentaw County. Now, the turds are piled as a smelly reminder of a property line dispute from last year.

The stench permeates Lambarths rental house near the property line, the report said. Complaints have been lodged but local officials say theres nothing they can do since the feces is on the farmers property.

Its not a poop wall, the farmer told FOX 2. Its a compost fence.
They, along with city workers and teachers, who not only work on a defined budget (so there are no profits or additional funds for extra pay) also have a stronger ability to control their workplace environment. Grocery workers do not. They interact with hundreds of people daily, often working with minimal PPE and safety precautions, and are often dealing with rude customers who refuse to mask up.

An average employee makes $18 per hour in California. at 40 hours a week (and that is generous as most employees in these stores work only part-time) that is about $38,000 a year before taxes. Could you imagine having to support a family on that income during normal times, let alone a pandemic? This ordinance would give these workers a chance to catch up and keep their heads above water.

We have seen this ordinance passed in 17 cities, Benicia being the most recent. Some have been implemented for months. We have not seen the sky fall, stores have not closed, employees have not been laid off. Some companies like Lucky's/Save-Mart have paid hazard pay to their workers without interruption since the start of the pandemic. They are proof that these large companies can afford this ordinance, and we commend Lucky's for doing right by their workers.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Thursday doctors at Mayo Clinic reflecting on the progress made on COVID-19 testing in Minnesota over the last year, and addressing what's next.

It was mid-February of last year when testing for COVID-19 first began.

Within four weeks, Mayo Clinic developed the first SARS CoV-2 test in the country outside of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Running over 560,000 tests in southeast Minnesota, more than 35,000 of those were positive cases.

But that wasn't enough to fully meet the demand for testing. Clinical microbiology expert at Mayo Clinic Dr. Bobbi Pritt, says Mayo Clinic brought up testing from 10 different manufacturers.

So a lot of new things - new shifts, new people, new inventions. Of course, we're still in this COVID pandemic, she says.

Clinical virology expert at Mayo Clinic Dr. Matthew Binnicker, says the challenges going forward are the new variants. The COVID variant known as B117 first identified in the UK is now the predominant strain in Minnesota.

It spreads faster - it spreads easier than the virus that was first identified early in the pandemic, says Dr. Binnicker.

The priority now is trying to keep a handle on what variants are circulating.

As experts suspect COVID will evolve over time, the state of testing will have to detect and differentiate all of the different viruses.

It will probably continue to evolve over time, and could possibly turn into a regular seasonal respiratory virus, something that we see in conjunction with influenza season, although it's too early to know for sure, says Pritt.

Binnicker says, Our hope is that more people are vaccinated that we'll continue to see case counts drop over the coming weeks and months.

Mayo Clinic has created a sequencing test to identify which variant of the virus is active and Dr. Pritt says two more will be available soon.
The Liddell Power Station is seen February 14, 2006 in Muswellbrook, Australia. (Ian Waldie/Getty Images)

Power Giants Could Pay Coal Stations to Open Under Proposed Changes by Energy Minister

Households wont pay more for their power bills under changes being considered by the federal government, the energy minister claims.

Angus Taylor is considering changing how the energy system works so that dispatchable power stations like coal and gas are paid for being available.

It would see the east coast market follow what occurs in Western Australia.

We only pay for energy, we dont pay for availabilitydispatchabilitybeing a generator that can flick on as soon as its needed, Mr Taylor told The Australian on Friday.

But we have to strengthen those signals to the market, to investors, that we want this dispatchable generation to balance the solar and wind going in.

Its about giving the industry certainty so they keep power stations open and invest in new ones.

Its very important we see retention of our dispatchable generation where it makes sense to do so, including coal, the minister said.

The plan would result in power giants paying more, but Mr Taylor does not think the cost would be passed on to consumers.

No I dont think they need to, he said.

It would instead put downward pressure on prices, the minister believes.

His focus is on ensuring there is enough power available from sources in the evening when solar is not producing energy.

Battery storage is another option being considered by the Energy Security Board in a paper on how to map out the future of the electricity system.

The paper concludes that governments and industry have time to build a more reliable and cleaner electricity system if plans are put in place now.

An influx of renewable power and the retirement of old, coal-fired generation is pushing the existing energy system to its technical limits.

The ESB is set to advise energy ministers mid-year on how best to tackle the many problems involved in getting a new system up and running.

The rapid spread of large-scale wind and solar, along with rooftop PV, across Australia means our energy system is experiencing the fastest and most substantial change in the world, ESB chair Dr Kerry Schott said.

We are preparing the advice ministers need to enable the critical decisions needed for an affordable, reliable and secure electricity system that can ultimately operate at net zero emissions.

The first of four areas of work is preparing for an orderly retirement of coal-fired power by enabling the timely entry of new generation, storage and firming capacity.

The second area of work needed is on backing up power system security.

Security is about keeping the lights on by maintaining the power systems technical parameters like voltage, frequency and current flows under control and within safe limits.

The third innovation is making sure consumers installing solar PV, batteries and smart appliances can reap the benefits of doing so, while not putting the system at risk.

A fourth reform is opening the power grid to cheaper large-scale renewables through a series of priority renewable energy zones, which would ensure generation and transmission is done in a planned way
Last October, Cyber Command tweeted a picture of a Russian bear dropping a Halloween candy bucket full of its latest malware trick or treats. From conception to deployment, the effort took 22 days.

The American military may be the finest in the world but its social media skills are embarrassing. (In true government form, the number of days spent producing the image was one less than the number of pages in the report detailing the exercise.)

If America is to succeed in the contested information space, then it should leave the mission to the nations civilian agencies.

The History

Once upon a time, the United States was extremely capable of information operations and influence campaigns.

During the Cold War, the United States applied an array of diplomatic and intelligence resources to counter Soviet information activities. Through coordinated campaigns in print, on radio, libraries abroad, and a roster of speakers, the U.S. successfully introduced foreign audiences to American interests and values. When necessary, American also covertly funded friendly parties and unions in other countries and created front organizations to expose communist atrocities. When given a choice between their regimes state media and Radio Free Europe, oppressed Eastern Europeans chose the latter.

When the Cold War ended, the United States simply dismantled these instruments  peace meant America no longer needed these wartime tools.

However, American adversaries do not recognize the difference between peace and war and they have employed information energetically since their founding.

In the 1920s, Lenin erected an elaborate but fictitious counter-revolutionary organization, the Trust, to lure and mark dissidents at home and abroad for elimination. The multi-year effort effectively decimated the anti-communist emigre movement. In the same decade, Mao recast the Long March, a disastrous military retreat, as an irresistible message to oppressed peasantry  the road of the Red Army is their only road to liberation. After prevailing in the civil war, the Party tasked its propaganda arm, the United Front Work Department, with disseminating communist orthodoxy and marginalizing dissent.

After Putin solidified his control of post-Soviet Russia, he rapidly revived the states information capabilities and redeployed it effectively  first against the countrys near abroad and then the West.

Under Xi, Chinas United Front supports the regimes efforts to foster the loyalty of overseas communities, infiltrate dissident groups, and burnish its image around the world.

In the process, they have de-panted the United States in the media narrative locker room.

In the Ukraine, Russian operatives prepped the battlefield by provoking native Russians and publishing sensationalist stories of imaginary atrocities. Then it inserted the now-infamous little green men that Russia shrewdly use to deflect responsibility for the unrest. America found it incredibly difficult to denounce an invasion that was or was not occurring. The Ukraine requested armor but the United States instead posted a hashtag and sent meals-ready-to-eat.

More ambitiously, Russia intruded in the 2016 American presidential election and upended the countrys political discourse for the next two years.

Amid the global pandemic, Chinese authorities effectively undermined theories that COVID emerged from one of its laboratories while threateningly reminding other countries of their dependence on their assistance  if someone claims that Chinas exports are toxic, then stop wearing China-made masks and protective gowns.

More comprehensively, the Chinese leadership contrasted its authoritarian regimes success in neutralizing the virus with the continuing struggles faced by the Wests democracies.

What To Do Now

A democratic republic, the United States cannot imitate the tactics of these authoritarian regimes.

It, however, can imitate key aspects of their approaches.

In both Russia and China, these entities reported directly to the national leadership, in part because the regimes are authoritarian, but also because their leadership recognizes information is fundamental to grand strategy.

In the Soviet Union, the entity responsible for information operations, Service A, was continuously elevated within the KGB, amply resourced with funding and manpower, and allied capabilities were subordinated into its operations. (Of equal importance, the operatives were unconventional thinkers and creative contrarians; one fearsome practitioner became a painter in retirement.) Under Putin, information campaigns have attained even greater prominence, permeating all aspects of Russian military and intelligence operations.

Similarly, Chinas United Front serves as the coordinating body for multiple departments, each well-resourced in their own right, moving aggressively on multiple fronts. Efforts include sponsoring visits by prominent political, military, economic, and cultural figures; funding academic institutes and exchanges; and, providing Chinese language and cultural education. However, the initiatives provide a cover for covert aims  tracking citizens abroad, collecting intelligence, co-opting media organizations, creating pressure groups, isolating Taiwan, and quashing reports of genocide in Xinjiang. The Chinese Communist Party deems the United Front a critical tool in its twin objectives  ensuring the partys supremacy and establishing the nations pre-eminence around the world.

In glaring contrast, the United States does not have a single unified definition of information or a strategy outlining its application as an instrument in service of the national interest.

Moreover, American information responsibilities and capabilities are fragmented across multiple entities. State is responsible for strategic communications; the CIA for analyzing foreign cyber threats; and Homeland Security for domestic cyber-security and protecting critical infrastructure.

Naturally, the Department of Defense is expected to contribute significantly and has devised a holistic definition.

According to joint doctrine, the information environment is comprised of and aggregates numerous social, cultural, cognitive, technical, and physical attributes that act upon and impact knowledge, understanding, beliefs, world views, and, ultimately, actions of an individual, group, system, community, or organization. Ultimately, the information environment directly affects and transcends all operational environments.

Clearly comprehensive but ultimately unwieldy.

The definition includes technical systems and their use of data as an aside, but of course, it is here where the American military excels  disrupting and destroying the enemys information technology assets and capabilities.

American armed forces turned off the power in downtown Belgrade, emasculated Iraqi command and control systems in back to back wars, and (allegedly) crippled Iranian nuclear centrifuges with malicious code. (Allegedly.)

However, even DoD has not yet consolidated the mission in a single entity.

The Under Secretary for Policy has been designated as the Principal Information Operations Advisor. Bidens just-confirmed pick for the position, however, has had minimal experience with information operations. In fact, his only experience briefly jeopardized his nomination  his overly partisan tweets prompted concerns as to whether he could work with both parties in Congress.

The NSA celebrates its sixtieth anniversary next year and has been indispensable to American efforts to protecting sensitive communications while collecting information and data globally. The agencys zeal in performing the latter mission backfired, however, when it was revealed allied communications were also being collected.

Within DoD, Cyber Command is responsible for offensive cyberspace operations and Special Operations Command is the lead for information operations. Unfortunately, at a March hearing, DoD witnesses acknowledged the military isnt keeping up with information-warfare threats from Russia and China and reiterated the need for a whole-of-government approach.

One could fairly interpret the latter comment as a plea to be excused from the mission. During the global war on terrorism, the whole-of-government mantra was repeatedly endlessly and still the other departments barely showed up.

ISIS information operatives once tormented America with its relentless messaging. Theyre also now dead because American bombs were more effective than tweets. DoD could be forgiven for wanting to be given a pass and to focus on kinetic operations.

Kennan, the architect of containment, recognized Americas belief that peace and war were distinct and would hinder its efforts to counter the Soviets. To succeed, Kennans solution was simple  wage political warfare. Most importantly, Kennan recommended the implementing entity would be staffed and led by civilians reporting directly to the President via the Secretary of State.

The United States would be wise to revisit this recommendation.

In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of just war but it is Hermes who is the herald of the gods.

To paraphrase the Scriptures, render unto Athena that which is Athenas, render unto Hermes the things which are Hermes.

Jordan Prescott is a private contractor working in defense and national security since 2002. He has been published in RealClearDefense, The National Interest, Small Wars Journal, and Modern War Institute.

This article appeared originally at 1945.
India: Reeling from COVID-19, seafood traders unsure of what comes next

by Toan Dao

April 30,2021 | Source: SeaFoodSource

Indias seafood industry is beginning to feel the effects of a new wave of COVID-19 sweeping the country. A shrimp farmer in Gujarat reported to SeafoodSource that farm-gate prices are dropping as farmers in some areas are worried about a rush to harvest early to achieve some value for their crop before anticipated lockdowns or trading restrictions that could be imposed in coming days or weeks. But most farmers he talked with have agreed to avoid mass harvests." Separately, a trader from the southeast state of Andhra Pradesh, said that while big cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have suffered severely from the renewed COVID-19 outbreak, most of the countrys shrimp-processing factories will see less of a direct impact due to their location Indias east coast. However, worries over the virus and lockdowns may create a labor crunch  thousands of workers were reported by The Indian Express to be fleeing big cities across India in advance of potential lockdowns. New harvest volumes are picking up, but many factories may soon face workforce shortages, because migrant workers are returning home, fearing another lockdown, he said. The second source said shrimp farmers in Gujarat began stocking in late February and early March and so far around 60 percent of stocking has been completed.



Some farmers are continuing seeding, but others have decided to delay stocking to the end of May or early June because of worker shortages. Nevertheless, he said the countrys experience with a previous severe outbreak last year should help with planning for the current surge. Luckily, harvesting activities in Gujarat will start toward mid/end of May or June and panic-harvest[ing] can be avoided with systematic planning, as we have some time to plan in advance, he said. The current wave of infections is hitting India hard, with an average of 300,000 new cases each day in the past week. Health facilities and crematoriums, especially in big cities, are overwhelmed. The countrys total infections are about 18 million with 201,187 deaths. But the actual figures are likely higher, according to Reuters. As a result, some global forecasting agencies are revising Indias economic growth forecasts downward. Nomuras chief economist covering India, Sonal Varma, predicted Indias gross domestic product (GDP) growth will contract 1.5 percent in the current quarter, with downside risk coming along with this forecast, CNBC reported. Global forecasting firm Oxford Economics forecasted Indias 2021 GDP growth is likely to reach 10.2 percent, down from a previous estimate of 11.8 percent, The Economic Times reported. A third source, who has 26 years of experience in shrimp hatchery and farms, said the new outbreak has resulted in a nationwide shortage of oxygen, affecting the supply for shrimp hatcheries. Contrarily, a fourth source, also a trader from Andhra Pradesh, did not expect a significant impact from the current outbreak. Its too early to predict the impact, but we expect it not to cause major disruptions like last year. We are also not expecting any panic-harvest[ing], as most states governments are against any major lockdowns or restrictions, he said. The surge in infections is exceptionally high in western and northern parts of the country, primarily urban areas.



The rate of infections in Andhra Pradesh and other shrimp farming states is currently lower than in other states. A fifth source, a seafood industry source in Gujarat who exports seafood to China, said he doesnt expect the direct impact of the new coronavirus wave to harm his business as much as concerns about it abroad. Our prime minister said now lockdown is not possible and we can fight like we did in the first wave, he said. But [buyers] dont know which parts of India [are affected the most]. Already hurt by delays in exports to China over that countrys fears of importing COVID-19 on frozen import cargoes, the Gujarati exporter has a further pullback from his Chinese buyers. They have stopped buying and [are] telling us their clients are worried, he said. India is still reeling from tightening access to the Chinese market caused by stricter customs clearance protocols and skyrocketing shipping rates, according to Amod Ashok Salgaonkar, a seafood sourcing expert based in Mumbai. The newly developed COVID-19 rules by China along with stricter scrutiny at local level is resulting in slower container movements, Salgaonkar told SeafoodSource. Normally, the payment gets cleared within 20 to 30 days from shipment. However, with this new protocol adoption, the payment release duration has increased to 45 to 50 days. Indias Ministry of Commerce and Industry showed Indias seafood exports were worth INR 436 billion (USD 6.4 billion, EUR 5.2 billion) between April 2019 and March 2020, with China accounting for 21.7 percent of the total.



But Indian seafood shipments to China fell by 40 percent in value and 36 percent in volume between April 2020 and the end of December 2020. In response, India appears to be shifting seafood exports to markets in Africa and the Middle East. Indian shipments to Africa have surged  shipments to Cameroon rose by 735 percent in the period April 2020 through the end of January 2021. Shipments to Mozambique  primarily mackerel and scad filets  rose by 139 percent in the same timeframe. Indian seafood shipments to Romania rose 157 percent, and the South Asian country has also scored strong growth in its seafood trade to Iran and Israel, according to official Indian data. Primarily due to COVID-19, cumulative seafood exports from India between April 2020 to March 2021 declined 17 percent in value and 20.5 percent in volume, according to the Financial Express. But exports could also be declining due to another reason, according to Salgaonkar: new data shows domestic consumption has continued to increase at a 12 percent clip year-on-year in value through the coronavirus crisis. This suggests the market at home may help offset some of the sales lost in China, Salgaonkar said.

 2021 Diversified Communications.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - The deaths of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, and others at the hands of police have sparked civil unrest nationwide. Now, attention is being brought to the way law enforcement breaks up unruly protestors.

The use of tear gas is banned from warfare, according to the Journal of Science Policy and Governance. But law enforcement is allowed to use it to help control riots. A group of doctoral students from the University of Minnesota Medical School is pushing for more regulation and research on tear gas.

Roman Tyshynksy explained they're finding not a lot of research has been conducted on the use of tear gas and that alone is concerning. It's not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, and can cause coughing or shortness of breath, which can help spread infections like COVID-19. Researchers say it can lead to environmental effects and potentially worsen any underlying health conditions you might have.

Obviously, the main reason tear gas is used is to disperse and control large crowds. But sometimes, it can have the opposite effect. "You can't really predict how people are going to be reacting to the use of tear gas on them," said Tyshynksy. "It can cause chaos or anger and it just escalates things."

Tyshynksy said their research shows that tear gas can also have a chilling effect on freedom of speech. "It can cause people to be hesitant to protest and that is another really big issue that I think people are talking about more often now and there might be some actual traction being caned in order to cause some kind of reform," he explained. "Even if it's at the local level or the state level. If not, Federal."

Portland, Denver, and Seattle suspended the use of tear gas to disperse crowds during the 2020 protests.
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ANSAmed - Weekly diary from May 3 to May 9

(ANSAmed) - ROME, APRIL 30 - The following are the main events scheduled in the Euro-Mediterranean area from from May 3 to May 9: MONDAY MAY 3 VARIOUS CITIES - World Press Freedom Day.



CAIRO - Visit by Turkish delegation to discuss 'normalisation' of relations between the two countries.



ANKARA - Hearing in a trial of 108 people, including pro-Kurdish officials, for charges related to deadly 2014 protests.



TUNIS - Public healthcare workers will go on strike.



ROME - G20 culture and tourism ministers meeting.



TUESDAY MAY 4 ALGIERS - Appeal trial for Issad Rebrab, CEO of Cevital, Algeria's top private company, on charges of false communications on capital transfer abroad.



ATHENS - Strike called by Greece's main trade union.



MADRID - Early elections for the Madrid regional parliament.



PARIS - French parliament votes on sweeping climate protection law.



WEDNESDAY MAY 5 LISBON - Protest against lithium extraction projects.



PARIS - Appeal trial against Rifaat Al-Assad, uncle of Syria's president, in a case of ''illicit goods" (until 14/5).



THURSDAY MAY 6 ATHENS - Trade unions to strike against new labor law.



BRUSSELS - EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defense).



FRIDAY MAY 7 ISTANBUL - Inauguration of the first mosque in Taksim square.



PORTO - Porto Social Summit kicks off.



SATURDAY MAY 8 ALGIERS - National Remembrance Day in honour of the victims of a May 8, 1945 massacre.



SUNDAY MAY 9 No major events scheduled (ANSAmed).




An investigative report and previously unseen videos from the 2018 death of a Kansas teenager shot multiple times by police during a wellness check were released Thursday by the city of Overland Park  much-needed transparency, his family said, after more than three years of demanding that files in the case be made public.

The redacted 500-page report, along with photos and videos of police dashcam footage and interviews after the shooting, have shed some light into why Overland Park police Officer Clayton Jenison said he fired his weapon 13 times as John Albers, 17, backed a minivan out of his family's garage.

"I thought he was going to run me over, man," Jenison can be heard repeating in one video, as he sobbed and breathed heavily after the shooting.

But Albers' parents believe the files still don't explain the full story, and questioned Friday why there wasn't a scene diagram and reconstruction report of the shooting, and why although Jenison's training history was included, no performance reviews or more information about the officer's employment were available.

"This 'investigation' contains little information about the officer that fired his weapon 13 times or his performance as a police officer," Steve and Sheila Albers said in a statement.

The shooting of Albers has remained in the spotlight in Kansas, a state where police records are largely kept under wraps, even after a case is closed. The FBI in September confirmed that it has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the police shooting; the review remains pending.

One month after the Jan. 20, 2018, shooting, Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe released some dashcam video when he announced that Jenison, who said he feared for his life, was justified and would not be charged. At the time, the police department did not have body-worn cameras.

The newly released files include social media posts and journal entries in which John Albers, a high school junior, expressed mental health struggles. Police were called to the Albers' home when a friend was concerned that he may have been intoxicated and feeling suicidal and had threatened to stab himself with a knife.

Story continues

"John may not have been perfect, but he was deeply loved," the Albers said in their statement. "He deserved an investigation that was competent, unbiased and backed by evidence. This was not an investigation, it was victim blaming."

The city of Overland Park, in its decision to make the files public, said it had received numerous requests for the report, but consistently denied them because the files had "sensitive personal information" and their release "can have a serious negative impact on future investigations."

In January, NBC affiliate KSHB in Kansas City, Missouri, sued the city for the release of the investigative files related to the case. The city at the time sought dismissal of the lawsuit, which remains pending.

But in a surprise move this week, the city said it would release a redacted report and some evidence.

"As a result of this ongoing discussion, misinformation has been circulated resulting in a serious erosion of public trust over this period of time," the city said in a statement, adding that the withholding of the report "has become an obstacle to restoring the community's trust and confidence in the City of Overland Park, its officials, and the Overland Park Police Department."

Neither the police department nor the Johnson County District Attorney's Office immediately responded to requests for comment about how the Albers characterized the investigation, which was handled by the Johnson County Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Team. Sean Reilly, a spokesman for the city, said Friday that a 3D scan of the crime scene is being retained by Johnson County's crime lab.

"Our sympathy goes out to the family and we respect their perspective," Reilly wrote in an email. "However, the city concurs with the district attorney that the officer reasonably feared for his life and it was a lawful use of force."

Albers' family has long questioned the police's narrative of the night the teen was killed.

Image: John Albers. (Courtesy of Sheila Albers)

Just before dusk, Albers was home alone while his family went out for dinner. That's when a concerned friend contacted police for a welfare check, according to a federal complaint filed by the family against the city and Jenison. Albers was known to police because of past domestic incidents, and, according to the complaint, police knew he "potentially had mental health problems."

Dashcam videos and a neighbor's security camera showed Jenison and another officer arriving at the home. They first spoke for a few minutes outside and did not knock on the front door or identify themselves. Eventually, the family's garage door swung open, and Jenison unholstered his weapon and moved toward the door as the minivan, which Albers was driving, began to back out slowly and in a straight line. Jenison reacted, aiming his weapon and yelling, "Stop, stop, stop." Jenison, who was standing to the right of the van, fired twice toward Albers; the family's complaint contended that one or both of the bullets struck the teenager, "incapacitating him and rendering him unable to control the minivan."

The car stopped but then speeded up in reverse, making a U-turn in the driveway and backing up. Jenison fired 11 more shots, and the minivan pulled forward, past another police car that had just approached, and coasted in neutral into the driveway of a home across the street, according to the report and dashcam video.

The minivan that John Albers was driving came to a stop in front of a home in Overland Park, Kansas, on Jan. 20, 2018. (Overland Park Police Department)

An autopsy report later showed that six bullets had struck Albers: in the head, the upper neck, the left shoulder, the right shoulder, the back torso and the lower lip. A toxicology report indicated that he had not been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In interviews with investigators four days after the shooting, Jenison, who had been with the Overland Park Police Department for about two years, explained: "I unholstered my service weapon. I approached the garage door. The vehicle started backing out. I told him to stop. He didn't listen to my commands. I shot."

The car then went in reverse and did a U-turn, and Jenison said he fired again as he believed the car was going to hit him.

Jenison said dispatchers had warned officers arriving at the scene that Albers had been cutting himself and posted on social media that he had threatened to harm himself. The officer added that he was new to that patrol area and couldn't remember if he had ever been to that home.

Overland Park police Officer Clayton Jenison seen after the shooting of John Albers on Jan. 20, 2018. (Overland Park Police Department)

He said that he took cover outside of the home because "I don't know if he's self-harm or if he also has homicidal tendencies."

"To protect me, I move closer to the house, so that if he comes out of the garage or front door I can control the situation."

Sheila Albers said Friday there was no evidence to show that her son was homicidal or that officers should have gone in believing her son would commit violence against them.

Howe, the district attorney, said in 2018 that he decided not to charge Jenison because "these are fluid and instantaneous decisions that a law enforcement officer must make, which makes the job so difficult."

James Nolan, a professor and chair of sociology at West Virginia University, who is a former police officer in Wilmington, Delaware, said this case highlights a police mindset that automatically assumes someone is dangerous.

"Seeing things the wrong way can create great harm, even though the intentions are good," Nolan said. "That's why all around this country this is going on and officers are making these great errors. Suddenly, a car becomes a deadly weapon even if the person is only trying to get away."

"People are not looking at the police and saying, 'I'm glad you're here. I'm depressed. Help me,'" Nolan said. "In fact, it's just the opposite."

The Albers ended up settling the case against Overland Park and Jenison in 2019 for $2.3 million, The Washington Post reported, although the city and Jenison did not admit liability and Overland Park said it settled to avoid the cost and length of a lawsuit.

City officials confirmed in June that Jenison received $70,000 as part of a severance package when he agreed to resign, despite the fact the Johnson County district attorney had cleared him of wrongdoing.

The city said the agreement was "in the best interest of the community" and could prevent Jenison from potentially fighting for reinstatement because there was "no just cause to terminate" him and avoid a costly lawsuit. Officials also said Overland Park Police Chief Frank Donchez never communicated with Jenison about the agreement nor encouraged him to enter into it.

In March, Sheila Albers filed a complaint against Donchez to a governor-appointed state commission that oversees law enforcement training in Kansas. She said Donchez made false statements in reporting how Jenison left the force when he called the officer's departure from the department a "voluntary resignation under ordinary circumstances and for personal reasons."

The city said "we will cooperate fully with any investigation into the matter." Neither Donchez nor Jenison could immediately be reached for comment Friday. The Kansas Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training has said it can't confirm or deny an investigation.

Nolan said police agencies and states must work toward reforms that allow more public scrutiny of complaints against officers and access to internal files so that communities can better trust their local law enforcement.

Kansas' public open records law allows police departments and county prosecutors to decide when to release information  a practice supported by some officials who believe releasing names and other details can affect a case if it goes to trial.

But, Nolan said, "the more information you put out there is a sign you want to be transparent. That's how you can build cooperation with the community instead of conflict."

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
Pharmaceutical company Darnitsa is studying the prospects of entering Asian markets, can present competitive products there.

"We are looking at the Asian market, South Asia. These are quite large markets, where we are faced with a powerful Indian and Chinese form, behind which is state protectionism. But we have products with which we can compete," the press service said citing head of the board of directors of Darnitsa Group Dmytro Shymkiv.

He said that in 2020 the company introduced ten new products to the market, which it represents, including in international markets.

Shymkiv also stressed that Darnitsa supports the initiative of leading Ukrainian pharmaceutical companies to "promote the idea of introducing into the agreement with the EU of the issue of mutual recognition of GMP certificates of pharmaceutical plants."

"This would make it possible to significantly accelerate the export of Ukrainian pharmaceutical products to European countries. Ukrainian pharmaceutical production meets all European standards, the requirements that are prescribed for Ukrainian companies fully meet European standards," he said.

Shymkiv noted that Ukrainian pharmaceutical companies in 2020 during the lockdown were able to maintain and increase their presence in European markets.

Commenting on the possibility of launching vaccine production in Ukraine, he noted that Darnitsa studied the issue of investment in the vaccine business in 2018-2019.

"The business of vaccines is different from the business of drugs. In all developed countries, vaccine production is a production where, first of all, the state is the largest buyer," he said.

Commenting on the possibility of launching the production of vaccines against COVID-19, Shymkiv noted that "the Ukrainian pharma industry can build a plant, invest about $ 10-15 million in it, it will take about 2-2.5 years, but with small volumes it will have to compete with global companies which are already making vaccines."

"At the end of the year, we will have on the world market about 50 vaccines against COVID-19, which will pass all stages of clinical trials. Therefore, the question is how to integrate into this process," he said, stressing that the negotiation process with Western and Eastern companies continues.

Darnitsa pharmaceutical company is the leader of the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market in natural terms. The company was founded in 1930. The portfolio's strategic directions are cardiology, neurology and pain management. The beneficiaries of the company are the Zahoriy family.
Welcome to this weeks edition of the Surge, celebrating its first 100 days of uproarious, popular gags about procedural motions on the House floor. And while some might call it cheap clickbait, we have a vision for whats next: a Second 100 Days of Riffs on the Second-Degree Amendment Process in the Senate. This is what we call getting rich through journalism, and they said it couldnt be done.





Joe Biden celebrated his first 100 days by delivering a joint address to Congress this week, and maybe will spend his second 100 days by not passing anything? Bernie Sanders wants to pass such loony leftie ideas as helping seniors go to the dentistthe end of America as we know itwhile Joe Manchin is conflicted about whether America needs $600 billion or $4 trillion in infrastructure investments. Kevin McCarthy and Liz Cheney hate each other. Ron DeSantis is the new Republican savior; wait, now Tim Scott is the new Republican savior; wait, now a supreme council of four hamburgers is all of Americas savior.





It truly has been a successful first 100 days of the Biden administration, though, so lets be sickos and speculate about how it can all go bad.
India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu held an interaction with members of the business community on the current COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country.

The virtual meeting was hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

During the talks, Sandhu appraised the business community of the items that India is trying to identify and source, including oxygen concentrators, cylinders, ventilators and oxygen generation plants and COVID-19-related drugs like remdesivir and tocilizumab.

"Appreciated the Chamber for coordinating the swift response and resource mobilization by the US business community in support of India to meet the Covid challenge," Sandhu said in a tweet.

In the past few days, the US Chamber of Commerce has mobilised support, brought together partners from other industry bodies and coordinated with the US government to deliver critical medical supplies to India.

Significant additional supplies of medical equipment are being dispatched by the private sector.

Earlier the US Chamber had urged the Biden administration to release unused AstraZeneca vaccine doses for use in India.

Sandhu said he had an important conversation with Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer.

The Ambassador said he highlighted the Indian government's decisions to facilitate import of vaccines and to fast-track emergency-use authorisations for those which have already been given approval in other countries.

Discussed ways in which Pfizer could support healthcare efforts including vaccines in India, and strengthen our pandemic response, he added.

The Ambassador said two US aircraft with oxygen equipment and other COVID-related supplies are on their way to India.

"Thank you @POTUS (President Joe Biden) for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with India during this challenging time," Sandhu tweeted.

WalMart CEO Dough McMillion had interacted with Sandhu a day earlier.

"My heart is breaking for our friends and associates across India as they battle a devastating surge in pandemic cases," McMillion said in a statement.

Walmart is diligently working to deliver oxygen and vital equipment to communities across the country, he said.

FedEx also issued a statement saying it was continuing its support to the fight against COVID-19 and had plans to send a dedicated aircraft with thousands of oxygen concentrators and critical aid for healthcare facilities in India.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A fatal stabbing sends a Gambian fishing village into turmoil over fishmeal

April 30,2021 | Source: Mongabay

Residents of the Gambian coastal town of Sanyang say life has gotten harder since a fishmeal plant set up production in 2017. Growing tensions over unresolved disputes with the factory reached a flashpoint on March 15, when hundreds of people took to the streets in protest. Some of the protesters set trucks and tires ablaze and destroyed a score of fishing boats and thousands of fishing nets. The destruction escalated into the torching of Sanyangs police station, along with the fishmeal factory, run by Chinese-owned Nessim Trading.



The trigger for the unrest was the stabbing death of 33-year-old Sanyang resident Gibril Ceesay on March 14. A Senegalese national who reportedly worked at the Nessim factory allegedly broke into Ceesays home at night with the intention of stealing, killing Ceesay and seriously wounding his brother. We are protesting in Sanyang because of so many reasons, Muhammed Jabang, 22, told Mongabay. If not because of the fishmeal factory, he [the alleged perpetrator] wouldnt have been in Sanyang, said Jabang, who attended the protest but said he was not involved in damaging property.



The situation of the fishmeal factory is a concern for everyone. Fishmeal is taking lots of fish to feed animals, leaving locals without fish for protein, he added. The fishmeal industry has boomed in West Africa in recent years, targeting the same small pelagic fish, predominantly bonga (Ethmalosa fimbriata) and round and flat sardinella (Sardinella aurita and S. maderensis), that are the mainstay for artisanal fishers, who cast nets from wooden pirogues. Protesters in Sanyang destroyed boats and equipment belonging to Senegalese fishers, and clashes between the communities broke out at pirogue-landing sites.



- Three Chinese-owned fishmeal factories have opened in the Gambia since 2016, sparking tensions over allegations of competition with local fishers, overfishing, illegal fishing, and pollution.

- In the town of Sanyang, unresolved disputes with the Nessim Trading fishmeal factory reached a flashpoint on March 15, triggered by the stabbing death of a Sanyang resident, allegedly by a Senegalese worker at the factory.

- Hundreds of people took to the streets in protest, some of them torching the local police station and the fishmeal factory, and destroying boats and equipment belonging to Senegalese fishers.

- The violence drove more than 250 Senegalese residents to flee to the nearby town of Batakonko.



Settlers from neighboring Senegal have long lived in the Gambias fishing communities, sharing tribal and language connections. In recent years, however, the migrant population has increased because the three Chinese-owned fishmeal factories operating since 2016 and 2017 along the Gambias short stretch of coast have favored hiring Senegalese fishers and staff over locals. The violence drove more than 250 Senegalese residents to flee to the nearby town of Batakonko.



Many of us left with our family for safety, a Senegalese fisherman, who did not want to be named, told Mongabay in Batakonko. All our fishing materials, nets, boats and boat engines were set ablaze. I cannot say the amount of loss this incident has brought to us, but its really a mess. I pray such violence never occurs again because Gambian and Senegalese are one people, he added. Following the unrest, 26 young men accused of being involved in the protests were charged and detained at Mile 2 prison. The detention center was infamous, partly for its terrible conditions, during the brutal 22-year dictatorship of former strongman Yahya Jammeh, and has yet to undergo significant reform.



The charges included rioters demolishing buildings, unlawful assembly, conspiracy to commit felony, and arson, which carries a potential life sentence. Hearings at the High Court in the capital Banjul concluded on April 19 with the release of 19 of the detained protesters on bail to face trial at a later date; the others were discharged. Meanwhile, the suspect in Ceesays killing awaits a court date at Mile 2. The extent of the destruction has divided public opinion. Some commentators on social media called the protest wanton vandalism, while others sympathized with the communitys ongoing struggles against the fishmeal factory.



The situation in Sanyang, theyre not activists, theyre retaliators, I call them, Dawda Saine, a marine biologist and the executive secretary of the National Association of Artisanal Fisheries Operators, told Mongabay. What was destroyed amounted to more than hundreds of thousands of US dollars; its a very serious thing. The fishmeal plant was also part of the protest because only one person from Sanyang works at the plant, the rest are Chinese and Senegalese, so this was also a grudge, added Saine, who said he disagreed with the destructive course taken by some protesters even though his organization opposes the fishmeal factories. The action was not justifiable, the protesters should not have destroyed properties.



Many campaigners argue it is the governments lack of response to the communitys concerns that is causing the tinderbox conditions in Sanyang and other areas affected by fishmeal production. Campaigns in 2018 to shut the factories over pollution concerns led to the arrest of environmental activists. The National Environment Agency investigated the Golden Lead factory in Gunjur after a mangrove wildlife reserve turned red from algal blooms attributed to phosphate leaking from a broken wastewater outlet. The matter was settled with an out-of-court fine. Authorities temporarily closed the Nessim Trading factory in Sanyang and the countrys third factory, called JXYG, in the fishing village of Kartong, for inspections before allowing them to resume operations.



The presence of the fishmeal factories also drove away tourists prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, stripping away much-needed local jobs. Those restaurants that employ lots of people are facing threats from the fishmeal factory, the factory smells sent all the tourists away, said Jabang, the protester from Sanyang. Now the pressing concern is over how the fishmeal industry is affecting food security and livelihoods. Greenpeace Africa warned the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) last May that the Gambia was particularly vulnerable to food insecurity as a result of fishmeal production, as fish contributes at least half of the countrys total animal protein intake.



The NGO, from its office in Dakar, Senegal, is campaigning against fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) production, which its previous investigations have found is leading to overexploitation of small pelagic fish in the region. Its OHCHR briefing said 40 FMFO factories were operating in Mauritania, Senegal and the Gambia as of March 2019. Greenpeace estimates that 4 to 5 kilograms (8.8 to 11 pounds) of fresh fish go into making 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of fishmeal and fish oil. Most of these stocks are shared and migrate from Morocco to Guinea, so overfishing in one country has direct implications for fishermen in other countries, its briefing notes.



A separate investigation into the FMFO supply chain in 2019 by Dutch NGO Changing Markets Foundation revealed that most of the fishmeal produced in this region is shipped to China for use in the animal feed and aquaculture markets. It found that the annual production from just one factory in the Gambia represented 40% of Gambias entire reported fish catch for a given year. Unsustainable levels of fishing not only affect the tens of thousands of artisanal fishers in the Gambia, whose population totals 2.3 million, but also those employed smoking and drying fish, who are predominantly women.



Fishing communities are also battling incursions by industrial trawlers into a marine conservation zone along the coast that is reserved for artisanal fishers. Saine told Mongabay that although its difficult to determine who the trawlers work for, most illegally caught bonga and sardinella are sold to fishmeal plants. Poaching in the restricted zone usually occurs at night, he said. At around 9 p.m. you see the trawlers coming in. Artisanal fishers nets are damaged; usually the fishermen lose their nets and there is no compensation, Saine said.



Fishers have reported attacks by the trawler crews. Last year, fisher Musa Jammeh told China Dialogue that he and his crew were sprayed with scalding water after he approached a vessel that had cut his nets and tried to take down its registration numbers so he could make a compensation case. In an effort to curb the problem of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Gambia, the Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources and the Gambian Navy are collaborating with the NGO Sea Shepherd on a patrol campaign. From August 2019 to November 2020, navy officers detained 22 vessels in the port of Banjul for violating fisheries regulations, the majority for incursions inside the restricted zone.



The ongoing campaign significantly reduces IUU fishing while Sea Shepherd is on patrol, Saine said, but incursions resume once its patrol boat leaves the Gambias waters, as the navys patrol capacity is limited. Many activists criticize the ministrys policy of dealing with the detained vessels through out-of-court settlements. Nobody knows where the fine monies are going and even how much the fines are, said Omar Sambou, a lecturer in environmental science and a resident of Sanyang. So, there is no accountability about the fines imposed on these vessels. There is a belief among many Gambians that the government under President Adama Barrow has focused too much on growing foreign business investment, after inheriting a virtually bankrupt treasury from Jammeh in 2017. The fisheries minister, James Gomez, has previously dismissed concerns about overfishing and calls to close the fishmeal factories from affected communities, artisanal fishers and environmental activists.



But Sambou said this position is at the expense of the countrys natural resources. Responsibility for our natural resources should be our main focus as a country. The fact is that they are exploiting our natural resources, exporting thousands of tons of fishmeal outside the Gambia week in week out, he said, referring to the fishmeal factories. Dawda Saine said he and members of the artisanal fishers association are investigating means to bring a legal case against the fishmeal factories over breaches of human rights. We are trying to gather information to challenge the plants at the court level using the U.N. convention on the right to food, because, as far as I know, these fishmeal plants contravene the convention because they cause competition, they encourage overfishing and they cause illegal fishing. These are all principles we can use to challenge the fishmeal factories, so this is the next step, but we need to find a way to do this financially. The Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources and Nessim Trading did not respond to Mongabays requests for comment.

Theme(s): Others, Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Landing Centres, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Communities and Organisations, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats, Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Fisheries Resources.
As India battles the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and most parts of the country is under a strict lockdown, FMCG majors claim that they are better prepared to tackle disruptions this time round. The biggest learning for them in the last one year has been to build a strong crisis management mechanism. From setting up smaller warehouses closer to market to building direct-to-consumer models and integrating technology into their distribution and supply chain network - the FMCG majors say their factories are working full time and their supply chain is fully functional.

"The learnings from last year have helped us to be better prepared and we have quickly reactivated all the initiatives and protocols on the ground. While the system is significantly stretched because of the unprecedented surge we are managing to cope with it because of our agility and resilience," says Saugata Gupta, MD & CEO, Marico. "We have re-initiated all business continuity processes such as tele-calling retail outlets for demand capture and tie-ups with logistics partners for demand fulfilment. We have also implemented a robust tracking and communication mechanism with the field team and channel partners so that information can quickly flow to the right stakeholder and quick decisions can be taken on the ground," he further adds.

In April last year, ITC had rolled out itc.in, its direct to consumer platform, through which it sells the entire gamut of its FMCG products. The e-store had also added a subscription service, through which it sells its fresh dairy products in Bihar and West Bengal. The company has now expanded its e-store across all the metro cities. "ITC has taken all necessary steps to ensure enhanced availability of products for consumers across all channels. Over the period of the pandemic we have developed strong operating policies and agile organisational structures for dealing with all types of market constraints and volatility. We are confident that our robust supply chain system will ensure that all sales channels including e-commerce are serviced adequately," says B. Sumant, Executive Director, ITC.

CHUGGING ALONG

The FMCG head honchos unanimously say that there has been no disruption neither at their factories nor at the supply chain and distribution end. "From a business continuity point of view, this time there are no sudden shocks that have happened," says Sunil Kataria, CEO (India & Saarc), Godrej Consumer Products.

"We are not facing any challenge with migration of labour since all our operations are going on and everyone is gainfully employed," adds ITC's Sumant.

However, employees contracting the virus and the disruption thereof, is indeed a worry for all of them. Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman and MD, Hindustan Unilever claims that the company has built a robust crisis management system to ensure that the disruptions are minimal. "All our factories are operational and the supply lines are running. While our people have contracted the virus, we have a back-up plan for not just our salesforce, but for the entire company, including the management committee," Mehta said at the company's annual results virtual press meet.

Since the second wave of the virus is more lethal, most companies have asked their sales team to work from home, which according to Kataria of Godrej is bound to impact business. "We are asking our salesforce to sell remotely, that will obviously impact productivity. After all, a lot of hard-selling happens by going shop to shop," he explains.

To add to this, there are also restrictions on shop timings which limits the window to distribute products. People aren't stepping out to buy either and this is bound to have an impact on last mile sales. HUL's Mehta admits that the last two weeks of April has seen a dip in consumption, but he doesn't want to hazard a guess that the coming months would get tougher. "Even in places where there are localised lockdowns, we are able to deliver," he says.

EMBRACING DIGITAL

The silver lining for FMCG companies across the board is not just their ability to spruce up their direct-to-consumer reach through their websites but also the trade's willingness to embrace digital. Apart from ITC, Marico, says Gupta, has also seen considerable traction on its Saffola Store web site. "It offers an easy and accessible platform to consumers to directly place orders from the safety and comfort of their homes. The platform provides our consumers with easy access to our portfolio of essential products, immunity-boosting foods, as well as hygiene products. Additionally, we expanded our D2C approach to some of the premium personal care and food brands in order to capture demand directly from our consumers, enabling us to service them through an elaborate e-commerce model," Gupta explains.

HUL in the last one year has got over 5 lakh retailers to order products through its Shikhar App. ITC's B2B app, Unnati, has done well too. It has also launched VIRU (virtual salesman), a digital ordering and scheme communication platform.

Mehta in HUL's results call had mentioned that in the past year the FMCG major has built resilience to combat unforeseen events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. "If there is a fluctuation in demand, we can cope with it," he said.

Also read: COVID-19 lockdown: Kirana stores less resilient; labour crunch impacts distribution

Also read: New-age, digital-first beauty brands turn investor favourites
ATLANTA, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Insight Global announced today that some personal information, collected by our employees during COVID-19 contact tracing in Pennsylvania, may have been accessible to persons beyond authorized employees and public health officials. We deeply regret this happened and are committed to restoring the trust of any residents of Pennsylvania who may have been impacted. All necessary steps are being taken to secure any personal information, and we intend to learn and grow from this. We remain committed to continue helping slow the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.

Insight Global is contracted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide services for the Pennsylvania Department of Health to obtain information to help slow the spread of the virus and to identify and address any needs for specific social support services. At this time, we believe the impacted information consisted of names of individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19, whether they were positive or negative for COVID-19, if they experienced symptoms, information about number of members in household, and for certain individuals, email and telephone numbers and information to address any needs for specific social support services. These individuals were contacted for purposes of contact tracing between September 2020 and April 21, 2021, although only a portion of individuals contacted during this period were affected. Insight Global did not collect Social Security numbers, financial account information, or payment card information, and that type of information was not involved in this incident.

Although Insight Global has robust security on its inhouse platforms, as part of an unauthorized collaboration channel, certain employees set up and used several Google accounts for sharing information. Documents related to contact-tracing collection were included among the information that may have been vulnerable to access.

Insight Global leadership became aware of this security vulnerability on April 21, 2021 and immediately took steps, completed by April 23, 2021, to secure and prevent any further access to or disclosure of information. To support this effort, leading third-party IT security specialists were engaged to help determine the nature and scope of the incident, and it is continuing those efforts to detect any unauthorized disclosure of this information. In addition, we worked with these specialists to identify documents that may have been vulnerable, as well as determine the nature of the information that may have been vulnerable. We have worked closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to identify any individuals whose information may have been affected. Individuals whose information may have been affected will also be notified by mail once address information is identified.

Although neither Insight Global nor the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are aware at this time of the misuse of the information involved, we understand the concern that this potential access to such information may raise. Insight Global is offering credit monitoring and identity protection services at no cost through TransUnion to those affected by this incident. A dedicated call center will open on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm Eastern time to help address questions about this incident. For further information or to learn more about the credit monitoring being offered, individuals may call toll free: 1-855-535-1787, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 pm Eastern Time.

Additional details regarding how individuals can protect their information, should they feel it appropriate to do so, is included below.

Insight Global Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Steps You Can Take To Help Protect Your Information

Monitor Your Accounts

Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. You may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of your credit report.

Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended "fraud alert" on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer's credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer's credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer's identity before extending new credit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any one of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.

As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a "credit freeze" on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer's express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, you cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on your credit report. To request a security freeze, you will need to provide the following information:

Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.); Social Security number; Date of birth; Addresses for the prior two to five years; Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill; A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver's license or ID card, military identification, etc.); and A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if you are a victim of identity theft.

Should you wish to place a fraud alert or credit freeze, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:

Equifax Experian TransUnion https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/ https://www.experian.com/help/ https://www.transunion.com/credit-help 888-298-0045 1-888-397-3742 833-395-6938 Equifax Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 Experian Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016 Equifax Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 Experian Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

Additional Information

You may further educate yourself regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps you can take to protect your personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov ; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. You can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. You have the right to file a police report if you ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, you will likely need to provide some proof that you have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and your state Attorney General. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.

SOURCE Insight Global
Opposition leader Bill Shorten responds to Prime Minister Scott Morrison after he announced to the parliament that the Liberal party, Nationals party and the Labor party were all recently hacked at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 18, 2019. (Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images)

Shorten Calls on PM to Address Child Accessible Pornography, Following Evil Social Media Statement

Former Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has said that Prime Minister Scott Morrisons message about social media being used by the evil one should be directed to address the insidious issue of child-accessible pornography.

In a Christian conference, Morrison warned that social media is facilitating the spread of identity politics, saying it is being used by the evil one and that younger generations were at most risk of its influence.

Shorten said that Morrisons sentiment should be channelled to address one of the biggest evils children face on the interneteasily accessible pornography.

Children have too easy access to pornography in this country online, Shorten told reporters at the National Press Club of Australia on Wednesday.

If Mr Morrison wants to materialise that general reference to evil, lets make it harder for our Aussie kids to access pornography online.

Shorten also said that the age at which childrenparticularly young boysview pornography online is frighteningly low.

The average age that little Australian boys are exposed to porn online is 13thats shocking, Shorten said.

Weve created the iPad babysitter, he said, and warned that despite parents using technology more than ever, parents were still oblivious to the harmful effects it could have on their children.

Former Opposition Leader Bill Shorten during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Mar. 17, 2021. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

A February 2020 inquiry, Protecting the Age of Innocence (pdf), by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs suggested that the effects of online pornography were severe enough to warrant a new system of online age verification.

The Committee heard that young people are increasingly accessing or being exposed to pornography on the internet and that this is associated with a range of harms to young peoples health, education, relationships, and wellbeing, the report said.

The report stated that, while age verification was not a silver bullet, it could create a significant barrier to prevent young people from exposure to harmful online content.

The technology for online age verification has become more sophisticated, and there are now a range of age-verification services available which seek to balance effectiveness and ease-of-use with privacy, safety, and security, the report said.

The committee called for the Digital Transformation Agency to lead the way in developing new standards for online age verification that were accurate and effective.

Morrisons original message warned that unless people took actions to protect themselves, social media would cause harm to young people.

Its going to take our young people. Its going to take their courage. Its going to take their hope. Its going to steal their hope, he said.

Sure, social media has its virtues and its values and enables us to connect with people in ways weve never had before. But those weapons can also be used by the evil one, and we need to call that out.

In the context of Christianity, Morrisons reference to the evil one is to Satan.

Morrison is the first Pentecostal Christian Australian prime minister. While he has been upfront about his faith, he has rarely espoused his personal views while discussing policy

Daniel Teng contributed to this report.
Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

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Partly cloudy skies. Low around 80F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph.
Karl Priest will bring his large insect collection to your church. Contact him at theinsectman@aol.com. Priest has been featured on Traveling WV (WCHS). His website is www.insectman.us/getbugged.htm.

Essays on Faith may be submitted to amanda.gibson@hdmediallc.com. Find more Essays on Faith at www.wvgazettemail.com/life/religion.
New York, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2021 ) :Rudy Giuliani, the ex-personal lawyer of Donald Trump, said Thursday the evidence collected during an FBI raid on his home as part of a probe into his dealings in Ukraine would prove him and the former president "innocent," slamming the government's investigation.

The former New York mayor told Fox news' Tucker Carlson that the electronic devices seized at his Manhattan residence and a separate office Wednesday would show he did not violate Federal law while helping Trump look for dirt on political rival Joe Biden in Ukraine in 2019.

"The evidence is exculpatory. It proves the president and I and all of us are innocent," Giuliani said of the Ukraine dealings, for which the former president was later impeached.

Giuliani further accused the Justice Department of serving an "illegal warrant" and said it had "spied" on him by accessing privileged attorney-client information through the cloud, "blatantly violating my constitutional rights." "This is tactics only known in a dictatorship," he said.

And Trump also complained earlier Thursday that the raid was "so unfair." Under Trump's turbulent presidency, he frequently accused US government institutions of playing political favorites but also used the power of his office to try to bend them to his will.

"Rudy Giuliani is a great patriot. He just loves this country, and they raid his apartment," Trump told Fox business.

"It's very, very unfair." Giuliani's son Andrew Giuliani condemned the raid and accused the Justice Department of a political agenda.

But Biden defended the integrity of the investigation, telling NBC he had not even been warned a warrant had been obtained.

"I made a pledge I would not interfere in any way, order or try to stop any investigation the Justice Department had... I had no idea this was underway," he said.

- Giuliani legal woes - Giuliani, once a top New York prosecutor before becoming a celebrated mayor of the city, was a personal lawyer for Trump when the president was impeached in December 2019 for seeking political help from Ukraine.

Giuliani spent months trying to help Trump find dirt in Ukraine on election rival Joe Biden and Biden's son Hunter during 2018-2020.

But the investigation behind Wednesday's raid could be honing in on Giuliani doing paid work for Ukrainian businessmen at the same time, violating US laws against unregistered lobbying for foreign entities, which Giuliani denies.

Two Ukrainian-born men, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, who helped Giuliani in those efforts, were arrested in October 2019 and charged with illegally funneling large donations to a pro-Trump fundraising committee.

According to reports, the FBI and the Justice Department's prosecutor in New York had sought search warrants for Giuliani's phones last year, but were denied that while Trump remained in office, until January 20.

The FBI and Justice Department have declined to comment on the raids or the investigation.

Giuliani has other legal woes too. In January he was sued by a voting machine maker for $1.3 billion for spreading claims after the November presidential election that its machines were part of alleged massive voting fraud that caused Trump's loss.

No significant fraud has been demonstrated in the election.
Biden and Carter, longtime allies, reconnect in Georgia View Photo

PLAINS, Ga. (AP)  President Joe Biden was a first-term Delaware senator in 1976 when he endorsed an upstart former Southern governor for the presidency over the partys Northern establishment players.

Biden came full circle Thursday, visiting Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in tiny Plains, Georgia, where the 96-year-old former president and 93-year-old former first lady have lived for most of their lives.

He showed us throughout his entire life what it means to be a public servant, Biden, 78, said of Carter for a new documentary, CARTERLAND, set to debut this weekend as part of the Atlanta Film Festival.

The private meeting on Thursday brought together the oldest sitting president and the longest-lived former president in history. It was their first in-person encounter since Biden took office. The two presidents didnt appear together outside the Carters home. Biden was seen with Rosalynn Carter at the door as he departed. The former first lady stood alongside him supported by her walker.

Many of the 650 residents of Plains turned out to see Bidens motorcade.

It was great to see President Carter, Biden said Thursday night before leaving Georgia. We sat and talked about the old days. Biden also said Carters health had gotten better.

The Carters were unable to attend the Jan. 20 inauguration, the first theyd missed since Jimmy Carter was sworn in as the 39th president in 1977. The Carters have retreated from public life for most of the coronavirus pandemic, but they now are vaccinated and recently began attending church services again at Maranatha Baptist Church, where the former president taught Sunday school for decades.

Bidens visit comes after Carters vice president, Walter Mondale, died April 19 at the age of 93. Carter and Biden both spoke to Mondale by phone in the days before his death.

In his CARTERLAND remarks, recorded last week and made available to The Associated Press by producers Will and Jim Pattiz, Biden credits Mondale and Carter as formative figures in his political career.

Biden noted Mondale changed the vice presidency into the kind of active role Biden would go on to play during his two terms in the post. When President (Barack) Obama asked me to consider being his vice president, I said I had to go home and talk about it, Biden said. Fritz was my first call outside of my family.

Recalling the seeds of his friendship with Carter, Biden named the date  March 25, 1976  he traveled to Wisconsin to make the case that the devout Baptist then from the partys moderate wing was the right candidate to defeat President Gerald Ford.

Some of my colleagues in the Senate thought it was youthful exuberance, Biden said with a laugh. I was exuberant, but as I said then, Jimmys not just a bright smile. He can win and he can appeal to more segments of the population than any other person.  Gov. Carter proved me right.

Carter didnt endorse anyone in the 2020 primary that included Biden. But the former president warned Democrats not to veer too far left and risk alienating moderate voters needed to defeat President Donald Trump.

Theres plenty of irony in both mens political calculations.

Carter wrested the 1976 nomination from the liberal Northeastern establishment and then clashed with congressional Democrats who didnt like his technocratic, penny-pinching approach. In 1980, he endured a bruising primary challenge from liberal icon Ted Kennedy, the Massachusetts senator, and limped into a general election campaign that ended with a rout by Republican Ronald Reagan.

By 2016, the aging former president would vote for democratic socialist Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary over the more moderate Hillary Clinton, a choice Carter wouldnt disclose until after Clinton lost the general election to Trump.

Biden, meanwhile, seemed overshadowed by Sanders and other ascendant progressives early in the 2020 campaign. Biden defined his campaign mostly as a moral case against Trump, whom he described as a threat to the soul of the nation. The approach helped him flip several states in the general election, including Georgia, by pairing a surge in liberal turnout with support from the independents and moderate Republicans who Carter had correctly argued could be part of a winning Democratic coalition.

Yet now, Biden is pushing a legislative agenda that would mean the largest expansion of the federal government since the adoption of Medicare, Medicaid, the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act during the mid-1960s, before either Carter or Biden had sought statewide office.

Carter retreated from partisan politics for years after he left the White House in 1981.

He and Rosalynn Carter focused on building The Carter Center into an organization with global reach in public health, humanitarianism and diplomacy. The center has monitored more than 110 elections in 39 countries since 1989, and its on the cusp of eradicating Guinea worm, a parasitic infection attributed to poor drinking water in developing nations.

In recent decades, Carter has waded more directly into politics. Hes criticized multiple U.S. administrations for not engaging with North Korea, arguing that a hard line wont bring the autocratic, isolated nation into the world order. That left Carter somewhat aligned with Trump, even as the 39th president slammed the 45th president as a serial liar and threat to democracy.

For years, Carter has criticized U.S. military spending, arguing it can wreak havoc globally while short-changing the kind of domestic investments competitor nations, especially China, are making. He used his 2004 speech at the Democratic National Convention to blister then-President George W. Bush for invading Iraq in 2003  a move Biden had enabled with his vote for a war powers resolution in the Senate.

Blasting big money in politics, Carter also has called the U.S. an oligarchy rather than a fully functioning democracy.

That outspoken approach has meant roller-coaster relationships with his successors. But it leaves Carter with plenty to talk about with Biden, who as recently as Wednesday night in his first address of Congress framed his trillions in proposed infrastructure, education, health care and other spending as necessary to keep pace with Beijing.

We are in a competition with China to win the 21st century, Biden said.

___

This story has been corrected to reflect that the last name of the producers of CARTERLAND, a new documentary, is Pattiz, not Pattitz.

By BILL BARROW and ZEKE MILLER

Associated Press
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 10:35:20|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 19, 2021 shows John Kerry (on the screen), U.S. President Joe Biden's climate envoy, addressing the virtual Munich Security Conference. (Marc Mueller/MSC/Handout via Xinhua)

"Right now, climate is enough of an imperative for all of our countries. China doesn't benefit by not having America as a partner in dealing with climate. And the United States doesn't benefit from not having China as a partner in climate," U.S. President Joe Biden's climate envoy John Kerry said.

WASHINGTON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Differences on human rights between the United States and China should not get in the way of fighting climate change together, U.S. President Joe Biden's climate envoy John Kerry said, according to U.S. media on Tuesday.

"Right now, climate is enough of an imperative for all of our countries. China doesn't benefit by not having America as a partner in dealing with climate. And the United States doesn't benefit from not having China as a partner in climate," Kerry told Foreign Policy magazine in an interview.

While the two sides have differences in a host of fields, including human rights, "those differences do not have to get in the way of something that is as critical as dealing with climate ... When I was in China the other day, we negotiated back and forth in good faith," Kerry said.

"My sense is the Chinese know that there is a benefit to both of us being able to resolve the climate crisis because our citizens are deeply affected by our failure to do so," he added. 
DALLAS, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cushing Asset Management, LP, and Swank Capital, LLC, announce an upcoming interim change to the constituents of The Cushing MLP High Income Index (the "Index"). On February 16, 2021, Index constituents Enable Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: ENBL) and Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET) announced that they had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger that, if approved by at least a majority of ENBL common unitholders, would result in ENBL common units ceasing to be publicly traded. The parties subsequently announced that a majority of ENBL common unitholders have delivered written consents approving the Merger Agreement and, accordingly, the merger closing may occur as early as May 10, 2021. Per the Index's methodology guide, this event will result in a constituent replacement. Accordingly, after the market closes on May 7, 2021, and effective on May 10, 2021, Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI) will replace ENBL as a constituent of the Index at ENBL's then-current weight.

There will be no changes to the remaining constituents of the Index due to this event.

ABOUT THE CUSHING MLP HIGH INCOME INDEX

The Cushing MLP High Income Index provides a benchmark that is designed to track the performance of 30 higher-yielding publicly traded midstream energy infrastructure companies, including master limited partnerships (MLPs) and non-MLP energy midstream corporations (each, a "Midstream Company" and collectively, "Midstream Companies"). Constituents are chosen according to a three-tiered proprietary weighting system developed by Cushing Asset Management, LP. The Cushing MLP High Income Index is calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices and reported on a real-time basis under the Bloomberg ticker "MLPY".

ABOUT CUSHING ASSET MANAGEMENT AND SWANK CAPITAL

Cushing Asset Management, LP ("Cushing"), a subsidiary of Swank Capital, LLC, is an SEC-registered investment adviser headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Cushing serves as investment adviser to affiliated funds and managed accounts, providing active management in markets where inefficiencies exist.

Cushing is also dedicated to serving the needs of MLP and energy income investors by sponsoring a variety of industry benchmarks, including The Cushing 30 MLP Index (Bloomberg Ticker: MLPX) and The Cushing MLP Market Cap Index (Bloomberg Ticker: CMCI). For more information, please visit http://www.cushingasset.com/indices.

Contact:

Jon Abel

214-692-6334

www.cushingasset.com

The Cushing MLP High Income Index (the "Index") is the exclusive property of Swank Capital, LLC, and Cushing Asset Management, LP, which has contracted with S&P Opco, LLC (a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC) ("S&P Dow Jones Indices") to maintain and calculate the Index. S&P is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC ("SPFS"); Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC ("Dow Jones"); and these trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices. "Calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices" and its related stylized mark(s) have been licensed for use by Swank Capital, LLC, and Cushing Asset Management, LP. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices, SPFS, Dow Jones S&P nor any of their affiliates sponsor and promote the Index and none shall be liable for any errors or omissions in calculating the Index.

SOURCE Cushing Asset Management, LP and Swank Capital, LLC

Related Links

http://www.cushingasset.com


The boss of easyJet today urged the government to 'take responsibility' and give airline operators and customers an update on its plans for the easing of travel restrictions.

CEO Johan Lundgren said the low-cost carrier was ready to fly passengers on their summer holidays but remained in limbo without further clarification on what travel corridors will be opened up in May.

Mr Lundgren has also called on Ministers to put popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Greece in the lowest risk category when foreign holidays resume.

But the travel chief warned of chaos at airports if ministers fail to boost border resources in time for the re-start of foreign holidays this summer.

This comes as the UK's largest travel agent Hays Travel reported its busiest day since the Covid pandemic began 15 months ago.

The boost in bookings this week came after cruise operators including P&O, Cunard and Disney announced their schedules for 'seacations' around Britain from May.

CEO Johan Lundgren said the low-cost carrier was ready to fly passengers on their summer holidays

British tourists are welcome in France from June 9 - if they have a vaccination or negative test British tourists will be welcome in France from June 9 as long as they have proof of vaccination or a negative test. The announcement by president Emmanuel Macron comes as a study finds much of Europe could safely be put on the travel 'green list' this summer. Mr Macron's announcement will pile further pressure on ministers to restart foreign holidays to major hotspots for sun-starved Britons. Under France's reopening, restrictions on cafes and restaurants will be lifted gradually with a return to near-normal by June 30. The Yale University research showed restarting quarantine-free travel to popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Greece would not increase infection rates. And hospitalisations would only increase by about six a day if travel was restarted with up to 31 European countries. There are currently around 124 daily hospitalisations in England. Johan Lundgren, boss of easyJet which commissioned the study, said: 'Based on the results of this ground-breaking research, and applying the principles set out in the roadmap set out by the Prime Minister, easyJet can demonstrate that it is safe to put much of Europe on the green list. This is because the analysis not only shows that travel from several European countries, including popular holiday destinations like Spain, Portugal and Greece, would not affect the UK case rate. 'But even more importantly, that travel to and from Europe would have very little impact on hospitalisations in the UK.' He stressed that countries with worrying new variants should remain subject to strict measures such as quarantine. The study is due to be submitted for peer review shortly. Countries' ratings as green, amber and red will be set out by May 10. Advertisement

Easyjet is using new research to declare that much of Europe should be declared 'green', in hopes that restrictions will be eased as planned on May 17.

Mr Lundgren told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We have always set out that we were going to be ready when we were allowed to start flying again, which means that we have basically kept the fleet in what we call flight-ready conditions.

'But clearly we now need to get some clarity on this.

'We need to know what countries are going to go in what categories  the green amber red, framework - and we need to know when that can start to happen, so the clock is ticking.

'We urge the government to come out and communicate this.'

He said easyJet was still operating, but stood ready to 'ramp up' its flights.

'We are flying today  in a much smaller volume than we would expect - but there is an ongoing operation today, and we are able to ramp that up very quickly.

'But of course it's not just us, it's consumers, customers that need clarity about if they can make the booking for their summer, go on holiday, go and see family members that they haven't seen for over a year.'

The CEO also said easyJet had seen stronger demand for bookings in September, October and November as passengers hold off going on holiday in the summer because it is still not clear where they can travel.

The low-cost airline echoed the British holiday group Jet2 in saying that bookings for later in the year were encouraging as holidaymakers bet that vaccine rollouts will have curbed the pandemic by then.

He added: 'Summer bookings have definitely been delayed compared to normal.

'We are seeing relatively strong numbers coming into September, October, November but still there's a lot of people who are waiting for the government to come out  where will the countries be in terms of the categories and when can we start to go on make the trip.

'But definitely people are looking more for the autumn.'

But he warned ministers needed to boost border resources in time for the re-start of foreign holidays.

He said: 'I think that they [border force officers] need to have the resources to do their jobs.

'If the government comes out with restrictions when it comes to the work that they need to do to check every single passenger, that's fine, but they need to make sure that they actually have the capacity and the resources to do that.

'I think it's important the UK Government recognise ... they have a responsibility to make this work, otherwise it's not a re-opening.'

This comes after the boss of Heathrow Airport revealed passport control sometimes has only two out of two dozen desks manned.

The boss of easyJet today urged the government to 'take responsibility' and give airline operators and customers an update on its plans for the easing of travel restrictions

'Gold-standard' swab tests costing 45 will be the key to allowing overseas travel to resume this summer Holidaymakers will be able to get a Covid test for just 45 under government plans to make holidays abroad more affordable when international travel opens up. The PCR tests, which are required on entry by most European countries, would be provided for a fraction of the current price if the government's plan goes ahead, the transport secretary said. 'Gold standard' PCR swab tests will continue to be required for all travellers arriving in Britain, despite the Prime Minister previously suggesting that rapid lateral flow tests could be considered for use. The news of cheaper tests for holidaymakers comes three weeks after Boris Johnson asked officials to consider using the on-the-spot rapid tests to make the tests more affordable, stating that the reopening the holiday market from May 17 was a 'priority'. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, announced the news on Thursday that 'a new entrant' had made it possible to supply PCR tests for 44.40. Currently anyone coming to the UK has to take a pre-flight test and buy a two-swab package to be used two and eight days after arrival. Official packages use gold-standard PCR technology and cost around 200 a head, this is due to fall to 45 by May 17 when some international travel is set to resume. Shapps told the Commons: 'I know that the House is interested on the update with regard to travel returning internationally and I wanted to provide a very quick update to say that although PCR tests may be required from a medical, scientific point of view, we have been working with private laboratories, pharmacies, supermarkets and other companies to encourage them to deliver on their logistical expertise and enter the market and drive down the cost. 'We've seen some success so far because the cost of a single PCR day two test now has come down to 60 from one of the large providers on the government-linked site, with a new entrant now at 44.90, enabling more people to access PCR tests as international travel returns.' The drop in price brings hope to the millions of Britons desperate for a foreign holiday after months of lockdown. Advertisement

And passengers have been forced to wait on board planes until queues of up to seven hours have dissipated.

With electronic passport gates not set to fully re-open until autumn due to the need to manually check passengers' Covid paperwork, travel industry chiefs said Home Secretary Priti Patel must boost border guard numbers within weeks.

Failure to do so would also hit the post-pandemic economic recovery, they warned. The earliest date international travel can resume is May 17.

Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye said he has written to Miss Patel's officials several times but that no action has been taken.

He told the Daily Mail: 'It really would be a national embarrassment for the Government to have their lack of organisation of immigration grind the UK's biggest port to a halt.'

British Airways boss Sean Doyle said: 'We are urgently seeking reassurance from Border Force that they are committing the appropriate levels of resource and using contactless technology, which includes opening the e-gates to ensure frictionless travel.'

Steve Heapy, chief executive of package holiday giant Jet2, added: 'We have to press the Government to make sure there is reassurance Border Force will be operating as normally as possible. We will be operating normally so why wouldn't Border Force?'

Overseas leisure travel is expected to be permitted for people in England from May 17 as part of the next easing of coronavirus restrictions.

A risk-based traffic light system will be implemented, with different quarantine and testing requirements for countries on green, amber and red lists.

People returning from green destinations will not need to self-isolate and will only be asked to take one post-arrival test.

EasyJet commissioned research by leading epidemiologists Dr Jeffrey Townsend and Dr Alison Galvan from the Yale School of Public Health in the US.

The analysis, based on data from April 12, found that opening UK borders to travellers from much of Europe would increase hospital admissions by less than 4%.

If Spain - the most popular overseas destination for UK holidaymakers - was on the green list, only an additional four people per week would require hospital treatment due to coronavirus, the study found.

The researchers also claimed the 10-day quarantine period for people returning from amber countries is longer than necessary.

The travel lists are expected to be published next week.

A Home Office Spokesperson said: 'We are in a global health pandemic, and people should not be travelling unless absolutely necessary.

'Queues and wait times will be longer if passengers have not completed the necessary requirements to enter the UK. Airlines are responsible for making sure that their passengers have completed all the necessary requirements, and airports have a crucial responsibility for ensuring travellers can social distance at passport control.

'To protect the British public and the UK vaccine rollout from new variants of concern, Border Force is checking that every passenger has complied with current health measures when arriving at the border. '

Brits could safely travel to most of Europe WITHOUT quarantine or even tests in some cases because the country's infection rate is so low and vaccinations so high, easyJet-commissioned study claims

By Sam Blanchard Deputy Health Editor for MailOnline

Brits could travel safely to most parts of Europe without needing to quarantine with infections at the levels they are now, according to an easyJet-commissioned study by Yale University in the US.

May 17 will be the day the Government decides where people can go on holiday this summer and researchers have suggested one or two-week quarantine policies are too harsh for most destinations.

Because the UK's infection rate is so low there would likely be no benefit for travellers quarantining when they arrive, as long as they were tested instead.

Quarantine is more likely to be needed for returning travellers and those visiting the UK, the researchers said, but up to five days would likely suffice for most places  again if people are tested before and after they fly.

easyJet has seized on the research to call for open borders this summer as it hopes to get passengers in the air after a devastating year for the airline industry. Its CEO Johan Lundgren claimed 'it is safe to put much of Europe on the green list'.

The Yale study, commissioned by easyJet, suggested safe quarantine periods for different country-pairs, with travellers from the UK not required to quarantine anywhere but Portugal and Turkey, while people coming into Britain from other nations (except Portugal and Finland) should self-isolate for between two and five days. (In the graphic, the suggested quarantine period for people travelling from the UK is shown as a number beside the destination country in the first column, below the 'UK' header) Turkey has a high quarantine period because visitors stay there for an unusually long time and there are a lot of travellers relative to population, the researchers said

People travelling or returning into the UK should quarantine because most countries have higher infection rates than Britain does. The countries shaded in darker purple should have longer quarantines, according to the study, with the number of days ranging from two to five

easyJet, which commissioned the research, has seized its results to call for open borders this summer as it hopes to get passengers in the air after a devastating year for the airline industry

The Yale study suggested that the number of people being hospitalised with Covid may only rise by six per day even if international travel opens up en masse. The current rate is at 144 new patients per day.

It said: 'Our analysis demonstrates that for the vast majority of origin-destination country pairs, there are combinations of short-duration quarantine and testing that are as effective as border closure.

'Furthermore, for most origin-destination country pairs, travel with testing and no quarantine will reduce imminent in-country transmission more than would border closure.

'We find that the duration of quarantine is predominantly influenced by country prevalence and quantity of travel.

'With higher prevalence in the origin country compared to the destination country, the minimum duration of quarantine increases from zero to beyond fourteen days, at which point border closure would likely be practical.'

According to the paper, which is based on infection rates in April and assumes countries have similar levels of vaccinated people, Brits could travel to most countries without needing to quarantine, including Italy, Greece, Finland, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary.

HEATHROW WARNS BORDER FORCE TO 'GET A GRIP' BEFORE MAY 17 Heathrow's boss today warned of his 'deep concerns' about impending chaos at arrivals after it emerged covid passports will not be ready for the start of foreign holidays from May 17 and could be delayed until 'later in the summer'. John Holland-Kaye said the Home Office and UK Border Force 'need to get a grip' immediately or risk repeats of six-hour waits in queues where social distancing proved impossible and one passenger even collapsed. Grant Shapps revealed yesterday that the NHS' app for appointments and prescriptions will double as a covid passport for tourists, providing evidence of their covid vaccinations and test results. But Mr Shapps also gave a hint that its rollout could coincide with June's G7 summit in Cornwall in early June, where he hopes to seal bilateral travel corridors with Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US - despite the Transport Secretary saying the chances of a foreign holiday 'look good' in just under three weeks. Reacting to the delay and the impending influx of passengers, Mr Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport, said: 'I am deeply concerned. They [Border Force] are struggling to cope with even the few thousand of travellers coming in at the moment, and all the additional checks they have to carry out. 'They either need to change that system or have more Border Force officers on the desks. Border Force and the Home Office need to get a grip on this ahead of May 17th so that immigration does not become a stranglehold on the UK's economic recovery'. He added: 'We are focused on 17 May, we are getting ready to open up then, working with the airlines to make sure we can give a really warm welcome to passengers. But the key question is whether Border Force will be ready to receive those passengers when they come into the country, so they have a smooth journey through the airport and not the kind of lengthy queues that unfortunately we have seen too often in recent weeks'. Advertisement

It suggests that a two-day quarantine would be a good idea in Portugal, and a nine-day one in Turkey  Turkey is an outlier because far more people travel in than out, the researchers said, so it was necessary to prevent importing cases.

The reasons that quarantine could be shorter than previously, the experts said, was that in most situations there was a low risk of a traveller being infected and, if they came from a riskier country than the one they were going to, testing before and after the flight would weed out almost all of the infections.

In countries with devastating outbreaks it might still be the best move to put in border controls, they said, but most of Europe has the virus under control.

easyJet's Mr Lundgren urged the Government to put popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Greece in the lowest risk category when foreign holidays resume.

Overseas leisure travel is expected to be permitted for people in England from May 17 as part of the next easing of coronavirus restrictions.

A risk-based traffic light system will be implemented, with different quarantine and testing requirements for countries on green, amber and red lists.

People returning from green destinations will not need to self-isolate and will only be asked to take one post-arrival test.

The analysis, based on data from April 12, found that opening UK borders to travellers from much of Europe would increase hospital admissions by less than 4 per cent.

If Spain  the most popular overseas destination for UK holidaymakers  was on the green list, only an additional four people per week would require hospital treatment due to coronavirus, the study found.

The researchers also claimed the 10-day quarantine period for people returning from amber countries is longer than necessary.

The travel lists are expected to be published next week.

In a speech to a virtual meeting of the Aviation Club, Mr Lundgren said 'it is safe to put much of Europe on the green list', as 'the impact of travel on hospitalisations is minimal'.

Eliminating coronavirus is 'not viable for the UK', he told the audience of aviation industry leaders, adding: 'We need to learn how to operate with it.'

Mr Lundgren went on: 'The success of the UK vaccine rollout has broken the link between cases and hospitalisation. It is the same success that allows for the domestic reopening.

'And as we get into May and June we expect the situation to improve because of the progress of the vaccination programmes.

'So, we have demonstrated through the scientific analysis it is safe for much of Europe to be categorised as green.'

Dr Townsend said: 'Travel quarantines have been a cornerstone of efforts to prevent infectious disease prevention since the 14th century.

'We've determined that appropriate, shorter quarantines and judicious testing can facilitate travel, in cases where they are needed to prevent unsafe levels of transmission.'
With President Joe Biden asking Congress to finalize police reform legislation by May 25  the first anniversary of George Floyd's murder  U.S. Rep. John Katko thinks that's an attainable goal.

For nearly a year, Katko, R-Camillus, has been involved in discussions about policing reforms. Democrats and Republicans in Congress have separate proposals, but there have been conversations about a bipartisan bill that could be approved by both houses.

Katko said in an interview with The Citizen that he has participated in meetings, some of which have been held early in the morning or at night, on the police reform legislation. He thinks that an agreement is close, but the framework needs the support of key senators, including U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Tim Scott.

"I think we've got a really good shot to have something really soon," said Katko, who is the ranking Republican member on the House Homeland Security Committee. He continued, "We could meet the deadline that the president set but it's going to take everyone to be flexible about it. No one is going to be 100% happy with it, which means it's probably going to be a pretty darn good bill."
The name Zoe Roth might not ring any bells. But chances are youve seen her photo.

One Saturday morning in 2005, when Roth was 4 years old, her family went to look at a house on fire in their neighborhood in Mebane, North Carolina. Firefighters had intentionally set the blaze as a controlled fire, so it was a relaxed affair: Neighbors gathered and firefighters allowed children to take turns holding the hose.

Roth remembers watching the flames engulf the house when her father, an amateur photographer, asked her to smile. With her hair askew and a knowing look in her eyes, Roth flashed a devilish smirk as the fire roared behind her. Disaster Girl was born.

In the years since Dave Roth, Zoes father, entered it in a photo contest in 2007 and won, the image has been edited into various disasters from history, with Roth grinning impishly as a meteor wipes out the dinosaurs or the Titanic sinks in the distance. Now, after more than a decade of having her image endlessly repurposed as a vital part of meme canon, Roth has sold the original copy of her meme as a nonfungible token, or NFT, for nearly $500,000.

READ ALSO: Elegance meets comfort at this $5 million Woodlands estate

The meme sold for 180 Ether, a form of cryptocurrency, at an auction on April 17 to a user identified as @3FMusic. As with any currency, the value of Ether fluctuates, but as of Thursday, 180 Ether was valued at more than $495,000. The Roths retained the copyright and will receive 10% of future sales.

The market for ownership rights to digital art, ephemera and media known as NFTs, is exploding. All NFTs, including the Disaster Girl meme Roth just sold, are stamped with a unique bit of digital code that marks their authenticity, and stored on the blockchain, a distributed ledger system that underlies Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

In the meme hall of fame, Disaster Girl ranks alongside Ermahgerd, a pigtailed teenage girl posing with Goosebumps books; Bad Luck Brian, immortalized in a grimacing yearbook photo with braces; and Success Kid, a toddler on a beach with a clenched fist and an expression of intense determination.

In an interview, Roth said selling the meme was a way for her to take control over a situation that she has felt powerless over since she was in elementary school.

Before making the decision to sell, Roth consulted Bad Luck Brian himself  his real name is Kyle Craven  and Laney Griner, the mother of Success Kid.

Its the only thing that memes can do to take control, Roth recalled Craven telling her.

Disaster Girl memes have spread far and wide. Once, a group from Poland asked permission to use the meme for educational material about a dying Indigenous language. Someone in Portugal sent Roth pictures of a mural with the meme.

You just make it fit however you want to fit it, she said. I love seeing them because Id never make any of them myself, but I love seeing how creative people are.

Over the years, shes seen hundreds of iterations of her picture. One shared last summer during racial justice protests was among her favorites, she said.

Once its out there, its out there, and theres nothing you can do about it, Dave Roth said. It always finds a way to stay relevant with whatever new kind of awful, terrible bad thing is happening, so Ive laughed at a lot of them.

IN HOUSTON: Realtors' TikToks show just how nuts the housing market is right now

Roth, now 21, is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill studying peace, war and defense. She has never been recognized as Disaster Girl outright, she said, but most of her friends and acquaintances know of her meme fame.

People who are in memes and go viral is one thing, but just the way the internet has held on to my picture and kept it viral, kept it relevant, is so crazy to me, she said. Im super grateful for the entire experience.

Even so, she said, she hopes to one day do something meaningful enough to shift Disaster Girl to the second page of search results for her name.

After graduation, Roth plans to take a gap year before pursuing a graduate degree in international relations. She said she would donate the fortune she has made from her likeness  which is still in cryptocurrency form  to charities and to pay off her student loans, among other things.

When shes home, she often walks past the lot where it all started and wonders if locals know that its a meme place, she said.

People who are in memes didnt really have a choice in it, she said. The internet is big. Whether youre having a good experience or a bad experience, you kind of just have to make the most of it.

Ben Lashes, who manages the Roths and stars of other memes including Nyan Cat, Grumpy Cat, Keyboard Cat, Doge, Success Kid, David After Dentist and the Ridiculously Photogenic Guy, said his clients had cumulatively made over $2 million in NFT sales.

He said that NFT sales had helped establish memes as a sophisticated art form and serious pieces of culture.

I think anytime you can find a collector  no matter what the price is  who respects the art behind it and is going to cherish it, thats a successful sale, whether its one Ether or 200 or 300, he said.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
The Army said Friday that Pfc. Vanessa Guillen was harassed by a supervisor at Fort Hood who suggested they have sex with another person  and when she reported the incident, no one took action.

But its investigation of her chain of command, whose results were released Friday, found no connection between her unnamed harasser and the soldier accused of killing her last year, Spc. Aaron David Robinson.

Robinson sexually harassed another soldier, but there was no evidence he harassed Guillen or that they had a relationship outside of their jobs at an armory on the post, the report said.

In describing the results of the long-awaited Army Regulation 15-6 probe of Fort Hoods leadership, the Army said it had increased to 21 the number of soldiers who have been disciplined since December for their handling of Guillens final weeks, disappearance and death.

A summary of the investigation said it found that the posts acting commander at the time, Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, lost trust with Guillens family and did a poor job of engaging with news media as the controversy erupted into an international story.

Billy Calzada /San Antonio Express-News

Most notably, it contradicted the posts emphatic denials last year that Guillen had filed a sexual harassment complaint.

They interviewed extensively, 151 different witnesses, and so as part of that extensive investigation they were able to uncover perhaps additional information that was not uncovered before, Maj. Gen. Gene LeBoeuf, chief of staff of Army Forces Command, told reporters Friday afternoon.

Guillen, 20, of Houston, was reported missing April 22, 2020. After months of searching, her remains were found June 30, miles from Fort Hood. Authorities named Robinson as her killer and alleged that his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, was an accomplice. Robinson committed suicide that day during a confrontation with police.

Before Guillen disappeared, her encounter with the supervisor who suggested a tryst profoundly affected her morale, the report said.

The supervisor later specifically targeted her, called her out in front of her peers (and) consistently made an example of her, the report said.

Another supervisor noticed a marked changed in her demeanor, which prompted the supervisor to ask if she was OK, the report said.

In detailing the failures of leaders at Fort Hood, the report stated that eight officers and noncommissioned officers will be given general officer memorandums of reprimand and that another person will be relieved.

It wasnt clear who had been reprimanded and whether they included Efflandt, the posts former acting commander, or Col. Ralph Overland or Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Knapp, the former commander and command sergeant major, respectively, of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. All three were relieved of command in December.

The Army did not identify any of those receiving reprimands. None of them have been forced out of the service.

As of today, accountability actions have been initiated against members of Spc. Guillens chain of command from junior through senior leaders, an Army news release said.

The 3rd Cavalry, the report concluded, did not sufficiently emphasize the prevention of sexual harassment, and Guillens leaders were not sufficiently involved in Fort Hoods Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, known by its acronym, SHARP.

The investigation blamed Efflandt and his staff for being overly reluctant to engage with the media out of concern for protecting the integrity of the probe and said he failed to respond appropriately to the high-profile incident over time.

This contributed to an inability to inform and educate the public in a timely manner, and maintain transparency with the Guillen family, the report stated. By the time Fort Hood developed a media communications strategy on 29 June, Fort Hood had lost the trust of the Guillen family, the surrounding community and the nation.

A criminal investigation into Guillens disappearance and bludgeoning death continues.

It sparked national outrage, congressional hearings and legislation that aims to stop sexual harassment and assault on military installations. Bills this year brought by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., would end the right of commanders to order military trials, a power theyve held since the Armys creation.

A separate, independent Pentagon review recently recommended taking decisions on certain special victim crimes, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, out of the hands of commanders and giving them to designated military lawyers called judge advocates under a civilian-led office of the chief special victim prosecutor.

On ExpressNews.com: So outrageous': Vanessa Guillen's murder has made a key military justice reform more likely

The AR 15-6 investigation into Guillens death was expanded to include the posts entire chain of command and was overseen by Gen. John Murray, head of the Austin-based Army Futures Command.

But changes were coming even before its release.

The head of the Army Criminal Investigation Command, or CID, Maj. Gen. Donna Martin, will be replaced by her deputy, Brig. Gen. Duane Miller. The Army announced the change Feb. 23, said Col. Cathy Wilkinson, an Army spokeswoman who described the action as a planned transition.

An outside investigation had called the CID resources at Fort Hood inadequate and blamed it for a wide array of failures that made it harder to bring criminals to justice.

That probe by the five-member Fort Hood Independent Review Committee found a deficient climate that raised risks for female soldiers on the post. It triggered Decembers housecleaning, in which Efflandt was one of more than a dozen leaders who were suspended or removed from their jobs

Efflandt, who was due to command Fort Bliss, was reassigned to U.S. Army North pending the outcome of the AR 15-6 investigation.

The committees 136-page report, released Dec. 8, found a permissive environment for sexual assault and sexual harassment at Fort Hood, said Chris Swecker, a North Carolina lawyer who chaired the five-member panel.

Then-Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said a new policy on missing soldiers would be implemented and ordered a Fort Hood organization called the People First Task Force to address the committees recommendations, all of which it adopted this year.

The independent committee learned that Guillen had filed a harassment complaint against her supervisor, but it couldnt discuss it publicly because of other investigations, said another member, Queta Rodriguez, a former Bexar County Veterans Office director.

But it was part of the overall theme  that there was just zero level of importance on the SHARP program. I mean, we heard that over and over, said Rodriguez, a retired Marine officer.

We talked to every single female in that unit, and we heard that repeatedly, that it was not looked at as a priority, no one trusted the system, no one trusted that if they did report it that it was going to be handled appropriately, she said, adding that it came down to leaders not placing any level of importance and being dismissive of the claims, and hers was one of them.

sigc@express-news.net
Hong Kong Passes Immigration Law That Could Ban People From Leaving City, US Deeply Concerned

Hong Kong passed a new immigration law on April 28 that gives authorities the power to prevent people from entering and leaving the city, raising concerns that Chinese mainland style exit bans will be implemented in the financial hub. The United States expressed that it is deeply concerned about the new law. Meanwhile, a recent study shows that more than half of the local youth that took part in the survey want to leave Hong Kong in the future.

According to the public broadcasting service Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), the Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo) passed the Immigration Amendment Bill 2020 in the third reading on April 28. The bill passed easily as most opposition lawmakers had already resigned.

The Hong Kong government stated that the immigration law only applies to inbound flights, and aims to prevent illegal immigrants from entering the city.

The immigration law vaguely states that the Immigration Department has the authority to obtain a passengers information before they board a flight to Hong Kong and to ban a passenger from boarding a flight. The new law will be implemented on Aug. 1.

However, legal experts point out that the ban may also be applied to all people boarding flights from the city. The Hong Kong Bar Association stated that the immigration law gives the citys immigration chief apparently unfettered power, as no court order is required and there is no recourse to appeal, The Guardian reported.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated on April 29 that the U.S. government is deeply concerned by the new Hong Kong Immigration law that could enable exit bans.

We are aware of this legislation and share widespread concerns in Hong Kong about its content, potential uses, and lack of oversight or accountability, the spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday.

We have long standing concerns about the PRCs [Peoples Republic of China] arbitrary use of exit bans without due process of law, including against American citizens. We are deeply concerned by the prospect of Hong Kong authorities adopting similar arbitrary measures, the spokesperson added.

The United States also urged the Hong Kong government to not use the law as a pretext to deny boarding for outbound passengers, according to the statement.

Exit bans are often used in mainland China by the Chinese communist regime against activists and dissidents who challenge authorities. They have also been used on business figures involved in commercial disputes.

Hongkongers took the streets on June 16, 2019 to demand the extradition bills full retraction and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lams resignation. The banners read Students Are Not Rioters, Carrie Lam Step Down, and No Retreat without Retraction. (Gang Yu/The Epoch Times)

Meanwhile, a survey released on April 29 shows that more than half of the youth it interviewed said they want to leave Hong Kong for a better future, RTHK reported. The survey was conducted from March 19 to April 8 and interviewed 803 Hongkongers between 15 and 30 years old. It was carried out by the Asia Pacific Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, with the purpose of understanding the views of local youth on the citys future.

Overall, the respondents felt pessimistic about Hong Kongs future as the Chinese regime and the Hong Kong government have suppressed oppositions in the city, judicial independence, and individual freedom.
New Delhi, April 30 : China on Friday assured India that it would do everything to support the latter's fight against the second wave of Covid pandemic which has taken a heavy toll on the country.

An official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had a phone conversation on Friday evening with the State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi.

"The call was arranged at the request of the Chinese side to convey their sympathy and solidarity with India at this juncture," the statement said.

After thanking Wang Yi for his sentiments, Jaishankar emphasised that serious challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected all the countries, require serious international cooperation.

Indian entities are already in the process of commercially procuring required products and raw materials from suppliers in China. The minister said that this process would be facilitated if various transport corridors and cargo flights remain open and the necessary logistics support is ensured expeditiously.

China had suspended its state-run cargo flights for medical supplies to India as Covid-19 cases surged in the country.

Jaishankar apprised Wang Yi of the ongoing efforts to meet the challenge posed by the second wave of the pandemic in India. He said that the government is fully determined to do whatever is necessary to overcome this challenge.

Wang Yi described Covid-19 "as a common enemy of mankind" and agreed that there was a need for "coordination on a concerted response".

The ministry statement said Wang Yi told Jaishankar that China supports the efforts of the government of India and would ensure that all the required materials are flown to Indian entities without any delay.

Chinese companies would be encouraged and supported to deliver the requisite materials. Airports, customs and airlines would also be instructed to smoothly facilitate the movement of goods. Chartered flights from India would be welcome and specific problems raised by the Indian side will be sorted out quickly. Wang Yi also offered any other appropriate assistance required from the Chinese government.

The two ministers also discussed the outstanding issues related to disengagement from all friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, the statement said.

Jaishankar conveyed that while the process of disengagement had commenced earlier this year, it remained unfinished.

He emphasised that it is necessary that this process is completed at the earliest. Full restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas would enable progress in the bilateral relationship, he said.

The two ministers agreed to continue further dialogue at the official level on this matter.

The telephone call concluded with a brief discussion on the BRICS and RIC meetings of foreign ministers, which are scheduled to take place in the near future under the Indian Chair. Wang Yi has confirmed his participation at these events, the statement said.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The government is tightening housing loan requirements again in an effort to rein in mushrooming household debt.

From July, housing loan rules will be tightened for apartments costing more than W600 million in areas labeled as speculative zones, obliging borrowers to repay up to 40 percent of their loans from their annual income (US$1=W1,109)

But the average apartment price in Seoul has already reached W1.1 billion, making it doubtful whether apartments costing less than that can be classified as "expensive." As a result, the tougher lending rules apply to a whopping 84 percent of apartments in Seoul and 33 percent in surrounding Gyeonggi Province.

At present, the 40-percent rule applies only to apartments in speculative zones that cost more than W900 million and loans surpassing W100 million.


The move, announced Friday, is no surprise and follows what the GOP-controlled Legislature did two years ago to Evers first budget. Evers and Democrats have lobbied for his proposal to be taken up as written, saying it reflects what the people of the state want. Republicans decried it as a liberal wish list.
EUNICE, LA  A St. Landry Parish Government employee was seen allegedly utilizing drugs by an anonymous bystander on Thursday April 29, 2021. After receiving the anonymous call, Parish President Jessie Bellard went to Eunice to inspect the claim.

After further inspection, the employee was immediately terminated and taken into custody by the local Marshals Office.

Parish President Jessie Bellard stated: When you work for the Government, you are required to uphold the Governments standards. Following the rules in the workplace is one thing, but following the law is the most important.
Jeremy Hunt - Neil Hall/PA Wire

Ministers must accept that it is now or never for social care reform, Jeremy Hunt has said, as he suggested such changes were facing Treasury resistance.

The former health secretary urged the Prime Minister to make good on his promise to fix social care once and for all and introduce a cap on costs, so no one faced bills of more than 45,000.

Writing in the Telegraph with Sir Andrew Dilnot, who drew up proposals for such a plan more than a decade ago, Mr Hunt said politicians needed a boldness of vision to make Britain a place where people could grow old with dignity.

They said 50,000 people a year were now being forced to sell their homes to pay for help, in a lottery which meant cancer sufferers could expect free care, while those with dementia must pay.

With one in 10 facing costs of more than 100,000 and some facing as much as 1 million, some kind of cap on costs, based on risk pooling, was required, they said.

As Britain recovers from the pandemic, it requires a 1948 moment  similar to the NHS being set up after the Second World War despite the country being almost bankrupt.

Giving an ageing population dignity and security for their future would be the best possible way to do just that, they wrote.

After the heroism we have seen from people working in the care sector during the pandemic, it really is now or never for social care reform.

In a separate address to council leaders, Mr Hunt, now chairman of the Commons health and social care committee, suggested that the Treasury was resisting such changes.

There's a strong sense inside the Government that this is unfinished business, it needs to be addressed, he told the association of directors of adult social services' spring conference.

I know that's what the Prime Minister thinks and I think the Chancellor recognises there's a manifesto commitment; there is traditional Treasury concern about the impact on public finances, but my own view is that it isn't a choice as to whether we spend this money or not, it's a choice as to whether we spend this money in a planned strategic way or in a haphazard way.

Story continues

Mr Hunt said he would back tax rises, if the Chancellor deemed them necessary.

I think the sums of money we're talking about are the kind of sums of money that the Treasury could find, if it chose to, without tax rises, but that might mean that there's no money for any other priorities at all, he said.

That's why my argument to the Treasury is, if you think a tax rise is necessary, I would support that and I think it would be popular with the public, he said, suggesting there was widespread support for such changes.

Government insiders hit back on Friday night against Mr Hunts suggestion that the Treasury was resistant to reforming social care, but warned that trade-offs were needed to fulfil the manifesto commitment.

A government source said: The Dilnot reform is, at the moment, the frontrunner in the Prime Ministers mind about what he wants to do.

The levers you have to pull in terms of paying for it are things that involve breaking the tax lock promise we made, because it is so expensive.

The Conservatives made a manifesto pledge at the last election to avoid increasing income tax, national insurance contributions or VAT.

The source added: You cant just spend the money [to reform social care] and not find it in other areas. The thing the PM needs to decide is whether he's prepared to pull some levers to pay for it or not.

It's now or never for the reform of social care

By Jeremy Hunt and Sir Andrew Dilnot

Boris Johnson - Alastair Grant /PA

What are the words you most dread hearing? For many older people they might include Im afraid your husband has Alzheimers. Or perhaps its not safe for you to live at home with your arthritis. Or even if you want to live at home you are going to need professional help, maybe for the rest of your life.

Hard words for any of us to hear  but words heard by thousands every week across the country. Then they face finding a way through the social care sector, which Covid has exposed as fragile and far from perfect despite the heroic efforts of the one and half million people who work in it.

The result is that every year an estimated 50,000 people have to sell their homes to pay for the cost of their care.

These problems are not new, and the last 25 years have seen repeated inquiries, commissions and even ignored legislation that has not been implemented. But there are some signs that this time could be different.

The Prime Minister committed himself to solving this on his first day in office, and recently told senior MPs on the Liaison Committee that a 10 year plan would be published later this year. Although there was widespread disappointment that nothing was mentioned in the Budget, the Queens Speech in a weeks time gives the Government a perfect opportunity to show its commitment to long-term reforms that help keep all of us healthy and independent for longer alongside a financial safety net when we are not.

What needs to be done? First, stop treating social care like a poor relation. Good care for older people helps them to lead fruitful lives and spend less time in expensive hospital beds when things go wrong. Last year for the first time, there were more people aged over-65 than under-five  we must make sure that the ageing society is something to be celebrated not dreaded.

But because some of us end up with very high cost needs and others less so, it will need boldness of vision to create the security necessary to make Britain a place where everyone can grow old with both dignity and confidence. That means a long-term plan that reduces the demand for expensive hospital and care home beds by helping people to live safely at home for longer.

We must be honest that local authorities do not currently have the resources they need to do this. Rather than allocate them money in a piecemeal way, Budget after Budget, we will get far better results if we offer them a long-term funding deal in the way that seems to have made such a difference to the NHS since its own 10 year plan was agreed in 2018.

Indeed, one of the reasons Theresa May and Philip Hammond agreed to that deal was to secure long-term reforms in exchange for not having to top up the NHS with emergency bail-outs every year. Exactly the same approach should be taken with social care.

One in 10 of us will need a lot of care, perhaps more than 100,000 worth. For those with the most intense needs it can be 1 million. Faced with that kind of risk, the most natural response of a civilised society is to pool the risk, just as we respond to the risk of a car crash or our house burning down.

But currently social care is the one big risk we all face where no risk pooling is available. Private insurers will not step into the breach because of the huge uncertainty. In the face of the market not being able to work, this is a problem that needs to be addressed, as Churchill said, by bringing the magic of averages to the rescue of the millions.

So any plan should start with a cap on the total care costs anyone has to pay. This will remove the postcode lottery of diseases which sees cancer sufferers have all their costs met while those with dementia sometimes have to sell their home.

If costs were capped at  say  45,000 that unfairness would be removed. That would give certainty and so remove the fear of losing everything, while leaving people still responsible for the first part of their care needs and allowing space for financial markets to develop new ways of helping people to save for their social care.

In 1948 the Attlee government had the vision to set up the NHS, with cross-party support, despite the country being left nearly bankrupt after the war. The national finances are stretched today as well  the question is whether this generation of politicians has the vision for our own 1948 moment.

Giving an ageing population dignity and security for their future would be the best possible way to do just that. After the heroism we have seen from people working in the care sector during the pandemic, it really is now or never for social care reform.
After a small South Carolina towns mayoral election, at first too close to call, was declared a tie this week, officials say the governor may have to step in.

Estill residents and others in the Hampton County community have been anxiously waiting to see whether the two-vote victory that challenger Kim E. Wiley had over incumbent Corrin F. Bowers III would hold. Bowers is in his first term after serving as a councilman.

Theyll be waiting a little longer.

Of Estills estimated population of just more than 2,800, 2,319 residents are registered to vote. A fraction of those showed up at the polls on April 13 for the local municipal election, but each vote mattered.

The afternoon after the election, the count showed Wiley with 273 votes and Bowers with 271.

With the already high emotions of an already tight race, delays and confusion have followed in the weeks since. Estill Municipal Election Commission chairperson Marsha Robinson says no one in Hampton County has experienced this before.

Votes were scheduled to be certified April 15, two days after the initial election, but of the three people on the election commission, Robinson was the only one available.

Town Council voted to appoint two new commissioners in a special-called meeting six days after the election.

A couple of days later, the three-person election board met to certify the results and hold a provisional ballot hearing. At tat point, eight total votes were added to the tally, Robinson said.

Typically, the county sees three or four challenged ballots, and the gap between the candidates is larger, so they dont make much difference.

This was beyond unexpected for the county, she said.

Once those eight votes were reviewed, a recount was called, and once again, it changed the circumstances.

Wiley and Bowers were tied at 274 votes, and the election board again had to figure out the next step.

Eventually they scheduled a recount, which typically follows a tie, for Tuesday  two weeks after election day.

Story continues

Tied again.

Despite her roughly 10 years of experience working elections, Robinson was at a loss. Like most municipal election boards, Estills leaned heavily on advice from the county and state commissions.

A law helped provide guidance, S.C. Election Commission spokesperson Chris Whitmire told The Island Packet. He cited SC Code  7-13-1170, which in laymans terms says in a situation like this, the governor has the power to order a new election.

Both Whitmire and Robinson said they expect the runoff election to occur soon.

Right now, Robinson said the election is in the hands of Gov. Henry McMaster. She said she isnt involved in that process and is waiting like everyone else to find out what is next.

A governors office spokesperson did not immediately return a call Thursday afternoon.

Whitmire said the governors office typically talks with local officials to make a decision that makes sense and is logistical.

This has been an experience, Robinson said. This is a process that were all learning from, and it is what it is.

She said once a date has been set, the community will be notified.

Until then, Estill is still wondering who its mayor will be.


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Police Crime Branch arrested five people from Uttarakhand for allegedly manufacturing fake Remdesivir injections.

"Raids were conducted in Haridwar, Roorkee and Kotdwar of Uttarakhand. We busted an illegal factory being used for manufacturing fake Remdesivir injections," the police said.

The team of Crime Branch DCP Monika Bhardwaj, recovered fake injections, packaging boxes and a machine in Kotdwar during the raid.

"In all 196 ready to sell fake Remdesivir injections were seized. From the premises, packing machines, 3,000 empty vials for packing Ramdesivir were recovered. Accused further disclosed that he already sold 2000 fake Remdesivir injections to desperate people," said DCP Bhardwaj.

Commissioner of Police, SN Srivastava took to Twitter and also informed about the incident and the arrest.

" Police working on useful information arrested 5 culprits in a prolonged investigation and unearthed a 'pharmaceutical' unit at Kothdwar, Uttarakhand manufacturing large quantities of fake Remdevisir injections (COVIPRI) sold at price over Rs 25000 per piece," said SN Srivastava.

Further investigation is underway.

(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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Anne Douglas, the wife of Kirk Douglas and producer known for her philanthropy work, has died. She was 102.

The Douglas family announced she peacefully died at her home in Beverly Hills on Thursday afternoon. Her death comes about one year after the death of her husband, who died in February 2020. The couple were married for 66 years.

Anne was more than a stepmother, and never wicked, actor and stepson Michael Douglas said in a statement. She brought out the best in all of us, especially our father. Dad would never have had the career he did without Annes support and partnership. Catherine and I and the children adored her; she will always be in our hearts.

Born in Hannover, Germany, Douglas efforts to later escape the Nazi-occupied country led her to France. Her fluency in German, English, French and Italian enabled her to work with a French film distributor, leading to a career in the movie industry. She later met Kirk in 1953 when he offered her a job as his publicist while in Paris to film Act of Love. His early courtship took persistence, but the couple ended up marrying in Las Vegas in May 1954.

Despite her deep ties to Hollywood, Douglas most significant impact was done through her philanthropy work. She was a driving force in the building of the Los Angeles County Music Center and served on the boards of The Mark Taper Forum and the Center Theater Group. In addition to being one of the original founders of the Cedars-Sinai Research for Womens Cancers, Douglas prioritized the welfare of Los Angeles women with the opening of the Anne Douglas Center for Women at the Los Angeles Mission. Endlessly recognized for her work, Kirk best captured the tenacity of his wife when he said, Anne is selfless, compassionate and loyal to a fault. She also has a wicked sense of humor and can make me laugh in English, French and German.

Douglas is survived by children Peter, Michael and Joel; daughters-in-law Catherine and Lisa; grandchildren Cameron, Dylan, Carys, Kelsey, Tyler, Jason and Ryan; great-grandchildren Lua Izzy and Ryder and a sister, Merle Werbke. In addition to Kirk, she was predeceased by son Eric Douglas in 2004. Donations in her memory can be made to the Anne Douglas Center at the Los Angeles Mission.

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A Winfield man was one of several people this week sentenced in Tuscaloosa in a long-running investigation into a multi-million dollar prescription drug-billing scheme involving a Haleyville pharmacy.

Chief U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced two dozen defendants in the case, which included company executives and managers, a prescriber, billers, and sales representatives.

According to U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, James A Mays, III, 45, of Winfield, was sentenced to 102 months in prison on one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud and mail fraud, twelve counts of health care fraud, and three counts of money laundering based on spending the proceeds of health care fraud.

The investigation, which yielded indictments against multiple defendants in 2019, centered on Northside Pharmacy doing business as Global Compounding Pharmacy. Mays was the pharmacist who handled Globals operation and made millions during the conspiracy, prosecutors said. He pleaded guilty to the charges in February 2021.

These defendants manipulated the system for their own personal gain without regard for patient need or medical necessity, Escalona said.

Also sentenced were:

John Jeremy Adams, 40, of Panama City Beach, Fla., the president and CEO of Global Compounding Pharmacy, to 170 months in prison on one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud and mail fraud, 19 counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiring to pay kickbacks to a prescriber, and eight counts of spending the proceeds of health care fraud. He pleaded guilty to the charges in May 2020.

Jessica Linton, 38, of Clearwater, Fla., to 132 months in prison on one count of conspiracy, thirteen counts of health care fraud, three counts of mail fraud, and seven counts of aggravated identity theft. Linton was the manager in charge of Globals billing center and altered and added prescriptions, billed insurers for medically unnecessary prescriptions, and helped hide the fraud. A federal jury convicted Linton of these charges in February.

John Gladden, 51, of Tallahassee, Fla., to 64 months in prison on one count of conspiracy, six counts of health care fraud, one count of mail fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Gladden, a district manager for Global during most of 2015, directed his sales representatives to get medically unnecessary prescriptions for themselves and their family members. In February, a federal jury convicted him.

Phillip Marks, 52, of St. Augustine, Fla., was sentenced to 36 months in prison on one count of conspiracy and twelve counts of health care fraud. Marks served as a manager of the sales managers and, in 2015, pressured subordinates to get unnecessary prescriptions for themselves and their family members. Prosecutors said he made more than $400,000 during his time at Global. He pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2018.

Prosecutors said the group billed insurers for massive quantities of medically unnecessary prescription drugs from 2013 to 2016. The scheme involved directing employees to get medically unnecessary drugs for themselves, family members, and friends, changing prescriptions to add non-prescribed drugs because insurance would pay for them, automatically refilling prescriptions regardless of patient need, routinely waiving and discounting co-pays, and billing for drugs without patients knowledge.

The participants also hid the fraud and obstructed detection effortsincluding by lying to auditors and diverting their billing through affiliated pharmacies.

In all, Global was paid nearly $50 million in claims in just a two-year period. Global received more than $13 million from prescriptions written by prescribers who were either paid cash to write them or whose spouses worked as Global sales reps. One nurse practitioner who wrote prescriptions was paid kickbacks in paper bags filled with thousands of dollars in cash and left in her car, investigators said.
STOCKHOLM,, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tobii AB (publ) today announces that the number of shares and votes in Tobii has increased as a result of the issue and repurchase of 900,000 class C-shares in accordance with the company's incentive programs, as announced by way of a press release on April 15, 2021.

Today, the last trading day of the month, there are in total 100,269,972 shares, of which 99,369,972 are ordinary shares and 900,000 are class C-shares, and the total 99,459,972 votes in the company. The share capital has through the new issue increased with SEK 6,531.24 and after the increase amounts to SEK 727,652.545926.

This information is information that Tobii AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on April 30, 2021, at 11 p.m. CEST.

CONTACT:

Contact

Henrik Mawby, Head of Investor Relations, Tobii Group, phone: +46 (0)72 219 82 15, email: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/tobii-ab/r/new-number-of-shares-and-votes-in-tobii,c3338081

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/2874/3338081/1411029.pdf New number of shares and votes in Tobii - Press release - April 30, 2021

SOURCE Tobii AB
Houston-based Indian-American non-profit body Sewa International, which has raised nearly USD8 million towards COVID-19 relief efforts in India, has dispatched the first batch of 2,184 concentrators from Atlanta.

The organisation has also ramped up its social media fund-raising goal from the earlier USD5 million to USD10 million now.

Sewa said the concentrators left Atlanta for New Delhi by air on Thursday. United Parcel Service (UPS) Foundation is carrying the cargo free of cost, it added.

"Thanks to UPS Foundation for carrying our cargo free of cost, making all arrangements, and giving full cooperation to move the material. India team has lined up supply chain to efficiently distribute this across the country," Sewa International said in a Facebook post.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to India. We are working with our partners to deliver much needed medical equipment. First shipment of over 2,000 concentrators for Sewa International are on their way," the UPS Foundation tweeted.

Gitesh Desai, a spokesperson of Sewa International, said the oxygen concentrators were procured using donations from Indian-Americans to help India fight this crisis.

"Sewa is in the process of building a digital helpdesk to provide critical information on ambulance services, hospital bed availability and blood and medicinal supplies to people," Desai further said.

Sewa International said it has volunteers working both in the US and India, coordinating the work of raising funds, procuring medical equipment supplies, and getting these to hospitals and institutions.

Its volunteers in India are preparing essential supply kits to distribute to low-income families. Each kit contains groceries, basic medicines, masks, sanitisers and hygiene supplies, it added.

Responding to the overwhelming support Sewa received for their Facebook fund-raising campaign, the NGO's Marketing and Fund Development vice-president, Sandeep Khadkekar, said, "We are deeply moved by the response we have received from all of you for our fundraiser. Sewa appreciates your willingness to donate for a cause that would save many lives in India."



"The Facebook fund-raising campaign has had such traction as Facebook is working with us to boost this initiative to ensure that Sewa International leverages the trust people have in us," said Viswanath Koppaka, the NGO's director of marketing.

"We have about 85, 000 donors who have supported our Facebook campaign, and it has been a challenge to keep them in the loop of all the work going on behind the scenes. But we also have energetic volunteers pitching in, working late into the night, to do all that needs to be done to keep people informed," he added.

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna thanked UPS for its efforts.

"I had a terrific call this afternoon with Penny Naas, President International Public Affairs at UPS. She told me of their commitment to deliver oxygen and vaccines to India and to many other nations. Thank you, UPS, for your leadership during this public health crisis," Khanna tweeted.

New York-based American India Foundation (AIF) said 500 oxygen concentrators are en route to Delhi to swiftly shore up supplies of oxygen in India's capital.

AIF is responding to the oxygen SOS by the Delhi government, and the concentrators are expected to reach in the next three days, the foundation said.

Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton issued a fundraising appeal on behalf of the AIF and other non-profit bodies.

"India is facing a surge of COVID cases that threatens to leave as many as 1 million people dead over the next few months. If you can, consider pitching in to organizations helping patients and frontline workers, like American India Foundation or others listed here," Clinton said in a Facebook post.

The VHP of America has sent a charter flight from Chicago carrying life-saving oxygen generators and medical equipment to India.

The New York Times on Thursday released a list of NGOs through which Indian-Americans can send relief materials or donate for COVID-19 efforts in India.

Ajay Jain Bhutoria, a Democratic party leader from California, announced a grassroots level initiative with hundreds of volunteers, calling people in India to follow social distancing protocols, wear masks, stay indoors and avoid all gatherings for the next 8-12 weeks.

"This will help reduce the load on the broken medical system," Bhutoria said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
10:29 | Lima, Apr. 30.

Via social media, Castillo thanked the Peruvians who sent good wishes to him, after learning that he was treated by a medical team due to health problems on Thursday.





"The doctors' diagnosis was a throat infection. Tomorrow we rejoin (the campaign). The debate will take place no matter what. Peru comes first," the teacher expressed last night.





Last Thursday, the presidential candidate had to suspend his scheduled events in Lima's San Juan de Lurigancho district, because he had health problems and was examined at a local clinic.





"Nothing will stop us in our march with the people towards the horizon of justice and freedom that we have drawn. Once again, thank you, brothers and sisters across the country," Castillo wrote.




Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 21:29:50|Editor: huaxia

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ADDIS ABABA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia has banned civilians from carrying firearms within a 10 kilometer radius of a key highway connecting Ethiopia with its northwestern neighbor, Sudan, Ethiopia News Agency (ENA) reported on Friday.

The ban was part of the measures instituted by a newly established command post to stem sporadic communal violence in the Central Gonder zone of Ethiopia's Amhara regional state, the ENA said.

Under the new security measures, only Ethiopian security forces are allowed to handle and operate firearms in the restricted zone along the 147-kilometer highway linking Gonder city with Metema city, the news agency said.

In recent years, northwestern parts of Amhara have been suffering from armed clashes between members of the dominant ethnic Amhara and minority ethnic Qimant communities. Qimant activists have been campaigning to have an autonomous region within the Amhara regional state, creating tension with the regional administration and ethnic Amhara communities.

According to regional authorities, sporadic clashes have left scores of people dead and tens of thousands displaced.

Ethiopia strictly controls the licensing and movement of firearms across the country, and private arms ownership is relatively rare.

However, ownership of firearms is seen as a sign of prestige in parts of the country that have a history of rebellion and blood feud.

In January 2020, Ethiopia's parliament passed legislation aimed at further reinforcing stringent requirements for private firearms ownership.

Under the new law, the number of firearms an individual can have is restricted to one. Individuals found to have exceeded this limit could be jailed for up to three years.

The new law also bans private trade in weaponry, allowing only government institutions to import guns, and imposes up to 20 years' prison time for those found to be engaged in firearms trafficking. Enditem
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She made her name as a Victoria's Secret model.

And Joy Corrigan put her credentials on display in a skimpy floral bikini as she partied on a yacht off the Miami coast this week.

The 26-year-old sensation was seen tipping back a glass of bubbly while mingling with her pals on board the vessel.

Selfie sensation: Joy Corrigan put her credentials on display in a skimpy floral bikini as she partied on a yacht off the Miami coast this week

Joy selected a revealing two-piece that emphasized her amply endowed cleavage and flaunted her enviably sculpted midriff.

The statuesque former Playmate could be spotted frolicking around the deck of the yacht with a champagne flute in her hand.

Alongside her modeling career she has acted in movies and started a clothing line with her sister Gina called Naked Species.

'Ive always loved fashion and my sister is really good on the business side,' Joy explained in an interview with AfterBuzz TV last year.

Having a ball: The 26-year-old sensation was seen tipping back a glass of bubbly while mingling with her pals on board the vessel

'We wanted a clothing brand that gives back and helps endangered species. We partnered with the Wild Tomorrow Fund and 10% of the proceeds goes to them.'

Joy got a plug in for the clothes as well saying: 'The most important thing with the brand are the designs...they are a little more edgy.'

Meanwhile on the acting front she has acted in such projects as the 2018 action movie Reprisal which starred Bruce Willis.

Joy called the experience of working with Bruce 'such an honor' and explained that she 'learned so much' from observing him.

Use it or lose it: Joy selected a revealing two-piece that emphasized her amply endowed cleavage and flaunted her enviably sculpted midriff

'He is such an inspiration and his work ethic is impeccable. He only has a few takes,' said Joy whose movies also include the Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle Aftermath.

She dished that Bruce 'Comes super prepared and has this confidence and energy. Its cool to watch. Hopefully I can be like that.'

Joy's career began when she was just 14 years old and got scouted at a shopping mall in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Malaysian teenager Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam came home from school and posted this video on TikTok, talking about how her male teacher had made an alleged joke about rape during class.

The video went viral overnight and sparked a nationwide debate on sex education, misogyny, and sexual violence in the conservative Southeast Asian country.

"There's been numerous, numerous students that have been coming forward with their own stories to me in my DMs (direct messages) talking about how they also tried to fight this thing, but they will be alienated by their classmates or by the teachers, or the teacher that did the wrongdoing themselves didn't get any action (taken against them). People didn't take any action to what the students had to say. And for me that is very, very sad."

The video has also come with its share of backlash.

Ain received a rape threat from a schoolmate and lewd remarks about her appearance.

Her parents - worried for her safety - decided to report the teacher's remarks and the rape threat to the police.

"If we act like it's normal, or keep brushing off such remarks as mere 'jokes,' and I don't say anything about this, my younger children will go probably go through this too, with the same teacher. It will never end otherwise. So it's important to put a stop to it."

Police have vowed to investigate Ain's complaint, as has the country's education ministry.

On Thursday (April 29), the women's ministry also called for stronger action over rape jokes, sexist remarks, and body-shaming.

The debate has prompted Ain to create the #MakeSchoolASaferPlace hashtag.

She hopes it will encourage other teens to come forward, about issues from sexual harassment to racism.
(ANSA) - ROME, APR 30 - Italy has achieved the target the government set of ramping up its COVID-19 vaccination campaign to the degree that it is capable of giving half a million jabs in a day by the end of April, Health Minister Roberto Speranza said Friday.

"Yesterday over 500,000 vaccine doses were administered," Speranza said Facebook.

"I thank the women and men of the national health service and all the institutions for a great team effort.

"The vaccine is the true way to emerge from these months that have been so difficult". (ANSA).


SUWANEE, Ga. (AP)  A vehicle on a Georgia interstate unexpectedly changed lanes ahead of a van that went out of control, rolled onto its side and slid across two lanes, bursting into flames and killing six women inside, authorities said Wednesday.

Gwinnett County police released their initial accident report and identified the victims killed in the Saturday wreck, many of whom were part of a sober living community called We Are Living Proof.

We ask that you join us in prayer for the families and loved ones of the ladies we lost as well as the survivors, the organization said on its Facebook page.

Flames grew rapidly as bystanders tried to save the motorists from the burning passenger van, witnesses recounted later. At least one motorist kicked out a windshield of the van in the frantic effort to rescue those inside.

Theres somebody trapped in there and its on fire and theres all kind of people trying to get them out, a caller told a dispatcher in 911 recordings released Wednesday.

Ten injured survivors of the crash were taken to hospitals. The women killed were all from Georgia and ranged in age from 26 to 53.

Among them was Alishia Carroll of Columbus, a 34-year-old mother of four who had recently decided to get help for her addiction problems, family members said. The van was carrying the women to a treatment recovery meeting, relatives told WXIA-TV.

She was finally trying to get good for herself and good for kids and God just wanted to take her home, Carrolls oldest child, Kylie Mitchell, told the Atlanta station.

Others killed were Kristie Whitfield, 44, of Mount Airy, Georgia; Tina Rice, 53, of Atlanta; Normisha Monroe, 38, of Norcross, Georgia; and Rose Patrick, 34, of Ellabell, Georgia, police said.

The vehicle seen changing lanes ahead of the 2002 Dodge Ram passenger van did not remain at the scene, police said in their report.

Police are seeking more information from anyone who witnessed the crash, which happened on Interstate 85 about 35 miles (56 kilometers) northeast of downtown Atlanta.

I need to know what caused the accident, Steve Paris told WSB-TV. His daughter, Ashleigh Paris, 26, of Kennesaw, was among those killed.

I need closure for my baby girl, he said. She was daddys little girl.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Mumbai: Vaccination stopped at Jumbo Covid Centre due to shortage of supplies at Bandra BKC in Mumbai on Tuesday April 20. 2021.(Photo:Sandeep Mahankal/IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, April 30 : Blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre for "delaying the youth vaccination programme" scheduled to be launched from May 1, the Maharashtra Congress slammed the government's failure over the inoculation drive while the BJP leaders indulge in blame-games.

State Congress Spokesperson Sachin Sawant said that the Centre had announced the vaccination programme for people in the 18-44 age group from May 1.

"Unfortunately, this programme will not start at the national level as the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not provided adequate supplies of Covid-19 vaccines due to sluggish and zero-planning," said Sawant.

He said it was due to the government's indifference towards the vaccination that the working youth of the country will be denied a chance of the jab even as the whole world is undertaking vaccination on a war-footing.

Sawant said that the Modi regime shifted the responsibility of the 18-44 age group to the states and now the delay due to disruptions in vaccine supplies is taking a toll of young lives.

"The delays are not only in the 18-44 age group but also above 45 where people are suffering without adequate supplies of vaccines. Till date, the Centre has given 1,63,66,000 doses to Maharashtra of which 1,60,27000 have already been administered to the people by the state. Yet, many vaccination centres have been shut down due to shortage of vaccines," rued Sawant.

While Maharashtra has announced it will give the jabs free to all youth, due to non-availability the vaccination drive here has been put off to May-end with a similar situation in Madhya Pradesh, he pointed out.

"Instead of highlighting the Centre's haphazardness, the state BJP leaders are busy spreading canards against the Maha Vikas Aghadi government which ranks top in the vaccination drive till date," said Sawant.

Meanwhile, state Congress President Nana Patole again appealed to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to arrange for door-to-door vaccination to avoid long travel by the people, especially in far-flung rural areas.

For this, he suggested that the government could take the help of trained private healthcare personnel from NGOs and also rope in private hospitals.

Officials indicated that in view of the uncertainties of vaccine stocks, the state government may launch a 'token' inauguration of the massive inoculation drive for the estimated 5.50 crore people in the 18-44 age group on May 1 -- coinciding with the 61st Maharashtra Day celebrations and the International Labour Day.
Prime Minister on Friday condoled demise of Rohit Sardana and said his untimely demise has left a "huge void in the media world".

Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister recalled Sardana as a person who was full of energy, passionate about India's progress, and a kind hearted soul.

Rohit Sardana left us too soon. Full of energy, passionate about Indias progress and a kind hearted soul, Rohit will be missed by many people. His untimely demise has left a huge void in the media world. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti.  (@narendramodi) April 30, 2021

Sardana had tested positive for COVID-19 on April 24 after undergoing a CT Scan.

"I had got a test done a week ago after showing symptoms. The RTPCR showed a negative result but the CT scan confirmed COVID. Condition is better than before. Take care of yourself and your family members," he had tweeted.
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England's coronavirus vaccine postcode lottery was laid bare again today as data revealed parts of London and Lancashire have jabbed fewer than half of residents aged 45 to 49.

NHS England statistics going up to April 25 show that 65 per cent of adults in the age group have had their first dose of either the AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna jab.

But MailOnline analysis shows inoculation rates vary wildly across the country. Seven local authorities have seen inoculated fewer than half of residents in the age group.

Kensington and Chelsea in London has the lowest uptake rate in the country by some distance, with just 6,678 of 15,384 people in the borough getting a first dose  an uptake rate of just 43.4 per cent.

For comparison, some 20 areas of the country have vaccinated more than 80 per cent of their residents in the age group.

It comes as the NHS in England today expanded the inoculation drive to everyone aged 40 and over, with the roll-out continuing at pace despite supply issue fears.

Adults in their thirties are expected to start receiving texts inviting them to book an appointment to get their first jab within weeks.

The UK has now dished out 34million first jabs and 14million adults are now fully vaccinated  more than a quarter of the population. It means almost 50million vaccines have already been dished out since the scheme began at the start of December.

NHS England statistics going up to April 25 show that 65 per cent of adults in the age group have had their first dose of either the AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna jab. But MailOnline analysis shows inoculation rates vary wildly across the country. Seven local authorities have seen fewer than half of residents in the age group

Younger adults are worse affected by rare blood clots linked to AstraZeneca's jab, drug regulator says Younger adults are particularly affected by the rare blood clotting disorder linked to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the UK's medicines regulator has said. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said there were 209 cases in the UK of the rare combination of blood clots with low platelet counts following being vaccinated the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, with 41 deaths, up to April 21. This is up from 168 cases and 32 deaths the previous week. New data, published by the MHRA for the first time, also gives breakdown the of the jab's side affects by age. It shows 23 cases in people aged 18 to 29, 27 in those in their thirties, 30 in people in their forties, 59 in people in their fifties and 57 in those aged 60 and above, with the age not known in the remaining cases. Around a quarter of the rare blood clots were in people aged under 40, and two-thirds in those under 60, the data shows. This contrasts to the proportion of people who have been vaccinated, with the latest NHS England data showing that 5.5million people under 45 had received a first dose by April 25 compared to 22.6million of those 45 and over. The MHRA said that the data suggested there is a higher incidence reported in the younger adult age groups and advised that this evidence should be taken into account when considering the use of the vaccine. Chief executive Dr June Raine said that no medicine or vaccine was without risk, but said the blood clots were 'extremely rare'. She added: 'The benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh the risks for most people. 'It is still vitally important that people come forward for their vaccination when invited to do so. 'We ask anyone who suspects they have experienced a side effect linked with their Covid vaccine to report it to the Coronavirus Yellow Card website.' The estimated number of first doses of Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca administered in the UK by April 21 was 22 million giving an overall case incidence of 9.3 per million doses, The MHRA said. The data also showed that 120 cases were recorded in women and 89 men aged from 18 to 93 years, and the overall case fatality rate was 19 per cent. Advertisement

England's vaccine rollout was expanded to over-45s on April  just 11 days before this data goes up to  so the variation will partly be down to jabs not reaching vaccination centres yet but also because of hesitancy.

Three local authorities in the East Midlands have jabbed more than 85 per cent of adults aged 45 to 49: Amber Valley, North Derbyshire and North Kesteven, Lincolnshire.

Statistics show seven areas of the country have vaccinated fewer than half their 45- to 49-year-olds, with London areas making up four of them.

Westminster in London had the second lowest uptake in the country with 45.8 per cent.

It was followed by Newham in London (47.8 per cent), Blackburn and Darwen in Lancashire (48.0 per cent), Hackney in London (48.5 per cent), Hyndburn in Lancashire (48.6 per cent) and Luton in Bedfordshire )49.2 per cent).

On the other end of the spectrum, North Kesteven was followed by Hambleton in Yorkshire (84.6 per cent), Havant in Hampshire (84.0 per cent), Chesterfield in Yorkshire (83.9 per cent) and Stroud in Gloucestershire (83.9 per cent).

Uptake among care workers remains an issue, with 19 per cent of older adult carers still refusing to take a first dose.

Hesitancy is highest in London, where just 71.8 per cent have had a jab, followed by the North West, where the figure is 78.2 per cent.

Yesterday, Matt Hancock said it was a 'privilege' to receive his first dose of the Oxford jab at the hands of deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.

The 42-year-old Health Secretary described the process in the vaccination hub at London's Science Museum as painless.

Alongside a picture on Twitter of himself receiving the injection from a masked Professor Van-Tam, he wrote: 'Brilliant! Got the jab. In & out in 8 minutes. Didn't hurt at all. Massive thanks to JVT & the @ sciencemuseum team. When you get the call, get the jab!'

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: 'With nine tenths of people aged 45 and over having been jabbed, nearly three quarters of a million new appointments were made in just two days as our booking service opened to people aged 42 to 44.

'With second doses also proceeding apace, we're now ready to invite all those aged 40 and over to join the most successful vaccination drive in health service history.'

Professor Stephen Powis, medical director for the NHS in England, urged those who receive a text to book their jab.

He said: 'The rapid rollout of the NHS vaccination programme, the swiftest in Europe, is down to months of careful planning and sheer hard work by nurses, doctors and countless other staff supported by our volunteers.

'If you receive a text inviting you for your jab, please follow the instructions provided and book - it is simple, effective and provides vital protection against the virus.'

NHS England said that when invited, people will be able to book in at a vaccination centre or pharmacy site through the national booking service.

Matt Hancock was given his first dose of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine by England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van Tam at the Science Museum in London yesterday

Covid in retreat: 22million Brits live in areas that have yet to suffer a Covid death in April Around 22million people are living in areas across the UK which had no reported Covid-19 deaths in April, new analysis has revealed today. Fewer than 600 deaths within 28 days of a positive test have been reported this month, compared with more than 30,000 throughout the same period in January, according to a study by the BBC. And in a huge boost for the nation, vaccines for over-30s are set to start within a fortnight while 40-year-olds will be invited for their jabs from today as the numbers falling ill with Covid drop to the lowest level since the pandemic began. From today, anyone aged 40 and over in England can book a vaccination. This is set to be extended on May 10, when people aged 35 to 39 are likely to be called up for their first jabs. In more good news, Boris Johnson will be told that social distancing can be scrapped at big outdoor events from June 21, paving the way for the return of big crowds. This comes after official data yesterday revealed coronavirus cases were down in every region of England and fewer people over the age of 80 are catching the virus than ever  as the UK's daily Covid deaths and infections remained flat. Public Health England's weekly Covid report found just 6.3 per 100,000 people in the most vulnerable age group caught the disease in the week ending April 25, the lowest since surveillance data began last June. The infection rate among over-80s peaked at 623 in mid-January. For over-60s, the rate was 9.1, down from 9.9 the week before and a high of 454 at the peak of the second wave. Both lockdown restrictions and vaccines  which were given to the elderly first  have helped turn the tide on the crisis. Every English region also saw falls in cases in the past week  despite millions more tests being deployed  with the lowest rates recorded in the South West (14.2), South East (17.2) and the East of England (20.5). Meanwhile, the Department of Health's daily update revealed there were 2,445 cases in the past 24 hours and 22 deaths, with infections down 10 per cent from a week ago and deaths up slightly on the 18 last Thursday. Latest figures show another 462,000 second and 134,000 first vaccine doses were dished out on Tuesday. It means more than 34million Britons have had at least one dose and 14m have been fully vaccinated. Experts said the UK was moving out of the Covid pandemic and into a situation that was much more manageable after separate figures showed the number of people falling ill across Britain is also at a record low. But despite a plethora of evidence showing the virus is firmly in retreat, England faces at least seven more weeks of restrictions. June 21 has been earmarked as the earliest possible date that most curbs can be lifted. The country's largest symptom tracking study estimated just 757 people are getting sick with Covid every day in England. Across the whole of the UK, it is believed to be 1,046. Infections have never been lower, even compared to last summer when lockdown rules had been lifted and the virus was in retreat, according to the study which launched in May last year. Advertisement

Text invites appear as an alert from 'NHSvaccine' and include a link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment. Those who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab.

Meanwhile, regulators have said that the rare blood clotting disorder linked to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine particularly affects younger adults.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency released a more detailed breakdown of figures as government scientists continued to debate whether everyone under 40 should be offered an alternative vaccine.

The latest number of cases in the UK was 209, including 41 deaths, up to April 21 - up from 168 cases and 32 deaths a week earlier.

'The data suggest there is a higher incidence reported in the younger adult age groups', said the regulator. 'This evolving evidence should be taken into account when considering the use of the vaccine.'

It comes as a separate analysis today revealed around 22million people are living in areas across the UK that have yet to report a Covid death in April.

Fewer than 600 deaths within 28 days of a positive test have been reported this month, compared with more than 30,000 throughout the same period in January, according to a study by the BBC.

In more good news, it was revealed that Boris Johnson will be told that social distancing can be scrapped at big outdoor events from June 21, paving the way for the return of big crowds.

This comes after official data yesterday revealed coronavirus cases were down in every region of England and fewer people over the age of 80 are catching the virus than ever  as the UK's daily Covid deaths and infections remained flat.

Public Health England's weekly Covid report found just 6.3 per 100,000 people in the most vulnerable age group caught the disease in the week ending April 25, the lowest since surveillance data began last June. The infection rate among over-80s peaked at 623 in mid-January.

For over-60s, the rate was 9.1, down from 9.9 the week before and a high of 454 at the peak of the second wave. Both lockdown restrictions and vaccines  which were given to the elderly first  have helped turn the tide on the crisis.

Every English region also saw falls in cases in the past week  despite millions more tests being deployed  with the lowest rates recorded in the South West (14.2), South East (17.2) and the East of England (20.5).

Meanwhile, the Department of Health's daily update revealed there were 2,445 cases in the past 24 hours and 22 deaths, with infections down 10 per cent from a week ago and deaths up slightly on the 18 last Thursday.

Latest figures show another 462,000 second and 134,000 first vaccine doses were dished out on Tuesday. It means more than 34million Britons have had at least one dose and 14m have been fully vaccinated.

Experts said the UK was moving out of the Covid pandemic and into a situation that was much more manageable after separate figures showed the number of people falling ill across Britain is also at a record low.

But despite a plethora of evidence showing the virus is firmly in retreat, England faces at least seven more weeks of restrictions. June 21 has been earmarked as the earliest possible date that most curbs can be lifted.

The country's largest symptom tracking study estimated just 757 people are getting sick with Covid every day in England. Across the whole of the UK, it is believed to be 1,046. Infections have never been lower, even compared to last summer when lockdown rules had been lifted and the virus was in retreat, according to the study which launched in May last year.

Professor Tim Spector, the King's College London epidemiologist who runs the study, praised the 'consistent low levels' of Covid and said: 'Its a great position to be in.' He claimed the findings 'signal that were moving from a Covid pandemic to Covid becoming endemic in the UK'.

Professor Karol Sikora, a medical expert at the University of Buckingham, told MailOnline Britain would no longer be in the pandemic if the Government hadn't been 'frightened by messages from the Government'.

Despite every region seeing Covid cases decrease overall, some councils saw an increase in cases in the week ending April 25. Public Health England data breaks the country down into 149 different areas

Just 6.3 per 100,000 people in the age group caught the disease in the week ending April 25, the lowest since last August (7.7). The weekly infection rate in over-80s peaked at 623 in mid-January. The age groups recording a slight rise are 10 to 19-year-olds, with 45.5 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to April 25, up week-on-week from 44.0; five to nine-year-olds, up from 13.6 to 13.9; four and under, up from 8.4 to 8.9; and 60 to 69-year-olds, up from 12.3 to 12.6
Chennai:

Indian Police Service (IPS) probationary officer who dreamt of becoming a bureaucrat used darknet and google drive to cheat the UPSC mains examination.

The usage of darknet  an overlay network which can be accessed by specific authorisation and software  surfaced up after the probationary officer and Tirunelveli assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Safeer Karim was arrested red handed on Monday by the Union Public Service Commission squad.

The police also said that hi-tech gadgets like computers, laptops and ipads were used in the cheating. Union Public Service Commission squad had recovered a micro camera mounted on his shirt, a bluetooth device and a mobile phone from his possession.

During questioning the probationary IPS officer told the police that camera was connected live with google drive. The digital copy of the UPSC exam question paper was being transmitted to his wife, Joicy Joyce, in Hyderabad via darknet.

Also read| Chennai: IPS officer caught using bluetooth device to clear UPSC examinations, wife dictating answers from Hyderabad



Police further informed that his wife with help of Dr P Rambabu, director of La Excellence IAS Study Circle at Ashoknagar in Hyderabad, would solve the questions and relate him over the phone. Karim would hear to the answers over a micro-bluetooth device.

Also read: UPSC CAPF result 2017 announced, check the results

The Union home ministry has also seeked a detail report on the hi-tech cheating by the probationary IPS officer to clear UPSC mains exam. The 2014 batch IPS officer Safeer Karim may face dismissal if he fails to explain his conduct.

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The health and beauty-tech business is focused on global distribution and sales of its scientifically validated innovative consumer products.

The import permits allow the sale of the shampoo products in any channel in mainland China.

Cellmid Ltd ( ) has received Chinese import permits for its Jo-Ju and Lexilis branded shampoos from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).

This marks an important milestone in the implementation of the distribution agreement signed in December 2020 with Ourui Health Management (OHM).

The company's shares have been almost 6% higher intra-day to 7.2 cents.

Permits essential for sale of products

These permits are essential for the sale of the fully finished products in mainland China and are key to implementation of the distribution agreement signed with OHM.

The NMPA is the agency responsible for the registration of drugs, medical devices and cosmetics in China.

It regulates the marketing and undertakes post-market risk management of relevant products and without NMPA approval drugs, medical devices and cosmetics cannot be exported to China.

The permits do not have an expiry date and will remain valid so long as Cellmid complies with annual reporting requirements to the NMPA.

Sale agreement for biotech subsidiary

On April 29, the company signed a binding agreement with Provelmare Holding SA, a Panama-based company, for the sale of Lyramid Limited, Cellmid's wholly-owned research and development subsidiary focused on commercialising its midkine intellectual property portfolio.

Midkine, an important novel therapeutic target, is a growth factor abundant during embryonic development but is almost undetectable in healthy adults and it reappears in certain pathologies, including inflammatory diseases and cancer, becoming readily detectible in blood and other tissues.

Although the sale was not required to be approved by shareholders, approval was sought at Cellmids AGM in November 2020 where the resolution to sell Lyramid was passed.
Union officers at Waterford Institute of Technology have resigned after a backlash against last week's Technological University ballot.

The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) will now put the terms of the merger with IT Carlow to academic staff again, potentially as early as next week, while the Minister for Higher Education is expected to receive an application to form the long-awaited Technological University for the South East later today.

The TUI branch had voted against the Technological University plans last Friday but turnout was only 24%. This was partly explained by the vote taking place by post. However, the president of WIT and several TDs in the region criticised the turnout, as it was roughly half that of the previous turnout in 2019.

TUI members at IT Carlow passed the merger last week while the governing bodies of both colleges have also now approved the application.

At an emergency meeting on Thursday night, members voted to re-ballot the deal, and this will take place online instead of via post.

Resignations

Four of the branch's five officers resigned in protest afterward, claiming that the new ballot holds "no assurances" for staff.

Branch secretary Dr Kathleen Moore Walsh confirmed that the officers had stepped aside. In a letter to members, she and the other resigning officers said there had been "a lot of finger-pointing" around last week's ballot, but that the four would "respect the right of all members to have opinions that differ from our own".

However, they said the new ballot risked being a rerun without any major amendments to the terms. Their positions had also been undermined and had become untenable, they added.

"There was a concerted effort to reject our efforts to bring all members along by identifying and addressing issues in an apparent effort to be expedient by seeking a new MOU ballot with no assurances.

"We respect the vote taken [at Thursday's meeting] but we have no desire to continue as officers in a branch where all the votes and voices of members are not respected. It is ironic that in the quest for the protection of the MOU that the very essence of this branch, its unity and solidarity has been undermined."

A spokesman for the TUI said that following "very well attended branch meeting" on Thursday, the decision was taken to put a new online ballot to members in the near future.

The spokesman added that last week's postal ballot was organised by the TUI Head Office as will the new ballot.

"As is normal, a simultaneous ballot of members in IT Carlow, the other institute involved in the TU consortium, will also take place," he said.

Minister Simon Harris is to appoint an international panel to review the application and make a recommendation to the Higher Education Authority. If successful the technological university is expected to be established by 1st January 2022.
Attempts to reach an agreement before 600 employees at ExxonMobils Beaumont refinery could be locked out ended on Thursday without success.

Representatives from the United Steelworkers union presented another offer to the company on Thursday afternoon, according to ExxonMobil, but it was ultimately rejected.

It was the first time the parties discussed a contract proposal since meetings ended unsuccessfully on April 23. At that time, ExxonMobil reiterated to employees its intentions to take over operations from hourly employees.

In another letter to employees published Thursday afternoon, management wrote that USW internationals presentation didnt match the companys goals for keeping operations competitive as it heads into the future.

Related: ExxonMobil, union prepare as labor negotiations get down to the wire

As we told the Union, this offer still includes items that significantly increase costs to the Company and that we have consistently expressed cannot be accepted over the last 108 days of bargaining, management wrote. This is extremely disheartening.

In its update to employees, the company said it would still be open to hearing from the union and ratifying a contract to prevent a work stoppage.

The USW also shared similar hopes  leaving the door open for more negotiations before a 10 a.m. Saturday lockout deadline.

Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox

It is our intent to do everything we can to avoid this proposed lockout and work stoppage, USW District 13 Staff Representative Richard Hoot Landry told the Enterprise in an email.

But, despite communications still being open, both parties confirmed theyve formed a plan for handing off operations to management after a Monday meeting, and clearing the way for hourly employees to be locked out of the work site.

Reuters reported Tuesday morning that the company already has been advertising for at least 40 operators with a minimum of two years of experience for three months of work, according to its sources.

Neither the company nor the union have detailed specifics about what parts of the USWs proposal ExxonMobil has taken issue with, but the company said it has and is still focused on good-faith negotiations.

Related: ExxonMobil reveals goals for contract negotiation

ExxonMobil has been actively engaged in good-faith negotiations with the United Steelworkers Union for a new contract since January, a spokesperson with the company wrote in an email to the Enterprise. Despite extensive efforts, we have not reached an agreement, and the Union committee has not held an employee vote on our offers.

In previous interviews and statements sent to the Enterprise, Beaumont United SteelWorkers local leadership said their contentions with ExxonMobils offer werent based on pay but instead centered around policy changes that affected job security, seniority and safety.

The USWs offer on April 23 was aimed at extending the negotiation process by one year so workers could avoid a work stoppage, union representatives said, but ExxonMobil said a temporary extension wasnt on the table.

These negotiations are not about wages, USW Local 13-243 Darrell Kyle said in a statement. Our greatest concern is making sure our lives and our jobs are safe and secure. Safety in our workplaces also protects our families and community.

The Beaumont complex has only had three strikes in its history in 1975, 1980 and 1988 according to the company.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/jd_journalism
Dumplings may have been the darling of the culinary world for the past few years, but momos  dumplings originating from Tibet or Nepal  have moved to the front of the line.

In the past several years, several Himalayan eateries have sprung up around the Hudson Valley, which has long been home to multiple Tibetan Buddhist temples and retreat centers. Like other transplants and weekend warriors who have flocked to the region, its not a far leap for Nepali and Tibetan families to visit or relocate here from New York City, and in particular Queens, home to one of the largest populations of immigrants from the countries of the Himalayas in the U.S.

Locally, their most famous food, often served with a seasonal twist, has been a hit.

Why does everybody love momos? asks J. Lama, a Nepal native who opened Beacons Momo Valley as a pop-up market with her parents in 2018. Theyre a favorite food for Tibetan and Nepalese people. Our momos are like your pizza  theyre everywhere. Its a popular street food and also served in nice, fine dining restaurants."

(Even the Dalai Lama happily shares his own momo recipe, which includes potatoes, onions, mushrooms and more.)

The momo magic may, in part, be due to the sauce. To the Nepalese people, the dipping sauce is even more important than the actual momo, says Lama. Here, we dont have soy sauce. We make a real, tomato-based chutney. Their sauces range in heat, from mild to ghost-spicy.

The locals in Beacon, they know which sauces they like, and they request them, she says.

Traditionally, Himalayan momos are steamed and made with wheat flour. The spices and how the meat is marinated is what differentiates them from traditional Chinese dumplings, says Lama, who has really upped the momo game by sourcing local grass-fed beef and pasteurized chicken.

To my knowledge, I believe we are the first people to serve grass-fed beef momos, to customers, says Lama, who sources her beef from Marbled Meat Shop in Cold Spring.

While Lama notes that the beef momos are the most popular, Momo Valley offers five varieties including pasture-raised yak, spinach and cheese, and a vegan option stuffed with veggies and Himalayan spices.

Lama and her parents emigrated from Nepal to New York City in the early 1990s. After moving to the Hudson Valley a few years ago, their pop-up business really took off as they quickly became a weekend staple at the Hudson Valley Brewery and also created bags of frozen momos to be sold at the Beacon Natural Market.

When a space opened up in 2019 at the Hudson Valley Food Hall  a hip destination showcasing several unique cuisines as well as a cocktail lounge  the family jumped at the chance to have a physical location. The pandemic curtailed their hours and shifted business to a takeout-only model initially, but these days, the family often works seven days a week.

Momo Valley

We make everything on site. My dad makes most of the meat curries and my mom has been cooking forever, says the proud daughter, adding that her parents still own a small lodge near the base of Mt. Everest where they used to cook for tourists from around the world.

Everything is made from scratch, you cant go buy it from a store. There is no other way. Its fresh and its authentic, says Lama, who heads to Jackson Heights in Queens to pick up the Himalayan spices. Thats where most of the Nepalese community is, she says.

The menu includes several other dishes and sides, including the Himalayan Chicken Bowl and the popular Thuka Buckwheat, bone broth noodle soup  a staple with Nepalese Sherpas  which is available topped with fried chicken or as a vegan option. The sophisticated menu points out that they use immune-boosting spices and greens.

Multiple Yelp reviews from 2021 dub Momo Valley a hidden gem.

People ask lots of questions when they come in, says Lama. Mostly they are focused on the food. But many people are amazed that there is a Nepalese restaurant here. They say that that they are so happy that theyve found us.

More than 100 miles Northwest of Beacon, in the small western Catskills town of Delhi, Jimmy Wangdak Tagsar shook up the local dining scene when he opened Catskill Momos in December 2018.

I always wanted to open a restaurant. I like cooking for people and making them happy, says Tagsar, who has worked in hospitality management since leaving Tibet for New York City in the early 1990s.

Twenty years ago I started coming up here for long weekends to get away from the city and to attend retreats at some of the local Tibetan centers, he says. After moving to the Catskills full-time a few years ago, he started making momos and selling them at places like the Taste of the Catskills festival.

People started asking me when I was going to open a restaurant. So I did. Before, people had to go to the city to get momos, but now the momos have come to Delhi, right here in Delaware County.

Loyal social media fans and Yelp reviewers rave both about the food and the fact that Jimmy frequently bolts out from the kitchen to help his staff and chat with the customers. This March 2019 love letter from a Facebook follower seems to sum up the collective feeling: The authentic Tibetan food was beyond delicious. The food was so fresh, perfectly hand made, and cooked to perfection  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU GO RIGHT AWAY!! Don't wait!! Just go!!

In a simple space on Main Street, his savory momos have been a huge hit. The formal menu changes twice a year but Tagsar frequently switches it up according to whats in season and whats in his heart. (He gives a heads up to his social media followers on what they can expect.) There are six main types of momos, from the ever-popular chive and Angus beef, to the vegan mushroom tofu. There are eight good-sized pieces; enough for a meal for one, says Tagsar.

A selection of noodle dishes, soups, curries, desserts and a selection of frozen momos are also always available on site. During the pandemic, much of Tagsars business has been takeout, but he does have several indoor tables and lots of outdoor seating that he is hoping to expand upon in the near future.

In the fall you can expect pumpkin momos, and soon Tagsar hopes to bring back the popular Ramp Truffle Momo he debuted in 2019.

When I make the truffle ramp momo, I feel like Im in an upscale Manhattan restaurant, says Tagsar. I really do try to take care of my customers.
YEREVAN, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis annouunced in Baku that his country recognizes the Armenian Genocide, ARMENPRESS reports Gabrielius Landsbergis said, answering the question of a reporter following his meeting with Azerbaijani FM Ceyhun Bayramov.

''The lessons of history are very difficult, particularly for those who were not part of it. We learn to understand the positions of the other side, look at the history from their viewpoint and put ourselves in their shoes. This process is time-consuming. Some processes are much easier than others. We saw that the U.S. President recognized a clear historical justice, like Lithuania has done'', the Foreign Minister of Lithuania said.
Jabalpur, MP, June 6 (UNI) Two youths died and a relative was grievously injured when their motorcycle was rammed by a jeep in the vicinity of Barnu trijunction on Sunday, law-enforcement authorities said. The deceased were identified as Deepak Chaudhary and Ramlal.

06 Jun 2021 | 11:50 PM

Bhopal, June 6 (UNI) Even as the Madhya Pradesh dispensation braces for a third wave of the dreaded novel coronavirus, the fatality figure owing to the millennium scourge rose to 8,337 on Sunday as 42 fresh demises were reported while the infected tally touched 7,85,196 with 735 more instances being detected during analysis of 81,636 specimens.

A Health Services Directorate bulletin issued tonight pegged the incidence rate at 0.9 and active cases at 10,103. Indore continued to have the dubious distinction of spawning the highest 298 new sufferers, Bhopal 137, Jabalpur 56, Ratlam 16, Gwalior 14, Ujjain 13, Khargone 12, Betul ten, Rewa and Dhar eight each, Sagar seven, etc. Thus far, 1,03,67,744 samples have been analysed.



The silver lining is that 7,66,756 individuals recuperated; 1,934 on this very day.
30th April 2021, Road Town, Tortola, BVI

EPH European Property Holdings Ltd ("EPH") today announces audited 2020 year end results of the Group.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

EPH acquired further first-class properties in premium locations and added a new asset class to EPH' portfolio:

- In April 2020, EPH purchased an 89.9 percent stake of the hotel property STRAL 3 in Berlin-Friedrichshain leased to NH Group Group

- In June 2020, EPH acquired 100% of the office property LASS 1 in Vienna which is undergoing full refurbishment until mid 2022

- In July 2020, EPH acquired 100% of the hotel property SALZ 4 in Dresden's historic city centre leased to Melia Hotels International

- In December 2020, EPH successfully closed the acquisition of office properties QBC 1 & QBC 2 in Quartier Belvedere in Vienna together with the parking garage QBC 7

EPH successfully raised additional equity capital of US$ 163 million via a share capital increase on the stock exchange

Continuous sale of apartments and entire sale of office properties at the Arbat premises developed by the Group

Due to the low share of hotel and retail tenants in our portfolio together with the high quality of our assets in core city or business centre locations which are still demanded and with a majority of financially strong tenants, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant impact on EPH's operating results and cash flows in the financial year 2020.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

NAV of US$ 36.69 per share - decreased from US$ 40.73 at YE2019 (but almost no change since HY 2020 - US$ 36.82 per share)

Net profit attributable to the shareholders is US$ 26.98 million vs US$ 40.68 million in 2019

The main factors influencing NAV and the financial result are:

- Net rental income declined from US$ 71.30 million for 2019 to US$ 60.84 for 2020. Decrease is primarily attributable to Russian properties and caused mainly by compression of US$ values of RUB-denominated revenues resulting from RUB depreciation (by 21% during the reporting period), as well as by revision of lease rates for US$-denominated leases upon prolongation of the existing leases (to bring the rates down to the current market level)

- Newly acquired properties STRAL 3 (Nhow hotel building) and SALZ 4 (Innside Melia hotel building), purchased on 2 April 2020 and 2 July 2020, accordingly, contributed US$ 3.28 million and US$1.39 million to the net rental income of the Group

- Decrease in revenue streams in Russia was compensated by the gain from sale of Arbat properties - US$ 11.68 million (US$ 3.12 million in 2019)

- US$ 85.35 million decrease in investment property valuations in US$ equivalent - result of the same factors as for the income decline plus some changes in the market assumptions due to market uncertainty arising from coronavirus pandemic (gain of US$ 53.51 million in 2019). The net valuation result though is positive - US$ 27.13 million as it takes into account also currency effect on valuations

- Impact of exchange rate fluctuations in the reporting period (overall positive effect of US$ 24.44 million): net foreign exchange income recognized in the income statement is partially overlapped by the negative change in CTA

Our annual report, including full financial statements, is available on the company's website:

https://europeanpropertyholdings.com/investors/reports.php





CONFERENCE CALL WITH THE MANAGEMENT

Please join management for a conference call to discuss EPH's 2020 results on

Wednesday, 05 May 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (CET)

Dial in: +41 43 216 12 79

Phone Conference ID: 237 344 87#

Click here to join the meeting



Find a local phone number

https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/ca5adb02-80f1-4920-a5e9-f70787fbb27b?id=23734487

A presentation for the call will be posted on the company's website shortly before the call: https://europeanpropertyholdings.com/

EPH European Property Holdings Ltd. is an investment company listed on SIX Stock Exchange. As part of its geographical diversification and strategic intentions to stabilise values and cash flows, the company currently invests in Western Europe. The Company has confidence in the stability of Vienna's prime office rents, sees significant growth potential of city's property markets, and believes that the addition to the EPH portfolio will create long-term value for its shareholders.

EPH is managed by Valartis International Ltd. a wholly owned subsidiary of Valartis Group AG. Additional information on EPH European Property Holdings is available by contacting Anna Bernhart Tel: +41 44 503 5400 or at contact@europeanpropertyholdings.com.

Attachments
NDRF personnel spray disinfectant as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 at the Charminar monument during a night curfew imposed by the state government in the wake of increasing coronavirus infections in Hyderabad. (Photo: AP)

HYDERABAD: A division bench of Telangana High Court, comprising Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy, sought to know what the State government intends to do once the night curfew ends on Friday.

The bench directed advocate general B.S Prasad to inform it about the decision of the government by Friday morning.

The court had asked it earlier also but Prasad on Thursday informed that the chief secretary would hold a meeting with district collectors and others Friday Morning. Subsequently, a decision would be taken based on the inputs gathered during the meeting.

The court wanted to know the decision of the Government as the Union Home Ministry had asked the State government to impose local restrictions and implement strict containment measures to flatten the Covid-19 curve.

We are not compelling or recommending the State to go for this or that, in view of Centres advice. But, everyone should know about the decision at least one day before. Do you feel there would be radical changes in one day, the Chief Justice asked Prasad.

The bench also questioned about reducing Covid tests since April 26.

Your data and media reports only say that tests had come down by 10,000 on April 27 compared to the earlier day and on April 28, it was down by 8,000 tests. We are not relying on media or any other third party reports. Your report only says that tests have come down to around 80,000 from one lakh. Automatically, when tests are lowered, the infected cases will also come down correspondingly. It is nothing but wrapping up data, the court said.

The court advised the State to be transparent and alert to the situation.
African OPEC member Angola signed this week a $5-billion memorandum of understanding with its neighbor to the east, Zambia, to study the construction of oil products and gas pipelines between the two countries.

According to Angolas Minister of Petroleum, Diamantino Azevedo, the feasibility studies could take two years. After they are completed, the two governments will take the final decision regarding the construction of the pipelines, Angolas Ministry of Petroleum said in a statement after the agreement was signed.

If the project moves to construction, it will create between 12,000 and 14,000 jobs in both countries, while pipelines maintenance and operation activities will create 4,000 permanent jobs in Angola and Zambia, the Angolan Ministry of Petroleum said.

The pipelines are expected to transport gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and gas from Angola to Zambia once completed.

This milestone agreement will bring to an end a more than 10-year old complex negotiation process that shall lead to cheaper fuel for Zambia, Zambias ambassador to Angola, Lawrence Chalungumana, said, as carried by Anadolu Agency.

Angolas state oil firm Sonangol and Zambia states company IDC will be strategic equity partners in the pipeline project, Chalungumana said, quoted by The Zambian Observer.

According to the ambassador, the pipeline project is expected to cost around $5 billion.

Angola is currently raising its refining capacity by building three refineries with a total capacity of 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) and boosting the refinery capacity of an operational refinery threefold, The Zambian Observer reports, noting that all the new refining capacity will turn OPEC member Angola into a producer of more refined oil products than it consumes. The surplus fuel will be transported to Zambia and other neighboring countries in the region.

Zambia relies on copper for a large part of its export revenues, but it relies on imports for fuel supplies.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Groups offering emergency medical services and help with funerals are closing around Myanmar amid a drop in funds and with volunteers targeted by junta forces for assisting anti-coup protesters injured in army and police crackdowns, sources said Thursday.

Many benevolent charity group members are now in hiding, with offices shutting down in cities and towns across the country.

Were caught between the opposing sides, said an official of one aid group working in Myanmars commercial hub and former capital Yangon, speaking to RFA. Some people see us as their enemy because we dont see eye-to-eye with them on everything.

So we have a lot of difficulties in our work, he said.

More than 200 relief groups with more than 500 ambulances operate in Yangon alone, with free funeral services offered by 50 associations in the larger Yangon region, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

State-run Myawaddy and MRTV news outlets have accused ambulance crews of blocking roads and carrying weapons, though, and junta troops and police now monitor all ambulance traffic, the official said.

On March 3, police in riot gear attacked protesters in Yangons North Okkalapa township, shooting dead at least 11 civilians. Six members of two charitable relief groups were also beaten, and their vehicles were destroyed.

After volunteers from Yangons Free Funeral Services Association (FFSA) put out fires set during the clash and assisted civilians injured in the fighting, troops raided the Association office and destroyed property inside, also wrecking cars parked outside the building, sources said.

Around 30 people were inside the office when the troops came in and beat them, one Association employee said, adding, We were all forced to flee. I dont know how many may have been arrested.

FFSA chairman Kyaw Thu has now been charged with defaming the military under Section 505(a) of Myanmars Penal Code, sources say.

Fewer groups left to help

Only 10 funeral service groups are now left in Yangon to help the citys poor, an official from one group said. There are only five big groups and five smaller ones left, and we have to take care of about 45 funerals each day, he said.

In Monywa, the largest city in Myanmars Sagaing region, authorities have placed restrictions on the movement of ambulances, warning crews they will be fired on if they ignore the rules, while in Mawlamyaing, Mudon, and other cities, the operators of ambulances and hearses have been told their vehicles will be seized if they are not properly registered.

In south-central Myanmars Bago region meanwhile, a member of one charitable group was arrested for building a memorial shrine for the victims of violence, while many of the members of the regions 17 charitable organizations have gone into hiding, sources said.

A lack of supporting funds is also now hindering the work of aid groups, the chairman of the Yangon Region Humanitarian Relief Group said, adding, It is difficult at present to withdraw money from the banks, and our usual donors cant afford to do anything more because of their own financial difficulties.

Many groups have now silenced their phones and closed their offices in the current crisis, sources say.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Courtesy of Anita Navalta Bautista

A few weeks ago, I reached out to the Filipino American National History Societys Stockton chapter and found something incredible. The small but tight-knit network of historians, both hobbyist and professional, keep the legacy of Filipinos in northern California alive through storytelling.

I had reached out about this academic analysis I had stumbled upon, written by Mina Roces, a history professor and close friend of the society. In it, she tells a story of Filipino style and mass consumption habits, all centered around a 20th century tailor in San Francisco. The generosity of the women I spoke to, in sharing stories and images and time with me, was not something I had anticipated or experienced often during my time in journalism. (A special thank-you to Anita Navalta Bautista, Linda Claramo and Beverly Engkabo at the Society.)
$53 Million on the Way for Non-University Tertiary Education Providers

English language schools and non-university higher education providers will be getting a $53 million (US$41.2 million) package to support the businesses as they struggle without international student revenue.

The support package will encourage providers to shift their business models to focus on Australian students and help expand their courses for overseas students.

Many non-university providers have seen revenue decline very sharply, and without some support, they may close or lose serious capacity, Education Minister Alan Tudge said. The package is measured and targeted at those who need it most while borders are closed.

The package will provide targeted support in four main areas. It will help create 5,000 short course places, create an innovation fund, waive fees, and provide additional loan fee exemptions.

Almost half of the total support package will be funding an extra 5,000 short courses places in any discipline at 100 eligible providers, strictly for domestic students.

Additional help for domestic students includes reducing loan help fees. Those who attended these education providers previously needed to pay a 25 percent loan help fee, while university students paid no fees for their HECS loans.

From July 1, $17.7 million in fees and charges will also be waived until the end of the year.

The remaining $9.4 million will be used to establish an innovation fund, where the government will offer grants up to $150,000 to help providers expand their offshore and online courses.

The innovation grants will encourage providers to take advantage of growing domestic student numbers and deliver more education online to international students offshore, Tudge said.

English language providers, which almost exclusively gain enrolments from international students, were the education institutions hit the hardest by border closures.

Tudge said that February data showed enrolments of non-university education providers dropped 17 percent while university enrolments dropped 12 percent. However, English language providers experienced a 67 percent decrease in enrolments.

Troy Williams, chief executive of Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), said they had been working with the government and were pleased to secure these outcomes.

However, he noted that the industry had already suffered from over 20,000 job losses, even while JobKeeper had kept the sector alive.

Many of those jobs have come back thanks to government investment in higher education and vocational education programs, Williams told The Age. However, the situation for the [intensive English language course provider] sector remains dire. Thats what makes this investment so important.
Photo: The Canadian Press Conservative MP Dan Albas speaks in Ottawa, Tuesday December 8, 2020. Just how many of the two billion trees the Liberals promised to plant in the 2019 election will go into the ground this year will be released soon, says Natural Resources Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The Conservatives' environment critic says almost two years after promising to plant two billion trees within a decade, the Liberals have provided little in the way of detail on how that will actually get done.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised in the 2019 campaign as part of his climate platform to plant two billion trees by 2030, which amounts to an extra 200 million trees per year.

To reach that goal over a decade, around 33 million trees would have to go into the ground each month in a tree-planting season and in nine years that number grows to about 37 million trees.

"We're two years into that commitment, almost two years into it, and theyre still acting like they still have another 10 years," said Conservative environment critic Dan Albas, who is also the MP for Central OkanaganSimilkameenNicola.

Planting didn't happen in 2020 and this year, the government put a call out for projects that could start this spring, after Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan announced it would spend $3 billion on the program.

That's about $2.78 billion less than what the parliamentary budget office suggests such an endeavour could cost.

A spokesman for O'Regan said the department sought out experienced tree-planting organizations that had land and more than 5,000 extra trees secured "to take advantage of the fast-approaching window of opportunity for tree planting."

"The first trees will be in the ground this spring," Ian Cameron wrote in a statement, saying more than 120 applications were received and agreements could be signed by May.

Just how many of those trees will go into the ground this season will be released soon, according to Natural Resources Canada.

The department said contracts are being finalized and that process is confidential, but Canadians can expect to get an update on the pledge.

The Western Forestry Contractors' Association, an advocacy group which represents seedling nurseries, consulting foresters and tree planting contractors in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, said some of its members were able to pull together sites, funds and seedlings to plant around 2.3 million trees in B.C.

When it comes to the promise, executive director John Betts said the message to both the federal and provincial governments is that industry is willing to do what it takes to get extra nursery space, expand its labour force to meet demand, so long as volume remains steady.

"We don't want any ups and downs," he said.

Besides what goes into the ground this season, Natural Resources Canada plans to design a program for more long-term planting.

Albas said questions remain about the cost per planting plot, particularly in urban areas, well as where the land is located.

"The government made a political promise during the campaign that it had no idea how it would institute and basically handed this over to the bureaucracy," he said.

"It sounds like they don't know who they're going to be dealing with either."

The Forest Products Association of Canada said it offered advice to the Liberal government in developing the program that it should look to those in forestry, conservation as well as Indigenous groups who have experience with planting.

"You cant just say, 'We're going to plant two billion trees.' The details here matter," said president and chief executive officer Derek Nighbor, who added the government appears to be taking an inclusive approach.

Seedlings can take several years to grow depending on the tree species, he said, plus it takes time to prepare supplies and work to ensure what's planted survives.

The government projects planting these two billion trees will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to two million tonnes annually by 2030 because they sequester carbon.

The department expects that as trees mature, the program will cut emissions of heat-trapping gases by up to 12 million tonnes per year by 2050, which is when Canada is supposed to reach net-zero emissions.
New Delhi: NCP leader Ajit Pawar coming out after meeting at NCP president Sharad Pawar at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday March 21, 2021. (Photo:Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, April 30 : The Nationalist Congress Party and its Nationalist Welfare Trust have donated Rs 1 crore each to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF) for Covid-19 and the upcoming vaccination programme, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced here on Friday.

A delegation led by Pawar, state NCP President Jayant Patil, MP Supriya Sule, NCP Youth President Mehboob Shaikh, Shivajirao Garje, and Aditi Nalavade met Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and handed over the amount.

"As per the guidance of NCP President Sharad Pawar, all the party legislators and parliamentarians have decided to forego their one month's salaries and donate it to the CMRF for the mega-vaccination drive of the 18-44 age group starting from May," Pawar said.

He said that the state is in the grip of a severe Covid-19 crisis but despite the financial constraints, the Maha Vikas Aghadi government has decided to make the Covid vaccination jab free for all the citizens in the 18-44 age group.

The move came a day after the Maharashtra Congress donated Rs 500,000, while all party legislators donated one month's salary besides the Congress Legislature Party Leader and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat donated his one-year's emoluments, totalling to around Rs 2 crore, to the CMRF.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
This is a crew that creates a product forged in the Australian outback, a place known for its inhospitable and unforgiving lands. Australian Off Road (AOR) is one of those companies that grew from a passion to explore the outdoors safely and comfortably.Back in 2000, Steve Budden, owner of AOR, was out looking for a camper trailer to handle his dreams . Having found none, he decided to be the creator of that vehicle. After all, if you want something done right, do it yourself. Since then, this team has been specializing in camper trailers of every rank and ability, the Sierra camper trailer being a perfect example of what they can do. The Sierra is described as a micro camper on the manufacturer's website, but once you understand how its all set up and how much you can accommodate inside, you might agree that its anything but micro. Heck, a micro camper is what I would call the MyPod teardrop camper. No, this is something else entirely.Personally, I think it is the sort of towable that could very well be used in military scenarios. Just look at it; its an absolute bunker of a device. Dont believe me? The team at AOR will tell you that the interior is 100% dust-proof while being fully lockable from the inside. But before I get on about the interior, the exterior needs to be unveiled.For a chassis, youll find Super Gal high tensile steel with powder coating and a 100x50 mm (3.93x1.96 in) full-length drawbar. Protecting your chassis are galvanized bash plates mounted underneath. An aluminum nose cone and a fiberglass body with insulated walls and roof complete the main construction. Overall, the trailer comes in at 950 kg (2,094 lbs) and includes a payload limit of 850 kg (1,874 lbs).For suspension, AOR uses an independent trailing arm suspension with variable-rate coil spring and two Outback Armour off-road shocks on each wheel. 12-inch (30.48-cm) electric drum brakes and 2,500 kg (5,511-lb) bearings with 17x8 steel wheels and MT tires give you adequate control and grip. One feature I enjoy on this towable is the kitchen. Unlike other campers that may struggle to include the kitchen inside, the AOR people seem to be true lovers of the outdoors. A large side-mounted kitchen includes everything you need to cook a meal worthy of a master chef. Completing the kitchen are a stainless-steel sink and splash back, food prep space, bring-your-own cooker and BBQ slide-outs, space to add a two-stage fridge, as well as plenty of storage and cabinetry.For sleeping, there are a few ways you can go about it. You can leave your Sierra bare and simply use the internal double bed, or you can add a hard-shell or canvas rooftop tent for another two to four guests. Thats absolutely it. You wont find any walkthrough spaces here. Some storage is found inside the trailer overhead the bed, with more storage under the bed.For restroom amenities, the Sierra is to be equipped with an external shower with both hot and cold water. For anything else, youll need to bring your own, including a toilet. 60 liters (15.8 gallons) of water storage is available, but an option for an extra 140 liters (37 gallons) exists. Theres also a river access system that bypasses all water tanks.Since youll be out and about for quite some time with the Sierra, plenty of technical and utility systems are in place. Also provided are an 150-amp lithium battery, 12-volt sockets and USB ports, Finscan Powercore 30 RV automation and battery management system, and external solar panel input.As far as pricing goes, AOR doesnt mention it on their website, but other local dealers are throwing these at you for $42,500, but thats most likely Australian dollars, which is the equivalent of $32,850 at current exchange rates. With the number of extra options you can add to this sucker, youll probably run into the $40,000 range.Personally, I like to camp with a knife, flint, and a raging fire by my side, maybe a string parameter with a bell here and there, for some extra safety. If I ever wanted to step up my game in terms of comfort while still being immersed in the outdoors, I'd consider the Sierra for sure.
Stephanie Browitt suffered burns to 70 per cent of her body

A White Island volcano survivor has posted photos revealing the dramatic improvements to her back after undergoing a series of skin grafts.

Stephanie Browitt, 24, suffered burns to 70 per cent of her body in the 2019 eruption near Whakatane in New Zealand, and also had her fingers amputated.

Her father Paul and her younger sister Krystal were among 22 tourists who died in the horrific natural disaster that made headlines across the world.

Ms Browitt spent nine months painstakingly recovering in hospital before returning to her home in Melbourne where she lives with her mother Marie.

It's been a long and harrowing road to recovery for the brave young woman, who regularly shares her personal journey living with disfiguring injuries to her 47,000 Instagram followers.

Ms Browitt suffered horrific burns in the White Island Volcano eruption. Pictured taken in August 2020

White Island volcano survivor, Ms Browit, posted photos revealing the dramatic improvements to her back after getting skin grafts. The photo on the left was taken in September 2020 and the photo on the right was taken in November 2020

Dramatic improvements can be seen in April 2021 after Ms Browitt underwent a series of skin grafts

'One of the areas of my body I was most upset about was my back, but witnessing the large improvements with my skin astounds me,' she said.

'I didn't believe much could be done or change but of course I underestimated my own body and the teams that work on me.'

Four photographs taken throughout the second half of last year compared to this week reveal how the 'thick webbing of scars' is showing signs of healing.

'As my hospital weight naturally falls off the indents that separate my normal skin from the grafts are becoming less noticeable and more even,' she said.

'The thick webbing of scars is also beginning to break down in thickness and colour, thanks to time but also laser.

Stephanie (right) lost her father Paul (left) and her sister Krystal in the blast on December 9, 2019

'The redness on my normal skin around the burns is where they took donor skin from to perform my skin grafts and they have also lightened in colour.'

The brave survivor said she's 'actually shocked at how amazing the latest photo is in comparison to earlier on'.

'It's a long journey but a very rewarding one and photos like these remind me why the hard work is worth going through. For other survivors, the hard work pays off,' she said.

Before the tragedy, more than 18,000 tourists would visit the White Island volcano each year.

There were 14 Australians killed in the eruption.

Ms Browitt is among 26 survivors of the blast and now wears a face mask to protect her skin.

Ms Browitt (pictured) spent nine months painstakingly recovering in hospital before returning to her home in Melbourne where she lives with her mother Marie
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From May 1, everyone in India who is above the age of 18 is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine and there is a mad rush to register for them on Co-WIN. But it is unlikely that the majority of the population in the relaxed age bracket will get the vaccine any time soon.

That is because states just don't have the vaccines to even administer to those above the age of 45, let alone opening it further to more people.

AFP

Vaccinating people responsibility now on states

Unlike in the previous phases, the responsibility of vaccinating those between 18-45 is mostly on the states while the Centre will continue to supply the doses for free vaccination for those above 45.

But states have been struggling to keep their vaccination drives on due to the shortage in supply.

So far Gujarat seems to be the only state that can open up vaccines for 18-45 in May.

According to Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, COVID-19 vaccination drive for the 18-45 age group in the state will start latest by May 15.

BCCL

"Vaccination for 18-45 age group will begin once we get substantial doses of vaccines from the pharma companies, which is likely to happen soon. Latest by May 15, the drive will start as we expect to get vaccine doses any time before that date," Rupani said.

"Earlier, we had ordered 1.5 crore doses of vaccine, but now we have increased it to 2.5 crore doses. We have placed orders of two crore doses of Covishield vaccines from Serum Institute of India and 50 lakh doses of Covaxin from Bharat Biotech," he added.

There is so much uncertainty in other states about the rollout of vaccines.

AP

Several states don't have enough doses

Several states, including Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, also said they do not have sufficient doses of vaccine for the inoculation of those in the 18-45 age group.

In Kerala, Health Minister KK Shailaja has said that there is no enough vaccination stock to inoculate all those above 18 years. She said that the second dose vaccine is pending for most of those above 45 and 60 yrs of age and the state has only 3-4 lakh vaccine doses.

She said that though the state has placed orders with the vaccine makers, the shipment will only arrive by late May or early June.

AFP

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has said that the COVID-19 vaccination for people between 18 and 45 years is expected to start only in September, once the vaccination for people above 45 years is completed. It will take four months to complete the vaccination for people in the age group of 18-45, which means they will be vaccinated by the end of January 2022, he said.

AFP

In Delhi too, things are no different and on Thursday state Health Minister Satyendar Jain said that they don't have vaccines for now.

"We don't have vaccines as of now. We have made requests to the company regarding vaccines, we will tell you when it comes," Jain said. He also said the manufacturers are yet to provide a schedule of vaccine supply to the Delhi government.
Christian photographer continues legal fight against law that may force him to work gay weddings

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A photographer suing Virginia over a law that would force him to service same-sex weddings despite religious objections is continuing his legal battle after a district court dismissed his complaint.

The Alliance Defending Freedom filed an appeal on Wednesday on behalf of Robert Updegrove of Bob Updegrove Photography in Updegrove v. Herring.

At issue is the Virginia Values Act, a law that took effect last July that expanded state anti-discrimination rules to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

The law has been the subject of litigation from those who believe that, among other things, it unlawfully violates the religious liberty of business owners who seek to conduct their business in accordance with their religious beliefs in traditional marriage.

According to legal filings, Updegrove seeks to conduct his custom photography business for engagement sessions and wedding ceremonies "celebrating the union of one man and one woman" and "evaluates every wedding photography request he receives to determine whether he can fulfill that request consistent with his artistic judgment and religious beliefs."

ADF Senior Counsel Jonathan Scruggs said in a statement released Thursday that he believes artists like Updegrove should be free to choose the messages they promote.

But because of the states interpretation of its law, photographers like Bob face an impossible choice: violate the law and risk bankruptcy, promote views against their faith, or close down, stated Scruggs.

Bob and other artists deserve to have clarity on how this law affects their business. Free speech is too important, and the First Amendment protects everyone, no matter what side of an issue a person lands on.

In late March, U.S. District Court Judge Claude M. Hilton ruled against Updegrove, arguing in part that the photographer lacked standing since the act has never been enforced against him or any other person.

In the almost nine months since the statute became effective, no complaint has been filed under the statute, wrote Hilton, an Reagan appointee.

No case or controversy exists when a person expresses a desire to change his previously compliant conduct to violate a new statute that no person, government or otherwise, has ever sought to enforce.

Formerly Senate Bill 868, the Virginia Values Act was sponsored by Democratic Sen. Adam Ebbin and signed into law by Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam in April 2020.

In a statement last year, Northam said the law sends a strong, clear message that Virginia is a place where all people are welcome to live, work, visit, and raise a family.

We are building an inclusive Commonwealth where there is opportunity for everyone, and everyone is treated fairly, stated the governor at the time.

No longer will LGBTQ Virginians have to fear being fired, evicted, or denied service in public places because of who they are.

Virginias Virginia Values Act became the subject of multiple lawsuits, including ministry groups that took issue with the lack of religious exemptions for the acts measures.

Last October, a group of churches and Christian private schools sued the state. They claimed the law forced them to hire employees who do not share and follow their beliefs on biblical marriage, sexuality, and gender, prohibit the Ministries from terminating employees who oppose their missions and convictions, and make the Ministries use their facilities in a way that contradicts biblical teachings on sexuality, marriage, and gender.

SB 868 puts the Ministries in an impossible position: they must either abandon the religious convictions they were founded upon, or be ready to face investigations, an onerous administrative process, fines up to $100,000 for each violation, unlimited compensatory and punitive damages and attorney-fee awards, and court orders forcing them to engage in actions that would violate their consciences, stated the complaint in part.

Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states.

Last August, a federal judge appointed by former President Donald Trump in Kentucky ruled that the city of Louisville cannot require a Christian photographer to work same-sex weddings because the Constitution does not require a choice between gay rights and freedom of speech.
HILLSDALE COUNTY, MI  A man and his dog were shot and killed by police Wednesday evening when an animal-at-large complaint quickly escalated into an animal attack followed by a police shooting in Hillsdale County, police say.

A Hillsdale County Sheriffs Office deputy was dispatched at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, to a dog-at-large complaint at a residence in Reading Township, according to the Michigan State Police.

The deputy arrived at the home and was immediately attacked by the dog and bitten, leading the deputy to fatally shoot the animal, police said.

The dogs owner, 32-year-old Oscar Herrera, was upset the deputy shot his dog and confronted him armed with a knife, according to police. The deputy shot Herrera as well, police said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The deputy was taken to a hospital to be treated for dog bites. Beyond stating the deputy has more than seven years of experience in law enforcement, he is not being identified at this time, police said.

Detectives with the Michigan State Police First District Special Investigation Section are investigating the shooting and will submit its finding to the Hillsdale County Prosecutors Office for review once completed.

The deputy is on administrative leave while the shooting investigation remains open, police said.

More:

5 dead, including 2 sheriffs deputies, after N.C. standoff

Pa. Wawa shooter tried to take vehicles after killing truck driver: police

Man accused of killing Pa. woman had been in jail, ordered to anger management after 2016 assault
REBELLION FALLOUT, SETTING THE STAGE FOR UNDER SIEGE, X-DIVISION WAR & MORE: IMPACT WRESTLING ON AXS TV REPORT

This week's edition of Impact Wrestling on AXS TV opened with highlights of the Rebellion 2021 PPV.

The entire locker room was literally beating down Scott D'Amore's door demanding a shot at Kenny Omega.

D'Amore emerged and told them to go to the ring so he can address it. They headed to the ring. Don Callis emerged and thanked Scott for dealing with that, then began preparing Zoom for Kenny Omega's title celebration. D'Amore told him their contract stipulated Omega appeared in person and if he doesn't, he'll be stripped of the Impact title and suspended by AEW. Callis went to scramble to get Omega to the taping.

After the opening, D'Amore in the ring congratulated Omega for his title win and praised Rich Swann's performance that night. Usually the loser of the title gets a rematch, but Rebellion was a very unique, once in a lifetime situation, so there is no rematch clause. So, they have to crown a new number one contender.

Therefore, at the Under Siege PPV there will be a six way match with the winner becoming the top contender for the Impact title. If Omega doesn't arrive by the end of tonight, that match will be to crown a new champion. The stakes at the PPV could not be bigger either way. He appreciates everyone's moxey in wanting to bring the Impact title back to Impact. He wants to give as many of them a chance to do so. So, over the next two weeks, there will be six qualifying matches for the Under Siege PPV main event.

Jake Something was called into the ring. He's always had something but the last few weeks he's been showing why he's so great and he deserves a chance. He'll get it against "this guy."

Out came Chris Bey.

Under Siege Qualifying Match: Chris Bey vs. Jake Something.

The talents stayed around ringside as if it was a lumberjack match.

They locked up and Bey was backed into the corner. They broke free. Bey went after Something but was tossed aside. Bey landed on his feet and ducked a lariat, then used a sunset flip takedown for a two count. Bey ate a second lariat. They battled to the floor, where Bay cut off Jake with a kick as he was in the ropes. Bey nailed a series of kicks and came off the ropes with a bodypress for a two count. Something made a comeback with a big double axe-handle. He went for a powerbomb but Bey landed on his feet and nailed a kick to the head. Something came back and nailed another powerbomb for a two count. Bey escaped a slam and used a Code Red for a two count. Bey went for the Ultimate Finesse but was caught. Something nailed a roaring clothesline. Bey grabbed the ropes when was sent into them and pulled himself out to the apron. He hiptossed Bey into the ring.

Something set up for a move out of the corner but Rohit Raju grabbed his leg. Something turned, allowing Bey to roll him up and put his feet on the ropes for the pin.

Your winner, advancing, Chris Bey!

Backstage, Don Callis was on the phone, telling Kenny Omega to use the jet to get here. Sami Callihan said that everything Callis and Omega have been playing might just go up in smoke tonight. Callis said it's not his business. Callihan said he doesn't know when or where, but he's coming for what's his. He walked off.

Gia Miller interviewed Taylor Wilde about her return. Tenille Dashwood approached her about being a team together. Taylor said she was here for Deonna Purrazzo and turned her down but Dashwood didn't seem to get the idea.

They ran down the lineup for tonight's event.

Sam Beale vs. W. Morrisey

Morrisey took the mic and told the cameras and said you may recognize this face, but you don't know who I am. He said that no one in the back loves or cares about the fans. They are very bad people. The industry is filled with bad people. He said the only difference between he and them is he's not afraid to admit it.

Morrisey attacked Beale in the corner and worked him over. Beale tried to fire back with rights but was beaten down with clubbing shots across the back. Morrisey elevated Beale and dropped him across the buckles. He beat Beale and kicked him off the buckles with a big kick to the mid-section. Morrisey snatched him into a short-arm clothesline.

Morrisey nailed a big powerbomb and scored the pin.

Your winner, W. Morrisey!

Gia Miller interviewed Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo, Susan and Kimber Lee. Lee said Wilde gets to make her in-ring return against her, with Lee's best friends at her side. Deonna said it was the perfect opportunity for them to handle this on their own. Lee agreed and said they've got this. Gia asked Purrazzo if there was a reason she was going to stay in the best. Purrazzo said she didn't like the insinuation she was afraid of Wilde and said she's not afraid of anyone and has beaten every single Knockout on the roster. Havok showed up and stared her down and Purrazzo looked nervous, knowing she hasn't beaten Havok.

After commercial, Willie Mack was interviewed and asked about what W. Morrisey did to him at the PPV and then what he said tonight. Mack said Morrisey took his downfall out on the fans, on Mack and Sam Beale. Mack said he's challenging Morrisey to a match at Under Siege.

Kimber Lee with Susan vs. Taylor Wilde

Lee nailed a dropkick as Wilde charged her at the bell and then worked over her back. She chopped away at Wilde in the corner, then smashed her face into the buckles. Wilde was sent into the ropes but shoulderblocked her down and nailed a series of deep armdrags. Wilde nailed a leaping leg lariat for a two count. Lee cut her off and worked over Wilde, scoring several two counts.

When they returned from commercial, Lee was stomping away at Wilde. She locked in a leg scissors and clenched her, working over Wilde. She then locked in a rear chinlock, almost a Camel Clutch. Lee went for a suplex but Wilde reversed it and went for a submission but Lee grabbed the ropes. Wilde charged but was taken down with a drop toehold into the ropes. Lee distracted the referee while Susan choked her against the ropes. Wilde made a comeback and nailed a series of running clotheslines and a scored several two counts.

Taylor locked in an Indian Death Lock and scored the submission.

Susan attacked Wilde but Dashwood made the save. Taylor seemed confused but was happy for the help.

Gia Miller grabbed Scott D'Amore outside of his office. He didn't have an update on whether Kenny Omega yet. This isn't the first time they've had to deal with a difficult champion. That's why they are doing the Six-Way. Moose showed up and wanted to know why he had to go through the qualifying match when he's the only one on the roster who can go through The Good Brothers and Omega. D'Amore told him he should look at it as a warm up match for Omega since he'll have no problem. D'Amore went to walk off. Moose grabbed him and said not to think that he should take advantage of their friendship because Moose will still hurt him. James Storm walked by and said that he realizes he is interrupting something and that when Scott was part of Team Canada, he used to want to pop him too, but now he's an EVP for Impact Wrestling. He said next week, they are going to fight next week. Moose told D'Amore this was on him.

X-Division Champion Josh Alexander vs. Ace Austin with Madman Fulton.

They locked up and muscled their way around the ring. Some damn good wrestling here. Austin went for a springboard move but was nailed and placed on the top turnbuckle. Alexander went for a superplex but was fought off. Austin came off the ropes with a rana and nailed a kick in the corner. Alexander came back with an old Doug Williams special, The Chaos Theory. The competitors were too spent to capitalize and the referee almost counted them down.

They battled back and forth with kicks and forearms. Austin took down Alexander, but the champ ducked a knockout kick. Alexander nailed a spinning powerbomb for a close two count. He went for the Jay-Driller but Aries blocked it. Aries nailed a jumping knee to the jaw. He charged with a spinning kick but was snatched into an anklelock. Ace kicked his way out and nailed another series of kicks. He covered Alexander, who kicked out at the last second. The timing there was perfect.

They battled to the apron where Alexander nailed a slam onto the outside. Fulton grabbed Alexander but was drilled and sent into the ring steps. Alexander went for the anklelock on Austin, who kicked him and went for the Fold. Alexander ducked but was nailed with kicks off the ropes, including a shot to the temple. Austin drilled him across the knees with a splash and scored a close two count. Austin set up for The Fold again but changed his mind and went for a Jay-Driller himself. Alexander drove him backwards into the buckles.

Alexander came off with a rana but Alexander caught him with a powerbomb and locked the anklelock in, scoring the submission.

Your winner and still X-Division Champion, Josh Alexander!

Really damn fun match.

Don Callis wanted to know what time the jet was landing. Johnny Swinger and Hernandez showed up. Callis reminded him that he owes them $20,000. Callis said if they can get a stooge to pick up Omega, they'll forgive the debt.

They showed the highlights of the new Knockouts Tag Team Champions being crowned.

Gia Miller interviewed Rachael Ellering and Jordynne Grace. Jazz found the perfect fit. Fire N' Flavya showed up and complained that they had beaten Grace all over the place but then Ellering showed up. They said Ellering was a true star and might have even beaten them alone. They want their rematch at Under Siege and promised to take their titles back.

Qualifying Match: Brian Myers vs. Matt Cardona

They brawled on the floor. Cardona nailed a Side Russian Legsweep into the guard rail. He tossed Myers into the ring but Bryan cut him off and went after Cardona's knee. He was knocked to the floor. Cardona nailed a dropkick through the ropes but his knee was hurt. He went for a neckbreaker but Myers escaped and shoved him into the ring steps. He then elevated and slammed Cardona's knee into the steps as they went to commercial.

Back in the ring, Myers was attacking the knee relentlessly, trying to take Cardona down. He locked in a kneebar but Cardona raked the eyes to break free. Myers nailed him with a hard shot to the mid-section then slammed him into the buckles. Cardona's knee buckled and he went down. Myers pulled him to the ring post and smashed his knee into it several times. Cardona finally pulled his legs forward and smashed Myers into the ring post.

Myers returned to the ring, where Cardona nailed him with a one-legged dropkick off the ropes. He went for a Killswitch, but Myers nailed a chop block and hit a Flatliner for a two count. They battled back and forth until Cardona nailed Radio Silence for the pin.

Your winner, Matt Cardona!

A really damn good match. Cardona and Myers brought out the best in each other at the PPV and here.

They aired a new Violent by Design video. Whoever is editing these is doing a hell of a job. They are going to right the wrongs and everyone should be worried.

They announced New Japan Pro Wrestling star El Phantasmo will be debuting next week. Matt Striker and D'Lo Brown were super excited about that.

Qualifying Match: Sami Callihan vs. Eddie Edwards

They locked up and Callihan took him down. They had some nice reversals and faced off. Then storyline was that the two were so familiar with each other - like Batman and The Joker - that they knew each other too well. Callihan missed a sliding kick, allowing Edwards to hit a tope suicida to the floor.

Back in the ring, Callihan was sent into the corner but kicked Edwards off as he charged into the ring. Edwards rained down with punches in the corner but Callihan slipped under and pulled him down, crashed Edwards into the buckles. Callihan menaced Edwards and ripped at him in the corner. Callihan slapped him and ripped at Edwards' eye. He slapped on a crossface, trying force a submission.

Edwards fought his way to his feet. Callihan grabbed a sleeper but Edwards dropped him into a jawbreaker. Callihan went to the top but was dazed with a kick. Eddie nailed a rana into the ring but was too spent to go for the cover.

Edwards finally recovered and drilled Callihan with a hard forearm. Edwards fired back and they exchanged blows. Edwards nailed a Blue Thunder Bomb but Callihan kicked up at the last second. Callihan gained control and went for a piledriver but Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers hit the ring and attacked everyone.

No Contest.

The Good Brothers nailed Edwards and Callihan with a Magic Killer. FinJuice hit the ring to try and make the save. They were overwhelmed by Omega and The Good Brothers.

Don Callis took the mic said the fans and those who worked here wanted a celebration. They wanted Kenny Omega in the building. They should be careful for what they wish for, because they just got it.

They went off the air with Omega and friends celebrating in the ring.

Matt Striker said the company was under siege but it was going to fight back.

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A torrent of rain is drenching Houston and flooding roads as slow-moving storms remain parked over the region.

The National Weather Service extended a flash flood warning through 11 a.m. Friday for northwest Harris County and parts of Waller, Montgomery and surrounding counties.

Small creeks, urban areas, highways, streets and low-lying areas were flooding or expected to begin flooding in northwest Conroe, Willis, Prairie View, Magnolia, New Waverly, Montgomery, Lake Conroe and other nearby locations.

The weather service also issued a flood advisory, in place until 11:15 a.m., for parts of Harris, Montgomery and Liberty counties. Three to 5 inches of rain have already fallen and minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly, meteorologists said. Locations within the advisory include Conroe, Humble, Tomball, Livingston, Spring, The Woodlands and more northern suburbs.

A flash flood watch remains in place through Sunday morning for a large swath of southeast Texas, including Harris County. Slow moving storms will likely dump 2 to 3 inches of rain per hour, forecasters said, and localized street flooding is expected.

Authorities have reported multiple flooded roadways in northwest Houston and north Harris County. Do not drive through high water and report flooding to local officials.

Rain may subside by late afternoon or evening Friday, but additional heavy rainfall will return Saturday and Sunday, the weather service said.

Rain gauges in north Waller County recorded more than 3 inches of rain in an hour on Friday morning, the Harris County Flood Control District reported. Two or 3 more inches are possible in the next hour. The district is monitoring heavy rainfall, and crews are staged across Harris County in case of flooding.

Judge Lina Hidalgo urged residents to check the forecast before heading out.

"With heavy rains moving through Harris County today, remember, *never* drive into high water," she tweeted. "Do your part to not put yourself or first responders at risk. Some roads will likely flood as they convey water to bayous and channels."

Strong to severe storms with gusty winds and tornadoes could strike the coast on Friday, according to the weather service. A coastal flood advisory remains in place until 7 p.m.
Photo: The Canadian Press Conservative leader Erin O'Toole rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, April 29, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole says he acted appropriately after hearing a "rumour" about Jonathan Vance months before the general took over as Canada's top military commander in July 2015.

The comments follow new questions about the decision by Stephen Harper's Conservative government to move ahead with Vance's appointment in spite of two separate allegations that the senior officer had engaged in inappropriate relationships.

One of those allegations revolved around a relationship that Vance had with an American military officer, Kerry Wheelehan, which military police investigated but did not lay charges, and the two are now married.

The other, which former Harper chief of staff Ray Novak told a parliamentary committee last month was brought forward by O'Toole before Vance's appointment, involved an allegation that the general had an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate at CFB Gagetown in 2001.

Vance, who stepped down from the top post in January and is now retired from the military, has not responded to requests for comment from The Canadian Press, but Global News has reported he denies any wrongdoing.

O'Toole was Canada's veterans affairs minister at the time he reported the alleged relationship and he defended how he handled the allegations on Thursday.

"There were no allegations. I heard a rumour that I wanted investigated.  I wanted an inappropriate relationship that I heard a rumour about to be investigated," he said.

Novak testified he subsequently asked then-national security adviser Richard Fadden to investigate the matter, and the Conservatives were prepared to cancel his appointment if the military police and Fadden probes turned up any wrongdoing.

But the Department of National Defence confirmed on Thursday that military police only recommended closing their investigation on July 17, 2015  the same day that Vance was officially sworn in as defence chief during an elaborate ceremony in Ottawa.

The investigation officially closed four days later, Defence Department spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier said.

For his part, OToole continued to attack how the Liberal government dealt with a separate complaint of alleged sexual misconduct by Vance that was raised by then-military ombudsman Gary Walbourne to Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan in March 2018.

Global News has reported that the complaint involved an email that Vance allegedly sent to a female service member that he significantly outranked in 2012, before he became chief of the defence staff.

The government's handling of the complaint is now the subject of two committee investigations.

"They did nothing for three years, failed that woman and sent a signal that they were willing to cover up an examination," O'Toole said. "It's completely unacceptable. And it shows a culture of cover-up and corruption within the Trudeau government."

Conservatives are expected to press on Friday for Trudeau's chief of staff Katie Telford to testify at the House of Commons' defence committee about what she knew about the complaint after it was brought forward by Walbourne.

Questions have emerged about what Katie Telford and the Prime Minister's Office knew of the situation after recent statements from a former Trudeau aide to a committee looking into sexual misconduct in the military.

Elder Marques testified last week that Telford or an assistant contacted him in early March 2018 to speak with Sajjans chief of staff after Walbourne raised the complaint against Vance with the defence minister.

Trudeau has defended Telford and his office by saying while it knew there was a complaint against the now-retired general, his office didn't know the nature of it or that it was a "Me Too" complaint.

Conservative MPs including O'Toole claim previous testimony and emails show people in Trudeau's office knew the allegation was in regard to sexual misconduct.

Opposition Deputy Leader Candice Bergen raised a question of privilege in the House of Commons on Wednesday, arguing that evidence contradicts Trudeau's statements he didn't know the nature of the complaint against Vance and has deliberately misled parliamentarians.

Walbourne has testified he told Sajjan the complaint related to "inappropriate sexual behaviour," but Marques was more circumspect in his testimony last week about whether he and Telford knew about the nature of the complaint.

"I believe I was told that the issue was an issue of personal misconduct," Marques told the Commons defence committee.

"I have to say, in the context of hearing that, that I think my presumption was certainly that it could be of a sexual nature, but I don't think I was actually given that information specifically."
Oslo (Norway), 30 April 2021 - PCI Biotech (OSE: PCIB), a clinical-stage biopharma company developing innovative therapeutics that address significant unmet medical needs in cancer today announced that the first US patient has been enrolled into the fimaChem pivotal RELEASE study with registration intent in inoperable bile duct cancer patients. The RELEASE study spans across Europe, USA and Asia, with patient enrolment initiated in all continents.



Per Walday, CEO, said: "It is reassuring to see screening activity and enrolment picking up across the geographies of the RELEASE study, despite Covid-19 still having an impact on the healthcare systems. We are focused on optimal execution of the RELEASE study, to bring a new treatment option to a patient group with a high unmet medical need."

Contact information:

Per Walday, CEO

pw@pcibiotech.no

Mobile: +47 917 93 429

About the RELEASE study

The pivotal RELEASE study design is based on the outcome of meetings with the two leading regulatory authorities European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The study programme consists of a single open randomised two-arm study with 186 patients (93 patients per arm), having a control arm with the standard of care (SoC) treatment of up to eight cycles of the chemotherapies gemcitabine and cisplatin, and an experimental arm with up to two fimaChem treatments in addition to SoC. The study's primary endpoint is progression free survival (PFS), with overall survival (OS) as a key secondary endpoint. The study includes an interim analysis of objective response rate (ORR), with the potential of accelerated/conditional marketing approval. In addition, the study contains several other secondary endpoints that provide the opportunity to generate robust comparative data of importance for market acceptance of fimaChem as a first-line treatment for inoperable bile duct cancer. The study is done at clinical sites across Europe, USA and Asia.

About PCI Biotech

PCI Biotech is a biopharmaceutical late stage clinical development company focusing on development and commercialisation of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer through its innovative photochemical internalisation (PCI) technology platform. PCI is applied to three distinct anticancer paradigms: fimaChem (enhancement of chemotherapeutics for localised treatment of cancer), fimaVacc (T-cell induction technology for therapeutic vaccination), and fimaNAc (nucleic acid therapeutics delivery).

Photochemical internalisation induces triggered endosomal release that is used to unlock the true potential of a wide array of therapeutic modalities. The company's lead programme fimaChem consists of a pivotal study in bile duct cancer, an orphan indication with a high unmet need and without approved products. fimaVacc applies a unique mode of action to enhance the essential cytotoxic effect of therapeutic cancer vaccines, which works in synergy with several other state-of-the-art vaccination technologies. fimaNAc utilises the endosomal release to provide intracellular delivery of nucleic acids, such as mRNA and RNAi therapeutics, thereby addressing one of the major bottlenecks facing this emerging and promising field.

For further information, please visit: www.pcibiotech.com

Forward-looking statements

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, which as such are not historical facts, but are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. These assumptions are inherently subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in this announcement by such forward-looking statements. PCI Biotech disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
This is the disturbing moment a suspected domestic abuser live streamed himself telling a little boy to put a plastic bag over his sobbing victim's head.

The abuser, named by police as Edward Moore, 42, snapped: 'Put that bag on that b****'s head and tie it up. She can't breathe. Put it over her head as tight as you can and make sure she can't get out of it!'

Moments earlier, the little boy appeared to try and put the shopping bag over the crying woman's head, but was unable to do so. She was working on a little girl's hair at the time of the incident, which was filmed on Monday in Prichard, Alabama.

Moore is said to have flown into a rage after the woman said she couldn't breathe, and said : 'Do you want this to help you breathe until the meat wagon gets here? It'll help you breath until the coroner get here,' while gesturing with a plastic bag, which he then gave to the child, before barking instructions about what to do with it.

The suspected abuser was angry at his victim for calling police on him, it is alleged.

Several times throughout the clip the woman can be heard exclaiming how she can't breathe while the man behind the camera can be heard narrating the abuse, which prompted concern among people watching it unfold live on social media.

A woman could be heard being subjected to domestic abuse on a livestream shot in Prichard, Alabama, on Monday as a man instructed a little boy to place a plastic bag over her head

Edward Moore, 42, was arrested on Thursday night, days after the video was shot. He faces assault and domestic violence charges but was bonded out of jail in Prichard, in northwest Mobile, Alabama within an hour

Moore can also be heard yelling at the youngster while holding as plastic bag which he orders placed over the woman's head, much to the youngster's confusion.

A person who was watching the livestream called 911 on Monday morning. The victim's identity and relationship to Moore has not been shared.

'Now I shot this b****, and I don't see none of them coming over to help her. Where are the rest of them at? I got a clip full of bullets,' Moore continued.

The victim, whose name has not been shared, became visibly distressed as she could be heard saying 'I can't breathe'

'She's fixing to die in front of her children. I'll make my son pull the trigger.'

Moore then goes on claiming to be upset after the woman called the police after a separate incident that occurred earlier in the week.

'Yesterday, my family act a fool. My girl got into it, went in my car. Stole my dope, my weed, and my pills. She called the law on me,' Moore said.

Despite the threat of a weapon, there was no shooting involved.

Moore is then said to have strangled the woman and beaten her with a chair off-camera, before fleeing.

Moore was arrested on Thursday night on charges of assault and domestic violence after a portion of the video was shown by local television station NBC 15. He was back out on bond just 54 minutes after being arrested.

'She is okay. She is staying with a family member at this time,' said Cpl. Horace Jackson with the Mobile Police said Thursday of the woman shown in the video.

The woman's suspected abuser, named as Edward Moore, 42, was freed on bond just 54 minutes after being arrested on drugs charges Thursday.

Cops have revealed how Moore strangled the woman and beat her with a chair after the camera had been switched off.

'[He] slapped her in the face with an open fist,' said Jackson. 'She was upset, and she was very scared, and she feared for her life.'

Moore was arrested by Mobile Police again on Friday, this time for drug possession.

He appears to be a regular at Mobile Metro Jail having been booked 18 times in 23 years with charges for domestic violence and harassment.

'It disgusted me. No child should be subjected to that situation,' said Police Chief Walter Knight.

'He has been a menace. Dealing with domestic violence and other misdemeanor offenses,' Knight added.
The International Council of Nurses, or ICN, warned Thursday that the world is facing a nursing crisis. In the next few years, the organization said the worldwide workforce of 27 million nurses could be reduced by up to 50 percent.

The organization said that nursing groups in 64 nations reported unhappiness over pay and working conditions. The groups said violence and threats also caused nurses to leave their profession.

There is also the COVID-19 effect. The organization said these difficult conditions were having a great effect on the mental health of nurses around the world.

ICN leader Howard Catton said politicians and leaders have recognized the importance of nurses in healthcare. But nurses are still not being paid comparatively.

And that, I think is very much also at the heart of the discontent, the unhappiness, some of the actions that we are seeing from nurses around the world, he said.

Strikes in several countries

Strikes over nurses' pay and working conditions have broken out in Zimbabwe, Lebanon, Northern Ireland, the United States and other countries. The ICN said strikes, growing unhappiness and concerns over protection at work were causing people to be less interested in a nursing career.

Catton also said that the interruption in nurses education during the pandemic has resulted in a six-to-12-month delay for new nurses coming into the profession.

These issues will cause problems for both recruitment to the nursing profession and the retention of those nurses we already have, he said.

These problems exist throughout the world, but are greater in low- and middle-income countries. In the report, ICN noted many nurses are leaving developing countries to go to richer countries, where pay and conditions are better.

Meanwhile, richer countries are actively seeking to bring nurses in from poorer countries to reduce their own shortages, the ICN report said.

Im Susan Shand.

VOAs Lisa Schlein reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

nurse  n. a person who is trained to care for sick or injured people and who usually works in a hospital or doctor's office

at the heart  idiom to be the most important part of something

discontent  n. a feeling of unhappiness or disapproval

recruitment - n. to find suitable people and get them to join a company, an organization, the armed forces

retention  n. the act of keeping someone or something

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President Joe Biden did not rule out ordering all members of the military to get the COVID vaccine after data showed that 40% of Marines refused to get a shot.

'I don't know,' he told NBC's Today Show. 'I'm going to leave that to the military.'

Nearly 40% of the 123,000 Marines who have had the chance to receive COVID vaccine have turned it down, according to force-wide data obtained by Military.com.

'I'm not saying I won't,' Biden said. 'I think you're gonna see more and more them getting it.'

He acknowledged it would be a tough order to give.

'It's going to be a tough call, as to whether or not, they should be required to get in the military, because you're in such close proximity with other military personnel,' he noted.

President Joe Biden did not rule out ordering all members of the military to get the COVID vaccine

About 102,000 Marine personnel have not yet been offered the vaccine, Capt. Andrew Wood, a spokesman at the Pentagon, told Military Times.

He said there were plenty of reasons a Marine may turn it down, including the fact they are a young and healthy force so they might be giving it up so others can get the shot first.

Military personnel and frontline workers were among the first groups offered the vaccine.

He said they still have the option of getting it.

'Service members who decline one day can change their mind and become vaccinated when the next opportunity presents itself,' Wood said.

Nearly 40% of the 123,000 Marines who have had the chance to receive COVID vaccine have turned it down, according to force-wide data obtained by Military.com - above Marines at Camp Pendleton in California

President Biden, boarding Marine One with first lady Jill Biden, said it would be a 'tough call' to order all troops to get vaccinated

The Biden administration has been fighting vaccine hesitancy and social media misinformation when it comes the vaccines.

'It is a challenge to combat misinformation that Marines are seeing on social media,' Lt. Col. Thomas B. Turner, who is leading vaccination planning for active-duty personnel at Camp Lejeune, the Marines' largest East Coast base, told Carolina Public Press.

'But that is one of our principal lines of effort here. We have to inoculate the force from the virus, and we have to inoculate the force for vaccine misinformation.'

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin released a video urging troops to get vaccinated.

Vaccine hesitancy is not just among the military. A CNN poll out this week found 26% of adults said they will not try to get a coronavirus vaccine shot.
The firms 1908 catalog noted that the key to its timepieces innovative self-winding action was that a fine spring was automatically wound once every hour by a small electrical motor attached to the movement; the electrical current for driving that motor was obtained from two small dry-cell batteries in the clock case. The clock would wind itself for at least a year.

The company partnered with Western Union on a time distribution service. Every hour, the correct time was transmitted over telegraph lines from the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., to subscribers Self-Winding clocks, which would then automatically move their hands to correct the time on their faces. The service cost a dollar a month.

Notable Self-Winding creations in New York included clocks at the original Pennsylvania Station, the Tiffany-glass clock on the pediment of Grand Central Terminal and the four-dial tower clock on the Metropolitan Life Building on Madison Square. The company also supplied clocks to the New York City subway system and the London Underground.

Self-Windings facility was on land owned by Mr. Pratt at the northeast corner of Willoughby Avenue and Grand Avenue, across Willoughby from the Pratt Institute, which was founded by Mr. Pratt and which to this day boasts a Self-Winding clock on its main buildings tower. The company continued to operate at that location even after the Pratt Institute purchased the lot from Mr. Pratts estate in 1897.

The firm bought the property from the institute in 1917 for $50,000, and three years later began putting up a new factory there. Built after designs by the architects Shampan & Shampan, the factory was on or near the site now occupied by the Pratt Institutes Willoughby Residence Hall.
~ Looks forward to working as legislator ~

Philipsburg  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic, and Transportation (TEATT) Ludmila de Weever has decided to take up her seat in Parliament. After careful consideration during this delicate time and after close consultation with the many who keep St. Maartens best interests at heart, I decided to accept the parliamentary seat in accordance with article 105, paragraph 2 of the Electoral Ordinance, Minister De Weever stated.

On April 21st, the Central Voting Bureau (CVB) informed the Minister that she was elected to Parliament and had the option of choosing to take up her seat. Minister De Weever notified the United Peoples (UP) party, the Prime Minister, as well as the CVB yesterday of her intention to move to Parliament and take up a productive and active role in the legislative branch of government.

As Minister, I served my country with humility and dedication during its most severe economic crisis in generations. There was no guidebook for this pandemic. No one in recent memory has had to contend with something of this magnitude, but we put our heads together and worked hard. I can say I gained valuable experience in the process. A lot of hard work was done in helping restore economic activities and many tough, but necessary, decisions in the best interest of our people were made, such as re-opening air travel from the United States as early as August last year. Today, as hotel occupancy rates begin to rise we can see some of those decisions paying off, paving the way for a steady recovery, Minister De Weever said.

In Parliament, I will ensure that the work of recovery we set out on continues. To those Ive met and reached out to during these difficult times, I will continue to represent our country with all the powers and privileges of Parliament behind me. The work goes on, Minister De Weever continued. In the meantime, it has been agreed that Minister De Weever will hold both positions temporarily in order to have a smooth transition. The work done over these 13 months would not have been possible without the support of every worker in the Ministry of TEATT, and all ministries that contributed to the recovery of our economy under the stewardship of Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs. The work we started will continue and for that, I will always be grateful, Minister De Weever concluded.
It is the first time that AstraZeneca discloses figures from sales of one of the world's leading vaccines.

British pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca said Friday that its COVID vaccine generated $275 million (227 million euros) in sales in the first quarter, as its chief executive defended the company's performance in the face of EU legal action.

This is the first time that the company has disclosed figures from sales of one of the world's leading vaccines, which it sells on a not-for-profit basis.

AstraZeneca has delivered about 68 million doses of the vaccine, which was developed with the University of Oxford and has been instrumental in Britain's rapid vaccination drive.

However, public confidence in the jab has been dented over links to very rare blood clots, and the company is also mired in a legal fight with the EU over delivery shortfalls.

'Did our very best'

"I don't think we ever overpromised... more than we thought we could deliver," chief executive Pascal Soriot told reporters on Friday, insisting there were no regrets.

"What we communicated at the time was based on the capacity that we had put together."

Soriot noted that AstraZeneca was the second largest supplier to the EU after US firm Pfizer.

The bulk of AstraZeneca's jab sales during the first quarter$224 million worthwere in Europe, the company said.

A total $43 million were in emerging markets, and $8 million in the rest of the world, it added.

"Of course we would have preferred to have delivered more quantities to Europe but at the end of the day we did our very best to help the world," Soriot said.

AstraZeneca vaccine production had been rapidly assembled following the start of the outbreak in early 2020.

"Our vaccine continues to play a leading role in the global fight against the pandemic," Soriot insisted.

"We are seeing signs that it is reducing transmissions," he added, citing recent UK data.

The results come at the end of a turbulent week after the European Union launched legal action against AstraZeneca over COVID-19 vaccine delivery shortfalls that hampered inoculation efforts across the bloc.

The EU is suing AstraZeneca on the basis of breaches of an advanced purchase agreement, but the firm has dismissed the legal action as being "without merit" and stated that it will strongly defend itself in court.

AstraZeneca said it is due to have delivered about 50 million doses to Europe by the end of April, but that is far lower than the amount Brussels insists should have come.

The commission says overall the firm is set to deliver only a third of the 300 million doses it had promised by June.

"In Europe, we continue to make progress with the supply... and we continue to work hard to increase the output," Soriot said Friday.

Profit doubles

The COVID jab revenue data was contained in a results statement showing that AstraZeneca's net profit doubled in the first quarter to $1.56 billion from a year earlier.

Total revenue jumped 15 percent to $7.32 billion in the reporting period, boosted by strong sales of new cancer drugs.

The firm noted that the pandemic had caused a "negative impact" on both the diagnosis and treatment of conditions aside from COVID.

Investors welcomed Friday's results to send AstraZeneca's share price 4.1 percent higher at 77.02 in early afternoon deals on London's flat FTSE 100 index.

"The pandemic has on the whole been bad news for AstraZeneca's bottom line," noted Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Nicholas Hyett.

"However, a very strong pipeline in new and recently released oncology drugs has more than made up for the pandemic disruption and sales are moving along nicely," he added.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
PHILADELPHIA, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aberdeen Standard Global Infrastructure Income Fund (NYSE: ASGI) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund, today announced that it paid on April 30, 2021, a distribution of US $0.1083 per share to all shareholders of record as of April 23, 2021 (ex-dividend date April 22, 2021). As announced on August 31, 2020, the Fund will pay a fixed monthly distribution at an annualized rate of 6.5% on the initial public offering price of $20.00 for the 12 months ending September 30, 2021.

Your Fund's distribution policy is to provide investors with a stable monthly distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital.

Under U.S. tax rules applicable to the Fund, the amount and character of distributable income for each fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related Rules, the Fund may be required to indicate to shareholders the estimated source of certain distributions to shareholders.

The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distribution for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the Rules adopted thereunder. The table has been computed based on generally accepted accounting principles. The table includes estimated amounts and percentages for this distribution and for the cumulative distributions relating to fiscal year to date (10/01/2020 - 03/31/2021), from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital. The estimated composition of the distributions may vary from month to month because the estimated composition may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and currencies.



Estimated Amounts of Current Monthly Distribution per share ($) Estimated Amounts of Current Monthly Distribution per share (%) Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative Distributions per share ($) Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative Distributions per share (%) Net Investment Income $0.0227 21% $0.1592 21% Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains* $0.0661 61% $0.4624 61% Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains - - - - Return of Capital $0.0195 18% $0.1365 18% Total (per common share) $0.1083 100% $0.7581 100%

*includes currency gains

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."

Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of the Fund's current distributions or from the terms of the distribution policy (the "Distribution Policy").

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions in 2021 will be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The following table provides information regarding the Fund's total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods compared to the Fund's annualized and cumulative distribution rates.

Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5 Year Period Ended 03/31/20211,2 13.57% Annualized Distribution Rate on NAV as of the Fiscal Period Ended 03/31/20213 5.92% Fiscal Year to Date (10/1/2020 to 03/31/2021) Cumulative Total Return on NAV1 16.90% Cumulative Distribution Rate on NAV2 2.96%



1 Return data is net of all Fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. 2 The Fund launched within the past 5 years; the performance and distribution rate information presented reflects data from inception (July 29, 2020) through March 31, 2021. 3 Based on the Fund's NAV as of March 31, 2021.

While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market.

Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2010, the Fund may distribute any long-term capital gains more frequently than the limits provided in Section 19(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder. Therefore, distributions paid by the Fund during the year may include net income, short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains and/or a return of capital. Net income dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, while generally taxable at ordinary income rates, may be eligible, to the extent of qualified dividend income earned by the Fund, to be taxed at a lower rate not to exceed the maximum rate applicable to your long-term capital gains. Distributions made in any calendar year in excess of investment company taxable income and net capital gain are treated as taxable ordinary dividends to the extent of undistributed earnings and profits, and then as a return of capital that reduces the adjusted basis in the shares held. To the extent return of capital distributions exceed the adjusted basis in the shares held, capital gain is recognized with a holding period

based on the period the shares have been held at the date such amount is received. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the terms of the distribution policy. The final determination of the source of all distributions will be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund's net assets. A decrease in the Fund's net assets may cause an increase in the Fund's annual operating expense ratio and a decrease in the Fund's market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund's net asset value per share. The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund's investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold, for the purpose of paying the distribution. The Fund's Board of Directors has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund's market price per share. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances.

Circular 230 disclosure : To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

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 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 If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact [email protected]

aberdeenasgi.com

SOURCE Aberdeen Standard Global Infrastructure Income Fund

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An independent Scotland would totally adopt the euro as a condition of joining the EU, according to a senior SNP figure.

Foreign affairs spokesman Alyn Smith also suggested Scots could be asked to choose what currency they wanted in a separate referendum after leaving the UK.

His comments appear to contradict the partys official policy that it would keep sterling initially before setting up a new currency.

Foreign affairs spokesman Alyn Smith said Scots could be asked to choose what currency they wanted in a separate referendum after leaving the UK

SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday faced fresh questions over a potential hard border with England

Asked by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica about adoption of the euro, the Stirling MP replied: Yeah, totally. The commitment is to participate in the economic and monetary union.

The euro is only part of that. We would want to participate in economic and monetary union for macroeconomic stability.

He said joining the euro had worked for Ireland and had a lot of advantages, adding: The adoption of the euro, I think is a democratic question that should be put to the people of Scotland in a referendum, same as Sweden did.

But he also admitted: Our public debt levels would be far too high to join the euro so we wouldnt be eligible. His comments risk further damaging the SNPs credibility over how an independent Scotlands economy would fare.

NatWest has said it would have to move its HQ to London and the Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank warned tax rises or spending cuts would be needed to cut the countrys massive deficit.

SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday faced fresh questions over a potential hard border with England.

She told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I am not denying that we would need to confront and resolve the issues of being in the European Union, for the border between Scotland and England.

But if we do that in a way that enables businesses to keep trading  because businesses are already paying the price of having a border because of Brexit  we open up free trade across the European Union again.
A wealthy man in Tanabe City planned to divorce his 25-year-old wife prior to his murder three years ago, police have learned, reports NHK.

According to police, his wife, Saki Sudo, a resident of Tokyo is the lone suspect in the case.

She allegedly laced food and drink consumed by Kosuke Nozaki, 77, with a fatal dose of kakuseizai, or stimulant drugs, on the night of May 24, 2018.

Police did not reveal whether she admits to the allegations.

On the night of the incident, Sudo found Nozaki not breathing on a sofa in a second-floor bedroom of their residence in Tanabe. He was later confirmed dead.

An autopsy revealed up to 1 gram of the chemical components of stimulant drugs were found in Nozakis stomach, police said.

Police also said that Sudo did research on her smartphone about purchasing stimulant drugs and how to kill a person before the incident.

Police believe she later used social media to make a purchase from a dealer. Police also learned that her smartphone was in the same location as that of the dealer in Tanabe, reports the Mainichi Shimbun (April 29).

Investigators found traces of stimulant drugs on the kitchen floor of the residence and inside the bag of a vacuum cleaner.

In February 2018, Nozaki married Sudo, who was 55 years his junior. After getting married, the suspect rarely appeared in Tanabe, instead living in her residence in Tokyos Shinagawa Ward.

In the latest development, police have revealed that Nozaki planned to divorce Sudo after growing dissatisfied with her refusal to stay in Tanabe.

According to witnesses, Nozaki asked Sudo to complete the divorce paperwork. They then got into a dispute, police said.

According to a former executive from Nozakis company, a condition for the marriage was that Nozaki would pay Sudo an allowance of 1 million yen per month.

Police believe that Sudo carried out the crime out of fear that her allowance would be cut off.

She had no tears or anything, the former executive said of Sudo after Nozakis death, according to TV Asahi (April 29).

On Wednesday morning, police entered Sudos residence and escorted her to Haneda Airport. After boarding a flight, she arrived at Nanki-Shirahama Airport in Wakayama at 8:45 a.m.

According to a previous report, Nozaki amassed tremendous wealth through work in the real estate, consumer lending and agriculture industries. His palatial residence in Tanabe is adorned with works of art.

Nozaki frequently boasted about relationships with women. In 2016, he penned Don Juan of Wakayama: The Man Who Has Supported 4,000 Women with 3 Billion Yen. Weekly magazines and television programs began to subsequently refer to him as Don Juan.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 23:33:08|Editor: huaxia

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NICOSIA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus said on Friday that any prospects for finding common ground for peace negotiations to resolve the Cyprus issue depend on the Turkish side, after a meeting convened by the UN Secretary-General in Geneva failed to bridge disagreements.

The Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities had been engaged in peace negotiations for several decades on the principles set down by the UN Security Council for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

However, Ersin Tatar, the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, put forth officially for the first time at the UN-chaired conference the new line for a two-state solution.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades insisted on continuing negotiations in line with UN resolutions providing for a federal state. This position, according to Cyprus' government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos, was supported by the five permanent UN Security Council members and the European Union (EU).

UN chief Antonio Guterres said at the end of the three-day Geneva conference that "at the end of our efforts, we have not yet found enough common ground to allow for the resumption of formal negotiations," and announced that he will convene another conference in the near future.

Koushos said that the positions of the Turkish side cannot offer a solution that will be in line with the principles and values of the EU and cannot form the basis for negotiations.

He added that the UN Secretary-General had made it clear that he acts on a mandate set down by UN Security Council resolutions as to the basis of the negotiations and he cannot act outside the framework laid down by these resolutions.

Tatar said after the conference that he will never change his stance for a two separate and equally sovereign Cypriot states, as "there is no point in sitting at the table with the former conditions and starting formal talks without the recognition of a sovereignty based on equality."

Cyprus has since 1974 been split along ethnic lines. Enditem
Bank of Ireland has this week announced the recruitment of 130 technology professionals to support the delivery of its ambitious digital agenda. The new roles  which include Technical Architects, Software Developers, Engineers, specialised Project Managers, Scrum Masters and Data Analysts  will join the Banks cutting-edge in-house tech teams, supporting the enhancement of digital services and offerings for customers.

This high-tech role recruitment drive follows Bank of Irelands announcement of its new ways of working, offering employees greater flexibility to work from a combination of home and office locations. Along with working from home, Bank of Ireland colleagues will have access to multiple bank buildings including a new network of agile hubs  11 in Ireland four in the UK - with meeting spaces and bookable desks, encouraging flexibility and enhancing work-life balance.

Of the 130 roles investment in 2021, 30 are at an advanced recruitment stage and 100 roles are currently advertised or will be advertised with the expectation the roles will be hired over the next 12 months.

Speaking this week, Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Sean Fleming said, "I welcome the announcement by Bank of Ireland of 130 new roles in digital technology. It is clear that there has been a move to digital technology in recent years in every sector and banking is no different. This recruitment campaign for highly specialised technology roles highlights the need for investment in digital technology. I am particularly delighted that these jobs will be geographically spread in line with the Ireland for Finance action plan 2021 which has regionalisation as one of its key priorities."

Bank of Irelands Group Chief Operating Officer, Jackie Noakes added, "In what is an incredibly competitive marketplace we are delighted to be offering these cutting edge roles for digital professionals. The pace of banking is changing rapidly and weve reached a tipping point between traditional offline banking and 24/7 digital services. That makes roles like these critical to how we serve our customers, bring products and services to market, and develop our business into the future."

Source: www.businessworld.ie


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The U.S. Senate on Thursday unanimously confirmed Bill Nelson as the 14th NASA administrator.

Nelson, 78, previously served in Congress and helped craft many space and science laws. During last weeks hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, he was welcomed back as a friend and former colleague. Democrats and Republicans praised his political chops and enthusiasm for space.

More from his hearing: Former Sen. Nelson, Biden's NASA nominee, gets a warm reception in Senate

At this moment, NASA needs a great advocate that we all can be confident in, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., chair of the committee, said during last weeks confirmation hearing. NASA is at a critical juncture on the Artemis program. We are working toward an eventual crewed mission to Mars, where no nation has gone before, and right now we need certainty. Its paramount for the agency. And we need steady, thoughtful leadership. And undoubtedly, I think you will fit that role well.

The Artemis program, which is working to return NASA astronauts to the moon, will be a top human spaceflight priority for Nelson. He will also oversee this years planned launch of the James Webb Space Telescope and help President Joe Biden use NASA resources in the battle against climate change, among other things.

Theres a lot of excitement going on in NASA right now, Nelson said during his hearing. If you ask me what is my vision for the future of NASA, it is to continue for us to explore the heavens with humans and with machines.

Nelson, a fifth-generation Floridian who flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1986, began his political career in the state Legislature. He later served as a U.S. representative, chairing the space subcommittee, and then as a U.S. senator. In the Senate, he was chairman or ranking member of the Space and Science Subcommittee. He lost his reelection bid to Republican Rick Scott in 2018.

andrea.leinfelder@chron.com

twitter.com/a_leinfelder
A majority of Colorado voters hold positive views of President Joe Biden but two-thirds of the state's Republicans think the 2020 election was "stolen" from former President Donald Trump, according to a new poll released Friday by a trio of Colorado-based Democratic firms.

The KOM Colorado Poll from Keating Research, OnSight Public Affairs and Mike Melanson shows 56% of Colorado voters say they have a favorable opinion of Biden, who completed his 100th day in office on Thursday, while 42% give the president thumbs down.

Biden's favorability has ticked up slightly and his unfavorably has dropped in the six months since the firms last surveyed state voters just before the November election, when candidate Biden polled at 53%-46%.

By even wider margins, voters say they like the sound of Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure plan  described in the survey as highways and bridges, broadband, replacing lead water pipes, modernizing the electric grid and investing in clean energy  along with a proposal to fund it by raising taxes on corporations, with 60% in support and 36% opposed. Voters support government funding to develop electric trucks and high-speed charging networks by nearly the same margin, 59% to 39%.

The poll of active Colorado voters was based on a representative sample of 528 surveys conducted online from April 20-26. It was paid for entirely by the sponsoring firms. The margin of error is plus-or-minus 4.3 percentage points.

Trump, who lost Colorado's electoral votes to Biden by about 13 percentage points, continues to be upside down with state voters at 39% favorable to 58% unfavorable, virtually unchanged from the Republican's position in late October.

While Colorado voters say by a greater than two-to-one margin  61% to 28%  that Biden was the legitimate winner of the fall election, registered Republicans disagree, with 67% saying the election was stolen from Trump and just 21% saying it wasn't.

The partisan split on the question was striking, with 94% of Democrats and 64% of unaffiliated voters saying the election's outcome was legitimate.

Most Coloradans believe that President Biden won fair and square, said pollster Chris Keating in a statement.

However, as we see in this poll and recently when the Republican chair of Colorados Congressional Redistricting Commission was removed from that post, election conspiracies are not a fringe view among Republicans in Colorado  and frankly that's dangerous for our democracy.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, the polarizing first-term Republican from Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, "has made a name for herself, but not in a good way," Keating said in a memo describing the poll's findings.

The outspoken, ultra-conservative owner of a gun-themed restaurant in Rifle, unsurprisingly, isn't as well known as Biden or Trump, but 50% of state voters hold an unfavorable opinion of her, while just 28% view her favorably and 22% say they aren't familiar with her.

Reactions to Boebert tended to the extremes, the poll found, with 64% of Democrats saying they view her very unfavorably, an attitude shared by 47% of unaffiliated voters. Across the dial, 37% of Republicans say they view her very favorably, as do 15% of those who are unaffiliated.

In the Republican-leaning 3rd CD's current configuration, covering the Western Slope, Pueblo county and parts of southern Colorado, Boebert fares better overall but is still underwater, at 45% unfavorable and 42% favorable, the pollsters said.

Colorado's electorate hews along strongly partisan divides, the poll found, with unaffiliated voters  the largest share  tending to agree more with Democrats.

Asked about Biden, for instance, 89% of Democrats viewed him favorably and 10% viewed him unfavorably, while 80% of Republicans had an unfavorable opinion and 17% had a favorable opinion. Unaffiliated voters split 57% favorable to 41% unfavorable.

Biden performed strongest among Democrats over 50, with 96% saying they liked him, and was weakest with Republicans over 50, with 87% saying they don't like him.

He's tied among men, with 49% holding each view, but comes out ahead among women, 61% of whom view the president favorably compared to 36% who hold an unfavorable view.

Among the crucial unaffiliated suburban voters, Biden finishes on top, 60% to 40%, and he gets positive marks from Hispanic voters by 69% to 31%.

Republicans of both sexes and all ages are the only demographic groups that agree with the unfounded assertion that the election was stolen from Trump, without much variation across the categories. Slightly more Republican women hold the opinion than men  69% to 65%  and Republicans over 50 are somewhat more likely than younger Republicans to agree with Trump and his allies, at 68% for the older cohort and 65% for the younger ones.

Colorado voters sorted by every other available measure, however, reject the proportion that Biden wasn't elected legitimately. Aside from Democrats, who nearly universally dismiss Trump's position, younger women, unaffiliated voters, Hispanic and Latino voters, suburban women and residents of Denver or Boulder are least likely to say they think the election was stolen from Trump.
Free beer, pot and doughnuts. Savings bonds. A chance to win an all-terrain vehicle. Places around the U.S. are offering incentives to try to energize the nations slowing vaccination drive and get Americans to roll up their sleeves.

These relatively small corporate promotion efforts have been accompanied by more serious and far-reaching attempts by officials in cities such as Chicago, which is sending specially equipped buses into neighborhoods to deliver vaccines. Detroit is offering $50 to people who give others a ride to vaccination sites and, starting Monday, will send workers to knock on every door in the city to help residents sign up for shots.

Public health officials say the efforts are crucial to reach people who havent been immunized, whether because they are hesitant or because they have had trouble making an appointment or getting to a vaccination site.

This is the way we put this pandemic in the rearview mirror and move on with our lives, said Steven Stack, Kentuckys public health commissioner.

Demand for vaccines has started to fall around the country, something health officials expected would happen once the most vulnerable and most eager to get the shot had the opportunity to do so. Now the vaccination drive is moving into a new, more targeted phase.

This will be much more of an intense ground game where we have to focus on smaller events, more tailored to address the needs and concerns of focused communities, Stack said.

Nationally, 82% of people over 65 and more than half of all adults have received at least one dose of vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But while vaccinations hit a high in mid-April at 3.2 million shots a day on average, the number had fallen to 2.5 million as of last week.

As demand slows to a trickle at mass vaccination sites such as stadiums, some state and local governments no longer are asking for their full allotment of vaccine from Washington. And many large vaccination sites and pharmacies are letting people walk in, no appointment necessary.

The slowdown in the U.S. stands in stark contrast to the situation in the many poorer corners of the world that are desperate for vaccine.

Chicago officials are planning vaccination sites at festivals and block parties and are working with barber shops and hair and nail salons to pair free services with vaccination.

The idea here is to bring the party, bring the vaccine and really have this be a convenient way for people to get vaccinated, Chicago Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said.

Other companies are getting into the spirit with marketing pitches.

Krispy Kreme began offering a free doughnut a day to anyone showing proof of having been vaccinated. In Cleveland, a movie theater is supplying free popcorn through the end of this month.

Several marijuana dispensaries around the country are giving out cannabis treats or free rolled joints. On April 20, marijuana advocates offered joints for jabs to encourage people to get vaccinated in New York City and Washington.

Some breweries around the country are offering shots and a chaser.

In Alaska, which traditionally has low vaccine confidence, Norton Sound Health Corp., with a hospital in Nome and 15 clinics across western Alaska, has given away prizes, including airline tickets, money toward the purchase of an all-terrain vehicle, and $500 for groceries or fuel.

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Total cases in west-central Illinois counties as of Thursday, according to individual county health departments, and vaccination rates, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, were:

Brown County

691 total, 680 recovered, seven deaths

Fully vaccinated: 20.44%; 65 or older: 69.11%

Cass County

1,972 total, 1,927 recovered, 33 deaths

Fully vaccinated: 32.61%; 65 or older: 71.57%

Greene County

1,417 total, 1,363 recovered, 48 deaths

Three new cases.

Fully vaccinated: 23.8%; 65 or older: 56.72%

Jersey County

2,662 total, 2,582 recovered, 49 deaths

31 new cases.

Fully vaccinated: 31.9%; 65 or older: 76.57%

Macoupin County

4,799 total, 4,481 recovered, 110 deaths

Six new cases.

Fully vaccinated: 30.58%; 65 or older: 75.15%

Morgan County

3,913 total, 3,754 released from restrictions, 101 deaths

Five new cases.

Fully vaccinated: 31.69%; 65 or older: 74.66%

Pike County

1,752 total, 1,695 recovered, 47 deaths

Fully vaccinated: 24.71%; 65 or older: 63.13%

Sangamon County

18,231 total, 233 deaths

39 new cases and two additional deaths, those of two women in their 60s.

Fully vaccinated: 36.51%; 65 or older: 82.3%

Schuyler County

695 total, 664 recovered, 16 deaths

Four new cases.

Fully vaccinated: 30.36%; 65 or older: 66.58%

Scott County

471 total, 467 recovered, one death

Fully vaccinated: 24.87%; 65 or older: 62.31%

Statewide, 3,394 new cases of coronavirus disease and 38 deaths were reported Thursday, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

There have been 1,331,848 cases and 21,927 deaths in Illinois.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 29, 2021) - Full Metal Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: FMM) ("Full Metal" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") has provided the Company with final approval of: (i) its previously announced non-brokered private placements that closed in two tranches on March 9 and March 22, 2021 (see press releases disseminated on April 20, 2018, October 8, 2020, December 24, 2020, March 9, 2021 and March 22, 2021 for further details) (the "Private Placements"); (ii) the option letter agreement dated February 25, 2020, as amended July 30, 2020, August 28, 2020, December 15, 2020, February 1, 2021 and March 12, 2021 (the "Option Agreement"), between the Company and GSP Resource Corp.'s ("GSPR") pursuant to which the Company acquired an option to earn a 60% interest in GSPR's Olivine Mountain property (the "Property") in the Similkameen Mining Division, British Columbia (press releases disseminated February 26, 2020, July 31, 2020, October 8, 2020, December 24, 2020, February 18, 2021 and March 22, 2021 for further details) (the "Fundamental Acquisition"); and (iii) the issuance of up to 30,056,528 common shares of the Company ("Shares") at a deemed price of $0.08 per Share to settle certain outstanding accounts payable and contingent liabilities in the aggregate amount of $2,404,522.37 owing to certain creditors (press release disseminated December 24, 2020 for further details) (the "Shares for Debt Transaction").

Resumption of Trading

As a result of the TSXV's approval of the Fundamental Acquisition, the Private Placements and the Shares for Debt Transaction, the Company confirms that previous deficiencies with the Company's Tier 2 Continued Listing Requirements (as such term is defined under TSXV policies) reflected in the Company's most recent financial statements have been remedied in accordance with Section 2.1 of TSXV Policy 2.5. Effective at market open, Friday, April 30, 2021, the Company is pleased to announce that the securities of Company will resume trading on the TSXV.

Fundamental Acquisition

Pursuant to the Option Agreement, as consideration for the acquisition of the interest in the Property, the Company will (i) pay to GSPR an aggregate of $515,000 over the 48 month period following the acceptance of the TSXV of the Option Agreement (the "Acceptance Date"); (ii) incur expenditures in the aggregate amount of $500,000 during the 48 month period following the Acceptance Date; (iii) and issue an aggregate of 350,000 Shares during the 48 month period following the Acceptance Date. The Company has completed the first cash payment of $40,000 and issued 100,000 Shares to GSPR pursuant to the payment schedule in the Option Agreement.

All securities issued under the Fundamental Acquisition are subject to a four month and one day hold period. The Fundamental Acquisition is an arm's length transaction. No finder's fees were paid in respect of the Fundamental Acquisition. A copy of the Option Agreement can be found on the Company's SEDAR profile at sedar.com.

Filing of Technical Report for Olivine Mountain

The Company advises that the National Instrument 43-101 independent technical report for the Property titled "Technical Report on the Olivine Mountain Property" with an effective date of July 27, 2020 has been filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at sedar.com.

The qualified person responsible for the technical report is Agnes M. Koffyberg, M.Sc., P.Geo of Discovery Consultants.

Private Placement

In connection with the closing of the Fundamental Acquisition, the Company also reports that it has released its Shares from trust from the Private Placements that closed in two tranches on March 9 and March 22, 2021. The Private Placements was closed in trust pending final acceptance of the Fundamental Acquisition by the TSXV. The Company issued 23,125,000 Shares for gross proceeds of $1,850,000 under the Private Placements.

The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Private Placements primarily for exploration expenses, project evaluation and due diligence, along with general and administrative expenses and working capital.

Shares for Debt Transaction

The Company also announces that the Company has closed the Shares for Debt Transaction, pursuant to which the Company issued 30,056,528 Shares at a deemed price of $0.08 per Share to settle certain outstanding accounts payable and contingent liabilities in the aggregate amount of $2,404,522.37 owing to certain creditors. .

The Company obtained disinterested shareholder approval of the Shares for Debt Transaction by way of written shareholder consents. All Shares are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period in addition to any escrow requirements imposed by the TSXV.

The Shares issued to the debt assignees pursuant to the Shares for Debt Transaction are subject to escrow provisions identical to those imposed by the standard TSX Value Security Escrow Agreement for a Tier 2 Issuer (as described in TSXV Policy 5.4 - Escrow, Vendor Consideration and Resale Restrictions). Pursuant to these escrow requirements, 10% of the Shares issued to the debt assignees will be released from escrow on the date of the TSXV bulletin announcing the Shares for Debt Transaction (the "TSXV Bulletin"), and 15% of such Shares will be released every six months from the date of the TSXV Bulletin for a period of 36 months.

Under the Shares for Debt Transaction, Peter Voulgaris, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, acquired 4,969,745 Shares at a deemed price of $0.08 per Share. His participation is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the securities to be distributed in the Shares for Debt Transaction nor the consideration to be received for those securities, in so far as the Shares for Debt Transaction involves the insider, exceeds $2,500,000. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Shares for Debt Transaction as the details of the Shares for Debt Transaction and the participation therein by related parties of the Company were not settled until shortly prior to closing and the Company wished to close on an expedited basis for sound business reasons.

As a result of the Shares for Debt Transaction, Peter Voulgaris acquired 4,969,745 Shares at a deemed price of $0.08 per Share and now beneficially owns or controls 8,011,899 common shares of the Company, representing approximately 13.53% of the Company's 59,212,456 issued and outstanding Shares on an undiluted basis. The Shares were issued to Mr. Voulgaris in settlement of $397,579.60 of outstanding debt previously owing to Mr. Michael Williams, CEO of the Company. Mr. Voulgaris intends to hold his common shares for investment purposes. Although Mr. Voulgaris does not intend to acquire further common shares of the Company at this time, he may choose to do so as market conditions warrant. A copy of the early warning report filed by Mr. Voulgaris, in accordance with applicable securities laws, is available under the profile for the Company on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). To obtain a copy of the early warning report, or for any further information, please contact the Company at the details provided below.

Corporate Update

Further to the Company's press release disseminated on December 24, 2020, Mr. Peter Voulgaris was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Ms. Sheryl Dhillon resigned as Corporate Secretary of the Company, effective December 22, 2020. Mr. Voulgaris replaced Mr. Michael Williams, who remains a director and Non-Executive Chairman of the Company.

As previously disclosed in the Company's management, discussion and analysis, the Company previously advanced loans in the aggregate of $182,000 (the "Loan") to Vendetta Mining Corp. ("Vendetta") pursuant to promissory notes entered into on May 10 and May 31, 2019. Vendetta owns the Pegmont Lead-Zinc project in Australia. At the time the Loan was made the Company was exploring opportunities to expand into Australia (and continues to do so) and the Company advanced the Loan in order to support potential synergies with Vendetta's mineral exploration and development business operations in Australia. The Company advanced the first $110,000 of the Loan to Vendetta on May 10, 2019 and a further $72,000 of the Loan to Vendetta on May 31, 2019.

CEO and President, Peter Voulgaris stated: "We are currently evaluating several opportunities in low risk jurisdictions, including Australia, with the goal of making Full Metal a leading junior development company."

Pursuant to the terms of the promissory notes, the Loan accrues interest at a rate of 7% per annum payable on or before May 10 and May 31, 2021. The Company continues to have ongoing discussions with Vendetta to ensure that the Loan is repaid as soon as possible.

Michael Williams, a director of the Company, is the President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Vendetta. Peter Voulgaris, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, is a director of Vendetta. Alastair Brownlow, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company, is the Chief Financial Officer of Vendetta.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Peter Voulgaris"

Peter Voulgaris

President/CEO and Director

For more information please contact:

Peter Voulgaris

604-484-7855

Suite 1500, 409 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2

Telephone: 604-484-7855 Fax: 604-484-7155

Email info@fullmetalminerals.com

www.fullmetalminerals.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding, the Fundamental Acquisition, the Private Placements and the use of proceeds thereof, the Option Agreement and the issuance of the Shares thereunder, the Loan and the anticipated repayment of the Loan, future development plans and expansion into Australia and other future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events may vary from those anticipated in such statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include failure to close the Acquisition, failure to be able to use the proceeds from the Private Placements as anticipated, inability to proceed with future development plans and expansion into Australia, a failure to obtain TSXV approval of the Option Agreement and the issuance of the Shares thereunder or the Loan, failure to raise sufficient funds on the proposed terms or at all and failure to exercise the Property option or failure to be repaid the Loan on the terms described. The forward-looking statements in this press release were developed based on the assumptions and expectations of management, including that TSXV acceptance for the Acquisition, the Option Agreement and the issuance of the Shares thereunder and the Loan will be obtained, that the Loan will be repaid as anticipated, that the Company will be able to use the proceeds from the Private Placements as anticipated, that the Company will be able to meet future development plans and expand into Australia, and the other assumptions disclosed in this press release and that the risks described above will not materialize. There can be no assurance that the Financing or the exercise of the Option will complete. The Company 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 otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

This press release does 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 such jurisdiction, including the United States. The securities referenced in this press release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person," as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, unless an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82435
Tanuj Chauhan, a 25-year-old residential medical officer at Metro Hospital in Gurugram, has lost six patients under his supervision in April. As he struggles to find the strength to put on a brave face and provide moral support to his patients, the young doctor who is barely a year into the profession, says, The situation is very critical. I can see the faces of the patients whom I have lost to this virus.



Treating Covid patients, providing them the emotional support to help keep them calm while also dealing with the constant fear of contracting the infection are some of the many battles that Chauhan has been fighting since he got his medical degree in August 2020.

Whenever patients are admitted to the Covid ward, there is only fear in their eyes. And our job, as health professionals, is to not only give them medical care but also emotional support, says Chauhan, adding, Since the patients do not get to see their families, we act as one. But like most health workers, he has avoided meeting his own family for months for the sake of their safety.

With the number of Covid cases touching highest-ever levels in April, the pressure on like Chauhan is mounting. On Thursday, India reported a massive surge of 379,257 cases and 3,645 deaths, marking the biggest single-day spike, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Harjit Singh Bhatti, a doctor at Delhis Manipal Hospital, finds himself unable to help even his family and colleagues. There are no beds available in Delhi. We have had to turn people away, he says. It is a situation no doctor wants to be in, but what choice do we have? He is upset, helpless  and angry.

A senior doctor at Delhis Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, better known as LNJP hospital, has shifted her parents who lived with her to a different house for their safety. Its a war going on, and we are fighting it without ammunition, she says.

Though the government is claiming to provide sufficient beds and oxygen supply in Delhi, the doctor says, I dont have enough beds here. There is no oxygen either. People are calling me for oxygen, but I dont know where to get it from.



Hospitals in various cities are warning of a collapse of infrastructure, with people struggling to find beds and oxygen cylinders. With the situation desperate, some have taken it upon themselves to help arrange for oxygen for their patients.

Kiran Dave, a vascular surgeon in Ahmedabad, is among many who are running from pillar to post to help their patients. We have been trying to get a bed since morning, but every hospital is at its full capacity, he says, the frustration and helplessness evident in his voice. We were forced to give oxygen to a patient in his car through a portable cylinder.



In Delhi, Bhatti receives hundreds of queries from people asking about the availability of oxygen, beds, plasma and Covid medicines. He assesses their condition and if it isnt serious, he recommends home treatment. People constantly ask for beds and oxygen because they do not want to lose their loved ones, he says. As I listen to their pleas, I think of my wife and bedridden mother, who is a cancer patient. I have not seen them for the past six months.



The scene in Mumbai, Indias financial capital, isnt any different. Sandip Rane, a cardiologist at Rane Hospital, says the surge isnt unexpected, but he found it shocking that people forgot the pandemic wasnt over yet. Maharashtra has the highest number of active Covid cases in the country.

What also agitates the is the administrations failure in implementing Covid safety protocols. Not just as a doctor but as a citizen I feel the administration has failed us, says Rane, adding that the huge congregations at election rallies and the Kumbh Mela have broken the already exhausted system.

No doctor wants to lose a patient because when you lose a patient, you lose a part of yourself. You can never erase it from your memory, says Rane, recalling a dear friend he lost some days ago.

Policymakers have the power to save millions of lives. But it seems their priorities arent right, says Bhatti, adding how disheartening it is for doctors to see policymakers focused on publicity rather than the emergency at hand.

As they cope with an overstretched infrastructure, the doctors are also dealing with fatigue, anxiety and a feeling of guilt at failing to save lives despite doing their best in the circumstances.

While it is not uncommon for doctors to see patients die, not being able to help a patient is a burden on the soul, says Rane. The 62-year-old doctor does not see the Covid curve flattening in the foreseeable future. This experience is horrifying. Doctors need psychiatrists to handle the trauma they are going through in the face of this pandemic, he says.

Governments are trying to increase hospital capacities, get more beds and improve oxygen supply, but its still a tough battle to win, adds Dave. The number of daily patients is still very high. Until the case surge eases, the situation will be difficult to handle. The health infrastructure needs time to breathe  as do the doctors. Until that happens, says Dave, we have to brace ourselves for the worst.
Patiala Babes Actor Aniruddh Dave Shifted To ICU After Testing Positive For COVID-19, Friend Ajay Singh Chaudhary Says He's Doing Better

Just a few days back, Patiala Babes actor Aniruddh Dave had informed everyone through his social media that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He had further added that he was under quarantine in a hotel room in Bhopal, where he had been shooting for a web series. Now, his friend Ajay Singh Chaudhary has informed in an interview that Aniruddh had to be shifted to the ICU and that he is doing better now.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ANIRUDH V DAVE (@aniruddh_dave)

In a conversation with ETimes, Ajay Singh Chaudhary said, Aniruddh was shooting in Bhopal for a series when he tested positive. He decided to stay back instead of flying to Mumbai and undergoing treatment here. He was being treated in Bhopal, but his recent reports suggest that his infection is more than normal and thus, has been shifted to the ICU. He had to be shifted to the intensive care unit, because his oxygen levels could have fluctuated owing to the infection. Its a different city and only his boy is with him. We cant fly to Bhopal and be with him. We are trying to help him and are in touch with the medical team.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ANIRUDH V DAVE (@aniruddh_dave)

He also added that his recovery is slow, but he is doing better. He said, He is in the ICU, and his health is improving. Though the recovery is slow, he is doing better. Uske will power par bhi recovery bohot depend karti hai. We spoke to him on a video call last evening. He seemed to be recovering. Lets pray for his speedy recovery.

We hope that he recovers soon and gets back to the pink of health.
Much of DeForrest's presentation, and the questions she would field from council members afterward, concerned limitations on the use and potential sale of marijuana locally.

+2 Cayuga County village looks to opt out of marijuana sales Preempting a possible attempt by the Cayuga Nation to open a marijuana dispensary, the village of Union Springs has drafted a local law prohib

Though the state's law allows public use, the substance can't be smoked anywhere in Auburn that tobacco can't be smoked. The law additionally prohibits marijuana use in tobacco businesses and conventions, outdoor dining areas and automobiles. As for sales, the state's new Cannabis Control Board and Office of Cannabis Management will license dispensaries like the Liquor Authority does alcohol vendors. There will be rules limiting the number of marijuana retailers in any given area, both DeForrest and Councilor Debby McCormick said, and the city will be privy to license applications.

"There are so many parallels between the way alcohol is regulated and the way this is set up," DeForrest said.

The city's corporation counsel also broke down the revenue Auburn stands to collect from marijuana sales when they're permitted beginning April 1, 2022. Of a total excise tax of 13%, 9% would go to the state, 3% to the municipality and 1% to the county. Sales will be subject to sales tax as well, DeForrest said, and the law allows municipalities to spend the revenue any way they wish.
Its been six weeks since Dr. Bonnie Henry promised teachers would be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccinations, yet educators in Vernon, Penticton and many other places are still waiting.
Letters to the Editor: 'What, me worry?'; Science gives us a way to prevent disease; Protect the red-winged blackbirds
Walker Washington, 53, of Augusta was sentenced to 100 months in prison

A Georgia conman who used stolen credit cards to live large in hotels and rent a Rolls Royce Phantom while claiming to be a rap industry figure affiliated with Roc Nation and the Wu-Tang Clan has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison.

Walker Washington, 53, of Augusta was sentenced to 100 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, said David H. Estes, acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

'These two flim-flam artists and their phony entourage lived large for several weeks by scamming hospitality providers,' Estes said. 'We commend the skeptical hotel clerk who saw through the scam and alerted law enforcement, bringing this scheme to a halt.'

U.S. District Judge Dudley H. Bowen also ordered Washington to pay about $300,000 to 19 businesses defrauded in the scam.

Walker Washington, 53, and Aaron Barnes-Burpo, 29, both claimed to be a rap industry figure affiliated with Roc Nation and the Wu-Tang Clan (file image)

Barnes-Burpo and Washington admitted they falsely claimed to be affiliated with the Roc Nation production company founded by Jay-Z and the Wu-Tang Clan.

Both men used phony and stolen credit cards to rent limousines, swindle hotels, and production studios in multiple cities in the Southeast as early as September 2019, prosecutors said.

The Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta - where cast members from 'Gone With The Wind' stayed during film's Atlanta premiere - was left with a $45,000 unpaid bill after Barnes-Burpo and Washington stayed.

Representatives of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta told the FBI they walked away without paying its $39,000 bill.

Both men had been driving a Roll Royce Phantom rented from A-National Limousine, which reported a loss of nearly $60,000.

The group also used two Atlanta recording studios but never paid their bills.

Washington must serve three years of supervised release after his prison term is completed. There is no parole in the federal system.

Aaron Barnes-Burpo, 29, of Crestview, Florida, was previously sentenced to seven years after pleading guilty to the same charge and also must pay $300,000 in restitution to the businesses

Washington's co-defendant, Aaron Barnes-Burpo, 29, of Crestview, Florida, was previously sentenced to seven years after pleading guilty to the same charge and also must pay $300,000 in restitution to the businesses.

Barnes-Burpo will serve three years supervised release after his prison term, according to court records.

He earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Hotel staff at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Augusta caught on to the men on November 21, 2019, and notified the FBI and the Richmond County Sheriffs Office.

Barnes-Burpo emailed the Fairfield Inn and Suites from a Rocnation832 Gmail account with a credit authorization form showing the credit card was attached to a Kansas address and identified the guest as 'Rocnation/WuTangClan,' according to court documents and the Washington Post.

The Fairfield Inn and Suites in Augusta, Georgia, caught on to Barnes-Burpo and Washington's scam on Nov. 21, 2019

Hotel staff suspected a scam, and the hotel sales director called Roc Nation. He was told the company was not associated with the men booking rooms.

After Barnes-Burpo tried to check in under the reservation, he and others with him were detained by Richmond County sheriff's deputies.

Two others with the group told deputies they were homeless men from Atlanta who had been recruited by the men to be bodyguards.

Others who traveled with the men were not charged.

'These two scammers will have plenty of time to figure out if their few weeks of unearned fame was worth several years in prison,' said Chris Hacker, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - In President Biden's 99th day in office, he proposed a $1.8 trillion American Families Plan during a joint session of congress.

Part of the plan would expand access to childcare and education. The President wants to add two years of free community college.

Administrators like Lea Anne Crooks at Ivy Tech Community College are excited about the proposal made by President Biden last night.

"It was definitely exciting to see that the President values community college and what community college means to the local economy. And then the next step for us is what's in the details of the plan and what it means," says Chancellor Crooks.

Crooks says free tuition could help all students at Ivy Tech.

"We're really looking forward to meeting those students in the middle those students who don't necessarily get financial aid and have the need and hopefully as we get the details that will speak to that," says Crooks.

Ivy Tech's website says annual full-time tuition is just over $4,300.

Crooks says students who pay out of pocket will be able to breathe a sigh of relief.

"For those students who are working in order to continue their degree this will just give them the freedom, the ability to get through quicker," says Crooks.

As for the school, she says with this extra boost she expects more students will come through their doors.

"We also have a very large percentage that starts here with us for the first two years and they transfer to one of our many 4 year partners and so it really just opens up that conversation for parents and students that the first two years could happen here," says Crooks.
 Close Ex-White House counsel Don McGahn agrees to testify in Trump probe

Donald Trump will remain banned from Facebook for at least another two years, the social media network has announced. The company says it will revisit the decision on 7 January 2023, but will only allow Mr Trump back on if his risk to public safety has receded.

The former president issued a furious response, calling his continued suspension an insult. He also threatened to never invite Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to another White House dinner, implying that hell run for president again.

Next time Im in the White House there will be no more dinners, at his request, with Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, the former president said in a brief statement. It will be all business!

Others criticized Facebook for not going far enough, saying the ban should be permanent.

Meanwhile, Don McGahn, the Trump-era White House counsel who featured heavily in Robert Muellers probe into Russian interference during the 2016 election, testified before the House Judiciary Committee after two years of defying their subpoenas. A transcript of the interview will be released some time in the next seven days.

Republican representatives Matt Gaetz and Jim Jordan told reporters nothing of note was revealed in the testimony.

Weve learned nothing new, Mr Gaetz told reporters.

Read more:
Researchers from Cybereason Nocturnus Team have detected anomalous characteristics in a newly discovered RoyalRoad weaponizer that delivers a previously undocumented backdoor. The researchers have been tracking recent developments in the RoyalRoad when they uncovered an attack targeting a Russian-based defense contractor.

Spear-phishing attack targets Russian defense contractor

In this instance, the target of the spear-phishing attack was a general director working at the Rubin Design Bureau, a Russia-based defense contractor that designs nuclear submarines for the Russian Federations Navy.

The email used to deliver the initial infection vector was addressed to the respectful general director Igor Vladimirovich at the Rubin Design Bureau, a submarine design center from the Gidropribor concern in St. Petersburg, a national research center that designs underwater weapons.

How the RoyalRoad variant works

The research team defined RoyalRoad as a tool that generates weaponized RTF documents that exploit vulnerabilities in Microsofts Equation Editor including CVE-2017-11882, CVE-2018-0798 and CVE-2018-0802. Microsofts Equation Editor was included in earlier versions of Word but was removed from all versions in the January 2018 Public Update because of security issues with its implementation.

The RoyalRoad weaponizer is also known as the 8.t Dropper/RTF exploit builder. The variant analyzed had altered its encoded payload from the known 8.t file to a new filename: e.o. Once the RTF document is opened and executed, a Microsoft Word add-in file is dropped to the Microsoft Word startup folder, a technique used to bypass detection of automatic execution persistence. The RTF is time-stamped to 2007, another technique used to go undetected.

This new variant drops the previously undocumented backdoor dubbed PortDoor, malware with multiple functionalities, including the ability to do reconnaissance, target profiling, delivery of additional payloads, privilege escalation, process manipulation static detection antivirus evasion, one-byte XOR encryption, AES-encrypted data exfiltration and more, according to Cybereason Nocturnus. The researchers expect more new variants to be under development.

The researchers did not have enough information to attribute this backdoor, but they said: there are a couple of known Chinese APT groups that share quite a few similarities with the threat actor behind the new malware samples analyzed in this blog. Specifically, it contained a header encoding previously used by the Tonto Team, TA428 and Rancor threat actors.


A crowd of people was involved in a stampede at a Jewish religious celebration in northern Israel killing at least 45 people Friday. About 150 people were injured.

Tens of thousands of conservative Jews, known as ultra-Orthodox Jews, attended the event. Officials said the incident was one of the countrys deadliest civilian disasters.

Witnesses said the stampede began when large numbers of people tried to go through a narrow path during the event. A video shows people falling on top of each other near the end of a path as they walked down slippery metal steps.

One of the injured people, Avraham Leibe, told Israeli public broadcaster Kan that the crowd could not stop from falling down the steps. He said, I saw one after the other fall.

The stampede happened during the celebrations of Lag BaOmer at Mount Meron. It was the first mass religious gathering to be held legally since Israel lifted the countrys coronavirus restrictions.

Lag BaOmer draws tens of thousands of people. Most of them are ultra-Orthodox Jews. They come each year to honor Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a religious leader who lived about 1,800 years ago and is believed to be buried there. The crowds traditionally light fires, pray and dance as part of the celebrations.



This year, an estimated 100,000 people attended the event. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Mount Meron on Friday. He said it was one of the worst disasters that has befallen the state of Israel. He announced Sunday would be a day of national mourning.

Health and rescue officials said at least 45 people were killed in Fridays stampede. Later in the day, officials were still trying to identify some of the victims and contact families with missing relatives.

Zaki Heller, a spokesman for the rescue service, confirmed that 150 people had been hurt in the stampede, with six hospitalized in very serious condition. He told Israel Army Radio, in one moment, we went from a happy event to an immense tragedy.

The deadly stampede could also affect the uncertain political situation in Israel.

Netanyahu has so far been unsuccessful in forming a governing coalition. He needs the continued support of ultra-Orthodox political parties. Over the objections of health officials, the prime minister told ultra-Orthodox politicians that the Lag BaOmer celebrations could take place with few limitations.



At this years celebrations, police had deployed 5,000 extra forces to maintain order. A police spokesman said the crowd on Mount Meron this year was similar to previous years. But some bonfires were divided into smaller areas as a COVID-19 safety measure.

Israeli media suggested that may have created narrow pathways at the celebrations. Last year, observances on Mount Meron were limited and private bonfires were not permitted because of pandemic restrictions.

The Justice Ministry said police were launching an investigation into possible wrongdoing by officers.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Hai Do adapted this Associated Press report for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter Jr. was the editor.

____________________________________________________

Words in This Story

stampede n. when a large group of people (or animals) is frightened or excited and move in a dangerous and uncontrolled way

slippery adj. difficult to stand on, move on or hold because it is smooth, wet or icy

befall v. to happen to

immense adj. very great in size or amount
Courtesy Daphne Kwok

En espanol | This essay appeared as an editors note in the April/May issue of AARP The Magazine.

I am an Anglo-Irish American  emphasis, please, on the third part of that description. My forebears came to the United States in the 19th century, uninvited and unknowing of their fate. They worked as laborers and, later, as civil servants  cops and firemen mostly  until opportunities arose to compete for jobs as accountants, managers, executives in large corporations. Today a few of them run their own businesses. Three generations after my great-grandfathers landed in New York City and Boston, my older brother, Walter, received his Ph.D. in physics and began his lifes work as a research scientist. Its an American story.

In suburban Long Island, New York, our neighbors were families of German, Irish, Italian and Eastern European descent, proud of their G.I. Bill Cape Cod and ranch homes. In the 1960s, though I became enamored of yoga and Zen and Eastern philosophy (typical boomer!), I personally knew not a single person of Asian descent until I went to college. There were reasons for that, I later learned.

In 1882 the U.S. Congress passed the first of a series of laws outlawing immigration from China, laws that were later bundled into the Immigration Act of 1924, which effectively banned immigrants from the entire continent. Asians were allowed to come here as diplomats, students or tourists, but not to seek permanent residence. This law essentially remained in effect until 1965. Though it is difficult today to imagine our country without prominent Asian Americans in every sphere of influence and culture, that wasnt a foregone conclusion.

Because of this, I was particularly taken by the family story of my colleague Daphne Kwok, a vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at AARP. The association works to connect with every American community, and Kwok oversees our outreach to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. I grew up in Annandale, Virginia, in the 1960s, says Kwok, whose family is Chinese American. We were the only Asian American kids through middle school. Not until high school were my brothers and I among a handful of students of color. At Wesleyan University, Kwok finally had an Asian American community, which she describes as an invigorating experience. We didnt have to explain who we are to one another.
gettyimagesbank



Citi's planned exit mentioned as another reason for exodus



By Park Jae-hyuk



A growing number of foreign asset management companies are pulling their retail fund businesses out of Korea, despite the government's continuous efforts to foster an international financial hub here by attracting global firms.



The pullouts are mainly attributed to the lingering slowdown in the domestic public offering fund market following the popularity of direct investments and exchange traded funds (ETFs) among retail investors here.



"The shrinkage of the public offering fund market can be seen as a reason for this phenomenon," Korea Capital Market Institute research fellow Kwon Min-kyeong said. "The slowdown is not expected to be resolved in a short period of time."



The latest example of a foreign asset manager trying to downsize its Korean operation is Franklin Templeton Investments, which had sought to merge with Samsung Active Asset Management in 2019 and sell its assets under management to Kiwoom Asset Management in 2020.



The U.S. firm's local subsidiary said it is in talks with another asset management firm to sell its retail operation, although it does not have any plans to shut down or stop serving institutional investors.



This came just after BlackRock and Macquarie finished restructuring their Korean operations.



Shareholders of BlackRock's Korean subsidiary agreed on April 21 with the firm's intention to sell its onshore retail fund business to DGB Asset Management, a subsidiary of DGB Financial Group, and surrender its license for the business.



"As we pursue the next stage of growth, the ability to harness the greatest potential in any market and allocate resources efficiently is critical to ensure the delivery of investment excellence our clients expect. And this is precisely what we are doing right now," BlackRock's Head of Asia Susan Chan said in a press release, when the firm announced the deal on March 31.



Macquarie Investment Management Korea was sold to local private equity firm, Feynman, last November and changed its name into Feynman Asset Management earlier in April.



A source familiar with this issue said the Australian company's decision was part of "strategic" measures for its unprofitable businesses in Korea.



Other global asset management companies also left the Korean market several years ago. JPMorgan Asset Management sold its Korean unit to Hanwha Asset Management in 2017, and Goldman Sachs shut down its Korean asset management unit in 2012.



Industry officials point out Citigroup's planned exit from the Korean consumer banking sector may accelerate the exodus of foreign asset management firms, because they have relied heavily on the U.S. bank's local subsidiary when they sell their retail funds here.



According to the Korea Financial Investment Association, Fidelity's local subsidiary raised 15 percent of money to manage its funds through Citibank Korea as of February. The Korean units of Schroders, AllianceBernstein and BlackRock also raised over 10 percent of the money to manage their funds through the bank.



In contrast to domestic asset management companies having banks and securities firms as their affiliates, foreign firms have mainly used Citibank Korea and Standard Chartered Bank Korea to attract customers. Citi's exit is therefore widely seen as the disappearance of one of their major sales channels.


The H2Ohio fund created by Gov. Mike DeWine and legislators in 2019 is a critical long-term work in progress. It aims, most prominently, at reducing, and eventually ending, dangerous toxic algal blooms in western Lake Erie by creating more local accountability on phosphorus-reduction plans, more farmer buy-in, improved monitoring of streams and rivers, widened use of agricultural best practices and the creation of new wetlands and other buffers.

But thats far from H2Ohios totality. The program also seeks to ensure that both Ohioans and the states priceless freshwater resources are protected amid soaring water infrastructure costs, as price tags climb for lead service-line replacements, mandated septic-system upgrades, and modernized drinking-water and wastewater treatment plants.

If all that sounds like a big order, it is. Its a critically big order that needs sustained funding to match. The payoff will be equally grand, in ensuring that Ohio doesnt squander its most important natural asset -- bountiful freshwater resources.

But do state lawmakers share DeWines commitment to H2Ohio? The first big test is here, as the General Assembly debates the next biennial budget for fiscal years 2022-23, that is, for the two years starting this July 1.

And judging from the 38% slice the Ohio House just took out of DeWines H2Ohio budget request, lawmakers are failing that test. The Ohio Senate, of course, has a chance to restore the governors full request, and it should -- and House legislators should reconsider.

But the uncertainty of relying on biennial budgets is why a bipartisan proposal from two northern Ohio lawmakers to put a $1 billion, ten-year, clean-water bond issue on the Nov. 8, 2022 ballot to underwrite H2Ohio for the next decade is so welcome.

Senate Joint Resolution 2, offered by state Sens. Theresa Gavarone, a Wood County Republican, and Kenny Yuko, a Richmond Heights Democrat, if passed, would put before voters a constitutional amendment next year allowing up to $100 million in bond proceeds annually to go to clean-water improvements. SJR 2 should be adopted.

The legislature set up the H2Ohio fund in 2019 with initial funding of $172 million over the FY2020-21 biennium. The actual funding appears to have been much less, according to figures compiled as part of the current budget process by the nonpartisan Legislative Service Commission. This may be because of the pandemic, or because the program is so new. In three separate line items for the Ohio Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, LSC reports that a little more than $10 million was spent on H2Ohio in FY2020 (which ended June 30, 2020), and a little more than $18 million is estimated for this fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2021.

In his FY 2022-23 budget proposal, DeWine sought a large boost, reflecting an opportunity to use H2Ohio to make a real difference in land and water management practices in the state.

The $120,425,000 DeWine requested for each of the next two fiscal years would have been divided primarily between the state Agriculture Department ($49.3 million annually) and Ohio EPA ($46 million), with $25 million for ODNR and a small $125,000 H2Ohio annual appropriation for the Ohio Lake Erie Commission.

In its version of the budget passed April 21, the Ohio House left DeWines H2Ohio requests for ODNR and the Lake Erie Commission untouched -- but it slashed his Ohio EPA request by more than 78%, to $10 million, and cut the Agriculture Departments proposed H2Ohio funding by more than 20%, to $39.3 million.

Overall, that works out to a $92 million cut to DeWines H2Ohio budget request over the next two fiscal years.

The Ohio House budget still seeks to provide $74,425,000 yearly for H2Ohio, but in eliminating most of the requested H2Ohio funding for the Ohio EPA, the House budget, if sustained, could compromise efforts to help lower-income communities improve drinking water and wastewater treatment systems and replace failing septic systems and lead service lines.

The House reductions to DeWines Agriculture request also are head-scratching, given the urgent need to engage more farmers and other agricultural operators in the Maumee River watershed, a primary source of toxic-algal-causing phosphorus runoff into Lake Erie.

In H2Ohios first year, 1,815 agricultural producers in the 14-county Maumee watershed, representing more than 1 million acres of agricultural land, entered into H2Ohio agreements that include nutrient management plans, according to a Dec. 22, 2020 update. Thats a good start -- but its not enough.

Those who care about the well-being and quality of life of Ohioans and about the states future prosperity should recognize how critical H2Ohio is to the calculus of both. That means sustained, meaningful funding for this initiative -- if not by the legislature, then through a bond issue.

About our editorials: Editorials express the view of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer -- the senior leadership and editorial-writing staff. As is traditional, editorials are unsigned and intended to be seen as the voice of the news organization.

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Outer Banks is a Netflix series with a devoted fan base. In preparation for the new season, many fans are rewatching Outer Banks Season 1. In doing so, one fan discovered a major plot hole regarding the $400 million in gold.

Outer Banks Cast | Netflix

Outer Banks season 2 is coming soon

The new season of Outer Banks was filmed in the Charleston, South Carolina area, including Mount Pleasant, a suburb of Charleston. Some of season 2 was also shot in Barbados.

Jonathan Daviss, who plays Pope on the show, wrote about the series wrap on Instagram. Goodbye Barbados , thats a wrap on @obx season 2!!! he stated. Ive absolutely fallen in love with this beautiful country. Cant wait for you guys to see the amazing work our entire cast and crew did this season #obx #obx2.

RELATED: Outer Banks: Chase Stokes and Madelyn Clines Relationship Is Still Thriving; Heres Proof

Netflix hasnt announced an official release date. But fans know its only a matter of time until new episodes are released.

Season 1 of Outer Banks focused on $400 million of buried treasure

In the premiere season of the Netflix series, John B.s (Chase Stokes) father, Big John (Charles Halford), goes missing after trying to find the gold that reportedly sunk with the Royal Merchant ship. Eventually, John B. discovers Sarah Camerons (Madelyn Cline) father, Ward (Charles Esten), is responsible for his dads death and the location of the $400 million in gold.

When the Pogues find the gold buried on the Crain property, John B. and company seem to have no trouble getting it out of the ground. But in reality, one fan points out how they would never have been able to get the gold up the way they did, let alone load it on a plane to fly it to the Bahamas.

Outer Banks Netflix episodes have a few plot holes

With a fan base as devoted as Outer Banks, viewers are bound to have questions. In season 1 alone, some fans wondered how John B. and Sarah Cameron could take a ferry from the island to the landlocked Chapel Hill. Showrunner Jonas Pate chalked it up to an Uber ride being cut from the script.

Still, fans had questions about other plot holes in Outer Banks Season 1. Like how did Scooter Grubbs (David Ury) wife find out about Big John Routledges death? And how is John B. surviving on his own without parental supervision? Moreover, what is with the Outer Banks font?!

All of that aside, one fan recently uncovered what might be the biggest mystery in Outer Banks Season 1. How did the Pogues get all of that heavy gold out of the ground?

Outer Banks plot hole involving the weight of the gold

A fan on Reddit recently calculated what the weight of that gold in Outer Banks would be. Their findings were shocking.

Using the current price of gold, this fan did the math and discovered the gold the Pogues found would weigh more than six tons.

If this was the case at current prices, $1,836 per ounce  $400,000,000 / $1,846 = 216,684oz / 16oz = 13,542 lbs = 6.77 tons, they shared on Reddit. They would need forklifts to move that gold not a wheelbarrow or small plane.

Its all about the suspension of disbelief, right? Regardless of how impossible some of the Outer Banks plot points might seem, you can bet fans will tune in when season 2 drops.
STAMFORD  Legislators far wide have daydreamed about pricey upgrades to the states infrastructure system. Every few months, someone publicly bemoans the state of Stamfords train station. But with the return of federal earmarks for certain local projects, dreams could soon become a reality.

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes requested just under $6 million for infrastructure projects in Stamford. In total, Himes asked Washington for more than $30 million in project funds for Fairfield County.

Out of the 18 earmarks requested by the congressman for the Fourth District, three are in Stamford, including funds for major updates to the Stamford Transportation Center, pedestrian improvements near schools, and upgrades to the citys affordable housing stock.

Though Gov. Ned Lamont has flirted with implementing a highway-use tax on large commercial vehicles to fund major transportation improvements, the federal funds put the upgrades at center stage.

While the Transportation Center would be Stamfords flashiest and most visible project, Himes earmarked $2 million for the local Safe Routes to School program  an statewide initiative that bolsters pedestrian safety for children who walk or bike to school  and $450,000 for Charter Oak Communities, the city housing authority.

With the $2 million from the federal confers, interim Transportation Bureau Chief Frank Petise has his sights set on giving students as many safe ways to get to school as humanely possible. And by emphasizing safety, Petise hopes to help remedy the traffic problem around schools.

Theres a lot of traffic issues around pick up and drop off, and its hard to alleviate that when you dont offer people other means to get there, Petise said. We dont provide busing within a mile of school, but we dont always have sidewalks. So, were trying to just make it safer for children to walk.

City Chief of Staff Michael Pollard said the city has undertaken pedestrian updates near schools before but has often found itself constrained by the amount of money it takes to make significant changes.

I think what made it attractive perhaps to Congress was that this isnt a brand-new plan, Pollard said. This is one that the city has had for a  a lack of funding is the only reason why we havent done it.

The smallest line item on Himess list involves upgrades to Lawnhill Terrace, a collection of two- and three-bedroom affordable housing units on the East Side. Before Charter Oak Communities started updating the apartments in 2017, they had remained largely untouched for 60 years. The earmarks allow Charter Oaks to fund the last chunk of apartment renovations.

The buildings required massive renovation literally down to the studs, said Vincent Tufo, CEO of Charter Oaks Communities. If youve seen the property, its completely transformed.

Pollard views the potential investment from Washington as a continuation of the work city officials have undertaken to expand affordable housing opportunities in Stamford.

Since the early 2000s, Stamford has run its own Below Market Rate apartment initiative. The program requires developers to dedicate 10 percent of housing stock in new, large buildings to those making significantly less than the local average. More recently, the Board of Representatives implemented an Affordable Housing Trust Fund to further invest in big-budget housing projects.

When you combine that along with getting support from the federal government on the the Charter Oaks project, Pollard said, I think it simply sends a message to the community theres work going on in a very material way to build more houses that are affordable in our community.

veronica.delvalle@hearstmediact.com
[April 30, 2021] Minister Rodriguez highlights significant investments to support economic growth in Budget 2021

TROIS-RIVIERES, QC, April 30, 2021 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada's Budget 2021 contains important measures to finish the fight against COVID-19 and ensure a robust economic recovery for all Canadians. Today, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Quebec Lieutenant, met virtually with the owners of Panierlocal.ca to discuss investments supporting economic growth from Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience. The COVID-19 recession is the steepest and fastest economic contraction since the Great Depression. It has disproportionately affected low-wage workers, young people, women, and racialized Canadians. For businesses, it has been a two-speed recession, with some finding ways to prosper and grow, but many businessesespecially small businessesfighting to survive. Budget 2021 is an historic investment to address the specific wounds of the COVID-19 recession, put people first, create jobs, grow the middle class, set businesses on a track for long-term growth, and ensure that Canada's future will be healthier, more equitable, greener, and more prosperous. The Government of Canada recognizes that a rapid and sustained economic recovery is the most reliable way to narrow economic inequalities and secure higher employment and income levels and improved and expanded job opportunities. The government has provided a suite of measures that have helped, and are still helping, to support Canadian businesses and Canadian workers through the crisis. Some of the measures Budget 2021 proposes to continue these supports are: helping small and medium-sized businesses move into the digital age through programs like the Canada Digital Adoption Program;

providing $2 .6 billion on a cash basis over four years, starting in 2021-22, to the Business Development Bank of Canada to help small and medium-sized businesses finance technology adoption;

.6 billion on a cash basis over four years, starting in 2021-22, to the Business Development Bank of to help small and medium-sized businesses finance technology adoption; allowing immediate expensing of up to $1 .5 million of eligible investments by Canadian-controlled private corporations made on or after Budget Day and before 2024. Eligible investments will cover over 60 per cent of capital investments typically made by Canadian-controlled private corporations; and

.5 million of eligible investments by Canadian-controlled private corporations made on or after Budget Day and before 2024. Eligible investments will cover over 60 per cent of capital investments typically made by Canadian-controlled private corporations; and providing $700 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, for the regional development agencies to support business financing. Altogether, Budget 2021 investments will create or maintain 330,000 jobs in Canada by 2022-23. This budget also creates almost 500,000 new training and work experience opportunities for Canadians. The Government of Canada's top priority remains protecting Canadians'health and safety. Vaccine rollout is underway across Canada, with federal government support in every province and territory. Budget 2021 invests in Canada's bio-manufacturing and life sciences sector to rebuild domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity.



Budget 2021 aims to help Canadians and Canadian businesses through the crisis and towards a robust recovery. It proposes to extend business and income support measures through to the fall and to make investments to create jobs and help businesses across the economy come roaring back. Budget 2021 puts Canada on track to meet its commitment to create 1 million jobs by the end of the year. Canada entered the pandemic in a strong fiscal position. This allowed the government to take quick and decisive action, supporting people and businesses, and put it in the position to make historic investments in the recovery.

Quote "Organizations like Panierlocal.ca are the backbone of our communities. Budget 2021 proposes several measures to support main streets and help businesses work toward a successful recovery from the pandemic. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been there to help our small businesses and we will continue to be there to help them adapt, evolve and benefit from the recovery." The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Quebec Lieutenant Quick Facts Budget 2021 includes $101 .4 billion over three years in proposed investments as part of the Government of Canada's growth plan that will create good jobs and support a resilient and inclusive recovery. Key measures include:

.4 billion over three years in proposed investments as part of the Government of growth plan that will create good jobs and support a resilient and inclusive recovery. Key measures include: Establishing a Canada -wide early learning and child care system, in partnership with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners, which will help all families access affordable, high-quality, and flexible child care no matter where they live, and no longer shoulder the burden of high child care costs. The budget proposes new investments totaling up to $30 billion over the next five years. Combined with previous investments, a minimum of $9 .2 billion per year ongoing will be invested in child care, starting in 2025-26.

-wide early learning and child care system, in partnership with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners, which will help all families access affordable, high-quality, and flexible child care no matter where they live, and no longer shoulder the burden of high child care costs. The budget proposes new investments totaling up to $30 billion over the next five years. Combined with previous investments, a minimum of .2 billion per year ongoing will be invested in child care, starting in 2025-26.

Extending emergency supports to bridge Canadians and Canadian businesses through to recovery, including:



Extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support until September 25, 2021.

Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support until September 25, 2021.



Extending important income support for Canadians such as a 12-week extension of the Canada Recovery Benefit and 4-week extension of the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.



Enhancing Employment Insurance sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks.



Supporting small and medium-sized businesses through several transformative programs, such as:



A new Canada Digital Adoption Program that will assist over 160,000 businesses with the cost of new technology. And it will provide them with the advice they need to get the most of new technology with the help of 28,000 young Canadians who will be trained to work with them.





Allowing Canadian small businesses to fully expense up to $1 .5 million in capital investments in a broad range of assets, including digital technology and intellectual property. This represents an additional $2 .2 billion investment in the growth of Canada's entrepreneurs over the next five years.

.5 million in capital investments in a broad range of assets, including digital technology and intellectual property. This represents an additional .2 billion investment in the growth of entrepreneurs over the next five years.

Revitalizing Canada's tourism sector through $1 billion to help tourism businesses recover and support festivals and cultural events that provide jobs and growth in many of our cities and communities.

tourism sector through $1 billion to help tourism businesses recover and support festivals and cultural events that provide jobs and growth in many of our cities and communities.

Supporting women, Black Canadians, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs who face barriers to launching and owning businesses through $300 million to enhance initiatives like the Black Entrepreneurship Program and the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy. Related Links Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience

Budget Speech Associated Links Fall Economic Statement 2020: Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan SOURCE Quebec Lieutenant

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One of the biggest surprises during last week's Oscar telecast was Anthony Hopkins winning Best Actor for The Father, when most believed Chadwick Boseman's final performance in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom was a lock for the win.

Michael B. Jordan, who starred alongside Boseman in the Marvel Studios blockbuster Black Panther, opened up about his co-star losing his only Oscar nomination.

The 34-year-old actor revealed that Boseman losing will not have any impact on his remarkable legacy whatsoever.

Surprise: One of the biggest surprises during last week's Oscar telecast was Anthony Hopkins winning Best Actor for The Father, when most believed Chadwick Boseman's final performance in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom was a lock for the win

Opening up: Michael B. Jordan, who starred alongside Boseman in the Marvel Studios blockbuster Black Panther, opened up about his co-star losing his only Oscar nomination

Jordan was a guest on Jess Cagle's Sirius XM radio show, when he was asked if he was 'shocked' that Boseman didn't win the Oscar.

'Yeah, I think everybody had a little bit of that feeling watching it, but this is how I honestly truly feel about it, like there's no award that can validate his legacy,' Jordan said.

'There's no win that can take anything away from the lives around the world that he impacted, his family, myself included,' he continued.

Shocked: Jordan was a guest on Jess Cagle's Sirius XM radio show, when he was asked if he was 'shocked' that Boseman didn't win the Oscar

That feeling: 'Yeah, I think everybody had a little bit of that feeling watching it, but this is how I honestly truly feel about it, like there's no award that can validate his legacy,' Jordan said

Legacy: 'There's no win that can take anything away from the lives around the world that he impacted, his family, myself included,' he continued

The actor added that we have to, 'look at the things that we can control and the gifts and the blessings that he left us, and that's his incredible body of work and what he represents and stood for as a person, and that's the biggest one we could really ask for.'

Boseman's Oscar nomination for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom was his first, going up against ultimate winner Hopkins along with Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal), Steven Yeun (Minari) and Gary Oldman (Mank).

Jordan played Erik Killmonger alongside Boseman's T'Challa in the 2018 blockbuster Black Panther, with Marvel currently developing a sequel.

Control: The actor added that we have to, 'look at the things that we can control and the gifts and the blessings that he left us, and that's his incredible body of work and what he represents and stood for as a person, and that's the biggest one we could really ask for'

Oscar nominee: Boseman's Oscar nomination for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom was his first, going up against ultimate winner Hopkins along with Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal), Steven Yeun (Minari) and Gary Oldman (Mank)

The studio had previously made it quite clear they have no intentions of re-casting the T'challa role, though the sequel is still happening.

When Cagle asked what Jordan's chances are, from 1 to 10, with 10 being most likely and 1 being 'not at all likely,' to return as Killmonger, he revealed the chances are low.

'10 being most likely and 1 being least likely, right? I'll go with a solid... two,' Jordan said, which surprised Cagle and co-host Julia Cunningham.

Chances: When Cagle asked what Jordan's chances are, from 1 to 10, with 10 being most likely and 1 being 'not at all likely,' to return as Killmonger, he revealed the chances are low

Surprised: '10 being most likely and 1 being least likely, right? I'll go with a solid... two,' Jordan said, which surprised Cagle and co-host Julia Cunningham

While Cagle said, 'that's not very likely,' Cunningham added, 'Wow, there's a chance,' with Jordan explaining his answer.

'I didn't want to go zero, you know, then it's like, you know, never say never. You know, I can't predict the future, so it's two. I figured Black Panther 2, two sounds, OK I guess,' he added.

Jordan will next be seen in Without Remorse, where he plays the iconic character created by Tom Clancy named John Kelly, arriving on Amazon Prime April 30.

You're saying there's a chance: While Cagle said, 'that's not very likely,' Cunningham added, 'Wow, there's a chance,' with Jordan explaining his answer
All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - First Majestic Silver Corp. (TSX: FR) (NYSE: AG) ("First Majestic" or the "Company") and Sprott Mining Inc. ("Sprott Mining") are pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition of Jerritt Canyon Canada Ltd. ("Jerritt Canyon") from Sprott Mining (the "Acquisition") and concurrent $30 million private placement investment in First Majestic by Eric Sprott, previously announced in the joint news release of First Majestic and Sprott Mining dated March 12, 2021.

Under the Acquisition, which took effect as of 9:00 AM PT on April 30, 2021, First Majestic has acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Jerritt Canyon in exchange for 26,719,727 common shares of First Majestic and 5,000,000 common share purchase warrants at an exercise price of $20.00 per share for a term of three years. The $30 million private placement was completed by Eric Sprott at a price of $17.59 per share for a total of 1,705,514 common shares. As a result of Mr. Sprott's participation in the transactions, Mr. Sprott beneficially owns and controls an aggregate of 28,425,241 common shares and 5,000,000 warrants, representing approximately 11.3% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares on an undiluted basis and 13.0% on a partially diluted basis.

Keith Neumeyer, President and CEO of First Majestic said, "With this closing, First Majestic adds another cornerstone asset to the portfolio and enhances our operating platform in a world-class mining jurisdiction. We look forward to commencing our work with the operating team at Jerritt Canyon to create value for our shareholders and welcome Eric Sprott as a continued significant shareholder in First Majestic going forward. In the near future, we will be communicating our plan for Jerritt Canyon, which will include ways to further improve productivity and reduce operating costs."

Mr. Sprott acquired the common shares in connection with the transactions for investment purposes. Mr. Sprott has a long-term view of the investment and may acquire additional securities of First Majestic including on the open market or through private acquisitions or sell securities of First Majestic including on the open market or through private dispositions in the future subject to certain resale restrictions, market conditions, reformulation of plans and/or other relevant factors.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

First Majestic is a publicly traded mining company focused on silver and gold production in Mexico and the United States and is aggressively pursuing the development of its existing mineral property assets. The Company presently owns and operates the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, the La Encantada Silver Mine and the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll-free number 1.866.529.2807.

FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP.

"signed"

Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (together, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans", "potential" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, anticipated benefits of the Acquisition to First Majestic its shareholders; the exploration potential of Jerritt Canyon, future mineral production; and operating costs of Jerritt Canyon, the merits and benefits to be derived from the Acquisition and other statements regarding future plans, expectations, guidance, projections, objectives, estimates and forecasts, as well as statements as to management's expectations with respect to such matters. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results may vary. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary include without limitation, risks related to the ability of the Company to accomplish its plans and objectives, including the ability of the Company to improve the economics of Jerritt Canyon, changes in commodity and power prices, changes in interest and currency exchange rates, risks inherent in exploration estimates and results, timing and success, inaccurate geological and metallurgical assumptions (including with respect to the size, grade and recoverability of mineral reserves and resources), changes in exploration or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors, unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications, cost escalation, unavailability of materials, equipment and third party contractors, delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), political risk, social unrest, and changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets.

The actual results or performance by the Company could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements relating to those matters. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on the Acquisition, results of operations or financial condition of the Company. Except as required by law, the Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82472
ATTICA, Ind. (WLFI)-The town of Attica has had a hard time taking care of its downtown area. Now the town has created a non-profit organization to help them create economic revitalization in the downtown area. Attica is in the process of signing a contract with a non-profit called Wabash Economic Growth Alliance or WEGA.

"It consists of some local people who are going to serve on the board as well as some people who are partnering with Attica who will lend their expertise to help us progress economically within the city," said Councilwoman at Large in Attica Patricia Hargan.

Essentially, the non-profit will work like any other department in the city.

"It's going to be just like any department here in Attica whether it be the police department or the fire department budget we would transfer an amount of money to the nonprofit," added Hargan. "They would come back and report to us how the money is spent"-Patricia Hargan

One of the first areas of the city WEGA will be focusing on is downtown.

"Things haven't changed here in a long time and I think that this council is ready to move and ready to go forward, " said Hargan.

Some businesses fill the downtown storefronts, but there are also dozens of historic buildings that are abandoned and dilapidated. Now the town is trying to figure out what to do with them to create economic growth.

"No one wants to tear down old historic buildings it's not a fun decision to make however it's a decision that has to be made and we are going to look at the study and we are going to proceed from there," added Hargan.

Regardless if the historic buildings are structurally sound or not, the town and its soon-to-be partnership with WEGA are looking toward the future.

"The project we have right now is we are working on the marketplace downtown," said Bill Glass the President of WEGA. "The marketplace will be an incubation type of business area where a small business can get a start and foot in the door and have low or even free rent it may be."

The town of Attica is currently waiting for an engineering study. The study will determine what downtown historic buildings are structurally sound and able to be rehabilitated. The city hopes to break ground on the marketplace in the next couple of months. The City Council plans on signing a contract with WEGA sometime in May.
Credit: Yasni/Shutterstock

Humans evolved in Africa, along with chimpanzees, gorillas and monkeys. But primates themselves appear to have evolved elsewherelikely in Asiabefore colonizing Africa. At the time, around 50 million years ago, Africa was an island isolated from the rest of the world by oceanso how did primates get there?

A land bridge is the obvious explanation, but the geological evidence currently argues against it. Instead, we're left with a far more unlikely scenario: early primates may have rafted to Africa, floating hundreds of miles across oceans on vegetation and debris.

Such oceanic dispersal was once seen as far-fetched and wildly speculative by many scientists. Some still support the land bridge theory, either disputing the geological evidence, or arguing that primate ancestors crossed into Africa long before the current fossil record suggests, before the continents broke up.

But there's an emerging consensus that oceanic dispersal is far more common than once supposed. Plants, insects, reptiles, rodents and primates have all been found to colonize island continents in this wayincluding a remarkable Atlantic crossing that took monkeys from Africa to South America 35 million years ago. These events are incredibly rare but, given huge spans of time, such freak events inevitably influence evolutionincluding our own origins.

Primate origins

Humans appeared in southern Africa between 200,000-350,000 years ago. We know we come from Africa because our genetic diversity is highest there, and there are lots of fossils of primitive humans there.

Our closest relatives, chimps and gorillas, are also native to Africa, alongside baboons and monkeys. But primates' closest living relativesflying lemurs, tree shrews and rodentsall inhabit Asia or, in the case of rodents, evolved there. Fossils provide somewhat conflicting evidence, but they also suggest primates arose outside of Africa.

The oldest primate relative, Purgatorius, lived 65 million years ago, just after the dinosaurs disappeared. It's from Montana.

The oldest true primates also occur outside Africa. Teilhardina, related to monkeys and apes, lived 55 million years ago, throughout Asia, North America, and Europe. Primates arrived in Africa later. Lemur-like fossils appear there 50 million years ago, and monkey-like fossils around 40 million years ago.

But Africa split from South America and became an island 100 million years ago, and only connected with Asia 20 million years ago. If primates colonized Africa during the 80 million years the continent spent isolated, then they needed to cross water.

Primates have differentiated over tens of millions of years. Credit: Nicholas R. Longrich/Wikimedia

Ocean crossings

The idea of oceanic dispersal is central to the theory of evolution. Studying the Galapagos Islands, Darwin saw only a few tortoises, iguanas, snakes, and one small mammal, the rice rat. Further out to sea, on islands like Tahiti, were only little lizards.

Darwin reasoned that these patterns were hard to explain in terms of Creationismin which case, similar species should exist everywherebut they made sense if species crossed water to colonize islands, with fewer species surviving to colonize more distant islands.

He was right. Studies have found tortoises can survive weeks afloat without food or waterthey probably bobbed along until hitting the Galapagos. And in 1995, iguanas swept offshore by hurricanes washed up 300km away, very much alive, after riding on debris. Galapagos iguanas likely traveled this way.

The odds are against such crossings. A lucky combination of conditionsa large raft of vegetation, the right currents and winds, a viable population, a well-timed landfallis needed for successful colonization. Many animals swept offshore simply die of thirst or starvation before hitting islands. Most never make landfall; they disappear at sea, food for sharks. That's why ocean islands, especially distant ones, have few species.

Rafting was once treated as an evolutionary novelty: a curious thing happening in obscure places like the Galapagos, but irrelevant to evolution on continents. But it's since emerged that rafts of vegetation or floating islandsstands of trees swept out to seamay actually explain many animal distributions across the world.

Rafting

Several primate rafting events are well established. Today, Madagascar has a diverse lemur fauna. Lemurs arrived from Africa around 20 million years ago. Since Madagascar has been an island since the time of the dinosaurs, they apparently rafted the 400 kilometer-wide Mozambique Channel. Remarkably, fossils suggest the strange aye-aye crossed to Madagascar separately from the other lemurs.

Even more extraordinary is the existence of monkeys in South America: howlers, spider monkeys and marmosets. They arrived 35 million years ago, again from Africa. They had to cross the Atlanticnarrower then, but still 1,500 km wide. From South America, monkeys rafted again: to North America, then twice to the Caribbean.

Floating 800km from the Seychelles to Africa, this tortoise washed up on shore  covered in barnacles, but alive. Credit: Catharine Muir

But before any of this could happen, rafting events would first need to bring primates to Africa: one brought the ancestor of lemurs, another carried the ancestor of monkeys, apes, and ourselves. It may seem implausibleand it's still not entirely clear where they came frombut no other scenario fits the evidence.

Rafting explains how rodents colonized Africa, then South America. Rafting likely explains how Afrotheria, the group containing elephants and aardvarks, got to Africa. Marsupials, evolving in North America, probably rafted to South America, then Antarctica, and finally Australia. Other oceanic crossings include mice to Australia, and tenrecs, mongooses and hippos to Madagascar.

Oceanic crossings aren't an evolutionary subplot; they're central to the story. They explain the evolution of monkeys, elephants, kangaroos, rodents, lemursand us. And they show that evolution isn't always driven by ordinary, everyday processes but also by bizarrely improbable events.

Macroevolution

One of Darwin's great insights was the idea that everyday eventssmall mutations, predation, competitioncould slowly change species, given time. But over millions or billions of years, rare, low-probability, high-impact events"black swan" eventsalso happen.

Some are immensely destructive, like asteroid impacts, volcanic eruptions, and ice agesor viruses jumping hosts. But others are creative, like genome duplications, gene transfer between multicellular speciesand rafting.

The role rafting played in our history shows how much evolution comes down to chance. Had anything gone differentlythe weather was bad, the seas rough, the raft washed up on a desert island, hungry predators waited on the beach, no males aboardcolonization would have failed. No monkeys, no apesno humans.

It seems our ancestors beat odds that make Powerball lotteries seem like a safe bet. Had anything had gone differently, the evolution of life might look rather different than it does. At a minimum, we wouldn't be here to wonder about it.

Explore further The first duckbill dinosaur fossil from Africa hints at how dinosaurs once crossed oceans

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money.

Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.
Saskia Havekes, 54, is the owner of Sydneys Grandiflora florist. James Beck, 47, is a cellist and founder of musical ensemble Sydney Art Quartet. Their friendship blossomed over a shared appreciation of beauty.

Saskia Havekes and James Beck: I love working with Saskia: like me, she gets down and dirty with everyone else to get the job done. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Saskia: I first met James in 2000 on set at the Brandenburg Orchestra in Sydney, where Id been asked to provide buttonholes. I was attracted by his darting eyes and nervous energy. I got to know him properly in 2010, when he moved into the Macleay Regis [an apartment block in Sydneys Potts Point] where I have my shop. He started dropping in most days for a chat or to order flowers. Hed always pick the most precious thing in the shop  usually something Id set aside for another order  but he had to have it straight away. I liked that cheekiness.

We started to talk about personal things family and friends and music  and soon became intrigued by each other. In 2011, James asked me to work with him on a dinner at Government House. I wanted to use four-metre living poplar trees, with the tables built around them. It was an insane idea, but James liked it and we made it happen. He was good at dealing with officials  so dignified, with impeccable manners.

Meanwhile, I was trying to manage the tree man  it was very Fawlty Towers and we had a lot of laughs. We also taught each other a lot. James is a perfectionist, fastidious with details, like the time sheet and making sure the tablecloths touch the ground. Im more pliable.
"Through our partnership with DomesticShelters.org, we are able to impact those most in need of support in the direct communities where our teams work."

Title Alliance, Ltd., a family of full-service title insurance and escrow agencies, is hosting their 4th annual TA Gives Back Week. This year, the company has partnered with DomesticShelters.org, an organization with an online searchable directory of items needed for survivors of domestic violence. From April 15th-May 15th, Title Alliance employees, partners, friends and family members are encouraged to donate items to a shelter near them to help those in need. The goal of Title Alliance Gives Back is to have a minimum of 200 employees donate an item.

Part of our Vivid Vision for our company includes community give back efforts, said Lindsay Smith, Chief Strategy Officer for Title Alliance. Through our partnership with DomesticShelters.org, we are able to impact those most in need of support in the direct communities where our teams work.

Domesticshelters.org is one of the top domestic violence organizations in the country, helping an average of 365 people per hour. In January 2020, the organization hit a milestone when they helped their 10 millionth visitor. Domesticshelters.org helps victims across the United States and Canada and has provided assistance in more than 14,000 cities through donations and domestic violence programs.

If you would like to donate, please visit http://www.tagivesback.com and click on donate now and you will be able to choose a location to support the list of needs available for purchase and direct shipments. To learn more about our initiative, please click here. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, visit http://www.domesticshelters.org to find a local domestic violence program.

About Title Alliance:

Title Alliances roots date back to 1948 when their first agency, which is still in existence today, was formed in Media, Pennsylvania. Since 1983, the company has been forming successful single and multi-state title joint ventures with lenders, realtors, and builders. Title Alliance works with partners to establish in-house title and settlement operations, dramatically enhancing their customer service and increasing their profit. Title Alliances family of companies is currently in 11 states with 60 total offices. More information at http://www.titlealliance.com.
Acting Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki announced the additional purchases of enough Pfizer vaccine supplies for 20 million people and said the government had "laid the groundwork for pushing forward the timing of achieving herd immunity." That sounds good, but then Hong added, "Some are stoking excessive fears among the public citing a vaccine shortage and spreading false news."

The government has always insisted that the aim is to achieve herd immunity by November, a modest enough hope, but a pipe dream given that the inoculation rate so far stands at 5.3 percent. And the government has lagged far behind in securing enough vaccines to administer in the first half of the year. Hong could pat himself on the back all night for securing additional Pfizer vaccine supplies, but not a single additional vial will be arriving in Korea before June. While the government dragged its heels, other countries surged ahead toward herd immunity, and citizens are enjoying outdoor gatherings and indoor concerts without face masks. Koreans are suffering a deep sense of envy and deprivation as they watch the rest of the world emerge from lockdown.

The November herd immunity target was unilaterally set by the government, solely on the premise that vaccinations will progress as fast as possible in the second half after the shortage suffered in the first. The public was not consulted. If the government had done its job and secured enough vaccine supplies last year, the target could be achieved much sooner.

But instead of bowing its head in shame, the government is treating critical news media as a nuisance. The proper thing for the government would be to apologize to the people, who have to wait until November. When reporters asked government officials if they felt such a need, they said, "As we informed you on Jan. 28, inoculations are progressing in an orderly way with 12 million people receiving their first injections. We don't think that is something to apologize for." Chung Sye-kyun, who was prime minister at the crucial time and now wants to run for president, even voiced concerns that there might be a glut of vaccine supplies in the second half of this year. That is hardly what the people are worried about. Rather, they are frustrated about the drawn-out lockdown and that they have to worry about another surge of infections because of the government's failure to secure vaccines early.

Some policy pundits say the government probably thinks that the public will forget about the vaccine debacle if ample supplies arrive in the second half. That just shows the contempt the government has for the public.


The Liberian government has asked the public to report any businesses found increasing the market price of the countrys two leading beer brands.



The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said it had been compelled to look into the matter because of numerous complaints.



Any distributor found hiking prices of Club Beer and Guinness Stout on the Liberian market will be punished in accordance with the law, the strongly worded statement by Commerce Minister Mawine Diggs, warns.



Penalties could range from the suspension to the cancellation of a business's registration, the statement said.



The Monrovia Breweries Incorporated, which produces the two beverages, has not commented on the directive.



The two beer brands are very popular in the West African nation - so loved that during the countrys 14-year civil war it was reported that the factory producing them was the only one never to be targeted by the various armed factions.



The move has been hailed by some, though others feel the government is wasting time on a triviality when there are more pressing matters to address.

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Director for Human Resources, Vienna, Austria

Organization: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Country: Austria

City: Vienna, Austria

Office: OSCE Vienna

Closing date: Wednesday, 2 June 2021

The majority of positions in OSCE field operations are filled by secondment, which means that individuals are nominated by their respective OSCE participating State. In addition, a limited number of seconded positions are available at the OSCE Secretariat and the institutions.

Issued by

OSCE Secretariat

Vacancy number VNSECP01640 Vacancy type International Contracted Field of expertise Human Resources Management Grade D1 Number of posts 1 Duty station Vienna Date of issue 28 April 2021 Deadline for application 2 June 2021 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

Background

The OSCE has co-operative and comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimension aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, freedom of media, protection of national minorities, democratization, rule of law, policing strategies, border management, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairpersonship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The OSCE is committed to gender equality. This is a senior management role and females are currently underrepresented in senior management grades. Female candidates are therefore encouraged to apply.

The Department of Human Resources (DHR) ensures that the OSCE benefits from a capable and committed workforce that delivers on the security priorities of participating States. DHR provides a range of Human Resources services throughout the OSCE and is responsible for the development and review of human resources policies.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat

Tasks and Responsibilities

Overview of the role

Setting People Strategy: Provide strategic direction and drive all aspects of HR. Position the organization to proactively anticipate, plan, and meet workforce needs in a dynamic environment; advocate and build awareness within the organization of the strategic importance of effective human resource management. Apply the highest standards of ethics, using result-based management skills and tools to support the Organization in implementing its strategic objectives in order to serve all stakeholders of the Organization.

Execution: Direct the delivery of comprehensive human resource management services in its key areas including Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Policy Development, Benefits and Entitlements, Employee Relations, Workforce Planning, Performance Management, etc. Influence, facilitate and lead organizational change and development using best practice human resource approaches and change management strategies.

Team leadership: Lead a group of 40 + HR professionals in the OSCE Secretariat to deliver the OSCEs HR strategy, effectively manage performance across DHR, develop staff to ensure modern HR approaches are employed in their work.

Core responsibilities

As part of the senior leadership team, and reporting to the Secretary General, the Director for Human Resources is responsible for:

Providing leadership, guidance and reliable advice on human resources-related matters to senior leadership, managers and staff across the OSCE, providing reliable and timely advice to the Secretary General on the establishment of policies covering all aspects of human resources management;Promoting the effective and efficient delivery of client focused, human resources services to all areas of the Organization, ensuring that human resource services and administration across the OSCE are delivered in compliance with the Human Resources regulatory framework;Liaising closely with the Chairmanship, participating States and the OSCE governing bodies in relation to Human Resources and Management matters, advocating for support towards the effectiveness of the Organization;Leading the work of DHR, ensuring strategic cohesion across Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, HR Services, Policy and Employee Relations and Payroll & HR Analytics. Administratively overseeing the OSCE Medical Office and the OSCE Ethics Co-ordinator;Ensuring cohesive and consistent Human Resources support and advice across OSCE executive structures by fostering collaboration amongst human resources staff outside the OSCE SecretariatEnsuring that key themes are incorporated in the planning and delivery of Human Resources policies, support and advice, such as gender equality, duty of care and the promotion of an inclusive, enabling workplace culture; Performing other related tasks as required.

Core Values:

Commitment;

Diversity;

Integrity;

Accountability;

Core Competencies:

Leadership;

Strategic Thinking;

Creative Problem Solving;

Effective Communication;

Inclusive Collaboration;

Functional Competencies:

Proven ability in conceptualizing and developing HR strategies and policies to meet the needs of large multicultural organizations.

Solid knowledge and experience in effective human resources management, including application of best practices in recruitment, strategic staffing, change management, succession planning, performance management and learning.

Demonstrated effectiveness in using competency-based tools and processes in the core HR functions of recruitment and selection, performance management, staff development and career management.

Demonstrated experience leading/facilitating change management process.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat

Necessary Qualifications

Second-level university degree in human resources, business administration, management, public administration, law or a related field, a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;

A minimum of twelve years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources management, including a significant part of this period at a managerial level, preferably within an international organization;

Thorough understanding and proven experience in people management in a similar setting; knowledge of human resources management theory and general management concepts;

Ability to provide leadership and motivation; and to plan the work and manage organizational units involved in diverse human resources functions;

Political sensitivity and judgement, including strong analytical and negotiation skills;

Professional fluency in English; knowledge of other OSCE working languages would be an asset;

Excellent communication and presentation skills;

Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Required competencies

OSCE Core values

Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals

Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions

Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organizations core values and organizational principles

Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work

OCSE Core competencies

Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization

Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment

Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner

Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions

Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects

Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances

OSCE Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities)

Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment

Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them

Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Remuneration Package

Monthly remuneration is EUR 10,729 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Appointments are made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

How To Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCEs online application link found under

https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies

.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see

https://www.osce.org/participating-states

.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see

https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/ourcompetency-model

.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 4 years.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1619637509063
ITV has cancelled the airing of Noel Clarke's hit show Viewpoint tonight after 20 women accused the star of being a 'sexual predator'.

The broadcaster says 'it is no longer appropriate' to show the final part of the show at 9pm - instead it will be uploaded to ITV Hub until it is deleted on Sunday because of the scandal engulfing the actor, 45.

Sky today halted all work with Noel Clarke and cancelled filming of the fourth series of Bulletproof over sexual harassment claims as his co-star Ashley Walters posted a statement on social media supporting his alleged victims.

An ITV spokesperson said: 'In light of the very serious nature of the allegations against Noel Clarke raised by 20 women in the Guardian's report, ITV has decided it is no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode of the drama Viewpoint on ITV main channel this evening.

'ITV has a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and victimisation and robust procedures in place to investigate and deal with any complaints. We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment.

'We are mindful that some of our viewers have already invested four hours of their time over the past four nights in following this thriller which was due to conclude this evening, and they have yet to see the final episode. As such we plan to make it available on ITV Hub tonight for a limited time for any viewers who wish to seek it out, and watch its conclusion.' An ITV source said there has been no complaints about his behaviour while making Viewpoint.

Noel Clarke pictured in the five-part drama Viewpoint. The show went ahead on ITV last night (including this sex scene with co-star Alexandra Roach) despite the furore - but its broadcast tonight has been axed

TV presenter India Willoughby joined growing numbers of Twitter users calling on the channel to 'do the right thing' and axe the hit crime drama, which has been running every day this week

It came as an actress friend of Noel Clarke told MailOnline today that the 20 women accusing him of being a 'sexual predator' are pursuing a racist 'witchhunt' as the actor was sacked by Sky, suspended by Bafta and criticised by his co-stars.

Sky said 'effective immediately' it would be 'halting' Clarke's 'involvement in all future productions' until an undefined date.

The actor, 45, has starred in three series of Bulletproof, an East London crime drama, with filming on the fourth set to start later this year.

Young appeared in the penultimate episode of Viewpoint yesterday, which aired an hour after 20 women accused him of sexual harassment, groping and bullying between 2004 and 2019 in claims he has vehemently denied.

Before it was cancelled, TV presenter India Willoughby joined growing numbers of Twitter users calling on the channel to 'do the right thing' .

She wrote: 'Let's see if ITV do the right thing and drop tonight's final episode of Noel Clarke drama #Viewpoint , while the allegations are investigated. Big on statements this year. One for the women, seeing it's a female orientated channel?'

Others criticised ITV for continuing to air last night's episode of Viewpoint, which included a sex scene involving Clarke as lead character DC Martin Young and the actress Alexandra Roach.

A spokesperson for Sky said today: 'Sky stands against all forms of sexual harassment and bullying and takes any allegations of this nature extremely seriously. Effective immediately, we have halted Noel Clarke's involvement in any future Sky productions.'

Clarke said in response to the allegations: 'In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me.

'If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.'

'Incredibly crass decision to broadcast this,' one Twitter user wrote last night, with a second adding: 'Well this is uncomfortable.'

Others also vented their anger on the social network.

Debbie Blackman tweeted: 'Very awkward about showing #Viewpoint tonight. I want to see what happens but doesn't seem right somehow.'

Christian Bevan said: 'Why are @ITV still showing #Viewpoint? Surely you have to pull the programme.'

And Noel Elkins added: 'Totally wrong decision for @itv to be showing #Viewpoint.'

Clarke has starred in three series of Bulletproof, an East London crime drama, (pic) with filming on the fourth set to start later this year

Others also vented their anger against ITV on the social network. MailOnline has contacted the channel for comment

ITV bosses took urgent steps to remove all mention of Clarke from the continuity announcements for Viewpoint yesterday, according to reports.

A source told Daily Star: 'Viewpoint was billed as ITV's big crime drama but it's now in turmoil.

'The news broke an hour before episode 4 was due to air and ITV made an active decision not to mention Noel in the voice over announcement on Thursday.

'Bosses are now in talks about how to proceed promoting the rest of the show which continues on Friday.'

MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.

ITV bosses took urgent steps to remove all mention of Clarke from the continuity announcements for Viewpoint yesterday, according to reports. Pictured is Twitter reaction against ITV

Bafta has now suspended the award-winning director's membership and his outstanding British contribution to cinema award, which he was handed earlier this month at the Royal Albert Hall.

Clarke, who is married to former make-up artist Iris Da Silva with three children, wrote and starred in the acclaimed film trilogy Kidulthood, Adulthood and Brotherhood as well as many TV hits including Doctor Who.

But he has been rocked by allegations by women that he has worked with that he is an alleged 'sexual predator', who claim he harassed, groped and bullied at work, which he denied in a statement from his lawyers.

He said he 'sincerely apologised' to colleagues who felt 'uncomfortable or disrespected', but slammed claims of sexual misconduct or wrongdoing as 'false allegations'.

The claims were levelled against Clarke, best known for appearing in Doctor Who and for co-creating The Hood Trilogy, in The Guardian last night.

Paul Ritter as Leonard Vance, Alex Kingston as Ruth Hattersley, Reece Shearsmith as DS Sean Stone and Clarke as DCI Carl Prior in the TV programme 'Chasing Shadows'

One woman, who worked as a producer alongside Clarke between 2014 and 2017, alleged that the actor had secretly filmed a naked audition of another woman and bragged about it.

She also claimed Clarke exposed himself to her in a car before groping her in a lift the next day.

According to several accounts, Clarke showed colleagues sexually explicit photos and videos of women, or implied he had access to them. He was also accused of unsolicited sharing of sexually explicit images.

Other women have alleged that the actor would subject them to unwanted physical contact, which included kissing or groping.

Another, who as a teenager starred in Kidulthood, Clarke's debut film, said one day near the start of filming he 'put his tongue in my mouth' and afterwards would constantly grab her and try to kiss her.

It is alleged that when Clarke heard about a newspaper investigation into the allegations, he attempted to contact several of his accusers.
The Rockies announced that they have selected first baseman Matt Adams, designated right-hander Ashton Goudeau for assignment and optioned outfielder Sam Hilliard.

The 32-year-old Adams joined the Rockies on a minor league last month, which came after he posted career-worst production with the Braves in 2020. Adams hit .184/.216/.347 over 51 plate appearances with Atlanta, causing the team to release him in early September. It was the second straight down year for Adams, who struggled with the Nationals in 2019.

While his most recent output has been poor, the well-traveled Adams has enjoyed a few solid seasons in the majors. The left-hander has logged four seasons with a wRC+ north of 100, including a personal-high 135 (.284/.335/.503) in 2017 with the Cardinals, and has hit 20 or more home runs on three occasions. Overall, Adams has batted .259/.367/.467 (106 wRC+) in 2,574 trips to the plate in the majors.

Now that hes returning to the bigs, Adams will serve as a bench bat for Colorado, whose offense ranks dead last in the majors in wRC+ (77). Hell give the team some depth at first base behind C.J. Cron, the Rockies most productive hitter this year.

The past several months have been quite an adventure for Goudeau, whom the Rockies previously designated for assignment last November. The Pirates then claimed Goudeau before losing him on waivers to the Orioles. The Os later lost Goudeau to the Giants, who lost him to the Dodgers, who lost him to the Rockies less than two weeks ago. If that trend continues, someone will claim Goudeau in the next week.

The soon-to-be 29-year-old Goudeau made his MLB debut with Colorado last season, but opposing offenses crushed him for 15 hits and seven earned runs in 8 1/3 innings, and he issued as many walks as strikeouts (two). Goudeau was, however, highly effective at the Double-A level in 2019, when he notched a 2.07 ERA with fantastic strikeout and walk percentages of 30.1 and 4.0, respectively, across 78 1/3 frames.
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) now offers a $50 monthly subsidy. The independent U.S. agency confirmed that its new financial support program is specifically created to help various households pay their WiFi bills.

The U.S.Congress already approved the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program, which is a part of the final stimulus package under former U.S. President Donald Trump, way back in 2020. The EBB program is expected to help the residents of the United States, especially those who have low incomes, to pay off their internet bills during the ongoing global COVID-19 crisis.

The Federal Communications Commission confirmed that it will be the one administering the new $50-per-month subsidies, which will be a total of $3.2 billion. On the other hand, the U.S. Treasury will be the one to set up the fund.

But, before you can have FCC's internet bill support, you still have to sign up for it. Here's what you need to do.

Signing Up to FCC $50 Monthly Internet Subsidy

According to BGR's latest report, FCC confirmed on Thursday, Apr. 29, that the U.S. residents can soon sign up for its $50-per-month internet subsidies. Americans can do this starting May 12. To do this, they need to visit FCC's "Get Emergency Broadband" official website.

Also Read: FCC Asks Users to Report Internet Broadband Connection, Whether Good or Bad-Here's How to Do It

When it comes to eligible households, the Federal Communications Commission confirmed that those who qualify for Lifeline benefits through participation in Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Medicaid, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, as well as SNAP can get the promised internet financial support.

Aside from them, those who participate in select Tribal Programs, those who received a federal Pell Grant, and those who experienced a substantial income loss since February 29, 2020, can also get the $50 monthly subsidies.

If you are qualified for FCC's monthly internet financial support, you will have these following benefits:

A one-time discount of up to $100 for various gadgets, specifically a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. On the other hand, you can also have a co-payment of between $10 and $50.

Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands.

Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals.

Reducing your Wifi bill

If ever your household is not eligible for FCC's internet bill financial support, you can still reduce your monthly wifi due. Here are some methods you can use, as provided by Reviews.Org.

Get your own router and modem

Negotiate your monthly internet bill

Lessen your internet speed

Get a TV Service bundled with internet

Check different providers and compare their prices

For more news updates about FCC's $50 monthly internet subsidy and other related stories, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: FCC is Collecting Bad Internet Data by Urging People to Use Its Internet Speed Test App

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
 Great example of clemency leading to more compassion ... in the form of compassionate release thanks to FIRST STEP Act reforms | Main | Counsel file initial sentencing briefs on "Blakely factors" in preparation for Derek Chauvin's sentencing 

April 30, 2021

Prez Biden gets timely reminder that criminal justice reform presents unique bipartisan opportunity

I complained in this post that Prez Biden did not have all that much to say about criminal justice issues in his lengthy speech to Congress this week. But I now see from a number of news reports that criminal justice reform got some brief, but especially notable, bipartisan attention after the speech. This Washington Post piece, headlined "GOP lawmaker who voted to overturn Bidens election win wants to help him on criminal justice reform," provides these details:

Moments after President Biden concluded his first speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, he was greeted by lawmakers aiming to get in some coveted face time with the president. Among them was Rep. Troy E. Nehls (R-Tex.), who helped barricade the entrance of the House Chamber during the insurrection Jan. 6 but still voted to overturn the election that Biden won. But in a brief exchange Wednesday night, Nehls, wearing a Texas-flag mask, introduced himself to Biden as a sheriff from Texas and offered his experience policing Fort Bend County to help with the presidents efforts on criminal justice reform. I want to help with the criminal justice reform. I want to be a part of it. Its needed, he said to the president. I dont know how to reach out to you, but I have the experience. In response, Biden assured him theyd be in touch, saying, Ill reach out to you.... A White House official told The Washington Post on Thursday that Biden appreciated Rep. Nehlss offer and their conversation.... During last years GOP primary for an open seat in Congress, Nehls painted himself as a fierce Trump advocate. Texas Monthly reported that he stated on his campaign website how he would stand with President Trump to defeat the socialist Democrats, build the wall, drain the swamp, and deliver on pro-economy and pro-America policies. After he secured the nomination, Nehls pivoted to a more moderate approach for the general election, focusing on health care and criminal justice reform. He also removed the Standing with Trump section from his website as Trumps approval among Republicans was waning, according to the Houston Chronicle. He went on to defeat his Democratic opponent, Sri Preston Kulkarni, by seven percentage points in November.... On Wednesday night, Nehls tweeted during the speech about the presidents handling of the southern border and slammed Democrats for reportedly handing out masks in the Chamber that were made in China. But in their exchange on criminal justice reform, Nehls took on a much different tone than the one he used on Twitter. I dont want to hurt your reputation, the president said to Nehls of his offer, according to video of the moment. Before Biden went to talk to another lawmaker, Nehls made his final plea: I can do a whole lot of good in that conversation.

This Texas Tribune article, headlined "Freshman GOP Texas congressman made a personal pitch to Joe Biden: Let me help with criminal justice reform," provides some more details concerning the type of reforms that Rep Nehls seems eager to champion:

Biden administration staff reached out to Nehls' office on Thursday morning, according to Nehls spokesman Daniel Gribble. Gribble added that Nehls is "optimistic about common sense reforms they can accomplish" and the congressman's focus is "recidivism reduction through inmate training programs." "As Sheriff, Rep Nehls implemented HVAC and welding programs for non-violent inmates at the county jail," Gribble said. "He had wild success reducing the 2 year re-arrest rate with participating inmates. Hed like to see similar programs available in County jails across the country and is working on legislation that will make that possible."

April 30, 2021 at 03:12 PM | Permalink

Comments

As I noted, he actually did have something to say about various criminal justice issues.

I saw the reference to the person who personally reached out to Biden. Biden's reaction matches at least the standard line he has long promoted -- a willingness to work with people across the table. Time will tell how much this will work out in criminal justice matters.

Replies on Twitter noted that person had a suspect criminal justice record. One moves on from there, I guess, looking at the present. I note the excerpt doesn't include this from one of the articles that touches upon my comment there:

"Democrats, meanwhile, sought to bring attention to his record that includes a history of alleged misconduct  he was fired from a prior policing job after committing 19 violations in one year  and complaints about his Fort Bend department's methods."

Again, you focus on the good when seeking allies. He could point to some of that. Realistically, a successful local law official will not be just some sort of hack simply because you can work that way and get stuff done.

But, gung ho Trump support means aiding and abetting someone horrible on criminal justice in various respects. When people are wary about working with such people, it is not completely unreasonable. Bridges can be built though (see, e.g., an account in "Children Under Fire" where the person behind the Dickey Amendment eventually worked with someone supportive of gun research).

The fact someone reached out like this suggests just maybe there is a chance for movement with Biden, someone with certain strengthens and benefits the last two people had less of.

Posted by: Joe | Apr 30, 2021 5:20:57 PM

Definitely someone who tolerated insurrection and took part in trying to overturn the election is hard to stomach. It seems like he may have been a lousy cop and sheriff too, so I certainly wouldn't have hired or voted for him had it been up to me. But that's not his current job description; he's a representative now. While the programs he's proposing seem fairly small-bore (that might be a police pun), as long as they're implemented in a reasonable way (i.e., not just becoming a slush fund for sheriff's departments), they could be an improvement. So, I suppose it's no harm to just hear him out. Biden can also get a dose of that bipartisanship the squishy centrist types are always clamoring for, whatever difference that makes. I guess the extremely cynical take would be this guy wants to focus on training programs as a diversion from other policing issues that are getting hotly debated recently. Maybe so, but maybe a little incremental progress can still come out of it.

Posted by: hardreaders | Apr 30, 2021 5:55:49 PM

The important broader point, Joe and hardreaders, is that it is hard to envision many other issues on which Rep Nehls --- and Senators Grassley and Lee and Paul and Wicker and many other GOP folks --- would be so actively eager to express such interest in working with Prez Biden to move forward reforms. Whatever their speific background and possible baggage, there are a good number of elected GOP members of Congress who seem sincerely committed to help achieve various forms of criminal justice reform. I am pleased Prez Biden expressed interest in working with Rep Nehls, and I am hopeful sound GOP reform ideas and brader GOP support in this arena can be harnessed for the collective good.

There will surely be disagreement as to the particulars, but something (perhaps a lot) can and should get done if Prez Biden makes these issues a priority for his Administration. Moreover, whether bipartisanship is a real interest or just a talking point for Biden, getting some work done in this space allows him to prove he wants to work together to move reform forward where there is some consensus.

Posted by: Doug B. | Apr 30, 2021 8:16:25 PM

Don't get me wrong, if Nehls ultimately does contribute to some reform, even if minor, I'll certainly be giving him appropriate credit. As with sentencing, I think a very small set of people are 100% completely beyond reform, or at least beyond aging out of bad tendencies, but certainly anyone in the insurrection/overturning camp has the longest way to go before (re)gaining trust, if ever. So that's why I'm skeptical, based on the established track record, which I think is utterly fair. But again, I certainly hope something positive results. I just don't get why there seems to be suspicion of Biden. AFAIK nothing in his history suggests he would refuse an offer of bipartisan cooperationprovided, of course and importantly, that it's made in good faith. Like I've said, I think it's pretty well known already that he and Congressional Democrats generally have that interest. Maybe that's why they don't constantly broadcast it. I would say the ball's more in Republicans court for them to decide if they have interest too. Nehls seems like it might be a good sign; we'll see if there's more to follow. That's sort of the whole reason it's news when a Republican brings it up, right? For Democrats it's just assumed, and rightly I think.

Posted by: hardreaders | Apr 30, 2021 8:58:59 PM

I do not doubt that Prez Biden is willing and able to embrace (and even enhance) bipartisan cooperation in this reform area. What is quite in doubt is whether Biden and his policy team will prioritize action in this area.

Biden spoke for 65 minutes to Congress this week, and only 2 or so minutes focused on criminal justice issues and there was ZERO mention of sentencing reform. Ergo my concern.

Because many advocates, on both the left and the right, are likely to be advocating persistently on these issues, I expect Biden and his team will be somewhat active in this space. But, so far, at the 100-day mark, advocates have to be hoping for more and more efforts by the Reo Nehls and others across the aisle.

Posted by: Doug B. | Apr 30, 2021 9:26:50 PM

I certainly understand how from the advocate's perspective not getting a shoutout for sentencing is a bit of a letdown. But I don't quite get the point about "priorities". Other than some temporary warm fuzzies, what real difference does it make if he does a shoutout or not? Again, I think it's no secret that many Democrats are interested in and in fact already working on the issue. The Republicans last I checked are grown adults (or at least purport to be) and nothing is stopping them from taking some of their own initiative, like we have now seen with Nehls. Also, it's not like the issue is so obscure that if Biden doesn't bring it up in a speech people will just forget. Joe will grok this I think, but it's sort of like a variation of Murc's Law. Republicans have agency too and it's not like Biden and the Democrats have to go around doing everyone else's jobs for them. As I've said, if there's truly a concern that some people aren't hearing about the issue enough, it is permissible to go advocate with them directly. Insisting that Biden has to be the conduit for everything I think is a little preaching to the choir and also circuitous in getting the message out.

Finally, I'm so embarrassed that it took me until comment #3 to say this, but: There's a new sheriff in (the Congressional) town!

Posted by: hardreaders | Apr 30, 2021 10:04:26 PM

Sen. Grassley again recently supported televised Supreme Court hearings, joining a bipartisan effort in that regard.

Democrats over the years repeatedly have cited how Republicans across the aisle have supported them in various respects. This one area is not the only thing where there is potential. Again, given the blog's focus, its understandable it is focused on it particularly. But, there still warrants a sense of perspective there.

It's nice this guy went up to Biden, but the account has a spin job flavor. As I noted, his past record is selectively cited. hardreaders notes his new job. Fine enough, but one's past career is likely to influence one's House record. Thus, it is suggested maybe modest reforms will be used to balance/cover opposition to more serious police reform. Unclear. But, it is right to judge him on his whole record, a fair neutral accounting part of realistic strategy.

There already was a joint effort, cited by Biden's address, about the anti-Asian hate legislation. Which has a criminal justice aspect, including the details in the bill. This is just one thing already supported by Democrats and the Biden Administration advancing criminal justice. The address again, using "criminal justice," not a narrow subset, covered multiple issues there.

Actions were already taken by the Biden Justice Department that shows specific real actions in the area of criminal justice, focusing on wrongdoing of local police departments. It's just one thing, as I said that he did. The Administration very well seems to be taking criminal justice, even at this early date seriously. Not just a "talking point."

I appreciate h's reference to "Murc's law" familiar to a different blog. Trump is graded on a curve, his problems even in respect to criminal justice ignored repeatedly & his superiority even in a limited fashion a result of selective and questionable praise (see hardreaders ultimate comments in the past thread).

Meanwhile, Biden is looked at with suspicion and deemed likely to fail (maybe if he made my specialty a "priority" ... nothing else for him to worry about after all) in April of his first year, even as his Administration and party already did something positive.

New Administration, but same old story. It's at this point not surprising and on that front not even disappointing. It's just tiresome.

Posted by: Joe | Apr 30, 2021 11:21:32 PM

Joe's points are all very well taken. I appreciate the mention of Grassley. Even someone like him can on occasion be an ally for reform. Although, while very exciting for the diehards like present company, it's not exactly game-changing stuff. For an older example of doing meatier stuff, despite all his flaws and totally undeserved "maverick" reputation, McCain was quite good on campaign finance reform. They literally put "bipartisan" in the name of the act. :)

Basically it boils down to this. If they show interest on something, minor or not, and it's in good faithJoe notes possible reasons to be skeptical herethen great, let's hurry up and get it done. But at this point, nobody's going to waste time waiting for cooperation on issues where it's clearly not forthcoming; they're just going to move on and move ahead on their own.

Posted by: hardreaders | Apr 30, 2021 11:51:53 PM

You folks seem mostly interested in talking about current political discourses in general or various broad aspect of criminal justice politics and policy in general. That's fine, but in any context it seems strange to assert "what real difference does it make" if a Prez, in his first big speech to Congress, signals that he cares a lot about a particular issue.

If a Prez leans into an issue, it will get a lot more attention with lawmakers and others; if a Prez leans away from an issue, it will get less. And because criminal justice reform has so many potential elements --- from police reform to bail reform to prosecution/defense funding/priorities/practices to sentencing law to prison reform to reentry/collateral consequences and so much more --- whatever particular part of this story a Prez prioritizes in this space will surely get the most legislative attention short- and long-term.

It make perfect sense, politically and practically, that Biden and his team (including folks he puts at DOJ) will focus first and mostly on policing issues. But so much more is getting done with bipartisan support at the state level, and there is so much more that I think needs to be done in the sentencing space. I want Biden and his team to lean into these issues, and I expect they will before too long (e.g., I am expecting some clemency action this year). It is understandable that he has not yet done or even said much on sentencing issues, but that is still disappointing and means that action on these issues are less likely to happen soon, if at all.

Sen Grassley's long-standing support for cameras in federal courtrooms is a great example of how a Prez statement can matter. I believe both Obama and Trump completely ignored this issue, even though there is bipartisan support, and so the topic gets very little attention. Grassley re-introduced his bill in March and his co-sponsors include Amy Klobuchar, John Cornyn, Dick Durbin, Patrick Leahy, Richard Blumenthal and Ed Markey. That is a lot of Senate power, and yet nobody is talking about this bill, and I doubt it will be moving anytime soon. But imagine if Prez Biden just said one sentence like "And the Chauvin trial highlighted the value and virtues of the public being able to watch justice in action, and I would like to see Congress ensure federal proceedings are also similarly transparent."

I think just a single sentence like that would make a huge difference in the whether this kind of bipartisan bill gets more attention from Congress and the media. Having a Prez prioritize an issue does not ensure any particular action by Congress, but it shapes the terms and intensity of the debate (regardless of the surrounding politics). That is why I want this Prez to prioritize the issues I work on --- and why I understand why others who work on other matters want the Prez to instead prioritize other issues.

Posted by: Doug B | May 1, 2021 11:50:03 AM

President Biden has "leaned into" various criminal justice issues so far. He cited multiple issues in his address. His picks, including Garland, will (and already are) "leaning in" as well.

I'm open to a variety of discourses, but one thing important for me on the level of POTUS is the broad nature of what is at stake. So, e.g., Obama having a "modest" reform in a sentencing area WHILE ALSO getting a lot other stuff (with help of Congress) accomplished (some of which, such as something like drug treatment etc. that the Affordable Care Act advanced, with criminal justice aspects) AND ALSO having burdens not in place when all three branches of the government were Republican (here two branches of Congress and executive), it should be factored in. Net, such things make me more impressed with Obama than Trump. Especially since he negatively burdened criminal justice in a variety of ways.

I spoke broadly of "criminal justice" instead of a narrower sentencing matter [which in the Sentencing Law and Policy Blog is something I'm for the nth time I'm not surprised is focused upon] since this is what YOU repeatedly cited.

I'm fine with concerns about sentencing issues but it is part of a wider whole, especially at this level, and if a fair perspective is not going to be applied, grading on curves, it is going to be harder.



Posted by: Joe | May 4, 2021 10:52:01 AM

Fair points, Joe, and if you view health care reform as an important part of criminal justice reform --- a reasonable claim --- Obama's "stock" goes up a lot more.

Posted by: Doug B. | May 4, 2021 12:55:08 PM

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Matt Gaetz is back in the news, a now-frequent occurrence which, despite the all-press-is-good-press ethos around which he built his political career, hasnt exactly been a boon to the Florida congressmans brand over the past month or so.

The Daily Beast reported Thursday night that it obtained a letter in which Joel Greenberg, Gaetzs now notorious running buddy, admitted that he and the embattled congressman paid a 17-year-old girl for sex. The letter was sent to former Trump adviser Roger Stone as part of an attempt to get him to lobby the then-president for a pardon. Stone confirmed to The Daily Beast that Greenberg had indeed sought his help in securing a pardon, and that he asked Greenberg to provide him with a document explaining his prosecution.

Greenberg has been charged with a mind-boggling array of crimes, leading to his resignation last summer as Seminole County, Floridas tax collector. The 33 charges against Greenberg include stalking, identity theft, embezzling taxpayer money, and sex-trafficking a 17-year-old girl. The New York Times reported last month that federal authorities are currently investigating whether Gaetz sex-trafficked the very same minor.

The letter from Greenberg to Stone is essentially an admission of guilt. On more than one occasion, this individual was involved in sexual activities with several of the other girls, the congressman from Floridas 1st Congressional District and myself, Greenberg wrote in reference to the 17-year-old, according to The Daily Beast, which also obtained text messages from Greenberg to Stone. My lawyers that I fired, know the whole story about MGs involvement, Greenberg wrote in one text sent last December, MG referring to Gaetz. They know he paid me to pay the girls and that he and I both had sex with the girl who was underage.

In drafts of the letter, Greenberg wrote that both he and Gaetz believed the girl was 19, and that Gaetz was equally shocked and disturbed to discover she was underage. Greenberg writes that he confronted the girl after learning of her real age. She apologized and recognized that by lying about her age, she endangered many people, he wrote. There was no further contact with this individual until after her 18th birthday.

This doesnt bode well for Gaetz, who has spent the past month vehemently denying he was involved sexually with anyone underage. I have not had a relationship with a 17-year-old. That is totally false, he told Tucker Carlson on Fox News the night the Times published its initial report on the investigation. That is false and records will bear that out to be false.

Its not false according to Greenberg, who as it so happens has been cooperating with federal investigators.

Gaetzs office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Rolling Stone regarding The Daily Beasts story about Greenbergs letters and text messages to Stone. Perhaps he plans to explain himself on the national tour hes set to embark on with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), the conspiracy theorist who remains the only member of Congress willing to defend Gaetz with any vigor.

The radical left is coming for you, Gaetz said in a radio ad promoting the tour. They know Im in the way.
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021

Behavioral Economics as a Nuclear Chicken Game

April 29 , 2021 (EIRNS)The widespread application of waterboarding, electroshock, and other forms of torture have rightly been denounced as a barbaric form of conduct, dehumanizing to both the victim and the perpetrator, which meet the Nuremberg code criteria of true crimes against humanity. What shall we say, then, about a collapsing global system which is hell-bent on applying the economic policy equivalent of torture to entire nations, and even to nuclear superpowers like Russia and China, in a vain effort to modify their behavior to the point of capitulation to the diktats of London and Washington?

This is moral insanity; it is surely economic insanity; but it is also strategic insanity. It will, if left unchecked, lead to thermonuclear war.

President Vladimir Putin stated as much in plain Russian, in his April 21 Federal Assembly speech, in which he warned that strategic red lines were being crossed and that Russia would respond asymmetrically. On April 28, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov repeated Putins warning, and stating that the situation today is like the conditions of a Cold War, or even worse, except that during the Cold War there were numerous high-risk conflict situations, but there was also mutual respect. I believe that this is lacking now.

Earlier this month there was a planned Nazi coup in Belaruswhich was scheduled for the May 9 Victory Day celebrations of the defeat of fascism in Europewhich was exposed and dismantled, thanks to the prompt action of Russian authorities. Yesterday, the Russian FSB arrested 16 Ukrainian radicals in Russia who were planning, in their own words, to carry out mass killings and explosions, set buildings on fire and shoot down people.

And now we have economic sanctions being wielded against Russia by Washington and London the way an interrogator uses his electrodes: to cause maximum pain to produce changed behavior. The April 22 Moscow Times quoted Atlantic Council sanctions expert Brian OToole, who worked at the Obama Treasury Department, where he devised the sanctions regime against Russia, asserting that today Russia is only at around 10% on the pain meter.... Working up to actually blocking transactions with a Russian bank or two ... thats what gets you up to 60 or 70% on the pain meter. Blocking Sberbank, for instance ... that would be real financial warfare.

Behavioral economics, like its predecessor behavioral psychology, is built on the bestial (and scientifically fraudulent) premise that all human behavior can be explained by stimulus-response patterns to pleasure and pain. If you want to get someone to change their behavior, just threaten to progressively minimize their pleasure and/or maximize their pain until they comply. That may seem to work when you apply electroshock conditioning to captive mice in a laboratory maze, or to prisoners in a concentration campas the Nazis were so fond of experimenting with.

But are you really so stupid as to think that that is the way the United States should conduct its foreign policy with Russia and China? Or are you so morally indifferent that you are content to look the other way while our government in Washington plays such nuclear chicken games with other nations, especially superpowers?

As former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard told a nationwide TV audience on the Tucker Carlson show back on April 12:

We need to understand that such a war would come at a cost beyond anything that we can really imagine. Because this is not a war thats happening to someone else, somewhere else on the other side of the world. No, this is something that will directly impact me, and you, Tucker, every single one of your viewers, and all of our loved ones. And this is a war that is not a game. Its a war in which there are no winners, because youve got thousands of nuclear weapons that the U.S. has aimed towards Russia; Russia has thousands of nuclear weapons that are aimed towards us, that could hit any town or city in the U.S. in less than thirty minutes, that could exact a cost on every one of us that would result in excruciating death and suffering beyond comprehensionhundreds of millions of people dying and suffering seeing their flesh burned from their bones. This is something that you cant really even imagine. And its a cost that we will all pay.

There is another approach, which actually works, because it is constructed on Mans actual naturethe better angels of our nature. On April 25, the world celebrated Elbe Day, the date in 1945 when American and Soviet troops united at the Elbe River in Germany to finish off the job of defeating Nazism. On May 9, Victory Day, the surrender of Nazi Germany will be remembered around the world.

One day earlier, on Saturday, May 8, both occasions will be celebrated at an online international conference being organized by the Schiller Institute, in the only way that is meaningful under these conditions: by rebuilding an alliance of forces within nations of the East and the West, to jointly help rebuild the nations of the Global South.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Secretary of State Antony Blinken is headed to Europe next week for critical talks on Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan and frayed transatlantic ties that the Biden administration hopes to repair, the State Department said Friday.

The department said Blinken will visit London starting on Monday for a meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of 7 industrialized democracies and will then travel on to Kyiv amid a burst of concern over U.S. relations with Ukraine, including an FBI raid on former President Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani and new questions about Russias intentions there.

Blinkens London trip is mainly designed to prepare President Joe Bidens participation in a G7 leaders summit that Britain will host in June. But its also aimed at presenting a united front to address global challenges posed by China, climate change and the coronavirus pandemic.

In Kyiv, Blinken plans to reaffirm U.S. support for Ukraine against the ongoing challenge of Russian support for separatists in the countrys east and its recent buildup of troops along the border. But, he'll also raise persistent U.S. concerns about corruption, a significant irritant in relations for years.

On Wednesday, federal investigators executed a search warrant on Giuliani's home as part of a probe into his interactions with Ukrainian figures and whether he violated a federal law that governs lobbying on behalf of foreign countries or entities. Giuliani had led a campaign to press Ukraine for an investigation into Biden and his son, Hunter, but has insisted all of his activities were on Trump's behalf.

The G7 meeting in London is being held against the backdrop of the Biden administration's desire to restore close, cooperative ties with U.S. allies, notably on confronting China, Russia and climate change. Yet it also comes at a time of widespread unease about Biden's decision to withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in September.

Story continues

Blinken is looking forward to discussing the democratic values that we share with our partners and allies within the G7," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. The United States will discuss how we can work with other countries to address the key geopolitical issues we face as we build back better from this pandemic.

Blinken's discussions in London, which will include separate meetings with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, will also focus on economic growth, human rights, food security, gender equality, and womens and girls empowerment, Price said.

After the G7 meetings on Monday and Tuesday, Blinken will visit Kyiv on Wednesday and Thursday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other senior officials. He will reaffirm unwavering U.S. support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russias ongoing aggression," Price said.

But while Russian aggression will top the agenda, several other issues are likely to be addressed.

The first of those is rampant corruption, notably in Ukraine's energy sector, which has been a perennial problem and was at the center of Trump's first impeachment and Republican attacks on the Bidens. The issue resurfaced just this week with the State Department expressing deep concern over the government's replacement of the board of Ukraine's leading energy company.

This calculated move using a procedural loophole to oust well-regarded experts from the boards of several key state-owned enterprises reflects a disregard for fair and transparent corporate governance practices and complicates long-standing efforts to reform Ukraines energy sector and improve its investment climate, Price said on Thursday.
Army investigators detained a fellow soldier in the killing of Specialist Vanessa Guillen just hours after her remains were found, but a series of missteps allowed the soldier to flee, then fatally shoot himself, according to an Army report released on Friday that examined what went wrong in the high-profile investigation.

The revelation is part of a detailed report into the response to the killing, which has rocked the Army and led to calls for increased accountability. Among the findings are conclusions that Specialist Guillen had been sexually harassed, but not by the soldier who the Army believes killed her, and that the suspected killer had also been accused of unrelated sexual harassment.

In both cases, the report concludes, leaders did not respond appropriately. In response, the Army announced on Friday, it has punished 21 soldiers and officers who failed to act.

Image Specialist Guillen disappeared from Fort Hood in April 2020. Her remains were found near the sprawling base two months later. Credit... U.S. Army

It was devastating to all of us, Maj. Gen. Gene LeBoeuf said in a phone call with reporters. We as an Army failed to protect Vanessa Guillen.
Kevin Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of GR0 "We hope to continue to be flexible, innovative, and focused on building a solid foundation for growth and great company culture that will support and benefit our clients and employees."

Co-Founder and CEO of digital marketing agency GR0, Kevin Miller, was honored as the recipient of a Silver Stevie Award for Entrepreneur of the Year from the American Business Awards. Miller, a graduate of Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business, is a serial entrepreneur and investor in several burgeoning startups, including Arena Ventures and Rubicon Venture Capital. His latest venture GR0 is a one-of-a-kind digital marketing agency in Los Angeles, focusing on increasing the Google rankings of brands to help them connect directly with audiences.

Founded in early 2020, GR0 has seen rapid growth in both its size and revenue since it began operations, against the odds. Miller himself acknowledged the accomplishment, "This award is a huge testament to our team at GR0, who have been monumental in our growth. Despite launching at the beginning of the pandemic, our team has been resilient and braved the growing pains as we expanded at unprecedented rates. His aim is to continue to expand, but to do so smartly, "We hope to continue to be flexible, innovative, and focused on building a solid foundation for growth and great company culture that will support and benefit our clients and employees."

Before founding GR0, Kevin Miller spent over six years in online marketing and sales, functioning in positions as an account Associate or Director of Growth, at companies like Google, Spire, and Opendoor. He has been able to learn valuable insights into the digital space in all of these roles, and had translate that knowledge into GR0, where he focuses on organic search to help brands rank #1 on Google. In his free time, Miller also has developed independent projects including The Word Counter, a website to analyze text for readability, and has invested in numerous companies through AngelList and independently. These investments span categories including mens skincare, cannabis management software, handmade spirits, mind supplements, and digital mining.

"This year's Stevie-winning nominations in The American Business Awards are testament to the ingenuity, the commitment, the passion, the adaptability, and the creativity of the American people said Maggie Gallagher, President of the Stevie Awards. "The American economy continues to show its resilience, and as we're poised on the beginning of what should be a phenomenal period of growth, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of a wide range of organizations and people over the past 18 months."

GR0 was also honored with the Gold Stevie Award for "Founding Team of the Year" and the Silver Stevie Award for "Fastest Growing Company of the Year." Additional details regarding The American Business Awards and the list of 2021 Stevie winners are available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.

For more information about GR0 and to read reviews, please visit Comparably, Glassdoor, Clutch, or Crunchbase.

About GR0:

GR0 is a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on igniting organic growth for direct-to-consumer startups and helping brands rank #1 on Google. GR0 empowers clients to build powerful online brands that deliver incredible value and joy to consumers.

GR0 was co-founded by SEO & marketing experts and long-time best friends Jonathan Zacharias and Kevin Miller, who both have a wealth of online marketing and advertising experience with top D2C and B2B brands.

For business or media inquiries, please contact us at kevin@GR0.com.

About the Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. The Stevies also produce the annual Women|Future Conference. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Sponsors of The 2021 American Business Awards include John Hancock Financial Services, Melissa Sones Consulting, and SoftPro.


A wide-ranging review of the Australian school curriculum has recommended broad revisions to what is taught to the nations primary and secondary students, including giving greater emphasis to First Nations culture.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority has proposed removing references to Australias Christian heritage, and teaching that many people consider British settlement an invasion.

There could also be changes to the way technology and maths is taught.

Today on Please Explain, the Heralds education editor Jordan Baker joins Tory Maguire to look at the reaction to these possible changes.
[April 30, 2021] Jamaica Attracts Diverse Jobs in the Outsourcing Sector

Global outsourcing powerhouse, ibex, is increasing the diversity of jobs within Jamaica's global digital services industry through an expansion of its current workforce of two thousand employees. The company provides customer support in sectors that include retail, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, and it now offers a broad spectrum of business services from its Jamaican service centres. With a client list heavily concentrated in the US, Europe, and Asia, ibex identified Jamaica as the perfect place for rapid expansion due to the island's location and high-quality talent. "ibex has experienced incredible growth in Jamaica - in the last three years we've grown 397%," Country Director Jaime Vergara revealed. "We have gone from ranking as the 17th outsourcing company on the island for number of employees to number one, and ibex has been recognized for not only our growth, but for our performance, by organisations like Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert) , a leading industry analyst group, and as Nexus Nearshore BPO of the Year in 2019 by Nearshore Americas." The high-calibre staff ibex has attracted has cleared the way for it to bring more business to Jamaica's outsourcing industry and it now offers Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) services from the island's service centres. KPO is the outsourcing of information-related business activities such as accounting outsourcing, human resources (HR) outsourcing, digital marketing and management consultancy. Legal, medical and other healthcare analyses are additional examples of KPO. As the world further relies on BPO and KPO during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is predicted that more business services will be digitised during and after the crisis. This and other factors will increase the demand for outsourcing, creatng the environment for ibex to safely execute its growth plans both in Jamaica, and globally.



"We plan on prolonging our unprecedented growth and we hope to reach 10,000 employees in Jamaica over the next few years," Vergara disclosed. With the specialised skills needed for KPO, Vergara said Jamaica was the perfect location for ibex to offer these services. "Jamaica offers a talented and educated labour pool which is what has made us attractive to our clients, particularly in the financial services sector," he said. "Through programs like the GSSP (Global Services Sector Project), the employees we hire are on a career path and are looking for companies to join where they can be successful. They are eager to work with their customers in their specialised area."

Vergara also expressed appreciation for private and public sector partnerships including entities such as the Office of the Prime Minister, the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) and the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) among others. JAMPRO, for example, has supported ibex as an investment facilitation partner, beginning with the launch of the first service centre in Portmore. The company now has five service centres across Jamaica. ibex believes that its advancement into KPO has led to increased customer confidence, displaying the company's adaptation to the needs of today's clients. The company looks forward to more expansion in Jamaica. ABOUT JAMPRO The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO)'s mission is to drive economic development through growth in investment and export. JAMPRO is an Agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce. For more information on JAMPRO, please visit https://dobusinessjamaica.com/. Follow us on:

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A collaboration between experts and a Danish-based, global reaching patient organization has resulted in a groundbreaking medical publication, where guidelines are being presented on how to manage patients with unexplained low blood sugar.

Danielle Drachmann, founder of Ketotic Hypoglycemia International (KHI), spent years being dismissed by doctors due to the outdated perception that her children's dangerous low blood glucose (sugar) and high ketone levels were a normal variation.

Professor Henrik Christesen, Head of the Complex Hypoglycemia Center, Odense University Hospital, Denmark, could not identify the cause of the condition despite intense efforts, but recognized the severity of the children's condition and implemented strict monitoring and management guidelines to support the family.

Closing the gap: Uniting the patients and the experts

Henrik and Danielle shared frustrations due to the lack of knowledge of severe, unexplained ("idiopathic") ketotic hypoglycemia across the wider medical field.

This led Danielle to establish Ketotic Hypoglycemia International with Professor Christesen leading the Scientific Advisory Board.

The patient organization gathered leading experts from the fields of endocrinology and inborn errors of metabolism, uniting them with patient representatives from across the globe. The result is a shared publication in the international medical journal Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases.

Low blood sugar in children is not just normal

For the first time since the term idiopathic ketotic hypoglycemia was coined in 1964, the the condition is now being divided in two, a physiological and a pathological (severe) form.

The key message is that pathological ketotic hypoglycemia of unknown cause is more than normal variation in small children. Pathological ketotic hypoglycemia should be diagnosed and treated as any other disease, according to the authors.

The problem is that an old perception of ketotic hypoglycemia just being a normal variation of childhood has kept children from getting the medical investigations and help they need. The medical textbooks must be rewritten." Henrik Christesen, Professor and Head, Complex Hypoglycemia Center, Odense University Hospital, Denmark

Parents and experts are excited

With this paper, the severity-range of the condition has been recognized and family members are labeling the news of the upcoming paper as life changing;

"Multiple seizures and ER visits, and we are still being told that this is normal for children. The news of the paper gives me hope that Ketotic Hypoglycemia International has started a revolution. Hope for my child's future and hope that our voices are finally going to be heard," proclaims Victoria, a KHI group member from the United States.

Hypoglycemia expert Dr. David Weinstein, the former director of the Glycogen Storage Disease Program in the US and co-author of the paper, states;

"These children deserve to get answers and they deserve proper treatment. My one regret is that I never was able to get the medical field to take ketotic hypoglycemia seriously."

Be a part of the revolution

Ketotic hypoglycemia is placed somewhere between the two expert fields, pediatric endocrinology and inborn metabolic diseases, as a real orphan disease. The new patient organization has succeeded in bringing experts from the two different medical fields together in this publication.

On top of giving guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, the new patient organization, Ketotic Hypoglycemia International, is presented in the paper.

The organization urges all medical professionals to increase their knowledge and improve their clinical practice by reading this crucial publication about ketotic hypoglycemia,

The organization aims to help this misunderstood patient-group gain access to critical medical supplies, referrals to specialist providers and finally receive the professional validation that their symptoms warrant a full investigation.

"It's been a fantastic journey from feeling alone with two untreated children to become recognized together with hundreds of other families as having a real disease that deserves treatment", first author Danielle Drachmann says.

Facts about ketotic hypoglycemia

In ketotic hypoglycemia, the glucose metabolism works poorly, which is why the body switches to fat burning more quickly. The poor glucose metabolism results in low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and the increased fat metabolism results in ketone bodies such as acetone. A patient can therefore directly smell of acetone if he or she has an attack of ketotic hypoglycemia.

Both sugar and fat burning are enzymatic processes controlled by a number of hormones. In order to have unexplained (idiopathic) ketotic hypoglycemia, a number of enzyme defects in cell metabolism and a number of hormonal diseases must be ruled out. However, an explanation can be found in some of the patients if the cases are being investigated thoroughly, including major genetic analysis packages.

Over the past ten years, Henrik Christesen has met about 100 children with ketotic hypoglycemia and 15 parents who also had the condition in adulthood. Based on the new research, he estimates that 150 new children and adults annually need medical investigation due to hypoglycemia in Denmark alone.
NEW YORK, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Burford Capital Limited, the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law, today announced the appointment of Kenneth A. Brause as Chief Financial Officer, effective May 3, 2021. Mr Brause will be based in Burford's New York office.

Jim Kilman, Burford's current CFO, was appointed in August 2019 to serve for up to two years, after having previously served as Senior Advisor since 2017. Working with a leading executive search firm, Burford undertook a broad and thorough search for Mr Kilman's successor late last year. After reviewing a number of qualified candidates, Mr Brause emerged clearly as Burford's preferred choice given his deep prior experience in financial operating roles at other listed specialty finance companies. Mr Kilman will spend a three-month transition period with Mr Brause before returning to his Senior Advisor position, in which role he will continue to provide strategic financial counsel to the Company.

Mr Brause, 56, has 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, with a significant focus in specialty finance. Most recently, he was CFO of OnDeck Capital, a New York Stock Exchange-listed specialty lender. Previously, he held a number of executive roles at CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), including serving as Treasurer of its bank and parent company, and, before that, as CFO of its North American Banking business, President of Small Business Lending, and head of Investor Relations. CIT was at the time among the largest specialty finance firms in the United States. Before CIT, Mr Brause held senior roles at American General, the Bank of New York and Bankers Trust. He started his career as a consultant with Booz, Allen, and has a B.S. Economics with concentrations in finance and management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in accounting and finance from the University of Chicago.

Christopher Bogart, Burford Capital's Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"I'm delighted to welcome Ken as Burford's new CFO. With Spencer Stuart's assistance, we conducted an extensive search for our new permanent CFO, and Ken stood out as someone with high quality, career-long specialty finance expertise across a range of strategic and operational roles, including wholesale funding markets. I believe Burford will benefit from his wide range of experience as we continue our growth trajectory and our ongoing expansion of our US capital markets presence."

About Burford Capital

Burford Capital is the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law. Its businesses include litigation finance and risk management, asset recovery and a wide range of legal finance and advisory activities. Burford is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BUR) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: BUR), and it works with companies and law firms around the world from its principal offices in New York, London, Chicago, Washington, Singapore and Sydney.

For more information, please visit www.burfordcapital.com.

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any ordinary shares or other securities of Burford.

This release does not constitute an offer of any Burford fund. Burford Capital Investment Management LLC ("BCIM"), which acts as the fund manager of all Burford funds, is registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information contained herein is not, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities (including, without limitation, interests or shares in the funds). Any such offer or solicitation may be made only by means of a final confidential Private Placement Memorandum and other offering documents.

Forward-looking statements

This announcement contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regarding assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events. These statements are intended as "forward-looking statements". In some cases, predictive, future-tense or forward-looking words such as "aim", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "guidance", "intend", "may", "plan", "potential", "predict", "projected", "should" or "will" or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. In addition, we and our representatives may from time to time make other oral or written statements which are forward-looking statements, including in our periodic reports that we file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, other information sent to our security holders, and other written materials. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are based on numerous assumptions and that our actual results of operations, including our financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industry in which we operate, may differ materially from (and be more negative than) those made in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement. Significant factors that may cause actual results to differ from those we expect include those discussed under "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2021. In addition, even if our results of operations, including our financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industry in which we operate, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this report, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.

Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in our views or expectations or otherwise.

SOURCE Burford Capital

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 10:08:00|Editor: huaxia

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JERUSALEM, April 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 44 people were killed and 103 injured after midnight Thursday due to crowding at an Israeli festival attended by tens of thousands of people, local media reported.

The tragedy happened in Mount Meron in northern Israel during a festival celebrated every year on the eve of the Jewish holiday Lag BaOmer.

According to estimates by Israeli media, about 100,000 people, most of them ultra-Orthodox Jews, participated in the festival this time.

It was first speculated that the tragedy was caused by the collapse of a stand, but Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom (MDA) later said it was caused by crowding.

The MDA added that the wounded were evacuated, some of them by helicopters, to four hospitals in northern Israel and Jerusalem.

United Hatzalah emergency medical service said that dozens of resuscitations were carried out at the site by the organization's volunteers. Enditem
A man convicted for possessing a firearm while being in the country illegally is now facing bulk cash smuggling charges, according to court documents.

Manuel Perez-Ortiz was charged with intent to evade currency report requirements.

The case dates back to June 19. At about 1:40 p.m., a Laredo police officer spotted a white Jeep Cherokee with an obstructed temporary license plate. It was unsecured properly and flapped up and down with the wind. The vehicle then turned into the McCoys parking lot in the 3800 block of East Saunders Street.

At that time, the officer turned on the units emergency lights for a traffic stop. The passenger, Perez-Ortiz, was seen making movements as if he was trying to conceal something, according to court documents. The officer asked the driver and Perez-Ortiz to exit the vehicle.

A pat down revealed Perez-Ortiz had .40 caliber Sig Sauer inside his waistband. The firearm was loaded with 12 rounds. He decided to keep the firearm after he found it in a drainage ditch. The firearm was test fired and determined to be operable

A consensual search of the vehicle yielded a cardboard containing $500,000, Regarding the currency discovered, Perez-Ortiz stated he had sold a ranch in Mexico and that he was looking to buy a home in Laredo.

In addition, Perez-Ortiz admitted that he had smuggled approximately $500,000 from Mexico into the United States himself by illegally wading the Rio Grande River, thus bypassing the Port of Entry and the currency reporting requirement to U.S. Customs, states the affidavit.

Perez-Ortiz stated he crossed the money into the country the day before his arrest.

On Sept. 4, Perez-Ortiz pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a migrant. He was sentenced to 10 months on Dec. 10. While serving that sentence, authorities charged him with the cash smuggling case.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Amid slumping demand, three healthcare partners will close in late May the large-scale COVID-19 vaccine clinic operating at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.

Weve reached a new phase in vaccine distribution, one that no longer requires a large-scale operation like the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic, according to a joint statement released Friday, April 30 by Kent County Health Department, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health.

To be the best stewards we can with resources, the clinic will wind down services by May 21. Vaccine efforts will be directed toward smaller, community-based clinics where there is continued need.

As of Friday, more than 200,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been administered at the clinic, which opened in late January and was operated by a network of volunteers and healthcare workers. At its peak, more than 12,500 vaccine doses were provided at the clinic in a single day, with roughly 1,000 shots administered per-hour, said Brian Brasser, chief operating officer at Spectrum Health.

However, that demand, which spiked as the vaccine became more widely available earlier this spring, has fallen in recent weeks.

An average between 600 to 1,000 doses were administered at the clinic over the past week, Brasser said.

The demand continues, but not at the pace of what we saw early on, he said.

The vaccine clinic is scheduled to close May 22, with the remaining doses provided there limited to second doses of the vaccine and likely some of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Next week we have exclusively second doses, Brasser said. Well be giving about another 16,000 second doses next week. So, its really important for the community to be able to know that the next three weeks, between second-dose clinics and likely some Johnson & Johnson doses, we are still open for business.

Fifty-five percent of Kent Countys population age 16 and older has received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Statewide, that number is slightly smaller, 49 percent. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced this week that she would lift the states restrictions on large gatherings and its facemask requirement if that 70% of the states eligible residents are vaccinated.

Brasser said the health systems are now working to make the vaccine more widely available throughout the region at pharmacies, primary care offices, urgent care centers. He said there may be collaborations with the health department and other health care providers at community clinics.

The collaboration with the health departments is really key, because we want to make sure our efforts are as effective as possible, he said.

Brasser said he was pleased with the performance of the clinic.

Its been incredibly successful, he said. To be able to have provided over 200,000 doses over the last several months in an environment where vaccine availability was limited (is) very gratifying.

In a statement, Spectrum, Mercy and the health department said Vaccinatewestmi.com will remain as a community vaccination resource for updates, information and available clinics.

Read more:

Kent, Ottawa counties shorten COVID-19 quarantine guidelines

Michigan reports lowest daily positivity test rate since March

Reward offered for information on 21-year-old Flint man found shot to death in vehicle
Amazon on Thursday released first-quarter results that exceeded analysts expectations, with sales soaring 44% year-over-year to US$108.5 billion and profits more than tripling to US$8.1 billion.

S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX:XJO) dipped 0.60% to 7,039.5 points by 12.51 pm even as US markets rose overnight on strong corporate earnings data.

Locally, this is a second weekly decline a row, but the ASX 200 remains firmer for the month with a gain of 3.6%.

This would make it a seventh straight month of gains with the market rising about 20% in this time.

Beach Energy tumbles

Nine of the eleven sectors are in red with energy stocks falling the most followed by healthcare, consumer staples and information technology.

Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) shares fell 22.6% as the oil and gas producer lowered its FY21 production guidance and has withdrawn its 5-year outlook following a downgrade of its reserve estimates at operations in the Cooper Basin in Australia.

Top gainers

Todays top gainers on the ASX include 9 Spokes International Ltd (ASX:9SP) (+10.53%), Astro Resources N.L. (ASX:ARO) (+25.00%), Latin Resources Ltd (ASX:LRS) (+18.97%), Triangle Energy (Global) Ltd (ASX:TEG) (+15.62%), VIP Gloves Ltd (ASX:VIP) (+30.00%) and Theta Gold Mines Ltd (ASX:TGM) (+8.16%).

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Firefinch Ltd (ASX:FFX) (OTCMKTS:EEYMF) (FRA:N9F) has received encouraging high-grade results from drilling of satellite deposits that are set to further enhance the growing gold bounty of the Morila Project in Mali.

Noxopharm welcomes prestigious scientific journal reporting success of Veyonda as booster of chemotherapy in late-stage cancer patients

Noxopharm Ltds (ASX:NOX) results from a CEP-1 study (Chemotherapy Enhancement Program) Phase 1a/1b trial that shows the success of Veyonda as a booster of chemotherapy in late-stage cancer patients have been published in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal Current Therapeutic Research.

Red River Resources well-funded to progress further development at Thalanga and Hillgrove operations

Red River Resources Ltd (ASX:RVR) (FRA:R1R) generated $26 million in revenue during the March quarter with $25.4 million from base metal concentrate sales at the Thalanga Project in Queensland and $600,000 from the new Hillgrove Gold Mine in New South Wales and is well-funded for further development at both.

Elementos confirms continuity of tin mineralisation in ongoing drilling at Oropesa Project in Spain

Elementos Ltd (ASX:ELT) (OTCMKTS:ELTLF) (FRA:9EM) has confirmed further zones of tin mineralisation in its current drilling and optimisation campaign aimed at increasing the confidence of the mineral resource at its flagship Oropesa Tin Project in Spain.

Horizon Minerals buoyed by further high-grade gold intercepts at Pennys Find Gold Mine JV

Horizon Minerals Ltd (ASX:HRZ) has received the remaining assay results from a 21-hole drilling program at Pennys Find Gold Mine Joint Venture with Orminex Ltd (ASX:ONX) (FRA:GG2) that returned further high-grade intercepts.

Kinetiko Energy's productive March quarter sets the stage for near-term first production and revenue

Kinetiko Energy Ltd (ASX:KKO) enjoyed a productive March quarter that has set the stage for first production and revenues in the near term at its Amersfoort Project in South Africa.
Josh Duggar, former 19 Kids and Counting star was recently arrested on April 29, 2021. The news comes soon after he and his wife Anna Duggar announced the pregnancy of their seventh child. Read along to know other details about the Duggars arrest.

Josh Duggar arrested, here is how fans are reacting

According to the reports in USA Today, who have accessed the online government records, Josh Duggar was arrested by the United States Marshals Service on April 29, 2021. He has been booked into jail on Thursday afternoon in Washington County, Arkansas and is currently being held there. However, any other details about the arrest have not been revealed online and neither have the office of Magistrate Judge, Mark E. Ford and Homeland Security Investigation made a comment yet. Joshs arrest has taken place only five days after he and Anna Duggar announced that they were soon to welcome their 7th kid.

The family has been in the spotlight for a long time now, ever since their show, 19 Kids and Counting that primarily revolved around Josh's parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar started. Of their 19 kids, Joshua Duggar was the eldest and has been earlier involved in several controversial lawsuits involving property frauds, molestation of younger girls, two of which were his own sisters and also cheating on his wife, Anna. Twitterati is of the opinion that Josh Duggar's recent arrest that took place on Thursday was long due, take a look at some of the reactions here.

Its Friday, the sun is shining, and Josh Duggar is in jail. Its gonna be a good day   OMGitsHendy (@we_are_mayday) April 30, 2021

Josh Duggar of 19 Kids And Counting is arrested and is 'placed in federal hold' | Daily Mail Online.... this stims from his arrest in 2019.... How come KJ never talks about Joshs patents turning him in for child abuse? https://t.co/lrZb4t8djJ  candycane (@gettinthegossip) April 30, 2021

Me hearing that Josh Duggar (yes that one) was arrested by the feds. pic.twitter.com/PUziK6mWlb  Chloe! (@darkwebmemeacct) April 29, 2021

me seeing that Josh Duggar got arrested pic.twitter.com/HtjK2MuZtx  victoria (@idumbass42069) April 29, 2021

I cant believe Ive been alive long enough to live through 3 different Josh Duggar scandals!!!  Jenuwine (@FundieFridays) April 29, 2021

me after finding out josh duggar was arrested pic.twitter.com/6PQ6ugZhzZ  sophie !! (@illicitwaIls) April 29, 2021

just a reminder that Josh Duggar molested 5 girls, four of which were his own sisters 



CLIPPED FROM

Manitowoc Herald-Times

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

17 Jun 2015, Wed  Page A4 pic.twitter.com/u8Q335MMQA  Maureen Moore (@HopesMom12) April 29, 2021

Me pretending to be shocked about Josh Duggars arrest despite it coming for years pic.twitter.com/LdfjBswHkM  soph (@sophcompton) April 29, 2021

Josh Duggar the dude who molested his sisters was arrested by federal agents. Gee I wonder what for  Imani Gandy  (@AngryBlackLady) April 29, 2021

Josh Duggar and his wife Anna's gender reveal of 7th child

The couple who is to become parents again had taken to their Instagram accounts to share the news. The video features them standing in a field with their six children running towards them in the background. Josh then opened an umbrella that he was holding, and pink confetti showered all over them, suggesting that they were going to have another baby girl. Anna wrote, Its a GIRL!!!!! We are overjoyed to announce baby seven is on the way and we cant wait to hold her in our arms this fall".

Promo Image Source: Anna Duggars 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.
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The police in Katsina on Friday arrested an ex-convict with 273 suspected stolen phones valued at N15 million.

The police spokesperson, Gambo Isah, said the suspect, Ibrahim Lawan, 23, a resident of Fegi quarters in Daura Local Government Area, broke into a motor vehicle and stole the phones.

The police said the phones were stole on April 22, but after being tipped off, the police succeeded in arresting the suspect.

The suspect also known as Abba Kala, (Abba Swags) is a notorious thief and ex-convict, a habitual criminal, who specialises in house breaking and theft of motorcycles, the police said.

Nemesis caught up with the suspect when he trespassed into the house of one Kamalu Ibrahim, 33, of Shagari Low cost, Daura, and broke into his motor vehicle, BMW 3 Series, with registration number JW 01 DRA and stole the phones.

In the course of investigation, all the stolen 273 GSM handsets were recovered in his possession during police search.

Suspect confessed to the commission of the offence. He will be arraigned in court immediately investigation is completed, the spokesperson said.
Obama had the symbols. Hes brilliant, hes Black, hes poised, and so forth. Didnt have the courage, West said.

Dr. Cornel West is blasting former President Barack Obama yet again by claiming he didnt have the courage to fight racism.

Professor West appeared on CNN International Thursday and offered praise to President Joe Biden on his joint address to Congress. Despite a previous belief that Biden would be a neoliberal disaster, West has since changed his opinion.

Read More: Cornel West threatens to leave Harvard after being denied request for tenure

(Credit: Getty Images)

West saluted Biden for his plan to withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, tackling police reform, improving infrastructure, and signing the American Rescue Plan. He liked the 46th commander in chief to President Lyndon Johnson, who served as the nations 36th leader. West declared that hed continue to put pressure on issues such as the conflict in Haiti and foreign policy, but overall, Biden has surprised him and done more than Obama.

He reminds me very much of LBJ, who started as a White supremacist from Jim Crow Texas and ended up one of the major forces for good against White supremacy. Thats why you never give up on people, West said.

You never know which way theyre heading. You never know what kind of change they can put forward, and if Biden continues in this way hes going to be very much like LBJ and will be a much stronger force for good against White supremacy on the ground than Barack Obama was.

West further claimed that Obama had the symbols. Hes brilliant, hes Black, hes poised, and so forth. Didnt have the courage.

West claimed the 44th president did not have the fortitude of his vice president to fight racism explicitly. During Bidens speech, he declared that white supremacy was terrorism, and West found him to be more of a standard-bearer for progressivism.

President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress, with Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) on the dais behind him on April 28, 2021 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Melina Mara-Pool/Getty Images)

Read More: Biden political appointees 18 percent Black, White House announces

Didnt have the willingness to fight that Biden does when it comes to this issue, when it comes to a variety of issues. So who would know? Who would think that Joseph Biden from Scranton, Pennsylvania could become such a force for good for progressives?

Story continues

West has long been critical of Obama, especially when it comes to matters of race and ideology. In the aftermath of George Floyds death last May, while in the custody of Minneapolis police and the ensuing protests, West pinpointed that the reckoning was as much the fault of Obama.

The Black Lives Matter movement emerged under a Black president, Black attorney general, and Black homeland security and they couldnt deliver, West said during an interview on CNN.

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He further declared that the country was witnessing America as a failed social experiment.

And what I mean by that is that the history of black people for over 200-something years in America has been looking at Americas failure, he said.

Its capitalist economy could not generate and deliver, in such a way that people could live lives of decency, he added. The nation-state, its criminal justice system, its legal system could not generate protection of rights and liberties.

West also drew a line between Obama and his successor, former President Donald Trump in a searing op-ed for The Guardian in 2017.

The reign of Obama did not produce the nightmare of Donald Trump  but it did contribute to it, he wrote.

The segment can be viewed here.

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The post Cornel West says Obama didnt have courage to fight racismbut Biden does appeared first on TheGrio.
Alarm grows in Africa as it watches Indias COVID-19 crisis View Photo

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Africa is watching with total disbelief as India struggles with a devastating resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the continents top public health official said Thursday, as African officials worry about delays in vaccine deliveries caused by Indias crisis.

The African continent, with roughly the same population as India and fragile health systems, must be very, very prepared since a similar scenario could happen here, John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters.

What is happening in India cannot be ignored by our continent, he said, and urged African countries to avoid mass gatherings including political rallies. We do not have enough health care workers, we do not have enough oxygen, he warned.

Africas vaccine supply heavily relies on India, whose Serum Institute is the source of the AstraZeneca vaccines distributed by the global COVAX project to get doses to low- and middle-income countries. Indias export ban on vaccines has severely impacted the predictability of the rollout of vaccination programs and will continue to do so for the coming weeks and perhaps months, Nkengasong said.

We are living in a world that is extremely uncertain now, he added.

Just 17 million vaccine doses have been administered across the African continent for a population of some 1.3 billion, according to the Africa CDC.

The situation in India is very sad to observe, the World Health Organizations Africa chief told reporters in a separate briefing. We are very concerned about the delays that are coming in the availability of vaccines, Matshidiso Moeti added.

Her WHO colleague, Phionah Atuhebwe, called the delay quite devastating for everybody and said most African nations that received their first vaccine doses via COVAX will reach a gap in supply while waiting for second doses as early as May or June.

We call upon countries that have extra doses to do their part, Atuhebwe said, adding that the WHO is reviewing the Chinese-made Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines this week.

One unexpected COVID-19 vaccine donor is Congo, which Nkengasong said wants to give back some 1.3 million doses so they can be distributed to other African nations since it hasnt been able to do it at home.

There is a lot of vaccine hesitancy in the vast country, Nkengasong said. He didnt immediately know how many people have received the doses there.

There is a five-week timeline to get the doses administered elsewhere, he said, and Congo is working with COVAX to hand them over. He expressed hope that the doses can reach other people quickly during what he called an extremely critical time.

Nkengasong didnt know of other African countries saying theyre unable to use their doses but he urged them not to wait until the last moment to hand them back. Other countries in Europe, North America and Asia can have their luxury of vaccine options, he said, but we do not have choices.

Moeti with the WHO commended Congo for its decision, calling it extremely wise of the government to make this estimation in a country with gaps in its health care system.

She also warned that African countries must step up key public health measures to help avoid Indias scenario occurring here. The rate of testing for the coronavirus has dropped in quite a few countries, she said, and mentioned seeing data from one African nation in which the proportion of people not wearing face masks has risen to almost 80%.

Only 43 million tests for the virus have been conducted across the African continent since the pandemic began, the Africa CDC chief said, with a 26% drop in new tests conducted in the past week.

Nkengasong warned against travel bans, however, after Kenya this week announced it will suspend all passenger flights to and from India for two weeks starting midnight Saturday, while cargo flights continue.

Its really unfortunate we are reacting in a very ad hoc manner in respect to flight movements, he said, emphasizing the strength of authentic negative PCR tests. Its not people who are a threat, its the virus.

By CARA ANNA

Associated Press
With the Indian government allowing 18+ to get their vaccination jabs, Facebook has announced rolling out a Vaccine Finder tool on its mobile to help people find their nearest vaccination centre, the company announced on Friday.

Facebook has developed the tool in a tie-up with the Indian government. The feature is available in 17 local languages to ensure that more people, especially those living in towns and villages could benefit from it.

You can use the tool to identify centres nearby your location where you can get Covid-19 vaccines. You can also check the operating hours of the vaccination centre on the app. The data is by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Facebook has launched its new feature just days after its rival Twitter launched a prompt box on its Android and iOS app. The box named Covid-19 Vaccines: Know the facts is rolled out by the microblogging firm to let people access the latest vaccine info in the country.

As of now, Facebooks tool is showing centres where people above 45 can vaccinate themselves, along with a link that redirects users to the official CoWin portal. Facebook is also said to be working in partnerships with NGOs and UN agencies in India to help them share credible Covid-19 information to its millions of Indian users. The social media giant has donated ad credits to support the mission.

Facebooks CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also recently a $10 million grant for emergency response efforts in order to help the country fight the second wave of Covid-19. We are partnering with organizations such as United Way, Swasth, Hemkunt Foundation, I Am Gurgaon, Project Mumbai and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) to deploy these funds to help augment critical medical supplies with 5000+ oxygen concentrators and other life-saving equipment such as ventilators, BiPAP machines and to increase hospital bed capacity," Facebooks statement read.
The wife of detained Crimean journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko is demanding his immediate release and called his arrest a "deliberate attack on freedom of speech." Kateryna Yesypenko said her husband had been tortured with electric shocks and falsely accused of being a spy. Yesypenko is a freelance contributor to Crimea.Realities, a regional news outlet of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that is known locally as Radio Svoboda. He was detained on March 10 after covering an event marking the 207th anniversary of the death of Ukrainian poet and thinker Taras Shevchenko in the city of Simferopol on Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014.
New Orleans, Louisiana--(Newsfile Corp. - April 29, 2021) - Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until May 3, 2021 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LDOS), if they purchased the Company's securities between May 4, 2020 and February 23, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

What You May Do

If you purchased securities of Leidos and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-ldos/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by May 3, 2021 .

About the Lawsuit

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

On February 23, 2021, the Company disclosed disappointing 4Q and full year 2020 financial results, including only $163 million in sales (or $326 million annualized), falling well short of the projected $500 million sales, and expected cash flow of $850 million, well below analyst estimates of $1.083 billion.

On this news, shares of Leidos fell $10.29, or 9.91%, to close at $93.51 per share on February 23, 2021.

The case is Morton v. Leidos Holdings, Inc., et al., 1:21-cv-01911.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.

Story continues

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200

New Orleans, LA 70163

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82416.
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The American media continues to cover President Joe Bidens Wednesday night address to Congress and the reactions to it. Meanwhile, another politician is making news in ways that are deeply encouraging.

Scott Morrison is the prime minister of Australia and a very public Christian. He spoke recently to the Australian Christian Churches national conference, where he shared his personal faith and sense of call to his position.

The Guardian reports that Morrison is far from alone among Australian prime ministers either in holding religious beliefs or in talking publicly about them. But he is unusual in modern times in expressing such a direct sense of divine calling to the office of prime minister.

The article takes a decidedly skeptical view of this divine calling. This is unsurprising, since the prime ministers holistic faith conflicts directly with the narrative that now dominates our culture.

A threat 'the church has not encountered before'

One of the transformative consequences of stepping away from our daily lives is an enlarged perspective when we return. Like a helicopter sightseeing tour that shows us a beautiful location from a higher view, retreating from the routine can help us see ourselves more clearly from Gods perspective.

One of the clear messages I sensed from God in recent days is that His people must prepare more urgently than ever for the challenges that are coming. We are in the early stages of a movement the church has never faced before, one which threatens us in ways that are now becoming clearer.

Sociologist Philip Rieff describes the era when the Christian movement began as the first culture. It was dominated by a pantheon of gods whose followers were content with their religion and not missionary toward the larger world. According to Rieff, the Christian movement sparked a monotheistic and evangelistic second culture which swept away the first culture.

Now we are in what Rieff calls the third culture, which Australian Pastor Stephen McAlpine describes as hermetically sealed off from anything transcendent. It recognizes only horizontal identity constructions, not vertical ones. Here is where meaning is determined, and here is where authority lies. It is ours to construct  and deconstruct.

McAlpine adds: This third culture is highly evangelistic and actively hostile to second-culture values. For example, it considers sexual freedom and authenticity to be vital to personal and social flourishing. Biblical morality is therefore seen as dangerous to society and potentially deadly to LGBTQ individuals. The same vitriolic stance is taken with regard to abortion, euthanasia, or any other personal freedoms that are threatened by biblical faith.

According to McAlpine, this is a new religion and rival gospel the church has not encountered before. It seeks nothing less than to replace Christianity with its secular vision for a better future.

'My soul pants for you, O God'

What seems to be very bad news is actually the shadowside of very good news.

Every human being is made in Gods image for personal relationship with our Maker (cf. Genesis 1:27). Nothing in secular culture can fill this God-shaped emptiness that Pascal described. The further our society moves from biblical truth, the more people will hunger for biblical truth.

Therein lies our opportunity and our challenge.

Frederick Buechner noted, The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the worlds deep hunger meet. The worlds deep hunger is to hear from God. Not just about Him  from Him. The storms our culture faces are so grave, we cannot navigate them without divine leadership, provision, and protection.

You and I are conduits through whom our Lord speaks to our world. But we cannot give what we do not have. We cannot speak a word from God unless we hear a word from God. To meet the worlds deep hunger, we must first meet with God.

Our deep gladness comes from such intimacy as well: As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God (Psalm 42:1). David testified: O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1).

More than at any time in my lifetime, evangelical Christians need to follow Davids example today. As we face the cultural challenges that lie ahead, we desperately need a transformative, empowering connection with our Lord. I plan to say more about this connection next week; for today, lets close by choosing to make it our first priority as the people of God.

'I dont have time to sharpen my ax'

Ecclesiastes 10 offers this remarkable insight: If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed (v. 10).

The story is told of a newly hired lumberjack who felled more trees on his first day than anyone else. By the fourth day, however, his output had fallen so far that his supervisor asked him what was wrong.

The man said, I dont understand. Im working even harder than before but cutting less timber. The supervisor asked the lumberjack how often he sharpened his ax. He replied, I have too many trees to cut  I dont have time to sharpen my ax.

When last did you sharpen your ax with God? When next will you?

Originally published at the Denison Forum
Its great to be back and to bring to you The Day in the Life column again.

I hope you have all been keeping well and can see the sun coming out from behind the dark clouds in these Covid times. The end is in sight and the community of Kilkenny have become tighter and stronger for it.

As the vaccination roll out is happening in the wider community, I thought Dr Ann Beckett would be the perfect first interview back. A young mother of two and a front line worker, she has been on my hit list for a while.

Dr Ann Beckett

She is an inspiring, intelligent woman who returned to Freshford in 2015 to join the family practice. She is a third generation family doctor based in Freshfords Health Centre, a practice that is also run by her father Dr Jerry Beckett and mother, Practice Nurse and Manager Bridget Beckett.

What struck me about Anns story was how she, like many others, put her life on hold to help her community during this pandemic. Ann finished up her maternity leave early to come back to the family practice. As her husband, who works in the army, was overseas her parents (nearing retirement) cocooned and cared for her two children  a three year old and a five month old baby.

There were no creches open and we were worried about Mum and Dad catching Covid, so they stayed at home with the children while I went back to work, it was the only option, she said. My house is built next to theirs and we share a driveway - we just closed the gates and reared the children free range!

Our jobs were redefined overnight. In our practice we were a fully walk in service, one of the few surgeries left doing it. Then all of a sudden we had to lock the doors and put up a big STOP sign.

Ann kept her parents in the loop every day about running the family practice, especially regarding the constant changes and guidance from the Irish College of General Practices (ICGP).

As any family business, we had meetings everyday about the running of the practice, as well as me reminding Dad to give enough tummy time to my new baby!

Its been some year for this young GP and mother, but she is starting to see hope, especially as the vaccinations are being rolled out into the wider community.

Here is a glimpse into Anns world since March last year

Another Freshford doctor - Martin Tobin, did us proud as an expert pulmonologist in the George Floyd murder trial. Do you know him personally?

Martin Tobin is a cousin of one of my dads close friends. He was so professional and calm on the stand giving evidence. It was amazing to find out he was representing our small village on the world stage as a global expert in his field.

You are currently knee-deep in the vaccination process. Are patients generally overwhelmed that this day has come?

They are dancing in the door to have it done. They are literally floating, its really wonderful to see and hear the laughter and the banter of patients in the clinic now. Plus theres no hiding anyones age anymore as they are all in the same age group on vaccination days!

On a more serious note, I suppose I had a poorer level of appreciation of how well people had cocooned. There is a level of nervousness from some people coming in, especially from those who had not been outside their house - suddenly they are in a doctors surgery getting the vaccine. It was such a big occasion for them.

The relief is sensed everywhere, its great to hear the laughing and the messing in the waiting room afterwards as they wait their 15 minutes post-vaccine. Theres a great feeling that this is our way out and we are on our way.

How has Covid changed work practices in healthcare, especially in your line of work?

Our jobs were redefined overnight. In our practice we were a fully walk in service, one of the few surgeries left doing it. Then all of a sudden we had to lock the doors and put up a big STOP sign.

We chose to keep my parents at home to keep our options open at work. If the team on site got Covid, we had a doctor and nurse on standby to step in, so that the doors would remain open.

All the guidance and changes directed from the Irish College of General Practices (ICGP) had to be enacted immediately. Patients had to be examined by phone and it was very strange to keep our waiting room empty.

Even once the testing started, the guidance was changing every three days. We couldnt even have a team meeting about it as I was trying to keep the staff separated.

Everything that could go online went online. So prescriptions are all emailed to chemists now, which was so strange not to be handing them to the patient directly - we email A+E letters to the hospital also. Were all in scrubs which is a big change, and really brought me back to my intern days!

GPs were going hammer and tongs pre-Covid anyway. We just had to absorb all the Covid stuff on top of everything else and get on with it.

Are you now seeing delayed presentation and diagnosis of other illnesses because people were too fearful to come in for assessment?

People are feeling that we are too busy, so unfortunately they wont come near us. Those that do come in are apologising. But they are unwell in some way and I am doctor, so they are supposed to see me.

Its upsetting in one sense that someone would feel that they are bothering you for doing your job. They are so conscious that we are all so time-poor at the moment because of Covid and now the vaccine roll out.

What is the emotional impact on healthcare staff after a year of working with Covid?

Everyone is tired, physically and emotionally. Healthcare staff have seen a lot that we never imagined possible in the last year. Our Health Service has always been extremely busy so this has put strain on all healthcare workers energy and emotions. A lot are exhausted.

Initially there was the fear of bringing this disease home, and then the sadness of seeing patients very unwell in hospital without their family for comfort. To see the impact of these solitary admissions on my own patients has been very upsetting, personally.

The beauty of our job is that we can lean on our colleagues when we are feeling like this. Just knowing youre not alone in these emotions helps, but you have to pull it together then and get back to work.

There are a lot of conspiracy theories from anti-vaxxers. What is your opinion on vaccine fear and the risks of vaccination versus the risk of Covid?

I think the risk of Covid is going to outweigh the risks of the vaccine. The vaccines wouldnt have been passed by the medicine agencies if there was a chance they were going to be riskier than the actual disease.

I can understand why some people might be reticent, but I dont think there are as many anti-vaccine people out there as there are vaccine-hesitant people. These people are examining their options, which is a healthy suspicion for anything new. The main thing is to inform yourself from reputable sources.

What impact do you think Covid will leave on society?

I do think this is a defining period in our history for how we will choose to live our lives. We are more used to wearing masks now, it will be interesting to see if this completely stops in time.

I can see more people working from home, or remotely if it suits them which could be really positive. It does offer us all an opportunity to redefine what we want from our working lives in particular.

Dr Ann Beckett is based at the Freshford Health Centre, Freshford.
Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar has lent his support to Virgin Media's Backing Business initiative - a 100,000 programme that will support five businesses in Munster with bespoke digital transformation packages.

The initiative - in collaboration with Digital Business Ireland (DBI), Permanent TSB, Milk Bottle Labs and Munster Local Enterprise Offices - is targeted at SMEs and aims to help small businesses benefit from new online consumer spending patterns, with support from industry experts to help bring their ecommerce offering to the next level.

The five victorious businesses will emerge to take part in a full digital transformation to build their online trading platform and help elevate their ecommerce offering so they can compete on a global stage.

They will receive a share of the overall 100,000 in support and will also benefit hugely from the expertise and insights of each of the Virgin Media Backing Business partners.

This includes one year of free Fibre Business Broadband with Virgin Media Business; an online Shopify Store built by Milk Bottle Labs; business development support; and full membership of Digital Business Ireland's extensive network.

They will also receive mentoring in digital marketing from their Local Enterprise Office and the overall initiative is supported with programme funding from Permanent TSB.

The pandemic has transformed how most businesses work and interact with their customers, Mr Varadkar said.

Weve seen a huge shift to online, a trend which was happening before Covid-19 but one that has been massively accelerated because of the virus.

This initiative is a great opportunity for Munster-based businesses and is complementary to some of the Government help that is available, such as the Trading Online Voucher Scheme.

Aidan Darcy, Director of Virgin Media Business, added: Continuing on from the fantastic success of last years #BackingBusiness campaign, were excited to partner with Permanent TSB, Milk Bottle Labs, Digital Business Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices across Munster to boost the fantastic SME businesses in the region.

This new campaign will support five businesses in their digital transformation and help future proof their business for 2021 and beyond. Programme details can be found at https://www.virginmedia.ie/business/backing-business/

Applications open on Tuesday, May 4 and close on May 18.
When many financial institutions are closing doors, Mountain America continues to grow and expand its footprint. Utah and Idaho were recently recognized as the first and second fastest-growing states in the country by the latest U.S. census data . Mountain America is a leading employer, named Best-in-State credit union for Utah and second Best-in-State credit union in Arizona in 2020 by Forbes and, for the ninth consecutive year, one of Idaho's Best Places to Work by POPULUS in 2021. The credit union recently opened its first Montana branch in Billings , with a second branch in Missoula slated to open in summer 2021.

The Pleasant Grove branch, located at 1953 West Pleasant Grove Boulevard, offers businesses and consumers more convenient access within a fast-growing area between Orem and American Fork. Mountain America hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with community members on Thursday, April 29, 2021. This location features three drive-up lanes, an ATM and an open, modern floor plan with a newly designed mural wall. The branch lobby and drive-up are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The new Chandler, Arizona branch, which opened in March 2021, is Mountain America's eighth Arizona branch, and is located at 3471 W Frye Road. A ribbon-cutting to celebrate will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2021. The branch features three drive-up lanes and an ATM. The branch lobby and drive-up are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The new Rexburg Service Center building, located at 227 East Main Street, is opening in May. Mountain America first opened a service center in Rexburg in 2018 with up to 30 call center jobs. Rexburg is a desirable community with a high-quality talent pool, making it an excellent location for a service center. The 17,500 square foot facility will provide up to 134 jobs with updates like an employee lounge, game room and outdoor patio.

"Mountain America strives to provide members convenient access and an amazing service experience," says Sterling Nielsen, president and chief executive officer at Mountain America Credit Union. "Expanding our branches in Utah and Arizona and increasing our service center capacity will help us continue to deliver an amazing member experience whether in-person or remote."

SOURCE Mountain America Credit Union

Related Links

http://www.macu.com


SARATOGA SPRINGS  Local officials Friday said they don't want the Ethan Allen Express to be late for the races, or for any other event during the city's busy summer season.

The daily service between New York City and Rutland is one of two serving Saratoga Springs that have been on hiatus since the pandemic lockdown, leaving the popular resort without any passenger trains since April of last year.

Vermont officials announced plans earlier this spring to resume the Ethan Allen on July 19, but that will miss half the summer, including the New York City Ballet at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the first few days of thoroughbred competition at the Saratoga Race Course. All Amtrak service to Vermont had been suspended early in the pandemic by that state's governor to block the spread of the coronavirus.

The other daily rail service to Saratoga, the Adirondack, remains suspended with no resumption in sight after Canadian officials closed the border to U.S. leisure travelers more than 13 months ago.

Representatives from the rail advocacy group Empire State Passengers Association, as well as from the New York Racing Association and the Saratoga Raceway and Casino attended, while New York State Senators Jim Tedisco and Daphne Jordan, and New York Assembly member Carrie Woerner, all spoke in support of resuming rail service.

One ESPA member pointed out that Amtrak was already resuming suspended services on its busy Chicago-Milwaukee corridor.

"New York State and Vermont have to meet and figure out how to start Ethan Allen service earlier," said Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president Todd Shimkus.

But Vermont's transportation chief said that likely wouldn't happen.

Vermonts start date for the Ethan Allen is July 19. Prior to the announcement, I spoke with New York State DOT Commissioner Dominguez, and she was on board with that," said VTrans Secretary Joe Flynn. "We join with these groups in their desire to see the return of the Ethan Allen service, and together we will welcome it with them, but that will be in July.

While the Ethan Allen Express currently goes no farther than Rutland, Vt., by 2022 it will continue northward to Burlington, tying together the Hudson Valley, Saratoga County and northern Vermont. "We'd like to see that extended to Montreal as well," said Cathy Davis, president of the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce in a video link to the press conference.

A spokeswoman for GlobalFoundries, the semiconducctor manufacturer with plants in Dutchess County, Saratoga County and outside Burlington, noted the extended Ethan Allen would pass by all three.

In addition to resumption of the Ethan Allen and Adirondack services, local rail advocates also would like to see at least one more Empire Corridor train extended from Albany-Rensselaer to Saratoga Springs, giving Saratoga residents three daily round trips from which to choose, as well as adding another round trip at Schenectady, the stop between Albany-Rensselaer and Saratoga Springs stations.

New trainsets that Amtrak plans to order this summer may come with so-called push-pull capabilities that would avoid the need to turn the trains around at each end of their trip. That would also make it easier to extend additional trains now terminating in Rensselaer north to Saratoga.

Amtrak is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 19:23:45|Editor: huaxia

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MOGADISHU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Somalia, United Nations agencies and other partners on Friday renewed their commitments to improving vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases in the country.

Somalia's health ministry, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and other agencies said they have been providing vaccines while observing COVID-19 protocol since last year to Somalis against preventable diseases such as measles, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenza type b, cholera, tuberculosis, polio, and now against COVID-19.

The agencies said 3 million children have been offered vaccines to protect them from polio since the resumption of mass vaccination campaigns in September 2020, which had been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Overall, 433,863 (70 percent of the target) children aged under one year received their first doses of measles vaccines to protect them against this highly infectious disease," the agencies said in a joint statement issued at the end of the week-long World Immunization Week.

This year, the World Immunization Week, which was celebrated on April 24-30, came at a time when Somalia is conducting one of its largest and much-needed vaccination campaigns against COVID-19.

Minister of Health and Human Services Fawziya Abikar Nur called for more efforts to improve vaccination coverage, noting that polio is on the verge of being eradicated.

"Smallpox's last resting place was in Somalia. But, thanks to concerted and collaborative efforts, we were able to eliminate the disease. Polio is on the verge of being eradicated," the minister said.

With the help of partners, Somalia's circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 3 (cVDPV3) outbreak was successfully stopped this year, 28 months after it was reported, with no further international spread, Nur said.

The minister said 121,743 people in Somalia have received their first doses of vaccine against COVID-19.

Mamunur Malik, the WHO representative for Somalia, said the pandemic will not end if it doesn't end in Somalia and other conflict-affected countries with very weak and fragile health systems.

In the last decade, Malik said, at least 10 million deaths have been prevented by vaccines worldwide, and more lives have been saved by vaccines in the history of medicine.

Mohamed Ayoya, the UNICEF representative in Somalia, said the devastating COVID-19 pandemic has reminded the world how important and effective vaccines are. Enditem
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - Golden Independence Mining Corp. (CSE: IGLD) (OTCQB: GIDMF) (FSE: 6NN) (the "Company") has received a copy of a civil complaint filed April 19, 2021 in a state court in Reno, Nevada (the "Claim") on behalf of plaintiffs Brian Nordwall and Independence Gold-Silver Mines, Inc. The Company and its CEO, Christos Doulis, are named as defendants. The Claim follows the amendment of the option to purchase the Independence Project and the subsequent purchase of the Independence Project in January 2021 by the Company's joint venture partner Americas Gold Exploration Inc. As part of the consideration for the purchase, Mr. Nordwall and Independence Gold-Silver Mines, Inc. each received common shares of the Company (the "Purchase Shares"). They allege that, due to a subsequent decline in the market price of the Company's common shares, the Purchase Shares were inadequate consideration and that the Company and Mr. Doulis failed to inform them of an impending decline in the market value of the Company's common shares. The Company and Mr. Doulis deny the allegations and intend to vigorously defend the Claim.

About Golden Independence Mining Corp.

Golden Independence Mining Corp. is an exploration company currently focused on exploring the advanced-stage Independence property located in the Battle Mountain-Cortez Trend, Nevada and the Champ precious metal property near Castlegar, British Columbia. The Independence property benefits from over US$25 million in past exploration, including over 200 holes drilled, and is located adjacent to Nevada Gold Mines' Phoenix-Fortitude mining operations in the Battle Mountain-Cortez trend of Nevada.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Christos Doulis, Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: 1.647.924.1083 Email: christos@goldenindependence.co

This press release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation) that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information includes statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's intention to defend the Claim. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information in this news release, including without limitation, the risk that the Company will not be successful in its defense of the Claim. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. This forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management on the date hereof and is expressly qualified by this notice. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada at www.sedar.com. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82405
Children do not have to be students at these schools to receive immunizations at these clinics, but parents are requested to register ahead of time and complete an online consent form and questionnaire.
Bulgaria expels another Russian diplomat

Xinhua) 10:20, April 30, 2021

SOFIA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday in a statement that it has declared a diplomat at the Russian Embassy in Sofia persona non grata.

The statement did not mention the grounds for the expulsion.

The Russian Embassy in Sofia confirmed the expulsion, saying in a statement that an assistant military attache was declared persona non grata.

"The Russian side reserves the right to retaliate," it added.

On March 22, Bulgaria expelled two Russian diplomats for alleged espionage.

(Web editor: Shi Xi, Liang Jun)
PORT OF COMPLICITY: Adani Ports in Myanmar

by The Australian Centre for International Justice & Justice for Myanmar (March 2021)

Introduction

Justice For Myanmar and the Australian Centre for International Justice issue this report to continue our work in highlighting the role of foreign corporations involved in commercial relationships with companies that are owned and controlled by Myanmars military. In this report, we examine Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (Adani Ports or APSEZ), an India-based subsidiary of the Adani Group of companies.

Adani Ports is the largest private port operator in India managing several ports with a view to expanding in Asia and around the world. In fact, its investment in Myanmar was heralded as its first voyage to South East Asia. It markets itself as building #PortsOfProsperity with the objective of fulfilling the Adani Groups vision to help build critical infrastructure for nations across key markets and help in propelling economic development and social impacts.

Adani Ports was listed in a report by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar in 2019 because of its commercial ties with a Myanmar military conglomerate, the Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC). The UN Missions 2019 report follows extensive documentation of atrocities committed by Myanmars security forces. The UN Mission in 2018 called for the top generals to be investigated and prosecuted for allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity against ethnic people in Arakan (Rakhine), Kachin and Shan states and for allegations of genocide against the Rohingya people in Arakan state.

In 2019, the UN Mission released its report on the economic interests of the Myanmar military and detailed the structure and network of the militarys two main holding companies: Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL); and the MEC. The companies are led by current and former senior-level military officials, including the Commander-in-Chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. MEHL and MEC are able to generate enormous revenues, insulating themselves from effective civilian oversight. In turn they benefit from unrestricted profits and influence allowing them to continue funding their serious human rights abuses with impunity. The UN, academic experts, activists and civil society groups have long called for the financial isolation of the military and its business partners. Foreign corporations have been put on notice publicly several times for any engagements in Myanmar that are linked to the military and the resulting reputational, legal and operational risks of these commercial relationships. They have been warned that they may find themselves complicit in law, fact or the eyes of the broader public, with the militarys crimes.

Adani Ports is one of those corporations that has at various times either avoided answering questions about its role or defended its role in Myanmar by denying any problems with its relationship with the MEC.

Foreign corporations involved in relationships with the Myanmar military are contributing to the devastating damage the military has inflicted on Myanmar and its path to democratic recovery and growth. [ . . . ]

Read the full 34 page report
In the western section of the Washington National Cathedral, cathedral leaders have long commemorated human rights figures. Stone carvings of Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa and other celebrated leaders grace the walls of the so-called human rights porch.

Now, for the first time at the cathedral, a modern-day Jewish figure, the Holocaust survivor, author and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, has joined them.

Mr. Wiesel and his family were sent to camps at Auschwitz and Buchenwald, where his father, mother and sister were killed. After the camps were liberated, Mr. Wiesel went on to become an author of 57 books, including Night, about his experiences during the Holocaust.

In a phone interview on Wednesday, the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of the cathedral, said that the new bust reminds us of the reality of the Holocaust, and that must never be forgotten.
LOS ANGELES, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, REVOLT, the leading Black-owned multimedia platform will livestream and broadcast a homegoing celebration in remembrance of Black Rob.

The Hip-Hop community mourns the loss of the acclaimed New York rapper, who will be laid to rest today, April 30. Black Rob, born Robert Ross on June 8, 1968, sadly passed away at the Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta on April 17.

REVOLT

A member of the Bad Boy Records family, Rob's music took the world by storm with his 2000 solo debut, Life Story, which earned him a platinum plaque among other accolades. Black Rob was known for his hit "Whoa!" as well as '90s classics on the remix to 112's "Come See Me," Total's "What About Us," Faith Evans' "Love Like This" and more.

REVOLT invites fans and friends within the community to honor the late MC with a Homegoing Celebration on REVOLT multimedia network today (April 30). The memorial will be live-streamed on REVOLT's YouTube channel beginning at 9 a.m. EST (memorial and viewing) and television network at 11 a.m. EST funeral coverage.

DETAILS:





WHO: REVOLT



WHAT: A memorial celebration of Black Rob livestreamed through REVOLT's digital

and linear channels.



WHEN: Friday, April 30



WHERE: REVOLT's YouTube channel beginning at 9 a.m. EST and television network

at 11 a.m. EST.

PRESS CONTACT:

5W Public Relations

[email protected]

(212) 999-5585

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SOURCE REVOLT
Tory West Midlands mayor Andy Street today warned Boris Johnson's historic Red Wall breakthrough is on the line in crucial elections next week

Tory West Midlands mayor Andy Street today warned Boris Johnson's historic Red Wall breakthrough is on the line in crucial elections next week.

Mr Street said the battle for the key job will be the litmus test of whether the dramatic shift in the political landscape that delivered the PM's majority is permanent.

In an interview with MailOnline, he voiced fears that Tories are assuming he will 'win easily' - when actually the contest is 'very, very close'.

The former businessman criticised Labour opponent Liam Byrne for running attack ads in the campaign, saying he hoped they would merely underline that he is facing a 'career politician'.

In an optimistic assessment, Mr Street - who was the boss at John Lewis before entering politics - also dismissed the idea that the row over the premier's lavish flat refurbishment and lobbying revelations were having a significant impact with voters.

The West Midlands is a critical part of the bewildering array of democratic battles that will be decided next week - with Sir Keir Starmer desperate to show he has a serious chance of one day becoming prime minister.

As well as mayoralties in Tees Valley and London, some 5,000 councillors in England, the Hartlepool seat in the Commons, and Scottish and Welsh parliaments are up for grabs.

Mr Street's hard-fought victory in 2017 was seen as an early indicator of the tide that smashed Labour in 2019, with a swathe of previously rock solid seats turning blue.

The 57-year-old won the mayoralty by fewer than 4,000 votes  a margin of less than one per cent - and allies stress that the result came at the high-water mark of Theresa May's regime.

Mr Street said the battle for the key job will be the litmus test of whether the dramatic shift in the political landscape that delivered the PM's majority is permanent (pictured with Boris Johnson in Wolverhampton this month)

The former businessman criticised Labour opponent Liam Byrne for running attack ads in the campaign, saying he hoped they would merely underline that he is facing a 'career politician'

Mr Street stressed his record in securing clear wins for the region from the government, saying he felt voters now understood what the job could do.

'Four years ago we spent a long time explaining to people what on earth the mayor;s job was about, why it was relevant. Most people now have understood that. The role has been established,' he said.

Mr Street shrugged off the raging rows over David Cameron's lobbying and the murky funding of the PM's flat refurbishment. He has dodged getting involved in the spat over claims the overhaul was needed due to Theresa May's 'John Lewis nightmare' decor - merely insisting that he had learned you 'can't please everybody'.

'The honest truth, not a single person has mentioned this to me on the doorstep since this started. Whether it's the Greensill element, any elements of it  not one person has raised it,' Mr Street said.

He insisted that the word sleaze 'has not come out of the mouth of any normal voter I have met'.

'I get the impression they will vote on the issues here in the region. They don't talk about things to do with national politics that much,' Mr Street said.

Instead the Tory candidate said focus of voters seems to be on the vaccination drive, the end of lockdown, and the economic recovery.

He said he hoped over the past four years he had demonstrated the benefits of being able to influence the government - including a sevenfold increase in transport investment and the resurrection of derelict industrial sites such as Longbridge.

'We have definitely done much much better (than in the past), and there are big things people can see that are government investments that are generating jobs right now,' Mr Street said.

'Obviously the mummy and daddy of all that is HS2.'

Mr Street played a pivotal role in getting the green light for the HS2 project - which is seen as a catastrophic waste of money in some Tory circles.

'If people say to me, demonstrate you have influence over government  I do think it is the single best example,' he said.

'Most people would accept the Conservative Party were uncertain what way to jump. A lot of people were quite quiet, waiting to see what way the PM would jump.

'I of course was in as very different position. I knew what I wanted, I knew it was critical to my region, I got out there and fought for it...

'That is what a major should do.'

The former businessman criticised Labour opponent Liam Byrne for running attack ads in the campaign, saying he hoped they would merely underline that he is facing a 'career politician'

Mr Street stressed that the West Midlands and other Red Wall battlegrounds could define the shape of politics for years to come.

'They will be very, very close. But if we do stay just an inch ahead what that will tell us is the whole Red Wall stuff was not about a one-off issue of Brexit or anti-Corbyn feeling,' he said.

'It was something much, much more deep seated. I think what this is about is whether they see the Conservative councils, mayors, governments deliver for them.'

Mr Street insisted he had conducted a 'completely positive campaign'. But pointing to the Jo Cox foundation pledge for a 'respectful campaign that fosters democratic debate and upholds the dignity of all candidates', he suggested his opponent had not been playing by the same rules.

'I hope people would say I have tried to fight a completely positive campaign, always concentrating on what we are going to do,' he said.

'They've been running some, you would probably call them attack ads this week. I just think to myself, it is a shame that is necessary really.

'My own view is that Labour's tactics when they do that, they just sort of underline the career politician, the traditional partisan approach and I don't think voters like to see it.'

Of 50-year-old Mr Byrne - MP for Hodge Hill and a minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown - he said: 'If he continues to put attack ads out he perpetuates that image.'

In a final plea to voters with less than a week to go until polling day, Mr Street said: 'Too many people here think I am going to win too easily, particularly Conservative voters.

'This is not a done deal. This is very close. Labour have got an incredible bank of votes here, particularly in Birmingham.

'We need our voters to be motivated, if they like the way I've gone about things... please come out and vote for it.'
In the nearly six years since 19 Kids and Counting was canceled by TLC, Josh Duggar has faced a series of controversies that have rocked him and his famous family.

On Thursday, the eldest son of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar was taken into custody in Arkansas, where he is currently being held in jail without bond. A representative for the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed to PEOPLE that he was arrested by Homeland Security. Online jail records do not indicate what charges he was arrested on or when he was booked.

Following his arrest, KNWA reported that Josh is expected to go before a judge on Friday.

Unfortunately for Josh, 33, this isn't his first scandal that has made headlines since he rose to fame on TLC over a decade ago.

RELATED: Do You Know Your Duggars? A Comprehensive Guide to the Counting On Family

Here's what to know about Josh:

Meet the Duggars: 19 Kids and Counting

In 2008, TLC introduced audiences to the lives of Jim Bob, his wife Michelle and their 19 children. Along with Josh, the couple are parents to Jana, John-David, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, Josiah, Joy-Anna, Jedidiah, Jeremiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn-Grace and Josie.

The reality series followed the conservative family, taking audiences inside their Arkansas home and personal lives  including Josh's wedding to wife Anna Duggar.

But after nine seasons on air, the show was canceled in the wake of Josh's molestation scandal.

Anna Duggar/instagram Josh and Anna Duggar with their children

Josh's Molestation Scandal

In 2015, news broke that Josh had allegedly molested five underage girls as a teenager. Two of his sisters, Jill, 29, and Jessa Seewald, 28, later came forward as two of the victims, insisting they had already "moved on" and forgiven their brother when the news surfaced.

In his statement to PEOPLE at the time, Josh said, "Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends."

Story continues

"I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation," Josh continued. "We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling."

RELATED: Pregnant Anna Duggar Responds to Critic Asking How She and Husband Josh Duggar Can 'Afford' 7 Kids

Scott Enlow/TLC Jim Bob and Michelle with daughter-in-law Anna and son Josh Duggar

However, as the reports revealed, Josh's three-month stay in a treatment program at the age of 14 in Little Rock, Arkansas, was not actually run by a certified counselor but by a family friend of the Duggars who was in the home-remodeling business. Josh was only put through "hard physical work."

Speaking to Megyn Kelly in an interview for Fox News, Jim Bob and Michelle spoke publicly for the first time after the scandal, saying Josh first touched his sisters improperly while they were sleeping.

Describing it as "one of the darkest times our family has ever gone through," Jim Bob said he and Michelle put safeguards in place to make sure nothing else happened.

"We watched him like all the time," said Jim Bob. "I took him to work with me. We just poured our life into him."

Anna Duggar/instagram Jim Bob, Michelle, Anna and Josh Duggar

RELATED: Josh and Anna Duggar Celebrate 12 Years of Marriage: 'I'm Looking Forward to Growing Old with You'

When Kelly asked if they worried that the treatment didn't work considering how many children were in the house, Jim Bob said, "No. Josh is a changed person."

Kelly also spoke to Jessa and Jill during the interview. When asked whether they considered themselves to be victims, Jessa said that while what her brother did was "very wrong," she said she wanted to speak up against people who are calling him a child molester, pedophile or rapist.

"I'm like, that is so overboard and a lie really," said Jessa. "I mean people get mad at me for saying that, but I can say this because I was one of the victims."

A Marriage and Family of His Own  Shaken by Infidelity

Josh met Anna at a Christian homeschooling convention back in 2006 when she was a teen. The pair began courting and wed two years later in September 2008.

Just three months after saying "I do" to Anna, Josh  who ran his own car dealership in Springdale, Arkansas  told PEOPLE, "Married life has been great. It's definitely quieter than being in a house with so many kids. When I go to the grocery store, it feels strange only having one shopping cart."

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RELATED: Why Anna Duggar Married Josh Despite His Molestation Past

"I would welcome a big family," Josh said. "My parents have been wonderful examples." Added Anna: "I would love to have as many children as God would bless us with. Growing up in a large family, and Joshua in a mega-family, you learn so much more. I think a large family helps you prepare for life."

A little more than a year after Josh and Anna tied the knot, they welcomed their first child, daughter Mackynzie Renee, 11, who was later followed by siblings Michael, 9, Marcus, 7, and Meredith, 5.

Anna Duggar/instagram Josh and Anna Duggar with their children

But just one month after the birth of their fourth child, scandal once again rocked Josh and Anna's marriage in 2015. (The duo had been living in Washington, D.C., where he was working as a lobbyist for the highly conservative and controversial Family Research Council.)

In August 2015, Gawker reported that the eldest Duggar son appeared to have had active accounts on Ashley Madison, a website created to facilitate cheating on your spouse.

Josh ultimately confessed to having a pornography addiction and cheating on his wife in an apologetic statement on the Duggar family website.

"I have been the biggest hypocrite ever. While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the internet and this became a secret addiction and I became unfaithful to my wife. I am so ashamed of the double life that I have been living and am grieved for the hurt, pain and disgrace my sin has caused my wife and family, and most of all Jesus and all those who profess faith in Him," the statement read.

Anna Duggar/instagram Anna and Josh Duggar

Less than a week after making his confession, Josh sought treatment at a faith-based rehabilitation center in Rockford, Illinois. After returning to his family's home state of Arkansas, Josh and Anna revealed that they had entered marriage counseling following their difficult year.

The couple went on to have two more children: son Mason Garrett, 3, and daughter Maryella Hope, who turns 2 in November.

RELATED: Josh and Anna Duggar: How They Overcame Scandal & Infidelity  and Are 'Rebuilding a Life Together'

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Within the past week  just days before Josh's arrest  Anna announced that she and her husband are expecting their seventh child together, a baby girl.

"It's a GIRL!!!!!  We are overjoyed to announce baby seven is on the way and we can't wait to hold her in our arms this fall!" she wrote on Instagram.

Legal Woes

Most recently, Josh faced a real estate lawsuit in 2019. In September of that year, KARK.com reported that a three-day jury trial was set for Josh, who was "accused of fraud and is being sued for 'quiet title' and breaching a contract, according to court records." In October, KNWA reported that Josh lost the lawsuit due to him missing a court date.

Josh's place of employment, an Arkansas car dealership, was also previously raided by Homeland Security as part of an "ongoing federal investigation" in November 2019, authorities told TV station KNWA at the time. It was unclear whether Josh was the focus of the investigation.

courtesy Washington county arkansas Josh Duggar

RELATED: Jill Duggar Says She Hasn't Been to Parents Jim Bob and Michelle's House in 'a Couple Years'

Various outlets had previously reported that Homeland Security had raided the Duggar family home, which they denied.

Listen below to the episode of our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day for more on Josh Duggar.

"We were shocked to see a news report today state that our home was raided by federal law enforcement agencies. This is not true. To the best of our knowledge, it's also not true that any member of our family is the target of any investigation of any kind," a rep for the family told PEOPLE in a statement following the reports.
900 pupils recite poems together with representatives of social groups in Hefei, East Chinas Anhui province, on April 29, 2021. The activity was Jointly held by Anhui Museum of Historical Notables and a local primary school to celebrate the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).



900 pupils recite poems together with representatives of social groups in Hefei, East Chinas Anhui province, on April 29, 2021. The activity was Jointly held by Anhui Museum of Historical Notables and a local primary school to celebrate the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).



900 pupils take part in a trailwalk event in Hefei, East Chinas Anhui province, on April 29, 2021. The event was held before a poem reciting activity in celebration of the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).



900 pupils take part in a trailwalk event in Hefei, East Chinas Anhui province, on April 29, 2021. The event was held before a poem reciting activity in celebration of the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).



900 pupils take part in a trailwalk event in Hefei, East Chinas Anhui province, on April 29, 2021. The event was held before a poem reciting activity in celebration of the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).






DUBLIN, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "The Global Market for Photocatalytic Materials and Coatings to 2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The development of nanostructured photocatalytic additives and coatings offers opportunities to solve environmental issues such as clean air, pollutant degradation and providing a clean and sustainable environment via environmental remediation, CO2 photoreduction to fuels, water splitting, H2 production, bacterial and viral disinfection and suitable organic syntheses.

Of the many semiconductor heterogeneous photocatalysts, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most widely used due to its photostability, intrinsic electronic and surface properties, non-toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. However TiO2 photocatalysis suffers from several drawback, leading to the development of other materials such as nanoscale zinc oxide, carbon nitride g-C3N4, metal-organic framework (MOF) compounds, graphene-based photocatalysts, BiOCl, black phosphorus, ZnFe2O4, all of which are covered in this report.

Applications of photocatalytic materials and coatings include:

Self-sterilising, long-lasting clear coatings that kill viruses and bacteria for application in the home, corporate offices, restaurants and bars, healthcare facilities, industrial workplaces, hospitality and retail stores

Degradation of pollutants and maintaining air quality

Self-cleaning architectural glass

Processes for treating industrial emissions

Self-cleaning automotive glass

Roof coatings to reduce pollution through the degradation of sulfur and nitrogen oxides

Road and tunnel coatings

Medical (self-disinfecting coatings)

Self-cleaning exterior paints

Coatings for the elimination of VOCs and odours in public spaces

Water purification

Air purification (indoor)

Self-cleaning solar cell coatings

Applications make use of the self-cleaning, anti-fogging, anti-microbial or water cleaving properties. In indoor environments, most surfaces, e.g. ceramic tiles, windows glass or paper, are gradually covered with organic matter such as oils, dirt, and smoke residue and become fouled. Use of photocatalytic coatings that are activated under visible light irradiation can address these issues. Companies are now actively seeking solutions that kill bacteria using light sources commonly present in homes (near UV and visible light).

Report contents includes:

Market drivers and trends

Latest product and technology developments 2020-2021

Anti-viral and anti-microbial applications

Photocatalytic coatings in glass, building and construction, pollutant degradation, indoor air filtration, water treatment, medical facilities

In depth assessment of photocatalytic materials including titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, metal-organic frameworks (MOF), ZnFe204, carbon nitride, silica carbide, graphene oxide, BiOCl and black phosphorus

Global market revenues, historical and forecast to 2031

More than 60 company profiles. Companies profiled include Advanced Materials-JTJ s.r.o., AM Technology Ltd., Daicel FineChem Ltd., Envision SQ, MACOMA Environmental Technologies, LLC, Maeda Kougyou Co Ltd., Nanoksi Finland Oy, ProfMOF AS, Pureti, Swift Coat Inc and more

Key Topics Covered:

1 Introduction

1.1 Aims and objectives of the study

1.2 Market definition

2 Executive Summary

2.1 High performance materials and coatings

2.2 Nanomaterials

2.2.1 Advantages

2.2.2 Applications

2.2.3 Anti-viral coatings and surfaces

2.3 Market drivers and trends for photocatalytic materials and coatings

2.3.1 New functionalities and improved properties

2.3.2 Mitigating the spread of disease

2.3.3 Need for more effective protection and improved asset sustainability

2.3.4 Photocatalytic coatings to inhibit microbial contamination

2.3.5 Sustainable coating systems and materials

2.3.6 Need to improve outdoor air quality

2.3.7 Need to improve indoor air quality

2.3.8 Building protection

2.3.9 Reducing emissions

3 Coatings Regulations Related to Photocatalytic Coatings and Nanotitanium Dioxide

3.1 Europe

3.2 United States

3.3 Asia

4 Types of Photocatalytic Materials

4.1 Metal-oxides

4.2 Non-metal oxides

5 Titanium Dioxide Nano Photocatalysts

5.1 Nano-TiO2 based photocatalytic oxidation processes

5.2 Glass coatings

5.3 Interior coatings

5.4 Improving indoor air quality

5.5 Paints

6 Other Metal Oxides

6.1 ZNO

6.2 Metal-organic frameworks (MOF)

6.3 ZnFe2O4

7 Metal Free Photocatalysts

7.1 Carbon nitride g-C3N4

7.2 Silica carbide (SiC)

7.3 Graphene oxide

7.4 BiOCl

7.5 Black phosphorus

8 The Market for Photocatalytic Materials and Coatings

8.1 Market and technical summary

8.2 Development of photocatalytic coatings

8.3 Market drivers and trends

8.4 Benefits of photocatalytic self-cleaning coatings

8.5 Applications

8.5.1 Coatings

8.5.1.1 Self-Cleaning coatings-glass

8.5.1.2 Self-cleaning coatings-building and construction surfaces

8.5.1.3 Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) indoor air filters

8.5.1.4 Medical facilities

8.5.1.5 Antimicrobial coating under indoor light activation

8.5.2 Non-coatings applications

8.5.2.1 Photocatalytic wastewater treatment

8.5.2.2 Water Splitting

8.6 Global market size

8.6.1 Market segmentation

8.6.2 Market revenues 2010-2031

8.7 Regional demand

9 Company Profiles (62 Company Profiles)

10 Ex-Producers and Products

11 References

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ntf3zf

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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The Tribune in 1897 published a mission statement of sorts: America was for over 100 years the only spot on Gods earth where the poor and oppressed of all races found an asylum, a home, and a country, where they might not only live in peace and joy but be truly proud of, the president of Wongs organization wrote. We do not believe that the American people at large desire to create a caste in this republic by making their fellow men cringe and crawl before them.
NSU alum Kastigar finishes 11th place in the 400IM at Olympic trials

Kastigar finished 11th overall and swam her fourth fastest time in her career as she clocked in at 4:51.28.
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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River Council, has appealed to Governor Ben Ayade to settle the seven-year backlog of gratuities owed retired public servants in the State.

The Union stated this on Friday in Calabar in a communique signed by the Chairman, Victor Udu and Secretary, Oka Ibor after its monthly state Congress.

According to the union, the non-payment of gratuities to retirees for several years had led to the untimely death of many of them due to hardship.

We appeal to the governor to consider payment of gratuities to retirees to mitigate the current hardship being faced by these heroes who had laboured for the state.

We understand that many of them have died as a result of hardship without enjoying the fruit of their labour, while many others can no longer send their children to school, the communique read.

The congress also urged the administration to equip the state government-owned media outfits, the Nigerian Chronicle, Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) and the state Ministry of Information to meet with the digital media world.

The congress, however, commended the state government for tackling the security challenges in the state through the setting up of the security outfit called Operation Akpakwu.

We want to commend the governor for this security outfit, there is no doubt that this has solved the menace of kidnapping and other vices in the state, particularly in Calabar.

We therefore urged other states to borrow a leaf from (Governor Ben) Ayade to tackle the state of insecurity in parts of the country, the Congress said.

The NUJ decried the rising insecurity in the country and called on the federal government to seek external assistance, if it became necessary.

(NAN)
"Major General Fast is known for her military and commercial leadership while trailblazing new understandings of military intelligence," said Dr. Matt Zeiler, Clarifai's CEO. "Her deep expertise in intelligence and cybersecurity, combined with over a decade of leading federal defense businesses for commercial companies like Boeing and CGI, makes Major General Fast uniquely suited to partner with Clarifai as we help the U.S. government adopt AI for Intelligence, Security & Reconnaissance, predictive maintenance, signal fusion and other strategic use cases."

Major General Barbara Fast, U.S. Army, Ret., is a member of the Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame. Her expertise spans 32 years serving the U.S. Army across intelligence and cybersecurity. She was the first female to command an Army Military Intelligence Tactical Exploitation Battalion and the first female Intelligence Officer/G2 of a combat division. Her other tours included serving as the Deputy Chief, Army Capabilities and Integration Center and G9, U.S. Army Intelligence Center; C2 (Director of Intelligence), Combined Joint Task Force-7 and Multi-National Forces-Iraq; J2 (Director of Intelligence), and Central Security Service and S1, National Security Agency. Major General Fast earned an M.S. degree in Business Administration from Boston University and was given an honorary Doctorate of Law degree from Central Missouri University. She is a graduate of the Army War College and the Armed Forces Staff College.

"I am happy to join a team that has been helping the Department of Defense advance its artificial intelligence programs since their inception. Accelerating AI innovation at home is a critical part of winning the global technology arms race. I am looking forward to partnering with Clarifai in helping government agencies enhance intelligence, scale operations efficiently and reduce risks," said Major General Fast.

Major General Fast joins Lieutenant General (Retired) Robert P. Ashley, Jr., former Director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, who joined Clarifai earlier this year as a senior advisor and members of its Public Sector Advisory Council.

Clarifai continues to serve the missions of the U.S. federal government, including the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community and Civilian agencies, with state-of-the-art vision, language and audio artificial intelligence technologies. In Q1, Clarifai partnered with Palantir to deliver AI/ML algorithms for their data management platform to the U.S. Army's Ground Station Modernization program in support of its Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) program.

Clarifai's use cases range from recognizing and tracking threats, detecting objects via aerial and satellite imagery, multispectral analysis, optimizing equipment maintenance, finding victims in disaster zones to enhancing security at borders and airports.

About Clarifai

Clarifai offers a leading computer vision, NLP, and deep learning AI lifecycle platform for modeling unstructured image, video, text and audio data. It helps both public sector and enterprise customers solve complex use cases through object classification, detection, tracking, geolocation, facial recognition, visual search, and natural language processing. Clarifai offers on-premise, cloud, and bare-metal deployments.

Founded in 2013 by Matt Zeiler, Ph.D, Clarifai has been a market leader in AI since winning the top five places in image classification at the 2013 ImageNet Challenge. Clarifai, headquartered in New York City, has raised $40M from top technology investors and is continuing to grow with more than 100 employees and offices in New York City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Tallinn, Estonia. For more information, please visit www.clarifai.com.

Contact: [email protected]

https://www.clarifai.com

SOURCE Clarifai

Related Links

http://www.clarifai.com/


Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/30/2021 -- HTF Market Intelligence released a new research Study of 95 pages on title 'Denmark General Insurance - Key Trends and Opportunities to 2024' with in-depth analysis, forecast and business moves. The market research includes historical and forecast market data, demand, application details, price trends and company shares. The study covers key regions that include North America, Europe, Denmark or Asia and important players such as Tryg Forsikring A/S, Codan Forsikring A/S, Topdanmark Forsikring A/S, Alm. Brand Forsikring A/S, Sygeforsikringen "Danmark", GS, LB Forsikring A/S, GF Forsikring A/S, Gefion Insurance A/S, Kbstdernes Forsikring, gensidig, Maersk Insurance A/S, etc.



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Denmark General Insurance - Key Trends and Opportunities to 2024



Global Data's ' Denmark General Insurance - Key Trends and Opportunities to 2024' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Danish general insurance segment. This report provides a detailed outlook by product category for the Danish general insurance segment.



It provides values for key performance indicators such as gross written premium, loss ratio, retail and commercial split, premium by line of business, and premium ceded and cession rates, during the review period (2015-2019) and forecast period (2019-2024).



The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Danish economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country. The report brings together Global Data's research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure.



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View Detailed Table of Content @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/3248122-denmark-general-insurance-key-trends-and-opportunities-to-2024



Companies Mentioned in the Report



Tryg Forsikring A/S

Codan Forsikring A/S

Topdanmark Forsikring A/S

Alm. Brand Forsikring A/S

Sygeforsikringen "Danmark", GS

LB Forsikring A/S

GF Forsikring A/S

Gefion Insurance A/S

Kbstdernes Forsikring, gensidig

Maersk Insurance A/S



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Table of Contents

Executive Summary

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Key Market Trends



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Chadian Rebels Claim They Have Shot Down Military Helicopter

NDJAMENA, ChadRebels seeking to overthrow Chads new transitional government claimed Thursday to have shot down a military helicopter, while the junta in power warned political opponents not to renew protests after violent demonstrations earlier in the week left at least six people dead.

The Chadian government has said that the rebels blamed for killing President Idriss Deby Itno last week have retreated across the border to neighboring Niger. However, in a statement released Thursday, the rebel group claimed it controls the Chadian town of Nokou, located more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of the capital.

It was not immediately possible to independently verify the claims made by the armed group known as the National Front for Change and Concord in Chad. Its fighters have threatened to attack the capital, NDjamena, in a bid to overthrow the new government now led by Mahamat Idriss Deby, son of the slain president.

Chads political opposition also has decried the formation of a transitional military government led by the 37-year-old Deby, saying that a civilian interim government should have been headed by the president of the National Assembly instead.

Protesters took to the streets in several neighborhoods of the capital on Tuesday, a week after the presidents shocking killing was announced. Demonstrators blocked roads and set tires ablaze, prompting a swift crackdown from security forces. The government said Wednesday that six people had been killed in the unrest including a retired police officer, while opposition activists placed the toll at nine dead.

People protest in NDjamena, Chad, on April 27, 2021. (Sunday Alamba/AP Photo)

Despite the threats made by rebels to take NDjamena, the militants appeared to be still far from the capital on Thursday. The statement released by the rebels spokesman, Kingabe Ogouzeimi de Tapol, criticized the Chadian military for launching a series of aerial bombardments, saying it lacks the courage to fight on the ground.

Any aircraft flying over our positions will be treated as hostile to the Chadian people and will be shot down without warning, said the rebel statement in which it claimed it shot down the helicopter. The statement also accused the military of employing Sudanese mercenaries.

There was no immediate reaction from the military, which has deployed heavily armed and turbaned soldiers on the streets of the capital in recent days in a display of force alongside police.

Military spokesman Gen. Azem Bermandoa Agouna has said that the rebels leader is wanted for war crimes in neighboring Libya, and he has accused the rebels of making dangerous alliances with Islamic extremist armed groups active in eastern Niger.

Late Wednesday the general called on political opposition leaders to redirect their supporters in the aftermath of Tuesdays violent clashes.

This so-called peaceful demonstration paradoxically resulted in the deliberate destruction of 15 national police vehicles and two (gas) stations belonging to the Total company, the statement said. In addition, there were intentional assaults on law enforcement officers while on duty.

Calm prevailed Thursday in the city of 1 million people, where billboards bearing the slain presidents image still line many boulevards. However, an opposition coalition group known as FONAC said it would keep up its resistance to the new government led by Debys son.

FONAC calls on all Chadians throughout the country to mobilize to say no to the coup detat, to injustice, and to making Chad a monarchy, it said.

By Krista Larson
(Natural News) Joe Biden on Wednesday night called January 6th the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.

(Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com)

President Biden says the storming of the Capitol on January 6 was the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War. pic.twitter.com/CfTWx8ofTy  The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 29, 2021

Its his administration thats carrying out the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.

Every lie we were told about the supposed insurrection has now been debunked.

We now know that no cops were killed and not even one person was arrested for having a firearm in the Capitol building or on Capitol grounds.

The only people killed were five Trump supporters, including 14-year Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt who was executed on video by Capitol police.

The damage to the Capitol building consisted of a few broken windows and a broken book shelf.

worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War https://t.co/y1PyyTQGGa pic.twitter.com/a7mFKxXTpN  The Columbia Bugle  (@ColumbiaBugle) April 28, 2021

The real attack on our democracy has come in the wake of Jan 6th, with the Biden regime launching a new War on Terror against everyone who didnt vote for him.

"If the American right is capable of fully absorbing the reality that the greatest threat to their lives, liberty, and prosperity lies domesticallyand not abroadperhaps there is potential for a political rollback of the American empire." via @ThoBishop https://t.co/bS3QBAgOGq  Pedro L. Gonzalez (@emeriticus) April 29, 2021

The Capitol protesters are being treated like terrorists with the FBI/Biden regime staging terroristic raids on their families, stripping everyone involved of their rights, holding them in indefinite detention without a trial, subjecting them to vicious torture and racial abuse at the hands of DC corrections officers who told them they hate all white people and locking them in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day.

The Biden regime is doing all this while dropping charges against Black Lives Matter rioters and letting them off easy!

The Biden regime now appears to be stripping Americans who havent even been charged with any crimes of their right to fly by putting them on the No Fly List (or Terrorist Watchlist) for their political views!

VIDEO PROOF THAT I AM ON A NO-FLY LIST: pic.twitter.com/TajBPNroH3  Nicholas J. Fuentes (@NickJFuentes) April 27, 2021

Keep in mind that with each flight, I wasnt allowed to check in. I never even got a boarding pass for any of these flights. In each case when I tried to check in at the kiosk, I was told to go to customer service after which the clerk calls TSA for 30 mins and says I cant fly.  Nicholas J. Fuentes (@NickJFuentes) April 27, 2021

Now the domestic political police have banned Lauren Witzke from flying for her political beliefs in our "democracy". Watch useless republicans do nothing about it. pic.twitter.com/37cCkKMiZC  Blompf Junior 5%  (@BlompfJunior) April 29, 2021

The first bill the Democrats passed, HR1, was a partisan assault on our democracy seeking to rig elections indefinitely on behalf of the Democratic Party.

Not since the Alien and Sedition Acts has one political party in Congress sought to bend the power of the federal government, on partisan lines, toward crushing political opposition to this extent. H.R. 1 is not merely a bad idea; it is a scandal. https://t.co/aC5ZvztY2o  Rich Lowry (@RichLowry) March 8, 2021

The rule of law has been thrown out the window in favor of mob justice and our cities are being looted and burned to the ground but the Biden regime keeps insisting the greatest problem in America is the non-existent threat of white supremacy.

Pres. Biden: "We won't ignore what our intelligence agencies have determined to be the most lethal terrorist threat to our homeland today: White supremacy is terrorism." LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/C9Fo91RNwe #JointAddress pic.twitter.com/1aJR6GBQdZ  ABC News (@ABC) April 29, 2021

According to the Anti-Defamation Leagues own padded numbers, 2020 had the lowest number of domestic extremist-related killings (17) in at least 12 years  one of which was Antifa extremist Michael Reinoehls murder of Trump supporter Aaron Danielson in Portland.

NARRATIVE COLLAPSE: ADL Data Shows 2020 Had Lowest Number Of Domestic Extremist-Related Killings In Over A Decade https://t.co/7L7OzsEVKv  Chris Menahan  (@infolibnews) February 23, 2021

On the flip side, the murder rate has been skyrocketing in the wake of the Black Lives Matter riots  the most damaging riots in the history of America.

In 2020, the US surpassed 20,000 murders in a year for the first time since 1995, the NY Times reported.

Crime is out of control in most major cities and yet the media and the Biden regime are working overtime to try and blame it all on white supremacy!

To fight this non-existent white supremacy threat, the Biden regime has embraced systemic discrimination against all white people.

"Our priority will be Black, Latino, Asian, and Native American owned small businesses, women-owned businesses, and finally having equal access to resources needed to reopen and rebuild."  President-elect Biden pic.twitter.com/pIyDuhf5pH  The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 10, 2021

White families in Oakland who qualify  please apply for this benefit and let us know what happens. Lawyers are standing by to help. Oakland will exclude white families living in poverty from $500 checks https://t.co/SY1ihL06tJ via @MailOnline  Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) March 28, 2021

WashPo: Biden Advisors Fear Infrastructure Investments May Help White Working-Class Men https://t.co/aM2Yp8FLAo  Chris Menahan  (@infolibnews) April 1, 2021

Texas Official Sues Biden Administration For Discriminating Against White Farmers https://t.co/3pKevlxi7o pic.twitter.com/QI04aacT5l  The Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) April 28, 2021

The majority of Americans are now second class citizens because of their race!

This is not only the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War, the Biden regime is trying to start a new Civil War!

Read more at: InformationLiberation.com
RIDGEFIELD, Wash.  A Kelso, Washington, man who is banned from a casino in southwest Washington is accused of stealing $12,500 in chips after a casino break-in Tuesday.

Police said Lucas Bunn entered the ilani Casino Resort Tuesday while disguised in a gray wig and construction vest, The Columbian reported.

Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency advised authorities at about 7:50 a.m. that a man was in the casinos high limits area using a drill to break into the chips table, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

The man, thought to be Bunn, ran when security approached him, the affidavit says. A responding Clark County sheriffs deputy advised he was chasing the man near a gas station and he was detained shortly after, according to the affidavit.

Officers found a grinder and extra grinding wheels, a construction vest and 25 $500 chips in his possession, court documents said. A gray wig was found nearby, the affidavit says.

Court records show police used a stun gun on him before his arrest.

The 25-year-old appeared Wednesday in Clark County Superior Court on suspicion of burglary and theft. Judge Emily Sheldrick set Bunns bail at $15,000. It wasnt immediately known if he has a lawyer.

Bunn was trespassed from ilani on Dec. 15, but he has been back to the casino at least twice, court documents said.
In its April 30, 1986 Food section, the Post-Standard asked local chefs what was then hot and not in Central New York dining.

Cajun food was out and so was quiche.

Mushrooms were all the rage as were salads made with greens other than iceberg lettuce. Asian-style cooking and home-style dishes were also popular.

Below the article there was something else, a story about a new product, one of the great food fads of the 1980s, which was about to hit Central New York grocery shelves and was one that had already started getting a great deal of attention.

Jolt Cola had been developed by a father and son team in Rochester and, by the end of April 1986, it was already having an impact in the citys soda market. Syracuse was chosen to be its next market.

If you do not remember Jolt Cola, and its bright red cans and exciting yellow lightning bolt logo, it was considered the first energy drink. And, for children of the 1980s, it was the bad boy of the soda wars, the one you did not want your parents to know you drank.

The soda contained 5.9 milligrams of caffeine per fluid ounce, just short of the Food and Drug Administrations maximum allowance of 6 milligrams.

Jolts simple slogan promised all the sugar and twice the caffeine.

C. J. Rapp was just 26 years old when he developed the formula with his dad, Joseph, who owned a Canada Dry Ginger Ale bottling company, after testing 114 different recipes.

In 1986, he told the Post-Standard that Jolt was actually a throwback to the way soda should be.

In 1985, when Coca-Cola had pulled its New Coke formula off supermarket shelves and brought back Coke-Cola Classic, Rapp was hopeful that it would mean a return to the companys 99-year-old original recipe.

That meant real cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, which the company had been using since 1980, and the full amount of caffeine.

It was this formula change that convinced Rapp and his father to join the $2.2 billion soda wars.

We dont believe in no caffeine, no sugar, no this, no that, Rapp said. We think people are confused. We wanted to give them something back.

Besides a huge dose of caffeine, Jolt drinkers got real cane sugar and no artificial sweeteners.

Sugar is what makes Jolt smoother and full-bodied, Rapp said. The sugar is really what makes us a premium beverage.

The Upstate New York market drank Jolt up.

Rochester Wegmans stores struggled to keep it on the shelves.

In Syracuse, bars on Marshall Street ordered Jolt by the case, mixed it with rum for a powerful drink called the Jumper Cable.

Fashion shoot in 1987 at the Little Gen Diner for the Herald-Journal featured logoed clothing. Models wore clothing including the logos of Pepsi, Coke and Jolt Cola. Syracuse Post-Standard

Early sales were great, but Jolt never really threatened to make much of a dent into Coke and Pepsis profits.

Still, in just over a year, Jolt, which Rapp never thought would expand much further than Upstate New York, was being sold in 48 states, Canada, and the Caribbean.

The company even began selling a full line of Jolt clothing.

Its not a real threat to the big two, Rapp told the Post-Standard in 1987. People still like it.

Who liked it?

A spokesperson told the Oswego Palladium Times that Jolt customers could be divided into three categories.

Kids liked it for its naughtiness appeal, college students liked the caffeine lift it provided, and adults drank Jolt because it reminded them of the smoother and more flavorful colas of yesteryear.

Of course, there were critics of Jolt.

Public health officials were upset that Jolt seemed to be marketed for children.

Michael Jacobson, of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, called the product reprehensible.

(The group put out a Nutrition Action Health letter which said that Rapp should be nominated for the nutrition hall of shame.)

Despite almost $1 million dollars in sales in 1986, a Manhattan advertising agency placed Jolt on its list of new food products that year which misfired, alongside Tofutti Love Drops, a tofu-based frozen dessert, carbonated milk, and Nerds cereal.

(What can you say about a cola from an unknown company that comes out with a product that has 100 percent sugar, twice the caffeine of regular colas and is dubbed The Adult Cola?, its newsletter said. Gimmick, thats what.)

Sales dropped dramatically in the years that followed as the energy drink market got more crowded.

In 2009, Jolt Cola filed for bankruptcy. It would return under new owners in 2017.

It will live on in popular culture after being mentioned in films like Waynes World 2 and Jurassic Park.

Read more

1921: Socks, macaroni, and lingerie were some of the items to bid on at Syracuses grab bag auction

1981: Syracuse fans debate pro wrestlings legitimacy after Andre the Giant pins Sgt. Slaughter

1931: The hair flew in Waterloo as two rival barbers competed to be crowned New Yorks fastest

1891-1924: Too short to join the fire department, an Auburn man starts his own, joined by his pony, Thelma

Check out our true-crime podcast

An invention from Upstate NY soon became the preferred method of execution across the United States -- the electric chair. In The Condemned, we trace the history of the chair through the stories of five men who were sentenced to death for their crimes. Explore our series here.

This feature is a part of CNY Nostalgia, a section on syracuse.com. Send your ideas and curiosities to Johnathan Croyle at jcroyle@syracuse.com or call 315-427-3958.
The bodies of two Spanish journalists murdered in Burkina Faso by terrorists apparently linked to Al-Qaeda were flown back to Madrid today (Friday) by military plane.

David Beriain and Roberto Fraile were travelling in a convoy in a rural area in the southeast of the African country when they were ambushed and shot. The two men, who were well-known for reporting from dangerous areas, had been making a documentary about illegal hunting. An Irish anti-poaching campaigner, named as Rory Young, was also killed.

Reporter David Beriain and camera operator Roberto Fraile. / EFE

The convoy was made up of two vehicles and around 20 motorcycles carrying journalists, environmental workers and a military escort that is believed to have fled once the attack began. Reporter Beriain, 44, and cameraman Fraile, 47, had reportedly left one of the vehicles to take some drone video footage at the time.

A local Al-Queda group known as JNIM released a recorded statement saying, "We have killed three white men. We also have two vehicles with machine guns and two motorcycles."

The Spanish authorities are investigating the hypothesis that the attackers were linked to the Al-Qaeda group as well as alternative theories of a roadside robbery or illegal hunters protecting themselves. The local Spanish consulate also commented on how difficult it had been to retrieve the bodies.

Eleven Spanish journalists have died in conflict zones since 1980.
Savers and pensioners were given another boost to their pots after Shell lifted its prize dividend.

The rise is a modest 4 per cent to 12.4p per share  but is encouraging for ordinary Britons whose finances were left bruised by the energy giants decision to drastically slash its payout by two-thirds last year after the business was pummelled by the pandemic.

The oil major revealed yesterday that profits in the first three months of the year surged to 2.3billion on the back of rising crude prices.

Divi boost: Shell lifted its prize dividend by 4 per cent to 12.4p per share after revealing profits in the first three months of the year surged to 2.3bn on the back of rising crude prices

This was more than the 2.1billionn it made in the same period of last year  when prices began to tumble as the extent of the coronavirus spread became clear  and a staggering eight times more than the 280million it made in the final quarter of 2020.

Share buybacks are not back on the cards yet for Shell  which is holding off until its debt pile falls to 47billion. It is currently at 51billion.

Rival BP, on the other hand, has relaunched share buybacks after reaching its debt goal more than a year early  but has yet to increase its dividend.

But shares in Shell (down 1.4 per cent, or 18.6p, to 1299.2p) slid yesterday, suggesting that the City had already priced in the boost from higher oil prices, while BP fell 0.8 per cent, or 2.5p, to 302p.

Stock Watch - Character Group Toy maker and designer Character Group is heading for its best ever year after sales soared. The company said it was because it has such a strong roster of brands, with Peppa Pig, Scooby Doo and Pokemon gear all beating sales expectations. Character Group was one of the top risers on AIM  rising 21.3 per cent, or 100.5p, to 572.5p  after it said first-half profit rocketed to 7.6million, up from 2.2million the year before. It expects sales to get a boost now shops are open again.

Their drops came even as crude prices rose 1.4pc to $68 a barrel  fuelling talk among market analysts that we are entering a new commodities supercycle.

There was further evidence elsewhere, as iron ore and copper prices shot to fresh highs.

Copper was trading above $10,000 a ton for the first time since 2011, during the last era of bumper metals prices.

Copper is often seen as a key bellwether for the global economy and the metals rise is partly down to major countries beginning to recover from Covid.

But copper is also gaining because of sweeping environmental pledges from governments, as it is a key material in green technology.

In a quarterly production report, Glencore (down 0.9 per cent, or 2.85p, to 300p) said its trading arm had a strong start to the year because of the commodities boom.

The trading and mining group said annual earnings in this division would be at the upper end of its 1.6billion to 2.3billion range.

The FTSE 100 climbed back above 7000 during trading yesterday  but by the close of the session it was in the red, falling 0.03 per cent, or 2.19 points, to 6961.48.

The FTSE 250 fell 0.2 per cent, or 46.88 points, to 22,392.94.

Elsewhere, in another day choc-a-bloc with company results, Smith & Nephew and DS Smith were in high demand.

Packaging maker DS Smith (up 2.5 per cent, or 10.2p, to 424p) said sales were strong and that it is on track to hit targets for the year.

DS Smith is also investing in new box factories in Europe to capitalise on the online shopping trend that took root during lockdowns.

Artificial hip and knee maker Smith & Nephew (up 5.6 per cent, or 83p, to 1568p) was confident enough about its outlook to reinstate full-year guidance as the number of elective surgeries performed began to rise again.

Many non-emergency procedures were put on hold during the height of the pandemic as hospitals focused their attention on Covid patients.

Shares in British American Tobacco (down 2 per cent, or 54.5p, to 2626p) and Imperial Brands (down 0.5 per cent, or 8p, to 1470p) lost ground after the US Food and Drug Administration proposed banning menthol cigarettes.

It also emerged that Kenneth Dart, a reclusive billionaire based in the Cayman Islands, has taken a 7 per cent stake in BAT and 3 per cent in Imperial.

And another two companies  tech group Alphawave IP and cargo ship group Taylor Maritime Investments  both announced their intention to float.
Who was the late Barbara Bushs favorite son? That was ongoing joke between brothers George W. Bush and Neil Bush during the 27th annual Celebration of Reading on Thursday at the Post Oak Hotel where each presented their case.

I still hear her on a regular basis, and Im confident she said Go to Houston and make this event the best you can make it, said the elder Bush, 43rd President of the United States turned author and painter. If mother was alive shed say to Neil, Lose the beard.

The younger Bush may be scruffier, though he also played a big role in raising more than $1.9 million for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. What would their mother and former first lady have to say about that?

Some of the funds raised benefit Houstons Adult Literacy Blueprint, a new, joint initiative between the Mayors Office for Adult Literacy and BBHLF. The blueprint identified that one in every three Harris County adults is functionally illiterate and serves as a call-to-action for a comprehensive plan to improve the systemic crisis of low adult literacy rates.

We invested some of last years Celebration of Reading money into the development of the blueprint  about $400,000  for five and half months worth of focus groups, explained Julie Baker Finck, PhD and President of BBHLF. She worked with Deloitte analysts and consultants to engage more than 100 community leaders on the blueprints design. An executive summary was released on April 29; the full document becomes available in June.

More Information KRPC-2 will broadcast the 2021 Celebration of Reading as a one-hour special on Saturday, May 8 at 7 p.m. For more information visit bushhoustonliteracy.org. See More Collapse

Five other programs which address digital and family literacy also benefit from Thursdays seven-figure proceeds: My Home Library, Third Ward Initiative, Curiosity Cruiser, Camp Adventure and #WeRead.

When the pandemic hit we knew kids were going home and didnt have access to school libraries, so we partnered with HISD and Spring ISD to give out more than 100,000 new books when parents and their kids drove in for food distributions, Finck said. We also launched #WeRead with the Mayors office to record over 200 videos of Houstonians reading aloud that teachers and parents could use.

She noted that 2021 marks the Foundations third year of investment  roughly $200,000  in Third Ward Initiatives program with University of Houstons College of Education to place trained student reading tutors inside classrooms. Camp Adventure, a summer learning program in partnership with HISD and Childrens Museum of Houston to provide four weeks of school, resumes this year. And on April 3, BBHLFs Ladies for Literacy launched its third Curiosity Cruiser, super libraries on wheels.

We now have a fleet, Finck quipped. And an impressive lineup of well-known authors, too.

Elin Hilderbrand, Mark Sullivan, Susan Glasser and Peter Baker all flew-in for Thursdays events. Matthew McConaughey made a digital cameo via a pre-recorded Zoom interview with Celebration of Reading emcee Dominique Sachse. George W. Bush appeared onstage first, and true to form, he came out swinging.

I was discouraged by the language about immigrants. Americans may have lost sight of the beauty of immigration, he said. His latest book, Out of Many, One: Portraits of Americas Immigrants, features the stories and his painted portraits of 43 American immigrants. As a budding artist, I found myself opining about the issue of immigration through my art.

As is tradition, he read a passage aloud from Out of Many, One. The former President selected the second subject from his book, Paula Rendon, whom his parents hired in 1959 to help raise the Bush children.

She was like a second mother to my siblings and me. The first immigrant I really knew showed me how hardworking, family-oriented newcomers add to the cultural fabric, economic strength, and patriotic spirit of America When Dad was elected President, Paula  a Mexican-American immigrant who had risen from poverty  moved into the White House with him and Mom We learned a lot from Paula. She taught us what it means to work hard. She taught us what it means to sacrifice for family. And she taught us to be grateful to immigrants, who keep the American dream alive by realize it and passing along to new generations of diligent, determined United States citizens.

Later, during seated a Q&A session with Sachse, George W. Bush expressed his desire for Congress to fix current Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals legislation and support for immigration reform.

Reform would make our borders more secure, not less, he said. Why cant we have a national work program? I hire eight Mexicans to work on the tree farm in Crawford, Texas  theyve got to go home for two months of the year and re-apply for visas. But what if those dont get approved?

Glasser and Baker, the husband and wife duo who co-authored The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker III shared that their next book project will cover the Donald J. Trump presidency and impeachments.

And thats where politics ended  well, sort of. Both Bush brothers joked about McConaugheys rumored gubernatorial run. The actor, who appeared onscreen in purple-tinted sunglasses and a ponytail  mainly spoke about his writing process for Greenlights, which debuted at number one on the New York Times non-fiction, best-seller list in October 2020.

Earlier in the day, Terri and John Havens hosted a private luncheon at their River Oaks home for Bush family members, Celebration of Reading authors, and top-level event sponsors. There, the mood felt lighter than in past years. Terri opted for purple tabletop decor, a nod to the couples Louisiana State University alumni status. And City Kitchen served bananas foster, which originated in New Orleans, for dessert.

The Bush and Havens bond goes way back. The day George H.W. Bush left the White House in 2009, he boarded a flight to the Havens health spa in Southern California, Cal-a-Vie.

Neil Bush presented Terri and John with a signed, one-of-kind copy of Out of Many, One on Thursday. Thats also when he praised this years lineup of authors as a bumper crop. Almost everyone immediately accepted the invitation, including Hilderbrand. Her 27th novel hits bookshelves on June 1.

 Golden Girl is this totally wacky premise about a Nantucket novelist killed in a hit and run and goes up to the great beyond on page one, Hilderbrand said. The powers that be let her watch what happens to her loves ones for the summer. That sort of crazy heaven can wait story line. Its very comforting to anyone whos lost someone, especially before their time.

Sullivan, former reporter turned mystery, suspense and historical fiction writer, spoke of being inspired by unsung heroes of generations past.

amber.elliott@chron.com
Located at the end of a series of classrooms in Thu Duc City, which is under Ho Chi Minh City, a small class named The French Bakery has become home for many poor students with a desire for a better future.

Despite its small space, the class provides poor students with a valuable opportunity to secure a high-level professional skill: how to make bread.

The class, located inside the Thu Duc College of Technology, was launched with the aim of helping needy students live by themselves after finishing the training course.

We are happy to find that the students have a passion and gain fundamental and professional knowledge in bread making from France just after being trained here for one year and a half, said Hardiville Thi Thuy Van, country representative from the European Institute of Cooperation and Development (IECD).

We also found that if the students are confident in communicating with others, they can make up their minds on their own."

Choosing to be a laborer

It was 3:00 pm, six young students were squeezing white wheat flour on a big table made of stainless steel.

They were making croissants, one of the most popular types of French bread.

They are students taking part in a training course on making bread at The French Bakery.

The class, arranged in a modest space, is divided into two separate rooms equipped with modern appliances and baking tools.

All of these descriptions do not make the class differ from others.

The characteristic that makes it special is both its students and teachers are from poor families.

While most of them were born to families with many children, some of them are orphans.

They were not able to continue studying at a junior college or university because of poverty.

Tran Duy Thanh, 19, is a newcomer who enrolled in the class about three weeks ago.

During several months before being a student, Thanh was a delivery worker for a company to earn a meager income.

Thanhs parents got divorced when he was just three years old.

He lived with his mother until she passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack.

The teenager has been left alone since then.

I left school after completing the tenth grade to make a living as a laborer to help my mother, Thanh told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

When I was younger than 18 years old, I worked as a waiter in restaurants.

"Then I became a delivery worker when I was old enough for the job."

Thanh heard of The French Bakery from one of his acquaintances.

Despite not having any experience in making bread before, I wanted to try and secure a stable job, he said.

Apart from the main instructor, Quentin Phillipe, a French baking expert, there are two other lecturers, Dinh Thi Truc Uyen, 25, and Nguyen Thi Nga, 24.

The two female instructors had previously 'graduated' from The French Bakery.

My family has ten members, so I had to leave school after graduating from high school to work at home to help my parents, Uyen recounted.

Young women in my hometown -- Dak Lak Province [in the Central Highlands] -- often get married and have children if they cannot access higher education levels."

That is why Uyen was excited to enroll in The French Bakery after being informed of the training course by an acquaintance.

I was 21 years old then and felt puzzled at that time, remembered Uyen. I didnt want to get married, as it was unsuitable for me then."

Given her own difficult financial situation in the past, Uyen hopes to help as many people as possible, especially disadvantaged young people.

I look forward to them being able to make a difference for their own life, said Uyen.

A stable job

According to Trinh Van, a Vietnamese citizen who lives in France and serves as the information technology project manager for The French Bakery, which is technically a vocational school, the training course is meant to change an obsolete prejudice in Vietnam that considers bread making as an unstable job.

Here, we show the students that being a baker can help them build a good future, said Trinh Van.

There are students who graduated from our school working at some famous bakeries, restaurants, and hotels everywhere."

Students from three classes have graduated from The French Bakery since its launch in 2017.

The French Bakery has successfully trained nearly 40 students while around 20 others are taking the classes.

Among the graduates are some outstanding names like Hoa, who is now working for Maison Marou Bakery in Ho Chi Minh City; Thu, who is now a key employee at Bakes Saigon; and Khuong, who got a job at Fusion Resort on Phu Quoc Island just after graduating from the school in February.

On top of working in a professional environment, the students will also have many chances to meet with foreign chefs, to acquire more knowledge of other sectors relating to baking such as hospitality and cuisine, according to Trinh Van.

Ngo Van Hoang Khuong, 26, told Tuoi Tre he is content with his job at the moment.

As an orphan, Khuong was adopted by a Vietnamese citizen living in France.

His parents took him to The French Bakery to learn to make loaves of bread.

He has become a skillful baker after studying very hard for one year and a half in the class.

I got up at 2:30 am every day to prepare for bread making," Khuong recalled.

"At The French Bakery, I was not only taught skills of making bread but trained in getting daily work organized so I can handle everything quickly."

The French Bakery is a school with a mission to train young people living in impoverished conditions in making bread.

The initiative was jointly launched by the IECD and the Thu Duc College of Technology.

School students are provided with accommodations and have tuition and food covered for the one-and-half-year course of study.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas cruise ship docks at Marina Bay Cruise Center after a passenger tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during a cruise to nowhere, in Singapore, on Dec. 9, 2020. (Edgar Su/Reuters)

Royal Caribbean Aims to Resume US Cruises in July After New CDC Guidance

Royal Caribbean Group said on Thursday it was aiming to restart its U.S. cruises in July after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new measures to speed up approvals, sending its shares up 2.5 percent.

Late on Wednesday, the CDC made public a letter to the cruise industry that said it was committed to the resumption of passenger operations in the United States by mid-summer.

It followed a lawsuit from Alaska and Florida that sought to overturn the health agencys year-long ban on the cruise industrys operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A ship may skip simulated voyages and directly start open water sailing if it attests that 98 percent of its crew and 95 percent passengers are fully vaccinated, the CDC said on Wednesday.

The agency also said it would respond within five days to applications for simulated voyages, down from an anticipated 60 days.

However, there are still many concerns that need to be resolved, Royal Caribbean Chief Executive Officer Richard Fain said, adding the company is hopeful they could be settled quickly.

It could be possible to restart cruising by mid-July the restart does not mean that we will immediately go into full operation. While we are hopeful about restarting, that restart will be gradual and deliberate, Fain said on a call with analysts.

Royal Caribbean on Thursday reported an adjusted loss of $1.1 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, compared with a loss of $310.4 million a year earlier.

The company said it burnt cash at the rate of $300 million per month in the quarter and ended the period with liquidity of about $5.8 billion.
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WWE MAIN EVENT REPORT: TOZAWA VERSUS GULAK, RICOCHET VERSUS ALI, AND MORE

We are in Tampa, Florida and your announcers are Kevin Patrick and Byron Saxton.

Match Number One: Ricochet versus Mustafa Ali

They lock up and go to a stalemate. They lock up and Ricochet with a wrist lock. Ali with a reversal and he takes Ricochet to the mat. Ricochet with a hammer lock but Ali with a back elbow and then he sends Ricochet into the turnbuckles. Ricochet with chops and an Irish whip. Ricochet with a running chop into the corner followed by another chop. Ricochet with an Irish whip and slam followed by a series of elbow drops for a near fall.

Ali sends Ricochet into the corner and he chops Ricochet a few times. Ali with an Irish whip but Ricochet sends Ali to the apron. Ali misses a forearm and Ricochet sends Ali down on the apron and he knocks Ali off the apron with a kick. Ricochet goes up and Ali drops Ricochet onto the apron face first. Ali with Shadows Over Hell for a near fall.

Ali with a body scissors and a sleeper but Ricochet leans back and gets a near fall. Ali holds on to the sleeper and Ricochet gets to his feet. Ricochet tries to get to the ropes but Ali turns Ricochet around to the middle of the ring. Ricochet falls to the mat to escape the hold. Ali with a European uppercut and chop. Ricochet with punches and he blocks a kick and connects with a knee to the leg and hits a jumping knee to the head. Ricochet with a half and half suplex for a near fall.

Ali with a back elbow and then he goes to the turnbuckles and tries for a tornado DDT but Ricochet blocks it and he goes for a suplex but Ali lands on his feet. Ali sends Ricochet chest first into the turnbuckles and Ricochet with a clothesline. Ali backs away from Ricochet and he tries to get to the floor but Ricochet pulls Ali back in and Alis boot comes off and Ali with a rollup and some leverage from the ropes for the three count.

Winner: Mustafa Ali

We take a look at what happened with Jey Uso and Cesaro.

We go to commercial.

We are back with a look at the tag match from Smackdown featuring Cesaro and Daniel Bryan against Jey Uso and Seth Rollins. We take a look at Romans challenge to Daniel Bryan.

We go to commercial.

We are back with a look at Charlotte Flair on Raw.

We go to commercial.

We are back with a look at Aleister Black.

Match Number Two: Akira Tozawa versus Drew Gulak

They lock up and Gulak with a clean break. Gulak with a waist lock and Tozawa with a wrist lock. Gulak with a reversal into a top wrist lock and take down. Tozawa with a single leg take down. Gulak with a body scissors attempt but Tozawa escapes. Gulak with a front face lock into a chin lock. Tozawa with a wrist lock and Drew goes for a head scissors and he gets Tozawa down.

Tozawa with an escape and both men return to their feet. Tozawa with a side head lock. Tozawa with a shoulder but it sends Drew into the ropes and Gulak with a shoulder tackle. Gulak with a forearm and then Tozawa sends Gulak to the apron and Tozawa kicks Drew to the floor. Tozawa with a flying head butt suicide dive.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Tozawa with a chop. Tozawa gets Drew to flinch and Tozawa with a jab. Tozawa kicks Drew in the corner and he gets a near fall. Tozawa with a forearm and he tries to get Gulak on his shoulders but he cannot get Drew up and then Drew with an elbow. Tozawa with a kick but Drew with a clothesline.

Drew gets a near fall. Drew gets another near fall. Drew works on the neck and he picks up Tozawa for a modified Gory Special. Tozawa escapes and he gets to the ropes but Drew chokes Tozawa in the ropes. Drew with a near fall. Drew with a rear chin lock. Tozawa with a rana and he hits a Shining Wizard.

Tozawa goes up top for a flying back elbow for a near fall. Gulak grabs the leg on a spinning heel kick attempt. Drew with an STF and Tozawa is able to roll to the ropes to force the hold to be released. Tozawa with a kick and Gulak gets Tozawa on his shoulders but Tozawa escapes. Tozawa with a forearm into an octopus. Gulak escapes and Tozawa with a kick. Tozawa with a spinning heel kick and Tozawa goes up top.

Tozawa is stopped by Gulak but Tozawa with a forearm to send Gulak to the mat. Tozawa goes for the back senton and Drew moves and locks in the GuLock and Tozawa passes out.

Winner: Drew Gulak

We take a look at Drew McIntyre from last week and the matches involving Drew, Braun Strowman,T-Bar, and Mace.

We go to credits.

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Boulder, Colo., USA: GSA's dynamic online journal, Geosphere, posts articles online regularly. Locations and topics studied this month include the Central Anatolian Plateau; the Southern Rocky Mountain Volcanic Field; petrogenesis in the Grand Canyon; and the evolution of the Portland and Tualatin forearc basins, Oregon.

A physical and chemical sedimentary record of Laramide tectonic shifts in the Cretaceous-Paleogene San Juan Basin, New Mexico, USA

Kevin M. Hobbs; Peter J. Fawcett

Abstract: Fluvial siliciclastic rocks bracketing the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico (USA), provide records of regional fluvial and tectonic evolution during the Laramide orogeny. Petrographic analyses of sandstones from the Upper Cretaceous Fruitland Formation and Kirtland Formation and the Paleocene Ojo Alamo Sandstone and Nacimiento Formation show that the rivers depositing these sediments were sourced in areas where unroofing of crystalline basement rocks took place, introducing an increasing proportion of immature detrital grains into the fluvial system through time. After the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, rivers deposited an increasing amount of microcline and orthoclase feldspar relative to plagioclase feldspar, suggesting a growing source in unique crystalline basement rocks. Geochemical analyses show significant differences between Al- and K-poor Upper Cretaceous sandstones and Al- and K-rich lower Paleocene sandstones in the San Juan Basin. The high proportion of sand-sized material in the Ojo Alamo Sandstone suggests that it was deposited in a basin with a low ratio of sediment supply to accommodation. However, magnetostratigraphic age constraints suggest it had a relatively high sedimentation and/or subsidence rate of as much as 0.38 m/k.y. The sediment supply must have been high in order to deposit a basin-wide coarse sand-dominated package, suggesting rapid creation of topographic relief in the San Juan uplift, the proposed source area of the Ojo Alamo fluvial system. The observed sedimentary architecture and age constraints of the Ojo Alamo Sandstone, including kilometers-wide sand bodies and limited overbank mudstones throughout most of the outcrop area, are difficult to reconcile with accepted models of aggradation and avulsion in large fluvial systems, but available age and lithologic data make difficult a complete understanding of Paleocene San Juan Basin fluvial systems and basin evolution. Here, we present new lithologic, petrographic, and thickness data from San Juan Basin K-Pg fluvial siliciclastic units and interpretations of their origins.

View article: https:/ / pubs. geoscienceworld. org/ gsa/ geosphere/ article-abstract/ doi/ 10. 1130/ GES02324. 1/ 596304/ A-physical-and-chemical-sedimentary-record-of

The spatial and temporal evolution of the Portland and Tualatin forearc basins, Oregon, USA

Darby P. Scanlon; John Bershaw; Ray E. Wells; Ashley R. Streig

Abstract: The Portland and Tualatin basins are part of the Salish-Puget-Willamette Lowland, a 900-km-long, forearc depression lying between the volcanic arc and the Coast Ranges of the Cascadia convergent margin. Such inland seaways are characteristic of warm, young slab subduction. We analyzed the basins to better understand their evolution and relation to Coast Range history and to provide an improved tectonic framework for the Portland metropolitan area. We model three key horizons in the basins: (1) the top of the Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG), (2) the bottom of the CRBG, and (3) the top of Eocene basement. Isochore maps constrain basin depocenters during (1) Pleistocene to mid-Miocene time (0-15 Ma), (2) CRBG (15.5-16.5 Ma), and (3) early Miocene to late Eocene (ca. 17-35 Ma) time. Results show that the Portland and Tualatin basins have distinct mid-Miocene to Quaternary depocenters but were one continuous basin from the Eocene until mid-Miocene time. A NW-striking gravity low coincident with the NW-striking, fault-bounded Portland Hills anticline is interpreted as an older graben coincident with observed thickening of CRBG flows and underlying sedimentary rocks. Neogene transpression in the forearc structurally inverted the Sylvan-Oatfield and Portland Hills normal faults as high-angle dextral-reverse faults, separating the Portland and Tualatin basins. An eastward shift of the forearc basin depocenter and ten-fold decrease in accommodation space provide temporal constraints on the emergence of the Coast Range to the west. Clockwise rotation and northward transport of the forearc is deforming the basins and producing local earthquakes beneath the metropolitan area.

View article: https:/ / pubs. geoscienceworld. org/ gsa/ geosphere/ article-abstract/ doi/ 10. 1130/ GES02298. 1/ 596305/ The-spatial-and-temporal-evolution-of-the-Portland

Petrogenesis of the 91-Mile peridotite in the Grand Canyon: Ophiolite or deep-arc fragment?

S.J. Seaman; M.L. Williams; K.E. Karlstrom; P.C. Low

Abstract: Recognition of fundamental tectonic boundaries has been extremely difficult in the (>1000-km-wide) Proterozoic accretionary orogen of southwestern North America, where the main rock types are similar over large areas, and where the region has experienced multiple postaccretionary deformation events. Discrete ultramafic bodies are present in a number of areas that may mark important boundaries, especially if they can be shown to represent tectonic fragments of ophiolite complexes. However, most ultramafic bodies are small and intensely altered, precluding petrogenetic analysis. The 91-Mile peridotite in the Grand Canyon is the largest and best preserved ultramafic body known in the southwest United States. It presents a special opportunity for tectonic analysis that may illuminate the significance of ultramafic rocks in other parts of the orogen. The 91-Mile peridotite exhibits spectacular cumulate layering. Contacts with the surrounding Vishnu Schist are interpreted to be tectonic, except along one margin, where intrusive relations have been interpreted. Assemblages include olivine, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, magnetite, and phlogopite, with very rare plagioclase. Textures suggest that phlogopite is the result of late intercumulus crystallization. Whole-rock compositions and especially mineral modes and compositions support derivation from an arc-related mafic magma. K-enriched subduction-related fluid in the mantle wedge is interpreted to have given rise to a K-rich, hydrous, high-pressure partial melt that produced early magnetite, Al-rich diopside, and primary phlogopite. The modes of silicate minerals, all with high Mg#, the sequence of crystallization, and the lack of early plagioclase are all consistent with crystallization at relatively high pressures. Thus, the 91-Mile peridotite body is not an ophiolite fragment that represents the closure of a former ocean basin. It does, however, mark a significant tectonic boundary where lower-crustal arc cumulates have been juxtaposed against middle-crustal schists and granitoids.

View article: https:/ / pubs. geoscienceworld. org/ gsa/ geosphere/ article-abstract/ doi/ 10. 1130/ GES02302. 1/ 596306/ Petrogenesis-of-the-91-Mile-peridotite-in-the

Secular variations of magma source compositions in the North Patagonian batholith from the Jurassic to Tertiary: Was melange melting involved?

Antonio Castro; Carmen Rodriguez; Carlos Fernandez; Eugenio Aragon; Manuel Francisco Pereira ...

Abstract: This study of Sr-Nd initial isotopic ratios of plutons from the North Patagonian batholith (Argentina and Chile) revealed that a secular evolution spanning 180 m.y., from the Jurassic to Neogene, can be established in terms of magma sources, which in turn are correlated with changes in the tectonic regime. The provenance and composition of end-member components in the source of magmas are represented by the Sr-Nd initial isotopic ratios (87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd) of the plutonic rocks. Our results support the interpretation that source composition was determined by incorporation of varied crustal materials and trench sediments via subduction erosion and sediment subduction into a subduction channel melange. Subsequent melting of subducted melanges at mantle depths and eventual reaction with the ultramafic mantle are proposed as the main causes of batholith magma generation, which was favored during periods of fast convergence and high obliquity between the involved plates. We propose that a parental diorite (= andesite) precursor arrived at the lower arc crust, where it underwent fractionation to yield the silicic melts (granodiorites and granites) that formed the batholiths. The diorite precursor could have been in turn fractionated from a more mafic melt of basaltic andesite composition, which was formed within the mantle by complete reaction of the bulk melanges and the peridotite. Our proposal follows model predictions on the formation of melange diapirs that carry fertile subducted materials into hot regions of the suprasubduction mantle wedge, where mafic parental magmas of batholiths originate. This model not only accounts for the secular geochemical variations of Andean batholiths, but it also avoids a fundamental paradox of the classical basalt model: the absence of ultramafic cumulates in the lower arc crust and in the continental crust in general.

View article: https:/ / pubs. geoscienceworld. org/ gsa/ geosphere/ article-abstract/ doi/ 10. 1130/ GES02338. 1/ 596307/ Secular-variations-of-magma-source-compositions-in

Fast Pliocene integration of the Central Anatolian Plateau drainage: Evidence, processes, and driving forces

Gilles Y. Brocard; Maud J.M. Meijers; Michael A. Cosca; Tristan Salles; Jane Willenbring ...

Abstract: Continental sedimentation was widespread across the Central Anatolian Plateau in Miocene-Pliocene time, during the early stages of plateau uplift. Today, however, most sediment produced on the plateau is dispersed by a well-integrated drainage and released into surrounding marine depocenters. Residual long-term (106-107 yr) sediment storage on the plateau is now restricted to a few closed catchments. Lacustrine sedimentation was widespread in the Miocene-Pliocene depocenters. Today, it is also restricted to the residual closed catchments. The present-day association of closed catchments, long-term sediment storage, and lacustrine sedimentation suggests that the Miocene-Pliocene sedimentation also occurred in closed catchments. The termination of sedimentation across the plateau would therefore mark the opening of these closed catchments, their integration, and the formation of the present-day drainage. By combining newly dated volcanic markers with previously dated sedimentary sequences, we show that this drainage integration occurred remarkably rapidly, within 1.5 m.y., at the turn of the Pliocene. The evolution of stream incision documented by these markers and newly obtained 10Be erosion rates allow us to discriminate the respective contributions of three potential processes to drainage integration, namely, the capture of closed catchments by rivers draining the outer slopes of the plateau, the overflow of closed lakes, and the avulsion of closed catchments. Along the southern plateau margin, rivers draining the southern slope of the Central Anatolian Plateau expanded into the plateau interior; however, only a small amount of drainage integration was achieved by this process. Instead, avulsion and/or overflow between closed catchments achieved most of the integration, and these top-down processes left a distinctive sedimentary signal in the form of terminal lacustrine limestone sequences. In the absence of substantial regional climate wetting during the early Pliocene, we propose that two major tectonic events triggered drainage integration, separately or in tandem: the uplift of the Central Anatolian Plateau and the tectonic completion of the Anatolian microplate. Higher surface uplift of the eastern Central Anatolian Plateau relative to the western Central Anatolian Plateau promoted more positive water balances in the eastern catchments, higher water discharge, and larger sediment fluxes. Overflow/avulsion in some of the eastern catchments triggered a chain of avulsions and/or overflows, sparking sweeping integration across the plateau. Around 5 Ma, the inception of the full escape of the Anatolian microplate led to the disruption of the plateau surface by normal and strike-slip faults. Fault scarps partitioned large catchments fed by widely averaged sediment and water influxes into smaller catchments with more contrasted water balances and sediment fluxes. The evolution of the Central Anatolian Plateau shows that top-down processes of integration can outcompete erosion of outer plateau slopes to reintegrate plateau interior drainages, and this is overlooked in current models, in which drainage evolution is dominated by bottom-up integration. Top-down integration has the advantage that it can be driven by more subtle changes in climatic and tectonic boundary conditions than bottom-up integration.

View article: https:/ / pubs. geoscienceworld. org/ gsa/ geosphere/ article-abstract/ doi/ 10. 1130/ GES02247. 1/ 595917/ Fast-Pliocene-integration-of-the-Central-Anatolian

Postcaldera intrusive magmatism at the Platoro caldera complex, Southern Rocky Mountain volcanic field, Colorado, USA

Amy K. Gilmer; Ren A. Thompson; Peter W. Lipman; Jorge A. Vazquez; A. Kate Souders

Abstract: The Oligocene Platoro caldera complex of the San Juan volcanic locus in Colorado (USA) features numerous exposed plutons both within the caldera and outside its margins, enabling investigation of the timing and evolution of postcaldera magmatism. Intrusion whole-rock geochemistry and phenocryst and/or mineral trace element compositions coupled with new zircon U-Pb geochronology and zircon in situ Lu-Hf isotopes document distinct pulses of magma from beneath the caldera complex. Fourteen intrusions, the Chiquito Peak Tuff, and the dacite of Fisher Gulch were dated, showing intrusive magmatism began after the 28.8 Ma eruption of the Chiquito Peak Tuff and continued to 24 Ma. Additionally, magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization is associated with the intrusive magmatism within and around the margins of the Platoro caldera complex. After caldera collapse, three plutons were emplaced within the subsided block between ca. 28.8 and 28.6 Ma. These have broadly similar modal mineralogy and whole-rock geochemistry. Despite close temporal relations between the tuff and the intrusions, mineral textures and compositions indicate that the larger two intracaldera intrusions are discrete later pulses of magma. Intrusions outside the caldera are younger, ca. 28-26.3 Ma, and smaller in exposed area. They contain abundant glomerocrysts and show evidence of open-system processes such as magma mixing and crystal entrainment. The protracted magmatic history at the Platoro caldera complex documents the diversity of the multiple discrete magma pulses needed to generate large composite volcanic fields.

View article: https:/ / pubs. geoscienceworld. org/ gsa/ geosphere/ article-abstract/ doi/ 10. 1130/ GES02242. 1/ 595918/ Postcaldera-intrusive-magmatism-at-the-Platoro

GEOSPHERE articles are available at https:/ / geosphere. geoscienceworld. org/ content/ early/ recent . Representatives of the media may obtain complimentary copies of GEOSPHERE articles by contacting Kea Giles at the address above. Please discuss articles of interest with the authors before publishing stories on their work, and please refer to GEOSPHERE in articles published. Non-media requests for articles may be directed to GSA Sales and Service, gsaservice@geosociety.org.

https:/ / www. geosociety. org/

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Mr. Clarke was recently honored by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, known commonly as BAFTA, with the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema prize at its annual ceremony earlier this month, even though it was made aware of the accusations nearly two weeks before the ceremony.

BAFTA said in a statement on Friday that in the days following an announcement that Mr. Clarke would be awarded the prize, it received emails accusing him of sexual misconduct.

The allegations, the organization said, were either anonymous or second- or third-hand accounts via intermediaries, adding that it would have responded differently if the testimonies had come directly from the accusers.

No names, times, dates, productions or other details were ever provided, BAFTA said. Had the victims gone on record as they have with The Guardian, the award would have been suspended immediately.

BAFTA, which had previously honored Mr. Clarke with its rising star award in 2009, said in an earlier statement, released shortly after the article was published, that it had suspended his award and membership of the academy immediately and until further notice.

The Guardian report cited nearly two dozen women in the movie industry who said they had been subjected to a range of abuses that include unwanted physical contact, groping and forced kisses, as well as unsolicited sexual behavior on set, including eight on the record.

The Norwegian film producer Synne Seltveit said Mr. Clarke slapped her buttocks in 2015, and later sent an unwanted explicit sexual picture. The actress Gina Powel said Mr. Clarke exposed himself to her in a car and later groped her in an elevator, also in 2015. Anna Avramenko, an assistant film director, said Mr. Clarke had forcibly kissed her on set in 2008 and had tried several times again after the incident.
by Fady Noun

The lack of border controls with Syria weighs heavily. Hezbollah uses the gaps in the border for its own cross-border trade. Many fear the country might become a drug trade hub for Gulf countries. At least 120 illegal crossings exist along the Syrian border. Selling drugs in Saudi Arabia is also a political aim.

Beirut (AsiaNews)  Is the plain of the Beqaa Valley in central Lebanon turning into a hub for drug trafficking to the Gulf countries? The Maronite Patriarch, Card Bechara al-Rahi, expressed this fear a few days ago after Saudi Arabia stopped all imports of fruits and vegetables from Lebanon, following the discovery of millions of tablets of Captagon (an amphetamine-based psychotropic drug) cleverly concealed inside a cargo of pomegranates shipped by sea from Lebanon.

The Saudi decision has dealt a major blow to Lebanons farmers in a country already reeling from its worst economic crisis in its history. The ban, which came into force last Sunday, is hurting an economy already in deep distress.

According to figures released by the farmers' union, Lebanon exports on average 55.4 per cent of its agricultural production to the Gulf States every year. The website of Lebanons customs reports that the country exported US$ 29.3 million worth of fruit and vegetables to Saudi Arabia in 2020.

In Lebanon, the case has reignited the debate about cross-border smuggling and the need to increase controls.

After a meeting on Monday at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanese President Michel Aoun urged Saudi Arabia to grant Lebanon a moratorium and reverse its decision. In exchange, he pledged to boost the fight against the illicit trade.

however, scepticism prevails in political circles about the capacity of Lebanon's security forces to control the country's borders.

According to the preliminary results of the investigation by customs, cited by Lebanese daily L'Orient-Le Jour, the shipment of pomegranates stuffed with Captagon was brought into Lebanon from Syria before it could get a Lebanese produce label and be re-exported to Saudi Arabia.

Ibrahim Tarchichi, president of the Beqaa Farmers Union, notes Lebanon does not grow pomegranates. First of all, it's not pomegranate season here, not to mention it's not a fruit we normally export, he added. These fruits were imported into Lebanon by a fictitious company. They arrived from Syria on 26 January 2020 on lorries that went through the Masnaa border crossing.

A quick investigation determined that the fruit that entered Lebanon was then stored at a storage facility in the Beqaa Valley before ending up at the Port of Beirut.

Taken over by the Intelligence Bureau of Lebanons Internal Security Forces, the investigation has already led to the arrest of four people linked to the fictitious company that smuggled the pomegranates into Lebanon.

For the investigators, it is now a question of what help the traffickers received in getting the certificate of origin necessary to export pomegranates, a procedure that involves the Ministries of Agriculture and of the Economy, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Beqaa Valley.

Logistically, the discovery of Captagon tablets highlights the lack of monitoring equipment at Lebanon's borders.

During the meeting at the presidential palace, the president strongly complained that Lebanon's borders are being abandoned, and that a decree signed in July 2020 for the purchase of remote sensing scanners for the Port has not yet been executed.

Always from a logistical perspective, since the economy plunged into a crisis in October 2019, the country has been fighting illegal crossing points along its 375-kilometre border with Syria.

Officially, there are five border posts between the two countries; unofficially, the Lebanese army has listed 120 illegal crossing points, ranging from mule tracks to dirt roads wide enough to let lorries and fuel tankers through. In fact, petrol smuggling between the two countries is in full swing at the moment.

Despite the installation of watchtowers along the border thanks to British aid, the army is still failing to control the border, especially since Hezbollah considers that some smuggling with Syria is an act of resistance to prevent US sanctions from economically asphyxiating that country.

In Lebanon, some political groups also believe that the fates of Syria and Lebanon are one and the same, in line with the doctrine of Syrias ruling Baath Party.

It is clear that, in such a political atmosphere, Saudi authorities are more than sceptical about Lebanon's capacity of stemming a trade that Riyadh has warned against since 2011, when a Saudi delegation came to Lebanon to discuss it with Lebanese authorities.

Parliamentary Health Committee Chairman Assem Araji said the case is desperate. I'm from the Beqaa, and I know what I'm talking about, he said. It's a lost battle. We live in a house with no doors and no windows. The networks in place are stronger than the state; why in fact does a man arrested for drug trafficking not spend more than a week in prison?

For Marwan Hamadeh, a former minister and MP, there is no doubt about the involvement of Syrias allies in the country. A staunch foe of the Syrian regime, he notes that Hezbollah has been repeatedly blamed for Captagon trafficking in the region and that the Saudi ban could be a warning to Lebanon.

Narcotic and drug trafficking has become one of the main sources of income for the Shia party since Iran can no longer afford to finance it, Hamadeh explained.  In the case of traffic to Saudi Arabia, this is [also] political targeting. Traffic and export to selected destinations is part of Hezbollah's overall offensive.

What is more, Hamadeh added that The Saudis are complaining not only about Captagon, but also about Hezbollah radio and television broadcasting from the southern suburbs of Beirut and via Russian satellites to Yemen and Bahrain.

He warns that Lebanon might become more isolated within the international community if it continues to ignore the seriousness of the situation.
For more information on educator committees and to join an expanding network of such committees internationally, go to wsws.org/edsafety.

The Alabama Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee (AERFSC) held a meeting on Saturday, April 24, to demand safe working conditions and to express their solidarity with the ongoing strike of Warrior Met Coal miners near Birmingham. Lively reports and discussion summarized the lessons of the current battles that teachers, miners and Amazon workers face in Alabama and throughout the United States.

Striking miners in Brookwood, Alabama (Photo: Friends of Coal Alabama)

We are here to support educators, Warrior Met miners and Amazon workers here in the state of Alabama against the capitalist system that is putting our lives in danger, said a founding member of the group in opening the meeting. In my district, we have been fighting collectively. We have been arguing for our rights as teachers and as human beings to work in an environment that allows us to live and breathe.

We had to fight numerous obstacles. We held numerous protests  and were forced to either work or be denied pay. We fought. We used science, we used everything before us to argue that we all need to be at home while were in this pandemic, and it took eight lives to pass before they finally made us go remotely virtual.

We also had numerous teachers be sick, as well as students, family members and workers. All of this for what, for what? For what cause? The information that were going to be providing here shows that its not just educators that are going through this but all workers. We want to show that we stand together and unite with all working class people to show that we have rights.

We should not be shamed. We should not be put aside and we should not be silenced for fighting for our right to survive.

Today we have people from Amazon, other teachers and from the Socialist Equality Party to let you know the tools that you need so that you can go back to your areas and do the same thing. There is no such thing as being wrong to argue for your right to live as well as make a living.

Socialist Equality Party leader Julian LHeureau spoke on the global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time last year we saw 3 million cases globally, and over 200,000 people who lost their lives to the virus. Today, more than 3 million are dead and the average number of daily confirmed cases is at the highest rate during the entire pandemic, standing at more than 752,000.

LHeureau called the pandemic a devastating indictment of the ruling elites of every major country and the capitalist system as a whole and denounced the ruling class incessant drive to reopen the economy and the schools and its failure to guarantee universal vaccinations worldwide.

Emma Arcenaux, another SEP member, also spoke on the international conditions against which the fight of Alabama educators plays out. She highlighted the rampant spread of the virus throughout India and Brazil, remarking that the mass graves of the latter give the lie to Bolsonaros position that the virus is just a little flu.

She noted that Alabama Governor Kay Iveys assertion that the pandemic is winding to a close is a lie meant to disarm and blind workers to the grave danger posed by the accelerating pandemic. ... In fact, we are in the worst part of the pandemic to date.

A founding member of the Baltimore Amazon Workers [BWI2] Rank-and-File Safety Committee addressed the recent repudiation of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)s organizing drive at the warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama. He emphasized the need for independent rank-and-file committees answerable to the working class itself.

The Amazon worker pointed out that the union failed to put forward a single demand, Why should anyone vote yes to a black box, pie-in-the-sky? Our rank and file group has a real set of demands. For example, we should have a real system of contact tracing. We should know, in real time, the number of [COVID-19] cases, the shift time and department of the infected, and when they were detected. All Amazonians must know if they were in proximity of the individual(s), and must be allowed to quarantine with full pay. We need paid time off without threat of termination. We need an end to abusive speed-up and excessive monitoring [time off task, TOT] and tracking. We need immediate reinstatement of hazard pay with retroactive pay increases.

He noted that the RWDSU ignored the death of Poushawn Brown, a former Amazonian who died in January. We have thousands of members, but no one is told when a worker dies. He added that the rank-and-file group in Baltimore is demanding Amazon release all information regarding her work conditions in the Covid Department, and full financial and medical support to the Brown family.

He told the Alabama teachers, We have shared interests in uniting our struggles and quoted from a statement passed by the BWI2 rank-and-file group in February, Teachers cannot do their jobs in an unsafe environment, just as we cannot do our jobs under unsafe conditions at Amazon. Schools have been underfunded by Democratic and Republican administrations for decades. Why should we trust what these people say about the safety of our schools? He then shared that his own daughter was infected with COVID-19 two weeks after returning to class.

We urge you to read our materials and join one of the rank-and-file committees, he concluded.

A former educator and current SEP member spoke on the developing class struggle in Alabama. She spoke about how Bessemer workers are forced to work 12-hour shifts, sometimes back to back. Workers have told us of falling asleep while standing up on the job. One worker told me that her entire shift tested positive. Amazon did nothing to mitigate the spread. But workers had little to no confidence that the top-down union push would alleviate these conditions.

She also reported on the miners strike in Brookwood, Alabama, where over 1,000 miners have staged the nations first coal mine strike in 25 years. Miners at Brookwoods Warrior Met Coal took a $6 pay cut when the previous mine operators declared bankruptcy in 2015. They have worked for the past five years without a pay raise, yet the United Mine Workers of America agreed to a contract with Warrior Met Coal that would ensure only a $1.00 pay raise, with another $.50 promised within three years. Yet, each of its top executives was rewarded with six-figure bonuses last year.

The UMWA rushed to push through a contract that sent these miners back down into one of the nations deepest, most gassy and dangerous mines with nothing but a promise to make a mere $.50 an hour. The workers overwhelmingly rejected this, and sent the UMWA president packing, she emphasized. Moreover, she noted, Three weeks in, the miners get, at most, $300 weekly in strike benefits from the union. The union might as well have held a bake sale or put up a lemonade stand for the miners, she stated.

The miners risk their lives daily to haul up the metallurgical coal so prized by steel mills and they have suffered gruesome deaths. Their defiance of the UMWAs insulting contract with Warrior Met has forced the big-business union to launch a series of public-relations stunts such as the weekly unity rallies in order to neutralize miners defiance and bring them to heel, the AERFSC member stated.

A member of the Tennessee Educators Rank-and-File Committee spoke up, Hearing your struggles, it is amazing to me how similar they all are. She spoke about the oppressive evaluation systems which Tennessee schools are imposing on educators, despite the pandemic. As a teacher, she was marked down for not engaging her students, when there were 30 students in a room not fit for social distancing. The administrators have reduced us to a number, which follow us throughout our careers. An Alabama teacher concurred, pointing out they faced the same vindictive and retaliatory policies. A lot of things were wrong before the pandemic, a lot of inequities, but now that we have Covid, its much worse.

Reporting from the current national COVID-19 epicenter, Michigan, a teacher and supporter of the local Educators Rank-and-File Committee told the audience, We fought to remain remote but at the beginning of year, we lost that battle. Instead we had A, B hybrid. Weve transitioned 10 times through different modes! Its been very challenging for our educators, our students and families.

I am very concerned with the new outbreak. We are dealing with the highly transmissible British strain which is affecting children much more that the wild strain. Our positivity rate is now 26 percent, which is down from earlier when it was over 30 percent! She worries about the long-term impact, stating, Ive read that 13-14 percent of infected people have developed diabetes within six months of infection, and one in three have neuro-psychiatric problems. These will balloon in the next several years. How will we handle this? Weve already got a significant increase in chronic anxiety and depression, which every teacher is seeing in the classroom.

As much as it is politically expedient for them to say the schools are not transmitting it, this is absolutely false, the Michigan teacher said. Things were bad before the pandemic, she concluded, echoing her Tennessee counterparts report. The pandemic has just made things worse.

The Baltimore Amazon worker concluded, We aim to unite workers, not keep them separate. We urge everyone on this call to read our materials and join one of the committees near you.

The meeting ended with the Alabama moderator urging everyone to attend the online May Day rally sponsored by the International Committee of the Fourth International. The meeting will issue a call for the formation of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees.
New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote to Prime Minister Narendra on Friday (April 30) and extended sympathies over the ongoing second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic which has created havoc in the nation.

In a letter to his counterpart, the Chinese President said that he is "very concerned about the recent situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in India and on behalf of the Chinese Government and people, as well as in my own name, I would like to express sincere sympathies to the Indian Government and people."

This is the first official communication from Xi Jinping to PM Modi since the stand-off in eastern Ladakh and the Galwan Valley incident in 2020.

Highlighting how, "humanity is a community with a shared future", President Xi said, "only through solidarity and cooperation can countries around the world ultimately defeat the pandemic."

Further, while extending Chinas cooperation, the Chinese premier said, "Chinese side stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the Indian side in fighting the pandemic and provide support and help in this regard", adding, "I believe that under the leadership of the Indian Government, the Indian people will surely prevail over the pandemic."

Many Indian private companies have been procuring essentials from China to deal with the ongoing crisis in India. A private company, SpiceHealth airlifted, 800 oxygen concentrators from Hong Kong.
A woman featured in a spine safety poster urging her male-dominated workplace to 'Feel great - lubricate!' has been awarded $200,000 in damages.

Customer service worker Reem Yelda lodged a sexual harassment claim in 2017 over how she had been portrayed in promotional material posted around Sydney Water facilities.

In large letters above an image of Ms Yelda stretching was the phrase: 'Feel great - lubricate!'

This safety poster produced by Sydney Water and Vitality Works resulted in a massive payout to the woman pictured, Reem Yelda, who could not face her colleagues after receiving suggestive remarks when it was published

A male worker who encouraged Ms Yelda to make a complaint in April 2016, said his first impression of the poster was seeing the woman pointing to 'lubricate'.

He only realised it was part of an injury prevention program when he read the whole poster, he told the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Ms Yelda left the workplace soon after making the complaint.

Sydney Water, which lost an appeal against NCAT's finding of sexual harassment, said it accepted Ms Yelda suffered some embarrassment and distress.

But that was moderated by her lack of immediate reaction when first seeing the poster in March 2016 and her comment 'I don't want to make a big deal about this at this stage' when complaining about the poster in April 2016.

She'd also circulated the poster nationally in the media, Sydney Water said.

Vitality Works, which produced the poster, apologised but said there was a clear link between its breach and Ms Yelda's subsequent medical and employment issues.

Sydney Water and Vitality Works each paid Ms Yelda $100,000 over the poster

Both companies contended damages of about $10,000 was appropriate.

But, having found Ms Yelda a 'credible, reliable and honest' witness, NCAT accepted she'd suffered psychological harm and loss of income.

Despite being regarded as a good and competent worker in the male-dominated workforce, the former customer liaison officer couldn't face people at Sydney Water after the poster was displayed, the tribunal said.

NCAT calculated her loss and damage at $318,280 but could not award more than $100,000 against each respondent.
Shortly after the Galaxy S20 series launched last year, numerous reports of spontaneous cracks appearing on the back camera glass emerged online. It's still unknown how widespread the issue is but the company has since acknowledged the problem and said that the users are not at fault.

A US law firm, however, thinks that this isn't enough and Samsung has breached several consumer-protection laws. The firm in question is Hagens Berman and claims that the Korean tech giant has misled the consumers. The glass for the camera module is low-quality and doesn't reflect the price of the devices.

Furthermore, once the glass cracks, it voids the IP rating and cripples one of the phone's main functionality - the camera. This issue affects pretty much all of the Galaxy S20 devices, including their 4G and 5G variants as well as the S20 FE and S20 FE 5G. And in case you are a US resident, you can be a part of the class action lawsuit too by submitting this form.

Source
Attack adverts have accused Sadiq Khan of 'ruining' London as the race for City Hall heats up ahead of the capital's mayoral election on May 6.

Adverts published by the Fair Tax Campaign group also claim the Labour Mayor is 'constantly blaming everyone else' for the capital's problems.

The adverts published by the group, which is reportedly run by former adviser to Boris Johnson, Alex Crowley, have sparked a Labour backlash.

It came as Tory candidate Shaun Bailey campaigned alongside Mr Johnson this morning at Romford Market as he returned to his claim that Mr Khan had 'bankrupted' Transport for London, an accusation Mr Khan has denied.

Mr Bailey tweeted: 'Sadiq Khan has wasted 9.56 billion at TfL. This has meant that vital infrastructure projects have failed to be delivered.'

Sadiq Khan is looking to win a second term as London Mayor at elections on May 6 while Tory candidate Shaun Bailey is hoping to spring an upset and secure the capital for the Conservatives

The race for City Hall continues to heat up with attack adverts run by the Fair Tax Campaign having accused Mr Khan of 'ruining' London

Mr Bailey was joined on the campaign trail this morning by Boris Johnson as they toured Romford Market

One of the adverts published by the Fair Tax Campaign poses a number of questions to voters including 'how annoyed are you about London's endless traffic problems and continual fare hikes?'.

It also asks 'how angry are you about Sadiq Khan constantly blaming everyone else?' and 'do you want to use your vote to stop Sadiq Khan ruining our city?'.

It then shows a mocked up ballot paper suggesting people should vote for 'someone with a plan' and 'someone you can trust'.

The advert does not endorse a specific candidate. Another advert run by the group uses footage from an appearance by Mr Khan on ITV's This Morning programme when he was challenged on knife crime in the capital.

It ends with the statement: 'Mayor Khan: Costing you more, letting you down'.

The adverts prompted Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner to write to Mr Bailey to ask him to confirm that he had 'no interaction or coordination' with the Fair Tax Campaign.

Ms Rayner also called on Mr Bailey to condemn the adverts which she labelled 'secretive and underhand'.

Mr Bailey's campaign denied having any links to the campaign group.

A spokesman told The Guardian: 'Shaun Bailey has no involvement with the Fair Tax Campaign, which is entirely independent of the Shaun Bailey campaign.'

They added: 'London needs a fresh start  and it's not dark or underhanded to point that out.'

Mr Bailey has repeatedly accused Mr Khan of 'bankrupting' Transport for London, an accusation Mr Khan denies

Mr Bailey has used his own attack ads to criticise Mr Khan's record on transport in London.

The Tory mayoral candidate has repeatedly accused his Labour counterpart of 'bankrupting' TfL.

That accusation was repeated by Mr Johnson in October 2020 when he claimed in the Commons that Mr Khan had 'effectively bankrupted TfL before coronavirus had even hit'.

Mr Khan, who succeeded Mr Johnson in City Hall in May 2016, said: 'Before Covid I was fixing his mess at TfL- reducing the deficit by 71% since 2016. Covid-19 is the sole cause of TfL's challenges.'
The Ministry of National Defense spokesman Wu Qian. [Photo/mod.gov.cn]

The so-called zones and lines set up by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits are all invalid, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday.

Some Taiwan media reported the DPP authorities have recently set up so-called surveillance zones, warning zones and destruction zones for mainland military aircraft in the "airspace of the Taiwan Straits".

Taiwan's ruling party also made it a "red line" for reaction if a mainland military aircraft approaches the island within a radius of 30 nautical miles.

Following these moves, the People's Liberation Army conducted live-fire drills in the waters around the South China Sea and the Nanpeng Islands, a chain of islands located in the north of South China Sea, from April 15 to 20, according to the Guangdong provincial maritime bureau.

In response to these actions, spokesman Wu Qian said at a news conference the PLA's exercises near the Taiwan Straits are aimed at secessionist and external forces seeking and provoking "Taiwan independence".

He said Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and all so-called zones or lines cannot shake the country's determination to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The DPP trying to "pursue independence by force" is like "a mantis trying to stop a truck with its pincers", a move that will only lead to its own destruction, he added.
Birmingham police are investigating a double homicide after two males were found shot Thursday night.

One of the victims has been identified as Robert Thomas Dickson Jr., 39, Birmingham. The Jefferson County Coroners Office has not named the second victim.

At about 11:10 p.m., a North Precinct officer heard several gunshots near the 500 block of 10th Avenue West.

Multiple ShotSpotter alerts then went off at 512 10th Avenue West.

Officers sent to the area to investigate found the males inside of a vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived and pronounced both victims dead.

Currently, no one is in custody. Details are limited in this investigation, a police statement read.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 205-254-1764 or CrimeStoppers at 205-254-7777.
In a campaign coordinated across Russias two major cities, authorities on Friday raided several addresses connected to an opposition lawyer known for his work taking on the FSB, the countrys increasingly assertive security agency.

Ivan Pavlov, in Moscow to represent former journalist Ivan Safronov in a controversial espionage trial, was himself detained in his hotel room at 6am. Meanwhile, 430 miles northwest in St Petersburg, raids commenced at the office of his legal organisation, his family flat, and an apartment belonging to his IT manager.

A colleague said Mr Pavlov was being held under suspicion of disclosing secret court evidence. But the lawyers crime appears to be broader  getting under the skin of the FSB with what friends describe as a pedantic approach to the law. His detention sends out a clear warning to other lawyers intending to cause difficulties for the state.

Specialising in cases involving intelligence or espionage, Mr Pavlov took on the most sensitive cases produced by Russias legal system. The lawyers current caseload includes representing the legal structures of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny against extremism charges.

His defence of journalist Safronov in particular seems to have led to a public spat with the FSB.

The case has been cloaked in secrecy from the onset, with Mr Safronov yet to receive a clear explanation of the charges he faces. Mr Pavlov refused to sign documents formally classifying the proceedings, saying state secrets were already covered under existing laws.

He said the request amounted to an attempt to gag Mr Safronovs legal team.

They are denying us the possibility of a decent defence by disclosing the outrageous aspects of the case, he said at the time.

In comments made on his Facebook page, Yevgeny Smirnov, a colleague at Team 29  an association of Russian lawyers and journalists advocating for the rights of the countrys citizens to access information  alleged Mr Pavlov had received several direct threats from FSB investigators working on the Safronov case warning him about arrest.

They told him straight up: You have got stuck in our throat, and we will do everything to put you in prison, Mr Smirnov wrote.

Those who know Mr Pavlov describe him as a meticulous professional, analytical, and with an unrivalled understanding of the law.

Grigory Pasko, a military journalist who Mr Pavlov represented in two high-profile espionage trials in the late 1990s and early 2000s, told The Independent state investigators had become irritated by him because he was so smart. It was almost surprising that the FSB had taken so long to arrest him, he added.

Ivan is a trained mathematician, which you can see in every aspect of his work, he said. He doesnt like making mistakes and he doesnt generally make them.

They had decided to do so now for three reasons, Mr Pasko suggested.

First, to deter Mr Pavlovs professional team from taking on cases involving the security agencies. Second, to act as a pretext to return the privilege of appointing in-house lawyers in secrecy trials, essentially removing the profession from courtrooms. Third, to frighten independent lawyers in general.

Russias security agencies appear to be operating with greater freedom following the Kremlins declared victory in last Julys constitutional vote. That vote handed Mr Putin the keys to stay in power until 2036. Since then  and with the poisoning, evacuation, return and jailing of Alexei Navalny in the background  the states repressive apparatus has gone into overdrive.

With an intensity unseen since the days of the Soviet Union, authorities have arrived with search warrants at homes of dozens of opposition figures, activists and journalists.

Putins constitutional victory to stay in power until 2036 has resulted in more freedom for the states security agencies (EPA)

Lawyers have mostly been spared from direct intimidation. But in a Kafkaesque foregrounding to his own problems, Ivan Pavlov raised the alarm about such arrests beginning in the regions. He even founded an organisation called the Prague Club to defend lawyers facing such problems.

Pavel Chikov, who heads a legal advocacy NGO called Agora, said it appeared that the state had now decided to use the criminal code against the entire legal profession.

Later on Friday, a court sat without Mr Pavlov to decide on holding terms for Ivan Safronov, who has already spent nearly 10 months in jail.

The absence of defence counsel did not affect the outcome particularly, with a judge swiftly agreeing to the prosecutions request to extend pre-trial detention for two more months until July.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-01 01:17:28|Editor: huaxia

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ABUJA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 323 people were killed and 949 others kidnapped within three months in a spate of attacks by gunmen who have been on the rampage in Nigeria's northwestern state of Kaduna, an official data released by the government on Friday indicated.

In a security report for the first quarter of 2021 made available to Xinhua, the Kaduna government also confirmed that troops killed 64 gunmen and arrested several gunrunners during the period under review.

The report, according to Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs in the state, covers various attacks, including banditry, reprisal attacks, kidnapping, and cattle-rustling in the northern state.

Of the total number of deaths recorded from the various aforementioned attacks, 20 were women and 11 were minors, Aruwan noted.

The official said, however, that multiple scores of bandits were neutralized via about 150 targeted aerial missions conducted by the Nigeria air force during the period under review.

"These missions were initiated based on credible intelligence of bandit activity and locations of camps, which were targeted and destroyed," he said.

He added that vigorous investigations are ongoing toward dismantling more gun-running and arms routes into the state, as these are central to the perpetuation of violence and armed banditry, through the trade in small arms and light weapons. Enditem
State

With time running out on the Texas legislative session, health experts urge lawmakers to prepare for the next pandemic

Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune file photo People are seen on the street spring of 2020 in Austin. With time running out on the Texas legislative session, health experts are urging lawmakers to prepare for the next pandemic.

About a year ago, as a once-in-a-century public health crisis was unraveling across the world, it was abundantly clear how unprepared Texas was for the pandemic.

An aging data collection system within the Texas Department of State Health Services made it difficult for health officials to fully assess the impact of COVID-19, which the states official numbers say has left nearly 50,000 people dead. Protective gear and COVID-19 tests were in short supply, leaving health care providers and governments scrambling to find supplies. Waves of infection would soon overwhelm entire hospital systems, while morgues across the state would run out of space to store the dead.

But now, with vaccines widely available and daily new case totals declining, preparing for the next pandemic is competing for space on the legislative priority list. Hot-button conservative issues  such as the permitless carrying of handguns, voting restrictions and measures targeting transgender children  and the states response to a deadly winter storm have taken up much of the oxygen in the Capitol this legislative session. And the legislative proposals related to the pandemic gaining the most attention from Republican leadership in both chambers are bills that would restrict the governors ability to impose restrictions in public health emergencies.

With fewer than 35 days left in the legislative session, public health experts are urging lawmakers to prioritize preparations for another infectious disease outbreak  the possibility of which health officials say is increasingly likely. Lawmakers this session have filed a flurry of proposals related to the pandemic, many of which are at varying stages of the legislative process. Some, experts say, constitute meaningful reform. Others, they warn, could leave the state worse off.

A boom and bust cycle

Gerald Parker, director of the Pandemic and Biosecurity Policy Program at Texas A&M Universitys Bush School of Government and Public Service, said officials often prepare for infectious diseases in the immediate aftermath of an outbreak. But, as other issues take priority over time, attention to and funding for public health issues fades in what he called a boom and bust cycle.

Were going to be faced with a future series of epidemics, outbreaks  whether they rise in the category of a pandemic, we cant predict, Parker said. But COVID has told us we need to take preparedness much more seriously than we have in the past as a nation.

One area of particular concern for legislators is the power wielded by the governor during prolonged times of emergency. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott faced fierce criticism from officials within his party over unilateral decisions to temporarily shut down Texas businesses and to require face masks be worn in public spaces. Abbott also resisted calls from some lawmakers to convene a special session of the Legislature to consider pandemic-related proposals and to weigh how the state should spend billions in federal relief dollars.

In response, lawmakers have sought to curb the power of the governor during states of emergency or disaster. The Texas Senate earlier this year took up and passed bills that would prohibit nursing homes from shutting down visitation to people deemed essential caregivers. Other measures with Senate backing would forbid the governor from mandating the closure of places of worship or gun stores under any circumstances. These proposals, all of which were listed among Lt. Gov. Dan Patricks top 31 priorities, run counter to guidance from public health experts, many of whom have advocated for strategic closures or capacity limitations as a way to slow the spread of the virus.

The most comprehensive attempt to claw back power from the governor is a proposed constitutional amendment  Senate Joint Resolution 45 and its enabling bill, Senate Bill 1025  that would require the governor to call a special session in order to declare a state emergency that lasts more than 30 days. The special session would give lawmakers the chance to terminate or adjust executive actions taken by the governor, or pass new laws related to the disaster or emergency. It would also specify that a statewide disaster declaration preempts a local one.

In discussion on the Senate floor, state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, who previously served as Travis County judge, expressed concern that the Legislature would not be able to act quickly enough to respond to events during a disaster.

I dont see this Legislature being able to convene fast enough to answer ... in the kind of disasters I have seen and expect the state to see in the future, Eckhardt said.

Eckhardts concern was shared by medical experts, who cautioned that state and local officials need flexibility to respond to emergencies in real time.

Some of those regulatory ceilings Texas has set prevent a lot of really important work that needs to be done at the local level, said Valerie Koch, co-director of the Health Law and Policy Institute at the University of Houston Law Center. She said that measures like those currently moving through the Legislature often come at the detriment of public health and could exacerbate existing health disparities.

In the Texas House, a wide-ranging pandemic bill that was deemed a top priority of the chambers leadership has so far struggled to gain momentum. House Bill 3 by state Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, would, among other things, carve out future pandemics from how the state responds to other disasters, require local jurisdictions to receive approval from the secretary of state before altering voting procedures during a pandemic and address liability protections for businesses operating during a pandemic. It has languished in the House State Affairs Committee for more than a month.

Koch said that lawmakers should act with some urgency in preparing for the next crisis. But she warned against a knee jerk reaction based on political whims rather than sound scientific evidence that justifies various restrictions.

Its much harder to get public buy in if you are slapping a Band-Aid on problems, rather than exploring and researching and analyzing [and] proposing rules that can be applicable in future circumstances, Koch added.

Some measures from the Senate

Though they havent been flagged as top priorities by Patrick, the Texas Senate last week advanced a pair of bills that represent perhaps the most substantial action by either chamber in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The sweeping Senate Bill 968 by state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, who chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, includes a mix of provisions that experts say would bring mixed results.

The measure would require Texas to contract with companies to guarantee an adequate stockpile of personal protective equipment. It would also create the Office of the Chief Epidemiologist within DSHS to respond to disease outbreaks and coordinate with the Texas Division of Emergency Management. An expert panel, composed of five doctors and four health care providers, would be charged with providing recommendations to the chief epidemiologist during declared emergencies or disasters. And the proposal would require health officials to produce a report on the successes and failures of the states coronavirus response.

Parker, of Texas A&M University, stressed the importance of cooperation between state agencies in preparedness and response.

The need to work seamlessly is absolutely essential, he said.

However, if passed by the Texas House and signed by Abbott, the measure would also limit the duration of a public health disaster or emergency declaration to just 30 days. Only the Legislature would have the power to renew a declaration. And the bill would ban government agencies or businesses from requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination, an expansion of an earlier executive order signed by Abbott that outlawed so called vaccine passports.

Senate Bill 969, also by Kolkhorst, addresses what Parker called the heartbeat of pandemic response: data collection. A glitchy state computer system stymied efforts in the early days of the pandemic to track and manage the coronavirus in Texas and left policymakers with incomplete, and at times inaccurate, data about the virus spread. Reliable and transparent data could better prepare hospitals for a wave of infections or inform decisions about resource allocation, Parker said.

It allows us a better ability to anticipate shortfalls and cover those shortfalls before they even happen, Parker said.

The bill, which was unanimously approved by the state Senate, would require DSHS to publicly post on its website all available de-identified public health data during a disaster and coordinate with local health officials to implement a standardized and streamlined method for sharing information. DSHS would also release compliance reports for laboratories that report data to the state and conduct quality assurance checks to ensure data is systematically reviewed for errors and completeness. Health care facilities that fail to report information could be fined up to $1,000 for each instance.

Lawmakers and the public alike have watched as government agencies responded with sweeping statewide policies to reduce the impact of the virus, Kolkhorst said in a March statement after the bills were filed. Sometimes these measures struggled to find the right balance between public health and our individual rights. We must now utilize the lessons learned over the past year to improve the states response to any future health event.

Structural, systemic barriers

While experts have pointed to the need to prepare for future health crises, they also say that there are immediate steps lawmakers must take to address longstanding disparities in health care that have been laid bare and exacerbated by the pandemic.

Texas has the largest share of uninsured people in the nation, leaving many with costly medical bills at a time when tens of thousands of people lost their jobs. Communities of color in Texas have disproportionately died from the virus, but vaccine distribution in those areas lags behind whiter, more affluent parts of the state.

These inequities are not new, said Nadia Siddiqui, chief health equity officer at the Texas Health Institute. They are a reflection of the deep and longstanding, underlying structural and social inequities that low-income [communities] and communities of color have faced for too long.

Siddiqui said its vital that lawmakers act now to expand vaccination access in rural areas and communities of color through mobile clinics and partnerships with community organizations. She also stressed the need to expand access to health insurance for low-income Texans. Texas is one of 12 states that have not expanded eligibility for Medicaid, a federal insurance program for low-income people.

And she called on the Legislature to reinvest in an Office of Health Equity. In 2017, lawmakers defunded and quietly shuttered the Office of Minority Health Statistics and Engagement, an office within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission that addressed racial disparities and worked with communities to promote racial equity in health care.

In response, a group of Democratic Texas state representatives filed a measure to formally establish and fund the Office of Health Equity. The Texas House on Thursday is slated to take up House Bill 4139. A similar measure in the Senate by state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, was referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee but has not yet received a hearing.

Weve really got to address those structural, systemic barriers to opportunity and health within our state, Siddiqui said.
Reinhard Distinguished - BHPian



Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 4,019 Thanked: 12,704 Times

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re: Designer Pratap Bose quits Tata Motors. EDIT: To join Mahindra! The gentleman has some sort of charisma, halo about him. His eccentric approach on social media, yet his very active presence on it made him a favourite of masses. His interesting tastes like scale model plane kits and collections - won (and will continue to win) him fans (me included) that not everyone gets.



His contribution to the turn around at TaMo over the last 1.5 decade definitely has been invaluable. This change I was actually expecting since a couple of years to be honest. In design - its always beneficial for the designer as well as the organization to have a churn. Otherwise things start looking alike after a while since there is no change of scenery for anyone. This means - if the designs are not to the liking of some people (and its always the case) - all the cars start to appear not likable for that set of people. Thus - losing target customers for a while! I for example - Don't like the rear of the 2020 Nexon, and the Harrier at all. It was becoming a trend too.



Such a reset is great for both. And if anyone thinks that it was all just Pratap Bose - then that is wrong too. We can safely assume that the team on the ground that remains under new leadership has all the magic that is needed to remain on this improved path recently picked by TaMo. Let's see which company now has the good fortune of working with this exciting design personality! Last edited by Reinhard : 29th April 2021 at 11:04 .
Dear Bel,

Im nearly 70, my brother nearly 77. We live about 25 miles away from each other.

When I was a teenager he was an insurance agent, married with two children. Our neighbour died from cancer and my brother was dealing with it, but instead of paying out to the widower, he stole the money and spent it on a girlfriend. The widower called the police and he was sent to Strangeways prison.

Mum was ostracised by the neighbours and it broke her heart.

Thought of the day What am I now that I was then? May memory restore again and again The smallest color of the smallest day: Time is the school in which we learn, Time is the fire in which we burn. From Calmly We Walk Through This Aprils Day by Delmore Schwartz (U.S. poet 1913-1966) Advertisement

I was 16 and went once with Mum to visit him. It was awful; I never went again.

His wife left with the children and he never saw them again. When he was released, Mum cashed in a policy and gave him the money to allow him to get a flat.

He went away for a week with a girlfriend. The money all spent, he came home to live with us. I hated him for what he had done to Mum and could barely speak to him. He carried on with different girls, and got one pregnant and married her.

Forty years later, they dont get on, but have two daughters, both married. I see very little of them and dont interact with my nieces, but do have a good relationship with his wife, whos a saint for putting up with him.

Meanwhile, I got married, divorced, met a lovely man at work and married again, was widowed 30 years ago and survived breast cancer. Ive been self-sufficient since 2008, speak to my brother occasionally on the phone but rarely see him.

He has been diagnosed with vascular dementia  accelerating rapidly  and hes asked to come to stay with me for a weekend at the coast while he can still remember things.

I know I have to do this one thing for him, even if only to give my sister-in-law a break. But I just cannot face even two days with him. I know I have to and know I will regret it if I dont. I cant remember when I was last alone with him.

I know you should forgive, but I just cant. Despite tragedy, Ive had a lovely life, been to some amazing places, met some lovely people, and am contented alone.

I know he has stolen from his kids, his wife, and they lost their home because of him.

Any advice will be helpful, even though I know what you will say, and what I have to do. It just feels better writing it down.

SALLY

This week Bel advises a reader who asks whether she should let her wicked but frail brother visit her

Time after time I hear from readers that the act of writing a problem down is cathartic, so its good to know you feel better, Sally, for telling me this sad (and originally much longer) story.

Reading the problems of other people on this page may chime within your own heart.

Your problem with this brother is not at all unusual  in fact, I was discussing a similar issue with my mother two days ago. We agreed that sometimes its vital to be honest about your own feelings concerning a family member who has caused great damage in the past.

We cant always play nice guy and make excuses for inexcusable behaviour. We dont have to give unconditional love to blood relatives who have hurt those we love.

Sometimes its a relief to say, Hes always been a s***.

So we can agree on that one. Then, interestingly, you write, I know what you will say, and what I have to do  and yes, youre correct. I believe you should give him those two or three days, even though you really dont want to.

This is not a question of forgiving your brother for all the wrongs he has done to so many people  because another tough truth is that some behaviour remains unforgivable. But (and there is always the but) it does depend on whether the sinner is sorry. In my Christian faith, repentance is crucial, and a decent justice system also acknowledges the importance of remorse, as well as reparation.

At this stage in his life, because of the dementia, he will be changing  who knows how?

Perhaps even now he is recalling the past (so much easier to remember than the present for somebody with dementia) and feeling real regrets. Is he sorry for what he did then?

Perhaps it will be good for you to ask him outright. This might be a chance to settle some things between you, especially when you talk about your mother.

With suitable reticence I just want to share with you here the fact that I, too, had a problematic brother for whom I had incredibly complicated and often hostile feelings.

But towards the end of his life I also believed I had a duty (in spite of my darker emotions) to do what I could to help him. Thats all. It wasnt what I wanted, but (like you) I knew that I would feel worse if I didnt do what I knew to be the right thing.

The French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre would have called my personal story acting in bad faith. But those philosophers tended to think themselves above the rules which motivate normal human beings.

I believe we can try to do good things, even if we act through gritted teeth.

I believe we can hold out a hand to help, even if the other hand would like to give the sinner a good whack.

Im 54 and desperate to have some fun

Dear Bel

A few years ago I was in a long-term, emotionally abusive relationship (plus three children and two dogs!) that I got out of.

It was traumatic, but I say a prayer of thanks every day that I could make a new start just before lockdown last year.

Others were not so lucky. Im grateful for health and happiness during these hard times, but Ive turned 54 and think Im going through a mid-life crisis!

Always quiet and shy, I never wanted to lose my virginity, and waited until I was 22. Well, now I want to rebel! Ive lost weight, feel attractive, get admiring looks and enjoy it!

Im dating a wonderful old flame (I broke his heart at 18) who worships the ground I walk on. My family loves him. When he fell on hard times, I helped him out and now hes so thankful and would spoil me if he could. But Im finding I want excitement.

One side of me says I should be content, but the other says rebel. I dont even feel guilty for being unfaithful. I want to be free, but free of what? I dont know.

Ive been on a dating site and not had a bad experience  yet. I want to be taken out wined and dined, but feel panicked by all these thoughts.

My daughter is 18 and living with me, so I need to be sensible. But another part of me is saying, hey, it wont be long before Im too old to experience these thrills!

Please help me see some sense. My freedoms getting the better of me and I may get into trouble for it.

CAROLINE

Your letter is strangely exhilarating  and so my first thought was: You go for it, girlfriend! Having endured so many years in a terrible relationship, and then later during the attempts to break free from your exs clutches, you want to live life to the full right now.

Who can blame you for noticing those flattering glances and looking in the mirror and realising that the years pass more quickly than ever?

Why shouldnt you kick over the traces and have fun?

Of course, nothing is ever that easy, for few people can completely cut themselves off from precious obligations.

Two of your children have left home, but you still have an 18-year-old daughter to consider. You also have to be careful not to hurt that wonderful old flame who adores you and sounds capable of making you happy.

To be honest, Im visualising you as the heroine of one of those insightful novels published by Persephone  classics by rediscovered women novelists such as Dorothy Whipple and Elizabeth Jenkins, who wrote about female characters hurt by men who break free, become reckless, cause themselves pain and ultimately grow through the experience.

Im not trying to write a script for your new life, but do you see what I mean? Many of us will recognise your yearning to be unencumbered, to kickstart the engine and head out on the highway. Gather ye rose-buds while ye may is a very old literary theme  and for good reason.

I often used to stay up drinking and smoking until 4am because I thought life too short to be good. More wine! More music! Not to mention the flirting . . . As Sinatra sang: Regrets, Ive had a few / But then again, too few to mention.

But that takes me back to the danger of hurting  not your boyfriend, but yourself.

If you were to chase after every thrill that came your way, you might have a good time, but end up feeling used and miserable.

If you were to hurt your man and annoy or embarrass your daughter, you might be left tormented by guilt as well as (in the worst case) alone.

But you know all this  and thats why you want to be told to see sense. As ever, moderation is the way forward. If you have a fling, be very careful and keep it secret.

Dont let some stranger exploit you in any way at all because that would be a truly expensive thrill.

And why not rekindle the excitement with your man?

And finally...Why family will always come first

Well, we finally got there. A week ago, my widowed mother moved to live independently in her own cosy and elegant annexe (refurbished by my husband) on our homestead. Its very stressful, at the great age of 96, to leave the house youve lived in for two decades, but Mum is stalwart.

Contact Bel Bel answers readers' questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. A pseudonym will be used if you wish. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence. Advertisement

Now she has her beloved grandson (co-owner of this property) and his wife right next door, and us just 45 paces away. Mums eight-year-old great-grandson visits for a chat (Hello, Great-Nan) and his wee brother makes her smile.

Weve warned her that it gets pretty noisy here when the other two come over! Ear-plugs might be in order . . .

All this has taken a lot of physical and emotional effort, but I know were very fortunate to be able to achieve it. As one of my neighbours remarked the other day, its how families once tended to live in the countryside.

Some years ago my husband and I went to Bali for a holiday and were fascinated by family compounds in villages  three or four generations living behind an encircling fence, the young ready to help the old when necessary.

There are many countries where people would find it shocking for elders to be left to fend for themselves, as is so often the case in Britain.

Readers will have realised from all my (controversial to some people) remarks about lockdown rules that my family has always come first  and always will. Is that so strange?

Be sure that I am not romanticising family life. My reply to this weeks lead letter can be seen in this context, and I realise from all the experience of this column that families can be toxic and cause untold damage. At the same time I know the family is the bedrock of a stable society, and believe that sometimes we may have to curb selfishness for the sake of those who gave us life.

Anyway, here we are, four generations on one site  and it feels good.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Ukraine next week in a show of 'unwavering' support after Russian troops amassed on its border, the State Department said Friday.

Russia in recent weeks deployed up to 100,000 troops near Ukraine's northern and eastern borders as well as in Crimea, which Moscow seized in 2014, raising concerns of a major escalation.

But Moscow announced on April 23 that it had started withdrawing its forces, bringing at least momentary relief in Kiev and the NATO alliance.

Blinken's visit Wednesday and Thursday is intended 'to reaffirm unwavering US support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression,' State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

Blinken will meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and also push for action against corruption, a longstanding demand by Western partners of Ukraine, Price said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Ukraine next week in a show of 'unwavering' support after Russian troops amassed on its border

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (center) inspects at the southern frontline positions near the border of Crimea - he will meet with Blinken next week

Blinken's trip comes as President Joe Biden ramps up pressure on Russia but also prepares for a summit proposed with his counterpart Vladimir Putin in hopes of stabilizing the relationship.

'This is the old-fashioned business of secretaries of state, going places to have photo-ops to say, yes, the United States is interested in you and supports the government in charge on various policy issues,' said Yuval Weber, an expert on Russia and Eurasia at the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute and Texas A&M's Bush School of Government and Public Service in Washington.

Weber said that Russia's recent show of force was intended to send a message to the new Biden administration -- and will keep Ukraine on edge.

While Russia pulled back troops after its exercises, it left defense equipment in the border regions, in what Weber said was a clear parallel to Moscow's preparations before its offensive with Georgia in 2008.

'The troop buildup has been to some extent normalized, so the next time there is a troop buildup it will be a little less surprising,' Weber said.

Russia has signaled 'that we have great capabilities to do something in the future, and they can instill additional insecurity in the Ukrainian body politic and Ukrainian mind.'

Zelensky has pointed to the Russian troop movements to ask for a fast-track into NATO membership, a prospect opposed by Western Europeans concerned about Russia's response and which has met a cool reception in Washington.

More than 13,000 people have died in Ukraine since 2014 in the only active fighting on European soil as Kiev battles pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

A ceasefire that took hold last July has been shredded, with clashes sharply increasing between Ukrainian forces and separatists since January.

Biden has already imposed sanctions and expelled Russian diplomats over Russia's alleged election interference, hacking and treatment of ailing dissident Alexei Navalny, a hardening of resolve after former president Donald Trump voiced admiration for Putin and conspiracy theories about Ukraine.

Trump's strong-arming of Zelensky to dig up dirt on Biden triggered his first impeachment and appears linked to an FBI raid Wednesday on the home of Trump's former personal lawyer, New York's ex-mayor, Rudy Giuliani.

The Biden administration has renewed pressure on Ukraine to root out corruption and improve governance.

Carrying out reforms will be 'key to securing Ukraine's democratic institutions, economic prosperity and Euro-Atlantic future,' Price said.

On the eve of announcing the trip, the State Department criticized Ukraine for removing the head of state energy company Naftogaz, saying the shakeup showed 'disregard for fair and transparent corporate governance practices.'

Russia in recent weeks deployed up to 100,000 troops near Ukraine's northern and eastern borders - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inspects at the southern frontline

In addition to his meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Secretary of State Blinken will be in London for meetings ahead of the G7

Blinken will be in Europe next week for critical talks on Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan and frayed transatlantic ties that the Biden administration hopes to repair, the State Department said.

The department said Blinken will visit London starting on Monday for a meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of 7 industrialized democracies.

Blinkens London trip is mainly designed to prepare Bidens participation in a G7 leaders summit that Britain will host in June. But its also aimed at presenting a united front to address global challenges posed by China, climate change and the coronavirus pandemic.

The G7 meeting in London is being held against the backdrop of the Biden administration's desire to restore close, cooperative ties with U.S. allies, notably on confronting China, Russia and climate change. Yet it also comes at a time of widespread unease about Biden's decision to withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in September.

Blinken 'is looking forward to discussing the democratic values that we share with our partners and allies within the G7,' State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. 'The United States will discuss how we can work with other countries to address the key geopolitical issues we face as we build back better from this pandemic.'

Blinken's discussions in London, which will include separate meetings with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, will also focus on economic growth, human rights, food security, gender equality, and womens and girls empowerment, Price said.

After the G7 meetings on Monday and Tuesday, Blinken will visit Kyiv on Wednesday and Thursday.
On a November evening, Diana and Paul Nickel played a spelling game and shared an ice cream birthday cake with their 6-year-old granddaughter, Molly. The couple was staying with Molly and her 8-year-old sister, Kate, while the girls' parents were out of town.

Around 7:30 p.m., the girls began getting ready for bed. Paul was looking for a book to read to them when he heard a crash from the kitchen. He ran to find his wife of 44 years collapsed on the floor.

Diana was lying on her back with her open eyes staring blankly into space. She wasn't breathing.

Paul had taken a CPR course 40 years earlier and started chest compressions.

After a minute, he paused to call 911, then followed the emergency dispatcher's request to count out loud for her.

"You need to pick up your pace," she said. "Here, do it with me."

Paul followed her direction, moving quicker through the compressions.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ryan Jacobsen, the medical director for the Johnson County (Kansas) EMS system, was settling in at home after work. Typically, he turns off his beeper when he's home. This time he didn't. He glanced at the emergency call alert and saw the streetonly a couple blocks from his house. He headed out to help.

Paul had been performing CPR for seven minutes when the doctor took over.

"Diana, fight!" Paul pleaded. "Stay with us!"

Other than making gurgling sounds, Diana remained unresponsive.

A minute later, more than a dozen responders arrived, including firefighters, police officers and EMTs.

They placed her on a gurney and used an automated CPR system to try restarting her heart. Paul was startled by the machine's forcefulness, compressing his wife's chest.

A defibrillator was used to deliver a dose of electric shock to Diana's heart. The shock can potentially stop an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and allow a normal rhythm to resume following cardiac arrest. In this instance, it didn't work. So they tried again. They tried a total of seven times with no visible results.

After 40 minutes, Jacobsen determined it was time for the "Hail Mary" attempt, one last try at resuscitation. Since nothing else was working, he tried the unusual maneuver of putting paddles on her chest and back, what's known as a double sequential defibrillation. The American Heart Association does not recommend this procedure. The latest research shows its usefulness has not been established. More research is needed to determine its clinical efficacy.

It worked. Officers went to share the news with Paul, who had been encouraged to wait in another room.

"Your wife has regained consciousness, and she's asking for you," they said. "We're ready to transport her."

Paul went to Diana, about to be put in the ambulance. He told her he loved herand said goodbye, fearing that she wouldn't survive or, after going 47 minutes without breathing, would be severely impaired.

At the hospital, Paul learned she was still breathing and conscious.

People congratulated him for saving her life by immediately starting CPR.

"Of course, that felt good on one level, but when you're in the moment, you're not sure you appreciate the gravity of the situation," he said.

Diana had suffered a cardiac arrest, an electrical malfunction of the heart. Doctors thought it was likely from the medication she was on for bronchitis coupled with nighttime cold medicationbasically a fluke perfect storm.

Twelve days later, Diana walked out of cardiac rehab with no neurological damage, a miraculous outcome, doctors told her. As a precaution in case her heart's electricity misfired again, Diana received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator-pacemaker combination.

During cardiac rehab, Diana learned to embrace exercise and better nutrition.

Both Diana and Paul became inspired to help others. They purchased CPR training manikins and automated external defibrillatorssmall devices that can shock a heart back to a normal rhythmto donate to churches, schools, malls and offices. Paul renewed his CPR skills and hopes to resume teaching it.

"We've heard so many stories about people not knowing what to do, so we wanted to help," he said.

In September, Diana's tale took a frightening turnan infection, but not COVID-19. A series of complications followed, ultimately landing her in an emergency room in February.

Tests showed multiple blood clots in her lungs, and both bacterial and fungal infections on the lead wire to her pacemaker. She underwent an operation that was supposed to replace the pacemaker, but what doctors found led to a far more invasive surgery. She later underwent another procedure for the new device.

"I am healing well with three nice-sized scars on my chest," she said. "I call the one in the middle my 'turkey-basting scar' and the other two are just blessings to know that we have now found what was making me so ill, and removed it and replaced" it with an upgraded device.

Her attitude following the recent ordeal is similar to her attitude following the trauma of her cardiac arrest: She's filled with gratitude.

"I'm so gloriously happy that I'm alive and well," she said. "Faith is a huge part of that for me, as well as the many people who helped during and after."

Her beliefs were strengthened by something that happened during and after her cardiac arrest.

While recovering, Diana kept remembering a man dressed in jeans, sneakers and a gray hoodie covering his face.

"Everything is going to be all right," he told her. "Just remain calm and at peace."

Later, she learned that a neighbor, pastor Chad McDonald, had been praying outside her home as the paramedics treated her and took her to the hospital.

Once Diana was back on her feet, she and Paul personally thanked all first responders and the dispatcher.

Diana also tracked down McDonald.

After introducing herself as the person he'd prayed for as she was treated and then taken to the hospital, she asked about his memories of that night. Specifically, she wanted to know, "What were you wearing?"

Jeans, sneakers and a gray hoodie, he answered.

Explore further Unloading groceries, he found his wife on the ground not breathing

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DUBLIN, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Trust Payments announced it has expanded into Ireland. The payments technology group will open an office in Dublin city centre as it seeks to benefit from local talent and rapid growth in the country's FinTech sector.

Chief Commercial Officer Jonathan O'Connor said: "As we emerge from Covid, tourism in Ireland will thrive once more. We are active in the travel industry and can work with a number of partners both in the EU and the US who are keen to build local relationships in Ireland. In addition, we want to drive new and exciting crypto payment and blockchain loyalty product solutions for Irish merchants. Our leadership position in the crypto payments market out of Malta gives us a competitive advantage in the Irish market."

Trust Payments will initially target Irish SMEs with a turnover of 1m or less, offering digital payment, Crypto, Blockchain and options in person (POS) as well as larger organisations operating in the retail, travel, education, financial services, hospitality, online gaming and emerging verticals.

O'Connor added, "We are excited to work with local Irish Fintechs and will offer local start-ups in payments, customer loyalty, travel and online gaming the opportunity to showcase and engage in early pilots with existing Trust Payments clients in the European, North American and Asia Pacific regions. This will provide critical early 'voice of the customer' feedback for selected companies and help Irish startups to grow. Details of this program will be published on our website by the end of June."

Trust Payments is a major player in digital payments globally, and particularly in the UK and Europe. In Ireland, the company already supports a number of clients including Brandon House Hotel, Mill Park Hotel, Nuremore Hotel & Country Club and the George Hotel via a long-term partnership with Guestline.

Clio O'Gara, Country Manager, Guestline commented: "Trust Payments and Guestline have been working together in Ireland since 2016. Via our partnership, we offer GuestPay, a highly specialised payment solution for the hospitality industry. We are looking forward to working together even more closely to further make an even bigger impact in the market. We will offer more Irish hoteliers an innovative specialist single seamless payment solution for all their payment needs including merchant acquiring, integrated point of sale and payment processing services."

Jonathan O'Connor added, "Ireland has a thriving business scene. By opening new offices in Ireland, we will be able to focus even more on our customers in Ireland, as well as gain new customers locally," O'Connor said. He added, "We will have some key senior hires based in Ireland and plan to tap into the great local talent pool of Fintech professionals to help support our local expansion."

About Trust Payments Group

Trust Payments is a global unified payments group for global pay-in, pay-out and customer journey technologies. Our mission is to help businesses to optimise their sales and customer experience through facilitating speedy and seamless payments, loyalty, and data management creating truly Converged Commerce. Our global technology platform connects to 50+ global banks to support multi-acquirer processing, as well as our own merchant acquiring solution in the EU, acquiring.com. The group holds an Authorised Payment Institution (API) License from the UK FCA, Principal Memberships with Visa and Mastercard, as well as money transmission and gaming vendor licences in the US.

Our trusted and robust technology solutions process 2.6+ bn in annualised volume for 13,000+ businesses across eCommerce, mobile and Point of Sale (POS) in 15 like-for-like settlement currencies. Partners, developers and merchants who work with us benefit from our 24 years of payments experience in Retail, Travel, Hospitality, Gaming, Education, Financial Services and Emerging Verticals.

Visit us at www.trustpayments.com.

Media enquiries

marketing@trustpayments.com

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SOURCE Trust Payments
This vaccine is essentially untested, he said. In fact, Im concerned for everyone whos taken it.

Besides that, COVID-19 has a high survivability rate and he is healthy, Walter said.

Im in great shape, I dont smoke, Im not at risk, he said.

According to him, The devil you know is better than the devil you dont. Theres too many firsts for this one.

What kind of reaction is Walter getting from his friends or family about his decision?

Youd be surprised at how many people are looking at this the same way (and) at how many people who are not signing up for this because its experimental, said Walter. This is all unchartered territory.

A Napan named Ann, who is in her 80s, said she isnt getting the vaccine either. Ann asked that her last name not be used because she didnt want to embarrass people in her family by going public with her decision.

Yes, the vaccines have been approved by the FDA for emergency use, but its not gone through all the steps it usually goes through, she said.

Ann has questions about these new vaccines.
Dropping in every few years for visits, we watched the area as it struggled with the loss of jobs through the last recession and then rebounded. Somewhere along the way I heard about these newly invasive zebra mussels. Sure enough, the next time we visited, the lake had changed. We couldnt go in the lake at times because there was a blue-green substance floating on the top of the water. We learned that these were algae blooms, and that in many cases they were toxic to humans. These harmful algal blooms, or HABs, were the most recent sign of a lake under stress.

Then, in 2019, we started to plan our retirement. We sold our beloved house in California and moved back here last summer. Were busy settling into our new home in Owasco and doing it all while negotiating a pandemic. Once we bought the myriad clothing and equipment that we believed we needed to survive the impending winter, my husband turned his focus to learning about the area. One day, he asked why that beautiful park on the lake (Emerson Park) doesnt seem to be utilized to a large degree. I noticed it, too. Sure, there were people walking around the park, getting their exercise on the beautiful new river walk, and a few folks barbecuing. But I remembered the place to be crowded with teenagers sunning on the beach, families filling the picnic areas, and children playing on the playground (and that awesome rocket slide).
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Long before social distancing was en vogue, kite flying was the type of activity that allowed an individual to have some personal space.

Even as vaccines are distributed and COVID-19 restrictions gradually begin to relax, many folks still prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to gathering with others outside of their social circle. For those who do want to venture out but dont want to get too risky, Wildlife West Nature Parks 18th annual Wind Festival might just be the ideal event.

Heres the beauty of it all: The kite field is wide open, says park founder and director Roger Alink. The nature of flying kites is youre spaced out already because you dont stand right next to somebody and fly your kite because itll get tangled up.

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Because the spacing, its kind of the nature of flying kites. So our six-foot spacing thats recommended is gonna just be obvious. Thats the beauty of (it).

Located on a 30-acre field on the outskirts of the zoo, the kite festival is free to the public and takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2. Those who attend can either bring their own kites or purchase one at the event. Alink estimates that 100 kites will be sold over the course of the weekend. For beginners, he recommends the Delta model, of which there will be plenty on hand for sale.

They are really easy to fly and are durable, Alink said. For amateurs, thats really (the best option).

Novices wont be flying blind, either. Kite professional Carveth Kramer frequently makes the trip to attend the event from Taos, and he will be readily available to make sure rookies wont have trouble with getting off the ground or getting their strings tangled. Kramer is also a vendor for flying banners, which offer a slightly different element than traditional kites.

They are very colorful and theyre probably six to eight feet tall, Alink said. Theyre on a pole and so its like a flag, only its a lot taller  maybe not quite as wide.

For those who simply want to observe, Kramer will be accompanied by several professional kite flyers, many of whom operate more advanced two-string models.

They take some practice because they can tangle up real easily, Alink said. In the maneuvers, it depends on the wind, the kites can go up to 100 miles per hour and it pulls on you really hard. Its not for amateurs, really. Its practice and experience.

The professionals wont necessarily be on hand for scheduled exhibitions  the Wind Festival is more of an informal gathering of kite enthusiasts  but the combination of novice and skilled flyers is a site to behold. Think of it as a smaller-scale, kite version of the Balloon Fiesta, complete with picnic tables and a food truck (This years offering is courtesy of Taco Zone).

In peak hours, Alink says hes seen as many as 50 kites in the air at once.

Were visible from I-40. The truckers and the people drive by and honk their horns because they see all this colorful stuff going on in the field, Alink said. Thats, of course, kites in the air. So its a real attraction for just the passerbys as well as participants.

The Wind Festival initially began at Edgewood Elementary before relocating to the Wildlife West Nature Park. Its been a natural transition, because attendees can make a day of it by flying their kites and then paying admission to see the 23 species of wildlife inside the zoo. Over the course of a day, prizes  usually stuffed animals from the zoo gift shop  are awarded for the highest kite, youngest flyer and most spectacular crash.

For the nearly 74-year-old Alink, keeping the tradition going from one location to another and into a pandemic was a no-brainer. Hes been flying kites since he was kid growing up in Minnesota, when hed make his own models with his dad.

Flying a kite, the tug on your string, is special, he said. Its kind of real.
The bitter and sweet of life's experiences is felt through the celebrations and commemorations that occur during the period between Passover and Shavuot. The deeply somber days that mark Holocaust Day and Memorial Day for the fallen of Israel's soldiers is balanced with joy as we mark 73 years of Independence and the Liberation of Jerusalem in 1967.

The Jewish Pavilion is once again able to present programs in person to senior living facilities now that most seniors have received their double dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Holocaust Day and Israel Memorial Day were acknowledged and many were...
Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Ltd. (ABHICL), the Health Insurance subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited, a significant non-banking financial services company, has launched the fourth edition of its #JumpForHealth campaign. #JumpForHealth is a movement, created by ABHICL, to get people to start their health journey through the power of jumping, while simultaneously contributing towards helping the differently abled walk again. With the combined efforts of the participating individuals, for every 10,000 jumps collected, ABHICL is donating 1 prosthetic leg to the under-privileged.

In its last three chapters, JumpForHealth has empowered and motivated families to get started on their fitness journey by participating in this campaign. The campaign has witnessed tremendous involvement and impact during its past 3 editions as nearly 19 million jumps were received.

Through its 4th chapter of #JumpForHealth, ABHICL is targeting around 5 million jumps this year. Despite the recent trying times, people have been unstoppable because of their self-motivation and drive to stay healthy. #JumpForHealth 2021 taps into these qualities to not only become the healthiest version of themselves, but to also bring joy and happiness to those who can benefit from a prosthetic leg. For this years campaign, ABHICL has Sudha Chandran, who herself is a dancer of repute, with a prosthetic leg, features in a riveting #JumpForHealth dance video depicting the commendable role of the Covid-19 warriors during these trying times and expressing gratitude for the same. A Jump For Health  #ABHIKaro tune has been released for the first time in multiple regional languages to inspire and accompany the jumps along with Jump-o-meter to seamlessly count the jumps.

Mr. Ajay Kakar, Chief Marketing Officer, Aditya Birla Capital, said, The fourth edition of #JumpForHealth 2021 campaign echoes Aditya Birla Capitals mission to provoke people to self-realise the importance of staying healthy and the spirit of giving. This year, we celebrate the Unstoppable spirit of our Covid warriors and their relentless grit & determination in these trying times. The campaign has already received participatory videos of people jumping to their own style and rhythm, from not only the width and breadth of India, but also from Philippines, Canada, USA, France and Singapore. The participants included Covid-19 survivors, doctors, police personnel, athletes, choreographers, school students, bank employees, restaurant workers, and many more.

Speaking about this initiative, Mr. Mayank Bathwal, CEO, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, said, At Aditya Birla Health Insurance, we have always tried to help people achieve and sustain their healthiest selves with our Health First philosophy. #JumpForHealth campaign is an extension of that philosophy, which motivates individuals to be active and jump in their homes for a greater cause  health for self and health for those in need. Over the years, we have seen great enthusiasm and participation from our Banca partners, agents and employees, who look forward to #JumpForHealth every year.
A Princess Deserves Good Cheese: a profound book that ponders on ubiquitous church practices. A Princess Deserves Good Cheese is the creation of published author Tina Jackson, the founder of U Beautiful Creation, a Christian program airing on YouTube and four television stations throughout Michigan, Soundcloud, and iTunes.

Jackson shares, If you know you are of royalty and a rightful heir to the throne, you expect the best of the best, even if it is just cheese. Walk through a journey with me as the Lord confirmed through scripture He is okay with his children living and feasting on the good things. To the Lord, it is all about the relationship between Him and you. Are you all in?

In today's society there are many church doctrines, rules, and laws that put the children of God in bondage and lack. The traditions of men can make the word of God of no effect, therefore turning one away from God because the word didnt work. Trials and tribulations will always be at hand, but there is a way to overcome and learn to walk in freedom. One area many people struggle with is the tithe (giving 10% of your income). Are you cursed if you dont give 10%? Is the tithe before or after income? Or are we free from the tithe?

In this book, you will get set free from a religious mindset and begin to walk in a deeper relationship with God one on one. When you become royalty, you will never question if you can eat the good cheese.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Tina Jacksons new book is a piece that explores different religious practices and mindsets with aim of guiding readers to foster a deeper relationship with God.

Tina Jackson is also the author of the book Mysteries Revealed on Speaking in Tongues, which discusses Gods supernatural language.

View a synopsis of A Princess Deserves Good Cheese on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase A Princess Deserves Good Cheese at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about A Princess Deserves Good Cheese, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Midcentury modern style dominates the market for medium-expensive furniture, as anyone whos recently tried to buy a couch from the glut of Instagram-friendly direct-to-consumer furniture retailers can testify. (We went with the Article Sven, which is on its way; if its bad, dont tell me.) Mad Men (200715) amplified a growing 21st century affection for the style, but when that show came out Dwell magazine (2000present) had already taught me to salivate over expensively restored ranch homes with huge glass windows, and Ikea (which came to the U.S. in 1985) had brought midcentury-ish knockoffs well within the purchasing reach of American twentysomethings.

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How did we get here? Art historian Kristina Wilsons new book, Mid-Century Modernism and the American Body: Race, Gender, and the Politics of Power in Design, gives the ubiquitous decorating style the historical context it deserves. We spoke about how midcentury modernism appeared when it was new, in the magazines Life and Ebony; how furniture can demand you sit a particular way; and how nostalgia for the midcentury look also idealizes the white suburbia of decades past.

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Slate: How do you define midcentury modernismwhat it was back then and what it is now?

Kristina Wilson: One of the stories thats been told about midcentury modernism in scholarship is the idea that modern designsimple forms, lack of ornament, new materialswas breaking from the past, it was affordable, it was kind of this bright new day of the booming consumer culture of the 1950s. It used new technologies after the war. Its the liberation of the American consumer economy.

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The way we remember it looking, and the way it sometimes did look at the time, is open: simple rooms with these bizarrely clean floors, with no clutter whatsoever. And the open floor shows off the very elegant little metal legs or sculpted wooden legs of a chair or a coffee table, highlights the surprising silhouettes of these unusual designs.

Part of the starting point for me, with this project, was to say theres something that seems ideologically pat about that [scholarly celebration of the styles innovations]. The counterpoint to this is we know now that the landscape of suburbia was legally and rigorously segregated on multiple levels. It wasnt a bright, new, shiny opportunity for lots of Americans  and also for the white women who were living in suburbia, it wasnt necessarily a land of exciting freedom.

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With this work I wanted to ask: What ideas was this kind of design really being deployed to support? Because not everyone is buying into the idea that this is a newer, better world in the 1950s. Certainly its nice to have furniture that requires less dusting! But not everyone is feeling that life is improved.

So I wanted to see the ways that the story thats been written about midcentury modernism is actually a white story. I want to call out the way that this particular popular history is not really about morning in Americaits about whiteness and control. About controlling bodies and cleanliness. And I want to talk about the ways that different audiences who were buying modernism at the time were participating in it. Those audiences havent all had equal visibility, in part because the design history establishment is very white.

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Something that helped me get my mind around this was to think of the whiteness of the midcentury suburbs as having been created at an urban planning levelthe practices of housing covenants and redliningand then on an architectural level, as in the work of Dianne Harris, which you reference. She argues that the way suburban houses were supposed to look at the time was coded as white: clean, open, crisp, a contrast to the citys crowding and dirtiness. Then youre sort of turning to the design of the objects in those houses and seeing how whiteness works there.

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The parts of Harris argument that I found the most resonant were where she talks about how media representations of these midcentury suburban houses always had white people in them. I was interested in that, in looking at Life and Ebony: Where do we see white people interacting with modern design? Where do we see Black people doing the same? How does it look, when we see it? Designs take on different meanings depending on the context in which theyre used, so its not like these designs are definitely white or definitely not. Its about the narratives [modern designs] are put into, about how they look in the advertising that a company like Herman Miller puts forward, or how they get used as props in other ads for cleaning companies or car companies, how theyre used as props in editorial images.

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What I found was you see persistent recurring references to midcentury modernism in Life, and in that context, its about control and a certain kind of access. Theres also a lot of rhetoric about modernism being affordable. In Ebony, modernism is discussed as being more elite or upper-classits a tool to enable this very comfortable, confident lifestyle; it gives sort of an ability to welcome people into a social gathering, and some bodily comfort. While in Life, nobody ever seems to be enjoying their modern furniture!

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Im curious about this word control, if you could say a little more about what you mean. Are you talking about day-to-day regulation of how the house works, or how people move inside the house?

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In the first chapter of the book, I talk about decorative advice manuals. Theres one written by Mary and Russel Wright [Guide to Easier Living, 1950]. The final edition advises on the modernist order of the house. One example is that a good entry foyer means that you should be able to dispense with all the dirt and dust of the outside before you enter into the housethat sense of boundary, order, regulation that the foyer creates. And the space where you get kind of encased in clothes to get protected to go out into the outside world. Thats a kind of control.

Another example: I talk about how designers Charles and Ray Eames invented a leg splint during World War II that was used for medical evacuations. The splint dictates the idea of what is a healthy leg. Their chairs, with that molded plywood, came out of the technology that they developed for the leg splint. The chairs propose an ideal posture and comportmentand size!of the body.

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Another of the images Im always coming back to is one of a woman sitting on whats called the Marshmallow Sofa [the classic Herman Miller piece designed by George Nelson thats made up of round cushions on a metal frame]. The image is of this woman sort of in a cage. The marshmallow sofa is not comfortable! You can move around on it, but youre always sort of on display. All of the media images of it are from behind, showing it in this particular light. Thats another kind of bodily control.

I want to talk about decorative elementsvases, cigarette boxes, ashtrays, sculptures, objets dartbecause thats where you locate the stuff thats coded not white in the midcentury modern house. What kinds of cultural references were midcentury modern tastemakers suggesting that people make in their houses?

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A lot of the white tastemakers seem to talk about these non-Western accessories as a sign of your global traveler status. It reads as a way of appropriating and owning the artwork and craft skills of non-Western artisans that doesnt reflect or respect the complexity of a culture that is different from your own. Herman Miller, in publicity materials, staged rooms with their furniture and a variety of objects they were sourcing from Latin America. These objects are clearly presented as not industrially madeand not white.

The end result feels to me like theyre being set up as a binary opposite to the industrial modernism of Herman Miller productsso the effect is a very smooth, clean-looking room with a pop of supposed authenticity in the form of these objects.

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Yes, exactly. Its how a white Westerner can borrow non-Western qualities or characteristics without having to be defined by them. Its a dynamics of possession and power.

You end the book talking about the persistence of midcentury modern style in our own decor. The comparison you make between our fixation on midcentury modern and the Colonial Revival trend of the late 19th and early 20th century explained a lot.

Yes! The Colonial Revival was the most popular home furnishing style between the 1880s and 1950s. It was about simplicity, in contrast to the excessive ornateness of the Victorian interiorbut also about a sort of a pride in America, the American past. And of course in this kind of story, the past meant white America: Paul Revere, Puritans, and so on.

I think the appeal of midcentury modernism comes because this is our America, its our past, but it still feels new and a little transgressive because its not old old! In the same way that people who liked Colonial Revival style liked it because it felt authentic, we like midcentury modernism because it somehow feels that way. I just think we should be mindful of the fact that the story that has come down to us about the period that produced midcentury modern style has been a white history.
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.
Whats really helpful?

Regarding Sales tax holiday for emergency supplies set for April, (A3, April 21): Isnt it great that Texas had a tax-free weekend when we could buy portable generators and battery powered lights and radios? But wouldnt it be even better if the state spent money on improving our power and water systems so we wouldnt need these items?

Kate Wilson, Houston

No Texan is above the law

Regarding Huberty arrested on DWI charge, (A3, April 25): Quite the entitlement and arrogance displayed by Kingwoods Rep. Dan Huberty about the accident Friday night when he was arrested for driving while intoxicated at FM 1314 and Valley Ranch Parkway. He told officers he could not be arrested because he was returning home from the legislative session. Wow. Hats off to District Attorney Brett Ligon of Montgomery County for ordering the law to be carried out. Contrary to Hubertys belief, no one is above the law. Interesting that he bonded out of jail about two hours after being booked.

Joe Sosa, Katy

Racism alienates us

Regarding Anti-racism narrative will alienate liberal America, (A15, April 28): Projecting much, Bret Stephens? If not, you need to meet more liberals, as its definitely racism, not the efforts against it, that alienates us.

Roberta MacInnis, Houston

Glass houses

Regarding Abbott aide was at ERCOT storm meeting, (A1, April 26): So Gov. Greg Abbott sent Ryland Ramos to the ERCOT operation center during The Big Freeze because he felt ERCOT was spewing disinformation about the crisis?

Oh, like claiming on national TV how the electric grid failures were because solar and wind renewable generation failed? That kind of disinformation spewing?

Glass houses, governor, glass houses.

Bruce Coffman, Houston

As the kids say, OMG

Regarding Vaccinated workers banned at private Fla. school, (A6, April 28): I was shocked and dismayed reading Wednesdays article. The school co-founder, Leila Centner, said she made that decision with a heavy heart. She feared that merely standing next to a vaccinated individual could cause women to miscarry or cause reproductive issues in unvaccinated females. As my grandchildren would say, OMG! I think Centner made that decision with a defective brain. With that logic, it would be risky to stand next to a pregnant woman for fear you would become pregnant. The individuals choosing to work at or attend that school may run a much bigger risk of contracting Ignorance with a capital I. How sad for the children. How scary for our society.

M. Helene Smith, Houston
The latest COVID-19 challenge for Manitoba schools is a shortage of teachers who are able to be in a physical classroom  a development that has, in part, led to more schools switching to remote learning.

The latest COVID-19 challenge for Manitoba schools is a shortage of teachers who are able to be in a physical classroom  a development that has, in part, led to more schools switching to remote learning.

Since spring break, school staffing challenges have worsened, owing to rising exposures of highly infectious variants in both classrooms and communities during the third wave.

Fourteen schools were operating remotely as of Thursday. Two more schools, both in the Pembina Trails School Division, will start doing so next week.

"Its better to be safe than sorry, especially with the variants out there," said Jim Smith, a father of two students at Ecole South Pointe School, who are in Grade 4 and 7. "Hopefully, in those two weeks (of remote learning), theyre able to get all the teachers vaccinated."

Smith said both of his daughters, neither of whom has been deemed close contacts, have had substitutes this week because their teachers are self-isolating.

South Pointe and Ecole St. Avila will shift to distance education May 3 to 17; only the children of essential workers and students who have additional needs and may be high-risk, will be able to attend school until then.

Superintendent Ted Fransen said the number of staff in self-isolation, COVID-19 cases connected to the school, community transmission, and potential for school transmission all came up in consultation with public health officials.

The substitute request fill-rate in the division was 95 per cent, until recently, Fransen said, noting it is now usually in the high 80s.

In recent days, four members of the divisions Indigenous student success team have been deployed to provide support at South Pointe.

"We continue to have a resilient, courageous teaching and school staff who will do everything they possibly can, and I say this with gratitude, to make sure that our student education remains an excellent one," the superintendent added.

Earlier this week, the division asked high school staff to cancel substitute requests because of high demand for them in lower grades. That means school leaders, support staff and other teachers are expected to help cover colleague absences if they are available during a prep period or otherwise.

"Unless the province implements the code red shutdown in Winnipeg schools, as (the Manitoba Teachers Society) is calling for, I fear we will not have enough healthy teachers to supply either in-person or remote teaching needs," said Lise Legal, president of the Pembina Trails Teachers Association.

All the strain on the education system prompted the teachers union to call Thursday for a universal move to remote learning in Winnipeg.

Teachers are concerned about the variants, lags in reporting on the provinces school dashboard, staffing concerns, and access to vaccines, said James Bedford, president of the society.

"There was a solution," Bedford said, "and I say that in the past tense because the solution was to simply say teachers see a large number of students on a daily basis, were going to be proactive and were going to vaccinate all those who work in the public school system."

The union was not satisfied Thursday after the premier announced teachers would be able to get vaccinated if they travel to North Dakota.

Meantime, some relief for staffing crunches is expected now that hundreds of student teachers are wrapping up the school year.

About 385 students from the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Brandon University and Universite de Saint-Boniface are either employed or can be employed, upon completion of faculty requirements, as of Thursday.

In total, 611 limited teaching permits have been issued during the 2020-21 school year, a provincial spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the province streamlined the permit application process and suspended fees this year in order to supplement teaching supports.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
Christopher Farrar, 50, was killed during Thursday night's incident in Arizona

A suspect in a stolen car struck and killed one officer and critically injured another during a wild chase involving gunfire and multiple law enforcement agencies in the suburbs of Phoenix, authorities said Thursday.

Chandler Police Officer Christopher Farrar, 50, was killed and a Gilbert Police officer was hospitalized in critical condition, their departments said.

'Chris was struck and killed by a violent felon in a stolen vehicle following a multi-agency shooting and pursuit,' Chandler Police Chief Sean Duggan said.

The pursuit began when a Pinal County deputy attempted a traffic stop around 10:11pm on Thursday night near Eloy, according to a statement from the Gilbert Police.

12 News reports that the suspect was allegedly wanted for speeding when the traffic stop was attempted.

The suspect attempted to flee and the deputy pursued the vehicle in the Eloy area and was fired upon, Gilbert Police spokesman P. Alaniz said, stressing that the crime remains under investigation.

In addition to Farrar, one officer was among those hospitalized on Thursday night

The incident began when a suspect allegedly led police on a wild car chase before crashing their car, forcing them to flee on foot

'He continued pursuit into the city of Chandler where the suspect drove into the airport and busted through a gate going into the airport, causing the airport to shut down,' Alaniz said.

The suspect then allegedly drove onto the 202 SanTan Freeway, where he was driving the wrong way.

After eventually exiting the freeway, the suspect crashed their car near Val Vista Drive, and chose to keep running on foot, according to police.

The suspect then allegedly broke into the SanTan Motorplex as police surrounded the building.

The suspect then allegedly stole a vehicle from the Ford dealership there, running over the two officers as he tried to get away, Alaniz said.

A janitorial employee at the Ford dealership was also among those injured after being hit by the stolen vehicle, according to police.

Pictured: The SanTan Metroplex, where the deadly pursuit came to an end

A helicopter was seen transporting at least one victim to a local medical center

The suspect was injured while finally being taken into custody as several officers engaged in gunfire, Alaniz said.

Once the suspect was in custody, they were taken to a hospital for treatment with non-life threatening injuries.

A helicopter was seen at one point airlifting a victim to a hospital, according to ABC15.

Police say six people in total were taken to the hospital, including the suspect and the Ford dealership employee, who suffered minor injuries.

A Gilbert Police Officer was listed in critical condition after suffering a severe head injury.

Farrar, meanwhile, died as a result of his injuries, according to the police. It's not clear if the suspect intentionally tried to hit people as they were allegedly fleeing the scene.

The Gilbert Police Department tells DailyMail.com that charges will include 'the injury to one officer and death of the other as well as charges being investigated by other agencies.'

Those agencies include the Chandler Police Department, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

According to AZFamily.com, Farrar had been with his police department for almost two decades and previously worked in the K-9 unit.

Duggan said his slain officer had touched many lives during his 18 years on the force.

'I just ask that you keep Chris's family in your thoughts and prayers, and take a moment and be mindful of the brave men and women who are out there daily helping keep our communities safe,' the chief said.

A procession for Farrar took place on Friday morning.
Popcorn and Inspiration: Hotel Rwanda: Keeping Ones Compassion in a Time of Genocide

PG-13 | 2h 1min | Biography, Drama, History | 4 February 2005 (USA)

I recently watched a tourism video that focused on the capital of Rwanda, a beautiful city called Kigali. One of the things that stood out to me was how immaculate it isit reminded me of a quaint Japanese town. I knew about the 1994 genocide but had never seen director Terry Georges Hotel Rwanda, and felt a bit guilty about knowing so little about what went down in the tiny, land-locked country. The film not only shows what occurred back then, but it also manages to humanize many who were involved in that tumultuous period of the countrys history.

The film mainly focuses on Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), who manages the four-star Hotel Des Mille Collines located in Kigali. From the outset of the film, Paul is portrayed as a wheeler-dealer who makes associations with some very influential people. And many of those relationships come in handy as the film progresses.

We hear on the radio that Rwandas president at the time, Juvenal Habyarimana, an ethnic Hutu, is killed when the plane he is traveling in explodes. Habyarimanas death compels the extremists of his tribe to publicly blame the Tutsi, whom they refer to as despicable cockroaches. As the country further destabilizes, the United Nations intervenes but is soon rendered relatively worthless as it becomes paralyzed in bureaucratic red tape.

Paul is a Hutu man who is married to a Tutsi woman, Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo), so the stage is already set for high drama. As the Hutu extremists commence to commit genocide on the Tutsi people, Paul manages to utilize the many favors he is owed to house over 1,200 Tutsi refugees. At first, this mainly consists of families, but later in the film he also takes in children who have been orphaned as a result of the conflict. In doing so, he risks his own life.

Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle) feels responsible for the lives of those at the hotel he manages. (United Artists and Lions Gate Films)

However, as the chaos intensifies, Pauls relationships with other main characters become frayed, especially when the hotel begins to run out of both money and resources, two things Paul used to garner support for his cause (along with bottles of pricey single malt Scotch).

General Bizimungu (Fana Mokoena, L) negotiates with Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), who is trying to save lives. (United Artists and Lions Gate Films)

The film definitely doesnt flinchthe tragedy that people can inflict on one another is well-documentedbut it doesnt dwell on the misery for too long. There are also many examples of human selflessness, kindness, and compassion.

Selflessness and kindness are highlighted in this film, based on a true story. (United Artists and Lions Gate Films)

Director George doesnt paint his characters as absolutes but rather, in many cases, as multidimensional people with their own hang-ups and idiosyncrasies.

Soon, all of the white people who were staying at the hotel are evacuated and we see how the society is stratified along racial lines. But what is remarkable to see is how loyal Paul is to his fellow countrymen (and women), no matter their tribal affiliation.

George has a knack for rousing drama and there are several scenes that can only be described as close calls, such as when Pauls family is being evacuated via a U.N. convoy and is ambushed by a Hutu militia group. But due to the excellent performances by Cheadle, Okonedo, and the rest of the supporting cast, these scenes never feel emotionally manipulative.

Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo) is comforted by her husband, Paul (Don Cheadle), in one of the familys close calls. (United Artists and Lions Gate Films)

Also, the movie isnt as brutal as I thought it would be, with the violence playing out on-screen happening for reasons that are clearly explained, rather than sensationalizing wanton genocide.

Hotel Rwanda has an important message to get out, one that tells of a now little-remembered event in world history. Its also an ultimately uplifting movie that we can all learn from, no matter what tribe we find ourselves in. My only regret is that I didnt see it sooner.

Hotel Rwanda

Director: Terry George

Starring: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin Phoenix

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hours, 1 minute

Release Date: Feb. 4, 2005 (USA)

Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5



Ian Kane is a filmmaker and author based out of Los Angeles. To learn more, visit DreamFlightEnt.com or contact him at Twitter.com/ImIanKane
It is hoped that the Australian side will fully recognise that the Taiwan question is highly sensitive, abide by the one-China principle, be prudent in its words and deeds, avoid sending any wrong signals to the Taiwan independence separatist forces. Loading The other response came from a Chinese general who works as a professor at the Peoples Liberation Army National Defence University, Major-General Jin Yinan: We dont need to take it seriously. [Australia] is not that strong, its not that powerful  Australia wants to rush to the front line of the conflict  then let it come, let it walk on the forefront of the conflict ... then we can have a good fight. If it insists on intervening, it will only cause greater damage to Australia itself. Australias warlike impulse came from its commitment to white supremacy, he said. Rudd doesnt dispute that China is deadly serious about its intent to reunify with the self-governing, democratic island of 25 million people. And that it will use force if necessary. He just thinks that theres nothing imminent about it to justify comments like Duttons. The starkest danger zone for Taiwan, says Rudd, is at the end of this decade and into the 2030s when, in the absence of significant US and Taiwanese military advances in the meantime, China will move from strategic parity to decisive advantage.

That is when Beijing would be more inclined to move to deliberate action in the expectation that the US would not then fight in a war they believed they could not win. Does Dutton think he was exaggerating the danger, warmongering? The statement I made was factually based and indisputable, he tells me. The conversation is important for the Australian public to have. For those who may not have awareness, who dont follow day to day, my view is its best to be honest and frank about the situation in relation to Taiwan. The only question in my mind is around timing, and the approach of Taiwan or the Chinese Communist Party. Timing, says Dutton, is the $64 million question  theres a lot of speculation and informed judgment and in the end nobody except China could know. In other words, Rudd and Dutton agree that a reunification of China with Taiwan is inevitable, and only the exact timing and terms are in question. So is it valid and reasonable for Dutton to be openly countenancing war now?

Taiwans Foreign Affairs Minister, Joseph Wu, seems to think so. Wu said this week that Beijing had been conducting misinformation campaigns, hybrid warfare, and recently they have increased their grey zone activities against Taiwan. And all these seem to be preparing for their final military assault against Taiwan. This is our country, this is our people and this is our way of life. We will defend ourselves to the very end. Taiwan, Wu told Sky UK on Wednesday, happens to be on the frontline of Chinas expansion of its authoritarian order. And if Taiwan is taken by China, I think the consequences will be global. Loading Beijing has been sending its fighters and bombers into Taiwans air defence identification zone more frequently, almost daily, and in bigger numbers, since September. This week a mainland air force reconnaissance plane skimmed the surface of the Taiwan Strait, flying just 30 metres above sea level, in an apparent effort to see if it could fly under Taiwans radar systems. It was part of the constant mainland program of probing, pressuring and intimidating Taiwan. The US President, Joe Biden, and Japans Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, also seem to be taking Taiwan pretty seriously. They issued a joint statement two weeks ago committing to the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. It was the first time Tokyo had made any such reference to Taiwan since 1969, which was before it gave diplomatic recognition to Beijing.

A retired US admiral, Jim Stavridis, former supreme commander of NATO, wrote this week: Of the four potential maritime flashpoints in East Asia, Taiwan is the most dangerous  and the most likely to explode. He envisaged a lightning strike by Beijing to take Taiwan, and said that working with US allies, especially Japan, would be critical. He didnt claim to know the timing. But after Beijings swift and sudden move against Hong Kong last year, it seems prudent to be vigilant. It had promised to preserve Hong Kongs liberties till 2049. If push comes to shove, Washington will have to decide very quickly whether it is prepared to go to war against China to defend Taiwan. It has no treaty commitment to do so. If it does, Canberra will need to decide very quickly whether to it will join the US effort. It would have no treaty commitment to do so. Dutton, asked whether theres a scenario where Australia would become involved in the military defence of Taiwan, tells me: I just think there are hypotheticals that make it impossible to answer. The government will be turning its mind to exactly these hypotheticals, and, in the meantime, Dutton is wise not to speculate. Rudds criticism looks more valid if you put Duttons comments together with two other events this week. After he spoke, the secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, Mike Pezzullo, circulated a message he gave his staff about the drums of war beating more loudly in the region. And Scott Morrison visited the Northern Territory and announced $747 million worth of upgrades to training bases, to be shared with US forces, in the territory.
But if youre a top NLD leader or an entertainer or a human rights activist youre probably on TV already - like in the case of six people we got out, they found out they were in trouble when they watched TV and found they were charged with article 505, he says. Article 505 of the penal code, a law the junta has invoked widely, deals with the spreading of news to promote instability. Anti-coup protesters flash the three-finger salute to signify defiance in Yangon, on Monday. They wrote cards thanking other countries for trying to help bring democracy back to Myanmar. Credit:AP In their case they thought theyd be arrested, tortured and killed. Getting them out is harder because people know them. They have their faces on TV, there are warrants out for them. Those are the people we are focused on. Id say over 5000 have fled on their own, through their own networks, to the border. Were just focused on the ones that cant do it that way. Eubank says foreign embassies have helped high-profile figures flee to other countries but with more to get out he makes it clear he cannot reveal details of how they have escaped. But I will say this - it is a large network that was not pre-planned, he said.

It is a network of people who care and some of the most surprising people come out of the woodwork saying Ill do that part, Ill do this part. Were like: youre a housewife with two kids and you could die doing this. Its just like if you and I landed in Sydney and somebody took over the country and slaughtered people. We dont know each other but were going to help each other. The spokesman for Myanmars civilian government in hiding, Dr Sasa, has told of how he disguised himself as a taxi driver and fled the capital Naypyitaw in the days after the February 1 coup. He has since been conducting video interviews with media around the world from an undisclosed location. Riot police arrest anti-coup protesters in Myanmar in February. More than 3500 are still in police custody, more than 750 were killed by the militarys crackdown on protesters. Credit:Getty Images In another instance recalled by Eubank, the Free Burma Rangers were contacted by four people who had hidden in an underground parking lot for two days, telling them they couldnt leave because every building is being watched.

Many havent escaped the clutches of the Tatmadaw. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners advocacy group, whose leadership itself is in hiding, there are nearly 3500 people still detained from the post-coup protests. Among them are members of the overthrown democratically elected government such as Aung San Suu Kyi and her Australian economic adviser Sean Turnell and celebrities like Paing Takhon, an actor and model with more than a million followers on Facebook and Instagram who was arrested on April 8. Loading Leading independent Myanmar analyst David Mathieson said he had been told of examples of high-profile figures being taken in by third countries after escaping to neighbouring Thailand or India. The prominent ones will get out basically because there will be countries that will take them in as asylum cases. Ive heard of a couple of cases where basically there are interventions with authorities and theyre like they dont have to stay in your country, we can get them out to our country, Mathieson said. So its not putting a burden on the neighbouring countries, on India and Thailand. Because no one is going to China, believe me.
Lawyers for the House Ways and Means Committee and the Biden administration have told a federal judge they need more time to arrive at a position in a suit over whether the government will to hand over former President Donald Trump's tax return information.

The Democratic-run committee asked the Treasury to turn over the information during the Trump administration after Democrats gained control in 2019, then sued when the administration refused.

Now the new Biden administration is still sorting through how to respond. According to a status report filed Friday, the plaintiffs and defendants jointly told the court they have had 'additional communications' and 'anticipate still further communications, that may inform Defendants' position in this case.'

The Biden administration is seeking more time to respond to a holdover House Democratic lawsuit seeking Donald Trump's tax return information

They asked to be able to file a further report on May 28th.

Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Richard Neal sought eight years of Trump tax return information, citing laws that allow the committee to request return information on any American.

Judge Trevor N. McFadden has issued an order that the administration must provide Trump's lawyers 72 hours notice of any decision.

The parties sought more time that may 'inform Defendants' position in this case'

Trump said during the 2016 campaign he would release his returns, but never did, citing an ongoing audit

With Trump out of office, the case now features a former president trying to fight potential release of return information by a current one.

Trump's lawyers have argued there is no 'legitimate legislative purpose' for seeking the information.

The Supreme Court in a February ruling cleared the way for federal prosecutors in New York to get access to the returns. Prosectors had sought to enforce a subpoena to Trump's longtime accounting firm Mazars USA.

Tax laws state that if the Ways and Means chairman or another tax committee provides a written request seeking individual tax return information, the Treasury 'shall furnish' it. The information is to be reviewed confidentially to protect taxpayers.

The legal wrangling came at the end of a week where Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani had his home and office raided by FBI agents in a probe believed to be centered on his dealings in Ukraine.
NINGBO, China, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Risen Energy Co., Ltd, a leading, Tier 1 manufacturer of high-performance solar photovoltaic products, confirm the timely conclusion and subsequent "ribbon cutting" ceremony at Clenera's Wapello Solar project, Iowa's largest solar PV power plant.

Leveraging Clenera and Risen's historic success, Iowa's premiere solar installation was brought online, on time and on budget in spite of the global disruption we are now all familiar with.

"Orchestrating a project installation of this scale is what we do." explained Mr. Jason Ellsworth, CEO of Clenera, "2020 however, threw us a bit of an unforeseen "curve ball" which, in turn, made Wapello Solar a little more interesting to deliver timely. Thankfully, we can rely on some great stakeholders and technology partners such as Risen, who helped us to get across the finish line on schedule by responding to the constantly changing conditions during construction."

Clenera is noted for taking the construction of solar power plants personally. When coupled with their extensive business acumen, technical prowess and transparent vision of the future, this personal fire allows near miraculous results, irrespective of any adversity.

"We were just glad to be able to perform as needed, and play our part in Clenera's ongoing success story." confirmed Mr. Bypina Veerraju Chaudary, CSMO of Risen, "Forgive my colloquialism, but if your partner says the music has changed, or conditions impose a different tempo, you must both dance to a different tune, or you are not really partners. With Clenera, we've met our match for personal passion about solar PV, and we are excited to explore the future together."

A relevant sentiment from Clenera: "We're here to make solar not just a sustainable future, but a valuable one - one we all benefit from whenever we take a breath, make a business decision, or imagine the world we're handing to the next generation", which sums up and fundamentally underpins the desire to conclude the Wapello Solar project, not only on time, but as fast as possible. Long may it continue.

About Risen

Risen Energy is a leading, global, Tier1, "AAA" credit rated manufacturer of high-performance solar photovoltaic products and provider of total business solutions for power generation. The Company, founded in 1986 and publicly listed in 2010, compels value generation for its global customers. Techno-commercial innovation, underpinned by consummate quality and support, encircle Risen total Solar PV business solutions which are among the most powerful and cost effective in the industry. With local market presence, and strong financial bankability status, we are committed, and able, to building strategic, mutually beneficial collaborations with our partners, as together we capitalise on the rising value of green energy.

About Clenera

Clenera, LLC ("Clenera") is a privately-held renewable energy company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. Clenera acquires, develops, builds, and manages utility-scale solar farms and energy storage facilities throughout the United States. Combining breakthrough technology with a deeply integrated team approach, Clenera provides reliable, affordable energy systems and helps its utility partners become clean energy leaders in their communities. Clenera's current operating portfolio exceeds 1.6 GW, with more than 17 GW of solar and storage assets in development. Learn more at http://www.clenera.com

SOURCE Risen Energy Co., Ltd

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Researchers commonly work with the criminal justice system to implement reforms, bringing with them the latest science and data pointing to why a certain practice will help improve outcomes. New research from the University of Kansas shows if community corrections agencies are to sustain evidence-based reforms, they need to view them as legitimate.

Researchers worked with eight federal community corrections agencies to implement Contingency Management, an evidence-based practice used to help people convicted of drug offenses set and achieve goals to end addiction, avoid repeat offenses and increase pro-social behavior. Such evidence-based practices and reforms are frequently put in place across the criminal justice system.

We've seen millions of dollars spent by institutions on evidence-based practices in community corrections settings, but there is very little research on if the reforms stick after researchers leave." Shannon Portillo, Study Co-Author and Associate Professor, Public Affairs & Administration, University of Kansas

"We followed up after our original study with community corrections agencies, and we found reform only sticks when staff viewed the reform as legitimate. It is not enough to show that reforms are effective or efficient. Workers must view them as legitimate and aligned with their organization's goals."

The study, co-written with Danielle Rudes and Faye Taxman of George Mason University, was published in the British Journal of Criminology.

The researchers returned to the eight community corrections sites five years after implementing Contingency Management. While all sites saw the reformed practices as legitimate enough to initially consider adoption, two sites never adopted them, four sites experimented with reform, and two sites continued to use the reform after the study was over.

The research team evaluated the legitimacy of the reform on three levels: Pragmatic, or if staff recognized that the practice could fit with their site routines and operations; moral, or if it was viewed as the right thing to do to help their clients; and cognitive, or if they could understand how this reform was different from current practices and was a shift in behaviors that could fit their agency.

Results showed that sites that sustained Contingency Management rated it moderately or strongly in all three areas but that it had to be viewed strongly in terms of cognitive legitimacy.

Sites in which it was not sustained gave various reasons for scoring it lower; for example, one employee did not use the software provided to keep track of data, instead logging it manually and reporting it was additional work, resulting in a low score in pragmatic legitimacy.

Leadership was key in implementing reforms but could not make others view them as legitimate simply by requiring staff to implement the new practice. In fact, leadership views of legitimacy, efficiency and effectiveness of the measure was not a key factor at all, compared to staff views of legitimacy.

"This shows it really had to be the workers who saw this change as worthwhile and saw how the reform was worth their time to change their behaviors and workplace practices," Portillo said.

In some of the sites where the evidence-based practice was not sustained, workers and management discussed the reform, but they indicated they were not sure exactly what it meant or how they could find a way to make it fit in their operations, meaning it did not score well in cognitive or pragmatic legitimacy.

Contingency management works by helping individuals set goals for recovery, meet requirements set in terms of their probation or by courts and rewarding them with gift cards or points toward purchases when certain benchmarks are met.

"It sounds simple, but this is a huge shift in mindset for the criminal justice system, because the system is so punishment-oriented. So, it was not always viewed as legitimate," Portillo said.

Presenting such a fundamental change in operations shows that reform cannot be implemented or sustained without demonstrating to those tasked with carrying it out of its value.

Demonstrating the efficacy or leadership simply telling workers it is something they have to do was not enough. While much effort and money have been invested in criminal justice reform, a deeper understanding of what reforms work as well as how to make them stick is vital to improving the criminal justice system and helping individuals successfully transition back to society.

"This is definitely an area that needs more research, as the federal government invests a lot, and individual organizations invest a lot of time and resources in reforms and evidence-based practices," Portillo said. "We need to know more about how reform can be successful and how it is sustained for the long term."
DALLAS (AP)  Disneyland reopened on Friday and cruise lines welcomed the news that they could be sailing again in the U.S. by midsummer, as the number of Americans fully vaccinated against COVID-19 hit another milestone: 100 million.

Visitors cheered and screamed with delight as the Southern California theme park swung open its gates for the first time in 13 months in a powerful symbol of the U.S. rebound, even though the self-proclaimed Happiest Place on Earth is allowing only in-state guests for now and operating at just 25% capacity.

The reopening and similar steps elsewhere around the country reflect increasing optimism as COVID-19 deaths tumble and the ranks of the vaccinated grow  a stark contrast to the worsening disaster in India and Brazil and the scant availability of vaccines in many poor parts of the world.

While the overall number of lives lost to COVID-19 in the U.S. has eclipsed 575,000, deaths have plummeted to an average of about 670 per day from a peak of around 3,400 in mid-January.

Thirty-nine percent of the nation's adult population has been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 55% of adults have received at least one dose.

However, about 8% of those who have gotten one dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine have not returned for their second shot, officials said. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, said it is important to complete the course to gain maximum protection against the coronavirus.

Make sure you get that second dose," he said at a White House briefing.

Dr. Leana Wen, former Baltimore health commissioner and a visiting professor of health policy at George Washington University, said fully vaccinating about 40% of American adults is a great achievement but not enough.

The hardest part is ahead of us, she said. Im very concerned that we are not going to come anywhere close to reaching herd immunity in 2021.

The immunization drive has slowed in recent weeks, even as shots have been thrown open to all adults. Wen said the combination of better weather and falling case counts will make it harder to reach people who have not yet been vaccinated.

Those people who are on the fence about getting a vaccine may have less reason to get one now because they dont see coronavirus as an existential crisis anymore, she said.

CDC officials also reported Friday that it was anxiety  not a problem with the shots  that caused fainting, dizziness and other reactions in 64 people at vaccine clinics in five states in early April. None got seriously ill.

Cruise lines, meanwhile, cheered the news that the CDC is committed to resuming sailing in the U.S. by midsummer and is adjusting some of the rules to help speed the process.

Earlier this week, the CDC said in a letter to the industry that it will let ships cruise without going through practice trips first if 98% of the crew and 95% of the passengers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

"The voices of community leaders and the wider cruise community are being heard  and we are very grateful for that, said Laziza Lambert, a spokeswoman for the Cruise Lines International Association.

U.S. cruises have been shut down by the pandemic since March 2020.

In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday he expects to see COVID-19 restrictions lifted and the city fully reopen by July 1. He cited rising vaccination rates and decreasing hospitalizations.

We are ready for stores to open, for businesses to open, offices, theaters, full strength, he said on MSNBC.

However, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has maintained throughout the crisis that such decisions are his alone, and he said Thursday he would like to lift restrictions even sooner if possible.

I dont want to wait that long. I think if we do what we have to do, we can be reopened earlier, he said.

Cuomo said on Friday that New York City can increase indoor dining to 75% of capacity starting May 7.

In Michigan, which in recent weeks became the worst hot spot in the U.S., the numbers are finally showing improvement, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a plan to tie the lifting of restrictions to the state's vaccination rate.
Sea Watch saves another 77 migrants, now 121 onboard

(ANSAmed) - ROME, APRIL 30 - On Friday morning, the Sea Watch 4 vessel rescued 77 people including 11 women and one infant that were on a boat in distress off Libya.



The German NGO operating the vessel noted that, shortly before the operation, their crew had seen a violent interception of another dinghy by the "so-called Libyan Coast Guard".



(ANSAmed).




A Huawei logo is seen at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Shanghai, China (Photo : REUTERS/Aly Song)

Smartphone shipments at China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, once the world's biggest smartphone maker, halved in the first quarter in China, as U.S. sanctions choked its supply chain even as the overall smartphone market rebounded.



China shipments fell to 14.9 million handsets in the quarter ended March from 30.1 million in the same period last year, according to research firm Canalys. Outside China, Huawei shipped 3.7 million units.



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"The torch was passed to Vivo and Oppo, which capitalized most on Huawei woes domestically," Counterpoint analyst Yang Wang said. "It's been a tough year for Huawei and we don't see any let up soon."



Its market share slumped to 16% from 41% a year ago, while Vivo and Oppo saw their shipments grow 79% and 65%, respectively. Vivo shipped 21.6 million units in the first quarter, while Oppo shipped 20.6 million.



Huawei was put on a blacklist by former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019 that barred the company from importing critical technology of U.S. origin, affecting its ability to design its own chips and source components from outside vendors.



The ban put Huawei's once lucrative handset business under pressure, prompting the sale of its Honor budget smartphone unit in November.



Huawei said on Wednesday its first-quarter revenue fell 16.5%. The company, which is the world's largest telecom equipment maker, is seeking a strategic shift and is in talks to take control of a small Chinese automaker's electric vehicle unit, sources told Reuters.



China's overall market for smartphones has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with shipments increasing 24% from the first quarter a year ago when the pandemic was peaking in the country.



Xiaomi Corp's shipments in China rose 75% to 13.5 million units, while Apple Inc's increased 49% to 12 million, thanks to strong demand for the iPhone 12 series, the company's first 5G handset.



For a graphic on Huawei shipments fell off a cliff in first quarter of 2021:



https://graphics.reuters.com/CHINA-SMARTPHONES/bdwpkbwnnvm/chart.png


Regulatory News:

NOXXON Pharma N.V. (Paris:ALNOX) (Euronext Growth Paris: ALNOX), a biotechnology company focused on improving cancer treatments by targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME), announced that it has received exercise notices from Kreos Capital along with other historical investors who have converted warrants to shares.

A total of 3,768,449 new shares in NOXXON shall be issued consequently to the transaction, and NOXXON shall receive 1.2 million. This brings the total number of outstanding shares in NOXXON to 65,223,981. Following this warrant exercise, Kreos Capital holds 7.38% of outstanding shares in NOXXON.

The warrants were issued in connection with NOXXON's 1 million private placement, Kreos Capital's partial conversion of debt into equity and 10 million convertible notes with warrants on May 2, 2017. Details of the transaction can be found in the associated press release.

"We are pleased to exercise these warrants and increase our investment in NOXXON. We have been involved in NOXXON since 2014 and are confident the company has exciting long-term prospects, based on its differentiated technology, strong oncology-focused pipeline and the development strategy being implemented by management," said Aris Constantinides, General Partner at Kreos Capital.

"I would like to thank Kreos Capital for their ongoing long-term support of NOXXON. We look forward to working closely together as we continue to focus on improving cancer treatments by targeting the tumor microenvironment, including our lead candidate NOX-A12, which is progressing well in a Phase 1/2 brain cancer trial, with data read-outs expected in May and November 2021," said Aram Mangasarian, CEO of NOXXON.

About NOXXON

NOXXON's oncology-focused pipeline acts on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer immunity cycle by breaking the tumor protection barrier and blocking tumor repair. By neutralizing chemokines in the TME, NOXXON's approach works in combination with other forms of treatment to weaken tumor defenses against the immune system and enable greater therapeutic impact. NOXXON's lead program NOX-A12 has delivered final top-line data from a Keytruda combination trial in metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients published at the ESMO conference in September 2020 and based on the trial results, including overall survival and safety profile, further studies are being planned in pancreatic cancer. NOXXON is also studying NOX-A12 in brain cancer in combination with radiotherapy which has been granted orphan drug status in the US and EU for the treatment of certain brain cancers. A trial of NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy in newly diagnosed brain cancer patients who will not benefit from standard chemotherapy has delivered preliminary data from the first cohort showing consistent tumor reductions. The company's second clinical-stage asset NOX-E36 is a Phase 2 TME asset targeting the innate immune system. NOXXON plans to test NOX-E36 in patients with solid tumors both as a monotherapy and in combination. Further information can be found at: www.noxxon.com

Keytruda is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp Dohme Corp

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Disclaimer

Certain statements in this communication contain formulations or terms referring to the future or future developments, as well as negations of such formulations or terms, or similar terminology. These are described as forward-looking statements. In addition, all information in this communication regarding planned or future results of business segments, financial indicators, developments of the financial situation or other financial or statistical data contains such forward-looking statements. The company cautions prospective investors not to rely on such forward-looking statements as certain prognoses of actual future events and developments. The company is neither responsible nor liable for updating such information, which only represents the state of affairs on the day of publication.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005434/en/

Contacts:

For more information, please contact:

NOXXON Pharma N.V.

Aram Mangasarian, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer

Tel. +49 (0) 30 726247 0

amangasarian@noxxon.com

Investor Relations

LifeSci Advisors

Guillaume van Renterghem

Tel. +41 (0) 76 735 01 31

gvanrenterghem@lifesciadvisors.com

NewCap

Arthur Rouille

Tel. +33 (0) 1 44 71 00 15

arouille@newcap.fr
OROVILLE, Calif. - Oroville Police Department said they arrested a man who is suspected of stealing a mountain bike from Paradise Bike on Sunday, April 25.

At about 6:18 a.m., officers got a call about an audible alarm at the bike store where they observed a damaged window in the front of the business.

Video surveillance showed a male break the window and enter the store with bolt cutters.

The video shows the male cut a security cable that secured several bikes and left out the broken window with a mountain bike that is worth $4,000.

After looking over the video, officers were able to identify Jason Carl Harsha, Jr. based on previous contacts with law enforcement.

Officers went to Harshas residence and interviewed him. He admitted to officers he stole the bike and gave the mountain bike to officers.

He also admitted he went to the bike store a week previous and attempted to burglarize the store but did not have bolt cutters. He then returned with bolt cutters on April 25.

Harsha was arrested for second-degree burglary and vandalism.

Harsha was arrested about five hours after the burglary.

He is being held at Butte County Jail on $21,000 bail.
The new iPad Pro went up for pre-order today, and while thats not necessarily something wed cover here at Android Headlines, it is important. And thats because its really the only tablet worth buying. Because Google just doesnt care about Android tablets. Neither on the hardware or software side of things.

I own the previous iPad Pro (2020 model, 11-inch) and absolutely love it. However, I rarely use any of Apples apps on it. I use more of Googles apps than Apples apps. And of course, plenty of third-party apps too. And its pretty clear that Apple makes the best Google tablet. Even if it doesnt run on Android.

Apple knows that there is zero competition for its tablets, and yet it continues to push the boundaries. As Nilay Patel from The Verge said in his iPad Pro review a few years ago, Apple is just showing off now. And that is still true in 2021. With the iPad Pro now having the M1 chipset inside, the same chipset youll find in its newer Mac products. And it comes with 16GB of RAM (on the 1TB model), which is just insane. Most Android tablets have like 8GB of RAM at the most.

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What Android tablets are available?

Theres very few Android tablets available, and even fewer that are worth buying. And it really comes down to Samsung. Its Galaxy Tab S and Galaxy Tab A series are really the only ones that you should look at buying.

The Galaxy Tab S7 series is really good, and pretty much on par with what Apple has with the iPad Pro. But theres still the issue of software. And more importantly, apps. Samsung has done a lot to make the Galaxy Tab series really good, and useful. Including adding DeX on the Galaxy Tab S7 series, giving you essentially a desktop-like experience on a tablet. And it works really well.

However, apps is still the issue. Most apps are not compatible with DeX unfortunately. The Microsoft Office suite is compatible, so you can use a desktop version of Microsoft Word on your tablet. But when it comes to most other apps, youre out of luck.

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Then theres the fact that Android apps on tablets dont scale well. They are basically the same app youd find on your phone, but across a 10-inch or larger display. Which does not lead to the best experience.

Google gave up on tablets long ago

Google tried with tablets for years. But a few years ago, it hung it up when it came to Pixel tablets. We all remember the Pixel Slate, or at least we unfortunately remember how bad it was. Wow that was such a bad tablet on so many fronts.

But Android still works on tablets. Though, we have not seen anything new for tablets in Android in many years now. Google really tried its hardest with Android 3.x Honeycomb, almost exactly a decade ago.

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After Honeycomb, Google tried to merge the tablet and smartphone interface and it didnt really end well. Which has resulted in Android tablets almost becoming extinct.

This is Googles typical approach to things. Itll try something and if it is not immediately successful, itll ditch it, and kill it. Just look at Google+, and the many other Google products that it has killed over the years. Hangouts and Allo are other examples of that. So this should come as no surprise.

Whats even crazier is, Googles apps on iOS are actually optimized for the iPad. Whereas their same apps are not on Android tablets. In fact, its apps actually work better on iOS versus Android. Which is just crazy, considering Google develops Android and the apps on Android.

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Why is Apple so good with tablets?

As much as we, Android users, like to make fun of Apple for being such a closed ecosystem when it comes to the operating system. But there are many perks to having a closed operating system, and controlling every part of it. From the processor, to the hardware, to the platform and the apps. It means that Apple can give you a really good experience on every device, and also update every device at the same time. Instead of rolling out Android 11 to devices more than six months after it came out.

But why is Apple so good with tablets? Well, for one, it has embraced tablets since the beginning. And that includes tablet-optimized apps. From the beginning, in 2010 with the first iPad, Apple wanted developers to make tablet-optimized apps. Instead of just using iPhone apps on that larger display.

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That helped make the iPad useful, as it made customers think there is a reason why they need the iPad. Instead of it just being a larger phone screen. Its actually something you can get some work done on.

And now that the iPad Pro has the M1 chipset inside  the same chipset found in the Macbook Pro, iMac and a few other Macs  its likely the most powerful tablet on the market. Perhaps more powerful than the Surface even.

Part of the reason is Apple itself. Everyone wants an Apple product because its a status symbol. And that might be how the iPad started out, but it has become much more than that. Its more of a laptop replacement now than it has ever been.


31 March 2021 Quarterly Activities & Cashflow Report

Ballarat, April 29, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - During the Quarter White Rock ( ASX:WRM ) ( OTCMKTS:WRMCF ) focused on completing advanced works in preparation for an aggressive 2021 field season with an exploration drill campaign in Alaska. Three drill rigs have been secured, as has supporting helicopter services, two remote accommodation camps and geophysical contractors.RED MOUNTAIN PROJECT, ALASKASix new, potentially significant, mineralised massive sulphide targets have been identified in the emerging Last Chance "VMS" camp from the follow-up of stream sediment anomalism during the 2020 field season, and returned promising assays results including:- Horseshoe (up to 8.3% Zn, 0.3% Pb, 1.1% Cu, 12g/t Ag & 3.6g/t Au).- Bib (up to 7.3% Zn, 5.1% Pb, 0.3% Cu, 40g/t Ag & 0.3g/t Au).- Bib West (up to 5.7% Zn, 1.4% Pb & 0.2% Cu)- Grapple (up to 3.6% Zn, 1.9% Pb, 0.7% Cu & 40g/t Ag).- Peaches (up to 2.9% Zn, 2.8% Pb, 0.2% Cu, 46g/t Ag & 1.5g/t Au).- Ringer (up to 1.0% Cu, 26g/t Ag & 0.4g/t Au).Drilling during the 2021 field season will focus on:- The potential of the high-grade silver-zinc Dry Creek VMS deposit to grow to a size that could support a standalone development opportunity;- Drill testing of conductivity targets proximal to the Dry Creek and WTF deposits within the Red Mountain VMS "camp";- New VMS prospects with outcropping mineralisation not yet drill tested in the emerging Last Chance VMS "camp", and- Follow-up drill testing at the large Last Chance IRGS/orogenic gold target, with a combination of shallow drilling of surface geochemical anomalies and multi-disciplinary targeting of deeper structural positions likely to offerMT CARRINGTON PROJECT, NSWWhite Rock and Thomson Resources Ltd ("Thomson") ( ASX:TMZ ) entered into a binding and exclusive Term Sheet for a 3 stage Earn-In and Option to Joint Venture Agreement, whereby Thomson can earn up to 70% of White Rock's Mt Carrington gold-silver Project in north eastern NSW by funding the project through a Definitive Feasibility Study and the environmental permitting activities to a Decision to Mine. White Rock is free-carried during the Earn-In period.PROPOSED MERGER WITH AUSTAR GOLDWhite Rock and AuStar Gold Ltd ("AuStar") ( ASX:AUL ) entered into a Merger Implementation Deed (MID) whereby White Rock would acquire 100% of AuStar Gold by way of scheme of arrangement in an all-share transaction.The Scheme would move White Rock into the league of gold producers and secures a large (~670km2) under-explored land package with historic high-grade gold production in the highly prospective Victorian goldfields.To view the full quarterly report, 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.
It's buried at the bottom of this front page, but the Houston Avenue underpass opened on this day 90 years ago.

At a cost of $100,000 back then, it took seven months for it to go up.

* In other news, Margaret Kopinitz was killed in a domestic dispute with her husband, Martin, at their home on Malone in the West End. The two arrived in the U.S. in 1911 with their three children, the Chronicle reported.

The cabinet maker contended that the shooting was accidental and occurred when Margaret and son Sigmond tried to grab his shotgun from him, thinking he was going to shoot himself over a quarrel they had, the Houston Post reported.

In October, Martin Kopinitz was convicted of murder in his wife's death and sentenced to 25 years in prison. But after nearly serving two years of that sentence, Texas Gov. Miriam A. "Ma" Ferguson pardoned him, stating "there is strong evidence that the shooting was accidental and therefore strong doubt of any intention to kill."

Tragedy, however, seemed to follow the family.

In 1937, Sigmond Kopinitz killed himself at a home in the Northside, despondent over a dispute he had with his girlfriend, according to Chronicle coverage.

Then, in 1947, Martin Kopinitz was killed by a shotgun fired by his stepdaughter at their home near Sheldon.

Ruby Bulanek told authorities her stepfather was arguing with her mother and threatened to shoot her.

"He started to the bedroom where he keeps his guns, turned around and cursed mother some more. I got my husband's gun out of a closet, loaded it, and when he started back after his gun I shot him. I loaded both of the barrels with buckshot," she said.

Bulanek said her mother and stepfather had a troubled 11-year marriage.

A Harris County grand jury no-billed Bulanek on a murder charge stemming from Martin Kopinitz's death.

Click on the image below to enlarge.

(Click to enlarge)
Tim Scotts powerful response to Joe Bidens address to Congress has forced both Biden and Kamala Harris to reject a core belief of the BLM movement and the American left. Both the president and the vice president have now stated that the American people are not racist.

Biden said this:

No, I dont think the American people are racist, but I think after 400 years, African-Americans have been left in a position where they are so far behind the eight-ball in terms of education, health, in terms of opportunity. I think the overhang from all of the Jim Crow and before that, slavery, has had a cost, and we have to deal with it.

Here are my thoughts about Bidens statement:

First, if Biden doesnt believe the American people are racist, he should do everything in his power to make sure the federal government doesnt promote the contrary view  that Americans are racist. Racism is evil. Accordingly, its hard to imagine any doctrine more demoralizing to the nation than the belief that Americans are racist and/or that Whites should be ashamed of their race.

Its Bidens patriotic duty, therefore, to make sure the government isnt on the wrong side of this question. For example, federal money must not be granted to any school district that teaches students that Americans are racist or that shames students for being white. To the contrary, the federal government should investigate schools accused of demeaning students on account of their race.

Now that Biden is on record that Americans arent racist, lets see him act as though he actually believes this.

Second, America has been dealing for decades with the effects of slavery and Jim Crow on African-American education, health, and opportunity. Welfare checks go to Blacks to a disproportionate degree. In terms of health, Blacks benefit to a disproportionate extent from free care (Medicaid) and from subsidized care (the Affordable Care Act).

In terms of education and opportunity, Blacks receive preferential admission to American colleges and universities  elite and otherwise (although whether this helps them is debatable). Its true, though, that at the K-12 level, Blacks, to a disproportionate degree, receive an inadequate education from Americas public schools.

Thats why Biden should immediately try to break the stranglehold of public schools on the education of Blacks (and others). He should support school choice, including voucher programs and charter schools.

In addition, Biden should ensure that under his leadership ( unlike Obamas), the federal government does nothing to undermine the ability of teachers to discipline students for disruptive behavior. Black students (and others) are deprived of their full educational opportunities when teachers are deterred from taking disciplinary action because the government is looking over their shoulder to make sure discipline is meted out based not on behavior, but on considerations of race.

Third, slavery was abolished more than 150 years ago. It has been half a century since Jim Crow prevailed.

African-Americans have taken advantage in vast numbers of having obtained equality under the law. This would not have happened if the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow had, in Bidens words, left [them] in a position where they are so far behind the eight-ball.

Thus, we must consider the possibility that those who are behind the eight-ball have left themselves behind  by declining to do the things that other Blacks (and members of other groups that began their time in America in a disadvantaged condition) have done to get ahead. If Biden wants to confer additional benefits on Blacks who are left behind, he should show that their status, somehow, is the result of slavery and Jim Crow, rather than the result of their decisions and their behavior.

Its neither a showing he can make, nor one hes interested in attempting.
The chief medical officer says the easing of restrictions is a "welcome and deserved turning point" in Ireland's effort to get through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) briefing, Dr Tony Holohan said it was a step closer towards "the shared national goal of suppressing Covid-19."

However, Dr Holohan warned that incidence around the country vary and some areas are in "a more precarious position" than others.

He said: "For example, while the national incidence rate is 125 per 100,000, Donegal currently stands at 295 per 100,000.

"This is extremely concerning for public health doctors locally."

Dr Holohan's comments come as four further Covid-19-related deaths are recorded in Ireland by Nphet.

Another 545 cases of the virus were also confirmed by Nphet in the last 24-hour reporting period.

The latest figures from the Department of Health brings the total number of cases to 248,870 and the total death toll to 4,903.

As of Friday morning, 139 coronavirus patients were in hospital, of whom 44 were in ICU.

There were eight additional hospital admissions in the previous 24 hours.

The chief medical officer says the easing of restrictions is a "welcome and deserved turning point" in Ireland's effort to get through the Covid-19 pandemic. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Dr Holohan added: "It is important that we look forward now and work together to reduce incidence nationally, but also in our own locality.

"Your individual actions for the good of your neighbours and community do matter, and they will make all the difference.

As of April 28, a total of 1,487,043 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland. Some 1,067,378 people have received their first dose, while 419,665 people have received two doses.

The five-day moving average of cases now stands at 450, while the 14-day incidence of the virus per 100,000 population is now at 127.3.

Donegal has the highest county incidence rate, followed by Kildare.

Of the new cases, 264 are in Dublin, 58 in Kildare, 50 in Cork, 29 in Donegal, 28 in Galway and the remaining 116 cases are spread across 21 other counties.

Of the cases notified today, 294 are men and 244 are women. 77% are under 45 years of age, and the median age is 29-years-old.

Deputy chief medical officer, Dr Ronan Glynn says Ireland has achieved a huge amount but the coronavirus still poses a threat.

He said: "It is important to stay vigilant and not to drop your guard over the coming weeks.

"This is especially true for those who have yet to be vaccinated or are particularly vulnerable."

He added: "The important thing to do as society reopens is to continue to risk assess your choices and your environment.

"Just because something is an option, doesnt always mean its safe."

The Taoiseach has indicated that foreign travel and indoor hospitality will be possible by the end of the summer.

Speaking to Pat Kenny on Newstalk, Micheal Martin said that vaccination across Europe made the prospect of foreign travel possible.

So its possible in July, August, that travel will be possible, given the fact that vaccination would have happened all over Europe. He said that Ireland will be "full participants in the EU Green Passport scheme which is being drawn up currently and earlier told RTE that Ireland "could not disconnect itself forever".

On indoor hospitality, he said that while it constitutes what NPHET would call a "high-risk activity", he hoped it would be possible in July.

Pfizer/BioNTech will seek approval from the European Medicines Agency to approve their Covid vaccine for use on 12-15-year-olds.

Meanwhile, Pfizer/BioNTech will seek approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to approve their Covid vaccine for use on 12-15-year-olds.

In a statement on Friday, the two companies said their submission to the EMA was based on an advanced study in more than 2,000 adolescents that showed the vaccine to be safe and effective.

The children will continue to be monitored for longer-term protection and safety for another two years.

The move could offer younger and less at-risk populations in Europe access to the jabs for the first time.
NEW YORK  Michael Cohen on Thursday ripped Rudy Giuliani as a greedy idiot who deserves to get raked over the coals by federal prosecutors for doing President Donald Trumps dirty work and trying to profit off it.

The former fixer for Trump said he personally warned Giuliani that he would eventually end up on the short end of the stick because Trump doesnt care about anyone or anything.

Hes been involved in some very, very shady stuff and now its all gonna come out, Cohen said on CNN.

Sounding like hes regained some of his New York swagger after a humiliating stint in prison, Cohen explosively predicted that the former mayor would eventually flip on his ex-boss and cooperate with the feds.

Do I think Rudy will give up Donald in a heartbeat? Absolutely, said Cohen.

As a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Giuliani knows better than anyone that he is facing the legal equivalent of a ton of bricks, Cohen said.

He knows exactly whats coming down the road and he knows how to avoid it, Cohen said. Hes going to start talking: 1, 2, 3.

The feds raided Giulianis office and home early Wednesday morning seeking evidence of wrongdoing in the Ukraine scandal in which Trumps then-personal lawyer sought dirt on rival Joe Biden.

Giuliani denies any wrongdoing and says hes being railroaded by Democrats for his strong support of Trump. The former president blasted the raids targeting Giuliani as so unfair.

Cohen suggested that the raids may help the feds dig up even more damaging lines of investigation, possibly involving the former president, his relatives or other cronies in the garbage can orbit of Donald Trump.

Rudys been shady for a long time, Cohen said. What youre gonna find is its going to expand the investigation, maybe into other areas that Rudy doesnt possibly even remember.

Cohen added that Giuliani could become his own worst enemy when the feds start combing through his phones and laptops.

Rudys an idiot, he drinks too much and he acts in an erratic manner, Cohen said. Who knows whats on those telephones and computers?

---

Dave Goldiner of the New York Daily News wrote this story.

2021 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Two California men were arrested this week at Kahului Airport on the island of Maui for alleged COVID-19 quarantine violations, according to the Maui Police Department.

Joe Huerta, 60, and Josiah Huerta, 31, flew into Kahului Airport on April 28, but neither had negative pre-travel COVID-19 tests from an approved facility. They also did not have approved lodging in which to complete the states mandatory 10-day travel quarantine.

Both men were transported to the Wailuku Police Station for processing and reportedly volunteered to leave Maui and fly back to California.

This is not the first time tourists have been arrested for violating Hawaii's COVID-19 regulations. A San Francisco woman was arrested and jailed after she broke quarantine, and posted about it on social media. Two tourists from Louisiana were arrested for attempting to bribe an airport screener when they too arrived without negative COVID-19 tests.

One tourist even died while defying quarantine regulations.

This week also saw the tragic death of a child under 11 in Hawaii from COVID-19. The child, who traveled to Hawaii with his vaccinated parents, died after contracting coronavirus. The child had underlying conditions, and their case marked the first death in the state from the virus of a person under 11, according to the The Hawaii Department of Health.

Despite the CDCs announcement on April 2  that recommends fully vaccinated people can travel at low risk to themselves  Hawaii is continuing the states Safe Travels pre-travel testing program, even for fully vaccinated passengers. These rules state that travelers must show a negative test results prior to departing to avoid a mandatory 10-day quarantine.

The state says that while this policy may change in the near future, it remains in place until further notice.
After a grueling wait, the first 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 models have arrived in the Twin Cities and are available for fans to view at Fury Motors Saint Paul.

The new Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the most capable and powerful Wrangler yet. Behind the newfound brawn is a new 6.4-liter V-8 engine that administers 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Jeep states the Rubicon 392 lunges to 60 mph from a dead stop in 4.5 seconds. Thats 40% faster than the traditional Wrangler Rubicon.

The SUV has earned its Trail Rated badge, indicating that it endured rigorous testing in some of the worlds most punishing landscapes. Owners will benefit from even greater off-road capability with improved approach and departure angles, suspension articulation, maneuverability and water fording up to 32.5 inches.

Fury Motors is Minnesotas No. 1 family-owned Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer serving customers since 1963. Interested parties can view images of the new 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 in the dealerships inventory online by visiting https://saintpaul.furymotors.com/. Prospective customers will also be able to connect with an expert one-on-one by calling the dealerships sales department at 855-672-0596. Those more interested in experiencing the new Rubicon 392 firsthand can test drive this model when they visit the Fury Motors Saint Paul store in person at 1000 Concord St. in Saint Paul, Minn.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a Union Cabinet meeting which has been called to review the existing COVID-19 situation in the country and to discuss what other measures can be taken to contain the chain of coronavirus infection.

According to the sources, the meeting will begin around 11 AM. During the crucial meeting, the Prime Minister along with top Union Cabinet ministers is expected to take some tough decisions to contain the pandemic from spreading further.



The meeting of the Union Council of Ministers will be held via video conference. Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi met Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane and reviewed the COVID-19 preparedness and initiatives of the troops.

"They discussed various initiatives being taken by the Army to help in Covid management," the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said in a statement.

Gen Naravane informed that the Army is opening up its hospitals for civilians wherever possible and that citizens can approach their nearest Army hospitals, the PMO statement said.

On Wednesday, the PM held a similar discussion with Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria. PM Modi also chaired a meeting with top officials to review the Covid-19 situation in the country during which he was given an overview of the situation in the country relating to oxygen availability, medicines, health infrastructure, etc.

The Empowered Group working on boosting Oxygen Supply briefed the Prime Minister on the efforts being made to ramp up the availability and supply of oxygen in the country.

They informed the PM about increasing the allocation of Oxygen to states. It was discussed that the production of LMO in the country has increased from 5700 MT/day in August 2020 to the present 8922 MT (on 25th April 2021). The domestic production of LMO is expected to cross 9250 MT/day by the end of April 2021.

PM instructed the officials to work closely with state governments to start the PSA Oxygen plants at the earliest. Officers also apprised the PM that they are encouraging states to also set up PSA Oxygen plants.

PM was briefed about the functioning of the Oxygen Express Railways Service as well as the domestic sorties & international sorties undertaken by IAF to transport oxygen tankers.

The Empowered Group working on Medical Infrastructure and Covid management briefed the PM on efforts being undertaken to ramp up availability of beds and ICUs.

They informed the PM on efforts to break the chain of transmission. PM stressed on the need to ensure that specific guidelines and strategies evolved regarding Covid management needs to be properly implemented by the relevant agencies in the States.

The Empowered Group working on communication informed the PM on the efforts being undertaken to improve awareness among people on Covid-related behaviour.

It may be noted that India registered 3,79,257 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, taking the cumulative caseload to 1,83,76,524, as per Union Health Ministry data on Thursday (April 29). India has been recording over three lakh cases every day for more than a week now.

Live TV
Today marks the end of President Joe Bidens first 100 days in office, which is the period where every president tries to get their big things done. You know, F.D.R. introduced the New Deal, Ronald Reagan rolled back the welfare state, and Bill Clinton installed that stripper pole in the situation room.  TREVOR NOAH

And to celebrate the occasion, last night Joe Biden delivered his first address to Congress. Yes, for hundreds of years Joe Biden has sat and watched other presidents give speeches to Congress, but now it was his turn.  TREVOR NOAH

Joe Bidens got that new job enthusiasm, which always fades over time. You know, and right now hes like Im changing everything. And like a year or so from now, his top priority  top priority  is going to be angling his computer monitor so that no one can see hes watching Outlander.'  TREVOR NOAH
The war of words continues between Roku and Google over their YouTube TV dispute, with Roku announcing Friday that it would pull the YouTube TV app from its channel store now that its contract with Google has expired.

However, Roku has given existing YouTube TV users a reprieve, saying that it has taken the extra step of allowing them to keep streaming shows while the two sides work on hammering out an agreement.

In a statement to TechHive, a Roku rep said that the company is disappointed that Google has allowed our agreement for the distribution of YouTube TV to expire, while reiterating its charges of discriminatory and anticompetitive behavior on Googles part.

Google again denied Rokus charges, adding that it wanted only to renew the current terms of [Rokus] ongoing deal with YouTube TV, but that Roku chose to use this as an opportunity to renegotiate a separate deal encompassing the YouTube main app, which does not expire until December.

Roku, which has also been involved in standoffs with the likes of Peacock and HBO Max, began firing broadsides at Google earlier this week, accusing the tech giant of wanting to manipulate your search results, as well as demanding the use of pricier chipsets that would boost the cost of its streaming players.

Google fired back that Rokus claims were baseless, and that all our work with [Roku] has been focused on ensuring a high quality and consistent experience for our users.

Roku had warned that Google may take away your access to the YouTube TV channel if the dispute wasnt quickly resolved. However, while Roku users who are new to YouTube TV wont be able to sign up for the service on their players, existing users will still have YouTube TV access while negotiations continue.

Our own Jared Newman broke down the Roku-Google spat in his latest column, noting that both companies are stretching the truth to suit their own purposes.

For example, Rokus charge that Google wants to block voice search results within YouTube from other apps is actually the status quo in terms of YouTubes behavior on other platforms, Newman writes. At the same time, the sabre rattling over the pricier chipsets could stem from Google reportedly trying to strongarm other companies to support the royalty-free and more efficient AV1 video codec.

Bitter though the accusations are, the fact that YouTube TV hasnt completely disappeared is a sign that Roku and Google want to keep talkingafter all, as Newman notes, the two companies risk losing a big chunk of their respective audiences by letting negotiations fall apart. Stay tuned.

Updated shortly after publication to add Google's response.
If you want to understand the perverse foreign policy of the Obama administration, Michael Orens memoir Ally is in invaluable text. It provides a first-hand account of Obamas dishonesty and deceit toward Israel while his administration worked toward an arrangement facilitating the Iranian regimes pursuit of nuclear weapons while funding it terroristic pursuits.

Its hard to come up with an innocent explanation, or at least one that is not stupefying. Once the arrangement was achieved in the form of the JCPOA, the administration lied about it nonstop with the assistance of its media adjunct.

Oren is Israels former ambassador to the United States. He drew on his personal experience for the memoir. He draws on it again to comment on John Kerrys denial of the conversation related by Mohammad Javad Zarif regarding Kerrys disclosure of Israeli actions in Syria reported by the New York Times this week. Dmitriy Shapiro sought out Oren for this JNS story on the assessment of former Israeli ambassadors on the Kerry/Zarif matter:

Oren cited Kerrys speech in 2016 after failed Israel-Palestine peace negotiations, where he spent more than an hour lecturing Israel on its settlements while war was raging out of control in neighboring Syria. At the same time when Syrian [President] Bashar Assad was killing a half million of his own countrymen and the U.S. government refused to intervene, Kerry found time to give an hour-long speech condemning Israeli settlements, said Oren. What was going on north of [Israel] was the largest massacre in post-World War II history. The speech was especially puzzling, Oren pointed out since Kerry blamed Israel alone for the failure of the peace talks. Oren said that he didnt know whether Zarif was telling the truth in the recording, but it was well known during the negotiations for the Iran nuclear deal Kerry and Zarif had a close relationship, something that troubled Israel. He made no attempts to disguise that, said Oren. And for Israelis, this was very disturbing. This was the representative of a government that was sworn to destroy usactively seeking to destroy us. It wasnt passive. It wasnt just rhetoric. Thats disturbing to the Israelis and should have been disturbing for Americans because this is a regime that oppresses gay people and free speech, and imprisons people and tortures people. I mean, it should have been more disturbing for a person, I think, of a liberal outlook such as John Kerry.

As the Biden/Harris administration retakes the path of accommodation with Iran, there is sure to be more to come. In the meantime, I want to add Orens comments to my own own assessment with high confidence that Kerry is lying.
Leading European analyst firm recognises iCIMS for its comprehensive capabilities and ability to support large enterprise customers more effectively than competitors

HOLMDEL, N.J., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- iCIMS, the leading talent cloud company, has been recognised for its performance, level of sophistication, and scope in Europe in the 2021 Fosway Group 9-Grid for Talent Acquisition. According to Fosway, iCIMS shows strong momentum and high potential in its advanced rating due to its comprehensive capabilities and lower total cost of ownership.

iCIMS' placement in the analysis from Fosway Group solidifies iCIMS as the global platform that empowers companies to build a winning workforce through:

Global customer community : supporting the complex hiring needs of brands such as Wipro, Deutsche Bank, Bloomberg, HP and Astra Zeneca.

: supporting the complex hiring needs of brands such as Wipro, Deutsche Bank, Bloomberg, HP and Astra Zeneca. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) analytics: enabling talent teams to explore where historically underrepresented candidates are dropping off in the hiring process, viewing candidates by stage by their self-identified race, ethnicity and gender to understand where more inclusive measures need to be implemented and set goals for each hiring stage.

enabling talent teams to explore where historically underrepresented candidates are dropping off in the hiring process, viewing candidates by stage by their self-identified race, ethnicity and gender to understand where more inclusive measures need to be implemented and set goals for each hiring stage. Video storytelling and engagement : reimagining the talent experience by showcasing an authentic employer brand through employee-generated video testimonials.

reimagining the talent experience by showcasing an authentic employer brand through employee-generated video testimonials. Seamless integrations: gaining local fit and flexibility via out-of-the-box integrations.

gaining local fit and flexibility via out-of-the-box integrations. Extensive partner ecosystem: benefiting from partnerships with leading HCM and payroll software providers.

partner ecosystem: benefiting from partnerships with leading HCM and payroll software providers. Global support : delivering Premium Success Support with a 24/7 technical helpdesk for global companies; global implementations.

: delivering Premium Success Support with a 24/7 technical helpdesk for global companies; global implementations. Global recruiting tools : engaging with candidates across geographies and channels including Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and SMS; tailored country career sites; multilingual capabilities, and in-country and pan-regional compliance.

: engaging with candidates across geographies and channels including Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and SMS; tailored country career sites; multilingual capabilities, and in-country and pan-regional compliance. Investments in EU Data Security: achieving leading international privacy and information certification ISO/IEC 27701 led by our Data Protection Officer and privacy team.

achieving leading international privacy and information certification ISO/IEC 27701 led by our Data Protection Officer and privacy team. Worldwide hosting & disaster recovery centers: providing eight hosting sites around the world and six data recovery centers designed for high availability to protect against disaster.

providing eight hosting sites around the world and six data recovery centers designed for high availability to protect against disaster. Global leadership: gaining expertise from iCIMS' growing European team and 2020 acquisitions of companies headquartered in France and Ireland .

"Global business leaders are facing new and evolving business priorities and challenges every day," said Mickael Cabrol, managing director of EMEA at iCIMS. "Having the right people is critical to success and access to the best talent requires optimum technology, a premier partner network and a global community of customers. Our leadership status in the 2021 Fosway 9-Grid for Talent Acquisition solidifies our commitment to our EMEA customers to provide the strongest portfolio of solutions to meet their needs, while contributing to our global growth in multiple regions."

David Wilson, CEO of Fosway said, "The disruption of the pandemic has opened opportunities for a new breed of talent acquisition systems to help organisations adapt to the constantly changing requirements in recruitment. iCIMS has significantly accelerated both its product innovation and its growth and customer advocacy in EMEA with its recognition in this year's analysis."

This recognition from Fosway Group follows additional industry recognition from Aptitude Research, Gartner and Josh Bersin.

About iCIMS

iCIMS is the talent cloud company that empowers organisations to attract, engage, hire, and advance the right talent that builds a diverse, winning workforce. iCIMS accelerates transformation for a community of approximately 4,300 customers, including 40 percent of the Fortune 100.

Media Contact

Carlee Capawana

Carlee.Capawana@icims.com

908.947.6572

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About 200 candles illuminated the altar at Champion Forest Baptist Churchs recent COVID Service of Remembrance. Each light represented a loved one lost in the past year.

As pastor Jarrett Stephens looked out into the pews, filled with hundreds of church members and area residents, his thoughts turned to waves of grief created by the pandemic.

So many loved ones lost to the coronavirus, he explained, and there were others who died at the hospital from unrelated causes who still could not have visitors.

No one should die alone, Stephens said. The stories Ive heard have been heart-crushing.

His thoughts turned to the chaplains and ministers who were often allowed to visit only by video or phone  and the families who could not see their loved ones in the hospital. Then, after a death, individuals were not able to mourn in the usual ways.

On HoustonChronicle.com: A church and hospital race to grant COVID patient's dying wish: Baptism and 'eternity' with his wife

Now Playing: Video: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Because of protocols, they couldnt have a ceremony to honor their loved ones, he said. You can read statistics, but when it hits close to home, its a gamechanger. When its someone you love, it changes everything.

Stephens decided to host a service of remembrance to give individuals an opportunity to mourn and honor the losses that occurred during the pandemic.

God put it on my heart, he said. It was our way to provide some healing.

During his sermon, Stephens shared a message of comfort.

We can hope, believe and rejoice that we will see our loved ones again, he said.

And he reminded guests that their loved ones were not truly alone in their final moments.

God was with them, he said. As you were walking on that path, God is also with you.

Stephens said that many who attended later told him, It finally gave me an opportunity to grieve.

A chance to grieve  even a year later

The Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Downtown Houston is also providing an opportunity for closure, inviting members to return for a memorial Mass if they missed the opportunity during the pandemic.

People have done so, and I expect it to happen more, said rector and administrator the Very Rev. Jeffrey L. Bame.

Bame noted that the lockdown prevented funeral Masses and even limited attendance after reopening. Some families had only a graveside service, livestreaming events for those who could attend only virtually.

But a livestream can never replace being present for a sacred rite, Bame said. Being authentically present with your community, you cant replace that.

Bame said that a growing sense of normalcy is returning to memorial services. Recently, he presided over a funeral with 400 attendees. He explained that even with every other pew blocked off, 500 people can still fit, socially distanced, in the cathedral.

Canon vicar the Rev. Kathy Pfister at downtowns Christ Church Cathedral said members are still delaying funerals, opting for limited gatherings and livestreaming ceremonies.

On HoustonChronicle.com: 'There is light shining out of the tomb.' Despite darkness, chaplains are hopeful ahead of Easter

A lot of people are choosing to do the burial service and then do the memorial at another time, she said.

Others are opting to have a memorial service now for someone who died months or even a year ago.

The Very Rev. Barkley Thompson, dean at the Episcopal congregation, has planned more funerals this past month than in typical three- or four-month periods pre-pandemic.

None of these deaths is the result of current COVID cases, he said, In some instances, the funerals are for people who died of COVID months or even a year ago. In other cases, the funerals are for people who have died unrelated to COVID.

Rabbi Adrienne Scott at Congregation Beth Israel is planning unveilings for families who experienced a loss during the pandemic.

The unveiling is a ritual in the Jewish faith, occurring about a year after a death, in which a formal plaque is placed on a grave, offering families another opportunity for mourning and emotional healing.

Recently, Scott led an unveiling, complete with a Zoom memorial service. Beth Israel quickly shifted to online funerals during the pandemic.

The power of Zoom allowed entire families to get together, she said. Like so many things, we just adjusted. We reinvented and reconfigured.

In a number of ways, virtual funerals made it easier for families, she added. Far-flung relatives who could not travel during the pandemic were able to attend. Those in grief did not have to worry about entertaining relatives, focusing instead on mourning.

Even shiva, a weeklong period of mourning following a burial, moved online.

Scott said that livestreamed funerals will continue post-pandemic. Were not going to stop, she said.

Preserving tradition

During the pandemic, funerals continued  outdoors and with limited capacity, Scott said.

The past year reminded you of how fragile life is, and the need to stay connected and to provide support, she said. We learned early on that we werent going to put anything on hold. We had to think about how we were going to be safe and preserve our spiritual traditions.

A similar spirit prevailed at Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland. Secretary Partha Krishnaswamy, past president of Hindus of Greater Houston, explained that priests were able to go to homes for mourning services.

Its been a difficult situation and a tough year, Krishnaswamy said. Weve been trying to do our best, and Im hoping we find a light at the end of the tunnel soon.

On HoustonChronicle.com: 'Dogs are a gift from God': Here's how local churches use man's best friend for outreach.

In addition, he explained that a number of Houstons Hindu community have family members in India who been affected by the worsening COVID-19 crisis there.

Many of them have had close next of kin that they lost overseas, Krishnaswamy said. And they lack the ability to travel.

Even if individuals are able to fly to India, the required time in quarantine would negate the period of mourning.

If youre quarantined, you cant do anything, and it becomes meaningless travel, Krishnaswamy said.

Being available to comfort and support families in this difficult situation is a top priority at the temple, he explained. Worshippers turn to faith in times of trial.

Thats the only place where they can find hope and solace, Krishnaswamy said.

Imam Hamzah Ghia, at the Klein Islamic Center, said that during the pandemic, members opted for outdoor and open-air funerals instead of the usual ceremonies in the mosque.

Even now we do it outdoors at the mosque, he said.

Technology made it possible for families to gather and offer condolences even at a distance, Ghia added. Some ceremonies were divided into one day for families and one for friends to limit the size.

Its definitely been different, but people are appreciative that we can still do something, he said. Its been tough for a lot of people. The best we can do is pray and be strong for each other.

Comfort for families

The entire grieving process was interrupted in the past year, said the Rev. Becky Zartman, canon missioner for evangelism and formation at Christ Church Cathedral.

Theres a cultural process of mourning, she said. And COVID just absolutely took that script off the rails.

Usually, Zartman explained, friends and family show up with food. People eat together. They comfort each other.

People do things that make you feel like youre not alone, she said.

COVID-19 prevented gatherings and meals, the togetherness so essential to mourning, Zartman said.

We have to be able to gather with those we love the most, she said. Grieving by yourself is really hard.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Family reunion: After a year apart, a Houston family gathers

Even not being able to hold the hands of dying loved ones can be haunting for those left behind.

Returning to the cathedral for a memorial months later can offer some closure and be cathartic, she said. In the Episcopal tradition, she added, all funerals are treated as an Easter service.

We believe this is the beginning of a new type of life for that person, Zartman said.

That message is comforting to the families who return for memorial services, she explained.

The prevalent feeling is of relief, Zartman said. Theyre able to lay their loved ones to rest in a meaningful way.

In addition, the cathedral hosts a small group session each year for those who are grieving, called Walking the Mourners Path.

Its for anyone who has lost someone, Zartman said. Its really important that they have a space to connect with other people.

The Rev. Bame worries that those who were isolated during the pandemic while mourning would not receive the healing balm of connecting with others.

Without the normal ways of processing and connecting to other people to deal with grief, it becomes more internalized, Bame said. And that contributes to an ongoing program that could extend the amount of time of grief or could lead to longer-term trauma.

He said talking to a priest or a therapist, or even journaling, can help with unresolved grief. Find a safe way to meet with a friend or family members, he suggested.

Turn off the TV, put your phone down and reach out to someone, Bame added. You cannot substitute for that.

Last March, Bame lost his own mother. Though the occasion was tragic, his family still had a chance to join together and mourn. He was still able to hold a funeral a week after her death, and hundreds attended.

All of that happened right before the shutdown, he said. There was a peace, and it was therapeutic for my family.

Only a month later, that would become impossible.

I found myself graveside with only 10 people present, Bame said. They had to choose which family members could even attend because of gathering limitations.

As they were mourning, he was concerned whether they would be able to process grief without the normal channels.

That was truly the most tragic thing, he said.

Pastoral care of the sick and dying also faced obstacles, Bame explained. Still, priests often found a way to stay true to their spiritual traditions while staying safe.

For example, Bame said that for the anointing of the sick, priests suited up, not unlike a frontline medical worker, donned gloves and masks, and used a disposable tool to swab the individuals forehead.

Still, many priests were saddened that they could not be with families who lost loved ones in the usual ways during the pandemic.

Our efforts are always imperfect, he reminded them. Being present is what matters most.

After all, a priest is ultimately symbolic of the presence of God, Bame said.

And God is not limited by halls, glass doors or masks, he added.

Lindsay Peyton is a Houston-based freelance writer.
Fredericton, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - TRU Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV: TRU) (OTCQB: TRUIF) ("TRU" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its press release on February 2, 2021, the Company has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") for a Change of Business (as such term is defined in Exchange Policy 5.2) to a "mining issuer" from its current classification as an "investment issuer".

In connection with the Change of Business and pursuant to Exchange requirements, the Company has filed a filing statement dated April 29, 2021 (the "Filing Statement"), together with a National Instrument 43-101 geological report on the Golden Rose Project (the "Geological Report"), under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are strongly encouraged to review the Filing Statement and the Geological Report for full details on the Change of Business.

TRU Co-Founder and CEO Joel Freudman commented, "Today marks an important milestone for our Company. We filed our initial comprehensive submission with the Exchange in early March shortly after completing our financing, and have aggressively advanced the Change of Business since, with thanks to the attentiveness and solutions-oriented approach of the Exchange, to secure conditional approval of our Change of Business in less than two months."

The Company intends to complete the Change of Business and resume trading the week of May 10, 2021. The completion of the Change of Business remains subject to final approval by the Exchange and fulfillment of Exchange requirements, including among other things, obtaining shareholder approval of the Change of Business by way of written consents. Until final approval is obtained and a Final Exchange Bulletin is issued, trading in the common shares of the Company will remain halted. Upon resumption of trading, the Company will be listed on the Exchange as a Tier 2 "mining issuer". The Company's name and ticker symbol, "TRU", will remain the same.

Mr. Freudman added, "Alongside the Change of Business, we have been hard at work mapping out our 2021 exploration programs and building an exploration team to position TRU as a contender in the prolific Central Newfoundland Gold Belt. Having recently closed an over-subscribed $3.5 million non-brokered private placement, we are well-funded for our near-term exploration plans for our Golden Rose Project as well as other initiatives, all aimed at unlocking value for our shareholders. I would like to thank all our loyal shareholders, old and new, yet again for their continued patience, and we are looking forward to resuming trading in the near term."

Separately, the Company reports that further to its March 1, 2021 press release, the Company continues to receive punctual principal and interest repayments on its secured loan (the "Loan") previously advanced in March 2020 to Revive Organics Inc., a private company operating across North America in the ready-to-eat meals industry. The Loan remains in good standing and on April 29, 2021, the Company received a payment of $223,500, one day before it was due. With that payment, the Company has now been repaid nearly all of this legacy investment, which matures in full on May 31, 2021 with a final $222,667 lump-sum payment of principal, interest, and fees, as TRU completes its transition to a mining issuer.

About TRU Precious Metals Corp.

TRU has assembled a portfolio of 5 gold exploration properties in the highly prospective Central Newfoundland Gold Belt. The Company has entered into a definitive option agreement with a subsidiary of TSX-listed Altius Minerals Corporation for the option to purchase 100% of the Golden Rose Project, located along the deposit-bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zone. TRU also owns 100% of the Twilite Gold Project, located along the same Shear Zone, and 3 under-explored properties including its Rolling Pond Property (under option) bordering New Found Gold Corp.'s high-grade Queensway Project. TRU's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "TRU" and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "TRUIF".

TRU is a portfolio company of Resurgent Capital Corp. ("Resurgent"), a merchant bank providing venture capital markets advisory services and proprietary financing. Resurgent works with promising public and pre-public micro-capitalization Canadian companies. For more information on Resurgent and its portfolio companies, please visit Resurgent's LinkedIn profile at https://ca.linkedin.com/company/resurgent-capital-corp.

For further information about TRU, please contact:

Joel Freudman

Co-Founder, President & CEO

TRU Precious Metals Corp.

Phone: (647) 880-6414

Email: info@trupreciousmetals.com

Website: www.trupreciousmetals.com

To connect with TRU via social media, below are links:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TRU-Precious-Metals-Corp-100919195193616

Twitter

https://twitter.com/corp_tru

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tru-precious-metals-corp

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHghHMDQaYgS1rDHiZIeLUg/

Cautionary Statements

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "continues", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken or occur. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limitation, statements regarding Exchange final approval of the Change of Business, shareholder approval of the Change of Business, resumption of trading of TRU's common shares on the Exchange, TRU's exploration plans and corporate strategy, and future Loan repayment. This forward-looking information consists of disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or results and is based on numerous assumptions that management believes to be reasonable in the circumstances, including that Exchange final approval will be obtained and that TRU will be able to successfully execute on its corporate and exploration plans.

The forward-looking information in this press release is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause TRU's actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to shareholder and regulatory approval processes, risks inherent to the mineral exploration industry, borrower counterparty risk of default, and those risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure documents. There can be no assurances that the forward-looking information herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated by such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. TRU does not undertake to update any forward-looking information in this press release, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82526
Also on this day in 2020 China tightened controls over dissidents while pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong and elsewhere tried to mark the 31st anniversary of the crushing of the pro-democracy movement in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. See more top news photos as selected by the Associated Press.
Touchstone Exploration (LON:TXP) Presenting at the Proactive One2One Virtual Forum 29th April 2021

Touchstone Exploration ( ) Presenting at the Proactive One2One Virtual Forum 29th April 2021

. is a Canadian-based, international upstream oil and gas company currently active in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is one of the largest independent onshore oil producers in Trinidad, with an experienced management and executive team that have a track record of delivering value to shareholders. The Companys strategy is to leverage the Boards extensive oil recovery experience and capability to develop international onshore properties that create shareholder value. In Trinidad, the Companys interests in approximately 90,000 gross acres of exploration and development rights make it one of the largest independent onshore oil producers in Trinidad. Touchstone holds over 8,700 working interest acres of onshore producing properties that have known crude oil reserves as well as over 55,000 exploration and undeveloped working interest acres that are being evaluated. Outside of its core Trinidad portfolio the Board continues to examine opportunities in jurisdictions that have stable political and fiscal regimes coupled with large defined original oil in place.
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The family of Nowamagbe Omoigui, the foremost civil war and military historian has released details of how the deceased cardiologist will be buried.

The native of Edo State died about a fortnight ago aged 62 and tributes have been pouring in for him.

Please note the emerging programme for Nowa including events in Nigeria for planning purposes. Detailed Programme yet to be completed and agreed, the family said in the statement released Friday.

His commendation mass and evening of tributes has been slated for May 7 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin-City.

The family further said the same exercise has been tentatively penned for May 10 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.

Also, a webinar tribute in his honour of as well as the launch of the Nowamagbe Austin Omoigui Global Centre for the advancement of Art, History and Medicine, powered by DAGOMO Foundation, will be held May 14.

The same day, the viewing of his corpse will be held at Kornegay and Moseley funeral home in Columbia, USA.

His requiem mass has been slated for the next day at St John Neumann Catholic Church, in the same city.

The veteran cardiologist and military historian will be interred May 15 at Greenlawn Memorial Park, in Columbia, USA.

At the same period, the familys traditional farewell will be held in his hometown in Benin-City, Edo State.

The funeral rites will be live-streamed, the family said in the directory released Friday.

Although a certified interventional cardiologist, Mr Omoigui contributed immensely to the history of the country, particularly on the military era and the civil war.

I am neither a professional political scientist nor historian, Mr Omoigui said in 2002 at a memorial lecture he delivered in Benin. However, storytelling is part of our culture and tradition. It is one of the ways ordinary folks have passed the story of our people from one generation to another for centuries.
Right now we share some of the top local crime news were watching that suggests that local crime also blossoms & blooms amid Springtime. After the jump weve sharing a dozen items regarding alleged metro misdeeds, mugshots, police action and maybe just a bit of hope for justice.

Crooks Hit Midtown

Westport business owner says criminals costing him big dollars in damage KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Business break-ins have been on the rise since the pandemic started, according to police. One shop in Westport continues to feel the blow. The owner said criminals aren't getting anything valuable, but they're costing him tons in damage. Sacred Leaf is picking up the pieces after another break-in.

Fire Bug Suspected In JoCo

Overland Park police, fire departments looking for suspect in suspicious fire KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Overland Park authorities are searching for a vehicle in connection to a suspicious fire that happened Tuesday evening. The fire was reported around 7:05 p.m. Tuesday at an apartment complex in the 11700 block of Melrose Street.

KCK Mugshot Aftermath

Police say suspect who struck woman with vehicle outside Kansas City, Kansas middle school has turned herself in KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is reporting that the female suspect that allegedly struck another woman with her vehicle Tuesday afternoon outside a local middle school has turned herself in to police. Officers responded to the incident just after 3 p.m.

JoCo Crime Spree Conviction

Overland Park man pleaded guilty in 5 Kansas City business robberies KANSAS CITY, Mo. - An Overland Park, Kansas, man pleaded guilty Wednesday to five business robberies in Kansas City, Missouri. Joshua West, 28, also pleaded guilty to two counts of brandishing a firearm, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's office in Kansas City, Missouri.

EPIC Bust On The Outskirts

Harrisonville police seize cash, meth, marijuana products after searching vehicle Harrisonville police SOURCE: Harrisonville police Harrisonville police said they seized thousands of dollars in cash, along with methamphetamine, marijuana products and pills after searching a vehicle Wednesday.Police said they were checking a vehicle in the 1400 block of Missouri 291 Highway and found $6,574 in cash, 248.5 grams of methamphetamine, 52.6 grams of marijuana products and a variety of pills.Authorities said no arrests were made because lab results are pending.

Drug Traffic Bust

California man charged with trafficking fentanyl on bus that stopped in KC KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - Today, a California man was charged in federal court with transporting more than four kilograms (8.8 pounds) of fentanyl from LA to Philadelphia aboard a bus that stopped at a KCMO bus station. Miguel Angel Duran, 28, was charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

KCMO Cycle Of Violence Spiraling Out Of Control

Gun violence increases in Kansas City in April, with 42 people injured and 9 killed Gun violence has increased this month in Kansas City, with the number of shootings surpassing those of previous months this year and April of 2020. Fifty-one people have been shot this month in the city, according to numbers provided by the Kansas City Police Department and data tracked by The Star.

Show-Me Peanut Creep Charge

St. Joseph man allegedly left peanuts in coffee, laundry for man with 'severe allergy' A St. Joseph man reportedly used peanuts to try and hurt his mother's boyfriend, who has several peanut allergies, prosecutors said. Jacob Andes, 27, was charged Wednesday with assault, the Camden County prosecuting attorney said in a news release. The victim told police Andes put peanuts in his coffee, laundry soap and underwear drawer in his Camdenton home.

Deadly Mystery Report

What happened in Room 319? Family questions cause of death of young mother Libby Caswell was 21 years-old when she died. Her death would light a fire under her mother, Cindy Caswell, and a team of experts to shine a light on what they think really happened. "There's not a picture I have where she's not smiling big and laughing," Caswell said.

Local Turnaround Success

Second Chance: Local program sets former offenders up for success Throughout the month of April, KMBC 9's Cody Holyoke will profile graduates and members of the 'Second Chance' program--an effort to help formerly incarcerated people return to our community.The Second Chance Risk Reduction Center is a program run by the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission, a local nonprofit group.A team of people works to help former offenders break the cycle of crime and get back on their feet.

East Side Wants Justice

Family of victim in unsolved homicide ask public for answers KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The family of KaShawn Haskell is asking the public to provide answers to the unsolved homicide one year after the woman's death. The 24-year-old was shot and killed in the 8200 Block of Troost Avenue on April 29, 2020.

Safe On The Outskirts?!?

Kansas City metro has 10 of 20 safest cities in Kansas FAIRWAY, KS (KCTV) -- According to a release from SafeWise, the Kansas City metro has half of the 20 safest cities in the Sunflower state. Basehor is at No. 2 and Mission Hills sits at No. 5. According to Safewise, the two cities reported just one violent crime each last year.

Developing . . .
A struggling school which brought in Britains toughest headteacher to improve discipline has come under fire for hardline tactics such as branding children in detention detainees.

Hackney New School in inner-city east London has issued more than 7,500 detentions since the start of the year  80 a day.

On one day last year, more than 150 pupils were given detentions  half the school. But teachers at the secondary have complained that discipline has become excessive, and that they are encouraged to keep children behind for minor infringements such as not smiling or shuffling as they walk.

In February last year, the trust hired controversial teacher Barry Smith, pictured, in a consultancy role to help tackle poor behaviour

The Dalston secondary was taken over by the Community Schools Trust in November 2019 after a damning Ofsted report which raised concerns about behaviour and safety

Pupils also say they feel oppressed by the toxic environment which has been created.

The Dalston secondary was taken over by the Community Schools Trust in November 2019 after a damning Ofsted report which raised concerns about behaviour and safety.

In February last year, the trust hired controversial teacher Barry Smith in a consultancy role to help tackle poor behaviour.

He was labelled the countrys toughest headteacher in 2017 for his methods of teaching at a school in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

Parents there criticised his army-like policies, which included pupils being warned they would be given buckets in class if they needed to be sick.

Mr Smiths methods have not gone down well in Hackney either, according to ITV News, which has seen leaked emails sent by the teacher calling pupils detainees.

Four present and former staff have complained, claiming the approach is damaging pupils mental health.

One said: Were encouraged to scrutinise their facial expressions.

If theyre not smiling were encouraged to give them demerits or detentions.

Quite frequently they have been described as being lazy, and if theyre shuffling on their feet they can be given demerits.

Another said they had seen pupils just start sobbing.

Two pupils also spoke to ITV News. One, who wished to remain anonymous, said a toxic environment has been created, while Temilola, 15, said: If we dont say good morning or good afternoon to a teacher, its being rude. Its oppressing.

Simon Elliott, chief executive of the Community Schools Trust, said he accepted some of the language being used was completely unacceptable.

But he added: I must stress to parents that we do have a very fair and strict behaviour system that helps children to achieve.
Retired Brigadier Mark Smethursts extensive experience and distinguished service with the Australian Defence Force will be of immense value to the company going forward, says chairman.

He has been serving as a strategic advisor to the XTEK Board of Directors.

( ) has appointed retired Brigadier Mark Smethurst DSC, AM, a highly regarded Australian Defence Force leader, as a non-executive director of the company effective today.

Brigadier Smethursts experience spans more than 35 years in the Australian Army, with 27 years as a Senior Special Forces Officer and he was Deputy Commander of the Australian Special Forces Command.

He commanded the NATO special forces in Afghanistan and was Deputy Chief of Operations for the US Special Operations Command.

Before leaving the Australian Defence Force in March 2017, he was Head of Preparedness/Director General Joint Force Analysis, responsible for developing futures concepts, experimentation, lessons and preparedness.

Immense value to company

XTEK chairman Uwe Boettcher said: I am delighted to welcome Mark to the XTEK board in his capacity as a director and I look forward to working with him in his new role.

His extensive experience and distinguished service with the Australian Defence Force will be of immense value to the company going forward.

Well-positioned to assist

Brigadier Smethurst is a member and the advisor to the Global SOF Foundation and is chairman of the Commando Welfare Trust.

More recently he was appointed as a strategic advisor to the XTEK Board of Directors.

He is well-positioned to continue his assistance to XTEK both within the Australian and international contexts.

The company

XTEK provides high-quality products to deliver tailored solutions to the government, law enforcement, military, space and commercial sectors.

The company is focused on developing and commercialising its proprietary technologies by leveraging its established distribution network.

These technologies include XTclaveTM produced ballistic products and advanced composite solutions and XTatlasTM real-time contextual video, which provide unique solutions for western military forces and other government agencies.
- New Historical Tours, Giveaways, and Other Year-Long Anniversary Celebrations Planned

NEW YORK, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The World's Most Famous Building, the Empire State Building (ESB) will celebrate its 90th anniversary May 1, 2021.

"The Empire State Building, the international icon and symbol of dreams, was a record breaker and trendsetter 90 years ago," said Anthony E. Malkin, chairman, president, and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust. "Today she is fully modernized for the 21st century, a world leader in energy efficiency retrofits in the built environment, indoor environmental quality, and on building health practices."

"Since we first opened our doors 90 years ago, the Empire State Building Observatory has been the must-visit for travelers from around the world," said Jean-Yves Ghazi, president of the Observatory. "We've welcomed everyone from the Queen of England to the Queen of Christmas (Mariah Carey) through our doors, and our most important visitors are our Observatory guests from around the world who today visit our brand new, $165 million recreation of our entire experience. With New York reopened as of July 1, we look forward to visits from our fans near and far who can safely travel to celebrate this important anniversary."

Brand-New Offerings for Visitors

To mark 90 years, the Empire State Building will kick off a wealth of new offerings, with more announcements to be made over the course of the year-long festivities.

A Reimagined Guest Experience

Since its construction, the Empire State Building has taken pride in its status as the World's Most Famous Building  an international symbol of technology, imagination, and ambition. Recent renovations and a reimagined visitor experience serve as an example for other buildings and attractions across the globe.

"Over the past 90 years, the Empire State Building has been the undisputed landmark of the New York City skyline, with its iconic tower lights that shine as a symbol of hope, strength and perseverance," said Mr. Malkin. "We will continue to innovate and push boundaries in technology, sustainability and tourism to ensure that the Empire State Building remains America's Favorite Building for the next 90 years as well."

Images and b-roll of the Empire State Building's archival footage, Observatory Experience, and signature lightings can be found here. With more news and announcements to come, be sure to follow the Empire State Building on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.esbnyc.com/90.

About the Empire State BuildingThe Empire State Building, "The World's Most Famous Building," owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (ESRT: NYSE), soars 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan from base to antenna. The $165 million reimagination of the Empire State Building Observatory Experience creates an all-new experience with a dedicated guest entrance, an interactive museum with nine galleries, and a redesigned 102nd Floor Observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows. The journey to the world-famous 86th Floor Observatory, the only 360-degree, open-air observatory with views of New York and beyond, orients visitors for their entire New York City experience and covers everything from the building's iconic history to its current place in pop-culture. Learn more at www.esbnyc.com. 2021 is the 90th anniversary year of the building which officially opened on May 1, 1931. Declared "America's Favorite Building" by the American Institute of Architects, as well as the world's most popular travel destination by Uber and the #1 New York City attraction by Lonely Planet it welcomes more than 4 million annual visitors from around the world.

Since 2011, the building has been fully powered by renewable wind electricity, and its many floors primarily house a diverse array of office tenants such as LinkedIn, Shutterstock, and Global Brands Group, as well as retail options like STATE Grill and Bar, Tacombi, and Starbucks. For more information and Observatory Experience tickets visit esbnyc.com or follow the building's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Weibo, YouTube, or TikTok.

About Empire State Realty TrustEmpire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) owns, manages, operates, acquires and repositions office and retail properties in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, including the Empire State Building, the "World's Most Famous Building." The company's office and retail portfolio covers 10.1 million rentable square feet, as of Dec. 31, 2020, which consists of 9.4 million rentable square feet across 14 office properties, including nine in Manhattan, three in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and two in Westchester County, New York; as well as approximately 700,000 rentable square feet in the retail portfolio.

Empire State Realty Trust is a leader in energy efficiency in the built environment and sustainability space, with 76 percent of the eligible portfolio ENERGY STAR certified and 100 percent fully powered by renewable wind electricity. As the first commercial real estate portfolio in the Americas to achieve the evidence-based, third-party verified WELL Health-Safety Rating for health and safety, ESRT additionally earned the highest possible GRESB 5 Star Rating and Green Star recognition for sustainability performance in real estate and was named a Fitwel Champion for healthy, high-performance buildings. To learn more about Empire State Realty Trust, visit empirestaterealtytrust.com and follow ESRT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Source: Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.Category: Empire State Building

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Youll Never Be Nobody: Living in Sanity: a one-of-a-kind piece where a once sinner embedded her struggles and realizations within the pages. The authors intent upon writing her debut novel is to share that no matter how many times one has sinned, God will always be there to pick them up when theyre at their lowest. Youll Never Be Nobody: Living in Sanity is the creation of rookie published author Barbara Crosby, a woman in her mid-50s. She balances life as a mother, grandmother and the head of her own business, all while staying an active follower of God.

Crosby shares, Upon reading Youll Never Be Nobody (Living in Sanity), there was a mixture of feelingssympathy, grief, awe, admiration, to name a few.

This book takes you through the life of an amazing, strong woman who makes it through said life with one powerthe power of God.

Now let me start this review by saying, I am not at all as close to God as I would like to be, for reasons of my own. My life has been like the one expressed in this bookfrom sexual abuse, physical abuse, mental and emotional abuse to depression. Unlike the author, I went away from God, deeming Him the enemy and causer of all the bad in my life. This book has touched me in a fascinating way because not only do I see this woman differently now, I see hope for myself in my relationship with God. However long the road between Him and I, I know the path is there and mine to take with an outcome of love and glory. The author is an inspiration to all young women struggling with issues of everyday life. This book has given an answer to a lot of questions. It has given hope where hope didnt exist (for me, at least). I now understand the saying, With God, anything is possible! The author has proven this with her amazing gift of literature.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Barbara Crosbys new book is an awakening narrative that lends a hand to the prodigals to get back on the right track. This book serves as proof that God still loves the sinners and will forgive them always.

View a synopsis of Youll Never Be Nobody: Living in Sanity on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Youll Never Be Nobody: Living in Sanity at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Youll Never Be Nobody: Living in Sanity, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
The Mongolian Parliament has recently adopted a new law for human rights defenders, making it the first country in Asia to provide a framework of protection for people who speak out on human rights concerns and violations.

The Law on the Legal Status of Human Rights Defenders is the result of a years-long collective effort of the Mongolian government, civil society and UN Human Rights, in cooperation with the UN presence in Mongolia. The new law means defenders in the country are now legally protected and their rights respected, promoted and fulfilled.

This is a major achievement for Mongolia, signalling its clear commitment to human rights, says UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet. As the first country in Asia to enact such important legislation, the law will resonate within and beyond Mongolias borders.

Bachelet added that with the eyes of the region watching the next steps, it would be important that the Bill be implemented according to international standards with a genuine, independent and fully resourced mechanism.

For the last several years, UN Human Rights has been supporting Mongolia to implement recommendations that have come out of the Universal Periodic Review process. This process reviews the human rights records of all UN Member States, providing countries the opportunity to declare how they are taking steps to improve their human rights situation and to fulfil their human rights obligations.

As part of this review of human rights, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders also provided a number of recommendations to the Mongolian government.

A move to a "safe and enabling environment"

Historically, human rights defenders in Mongolia  while living in a relatively safe environment  have still faced numerous obstacles such as pressure, stigmatisation, and hate speech on social media.

Human rights defenders in Mongolia speak out on a number of issues: media freedom, climate justice, disability rights, access to housing, and discrimination against LGBTI people, to name a few.

In 2019, a visit report from the former Special Rapporteur highlighted cases of discrimination, harassment and intimidation. Some human rights defenders were reported to have died in circumstances that had not been properly investigated.

The adoption of this law is a welcome and critical move to create a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders, stated Bachelet. "It will serve to acknowledge their crucial work, to bring the perpetrators of attacks against them to account, and to end impunity."

UN Human Rights will continue to provide technical support to Mongolia as it implements the Bill.

"This is a significant and progressive step towards full protection for the vital work of human rights defenders," concluded Bachelet.

The law will enter into force on 1 July 2021.

30 April 2021
Leading online lender recognized with Bronze-Level Stevie award for Achievement in Finance

MONTREAL, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - IOU FINANCIAL INC. ("IOU" or "the Company") (TSXV: IOU), a leading online lender to small businesses (IOUFinancial.com), was named the winner of a Bronze Stevie Award in the "Achievement in Finance" category in The 19th Annual American Business Awards yesterday.

"We are proud to be recognized for our ability to rise to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and support small business owners with access to funds at a critical time," said Phil Marleau, CEO of IOU. "We salute all the Stevie Award winners, including our co-Bronze award winner IBM, and dedicate this award to our network of brokers and small business owners who inspired us with their incredible strength and resilience."

The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.'s premier business awards program. More than 3,800 nominations  a record number - from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Startup of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, App of the Year, and Achievement in Finance.

IOU Financial continued to fund small business growth in the US throughout the pandemic, relying on the flexibility of its proprietary IOU360 technology platform and wealth of underwriting data to help fund American business owners with plans to adapt and overcome the challenges of the pandemic.

"The American economy continues to show its resilience, and as we're poised on the beginning of what should be a phenomenal period of growth, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of a wide range of organizations and people over the past 18 months," said Stevie Awards president Maggie Gallagher. "This year's Stevie-winning nominations in The American Business Awards are testament to the ingenuity, the commitment, the passion, the adaptability, and the creativity of the American people. We look forward to celebrating this year's winners during our virtual ceremony on June 30."

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2021 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.

About IOU Financial Inc.

IOU Financial Inc. is a wholesale lender that provides quick and easy access to growth capital to small businesses through a network of preferred brokers across the US and Canada. Built on a proprietary technology platform that connects underwriters, merchants and brokers in real time, IOU Financial has become a trusted alternative to banks by underwriting US$873 million in loans to fund small business growth since 2009. To learn more about IOU Financial's corporate history, financial products, or to join our broker network please visit www.IOUFinancial.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of IOU including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory and shareholder approvals, the execution of definitive documentation and the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. IOU does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE IOU Financial Inc.

Related Links

https://ioufinancial.com/en-ca/


Android Auto, Google's mobile app that mimics the features of an Android device, now supports the popular ChargePoint EV Charger application. Previously in August 2020, the search engine giant company confirmed that it will expand Android Auto's third-party app support.

This means that the popular mobile apps of Google is expected to become more than a media and messaging platform. The tech giant company said that it will also be used for charging, parking, and navigation.

And now, Google kept its promise after confirming that its Android Auto mobile app now offers the EV charging application of ChargePoint. This is a great collaboration since ChargePoint is well-known for offering electric vehicle charging stations across Europe and North America.

Android Auto's ChargePoint App Support

Google and Chargepoint's collaboration will help electric car owners, who are using the search engine giant's popular Android Auto, to take advantage of ChargePoint's EV charging app.

Also Read: Tesla FSD v 9.0 Display: True Mind's Eye is Coming in Two Weeks, Elon Musk Reveals He Already Used It

On the other hand, Android Community reported that the ChargePoint app's availability on Android Auto is a great deal right now since the number of electric vehicles manufactured by various companies, especially Tesla, is continuously increasing.

"We know that the shift to electric mobility relies on driver experience, and ChargePoint's Android Auto app is another pivotal step in the evolution already underway, driven by software and increased connectivity," said ChargePoint product's Vice President Bill Loewenthal, via Android Headlines.

He added that the Android Auto's ChargePoint EV charging application support will further inform and empower electric car owners.

Furthermore, Tesla owners can also take advantage of this innovation between Google and ChargePoint. However, they still need to buy a charger adapter before they use one of the company's EV charging stations.

How to Use ChargePoint app?

If you want to install the ChargePoint EV charging app on your Android Auto, here are the steps you need to follow so you can use it properly.

The first thing you need to do is install ChargePoint's app and create your account. After that, you need to open it on your iPhone. Once it is running, you can now go to the Menu section and select the Account option. Once you are on your account, you can now use the Manage Cards option. After that, you need to add your ChargePoint pass to Apple Wallet. You can also use ChargePoint's EV charging app on your Apple Watch. If you want to know more details about it, all you need to do is click here.

For more news updates about Android Auto and its upcoming innovations, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Google to Update Play Store, to Remove Apps With Misleading Names, Icons, and Graphics

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
There are extreme concerns for journalism in Malaysia with a drastic drop in their national rankings of press freedom, following the release of the World Press Freedom Index 2021 by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the National Union of Journalists Malaysia) (NUJ) call on the Malaysian government to ensure decisions are made to protect journalists.

Malaysia has dropped 18 ranks, from 101 in 2020 to 119 in 2021 out of 180 in the recently released World Press Freedom Index. It follows a year of worsening restrictions on journalists both in Malaysia and across the world, justified by the Covid-19 pandemic.

NUJM has called for the need to improve the environment for journalists in Malaysia, to work without fear of harassment or the need for self-censorship. They have also called for the repeal of current draconian legislative measures which continue to suppress media freedom.

The World Press Freedom Index has been published every year since 2002. It provides a ranking and analysis of media rights in over 180 countries worldwide. This year, it made particular reference to the worsening situation for journalists amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The media is partly or completely restricted in 132 countries, according to the 2021 World Press Freedom Index, with only 7% of countries found to offer a favorable environment for journalism. The four worst countries for press freedom were Turkmenistan, North Korea, Eritrea and China.

NUJ said: "The RSF index basically indicates that the situation in Malaysia has actually gone from bad to worse. Emergency regulations introduced to contain the Covid-19 spread however was instead used to target critical reporting. At times like this, NUJM would like to remind the government that objective reporting is the best vaccine against disinformation.

The IFJ said: There must be action taken by the Malaysian government to ensure journalists are able to their job without fear. RSFs world press freedom index demonstrate how press freedom is being strangled in Malaysia. The government must work to improve this and stop the repression and vilification of journalists."
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 22:37:22|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan and Hungary on Friday agreed to deepen bilateral relations and economic cooperation in diverse fields during delegation-level talks here, local media reported.

The Pakistani delegation was led by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi while the Hungarian delegation was headed by Minister of Foreign affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto.

In his remarks, Qureshi expressed confidence that the visit of his Hungarian counterpart accompanied by a business delegation will mark a new era in the bilateral economic relationship between the two countries.

There are vast opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation in different areas including agriculture, water resource management, energy, information technology, food and tourism, he said.

"Pakistan is a huge market for the Hungarian companies to expand their businesses," the Pakistani foreign minister said, hoping that the business community of both countries would engage profitably with each other to bolster the bilateral trade.

"Promoting high-level contacts between the two countries could increase bilateral trade volume," the minister said.

While highlighting the incumbent government's business-friendly policies, Qureshi invited Hungary to capitalize on Pakistan's liberalized investment and visa policies for foreigners.

He said nine special economic zones are in different stages of development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and are open for investments including for the Hungarian companies.

The foreign minister said economic diplomacy is a major component of Pakistan's foreign policy. "According to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, we are turning our geopolitical priorities into geo-economic priorities."

On the same occasion, Szijjarto expressed willingness to upgrade the economic partnership with Pakistan.

Hungary attaches special importance to this region because of cultural and historical similarities as well as security reasons, he said, adding that his country values and respects the contributions that Pakistan has been making to ensure security and stability of the region. Enditem
It is perhaps the most insular, well-organized and cohesive of the groups that make up Israels haredi community.JERUSALEM POST STAFFAPRIL 30, 2021Many of the dead and injured at the Lag Ba'omer stampede on Mount Meron Thursday night were from the insular Toldot Aharon Hassidic sect, which is based in Jerusalem. The stampede took place during the lighting of the bonfire by the current Rebbe (spiritual leader).It is perhaps the most insular, well-organized and cohesive of the groups that make up Israels haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community; any type of intervention in its domestic affairs is tantamount to a total usurping of the community's belief system.The hassidic sect was established in Jerusalem by Rabbi Aharon Roth in 1928 as an offshoot of Satmar, a hassidic movement that originated in Germany. In 1942 shortly before Nazi Germany invaded Hungary, Roth and his followers fled Europe for Mandatory Palestine.Today, Toldot Aharon hassidim live in the heart of Jerusalem despite their staunch opposition to Zionism. They have developed extensive social and cultural barriers to protect their community from the bustling secularism of Jaffa Road and Ben-Yehuda Street, located less than a kilometer away.Roth, who died in 1947, started the tradition, which continues to this day, that every male member of the sect signs a contract obligating him and his family to abide by the strict dictates of Toldot Aharon.Clothing, customs  even how the hassidim spend their spare time  is carefully regulated. Cohesion is as tight as super glue. In contrast, the outside world  especially anything affiliated with Zionism  is described as dark and evil.Shlomo Guzmen-Carmeli of Bar-Ilan University's Department of Sociology and Anthropology, who is an expert on the Toldot Aharon hassidim and is the source for the information here about them, explained in 2009 that the hassidim do not view themselves as individuals.In his study The holy contract: The Social Contract of the Toldos Aharon Hasidic group, Guzmen-Carmieli, along with Asaf Sharabi, wrote about the core texts of the Toldot Aharon community. One of the central books that the community follows was written by Roth and is called Sefer Takkanot ve-Hadrachot (The Book of Regulations and Guidance). He wrote the book toward the end of his life; it contains many of his stringent and mystical beliefs which are followed in the community until this day."Members of Toldot Aharon do not see themselves first and foremost as individuals. Rather, they see themselves as one organic entity," said Guzmen-Carmeli. "No one would ever think of involving outsiders in internal issues of the community, let alone representatives of the Zionist entity, which is perceived as an apostate body inimical to the sect's belief system."
Victorian health authorities remain alert but not alarmed at the prospect of a new COVID-19 case after the discovery of viral fragments in wastewater sparked an order to more than 240 people to immediately retest.

The urgent warning was followed by news that a seventh mass vaccination clinic will open in Cranbourne next week, the same day all Victorians over the age of 50 will be eligible for a COVID-19 jab.

The 246 people from an extensive list of suburbs who were told to get retested on Thursday include recently returned interstate travellers from designated red or orange zone areas and four close contacts of the positive case who travelled from Perth to Melbourne on flight QF778 last week.

Dr Dan Deere, a Melbourne University microbiologist in charge of Australias wastewater monitoring program, said there was a chance that the very strong fragments found in areas including Oak Park, Chirnside Park, Greensborough and Altona could indicate an active case.
Workers at the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant responded warmly to a World Socialist Web Site campaign team on Thursday building for the international online May Day rally sponsored by the WSWS and the International Committee of the Fourth International.

WSWS campaign at SHAP (Source: WSWS Media)

The May Day rally will initiate a global effort by the World Socialist Web Site and the International Committee of the Fourth International to launch the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). This initiative is aimed at creating the means through which workers can conduct a global counteroffensive against the homicidal policies of the governments controlled by the capitalist ruling class, which are responsible for the worldwide catastrophe.

Far from receding, the pandemic, now in its second year, is accelerating under conditions where the ruling classes of every country are refusing to take the basic health measures needed to save human lives. Throughout the world, the trade unions and pseudo-left organizations have assisted capitalist governments in carrying out their homicidal policies, and at every turn have sought to block the resistance of workers.

If we would get together with workers around the world that would scare the hell out of them. It would change things, one worker said. The issues with COVID are the same everywhere. They dont want to shut us down because they have everything riding on the Dodge Ram pickup trucks. And they definitely dont want to pay us SUB [supplemental unemployment benefit] pay. Meanwhile, Im reading about India, they have five million people working on the Indian railroads, and when a train rolls into the station, they have so many people crammed in there are people hanging on to the sides. Is it any wonder that the pandemic is hitting them so hard?

They have a safety audit at SHAP this week, he continued. I think the reason for this is that they want to say that the reason people are catching the virus in the plant is because were not wearing masks, were not cleaning and so on. But theyre not even doing the deep cleaning anymore that they had said they would do when they restarted production last year!

SHAP workers (Source: WSWS Media)

Another worker said, United we stand, divided we fall. We have to unite with workers in Mexico and in other countries. I remember when the WSWS held meetings where American workers met with Mexican autoworkers from Silao during the GM strike. That is really important. And yet the UAW is doing the exact opposite of this.

There was a great interest in organizing outside of the UAW to fight. Many workers supported the call for a 4-week shutdown of the auto industry to stop the spread of COVID-19, which has accelerated over the last month in Michigan.

I really want us all to come together [worldwide], said one younger worker. All they are interested in is getting out their product. They dont even want to talk about COVID. The international UAW is in bed with the corporation. I dont even know why we pay union dues.

Many workers had heard about the death of crane operator Terry Garr who was crushed while installing a die last week at the nearby Stellantis Sterling Stamping Plant (SSP). Workers were shocked to learn that another SSP worker, Mark Bruce, had also died of COVID-19 this past week.

No one cares about us, was a common comment. All they care about are their trucks.

On April 28, Workers Memorial Day, the UAW responded to anger over the death of Terry Garr by calling for a one minute pause for a moment of silence in his memory. UAW President Rory Gamble issued a statement feigning sympathy for COVID-19 victims while boasting of what we have accomplished in supposedly keeping workers safe. He went on to claim that the UAW had demanded the temporary shutdown of the auto industry last year and the very limited COVID-19 safety protocols that were later implemented as a way to get workers back into the plants.

Campaigners handing out statement calling for the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (Source: WSWS Media)

In reality, workers at SHAP and several other facilities forced a shutdown through wildcat strike action, in defiance of UAW attempts to browbeat them back to work. The action was part of an international upsurge in opposition to the policies of the ruling class to maintain production in the face of the pandemic, resulting in the temporary shutdown of auto production in North America and Europe.

If you think back to last year, they wouldnt have shut down at all if it wasnt mandated, one worker said. The company and union were working together, they didnt want to shut down; it was the workers who made them. The worker strongly agreed with the fight to unite workers globally against the policies of the ruling class. Its got to be all over, he declared.

He noted the fact that plants were being closed due to the shortage of computer chips needed in the electronic systems of vehicles, but that not a single day of production had been canceled since last May due to the spiraling COVID-19 deaths and infections. At SHAP alone up to 10 percent of the workforce is out due to COVID-19 or COVID-related quarantine but there has been no slowdown in production. The only plants that are shut down now are for the chip shortage. They never shut down for any worker.

Things like the 8-hour day were fought for by workers, so that schedule surprised me. So did the alternative work schedule they implemented for production workers. It always comes back to saving money.

One worker said the UAW is like a government entity that does nothing for you. He had worked in the parts industry before hiring in at SHAP, he said.

Many workers were upset that the plants had stayed open during the pandemic, adding that safety protocols put in place after the reopening had essentially been dropped. Too many people have died, one worker said.
An internationally renowned former English National Ballet dancer has denied groping young female students, saying he has 'no idea' why the allegations have been made against him.

Yat-Sen Chang, 49, described himself as a 'kind person' and said he had not touched any of his former female students in an inappropriate or sexual way.

Cuban-born Chang, who currently lives in the German city of Kiel, is on trial in London accused of 12 counts of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration on a female aged 16 or over.

After one victim alleged Chang 'pinned her to the floor and rubbed his crotch on her', the ballet star accused her of 'lying'.

National Ballet star Yat-Sen Chang, 49, (above) has been accused of 12 counts of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration

The alleged offences are said to have taken place at the English National Ballet and Young Dancers Academy in London between December 2009 and March 2016 and relate to four female complainants who were aged between 16 and 18 at the time of the incidents.

Opening the case of the 'internationally renowned' ballet dancer earlier this week, prosecutor Joel Smith said it is a case of 'a man with power and prestige using them to abuse younger women'.

But speaking today in defence, Kathryn Hirst asked Chang whether he had touched or done anything 'towards any of these young women that was inappropriate or sexual'.

He told Isleworth Crown Court: 'No.'

Speaking at Isleworth Crown Court, Chang (pictured) described himself as a 'kind person' and said he had not touched any of the complainants in an inappropriate or sexual way

He was asked to explain in general how it works when it comes to correcting a dancer's moves or teaching them how it is done.

Chang told the court: 'I physically touch the dancer and say "here is where I want the leg, here is where it goes", and that's how it is being taught.'

He said there is no difference for a teacher in physically correcting a male or female dancer, or someone over or under 18.

Ms Hirst asked: 'You say that you have not sexually assaulted or done anything inappropriate towards any of these girls - have you any idea why they would be making these accusations against you?'

Chang replied: 'I have no idea.'

Chang's offences allegedly took place at the English National Ballet and Young Dancers Academy in London between December 2009 and March 2016

Cross-examining the defendant, Mr Smith asked: 'Why are they making it up?'

Chang repeated his earlier answer, saying: 'I have no idea.'

The prosecutor put it to him that one of the complainants - none of whom can be identified for legal reasons - alleged Chang pinned her to the floor and rubbed his crotch against her.

Mr Smith asked: 'This is not a case of (the complainant) getting the wrong end of the stick or misreading the signals? That's an incident that happened or it didn't?'

The defendant said: 'It didn't happen.'

He went on to ask Chang if it was the case that either it happened or the complainant is lying, to which Chang replied: 'She's lying, definitely.'
A huge haul of liquid meth has been seized by federal police after customs agents uncovered about $80.7 million dollars of the drug hidden inside a shipment of cooking oil bottles sent from Mexico.

The slick drug-smuggling operation concealed the about 540kg of Mexican meth in a consignment of 9,360 canola oil bottles, which arrived in Melbourne on March 31.

Investigations are now underway to track down members of the illicit drug syndicate.

A huge haul of liquid meth has been seized by federal police after customs agents uncovered about $80.7million dollars of the drug hidden inside a shipment of cooking oil bottles sent from Mexico (pictured)

The slick drug-smuggling operation concealed the about 540kg of Mexican meth in a consignment of 9,360 canola oil bottles, which arrived in Melbourne on March 31

Detective Acting Superintendent Rebecca Goddard said international drug gangs will go to 'extreme lengths' to import lucrative and dangerous substances into the Australian market.

'Australian authorities continue to slam the brakes on the movement of illicit drugs across international borders and into our communities,' she said.

'This multi-million dollar seizure is another strong warning to organised criminal syndicates, both here and abroad, that the AFP and its commonwealth and state law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying, targeting and prosecuting you.'

The haul is the second-largest liquid meth seizure in Victorian history, following a November 2020 bust flown in from Chicago, that netted 560kg.

Liquid meth is the number one illicit substance being smuggled across the American border from Mexico, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

The new tactic used by cartels is proving to be a huge challenge for law enforcement agencies around the world because the narcotic can be so easily disguised as other products such as oil, petrol, or even water.

When the dangerous drug makes it through customs, members of the syndicate simply use basic chemistry equipment to evaporate the solution and turn it back into crystals.

US Customs and Border Protection said that the alleged attempt to smuggle narcotics was foiled on April 17 by officers manning the border crossing at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. The image above is a file photo of methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth

What is liquid meth and why do Mexican cartels smuggle it? Mexican drug cartels have turned to smuggling meth in liquid form because its more difficult for authorities to detect than the usual crystalised version of the drug. The dangerous substance can be disguised as oil, gasoline or even water. Liquid meth is now the number one substance being smuggled into the US from Mexico, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration. When the dangerous drug makes it through customs, members of the syndicate can simply use basic chemistry equipment to evaporate the solution and turn it back into crystals. Advertisement

Forensic testing revealed that out of the two shipping containers of cooking oil that landed in Melbourne, only 269 bottles of the 9,360 actually contained meth, making the drug extremely difficult for Australian authorities to detect.

But Australian Border Force regional commander Craig Palmer said: 'If criminal organisations have thought of it, chances are, we have seen it.

'The ABF's technical expertise and sophisticated technology means that we will find the drugs, regardless of the method of concealment.

'Working together with law enforcement partners increases our reach so we can disrupt criminal activity like this one, to keep the community safe from harmful drugs.'

Authorities called on anyone who may have information about the shipment to contact police immediately.
The pharma giant said the second half will see a boost in performance

PLC ( ) said the COVID-19 vaccine has delivered sales of US$275mln in the first quarter as it made a bullish statement on its outlook.

The pharma giant expects a performance boost in the second half of 2021 as vaccine rollouts and lower infections will reduce the hit of the pandemic on trading.

Chief executive Pascal Soriot reiterated full-year guidance for the pharma giant after first-quarter figures were in line with expectations.

Total revenue for the year is estimated to jump 11-12%, with core earnings per share (EPS) coming in at US$4.75-5.

The forecasts dont include any revenue or profit impact from sales of the COVID-19 vaccine, nor the proposed acquisition of rare disease firm Alexion, which will close in the third quarter.

In the quarter ended 31 March, revenue climbed 15% to US$7.3bn and core EPS soared 55% to US$1.63.

Oncology was up 20%, but respiratory and immunology dipped 1% due to the generic version of asthma inhaler Symbicort in the US and phasing of COVID-19 impacts.

Emerging markets revenue advanced 14%, with China up 19%, while Europe and the US were up 28% and 10% respectively.

However, the reported gross profit margin declined to 74.3% from 77.3% last year because the COVID-19 vaccine has been sold not for a profit.

Margins were also hit by an increasing contribution from profit-sharing arrangements, mostly cancer drug Lynparza, and the impact of the Chinese National Reimbursement Drug List and the volume-based procurement patient-access programmes.

Reported R&D expense increased by 24% to US$1.7bn due to investment in Phase III and the advancement to Phase II of several clinical development programmes, particularly in BioPharmaceuticals.

The pharma giant continued to invest in its Coronavirus vaccine and potential medicines to prevent and treat the virus.

Further significant pipeline advances were achieved as we continued to invest for long-term sustainable growth, including the OlympiA Phase III trial demonstrating Lynparza's benefit for certain forms of early breast cancer, Soriot said.

This sustained pipeline progress and accelerating business performance underlines our commitment to patients and delivering our growth potential, which will be further complemented by the proposed acquisition of Alexion."

With worldwide inoculations likely to accelerate over the next few months, signs for are positive," said Neil Shah, director of research at Edison Group.

"Having delivered one of the most important vaccines in human history, it is no surprise that the company has delivered such a solid set of results. In addition, with non-COVID medication making up a significant portion of this growth, the company is well-positioned for a high-growth year as 2021 continues.

Shares rose 4% to 7,661p on Friday morning.

--Adds analyst comment, shares--
Centre on Friday granted permission to the Telangana government to use drones for experimental delivery of COVID-19 vaccine. As per the permit, the Telangana government will be able to deploy drones for the experimental delivery of COVID-19 vaccines within the Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Range.

"Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have granted conditional exemption for drone deployment to the Government of Telangana," read a Central Government press release. The permission exemption for using drones is valid for a period of one year or until further orders. The Civil Aviation Ministry stated that this exemption will be valid only if all conditions and limitations as stated for the respective entities are strictly adhered to.

The Aviation Ministry said that trials will assist in determining conditions such as population, degree of isolation, geography etc. This will be done to identify regions that specifically require drone deliveries.

Earlier in April, similar permission was granted to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with IIT Kanpur for conducting a feasibility study on delivering COVID-19 vaccines via drones.

The permission to use drones for delivering the COVID-19 vaccine has been granted in order to achieve the dual objective of faster vaccine delivery and improved healthcare access, as per the release. These objectives will be achieved through:

Ensuring primary healthcare delivery at the citizen's doorstep

Limiting human exposure to COVID congested or COVID prone areas through aerial delivery

Ensuring access to health care to the last mile, especially in remote areas

Possible integration into the middle mile of medical logistics for long range drones

Improving medical supply chain, especially with a third vaccine expected to be commissioned and millions of doses to be transported across India

Also read: COVID-19 second wave: Delhi reports 395 deaths in last 24 hours, highest so far

Also read: 'Don't queue up at COVID-19 vaccination centres on May 1': Arvind Kejriwal
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Staten Islands Catholic schools will fully reopen for in-person instruction, five days a week, for all students next September, bringing an end to all remote and blended learning, the Archdiocese of New York has announced.

On Tuesday, the Archdiocese announced the plan to bring all students back to the classroom on a full-time basis next year, so long as health directives from government officials allow for it and the communitys coronavirus (COVID-19) infection rate remains at an appropriate level.

Catholic schools have been open for five-day-a-week, in-person learning since early September, though not all students are currently receiving in-person instruction full-time.

Due to limited available space, some schools are operating under a hybrid model that sees students attend school two or three days a week on an alternating schedule, while receiving remote learning on days in which they dont enter the school building.

Students have also been permitted to opt for full-time remote learning this school year.

Since September, the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York have been open for in-person instruction thanks to the unwavering partnership of our Health & Safety Task Force, parents and students with our devoted pastors, principals, and teachers, said Michael J. Deegan, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of New York.

Your faithful commitment to our rigorous protocols has ensured the continued health and safety of our school communities,' he added. Our children have been learning and have been safe.

Come September 2021, barring any setbacks in the states recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the boroughs Catholic schools will no longer be offering hybrid or remote learning options, with all students expected to return to the classroom five days a week.

Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York serve nearly 62,000 students from pre-K through 12th grade in 172 schools across 10 counties and boroughs throughout New York, including Staten Island.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has also announced his intentions for all New York City public school students to return to full-time, in-person instruction in September, though it remains unclear at this time whether that will be the case.
Australia stands ready to take back two key ports from Chinese investors if any security concerns are raised, Scott Morrison said.

The Port of Newcastle, the world's biggest coal port, was handed over to a Chinese-backed consortium for 98 years for $1.75 billion when Mike Baird was NSW Premier in 2014.

And Darwin Port is run by Chinese company Landbridge Group, which secured a 99-year lease from the Northern Territory government in 2015 for just $506 million.

In November 2015, the Northern Territory government decided to lease the Port of Darwin (pictured) to a Chinese company for 99 years

Pressure is mounting on the federal government to take back key infrastructure from Chinese control as relations with Beijing hit a new low.

A new law which allowed Mr Morrison to tear up Victoria's 'Belt and Road' deal with China does not apply to commercial leases - but the PM said he would consider new legislation if he was advised the deals should be canned.

'If there is any advice that I receive from the Department of Defence or intelligence agencies that suggest that there are national security risks there then you'd expect the Government to take action on that, and that would be right,' he told 2GB on Friday.

'The same would be true in relation to the Port of Newcastle.'

The PM said he had 'certainly' not received any information to suggest the Port of Newcastle posed 'any problems with Australia's national security interests.'

China Merchants Port Holdings has 50 per cent control of the Port of Newcastle (pictured), a major coal export hub, until 2112

The federal government has been assessing all government deals with China after relations dramatically deteriorated during the coronavirus pandemic.

Peter Jennings, the Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told Daily Mail Australia the ports should be taken back and warned they would otherwise be more vulnerable to cyber attacks from Chinese spies.

'Beijing couldn't be any clearer that it will use any economic lever to try to squeeze political concessions out of Australia on our security. That could include attempts to disrupt the operations of critical infrastructure by cyber hacking,' he said.

'You don't have to own a piece of critical infrastructure to hack into it, but ownership helps and Chinese law requires all Chinese businesses to assist their intelligence services if asked.'

Last year Mr Morrison called an extraordinary press conference in which he said a foreign state was launching an unprecedented amount of cyber attacks on Australian institutions. Sources say the attacks have not slowed in recent months.

Sydney's partnership with the Chinese city of Guangzhou will come under scrutiny under new foreign relations laws. Pictured: Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore welcomes Guangzhou Vice Mayor Mr Wang Dong

Mr Jennings said the federal government faces a 'difficult problem' in unwinding investment decisions made several years ago but said 'bad behaviour' from China - which has blocked several major Australian exports such as lobster, wine and barley during the pandemic - makes the decision easier.

'I have no doubt that the Federal Government will step in to resume control of our critical infrastructure in coming years,' he said.

Luke Gosling, the federal Labor member for Solomon - the electorate that contains Darwin - told Daily Mail Australia the city's port is a strategic asset that 'should be under Australian control'.

When the Northern Territory's ruling Country Liberal Party signed the lease in 2015, the move caught then prime minster Malcolm Turnbull off guard and enraged US president Barack Obama whose administration said it was 'blindsided'.

Luke Gosling MP wants Darwin Port back in Aussie hands

Mr Gosling slammed the federal government for not blocking the deal at the time and urged Mr Morrison to consider re-nationalising it.

'The Coalition were asleep at the wheel - or worse - when it waved through this century-long lease for a short-term cash injection,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

'From the time of the sale, I have consistently challenged the decision to lease our nationally strategic port to a foreign entity.

'The $506 million was spent years ago, and the lease still has another 94 years to go.

'The Prime Minister must explain to Australians why his Government is not examining this deal, how this lease to a foreign entity is in our national interest or consistent with our foreign policy, and whether the Government is considering re-nationalising the port  and how much that will cost.'

Mr Gosling said the port - which is at the centre of the Indo-Pacific region, on major transport lines and is Australia's closest port to major trading partners in Asia - is 'strategically very significant'.

'Darwin is home to a major offshore marine supply hub and soon a ship lift facility. It is used by not only the Australian Defence Force but also the defence forces of visiting allies and partners, such as the United States Marines,' he said.

'The Darwin Port should be under Australian control.'

Mr Gosling is among several current and former politicians - including Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie and ex prime minister Kevin Rudd - who have called for the lease to be scrapped.

Last week foreign minister Marise Payne used the new Foreign Relations Act to cancel Victoria's two Belt and Road infrastructure construction deals with China, sparking outrage from Beijing.

The law, which came into force in December, allows the federal government to scrap agreements made with foreign governments by states, local governments and universities if they are contrary to the national interest.

In 2017 Tasmania signed a deal on Antarctic co-operation with the State Oceanic Administration of China. A 2014 deal on the Antarctic was signed in Tasmania by then Minister for Environment Greg Hunt (pictured with President Xi in the background)

Victoria's Belt and Road deal was torn up last week. Pictured: Premier Daniel Andrews and Chinese ambassador Jingye Cheng

The Act does not apply to deals with commercial corporations and state-owned enterprises, meaning it would have to be amended if the government wanted to end the Darwin Port or Port of Newcastle deals.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister Payne's office for comment.

Minister Payne is assessing if any further agreements made with China, and other countries, should be terminated.

Last year she identified 135 deals made with 30 countries that would be examined and potentially scrapped if they pose a threat.

Daily Mail Australia was sent a preliminary list of 52 deals that would need to be declared by state and local government and universities under the new laws.

More than half the deals - a total of 27 - were signed with China.

They include sister-city arrangements as well as co-operation deals in trade and investment, culture, education, science and technology.

For example, Melbourne's partnership with Nanjing, Mildura City Council's ties with the Wuhan Institute of Technology, and an agreement between Sydney and Guangzhou will all come under the microscope.

Agreements between the ANU and the University of South China, between UNSW and Qingdoa City and between the University of Queensland and the Confucius Institute on its Headquarters in China will also be probed.

Tasmania's Antarctic agreement, which allows the Polar Research Institute of China to use Hobart as a technical services hub for maintenance and supply of specialised equipment, was also on the list.

In 2016 Sydney Mayor Clover Moore planted a tree with Guangzhou Vice Mayor Mr Wang Dong to celebrate the cities' relationship
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 82F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Increasing clouds with showers arriving sometime after midnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
A Jersey City High School teacher has been suspended after going on two profanity-laced rants aimed at students in his class, the superintendent said.

Howard Zlotkin, a science teacher at Dickinson High School, turned a Zoom class discussion on climate change into a vulgar verbal attack toward his students, according to a video clip that aired on NBC New York Friday.

In the recording of the Zoom class taken by one of the students, Zlotkin appears highly agitated and is heard making remarks about Black Lives Matter, George Floyd, white privilege and a student. Zlotkin is white, while Dickinson boasts a diverse student body population.

Timmia Williams, a 17-year-old senior who was cursed at by the teacher, told NBC New York the tirade focused on four Black students.

I hear people whining and crying about Black Lives Matter, but George Floyd was a f------ criminal and he got arrested and he got killed because he wouldnt comply and the bottom line is we make him a f------ hero, Zlotkin said in the video. I dont think you can make a case. You know what Timmia? Youre full of s--t too.

At one point in the brief clip, Zlotkin raises both hands to give students the finger.

Timmia said Zlotkin ordered four students to write an essay.

Superintendent Franklin Walker called the harsh language unacceptable. He said the district is investigating the situation and that police have also been notified because some of it could be at the same level as a hate crime.

Zlotkin, who is getting paid during his suspension, could not be reached for comment. The teachers union declined to comment until it has more information, union president Ron Greco said.

The comments that were made were very biased and he shouldnt be having that kind of discussion with the children  that had nothing to do with the subject matter in the classroom, Walker said. The position that he put the children in certainly was a very uncomfortable one by doing and saying those kinds of things.

Zlotkin has been at Dickinson High School for 20 years, teaching various courses like Biology, Science and Landscape and Design.

He also has been suspended with pay from his adjunct professor position at Hudson County Community College, HCCC spokeswoman Jennifer Christopher said. She said his offensive and derogatory language is in violation of the colleges anti-harassment policy and professional conduct policy.

Walker said students will be offered counseling to discuss their feelings over what was heard in the online class.

We know it affected them some type of way, Walker said. If this is the way this (teacher) feels then it means that there are other things that certainly may have gone on, things that were said to address what his personal feelings are, which have no place in the classroom with our children.

I was disheartened to see the video of a teacher in one of our Jersey City public schools verbally attacking Black students and making insensitive accusations and judgements about George Floyd, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight said of the incident. I have been informed that the teacher has been suspended but I am calling for him to be fired. This type of attitude cannot be tolerated in our school system.

This report was updated at 3:22 p.m. with new information.
It was once as celebrated as Paul Revere's ride.

In 1842, missionary Dr. Marcus Whitman made the treacherous trek from the Pacific Northwest to Washington D.C. to plead with President John Tyler to keep the territory out of grasping Great Britain's hands. Tyler was convinced and decided not to exchange the land for a cod fishery.

Five years later, the doctor, his wife, Narcissa, and 11 men were murdered by members of a Native American tribe, the Cayuse, at the behest of the British Hudson's Bay Company and Catholic missionaries. The killings became known as the Whitman massacre.

Henry Spalding, a fellow Protestant missionary, later on spent years spreading the heroic story, which was printed by the US Senate in 1871 and then in books and newspapers like The New York Times. Whitman became a martyr who helped forge the continental United States by 'saving' Oregon, Idaho and Washington state. In the 1890s, he was lauded by many as a founding father and likened to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

But there were problems with this once well-known history: it was 'largely a pack of lies,' according to a new book.

There is no evidence the US was ever going to hand over the disputed territory to Great Britain nor that the doctor met President Tyler. The British Hudson's Bay Company and Catholic missionaries did not have a hand in the murder of the Whitmans, and, in fact, negotiated the release of the hostages taken that day.

Whitman rode across the country for a much more personal reason: he didn't want to be demoted and lose his mission.

Spalding 'was a twisted guy but also a gifted propagandist,' Blaine Harden, author of Murder at the Mission: A frontier killing, its legacy of lies, and the taking of the American West, told DailyMail.com. 'Congress printed up his story as if it were true.'

And even after it was debunked in 1900, the legend persisted for decades in the Pacific Northwest. Murder at the Mission, Harden wrote, 'tracks the long and unlikely arc of a great American lie.'

Dr. Marcus Whitman, left, and his wife, Narcissa, right, went to the Pacific Northwest for missionary work in 1836. They traveled with another missionary couple, Henry and Eliza Spalding. Spalding had asked for Narcissa's hand in marriage but she turned down his proposal. This led to bitterness on Spalding's part, according to a new book, Murder at the Mission: A frontier killing, its legacy of lies, and the taking of the American West

The Whitmans set up a mission on the Cayuse tribe's land near Walla Walla in Washington. He was a 'failed missionary,' Blaine Harden, author of Murder at the Mission, told DailyMail.com. 'They were there for 11 years and converted maybe two people.' In the fall of 1847, measles was tearing through the Cayuses and by November, Harden wrote that 'nearly half were dead'  and some blamed the doctor. Cayuse traditional law mandated that a failed medicine man be killed, according to the book. On November 29, 1847, members of the Cayuse tribe killed Whitman, his wife, Narcissa, and 11 men, seen above in a sketch

Henry Spalding, above, had once 'tormented the Whitmans,' Harden said. But after they died, he became an expert on the massacre. 'It was really his ticket to notoriety and influence as a minister.' Spalding spent years spreading the false story that Whitman had 'saved' Oregon from Great Britain by riding across the country to met with President John Tyler in 1842. In reality, the main reason he made the journey was to save his mission. After the US Senate printed the story in 1871, it was then written about in books and newspapers

Starting in around 1800, there was a religious revival movement known as the Second Great Awakening that saw many Americans convert to Protestantism and other faiths.

A section of New York was key to the movement: the Burned-Over District. The central and western part of the state had so many preachers evangelizing that there was no more 'fuel' (i.e., unconverted population) left over to 'burn' (i.e., convert),' according to an article in The Chronicle-Express. (This is also where Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, got his start.)

It was in the Burned-Over District, Harden noted, that 'Narcissa Prentiss, Marcus Whitman, and Henry Spalding had come of age.'

The trio's entanglement started in the East and followed them in the West. Narcissa turned down Spalding's marriage proposal years before accepting Dr. Marcus Whitman's. This led to bitterness on Spalding's part even after he married a fellow seminary student, Eliza Hart, according to the book.

Nonetheless, the two couples made the journey together from upstate New York to the Pacific Northwest in 1836. They were sent there and funded by a missionary organization called the American Board, which was based in Boston.

Traveling about 20 miles a day, Harden wrote, the Protestant missionaries lived off of dried buffalo meat but 'by their own accounts had a splendid time.'

By September 1836, the Whitmans reached Fort Walla Walla in Washington. Looking to buy supplies, they were told to go to Fort Vancouver  headquarters for the Hudson's Bay Company  in Washington and across the river from present-day Portland, Oregon.

King Charles II granted a charter to the Hudson's Bay Company, also known as HBC, in 1670. In the early decades of the 1800s, it 'dominated the region's social, economic, and political life while ensuring profit to its shareholders,' according to the Oregon Historical Society website. According to Murder at the Mission: 'The company traded ammunition, kettles, blankets, and guns for beaver pelts that were shipped to England to make felt hats.'

Oregon was occupied by both citizens of the United States and Great Britain because of a treaty signed in 1818. By the time the missionaries arrived in 1836, according to the book, the territory was 'a stateless frontier zone.'

While the journey may have gone well, the relationship between Spalding and Whitman had soured and the couples decided to go their separate ways. The Spaldings would build a mission among the Nez Perces in what is now Idaho while the Whitmans would work to convert the Cayuses near Walla Walla in Washington near the Oregon border, according to the book.

The Cayuses were a small but powerful and influential tribe who were quick to adopt rifles, steel knives and a very important resource, the horse. They were also allied with the Nez Perces, which was one of Columbia River's largest tribes, Harden noted.

Harden wrote that Spalding 'kept at it for a quarter century, successfully marketing his exaggerations and lies to newspapers, churches, politicians, and even the US Congress. His ginned-up versions of history were provocatively written, emotionally seductive, effectively timed, and clearly demagogic.' Above, the Spaldings' mission among the Nez Perces in what is now Idaho. Spalding, Harden noted in his book, was successful at converting some of Nez Perces to Christianity

Spalding wasn't alone in pushing the false narrative that Whitman had saved Oregon. In 1890, when the Reverend Stephen Penrose, above, became president of Whitman College, the institution was in dire financial straits. After he found a book written about the Whitman tale in the school's library, Penrose wrote a pamphlet that 'declared that Dr. Whitman single-handedly prevented foreign schemers from stealing the wonderful part of America that would become Oregon, Washington, and Idaho,' according to Murder at the Mission

Penrose used the pamphlet and the story to raise money for the college - and it worked. 'His job was to save the university from bankruptcy,' Harden said of Penrose. It was 'the perfect story to raise money.' Even after the story was debunked in 1900, it persisted in the Pacific Northwest because of Penrose. In the 1920s, he wrote and then staged a successful outdoor extravaganza called How The West Was Won, which again claimed that Dr. Whitman saved Oregon, according to the book. Above, a statue of Marcus Whitman

Soon, more Protestant missionaries came to the Pacific Northwest. But the acrimony among them was so high that Harden wrote: 'Historians have described the behavior of these missionaries as 'envious and complaining,' 'smug and unbearably self-righteous,' and poisoned by 'crabby jealousies.''

And they wrote letters  vicious ones  about their fellow missionaries, especially Spalding, to the American Board, the missionary organization in Boston. The board made the decision to fire Spalding and demote Whitman, who was to close his mission and then assist other missionaries.

This is why Whitman hurried across the country in 1842.

He convinced the board to let him continue at his mission and saved Spalding's job. While Whitman had been successful in keeping his mission, he was not in spreading the strict Christian religion among the Cayuse. Harden said he was a 'failed missionary. They were there for 11 years and converted maybe two people.'

White settlers had bought disease like smallpox and malaria that killed many Native Americans among the Columbia River. In the fall of 1847, measles was tearing through the Cayuses and by November, Harden wrote that 'nearly half were dead'  and some blamed Dr. Whitman.

'Whitman was treating all its victims - Indians and whites - with equal ineffectiveness. Yet many of his white patients survived, while most of his Indian patients did not.'

Cayuse traditional law mandated that a failed medicine man be killed, according to the book.

On November 29, 1847, members of the Cayuse tribe killed Whitman, his wife Narcissa, and 11 men. They took 47 hostages.

But the Cayuse had one more target: Spalding.

Spalding escaped because of the bravery of a Catholic priest, Father Jean-Baptiste Abraham Brouille, who at great risk warned him. The Hudson's Bay Company, eager to avoid war in what was now US territory, negotiated the release of the hostages with the help of Catholic missionaries. (The 1846 treaty ended the dispute over who controlled the territory and a boundary was established between the US and Canada at the 49th parallel, according to History.com.)

'At the turn of the century, the Whitman story,' Harden wrote in Murder at the Mission, was being closely examined by historians. 'Nearly everyone in America had heard of Marcus Whitman by then. Teachers and textbooks in public, private, and Sunday schools had informed them that he had saved Oregon; the story had been validated by the most authoritative publications, from the Encyclopaedia Britannica to The New York Times.' Above, one of the men who debunked the story, William Marshall

After Edward Gaylord Bourne, a professor of history at Yale, delivered a paper called The Legend of Marcus Whitman at the American Historical Association in 1900, the tale was exposed as a lie, Harden wrote in Murders at the Mission. Bourne explained: 'The case is very clear, I think. Spalding is one of the most indefatigable old frauds I have ever come across... More inaccurate invention of history will rarely be found and I think the publication will help as well as amuse the readers.' Above, a memorial to the Whitmans on the grounds of their former mission, according to the book

After the Whitmans died, Spalding became an expert on the massacre, Harden explained. 'It was really his ticket to notoriety and influence as a minister.'

Harden wrote that Spalding 'kept at it for a quarter century, successfully marketing his exaggerations and lies to newspapers, churches, politicians, and even the US Congress. His ginned-up versions of history were provocatively written, emotionally seductive, effectively timed, and clearly demagogic.'

Spalding took the 'bubbling prejudices' of the period  anti-Catholicism, nativism and those against Native Americans  and created a story that 'suited everybody's purpose,' Harden told DailyMail.com. The church was able to pass the collection plate and the missionary's namesake Whitman College was able to raise money.

After the Senate printed Spalding's falsehood in 1871, the story appeared in the 1884 edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, school textbooks and scholarly books.

Reverend Stephen B L Penrose, Whitman College's president, wrote a pamphlet that turned the missionary into almost a Christ-like figure who had saved the Pacific Northwest from Great Britain. 'His job was to save the university from bankruptcy,' Harden said of Penrose.

Even after the story was exposed as a fraud in 1900, it continued to be considered history in the Pacific Northwest because of Penrose. Harden grew up in Washington state during the 1960s and once portrayed Whitman in a school play. This stuck in his mind, Harden said, and he started to research the story. Harden explained that the legend started to die out in the region in the 1960s through the '80s.

Harden extensively interviewed current leaders of the Cayuse tribe and the Whitman murders are still fresh for them. 'Everything about their lives were made worse because of the persistence of this lie.'
More than two thirds of UK sheep farmers responding to a recent survey have experienced an increase in sheep worrying attacks by dogs during the past year.

The troubling statistic is part of a new set of findings released today (30 April) by the National Sheep Association (NSA) from its recent farmer survey.

On average, each respondent experienced seven cases of sheep worrying during the past year resulting in five sheep injured and two sheep killed per attack.

Estimated financial losses through incidents of sheep worrying of up to 50,000 were recorded, with an average across all respondents of 1,570.

However, most respondents said they received no or very little compensation.

The survey sought to asses the incidence and impact of sheep worrying by dog attacks across the country.

The NSA said it received a record-breaking response, specifically aimed at farmers who had experienced dog attacks in the past year.

The group added that the increase in contributions indicated the scale of the serious problem.

In addition to the threat to animal welfare and finances, there is also the issue of the mental wellbeing of the countrys sheep farmers.

Farmers completing the survey reported feelings of anxiety and frustration as a result of sheep worrying by dog attacks.

More than half surveyed said that this was causing a moderate to severe impact on their mental health.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said the survey showed a 'concerning' increase in the number of sheep worrying by dogs cases during the past year.

"There is much evidence suggesting this is a result of the various periods of national lockdown that have been experienced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The issue is receiving more attention from the media but there is still much work to do to continue the education of the dog owning public," Mr Stocker said.

The urgent need for a review of legislation surrounding the issue is also highlighted in the NSA's survey.

A clear majority (80%) of respondents agreed that the rest of the UK should follow the recent change in Scottish law that sees stricter enforcement, including fines of up to 40,000.

It comes as the group launched its 2021 campaign #LeadOn, aiming to increase awareness of the issue amongst the general dog owning public.
SpaceXs latest Starship rocket prototype was standing tall on the launch pad as it prepared for its first high-altitude flight test Friday, but Mother Nature had different plans.

The Elon Musk-owned firm had set road closures from 9am ET to 6pm ET in anticipation of the test, but around 2pm ET it was shown as 'canceled.'

The 16-story-tall Starship Serial Number 15 (SN15) would have bee the fifth to launch, but depending on the outcome, SN15 could have been the only one to survive the journey.

Starships SN8 through SN11 all exploded following their first flights, which resulted in a number of investigations by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

However, the FAA announced Thursday that it authorized the next three launches of the SpaceX Starship prototype after the Musk-owned firm made a few changes to the launch vehicle.

The only thing that threatened todays launch was poor weather looming over SpaceXs testing facility in Boca Chica, Texas.

Poor visibility is not a game changer, as SN11 took off in a thick blanket of fog, but lightning, fierce winds and rain prompted the scrub.

Scroll down for video

SpaceX s latest Starship rocket prototype was standing tall on the launch pad as it prepared for its first high-altitude flight test Friday, but Mother Nature had different plans

When SN15 launches, it will ignite its three powerful Raptor Engines at its base and shoot off over the testing facility.

After hitting the six-mile mark, the rocket will hover in place for a few seconds using just a single rocket, and then will perform the infamous sideways flip, dubbed a 'belly flop' maneuver by Musk.

This mimics the technique Starship will use when returning through Earth's atmosphere from space - presenting the 'belly' as it enters the atmosphere reduces the speed of descent as it approaches the ground.

As SN15 nears the launch pad, it should re-orientate itself and hopefully perform a safe and soft landing.

The Elon Musk-owned firm had set road closures from 9am ET to 6pm ET in anticipation of the test, but around 2pm ET it was shown as canceled

The most recent test flight, on March 31, ended with SN 11 in pieces on the launch pad. Fog covered the massive rocket, which hindered the world from seeing it take off and the massive explosion when it returned

Musk aims to use Starship testing to finalize the final rockets to take humans to Mars, however his company has yet to see one survive the first test flight on Earth.

The most recent test flight, on March 31, ended with SN 11 in pieces on the launch pad.

Fog covered the massive rocket as it stood tall on the launch pad, only revealing itself when it ignited its three Raptor engines that sent streams of fire flowing out from the base.

SN11 took off, soaring above the testing facility as it attempted to reach a goal of six miles into the sky.

However, 2.5 minutes into its flight, SpaceX's livestream froze - leaving the ground team and world in the dark.

Moments later, a loud boom was heard, the sky lit up around the launch pad and debris started falling from the sky.

One bystander found a piece of the charred rocket about five miles outside.

SpaceX engineer John Insprucker, who hosted the livestream, said: Starship 11 is not coming back, dont wait for the landing.

We do appear to have lost all the data from the vehicle.

Musk later revealed on Twitter that a (relatively) small methane leak led to its demise, which was what caused SN10 to explode weeks earlier.

Moments later, a loud boom was heard, the sky lit up around the launch pad and debris started falling from the sky. One bystander found a piece of the charred rocket about five miles outside

When SN15 (pictured) launches, it will ignited its three powerful Raptor Engines at its base and shoot off over the testing facility. After hitting the six-mile mark, the rocket will hover in place for a few seconds using just a single rocket, and then will perform the infamous sideways flip,

Musk announced on Twitter a few hours after SN11 exploded that 'SN15 rolls to launch pad in a few days. It has hundreds of design improvements across structures, avionics/software & engine. Hopefully, one of those improvements covers this problem. If not, then retrofit will add a few more days.'

The reason the prototype has jumped from 11 to 15 is due to SpaceX's rapid advances in design upgrades - SN12 through SN14 were scrapped due to being obsolete.

SN10 was the first out of the four previous Starships to survive the landing, but the massive rocket exploded roughly 10 minutes after due to a methane leak.

And both SN8 and SN9 exploded into a ball of flames the moment they touched down.

The Starship is constructed of stainless steel, which stands 160 feet tall, and is fitted with a nose cone and flaps at the side.

Each rocket that has launch was tasked with collecting data throughout the flight to better improve the next.
Archaeologists have discovered predynastic tombs dating back to Egypt's pharaohs. The tombs, which date back over 5,000 years, were found near the base of the Nile River, where it empties into the Mediterranean Sea.

Over 5,000-year-old tombs unearthed in Egypt

An excavation team discovered the graves in the Dakahlia province, and they were from two different ages. According to Arab News, 68 tombs dating from 3300 BC during the Buto period and five from about 3100 BC during the Naqada III period.

Egyptologist Salima Ikram told Arab News, "This is an incredibly fascinating cemetery because it blends some of the earliest times of Egyptian history with another significant age, the time of the Hyksos." Thirty-seven of the 110 tombs date from the Hyksos period, which occurred during the 18th century B.C., when Palestinian immigrants arrived in Egypt.

He added that Egyptologists are trying to figure out how the Egyptians and the Hyksos coexisted and to what extent the former adopted Egyptian traditions. Human remains were discovered in a squatting posture in some Buto tombs, while cylindrical and pear-shaped vessels were found in tombs from the Naqada era.

The bodies in the Hyksos tombs were found in an extended position, facing west. Ovens, stoves, the remains of mud-brick structures, pottery pots, and amulets and scarabs, some of which were made of semi-precious stones, were also discovered by the mission, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Read Also: Egypt Seizes Ever Given Ship in Suez Canal, Pending $900 Million Compensation

Pre-Pharaonic tombs discovery is significant in Egypt's history

Mustafa Waziri, secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the discovery as "a significant historical and archaeological addition to the site." In a Facebook post, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities published a detailed list of the ancient objects that archaeologists retrieved from the tombs.

Interestingly, the tombs differ in shape, and the corpses within are positioned depending on their age. The 68 Buto tombs and the five Naqada tombs, which are oval, contain corpses curled in the fetal position and facing sideways, Ayman Ashmawi, the head of the Egyptian antiquities sector of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in the Facebook post.

A coating of clay had been applied to two of the Naqada tombs. According to Nadia Khader, head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities' Central Department of Lower Egypt, the 37 Hyksos tombs are semi-rectangular and buried at a depth of between 20 and 85 centimeters hold corpses that are laid out on their backs and face up.

The bodies weren't just adults. According to the Smithsonian, both the Buto and Hyksos tombs preserved babies buried in pots, traditional internment that has caused much confusion among archaeologists.

The tombs held a kohl bowl, the remains of a building foundation, a sealing stone engraved with hieroglyphs, spherical and cylindrical jars, jewelry such as earrings, rings, and scarab amulets, and kitchenware such as stoves and ovens, in addition to human remains, as per Egypt Today.

Read Article: Egypt's First Female Ship Captain Falsely Blamed for the Suez Canal Jam

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
As India is preparing to roll out COVID-19 vaccinations for every citizen in the 18-44 age bracket on May 1, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has urged people to not throng COVID-19 vaccination centres on May 1 since the national capital hasn't received sufficient doses of the vaccines.

"I request you to not queue up at the centres tomorrow. As soon as the vaccines come, we will make proper announcements. Only then people with appointments can start coming to the centres," Kejriwal said.

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief added that the city government has placed orders for 67 lakh doses each of Serum Institute of India's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin in 3 months and they are ready to pay for it. "We have requested both the companies to make 67 lakh doses each available to us in next three months. People of Delhi will be given free vaccines. We are making all efforts to see that the people of Delhi are vaccinated in the next three months," he noted.

While addressing an online briefing, Kejriwal assured Delhiites that everybody will be vaccinated.

Delhi, however, is not the only state to report vaccine shortage. The BMC also halted vaccinations for three days citing a shortage of the life-saving jabs. The vaccination drive for all those belonging to the 18-44 age bracket is also likely to be deferred in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Delhi reported an unprecedented rise in its daily COVID-19 graph. The national capital reported 395 deaths and 24,235 positive cases in the last 24 hours.

Edited by Mehak Agarwal; with agency inputs

Also read: COVID-19 second wave: Delhi reports 395 deaths in last 24 hours, highest so far
A landmark proposal to lift the veil on companies that collect and sell the electronic data of their clients died on the final day of the legislative session Friday, despite its being a priority of House Speaker Chris Sprowls.

Significantly modeled off a similar measure in California, HB 969, the Florida Privacy Protection Act, would have imposed new disclosure requirements on companies that collect information from anyone who downloads an app or uses a website.

The measure, which had broad bipartisan support in both chambers, would have required Florida businesses to tell consumers what data theyve collected about them and how theyre going to use it. But it was vigorously opposed by the largest businesses in Florida, which warned the bill would cost them millions to comply. There were 343 lobbyists hired to lobby the bill, most of whom were attempting to kill it.

The goal of the bill was intended to crack down on our surveillance economy, said Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, the Senate sponsor. She said technology companies can track customers long after theyve left a website without customers knowing. She suggested that if a business doesnt want to have compliance costs, they dont need to have our private information.

Other states and the European Union have enacted similar data privacy regulations to protect personal information and give consumers more control over how their information is used.

In November, California voters went further in strengthening their privacy laws by passing Proposition 24. It added new requirements for businesses to protect personal information, including by reasonably minimizing data collection, limiting data retention, and protecting data security. A similar privacy law was passed in Illinois. And in Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) protects personal data and restricts the use of it by business entities and internet companies.

Although Floridas proposal was more modest, businesses opposed it  especially a House provision that would have allowed consumers to sue companies that collect, sell or share their personal information after consumers have not given them permission.

Story continues

Should a private citizen be able to say to a big corporation, Hey, I asked you not to collect my data and you did it anyway. Or, I asked you not to collect it and not only did you collect it, you sold it without my permission,  said Sprowls, a Palm Harbor Republican, when asked about the importance of allowing civil lawsuits to enforce the bill.

A private citizen should be able to do that in my opinion, he said.

But by the final day on Friday, the House and Senate could not work out their differences over the lawsuit issue, and the measure died when they adjourned.

Mary Ellen Klas can be reached at meklas@miamiherald.com and @MaryEllenKlas
A headteacher has received several death threats after being the subject of a petition to have him sacked over alleged racism in school.

Almost 6,000 people have signed the petition for Dr Lawrence Foley to resign from his role as principal of the Harris Academy in Tottenham.

It was launched last week by the school's former PE teacher Joshua Adusei, alleging discrimination against black students and staff and sparking protests.

The petition claims Dr Foley has put in place policies that 'disproportionately affect BAME students' and has 'bullied' staff into accepting redundancy.

Police have been brought in to conduct patrols of a north London school after headmaster Dr Lawrence Foley was the subject of several deaths amid racism claims by a former teacher

Almost 6,000 people have signed the petition for Dr Lawrence Foley to resign from his role as principal of the Harris Academy in Tottenham

But now the Harris Academy has issued a warning over staff safety after police received several reports of death threats being sent to the school boss.

The incident comes just weeks after protests at another academy in Pimlico over changes to its uniform policy and removing the union flag and in Batley, Yorkshire for a row over a Muhammad cartoon.

Mr Adusei, who has since been dismissed from his teaching job, also accused the school of 'institutional racism,' and claimed Dr Foley permanently excluded three black students in his first three months at the school.

He said that discipline policies have been tightened and disproportionately affected students from Afro-Caribbean backgrounds as well as those with special educational needs.

The petition also demands that restructuring plans that are 'bullying staff into accepting redundancy' should be reversed.

It was launched last week by the school's former PE teacher Joshua Adusei, alleging discrimination against black students and staff and sparking protests

A letter from the school seen by Schools Week pledged to 'avoid compulsory redundancies wherever possible,' instead blaming falling pupil numbers in Haringey.

Several critical comments by parents and others were posted online following the petition's publication, and a playground protest was organised after Mr Adusei was initially suspended.

According to Schools Week, one now deleted comment claimed the school was 'run by white peoplewho dont understand the children' while another compared policies to 'Putins Russia'.

The school has reported to police four death threats received by its executive principal, as well as a threat to stab teachers made via Change.org.

Mr Adusei, who has since been dismissed from his teaching job, also accused the school of 'institutional racism,' and claimed Dr Foley permanently excluded three black students in his first three months at the school

Police acknowledged that they had received reports of deaths threats at the school and had ordered 'reassurance' patrols to go past the school gates.

A Met spokesperson said: 'On Monday, 21 April police received a report of malicious communications following several online comments directed towards staff at the Harris Academy in Tottenham.

'Officers carried out enquiries and arranged for reassurance patrols in the area. The dedicated schools officer was also informed.

'The posts were subsequently removed from the website and no further action was taken.'

A spokesperson for the Harris Federation which controls the school branded the petition 'misleading, vindictive and vexatious', adding that its leadership team 'categorically denies' claims of racism.
ALBANY  The Albany County Legislature, recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth and the chance for people to learn more about the past, said it is advancing legislation to officially designate June 19 as an official holiday for county employees.

I would be remiss if I dont recognize the achievements of the Black community. For Black people, June 19th continues to be significant because it represents freedom and all that we have overcome over the years. We still have a long way to go to be free of discrimination and we must address the facts of systemic racism, but we continue to make strides in the right direction, said Legislative Black Caucus Chairman William Clay, who sponsored the resolution, in a statement.
(TCS), India's largest IT services firm, named Samir Seksaria as its Chief Financial Officer, effective May 1. He replaces V Ramakrishnan ('Ramki) who will be retiring from the services of the company today (April 30).

The Board of Directors, at its meeting held on April 12, had appointed Samir Seksaria as Chief Financial Officer.

Prior to this appointment, he was heading the Business Finance function for In that role, he was responsible for the financial management of the companys individual operating units, and also for the corporate financial analytics and planning at the firm.

Seksaria started his career in in 1999 and spent his early years in consulting assignments involving regulatory compliance and M&A spin-offs. He moved to Corporate Finance in 2004 and played a key role in the companys IPO. Prior to being named CFO, he was heading the financial analytics, planning and business finance functions.

During the past two decades, Samir has played an exemplary role in the companys financial transformation journey involving simplification, cash management, planning and forecasting, and contract structuring, said Rajesh Gopinathan, CEO & MD, We thank Ramki for his invaluable contributions to the organisation, and wish him well for the future.

Seksaria graduated in 1997 from Narsee Monjee College in Mumbai, and did his Chartered Accountancy from Mumbai. He is based in Mumbai and reports to MD & CEO Rajesh Gopinathan.

Seksaria takes pride in having learnt from a great set of veteran TCS leaders such as N Chandrasekaran, Rajesh Gopinathan, V Ramakrishnan and S Mahalingam, the company statement said.
A driver was found fatally shot Thursday in a stolen car in Trenton and his passenger was hospitalized, officials said.

Police were called around 6:30 p.m. to a vehicle crash at North Clinton Avenue and Poplar Street, where they found a stolen Audi with two occupants, according to Mercer County Prosecutors Office spokeswoman Casey DeBlasio.

The driver, identified only as a male, was shot and pronounced dead at a local hospital, the spokeswoman said. His passenger suffered from seizures and was taken to a hospital, she said.

The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating the killing. Authorities did not immediately release more details.

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Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.
Manitoba recorded its highest daily number of new COVID-19 cases since December with 295 cases announced on Friday.

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Manitoba recorded its highest daily number of new COVID-19 cases since December with 295 cases announced on Friday.

There were 50 new cases in Prairie Mountain Health, also the highest single-day total since December.

Dr. Jazz Atwal said during his Friday COVID-19 media briefing that cases of variants of concern are now making up approximately 50 per cent of Manitoba's new cases.

Because of this, Manitoba will now treat every positive case of COVID-19 as if it is a variant of concern case.

One additional death linked to COVID-19 was announced on Monday, a man in his 70s in the Winnipeg health region. This death has been linked to the B.1.1.7 variant of the virus.

The province updated its guidelines for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, with anyone aged 30 to 39 now eligible to receive their shot.

In addition, Manitobans who are pregnant, clients of Community Living disABILITY Services, those who work in any health-care setting (including outpatients settings) or work in the provincial vaccine warehouse are now able to book vaccination appointments at super sites and pop-up clinics as of 2 p.m. today.

Read more in Saturday's edition of the Sun.

 The Brandon Sun
(Newser)  Employees and visitors cheered each other Friday as Disneyland reopened after a 13-month pandemic shutdown. Crowds lined up before dawn, the Los Angeles Times reports, and some visitors were crying as they walked through the gates. "It's been a long year," one woman said. "This is a homecoming for us," said another, who used to visit the California theme park almost weekly. Employees held a flag-raising ceremony before the gates opened, at which they were thanked by Disney CEO Bob Chapek. "I want to be the first one in and the last one out," said a 15-year-old lined up outside, per the Orange County Register. "I know I'm going to cry when I walk through the gates." The temperature checks began about an hour ahead of schedule, and the first visitors then walked down Main Street, applauded by employees lining their route.

story continues below

California Adventure reopened next door, as well. Attendance at both parks is capped at 25% of capacity, and only California residents are allowed in. Visitors and employees must wear masks, and they have to maintain social distancing unless they live together. There are no parades or fireworks shows for now. There will be no hugs from Mickey or Goofy, though they'll pose for photos with guests. Despite the limitations, Disneyland tickets are already sold out for the first seven weeks. And even with the attendance limit, the wait to ride the new Snow White ride early Friday was more than an hour. "It's poetic in a way," one man said. "Disneyland was one of the first things to close and the last to reopen. It feels like we're finally turning a corner." (Read more Disneyland stories.)
TASHKENT -- Uzbek blogger and rights activist Miraziz Bazarov, who was severely beaten by unknown attackers in March, has been put under house arrest after being released from the hospital.



Bazarov's lawyer, Sergei Mayorov, told RFE/RL that his client was immediately taken to the Tashkent City Main Directorate of Interior Affairs after he was released from hospital on April 29.



According to Mayorov, Bazarov is under house arrest on charges of libel and public insult. The case against Bazarov was launched last week after teachers at Tashkent school No. 110 filed a lawsuit against him over a video placed by the blogger on the Internet last October.



"In the video, Bazarov says 'school is a place where slaves and losers teach children to become slaves and losers' and that became the basis of the lawsuit," Mayorov said.



Representatives from the school's administration were not available for immediate comment.



The school was renovated by a well-known Russian tycoon of Uzbek origin, Alisher Usmanov. Earlier in April, it was at the center of a scandal after Shahnoza Soatova, an adviser to the justice minister, said that the school administration measured the height of students' socks as part of the "struggle against LGBT ideas."

Bazarov. 29, was hospitalized in late March after he was severely attacked by unknown men hours after a public event he organized was disrupted by dozens of aggressive men in the Uzbek capital.



Bazarov is known for his criticism of the Uzbek government on his Telegram channel.



Among other issues, Bazarov has also publicly urged the government to decriminalize same-sex sexual conduct, which is still legally considered a crime in Uzbekistan.



Bazarov has openly said he is not an LGBT activist, but believes that being gay is a personal issue and therefore there should be no laws against it.



Bazarov has also criticized President Shavkat Mirziyoev for insufficient anti-corruption efforts, and has questioned the efficiency of ongoing restrictions to battle the coronavirus pandemic.



Last summer, Bazarov was questioned by State Security Service investigators after he called on the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank on Facebook not to provide loans to Uzbekistan without strict control over how the funds are used.



Bazarov had told RFE/RL that he had received many online threats before the attack. He said had informed the police of this, but law enforcement did not take any action.
NEW YORK, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- While Americans gave up their citizenship at record levels under President Trump, there has been an immediate and dramatic reversal of the trend under President Biden. Since the 2020 election, there has been a decline in the number of Americans renouncing, according to research by the Enrolled Agents and accountants of Bambridge Accountants New York.

While 2020 was the record year for Americans giving up their citizenship under President Trump, the figures since President Biden took office show the trend reversing.

Americans Reduced Renouncing 2021

228 Americans gave up their citizenship in the first 3 months of 2021, compared to 2,909 in the first 3 months of 2020 - a 92% decrease.

6,705 Americans in total gave up their citizenship in 2020

2020 is the highest year on record; the previous record was 5,411 cases in 2016

2021 is on course to be the lowest year since 2013

The U.S. State Department continues to stop Americans being able to book appointments to renounce at many U.S. Embassies, and this has been the case since March 2020.

Americans must pay a $2,350 government fee to renounce their citizenship, and those based overseas must do so in person at the U.S. Embassy in their country.

Under the IRS rules (section 6039g), every three months the U.S. Government publishes the names of all Americans who give up their citizenship.

Alistair Bambridge, partner at Bambridge Accountants New York, explains: "During the Donald Trump presidency we saw record numbers of Americans giving up their citizenship. As he closed in on a second term, those figures spiked.

"From our experience, Americans abroad are relieved in the change of president. For those individuals, the election of President Biden is enough to reconsider giving up their citizenship and many Americans abroad are now talking about returning to the U.S.

"There is also the fact that many U.S. Embassies are not allowing U.S. expats to renounce. Once you take that into account, speaking to Americans, there is a change in view of renouncing and on the whole, there is no longer the urgent desire to give up their U.S. passport."

Contact Alistair Bambridge, [email protected], +1 646 956 5566.

Bambridge Accountants New York is a New York-based firm specializing in U.S. expat tax, U.K expats, actors, and other creatives in the U.S. and U.K.

www.bambridgeaccountants.com

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Americans Reduced Renouncing 2021

Americans Reduced Renouncing 2021

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Lowes Cos. plans to hire approximately 900 people across its Houston area stores as part of its National Hiring Day on May 4. The home improvement retailer is gearing up to help customers tackle projects this spring and summer.

Lowe's aims to hire 50,000 seasonal, part-time and full-time associates across 1,700 stores nationwide. The open positions include cashiers, retail associates, stockers and receivers, merchandising service associates, drivers, supervisors and Pro sales roles.
The CEO of a wealth management and investment advice firm has claimed before the High Court that he was wrongly summarily dismissed from his 125,000 per year job last week.

Rory Mason, who is the CEO and the beneficial owner of 15% of the firm's shares of Dublin-based firm GillenMarkets says that his employer has wrongly accused him of gross misconduct, namely that he stole 14,000 from the firm.

He strongly denies any wrongdoing, and claims that the "accusation of theft" re "utterly without foundation" and claims they are a "contrived attempt" to remove him from his position as CEO "by whatever means necessary".

He also says that he was "left shocked" and "utterly taken aback" by the accusations made at the meeting between him and the company chairman Mr Dermott Browne.

Oisin Quinn SC for Mr Mason told the High Court that the money was paid to his client by way of an annual bonus, which he said was fully disclosed to and approved by the company's board.

It is his client's case that he is the subject of baseless and false allegations and Mr Mason was dealt with by the chairman without any process of investigation at all.

Counsel the defendant's actions amount to breach of his client's legal entitlements as well as his constitutional rights, and rights to natural justice.

As a result, Mr Mason has sued his employer, ILTB trading as GillenMarkets, and Mr Dermot Browne, the company's chairman.

At the High Court on Wednesday Mr Justice Senan Allen granted Mr Mason a temporary injunction, on an ex-parte basis, preventing the defendants from implementing or terminating Mr Mason's purported dismissal.

The court also restrained the defendants from publicising, repeating, or communicating in any form the misconduct alleged against Mr Mason.

Seeking the injunctions Mr Quinn, appearing with Ray Ryan Bl and instructed by solicitor Simon McAleese, said that had been difficulties within the company's board for some time.

Counsel said that prior to the allegation of theft being made against Mr Mason, his client has been asked by the company to leave his role as CEO and take up another position within the firm, which he declined.

Following the meeting with the chairman, who the court heard has not day to day role in the operation of the company, Mr Mason was also told that the matter could be reported to both the Gardai and the Central Bank of Ireland, which regulates the company.

At that meeting counsel said that Mr Browne also told Mr Mason to write a letter of resignation and return all company property to the firm.

Mr Mason, a father of five who is aged in his mid-fifties, said in a sworn statement to the court said that during that meeting "It was clear that I was being fired," and that he was being given a short window to resign, which he declined to do.

Counsel said that any dismissal would have a huge impact on Mr Mason's professional reputation within the financial services sector, where he has worked for the last 25 years.

He has been with GillenMarkets for some years, and the company has been successful and grown, counsel said.

The matter was adjourned and will return before the court next week.
04/30/2021

By Shortie McKinney

Thanks to increased COVID-19 vaccine supply and the growing numbers of individuals vaccinated in Massachusetts, UMass Lowells partnership with Lowell General Hospital to vaccinate campus community members has been streamlined.With numerous appointments available at LGHs mass vaccination site located at 1001 Pawtucket Blvd., students and employees can sign up to be vaccinated by scheduling through the hospitals sign up page UMass Lowell is incredibly grateful to Lowell General for working to prioritize the university community during the last several weeks. We continue to urge all students, faculty and staff to get your vaccination as quickly as possible to protect yourself, your family and friends as well as the community from the continued spread of COVID-19.
Loose Pony on KY 80 Rounded Up, Heading Home

By West Kentucky Star Staff

GRAVES COUNTY - Drivers on KY 80 encountered a pony running loose on the road Thursday evening.The Graves County Sheriff's Office said deputies were dispatched when the pony was reported running on the highway near the Graves-Calloway County line.Deputies located the pony on KY 464 near Farmington, and caught it with assistance from a Calloway County resident.The owner of the pony was located, and the animal will be returned to her on Friday morning.
STRATFORD  State Sen. Kevin Kelly staged a rally Thursday at a Lordship Boulevard gas station he called the intersection of the gas tax and the mileage tax to decry Gov. Ned Lamonts proposed regional climate initiative and user tax for heavy trucks on state highways.

This is the perfect location to bring forth this point, because whether youre buying gas or food, these are necessities to the middle income and lower income folks in the state of Connecticut, Kelly, R-Stratford, said in the parking lot of the Wheels gas station after noting the proximity of nearby UPS and FedEx facilities. These are regressive taxes.

About a dozen people held signs as passing drivers honked their vehicle horns in support. Other officials on hand included Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti and Alderman Anthony Simonetti.

But while Kelly and others GOPers slammed Lamont and Democrats proposals, they have not put their own budget proposal forward  and could not at Thursdays rally identify specific cuts they would make to existing programs.

Kelly said the state should instead use its reserves to pay down debt and then use savings to finance transportation. The governor has said the Republicans want to finance transportation by raiding the states rainy day fund.

We have a bank account of historic levels, Kelly said Thursday. What we are going to do is not raid the rainy day fund, but use it for its intended purpose, which is to spend down our debt.

The senate minority leader said that whats most disconcerting is its being done in the name of a climate initiative to reduce greenhouse gas, referring to the states participation in the regional Transportation and Climate Initiative.

Make no mistake about it, the intention here is to raise the cost of gasoline to the point where gas-powered cars are no longer affordable to the middle class, and they want everyone to be driving electric vehicles, as if the middle and lower income people of Connecticut can afford that, Kelly said.

Under the TCI, petroleum wholesalers would pay for emission credits, raising pump prices by 5 cents a gallon in the first year and not more than 10 cents a gallon by 2032, Lamont has said. GOP lawmakers warned that it is likely to rise steadily over 10 years.

Currently, only three states in the region  Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island  along with the District of Columbia, have joined the TCI.

Kelly said the approach has been to involve more states to have a meaningful impact.

And he said the state doesnt need the money right now anyway.

At a time when we are getting historic levels, billions of dollars, out of Washington, the current state budget is in a surplus, and last week the legislative Democrats asked for $3.2 billion of new tax, he said. When is enough enough?

Patrick Sasser, founder of No Tolls CT, said people cant afford to live in Connecticut anymore.

When is the governor going to dig in and roll up his sleeves and start cutting costs, start making this state more affordable so that people can continue to live here? he said.

Asked specifically where hed make cuts, Sasser did not identify any, but pointed to cost overages at construction projects at the University of Connecticut and in New London, and called on a third-party review of state transportation department spending.

Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti said, We could spend all day talking about areas they could reduce regulations and taxes. Every year they increase.

But the mayor was not specific when asked for an example of a specific regulation that should be eliminated.

Pick one, he said. Look at the area of education. Every move is regulated.

Includes previous reporting from Ken Dixon.
Confusion between Gardai and Minister?

Dear editor,

Does your paper have the resources to locate the section of criminal law of which the 25 people and/or the priest, who gathered for prayer at a private location last Sunday were in breach?

If a breach did not occur, as we suspect, is the person who called in the Gardai, guilty of harassment, or of some other misdemeanour?

Please note the statement by Minister Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health in Dail Eireann on 22nd October last year: I assure the Deputy (Michael McNamara) and other colleagues that with regard to penalties, religious services are non-penal in that there is no penalty attached to them.

Brian Flanagan,

Ardeelan,

Shore Front,

Buncrana

Lockdown of Churches

Dear Editor,

The doors of most churches have been open for private prayer only during Level 5 restrictions. Some parishes have online services but not everybody is up to date with such technology or the quality of broadband.

We can meet strangers in shopping centres, banks, marts and post offices, yet we are unable to meet people who were part of our lives before the lockdown in churches, which are also public places.

When churches were open during the first part of the Governments roadmap, individual parishes took great care to observe safety for worshippers with social distancing and contact information. There is no evidence to show Covid 19 outbreaks was spread by church going population in this region.

Just a few weeks ago, the Court of Session in Scotland ruled that government closure of houses of worship was unconstitutional and a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. In essence, the court held that, while coronavirus restrictions are necessary, they must be proportionate.

Last November the French Courts overturned limits on religious worship, calling them disproportionate and a manifestly illegal attack on freedom of religion.

If we are to live under changeable restrictions in regards to Statutory Instruments for the foreseeable future, more exacting scrutiny by our elected representatives and judiciary is essential in ensuring that they are above all proportionate and allow people to attend religious services without fear of breaking the law.

Yours sincerely

Phil Keaney

Aughacashel

Co Leitrim

Free car parking for hospital patients



Dear Madam,

All citizens should examine closely and with interest the HSEs Annual Financial Statement, particularly in relation to the income generated by public hospitals from car parking charges. Based on figures obtained from the Office of the National Director Acute Strategy and Planning, revenue from car parking and clamping fees at our acute public hospitals fell by 56.75%. year on year between 2019 and 2020.

This was due to Lockdown and restrictions related to the threat of Covid-19. This represents a drop of income from 12+ million in 2019 to 5+ million in 2020. As hospital visits to in-patients had been largely abandoned in 2020, the latter figure represents closely the parking costs incurred by patients who were attending for essential services.

The above figures relate to 24 acute public hospitals as only 9 public hospitals nationally provide free parking.

Since 2012, hospitals across the country generated an income of a little less than 100 million from receipts for car parking and clamping fees. Prior to the last election, Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein and Labour promised either to cap hospital parking fees, or to provide parking for free to patients. Since the government was formed none of these parties have sought to implement their promise in this regard.

It is, therefore, welcome news for hard pressed patients and their families that Aontu Party Leader Peadar Toibin TD has moved the Hospital Parking Bill 2021 in the Dail in recent days. It will be interesting to see if the government parties, who promoted such a provision in their campaign promises, will support this bill.

In this constituency, it is worth noting that between 2014 and 2019 both visitors and patients paid a staggering 903,467 in car parking charges to Sligo University Hospital and the HSE. This is a considerable burden on our local citizens who also, in many instances, have to bear the cost of travelling a distance to access these services.

Moreover, given that all hospital services are not available to the citizens of the North West in Sligo University Hospital, many patients must travel to other hospitals such as Mullingar, Dublin or Galway, (the latter being the designated centre of excellence for cancer services).

Due to difficulties regarding public transport and its routing and scheduling, many patients in our area must rely on travelling to these services by car, thereby incurring considerable additional travelling costs. Not incurring car parking charges in any of these hospitals, as set out in Aontus Hospital Parking Bill 2021, would be a welcome, if small, relief to hard pressed patients.

Yours sincerely,

Ciaran M Tracey,

Runai,

Cumann Aontu Liatro


By David A. Tizzard





This past week on social media, I've watched as friends, relatives, and acquaintances have posted pictures and comments related to two topics seemingly very far from Korean life: COVID-19 vaccines and marijuana.







Tuesday was "420:" a day on which people gather to celebrate and consume cannabis in various parts of the world. It's both a holiday and a politically-charged event, as stoners and regular folk engage in a little bit of civil disobedience to try and enact legislative change.







There is no 420 culture of note in Korea and the possession or consumption of marijuana remain both illegal activities and strong social taboos. However, it is interesting to note the seemingly increased Korean-language media attention given to the topic, and the ways in which social media is facilitating a more open and democratized conversation on the topic.







For example, mainstream news organizations are now more regularly putting out media content addressing the issue. These are not videos in the dark corners of the Internet or personal vlogs (though there are an increasing number of those too); instead, they are those placed by mainstream broadcasters on their official social media channels and platforms.







Because of the nature of YouTube and the ability to freely leave comments, more and more citizens are now able to voice their opinions on the subjects of their choice. It is no longer a case of having to shout at the television screen at home; people are now able to talk to each other and express themselves. A certain degree of anonymity no doubt also helps.







From reading through these comments to get a sense of what's going on, there is no general consensus. One of the key lessons of any study of Korean culture and society is that it is far from monolith.







Nevertheless, it is interesting to see such conversations taking place. What was once extremely hush-hush has now apparently become something that some (at least) are willing to address. On YouTube in April, there has been a whole host of Korean content covering marijuana in various ways, ranging from news of: legalization, international arrests, discussions, and celebrity involvement.







The South Korean news channel, JTBC, had a seven-minute piece on Mexico's recent decision to legalize recreational marijuana. The YouTube clip in Korean has had nearly 12,000 views and over 300 comments in a month.







A YTN broadcast last Wednesday covering a Spanish marijuana bust has nearly 40,000 views in less than 2 days. The fact that the perpetrators were of Chinese descent seems to have prompted a great deal of negative engagement on that particular video.







On April 1st, television personality Daniel Lindemann spoke in Korean while covering the pros and cons of marijuana in his "Wiseman" series for YTN News. He covers the legality of marijuana around the world, its medicinal uses, and warns of its effects on one's emotional and psychological health.







The conclusion of that particular video was that, because of the high level of social cohesion and prevailing attitudes, it is not the correct time to be discussing the legalization of marijuana in Korea  he said while discussing that very thing. The video has nearly 70,000 views in 3 weeks and 700 comments, all in Korean, all debating the issue reasonably underneath.





I briefly covered the history of marijuana in Korea in my

last October, but far too many here still remain in the dark on certain specifics. For example, medicinal marijuana has been legalized in South Korea for a few years now. And despite it being the first country in Asia to do so, few know about this. It rarely, for example, features in any of the above comment sections.







A YouTube video uploaded 6 months ago by Subusu News, titled, "Legal Cannabis Plantations in Korea," therefore explores the only place it is legal to grow cannabis in South Korea: the "Free Hemp Control Areas" of Andong City. These locations have been permitted to plant and grow hemp for medical purposes.







The video explores the pros and cons of using CBD to treat various ailments, and has some nuanced views and informed talking heads. The video has received over half a million views and 2,000 comments in the relatively short time that it's been online.







Alongside medicinal cannabis, it is also important that people are aware of its legality. With all the talk of Canada and Colorado now making it perfectly legal to smoke there, many young Koreans don't realize it's still illegal for them to smoke it in those places.







Korea uses extraterritorial jurisdiction and expects its citizens to abide by Korean law (particularly vis-a-vis marijuana and gambling) irrespective of where they are in the world. For Korean people, it is not a case of "When in Rome," but rather, "You are always in Seoul."







When I inform young university students of how Korean law applies to Korean citizens extraterritorially, many look back with disbelief, incomprehension, or a frantic realization that they should probably delete some of their old social media posts from their time spent backpacking around Europe.







The key point again here, however, is about the access to information and the possibility for discussion. It's not my position to tell Korean people or the legal system what they should or should not think about when it comes to marijuana. Yet, I do hope that young (and old) people don't needlessly find themselves in trouble, simply due to the lack of information.







In that sense, it is very interesting to see more and more Korean-language discussion on the topic taking place on social media platforms. This debate, I think, points to the true democratization of ideas and content.







Social media can be a purveyor of fake news, agitation, hyperbole, and polarization. But it can also allow people to read, listen, and discuss a whole new variety of issues that would previously have remained very far away from them. This opportunity for discussion then allows them to make more informed decisions, enlightened choices, and hopefully avoid any unnecessary mistakes or incidents.







Oh yeah, and vaccines. Can we get some of those here soon please?











Dr. David A. Tizzard (datizzard@swu.ac.kr) has a Ph.D. in Korean Studies. He is a social/cultural commentator and musician who has lived in Korea for nearly two decades. The views expressed in the article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times.


Mayors from California asked for a $20 billion budget that will address the state's homeless crisis. The said budget is sought by the mayors from the 13 largest cities of the golden state, Fox News reported.

The $20 billion budget over five years, sought by the California mayors were raised when the officials held "nightly conference" calls with Governor Gavin Newsom and his administration, The Sun reported. The conference call was made to garner additional insights and feedback from the state's chief executive.

READ NEXT: California's Homeless Versus COVID-19: More Than 60,000 People At Risk

California Mayors on Homeless Crisis

The mayors from the "big cities" are pushing Newsom to commit to a massive budget for five years that will maintain and build shelters for the homeless in California.

"It's going to take that repeated commitment of state, federal, and local leadership to get the job done," said Todd Gloria, a Democratic mayor from San Diego. He emphasized that the crisis will not be over after a year.

Meanwhile, Mayor Karen Goh from Bakersfield shared that homelessness in California continues to be an issue "that requires bold action." Goh added that the success in responding to the issue such as "adding emergency bed space and creating permanent housing solutions" was demonstrated.

"Now, we must address and sustain the next phase of the challenge, including providing housing," said Goh in The Sun.

Mayor Kevin Lincoln from Stockton's "behavioral health challenges" among the city's homeless population has highlighted the need for expanding the amount to be spent on the homeless crisis.

Other Views on Homeless Crisis

Meanwhile, other gubernatorial candidates have also retaliated against the homeless crisis evident in the state of California.

We need bold solutions on homelessness.



Im the only candidate with experience reducing homelessness. Im going to take our successful approach in San Diego statewide as Governor. https://t.co/LiIps5yHKV  Kevin Faulconer (@Kevin_Faulconer) April 24, 2021

In a tweet, former San Diego Governor Kevin Faulconer noted that bold solutions are needed in responding to the homeless crisis, emphasizing that he is the only candidate with experience on the issue.

The comment of Faulconer on Twitter comes as Governor Gavin Newsom faces a recall election after the signature threshold was reached.

Secretary Weber earlier said a recall election will be held later this year unless a sufficient number of signatures are withdrawn. Apart from Kevin Faulconer, Newsom is set to compete against reality show star Caitlyn Jenner for the post.

Meanwhile, federal reports estimate that California's homeless population is about 161,548 as of January 2020, CBS Los Angeles reported. The outlet noted that before the pandemic, the recent count has a seven percent increase from 2019.

Meanwhile, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer noted that they plan to replicate a project from his administration, that aims to transfer homeless people into housing.

"In order to do so, we need long-term flexible funding to provide services and alternative housing models for the homeless population," said Dyer.

Meanwhile, Fox News noted that Republicans and other critics have blamed the homeless crisis in California on the migration of local businesses to other states.

READ MORE: Los Angeles to Spend Nearly $1 Billion to Address Homelessness

WATCH: Coalition of California mayors seek $20 billion for homeless funding - from Fox 11
New Castle, DE, April 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emile Henry partners with cooking influencers to raise awareness for Lasagna Love, a grassroots movement that was born at the beginning of the pandemic to spread kindness across the country by feeding families, offering support, and strengthening communities. The Lasagna Love mission is to positively impact communities by connecting neighbors with neighbors through homemade meal delivery. Participants seek to eliminate stigmas associated with asking for helpespecially from moms when it is needed most.

The collaboration features a lasagna dish giveaway on @emilehenryusa, @emcdowell, @mamamiamangia__, and @wearelasagnalove. The giveaway runs from Friday, April 30 through Sunday, May 2. Winners of the giveaway will receive an Emile Henry ceramic lasagna baker.

Lasagna Love began when the founder of Good to Mama was looking for a way to help moms in her community. She and her toddler started making and delivering meals to families in their neighborhood who were struggling, whether that struggle was financial, emotional, or simply being overwhelmed. Lasagna Love has since grown into a national movement with thousands of people all cooking and delivering meals to families in their communities. To find out more about Lasagna Love and how to get involved, visit https://www.lasagnalove.org/.

The iconic Emile Henry lasagna baker has graced professional and home tables worldwide for years. Founded in 1850, the Company is in a small town in the province of Burgundy, France. It is the Burgundy clay that makes this lasagna baker desirable. Burgundy clay evenly and slowly diffuses heat to the very center of the cooking dish. Food is cooked evenly, which brings out the flavors and aromas. Burgundy clay has superior heat retention properties to keep food hot when resting on the dining table or on a kitchen sideboard. The lasagna bakers can be directly removed from the freezer and placed in a hot oven. The ceramic dishes feature high thermal shock properties and can be placed under the broiler to brown the cheese on the top of a lasagna.

Attachments
Pictured: Ambassador Cheng Jingye

Australia's lucrative tourism and education sectors could be next in the firing line if Canberra doesn't bow down to Beijing, China's top diplomat in Australia has warned.

Ambassador Cheng Jingye told an Australia China Business Council briefing in Canberra on Thursday, the bitter diplomatic spat between the two nations is all Australia's fault and hinted more economic pain is to come.

He said the rising tension would make Chinese students and tourists think twice about heading Down Under.

The comments echoed similar remarks he made in April last year when the 'wolf warrior' diplomat said Chinese customers may not want to buy Australia beef and wine after Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus - which first appeared in Wuhan in 2019.

Australia's lucrative tourism and education sectors could be next in the firing line if Canberra doesn't bow down to Beijing, China's top diplomat in Australia has warned (stock image)

Ambassador Cheng Jingye told an Australia China Business Council briefing in Canberra on Thursday, the bitter diplomatic spat between the two nations is all Australia's fault and hinted that more economic pain is to come

The plea for transparency over Covid-19 infuriated the Communist Party, which 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 Cheng claims that 'racial discrimination' could cause Chinese travellers and scholars to boycott Australia when the international travel re-opens after the pandemic.

'My question is whether there will be a friendly environment for their return,' he said.

He also denied the authoritarian state is engaged in a campaign to punish Australia for speaking out against China for its human rights abuses, territorial grabs in the South China Sea and for banning tech giant Huawei from participating in the construction of the National Broadband Network over national security concerns.

'Some claim that the problems in bilateral trade ties resulted from China's economic coercion against Australia. What a ridiculous and irrelevant argument,' he said.

'As the old saying goes, whoever tied the knot is responsible for untying it.'

Mr Cheng claims that 'racial discrimination' could cause Chinese travellers and scholars to boycott Australia when the international travel re-opens after the pandemic (stock image)

Before the pandemic hit, Chinese tourists contributed about $12billion to Australia's economy - more than any other market (stock image)

Although most of the products targeted in China's campaign of economic coercion have found new markets, Australia's wine and beef industries have been hit hard.

Six of Australia's largest beef producers are banned from premium market while wine producers were slapped with a 212 per cent tariff.

The trade barrier has seen wine exports to China fall from $325 million from the four months to March last years to just $12 million in the same period this year.

Communist Party officials have tried to imply the arbitrary bans and tariffs are led by consumers.

In reality, any slowdown in the number of Chinese visitors to Australia will be ordered and controlled by Beijing.

Reports have already surfaced that Chinese agencies in regional areas have been 'encouraged' by local authorities to not send students to Australia, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Chinese students bring in about $10 billion a year for the Australian economy and make up more than a third of all foreign scholars.

Before the pandemic hit, Chinese tourists contributed about $12 billion to Australia's economy - more than any other market.

Hostilities between Australia and China have soared in recent years after a number of diplomatic spats (Penfolds wine is stacked on a shelf in China)

Shoppers wearing face masks line up to buy fresh beef from Australia at a supermarket on July 4, 2020 in Hainan Province of China

'These are our fourth and fifth largest export industries, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, and they diversify exports away from just mining and agriculture,' Professor James Laurenceson, the Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at UTS, told Daily Mail Australia.

'The consequences are serious because businesses can't just pivot to other countries: alternative markets of China's scale simply don't exist, as our winemakers and lobster fishers have discovered.

'Australia is never going to come out on top economically in a tit for tat battle with China'.

Prof Laurenceson said after the federal government scrapped Beijing's Belt and Road infrastructure agreement with Victoria earlier this month on the grounds of national security fears, 'some form of retaliation isn't surprising'.

'If China wanted to escalate its campaign of trade punishment against Australia, services like tourism and education make obvious targets as borders re-open,' he said.

Pictured: Chinese tourists learning to surf at Get Wet Surf School on the Gold Coast

'If China wanted to escalate its campaign of trade punishment against Australia, services like tourism and education make obvious targets as borders re-open,' ACRI's Prof Laurenceson said
TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - American Honda Motor Co. Inc. is recalling certain Off-Road Motorcycles citing crash and injury risks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. The recall involves about 536 units of 2021 model year CRF450R Off-Road Motorcycles. The motorcycles were sold in red, with the model name CRF450R printed on a label located on both sides of the motorcycle. Honda is printed on the front and both sides of the motorcycle. The recall includes motorcycles with the last six digits of the VIN number between 400223 and 401056. They were manufactured in Japan and sold at authorized Honda Powersports dealers across the United States from August 2020 through March 2021 for about $9,600. According to the agency, the motorcycle's drive chain can break while in use, causing the vehicle to suddenly lose its drive force, posing crash and injury hazards to the rider. The recall was initiated after the company received two reports of the off-road motorcycle's drive chain breaking. However, no injuries have been reported to date. Consumers are asked to contact an authorized Honda Powersports dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair. In recent vehicle recalls, Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. last week recalled certain all-terrain as well as recreational off-highway utility vehicles citing fire risks. Brompton Bicycle Inc. recently called back electric folding bicycles due to fall and injury hazards. 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.
China conducts a national population census every 10 years. The results are closely watched all around the world. After all, any change in Chinas demographic data  a huge market of approximately 1.4 billion people  can trigger an immeasurable butterfly effect.

At a March 15 news briefing, a spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said that the final review and summary for the seventh national population census data were underway.

We plan to release the census results at a press conference in April, the spokesperson said.

But April is already over and the census results have not yet been announced, which has triggered speculation among the public.

As we wait for the census results, here are a few trend-based population predictions for your reference.

Smaller share of Han people

In 1953, the Han population accounted for 93.94% of the national total.

In the following decade, the share increased. But ever since the 1980s when China implemented its family planning policy, there has been a steady decline in the total percentage of the Han population.





Compared to just over 50 years ago, the share of Han people has decreased by 2.43 percentage points. Behind this historical trend is a longstanding asymmetry in the population policy.

Chinas family planning policy was implemented nationwide progressively over a long period  in inland areas before the border areas, in urban areas before rural areas and for the Han majority before other ethnic groups. Ethnic minorities also enjoyed a more relaxed family planning policy than the Han.

The effects of these disparities can be clearly seen in some of population data.

Between November 2009 and October 2010, 31.2% of Han women of childbearing age gave birth to a second child. This is less than Yi women (32.84%), Uyghur women (33.28%), Tibetan women (34.06%) or Miao women (35.03%) of childbearing age. Only 4.82% of Han women have given birth to a third child, which is less than half the corresponding figure for Miao women and approximately one-third that for Uyghur, Tibetan or Yi women.

Although a two-child policy was universally applied in 2016, significantly closing the family planning policy gap between the Han people and ethnic minorities, it hasnt made much of a difference.

On the Chinese mainland, the number of births dropped by 610,000 in 2017 to 17.25 million, by 2 million in 2018 to 15.23 million, and by 580,000 in 2019 to 14.65 million.

In urban areas, high costs of housing, healthcare and education have dampened many couples enthusiasm to have babies.

Thus, we cannot rule out a further decline in the percentage of Han people in the national population for 2020.

Chengdu, Chongqing emerge stronger

The seventh national population census will present a clear picture of the demographic changes in the southwestern Sichuan-Chongqing region starting from the beginning of this century, which might underscore the significance of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and prove its significance in the era of domestic circulation.





We can see two stages of population change in the Sichuan-Chongqing region:

From 2000 to 2010, the region saw the trend of population decline (overall).

In the decade leading up to 2010, Sichuans permanent resident population shrunk from 82.34 million to 80.41 million and its share in the national total population dropped from 6.58% to just 6%. Chongqings permanent resident population also registered a relative decline from 2.44% to 2.15% of the national total.

But in the decade following 2010, Sichuans permanent resident population began to rebound, rapidly expanding from 80.41 million to 83.75 million. Chongqing has also made a steady progress, breaking its peak population record set back in the 1990s.

How did it happen?

After Chinas accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, many people left the Sichuan-Chongqing region, migrating to Chinas coastal areas for work, resulting in local population loss.

But later, Chongqing opened the milestone Second Eurasian Land Bridge and snatched the title of Laptop Manufacturing Capital away from Chinas coastal areas. It seemed as if the city had built a massive electronic information industry overnight, successfully transforming the traditional heavy industry base into a new high-tech center. Chengdu, meanwhile, has benefited from a favorable business environment resembling that of a coastal city, taking risks and attracting many domestic and international giants to settle there. It has gradually joined the ranks of Chinas top 10 cities.





Jobs available closer to home have lured both migrant workers and university graduates back to the Sichuan-Chongqing region. It is a miracle unique to Southwest China.

In the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP) that ended in 2020, the central governments regional layout strategy was as follows:

Optimize and enhance city clusters in North China; build world-class city clusters including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei city cluster, the Yangtze River Delta city cluster and the Pearl River Delta city cluster; improve the openness and competitiveness of the Shandong Peninsula and the city cluster on the West Coast of the Taiwan Strait; foster city clusters in Central and West China; develop and expand Northeast China, Central China, the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, the Chengdu-Chongqing region, the Guanzhong Plain city cluster ...

The strategy ranked the Chengdu-Chongqing region behind Northeast China, Central China, and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River.

But the 14th FYP sounds a little different:

Optimize and enhance city clusters in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, the Chengdu-Chongqing region, and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River; develop and expand the Shandong Peninsula, coastal areas of Guangdong, Fujian and Zhejiang, central China, the Guanzhong Plain, the Beibu Gulf ...

In five short years, the strategic value of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle has skyrocketed. It is now defined as the fourth pillar of Chinas economic growth.

In the next 10 years, against the backdrop of the emergence of a new international geopolitical order, the Chengdu-Chongqing region  1,500 kilometers inland from the coast  will definitely experience explosive development.

Guangdong a big winner

From 2010 to 2020, metropolitanization and urban shrinkage has existed side by side. The expansion of megalopolises largely depends on the huge siphoning effect they have on smaller cities.

If the original trend had continued, Beijing and Shanghai would have raced blindly toward the scale of 30 million people, becoming the worlds most crazed population harvesters.

But a few years ago, that historical trend came to a halt. Ever since Beijing and Shanghai formulated major strategies for decremental development, Guangzhou and Shenzhen have largely taken their place, becoming the most attractive destinations for Chinas domestic migrants.

Conservative estimates put the increase in Guangdongs permanent resident population during the last decade at 11 million or higher, which would be larger than the first and second runners-up combined. Guangdongs permanent resident population as a percentage of the national total increased from 6.83% in 2000 to 7.79% in 2010, and then to above 8%.

This means that one out of every 12 Chinese lives in Guangdong province. And one out of every 20 Chinese lives in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA). Clearly, Guangdong has come out of the decade as the biggest winner.

A steady flow of fresh blood maintains the Pearl River Deltas status: it is the youngest city cluster in China. Meanwhile, the Yangtze River Delta is suffering from an overall aging population.

According to data from 2015, the elderly population (ages 65 and above) of Guangdong accounted for about 8.48% of the provincial total, ranking Guangdong sixth from the bottom for degree of aging among Chinas 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. The figure for Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang was about 14%, a moderate aging standard.

In the next 10 years of competition, the Pearl River Delta may be more of a hotbed for science and technology innovation than the Yangtze River Delta.

Northeast China sees significant decline

In some regions, demographics is more of a dark art than exact science.

Many cities publish their permanent resident population numbers every year, but these are just estimates. Only the national population census conducted every 10 years provides accurate data based on household-to-household surveys.

So, for some places, the once-a-decade census constitutes a major test. After all, no one wants to be seen swimming naked.

But Northeast China is facing this exact kind of embarrassment.

For many years now, Jilin province has stopped gathering statistics on the permanent population of its prefecture-level cities.

In the three provinces of Northeast China, permanent population figures have basically become confidential data, with the exception of only a few cities, like Shenyang. The registered population numbers are updated annually, but the exact numbers for the permanent population are never provided.

Conservative estimates suggest that at present, at least one-third of prefecture-level cities in Northeast China are experiencing a population decline  which means not only are they not growing any larger; theyre actually growing smaller over time.

Due to population aging and the regions slow industrial transformation, the three provinces are facing a possible decline of 1.6 million from 2010 to 2020.

Shanghai and Liaoning first to age

According to standards established by the United Nations, a region where more than 7% of the population is 65 or older is considered a mildly aging society. When that proportion exceeds 14%, its considered a moderately aging society.

Five years ago, Tibet, Xinjiang and Ningxia used to have the youngest populations among the provincial-level administrative regions on the Chinese mainland. All three are ethnic minority areas. Its worth noting that Tibet is the only region in China that does not have an aging population; only 5.7% of its population is 65 or older.

In terms of aging population, Sichuan, Shanghai, Liaoning, Chongqing and Jiangsu rank high, with the proportions of their elderly populations each exceeding 12.5%. With changes over the last five years, these areas are most likely to cross the threshold of a moderately aging society this year.

A population is the basis of all forces of production. The quality of a populations structure directly affects the destiny of a nation. The Lost 20 Years of Japan is not only an economic problem, but also a demographic challenge.

However, a number of Chinese cities have recently revealed that their local birth rates dropped by 10% to 30% from 2019 to 2020. Even culturally conservative provinces with large populations, such as Henan and Shandong, are showing a downward trend in fertility.

In response to the aging problem, the 14th FYP definitively states the need to formulate a long-term population development strategy and improve fertility rates. Fertility policy should be made more inclusive and get support from relevant economic and social policies. This is a very clear sign that China is going to further adjust its family planning policy.

According to Ren Zeping, chief economist and director of Evergrande Think Tank, the call to completely remove fertility restrictions is beginning to catch attention.

The unknowns

There are still many unknowns in Chinas population data.

One unknown is the average number of persons per household. In 1990, the number was nearly 4. In 2010, it had dropped to 3.09.

If this number has fallen below 3 in the 2020 census, it means that the most typical Chinese household is no longer a three-person family. There must be many more two-person or just single-person households than we imagine. The traditional family structure has been completely overturned, which will force changes in the design of furniture, automobiles, electrical appliances and other products as well.





Another unknown is whether the number of newborns in China fell below 13 million in 2020. If it did, that means the number of newborns is continuing to decrease at an average rate of 1 million per year  even after the implementation of the universal two-child policy.

We are also wondering if large cities like Harbin and Changchun are experiencing decline in their permanent populations.

The suspense surrounding these issues can only be cleared by the release of the Seventh National Population Census results.

After that, I believe there will be numerous adjustments to existing policies and release of new ones.

Huang Hancheng is a partner of ZG Trend, an economic and data analysis service based in Guangzhou.

Contact editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com)

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US President Joe Biden said in an interview with NBC's Today morning show that he did not think the United States was racist as a nation, thus agreeing with the lone African American Republican in the Senate, Tim Scott, who rebutted Biden's address to Congress

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th April, 2021) US President Joe Biden said in an interview with NBC's Today morning show that he did not think the United States was racist as a nation, thus agreeing with the lone African American Republican in the Senate, Tim Scott, who rebutted Biden's address to Congress.

In his Wednesday-night speech marking his first 100 days in office, Biden stressed the urgency to eradicate systemic racism in the United States. Republicans have traditionally responded to Biden with objections to his policies. This time, the rebuttal was delivered by Scott, who said that "America is not a racist country."

"No, I don't think the American people are racist," Biden said, adding that "But I think after 400 years African Americans have been left in a position where they're so far behind the eight ball in terms of education, health, in terms of opportunity.

"

According to the US president, systemic racism can be found in education, healthcare, criminal justice, the economy and other major spheres of life.

"I don't think America's racist, but I think the overhang from all of the Jim Crow [laws that enforced racial segregation in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries], and before that slavery, have had a cost, and we have to deal with it," Biden added.

A series of African American deaths caused by police over the past year sparked a wave of protests across the United States against racially motivated police brutality. According to the Black Lives Matter movement, which was founded back in 2013, African American communities in the US suffer from violence and abuse caused by the state.
New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday (April 30) expressed doubts over the commencement of COVID-19 vaccination drive for the 18-44 years age group on May 1 amid uncertainty of vaccines supply.

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan informed that the vaccines ordered by the state had not yet arrived and there was uncertainty about its arrival. We have placed orders for 1.5 crore vaccines and so far, the Central government has not allocated the numbers. There is also no cavity on how many vaccines we would possibly get from the two makers - SII and Bharat Biotech, Radhakrishnan said.

All states are facing the same issue, and whether we will get the vaccines tomorrow is a question and we are in touch with the companies, it is for them to revert and let us know, he added.

However, the Health Secretary also said that there was sufficient stock of vaccines for those who are 45 and above. On April 19, the central government had permitted vaccination of those in the 18- 44 age category. Earlier, in the second phase, only those who were 45 and above were allowed to be vaccinated against coronavirus.

Earlier this week, the Tamil Nadu government said that it had placed orders for 1.5 crore vaccines via the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC). According to the government, this is in line with the Chief Ministers assurance of providing free vaccines for all within the eligible age group.

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The Texas Legislature is attempting an historic effort to roll back Texas gun safety laws by removing our handgun licensing system. After a permitless carry bill, which some call constitutional carry, stalled mid-April, it has gotten new life and just made it out of a Senate committee cobbled together for the sole apparent purpose of advancing this dangerous policy.

Not only has Texas has been host to some of the worst mass shootings in the last 20 years (El Paso, Sutherland Springs, Santa Fe, Waco), but homicide rates have spiked in Austin, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston in the last year as well, much of that death by guns. For the Texas Legislature to not only refuse to pass any laws to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldnt have them in the wake of shootings in El Paso and Odessa, but to actually attempt to remove the existing gun safety laws we have on the books is not only foolish and fiscally irresponsible, its just plain callous.

I dont come by these words lightly, as a lifelong Texas Republican  dedicated enough to have served as Harris County Republican Party precinct chair and longtime donor to the national Republican Party  Im no left wing gun-grabber. Im a former rancher and gun owner and Ronald Reagan fiscal conservative. But the party Ive spent a lifetime supporting gives me pause lately, and that applies to House Bill 1927, which passed out of the Texas House with the support of every Republican, save two. HB 1927 not only removes the training and background check required to obtain a License to Carry (LTC) a handgun in public, it would also require a person to receive oral or written notice before they are prohibited from possessing weapons in sensitive spaces such as sporting events, courthouses, polling places and bars, which is a complicated way of saying that volunteers will have to ask armed men to leave. So essentially the folks who carry their guns into the gas station, H-E-B and your favorite local restaurant might never have had a criminal background check to make sure theyre not prohibited from possessing the gun on their hip. And if they do it anyway, a (likely) unarmed person has to ask the armed person to vacate the premises.

The bill authors and its extremist defenders claim permitless carry just makes it easier to carry your gun legally from your truck to wherever youre going, but the can of worms that it opens up is dangerous and unnecessary and not what Texas needs right now. What Texas needs right now is a genuine fix to our electrical grid problems that brought us the Texas Freeze which killed almost 200 people, not some gun lobby-backed dog and pony show from the right wing of my party for some dangerous, vocal minority.

One of the four permitless carry bills originally filed by Republicans this year was authored by Kyle Biedermann of New Braunfels. For anyone who missed it, a video was uncovered of Biedermann smiling and posing in Washington, D.C., while watching rioters overtake the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. I hope its not lost on folks that the rioters at the Capitol that day are just the sort of constituents demanding this bill at the Legislature. Id really like my fellow Republicans in the Legislature to understand that that vocal minority does not represent your average gun-owning Texas Republican who just wants to dine out without worrying about another shooting or road rage incident on the way home. And Id like to be clear with the House members who voted for this bill: We know your vote was a cynical effort to secure your spots in future Republican primaries.

States that have weakened their firearm permitting system have seen an increase in handgun homicide rates, as well as an increase in violent crime rates. States like Alaska and Arizona have seen an increase in the rate of aggravated assaults with a gun after they passed permitless bills. Texas struggles enough with gun violence as it is  note from last month alone the tragedy in Bryan, the family of six shot and killed in Allen, and the active shooting that happened in San Antonio as they voted on the bill on Thursday  removing our licensing system and possibly putting us on a path toward more violent crime is not the right path for our state. Id like to prevail on the common sense of my fellow Republicans and remind them that in Texas if it aint broke, we dont fix it. The LTC system aint broke. Lets focus on the real problems Texas faces.

Heyward Fetner is a longtime Texas Republican and former Harris County Republican Party precinct chair.
Total's offshore wind power project in Europe. (Representative Image/File Photo)

PARIS, FRANCE: Total said it has signed an agreement with wpd to acquire a 23 percent interest in Yunlin Holding GmbH, the owner of Yunlin offshore wind farm located off the coast of Taiwan, around 200 kilometers southwest of Taipei.

The project, currently under construction, represents production capacity of 640 megawatts (MW) and benefits from a 20-year guaranteed-price power purchase agreement (PPA) with the state-owned company Taipower of $250/MWh for the first 10 years and $125/MWh for the following 10 years. For this acquisition of a 23 percent interest, Total will pay to wpd a consideration based on its share of past costs.

Located around 10 kilometers offshore at water depths ranging from 7 to 35 meters, the wind farm will comprise 80 wind turbines with a unit capacity of 8 MW. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2022. Once on stream, the project will produce 2.4 terawatt hours (TWh) of renewable electricity per year, enough to serve the power needs of 605,000 households.

Procurement of the main components has been finalized and marine works are under way. The project reached a major milestone with the installation of the first wind turbine on April 23.

Identified by Taiwans authorities as a key area in the development of renewable energies, offshore wind power will be a significant contributor to the objective of generating 20 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2025 while fostering the emergence of a local wind power industry. Taiwan is one of the priority regions selected by Total for its development in offshore wind power in Asia.

This agreement provides Total with an opportunity to gain a foothold in one of Asias main offshore wind markets and strengthens the Groups position in this fast-growing segment, in line with its strategy of profitable development in renewables worldwide, said Stephane Michel, president, gas, renewables & power at Total. Taiwan has been a pioneer in developing offshore wind power in Asia, and we are proud to contribute to the transformation of its energy mix. We are delighted to enter into this first partnership with wpd, one of the leading independent developers of offshore wind power.

The project is currently 48 percent-owned by wpd, 25 percent by EGCO (Electricity Generating Public Company Limited) and 27 percent by a consortium of Japanese investors led by Sojitz (Sojitz Corporation, ENEOS Corporation, Chugoku Electric Power, Chudenko Corporation and Shikoku Electric Power).

The acquisition will broaden the groups portfolio of offshore wind projects under development and construction that currently represents a cumulative capacity of about 5.5 GW.

 Worldofchemicals News
SALEM, Ore.  The Oregon House of Representatives passed a gun control bill on Thursday, sending it back to the Senate for a final vote. Senate Bill 554 combines two previous bills  one allowing local jurisdictions to limit concealed carry, and another requiring gun owners to securely store firearms.

RELATED: Oregon Senate passes bill allowing concealed carry restrictions in public places

The bill passed largely along party lines, with House Democrats carrying it 33 to 24. Republicans representatives were either opposed or did not vote, and three Democrats voted against.

SB 554 is a public health approach to the public health crisis of gun violence, said House Majority Leader Rep. Barbara Smith Warner. As someone who has introduced and fought for safe storage and other gun violence prevention legislation since I joined the legislature, I am proud of the work the House Democrats have done to finally pass this landmark achievement that will protect every Oregonians from gun violence.

One aspect of the bill requires that guns be stored either with a cable lock, in a locked storage container, or in a gun safe. Failure to do so could result in a $500 fine, and the fine increases to $2,000 if the gun ends up in the hands of a minor. Guns would have to be likewise secured when transferred.

The bill would also require that the owner of a lost or stolen gun report it within 72 hours from when they "reasonably should have known" it was missing, House Democrats said.

SB 554 would also allow local jurisdictions and organizations that govern public spaces  such as colleges, school districts, and airports  to ban licensed concealed carry as part of a designated gun-free zone. It would remove the "affirmative defense" for people carrying a concealed weapon within a posted zone.

The state Capitol in Salem would be automatically designated as a gun-free zone, prohibiting the kinds of armed protests that occur periodically on the Capitol grounds.

The bill now heads back to the Oregon Senate for a concurrence vote.
Newsfrom Japan

Tokyo, April 30 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government said Friday that it will raise the amount of cooperation money for businesses that have closed their large-scale facilities at its request under the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Also, the government will extend until the end of June the period of its employment adjustment subsidy program for companies in areas covered by the emergency that put workers on paid leave amid the epidemic. The period was set to end on Friday.

Department stores, shopping centers, electronics retail stores and other facilities with floor space of over 1,000 square meters are subject to the cooperation money system.

The government's current support amount of 200,000 yen per day for each compliant business operator was criticized as too small.

Under the revamped program, the government will provide 200,000 yen per building for large-scale facilities.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 16:38:59|Editor: huaxia

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Li Zhanshu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over a symposium attended by senior legislators from local people's congresses, in Beijing, capital of China, April 29, 2021. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Li Zhanshu on Thursday called on the people's congresses to improve their work so that they can meet the legal demand for the modernization of China's governance system and governance capacity.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks at a symposium attended by senior legislators from local people's congresses.

He highlighted the necessity of upholding the organic unity of Party leadership, the running of the country by the people, and law-based governance in the work of the people's congresses.

Li called for a thorough study of the new circumstances and problems faced by the people's congresses in their new-era work to define the roles, duties and missions of the people's congresses.

Acknowledging the efforts of local people's congresses in performing their duties, Li urged them to maintain close ties with the people. Enditem
JAMES DURBIN

Southwest Airlines on Friday released its revised summer schedule and among the changes was the addition of non-stop flights between Denver and Midland.

The flights will be available Sunday through Friday from June 6 to Sept. 6 and are part of the airlines efforts to strengthen its Denver hub by adding departures to Savannah/Hilton Head and Sarasota/Bradenton in addition to Midland.
Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, was shot and killed while trying to storm the Speaker's Lobby during the January 6 Capitol insurrection

The family of Ashli Babbitt (pictured) is set to sue the U.S. Capitol Police and the officer who shot her dead during the January 6 Capitol riot

The family of Ashli Babbitt is set to sue the U.S. Capitol Police and the officer who shot her dead during the January 6 Capitol riot.

They will seek at least $10million and will serve Capitol Police within 10 days, the family's lawyer Terry Roberts told Zenger.

Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, was shot through a window by an unidentified officer as she and other Trump supporters tried to break into an area near the House floor.

Roberts said the suit would cover economic losses from Babbitt's death as well as other claims including punitive damages, estimating that $10million would be 'a good estimate' of the total amount sought.

The civil suit from the family follows an April 14 decision by federal prosecutors not to charge the officer after months of deliberation.

Video footage from the insurrection, which was a failed bid to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's election victory, shows Babbitt trying to enter Speaker's Lobby.

She was struck in the shoulder by a bullet and falls to the ground after an officer opens fire through a window.

Police summoned medical help to evacuate Babbitt, who was pronounced dead soon after at Washington Hospital Center.

Video clips posted online showed Babbitt (pictured top right climbing through a broken door), wearing a stars and stripes backpack, stepping up and beginning to go through the waist-high opening of an area of the Capitol known as the Speaker's Lobby when a gunshot is heard

'A rookie police officer would not have shot this woman.If she committed any crime by going through the window and into the Speaker's Lobby, it would have been trespassing. Some misdemeanor crime. All a rookie cop would have done is arrest her,' Roberts told Zenger.

'And he has plenty of other officers there to assist with arrest,' he said, referring to the officer who shot Babbitt.

'You had officers on Ashli's side of the door in riot gear and holding submachine guns. And on the other side of the door you have another uniformed officer 6 or 8 feet away.

'Whose life is he saving by shooting her? ... She's not brandishing a weapon. She's on the window ledge. And there's no reason to think she's armed.'

Babbitt was shot by an officer after trying to enter the House chamber during the January 6 insurrection

In the aftermath of the riot, the Capitol cop who fired the deadly shot described his confusion in the moments leading up to the shooting in a report. He has never been publicly identified.

The officer claims to have not known there had been three cops guarding the door. He says he had only seen the crowd advancing towards him in the moments before Babbitt's death at around 2:30pm, according to the New York Times.

Footage shows the three cops guarding the door had no visible shields or riot gear.

The officer, who was put on leave pending an investigation, also claims he did not know a tactical team was on its was to help clear out the rioters.

Footage shows as the three cops guarding the door appear to make way for this team, with one saying: 'Theyre ready to roll.'

But that leaves the door completely unguarded as the rioters continue to try and break down the doors. The officer who shot at Babbit has told officials he did not know if any of those in the crowd were armed as he fired his single shot.

He also said he had no advance planning on how to deal with such a charge on the building. Babbitt and the crowd she joined had been heading for the passage that was being used to evacuate the House floor.

The officer said he had used tables and chairs to barricade the door to the highly restricted area and said he had 31 rounds in his gun. The officer said he also thought he heard that shots had been fired elsewhere in the Capitol earlier in the siege.

On the day, Babbitt travelled from her home in California to Washington D.C. to attend the riot, in which five people died, including a Capitol Police officer who was sprayed with a chemical substance and died of natural causes the following day.

Justice Department prosecutors said they decided not to file criminal charges against the officer who shot Babbitt after reviewing video of the shooting, along with statements from the officer involved as well as other officers and witnesses.

They also examined physical evidence from the scene and reviewed the autopsy results.

'Based on that investigation, officials determined that there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution,' the department said in a statement.

Prosecutors have filed charges so far against more than 400 defendants in the Capitol riots (pictured), with some facing allegations they conspired to storm the building in advance

Blood is seen on the floor Babbitt was fatally shot inside the Capitol during the riot

The Justice Department does not bring criminal charges in most police shootings it investigates in part because of the high burden for prosecution.

Criminal charges were not expected in this case because videos of the shooting show Babbitt encroaching into a prohibited space, and second-guessing the actions of an officer during the violent and chaotic day would have been a challenge.

Prosecutors have filed charges so far against more than 400 defendants in the Capitol riots, with some facing allegations they conspired to storm the building in advance.

A law enforcement internal probe of the deadly attack on the Capitol has also found significant shortcomings within the police department charged with securing the complex.

The US Capitol Police inspector general, in two reports submitted to Congress last month, focused on 'deficiencies' within the police department's unit that handles civil disturbances, along with poor coordination and training within its intelligence operations.
Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - April 29, 2021) - The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Churchill Capital Corp IV ("Churchill Capital" or "the Company") (NYSE: CCIV) for violations of the securities laws.

The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Churchill Capital and Lucid announced a merger agreement on February 22, 2021. At the time of the merger announcement, it was also disclosed that Lucid was projecting production of just 557 vehicles in 2021, down from the 6,000 vehicles Lucid was projecting before the merger announcement. Based on this news, shares of Churchill Capital fell sharply over the next several months.

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at brian@schallfirm.com.

The class in this case has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.

The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

CONTACT:

The Schall Law Firm

Brian Schall, Esq.

310-301-3335

info@schallfirm.com

www.schallfirm.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82315
Bengaluru:

Neelamani N Raju becomes the first woman in Karnataka to be designated the rank of Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG-IGP) and lead the strong state police force of around 80,000 personnel on Tuesday by the Karnataka government.

The State home minister R Ramalinga Reddy announced her appointment as the new DG-IGP, a post unique to Karnataka. In most states, the DGP is the top police post.

Former DG-IGP RK Dutta handed over the baton to Neelamani Raju, 57, a 1983 batch IPS officer. She is a native of Roorkee in Uttrakhand.

The Karnatakas first woman DG-IGP served her home cadre for 10 years and then served the Intelligence Bureau for around 23 years in deputation. She was promoted as joint director in the IB and returned to Karnataka as a DGP rank officer. After return she has served as Internal Security Division and Fire and Emergency Services DGP.

Soon after her promotion as Karnataka Police, Chief Minister Siddarmaiah congratulated her.

Also read: President Kovind speaks good about Tipu Sultan; BJP, Congress engage in war of words



Talking to media soon after the announcement Neelamani said, It is a responsible post. I am honoured to be selected.

She added that she would like to focus on increasing the conviction rates. Neelamani also added that her focus will be to make police more citizen-friendly.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger flights to or from India has been extended till May 31. The international scheduled flights under select routes, however, will remain operational on a "case-to-case" basis, the director-general of civil aviation (DGCA) said on Friday.

"In partial modification of circular date 26-6-2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of circular issued on the subject cited above regarding scheduled international commercial passenger services to or from India till 2359 hrs IST of 31st May 2021. The restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA," the DGCA circular stated.

Many countries including the US, UK, Kuwait, France and Canada have banned flights from India, citing COVID-19 cases and the "double mutant" virus being found in the country. Iran, Kuwait, Indonesia and UAE are the latest additions to this list of countries that have banned India from their citizens' travel lists.

Australia this week suspended all direct passenger flights from India for the next three weeks due to the unprecedented spike in COVID-19 cases, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

The suspension of international commercial flights comes as India continues to face the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic. India recorded 3,86,452 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday and 3,498 deaths, the health ministry data showed. A record 2,97,540 passengers were also discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours, the health ministry data shows.

Also read: United Airlines resumes flights from Delhi to US

Also read: COVID-19 crisis in India: Wealthy Indians escape country by private jets as infections spiral

Also read: COVID-19 second wave: Kuwait suspends commercial flights from India till further notice
Chesapeake Energy plans to sell its producing oil assets in South Texas in the hopes of pocketing some $2 billion, Reuters has reported, citing two anonymous sources.

Chesapeake filed for bankruptcy in June last year and agreed to eliminate $7 billion in debt during the restructuring it entered into under Chapter 11 protection. Chesapeake had a total debt load of $9 billion at the time of its last financial report before filing, and few ways to reduce this meaningfully amid the oil and gas price depression on global markets. It had been close to bankruptcy before, during the 2016 oil price crisis, but now the demand destruction brought about by the pandemic sealed its fate, albeit temporarily.

The company emerged from bankruptcy this January after a judge approved its Chapter 11 restructuring plan. The company will be worth more than $5 billion now, thanks to the continuing rebound in oil prices. Chesapeake managed to cut those $7 billion from its debt and secured some $3 billion in financing.

Regarding this asset sale, few details have been made available, with Reuters noting that the company declined to comment on the information. What is known is that the assets span 220,000 acres in the Eagle Ford shale play and that they produce some 84,000 barrels of oil equivalent daily, of which 26 percent is natural gas.

"Given that Eagle Ford deals have mostly had private equity buyers in recent years, this could set up to be one of the bigger acquisitions by a private equity-sponsored producer," an Enverus analyst, Andrew Dittmar, told Reuters.

It would make sense for Chesapeake to offload oil-producing assets, the report notes, as it is re-focusing on its core business in natural gas production. Last year, the company earmarked just 8 percent of its annual budget for operations in South Texas, while 85 percent were allocated for its gas operations in the Appalachian Basin and the Gulf Coast.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Apple's long-awaited tracking device, AirTag, finally goes on sale today (April 30).

The 29 AirTag is a small, circular device with an Apple logo at the centre that tracks missing items through the 'Find My' app.

AirTag is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to pair with an iPhone or iPad  and can be personalised with a very short message or an emoji.

Similar to the popular Tile tag, AirTag can be attached to non-techy items like keys or wallets and provides notifications when you become separated from the item.

The 'Find My' app provides step-by-step directions to locate the tag and the missing product to which it's attached.

Customers are able to buy the new AirTags online or in store, although you'll need to make an appointment.

The tag itself is a small, water and dust resistant disc that can be personalised with a custom message or an emoji, on its laser-etched stainless steel body

Apple has officially unveiled its long-awaited AirTag - a Tile-like device that tracks missing items through the 'Find My' app - at Spring Loaded on April 20

Find My lets people track the whereabouts of their Apple devices, such as iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and AirPods, in case they get lost  but AirTag extends this to other everyday, non-electronic items.

AirTags only work with a new software update, iOS 14.5, which was released on Monday evening  and features a controversial privacy update.

'AirTag requires iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 14.5 or later, or iPad running iPadOS 14.5 or later,' Apple says.

Apple has also emphasised the new device  which was rumoured as far back as September 2019  is not for tracking people.

It has added privacy features to ensure AirTags are not used for anything but to find inanimate objects.

Apple revealed several new products at its live-streamed Spring Loaded event last week, on Tuesday April 20.

As well as AirTag, they included a purple iPhone 12, which is also available from today, and a line of computers inspired by its 1998 Mac line.

Here's a rundown of everything Apple announced, other than AirTag.

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 iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini in purple will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Store online from today.

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.

The colourful new iMac computers are available for orders from today and should ship 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 colours 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.'

iPad Pro and Apple TV 4K are also available to order from today and will be shipping second half of May.

Some other Apple products rumoured to be unveiled on April 20 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.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House chief medical advisor, and Dr. Cameron Webb, a senior policy advisor for COVID-19 equity, joined reporters Emily Woodruff and Blake Paterson on Friday for a discussion about the vaccines in an effort to bolster Louisianas slow vaccination rate.

Louisiana residents submitted over 125 questions to The Times-Picayune and The Advocate.

Can't see the video above? Click here.

When asked about why Louisianans should take the vaccine, Fauci pointed to the sobering numbers of deaths. Over 10,380 people have died from coronavirus in Louisiana.

The vaccine is life-saving for so many, said Fauci. Weve had 570,000-plus people in the United States die from this. So that right there, full stop, is the reason to get vaccinated.

Does the vaccine work against the variants?

One reader from St. John the Baptist Parish questioned whether it was worth getting a vaccine when more infectious variants have been detected in Louisiana. Fauci said the vaccines still work against the P.1 variant detected in Louisiana Thursday, and has the same effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant first identified in the United Kingdom, which people in Louisiana are more likely to encounter right now.

The vaccine efficacy is diminished slightly, said Fauci. You get a benefit, even if the variant is the one you get infected by.

Webb pointed out that if more people are vaccinated, that will mean fewer opportunities for the virus to mutate into new variants, including potentially ones that current vaccines would have a harder time stopping.

Anytime somebody is infected and youre seeing more virus produced within that body, those are opportunities to create new variants, said Webb.

+2 Louisiana confirms 2 cases of Brazil COVID variant; neither patient recently traveled The first two cases in Louisiana of a more infectious COVID-19 variant known as P.1 and often referred to as the "Brazil variant" have been id

Why do young, healthy people need to get the vaccine?

Were seeing now, more and more young people are getting infected and getting seriously ill, said Fauci.

Even if a young person is asymptomatic, they may pass it to someone who is vulnerable. In Louisiana, a large share of the population has obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure, which have been shown to raise the risk of a severe case.

That could be someones brother, mother, father, wife, husband, said Fauci. You want to have both the personal responsibility and the societal responsibility.

Whats better: Natural immunity or immunity from the vaccine?

Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Readers from all over the state asked why they needed the vaccine if theyve already had coronavirus, what some call natural immunity. Data show that vaccination provides better protection.

The protection thats induced by the vaccine is better than the protection by previous infection, said Fauci. If you get infected previously and I get vaccinated, and you and I both get exposed to the same virus, I have a better chance of getting protected than you do.

+7 Effort to bring COVID vaccine to New Orleans' homeless shows challenge that lies ahead Two plastic tables were set up underneath the Pontchartrain Expressway on Thursday morning, sandwiched between lines of tents in the middle of

How can I convince my family member the vaccine is safe?

Louisiana has a low uptake of vaccine, with just 32% of the population with at least one shot compared to 44% nationally. A vaccinated reader from New Orleans asked what could be said to a spouse who would not take the vaccine and didnt trust the government.

Webb said its normal to have questions, and residents should try to answer them and find people who they trust to help them understand the importance of getting a vaccine.

If somebody shows up with a vial full of who knows what, and says I want to stick this in your arm, you should have questions, said Webb, who lives in Virginia but often visits Louisiana, where both of his parents are from.

+2 A million COVID shots are sitting on shelves as Louisiana slips in vaccination rankings When Louisiana began its coronavirus vaccine rollout in December, state officials and hospital leaders moved fast to get shots into arms.

Does the vaccine cause infertility?

Fauci shut down a common myth a provider from Abita Springs said patients often bring up: that the vaccine impacts future fertility.

Theres absolutely no reason, not only no evidence that this happens, theres no biological reason to even suspect it would, said Fauci.

Misinformation lives on, said Webb, who said the fertility myth could be traced back to a German scientist whose theory had been debunked. It important to know what the source of a statement is.

Why do I need to wear a mask if Ive been vaccinated?

Fauci hinted that more information would come about this, but said the vaccine trials only measured whether the doses prevented symptomatic infection, not whether it protects someone from infection entirely.

Unknown variants might also infect a vaccinated person. Wearing the mask prevents a vaccinated person from passing an infection to others inadvertently.

As we get more information about does a vaccine protect you from transmitting to others, then youre likely going to see a change in the recommendations about what vaccinated people can do, said Fauci.
(CNN)  The Transportation Security Administration is extending the Biden-era transportation mask mandate.

The rule requiring masks on all travelers in airports, airplanes, terminals, trains, buses and boats was set to expire May 11, and comes as some governors have rescinded orders or allowed mask requirements in their states to expire. The mandate now lasts until September 13.

Earlier this month, federal officials consulted with health experts in considering whether to renew the requirement, an official familiar with the discussions told CNN at the time.

The TSA says it has received reports of 2,000 people who violated the rule, which took effect February 2. The agency also recently began sending citations to alleged violators, an official told CNN earlier this month. The official could not say how many have been issued. There are multiple investigatory and review steps before a citation is ultimately issued.

In January, Biden signed an executive order mandating interstate travelers wear a mask, and on his first day in office, he challenged Americans to wear masks for 100 days to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

At the time, mask requirements stemmed from local government orders governing terminals and airports, plus rules from individual companies and operators outlining passenger conduct. The Trump administration resisted calls from the industry and workers to develop a mask requirement, and then Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said that she believed the issue could be better handled by companies and their employee unions.

Voices within the aviation industry that had pushed both the Biden and Trump administrations for such an order have called for it to be renewed. They said the Biden administration's order in February added teeth and consistency to a patchwork of local orders that applied to buildings like airports, and company policies requiring masks on airplanes and other vehicles.

Flight attendant groups that had pushed for the mandate applauded Friday's move.

The Association of Flight Attendants said it "will keep passengers and aviation workers safe," and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants called wearing a mask "the simplest way we can safeguard passenger and crew safety."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "TSA extends transportation mask requirement until September 13."
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President Bidens policy reset toward sub-Saharan Africa will have significant implications for Albuquerque. He has pledged to reengage the continent while connecting U.S. foreign policy to the needs and aspirations of the American people. This is vitally important in a city where defense and technology industries, as well as its political representatives and cultural leaders, are deeply engaged in African issues.

In his first 100 days, President Biden reversed some of his predecessors most deleterious policies. He revoked President Trumps travel ban on Eritrea, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan and Tanzania; joined the World Health Organizations COVAX initiative to facilitate the delivery of coronavirus vaccines; and supported former Nigerian finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as head of the World Trade Organization.

Biden swiftly reached out to African partners, sending a video message to the African Union, inviting five African leaders to Aprils Climate Summit and dispatching his Secretary of State on a virtual tour of Nigeria and Kenya. This stands in stark contrast with Trump, who met with fewer African counterparts than any predecessors starting with John F. Kennedy, and made disparaging comments about African countries.

Bidens policy toward the region is, however, more than just a Trump reversal or an Obama redux. It includes an affirmative agenda, promising to increase diaspora engagement, advance global health and green economies, and launch an urbanization initiative that partners U.S. and African cities.

Albuquerque already plays an important role in advancing U.S. interests, and contributing to peace and prosperity in sub-Saharan Africa, and it could deepen under President Biden. Sandia National Laboratories staff have trained South Africans and Congolese officials on best practices for nuclear safety and protection, as well as worked with African counterparts on solar energy projects. Several technology and defense companies with a presence in Albuquerque are active in Africa. Intel Corporation, for example, is invested in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and established a regional hub in Kenya. In 2017, Honeywell International Inc., located in Albuquerque, signed an agreement to provide full avionics and mechanical spares support and retrofit, modification and upgrade solutions for Boeing and Airbus aircraft in Africa.

Albuquerques mayor, New Mexicos governor, and one of its senators have strong personal and professional ties to the region, and could position Albuquerque as a key partner for the presidents new urbanization initiative. Mayor Tim Kellers wife conducted her doctoral work in southern Africa, studying water resource management. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, whose nephew has been deployed to Djibouti, added her voice to several African issues during her time in Congress, including on Sudan and on Boko Haram in Nigeria. I had the honor of delivering expert testimony at a hearing on Chinas role in Africa before Sen. Martin Heinrich.

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Albuquerques people-to-people engagement with the region is also notable, serving as an exemplar of how U.S. foreign policy makes us stronger at home and stronger in the world. Albuquerque has sister city relations with Lusaka, Zambia, and the ABQ BioPark has collaborated with the Zoo National dAbidjan in CotedIvoire. Albuquerqueans are doing significant work in public health, from the University of New Mexicos research activities in Kenya to the African diasporas prominent role in the citys hospitals and treatment facilities.

President Bidens policy toward Africa is a step in the right direction for U.S. national interests and for Albuquerques ties to the region. It is part of a refreshing policy pivot, committed to the idea the most important measure of Africas importance to the United States should come from a communitys political, professional and personal connections to the region.
Luxurious designer gifts, helicopter rides and complimentary tattoos are among the list of work perks employees are treated to at an Australian marketing agency.

Chain Social founder Shelby Van Zwol, 28, launched the Melbourne business in August 2016 at age 23 and treats her staff to a 'team building' day every month.

Shelby told FEMAIL the eventful day is an opportunity for her 28 employees to 'recharge' from the busy work environment.

'We have done all sorts of things, I like to be a little over the top! We have gone on helicopter rides, enjoyed art classes and fancy meals, gone out for tattoos and have even planned a trip to Hayman Island in August for Chain's fifth birthday,' she said.

The day is complimentary and no specific targets need to be 'earnt', as Shelby said she simply allocates money each month to ensure the team can enjoy themselves.

Scroll down for video

Founder Shelby Van Zwol, 28, (pictured) from Melbourne, launched Chain Social in August 2016 at age 23 and treats her staff to a 'team building' day every month

Luxurious designer gifts, helicopter rides at Christmas parties and complimentary tattoos are among the list of work perks employees are treated to

What are the work perks at Chain Social? Monthly events: Helicopter rides

Tattoos

Extravagant dinners

Designer gifts

Art classes The office: Luxurious office space with pink walls

Marble desks

Apple Mac computers

In-house photography studio

Flexibility - staff are encourage to 'make the roles their own' Advertisement

The business operates differently compared to common work formats as there's no hierarchy and Shelby encourages her staff to have a good work-life balance by being flexible.

'I wanted to build a workplace that people loved coming to, both aesthetically and in terms of office culture,' Shelby said.

'I am passionate about flexibility and love to see employees make their roles their own; I want the team to make the role their own and love to help them get there.'

Shelby said she encourages all staff members to 'make their role their own' to suit their lifestyle and needs, which would be perfect for those with children.

The successful brand claims they have delivered more than $50million in Facebook and Google sales annually for clients, and have 75 businesses on their waitlist.

'I love to treat the team for their hard work and want them to feel appreciated for the work they do. I can be a bit extravagant but they deserve it!' she said

Some staff members took part in the tattoo gifts and were inked on the back of the neck and between fingers

The office is photogenic and even 'Instagram-worthy', with the walls are painted pink, the desks are made from marble, and every staff member given their own Apple computer.

'We have an in-house cyclorama studio too - everyone is always a little shocked to find that here, but it is perfect for photoshoots,' she said.

Shelby decided to launch the business after noticing a 'huge gap in the market' for performance-based digital market.

'At the time digital marketing was still so new, with the potential not yet realised as a successful marketing tool. I jumped on early and started to see huge growth with minimum spend,' she said.

The brand is widely successful and has delivered more than $50million in Facebook and Google sales annually for clients

The office itself is incredibly photogenic and Instagram-worthy, as the walls are painted pink, the desks are made from marble and staff each member has their own Apple computer

Shelby decided to launch the business after noticing a 'huge gap in the market' for performance-based digital market

In July Shelby will launch a sister agency named Penny Social, giving the business an opportunity to grow and connect with further brands

The team specialises in all areas of marketing to provide 'end to end' management for a brand - such as marketing strategy development, digital advertising, SEO management, social media management and event management.

'We are results driven and experts in the fashion, beauty and lifestyle industries. Our work has helped to completely transform the success of the brands we work with,' Shelby said.

'We love to build long-term relationships with our clients and are very careful in choosing the brands we work with to ensure we can provide the results they are after.'

In July Shelby will launch a sister agency named Penny Social, giving the business an opportunity to grow and connect with further brands.
30 April 2021

Acron Extends for Two Years a Syndicated Structured Pre-Export Finance Facility

for up to USD 750 Million

On 29 April 2021, Acron Group has executed an amendment agreement to extend its up to USD 750 million syndicated structured pre-export finance facility which was originally signed with a group of relationship banks on 3 May 2017. The term of the facility has been extended for another two years with new final maturity date in May 2026..

The Coordinators and Bookrunners of the deal are ING Bank N.V. and AO UniCredit Bank. The Mandated Lead Arrangers and Lenders include AO UniCredit Bank, ING Bank N.V., HSBC Bank plc, Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank, SGBT Finance Ireland Designated Activity Company, PJSC ROSBANK, Bank ICBC (JSC), Sberbank of Russia, Joint-Stock Commercial Bank "Bank of China (Russia)" with ING Bank N.V as the facility agent.

Acron Group Vice President for Finance and Economics Dmitry Balandin commented: "We are glad to announce this deal with a pool of international banks. The deal proves that Acron Group has high borrowing capacity and significantly improves our liquidity profile. By closing this transaction, we almost completely cover our refinancing needs for 2021".

Media Contacts:

Sergey Dorofeev

Anastasia Gromova

Tatiana Smirnova

Public Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 777-08-65 (ext. 5196)

Investor Contacts:

Ilya Popov

Investor Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 745-77-45 (ext. 5252)

Background Information

Acron Group is a leading vertically integrated mineral fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, with chemical production facilities in Veliky Novgorod (Acron) and Smolensk region (Dorogobuzh). The Group owns and operates a phosphate mine in Murmansk region (North-Western Phosphorous Company, NWPC) and is implementing a potash development project in Perm Krai (Verkhnekamsk Potash Company, VPC). It owns transportation and logistics infrastructure, including three Baltic seaport terminals and distribution networks in Russia and China. Acron subsidiary North Atlantic Potash Inc. (NAP) holds mining leases and an exploration permit for ten parcels of the potassium salt deposit at Prairie Evaporite, Saskatchewan, Canada. Acron also holds a minority stake (19.8%) in Polish Grupa Azoty S.A., one of the largest chemical producers in Europe.

In 2020, the Group sold 7.8 million tonnes of main products to 74 countries, with Russia, Brazil, Europe and the United States as key markets.

In 2020, the Group posted consolidated IFRS revenue of RUB 119,864 million (USD 1,661 million), with EBITDA of RUB 35,311 million (USD 489 million). Acron's shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange and its global depositary receipts are traded at the London Stock Exchange (ticker AKRN). Acron employs over 11,000 people.

For more information about Acron Group, please visit www.acron.ru/en.
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A former WZZM 13 reporter says she was fired after complaining that co-workers, primarily males, ignored COVID-19 protocols.

Shanna Grove said she was treated differently than male staffers and was called entitled when she complained about symptomatic co-workers showing up for work.

The allegations of sex and gender discrimination and retaliation are contained in a lawsuit filed this week in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids against WZZM, its owner, Tegna Inc., and licensee Combined Communications of Oklahoma Inc.

The station denied the allegations.

WZZM denies these claims, spokesperson Anne Bentley said, after being provided with a copy of the lawsuit.

Our policies strictly prohibit retaliation in any form as a result of coming forward with concerns. We are committed to maintaining a respectful workplace free from all forms of discrimination.

Grove started at the Grand Rapids-based ABC affiliate in March 2018 and became an anchor months later. She was fired in mid-February despite strong performance reviews, her lawsuit said.

She had met in November with the stations general manager, news director and executive producer who wanted her to expand her presence in the newsroom and in the field, the lawsuit said.

The station and staff took precautions as the coronavirus pandemic hit but she noted several situations in which co-workers, particularly men, ignored safety protocols, the lawsuit said.

She was the only reporter required to physically report to the WZZM newsroom despite protocols encouraging remote work, the lawsuit said.

She reported that co-workers did not quarantine after attending large events, such as a recent wedding. (Grove) made several reports to management that male photographers were not following mask-wearing protocols, thus putting reporters and anchors at risk of contracting coronavirus, her Bloomfield Hills attorney, James C. Baker, wrote in the lawsuit.

Another female reporter made similar complaints and was admonished by the general manager, the attorney wrote. That reporter, who was not named, became seriously infected with coronavirus, Baker wrote.

While Grove complained about exposure to the virus, the general manager allowed exposed and symptomatic employees to physically report to work without quarantining, the attorney wrote.

She said that none of the men who allegedly violated protocols were fired.

On Nov. 25, Grove filed an ethics complaint with Tegna, the stations parent company, claiming disparate treatment of men and women employees, failures by defendants to enforce COVID-19 protocols, inappropriate comments about entitlement by the General Manager, and the plaintiffs belief there existed a culture of fear at WZZM, the lawsuit said.

In early December, she reported direct and indirect COVID-19 exposures at WZZM to Tegnas Human Resources vice president, the lawsuit said. She told the vice president she feared repercussions, the lawsuit said.

On Dec. 8, Grove reported that a third worker was symptomatic yet allowed to report for work.

A week later, she was not given the chance to anchor, the lawsuit said.

The general manager, meanwhile, tried to identify the worker who made reports to Human Resources, the lawsuit said.

The end came in February, as her cat was dying.

Grove asked for two days off. She had moved to Grand Rapids from Colorado and had no one to help. She was supposed to be weekend anchor and faced a write-up if she didnt, the lawsuit said.

Grove said she understood but could not leave her cat alone. She believed her shift was covered and did not show for work on Feb. 13 and 14 because her cat had to be euthanized.

She was fired the next day in a remote meeting on Zoom.

She contended that a male colleague was given scheduling flexibility for his dogs medical issues before the dog died. He was given special accommodation for the loss of his pet and produced news segments about his relationship with his pet and when he adopted another.

Groves attorney said that her firing adversely impacts her reputation and future within the broadcast news industry, the lawsuit said.

Read more:

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Students share how COVID-19 has impacted their mental health with community leaders, elected officials
Private sector unsure on jab imports

BANGKOK: The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) will go ahead with its plan to import vaccines for companies which want to distribute them to employees, while the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) accepted that it might be too late for the private sector to procure vaccine supplies amid intense global demand.

COVID-19CoronavirusVaccinehealthtourismeconomics

By Bangkok Post

Friday 30 April 2021, 10:28AM

A man receives the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine which is administered by a health worker at Wat Nimman Noradee School in Phasi Charoen District, Bangkok, on April 12. Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill / Bangkok Post

A statement issued by TCC says the government can afford to buy enough vaccines for people, so the private sector does not need to acquire more and add financial burden to company budgets already affected by COVID-19, reports the Bangkok Post.

However, FTI said in a statement: The government stressed it welcomes the private sectors help to import vaccines under the Public Health Ministrys regulations.

TCC and FTI were among key business groups that met Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday to discuss ways to speed up vaccinations in Thailand.

Weve pushed ahead with the vaccine import plan from the beginning. We cannot retreat, said FTI chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree.

FTI has started negotiations with vaccine companies to acquire various brands of vaccines, including Moderna from the US, Sputnik V from Russia and Sinovac from China, he said.

Companies affiliated with FTI are willing to buy vaccines for their employees, said Mr Supant.

They hope the vaccines will prevent disease transmissions in factories, boosting safety confidence among their foreign customers.

But TCC is worried it may not be easy to import vaccines due to the current huge demand worldwide.

The private sector is negotiating to import alternative vaccines, but its difficult and we have to wait in a long queue because many countries are scrambling for them, said TCC chairman Sanan Angubolkul.

It may be next year when we receive vaccines, which is too late to achieve our target to have 70% of the population vaccinated within this year.

Gen Prayut said last Friday his administration plans to distribute a total of 100 million doses of COVID-19 to 50mn people by the end of 2021.

The government already secured a purchase of 64mn doses of AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines.

Authorities have to buy 36mn doses more and are working on the purchase.

The government successfully negotiated to acquire 5-10mn doses of Sputnik V and 5-10mn doses of Pfizer, Gen Prayut said during a live TV broadcast last Friday night.

Mr Sanan said the TCC believes the government can manage to procure more vaccines as, during the Wednesday meeting, Gen Prayut made a solemn promise to secure extra vaccines.

TCC senior chairman Kalin Sarasin said the private sector has already contacted a manufacturer, but received the response that it can allocate vaccines by the end of the year which will be too late to help strengthen the herd immunity.

Its too late to procure vaccines by ourselves as global demand surges dramatically. Even though the government didnt oppose the idea, most of us will back off from self-sourcing and just wait for the governments allotment, he said.

However, there might be some private hospitals that remain steady with the self-procurement plan.

SPEEDY PROCUREMENT

Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said the tourism industry cannot wait until the end of the year to get vaccines.

Provinces and areas in the pilot programme of quarantine-free entry, such as Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Chiang Mai, have to receive adequate doses first to create herd immunity.

He insisted that alternative vaccine procurement by private hospitals is necessary as it will allow tourism operators to pay for vaccines accelerating the herd immunity, while the government should help control the prices to be reasonable.

Mr Chamnan said it is also vital to create a clear single message by appointing the governor of each province to take charge of vaccinations.

It is the governments responsibility to seek an additional 35mn more doses of COVID-19 vaccines, but the most important thing is to accelerate the pace of vaccinations, said Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, President of the Thai Hotels Association.

If the private sector can procure more vaccines, it will help create herd immunity faster, but not every firm, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, can be able to support vaccine costs for their employees.

Mrs Marisa said there are 400,000 hotel workers in registered hotels nationwide who are considered as frontline workers which need 800,000 doses.

The government should prioritise the vaccine administration to some groups, including staff in hospitals, alternative state quarantine, alternative local quarantine as well as hotels in Bangkok, which is a strategic location for the international market.
Bone remains, fragments of clothing and shoes are among the items Belarusian investigators have uncovered at a mass grave of civilians killed by the Nazis during World War II.

Chilling photos show officials working to unearth ammunition, bones and, at times, full skeletons from the previously unknown mass grave, discovered near the village of Logoza.

Specialists from the State Committee for Forensic Expertise are working on the excavation site, which lies about 22 miles from the capital, Minsk, in conjunction with a group from the General Prosecutor's Office.

Bone remains, fragments of clothing and shoes are among the items Belarusian investigators have uncovered at a mass grave of civilians killed by the Nazis during World War II

Chilling photos show officials working to unearth ammunition, bones and, at times, full skeletons from the previously unknown mass grave, discovered near the village of Logoza

Specialists from the State Committee for Forensic Expertise are working on the excavation site, which lies about 22 miles from the capital, Minsk

Dmitry Gora, the chairman of the Investigative Committee, which works under the General Prosecutor's Office, said everything removed from the site was being inspected and recorded

BelTA, Belarus' state-owned news agency said on Friday that archival data and testimony suggested that 'Nazi invaders and policemen' shot more than 1,000 civilians in the Lahoysk district where the village is located between 1941 and 1944 - the period of German occupation during World War II, which is known as the Great Patriotic War in Belarus.

The majority of those killed were women, children and elderly people, according to BelTA.

Dmitry Gora, the chairman of the Investigative Committee, which works under the General Prosecutor's Office, said everything removed from the site was being inspected and recorded.

'While this is the initial state of work, judging by what we see this is a civilian population,' Gora said.

BelTA, Belarus' state-owned news agency said on Friday that archival data and testimony suggested that 'Nazi invaders and policemen' shot more than 1,000 civilians in the Lahoysk district where the village is located between 1941 and 44. Pictured: A skull with a bullet hole found in the mass grabe

The majority of those killed in the area where the grave was found were women, children and elderly people, according to BelTA

Alexei Volkov, the head of the State Committee for Forensic Examination, said that the department is equipped to identify those killed

'Remains of personal belongings were found here. There are definitely children's shoes. Much more will be found in the future.'

He added that experts had determined that ditches as deep as five metres had been dug at the site.

Alexei Volkov, the head of the State Committee for Forensic Examination, told Sputnik that the department is equipped to identify those killed.

The excavation is part of a criminal investigation into an alleged genocide against the population of Belarus during World War II and in the post-war period

Dmitry Gora, the chairman of the Investigative Committee, which works under the General Prosecutor's Office, said everything removed from the site was being inspected and recorded

Pictured: Ammunition and person items uncovered at the previously unknown mass grave

The excavation is part of a criminal investigation into an alleged genocide against the population of Belarus during World War II and in the post-war period.

The case was opened earlier this month by Prosecutor General Andrei Shved to determine whether the deaths of millions of Belarusians and others as a result of German occupation constituted genocide.

Shved said the purpose of the case was for 'social and historical justice and elimination of the "white spots" of history', referring to attempts to suppress historical fact.

The case was opened earlier this month by Prosecutor General Andrei Shved to determine whether the deaths of millions of Belarusians and others as a result of German occupation constituted genocide

Some 1.6million civilians died in Belarus at the hands of Nazis during the occupation, including between 500,000 to 550,000 Jews

Excavation work is ongoing to determine the number of individuals in the mass grave, as well as their identities

Some 1.6million civilians died in Belarus at the hands of Nazis during the occupation, including between 500,000 to 550,000 Jews.

In 2019, the remains of more than 1,000 people were discovered in a mass grave in Brest, a city on the Polish border, during construction works.

The victims were determined to have been Jewish due to the grave being in the site of an old ghetto.

Previous mass graves were discovered in Brest in 1950 - after which some 600 victims were re-buried at Trishinskoe cemetery, and in 1970 when 300 victims were re-interred at Proska cemetery.

Pictured: A German firing squad aims at Soviet civilians sitting beside their own mass grave in the Soviet Union, 1942 [File photo]
On 28 April 2021, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, advertised a Final Notice in the Government Gazette in terms of section 15A of the Merchandise Marks Act (the Act) which designates the British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour (the Tour) as a 'protected event'.

 Luis Molinero Martinez  123RF.com

Brazil ready for Olympics with new ambush marketing laws Brazil recently amended its 2009 Olympic Act to protect official event sponsors from ambush marketers. The changes took effect on May 10, 2016, ahead of the Rio 2016 Games...

The Lions squad is made up of the top rugby players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales who tour the Southern Hemisphere (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia) every four years. The Tour took place 12 years ago in South Africa, with this year being a whole lot different to the Tour in 2009 with the Covid-19 still in our midst. According to media reports, there will be significantly reduced crowds with local spectators only. It sure will be a different atmosphere this time around without the famous "Red Army" supporters.The protected event designation is to avoid ambush marketing. An ambush marketer can be described as a party who has not contributed financially to the event who then takes advantage of the publicity value thereof. For example, the tour's title sponsor being Castle Lager and the principal sponsors being Vodafone and Canterbury have paid significant sums to ensure that they can take advantage of the publicity value of the event.The designation gives the organiser the means to protect the rights of sponsors against parties who have not entered into any contractual relationship with the organisers. While the event is designated as protected, no person can use their trade mark in relation to the event which has as its aim to attract publicity for the trade mark. Contravention of the legislation is a criminal offence.The Minister has also advertised the Final Notice in the Gazette whereby certain emblems and words associated with the Tour or similar drawings, have been designated as prohibited marks. This means that these marks cannot be used in connection with any trade, profession or occupation or event, or in connection with any other trade mark, mark or trade description applied to goods. The use of any of the prohibited marks will be a criminal offence.Apart from the word and phrases, British and Irish Lions, Springboks and SA Rugby, logos have also been declared prohibited, some, not all of which are shown below:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - More COVID-19 relief is coming for small business owners in Northern California as Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation for a $6.2 billion tax cut.

The relief will not come immediately, the aid will be distributed over the next six years.

Newsom approved the plan on Thursday while visiting local shops at San Fernando Valley in Southern California.

This is all part of Assembly Bill 80, by Assemblymember Autumn Burke (D-Inglewood).

This means the forgiven PPP loans that businesses received from the federal government will not be counted as taxable income.

If you are a business owner you can also deduct the cost of expenses that those loans paid for.

"But again, limited to companies that are not public and limited to companies that experienced significant loss associated with this pandemic," Newsom said.

The state of California is home to more than four million small businesses.

This is not the first time Newsom has signed legislation for small businesses.

Back in February, he approved a $2.5 billion package where small businesses were able to get up to $25,000 worth of grants.
Chandigarh, April 30 : Facing shortage of Covid-19 vaccines, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday deferred Phase 3 of the vaccination for the 18-45 age group, slated to begin on May 1, while also announcing that vaccination at private health facilities will remain suspended from Saturday.

He made it clear that due to non-availability of vaccines, Phase 3 of vaccination of 18-45 age group cannot be started as scheduled.

Amarinder Singh said as the balance of unutilised vaccines had to be returned to the Centre by all private health facilities by Friday evening, these facilities would have no vaccines to administer from Saturday for 45 plus population, while they could not vaccinate 18-45 age group as they had no supplies for the same.

He said his government was pursuing the matter of vaccine shortage with the Centre, as the situation was critical. The state had received two lakh doses but that was not sufficient even to meet the two days requirement of the 45 plus age group, he said, while reviewing the vaccine situation at a virtual meeting.

The meeting was informed that an order for procurement of 30 lakh doses of Covishield for the age group of 18-45 years was placed with the Serum Institute of India (SII) on April 26, but the response received was that availability of vaccine will be known only in four weeks' time.

Further, the SII had asked the state government to indicate the demand for the next three-four months, with advance payments to be made. They had informed the government that supplies would be delivered in a phased manner every month.

As per the Health Department data, of the six worst hit districts, while Mohali, Jalandhar and Ludhiana were doing well in terms of vaccination, Amritsar, Bathinda, and Patiala were running short of targets.
Cities across America have grappled with a spike in violent crime over the past year. South of the border, the situation is worse. The homicide rate in Mexico has skyrocketed to more than five times the homicide rate north of the border. Last year, that translated into 34,515 violent deaths. Increasingly, killers have used guns to commit those crimes. The majority of those weapons are trafficked from the U.S., many from Texas.

In late 2019, for example, a brutal firefight in the border town of Villa Union ended with 23 deaths, and led federal investigators to a Pearland-area gun shop. Cartels have sought increasingly powerful weaponry, including .50 caliber Barrett sniper rifles  capable of downing helicopters  and automatic rifles.

Roberto Velasco is the Mexican foreign ministry's lead official for North America. Velasco, director general for North America of Mexicos Secretary of Foreign Affairs, spoke to the Chronicle Thursday about the challenges related to public safety, firearms trafficking and other issues. The interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Q: Could you talk about efforts on Mexico's side, when you're trying to deal with the flow of firearms from the U.S.?

A: A few months ago the president announced that the army would now be leading the work of our customs (enforcement). There are a lot of changes being made at that level. And the current administration of customs is very much focused on dealing with this problem, and they have increased very substantially the seizure of some guns and ammunition on the border. The other thing is that the National Guard, the Army, the Navy, and the Secretary of Public Safety have been working since 2019 in different operations to target the guns that are coming into the country, and they have also seized a substantial number of guns. We've been pushing, not only with the United States, but globally, for an agenda of gun control against trafficking, because of the really dire effects in Mexico and the fact that most of the guns that are used in crimes and by organized crime in Mexico, come from other countries, particularly from the United States of America. And a substantial fraction, particularly from Texas.

Q: Are you seeing any change in the kinds of arms that are arriving in Mexico compared to before?

A: Yes, definitely. Since the assault weapon ban was lifted (in 2004), we've seen an increase in assault weapons in Mexico. And in the past few years, we've seen an increase in military grade weapons. For example, the Barrett ,50 caliber guns have become wildly popular with organized crime. And we've also encountered a lot of tactical equipment, and especially equipment to make guns faster and easier.

Q: So like the bump stock sort of attachments, or modifying semi automatics to automatic rifles?

A: Modifying equipment, bump stocks, drones, more armored equipment.

Q: What would you like to see the U.S. or Texas be doing differently? Are you seeing any shifts in the nation's posture now that there's a new administration? And how does that affect relations and what does that mean for Mexico?

A: We are respectful of U.S. domestic affairs, but we do believe that there needs to be greater controls when it comes to gun trafficking, particularly international trafficking, which is what affects Mexico. The lifting of the assault weapon ban has turned into an accelerator of violence from organized crime in Mexico. So that is an issue where we naturally have been engaging with the United States and saying, well, This is an unintended consequence that is of great importance for us. And obviously, another issue where we've been telling the United States administration that is important for Mexico, is that we need to do greater law enforcement cooperation on gun trafficking.

We've been focusing in the past few years on narcotics, and money laundering. But we need to focus more on gun trafficking, because it's also a national security threat for both countries. With the Biden administration, we do see changes. You saw these presidential actions, one of them that we view particularly favorably and with optimism is the fact that he wants to have updated data and information on gun trafficking every year, which was one of the issues that is included. And something that we saw as well was this report  I understand this is not the executive branch, but the General Accounting Office, the GAO, issued a report on trafficking  which was also very comprehensive. It included some policy recommendations for the U.S. government, that naturally, we view very favorably and included some hard data from the U.S. government regarding this problem, particularly that 70 percent of guns found in the past few years in Mexico come from the United States. And that 18.7 percent of those guns come from Texas.

Q: Is there anything else that you'd like to see changed under (President Joe) Biden, particularly as it relates to either firearms trafficking or cross border violence?

A: We've been saying that we need to change the model of cooperation between two countries. Firstly, as I said, we believe it needs to include the gun trafficking issue. But we also believe that what we've been doing in the past few years, has not produced the results that either country expected. Violence in Mexico increased ... You know, the narcotics trade is still an ongoing problem. And we also have, obviously, big financial connections between organized crime in the two countries. So we need to change the approach to be more effective to tackle these different issues. That is something that we want to engage with the new administration.

Q: Is there anything else you'd want to say?

A: Gun trafficking  I will say that it is not only an issue that is affecting Mexicans in Mexico, but you also saw what happened in El Paso (mass shooting in 2019). And they targeted the Mexican community. So this was an issue that from our perspective is related to gun control. We understand that this was a deranged individual who was promoting a hateful ideology. But he also had access to these guns that allowed him to perpetrate this crime. Fortunately now we have some good news at the local level in El Paso and naturally here in Houston. We also do a lot of work with local allies here in terms of (fighting) hate, promoting inclusion and diversity of our societies and we're thankful to the mayor of Houston, on such issues.

Q: Did you see the news about Sheriff Ed Gonzalez (being nominated to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)? What are your thoughts about that?

A: We think it's a positive development and look forward to engaging with him. ICE naturally is an agency which we have to talk with a lot because it affects a lot of Mexican citizens who are detained and deported to Mexico and we're always working with ICE in order to protect the human rights of our people.

st.john.smith@chron.com
As vaccinations are making their rounds, live music opportunities are emerging, dawning a new decade. In 2021, instead of taking your date to emo night, why not take them to see emo-adjacent, alternative rock band The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus?

READ MORE: Top U.S. brunch spot hit hard by San Antonio's severe weather

On Thursday, June 3, youll be able to see them live at Paper Tiger.

The Florida-based act, famous for their anthemic 2006 track Face Down, (you know: "Do you feel like a man/when you push her around?!?") will be touring the The Emergency EP, released back in 2020. When they take the San Antonio stage, they will be joined by metal-core band Eyes Set to Kill.

What else has Red Jumpsuit been up to these days? Well randomly, lead guitarist Randy Winter was recently in the news for instrumentally assisting in the location of a missing man in their home state. Celebrating that Florida mans reappearance is enough reason to go!

So this ones for you, Warped Tour fans who still buy Vans slip-ons because they're "comfortable." Dont be caught face down: any and all emos ready for this unique, live music experience can now purchase tickets here.

Camille Sauers is a freelance writer based in San Antonio. Follow her on twitter @camillesaccount. Send her emails to camillefrancissauers@gmail.com
YEREVAN, 30 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 30 April, USD exchange rate up by 0.06 drams to 520.69 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.33 drams to 629.62 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.06 drams to 6.95 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.53 drams to 724.02 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 156.45 drams to 29507.77 drams. Silver price up by 7.00 drams to 440.03 drams. Platinum price up by 19.08 drams to 20356.53 drams.
Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minority Leader in Parliament, has led a delegation of National Democratic Congress (NDC), to the family of the late Dr Sulley Gariba, a former Policy Advisor to former President John Dramani Mahama.



The visit was to sympathize with the family on the loss of their beloved.



Mr Iddrisu who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South Constituency, during the visit, eulogized the late Dr Gariba, and said Ghana had lost an intellectual pillar in the countrys governance space.



No historian can write about the Fourth Republican Ghanaian Constitution and democratic governance and their evolution and policies without mentioning Dr Sulley Gariba.



He is known to have worked with every political administration in our country, be it the Peoples National Convention (PNC), New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC, and that means he simply had faith in Ghana and its capabilities to address its own challenges and create opportunity for prosperity for citizens, the Minority Leader said.



He expressed former President Mahamas condolences to the bereaved family for their loss, and encouraged them to be strong in this difficult time.



Otunba Moses Oladele, a family member, who spoke on behalf of the bereaved family, expressed gratitude to the Tamale South MP and his entourage for coming to console them as they mourn their beloved.



The Minority Leader was accompanied by some MPs, Alhaji Ibrahim Mobila, Northern Regional Chairman of the NDC and some party executives.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Victoria Beckham has admitted she can't afford to put on a runway show during Fashion Week in September.

Speaking to Evening Standard editor Emily Sheffield for London Rising on Thursday, the 47-year-old designer confessed her eponymous label is struggling financially after the pandemic.

She also lamented that big labels such as Burberry and Chanel will be able to carry on as normal, confessing she'd hoped the pandemic would have 'levelled the playing field'.

The admission comes after it was revealed Victoria's fashion label has racked up total losses of more than 46 million since it launched.

Strapped for cash: Victoria Beckham has admitted she can't afford to put on a runway show during Fashion Week in September in a chat with London Rising

Asked about her plans for Fashion Week in the autumn, Victoria mused: 'Let's hope we're out of this pandemic by September.

'I do believe the best way to see fashion is a fashion show, to see the clothes, to hear the clothes, see models in the clothes, it's hard to find a way that can beat that. We've tried the best we can to show that through digital but it's difficult.'

'Will I be doing a show in September? I don't know. If I'm being really honest, the pandemic has affected my business.

'Will I be in a position to spend all that money on a show? I don't know, probably not. It will probably still be digital.'

Struggling: Victoria said she'd hoped the pandemic would have 'levelled the playing field' with brands (pictured at her runway show during London Fashion Week in February 2020)

She continued: 'I'd love to not but I'm just being optimistic and realistic at the same time. It has affected business. I'm lucky to still have a business but doing fashion shows costs a lot of money.'

Victoria then pointed out the discrepancies in the industry as she lamented the fact that big brands have been able to host shows, while smaller companies like her own have not had the same luxury.

She said: 'I did hope when the pandemic first hit that it would make the fashion industry a more even playing field.

'I thought everyone is going to be forced to be more creative - it's not going to be about just spending money on all the big shows and extravaganza, flying editors from one side of the world to the other - but sadly that didn't happen. It continues to happen.

'The big shows are still happening from the big houses, they're just filming the shows then showing them through social. Which I think is great for the people who can do that... but for the smaller brands that can't, it makes it a very, very difficult place to try and - ultimately, you are competing.'

Keeping it online: Victoria admitted her next show will probably have to be digital (pictured: British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, David Beckham, Harper Beckham and Anna Wintour at Victoria's runway show in February 2020)

Victoria concluded: 'I would imagine, in September, the big houses will do that again and the smaller houses will just have to try and find more creative ways to get the attention, to communicate their collection.'

The former Spice Girl revealed that she is also considering going back to roots and hosting a small showcase instead of going digital.

She explained: 'That's how I started all those years ago in New York. I did very small presentations where I had two models and 10 dresses and I would do individual presentations, so maybe we will take it back to that.

'I would love to do something. I enjoy that.'

The designer's candid admission comes after it was revealed her fashion label has racked up total losses of more than 46 million since it launched.

In accounts submitted in February, auditors warned of significant doubt about the companys ability to continue operating.

The brand also recorded losses of 11.8 million for 2019 and 12.3 million for 2018.

It also emerged that her beauty range she set up in 2019 has suffered a loss of 4.7 million.

Victoria confessed: 'Will I be doing a show in September? I don't know. If I'm being really honest, the pandemic has affected my business'

While the former Spice Girls publicists sought to put a positive gloss on the figures, accountants said the business will need continued financial support from shareholders to keep it going.

These events or conditions indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the companys ability to continue as a going concern, the auditors wrote.

Victoria launched her fashion label in 2008 with a small collection of dresses. It swiftly grew to an extensive range that now includes handbags, coats, shoes and accessories.

Losses: The designer's candid admission comes after it was revealed her fashion label has racked up total losses of more than 46 million since it launched

Now, friends of the star say she is determined to continue with her company even though her detractors have dismissed it as a vanity project.

In January, it emerged that she and her husband David had paid themselves 40,000-a-day thanks to the profit made by his company, DB Ventures, which has covered Victoria's losses in previous years.

She attracted criticism last year for trying to use the Governments furlough scheme to pay 30 of her 120 staff and was forced into an embarrassing U-turn.

A spokeswoman for Victoria told MailOnline: 'Whilst 2019 was a challenging year, the business halved its losses - a significant step in the road to profitability.

'The launch of the hugely successful beauty line in the same year helped drive overall revenues up 7% on 2018 and both businesses are focussed on profitable growth.

'The showcase of the recent AW21 fashion collection has been well-received by fashion critics and the beauty business has seen multiple sell-out products in recent months.'
Cameron Diaz does not pop up on social media very often.

But this week the 48-year-old the Mask actress made an appearance on Instagram while wearing a shirt made by her friend Stella McCartney to raise money for the Greenpeace UK.

The blonde beauty has not acted in a film since 2014's Annie as she has wanted to take time off to be with her husband Benji Madden as well as her baby girl Raddix, one.

New look: Cameron Diaz does not pop up on social media very often. But this week the 48-year-old the Mask actress made an appearance on Instagram while wearing a shirt made by her friend Stella McCartney to raise money for the Greenpeace UK

The star had very little makeup on and her hair was only lightly brushed as she posed for the camera.

The silver screen siren had on a shirt made by designer Stella - the daughter of Beatles vet Paul McCartney - that had Save The Amazon written on the front.

The links were to Stella McCartney X and Greenpeace UK.

The What Happens In Vegas... star was likely in her home in Beverly Hills.

One of her last hit films: The California native seen here in the 2009 film The Box

Diaz has given us some memorable roles over the years with films like The Sweetest Thing.

But the four-time Golden Globe nominee and new mom has taken a break from acting getting married - The Bad Teacher star has since welcomed her first child, a daughter named Raddix, in December 2019 with husband Benji Madden, whom she married in 2015.

While she might be ready to grace the big screen once again in the near future, Diaz is being very particular about how she makes her return to acting.

The star 'is enjoying her time away from the action, and spending it with her husband and baby Raddix,' a source told ET .

With the gals: One of her biggest hit films was 2000's Charlie's Angels with Lucy Liu and Drew Barrymore; Diaz is center

The insider added: 'Cameron worked consistently for almost 20 years and needed a break.

'Cameron loves being a mother and that is her main focus now. Cameron plans to be selective in any projects she considers for the future, but for now it's all about family.'

She last starred alongside Jamie Foxx and Rose Byrne in the 2014 feature adaptation of Annie.

Last week it was revealed Diaz and Benji Madden have spent $14.7 million on a farmhouse in Beverly Hills.

The movie star and Benji, 41, have decided to spend an eye-watering sum on the seven-bedroom, 10-bathroom abode in the hills of west Los Angeles. Their spectacular new property sits on 1.68 acres of land and is surrounded by beautiful trees and rolling hills, according to Dirt.

She become a bit of a wine mogul thanks to her Avaline brand.

In December she released a sparkling wine. The Charlie's Angels standout looked youthful with red lipstick and a fresh tan in an Instagram video as she thanked fans for buying her product.

'This year its especially important to find joy in everyday moments. Avaline Sparkling was created to toast all the beautiful things in life that deserve to be celebrated,' said The Mask star in a press release.

Cheers: Diaz has become a bit of a wine mogul thanks to her Avaline brand. In Deceember she announced her company has come out with a sparkling wine

On Instagram Diaz shared: 'From tagging your friends, to driving across state lines, and even sending your husbands to pick up a bottle on his way home from work, we would not be here without your support.'

'Today we celebrate this community by raising a glass to you (& you & you). With big happy hearts, we Cheers To You!'

The looker was also seen in a beige sweatshirt as she uncorked a bottle of the bubbly.

'Sparkling wine is here!!! Ill be CHEERS-ing our @avaline community over in my stories Thank you ALL for your support, messages & comments!' said the siren.

Good with a cork: 'Sparkling wine is here!!! Ill be CHEERS-ing our @avaline community over in my stories Thank you ALL for your support, messages & comments!' said the siren

The release of Avaline Red joins their portfolio of vegan wines - they have a white and a rose - made with organic grapes and without unnecessary additives.

'Launching with a white and rose, the wines are clean, delicious, vegan-friendly, made with organic grapes and free of unnecessary additives.

'With ingredient transparency on each label, Avaline aims to set a new standard for the wine industry,' boasts the press release.
There is still a lot of confusion and doubts around the COVID-19 vaccines even as the rollout continues.

One doubt many had asked is if they should get the second dose of the vaccine if they were infected after taking the first shot.

The main reason many have asked this is that vaccines are supposed to trigger the immune response - creating antibodies against the infection.

BCCL

In the case of someone who recovers from COVID-19, they will have naturally formed antibodies in their system, which should protect them from future infection.

But according to doctors, even after recovering from COVID-19 people should get vaccinated as it adds the level of protection from future infections.

Even though youve had COVID-19, its still very important for you to get the vaccine, Infectious disease expert Kristen Englund, MD said.

BCCL

According to her, it is still unclear how long the naturally acquired immunity will last.

We dont know how long your immunity will last after youve had a natural COVID-19 infection, Dr. Englund said.

If a person gets #COVID infected after taking the first dose of #COVID19 vaccine, should he/she go for the 2nd dose?



Yes. If you get infected after 1st dose, take the 2nd dose after 6 weeks from the day you tested COVID +ve



-Dr. Salkar, @ManipalHealth#Unite2FightCorona pic.twitter.com/DQfmruvMrr  PIB in Maharashtra  (@PIBMumbai) April 30, 2021

As far as getting the second dose of the vaccine after testing positive in the gap between the two shots are concerned, they should wait up to 6 weeks to get the second jab.
NEW YORK, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mental Health Coalition (MHC), founded by designer and social activist Kenneth Cole, launches an initiative that will "change culture" around the devastating stigma affecting millions living with mental health conditions. According to WHO, 1 in 4 people in the world will live with mental health conditions. MHC believes that it is 4 in 4, and that mental health is arguably the worst pandemic the world has ever faced. Furthermore, because of the related stigma, 2 out of 3 affected don't seek help or care. Determined to shift culture and change the narrative around mental health, MHC is proud to launch "Every Day in May," a '121' Instagram TV Series in partnership with Instagram/Facebook, during Mental Health Awareness Month.

MHC has grown to include 31 of the largest mental health service providers and organizations in the country. For the 31 days of the month, MHC will host a '121' conversation featuring a cross section of iconic actors, musicians, athletes and influencers aiming to foster a more informed, empathetic and inclusive dialogue around mental health. MHC knows that the more people talk about mental health, and normalize the conversation, the greater the impact on the related stigma that today prevents so many from speaking out and/or seeking help. It is our hope that this campaign will reach hundreds of millions of people who will see how vulnerability can, in fact, be a strength and how they can empathetically be supportive of one another.

"Now, more than ever, we must increase the conversation around mental health. With this campaign, we are working to end the silence, reduce the stigma, and engage our community," explains Founder and Chairman of The Mental Health Coalition, Kenneth Cole. "The 31 days gives us the opportunity to share 31 different and inspiring stories and to highlight the extraordinary work of our 31 leading mental health organizations. This moves us one step closer to be able to connect countless needs to extraordinary resources. Together we can end the debilitating stigma connected to mental health, but only together."

The '121' (One-To-One) concept, which recently launched in partnership with Instagram and Facebook, will occur every day in the month of May. The concept stems from the idea that "Every 1 needs to talk 2 some 1," which has resonated particularly well during the recent quarantine due to COVID-19. The purpose of this effort is to encourage open and honest conversations around mental health and inspire people to connect with someone they trust. At the end of the session, a trained mental health clinician will join the conversations to contextualize, offer additional support, and be available for questions.

Follow @mentalhealthcoalition on Instagram to tune into the 31 conversations.

MHC, in partnership with Facebook, is also launching the #MentalHealthMinute campaign in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. The campaign works to encourage individuals to take care of their mental health and provide access to mental health resources via Facebook's Emotional Health resource center. To participate, when creating a Facebook story, "Share a photo or video of something you do to take care of your mental health" and use one of the Mental Health Minute stickers and/or use the hashtag #MentalHealthMinute when creating a Facebook post.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, MHC is also creating tools to help navigate how best for friends to support friends. Via its latest Roadmap, MHC explores the three most common types of support: processing, constructive distraction and problem solving. The Roadmap to Friends Supporting Friends also suggests different ways to ask a friend for support and how to sidestep various roadblocks that may get in your way; the same goes for offering support to a friend. The "Every Day in May" campaign is working towards enabling more individuals to become comfortable with offering and accepting support from friends.

"Mental wellbeing is built in connection with others. Checking in with a friend is good for your mental health as it creates an opportunity to connect, and it helps with the feelings of loneliness and isolation that can be a major part of not feeling well. Supporting a friend can be overwhelming, but it becomes a lot less uncomfortable and even enjoyable when you have a framework like the one we've outlined in this roadmap," Dr. Naomi Torres-Mackie, clinical psychologist and head of research at MHC.

Many of the confirmed May '121' Instagram TV Series participants include:

Aija Mayrock

Alan Cumming

Alyssa Milano

B Simone

Brittany Snow

Carson Daly

Charlamagne Tha God, in support of MWA (Mental Wealth Alliance)

Chasten Buttigieg

Chris Hubbard

DJ D-Nice

Damion Lee

Dr. Deepak Chopra

Delilah Belle Hamlin

Doc Rivers

Donna Karan

Drew & Linda Scott

Erika De La Cruz

Griffin Johnson

Hannah Brown

Jeremy Piven

Jewel

Former Governor, John Kasich

Josh Richards

Julianne Hough

Kalen Allen

Katie Couric

Kesha

Kevin Love

Dr. Laura Berman

Leah McSweeney

Liza Koshy

Mark Harrison

Maude Hirst

Michael Strahan

Michelle Williams , in honor of Silence the Shame Day ( May 5 )

, in honor of Silence the Shame Day ( ) Monica Lewinsky

Peloton Instructors Anna Greenberg, Jess King and Matty Maggiacomo

and Peter Farrelly

Sydel Curry-Lee

Vic Mensa

Whoopi Goldberg

Wrabel

MHC and their Coalition of the leading mental health organizations include:

Active Minds  Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness  American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  Anxiety & Depression Association of America  Brain & Behavior Research Foundation  Bring Change to Mind  Child Mind Institute  Crisis Text Line  Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)  Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services  Fountain House  Headstrong  Jed Foundation  Mental Health America  Mindful Philanthropy  National Alliance on Mental Illness  National Council for Behavioral Health  National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA)  On Our Sleeves  One Mind  Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance  Shatterproof  Silence the Shame  Steve Fund  Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)  Trans Lifeline  Trevor Project  UCLA Depression Grand Challenge  Vibrant Emotional Health  Well Being Trust  Your Mom Cares

About The Mental Health Coalition

The Mental Health Coalition (www.thementalhealthcoalition.org), is a coalition of the Nation's leading mental health organizations, brands, and individuals who have joined forces to end the debilitating stigma surrounding mental health and to change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness. Our mission is to catalyze like-minded communities to work together to destigmatize mental health and empower access to vital resources and necessary support for all.

The Mental Health Coalition was formed with the understanding that the mental health crisis is fueled by a pervasive and devastating stigma, preventing millions of individuals from being able to seek the critical treatment they need. We will not relent until mental health is no longer associated with stigma, shame or judgement and all people feel empowered to openly discuss and address their individual mental health needs.

SOURCE The Mental Health Coalition

Related Links

https://thementalhealthcoalition.org


Hyderabad, April 30 : In a major development, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday ordered inquiry into complaints of land encroachment against Health Minister E. Rajender.

The Chief Minister has instructed Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar to get an inquiry done by the District Collector on the complaints of encroachments of lands on the outskirts of Achampet in Masaipet Mandal in Medak district, get a comprehensive report and submit the same to him, said the Chief Minister's Office.

DGP, Vigilance, Purnachandra Rao was also instructed to find out the truth on the allegations. The CM issued orders that the primary inquiry on the matter should be done immediately. He also asked the official to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit the reports.

The Chief Minister ordered the probe after some farmers in Medak district submitted a complaint to him, alleging that Rajender forcibly took over 100 acres of their assigned lands to start a poultry industry.

Eight villagers from Achampet and Hakimpet villages alleged that the minister and his followers had taken over their lands to start a poultry industry. They sought intervention by the Chief Minister and appealed to him to ensure that the assigned lands given to them by the government be restored to them immediately.

The land grab charge against a senior cabinet minister sent shockwaves in political circles. This is the first time that a minister in the TRS government faced allegations of land grabbing and the victims directly approached the Chief Minister.

The victims told the Chief Minister that they were given assigned lands by the government in 1994. They alleged that the minster and his followers Suri alias Alli Sudershan and Yamzala Sudershan Reddy forcibly collected the land assignment certificates from them.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- On its 10th anniversary, the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is celebrating its positive economic impact on the Kalamazoo region.

A report from the Regional and Economic Planning Services team at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research shows that the medical school added 1,600 new jobs in 2020 and provided nearly $500 million in income and sales in the region, WMed said in a press release.

To celebrate its decade of existence, the schools founding dean Dr. Hal B. Jenson and other leaders engaged the Upjohn Institute to determine the schools economic impact in the region, namely Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties, WMed said in a news release.

When I came to Kalamazoo 10 years ago, we were determined and steadfast in our goals to make WMed a beacon for medical education, research, and compassionate patient care, said Jenson. Our work in each of those areas has had a palpable and positive impact on the communities we serve. And this report from the Upjohn Institute confirms that the presence of the medical school has had a positive impact in another way by adding to the economic vitality of the region.

Jenson is set to retire in June. On May 1, the medical school will welcome Paula M. Termuhlen, MD as the new dean.

The Upjohn team collected data from the medical school and surveyed medical students to determine the impact in fiscal year 2019-20, the release said. According to the report, the medical school provided an additional $115 million in personal income to the two-county region and fueled a $353 million increase in total sales in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties, the release said.

WMed also spent more than $93 million in labor and operations in 2020, a figure that was likely affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumption patterns and supply chains, the release said.

The Upjohn institute said while the estimated impact of the medical school in 2020 is likely to be repeated in future years, the team cautioned that 2020 was an unusual year and researchers dont yet know the extent to which personal spending and consumption preferences were affected by the pandemic, the release said.

Im enormously proud of the work weve done together at WMed, Jenson said. This report measures the financial impact that our work has had on the broader community. Our success as a medical school is truly a community success.

Jenson began his tenor as founding dean in March 2011, according to the WMed website. At the same time, a $100 million cash gift to WMU was announced to serve as the foundation funding for WMed. In December 2011, the building in downtown Kalamazoo that now serves as the W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus of the medical school was donated by William U. Parfet, the great-grandson of W.E. Upjohn.

The medical school is a collaboration of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoos two teaching hospital systems, Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare. The inaugural medical student class graduated in 2018.

Also on MLive:

Michigan coronavirus data for Friday, April 30: With Whitmers new benchmarks, numbers take on added meaning

When could Michigan reach the 70% vaccine threshold, relax mask mandate?

$28.6 billion in stimulus money for restaurants is about to open
The Des Plaines Fire Department, which first responded to the crash, said the driver of the cab was taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights with pain in their head and neck. The passenger, riding in the rear seat, was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, also with head pain. No extrication from the vehicle was necessary, said Des Plaines Fire Chief Dan Anderson.
The company has a suite of nickel and gold assets, only 50 kilometres from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

The Moho team is made up of experienced practitioners with a good track record.

Ltd state manager David Bosio has highlighted an investment case for junior gold and nickel explorer ( ) in a video interview with Proactives Andrew Scott.

Moho is focused on gold and nickel exploration at the Empress Springs, Silver Swan North and Burracoppin projects.

As bad management can kill a good project, conversely, good management can make a tough project succeed and with Moho, Bosio said the team was made up of experienced practitioners with a good track record.

Backed by non-executive chairman Terry Streeter, who Bosio said was very well-known in the nickel and gold space in Western Australia for success stories such as Jubilee, he highlighted Moho as a company to watch.

He said: In this environment, we have seen a lot of uplift in junior exploration companies and to find companies with market caps of less than $10 million  theyre almost becoming as rare as hens teeth.

They have a suite of nickel and gold assets, only 50 kilometres away from Kalgoorlie which is a very well-known mining centre in Western Australia.

The company is looking to commercialise some of these assets.

Near-term production opportunity

Bosio said what made the company stand out was its East Sampson Gold Project within the wider Silver Swan North Project, which he said was taking shape.

"What they are focusing on is on a clear, definitive mining scenario  something they can bring into production very quickly and cheaply.

He continued: By exploiting near-term production, the advantage is that you can create early-term cash flow which reduces dilution and can be used to progress some of their other exploration initiatives."

In September 2020, the company expanded its ground holding at the East Sampson Dam prospect to 103 square kilometres with most tenements having seen no modern gold exploration.

M&A outlook

Bosio added: In my mind, I feel very strongly that we are in a good gold environment and I feel that the tailwind is behind the sector and some of the majors like Northern Star  those that have a lot of milling infrastructure with capacity, could easily buy some of these proven, smaller assets that can be very profitable in this market.

I do believe we are going to see a lot more mergers and acquisitions in this sector over the next 12 months.




The top uniformed officers of South Korea, the United States and Japan held talks in Hawaii and vowed to strengthen their trilateral cooperation amid concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Friday.







During the talks held Thursday (Hawaii time), South Korea's JCS Chairman Gen. Won In-choul, Gen. Mark Milley of the U.S. and Gen. Koji Yamazaki of Japan shared concerns over the North's nuclear and missiles programs and discussed the "importance of promoting a rules-based international order in the region," according to the military.







Won stressed that the three countries' cooperation is crucial for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the Northeast Asia region, while Milley reaffirmed the U.S.' "ironclad commitment" to defend its two allies.







Milley reaffirmed that "the U.S. remains prepared to provide extended deterrence guaranteed by the full spectrum of U.S. military capabilities," JCS said.







Yamazaki underlined the importance of trilateral cooperation for the implementation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.







"They agreed to continue working together to address mutual security issues and increase multilateral cooperation in order to enhance peace and stability in the region," the military said in a release.







It was Won's first face-to-face trilateral talks with Milley and Yamazaki since his inauguration in September last year. The three last met via a videoconference in November.







Thursday's meeting was also attended by outgoing U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Adm. Phil Davidson; his successor Adm. John Aquilino; and U.S. Forces Japan Commander Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider. U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Robert Abrams joined via a video link.







During his stay, Won is also scheduled to have separate talks with Milley and other senior U.S. military officials to enhance alliance cooperation and will return home Monday after attending the change-of-command ceremony of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii. (Yonhap)


YEREVAN.  Armenias Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's working visit to Kazan, Russia, continues, where a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council is taking place.

Pashinyan on Friday attended the enlarged meeting of the EEU Intergovernmental Council, the press office of the Prime Minister informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

In his address at the event, the acting PM noted, in particular, that industry is one of the driving forces of the EEU economic system.

The EEU heads of government discussed the issues on the agenda, took note of the E-Commerce Development Report, approved the main domains of industrial cooperation within the framework of the EEU until 2025, and touched upon the prospects of cooperation in space services.

Also a number of documents were signed as a result of the meeting.

The next meeting of the EEU Intergovernmental Council is planned to be held in Kyrgyzstan.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 23:30:02|Editor: huaxia

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DOHA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Qatari health ministry on Friday announced 676 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 205,652, the official Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

Meanwhile, 1,593 more recovered from the virus, bringing the overall recoveries to 189,544, while the fatalities increased by eight to 458, according to a ministry statement quoted by QNA.

A total of 1,903,912 persons in Qatar have taken lab tests for COVID-19 so far, while the total number of vaccine doses administered is 1,556,203. Enditem
GREAT BARRINGTON  The state agency that funds school construction projects has rejected the most recent application to renovate or rebuild Monument Mountain Regional High School, saying it is overwhelmed by needy schools across the state.

In an April 14 letter to Berkshire Hills Regional School District Superintendent Peter Dillon, the Massachusetts School Building Authority did not give details about why Monument didnt achieve eligibility in the 2020 application round. The agency said that, last year, it had received 71 statements of interest from 52 school districts, and in reviewing those, had to prioritize those with the greatest and most urgent need.

The authority also said that it is committed to working with the school in the future.

Dillon said the district is reapplying immediately and that the School Committee will vote to approve this within the next several weeks, since the authority extended its deadline to June. He also said that he will get an answer within six months  an accelerated timeline.

It has been a long road for a district that has submitted five applications since about 2010 to overhaul Monument, built in 1968.

Two of those were accepted and, with the authority, developed into renovation plans that Great Barrington voters twice rejected. Taxpayers mostly were worried about tax increases, since the town with the most students in the schools shoulders most of the school budget. Stockbridge and West Stockbridge also are part of the district.

The authoritys most recent rejection of a statement of interest for Monument came in January 2020.

The school, though, continues to deteriorate, and this places limitations on certain areas of education, say district officials, students and parents. Problems include old infrastructure that requires constant upkeep and is dated for modern learning.

Despite this, the schools educational mission soldiers on, Dillon said.

The district is doing well; the towns and School Committee are unanimously supporting budgets, he added. Whats going on in the district has never been stronger.

He said he is optimistic that Monument will get on the authoritys eligibility list soon, and that voters will adopt a plan, since there is more revenue in Great Barrington and because upgrading the school cant wait much longer.

State building agency rejects Monument High funding plan, setting it back at least one year GREAT BARRINGTON  Plans for a new or renovated Monument Mountain Regional High School will have to wait for at least a year.The Massachusetts School Building Authority has rejected a request 

When asked what officials will do if the application is rejected again, School Committee Chairman Stephen Bannon said the district will have to decide whether it can rebuild or renovate without state money, or make major repairs.

If its not [accepted], we have some decisions to make, he said. The building isnt getting any younger.
The Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Mr John Jinapor, has urged the Ministry of Finance to utilise the $1 billion sovereign bond borrowed in 2020 to address the financial challenges of the energy sector.

He has also urged energy sector players to be proactive and inform electricity consumers who would be affected by power outages in advance so that affected customers could take remedial steps to mitigate the effects of such outages.



At a press conference in Parliament yesterday, he further called on the government to inject the much-needed capital into the power sector, especially the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), to make up for the impaired cash flow of these utilities.



At the press conference were the leadership of the Minority Caucus, including the Minority Leader, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, and the Minority Chief Whip, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak-Muntaka, as well as other members of the Minority.



Read also: Energy debt seen peaking at $12.bn by 2023

Financial details



The government must ensure that energy sector State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) publish details of their financial statements, including details and debts owed to them, on time, he added.



Mr Jinapor stressed the need for power sector managers to ensure that they pursued long-term planning for fuel security for generating assets at the least cost possible.



According to him, the government must allow independent power producers (IPPs) to take responsibility for their fuel supply requirements.



Clean



He urged the government to come clean on the current power crisis as a matter of urgency.



He also explained that it was obvious that there was something more serious happening within Ghana's energy sector beyond the unconvincing excuses and blame game by managers of the sector.



He said soon after the Minister of Energy, Dr Mathew Opoku-Prempeh, had attributed the current power outages to the inability of the Bui Power Authority to generate power, the Chief Executive of the authority publicly denied the ministers claim.



The chief executive, he said, made a shocking revelation that the minister was misled by GRIDCo.



He said it was a well-known fact that the current outages in the country was due to financial challenges and not because of technical challenges as was being claimed by GRIDCo and government officials.



Most of the energy sectors SOEs have continued to witness worsening financial positions since 2017, he added.









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 coronavirus continues to spread in Bexar County, with local officials Thursday reporting more than 300 new cases for the second day in a row.

Thursdays 341 new cases were a welcome drop from Wednesdays 402, but the rolling seven-day average of new cases  considered a more reliable indicator of local transmission trends  stands at 235, up from 209 on Tuesday and higher than it was throughout most of March.

The Metropolitan Health Districts two-week case trend indicator is considered to be at a critical risk level.

COVID-19 is still circulating in our community as we continue to get folks vaccinated, so please get vaccinated to help us end this pandemic, and do your part such as mask wearing, social distancing and proper hygiene to protect yourself and others from the virus in the meantime, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said during Thursdays city-county coronavirus briefing.

Daily case numbers in Bexar County have climbed slightly in April, but had begun to level off in the past two weeks. The seven-day rolling average was 224 two weeks ago and 183 one month ago. It peaked at 2,260 in mid-January, when transmission of the coronavirus was at its worst here.

On ExpressNews.com: A guide to getting vaccinated in San Antonio

In the three weeks since the Easter holiday, the number of COVID-19 patients in San Antonio hospitals has risen by 34 percent. There were 179 patients with COVID-19 in local hospitals April 5, compared with 240 Thursday. Thats 12 fewer than Wednesday despite 21 new admissions in the past 24 hours.

The number of patients critically ill with COVID-19 has largely remained steady in the past month, but it improved slightly Thursday. There were 67 patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units  five fewer than Wednesday  and 44 patients needed a ventilator to breathe, four fewer than Wednesday.

In January, when hospitalizations for COVID-19 were at their highest in Bexar County, there were more than 1,100 people with COVID-19 in the hospital each day, and hundreds of people required intensive care.

Officials did not report any new deaths Thursday. The seven-day rolling average of new deaths stands at about 0.6, the lowest it has been in about a month.

On ExpressNews.com: State of the pandemic in San Antonio, in Texas and across the U.S.

Since the pandemic arrived in the region a little more than a year ago, 217,219 San Antonians have tested positive for the coronavirus and 3,354 have died of COVID-19.

The best weapons against serious illness from the coronavirus are the vaccines, and local officials are urging residents to get vaccinated as quickly as possible to prevent further hospitalizations.

That is the one sure way to get back to the things we used to enjoy prior to this pandemic beginning, Nirenberg said.

County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores encouraged residents to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with her from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. next Wednesday at University Healths Zarzamora Clinic.

I invite you to come out and get the one shot and get it over with and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with me, she said at the briefing. I want to travel again, I want to hug my mother again, so please join me and choose to get vaccinated.

About 839,800 Bexar County residents have gotten their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine  or 56 percent of the population. An additional 571,530 residents, or 38 percent of the population, are fully vaccinated, officials said. Those figures are higher than state and national averages.

But local health officials say its still not enough to reach herd immunity. In an effort to encourage more people to get vaccinated, several local vaccine providers have started offering doses on a walk-in basis, no appointment necessary.

Those providers include the Alamodome from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, the Cisneros Senior Community Activity Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and H-E-B pharmacies from 3 to 5 p.m. weekdays.

The San Antonio Express-News offers detailed information  updated daily  about vaccination locations, vaccine supplies and how to make appointments in the print edition and online.

andy.picon@hearst.com | Twitter: @andpicon
Octavio Passos/Getty

This new destination isn't for the faint of heart.

On Monday, the world's largest pedestrian suspension bridge is set to open in Portugal, offering adventure-seeking visitors unique views of a surrounding waterfall, gorge and river.

The 516 Arouca bridge gets its name from its length  it's about 1,693 feet long, or 516 meters  and is located 576 feet above the Paiva River.

According to CNN, it takes about 10 minutes to walk the entire length of the bridge, which is held up by steel cables and also features a see-through metal grid walkway, allowing guests to really take in all of their surroundings.

Ahead of the official inauguration ceremony on Sunday, local Arouca residents got a chance to cross the bridge on Thursday.

"I was a little afraid, but it was so worth it," said Hugo Xavier, one of the first to walk across the bridge, according to Reuters. "It was extraordinary, a unique experience, an adrenaline rush."

The bridge will be open to everybody over the age of 6, with all visitors being accompanied by guides.

Octavio Passos/Getty

CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty

RELATED: Disneyland Reopens Today! See the First Photos of Visitors in the Park After Year-Long Shutdown

Local officials and residents hope the new bridge will bring an influx of visitors to the area as soon as travel is widely permitted again.

"It is a breath of fresh air for our land because it will attract more investment, more people," a tour guide told Reuters.

On Saturday, the majority of Portugal will be moving into the final stage of COVID-19 lockdown, according to Portugal News.

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.

CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty

CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty

The previous record-holder for the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge is Switzerland's Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, according to CNN. Opening in 2017, the 1,621-foot-long bridge offers breathtaking views of the Alps.

Meanwhile, the United States' longest pedestrian suspension bridge is located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It comes in at just 680 feet.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-05-01 03:04:37|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced on Friday that the country has approved Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. Meanwhile, Iran's total number of infections approached 2.5 million.

Sputnik V became the third vaccine to be used in Turkey, after China's Sinovac and the Pfizer-BioNTech jointly developed by the German company BioNTech and the U.S. firm Pfizer.

On Wednesday, Koca stated that Turkey signed a procurement deal with Russia for 50 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine within six months, noting the first shipment of the vaccines would be delivered in May.

Turkey has so far administered over 22.8 million COVID-19 jabs across the country. More than 13.7 million people have received their first doses, and over 9.1 million have taken their second shots.

Iran reported 19,272 new COVID-19 cases, taking the country's total infections to 2,499,077.

The pandemic has so far claimed 71,758 lives in Iran, up by 407 in the past 24 hours. A total of 1,954,321 people have recovered from the disease in Iran, while 5,398 remained in intensive care units.

By Friday, 858,296 people have received the first dose of coronavirus vaccines in Iran and 209,827 people the second dose.

Iraq reported 6,405 new coronavirus cases, pushing up the tally of confirmed cases in Iraq to 1,065,199.

It also reported 32 new deaths, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 15,465, while the total recoveries in Iraq climbed to 942,046.

Israel reported 87 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of cases in the country to 838,481.

The death toll from the virus increased by two to 6,363, while the number of patients in serious condition decreased from 114 to 110, out of 182 hospitalized patients.

The total recoveries in Israel rose to 830,625 after 118 newly recovered cases were added, while the number of active cases decreased to 1,493, lowest in over a year.

The number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 in Israel stands at over 5.4 million, or 57.9 percent of its total population.

Morocco's total COVID-19 tally rose to 511,249 as 363 new cases were registered.

Its death toll rose to 9,023 with three new fatalities during the last 24 hours, while the total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased to 497,621 after 516 new ones were added.

Meanwhile, 5,054,642 people have received so far the first vaccine shot against COVID-19 in the country, and 4,260,412 people the second dose.

In Algeria, 242 new COVID-19 cases were reported, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the North African country to 122,108.

Its death toll from the virus rose to 3,253 after nine new fatalities were added, while 168 more patients recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries in the country to 85,108.

Qatar announced 676 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 205,652.

Meanwhile, 1,593 more recovered from the virus in Qatar, bringing the overall recoveries to 189,544, while the fatalities increased by eight to 458.

In Oman, 927 new COVID-19 infections were detected, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the sultanate to 193,253.

Meanwhile, 1,275 people recovered during the past 48 hours, taking the overall recoveries to 173,123, while nine deaths were reported, pushing the tally up to 2,010.

Lebanon registered 1,001 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of infections to 526,578, while its death toll from the virus went up by 29 to 7,278 in the country.

So far, 299,559 people have received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccine in Lebanon and 167,461 second doses. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-29 22:42:42|Editor: huaxia

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People wearing face masks wait for vaccination in Goregaon, a western suburb in Mumbai, India, April 26, 2021. (Str/Xinhua)

Wang said in his message that as the new outbreak in India recently unfolds, China empathizes with the challenge India is facing and expresses its sincere sympathy.

BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday sent a message of sympathy to Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar over the worsening situation of COVID-19 in India.

Wang said in his message that as the new outbreak in India recently unfolds, China empathizes with the challenge India is facing and expresses its sincere sympathy.

A health worker collects a swab from a woman for COVID-19 test in Bhopal, the capital city of India's Madhya Pradesh state, on April 22, 2021. (Str/Xinhua)

Calling the virus a common enemy of all humankind which requires solidarity and concerted efforts from the international community to jointly deal with it, Wang said China firmly supports the Indian government and people in their fight against the pandemic.

China-produced anti-virus supplies are entering India at a faster pace to help India's pandemic fight, Wang said, adding that China will continue to maximize its efforts to provide support and help in accordance with India's demand.

It is hoped and believed that Indian people will, under the leadership of their government, achieve an early victory against COVID-19, he said. 
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - ScreenPro Security Inc. (CSE: SCRN) ("ScreenPro" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has filed on SEDAR the audited financial results for the full year ending December 31, 2020 and three months ending February 28, 2021 for Compel Capital Inc. and subsidiary ScreenPro Security Ltd.

Please refer to the Filing in its entirety, which is available under ScreenPro profile at www.sedar.com

Effective March 5, 2021 the Company completed the Reverse Take Over of Compel Capital Inc. and will report on calander quarter going forward beginning with the March 31, 2021 quarter.

Path to Profitability: The Company made strong progress throughout the first quarter accelerating its path to profitability by identifying revenue opportunities, including a rebalancing of the workforce and continued optimization of the Datametrex relationship, and consolidating its supply chain assets. This is reflected in the significantly improved revenue in Q1 2021.

Fiscal highlights of Q1 and subsequent events:

In the first quarter ScreenPro business model accelerated with successful onboarding of film and television productions in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver and launch on the execution of its strategy on building out other business sectors.

On March 5, 2021 ScreenPro completed its reverse takeover ( "RTO" ) of Compel Capital Inc. resulting in the listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") under the symbol SCRN.

On March 29, 2021, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding equity of GoStop Inc. (" GoStop" ), a private COVID-19 digital passport services company.

On April 15, the Company opened its first COVID-19 testing clinic in partnership with Concierge Medical Consultants, Inc. ("Concierge"), located in Coal Harbor, Vancouver.

On April 21, 2021, The Company has applied for US Listing on OTCQB Venture Market and Electronic Clearing with Depository Trust & Clearing Corp.

On April 26, 2021, The Company was been selected to process COVID-19 testings for the world's largest film and television streaming company in Vancouver

John McMullen, CEO of ScreenPro, stated, "The Company has experienced significant growth in testing and earnings in its first quarter of operations. We are proud of our entire team, who have worked tirelessly to maintain the highest standards of customer service through this period, which coincided with the new listing of the Company on the Canadian Securities Exchange. As stated in our press release dated April 20, 2021, going forward we will only be reporting audited quarterly information to ensure complete transparency and accuracy. We continue to drive forward with our business objectives as reported in news releases dated on April 22, 2021 and April 26, 2021. We look forward to reporting to shareholders on further business developments in the future."

Full Year 2020 Financial Review

* The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS. The following is selected presentation of the Income Statement for the year end December 31, 2020:

All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted:



3 months

ended

28-Feb-21 3 months

ended

28-Nov-20 FY 2020 FY 2019 Total revenues $4,532,785 $581,643 $0 $0 Cost of Sales ($3,672,885) ($478,520) $0 $0 Income/Loss before income taxes ($62,723) ($1,000,580) ($72,332) ($52,429) Net Income/Loss ($62,723) ($1,040,231) ($72,332) ($52,429) Income per share - basic (0.00) (0.03) (0.00) (0.01) EBITDA ($11,497) ($445,762) $0 $0



3 months

ended

28-Feb-21 3 months

ended

28-Nov-20 Dollar Change %

Change FY '20 FY '19 $ Change % Change Total Assets $7,044,940 $1,702,088 $5,342,852 75.8% $32 $32 $0.00 0% Total Liabilities $5,221,830 $807,627 $441,203 84.5% $178,538 $106,206 $73,332 41%

See the Company's 2020 MD&A for a detailed reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income / (Loss).

Notes:

*These audited year end and unaudited quarterly financial results are subject to customary financial statement procedures by the Company. Actual results could be affected by subsequent events or determinations. While the Company believes there is a reasonable basis for these preliminary financial results, the results involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These preliminary fiscal results represent forward-looking information. See "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Financial Outlook".

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.

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.

Forward-looking statements included in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements in respect of the Company's expected performance in Q1 2021, the continued testing business, the acquisition of GoStop and ongoing consolidation of its supply chain and the impact thereof.

Financial Outlook

This news release contains a financial outlook within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The financial outlook has been prepared by management of the Company to provide an outlook for the first quarter of 2021 and may not be appropriate for any other purpose. The financial outlook has been prepared based on a number of assumptions including the assumptions discussed in this press release and assumptions with respect to market conditions, pricing, and demand. The actual results of the Company's operations for any period will likely vary from the amounts set forth in these projections and such variations may be material. The Company and its management believe that the financial outlook has been prepared on a reasonable basis. However, because this information is highly subjective and subject to numerous risks, including the risks discussed under the heading "Forward-Looking Statements", it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results.

###

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82570
Grieving family members of COVID-19 victims at a cremation ground in New Delhi, India, April 29, 2021 / EPA-Yonhap



India's coronavirus disaster deepened on Thursday with the daily death toll climbing above 3,600 as dozens of countries sent urgent medical aid to help tackle the spiraling crisis.



India remains in the spotlight although the pandemic is still worsening in many other parts of the world.



However, the United States and several European nations are starting to ease restrictions as their vaccination campaigns pick up.



In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city hopes to "fully reopen" on July 1.



And in France, cafes, cultural venues and business will reopen in several phases from next month, President Emmanuel Macron said.



Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin announced plans to lift lockdown restrictions starting May 10, including "vaccine bonus" perks for those who have had both jabs.



"Hope is returning," Martin said.



Portugal said it would reopen its land border with Spain on Saturday.



But the World Health Organization issued a stark warning to European nations that relaxing Covid measures could spark a "perfect storm" allowing cases to spiral  as in India.



"It is very important to realise that the situation in India can happen anywhere," said WHO Europe chief Hans Kluge.



India deaths rising exponentially



Death and infection rates have been rising exponentially throughout April in India, which experts blame in part on mass gatherings.



On Thursday, the south Asian nation reported 3,645 deaths over the past 24 hours, while confirmed new cases hit a new global record with more than 379,000. The official numbers are widely believed to be far below the reality.





Migrant workers crowd outside a train station to travel back to their home states after rumors of lockdown were circulated in social media, in Hyderabad, India, Thursday, April 29, 2021. AP



The pandemic has claimed at least 3.1 million lives around the world, with India accounting for more than 200,000 fatalities, the worst toll outside the Americas.



The US is the worst-affected country with over 570,000 deaths, followed by Brazil and Mexico.



In many Indian cities, hospitals are running out of beds as relatives of the sick crowd jostle for medicines and oxygen cylinders.



"We rushed to multiple hospitals, but were denied admission everywhere," said the son of an 84-year-old woman who died at home this week after a desperate search for a hospital bed and oxygen in Kolkata, capital of West Bengal state.









The Indian government will open vaccinations to all adults from Saturday.



It had previously limited shots to the over-45s and certain other groups.



Several states have warned, however, they do not have sufficient vaccine stocks and the expanded rollout is threatened by administrative bickering, confusion over prices and technical glitches on the government's digital vaccine platform.



'Unprecedented situation'



More than 40 countries have committed to sending India vital medical aid, particularly oxygen amid a severe shortage, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.



The supplies include almost 550 oxygen-generating plants, more than 4,000 oxygen concentrators, 10,000 oxygen cylinders as well as 17 cryogenic tankers.



Hundreds of thousands of doses of Covid-19 treatment drugs as well as raw materials to produce vaccines were also being sent.



The WHO has said the virus variant feared to be contributing to the catastrophe on the sub-continent has now been found in more than a dozen countries.



But the body has stopped short of saying it is more transmissible, more deadly or able to dodge vaccines.





A man stands outside a discount shop in the historic Bur Dubai district in the Gulf emirate on April 29, 2021. AFP-Yonhap
FCW Insider: April 30, 2021

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh told a panel of House Appropriators that the agency's planned $2.1 billion investment in state unemployment systems needs oversight and monitoring, and metrics for measuring success.

This special leave will be available through the end of the fiscal year or until the $570 million fund is exhausted, OPM documents say.

Almost all Defense Department personnel who have sought student loan debt forgiveness have been denied -- a trend that, if unchanged, could make it even harder to recruit and retain tech talent.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday said his agency plans to take up the recommendations from a new report focused on combating ransomware and that the White House is developing its own plan to confront the growing cybersecurity threat.

Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), chairman for the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that the committee would delay marking up the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act due to "uncertainty" in White House budget delivery.

Quick Hits

***The National Institutes of Health Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center announced the hire of Ricky Clark as deputy director. Clark, a Navy veteran who has worked in acquisition roles at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Government Publishing Office, will help oversee NITAAC's major, governmentwide technology contracts CIO-SP3, CIO-SP3 Small Business, CIO-CS and NITAAC Assisted Acquisitions.

*** Starting today, the Department of Veterans Affairs agency homepage at VA.gov will serve as a single point for accessing benefits and services. The agency homepage will host content and features currently housed on the agency's eBenefits website.

*** Reuters reports that the Department of Homeland Security has evidence that the recently publicized flaw in Pulse Secure virtual private network software resulted in potential breaches of five federal agencies.
MEXICO CITY  There is no easy way to manage migration from Mexico and Central America. Not during times of economic downturn and especially not during a global pandemic. This is true for both Mexico and the United States. Its true whether the American administration is a decent and progressive one like that of President Biden or a nativist and reactionary one like that of former President Donald Trump.

The forces pushing or pulling people to leave their homes and migrate north have existed and evolved for decades. The issue has been a nightmare for American presidents to address, which, in turn, implies a horror show for Mexican and Central American governments.

What complicates this conundrum for Mr. Biden is the current reality in Mexico  a far worse one than what Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and even Mr. Trump had to deal with. Mexicos president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, known as AMLO, is mismanaging every facet of his countrys situation, from the pandemic to the economy, the high rates of crime and violence, the deterioration of democratic institutions, and the rule of law and human rights.

The Biden administration, working at cross-purposes with its own agenda and long-term interests in human rights and democracy, has cut a shortsighted deal with Mexico to address the child crisis immediately south of the border by stemming migration with the continuation of some of the Trumps era policies. This was no uncomplicated feat, as it required Mr. Biden to win AMLOs cooperation, and cooperating, in this diplomatic exercise, is often a euphemism for doing Americas dirty work.
Addison Rae turned heads as she rocked a bold red ensemble on the streets of Los Angeles on Thursday.

The 20-year-old TikTok star and close friend of Kourtney Kardashian, 42, was a vision in crimson while heading to Spotify Studios to record her podcast, Mama Knows Best.

A few days ago, Addison joined her cast-mates in an Instagram video to announce the release date for her upcoming Netflix movie, He's All That.

Fashionista: Addison Rae turned heads as she rocked a bold red ensemble on the streets of Los Angeles on Thursday

The blonde beauty sported an oversized red Valentino blazer with three large rose accents on the right lapel.

The blazer had buttoned cuffs and hung down to the top of her thighs.

The influencer left the blazer unbuttoned, revealing matching red high-waisted shorts and a low-cut crop top.

Lady in red: The 20-year-old Tik Tok star and close friend of Kourtney Kardashian, 42, was a vision in crimson while heading to Spotify Studios to record her podcast, Mama Knows Best

She donned black high heels from ALDO and added a couple of gold chain anklets.

The Louisiana native also accessorized with a gold chain necklace that had a heart pendant.

Addison shielded her eyes from the Southern California sun with large black cat-eye sunglasses and covered her face with a mask.

She carried a small black handbag as she walked into the studio.

Cute touch: She donned black high heels from ALDO, and added a couple of gold chain anklets

Just days ago, Addison joined castmates Tanner Buchanan, Madison Pettis, Peyton Meyer, Myra Molloy and Rachael Leigh Cook in a video to announce that the film would be coming to Netflix on August 27.

The up-and-coming actress will star in a gender-flipped remake of the 1999 romantic comedy.

Her character will take on the challenge of turning her high school's biggest loser, played by Buchanan, into prom king.

Big news: Just days ago, Addison joined castmates Tanner Buchanan, Madison Pettis, Peyton Meyer, Myra Molloy and Rachael Leigh Cook in a video to announce that the film would be coming to Netflix on August 27

Despite their 21-year age difference, Addison is good friends with Keeping Up With The Kardashians star, Kourtney.

The two bonded after Kourtney's son Mason, 10, became a fan of Rae's popular TikTok.

Their close relationship, which includes sleepovers in the same bedroom, prompted Kourtney's sisters Kim, 40, and Khloe, 36, to wonder if the pair were more than friends.

Kim said on a recent episode of the show that she thought they might be "hooking up" but Addison and Kourtney denied any romantic involvement.

Tight: Despite their 21-year age difference, Addison is good friends with Keeping Up With The Kardashians star, Kourtney
As we reported yesterday, six remaining tenants at 400 Grand Street, which will be demolished next year to make way for the Essex Crossing project, are fighting for relocation rights. But another tenant in the building, the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy, is also concerned about its future.

The conservancy, part of the United Jewish Council of the East Side, established its first dedicated home in a 650 square foot storefront at 400 Grand in 2011. The space had previously been occupied by Rubys Fruits, a Lower East Side institution. But the building will likely be emptied and torn down next year in preparation for new residential and commercial development set to rise on nine long-neglected sites in the former Seward Park Urban Renewal Area.

Wednesday night, Jewish Conservancy Executive Director Laurie Tobias Cohen asked Community Board 3s land use committee to support her campaign for a new space in the Essex Crossing project. She told panel members that her organization, founded in 1998, is dedicated to providing historic preservation funding to the LESs synagogues and to make it possible for the touring public to enjoy and learn about the history of this vibrant, contemporary and profoundly historic community. Cohen added, Im coming here just to make sure you folks know that we exist, know that we are threatened with losing our home and to say we would be grateful for a place in the new development.

Two committee members were at least somewhat unreceptive. Harriet Cohen, a Grand Street resident, said she was perplexed why the conservancy chose to move into a building that was slated for redevelopment. She recalled hearing from city officials that the new tenant was aware the space was only temporary. Lisa Kaplan, another committee member, agreed, saying she believed Ruby Baumgarten, the previous tenant, was asked to shutter his business because the redevelopment site was being cleared. Dominic Berg, one of the leading members of a community task force working with the developers, told Cohen Essex Crossing seemed like a strange fit for the conservancy. It seems odd to me that you would want to go into a new development instead of finding another place in a more historic location, berg said. I feel like it would really conflict with the message and the programming youre presenting.

Other members, however, argued that it is appropriate for the community board to advocate on behalf of the organization. Tim Laughlin, executive director of the LES BID, said the conservancy is a unique place, and he told Cohen, I think there are ways that we can think creatively about how to assist you in this situation. Herman Hewitt, a longtime board member, added, I think we have a community organization that we should, like everybody else, try to help. Jamie Rogers, a board member (but not a member of the land use committee) noted that the developers have plans to bring an Andy Warhol museum to Essex Crossing and suggested that CB3 should be thinking about how to work with other cultural institutions, including ones with local roots. I think the committee should start to think about how to advocate for groups that will approach the developers and come up with priorities and criteria, he said.

Cohen, the conservancys director, explained to committee members why the organization chose to lease a doomed building and to invest $125,000 (mostly from private fundraising) in the renovation of the space. She said, it was not at all clear in 2009 when the deal was signed that the Seward Park project was going to happen (the community had been fighting over a development plan for 45 years). While she did not mention it Wednesday night, UJC officials have told The Lo-Down in the past that they hoped a new visitor center would, one day, be established in Beth Hamedrash Hagadol, the distressed synagogue on Norfolk Street. Restoration plans stalled (see our previous coverage for details), dashing the conservancys long-range plan. In response to Bergs skepticism about finding space for the visitor center in the new project, Cohen said, one of the things that is distinctive about the conservancy is that we relate to the existing Jewish community on the Lower East Side We dont relate to the community as something that is static and only from the past.

Cohen has reached out to Delancey Associates, the development company building Essex Crossing. A considerable amount of space has been set aside for community facilities. There has been little conversation, at least in public view, about plans for local cultural offerings in the project. In response to an inquiry from us this past fall, a spokesperson for the developers said they were committed to starting a dialogue with the conservancy.
(CNN) -- There is a split scenario unfolding as the world battles the pandemic.

In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, jubilant, newly-vaccinated people hug their loved ones after a long period of separation. In India, distraught families count their dead.

Sick people are being turned away from hospitals that have run out of beds and oxygen, as the number of new cases rises to record levels each day, creating a national crisis with global repercussions.

The more the virus spreads, the more chances it has to mutate and create variants that could eventually resist current vaccines, threatening to undermine other countries' progress in containing the pandemic, experts warn.

"If we don't help in India, I worry about an explosion of cases" around the world, said Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health.

That's why India's Covid outbreak is a global problem that needs a coordinated response.

Some countries are already scrambling to send supplies.

US oxygen concentrators -- medical devices that compress oxygen from the air -- arrived earlier this week, and on Wednesday the UK, Italy and Germany committed more medical equipment, as Russian planes took off from Zhukovsky for Delhi carrying medicine, monitors and ventilators.

While the immediate priority is saving the lives of those already sick, vaccinating the country is considered crucial to stop the virus from spreading. But, despite being home to the world's biggest vaccine producer, India doesn't have enough doses, and there's no fast and simple way to make more.

Western countries have been criticized for vaccine stockpiling, but on Wednesday, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK didn't have any spare vaccines to send.

US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday he had spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and confirmed the US intends to send coronavirus vaccines to India. Earlier in the week, the US said it would share 60 million AstraZeneca doses with other countries, but didn't specify which nations or when. Delivering them could take months, the White House warned.

An equitable distribution of the vaccine around the world is essential, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the US' National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

"Because we're all in this together. It's an interconnected world. And there are responsibilities that countries have to each other, particularly if you're a wealthy country and you're dealing with countries that don't have the resources or capabilities that you have," he told The Guardian earlier this week.

If the Indian outbreak can't be contained and spreads to neighboring countries with low vaccine supplies and weak health systems, experts warn the world risks replicating scenes witnessed in India -- especially if newer, potentially more contagious variants are allowed to take hold. And, as India has a leading role in making vaccines for other nations, failing to to stop its spread there could endanger the vaccine rollout worldwide.

Variants vs vaccines

Coronavirus was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and has since spread across the world from person to person, in some cases, mutating into new variants.

In December, scientists detected a new variant, known as B.1.617, in India, though it's not known if this is driving the local outbreak owing to a lack of genomic surveillance.

Anurag Agrawal, director of the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, said Friday there is a correlation, however, between the rising prevalence of variants and the surge in Indian case numbers.

"In Maharashtra we saw it (B.1.617) go up, we saw an outbreak. We are seeing it go up in Delhi, we are seeing an outbreak. These are very important epidemiological correlations," Agrawal said.

But he noted in Delhi and in north India, another variant, first identified in the UK and known as B.1.1.7, was more dominant than B.1.617. The B.1.1.7 variant is known to be more transmissible.

Fauci said recent data showed that India's homegrown Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, neutralized the B1.617 variant, which suggested that vaccinations could be used against it. "Vaccination could be a very, very important antidote," he said, though he added that more information was being gathered each day.

Other variants, first identified by scientists in South Africa and Brazil, are also believed to be more transmissible than the original strain and have already made their way into several other countries.

So far, vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna Inc. and Johnson & Johnson have shown varying degrees of effectiveness against these variants. However, because the virus can mutate as it spreads, and there's no guarantee the available vaccines will protect people from new variants.

This would leave no country protected, no matter how many of its people have been vaccinated.

"For selfish reasons, every country should be concerned about large outbreaks that are out of control," Jha said. "Countries like the UK and the US are doing a great job with vaccinations, and they should be feeling great about it, but that's only as good as variants that are out there."

More than 142 million people in the US and 33 million people aged 18 and over in the UK have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccines -- around 43% and 64% of the eligible population, respectively.

By contrast, around 129 million people in India had received at least one dose of the vaccine, as of April 27, the Indian health ministry reported. That's just over 8% of India's total population. Experts have blamed a slow vaccine rollout and shortage of supply.

Epidemiologist Brahmar Mukherjee says India would need to administer 10 million doses a day to vaccinate all adults in the next five to six months. That is assuming enough doses are available.

The need to help sustain India's vaccine infrastructure

Beyond the risk of new variants, India's second wave of cases presents another, more immediate problem for the world.

The country is a major player in COVAX, the global vaccine-sharing initiative that provides discounted or free doses for lower-income countries.

India promised to supply 200 million COVAX doses that are being distributed to 92 poor countries. But its own rapidly worsening situation has prompted Delhi to shift focus from COVAX to prioritizing India's own citizens.

The Serum Institute of India (SII) had already delivered 28 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, COVAX said in a statement in March, but was due to ship another 90 million doses in March and April.

Those deliveries would be delayed, it warned, due to rising demand within India.

"I don't think the global leadership has woken up to the scenario of how bad this delay can be for the world," said Shruti Rajagopalan, a Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

The moment India is short on vaccines and keeps its supplies for domestic purposes, it means other countries like South Africa and Brazil have to wait, she said. "You're delaying the world getting vaccinated by many months," Shruti added.

John Nkengasong, the director of Africa's disease control body, warned earlier this month that India's hold on exports could be "catastrophic" for the continent's vaccine rollout.

Despite the disruption of Indian supplies, COVAX said it was on track to deliver all scheduled doses in the first half of this year, and by the end of the year expects to provide two billion doses.

The Indian experience underscored the importance of diversifying the supply chain, and COVAX was trying to make deals with more vaccine manufacturers, which would be announce soon, it said.

Modi's pandemic response

Before its own coronavirus crisis, India assumed a leadership position in the global effort to end the pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised millions of doses to the COVAX initiative, and earlier this year donated vaccines to other countries, including Guyana, Guatemala, the Seychelles and the Maldives.

The Prime Minister's generosity, however, has not shielded him from public anger at home over his alleged role in exacerbating the domestic health crisis.

For example, Modi allowed a massive weeks-long Hindu pilgrimage to proceed with millions of attendees traveling across numerous states, and his political party held large rallies for upcoming elections in four states and one union territory.

The Prime Minister has acknowledged the scale of the crisis, and is trying to speed-up the nationwide vaccination program. From May 1, state governments and private providers will be allowed to vaccinate those who are 18 and older.

The cost of each vaccine dose is dropping too, after the Serum Institute of India (SII) said it would charge less per dose so the states can vaccinate more people. Effective immediately, each dose will cost Rs.300 per dose, down from Rs.400, the equivalent of a drop from $5.30 to $4 per dose, the SII said.

But with hundreds of thousands of new cases each day, India needs much more help to contain the outbreak.

A WTO fight further corners low-income nations

India has tried to create more flexibility in the market for vaccines.

At a World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting last year, India and South Africa proposed that the organization temporarily suspend intellectual property rights in an effort to boost production of Covid-19 vaccines for low-income nations.

It was backed by over 80 developing countries. A temporary ban would allow multiple actors to start production sooner, instead of having manufacturing concentrated in the hands of a small number of patent holders, the Lancet reported.

But richer countries, including Britain, Switzerland, EU nations and the US, blocked it, arguing that suspending the IP would not result in a sudden surge of vaccine supply.

Protecting the IP would encourage research and innovation, they said.

Jha, from the Brown University School of Public Health, said IP wasn't the major roadblock to more vaccines. He said the main problem was a lack of capacity.

"If we made IP available today, we will not add vaccines today. It's about tech transfer, knowledge of making vaccines. This is really about a complex biological agent. It's not clear to me that India has a lot of unused vaccine capacity. The issue is building new capacity," Jha said.

However, this brings things back to square one. The longer India's health care system is unable to respond to this public health crisis and the longer the vaccines remain in shortage, the longer this virus will continue to be a threat to the world.

This global pandemic needs a global coordinated response.

"That's the reason why we and other rich countries have to exert what I think is a moral responsibility to help the rest of the world get this under control," Fauci said.

"A year from now we'll be in really much better shape than we are now, but there'll be other countries that won't be. The quicker we get the rest of the world protected, the more secure will our protection be."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "India's Covid-19 crisis is a problem for the world"
YEREVAN, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS. Member of the French National Assembly, France-Artsakh Friendship Circle President Guy Tessier has submitted a draft law to the National Assembly which, in case of being adopted, will pressure Azerbaijan to immediately return the Armenian war prisoners, Tessier said in an interview with ARMENPRESS in Yerevan, summing up the visit of the French parliamentarians to Armenia.

- Mr. Tessier, you were in Armenia with a big delegation on an important day for the Armenian people, the commemoration day of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. What did your visit mean and what meeting did you have?

- Why we came to Yerevan just on that day? Because April 24 is a very important commemoration day, because its the most important commemoration of the Armenian Genocide also for us. Frankly speaking, we would like to come during the war and immediately after the war. What 1st came to my mind was to come here and celebrate the Christmas with the Armenian people, to celebrate the holidays of hope and beauty in Armenia, but it was impossible to come at that time and we said that we must definitely be in Armenia on April 24. And this time me had a double reason to come to Armenia, not only for the crucially important commemoration of the genocide, but also to honor the memories of all the young people who fell during the last war.

- Experts say that following the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the U.S. President Joe Biden, the international recognition process has again come to an active phase. What are your expectations, will there be a chain reaction of recognitions by the international community?

- I can say that it has a great symbolism and will have consequences, because yes, 106 years have passed, but when the most powerful country of the world recognizes the genocide, it has some impact in the world and that's a very important fact. I can say why. I hear the will of the USA behind this statement to restore their right place in the Minsk Group Co-chairs' platform, I mean again re-starting the Minsk Group Co-chairs' format as the sole platform for the peace process. Apart from those developments, there is also the fact that President Macron called President Putin and they had a direct conversation on very important issues, particularly about Armenia and the developments taking place here. This is another evidence that all the sides have the willingness to re-start the Minsk Group Co-chairs' format aimed at the resumption of the negotiation process not only for securing the security of the people living in Artsakh, but also to ensure the security of Armenia. I think that great powers start to understand little by little the nature of the situation, and it's in their interests to establish long-term and sustainable peace in this region. This issue should be solved at the UN level and I see no reasons why the UN should assist this or that country but should not help Armenia. I think everything should be done at the UN level to re-establish peace here. I witnessed the courage of the Armenian people during the last days and I think Armenia deserves to be supported.

- Azerbaijan continues keeping the Armenian POWs in violation of the trilateral declaration. What can France do as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair country to contribute to the return of the POWs, and not only France, what's the role of the international community?

- There are laws regulating wars, there are laws forcing to return the POWs immediately. There is a law that requires a prisoner of war to return to his family. Armenia has done it and France, which is a country of rule of law, demands and will very strongly demand that right to be implemented.

A while ago I put a draft law on the table of the President of the National Assembly of France. It will have a status of law, to take all possible measures to force Azerbaijan to return the Armenian POWs. I think that the European community will take similar measures. I think that separate European states will do the same.

Interview by Anna Grigoryan

Photos by Hayk Manukyan

Translared by Tigran Sirekanyan
In this Jan. 11, 2021 file photo a patient wearing an oxygen mask is treated in a makeshift emergency unit at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. Africa is "watching with total disbelief" as India struggles with a devastating resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the continent's top public health official said Thursday April 29, 2021, as African officials worry about delays in vaccine deliveries caused by India's crisis. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe/File)

Africa is "watching with total disbelief" as India struggles with a devastating resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the continent's top public health official said Thursday, as African officials worry about delays in vaccine deliveries caused by India's crisis.

The African continent, with roughly the same population as India and fragile health systems, "must be very, very prepared" since a similar scenario could happen here, John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters.

"What is happening in India cannot be ignored by our continent," he said, and urged African countries to avoid mass gatherings including political rallies. "We do not have enough health care workers, we do not have enough oxygen," he warned.

Africa's vaccine supply heavily relies on India, whose Serum Institute is the source of the AstraZeneca vaccines distributed by the global COVAX project to get doses to low- and middle-income countries. India's export ban on vaccines "has severely impacted the predictability of the rollout of vaccination programs and will continue to do so for the coming weeks and perhaps months," Nkengasong said.

"We are living in a world that is extremely uncertain now," he added.

Just 17 million vaccine doses have been administered across the African continent for a population of some 1.3 billion, according to the Africa CDC.

In this Jan. 11, 2021 file photo a health worker in a protective suit runs past oxygen cylinders in a makeshift emergency unit at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, Africa is "watching with total disbelief" as India struggles with a devastating resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the continent's top public health official said Thursday, April 29, 2021, as African officials worry about delays in vaccine deliveries caused by India's crisis. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe/File)

The situation in India is "very sad to observe," the World Health Organization's Africa chief told reporters in a separate briefing. "We are very concerned about the delays that are coming in the availability of vaccines," Matshidiso Moeti added.

Her WHO colleague, Phionah Atuhebwe, called the delay "quite devastating for everybody" and said most African nations that received their first vaccine doses via COVAX will reach a "gap" in supply while waiting for second doses as early as May or June.

"We call upon countries that have extra doses to do their part," Atuhebwe said, adding that the WHO is reviewing the Chinese-made Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines this week.

One unexpected COVID-19 vaccine donor is Congo, which Nkengasong said wants to give back some 1.3 million doses so they can be distributed to other African nations since it hasn't been able to do it at home.

In this Jan. 30, 2021 file photo a health worker takes oxygen cylinders to COVID-19 wards at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. Africa is "watching with total disbelief" as India struggles with a devastating resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the continent's top public health official said Thursday, April 29, 2021, as African officials worry about delays in vaccine deliveries caused by India's crisis. (AP Photo/Thoko Chikondi/File)

There is "a lot of vaccine hesitancy" in the vast country, Nkengasong said. He didn't immediately know how many people have received the doses there.

There is a five-week timeline to get the doses administered elsewhere, he said, and Congo is working with COVAX to hand them over. He expressed hope that the doses can reach other people quickly during what he called "an extremely critical time."

Nkengasong didn't know of other African countries saying they're unable to use their doses but he urged them not to wait until the last moment to hand them back. Other countries in Europe, North America and Asia "can have their luxury" of vaccine options, he said, but "we do not have choices."

Moeti with the WHO commended Congo for its decision, calling it "extremely wise of the government to make this estimation" in a country with gaps in its health care system.

In this Feb. 23, 2021 file photo a health worker administers a dose of China's Sinopharm vaccine to a man during the start of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 at the Health Ministry in Dakar, Senegal. Africa is "watching with total disbelief" as India struggles with a devastating resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the continent's top public health official said Thursday, April 29, 2021, as African officials worry about delays in vaccine deliveries caused by India's crisis. (AP Photo/Leo Correa/File)

In this March 15, 2021 file photo boxes of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and provided through the global COVAX initiative arrive at the airport in Mogadishu, Somalia. Africa is "watching with total disbelief" as India struggles with a devastating resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the continent's top public health official said Thursday, April 29, 2021, as African officials worry about delays in vaccine deliveries caused by India's crisis. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh/File)

In this March 24, 2021 file photo a frontline worker reacts as she receives a shot of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and provided through the global COVAX initiative, in Machakos, Kenya. Africa is "watching with total disbelief" as India struggles with a devastating resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the continent's top public health official said Thursday, April 29, 2021, as African officials worry about delays in vaccine deliveries caused by India's crisis. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga/File)

In this Monday, March 29, 2021 file photo, a man prepares for his AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Ndirande Health Centre in Blantyre, Malawi. Africa is "watching with total disbelief" as India struggles with a devastating resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the continent's top public health official said Thursday, April 29, 2021, as African officials worry about delays in vaccine deliveries caused by India's crisis. (AP Photo/Thoko Chikondi, File)

In this March 29, 2021 file photo, numbers are handed out to people who wait to receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Ndirande Health Centre in Blantyre Malawi. Africa is "watching with total disbelief" as India struggles with a devastating resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the continent's top public health official said Thursday, April 29, 2021, as African officials worry about delays in vaccine deliveries caused by India's crisis. (AP Photo/Thoko Chikondi, File)

She also warned that African countries must step up key public health measures to help avoid India's scenario occurring here. The rate of testing for the coronavirus has dropped in "quite a few countries," she said, and mentioned seeing data from one African nation in which the proportion of people not wearing face masks has risen to almost 80%.

Only 43 million tests for the virus have been conducted across the African continent since the pandemic began, the Africa CDC chief said, with a 26% drop in new tests conducted in the past week.

Nkengasong warned against travel bans, however, after Kenya this week announced it will suspend all passenger flights to and from India for two weeks starting midnight Saturday, while cargo flights continue.

"It's really unfortunate we are reacting in a very ad hoc manner in respect to flight movements," he said, emphasizing the strength of authentic negative PCR tests. "It's not people who are a threat, it's the virus."

Explore further Africa CDC says India vaccine woes could be 'catastrophic'

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Cases are believed to be linked to growing crisis in India and returning travellers

Health department confirmed the cases were contained to facilities on Friday

New South Wales has recorded 13 new cases of coronavirus in hotel quarantine

New South Wales has recorded a further 13 new cases of coronavirus in hotel quarantine as fears grow the current system cannot handle the influx of infected travellers.

The state's health department confirmed the latest numbers on Friday morning, likely Australians who have returned from India who are in the grips of a covid crisis.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced this week that all flights from India to Australia would be suspended until at least May 15 as the country is recording more than 350,000 new cases every day.

There have been several reported cases of people serving their mandatory two-week hotel quarantine testing positive for the virus after catching it from other people on their floor.

Officials are scrambling to ensure hotels are appropriately designed and prepared to best combat the potential for it spreading within the facilities.

The state's hotel quarantine system is under immense strain as a further 13 cases of coronavirus were recorded overnight

The cases are believed to be linked to the growing crisis in India

The news comes after an urgent health alert was issued on Saturday in the state after fragments of coronavirus were found in two wastewater treatment plants - with other states already on edge after Western Australia's coronavirus 'outbreak'.

NSW Health announced that virus fragments were discovered in the Allambie Heights facility, in Sydney's Northern Beaches, and in the Merimbula facility, on the NSW South Coast.

The two NSW watewater treatment plants service roughly 100,000 people with the residents of 18 suburbs being told to watch for symptoms.

The affected suburbs are Allambie Heights, Balgowlah, Beacon Hill, Curl Curl, North Curl Curl, Brookvale, North Manly, Freshwater, Collaroy, Collaroy Plateau, Narrabeen, Narraweena, Wheeler Heights, Oxford Falls, Dee Why, Cromer and Frenchs Forest.

A Western Australia Health Department review into its hotel quarantine facilities and their ventilation on April 8th found the Mercure Hotel to be the most at risk of transmission

It comes after a 54-year-old man who was released from quarantine at the infamous Mercure Hotel in Perth and spent four days in the city tested positive in Melbourne last Friday morning.

The man's friend who he stayed with also tested positive in Perth.

The man had caught the virus while in hotel quarantine from returned travellers, who had arrived from India and were staying in a nearby room on the same floor.

A Western Australia Health Department review into its hotel quarantine facilities and their ventilation on April 8 found the Mercure Hotel to be the most at risk of transmission, along with the Four Points and the Novotel Langley.

The report shows three hotels given a 'high-risk' designation, with the Mercure receiving the worst score and recommendation to be shut down as a hotel quarantine facility

Documents from Western Australia Health Department anaylsed the viability of Perth's 10 hotel quarantine facilities

That led Chief Health Officer Andy Robertson to tell Premier Mark McGowan on April 14 the Mercure should not be used for returned travellers.

Less than a week later the hotel would be responsible for the state's latest outbreak - which has now spread to Victoria and sparked a snap three-day lockdown over the Anzac Day weekend.

The results of the review were not published until after the latest infections, and Mr McGowan has been accused of 'burying' the report and presiding over a quarantine system full of 'fatal flaws'.

Brisbane Airport Corporation confirmed on Thursday passengers arriving from 'red zone' country Papua New Guinea were allowed to mix with travellers heading to New Zealand (file image of Brisbane Airport)

Hundreds of Victorias have been urged to get tested for coronavirus after 'strong and unexpected' fragments of Covid were found in the state's sewage

Melbourne and Brisbane are dealing with their own potential coronavirus crises, after sewer readings and an airport breach put the major cities on high alert.

Victoria's Health Department revealed Thursday it detected 'strong and unexpected' fragments of Covid in the state's sewage.

The Health Department said 246 people who live in Melbourne's western and north-western suburbs were called on Thursday and asked to get a test.

Brisbane authorities meanwhile are scrambling to identify people exposed to two passengers arriving from virus 'red zone' Papua New Guinea who were allowed to mingle with travellers heading to New Zealand at Brisbane Airport.

The duo returned from Covid hotspot Port Moresby on Thursday morning and were allowed to head to a cafe and a shop at the airport for almost two hours before authorities discovered the breach.

One of the two had since returned a negative test and the other an inconclusive result which will require another test.

The breach of isolation rules which allowed them to mingle with other travellers was put down to 'human error'.
Pictures of huddled, unmasked teenagers at a high school prom prompted warnings Thursday from Minnesota health officials about the risks of the pandemic and the need for even teenagers to take care and seek out a vaccine.

Although the latest pandemic wave appears to be easing and teenagers are at lower risk of severe COVID-19, a lack of caution in this mobile age group could upset Minnesota's progress, said Kris Ehresmann, state infectious disease director.

"We need people to do their part, even when it's hard, especially when it's hard," she said, encouraging mask-wearing in crowds, social distancing and staying home when sick to reduce chances for viral transmission.

More than 1,000 COVID-19 infections have been reported in pre-K through 12-grade students in Minnesota in each of the last two weeks, according to a weekly pandemic report released Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Health. Those numbers exceeded the weekly counts during the severe pandemic wave late last year and raised concerns about school-age children and teens fueling viral spread.

The state on Thursday reported 15 COVID-19 deaths and 1,921 infections with the coronavirus that causes the respiratory disease  raising Minnesota's pandemic totals to 7,128 deaths and 573,938 known infections.

State health officials hoped to make COVID-19 prevention easier for teens on one front this week by prioritizing access for 16- and 17-year-olds to appointments for the Pfizer vaccine at the state's Mall of America site. Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for those ages, while the cutoff for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines is 18.

Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday said teens are important to Minnesota's goal of a statewide 80% COVID-19 vaccination rate that could stifle the spread of the virus.

"To get to herd immunity we need to protect as many people as possible, and that includes teens," Walz said.

Pictures from last weekend's Marshall High School prom showed students, indoors and outdoors, huddled without masks. Ehresmann said health officials checked and found that the school did enforce COVID-19 protocols and that some pictures were taken off-site.

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One picture showed 20 students packed together in the high school cafeteria, but Marshall Superintendent Jeremy Williams said that was a brief moment after which the students were directed back to their tables.

"At no time would we ever intentionally put our students' health and safety at risk," he said.

Health officials also are concerned about infections emerging from the outdoor demonstrations in Brooklyn Center following the April 11 fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright. Ehresmann said 11 infections have been found among law enforcement personnel and 11 among demonstrators who were at the site, though there hasn't been genomic sequencing done to link their cases.

The lack of infections following the George Floyd demonstrations last summer surprised health officials  given the amount of shouting and singing and even the police use of tear gas that caused heavy breathing  but new viral variants could elevate risks this year.

An estimated 60% to 70% of infections in Minnesota right now are believed to be caused by a more infectious B.1.1.7 variant first identified in England.

The state also has found 88 infections involving the B1351 variant first found in South Africa and 65 involving the P.1 variant first found in Brazil.

The hospitalization rate is higher in these two infection groups, and the average age of the hospitalized patients is only 37, Ehresmann said. "We're seeing these variants impacting younger ages, we're seeing higher case severity and we're seeing more evidence of domestic transmission."

Despite the emergence of variants, key indicators suggest the latest pandemic wave is easing. The seven-day average positivity rate of diagnostic testing in Minnesota has declined from 7.5% on April 8 to 6.4%.

Pressure on hospitals has lessened, too. The number of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota hospital inpatient beds had increased from 210 on March 6 to 699 on April 17, but declined to 644 on Wednesday.

Increased surveillance testing is likely padding the number of infections found in students, including in those who have no symptoms.

Deaths and severe cases are rare in children and teenagers, though Minnesota reported its third COVID-19 pediatric death this week, coincidentally in Marshall, of a first-grader.

State health officials said it is important to identify even asymptomatic infections in students to try to slow the pandemic and maintain in-person learning as well as proms and graduations.

Infection numbers involving pre-K-12 educators have not increased in this latest wave, largely because they were prioritized along with senior citizens for the earliest, limited supplies of COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly 800 infections were found among pre-K-12 educators in the week ending Nov. 14, compared with less than 200 last week.

Minnesota on Thursday reported that more than 2.5 million people have received some COVID-19 vaccine  amounting to 57% of the state's eligible population  and that more than 1.8 million people have completed the one- or two-dose series.

Nearly 87% of senior citizens in Minnesota have received some vaccine  a key target group that has suffered 89% of the state's COVID-19 deaths. State health officials believe vaccination progress in that group explains why COVID-19 deaths have not increased over the past month at the same rate as infections and hospitalizations.

Jeremy Olson  612-673-7744
Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made history April 28 as the first women  one of them Black and Indian American  to share the stage in Congress during a presidential address. (Melina Mara-Pool/Getty Images)
President Biden entered the White House with an ambitious immigration agenda, promising not only to undo the harmful policies imposed by his predecessor but to completely reform the U.S. immigration system into one that is more efficient, welcoming and humane.

One hundred days later, immigration experts generally agree that Biden has made some notable strides in the right direction but has a lot more work to do in order to deliver on those lofty promises.

Only focusing on the reversal of some of the harm that Trump inflicted upon immigrants, refugees and border communities is crucial, but its not progress, said Erika Andiola, chief advocacy officer at RAICES, a nonprofit that provides legal services to immigrant and refugee families, in a statement. Progress and justice for the immigrant community means completely undoing every hurtful policy and going beyond the status quo of the Obama administration and his predecessors.

Migrants and asylum seekers demonstrate at the San Ysidro crossing between Tijuana, Mexico, and California on March 23. (Guillermo Arias/AFP via Getty Images)

As a candidate, Biden was particularly critical of the Trump administrations policies that sought to limit access to protections in the U.S. for asylum seekers and refugees. Upon entering office, he quickly issued a number of executive orders to roll back some of those harshest policies, such as the Migrant Protection Protocols, which forced asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases were adjudicated in U.S. immigration court.

But Greg Chen, senior director of government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said that while Biden has taken some steps to improve asylum procedures, he has not executed on promises that he made to welcome asylum seekers to the United States, as well as refugees.

On a call with reporters Thursday, Chen outlined some of the key findings from the associations newly published review of Bidens immigration actions during his first 100 days in office. Humanitarian protections, he said, are one of the areas in which the administration has made the least progress, and has even backed away from some of [Bidens] pledges.

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Asylum-seeking migrant families ride on an inflatable raft to cross the Rio Grande into the United States on April 22. (Go Nakamura/Getty Images)

Perhaps the most blatant example came earlier this month, when the White House announced that Biden would keep the refugee admissions ceiling for fiscal year 2021 at 15,000  the historically low number set by Donald Trump  instead of raising it to 62,500, as hed previously promised. The White House walked back the announcement after it drew significant backlash from prominent congressional Democrats. In a statement, White House press secretary Jen Psaki insisted that Bidens decision had been the subject of some confusion and that the president was expected to set a final, increased refugee cap for the remainder of this fiscal year by May 15.

For the past few weeks, he has been consulting with his advisers to determine what number of refugees could realistically be admitted to the United States between now and Oct. 1, read Psakis statement. Given the decimated refugee admissions program we inherited, and burdens on the Office of Refugee Resettlement, his initial goal of 62,500 seems unlikely.

Psaki also noted that while Trumps 15,000 cap would remain in place, at least for now, Biden had ordered flights to resume for refugees from key regions that had previously been banned under Trump.

Reporting from the Washington Post and New York Times later revealed that Bidens reversal on refugees was motivated by concerns over political pressure stemming from the recent surge of migrants, largely from Central America, arriving at the southern border.

We recognize that there is substantial controversy about an influx of migrants coming in at the southern border, said Chen. He argued that the controversy is being used by those resistant to [Bidens] vision of a more welcoming America ... to impede any kind of reform.

Whether Biden will commit to carrying out that vision in the face of future political challenges is going to be a real test of the president's leadership, said Chen.

Migrants attempt to cross the Rio Bravo from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, to Texas on March 9. (David Peinado/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Chen also pointed to Bidens continued use of a controversial public health order, known as Title 42, which was first implemented under the Trump administration at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to effectively seal off the southern border to migrants. Unlike Trump, Biden has made unaccompanied migrant children exempt from being expelled at the border under Title 42. But the order is still being used to quickly remove the majority of migrants caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border without documentation, including asylum-seeking families with young children.

According to a recent Los Angeles Times analysis of government data, U.S. officials have conducted more than 630,000 expulsions along the U.S.-Mexico border since Title 42 was implemented in March 2020, with roughly 240,000 since Biden was inaugurated in January. Of the expulsions carried out under the current administration, nearly 32,000 were of migrant children and their parents. The Los Angeles Times found that by forcibly sending thousands of vulnerable Central American migrants to some of the most dangerous cities south of the Mexican border, Title 42 is fueling the kidnappings of migrants and the extortion of their relatives in the United States.

The policy has been widely condemned by public health experts as well as immigrant and human rights advocates. Human Rights Watch, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and several Democratic senators, including then-Sen. Kamala Harris, have argued that it violates both U.S. and international asylum laws.

Migrants from Central America disembark from an inflatable boat after crossing the Rio Grande before turning themselves over to Border Patrol agents on March 29. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images)

"Significantly fewer families are being allowed to access asylum" under the Biden administration than under Trump, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy counsel for the American Immigration Council, told members of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation & Operations during a hearing on unaccompanied children at the border this week.

Nonetheless, Biden hasnt backed away from Title 42, but rather he has pointed to the continued expulsion of most families and single adults amid a surge of migration from Central America to the U.S. as proof that the border is not open, contrary to the claims of both smugglers and Bidens Republican critics. The White House did not respond to a request for comment from Yahoo News on Title 42, but administration officials have previously defended its use of the Trump-era policy. On a call with reporters earlier this week, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the order is a public health imperative not only to protect the American public but also to importantly protect the migrants themselves, and would remain in place until it is no longer needed.

On Thursday, BuzzFeed News reported that the Biden administration is considering a plan to offer certain particularly vulnerable migrants a chance to enter the U.S. with a humanitarian exception to the Title 42 policy. The BuzzFeed report notes that under the potential new process, which is still being finalized, Department of Homeland Security officials are expected to still turn around the vast majority of immigrants at the border.

President Biden speaks to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. (Melina Mara/Washington Post via Bloomberg)

Biden briefly touched on immigration during his address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night. He referenced the effort, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, to get at the root of the problem of why people are fleeing to our southern border from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and called on members of Congress to pass immigration reform legislation.

But even some of his allies in Congress, such as Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., were disappointed that the presidents speech did not include a specific plan to address the current influx of migrants at the southern border. In an interview with Politico on Thursday, Kelly, who is already facing Republican criticism over the border situation ahead of his reelection bid next year, called for more federal resources for what I would say is a crisis on the border in Arizona and Texas and promised to "continue holding this administration accountable.

Reichlin-Melnick and Jorge Loweree, policy director of the American Immigration Council, released their own report Thursday on the Biden administrations progress so far on eliminating the Trump-era restrictions to legal immigration, and the significant barriers that remain.

President Biden's first 100 days were a success in signaling a very different and new way forward on immigration, Loweree told reporters Thursday. His next hundred days must be characterized by meaningful action to address the ongoing hardship experienced by immigrants and their families created by Trump's invisible wall."

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The Perth man accused of shooting former Rebels boss Nick Martin is facing a string of new charges including possessing a silencer and driving a vehicle with false number plates.

The allegations were read to the 34-year-old on Friday during his third court appearance since his arrest in March over the December 12 shooting at Perth Motorplex.

The identity of the man accused of murdering Nick Martin has been suppressed. Credit:Facebook

Already charged with murder and two counts of acting unlawfully with intent to harm, the man  whose identity is suppressed  had five more charges added by WA Police; failing to provide storage facilities for a firearm or ammunition, possessing a silencer, possessing a prohibited drug, contravening a learners permit and driving a vehicle with false plates.

The new charges came about through the homicide investigation, the mans lawyer David Manera confirmed.
More than a year before the election, U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin is already in a position to secure the Conservative Party's designation for governor.

The Broome County Conservative Party endorsed Zeldin on Thursday. It's the 15th county Conservative Party committee that is supporting the Suffolk County congressman's gubernatorial campaign.

With the Broome County committee's endorsement, Zeldin has secured the backing of chairs and committees representing more than 50% of the weighted note needed to earn the party's designation.

"The report that New York will lose another congressional representative in Washington, D.C., is just the most recent evidence that one-party rule in Albany has failed and continues to accelerate the decline of our state," said Aaron Martin, who chairs the Broome County Conservative Party. "We need new executive leadership in Albany to get back on the right track. Lee Zeldin is the family man, veteran and true public servant that can get that job done."

Zeldin, who announced his candidacy for governor three weeks ago, has quickly won the support of Republican and Conservative committees across the state. He is also on the verge of having enough GOP endorsements to secure his party's designation.
New Delhi: The sixteenth legislative assembly election of Tamil Nadu was held on April 6 and the counting of votes will take place on May 2.

The main contest is between the ruling AIADMK-BJP alliance led by incumbent Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami and the DMK-Congress alliance led by MK Stalin. Other parties in the fray include Kamal Hassan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and TTV Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK).

According to the exit polls, DMK is in a strong position to win the elections.

Here are the five key candidates to watch out for:

1. MK Stalin  Contesting from Kolathur yet again, the DMK Chief and former CM M. Karunanidhis son looks in a comfortable position to retain his seat. He has previously held the position of Deputy Chief Minister of the state from 2009 to 2011.

2. Edappadi Palaniswami  A four-time legislator from Edappadi constituency, Palaniswami took the reins of the state in 2017 after the death of former CM J Jayalalithaa. He replaced O Panneerselvam who had resigned from the post.

3. Udhayanidhi Stalin  DMK scion Udhayanidhi is an actor and producer and has worked in several Tamil films. He currently holds the Youth Wing Secretary position in the party and is making his poll debut. He is contesting from Chepauk- Thiruvallikeni seat.

4. Kamal Haasan  Another actor-turned-politician, although a much more popular one, Kamal Haasan is contesting polls from Coimbatore South. He formed his own party, MNM, in 2018. His party had a poor showing in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, but Haasan is hoping for a better performance here.

5. TTV Dhinakaran  VK Sasikalas nephew who formed AMMK is fighting the election from Kovilpatti seat. He was expelled from AIADMK along with his aunt in 2017. Though he won by-poll from RK Nagar seat in 2017, he has chosen to contest from Kovilpatti this time.

Live TV
Brian Johnston, the man accused of killing Gold Coast mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson, has woken from his coma, wrapped in bandages and speaking in whispers.

His lawyer, Chris Hannay, confirmed Mr Johnston was brought out of a coma on Thursday by doctors in the burns unit at Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital.

Kelly Wilkinson and Brian Johnston. Credit:Facebook

Mr Hannay said police notified Mr Johnston that he had been charged with murder.

We went into the room and he recognised me from talking to him the week before, Mr Hannay said.
Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Strategic Industries Oleh Urusky has discussed the reform of the state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom at a meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions of the G7 countries and the EU Delegation to Ukraine, according to a statement posted on the government's website.

Urusky familiarized the participants in the meeting with the current situation around the Ministry for Strategic Industries, saying that all appropriate documents have been adopted for the full operation of the newly created central government agency, the statement said.

During the discussion, special attention was paid to the reform of Ukroboronprom and the domestic defense industry in general, as well as the process of adopting bill No. 3822 "On the peculiarities of reforming state-owned enterprises of the defense industry."

Urusky spoke about his vision of reforms and the role of the Ministry for Strategic Industries in this process - the formation of policy in the field of strategic industries.

He noted that the ministry had prepared a draft strategy for reforming Ukraine's defense industry, which has been approved by the government and is currently being considered by the President's Office and the National Security and Defense Council.

"In the future, the decision on this document, including the vision of the reform of Ukroboronprom, will be made by the president of Ukraine," Urusky said, adding that he remains a supporter of creating holding companies with fundamentally different functions.

According to him, the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of bill No. 3822 at second reading will undoubtedly be an important step in the corporatization of state-owned enterprises of the defense industry.

"However, this should be a supporting document for the reform of the defense industry. The current legal framework allows us to start corporatization right now," Urusky said.

The heads of diplomatic missions of the G7 countries and the EU Delegation to Ukraine expressed their readiness to assist in providing professional assistance in the reform process in Ukraine.

op
State lawmakers have voted to make it easier for Alabamas wineries to get bottles of their wine into stores around the state.

Under existing law, manufacturers of alcoholic beverages may only sell their products to consumers in limited quantities on their licensed premises. If those manufacturers want to sell their products at other retailers, such as wine shops or grocery stores, they must first sell their products to a distributor or wholesaler. The distributor, in turn, will sell the products to stores.

Winemakers in Alabama could soon be allowed to sell their wine directly to retailers instead of having to use a distributor to get their products onto shelves at grocery stores and wine shops.

The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday voted to advance S.B. 294, which would allow licensed wineries in the state or small farm wineries to sell and transport their wines directly to licensed retailers as long as the winery collects and pays all required taxes, packages and labels wine in accordance with state and federal laws, and reports its annual production of wine to the Alabama ABC Board. Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Cherokee County) introduced the bill in March.

Other provisions of the bill: Wineries must use their employees to deliver wine for sale off premises, and employees must make the deliveries in a vehicle owned or leased by the winery.

Lawmakers voted to pass an amended substitute to S.B. 294 which was presented by Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur). Collins, who carried the bill on the floor Thursday, presented a friendly amendment to the measure with language that would ensure the bill included all of the wineries in the state.

The amendment, she explained, expanded the definition of small farm wineries beyond manufacturers who produce less than 50,000 gallons of table wine.

If a winery owns not less than eight acres of vineyard in the state, they may also participate, said Collins. [The bill] is for Alabama wineries and we have left out one that has been in business for a long time and our intent is not to leave out any Alabama wineries.

House members voted 88 to one to pass the amended bill. The bill will go back to Senate for final consideration before heading to the governor for her signature. If passed, the law would go into effect in July.

The approval of S.B. 294 comes nearly a week after Gov. Kay Ivey passed another law that eases restrictions on Alabama wineries.

On April 23, Gov. Ivey signed S.B. 167. Nicknamed the wine festival bill, the act allows wineries to sell their products directly to consumers at special events such as wine festivals. The measure also allows wine manufacturers to host large tasting events with other wineries in the state without going through a distributor. It also permits certain organizations such as arts districts to apply for licenses to host wine events without having to go through a distributor.

The law goes into effect in October.

Earlier 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. That law will also go into effect in October.

H.B. 437, a bill sponsored by Collins, 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. Both the House and the Senate have approved the measure, and the bill will soon head to the governor for her signature.
Good level of activity in France and China

Return of the activity in France and China, penalized in Q1 2020 by the health crisis.

Regulatory News:

SuperSonic Imagine (Paris:ALSSI) (Euronext Growth: ALSSI, FR0010526814, PEA-PME eligible, the "Company"), a company specializing in ultrasound medical imaging, today announces its sales for the first quarter 2021.

In thousands of euros unaudited 2021 2020 Change Products 5,805 4,153 +40% % of total revenue 90% 85% Services 621 732 -15% % of total revenue 10% 15% 1st quarter sales 6,426 4,885 32% Other revenue* 26 Total Q1 revenue 6,426 4,911 31%

*This revenue is non recurrent by nature and is not part of the Company's core business.

SuperSonic Imagine recorded sales of 6.4 million in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 32% compared to the same period in 2020. This growth is mainly due to the increase of sales in China, a market that was impacted by the health crisis in Q1 2020.

Product sales increased by 40%, while Services sales declined by 15%. Services accounted for 10% of quarterly sales, compared with 12% in Q1 2020.

More specifically in SuperSonic Imagine's core markets, revenues in China amounted to 3, 277 thousand. In France, revenues also increased by 68% to 848 thousand.

Overall, sales in Asia and Europe rose by +71% and +68%, while revenues in the Americas fell by -6%.

Outlook

The Group's management continue to closely monitor the epidemic's progress in each geographical region concerned and is applying all necessary measures to protect its employees, clients and partners (thus partaking in the global effort aimed at limiting the spread of virus). At the same time, the Group is implementing all health protection measures to continue essential logistic activities enabling orders to be distributed and shipped.

Within a global economic context that remains extremely uncertain, the Group is implementing every measure at its disposal to protect itself within this environment. However, with the pandemic having affected every geographical region in which the Group operates, SuperSonic Imagine is not in a position to guarantee that it will not be more seriously impacted, notably in view of the economic consequences of the extended lockdown measures in France and every other country in which it is present (notably the United States, particularly hard hit by the Covid-19 crisis). In these conditions, the SuperSonic Imagine group's companies could see their sales, profitability and cash flow affected, although to what extent exactly is currently still difficult to assess.

About SuperSonic Imagine

SuperSonic Imagine is a medical technology company (Medtech) specialized in ultrasound imaging. The company designs, develops and markets an ultrasound platform whose exclusive ultrafast technology (UltraFast) has given rise to new imaging methods, which have now become standards in the non-invasive care path for the characterization of breast, liver or prostate diseases. The first innovative mode UltraFast is ShearWave elastography (SWE), which allows doctors to instantly visualize and analyze tissue hardness, which is critical information for the diagnosis of many pathologies. To date, more than 600 publications have validated the benefits of its technologies. The latest addition to the Aixplorer range, Aixplorer MACH 30 introduces a new generation of imaging UltraFast allowing the optimization of all innovative imaging modes: ShearWave PLUS, UltraFast Doppler, Angio PL.U.S, TriVu. With almost 3,000 ultrasound platforms installed worldwide, SuperSonic Imagine is present in more than 54 countries and its main markets are China, the United States and France. The group's revenues for the 2020 financial year amounted to 19.2 million. SuperSonic Imagine is a company listed on Euronext (symbol: SSI). For more information, visit www.supersonicimagine.fr.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210430005234/en/

Contacts:

Contacts Investor Relations

NewCap

Thomas Grojean

supersonicimagine@newcap.eu

+33 44 71 94 94
The House voted 350-71 Wednesday evening to pass legislation that would limit U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia as a consequence of the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi forces.

Why it matters: President Biden came into office promising a "recalibration" of the U.S.' relationship with the Kingdom, as some critics say the U.S. hasn't gone far enough to punish Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Flashback: Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) reintroduced the bill in February, noting its intention is to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for the killing of Khashoggi.

"Justice for Jamal demands a complete re-evaluation of the U.S. relationship with the Kingdom. The Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act will do that," Connolly said a the time.

The big picture: The "Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2021" would restrict the sale and export of arms unless the White House "certifies to the Congress that the Saudi government is not violating the human rights of dissidents or detainees."

Of note: The president would be able to waive the limit in cases of national security necessity.

The president would be able to waive the limit in cases of national security necessity. The bill would require the White House to report to Congress about the repression of dissidents in Saudi Arabia.

The halt would apply for 120 days, with the option to be renewed for a total of three years.

What's next: The bill will go to the Senate for a vote.
Crude prices closed the books on an April that saw them boosted by increasing confidence in global economic recovery and oil demand.

West Texas Intermediate on the New York Exchange gained 7.5 percent during the month and ended the final week of April with a 2.3 percent gain, according to Bloomberg. Still, prices ended the week by sinking $1.43 to close at $63.58 per barrel, ending a three-day winning streak. Prices closed Monday at $61.91 per barrel. The posted price ended the week at $60.06, according to Plains All-American.

Natural gas on the NYMEX had a positive week, rising four of five trading days. Prices closed Friday at $2.93 per Mcf, up 2 cents and up from $2.79 at Mondays close.

WTI has traded in a relatively narrow range since February. Were not quite out of that range, at least not yet, even with recent gains, Timothy Fitzgerald, associate professor, business economics at Texas Techs Rawls College of Business, told the Reporter-Telegram by email.

Fitzgerald offered a short-term and a long-term view of oil prices. Short-term fluctuations, he said, are harder to explain than the long-term story.

Commercial crude oil inventories have been drawn down over the past few weeks. That might be the best short-term explanation that I can think of, he said.

He continued, The longer-term story is more relevant and interesting in my view, and has a lot to do with gradual opening up of the U.S. economy. We had a very strong advance first quarter GDP number - 6.4 percent at an annualized rate. WTI was up $1 today (Thursday), providing some credence to the short-term good news view. Maybe it will be enough to break out of the range weve had since February when vaccines started to become a bit more widely available.

The flip side to that bullish view is that the oil price depends on global economic conditions, and it seems that the pandemic is not quite done with the rest of the world. Reports of Chinese growth, while still high by developed economy standards, are somewhat more modest than what weve seen in recent years, he said.

Fitzgerald said even the 6.4 percent advance first quarter GDP figure was below some of the more optimistic forecasts that were out there, citing the Atlanta Feds GDPNow, which was 8.1 or 8.2 percent, and granted that that methodology is not perfect.

In summary, he concluded, my thought is that prices have been boosted a bit by growing domestic momentum, but the uneven global recovery is likely to keep a lid on the upside, at least for now.

Steve Pruett, president and chief executive officer of Elevation Resources, told the Reporter-Telegram by email he believes oil prices above $60 feel unsustainable given the fragile supply-demand balance.

He pointed to plans by the members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producing nations to restore 2.1 million barrels of oil per day of its cuts from May to July, at which time cuts to reported OPEC+ capacity will still be 5.8 million barrels per day. Higher prices encourage members to cheat, which is bound to happen, he said, while the Biden administrations hints toward removing sanctions on Iran will put another 1.5 million barrels per day on the market.

On the demand side, China reports its oil demand is well above pre-COVID levels, but India is struggling with a surge in COVID infections and deaths and its petroleum product demand remains well below pre-COVID levels due to renewed lockdowns on travel, Pruett said.

He concluded, I think oil will trade back into the high $50s until the post-COVID recovery is more visible.

Bloomberg reported that the near-certain likelihood of higher fuel consumption in the U.S., China and the U.K has brightened the overall demand outlook, even as a resurgent pandemic in countries such as India, Brazil and Japan cloud those prospects. OPEC and its allies see world consumption rebounding by 6 million barrels a day this year, while Goldman Sachs Group Inc. this week said demand could post a record jump as vaccination rates increase.

The U.S. is going to lead the demand recovery and now that COVID cases are declining across most of western Europe, theres excitement around a strong pickup in global economic activity and improved air travel in the coming months, Edward Moya, senior market analyst at Oanda Corp., told Bloomberg. But to take out the March highs, the situation in India needs to be heading in the right direction.
This is the hilarious moment a Parisian woman films a takeaway delivery rider picking up her food from a restaurant across the street from her apartment.

The woman, identified only as Laurene P, said described herself as 'lazy' but explained that she could not pick the food up herself as she was under curfew due to Covid-19.

She filmed the driver leave the restaurant carrying her food in a brown bag to his scooter - which was almost directly underneath her window.

Laurene P ordered food to be delivered from a restaurant directly across her apartment

The delivery man had no idea that as he got on his bike he was directly outside his destination

The courier placed food inside a special thermal bag before he checked his phone for directions to the delivery.

After a few moments double checking the directions, the rider realises that he is directly outside his destination.

Laurene P, who is a digital acquisition product manager for a large company and yoga teacher, said she could not leave her home after 7pm because of Covid-19 restrictions.

In a commentary to go with her video, she wrote: 'I had to order food from across the street because of the 7pm curfew and this is what happened.

'Delivery guy getting ready for his longest ride making sure everything is nice and packed for the road.

'Checking the best itinerary so there's not too much traffic.

'He finally made it after a longggg ride (and he looks mad, sorry)

'My lazy ass is about to get foooood.'

More than 1.5 million people have viewed the video on TikTok.

One viewer asked why the delivery rider was allowed to ignore the curfew.

She responded: 'They have a government paper. I don't because my company has a full work from home policy.'

Others wondered why she had not ordered her food earlier.

Laurene replied: 'I had planned to cook a hellofresh meal but got lazy and in the mood for cheese and charcuterie on baguette. I'm a french cliche.'

Laurene P described herself as 'lazy' having ordered food from directly across the street

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced an easing of the nation's Covid-19 restrictions, with the reopening of outdoor terraces of cafes and restaurants on May 19, when the nightly curfew will be pushed back to 9pm.

The governments plan provides for permitting foreign tourists back into France on June 9 as long as they hold a 'sanitary pass' with proof of a Covid-19 vaccine or a negative PCR test.

On that same day, cafes and restaurants will be allowed to resume regular service until an 11pm curfew. Events of up to 5,000 people will be allowed.

The final stage of the plan will see the end of the night-time curfew and the lifting of most restrictions on June 30, although nightclubs will remain closed.

France is reporting about 29,000 new confirmed cases each day, down from about 40,000 earlier this month.

More than 5,800 Covid-19 patients are in the country's hospital intensive care units, a slight decrease from previous days.

France has reported almost 104,000 virus-related deaths in the pandemic.
An essential feature of your legislation is requiring these safety technologies as standard equipment on all new vehicles  all trucks, buses, and cars.

Families of truck crash victims with the Truck Safety Coalition today applauded U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) for introducing legislation, the Protecting Roadside First Responders Act (S.1386, H.R. 2867) to require advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on all new cars, trucks and buses. These innovative technologies include automatic emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warnings (FCW) systems, which could prevent more than 2 out of 5 crashes in which a large truck rear-ends another vehicle. Equipping all new vehicles with these technologies also has been endorsed by the National Transportation Safety Board and was included in their April 2021 release of the Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements.

WHY:

Last year alone, more than 5,000 people were killed in truck crashes in the U.S., representing a 46 percent increase since 2009. Additionally, nearly 150,000 were injured. In fatal crashes involving a large truck and passenger vehicle, 96 percent of fatalities were car occupants, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The annual cost of truck crashes exceeds $143 billion. These crashes impose both a steep emotional and economic cost on our society, the families stated in their letter to the Senate and House bill sponsors.

Many automakers offer ADAS on new vehicles, but they are often only available at additional costs, which many families cannot afford. Mandating these technological vaccines will make their crash prevention benefits available to all. As with other auto safety features, mandating a federal safety standard typically accelerates widespread adoption of technologies, reduces the cost, and sets minimum performance requirements.

The full text of the Truck Safety Coalition letter to Senators Durbin and Duckworth and Representative Bustos in support of S.1386 and H.R. 2867 is below. Some family members are available for news interviews.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY



Dawn King (Michigan)

President, Truck Safety Coalition. Dawns father, Bill Badger, was killed while slowed in traffic when he was hit from behind by a semi-truck driver in 2004.



Tami Friedrich Trakh (California)

Board Member, Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways and Truck Safety Coalition. Tamis sister, Kris, brother-in-law, Alan, and two of their children, Brandie and Anthony, were killed in 1989 when a tanker truck overturned in front of them and exploded.

TRUCK SAFETY COALITION LETTER TO SENATORS DURBIN & DUCKWORTH AND REP. BUSTOS

April 30, 2021

The Honorable Richard Durbin

The Honorable Tammy Duckworth

U.S. Senate

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Cheri Bustos

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Sen. Durbin, Sen. Duckworth and Rep. Bustos,

We are writing to commend your determined leadership and dedication to improving safety on our roads with the recent introduction of the Protecting Roadside First Responders (S.1386, H.R.2868). When this lifesaving bill is enacted into law and the safety reforms are implemented, we will finally realize significant and sustained reductions in highway crashes, deaths, injuries, and costs. As survivors of large truck crashes, as well as family members whose loved ones were needlessly killed or injured in a large truck crash, we share your goal of advancing laws and government regulations to achieve safer vehicles, safer drivers, and safer roads for everyone.

The annual death and injury toll of truck crashes in the United States is staggering. In the past year alone, more than 5,000 people were killed in truck crashes, representing a 46 percent increase since 2009. Additionally, nearly 150,000 were injured. In fatal crashes involving a large truck and passenger vehicle, 96 percent of fatalities were car occupants, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The annual cost of truck crashes exceeds $143 billion. These crashes impose both a steep emotional and economic cost on our society.

This is a critical time in our country for highway and auto safety. Cost-effective and commonsense solutions are available now, but unfortunately, they are not being required. Your legislation changes that. Equipping trucks with crash avoidance technologies like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning (FCW) systems could eliminate more than two out of five crashes in which a large truck rear-ends another vehicle, according to IIHS research.

An essential feature of your legislation is requiring these safety technologies as standard equipment on all new vehicles  all trucks, buses, and cars. For years, and more recently in April, the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended that these crash avoidance systems be universally required. At a time when we are acknowledging transportation inequities across the country, your legislation is a major step towards addressing safety inequities. There should be no winners and losers in providing this safety vaccine on our neighborhood streets and highways, no matter the efforts made by special trucking interests and others to be excluded from the requirements.

Your commitment to advancing comprehensive solutions to stop the unnecessary and unacceptable carnage on our roads is greatly appreciated. Our families are committed to working with you to enact this vital legislation to prevent others from suffering pain and loss because of a preventable truck crash.

Sincerely,

Dawn King, President, Truck Safety Coalition & Board Member, Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways (CRASH). (Michigan)

Dawns father, Bill Badger, was killed in 2004 while slowed in traffic when he was hit from behind by a semi driver who had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Daphne and Steve Izer, Founders and Co-Chair, Parents Against Tired Truckers (P.A.T.T.) & Board Members, Truck Safety Coalition. (Maine)

Daphne and Steves son, Jeff, and three of his friends were killed in 1993 when a semi driver fell asleep at the wheel and ran over the car as it was parked on the shoulder.

Russell Swift, Co-Chair, P.A.T.T. & Board Member, Truck Safety Coalition (Maine)

Russs son, Jasen, was killed instantly, as was a fellow Marine, while they drove in the dark to work in 1993, by a 17-year-old truck driver &without a permit whose truck was stuck across two lanes after trying a U-turn, causing the car to drive into and under the side of the trailer.

Jane Mathis, Vice President, Truck Safety Coalition & Board Member, P.A.T.T. (Florida)

Janes 23-year-old son, David, and his bride, Mary Kathryn, were killed while on their way home from their honeymoon in 2004 when they were stopped in traffic and hit from behind by a semi whose driver fell asleep at the wheel. The car became wedged under the truck, then exploded.

Jennifer M. Tierney, Board Member, CRASH & Truck Safety Coalition. (North Carolina)

Jennifers father, James Mooney, was killed on a dark, rural road in 1983 when he crashed into a truck with no visible lights blocking the roadway.

Tami Friedrich Trakh, Board Member, CRASH & Truck Safety Coalition. (California)

Tamis sister, Kris, brother-in-law, Alan, and two of their children, Brandie and Anthony, were killed in 1989 when a tanker truck overturned in front of them and exploded.

Nikki Weingartner, Board Member, P.A.T.T. & Truck Safety Coalition. (Hawaii)

Nikkis husband, Virgil Hensley, was killed in 1997 when a truck driver ran a stop sign at an intersection, killing him instantly.

Linda Wilburn, Board Member, P.A.T.T. & Truck Safety Coalition. (Oklahoma)

Linda and Gary Wilburns son, Orbie, was killed in 2002 when a tired truck driver slammed into his car.

Brenda and Chuck Young (Kentucky)

Brenda and Chuck are parents of Detective Deidre Mengedoht, who was killed as a first responder in December 2018 when a semi-truck hit her cruiser which was stopped on the side of the I-64, sending her into the disabled pickup truck in front of her. Her cruiser burst into flames and Detective Mengedoht was killed.

Eileen Kosc (Delaware)

Eileen was driving home from the beach in slow traffic in 2013 with her sons, Brandon and Bryan, when she was struck from behind by an inattentive box truck driver who failed to slow down. The truck continued on to hit four other vehicles before coming to a stop. Eileen and Brandon were taken to the hospital with injuries. Bryan did not survive. Bryan was 7 years old.

Ed Slattery (Maryland)

Eds wife, Susan, was killed, and his sons, Peter and Matthew, were severely injured in 2010 when they were rear-ended by a truck driver who fell asleep. Lifetime costs for Matthews care alone are estimated to be $35 - $45 million. Eds journey since the crash has been documented in the book, The Long Blink, the true story of trauma, forgiveness, and one mans fight for safer roads, by award-winning Baltimore reporter and author, Brian Kuebler.

Paula Tolliver (Ohio)

On December 7, 2018, Paulas granddaughter, Teresa Howell, was working on U.S. 33 replacing a guardrail when a semi driver veered off the road. Teresa was hit and killed. The driver did not stop, and when he was found, he stated he did not realize he had hit anything. The driver of this semi had killed another person in a similar crash less than 6 months prior. Teresa left behind two sons, ages 5 and 6.

Elissa Schee (Florida)

Elissas 13-year-old daughter, Margay, was riding home from school in a school bus in 2008 that was struck from behind by a semi and burst into flames.

Larry and Patty Liberatore (Maryland)

Larry and Patty Liberatores son, Nick, was killed in 1997 by a fatigued truck driver who drove his semi over their sons vehicle.

Pamela Biddle (Georgia)

In 2017, Pamelas 23-year-old son, Aaron Lee, his father, Brian Lee, and Brian's partner, Stephanie Swaim, were killed when they were stopped in interstate highway traffic caused by a semi with a wheel fire and hit from behind by another semi which failed to slow. The semi driver also perished.

Roy Crawford (Kentucky)

Roys son, Guy Champ Crawford, was killed in 1994 by an overloaded coal truck that had poor conspicuity and no underride guards. Roy is a retired forensic engineer who has reconstructed many fatal truck crashes.

Nancy Meuleners (Minnesota)

Nancy was severely injured in 1989 when her vehicle slid under the back of a semi stopped in traffic without emergency flashers illuminated. She has had over 40 surgeries to reconstruct her face and mouth and expects there will be more.

Laura and Richard Fredricks (New Jersey)

Laura and Richards daughter, Emily, was killed while riding her bicycle to work in 2017 when a sanitation truck turned in front of her.

Catherine DeSalvo (New Jersey)

Catherines husband, Jim, was killed while riding his bike in 2019, when the tire flew off of an overweight, unmaintained dump truck and hit him.

Purushottam & Mina K P Panthee (New York)

In 2020, Purushottam and Miras 10-year-old son, Shree, was killed, and Mira has serious, life-threatening injuries, from a collision in a school cross walk with a Queens, NY, sanitation truck. In Purushottams words: It is not just the physical wounds but she (Mira), along with our whole family, is suffering from mental pain. We are a victims family and want to request the U.S. government to impose more regulations for truck safety and pedestrian rights to save lives.

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When it comes to home improvements, I am generally methodical and conservative, agonizing over colors, researching materials and lining up contractors months in advance. Normally, I wouldnt be the kind of person to gut the most critical room in my house in the midst of historic supply and labor shortages. But you have not seen my kitchen.

Last updated sometime around 1980, it has faded blue floral wallpaper, Formica countertops and vinyl tile flooring that, I am sad to say, is held together with packaging tape. Most of the lighting is fluorescent, and not all of it works anymore  which, because its fluorescent, isnt entirely a bad thing. But the room is dark and the layout is miserable.

My husband and I had planned to renovate the room last spring, and had already designed the space, hired a contractor and selected our cabinets when the country shut down. The kitchen hasnt gotten any younger over this past year. The refrigerator and dishwasher gave up over the summer, and both had to be replaced. The cabinets now look like they could use a break, with some drawers beginning to collapse.

Before we called our contractor back, we considered waiting another year to avoid the pandemic frenzy. But another year would only create more problems. We could end up spending money on more stopgap fixes as the kitchen continues to deteriorate. Plus, the uncertainty isnt going to end anytime soon.

Waiting until next year could mean trading a faster turnaround for higher costs as suppliers pass increases onto consumers, according to Mr. Higgins. And so here we are, joining the legions of Americans frantically ordering granite counters and ceramic tiles, and hoping they show up.

Since I am no fan of surprises, I called up Liz Caan, an interior designer in Newton, Mass., who renovated her own kitchen last year, to find out how her job went. She started the project in June, and because she had ordered her materials before the pandemic, she thought she would be ahead of the curve. When she ran into problems, she pivoted, ordering, for example, the floor model of a Sub-Zero refrigerator when she learned a new one wouldnt arrive for months.

But then came the Carrara marble countertop. The material arrived from Atlanta without a hitch, but the fabricator outside of Boston was backed up with orders that had been delayed during the shutdown, so Ms. Caan found herself at the back of the line. For six weeks, her kitchen sat there, nearly complete, but not functional because without a countertop she couldnt install a faucet.
A pastor was arrested in London over his statement on the Biblical definition of marriage.

Pastor John Sherwood was accused of making "homophobic" comments when he preached outside Uxbridge Station. His arrest was handled unpleasantly that the elderly man complained he was bruised and treated "shamefully," The Daily Mail reported.

Sherwood is a 71-year old grandfather who has been ministering in an evangelical church for 35 years in North London.

"I wasn't making any homophobic comments, I was just defining marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman. I was only saying what the Bible says - I wasn't wanting to hurt anyone or cause offence," Sherwood said.

He also said that he was just doing his job of preaching the Gospel.

"When the police approached me, I explained that I was exercising my religious liberty and my conscience. I was forcibly pulled down from the steps and suffered some injury to my wrist and to my elbow. I do believe I was treated shamefully. It should never have happened," he further said.

He was arrested under Section 5 of the Public Order Act for the said offense. He was held for a night in jail and released without charge but his case will be reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The pastor revealed that the officers also questioned him about his attitude towards gay people.

In the video clip taken during his arrest, the pastor was shown pulled forcibly down a stepladder by officers. He was then handcuffed and taken to the police car.

Arrested for preaching from the Bible in North West London. Pastor Sherwood is 75, notice how the arresting officer kicks him? pic.twitter.com/iwAojPMaNm  Christian Concern (@CConcern) April 27, 2021

A spokesman of Metropolitan Police said that in accordance with their professional standards, the footage showed that the officers did not commit misconduct in Sherwood's arrest.

Pastor Peter Simpson of Penn Free Methodist Church stated that everything Sherwood said during his preaching in the tube station was based in the Bible and never uttered anything abusive.

"You don't have to be an evangelical Christian to be shocked by this. Anyone who cares about liberty should be concerned about what happened in Uxbridge. This is about defending our Christian civilisation, or what is left of it. The belief in Genesis 1:27 is fundamental to Christian belief," he added.

He also said that the pastor's arrest is "a dangerous assault" on speech freedom, as well as the freedom of Christian pastors to preach Biblical teachings in public.

"The State has no right to designate that some parts of God's word are no-go areas," Simpson further stated.

Andrea Williams, Christian Legal Centre's chief executive, was "deeply" concerned about the incident. She said that preaching in public has long been practiced in the country as a symbol of its freedom.

She also said that police should know more about freedom of religion and speech.

Williams blamed cancel culture for such incident but argued that the country's laws on protecting the freedom to preach publicly "are very strong," adding that the center has been defending Christian preachers for more than a decade already and has always won.

This recent incident provides a glimpse at what could happen should Biden's Equality Act become law in America.
Authorities are worried about notorious and unrepentant gang rapist Mohammed Skaf re-entering society as his release date edges closer.

Skaf is seeking parole for the fourth time after being sentenced to nearly 23 years in jail in 2001 for his part in a series of horrific sexual assaults against six teenage girls in Sydney in 2000, led by his brother Bilal.

He was eligible for parole in 2018 but has been repeatedly denied by the State Parole Authority on the advice of the Serious Offenders Review Council.

An artist's impression of how Mohammed Skaf looked when appearing at his adjourned parole hearing in February. Authorities are worried about how the unrepentant rapist will reintegrate into society

Mohammed Skaf, Bilal's younger brother, acted as bait luring girls into situations where the gang - and he - preyed on them during the notorious Sydney gang rapes

Skaf's lawyers are aiming to have the convicted rapist, who is due to be released on January 1, 2024, reclassified to a minimum security clearance meaning he could get day release.

That could allow him to, for example, attend a TAFE course.

Skaf, now 37, appeared before the State Parole Authority by videolink from Junee Correctional Centre, looking unrecognisable from the 17-year-old boy who played a key role in the gang rapes that shocked Australia.

He was heavily built, with dark facial hair, wrinkled face with dark circles around his eyes, NCA NewsWire reported.

He addressed the court only once - to indicate he understood the proceedings.

Discussions centered on what to do with Skaf to prepare him for facing the outside world - something that concerns authorities given he has never admitted responsibility and continues to blame his victims.

SKAF GANG RAMPAGE: A TIMELINE August 10th, 2000: Two teenagers (one 17 and the other 18) were offered drugs. They were taken by car to the gang, who were waiting at Northcote Park in Greenacre. They were forced to perform sex acts on eight men. August 12th, 2000: Mohammed took a 16-year-old friend to his brother and friends. Bilal and another male raped the girl in front of 12 men. August 30th, 2000: Woman known only as Ms C was raped by Mohamed who told her he was going to 'f**k her Leb style'. She was taken to a separate location and raped and assaulted by 14 men for for six hours. September 4th, 2000: Two girls were attacked at a train station and taken to a home where they were assaulted by three men over a five hour period. Advertisement

This has meant he could not be considered low risk.

The State Parole Authority said Skaf should not be released at the end of his sentence 'without the opportunity of external leave or a substantial period of supervised parole'.

'The worrying aspect of it is, that Skaf has been in custody for such a long time and obviously if one pathway is exhausted and can't be achieved, then clearly something needs to be done,' Judge David Frearson said.

'You can't just let someone out in the community (without reintegration) it's just too difficult.'

Last November, concerns were raised about whether Skaf 'could ever progress in classification to allow participation in external leave from prison'.

External leave programs are considered necessary to safely re-integrate long-term prisoners into the community.

In February, Mr Frearson was adamant Skaf 'remains a denier after all these years'.

'He's done the [sex offenders] program, he's still a denier,' Mr Frearson told the parole review.

'What's it going to take for him to acknowledge some responsibility?'

Authorities are hoping Skaf is granted gradual release under structured supervision into the community so he can effectively integrate with society after serving more than half his life in prison.

Mohammed Skaf in a police photo taken at the time of his arrest in October 2000

Junee Correctional Centre, where convicted gang rapist Mohammed Skaf is incarcerated

But lawyers for the state asked the parole bid again be denied meaning he would have to reapply in November.

The parole hearing was adjourned until August 27 to 'to allow for a further assessment of Skaf's conduct in custody and a review of his prison classification'.

Skaf gang ringleader Bilal Skaf received a sentence of 55 years which was later reduced.

He is eligible for parole in 2033 when he will be aged 52.

Nine men in the Lebanese-Australian gang were sentenced to a total of 240 years jail for the crimes.
The provenance of oxygen on Earth and other solar planetary bodies is a fundamental issue. It is widely accepted that the prebiotic pathway of oxygen production in the Earth primitive atmosphere was via vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photodissociation of CO2 and subsequent recombination of two O atoms.

In contrast, the photodissociation of H2O, one of the dominant oxygen carriers, has long been assumed to proceed mainly to produce hydroxyl (OH)- and hydrogen (H)-atom primary products, and its contribution to oxygen production is limited.

Recently, a research group led by Prof. YUAN Kaijun and YANG Xueming from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences revealed oxygen production from the three-body photodissociation of water molecule using the Dalian Coherent Light Source.

Their findings were published in Nature Communications on April 30.

The VUV free-electron laser facility at the Dalian Coherent Light Source allows the researchers to quantitatively assess the importance of H2O photochemistry for oxygen production.

"Our experimental results indicated that H 2 O under VUV excitation can break into three fragments: one O atom and two H atoms, where the O atoms are in the 1D and 3P states. The three-body dissociation process is the dominant channel for H2O photochemistry in the 90-110 nm region," said Prof. YUAN.

The quantitative determination demonstrated that approximately 20% of the H2O photoexcitation events resulted in O atoms. Considering the water abundance in widely interstellar circumstances such as in interstellar clouds, atmospheres of the solar-family comets, and even in the Earth primitive atmosphere, O production from water photolysis must be an important process. The subsequent recombination of O atoms produced O 2 , which represented an important prebiotic O2-production pathway.

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This research was supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chemical Dynamics Research Center, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
CHICAGO, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced a $10 million emergency assistance package for India to support the country's response to the current surge in COVID-19 cases. The assistance from Boeing will be directed to organizations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling COVID-19. The Boeing team in India totals 3,000 employees, in addition to valued local customers, suppliers, and business partners.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated communities across the globe, and our hearts go out to our friends in India who are going through a very difficult time. Boeing is a global citizen, and in India we are directing our pandemic response to the communities most impacted by this recent surge of cases," said Dave Calhoun, president and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company.

Boeing will partner with local and international relief organizations to deploy the $10 million to the areas of greatest need in consultation with medical, government and public health experts.

Boeing employees also have an opportunity to donate personally to charitable organizations supporting COVID-19 relief in India. As part of the Boeing Gift Match program, the company will match monetary donations dollar for dollar, extending the reach of assistance being provided to the Indian people.

"Boeing not only stands in solidarity with the Indian people in their effort to confront this pandemic, we will be a part of the solution," added Calhoun. "We will continue to monitor the pandemic response in India and work to support our employees, customers, and partners through this crisis."

Boeing's presence in India stretches more than seven decades and encompasses the Tata-Boeing joint venture, which manufactures parts and major components for products across the enterprise portfolio. Boeing's local community engagement in India positively impacts more than 300,000 lives in-country through investments in education, health and sanitation, skills development, and outreach programs.

For more information about Boeing's work in India, visit www.boeing.co.in.

For more information about Boeing's philanthropic efforts, please visit the Company's Global Engagement website.

Contact

Boeing Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Boeing
The Federal Government has approved the adjustment in pensions of retirees under the defined benefit pension scheme arising from the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage Act 2019.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, Ekpo Nta, Acting Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) said the approval would take effect from April 18, 2019.

The circular from the NSIWC on Thursday noted that pensioners who retired on Grade Level 17 on CONPSS would receive a new monthly pension of N188,688.49, representing a nine per cent increase.

Grade level 16 retirees would receive N154,576.39, while those on level 15 would get N123,964.72, both also representing a nine per cent increase.

The grade levels representing a 10 per cent increase are 14 with N92,194.53; 13 with N84110.56; 12 with 76,604.35; and 10 with N68,114.13.

Levels nine and eight are both with a twelve per cent increase representing N59,570.18 and 50,520.68 respectively.

For level seven, a 14 per cent increase is recorded representing N40,934.64 while level six is a 42 per cent increase representing N37,242.21.

Levels five to one recorded increases of 51 per cent, 55 per cent, 57 per cent, 58 per cent and 59 per cent, each level representing N32,49146, N29,179.14, N26.942.50, N25,239.45 and N23,426.17.

The difference in increment ranged from the highest which is N15,579.78 to the lowest of N8,692.83.

It further noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the consequential adjustment in pensions of retirees, under the defined benefit scheme consequent to the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2019.

It pointed out that agencies on the following salary structures would be affected.

They are Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS); Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS); Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS II); and Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS II).

Others are Consolidated Tertiary Educational Salary Structure (CONTEDISS); Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Salary Structure (CONPCASS); Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS); and Consolidated Medical Structure (CONMESS).

The rest are Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICSS); Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS); Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS); and Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS).

Nta said the review would not affect workers and pensioners on the contributory pension scheme and added that payments would be effected immediately.

This review is addressing those on the old pension scheme which is the defined pension scheme.

We would not have sent out the circular if we did not have the ability to look at the cost implications.

When such decisions are arrived at, it is not done alone with the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission. It is done in collaboration with the budget office, the Pension Transition Administration Department (PTAD).

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It is the organisation responsible for everybody on the old pension scheme until the last person on the scheme passes on. It is a transitional arrangement set up by law.

We have been anticipating this approval to come in and PTAD, that had always been in the picture, had made arrangements for the availability of funds and I can assure you, based on what we discussed with them, they are ready to go, he said.

The acting chairman explained that the conditions of the contributory pension scheme were different from the defined scheme.

The difference is the workers that are on the contributory scheme are contributing towards their pension in later years when they finally leave the service or retire.

They have a portion they are contributing and the government is also contributing a percentage.

The way it is arranged under this new pension scheme the worker can actually take out extra insurance to cover himself or herself and his or her family in arrangement with their Pension Fund Administrator.

He advised that those agencies did not fall under the recognised consolidated salary structures to get in touch with the commission.

He also said the constitution stated that workers salaries be reviewed every five and earlier, if the federal government so decides.

Ms Nta further encouraged Nigerians to regularly visit the websites of the NSIWC, PTAD and the Pensions Commission for accurate information.

(NAN)
Vice President Kamala Harris will meet virtually Monday with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei to discuss solutions to the surge of migration, and she'll visit the region in June, a senior White House official told Axios.

Why it matters: The administration is taking a multi-pronged approach to solving the problem and also hopes to announce details about its plan for investing aid in Central America on Monday  although a final dollar amount has yet to be decided.

Harris has been tapped to lead the U.S. negotiations with Central American countries.

She and President Giammattei last spoke on March 30th. One of the topics for Monday's meeting will be relief needs of Guatemalans, the official said.

The next day, Harris will participate in a virtual roundtable with representatives from Guatemalan community-based organizations, hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City.

The big picture: President Biden and his team have said that to stem migration from the Northern Triangle to the U.S.-Mexico border, they must address the "root causes," including government corruption, poverty and violence.
The CanadianSME will be awarding meritorious entrepreneurs and small businesses across Canada in association with RBC, UPS, Ricoh, EDC, Nerds On Site, Mitacs, and Alexio



MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, April 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The CanadianSME National Business Awards 2020 is an outstanding event to appreciate and celebrate the success of businesses in Canada. These awards will be held virtually on April 30 from 5 pm to 7 pm EST. This whole event will also be live-streamed on Facebook and Youtube channels of the CanadianSME. Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. However, The COVID-19 created impediments in the progress of SMEs. Nevertheless, it also left positive effects. The Canadian SMEs became more resilient by adapting innovation, digitalization, and new market strategies. So, these awards are to acknowledge the innovation of Canadian entrepreneurs who are building blocks of the Canadian economy.

These awards provide ample opportunities for business owners. For instance, these awards provide an opportunity to build a network with other entrepreneurs, and to meet business leaders at the national level. Also, it allows entrepreneurs to discuss their business struggles and share their success stories. In this way, the hard work of leading SMEs will be recognized by their fellow businessmen, and their business achievements will be assessed by proficient judges. Thus, this event has learning value where business owners can learn how to overcome challenges in their business. In brief, these awards confirm and demonstrate the diligence that small businesses put into their success. Likewise, the CandianSME National Business Awards enhance the credibility of business among investors and customers. Indeed, the Canadian SME awards consolidate the reputation of the awarded entrepreneur in the business community because they help them to attract more clients and employees through marketing. Therefore, these awards are instrumental for competing in the marketplace as well.

CanadianSME National Business Awards 2020 are organized by CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. This magazine provides crucial support to Canadian businesses. It is organizing this event to empower Canadian small businesses across the country through recognition. On the whole, the CanadianSME National Business Awards 2020 are representative of merit, distinction, and brilliance in the business world.

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RBC is proud to be a sponsor of the 2020 Canadian SME National Business Awards, says Lori Darlington, Vice-President, Small Business & Strategic Partnerships. In a year where Canadian business owners have persevered through unprecedented challenges, this years awards represent an especially meaningful opportunity to recognize the hard work and to celebrate the success of the Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs who make up the backbone of our nations economy.

Celebrating the success of our Canadian entrepreneurs is one of the most important things that we can do, says Paul Gaspar, Director for Small Business at UPS Canada. The CanadianSME Awards allow us to applaud the SME community as they continue to support and mentor each other.

"CanadianSME is doing great work moving the needle to recognize the contributions small and mid-sized businesses make towards the Canadian economy and Ricoh Canada is proud to support that with our partnership. This has been a challenging year for SMBs and these awards are truly well-deserved.," says Andrew Graham, Vice President of Virtual Sales at Ricoh Canada.

Its a great pleasure to be joining the Canadian SME National Business Awards for 2020, to honour and celebrate the many achievements of the entrepreneurs and their businesses  the small and medium businesses are the backbone of Canadas economy, representing 99% of all businesses, employing more than 10 million Canadians, and accounting for almost 70% of Canadas private sector jobs. They have all shown great resilience and resourcefulness during the COVID-19 pandemic which only amplifies the great importance of this years celebrations. I look forward to seeing you all there and presenting the award for 'EDC Exporter of Year'.

Mairead Lavery, President & CEO Export Development Canada

Mitacs is pleased to sponsor the Canadian SME Best Business Innovation award. As we have seen this past year, many companies have had to adapt to changes and our experience has shown that Canada's entrepreneurial disruptors and innovators will have a far-reaching impact as the country prepares for the post-pandemic economy. We are grateful to the Government of Canada, and provinces and a territory for entrusting Mitacs to work with businesses and provide solutions from academic institutions.

John Hepburn, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs

The security of personal information has never been a bigger challenge than it is today.

Businesses using sensitive data have a big job to do. As a cybersecurity firm supporting small businesses with this challenge, we are grateful to CanadianSME for helping us put a spotlight on this problem through these awards and their ongoing support to amplify awareness.

Anne Genge, CEO, Alexio Corporation.

About sponsors

The CanadianSME National Business Awards 2020 is an elbow room for corporations to sponsor small businesses. Thus, these awards are sponsored by various sponsors to recognize entrepreneurs in several different categories. The Small Business of the year award of up to 10 employees is sponsored by RBC, up to 50 employees, sponsored by UPS, and up to 100 employees, sponsored by Ricoh. This award will be given to the small businesses that have demonstrated innovation, business planning, and leadership and shown an increase in profits throughout the year. The Nerds On Site is sponsoring the Business Women of the Year Award for the second time. This award will be given to the woman who demonstrated strategic thinking in business and showed success in the business industry. Alexio is a sponsor for Excellence in Data Privacy & Security awards. This award will be given to the company that has implemented proper network security measures and created security awareness. Mitacs is a Sponsor for the Best Business Innovation award. This award is given to the company that has implemented new management strategies, product design, and manufacturing techniques. Thus, this award recognizes innovation in all aspects. EDC is the Sponsor for the Exporter of the year award. This award is given to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated knowledge in international markets, initiated trades, and overcome challenges to global expansion.

The CanadianSME Small Business Magazine is grateful to all the sponsors for their generous and genuine support for the CanadianSME National Business Awards 2020 in celebration of business success in Canada.

Learn more about CanadianSME at https://www.smeawards.ca

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About CanadianSME

A national publication with a big vision.CanadianSME signifies the empowerment of Canadian SMEs and aims to pursue this mission with the launch of CanadianSME Business Magazine to equip SMEs with expert knowledge and insights from industry leaders. CanadianSME Business Magazine incorporates compelling content and provides shelter to the business needs of small and medium scale enterprises.

CanadianSME Business Magazine was created through the passion and admiration for entrepreneurs. With SMEs playing such a crucial role in Canadas business industry and contributing greatly to the economy, CanadianSME was built to provide a much-needed support system for hard-working business owners.

For more information visit https://www.canadiansme.ca/

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SOURCE: CanadianSME Small Business Magazine

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Workers at Airbus, the world's largest airliner manufacturer, are waging a struggle against the companys decision to close one of its Spanish factories and to use a temporary redundancy scheme to axe 600 jobs nationwide.

The trade unions CCOO, close to the pseudo-left party Podemos, and UGT, close to the Socialist Party (PSOE), are intervening to demobilise workers and facilitate further attacks.

Striking workers on a picket line near the Puerto Real Airbus factory (credit: @naterismos)

In recent weeks, the company had informally conveyed to the trade unions and different government bodies its decision to close one of its plants in Puerto Real, located in the metropolitan area of the Andalusian city of Cadiz. The final decision to close the plant was ultimately not taken in a meeting last week between Airbus and the trade unions, but the closure is still on the table. The company stated that it had not made any mention of the closure or non-closure of Puerto Real [factory] and that the factory is in a critical situation that requires dialogue with workers and national and local institutions.

This manoeuvre was quickly seized on by the CCOO and UGT to call off the workers mobilisations that were planned, including a one-day strike that was to begin on April 23 at all Airbus factories in Spain.

Trying to sell this surrender to the company as a great success, CCOO leader at Airbus, Francisco San Jose, declared that it had been a small victory of the union and social mobilization against the closure of this plant. He was quick to add that good conditions have been created to start a conversation [with Airbus], but always maintaining the premise of maintaining employment in the plants of the multinational company in Spain.

For his part, CCOO leader at the factory, Juan Manuel Trujillo, declared "there will continue to be an opportunity for dialogue and negotiation under the axiom that no Airbus plant will be closed, nor will any job in the Airbus group in Spain be lost."

What these union bureaucrats did not disclose is that job losses are already being implemented. In October 2020, CCOO signed a redundancy scheme with management, agreeing to eliminate 1,220 jobs. Last year, 553 jobs were already lost in the defense division, and another 169 will be eliminated this year. In the commercial division, 900 more employees are expected to be laid off this year, while 3,226 are out of work in a furlough scheme that will last until May 31.

The trade unions are therefore already actively collaborating in the destruction of jobs. They have called off industrial action not because any victory has been achieved but, on the contrary, as part of a ploy with Airbus management to demobilize the workers.

This strategy enjoys the full collaboration of the pseudo-left Anticapitalistas, a party that was the chief founder of Podemos in 2014. Last year, amid growing opposition, it decided to leave the PSOE-Podemos government to better suppress workers struggles from the outside.

The mayor of Cadiznear to where Airbus is planning the factory closureand member of Anticapitalistas, Jose Maria Gonzalez, considered it a success that "the Board of Directors has not announced the closure or sale of the plant. This, he said, was due to the "key participation, both of the public administration as well as the different social agents [trade unions]. Andalusian lawmaker Jose Ignacio Garcia, one of Anticapitalistas deputies in the regional Andalusian parliament after it broke with Podemos, said We have achieved a small victory, but we have only bought some time.

Anticapitalistas is intervening to promote illusions in the trade unions and the PSOE-Podemos government. Their real concern is to prevent a social outbreak from taking place in the social powder keg in the region of the Cadiz bay, which has already seen mass layoffs in recent years, including workers at Tabacalera, Delphi, Visteon, Gadir Sola and a long list of other factories and workplaces.

Growing social discontent was reflected in a large demonstration that took place on April 10, when hundreds of workers and thousands of people from Cadiz protested against the possible closure of the Airbus factory. The closure would mean unemployment for 500 Airbus workers and around 1,000 others who belong to the auxiliary industries that supply the company.

The General Confederation of Labour, CGT, is playing its usual role by making toothless criticism of the larger CCOO and UGT trade unions and making liberal use of radical phraseology and militant actions. After CCOO and UGT called off the demonstrations, the CGT called on workers to camp outside the Puerto Real Airbus factory.

Workers at this camp interviewed by La Voz de Cadiz said, There is no success to celebrate If they had said that Puerto Real is not going to be closed, of course we would celebrate it, but thats not the case. Those of us who are camping here defend and think that we have to continue with the pressure. We have to keep fighting and fighting, following our calendar of mobilizations.

Whether the person interviewed was a CGT delegate is not clear, but anger is mounting. According to the worker, "this opinion is not from CGT, we are many colleagues who agree that there is nothing to celebrate."

Aware of mounting anger, the trade unions once again called token actions. They called one-hour strikes on April 27 and 29 and protests outside Airbus factories across Spain on April 26, 28 and 30. These were solely designed to let off steam in the workforce while Airbus prepares new attacks.

The PSOE-Podemos government has not lifted a finger to support Airbus workers, despite the fact that the Spanish state owns 4 percent of the company's capital in Spain. On the contrary, it sent anti-riot police to repress the protests that have taken place in recent weeks.

Three Airbus workers in Puerto Real, members of the CGT union, were arrested on April 19 on charges of public disorder. At no time were they informed about the specific acts that had given rise to the arrest. Another group of 23 workers was prevented from moving to the Madrid city of Getafe where they intended to hold a protest rally during the inauguration of the new Airbus Campus, in which King Felipe VI was going to participate. The bus was intercepted by heavily armed police and forced to return to Puerto Real.

The CGT showed them the necessary paperwork for the trip under conditions of restricted mobility due to COVID-19 but, according to the CGT website, Such permits have been of little use the police had an express order not to let them pass, ignoring any legal details. It did not matter if they had the necessary papers to make the trip.

The CGT accepted this major attack on democratic rights without any significant protest. It is not even clear what legal argument the police used to justify their actions. Had they claimed COVID-19 health restrictions, the CGT could have defended their legal right to demonstrate while respecting social distancing. If the police had persisted, it would have been a devastating exposure of the criminal herd immunity policy of the PSOE-Podemos government, prioritizing profits over human life. It would have shown how public health restrictions are used as a pretext to de facto ban workers protests even as the government forces millions of workers in non-essential industries to work and children to school, so far costing the lives of over 100,000 people and 3.4 million infections.

The attacks on Airbus workers are not just a problem for those employed in Puerto Real. Last year, the company announced its intention to carry out 15,000 layoffs throughout Europe. Stopping these attacks requires a fighting strategy at an international level. Workers cannot have any confidence in the PSOE-Podemos government or in the trade unions and their pseudo-left allies. The way forward is to create rank-and-file committees, coordinated internationally, to oppose the ruling class and the trade unions. The International Committee of the Fourth International is giving a lead to this struggle with the call for the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC).

We urge Airbus workers in Spain and across Europe to attend todays online May Day rally as the basis to take their struggle forward.
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SANTA FE  A California man led Santa Fe Sheriffs Office deputies on a high-speed chase up and down N.M. 14 Thursday afternoon, almost hitting deputies numerous times and crashing into multiple vehicles.

Jarrick E. Denewiler, 41, of Blythe, California, is facing 27 charges related to the chase that reached speeds of 110 mph. Charges include aggravated assault upon a peace officer, aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, criminal damage to property, reckless driving and driving while intoxicated.

A woman called law enforcement to report that a red Nissan Pathfinder was ramming into the back of her car while driving down N.M. 14, according to court documents.

A responding deputy had to veer into a field because Denewiler tried to crash into them. More deputies arrived and Denewiler continued to lead them on a high-speed pursuit, reaching speeds of 110 mph, court documents say.

At one point, a deputy tried to lay out spike strips and Denewiler swerved and tried to hit the officer, charging documents say. During the chase, Denewiler reportedly crashed into three cars traveling along N.M. 14, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

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The chase alternated between going south and north on N.M. 14, ending near N.M. 599 and Interstate 25 just outside Santa Fe city limits.

Deputies were able to use a second spike strip to deflate the tires and a pursuit intervention technique, or PIT maneuver, to stop Denewiler. He was pulled from the vehicle and allegedly was holding a knife, which he later dropped, when officers approached him.

Denewiler told officers he consumed cocaine and PCP, according to court documents, and was also combative with deputies during his arrest.

Denewiler was taken to Prebyterian Hospital in Santa Fe for a blood draw for controlled substances before being booked into the Santa Fe County jail, where he is being held without bond.
ULAN BATOR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2021 ) :) -- The Mongolian government said Friday it has decided to provide 1 million U.S. Dollars in humanitarian aid to India, which has been hit hard by a drastic increase in COVID-19 cases.

"Through the humanitarian aid, Mongolia is expressing solidarity with the Indian people during this difficult time," the press office of the government said in a statement.

India, the world's second most populous nation, has been experiencing a deteriorating COVID-19 situation.

On Friday, India reported its largest daily increase of 386,452 new COVID-19 cases since the outbreak of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the country saw around 3,500 virus-related deaths over the past 24 hours.

The surge in India is said to be fueled by a new COVID-19 variant dubbed the "double mutant" and scientifically identified as the B.1.617 variant. It was "detected at increasing prevalence" among the new cases in the country, according to the World Health Organization.
One might raise an eyebrow at the label we used in the title above. After all, this truck is quite a departure from the Chevy Impalas and Caddys one normally associates with the "lowrider" tag.For the record, these toys trace their roots to the mid-1940s, when Mexican-American youngsters over in California modded their vehicles while aiming to draw attention by riding low and slow. And while legislation banned such customization about a decade later, it only took one year for hydraulic suspension systems to allow the community to overcome this obstacle since the ground clearance could be adjusted on the fly.Meanwhile, the lowrider culture has also expanded to Japan, but we're here to talk about a mutation revolving around trucks and SUVs: as the popularity of these machines continues to rise, we expect to see more and more of them joining the asphalt-low scene.Returning to this 2019 Ram 1500, the Mopar machine now rides on 26-inch Dropstar wheels shod in massive-section rubber. And, for the custom shoes to be buried so deep inside those arches, the pickup truck required much more than air springs.Oklahoma-based Phat Phabz, whose creations we've discussed in the past, has reworked the front and rear suspension while also narrowing the rear end. Oh, and both the front and rear tubs were massaged for the said purpose.The factory 5.7-liter HEMI has received a custom air intake that can put on a show all by itself, while the custom exhaust allows the V8 to express its feelings and emotions. In addition, the eye-catching factory finish that is Delmonico Red Pearl now covers the entire real estate (aprons, front grille and mirror caps).As for the interior, it features a custom two-tone leather finish with a tan and brown appearance. The first shade is also used for the suede headliner, as well as many other aftermarket touches, audio obviously included.Brandon Burrell, the North Carolina-based photographer and videographer who owns this unique Ram, has been capturing the might of modded machines on camera for many years, SEMA show included, while having had his work featured on the cover of multiple magazines. That said, there's no need to wonder where the inspiration for the build came fromyou'll find his Instagram account below.
Education is a top weapon against hate. That is one reason why 2,500 New York City public school parents are pushing officials to devote more classroom time to the experiences of Asian Americans amid an ongoing surge of violence. State law already mandates education on slavery, the inhumanity of genocide and the Holocaust, among other topics. The thinking goes that if young people learn about such things, such atrocities will be less likely to happen in the future. Yet, there are alarming signs this idea is not always working out in practice.

One out of five New Yorkers between the ages of 18 and 39 years old believe Jews caused the Holocaust, according to a recent study. More than a third believe that the systematic killing of millions of people during WWII either did not happen or was exaggerated. More than half of respondents cannot name a concentration camp like Auschwitz.

Figuring out why would undoubtedly improve how the state teaches kids about other genocides, according to state Sen. Anna Kaplan of Long Island, a Jewish refugee who left Iran following the 1979 revolution. We have to acknowledge the existing problem and find steps to really solve this, she said in an interview. Its not just the Holocaust. Right now, the Asian communities are being hit so hard. A press conference yesterday attended by fellow legislators and advocacy groups kicked off a new push to do something about it.

A bill Kaplan is sponsoring with Assembly Member Nily Rozic of Queens would authorize the State Education Department to study how schools statewide are teaching about the Holocaust and and develop recommendations by Jan. 1, 2022 about how schools might instruct students better. If the bill becomes law, it could also shed light on why bigotry remains such a big problem in a state that is among the most cosmopolitan in the nation, as evidenced by an interactive map that accompanied the recent study. (Read more here) New York ranks at the bottom of states when it comes to 20- and 30-somethings knowledge of the most deadly genocide of the 20th Century, according to the map  which can be viewed here.

This is the third year that the legislation has been introduced in the state Legislature and there are only seven weeks left to get it done before lawmakers adjourn for the year in mid-June. The advocacy group American Jewish Committee is leading efforts to enlist as many legislators as possible in the effort. There hasnt been opposition, but there are hundreds and hundreds of bills in the Legislature and it hasnt gained the traction it needed, Regional Director Eric Post said in an interview. We are mobilizing Jewish advocacy groups across the state to meet with their elected officials and get the word out. Current legislative sponsors do not include state Senate Education Committee Chair Shelley Mayer of Westchester or her Assembly counterpart Michael Benedetto of the Bronx. A representative for New York State United Teachers, which represents public school teachers statewide, said the union was reviewing the bill.

Current curricula on the Holocaust appears to lean heavily on materials provided by outside groups like the Museum of Jewish Heritage, according to Brooklyn College Professor David Bloomfield. History is also not necessarily the top area of focus when it comes to determining how best to use classroom time, he said in an interview. From what I can tell, that law is widely unknown and disregarded in public and private schools, he said of state requirements on the instruction in patriotism and citizenship and in certain historic documents. A spokesperson for the museum could not provide numbers on how many schools are using its materials, but did note that pedagogical efforts have continued both virtually and in-person during the pandemic.



A future study by the State Education Department could go a long ways towards understanding how much students are learning about the Holocaust. That in turn could inform efforts to successfully do the same in combating other types of hate-fueled violence, like the ongoing attacks on Asian Americans in New York City. A future study could also show what knowledge-based students are bringing to young adulthood, considering all those 20- and 30-something New Yorkers who think the Jews caused the Holocaust. If you don't learn from your history, you tend to repeat the same mistakes, Kaplan said. It's really important to have good knowledge in the times that we're living in with so much misinformation and inaccurate information out there.
UAE-based Danube Building Materials said it has reached an agreement with top coatings manufacturer RAR Holdings, for the distribution of Italian wood coatings brand Citver-Vernici Per Legno in the GCC region.

RAR Holdings is one of the largest coatings manufacturers in the Middle East, with a company headcount of 580. It has factories throughout the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

The focus of the company is on the Middle East where most of the manufacturing and sales are made.

Its recent acquisitions include Citver Paints, wood coatings for the Citver Brand; Vernici Egidio Milesi, wood coatings with the Vernici Egidio Milesi brand; and Silva Vernici, wood coatings with the Silva Vernici brand.

Citver paints said it is committed to helping consumers achieve a higher quality of finishing of wood coats and paints and supports this cause by developing products that are futuristic and ahead of the curve.

Citver is a sustainable brand and is in sync with trends of the market be it water borne finishes, both for interior and exterior uses, and prides itself in being a specialised developer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of decorative, protective, industrial coating, construction chemical packaging and adhesives which works towards the highest international standards to protect the environment.

Danube Building Materials CEO Madhu Rao said: "We, as a brand, saw a gap in the market for wood coats and paints, our reasoning behind adding a reputable brand like Citver to our portfolio of products is to meet the demands of a growing need in the market amidst the Expo 2020, which is almost round the corner, also the brand has a great synergy with us and we feel it will add great value to our brand mix."

Lauding the partnership, Anthony Readiy, Head of Strategic Planning at RAR, said: "One of our most trusted brands, Citver Paints, founded in the 1940s, with roots from Bologna, Italy, will now be exclusively distributed throughout the region by Danube Group, providing the market some of the finest wood finishes and solutions."

"Citer Paints were honoured by being one of the core brands in the upbringing of the UAE in the early 2000s, having completed projects such as Burj Al Arab. Being brought back into the consistently prosperous UAE and GCC market in 2021, through the acquisition of RAR Holding, and exclusive distribution of Danube Group, we await great accomplishments in the near future," he added.

Citver paints, he stated, has now established factories in 9 countries in Europe and MEA region and has an aggressive expansion plan in place.

Its an ISO certified brand and produces more than 150,000 colors, its R&D department is considered world class and balances, minimum impact on health and the environment, all this has made Citver a pioneer in introducing the wood stain and coloring paste.

"The range of products which will be available is vast, namely a UV range, Glass, Paint, Polyurethane, Polyester, Water Borne, Fire Retardant, Heat Resistant, Antibacterial and Anti Scratch Coatings, these are a few of the product lines which will be available across the region," he added.
Inspectors from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency come out from Namyang Dairy Products' headquarters in Seoul's Gangnam District on Friday after raiding there following the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's complaint that the company released false information on its yogurt products calling them effective in preventing or curing coronavirus diseases. Yonhap



Police raided the headquarters of a major dairy firm on Friday as part of a probe into allegations that it exaggerated anti-coronavirus effects of its yogurt products.



The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it had been conducting searches at the headquarters and five other facilities of Namyang Dairy Products, including a laboratory in the central city of Sejong, since 9:30 a.m.



The operation came after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety filed a complaint on April 15 against Namyang on charges of violating the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods, which bans advertisements from carrying information that leads consumers to falsely believe certain products could prevent or cure diseases.



Earlier that week, the company claimed at a symposium that its yogurt product line was highly effective in suppressing influenza and the novel coronavirus.



The drug safety agency said Namyang drew up the result without going through animal testing and clinical trials and that it also misled consumers into believing the company's entire product line of Bulgaris, which has seven products in total, had antiviral effects, though the lab test involved only one of them.



One day after the complaint was filed, Namyang issued an apology for causing confusion but reiterated that its products were shown to be effective in containing viruses at early stages of the experiment.



The police said they were investigating how the company joined the symposium and whether it used false advertising on purpose.



"We are looking into allegations raised by the drug safety agency, not the suspicion that the company tried to manipulate its stock prices through false advertising," an official from the agency said.



The claims about antivirus effects sharply, and briefly, boosted Namyang's stock prices and sales of its products. Some investors alleged that the company had intended to lift its stock prices.



Earlier this month, the municipality of Sejong notified Namyang in advance that it will be banned from operating its factory in the city for two months for violating the food labeling and advertising act. The final decision will be made in the coming days. (Yonhap)


ROME, APR 30 - The Italian judiciary has been hit by a fresh storm after several newspapers reported on Friday that a probe has been opened into the leaking of confidential judicial documents, secret letters and defamation involving a number of prosecutors' offices. Part of the case revolves around allegations that Milan prosecutor Paolo Storari last year passed on classified files to Piercamillo Davigo, who at the time was a member of the Supreme Council of Magistrates (CSM), the Italian judiciary's self-governing body. A few months later these documents were sent to a number of newspapers. The documents regarded statements made in 2019 by Piero Amara, a Sicilian lawyer who is under investigation for allegedly throwing off track a probe into energy giant Eni and for other alleged acts of judicial corruption. Prosecutors in Perugia are looking into allegations that various high-ranking figures may have formed a sort of Masonic lodge. The CSM is still reeling after former magistrates union ANM chief Luca Palamara was struck off from the profession last year amid a Perugia probe into alleged corruption and cronyism. The case opened the lid on a web of alleged cronyism which has led to calls for a root-and-branch reform, extending to the CSM itself. (ANSA).
With Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reporting that Eritrean plans to pull troops out of Ethiopias conflict-hit Tigray region, here is a timeline of the ongoing crisis in Africas second most populous country.

 Troops enter 

The fighting begins on November 4 last year, with Abiy ordering a military response to what he calls a traitorous attack on federal army camps in Tigray.

He blames the attack on the regional ruling party, the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), which dominated national politics for nearly three decades before Abiy took office in 2018.

The TPLF denies responsibility and says the reported attack is a pretext for an invasion.

Two days later, with fighting intensifying, Abiy sacks the head of the military whose top brass includes many battle-hardened Tigrayans.

On November 9 Ethiopia carries out more air strikes in Tigray with Abiy saying the operation will be all over soon.

 Fleeing to Sudan 

Thousands of refugees flee into neighbouring Sudan as the African Union follows the United Nations in demanding an end to the fighting.

Refugee flows later swell to above 60,000. Tensions between the two countries, whose frontier is disputed, mount.

 War crimes 

After ten days of fighting, the UN warns of possible war crimes in Tigray.

 Capital falls 

Two weeks later, having rejected peace talks, Abiy says government tanks are advancing on Tigrays capital Mekele.

The city comes under heavy shelling on November 28 before Abiy announces that military operations in Tigray are completed.

 Ethnic cleansing 

This month US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ramps up the pressure when he describes violence in western Tigray as ethnic cleansing and presses for a prompt investigation.

He also calls for the exit of troops from Eritrea and from Ethiopias Amhara region, which borders Tigray to the south.

 Admitting abuse 

For months Ethiopia and Eritrea flatly deny the involvement of Eritrean forces in the conflict, and describe reports of their alleged atrocities as misinformation and propaganda.

But on March 23 Ahmed admits that Eritrean troops had crossed the border into Tigray.

He also suggests they may have been involved in abuses against civilians.

The next day the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission says Eritrean soldiers massacred over 100 civilians in Tigray in November, in what may amount to crimes against humanity.

The findings by the government-affiliated but independent body corroborate separate investigations by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

 Withdrawal? 

After admitting Eritreas role, Abiy flies to its capital Asmara to meet with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.

He says on Friday that the government of Eritrea has agreed to withdraw its forces back over the border.

A statement from Eritreas government, however, makes no mention of a troop withdrawal deal.

burs-eab/rcb/pma
1991 Blend represents our origins and our journey as a coffee roaster over the past 30 years. Each year, we increase our focus on representing the hard work that local farmers put into growing each crop, and we develop relationships with as many individual farmers as possible. - Greg Ubert

In May 1991, The Fresh Prince was fresh, R.E.M.s Shiny, Happy People ruled the airwaves, the Internet went commercial, and Greg Ubert roasted his first coffee beans.

For May 2021, the Founder and President of Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea kicked off the Columbus roasters 30thth anniversary celebrations by introducing a new, limited-edition coffee: 1991 Blend. He also teased a series of nostalgic brew bar drinks, coffee shop specials and giveaways.

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1991 Blend represents our origins and our journey as a coffee roaster over the past 30 years, he said. Each year, we increase our focus on representing the hard work that local farmers put into growing each crop, and we develop relationships with as many individual farmers as possible.

To create the new, light-roasted blend, Sustainability Director Brandon Bir and Coffee Buyer Dave Eldridge blended Guatemalan and Peruvian coffees sourced through long-term farmer relationships.

1991 Blend showcases the hard work of our farmers with flavors of chocolate-covered raisins and smores, Bir said. Its a really approachable coffee, but nuanced for people who like a more exciting cup.

1991 Blend comes in bright, retro packaging that recalls the vibrant 1990s. This was the decade that specialty coffee and cafe culture really took off, Ubert recalled. It seemed as if a new coffee shop opened nearly every day.

Throughout May, Crimson Cup will unveil innovative brew bar drinks that celebrate the nostalgia of the 90's we all love!

Columbus coffee lovers can also win coffee and fun retro prizes such as t-shirts, enamel pins, slap bracelets and fanny packs.

To keep up with giveaways and brew bar specials, we invite everyone to download the Crimson Cup App and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, Ubert said.

Among other App exclusives, users can access a retro Spotify playlist with 1990s songs curated by the Crimson Cup team  from the coffee team at the Innovation Lab and Roasting facility to coffee shop baristas.

Our playlist will lift your spirits with upbeat 90s songs like The Spice Girls Wannabe, Bir said.

While supplies last, 1991 Blend can be purchased at Crimson Cups Clintonville, Upper Arlington and Tallmadge coffee houses, at The Hills Market Downtown and at Weilands Market in Clintonville. A 12-ounce bag sells for $15.

About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea

Columbus, Ohio coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is celebrating 30 years of Coffee + Community. Since May 1991, Crimson Cup has roasted sustainably sourced craft coffee for consumers and wholesale coffee customers.

It is a 2020 Good Food Award winner, 2019 Golden Bear Champion for Small Franchise/Chain Roaster and Roast magazines 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year.

Through its 7 Steps to Success coffee franchise alternative program, the company teaches entrepreneurs to run independent coffee houses in their local communities. By developing a coffee shop business plan, entrepreneurs gain insight into how much it costs to open a coffee shop.

Crimson Cup also supports life-enriching projects through its Friend2Farmer initiatives, promoting the education, health, sustainability and economic growth of small-plot coffee farmers and their communities.

Crimson Cup coffee is available through over 350 independent coffee houses, grocers, college and universities, restaurants and food service operations across 30 states, Guam and Bangladesh. The company also operates several Crimson Cup Coffee Houses and a new Crimson retail flagship store. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com, or follow the company on Facebook and Instagram.
Florida is on track to be the first state in the nation to punish social media companies that ban politicians like former President Donald Trump under a bill approved Thursday by the state's Republican-led Legislature.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican and close Trump ally who called for the bills passage, is expected to sign the legislation into law, but the proposal appears destined to be challenged in court after a tech industry trade group called it a violation of the First Amendment speech rights of corporations.

Republicans have been barraging Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other tech companies for booting Trump and other conservatives from their platforms after violations of the companies rules, including bans on the promotion of violence related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Republicans have called social media bans unfair censorship, and this month Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas came close to agreeing, writing in an opinion that legislators could be justified if they passed laws requiring social media to carry all views.

The Florida bill would prohibit social media companies from knowingly deplatforming political candidates, meaning a service could not permanently delete or ban a candidate. Suspensions of up to 14 days would still be allowed, and a service could remove individual posts that violate its terms of service.

The state's elections commission would be empowered to fine a social media company $250,000 a day for statewide candidates and $25,000 a day for other candidates if a company's actions are found to violate the law, which also requires the companies to provide information about takedowns and apply rules consistently. The proposed fines were lower in the original bill, but on Tuesday the Florida state House raised them in an amendment.

Florida Republican lawmakers have cited tech companies' wide influence over speech as a reason for the increased regulation.

"What this bill is about is sending a loud message to Silicon Valley that they are not the absolute arbiters of truth," state Rep. John Snyder, a Republican from the Port St. Lucie area, said Wednesday.

Story continues

"What this bill does is send a loud message that the Constitution does not have an asterisk that says only certain speech is free and protected," he said.

The Florida House voted 77-38 in favor of the bill, the Senate, 23-17.

Facebook and other social media services have long, often elaborate rulebooks for governing what's allowed on their platforms, which the companies regulate as private forums. But as more political speech has moved online, enforcing those rules consistently and without major pushback has become a constant challenge.

The Florida bill may offer Republicans in other states a road map for introducing laws that could eventually force social media companies and U.S. courts to confront questions about free speech on social media, including the questions raised by Thomas.

State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, an Orlando area Democrat, said if Republicans want to stay on private services, they should follow the rules.

"There's already a solution to deplatforming candidates on social media: Stop trafficking in conspiracy theories. That's the solution. Stop pushing misinformation if you're a candidate or an incumbent elected official. Stop retweeting QAnon. Stop lying on social media," Smith said.

"Stop inciting insurrection against our republic. We're hearing this bill because Twitter finally deplatformed former President Trump after five people were killed in an insurrection he incited at the U.S. Capitol."

NetChoice, a trade group for internet companies, testified against the legislation and has argued that private entities should have the right to decide whats best for users without interference.

"The First Amendment makes clear that government may not regulate the speech of private individuals or businesses. This includes government action that compels speech by forcing a private social media platform to carry content that is against its policies or preferences, NetChoice President Steve DelBianco said in testimony last month.

He also said that the proposal wrongly punishes social media platforms for removing harmful content, and that it would make it far more difficult to block spam.
Encouraging self-testing at home twice a week for all adults in England, and soon Scotland, is a misguided policy, unlikely to reduce transmission, warn public health experts in The BMJ today.

In an editorial, Angela Raffle and Mike Gill, Public Health Consultants with experience in both communicable disease control and screening programs, say that the UK is not yet succeeding in testing, and supporting to isolate, everyone with symptoms and their contacts.

Coronavirus tests per case detected are already higher in the UK than anywhere in the world, they write, and the value of adding universal low-risk testing is unknown, yet is being introduced without plans to measure the costs and consequences.

They acknowledge that response in a pandemic requires speed, but say without training and proficiency testing for those taking and reading samples, plus a robust process for ensuring appropriate actions follow a test result, SARS-CoV-2 self-testing by asymptomatic members of the public is unlikely to reduce transmission.

A key justification cited by government for mass testing of asymptomatic people at low risk is the assertion that up to one third of cases are symptomless, they write. Yet evidence is growing that transmission arises overwhelmingly from people with symptomatic infections and their contacts.

The UK is an outlier globally in placing such emphasis on asymptomatic testing, they add, pointing out that the World Health Organization has never advised testing low risk people, and both the EU and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend screening tests only for those where risk is highest.

They argue that the challenge for the UK now is to use the past years learning, the new laboratory capacity, and the availability of rapid tests to best effect. Current efforts are undermined by secrecy, quality failures, underused capacity, and a misplaced focus on low yield uses, they write.

Both the laboratories and the rapid tests could be targeted to deliver a substantially more effective and cost effective testing service founded on the public service principles of sound evaluation, strong ethics, high quality, and full transparency.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

The Hopi Tribe in Arizona faces a water supply contaminated with arsenic.

The Jicarilla Apache Nation in New Mexico lacks funds to maintain its water infrastructure.

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And Navajo residents continue to haul water miles to their homes.

But the COVID-19 pandemic and federal funding packages have opened a window to provide clean water for 30 Indigenous tribes in the Colorado River Basin, according to a new report from the Water and Tribes Initiative.

Bridging the tribal water access gap is the federal governments responsibility, said Heather Tanana, lead report author, Navajo water lawyer and assistant law professor at the University of Utah.

A promise the federal government made when it established reservations for tribes is that it did so to provide permanent homeland, Tanana said. You cannot have a permanent homeland unless you have water.

The report outlines four challenges for tribal water security: piped water access, inadequate water quality, failing infrastructure, and limited funds for operation and maintenance.

A host of federal agencies  the Indian Health Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture  tackle tribal water projects in the Colorado River Basin.

The report recommends a whole-of-government approach to coordinate work and funding across agencies.

Big infrastructure projects cost a lot of money and an individual agency is going to be severely limited in trying to be comprehensive, Tanana said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also shone a stark light on tribal water issues.

Native households are more likely to lack piped water than any other racial group, according to the U.S. Water Alliance.

Reservations with limited water access, such as the Navajo Nation and White Mountain Apache, have experienced virus infection rates at up to triple the national rate.

Bidtah Becker, a Navajo citizen with the Water and Tribes Initiative, said the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan are meaningful investments in tribal water security.

Providing funds to both federal agencies and to tribes directly, thats an important shift, said Becker, who is also a Navajo Tribal Utility Authority attorney and New Mexico Interstate Stream Commissioner. Tribes may, and often can, get funding  to people on the ground.

The report recommends that the Biden administration engage in meaningful tribal consultation to help each Colorado River Basin tribe build and maintain resilient water systems.

When Congress created IHS and its sanitation deficiency program, it authorized IHS to support the cost of operations and maintenance, but never funded it, Becker said. Water is life. A lack of water is a social issue, an economic issue and a public health issue.

Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal.
Lausanne North America (L-NA) is committed to extending the influence and passion of Lausanne Movement by connecting influencers and ideas on mission and evangelism for Christ and His Kingdom. Read more from this column.

Image: lausannenorthamerica

As you may be aware, the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center also houses the regional offices of Lausanne North America, which is 1 of 12 regions part of the Lausanne Movement. Billy Graham saw the need for evangelicals to unite towards the task of world-wide evangelization. This desire and dream led to the First International World Congress on World Evangelization in Lausanne Switzerland in July 1974 and the birth of the Lausanne Movement. Since 1974, there have been two other World Congresses that have metManilla, Philippines in 1989 and Cape Town, South Africa in 2010. As part of the process of preparing for the World Congress in 2024 the Lausanne Movement has been hosting listening calls for each region to discuss five questions. Lausanne North American held our listening call on March 3 with close to 200 evangelical leaders from across various sector and disciplines. In this series, we want to share with you the five questions Lausanne is asking as well as the most recurring answers/themes to those questions coming out of North America. We hope this series will be informative as well as catalytic. If you have additional thoughts, suggestions, or answers to the questions posed in this series, please send them to Dr. Josh LaxtonAssistant Director of Lausanne North Americawho has been compiling this list for the Lausanne Movement. His email is Joshua.laxton@wheaton.edu.

Question 1: What are the most significant gaps and remaining opportunities in North America toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission?

In our last article, we outlined four significant gaps that we, as evangelicals in North America, need to close in order to continue to participate and fulfill the Great Commission. In this article, we turn our attention to the remaining opportunities that evangelicals need to address in order to fulfill the Great Commission. From our listening call, some of the recurring remaining opportunities can be summarized under the following four themes.

1. Disentangling the Church from a Christendom Mentality

Churches in the West have been in a transitional moment for at least a couple centuries. Since the fourth century the church in the West has experienced a cultural hegemonya.k.a. Christendom. However, things began to slowly change and transition with the dawn of the Enlightenment. Human beings, particularly many elites in places of cultural power, began de-emphasizing and dismissing God, leading to (at least conceptually) the dethronement and death of God in society.

While this transition has been seemingly slow over the last few centuries, it has, however, been gaining much steam in the later part of the 20th and early 21st centuries. [This acceleration gave rise to the culture wars in American life that began in the late 70s/early 80s.] What makes this transition hard for Christians, say living in America, is the transition of cultural power. As a nation founded upon religious freedomrooted in Judeo-Christian valuesand thus pluralism, Christians enjoyed the prominent seat at the cultural table given that culture took on more of a moral disposition reflective of Judeo-Christian values. But, with the acceleration of the secular revolution the cultural hegemony of Christendom is becoming something of the past.

Much of the frustration, angst, and hostility today within evangelical Christianity towards an accelerating secular society is over the disentanglement of a Christendom mentality. One of the remaining opportunities of Evangelicalism and its participation in the Great Commission is answering this question: How do we enact a faithful presence in a pluralistic divided democracy in a way that seeks the peace and prosperity of the entire culture without losing our distinction as the people of God?

2. Learning to Live from the Margins

This theme is a continuation of the previous theme with some distinction. To summarize the transition mentioned above, the church in the West has lost home-field advantage. Although Christianity is still the majority presence in the culture, once again the cultural elitesthe ones, according to James Davison Hunter, that control the cultural tides and environmentsover the last few decades have changed the cultural climate.

Traditional positions in areas like marriage, human sexuality, and human biology (gender) are not only going through a transition in our society, but the ones who hold traditional positions are being displaced from the center of society to the fringes of society. And Christians on the fringe of culture holding traditional, historically biblical positions, are considered anathema to the cultural elites.

For 1700 years the church in the West has not had to operate from the margins and fringes of society. Operating from such a position brings about it a lot of flexibility and freedom. But times have changed. The church will have to learn to operate from the margins of culture once againbut this time is a post-Christian, post-Christendom, postmodern, and [now] post-COVID world. Thus another remaining opportunity of Evangelicalism and its participation in the Great Commission will also include answering this question: How does the church navigate the tumultuous secular cultural climate without accommodating it, assimilating into it, or antagonizing it with a spirit of meanness and hostility, all the while maintaining their distinction (being salt and light) as the people of God? Another part of this question, regarding learning to operate from the margins, will naturally lead to how will the church in the West be called upon to suffer well amidst a culture of hostility?

3. Discipleship

The church in the West, in general, is unhealthy. This doesnt mean that all churches are unhealthy. But collectively speaking, the church shows many symptoms of a waning vitality. While I think you know many of them, let me list some:

Waning church attendance by committed believers

Internally-focused churches disengaged from their community

Anger, resentment, and hostility towards larger culture

Christian nationalism rooted in a Christendom mentality

Thin ecclesiology (made clear by the pandemic)

Being tossed by the wind and waves of cultural doctrines and in some cases embracing them as Christian doctrine

Loyalty to a political party over Christs kingdom

Biblical illiteracy

These symptoms and more have come about through failed discipleship. Thus a remaining opportunity for the North American church to healthily participate in the Great Commission will be to revisit a biblical understanding of discipleship and then to devise strategies and structures that cultivate the environment and conditions that produce more robust and healthy disciples and thus healthier churches.

Discipleship can no longer be seen as an assembly line production where churches take people through a four to five-step process and hope that a fully mature and devoted disciple pops out. Discipleship must be seen as a more holistic, comprehensive, and continuous work in progress. At its core, discipleship is learning what it means to be human after the image and likeness of Jesus. The re-wiring of our discipleshipboth from an understanding and activitywill over time result in a renewal of our mission and a revitalization of our churches.

4. New Church Models for a New Century

The 20th century saw a plethora of church ministry and mission models. For instance, specialized ministries such Youth Ministry really didnt exist before the mid-1900s. Then towards the later part of the 20th century there was a series of church models implemented to be more effective at reaching people. Thats where we saw the rise of the seeker-church, emerging church, and missional church models.

We have entered into a period where the models of the past arent as effective for the mission in the present. Therefore, a remaining opportunity will be for churches to imagine newer more contextualized ministry and mission models that can effectively engage this post-Christian and postmodern era.

These were the four common themes regarding remaining opportunities for the North American church in her participation in the Great Commission. Are there others you would add? Email Joshua.laxton@wheaton.edu to share!
Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have almost doubled the size of their estate in Hawaii, purchasing a neighboring 600 acre plot for $53 million in a move likely to further enrage his island critics.

The Facebook founder, who began buying up chunks of the island in September 2014, added the additional land on March 19, according to Pacific Business News.

Kauai is the fourth largest of Hawaii's eight main islands, and home to 67,000 people.

Zuckerberg, 36, and his wife expanded their Hawaii estate in March

The pair already own the land above Pilaa Beach, on the north shore of Kauai

The family bought the Kahu'aina Plantation first, then the Pila'a Beach plot, and now a new area

The north shore land, which includes the spectacular Larsen's Beach, was bought from a nonprofit organization established by a local family, whose roots, the paper reported, go back to the days of the Hawaiian kingdom.

Abner and Lucy Wilcox, a missionary couple, arrived from Connecticut in 1837 - when Hawaii was still a monarchy.

The monarchy would remain in power until January 1895, and the territory was then annexed by the U.S.

The Wilcoxes ran a school, which would pass down through the generations.

In 1975 the Waioli Corporation took over the management of the land, and the trustees sold part of their property to the Zuckerberg-Chan family.

Waioli operates federal and state historic places across the island, including Waioli Mission House Museum and the Mahamoku Beach Residence in Hanalei, and Grove Farm Museum in Lihue, as well as plantation-era steam locomotives in its collection.

The couple said in a statement that they plan to continue the work that the Waioli Corporation has done to conserve the land known as Lepeuli, which is home to pristine reefs and forests, providing habitat for native birds and plants.

The Facebook founder has vowed to preserve the pristine island landscape

Zuckerberg and Chan with their daughter Max, in a photo posted on December 11, 2020

Mindful of previous criticism, they will also keep the lease with the current tenant, Paradise Ranch.

'Waioli does essential work promoting conservation and cultural preservation and we are mindful of their legacy with regard to this land,' Chan and Zuckerberg said.

'We are committed to honoring the current ranching lease to Paradise Ranch and extending the existing agricultural dedication.

'We have been working closely with a number of community partners to promote conservation, produce sustainable agriculture and protect native wildlife at our ranch and in the surrounding areas and look forward to extending that effort to Lepeuli in the months ahead.'

Zuckerberg and Chan, worth an estimated $117 billion according to Forbes, have faced resistance to their spending spree in the past.

The California-based couple bought their first 357-acre chunk of the island in September 2014, purchasing the Kahuaina Plantation from California investment firm Falko Partners.

The couple, who also own properties in San Francisco, Palo Alto and Lake Tahoe, then bought 384 acres from the late Hawaii auto dealer James Pflueger.

In 2018 they bought yet more, meaning their landholdings total nearly 750 acres, according to local media.

His entities also acquired titles to dozens of smaller lots within the larger parcels that were known as 'Kuleana Lands' - land granted to Kanaka Maoli tenant farmers between 1850 and 1855.

Zuckerberg was accused by some of trying to force the tenant farmers from their historic plots, and in 2017 he apologized in the local newspaper, explaining that he was abandoning his quiet title actions and would 'work together with the community on a new approach'.

A petition was begun last year to 'stop Mark Zuckerberg from colonizing Kauai', and now has more than a million signatures.

The nonprofit, however, said they were delighted with the latest sale to their multibillionaire neighbor.

'The decision provides Waioli with the financial ability to be able to continue our critical conservation and historical work and ensure that Kauai's cultural history continues to be shared in the community for years to come,' said Sam Pratt, president of Waipoli Corporation, in a statement.

He said the organization chose Chan and Zuckerberg after seeing their 'dedication over the years to land conservation, protecting native species and working to preserve the natural beauty of Kauai.'

'We know that this land will remain in their trusted hands and that Mark and Priscilla will act as responsible stewards of Lepeuli today and in the future,' he said.
As the final minutes of the meeting concluding Vietnams Month of Presidency of the UN Security Council clocked in, the country could be proud of reaching a new milestone in its diplomacy

via successfully assuming the role of UNSC Chair for the second time, as part of its stint as a non-permanent member of the council in 2020-2021.

Vietnams achievements at the UNSC - the UNs most important body responsible for maintaining world peace and security - were fulfilled amid the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising conflicts, and a serious political crisis in Myanmar, which like Vietnam is a member of ASEAN.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Permanent Vietnam Mission to the UN

Three high-level discussions initiated and chaired by Vietnam - the High-level Open Debate on "Cooperation between the UN and regional organisations in enhancing confidence-building and dialogue in conflict prevention and resolution, the open debate on Mine action and sustaining peace: Stronger partnerships for better delivery, and the in-person and online debate on Protection of Objects Indispensable to the Survival of the Civilian Population - have been hailed by the international community.

Staff depart for UN peacekeeping mission

At the first one, chaired by State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on April 19, Vietnam expressed its strong commitment as a country that always strives to build trust and dialogue, act as a bridge to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts around the world via the UN Charter, international law, and closer joint work between the UN, organisations and multilateral mechanisms.

As the only ASEAN representative at the UNSC, Vietnam upheld the spirit of the bloc, prompting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to recognise the importance of Southeast Asia in reconciliation diplomacy, conflict prevention, and the building of international peace. He also affirmed ASEANs important role when the region faces a crisis such as that being seen in Myanmar.

At an open debate "Women, peace and security - Sexual violence in conflict

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency following the meeting, head of the EU Delegation to the UN Olof Skoog said the topics selected by Vietnam for discussion came at the right moment amid complex developments around the world.

Achievements in partnerships between the UN and regional organisations can be seen in various areas, he went on, from reconciliation, anti-terrorism, and the maintenance of peace to the protection of human rights, climate change response, and COVID-19 prevention.

The UN Secretary General hailed Vietnams initiative to lift ties between the UN and regional organisations to greater heights and to further uphold a spirit of multilateralism.

He also committed to supporting Vietnams proposal to trust building and dialogue on conflict prevention, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the debate

Vietnam also left positive impressions on the international community when selecting mine action as a discussion topic at a high-level debate on April 8. In 2020, the UN recorded 7,000 deaths and injuries from bombs and mines, including nearly 2,000 children.

Speaking highly of the initiative, Secretary General Guterres expressed his belief that dealing with this issue not only at the national but also at the regional and global levels will be the first solid step towards achieving real stability and peace.

At the debate on Protection of Objects Indispensable to the Survival of the Civilian Population, chaired by Vietnam on April 27, a resolution the country drafted was co-sponsored by 15 UNSC members and over 50 UN member states.

This issue was rarely put up for debate at high-level UNSC meetings in the past, showing that many member states have begun to understand the importance of the issue after witnessing humanitarian law violations in many countries, especially war-torn areas such as Yemen, Syria, Tigray (Ethiopia), South Sudan, Ukraine, and Nigeria.

The open debate on Women, peace and security - Sexual violence in conflict, held on April 14, was also a highlight among Vietnams initiatives in its capacity as UNSC Chair.

According to the UN, there were 2.500 cases of sexual violence in armed conflicts last year, mostly targeting women and girls.

Many called on the international community to make a strong commitment to seeking justice for the victims of sexual violence, protecting them and helping them lead normal lives.

Vietnam successfully promoted its priorities and commitments during its tenure, affirming itself as a partner for sustainable peace that seeks sound and sustainable solutions to disputes and promotes dialogue towards addressing disputes by peaceful means, strengthening the role of regional organisations and creating humanitarian policies for the people.

According to Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnam Mission to the UN, Vietnams biggest achievement was affirming its prestige and image in the minds of international friends.

Successfully assuming its role during the Month of UNSC Presidency vividly reflects the effective implementation of the foreign policy set in the resolution adopted by the 13th National Party Congress./.

VNA
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 19:45:23|Editor: huaxia

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Over 40 countries and regions have committed their support and help with medical supplies, particularly oxygen-generating equipment, in order to help India combat the ongoing second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
With Illinois being a primary agriculture hub, our farmers not only add to our states economy, they fuel the nations as well. While the agriculture industry generated $51.1 billion for our states economy, Illinois also accounted for 4% of our countrys agriculture sales, and 81% of that comes from crops. Yet the financial impacts dont stop there. Our farm economy is the lifeblood of rural communities, and we can strengthen the future of our region by expanding fair trade opportunities.
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida Office of Early Learning has approved Get Set for School Complete Pre-K curriculum for the School Readiness Approved Curriculum list. With this approval, districts across Florida can make this breakthrough curriculum available to Pre-K students, providing a proven education program to ensure their readiness to start Kindergarten.

"We thank the Florida Office of Early Learning for conducting a thorough review and recognizing the value that Get Set for School delivers to the earliest learners, and approving it for Florida Pre-K students," said Terry Nealon, CEO of Learning Without Tears. "Learning Without Tears has a decades-long commitment to early childhood education, something unique in today's cluttered educational landscape. Teaching those earliest learners and supporting those educators is core to our company mission."

"Developed with decades of expertise in foundational literacy, Get Set for School is a complete, developmentally appropriate, Pre-K program that is expert-backed, research-based, and has been a proven success," explained Dr. Elizabeth DeWitt, the curriculum expert at the center of Get Set for School. "Emergent reading and oral language development are the keys to foundational literacy. These are a student's first steps down a path of successful learning. With the approval of the Office of Early Learning, Florida's earliest learners can join the tens of millions of students across the globe that have benefited from Get Set for School and ensured their readiness for Kindergarten."

Get Set for School delivers a multimodal-multisensory approach to Pre-K education with hands-on learning through purposeful play offered through both print and digital formats, along with dynamic, world-class implementation and training support. Get Set for School is available in both English and Spanish, ensuring Kindergarten readiness for students in both dual-language and bilingual Pre-K classrooms. More information on Get Set for School in Florida can be found here: https://www.lwtears.com/state-adoptions/florida/pre-k-adoption

About Learning Without Tears

Learning Without Tears is an early education company offering a proven and unique approach to teaching and learning, from crucial readiness skills in Pre-K to foundational writing and typing skills, including handwriting, keyboarding, and cursive. The Pre-K to elementary school-level programs benefit all learners with multisensory, developmentally appropriate, proven practices, and are used by millions of students around the world.

SOURCE Learning Without Tears
Authorities are asking for the publics help in finding a 3-year-old boy who disappeared Thursday afternoon in Pickens County.

Khilan Bell, 3, was last seen around 12:45 p.m. Thursday near 6th Street Northwest in Gordo, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

The child was described as 3-feet 5-inches tall, 40 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Gordo police said Khilan may be in a gray 2012 Nissan Altima with the Georgia tag number QFJ8959.

Anyone with information on Khilans whereabouts was asked to contact Gordo police at 205-367-9373 or 911.
A fifth of people admit they will feel resentful if they do not get a Covid jab before their summer holidays.

They fear it could scupper their plans, with controversial vaccine passports set to play a key role in deciding who will and won't get to travel abroad later this summer.

A survey of nearly 5,000 UK adults found 18 per cent would feel resentful towards those who have been jabbed if they do not get one.

Middle-class earners are more likely to feel this way, with 24 per cent saying they would harbour ill feelings.

The Government's target is to have offered a vaccine to all UK adults by the end of July, with the scheme opening to over-40s in England today.

There was widespread support for vaccinating the elderly and most vulnerable first when the rollout first launched in December.

But there is a growing sense that those who are able to prove they have been jabbed will be afforded more freedoms than unvaccinated people.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps revealed earlier in the week that the NHS Covid app will be turned into a vaccine certification.

A fifth of people say they will feel resentful towards their peers if they do not get a Covid jab before their summer holidays (file)

Researchers from Bristol University, King's College London and the National Institute for Health Research interviewed 4,896 adults aged 18 to 75.

One in eight respondents said they currently feel resentful towards others who have been vaccinated.

Brits could safely travel to most of Europe WITHOUT quarantine or even tests, study Brits could travel safely to most parts of Europe without needing to quarantine with infections at the levels they are now, according to an easyJet-commissioned study by Yale University in the US. May 17 will be the day the Government decides where people can go on holiday this summer and researchers have suggested one or two-week quarantine policies are too harsh for most destinations. Because the UK's infection rate is so low there would likely be no benefit for travellers quarantining when they arrive, as long as they were tested instead. Quarantine is more likely to be needed for returning travellers and those visiting the UK, the researchers said, but up to five days would likely suffice for most places  again if people are tested before and after they fly. easyJet has seized on the research to call for open borders this summer as it hopes to get passengers in the air after a devastating year for the airline industry. Its CEO Johan Lundgren claimed 'it is safe to put much of Europe on the green list'. The Yale study suggested that the number of people being hospitalised with Covid may only rise by six per day even if international travel opens up en masse. The current rate is at 144 new patients per day. It said: 'Our analysis demonstrates that for the vast majority of origin-destination country pairs, there are combinations of short-duration quarantine and testing that are as effective as border closure. 'Furthermore, for most origin-destination country pairs, travel with testing and no quarantine will reduce imminent in-country transmission more than would border closure. 'We find that the duration of quarantine is predominantly influenced by country prevalence and quantity of travel. 'With higher prevalence in the origin country compared to the destination country, the minimum duration of quarantine increases from zero to beyond fourteen days, at which point border closure would likely be practical.' Advertisement

The research, carried out between April 1 and 16, also found that three in 10 adults believe vaccine passports would reduce civil liberties.

This is a rise from 25 per cent who felt this way in March.

And it identified 'widespread concern' about the ability to control forgeries, with 49 per cent thinking vaccination passports will be sold on the black market.

But 'notable minorities' said vaccine passports would make them feel more comfortable doing activities such as travelling internationally (42 per cent), sending their children to school (40 per cent) and going to a pub or restaurant (44 per cent).

Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King's College London, said: 'There is very widespread support for the staged approach to vaccination in the UK, getting to the oldest and most vulnerable first, as demonstrated by the fact that only 12 per cent of the currently unvaccinated say they resent those who have been.

'This no doubt partly reflects the speed and efficiency of the vaccine rollout overall, as people can have confidence that they'll get their turn soon.

'However, there are some clear limits to this  with the summer holiday season a key target many have in mind, and a potential test of our collective spirit if some are free to travel while others are not.

'Public faith in the equity and reliability of any vaccine passport system is going to need to be carefully encouraged, as large minorities are starting from a suspicion about its impact on civil liberties, and half think it could be used fraudulently.'

Dr Siobhan McAndrew, senior lecturer in quantitative social science at the University of Bristol, added: 'Some members of the public see vaccination as a social duty, while others are more concerned with direct personal benefits.

'Partly for that reason, there has been great policy interest in whether vaccination passports might encourage vaccine uptake.

'These findings indicate they may do so, as well as allowing the leisure, hospitality and travel industries to reopen more promptly.

'But we also have evidence of the challenges that may come with the passports  as significant proportions of the public fear they will be misused, including through curtailing civil liberties.'

It came after Mr Shapps revealed the NHS app will double as a Covid passport for tourists on Tuesday.

Sources said the app's Covid passport update is still in development but is being rushed through before May 17, when foreign holidays become legal again.

Ministers hope an updated version of the app will allow people to display their vaccine and test status on their phones, with a personal scannable QR code for use at passport control.

Mr Shapps revealed the NHS app is being worked on to become a health certificate for international travel ahead of the G7 in Cornwall in early June.

But he refused to be drawn on the finer details of how it would work - leaving huge unanswered questions about how people would get record of a negative non-NHS test uploaded, and what happens to un-vaccinated people when they return from their holidays.

He told Sky News: 'In terms of vaccine certification, I can confirm we are working on an NHS application, actually it will be the NHS app that is used for people when they book appointments with the NHS and so on, to be able to show you've had a vaccine or you've had testing.

'I'm working internationally with partners across the world to make sure that system can be internationally recognised, as that's the way forward. Actually, I'm chairing a meeting of the G7 secretaries of state for transport, my equivalents from America and Canada and all the G7 countries, next week on exactly this subject'.


South Africa: KZN government helps to bring Lindani Myeni's remains home

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala, says the Provincial Cabinet is providing support during the repatriation of former rugby player, Lindani Myeni.

Myeni, from Esikhaleni in northern KwaZulu-Natal, was fatally shot during an altercation with Honolulu police officers outside his residence in Nuuanu, Hawaii, two weeks ago.

Members of the Executive Council (MECs) have been deployed to support the family and facilitate the arrival of Myenis mortal remains from Johannesburg, after which they will be transported to his home in Esikhaleni.

The MECs include Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela, Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza, Human Settlements and Public Works MEC Ntuthuko Sibiya, and KZN Director-General Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize.

Myenis remains are expected to arrive at OR Tambo Airport on Friday morning.

The body will be released to the family on Saturday. A short prayer service will then be held by the receiving committee and the family. The body will then be transported to KwaZulu-Natal, Zikalala said.

He said more details on Myenis funeral and memorial service will be released in due course.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-04-30. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
In rolling out its campuswide ban on tobacco products six years ago, The Citadel noted that it was committed to providing a safe and healthy learning and working environment for our cadets, students, faculty, staff and visitors and recognizes that tobacco use in any form is a significant health hazard.

That language remains on the school's website  at least for a bit longer  along with a link to a letter commending The Citadels new tobacco-free policy. The July 13, 2016, letter from the director of the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC called the decision conducive with The Citadels overall mission to provide a positive learning environment for educating the next generation of future leaders.

The website also includes a list of a few of the horribles of tobacco use, among them smokers die 13 to 14 years earlier than nonsmokers, Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States, Smoking causes many other types of cancer, including cancers of the throat, mouth, nasal cavity, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix, as well as acute myeloid leukemia and Smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing agents.

None of that has changed since the policy took effect on July 1, 2016.

But as The Post and Couriers Thomas Novelly reports, The Citadel is in the process of changing its policy, to allow cadets and employees to follow the example of Citadel President Glenn M. Walters, whom a spokesman said has been seen frequently on campus using smokeless tobacco.

Its true that society has a greater interest in protecting innocent victims than in protecting us from ourselves  that is, in protecting nonsmokers from secondary smoke as opposed to protecting tobacco users from sickening themselves through vaping or smokeless tobacco.

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But unlike cities, counties and states, colleges have more to consider than just protecting bystanders, or holding down tobacco-related medical costs. They have to consider their mission to turn out well-rounded adults; they have to recognize that people who choose to enroll in a college are signing up for more than just an academic education, and that colleges have an obligation to offer more.

That's why we've seen a rise in completely tobacco-free college campuses  the CDC counted 63 in South Carolina in 2018, and more than 1,700 nationally  and its an idea that would seem to go doubly for The Citadel, where parents expect that their children will have far less freedom than at other colleges.

A spokesman told Mr. Novelly that cadets started lobbying for the change after a 2019 federal law raised the age to legally purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. We dont question the accuracy of that statement, since we're talking about 18- to 21-year-olds, who arent always the most logical thinkers. But the folks running The Citadel are supposed to be able to think more clearly, and if anything, that change would argue for implementing (or keeping) a tobacco ban, not watering it down, in order to discourage 18-, 19- and 20-year-old cadets from breaking the law.

If The Citadel buys the argument that it's not treating students like adults  or that it needs to let the students make the rules  were sure the cadets could come up with lots of other rules and restrictions to sweep away, so they can make their own decisions.

The Citadels policy allows the president to permit limited exceptions to the tobacco-free policy, as he apparently has done for himself. And we can understand why cadets would be put off by his do as I say, not as I do approach to tobacco.

But the way to fix that disconnect isnt to water down a policy that encourages cadets to break dangerous addictions they formed even before they arrived on campus  a policy that will in fact save lives. Its for President Walters to obey the policy. At least in public.
Angry local residents blamed Pashinian for Armenias defeat in last years Nagorno-Karabakh which has gravely affected their communities. Dozens of them swore at him and branded him a capitulator as he walked through the Syunik towns of Agarak and Meghri on April 21.

Pashinian described the protests as a violation of the law at a meeting with senior government and law-enforcement officials held in the provincial capital Kapan. He told the chiefs of Armenias police and National Security Service (NSS) to respond in a tough manner.

More than two dozen people were rounded up and charged with hooliganism and/or violent resistance to police in the following days. Courts in Yerevan ordered virtually of all them freed pending investigation.

While condemning the protesters for the verbal abuse, the state human rights ombudsman, Arman Tatoyan, accused the prime minister of issuing unlawful orders to the law-enforcement agencies. Armenian opposition figures said, for their part, Pashinian openly ordered a political persecution of the disgruntled Syunik residents.

Davtian flatly denied that. He said Pashinian simply addressed the NSS and police chiefs technically subordinate to the premier and shared with them his thoughts about the Syunik incidents.

Its wrong to speak of any political persecution. In general, I dont like using that term, the chief prosecutor told reporters.

The arrests made in Syunik sparked protests in Yerevan. Hundreds of opposition supporters demanding the release of the detainees rallied outside the prosecutors headquarters and clashed with riot police on April 22.

Several of those protesters were themselves detained as a result. At least one of them remains under arrest, having been charged with violent assault.

Davtian denounced the demonstrators. Participants of the protest said, Come down and tells us whom you will stop persecuting and when. No prosecutor will come out and say such a thing, he said.
In this April 19 photo, former Tulsa Police Officer Shannon Kepler, right, listens as his attorney Stan Monroe speaks outside the Tulsa Federal Building for his fifth trial in the killing of Jeremey Lake, in Tulsa. A federal jury in Tulsa convicted Kepler on April 26 of second-degree murder and assault in the 2014 fatal shooting of his daughter's boyfriend while acquitting him of first-degree murder in the case.
Competition in South Africas ecommerce market is increasing with Takealot, Makro, and Everyshop pumping millions into their ecommerce operations.

Takealot is South Africas dominant online shopping player thanks to its excellent product range and exceptional fulfilment network.

Takealot invested billions to create the Amazon of South Africa with warehouses in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town and pickup points across the country.

While it is currently far ahead of any of its competitors, Takealot is facing increased competition from well-funded companies.

JD Group has launched Everyshop which aims to give the best online shopping experience in South Africa.

Everyshop is offering South Africans products from over 500 international and local brands thanks to its partnership with retailers like Incredible Connection and HiFi Corp.

It already has two dedicated fulfilment centres and 15 large-scale distribution centres that position products closer to customers, but this is only the start.

Everyshop is growing its physical presence and distribution network through pick-up-points, lockers, and contact centres in brick-and-mortar stores.

Massmart, which owns and operates Makro, Game, and Builders, is also pumping millions into its ecommerce operations.

Massmarts online sales grew 58.6% and delivered R1.1 billion in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) over the last financial year.

This growth was underpinned by 72.9% growth in unique customers and a 69.5% increase in click and collect orders.

Apart from building a good logistics network and stocking products which people like, good pricing is key to attract and retain customers.

To ensure they remain competitive, the big ecommerce players have regular promotions with big price cuts on popular products like TVs and gadgets.

Makro, for example, is currently running a Big Bang Sale with discounts of up to 30% on a wide range of tech products, including TVs, gadgets, and printers.

Takealot, in turn, runs Daily Deals and has a Clearance Store with discounts of up to 50% on a range of items.

Here are a few of the best deals from Makro, Takealot, and Brand Hubb as part of their latest promotions.

Shops in this weeks article: Takealot | Brand Hubb | Makro | Everyshop

Netgear AC3200 Nighthawk Router from Takealot  R4,499 (click here)

Energizer H550s Smartphone from Takealot  R4,518 (click here)

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE from Takealot  R12,259 (click here)

Apple iPhone XR from Takealot  R12,479 (click here)

Epson Projector and Xbox One S bundle from Takealot  R12,999 (click here)

LG 49-inch UHD LED TV from Makro  R7,499 (click here)

Samsung 55-inch QLED TV from Makro  R11,999 (click here)

Polaroid Active Watch from Makro  R699 (click here)

Rocka Bluetooth Speaker from Makro  R399 (click here)

Canon M200 camera from Makro  R8,999 (click here)

HP DeskJet 6475 printer from Makro  R1,499 (click here)

TP-Link M7200 Router from Makro  R999 (click here)

JBL headphones from Brand Hubb  R1,499 (click here)

Harman Kardon speaker from Brand Hubb  R6,799 (click here)

Garmin Forerunner 935 from Brand Hubb  R6,449 (click here)

iPhone 12 from Everyshop  R16,999 (click here)

Samsung 82-inch 4K TV from Everyshop  R29,999 (click here)
A young Uyghur man says he has turned his dream into reality by opening a popular coffee house at the heart of Kashgars historic Old City to blend the old and the new.

A young Muslim woman moves from her remote village to the city for a well-paid factory job that enables her to provide a comfortable life for her family.

A Uyghur businesswoman challenges stereotypes to help young women in her community to pick Western-style wedding dresses for their big day.

They all purport to be content with prosperous lives, freedom of choice, and abundant opportunities they say they enjoy in their home region of Xinjiang in China's northwest.

That is how a new Chinese documentary, Beyond The Mountains: Life In Xinjiang, depicts the lives of ethnic Uyghur and other Muslim minorities -- mostly ethnic Kazakh and Kyrgyz -- in the region.

The film makes no mention of China's brutal crackdown on Xinjiangs Muslims that has seen more than 1 million people forced into a notorious network of massive internment camps, often run in prison-like conditions, since 2017.

The documentary was released by the state-owned China Global Television Network in mid-April in several languages -- including English and Russian -- in a bid to push Beijings narrative of Xinjiang to global audiences.

It seeks to counter multiple accounts by natives of Xinjiang who say Muslims live in a climate of fear and oppression as authorities target their culture, religion, family life, and traditions.

Subscribe To Our New China Newsletter It has become impossible to tell the biggest stories shaping Eurasia without considering Chinas resurgent influence in local business, politics, security, and culture. China In Eurasia is the new biweekly newsletter by correspondent Reid Standish in which he builds on local reporting from RFE/RLs journalists across Eurasia to give you unique insights into Beijings ambitions. It's sent on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. To subscribe, click here.

The documentary emphasizes opportunities the government has allegedly created for young people to pursue their dreams in sports, music, business, and other areas.

Xinjiang activists who spoke to RFE/RL condemned the documentary as blatant Chinese propaganda that is a gruesome distortion of reality.

The Kashgar Coffee House Tale

The documentary depicts a coffee shop in a traditional two-story building with a flat rooftop on the backdrop of Kashgars scenic Old City.

Kashgar Corner Coffee & Tea is a startup business owned by young Muslim entrepreneur Mardan Ablimit, who describes himself as a genuine Kashgar boy with a big dream.

Ablimit says his idea of a coffee shop was to mix his communitys history and culture with modern elements.

He describes his drinks as a perfect blend of Western coffee and local herbs.

The coffeehouse features colorful cushions and carpets along with traditional teahouse-style furniture.

Ablimit calls his coffeehouse a miniature version of Kashgar where the older generation is trying new things and young people like him are pursuing their dreams.

I dont see any conflicts or contradictions here, he says, alluding to the official Chinese line of peace and harmony in the region.

People in Kashgar are discarding the old way of thinking and embracing change, Ablimit claims.

Its difficult to verify Ablimits story of success in a business that he says pays tribute to his communitys history, culture, and traditions.

In reality, the Chinese government has shut down Xinjiang Muslims cultural centers, damaged or razed thousands of mosques and historical Muslim structures, and imprisoned community leaders.

Muslims are barred in many areas from entering mosques until they reach the age of 18.

Thousands have been jailed for performing Islamic prayers, celebrating holidays, or having traditionally large families.

Many Muslim children have been separated from their families and placed in special boarding schools -- a move activists say is aimed at brainwashing the younger generation.

Beijing has also reportedly embedded more than 1 million civil servants from the country's majority Han Chinese population to live with Muslim families in Xinjiang as part of the assimilation effort as well as to monitor their movements and contacts.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom wrote in its International Religious Freedom Annual Report issued on April 28, 2020, that individuals have been sent to the camps for wearing long beards, refusing alcohol, or other behaviors authorities deem to be signs of 'religious extremism.'

'Grateful To My Factory'

A large segment of the Chinese documentary is dedicated to young Muslim women who -- according to the video -- have challenged their conservative communitys stereotypes to embrace modern life.

Zileyhan Eysa is introduced as a farmer from the rural county of Kuqa who gets a job at a factory in Bole in the relatively affluent northern part of Xinjiang.

Eysa makes about $600 a month, enough to support her impoverished family in Kuqa and her own life in the city.

With Eysas remittances, her mother, Tursungul Rejep, has paid her medical bills while her father is able to buy a car.

Im grateful to my factory, Eysa says.

Eysa has learnt many new things in the city, the video says. She has no intention of moving back to her village and doesnt think of getting married anytime soon.

In traditional Uyghur families, marriages are usually arranged by the parents. But Eysas family will accept whomever she chooses to marry, says Rejep, speaking in her native Uyghur.

Eysa -- like all other young Muslims depicted in the documentary -- speaks Mandarin.

The film shows the familys spacious house in Kuqa, with Eysa, her parents, and two younger siblings -- all exceptionally well dressed -- happily chatting as they eat watermelon.

Samira Arkin is another Muslim woman who has broken with her communitys traditions and set an example for many other young people.

Arkin owns a bridal shop in Kashgar where she helps Muslim brides to choose fashionable white dresses for their wedding.

Arkin recalls how she decided to wear a Western-style gown for her own wedding in 2010 despite misgivings by her relatives.

Modern wedding dresses were frowned upon in her community, she explains.

Like many others in the documentary, she doesnt say words like Muslims, Islam, or Uyghur.

Arkin says she was unhappy to see how some women covered their faces and didnt even have the right to go out on their own.

She says she turned her protest into a business opportunity and opened her shop.

I wanted to change how [Kashgar] brides dress and how they think about it, Arkin says. The businesswoman claims she enjoys support from many people who tell her she has made the right choices.

China has banned the Islamic veil as a sign of religious extremism.

In vaguely worded legislation, Beijing has also outlawed certain Islamic names and other unspecified extremism signs.

Some Muslim women have reported being harassed by police for wearing long dresses.

Forced To Speak?

Its impossible to know if Arkin, Eysa, Rejep, and others in documentary were speaking their minds or were ordered to repeat what authorities told them to say.

People are forced to follow orders from the Communist Party, says Qairat Baitolla, an activist from Xinjiang who lives in Kazakhstan.

If they refuse, they face imprisonment, harassment, and even being shot dead, Baitolla says.

Locked Up In China: The Plight Of Xinjiang's Muslims Radio Free Radio/Radio Liberty is partnering with its sister organization, Radio Free Asia, to highlight the plight of Muslims living in China's western province of Xinjiang.

One ethnic Kazakh man, who currently lives in Altay in Xinjiangs Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, has told his relatives abroad that authorities were forcing him to denounce on video former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeos condemning comments about Xinjiang.

In January, Pompeo declared that China was committing ongoing genocide against Muslims in Xinjiang.

The man from Altay also said that Chinese police demanded he denounce and divorce his wife, Altynai Arasan. Arasan lives in Kazakhstan and attends anti-Beijing protests in front of Chinese diplomatic offices.

According to Arasan, police warned her husband he would be killed if he refused to make the video statement.

But there are also many people among the Muslim minorities who blindly trust the Communist Party, says Bekzat Maqsutkhan, an activist from Xinjiang.

Authorities select ignorant, trusting, and low-educated people who have never seen the outside world to participate in such propaganda, he told RFE/RL.

Maqsutkhan, who now lives in Kazakhstan, says some members of Muslim communities take part in the state propaganda for financial gain or to advance their careers.

But the activists say the majority, including many children, have no choice but to read into the camera the scripted texts that proclaim support for Beijings version of events.

China denies all of the reports of widespread rights abuses in Xinjiang and insists that the internment camps are educational and vocational training centers aimed at preventing religious extremism.

But many survivors say many of the detainees at the internment camps are subjected to torture, rape, and forced labor -- mainly working in textile factories and picking cotton. Some women have reported being forced to undergo an abortion and others say they were forcibly sterilized.

The documentary comes as the United States, Britain, Canada, and the European Union imposed sanctions on several Chinese officials over the reported rights abuses in Xinjiang.

On April 22, the British House of Commons approved a parliamentary motion declaring crimes against humanity and genocide are being committed against Uyghurs and other mostly Muslims in Xinjiang.

RFE/RL Kazakh Service correspondent Nurtay Lakhanuly contributed to this report from Almaty.


Collaboration Agreement with SGL Carbon, Germany

Perth, April 29, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Altech Chemicals Limited ( ASX:ATC ) ( FRA:A3Y ) is pleased to announce that together with its 75% owned German subsidiary, Altech Industries Germany GmbH, it has signed a collaboration agreement with SGL Carbon GmbH (SGL Carbon), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SGL Carbon SE of Germany. The agreement is to collaborate and support Altech's development of high purity alumina coated graphite materials specifically targeted for use by the lithium-ion battery industry. SGL Carbon SE is a world leader in the development and production of carbon-based solutions and reported sales of 919 million Euros in 2020.Highlights- Collaboration agreement with leading German based graphite producer- Alumina coated graphite for lithium-ion battery industry- Applying Altech HPA and coating technology- Altech now at forefront of graphite HPA coating technology- Renewed MOU with SGL Carbon for engineering support for the design, production, and supply of HCl treatment systemsAlso, Altech and SGL Carbon have renewed their memorandum of understanding for engineering support covering design, production and supply of HCl treatment systems to be used in Altech's HPA project in Malaysia, and potentially in Germany.On 22 December 2020, Altech announced the successful demonstration of its alumina coating technology - the coating of graphite particles typical of those used in anode applications within lithium-ion batteries (anode grade graphite) with a nano layer of high purity alumina (HPA). The demonstration showed that Altech's technology was able to deposit a uniform and consistent layer of alumina onto anode grade graphite particles. The uniformity and consistency of an alumina layer on anode grade graphite is expected to be important to improve lithium-ion battery performance. On 12 February 2021, Altech announced the commencement of a pre-feasibility study (PFS) by its 75% owned German subsidiary Altech Industries Germany GmbH, for the construction of a battery materials HPA coating plant in Saxony, Germany. The PFS will assume a phase 1 coating plant designed with the capacity to coat 10,000tpa (35tpd) of anode grade graphite. On 8 March 2021, the Company completed the first phase of battery performance testing ofgraphite particles coated with HPA. Results for the coated graphite anodes compared to the non-coated anodes were positive and encouraging."I believe that Altech's coating technology can be successfully employed to coat SGL Carbon's various battery graphite powders with a uniform nano-layer of alumina. Under this collaboration agreement, Altech and SGL Carbon will test the application of Altech's technology to coat SGL Carbon's specifically designed graphite particles with high purity alumina (HPA). Both companies will fund the test work and retain their respective intellectual property", said Altech's managing director, Mr Iggy Tan.About Altech Chemicals Ltd

Altech Chemicals Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) is aiming to become one of the world's leading suppliers of 99.99% (4N) high purity alumina (Al2O3) through the construction and operation of a 4,500tpa high purity alumina (HPA) processing plant at Johor, Malaysia. Feedstock for the plant will be sourced from the Company's 100%-owned kaolin deposit at Meckering, Western Australia and shipped to Malaysia.



HPA is a high-value, high margin and highly demanded product as it is the critical ingredient required for the production of synthetic sapphire. Synthetic sapphire is used in the manufacture of substrates for LED lights, semiconductor wafers used in the electronics industry, and scratch-resistant sapphire glass used for wristwatch faces, optical windows and smartphone components. Increasingly HPA is used by lithium-ion battery manufacturers as the coating on the battery's separator, which improves performance, longevity and safety of the battery. With global HPA demand approximately 19,000t (2018), it is estimated that this demand will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% (2018-2028); by 2028 HPA market demand will be approximately 272,000t, driven by the increasing adoption of LEDs worldwide as well as the demand for HPA by lithium-ion battery manufacturers to serve the surging electric vehicle market.
You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa at this link, or on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Google, Spotify, and Stitcher. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit!

Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | April 30, 2021

The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to the state and the Pennsylvania Department of Health for approval to separate vaccinated and non-vaccinated fans at the PPG Paints Arena. A common way of getting rid of spotted lanternflies may be harming other species in the process. Possible power outages may occur today due to high winds. And a locally brewed IPA will help to raise money for the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation.

Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa, a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa.

Todays episode refers to the following articles:

If you enjoy Today in Pa, consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too.
COVID-19 vaccines are being manufactured at a CanSino Biologics factory in Tianjin on Sunday. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/China Daily]

China will firmly honor the pledge of making COVID-19 vaccines a global good and continue to enhance vaccine cooperation with Hungary, President Xi Jinping said in a phone conversation with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday.

Xi said the close cooperation of China and Hungary, especially on vaccines, reflected the high-level political mutual trust between the two countries and added resilience and vitality to the bilateral relationship.

China has sent three shipments of vaccines to Hungary. Both Orban and Hungarian President Janos Ader have gotten Chinese vaccines. Hungary is the only European Union country to use Chinese vaccines under an emergency protocol and has a leading vaccination rate among EU nations.

Xi also said that China speaks highly of Hungary for upholding the policy of friendship with China as well as its important contributions to promoting cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries.

Xi said China stands ready to maintain close strategic communication with the central European nation, consolidate political mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation guided by major projects like the Belgrade-Budapest railway. He called on the nations to jointly address risks and challenges and to push for constant development in their comprehensive strategic partnership to better benefit their peoples.

Orban expressed thanks for China's support for containing the pandemic in his country and welcomed more Chinese companies to invest in Hungary.

In another development, Xi said China is willing to build on past achievements and forge ahead into the future together with Uzbekistan as he talked by phone with his Uzbek counterpart, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on Thursday. He said the two countries have supported each other on issues concerning core interests, kept close coordination in international and regional affairs and effectively safeguarded their common interests.

China will work with Uzbekistan to boost the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Uzbekistan's New Strategy of Development, promote connectivity, deepen trade and investment, expand cooperation in areas like education, culture and tourism, and continue to advance vaccine cooperation, Xi said.

The president also said that China is willing to share its experience on poverty alleviation with Uzbekistan.

Mirziyoyev extended warm congratulations for the Communist Party of China's 100th anniversary and expressed his country's full support for China's holding the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.




The Department of State has issued the highest-level travel advisory, asking U.S. citizens "not to travel to India or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so." (IANS photo)
W.R. Berkley Corp. named Clare Himmer as president of Berkley Re UK Limited, effective September 1, 2021.

In the interim, Richard Fothergill will continue as Berkley Re UKs CEO, with the expectation that, by the end of 2021, Himmer will be appointed CEO and Fothergill will become Chairman.

Himmer has nearly 30 years of experience in the reinsurance industry with a particular focus on the London and international markets across multiple classes of business. Most recently, she led the London subsidiary of a specialty Bermuda reinsurance group, establishing and developing key client and broker relationships and growing the London business to a substantial percentage of the groups revenue.

Fothergill joined Berkley Re UK in 2011 to lead the development of the newly formed business. As CEO, he will continue to lead the organization through the transition. Upon assuming the Chairman role, he will remain a valuable resource for the Berkley Re UK team, as well as engage on special projects and initiatives throughout W. R. Berkley Corporation.

Ryan Specialty

Ryan Specialty Group in London is further expanding the underwriting capabilities of RSG Transactional Risks Europe (RSG TRE) with the hiring of Ulrich Schiener.

RSG TRE is a specialised managing general underwriter focused exclusively on providing transactional insurance solutions to Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) clients.

Schiener has joined RSG TREs team based in Barcelona, Spain, and focuses on Warranty and Indemnity insurance for European transactions. He is joining RSG TRE from the corporate team at Eversheds in Munich.

Ulrich is a German lawyer who has also been admitted to the bar in Spain. He has experience advising private equity firms and strategic investors on M&A transactions,.

RSG Transactional Risks Europe comprises 23 professionals across London and Barcelona.
A Colorado police department announced that three police officers involved in the violent arrest of a 73-year-old woman with dementia are no longer employed there.

Loveland Police Chief Bob Ticer announced Friday that officers Austin Hopp and Daria Jalali, and community service officer Tyler Blackett, are no longer employed by his department.

Department spokesman Tom Hacker later confirmed they had resigned, CBS reported.

The chief also issued a public apology for the behavior of the officers. 'Our goal at the Loveland Police Department has always been to make our community proud,' Ticer said. 'We failed and we are very sorry for that.'

'What you saw on the video was not the Loveland Police Department. It hurt to see that.'

Austin Hopp and Daria Jalali were both fired from their jobs at Loveland Police Department in Colorado on Friday over their arrest of a 73 year-old dementia sufferer

Loveland Police Chief Bob Ticer (pictured) announced that officers Austin Hopp, Daria Jalali and community service officer Tyler Blackett are no longer employed by his department

DailyMail.com revealed that officers Austin Hopp and Daria Jalali (pictured) are in a romantic relationship and moved in together while Hopp was still married

Bodycam footage captured the arrest of 73-year-old Karen Garner (pictured) who was slammed to the ground by officer Hopp after she repeatedly said: 'I'm going home'

In June 2020, Karen Garner was arrested by Hopp and Jalali after she left a Colorado Walmart without paying for $13 worth of items. Before Garner's arrest, the store recovered the items and informed police before they arrived.

The responding officers found Garner picking flowers by the side of the road. Bodycam footage captured them slamming the 73-year-old to the ground as they arrested her while she cried out in confusion.

She was then taken to the local police station where she sat in a jail holding cell awaiting booking for six hours, crying in pain over her arm injuries.

Hopp and Jalali were caught on security video fist-bumping each other and joking over footage of the arrest, alongside officer Tyler Blackett, while Garner could be heard from the holding cell begging for help.

A federal lawsuit filed on Garner's behalf names a total of five officers involved in the arrest or who were at the jail, including the three who resigned and Sgt. Phil Metzler, who remains with the department but is on administrative leave. It accuses them of violating her civil rights.

DailyMail.com revealed that Hopp and Jalali are in a romantic relationship and moved in together while Hopp was still married.

The video went viral this month after it was released with the lawsuit, which also names the city of Loveland, thedenverchannel.com reported. It alleges the officers used excessive force while arresting Garner and failed to provide her with proper medical care or to intervene when the alleged excessive force was being used.

Garner (pictured) was transported to a local police station where she sat in a jail holding cell awaiting booking for six hours crying in pain over her arm injuries

Photos taken in the aftermath of the arrest show Garner with a severely bruised and swollen arm

'For the six hours that Ms. Garner was kept in custody by Loveland and the jail, despite many jokes made about her being disabled and mentally unfit, no one attempted to locate Ms. Garner's caregiver, console or help her, de-escalate her, or alert her loved ones to her terrible situation,' the lawsuit says.

Garner was ultimately diagnosed with a fractured arm, dislocated shoulder as well as a sprained wrist and was covered in scrapes and bruises, according the lawsuit.

She has never regained full mobility in her arm, her lawyer Sarah Shielke told DailyMail.com.

She still needs help with everyday tasks like getting dressed or showering, Shielke said, because of her injuries.

The incident is currently under criminal investigations at the request of the district attorney as well as an internal affairs investigation handled by the city's human resources director, Ticer said.
Black Lives Matter and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People have been harshly criticized by Republicans for failing to condemn the viral Uncle Tim reference to Senator Tim Scott on Wednesday.

Scott was compared to the racist 'Uncle Tom' trope that depicts black people as subservient after delivering the GOP rebuttal to President Joe Biden's speech before Congress in which he defended the country as not racist.

Scott spoke extensively about race, and made the point that while he had personally experienced discrimination, he did not believe the United States was an inherently racist country.

'I get called Uncle Tom and the N-word by progressives ... I know first-hand, our healing is not finished,' he said.

'Hear me clearly: America is not a racist country.'

South Carolina Republican Senator Tim Scott delivered his party's response to President Joe Biden's first address before Congress

Black Lives Matter and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People have yet to condemn the 'Uncle Tim' slur that was trending on Twitter in reference to Scott on Wednesday night

The term was trending on Twitter for some 12 hours before it was taken down on Thursday morning. A spokesperson for Twitter told Fox News that an algorithm allowed the term to trend

'Uncle Tim' - a play on the Uncle Tom trope - was soon trending on Twitter as thousands criticized Scott, with one person claiming the South Carolina senator was a 'cunning white supremacist apologist'.

The term was trending on Twitter for some 12 hours before it was taken down on Thursday morning. A spokesperson for Twitter told Fox News that an algorithm allowed the term to trend.

'This algorithm identifies topics that are popular now, rather than topics that have been popular for a while or on a daily basis, to help you discover the hottest emerging topics of discussion on Twitter,' the spokesperson told Fox News.

During an appearance on Fox & Friends on Thursday morning, Scott slammed the 'liberal elite left' for 'doubling down' on 'attacking the color of my skin.'

'Well, you know, it was upsetting certainly, but it was so disappointing that those people who want to be respected and given the opportunity to live their lives any way they want to, they don't want the same thing for you and me,' Scott told Fox News on Thursday morning when asked about the offensive term that was trending.

'They have doubled down that they are going to not attack my policies but they are literally attacking the color of my skin. You cannot step out of your lane according to the liberal elite left,' Scott said.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Black Lives Matter and the NAACP for comment.

On Twitter, conservatives, including Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, blasted the two organizations for not speaking up and condemning the term after it was circulated by liberal critics of Scott on Wednesday evening.

Bishop Talbert Swan, a black pastor from Massachusetts, tweeted: 'Uncle Tim Scott has perfected the art of sycophantic bootlicking. He's a master step n fetch it artist and cunning white supremacy apologist, who demonstrated his buck dancing skills in front of the entire world.'

Scroll down for video

Bishop Talbert Swan: 'Uncle Tim Scott has perfected the art of sycophantic bootlicking. He's a master step n fetch it artist and cunning white supremacy apologist, who demonstrated his buck dancing skills in front of the entire world.'

In a now-deleted Tweet which he later apologized for, white TV personality Scott Nevins wrote: 'Sen @TimScottSC is uncle Tom'ing it for his life. So sad. South Carolina should be so ashamed'.

Journalist Yashar Ali pointed out the hypocrisy of employing a derogatory racial term to make a point about race in America.

'To the white liberals saying "but it's true," I can't believe this needs to be said but this is not your term to use ... your political beliefs don't allow you to use terms like this.

'My god do not allow politics to melt your brains like this.'

Scott, the only black Republican in the U.S. Senate, used a large part of his speech to talk about race - detailing racism he's personally experienced, but making the argument that it's just as racist to teach white kids that they're 'an oppressor.'

Author Yvette Nicole Brown said: 'Uncle Tim lost me when he said Biden was dividing us after he had sat quietly while Tang destroyed this country for four years. #BoyBye'

Yale professor Phillip Atiba Goff said: 'White people. Please do not use terms like Aunt Jemima, coon, and Uncle Tom. It's gross and racist and not the thing you seem to think it is. Even if you live in Brooklyn. Especially if you live in Brooklyn'

Conservative writer Carmine Sabia: 'Not stunned that Uncle Tim is trending because how dare even one black person not follow the Democrats like the Pied Piper. How dare Sen. Tim Scott have his own opinions and principles?'

Policy analyst Javon Price Flagsaid: 'The fact that 'Uncle Tim' is trending on Twitter tells you all you need to know about the left'

Actress and author Yvette Nicole Brown, who starred in Community, said: 'Uncle Tim lost me when he said Biden was dividing us after he had sat quietly while Tang destroyed this country for four years. #BoyBye'.

'Uncle Tom' is derived from an 1852 novel: It's become an offensive racial caricature The term Uncle Tom is derived from the lead character of white abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. Uncle Tom is a gentle character, a smiling, wide-eyed servant who offered no resistance to the horrors of slavery. Described as the most enduring fictional slave, he later became 'synonymous with servility and self-hatred', according to a 2008 NPR documentary Why African-Americans Loathe 'Uncle Tom'. According to the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia, the Tom caricature 'is often old, physically weak, psychologically dependent on whites for approval'. Uncle Tom's Cabin sold over two million copies within two years of its publication. Advertisement

Conservative writer Carmine Sabia: 'Not stunned that Uncle Tim is trending because how dare even one black person not follow the Democrats like the Pied Piper. How dare Sen. Tim Scott have his own opinions and principles?'

Yale Professor of African American Studies Phillip Atiba Goff called out white people for using the 'Uncle Tom' without understanding how offensive it was.

'White people. Please do not use terms like Aunt Jemima, coon, and Uncle Tom. It's gross and racist and not the thing you seem to think it is. Even if you live in Brooklyn. Especially if you live in Brooklyn.'

Speaking directly after Biden's maiden address to Congress, Scott gave his party and its former leader, ex-President Donald Trump, credit for the COVID response - saying Biden had 'inherited a tide that had already turned' - while blasting Democrats for prolonged closures of schools and churches.

Scott also defended the GOP-backed Georgia voting bill, blasting Democrats for lying about the controversial legislation and labeling it 'mainstream.'

The South Carolina Republican started out his remarks, delivered elsewhere in the U.S. Capitol, by saying Biden 'seems like a good man,' and adding that his 'speech was full of good words.'

'But President Biden promised you a specific kind of leadership. He promised to unite a nation.

'To lower the temperature. To govern for all Americans, no matter how we voted. That was the pitch. You just heard it again,' Scott said. 'But our nation is starving for more than empty platitudes.'

Scott blasted Biden and the Democrats for 'pulling us further apart.'

'I won't waste your time tonight with finger-pointing or partisan bickering. You can get that on TV any time you want. I want to have an honest conversation,' Scott said.

Later in the speech he added, 'Nowhere do we need common ground more desperately than in our discussions about race.'

Scott portrayed Biden as divisive while, more broadly, saying the Democrats were wrong on race

Sen. Tim Scott was captured walking through the U.S. Capitol Wednesday night before delivering the GOP's response to Biden's address

Scott talked about the racism he'd experienced as a black man in the South.

'I know what it feels like to be pulled over for no reason. To be followed around a store while I'm shopping,' he recalled.

He talked about how his grandfather would sit at the table every morning 'reading' the newspaper, only for the senator to later find out he was illiterate. 'He just wanted to set the right example,' Scott said.

'I've also experienced a different kind of intolerance,' he continued. 'I get called 'Uncle Tom' and the N-word by progressives, by liberals!'

Scott said that kids are still being taught that the color of their skin defines them.

'And if they look a certain way, they're an oppressor,' he noted. 'From colleges to corporations to our culture, people are making money and gaining power by pretending we haven't made any progress,' he claimed.

'Hear me clearly: America is not a racist county,' Scott said.

'It's backwards to fight discrimination with different discrimination. And it's wrong to try to use our painful past to dishonestly shut down debates in the present,' he added.

Scott talked about his previous work on police reform noting how the Democrats blocked it using a filibuster.

'And, no - the same filibuster that President Obama and President Biden praised when they were Senators - that Democrats used just last year - has not suddenly become a racist relic just because the shoe is on the other foot,' Scott said.

'Race is not a political weapon to settle every issue the way one side wants. It's too important,' he added.

Scott has been charged with leading the GOP side of negotiations as the Senate takes on police reform after the House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Biden said in tonight's speech he wants a bill on his desk by next month, the anniversary of Floyd's death.

'My friends across the aisle seemed to want the issue more than they wanted a solution,' Scott said. 'But I'm still working, I'm still hopeful.'

Scott pointed to the slew of bipartisan COVID-19 relief bills that were passed last year - through a Republican White House and Senate and a Democratic House.

'All five bills got 90 or more votes in the Senate. Common sense found common ground,' he stated.

He knocked Biden for passing his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill with just Democratic votes.

'COVID brought Congress together five times. This Administration pushed us apart,' Scott said.

He then hit Biden for the infrastructure and family plans Republicans also view as too bloated.

On COVID, Scott sounded like Trump when he complained about shutdowns.

'Becoming a Christian transformed my life - but for months, too many churches were shut down,' Scott said.

He also said he was 'saddened' that millions of kids were kept away from schools.

'Locking vulnerable kids out of the classroom is locking adults out of their future,' he noted.

Scott also thanked Trump, giving him credit for the development of the COVID vaccines.

'This Administration inherited a tide that had already turned. The coronavirus is on the run!' Scott said.

'Thanks to Operation Warp Speed and the Trump Administration, our country is flooded with safe and effective vaccines,' he continued. 'Thanks to our bipartisan work last year, job openings are rebounding.'

But the reason why the nation is feeling 'divided and anxious,' the GOP senator said, was because the nation had a president who promised to bring the U.S. together, tearing Americans apart instead.
Global Franchise Magazine Names FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Best Communications & Signage Franchise in Global Franchise Awards 2021

FASTSIGNS Was Recognized for the Third Consecutive Year for Its Strong International Franchise Program across Nine Countries

April 30, 2021 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas - Propelled Brands announced today that FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, has been named the Best Communications & Signage Franchise in Global Franchise magazines Global Franchise Awards 2021. This is the third consecutive year that FASTSIGNS has received this recognition.

We are thrilled to once again receive this prestigious honor from Global Franchise Magazine. The last 12 months have been challenging, and I am incredibly proud of how our support center team and network of franchisees united to ensure that the FASTSIGNS brand would emerge stronger than ever, said Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands, a newly formed corporate umbrella set to focus on operating and growing service-oriented franchises. At FASTSIGNS, we continue to seek ways to increase our franchisees' profitability, create new products and services, excel in customer service, be the world-class leader in franchise support, and be the best example of excellence in our industry and across the franchising community. Being recognized as one of the most credible brands in franchising is a testament to the durability and strength of our franchise opportunity.

FASTSIGNS reported exceptional results in 2020, including the signing of over 31 franchise agreements in the U.S and Canada to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers and the opening of more than 30 locations, including its first center in the Dominican Republic. Much of FASTSIGNS success in 2020 can be credited to centers being deemed essential businesses, allowing franchisees to pivot their services to focus on serving their customers.

In 2021, FASTSIGNS is looking to sign at least 35 franchise agreements, targeting Southern California, the Midwest, New England, and along the Northeast Corridor. FASTSIGNS is particularly focused on its co-brand and conversion programs, which help existing business owners add a FASTSIGNS to their store or fully convert their business to a FASTSIGNS franchise. FASTSIGNS has helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, and more, diversify their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for signs, graphics, and visual communication solutions. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In addition to the brands online FASTSIGNS University, FASTSIGNS partners with 1HUDDLE, a workforce-training platform that converts unique training content into science-backed, quick-burst training games that are proven to accelerate workforce productivity.

FASTSIGNS offers a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee - a savings of $24,875.

For more information about Propelled Brands, visit propelledbrands.com. To learn about franchise opportunities with FASTSIGNS, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).

About Propelled Brands

Propelled Brands is the corporate umbrella of FASTSIGNS, SIGNWAVE and NerdsToGo. Focused on service-oriented franchises, the Propelled Brands team assists each brand in its portfolio to confidently navigate forward based on their unique position, momentum and purpose. Propelled Brands advances the strategic path for each brand, offering support, guidance and a clear vision to fully equip every franchisee, helping them maximize success.

Propelled Brands is looking to partner with other service-oriented franchise concepts that align with its forward-thinking growth objectives.

SOURCE Propelled Brands

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A Few Words With Secret Agents Who Stalked Hong Kong Epoch Times Reporter

Commentary

Zhen Liang, also known as Sarah, is an Epoch Times Hong Kong edition reporter who was stalked by a suspected CCP (Chinese Communist Party) secret agent on her way to an interview on April 26. Realizing the man had been following her, Liang asked him, Are you a reporter from Ta Kung Pao? The man tracking her then ran off. Liang asked him loudly as she ran after him, but the man picked up speed and escaped.

Liang said she suspected that the man was a reporter from the Hong Kong pro-communist newspaper Ta Kung Pao because it published an article that slandered The Epoch Times and disclosed her whereabouts.

Days earlier on April 24, another man claiming himself to be a delivery worker came to Liangs home and knocked on her door. Liang asked him several questions, but the man mumbled and spoke incoherently. Liang then asked him directly, Are you a CCP agent? The man then left in a panic.

The Mistakes These CCP Spies Have Made

Liang is a veteran journalist who is beloved by the Hong Kong public and Chinese-speaking readers. She began to work for The Epoch Times and New Tang Dynasty Hong Kong edition in 2002. For nearly 20 years, she has been upholding traditional and universal values and delivering truthful information to Hong Kong people and Chinese-speaking audiences around the world.

Liang is a hostess of a brand-name program called Zhen Yan Zhen Yu (Precious Words and Truthful Speech). It features interviews with influential mainstream figures from all walks of life in Hong Kong, including former senior government officials, Legislative Council members, senior current affairs commentators, barristers, celebrities, and performing stars. It brings together many refreshing and enlightening stories about Hong Kong.

Tourists standing at Kowloon Island, look at the Hong Kong Island located across the Victoria Harbor, in Hong Kong, China, on June 27, 2007. (China Photos/Getty Images)

The brand name comes from both Liangs name and her belief.

My Chinese name is Zhen, Liang said, and I have believed in the word truth, which is also pronounced Zhen in Chinese since I was a child.

Liangs Chinese name Zhen can be used as an adjective, noun, and verb, with various meanings including precious, valued highly, and cherished.

Hong Kong was once called the Pearl of the Orient and enjoyed freedom of belief, freedom of speech, and freedom from fear and want, but it is now experiencing the greatest crisis in its history. As an old Chinese saying goes, A kind word keeps people warm even in bitter winter, Liangs precious words are greatly cherished by people.

Zhen also means sincerity, facts, and truth. Sincerity can touch the hearts of the audience. True information can sometimes save lives. When the truth comes to light, evilness can find nowhere to hide. Liang, with her sincerity, has been reporting true information and revealing the truth behind disorderly and chaotic appearances. Liangs reporting of the truth is even more valuable these days.

Karl Marx, the ancestor of the CCP, published The Communist Manifesto 173 years ago. Throughout the history of the international communist movement for over 170 years, communists have been fighting capitalism in accordance with Marxs demands. The result of their fight is that, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, all communist regimes in the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries fell apart. The CCP became the largest communist party in the world after their collapse.

On July 20, 1999, the CCP mobilized its entire state apparatus to persecute practitioners of the spiritual belief system Falun Gong, who believe in the principles of truth, compassion, and forbearance. But the CCP has not been able to silence Falun Gong for more than 20 years. On the contrary, Falun Gong has been welcomed by people in more than 110 countries and regions around the world.

The CCP also persecutes other ethnic groups and faiths in China. In fact, the past two decades have been a period in which the CCP has been advocating its false, malicious, and fighting ideology and practices in mainland China, Hong Kong, and around the world. What are the consequences of them doing this?

Widespread Corruption

I worked in the Ministry of Supervision under the CCPs Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), and I have been studying corruption in the CCP. According to preliminary statistics, since the 18th National Congress of the CCP, more than 80 corrupt CCP officials have been investigated and purged for embezzlement and bribery amounting to approximately $5.6 billion. Despite the data being incomplete, these numbers are of record highs in the world.

Let me list three of the most recent cases.

Lai Xiaomin, former chairman of China Huarong Asset Management Co., which is Chinas largest asset management firm, was charged with accepting bribes totaling $280 million. He was executed in Tianjin city on Jan. 29.

Less than a month later, on Feb. 27, it was revealed that Li Jianping, the former secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Inner Mongolia Hohhot Economic and Technological Development Zone, had embezzled more than $463 million.

On March 28, a shocking corruption case was exposed. Xu Changyuan, a former high-ranking CCP official, was involved in mafia-linked assets worth more than $1.52 billion.

Lai Xiaomin, former head of China Huarong Asset Management Co. Ltd.

These figures may be world records as well.

The CCP has been persecuting and suppressing the Chinese people for many years, and it has turned itself into the most corrupt political party in the world.

When Chinese people talk about so-and-so passing away, they often say 100 years after so and sos birth.

This year marks 100 years since the founding of the CCP. In the past 100 years, the CCP has told too many lies, done many bad deeds, and owed too many debts of blood. Today, history has come to the stage of Heaven will destroy the CCP.

The CCPs special agents who follow the CCP to do evil may get some dirty money for a while, but their end is concerning.

Most of the CCPs Special Agents Have Met With Poor Fate

Before the CCP subverted the Republic of China (ROC) in 1949, it had a policy for the CCPs underground members. The core instructions were to conceal their elites, go into long-term hiding, accumulate strength, and wait for the right time. At that time, many CCP underground members, also known as CCP special agents, infiltrated the ROCs party, government, and military organs to steal important information.

However, after the occupation of Nanjing in 1949, the CCP formulated a new policy for its underground members, and the main ideas of the policy were to lower their ranks when changing jobs, use them in a controlled way in local or remote areas, and gradually wipe them out. This new policy became an important guideline for purging the CCPs own underground members after the CCP came to power.

After the CCP came to power, it launched dozens of bloody and brutal political campaigns, in which the underground CCP members, also known as CCP special agents, were a top target of the purge. Almost all underground CCP members were subjected to the purge and many of them were persecuted very severely. Many families were broken up and their beloved members killed in the political campaigns.

Chen Xiuliang, former Secretary of Nanjing Municipal Party Committee, who claimed to be one of the six most beautiful spies in the CCP, was branded as an extreme rightist and was removed from the Party. All her posts were revoked and her ranking was downgraded six levels. She was subjected to political suppression for 22 years. Chens husband, Sha Wenhan, former governor of Zhejiang Province, was branded as the head of an anti-Party group and the highest-ranking rightist in the CCP. He was also removed from the CCP and all his former positions, and he died with grief.

Pan Hannian, a senior CCP special agent, was secretly arrested in 1955 and imprisoned in Qincheng prison, which is located in Beijing and is said to be a maximum-security prison for political prisoners. He was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment in 1963 and to life imprisonment during the Cultural Revolution. He died of illness during the time he was in a forced labor camp in Hunan Province.

A policewoman attempts to stop the taking of photos at the entrance to Qincheng prison on the outskirts of Beijing on Sept. 12, 2013. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images)

Wang Chaobei, a senior CCP special agent who was on par with Pan Hannian, was imprisoned for 17 years and 9 days in Qincheng prison and other places.

Yan Baohang, who had specialized in collecting strategic intelligence for the CCP, was arrested and detained in Qincheng prison at the age of 72. He was later tortured to death.

Yans youngest son, Yan Mingfu, was also imprisoned in Qincheng prison for eight years.

Liu Xiwu, former CCP Party Secretary of Beiping (another name for Beijing) Municipal Committee before 1949, was persecuted to death during the Cultural Revolution.

Ge Peiqi, a senior CCP agent who helped the CCP win the Liaoshen Campaign, which was decisive for the CCPs victory in the Chinese Civil War, was branded a double counterrevolutionary by the CCP. By double counterrevolutionary, he was labeled as a historical counterrevolutionary and an active counterrevolutionary. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1957.

There are many more such cases, and I will not list them here. History proves that all CCPs special agents who were accessory to the evil partys crimes will pay the price for their words and actions.

The Epoch Times Hong Kong edition is an important part of the Epoch Times Media Group, headquartered in New York, USA.

The Epoch Times Media Group has become the worlds largest Chinese-language and multilingual newspaper and online media, with branches in 35 countries, and websites in 23 languages, including Chinese, English, and French. Its newspapers are distributed on five continents, and it has journalists all over the world.

The CCP agents stalking and harassment of Sarah Liang, reporter of Hong Kong Epoch Times, also interferes with and undermines freedom of the press that all journalists of the Epoch Times Media Group safeguard around the world. The reporters of the Epoch Times around the world will watch closely any movements of the CCPs special agents in Hong Kong and promptly expose to the world all their ugly acts in Hong Kong.

Wang Youqun graduated with a Ph.D. in Law from the Renmin University of China. He once worked as an aide and copywriter for Wei Jianxing (19312015), a member of the CCP Politburo Standing Committee from 1997 to 2002.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The CGT union organised an evocative tribute to the people who have died with Covid-19 in Malaga province, on Wednesday this week.

Black figures on placards and sticks were distributed along Malaga's Misericordia beach, one for every person who had lost their life.

One black figure placed in the Malaga sand for every local death. / SALVADOR SALAS

Although daily deaths have now declined, with just two fatalities reported locally, the total deceased in Malaga province, including the Costa, stood at 1,621 on Thursday, (29 April).

Infection rates

Covid-19 case numbers in Spain continued to slowly decline this week. On Thursday the cumulative incidence rate nationally was 230.

In Andalucia, the rate fell for the tenth consecutive day to 225.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days, 25.9 fewer than a week earlier.

In Malaga province, including the Costa del Sol, the 14-day rate was 131 on Thursday, down from 138 a week earlier.

On Thursday there were 158 in Malaga province hospitalised with Covid-19 of whom 27 were in intensive care. Both numbers have been relatively flat throughout April.

The total number of cases now recorded in Malaga province since the start of the pandemic was 94,127 on Thursday, close to six per cent of the local population.
A woman who was stabbed at a storage facility in Shrewsbury this week is expected to survive, and an arrest warrant has been issued for the person accused of attacking her, police said.

Officers received a 911 call around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday about a woman bleeding after being stabbed in the neck at Extra Space Storage at 53 Clinton St., according to a statement the Shrewsbury Police Department posted to Facebook on Friday.

Patrol officers and detectives found a 37-year-old woman who had been stabbed with a broken glass tube. She was given emergency medical attention by police and taken to the hospital by Worcester EMS paramedics to be treated for her severe injury, according to the departments post. The victims expected to survive, the statement noted.

Shrewsbury and Boylston police secured the scene, and a K-9 unit from the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council extensively searched the area, according to the department.

The suspect has been identified, and an arrest warrant has been issued, police stated.

We would like to advise the community that this was an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the public regarding this incident, the department said.

Anyone with information about the stabbing has been urged to call Detective Matt Caola at the Shrewsbury Police Department at (508) 841-8457.
US President Joe Biden associates climate action with creating job opportunities. Last night, he addressed the American people precisely that in his first address before a joint session with Congress.

"For far too long, when it comes to dealing with the climate crisis, we have neglected to use the most important word," Biden said. "jobs, jobs, jobs," he emphasized.

Promoting Job Opportunities

Biden used his speech to support the American Jobs Plan, his $2 trillion green infrastructure proposal, and highlight his attempts to re-establish the US's role as a global climate leader.

But, he also went off the beaten path, speaking specifically to blue-collar workers and rural areas, who frequently feel left behind in the movement for a clean economy, and promising them that they will play an important role in the transformation. His message was clear: embracing green energies, which would provide the United States with fiscal, political, and job opportunities, is downright patriotic.

Nearly 90% of the infrastructure positions provided by the American Jobs Plan do not need a college diploma, and 75% do not require an associate's degree, according to Biden, who dubbed the initiative a "blue-collar roadmap to develop America."

Blue-Collar Workers Working for a Greener Future

Construction workers and electricians, he said, would help usher in the country's green future by laying the power lines. He praised farmers who grow cover crops to absorb more carbon dioxide. He also suggested that wind turbine blades could be produced in Pittsburgh rather than Beijing.

"So many of the people I grew up with felt abandoned or forgotten," Biden, a Scranton native, said. "Our economy is transforming at such a breakneck pace that it is alarming. I'd like to talk with you directly. Since, after all, it is what most people are concerned with. Is it possible for me to fit in?"

Importance of Blue-Collar Workers

Biden's attempts to include blue-collar workers and agricultural areas in the energy revolution show his ability to counteract the complexities of a Republican Party that attempted to redefine itself as the working class under Donald Trump.

Biden administration is under pressure to show it cares for the well-being of the working class. A study found jobs in nuclear and fossil fuel industries receive higher incomes than those in the wind and solar.

It's also why, just days after taking office, he formed an interagency coalition to help distressed coal and power plant neighborhoods revitalize their economies.

Related Article: US Gears Up To Reverse All Environmental Damages Caused by Previous Administration



Green Economy

Biden's attempts to use the renewable energy revolution as an economic boost for the country's middle class have gotten endorsement from labor unions. The president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Lonnie Stephenson, called the Biden administration's "most systematic approach yet to lift up workers and labor" a proposed White House task force to encourage collective bargaining.

In a statement issued yesterday, the United Auto Workers said that Biden's government investments and strategies are aimed at creating a "vibrant middle-class economy."

Environmentalists have also given their approval. "In his first 100 days, President Biden has taken ambitious and unprecedented action to restore US climate leadership, promote environmental justice, build opportunities, and drive us toward a pollution-free, 100 percent renewable energy future that benefits everyone," said Abigail Dillen, president of the environmental organization Earthjustice.

Democratic Proceedings

Biden's speech to Congress represented a broader change in the direction Democrats seek to reframe climate action, describing it as the course the United States must follow to survive politically, rather than merely a tool for survival.

It's a thread that runs through Biden's international climate priorities, including being a pioneer in green energy production and designing and producing the infrastructure and parts required for wind turbines, solar panels, electric cars, and electric transmission. Biden continued to single out China as a nation that the US could not allow to catch up to growth.

Staying in the Country

China is currently leading the race to be the world's leading clean energy technology provider, producing the bulk of the world's wind turbines, solar photovoltaics, and lithium-ion battery cells used in electric cars. According to polls, it's also the nation that Americans see as the US's biggest foe, and fighting China's rising dominance is one of the only topics in Congress with bipartisan support.

Climate action was described as imperative in Biden's speech, not because natural disasters are becoming more common and catastrophic - climate effects were not mentioned once - but because the American people need to "win the twenty-first century." Biden is counting on pride and a deep-seated desire to be number one to bring Americans together and lead the world toward a low-carbon future.

"All of the investments in the American Jobs Plan would be led by one idea, as my father would say," Biden added. "Buy American."

Also Read: To Increase Offshore Wind Energy, White House Prioritizes East Coast Windfarm Approval

For more news update about Environmental Action, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
Former Vice President Mike Pence and several other potential 2024 presidential candidates are descending upon Texas next week to thank donors to the 2020 campaign here and to help raise money to flip the U.S House next year.

The group of high-profile Republicans are set to appear May 7 at an Austin resort where each will be interviewed by members of the Texas congressional delegation, according to a schedule obtained by The Texas Tribune. The group includes Pence, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.
To Defeat White Supremacism, Fight Critical Race Theory

Commentary

President Joe Biden, in his address to Congress, repeated his absurd claim that white supremacism is the greatest threat facing the country. He then proceeded to promote the defamatory mythology solely responsible for the recent disturbing rise in white supremacism.

This truly dangerous incoherence requires a bit of unpacking, beginning with some simple definitions. What is white supremacism?

The answer is hardly subtle. Its an ideology that combines two fundamental ideas: whiteness and supremacism. Both are rooted in the notion that humanity divides into distinct groups based upon inherent characteristics.

Supremacists believe that one group is superior to all others and thus uniquely qualified to rule. Its an idea as old as history. Nazism, apartheid, the Ottoman millet system, and Jim Crow were 20th century supremacist systems. Today, Islamists preach Islamic supremacism, Louis Farrakhan prefers an Afro-centric supremacism, and the Chinese Communist Party is heir to a long line of Han supremacist rulers.

Whiteness stems from the belief that the proper categorization of humanity follows racial lines, and that one such category is white. White supremacism arises when some of those designated white people embrace the racial categorization, take pride in their own category, and announce that they deserve to rule.

With those definitions in place, we can look at todays America. Were a country without a single sizable or influential white supremacist organization. The ideology boasts no celebrity advocates, no national spokespeople, no lobbyists, and few avowed adherents. White supremacist gatherings draw more protestors and reporters than actual supremacists.

The greatest threat to our country? Not even close. One problem among many? Absolutelyand one worth watching. White supremacism has played a particularly dark role in American history. After having been put to rest for several decades, its on the upswing. Its spreading through the fever swamps of the internet to become the ideology of choice of violent lonersincluding those responsible for the massacres in a Charleston church in 2015 and a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018.

White supremacism is indeed a real and growing problem. The key questions are thus what has been fueling its recent rise, and what can we do to reverse it?

The answers should be obvious. Heightened race consciousness is the sole and entire cause for the re-emergence of a long-dormant white identity. Because white supremacism is possible only among those who embrace both racial categories and their own whiteness, the only effective counter to white supremacism is colorblindness.

Tragically, the racist agitators promoting obscenely anti-American ideas such as systemic racism, structural racism, critical race theory, racial spoils systems, reparations, intersectionality, and white fragility have turned racial categorization into a lucrative and influential business.

Al Sharpton is a feted celebrity. Ben Crump holds entire cities hostage. Patrice Cullors collects mansions. Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ibrahim X. Kendi, and Robin DiAngelo have created a robust demand for their work.

Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch, Maxine Waters, The Squad, Joe Biden, and others have blessed this overt racism with government approval and support.

Their lucrative grievance industry desperately needs white supremacists. They simply cant cast themselves as heroic in the absence of villains. Nothing could be worse for business than the colorblind America we were on the verge of achieving until quite recently. White supremacists are absolutely critical as the designated villains in their morality play. They need them, they want them, they created them, and they revel in the aura of heroism their monstrous creation has allowed them to fabricate.

Its the sort of plot that superhero fiction has taught us to associate with a Lex Luthorexcept that its all too real. If you want to identify the greatest internal threat facing America, look past the white supremacists to the critical race theorists who created them.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) got it exactly right. Whatever the United States may have been in the past, it entered the 21st century as the most colorblind, least racially categorized society in world history. Our unified response to 9/11 made it clear. We came together as a single nation to confront a foreign enemy. That response may have sharpened the distinctions between Americans and foreigners, but it obliterated the distinctions among Americans.

When that colorblind American identity led us to inaugurate our first black president, the panicked race grifters fought back. They reimposed racial categorization, triggered racial tensions, revived a moribund white supremacism, and reignited their grievance business.

The only way to fight white supremacism is to fight critical race theory. These racists need each other. Otherwise, theyd have to ask themselves a classic leftist question: What if they declared a race war and no one showed up?

In America today, no ideology is as widely reviled as white supremacism. That apparent unity, however, masks an important distinction. Conservatives hate white supremacists because theyre supremacist. Progressives hate white supremacists because theyre white.

I stand with Sen. Scott calling for a colorblind America. President Biden stands against us, calling for increased race consciousness and racial categorization.

Who do you think is to blame for white supremacy?

Bruce Abramson, Ph.D. J.D., is a principal at B2 Strategic, senior fellow and director at ACEK Fund and the author of American Restoration: Winning Americas Second Civil War.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The AdSphere awards recognize top advertisers and brands across a wide range of industry categories representing all facets of the direct-to-consumer television industry. The complete list of AdSphere Award winners can be found online at drmetrix.com/adsphere-awards.html

LUMINESS was recognized at the 2021 AdSphere Awards, which honor top advertisers and brands in D2C television industry.

Founded by inventor, artist and entrepreneur, Sean Mehta, LUMINESS is one of the largest direct to consumer beauty brands, offering innovative cosmetics with a specialty in complexion and Airbrush cosmetics for nearly 25 years.

"The direct-to-consumer television industry grew to over 19.8 billion on national cable and broadcast networks 2020," says Joseph Gray, CEO, DRMetrix. Since inception, the Adsphere research system has expanded its monitoring coverage to over 130 networks detecting over 75 million airings, 77,000 creatives, and over 13,000 direct-to-consumer brands.

About LUMINESS

Our mission began over 25 years ago to provide beauty solutions to the everyday woman without compromising on quality. LUMINESS was created as a professional Airbrush Cosmetics line that was designed to be easy-to-use for the at home consumer to deliver a finish not achievable with traditional liquid or powder foundations. With new innovations in lip, and eye cosmetic products and formulations along with breakthrough skincare products, LUMINESS is now a full-service beauty brand rooted in complexion expertise. LUMINESS never tests on animals and is a proud supporter of the ASPCA.

About DRMetrix

DRMetrix, the industry's leading television research company, monitors over 130 national television networks, tracking all short-form, 5-min, and long-form commercials that include web addresses, mobile app response, SMS, or toll free numbers. The AdSphere Awards recognizes top direct-to-consumer advertisers and brands across Brand/DR, Lead Generation, Short-Form Product, and Long-Form industry classifications.

SOURCE Luminess Cosmetics
Tallinn Innovation Fund was lunched in 2020 to support the introduction of smart city solutions in Tallinn with 50,000 euros.

Feel free to contact us to get to know more about the winner companies and their solutions!

The City of Tallinn and Tehnopol Science and Business Campus launched a Tallinnovation innovation competition to find smart city solutions that will make the city's services and environment even more comfortable and modern for residents and visitors alike. The effort should stimulate cooperation between the city and technology firms, creating opportunities to use innovative software products and services. Those who submit the idea have the opportunity to receive financial support, pilot their project, receive contacts, advice and resources from the City of Tallinn, and use the support of the Tehnopol mentor network.

The aim of Tehnopol, the largest research and business campus in the Baltics, is to contribute to the emergence and growth of world-class technology companies in Estonia and to support their expansion into foreign markets. To this end, a comprehensive solution is offered, from commercial real estate to needs-based business development services in three focus areas: smart city, green technology, and health technology.

Tallinnovation is an international innovation brand of the City of Tallinn, the aim of which is to involve and introduce the introduction of innovative solutions in Tallinn.
Marc Hewitt was planning for a bit of a staycation when he went to a hotel near Portland International Airport earlier this year.

He checked in, got up to his room and was settling in when he was forcefully pulled from his room by two men, then handcuffed and briefly detained in the hallway.

The men, he would learn later, were U.S. marshals looking for a fraud suspect.

They had ended up at Hewitts door after they were tipped off by a front desk clerk at the Marriott Aloft Portland Airport hotel. She had mistakenly matched Hewitt to a photo of a fugitive provided to the hotel by the marshals and called them to make the arrest.

Though he was eventually released, Hewitt was jolted by his treatment. Hed participated in local social justice protests and said he thought his seizure might be linked to some sort of retaliation.

Im physically fine but it was a very traumatic experience, Hewitt said.

In the weeks since, hes been left to wonder how law enforcement agencies seek out suspects and the potential problems that can happen when laypeople, like hotel clerks, act as sentinels for them.

(Federal agents) are conspiring with Marriott to apprehend guests in their hotel, he said.

A spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Service said the agency frequently speaks with local businesses when they believe a fugitive might be in the area and that Hewitts case was an unfortunate example of mistaken identity.

Eric Wahlstrom, assistant chief deputy with the Marshals Service in Portland, said law enforcement agencies often use wanted fliers or other media to get the word out.

The USMS would only make contact at a hotel or speak with staff if the investigator reasonably believed a fugitive has or may visit the location, so it is not a widespread practice, Wahlstrom told The Oregonian/OregonLive in an email. When a tip is received it is investigated and in such cases as Mr. Hewitts, where an ID is made while detained and found to not be the person sought on a warrant, (the Marshals Service) is to release them right away.

DRINK VOUCHERS USED AS RUSE

Hewitts ordeal began when he checked into the hotel in the Cascade Station complex March 12 with a paper drivers license he was using while he waited for the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue him a permanent ID card.

When he approached the front desk, the clerk told him he looked familiar, even though he was wearing a face mask and a bulky parka.

He didnt think much of it, he said, and headed up to his room and waited for a friend who was coming to meet him.

Hewitt had been at the hotel for about half an hour when the phone rang. It was the clerk, who said Hewitt had some drink vouchers waiting for him at the front desk. Hewitt said he told her thanks, but hed pick them up later. She said she wasnt busy so shed run them up to his room, Hewitt recounted.

A few minutes later, Hewitt heard a knock on the door. When he opened it, a hand extended into his room holding the vouchers, but it was quickly followed by a foot that prevented him from closing the door.

One of the two men outside, neither of whom were in uniform, grabbed Hewitt by the wrist, he said, and pulled him from his room into the hallway. He said he was pushed against a wall and handcuffed.

Hewitt, who had been active in social justice protests in Portland, attending demonstrations three or four nights a week over the summer, said he thought he was being abducted by white supremacists or federal agents.

Portland was the site of a much publicized and criticized tactic during the height of the downtown protests, when federal agents swept some people into unmarked vehicles for questioning.

All of that was going through Hewitts mind when he was snatched from his room, he said.

I thought somebody was kidnapping me, and I feared I wouldnt see my family again, Hewitt told The Oregonian/OregonLive. I felt like I was fighting for my life. I was completely terrified.

DID THOSE TWO MEN HAVE YOU CALL MY ROOM?

Its unclear if the marshals identified themselves before they grabbed Hewitt. He said they may have and he didnt hear it amid the commotion, but he said they flashed their credentials after they had him cuffed.

Hewitt said the marshals told him they were searching for a fraud suspect named Dave. After checking Hewitts ID and confirming his name, it quickly became clear that he wasnt the fugitive and the marshals released him, he said.

Hewitt went back into his room, got his phone and began recording.

Video shows Hewitt pursuing the marshals down the corridor outside his room and demanding their names as they walk toward an elevator. Both men refuse, saying they already showed Hewitt their credentials.

You were handcuffed because I got a phone call that you looked like a fugitive, one of the men says to Hewitt as they argue over his detention. You still look like a fugitive.

Am I the fugitive? Hewitt asks.

No, you werent. And are you out of cuffs and free to go on your way? the marshal asks, rhetorically.

Hewitt asked the men to see the arrest warrant, but they declined to produce one.

In the video, Hewitt continues to question the men as they make their way to the elevator, where they physically prevent him from riding down with them, pushing him out before the doors close.

Down in the lobby, Hewitt questioned the clerk working at the front desk.

Did those two men have you call my room? he asks with the video still rolling.

The two men are marshals, yes, the clerk replies.

After explaining what had just happened to him, the clerk apologizes to Hewitt and explains how she came to identify him as a wanted fugitive.

We have a different list of faces that were supposed to identify and match to and yours matched one of the ones that we have, the clerk says. We called and said we have a possible follow, and at that point its out of our hands.

Hewitt then asks, Theyre allowed to come into private property, barge into a hotel room with no warrant?

Im not certain, honestly, the clerk replies.

I DONT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO OTHER PEOPLE

Part of the problem, according to Kelsey Henderson, an assistant professor of criminology at Portland State University, lies in the average persons ability to recognize faces.

Most people can easily recognize the faces of people theyre familiar with, like family and friends, Henderson said, but have trouble with unfamiliar faces.

Those problems are exacerbated when trying to match a picture with a person standing in front of you, Henderson said, and complicated further when trying to do so under stress, as the clerk was asked to do in Hewitts case.

Identifying someone who you believe has engaged in criminal activity is a high stakes task, Henderson said. With that comes increased levels of anxiety, stress and pressure, which can contribute to lower performance.

Juan Chavez, a Portland attorney with the Civil Rights Project at the Oregon Justice Resource Center, said law enforcement officers are within their rights to pursue a person they think may be a wanted fugitive, but using laypeople to identify fugitives has foreseeable bad outcomes. Chavez has represented some of the people who were pulled into unmarked vans by federal agents last year.

Officers can investigate this stuff, its legal, but its such a murky situation. I feel like blame has to fall on the hotel, Chavez told The Oregonian/OregonLive. I think its a bad policy to deputize front desk clerks that havent had any training.

For his part, Hewitt thinks the blame falls equally on the shoulders of the hotel and the federal agents.

At first I was torn between whether this was a big deal or not, Hewitt said. But I dont want this to happen to other people.

The Maryland-based PM Hotel Group, which runs the hotel where the encounter took place, didnt respond to a detailed list of questions but instead issued a statement.

We are aware of this incident and are looking into it, Jennifer Haber, a spokeswoman for the group, said in the statement. Typically, our protocols require law enforcement to present a subpoena to obtain guest or employee information. The person who is alleged to have engaged with law enforcement no longer works at the hotel.

Haber did not respond to follow up questions, including whether the employee quit or was fired.

Wahlstrom, the Marshals Service deputy chief in Portland, said Hewitt was given a number to call for follow up with the agency but never called. In the video, one of the agents does mention a number for a local office, but Hewitt said he was never contacted by any federal agencies.

He was left shaken by the incident, though.

Ive barely been able to function at work, Hewitt said. Its been hugely traumatic for me. Ive been seeing a therapist because I feel like if I dont attend to it, Ill end up with PTSD.

-- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale
Chinese authorities slap Catholic with hefty fine for providing chapel for 'illegal' mass

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Authorities with the Chinese Communist Party are now punishing those who provide worship venues for believers as religious persecution continues to escalate in the country.

According to Asia News, a Catholic in the town of Wangli in the Zhejiang province was fined last month for offering his private chapel to the bishop of Wenzhou diocese, Msgr. Peter Shao Zhumin.

Zhumin is only recognized by the Vatican, not by the Chinese Communist Party.

On March 16, Huang Ruixun, 56, offered his chapel to Shao and about 20 Catholics. Shortly after that, he was sentenced to a hefty fine of 200,000 yuan (the equivalent of about $30,000) under the charge of hosting the bishop for illegal religious activities, also providing him with lunch, a rest room, etc.

Huang was accused of violating the state-sanctioned churchs principle since Shao was ordained by a foreign institution, which goes against the principle of independence, autonomy and self-administration of the Church in China.

A 2018 China-Vatican Agreement, renewed last year, permits the Chinese government to propose new bishops to the Vatican through its state-approved Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, with the pope having veto power on the decision.

At the time of the signing, the Vatican said it hoped the deal would promote unity among Chinas estimated 10 million to 12 million Catholics.

According to the press agency of the Roman Catholic Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, the complaint against Huang states that "facilitating illegal religious activities" is against regulations requiring that religious activities take place in places registered by the government.

The unofficial Catholic Church in China continues to suffer, and religious persecution has worsened in recent years.

Recently, the CCP shut down two Catholic Church-run childrens homes: St. Josephs Disabled Infant Home in Renqiu, Xianxian, in the Diocese of Cangzhou, and the Liming (Dawn) Home in the Diocese of Zhaoxian. Both of those homes are in the Hebei province.

The CCP also shuttered Catholic-run orphanages in Zhangjiakou and Zhengding, both in Hebei. Two years ago, an orphanage in Baoji, Shaanxi province, run by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, was also shut down.

A local priest lamented earlier this month after children were transferred to state-run facilities that 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.

A report has claimed that children in state-run facilities are left "emaciated" and "low-spirited.

According to newly-released reports, religious persecution in China intensified in 2020, with thousands of Christians affected by church closures and other human rights abuses.

Under the direction of Chinese President Xi Jinping, CCP officials worked to more fully control religion, according to a report released last month by the persecution watchdog China Aid.

Christians in both official, state-run churches and house churches were ordered to fly the Chinese flag and sing patriotic songs in services.

Authorities also were accused of directing ministers and priests to sinicize sermons or alter them to conform to CCP ideology.

China Aids April report also states that CCP authorities invaded Christians' homes, raided family gatherings and interfered with parenting decisions. Authorities also sued Christians for homeschooling their children or sending them to church-run schools in numerous instances.

The United States-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern notes that religious persecution in China could increase in the coming months thanks to a new policy.

The organization reports that the Administrative Measures for Religious Personnel going into effect on May 1 requires all clergy and religious leaders in China to love the motherland, support the leadership of the Communist Party of China, support the socialist system, abide by the Constitution, laws, regulations and rules, practice the core values of socialism, adhere to the principle of independence and autonomous management of religion, and adhere to Chinas religious policy, maintaining unity national unity, ethnic unity, religious harmony and social stability.

ICC warns that there will be minimum space left for the underground Church to survive without being cracked down or harassed.

Increased punishment will become a norm for Christians participating in these religious activities not vetted by the state," ICC stated in a April 27 report.
Prosecutors seek higher sentence for Chauvin in Floyd death View Photo

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Prosecutors are asking a judge to give Derek Chauvin a more severe penalty than state guidelines call for when he is sentenced in June for George Floyds death, arguing in court documents filed Friday that Floyd was particularly vulnerable and that Chauvin abused his authority as a police officer.

Defense attorney Eric Nelson is opposing a tougher sentence, saying the state has failed to prove that those aggravating factors, among others, existed when Chauvin arrested Floyd on May 25.

Chauvin, who is white, was convicted last week of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for pressing his knee against Floyds neck for 9 1/2 minutes as the Black man said he couldnt breathe and went motionless.

Even though he was found guilty of three counts, under Minnesota statutes hell only be sentenced on the most serious one  second-degree murder. While that count carries a maximum sentence of 40 years, experts say he wont get that much.

Prosecutors did not specify how much time they would seek for Chauvin.

Under Minnesota sentencing guidelines, the presumptive sentence for second-degree unintentional murder for someone with no criminal record like Chauvin would be 12 1/2 years. Judges can sentence someone to as little as 10 years and eight months or as much as 15 years and still be within the advisory guideline range. To go above that, Judge Peter Cahill would have to find that there were aggravating factors, and even if those are found, legal experts have said Chauvin would likely not face more than 30 years.

In legal briefs filed Friday, prosecutors said Chauvin should be sentenced above the guideline range because Floyd was particularly vulnerable with his hands cuffed behind his back as he was face-down on the ground, and that he was intoxicated. They noted that Chauvin held his position even after Floyd became unresponsive and officers knew he had no pulse.

Prosecutors also said Chauvin treated Floyd with particular cruelty during the lengthy restraint, saying Chauvin inflicted gratuitous pain and caused psychological distress to Floyd and to bystanders.

Defendant continued to maintain his position atop Mr. Floyd even as Mr. Floyd cried out that he was in pain, even as Mr. Floyd exclaimed 27 times that he could not breathe, and even as Mr. Floyd said that Defendants actions were killing him, prosecutors wrote. They added that he stayed in position as Floyd cried out for his mother, stopped speaking and lost consciousness.

Defendant thus did not just inflict physical pain. He caused Mr. Floyd psychological distress during the final moments of his life, leaving Mr. Floyd helpless as he squeezed the last vestiges of life out of Mr. Floyds body, prosecutors wrote.

They also said that Chauvin abused his position of authority as a police officer, committed his crime as part of a group of three or more people, and that he pinned Floyd down in the presence of children  including a 9-year-old girl who testified at trial that watching the restraint made her sad and kind of mad.

Nelson disagreed, writing that Mr. Chauvin entered into the officers encounter with Mr. Floyd with legal authority to assist in effecting the lawful arrest of an actively-resisting criminal suspect. Mr. Chauvin was authorized, under Minnesota law, to use reasonable force to do so.

Nelson said Floyd was not particularly vulnerable, saying he was a large man who was struggling with officers. He wrote that courts have typically found particular vulnerability if the victims are young, or perhaps sleeping, when a crime occurs.

Nelson also said Floyd was not treated with particular cruelty, saying that there is no evidence that the assault perpetrated by Chauvin involved gratuitous pain thats not usually associated with second-degree murder.

The assault of Mr. Floyd occurred in the course of a very short time, involved no threats or taunting, such as putting a gun to his head and pulling the trigger  and ended when EMS finally responded to officers calls, Nelson wrote.

He also said the state hasnt proven that any of the other officers actively participated in the crime for which Chauvin was convicted. Those officers are scheduled to face trial on aiding and abetting charges in August. He also wrote that the presence of children in this case is different from cases in which children might be witnessing a crime in a home and unable to leave.

And, he said, the state failed to prove that Chauvins role as a police officer was an aggravating factor, saying that Floyds struggle with officers showed that Chauvins authority was irrelevant to Floyd.

Cahill has said he will review the attorneys written arguments before determining whether aggravating factors exist that would warrant a tougher sentence.

No matter what sentence Chauvin gets, in Minnesota its presumed that a defendant with good behavior will serve two-thirds of the penalty in prison and the rest on supervised release, commonly known as parole.

___

Find APs full coverage of the death of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd

By AMY FORLITI

Associated Press
Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-30 12:02:35|Editor: huaxia

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by Sun Yifei, Marian Draganov

SOFIA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China has created and will continue to create development miracles because of the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said Alexandar Paunov, first secretary of the Bulgarian Communist Party.

"In my opinion, the Chinese miracle is mainly due to the leadership of the CPC because they found a model of development in this dynamic world," which is socialism with Chinese characteristics, Paunov told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview.

Paunov has visited China four times, with footprints in Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Wuhan and other places. Each time he was amazed at the changes taking place in the country.

"I think China's miracle will continue in the future," he said.

The party leader noted that despite great challenges in the past year, the CPC has led the Chinese people to win the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the shortest time possible and achieve positive economic growth thanks to the CPC's people-centered philosophy.

"The greatest wealth of a country is the people. The CPC led the Chinese people to win the fight against the epidemic, mainly because they always care about the people," he said.

The pandemic not only challenges the medical system, but also tests the administration of governments, he noted.

China has given the answer with its own successful practice and provided a reference for other countries in the world, he said.

Paunov, who was born in 1949, the same year in which China and Bulgaria set up diplomatic relations, said he hopes that he can see more cooperation between the two countries.

"If I have the chance, I want to go to China again," he said. Enditem
British pranksters have taken full advantage of access to Boris Johnson's mobile number, bombarding him with joke texts and calls after it emerged the digits were available online for the last 15 years.

Popular gossip newsletter Popbitch last night gave its readers clues on how to find the Prime Minister's number, pointing them to a press release from his time as MP for Henley in 2006.

The number, which the PM hasn't changed in the decade and a half since, is written on the bottom of the press release.

Britons have now taken to social media to share how they have used the number to send a number of joke messages.

Popular gossip newsletter Popbitch last night gave its readers clues on how to find the Prime Minister's number, pointing them to a press release from his time as MP for Henley in 2006

One shared a screenshot of a text which said: 'Yo Boris. Any chance of getting one of those squiffy contracts? Ta.'

The tweet added: 'I haven't had a reply from my text yet. I'd really like to get on the gravy train before the money runs out.'

Another joked: 'What have you sent to Boris Johnson's number? I reckon MI5 will have to comb through every message.... I WhatsApped him a load of screaming opossums.'

A third said he had sent the Prime Minister a 'd*** pic', posting the famous image of Mr Johnson trapped on a zipwire.

A fourth pledged: I'm about to personally lobby our PM to increase our budget for scientific research...wish me luck.'

The revelation comes just days after it was revealed that Mr Johnson refused to change his number, despite concerns that he was constantly being approached for help because it is so widely known.

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.

Downing Street declined to comment on the report and attempts to call the number on Thursday night were met with an automated message saying the phone was 'switched off' and an invitation to 'please try later or send a text'.

This morning Lord Ricketts, former UK National Security Adviser and former chair of the Intelligence Committee outlined the possible security implications of Mr Johnson's number being so readily available.

'It does matter because access to the Prime Minister is a very valuable commodity and if this same mobile phone number has been used for 15 or 20 years then hundreds if not thousands of people must have access to it,' he told BBC Radio Four's Today programme.

'That gives them privileged access to someone who is no longer the MP for Henley, but the Prime Minister of the country.

'There could be [security implications] because if his mobile phone number has been that widely available, you can't rule out that others who you really don't want to have his number like hostile states with sophisticated cyber capabilities or criminal gangs might have it as well.

'That's the risk you run, I think, if you don't take care of your digital security in the same way as your physical security when Prime Minister.

'I would have thought it's an elementary security precaution [to change the number], just as you have to accept the inconvenience of a lot of restrictions on your physical access.

'You can't walk out through the gate for a cup of coffee without police protection, or you can't have people casually drop into your office because you knew them 15 years ago.

'But if they've got your phone number they've got the equivalent of being able to walk into your office while you're Prime Minister so I think Prime Ministers have to accept a degree of inconvenience.'

The Conservative Party leader's use of his mobile phone has been in the spotlight after text message exchanges with entrepreneur Sir James Dyson and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman were leaked.

Lord Ricketts insisted a personal mobile was needed for the Prime Minister to talk to friends and close associates but for all other communication, it needed to be run through Downing Street.

'If you want the PM, you call the switchboard, they verify your identity to protect the Prime Minister from impersonators trying to produce false identities to talk to him, and then they put a private secretary on the line and put the Prime Minister through.' he added.

'In that way, there is a record and everyone is protected and you don't have this valuable degree of access to the Prime Minister that comes from having his phone number.

'I'm talking of the most senior politicians in sensitive positions whose phone conversations may include sensitive material, commercially sensitive material, people trying to lobby them for favours or tax advantages or talks for foreign leaders.

'You have to accept as you do that you can't just walk around and talk to anyone you like, equally you shouldn't be in a position where anyone who once had your phone number can get to your when you're Prime Minister.

'That's one of the inconveniences of being Prime Minister but it's for their own sake and protection that access to them ought to be controlled and monitored so there can be no suspicion of favours asked for and done, all the kind of things we're now seeing with the exchanges with James Dyson.

'I think it's in the Prime Minister's own interest to be much more digitally secure than seems to be the case now.'

Meanwhile, Home Office minister Victoria Atkins insisted that, despite the fresh embarrassment for Mr Johnson over his mobile number being in the public domain, the No 10 incumbent 'more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security'.

She told Times Radio: 'I'm slightly surprised that a national broadcaster felt it appropriate to advertise the fact that that mobile phone is on the internet, if indeed it is.'

Ms Atkins added that she believed the public were not 'particularly interested' in the issue.

It follows calls for further investigation into how Mr Johnson's lavish 11 Downing Street flat renovations were funded.

The Prime Minister looked to shift attention away from the controversy as he insisted he was 'laser-focused' on delivering people's priorities as the parliamentary session came to an end on Thursday.

But Labour looked to pile more pressure on, as senior Opposition MP Dame Margaret Hodge asked the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to investigate his conduct over the flat revamp.
NEW YORK, April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The highly anticipated Shortlist for the Business Book Awards 2021 has been announced for top business books published over the past 12 months. Authors, publishers and business figures gathered behind their screens to watch the buzzing online shortlist reveal party to celebrate the incredible breadth, diversity and quality of business book publishing in the UK and across the globe.



The Business Book Awards are now in their 4th year celebrating the quality and variety of business books and offer industry-wide recognition to new and established authors writing on a range of subjects for a diverse readership. In a year that has provided business leaders around the world with an unprecedented combination of both personal and professional challenges, this year's awards cover 12 different categories ranging from 'Start-up/Scale-up' and 'Business Journey' through to 'Business Self-Development' and 'Personal Wellbeing' to reflect the wide range of skills required for business success in the future.



Speaking at the launch of the 2021 awards, founder Lucy McCarraher said: "Many of the challenges that business leaders have come up against in the past 12 months could never have been foreseen at the start of 2020, but business books have provided a source of invaluable advice, inspiration and escapism for millions of people around the world. It has been fascinating to see how authors and publishers have adapted, so we feel it is more important than ever to unearth, recognise and celebrate the very best books of the year. I am proud to announce that this year we received over 275 entries and more than 40% of entries were from female authors."



Susanne Tedrick, an author based in New York City, has been shortlisted (https://www.businessbookawards.co.uk/shortlist2021/) for the 2021 Business Book Awards (https://www.businessbookawards.co.uk/) for her book, Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators (Wiley, 2020).



Tedrick currently works as a cloud infrastructure specialist. Fiercely committed to increasing the participation of women and people of color in STEM professional opportunities, Tedrick serves as a member of CompTIA's Advancing Tech Talent and Diversity Executive Council. Tedrick is also the producer and host of Wiley's upcoming webinar series, Diversity in Tech, and serves as an educational consultant for the education technology start-up company, Uable.



Women of Color in Tech is one of nine books within the Business Book Awards International Business Book category. Aimed at women of color interested in pursuing careers within the tech industry, the book informs readers of the variety of tech jobs that exist, how to prepare for these careers, and guidance to address the specific challenges that they may face. Tedrick was compelled to write this book after reflecting on her own career transition into the tech industry and wanting to share the lessons she learned, challenges she faced, and the successes she enjoyed so the future technologists can thrive in the industry themselves.



The Business Book Awards (https://www.businessbookawards.co.uk/) celebrates the best in business book publishing and carries with it high kudos in the business world.



Upon learning of her nomination Tedrick said, "I'm happily shocked and deeply honored to have made the shortlist. Being able to help other women of color achieve success in tech has been a life-changing and personally rewarding experience. The shortlist nomination is like the incredible icing on the cake."



The winners of the 2021 Business Book Awards will be announced Online on Tuesday 25th May, to find our more visit: https://businessbookawards21.eventbrite.co.uk



Tedrick is available for interviews by contacting [email protected] or going to susannetedrick.com.



MEDIA CONTACT:



For further information, a guest article, interview or expert comment from the founder of the Business Book Awards Lucy McCarraher, its judges and this year's shortlisted authors please contact one of The Book Publicist team:



Matt Davidson

e: [email protected]

m:+44 (0)7813 143 498

Contact:

Susanne Tedrick LLC

[email protected]

(917)722-1347



Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/12867207



Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Business Book Awards

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New Delhi:

The Indian Consulate in Milan has informed that Indian students have been assaulted in a sequence of incidents reported from northern Italy.



The Consulate General of India (CGI) in Milan on Monday issued an advisory to Indian students and asked them not to panic.



"The Consulate has received reports of unfortunate incidents of attacks on Indian students in Milan. All Indian students are urged not to panic. The Consulate is taking up this matter with the highest level of law and order authorities in Milan," read the advisory posted on the Twitter handle of the CGI.

Attack on Indian students in Milan pic.twitter.com/kY0qwfePm8  India in Milan (@cgmilan1) October 30, 2017

It is not yet clear if the attacks are racially motivated.



The CGI has advised Indian students to be in touch with each other, especially when they go out and advised students to spread information among other students from India about the areas where they have experienced such incidents so that such areas can be avoided.



External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said she had received a detailed report about the incidents.



Swaraj said she was personally monitoring the situation and asked the students not to worry.

Attack on Indian students in Milan : I have got the detailed report. Pls do not worry. I am monitoring the situation personally. @cgmilan1

 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 31, 2017

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Kuttawa Driver Gets Alcohol, Drug Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

KUTTAWA - A man faces drug and alcohol related charges after a traffic stop in Kuttawa.A Lyon County Sheriff's was on patrol Thursday night in Kuttawa when he stopped 62-year-old Scott Clayton for disregarding a stop sign and failure to use a turn signal. The deputy said Clayton had an open container of alcohol, as well as marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and suspected methamphetamine.Clayton was arrested and charged with possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and traffic offenses.He was booked into the Crittenden County Detention Center.
LA JOLLA--(April 30, 2021) Scientists have known for a while that SARS-CoV-2's distinctive "spike" proteins help the virus infect its host by latching on to healthy cells. Now, a major new study shows that the virus spike proteins (which behave very differently from those safely encoded by vaccines) also play a key role in the disease itself.

The paper, published on April 30, 2021, in Circulation Research, also shows conclusively that COVID-19 is a vascular disease, demonstrating exactly how the SARS-CoV-2 virus damages and attacks the vascular system on a cellular level. The findings help explain COVID-19's wide variety of seemingly unconnected complications, and could open the door for new research into more effective therapies.

"A lot of people think of it as a respiratory disease, but it's really a vascular disease," says Assistant Research Professor Uri Manor, who is co-senior author of the study. "That could explain why some people have strokes, and why some people have issues in other parts of the body. The commonality between them is that they all have vascular underpinnings."

Salk researchers collaborated with scientists at the University of California San Diego on the paper, including co-first author Jiao Zhang and co-senior author John Shyy, among others.

While the findings themselves aren't entirely a surprise, the paper provides clear confirmation and a detailed explanation of the mechanism through which the protein damages vascular cells for the first time. There's been a growing consensus that SARS-CoV-2 affects the vascular system, but exactly how it did so was not understood. Similarly, scientists studying other coronaviruses have long suspected that the spike protein contributed to damaging vascular endothelial cells, but this is the first time the process has been documented.

In the new study, the researchers created a "pseudovirus" that was surrounded by SARS-CoV-2 classic crown of spike proteins, but did not contain any actual virus. Exposure to this pseudovirus resulted in damage to the lungs and arteries of an animal model--proving that the spike protein alone was enough to cause disease. Tissue samples showed inflammation in endothelial cells lining the pulmonary artery walls.

The team then replicated this process in the lab, exposing healthy endothelial cells (which line arteries) to the spike protein. They showed that the spike protein damaged the cells by binding ACE2. This binding disrupted ACE2's molecular signaling to mitochondria (organelles that generate energy for cells), causing the mitochondria to become damaged and fragmented.

Previous studies have shown a similar effect when cells were exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but this is the first study to show that the damage occurs when cells are exposed to the spike protein on its own.

"If you remove the replicating capabilities of the virus, it still has a major damaging effect on the vascular cells, simply by virtue of its ability to bind to this ACE2 receptor, the S protein receptor, now famous thanks to COVID," Manor explains. "Further studies with mutant spike proteins will also provide new insight towards the infectivity and severity of mutant SARS CoV-2 viruses."

The researchers next hope to take a closer look at the mechanism by which the disrupted ACE2 protein damages mitochondria and causes them to change shape.

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Other authors on the study are Yuyang Lei and Zu-Yi Yuan of Jiaotong University in Xi'an, China; Cara R. Schiavon, Leonardo Andrade, and Gerald S. Shadel of Salk; Ming He, Hui Shen, Yichi Zhang, Yoshitake Cho, Mark Hepokoski, Jason X.-J. Yuan, Atul Malhotra, Jin Zhang of the University of California San Diego; Lili Chen, Qian Yin, Ting Lei, Hongliang Wang and Shengpeng Wang of Xi'an Jiatong University Health Science Center in Xi'an, China.

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Shaanxi Natural Science Fund, the National Key Research and Development Program, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University; and Xi'an Jiaotong University.

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:

Every cure has a starting point. The Salk Institute embodies Jonas Salk's mission to dare to make dreams into reality. Its internationally renowned and award-winning scientists explore the very foundations of life, seeking new understandings in neuroscience, genetics, immunology, plant biology and more. The Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature and fearless in the face of any challenge. Be it cancer or Alzheimer's, aging or diabetes, Salk is where cures begin. Learn more at: salk.edu.
Hundreds of Palestinians protest barriers in Jerusalem during Ramadan

By Ben Sales

(JTA)  Hundreds of Palestinians have been protesting barriers placed in the Old City of Jerusalem during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The protests have centered around the Damascus Gate, a landmark and meeting point in the eastern section of the city. Palestinians typically sit on and around the steps leading to the gate following nighttime prayers during Ramadan, a month of daylong fasts that end at sunset.

This year, police placed barriers on the steps of the gate, effectively preventing people fro...
YEREVAN.  As of Friday morning, 536 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 216,064 in the country, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Also, 21 more deaths from COVID-19 were registered, making the respective total 4,108 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 1,018 now.

The number of people who have recovered over the past one day is 964, the total respective number so far is 198,135, and the number of people currently being treated is 12,803which is a drop by 454 in one day.

And 4,596 COVID-19 tests were conducted in Armenia over the past one day, while 983,656 such tests have been performed to date.
Help India!



Forty-one-year old Tabassum Ali from Patna, Bihar is a single woman riding a Bullet motorcycle and works tirelessly for promotion of the rights of women in the state and country.

Sami Ahmad, TwoCircles.net

Support TwoCircles



Patna: On the morning of April 13, forty-one-year old social worker Tabassum Ali met with National Cadet Corpss (NCC) group commander Brigadier Vinesh Rana at Patna, Bihar. Soon after, she had a meeting with Manish Mahiwal, a budding YouTuber, to discuss a play on the liberation of Bangladesh. Afterwards, she rushed to attend a civil society meeting to save Indias iconic Khuda Bakhsh Library in Patna from demolition. After the meeting, she came to meet a woman to discuss her legal case.

While attending to this busy schedule, she missed a meeting at Biharsharif, some eighty kilometres south of Bihars capital Patna to discuss the location issue of the minority girls hostel.

This is how a normal day goes for Tabassum Ali, one of the most visible faces in Patna.

Tabassum is single with no children. Her family include social workers and people she helps with her social work. She rides a 450 cc Bullet motorbike, with all the gears a bike racer would have  helmet, gloves, and boots etc.

She wanted to be a commercial pilot and still nurtures that dream.

During her interview with TwoCircles.net, Tabassums phone kept ringing. She was getting calls from CRPF asking her for some sort of support and calls for donating plasma for a Covid-19 patient.

A few weeks ago, she attended a meeting of the Bihar Rabita Committee, an NGO working for the educational progress of the Muslim community in Patna. When its Secretary announced that Tabassum loves to ride her Bullet, every head moved towards her. But this doesnt deter her.

Social work and adventure are Tabassums two passions. Her love for social work started in New Delhi where she came to know about a minor rape victim who was being treated at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. She recalls, Ignorant of her trauma, the girl always smiled after meeting me. This made me weep and I resolved to work for such girls.

Her NGO Make a New Life works for rape survivors.

Among many cases she has fought, one was a legal case for a newly-wed Muslim girl of Fatuha in Patna district. The girl was sent back to her home by her husband for no valid reason after only six days of marriage. It had come to fore that the girls husband was already married and his previous wife was alive. He had lied to the girls family that his wife was dead. The girl was divorced after a few months. Tabassum fought the case from Mahila Thana (police station meant for women) to the court. The girls Khala (mothers sister) was known to Tabassum. This got Tabassum involved in the case and she succeeded in getting a compensation of Rs 9 lakhs for the victim.

Tabassum talks about another case of an 8th standard girl who was raped but the police were not registering a case against the accused. It was only after Tabassum intervened that an FIR was registered and the accused was arrested.

Tabassums ride on her Bullet for doing social work may seem smooth but she says the journey of her life has been bumpy.

Born to a Muslim father and an Anglo-Indian mother in a remote town of Jhaha in Bihar, she studied in a Railway school till class 6. She was moved to a girls school after much persuasion to study till matriculation.

Unfortunately, I could not write the exams as the examination centre was away. Next time, I failed in one subject, she said.

Tabassum was finally able to pass the matriculation exams on her third attempt.

To qualify for a commercial pilot course, she studied mathematics in her Intermediate and passed the examination of I.Sc but somehow could not qualify for the pilot course.

Meanwhile, she got married. Her attempt to start a new life in the national capital New Delhi with her husband was short-lived. She soon separated from her husband.

Being a single woman now, she worked as HR help and gave tuitions. Finally, she decided to move to Patna and reunited with her family with the help of some relatives.

I love adventure, she said.

She has travelled to 29 Indian states on a bicycle, covering nearly 12800 kilometres in 173 days, to create rights awareness among women. For two years, she has worked as a volunteer in AIIMS, New Delhi at its cancer centre for children.

Satyanarayan Madan, a well-known social worker from Patna describes Tabassum as one of the most fearless and dedicated social workers of Bihar.
COLLEGE PARK, Md., April 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Can we partner with artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to build a more equitable workforce? New research co-authored by Margret Bjarnadottir at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business may offer a way.

Early attempts to incorporate AI into the human resources process haven't been met with resounding success. Among the most well-known fails: In 2018, Amazon.com was forced to abandon an AI recruiting tool it built, when it was discovered to be discriminating against female job applicants.

In the research, recently awarded the Best White Paper award at the 2021 Wharton Analytics Conference, Bjarnadottir and her co-authors examine the roots of those AI biases and offer solutions to the challenges they present  solutions that could unlock the potential of analytics tools in the human resources space. They for example recommend creating a bias dashboard that parses a model's performance for different groups, and they offer checklists for assessing your work  one for internal analytical projects, and another for adopting a vendor's tool.

"We wanted to look at the question of: How can we do better? How can we build toward these more equitable workplaces?" says Bjarnadottir, associate professor of management sciences and statistics at Maryland Smith.

It wouldn't be simple. The biases stem from an organization's HR history. In Amazon's AI case, the analytics tool was found to be rejecting resumes from applicants for technical job roles because of phrases like "women's chess team." With the technical jobs long dominated by men, the model had taught itself that factors correlated with maleness were indicators of potential success.

"We can't simply translate the analytical approaches that we use in accounting or operations over to the HR department," Bjarnadottir says. "What is critically different, is that in contrast to, say, determining the stock levels of jeans or which ketchup brand to put on sale, the decisions that are supported in the HR department can have an instrumental impact on employees lives; who gets hired, who receives a promotion, or who is identified as a promising employee."

And because the data it draws from is historical, it's tough to amend. In other contexts, there are more obvious remedies. For example, if a skin-cancer-detecting AI tool fails to detect skin cancers in darker skin tones, one could input more diverse images into the tool, and train it to identify the appropriate markers. In the HR context, organizations can't go back in time and hire a more diverse workforce.

And the fact that typically HR data is what is called unbalanced, meaning, not all demographic groups are equally represented, causes issues when our algorithms interact with the data. A simple example of that interaction is the fact that analytical models will typically perform best for the majority group, because a good performance for that group simply weights the most in the overall accuracy  the measure that most off-the-shelf algorithms optimize.

So even if your models are carefully built - If your data aren't balanced, even carefully built models won't lead to equal outcomes for different demographic groups. For example, in a company that has employed mostly male managers, a model is likely to identify men disproportionately as future management candidates - in addition to correctly identifying many men. And the algorithm is more likely to overlook qualified women.

So, how can they "do better," as Bjarnadottir says, in future hiring and promotion decisions, and ensure that applications are unbiased, transparent and fair? The first step is to apply a bias-aware analytical process that asks the right questions of the data, of modeling decisions and of vendors, and then both monitors the statistical performance of the models, but perhaps more importantly, monitors the tools impact on the different employee groups.

Visit Smith Brain Trust for related content at http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/faculty-research/smithbraintrust and follow on Twitter @SmithBrainTrust.

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, specialty masters, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

Contact: Greg Muraski at [email protected] or 301-892-0973.

SOURCE University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said he spoke with his Russian counterpart on Friday morning on planning for a summit between the U.S. and Russian presidents.

"We are actively discussing that issue," Sullivan told an Aspen Security Forum webinar. "In fact, I spoke with my (Russian) counterpart ... this morning trying to make plans for a summit this summer."

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay and Michael Martina; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)